#( behind those hazel eyes: anonymous )

[alternative-ffa]

The first story I ever wrote... Absolutely Gorgeous. Those in the fetish long enough know this one. And I guess it gets rid of my anonymity....

It was August 23rd and Jiminy Leonhart was celebrating his 20th birthday with two of his brothers. Jim was seated on one of the couches in the living room surrounding a big ebony table, his rear filling up all three cushions; his dark brown hair complimented with a silver streak fell down over his round chubby face as his hazel eyes timidly explored his surroundings.

Magnus and Emmitt were Jiminy’s closest siblings and they were seated in other couches around the living room table. They sat in silence waiting for the cake to be brought in. When they heard the squeak of the door each one of them looked back at once with flushed cheeks and drooling mouths as the birthday cake was brought into the room.

Jiminy’s eyes especially, widened with a fire of passion as his taste buds tingled upon sight of it. The cake was placed on the table as close as possible to the birthday boy. By instinct, Jim’s hands immediately moved from resting at his sides to cradling his fat belly. His hands caressed his corpulence as he imagined the taste of the enormous three layer chocolate fudge cake in front of him. He was visibly excited to be able to take a gigantic bite of the sugar covered dessert, and he licked his swollen lips in anticipation.

His brother’s were equally as gluttonous as him, so they rushed through the happy birthday song aiming to taste it as soon as possible. Afterwards, Magnus helped Jiminy sit upright within his seven-hundred pound frame so he could reach the cake in order to blow out the twenty burning candles.

It was a very lonely gathering. It took place in a living room fit for royalty, but there were only two guests present. Because of Jiminy’s stoic personality and the fact that he was a recluse since the age of fifteen, Jiminy didn’t have the luxury of friends. And only two of his four brothers even attended the celebration. Emmitt weighed a massive eight-hundred and fifty pounds, so he sympathized with Jiminy’s misery. Magnus weighed nearly four-hundred pounds and he had accepted the inevitable fact that he was going down the same path as his brothers had. Phineas and Frederyck, the two absent brothers, hadn’t had the misfortune of extreme weight-gain yet in their lives, so they had no empathy for Jiminy or their other siblings. They never attended any family events.

Jiminy closed his eyes and took a deep breath. His stomach bulged out as his lungs filled with air, and the candles extinguished as he blew his wish at the flames. Magnus removed the wax from the cake, and then cut two large pieces and passed them out to Jim and Emmitt. By the time Magnus got cake on his plate, Jim had already finished his slice and was leaning over to help himself to another. His stomach bulged down between his thick thighs as he wiggled closer to the table to reach the cake.

Magnus stood up and went to help him before he fell over; for Jiminy had instances before of leaning too far to get food and landing on his stomach in pain. This time Magnus cut a half of one tier of the gigantic cake and placed it on a platter in front of Jim, “Now ya won’t need me to get more for ya.”

Emmitt chuckled and added, “But you might need to get me some ‘ore”, as he held out his plate and belched.

After an hour, and many more platters of cake for Jiminy, the dessert had disappeared. Jiminy leaned back on the couch with his eyes shut, and his stomach red with fresh stretch marks spidering out of the bottom of his shirt. He let out a weak groan and said quietly, “Happy birthday to me.”

Jim had stuffed himself so full that his breath was short and labored. With his eyes squinting behind his dark hair he struggled to get oxygen in his lungs with opposition from all the food in his stomach. Magnus stood slowly with a grip on his belly for he had stuffed himself as well, and he waddled over to the door to call the servants to come take the empty plates away. Magnus went over to the table and grabbed a box of tissues before he headed back towards Jiminy. Emmitt was almost equally as stuffed as Jim, but he was used to the feeling of his stomach being as tight as a drum; so he just sat there and waited the feeling out in gluttonous satisfaction.

Magnus proceeded to clean all the crumbs off of Jiminy’s cheeks, chins, and his gigantic bulge of a neck. Crumbs and fudge had also fallen all over Jim’s shirt. This meant Magnus had to get a new shirt for him from his bedroom. Magnus yanked Jiminy’s sweaty, stretched and stained shirt up over his head, and then he noticed the tears on Jiminy’s face. He could understand why; for here was his little brother, only twenty years old and already barley able to walk on his own. Jiminy had fudge and cake all over his chest as well for it fell down his shirt. So he took some tissues from Magnus and began to clean himself off, violently scratching them across his breasts. Magnus sat opposite to Jim and looked at him as he said, “It’s your birthday Jim, what’s tha matter?”

Jiminy started to cry out loud and responded with puffy red eyes, “Look *sniff* at me.”

Magnus sighed, and put his hand on Jim’s hand. “Look Jim, come on, it’s your birthday, please try to be happy for once. You deserve happiness, especially now.” Magnus’s eyes twinkled upon the statement, as if he knew something Jiminy did not.

But Jim just looked over at Magnus unmoved and motioned for his help in putting his new clean shirt on.

Magnus leaned over to get Jim’s shirt on the table and then helped put it over his brother’s head. Emmitt still sat silently in the corner digesting his cake binge and passionately massaging his belly with his sausage-like fingers. Magnus buttoned up Jim’s shirt, and ran into some resistance at the bottom button. As he tugged on the shirt to get the button fastened, he told Jiminy about his birthday present. “Jim, ya remember Mary?”

Jim sniffed a little with curiosity and then nodded as his blubbery neck jiggled. Magnus continued, “Well, she’s agreed to meet you.”

Jiminy looked shocked, and he said, “No. No. You’re kidding. You know I’m not ready to meet her yet, I-I-I can't let her see me like this.”

Magnus said, “You’ve been in love with her for three years Jiminy and you haven’t talked to her once. Sitting on the balcony during parties and admiring her from afar isn’t getting yourself any closer to establishing a relationship with her.”

Jim responded, “I know, but she's the most beautiful girl I have ever seen. And even in all my fantasies of my first meeting with her, I was thin. There’s a reason for that, you know I cannot face her at this size. I don’t want to first time she sees me to be like this; she could never find me attractive—never mind actually dating me.”

Magnus argued, “Well, after talking to her, I’ve come to the conclusion that meeting her would improve you’re self esteem. Believe me Jiminy, it is time something good happened to you.”

Jim exclaimed, “What did you tell her? Does… does she know about me?”

“Yes Jim, but I'm not going to go into detail about what I told her; please believe me that this is going to make you happy.” Magnus pleaded.

Jim just asked, “How?”

Magnus smiled, “Well, what if I told you that she does find you attractive and I know it for a fact. I'm sure she’ll prove it to you; now go to your room, for she’s sitting on your bed waiting for you.”

Jiminy didn’t know how to react. He just muttered quietly, “She’s in my room?”

Magnus repeated himself for emphasis while assisting Jiminy’s girth off the couch.

Jim wiggled his body for the momentum to stand himself up and upon doing so, his shirt tightened around his incredibly stuffed stomach and he breathed heavily as he slowly waddled to his room. It took him awhile to get there for his belly hung down below his thighs as his breasts fell down towards his sides forcing his arms out causing them to occasionally collide with the walls. He had to walk tentatively for his stomach kept bouncing off of his legs, causing his distended belly discomfort. Near his room, his belly was feeling nauseous. He he had to caress it into peace with his hands, as well as occasionally having to pull down on his shirt to keep his belly button from coming into view.

He was too shocked to really speak to Magnus during the walk down. He was also so stuffed from the cake that walking and talking would have used up all his energy, and would have probably made him more nauseous. When they got to his bedroom, Magnus opened both doors for Jim as he waddled into the room. After he entered, the doors were shut behind him. On his bed, sat Mary. She was wearing a small tight red dress which fitted her like a glove and formed to her petite hourglass frame. Her bright brown eyes focused on him when he entered, and they glistened as her gaze met his.

Jiminy was unable to move. He stood there in horror and shock just staring at the small beautiful creature he knew so hauntingly well seated on his bed, her long black hair reflected the candle light which created waves of color across the walls of the bedchamber. Her ruby red lips curled into a white smile and she raised her eyebrows when she saw that he was frightened. A few uncomfortable seconds passed, and then Mary stood up off the bed and said, “Ya know, you could come ova here if ya want.”

Jiminy just stuttered dumbly, “Oh… al… alright.”

He moved slowly up toward his bed, desperately trying to disguise his waddle. He lowered his gigantic frame onto the bed as slowly as possible so as to not hear the usual groan the wood made when pressure was put upon it. But to his dismay, the bed did groan in pain. Mary sat herself near him, but not too close. He whimpered when he heard the bed groan, and she looked at him with concerned eyes and asked, “What’s tha matter? Are you alright Jim?”

He nodded quickly with his eyes closed, unable to even look at her. His fists were clenched with extreme effort, and he bit his lip to keep from crying. He was never more embarrassed before in his life. Neither had he ever been in this situation before, so he didn’t know how to act anyway; which didn’t make the situation any more comfortable for either of them.

Mary could tell what he was feeling, so she gently touched his shoulder as to assure him. But upon contact he jerked away as though touched by fire. She stood up and moved away from him, as she took a deep breath she turned around and walked back up towards him. Mary leaned down so she was adjacent to his face and she put her hands on his cheeks and moved his gaze up to hers. He couldn’t look her in the eyes without his face wrinkling up into a sob. He had dreamed about the day he’d meet her, and he never imagined himself in such a fat, pathetic state in his fantasies. When his eyes met hers, she expected him to show happiness, but all she got was him shutting his eyes quickly and biting his lip.

She accepted defeat, moved away from him, and said, “I think you should get into bed.”

He just nodded, and she waited for a moment, expecting him to say something. But all she received was silence. She was beginning to think that he didn’t like her, so she offered, “Let me help ya change Jim, so that my presence here tonight had at least one purpose.”

Jiminy then spoke up meekly with his eyes still facing the floor, “What was your purpose here?”

She walked back up to the bed, and then took a seat next to him as she said, “I wanted to maybe get to know ya Jim. I heard about you, and then I asked Magnus. After everything he told me, well, you sounded wonderful. And I wanted to surprise ya on your birthday and give you a night you’ll never forget, and maybe more.”

Jiminy looked at her incredulously for a second and then audibly mumbled, “Well, if I sounded wonderful, then I'm shocked that you haven’t changed your mind upon looking at me.”

Mary looked at him in sympathy and knowingly asked, “What do you mean? Do ya think Magnus could have left something out about your description?”

Jim sighed and said, “Well, I find it hard to believe that he mentioned how fat I am.”

And Jim took his chubby baby hands and grabbed the gut that fell across his lap in a violent gesture of disgust. “After all, how could I have sounded wonderful if he had mentioned that?”

Mary’s expression of sympathy deepened as she listened to him regard himself with so much hate, “He didn’t need to mention that, I already knew, cuz I heard Finny and Freddy talking about you. I asked Magnus about you because… well, I find men of your size attractive. And when he told me that you were a recluse and had no one but him and Emmitt, well I couldn’t just sit back and see a handsome man continue to be lonely. So, I wanted to meet ya and maybe be part of your life.”

Silence followed, for Jiminy could hardly speak, and then Mary said, “If you don’t believe that I'm attracted to you, then will you at least let me prove it?”

Jim sighed to himself, and his great chest heaved in an expression of disbelief as he said, “But how is that possible?”

“How is what possible?” Mary asked.

Jim finally looked up at her with teary eyes, and then glanced down at himself and his protruding belly, thick love handles, breasts, and thighs, and said, “How could anyone be attracted to this? It’s ultimate misery to be like this, so how could it ever attract a woman as beautiful as you?”

Mary smiled at him a little and said, “I wish I could explain it to ya Jim. But I can't, cuz I don’t even know why. All I do know is that you are absolutely gorgeous Jiminy. Just absolutely gorgeous.”

The floodgates opened upon hearing that. Jiminy buried his fat face in his hands, and his body shook with uncontrollable wails and sobs. Mary immediately put her arms around what she could of him, and she rubbed the layers of fat on his back. She slowly placed her small fragile head on his flabby and thick shoulder. She whispered in his ear as she held his shaking, weeping form, “Shhh Jim, there’s nothing to cry about. So Shhh.”

After Jiminy’s tears dissipated, they spent the next hour in his room, talking about Jiminy’s crush on Mary and her counter-attraction. Jim soon became less shy and he was willing to believe her sincerity, for after all she had held him in her arms, and he had never felt a woman’s touch before. It was after midnight before Mary finally left, and Jiminy was exhausted. He’d never felt so many emotions in one day.

After Mary left, Magnus came in to get him ready for bed. He was surprised because Jiminy was actually smiling, and his eyes were gleaming with happiness. Jiminy hadn’t been noticeably happy in a very long time. But sadly, the happiness was brief. Jiminy began to unbutton his shirt in preparation for bed, but Magnus had to finish unbuttoning him after the first three buttons. Jim’s fingers were too fat and his belly was too big for him to be able to finish taking off his shirt by himself. His pants were unzipped, and Magnus tugged at his pant legs to pull them off. The pants themselves weighed nearly twenty pounds, and they were getting a little tight for Jim’s 86-inch waist line.

After his clothes were finally off, Jiminy got out of bed and waddled into the bathroom. It was even harder for him to walk without clothes on because at least his clothes helped keep his stomach from swaying back and forth against his thighs. Upon entering the bathroom he went over to the sink and washed his face. When he turned around to wipe his face off on a towel, he saw his whole reflection up against the full-length mirror on the wall. He stood there feeling drained, just looking at himself, and analyzing his whole body.

After being with Mary, he felt beautiful for the first time in his life. But upon seeing every single fold of fat which wrapped itself around his frame and every single dark piercing stretch mark, he felt it consume his confidence until he was left completely empty of happiness. He was awakened from his nightmarish reverie by Magnus knocking on the door and asking, “Are ya alright in there Jim?”

He quickly answered while clearing his throat, “Yes, yes, I’ll be done in a minute.”

Jiminy couldn’t resist, after seeing his full girth in the mirror, he waddled up towards the industrial-size scale. He whispered to himself over and over again, “It looks worse than it is. It looks worse than it is.”

He placed a foot encased with the bruised fat of his ankle onto the scale, and then while grabbing onto the sink for support, he lowered the rest of his massive body on top of it. He could practically hear the scale groaning with pain from the pressure as he read its measurement: 749 lbs.

His chubby hands immediately came up to his mouth to stifle his sob of agony. He almost fell off the scale and he leaned his back up against the wall as he cried, again. His fingers dug deep into his belly as he grasped it with passionate hate, leaving scratches. His eyes were crinkled up and he bit his lower lip to keep Magnus from hearing and becoming worried. He breathed slowly and after a minute of wiping the tears from his face and composing himself, he waddled out of the bathroom and lay his body down onto his bed.

Jiminy couldn’t reach the blankets once he had lied down on his back, so Magnus tucked him in. After pulling the blankets up to his brother’s chest, Magnus noticed his tear stained face. So instead of leaving, he sat next to Jim and said, “I was under the impression that things went well between you and Mary.”

Jim nodded, “Yeah, they did. I just really feel like it was a dream, ya know? And like… it didn’t happen. I’ve been obsessing over her for three years knowing she could never find me attractive. So how could something this wonderful really happen to me?”

Magnus smiled and said, “Well, think about all the things you’ve been through in the past few years. Shouldn’t it be about time something good happens?”

Jiminy smirked a little bit and then returned to his stoic face as he said, “Yeah, I suppose so. I just cannot believe she's attracted to me.” He paused, then groaned with hate as he slowly looked down at his own girth and rubbed it with emphasis, “It’s just… … I'm so fat, Magnus.”

Magnus burrowed his eyebrows in concern, “You weighed yourself in there didn’t you?”

Jiminy nodded with his eyes shut tight, obviously holding back more tears.

Magnus inquired empathetically, “How much?”

Jiminy took a deep breath and said, “Seven-hundred and forty-nine pounds. …I mean, honestly Magnus, how am I supposed to believe she's attracted to me when I'm so gigantic…?”

Magnus thought for a minute and then confidently said, “Well she is attracted to you. So ya just remember that tonight Jim. And you’re gonna see her in the morning and I know she’ll prove it to you.”

Jiminy put up a fake smile and nodded. So Magnus stood up and said as he walked out the door, “Happy Birthday Jim.”

And with that, the door was shut, and Jiminy fell into a deep sleep riddled with images of Mary.

Jiminy awoke to a knock on his bedroom door. He opened his eyes then stretched a little as he said, “Come in.”

