#Because after we were in a trio conversation n they kept looking over but I'm not sure if it was just to check if I was left out (which

[warmspice]

It's LITERALLY OCTOBER

[blacklesbothatlovestowrite]

On My Mama Pt. 3

It was the day after your move and you were still pissed at the meddling duo. You were going over ways to hit back harder in your head, whilst trying to pay attention to your classes. You'd barely made it through your school day, anger heating your gut as you tried to stay focused.

"Nina move your big head!" Gina hissed, as Nina stood in front of you and Gina. She was yammering on about some party that was being thrown and how she'd scored you all an invite.

Gina had been a major help to you, before Nina walked up and disturbed the conversation. You'd asked her about Riri and Shuri's past women, wanting to know who they were. However as she spoke of them all, there was only one that stood out. Bria, a South African beauty that had a smile that reached her eyes.

Bria

You'd gotten the story of how Riri and Shuri competed for women, yet she was the only one they had shared. They had a small situationship that fizzled out because Bria wasn't into the duo's childishness. She wanted something serious, whereas the other two were into playing games. It was known that Riri wasn't as bad off as Shuri however she still didn't want to be in anything serious.

The end of the situationship caused strife as Bria was Shuri's friend before anything and when the trio parted ways Bria cut Shuri off like she was nothing and moved on. It was a known fact that after Bria, Shuri's partying got worse yet no one was brave enough to say that to the girl's face.

As Nina kept on talking, you moved your head to look past her to where Bria stood talking to someone. She was gorgeous, had a very attractive body and was very well known around on social media. She was perfect for what you had in mind.

You walked away ignoring whatever question Nina threw at you, and approached Bria with long strides in your stilettos. Your mind was conjuring up thoughts of just what you planned on doing.

You stopped right in front of her and glared at the person she was talking to until they stopped speaking and cleared their throat uncomfortably. You kept staring at them with your dark shades until they made an excuse to scurry away.

"That was quite rude." Bria says, staring at you with curiosity.

"Maybe so." You agreed. "I'm Y/n."

"Bria." The girl says, eyeing you. She was trying to be discreet, you could tell.

"I won't beat around the bush or feed you any bullshit." You start, licking your lips before smiling devilishly. "I have two very annoying roommates of which you are intimately familiar with. What do you say to us getting as familiar?"

"I... uh...." She looked shocked as she processed what you'd said to her.

"Well while you think that over, why don't we get to know each other?" You quickly grabbed her hand and led her towards your car.

-

After a week of casually hanging out you realized you and Bria had quite a bit in common. She was easy to talk to and you couldn't help how much you opened up to her. She had this vibe around her that made you feel at ease, and talking to her was therapeutic.

After talking to Bria and explaining why you were angry with Shuri on the whole mother front, she was flabbergasted to say the least. Once you got to how they'd forced you into being their roommate she was quick to agree to help you get under their skin.

You cracked open a bottle of expensive wine, prepped some cheese and crackers and were wrapped up in conversation with Bria. She was funny and blunt. She told you about her experience with the meddlesome duo, how she'd really liked them but quickly realized they didn't feel the same. The more you two talked the more you found you liked hanging with her.

You stood from your bed and turned on your record player. You played Jhene Aiko's álbum 'Souled Out' your favorite album of all time.

"Wanna help me make the popcorn?" You asked, as she lounged on your bed. You'd invited her over for a sleepover. After a few public hugs and lunches, it was all over campus that the two of you were friends. You planned on showing Shuri and Riri just how friendly you were with Bria.

"Sure." Bria shrugged, as you headed for the kitchen. The apartment was empty as Shuri and Riri were at their lab according to their schedule on their board.

As you made the popcorn, you drizzled caramel, chocolate and sea salt over it. While Bria grabbed strawberries, washing them and dipping them in the leftover chocolate.

She grabbed the can of whipped cream and started to put it on the top part of the strawberries where she'd cut off the stem part. After she finished she hopped on the counter and sprayed whipped cream in her mouth and smiled as she swallowed.

"Want some?" She asked. You nodded before walking towards her, standing in between her legs.

You giggled as she put the whipped cream to your mouth. As you swallowed, your eyes locked with hers and you kissed her, your tongue caressing hers as her hands encased your body. Your lips moved together like peaceful waves in harmony.

As the two of you kissed, your head raced with thoughts of just what you were doing. But you couldn't will yourself to pull away. The front door opening and footsteps had you jumping slightly. You stared at Bria with an uncertain gaze.

"Bria?" Shuri gasped, stopping mid step, causing Riri to bump into her.

"Hey..." Bria said, looking from Shuri to Riri.

"W...what's goin on?" Shuri stuttered. She'd seen pictures of the two of you all over her Instagram but she and Riri thought you were friends according to the school gossip.

"Y/n, invited me over for a sleepover." Bria smiles at you. You felt weird. This was the exact scenario you'd wanted yet you felt strange about it. You couldn't even say anything as you were still stuck on the kiss.

"We'll get out of your hair." Bria says, handing you the plate with the strawberries as she grasped the bowl of popcorn. You moved your eyes watching her as she hopped down and headed for your bedroom and you followed silently.

The rest of the night went by with you on autopilot, Bria was talking and you simply listened as your music played. After a while you decided to smoke to help let go and relax. Bria agreed, and you rolled up before lighting the blunt.

"You're so beautiful." You say, as you blew smoke from your nose.

"No, you're beautiful." Bria asserts, as she took a long drag before shotgunning the smoke into your mouth. You inhaled the smoke, holding it before letting it go. She learned until her lips brushed your ear. "Are we still on?"

"Yes." Is all you say before she puts the blunt out and to the side. She grasps your neck with her hand and kisses you, and your eyes flutter close.

Her soft lips and hands move over your body, pulling angelic moans from your mouth as she plays your body like the rarest harp. Her fingers strumming your most sensitive spot, over and over.

She has you coming until you're completely exhausted and your limbs are weighed down by the promise of a good rest. The last thing you remember is wanting her to cuddle you and the thought getting lost as you fall into the deep abyss.

-

The next morning you wake up to a text from Bria thanking you for the previous night. You feel oddly hurt at the fact she'd left without saying anything to you and the thought angers you. You've never cared enough about anyone you've slept with in the past so to have her be so nonchalant when you were usually that way was hard to swallow.

You moved through your morning routine and got dressed before leaving your room to see Riri at the kitchen island, eating a bowl of cereal.

"Good morning." She mumbled. It was obvious she was angry and while that should have made you happy, it didn't.

"Morning." You returned before grabbing your oats to make a creamy oats porridge with maple sugar, cinnamon and almond milk.

"Quite a performance you put on last night." Riri raised a brow.

"If you thought that was a performance I pity whoever you've fucked." You rolled your eyes, as you made your breakfast.

"I wasn't speaking on the sex. Though you should know Bria's skills are thanks to Shuri and I. We taught her everything she knows." Riri gloated.

"Congratulations, do you want a cookie?" You scoffed, as you stirred the oats in the pot.

"I see hurricane Bria worked you over." Riri shakes her head. "I should probably warn you she's quite the manipulator. But I figure you'll learn that all on your own. You're stubborn."

"I'm just having fun." You lie. Unsure of why you felt the need to. You weren't sure what you wanted however you knew Bria wasn't interested in anything with you. She was simply into getting Shuri and Riri back, however you didn't mind her friendship. She seemed genuine.

"If you say so." Riri shrugged, as she finished her bowl of cereal. "What do you plan on doing today?"

"Why is that your business?" You give her a look, as you bowl your oats porridge and start eating.

"So nothing. Got it." Riri grinned. "What do you say to a little roommate bonding?"

"No thanks."

"Come on, you can't be this boring. All that attitude isn't all you've got as a personality. Come shoot hoops with me." Riri begged, you fixed her with a displeased frown as you continued to eat.

"I heard you were into sports that you played basketball, softball and ran track for years." Riri's eyes brightened as she brought up your past. "That doesn't just go away."

'Yeah, well it did." You stop eating, and place your bowl in the fridge no longer hungry and head for your room not wanting to think on anything she'd said.

"Hey..." Her hand clasps around your wrist gently. You tense, not wanting to be touched.

"I know what happened and I'm sorry for your loss. I'm not trying to play games with you. I just want to be your friend, you could use one." Riri's voice seems sincere, and for the slightest moment your resolve wavers.

"Fine but we're running I'm not interested in playing ball I haven't played since..." You regret having to even say anything but as quickly as it's said, she immediately agrees.

Despite the nagging feelings of wanting to tell her to fuck herself, you bite the bullet and get ready for the run. You wear a pretty lilac seamless bralette and short set with a white cropped jacket that fits you just right and pair it with your white hoka running shoes.

Riri forces you to eat a granola bar and banana by naming the number of things that can happen if you don't before your run. You both agree on a nearby park that has a long path for walkers, joggers and runners.

The walk there is interesting, with you refusing to speak and Riri filling the conversation for the both of you. She's goofy, and playful a side you've never seen because she'd always be flirting or trying to get you to go out with her.

She goes on and on about things she's into, like basketball, running, technology. You find that she has many shared interests with you, including music, food and fashion. She'd be a stem, if she'd label herself though she prefers no labels as she hates social norms and rules.

As she talks you feel more and more comfortable around her. It's like on the one hand you had all these preconceived notions of what she was like and on the other hand you were now realizing what she really was like. You still hated that she was whatever she was with Shuri but you could separate the two.

The run was electrifying, you felt so good, so empowered and so free. There was nothing on your mind as the two of you ran in silence. You hated to admit you'd missed this, the feeling running gave you. It had been so long since you'd ran, you couldn't think about the last time you ran.

It'd been so long, it was a regular occurrence for you and your father to run together in the mornings before school. He was your biggest cheerleader, he took care of you whilst your mother focused on her career. She was always self centered and narcissistic, at times you wondered idly why he put up with her for so long.

She was incredibly selfish, it wasn't a shock that she cheated on him. It was more shocking that it was with a woman, she was such a hypocrite. She'd berated you about liking women, even went as far as slapping you across the face when you'd came out to her. Then to know she not only cheated with a woman but the woman you'd been obsessing over for years.

She was a shit mother, always had been yet you loved her anyway. Always forgave her because it was what your father wanted, while he made certain she treated you right. Up until the night everything changed, you'd respected her, loved her, did everything a dutiful daughter could do.

The moment you'd found how devastated your father was when he'd found out callously how she'd fucked another woman your age and just what became of him being in that state... You hated her, you hated her so much you couldn't stand the sight of her. She disgusted you.

The moment the adrenaline caught up with you, your chest tightened and your eyes went blurry and you keeled over with a heart wrenching cry. You chest heaving with breaths, as you got lost in the memories of the day you'd lost your father, the last run that you'd shared.

"Y/n..." Riri called, catching up with you. "Hey, hey, hey... Breathe. Come on, you can do it, just breathe..."

You tried several unsuccessful attempts at getting yourself together, your eyes watering as you struggled to stop the panic attack. You barely registered her hands, gripping you as she led you to an empty bench along the path.

"You're fine, You're going to be ok." Riri assured, kneeling in front of you with her hands on your knees. "Just breathe. In and out."

You listened.

Taking deep breaths, trying to control yourself.

It took a few minutes before you could gather yourself. The whole time, Riri spoke words of encouragement and affirmations. She had a calming effect that just seemed to wash over you.

"You good?" She asked, her eyes full of understanding.

"Y-Yeah..." You stuttered.

"I take it you also ran with your dad?" Riri asked, her tone was soft like she was trying to handle me with care.

"Yeah." You whispered, as tears ran down your cheeks. You swiped at your face, hating that she was seeing you be so weak. You hated showing that side of yourself to anyone. As the only person to ever acknowledge and help you when you were feeling down was gone.

"You know, I lost my father too." Riri admitted, and you stared at her with wide eyes. No one had told you that. "It was a long time ago..."

"I'm sorry." It was the first genuine thing you'd ever said to her that wasn't mean or shady. You felt bad at how you'd treated her seeing as how she was being nice to you.

"I know exactly how you feel right now, I've been there. It wasn't easy moving away from feeling so tormented and hurt and angry but I poured my all into being everything he'd of wanted me to be." Riri has a faraway look in her eyes, as she shakes her head. "He died because of me. I'd wanted to have a family picnic, he'd just come in from working all night and had forgotten about it. My best friend Natalie was coming back to Chi town to visit, and I hadn't seen her in months since she'd moved away. So I begged and pleaded until he gave in and brought me to that park. We'd only been there for a few minutes, he was walking Natalie over to my mother and I at our table when they were struck by stray bullets..."

"Ri...." You gasped as her eyes got glassy. She'd witnessed something truly horrific and traumatizing. "It's not your fault. Whoever shot that gun is at fault, not you."

"I've made peace with it. I used to blame myself for the longest, but then I worked through my grief and guilt. The hardest thing I ever did was forgive who'd done it, it wasn't easy. But it freed me from all the hatred and anger burning inside me." Riri swallowed, taking a deep breath. "This may be hard to hear but you need to hear it. Hating people isn't going to change what happened, you need to forgive. Not for them, but for you. You're only hurting yourself by giving these people the power to control your emotions, to fuel them. You are so bright, so smart, so creative. I've learned a lot about you albeit not very legally but I know enough to know that you are a good person with a big heart that tries to pretend like you don't care about anyone when we both know it isn't true. You deserve to be free of whatever anger, hurt, and despair that is harming you."

You stared at her, not wanting to accept what she was saying. Just because she was willing to forgive such a heinous act; didn't mean you had to do the same.

"I know someone exactly where you are. Exactly where I was... and I'm going to tell you the same thing I told them." Riri said, sternly. "You are only hurting yourself, by being so angry. You may feel as though you want to make the whole world pay but that isn't going to change anything. It won't make you feel any better. You have to forgive. Forgive and give yourself the time to grieve without your anger leading you."

"Look, I appreciate you sharing your story with me... but I'm not you. You don't know me. I don't need saving, nor do I need any motivational speeches about overcoming my emotions. If you want to be friends, save that shit for someone who needs it." You said, your tone sharp. You meant every word.

"Understood." Riri nodded to herself, standing. You stood as well wanting to shower, eat something and bury yourself in your sheets for the rest of the day.

When the two of you returned back to the apartment, you were shocked to see Shuri. She was so drunk she was stumbling, singing some tune while giggling to herself. You frowned as you watched the girl with new eyes.

"Riri!" Shuri exclaimed, as she smiled widely at her friend. "You missed a great opportunity today, that lab girl that's always flirting practically begged me to let her eat my--"

"Okay... Let's get you to bed..." Riri sighed, looking at her watch to see it was just after one in the afternoon. She hated when Shuri got like this. Drinking, smoking and fucking randoms. She wanted nothing more than for Shuri to heal, to let go of the hurt and stop leaning on these habits of hers.

"Oh... Y/n...." Shuri giggled, as Riri grabbed her around the waist to help her to her room. "Fuck, I wish you didn't hate me... You're so good, and pretty and I f-fucked up by f-fucking your mom and--"

"Shuri!" Riri scolded, wanting to slap the taller girl. Drunk apologizing was not it, and by the look on your face it hadn't scored Shuri any points. She could see the hatred in your eyes, as you looked Shuri over before heading into your room and slamming the door.

"See... She h-hates me..." Shuri laughed.

"I hate when you're like this..." Riri grumbled, leading Shuri to her bedroom.

-

After a little hiatus, I'm back! Thanks to everyone that supported my blog while I was away. I really appreciate you all. I was working on my stories that I plan on self publishing in RL because I'm a sapphic girl with sapphic reading desires.

Anyway, let me know what you thought of this part. I rushed in Bria's character because BOY do I have plans....

[im-just-a-mississippi-girl]

Since You Been Gone

Pairing: None

Category: Angst with a happy ending

Word count: 2,335

Summary: Kenny turns into an asshole and develops an unhealthy behavior until an angel comes along and saves him.

Warnings: Swearing, mentions and references of sex

A/N: This is part 2 of I'm Giving Up On Love 'Cause Love's Given Up On Me. It can be read on its own, but if you want the full story/backstory I suggest reading the first one. The beginning has a few little references to part one, but nothing you can't piece together on your own.

Part 1

Masterlist

Taglist

Gif is not mine. Credit to owner

It had been two months since you left Kenny. The first few weeks hit him hard. He was a crying, wallowing mess. Matt and Nick hated seeing their best friend so miserable so they tried everything they could think of to get him to go out and have fun, but it was no use.

Everywhere he looked all he saw was you. That last heartbreaking conversation played over and over in his mind. ‘You never noticed but he did! He saw the second I wasn’t being myself and he took care of me — he is taking care of me.’

When Kenny made the decision to give up on love, he meant it.

Kenny didn’t find romance appealing anymore, if anything he found it appalling. The second you drove away that day, he was ruined. Kenny knew there would never be another you and that was devastating. You were his world and he ended up ruining everything, failing to pay enough attention to you thus driving you into another man’s arms.

The past month Kenny decided he would take Matt and Nick up on their offer to go out after the most recent Dynamite, it wasn’t like he had anyone to go home to anymore. Unfortunately, the Jackson brothers didn’t know they were about to feed into their best friend’s unhappiness and unhealthy behavior.

The trio went out for a couple drinks at the nearest bar. That’s where Kenny met a pretty brown eyed, blonde. She kept eying him and he did the same. Eventually, they each ditched their respective friend group and met up by the bar, both their friend groups all watched the interaction.

Matt and Nick thought that maybe this girl would help Kenny return to his normal self, get him out of this depressive funk. The next thing the brothers knew Kenny and the blonde were heading for the door without so much as a nod in their direction.

The two-thirds of the trios tag team champions shared a look, an eyebrow raised and slight smirk crept upon each of their faces. Maybe this is it. Maybe they’ll hit it off.

Kenny and the mystery woman miraculously made it to Kenny’s hotel room, it was miraculous because the pair couldn’t keep their hands or lips off of one another for more than five seconds.

Once in the room, both parties were shedding their clothes and stumbling towards the bed where they would have an intense session of nothing but rough sex. This was the first time Kenny had a woman in his bed since the breakup.

When it was all over, Kenny looked over at the woman wrapped up in the sheets. One thought played on loop in his head — she’s not you. Kenny stared at the ceiling for what felt like hour before the woman, who’s name he didn’t even care to learn, spoke up, “I had a great time. What do you say we get some dinner sometime?” She had a hopeful look on her face, but Kenny knew his answer the moment he saw her.

“No.” He was stern and cold with his answer. He didn’t want anything more, he just wanted to blow off some steam, to have a woman touch him, to please him. Kenny Omega just wanted sex.

The blonde was devastated and quickly pulled her clothes on before storming out of the room, the door slamming closed behind her.

