#BAD Gus stop yearning

[detentiontrack]

Rewatching lumity is making me want a girlfriend…..

[avatarmerida]

Oh my titan, based off your last post of that cute art by @snoozu with what you said, I hope you write that, Hunter carrying Willow longer than he did in the episode and she is just chilling in his arms, unsure what to do. I'll definitely say, as annoying as Kikimora is, we can thank her for like 3 Huntlow moments, depends on how you count it. It is such a cute and silly concept, and I'm a sucker for a princess carry so this brings me so much joy.

This is less a fic and more like an internal monologue vibe but I just love these blorbos and this moment is on my mind. Based on this amazing art by @snoozu

———

It was not a very far way to fall.

Getting knocked off her staff was not a new experience, she had a flower on the way to ease her fall but before she had a chance to summon it, she stopped mid air.

She stopped and was met by something holding her close and then in a flash of gold she was safe on solid ground and mere inches from her face was Hunter. She felt like she had had the wind knocked out of her, but she knew that wasn’t the case. It was because suddenly she was staring into his wide, worried eyes. They went from pure determination to concern in an instant, and they were locked on her. He looked at her to confirm she was unharmed and Willow never wanted him to look away.

When Gus and Hunter had told her to let it all out and she allowed herself to cry months worth of tears, it has lifted a weight off her shoulders.

And one off her heart too, apparently.

Because now Hunter had that soapy dopey rose colored filter around him and despite the intensity of the moment, things moved in slow motion as she allowed her heart to race the way it hadn’t been able to in months.

Hunter was too distracted by his anger at Kikimora’s presence and the way she had endangered Willow to let their closeness fluster him as it usually would. He was aware of her, he always was, but carrying her felt as second nature to him as being carried felt to her. With Willow rendered speechless and unable to suggest otherwise, Hunter continued to carry her as he went back to the group.

When she remembered to breathe, she tried to steady herself as her thoughts swirled and bounced in her mind and made her feel utterly unsteady. He was so stoic, so kind, so handsome, so so many wonderful wonderful things and he was so so close to her.

Willow had always been someone who felt things so deep and loud, that even her muted colors were vibrant. She put on her best show, being just enough. She had been just silly enough, just aloof enough, just distracted enough where not even Gus suspected she was holding back. She had plenty of things to focus her energy on, the portal being just one of them, so some days even she couldn't tell.

But she could not grow her plants to their true normal height, lest she draw suspicion.

She could let herself think about her dads too long because she could not let the others see her cry and think that their optimism was in vain.

She could not hesitate when the wind outside roared louder and shook the house, she would be the first one to offer to investigate and insist it was no big deal.

She had to reassure them. She had to protect them.

But she still felt the yearning, the sadness, the fear; she felt it in the same grand multitudes she felt everything. But she had nowhere for it to go and so it sank down beneath the surface so she could carry more. But she suppressed the good along with the bad.

She knew she liked Hunter more than a friend. From the moment they met she had felt that bubbly giddy feeling start to form in the pit of her stomach and it slowly but surely aimed to recruit her heart. Right before circumstances became what they did, she had been building up to be bolder about it. They had gotten into the habit of messaging every night and his lack of flirting experience had blended nicely with hers (who could only claim to be more experienced second hand). She would say something cute, purposely throwing a phrase she was certain Hunter wouldn’t understand and he would send a very characteristic “?” and Willow would put forth exactly what she meant and she kicked her feet in delight as Hunter composed his response.

Willow would watch him start and stop and start typing again as he tried to match her energy, but he couldn’t decide what was appropriate and would often settle for single word or picture of Flapjack.

She looked forward to when they would talk without scrolls and she would get to hear him stutter. She could tell he was not usually at a loss for words and she relished that power.

He would compliment her so effortlessly and genuinely that Willow could tell he wasn’t actively trying to do it. He believed them true and therefore he said them, no pretense. He wouldn’t put in the clever buildup Willow did, he kept it simple (mostly due to his difficulty typing) and Willow believed she would surely pass away if he tried the way she did. If he was aware of the effect his simple words had on her, she wondered if he would care to elaborate.

He was rarely at a loss for words, once his interest was peaked he could talk for hours. Willow wondered if the way he flake ens out her could be compared to how he talked about his passions or if she was just hopeful. Hunter very rarely lacked an opinion.

But now she was the speechless one.

And her mind filled to the brim with all the soft, sweet, things she had been filtering. For every thing she said to him, there were three she kept to herself . It wasn’t that she was ashamed of them or didn’t want him to know, but she knew if she started she would never stop. The same way if she let herself cry. She needed to stay in control. She needed to stay subtle, just in case her feelings were too big. She didn’t want to overwhelm him.

She was certain he liked her too, which was not something she had felt certain about before. But being certain about herself had made her more certain about others. But as certain as she was, she had never been in this position before having romantic feelings being reciprocated. She was still adjusting to the idea that her friendships could be stable and she had to convince herself not to move too fast. Because this Willow could trust quickly again, her trust could be of value and still be given freely and if it broke it wasn’t because it was fragile. She trusted Hunter, despite what Amity and Luz told her about him in the beginning and despite the circumstances of their first meeting she knew how being labeled a half-a-witch clouded your mind. She knew there was more to him than even he realized and she knew she wanted to spend more time with him and she had no issue making that clear.

But then things got too chaotic to just pick things up where they had left off.

Under normal circumstances, Willow would have loved nothing more than to leave him all kinds of hints and wait for him to be comfortable with anything changing between them. But with all of them in the house, Willow worried that if something went wrong and he didn’t feel that way or had stopped feeling that way, that he wouldn’t have the privacy to process how he felt because she would always be there.

And now she wanted to always be here. So close.

Hunter ran a safe distance from Kilimora’s line of fire and Willow felt him tighten his hold on her.

He carried her like he had been doing it his whole life like she was precious, dangerous cargo. Like she was nothing and everything. He did not insist on releasing her so she did not bring it up and was content being secure in his arms, succumbing to the opportunity to admire the familiar look of determination on his face up close.

Months and months of longing stares that ended too soon came out with a vengeance, taking in the sight of him with no remorse. She felt so comfortable, she nearly forgot how she had gotten here in the first place.

The sound of Kikimora was faint, muffled like Willow was under water floating in a tranquil see as the world above did whatever it wanted. She watched Hunter react to what was being said, which wa s better than listening. Her heart leapt at the way his ears twinged as they listened, the way he frowned and squinted his eyes as he preocessee the words. He was so attentive and for some reason she found that impossibly endearing.

“Ugh, Kikimora is the worst,” he mumbled under his harsh breath. Oh, and the way he spoke! Ugh, he voice was a unique combination of sincere and sad, the way it was hoarse but bright. It was a marvelous contradiction, the way it would sometimes creak like an old house settling but could make any phrase sound new.

“Mhm hm.” Willow squeaked, having nearly forgotten he could see her.

“Ugh, I can’t believe Boscha is gonna get away with what she did,” Hunter muttered under his breathe as he ran back. Willow couldn’t tell if he was saying that to her or if he’d say it regardless. She pressed her hand to his chest and he looked down in surprise, confirming Willow’s suspicion that he had forgotten she was there and how close she was.

“Not for long,” she assured with a raise of her eyebrow and Hunter nodded, understanding what she meant as he ran back slightly so she could deliver her message. “Hey Boshca! Don’t think this means I’m finished with you.”

As Boscha scoffed, unimpressed, Hunter laughed in approal. Pulling her closer as he ran to catch-up, teleporting to allow them to make it to the circle as the group was finishing the glyph.

“Nicely done, Captain,” he said proudly, looking back to where the students were demolishing Kikimora.

“Thanks,” Willow laughed so response, taking in the scene as well. “What do you-.” As she turned back to face him, she found their faces were closer than before. She knew her face must resemble a rose in full blown and Hunter was not far behind.

“Ah, uh,” was all Hunter managed to say as Willow caught his eyes again. He gulped. Willow held her breath in case he whispered something. “Oh sorry,” he stuttered, crouching down to place her feet on the ground. Everything around them was fast and chaotic and when Willow’s feet hit the ground she resumed her part in it instantly as she helped finish marking the ground.

He released her as gently as he had captured her, placing her feet on the ground once as his face turned red, embarrassed he had prolonged his hold on her beyond what was technically necessary. Willow watched him work from the corner of her eye, knowing this was the worst time to get flustered but felt it fueled her.

As the ground shook and shone beneath them, Hunter rushed back to her side (had he actually left it?) and she felt him place his arm behind her back to steady her.

It was a blip like Hunter’s teleporting, but more intense and colorful and it was more disorienting. But in the collection of bright colors and flickering lights she saw him again, worried for her shielding her without a second thought. They were in an uncertain space, traveling hopefully to the skull hopefully in one piece and Willow was ready.

She was ready to be as loud as she was, as emotional as she was, and as vulnerable as she was. Her head felt clearer than it had in months, like a window finally allowing in a cool summer breeze. She felt light and refreshed and determined and ready.

When she opened her eyes and saw they had arrived safe and sound, she grabbed Amity’s hand and the two jumped with joy. She felt Hutner’s hand hovering over her back, always ensuring she was sure and steady. It felt so reassuring and natural, he did not make a show of it.

Even in his sadness, in his anger and confusion he was kind. He was so kind and sweet and silly and smart and so many wonderful, wonderful things. He did not insert himself into a moment,he would not intrude unless lives were at stake, he would never want to inconvenience anyone. She knew what it was like to try and make yourself small, but he consumed her thoughts with such intensity that that seemed impossible for him now.

She felt so may things. She was hopeful and happy and whole. She was mourning, she was tired, she was scared. These feelings were no longer tangled within each other trying to shrink but now flowed through her like an intricate network of vines supporting a mighty tree.

And among many other things, its importance equal in strength and conviction, she was smitten. It was a silly, stupid, smitten feeling that frivolous and frustrating but it did not have to fight to be felt any longer. Because now there was room for it to grow.

She has been on the edge of acceptance for too long, holding herself back from jumping head first until the waters were safer. But now she has no reason to hold back, no fear of the unknown to talk her out of really falling.

It was not a very far way to fall.

[jcssepinkman]

SEASON THREE.

Jesse emerges from rehab changed by Jane Margolis's death. "I'm the bad guy," he tells Walt, who has quite a different self-image: "I am not a criminal," Walt tells Gustavo Fring, declining the businessman's offer of $3 million to cook meth for three months.

Using help from Saul Goodman, Jesse manages to buy his house back from his parents, who paid several hundred thousand dollars to reform the house. Upon learning that Jesse is cooking on his own, Gus purchases meth from Jesse and gives half the money to Walt to compel him back into the business. When Walt resurfaces to return the money, Gus unveils a state-of-the-art superlab he's constructed beneath an industrial laundromat.

Walt's brother-in-law, Hank manages to track down the RV and calls Walt to ask if Jesse had an RV. Walt arranges to have the vehicle demolished at a junkyard. Badger tips off Jesse, who races to stop Walt, and, unbeknownst to him, Hank follows. While Walt and Jesse huddle inside the RV, Saul's secretary, impersonating a police officer, tells Hank that Marie (Hank's wife) has been in an accident. Hank leaves the junkyard, and by time he realizes he's been fooled, the RV is destroyed. 

Hank, infuriated by the fact that Jesse supposedly knows who his wife is, brutally attacks Jesse in retaliation and gets suspended from the DEA. In the hospital, Jesse plots legal action against Hank. To placate Jesse, Walt convinces Gus to fire Gale (an assistant Walt was temporarily cooking with) and hire Jesse instead.

Walt requests a meeting with Gus and leaves with a $15 million meth production deal and a guarantee of his family's safety.

Walt's negotiations coincide with Jesse's increasing dissatisfaction with Gus's operation. Yearning to return to his "outlaw" days, Jesse skims excess meth at the superlab. Badger and Skinny Pete attend Jesse's NA sessions, where they hype the "blue stuff" as a sales tactic. Jesse hypes Blue Sky to a recovering addict named Andrea (who he later becomes romantically involved with) and discovers that two rival dealers directed her pre-teen brother to kill Jesse's friend, Combo.

Jesse wants to poison the dealers to avenge Combo, but him and Walt discover that the dealers actually work for Gus. Jesse wants to kill them anyway, despite Walt's warnings.

Mike (who is Gus' head of security and a hitman) visits Walt and explains how Jesse is compromising the operation and warns Walt that if anything goes south, he is not going to hesitate in "taking a full measure." Walt, fearing for Jesse's life, tips off Gus who forces Jesse to make peace on the condition the dealers no longer use children in their operation.

Later that evening, police discover the murdered body of Andrea's brother. Jesse drives to the rival dealers' corner. Just as Jesse and the dealers draw their guns, Walt runs over the dealers with his car. One dies on impact and Walt shoots the other dead. Walt tells Jesse to run.

Walt's intervention infuriates Gus, who reinstates Gale as Walt's assistant while he hunts down Jesse. Walt meets secretly with Jesse to explain his suspicion that Gus plans to kill them once Gale learns to cook Blue Sky. Walt reasons that he has leverage only if he alone can produce their special formula. They must kill Gale. "I can't do it, Mr. White," says Jesse, not wishing to kill an innocent person.

Walt agrees to kill Gale himself, but before he can act, Mike escorts him to the superlab for an execution. Appearing desperate, Walt offers to give Jesse up, but says he travels around, so he'll need to call him. "They've got me at the laundry, and they're going to kill me," Walt tells Jesse over the phone. "Do it now!" Mike draws his guns. "You might want to hold off," Walt says defiantly. "Your boss is going to need me."

Jesse arrives at Gale's apartment and draws his gun. "You don't have to do this," Gale pleads. Jesse, his eyes tearing, pulls the trigger.

[chrancecriber]

Chilltrax (June 08, 2023)