Mary walked into the room. She was wearing a long baby blue spring dress. And Jiminy was in shock over her angelic figure in the doorway. He was admiring how radiant she was, and then he noticed his blanket was only up to his belly button. He quickly turned red and pulled the blanket up to his thick puffy neck in order to cover his massive breasts from view. He shrunk down further into the bed, for he desperately wanted to disappear between the covers and hide from the world. But then Mary giggled and walked over to his bed. Jiminy’s eyes were wide with terror as she sat next to his bed and said, “Why are ya so scared?”

Jiminy just gulped and shook his head quickly, never taking his eyes off her face. Mary’s expression changed from amusement to slight concern. “Come on Jim, what’s the matter?”

He responded, “I'm not scared, I was just surprised seeing you come in.”

Mary nodded her head in acceptance of his response and said, “Well Magnus went out, so I offered to get you into the bath and dress you.”

Jiminy’s eyes widened in disbelief, and he looked at her as though she was joking with him, “What did you say?”

Mary had stood up and was already going through Jiminy’s armoire, picking out his clothing as she answered his question, “I said that I would get you into the bath and help you dress afterward.”

And she looked at him with a smirk and a gleam of mischief in her eyes.

Jiminy lay in his bed still gripping the covers for dear life as he asked, “Well, at least you’ll leave the room while I'm bathing, right?”

Mary said, “If you want me to, of course I will. But um, do you need my help getting out of bed?”

Jiminy said defensively, “No…no, I’ll be fine.”

Mary nodded and placed his clothes on a table in his bedroom, and walked towards the door. Before she left and closed the door she said, “I’ll come back in an hour or so to see how you’re doing.”

Jiminy nodded, and she left the room.

Now, Jiminy had just gotten himself into an awkward situation. He was going to have a very hard time taking a bath on his own; after all he couldn’t even reach half of his body. But he was going to try; after all he wanted to avoid Mary seeing him naked at all costs. There existed a horrible image in his mind of her seeing him naked and vomiting in response. He shook it out of his head as he took a deep breath and heaved his body out of bed. He waddled into the bathroom and shut the door behind him.

Taking another deep breath he leaned towards the faucet and turned it on. Then he sat on the toilet seat cover to take a rest, as the water filled up in the bath tub. Jiminy knew that there was no way he was going to complete his bath and change in the time Mary returned. It was impossible, for he couldn’t even dress himself anyway. But he figured it would be easiest to hide himself under the bubbles in the bath, so he planned to at least be covered in them before she came in.

By now the water was up to the right height, so Jiminy poured bubbles in the bath and then slowly stepped his gigantic blubbery body in the warm water. Finally coming to a comfortable position, he lay there in the water thinking about Mary for the next half hour. He hadn’t had a chance to really enjoy the thought of her since he saw her the previous night.

He imagined every inch of her soft fragile body, and what it would be like to have his hands all over her. He imagined her smell and her lips up against his as her breath brushed across his neck. He was convulsing in pleasure at the thought and almost wet himself right there in the tub. But what brought him out of his reverie was the squeak of the bathroom door as Mary opened it.

He was still extremely turned on, which made her look even more appetizing to him. She stood in the doorway, wearing that blue dress, looking at Jiminy with a sultry smile. She walked towards him and then sat on the side of the tub as she asked teasingly, “So, how are you coming on your bath? You’ve been in there for an hour… and look! Your hair isn’t even wet yet!”

Jiminy looked down at his body to see how covered up he was. The water covered up most of his gigantic belly, but it left his nipples and breasts exposed. He was disappointed that it was the farthest he could hide himself beneath the water. So he shook the thought of his disgusting body out of his mind as he answered her, “I just got in the bath. I mean, it, well… it takes me a while to get things done.” And he moved his hands from his sides over to his belly.

Mary smiled at him and said, “Well that’s why I offered to help you earlier.” Then she added temptingly, “Do you want me to now?”

Normally Jiminy would decline her offer, and say he could do it himself. But he still thought about her beautiful body and how he wanted his hands all over her. His fantasy of the last half hour came into his mind and he felt that he would do anything to touch her; or at least have her touch him. He looked up at her with wide doe eyes and said, “I… I don’t know. I mean… I do need help, but are you sure you want to help me?”

Mary stood up and kneeled down to face him. She looked him in the eyes and said “Yes, I’d absolutely love to help you.”

Jiminy blushed at her answer, and she began to take scoops of water in her hand and pour it on his head. She laughed as the water ran down his fat face. She massaged his head with the shampoo, and then used the spray handle to clean it off. When she was finished she stroked his wet hair back away from his eyes and said, “Alright, sit up now Jim so I can dry your hair off.”

Jiminy looked up at her and hinted that he needed help by lifting his arms. She grabbed them and with great effort, and assistance from him, she pulled him up straight. She then said, “I don’t think I'm strong enough to pull you out of the tub.”

Jim smiled a little at her and said, “Oh of course not. I can get myself out, wait for me in the bedroom.”

Mary grinned at him and walked out of the room, and Jiminy finally felt relaxed again.

He grabbed the sides of the tub to pull himself up more and then reached for the handle above him, specifically installed to help him get in and out of the tub, and with much effort he pulled himself out. He sat down on the toilet seat cover and grabbed the nearest towel and began to dry his body off. It would take a while for him to be completely dry for he had to dry underneath all the layers of flesh around his body. Mary knocked on the door, and Jiminy quickly wrapped the little towel as much he could around himself. But when Mary opened the door, she immediately gasped, “Oh my god…” upon seeing him exposed like that.

Jim looked at her, very hurt. He could tell she gasped at how hideous he was. He looked down at the floor and his eyebrows turned down into a frown as he turned red with embarrassment. Mary saw that she made him upset, so she took a step towards him and tried to explain herself, “Oh Jim, I really didn’t mean anything by that.”

Jiminy didn’t even look at her, he just shook his head and said meekly, “Leave me alone.”

Mary tried to protest, but Jiminy just interrupted her and said, “Please, I can do everything myself.”

Mary just nodded and being respectful of his privacy, she walked out of his bedroom. Jiminy was left alone. And when he realized it, a wave of sadness came over him to replace the humiliation. He stood himself up, rubbed himself dry, and just got into bed.

He knew it was too good to be true, that Mary couldn’t really find him attractive. It was all just a charade, a lie: to give him false happiness on his birthday. No woman could ever be attracted to a man that fat; that kind of woman didn’t exist, and he felt foolish to have believed her. Then he was overcome by sleep.

For the rest of the day and afternoon he fell in and out of lucid dreams. And not once did Mary disturb him. It made him feel even worse. He hoped that maybe she would come in and apologize to him, and tell him she really did find him attractive. He dreamed about her coming in and confessing her love for him the whole day. But she didn’t come in until after dinner, and Jiminy was deep asleep by then.

She quietly tip-toed in and went over to the bed. She had a little to drink with Magnus and Finny, so she just came in and lifted up the sheets of his bed. She saw him lying there, naked; and moved her eyes up and down his body. She studied every feature: the folds of skin on his back, which rolled around to the front of him to make up his breasts, and his gigantic love handles which sprouted from the middle of his back and enlarged to create the massive stomach that took up half the bed. She looked at his thick legs, with his thighs covered in dark stretch marks.

His thighs were gorgeous; their thickness was what made him waddle so pleasingly to her eye. Just watching him waddle with difficulty towards her on the previous night, with his stomach bouncing in front of her, made her want him so bad.

Seeing him sitting on the toilet seat, almost naked in the exposing spotlight, shocked her. Not because he was disgusting like he believed, but because she didn’t realize how big he really was. He was enormous and also the sexiest man she had ever had the pleasure of viewing in her life. It was like waking up Christmas morning seeing 100 more presents than you expected, for he really was a lot better than she expected. She felt an overwhelming desire to be close to him, and the alcohol clouded her judgment, so she quietly crawled into his bed and nestled under the covers very close to him. Listening to his steady powerful breath and feeling the warmth of his body up against hers lulled her into a peaceful sleep.

[aryanightshade]

This Episode of Stranger Things is Called: Playdate

-

{two new messages}

“Hi, I’m calling for a… Eddie Manson? No, Munson. Sorry. Jerry writes like a chicken. Uh, my name is Alice, I work for the parks department. You called about the job posting we had up on the community board on Main Street, and I was wondering if you wanted to come in for an interview later today? We need someone in the position ASAP, so please give me a call back when you get the chance. Thanks!”

-

Eddie wakes up on the couch with the headache of someone mildly hungover. Which is irritating because he didn’t get drunk or high last night. Aside from almost burning down their apartment, he didn’t do anything fun at all, actually. His life has become spectacularly un-fun recently, what with—

Right. Embarrassing himself in front of their neighbor. The one who looks like a swimsuit model. 

Steve. 

Steve with the luscious flowing hair and pretty smile and tan skin that Eddie wants to lick all over. 

That Steve. The Steve who smiled at him and lit Eddie up from the inside like he swallowed a ball of sunlight. 

In the light of day, it’s actually worse than Eddie thought. He slipped while running down a flight of stairs and knocked over a trashcan like a total klutzy idiot. How can he show his face after making such a fool of himself? Steve is going to take one look at him standing on his porch doing his friendly Mr. Rogers thing in one of those tight, preppy polo shirts, and Eddie is going to combust into ashes on the spot, leaving his only child homeless and orphaned. 

The obvious solution here is to become a hermit. Eddie will simply never leave the safety of their house ever again, and therefore drastically decrease his chances of making a complete and utter buffoon out of himself in front of another man.  

Eddie presses a couch cushion over his face and groans. God, he’s pathetic. He sees an attractive man and immediately all his brain cells liquify and trickle out his ears. It’s probably for the best, anyway, him being so weird. Small town Indiana isn’t the best place to be picking up dudes. There’s no anonymity here, and besides, Hot Neighbor Steve has at least one child, which means he likes women enough to procreate with one. He probably wouldn’t respond well to Eddie salivating over him. He probably has a wife. Eddie hasn’t seen her yet, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t exist. She’s probably really pretty and knows how to make Hamburger Helper without burning down the neighborhood, too. 

Realistically, Steve will probably just ignore him. Eddie is self-aware enough to know that he’s off-putting to a lot of people, but a little part of him isn’t sure he wants to be ignored. He’s no stranger to chasing highs, and the one that filled him when those warm hazel eyes pinned him down like a butterfly in amber feels worth sucking into his lungs until he suffocates. Which is stupid. Eddie is gay, but he’s not a moron, and people like his neighbor don’t generally say yeswhen he offers to suck them off between some dumpsters behind a pizza restaurant. 

Not that he would. He would take Hot Neighbor Steve to dinner first. Because he’s a gentleman. But he won’t do that. If he sees Steve Harrington around, he won’t do anything at all, he decides. He’ll be real regular about it and hope Steve doesn’t remember Eddie tripping over his own feet like a moron. 

Eddie’s theatrically self-indulgent misery lasts another ten minutes or so before he screams quietly into the pillow and tosses it aside with a dramatic sigh. It’s fine. This will be fine. This is only temporary, after all. 

He’s trying to be optimistic, so of course, it’s inevitable, like heat death and rich people flouting traffic laws, that Eddie will run into Steve Harrington again. 

Read on Ao3

[stars-tonight]

hiii, can I request a long romantic matchup with a guy please

my pronouns are she/her

my ideal type: introverted but gets extrovert in certain situations. I like when they are a little bit of the clingy and jealous type. Someone who is playful and a bit of a tease but doesn’t over do it. They mainly show love through acts of service. Someone who knows when to speak up because lord knows I don’t know how. Patient and understanding

my personality: Very much introverted but I let loose when I know a person. I initiate physical affection. I am a very curious person so I love talking/asking questions about people, and talking about hypothetical situations. I love when people play with my hair. My sense of humor is meme and tik tok references. As for my physical appearance I’m 5’1, shortish length dark brown hair, hazel eyes, dark and long lashes and brows. I have 1 dimple and pinkish cheeks. Black and pink wardrobe

hobbies: photography, videography, editing, social media??, coloring, crocheting, sewing, lounging around in parks, window shopping, skateboarding, casual and unserious basketball and volleyball, and decorating.

also can my emoji be 🍒

headcanons

🥛 you can't look me in the eyes and tell me oikawa is not the clingiest baby ever

🥛 he's also a big tease

🥛 big ol' whiny brat who definitely gets clingy when he's jealous

🥛 will probably jump onto you and hold on like a koala bear

🥛 if you take your attention off of him for even a second. . .

🥛 "[y/n]-chan do you not love me anymore? 🥺"

🥛 it's not that he doesn't trust you, he just doesn't trust others

🥛 hm

🥛 he'll definitely try to impress you by cooking for you

🥛 but he almost burns the kitchen down

🥛 but you can't convince me that he knows the best skincare / haircare products around

🥛 will definitely buy them for you

🥛 "[y/n] if you use these you'll have perfect hair like me!"

🥛 not afraid to speak up for you

🥛 you deserve the best after all

🥛 oikawa's also the type to initiate physical touch so it's good that you won't shy away

🥛 would not be shy to run a hand through your hair

🥛 would probably braid it if it's long enough

🥛 buys you a bunch of obnoxious barrettes from his tournaments in different countries

🥛 you can't tell me oikawa isn't chronically online

🥛 probably more in tune with gen-z terminology than gen-z is

🥛 knows all the memes and trends

🥛 would love to play volleyball with you and tease you if you mess up

🥛 would be more than willing to teach you though

🥛 probably does one of those cheesy things where he stands behind you and hugs you from the back as he fixes your arm positioning

🥛 he really wants to be a cool guy so he'll ask you to teach him skateboarding

🥛 although he'll be actual ass at it

🥛 this child can't be cool for the life of him

🥛 he'll love it if you can take pictures of him while he's setting or serving because now he has cool pictures

🥛 will show them off to iwaizumi

🥛 would probably print them out and anonymously mail them to an old rival like kageyama or ushijima just to show off

runner up for you was tanaka ryūnosuke!

A/N: there you go 🍒anon, i hope you like it! sorry about the long wait 😣

[ofpearlsxgods]

What are your muses' favorite physical features of their significant other?

sent by ( anonymous )

Kyungri - “His nose, and how it wrinkles when he smiles.”

Miran - “His shoulders, and when I lean against them.”

Jiyeon - “His lips, and how perfect they are for kissing.”

Eloise - “His hands, and how gently they touch me.”

Sohyang - “His toothy grin, and how weak I am for it."

Miyeon - “How petite she is, and how perfectly balanced she is.”

Haru - “Her thighs, and how they make me want to run my fingers over them.”

Mary Jane - “His eyes, and how lost I get in them.”

Bonus !!

Coco - “His gummy smile, and how it makes me feel things I never thought I’d feel.”

[azsazz]

Starfall

Azriel x Reader

Summary: Anonymous request: omg can i just say i love your blog sm!! you are carrying the acotar fandom in this app 😭😭 i wanted to request a fic where az and reader are having like a romantic moment where they are dancing in their kitchen and maybe the inner circle sees them and they’re just so happy for them.

Warnings: None.

Word Count: 612

_________________________________________

“What are you doing all alone in here?” a voice startles you. Spinning around on your heel, your face softens when you see your mate standing in the doorway. It was one of the best nights of the year. Rhysand always threw the most beautiful parties for Starfall, great food, expensive wine, and the most talented musicians playing at the House of Wind for all of his friends and family. 

You left your mate on the dancefloor with Cassian and Mor, reassuring him that you’d be back in no time, you just wanted to cool down for a moment and refill your drink. Azriel looked reluctant to let you leave and you thought he might follow you inside the house, but you assured him you would be back in no time. 

Walking into the house with a loving grin, thinking about how lucky you are to have found your mate. He was so considerate, passionate, and loving. He really was your everything. You hadn’t even known what your life had been missing until the night the bond made itself known. 

You couldn’t imagine your life without him.

Sipping from your newly refilled glass, you leaned against the counter, reflecting on your life with your mate. His friends had welcomed you with open arms and wide grins, so excited that the Shadowsinger had finally found his other half. 

You seemed to fit right into the group like a piece to their evergrowing puzzle of family. You and Cassian were thick of thieves since the first night he’d brought you home, the Warlord pulling you aside to tell you everything about Az. He highlighted the Spymaster’s entire life, his likes, dislikes, embarrassing moments, he even told you his tells when fighting, where to strike if you wanted a training session to end early. Azriel had watched you with a fond look in his eyes. 

“Just thinking,” you respond softly, setting your glass down on the counter and opening your arms for him. He wraps his arms around your waist and yours clasp around his neck as you stare lovingly into those glowing hazel eyes. 

“About what?” he murmurs, brushing a strand of hair behind your ear and stroking his thumb soothingly across your soft cheek. 