Matt and Nick were just making their way to their hotel rooms when the blonde pushed past them, looking humiliated. The two looked at each other confused and concerned. What happened?

The pair stopped by Kenny’s room and knocked. When the door opened revealing Kenny, neither of the men knew what to say. Kenny had this cold aura about him, a steely look on his face, eyes empty of emotion.

“What?” Kenny snapped at the brothers. Nick looked at his brother, not wanting to say a word to Kenny about his demeanor.

Matt finally opened his mouth after a few moments. “What happened with that girl from the bar? We just passed her in the hall, she looked upset.” Matt was internally flinching at the possible reaction he would receive.

“Sex. That’s it.” Kenny rolled his eyes clearly annoyed at this conversation. “Anything else?” He asked, sharply.

“No. That’s all. We just—” Nick attempted to clear things up but Kenny slammed the door in their faces.

The Jackson brothers sighed and headed to their rooms. Both men knew how much you leaving Kenny affected him but they didn’t realize he would be like this. They thought over the past two months that he would get over you and move on — clearly that wasn’t the case.

The next week Kenny took it upon himself to go out to a nearby club — this time alone. He didn’t bother telling Matt, Nick, or Brandon where he was going, much less invite them along.

This time Kenny crossed paths with a sultry redheaded woman.

The woman noticed Kenny sitting alone at a booth with a perfect view of the dance floor, where the woman currently danced with two other women. Kenny figured they must have been her friends, but he didn’t care about them.

The redhead sauntered over to the booth. “Wanna dance, hot stuff?” She purred in his ear. A wicked smirk played on Kenny’s lips. Hook, line, and sinker.

Kenny let the woman lead him onto the dance floor where they more than put everyone in the room to shame. Sensual touches, seductive looks, and heated kisses were just the few things the surrounding patrons witnessed.

No more than four songs had played before the pair exited the club.

Hands and lips were all over one another as the Uber driver approached the hotel Kenny was staying at. The two took advantage of the fact that they were alone in the elevator, hands slipping between legs and under clothes, toying with one another until the elevator doors opened on the correct floor.

Kenny made quick work of unlocking the door and pulling the redhead into the room. Clothes were all but ripped off as they toppled onto the bed.

Neither one was sure how long they spent enjoying the company of each other, just that it was a good time.

Once again, Kenny promptly told the woman to leave, the same cold and harsh tone form last week. Unlike the blonde, the redhead wasn’t humiliated or upset by leaving. Kenny vaguely remembered her saying something about just wanting to have a good time, just sex.

Matt, Nick, and Brandon had went looking for Kenny, but they didn’t find him in the places they figured he would be, so the trio headed the hotel. Maybe he turned in early.

The boys stopped at Kenny’s door, Matt knocked three times before the door swung open and there stood a towel clad Kenny Omega, hair disheveled and a thin layer of sweat covering his skin. The guys just assumed he must have been about to shower, maybe he had hit the gym and they just missed him.

“We were looking for you earlier. You just disappeared on us.” Brandon spoke up.

“Went to the club then had some fun here.” Kenny rolled his eyes, already annoyed at the conversation. Kenny just want to do his own thing. It wasn’t like he had anything better to do, he didn’t have you to go home to anymore so why did it matter what he did?

“What’s going on with you?” Matt finally snapped, he didn’t even know who this was. He just knew this sure as hell wasn’t his best friend.

Kenny just scoffed at Matt’s question and all but slammed the door in their faces. Matt and Nick shared a collective sigh as Brandon was left confused by Kenny’s behavior.

Brandon had known about the breakup and how hard it hit Kenny but this wasn’t what he expected. He thought the Jackson brothers were exaggerating when the duo filled Brandon in on what happened last week — clearly they weren’t.

The next couple weeks had come and gone, and Kenny’s behavior and demeanor had not changed much, if anything it had gotten worse. He was still picking up women from local bars and clubs in whatever city they were in, but these last couple weeks he was bringing two girls back with him. His treatment was the same though, sex then kicking them out.

Most girls didn’t care, they just wanted the experience.

The Bucks were getting tired of watching the sting of women exit their best friend’s room. They were getting tired of watching Kenny grow cold, hard, and distant. Something had to be done, and it had to be done as soon as possible.

It was time for an intervention of sorts, to get Kenny to talk it all out and break this unhealthy cycle. The brothers desperately needed Kenny back to his fun loving self again.

Matt and Nick recruited Brandon to help out. Brandon instantly agreed, he hated seeing Kenny like this too.

The trio brainstormed and finally hatched up a plan to put in motion for next week.

As the next week rolled around Matt, Nick, and Brandon began putting their plan into action.

The plan was to go about the day like usual, the true first step wasn’t until after Dynamite was over. There they would follow Kenny to the location of his choosing, just watch and see what happens. If Kenny did like he has been, they would confront him. The boys didn’t have a plan on what to do if, by some chance, he didn’t pick up a woman.

Low and behold, a pretty brunette had slid into the seat next to Kenny at the bar. The trio watched as Kenny and the brunette flirted with one another. This was it. Step two was soon to begin.

Matt, Nick, and Brandon watched the pair, patiently waiting for the two to exit the bar. Hours passed before the trio realized this night was different. Kenny and the brunette were just talking and laughing and having a good time. The three exchanged looks with one another but no one made an effort to move, staying glued to their seats at a table. They were amazed by what they saw. Kenny actually looked….. happy, something he hadn't been in months.

The men finally decided to leave the bar and get back to the hotel, they all had to pack and catch a plane home the next afternoon.

Kenny and the brunette eventually left the bar but this time Kenny didn’t take her to his hotel room, he took her to get some food instead. Given the hour all that was open was a fast food. Thankfully, neither one cared, too immersed in the conversation they were currently having.

As the night went on, the two ended up exchanging phone numbers and making plans to meet up again soon. Kenny had found out durning a conversation that the brunette was about to finish cosmetology school in the next few weeks. AEW does need another hair and makeup artist since one of them had to quit for personal reasons. That could be brought up after she graduates and ran by Tony, Kenny thought.

Kenny drove her to her hotel, turns out she was staying at the one across the street from his. Goodbyes were said as well as promises to talk soon.

Kenny returned to his hotel room and began packing up his things, a smile on his face — one that hadn’t been there in months.

The next morning Brandon, Matt, and Nick were in the lobby checking out of their rooms at the desk when Kenny came strolling in, looking a million times better than the last time they saw him the night before. The trio noticed Kenny was actually smiling, like he looked genuinely happy. They all shared a look with one another when Matt decided he would test the waters. “You look happy. Is the old Kenny back or is this smile just for appearance sake?” Matt asked, eyebrow raised in skepticism.

Kenny took in Matt’s words and the past several weeks had come flooding back to him. He remembered how much of an asshole he had been when his friends stopped to check on him and try to help him get out his unhealthy habit and behavior as well as his icy demeanor. Remorse washed all over Kenny’s face. “Guys, I’m sorry for the way I was treating you. You were just trying to help me and I was being the world’s biggest asshole. You don’t have to forgive me for it because I don’t forgive me for it. Hell, I wouldn’t want to be my friend anymore after being on the receiving end of my shitty behavior. I just want to say I’m sorry. I actually met a literal angel last night at the bar. She was a huge help in getting me to realize I was going about this breakup wrong and developing unhealthy habits.” He was pouring his heart out right then and there before he realized.

The boys looked at one another and exchanged slight nods. “We forgive you. Just let us help next time. We don’t like seeing you miserable and developing unhealthy habits.” Matt said, watching as Kenny nodded along.

“I might be wrong but I don’t think there will be a next time. This woman — this angel — she’s…. she’s just so gorgeous and funny and kind. Call me cliché but I think she’s the one.” Kenny shrugged in attempts to seem nonchalant all while he was beaming internally.

“How about you tell us about her on the way to the airport?” Nick offered, he wanted know about this angel as Kenny kept calling her and he knew Matt and Brandon wanted to know too.

The four finished checking out of their rooms and headed to the car more than ready to hear their best friend gush about his angel.

General Taglist: @legit9thlunaticwarrior @plentyoffandoms @1dluver13xx @sunshinevirus @wwenhlimagines @crowleysqueenofhell @jackson-nickthedate13

Kenny Omega Taglist: @legit9thlunaticwarrior @abbyjacksonnn @rubyred1980 @writtingrose

[annasinterests]

don't look at me like that unless you mean it

prologue

|| series masterlist || main masterlist ||

a/n: i am VERY excited and nervous to finally be posting on tumblr after having it since like,, 2014,, which is embarrassing as hell to admit.. but fuck it we ball! anyways, here is my first ever fic i'm sharing on this platform. i tend to write up a lot of things but have always been too intimidated to post them, so this is me trying to get over that! also, please know that this piece is completely optional. i only wrote it to give context on the relationship reader and joel have, plus ellie as well, but you absolutely can skip past it if that's not your cup of tea, or check back in later once i post more chapters! also, please bear with me as i get used to posting and including all the necessary tags and warnings & whatnot.

word count: 2.7k

pairings: joel miller x f!reader

warnings & tags: minors dni, swearing, mentions of violence & death, canon events, strangers to friends, friends to lovers? (we'll find out), slowburnish, pining, age gap (14-ish yrs) — please tell me if i missed anything!

You'd been at each other's side for nearly seventeen years, first meeting when you arrived in the Boston QZ almost eight years after outbreak day. To say you were a hardened survivor was putting it lightly; you had endured every unimaginable loss possible. Tragedy became a constant companion of yours as you lost beloved friends and family, and you grew to know nothing but anger and violence.

At first, you thought nothing of him. He was just your neighbor across the hall, coming and going at all different points throughout the day and night. Another face in the sea of struggling people. Your paths occasionally crossed during the same shift of the same shitty jobs FEDRA assigned for a cruel amount of ration cards. You'd exchange brief nods every so often, and on the rare occasion, a mutter that was only decipherable as a greeting.

On a chance encounter beyond the walls of the QZ, you ran into him with another woman during one of your smuggling runs. You had frozen, with no indication of the kind of people they were, they could've either kept it to themselves or reported you, essentially sentencing you to death. Thankfully, a higher power had been on your side that day as the woman had concluded you weren't a threat to them, simply giving you a nod before they carried on. It was a subtle understanding that passed around you three. You worry about your business, and I'll worry about mine.

Things shifted after that.

The more you would see them, either together or separately, the more of a connection began to form. It started off small– bowing your heads at one another in passing, giving the faintest of smiles. Notes would be slipped under your door from time to time with a tip regarding stashed goods or potential dangers within the QZ and outside of it. It would be signed off by 'Tess' or 'Joel', with Tess being the more frequent sender. In return, you'd do the same, leaving helpful tips and sometimes doubling what they had left for you.

It graduated to in-person visits, primarily initiated by Tess. Joel kept his distance for the most part, despite literally living across the hall. That didn't mean that his lingering gaze went unnoticed by you, though.

Over the next twelve years, you banded together as a trio. Trust was one of the rarest commodities to come across, and you had found it in one another. Over time, your walls had come down, and you shared parts of yourself that had been long buried for years. You’d engaged in casual conversations, tactical strategies, and even light-hearted banter at times.

Smuggling operations became a team effort, though often it left you to work with Joel alone. Tess would go off on her own for recon, utilizing her expertise and connections to gather vital information, also because she was way more likely to be reciprocated in her efforts compared to Joel. Nonetheless, you formed a formidable duo, working seamlessly together to navigate the dangers when they presented themselves.

There became an unspoken understanding between you and Joel that communicated in volumes. You developed a rhythm, anticipating each other's moves and providing support when it was needed the most. A dynamic that had set your relationship apart from Tess.

Through the long nights, you both shared snippets of your lives before the outbreak. He spoke of growing up in Texas, the memories of a time when life was normal and filled with simple pleasures, like playing guitar. He mentioned a distant brother, Tommy, who was somewhere out west. He'd worked as a contractor, though dreamed of building something of his own. He spoke with a hint of regret, remembering the long hours he worked while still struggling to make ends meet. Reluctantly, he'd even shared the fact that he had a daughter, though he hardly said her name or other details. The most you learned was that he had a daughter, and then he didn't.

You enlightened him about how you lived a calm life. You grew up in the mountains, which explained your affinity for nature, and you found solace in music. You had both your parents and a brother, who was your closest ally. If one of you were doing something, the other tagged along with no questions asked. It was a month in to your last year of high school when outbreak day came along, forever fucking up your life. You recounted the graphic and harrowing moments of loss, the pain of watching your loved ones fall one by one in the span of two years. The next four years were spent traveling alone in search of a place to close your eyes without fearing that something was coming for you, whether it was alive or dead. Through whispers on the road, you heard of the Boston QZ, one of the remaining zones that retained enough stability. You didn't believe it, deeming it as something that was too good to be true after the world had been so cruel to you, but what else did you have to lose?

You still carried on your work the same, but it was clear that your relationship had shifted once again, this time more personally. He looked at you differently, like he was truly seeing you in a way no one else ever had. It showed in the way his voice was softer when he spoke to you and became overall more attentive towards you. He'd stop by your place more often, either sticking around for a few minutes or several hours. But it was in moments of vulnerability that spoke to the depth of your relationship. When you suffered serious injuries that left you barely conscious, he was there without hesitation. With gentle hands and meticulous care, he'd clean and patch you up, letting you rest your weary body against his for however long you needed.

You couldn't deny the growing affection in your heart for him by the frequent moments in which you felt a closeness that went beyond friendship. There was an unspoken intimacy, a silent understanding of the uncharted territory your hearts were treading, saying stay with me, and, why wouldn't i?

Insert Ellie into your lives. A young, electrifying girl from the Fireflies, a group you'd come to loathe.

You three had been on your way to find Robert, the dickbag that sold your guns, when you got caught in a scuffle between FEDRA and the Fireflies, being forced to flee and take an alternate route, leading you right to Marlene, Queen Firefly, as you liked to call her. Upon discovering she had your guns, she proposed an exchange: Smuggle a girl out of the QZ for the guns. You and Joel scoffed at the idea, immediately wanting to call it off, but somehow, someway, Tess convinced you both to go forward with it.

She was everything you expected her to be at first; unaware and a liability. She eyed you three cautiously, not really okay with the idea of leaving Marlene, but not having another option to go with either. In pushing towards the capitol, you reminded her of what felt like every five minutes to stay down, stay quiet, and do exactly as told as Tess led and Joel trailed behind.

After several attacks and encounters with infected, the true reason was revealed as to why Marlene needed the fourteen-year-old smuggled out: She was immune to infection. Even after the girl's explanations of finding a cure in a lab out west, you shook with laughter in disbelief. How many times had you heard this shit before? Tess, seemingly the only one to believe her, executively decided to push forward, earning disconcerted looks from you and Joel.

You couldn't have said you were surprised when you turned up to the empty capitol, the Fireflies once again proving how they were fucking unreliable as always. Your smugness quickly turned to mild panic as Tess began to have a meltdown, ultimately confessing her bite that made time stop ticking for you. Fuck.

It had been sixteen years since you last lost someone you cared about in the same way, your ability to react and process was nonexistent, so you just stood and stared as if it would disappear. With FEDRA looming beyond the doors, Tess had urged you both to take Ellie and find Tommy, find a way to get her to that damned lab.

So that's what you did.

The first few months were rough on all three of you. You faced infected, as expected, but it was harder to deal with each other more than anything. Ellie tried to find where she stood with you and Joel, wanting to help at every turn but keeping her head down to stay out of the way. You respected how she held her own and didn't take shit from Bill when stopping through his town, and how she handled losing people as quickly as she met them, like Sam and Henry. Despite her efforts, you often found Joel not letting up, only praising her once in a blue moon.

You realized it wasn't so bad after all, being with Ellie. She had spirit and faith, traits you hadn't seen someone possess in quite some time. In her presence, you found yourself rediscovering the capacity for joy and laughter, something that had felt distant and unattainable for far too long. You watched as she got to see and experience things in her life for the first time, like walking through forests; things that you had taken for granted. Her needs, before a burden, had now become a responsibility you willingly tended to, making sure she was the first to eat, drink, and sleep at all times. Each night, you watched her drift off, knowing she was protected by you and Joel and catching a feeling of a profound sense of purpose.

Stumbling into Tommy and his crew wasn't the reunion that you hoped for when fall rolled around. Ellie and Joel's relationship had taken a turn when she caught wind of him wanting to leave her with Tommy, figuring that he could do a better job, though you disagreed. Consequently, it led to her and Joel getting into an argument while you and Tommy awkwardly lingered outside of an abandoned ranch house. And though you were outside, you could still hear bits and pieces, finally hearing the name of Joel's daughter and understanding the pain that shaped his actions towards Ellie.

Upon coming to Eastern Colorado University weeks later, the Fireflies once again proved to be unreliable in staying in a fucking singular location. While you found scattered recordings that indicated them to be in Utah, you also found yourselves caught between hunters and infected, leading to yet another one of the traumatizing moments in your life: Joel falling off a second story and being impaled in the abdomen by a jagged piece of rebar. You and Ellie had managed to defend yourselves while also protecting Joel, talking to him through gritted teeth and coaxing him to move, repeating the words like a mantra.

The winter had been particularly cruel that year, leaving you short on food. You and Ellie had eventually found shelter in an abandoned lake house, securing Joel and carefully tending to him for the following weeks. Deep down, you knew Joel's body couldn’t continue fighting sepsis without proper medicine, and the thought of him dying brought you to near tears. While out hunting alone, you had run into two men. They’d traded you medicine for the deer, but not without leaving you with the eerie fact that they knew you, and knew you killed their men back at the university. You had fled back to Joel and Ellie as quickly as possible, sticking the syringe in him with shaky hands as you urgently warned her to be ready to face danger once again.

Your gut instinct had been right as the next morning you had heard the sound of people nearby, scrambling to tell Ellie to stay with Joel while you led them away and strictly emphasizing that she was not to leave. As you lured off and killed a few hunters, they unfortunately bested you, knocking you out cold and dragging you back to their settlement. You had woken up in a makeshift cage, with your weapons gone and zipties bounding your hands and feet together, as David watched you from afar, speaking to you in a tone that drastically contrasted the words he spoke. You fought through the grogginess, your mind was only set on one thing: Finding Ellie and Joel, alive. Discreetly, you had broken out of the restrictions and kicked out the gate, grabbing the broken chain and slinging it at him as you escaped.

You hid in abandoned storefronts and evaded your enemies, silently taking down the ones that drew too close with makeshift weapons and leaving a trail of bodies in your wake. The harsh snowfall made it all the more challenging, obscuring your vision and forcing you to rely on your sense of sound. When you went to strike at another body, you were caught off-guard as strong hands seized your wrists and pinned you against the wall. At the realization that it was Joel pressed against you, tears brimmed in your eyes as you threw your arms around him, thanking whatever higher power there was for bringing him back to you.