23:59 Flexible Fire - Amatista 23:59 C H I L L T R A X - Toh Freesound 23:56 Tep No Feat. Starzun - Hold Me 23:52 Gus, Nuage - The Place We Know (Original Mix) 23:47 Emi Ca - Just Breathe 23:42 Double Touch Feat. Reigan - All I Want 23:41 C H I L L T R A X - Jimpster 1 23:36 Alison Goldfrapp - The Beat Divine 23:33 Pines Feat. Fractures - Rewrite The Ending 23:28 Joy Orbison Feat. Lea Sen - Better 23:25 Dex 1200 - Ongea Nami 23:21 Chicane Feat. Moya Brennan - Saltwater (Chicane Slow Tide Remix) 23:21 C H I L L T R A X - Toh Cymbal Roll Bass 23:15 Arley & Sirolf - One Day 23:11 Sons Of Maria - Always 23:07 Bonsaye - Kismet 23:03 Eli & Fur - Better In The Dark 22:59 Everything But The Girl - Run A Red Light 22:59 C H I L L T R A X - Be Svendsen World Comes 22:56 Holen - Healing 22:52 Blonde Maze - Something Familiar 22:49 Lp Giobbi Feat. Caroline Byrne - Another Life 22:46 Heard Right & Fløa - Enough 22:42 Kelela - Contact 22:42 C H I L L T R A X - Toh Moon Boots 22:36 Syml & Zero 7 - Symmetry (Zero 7 Remix) 22:33 Dreem - Miles Away 22:29 Andrew Nagy & Joel Winterflood - Little To None 22:24 Booka Shade & Satin Jackets - Fusion Royale 22:20 Gramatik - Muy Tranquilo 22:20 C H I L L T R A X - Retsyn 22:16 Monolink - Turning Away (Parra For Cuva Remix) 22:11 Alampa - Lush Dance 22:06 Il:lo - Cynnes 22:03 Lapsley - 32 Floors 21:59 Fabio Vee & Mike D' Jais - Consolation 21:59 C H I L L T R A X - Street Life Worlds Cc 21:55 West & Zander - Silfra 21:51 Elderbrook & Tourist - Howl (Chill Mix) 21:48 Charles Webster Feat. Shara Nelson - This Is Real 21:43 False Intentions - Good Liar 21:39 Two Lanes - Never Enough 21:34 Nicholas Gunn Feat. Chris Howard - Thought Of You 21:34 C H I L L T R A X - E-chilled-music 21:29 Forty Cats & Arentis - Zen 21:25 Reel People & Paula - Vibe (Moods Remix) 21:21 Sofi Tukker - Swing (Mahmut Orhan Remix) 21:17 Passenger 10 - Voices In Her Head 21:14 Finding Mero - In Loving Memories 21:11 Rhye - Summer Days (Roosevelt Remix) 21:10 C H I L L T R A X - R.i.p. John Hurt 21:07 Kidnap & Pinkpirate - Things Change 21:03 Sebastian Davidson Feat. Lewyn - Second Hand Love 20:58 Ghenwa Nemnom - Story Of A Battle (Chris Zippel Remix) 20:54 London Grammar - Baby It's You 20:54 C H I L L T R A X - Slurry Toh 20:51 Afterlife - All I Wanted 20:47 Sons Of Maria - It Takes So Long 20:42 Royksopp Feat. Astrid S - Let's Get It Right 20:38 Wassu & Mimi Page - Within Me 20:34 Edapollo - By The River (Faodail Remix) 20:34 C H I L L T R A X - Trans Europe Vocoder 20:30 Eli & Fur - Where I Find My Mind 20:26 The Knocks Feat. Foster The People - All About You (Equal Remix) 20:23 Aftruu - Falling Asleep 20:19 Attom & Kwesi - Rogue 20:18 Morcheeba - Gimme Your Love 20:14 C H I L L T R A X - Ct The Backward Chillout Channel 20:11 Flexible Fire - Marea Turquesa 20:07 George Fitzgerald & Syml - Mother 20:03 Feiertag Feat. Tessa Rose Jackson, Oli Hannaford - Yearn 19:59 Cahelo - Bananaquit (Mass Digital Extended Remix) 19:59 C H I L L T R A X - Valante Io Toh 19:55 Alampa - The One 19:49 Trilucid - Cheyenne (Extended Sunset Mix) 19:46 Rocket Empire - Lima 19:41 Rodriguez Jr. Feat. Liset Alea - What Is Real (Deep In The Playa Mix) 19:41 C H I L L T R A X - Cleanliness Don't You Agree 19:37 Floa & Phonic Youth - Falling Away 19:33 Lipless & Blue Noir - Alone 19:29 Chris Malinchak - When The World Stops Turning (Quiet Mix) 19:25 Arto - Now You're Gone 19:20 Massive Attack - Unfinished Sympathy (Oakenfold Remix) 19:20 C H I L L T R A X - Toh Dzihan 19:17 Fløa (Floa) - Pictures Of You 19:12 Attlas Feat. Mango - Over The Water 19:08 Duckmaw - Habits 19:05 Everything But The Girl - Forever 19:01 Evelynka - Letting Go 19:00 C H I L L T R A X - Escape The Noise 18:57 Lar - Collide (Jody Wisternoff & James Grant Remix) 18:54 Cannons - Bad Dream 18:51 Attlas & Jodie Knight - Used To The Silence 18:47 Leaving Laurel - The Family We Find 18:43 Eloi El - Stick Together (Blonde Maze Remix) 18:43 C H I L L T R A X - Glitchy Toh 18:38 Rasmus Faber Feat. Metaxas - Be Real (Satin Jackets Remix) 18:35 Chill Cole - Liquid Life 18:30 Darius Feat. Benny Sings - Rise (Darius Remix) 18:27 Jones Meadow & Clara Mendes - Em Baixo 18:21 Be Svendsen - Andromeda 18:21 C H I L L T R A X - Magnifyingglasssogood4u 18:17 Feiertag - Didn't Know Why (You Lost Your Soul) 18:13 Two Lanes Feat. Kwesi - Another Time 18:10 Holen - Healing 18:07 Forester - Saint (Shallou Remix) 18:03 Elderbrook - The End 18:03 C H I L L T R A X - Comes To Chill Out 17:59 Giants' Nest - Flower Burst 17:55 Lamorn - Olsen After Midnight 17:51 53 Thieves - Heights 17:46 Palladian - Zagara 17:42 Blonde Maze - A Break In Continuity (Forty Cats Remix) 17:37 Sound Quelle & Tailor - Where We Should Be 17:37 C H I L L T R A X - Worldschilloutchannnel Orbit 17:33 Alampa - Playoff 17:30 Vintage & Morelli - Once Upon A World 17:26 Royksopp Feat. Astrid S - Just Wanted To Know 17:23 Ben Bohmer Feat. Jonah - Home 17:19 Holen - Breathe 17:13 Roisin Murphy - Incapable 17:13 C H I L L T R A X - Tcc Warm And Tender Ocean 17:09 Kx5 & Sofi Tukker - Sacrifice (St Mix) 17:06 Tep No - Deep Sin 17:03 Dex 1200 - Ongea Nami 16:59 Billie Eilish - Everything I Wanted (Aquadrop Remix) 16:59 C H I L L T R A X - Toh Freesound 16:55 Gus, Nuage - The Place We Know (Original Mi 16:51 Sebastian Davidson - Nomads 16:47 Running Touch - Why Do I 16:43 Reel People & Muhsinah - Something New (Kraak & Smaak Remix) 16:39 Feathervane & Oreonic - Overcast 16:39 C H I L L T R A X - Cool Refreshed Smooth As Can Be 16:34 Steven Weston Feat. Tae - Same Dream 16:28 Satin Jackets - Little Airplanes 16:24 Duckmaw - Distant Worlds 16:19 Royksopp & Susanne Sundfor - Oh, Lover (Nto Remix) 16:15 Zero 7 Feat. Danny Pratt - 400 Blows 16:15 C H I L L T R A X - Chill Out Chilltrax 16:11 Woven - Brushes 16:06 Alison Goldfrapp - The Beat Divine 16:03 Westseven Feat. Angus Powell - Go Right Through (Sound Quelle Remix) 15:58 Two Lanes - Movement 15:58 C H I L L T R A X - Toh Cymbal Roll Bass 15:54 Andre Aguado - Through The Night 15:51 Lp Giobbi Feat. Caroline Byrne - Another Life 15:47 Il:lo - Ink 15:44 Emmit Fenn - The Chase 15:44 C H I L L T R A X - Worlds Chillout Channel (Chillout Channel) 15:40 Jan Blomqvist & Malou - Alone 15:36 Olan - Wake And Return (Little Dragon Remix) 15:31 Ross Couch - On Fire (Downtempo Mix) 15:27 False Intentions - Good Liar 15:27 C H I L L T R A X - Toh Moon Boots 15:23 Xixi Feat. Kwesi - Close To U 15:20 Mansionair & Kim Tee - Next High 15:15 Jean Caillou - Signs 15:10 Eli & Fur - Better In The Dark 15:05 Northern Form - Mend 15:05 C H I L L T R A X - Organ The Chillout Channel 15:01 Dreem - Miles Away 14:56 Baile & Haulm - Knows No End 14:53 Elderbrook & Tourist - Howl (Chill Mix) 14:48 Sons Of Maria - Outbound 14:43 Mass Digital - Thoughts Of U 14:43 C H I L L T R A X - Slurry Toh 14:39 A.m.r & Lumynesynth - Unfinished 14:33 Leaving Laurel - There Is Beauty When You Allow Yourself To See 14:30 Lost In Pacific & Hanging Valleys - Escape 14:26 Satin Jackets Feat. Tailor - Somewhere In Paradise 14:22 Tycho - Weather (Nitemoves Remix) 14:22 C H I L L T R A X - Something I Should Tell You 14:17 Nicholas Gunn & Alina Renae - Angel Eyes 14:13 Washed Out - Too Late 14:09 Rocket Empire - Astoria 14:05 53 Thieves - Lyd 14:01 Phello - Timelapse 14:01 C H I L L T R A X - Escape 2 Music 13:58 Ran The Man - Yucatan 13:55 Afterlife - All I Wanted 13:51 Aparde - Know You 13:46 Alex Lo Faro - Move With Me 13:43 Leisure - Take You Higher (Serebii & Arjuna Oakes Remix) 13:38 Odesza Feat. Olafur Arnalds - Light Of Day (Parra For Cuva Remix) 13:38 C H I L L T R A X - Backward Rvb Where World Comes 13:35 Elypsis - Open Your Eyes 13:32 Reel People & Paula - Vibe (Moods Remix) 13:28 Edapollo Feat. Akacia - Run 13:24 Giants' Nest - Crema 13:21 Chill Cole - Liquid Life 13:17 Morcheeba - Even Though 13:17 C H I L L T R A X - Fresh And Fascinating 13:13 Morgin Madison & Ryan Lucian - From The Start (Mm Chill Remix) 13:09 Mango & Cloudcage - More Than This 13:05 Tomb - Unbound 13:02 Diplo Feat. Rhye - Mmxx - Xii 13:02 C H I L L T R A X - Valante Io Toh 12:56 Trilucid - Cheyenne (Extended Sunset Mix) 12:53 Flexible Fire - Amatista 12:49 Che Jose Feat. Jodie Knight - Freedom (Mass Digital Remix Edit) 12:45 Cinnamon Chasers - Surviving The Fire 12:40 Jones Meadow - Entrance 12:40 C H I L L T R A X - R.i.p. John Hurt 12:35 Max Cooper - A Model Of Reality (Tor Remix) 12:31 Teemid - L.a. 12:26 Billion Watchers - Rainman 12:22 Sound Quelle Feat. Daniel Robinson - Tempest 12:18 Tosca - Swimswimswim 12:17 C H I L L T R A X - Twcc High Standard Of Quality 12:14 Lar - Collide (Jody Wisternoff & James Grant Remix) 12:11 Fløa (Floa) - Pictures Of You 12:08 Cannons - Footsteps In The Dark 12:04 Melosense - Nous 12:04 C H I L L T R A X - Toh Dzihan 12:00 Lapsley - Levitate 11:57 Attlas & Jodie Knight - Used To The Silence 11:54 Holen - Healing 11:51 53 Thieves - Two Days 11:50 C H I L L T R A X - Jimpster 1 11:47 Floa & Phonic Youth - Falling Away 11:43 Nils Hoffmann Feat. Malou - About You 11:40 Satin Jackets Feat. Tailor - Spell 11:35 Blank & Jones - Floatation 11:30 C H I L L T R A X - Glitchy Toh 11:26 Elderbrook - Wasted On You 11:22 Edapollo - Standing There 11:18 Giants' Nest - Purple Beach 11:14 Feiertag - Didn't Know Why (You Lost Your Soul) 11:09 Ry X & Olafur Arnalds - Colorblind (Whomadewho Remix) 11:09 C H I L L T R A X - Chilltrax - Chill Out Piano 11:04 Cahelo - Bananaquit (Mass Digital Extended Remix) 11:01 Avira & Nicholas Gunn - Sensing You 10:56 Lamorn - Olsen After Midnight 10:52 Sultan Shepard - Sirens 10:48 Boerd Feat. Stella Explorer - Another Life 10:48 C H I L L T R A X - Toh Freesound 10:44 Kidnap - Start Again (Kidnap Piano Mix) 10:40 Sons Of Maria - It Takes So Long 10:36 Kelela - Enough For Love 10:31 Heard Right & Oracle - There For You 10:27 Il:lo - List 10:27 C H I L L T R A X - Parents Magazine Seal 10:22 Eli & Fur - Where I Find My Mind 10:18 Christian Loffler Feat. Menke - Lys 10:13 Two Lanes - Movement 10:09 Farius - A Big Life (Sound Quelle Remix) 10:06 Jones Meadow - Expect 10:06 C H I L L T R A X - The Chillout Channel Redux 10:01 Flexible Fire - La Cumbre 09:57 Gus, Nuage - The Place We Know (Original Mi 09:53 Genix & Zashanell - All I Want (Chill Out Mix) 09:49 Dex 1200 - Ongea Nami 09:45 Cannons - Tunnel Of You 09:41 R Plus & Faithless Feat. Amelia Fox - It's Enough (The Last High) 09:41 C H I L L T R A X - Escape The Noise 09:36 Booka Shade & Satin Jackets - Fusion Royale 09:31 Leisure - Slipping Away (Flight Facilities Remix) 09:28 Morcheeba - The Moon (Kutiman Remix - Version B) 09:25 Sebastian Davidson - Nomads 09:20 Massive Attack - Paradise Circus 09:20 C H I L L T R A X - Magnifyingglasssogood4u 09:16 Kx5 & Sofi Tukker - Sacrifice (St Mix) 09:11 Deep Sound Effect Feat. Svetlana Voice - Dreaming About You (Dj Aristocrat Remix) 09:06 Emi Ca - Just Breathe 09:01 Tsha - I Know 09:01 C H I L L T R A X - Toh Cymbal Roll Bass 08:58 Lp Giobbi Feat. Caroline Byrne - Another Life 08:55 Finding Mero - In Loving Memories 08:51 Embliss & Lumynesynth - Phases Of The Moon 08:47 Khotin & Tess Roby - Fountain, Growth 08:43 Logic1000 - 21 08:43 C H I L L T R A X - Trans Europe Vocoder 08:39 Kidnap & Pinkpirate - Things Change 08:35 Little Dragon - Water 08:31 False Intentions - Good Liar 08:28 Blonde Maze - Daydream (Otherwise Fine Remix) 08:23 Thievery Corporation - From Creation 08:23 C H I L L T R A X - World Comes To Chilltrax.com 08:20 Giants' Nest - Heart Void 08:16 George Fitzgerald & Syml - Mother 08:13 Boerd Feat. Stella Explorer - Before We Drown 08:09 Chill Cole - Liquid Life 08:09 C H I L L T R A X - Toh Moon Boots 08:06 Elderbrook & Tourist - Howl (Chill Mix) 08:03 Emmit Fenn - --amman 07:57 Royksopp - The Ladder 07:54 Jones Meadow & Clara Mendes - Em Baixo 07:54 C H I L L T R A X - Retsyn 07:50 Zhu & Yuna - Sky Is Crying 07:45 Jean Vayat & Evelynka - My Soul 07:42 Henry Green - Realign 07:38 Arto - Now You're Gone 07:33 Washed Out - Eyes Be Closed 07:33 C H I L L T R A X - Slurry Toh 07:29 Monolink - Turning Away (Parra For Cuva Remix) 07:26 53 Thieves - Waves 07:21 Dim Kelly - Nocturna Animal 07:16 Eli & Fur - Better In The Dark 07:12 Everything But The Girl - Caution To The Wind 07:12 C H I L L T R A X - Worlds Chillout Channel (Chillout Channel) 07:07 Alex Lo Faro - Move With Me 07:03 Kaskade - Where Did You Go 07:00 Afterlife - All I Wanted 06:55 Ghenwa Nemnom - Story Of A Battle (Chris Zippel Remix) 06:51 Flume Feat. Emma Louise - Hollow (Logic1000 Remix) 06:51 C H I L L T R A X - Valante Io Toh 06:47 Vok - Skin 06:44 Flexible Fire - Amatista 06:40 Satin Jackets & Panama - The Future 06:37 Holen - Healing 06:37 C H I L L T R A X - Take Me Away! 06:32 Steven Weston Feat. Tae - Same Dream 06:26 Rüfüs Du Sol - See You Again 06:22 Palladian - Zagara 06:17 Sons Of Maria - Are You 06:11 Dj San & Sebastian Moore - In Your Eyes 06:11 C H I L L T R A X - E-chilled-music 06:07 Valante - Vana 06:02 Trilucid - Cheyenne (Extended Sunset Mix) 05:59 Chris Malinchak - Happiness (Eternal Moment Mix) 05:53 Il:lo - Cynnes 05:50 Vandelux - Tulum 05:46 Fabio Vee & Mike D' Jais - Consolation 05:46 C H I L L T R A X - The Chillout Channel, Chilltrax 05:41 Above And Beyond - Sun In Your Eyes (William Orbit Remix) 05:37 Reel People & Paula - Vibe (Moods Remix) 05:32 Eelke Kleijn Feat. Diana Miro - You 05:29 Emmit Fenn - What Falling In Love Is For 05:24 Two Lanes - Movement 05:20 Shallou Feat.wales - Begin 05:20 C H I L L T R A X - Tcc Warm And Tender Ocean 05:16 Xixi Feat. Kwesi - Close To U 05:11 Mango - Skyline 05:08 Sum Wave - Milkyway 05:05 Indigo Eyes Feat. Kehina - All Over Again (Remix) 05:05 C H I L L T R A X - Toh Dzihan 05:02 Attlas & Jodie Knight - Used To The Silence 04:58 Lar - Collide (Jody Wisternoff & James Grant Remix) 04:55 Kx5 Feat. Hayla - Escape (Chill Mix) 04:51 Elderbrook - The End 04:46 Eric Hilton - Artifact22 04:46 C H I L L T R A X - Cleanliness Don't You Agree 04:42 Feiertag - Didn't Know Why (You Lost Your Soul) 04:39 Drama - 3am 04:35 Farius - Coming Up (Hold On) (Dokho Remix) 04:30 Shingo Nakamura - Come Closer 04:24 Marsh Feat. Katherine Amy - Find Me 04:24 C H I L L T R A X - Escape 2 Music 04:21 Heard Right & Fløa - Enough 04:17 Jan Blomqvist & Malou - Alone 04:13 Solomon Grey - Home 04:10 Melosense - Nous 04:10 C H I L L T R A X - Glitchy Toh 04:05 Sons Of Maria - Don't Tell Me I Can't Have It 04:00 Lamorn - Olsen After Midnight 03:56 Jones Meadow - Fences 03:52 Kc Lights Feat. Leo Stannard - Cold Light (6am Remix) 03:52 C H I L L T R A X - R.i.p. John Hurt 03:47 Alison Goldfrapp - The Beat Divine 03:42 Chris Malinchak, Kiesza, Malin - Tree 03:38 Camelphat - Waiting (Eli & Fur's Found Version) 03:34 Rocket Empire - Astoria 03:34 C H I L L T R A X - Toh Freesound 03:29 Nicholas Gunn & Alina Renae - Angel Eyes 03:26 Beacon - Pay My Debts 03:21 Zaven - Passive Activity (Evren Furtuna Remix) 03:15 Arley & Sirolf - One Day 03:11 Satin Jackets Feat. Mandy Jones - In This Life 03:11 C H I L L T R A X - Be Svendsen World Comes 03:08 Dreem - Miles Away 03:03 Double Touch Feat. Reigan - Greatest Day 02:59 Gus, Nuage - The Place We Know (Original Mi 02:54 Eli & Fur - Carbon 02:50 Duckmaw - Distant Worlds 02:50 C H I L L T R A X - Worldschilloutchannnel Orbit 02:47 Liz Cass - Blue 02:42 Reel People & Muhsinah - Something New (Kraak & Smaak Remix) 02:38 Maxxim - Waterfalls 02:34 Two Lanes - Searching (Ct Fixup Mix) 02:34 C H I L L T R A X - Worlds Chillout Channel (Chillout Channel) 02:30 Otr Feat. Shallou - Heart 02:27 Odesza Feat. Maro - Better Now 02:23 False Intentions - Good Liar 02:17 Groove Armada - History (M3 And Bachelors Of Science Remix) 02:17 C H I L L T R A X - Cool Refreshed Smooth As Can Be 02:14 Jako Diaz & Leyet - Only You 02:10 Alex Hook Feat. Rene - You Showed Me 02:06 Woven - Brushes 02:01 Darius Feat. Wayne Snow - Apology 01:58 Lp Giobbi Feat. Caroline Byrne - Another Life 01:58 C H I L L T R A X - Toh Cymbal Roll Bass 01:54 Sons Of Maria - It Takes So Long 01:49 Above & Beyond & Marty Longstaff - Gratitude (Aname Pm Mix) 01:45 Sound Quelle & Tailor - Where We Should Be 01:41 Jones Meadow - Paint 01:38 Cannons - Loving You 01:33 Nox Vahn & Marsh - Come Together 01:28 Fakear - Crystal 01:28 C H I L L T R A X - Magnifyingglasssogood4u 01:24 Armin Van Buuren & Matoma Feat Teddy Swims - Easy To Love 01:20 Parra For Cuva - Paspatou 01:17 Flexible Fire - Marea Turquesa 01:13 Floa & Phonic Youth - Falling Away 01:09 Avira & Nourey Feat. Tom Bailey - Favourite Game 01:06 Finding Mero - In Loving Memories 01:06 C H I L L T R A X - Toh Moon Boots 01:02 Nightcap - The Two Of Us (We Only Need) 00:59 Elderbrook & Tourist - Howl (Chill Mix) 00:56 Rocket Empire - Lima 00:52 Catz 'n Dogz Feat. Jaw - Time 00:52 C H I L L T R A X - Jimpster 1 00:48 Everything But The Girl - Forever 00:44 Jos & Eli & Eli & Fur - Riffs Of The Night 00:39 Sumsuch Feat. Matty Eeles - Find Home (Vincenzo Remix) 00:34 Volen Sentir & Makebo - Into The Stars 00:30 Camelphat X Cristoph Feat. Jem Cooke - Breathe (Camelphat Just Chill Mix) 00:30 C H I L L T R A X - Slurry Toh 00:26 Vandelux - All I've Ever Known 00:21 Chris Malinchak - Saving My Love 00:17 Approaching Black - New Life 00:14 George Fitzgerald & Syml - Mother 00:10 Wassu & Mimi Page - Within Me 00:09 C H I L L T R A X - Ct The Backward Chillout Channel 00:06 Chill Cole - Liquid Life 00:03 Lliam And Latroit Feat. Brea - Someday (Latroit Edition) 00:00 Afterlife - All I Wanted