You shrug, smiling from cheek to cheek, “You.”

“Yeah?” his brows quirk.

You hum in confirmation, closing your eyes as he rests his forehead against yours. 

“All good, I hope.”

You release a breathy laugh as he starts to sway the two of you slowly. “All amazing, as are you.”

He pecks you on the nose, sweeping you under his arm, twirling you around abruptly and then back into his chest. He surprises you with a kiss on the nose, continuing your dance around the kitchen. “Ah, that’s you, my love.” 

The both of you are unaware of the audience you have. Mor had gone in to snag a new bottle of wine and had seen the two of you in a loving embrace. She was a bit nosy at the worst of times, but seeing her friend for so long so in love, it made her heart swell. Somehow, without even the Spymaster knowing, she had gathered the rest of the Inner Circle, squealing about how cute the two of you were being in the kitchen. 

Azriel was distracted by your beauty, the love of his life looking back at him like he was her universe. Those pesky shadows were nowhere to be seen. He wanted, just for a minute, to be alone with his thoughts, with you, and he was completely unaware that his family were watching with wide smiles and misty eyes.

Yeah, everything was perfect.

[checkmatein3moves]

(18+) YOU are the heir; the child of one of the most powerful women on Oracle Island. When she’s accused of murdering her sister almost forty years prior after the revelation of a suspicious anonymous tip, her power falls to you — but so will her reputation. 

Many questions present themselves: is your mother a killer? Who wants to see her fall for it? Who will make the next move in the inevitable game? Can you play as well as the rest of them? 

The Elite Class are full of blood and schemes. Your generation carries the scars of those before them, and thus you all must join the game or face the consequences. But dark intentions are cloaked in silk and diamonds, and the heady taste of power corrupts like an infection. 

The world stops for nobody, but the biggest players need only the blink of an eye to dominate the board. (DEMO) / (SKINTONE REFERENCE) / (PATREON) / (KOFI) / (SPOTIFY) / (PINTEREST)

FEATURES.

unravel a mystery that will change your family legacy for generations.

prove yourself a capable heir through arrangements, alliances and key decisions. 

party! balls, galas, festivals and the like are hotbeds of opportunity for business and pleasure. beware what goes on in the dark.

discern who you can trust and who to be wary of — no shortage of falseness surrounds you now. 

try to denounce the game, play it reluctantly or get a taste for it yourself. 

influence the trajectory of oracle city.

who bleeds the most when everything is set in motion? 

LOVE INTERESTS.

HEBE HALE. 24. the best friend. (she/her, cis)

6′0. 6′5 in her favourite heels. bleached blonde, glamorous and slender. brown-skinned like her mother and square-jawed like her father with golden-brown eyes full of laughter. often keeps her hair slicked back. looks as effortlessly good in jeans and a sweatshirt as she does in a cocktail dress. supermodel exterior hides a loyal lion heart and geeky tendencies. daughter of the most powerful man on the island. she works as a digital artist for a popular comic series.

you’ve known her since you were eleven and have been friends for almost as long. most only see that she’s a rebellious leader-type with the kind of humour that has people snorting into their champagne glasses, but you know how much more there is behind that. you’ve seen her cry from creative burnout, fall in love with the oldest dog at the animal shelter, speak at length about everything she’s afraid of and talk her younger sister down from panic attacks. you know she only wants the best for you, but things are different than when you were kids; what some find protective and endearing, others find overbearing.

WINDO WINDHAM. 22. the other best friend. (he/him, cis)

5′6. petite. mousy brunette with shaved sides and hair that falls purposefully over his forehead. eyes are a greeny shade of hazel. white, somewhat ruddy complexion that isn’t helped by the fact he prioritises fashion over comfort regardless of the temperature. enjoys mismatched clothes, faux fur, pleather, PVC and colourful tinted glasses. youngest adopted son of one of the windham family. he’s studying hard to be an attorney.

you’ve known windo longer than hebe, but circumstance brought you all together as friends. as the youngest of an all-adopted family, he considers himself a patchwork of everyone that influenced him growing up, and the perpetually frazzled, neurotic and enthusiastic windo has always felt he has something to prove to those who think him too emotional or fragile to land a serious career. he refuses to let his generosity or perceived naivete be considered weaknesses. instead, he prides himself on resilience and adaptability, believing those are what give him the strength to be sincere. whatever he can do to help you, just say the word.

SAILOR BONES. 23. the live-in valet. (they/them, genderfluid)

6′2. broad-shouldered with tan skin and thick black hair that starts neatly coiffed in the mornings but often ends with locks out of place by the evening. their eyes are reddish-brown beneath thick eyebrows, and their full lips combined with a resting sardonic face give them the impression of pouting a lot. their uniform is almost always adjusted, with buttons undone and sleeves rolled up. 

your relationship with sailor will always be more complicated than the average employer-employee whether they’re your ex, your friend or something else. they signed when you were both 18 to train under your head of staff, but things were more simple back then. nowadays, although they enjoy a degree of informality with you, they’re far more careful about how your relationship appears in front of people that might judge. because of that, few other than you know that their cool exterior hides a soft heart. they will stretch the bounds of decorum to complain about their job, but somehow that doesn’t stop them from trying to take on extra hours elsewhere. 

JELLY SISSEL. 21. the aspiring trailblazer. (she/they, non-binary)

5′5. pale-skinned, round-faced, button-nosed and fat with long purple hair, often bolstered by extensions and hairspray and tied into pigtails. their eyes are a rare blue so dark they appear almost black, naturally wide as though they’re always surprised. like windo, they dress outlandishly, but with more precious metals and gemstones. the heir to the sissel family, a new money household rapidly rising the ranks. they’re considering a political career.

you spent more time with jelly when you were little, but you’ve always existed in the same social circle. though she’s charming and extroverted and always offers a shoulder to lean on, you know there’s a more cunning nature behind sugar sweetness. she’s never been one to hide her penchant for mischief, especially in cohorts with her best friend twenty, but she’s expressed before that she’s both excited and afraid to influence more than petty games someday. has a reputation for being a player, but never details any of her experiences.

TWENTY ZU. 20. the contradiction. (he/him, cis)

5′11. 6′1 in the heeled boots he normally wears. tawny-skinned and sharply handsome with an aquiline nose and light brown eyes, he has a near-perpetual scowl and an underbite that obscure the boyishness of most of his features. his brown hair is just long enough to cover his eyes if unstyled — which it often is. wears green a lot, usually sweaters that cover his neck. wears his large square glasses very occasionally. is the affair child of penelope zu, mars zu’s deceased ex-wife, but mars claimed custody of him in the divorce anyway. in his second year of studying genetics.

it’s difficult to get close to twenty, but you know him better than most. a genius with a maverick style, twenty has always liked exploring the realms of the theoretically impossible and chasing down the mysteries of oracle history. since he never felt like he belonged to his family, he found that connection in jelly and takes the position of friend incredibly seriously. has severe trust issues due to past relationships and the obscure details of noir’s estrangement, so getting past his barriers requires a lot of work.

NOIR ZU. 27. the pariah. (he/him, cis)

5′7, or at least close enough. fairly broad, but rather drawn from stress and tiredness. he’s a few shades lighter than twenty with jet black hair that curls slightly around his ears and frames his wide face. his jaw and cheekbones could cut glass, and his eyes are so brown they seem to swallow all the light around them. twenty resembles him in the mouth, but noir has a wider, less pronounced nose. estranged fourth son of the zu family. struggling investor.

most of the things you know about him you heard from twenty, and the half-brothers stopped speaking four years ago after noir stopped rebelling and got boring and adult. what is common knowledge is that he’s friendless, avoidant and his reputation for disappointing his powerful father follows him like a cloud. most people write him off as a lost cause and are just waiting for him to sink, but it might not be too late for him to change.

HONEYSUCKLE ‘HONEY’ GOLD. 22. the enigma. (she/her, cis)

5′7. honey is buff with an athlete’s physique and white, freckled skin. she has a small, sharp nose, pale heart-shaped lips that match her face and watchful light grey eyes. her hair is dyed a few shades paler than her eyes and often held in a utilitarian ponytail. you’re so used to seeing her in her work uniform that you can’t begin to guess at her personal style. she works kitchen and bar in moon tower, the tallest building in the city. 

you barely know anything about her, but you’ve become used to having her around for your trips down to moon tower’s basement kitchen during various charity events and parties. most of the time she keeps her head down and focuses on the job, but hebe has built a rapport with her through playful banter and teasing that has some of her true colours showing through. she’s careful and considerate and more on the serious side, but she’s still deliberate with what she reveals.

JARETH JANUARY. 23. the media rival. (he/him, cis)

5′10ish. strong without being ripped, extra padding on the thighs, stomach and chest. has a light peachy complexion. his hair might be naturally blond (though it’s debated) but is currently dyed inky midnight blue and most often perfectly lacquered into a dramatic side-part. his eyes are a striking blue but usually dimmed by various coloured contacts, and his hooked nose contrasts the soft lines of his face. he wears ~intellectual~ rimless glasses. though he has no moneyed parentage, his success as an actor only continues to grow.

for some reason, jareth has chosen you as the beacon of what he wants to challenge. since arriving on the scene he has cultivated a brand of creative pretentiousness and declared his disdain for the elite he has carved a place amongst. though most see his act as an entertaining novelty, some are impressed by his boldness. his serious acting talent bolsters his credibility, but it’s hard to tell when he’s being honest for better or worse. in times like these, that’s more dangerous than ever.

CLAREMONT ‘MONTY’ KAMYA. 24. the media darling. (she/her, cis)

5′1. monty is chubby with a wide face, slight bunny teeth and a soft-sloped wide nose. she’s dark-skinned and has back-length curly black hair that falls around her face, often threaded with rings and silver charms. has a signature black lipstick, a septum, a medusa and a vertical labret piercing. her eyes are a true brown that get richer in sunlight. goth fashion icon. jareth’s co-star and first ever onscreen love interest, though she comes from a well-known family within the top 30 on the list.

 a few months ago, monty’s older brother unexpectedly passed away, leaving her as the family heir without notice. there’s been a lot of gossip regarding what the kamya family plan to do now that their heir is already successful in her own career field, and rumours have been slowly circulating about an upward marriage. you’ve yet to meet her in person, but from what you know of her reputation, monty is gentle, well-spoken and organised. 

LUDO LEE. 25. the rebel. (he/him, trans)

6′4ish. ludo is large and athletic with pale skin and thick muscles. has a black-blond shag cut that falls over his eyes unless tied back. brown eyes with a black outer ring, giving them a cool hue. a delicately curved nose and a face that suits an open-mouthed smile. honey’s roommate. 

as of now, he’s far from your world.

NOTABLE ELITE.

VIOLETA VINTEREN. 56. (she/her, cis)

5′7-8. rest of appearance determined by MC. 

your party-loving, colour-embracing, seemingly ditzy and careless mother. the ex-head of your family and architectural company. currently awaiting trial.

BENZ HALE. 56. (he/him, cis)

pale skin, grey-blond hair and icy blue eyes. at least 6′4. 

the current most powerful man on oracle island with a monopoly on most technological patents and your best friend’s father. for years he was your mother’s ally as he climbed the list of elites, and shall be yours unless you choose otherwise. known for being a ruthless businessman.  

MARS ZU. 52 (he/him, cis)

tawny-skinned with dark, intelligent eyes. seems taller than he is due to his dignified appearance.

a shrewd businessman with a cutting wit, mars is the hand behind the operating of the most popular broadcasting channels on the island and benz’s biggest competition for power. is rarely seen interacting with any of his children publicly other than his eldest daughter.

LISSO WINDHAM. 59. (she/her, cis)

small and mousy, lisso windham appears more a kindly grandmother than a powerful hotel tycoon. 

you’ve met her and her wife a few times through windo, and both women have been kind to you. you know little of her as a businesswoman. all of her children are adopted. 

MELONY SISSEL. 47. (she/her, cis)

a fashionable, bright woman with a rosy complexion, you can see the resemblance between her and jelly. 

the head of the only family in the top 10 without generational influence, melony makes it obvious she doesn’t share the dreams of her late father. owns some of the most resource-rich mines and oil rigs. 

TADLEY WEATHERBROOK. 26. (he/him, cis)

pale, with messy blond hair. his tall and gangly appearance belies his brutish attitude. 

since his father is in the hospital with a terminal illness, tadley has taken over as the acting head of his family and the weatherbrook health and life insurance company. his abilities remain to be seen, though he’s faced with public doubt. 

LAUREL TRAVERS. 32. (she/her, cis)

blonde-haired and blue eyed, she has almost no features that she didn’t inherit from the father that turned his back on her.

benz’s daughter and the head of the travers family. in charge of an event planning business to promote the travers’ beverage company. your mother liked her despite her self-obsessed attitude and opportunistic unwillingness to tie herself to anything. hebe has a functioning relationship with her. 

OTHER CHARACTERS.

MYRTLE COFFEY. your head of staff.

TALLULAH ETHERIDGE. your old tutor.

VOLTAIRE VOLTAIRE. frontman of a rock band.

FAYE LASSETER. dedicated reporter.

CALLISTO NAZARI. your mother’s lawyer. coincidentally, also windo’s mentor.

[mlmxreader]

The Jealous Type | Obi Wan Kenobi x m!reader

Anonymous asked: "Say it. Say you're mine." obi wan x male reader

summary: Obi Wan isn't the jealous type, bit sometimes people cross the line and he does get a little possessive.

tws: possession, jealousy

You and Obi Wan worked well as a team, you always had, after so many years working together it wasn't really a surprise though; you were his right hand man, by all accounts, and wherever he went, you followed. You were always there at his side, and no one was ever surprised when Obi Wan walked into the room and you were following closely behind; a man of your status, being so close to Obi Wan Kenobi himself, you were often the object of people's desires, and while you laughed them off, Obi Wan never did. He wasn't the jealous type, not usually, but he did like to remind you of who it was your heart belongs to; he wasn't the jealous type, but sometimes people crossed a line and he wasn't particularly fond of that.

It seemed like a normal day, you and Obi Wan were out doing what you needed, when some Marshal introduced himself to you; you had to admit, he was rather handsome - greying hair, hazel eyes, a charming smile and a little bit of facial hair. He was charming by all accounts, but the second you looked over at Obi Wan, you forgot all about the handsome Marshal.

"So, uh, can I buy you a drink?" He asked, snapping your attention back to him.

You shook your head, chuckling as you stuffed your hands in your pockets and offered a polite smile. "No, thank you. I have too much to do today."

"You sure?" He raised a brow. "Handsome fella like yourself, out here all alone... ain't right."

"Oh, he's not alone," Obi Wan growled as he walked over, jaw clenched. "Believe me, he really isn't."

The Marshal looked between you and Obi Wan, and saw the way that he looked at you, how those blue eyes were so focused on you that it was hard to think that he had strayed from your side at all; the way that Obi Wan laid his hand so calmly around your waist and so casually pulled you into his side, like it was nothing more than an instinctive and unconscious reaction, like breathing. The way that you immediately leaned into him, and put your hand on his chest. Even the Marshal could tell that you and Obi Wan were close.

He cleared his throat, and took a step back. "My apologies. I didn't realise-"

"I assume you didn't ask, either," Obi Wan guessed, and when the Marshal held up his hands, Obi Wan nodded. "May we continue with our business, Marshal?"

"'Course," he nodded, no harm was done, he flashed you and Obi Wan a polite smile. "Give me a shout if you need anything - and, uh, if you two want that drink, I'll be there at six."

You and Obi Wan thanked him, and let him go on his way, but as soon as he was out of earshot, Obi Wan had you backed up against a rock feature, hungry as he kissed you harshly and let you grab his hair and put a hand at the back of his neck, starving as he pinned your wrists above your head and moaned softly against your lips when you bucked your hips into him. He used the Force to hold you up when you wrapped your legs around his waist.

He pulled away, his voice low and gruff as he dared to demand, "who do you belong to?"

"You," you whimpered, making a vain attempt to kiss him again. "Only you, Obi Wan."

"Again," he growled. "Say it. Say you're mine. I need to hear you say it again."

"I'm all yours," you breathed out. "Only yours. Only ever yours."

He dared to smile, letting go of your wrists so that he could gently cup your face in his hands, admiring your features and how fucking desperate you were, how he could so easily see that need in your eyes as he nodded. "I'm so sorry for getting jealous..."

"I like it," you whispered. "You know that."

"I'm not being too rough with you, am I?" He frowned a little, tilting his head to the side.

