#And only the people there to enjoy books and not be fucking creeps will survive

[fortunatefires]

Something I hate about booktok is that no matter how much time you spend trying to curate your feed you will always run into smut. I don't inherently have a problem with that but it's so present and all consuming within booktok that it's almost impossible to avoid. Also, the smut isn't even that good. I would be less annoyed if the smut was good.

[icarusredwings]

Rewatched Deadpool 1. Took notes.

WARNING: Discussion of mental illness topics, ending yourself, trauma, violence, etc.

Civil debate/ conversation welcomed. Sorry its super long. I think a lot.

Notes:

You know what? We see Wade coloring a lot. What's our status on just giving him cartoons snacks and coloring books? He needs it.

I think we all forget how actually impressive this man is. I just watched this cancer having fucker do like 50 flips.

Whatta man is so Logan Howlett coded.

"Bad deadpool" "good deadpool!"

Deadpool has been helping kids for a while. He terrified a little creep while he himself was a huge creep.

Missed up his words and Vanessa smiled at him. With that "aw hes cute" kinda thing.

When talking about their childhood (whether he's lying or not, hes not about the uncle) and he outdos her so much that she giggles.

The first date he takes her ducking skiiballing instead of yk prostitute stuff

Hes so romantic oh my god.

Theyre giggling and joking like all the time. Personally thanksgiving is my favorite scene before he proposes with a fucking ring pop.

I shouldn't laugh but the way he said "wtf" when passing out

Vanessa instantly jumping to "what can we do? There has to be something" makes me instantly respect her as a chronically ill person myself. Partners who medically defend each other make me so happy because a lot of people divorce their partners when they get "too sick" let alone dont show up to specialist appointments.

Him accepting death so quickly is a sign of mental illness, and you can see him be confused on why shes so upset. Shes crying and hes sitting here like "why do you care if I die or not?" He physically feels so unloved that he just doesn't get it.

"I dont know. Might further the plot. " Oh, so you know about wades little mental tv show he puts on in his head as a coping mechanism?

Also... Weasel.. YOU KNOW WHO ELSE IS A WEASEL!? Shit sorry wrong movie.

Its not until now that hes crying because he realizes if he does then no more vanessa. We already know hes very co dependent and many people only care about themselves BECAUSE of other people. Which is also considered a sign of wanting to ☠️ self.

The whole "superheros are all lame ass teachers pets" thing is so funny if you think about how much beef he has with the xmen when in reality I have a feeling Wade would love charles in a "Ugh im in trouble with Daddy wheel chair again." COUGH "old bald heavens gate looking mother fucker" COUGH

"Thats not nice" No. But wade is genuienly not nice either.

"This is embarrassing. Please stop, " Colosus said what we all were thinking.

Bro literally cut/broke off his own hand and didn't whine a single time. If you ever. EVER hear this man express pain it is 99.9% his own choice to let you know that it hurts.

During his changing process, Francis says "the only thing that doesn't survive is a sense of humor" wade says "we'll see about that" and smirks.

What also makes sense to me is that he did NOT break easily. They did test after test after test and this man still wasn't breaking. His spirit is incredibly strong and as much as we enjoy joking about how stupid he is, Wade is extremely resourceful.

Its like he has created an alter ego of humor and kindess in order to keep up with the fact he DOES understand how fucked up this world is and whats happening/happened around him but refuses to acknowledge it until he has too. Ussually for survival.

Ive seen theories that he has DID or a type of Scizophreania and the voices in the comics are obviously in his head. I have mixed feelings about it because even his thoughts have thoughts of their own in some cases. Talking to no one is often a sign of abadonment, esspecially in children who are school age and get lonely when taken from their families to attend school. Its almost as if wade never lost his and hes subconsiously talking to himself to keep himself calm/ from panicking in high stress situations.

"But then how does he know hes in a movie" thats the thing. He doesn't. Hes pretending to cope. Main charaters cant die and until he dies he has this mental show/movie going on to keep himself from realizing all of this is true. That this is reality.

Cunningham mentions breakfast for his kids and suddenly, wade wakes up. Hes not joking anymore. This is a "oh shit... I wanna make breaktsst for my kids too... with my wife vanessa" moment.

"So whats wrong with him?"

Diiiiiddd we all forget about scout master kevin? Uncle? Dad? That fact that the oxygen was physically taken from his brain and was given Co2 poisoning over and over? For multiple days? This is the same man who blew himself up just to escape because they told him he wasnt going to see vanessa again.

And then he fought a guy naked, survived the entire building burning down, and now is so insecure about his looks that he thinks he made the baby cry in the street.

Theres people staring at him, flinching away, called names, people see him and cross the street. (So when he tells Logan that he knows his pain when it comes to public settings, hes not lying)

Blind Al is literally the reason deadpools suit is what it is. Why the idiot thought white was gonna be a good idea- See above. Unlike Al, who could smell the blood/ bleach.

I really love al. She's like the adult Toph.

"I hear everything in this duplex." OH, you poor thing.

"The guy that turned me into this freak-"

Al: *bitch im blind face*

As far as she's aware, he looks normal. Which is beautiful when you think about it, but it's funny when you think about the fact that he's so insecure about his face that he purposly found a blind room mate that couldn't judge him.

And they cuddle while he gets dating advice from grammie 🥹❤️

I really like how the entirety of Sister Margaret's School for Wayward Children (HellHouse in the comics) stood up for Weasel. They're murderers. But they're family.

What they did to vanessa was straight fucked. Her fiance up and leaves without notice, youre just trying to work and live your life, you get kidnapped.

Negasonic is so cool. I love them.

Dopinder (The cab guy) is so cool too. I love him too. Kill that guy in your trunk. "Mr. Pool" reminds me of Tom holland spiderman.

"It is not boy band >:(" Suurreee it isn't.

"Wheres your duffle bag?" You mean his dollar general store tree hello kitty book bag filled with guns?

"Cue the music" *no one even gives a fuck at this point when he talks to the imaginary cams*

Negasonic mid battle: Hold on- "Hey Yukio, yeah I just gotta fuck shit up real quick, ttyl?"

"Sure thing! <3 You go baby!"

I dont know anything about negasonic but she reminds me of Gambit with her energy powers.

Like I said. Hes smart when its a serious situation because he immediately threw his katana into the glass so vanessa could breathe, only to immediately turn sappy and childish again when he sees her stab francis with it. Heart hands, is hallucinating because theres a knife in his brain (literally), sex joke. Etc.

Colossus shut the fuck up. Let this man kill him. He's hurt Soooooo many people. A bullet costs less then a dollar. His amount of therapy alone is going to be like *checks calculations* 80 billion.

"Not the nethers" Wade can and often does show proof of hurting but hed rather cut off his hand then let vanessa punch him in the balls. "Ow- owie 5000"

Hello Hugh Jackman.

After not seeing each other for so longer they instantly go back to the fibbing. "I live in the house with 12"

"You live in a house??" Funny guys get the girls. I should know. My wife says im super funny (yes im in therapy)

Pinky promises really matter to him.

Hes such a silly billy he brought out the phone with their song on it. God what a romantic idiot.

[ackermental]

what did you mean you're not really a fan of rhaegar x lyanna?

Well, that's a complicated one. I'm more neutral towards them, let's say.

From the fanon point of view I do enjoy this version: a dashing, handsome prince kidnapping a young lady that he fell in love with. True love from the first sight, supposedly unhappy matches for both of them, running away together to have happy sex, resulting in the birth of THE CHOSEN ONE, who will save the world from the ice zombies, etc. Tragic ending for both of them, but the child survives to make their parents proud! Fire and Ice elements, referance to the title!

It checks out all of the boxes, when it's presented this way, how can you not like it? And I do myself enjoy reading some fanfics about those two, I'm not going to pretend that I don't. Also, I think it's absolutely fine if you believe that this version is canon, if you enjoy this part of the asoiaf fandom, if you love those characters, you name it.

But while reading the story, I must addmit that it was never how I saw their reletionship. Like, I know that for some reason this is a particularly touchy subject for most of this fandom, but let's stop pretending that GRRM writes some tragic Snow White stories. He's a sci-fi story writer, and a horror sci-fi at that. And it just so happens that I've read a lot of his books, before I've ever looked at GOT. So you may or may not believe me when I say this, nonny (since it's not really my purpose to change your mind, I'm just trying to show my point of view), that this whole fairy tale presented above is the most removed thing from Martin's writing style.

Ok, I'll just get it out of my chest: book!Rhaegar gives me fucking creeps! Any time when I actually start thinking about Tower of Joy and what transpired there, I find it hard to fall asleep. Again, I'm not exaggerating, I have nightmares about this shit.

Now, before any of you 'Rhaegar was a pedo, Rhaegar cheated on his wife, Rheagar forsake his duty so that he could rape a child' enthusiasts jump on this wagon, let me halt you where you stand.

No. I don't believe that Rhaegar found abandoning his realm, mother, brother, friends, wife and children to fuck a girl he only met once a year ago very pleasing. Actually, nothing less than madness could be responsible for such a thing to even accur, and yeah, that's what I believe: that Rhaegar went mad. Mad as in mad mad or mad as in obsessed, that I'm still not certain about.

The question is, if it was because of the fact that his parents were siblings or was it because someone was messing with his mind? Well, again, based on a long list of Martin's works, it was obviously the later. Either Children or Bran made Rhaegar absolutely obsessed with eugenics. Obviously, not in the way that we understand eugenics now. I'm pretty certain that, like always, he was presented with some bullshit prophecy, just like 90% of the characters in those books were, or he was convinced that this was the way for the House Targaryen to reclaim dragons. After all, Rhaegar was connected to this quest since his birth (Summerhall).

And like, a lot of things connected to Rhaegar and Lyanna story brings to my mind things like: breeding people for the specific set of genes, the repeating themes of roses, crown, young lady and Harrenhal (Sansa storyline), hatching of dragons, fire and blood (more specifically: a blood sacrifice).

We know that there needs to be a specific set of genes in order for a person to hatch a dragon. But maybe there is something else as well that is needed after almost two centuries.

So yeah, with the canon we have access to now, I'm, unfortunately, of the mind that somebody was sending green dreams to Rhaegar about the return of the dragons, same dreams many Targaryens had before (Egg to name one). He was convinced that Lyanna had the right set of genes, maybe thanks to her skinchangin abilities. This was probably done after something went wrong with Elia (who I believe was also picked for this purpose, but maybe hadn't had the right bloodline after all) or (and it is my baised opinion as a huge Martel fan, so take it with the same huge grain of salt) Rhaegar felt more comfortable with sacrificing a girl he didn't know, rather than his wife of many years. Which makes this whole thing even more ironic, because we know what happened to her. (Although was it his fault, or was the rebellion inevitable and Rhaegar just decided he didn't have to or even couldn't wait anymore?)

To whom even is the Prince who was promised actually promised? The world? The gods? Is it an exchange? That is, if we look at this whole thing from Rhaegar perpective, because none of the prophecies or the gods in GRRMs works are actually real. They are always false, always sent to manipulate human kind, to bring catastrophy and a hive-minded civilisation about. Did the Children of the forest, a hive-minded race, convince Rhaegar through false dreams that he needed to produce an heir with a very specific bloodline? Did they sold him some bullshit about three heads etc. after he failed with Elia? Did they convince him that he needed to kill the mother in order for dragons to hatch: a life for a life? Or was it about killing/sacrificing the child? Or both. Or maybe neither should have died according to some old texts about Dragons, but then at least one did anyway?

As for the whole legitimization and wedding and all of that... I don't think that Rhaegar was really concerned with those things 🤣. Sorry for laughing, I swear I'm not trying to be waspish. I just honestly find the idea of Lyanna and Rhaegar wedding hilarious, and the presence of the Kingsguard as a justification for this idea even more so.

Were the Kingsguard there to protect the child, or to make sure that nobody gets out? Dayne was a great friend of Rhaegar and he probably had no love for Lyanna as a Dornishman. Whents were lords of Harrenhal (which is strongly connected to blood magic), where this whole thing had began. And since we are at Harrenhal, I always did wonder if crowning Lyanna was planned beforehand? (which would mean that Rhaegar did his research or he had a sudden, one might say, gods sent urge to crown Lyanna, both versions equally disturbing). And Hightower element might be why the whole thing went to seven hells. They did couse an entire war in order to get rid off the dragons. Why would it change? Hightowers do like getting their hands dirty with dark magic, so who knows, maybe Rhaegar did ask them about some rituals. Espacially if they have a copy of Dragons, Wyrms, and Wyverns: Their Unnatural History from the time of the Dance. Maybe even the same one that Alicent was reading, who knows. And maybe they've changed the recipy a little bit, tricking Rhaegar in the process.

So yeah, the Tower of Joy in my opinion was some really creepy, twisted mix between Summerhall (hatching dragons), Duskendale (kidnapping and raping - because yeah, Serala did rape Aerys, only this time it was a Targaryen doing the kidnapping and probably raping too) and Danelle Lothston shenanigans. Not very romantic, even in a tragic way, if you ask me.

Anyway, like I've said, I have nothing against the version most fans believe in, it's just that my perspective makes it sometimes very hard to talk about them as a star-crossed lovers when discussing things in canon.

But you do you, nonny.

[that-trans-chick-named-lunar]

get to know me ask game

thank you @bbs-butt for the tag!! It's been never since my last confession

RULES: bold the ones that are true and tag 15 people to do it (imma be real with u here chief... its early in the morning and I can figure this out so I'll just mark it)

APPEARANCE

blonde hair // I prefer loose clothing to tight clothing // ++I have one or more piercings++ // ++I have at least one tattoo (got my latest one like... yesterday so thats pretty fresh)++// I have dyed or highlighted my hair // I have gotten plastic surgery // I have or had braces // I sunburn easily // I have freckles // ++I paint my nails++ // I typically wear makeup // I don’t often smile // ++I am pleased with how I look++ // I prefer Nike to Adidas // I wear baseball hats backwards

HOBBIES AND TALENTS

I play a sport (na bro...I just move heavy things) // I can play an instrument// ++I am artistic++ // ++I know more than one language++ // ++I have won a trophy in some sort of competition++ // ++I can cook or bake without a recipe++ // ++I know how to swim++ // ++I enjoy writing++ // I can do origami // I prefer movies to tv shows // I can execute a perfect somersault // ++I enjoy singing++ // I could survive in the wild on my own // I have read a new book series this year // ++I enjoy spending time with friends++ // ++I travel during work or school breaks (whenever is appropriate, rn for example I do not travel, I work)++// I can do a handstand

RELATIONSHIP

I am in a relationship // I have been single for over a year // I have a crush // ++I have a best friend who I’ve known for ten years(been a fucking second hasn't it opd chap)++ // my parents are together // I have dated my best friend // ++I am adopted++ // My crush has confessed to me // I have a long distance relationship // I am an only child // ++I give advice to my friends++ // ++I have made an online friend++ // ++I met up with someone I have met online (sure did buckeru...met loads of these creeps already! Some are very very nice... actually all of them...come to think of it)++

AESTHETICS

++I have heard the ocean in a conch shell (how exactly is this aesthetics?)++//++ I have watched the sun rise(I mean...yes? Every day?)++ // ++I enjoy rainy days(actually thats fair... though to be totally honest I enjoy most days)++// ++I have slept under the stars++ // I meditate outside // ++the sound of chirping calms me (can hear it rn!)++ // ++I enjoy the smell of the beach++ // ++I know what snow tastes like++ // I listen to music to fall asleep // ++I enjoy thunderstorms++ // I enjoy cloud watching // ++I have attended a bonfire++ // I pay close attention to colors // +++I find mystery in the ocean(if mystery means: new species, new survival strategies, new things to learn in a biological sense then yes)++// ++I enjoy hiking on nature paths++ // autumn is my favorite season

MISCELLANEOUS

++I can fall asleep in a moving vehicle(not whilst driving it but otherwise yes)++// I am the mom friend // I live by a certain quote // I like the smell of sharpies //++ I am involved in extracurricular activities(if u know what I mean)++// ++I enjoy Mexican food(I enjoy most food)++//++ I can drive a stick shift(oh...so this was made by an American huh? Fuck automatic, I want to be in control of the god damn car all right?!)++// ++I believe in true love(depending on what this means, yes I do)++// ++I make up scenarios to fall asleep++ // ++I sing in the shower(rarely)++// I wish I lived in a video game // ++I have a canopy above my bed(I have been growing a viny plant for years now, it is large enough to couver my bed)++// I am multiracial // I am a redhead // I own at least 3 dogs

This is the point where I tag people I suppose.

@noireshot and @honigsenfsymbiont that would be very interesting!

And given I don't actually know how many dogs you have (I do but don't tell anyone) @peppermintbiotics of course...ya fucking legend!

[babyboibucky]

Don’t You Worry (Your Pretty Little Head)

Pairing: Guitarist!Bucky x Reader

Summary: You agree to spend twelve hours with Bucky whom you just met.

Word Count: 9.1k

Warnings: THE LENGTH lmfao, soft smut??? Nothing vulgar and it’s sorta implied

A/N: I am honestly nervous about posting this piece because idk, aside from it being fucking long, I was never satisfied with how this was written lmfao. I literally rewrote this like idk 5 times??? And the fact that I made a mood board for a oneshot lmfao only means I poured my heart out into this shit and I’m really hoping y’all would enjoy this as much as my other works 🥺

MAIN MASTERLIST

Your idea of a fun Friday night involved your couch and Netflix playing in the background as you scrolled through your phone with a glass of wine in hand. This was your definition of pure bliss, something that Wanda violently opposed to.

So here you were, seated in the front of a music bar while Wanda’s favorite band played.

“See? This isn’t so bad, right? Better than wallowing in your apartment alone.” She teased as she leaned over to you, needing to amp up the volume of her voice so you can hear her.

“The fact that we can’t even hear each other properly makes wallowing alone sound so much better.” You told her, not even bothering to repeat yourself when she didn’t understand what you said over the loud music playing.

Her favorite band introduced their last song for the night and as they did, you checked your phone for the time. It was barely past ten in the evening and you were already dying to get home. You’ll bid goodbye after this, you promised yourself. Just one last song and you’re out. Before the band could even finish their last song, you’d already decided on what pizza to order and which wine to bring out.

That was until the next band came up on stage to prepare for their performance. You were leaning over Wanda already, about to tell her that you were heading home, when one particular guy caught your eye. Something that Wanda noticed when she saw you gawking at the stage.

“Oh my god. He’s definitely your type.” Wanda said when her eyes landed on the bassist.

He had dirty blonde hair and a clean-shaven face that looked a little too innocent for someone to be in a rock band. Your exact type— one with the boy next door appeal, someone you’d want to bring home to introduce to your parents. Wanda was so sure you were crushing on the bassist but as soon as he followed your line of sight, she almost choked on her own spit.

You weren’t eyeing the bassist, instead, you were completely focused on the lead guitarist. You were so enamored by this guy that you failed to notice Wanda gushing over the fact that you were enamored by someone who was the complete opposite of your type.

It was the lead guitarist who caught your attention. The one with long hair tied into a low, messy man bun, his stray locks framing his perfectly chiseled face. It wasn’t only the hair that made you look at him, it was also his left arm— it was covered entirely with tattoos. And then he started playing the guitar and good god, his fingers were something else.

It was rare for you to have certain thoughts, the kind that would make you sweat in church. And thank fuck for Wanda finally snapping you out of your filthy trance because if she hadn’t, you would’ve seriously drowned in your not so pure thoughts.

“I can’t believe you’re attracted to that guy. This makes me so excited, honestly.” Wanda squealed.

“Huh?” You played dumb of course. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Wanda snorted out loud, “I just witnessed you drool over the guitarist for a good five minutes. Stop denying.” She said.

You rolled your eyes, “Maybe I did. And so what? It’s not like I’m gonna act on it.”

“You have to fuck him.” Wanda casually suggested, making you choke on your drink.

You weren’t a prude but you didn’t like the idea of hooking up with people, most especially strangers. You weren’t going to lie though, it did cross your mind. Obviously, the way his fingers moved on his guitar really threw your brain down the gutter. Sure, you might have wondered what it’d be like to have those fingers on you but again, would you act on it? Hell no.

“It’s just one night. Live a little, come on. And you getting attracted to someone like him? That’s once in a blue moon, all the more you need to bring him home.” Wanda said.

“One night stands don’t really work well for me and you know that. The first time I tried that was also the last time because I ended up getting attached. And how did that end? Terrible. So no, thank you. Never again.” You told Wanda.

Fortunately, Wanda stopped bugging you about fucking the guitarist. It wasn’t really a big deal, it was nothing but a moment of admiration. You were hell-bent on going home anyway, well, maybe after his band finishes their first song. Besides, he wouldn’t notice you so why bother staying?

“Oh my god, he’s looking at you!” Wanda almost screamed, slapping at your arm until you turned to the stage.

And holy fuck. He was really looking at you. Why though? You even looked behind you to make sure it was you he was staring at and when you turned back at him, he smirked and threw a wink at your way.

“You know what, I think I’m gonna head home.” You said, not knowing how to act.

Wanda pulled you back down when you stood up, “Oh no, honey. No one’s going home this early.” She said. “You wouldn’t want to disappoint him, would you?” She quickly added, tipping her head towards the stage.

When you looked up at the guitarist, he was still looking at you as he played. This time, he was actually pouting, as if pleading for you to stay. You quickly avoided his gaze and although it was dimly lit in the bar, you still bowed your head to hide the blush creeping up to your face.

You managed to survive the entire setlist of the band despite the flirty smiles and winks that the guitarist gave you. Wanda was ecstatic about it, it made you wonder if she was actually the one crushing on the guy. As soon as the last song was done, you excused yourself and hurried into the bathroom to compose yourself.

It was the first time that you experienced such attraction towards a guy like him. You always went with the good boys, so why were you so drawn to this guy who looked nothing but trouble? You were in denial, this was totally out of your comfort zone so you shook the thoughts away and promised yourself (again) that you’d head home this time. For real.

“There you are.”

You gasped out loud when you stepped out of the bathroom, quickly colliding against a solid chest when you heard his voice. It was low yet gentle, soft-spoken but sinful.

“I’m sorry?” You sputtered out, bowing down your head to avoid the lead guitarist’s gaze.

“I thought you left already.” He said. “I’m Bucky, by the way.” He introduced, extending his left arm for a handshake.

Your eyes landed on his tattooed arm, despite the ink covering it all up you could actually see his veins.

“And I’m going home.” You quickly shook Bucky’s hand, ignoring the electricity that ran through your veins and brushed past him, eyes scanning the bar for Wanda.

Bucky jogged ahead of you, blocking your way and chuckling to himself. “Don’t I at least get a name?” He asked.

You were internally screaming, but you managed to mention your name just so he would leave you alone. Sure, he was hot and he was actually flirting with you. But your fear of the unknown outweighed your attraction. You weren’t ready to step out of your comfort zone. Yet.

Bucky trailed behind you as you looked for Wanda, cursing to yourself when you couldn’t spot her anywhere. You took out your phone and called her immediately.

“Wanda? Where are you?” You hiss into the phone.

Bucky watched you with amusement and it was making you uncomfortable. He was just staring at you with a grin on his handsome face. And now, you just discovered that Wanda left you.

“What?! But why?! You’re my ride home! Come back and pick me up!” You exclaim into the phone, unable to believe that Wanda just ditched you.

“You can’t— hello? Wanda? Hello?” You groaned in frustration when your friend ended the call.

“I’d love to offer you a ride home but it’s too early, so how ‘bout I just buy you a drink?” Bucky asked, flashing you a charming smile that made your knees weak.

Part of you wanted to give in and just say, fuck it, let Bucky do whatever he wants with you. The reasonable part of your brain though, highly opposed to this and pulled on the alarms. This guy probably just wants to get you into his bed and although it doesn’t sound that bad, you worried more for what could happen afterwards. You weren’t ready for a repeat of the past. You were too emotional, you had too many strings and they get attached way too quickly.

“No, thank you.” You told Bucky and headed outside the bar, deciding to book an Uber instead.

Bucky was persevering though and followed you out, blocking your way into the sidewalk and snatching your phone away.

“Hey, give me my phone back!” You exclaimed.

“The night is young, c’mon. Why are you so aloof anyway?” Bucky asked.

“Because I don’t know you?” You responded.

Bucky chuckled, “Have you ever heard about making friends? I mean, pretty much everyone you meet starts off as a stranger. And it’s not like I’m a serial killer or anything. I’m not gonna rob you but I most certainly won’t give you your phone back until I convince you to stay a while.” He said and god, he was too charming for your own good.

He made a good point about making friends. You couldn’t even remember the last time you made a new one. Bucky could see the gears in your head working as you stared at him, cheeks flushed and lips parted in deep thought.

“So, what do you say? Stay a while? Keep me company. It’ll be fun.” Bucky insisted.

“Why me?” You blurted out.

It wasn’t that you were insecure, but you were way too different from Bucky. You didn’t seem like his type, but then again, he wasn’t your type either. Until the moment you saw him on stage.

“Why not?” Bucky responded as if he couldn’t believe you just asked him that question.

“Do you ask that every time someone flirts with you? Besides, it’s not everyday that someone like you stared at me like that.” He teased.

Fuck, so he noticed you drooling over him. Quick! Think of a way out, you told yourself.

“Someone like me? What did you mean by that?” You asked, sounding offended.

Bucky’s eyes widened and shook his head, “I didn’t mean for it to sound like it’s a bad thing. I mean, you come in here wearing a chiffon blouse and a pencil skirt and expect me not to notice? I’m actually flattered that a girl, no...a woman...was ogling me. Definitely piqued my interest.” He explained.

That was a compliment, right? The sirens in your head grew louder at the way Bucky was easily throwing you compliments. He must be used to flirting his way into women’s panties, huh? 

“I wasn’t ogling you.” You defended even though you were, looking away from his eyes.

“Sure, you weren’t.” Bucky teased. “Loosen up, will ya? When was the last time you had fun anyway?” He asked.

“Depends on your definition of fun.” You retorted.

“You know what I mean.” Bucky sighed.

“Well, my idea of fun doesn’t involve a guitarist getting me into his bed for a one night stand.” You blurted out, mindlessly.

Bucky made a face and clutched his chest, “Ouch. You went hard on that judgment, I’m not gonna lie, that kinda stings.”

Okay, now you felt bad for jumping to conclusions. Bucky did look like he was hurt from your brash statement. Fuck, he probably thought you were one of those stereotypical bitches! It wasn’t entirely your fault, right? You were just being careful. Were you? Or was it purely overthinking? Your brain was moving all too fast but Bucky quickly distracted you when he took your hand and placed your phone back onto your palm.

“You know, I think I get it why you said that and I honestly can’t blame you. A band dude flirts with you just like that, understandable why you thought that I wanted to get into your pants.” He explained much to your relief.

“I’m sorry, it was tasteless for me to judge you like that.” You quickly apologized, genuinely feeling like a terrible person.

Bucky smiled at you, “Nah, you had every right. I’m sorry if I was too forward but I do really want to spend some time to get to know you. So how about a little proposal?”

There was a glint in Bucky’s eyes that made your heart flutter and your brain go into overdrive. You knew it was a bad idea to give in to Bucky. Someone as charming as him might really be up to no good. Sure, you felt bad for judging him based on his looks. But something in your gut tells you that he was trouble.

“What proposal?” You asked curiously.

“Spend the next twelve hours with me.” Bucky suggested.

You frowned, “What?”

Bucky took your phone again, but only to check the time. “It’s a little past eleven now, I promise you’ll be home before noon tomorrow. Come with me, let loose for once and let’s spend the entire night together. Twelve hours, that’s it.” He said excitedly.

“And I don’t mean have sex with me.” Bucky explained immediately.  “We’ll just hang out, it’s a wholesome proposal. But if you do want to have sex with me, I’m not gonna turn that down. I’m just saying, it’s not my motive but I won’t be saying no to it either.” He reassured.

You felt hot all of a sudden at how Bucky casually talked about having sex with you. It made you feel feverish and for someone who wasn’t really a sexual person, it made you feel like you were about to commit a major sin just by listening to Bucky talk like that.

Bucky beamed at you cutely, waiting for your response and honestly, with how his doe eyes were looking at you like that, was it even possible to say no? Despite the continuous alarms in your head and your inner prude begging you to stay within the confines of your comfort zone, you decided to do something for a change.

So you said yes.

You were spending the next twelve hours with Bucky and you could only hope that you wouldn’t regret it.

-

The night started off slow, thankfully, with Bucky ushering you back into the bar for a couple of drinks. You had to remind yourself to still be alert for any red flags that might show up sooner or later. You knew you were being a bit paranoid, but to hell, it would be better that way than to make mistakes tonight.

“Where do you work?” Bucky asked before calling the waiter.

“I work at a bank.” You told him.

The waiter arrived and took your orders, a tall glass of mojito for you and a rum and coke for Bucky. He asked you a couple more things, where you graduated, your hobbies and what you often did during your weekends. All of which you had pretty boring responses to. Bucky listened though and he didn’t seem bored too, what a relief.

“Are you really sure about spending twelve hours just like this?” You asked, taking another sip from your second glass of mojito.

Bucky snickered, “We won’t be talking the entire night, did you really think I’d ask for your twelve hours just to talk?” He asked.

“What are you planning then?” You asked nervously.

Bucky offered you an amused smile, “Nothing illegal so stop worrying, pretty lady. I can see the gears in your head turning.” He said and leaned forward to smoothen out the crease in between your brows with his thumb.

“Come on, time to have fun.” He said and got up, offering you his hand.

You haven’t even recovered from how gentle Bucky was when he touched your forehead. And now here he was, standing over you with his tattooed arm extended, waiting for you to take his hand.

“I don’t bite.” He stated.

Letting out a sigh, you finished up your drink and stood up, slipping your hand into Bucky’s. He smiled at you, lifting your hand up to his face and pressing a kiss on it before winking.

“See? I told you, I don’t bite.”

You cleared your throat and pursed your lips, biting back a smile as Bucky tugged you as he walked out of the bar, keeping your hand in his the entire time. Maybe he wasn’t so bad after all?

“Here.” Bucky said, handing you over his helmet.

It was then that you realized that he was about to give you a ride. On his motorcycle. The sirens in your head went off once again, bringing you back to your usual tensed state.

“Oh, no. Look, I know I said yes to your proposal but I’m not going to ride on that.” You disagreed and took a step back.

Bucky looked disappointed but shrugged anyway, placing the helmet back on the bike. “Fine. I’ll let you off this time, just because I don’t want to make you uncomfortable. Come with me.” He said and took your hand in his again as the both of you went back inside the bar.

He brought you towards the booth where the rest of his band were staying at. They all looked at you with smirks on their faces when Bucky introduced you to them.

“That’s Nat, our vocalist. Sam here is our drummer and Steve the bassist.” He said.

You gave them a polite smile and a quick wave. Bucky threw his keys over at Steve, who was supposed to be your type. Wanda thought so and you were just weirded out that you happen to be drawn towards Bucky instead.

“Hey punk, switch your car for my bike? Just for tonight.” Bucky said.

Steve looked so done with his request but shook his head in defeat as he fished his keys out of his pocket. He pointed at Bucky threateningly, “Don’t mess up my car, jerk. You know what I mean by that.” He said before throwing his own keys over at Bucky who caught it with ease.