[beachbabey]

just a small Marc Spector x reader because I have Steven Grant/Marc Spector brainrot and just wanna hold them for eternity

Word count: idk like 400/500 maybe

Genre: hurt/comfort ig?? fluff?? my brain is mush rn

not spellchecked or beta'd lmao

Steven coming home after a bad day at work to find you sitting on the couch, watching a documentary on the tv and just crawling into you lap, his thighs either side of yours and arms wrapping around your sides, head flopping into the junction of your neck and sighing deeply. You brings a hand to the middle of his shoulders, running your nails over the area before pressing lightly to encourage him to lean into your form, threading the other hand through his hair to stroke soft circles into his scalp. Gently asking him how his day was. All you receive in return are half conscious mumbles of ‘Donna’s a right cow, proper mardy bum that one’

Steven turns his head to face Gus’s tank, only to notice Marc, the man staring at the both of you through the reflection with a sad frown, he’d never allow himself to be comforted to this extent, maybe a short hug or a kiss, but nothing more (maybe he doesn’t think he deserves it, maybe he thinks he needs to be the rock for everyone).

Steven has never seen him so vulnerable before, never seen this man yearn, or pine for anything like this and gives up the front for Marc without any hesitation, knowing he needs this more than Steven right now.

You instantly notice, in the tensing up of his shoulders, the way he starts to lift his head up and push away from you, albeit gently and slowly, instinctively rejecting anything you have to offer, silently telling you, insisting, that this is for Steven, not him, this isn’t his affection to take.

You don’t stop, not even for a second, keeping the motions of your hands in his hair going but never tightening your hold, giving him the option to escape if he wishes. You give no indication that you know they’ve switched, as Marc sits up in your lap, keeping his eyes down.

I’m not Steven, you can let go now.

You simply hum and left a soft, barely there smile spread on your lips, looking up to meet his eyes, brushing the curls away from his forehead and cradling his face in your warm palms, bringing his head down to meet your lips. He lets you.

Why would I?

Marc whimpers so quietly you barely hear it and buries his head into you chest once more, wraps his arms around your waist even tighter. He probably hasn’t had this type of affection since he was a kid, before everything that happened with his mother and Randall. Hasn’t had someone cradle him like this, take care of him so softly in years.

He whines and a couple of sniffles can be heard, before you feel warm droplets fall onto your collarbone, all you can do is ground him, hold him tighter and press pecks to any part of him you can.

Don’t let go, please, stay here

Would never dream of it darling

[nobodyinfart]

sometimes the barista is sweeter than the coffee~

hehe, i hope you all will enjoy!! sorry if the characters' scenarios are a little drastic, i have a really soft spot for aether (he's my favourite <3). let me know if there is any feedback since I am still testing out my writing style ( ＾∀＾)

also, to explain, genshin high au is basically all the genshin characters in a high school~ i'm pretty sure that i am not the one who came up with this so do let me know if there is any similar au!!

masterlist

description: everyone goes to coffee shops for coffee. that doesn't seem to apply to them though.

category: imagine

type: fluff

characters mentioned: aether, bennett, zhongli x gn! reader

aether <3

our little angel was freaking exhausted

from having to run errands for the student council and keeping up with his AP classes, aether didn't manage to eat lunch, let alone take a breather. so you can imagine how tired he would be, yearning for a bit of peace, just enough to stop worrying about his assignment deadlines and other people's problems for just a while

his distress escalated when the rain did not stop but grew from a trickle to a bloody rain pour. with no choice but to run, only managing to make it to an isolated shophouse

now, his bad day just got a hundred times worse, and he now is genuinely upset, wanting to burst into tears

shaking off whatever water he had in his now drenched blond hair, he then noticed what seemed to be a tranquil coffee shop next to him, with seemingly nobody inside

the bells chimed as aether being curious, made his way inside

he immediately felt a warm comfort as he got away from the chilling rain

he admired his surroundings, the fairy lights partnered with extensive bookshelves and the light scent of coffee makes a comfortable, soothing ambience

though he was dripping all over the floor (not in that way y'all nasties ('･_･`))

"goodness! are you okay? in the cold, are you nuts!" you jumped over the counter and took his cold hands into yours, startled at the sopping wet stranger to even realise the invasion of privacy

though it seemed that aether didn't mind, as he flushed but gripped your warm hands, appreciating the warmth the slightly calloused hands gave him

a fussing over and a small hand towel given later, aether sat in one of the couches, wondering where you went in such a hurry

you immediately appear, holding a cup of piping hot chocolate and settling it down in front of aether

aether reached for his wallet only to be refused, "no! no need for that, take it as a treat!" you chuckled and insisted

he could only accept heartedly as you scampered off to deal with the customers that just came in, your figure quickly disappearing from sight

only then did he notice the overload of whipped cream with many marshmallows as well as a small note on a discarded receipt

'hope you enjoy it!! extra whipped cream and marshmallows for an adorable customer hehe <3.'

his heart melted, unable to comprehend the cheesy yet sweet compliment

his eyes subconsciously drifted to you behind the counter and seeing you handling the upcoming drinks like a pro, queueing shots as well as making the ice-blended drinks

your eyes met his, and your eyes turned into crescents as you gave him a wide grin

awe, you look so cute smiling (*'∇｀*), aether definitely admired your gleeful face before making a mental note to clear his schedule to visit this sweet barista often~

bennett <3

now, when fischl said that she had found a new hangout spot, benny expected a park or playground since they (fischl, razor, bennett) could get pretty loud, and people didn't really like that

definitely not a coffee shop

though he had to admit that it did look like a pretty welcoming place, with a handwritten chalk drink menu

'( *｀ω') espresso impresso!!' being written at the corner of the signboard

hehe, he couldn't help but release a chuckle at the funny word pun before noticing fischl in a very intense conversation with the barista

"no, girl- you wouldn't believe what happens in the next chapter! the guy actually says he's just there to eat the rich second generation meal, i couldn't stop laughing!" your eyes crinkled as you recount the novel, fischl hushing you as to not hear spoilers

"one does not wish to hear such sin spilling from another's lips! this one shall read it for herself!" fischl hmphs in annoyance, yet the slight curve of her lips show otherwise

fischl then makes introductions for the gang

"razor- yes indeed the one who showed up to academic classes in that wolfish attire one calls a onesie."

bennett, on the other hand, didn't even need introductions

"wait, i know you! you were the guy that managed to light your pants on fire, right?" you could only snort as you remember the viral video online

bennett flushed as he recounted how he had to dive into the school pool to extinguish the flames, earning him several weeks of detention for public misconduct

though it was pretty funny, you have to admit that the video didn't do him any justice

he definitely was a cutie, with the freckles across tanned cheeks and bright green eyes

though you keep those thoughts to yourself, starting to take their orders

fischl's usual (an iced chai latte with more chai, less milk), razor wanted simply steamed milk with a little sprinkle of cinnamon

benny, however, was stuck, so you offered your lovely expertise

"hmmm, i got an idea! you like iced drinks, right?" benny was confused but nodded with a sheepish smile

a couple minutes later, you came out carrying three drinks on a tray

the trio marvelled at the drink settled in front of bennett, mesmerised

it looked like iced chocolate, except the chocolate was dropped at the bottom, a majority of the glass (being milk) having the middle layer, followed by the unmistakable brown coffee shots on the top

this made a pretty three-layered drink, very appealing to the eyes and phone camera (courtesy of fischl)

"wow! this looks amazing-!"

"hehe, thanks~ i came up with it myself. should I name it after my inspiration?"

giving benny a wink, you leave them to their idle chit chat to continue working

every now and then, you shoot a glance to the group only to see bennett's quickly darting eyes as if he has been caught staring at you

if only you could mind read, then you would catch a glimpse of his awe on how suave you were, and boy was he mesmerised

maybe the next time the group comes, he will ask for your name instead of just gawking

zhongli <3

now, we all know that zhongs is a man of not many words, preferring a comfortable silence

but, it is a problem that he was so eye-catching

sleek brown hair in a low ponytail and upturned cat eyes that would leave anyone starstruck

his lean muscles slightly straining his uniform, being the living reincarnation of tall and handsome beauty

of course, people would stare

he would also often get approached by people, especially admirers who desperately want to 'get to know him'

being a gentleman, he couldn't refuse harshly, leading to them accompanying him throughout whatever he was doing

in cafes, in the school library, even in the student council room

though it wasn't obvious, he was starting to get annoyed

all he wanted was a quiet place to chill in peace, a secret haven to do his schoolwork or simply read, preferably a place where he could have a nice hot cup of tea

he couldn't even get that in the school, let alone in public cafes that held so many people

that's why he was surprised when he saw your store

looking in through the glass window, there was barely anybody inside

despite the coffeehouse having such a quaint, welcoming interior, with bookshelves filled with books and small succulents hanging by windows

intrigued, he went in to explore, then seeing you

he would have to describe you as a naturally warm person, seeing as how your eyes lit up at the sight of a customer

"oh, hello! what would you like today?"

"i'm not quite sure, is there any tea recommendations?"

as he was browsing the many options, there was no doubt in my mind that you were staring

zhongli carried himself with a certain air of elegance, walking with grace as akin to a god (heh)

as he ordered, he noticed that you were not as invasive as the other people he had met

your friendly attitude and sweet smile was quite refreshing to see if he had to be honest, not to mention that the way you treated him was without expecting anything in return

as his tea arrives, he quickly notices two instead of the usual one cookie on the side

he could only look up to see you shoot him a gummy smile

a soft smile replaces his features, and he immediately nods his head in a silent thank you

the beautiful smile no doubt makes you a little flustered, but you still wave it off with a chuckle and go back to work

zhongli takes a sip of his tea and appreciates its flavour, instantly knowing that he has now found the quiet chilling place he has been looking for

[stainedglassthreads]

I have a very complicated relationship with Asgoriel as a pairing. 

I will preface this by saying, if you enjoy Asgoriel because you like sweet, fluffy, happy pairings, I’m not trying to attack you. I do understand that these characters have been through a lot, and people want their favorites to be happy, and for a lot of people, ‘being happy’ means ‘in a loving relationship, as an escape from how life can be rough’. You can scroll past this if you so desire. But I'd be delighted if you ask yourself if the ONLY happy ending for these two characters is ‘in a loving relationship again, possibly with children’. 

On the one hand, I don’t like Post-Pacifist Asgoriel stories. I feel like the majority of them skip over the very real issues that Toriel and Asgore have, in an attempt to make Asgore happy, because the author believes the goat dad deserves happiness, and the only way he can acquire happiness is by giving him back the things he yearns to have back. Sometimes with a fankid for extra cuteness. 

But not only does this feel unfair to Toriel, who firmly establishes that she does not want to be friends with Asgore anymore... but it feels like it’d be horribly unhealthy for Asgore, too. 

In both Undertale and Deltarune, Asgore fixates on the past. To perhaps an unhealthy degree in Deltarune. In Undertale, when he’s forced to confront how recreating his perfect happy family and ignoring all the horrible things that happened is impossible, he kills himself. It feels to me that just shoving him back together with Toriel, and giving him Frisk, a newly revived Asriel, or a new baby fankid, to give him his desperately desired happy family, is not actually giving him a happy ending. it’s enabling his tendency for denial. He’s not actually dealing with his grief, or suicidal depression, he’s pretending that nothing bad ever happened, or something similar. Attempts to give him this ending exactly, or pretending that it’s Toriel’s responsibility to smile to make him happy, feels like it’s missing massive, gaping chunks of Asgore’s character and flaws. 

On the other hand... writing their relationship as though they never, ever loved each other also bothers me a lot? 

I’ve seen some takes, occasionally, that Asgore is abusive, or that Toriel never loved him. Admittedly, six years after the game’s creation I’ve stopped really seeing them, but they used to be based off Asgore’s reaction to his kids’ deaths, Asgore and Toriel’s behavior in the True Pacifist ending, and the fact that they had separate rooms. I feel like pretending that they never loved each other... misses the point of their whole tragedy, too. Just as much as claiming that Chara was evil and only ever wanted a boss monster’s soul from the Dreemurrs. 

Toriel and Asgore were so embarassingly sappy that they had cute nicknames for each other. Toriel, specifically, had at least two or three for Asgore. They were so physically affectionate that they beat the incredibly lovey-dovey Dogi in a nose-nuzzling competition. And they may have had different rooms, but Toriel was so excited about being a mother that she woke Asgore up in the middle of the night to tell him mom puns, and once he had woken up a bit, he laughs at them and tries making puns back. 

They loved each other. They were happy together. And then a horrible tragedy hit them, and they both made the wrong choice in dealing with it. And then they both kept making wrong choices. Asgore declared war, and through either his declaration or his own weapon, killed six children that Toriel had cared for. Toriel stayed in the Ruins, unwilling to decisively pick a side between her husband and her children, for fear it would end in watching one of them die. They let an indefinite period of time pass, without really dealing with their grief or their mistakes. 

The point of the tragedy isn’t that one was a victim and the other was a horrible person. It’s sad and painful and engaging and compelling because it’s complicated and there is no real ‘bad guy’. Flattening it into ‘well, it was just a little spat and they managed to work it out!’ feels reductive to me, but so does ‘they don’t love each at all anymore, perhaps they never did.’ I think they still did love each other, and they may have been why Toriel was so unwilling to decisively stop Frisk and Asgore’s fight. But also... love is not some magical force that saves people all by itself. It’s just another emotion. Like fear. Like anger. Like joy. 

I don’t think Toriel and Asgore will ever truly regain the relationship they once had. It’s a tragedy that impacted the entire Underground for generations. That’s not to say they can’t ever be friends, or even begin a new relationship. But Asgore needs to overcome his suicidal depression instead of relying on a romantic partner to save him, and Toriel needs to learn to take care of herself instead of other people. And I think they both need some time... apart, but not alone. They were both self-isolating for a long time, and I don’t think leaping into a romantic relationship where they rely on just each other for happiness and denial is the healthiest thing. I think they both need more friends than just Sans and Undyne, respectively. 

[doctorofmagic]

I read your review of the SA and I agree with you. This comic has pissed me off several times. Buuuut I still like it. I like most of the characters and... actually I just love the concept of magical schools and that's it lol.

But to make it not so difficult to read, here's what I came up with:

Emily "Miss Perfect" Bright is the antagonist of this story, while Doyle is the protagonist. Doyle has the potential to be a great villain. But my little meow meow so desperately doesn't want to follow in his father's footsteps... As Clea told us in "Strange": faltines are ruled by their desires. And Doyle yearns to be good. While Emily, for example, sympathizes with the Emperor, who literally staged the genocide of magical creatures. And in the 14th issue, the events of a possible future are shown in such way that they can be interpreted in any way. For example, that Emily was obsessed with the prophecy and herself brought it to fruition and became evil. Doyle was just trying to stop her and end this prophecy madness (Emily is also dating Iric in this future, and he's an asshole).

thus, all of Emily's ridiculous accusations against the teachers are the words of the antagonist (at least the future antagonist). she's not the hero expressing the opinion of the author. (Although Jericho also said some bullshit about the army of mages that Stephen is trying to create... hmmm... I try not to think about it)

as for Calvin, he is an orphan. he had never trusted adults in his life. the fact that he blames Stephen for Mr. Misery does not seem to me something terrible. this is Calvin's reality in which adults hurt him. this is how he sees the world. As for Emily, she doesn't defend Calvin, she just needs to riot against adults because she's a little bitch who doesn't respect teachers and wants to see the world on fire :) Yes, there is zero motivation. and what? what she says about Stephen and Jericho is meaningless, so...