Together, you had found Ellie in a burning restaurant, rushing in to see her hacking away at David. Joel ripped her away from him, her cries and pleads tearing you apart. You fell to your knees as she wept out, taking her into your arms as Joel held the both of you, smoothing her hair and whispering soothing reassurances. It was in that moment that you realized that you and Joel had become more than just a guardian for this young girl. There was an understanding that you both would do whatever it took to keep her safe.

A feeling of disappointment had set in when Ellie declined Joel's offer to go back to Jackson after arriving in Salt Lake City. After what she had gone through, you saw that she felt an obligation to finish what brought you all together in the first place. While navigating through flooded streets, you were faced with rescuing and resuscitating both Joel and Ellie as they became trapped underwater and falling unconscious, the moments blurring together all too fast before you'd been knocked out by two Fireflies from behind.

You had woken up to Joel in a hospital bed next to you, along with Marlene. The Fireflies had set up base at the St. Mary's Hospital, not too far from where you were clocked. Through Marlene you learned that Ellie had been okay, but was immediately taken in for surgery. When you had asked how the procedure would play out, Marlene hesitantly explained that Ellie's brain was at the center of it all, and you had put the pieces together that it all pointed towards death. Both you and Joel grew angry and had protested that another way had to be possible, but of course, Marlene disregarded and ordered for your leave.

What followed in that hospital became yet another turning point in your relationship, not only with Joel, but Ellie too. You were both aware that once you killed the first person in your way, that there was no going back.

And nothing made more sense.

Not a living soul made it out of that hospital except for you, Joel, and Ellie. The chance couldn't be taken that you'd be tracked or followed. So, you returned to Jackson in one piece, and held a secret that only strengthened your bond to each other.

You had moved into the last house on Rancher Street, a decent sized home with a separate garage and fenced in yard. Joel took up the bigger bedroom upon your insistence, and the garage converted to a space designed just for Ellie. You found work in patrol, with Joel and Tommy, and administration by Maria’s side.

It undoubtedly marked a new chapter; no more traveling, no more searching, no more sleeping with one eye open. You had food, clothes, and a roof over your head, in a thriving community, moreover.

Everything had fallen into place, just like it was supposed to.

And you, Joel, and Ellie were finally safe.

Right?

if you read this far, thank you from the bottom of my heart! i hope you'll continue to stick around for their story. feedback is appreciated <3 y'all have a lovely day!

[kodiakwhiskey]

If we were a movie, this would be our soundtrack

Summary: after Harry unexpectedly dumps her at the beginning of their 6th year, Aurelia finds some comfort in the unlikeliest of places. (DracoXFem!OC) with a dash of (HarryxFem!OC)

SMUT INCOMING, MINORS DNI

A/N: Here's the spotify playlist if you want to have a listen. (my playlists are never short just an fyi) I'm avoiding all other WIP rn because stress, but I hope you enjoy this super long and basic fic.

Dividers made by Firefly Graphics

Aurelia

October 10th 6th year

I spent a little extra time getting ready today. I went through the horrible shoulder pain of holding my arms parallel to French braid my long hair, I even put on a little bit of makeup. It was my birthday today, and I was more than excited to spend the day with Harry. Of course Ron and Hermione as well, but dating Harry was something special. His green eyes held all of the splendour in the world and I was absolutely head over heels for him. His life was a rollercoaster, and I was along for the ride.

However, my first clue to how wrong today would go, should have been me breaking my nail on the door handle. It wasn’t hard, I was constantly breaking my nails. They were super weak and soft usually, but I had been taking the time to strengthen them and keep a short manicure.

I went to wait for Harry by the Gryffindor common room, like always. It was a morning routine, something I took great delight in. Walking with the trio to breakfast and then to classes brought normality into my life.

I heard Hermione’s laugh as they walked out of the common room, and whipped around.

“Good morning!” She was always greeting me cheerfully, and I was grateful to have a female friend outside of the Hufflepuff house and Millicent. Hannah and Susan were great, but we never had the deep intellectual conversations Hermione and I had. She skipped ahead and Harry and Ron followed shortly after.

“Morning L. How was everything last night after quidditch?”

“Oh they were fine Ron. It wasn’t anything too big, we don’t throw parties like you guys or the slytherins.” I went to reach for Harry’s hand but he kept walking, saying good morning and continuing his chat with Ron. Ok. Weird. We always held hands. I decided to talk with Hermione instead during our walk to breakfast.

Harry pulled me aside as we approached the halls.

“Hey, can we talk for a second?” His words stirred my anxiety and I nodded as he pulled me off to the side, into a little nook in the hallway.

“Is everything ok Harry?” My voice was soft as he finally held my hand, the warmth easing some of my uneasiness away.

“No I um… I don’t know how to tell you this.” My heart sank a bit, but I stayed quiet, not wanting to interrupt. “I don’t think we should see each other anymore.” Tears pooled in my eyes, and I blinked them away as he continued. “It’s not anything you did. You’re amazing and I want you to be happy. I just don’t…” I could feel my heart falling apart and he brushed a tear away with his thumb. “I don’t think I love you anymore.”

What an amazing birthday, am I right? “I see…” My voice was quiet as he kissed me one last time on the forehead.

“I'd still love to be friends, but I understand if you need some space. It felt wrong to lead you on like that. I hope one day you can forgive me.” He didn’t say anything else. He just let go of my hands and walked into the hall for breakfast. There was no way I could go in now. I settled for grabbing something small from the kitchens, the cook in charge giving me a strange look. He was a sweet man. He always treated the house elves as equals and made sure they were taken care of.

He didn’t say anything as I grabbed an apple and some of the freshly made granola bars. The courtyard would be too obvious for me to hide in. I settled for making my way down to the quidditch pitch. If anything I could just watch whoever was practising. After all, it was a Saturday. The Hufflepuff team wouldn’t be practising today. Justin told me he wanted me to have the day off, being my birthday and all. I sat in the stands, leaving my breakfast on the seat next to me, and pulled out a journal from my bag.

In the front was the picture of me and Harry from the Yule Ball our fourth year. That was when we first started dating.

Incendio. The picture lit up in flames and I tossed it aside, letting it smoulder and burn to ashes.

October 10th,

It’s my birthday today. It should have been a magical day I spent with my boyfriend, but instead I got dumped. It’s one of these days I wish Cedric was still here. Maybe he would have tried to cheer me up? It’s for the best anyways I guess. I’d rather be alone than with someone who clearly doesn’t care for me. Tonight’s my party, and I’ll cry if I want to.

I quickly closed the book so none of my tears would smear the ink and stared out at the Forbidden Forest. I wanted to just be sad and filled with remorse, but here I am, angry. How dare he? He didn’t even acknowledge it was my birthday. He just pretended like it was any other day.

I definitely had been out there, crying while I was trying to contain my rage, for over an hour because soon enough some students started coming down. I didn’t care to look. If it was anyone who cared about me they’d make themselves known.

“Aw look. It’s Potter’s little girlfriend.” I wanted to vomit. I didn’t have to look up to know Draco’s sneer when I heard it.

“Don’t call me that.”

“Awww why not. Did he dump you?” I didn’t say anything, I just flicked my wand at him and sent him flying away from me.

“Find someone else to torment Malfoy. I’m not in the mood for these games.” I stood up and collected my things when I felt a hand on my shoulder.

“Hey woah, calm down.” I jerked my shoulder away and turned around to punch the person touching me. Nott was the kindest out of Draco’s little group. “Are you okay?” I shook my head and he chuckled to himself. “Right, stupid question. Did Potter even acknowledge it was your birthday?”

“How did you know?”

“A little birdie in Slytherin told me. Millie was worried when she didn’t see you for breakfast.”

“Nott quit talking to the lowlife.” He turned around and gave Draco a hard stare, before turning back to her.

“She asked me to give you this. She said something about you being the sweetest cinnamon roll.” He handed me a light package, neatly wrapped in green and gold. “Happy Birthday Leonheart.”

As he walked away back over to Draco’s gang I heard the sneers and taunts at him for his kindness. Millicent and I met before Hogwarts. Her parents were family friends, and despite only meeting a handful of times, we got really close that summer before our 1st year. She was indeed one of my best friends. I grabbed my bag, and headed off the pitch going to the Common Room. Maybe I could convince Justin to cancel the party?

I slid inside my room. My father had convinced them to give me my own bedroom, due to my sleeping condition. He wanted to make sure I was safe, and that I wasn’t disturbing the other students. I tossed my bag on the bed and gingerly opened the gift from Millie.

My sweetest Hufflepuff,

Happy Birthday. I wanted to get you way more presents this year, but I saw this and I couldn’t think of anyone but my best friend. Mother and Father send their best wishes for you and your family.

I slipped the note inside my nightstand drawer, not wanting to lose it, and moved the tissue paper around to see a small necklace. A golden chain with a gold and black bee pendant. She truly was my best friend, knowing and accepting my love for the small creatures. I put it on, letting it sit nestled right above my breasts. She also got me a small gold bracelet, the ones that bind to the person. I slipped it on my wrist, and felt the metal shrink to fit perfectly. It was the kind you couldn’t take off and I loved that. She must have gotten herself a matching one.

Love you forever,

Mills <3

Justin said I couldn’t get out of a party just because Harry broke up with me.

“This is a great time to score a rebound!”

I slipped into the dress Hannah and Susan got me, the gold shimmery fabric falling softly over my curves. Hannah and Susan got ready with me, doing our hair and makeup together in my room.

“Harry is going to realise tonight exactly what he’s missing in his life, Aurelia.” Hannah’s voice was soft as she let my braid loose, combing through the waves gently. “Gold is definitely your colour.”

The four of us walked to the Room of Requirement together, Hannah and Susan skipping and holding arms together, Justin walking next to me.

“Just don’t forget about practice in the morning, yeah?” I nodded and laughed a little. The doors opened and the party was in full swing.

“Lia!” Mills came over and hugged me tightly. “You look gorgeous.” She did get us matching bracelets, the same thin gold chain on her wrist. She looped her arm in mine as Justin guided us through the throng of people, and to the back tent.

As Millie was gushing about Blaise Zabini, I let my eyes drift around the room. It was mostly friends from other houses, the entirety of the hufflepuff upperclassmen. Fred and George were probably already smoking in the tent, and I heard something about Justin making brownies. Millie was about the only Slytherin who came into the tent at parties, mostly because it was the majority of Hufflepuff, and the 7th years liked to be 'exclusive'. As Justin pulled the front of the tent back for us I locked eyes across the room with Draco. His eyes burned into mine as he sipped his drink, a small smirk on his face and I felt my cheeks heat up before Mills tugged me into the tent.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" There was a loud pop of confetti, and immediately Fred was handing me a joint, helping me light it. I took a deep inhale and felt one of the girls in our house, Hecate, put a tiara on my head. She was one of my closest friends. Everyone was so sweet, and since everyone had time to get high, they were all stupidly sentimental. Along with the joint, George handed me a muggle beer and I was already being handed a brownie by Justin.

At some point Hecate and Millie dragged me out of the tent, both of them pulling me on to the dance floor to whatever music had been picked out. High me didn't care what I was dancing too just that I was dancing.

Harry

I was nervous. Ron and Hermione already tore me a new one for breaking up with her on her birthday.

"Mate, you know I want you to be happy, but Lia was the best thing to happen to you."

Ron's words bounced around in my head. Luna insisted I come to the party anyways, if I was actually serious about being friends.

I lost my nerve to say anything when she was pulled out of the smoking tent, her friends forming almost a barrier between her and the rest of the party. Seeing her so carefree reminded me of just how beautiful she was.

But I wasn't allowed to think that way anymore. I did just toss almost two years with her aside. I leaned against the wall, downing the rest of my drink. She would get high to forget the events of this morning, and I would be drunk.

Hermione tried once or twice to coax me onto the dance floor and enjoy myself, but honestly I couldn't. How could I? She probably didn't even want me here, let alone know I was here.

When I closed my eyes I thought about her dazzling rose colored eyes, how they shimmered with excitement. Cedric was the one to tell me to ask her to the dance. So I did. How did all that passion fizzle to nothing in a matter of weeks?

"Hey Harry." Luna came over, taking my empty cup and giving me a bottle of water. "You should really stay hydrated." I just nodded, accepting the bottle and she threw my cup in the trash can closest to us. "You should at least wish her a happy birthday. You already got her something didn't you?"

"No… I um… I forgot it was her birthday." The words came up like bile. How could I forget? She spoiled me rotten on my birthday, even going so far as to show up to the Dursleys to escort me away for school.

Hell, even Petunia liked her. Making nice comments about her as we left Privet drive. Luna handed me a small package. "I got two of them for her, but I think you should give her the second one. If you want to still be friends you should make an effort instead of sulking in the corner." She bounced away as I took the box from her, going to toss her own on the growing pile next to the tent all the hufflepuffs were gathered in.

I hung onto the water bottle, but grabbed another beer, attempting to drown my sorrows.

Aurelia

I knew he was here. I wasn't stupid. I saw him downing drink after drink in the corner by the snack table. He was really fixated on the cup. Hecate saw my eyes drift over to him and she pulled my face towards hers again.

"He's not worth it."

"I mean… we can still be friends right?"

"Not when he's sulking and crashing your party. I bet he didn't even get you anything." Mills piped up, returning to our little formation with three drinks."Drink up birthday girl." We toasted briefly and Hecate and I slammed the cocktails down like a married couple, our arms intertwined.

"Also Mills. It's not a requirement to get me a gift on my birthday. Certainly not from someone who doesn't want to see me." I wasn't an idiot. I knew they could hear the sadness in my voice. Hecate took our cups to the trash and I felt a tap on my shoulder as the music slowed to a chiller tempo. I turned around to see Nott, his dark curls softly tousled. The dim lighting made his eyes stand out.

"Hey, can I steal you for a minute?" I glanced over at Mills who eagerly nodded and made a showing motion with her hand, downing the rest of her drink. I felt Nott pull me in by the waist and the breath hitched in my throat. "You know, I wasn't going to say anything, but you're so sinfully delicious you have two sworn enemies staring holes in your dress." I laughed and my hands found their place on his chest.

"Oh stop it. I'm not that pretty." He chuckled in my ear.

"Do you want to make Potter jealous?" I felt my face flush at his deep tone in my ear. "We'd also make Malfoy jealous, and it would be amusing to watch them fight over you."

"Nott, are you trying to spice up the evening?" There was that deep, dark chuckle again from him.

"I just want my best friend to admit he finds you attractive and make a move. Consider it a dual purpose." He spun me briefly and pulled me directly back into his chest, pressing a small kiss to the corner of my mouth. "Of course, I'm sure if we just went to get high it would do the trick, no need for contact you don't want."

"I never said I didn't want it, but honestly a joint sounds lovely right now." He pulled me by the hand into the tent, and I felt like the devil was leading me towards temptation. There was a lot more smoke in here than there was earlier and upon entering I was handed a joint.

We all sat around laughing, going through 2 joints before Nott and I headed back out, Hannah and Susan smirking proudly at me.

They said I could use a rebound. Nott seemed to have that in mind as well.

Mills has found her way to Blaise, the two of them chatting closely over by the front of the room.

Nott continued dancing with me, and I was actually enjoying myself. I didn't think I would tonight. I wasn't concerned with the longing that came from this morning. Of course that could be because of how much we've smoked.

I felt a hand on my shoulder and turned my attention from Nott to Harry, who was standing behind me.

"Do you have a minute? I wanted to talk to you." Nott started saying something in protest but I put my hand up and stopped him.

"It's okay Nott. Thanks for looking out for me." I gave him a small smile and let Harry lead me out to the hallway.

"I'm sorry."

"For which part?"

"All of it. Well not all of it." His hand rubbed his forehead a little, he was nervous talking to me. How did I not notice that this morning? "I'm sorry I forgot about your birthday. I did get you something, but I'm also not sorry about breaking up with you. I." He paused and made eye contact with me. "I still have feelings for Ginny. I definitely could have handled that a lot better than I did, but I didn't really give you an explanation. I should know you better than that." I couldn't cry again. Not at my birthday party. So why was I on the verge of tears? He put a hand on my shoulder, but I shrugged it off.

"Thank you for being honest with me." I turned to walk away when his hand grabbed my wrist, grazing the bracelet. "Harry… Please let me go.

"No. You're not even going to get mad at me? You're just going to accept that I'm a piece of shit?"

"Harry, it's not going to change things. There's no point." My voice was quiet and I saw the door open.

"Hey Potter, I think the lady asked you to let go of her." I wasn't expecting to hear Malfoy.

“Harry. There’s no point to this.” My voice was soft as I tugged my arm out of his loosened grip. “If I have to accept your decision, you have to accept mine. I need some space please.” I ignored the sneers between Malfoy and Harry, and I ignored him putting his arm around my waist, opting to move away at his touch.

I spent the rest of the party getting drunk. The high was killed. It was just Hecate, Mills and I in the tent when Malfoy and Nott pushed the fabric aside. The girls started to protest.

“It’s fine. It’s not like this tent is exclusive. Just when Cadwallader decides he’s here.” Hecate laughed and I felt Mills take the bottle from my hand.

Draco

I don’t know what came over me. I shouldn’t be giving her my time of day in reality. She was Potter’s ex. Nothing good comes out of that. Seeing her so close to Nott made my stomach churn. What was this feeling? Surely I couldn’t be jealous. The haze of the room made her dress stand out more. Her almost perfect hands gripped the bottle of tequila. I couldn’t help sneaking glances at her. What did she even see in him? He was a slimy git, and she was ethereal. The way her body felt in that small moment, pressed against me turned me on more than I cared to admit. How dare he ruin her mood like that? Had he no decency?

The party started coming to a close shortly after, but as long as Nott stayed near her, I had a reason too. Justin had offered to help her carry stuff back to the common room, but immediately after Hecate put everything in a small charmed bag, and she slipped out with Justin.

Blaise disappeared shortly after with Millicent, and as Aurelia started leaving, she was flicking her wand about, cleaning up and putting the ziplock bag of brownies in her bag.

“I should walk you back. It’s late and Filch is definitely around in the halls by now.” I didn’t look at her as we walked out of the Room of Requirement, I heard the jingle from her earrings as she nodded. Halfway down the hall she stopped to pull her heels off, her tiara slightly askew. She was definitely drunk with how she stumbled. I wasn’t surprised though. She did drink an expensive bottle of tequila by herself. I wouldn’t have called myself drunk. Definitely tipsy though. She leaned into me suddenly while walking, mumbling to herself. “You know, it's polite to speak up so others can hear you.”