“I wouldn’t worry about that if I were you. Thanks, pal!” Bucky bid goodbyes and pulled you again before you could even say your own goodbyes to his bandmates.

Now, you were inside Steve’s car with Bucky and you were nervous as fuck. Although you did find it considerate of Bucky to borrow his friend’s car to make things comfortable for you. You were going to admit that, but it made your heart flutter. You mentally snorted at yourself because fuck, the bar is set pretty low alright.

“What’s going on in that pretty little head of yours?” Bucky asked, noticing how you tensed up all of a sudden.

“Do we have rules?” You asked.

“This night is all about letting loose and the first thing you thought of are rules?” Bucky laughed.

“I’m about to spend the next twelve hours with a complete stranger, of course I’d be worried! What if—“

“Okay, calm down!” Bucky said, turning in his seat to face you, placing his hands on your shoulders.

“If it’ll make you less tense then fine, I’ll come up with rules. Number one is to stop worrying.” Bucky said, rubbing your arms up and down and you were supposed to feel uncomfortable with the intimacy but you didn’t.

There was no malice to it and it made you panic all the more because ugh, Bucky was making you all soft and vulnerable around him. You could hear Wanda inside your head, commanding you to just calm down and go with the flow. You took in a deep breath and composed yourself.

“You gotta learn to trust people. I promise you, we won’t be getting in any trouble. I’ll take good care of you.” Bucky said, letting your arms go and tipping your chin so you’d look at him.

“Rule two, no what ifs. Just focus on the present, okay? If you keep worrying about what could happen, you’ll miss out on the now. Trust me, you wouldn’t want that.” Something about the change in Bucky’s eyes when he said that made you curious.

He was on to something, like he really meant it. You wanted to ask him about it, hell, you should start asking him for more information. If he wanted to get to know you better then you should attempt to do the same to him too.

“Last rule is to just enjoy. Like I said, I won’t let anything bad happen to you. You trust me now?” Bucky asked with hopeful eyes.

The alarms in your head still kept going, but as you gazed back at Bucky, the softer they were becoming. You could feel yourself start to give in and you know what? It actually doesn’t sound so bad anymore. Maybe this would help with your attachment issues? This will probably teach you how to have fun with no attachments. Take things for what they are and just enjoy.

“Hey, will you trust me?” Bucky asked again.

“Yeah, yeah I will.”

-

1:15AM

Bucky took you to a hole in the wall open mic bar. It was a small place and everyone there seemed to know each other. And when Bucky arrived, everyone just greeted him and welcomed you there.

“You seem pretty popular here.” You told him as he led you to one of the seats near the makeshift stage.

“I spend a lot of time here.” He said and called over the guy by the bar.

“Hey Happy! Wanna introduce you to a special friend.” He said. The man approached your table and greeted you with a smile.

“Must be really special, you never bring anyone here.” Happy said, making you blush uncontrollably.

Bucky bit his lip as he turned to you, “Do you sing?” He asked.

You quickly shook your head, “Oh god, no. I don’t have the talent.” You said.

Happy chuckled, “That wouldn’t be a problem, trust me.” He reassured.

Bucky lifted an eyebrow at you, “Wanna go up there and sing with me?”

“Bucky, no.” You laughed, shaking your head. “I’m not doing that.”

“Come on, no one’s gonna judge you. Let loose, remember? And if anyone here laughs at you, I’ll be the first to punch them in the face.” He promised.

You thought for a while, keeping your eyes on Bucky. Fuck this. You called Happy and requested for a shot of tequila.

“That’s my girl! Just needs a little bit of liquid courage, huh?”

You snorted, “Oh that’s not for me. That’s for you. You’re gonna need it if you’ll be hearing me sing.”

You never performed in front of a crowd, well, back in high school maybe for some school plays. But hell, you were never the center of attention and whenever you had to be, you always experienced a panic attack. But now being on stage with Bucky behind you, playing the guitar as you sang (screeched actually), you’d never felt more alive and relaxed. True enough, no one cared about how off tune you were. In fact, you got a lot of cheers from the crowd.

2:45AM

“You hungry?” Bucky asked.

You couldn’t believe it, you’ve been singing on stage the entire time at the bar. You’d like to believe that it was probably the alcohol running in your veins, but you weren’t that drunk. Tipsy, maybe but definitely not drunk. It was fun, you were surprised at how much you enjoyed singing with Bucky and everybody else. You made a couple of new friends aside from Happy, talked to them and even exchanged numbers with a few. This was the most sociable you’ve ever been.

“I could use some carbs right now.” You laughed, wiping off the sweat on your forehead.

Bucky reached out to fix your hair, moving away the sweaty strands sticking onto your cheeks and tucking them behind your ear. He flashed you that oh so charming smile again and good god, Bucky was truly something else.

“Let’s get you something to eat.” He said.

Bucky drove to a 24-hour food truck somewhere. It was close to 3am but you didn’t feel exhausted, which was shocking given that you’ve been dying to go home a few hours ago before meeting Bucky and agreeing to go on an escapade with him. You could already hear Wanda squealing over the phone once you tell her everything.

The both of you ordered some soft tacos and sat on one of the benches beside the food truck.

“Enjoying so far?” Bucky asked with interest.

You nodded enthusiastically, your mouth full of food as you devoured your tacos. “Very much.” You admitted.

Bucky’s eyes crinkled as he laughed along with you, obviously pleased that you were enjoying yourself. Not long ago, twelve hours seemed a bit too long. Now, they felt too short. You could feel your brain begin to overthink what would happen once the the twelve hours are over, but you quickly shook them away and followed Bucky’s advice to focus on the present.

The two of you continued to talk as you ate. You discovered that Bucky and his bandmates go way back and that they’ve been performing since their days at the university. You also found out that Bucky’s last relationship ended six years ago and that he hasn’t dated anyone since then. You found out a lot of things about Bucky, most of which were far from your first impressions.

“Why’d your friend leave you at the bar?” Bucky asked, taking out a cigarette and putting it in his mouth.

You watched him with hazy eyes as he lighted the cigarette, puffing out a thin line of smoke with ease. You were always drawn to Bucky’s fingers and initially, it was because of the impure thoughts they made you think about. But more than that, they were the gentlest you’d ever seen.

“Probably to get me to have fun.” You responded, looking away timidly when Bucky noticed you staring at his hands.

“She’s gonna be very proud of you after this.” He said.

You nodded and breathed out a chuckle, “Oh, for sure.” You said before turning to Bucky. “Can I try?” You asked, motioning towards his cigarette.

“I haven’t smoked. Ever.” You admitted.

Bucky grinned and passed you the cigarette. “Go on.” He urged and kept his eyes on you as you brought the cigarette up to your lips.

The way Bucky watched you was intimidating in the sense that it felt intimate. It wasn’t like he was eye-fucking you or anything, his eyes were just too...expressive? They held a certain softness to them, a bit of sadness too when you look at it closely. They were the bluest, most beautiful color you’ve seen and they were captivating.

You ended up in a coughing fit from that first drag. Bucky chuckled and took the cigarette from your hand, patting your back as you continued to cough.

“Definitely not for me.” You frowned and took a sip from your iced tea.

“At least you tried. I’m proud of you.” Bucky said, the gentle pats on your back slowing down until his hand remained still.

“You good?” He asked again, sliding his hand lower until he reached the small of your back, but not low enough to make you uncomfortable.

You nodded, “What else is up in your sleeve?” You asked with interest.

“Well, I really wanted to take you on a ride on my bike but I guess that’s for next time.” Bucky confessed.

“Next time?” You asked and you tried not to be hopeful.

“Yeah, next time. We’ll do that next time.” Bucky said and he sounded so sure that you began to worry.

Will there really be a next time? At this point, Bucky could read you like an open book because he chuckled and pressed his thumb against the crease on your forehead again.

“You’re doing it again, whatever you’re worrying about just forget it for now.” He said, soothing out your crease before pinching your nose.

You scrunched your nose making Bucky lightly laugh. He checked the time on his phone and let out a sigh.

3:43AM

“Can I bring you back to my place?”

-

If you told Wanda that you ended up in Bucky’s place, she would freak out and ask for all the details. But no, you didn’t come home with Bucky for that reason. As he promised, it wasn’t his motive to get you into his bed and he seemed to be genuine about it.

Bucky lived in a small studio-type loft. It wasn’t the penthouse kind with the floor to ceiling windows overlooking the city. It was simple and minimalistic, with just a few pieces of furniture. What Bucky owned were a couple of guitars— different kinds of them, and an electric keyboard.

“It’s not much and I don’t even have a bed frame, I hope you won’t judge me for that.” Bucky said, scratching his neck as he led you inside.

“No, not at all. It’s very cozy in here, actually.” You said, looking around and taking in your surroundings.

Bucky had a lot of indoor plants, you definitely didn’t think of him as a plant guy. As you let your eyes wander, something white zoomed past your vision. A cat.

Bucky also owned a cat.

“This is Alpine.” Bucky said, picking up the feline and carrying it onto his shoulder.

As if Bucky and his plants didn’t make him attractive enough, he really had to own a white cat. You could feel yourself internally screaming about how you haven’t been seeing any red flags. If any, you’ve been seeing green flags pop out every now and then that it was pretty alarming. Strangely, the sirens in your head died down as if they’ve given up on warning you.

Or maybe, there was really nothing to warn about Bucky.

The cat purred and nuzzled its nose into Bucky’s neck and you couldn’t believe that you got jealous for a brief second. Oh, to be cat against Bucky’s chest.

“Feel free to look around, I’ll get you water.” He said, bringing Alpine with him into the kitchen.

You walked around his place and observed the surroundings. He was very organized, more than you actually. You could hear Bucky talk to Alpine and it was the most adorable thing you’d ever seen.

A couple of picture frames that sat on Bucky’s bedside table caught your eye. They were photos of him with his mom you assumed, and three more girls.

“Those are my mom and younger sisters.” Bucky said, appearing behind you with a glass of water.

You thanked him as you took the glass and sat down on his bed, “Where are they?” You asked before drinking.

Alpine jumped into your lap and purred, making Bucky laugh with delight as he sat next to you. His parents were back in his hometown together with his sisters. Bucky told you everything about his family and how close he was to his sisters, how they were supportive of him when he decided to become a musician. Then Bucky went on to showcase his guitar collection, telling you the lovely stories behind each of them. You could see how passionate Bucky was for his craft and it was a wonderful thing to witness. You were envious how Bucky pursued his passion, how he took huge risks to get to where he was now.

“And this is my favorite one.” Bucky said, taking a black electric guitar with him as he went back to sit down next to you.

“First one I bought with my own money. It’s old and doesn’t sound as nice as my newer ones, but I love it.” He said and started plucking at the strings.

Alpine hopped off from your lap and went to sleep onto his tiny little bed beside Bucky’s couch. You focused on Bucky’s fingers as he played the guitar. It took you back to the moment you saw him onstage, how those fingers made you wonder about certain things. They moved gracefully against the cords, plucking with ease producing the most wonderful music. You really needed to snap out of your filthy thoughts.

Bucky played the guitar for you, singing some lyrics once in a while. You noticed his tattoos again and stared a bit longer, trying to decipher each design wrapped around his arm. Some were huge, some intricate more than the rest. They were all of different designs but molded together so perfectly.

You had to admit, you didn’t find tattoos attractive before. But on Bucky, it looked like a masterpiece. He himself, was a piece of art with his chiseled jawline and steel blue eyes that made you feel at home.

“I’ve been meaning to ask...” you softly trailed.

Bucky hummed in response, his attention focused on his guitar as he continued to play.

“Your tattoos, do they mean something?” You asked.

“I got them to cover up the scars from an accident.” Bucky looked up at you.

“I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to pry.” You quickly apologized.

Bucky smiled reassuringly, “It’s fine. It was a turning point for me.” He said, setting his guitar aside.

“It really puts things into perspective you know. I crashed my bike one night, I wasn’t drunk, mind you.” He chuckled. “It was pretty bad, my left arm suffered the most. I almost got decapitated but here I am. I got scars all over, really ugly scars so I had them covered up with a tattoo sleeve.” Bucky explained, extending his left arm and looking at it.

“For a while, I wasn’t able to play music. And I hated every second of it. Hated seeing the scars on my arm and how they reminded me of the accident. But you learn to live with it. At least I did, I learned to turn the negative into something positive.”

Now that he said that, you could actually see some of the scars beneath the ink. Bucky shrugged and continued with his story.

“The doctors said I was lucky that I didn’t die. Living my second life now, I realized that I gotta make the most out of it. Focus on the present and enjoy what comes your way. Take risks. Do what scares you.” He explained and now you understood.

You understood why Bucky appeared to be so laid-back and carefree, why he doesn’t worry a lot about the future. He almost lost his life so now he was living it to the fullest. He was living in the present, enjoying every second of it.

“Every time I see my tattoos, I get reminded of my second chance at life and how I shouldn’t waste it.” He said.

Bucky saw the look in your face, how guilty you looked from judging him right away. He took your chin in between his thumb and index finger, tipping it up to make you look at him.

“So when I noticed that bored pretty office girl in the audience checking me out, I didn’t waste the opportunity to get to know her. See where it goes, who knows if I’d still be alive tomorrow but at least I shoot my shot.” He said, making you chuckle.

Everything went still in that moment, your usually noisy mind included. Time seemed to have stopped as you gazed into Bucky’s eyes. Biting your lip, you gave in and totally let down your walls.

“What’s going on in that pretty little head of yours?” Bucky asked, doing the same thing with his thumb, soothing the crease in between your brows.

This time, he didn’t take his hand back and allowed it to rest against your cheek before sliding down to your jaw and neck. His thumb began to caress the spot beneath your ear, waiting for you to respond to his question.

What Bucky got was more than just a simple response.

“Fuck it.” You whispered before pressing your lips onto Bucky’s.

All your life you played it safe— from your college course to your choice of career. You weren’t one to take risks either and whenever you needed to, they were always calculated. You did things carefully, making sure that you’d get the results you were expecting to save you from disappointment. The unknown scared you and so does uncertainty. You liked staying in your comfort zone but as much as you’ve been denying it, it was starting to get boring.

You also said you weren’t one to entertain a stranger, let alone hook-up with one. But then Bucky comes along with his long hair and tattooed arm, looking like trouble but bringing you none. You’d think that he just wanted to get into your pants but as he showered you with gentle kisses and feathery touches, you realized that Bucky might be different and that he was so much more than just the hot lead guitarist of a band.

Bucky’s calloused fingers perfectly contrasted the smooth expanse of your skin. They felt rough but remained gentle as they moved along your chest, as they danced along your back, as they stroked your inner walls. And his lips, they were tender and soft; they whispered nothing but promises and praises against your ear as your bodies moved in unison.

His eyes remained on you, taking all of your nakedness in, literally and figuratively. He watched you closely, with those blue eyes of his that always made you blush. Bucky’s eyes were truly mesmerizing, no matter how much you wanted to look away from embarrassment, you couldn’t. You felt trapped in those eyes, and you never want to leave.

And his left arm— you could feel the ridges of his scars as you let your hands feel his skin. But they weren’t ugly, didn’t feel weird against the pads of your fingers. His arm offered nothing but warmth and support when you reached your high and came crashing down. His arms caught you and protected you, his embrace was reassuring and it made you feel safe.

5:58AM

The city was quiet and the sun was barely up. Alpine was still curled up on his bed, sleeping. You were exhausted but satisfied and comfortable as you laid on your stomach, head turned and facing Bucky as you listened to him talk.

He was talking about his band’s first performance in college, laughing when he said that he almost threw up from being so nervous. Bucky had the softest voice in the wee hours of dawn, you loved listening to him. Lucky you, Bucky had been talking about anything and everything until the dark skies began to change its hues. He shared his dreams and his secrets and you admired him more and more.

“You should come to our rehearsals.” He suggested, letting a hand trace patterns on your bare back.

“Sounds nice.” You yawned, blinking your eyes in an attempt to keep them open.

“What do you want for brunch?” Bucky asked, almost mumbling from being half-asleep.

You hummed, “By the time we wake up, it might be close to dinner.” You joked.

“Breakfast food is way better during dinner. Want me to cook for you?” Bucky said before yawning.

Your eyes were lidded as you took in Bucky’s form. He was laying beside you, long hair messed up and lips swollen pink from kissing. He looked unreal as a sliver of sunlight managed to peek through his curtains, embracing his body with its warm glow. The sun was now fully up, witnessing the tender aftermath of your intimacy with Bucky as he reached out to brush his knuckle along your cheekbone.

“I’m surprised you can cook.” You said softly, close to falling asleep.

“I’m pretty good at it.” Bucky chuckled before leaning in to kiss your forehead.

“I’ll cook for you when we wake up.” 

Bucky’s soft lips against yours was the last thing you felt before sleep took over.

-

12:24PM

A soft purr paired with soft paws on his face stirred Bucky awake. He groaned at Alpine when she meowed right into his face. Must be feeding time, he thought.

Bucky gently moved Alpine aside and turned, only to be met by a cold, empty space beside him. He sat up on the bed and rubbed his eyes before quickly scanning his apartment for you.

You were gone.

And judging by the cold sheets on your side of the bed, you’d left hours ago. Bucky sighed in disappointment as he got up, putting on his boxers and quickly checking the bathroom. He hoped you’d be there, but you weren’t.

You didn’t even leave a note.

Bucky ran a hand through his hair in frustration. He wanted to cook for you, really. He wanted to bring you to his band’s rehearsals, maybe even write a song for you.

He wanted more than twelve hours with you.

-

Wanda had been on your ass for days now. When you told her about your twelve hours with Bucky, she was happy and proud. By the time you got to the end of it, she was fuming and was close to actually physically hurting you.

She wouldn’t stop bugging you about it, demanding you to at least look Bucky up on Facebook or Instagram. Wanda believed that what you and Bucky shared that night was special, something real and not just a one-time thing.

You woke up that morning, feeling sore but happy. Butterflies fluttered in your stomach when you opened your eyes to the sight of Bucky sleeping peacefully beside you. He seemed to be dreaming, his brows creased and lips pursed.

Reaching out, you did what Bucky kept on doing to you whenever you were worrying. You pressed your thumb against his forehead, soothing out the crease as gentle as you could so as not to wake him up. Bucky stirred in his sleep and unconsciously took your hand in his, pressing a kiss onto your palm before falling back into his slumber.

And that’s when it started; the alarms in your head went off and they were the loudest they’ve ever been. You were almost deafened by it, your logic drowning beneath your panicked thoughts as you got up from bed. You dressed up in a hurry, grabbing your things and phone to book yourself a ride home. Alpine woke up and ran over to your legs, purring as if begging you not to go.

You refused to look back and went straight for the door.

One and a half week later, here you were still feeling like the most terrible person on the entire planet. You had searched for Bucky online, of course. You just didn’t tell Wanda that but it was the first thing that you did upon going home. There were instances when you were tempted to send him a DM, or add him up on Facebook but you never did. 

That one night with Bucky changed everything, it changed you. You immediately filed for a resignation, realizing that you were no longer happy working for the bank. It was a spur of the moment decision but you knew it was the right one. You didn’t even know where to apply next or what career to pursue. But you weren’t worried like you had expected to be.

Bucky taught you to take risks, to not fear the unknown because things will eventually fall into place. You felt good though, that you were slowly learning to step out of your comfort zone. But something was amiss and you knew what it was. Or who it was.

You just weren’t ready to admit it yet.

-

It was around nine in the evening when you went to the grocery store for a last minute shopping decision. Wanda was coming over for a movie night and apparently, you didn’t have any snacks left.

Finishing your list, you turned at the corner of an aisle and collided with somebody. Your apology died on your tongue when you looked up to see a familiar face.

Steve.

“Hi.” You softly greeted, wondering if he would even remember you.

He frowned at you and you were surprised that he remembered you and actually knew about that night.

“Why’d you leave Bucky just like that?” He asked right away.

You swallowed and avoided his gaze, “It was...it’s not a big deal. It was a one-time thing anyway.” You lied through your teeth.

Steve scoffed, “It didn’t seem like a one-time thing when Bucky came to our rehearsals the next day feeling bummed out.” He explained and sighed afterwards, shaking his head.

“Look, I’m in no position to interfere. I don’t know you and why you did that so who am I to judge? But I know Bucky. He isn’t what you think he is.” Steve said.

“I know.” You whispered.

“Then why’d you leave?” Steve asked again but didn’t wait for a response.

“Bucky may come off a little too strong, he’s straightforward and passionate. He gives it his all and that night with you...he gave everything. He was really hurt when you left.”

You were unable to speak because fuck, you messed up big time. You didn’t know that Bucky was going to feel that way when you left. You got scared and ran away even when there was nothing to be afraid of. Steve must have noticed your guilt and placed a hand on your shoulder.

“We’re playing tonight at the music bar. You have the chance to make things right.” Steve said and offered you a small smile before leaving.

You stood in the grocery store while in deep thoughts. Again, your mind was all kinds of messed up and your thoughts were fighting for dominance. There were sirens going on and off and fuck, it was all driving you insane. Your heart began to race when you felt an impending sense of doom wash over you. You were panicking and you were fighting so hard to calm your nerves.

And then you remembered Bucky that night and how he was quick to silence your brain with a simple yet comforting gesture.

“What’s going on in that pretty little head of yours?”

A thumb on your forehead to soothe your worries. Those steel blue eyes providing you comfort, and that charming smile that never failed to reassure you.

You quickly called Wanda.

“Movie night is cancelled!”

-

The dimly lit music bar welcomed you with a sense of familiarity. It had been more than a week since your encounter with Bucky and yet it felt like it was only yesterday.

Smiling to yourself, you remembered how tensed you were when Bucky first approached you. You were so defensive, you had your walls built up high but Bucky managed to bring them down. It didn’t even take him the full twelve hours to do so.

The music bar was full with no vacant spot near the stage. The current band just finished their song and was preparing to exit. You squeezed your way to the front, ignoring the complaints of people you slightly pushed away. A familiar voice greeted the crowd a good evening before introducing their band.

Your breath hitched when you spotted Bucky onstage. His hair was down and he was sporting a little bit of scruff. You watched him play his guitar but something was different. He wasn’t as passionate as he used to be, like he wasn’t focused. He almost looked like he didn’t want to be there. And his eyes, they were empty and void of any emotion. No mischievous glint in them, no nothing.

It broke your heart seeing Bucky like this, especially that you knew you were the reason for it.

It took a while for Bucky to look up and scan the crowd and when he finally did, his eyes immediately met yours.

Just like the first time, you felt your face heat up from the eye contact. Bucky was surprised to see you, you saw how his eyes widened at the sight of you. He was quick to recover though, he looked away and focused on playing the guitar instead.

As soon as his band exited the stage, you wasted no time to approach them. Steve greeted you with a nod before calling for Nat and Sam, asking for them accompany him to the bar to give you some privacy. Bucky refused to look at you as he gathered his stuff, preparing to leave.

“Can we talk?” You asked.

“I’m heading home.” Bucky curtly responded and brushed past you.

The tables have turned with you walking ahead of him to block his way.

“The night is young, stay a while and keep me company?” You used his line and Bucky was having none of it.

He scoffed and shook his head, “I’m surprised you remembered what I said. I mean, after you just disappeared I assumed you’d completely forgotten about that night.”

“I didn’t.” You told him. “Can we please talk?” You pleaded.

Bucky ran a hand through his hair, “I don’t know, I really wanna go home.” He said.

Your hands balled into fists at your sides, “Give me twelve minutes.” You offered.

“Just twelve minutes of your time. Please, Bucky.”

-

The two of you stepped outside the bar for some silence. Bucky walked over to his bike, leaning against it as he looked at you coldly. Those eyes used to gaze at you with warmth, but now they were blank and cold.

“Time is ticking.” He said when you kept mum.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to disappear like that.” You said, looking down at your feet.

How else were you going to say your piece? You had practiced your speech on the way to the bar and now that Bucky was in front of you, you couldn’t even look at him from shame.

Bucky scoffed, “You asked me for twelve minutes and that’s all you’re gonna say? You’re sorry? Just that?” He bitterly chuckled, running a hand over his scruff.

“If you didn’t mean it then why did you leave? You left me without any warning. I honestly thought there was something between us. After everything that happened, how could you just walk away like that? You led me on, didn’t you?” Bucky angrily asked.

“I didn’t! I swear, I didn’t but I got scared!” You admitted.

“Scared of what?” He asked. “Scared of me? Because I’m not the kind of guy you usually go for? You really couldn’t get rid of that first impression, huh?” He said and turned around.

“That’s not the reason why. Everything scared me because that night was something else. You were too good to be true, Bucky! That’s what scared me!” You told him.

Bucky turned around, his brows creased, “What?”

When you woke up that morning, everything seemed perfect. The past twelve hours you had spent with Bucky were wonderful and you loved every second of it. You enjoyed too much and the thought of it being a one-time thing really broke your heart.

You had attachment issues and you thought that giving in to Bucky would help you learn to enjoy things as they were. But it didn’t and made it even worse because you got attached, so fucking attached.

“I couldn’t bear the thought of ending those twelve hours with a permanent goodbye so I left. You suddenly talked about next time and tomorrow and it was...it was overwhelming for me. My fear got the best of me because that night was too good. You were too good.”

Bucky’s expression softened after hearing your side. Now you felt stupid for overthinking things. It was selfish on your part to assume that those twelve hours meant nothing to Bucky.

“I’m sorry.” You apologized softly. “That night meant everything to me, Bucky. I just wasn’t ready to find out whether it meant the same to you.” You confessed with a sigh.

Bucky stayed quiet after your confession. You could feel your bile rising, you wanted to throw up. Hell, you wanted to just faint and forget about everything. If Bucky wouldn’t give you a second chance, you’d understand him. You did a pretty shitty thing to him anyway.

“What’s going on in that pretty little head of yours?”

You lifted your gaze upon hearing that line. Bucky’s eyes had their warmth back and his expression was no longer stoic. He pushed himself away from his bike and approached you, reaching out to soothe the crease on your forehead.

“It’s not everyday that I find myself in the company of a stranger who made me feel things. I’ve always been a traditional one, I take things slow and I’ve been very careful. When I felt something during those twelve hours, I was caught off guard. I never felt so strongly for someone I just met and it was all new to me and I panicked.” You confessed.

“You were out of my comfort zone and I didn’t know how to handle it. I didn’t mean to disappear like that, Bucky.”

You were met with pure silence after your admission. When you looked up at Bucky, you couldn’t read his expression. Thinking that he wasn’t buying your explanation, you let out a bitter chuckle and shrugged.

“I guess that’s it. Twelve minutes. No more no less. I just wanted you to know that, Bucky. And I’m really, really sorry.” You said and slowly backed away, ready to leave.

“Hey.” Bucky called out, approaching you.

“If I asked you to spend the next twelve hours with me again, where would you go after?” He asked.

Was this a test? You didn’t know how to respond and Bucky seemed to have caught up on that and let out a breathy chuckle.

“Will you stay until the morning this time?” He asked. “‘Cause I was pretty disappointed when I woke up to an empty bed. I had our brunch planned out, you know?”

The mischievous glint in Bucky’s eyes was back. You bit back a smile when Bucky cradled your head into his palm, thumb circling the skin on your neck.

You timidly nodded, tilting your head up to meet Bucky’s lips in a searing kiss that promised you another twelve hours together. And more.

“No more running off in the morning.”

-

Everything Bucky Tag List:

@ddowii @jessou893 @stealapizzamyheart @bagelofthelord @mxnt @dontputyourfckingdrinkonmytable @jeeperky @ohladymacbeth @wildflowergubler @supraveng @twinerd14 @buckysmar @bakugouswh0r3 @sweetcoldharmony @wintersfilm @charminivy @amelia-song-pond @iamvalentinaconstanza @mcubqrnes @i’m-squished @tcc-gizmachine @sipsteacasually @prettyintopeerpressure @weloveyasmin @est19xxshit @bloodhon3yx @dressed-in-prada @lizette50 @thatfangirl42 @sunflowerbunny2 @unmagically @okiegirl24 @sugarpunch-princess @enlyume @vvipgotbb @slimeyderp @lyoongx @just-deka @nobody-will @jaziona92 @elisebuitron @dpaccione @suvikamahes98blr @buckybarneshairpullingkink @earthtonav @x-judyjude-x @nani-kenobi @just-here-to-escape-from-reality @belladonnabarnes @iloveangstposts @weenersoldierr @asemistablehundredyearoldman @reidbuck @lizzarooni @girlfriday007 @bonkywobble @lost-in-the-stars03 @its-yasbxtch @whoth3hellisbucky @5-seconds-of-mendes​ 

[mrwinterr]

Over & Over

Pairing: Pornstar!Bucky Barnes AU x Pornstar!Female Reader

Summary: You’re an up-and-coming adult film star secretly eager to work with the popular Bucky Barnes, and with just the right connections, your paths cross much sooner than later.

Warnings: Adult themes. Smut 18+ (unprotected sex, vaginal penetration and instructional fingering, oral [male & female receiving], size kink, spit & cum play, a smudge of male dominance), dirty talk and language.

Disclaimer: I don’t know how the porn industry works; this was just written for fun.

Title Inspiration: “Over & Over” by Smallpools

A/N: After doping up on strong painkillers wasn’t enough, I thought releasing endorphins would help ease my headache, so once again watching porn inspired another fic. Idk. I’m a mess. Enjoy!

Slipping on your oversized sunglasses, you walk along the rectangular outline of the hotel’s lavish pool, to one of the vacant lounge chairs next to the redheaded goddess, whose wings you were taken under and could gratefully call a close friend. You hadn’t known a single soul when you packed up and moved west to Los Angeles at 18, but you knew you were destined for more than what your humdrum life back at home could offer.

The porn industry wasn’t your first choice at a career in entertainment, but the starving profession wasn’t paying the bills fast enough. You weren’t going to survive in L.A. another year juggling to pay for tuition and stay enrolled in acting school from the income of working menial jobs and booking small gigs. However, one minor role as an extra in a one-night stand sex scene of a TV show, you catch the eye of the multitalented adult film actress Natasha Romanoff.

It was pure coincidence she was also casted, playing a bigger role, of the same episode, but she saw more in you in your less than 15 seconds of fame than most casting agents did before offering you a chance to shadow her. You knew she looked familiar and you were no stranger to watching porn, but when you’re as down on your luck as you were, you went all in and soon enough countless scenes now under your belt within a year, you’re porn’s best female newcomer.

“There’s this year’s Best New Starlet!” Natasha proclaims loudly for almost everyone around to hear.

Lucky for you, the shades conceal the roll of your eyes at her comment as you kick off your flip-flops and remove the thin cover up to reveal your skimpy bikini. You dare look over at her in time to catch her mocking reaction, jaw dropped from your attitude.

“After all I’ve done for you,” she says, placing a hand to her heart, feigning hurt.

The pair of you laugh at your nonsense and after she helps you with applying the appropriate amount of sun care protection, you recline in your seats and attempt to soak up some sun. It was a much-needed break with the long stressful week of the award show now behind everyone. Your hard work had paid off and after all you did learn from the best.

Your predecessor before you, Natasha was also a former Best New Starlet, and now is a household name in pornography. She didn’t welcome a lot of people into her inner circle, but she had plans to one day direct and knew she had to find the next big thing before anyone else to take her place.