That's how I prefer to interpret this story at the moment, not what I'm sure it is. but in my opinion this makes much more sense than this "cHiLdReN aRe GoOd, AdUltS aRe bAd" shit.

I hope I expressed my thoughts correctly (I'm not very good at expressing my thoughts in English)

Thank you so so so much for your feedback, anon! Yes, I agree that most characters are amazing, so it pains me to see so much wasted potential :/

I really loved your theory about Emily "Miss Perfect" Bright being the antagonist. Her "holier-than-thou" attitudes and promptness to (mis)judge people is really starting to get on my nerves. AND OMG, YOU'RE SO RIGHT? BECAUSE... BECAUSE... Calvin also "switched teams". And we all know that Doyle and Dormammu will fight as seen in Timeless #1, which means that he will stand against evil. It's bound to happen. And ngl, I trust in Dessy, Shaylee, Gus and Alvi more than any of the others haha. It feels like there's some kind of monster bias going on now that I think about it...

That's the only way I believe SA will be good again. I also tend not to think about this army, and if it turns out to be true, boi, I won't be quiet about it.

At this point, though, I have absolutely no hope that this is going anywhere. I feel like the children will be tired of the teachers and will eventually leave after Doyle x Dormammu happens. I can't see how the school will be functional in the future. But I'd love to have Doyle around (Clea interaction wheeeeeeen? It's been literally two years since SA debuted, gods). I also really like Zoe and I think she deserves to be in a Doctor Voodoo solo :')

I just need someone else to write these characters at this point haha

Thank you for passing by, you really blew my mind with theory!!

[aphrodites-law]

A Bit of Clarity 🍂 (8/?) The visions had started last autumn, a year ago now. It had caused a bit of chaos for some, a bit of clarity for others. Two days ago, Clarke Griffin had been perfectly fine managing both her Café and her stress. But now she was curious - so deeply curious about the vision of herself entwined with the aloof Lexa Woods that it was leading her to complete distraction. (ao3)

[part 1] [part 2] [part 3] [part 4] [part 5] [part 6] [part 7] 

Lexa walked in ten minutes after opening time the next day. Clarke had just rung up a coffee to go when she saw her, her raincoat unzipped and revealing her sweater and the collar of her shirt beneath it. Beige this time. Clarke liked beige. Then again, she couldn’t think of a shirt Lexa had worn that she hadn’t liked. One couldn't help but wonder how large Lexa’s wardrobe was. It had to be quite the collection.

Waiting for her turn, Lexa kept her eyes on the display case. When she finally stepped up to the counter, Clarke arched a playful brow.

"Good morning," Lexa said.

"Pretty good so far."

Lexa visibly tried to contain a smile. “You changed the display."

Clarke glanced at the display, remembering all too vividly how she’d been pressed up against it. Judging by the way Lexa looked at her, she remembered it too.

“It's honey cake and croissants today - still warm,” Clarke replied, noticing just then that Lexa was fiddling with the strap of her satchel.

It was something Clarke had recently noticed about Lexa. She appeared confident, sometimes even stony-faced, but there were subtle signs showing the contrary. She was a master at hiding her nerves, but Clarke was starting to pick up on how she did it.

"Oh I meant to tell you - Wells loved Gus' honey. He was pretty die hard about his old brand but he's interested in switching."

"He did?" Lexa seemed very proud. "I'll have to let Gus know. And maybe try a slice of the cake then."

“For here?” Clarke asked, trying not to sound too hopeful.

“Yes. Please.”

“No drink?”

Lexa took out her wallet. “Coffee is fine.”

Clarke leaned closer. “Lexa, you don’t need to force yourself. You don’t like it. It’s fine - I don’t take offense.”

“I know. I just feel like a fraud staying here if I don't. Like wearing sneakers on an ice rink."

Clarke chuckled. “Well, speaking of ice, let me make you a chilled one. I'll go easy on the actual coffee part."

“You don’t have to go to the trouble-"

"It’s on the menu. You know that, right?”

Lexa looked up, as if noticing the menu above the coffee machines for the first time. It wasn't a long selection but, sure enough, there was an ice coffee and tea option.

“I hadn’t..." She pinched the bridge of her nose. "Fuck.”

Clarke fully laughed then, her voice still a bit raspy from the early morning. "God, just go grab a seat. I’ll be right up with your order.”

Lexa left a crisp bill in the tip jar as she always did. She sat at her usual seat and took out her laptop and notepad. After she'd skimmed through some of her recent notes, Clarke came over with her slice of cake and iced coffee.

"Thank you."

To Lexa's evident surprise, Clarke took the seat opposite hers and propped her chin on her hand.

"I need to be sure you like it. No more grimacing in my café."

Lexa sighed bashfully. She picked up the cup and took her first sip of the chilled drink. After licking her lips and pausing for effect, she hummed.

"Hats off to the barista. This is really good, Clarke."

"Well of course it's good!" Clarke beamed, pleased with herself. "Now your funny faces can stop giving us a bad rep."

"Hardly doubt the press picked up on my expressions."

"You never know who's paying attention."

Lexa looked at her and smiled. "You?"

Clarke's cheeks felt warm. She glanced down. "That's one person."

Whatever that meant for them, Clarke didn't know. It was a strange place to be in. To know the woman sitting in front of her was responsible for the best kiss she'd had in recent memory, if not her entire life. She was aching to talk about it, but her worry Lexa would bolt was stronger.

Lexa cleared her throat and looked around. There was only a couple and an older man seated for now, but then again the sun wasn't even out.

"Not too busy yet?" She asked.

Clarke shook her head. "I give it thirty minutes. College classes and rush hour starting."

"Have you had more customers recently?"

"Definitely. I'm still not sure if it's all due to Finn's fall from grace, but I'm not complaining."

"You know what made me wonder?" Lexa asked. "He knew Echo and I were from the Gazette. He knew she and I went to his shops to write about him, but somehow he couldn't fathom it would be for anything other than praise. He wronged everyone on his staff and lied his way into smaller businesses believing it was justified. Now he's looking into suing for defamation. Can you imagine the ego?"

"Sounds like Finn Collins."

Lexa noticed a change in Clarke's expression. "Did I say something wrong?"

"No, not at all. Just bad history. Finn had me believing a lot of things too. It might be the one thing he's actually good at."

"I see."

Clarke bit her lip, unsure where to go from there. It seemed like Lexa was thinking the same.

"Are we still…" Lexa lowered her voice. "Is this weekend still happening?"

Clarke's heart leapt. "If you want it to."

"I do."

Clarke forgot all about Finn Collins, her bitterness replaced by sudden excitement. "Give me your phone."

Lexa took it out and watched as Clarke typed her number in. She then grabbed her own phone and sent Lexa a message:

Coffeemaker ☕ Nice flannel today, I'd guessed blue

"I don't have a lot of blue," Lexa chuckled, then frowned. "Bit of a reductive name. I'd definitely give you something better."

Clarke shrugged. "That's between you and your phone. Anyway, I'll send you the details. I checked the weather and there's just a small chance of rain, so we should be good. We can do the River to Nowhere hike."

"Never heard of it."

"I figured. It's kind of a local secret. The view on Costial and the mountains is amazing though."

At Lexa's silence, Clarke felt a pang of worry. "This is still good, right?"

Lexa looked up. "Yes. Of course. I'm looking forward to it."

Clarke nodded, still not entirely convinced. But at least Lexa had come back. She was here, sitting where she belonged. Clarke stood up at the ding of the bell, knowing she didn't have much time before the morning rush.

"I hope you enjoy the cake."

"Thank you, Clarke."

* * *

Lexa came into the café every day. She apologized that she couldn’t stay too long before going to work, but she still came every day. Mostly in the morning, but once in the afternoon. Clarke saw the slight, quick pout on her face when she noticed her seat was occupied that day, and practically heard her sigh when she eventually found a tight spot on the other side of the counter.

"I thought we said no funny faces," Clarke told her in passing, too busy to stop but still yearning for interaction.

Lexa looked up, realizing then how close to Clarke this new seat was, though also much noisier and not conducive to writing. "My apologies," she said, just loud enough for Clarke to hear.

Clarke smiled to herself. That was mostly how they communicated that week, pleasantries here and there, asking how work was going, how Lexa's articles were progressing, if Clarke and Wells were going to start interviews soon. It was as casual as could be, but beneath the simple nature of their brief conversations was something neither of them could deny.

Desire. The kind that had Clarke panting into her pillow at night while she touched herself. The kind that turned every look and every touch into the most excruciatingly good form of foreplay Clarke had experienced.

It was in the way their fingers brushed together when Clarke gave Lexa her drink and pastry. The way Clarke caught Lexa looking her way, or perhaps Lexa caught Clarke. In those moments, Clarke felt the same thrill she'd felt when Lexa had entered the café after closing time.

But they had yet to actually talk about it, which made Clarke both impatient and anxious for the weekend.

Lexa could run or she could stay. It was something Clarke was keenly aware of, which was why she'd promised herself to be as honest as could be. The way they'd approached things before hadn't worked. Things had been left unsaid on various occasions, piling up until they became a tangled mess. That couldn't happen again. Clarke knew it and she had no reason to doubt Lexa knew it too.

Her phone buzzed in the pocket of her apron. Clarke finished making an order for a pick-up before reading it:

Lexa I'm off to work (yes I do have a real office despite appearances), but thank you for saving a croissant for me

Clarke glanced toward the fig tree, where she saw the empty table.

Clarke Ha, I was starting to think you'd quit. You're welcome

Lexa I'll see you tomorrow?

Clarke Yep, pick you up at 11am. Wear good walking shoes

Lexa Stilettos it is. Have a good rest of the day :)

Clarke chuckled, liking this lighter side of Lexa. Hopefully - and Clarke's hope had blossomed these days - it was a facet of Lexa she'd get to see more of.

* * *

Lexa didn't wear the stilettos, though Clarke wouldn't have been too upset if she did. She had a hunch Lexa had quite the fashion sense beyond her professional attire. Not that the shirts, blazers and tight pants didn't work for Clarke. Today it was her dark green knitted hat that had Clarke melting a little.

She drove through sleepy Costial with Lexa in the passenger seat, something she would have never imagined happening just a week ago. Clarke talked about some of the resumes she'd read with Wells over the week. One in particular made Lexa laugh out loud.

"Eating is a commendable skill, Clarke."

"It was the only word in the skills section. Just eating. What do I even do with that?"

"Well, hopefully they figure out they're better off being your customer than your employee."

"I just feel bad for Wells, he takes on so much already."

"No one stood out?"

"One woman did, but she'd be out of our budget. Honestly Wells doesn't even care about fancy certificates, just passion and impeccable hygiene."

"Hm."

"What?"

"Nothing. Just thinking."

Clarke spotted the sign on the road that pointed them to the small parking area. It was a ten minute walk from the actual mountain trail, which itself was hard to find for anyone unfamiliar with it. Clarke hadn't been here in months, but it was perfect timing. The weather was kind and there wasn't a grey cloud in sight.

She parked the car and popped the trunk open.

"Are you ready?"

Lexa nodded. "Let's go."

They stored their water and food in one backpack that Lexa insisted on carrying, as the other one felt lighter than air. The trail was hidden behind a particularly spruce, but once they were on it, there was a clear grassy path snaking through the sprawling forest. In a few weeks, everything would be covered in snow. For now, it was a lovely clash of browns and greens, with shrubs and moss at the foot of pine and hardwood trees. 

"You know, I tried looking up this trail in the Gazette's search engine," Lexa said. "Not even one link. When you said it's a local secret, I didn't think you meant top secret."

Clarke smiled cheekily. "One thing you have to know about Costialites: we love tourists in our theaters and shops, not our nature."

"Any other hidden spots I might discover?"

Clarke stepped over a fallen tree, dead and yet full of life, with lichen and mushrooms covering the sides while insects skittered inside.

"Nu-uh. The inquisitive journalist's cap comes off. You can pick it up on the way back."

She heard Lexa's small laugh behind her. "If you say so."

They walked without speaking for a while, slowly going up as they appreciated the fresh air, bird chirps, and the novelty of doing something together for the first time. Clarke had been on this path with friends before; had even shown her mother - but she'd never come here with a potentially romantic partner. It was fun with friends, but there was a more intimate quality to it with Lexa. After days of only seeing each other surrounded by other people, it was a welcome change.

But Clarke remembered her earlier promise to herself.

"Lexa… I need to get something off my chest."

Lexa glanced at her, understanding this wouldn't be shoptalk.

"The push and pull between us…" Clarke started, fighting her nerves. "It really confused me."

"I know."

"It's just that, from my point of view, you sat in the café every week for six months but you were still a mystery. Then suddenly we were talking and… the mixed signals threw me off." Clarke paused, unsure how to word the next part delicately. "You run when things get too close, but then you come back and I think - this is it, she's taking a step forward. But it's not." Clarke stopped to look at her. "What I'm trying to say is I can't do that again. I don't need a label for whatever this is, but I do need to know we're on the same page. I'm sorry if this is brusque-"

"No, that's fair," Lexa interrupted. "Thank you for telling me. I want to be on the same page too."

Clarke waited for more, but Lexa turned her head toward the source of a trickling sound. "Is that the river?"

Clarke swallowed back her disappointment. "Yeah. Come on, we can follow it upstream."

* * *

If what Clarke had said had affected Lexa, she certainly didn't show it. Instead, Lexa started asking questions like she had at the café, interested in knowing about Clarke's life without divulging too much about hers in response. Clarke had to call her out on it:

"I thought you'd agreed to leave the journalist cap behind."

Lexa seemed surprised. "I can't ask about your job?"

"Can I ask about yours?"

Lexa kept her eyes on the rocky stream bed at their right, where the water flowed slowly down the slope.

"Sure."

"Did you always want to be a journalist?"

"No."

Clarke waited, then sighed. "A little more?"

Lexa slid her hand beneath the straps of the backpack. She was quiet for a while, then cleared her throat. "My grandmother raised me, but after she passed away when I was seventeen I had to grow up very quickly. I started working in a motel to save for college. Met a lot of people left behind by laws, so I had a fantasy of going into politics. Be a part of change."

Clarke startled a bit at the amount of information Lexa had unloaded in the space of a few seconds.

"I didn't know you were… I hadn't realized-" she stuttered. 

"Don't worry, I'm not a traumatized orphan, Clarke," Lexa said with a self-deprecating smile. "Anyway, it all worked out. Even got a scholarship."

"Still. That must've been hard."

Lexa nodded in acknowledgment. "When I got into college, it was like an all you can eat buffet. Politics didn't feel exciting anymore. But my counselor told me change could come from anywhere."

"So you took up writing?"

Lexa's expression suddenly changed, like she was in pain. "No, not right away."

Clarke left it at that, not wanting to push. A few minutes later, she stopped on the path and took Lexa's arm.

"Come on."

She guided her behind a pine and past a couple shrubs, where finally they reached the flat rock that overlooked Costial and its surrounding mountains. Lexa took off her backpack, stopping just a few feet from the edge.

"Jesus, Clarke."

"I know."

They took in the view for a few minutes, until Clarke laid out the quilt she'd put in her own bag. She sat down and looked up at Lexa, noticing just then there were tears in her eyes.

"Are you okay?" She worriedly asked.

"Just give me… I need a minute."

Clarke waited patiently, knowing they had both reached a point of change. She would stay here the entire night if Lexa needed it.

Lexa sat down next to her. "I never wanted to confuse you," she finally said, her voice full of regret. "It's just that I didn't expect you."

Clarke caught her eyes, hoping Lexa wouldn't look away. She didn't.

"But you took the first step."

"I was… hoping I was ready." Lexa swallowed hard. "I keep to myself and I don't get close, because… because the only three people I chose to love passed away."

Clarke froze, hardly even blinking as she absorbed Lexa's words.

"First there was Luna, my best friend since I learned how to walk. We did everything together for years. Had our best and our worst ideas together. She drowned during a family vacation." Lexa's fingers dug into a patch of grass by the quilt. "Then there was Ontari, in junior year. She was my first… everything. Most of the time she was angry because her mom was a drunk, but she was kind with me." Lexa's jaw clenched. "She was stabbed by some lunatic for seventeen dollars and her bracelet."

If Lexa had managed to keep her voice from breaking before, her efforts were in vain this time.

"And then Anya," she said tearfully.

Clarke sat closer.

"Hey, you don't have to-"

"No," Lexa abruptly said. "I want to. I need to." She wiped her eyes with her sleeve. "Anya was my sister - how I imagined a sister would be anyway. She took me under her wing in undergrad. Pushed me toward journalism when I hesitated and kept me from making bad decisions out of anger. Without her, where I am today would only be a dream." Lexa's voice steadied then as she contemplated the three blades of grass in her hand. "Four years ago Anya lost her fight against breast cancer. Her last words to me were, I fought like hell, didn't I?"

Lexa let go of the grass. "You were right that night at the bar. In a way I do use people for their stories. I eat up their words and I spit them back out because my own stories - they're no good. The good ones are all tainted. I don't talk about my past because my memories only have ghosts in them. And nothing hurts more than realizing the only people who knew you are gone."

Clarke felt stricken, overwhelmed with sadness for the woman baring her soul in front of her. She couldn't imagine losing a best friend, let alone three. She couldn't imagine having so many of her memories tarnished by sudden, senseless death. Losing Wells would be like losing a piece of her heart. He knew her fears just as well as her dreams. He knew how to make her laugh and how to get her to stop crying. If he disappeared from her life, Clarke could see how that would feel like losing a part of herself. Memories shared would be wrecked by grief.