You shook your head, daring to break free of his grip so that you could gently kiss him again, just one more kiss. "No, you're not. It's okay... kiss me like that again, though, please?"

if you liked this fic, REBLOG IT - you SHOULD reblog it.

[night-market-if]

Paper Lanterns Part 23

Paper Lanterns is a community based IF game here on Tumblr.  I need something to fuel the creative fires while I chip away at The Night Market demo, and I want to give you all a little something in the meantime.  Here’s how it will work.

I will post a snipped under the cut every few days.  At the end of the post will be three options.  Comment below or send me an ask if you would rather be anonymous, over which route you would like to see.  I will tally them up and write the majority option and post it in the following days. From there, we repeat the process until we, as a community, have crafted our story.

Please reblog and share this with others.  The more people we have participating, the more fun I think this can be for us.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 under the cut

Winner of last vote: Stay down and listen to Hazel. Rat is still unconscious behind you and not out of the woods yet.

The front door shut, leaving you in a dim light with only the faint sound of a bubbling cauldron in back.  You stared at it. As if it would open again and Hazel would come through. But it never did.

You don’t know how long you sat, starting at the front door and trying to figure out what had just gone wrong. You were doing the right thing by bringing the kid here.  If you had gone after the assailant, you know he would have died.  But Hazel would be safe, and you would have a key in your hands to give to the Baron. As it was, you were left with nothing but a shaky knowledge of what it meant to watch over Rat and keep him stable.

Letting out a shaky breath, you lean your head back against the wall, watching the steady rise and fall of the boy's breath.  You felt paralyzed with inaction.  The world around you had begun to spiral so quickly, and what you could even do about it felt nearly meaningless.  

Closing your eyes, you let yourself slip into near paralysis for a moment. Just one small moment where you could feel absolutely all of it. Where the terror could consume you and panic could strike you down. Where your mind raged at the world and how unfair it had treated you. Treated her. Treated the small boy struggling for his life behind you. 

Then, you opened your eyes and rose to your feet.

You didn’t know what stabilization meant for a patient that had been on death's door and had been healed by magic.  Rat was breathing, and that was about all you could really hope for.  You needed to figure out how to get Hazel out now, and you needed to get the key to the door before the Baron lost her patience.  You knew if Hazel had her way, you would stay here until the boy woke, so he wouldn’t be scared upon waking in the witches shop.  You didn’t have that same moral quandary, though. Hazel always did say your lacked empathy at times.

Writing a note, you explained the situation as best you could and put in on the boy's chest.  Grabbing a sleeping draught from behind the counter, you forced a bit of it down the kid's throat, praying he would sleep most of your absence away.  You just needed to get to the Night Market proper.  Send someone down here. Granted, the people you trusted didn’t even fill one hand, but you couldn’t be picky at a time like this.

Grabbing a few herbs from the back of Hazel’s shop, you pocketed the things that you know would help you in a pinch. Healing tonics. Smoke orbs.  Small bits of poison in case you needed to coat a knife.  You pause at a picture Hazel still kept behind the counter. It was of you, Malcolm and Hazel.  Right before the big fire. Arms slung around each other, waist deep in the creek out back.  You three had been so young then.  The fat of youth full and flush on your face, while little lightening wisps circled above your head.  You missed those days.

Not bothering to look back at Rat, you left the shop.

The first stop was Neve’s.  She was serving up kafe to a pair of broken tusk orcs when you paused by her side. “I need help.”

She eyes you for a moment before nodding once, walking out of ear shot of her customer.  Customers, that you couldn’t help but notice, looked eerily interested in what you had to say. Or perhaps you were paranoid. “Rat is at Hazel’s.  He was dying and she had to use her magic. So I need to now get her out of the hands of the Velvet Guard.”

The woman took the quick explanation in stride, only pause for a singular moment to make sure she heard it right. “And what exactly is it you need me to do?”

“The kids unconscious. I need you to go and watch over him.”

She looked as if she were about to protest. You didn’t get involved with the Albright’s.  But maybe it was the look on your face that made her change your mind. Or the clear fact that you had been crying at some point.  She nodded, turning to her customers.

“Alright, clear out! I’m closing early for the day and I don’t need your asses breaking my stools until you’re ready to go.”

You smile a little, feeling relief as you turn to slip away again.  God, you owed that woman more than she’d ever know.

Next was the Velvet Guard. The docks where the bails took place.  You knew Hazel would be processed by now, set for bail at some point during the next gathering.  You didn’t want her to sit in the cells that long.  You walked past the rickety saloons, only dribbling with life today.  Past the sand covered pens. The moans on the wind were low, so you doubted the flesh pits were all that full. A shiver went down your spine about someone making an example of her. Of sending her there just because of who she was.

You walked towards the cave's entrance. Not the one guarded up top, but the small alcove near the base of the cliffside.  Two guards stood blank faced outside of it and when you shoved by them without preamble, they barely seemed to care.

Behind the desk was a stout woman, her pink hair coiled in tight braids around her head.  “Can I help you?” she had deep green eyes and an angular face where golden olive cheekbones sat high and prominent.  

“Hazel Albright. I want to buy her bail now.”

She didn’t even look down at her ledger. “I’m afraid Ms. Albright is not up for bail.”

“What do you mean she’s not up for bail? She’s been processed, hasn’t she?”

“Yes,” the woman stated. “But she is not eligible for bail.”

You felt rage settle across your shoulders. They weren’t even giving her a chance.  “I’m going to ask this of you, nice and slow, and you’re going to answer me, alright? Why the fuck is she not eligible for bail?”

“Because she’s a witch. She is a threat to our community.  Placing such a menace out on the streets again to wreak havoc is not something the Velvet Guard is willing to do.”

“She saved a boy's life,” you grit through your teeth.

“She used unauthorized magic  that was not sanctioned.  Magic that has specifically been forbidden from her after the likes of her mother.  It is a shame that a child was involved in all this.  We will be collecting him as well to make sure she did not taint him in the process.”

Your fingers wrapped around her throat.  You didn’t remember reaching out, but you had her out of her chair and pressed against the jagged wall behind her.  She reached for a blade at her hip but you had it tossed across the room before she could raise her hand.  Leaning in close, your eyes darkened as you tightened your grip.  “I think the Velvet Guard needs to rethink their position, don’t you?”

Behind me, I could hear the guards from outside, rush in.

Voting is closed! Part 24 is here

Use the front desk woman as leverage. Threaten to kill her without the release of Hazel Albright.

Fight the guards around you and see if you can storm the cells and get Hazel free.

Release the woman and put your hands in the air in peace.  Your threat was made, now you needed to go find help from someone with more power.

Well this one went a different turn than I expected.

If you haven't seen, Chapter Two of the Night Market is now out! It is linked below if you're interested. Reblogs and feedback are also love! Also, there is a Paper Lanterns discord now. Click the link below to join.

Patreon || Ko-fi || Demo || Discord

[thebadgerclan]

True Identities

Pairing: Nikolai Lantsov x reader

Requested by Anonymous

Summary: Both you and your captain reveal your true identities...

His eyes should be fixed on the horizon, scanning the endless sea for movement, for enemy or friendly ships, but Strumhond’s gaze was firmly fixed on you.  Your hair fastened back in a knot to keep it from blowing in the sea breeze, your roughspun tunic cinched at your waist with a belt, your hands moving with practiced movements as you secured ropes on the masts.  There wasn’t a thing about you that Sturmhond didn’t admire and adore: you had an incredible work ethic, kind, funny, sweet, everything Sturmhond could want in a girlfriend or wife.

Tolya approached you, saying something that made you throw your head back with laughter, and Sturmhond’s heart skipped several beats.  He was beyond denying it, but the fact still somewhat surprised him: he’d fallen for you and fallen hard.  Tamar was manning the starboard side of the ship, the twins, he, and you being the only crew aboard the Volkvolny.  It was a simple trip from Kerch to Novyi Zem to pick up a few crates of jurda, no need for a full crew.  Besides, what danger was Sturmhond or his ship in in Zemini waters?

“Captain!” Tamar shouted, her voice panicked.  “We’re being boarded!”  “Shit!”  Sturmhond scrambled down from the crow’s nest, drawing his pistols as he did.  Apparently, they were in danger, and by the looks of it, outnumbered.  10 Shu pirates were climbing over the hull of the ship, all manners of weapons in their hands: sabers, long swords, rifles, shotguns.  “What the hell are Shu pirates doing out here?” Tolya cried, knocking one of them back into the water.

“Who cares?” you called, drawing your owl revolver from your pocket.  “They’ll overrun us if we don’t do something!”  The four of you fought hard; the twins using their power primarily while Sturmhond and yourself used weapons.  But only a few moments later, Tamar lay on the deck unconscious, Toyla was clutching a wound on his arm, and Sturmhond was out of ammunition.

There was only one way out of this, there was only one way you could save your friends and the man who you’d found yourself falling for.  You knew there would be no going back from what you were about to do, and you found yourself thanking the Saints that there were only four of you aboard.  Breathing deeply, you called to your power, a power you hadn’t used in centuries.  You arced your hand out, the shadows forming a deadly sharp blade that sliced all nine Shu pirates in half.

Sturmhond startled, yelping in shock.  He watched as their bodies crumpled to the desk, shadows leaking from the wounds you’d created.  He looked at you, mouth open in shock Sturmhond’s face, the face you’d come to adore, was contorted in equal parts fear, awe, and surprise.  “Tamar,” he said, seeing the Heartrender stir.  “Are you alright?”  “I’ve felt better, Captain, but yes, I’m alright.”

“Good.  Tend to your brother.  Y/N, might I have a word?”  “Of course, Captain.”  You followed Sturmhond into his quarters, nervousness filling you as he shut the door.  “First, thank you for saving us,” he began crossing the room to stand behind his desk.  “We’d be dead if you hadn’t done….that.  Now, I ask you this: what the hell was that?”  You sighed, pinching the bridge of your nose.  “You won’t like it,” you said, and Sturmhond laughed.

“That remains to be seen.  Please,” he added in a softer tone.  “Tell me what happened up there.”  You held out your hand, letting shadows pool in your palm.  They fell to the ground like ink in water, dispersing like fog, and Sturmhond gasped.  “Saints, are you…”  “A Darkling, yes, I am,” you finished for him.  “That means you’re related to-”  “He is my brother,” you said.  Sturmhond went silent, and you wondered if he was thinking about chucking you into the sea.   But a few moments later, he spoke.

“Why would you hide this?”  “Why wouldn’t I?” you countered.  “Everyone knows what my power means, it’s a target on my back.  If I were a Tidemaker of a Healer, then no, I wouldn’t have hidden my power.  But because of what I can do, it’s safer for everyone if I keep it hidden.”  Sturmhond was surprised, but he understood.  He understood what it meant to have to hide who you were, for your true identity to put a target on your back.  And you’d come clean, trusted him with this secret, so maybe he could do the same.

“You should know that I am not my brother,” you continued.  “What he’s done...what he’s made, it sickens me.  And I’ll do whatever I can to heal the damage he’s done.”  Sturmhond nodded, taking a step towards you.  “Thank you for telling me this, Y/N,” he said.  “There’s something I’d like to tell you, too.  I haven’t been completely honest about my true identity either.”

“What do you mean?”  “Tamar!” he shouted, and the Heartrender appeared a moment later.  “Yes Captain?”  “Undo it.”  “Sir?”  “Undo it,” Sturmhond repeated, and Tamar, though she looked wary, nodded.  She came to stand between the two of you, facing him.  She raised her hand, and when she stepped back, you gasped.  Gone was Sturmhond, the privateer, and in his place was Nikolai Lantsov.

“Saints and their mothers,” you swore, a hand over your heart.  “And this isn’t all,” he said, stepping closer to you, taking your hands in his.  “I have fallen in love with you, Y/N.  Every single thing about you, I love, and I would be honored if you would be mine.”  You shook your head, but didn’t step back.  “Moi tsarevich-”  “Nikolai, please.”  “Nikolai,” you amended, feeling improper for addressing a prince so casually.  “You’re… this isn’t a joke?”

“No, darling, it isn’t a joke.  Stumhond is an alias, a way for me to leave Prince Nikolai in Ravka and let me be free for a while.  I know you know what it’s like having to hide yourself.”  You nodded, looking at your joined hands, eyes travelling up to Nikolai’s face.  His nose was no longer crooked, green eyes now a beautiful shade of hazel, ruddy hair a golden blond.  “I do,” you responded, inching closer to him.

“You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met, Y/N,” Nikolai went on.  “Kind, sweet, funny.   I felt that way before you sliced those men in half and I feel that way now.  You are not your brother, and, if you’ll let me, I will love you more than you’ve ever imagined.”  You flushed, bottom lip coming between your teeth.  “You’re a prince,” you said, looking into his beautiful hazel eyes.  “Ravka can’t have a Grisha princess, let alone a Darkling.”

“No, but she’ll have a Grisha queen.”  Your eyes widened, and you shook your head.  “Are you mad?  The people won’t stand for that!”  “Don’t worry yourself just yet, sweetheart,” he said, testing out a few nicknames.  “I have Vasily to take care of first, make him see that I’m the better choice for the throne.  And you on the throne, letting the people see that Grisha, yes, even a Darkling, can do good, that can only help the people’s opinions on Grisha.”

You were silent for a few moments, standing before Nikolai, your hands still clasped in his.  “This is crazy,” you said, and Nikolai nodded.  “Just a bit.”  “It feels impossible, you and me being together.”  “Now Y/N, you know how I feel about that word.”  He was smirking, and you laughed, a beautiful sound.  “Alright, improbable then.”  “It is, but I’m notorious for beating the odds.”  You smiled, and Nikolai put his arms around you, pulling you into his chest.  You rested your head on his shoulder, your arms wrapped around his waist.  “You’ll be a queen, Y/N,” he said, stroking your hair.  “I promise.”

[gamergirl929]

We Fall In Love With People We (Think) We Can’t Have (Alex Morgan x Reader)

Anonymous Request: Alex Morgan x Reader: They have a friends with benefits relationship, but R catches feelings, so she tells Alex b/c it seems like there were mixed signals indicating that she may like her too, only to be rejected. They stop their sexy times and R finds comfort in Sonny. Over time, Alex notices this and becomes more and more jelly. She snaps when the team starts sharing fan vids of them together. R runs after her when she leaves and then Alex kisses her. Angst and fluff like fuck me up pls.

Mentions of smut and a WHOLEEEEEEEEEEEEE lot of angst.

You should’ve known, you should’ve known, the fleeting touches, the longing gazes, all hints in your mind, were only hints in YOUR mind.  

All of the time you spent together, all of the time you spent waking up at night, the two of you entirely bare, the room clouded with the scent of sex and your bodies sore, meant absolutely nothing to Alex Morgan.  

“You knew when we started this that this was sex and ONLY sex.”  

You remember the look on her face, the complete and utter confusion, mixed with something akin to pity.  

She pitied you.  

Pitied you because you’d fallen in love with her, all those nights you spent by her side, watching her sleep peacefully, your bodies dotted with purple bruises, had meant absolutely nothing to her, while it had meant the world to you.  

You’d nodded, tears in your eyes as you turned and sprinted out of her hotel room, essentially ending the ‘relationship’ or lack thereof between the two of you.  

Nothing would ever be the same between you again, because you had the audacity to fall in love with someone who wouldn’t ever love you back.  

And that someone was Alex Morgan.

                                                           ***

After that night, you steered clear of Alex Morgan, willing your eyes to stay off of her in an attempt to dull the utter heartbreak you were feeling.

“Whoa, what’s wrong with Y/N? She looks heartbroken.” Kelley frowns at the look on your face and Alex sighs, shrugging.  

“I don’t know.”  

Kelley scoffs.  

“Don’t give me that shit Morgan, Emily said Y/N was crying when she came back to their room last night.”

Alex’s blue orbs disappear behind her closed eyelids, a lump forming in the woman’s throat.  

The last thing she EVER had wanted to do was hurt you.  

“I mean, you guys were banging weren’t-

“I don’t want to talk about it, Kelley.” Alex bites, Kelley holding her hands up in surrender.  

“Alright, alright, calm down Jan.”    

Alex glances your way out of the corner of her eye, catching the small smile on your face as Emily wraps her arms around you, the woman giving you a tight squeeze.  

The second your arms slip around her neck, Alex’s stomach twists violently, her heart clenching in her chest.  

She could have that.  

She could have that, but she’d screwed up.  

Screwed up because she’d told you she didn’t feel the same, but in reality, she did, she did feel the same.  

But she was Alex Morgan.  

And there was NO way Alex Morgan could be bisexual.  

Right?