“Hello, ladies,” comes from the voice of this year’s Director of the Year and other close friend Wanda Maximoff.

“Hey Wanda,” you greet her by sitting up to give her a proper hug.

You met her through her twin brother, Pietro, who happened to be your first co-star and was very welcoming and caring to you. The twins took care of you during your first few months starting out. Much like Natasha did for you, you help her administer the same amount of sunscreen on her body.

“Congrats on your achievement,” she says wholeheartedly, looking over her shoulder at you as you finish up on her back, and even under the heat of the sun, she could still see the blush creep up on your face.

“She’s a natural, isn’t she?” Natasha comments casually, to which Wanda nods enthusiastically, only speeding up the process of the rose tints on your cheeks to spread all over your face. They were your biggest fans and supporters; you were so happy you could make them proud.

“I owe it all to the queen herself,” you say, downplaying your achievement and turning the attention to your mentor in Natasha. She scoffs at that and teases you about just taking the damn compliment. You put in the work; it was all you.

“Seriously, you deserved it,” Wanda says honestly, and you finally accept the praise.

“So, what’s next for miss Director of the Year?” Natasha asks leaning on a propped elbow, body facing towards you and Wanda.

“Well, I managed to finally book Bucky Barnes in an upcoming project…” she starts out, but the moment you heard his name slip from her lips, the rest almost didn’t matter.

Bucky Barnes was somewhat of a legend. There wasn’t a model or director that didn’t want to work with him. The man was downright gifted in every aspect and his work speaks for itself. Before you broke onto the scene, you’d gotten off to his videos, and only dreamed of one day starring in a scene with him, but you were still new to this world.

As a promising star, you had a long way to go and tons of plots, positions and people to still experience, so landing a role with someone like Bucky Barnes wasn’t entirely written in your plans any time soon. Then again, your first girl-on-girl scene was with your mentor herself, so anything could happen, right?

“I just haven’t found my girl yet,” was the next thing you pick up Wanda say the moment your head comes back from the clouds, “...I have all this momentum now that I want this to blow everyone away, especially Stark.”

Tony Stark was her rival. It was a friendly competition amongst friends. You hadn’t gotten the chance to work for him yet. He was a playful character and had directed some of the best adult films out there, Wanda just happened to be the better of the two this year…

“Sorry, I’m retired,” Natasha reminds her and repositions herself on her back.

“Fuck you,” Wanda says playfully to which Natasha responds with a finger in the air before she clarifies, “I was hinting at this year’s Best New Starlet…” and slyly looking in your directly.

“Me?” You ask incredulously. Your head can’t even start processing that you’re finally getting the opportunity to work with Bucky.

Wanda rolls her eyes at your obliviousness, “no, last year’s Best New Starlet. Hell no! Of course, you!” You respond in the same manner as your mentor, who is more than amused at you also following her lead, and flip Wanda off. Wanda snatches your hand to bring it away from her face, “I’m serious!”

“I-I don’t know, Wan,” a part of you is a little scared that you’re not going to be able to keep up with someone as established and with the star power as Bucky, “...like you said, you have all this momentum behind you. I don’t want to fuck this scene up because I don’t have a lot of experience.”

“Are you fucking kidding?” Natasha pipes up on the other side of you. “This is the perfect role for you!” She sees the questionable look on your face and sighs before explaining. “You’re a fresh face and rising star! People are lining up to book you, Stark included.”

“Nat is right. You’re a hot commodity now! I need someone who is a little inexperienced to mix with someone that is,” Wanda further explains her premise, “let him take the lead, but at your pace. I need it to be raw and passionate. People love that shit!” They were right, he had all the experience, and you were a fresh loveable face. It was the perfect combination.

You remain quiet for several seconds before Natasha rats you out, “and don’t even try to act like you don’t want to work with Barnes. This is your fantasy come to life.” Way to throw you under the bus like that…

There’s no denying your goal to work with him. He’d been in this business much longer than you had, you didn’t think your paths would ever cross on a set, but the opportunity couldn’t have presented itself in a more perfect point in your career.

The room is very pristine. White walls with a king size bed, also adorned in white sheets, fluffy pillows scattered at the top, minimal furniture around to make it look realistic, and the lighting was just right. Wanda had received a hefty budget after her recognition that’s for sure.

“Alright, girly, let’s get you on the bed!” Wanda happily directs.

You nod silently, remove your footwear and plop down on the center of the large mattress. You decide to leave your legs sprawled on one side of your body, settling on a bashful position. It’s not hard for you because although you agreed to do this and have done several scenes, internally, you’re freaking the fuck out. Unbeknownst to you, it’s all part of your charm; the innocence you somehow still radiated was an all too endearing quality and actually sexy.

Even your attire was pretty modest, opting for a more casual look with black leggings and a tight long sleeve that accentuates your figure and shows off the right amount of cleavage. It was something that you could easily wear out in public, which again was a part of your brand in being as natural as possible, but come the right circumstances, when it was time to roll you could turn on the right switch.

“We’ll start off like a typical casting interview before we bring Bucky in and then we’ll go from there. Sounds good?” She runs down the plan with you, fixing a few strands of flyaway hairs on your head before back away from the bed. With a thumbs up and a smile from you, she starts recording.

“Welcome, Best New Starlet of the Year!” Wanda greets from behind the camera.

“Hi,” you politely reply with your signature sweet smile and a wave to the screen.

These scenes start off with a small interview recounting your tale into the porn industry leading up to your recent achievement and even delving a bit into your personal life before the topic changes to your co-star.

“So, how excited are you to work with Bucky today?”

No matter how hard you practiced at keeping a straight poker face, that was something you were unable to master from Natasha, and the blush couldn’t be contained.

Fidgeting at the hem of your top, you open and close your mouth, trying to find the right words. You’re overly flustered at the thought of Bucky and he wasn’t even in front of you yet. You don’t want to sound like a fool and ruin the atmosphere. Wanda mouths words of advice from where she sat in the director’s chair, “be honest.”

“Um, I’m...nervous,” you say truthfully.

“Nervous?” She questions, urging you to elaborate.

“Yeah, he’s Bucky Barnes! He’s hot and he’s got so much experience. I’m kind of scared I’ll be boring,” you finish explaining and hope to God that Natasha doesn’t kill you afterwards, or with that answer let Wanda down, but the smile on her face sends you a wave of assurance.

Maybe you could do this...

Earlier that day, Bucky had already recorded his little opening scene. Wanda had called him to report on set before you were scheduled to arrive.

On the contrary, Bucky was also a tab bit anxious to work with you. He’d seen some of your work and more so heard about your talent from his own best friend, Steve Rogers.

He didn’t deny it, he was very much attracted to you and he wanted a chance to work with you too. Bucky wasn’t a jealous person, which made working in the porn industry easy for him, but when he had to hear Steve recount his scenes with you, he couldn’t help but want to sock his own childhood friend. He didn’t of course, but the rage was evident and his other friend, Sam Wilson, took some sick pleasure in teasing him over it. In fact, the eccentric personality of the trio of friends, decided to tag along with Bucky to introduce himself to you and get under his skin a little more.

“What’s going on in that nasty head of yours?” Sam poked at Bucky as they made their way over to Wanda, who was by the camera setup going over a script with another stagehand. When Bucky doesn’t respond, it provokes Sam even more, “no way, you’re nervous!”

Bucky sighs fed up with dealing with the anxiety brewing ever since he found out he was going to star in this film with you. “Shut the fuck up, will you? Of course, I’m nervous,” he says, trying to remain calm.

“Dude, you’ve slept with some of the hottest people in the world and millions of people have seen you naked. Why is one girl any different?” Sam wonders.

“I don’t know, ok. She just seems so down-to-earth and normal?” Bucky attempts to explain. You were real. His work was just that, it was a work, and he was afraid that it would be different with you. He could say he was almost intimidated by you.

“Yeah, as if I don’t have to hear that enough from Rogers…” Sam chimed in. Steve had nothing but high praise for your performance. In fact, his testimony helped expose you a little further. He was an honorable performer and a respected one, so they took his word on you. “Maybe, I’ll be her next co-star,” and just like that Sam ruined a moment.

“God, I hate you,” was the last thing exchanged between the two friends as they finally reached Wanda. She warned Sam to behave and gave Bucky a quick rundown before instructing him to hop on the bed.

Bucky’s interview starts a little differently than yours. Having already been a more established performer than yourself, no one needed his background story. The only thing Wanda wanted out of him was his plans and opinion on you.

“Well, I don’t know too much about her, personally speaking...but everyone seems to love her,” Bucky’s answer was a bit bland for Wanda.

“She’s a great person to work with,” she comments and that’s a tactic most directors used to get talent to keep talking.

“That’s what Steve keeps saying,” he says with somewhat of an awkward light laugh. He could see Sam facepalming next to Wanda at that lame answer.

“Yeah, you don’t win best female newcomer for nothing,” Wanda points out. If anyone was the lucky one here, it was Bucky. He was climbing up in age and you were the next big thing. You were the real star of this film not Bucky. She was counting more on you to deliver than him.

“That’s right. She’s a very talented performer,” Bucky says, and this small comment opens up a can of worms for Wanda to build up on.

“Oh, so you’ve seen some of her work?” Bam! He was caught.

Bucky’s mouth starts twitching slightly and Wanda and Sam are smirking from their spots as they watch the gears in Bucky’s mind start turning faster trying to think of something. The only piece of advice Wanda gives is “be honest.”

He sighs, the jig was up. Smooth Bucky Barnes was caught red-handed, “yeah, I’ve watched some scenes. I’ve seen her in person a few times too…”

“Wait,” Wanda interrupts him abruptly. She knew you were attracted to Bucky, but never knew of any encounters between you two, “when did you meet her?”

“I haven’t,” Bucky starts, which causes a look of mass confusion on Wanda’s face before he follows up, “formally. I haven’t met her formally, but I’ve seen her at a few parties and at the award show...I was just nervous to walk up to her,” the words just kept flowing out of his mouth and he inwardly cringed at how awkward he might’ve sounded.

Sam was amused by his embarrassment, but Wanda was pleased with this result. Bucky was good at what he did and that included him trying to play it cool, which he did well on screen, sometimes.

“You know she was actually thrilled to find out she would be working with you,” Wanda said, stretching the truth. The truth was, you hadn’t verbally confessed that, at least not yet.

“Really?” Bucky asks all too hopeful, his mood noticeably perking up.

“Yup! Ever since she won Best New Starlet of the Year, people have been lining up to book her, but she chose this project. You were the deal breaker, Barnes,” she fabricated and hoped this all worked out for you two in the end.

“Wow, who would’ve thought this has-been still had it in him?” He jokes at himself. His humility would get the best of him in every situation.

“Don’t be so hard on yourself! You didn’t win Best Male Performer of the Year again for nothing!” Wanda says and then steers the interview to a close.

After wrapping up Bucky’s scene, he’s allowed to stay in another room with a monitor. At first, he thinks it’s to help him prep for the scene, but to his surprise it’s a live feed of your interview and he starts clinging onto your every word. Enthralled by your journey, work ethic and he gets flustered all over again hearing you talk about your equal eagerness to work with him.

“You know, if anyone is the lucky one in this situation, it’s Barnes,” Wanda reminds as your interview comes to an end.

“Right,” you sarcastically remark.

“Are you ready for us to bring Bucky in?” She asks.

“It’s now or never,” you reply. 

You watch the doorknob twist and the door open to slowly reveal Bucky. Where do you even start with him? He just looked like the total package. His gaze immediately on yours. As he makes his way towards the bed you’re still sitting on, when his knee comes in contact to the edge, you maneuver your body in his direction, sit up on your knees to meet him halfway and welcome him in a hug.

“Hi, it’s nice to finally meet you,” he says when you pull apart. The both of you don’t break away completely. Your arms are still wrapped around his neck, his hands placed just above your waist, you can feel his fingers that slipped under the fabric rub your skin.

“It’s nice to meet you,” you respond, giving him a genuine smile and can’t help but stare at his pretty face. You had to remind yourself he’s just another guy, except he wasn’t. You didn’t know how he felt, but you wanted this, wanted him. You also don’t know if you’ll ever work him again after today, so he was going to get the real you.

A small, subtle clearing of someone’s throat shatters the staring contest between you and Bucky causing you both to sheepishly break away from the other, not realizing you’d both allowed dreaded dead airtime to pass by. You scoot over to make room for him next to you on the bed. After he pulls his footwear off, he sits cross legged in front of you, you have one leg tucked in and the other extended in front.

Bucky’s not entirely oblivious. He not only witnessed you backstage reveal you were actually nervous to work with him, he could feel it, so at an attempt to help ease both your nerves, he places a hand on your shin and absentmindedly run his hand up and down the fabric, fingers sometimes stopping to mess with the cuff of your leggings and at the skin of your ankle, while he listened to you speak.

He congratulated you on your achievement as you did with him, both a blushing mess before diving into different topics like traveling and other interests.

Wanda stood proudly behind the camera watching the scene unfold. Everything was so candid and real between you and Bucky, the chemistry was clearly evident, she didn’t foresee there would be much directing on her part today, which was going to make her job easy.

“Wanda said you were excited to work with me,” Bucky teases, wanting to see if what you said was just for the cameras or if it was really true, but also, he found out he liked to see you get all hot and bothered in more than one way.

Your jaw drops and you look directly into the camera, breaking the fourth wall, calling out to Wanda. You playfully chastise and curse at her for revealing your secret. She tells you it was going to come out anyways, and while that was true, you’d hoped it was later and much after you’ve slept with him, hoping it doesn’t ruin the shoot, but Bucky assures you that it’s actually a flattering to hear or in his words, “assuring” for someone like him.

“Are you kidding?” You say, lightly shoving him back, “you’re like a legend! Of course, I was excited! I’m surprised you agreed to work with a rookie like me!” Now that the cat was out of the bag, you might as well own up to your secret.

“Everyone wants to work with you,” he makes clear, leaning in closer. Fuck, he didn’t even need to initiate foreplay because with the way he was looking at you right now, you could come swear you’d come undone for him in an instant.

“Oh really?” You challenge, your body gravitating like a magnet towards his.

“Yup, Steve wouldn’t shut up about you and even Sam said he can’t wait to someday work with you,” he said, voice slowly dropping in decibels and his hands sliding up your thighs.

“Did he?” You ask, but you don’t really care about Sam as your eyes look dead into Bucky’s blue ones, swirling into a darker shade full of deep want and desire.

“Yeah, but let’s see if he still wants to try to outdo me after I’m done with you,” he whispers, finally closing the gap between your lips in a sweet kiss. It was about as sweet as it could last because after just one taste of your lips, he was a starved man, hungry for more. You tried your best to match his pace and the kiss turned sloppy very quick.

You moaned at the pressure of his lips pressed roughly against yours, and you do your best to keep up, but you’re already finding yourself short of breath. However, the more you try to pull back to regain some oxygen, the more he’s unwilling to part as he grasps your face in both hands to keep you still, so you lightly squeeze at his biceps as a warning in hope he gets the message.

Lucky for you, he does and lets up. He’s also noticeably breathless, his warm breath fanning against your kiss-swollen lips, his forehead resting against yours. Bucky’s hands are still on your face.

“Sorry,” he apologizes, and you let out a small chuckle at the sincerity. He was cute.

You take his hands in yours and bring them back down to begin undressing him starting by helping him slip his shirt over his head, the fashionable dog tags around his neck clank as it slaps against his toned chest, you let him keep them on though.

Bucky sits up on his knees as he watches you settle on your stomach, propped up by your elbows, hands getting ready to work on his lower half. He patiently watches as you unbuckle his belt, pop the button of his jeans off, and drag the zipper down.

With his pants hanging loose off his hips, you begin to plant soft kisses along his navel down the defined lines that lead to his cock. Each contact of your lips sends a ghostly tingle and the blood to rush even quicker down his lower region. The imprint of his endowed member doesn’t leave much to your imagination, you can already see the stain where the tip is through his tight boxer briefs. It gives you a little boost of confidence knowing you’d caused this and would get to take care of it.

You hook your fingers into the undergarment and tug them down his muscular thighs. His cock springs out, almost hitting you in the face causing you to jolt back a little and a smile to spread across Bucky’s.

Your clumsiness was also a part of your charm. It wasn’t on purpose, you were still learning after all, and that’s what made it so unique and fun to work with you. Your partners just felt a real, genuine connection, citing it felt less choreographed and of a porno with you.

A little embarrassed about that move, you’d watched what he can do with that cock, but nothing could’ve prepared you for it face-to-face. You don’t waste any time on getting your hands on him and wrap your fingers around his half-hard cock and start pumping him sensually.

He’s hot and soft in your hands before getting gradually heavy. The look in your eyes grows more predatory as you watch him grow and feel him getting harder with each pump causing more and more pre-cum to ooze out. You spread it all over the head of his cock with your thumb then daring to look up at him, hoping he was indeed enjoying your work, before you pucker your lips and kiss at the crown. Bucky curses when he sees your lips shining, coated in his pre-cum, with a string connecting you to his cock.

You gather the fluid up in your hand before spreading it all over his length, when it’s not enough you start not only pumping him faster, but also licking up and down, from the base to the tip, hoping to effectively slick him up. The way your tongue scrapes along over Bucky’s sensitive flesh stirs him up. Your other hand joins in to fondle with his neglected balls, massaging and pulling at them in the right moments, sometimes you travel a little south and take them in your mouth. It all but drives Bucky wild and it’s confirmed with each swear that leaves his mouth.

Bucky wants nothing more than to lodge himself deep in your throat, but he remembers he needs to go at your pace, and once you’re broken in a little more, you could follow his, so he’ll bide his time for now and watch you work.

When you’re ready to take him in, you regain his attention and he watches you slowly take in his inches down your mouth, stopping halfway before your wide-open mouth hollows out. Your full mouth immediately waters around him and it doesn’t take long before you’re a drooling mess all over his cock. You pull back torturously slow, looking back down watching his cock reappear and loving the way it disappears back in, and especially how it feels when it drags through your mouth, taking note of the veins and unique ridges.

“Don’t be like that, doll,” he says, wiping some of the hair away from your face, “come on and show me why they don’t stop talking about you,” he coaxes, now gathering some of your locks in his hand to completely give you both a clear view. He tries his best to not take the lead, but you don’t disappoint as your mouth works faster on him. The gagging and sucking, mixed with Bucky’s moans of pleasure soon become the soundtrack.

You’d gradually take him more and more in, close to deep throating him, and you’re just ready to let up, but he can’t help it and before your last round, he holds your head in place.

“Don’t quit now, baby,” he encourages you, placing his other hand on the back of your head, keeping you still and carefully starts to thrust his hips, urging you to take him all the way, “...that’s it, you can do it, you can take it,” he releases a big sigh feeling the tip of your nose bump his lower abdomen. The moisture builds up in the inner corner of your eyes and you do your best to mind your breathing and not choke.

“Fuck!” He can’t help but shout when he feels your throat contract around him. You just looked so divine, mouth full of his cock. He keeps you there for a few seconds, before releasing his hold, and you immediately pull back, drool dribbles down your chin, and you’re desperate for oxygen to return back into your system. He grabs your face by your chin forcing you to look up at him.

He uses his fingers to scoop up some of the mixed fluids of his arousal and your saliva at your chin before presenting it in front of you. You easily read his mind, look up at him with big, watery eyes, and take his coated digits in your abused mouth sucking the juices clean off him. 

He growls and commends you, “...such a good girl.” When he slips his fingers out of your mouth, a small pop could faintly be heard, he gently yanks at your hair, craning your head back further, it’s almost painful but you don’t care, “do it again,” he demands.

You bite your lip and reposition yourself. Bucky settles in a more comfortable position on his back, completely rid of his pants and underwear, his legs spread open for you to lie between them. Before you get back to the job, you slip your tight top off, all-natural breasts spilling out and on display for him. His cock twitches at the sight and he lets his head fall back when he’s once more fully encased in the warm, wet cavern of your mouth.

When he finally starts begging you to let up, you pull back slowly pumping him and watch his every move, the rise of his chest as it heaves from the activity, the way he runs his hands over his face. He’s absolutely stunned by your performance so far.

“On your back,” he says, and you do as he commands, and forget who is supposed to really be in charge. He yanks your leggings and panties all the way down, chucking them behind him somewhere in the corner of the room.

“You’re so sexy,” he compliments, eyes taking in every inch of your naked body, hands getting their fill. His body dips, lips latching onto your breasts, kissing at the skin and sucking on each nipple before they make their way up the juncture of your neck and claim your lips again.

You feel his tongue run along your bottom lip, and they part to grant him full access. You barely notice how he takes a hold of one of your hands, he pulls his face away to bring the hand in his grasp up to your face, using your fingers to trace the outline of your lips. You see him inaudibly instruct you to open your mouth, you do as you’re told.

“That’s right get those fingers nice and wet,” he coaxes you to suck on your own digits until he deems you ready for the next move. When he finally does pull your fingers out from your mouth, he extends your arm, ghosting them just over your pussy.

“Play with that clit,” he tells you and you don’t need to be told twice. Your pussy was begging for any kind of attention. You let your wet fingers roll over the bundle of nerves, puffs of breath escape your body as you’re finally attending to your own needs.

Bucky sits back and watches you intently, fascinated by your every move. He instructs you to close your eyes and listen to his voice, instructing you to go slow at first, “does that feel good?” the only reply he gets is a fast nod, “yeah? Make yourself feel good...that’s it,” his words only encourage your fingers to soon work faster, “let me hear how good it feels,” he demands, and you moan and whine like the true pornstar you are, your circular motions speed up, the lewd noises egg him on and soon enough he wants a taste.

“Let me help you out,” and you feel the bed shift a bit, “spread those wet lips for me,” he requests. You use both hands to invite him into your wet, glistening hole. You pick your head up to see his face buried between your thighs, you watch just long enough until each broad lick up and down your pussy sends you close to the edge.

He no longer needs the support of your hands, and they find purchase in his dark, fluffy hair as he starts sucking on your clit and tonguing your folds. At first, you’re doing a good job keeping your legs apart to accommodate him, but it gets harder and harder for them to not clamp around his head, with every nudge the tip of his nose makes at your clit and it doesn’t help your case when he inserts a finger inside you. With a good curl, his finger scratches dangerously close to your sweet spot, causing your legs to start quivering.

The sudden hitch in your breathing catches his attention, and Bucky tests the waters more by digging in deeper and curling in further. He notices the increasing agitation and knows he’s found the trigger.

“Bucky,” you whine, hoping he doesn’t push you over just yet. You want to last longer, and so you reluctantly attempt to scoot back further away, but the sudden strong grip  he has around your leg locks you in place. You pick your head back up and find Bucky’s eyes trained on you. You see the stoic look in his eyes laced with determination. Oh no, he wanted you to come now. You feel a hum from his full mouth, only pushing you further.  

“Don’t hold back,” he says against your pussy, “let go,” and the gruff in his voice, vibrating against you, his thick digits still curled deep inside you, you can’t hold back the floodgates from bursting any longer.

He laps up your arousal as you desperately try to regain composure. He really pulled one out of you, proving he was as every bit good as he put out and you’re not even close to the end of this scene.  

“Come here,” he says, getting back on his knees and pulling you up by your arms so you’re in an up-right sitting position once again, but with Bucky still towering over you, “open up.”

You comply and open your mouth wide, tongue out, not understanding his motive, and you’re met with full surprise when he spits in your mouth, a firm grip on your face, he holds you still.

“Don’t swallow,” he gravely warns. You feel and probably look stupid not knowing what he wants you to do with your mouth open wide and full of his spit mingling with your arousal, just trying to keep it all contained. Bucky was testing your patience and obedience and you passed every test so far. You were just the right amount of submissive, absolutely perfect.

You can feel his hard cock pressing up against your sensitive pussy, it slides up between your folds and the base rests on top of your mound. “Drool it out...on my cock,” he instructs. Oh. He guides your gaze down between your bodies, you purse your lips, and both watch as the liquid cascades down onto his erect member. He uses it to lube himself up before he pushes you down to lie flat on your back.

Bucky slowly but easily slips inside your wet channel but notices your slight struggle. He was big, and he gets it. The way your eyes are tightly shut, hands pulling at the sheets, you struggle to breath and your walls cruelly grip him tight. Normally, he’d just pound away until his partner got used to him, but he didn’t want to do that with you. He wanted you to enjoy feeling him.

He tries to help you relax by rubbing your thighs a little with soothing motions, when they fall limp on either side, he leans down, you feel the cool metal of his dog tags against your heated skin, his weight sort of comforting on yours, and arms entrapping your head. He lovingly calls out your name, and your eyes flutter open, your attention refocusing on him.

“We’ll go at your pace, alright?” he assures you. You curse yourself for allowing your heart to swell at his concern, but you nod giving him permission to move slowly. Your whimpers soon transition into pleasurable moans, the more your body begins to adjust to his.

“Damn, you’re so tight. You’ve never been stretched out like this by anyone before have you?” he dares ask, once he sees it’s a safe playing field once more, his hips moving slow, his cock sliding in and out of you. You attempt at a laugh between your ragged breathing and the intense sensation coursing through you.

“No,” you respond and kiss at his chin, the light stubble pricking your soft lips, “you’re so big.” You feel his cock twitch inside and you want to curse yourself again at the comment that unintentionally riles him up because he was nestled close to your spot again. Fuck, he could reach just the right depth in you.

“Fuck, Bucky,” you don’t want to go slow anymore. Fuck Wanda and this movie, you wanted all of Bucky now, “please fuck me,” you resort to begging. He inwardly growls and his hips start snapping forward, thrusts growing hard and uncalculated. You just lie there and allow him to use your pussy for his pleasure.

Bucky’s movements falter a bit in this position, so he steers both your bodies on their sides, still facing each other, he slings your leg high up over his hips, and resumes his task. His cock glides right back in your pussy and the new angle causes you to yelp and walls to clench around him.

“You feel so good,” his voice riddled with so much lust as he brings your body closer to his with a hand behind, full of your plushest asset. Your head rests on the bicep of his other arm that was underneath it.

Bucky’s expressive eyes ask you if you're close, and the more your walls continue to grip him, he starts begging for you to come with him. “I’m gonna cum,” he warns, giving up and letting you take the rest of the lead.

“Yeah?” you huff out, your fingers digging into the side of his hips, “you want to cum inside me?” You know he does; you can feel and see it written all over him, but you want to just poke at him like he had with you, “I want you to...I want all your cum inside me, Bucky,” and you wanted him to cum hard, deep inside, “fill my tight pussy up, please,” you plead.

With one more jab of his hips, your back arches and head is thrown back, you can’t help but let out a scream as your orgasm rips right through you like it’s never before. Bucky’s body on the other hand caves into yours, feeling almost paralyzed as your tight walls hold him in place and all he can do is bury his face into the sweaty skin of your neck.

His mouth hangs open, a plethora of profanities coming out of him, and he waits for his cock to finish spewing ropes of his hot, thick cum into you. Your walls can’t help but to involuntarily contract in small aftershocks, especially when he’s still coming.

Bucky continues to moan as he does as you hoped, he came hard and deep inside you. When you’ve both finally come down from the high, it’s silent, and even though you’d both long forgotten you were on a set with multiple people watching you two, they were also quiet, completely taken back by the performance.

Incoherent cries come out of each of you, when Bucky agonizingly pulls his cock out. For the most part you’re able to keep him inside, but he’d proven to come so much some of it seeps out and runs down in streak fashion along your thigh, staining the bed sheets.

In your last act, as your gazes meet each other again, your fingers dip inside your soaked cunt and coat them. Hypnotized by you, Bucky watches as you greedily suck off his essence from your digits, and you evoke a small hum in his favor at the taste bursting in your mouth.  

Bucky bites at his bottom lip, trying to not lose it again. When your hand disappears, he tenderly wipes the matted hair away from your face, smoothing your hair back before pulling your body close again, swooping your lips for a deep kiss.

“Shit, you’re good,” he admits, when he pulls away, effectively breaking the blissful silence. You bust out in a fit of giggles beside him and it’s the cutest thing he’s ever seen. He’s not sure what he’s feeling, but it’s not something you’re supposed to feel towards your co-star, especially in the porn industry.    

He smiles at you, basking in your afterglow and all he knows is that he wants to feel this high with you over and over, so he decides to risk it all, “I hope this doesn’t ruin the moment, but can I take you out some time?”

You try your best to read him, wondering if he was just still in the heat of the moment. Either he’s really good or he’s being sincere, you can’t tell and you’re hoping you’re not overthinking it, but his eyes, this whole time, were what gave him away. He performed with them and he definitely spoke through them.

Before you could accept and give him a definite answer, you’re both brought back to reality, “we’re still rolling here!” Wanda reminds.

A/N: Thank the pain meds for this. I think I effectively used up my vacation days the right way, won’t you agree? Likes, reblogs and comments/emojis are appreciated! 

[lioncunt]

any way the wind blows review!!!

gonna put it under a cut but tl;dr i really really loved it and even the things that i was on the fence about i’ve decided i love as well lmfao

so i kind of knew going into both this and wayward son that the plot wouldn’t really EVER be as narratively satisfying as carry on’s. it would definitely be interesting and have a lot of cool thematic elements, but in terms of being a grand deconstruction of the “chosen one” genre, it couldn’t ever get better than carry on. and i’m so happy rainbow didn’t try to MAKE it that. she didn’t pull a supernatural and up the stakes to impossible, outlandish degrees. both wayward son and awtwb had realistic, fascinating plots that served as a metaphor for the internal struggles of the characters.

the reason i’m beginning this review by talking about the plot is because it’s what i’ve seen the most criticism directed towards. and like i DO get it, i also was taken aback at first at how the actual plot is kind of background noise for the first couple hundred pages. but like...i think it WORKS. again, this whole trilogy is a deconstruction. that’s its PURPOSE. obviously it’s doing other things as well, but it started by taking this well-worn and well-loved trope and completely turning it on its head, giving us permission to acknowledge all the damage it causes and how our love of this type of story is honestly kind of harmful. we turn off that part of our brains when we read harry potter or something else with traumatized child protagonists, in order for us to actually enjoy it, but the simon snow trilogy has always said, “hey, this is kind of fucked up, huh? you’re allowed to think that.”

anyway, the way that translates to the plot here is that there’s not always some huge mystical big bad, or obviously evil antagonist. the horror can be going on in the world around you, in the background of your day-to-day life dealing with your own shit, creeping up on you until suddenly your loved ones are spouting off nonsense that is an absolutely CHILLING allegory for eugenics, by the way, which i’ve seen NOBODY talk about. the clear political parallels were so well done, but not heavy-handed, and they worked wonderfully as an ending to this story. simon at the end being a target for an angry mob, who are victims of intense ableism themselves (the metaphor of being a weak mage = having a disability), how these religious extremists will point at what they deem abnormal and use them as a scapegoat, the disgusting “survival of the fittest” mentality leading to “i can make this society great again” - it was all just incredibly well written, in my opinion. and the fact that it happened so slowly, in the background, made it all the better. you don’t really notice how bad it’s getting until it’s BAD.

it also, again, works so well as a manifestation of the characters’ inner strife. others have put it better than me already, so i won’t talk about it too much, but the fact that the book is saying you don’t need to be like everyone else in order to accomplish great things and have a good life, you don't need to have magic, you don’t need to be human, you don’t need to be neurotypical or able-bodied or straight or white or ANYTHING these people will have you believe in order to make you obedient to them and hateful to others -- it’s fantastic. 

this kind of segues into the other big criticism i’m seeing, which is simon and baz’s one-day breakup. again, this has already been analyzed well, so i won't ramble about it, but wayward son was their breakup. metaphorically speaking. and i’m glad that it didn’t take some big, grand moment for them to get back together, even though it would have been narratively cathartic. that’s not how life works - it was so much better and realistic to have simon face the harsh difficulties of TRYING than dragging out a separation plot line that would have added NOTHING to his character. or baz’s. the only thing about their entire relationship that i would have done a bit differently is shorten the timeline, because a year and a half is a very long and honestly unrealistic time to go in a relationship without talking about sexual history or going on dates, even if there’s a lot of baggage. but that’s not that big a deal and i’m easily able to look past it.