"When the visions happened," Lexa continued, "suddenly it was like hope was on everyone's lips. Lincoln was the first to tell me his. I was on the opposite coast, living life like a robot, when my estranged cousin calls to tell me he's seen us dance together at his wedding." Lexa smiled at the memory. "I thought he was losing his mind - couldn't even remember him honestly. But then more reports came in. And he kept calling, kept talking to me about Costial, this beautiful city he'd always wished my grandma and I visited. Apparently she used to send him postcards every year. For her sake, I agreed. I reconnected with Lincoln and… I fell in love with Costial."

Clarke knew how easy that was. It hadn't taken her long to know she'd build on her dreams here. After college, leaving had never even been in question.

"I wanted to do something to honor it," Lexa said as she stared at the skyline. "I know there are already thousands of pieces on visions out there, and I know there'll be thousands more after mine, but they won't be on this place. They won't be about Indra Keene reconnecting with her brother thanks to her vision of them having dinner. They won't be about Jonathan Murphy working hard to get his GED after seeing himself graduate college. I know I haven’t been here long, but this place is the first that's felt like home. I thought it deserved to be written about."

Lexa looked at Clarke. "And you… I guess I wanted to know what hope looked like for you. You're at the café every day, always smiling at people, even the rude ones. You seem so happy, so eager to put in the work to make your dream a reality. I couldn't help but wonder what else you might dream about. But really I just transcribe what I hear. I'm no more than a typist here."

"You sell yourself short."

Lexa shook her head. "I don't mind being the one listening. I like how I fit in Costial. When I got here - when I was driving with the trunk of my car crammed with my stuff, I passed the welcome sign and I… I just felt so relieved. Like I could finally breathe. Move forward."

"And you did."

Lexa nodded. "When I found out the Gazette was hiring it all clicked into place. But the pain crept back eventually. Change isn't… Well, old habits die hard and all that."

"But you've already brought so much good here. Look at your article on the Mountain Men."

Lexa shrugged. "Hermit solidarity."

Clarke chuckled softly. "You're not a hermit, Lexa. You clearly have a talent with people… It's not just all because you listen. But you also need to be kind to yourself. Does Lincoln know?"

"Lincoln understands more than he lets on I think. He's been the best support I could ask for, but it's different with family. You… you made me want to hope again."

"You can."

"Anya said the same."

Clarke waited a beat. "Lexa… do you think you're cursed or something?"

Lexa lied back on the quilt with her hands on her stomach. "It's not like that. Clearly there are powerful unknowns out there, but I don't believe a witch placed a curse on me, no. What I do believe is that some people attract bad energy. That no matter how hard you try, your place in the world is destructive."

"No," Clarke breathed out, horrified. "I don't believe that one second."

"But wouldn't you wonder - in my position? Wouldn't you try to put your theory to the test?"

"So you're just going to be alone for the rest of your life? That's your big experiment?"

Lexa shrugged. "I have everything I need - a good job, good apartment. It's not like I don't know anyone. Lincoln's practically introduced me to half the town. I know how to be sociable. I know how to work a room. I don't need anything more."

"People talk a whole lot about what they need in this town," Clarke sighed. "But what do you want?"

Lexa swallowed thickly as she looked up at her. "Does it matter?"

"It matters to me."

Lexa reached for her hand, hesitant at first, just fingers brushing. "Your vision... if that's what you wanted from me, I could give you that. I could be that person."

Clarke knew what Lexa was offering - wish fulfillment. Sex without the next morning breakfast. Sex without intimacy. Clarke had gone down that road before. She was good at it.

"No." She said the word before she even thought it. No, she couldn't do it. She couldn't spend a night with this woman and watch her slip out into the night. She couldn't pretend it hadn't happened the next morning; that they could go back to normal. There was no normal with Lexa - there never had been. "I want all of you, Lexa. If you're not ready for that, and I understand it, then we can be friends. But you need to stop looking at me like you do because otherwise I'll..." Clarke shook her head. "I won't even be able to be that. I did the whole casual thing and frankly I'm over it."

Lexa nodded silently, then retracted her hand. Her brow furrowed in thought, but she didn't add anything.

Clarke lied down next to her and sighed. "I think you're stronger than you know and I think your vision proved it. Your future doesn't have to be some kind of condemnation to solitude."

"And what if I hurt you?"

"My father used to say pain is a part of relationships, even the best ones. It doesn't mean we stop fighting for them."

"I don't mean hurt you by forgetting to clean the oven, Clarke."

"That would definitely be a blow." Clarke turned on her side, taking in Lexa's jawline and the fading tear tracks on her cheek. "But I don't believe in curses or bad energy. I believe in people and people acting on their choices. You're not alone. Not anymore."

Lexa turned to face her as well. She brushed a finger down Clarke's temple, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

"You're very stubborn, Clarke Griffin."

Clarke smiled. "You have no idea."

* * *

They packed up quietly after snacking on some pieces of honey cake, the emotional toll weighing heavily on both of them. Clarke knew Lexa needed the space, but she'd said her piece and it had felt right. The ball was in Lexa's court.

They went down the same path they'd taken, zigzagging with the river. Clarke thought to bring up Lexa's article, but felt a strong drop crash on the top of her head and froze.

"Oh no."

Lexa frowned. "Did you forget something?"

"This is your first autumn here, right?"

"Yes?" Lexa replied hesitantly.

"Hm. Well, there's this thing called the Costial shower. Usually in the winter, but sometimes after a long week of rain it creeps up on you. Doesn't last longer than a few minutes, but yeah."

Lexa looked up. "I don't feel anything."

As soon as she said it, a downpour started. Lexa flinched at the sudden wet cold, the weight of the rain making the tip of her green hat sag.

"Lovely," she deadpanned.

"Run."

"What?"

Clarke bolted like a bat out of hell.

"Clarke!"

Before she even knew it, she started laughing as Lexa called her name behind her. Luckily the trail was more grass than mud, not yet too slippery. Lexa caught up to her.

"I'm pretty sure you can't outrun rain," she yelled before laughing herself.

Clarke hadn't felt like this in a long time; adrenaline pumping through her as she laughed like a kid on the playground. She spotted what she'd been running toward just a few feet away.

"No, but you can reach the canopy in time!"

She slowed to a stop and then pointed up. Lexa realized the rain didn't reach them anymore, though they could still hear its angry fall. They were sheltered by the dense crowns of the trees, high and thick above them.

Clarke bent down with her hands on her knees, her laugh fading. "Ah, fuck. Haven't run like that since college."

Lexa pressed her back against a tree, catching her breath as she arched her brow at Clarke. A few drops still dripped down her face, but their clothes weren’t too wet.

"What?" Clarke asked. "It was finals week and I wanted tacos before closing time."

"I know I left my journalist cap out there, but you could've mentioned this."

"I really didn't think this would happen."

A slow smile spread on Lexa's face. Clarke felt her heart race, this time not from running.

"Lexa."

"Yes?"

"I told you not to look at me like that."

"Only if I wasn't sure."

Clarke held her breath, not knowing what to say for once. Lexa crossed the path and stopped in front of her.

"I've… been running my whole life. Moving from place to place thinking it would be easier each time. Running's never made me happy." Lexa exhaled deeply, nervous but not hesitant. She let out a small laugh. "Until now."

Clarke pulled on the straps of Lexa's backpack and kissed her. She felt Lexa cup the back of her neck and moaned, this kiss nothing like the one at the café and yet just as talented at making her legs weak. This was slow, purposeful, the full meaning of it hitting Clarke like a force. Lexa nipped on her bottom lip.

"I want all of you too," she said in a low voice, as if they weren't already alone in a forest. "I can't promise I won't mess up, but I want to try."

"Okay," Clarke stuttered in response, dangerously affected by Lexa rubbing circles on the back of her neck.

"Is slow okay?" Lexa asked.

"Slow is good. Slow is perfect."

"Thank you, Clarke. For being stubborn."

"My pleasure."

* * *

On the drive back, Clarke found it hard to stop smiling. Their shoes occasionally squeaked, but the discomfort was worth the memory that preceded it. Lexa took off her hat and started braiding her damp hair, humming along with the music Clarke had turned on. Lexa insisted Clarke drive home and didn't need to drop her off, as the view on Costial had made her want to walk in its streets for a bit. Clarke desperately needed a hot shower, so didn't protest too long. 

She understood the reasoning better when Lexa followed her to her apartment door. 

"I see how it is," Clarke grinned.

"A proper first date always ends on the stoop. That's what my grandmother used to say."

Clarke leaned back against the door. "First date, huh?"

Lexa stepped closer. "Slow," she murmured.

"Absolutely."

Lexa pressed a kiss against her neck. When Clarke thought she'd pull away, Lexa instead pressed closer and started sucking slowly. Clarke's mouth parted open and she closed her eyes, dropping her keys when she felt Lexa's hands on her waist. Her arm went around Lexa's neck, breathing harder when Lexa's tongue licked over her pulse, soft and tender and yet more sensual than Clarke had felt in a long time.

Lexa pulled back with a satisfied smile. "I want to take you on another date."

"You better," Clarke rasped.

"Hmm. I'll text you."

"Are you sure you don't want a towel or something?"

"If I stay one minute longer I don't think I'll leave, Clarke."

Clarke's eyes darkened. "Fuck. Okay. Get out of here."

Lexa had the gall to smirk before she turned around, walking down the hall like she was worth a million bucks. Well, Clarke thought, she could do slow too. She could wind up Lexa Woods very, very slowly.

-

[part nine]

[amelink66world]

Love of my Life

Hey guys! It's been long. Anyway, enjoy the seventh part!

Awestruck

Amelia told her sisters all about New York, leaving some parts of course. She couldn't risk the sisters knowing about her and Link, there would be relentless teasing and of course Meredith would have some thoughts about her moving on so fast. She didn't want to deal with that. No one knew about them. It was fairly early. She wanted to test the waters first with him. She was pretty confident it would work out between them. Still she was a neurosurgeon, she liked cross checking her work.

It's been three days since New York. They couldn't seem to get enough of each other. Amelia was really impressed by his bravery and courage but what struck out for was the way he accepted her with open arms. There was no judgement. Only adoration. Admiration. She was developed some really strong feelings for him now. Keep yourself in check Amelia, you're not the same TUMOR AMELIA anymore. Behave like an adult and give it some time.

Link was feeling nothing different from Amelia. He was just like Amelia in this aspect, though both the parties didn't know this similarity of theirs. Both of them loved fiercely. Both fell in love quickly and wholly. They loved their partners with their whole mind and body. They gave them everything they had without losing their dignity. They were just the same.

           Link couldn't keep that beautiful brunette put of his mind. He always found himself seeking her company, be it in the hospital hallways or the coffee cart. Whenever he paged neuro, he prayed to God like hell that it was Amelia who answered the page. His hopes weren't crushed either. She always seemed to be there when he tried to search for her. It was like she was seeking him out too!

They didn't go on many dates yet but every time they spent with each other, it felt like bliss. Link didn't need dates to conclude that he had met the woman of his dreams. He realised that he was falling madly in love with her. He wanted her all to himself. Link knew her routine by heart.

Today she had a morning shift. She's always late by fifteen or twenty minutes because, no kidding she's Amelia Shepherd. Also, probably she was as usual helping out with the kids at Mer's place. Her shift starts at 8 a.m. and she's always in line at the coffee cart by 8:25 after changing into her scrubs. Link waits for almost daily. Today was no different. He was saving a spot for her but it was already 8:40 and there was no sign of Amelia. Where is she ?!

Link was getting worried. He was passing the first spot and allowing others to move up the line, waiting for her. Suddenly she comes running, her lab coat hanging from one arm, the other trying to fit into that contraption. She smiled her million watt smile at Link and leaned in for a quick kiss. She was desperately trying to fit her left hand into the coat, wiggling continuously. Link laughed at her antics. She's just too adorable.

" Here, let me." Link stopped her fidgeting and leaned in close to her face. His arms moved around her back helping her hand into the coat, all the looking deeply into her eyes. Amelia lost all train of thought and froze. She didn't even realise when the coat was on but he didn't seem to move. He leaned his face close to her and kissed her cheek, making her breathless. She was yearning for a kiss. She expected him to kiss her lips not her cheek!! That stupid stupid man. He always leaves me hanging, wanting more! Game on, buddy.

Eyebrows furrowed, still breathless, Amelia whispered, " I see what you did there. Oh you'll so pay for this. Just wait and watch. You don't know how competitive I get. " Still close to her face, Link breathed, " Oh I completely intend to find that out. "

He loved toying with her like this. She was just so easy to rile up. Link loved seeing that inpatient amd sexually frustrated look on her adorably face. It was always made him want to kiss her. But he held back, she was not that much into PDA.

They were standing there, looking into each other's eyes when a loud clearing of throat brought them out of their trance. It was Jo. Alex was too busy grimacing at them to say anything. Jo said, " Get a room people. We don't want to see a porno movie here in front of everybody. The guys won't mind of course," she said looking pointedly at Alex and Link, who quickly got flushed making Amelia guffaw, " but I for one don't want to see you people tear each other's clothes just with your eyes. Cool it, man. Now move over, I need coffee ", she laughed.

Amelia and Link laughed and somewhat separated. Link still had his arm around her waist though. They were talking animatedly with Jo and Alex about the possible treatment plan for Gus, the golden blood boy when it was their turn to order. Link ordered a double latte and Amelia was about to order her very difficult drink order which no one seemed to get right when Link interrupted her, " And a decaf, no foam latte with an extra shot and cream for Dr. Shepherd here, please." Amelia whipped her head in his direction but he was too busy paying the bill. NO ONE EVER got my coffee order right. Not even Owen after so many years together and here look at Link!! He has no trouble getting my order right. I just don't believe this man. No one had paid so much attention to small details about her before like this.

Amelia was awestruck. Link smiled down at her and tightened his arm around her waist when he looked at her beaming face. Her heart fluttered at his gesture and she was feeling those butterflies in her stomach. I'm not in high school anymore! But it sure feels like it. They got their orders, chatted some more with Jo and Alex and headed for the surgical floor.

When the elevator arrived, it was empty. They were the only ones on the elevator. They stepped into it and were soon fell under the enchanting spell of the infamous elevators of Grey - Sloan. Amelia could feel heart rise to her cheeks. Link seemed to be oblivious somewhat but he could feel Amelia tensing. Hurriedly, she pushed the STOP button and pushed Link on the wall of the elevator. She captured his lips with hers, kissing him passionately.

Link was astonished initially but quickly recovered and kissed her back with equal vigour. He tightly wrapped his arms around her waist, bringing her body as close to hers as physically possible. She moaned into his mouth and tilted his head backwards to deepen the kiss. Link growled and switched their positions, pinning her with his body. Amelia moaned loudly this time, arousing Link further. She tangled her fingers in his soft hair and he moved to her neck. She moved her head to give him more room and he moved his arms down her back lower and lower until they reached their prize. He squeezed her cheeks, bringing her body much much closer and Amelia groaned, tugging at his hair tips. He pulled his face up and kissed him again.

She ran her hands down his chest, caressing his abs till she reached his..." I think we should stop. We should not strt something we won't be able to finish," he whispered breathlessly, leaning his forehead against hers. Amelia hummed disapprovingly and kissed him again, this time softly. She gave a defeated sigh, " Okay. Yeah, you're right." She panted before kissing him again and caressing his skull. Link's control was slipping. She knew how much he liked it when she did THAT. If she didn't stop doing that right now, he wouldn't be able to stop the consequences. " Okay, okay, okay. Now stop." He loosened his hold on her and leaned back to look at her face properly.

                  Her eyes were closed and she was panting. Her face was completely flushed red. She looked breathtaking to him. He leaned in one last time to kiss her swollen lips. She had that effect on him, he had no self control around her. Amelia gently opened her eyes and smiled toothily. She was beaming. She didn't know what came over her. She just knew that she needed him right there on the elevator. After all, he did deserve a prize! They freed themselves from their arms amd Link pressed the STOP button again to put the elevator in motion.

They had content smiles in their faces when they got out of the elevator. They looked at the faces of the people waiting. They did not look happy. Obviously they had been waiting a long time. They pointedly looked at the couple, knowing what they were up to. Amelia and Link acted innocent and rapidly left. They burst into laughter when they were out of earshot. Link recovered from his laughter before her and stared at her laughing face. He was awestruck. He was captivated. He could look at her all day. He could hear that soft laugh all day. He would do anything to hear that laugh.

They went over to the OR board to see that they had no surgeries till 11 a.m. Alao, their fist surgery was together. So they had the morning free. Amelia looked at him mischievously, wiggling her eyes suggestively. Link took the hint and captured her gleaming eyes with the camera in his mind. They hurried towards the on-call room without anyone noticing. No one dared to ho near that room for the next hour. They came out one by one completely flushed. Amelia's face was totally red and she was still panting when she reached the nurse's station. Link came out moments later. He brushed his fingers against hers before asking the nurse for his tablet.

Alex was there, finishing his charts. He furrowed his brows and scowled at them. " Not again, dude. What is the matter with you people? Didn't know you had so much in you, huh Shepherd." He laughed making the couple blush. " Shut it, Alex. Don't make me remind your on-call romps with Jo." Directed towards Link, she said, " I once caught this filthy man and Jo doing it on my couch! I used to sleep on that couch before Alex moved out and I got his room. Couldn't sleep for days." Link his gagged. " Ugghh, bad mental image. I don't need to imagine my best friend with her husband like that. Ughh", he covered his ears, leaving swiftly, making Amelia laugh.

Alex grew serious in seconds and inquired, " No, but seriously Shepherd. Are you happy with him? " He looked at her with concern deep in his eyes. He was the only person who knew the whole story about Christopher. He was looking out for her. She was like a little sister to him. He felt weirdly protective of her. It was nice for Amelia to see the worry for her on Alex's  otherwise chilled out face. He always acted like a brother towards her. She smiled at him, " Yes, Alex. Thanks for looking out for me," she smiled at him before teasing, " Awww Alex, are you worried for meeee? Sooo sweet of you," she nudged him playfully.