                                                           ***

The more time Alex spent away from you, the more she missed you, missed the feel of the rising and falling of your chest against hers, missed the feel of waking up beside you in the morning, missed the smile on your face that had been directed at her.  

In this case though, that smile wasn’t directed at her.  

It was directed at Emily Sonnett.  

Emily rests her head on your shoulder and moments later, you rest your head on top of hers, the harmless interaction between the two of you making Alex’s stomach twist in jealousy, her eyes burning a hole in the back of Emily’s head.  

“Hey.”  

Alex turns her glare away from Emily as she turns to Kelley, the defender’s eyes widening at the look at her face.  

“Al, they’re just friends.”  

Alex scoffs.  

“It’s not like I care anyway.” She growls, turning away from her best friend.  

Kelley rolls her eyes, lips parting to snark at the forward, but at the look in her blue orbs her mouth snaps shut.  

Alex wasn’t just feeling anger at the sight of you and Emily together, it was sadness as well.  

                                                           ***

“Has she tried to talk to you?” Emily whispers from her place on the bench beside you and you shake her head.  

“No, not once.”  

Emily hums, her hazel orbs locking on the forward’s form, a forward who’s currently glancing your way.  

“I think she wants to.”  

You follow her gaze, catching familiar blue orbs on you before their owner abruptly turns away.

You shrug.  

“What if I don’t want to talk to her?” You mumble, Emily frowning as she places a hand on your back.  

“You do.”  

You turn to Emily with a frown.  

“What if I don’t like what she has to say?” You whisper, trying to hide the tears growing in your eyes.  

Emily cups your cheeks, the woman resting her forehead against yours, uncaring that the two of you are literally being watched by thousands of fans.  

“Listen to me, if she doesn’t want to be with you, it’s her loss.” She whispers, the woman smiling as she kisses your forehead, the blonde, much like yourself forgetting where you’re at in that moment.  

You didn’t bank on the fans taking notice, as well as a certain forward on field, the woman’s hands balling into fists.  

                                                           ***

“Ohhhh, look at the USWNT’s newest shippp!” Megan sings, passing you her phone, a picture of you and Emily on the screen, the blonde’s forehead resting against yours.  

Emily’s cheeks flush, as do yours.  

“Ugh, that picture was taken out of context.” Emily mumbles, swiping Megan’s phone from you, the woman glaring at the screen.  

“C’mon, you guys look cute together.” Lindsey teases.  

Further down the dinner table Alex clutches her fork tightly, a hard lump forming in her throat.

Kelly watches worriedly, Alex’s irritated state noticed by a number of her teammates within her vicinity.  

Christen and Tobin share a glance, as do Ali and Ashlyn, the two turning back to Alex who looks as if she’s about to blow a gasket.

She can feel the silverware bend in her hold, the woman’s stomach cramping.  

She couldn’t believe it, after only 4 months you were flaunting your relationship in front of her like what happened between the two of you hadn't mattered.  

Alex’s heart sinks in her chest.  

She’d done this.

She was the reason you’d even HAD the opportunity to get with Emily.  

She was the reason you were currently finding comfort in arms that weren’t hers. 

Alex shakes her head, blinking back the tears gathering in her eyes, tears she hopes no one sees, tears Kelley sees, tears Tobin and Christen see, tears Ali and Ashlyn see.  

Tears she was shedding from thinking about what could have been.  

What could have been if she hadn’t turned you down.  

What could have been if she realized she loved you sooner.  

                                                           ***

It wasn’t hard to see that Alex Morgan was exhausted, the bags under her blue orbs a dark purple, looking as if she’d either been in a fight, or hadn’t slept in weeks.  

She noticeably had been slower on field, prompting Vlatko to take action, meaning ordering her to get what she needed, rest.

The woman unable to participate in practices and games until she felt better.  

But she wouldn’t feel better, because right now, she was experiencing what you had when she first spurned you.  

She deserved to feel this way.  

“Jan, I can’t see you like this...” Kelley frowns sadly.  

“Like what?” Alex snarks. “I’m fine.”  

“Al, you’re-

“I said I’m fine.” Alex growls, cutting Tobin off, the forward frowning sadly, worriedly.  

“Listen, you can’t stay in bed all day, it’s movie night tonight and you’re coming with us...” Kelley gives her leg a nudge and Alex groans.  

“I’m not going.” She grumbles under her breath, snarling when Christen jerks the covers off of her.  

“Yes, you are. You need to spend time with the team, it’ll help.”  

Alex shakes her head, hiding her face in her pillow.  

“No, it won’t...” She sighs, whispering into the pillow so the others can’t hear.  

“It won’t because she’ll be there.”  

                                                           ***

Unfortunately for Alex, she ends up in the hotel room packed with her teammates for movie night, the forward keeping her distance away from not only you and Emily, but everyone else as well.  

Her teammates worriedly glance her way, though none of them speak, scared that it could drive her back into her hotel room, back into solitude.  

Alex can’t keep her eyes off of you, tired blue orbs on your profile, tired blue orbs that you find yourself gazing into every once in a while, the forward abruptly turning away from you.  

You frown sadly.  

You wanted to help her, you wanted to hold her like you used to, but you couldn’t, you couldn’t because she didn’t reciprocate your feelings, feelings you had yet to get over.  

You could see it, even from across the room, Alex’s eyes were puffy and swollen, despite the time she spent curled up in bed, it looked as if she hadn’t been sleeping. Her skin was pale, lacking the usual glow she had, and lips were cracked, chapped from neglect.  

“Ohhh, look at thissssss.”  

You turn to Ashlyn, the woman’s voice pulling you out of your trance, she and Megan grinning your way.  

“You and Emily have a new fan video.” Megan teases, missing the way that Alex tenses up.  

Emily rolls her eyes.  

“We’re just friends.” She pouts and Ashlyn snorts.  

“NOT according to THIS.” She holds her phone out, sappy music playing through the speakers as photos of you and Emily play on the screen as well as a number of clips where the two of you were celebrating goals, Emily kissing your cheek.  

Abruptly, so abrupt in fact that everyone jumps, Alex moves to her feet and makes a mad dash for the door.  

“Al! Wait!” You call out, chasing after her, but just as you’re slipping through the door you hear another door slam, presumably the one to Alex’s hotel room.  

You move towards the door, wrapping your knuckles against its hard surface.  

“Alex, come out and talk to me, please.” You plea, but your pleas go unanswered.  

You knock until your knuckles flush so red, you know they’ll be bruised in the morning, but you don’t care, you just want to get to her.  

Eventually though, the knocking ceases and on the other side of the door, Alex’s tears begin to fall.  

                                                           ***

Considering you’re in town for a tournament, you don’t do much bus riding, so catching Alex on the bus was a no go, though each and every time you tried to catch her coming out of her hotel room, she’d somehow slip passed you and out of your grasp.  

Attempts to talk Kelley into giving you her hotel key had failed, the defender wanting to protect her best friend, which you completely understood and didn’t blame her for.  

It isn’t till days later that you FINALLY cease your opportunity, catching Alex alone in the locker room after a rough game against Sweden.  

The woman doesn’t even see you coming considering she’s sitting on the bench, her hands covering her face.  

Your teammates silently slip out of the room, giving the two of you the much needed space you so crave.  

“Alex?”  

The forward’s head snaps up, her tired blue orbs wide, she’d been so lost in her pity party at having a terrible game that she hadn’t realized that the locker room was empty and that the two of you were the only ones left.  

Alex jumps to her feet, ready to make a break for it, but the look on your face makes her still, a look of utter sadness, but also, hints of anger.  

“Alex, please tell me what’s going on... I can’t see you like this...”  

Alex closes her eyes, your words falling on deaf ears as she tries to fight back what she’d been wanting to do for months, fought back the urge to run to you and take you into her arms.  

“Are you even listening to me!? ALEX! TALK TO ME DAMN IT!” You snap as you advance on the woman, the woman who can no longer keep herself back.  

Alex’s lips meet yours in a kiss like none you’d ever shared before, her lips soft, the kiss in no way filled with lust, but something else.  

She pulls back, tilting her head to change the angle of the kiss, kisses that are growing more heated, that is until you’re guiding her backwards into a locker, the woman ending up sitting in the locker as the two of you kiss.  

It isn’t long before your tongue is pushing passed Alex’s lips and swiping against her own, the woman moaning into your mouth as her hands run down your back. 

Your tongues tangle, flicking and rubbing against one another in such a way that makes your body shudder, the feeling of her tongue against yours bringing back a multitude of memories, night’s you’d spent together, bare and covered in sweat.  

Alex pushes you back suddenly, guiding you back into a wall, her tongue swiftly dominating your own, that is until the forward starts to slow the kisses down, her tongue no longer in the picture as her lips meet yours in a way that makes your heart warm, a warmth that spreads throughout your chest.  

Alex’s nose brushes your own, you think on accident, but you quickly realize it’s purposeful, a smile stretching across her face, a smile you hadn’t seen in weeks. 

You cup her cheeks, resting your forehead against hers as you stroke the bags under her eyes.  

“I think we need to talk... Don’t you?” You whisper and she nods, blue orbs fluttering shut as she leans into your touch.  

“Yeah, we do.”  

                                                           ***

Your eyes narrow as you stare at Alex, the forward shuffling nervously under you gaze.  

Alex stiffens when you reach for her, taking her hand and leading her to the bed, the two of you sitting on the end of it.  

“Al, please talk to me...” You whisper, stroking the back of her hand with your thumb.  

Alex takes comfort in the feeling the woman’s eyes fluttering shut as she blurts out her confession, a confession that had been bottled up inside, wanting to escape the confides of her throat.  

“I was jealous.” She whispers, the woman unable to open her eyes, unable to find the courage to see your reaction.  

Your brows furrow in question before your eyes widen.  

“Emily?” You ask, the forward tensing.  

You shake your head, chuckling, that chuckle making Alex’s eyes flash open.  

Alex’s heart skips a beat as you cup her cheeks.  

“She was just a shoulder to cry on, we’re only friends.” You whisper, leaning in to rest your forehead against hers.  

“So...” Alex swallows hard.  

“You’re just friends?” She asks and you nod.  

“Just friends.”  

Alex nods, the woman swallowing hard.  

“I’m sorry for what happened...” She whispers, your eyes slamming shut as you pull away, the woman already missing your touch.  

“Does that... Does that mean you just want to be friends?” You ask, the forward shaking her head.  

“No!” She cries, clearing her throat when she realizes she’d basically screamed at you.

“No...” She whispers, cupping your cheeks this time.  

“I didn’t realize my feelings were as strong as they were until I lost you, until I thought you loved someone else.” She whispers, her head hanging in shame.  

“Could you ever forgive me?” She sniffles, eyes welling up with tears as she thinks of the prospect of you not forgiving her.  

You lean in, pressing a kiss to the tip of her nose.  

“Of course I forgive you.”

Alex’s head perks up, her eyes widening as tears stream down her cheeks, tears you’re quick to wipe away.  

“There’s something I need you to do for me.” You whisper, the woman sighing as she rest her forehead back against yours.  

“Anything.”  

You pull away, kissing her forehead as you give her arm a tug.  

“Get some sleep, I know you’re exhausted.” You say, your index finger brushing beneath her blood shot, red and puffy eyes.  

Alex grabs your hand before you can pull away.  

“Will you...” She swallows hard.  

“Will you stay?” She asks and you smile.  

“Of course.”  

The two of you crawl up to the head of the bed, a grin stretching across your face as Alex spreads your legs and settles on your chest, burying her nose in your neck, the woman releasing a sigh, a relaxed sigh that tells you how much she’d been missing you.  

The woman nuzzles into the soft flesh just behind your ear, remaining silent for a moment before she whispers, words slurring as she fights off sleep.  

“I want to try this... With you...” She whispers, your eyes widening.  

Alex Morgan, the woman who’d spurned your advances before was now asking you if you wanted to take those feelings to the next level.  

You smile, your lips parting to give her an emphatic yes, that is until you realize she’s fast asleep in your arms.  

Your grin, turning your head to kiss her forehead.  

“I want to try this with you too.”

[sunshinemarauder]

‘Are you blushing?’ + joy + red <333 love you babe

Yellow Roses & Love Poems

On the fourteenth of February, Lily Evans stood at the top of the stairs leading down from the girls' dormitory holding a bouquet of yellow roses.

'He'll hate it,' Lily moaned, ducking her head in worry. Next to her, her dormmate Bess patted her back awkwardly while Mary slung an arm around her shoulder and squeezed reassuringly.

'Lil, he won't hate it,' Mary assured her. 'He's mad about you, remember?'

'No!' Lily said, panicked. Because that was the problem; she had no idea how he felt about her. 'No, he's probably been over me for ages, and he's going to smile adorably and pity me and say that he sees me as a sister—'

A snort from behind her cut her off, and Lily was greeted with the sight of a partially-dressed Marlene McKinnon poking her head out from the doorway.

'James could never see you like a 'sister'. He's physically incapable, I think. He's forever destined to be hopelessly in love with you.'

Lily blushed furiously. 'He's not in love with me, Marley!'

‘I don’t know about that,’ Marlene said with a sly grin. ‘He used to always fumble his words around you, remember?’

‘Used to,’ Lily said sharply. ‘Not anymore. He acts like a normal person! Not like someone who’s hopelessly in love with me.’

‘That’s because you’re friends now,’ Mary reminded her. ‘Do you act like a doofus around him? No, because you’re comfortable with him. That’s a good thing.’

She sort of did act like a doofus around him, though; the last time he hugged her it felt like she ascended to a higher plane. She couldn’t stop smiling for hours.

‘You got this, Lily!’ Bess said encouragingly. ‘If you’re too nervous to give it to him, just make it anonymous?’

‘Of course!’ Lily said brightly with newfound vigor. ‘You’re a genius, Bess! I’ll make it anonymous, and send a card with it.’

Marlene and Mary exchanged worried glances.

‘But, Lily...’ Mary said hesitantly. ‘What if he thinks it’s from someone else? Like one of those fifth-years that always fawn over him?’

‘It’ll be fine,’ Lily said dismissively, already walking back into the dorm. ‘Let me write a message... let’s see, someone hand me a parchment? Right, thanks, Marley.’

Lily picked up a brown-feathered quill, dipped it in ink, and began writing on a piece of parchment that was charmed to be bright, brilliant red.

Yellow roses, emerald ivy, gray skies You took me by surprise When you snuck into my heart I’m lost in the hazel of your eyes

Happy Valentine's, James.

‘Lily!’ Marlene crowed. ‘‘I’m lost in the hazel of your eyes?’ Really?’

‘Shut up,’ Lily said crossly. ‘He won’t know it’s from me anyway.’

Bess bit her lip nervously. ‘I hope it goes well, Lily. For your sake.’

Bess, although she’d been Lily’s roommate for six years now, was never as close to her as Marlene and Mary were. She and their fifth roommate, Ingrid, spent most of their time together.

Everyone knew that Ingrid had a huge crush on James Potter back in their fifth year, back when he was loud about fancying Lily. It had made things tense in the girls' dormitory, and Bess had started spending less time with her, Marlene, and Mary.

Thankfully, it seemed like Ingrid was over her crush by now and dating a Ravenclaw the year below her. But, just in case, the rest of the girls made sure that she wasn't there while Lily prepared her valentine for James.

'Don't worry,' Mary soothed, taking Lily's hand in hers and squeezing it gently. 'He probably won't even know it's from you.'

'I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing,' Lily admit with a nervous laugh.

'Good!' Bess exclaimed, at the same time that Marley interjected with a scowl, 'Bad.'

Mary smiled sheepishly at Lily, flipping off Bess and Marlene behind her back. 'Let's get this to the Owlery, yeah?'

Lily nodded mutely and let her friend lead the way.

At breakfast, the Great Hall was filled with cutesy couples flirting with each other and kissing all over the place. Owls were swooping in and out, dropping red and pink Valentines in people's laps.

Lily walked into the Hall with Marlene and Mary, unable to resist sneaking nervous glances to where James, Sirius, Remus, and Peter sat. James had thrown his head back, laughing at something Peter said, and Lily found her eyes drawn to the expanse of his neck and the bulge of his throat.

She gulped and dragged her gaze away from him. Marlene winked, and she looked away.

'Go on Lil, sit next to him!' Mary encouraged, nudging her in James' direction.

'No!' Lily whispered furiously. 'I can't be next to him when he gets the you-know-what.'

'It's not like you don't sit next to him most of the time anyway,' Mary argued. 'It'll be more suspicious if you don't sit next to him when there's an open seat right there.'