(as a side note I'm getting annoyed at seeing all these takes that there’s too much sexual content. like i get it because the first two books are solidly YA and this is being marketed as YA even though it’s definitely NA, but like....sex is important. sex scenes and sexual content are an extremely important part of depicting the human experience. and lack of sex as well!! every single intimate scene between them was NOT super graphic and had such incredibly important significance narratively and character-wise - and yeah that includes any kinks that were brought up, like jesus they’re in their 20s and have been in a non-sexual relationship for a year and a half i think it’s pretty fucking relevant that there are intimate scenes!!! anyway moving on.)

i really loved penny and shepard’s plot - their relationship was so wonderful and charming and excellent for their characters, and i only wish we could have gotten their demon plot threaded into the larger picture, because after shepard was cured it felt like they were just standing there. that’s one of my very few complaints about the book. but they’re such good characters and i love them SO MUCH.

AND THANK GOD FOR AGATHA AND NIAMH. like i cannot put into words how fucking happy i was when i realized where that was headed. the cinematic nature of agatha and niamh helping the goat give birth while simon’s flying in the chapel and being targeted by a mob was just. so cool like i can’t even describe it it was so coooooool and then agatha and niamh KISSING and agatha found her PLACE and I'm so happy for her.

just in general the characters and relationships were fucking exquisite. i can’t help but love the way RR writes, especially her dialogue. it’s so real and three dimensional and her characters truly come alive and i care about them and love them so much. i’m so happy they’re happy, i wouldn’t have been able to stand it if they weren’t.

and everything got wrapped up so well in my opinion!! i don’t know what the hell people are talking about when they say they still have questions, like girl what about??? simon found his family, simon got a sword that isn’t tied to trauma, baz found out that he’ll get to grow old with simon, all their families are okay, penny and shepard are in love, agatha’s herding goats and a lesbian, there will probably be new threats and antagonists but they'll be able to handle them, life will continue to be difficult but they’ll get through it like WHAT do you not understand what’s not clicking i genuinely want to know. 

ok actually i have ONE single question and that’s. did baz pick up the sword at the end. because the way it’s written it sounds like he did and i like do not understand that at all. someone answer please.

anyway that’s my review 10/10 would recommend

[bnhaficsforthesoul]

BNHA College AU - Dabi

Major: Graphic Design

Minor: Business

Sports: Nope

Clubs: He’s not necessarily in the Shogi club, but he competes in tournaments just because he’s so good at it

Dabi has two reasons for going to college: to prove to everyone, mainly his dad, that he can be successful despite what they say, and to force his dad to spend a lot of money

He hangs out with all the labeled creepy people (save for Keigo, but even then he won’t hang out with him in public cause Keigo’s pretty popular), cause of his scars and resting bitch face people are generally too scared to talk to him so he stayed with the people who didn’t judge him for that

He got his scars in an accident when he was young, the house had gotten set on fire and he got trapped inside after saving his little brother Shouto, who luckily got out with only a scar on his face

Overall dabi was lucky to have survived the ordeal at all, having inhaled so much smoke and being so burnt, but by some miracle he turned out fine, and his scars, other than being a permanent dark red and the skin being rough, weren’t too bad (basically he has the scars in the same general areas but they look more like how real burn scars would – there’s no staples anymore either)

He also changed his name as soon as he was old enough, wanting to create his own identity rather than the one his dad had crafted for him

Dabi works at a tattoo shop near campus, he’s always been pretty good at art and loves tattoos, so he decided he might as well get a job doing something he actually likes. He’s given himself a few tattoos too, and all of his piercings

Him being a graphic design major stems from his love of drawing, but him choosing graphic design rather than fine art or just drawing was due to him wanting to try a new medium, and then enjoying it

Then his business minor is so that he can open is own tattoo shop - he feels that owning his own shop and being successful in it is the best way to spite his dad, so he is all for it

He also lives off campus in his own apartment, he didn’t feel like bothering with getting a roommate 

You meet him when you go into the shop to get a tattoo, you just had the sudden urge to get a tattoo so you walked in there and asked if there was any space for you, and turned out Dabi was free

You told him the basic design that you wanted, but also told him that he was free to add whatever he wanted which he greatly enjoyed, and he went to work

Normally dabi would kinda just do the work and move on, maybe make a few comments here and there if he felt like it, he wasn’t much of a talker anyways

But hey, you were cute, so he couldn’t help flirt a bit – and you didn’t seem creeped out by him like a lot of people tended to be, so he took that as a sign that you didn’t mind it

And you definitely did not mind it – you weren’t expecting the person tattooing you to be so hot, but it was for sure a welcome surprise. And you’d be lying if you said the smirk he flashed at you occasionally didn’t give you butterflies

After the tattoo was finished, it didn’t take that long since you had gotten a fairly small one, you were doing the stuff for payment and he went, “ya know, if you go on a date with me, maybe I’ll give you a discount on the next one”

Yes he was technically bribing you for a date, but again, you were cute and didn’t give him a weird look when he started flirting, even flirting back a couple times – so he was just tryna shoot his shot

“I’d like that. Even without the discount, though that would be a nice bonus.”

Sexy tattoo man asks you on a date? Who are you to say no

So you give him your number and give him a little wave before running out of the shop, already wondering where he was going to take you

Now, Dabi never wants to come across as desperate, and in all honesty he really isn’t since he’s not even looking for anything serious, so he decided to wait a few days before even texting you – making you worry that he had decided he didn’t wanna go out with you anymore

It wouldn’t be the end of the world if he didn’t, it’s not like you’d been crushing on him for months or anything dramatic, you’d met the guy once – but he was pretty, and fun to talk to, so you were hoping you’d at least be able to see where it went

Luckily though, late at night a few days after you had met him, you finally get a text, reading “hey its dabi, the guy who tattooed you. Still interested in that date?’

You almost ended up texting him right away, ready to get on with it. But nah, he waited 3 days, you can at least wait an hour or two – thank god you didn’t have your read receipts on

Eventually you got to it, responding ‘Hey – yeah I’m up to it. What’d you have in mind?’

Finally deciding he would save the both of you the time, he responded quickly, ‘nothing fancy, I’ll surprise you though.’

You said that was fine, and that was it for the night. You were just gonna wait until he told you when, and didn’t worry about it too much

But then that night, at around 7pm, you got another text: ‘you busy rn?’

You weren’t, so you said so, and he said ‘can you meet me back at the shop in like 30 min? We’re going out tonight.”

Bold of this man to not only assume you could make it in 30 minutes but to just spring your first date upon you like that – but you weren’t going to complain about it, other than the fact that if you wanted to get decently ready you’d have to sprint over there (you were lucky that the shop was close to campus – and that he probably assumed you went to the college here since you never told him)

But you threw on the first clothes you deemed acceptable and got any other small touch ups finished in the next 20 minutes before grabbing your phone, keys, and wallet and booking it towards the tattoo shop – only stopping to look at your reflection in a car window once you were up the street to make sure you still looked decent

Why were you putting in so much effort for the hot emo dude? You’d never know. But you wouldn’t be disappointed either.

You soon walked into the shop and were almost immediately greeted by Dabi. He was wearing ripped black jeans and an oversized black hoodie with black converse, simple but nice

“So what are we doing exactly?”

He didn’t say, just walked out of the shop, so you followed him back into the parking lot where he directed you to an expensive looking matte black car – which side note, he was very proud of. He bought it with his own money (I don’t know car breeds, forgive me for not specifying what type of car it is)

The car ride was pretty vibey – he has awesome music taste but he kept it just high enough so that you could hear it but low enough so that the two of you could talk, he generally doesn’t like small talk but you were pretty interesting so he let the conversation go wherever you led

Eventually you arrived at a big park with a lake and a bunch of tall trees, and you got out of the car while Dabi went to grab a backpack from the trunk – then he led you over to a nice little clearing right next to the lake and pulled out a blanket from his backpack and laid it out so you two could sit

“like I said, nothing fancy. We’re just gonna hang out.”

He had a whole bunch of snacks and drinks in his backpack, and you just spent the next couple hours talking about anything and everything – he loved when you asked him about tattooing and stuff, gave him a chance to brag, and he asked you a bunch of probably too personal questions just because he thought it was cute seeing you flustered

In the end, the first date was a success – and it led to many more. Many of which weren’t even classified dates, just more times where he would randomly text you to hang out, and each time you found yourself liking him more and more, and he shockingly felt the same

At the beginning, the best and most dabi could hope for with you was a kind of friends with benefits situation. He didn’t want a real relationship, but he’d be lying if he said he didn’t want to be close with someone

But then you came along, and despite you being very good looking of course, he wasn’t just waiting for the right time to ask if he could fuck you, he just wanted to be around you and actually spend time with you – not just turn you into someone he could fuck when he was bored

Regardless, he’s not very good at getting attached to people, it scares him, so as soon as he realized he caught actual feelings he kinda ghosted you for a bit, worrying you that you did something wrong – he wouldn’t respond to your texts or anything

So this time you stormed your way down to his apartment, where he had brought you a couple times to watch movies and whatever, and knocked on his door

Dabi, much to his disdain, was happy when he saw you standing there. So because of that, he didn’t immediately shut the door, and you walked inside before he could protest

“Are you okay? Did I do something wrong? Why’d you disappear all the sudden?” Even outside of your crush, you considered him a friend, and you had hoped he did too, so you were worried

“It’s nothing… I’ve just been busy, don’t worry your cute little head about it.”

You rolled your eyes, “Dabi, I’m serious. What’s wrong?”

He sighed deeply, running a hand through his messy hair and staring back at you, “It’s – it’s stupid. I don’t want to talk about it.”

God he hated how concerned you looked, he could tell you cared about him and it weirded him out, but he loved it so much. He couldn’t help himself, as much as he wanted to push you away, he knew that he wanted to keep you around

“Still… if you change your mind, I’m here you-“ you didn’t even get to finish your sentence before his lips were on yours – something you very much weren’t expecting to happen today but you sure as hell weren’t complaining

“That’s what’s wrong. I think I love you.”

You could see that he looked scared, but he wasn’t pulling away, so you wrapped your arms around his neck and pressed a soft kiss on his lips, “Well, if it makes you feel better, I think I love you too.”

There was no formal asking out, just from that day on you were his. It still took some time for him to get used to it, not being familiar with how to act in a relationship, but with your help he got the hang of it

He loves when you watch him draw, he’s dubbed you his muse and therefore you being there helps inspire him

Wants to get matching tattoos with you eventually, and you know that if you want any more tattoos he’s gonna be the one to give you them, he might even let you do a tattoo or two for him

He’ll also do all your piercings for you, he’ll dye your hair for you - we love a boyfriend who supports you spicing up your look

Aw but you two dyeing each others hair would be so cute

Your relationship is pretty chill, like you guys only ever hang out at his apartment or go on dates in the middle of the night, sometimes clubbing or sometimes just walking around town, whatever you feel like honestly

You do go back to that one spot by the lake a l o t, you both love it there because it’s just full of memories of each other

When you met his friends you were probably a bit creeped out by them, you’ve never had any bad experiences with them but most of them looked pretty angry. But toga and jin were quick to accept you, and so you got to become friends with them too which was really important to Dabi because his friends are basically his family

When he told you about his dad – not him having to stop you from walking into his dad’s house and beating the shit out of that fucker, despite him very much wanting to watch you do it (he just doesn’t want you to get hurt/have to deal with the consequences of what that could bring – but if you were to bring out them fighting words during the next family dinner he’d definitely be very proud)

You’re welcome to move into his apartment whenever you want, after he’s decided he loves you you could propose and he’d probably say yes honestly- so you moving in isn’t an issue to him just tell him and he’ll help you bring all your stuff over

You might as well honestly, you’re there in most all your free time. You already have clothes in his closet, your school stuff is next to his - it just makes things so much easier

Besides, then you get to be around your hot emo bf even more than you already are, doesn’t that sound fun

[the-blackletter]

In 2011 I chose to ride the greyhound from Phoenix Arizona to Los Angeles so I could "enjoy the scenery".This would be my first tiny adventure solo in a foreign country. The greyhound is basically a cell block on wheels. Murderers on the run, people with bath salt induced psychosis, some migrants trying to make in America and me - the clueless and incredibly naive tourist.The price of a plane ticket is the same in the US, so the only reason you really NEED to ride a Greyhound is if you have Weapons or something to hide. I had two seats to myself so I kicked back and watched the palm trees and cacti roll by.

I fantasied about the celebrities in Palm Springs eating cati salad and mushrooms naked around a pool, when the bus suddenly screeched to a holt in the middle of nowhere on desert highway 10. The pigs and two patrol cars sit flashing on the side of the road ready to arrest cheech and Chong from the back of the bus who were hotboxing us smoking joints. They were the best part of the bus so far, their fumes gave the bus a welcome aroma which dorwned out the body odor and piss. 

I got off and stretched my legs, wished them luck and then went back to my seat. It was at this point 2pac decided to sneak onto the bus and take my spare aisle seat.

 THE 2 Pac you ask? No, just a woman living with schizophrenia and bag full of syringes who thinks she is Tupac. She had badly soiled her pants and had cigarette butts in her hair. I indeed felt for her. Life out here is tough. To this day I don’t know what spaceship dropped her on that highway. 

So, I was as accommodating as I could be. But I also didn't want to be wedged between her and a window for another few hrs. The stench of weed now gone I was drowning in her chaotic energy and ashtray breath. 

The sun was setting over the desert and 2 pac had started to get restless. Her enormous thigh sandwiched mine to the seat and shaked violently. Like something out of the thriller film, as soon as the sun set, that's when she began plotting to kill me. Laughing irrationally and gripping her syringe wad like a machete, I knew I had to get out. As she discussed my fate with her other self, I had considered if this is how I was going to go out. 

Was I happy with my life up to this point? I reflected on the last few months floating in the Caribbean finding a brick of cocaine, Swimming with sharks in Tourquoise waters, coming face to face with a Jaguar in the Amazon, getting lit on mescal with Susan Saradon in Mexico, being kidnapped by the fedral police, being shot at in Nicagragua...Fuck it I’ve got to finsih this story better than this, I thought. 

 I slowly rose from my seat, still wedged between her and the window I told her I needed to use the bathroom, knowing damn well this cell block didn't have a working bathroom.

We had a stare off that felt like eternity. She deliberated with herself in gibberish and then just froze. Staring right through me. Her ashy breath still belting on my face and drool sliding down her chin. 

This glitch in the system was my one chance of survival.

I slid past her frozen ass, her homemade machete cms from my body. I creep down the isle toward the back of the bus like in a bad horror film and found refuge with Martha an adorable Mexican grandmother who leaned over, tightly classped my sweaty hands and whispered "I thought she was going to kill you". Me too Martha, me too. 

After Martha’s magic hands calmed me down, it’s at this point I realized I had forgotten to book a hotel for the night in Los Angeles. It's going to be almost midnight when I arrive, so there was only one place close to downtown with a room available. I book in a room without hesitation. What the hell, It looked super ecletic and with hand shaped seats and innocent flower art on the wall located right downtown a short stroll from the bus stop. If you haven’t travelled a lot, don’t ever stay right near a bustop, please don’t fucking do it.

We arrive downtown and 2 pac follows me off the bus, she's livid now that I betrayed her she begins to stalk me into the car park shouting and lusting for my blood. I am now carrying a backpack 3 x the size of me and if she chooses to up anti on the thug life, I have no chance of escape.

Downtown LA is not downtown NYC for those reading who don't know, the same way naïve Hollie didn't know back in 2011, downtown is the notorious skid row. The sirens, the endless dark corners and the numerous people cast to the streets by society like trash. It's a serial killers paradise. No one will hear you scream out here.

It gives one a heavy heart. How a place like this can exist in a country like America is disgusting and in the most gut wrenching of ways. In this moment though, I was in survival mode.

I saw the beacon of an empty cab. I jumped in, locked the doors and begged the driver to drive around the block a few times before delivering me to my hotel 'Stay on Main', my sanctuary away from all this unholy mess. My address had left him almost speechless and he had offered to drive me elsewhere.This is a trick I'd became familiar with in Central America but the look on his face actually screamed let me help you. I declined and the driver surrendered and dropped me on main Street and gave me a longing look of dispair. I made it to the lobby 5 to midnight.

It looks much like any little trendy travel hostel as you enter. Funky decor just like the photos and slightly nervous front of house dude there to buzz you in. He looked nervous to even open the door, what was everyone so scared of? We barely spoke a word as he showed me to my private room. I couldn't put my finger on it but I was midly in awe of this place. It was massive, eerily quiet and seemed too familiar. I just lay there full of adrenaline on my bed never wanting to step outside again. I didn't sleep. I felt the presence of the flower art watching me all night. 

I dressed at 8am and forced myself into an early morning walk to explore LA, that’s funny because who the fuck strolls through skid row for a coffee. I began slowly but not yet fully realising where I was. I grabbed a coffee nearby and as I contemplated what the fuck I was doing with my life, when a Jim Carrey-esque character came skidding by in a wetsuit and tutu riding a miniature bike. I had decided maybe my brief but action packed 8 hrs in LA was enough, I was done feeling like I was stuck in an bad trip. I booked the next train out of there, checked out of the hotel at 10 and never looked back. It wasn't until last night 10 yrs and 3333 days later I realized after narrowly avoiding murder on a greyhound, I had stayed in skid row at the infamous Cecil Hotel.

You might know Cecil because her role to play in the mysterious death of Elisa Lam in 2013 or maybe you recognize her as the home of the Night Stalker, who used to terrorise and murder all of LA before walking very casually up the stairs of the Cecil hotel covered in blood. 

The same Night Stalker that used to hang at the bus station everyday. Perhaps you know Cecil because her walls housed hundreds if not thousands of murders, suicides and pure hell since 1924.The Cecil hôtel is like 700 greyhounds stacked on top of each other with a decievingly charming exterior. Of all this madness the main character in the story is the Cecil.

[cruciology]

Familiar Need

Requested by anon: Could you do a Sandor x reader she's one of Baelish's girls and Sandy is a regular and he takes her with him after the Blackwater battle? Idk if that made sense?

You sunk the pitcher beneath the surface of the steaming water, filling it to the brim before pouring it over the Hound’s head. Setting the pitcher on the wooden table next to the tub, you grabbed the bar of soap. The Hound let you run your fingers through his hair as you straddled him, both of your naked bodies hidden under the water. His hands held your hips, absently feeling the curves of your body as you scrubbed dirt and sweat and, most likely, blood from his hair. 

You had many odd requests from customers in your time; bathing together was a perfectly normal one compared to others. But you had heard many things about the Hound. You had been afraid when he paid for your services that he would be one of the more difficult clients, someone who took pleasure in hurting you, seeing you bruised or beaten. So you had been surprised when he had asked you to bathe with him. It seemed so innocent. What followed after was nothing but, but every time was the same. Every time, he wanted the same thing. Every time, he asked for you by name. 

He took the soap from you, taking his turn to wash you with his large hands. His thumb traced your nipple, making you suck in a short breath. In your line of work, you didn’t meet a lot of people that could make you do that. That was something else that surprised you when the Hound had first come to you. You assumed he would be like any other client, tossing some coins at you and finishing as soon as they could get their cock into you. But the Hound liked to take his time. He liked to hear you moan his name, to feel you come undone around him. 

You toyed with the thick, dark hair that covered his chest as he ran his hands across your back. You leaned in, placing a kiss on his scarred cheek first, then his lips. 

“Almost didn’t think you were going to come see me tonight,” you said. You knew how you sounded. Needy. But you had come to look forward to the Hound’s visits. The first time he had chosen you, you had been frightened, but that was over a year ago. You knew him much better than that now. “You haven’t been here in days.”

“Been busy,” He said shortly. He tucked away a strand of your hair that had fallen loose from where you had tied it up. It was hard to believe that the hands that had taken the lives of so many men could be so gentle with you. The other women in the brothel were terrified of him. They didn’t understand how you could let him touch you, let alone how you could look forward to it. It wasn’t a secret that he was a killer and that he took pleasure in it, but that wasn’t the side he showed to you. You often found yourself aching for his touch. Like right then, when you sat on top of his thick cock, hard and waiting. You could easily adjust yourself and have him fill you, but you only had to wait a bit longer. 

“Been busy a lot since dear King Joffrey took the throne,” you said with no attempt to hide your disdain. 

“Keeping that little shit alive is a lot of work,” the Hound grumbled. He would never speak ill of his charge with anyone but you. He wasn’t stupid. 

“Is it true what they’re saying?” You asked. “About King Robert’s brother coming with an army?” 

“Do you really want to talk of battles and war?” The Hound asked, dropping the bar of soap into the empty pitcher on the table. 

“I don’t care much for war, no, but I do like to be informed,” You said. “It’s not a secret that Lord Stannis has no love for women in my profession.” 

“You do sound informed.” 

“If we manage to survive the attacks, I fear I don’t know what he’ll do with us afterwards, the godless whores.” It was a bit of a hot topic in the last few days. You had to assure the other girls that you were positive things would be alright despite having little optimism yourself. 

The Hound kissed your collar bone, then your throat, moving to your jaw, and finally kissing your lips. His hand caressed your cheek, his finger tips burying in your hair. He pulled your hair down, the ends of it grazing the water just slightly as it fell down around your shoulders. You traced your thumb along the burned side of his face as you kissed him back. He used to hate being touched there, thinking that it must disgust you like it did everyone else. Now, he enjoyed the feel of your soft hands against the ruined flesh. 

“Nothing will happen to you,” The Hound promised, his lips still on yours. 

“You can be so sure?” You asked. 

He stood up, holding you tightly against him with just one arm. Sometimes you thought he just liked to show off how strong he really was, but you didn’t really mind. You liked how easy it was for him to hold you. He stepped out of the brass tub, still dripping water. Taking you to the other side of the large room, he pressed you onto the fur blanket on the bed. In one quick thrust, he was fully inside of you. You never could quite get used to his size, it always made you gasp. Normally, he liked to take his time, exploring all of your body before entering you, but he seemed to know how badly you needed to feel him, all of him. 

“I’m sure,” He said, kissing you roughly. He took both your hands in his, drawing them up above your head and pinning them. His free hand slid down your body, following your curves to the point where your bodies met. He rubbed your clit with his thumb, making you arch into him, your eyes squeezing shut. 

“Sandor,” You gasped out. His grip on your hands tightened and his speed quickened. Each thrust of his hips slammed into you, making you feel closer to the breaking point. He knew exactly how to make you come undone. The stars of light burst behind your eyelids, your chest heaving as you came. The Hound released his grip on your hands, holding himself up on his elbows as he pushed into you almost violently. 

You pushed him back, rolling him over onto his back and catching him by surprise. He held your hips to guide your rhythm. It was his favorite way to fuck you. He was so much larger than you, he worried you’d be crushed under his weight. With you on top of him, he could focus on how good your pussy felt. You liked being able to watch his face as you fucked him. You liked seeing his eyes squeeze shut as he felt you slide up and down his hard cock. You liked the feel of him digging his fingers into your ass. You steadied yourself with your hands on his chest, rolling your hips against him. 

“Fuck,” The Hound growled as you rode him. He squeezed tighter to you and you knew that meant he was close. He would pull out of you just in time to finish on your thigh with a grunt, but very suddenly, you didn’t want that. You moved your hands over his where they still held you. 

“Finish in me,” You said. You heard him curse again before you felt him shudder, filling you with his hot seed. 

His chest heaved as you got off of him. You rested your head on his shoulder, finally feeling the cool night air on your still slightly damp skin. You lay in silence for a long time, just listening to his breathing. 

“You’re that afraid that you’re going to die?” He asked finally. 

“I wanted to feel all of you,” You said. You could still feel him inside of you, not just the dull but pleasant ache he always left, but also the stickiness creeping down your thighs. “Don’t leave tonight.” 

“I can’t-,” 

“Sandor,” You said, lifting yourself onto your elbow. He studied your face as you looked down on him. “Please, stay.” He didn’t answer. Instead, he grabbed you by the waist, pulling you back on top of him. You laid your head on his chest, letting him pull the blanket over both of you. 

Stupid. You were bloody stupid. You should be down in the basement with the rest of the girls, but instead, you were up in the brothel alone. Even Littlefinger was nowhere to be found. If he could be counted on for anything, it would be saving his own skin. 

You were only out of hiding out of sickening curiosity. You heard rumors of wildfire. You figured you would be safe enough, with the battle being mostly on the shores. If you had just stayed inside, watching from the safety of your room, you would have been fine. It was when you decided to step outside of the brothel. 

You weren’t even ten steps away from the door when you were pulled so hard you feared your arm would pop out of its socket. You immediately shoved back, but when the dagger pressed to your throat, all attempts to fight back were quieted. 

You couldn’t tell where the man had come from, what side he was on. It didn’t really matter. Both had bad men and any man threatening you with a blade was bad in your book. You were sure you knew exactly what he wanted from you. A man coming to a whorehouse wanted one thing. 

“Let’s step inside,” He said, smiling with a rotten mouth, reeking of ale. His weapon was still pressed to your skin. If you so much as breathed too heavily, you would bleed. 

“Please,” You said. “Just lower your dagger.” 

“How do I know you won’t run?” The man asked, keeping his dagger exactly where it was.

“Where is there to run in all of this?” You asked him. As if to make your point, a flash of green fire burst to the chorus of screams. 

Looking satisfied with that answer, the man pulled his dagger away from you, his hand still tightly on your arm. But with a flash of silver, his grip went slack and he was suddenly relieved of his head. It was your turn to scream. 

But your terror only lasted a moment when you realized who the sword belonged to. 

“Sandor!” You cried in relief, throwing you arms around the Hound’s neck. He hugged you back, lifting you off the ground, holding you so tightly you could barely breathe. “Are you alright? Why are you here? You should be-,” 

“I know where I should be,” The Hound said, setting you back on your feet. “And it’s not in that fucking castle.” 

“Won’t you be in trouble for abandoning the king?” 

“I’ll be in more trouble for telling him to go fuck himself,” The Hound said. You let out a surprised laugh. “I’m leaving. Tonight. Right now.” 

“What?” You felt as if you had been slapped. “Where?”

“Don’t fucking know, but I’m going,” He said. He grabbed one of your hands with his, dwarfing it. You always felt so small next to him. Small, but safe. Always safe. “Come with me.”

You studied his face. He knew what he was asking. This wasn’t a fleeting feeling. You belonged to Littlefinger just as much as the Hound belonged to the King. You would be stealing yourself away, but it would be in good company. 

You squeezed his hand and nodded. 

[bitterepiphany]

the bodyguard situation

archive of our own

@zuzusexytiems enjoy ;))

ooh also partly inspired by @amy-r-k's aa first kiss hc <3<3

warning: contains spoilers for 139

If somebody had told her during her days in the Southern Training Corps that Armin Arlert would become the 15th Commander of the Survey Corps, Annie would have scoffed in their face. There would be no way in hell that a boy that soft and weak, a boy that struggled to even complete the Training Corps program, would become the leader of by far the most dangerous branch of military here on this island.

But times had changed. Times had changed so drastically, so mind-bendingly, that Annie almost longed for those days, those simple days when the only troubles worrying her mind was the location of the Founder, and the guilt over all the destruction they had wrought on the people within the walls. Funny, how something so enormous could become so simple in hindsight.

Something hadn’t changed, though, in Annie’s world. It surprised her sometimes, how much she had come to rely on that soft and weak boy from training, how just the sound of his voice could ground her, reminding her of all the years she spent in that crystal with only his and Hitch’s words to keep her sane.

Things had happened slowly, softly. There was so much aftermath to deal with, so much death, destruction, and fear to manage, that for at least the first year after Eren’s death, they barely had time for one another. Fragile, temporary stalemates disguised as peace were made between surviving humanity and those of Paradis, and work began to salvage and rebuild what was flattened.

Armin had been forced to take up his role as the new Commander, and for a period of time, stood at a similar rank to Historia as the only surviving military leader after the rest had been turned into titans and subsequently killed. While Historia stayed on Paradis, Armin and their surviving group - Annie, Reiner, Connie, Jean, and Pieck - who were dubbed, ‘The Heroes of Paradis’, stayed in Marley, negotiating with their surviving leaders and helping the cleanup and rebuild effort. Levi remained in Marley to recover from his injuries with their more advanced technology, and Mikasa chose not to go with them, opting to instead retire from military work to instead mourn her loss in peace.

But after things had settled (or as settled as they could be after eighty percent of the world was crushed), the unresolved tension between them couldn’t be ignored through their various distractions anymore. From lingering looks, hands brushing each other for a little longer than it to be accidental, and making constant, see-through excuses - if the looks Pieck and Jean gave were any indication - to spend time with each other, it became almost unbearable for Annie. She began to think about his confession on the boat on a daily basis, thinking it over. What if he didn’t feel that way anymore? What if he realised that she was a monster, and that she didn’t deserve someone as good as he was? What if - and this thought made Annie feel physically sick - he found another girl, and she was everything Annie couldn’t be?

It was only after Pieck had cornered her after she was caught staring openly at him for the umpteenth time that she sucked it up and decided she would confront these feelings. That was, until an incident on Paradis where a group of rogue Jeagerists decided that the current Commander of the Survey Corps needed to be replaced.

Now, it was known to those that knew him through training and the subsequent years that Armin didn’t excel physically. Though he had improved and filled out into himself in the years since he inherited the Colossal Titan, he would never reach the prowess of his other male comrades like Reiner, Jean, Connie, or Eren.

Though this information was never made ‘public’, it must have gotten out somewhere, and during an orientation for some new Scouts that Armin was overseeing, a group of young men broke away from the group and rushed him. Luckily, Armin was quick to react and defended himself until they almost overwhelmed him, but at that point, Jean and Connie reacted and dragged the attackers off him. Annie herself wasn’t with the group when it happened, instead away with Reiner discussing Marley things with Historia, but when she was notified of it, she was furious. Needless to say, the decision to give Armin a constant guard was non-negotiable, and it became clear to everyone else who wasn’t budging on being the one for the job.

Armin tried to protest the decision, saying he didn’t need a ‘babysitter’, but one look from Annie shut him up pretty quickly. He did confide to her later that he was grateful she was doing it, instead of some upstart young Scout, or even one of the boys in their group, claiming that they could become a bit suffocating in their insistence that he couldn’t defend himself at all.

The words left unsaid between them seemed to take a backseat as they now spent basically all their time together. Armin let his guard down around her, and she had to admit to herself that she couldn’t imagine her life without him at this point. There were some realisations within herself that she was scared to look at though. Once, Armin questioned whether she wanted to leave the group to go live with her father, since that seemed to always be her goal ever since she left for Paradis Island all those years ago.