“He’s such an ass.” She gave a small huff and I couldn’t help the chuckle that came out of me. She was so soft, the skin of her shoulder pressed into me. “He forgot my birthday when I spoiled him for his. I bought him everything. And what did I get out of it? Nothing. I asked for nothing in return. What was even the point of him wanting to talk?” She moved her hands around as she ranted, the spark of rage burning in her golden rose irises. “Did he just want a reaction? Because he already got one this morning. I can’t believe the nerve of that guy. Just to tell me on my birthday that he liked someone else?!” I’d never seen her so angry. She was usually very calm and docile, if not a little sad. “Whatever, he can choose to be with whoever he likes. I honestly don’t even know why that git wants to stay friends. How could he think that’s what I want.” I heard footsteps behind us and slapped my hand over her mouth, earning a yelp of surprise when I pulled us into the cupboard.

“Sh.” She was pressed so close to me. It hurt to breathe, and I heard Filch’s voice calling out. Her face was inches from mine and I moved my hand from her mouth, waiting for Filch to leave. That was when she kissed me. Her hands grabbed my face and pulled me towards her, the cold metal of her ring on my face. I kissed her back. She tasted sweet, her lips were soft like pillows. I didn’t really have that much to drink did I? I was basically making out with a blood traitor. I couldn’t stop, I was addicted to her taste, her touch. My arms were pinning her to the wall, and I pushed my knee in between her legs. Her moans were soft as her hips ground on my thigh. "Potter ever touch you like this?" I let my lips graze her neck. I could have just this one, right? One indulgence. She wasn't technically my enemy. It had only been him. She was just around him. He'd be livid to find out I was against her like this.

"Draco…" My name sounded so sweet coming from her lips and I pulled away, satisfied with my teasing. She was breathless, her face a bright shade of scarlet.

"Shhh. Let's get you to bed." She nodded, her eyes partially closed. I pulled her away and out of the cupboard. "I know your lot is protective of the common room, but you'll need to let me in so I can take you to your room." She nodded and let me guide her down towards the kitchens. When we reached the barrels she tapped her knuckles sleepily on one of them, the lot sliding over to reveal the door.

I picked her up, swinging my arms underneath her leg. It wasn't hard to find her room, her name on a plaque on the door. I set her down on the bed, her hand gripping my wrist as I tried to pull away.

"Stay… please." There was a soft whimper to her sleepy tone and I took my shirt off, sliding under the covers with her.

Aurelia

I woke up with a splitting headache, and a mop of white hair next to me. I peeked up at his sleeping face, the events of the cupboard coming back to me.

What was I thinking? Wait. Did anything else happen? He groaned slightly and pulled me close to him. The soft, crisp scent of his cologne washed over me, lulling me back to sleep.

When I actually woke up three hours later, my bed was empty, and there was a note and a small vial on my nightstand.

Figured you'd need it more than I did. Thanks for last night

I felt my face heat up. There's no way we did anything more than kiss last night. None. I'm still in my dress. I took the cork off the vial and drank it. I rolled out of bed and slid my dress off, setting my jewellery on the nightstand and starting a shower.

I let the hot water wash over me, my mind racing back to last night. Everyone kept saying I needed a rebound, would last night count? I had been too scared to kiss Nott last night, even with my hands in his curls as we danced. But with Malfoy, I hadn't hesitated. I leaned over the dark waters pooling his eyes and I took the plunge. I shivered at the phantom feeling of his hands on my face.

No one in the common room said anything about him when I finally stepped out. Everyone who was there was currently silent, nursing their hangovers. I made my way down to the great hall, glancing at the clocks to make sure it was still breakfast time. I definitely needed some bacon this morning. And a ton of caffeine.

I had my bag slung over my shoulder, deeming it light enough to not choke myself when the strap gets caught like this morning.

“Hey!” I feel a hand on my shoulder and look up to see Nott, a wide grin on his face. “I heard Potter got his panties all up in a twist when Draco touched you last night.” My face flushes at his words.

“He was probably just trying to get a rise out of me.” I said it with a shrug and he slung his arm around my shoulders. He guided me away from the Hufflepuff side of the hall, over to where Millie and Blaise were sitting. Goyle, Crabbe and Parkinson sat nearby, but they didn’t seem to notice when Nott sat me down, gently pushing on my shoulders down. He left enough room on the other side of me for a person, his hand gently pulling me to him.

“Okay so I heard Draco sneaking into the dorms at sunrise.” I almost choked and Blaise gave a hearty laugh. I felt Nott’s warm hand on my back, and coughed into my napkin. It was almost 10 am and I was choking already. “I guess that answers my question.” She leaned forward with her face in her hand. “You need to give me all the details.” I honestly could have been mistaken for a tomato at that point. Not only had I decided to inhale my coffee, but on top of that Malfoy would make me miserable if this went around the school.

“Nothing actually happened… At least I don’t think so. I think he just slept in the bed with me.” I wanted to bury a hole and the ground, and hide in it.

“This could be really good if we can get Draco on board with it. Maybe just exaggerate the details, make it a bit more adventurous, and we’ve got the perfect recipe to make Potter jealous.” Nott seemed a little too excited about this. He usually seemed indifferent towards everyone, so I started to question whether this was for my benefit. He seems like a genuinely sweet guy. I don’t know if I’d necessarily want Draco as a rebound though. If anything went father between us… No. Nope no more. My face kept getting hotter.

“What’s with this tomato over here at our table?” I heard Malfoy speak as he sat next to me, his leg lightly brushing mine.

“Why were you sneaking into the dorms so late last night, Dray.” I glanced up to see his cheeks dusted with a peach colour. He was about to be the same shade of red as me in a minute.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about Millie.” She kept talking about me not remembering last night and his hand brushed my thigh under the table. “Well… I’m not one to kiss and tell.” Millie gasped at his words.

“We have to spread a rumour. It’s going to get right underneath his skin.” Millie and Nott seemed so proud of themselves, but Malfoy’s voice dripped like honey in my ear.

“This doesn’t just have to be a rumour.” His arm pulls me closer. Nott said something about Malfoy liking me. I just brushed it off, but I hardly ever see Nott with anyone else outside of classes. Who else could he have been talking about? Blaise was into Millie, and it was so plainly obvious.

“Fine.” I spoke loud enough to interrupt them, to make sure they understood I had agreed. I turned to speak my next words to Malfoy. “You try anything not agreed on and I will make sure you regret it.” I knew no one took me seriously, but instead of the usual laughter people reacted with, it felt like a spark lit in his eyes. I never noticed how blue they were. So light they were almost Grey, he had a freckle on his iris. It used to be a common sign of someone’s bloodline status. Much like the unusual eye colours could be traced back to ancient bloodlines, freckles and other pigmentation differences could be traced to not only strong bloodlines, but powerful ones too.

“Are you gonna stare at me all day Goldie?” My face flushed again and I turned my attention towards my pancakes. I heard a soft chuckle from him as he pressed a kiss to my jaw. He made eye contact with someone, I could tell by the way his arm tensed, almost like he was flexing slightly “Don’t look now, but I think someone is mad about last night.” I peeked over my shoulder to see Harry glaring daggers at us. It made my blood boil. How dare he? I felt Nott closer to me too. I wouldn’t have the energy for anything else today. It honestly felt sapped already, like it was harder for me to even get out of bed this morning. I leaned my head against Malfoy, uncaring of where we were, or whether people stared. I just needed to lie down.

I would have known I was gonna faint like that, had my eyes been opened to watch my vision fail. I felt a pair of arms grab me, but it felt like I was underwater.

When I regained consciousness, I was in the hospital wing, Draco reading a book quietly next to me, and Nott talking to Madame Pomfrey. No doubt about my medical conditions. My hearing started coming back to normal slowly, the muffled voice becoming clearer.

“You all need to stop drinking. It’s very unhealthy for your age, and it’s always been after one of these stupid parties that Miss Leonheart ends up here.

“I forgot…” Man, my lungs hurt. “Medication.” I had forgotten it. I stashed it the night of the party, mostly because I didn’t want someone to find it and tamper with it or think it was harder drugs. I felt Draco’s hand on my chest and Nott’s expression softened.

“Okay. I can’t guarantee there won’t be any parties, but you have my word that we will not make her drink, knowing it can cause these flair ups.” He sounded so put together. Almost like a lawyer. Almost. He was still human after all. I struggled to sit up, pushing myself a little too far when I felt a hand on my back.

“Don’t move too fast.” Draco’s tone was unusually soft today. And I felt Nott’s hand as well.

“You should try eating something.” Nott handed me a small cup of fruit. “How long have you had this condition?”

“My whole life… It's a blood curse.”

December

Harry

“Harry.” A hand in front of my face broke my concentration. “You can’t just keep staring at them like that.” Hermione had been questioning my choices lately. I’d been assuming the worst of Draco since the beginning of the year, of course that had to mean he needed something from her. There’s no other reason he’d be so close to her otherwise.

“I’m telling you. There’s something wrong about the two of them and I’m going to figure it out.”

She sat next to him, her hand on her cheek, elbow on the table. Were they even dating? Of course word spread quickly about the events of her birthday a couple months back, but there was no way. He’d been unnecessarily cruel to her. Why the change of heart?

It would be so easy to just find a spell to listen in on their conversation, figure out what she was laughing about with him. Draco didn’t deserve to hear that laugh.

I watched as they stood and left the hall, him leading her out by the hand.

Hermione started protesting as I got up, following them out of the corridor.

“Draco, do you… would you like to come with me for Christmas?” I paused and stayed hidden behind the corner, the two of them talking softly a few feet away.

“I… I can’t. I have made plans with my mother since…”

“I understand.” My blood started boiling watching her kiss him. I could still feel her lips on mine like it had only been yesterday. “How… how are you holding up?” Why did she care if his death eater father was in Azkaban?

“I… I’ll be okay Rae.” Now he had a nickname for her? “Please don’t worry about me.” He was definitely hiding something. “Shall we? It’s a great day to go get some butterbeer.” The smile on her face made my stomach churn.

I made my way back to the great hall, grabbing Ron and Hermione. “We’re going to three broomsticks today.” I gave them no chance to protest.

Aurelia

It was hard to remind myself this was only a relationship of convenience. He was impeccably soft around me. It was such a strange shift from his normal bad boy demeanour.

He pulled me into the corner table, sitting across from me. He ordered for us and I pulled one of my journals out of my bag, scribbling musical notes down.

“Rae?” My head popped up to look at him. “I um… Will you be leaving soon then? To see your parents?” I nodded and felt his hand on top of mine. Silence with Draco was comforting. It wasn’t like being with Neville, or the trio. I didn’t feel the need to fill the air with words. In all honesty I’m not sure what our relationship was. He was more than a rebound for me, but I couldn’t just start calling him my boyfriend. We should have probably talked about this. There have been no real clear boundaries…

“Hey Draco…” The butterbeer was set down in front of both of us. “Can I ask you something?”

His eyebrow lifted from over the top of his glass as he took that first drink.

“You’ll ask me anyways even if I say no. You always do.” His quip was light, and I closed my book, leaving the pen inside it.

“True.” I shouldn’t be so nervous around him about this stuff. We made out in a broom closet for heaven's sake. “What… what are we?”

“I don’t ‘do’ girlfriends if that’s what you’re asking.” His usually warm air became much colder, the playful smirk disappearing from his face. “That’s what you were thinking then?” I guess my face must have shown my disappointment. “Well. Sorry to disappoint you, but not after Pansy.” I nodded, my face flushed.

“So…. friends?” His face turned a slight peach colour again. He nodded.

“With benefits.” That smirk was on his face again. “Are you capable of no strings Leonheart?”

“Oh we’re doing last names then.” I was more than half done with my drink, trying to shun the embarrassment out with the incoming buzz. “Yea Malfoy. I’m capable of more than you know.”

I opened my book again. At least I had an answer. I almost spit out my drink when I saw Harry enter with Ron and Hermione. I moved closer to the wall, so Draco was partially hiding me.

“Are you okay?” I nodded but I kept my eyes down on my book. I heard the sharp ‘Potter’ under his breath.

“Please don’t start anything. I just want to enjoy our evening.” His eyes met mine and he sighed.

“Fine. But only because you were a good girl and said please.” He pressed his lips to my hand and threw a glance over his shoulder at Harry. “Don’t mean I can’t tease you. Or him.” Right. This was about getting back at Harry for him. I guess it had been for me in the beginning… But there was something more there. Either way, I’d have to find a boyfriend in someone else and Draco made that clear. When food came, I forgot about him staring at us.

This had to be the best soup I’d ever had.

“You can slow down, you know.” Draco’s voice was light and I paused. I hadn’t even noticed. “You okay?” His voice was low, laced with concern.

“I don’t know. I’m trying to distract myself.” I saw him glance behind him again, Harry quickly turning his eyes to Hermione. “I’m sorry…”

“You don’t have to be sorry that slimy git is stalking you.” His voice was louder than I expected and Harry’s head snapped towards him. “We can leave if he’s making you uncomfortable.” There was no way Harry hadn’t heard any of that.

“Draco please… You said you wouldn’t today.” I hated how whiny I sounded, but I just didn’t want to make this worse. I grabbed his hand, but instead he pulled me up to my feet, leaving more than enough on the table to cover our bill. “Draco…” That soup would haunt my dreams.

He pulled me towards him, and started taking me to Honeydukes.

“Oh so you think I wouldn’t have heard that?” Dammit. I just wanted a nice day today.

“No. Actually, Potter, I was hoping you’d hear it.” Harry had stormed up to him, Draco pushing me behind him lightly. “Do you have nothing better to do? If I recall, wasn’t it you that dumped her anyways?”

“Don’t speak of things you don’t know about?”

“That’s rich coming from you of all people. Didn’t mummy or daddy ever tell you it was rude to harass a woman.” There was a tense pause before Harry’s fist collided with Draco’s face.

“Harry!” Hermione’s voice caught them as Ron pulled him back.

“You don’t deserve her Malfoy!” I had my hands on his shoulders as he tumbled back slightly.

“Draco please… let’s just go. He’s not worth it.” My voice was quiet. I never did well with confrontation and I could feel my anxiety growing.

“Oh and you think you did?” He ignored me, wiping the small amount of blood from his lips. “You think you deserve everything don’t you? Well you already had her and you broke her. So if any of us isn’t worthy of her time it’s you.” Hermione and Ron started pulling Harry away, her eyes swimming with sadness when she looked at me. Draco turned on his heel, his hand gripping my arm, walking swiftly towards Honeydukes.

“Draco please let go.” He had a deep scowl on his face, his nails were digging into my skin. “Draco… You’re hurting me.” His eyes widened as he paused letting go of my arm. He stuffed his hands into his pockets. His eyes cast to the ground. He stopped at the door of the shop, and I laced my fingers through his, my hand sliding into his coat pocket.

“Dear lord woman, your hands are freezing.” I liked it much better when he smiled, even if it was at my expense. “I’m sorry. I know it won’t make up for my behaviour, but I’ll buy you anything you want.” His face was that light peach colour again as he led me into the shop. Most of his remarks as I grabbed candies were comments about me having the taste buds of an old woman. I would just roll my eyes, ignoring his comments. Toffee was amazing and the peanut gallery could shut it. By the time we left I had a whole bag of different candies and chocolates, some to share with Millie and Theo. Maybe Blaise if he was nice. Usually it was specific instances that triggered the throbbing pain in my head and the dizziness, but this seemed to be out of nowhere. I used my free hand to rub my temple, trying to massage the pain away.

“Are you okay Rae?” I tried to answer him, but my vision failed. No words came out of my mouth. "Woah hey!" His arms were around me before I could fall into the ground. "Hey. Shhh" His voice was soft, soothing the whimpers coming from my lips. Then the world went black.

Draco

I didn’t know who else to take her too. I laced my arms under her body and took her to the closest place. Hagrid’s. I tapped my foot against the door, since my hands were a bit preoccupied. When the door opened he stared at me, then looked down to Aurelia in my arms, and without another word took her from me and stepped inside his hut, setting her down on the couch.

“Where were ya at when it happened?”

“On the way back from hogsmeade.” He put a tea kettle on the stove, and draped a warm rag over her forehead. “She said it was a blood curse.”

“Aye, an’ I know who gave it to ‘er” He squashed some herbs down into a paste, depositing it into a delicate mug, pouring the almost boiling tea over it. He returned the kettle to the stove, letting it finish and set the mug down on the table, in front of her. “She hasn't been takin’ ‘er medicine.” As the tea kettle whistled, he poured a couple more mugs handing me one. “She’ll need that when she wakes up, but let ‘er come out of it ‘erself.” I sipped the tea quietly, watching her and Hagrid had started reading.

She woke up about an hour later, reaching for the mug, gently sipping before she tried to sit up.

“Ya really need to start taking that medicine. Those are expensive ‘erbs yer wasting.” She sipped on the tea gently, her expression turning sour. “Well it ain’t supposed to taste good. Yer dad didn’t task me with makin’ sure to keep ya stocked up, just so ya could not take ‘em.”

“Ugh. Fine I get it.” She downed the rest of the cup. "It's not even my fault." Did this ever happen around Potter? Why did that concern me? I was still grappling with my feelings when she stood up, grabbing my hand, stuffing a small bag from Hagrid in her pocket.

"And you, young Malfoy. You best make sure she takes that. With breakfast and dinner. " She pulled me out, groaning and I nodded to Hagrid on my way out the door. The walk back to the castle was quiet, her hand in mine the whole time.

The next few months were spent with me and Theo breaking the capsules into her drink when she wasn't looking. I thought about the way her nose scrunched up when she took that first drink. She was really cute when she tried to be angry with us.

Crabbe had detention and I needed someone to help guard while I mended the vanishing cabinet, so I asked Theo. I kept it vague and just mentioned I had to do it. He kept asking questions, which I ignored, but agreed anyway.

But now that this was actually happening, I realise I should have specified anyone when I said no one was allowed to enter.

"Draco…" I turned around, her beautiful golden pink eyes staring at me. "What are you doing in here? Why is Theo outside?"

"You were never supposed to be here…" I grabbed her arms, scanning around. "Were you followed?" Her eyes were wide as she stared at me. She turned her attention towards the vanishing cabinet. "Aurelia!" Her head snapped back to me and I could see fear growing in her eyes. "Were you followed?!"

"No. I swear I wasn't! It was just me.”

I let her go and run a hand through my hair, trying to count my breaths to calm down. Every time I have those thoughts about her she appears, it’s like a damn summoning spell. I shouldn’t have let myself get distracted. I heard her tapping on the back of the cabinet.

“Rae, I don’t think it’s safe for you to be here.”

“Why? You’re here. Which means it's the safest place in the world.” My heart fluttered at her words, but dammit this wasn’t the time. “Besides, if you’re trying to fix it, you’re going about it wrong.”