Marlene nodded, grinning, and hip-checked Lily toward the boys. Grumbling, Lily took a seat (reluctantly) on the other side of James.

'Good morning! Wonderful day, isn't it?' James said brightly, flashing a crinkle-eyed smile at her. Lily felt overwhelmed under the warmth of his gaze, but she managed a shy wave and a small smile.

'What's got you in such a chipper mood?' Lily joked, though her heart was hammering. Do you have a Valentine? Who isn't me? Dear Merlin, please say no.

'He's overcompensating,' Sirius answered with a wry smile. 'He was in a rotten mood this morning because it's Valentine's Day and he's woefully single.'

James glared at his best mate. 'Shut up, Padfoot. You're single too!'

'But I want to be single,' Sirius pointed out. 'You don't.'

James rolled his eyes and stabbed at his food with extra gusto. 'I said shut up.'

'Also,' Sirius continued. 'He's in a bad mood because he's too much of a wimp to ask—'

'Shut up,' James said harshly. 'Or I will skin you alive and feed you to Moony.'

Lily stifled her laughter. She was the only one of the girls who knew who Moony referred to in this case. The rest of them probably assumed he was talking about Remus.

'You're ridiculous,' She said fondly, bumping her shoulder with his. 'We're in the same boat, at least. We can be woefully single together.'

Maybe she imagined, but she thought she saw something like disappointment flash through his eyes.

'Right—' James started.

He was cut off by a large tawny owl swooping in and landing in front of him, hooting loudly. It carried a bouquet of yellow roses and a rolled-up red parchment.

'Merlin, Prongs,' Sirius said, amazed. 'You got a Valentine?'

Lily avoided everyone's eyes and shoveled food into her mouth as her hands started to become slick with sweat.

James frowned and rolled open the red parchment. 'Maybe it's one of those fifth-year girls? I dunno how they would have known that my favorite flowers are yellow roses, though,' He said thoughtfully.

Because they don't know, Lily wanted to shout. I know, because I pay attention to you.

'Read it out loud,' Sirius instructed. He leaned forward, his grey eyes piercing as he watched James. Lily couldn't help but be thankful that his keen gaze wasn't trained on her.

She nearly jumped when a hand landed on her elbow, only to be shushed by Marlene, who was on her other side.

'You got this,' Marley whispered encouragingly, flashing her a bright smile and a thumbs-up under the table.

James cleared his throat self-consciously and began to read. 'Yellow roses, emerald ivy, gray skies. You took me by surprise when you snuck into my heart. I’m lost in the hazel of your eyes. Happy Valentine's, James.' He blushed furiously at the end and rolled the parchment back up.

Sirius, on the other hand, threw his head back in laughter. 'Oh, Merlin. 'I'm lost in the hazel of your eyes?' Which pathetic girl wrote it?'

Anger flared up inside Lily's chest. 'It's not nice to call her pathetic,' Lily snapped instinctively, freezing when everyone turned to stare incredulously at her. James looked at her funny, and she flushed even more. 'I only meant she— you know, whoever it is— was probably nervous about sending it. And she, whoever it is, wouldn't want you to poke fun.'

Shit. Shit buggering hell— she was going to give herself away, in front of all her friends. Lily couldn't imagine a more mortifying situation, really.

Sirius leaned forward. A slow grin spread across his face.

'Evans, are you blushing?'

Stupid sodding Sirius Black and his ability to read her like an open book.

'No!' Lily squeaked, too quickly, but her flaming cheeks gave her away.

Sirius gaped at her. 'Do you know who sent the card or something? Is that why you're acting all batty?'

'I don't know who it is!' Lily said hastily. 'I have no idea who it is, and even if I did know, why would I tell you? I'm not going to betray my— er, her— confidence.'

Sirius looked like he was going to say something else, but James put a hand out to stop him. 'It's fine, Lily,' James told her firmly. 'It's probably a joke anyway. Why would send me a love poem?' He smiled lopsidedly at her, and Lily's heartbeat sped up.

'It's not a joke,' Lily blurted out, before slapping a hand over her mouth in mortification. She was sure her cheeks were absolutely flaming by now.

'Evans!' Sirius cried gleefully. 'Did you send this Valentine to dear Prongs?'

Lily clamped her mouth shut, determined not to say anything. But that must have been the wrong thing to do, because Sirius clapped his hands together, looking like a child who had been told that Christmas came early.

Meanwhile, James was staring at her, open-mouthed, gaping like someone had just told him that she was a dragon. 'Lily? Is this— is this from you?'

Merlin's sodding pants. She nodded mutely, still blushing, and tried her best to avoid his gaze, keenly aware that all their friends (and some eavesdropping younger Gryffindors) were watching her in shock. Marlene and Mary were gleeful, Bess was apprehensive, and Ingrid looked like someone had just slapped her across the face. Remus and Peter looked flabbergasted, Sirius was delighted, and James was still staring at her, shellshocked.

'So you— you fancy me?' James asked her nervously, his hand darting up to his hair.

'Er, yes,' Lily mumbled. 'Rather a lot, actually. But you weren't supposed to know it was from me—'

'Then what was the point in even giving me a Valentine?' James asked her, his eyebrow furrowing adorably. 'For such a clever witch, you can be daft sometimes, Evans.'

Lily started to scowl, but he was grinning at her now, bright and happy, so she instead stuck her tongue out playfully. 'For a supposedly clever wizard, you're quite oblivious, Potter. I've been pretty clear that I've liked you for the past few months.'

'Months?' James gaped. 'Months? No way— you're telling me you've fancied me for months and I didn't know?'

Lily was starting to become annoyed. She'd just confessed her feelings to him and he still hadn't said anything. Was he going to reject her?

He was still staring at her.

'Close your mouth, Potter, and say something already,' Lily said, rather impatiently.

'Go out with me, Lily?' James blurted out, louder than he intended it to be. Heads were turning all across Gryffindor's table and even across the Hall, from Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw.

They made quite the couple; the Head Boy and Head Girl, notorious for a long-standing rivalry for five years, in which the Head Girl repeatedly rejected the Head Boy. And here he was, asking her out for the first time in almost two years, holding a bouquet of yellow roses and staring at her expectantly.

She knew her answer from the moment he opened his mouth.

'I suppose it's about time I say yes, isn't it?' Lily teased, grinning widely at him. 'Since I sent you a Valentine and all that.'

Everyone was watching them by now.

He smirked at her. 'It's a yes or no question, Lil.'

She blushed slightly when he called her Lil. 'Yes, you prat.'

James dropped the bouquet and parchment on the table and threw his arms around her, squeezing her tight. Lily hugged him back, laughing into his shoulder. He smiled against her hair, and she couldn't resist inhaling his scent.

'About bloody time!' Sirius crowed, and the rest of their friends followed in his example, cheering loudly.

James and Lily, on the other hand, still only had eyes for each other. Lily beamed at him, her cheeks flushed, and James grinned back, his glasses hanging lopsidedly on his nose, his hazel eyes twinkling happily.

'I took you by surprise when I snuck into your heart, huh?' James said playfully, dodging her when she smacked his arm. 'Can't believe you wrote me a love poem, Lily. Merlin's sake!'

'You wrote me love poems before!' Lily argued, her defensiveness given away by her flushed cheeks and bright eyes (although she was still smiling, which ruined the effect).

'In fourth year,' James pointed out. 'I was fourteen. You're eighteen.'

'I'm going to take back my 'yes' unless you stop right now, Potter.'

'No take-backs!' James said with a grin, throwing an arm around her shoulder and bumping his forehead with hers. 'You love my hazel eyes, remember?'

'Unfortunately,' Lily muttered under her breath. 'Believe me, I would have much rather fallen for someone sensible.'

His smile turned soft and adoring, and Lily found herself melting under his gaze (bloody hell, she really did love his eyes).

'Now you know how I've felt for the past three years,' James said quietly, his lips quirking adorably. 'It's not my fault you're an enchantress.'

Lily laughed and leaned over to press her lips to his; it was a messy kiss, with teeth clacking and smiles bumping into each other, but they had always been messy together anyway.

'It's not my fault you're easily enchanted,' Lily shot back against his lips.

'Shh,' James mumbled, kissing her back. 'Less talk, more snogging.'

'If you insist,' Lily agreed, before she pulled herself closer to him to kiss him harder.

[isthisthingeven0n]

nothing left to give : s.r

just wanted to put this out there. it’s been a while since i’ve posted, and this is something. 

you’re worn out, unsure whether the bau is your home after all. but the resident genuis won’t stand for that, especially when there’s things still unsaid between you both (2.5K)

It wasn’t as subtle as you hoped it to be. Then again, you should have known better working with a team of profilers who you consider family. Meaning in some sense, this wasn’t something that would’ve stayed hidden for long.

Initially, you just felt your eyes losing focus on case files. You’d been in California for two weeks on a case, resulting in a hefty amount of paperwork and the time difference combined threw you off, but it was meant to pass.

Except it didn’t.

You were beginning to get restless, waves of tiredness hitting you like a brick wall during office hours and Spencer was the first to catch on. Whenever you would leave your desk and later return you’d find a new mug of coffee, freshly brewed for you along with a small smile from across the room as you looked over in appreciation.

Convinced you had simply caught some kind of bug, you took a day off to rest. Yet, one day turned into three and once you returned, Spencer’s eyes widened at the sight that greeted him.

“Is that any way to greet your best friend, huh, Spence?” JJ chuckles, walking in behind you as she rests her hand on your shoulder, catching your gaze. You could tell JJ was profiling you with her soft Mom smile. “How’re you feeling, Y/n?”

Avoiding various glances from the rest of the team, you quickly nod. “Better.” You respond, wanting to carry on as if nothing were wrong as your glow began to flicker and fade.

“If it isn’t my angel, having returned from her duties in heaven.” Derek speaks up, happily walking towards you as Penelope remains in tow.

“Oh, I’m so glad you’re back. I don’t know if you got the-”

“The animal videos and relaxing music tracks,” You smile as Penelope nods, Derek rolling his eyes. “I did, thanks, Pen.” You rise to your feet, blocking out the blurred vision as you lean into a tight hug.

Whilst in Penelope’s embrace, Derek shoots Spencer a look, motioning him to follow.

“Just take it easy, we can’t have half of our favourite duo going on us.” Penelope jokes with you as you watch Spencer walk sheepishly behind Derek into the conference room, the door closing behind them. “Well, if you need me, I’ll be in the Batcave.”

The Batcave had never appealed to you more than now. The dark walls, few visitors and all of Penelope’s fluffy things to play with. Maybe you’ll find a reason to stop by later if the headache that looms over your thoughts returns.

Over in the conference room, Derek leans against the table whilst Spencer tries to stand tall, his hands resting in his pockets. “Kid, what’s going on with Y/n?”

A heavy sigh escapes Spencer’s lips as his eyes fall to the ground. “What’d you mean?”

Derek shifts, his eyes hardening as Spencer lifts his head back up. “Reid,” Derek starts.

“She, she won’t tell me,” Spencer states, taking Derek by surprise. “I, I want to ask her, but I’m worried she won’t take it well.” Spencer sighs as he turns his head, looking out from the blinds to see you talking with JJ, a tired smile wearing heavy on your face. “We made an agreement a while ago to always be honest with one another, but I don’t know if that still stands.”

“Is she struggling with things?” Derek questions, resting his arms against the table as Spencer opens his mouth, but words struggle to follow.

“I, I know I’m a profiler, that’s my job but with Y/n, I, I hate doing it. She’s supposed to tell me these things, I don’t want to figure it out.” Spencer stumbles, but he knows exactly what is wrong with you, and that’s the issue.

“Judging by the guilt in your voice, you’ve already figured it out, huh?” Derek comments as Spencer nods in response. “You gotta talk to her, Reid before it gets worse.”

Another nod follows as Spencer remains lost in thought, barely registering the quick pat on the shoulder from Derek before he exits the conference room, leaving him alone until Penelope enters, announcing there’s a new case.

*

It was a long case, one that dragged out with several victims and a blur of family members cross your mind as you curl up in your seat on the jet.

Closing your eyes, all you can picture are those screams and violent sobs from the victim's families. You promised them you’d bring their child/sibling/friend/niece/nephew/grandchild home, but you couldn’t, you didn’t.

“Hey,” Lifting your head up, you’re greeted by Spencer holding a mug of green tea. “Did you know that Green Tea contains epigallocatechin-3-gallate, or more commonly known as EGCG. It’s a natural antioxidant, and that’s only one of the benefits from drinking green tea, did you know,”

Holding your hand up, Spencer pauses before sitting down beside you.

“I’m glad you stopped him before I did.” Rossi comments from across the jet, nursing a glass of scotch along with Hotch.

“Thanks, Spence.” You mutter, grasping the mug closely as the burning sensation trickles through your skin, but you refuse to let go. “Sorry, my heads just thumping.” You smile weakly to your best friend who wears that uncomfortable tight-lipped grin. “Don’t do that,”

Spencer pauses, his lips parting. “Do what?” He asks, shuffling in his seat so his body is facing you, closing off everyone else who is asleep or drifting on the jet.

“Treat me like I’m ill or tiptoe around things.” You sigh, releasing your hands from the mug as you rub your temples, the warmth from your fingertips soothing you momentarily.

“Then tell me what’s going on, Y/n.” Spencer states quietly, trying not to raise his voice as JJ stirs in her sleep across from you both. “Please,” He whispers, and the mere plead breaks your heart.

Closing your eyes, you shake your head. “I don’t know if I can Spencer,” You tell him, opening your eyes and focusing on his, how big the universe looks through his hazel gaze. “and it hurts to admit that because I care about you and, and everyone so much.” You never get overly emotional after cases, but with everything else, it’s just hit you.

Reaching out, Spencer rests his hand on yours, his thumb gliding over the back of your hand. “I just, I don’t like seeing my friends in pain and I just want to stop it happening.” He admits, his eyes fixated on yours as a tear falls down your cheek.

“Well,” A scoff leaves your lips as you take your hand from Spencer’s as you forcefully wipe your eyes. “not everything can be fixed that easily, Reid.” You remark before rising to your feet, shuffling past Spencer and over to the bathroom.

In a state of shock, Spencer registers JJ opening her eyes opposite him. “If that was your best attempt at comfort, I’ve seen better effort from serial killers.” JJ jokes as she sits upright whilst Spencer’s brows remain deeply furrowed.

“Y/n never closes herself off like this, JJ.” Spencer sighs. “We’ve been friends for nine hundred and twelve point five days. And during all this time she’s been honest with me, never once has she hidden something.”

Memories from late nights watching Doctor Who reruns, attending book signings or being Spencer’s plus one to obscure foreign films when no one else would go, you both were happy just to be in one another's company. Even if you had no idea what was happening during a film in Russian, Spencer aided as a translator, much to the others attending annoyance. All Spencer wanted was for you to be happy.

“There are some things you can’t share with your friends, Spence.” JJ reminds him. “Y/n might not have figured it all out yet, just give her some time.”

Spencer nods and his ears perk up to the sound of your footsteps approaching.

“Thanks,” You mumble as Spencer rises to his feet, allowing you to slide back against the window as you close your eyes in an attempt to sleep or avoid the inevitable conversation with Spencer. For now, it remains to be the latter.

*

Since you returned from the case, you only felt worse in every sense.

You wanted to carry on, you wanted to make this work because you loved this. No, you love this.

“Y/L/N?” Hotch calls out, catching you by surprise as you turn around. “Do you have a moment?”

Nodding in response, Spencer’s eyes follow you as you walk up to Hotch’s office, the door closing behind you and the blinds being drawn.

“Someones in trouble.” Derek sings, causing JJ and Penelope to laugh. But Spencer only tenses, wishing he could be in there with you, hoping you’re alright.

When you walk out, it’s been thirty-two minutes and twelve seconds, and during that time all Spencer has been able to focus on is the door of Hotch’s office.

Hotch gives you a curt nod before he shuts the door to his office, retreating back to his desk whilst you walk toward yours. “Everything okay sugar plum?” Penelope asks, wrapping her arms around you as you weakly hug her back.

“Yeah, I’m just going to take some time off. I’ve got a few things to sort out.” You explain, trying to avoid the concerned glances of your friends at the anonymity of your statement. “I’ll be back before you know it, guys.” You force a small laugh. “And I’ll only be a phone call away. I don’t wanna miss out on the action.”

“Like we’d let you.” Derek remarks.

“Rest up, okay?” JJ comments with a small smile as you grab your bag and coat.

As you lift your head up to wave, you focus on Spencer. You know you’ll always focus on Spencer in a room, no matter how many or few people there may be; Spencer is the first person you’ll notice.