Annie had spent time with her father early on in the months following the Rumbling, but had found herself drawn to working with Armin and the others, though was reluctant to leave her father initially. He assured her it was okay though, and encouraged her to get out and do something she enjoyed with her life. She still visited him regularly in Marley when she could.

They never openly acknowledged it, but the intimacy between Armin and Annie slowly began to increase. Armin had a couch in his study, and sometimes they would sit there together, Armin reading some book too boring for her to be interested in, and Annie would just relax. One afternoon, the sun was falling just right over her body, and she allowed herself to close her eyes. The next thing she knew, she had awoken to her cheek pressed into the fabric of Armin’s shoulder, one of his arms resting loosely around her shoulders. He was still reading in the fading dusk light, and when she shifted, he looked at her, a small smile on his lips.

“Hey, sleepyhead,” he whispered, smirking slightly. “Poor form of you, sleeping on the job, huh?”

He was teasing her. Annie pushed herself upright, fighting a yawn, failing to do so, all while shooting him an icy glare.

Armin just laughed.

Fuck.

Annie couldn’t maintain her icy demeanour at that. That damned laugh of his always broke all of her walls. She just huffed and turned her head, heat creeping up her neck. Armin’s laugh faded, and Annie glanced over at him. She was surprised to see him glancing at her sheepishly too.

“You know,” he mumbled, blushing, a hand coming to rub the back of his neck, “Uh, I don’t mind if you, you know, do that…”

Annie’s breath caught. Armin blushed harder, eyes averting.

“Uhm,” he continued, still resolutely not looking at her, “Hitch used to always say that you looked scary when you slept? But… you… don’t really, I think you look kinda cute actually and- oh?”

Annie had scooted closer to him during his ramblings, and, without a word, rested her head back onto his shoulder.

“You talk too much,” she grumbled, curling up beside him.

Armin huffed out a laugh, his arm returning to its spot around her shoulders.

They stayed like that until Annie fell asleep again, and the both of them had to be shaken awake by an amused looking Pieck, who smirked at Annie mischievously when the latter discovered Armin had wrapped her up in his arms, his cheek pressed up against her hair.

***

Some invisible barrier had broken between the two of them since that afternoon. Annie found herself sleeping on Armin in various different places whenever they sat together for extended periods of time, and he became more touchy, often grabbing onto her hands to lead her places and show her things, and being quite cuddly when she fell asleep on him, leading Annie to wake up pressed tightly against him, trapped by his arm.

They found themselves in a unique situation, and neither Annie nor Armin were oblivious to the rumours and giggles that followed the two of them around at Scout Headquarters. Their close friends wisely chose not to mention their growing intimacy, but that didn’t save them from the badly disguised stares and whispered speculation that erupted from Junior Scouts as the pair did their daily business around the grounds.

It didn’t help that Armin and Annie did absolutely everything together after the attack. The two didn’t say anything to each other, the only indication Annie got that Armin noticed it at all was his telltale habit of rubbing the back on his neck and hair when he got flustered or nervous when the whispers got a little too loud for comfort.

Things reached a peak one night after a long meeting negotiating new regiment leaders and discussing the rebel Jeagerists that seemed to be grouping up together again.

It was raining hard after a sudden downpour, and Armin and Annie were faced with the newly treacherous task of making their way across the grounds to their adjacent rooms in the Commander’s and Captain’s dorms.

They stood under an awning, peering through the darkness, trying to route a path that would result in the least amount of drenching. It didn’t seem possible.

“Well,” Annie said, “I suppose we can just have a shower after…”

“I guess… let’s go!”

Annie cried out in surprise as Armin grabbed her hand and yanked her along with him, and then they were off, running through the sheets of water and getting thoroughly soaked to the bone. Annie let herself go, and began to laugh at the ridiculousness of it all, and soon Armin joined her, their laughs getting lost in the roar of the rain.

Just as they reached their barracks, Annie’s foot landed in a particularly slippery patch of mud and she toppled over, gasping. She squeaked in shock as a pair of arms wrapped around her and saved her from a faceful of mud. Armin pulled her into him, and her palms flew up to grip his shirt at his chest. They stood there for a second, staring at each other, far closer than they had ever been before, chests heaving with exertion.

Armin’s arms tightened around her slightly.

“Are… are you okay?” he breathed.

Annie could feel his heart racing beneath her hands, and she suddenly became acutely aware of how fast her heart was going too. She nodded, breathless.

Armin didn’t seem to want to let her go. Annie found that she didn’t want him to either.

All of their interactions since his damned confession on the boat ran through her head. Annie took a breath. She had made up her mind. Enough of this dancing around one another. Just as the words building up in her head for months passed her lips, Armin spoke.

“Annie,” he said, eyes intensely focused on hers. “I think I’m in love with you.”

Her chest caught.

“I…”

Feeling as though her entire life had led up to this moment, Annie abandoned any response she might have had on her tongue, gripped his shirt harder, rose on her tiptoes, and kissed him.

She could feel the tension leave Armin’s shoulders, and he almost slumped into her, leaning down so she could stand flat-footed, kissing her back, hands sliding up her body to cradle her face. They broke apart, lost in their own little world, eyes locked.

“Wanna get married?”

Annie let loose an elated giggle, sure that this high she was on was never going to let her down. It was all too incredible to even describe.

“Yeah.”

***

Rumours about the Commander and his female companion had been the hot topic of Scout members for months. A set of questions regarding them circulated.

“Who’s that scary-looking lady who’s always with the Commander?”

“Is she some kind of new captain?”

“I heard she was his bodyguard!”

“No surely not, she’s too small for that, maybe she’s his assistant.”

Another smaller, more knowledgeable section of older Scouts found the pairing to be unbearable.

“She’s the Female Titan!”

“Why haven’t we killed her yet? You know how many Scouts she killed, right?”

“Why on earth does he seem to be friendly with her?”

“They look like some sort of couple! No way am I serving under someone fucking a traitor!”

The Commander and his female companion were very aware of the whispers, but they didn’t care. Let them think what they wanted, they thought.

One afternoon, an amused-looking Reiner was lounging about, supervising some of the younger recruits in their training. He heard some of their whispers, and laughed aloud.

“You guys don’t know?” he scoffed, rolling his eyes, “She’s no bodyguard. That’s his wife .”

Rumour has it the squeals of shock could be heard from across the grounds.

[slutsofren]

Danger Days Chapter 5: Skylines and Turnstiles

summary:  arriving at the University of Eastern Colorado, things start pointing to an unwanted direction

warnings: little allusions to anxiety and awkardness, everybody is finally getting along (kinda), mild sexual tension,  reader is fucking horny

word count: 3,116

read on ao3 here / danger days masterlist

You had been zoning out for about the last hour, only starting to pay attention as you saw the familiar red brick walls of the university. Joel had been droning on and on and on about football and the rules of the game, teaching it to Ellie and she lapped it all up excitedly. If there was one thing you had grown to love about the girl, it was her passion for knowledge, especially of the old world.

As they talked, you recalled your adventures the past month, thanking the stars it was a rather smooth journey to get here. The three of you only encountered one group of hunters that weren’t much trouble and they were rather well stocked on supplies and food, keeping you all fed for a few days longer.

The two horses were doing well too, the long trek didn’t seem to bother them as much as you originally worried. Made the journey much smoother and shorter than you accounted for. When you all left Jackson, it was only October, now it was maybe halfway through November. You were making pretty good time on your schedule. 

“I don’t see a glass building,” Ellie told you, pulling you out of your thoughts.

“We’ll need to get to the center courtyard of the campus. You’ll see it from there, it’ll look like a mirror made of glass.” You raised a hand and pointed through some buildings, vaguely gesturing the way.

You led them into an area of the campus that led to the science center. But Joel stopped you and dismounted, giving Ellie the reins, “Stay, Callus.” After a couple feet of walking away Joel asked her, “What kind of a name is Callus, anyways?”

He goes around, searching the area for either troubles or supplies, grumbling about the name Ellie gave the horse.

“Not my fault you forgot to ask Tommy his name,” Ellie jokes and jerks her thumb at you, “Or that she didn’t know it either.”

“Hey, don’t bring me into this, kiddo. I’m just buddies with my dear Whiskey here,” you pat the neck of the black horse. He gave a little huff beneath your fingers and shook his head, enjoying the attention. “Besides, Cherry is the only one able to tell the difference between all of them.”

Joel gives you a faint smile as he reaches for the bit on Callus, guiding him through a gate into the middle of the campus that you waited by.

After being in such close proximity to each other, the two of you began warming up to the other. Of course, you still chucked snide comments at him, often calling him an old bastard when he’d piss you off or do something snide. He would reply in kind, calling you a brat and threatening you to behave.

Needless to say, that awakened a little fantasy you totally didn’t need of the man, eliciting some rather vivid dreams when you slept. Hinting that maybe you were unfortunately in need of a good orgasm to get it all out of your system once and for all. Being out in the middle of fuck-all nowhere made that kind of difficult.The mental imagery alone kept you up most nights on your watch while you kept an eye out as the two rested. Regardless, Joel had been a gentleman towards you, apparently all that southern charm was genuine but he was still a broody asshole most days, never once hinting he saw you in such a way despite how often you’d catch him staring.

Ellie on the other hand, took to you rather quickly. She would ask you question after question about California, FEDRA, what to expect with the Fireflies at the lab, what you were like before the outbreak. She was intrigued about life pre-cordyceps virus, it was as if it was a fantasy to her.

Well, you admit, you supposed it was. She was born after the virus took hold, she never got to experience the things you and Joel did in the world before.To go to a zoo, a concert, gossip with friends about who likes who in school. The only thing she knew was to keep fighting, surviving, and running. Despite how cheerful and passionate she could be about her comic books or absorbing as much knowledge as she could, you were saddened that she never got the chance to be normal.

As much as you tried to keep some things private during her lengthy questionings, you knew her curiosity was blinding. She meant no harm, likely going to you for these questions seeing as Joel was completely shut off from his past, not that you blame him. You couldn’t imagine what he experienced from what Tommy had told you before.

Ellie looked around on the horse, “So, these places… people would live here and just study? Even though they were all grown up?”

“Yeah, study, party, and find themselves. Figure out what they wanted to do with their lives,” Joel replied. He let go of the leather strap and motioned for you and Ellie to stay where you were as he walked towards what looked to be like a loading dock and began searching.

She repeated Joel’s last sentence about finding themselves, possibly turning over the idea in her mind, after a few moments of silence of both of you watching Joel she turned to you, “Did you ever go to college?”

You shook your head, silently telling her no. “I was too young when shit hit the fan, but I would explore these buildings and take the books that were salvageable. Read them when I had the time. Tried to educate myself however I could.”

“What would you have studied if you went?”

“I don’t know,” you think. Suddenly you remembered some of your favorite books that you had stolen from these very buildings. “I really liked reading the history books that I found here. Maybe I would have done something with that. Or maybe,” you ponder, “maybe I wouldn’t have liked history if not for the whole world fucking ending.”

Ellie considers this for a moment. Then, from the corner of your eye, you watch Joel disappear behind a corner and you turn towards her, “What about you?”

Ellie scrunches her face in thought. “Art. Or maybe music. I like being creative.”

You smiled at the idea, “Ellie Williams: Comedian, Artist, Rock Star.”

Ellie smiles widely and the moment is cut short by Joel announcing somewhere above you. “There was a look-out here,” his voice calls down.

Both of you look up and see Joel leaning over a concrete railing on the second floor. “That’s a good sign,” Ellie says to him, then she looks at you and asks quietly, “Right?”

“I don’t know,” you answer honestly. You furrow your brows and begin to bite on your bottom lip, unsure of what to make of things. It’s unlike them to leave a look-out abandoned. Now that you’re thinking about it, you’re pretty damn positive you’d have come across somebody by now.

You try to get your facial expressions back in check, not wanting to worry Ellie or even Joel by making them feel like something is vastly wrong with how this looks. Before, when you were with the militia group, there were armed guards practically on every roof of this campus. They were always checking in with each other, making sure none of the infected or even hunters penetrated the walls. It wasn’t always secure or even practical, more lives were lost that way but it helped protect the lab.

You’re pulled away from your anxious thoughts as you spot Joel. He takes one last look around then comes down from the loading dock and gets back on the horse he’s sharing with Ellie and looks to you, gesturing his hand out in front of him. “Lead the way.”

You give Whiskey a little kick and he takes off, jumping over a concrete barricade then leading them up some stairs and under some ornate arches and pulling the reins to the left. With a motion of your hand you point to the science building in the distance, “There it is. The one with glass walls.”

Ellie looks over his shoulder and huffs a surprise, “It really does look like a glass mirror.”

Unfortunately there was a locked gate between the group and your destination. “Question is, how are we gonna get through here,” Joel thinks out loud.

After looking around it seems the only way forward is through the crumbling buildings. Joel dismounts from Callus once again and led you both through a broken wall on the left that led to the inside of the old library.

“How many people you think are there? Fireflies, I mean,” Ellie wondered.

“Reckon it takes quite a crew to run that operation,” Joel looks at you.

You nodded at both of them idly, “Yeah, when I was here we had at least a few dozen, maybe more. I kind of kept to myself.” 

“You think there’ll be other people my age,” she asked, not letting her eyes look up towards you.

“I do.”

The three of you approached another locked gate inside the building, essentially cutting off both the library and the rest of the hall you were in from each other. Joel pulled on the handle and it creaked open, Callus and Whiskey both shuffled and whined, making you and Ellie shift on them.

“Woah, woah, woah, what is it boys,” Joel tried to calm down the horses.

Your attention got pulled away when you heard a shriek and Ellie said, “Sounds like runners.”

Joel looked back behind him then forward at you, “Stay together. I’ll go check it out.”

“Joel, no wait,” you try to argue as you dismount but he closes the gate behind him.

“Stay with her,” he tells you. “I don’t want the horses or her runnin’ off again.”

You give him a hard look that he mirrors, neither one of you wants to budge but the look in his brown eyes make you waver, finally caving into his demand. “Stay alive, you stubborn old bastard.”

His lips twitch, hints of a tense smile wishing to creep on his face. He puts his hands up on a calm gesture as he removes his backpack, removing the shotgun from it and pocketing a couple extra rounds as he stands back up. “I’ll be right back,” he says your name softly, his voice deep and rich, “I promise.”

As he walks away, you inhale a deep breath and your heart is beating. You’ve come to hate it when this happens, not that it did much. Whenever the three of you found yourselves in a tight situation with the infected, you each carried on with taking them down. You hated this, hated that he felt the need to do this on his own.

It fuckin’ sucked waiting.

Just as you were working yourself up more, you heard five consecutive shotgun blasts. Then silence. Ellie must have noticed your worry because she announced loud enough for Joel to hear, “Hey, I was thinking… I would’ve wanted to be an astronaut.”

“That a fact,” his voice rang out in the distance, echoing off the library walls.

“Yeah, can you imagine being up there all by yourself? Would’ve been cool. I’m just sayin’.”

You opened up the gate, leading Whiskey inside the library, still simmering with whatever the hell you were feeling. Ellie trotted her horse past you to another gate, this one opening with a panel and leading back outside to the courtyard on the right.

Faintly you could hear presumably Joel starting up a generator three times and then panel next to the gate lit up. You pressed the button, opening it up then went back to Whiskey, jumping up into his saddle.

Joel came back down the steps and grabbed the reins to Callus and his eyes fell on you, “Told you I’d be right back.”

“What about you? What’d you want to be,” Ellie asked him.

Joel looked away, focusing on something in the distance as you all walked out the opened gate. He scratched at his beard and admitted, “Oh… well, when I was a kid I used to want to be a… a singer.”

You raised your eyebrows and gave a small laugh, Ellie did too. “Shut up,” she said jokingly.

“I’m serious.”

“Sing something”

“Ah, no.”

“Come on, I won’t laugh,” she begged.

“I don’t think so.”

You watched as they both bickered over this, Ellie even tried to pull you into the conversation, saying your name, “Come on, tell him we won’t laugh!”

“Maybe he can treat us after a successful creation of the cure,” you compromise. Joel turns to you and ponders.

“We’ll see.”

The three of you make your way down the steps, then turning to the left, continuing your trek to the science center. Ellie gets Joel's attention, “She said she wasn’t sure what she would have done.”

“Is that so?”

You shift your weight on Whiskey, “Yeah. I mean, I like history now but back then? I didn’t really have a plan after graduating high school. I didn’t really click with anything, y’know?”

He absorbs that information and ponders. “Yeah, I get it.”

The silence took over and whatever anxiety you had was lessening yet amplifying the closer you got to the building, still wary of the fact you hadn’t seen any sign of the Fireflies aside from the abandoned look-out. Joel got back up on Callus as you approached the center of the school and together with Whiskey, jumped over another barricade.

The view in front of you was a much larger campus courtyard, with a giant fountain in the center decorated with a statue in the middle of it. Ellie was the first to notice a small group of bright orange monkeys and cooed at them as they chattered and swung around the clearing.

“That was kinda awesome,” she said as they swung away into a nearby building.

You smiled at her reaction and asked, “First time seeing a monkey?”

She nodded and repeated, “First time seeing a monkey!”

Atop the two horses, you all keep looking around searching for a sign of life but finding nothing. Leading you all down another outside corridor. Joel offers, “Maybe these guys like to keep a low profile.”

Ellie, now sounding less energetic, half-heartedly agrees.You bank right, vaguely remembering where to go when she points to a wall to the left. “Hey, look. Fireflies.” When you turned to look, you noticed the old wall tag.

“Yeah, it was to help point the way to the building we were in, in case new recruits got lost or something like that,” you tell her.

You pull into another corridor that is also blocked with a gate. To the right of the wall is a painted sign, saying ‘disconnect generator when not on duty’ in bold white letters.

Together, each of you gets off Whiskey and Callus and attempts to lift the gate to find it won’t work. The damned thing wouldn’t budge. Joel grumbles, “Probably have to find the generator.” He walks to a barricaded doorway to the right and peers around it then kneels. “It’s gotta be through here.”

“Joel, you are not going by yourself again,” you tell him.

He looks over his shoulder at you and cocks an eyebrow at you. The two of you, once again, locked in this damned game. He sizes you up with an intense stare and he already knows he’s won. You groan loudly, “If you die in there, just remember I told you so, old man.”

“Watch Ellie, you damned brat.”

He turns and crawls under the barricade, giving you a bit of a nice show of his ass before entirely disappearing. You roll your eyes to yourself as you turn back around, standing near Ellie and the two horses.

“So,” she starts.

“So?”

“What’s going on between you and Joel?”

It was so unbelievably hard to keep your face in check, to keep your internal screaming from etching your facial expression. “I don’t know what you’re talking about Ellie.”

“You both look like you want to fucking kill the other in their sleep.”

“That’s because I do.” Amongst other things.

You cross your arms in front of you, mindlessly showing your defensiveness on the topic and definitely not trying to tell the obviously fourteen-year-old who has never had the sex talk about how your body is screaming with alarms to get dicked down by the first person you see. Mentally scolding yourself for your predicament. How dare he.

“That’s just Joel,” she says. “He’s always like that.”

“He needs to learn how to work as a team or else we’re all going to end up dead, or worse.”

Gunshots cut the conversation short, the two of you ducking close to the ground, both pulling out weapons. It was difficult to tell where the shots came from because the two of you were still in a tunnel but you whisper-shouted, “Joel!”

Nothing but eerie silence responded to your call, settling in your bones. It took everything you had in you to not bolt and look for the man but both you and Ellie looking around for any sign of him. “Son of a bitch, this is exactly what I was talking about,” you groan frustrated.

Seconds ticked by that dragged into forever-long minutes. You weren’t a nervous person on missions, always trying to stay hyper-focused but truthfully, you don’t know how you’d handle the return journey with just Ellie.

Before you could work the nerve to go search through the maze of dorms, Ellie notices him before you, “Joel! Are you okay? What happened in there?”

“More infected, I’m fine,” he shouts, exiting a door from the far left, as he runs over to where you and Ellie were standing still, waiting for him.

“Here - come open the gate!”

As Joel pulls the generator to the wall to plug it in, Ellie tells him, “Holy shit you’re lucky you came out of there alive. She almost ran in after you.”

Suddenly you felt like you couldn’t breath under your coat as you gave Joel a sheepish look. “I didn’t want to have to explain to Tommy that I got his brother killed, alright? Don’t let it get to your big head, cowboy.”

Joel raised a brow at you then grunted, resuming to kickstart the generator to power the gate. It came alive kind of loudly but you resigned, only to mount your horse again choosing to ignore whatever Joel or Ellie could be thinking.

[fuckingdeadbutroyal]

Jasonette July- Soulmates AU- Part 1

Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4 - Part 5 - Part 6 -

Marinettes knees were bruised. Again! She was so so careful not to ruin her new summerdress on the way to Ninos 9th birthday-party and now her knees were all red and scratchy. “Not todayy”, the little girl whined while searching for some kind of medicine in her small pink backpack, hoping to ease the pain for her as well as the cause of her suffering: her soulmate, who seemed to have an eagerness to ALWAYS fall on their knees. A few moments and a frustrated huff later, Mari found herself punching her arm for some kind of payback and wincing right after. Why couldn’t she just have a harmless soulmate-bond? Why couldn’t she just dream of them like Nino did or have a tattoo like Chloe? Why was her bond forged through literal PAIN? 

Rounding the corner, little Mari found herself in a field full of green and blue balloons with loads of boys and a few chosen girls surrounding a happy Nino. The boy was currently bouncing like a basketball and grinning from ear to ear, while sneaking longing glances to a table full of presents, as well as various treats from the Dupain-Cheng bakery. Speaking of the Dupain-Chengs, their daughter was spotted by her best friend as she was about to put her present next to the others, which lead to him running to greet her and pulling the girl into a bonecrushing hug. Therefore Mari was left patting Ninos’ back and trying to catch a breath. “You made it! I saw your treats and I know you answered my invitation but I was still worried, this party wouldn’t be the same without you!”, he blubbered in all of his bubbly grace while trying to lift her, even though he wasn’t quite strong enough to succeed yet (which didn’t mean he wouldn’t try again tomorrow, he was now older and stronger than her, after all). 

Mari wriggled her way out of his arms, happy to catch a breath and giggling. A blush was gracing her face, leading to Nino blushing happily in return. “Of course I made it! I didn’t spend all week making you a present for nothing!”, she smiled as Ninos ears grew hot, “You spent a-all week making a present? F-for me?”, he stuttered with a big dopey grin splitting his face. Marinette nodded, another soft giggle escaping her mouth. All the guests were now watching them, holding their breaths. She handed him the pretty red box. Nino sat down on the grass right there in front of her and opened it, hands shaking with eagerness and breath held in anticipation. Mari sat across from him, covering her eyes with her hands, afraid of his judgement. This was her first time gifting someone one of her sewing-projects, after all. 

His delighted gasp led to her parting her fingers slightly, only now noticing all the tiny cuts covering them, no doubt the price she had to pay for still being clumsy at sewing (”even though I have been doing it for a year now, I should be better than that”, she mentally scolded herself). Her thoughts were interrupted by a round of gasps coming from the tiny audience surrounding the best-friends-duo. Marinette focused back on Nino and dropped her hands to her mouth, squeaking in delight. The boy in front of her put on the basecap she made him and was grinning even wider, which she, until then, wasn’t even sure were possible. He hugged her, in a much gentler embrace then the previous time. His fingers were soft, not covered in cuts and red spots, as he pulled away and took her hands in his, not caring about the giggles and ew-s from their audience, nor the blush creeping up Maris’ cheeks. “I love it...so much”, what he meant, though, was “I wish you were my soulmate”.

And Mari couldn’t agree more.

-----------------------------------------------

It was dark, a coffee mug was standing amongst an army of already finished ones and a droopy eyed girl was sitting in front of them, lazily turning a page on the book her english-teacher assigned her to read. She recognized the storyline, knew all the plot-twists and felt connected to the characters as if she’d been there herself. The strange thing about that though, was that she has never laid eyes on it before. Of course that didn’t stop her from reading it. There were assignments she had to fullfill and tests she had to ace, which were connected to that piece of literature and she couldn’t risk getting a bad grade due to a foolish reliance on her instincts. 

Instincs.

Yes that is what they are and of course none of this is connected to her soulmate. 

It couldn’t be, she couldn’t dare dream of it. They died, that’s what that numbness she felt for over six months must have meant. That’s why those scars were now gracing her whole body. Her soulmate could not have survived this. No mortal being could go through so much and still be breathing. 

The new bruises and cuts she was getting now and then? Her Ladybug suit can’t protect her from everything, being thrown over the Saine so may times couldn’t have left her with no traces whatsoever. Yes, that’s the reason. He’s not resurrected, that’s silly...there’s no way.

---------------------------------------------

“What happened to your lips, milady?”, Ladybugs partner purred as they layed on a roof not far from the eiffel tower, watching the stars, having just finished patrol a few minutes ago. “M-my lips?”, the 16 year old girl stuttered, a tiny voice immediatly occupying her, previously calm, mind with thoughts of her soulmate. They have been acting up lately, not that it was possible. They were gone. 

There’s no way, she must have been hallucinating again. She must have forgotten how she hurt her lip, she must be feeling side-effects from the loss of her soulmate. Her thoughts were spiralling and that tiny voice in her mind was whispering, filling her denial with doubts and cracks and making her heart beat faster. 

“Your lips, they look... different...”, Chat Noirs voice interrupted the turmoil in her head. Ladybug gazed over to him, only to find him closer to her then when they first layed down. His eyes were glistening, seemingly shining even brighter than the Eiffel Tower in it’s nightly glory. A foreign sensation ran through her veins, a weird tingling covering her whole body. It could have been mistaken for goosebumps, if it weren’t for the warm summernight they were currently enjoying. “They do..?” she said, though it came out as nothing more than a whisper, for he was already so so close, even closer than when they are in battle. Their noses were almost touching, his eyes took up all of her view and for once she wouldn’t dare complain. Since when does she like that proximity? Why is his warmth so intriguing? Why does she enjoy the way his arms found their place on both sides of her body? “They look so...red...like your suit...Ladybug re-”, he got interrupted by his lips sealed shut. Shut not with that redness he mentioned, not with that love or attraction and reciprocated admiration Adrien was hoping for. No, it was her red suited hand which covered his mouth to silent him. She felt it before she heard it. An earthquake was rummaging through the streets and handling it was much more important than handling that purring in her best friend.

-------------------------------------------------

Jason was annoyed. His fingers were full of cuts: sure, he was used to that. His hips were bruised from his soulmate constantly closing doors and cupboards with them, at least that’s what he thinks they do to cause such silly bruises: no problem, he didn’t mind dealing with that. His backpains he could deminguish by working out, though he has been thinking of finding them just to tell his significant other to better their fucking posture. But the tiredness? Holy fuck! It’s like he’s sleeping for both of them! Whenever he sat down to read he just... collapsed. Guess he’ll have to dream about it... yeah sure it’s fair, ‘cause after all she treated his wounds for both of them, too. It’s like she had some kind of superpower which made them heal clean, never leaving more than a white line behind. Nontheless, right then he would rather have ugly scars than have to deal with this inhuman tiredness. His grumpy grumbling was interrupted by Red Robin speaking up in his ear.

“Hood where are you? The portal is about to appear, we won’t be able to wait.”

“I’m on my way, give me 2 more minutes.”

“Hurry.”

With that, the line went silent and his mind went back to coordinating his grappling hook and limbs into getting him to the batcave in time. He had planned on finishing at least one of Terry Pratchets and Neil Gaimans novels in preparation for the moviemarathon he and his brothers had planned for the upcoming week. “Good Omens” is a masterpiece but he refused to watch any visualizers nor read the book if he hadn’t read all of the previous works the authors had published. “It’s not just about the continuation, it’s a matter of respect.”, he rememberd telling Stephanie, when she asked him why Alfred was handing him a box filled with a combined number of about a hundred books. He had work to do and reality to escape, but that last part was none of his lovely sisters business. 

Zoning back into reality he noticed he had already reached his destination. “Focus Jason. There’s a whole city just waiting to be pulled out of the ashes.” With that thought in mind, he entered the batcave and went straight for the portal, following his siblings into the destroyed city of love.

----------------------

Adrien was on edge. The fight has been going on for four days, the city was nothing but blood and ashes, the akuma-shelters weren’t enough to protect every citizien who has lost their home to the earthquakes and following akuma attacks. Many people have died, many have volunteered and too many of those have died in the process. It was traumatic, painful and quite honestly felt like the end of the world. They could fix it, of course. But to do so she had to survive and Adrien, or Chat Noir as you will, was not about to leave her unprotected. He didn’t know where she got her power from, why she could go on without taking a break for so long. He has lost count on how many times he saw her helping someone who was about to be crushed by a collapsing building, how many times she was screaming in frustration, torn between following the akuma and guiding a lost civilian to safety. 

It was an incredibly sneaky akuma. It was nearly translucent, consisting mostly of dirt and dust. It could hide in the mess it made, attack you from behind and you wouldn’t be sure whether it was a flying brick or it’s fist hitting your head. It hasn’t officialy announced itself yet, hasn’t given itself a name or shown any forms of weakness. Hawkmoth was definetly trying out a new approach and highly succeeding. The Dustmonster was probably planning on wearing them out until they wouldn’t be strong enough to resist it going for their miraculous.

In the beginning Chat felt like he could trust his Lady to take care of herself, trusted for her to keep the target in mind and think of a plan while he was going to protect her and the citizens around them. It worked, at first. She figured out what the akuma was, aka figured out that it was an akuma in the first place and soon started giving out orders to police and firemen. After a day of trying to get the akuma, in order to stop it before things could go out of hand and failing to do so, no matter which strategy the heroes tried and no matter how many seemingly random Lucky Charms they used, they decided to replan. 

They met on a building not far away from Marinettes home, Chat remembered. They were hoping to come up with a new plan and let Ladybugs Kwami recharge. The recharging was an already practiced routine they came up with, once her fifth Lucky Charm has also failed. They jumped into the water, which was apparently off limits to the akuma, since the dust didn’t settle properly and it wasn’t able to hide (any attempts of getting it wet were blocked by the destruction of another building, which led to the heroes saving the civilans and themselves instead of attacking the enemy.) One of Ladybugs Lucky-Charms straight up covered the Saine, turned up side down boats now gracing the surface. Those boats mobilised possible hiding and resting places for the heroes. 

That time though, they needed more food for Tikki and Plagg and what better place to restock could there be, than the famous Dupain-Cheng bakery?  Ladybug swung in and came back with two baskets. One full of cheese and the other full of cookies. Chat grabbed the smelly one and turned to jump in the direction of the river, when they heard it. 

A grumbling which turned into a roaring and finally morphed into deafening laughter. That was the first time they heard the akumas voice. Instead of shouting the following words, the way it did scream in laughter, it just spoke in an even, eerie and scarily confident voice: “You should stop asking for help, insect. Helping others only leads to you getting hurt. Help won’t save you. Your precious little safety-nets won’t save you.”, the sound was coming out of the dust, echoing off of every destructed creation, seeping into each broken bone and every fractured mind. “You think you can reach out? Think someone is going to pull you away from under the pressure of this worlds eternal suffering? You are wrong. No one came to save me, no one is capable of saving. You.”, the last word came out emotional. The monotone voice the akuma had previously used to preach it’s intents was gone. A shiver ran up Marinettes spine. The dust surrounding the city build up and rose in columns, coming out of every broken source from all over Paris, towering over it, looming dangerously over it’s citizens. Everyone was trying to decipher the meaning of those words, Adrien was the first one to realise. 