“What?” I walked around to the back side of the cabinet where she was standing, pulling the back panelling off to reveal a bunch of cogs and gears.

“You didn’t think these were just magic did you?” She had a playful smirk on her face and she dusted out the cogs, tapping her wand against the big one in the centre. Immediately the gears started moving, just ever so slightly, and a small orb of magic appeared in the centre of the biggest cog. I was stunned to say the least. Mechanical and magic? “I bet if you try it again it will work now. The link was cut off because of all the dust accumulation, and not connecting to it’s twin.” I didn’t have words for once. No witty remarks, but no compliments either. She was deeper in this than I even wanted her to be.

“You stupid girl.” I wanted to cry. I had to wipe her memories. She couldn’t be seen with me anymore and she can’t remember today.

“Draco… What’s wrong?” I didn’t notice she had a hold of my hand.

“You weren’t supposed to find out…” She pulled me in and hugged me. Her touch was comforting and it felt like a dam broke in my mind. I couldn’t be in love with her. There were too many problems. Too much baggage. I sobbed and she held me, my head buried in her shoulder.

“Draco… How long have you been holding this in?” Her fingers ran through my hair, her touch so tender. She let me stay like that, even after I stopped, the longing sobs of agony draining out to dried tears and sniffles. “You can talk to me. You know I won’t judge you.”

“You would for this. It’s too dangerous for you to be close to me right now.”

“Draco… You’re the safest place in the world. Nothing is too dangerous when I’m with you.” When did I become her safe space, and when did she become mine? “You don’t have to talk to me about it now. But please don’t hold all this in by yourself…” I kissed her. Hard, my hand gripping her face. I fought for a dominance I didn’t need, her lips moving intangent with mine. I felt her hand push up my sleeves and I jerked back. It was too late for me to cover it though. She saw the dark mark. “Why didn’t you say anything earlier?”

“You have to leave Rae.”

“Draco you’ve been in pain this whole time I could have helped.” I pulled my arm out of her reach.

“What could you have done?!” She had fear in her eyes earlier, but now she knew how hurt I was. She wouldn’t let me go so easily.

“It must sting still. I can help with the pain.” I didn’t move away as she grabbed my arm. “Draco…”

“He said he’d kill us. My mother, my father, myself. I had no choice.” She didn’t say anything, just lightly rubbing her hand along my forearm, muttering a spell under her lips. She’s been proficient in wandless magic, something we discovered this year in charms. She didn’t say anything, even as the pain went away. She dropped my arm, her eyes on the ground, walking back towards the doors. “Aurelia…”

“I… I can give you space, if that’s what you think you need. You know where to find me…” Her voice was quiet and I stood in place, unsure of what I was waiting for. It was fixed. Which meant I could complete my task.

Aurelia May 15th

Draco hasn’t spoken to me since the room of requirement incident two months ago… I sighed, putting my head in my hands. It was normal though. Everyone pushes me away eventually. Most students would rather leave Hogwarts than be put in Hufflepuff, let alone be friends with one of them. I found myself leaving breakfast early, roaming the halls. I could just go out to the forest today and read. Hermione and Ron had been avoiding me since the incident in Hogsmeade in December. I couldn’t blame them. Harry hadn’t exactly been friendly despite what he said. I switched gears and went back to the Hufflepuff common rooms, slipping into my dorm. Everything from my birthday sat in my closet, untouched. It wasn’t a whole lot, in hindsight. I just hadn’t wanted to go through it. I pulled them all out, unwrapping everything. Most of it was books, some muggle candies everyone knew I liked. One in particular caught my eye. A gift from Theo. The small box was wrapped in an emerald green paper, and inside sat a golden key with a matching chain. I noticed another package with similar paper, and opened that, revealing a journal.

Theo convinced me. The key he gave you will unlock it, and upon locking the ink turns invisible. Neat right?

It was Draco’s handwriting. I saw it every day while we were in potions. I held it close to me, taking the small key and my bag, and left the dorms, going down to the edge of the forbidden forest. I thought I felt a pair of eyes on me, but I didn’t see anyone when I scanned the area.

There was a particular tree, I think Harry had shown me this spot when we started dating. I conjured a blanket, setting it over the root with the drop , nesting into the crook of the tree. I didn’t really have to worry about anyone coming out this far. So I started writing in the journal.

I lost track of time, my only clue being how the sun hit the trees. I could see it starting to set, closing my journal and just watching the light fade.

“You’re not with Malfoy anymore?” I should have expected him to come out here. It was his spot after all. I didn’t say anything as Harry sat down next to me. “I’ll take that as a yes.”

“Why are you here Harry?” I tried not to roll my eyes but I couldn’t even think of what to say.

“Well I thought about saying something along the lines of, I told you so.” I stood up, collecting my things. “Wait.” He put his arm around my waist pulling me close. “What I decided I needed to say was, that I’m Sorry.” I stopped and wiggled out of his grip, turning around.

“For which part? For treating me like dirt?”

“Look if I had known…”

“Known what? That I was sick?” I thought about how great Theo and Draco had been, tears pooling and clouding my vision. “I don’t want pity. The last thing you needed was to worry about me. Nothing happened because I didn’t stop taking it until after you dumped me.”

“Well you moved on pretty fast.”

“It was a rebound Harry!” That was a goddamn lie. I told him no strings attached, but they had been attached that whole time. When did it start? “I just. I want to be left alone. I need it. I’m not going to be back next year anyways.”

“Wait… what’s going on?”

“My father. He thinks he found someone who knows a cure. But he didn't want to take any chances and decided to pull me out of school. I’ve been approved to take a gap year.” The air felt thick. I flinched when Harry moved to touch me.

“What happened to us Lia?” I couldn’t help the tears. I had known everything would have to end regardless. I just hoped I had more time with him… I didn’t flinch away when Harry pulled me into a hug. He couldn’t comprehend what I was dealing with, although I never asked him too. “I’m sorry. I know I can’t take anything back. Almost two years didn’t scare you? It started to feel permanent and… I got cold feet.”

“I wasn’t scared of anything. Not at the time. Now? I lost the only thing I was scared of losing.” I pulled back a bit, picking my stuff off the ground. “I’m sorry too Harry. “ His hand held onto mine a little tighter. “I hope you know that when the day comes, I’m still a part of everything. Just call and I’ll be there.” I left it at that, heading back towards the castle. I had to see Draco. I had to be honest. Friends don’t buy you random gifts, or bribe you with chocolates. Friends don’t look at each other the way I look at him.

I paused at the entrance to the dungeons. How would I even know he would be there? It wasn’t like there was a doorbell or anything. I looped the key around my neck, tucking it into my shirt, and put the book in my bag, moving it to my shoulder as I walked. If the universe allows it, I will see him today. There will be a magic moment where tangents meet.

“Theo I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I paused. That was him.

“You think I’m an idiot? You opening up to someone is like there being a second lid on something.” This did not sound like a conversation I wanted to interrupt. “You had the perfect opportunity to just tell her how you felt and you blew it.”

“You don’t know anything, so don’t act like it!”

“I’m supposed to be your best friend, and you can’t even tell me what the real issue is? You know I went through that as well! How am I supposed to help you when you can’t even talk to me.”

“I can’t have this conversation with you. If I fail it’s everyone. Do you understand? That includes you and her.”

“That’s why you’ve been avoiding me?” Draco’s eyes met mine as I rounded the corner. “I thought I did something wrong.” His face looked like it broke in two. I guess it was round two of the water works.

“Rae…” His hands came up to my face brushing the tears away. “You couldn’t do anything wrong. Not in a million years. Nothing would make me think any less of you.”

“I would have had to leave you anyways…” His lips grazed my cheek. “My father… he thinks there might be a cure but… I’m not coming back… We’ll be in Amsterdam for 5 months and no one thought it would be beneficial for me.”

“Rae…” He kissed me, soft and sweet. “Why didn’t you say anything? That's great isn’t it?” I felt Theo’s hand on my shoulder as Draco pulled away.

“I just… I…” I got distracted by the face Theo was giving me, looking up at him. “Can… Can I have a moment?”

“I thought we were having a moment.” I giggled and cleared my throat.

“Just um… Just me and Draco please?” I half whispered it, trying my best puppy dog eyes. He smirked and turned around, walking towards the painting, and sliding into the common room. “Draco, I love you. And I was scared. I don’t love you like I loved Harry. It was a whole lot more, and it was on a way deeper level and I’ve never felt like this before.” His jaw tensed, but I continued. “With that being said, if you had told me… I would have understood.” I put a hand up to his cheek, pulling his stormy grey eyes to mine. “I understand more than you know.” His lips came crashing down to mine, his arms tight as a viper around my waist. I felt his nails dig into the skin, and a small squeak came out.

“We need to talk more.” His voice was raspy and breathless. “In my room.” He pulled away, but only to pull me up to the portrait, whispering to it and took me straight up a second set of stairs towards the prefect's rooms. I didn’t have time to look around before he was pushing me against the door, his lips on my neck. “I can’t tell you. I can’t say those three dumb words back to you because the minute I do, he will know. But I can show you and say it in other ways.” He pulled away and pulled me over to his bed, sliding my shirt off. I could feel his mouth mumbling praises into my skin as he touched every inch of me. He started pulling my skirt off, his mouth finding my breasts and leaving deep purple marks. I couldn’t breathe, it felt like his touch ignited a fire in me. I was so lost in him. Everything he did reeled me in. The emotions were overwhelming at times. I moaned when I felt his tongue press into me, not realising he had taken my panties off. He smirked against me, and I wove my fingers into his hair. I gasped when I felt his fingers slide into me. I had my eyes closed, afraid if I opened them this would be a dream, and it would just be me, alone in my room again.

“Look at me.” His length rested against me, and I turned my head, opening my eyes. “Your name suits you.” His lips met mine again. “You are absolutely made of gold.” I blushed and he started pushing inside me. He shushed my whimpers, kissing me softly. “Keep looking at me Rae.” I opened my eyes and he bottomed out inside me, giving a guttural groan. He paused, kissing my cheek, letting me adjust around him. When my hips moved, he started thrusting, slowly at first, whispering sweet praises in my ear. I ran my hands through his hair, his movements getting faster. “You’re such a good girl.” He moved my face with his hand so our eyes met. “You take me so well.” I don’t know if it was his movements or the praise that turned me into a moaning mess. I never imagined my first time to be like this. Not with him. His touch was so gentle. It always was. He was never gentle with anyone else. His movements got faster, more frantic.

“Draco… I’m…”

“Go ahead.” He kissed me so sweetly. “You can cum for me.” Both of us were a moaning mess, him spilling over at the same time, buried to the base inside me. His lips felt hot and heavy against my skin, nipping lightly. I wanted to stay like this. Just the two of us. “Rae…” His dark, stormy eyes met mine and I felt lost in them again. “Can you wait for me? I swear, once all of this is over I will tell you how I truly feel.” His lips came down on mine again. “I swear it.” Just tonight, just for tonight I could have this one moment. This one perfectly, simple moment in my life, where the man I love, loves me back. I nodded, pulling him back down to kiss me. I would die tomorrow if it meant I could just have this one moment.

I left Hogwarts the next afternoon. Father pulled me out so we could get ready for our ‘excursion’ as he phrased it. I didn’t get a chance to see Draco before I left. I hoped last night was enough for him. I hoped he finally understood.

“What’s got you so distracted sweet pea?” I had been staring out of the car window the entire drive from Kings Cross.

“How did you know it was mum?”

“What do you mean by that?

“What was the moment you looked at her and decided no one else would ever compare?” There was a bit of silence as he pondered the question, my hand resting on top of the journal.

“I guess it would have had to be the night I met her in Diagon Alley. Even as a teenager your mother was exceptionally beautiful. Despite every single guy in the Leaky Cauldron trying to get with her, the only one she talked to for more than a couple sentences was me.” I know talking about mum hurts sometimes, but this wasn’t a tone he normally spoke about her with. “I think that’s the moment I started falling for her. That was our last year at Hogwarts. Did I ever tell you how I proposed?” He looked over at me and I shook my head. “I was a bumbling mess about it to tell you the truth. We had been together for 5 years at that point, and her mother, your grandmother Clara, made it very apparent we had to start tying the knot. She gave me her old wedding and engagement ring to give to your mum and she said ‘You would be a downright fool to not keep this woman for the rest of your life.’ So I took her words very seriously.” He laughed at the memory, grabbing my hand in his. “It took me 10 tries to perfect the proposal. I ended up Just asking her one day at the grocers. I realised there was no perfect time. All you have is the here, and the now.” There was no perfect time… I didn’t realise it at the time, but that phrase would stick with me, for the rest of my life.

[bonnymori]

𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐦𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐲

Word count: 2760+ (i'll try to keep bigger lengths such as this one!)

Synopsis: You meet a new classmate who's working along Nanami, you think he's fun to be around, it stands the same to him about you. Later, feelings unravel.

Contents/Warnings: (1) Itadori Yuuji x gn!reader (2) FLUFF, TONS OF FLUFF - and some comfort (3) With the small participation of... Ino Takuma!! I really like him too, that's why <33333 (4) This is pretty platonic, but also not? (5) Ending turned sorta cliché... but I liked it u.u

A/N: This boy made me run rampant... to fhe point it's not single attraction anymore I just wish him happiness (smh if only my parents knew...) also next post will be Toji's fic pt. 2! Y'all see the first part is almost reaching 100 kudos????? I'M SO HAPPY EHSODJWKDKSJD- thanks for all the new followers and the support!! <33

Ever since his fake death, Itadori has been training alone with the help of Gojo - and now, he works along a freshly new face, who belongs to a senior, founds out ex-salaryman named Nanami Kento. He's far a thousand times more strict than Gojo. Itadori doesn't really likes the change, because Nanami is a person he can't get along. This whole guy's appearance scream "work 4 life"; he has proved different, now he screams "work is shit - but I gotta do it because others won't".

They've just finished cleansing the outside of a movie theater off a few curses, when Itadori hears shouting from far behind them. Two figures approach, waving excessively. He quickly picks on Nanami's tired sigh beside him.

"Nanami! We figured out you'd be here! Our mission has been finished and we wanted to catch up to have lunch together!" A male clad in a full black outfit shouts, he has brown hair and a beanie on top of his head, looking quite content.

The other person simply trots next to him in silence, approaching with a friendly smile. They notice Itadori faster than the male, smile widening and quickly waving hello, suddenly eager to reach up to them. The gesture makes the pink haired boy perk up, curious to why the other person looked so joyful. His question is easily answered, when they tug on the man's sleeve and motion to him.

"Ino, we have a third buddy!" The dude looks at him with widened eyes. "So nice to meet you, I'm Y/N L/N! It's great to see new faces around!"

Itadori smiles at your energy, knowing already he would click with you very well.

"I'm Ino Takuma, sorry for not noticing you before! Your uniform looks cool." Itadori exchanges a few compliments with Ino, before the man turns to talk with Nanami, leaving him and you together.

"Yes! I'm Sukuna's vessel, Itadori Yuuji-desu! My type of woman is Jenn-"

You turn to him. "So, are you a first year?"

"Geh? Weren't you dead though?!"

"I was!- I am!- Please keep secret."

"Okay!"

"Ahem." Nanami coughs, drawing attention. "I requested you two to not come after me today. Itadori here is the reason why."

"That's no problem, we're very capable of keeping secrets." You threw your arm over Itadori's shoulder, him nodding along with you.

"Oh really, then remember to keep quiet about it. I'll let this slide." The group of students nervously at Nanami's intimidating tone. "But, I'll get to have my break alone."

"Gah!" Ino exclaimed, watching Nanami walk away; he also left the responsability of taking care of Itadori for you two, leaving without a word. "It really had to be today, when Nanami would take us to his favorite bakery..."

"Crybaby." You teased. "Itadori here can't go outside where anyone can see him, he's dead. So, we were to order food either way because he shouldn't be left out."

"Augh okay, it would be unfair."

"So, where are you staying Itadori?"

"At Gojo's state!"

"Whoa, I've never been there before." Ino commented, waiting as you sent a message to Ijichi to pick them up.

"He's my teacher, a very cool one!"

"I imagine! Ooookay, once we get there I'll get the food."

Itadori felt as his chest would burst of excitement, finally there was people around him again, he couldn't be less happy about it.

"Sharing is caring!"

Itadori laughed as you wrestled with Takuma for some fries, netflix long forgotten in the background, as watching the banter was way more entertaining. Most of the time, Ino rambled a lot about Nanami, while he rambled a lot about Gojo. The guy even showed him the cool scar under his beanie. He felt kinda upset after explaining the exchange was just temporary, his stay under Nanami's wing wasn't decisive, and therefore, he was more like a classmate than a partner.

Itadori also learned a lot about you. He was surprised to find out that you, although energetic, was the one to speak the lesser in conversations. His surprisement grew even bigger when you told him you're a exchange student from Kyoto, arriving Tokyo about the same month as him - thankfully, you were to say for good.

Conversations flowed easily in the air, until a voice from the doorway barged in.

"Yuuji-kun! Don't forget about your lessons! Hi kids! Bye kids!" Gojo said playfully, throwing the familiar punching bear to Itadori before leaving.

"What's this thing?" Ino asked.

"It's to help me control my cursed energy. So while I watch the movies, if I don't charge it with cursed energy it punches me square in the face. I thought I had mastered this thing already, but he insist I keep training with it." Itadori grumbles.

"At least it's cute." You commented, taking a sip of your drink.

"Until it punches you in your face without warning!" The pink haired boy barks.

The talks died down, the three of you eating quietly when another movie is played on the screen. Itadori didn't bother reading the title, it was a plain one about a zombie apocalypse that got him extremely bored, yet he kept watching still so the plushie didn't punch him in the face again; he's been keeping a record since all his last cursed energy training lessons were a sucess to this day. When his head started nodding and eyelids dropping Itadori can't remember well, about fourty five minutes of movie perhaps? Make it fifty, the second slumber took over his body completely.

When he awoke once again, it was near midnight, the clock on the wall told him so. He also noticed a soft and warm surface supporting his head, figures, it's your shoulder he's resting into, he feels an arm around his own shoulders and your cheek placed upon his hair.

"Hey, it's late." You immediately notices he's awake, calling out softly. "You should sleep on your room, or something, better to your spine."

He chuckles when you poke his side. "But I'm comfortable here."

"I'm surprised, you just met me today, and now is sleeping on my shoulder."

"I'm not, that happens often to me."

"Sleeping on people's shoulders?"

"No! Making friends quickly." Itadori likes your gentle warmth, your hug, everything makes him feel at home. "I met two more people before you for two weeks, but they can't see me, because I'm dead."

"So I'll keep you company, that's my new mission."

His eyes widen at that, a oh so little blush covering the tip of his ears.