Alex flushed and said, " Whatever ", before leaving. In all this commotion, she missed to notice Owen standing a few feet away from her. He witnessed the whole interaction of hers with Link and Alex. He had a very weird look on his face and his fist clenched. Amelia turned to check on her patients when she finally noticed him.

He slowly approached her, " So you and Link, huh? "  He had an edge to his voice and tried to fish out information from her. " It's none of your business, Owen. You don't get an opinion here, so just back off." He quickly pulled her in direction of the stairwell and hit the subject again.

" I'm just asking, Amelia."

" No, you lost that right. You don't get an opinion here. So please just..."

He interrupted her, " No, Amelia just let me finish. I just wanted to say that I've been doing some therapy. I realise my mistakes now and I wanted to apologize for the things that I said to you. You didn't deserve that. "

Amelia was turning to leave before he tried apologized. She halted in her tracks hearing his words. Her gaze softened. She could not believe what he said next, "...It was wrong of me to say what I said to you in the lawyer's office. I guess I was talking about me, not you. You deserve love. Your love is very, very valuable. You are a beautiful and kind woman, Amelia. You deserve someone who loves you selflessly. I was never that man. And if you have found that man in Link, he's really lucky. I wish you all the happiness in the world, Amelia. Please don't get me wrong." He spoke with utmost sincerity. His words knocked the wind out her. They brought tears to her eyes. Owen swiftly took Amelia in his arms, comforting her. She finally had clarity, some much needed closure.

They hugged each other tightly for a few more seconds before releasing each other. Amelia gratefully looked at him and whispered, " Thabk you, Owen. I really needed to hear that. " He softly gazed at her and nodded. " Link is a good man, Amelia. I'm always here for you if you need me. Never forget that. And of he ever hurts you, I promise you I'll kick his ass." Amelia laughed at this and hugged him one last time before bidding him farewell.

She was much relaxed and at ease now. This was day was going awfully and indescribably well. She finally got what she needed all along. She awaited for some alone time with Link. She wanted to share her happiness with him. She suddenly felt like sharing with him her everything. She was looking forward to the surgery she had with him at 11:00.

The surger was successful with flying colours. They updated the family and had some free time in their hands. Amelia was dragging Link to God knows where. " Ameliaaa, please tell me where we're going. I'm really confused. "

" Just wait. We reached. "

She opened the door and led him inside. " Which room is this? I've never been here." Link looked around with inquisition. He turned towards but she was just staring at him, smiling from ear to ear. Now, he was definitely curious. What is happening?

Suddenly he heard a soft bark, " Woof woof "

Link sharply turned towards the voice and with great enthusiasm saw three nurses walking with quite a lot of puppies towards them. They were surrounded with some small bars to contain the puppies inside so that they don't run away. They say down and were welcomed by those sweet puppies with open arms. Link was ecstatic. He absolutely adored dogs. He looked at Amelia with a cheerful and delighted expression. " Wow. I'm really happy, Amelia. But I'm curious. What is it for? And how are there puppies in this hospital? Why did I not know that before? You knew it and you didn't tell me?! ", he fired at her with his questions.

" I'm so happy too. To answer you questions, the hospital arranges this thing once a week for the kids. It's what we call a rejuvenating exercise. Kids adore pets, so we bring in different ki ds of pets every week. This week was Puppies Week. I have no clue how you didn't know about this ", she laughed. She longingly stared at him for a few seconds before lunging at him, he easily caught her and her close. She buried her face in his neck and he inhaled her scent. Both content in each other's arms. She whispered in his ear, " I was really happy today. I felt this need to share my joy with you. I know how much you love dogs. So here we are! ", she gladly exclaimed.

She drew back to look into his eyes. Both had silly little grins on their faces when they kissed. They were interrupted by a small creature crawling in each of their laps. " Aww you want a hug, buddy? Here we gooo." Both had puppies jumping on them. They were exultant. They couldn't have been happier. Amelia was awestruck at how much happiness this man was capable of bringing into her life. She felt at home with him. She realised with a start what Link had long ago realised, sometimes home can be another person.

Author's Note:

Here is a brand new chapter!! Sorry for the delay guys. I was a bit busy. I totally enjoyed writing this chapter. I hope you people shower it with as much love as you have in the past.

Anyway, the next two chapters will be a bit on the gloomy side. ( * Please don't kill me XD * ) I promise I won't take such a long time to update. Next chapters will be up soon. Until then.

[escapeinpapers]

Book Review: WICKED FOX by Kat Cho

Hello everyone! It has been a while since I made a book review and posted it here on my tumblr. I was thinking of stopping this blog because my writing juices faded and it felt like I can’t write anything decent to post here but I can’t just sit back and not gush about this book because I think this deserves more recognition and hype.  So here’s my review on Wicked fox by Kat Cho.

“Not all predators are monsters. But if you beat them enough, they’ll bite.”

Plot: Inspired by Korean folklore, this book tells the story of Gu Miyoung, a teenage gumiho or a nine-tailed fox who consumes energy of men as her means of survival. She is different from other gumihos for she is half human and with the help of a young shaman, she only feeds on bad men who did terrible things. Then, she crosses paths with a highschool kid named Ahn Jihoon on a very dangerous circumstance resulting to her fox bead being separated from her body. When they met again, their connection and blossoming relationship made it hard for Miyoung to hide what she really is. A generations-old feud made it more complicated leading to very difficult decisions that could completely change both of their lives.

Thoughts: One of my favorite K-Drama of all time is My Girlfriend is a Gumiho. So, when I knew about this book, I was immediately interested. I told myself that I need to have a copy of this one ASAP! That’s how excited I am for this book. But, when I started reading this, my excitement went from 100 to 0 real quick. Despite of that, for the love of Korean culture (also I don’t want my money to go to waste lol), I continued reading and it was worth it because my excitement went from 0 to 100 again.

What I love:

1.  Atmospheric writing. The author knows how to put well a setting. And the foods? Perfect. It will make you crave for Korean food! I think watching a lot of K-Drama and TV shows made it easier for me to visualize the scenes vividly. It is also spooky and sometimes the darkness of the story will come to you. I just really love it when folklores and myths have modern twists.

2. Junu. He is a goblin. A very handsome goblin who earns money by running errands of other creatures and he ended up being Miyoung’s babysitter. He is my favorite among all the characters. It was surprising because he is not one of the main protagonists yet he caught my attention. He just exudes this bright energy and I thought he is funny. I just love his personality and he reminds me sometimes of Magnus Bane, the warlock in The Shadowhunter Chronicles.

3. The yearning between Miyoung and Jihoon. Here’s the thing, this is one of those books that I never thought I would shed even a single tear. But the joke’s on me! After the first half (which pretty much bored me), I was starting to get emotional then on the last few chapters, I started crying. I wasn’t really into their relationship at first because I can’t feel any sparks but the yearning between them as you go on with the story was a game changer for me. I was rooting for them and want them just to be together so badly.

What I don’t love:

1. The plot. Could’ve been done better. Sometimes it was just all over the place and felt like the story has no direction. There were just many repetitive arguments that it felt like it was just going round and round in circles. Also, it gets predictable and the first half wasn’t very impressive so my excitement crashed. (But don;t worry about it, it gets good towards the end!)

2.  The High school drama. I personally don’t like high school settings sometimes because they get very predictable, boring and annoying. In this book, it was used as a filler and wasn’t effective. Like it was just put there to stir up a drama that I think was done poorly.

 Recommending to:

1. K-Drama fans!

2. People who are into folklores, myths and urban legends.

3. YA readers.

 Rating: 3.5/5

[renee-writer]

Pride and Prejudice Outlander Chapter 10 Wedding Day and Night

A month later, the bans had been read, the dresses made, the wedding details settled. Geillis and Claire had similar dresses, soft white with lots of fabric, with thistles and roses embroidered into them.

Their father walks them both down the aisle, one on each arm towards their men. John wears an summer suit while Jamie went full Highlander, from his kilt to his boots. He takes her breath.

They just do the traditional vows, saving the older blood oath for the privacy of their wedding chamber. It is so simple for Claire to hold his hand, look into his eyes and pledge herself to him.

They had invited the village and most of the countryside. A grand celebration is held after. All seem in good spirits except the Duchess and John's sister, Geneva. Claire doesn't let their stares bother her. She is dancing with her husband and nothing else matters.

John and Geillis will be honeymooning in London. Geillis has never been there. Jamie and Claire are heading to the Isle of Skye. Jamie wishes to show her the beauty of his homeland, their homeland.

He carries her over the threshold and sits her down. The house they are in is lit everywhere with flickering candles. It is quite romantic. He smiles as she looks around.

“You needed be nervous Claire. I wilna force myself on to you.”

“I know you won't. It is just, I have never done this before, of course, and well..” She trails off as she bites her lip.

“I have but not often and ne' with my wife. I am a bit nervous too. Come, my wife, lets get you out of some of those clothes and more comfortable.” He comes over and kisses her neck. She groans softly, pressing back against him and he cannot wait to see what other noises he can draw out of her.

He helps her undress until she is down to her final layer, a soft new shift. She gets him down to just his shirt. They are kissing, touching, yearning but he stops them.

“Blood vow first love.”

“Right.” Her voice is shaky and he feels her. That same want throbs through his own veins. He takes several deep breaths to steady himself before picking up his dirk and heating it in the fireplace. When it is cool, he carefully runs it across his wrist and his own. He presses them together and tells her, “Repeat the words after me.” She nods.

“Is tu fuil mo chnaimh fala de mo chnaimh bheir mi dhut mo bhodhaig agus mo spiorad gus an teid mo bheatha a dheanamn.”

She does and they are joined under the sacrament of the church and under the vows of the auld Scottish ways. He wraps their wrists in clean linen before taken her lips again. This time, he doesn’t stop her when she presses closer.

His hand finds her breast under her shift and her moans get louder. He lays her down and loosens her shift, letting it fall to her waist. She lifts his shirt off, fully exposing him.

“You are so beautiful, Jamie.” She marvels as she runs her hands down his chest and lower. He pulls in a breath.

“As are ye my wife. Ah Dhai Claire! Keep touching me like that.” She was just gazing his straining cock. They are both gasping as he lowers his head and takes her nipple in.

“Oh Jamie! That is so lovely. Please!” She doesn’t know how to ask for what she needs so she just presses closer. He understands and works a hand between them. He runs over her soft center. He moves until she starts moving with him.

“That is it Claire, mo ghaol. Take your pleasure.” He whispers against her chest.

“Oh Jamie! Oh!” She shivers and jerks under him and he knows she has achieved climax. He looks at her and grins. “Now, my husband, come to me now.”

He keeps her eyes as he eases himself between her legs. “You must let me know if it hurts to bad.” He knows it will hurt some. He had spoke to some of his kin who had taken maidenheads.

“Yes. I will.” They are both breathless with the force of what they are feeling and anticipation. He moves a bit more and finds the flesh that has kept her pure.

“Ready Claire?”

“Yes please.” He nods and presses forward. She clings to his neck as he presses harder. He feels the flesh give way and his wife's arm tighten around him.

“Alright?”

“Yes. It hurt but doesn’t now. You can move.”

He holds still for a few more seconds before slowly starting to slide in and out of her. Her arm stays tight around him as her arms get wide with wonder. Her soft keens and moans get louder and he dares to move a bit faster.

“Yes! Oh Jamie!” He is amazed. She has found her pleasure again. He didn’t expect that and is quite pleased. A few strokes later he joins her, feeling her with his seed.

They make love for days.

[blueboxesandtrafficcones]

Peace

Day 10 of 31!  @doctorroseprompts

Ficmas Masterlist 2017, Day 10

AO3

@timepetalsprompts - Bingo, Tennant mussing his hair

Post-ep for Rise of the Cybermen/Age of Steel.  The show they reference is Psych, specifically (spoilers) season 5 episodes 9 & 10 (which aired 7 years ago).  To summarize (cause it’s not critical) - Juliet is a police detective, Shawn is a Sherlock Holmes-ian level observer, who pretends he’s psychic, not smart.  They (naturally) have a will-they, won’t-they - these episodes are when that question is answered.  It’s cute, and campy, a lighthearted taken on a procedural.  (Highly recommend.)

This brings me to the prompt - a kind nonny sent in the below.

For the prompt-y-ness, how about Nine and Rose, smutty, fluffy too if you wanna, something related to pineapples, and a discussion about the benefits of teddy-bears. :D Also, Jack or no Jack, up to you. I'm easy ;)

So, as I said here I was inspired by your prompt, but writing took me in a few different directions.  I did hit most of them!  (sort of).  This is going to be a two-parter, paired with ‘Joy’ on the 17th (next Sunday) - that will be the smutty part.  If you’ve every watched/heard of Psych, you know that pineapples are a Big Theme in the show.  Teddy bears are definitely duscussed!

The biggest deviation is your request of 9 - with my multi-chapter 9xRose smutfest All I Want for Christmas Is You (Naked), I’m keeping away from 9 for 31 Days of Ficmas, if only so as to not confuse myself.  Therefore, this is (obviously) Ten.

Now that the rambling is out of the way, let the fic begin!

The sequel, Joy, can be found here.

After her shower to wash over the stench of that other, strange universe, Rose slunk into the media room to curl up under the blankets in front of the telly.  She had only just situated herself when the Doctor walked in, dressed in pajamas as well.

“Hey,” he greeted her hesitantly, shuffling his feet beside the couch.  “Can I join you?”

She didn’t answer, just scooted towards the middle of the couch allowing him to sink into his usual seat. For the first time since France she leaned into him, nestling her head over one heart.

Surprised but happy, the Doctor brought one arm down to wrap around her shoulders, pressing a kiss to her hair.  “You know, we haven’t watched anything in a while…” he offered hesitantly, and sighed in relief when she immediately nodded.

“Let’s do it.”

The TARDIS dimmed the lights, starting the projection.

“Remind me where we were?” Rose asked, and the video paused.

The Doctor cleared his throat, looking down at her to see her staring straight ahead, a sad, resigned look on her face, and for as bad as he is at this, he knows she expects him to recap the last episode’s case, and not the heightening romantic situation between the main characters.

“Well,” he started slowly, “our fearless, genius protagonist has long since come to the realization that despite everything, he’s fallen hopelessly in love with his- partner. But he knows that said beautiful, kind, smart, funny partner deserves so much more than the little he has to offer. So he’s desperately trying to throw roadblocks between them, so she can’t see his feelings.  But somehow despite his best efforts, she seems to know anyway.”

Rose looked up at him, eyebrow raised.  “His best efforts?  He told her straight out, though not in so many words.”

The Doctor was silent for several long minutes, arguing with himself before all the fight went out of him in a rush.

“I’m not talking about Juliet and Shawn, Rose.”

She tensed in his arms. “Doctor…”

“Let’s just watch, yeah?” He begged the TARDIS to start playing it, and she did; Rose huffed but settled down, content enough to watch Shawn and Gus chase their tails around British Columbia.

By the time Shawn found Juliet at the overlook, Rose had tears in her eyes and was sniffling, bursting into full-on sobs when Shawn walked away.  They quickly turned to giggles, however, at the couple’s snogging misadventures.

As the lights came back up, Rose tilted her head back against the Doctor’s chest so she could see him.  “They’re together!”

“They are,” he agreed, glad to see her smiling.

“That was so cute,” she sighed happily.

He hummed in agreement, feeling oddly jealous of a fictional character’s happiness.

Pulling back Rose looked at him, and he stared back at her.  It seemed like she was waiting for him to say something, but he didn’t know what, so he fumbled.  “Well, it’s been a late night…”

“Yeah,” she drooped, looking sad.  “Good night.” Not waiting for a response, she marched out of the room, leaving him behind.

“What did I do wrong?” He wondered aloud, but no answer came.

-

Wide awake, Rose lay in bed cuddling her bear close.  She liked to think at twenty-one she was too old and mature for a stuffed animal, but after rough adventures her childhood companion was a good substitute for who she’d rather snuggle with.  She’d already cried herself out, and was now waiting in vain for sleep to claim her.

When her door creaked open, she sat up.  “Doctor?”

“Oh!”  He looked surprised, freezing in the doorway. “You’re awake.”

“Yeah, I am.  Why’re you coming into my room?”

“Oh, is this your room? I thought it was the loo.  Never mind, sleep tight.  Bye!”  He tried to run, but she called him back.

“Doctor!”

He slowly shuffled back into view, ruffling his hair.  “Yes?”

“Did you need something?”

“No, I told you-”

“Your first reaction wouldn’t be surprise that I’m awake unless you meant to come into my room.”

He grimaced, looking longingly out the door.  “I just- I just- I wanted- I needed to see you,” he eventually mumbled.

She bit her lip, debating for only a moment before lifting the sheets.  “Want a cuddle?”  He brightened considerably, fumbling off his slippers and robe before practically diving in beside her.

Entirely uncaring of the concept of personal space, he immediately wrapped himself around her, pulling her in tight.  This left her bear smushed between them, making him look down at it and frown. “What’s this?”

“My bear,” she shrugged, blushing.  “I’ve had him since I was little – my dad gave him to me.  I like to hold him when I’m sad or scared.”

“I see,” he said wisely, nodding.  Then he frowned.  “What’re you sad or scared about?”

“I’m not scared,” she rushed to say, burrowing down into his embrace.

“Then you’re sad – why?”

“Doctor…” Rose sighed. “You’ve made it perfectly clear you don’t want to talk about this – so can we not?”

“Is this because I’m a coward?”  In the darkness of the room, the only sound their breaths, it’s a little easier to be brave.

Rose snorted.  “You’re the bravest man I know.”