“Marinette!”

Ladybug first looked at him in shock, thinking he had figured her out, then she realised what he he had actually meant. Chat was off, jumping on her balcony and screaming her name. 

“No...”

The silence before the storm, the frightening towers of dust and dirt started moving, accompanied by horrified screams of terrorised civilians. The dirt wasn’t meant for them, though. It flew as if it were one. Gigantic snakes with one single target. 

Marinette ran, but the destruction was quicker.

The Dupain-Cheng ceiling collapsed. Marinettes yo-yo missed it’s target as she plummeted to the ground. Her vision was blurry, her mind blank, eyes wide and  breath unconciously held. 

She didn’t recognize the pain as she hit the pavement. 

She didn’t even think as she called out for her seventh Lucky Charm. 

Ladybugs cry echoed through the ruins of Paris as her usualy leather-clad partner fell from the sky, with tears in his eyes and covered in a red and black spotted suit. “Sabine she’s...they’re...”, both of them broke down crying in each others arms. Adrien never knew how great his partners pain actually was, in comparison to his.

---------------------------------

Hi! This is my first try at writing MariBat and my first fanfic in like... 4 years? 

I’ve just recently graduated Highschool so I’m now embracing my free time and trying to get back on my creative track.  

Please comment, I NEED to know what you think of this. Critique and all that is very appreciated, even a simple “YES” is going to absolutely make my day and, honestly, you could comment about dogs and I’d be happy to read it. 

Thanks for reading ^^

[myidlethinkings]

So my girlfriend has been trying to have me read the Wheel of Time series since when she was just my best friend. I picked back up the second book recently but it's been a while since I read the first and she went on this massive "YOU WON'T REMEMBER EVERYTHING FROM THE FIRST BOOK, LET ME TELL YOU"

This led to her Wheel of Time in 5 Minutes ™ lecture/rant and... I had to share this with the world. Enjoy.

Obviously every spoiler for the first book. You've been warned.

_______

k, eye of the world in 5 mins.

begins in the two rivers, emonds field, is gonna be bel tine and everyones all excited. rand lives further afield with his father and theyre bringing in brandy for the inn. rands all omg someones watching me as theyre getting in, tams all i cant see anything, rands all mustv imagined it. they get there. they hear theres going to be a gleeman. meets up with his bestie perrin and LOVER mat I WILL GO DOWN WITH THIS SHIP who are both like yeah we totes saw the figure too. they go we'll tell the mayor tomorrow.

they see the gleeman thom and theyre all omg a gleeman, omg. then the two strangers, moiraine, who is the best character ever to character in any universe fucking fight me on that and lan, who are asking questions about the area and people and moiraines like oh hi child to nynaeve the wisdom whose like im the fucking wisdom bitch who the fuck are you. she then says to the boys hey here have this coin which is totally a normal coin cuz i might have errands and shit and theyre like holy shit anything you want.

then he sees egwene and hes all like omg the love of my life will you dance with me tomorrow at bel tine and shes all yeah sure in the afternoon cuz i got shit to do in the morning and hes all like wut? and shes all GETTIN MAH HAIR BRAIDED YO and hes all like holy shit that means shes marriagable, holy shit man.

then the peddler paidan fain rocks up and gets everyone in a frenzy over war wherever and false dragons and logain or whoever else.

rand and tam go back to the farm overnight before the festivities begin. shit goes down. trollocs smash in, rands all OMG TROLLOCS ARENT REAL THO LIKE WUT and tams all, fly you fool and rand runs into the woods. but then hes all, i cant fucken leave my father so he creeps back and in the shadows he sees tam creeping around with a sword and rands like DAFUQ why does he have a sword, fighting ensues, tam gets hurt, is dying, rand manages to get him back to emonds field with a figure trailing them.

tams delirious, starts talking about rands dead mother and then starts talking about a battle and how they all poured over the dragonwall and that it was snowing but it was so hot, battle is always hot and she was a warrior even though she was pregnant and she gave birth and died and how he took the baby and rand was all WUTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT. im gonna ignore that shit.

gets to emonds field. everything is in ruins. trollocs wrecked the shit there too. nynaeve is all like sorry dude, your dads gonna die. hes all fuck that, gets back to the inn where the gleemans like hey that ladys an aes sedai, she could heal him but i totally wouldnt because you never know what they ask for in price and rands all i dont care because HE IS MY FATHER. MY FATHER. HEEEEE. ISSSS. MYYYY. FATHERRRRR. thoms all, holy shit dude calm down hes your father. moiraine, the best character in the universe, heals tam, then shes all like look, you three boys need to come with me and rands all, well shit she makes sense and they go but then egwenes hiding too and shes all bitch im adventuring too and rands all AHHHH and moiraines all huh the wheel weaves what the wheel wills, whatevs, and they go on, with thom whose also like this place is boring asf, im coming on.

they head out, dragkhar fly overhead, moiraine like a mofo destroys them, they get to tarren ferry, cross on the ferry, then coincidentally theres a whirlpool and the ferrys destroyed when theyre on the other side and egwenes like HOLY SHIT YOU DID THAT and moiraines all cuz im fucking awesome and nobody can follow us now so stfu and they head on.

rand interrupts a lesson with moiraine teaching egwene the true source cuz egwenes got it. rands all FUCKING WTF and thoms all dude, leave it, you cant do a thing about it. Shes gone now. Why don’t you bang mat instead. I mean the mat comment never happened but I will ship them till my dying breath. moiraines all to egwene youll die if i dont teach you, there was another back in emonds who also had it but she managed to survive/channel in her own way.

egwene starts to unbraid her hair. rand has a crying fit. egwenes all fuck off man, i do what i want. mydraal and shit attack them, they get to baerlon safely. where the gatekeepers like the children of the light are around but they cant cause much trouble cuz the city watch hate them and the whitecloaks are little bitches. they get to baerlon. mat and rand walk around. they see a few of the whitecloaks, dane bornhold a young man leading the small group. mats like lol, watch this, enters a shop, climbs up the top and hurls a rock at them, loosening barels. rand has started to feel feverish and when the barrels nearly knock them over, rand stands there and doesnt hide and rands like lol and danes like dafuq are you looking at and rands like im looking at you what are YOU looking at and hes feeling really odd and reckless and danes like are you a darkfriend and steps forward but then the city guards turn up who hates the whitecloaks and they face each other off and mat hauls rand off all are you fucking insane, you faced him off and rands recklessness leaves him and he freaks out and they flee.

throughout this time and through the book all three have dreams but i cant be bothered to get into those, theyre basically all the dark one figuring out who is who, and they wake up after rats backs were broken in the dream to be all oh hey it was just dreams though, to find rats dead all over the place and other stuff. Moiraine told them early on to go to her if they have dreams and the boys talk about it and theyre like we should probably tell her but nah, she saes sedai and like, its just dreams yo, yeah a few rats end up dead but cool, its fine, we’re fine.

oh baerlons also where he meets min who can see things around them, like with him a sword that is not a sword and three women on his funeral pyre weeping and with perrin she sees wolves and mat dice and with lan seven broken towers and a baby in a cradle with a sword and blah blah. And she says she can see he loves egwene and egwene loves him too but theyre not for each other, at least not in the way they want to be.

then he returns and nynaeve is there and she is PISSED and is all like we're going home now and moiraine manages to convince her they are in trouble and nynaeves like ..... i dont trust you, but fine. and lans all how did you find us and shes all i tracked you bitches and hes all like, huh.

rand says to her later about MY FATHER HE IS MY FATHERRRR and nynaeves all awkwardly like er yeah totally, i totally dont remember when your father returned after adventuring with an outlander wife, that totally explains your red hair, er yea sure. but that above all they loved him as much as they wouldv loved any baby.

oh a bunch of times during the book people startle at him and him being so tall with red hair and grey eyes and say he resembles an aiel. oh, theyre also ta'veren, so extra special they draw people into doing stuff with their lives, they effect the pattern. moiraine also says the two rivers used to be manetheran, a fabled kingdom. that night shit happens and they run off. they run, fight, attack, fight, as they battle mat starts yelling out things in an old language he doesnt know, that moiraine says was a manetheran war cry and the old blood still sings.

theyre going to get outrun in battle and against moiraines judgement lan takes them to an old crumbling city shadar logoth which fell to the darkness and even trollocs and mydraal dont like entering it.

oh also tam gave rand the sword which is a heron marked blade and lans all like er only blademasters have these why did your father have one and rands all HES MAHHH FATHERRRRRR and lans all yeah but how and rands all he bought it from a merchant years before and lans all yeah that sounds totally legit.

they go into shadar logoth, the boys sneak off, meet mordeth whose all like lol here take the treasure and mats like cool but rands like holy shit he doesnt have a shadow and then mordeth goes all rahhhh and the three manage to escape and they return and ramble about what happened and moiraines like DID HE GIVE YOU ANYTHING and theyre all like no and mats like er totally didnt and moiraines like we have to move and they leave but then this shadow thing that can kill them separates them and theyre all separated and perrin and egwene fall into a river together, and nynaeve finds moiraine and lan and is all like I will cut you aes sedai for what you’ve done to all of us and moiraine is all lol, and rand and mat with thom end up on a ship, the spray, with bayle domon and theyre worried he’ll throw them overboard cuz of the trollocs that chased them but domon seems to think theyre after him.

moiraines like with the coins i can track them, but two of them have lost their coins (paying for passage on domons ship). perrin and egwene roam around a lot, finally meet up with a man elyas who can communicate with wolves. aes sedai once tried to gentle him because of it but it has nothing to do with the one power so it didnt do anything. theres hints he used to be a warder, but now he hangs out in the wilderness. he says perrin has the same thing, perrin freaks out. elyas is like ill take you to the next city cuz you guys are lost. they then meet up with the tuatha'an, the tinkers, who roam around and dont harm anyone even if theyre to be harmed. perrin cant reconcile that, hes all how can you defeat evil by that, but in turn they pity him as hes such a young, sad, violent man with his axe. his eyes start turning gold like elyas' and he starts to communicate with wolves like hopper and a bunch of them though he tries to deny it.

egwene dances with aram, one of the tinkers and perrins all wow what about rand and they eventually leave, though aram is restless for a tinker.

the leader asks elyas if hes found the song which is their formalities, elyas is all no we havent. the leader then tells him of a story he heard, of an aiel who crossed the waste and died, to tell them that leafblighter means to blind the eye of the world. then she died. they leave and then they then meet afoul of the whitecloaks who are fighting whatever and bornhold - danes father – and byar catches them. through the ordeal perrin kills two of the whitecloaks while hes being all half wolf in the battle and they take them in to be questioned.

nynaeve and moiraine/lan end up finding them, releasing them, the wolves assist, nynaeve gets left behind, lans all about to get her, moiraine reminds him of his oaths, nynaeve turns back up.

meanwhile rand/mat are at whitebridge and mats starting to get sick and suspicious. he had a dagger from shadar logoth. a mydraal finds them, thom hurtles his flute and harp at them, says to go, to leave. hes saving them because he once had a nephew who could channel and the red ajah gentled him, while thom was having an affair with the queen morgase of andor when he was a court bard and by the time he got to owen it was too late and hed not survived, which he always regretted and then because he left morgase the way he did she was pissed at him too. rand and mat run for it, rand sobbing that thom is dead.

they go from village to village to village, mat getting sicker and sicker, a young woman who ends up being a darkfriend tries to kill them, they escape. rand keeps thinking he sees padan fain the peddlar from home, whose actually a darkfriend.

moiraine tells nynaeve she has the power too, nynaeve has a mini breakdown. moiraine said it would have begun with a doing something she desperately needed then a few days later collapsing really ill and the illness disappearing quickly. nynaeve once said egwene had gotten sick as a child and shed healed her not knowing how, then gotten sick. moiraine says thats also how she found them to begin with, in the city, she could sense egwene.

rand and mat go to a poor inn, they try to rob them by locking them in the back. mats getting sick and even more paranoid. rand is terrified when he realises theyre going to sell them to a darkfriend and he prowls and prowls till the room theyre in explodes, the wall crumbling. rand doesnt know how but he thinks he did it himself. mat becomes blinded from it and starts sobbing.

they escape. on the run again. as mat is blind, rand takes care of him and mat in his illness is worried that rand will abandon him which rand would never do because mat is the LOVE OF HIS LIFE, rand ends up really sick, paralleling what moiraine said what happened to nynaeve.

they end up hitching a ride to caemlyn where they expect moiraine to find them, if shes still alive. the buggy driver talks about the queen. how elayne is the daughter heir and her brother is the first prince of the sword. its been tradition forever that the daughter heirs go to tar valon to train and the princes go be taught by warders. he mentioned tigraine who was the queen before morgaise, who disappeared mysteriously nearly twenty years ago, who left behind a son galad. morgaise married the husband and became queen and while she had elayne and gawyn, galad lives with them too, now the husband is dead. oh, also logain the false dragon is being presented to the queen as prisoner before the aes sedai take him to tar valon to gentle him.

they get to caemlyn, mats REALLY sick. rand leaves him at an inn, tries to go see the false dragon being brought in. he meets loial an ogier whose nice, whose like 90 but really young for an ogier to have left his stedding without permission. rand ends up thinking he sees paidan, but doesnt have a good feeling, tries to run off, falls into a castle garden. meets elayne the daughter heir who might actually be the most annoying character to exist, her brother gawyn. theyre like omg you look like an aiel. elayne then talks about gareth bryne the guard captain dude she ships hard with her mother. galad MY MOST PURE CHARACTER WHO I LOVE FUCK ELAYNE (not a spoiler, his name is of the most pure camelot round table knight) rocks up, is all, holy you broke into the palace. elayne whose a bitch is like how DARE YOU YOURE NOT MY BROTHERRRR and galads all we are siblings and my duty is to protect you and shes all you wont do anything with this rand ill invoke protection, then galad goes and tells the guards because theres literally a false dragon being brought in and tension is on the rise in caemlyn and hes taken to see morgase.

the red ajah elaida is freaked out by him, knows hes taveren, has a bit of a prophecy but it doesnt really mean much and morgaise is all look, we cant just arrest everyone, let him go.

he then races back to the inn, moiraine and everyones there, they all hug, then hes all like oh yeah mats sick btw. moiraine goes up and mats not just sick hes now tainted. she does the best she can but is all like he needs to get to tar valon to have the bond between him and the dagger properly severed. then moiraine meets loial who randomly talks about an event concerning the eye of the world. perrins all oh yeah thats like the dead aiel girl the tinkers spoke about. that changes the plans once moiraine realises the dark ones trying to get to the eye and shes like we cant get to tar valon yet we gotta leave now. they use the ways which loail knows how to use cuz ogier and male aes sedai made them together centuries before but now the ways are tainted.

theyre like the worlds between the worlds, can get to places quicker but it has the black wind thatll kill you. blah blah blah they use the ways, nearly die, but get to fal dara/shienar, which is sort of where lan is from. nynaeve confesses her love, lans all no i cannot, i cannot offer anything. it ends up that his parents had the throne but his ... there was scheming. His uncles wife wrecked everything, she escaped with her baby into the blight, lans cousin, nobodys seen or heard of them, moiraine suspects isam might be alive but GASP keeps it from lan. the seven towers crumbled, lan has a death wish, he believes hes the only one left so must die.

lord agelmar wishes lan would rise up the banner of the golden crane because everything about the blight is crumbling, lans like no, i have a new oath now with moiraine. lord ingtar is a fight me soldier who fanboys after lan. theres a battle going on in tarwins gap they desperately need help for, but lan says he cant. lord agelmar orders ingtar to accompany them to the blight and leave them cuz moiraines like we cant have anyone else come with us.

Paidan fain by this point has rocked up to shienar and tried to wheedle his way into the good graces of lord agelmar but hes all wtf you look like a creeper and throws him in a cell. Moiraines like I need to question him at some point.

moiraine then takes them into the blight to find the green man who can take them to the eye of the world. the green man rocks up, hes made of vines and flowers, takes them to the eye. two forsaken rock up. moiraine tries to fight, is knocked out, nynaeve and lan get knocked out, the boys run. the green man is destroyed by the forsaken. rand ends up destroying the forsaken, goes into the eye, channels the male source in there, realises he can channel, has a fight with the dark one - whose still bound under the seals, but rand believes he ended the dark one and its done. comes out, the others are recovering. brings out an old banner from the eye thats the dragons banner, broken seals from the dark ones prison, and the horn of valere. moiraine is all, we need to take these to tar valon. rands all, you do that, but im done with aes sedai, im not going to tar valon. im done. the dark ones dead and im going to do my own thing. he turns to egwene who backs away from him when he said he channeled, then she bursts into tears and hugs him and says shes sorry.

they return to shienar, fal dara, where there was a miracle in tarwins gap where they believed they saw the creator and that the light took on flesh - they saw an apparition of a man they didnt know as rand fighting the battle he fought. ingtars flipping his shit because he missed the battle while accompanying them, and then not even being able to accompany them the entire way. After all of his talking about going after a week rand is still there, finishing his sword practice with Lan in Agelmar's private garden and meets up with Egwene. He tells her that he will go away. Egwene asks him to come to Tar Valon with her and Nynaeve, itll totes be fun, I mean theres the red ajah and shit wholl attack him if they know but hey itll be fun, but Rand refuses. He says he'll never channel again. When she asks him if he'll be going home, he tells her that he'll never go home.

Moiraine is underneath Agelmar's private garden. She uses her blue teardrop thing she wears on her forehead to focus her eavesdropping on Rand and Egwene. Using it to eavesdrop was the first use of the One Power she had learned as a young girl in the royal palaces of Cairhieren.

Smiling, she says, "The Prophecies will be fulfilled. The Dragon is Reborn."

the end.

[nano--raptor]

Random Facts with Beck

Pairing: Chris Beck x Reader

Warnings: Fluff, silliness, slight cursing, implied smut, pre-smut, slight angst/alluding to heavy matters.

Word count: 1376

A/N: This got a little longer and more domestic than I planned, but I hope you enjoy! Also, don’t come at me if they don’t make tea in space, I didn’t look that much into it. Random facts and other info courtesy of asking google for them, as well as here!

Written for @the-ss-horniest-book-club​ with this prompt from @prunes-said-bucky​​ 

-----

No one said being in space would be easy, you knew that from the start. Thankfully you had great chemistry with all the crew, but it didn’t stop the homesickness and the feelings of hopelessness that started setting in. Being alone in outer space and on an alien planet with only six other humans definitely took a toll.

You and the rest of the crew had become closer than family. You’d all had your share of ups and downs, as well as chances to help pick each other up. The guys had been great, and it was awesome to have other women on board with you. But the one who surprised you the most was Chris. While the other guys were friendly and goofy, Chris seemed to go out of his way to make the others, and you especially, smile. He’d draw smiley faces on the whiteboard, even if someone was using it, or on the windows, or on the airlock doors (which Lewis hated), he’d bring you coffee in the morning, or he’d randomly interrupt silences with random facts.

“Did you guys know that penguins can drink salt water?” You looked up at him from your calculations, he sat casually in his chair at the table, absently doodling something in his notebook.

“Really?”

“Mm-hm, it helps them survive with limited access to fresh water.”

“Huh… that’s interesting.” You went back to your math, trying to work out the various equations to do with the weather and temperature of Mars.

“Isn’t it?”

“Wouldn’t that be handy for space travel…” Martinez piped up from the kitchen area.

“Assuming the water, if we even find any, is salt water.” Beck pointed his pen at him, making one of his goofy faces that always made you smile to yourself. You tried to keep it hidden, but you were pretty sure you felt Chris’ eyes on you. You felt yourself blushing and he continued. “They don’t convert the saltwater though, they just remove the salt from their blood more efficiently than we can.”

“Wow,” Martinez mused as he sat down at the table with his laptop. “Random-ass facts with Beck, everyone.” Chris grinned and held out his hands to accept the appreciation.

“I’m here all week. All mission in fact.” You groaned, but couldn’t keep the small smile off your face, and he winked back at you. The room fell silent for a while, but now you just couldn’t keep penguins off your mind.

“Dammit Beck, now all I can think about are penguins…” He laughed out loud, the sound sending warmth rushing through you.

“Which one is your favorite?” At your confused expression, he went on to list different breeds. On and on and on.

“Emperor penguin, african penguin, adelie penguin, chinstrap penguin, galapagos penguin, king penguin -”

“Dude,” Martinez tried to cut him off, shoving his shoulder from across the table. Beck laughed again and continued.

“Australian little penguin, gentoo, yellow-eyed, royal,” he dodged another swipe. “And don’t forget the rockhopper penguins.” Martinez threw a marker at him now, just as Commander Lewis walked into the room.

“What’s going on here?” she demanded, although there was a softness in her voice which made you grin again. “Martinez apparently doesn’t like penguins.” Beck quipped through his laughter. Lewis opened her mouth to respond, but then closed it, just shaking her head and looking to you with a raised eyebrow. You shrugged, rolling your eyes about the guys, and stood to meet her at the counter. “Tea?” She accepted, leaning against the counter as you started to prepare the drink.

“So? How’re you doing?” You shrugged again and handed her one of the mugs. “Okay. Can’t get this simulation to work out, but we’ll get there.” She smiled and held your gaze, saying more with her eyes than her words did, in front of the others.

“Well if you need anything, you let me know okay?” You returned her smile, thinking back to some of the late night conversations you’d had with her.

“Will do, Commander.” Lewis smiled again and lingered for just a moment, before taking her tea and leaving the common space.

“Boys.” They watched her go before breaking into a fit of giggles. You rolled your eyes again but sipped your tea, happy for the camaraderie. 

-----

Later that night you were just about to switch off your light and go to sleep when there was a light knock on your door. You opened it slightly to see Chris standing on the opposite side, dressed in a t-shirt and sweats.

“Hey you,” he greeted you quietly. “Can I come in?” You smiled softly and took his hand, gently pulling him into your room. “Of course.” You closed the door and then turned to him, pulling him towards you and brushing your lips against his. His hands fell to your waist and pulled you close, one hand raising to your chin and pulling you into a kiss, gentle and comforting. You took it all in, his warm hands and body against yours, soft lips, long eyelashes fluttering against your cheeks. It warmed you from the inside out which was exactly what you needed these days. The kiss broke and Chris leaned his forehead against yours.

“You doin’ okay?” His question echoed your commander’s from earlier, and held just as much weight. You and Chris had grown close during the mission, starting with easy conversation, and eventually growing much closer. You spent most nights together too, and it was a comfort that you were falling for, as much as you were falling for him.

“I’m okay. It just... Creeps in sometimes, you know?”

“I know,” he whispered, kissing the top of your head and pulling you close. “It’s lonely as hell out here. We’ve got an amazing crew but we’re still only a handful of people.” You hummed and leaned your heat against his chest, listening to the soothing thump of his heartbeat, letting your eyes drift close. “Come lie down.” Chris stripped his t-shirt off and crawled into the small bed, while you turned off the light and snuggled in next to him. He drew small circles on your shoulder and you did the same on his chest. His steady breathing and heartbeat helped soothe you. A lazy calm was falling over you, and you were just about to try and find his lips again when his voice broke the silence. 

“I failed to mention earlier that there are three different types of Rockhopper penguins…” “Chris, oh my god! That does not turn me on!”

“What? Random facts aren’t sexy?” He feigned hurt, and you giggled and squeaked as he pulled you close to him, wrapping his arms around you and capturing your lips. “I mean... they’re interesting... but no,” you answered in between kisses. His lips trailed down your throat and back again, as his hands found their way under your sleep shirt, fingering the edge of your underwear, and trailing up over your stomach to brush against the curve of your breasts. Your soft gasps soon filled the room as he held you tighter, kissed you harder, rolled his hips against yours. You needed him to get on with it already. You loved the build up so much, but you soon felt like you might burst if you didn’t get him inside of you already. You pushed yourself against him, rolling him onto his back, and straddled his hips. He moaned as you scooted lower and trailed your hands down his chest and abs, lightly brushing against the waistband of his sweats before slowly sliding them down. 

Chris growled and flipped you back over, hovering over you as he kicked the sweats off. He inched your shirt up over your head, trailing his lips along your stomach and chest. His hardness pressed against your thigh and you squirmed, aching for him already. He smiled against your skin and slowed his pace, slowly pressing kisses to your throat until his lips were right beside your ear.

“Did you know that zebras are black with white stripes, not white with black stripes?”

“Fuck sakes Chris! I am begging you. Either fuck me, or shut up!” You couldn’t help but grin as he laughed out loud and wrapped himself around you.

-----

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[damndaehyung]

First Impressions

Daniel Choi Hogwarts Era - Year Six (2016) - Fall Included : Emily Choi, Tyler Lee, Tara Lee, Minah Delacroix, Sungjae Lee Mentioned : Lucas Zhang

September 1st. D day.

“Is there a reason you are still here?” Daniel asked as he pulled the last of his luggage out of the hire cars boot. His sometime friend and full-time rival pushed himself off the hire car’s bonnet and turned to look at him, plump lips turned up into a smirk his bright pink hair blew slightly in the wind.

“I am here to see my dearest friend off,” Joshua said, taking his sunglasses off. “You know i am going to miss you.” Daniel rolled his eyes finding that hard to believe if anything Josh seemed to be in a terrific mood since hearing the news. “I even had a going away party planned but i got the dates mixed up,” he said. Daniel snorted, oh he sure Joshua had a party planned ready to celebrate, just one Daniel wasn’t invited to.

“What a shame,” Daniel said mockingly. “Well we are here so -” he said gesturing to Joshua and the car hoping this heartbreaking goodbye would quickly come to a close.

“Andrea told me to stay with you until you are actually on the Hogwarts Express,” Joshua said pulling his sunglasses off. “Maybe I’ll sneak on with you,” he said. Daniel watched as Joshua played one of his favourite tricks, in Joshua’s place stood a replica of himself. Not a perfect one, of course, Josh’s metaphoric skills were subpar at best. “How do i look?” he said running a hand through his now silver hair.

“Better than usual,” Daniel said dryly, no matter how many times Joshua pulled this stunt it still made him feel uncomfortable. “Now stop with this identity theft, i need to find Emily and the other two,” he said pushing past Joshua.

Joshua jogged to catch up to Daniel. “Who is that? Emily? Don’t tell me you are experimenting now?”

“Eunha,” Daniel snapped. “We have western names now, Daniel, Emily…. Jennifer? I don’t know what Jinsol is going with,” he shrugged.

“Daniel Choi?” Joshua said testing it out on his tongue. “I don’t like it, i am gonna keep calling you my little Dae bae,” he said. Daniel’s nose scrunched up he didn’t particularly like either name but Dae bae was another level of cringe. “So Eunha is going to be there?” Joshua questioned. “I haven’t seen her in forever maybe i should say hi -”

“Maybe you should stay the fuck away from my 14-year-old cousin,” Daniel snapped. “Can you control your creep fascination with my family to yourself, it’s bad enough that you hooked up Jinsol and flirt with my aunt every time you see her,” he said not even bothering to hide his disgust.

“Aww Dae you forgot to include yourself, you know you are my favourite,” Joshua cooed. “Don’t be jealous,” he said wrapping an arm around Daniel’s shoulder. Daniel was quick to shrug it off, he never forgets about Joshua’s interest in him, how could he when it was so incredibly obvious, he just prefers to ignore it.

“Aren’t i lucky,” he drawled.

“The luckiest,” Joshua said. “Though you never seem to reciprocate my affections,” he pouted, at least he was self-aware. “Though i can’t expect better from a man who once had a crush Ahn Dohyun?” Joshua teased. Daniel scoffed his cheeks heating up; he didn’t have a crush on Dohyun he just respected his contribution to the Asian modelling community. So what if he under the influence said he would ride him like a broom? That didn’t mean he had a crush on him. It just meant his hormones were working.

“So you are really going to follow me to the train?” he asked as they walked into the bustling Kings Cross train station. Daniel had never been to a muggle train station before, either travelling by magic or by hired cars, it was a new experience for him, one he wasn’t particularly enjoying yet. “You really don’t have anything better to do?”

“I told you Andrea told me to make sure you get on the train, something about making sure you fulfil your contracts,” Joshua shrugged. “Plus, i get to check out the Pigfarts crowd, I’ve always been curious about Harry Potter’s old school beside you never know someone might catch my eye,” he said. Knowing Josh several somebodies would have caught his by the time they made it down the stairs.

“What is there to be curious about, its a school?” Daniel pointed out.

“I am home-schooled Daehyung, there is plenty to be curious about.” Daniel shook his head, finding that extremely hard to believe. School to some people could be interesting sure but to someone like Joshua who enjoyed his freedom to the full extent, not so much.

“Well, you can always go to a school if it is eating away at you so much, just not this one,” Daniel said. “I hear muggle schools are pretty accepting.”

“If only I wasn’t a world-famous model with obligations to fill,” Joshua sighed dramatically. “Unlike some people, i stay busy and booked so I can’t just decide to go to some boarding school,” he continued. Daniel wondered how Joshua would react if he knew the only reason he was booked at all was due to his associating with Daehyung Choi, probably a temper tantrum to rival the great Givenchy fit of 2013. “Guess I’ll just have to live vicariously through my normal best friend.”

“You have a best friend?” Daniel asked with a surprised chuckle. “Since when?”

“Funny Dae, seriously maybe after your stint as a high school student you can become a comedian,” Joshua said dryly.

“Some people can be multi-talented Joshie, I know it’s hard for you to understand,” Daniel pointed out. “But since you know so much about Hogwash maybe you can tell me something about it?”

“Hmm,” Joshua paused. “I mean i could but considering you’ve been so ungrateful of my company and insulting me i don’t know if i want to.” He trailed. “Maybe if you gave me something in return,” he said eyes gleaming with trouble. Trouble Daniel wanted no part off.

“Okay then you can go and before you say Andrea told you to make sure i get on the train my aunt will do that,” he said quickening his pace.

“Rude,” Joshua said a little puffed from struggling to keep up with Daniel. “Fine, i don’t know too much, but i am pretty sure the houses are Gryffindor, Evil, Smart and Yellow,” he said listing them off with his fingers. Daniel paused looking at Joshua trying to figure out if he was joking but to his surprise, he seemed serious.

“What?”

“The last three aren’t the actual names but it’s pretty much a summary of them,” he shrugged. “Apparently the only one that matters is Gryffindor and we both know what house you will be in,” he said with a laugh. Daniel hummed in agreement, out of the four options it seemed he was destined to be in the evil house.

“I can see my family,” Daniel said spotting the three of them ahead standing near a vending machine. “You should go before my aunt see’s you,” he said to Joshua. “She can be quite the vengeful bitch when she wants to be and you hurt Jinsol, i know i am shocked my aunt cares i thought we all agreed her first attempt to procreate was a failure but -” he shrugged.