More specifically, your focus lands on the solemn expression he is wearing. One you’re aware of but not well accompanied with.

“Take it easy, okay?” Penelope calls out to you as you walk through the glass doors.

Once out of sight, everyone turns to face Spencer who lifts his head up, forcing that tight-lipped smile. “What?”

JJ crosses her arms whilst Penelope steps closer. “Why are you just standing here? You’re our resident genius and you’re clueless!” Penelope groans, gripping onto Derek’s arm. “How can he be so naive?”

“I’m right here, Penelope.” Spencer speaks up. “But I don’t follow, for once.” He remarks, and JJ laughs quietly at Spencer’s attempt at humour.

Rolling her eyes, Penelope lets go of her favourite man and reaches over to Spencer. “Y/n, our sweet, loving agent with the heart of gold and the mind of a thunderstorm.” Penelope begins, and Spencer nods along, not wanting to interrupt about how a thunderstorm isn’t the best use of a metaphor to describe your mind when in reality it’s more like a-

“Spencer?” Derek waves his hand in front of Spencer’s face, bringing him back to reality.

“What about Y/n?” Spencer clears his throat, but the change in his pitch doesn’t favour him as Rossi raises an eyebrow as he approaches the rest of the team.

“He’s figuring it out, isn’t he?” Rossi comments as a series of nods follow. “About time, kid.” Rossi raises his mug to Spencer who leans against the edge of his desk.

“Just give him a moment,” JJ speaks up as Spencer fixates on your desk, your absent desk.

How every morning you’re the first person who makes him laugh from across the room. You bring him coffee or he’ll bring you one. You always try to persuade him to eat out, or go on a walk or try riding a bike after work instead of the subway. Spencer will sing along to cheesy songs with you just to hear you yell at the top of your lungs and dance in your apartment. Spencer gave up a chess tournament to go on a bike ride with you at sunset, just to see the warm glow against your face, knowing how soft your skin would feel against his.

And that’s when it hits him. Every single moment over the past two and a half years.

“I, I have to go,” Spencer mumbles, pushing himself from his desk and quickly walks out from the BAU, rushing to the elevator as the team quietly celebrate.

*

Spencer is running, and it isn’t a flattering sight to witness as he breathes heavily, bursting through the doors of the parking lot.

“Y/n?” Spencer calls out, running toward the far block F where you always park your car, hoping he isn’t too late.

“Spencer?” Your voice falters as you exit your car, wiping your eyes as Spencer pants, but still walks closer toward you. “What’re you doing here? Why aren’t you working?” You want to laugh as an attempted smile crosses your lips as Spencer’s hair clings to his forehead, his lips remaining parted as he breathes shallowly. “Okay firstly take a breath, you need it.”

Nodding in response, Spencer takes a deep breath before composing himself. “I had to talk to you before you go.” Spencer speaks smoothly as you step away from your car, standing in front of him as tears line your cheeks.

“Is something wrong, Spence?” You ask sweetly, despite your current state, your attention remains fixated on Spencer as he shakes his head.

“Y/n, I,” Stuttering over his words, Spencer exhales deeply. “I know I can’t make you better overnight, but I also don’t want to lose you- none of us do, but I guess I especially don’t.” Spencer begins to explain. “All I ask is that you let me in, let me help in some way, even if it’s just opening your car door or sending you those memes Garcia finds, I’ll do it.” A smile graces Spencer’s lips as you chuckle softly.

“I feel so lost, Spencer.” You admit, your eyes glazing over. “Of late it’s just all too much, I can’t, I can’t take the pain and sorrow of those who’ve lost loved ones.” You wipe your face, taking a shaky breath as Spencer steps closer.

“But think of how many lives you save, Y/n.” Spencer interrupts. “Statistically, those outweigh the lives lost.”

“I was expecting a statistic I’ll admit.” You joke, and Spencer shrugs his shoulder. “I know it’ll pass, but it just hurts.”

Spencer places his hand on your shoulder, his eyes scanning yours for any uncertainty before he wraps his arms around you, holding you close against his chest as silent sobs leave your lips.

“I’m always here, Y/n. We all are.” Spencer mutters as his lips press against the top of your head, lingering as he closes his eyes, not wanting to let you go.

Pulling away from his embrace, you cross your arms over your chest. “Thank you, Spence.” You smile sweetly. “I’ll be back soon, I promise.”

“I’ll keep you to that, Y/n.” Spencer chuckles before you lean forward, kissing his cheek softly before retreating to your car. “Don’t be a stranger, Y/n.” Spencer mutters under his breath as you reverse out from the parking space, exiting the parking lot as those words linger on his tongue unsaid.

[nightingale-interactive]

Can we please see a snippet of Alcina being jealous/ possessive over the MC at some sort of event, no pressure of course love your writing ^^

I hope this is all right :D.

I could feel her gaze from across the room. Burning with such intensity that I was surprised I didn’t suddenly combust. Shifting my gaze from the young senator, I casually follow the feeling until I reach the source. Not at all surprised by the darkened look in emerald eyes.

Alcina Anderson was quite the sight to behold on a normal day. It was something else to see her during political banquets. Her usual attire being exchanged for a floor length gown the color of the darkest forests. Raven black hair pulled elegantly into a beautiful up-do. Only a few strands escape to frame her face. Bringing out the intensity in her gaze. Full lips painted the color of crimson only adding to the effect.

I knew that I couldn’t go to her. That there were too many people between us. Even if my heart called out for her to be near. The least I could do was offer a smile-- trying to show her without words that I was still hers-- in hopes that she would settle. Fortunately, it seems to work. Her gaze turns gentle, dimming to her usual emerald, with a soft smile appearing. It was a look I have received many times before but it never fails to make my heart skip a beat. The calm serenity that the expression offers her is something that I’ll never tire of seeing.

I should have realized that it was the calm before the storm.

As the picture perfect look of serenity quickly shifts into one of rage. Her eyes darkening into jade as the senator touches my arm. Trying to pull my attention towards him once again. My gaze shifts from burning green to warm hazel.

Alexander Williams was the newest addition to the Senate-- hailing from Rhode Island. He was a small town boy that was trying his best to stay afloat in the bustling affair that was Washington D.C.. I don’t even remember how our conversation started. Nor do I recall what it was we had been discussing. As all my previous thoughts had flown out of my head the moment I met Alcina’s gaze. Even now I was more than aware of her gaze. The intensity from earlier barely holding a candle to how fiery her look was now.

“-ou think you can help me?”

Senator Willaims voice pulls me from my thoughts. Embarrassment rushing through me when I see his expectant smile.

Smiling apologetically, I speak. “I’m sorry. Can you repeat that?”

He frowns with confusion on his face but he acquiesced all the same. “I was wondering if you could help me with some of the emails I’ve been receiving.”

Instantly the entirety of our conversation came rushing back to me. How he had been receiving anonymous emails trying to blackmail him for something he did when he first came to D.C..

“Of course,” I reply. “Just come to my office tomorrow morning with everything you have and I’ll come up with something for you.”

He grins. “Thank you so much.”

His infectious smile causes my own to form. He was going to make a fine senator. As long as he kept his scandals to a minimum and learned the ins and outs of D.C. quickly.

Opening my mouth, I’m about to respond when Alexander tenses up. His eyes grow wide as he frantically straightens. Without having to turn around I knew instantly who was standing behind me. Her scent wafts to my nose as she stops beside me.

“Ma-madame First Lady.”

I almost felt bad for how much he was shaking. Especially since I knew Alcina wasn’t sporting the most welcoming expression. A quick glance quickly acknowledging the fact.

Her bright green eyes were dark but she wasn’t allowing any of her emotion to truly shine through. Her full lips were twisted into a frown. Her lithe body tense and practically vibrating with the emotions she was hiding.

At his words, a cold smile appears. “Senator Willaims, is it?” She doesn’t wait for him to clarify. Quickly continuing on as she takes a small step towards him. Her already impressive height grows even more so with her heels. “I have to ask what it is you think you’re doing?”

“I-I don’t know wh-what you mean, Madame.”

I could practically see her smirk now. Her words lash out like a raging inferno. “You’re keeping my political advisor away from me. Need I remind you that this is a banquet for politicians? And that my political advisor is the one person that I need with me. Not having her become distracted with neanderthalic problems.”

Alexander shakes his head. “Of course not.”

“Good,” Alcina purrs. Leaning towards him with faux warmth in her tone. “I suggest that you leave now, Senator Williams. As I’m quite tired of dealing with the senate tonight.”

At the clear dismissal, Alexander rushes away. Leaving me to wonder if he would be at my office the following morning. Even though I highly doubted it.

Raising my brow in an unimpressed look, I cross my arms as Alcina turns back to me. A look of faux innocence on her face. “Did you really have to do that?”

She tilts her head. “Do what?”

“Claim that I was yours without actually saying those words.”

Alcina chuckles lowly. Taking a small step towards me. “Oh, darling. I haven’t even begun to claim you. You’ll know exactly what it means to be mine at the end of the night. And I’ll make damn sure that it’ll be in more than just words.”

[ofpearlsxgods]

How do your muses' parents feel about their daughter's/son's significant other?

sent by ( anonymous )

I have no idea who are you, anon, but you do come up with interesting questions! Thank you for always sending something in ❤️

Kyungri - Her biological parents’ whereabouts are unknown. Her adoptive parents like Jaehwan a lot, however. He’s a good person and treats their daughter right. They don’t mention it when Kyungri and Jaehwan are around but when it’s just the two of them, they chat about the couple’s future. Her dad sometimes isn’t sure about the couple’s career paths but if they’re happy, he’s happy too; her mum likes to think about the time when they give them grandchildren because she’ll love as any grandma would. Jaehwan makes them feel at ease and he also makes them laugh. On top of that, he makes Kyungri happy and that’s all that matters.

Miran - Ok but Miran’s mum treating Seunghyun as her own son is a whole mood. When they started dating, her mum was worried. First, because she didn’t want Miran to go through a whole new heartbreak; second, because she knows her daughter, who’s not always peaches and cream; and third, because she didn’t want Miran to get stuck in the same kind of relationship that she and her dad got. Thankfully, Seunghyun revealed himself to be a responsible man, capable of handling Miran and her personality. At first, she thought he was too serious, too gloomy, but as time went by and she got to know him better, she’s happy to be proven wrong. He’s a nice guy, who sometimes almost feels like a kid (especially when he smiles and laughs), and a good match for her own kid.

Eloise - Her parents moved out of Seoul to the countryside before Chansol and Eloise met and they don’t know Chansol personally. However, Eloise has talked about him countless times and whenever she does, she talks in a sweet dreamy tone that has her parents both happy and concerned for her. Daniel doesn’t like Chansol much, although not for the reasons why he might think are true, and when he talks to their parents, that dislike shows. Eloise’s parents have nothing against Chansol but they don’t know him as well as they’d like to have something to like about him. They know he makes Eloise happy but she has changed since she met him and they’re not sure what to do with that. On one side, they’re thankful because their daughter is as deserving of love and companionship as any other; on the other side, they worry that he might have the same fate as her ex-boyfriend, who passed away. They’d like to know Chansol better, know what he does for a living and have a conversation with him.

Jiyeon - Since her parents passed away when she was young, I’ll give you the opinion of Jiyeon’s paternal figure (her bad luck is endless, it seems), her older brother. You’d think Seojun’s opinion about Hyunseong is something along the lines of “he’s good but I’m better”, and you’d be right but not completely. There are times when he doubts Hyunseong’s able to provide for Jiyeon. Seojun wants the best for her and is 100% sure that’s what Hyunseong wants as well, but sometimes it feels he’s lacking. Jiyeon’s boyfriend is a good guy and doesn’t have a bad bone in him, he knows that and is glad that’s the case. Seojun didn’t approve of his sister’s relationship right away but she looks happy and Hyunseong has helped her find her focus. He knows Jiyeon wants to sing since she was young but their parents didn’t approve of that path for her, so she got lost. Hyunseong, however, has been helping her more than he might realize and for that he’s thankful.

Sohyang - Well, her parents passed away a few years ago and she doesn’t have any parental figure. However, she thinks they’d like them. Her dad would act tough around Yugyeom, because no one’s good enough for his daughter. He’d soften up, though, after seeing how happier and relaxed Sohyang became. Her mum would like Yugyeom right away. On one side, he’s showing her daughter that there’s more to life than studying and working; on the other, because Sohyang shares a lot of traits with her mum, including her impeccable taste in men, I believe that her mum would like Yugyeom a lot. She’d find his sharp-tongue entertaining and would be awed by how soft they’d be to one another. 

Miyeon - Her parents are having a difficult time regarding Miyeon’s relationship. They’re the kind of people who wanted Miyeon to marry off with a good man with some money in his name and have children. But when she told them she was dating another woman, it didn’t go well. Especially with her dad. Her younger sister took the news well and helped her with telling their parents, having Miyeon’s back. Their mum was confused at first, sometimes she still is, but Miyeon's living her dream, she’s happier than ever; would be right of her to take that from her daughter just because she was dating a woman? An artist, nonetheless. Someone who could understand Miyeon’s mind (which sometimes she had trouble with). Her dad, however, despite loving both his daughters is having more trouble accepting the fact that Miyeon and Sooyeon are a couple. The thing is that he knows that he has no reason to act like this. He’s a simple man, a dad who only wanted the best for his girls, and he thought that was a stable marriage, a hard-working husband who was able to put food on his girls’ table, give them a good place to live and grandchildren. Perhaps all they need is to get to meet Sooyeon.

Haru - His mum thinks Yewon is the sweetest girl she ever met. When Haru told her he was dating, she got apprehensive because, one, he never showed interested in dating and, two, she was honestly scared about what kind of girls her son was into. When Haru introduced them to one another, you could hear the relieved sigh miles away. She found Yewon soft, shy and sweet. The complete opposite of Haru. A surprise. But because she knows her son like the palm of her hand, she knew there was more to his girlfriend than what she was presented with. Yewon may look delicate but is tough; she may look weak but is hard-working; she may look frail but as a will of iron. A ballerina and a steadfast tin soldier. Haru has changed, has become softer and gentler, and knows it’s because of Yewon. More than appreciating Yewon (enough to offer her the chance to live with her while she doesn’t get a place of her own), Haru’s mum is thankful to her.

Mary Jane - Her dad’s not sure about Nicholas. He doesn’t like him, but he doesn’t dislike him either. This has to do with two things: his distrust of men around his daughter and the fact that his daughter doesn’t talk to him more than what she dims necessary, so he has almost nothing to base his opinion on. He thinks Nicholas is a good influence for Mary Jane, though. She became calmer and less prone to snap back at him or at her step-mother. Perhaps it is because he’s older and is putting some sense into her, but he’s not sure about the age gap either. He’d like to have a chance to get to know Nicholas, but he’s not seeing Mary Jane letting him get close to her boyfriend without being accused of being controlling.

[equestrianwritingsstuff]

For the BTHB, maybe friendly fire with hero x villain making a team together but somehow hero just go confused and stabs villain?

If you are uncomfortable, please ignore it! Be safe <3

Circle for completed, heart for requested

Thank you for the ask! I am comfortable with everything other than rape/sex things (being on a farm makes you see some very icky things). But thanks anyways!

This is an example of not doing the multiple parts because 1.) it is an event and 2.) the ask was anonymous.

Umbrakinesis

@badthingshappenbingo

Warnings: stab wound, unconsciousness, breaking in, major character death, family feud, attempted murder, grief, crying

*not edited*

~

Hero sat at the cafe, idly sipping at her hot mocha and watched as the costumers walked in and out. She didn't exactly pay attention to them for she was looking for someone with more notable features.

"Hey Hero." The person she was waiting for slid into the seat ahead of her.

"Villain," Hero nodded her head and took a long sip. Villain waited, his piercing hazel gaze glowering.

"Are you done?" Villain asked after a while. Hero smiled and swallowed.

"Yup," she replied, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand.

"This is serious Hero," Villain groaned. "Supervillain has taken over half the city and is stopping my operations."

"Sounds like a problem for you to smooth out," Hero replied. "Not me."

"If Supervillain over powers me, the whole city is in peril."

Hero was silent for a moment, thinking of Villain's words. He was right- Villain might be ruthlessly cruel, but Supervillain was devilishly evil. To him, killing was a hobby, whereas Villain thought of it more as protection.

Not that Hero agreed with Villain's actions or sympathized with his reasons, but if she had the choice to choose between them, it would be Villain.

"Okay why do you need my help?" Hero pushed aside her drink.