“Rose.”

She toyed with the buttons on his nightshirt.  “I get it, I do.  You made it perfectly clear last week outside that chippy.”

“Rose-”

“I’m not done.”  She looked up at him, and his hearts stuttered at the tears he could just make out.  “I know I could quote the whole ‘better to have lo- done so and lost than never to have at all’, I could make promises I can’t keep, but that’s not something you should have to be convinced into.  And I really do understand, maybe more than you do.  I don’t want to hurt you, not now and not for the rest of your existence.”

“But?”  He prompted when she stayed silent.

“But… can you honestly tell me it won’t hurt as much if we don’t?  Whether or not we… we act on these feelings, we acknowledge them, that doesn’t change the fact that they’re there.  If it’s going to hurt the same either way – well, wouldn’t regret for not acting outweigh the pain of having it all and losing it?  If no pain is saved, aren’t you better off with the happier memories?”

When he didn’t reply, she sniffled.  “All I’m saying is, I don’t want you to regret missing out on that kind of happiness. I’m going to stay with you as long as I can, and if it’s never more than what we have now then I fully accept that because your friendship is more important, but bloody hell Doctor – you deserve as much happiness as you can get, and I want to give it to you.  We’re not designed to be alone forever.”

When she looked up at him, he was already staring at her with that calculating look in his eyes.

In a move too fast for her to see, he rolled them over so she was flat on her back, and he held himself above her, barely an inch away.

“You have to understand, that if we begin this I can’t stop it and I can’t go back,” he said conversationally.  “My species – physical relationships were almost sacred, and certainly not done lightly. It’s far more a commitment than in your species, especially in your era.”

“I don’t want to go back,” she said bravely, before frowning.  “Physical relationships?”

“Sex,” he said bluntly. “Let’s not play pretend – that’s the only difference between our relationship and most ‘romantic’ relationships, as you know them.”

“Is it?”

“Rose,” he growled, “you know that perfectly well.”

“So, are you saying you want to be together?  Properly together?”  She didn’t try to hide the yearning in her voice.

He pulled back slightly. “I’m not doing this right,” he muttered, before sighing.  “Rose, I’m not asking you to be my girlfriend – I’m telling you that for me, what you’re asking for is the equivalent of marriage.  Tied together forever, mind body and soul.”

“Mind?”

“An unbreakable bond – we’d see the very soul of each other, be open books.  I wouldn’t necessary see every thought that passed through your mind, and we could still keep secrets, but we’d know each other on the most fundamental level.  D’you remember a few weeks ago when I had to check your mind after the werewolf?  It would be like that, but permanent and deeper. Much deeper.”

He knew this would be the dealbreaker; he’d never forgotten her reaction to the TARDIS translation matrix, and was prepared for her to pullback.

He was so ready for rejection, actually, that it took several moments for her actual reaction to process.

“Can we do it now?”

“What?”

“The bond – marriage – whatever you call it, the mind-sharing thing, can we do it now?”

He stared at her, surprise, amazement, and joy written all over him.  “Really?”

“Yes,” she breathed, before frowning.  “Hang on-”

Before he could pull back, she wrapped her arms around his waist to anchor him close.  “We’ll still have our independent minds, right?  I’m picturing it as an open border, like a bridge or something – is it more than that?”

“Uh, no.  Actually, that’s an excellent metaphor.”

“Then, what do I do?”

“Um,” flustered, he fell to his side, and she shifted to face him.  “Bring your hand to my temple – right, just like that – then do as I do.”

He carefully walked her through the process, marveling at every step at how easy it was, how naturally she followed his instructions; if he didn’t know better, he’d think she was already telepathic.

Finally they stood together in their minds, holding hands and looking at the two brightly burning timelines.

“That’s gorgeous,” Rose said softly, looking between them.  “Which one’s me?  I can’t tell them apart.”

“Neither can I,” the Doctor breathed, hope beating a frantic double drum in his chest.

“What’s it mean?”

“Those are our timelines – there should be a noticeable difference.  Mine should be thick and bright gold, completely woven in a, well, mess. Yours should be much lighten and thinner, a tangled knot in the middle but smooth on either side.”

“And what’s it mean?” She repeated, looking up at him.

“I think it means our worries about me going on without you may be for nothing,” he said, awe in his voice.

“I’m going to live as long as you do?”

“Yeah.  My best guess is Bad Wolf – that’s the only possible explanation, really.”

“I bring life,” she murmured, and the timeline in front of her flared brilliantly.  “There we go, then.”

“Last chance to back out,” he told her.  “Or at least to wait; I can run tests-”

“Finish it,” she interrupted.  “Tie us together, and then let us get on with our wedding night.  You can poke and prod tomorrow.”

He did so, guiding her through the motions until both timelines flared, before merging together.

Coming to with a gasp, Rose blinked her eyes open to meet the Doctor’s.

“We’re married?”  She asked, and he nodded, still looking a bit shell-shocked.

“We’re married!”   She burst into giggles, a few tears escaping.

A feeling he’d never known swept over the Doctor like a tidal wave, and he was amazed at how quickly things had changed.  As he looked at his new wife, however, his hearts calmed.

At last, he was at peace.

[petri808]

Movie Night

Chanting at the same time, two friends are in a heated battle and the stakes are high…  But so far, they have tied four times in a row.  “Saisho wa gu, Jan ken pon!” Lucy throws a rock and so does Natsu; It’s a tie for the fifth time.  “Aiko deshou!” Lucy throws a paper and Natsu sticks with his rock.

  “Paper wraps rock, I win!!!” Lucy fists bumps the air while sing-songing, “Ha, ha, I win, I get to pick, the movie!”

  He immediately starts whining cause he knows the girly film she wants to watch is not even remotely close to something he’d rather see tonight.  “Come on Luce, one more round?”

  “Too bad Natsu, you lost the game, so I get to pick this time.”

  “But seriously?!  Why Burlesque?  I mean sure I don’t mind looking at half naked women but still…” Lucy punches his arm.  “Oww!  Well, if you don’t want me to drool over them, then pick another movie!”

  With her hand on her cocked hip in her ‘not gonna back down’ stance, the blonde stares the boy down.  “I like this movie for Christina Aguilera and Cher’s singing.”

  Realizing he’s not gonna win, his shoulders slump, “Ugh, fine!  I’ll go make the popcorn…”  Natsu sulks away to Lucy’s kitchen while she smirks over her triumph.  Three weekends in a row he won their Jan Ken Pon battles and she got stuck watching a martial arts or action type movie.  Now it’s her turn to make him watch something she knows will drive him crazy. 

  “Don’t forget the arare,” she calls out, “and the furikake, I made sure to buy some for tonight.  Oh, and mix it good, last time it was all clumped together.”

  “Alright…” he yells back. “I’ll give you your damn Hurricane popcorn…” mumbling under his breath. 

  Lucy walks up behind him, “Did you say something?”

  ‘Shit!’ he stiffens, “I said I’ll make your hurricane popcorn…”

  “Uh-huh…” opening the fridge door, “What do you want to drink?”

  “Do you got Corona’s?”

  “Want li hing mui in yours?”

  “Yeah, if you got some.”

  “Well you’re in luck cause I happen to have.”  Lucy knows it’s how he likes his beer, so she made sure to grab the salty sweet treat for their movie night.  “I’ll be waiting in the living room.”  She kisses his cheek and walks out with two bottles and the package of red seeds.         

  If anyone looking in didn’t know better, the pair seem like an average couple, as in the romantic variety, just a boyfriend and girlfriend about to settle down for a relaxing night in with a movie.  But no, just friends they’d say if asked even though they were both lying through the smiles…  And tonight, like many others before it, a simple game of Jan Ken Pon, determined who got to choose the film.

  As Lucy walks out of the room, she doesn’t see Natsu put his hand to the cheek she kissed or the light shade of pink staining his ears.  The skin on his face is still tingling or is that sensation really his heartbeat fluttering?  Sigh…  They met her freshman year of high school when he was tasked with showing the new transferee around campus.  Pretty and sweet, she melded right in with his group of friends, and somewhere along the line, into his heart…  Like two peas in a pod, their bond grew quickly until they were practically inseparable and that continued through high school, through the college years and that’s where he finds himself now 10 years after that initial meeting.  But it’s not like they stayed single either, she’s had boyfriends, he a couple of a girlfriends, but neither ever made it very far into those relationships.  He didn’t know the reason hers never lasted but his was because, well, they could never compete with Lucy.   

    “Here you go, just how you like it.” Natsu hands her the bowl and plops next to her on the couch.

  She giggles and settles against him like she usually does.  “Thank you.”  Popping some in her mouth.  “Mmm…” licking the butter off her fingers, “Another yummy Natsu concoction.  Where’d you learn this recipe again?” 

  “Oh,” he runs a hand through his hair to calm the nerves still teetering from watching her lick her fingers.  “I, um saw it on a cooking show from Hawaii.” 

  “You don’t watch cooking shows.”

  “Not normally, I just happened upon it when I was flipping channels.”

  “Well I’m glad you saw it,” giggling again, “Cause it was a perfect fit to our movie nights.”  Holding up the remote ready to un-pause the movie she’s already queued up past the advertisements.  “Ready?”

  “Yeah…”  ‘Ugh… chick flicks…’

    There were a few times, he’s not gonna lie, that he dozed off.  But they didn’t last long, not when every time something interesting happened in the movie; a song, a dance catching her attention and she squealed, laughed, giggled, or cuddled against him again, and now throw a new move into the mix, her legs over his lap.  He’d taken to putting his arm around her shoulder, on the off-beat chance of keep her still, but of course it didn’t.  All it did was to serve him a bigger dose of the sweats.  Couldn’t she hear the thumping from his heart whenever she snuggled to him?  Didn’t she feel the rise in his temperature when her skin contacted with his?  This is exactly, why he hated watching chick flicks!  When she watched the action stuff she wouldn’t get so lovey-dovey but these damn movies, it was like it turned on some torture gene inside her!  And the storyline, guy in friend zone, falling for a pretty blonde…  Not helping!

  Natsu’s eyes widen when the wedding scene shifts to Jacks apartment and he and Ali start making out.  ‘Oh, dear God!’  he tips his head back and chokes back a groan, ‘I didn’t know there’d be a sex scene in this movie!’  As if he needed more torturous images playing on the screen, he saw enough on the back of his eyelids every time he closed them.  The song, ‘Bound To You by Christina Aguilera’ is playing…  ‘Sweet love, sweet love, Trapped in your love…’

  “Natsu?” a meek voice brings him back and he turns his head towards it.   ‘…You’re all I need when I’m holding you tight…’

  “Yeah Luce?”  ‘…I am terrified to love for the first time, Can’t you see that I’m bound in chains?..’  He freezes and gulps; what her eyes are communicating is a yearning, a desire that he’s never seen directed at him from the blonde before.  “Wh-what’s that look for?”

  Lucy bites her lip nervously, and this does not go unnoticed.  By now Natsu knows all her little quirks and this move is not just alluring but right now, down-right terrifying of what could be on the girl’s mind.  “Do you sometimes feel like Jack’s character?”  ‘…I’m strong and I’m sure there’s a fire in us.  Sweet love, so pure…’

  ‘Oh fuck!  Why is she asking me that…’  “What do you mean?” he cups the back of his neck.  “Feel like what?”

  She runs her hand over Natsu’s chest and he stiffens even more.  “Like when he sees Ali, the way Jack looks at her, because he likes her but tries to hide it…  Do you sometimes feel like that?”

  “Is it getting hot in here…” he tries to stand, after all, his body temperature is rising, but her legs keep him pinned to the couch and stays put.  ‘…I found a man I can trust, And boy, I believe in us…’   Sigh, “Come on Lucy…  Wh-why are you asking me that question?” her stare is scrutinizing every word coming out of his mouth.  “Are you hoping the answer is yes or something?”

  ‘…All that I have been carrying all these years.  Do I risk it all, come this far just to fall, fall?…’  “Yes…” 

  Natsu stops breathing.  “You just said yes?”

  Her eyes grow teary.  “Yes.”  ‘…And finally found my way, I am bound to you…’

  “Wholly shit you just said yes!” The excitement in his voice winds down, “Why’d you say yes?”

  “What do you mean why?” she punches his chest.  “Why wouldn’t I say yes!  Did you want me to say no?!  Oh my God!” she hits him again and starts to scramble off his lap, “Please don’t tell me you don’t feel the same way I do…” but he grabs her around the waist to keep her from getting off. “…because that’s gonna be too embarrassing.”  He’s grinning and trying to stifle his laugh.  “Damn it,” she whimpers, “please just say something…” as the tears threaten to spill.

  “What do you want me to say Luce?” his voice softens.  “How long I’ve wanted you?  How every time your close to me I wanted to kiss these lips…” he runs his fingers lightly over them.  “How you’re the only girl who could ever make me happy…”

  “Natsu…”  Putting a finger to his lips to hush him.  “Then just shut up and kiss me already…”

  He happily obliges, finally he gets to really kiss the girl he’s been over the moon for!  Sweet and slow, their lips meet like two virginal teenagers trying it out for the first time.  Not that either are new to the game but in their case, it is a little awkward having been friends for so long first.  But that hesitation loses to the fire that had smoldered for far too long…  Lucy shifts herself onto his lap, straddling his legs and rolls her hips against his, inciting a low growl from the boy.  Is she trying to push things faster along?  Taking her actions as an approval to go further, his hands wander down to squeeze the ass that he’d longed to hold…  The blonde moans from his strong grip though her kisses, “God Luce, you smell so friggin good…” that have now moved on to his neck.  “So, do I get a strip tease like Jack did?” she bites his earlobe hard.  “Hey!”

  “Maybe…” she purrs

[hollamd]

Under the Mask: Part 2 - Peter Parker

Previous

Summary: Y/N attends the Midtown High’s Masquerade prom, where she gets to be the girl under the mask. After her fairy-tale night abruptly ends, she gets taken away, and only the boy under the mask can save her now. 

Warnings: Swearing, Violence 

Word Count: 2735 

 A/N: This sucks a lot because I can only post from mobile or it wont show up!! Anyway I suck at fight scenes so bare with me! This is set up badly too so I’m sorry if its bad as a whole. Thanks for reading and please leave your feedback!

Peter’s cheek still tingled where Y/N had kissed him. As he quickly changed into his suit in the deserted school hallway, he cursed himself for doing nothing except grinning like a dork and nodding stupidly after she’d kissed him. Peter yearned to feel her soft lips again his, and hated the disruptions that came with being a superhero.

Peter figured the scream didn’t come from inside the gym, or he wouldn’t have heard it. He climbed onto the top of the building the searched the perimeter. His eyes caught a bright red ball, and then he realized it was the “handsome devil” from earlier. Spider-Man jumped down right in front of Flash, causing him to jump.

“Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you.” Peter sighed. Flash was the last person he’d ever wanna save. “So what caused you to curl up into a ball like a four-year-old?” He scoffed.

Flash wasn’t amused. Peter took in his appearance; his mask was broken, he had a black eye, and his lip had been split. “Well, Liz and I were just talking, we were about to leave after I texted my date, and t-then these two guys came out of nowhere.They  put this towel around her, and kinda dragged her away. I got a few good punches on them, of course, in an effort to save her…” Peter forced himself not to laugh or make a comment. He could never imagine Flash punching someone, let alone doing it to save a person! “And then this big bald guy punched me in the face. They took Liz into those trees, and I swear I heard a car start up.”

“Do you know what direction they went?” Flash shook his head. “Was anyone else hurt?” Flash shook his ahead again. Peter wanted to find Y/N and tell her to go home immediately, because if someone was out taking pretty girls, it wasn’t safe, especially for her. Peter looked at Flash one more time. “You know, you’re devil mask reallyy fits you.” he said, dragging on the word “Really.” He shot a web up at the top of the building again, trying to see if he could quickly find Y/N. He strided over to the front of the gym, only to see an empty bench. His heart sank at the realization that she was gone, and his amazing night with her was officially over. Peter just hoped she was safe.

He shot a web towards the trees and was in a rush to catch the whatever car had taken Liz. Peter didn’t exactly know how he felt towards her anymore, he couldn’t get Y/N out of his head. He tried to shake off any thoughts of her so he could focus on saving Liz. Soon, he began to see tire marks in the dirt road below him. He jumped down and set out on the road to find his missing prom date.

After taking many shortcuts and looking around the dirt roads, a white van had caught Peter’s eye down the road. He tried to work out a plan to get atop the vehicle, but in a way silent enough he wouldn’t be heard. He shot his webs from tree to tree, and eventually buildings once the van made its way into the city. When the van came to a halt at a red light Peter saw a chance. From the top of an apartment building, he’d shot a web at the top the van, and then connected to the rim of the building, creating a spider-web zipline.

Spider-Man grabbed onto the line and slid carefully down towards the vehicle. Once he neared the van, he put his legs out in front of him. Peter’s feet hit the van with only a small thud, that he hoped would go unnoticed. He landed just in time too, because a second later, the light turned green and then van took off. He laid flat on his stomach, just in case someone attempted to warn the van guys.

“Karen, call Ned Leeds.” Peter said to his suit’s A.I.

“Calling Ned…” She responded.

“Hey Peter what’s-” He began, only to be interrupted by

“Ned, I need you to track me. I’m on top of this van and they kidnapped Liz. I don’t know if they’re stopping anytime soon.”

“Wow that’s a prom you’ll never forget huh? How did this even happen?”

A sharp breath of cold air filled his lungs. “Well, I guess Liz was behind the gym with Flash and-”

“Dude, that’s horrible I can’t believe she’d do that to you! So much for it being the night of your dreams…”

“You didn’t let me finish! -And I was with Y/N, and I think I really like her…”

“You have to tell me-” Ned was cut off by Karen.