“Fine,” Joshua rolled his eyes. “Don’t miss me too much and don’t forget to write to me every day,” Joshua mocked. Daniel stared at him blankly. “Oh come on i don’t even get a hug, I mean i am the closest thing you have to a best friend and it isn’t like anyone at Hogwits is going replace me not that they would want to, you are not exactly…” he trailed, Daniel rolled his eyes, biting back harsh words consoling himself that Joshua needed to think that, it’s the only way he’d survive. “It’s your last chance at some physical contact,” he said stepping forward-leaning up to whisper that he saw an empty bathroom stall.

“I think I’ll survive,” Daniel drawled stepping away from him. “Don’t get into too much trouble without me,” he said to Josh before running over to his family.

Daniel snuck up behind them, towering over his younger and favourite relative. “9 and 3 quarters?” Eunha questioned looking down at her train ticket lip pulling through her lip. “What does that even mean?” she continued, looking up only to find Daniel standing behind, her big bambi like eyes wide and surprised. It was enough to wipe the permanent scowl off his face. “Dae!” she exclaimed throwing her arms around him. “I mean Daniel,” she said after hearing her mum tut in disapproval. “When did you get here?” she asked.

“And here i thought he got lost,” Jinsol muttered just loud enough for Daniel to hear sounding far too disappointed than someone like her had any right to be.

“Just then,” Daniel answered Eunha ignoring Jinsol’s existence.

“Do you think it’s an Arithmancy test like we have to figure out the length and the platform and figure out where three quarters would be?” Eunha said going back to her ticket.

“Eunha,” Jinsol spoke only to be shushed by her mother coughing and sending a pointed look. “Emily,” she said sarcastically, her eyes narrowed and glaring daggers at their mother. “You are giving these people too much credit, plus what about all the muggle-borns who go to school here?”

“Maybe we should just follow them?” Daniel interjected pointing towards a family wearing the gaudiest of wizarding robes, broomsticks and cauldron on full display for the curious muggles. The apparent disregard of secrecy was in stark contrast to their previous school which sat on top of a Volcano. Maybe Hogwarts had really moved on from their old reputation, that or the tackily dressed people didn’t regard muggles as notable in which case they lived up to their old reputation to a tee.

His Aunt’s nose scrunched clearly unimpressed with the family but nodded anyway, following them would be better than standing around looking like fools. Daniel strutted forward, schooling his face into one that came across as welcoming and cute, a boxy smile on his face, just in case someone decided to look at him. He could only imagine what his aunt would be like if she knew he was rolling his eyes internally.

‘You need to impress these people Daehyung, do what you need to do, smile if they want you to, listen to them like they actually matter, you know how it is.’

“Oh, Sol i was doing you a favour, look at them, ugly style and a bit nuts. I am pretty sure i found your real father and your half-siblings,” he sneered.

“Daniel, Jessica,” His aunty glowered. “Look maybe we can -”

“Why is that girl running towards a wall?” Eunha cut her mum’s off, transfixed all of their eyes followed the family’s eldest daughter ran towards the wall at full speed. Daniel tilted his head to the side perhaps it was a weird rite of passage for British Wizarding families. Just as the girl was going to hit the wall, much to Daniel’s disappointment, she disappeared through the wall.

“So, to get to platform 9 and three quarters -” Eunha started to speak, her normal deep voice going up an octave as registered what just happened.

“We need to a run at a wall,” Daniel finished, “Because nothing says inconspicuous like running towards a wall, are the muggles here under a spell or are they just that oblivious?” he asked with a shake of his head. Hordes of teenagers, some in ugly robes, with broomsticks and owls and half of them aren’t even sparing them a glance.

“I bet a man came up with this,” Jinsol said a disgusted look on her face. “So how should we do this? I nominate Dae- Daniel to go first,” she said turning to him.

He scoffed, running a hand through his hair. “You know i would say ladies first,” he said. “But that means my dear Emily would have to go first so how about untalented los -” he started but was cut off by both Eunha and his aunt shouting at him to stop.

“Emily, my dear,” His aunt said to Eunha, placing a hand on her back. “Since your sister and cousin are squabbling as kindergarteners would-, you, as the most mature one here, go first?” she asked. Daniel craned his neck looking at his aunt incredulously. Eunha looked at her mother shocked before looking down, her hands trembling ever so slightly, a muttered okay escaping her lips.

“I’ll go,” Daniel said glaring at his smirking aunt, she knew very well that he would step in and that pissed him off. It was her fault they uprooted their lives yet she was about to send her youngest and favourite child to run into the unknown. All because she ran out of Asian families to try and gain favour from and now needed fresh European money. Eunha opened her mouth to protest but Daniel stopped her squeezing her shoulder lightly before walking up to the white weirdos.

“Uh excuse me?” He asked his accent heavy because if there was one thing he learned over his travel, people find broken English adorable. The family turned to look at him, the husband seemed weary perhaps he thought Daniel was a muggle, it makes sense a walking cliche like himself would think that “How did you? How do you get to platform nine and three quarter?” he asked widening his eyes and jutting his lip trying to look as innocent as possible. It seemed to work because the wife’s eyes softened as she looked at Daniel.

“Oh, is this your first time going to Hogwarts?” she asked. Daniel nodded cursing this woman for answering his question another dumber question. “My son Alan is just starting as well,” she said pointing to one of her spawns. Daniel plastered a fake smile on his face and nodded once again hoping that it would speed this conversation along, he didn’t want to know about her son.

“Me and my cousin transferred,” He said pointing to Eunha and the other two. “Can you show us please?” he said nodding to the wall. The woman coo-ed waving at Eunha, his aunt and Jinsol. His aunt looked at Daniel who shrugged, if they wanted to know how to get to the platform they might as well get this lesson as well. Reluctantly they came over, Daniel noted with annoyance the way the son’s eyes widened when he spotted Eunha and Jinsol. He hoped little Andy knew his place, he really did.

“Hello,” the woman said. “Benjamin say hello,” she said smacking her husband lightly across the chest. The husband grumbled out a greeting. “Oh aren’t you a beautiful family,” she said looking from Daniel to Eunha and then Jinsol finally settling on his aunt. “Oh you must be their mother, I can see where they get it from,” she gushed. His aunt plastered her what Daniel had realized is I am setting fire to you with my mind smile on and nodded.

“Your family is charming,” His aunt said.

“Arigato,” The woman responded with a laugh. Daniel looked at her and the train tracks wondering what would happen if she just accidentally happened to fall onto the train tracks.

“The platform?” Daniel asked his patience running thin. He had enough of these people and he just wanted to get on the train already.

“Oh right, all you have to do is walk into the wall between platforms nine and ten, best do it at a bit of run since it’s your first time,” she said. “Here watch Alan,” she nodding to her son he grabbed his trolley before taking a breath and sprinting forward. Just like before the child vanished through the wall.

“Your turn now,” The woman said turning to Daniel. Daniel ground his teeth together, fist-clenching around his luggage. If this went wrong at least it would ruin Andrea’s day which would make his. Counting to three he ran forward, ignoring his senses which told him to stop he kept going, closing his eyes as he was just about to hit the wall.

When he opened them he was on a completely different platform, he turned to look at the wall and then back to the platform that was in front of him. It really worked. Stepping away from the wall he took in his surroundings, while the other platform was busy this platform was downright chaotic. Whistles blared and the air was filled with steam from the train. He walked forward, every inch was full from emotional parents saying goodbye to their little brats to teenagers running towards their friends. A few almost running into Daniel as they did so.

“Dae,” He heard Eunha call out to him, he turned around expecting to see her right behind him but unbeknownst to him, he had wandered too far away from the wall. His eyes roamed through the crowd trying to find her. “Over here,” he heard barely spotting Eunha jumping up and down, waving frantically. He nodded waving back before making his way over to her and the others.

“So this is it?” Daniel said looking at his Aunt who nodded.

“Don’t mess this up,” She said to Daniel before turning her attention to Jinsol. “Don’t do anything stupid,” she said dismissively. Daniel shook his head, he was and will never be fond of Jinsol but surely his Aunt could at least say goodbye to her properly, don’t make it too obvious she had a favourite. “Be good and write to me okay,” she said to Eunha who nodded, her eyes watering ever so slightly. “It will be fine sweetie. Dae and Sol will look after you,” she said rubbing at Eunha’s arms. “Okay, remember that you only answer to Daniel, Jessica and Emily from now on,” she said stepping back.

Daniel rolled his eyes nodding, “Come along Emmy,” he said wrapping an arm around Eunha’s arms. “You can come to i suppose,” he said to Jinsol who flipped him off before following along. The trio made their way over to the Hogwarts Express, a formidable large red train, it huffed and puffed as the conductors tried to control the onslaught of students. “Shall we?” he asked looking at both his cousins. Neither looked particularly optimistic but a shrugged sure and nervous nod meant they were on their way.

“Do you think we can get our own compartment?” Jinsol asked as they pushed through the crowded cart. A few curious eyes landed on them, Daniel had no idea how often transfer students were at Hogwarts but he got the feeling it was few and far between.

“It’s pretty close to eleven,” Eunha said checking her brand new watch, a gift from her father for her first day at Hogwarts. “I am going to guess most of them are already full,” she frowned. “We could always just stand out here?” she offered.

“Let’s just find an almost empty carriage and hope that no one wants to start small talk, I am tired after dealing with Andrea and Joshua all morning,” he said rubbing at his temple. “One telling me what pants to wear and the other trying to get into them -”

“Please shut up,” Jinsol muttered a look of disgust on her face. Daniel hummed it must be humbling to never be someone’s first choice. What a pity.

“Well that is one full,” Eunha said standing on her tippy toes to peek into one of the compartments. “Makes sense the one near the exit would be full right?” she offered. “Maybe we should try the back?” she said looking down the hallway with a frown, it was full of students, friends yelling out to each other, hugging, sharing stories of their Summer.

“It will be fine,” Jinsol said. “Let’s just keep looking,” she said. The three of them continued down the hall searching for an empty or practically empty compartment eventually finding one near the end of the train. It wasn’t empty, a girl sat alone with her cat. Daniel figured something was incredibly wrong with this girl considering she was alone but he couldn’t care less.

“Hello,” Eunha said as they entered the compartment, the girl looked like she was Eunha’s age, surprisingly enough Korean, straight dark hair and cat-like eyes. Judging by her outfit she was either a very rich muggle-born or came from an upper middle wizarding family. The girl placed her book down, her dark eyes darting from Eunha to Jinsol and then finally Daniel. “I hope you don’t mind if we sit here, it’s just everywhere else is packed,” Eunha explained.

“You are new,” The girl pointed tilting her head.

“Is it obvious?” Eunha asked smile falling. Daniel glared at the girl, hand instinctively reaching down to his pocket considering whether he should send a jinx her way for upsetting Eunha.

“Well kinda,” the girl said. “Not that you look odd or anything,” she added quickly. “We just don’t usually get many new people, other than the first years of course,” she said. “Though last year there was that French girl,” she added.

“So people will be paying attention to us?” Jinsol asked as she sat down next to the window. Daniel couldn’t help but think she sounded a little hopeful, Daniel shook his head as he placed Eunha and his own luggage into the overhead. It would be funny if it wasn’t so sad.

“Maybe,” The girl said pausing. “At least during the great feast you should be but then maybe Gossip Witch will strike with another fascinating blast,” she said with a roll of her eyes.

“Gossip Witch?” Eunha asked sitting down beside Jinsol, “What is that?”

“This anonymous blog that suddenly started posting about the elite of Hogwarts,” she said. “It’s kinda a big deal and it’s everywhere, it’s on every social media platform you can imagine even some that probably aren’t even made yet,” she said.

“Hogwarts has elites?” Daniel snorted. “What is it any descendant of the Potter’s?”

“I think they posted about Lily once,” she said, “But no it’s mostly about the French girl and the Lee’s,” she said scrunching her nose up. “But who knows maybe you will be Gossip Witch’s new fave and I will never have to hear about he must not be named ever again,” she said.

“Voldemort?” Jinsol asked.

“No worse,” The girl said with a shudder.

“There is someone worse than Voldemort,” Daniel said, he found it hard to believe that someone could be worse than a pureblood fanatic dictator but what did he know.

“You’ll see,” The girl said shrugging, “Anyway what year will you be in?”

“Oh, I think I am going to be a fourth year,” Eunha said quickly, of course, she knew that she had spent her Summer trying to be ready for Hogwarts. “And that means these two would both be six years,” she said nodding to himself and Jinsol. “I am Eun- Emily, by the way,” she said.

“Eun- Emily?” The girl questioned. “That’s a mouthful,” she laughed. “So what is your real name? Eunbi? Eunsol? Eunmi?” she asked her nose scrunching up at the last suggestion.

“Eunha,” Eunha answered. “But I am Emily now,” she said nodding. “This is my sister Jessica and my cousin Daniel, I swear they aren’t normally this anti-social,” she said apologizing for Jinsol and himself unnecessarily, also lying to the girl, he was only social when there was something to gain from it.

“You could have kept your Korean name,” The girl said. “The school is more racist about blood purity than they are about skin colour, though a guy did ask me how to say wanna hook up in Chinese once.” She said grinning viciously. Daniel raised an eyebrow wondering if the idiot guy is still alive. “Anyway, I’m Eunmi,” she said. “Also a fourth year,” she said. “And that is Meow,” she said nodding to her cat.

“Eunmi and Meow, charming,” Daniel said promptly getting an elbow to the side. “Fine, what about these houses? Do you only get to interact with your own house?” he asked.

“What about them? There is Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin,” she said. “And you can interact with whoever you want, there is no rule against, most people just tend to stick to their own houses because you spend pretty much all your day with them,” she said.

“Which is the best house?” Jinsol asked.

“Well I am in Slytherin so I am biased towards there but if you go by the blatant favouritism then Gryffindor is probably your best bet,” Eunmi explained. Daniel thought back to Joshua’s descriptions of the house, maybe he was onto something when he said Gryffindor was the only house that mattered.

“And the other two Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff?” Eunha asked. “Are they not good?”

“I mean they can be, Ravenclaw is meant to be the smart house and Hufflepuff –“ she said.

“Is yellow,” Daniel cut her off. The girl blinked owlishly opening her mouth to speak was cut off by a great clattering.

An older woman opened the door, smiling a dimpled smile. “Anything from the cart dears?” she asked looking in on them before closing the door.

Eunha jumped up, her tummy rumbling as she did. “You guys want anything?” she asked looking at Jinsol, himself and even Eunmi. Daniel shook his head but tried to hand Eunha some money, if she was going to waste her money on sweets and charity cases she might as well use his disposable income but she shook her head. “I got it,” she said sweetly stepping out of the carriage. Daniel followed her; he’d just pay before she had a chance.

“Can I get-“ Eunha started at the same time as a dark-haired boy who came from the carriage across from them started to list his order stopping when he spotted Eunha. Daniel stepped closer looming over her shoulder but apparently, his presence wasn’t as threatening as he hoped it was. At Mahoutokoro no boy dared look at Eunha for longer than a second in fear of Daniel but this boy was looking and if the smile on his face was anything to go by he liked what he saw.

“You go first,” The boy said to Eunha, who much to Daniel disgust, was blushing. Daniel had enough stepping forward to shield Eunha from this guy.

“Dae what are you doing?” Eunha whispered. Daniel ignored her smiling at the trolley lady. “Can we have two of everything please,” he said to the woman, his signature boxy smile on his face. The transaction was quick thankfully, the boy seemingly got the message and stepped back talking to one of his friends. With his arms full of snacks he hadn’t eaten since he was a child he made his way back into the carriage, Eunha trailing behind. “You didn’t have to pay,” she mumbled. “I am not a kid anymore,” she huffed. Daniel turned towards her raising an eyebrow. That was the problem, he couldn’t have any Hoghash boys thinking they had a chance with her.

“I know but you should save your money,” Daniel said to her. “So you want a Chocolate Frog or Liquorice Wand? I figure we give the beans to Jinsol and the other girl can have the rest,” he said as he tipped to food onto the empty chair beside Eunmi.

“Emily is pouting, what did you do Dan?” Jinsol said eyes narrowing. Daniel bristled at the nickname, Dan, he was not a Dan. Of course Jinsol would say something disgusting. First, she assumed upset Eunha and now she was calling him Dan.

“I did nothing,” He huffed.

“He wouldn’t stop glaring at some poor guy and wouldn’t let me pay,” Eunha pouted notable taking the chocolate frogs.

“So he paid for your food and kept some guy away?” Eunmi asked interjecting herself into a conversation she didn’t need to be in. “I don’t see the problem here,” she said, helpfully, at least someone understood what is going on.

“He is just being overprotective,” Eunha said with an eye roll. “Everyone can have some,” she said nodding the pile of snacks. Daniel watched as Jinsol and Eunmi both moved to get some snacks. Daniel leaned back in his chair, pulling out his phone and scrolling aimlessly. Apparently, some Hogwarts student had managed to modernize Hogwarts into having an internet connection. A student breaking their anti-technology spell? What was even happening at Hogwarts?

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

“Did you learn anything on your walk?” Eunha asked as Daniel threw on his Hogwarts Robe. Daniel let out an annoyed huff, he didn’t appreciate been exiled from their compartment while they changed. She knew he had no interest in the female anatomy.

“Unless you are interested in some guy named Ashton been unable to keep it in his pants then no not really,” Daniel answered he had heard too much about people he had never met before loves life or lack of love life in some cases.

“I hope someone kicks this Ashton guys butt,” Eunha said with a glare. Daniel’s lip quirked up into a smile. She was adorable even when she was trying to be tough.

“Open,” A female voice said before knocking on their compartment door excessively. Daniel looked from Eunha to Eunmi figuring she’d know what is happening but she shook her head looking at the door confused. Daniel sucked in a breath opening the door.

“Can i-“ he started to say before a brunette girl pushed past him standing in the middle of the compartment, demanding attention. Daniel looked at the girl confused, her brown eyes frantic and her ponytail messy in a way that made Daniel believe that wasn’t her intention. “Are you lost?” he asked her.

“No,” The girl snapped at him. “You are the Choi Siblings, right? Daniel, Eunha and Jinsol,” she said looking at each of them. “I am sorry I didn’t get any information about you,” she said turning to Eunmi who looked at her like she had grown a second head.

“I am not new or related to them,” Eunmi said shaking her head. “I am a fourth-year from Slytherin,” she said as the girl rolled her eyes waving a hand dismissively as if she had done nothing wrong.

“Right anyway, I am Elena, the prefect Professor Headly, put in charge of making your transition into Hogwarts is as easy as possible,” she said to them. “Oh good you are all ready,” she said seeming relieved. “So much better than last years transfer student,” she muttered. “Come with me,” she said. Daniel shared a look with his cousin who seemed just as unsure of this girl as he did. “We don’t have all day people,” she tapping her foot impatiently.

Daniel moved to grab their luggage but was stopped by Elena who tutted. “No need to do that your luggage will be in your dorm once you are sorted,” she said. Daniel held his hands up stepping away, stupid crazy girl.

“Right please follow me,” she said once they were all standing. Daniel and Jinsol followed behind her, Eunha strayed behind saying her goodbyes to Eunmi. “So firstly I would like to welcome you to Hogwarts,” Elena said guiding them back to the front of the train. “I assume you all know the school rules by now, “ she started before going on off a tangent.

“And then they picked Poppy as head girl,” she said as they stepped onto the train station. “Poppy Parkinson, her mum was a death eater? And Cameron as the head boy? He is such a dudebro the only reason he ever got anything done was because of me!” she ranted. “Can you believe it?” she said turning to Daniel waiting for a response. Daniel blinked looking at Eunha clearly confused. The last thing he remembered hearing from this girl was that sneaking members of the other sex into the dorm was strictly forbidden.

“That’s awful,” Eunha said. “But you are still a prefect and that is really good,” she trying to appease the girl.

“Yeah, you are the – what house are you from?” Jinsol asked.

“Gryffindor, the best choice,” she said proudly. “All we need to do is get the quidditch cup back but thanks to Tyler Lee –“ she continued and Daniel went back to ignoring her knowing that he would contemplate drowning if he was stuck in the same house as that girl. He looked ahead eyes falling on the carriages with some hideous creature attached.

“What is that?” Daniel asked pointing ahead.

“The carriages?” Elena said raising an eyebrow.

“No,” Daniel shook his head. “The things in front of it, like a horse skeleton, “ he said, eyes wide as he took it in. The creature was terrifying, a winged skeleton-like creature with a reptile’s face. Jinsol and Eunha both frowned muttering about how they couldn’t see anything.

“Dae are you okay? Did Josh slip something in your coffee?” Eunha whispered. Daniel shook his head, looking at Elena for an explanation. Why did no one know what he was talking about, how could they not see them?

“You can see the Thestrals?” Elena asked, mouth dropping in surprise. “That means you’ve seen –“ she said bringing a hand to her mouth.

“Death,” Jinsol finished her. “Why are you acting so weird about it?” she said to Elena. A rare time Jinsol was looking out for Daniel. “I can’t believe you didn’t know that Daniel, did you ever pay attention in class?” she asked changing the subject. “Such a blonde,” she said climbing into the carriage.

“Right,” Elena said. “Please get in,” she said to Daniel and Eunha. Daniel nodded helping Eunha before sliding in beside her. “So anyway as I was saying Ravenclaw is okay, Hara is great but Sungjae, he is a nice guy but Minah is such a bad influence on him. Honestly he shouldn’t be a prefect anymore,” she ranted. And like that Daniel was back to ignoring her.

“Wow,” Eunha gasped as the castle came into view. “So that is it?” she asked looking up at the castle, eyes wide in awe. Admittedly the castle did make a formidable figure, standing out above the large lake and illuminated by the full moon. The carriage paused a pair of impressive wrought iron gates, flanked with stone columns topped with winged boards.

Elena hummed in agreement. “Yup that is Hogwarts,” she said with a soft smile and a wistful tone. He knew school spirit and pride was drummed into people but that reaction was a little much. “I am sorry it’s my last trip here,” she said, Daniel could have sworn her eyes were tearing up.

“Are you dying?” Daniel asked hoping that he didn’t come across as too eager. The carriage started up again, picking up speed on the long slopping drive up to the castle.

“No,” Elena said looking at Daniel oddly. Well, that was a letdown. “It’s my last year here,” she said pouting.

Daniel nodded before going back to ignoring her. He was pretty sure he’d never have to interact with this girl again (and for that he was so thankful) so it didn’t matter what she thought of him. He zoned out taking in the scenery around him, dense forest, sloping fields and a large lake, the closer they got to the castle the more the nerves took over. Beside him Eunha legs couldn’t stop bouncing up and down, Jinsol had started chewing on her bottom lip. Daniel himself was fiddling with the sleeves of his robes, rolling them up and then rolling them down.

“We are here,” Elena said pointing out the obvious as the carriage drew to a stop. “Come along, Professor Goldhorn is waiting,” she said hopping out of the carriage. Daniel followed suit helping Eunha and even Jinsol out of the carriage. They took a minute to soak in the grandness of the Hogwarts castle before making their way up the stone steps.

“The Choi’s I take it?” They were greeted by a stern-looking woman, her dark grey hair pulled up in a tight bun. She looked down her glasses slipping down her rather large nose. “Crowley you can go to the great hall,” she said dismissing Elena, “You three come to my office,” she said not waiting a beat before turning around her emerald robes swishing as she moved down the hall. Daniel and the others moved quickly to catch up with her. They followed her through the entrance hall, up the marble staircase and along the corridor, stopping in front of her office.

“Come in,” she said shooing them into the room. Her office was on the smaller side, at least compared to the offices of the professors at Mahoutokoro. The centrepiece of her office was the large fireplace. “Sit,” she said motioning to three chairs. “So as you know Hogwarts has a special way of sorting its student,” she said pausing for them to nod in agreement. “Now for our first year the sorting ceremony happens in the great hall during the welcoming feast but given your age, I assume you don’t want to be placed with first years,” she said. “So,” she said walking over to the desk and picking up a dirty pointed hat, it was old and tattered, patches and rips covering its entirety. “I figured we could do this in the privacy of my office,” she said as the hat began to twitch its brim opening to reveal a mouth. Daniel blinked mortified as it started singing, he slowly turned his head to look at Eunha and Jinsol who both were looking on transfixed and horrified.

You’re in safe hands (though I have none), For I’m a Thinking Cap! The hat finally finished. “Okay so we will do this by alphabetical order, Daniel Choi,” she said looking at him and picking up the hat. Daniel’s nose scrunched up as she moved to place the hat on his head. He would need to wash his again after having that thing on his head.

The hat barely touched his crown before yelling out a loud and definitive “SLYTHERIN,”, the hat was promptly taken off his head. Not quick enough if his opinion though, he hoped he’d never have to put anymore enchanted ugly headwear on again.

“Emily Choi,” Professor Goldhorn said placing the hat on top of Eunha’s head. Unlike Daniel’s sorting Emily’s seemed to go on for a few minutes. Daniel frowned wondering what the school’s policy on having a hairstylist visit, he needed a professional to fix Emily’s brown locks after having that on top of her head for so long. Daniel didn’t think he could hate that hat more than he already did but when it called out “HUFFLEPUFF!” loudly he knew if he ever got the chance that hat would be burned to smithereens. How dare they place her in the useless yellow house.

“Can the hat –“ He started to ask before Professor Goldhorn shot him a withering look, a quick the hat is never wrong escaping her painted lips leaving no room for argument.

“Now Jessica Choi,” she said to Jinsol, placing that hat on her head. Jinsol’s sorting was longer than Daniel’s but much quicker than Eunha’s. “GRYFFINDOR” it exclaimed as Daniel glared at it. It sorted the useless cousin into the best house.

“Wonderful,” Professor Goldhorn clapped, “Please make your way to The Great Hall,” she said, “It just straight down the staircase, it’s hard to miss,” she added before leaving the office with a swish, the dumb sorting hat in hand stopping in the doorway, gesturing with her head for them to leave. With a tight-lipped smile that was more of a sneer, Daniel stood up, walking past the Professor stopping at the top of the staircase waiting for Eunha.

“So none of us are in the same house,” Eunha lamented, pouting at Daniel and then Jinsol. “Do you think we will be able to interact?” she asked as Jinsol laughed.

“Oh Eun-Emily,” she said rolling her eyes at having to change names. “Do you really think they are going to forbid you from interacting with your big sister and well, him,” she said looking over Daniel, detest clear in her eyes.

“Do you really think some silly school house is gonna stop me from seeing my favourite person?” Daniel asked throwing an arm around Eunha’s shoulder. “Plus if anyone should be exiled it should be Jessica, after all, she is in the favourite house,” he said throwing a withering glance over his shoulder. “Been a favourite for once, you must be so happy Jessie,” he said in a saccharine sweet voice.

“Don’t make me push you down the stairs,” Jinsol spat.

“Oh go ahead, I’d love for you to have pay off the insurance,” He laughed. Sure he wouldn’t get a knuckle off it but it would be fun to see Jinsol scramble around to try and pay the amount his face was insured for.

“So the Great Hall?” Eunha suggested trying to stop the argument. “You know before we get told off or lost?”

Sharing one last annoyed glance with Jinsol, Daniel turned nodding. “Let’s go.”

The Great Hall like Goldhorn had said was hard to miss, especially when hoards of students piling into it. Daniel’s arm dropped down once he stepped into the hall, it was admittedly grand. It was lit by thousands and thousands of candles floating in midair over four long tables, which were quickly been filled by students. On the table laid glittering gold plates and goblets. “I guess this where we might need to separate,” Daniel said reaching out squeezing Eunha’s hand. “If anyone causes you any trouble come find me,” he whispered. Eunha nodded, turning to give a quick hug to Jinsol before the three of them made their way over to their respected tables.

Daniel walked down the Slytherin table looking for an empty spot to sit. “Daniel,” a distinctly female voice called out. Daniel whirled around looking for who called out. He frowned looking around the room searching for whoever said it, with a shrug he moved on figuring out that maybe they were talking to another Daniel, it was a pretty common name.

“Daehyung,” This time he froze, that name wasn’t common at all. “Hello,” he heard seeing a leggy girl with coloured orange hair. “Come sit with us,” she said waving her hand at him. He raised an eyebrow as he looked her over, her robe was open showing off a ruched blouse and a skirt that was definitely shorter than the school uniform code. The piece de resistance was her Cartier handbag that hung loosely off her arm. She seemed wealthy enough. Daniel nodded making his way over to her.

“Ah I am so excited you are here,” The girl said smiling at him sweetly before narrowing her eyes. “Move, you are in my spot loser,” she snapped to a boy who was trying to chat to a blonde girl. “I am sorry about that,” she said turning to Daniel. “Some people don’t know their place, anyway as I was saying, I am such a huge fan – I remember last Summer I went to Tokyo to visit family and your face was everywhere,” she said. “Once Gossip Witch posted about you and your cousins, I am so sorry by the way Hufflepuff – tragic,” she said looking in down like she was mourning, “I knew I had to make sure you were integrated with the right crowd,” she said.

“There is a wrong crowd?” Daniel asked. The girl laughed in response.

“Of course there is,” she said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. “Now come sit,” she said sitting on the bench. Daniel looked at the bench with an eyebrow raised, did she expect him to sit on her lap. He got the distinct feeling that Hogwarts students were weird but surely that would be pushing it. He opened his mouth to point out that there was no room, when the blonde girl next to his new friend turned to the person beside her, daggers coming from her eyes. The girl who was on the receiving end quickly stood up practically running away as the blonde slid down leaving a space. Daniel hummed well that works.

“Ladies meet Daniel Choi,” The orange-haired girl, said tapping the spot beside her. “He is that model I told you all about,” she explained.

“I thought his name was Daehyung?” The blonde girl asked, the glare now replaced with a look of curiosity.

“He changed his name obviously Aspen,” The dark-haired girl across from them answered looking up from her copy teen witch. “You know to appease your kind,” she said to Aspen with a roll of her eyes. “Do you think Giselle’s name is really Giselle?”

“If you want to survive you all better say yes Giselle’s name is Giselle,” Giselle, the orange-haired girl threatened. “Anyway yes Daniel is the model I told you about,” she said rolling her eyes. “You know – “

“The one who was on the cover of Mode and Teen Witch Japan at the same time,” The dark-haired girl said with a laugh.

“The one who has been the brand ambassador for Hex and Helix, Divine Beauty, Chanel and Louis Vuitton,” Aspen continued. “You know with the cousin?” she said. Daniel looked at her confused, what did she mean with the cousin.

“Yeah,” Giselle agreed solemnly.

“Were sorry, it’s bad enough a Gryffindor in the family but a you know,” Aspen trailed off.

“It’s okay, no one will think any less of you,” The dark-haired girl said. “You can’t control them,” she shrugged.

“Anyway, enough about that Priya,” Giselle interjected. “I am sure you don’t want to talk about it, it’s upsetting enough,” she said to Daniel patting his back in what was meant to be a comforting move but was just ignoring his personal space.

“Thank you,” Daniel said, “And uh thank you for appreciating my work,” he added, a bashful smile making its way onto his lips. He wondered if Giselle was part of his fan club or just a social climber.

“Here,” Aspen said handing him a goblet. “Don’t worry it’s not pumpkin juice,” she said winking at Daniel. Daniel sniffed at there was no obvious poisons, deciding to risk he took a sip, wine, a decent red at that, he had no idea how they got it but he was glad they did.

“Trust me you’ll need it to get through the sorting ceremony,” Priya whispered to him. “First years are so exhausting,” she said.