"The power that flows through your veins is pure energy, not diluted or an off-brand. It is indestructible and unattainable. Between my ability to travel through the shadows and you, we can kill Supervillain in his sleep."

Hero scrunched her forehead. She knew that Villain wanted Supervillain off the streets, but not dead, and based on the distant look on Villain's face, it seemed that he wasn't entirely certain either.

"You sure about this?" Hero asked softly. Villain's eyes seemed to snap back into the present.

"Yeah," he said, pushing himself out of the wooden cafe seat. "Meet you tonight at the park."

《~~》

Hero found Villain leaning against the swings after ten minutes of walking around, searching.

"You could've told me when are where exactly," Hero pointed out in a joking manner. Villain looked at her and half-smiled.

"Should've, you're right. Look, the plan is to turn off the power to Supervillain's base. We need to get onto the room and shoot it down with your energy. That'll shut off all the electricity and open the doors also known as the Emergency Blackout Initiative. It's a safety hazard. Then, we knock out a couple henchman and change into their uniforms. We put the guards in a dumpster then galvanize it. Your powers should be able to melt the polyethylene. Should be, you'll have to get them up to 230 degrees. Can you do that?"

"Yeah, but give me some Mountain Dew afterwards."

"Check," Villain said, patting his backpack. "I know your preferences. Okay, next we are to need to get to the top floor. There are sensors throughout to record our molecular data and DNA, so we'll have to move fast. I can't take you through the shadows- you could get sick and that would be worse than getting shot by a taser. The doors to Supervillain's bedroom are fingerprint operative, but I met with Supervillain the other day to exchange surveillance data- apparently there was a breach in one of his laboratories. Anyways, I collected his fingerprints so we are good to go. Then, we..."

Villain's voice trailed off. Hero stepped forward a foot, confused. Villain seemed to be suffering from some sort of mental breakdown.

"Then we kill him. He has umbrakinesis which is sort of like mine, but he manipulates shadow. He can, and will, conjure an illusion. I will harness that energy and you, with your power, will use me as a reflector."

"Won't you die?" Hero asked. Villain shook his head, a real smile dawning on his lips, as he tapped his chest.

"I'm wearing an absorbing vest to dull your powers the second they hit me," Villain replied.

"I thought you said mine couldn't be obtained?"

"They can't be, but they can be absorbed and used. It's really their only fatal flaw."

"That's the same thing," Hero crossed her arms, eyes twinking, but Villain didn't seem to be in the mood for light teasings.

He just shrugged and adjusted his backpack.

(Skipping the break in so it won't get too long)

"Okay," Villain said as he ran the piece of tape over the small, black box. It illuminated into a neon green, showing the crevices and swirls of the scanned fingerprint, before disappearing with the lock clicked.

Of course Supervillain's room wouldn't be unlocked during the Emergency Blackout Initiative. Just had to make things so much harder.

The pair stepped into the clinical room, weapons raised. Hero held a dagger while Villain was equipped with an electric gun.

The supervillain was slumbering on his bed, snoring softly, with his whole body splayed out. He looked so comfortable that Hero felt like it was illegal to wake him.

"Okay, maybe if he doesn't awake we can just-" Hero made an extravagant gesture with her hands that awkwardly symbolized a gorey kill.

Villain shrugged and holstered his gun, walking up to the sleeping figure.

It wasn't until Hero saw them side by side that she saw it.

The exact same, brown hair with the same tanned complexion. Slightly crooked nose and wide, bushy eyebrows.

They were twins.

Villain knelt next to Supervillain and ran his hand over his sibling's ear. "Hey bud," he whispered, voice thick with emotion. "I hope you realize that I am only doing this for the city's sake; not that I hate you. Oh boy, I don't hate you, I love you. I love you so much!" Villain broke down into sobs, cradling his twins head.

"Villain?" Supervillain asked blearily, trying to pull away. "What are you-"

"Hero now. Do it now, please," Villain begged.

Like she was in a dream, Hero drifted over to the bedside. Supervillain's hazel eyes darted to her.

"What's going on? What's, what's..." Then he saw the glint of metal, the dagger in Hero's hand. "No, no, no... Villain what are you doing?" He thrashed in his twin's hold, gasping for breath.

"I'm sorry," Villain cried, pressing his lips to Supervillain's head. "So sorry."

Hero dove in, but where Supervillain's body was, there was just the mattress.

Suddenly she was hit back, flying in the air until she met with a hard wall. Groaning, she laid there stunned. When the spinning was vanquished, she saw that Villain was in the same predicament.

"Are you okay?" Hero asked. Villain nodded, but he made no effort to stand.

A shimmering figure appeared beside her and Hero lunged for it, but only swiped at thin air. It then appeared at her other side, so she tried again.

She tried until she was leaning against the wall, dizzy and out of breath.

"He's making an illusion," Villain muttered, rubbing his eyes. He looked so tired and so sad that Hero just wanted to poof them both out of there.

But that wouldn't help the situation, or the direness of Supervillain's ruling and power.

"Can't you do what we discussed?" Hero asked.

"Yeah," Villain replied, slowly standing up. He then waited, pupils darting about, until suddenly he reached forward and grabbed something seemingly invisible.

Another figure then appeared next to Villain. A woman, mid-aged leaning towards elderly, stood by him, caressing his cheek.

"My dear, dear son," she spoke, voice soothingly hypnotizing. "What are you are doing dear? You know better than to play with your brother's powers."

Villain's hazel eyes seemed to cloud and he swayed. "M-mom?" He croaked, leaning heavily against the wall.

"Yes, it's me dear. Give me back those shadows." The woman extended an unnaturally smooth hand, not lidden with garbles and veins that an older lady would have.

Villain held out his hands, then snapped out of it at the last second. But the woman smacked Villain's head so hard that it snapped back and smashed into the wall behind him. He fell into an unconscious heap.

The woman's body shimmered until it was out of existence and Supervillain stepped out from a door-like portal. Out of the shadows, Hero realized, stepping back into a corner.

"Oh dear brother," Supervillain crouched down and grabbes Villain's limp head. "It's not you who should be sorry, it's me." Supervillain wrapped his hands around Villain's throat and squeezed.

Hero's heart started pumping rapidly. No, he was going to kill Villain. She stepped out of the corner, dagger raised. Slowly, she stalked towards Supervillain...

"Whatcha doing?" Supervillain asked, halting his murder, and turning to look at Hero. Villain's body drew in a large exhale.

"Killing you," she said, but before she had a chance to land the killing blow, the pair vanished.

Then reappeared behind her.

Then in front.

Then above.

"Stop that," Hero growled, swinging aimlessly.

Suddenly, the vaporizing ceased and ended with one of the villains slamming the other against the wall.

Before they could do their trick again, Hero dove the dagger into the front one's side.

The villain turned slowly around, limbs trembling in shock, as he shakily brushed his fingers over the dagger.

"What, what." The villain fell to his knees, tears building in his eyes.

Hero felt the blood drained from her face and she too, knelt down to be face to face with him. "Villain," she breathed, fingers dancing over the hilt.

Villain swayed, so Hero wrapped him in a hug, mouth open in a soundless sob. She stole a glance at Supervillain who was staring at the scene in shock, clutching his fingers and pulling them nervously.

"Mm Hero," Villain groaned, head involuntarily falling into the crease of her neck.

"I got you buddy, I got you," she rubbed his back soothingly even though she could feel his body slipping.

Supervillain's chin trembled as he tried to hold back a cry. Soon it became too much and he thrusted his head into his hands. "I don't want him to die. I don't want him to die."

Hero ran her hand through Villain's hair. He sniffled, pulling himself into Hero with his last bout of strength.

Hero sobbed as he fell limp in her grasp. The wound was too big and positioned perfectly to hit an artery- it was a blow made her killing.

"No!'" Supervillain cried, running forward abd grabbing his brother's body. "No, no, no, no, no."

He squeezed Villain, grabbed his hand, but nothing revived him. The supervillain sobbed wildly, screamed even, until he slowly picked up his head.

"You killed him," Supervillain growled, lunging forward to attack Hero. She reacted quickly, sending Supervillain off with a bolt of energy. He landed on the ground motionless other than a few sporadic twitching from the current of electricity. Tears were drying on his cheeks.

Hero looked from the unconscious brother to the dead one. She would have to bury Villain, in a meadow, and Supervillain... he needed help.

[izubunn]

An AU where Archie's a ruthless villain who hates the Southside and FP, because FP left him, Fred, and Jug behind (let's say Fredsythe was married in this AU, but Gladys somehow convinced FP to leave his family in Riverdale for Toledo or smthg) and not only is his baby brother in love with a tall, beast of a boy southie fucker, but Moose, one of his closest friends, is also in a secret relationship with the tall fucker's best friend.

LIKE. ARCHIE IS A BOY, RIGHT? A bully, sure. It seems harmless (it's not. Reggie being forced into exile, having to give up his jacket and spot on the team, and shunned away to eat by the dumpsters, is not harmless.

Archie breaking into biology class with his posey in tow after the serpents transfer, that too wide, too friendly smile plastered on his cruelly handsome face staring at the three kids sitting tight in their chairs as dead snakes, stabbed, gutted, skinned, get thrown at their dissection trays , isn't harmless. It's a war declaration. One that no one takes seriously enough.)

Archie gains control over the school young; He's bigger than the other kids. Bigger, badder, meaner. Has a sharp mind, too cutting for someone so small, with enough knowledge to disguise it as innocence when he needs to.

"Fear and respect sleep together, you know, " he whispers to Cheryl. Bitchy, icy, insecurity filled Cheryl, on their first day of junior year, no Jason at her side. He must be hand in hand with Polly Cooper somewhere, and he's willing to bet his guitar it bothers the girl to the bone. "Stick with me. We're gonna run this nothing town."

Archie fits just right with the bulldogs; He wants to lead, not follow, thought. And Cheryl grows fangs of her own.

And they do; Unknown to Jughead, the only person besides his father Archie has love for, they do, and their rule is a glorious and brutal one.

Then Cheryl meets the tiny serpent girl with too much nerve to be considered smart. And things... Change.

"What do you mean I didn't make the team?! I was the best one there! "

She was. She was, and that's what makes Cheryl's skin crawl. "Evidently, we possess anonymous viewpoints of what 'best' means."

"... You're afraid of him, aren't you? Cheryl fucking Blossom, scared of one man."

Cheryl tenses, crimson lips tight. "Everyone is scared of Archie. But not me. This is not about fear,- I cried, and begged, and bled for this team. It happens to be the one thing in my life I have a pinch of control over. I won't endanger that just because of pretty Southside trailer trash not realizing she's aiming too her for such a laughable stature."

" ... You think I'm pretty?"

Cheryl doesn't dignify that with a response.

Unsurprisingly, Sweet Pea has a lot to say. "Northsiders are trouble. Falling for them is stupid, and we don't do stupid," the scowl on his face vanishes within minutes, as soon as he smiles and waves back to the dark haired boy following Cooper to the B&G. "What?"

Sweet Pea, who's torch of hatred he carries for Andrews burns so bright it could blind the sky, fell in love with his enemies' younger brother.

SP HAS NO IDEA WHAT TO DO, he envisioned a mini Archie; A spoiled, rotten little north side brat who acts like he owns the room. So he rehearsed, prepared himself to hear Andrews' voice from a different mouth when they first got paired up for a project.

But Jug is nothing like his big brother, from the dark of that fluffy, bouncy bed hair to his lithe stature, the elegant bed of his neck when he wanted to look Sweet Pea in the eye. He didn't have hazel eyes hiding hell in them, or a shark grin that raised hair from everywhere on the body.

No, - the boy is all small but scrappy, soft, dainty, if he dared used that word. He's got bright Bambi eyes, layered with a faint blue that steals the air from SP's lungs, and if given the opportunity, he won't ever shut up about those precious bunny teeth.

The fact that he has to keep the boy in the dark about Archie's cruelties cracks his heart. He doesn't know why. It just does. Maybe its because he understands hero worship. Maybe he's not ready for the other option.

Fangs and Moose, thought. Fangs and Moose break my heart.

They're young, and they're revounous for eachother, more than food or air. Fangs is hungry for the gentle eyed bulldog who towers over Archie but still bends down to get his hair ruffled, the only one there besides Sweet Pea's boy who doesn't sneer or looks with hatred.

Moose represses; Is what he knows. But the drumming in his chest when Fangs brushes hands with him in the crammed hallways refuses to be silenced, and the dryness in his mouth at every stolen glance and secret late night kisses won't be parched.

Its not enough. This is not the kind of love you can walk away from. So Moose doesn't.

The bulldogs have an exile ritual; Public. Ruthless. Stripping you of power, of humanity, of everything that makes you whole. It's a brutal spectacle, one that everyone must attend.

Cheryl makes sure Jughead doesn't. Sweet Pea makes sure FP does.

Moose, actual sunshine baby, with tears of heartache washing over his face, pushing his letterman jacket into Archie's chest. The redhead is stoned face, but his eyes are large, incredulous. Pleading, almost.

"You're either going to kill someone, or kill yourself, Arch. I don't want to be there to see it."

Archie's hand travels from its desperate grip on his friend's, - one of his BEST friend's,- wrist to fist Moose's hair. The strength is vulnerable. There's despair behind it.

"This is about the Southside. You're picking them over us," he whispers, pained. "You're picking that southie over me."

The taller between them gulps, teardrops slipping down his raised chin, proud, defiant. "... Yeah."

Archie framing Moose's face between his hands, steeling himself against the gentle pain in Moose's eyes, exploding at the violent tenderness in his captain's hold. "Your name will dissappear. Your worth will dissappear. And I want you to remember that I gave you a chance to walk away. You're dead at 10 pm."

Moose knows; He knows pain, and fear, and Fangs is worth all of them. That's the mantra echoing, when he arrows through the sea of students, all of them gazing downward.

GOD- ARCHIE. ARCHIE SLOWLY STAUNTERING IN MOOSE'S DIRECTION. LIKE IN THAT BULLDOGS VS SERPENTS FIGHT. "Come back," he's whispering. Hes begging, a quiet plea, a silent curse. "I'll forget about this. Come back to us. Please."

Moose's eyes find Fang's. Even drowned in sorrow, even cracked with raw pain, they're beautiful. His lips mouth 'I love you.'

"Do what you came here to do. It won't change my heart. Or my mind."

holy shit when Archie looks over at a SHATTERED Fangs, held back by Sweet Pea and Toni, his stomach coil in such a dark hatred, such a poisonous anger- he pours it all in the punch to Moose's jaw.

"You're gonna cry, hmm?" Archie growls, animalistic, more hell then boy, dishing thundering slaps to Moose in between his hisses."You gonna cry Moose, huh? Cry a bit. Cry for your fucking snake friend and his southie family."

FP BEING THERE- WATCHING HIS SON, HIS OLDSEST, THE SON HE LOVES SO MUCH, DO... THAT. AS a father, he's destroyed.

As a leader, he just. Watches Fangs, pure, good, strong, RIGHT Fangs, cling to Sweet Pea, fingers hooked so tightly into his best friends' jacket they pale. He yells ' they're killing him, sweet pea let me GO they're killing him, stop, STOP-' and FP realizes. On some degree, a bitter one, Tall Boy's words rang true.

At some point, they will have to hit back.

At the end of the ritual, Archie grips Moose's hair, fingers digging into his loose jaw. His friend is limp in his hands, probably unconscious, probably passed out.

He holds this maimed version of Moose, more corpse than boy, towards Fangs. He's so hateful. He knows, because Sweet Pea's disdain stares right back. " LOOK AT HIM! LOOK AT WHAT YOU MADE ME DO! YOU DID THIS," he laughs, a sad, hollow sound, bordering on manic. Half madness, half sob. "YOU DID THIS. NOT ME! NOT ANY OF US. YOU."

"THIS," He whips around, Moose swining in sort, making majority of them cringe in disgust, in unsettlment. They're terrified. Good. " IS WHAT THEY DO! THIS IS WHAT YOU'LL BECOME, IF YOU MIX WITH THEM!"

At the very end, Moose drops, but he's strong. He's so strong. He stays on his knees for it, not down. His face is drenched in blood and brushes and cuts, and he won't stand down.

Someone hesitantly hands the redhead a baseball bat, which he grabs, eager to end this, eager to leave. Archie hates the whole world.

"You can live up here with us," he can't tell if the wetness sliding down his cheek is rain or tears. Can't distinguish the wail of pain from Fangr or Reggie, as the bat leaves a punishing kiss on Moose's right cheek, putting him down for good. "Or die down there, like them."

In conclusion, I'm crying.