"For how many time I slept anyway?" He asks.

"About two- no, three hours. You missed two movies, and this one is about to end."

"And you stayed here the whole time?" He motions to your shoulder.

"Yep. That reminds me I gotta pee."

Itadori grumbles, but quickly lifts himself off you, respecting your needs. That gives him some time to look around, he notices Ino is gone, and the plushie sits quietly at the other side of the couch, unmoving.

"Y/N! How did you manage to make it quiet down?" He's beyond bafflet.

"...que."

"What!"

"I said!" You arrive quickly at the doorframe, hands still wet from when you washed them. "I used my innate technique."

"Oh! How is it like?"

"It's kinda funny, gimme a moment." You left to wipe off your hands, coming back in a second. "So, just like Shoko, I produce reverse curse energy, but it's quite different than hers, I can't heal people. That's why we often call it positive energy instead. I can use it to soothe off negative energy, so the bear has no cursed energy right now."

"How does it works on people?" He felt very curious about everything, asking away like a kid.

"Since everyone has negative energy, it just makes you sleepy really. But when it comes to curses it's really practical, I can either weaken it or, if the curse is like grade three or four, I can slap them off existence completely by wiping all their energy." You were naturally proud of having a such versatile power, your own energy swirling with pride around you.

"That sounds amazing! Is it why I fell asleep though?"

"Nah, only if I did it on purpose. I guess you were just tired, hope you don't mind I decided to let you rest today."

"No way, it was a good nap."

You nodded. "By the way, Ino left to attend to a drinking party, he paid for our food."

"Drinking? Is he old?"

"Yeah, he's twenty." You chuckled, already expecting that kind of reaction.

"No way! He looks young just like us!"

"That's totally my reaction after I learned he's twenty!"

After that day, you started visiting Itadori weekly to daily, after exchanging numbers he made a little group with you and Ino, naming it the "Nanami trio". But really, he exchanges more texts with you in private, be them memes, cool images he wish to share, etcetera. Although, Ino wasn't left excluded, he ofter brough his xbox to connect to Itadori's tv room and you all would spend hours playing together; he just didn't spend much time with both of you as much. And that was okay.

For a few days, your connection with Itadori died down when he didn't reply to your texts. They would remain unread for some time, the longest being half a day, until he would spam apologies then move on with the topic. That became a routine until one day when you came over to check on Itadori unnanounced, needin to ease off your worries about the boy, only to find him sobbing in the middle of a hallway, staring ahead and beyond, his back to you.

"Ita-?"

"Egh!" Startled, he scrambled to wipe his eyes, turning to you. "H-hey, um, hi."

"What happened?"

"I- he-" His eyes didn't met yours, knuckles white in a death grip. You notice he has a few bandages thrown over his face and arms. The way his shoulders are drawn, as if he wants to shrink into himself is something you've experienced before.

"Something hard to talk about?"

He nods almost immediately, head still facing down.

"It's alright, come with me." You reach for his hands, grimacing slightly when his forceful grip is now on your hand, yet you don't comment on it. He follows you through the state wordlessly.

You two stop on the same tv room, sitting down on the couch. You then guide his head to your shoulder, gently massaging his scalp with the free hand.

"It's alright."

Those two words are chanted like a prayer for the next half hour, at some point, Itadori twisted his body towards yours and unknowingly caged you between him and the sofa arm. He embraced you with a force you didn't have in you, like he didn't want to lose one another. Painful or not, not a muscle moved on your body. He needed a shoulder to cry on.

Thirty minutes passed like seconds, you peered down only to find the boy confortably napping against your bosom; at some point you just became the cold side of the pillow to him. That's alright. It brings you joy to be the mom friend anyways. So you decided to join the sleepland aswell, arms still secured around his shoulders and the back of his head.

It feels like the nap hasn't been long, though, because you can feel Itadori's grip loosening and therefore, you're awake.

"Sorry if I broke any bones, in advance."

"Wow, and you only warn me now."

He laughs at your comeback, hands still secured around your waist.

"I'm surprised you let me uh, cuddle you for comfort - and sleep. I don't understand it? You just make me sleepy." He rambled, keeping eye contact with you while his head still rests on your chest.

"That's a piece of cake when you have younger siblings who seek for you every night they get a nightmare."

"Does that mean I can come to you again if I have a nightmare?" There it is, his togepi-kirby cutesy face.

"Are you four?"

"That's mean!" Itadori blushed, squeezing you on his arms. "I like the contact. It puts me at ease."

"Mm, do you want to talk about it?"

He gulped. "No, not really."

Your peach haired friend remained silent, and so did you. It seems he doesn't intend in letting you go soon, or he just really forgot to mention it. It gives them time to think, your younger sisted used to do that sometimes, back in Kyoto.

"Y/N, wanna watch anything?"

"Sure, have you watched Parasyte before?"

"No, let's give it a try then!" Itadori glances at the remote, then back at you - making you confused over his hesitation to move. He notices you noticed it, chuckling nervously. "To be honest, I don't wanna let go."

"It's hurting my back."

"SORRY I'M SORRY!" He jumped away from you like a cat would jolt away from a cucumber, making you snicker.

"It's okay, I just wanted to change positions."

And to tease you, but he didn't need to know that part.

He glared at you with a small pout, typing the initials of Parasyte on the search bar. Outside his line of vision, you were grinning like a idiot, his sweeteness took a tow on you. All the people of Tokyo you met really held a way different spirit from your classmates in Kyoto, Itadori being the nicest of all. It's surprising him being Sukuna's vessel to begin with; being honest, you felt drawn by it.

"Y/N, it's startiiiiing." He cut your daydreaming short, slumping on your side and propping his head on your shoulder.

"This again?" You throw an arm around his shoulders, very much like the first time he cuddled himself on you.

"Don't blame me, you're the one who wanted to change positions. Guess I'll just make some alterations since I'm awake this time!" One of his arms went behind your back and circled your waist, hand resting at your hip.

"It's definely different, since the other time you drooled on me."

"Hhgh, okay okay! Let me enjoy this." For perhaps the actual first time, you're able to watch without exchanging words with one another.

And this time, it's you who's head loll to the side, nose buried on his soft rose perfumed hair. Itadori doesn't comment on it yet, his free hand moves under your legs to lift your whole body up efortlessly when he senses you have fallen asleep.

"I remember you said it's bad for my spine, I wouldn't mind it... yours however."

The boy makes a beeline to the guest room, he sighs when there is no choice but open the door with his foot. Inside, he places you carefully in the soft bed.

Before he could leave, a hand reaches up for his sleeve.

"Itadori," He turned, looking at you. "Make me company?"

He giggles softly - you think it sounds like a highschool girl. "You should start calling me by my first name!" Itadori rambles as he climbs on the bed, arms wrapping around your waist in a motion you're familiar with.

"Yuuji, I'm tired, let me sleep."

"But I wanna talk more..." He pouts. "Also, are we, um, dating?"

You wriggle around, bringing his head down to peck on his forehead, teasing. "Correction, I want to date you."

"Uh, oh." A blush coats his face so quickly, you'd say someone dumped a bucket of red paint on his face.

"Is that a no?"

"No!"

"So it is a no."

"Christ, will you stop teasing for a second, I'm trying to talk here." He makes an angry version of his togepi-kirby face, you can't help but grin.

"You amuse me, but okay. I'll do it for you."

"Thanks." He blinks, the blush slowly fading away. "You know, I lied, not about the contact, I like the contact nonetheless-"

His hand moves to play with yours, such as tapping his tips against yours, or meassuring the palms.

"-it's you who brings me comfort."

It's also your turn to blush, that line was seriously charming.

"Yeah."

"Yeah?"

"Yes, we're dating now." You respond, a little eagerly. "Can I kiss you?"

"Please."

This is the best person I could ask for, Itadori thinks, keeping his eyes open as yours shut during the kiss, whom I won't change for anything else in this world.

When you both separate, Itadori feels drowsy and sleepy. His face fits perfectly on your shoulder as always.

"Goodnight, my favorite person."

[deexchanel]

TFATWS

Word Count: 2,923

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x BlackFem!Reader

Warning: Swearing, arguing.

Summary: Y/N rides along with Sam, Zemo and Bucky to Madripoor.

A/N: I know this episode is over used but I write this and I just wanted to give you guys something after been absent for so long. My birthday is next week and I’m excited. Enjoy this one-shot.

They followed Zemo to his personal jet. An older man stood at the end of the stairs waiting on their arrival.

"So all this time you've been rich?" Sam asked looking at the jet. Y/N walked between him and Bucky behind Zemo. She hasn't really been talking to Bucky because of their argument.

It was basically about how he disappeared on her. He left without warning. The only reason the previous couple is around each other now because Y/N was there when Sam gave up the shield and decided to stay by his side through the journey. That’s how she ended up here on a plane with someone that broke her heart.

The reason why Bucky left because he’s scared to love. He’s scared that’s she was going to leave him because of his past since it was too much for her. So Bucky left and still hasn’t told her the reason why he did.

"I'm a Baron, Sam. My family was royalty until your friends destroyed my country." Zemo replied then spoke to the older gentleman in Russian. After the men greet each other the trio followed Zemo into the jet.

Bucky placed a hand on Y/N’s lower back to help her up the stairs, but she pushed his hand off. She had every right to be mad at him. Y/N really loves Bucky but he can't just leave her whenever he gets the chance.

Y/N sat in the chair in front of Zemo with Sam beside him and Bucky beside her. She nervously looked out the window, Y/N isn’t a big fan of heights.

"The fridge is out. But I will see if there is some good food in the galley." The man said to Zemo who replied in Sokovian. My nerves were getting really bad, She starts to fumble with her fingers.

"Y/N you okay?" Sam’s voice laced with concern. She turns to see them staring at her like a worried parent. Y/N gave them a small smile trying to ease their worries.

"I'm fine."

"Just checking Y/N. Why don't you tell us about where we are going Zemo?" Sam asked looking at Zemo for answers.

Zemo opened a book, "I'm sorry, I was just fascinated by this. I don't know what to call it but this part seems to be important." He pulled a little book that was inside the bigger book holding it up.

"Who is Nakajima?"

Bucky swiftly gets up wrapping his gloved hand around his neck. Y/N’s eyes widened from seeing how worked up he got up from that. All the nervousness about flying left her body.

"What the hell James??"

"If you touch that again, I'll kill you." Bucky seethed then unwrapped his hand from around Zemo's neck sitting back down. Y/N rolled her eyes at how dramatic he was. Deep down she wished it was her he was putting into place but no one needs to know that. (Our little secret.)

"I understand that list of names. People you've wronged as the Winter Soldier." Zemo said obviously not phased by what just happened.

"Don't push it," Bucky warned glancing at him then towards Sam.

"I've seen that book. It was Steve's when he came out of the ice. I told him about Trouble Man. He wrote it in that book. Did you hear it? What'd you think?" Sam amused but Bucky kept a straight face.

"I like '40s music, so..."

" '40s music? You definitely need to put me on some good music then." Y/N said engaging in their conversation. She thought it was kinda cute that he held on to the book Steve had. Bucky gave her a small smile.

"Whenever I get the chance, I will. Just for you."

Y/N bit her lip to keep from smiling to keep up the ‘I’m mad at him' act. But it wasn’t working.

"You didn't like it?" Sam asked shocked.

"I liked it." Bucky said giving him the face of 'duh I liked it.'

"It is a masterpiece, James. Complete. Comprehensive. It captures the African-American experience." Zemo said in the most formal way possible. Y/N gave a humorous smile nodding her head.

"That was one of the best ways to explain it."

"He's out of line, but he's right. It's great. Everybody loves Marvin Gaye" Sam agreed as if Bucky didn't agree. Y/N laughed at what he was doing.

"Sam, why are you still going on about it? James literally agreed."

"I like Marvin Gaye." Bucky continues looking at him.

"Steve adored Marvin Gaye," Sam said bringing up another memory of Steve.

"I have to go to the bathroom. Excuse me." Y/N held up the finger going to the mini bathroom. She struggled so damn hard in that small ass bathroom trying not to fall on her ass. Y/N soon came out to hear them talking about Madripoor.

"What's up with Madripoor? You talk about it like it's Skull Island." Sam questioned looking between the two who used to be villains.

"It's an island nation in the Indonesian archipelago. It was a private sanctuary back in the 1800s." Bucky starts while Zemo finished telling them the information.

"It's kept its lawless ways. But we cannot exactly walk in as ourselves. James, you will have to become someone you claim is gone."

Y/N glanced at Bucky who tensed up at those words. I knew it was going to be hard on him. Sitting back down in her seat, She moved the hair that was in her face.

"So who do I go as?"

"Miss Sapphire, one of the richest lady there. She models for every company you can think of." Zemo said showing Y/N a picture of a woman who looked exactly like her.

"Ooo I think I'm going to like this," Y/N smirked looking at the outfit that she was going to have to put on. She knew Bucky wasn't going to like it but oh well, its part of the job.

——————

Y/N was beside Sam as they walked down this empty bridge. She kept sneaking glances at Bucky because he looked so good with his new arm. Y/N didn’t know she staring too long when his eyes linked with hers. She quickly looked away, face turning really hot.

"We have to fix this. I'm the only one who looks like a pimp." Sam complained touching his suit. Y/N rolled her eyes, her feet were starting to hurt from walking for so long.

"Only an American would assume a fashion-forward black man looks like a pimp," Zemo said. Y/N’s walk began to turn into limping which made her fall behind a little.

A little "Ow." came from her mouth, grabbing Bucky's attention. He slowed down walking beside Y/N.

"You okay?"

"I'm good."

"No, you're not. You just said 'Ow'. What's wrong?"

"None of your business James. I'm okay."

"So you’re calling me James now? And I know your feet are hurting Y/N. Let me help."

Y/N decided to be stubborn even though she wanted to get off her feet so badly. "It's always been, James. I'm able to handle myself, I can take the pain."

Bucky rolled his eyes, in a matter of seconds, Y/N was in his arms bridal style. Not in the mood to argue, Y/N looked everywhere but him.

"And it's Bucky to you. It's always and forever going to be that to you."

"Before you left, it was Bucky. Now it's James. You know what, I can walk myself." She moved but his grip tightened not wanting her to get out of his arms.

"No, I'm going to continue to carry you," Bucky said but Y/N didn't respond which made it quiet between them. She fought the urge to look at him since she was mad.

"I saw you looking at me and my arm."

She looked up at him fulfilling her urge and they made eye contact. Y/N quickly looked away nervously "Um, no I wasn't."

Bucky let out a laugh, "You indeed was."

"Was not."

"Was too."

"Was not."

"Was too."

"Guys! for the love of God, shut up!"Sam scolded from in front of them.

"He started it!" Y/N replied back like a little kid. Bucky laughed a little then sigh.

"Y/N, you've barely said a word to me today. Did I do something?"

She scoffs getting irritated from that dumb-ass question. "DiD I dO sOmEtHiNg?? Huh? Bucky stop talking to me before I say something I might regret."

"What? Y/N I just asked a question." Bucky said in defense. She huff rolling her eyes, 'a dumb ass question at that'

"No matter what happens, we have to stay in character. Our lives depend on it. There's no margin for error." Zemo explained as the car came into view on the bridge. Bucky placed her down on her feet when they neared it, opening the door for Y/N who climbed in the middle seat.

——————

"Here we are."

Walking into the bar they could feel the intense stares. Bucky glared at anyone that looked in her direction. Y/N had to fight off any instinct to grab his hand. It wasn’t the appropriate time to do it.

You could hear the whispers of the crowd looking at them. "Is that the Winter Soldier?". Zemo guided them directly to the bar. A tall dark skin man walked over to the trio so they could order.

"Hello, lady and gentlemen. Wasn't expecting to see you, Sapphire and Smiling Tiger."

"His plans changed." Zemo nodded towards Sam. "We have business to do with Selby."

The bartender looked at Sam,"The usual? Anything for you Ms. Sapphire?"

Sam nodded his head while Y/N replied, "No, Thank you." The bartender turned around grabbing a dead snake out of a glass jar. She covered up her mouth to keep from gagging. Y/N turn to Bucky shaking her head no.

"Ah, Smiling Tiger, your favorite." I heard Zemo say from behind Y/N. She would’ve laughed but Y/N wanted to puke at the moment. She knew Sam had drunk it when Bucky looked the other way to keep from I guess laughing.

Y/N moved to the side of Bucky when a man walked up to Zemo from behind. "I got word from on high. You ain't welcome here."

"I have no business with the Power Broker, but if he insists, he can either come and talk to me." Zemo then pointed towards Bucky.

"New haircut?" The man asked but Bucky just stared.

"Or bring Selby for a chat." Zemo continued his deal. The man walked away not even giving an answer.

"A Power Broker? Really?" Bucky finally spoke up.

"Every kingdom needs its king. Let's just pray we stay under his radar." Zemo explained.

"Do you know him?" Sam whispered not wanting to give himself away.

"Only by reputation," Zemo replied. "In Madripoor he is judge, jury, and executioner."

Y/N leaned against the bar with my back facing the crowd. She felt a hand being placed on her lower back. The other hand moved Y/N’s hair from the side to show her neck.

"Sapphire, baby, we didn't get to finish from last night. Let's get out of here."

Y/N prepared to punch him but stopped herself when she heard Zemo say "Зимний Солдат, Атака" ( Winter Soldier, Attack.)

Y/N turn around to see it was a different man this time. He had a smirk on his face, as his index finger touched her bottom lip slowly then used the rest of his fingers running down her exposed chest.

Y/N had never felt so disgusted in her life. His fingers stopped on her boob when Bucky's metal hand swiftly grabbed it, crushing his hand.

You could tell that Bucky was so angry for him even getting close to Y/N. The man grunts out in pain as both of them walked away from her while Bucky still clutched on his hand.

The pair shared a quick look. The way he eased back into his Winter Soldier character bothered her a bit. Maybe he had it like a switch?

Y/N winced not really wanting to see none of the combat taking place so she turned around with her back facing the crowd.

She didn’t want him to feel he can protect her all the time. Y/N didn’t want to seem so dependent on him especially if he isn’t going to always be in the picture. When Y/N needed him, he wasn't there. Getting out of her thoughts when Bucky slammed the man that touched Y/N on top of the bar holding on to his neck, eyes never leaving his face.

Everyone around them starts to take their gun off safety. Y/N’s heart starts to pound as she looked around. Zemo placed a hand on Bucky's arms whispering.

"Stay in character or the whole bar turn on us."

Zemo says something else in Russian which makes Bucky let go of the man. "Selby will see you now." The bartender announced.

"Thank you," Zemo said then walked off.

"You good?" Sam asked Bucky concerned. He looked at me but Y/N quickly glanced at them then followed behind Zemo not uttering a word.