“Incoming Call from unknown number.”

“Hold on, I’m getting a call from some unknown number? Do I answer it?” Peter was confused, since he hardly got any calls.

“Oh yeah, do it. It’s probably the bad guys wanna ransom for Liz or something. I bet you-”

“Karen, answer the incoming call.” Ned was cut off. “Hello?”

“Hello? Is this Peter?” A feminine voice said.

“Yeah this is Peter.”

“Okay have you seen Y/N? I’ve called her 10 times and text her a bunch… She told me she’d text after prom and it’s been 2 hours since she told me she was walking home… She doesn’t live-”

“Wait, she walked home, by herself?” He hoped she wasn’t otherwise she could face the same fate as Liz…

“Yeah, but it shouldn’t take 2 hours! She lives about 20 minutes away on foot! But I guess Flash left her, at least that's what her text said. She also said something about you, so that’s why I called you first...” Michelle’s voice faltered.  Peter wanted to know just what he said, but he knew he had to focus on the matter at hand.

“Okay, I’ll look for her and call you whenever. Sorry about you worrying, Michelle.”

The called ended, and Peter resumed his conversation with Ned.

“Was I right? Did they want ransom for Liz?”

“No, it was Michelle telling me Y/N is basically missing, I’m afraid it’s the same person who took Liz…”

“Dude, what if they know about you being Spider-Man? After all, they did go after the only two girls you care about…”

That statement hit Peter hard. It his fault why Y/N and Liz were in trouble…

“Ned I think we’re stopping. I have to go now.”

“Good Luck!”

Y/N’s eyes fluttered as she began to awake. She felt restraints around her arms and torso, and cold metal touched her arms. She was tied to a chair. What happened? She thought. I was walking home and then there was this guy… Y/N’s head suddenly snapped up and she gasped.

This had caught a burly bald guy’s attention, and he sauntered over to her. “You know, it’s no wonder Spider-Boy likes you so much. You do have an awfully pretty face.” The man’s lips curved upwards, “We could maybe have a little fun until your little boyfriend gets here…”

He stepped as close as he could get to her, and he leaned until they were almost nose to nose.

“Get away from me you dirty piece of shit!” Y/N snarled and kicked him in his goods. “Your breath fucking stinks!”

She suddenly felt his palm touch her cheek, causing her head to be thrown to the side. It was as loud as a clap, and the man’s had left a cut under her eye, and her eyes began to water.

“Leave the girl alone for now. We wanna save the fun for when Spider-Man get here.” Another man, with shaggy long hair, spoke.

“Your lucky for now, princess.” The bald man purred in her ear, sending shivers down her spine.

From behind her a small voice uttered, “It’s okay he tried that on me, too. I just wasn’t as brave as you, I-I just cried… He left me alone but…”

“Hey, we’re gonna be okay. I’m Y/N, what’s your name?” Y/N said, trying to reassure the girl behind her. She was actually terrified herself, but one of Y/N’s most admirable traits was she always worried for others rather than herself.

“Y/N… Like Y/N Y/L/N? It’s Liz Allen…” Liz, as in Peter’s prom date Liz… Out of all the girls at prom tonight, why were the two who were connected to Peter abducted… Y/N thought.

“Liz, I promise we’ll be okay.” She hated making empty promises but she needed Liz to remain calm.

Y/N took in her surroundings, and was disgusted by the decaying warehouse. The beams were very rusty, the light flickered constantly, and Y/N swore she saw a few mice galavanting around. There were a few filthy couches with numerous stains on them, and some tables and chairs where four men sat. The van that Y/N assumed had taken her here was parked and opened, revealing many alarming weapons. She understood just how bad their situation was.

She looked down and realized she was still in her golden prom dress and she could still feel the mask resting upon her face. Y/N didn’t know what the men were waiting for, or why it involved her. She struggled against the restraints, seeing if there was anyway she could loosen them, but was only met with failure.

An hour had gone by since Y/N had woken up, and nothing had changed. The four men weren’t doing much. One was on the phone, two were playing cards, and the bald one was just watching you and Liz.

“Y/N?” Liz had broken the silence you two had kept for the past hour.

“Yes?”

“Do you… Do you think we’ll ever get out of here…”

Y/N’s voiced cracked. “Yes, I do.” She turned her head toward her lap, just looking down. She let the tears escape her eyes, and trickle from her cheeks onto her dress. She truthfully did not think she would be found anytime soon, but she couldn’t tell that to Liz.

Y/N looked out one of the windows of the warehouse, and focused on the small sliver of the moon, and the comfort it’s light gave her. The moon always made her happy, because even in the darkest of night’s it had shone bright. Just as she was looking out it, she saw a flash of blue and red for a split second. Y/N’s heart started to speed up, and she didn’t know why, maybe it wasn’t even who she thought it was…

Spider-Man broke through one of the cracked windows, landed on his feet, and used a hand to balance himself. He quickly webbed the creepy bald guy’s feet to the ground. The other three men rushed into the van to grab weapons but the hero was quick on his feet, slammed the two doors shut, and webbed them. Then he rushed over to the two girls.

“Are you two girls all right?” He looked at Y/N and Liz. Y/N’s eyes were red, and Liz was full on sobbing. “Let’s get you out of here.” He untied Liz’s restraints quickly and then untied Y/N’s. She could see the front doors of the van (which Spider-Man must’ve forgot about), slowly opening, and her abductors now had weapons.

“Behind you!” Y/N shouted. Spider-Man turned around and saw the three angry men getting out of the van, now equipped with weapons. The fastest thing he could think of doing was webbing onto one of the beams in the ceiling, swinging, and then kicking one of the guys flat in the chest.

“Girls, leave now!” Y/N and Liz looked at him with terrified expressions, and started running out. He webbed the guy he kicked to the ground. “Two down, two to go.” Spider-Man murmured, narrowing his eyes.

Y/N was running as fast as she could when her dress tripped her. It caused foot got caught in some old warehouse crap. “Liz!” She said, in a cry for help. Liz opened her mouth to object, but just ran towards Y/N, and tried to pull her out of the old dust wires. “It’s stuck… Liz just go!”

“But-”

“But nothing, just get out of here!” Liz almosted protested again, but just turned around and ran this time. Y/N shifted her body to see what was going on around her. One guy was webbed upside-down on a wall, and the other was still fighting Spider-Man. The shaggy-haired man pulled out some strange object that threw the hero into the wall.

The man started to approach her, the glowy-object still in hand, “If I’m going down, you’re coming with me you little bitch!” He started to grab the frightened girl but lost his grip once a web wrapped around his feet, and pulled him backwards.

Spider-Man ran over to you. “Why didn’t you run?”

Y/N rolled her eyes, “I don’t know maybe because I’m stuck?” She sighed. “That was rude I’m sorry… It’s just been… A very long night.” Tears welled up in her eyes.

“Hey, I’m sorry. Let me help you out of this.” He began to untangle the messy wires. “What’s your name?” He obviously knew her name, but she didn’t know that.

“Y/N.”

“I like that name. Anyway what made the night so long?”

She let out a heavy sigh. “Well it was prom and I kinda ditched my date… But then I hung out with this amazing guy and then he well…. Sort of just left. It sucked. Then I get a text from my date saying he left, so I walk home.” Y/N was kind of talking nervously so she sped up her speech. “And then this guy’s following me and knocks me out, and then I end up here!”

“I’m sorry. You can take your foot out now.” She slid her foot out carefully. “I’m going to take you outside and  then I’ll call the cops.”

“Wait! Can you see if there’s a clutch around here? It just has my phone and…” Y/N trailed off.

Spider-Man nodded. Y/N stood up and took a deep breath. She was okay for the most part, shaken up, but okay. The red and blue hero came back a few seconds later with her clutch and her shoes in hand. “They picked these up I guess. They’re yours right?”

“Yeah, thanks”

“No problem.” He scratched the back of his head.

There was something about Spider-Man. His voice, his body language, how he was kind of awkward… They walked outside in silence, and Y/N was careful not to get caught in anything this time.

“Do I know you?” Y/N blurted out. She was never forward but there was something about him that comforted her.

“Uh no… I’ve never seen you um before tonight. I get that a lot…” He rambled.

“Are you sure? Because I swear…” She narrowed her eyes. “Anyway thank you for saving me.” She kissed him on the cheek with the only separating his skin and her lips, was his mask.

“Yeah… Um…” His voice cracked. “It was no problem… You’re okay right?”

You nodded. “Yeah. Are you?”

“Oh yeah… I’m fine. Sorry your night was ruined.”

“Don’t be sorry you’re not the one who ruined it.” Y/N tucked her hair behind her ear, and suddenly it dawned on her this sounded exactly like her conversation with Peter… “Can I take your mask off?”

“W-What?” He stumbled backwards. “Why would you-”

“I wanna see the boy under the mask.”

“Y/N…”

“Peter…” She said, in the same tone he did. Y/N blushed, and Spider-Man slowly nodded his head. She started peeling his bright red mask from his neck, and centimeter by centimeter, she began to recognize his feature, confirming her beliefs. He cupped her face in his hand, and leaned in.

He kissed her, and the world fell away. Their problems of tonight were behind them in that moment, and their shared kiss was comforting in ways that never would be.

When they pulled away, Y/N and Peter looked each other in the eyes, and both of their eyes twinkled under the moonlight.

Masterlist

[petri808]

Movie Night

Chanting at the same time, two friends are in a heated battle and the stakes are high…  But so far, they have tied four times in a row.  “Saisho wa gu, Jan ken pon!” Lucy throws a rock and so does Natsu; It’s a tie for the fifth time.  “Aiko deshou!” Lucy throws a paper and Natsu sticks with his rock.

“Paper wraps rock, I win!!!” Lucy fists bumps the air while sing-songing, “Ha, ha, I win, I get to pick, the movie!”

He immediately starts whining cause he knows the girly film she wants to watch is not even remotely close to something he’d rather see tonight.  “Come on Luce, one more round?”

“Too bad Natsu, you lost the game, so I get to pick this time.”

“But seriously?!  Why Burlesque?  I mean sure I don’t mind looking at half naked women but still…” Lucy punches his arm.  “Oww!  Well, if you don’t want me to drool over them, then pick another movie!”

With her hand on her cocked hip in her ‘not gonna back down’ stance, the blonde stares the boy down.  “I like this movie for Christina Aguilera and Cher’s singing.”

Realizing he’s not gonna win, his shoulders slump, “Ugh, fine!  I’ll go make the popcorn…”  Natsu sulks away to Lucy’s kitchen while she smirks over her triumph.  Three weekends in a row he won their Jan Ken Pon battles and she got stuck watching a martial arts or action type movie.  Now it’s her turn to make him watch something she knows will drive him crazy.  

“Don’t forget the arare,” she calls out, “and the furikake, I made sure to buy some for tonight.  Oh, and mix it good, last time it was all clumped together.”

“Alright…” he yells back. “I’ll give you your damn Hurricane popcorn…” mumbling under his breath.  

Lucy walks up behind him, “Did you say something?”

‘Shit!’ he stiffens, “I said I’ll make your hurricane popcorn…”

“Uh-huh…” opening the fridge door, “What do you want to drink?”

“Do you got Corona’s?”

“Want li hing mui in yours?”

“Yeah, if you got some.”

“Well you’re in luck cause I happen to have.”  Lucy knows it’s how he likes his beer, so she made sure to grab the salty sweet treat for their movie night.  “I’ll be waiting in the living room.”  She kisses his cheek and walks out with two bottles and the package of red seeds.        

If anyone looking in didn’t know better, the pair seem like an average couple, as in the romantic variety, just a boyfriend and girlfriend about to settle down for a relaxing night in with a movie.  But no, just friends they’d say if asked even though they were both lying through the smiles…  And tonight, like many others before it, a simple game of Jan Ken Pon, determined who got to choose the film.

As Lucy walks out of the room, she doesn’t see Natsu put his hand to the cheek she kissed or the light shade of pink staining his ears.  The skin on his face is still tingling or is that sensation really his heartbeat fluttering?  Sigh…  They met her freshman year of high school when he was tasked with showing the new transferee around campus.  Pretty and sweet, she melded right in with his group of friends, and somewhere along the line, into his heart…  Like two peas in a pod, their bond grew quickly until they were practically inseparable and that continued through high school, through the college years and that’s where he finds himself now 10 years after that initial meeting.  But it’s not like they stayed single either, she’s had boyfriends, he a couple of a girlfriends, but neither ever made it very far into those relationships.  He didn’t know the reason hers never lasted but his was because, well, they could never compete with Lucy.  

“Here you go, just how you like it.” Natsu hands her the bowl and plops next to her on the couch.

She giggles and settles against him like she usually does.  “Thank you.”  Popping some in her mouth.  “Mmm…” licking the butter off her fingers, “Another yummy Natsu concoction.  Where’d you learn this recipe again?”  

“Oh,” he runs a hand through his hair to calm the nerves still teetering from watching her lick her fingers.  “I, um saw it on a cooking show from Hawaii.”  

“You don’t watch cooking shows.”

“Not normally, I just happened upon it when I was flipping channels.”

“Well I’m glad you saw it,” giggling again, “Cause it was a perfect fit to our movie nights.”  Holding up the remote ready to un-pause the movie she’s already queued up past the advertisements.  “Ready?”

“Yeah…”  ‘Ugh… chick flicks…’

There were a few times, he’s not gonna lie, that he dozed off.  But they didn’t last long, not when every time something interesting happened in the movie; a song, a dance catching her attention and she squealed, laughed, giggled, or cuddled against him again, and now throw a new move into the mix, her legs over his lap.  He’d taken to putting his arm around her shoulder, on the off-beat chance of keep her still, but of course it didn’t.  All it did was to serve him a bigger dose of the sweats.  Couldn’t she hear the thumping from his heart whenever she snuggled to him?  Didn’t she feel the rise in his temperature when her skin contacted with his?  This is exactly, why he hated watching chick flicks!  When she watched the action stuff she wouldn’t get so lovey-dovey but these damn movies, it was like it turned on some torture gene inside her!  And the storyline, guy in friendzone, falling for a pretty blonde…  Not helping!

Natsu’s eyes widen when the wedding scene shifts to Jacks apartment and he and Ali start making out.  ‘Oh, dear God!’  he tips his head back and chokes back a groan, ‘I didn’t know there’d be a sex scene in this movie!’  As if he needed more torturous images playing on the screen, he saw enough on the back of his eyelids every time he closed them.  The song, ‘Bound To You by Christina Aguilera’ is playing…  ‘Sweet love, sweet love, Trapped in your love…’

“Natsu?” a meek voice brings him back and he turns his head towards it.   ‘…You're all I need when I'm holding you tight…’

“Yeah Luce?”  ‘…I am terrified to love for the first time, Can't you see that I'm bound in chains?..’  He freezes and gulps; what her eyes are communicating is a yearning, a desire that he’s never seen directed at him from the blonde before.  “Wh-what’s that look for?”

Lucy bites her lip nervously, and this does not go unnoticed.  By now Natsu knows all her little quirks and this move is not just alluring but right now, down-right terrifying of what could be on the girl’s mind.  “Do you sometimes feel like Jack’s character?”  ‘…I'm strong and I'm sure there's a fire in us.  Sweet love, so pure…’

‘Oh fuck!  Why is she asking me that…’  “What do you mean?” he cups the back of his neck.  “Feel like what?”

She runs her hand over Natsu’s chest and he stiffens even more.  “Like when he sees Ali, the way Jack looks at her, because he likes her but tries to hide it…  Do you sometimes feel like that?”

“Is it getting hot in here…” he tries to stand, after all, his body temperature is rising, but her legs keep him pinned to the couch and stays put.  ‘…I found a man I can trust, And boy, I believe in us…’   Sigh, “Come on Lucy…  Wh-why are you asking me that question?” her stare is scrutinizing every word coming out of his mouth.  “Are you hoping the answer is yes or something?”

‘…All that I have been carrying all these years.  Do I risk it all, come this far just to fall, fall?...’     “Yes…”  

Natsu stops breathing.  “You just said yes?”

Her eyes grow teary.  “Yes.”  ‘…And finally found my way, I am bound to you…’

“Wholly shit you just said yes!” The excitement in his voice winds down, “Why’d you say yes?”

“What do you mean why?” she punches his chest.  “Why wouldn’t I say yes!  Did you want me to say no?!  Oh my God!” she hits him again and starts to scramble off his lap, “Please don’t tell me you don’t feel the same way I do…” but he grabs her around the waist to keep her from getting off. “…because that’s gonna be too embarrassing.”  He’s grinning and trying to stifle his laugh.  “Damn it,” she whimpers, “please just say something…” as the tears threaten to spill.

“What do you want me to say Luce?” his voice softens.  “How long I’ve wanted you?  How every time your close to me I wanted to kiss these lips…” he runs his fingers lightly over them.  “How you’re the only girl who could ever make me happy…”

“Natsu…”  Putting a finger to his lips to hush him.  “Then just shut up and kiss me already...”

He happily obliges, finally he gets to really kiss the girl he’s been over the moon for!  Sweet and slow, their lips meet like two virginal teenagers trying it out for the first time.  Not that either are new to the game but in their case, it is a little awkward having been friends for so long first.  But that hesitation loses to the fire that had smoldered for far too long…  Lucy shifts herself onto his lap, straddling his legs and rolls her hips against his, inciting a low growl from the boy.  Is she trying to push things faster along?  Taking her actions as an approval to go further, his hands wander down to squeeze the ass that he’d longed to hold…  The blonde moans from his strong grip though her kisses, “God Luce, you smell so friggin good…” that have now moved on to his neck.  “So, do I get a strip tease like Jack did?” she bites his earlobe hard.  “Hey!”

“Maybe…” she purrs