“Don’t forget the headmaster’s stupid speech and the school song,” Giselle said nose scrunching up in disgust. “Hoggy Hogwarts, I can’t believe I used to sing that crap,” she scoffed. “Don’t judge me,” she said to Daniel. “I was young and stupid,” she said.

“So nothing has changed then,” A boy said walking past, Daniel turned to look at who said it to see a tall boy, probably older than them, wearing a skirt.

“Don’t worry about him,” Aspen said with an annoyed scoff. “Caspian thinks he is all that because he is a seventh year and is friends with two prefects,” she said shaking her head. “Everyone knows in that the sixth years run the Slytherin house, especially since Poppy is the head girl now, like the headmaster has pretty much condemned her to the domestic life with a that Gryffindick,” she said.

“Also Aspen has never got along with Caspian because he made out with her old crush,” Priya laughed. “It was this huge thing, luckily it was pre gossip witch,” she said.

“Thankfully,” Giselle said. “Imagine if Gossip Witch was here when it happened, Aspen would have never been able to show her face again,” she said, Daniel was sure she seemed a little too gleeful at prospect.

“Oh right Gossip Witch, I heard about that but the person I talked to said they only really post about the same people,” he said.

“Oh Gossip Witch definitely has her favourites,” Priya said rolling her eyes, “Minah Delacroix and her Lee’s,” she said shaking her head. “Merlin’s beard why does Gossip Witch assume we all care about that not so love triangle.”

“Because we supposedly don’t have anything else to do,” Aspen drawled. “And we are supposed to believe Sungjae Lee is a worthy competitor against Tyler,” she laughed.

“Well you will never hear me speaking ill of Sungjae Lee,” Giselle said. “Thanks to him we have the internet,” she praised.

“So you are saying you’d choose Sungjae over Tyler?” Aspen said looking at Giselle, ignoring Daniel’s presence entirely.

“I am not saying that but I am not going to bash him, he has given me Instagram, Tik Tok and made Hoot until he can get the Twitter batch out,” she said. Daniel blinked, the only word familiar to him was Instagram and even that was a foreign land to him.

“I would,” Priya said with a shrug. “He is decent looking but not hotter than me so he will be an easy catch and is destined to become some sort of Tech billionaire,” she pointed out. “But if I am completely honest I don’t think he beats for my team if you know what I mean,” she said wiggling her eyebrows.

He is friends with Caspian and Siobhan and those two are well….” Aspen said judgement clear in her tone.

“Is there a problem with being… “ Daniel repeated mockingly. He had just assumed these people adopted him so they could have a gay best friend.

“Of course not,” Giselle said as it was the most obvious thing in the world. “You were so brave coming out so young,” she said as her friends nodded in agreement. “It just Cas and Siobhan are losers,” she said. “Hey maybe if Sungjae is interested in boys you could date him,” she said.

“Giselle!” Aspen said. “No Daniel is way too good for him, I’ll find you some more worthy of your affections,” she said.

“Yeah your next boyfriend probably,” Priya muttered under her breath.

“Either way,” she shrugged. “Hey Daniel, you should add us on Insta,” Giselle spoke before pausing. “Or you finsta, I know your company doesn’t allow you to follow anybody,” she said. Daniel nodded, he has no control over his Instagram and he wasn’t sure what a finsta was. “I know this because Joshua Jung slid into my DM’s the other week,” she said proudly.

“Oh wow,” Daniel said pretending to be awed, he didn’t think have Josh slide into any crevice was a badge of honour, it was more like a tramp stamp but she seemed excited about it. He was saved from having to say anything more thanks to a slew of 11-year-olds made their way into the hall, all wide-eyed and bushy-tailed.

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“Where do you think you are going?” Giselle asked cocking an eyebrow at Daniel, the feast had finished and Daniel just wanted to check in Eunha, make sure she wasn’t been rejected by the Hufflepuff crowd.

“I was going to check on my cousin,” He said as Giselle, Aspen and Priya gasped, all three of them shaking their heads frantically.

“No sweetie,” Priya said quickly, “You can’t go over there, one it’s social suicide and two we do actually have to head to our dorm,” she said.

“The only time you can go to the Hufflepuff table is if you want to huff and puff,” Aspen said. “But even then, I know a guy who has better options,” she added. “Just let me know what you need.”

“Come on,” Giselle said linking arms with Daniel, Priya took the other arm effectively trapping him. “So our common room is in the Dungeons, I know ew right but it’s really the best one out there,” she said.

“And trust her she has been in all of them,” Priya laughed as Giselle let out a scandalized noise. “But it’s true no other common room is more refined than ours,” she said.

“Ravenclaws common room is pretty nice as well,” Aspen said walking backwards. “It’s in the Astronomy Tower,” she said. “I am not going to tell where Gryffindors or Hufflepuffs are, you might be too tempted to try and find your cousins,” she said eyes narrowing.

“I mean i know it’s Gryffindor but surely he could speak to that cousin if he wanted,” Giselle said. “She looks like she has potential,” she said.

“Jessica?” Daniel snorted. “No, trust me, just no,” he said, the idea he would run in the same social cycle as Jinsol was horrifying to think about. “Should I know anything else about Slytherin?” he asked hoping to get some useful information out of them and not just hearing about how they had a plan to make a finsta.

“Hmm,” Giselle pretended to think.

“You are a pureblood right?” Priya asked. “We aren’t as bad about that stuff now but if you are a half-blood or muggle-born maybe don’t let people know,” she whispered.

“What are you whispering about Patil,” A tall boy asked sliding in next to her. Priya bristled next to him, an annoyed scowl on her face.

“Blowjob techniques, got any tips, Stefan?” Priya asked. “No of course not because no one would touch you with a fifty-foot broom,” she said with an eye roll. “Daniel meet Stefan, he is a six-year like us but you know not as important or attractive,” she said.

“You’re a sixth year?” he said eyeing Daniel. “Guess we will be seeing each other,” he said a smirk making its way onto his lips. “See ya later Patil,” he said with a wink before sauntering over to a bunch of other guys. Daniel knew smirks and that one was trouble, that one meant the idiot was going to pull some shit on Daniel and Daniel was just too tired for dealing with it.

“Don’t worry about him,” Giselle said once he was out of earshot. “He is just pissed Priya rejected him,” she said.

“Oh and Tyler kicked him off the quidditch team,” Aspen added with a laugh. “Apparently he missed training last season and you know what Tyler is like,” Aspen said.

“He bought on himself,” Giselle with a nod. “He was dragging the team down, I heard Tyler is going to pull guys up from the reserve side, maybe Zhang,” she said.

“Nah Zhang isn’t making the team for two more years; he is a seeker, right?” Aspen said. “Yeah Tyler isn’t letting on the pitch until he is done,” she said.

“True,” Giselle lamented. “It’s a shame though Lucas would look good on a broom,” she giggled.

“Right,” Priya said rolling her eyes. “What about Kim? She is a chaser and is actually pretty good,” she pointed out. Daniel nodded not knowing who any of these people are and why he would care.

“Yeah, but she did laugh when Sungjae hit him with the jelly legs jinx,” Aspen pointed out.

“He would stop someone from joining the team because they laughed?” Daniel asked with an eyebrow raised. “Should I be worried about this Tyler guy?” he asked. From what he heard he seemed to be in charge of the whole house.

“No,” Giselle said quickly. “You are amazing.”

“What she means is there is no reason to be worried,” Priya said rolling her eyes at her friend. “You probably won’t see him outside of class, he has his own separate room in the boy’s dorm and is very picky about who he spends time with,” she said with a bitter scoff, Daniel had a feeling someone got rejected. “Not that you aren’t worth spending time with,” she tacked on.

“But seriously don’t worry,” Aspen said. “You will have no problems as long as you stick with us,” she said, the threat was there. Daniel bit his tongue but noted to one day ruin this girls life enough that she would want to jump off that Astronomy Tower she was talking about before.

“So the password for our common room is Viper,” Giselle said to him. “It changes fortnightly though so be prepared,” she warned him.

“Why is Hogwarts against elevators,” Priya complained as they made their way down a winding staircase.

“Maybe you should hook up with Sungjae and see if he can put one in,” Aspen joked. Priya tilted her head before shrugging.

“If I did she wouldn’t be able to use it,” Priya whispered to Daniel.

“Well you would have done all the work,” He whispered back to her, Priya giggled happily. Daniel winced as he felt Giselle tighten her grip on his arm, he guessed she didn’t like been excluded from the joke.

“We are here,” she said as they stopped in front of a stone wall. “Daniel you should say the password since it’s your first time,” she said before a bunch of boys ran past shouting the password.

“I guess I’ll have to wait to pop my password cherry,” Daniel said pulling out of Giselle and Priya’s grips. He really just wanted to get into this dormitory, find his stuff and wash his hair. He could barely hide his annoyance as he had to walk down a narrow hallway, he thought he was here.

“Welcome to the common room,” Priya said once they finally got out of the hallway. “It’s nice right?” she said. Daniel nodded in agreement, it looked like it came from the pages of Witch Deco. “It used to be super ugly, you know just after the war but thankfully people with taste came in and made it more modern,” she explained.

“So the boys dormitories are over there,” Giselle said pointing to a staircase. “Normally I would say we should chat some more but we all have to be up early tomorrow to pick up our schedules,” she said with a yawn. “Do you want someone to lead you to your dorm?” she asked. “I can call one of the guys over,” she offered.

“No it’s fine,” Daniel said, “You should all go get some beauty rest,” he said to them, some needed it more than others. Giselle nodded, before leaning up kissing both his cheeks, Daniel blinked in shock as Priya and then Aspen followed suit. “Goodnight,” he said quickly moving up the stairs, desperate now to not only wash his hair but now his face.

Finding the sixth year’s room was rather easy, it was a spacious room with four four posters each hung with deep emerald curtains. To the end of the room was a single door, what he assumed was the great Tyler Lee’s room. His three dormmates stood near one bed, all eyes on him.

“Hey man,” He noted it was Stefan that was greeting him. Daniel rolled his eyes knowing that this was not going to end well, not for these other guys at least. Stefan noticed Daniel seemed less than impressed, “Hey no, we just want to welcome you to our oh so humble home,” he said bowing mockingly.

“Is it true you are a model?” One of the guys asked, a chuckle escaping his lips. “That’s pretty.. fruity you know,” he said. Daniel once again rolled his eyes.

“Can we skip this whole you all pretend to be nice and get to whatever dim-witted thing you have planned, I am a little exhausted, so –“ he said making a hurry-up gesture. The third boy, a burly idiotic looking beast stood up, Daniel’s luggage in hand.

“Hang on pretty boy,” Stefan said. “I think you have the wrong idea, you see I think we can all be great friends, right guys –“ he started to speak. Daniel was always the quickest to draw his wand so before the three of them could notice he already have Stefan flying back against the wall. The two others watched on in surprise before snapping out of their daze.

The second guy started to sending jinxes and curses his way, all of them Daniel had sent back with ease. Did they teach them how to duel at Hogwarts because honestly, a third-year student at Mahoutokoro could do better than this. The burly guy didn’t bother with magic and instead grinned dragging his things near the door, opening it and pushing his things in with a laugh before closing it. Daniel raised an eyebrow wondering what was the point of that. He didn’t get a chance to ponder about it too much as the big guy had decided to go all muggle and try to tackle Daniel, Daniel thinking quickly hit him with a stupefy unfortunately due to him fighting two people at once, the big was thrown at the door with a loud bang. Stefan and the other guy looked over nervously. Daniel didn’t waste time and hit the three of them with a levitating spell, smiling as they floated mid-air.

“What do you wa –“ Daniel heard someone say, he turned to see who he assumed was Tyler looking from him and his fellow sixth years and then back to him. “Nice,” he said chuckling clearly amused by what he was seeing. He walked over to where Stefan was hanging in the air, “Did I say anything about hazing the new guy?” he asked flicking Stefan’s forehead. “Fucking idiot,” he muttered. Without a word the three others dropped, Stefan and the burly one were lucky enough to fall on a bed, the other guy, well he was not so lucky, instead, he fell face-first onto the ground. “Go see Nurse Pomfrey first thing tomorrow,” Tyler said stepping over the guy and walking over to Daniel.

“So I am guessing your luggage was what was tossed into MY room,” he said to Daniel. Daniel nodded, “I am guessing the big idiot was the one to come up with that idea?” he said and once again Daniel nodded. “Can you speak?” he asked raising an eyebrow, “Oh do you not speak English?” he asked.

“Do I need to answer you verbally?” Daniel asked, taking in Tyler Lee properly quick to decide his face, which despite the wicked gleam in his eyes, was cute, he had big eyes and a sweet looking smile, did not match the rest of his body which was thankfully on display. They must have interrupted him mid nightly routine, he was shirtless with low hanging sweats.

“It’s rude not,” Tyler said tilting his head. “And your luggage broke my defence system,” he frowned. “So you kinda owe me,” he said.

“What?” Daniel asked dropping his wand.

“Just come on,” Tyler said pushing him towards his room. Normally Daniel would have no problem with a guy like him manhandling him but right now he was just very confused and a little scared and not in a fun way.

“Look I don’t know what is –“ he started to speak before been shushed by Tyler.

“In,” he said push him in. Daniel stumbled, eyes widening as he looked around the room. It was nice, really nice and Daniel was a little jealous. Why couldn’t he get his own room, did he have to play quidditch was that it? “Sit,” he said gesturing to a chair.

“If you want to me boss me around you could at least buy me dinner first,” Daniel muttered as he stomped over to the chair.

“Winky,” Tyler called as a house-elf appeared. “Could you get me some snacks, you pick, you know what I like,” he said to the elf. The elf let out a quick yes Mr Tyler, bowing and disappearing and then reappearing with arms full of food. “Give it to him,” he said to the house-elf who promptly dumped his haul into Daniel’s lap. “So now I can boss you around right,” Tyler said smirking at Daniel. Daniel’s eyes narrowed. Tyler rolled his eyes, “Relax, I don’t know what those girls have told you but I am a nice guy,” he said. Daniel knew for a fact if someone had to tell you they were nice they were most definitely not nice but he wanted this to be over so he kept that fact to himself.

“From what I’ve noticed they all seem to hate, love and worship you at the same time, it’s pretty impressive,” he admitted. Tyler grinned nodding proudly, seemingly happy to hear that. “Not trying to be rude because I have the distinct feeling I should feel honoured to be in your presence but I am tired and I had to wear that disgusting hat so I am not sure what creatures are currently making a home in my hair –“ he ranted stopping because he didn’t need to be sharing that with anyone. “What do you want?”

“The sorting hat, it’s so unsanitary,” Tyler agreed, “I swear they haven’t washed that thing once since I’ve been here,” he said as Daniel’s hand wander up to his head wincing as he ran his hand through his locks. He would sue this school if it caused permeant damage. “Well firstly, is that your stuff?” he said nodding to a pile of Daniel’s belonging which while neatly stacked was no longer in his suitcase. Daniel jaw clenched as Tyler laughed. “I didn’t go through your things if that is what you are thinking, though seriously sneaking contraband into school, you are so lucky they didn’t check this year,” he said.

“What?” Daniel asked before realization dawned on him. “Joshua!” he said a growl escaping his lips. Tyler quirked an eyebrow at him, as he picked up a box of chocolates from an admittedly large pile. Daniel winced as the overwhelming smell of peppermint and rose wafted through the air. “Don’t eat those,” Daniel said as Tyler looked up at him. “They are laced with a love potion, a poorly made one though since I can smell the ingredients,” he said. Tyler looked at the box curiously before waving his wand leaving the box a pile of ashes.

“Thank you,” Tyler said. “Now I am going to pretend I know and care about what a Joshua is and skip ahead, the big lug threw your luggage in here knowing that my wards would have destroyed it as soon as it crossed the threshold,” he explained. “He was stupid enough to try and get in my room, completely destroyed his wand, burnt all his hair off and left him tinkled pink, literally, with yellow boils – not pretty but for him, it might have been an improvement,” he said. “Anyway apparently your own charms and wards messed with mine, your suitcase is completely ruined but your belongings are completely fine, even stacked neatly by yours truly,” he boasted. Daniel found it hard to believe Tyler has ever stacked a thing in his life.

“Thank you?” Daniel offered.

“Yes,” Tyler said. “You have good taste by the way, in clothes I mean,” he said. “I don’t suppose you play quidditch do you?” he asked appraising Daniel.

“Thanks?” He said again. Daniel didn’t have taste when it came to clothes, he rarely ever got to choose what he wore. He was a walking billboard, more a mannequin than a human being, it used to bother him (it still does) but he hasn’t had a choice in anything that happened in his life, why should his clothes be any different.“And no not anymore, my manager banned me from playing, a bludger to a face would ruin my career apparently,” he shrugged.

“That’s just sad,” Tyler said. “You mustn’t have been very good if your manager was that worried about bludgers,” he said shaking his head.

“I was plenty good, my face is just worth more,” Daniel huffed.

“If you say so,” Tyler shrugged.

“I should go –“ he said standing up, placing the pile of snacks on the chair. “I’ll just grab my stuff,” he said to Tyler.

“I wouldn’t sleep out there,” Tyler said in a sing-song voice. “The three stooges will want revenge,” he said. “Look I never do this but I feel bad for you,” he said placing a hand on his heart clearly touched by his own kindness. Daniel tried not to show how annoyed he was about Tyler feeling bad for him. “Go shower and you can stay here tonight,” he said. Daniel raised an eyebrow, Tyler didn’t ping him but maybe he was curious.

“Uhm?” Daniel said. “Are you sure –“ he continued looking from the bed and back at Tyler. Tyler shook his head a disappointed sigh escaping his lips.

“You failed test one,” Tyler said, “You don’t question me, especially when I am going out of my way to be nice you say thank you Tyler,” he recited. Everyone who mentioned Tyler Lee to him was wrong, he wasn’t intimidating or cool he was just really strange. Tyler coughed pointing to another door. “Tomorrow you’ll have your second test, don’t fail that one – What is your name?”

“Daniel” He grumbled.

“Right well then don’t fail your second test Daniel,” he said. Daniel blinked picking up his things before walking into Tyler’s ensuite. So much for Tyler Lee not noticing him.

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The next morning came too quickly and a groggy Daniel was woken up by a house-elf sitting on his chest. “Rise and shine Daniel, we have things to do,” he heard Tyler’s voice from somewhere in the room. “Is this a one of a kind Gucci Sweater? Hmm, I need to get one,” he heard. Daniel groaned sitting up, much to Daniel’s relief and disappointment Tyler had expanded his room enough to fit the four-poster bed from the dorm in his room. “Oh good you are up, come on it’s breakfast time and time for your second test,” he said happily, already dressed for the day.

Daniel sighed standing up. “Accio lookbook,” he said as the lookbook Andrea had planned for him came flying at him, flipping to page one he quickly called for the pieces he needed. Tyler looked on, foot tapping impatiently. “Every day is a runway and I have endorsement deals I have to uphold,” he explained. “You can have the sweater if you want by the way.”

“I don’t need your charity Daniel Choi,” he said with a huff.

“Clearly,” Daniel said looking around, everything in this room was lavish. “I was saying thank you,” he added. Tyler hummed considering what he said.

“Well then I appreciate the offer but I will get my own,” He said. “Good you are ready,” he said clapping. Daniel frowned, was Tyler one of those mythical morning people?

“I am actually meant to be meeting up with Giselle and Pri-“ he started before Tyler raised a hand to stop him from continuing.

“They will understand,” Tyler said. “Now come on breakfast,” he said

. “Couldn’t you just get your house-elf to bring you breakfast in bed?” Daniel asked. “Which reminds me why do you have a house-elf? And your own room? Does Hogwarts really take quidditch that seriously?” he asked. “Also random question but what is a finsta?”

“I don’t eat in bed, and yes Hogwarts does take quidditch seriously,” Tyler answered as they walked through the boys dorm. “But that isn’t why I have my own room,” he said. “Hang on,” he said stopping at the door pulling his wand out muttering spell, Daniel watched as the potted plants on the floor came up over their three slipping roommates and tipped onto them. “Okay let’s go,” Tyler said.

“So,” Tyler said as they ended up in the great hall. “We will be having breakfast at the Ravenclaw table,” he said.

“I thought going to other tables was strictly forbidden,” Daniel said as Tyler turned to him looking at him as if he said something so incredibly dumb.

“Who told you that? Wait don’t answer,” Tyler said shaking his head.

“So you can go to other tables? great I need to go see my cousin,” he said trying to make his way over to the Hufflepuff table.

“What are you doing?” Tyler asked grabbing him and pulling him back. “Oh is your cousin in Hufflepuff?” he asked, Daniel nodded. “Oh no, Daniel, I am so sorry, why didn’t you tell me that no wonder you failed the first test, don’t worry I will strike it from your record, “ he said patting Daniel’s back. “But no you can’t go to that table, ever, anyway test time,” he said, dragging Daniel to three people dressed in blue.

“Hello, ladies and trolls how are we this morning?” Tyler asked. Daniel frowned wondering what this test was until he noticed, the troll in this equation, a boy with mostly black hair with blue streaks through his bangs, cat-like eyes and what seemed to be permanently pouted lips looked at Tyler with a scowl, his lips barely moving but Daniel noticed the incarnation he was muttering. Daniel muttered his own defence protecting Tyler from whatever the boy was trying to do. The boy blinked looking surprised and then finally settling on Daniel, Daniel smirked cocking an eyebrow challenging this guy to try again.

“Daniel,” Tyler said looking between Daniel and the guy. “Ignore him, this is my lovely little sister, Tara,” he said pointing to a girl, Daniel nodded he could see the family resemblance.

“Hello,” he said with a wave. Tara muttered her own hello before looking at her brother. Tyler was staring at Daniel intently which was odd. “Your brother’s really nice?” he offered trying to get Tyler to look somewhere else. He nodded seemingly happy with his praise. Maybe he wanted to prove he was a nice person. “And this is my girlfriend Min-“

“I am not your girlfriend!” The girl snapped.

“Minah,” Tyler sighed. “Don’t be rude to my friend, say hello,” he said. “She is just keeping it on the down-low,” Tyler informed Daniel. “We are actually en-“ he started before an apple was thrown at his head, luckily he managed to duck.

“Hello Minah, girlfriend not girlfriend of Tyler,” Daniel said. “Wait Minah, oh this is the love triangle, I got told about,” Daniel said. “You must be the internet guy,” he said pointing to the guy. “Sunghae,” he said nodding. “Can you make an elevator?” he asked.

“Don’t talk to him,” Tyler said pulling Daniel away, Daniel pouted he wanted an answer. Once they were away from the table. “So what do you think?”

“Well Sunghae was better at spells than Stefan and his friends but I blocked it,” he said. Tyler tilted his head. “That’s what we are talking about right?” he asked as Tyler shook his head.

“What did Sungjae try and do?” he asked, “No, never mind, what do you think of Tara and Minah? Do you think they are pretty?” he asked.

Daniel blinked, maybe he wanted to make his sister and girlfriend models?. “Yeah I guess?” Daniel offered. “I mean objectively of course, wait are you trying to set me up with your sister, oh no, sorry but that isn’t –“

“No!” Tyler snapped. “Wait why are you saying no, do you think you are too good for my sister?” he asked his eyes narrowing.

“You’re confused, I am saying I am a little too gay for your sister,” Daniel deadpanned as Tyler froze, he had to bit back a laugh as Tyler seemed to malfunction. “Is that a problem?” he asked.

“No,” Tyler said quickly, “It’s good,” Tyler nodded curtly. “Right,” he muttered. He was about to say something when a girl in a Gryffindor uniform leapt on him.

“Tyler, come have breakfast with me, I haven’t seen you all Summer,” she said, not sparing Daniel a second glance as she dragged Tyler away. Well, that was fun.

“Daniel,” He turned to see Giselle, Priya and Aspen racing towards him. “Why didn’t you wait for us in the common room?” Giselle asked with a pout. “You look cute,” she said fixing his Gucci felt cap and pulling on his tie. “Priya can charm this, it’s not the right colour,” she frowned. “Also fix his cap, make it green instead of red, we don’t want people to get confused and think he is a Gryffindork,” she said tutting.

Priya stepped forward, speaking her spells and waving her wand. “Much better,” she said. “So we were told Tyler Lee stole you away,” she said.

“And we knew they were lying,” Aspen said, Daniel glanced over at her, nose scrunching up the sight of bare skin. Crop tops were apparently a part of the Hogwarts uniform. Charming.

“Right,” Daniel rolled his eyes. “So food then and schedules, right? I am starved,” he said patting his stomach. Giselle nodded once again linking arms with him.

“So what classes did you pick?” Giselle asked as they walked back over to the Slytherin table, Daniel smirked as once glance from her once again cleared the table. She sat down pulling down beside her as Priya and Aspen sat across from them. “I hope we are in the same classes,” she said pulling out her phone. “Ugh this stupid app isn’t working,” she frowned.

“Oh, so we got our schedules by phones?” Daniel asked.

“Not really, they bought this app in last year but they can never get it working so we all end up getting it the old fashioned way,” Aspen said. “Leave the muggle tech to muggle-borns, the professors can’t do anything,” she said rolling her eyes.

“Daniel, time for a first-day selfie,” Giselle said sliding closer and taking a photo. “Oh we look so good,” she hummed as she turned her attention back to her phone. “Remember to add us to your finsta today,” she said. “I want to be able to tag you,” she said.

“Why is Sungjae Lee staring at you?” Priya asked.

“Giselle is very pretty why wouldn’t he?” Daniel asked looking at the picture of Giselle’s shoulder. “Maybe the internet god appreciates people enjoying his work,” he said as Giselle looked up beaming at him. It would seem a little bit of praise goes a long way with her.

“He is looking at you,” Aspen said.

“Oh,” Daniel said looking up to find Sungjae looking at him curiously. Daniel winked at him smirking as Sungjae suddenly looked away. Cute. “Why wouldn’t he?” Daniel asked turning back to his ‘friends’. “I am very pretty right?” he asked as the three nodded furiously.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

“So we took your results from your old school,” Professor McKeon said looking down at Daniel’s results. “Exchanging them match our OWL levels, I have to say I am surprised, you have so many O’s,’ Daniel had no idea what O’s were but he nodded. “You are cleared for Charms, Defence Against the Dark Arts, Transfiguration, Potions, Ancient Runes, Divination and Muggle Studies,” he said tilting his head as he read the last class out, handing Daniel his schedule.

So what classes are you in?” Giselle said bouncing over to him. “Are you taking Astronomy?” she asked as Daniel shook his head watching as she deflated. “Give me your schedule so we can check,” she said as Priya and Aspen crowded around as well.

“Can I look at it first,” Daniel laughed, he had a class – well now, he was looking further when his schedule was promptly ripped out of his hands. Daniel looked up ready to tell Giselle off only to find Tyler looking over his schedule humming and hawing as he did so. Daniel looked at him annoyed as the girls watched with wide eyes.

“Switch Muggle Studies and Divination for Care of Magical Creatures and Arithmancy,” he said handing back to Daniel. Daniel blinked looking at the girls for some help but they were to busy staring at Tyler. He coughed trying to get them back to a normal state.

“Yeah you should totally change it, Daniel,” Aspen said. “Who even does Muggle studies these days?” she asked. Daniel glared at her, if she kept this up by the end of the year she would be at the bottom of the lake. Beside her, Giselle and Priya nodded.

“Hmm,” Tyler said looking at the trio with an eyebrow raised. “Ladies I believe potions is about to start,” he said to them. They nodded giggling as they scampered away, Daniel raised an eyebrow, Tyler was dismissing them and they were completely fine with it, even thankful.

“So the powderpuff girls?” Tyler said looking at them as they hurried down to the Dungeon.

“The what?” Daniel asked. “Is that what they call themselves?” he said scrunching his nose up, he could believe it. It was probably Aspen’s idea. “What does that mean?”

“It’s a muggle cartoon,” Tyler said. “I call them that and if I said they should call themselves that they would without questioning it,” he grinned. “So classes – don’t worry I’ll do it for you,” he said rolling his eyes.

“Uh you can’t,” Daniel said. “I have to take Muggle Studies, my manager said I need to be more aware of the muggle world since I work in it,” he shrugged. Tyler Lee didn’t need to know about the Bazar incident. No one did.

“Nope,” He said popping his p. “I’ll teach about the muggle world, don’t worry,” he said waving a hand dismissively.

“And why would I listen to you?” Daniel asked.

“Because –“ Tyler shrugged. “Plus it’s what friends do right? Help each other,” he said.

“We are friends?” Daniel asked. “Because you seemed kinda freaked out before,” he added.

“I don’t spend this much time with people I am not friends with and I am going to ignore how ungrateful you seem right now because I guess I didn’t handle your news that best,” he said. “You should have told me earlier instead of just springing it on me,” he said.

“I’ve known you for about what? 8 hours, when exactly would I have had time to have a heart to heart, or should I have just slipped into a conversation?” he asked.

“8 hours is a long time,” Tyler said. “And it doesn’t matter right, we are friends, you aren’t attracted to me, right? Like it’s not going to get weird?”

“Right, I am not attracted to you,” Daniel said simply, it wasn’t entirely the truth, Tyler was a good looking guy but it did seem the quickest way to end this conversation.

“Good, wait, why aren’t you attracted to me?” he asked suddenly baffled by the prospect. “I mean I saved your life last night – shirtless might I add,” he said.

“Do you want me to find you attractive?” Daniel asked.

“No, I mean – you should be though, I am hot,” he huffed.

“You’re cute and i am not sure I am into guys who try to pimp me out to their little sisters so,” Daniel shrugged.

“I did not try and pimp you out to my sister,” Tyler exclaimed. “And stop lying, I am the most attractive guy in the school but i appreciate your commitment to pretending you are not attracted to me for the sake of our budding friendship,” Tyler nodded.

“Someone is lying to themselves and it isn’t me,” Daniel said with a laugh. “And can I have my schedule back, I have classes to attend as well you know unless you got some more tests for me, which by the way what was the other test and did I pass?” he asked.

“You did but you cheated,” He huffed. “I’ll have to think of another one,” he said. “And no I need to go fix it, go to the Dungeon’s I’ll see you in potions,” he said.

“I saved you from that Sungjae though so that has to count as well,” Daniel pointed out. “Why was he trying to hit you with a jinx anyway?” he asked. “And I don’t need to change classes,” he said. “So how about give me my schedule and you go to potions,”

“I’ll let you keep Divination if you let me change Muggle Studies?” Tyler offered. “And because he is jealous of me and in love with my girlfriend,”.

“Fine and really? Priya said that Sungjae plays for my team,” Daniel said.

“You don’t play quddi- Oh you mean – no, or maybe, do you think he does?” Tyler asked.

“Well he was starring at me during breakfast, I should have eaten a banana to see if he liked the visual,” Daniel said.

“Hmm,” he said tilting his head. “If that’s true – I mean he is aiming higher than he should but –“ he said, gears turning in his head. “We’ll talk about it after class, once you sign the roommate agreement, it’s just standard rules and an NDA nothing to worry about,” he said to Daniel. “You should go to potions, if you see any guy try and sit next to Minah stun them,” he instructed before walking through the crowd that seemed to part as soon as he appeared.

Daniel hummed pulling out his phone, messaging Josh to let him know he was wrong. Daniel had made a new friend now, atleast he thought he had.