—————————-

Turns out Y/N wasn’t the one she wants to talk to since she was just some famous model. She had to stand in the hallway and wait on them. Y/N was so uncomfortable, especially with what she had on.

Y/N heard a gunshot which makes her kick in the door. Both Bucky and Sam aimed the gun at her then lowered it.

"What the hell happened in here?!" Y/N asked seeing the bodies on the floor.

"We'll explain later, let's go," Bucky said grabbing her hand and they all walked out of the building. They walked through the streets hearing surrounding people phones going off

"This is not good," Zemo said looking around at the people who looked on their phones. They near the end of the street when bullets aimed at us. Bucky pulled Y/N to him as they ran in one direction.

"I can't run in these heels!" Sam yelled while he ran.

"You better learn today!" Y/N yelled back holding on to Bucky's hand since it was in the heat of the moment, not wanting to let go.

——————

Sharon help killed off the bounty hunters they had on us. At the moment Y/N was in the bathroom getting ready for the party she was having. Finished with getting dressed, she walked out of the bathroom running into a hard chest.

"Oops sorry!"

"It's an okay doll."

Y/N gave him a small smile then began to walk to the room where everyone else was until Bucky grabbed her hand.

"Why didn’t answer my question from earlier? What did I do?"

"You know what you did Bucky. Is there I need to say?"

"I think I know what I did? I don’t know Y/N. Just talk to me. Tell me what’s on your mind.”

"To answer your dumb-ass question, you did do something wrong. You act like everything's okay between us when it's not! Bucky, you left me. Like disappeared on me without explaining why!"

"I knew telling you that I was leaving would crush you. I didn't want you to be hurt over the fact that I left." Bucky rubbed his hand over his mouth.

"Leaving you was the best way to protect you. I'm feared by many but that still doesn't mean you aren't going to be a target to hurt me."

"Best way to protect me?! You leaving hurt me way more than what you think it did. You're worried about protection but not focusing on my feels. You said you love me but you left like it wasn't nothing." I groan flustrated raising my voice. He couldn’t look at Y/N and it raised her suspicion.

“You’re lying Bucky? What is it? What is the truth.”

“Y/N... Please.”

“Bucky tell me!”

"I was scared Y/N! Scared that you were already planning to leave because of my past. I know I shouldn’t have left when you needed me but I didn’t know what to do. You deserve better than me Y/N.” Bucky confessed as his head dropped. I placed my hand under his chin so he could look me in the eyes.

“Bucky I could’ve told me. You leaving hurt me more than what you think it did. I love you and that means that I’ll understand anything you’re going through. I don’t deserve better, and I don’t want better. I want you Bucky. You’re not alone in this baby I swear.”

Bucky pulled Y/N to his chest, as she wrapped her arms around his waist. “I’m so sorry baby. I love you too Y/N so much.” He kissed Y/N’s forehead.

“Oh and I wanted to kill him so badly but I knew you weren't going to like that so I stopped."

"You know me so well."

Bucky apologized again, “I’ve missed you so much. I can’t wait to make up.” He began to kiss on her neck making Y/N tilt her head to the side so he could have more access.

"Hm, I'll accept it if you dance on the dance floor with me."

"No! God no. I'll do anything but that. You know I don't like dancing." Bucky pulled back groaning but she gave him the puppy eyes.

"Please? Or I'm going to stay mad at you."

Bucky rubbed his hand over his face, "Fine."

Y/N smiled jumping in his arms and they rested under her butt to keep her held up.

"Yayyy!! This is going to be fun."

"I’m only doing this for you baby.”

“That’s the best part.”

———————-

This took a long ass time to edit but I hope you guys like it. Like I said earlier I know this episode is overused but I had written this when tfatws was still airing so yeah.

I’m posting something since I haven’t posted in so long.

If this one-shot doesn’t make sense let me know cause it’s almost 3 am while I’m trying to edit and add stuff to this and I’m so sleepy 😂

Thank you for reading!

Stay slutty my friendsss 💕

[ambivalent-anarchy]

Body

Part 1 of 2

Part 2

Masterlist

Gender: Female

Pairing: Peter Parker x reader

Warning: None

Anon requested- can I get a one shot where the reader does the body positivity trend with the new megan thee stallion song and the reader is insecure about how ppl will react to it?? Most importantly how peter will react to it?? K thanks

Awww I love doing smol readers and where Peter's actually the one that has it together lol sooo thanx for this

The TikTok is that new body positivity trend with that Megan Thee Stallion song. Couldn't link it because tumblr acts weird about links but part 2 will have a video for Peter. Also reader will be 18 (senior in high school) cuz some people think minors shouldn't participate in the trend lol

A/N: Either a motivation fairy hit me in the middle of the night or I'm really just that bored to the point where I had no choice but to get my motivation to write back. Either way I'm happy lol. Enjoy! Thanks to @yumings and @kelieah for helping me feel confident in this lol

Will definitely be a two parter🙂

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

Body oddy oddy oddy oddy oddy oddy oddy-

You'd finally finished editing the video.

It was a simple, short collage of all of your favorite selfies and pictures that showed off your body well. There was a new trend going around on TikTok and when you saw it you just had to jump at it headfirst.

People would take their favorite pictures of themselves, ones that showed off their bodies just the way they liked, and they'd put it to the sound of Megan Thee Stallion's song "Body".

You looked through your entire phone gallery to find pictures that you were confident enough to post, some you'd forgotten you even took in the first place.

When you were done, you threw in the simple caption that everyone was using.

Heard we're using this sound to show off. My turn then😜

Yeahhhhhh, the caption sounded much more confident than you actually felt.

You actually thought about deleting it from the minute you posted it. Insecure wasn't even the word for it. And even with your followers there to hype you up, you couldn't help but feel self-conscious. So, albeit hesitantly, you went to your friends for support.

The first person you showed was Michelle.

"You killed that," she said in math class as she passed you the phone underneath the table so that the professor wouldn't see.

"Thanks," you said. "I was honestly kinda nervous about it." You noticed her incredulous look and explained yourself, toying with the loose strings on your jacket. "Like seriously, I don't wanna fish for compliments, it's just that there are so many better ones out there."

Michelle gave a lopsided grin. "That's just you being insecure, you dork," she retorted. "You look hot." She gave an uninterested glare at the teacher when they told her to be quiet. Then she turned towards you with a smile. "You shown Peter yet? I bet he'd agree."

You shifted in your seat nervously and MJ immediately caught on. "What, you don't wanna show him?" She gave you a look when you took a while to answer. "Dude he's literally your boyfriend. I'm pretty sure he'll like it."

"MJ, we haven't even-" you looked around secretively. "-we haven't even taken our shirts off in front of each other yet. There's literally a pic of me in my sports bra and I.." You shrugged, a little embarrassed by the conversation topic. "I-i just don't know how he'd react."

You and Peter were a fairly new couple and were taking it slow. You'd only ever kissed, cuddled, and held hands so far. Plus, you were a major causal clothes wearer. Sweatshirts and jeans, those were your specialty. The two of you were in no rush and you were both fine with that, but you had no idea how he would react to seeing pictures of you like that.

And, though it wasn't the most feminist approach, you kinda wanted to impress him. Was that so bad?

MJ, forever the voice of patronizing reason, rolled her eyes at you. "So, let me get this straight. You're not fine with your boyfriend seeing sexy pictures of you, but you're okay with literal strangers seeing you instead?"

"Look, I know it's-"

"No, no I totally get it," she said with a sympathetic smirk, before laughing. "I just wanted to show you how dumb it sounded though."

The bell rang, signaling the end of class.

"Look," she said, standing up and getting her things. "You have nothing to be worried about. Peter practically worships the ground you walk on. He'll love it."

When you showed Ned, he genuinely didn't give a shit.

"Oh my God, there's a new Megan Thee Stallion album?!"

"Uh, yeah."

"I have to listen to it right now!"

"Yeah okay, but do you like the-"

He was already plugging in his headphones before you even finished your sentence.

You showed Harry next. If anyone was gonna rate you unabashedly, it'd definitely be him.

He was the only friend you had in your lunch period, so you met up with him every day. Towards the end of lunch that day, you'll pulled out your phone and asked if he wanted to see the video. He enthusiastically agreed.

He watched the short video with an amused expression, bopping his head to the music all the while.

When it ended, he handed you your phone back and gave you a high-five. "Damn girl!," he praised. "Just throwing it out there, if Peter fails you, I'm hella available."

"Heh, thanks." You smiled as you felt your entire face heat up. "Ya think he'll like it?"

"What, you haven't shown him yet?" You shook her head, giving a nervous smile. "Oh-" he nodded confidently. "-he'll love it. Trust me."

"Are you sure?," you asked.

"Yeah," he responded with a shrug. "Why are you so worried?"

"Because he's not-..he doesn't really seem-" You couldn't find the right words for it. "I dunno, I just really want him to like it!"

Harry scoffed. "Look. Let me tell you a little secret about Peter Parker," he snickered. "Or practically all guys for that matter."

"Okay?," you said, curious as to where this was going.

He smirked. "You remember when he introduced himself to you at my party last summer?"

You nodded.

"Well, hon..." Harry lowered his head to where he was whispering in your ear. "Your personality wasn't what he was noticing from across the room.. catch my drift?" He chuckled when he saw you blushing as you caught where his eyes had wandered. "Just sayin'."

Seeing your incredulous expression, Harry continued. "Peter likes to act like he's not checking you out every second of the day, but I promise you he is. That little "I'm so respectful and bashful" crap he has going is complete B.S."

You smirked and rolled your eyes as he pulled away from your ear and kept walking. "You're an ass."

Harry shrugged. "True, but I'm a realistic ass." The alarm on his phone sounded which marked his time to start heading to his next class. Standing up, he smiled down at you. "Seriously, if I could take back all the time spent listening to Pete go on about how good you look in your jeans, I'd be one well rested guy."

You rolled your eyes, but it betrayed the small smile growing. After all, he wouldn't be Harry if he wasn't a flirtatious dweeb. "Bye Harry."

"Show him the video, [Y/N]. He'll love it. You know I'm right."

And then there was one...

Later in the day, you were talking with MJ after school, waiting because Peter always insisted on driving you home because chivalry was not going to die as long as he was alive to keep it going.

When he finally showed up, the first thing he did was take you by the hand and give you a quick peck on the forehead.

"How are you guys doing?," he asked as your little trio started to walk.

"We're good," you chirped, ever so conscious of the phone in your pocket that you were suddenly very hesitant to pull out.

MJ noticed and nudged you. "You got anything you wanna show anybody, [Y/N]?," she asked with a smirk, causing Peter to look at you curiously.

You stayed quiet, but MJ still wasn't putting up with it. "I think you may have a video that you made..."

You remained silent and Peter looked at you, a lot more confused now. MJ frowned. "Um... cough.. cough."

Peter laughed and stopped walking. "Okay, what am I missing?" He looked to you and when he didn't see your expression falter, he looked to MJ. "What's going on?"

Michelle shrugged. "[Y/N] wants to show you a dumb TikTok she made but she's scared about how you'll react."

"Michelle!," you scolded.

She shrugged again. "What? You weren't going to say anything anytime soon."

"A TikTok?," Peter questioned. "Cool, which one did you do this time?"

You could feel your face heat up for the hundredth time that day. "It's a...um.." You stared down at the ground. Jesus, this was hard. "..It's a body positivity trend."

His eyebrows went up at that. "Oh, well um.. is it cool if I see it?," he asked.

You blushed. "Sure." You pulled out your phone and opened the app. When you got to the video you quickly shoved it into his face before you had a chance to second-guess yourself.

Both you and Michelle watched Peter's face as he watched the video.

His cheeks immediately turned red but his expression was unreadable. He had to have watched it over 5 times before MJ pulled the phone out of his hand. "Helloooo, earth to Peter Parker?"

She snapped into his face several times and he started to blink wildly, apparently being pulled out of a trance. "I...um- heh.."

You gave a small, nervous smile. "..did you like it?," you asked, growing confused as stared at you, his expression still the same. "Um, Peter?"

Suddenly, he smiled and let out a little chuckle. "Sorry... just..." He laughed again and scratched his head, unable to keep eye contact. "You're just- like.... really hot."

You blushed. Fuck. "You're not just saying that are you?"

"No, really like-" He looked back at the phone. "...Damn." He bit his lip. "How on earth did I get so lucky?"

"Okay, can we please get in the car before I throw up?"

The two of you looked at an uncomfortable MJ with embarrassment riddled on your faces. "Yeah, totally," you said with an awkward cough. "Sorry."

"Nice video [Y/N]," Peter murmured bashfully, opening the door of his car for you, his face still beet red. "Really nice..."

Tagging: @allegra-writes, @allegra-soleil l, @yumings, @hey-its-grey, @spideyyeet, @sunkissedspidey, @tommyunderoos, @chaoticpete, @snarky--starky, @sovereignparker, @thesherlockianavenger, @bubblebucky, @eridanuswave, @ithoughtthiswastwitterbutfr , @kidney9-9, @gwenvrse

[septicstories]

When Will You Realize (UNEDITED)

A/N: @you-said-yes is a bloody freaking genius and came up with this idea for the multiverse twins, and I'm in love. So, I'm gonna write this (Peter-centric, of course) and attempt to do it justice! I just hope I don't goof this masterpiece up too much.

Genre: Angst

Warnings: cursing (duh, it's me), family drama, Charles + Logan + Hank ignore Wanda and Pietro because they need Peter, very brief mentioning of a needle, sad Peter + Wanda + Pietro, Pietro having the nickname "Piet" (pronounced as the first bit of his name, not diet with a "p"), no beta readers or edits (sorry)

Word Count: 3.3k (3,380)

"Peter! The cops are here! ... again."

When Wanda had yelled that down to him, Peter only found himself sighing. What store manager is accusing him of shoplifting this time? Did that punk-ass kid behind the counter at 7/11 rat him out again?

But Peter didn't do anything about it.

Nope.

Well... actually... maybe a quick pick-pocket wouldn't hurt, right? Just see who the hell these cops are, maybe spook them when he says their names. Unless he already knows them, then that'd be weird.

Peter let go of the paddle he was using, calmly walking upstairs as time just slowed around him, nearly to a halt. He was greeted with three new faces, all three of the men. None of them looked like cops.

He went into the pocket of the man with hella sideburns, opening up his wallet, only to see a folded-up piece of paper instead of a badge.

After looking over the paper for a moment, Peter found himself grinning. This was a rental agreement for a car. These guys were from out of town.

Peter folded the paper, replacing it into the man's wallet before slipping it back into his pocket. And with new confidence, he went back to his basement and continued to play his solo game of ping-pong as he waited for the men to come down.

He heard one of the stairs creak, a sure sign that it wasn't one of his siblings. A very particular spot on one of the stairs made the most obnoxious creaking noise, and it was the only way he was able to identify anyone new.

"What do you guys want?"

Back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. Peter just kept going from one end of the table to another, waiting for his brother to come down so the two could go even faster.

"I didn't do anything!"

Of course, that was what he was waiting for before the cops showed up. But now, he was just waiting for them to all get down here. He was just showing off at this point.

Peter dropped his paddle once again, slowly stretching across his couch. Well, slow for him. To the three men, it probably looked like it happened in the blink of an eye.

"I've been here all day."

A shit-eating grin spread across his face as the three men turned to him, one staring at him as though he were an animal at the zoo. The other two seemed exasperated.

"Just... relax, Peter. We're not cops--"

"'Course you're not cops, if you were cops, you wouldn't be driving a rental car." Peter interrupted.

"You're not cops?"

Peter didn't even hear Pietro come down the stairs.

"How'd you know we got a rental car?" the man with long hair and sunglasses asked.

"I checked your registration while you were walking through the door." Peter shrugged.

"Peter!"

Wanda must've recently come down as well, as she lightly smacked Peter's shoulder, like a scolding mother rather than an older sister.

"I also had some time to kill, so I went through your rental agreements and saw you're from out of town." Peter's shit-eating grin just spread across his face, before it dropped into a look of confusion. "Are you FBI?"

Peter shot up, grabbing the nearest wallet, which came from the guy with sunglasses. Nothing that a cop would carry. But there was a business card.

"Nope, you're not cops," he said in a near-mumble, reading the card.

"Peter!"

"Hey, what's with this Gifted Youngsters place?" Peter asked, ignoring his sister's scolding tone as he dropped the wallet, heading over to one of his many mini-fridges.

Peter grabbed two popsicles out of the fridge, slightly melted but still solid, handing one to his brother before beginning to munch on one.

"When I knew him, he wasn't so... young."

That was all he caught out of the conversation the three men had.

"Young?" Peter asked with his mouth full. "You're just old!"

"Peter, don't be rude," Pietro said, opening his popsicle and beginning to eat it at a monstrous pace.

"Both of you, stop!" Wanda said, her eyes beginning to shimmer a bright red color.

"So you're not afraid to show your powers." one of the men said.

"Powers, what powers?" Wanda squeaked out, her eyes flaring red before returning to their usual color.

"You see something strange here?" Pietro asked, leaning against Wanda with an empty popsicle stick in his hand.

"Nothing anybody would believe if you told them?" Peter asked, a massive smirk on his face.

When he saw the tired look on one of the men's faces, he did a little internal victory dance, patting himself on the back for that.

With the cockiest fucking look on his face, Peter went over to the pong machine in his room, turning it on.

"So who are you, what do you want?"

"We need your help, Peter."

"With what?" Wanda and Pietro asked in unison, glaring daggers into the three men.

"To break into a highly secure facility. And to get someone out."

"A prison break?" Wanda asked, her eyes widening.

Peter just chuckled, smirking. "That's illegal you know."

"Well, only if you get caught."

"Okay, no. Peter's not going." Wanda said, her fists clenched by her sides.

Exactly as she said that, Peter asked "What's in it for me?"

"Peter, no, this is an awful--" "You, you kleptomaniac, get to break into the Pentagon."

Peter's fingers froze on the joystick, pausing. The Pentagon? The fucking Pentagon? Wait, were these guys actually cops? Like, undercover cops who are actually good at their jobs?

"How do I know I can trust you?" Peter asked, arching an eyebrow, slowly turning from the machine.

"Because we're just like you."

Peter stiffened, eyes bouncing between each of the three men. They all look normal, albeit a bit like hobos, but still normal. They didn't have any of the physical bits to a mutation, the lucky sons of bitches.

"Show him."

An absolutely disgusting squelching noise filled the room as the man with sideburns had bone breaking through his clenched fists, into a trio of boney claws, gnarly and super gross.

Peter's breath hitched as he watched, before gulping and nodding. "It's cool but it's disgusting."

"So? Are you coming with us?"

"No, he's not," Wanda spoke up again. "Listen, I don't know who the hell you are and why you're asking for Peter to help you break into the Pentagon, nor do I want to know who you're breaking out of the Pentagon, but my baby brother won't be joining you."

Peter rolled his eyes and scoffed. "Who are you to make decisions for me? I'm fucking 17, Wanda! I'm not gonna be staying in this damn house my whole life!"

Peter stood up, going over to his closet, and grabbing a backpack.

"Look, I know you guys are gonna drive me there and there's probably a plan. Fill me in on our way there. I need to bring food so I don't pass out on you guys."

"Peter, ple--" "We'll meet you outside. Thank you, Peter." the man with the sunglasses said as the three left the basement.

Pietro and Wanda shared a glance before heading up the stairs. "Wait for a second!"

Peter shook his head, grabbing the nearest box of food and stuffing it into his bag.

I'm not a baby. I'm 17. I can't stay here for the rest of my life because of humanity. I can't do that to myself. I'd rather be slaughtered for my mutation than sit the hell still and never leave this fucking house.

Pietro and Wanda couldn't keep him here. He loved them both to death, and he'd absolutely come to visit. But he couldn't stay. Even just a taste of adventure like this would be enough to sate him for the day. Maybe a few.

Besides, it wasn't like he was leaving for good. He was gonna come back. Probably. Y'know, assuming he doesn't get caught and shot to death.

Peter gulped.

That won't happen... right?

"Nah, I'll be fine," Peter mumbled to himself, grabbing another box of snacks and opting to grab a hair tie as well. The clock on his wall was ticking slower and slower the deeper into thought he got.

They wouldn't let him get hurt, right? He'd be a-okay.

"Slow down, you crazy child."

Peter stiffened for a moment.

That creaky stair was a blessing and a curse.

Reluctantly, he looked at Wanda, giving her a glare as time sped up. Pietro was right behind her.

"You're so ambitious for a juvenile."

Peter rolled his eyes again.

With this shit.

"But then, if you're so smart, tell me, why are you still so afraid?" Peter asked sarcastically, a scowl finding its way onto his face.

Wanda and Pietro give each other another look before they come closer to Peter. Peter went over to another side of his room, grabbing another box of food, this one already opened.

"Where's the fire? What's the hurry about?" Pietro asked, letting out a nervous laugh as he joked. The tension in the room was making everybody uncomfortable.

They get a bit closer, and Peter forcefully shoved what was bound to be a squished Twinkie into his backpack.

"You better cool it off before you burn it out. You got so much to do."

Pietro and Peter's eyes met, making Peter's resolve crack. Just a little bit. Not much. But a little bit.

Wanda's hand landing on his shoulder wasn't much help.

"And only so many hours of the day."

Wanda's voice was always soft and soothing. The Sokovian lullabies she'd hum to him when he was a child would sometimes play through his head when he was stressed out, and he'd even find himself mumbling the lyrics.

But not right now. Now wasn't the time for her calming voice. No, he had shit to do.

Peter brushed Wanda's hand off of him, storming away from them before speaking, "But you know when the truth is told, that you can get what you want, or you can just get old."

His tone was sharp, like a blade cutting open old sutures.

Pietro's brow furrowed, with a frown making its way onto his face, his own tone becoming less playful.

"You're gonna kick off before you even get halfway through."

The scowl on Peter's face only deepened as he turned away from his siblings. He didn't need to hear all of this. Not right now.

Wanda, with that voice that made Peter want to cry, spoke up again. "When will you realize..."

Peter stiffened, a lump growing in his throat. They couldn't do this to him. They couldn't persuade him to stay. They couldn't do that.

"Vienna waits for you." Pietro and Wanda spoke together, Pietro's tone had softened a tad.

When the twins saw Peter's face when he turned around, their hearts broke a little.

Their younger brother had tears in his eyes, his mouth twitching as he took in one shaky breath after another. His mouth opened, only to clamp shut, gritting his teeth and shutting his eyes tight.

Peter sped over to his dresser, digging through one of his drawers, in search of his goggles.

"Slow down," Wanda began, her voice making him stop for a single second. "You're doing fine."

Pietro piped up again. "You can't be everything you want to be before your time."

Peter clicked his tongue, fresh tears beginning to roll down his face. They had the motherfucking audacity to pull that shit on him.

"Although it's so romantic on the borderline tonight," Peter said sarcastically, turning around and spreading his arms out as he gave both of his siblings a teary-eyed glare.

To them, it probably looked like the glare of a child. Pathetic. Weak. Fragile.

Did he care?

"Tonight," he mumbled again.

Nope, not one bit.

Wanda took a step forward as Peter turned back around, still looking for those damn goggles.

"Too bad, but it's the life you lead," she said calmly.

She was going to start losing composure soon, Peter was sure of it. She had to crack soon. He wasn't going to let his dam burst anymore until he knows he's not the only one who wants to cry.

"You're so ahead of yourself that you forgot what you need."

Peter winced as though he just got a needle stabbed into his arm. A painful pinch that'd be sore for a bit, but he'd forget about it soon.

Wanda sent Pietro a glare, which made the other speedster back down a bit. But only a bit.

"Though you can see when you're wrong, you know you can't always see when you're right." Wanda and Pietro spoke at the same time, making Peter shiver.

It bugged him the hell out whenever they did that. Creepy as shit.

Wanda made it even creepier by repeating herself. "You're right."

She came closer as Pietro spoke. "You've got your passion."

"You've got your pride," Wanda said softly, taking Peter's shaky hands into her calm grip.

They need to stop. They needed to stop doing all that shit to him. They were trying to get him to stay. They shouldn't be doing that.

Peter yanked his hand out of Wanda's grip, his other hand grabbing his goggles before stuffing them in his pockets.

"But don't you know only fools are satisfied?" Peter said bitterly, staring between the twins.

He gulped as he watched Pietro glare at him, his arm going around Wanda as he did so.

"Dream on," Pietro said dully as Peter turned his back on the twins.

"But don't imagine they'll all come true." Wanda and Pietro did their freaky twin thing again, speaking at the same time.

Peter zipped up his backpack, just trying not to cry. He just needed to get past them, and into that car, and then it would be smooth sailing from there.

"When will you realize?" Wanda asked as Peter slung the backpack over his shoulder.

"Vienna waits for you." Pietro finished with a soft murmur.

Peter didn't even need to turn around for Pietro and Wanda to know what Peter's face looked like.

Hot tears burned down his face as he shoved past his older siblings, Pietro purposefully knocking Peter's shoulder with his own. A little thing they'd do when they knew they had a rough day ahead of them. A sign. A quick "good luck. I love you."

A sob got stuck in Peter's throat as he went up the stairs, hitting that creaky stair on the way up.

Wanda, with a defeated sigh, fell back onto the couch, burying her face in her hands. There wasn't any way to stop Peter. Once his mind was set on something, he was going to do it if it were the last thing he'd do.

She just worried that this would be the last thing he'd do.

Before Wanda could even speak, Pietro's hand rested on her back as he sat beside her.

"He'll be okay, Wanda."

Peter was about to leave, fingers grazing the doorknob before he paused.

He turned to the small stand by their front door, grabbing Wanda's locket from when she and Pietro were children. Carefully, he opened it, revealing pictures of Wanda and Pietro as children.

Peter's fingers clumsily fiddled with the locket before placing it around his neck before taking in a deep breath and wiping the tears from his face.

The front door of the Maximoff household swung open as Peter left the house, his hair falling in front of his face as he left, walking at a pace that seemed a tad bit too fast to be human.

The guy with sideburns was sitting in the driver's seat of the car while the two other men stood outside the car.

"Ready?" the man with the sunglasses asked.

Peter found much more interest in the markings on his shoes, staring down at his mixed shoelaces before giving a weak response.

"Yeah."

Slow down, you crazy child. Take the phone off the hook and disappear for a while.

Peter got into the back seat of the car, slamming the door shut as the other two men piled into the car. He swears he heard Pietro and Wanda in his head.

It's alright, you can afford to lose a day or two

His backpack got tucked by his feet on the floor of the car, buckling his seat belt before releasing a sigh. He wanted their voices out of his head. They needed to get out of his head, or else he may actually get fucking shot because he wasn't focused on the mission.

The Maximoff house was now quiet. The only noises came from the basement.

"When will you realize?" Pietro asked, his voice barely carrying over a whisper.

"Vienna waits for you." Wanda finished softly.

The two were leaning against each other on the couch that Peter called his bed, looking around the messy room.

A picture sat on his desk, the three of them all together and smiling. Peter was only eight when they took that picture. His two front teeth were missing from his massive grin, curly brown hair framing his face. He just looked... happy.

Peter, at that moment, felt far from that young kid he used to be. His arms crossed over his chest, doing his best to seem nonchalant. But he was stressed as hell.

In Sokovian, Peter mumbled to himself "And you know that when the truth is told, that you can get what you want, or you can just get old."

Peter could live with dying young. As morbid as it may be, he's accepted his mortality. He knew people wanted him dead because he didn't share the same species name as others.

His eyes looked out the window while the man in the sunglasses and the man with the sideburns spoke in the front seat. Hopefully not to Peter, because he wasn't paying attention.

Unfortunately, instead of seeing an empty doorstep, Pietro and Wanda were standing on the porch.

Pietro's hand was still on Wanda's back, and Peter could see the tear streaks on Wanda's face from within the car.

"You're gonna kick off before you even get halfway through," the two whispered, Pietro beginning to choke up "Why don't you realize?"

"Hey, kid, you alright?"

Peter turned to look at the guy with glasses who sat with him in the back seat, nodding with pursed lips.

"I'm good, man. What's the plan?"

Wanda and Pietro still stood on the doorstep, watching Peter look away from them. Wanda bit her lip, looking down at the ground as fat tears streamed down her face.

"Vienna waits for you." she and Pietro were so choked up, their speech was barely audible. "When will you realize?"

Peter listened in on the plan, nodding, but once they stopped saying his name, he looked back out the window. His sister was in tears as Pietro wiped at his face, making Peter's eyes well up a bit too.

With all he had in him, Peter mustered up a small, sad smile on his face. Luckily enough for him, his siblings looked up right then.

Peter gave a small wave, getting teary smiles and waves from his siblings.

The car's engine roared to life, and the group began to pull away from the Maximoff house. Peter turned in his seat a tad, watching as his siblings grew smaller and smaller in the window as the car pulled away from the Maximoff house.

At the same time, the twins watched as the car pulled away from their house, Wanda's body shuddering as she kept in unshed tears.

Pietro let out a heavy sigh as Wanda's head hit his shoulder.

"He'll be okay, Wanda. He always comes out of these things okay."

"He's breaking someone out of the pentagon, Piet. I don't want him to... y'know."

"Yeah... I know."

Peter turned back around in his seat, letting out a heavy sigh of his own.

"They'll be okay." the man with glasses murmured beside Peter.

His only response was a nod and a yawn. "I'm gonna rest up real quick, okay? Save up energy, and stuff."

Because I'm absolutely fucking drained.

[kalimagik]

Tumbling Walls

Ron Weasley x Reader

Word Count: ~3.7k

A/N: This Ron piece was requested by @siriusly-addicted-to-writing​ with the prompt: “Who hurt you?” My requests are opened! So send in any ideas you have that you would like to see me write! I love writing for Ron so much and hope you guys enjoy reading for him just as much! Feedback is always welcome! Happy Reading <3

Michael Corner. His words were burned in the back of your head. “I don’t love you. I never did.” He had used you. Used you as an emotional punching bag, used you as an object, used you for your body. It had been nearly 3 months, but they were still there burning. You had given him everything because you thought he was the one. The two of you had talked about marriage for god’s sake! You moved across the country, to London for him because he got his dream job. You took a job you detested. You even moved in with him, but now it was like you were starting all over again and London was brand new, tainted, but new. That little snot.

“What can I get for you today?” you asked your what felt like the millionth, table of the day. Everyone who seemed to come to this restaurant where you worked was gross. They were those types of old, privileged men who thought that they could have anything they wanted. At the end of every shift, you had to shower twice just to get the gross feeling off of your skin.

You thoughtlessly made it through your shift, not even upset to be walking into the pouring down rain if it meant you could get away from that place. The rain pounded on the pavement as you opened your bright yellow umbrella. Your mind wandered to your mum’s offer to return home. You could help her as a healer for the wizard population in your town, but that wasn’t what you wanted to do. In fact, you didn’t really know what you wanted to do.

You’d spent the last few years after Hogwarts, after the war, trying to figure out just that. But when you reconnected with Michael randomly in other parts of Europe while traveling, you were swept away. You were together for nearly 2 years… So figuring out what you wanted to do was put on hold when you decided to fall in love.

The rain wasn’t letting up. Your feet were soaked. You could apparate to your flat, but most of the tenants were muggle, so that wasn’t an option. Just like how you couldn’t use any magic at work. Stupid statute of secrecy. Okay, you did understand the reasoning for it, but you were just flustered about the rain. It was England though, so the dreary weather can only be expected. You were so preoccupied mentally that you didn’t even notice the blur of bushy brown hair coming at you.

“Oof!” you groaned as you bounced back from slamming bodies into another on the street. “Merlin, I’m sorry.” You let the wizarding slang slip.

“Oh, I didn’t see you there,” a familiar voice spoke at the same time.

“Hermione?” you asked, looking under the hood of her rain jacket.

“Y/N! Hi! When did you move back? I haven’t seen you since- since-” Hermione’s voice trailed off. Mostly everyone’s did when the last time they saw each other was shortly after the Battle of Hogwarts.

“I’ve been back for almost 9 months,” you thought, 3 of those miserable…oh well.

“How haven’t I seen you yet! What are you doing? I'm so happy I ran into you. Why don’t we get out of the rain and we can catch up?” You just nodded, knowing Hermione was not someone who would take a no from you. “Excellent! There’s a little pub over here. It’s clean, quiet, and quite nice overall.”

You were not planning on doing anything but going home and showering as you still smelled like the restaurant you worked in, but this would be better than spending your night wallowing in self-pity.  So, you followed Hermione down the London street and into the dry pub, feet and socks completely soaked through.

“So,” Hermione started, settling into a seat and taking off her coat. “What have you been up to? What are you doing now?”

You sat there thinking about your sad existence. You didn’t want to talk about Michael and you didn’t want to particularly talk about your dead end job or the tiny flat that you had moved into. “Uhhh…I’m making ends meet. Looking at some different jobs.”

Hermione ordered you both a beer and when the waiter brought them, you held it tightly in your hand, enjoying the coolness of glass.

“What about you?” you asked, taking a sip and looking at Hermione, hoping to get the focus off of your life.

“I’m working in the ministry now. It’s a lot of work, but I like it a lot. I like being able to make a change in the ministry and rebuilding our community.”

“That’s fantastic. Everyone always knew you’d do important things.”

Hermione laughed at that. “I don’t know. People still ignore me when I talk about having rights for house elves, but that’s one cause I refuse to relinquish.”

“Hermione!” a voice said from behind you.

“Oh, I forgot to tell you. I was meant to meet Harry and Ron here tonight. Running into you was just a happy accident! I’m sure they’d love to see you. Over here!” Hermione waved to them as you felt the two boys got closer.

Oh great, more people from school. And you still hadn’t showered, so you still felt the stares of all those gross old men.

“Look who I ran into today,” Hermione grinned, motioning to you.

“Y/N! Blimey! How long has it been?” Harry asked, hugging you. Yes, he was hugging you. You weren’t even that close with the trio in school. But, having familiar faces around was refreshing.

“Hello,” Ron nodded in your direction. You were surprised when you felt little flutters in your stomach. You hadn’t had a feeling like that in months. You had always had a crush on Ron, but just from a far. You were much too nervous to ever act on it. He had all of these wild adventures and you just went through school focusing on well, school.

“Hi,” you responded quietly. Harry sat next to Hermione, which left Ron to sit next to you. Conversation flowed easily, you laughed for the first time in months. You felt like you had a place where you belonged since moving to the city.

You fell in with Hermione, Ron, and Harry easily over the next few weeks. You still kept her flat and job to yourself, but you had people to spend time with after work and on the weekends! No to mention, Hermione was helping you look for other jobs. She didn’t know you were serving, but she did know that you were unhappy with what you were doing. It was nice. And none of them knew about Michael either, even though they all went to school together.

You grew closer with each of them in their own way. You felt comfortable with each one and you were happy to call them your friends. Hermione would always hold a special place in your heart because she was the one who invited you to the pub that day, but you and Ron’s relationship grew exponentially. He would joke and mess around with you like he had known you for years. There was this magnetism about him that just pulled you in. That crush reemerged, but you weren’t ready to let anyone in again.

You were definitely healing, but part of that healing meant that you built a stonewall firmly around your heart. There might as well be barbed wire and electricity reinforcing the wall that it was closed up so tightly. With all of that, your heart still fought against the wall, beating hard each time the red head made you laugh. You kept him at an arm’s length, but your elbow seemed to be bending a little more with each interaction.

Then, a night out happened.  You had finally felt as though you could let loose. You wound up at a pub with the trio and Ginny after going to a pop-up wizarding club. The lights and the music and atmosphere were more than you could ever imagine. It was the best night that you had had in forever. You didn’t go overboard with drinking or anything but you had a good buzz going on. You felt great!

“Harry and I are going to go get us some drinks,” Ginny announced, getting up from your little table in the corner.

“Oh! I’ll come! I need to use the loo,” Hermione responded, following behind the other couple.

Ron slid further into the booth, resting his head on the red leather. “I reckon that was the best night I’ve had out in a long time.”

“Work does sound like it has been busy for you and Harry.”

“Most definitely. I don’t understand why people can’t just follow the rules. It would make my life easier.” You chuckled at the casualness in his voice. “How has your week been? We didn’t see you aren’t much in the evenings.”

“I had some long shifts.” You kept it all vague, but that didn’t stop Ron from noticing how you were holding back. He could tell from the tone of your voice. At this, he rolled his head to look at you. You sitting there, playing with your fingers.

“You look really nice tonight,” Ron admitted, taking in your side profile.

“Thanks.” You avoided his eyes, but his blue eyes were just asking for you to look deep into them. Those alarm bells were going off in your head. You were not going to let yourself be swept away again.

“I don’t know if you are actually getting how beautiful you look.” He smiled softly. “You’ve actually looked beautiful every day from the moment we reconnected.”

Your cheeks felt warm as you took the salt shaker in your hands to preoccupy yourself. “I was wearing a polo and khakis when we met again.” You snickered, remembering how much you had just wanted to go home and shower.

“Yeah, but you can really work khakis,” he flirted. He’d been flirty before, but something about this felt different. And where were Ginny, Harry, and Hermione. Getting drinks didn’t usually take THAT long. Those alarm bells were getting louder as Ron moved a little closer to you.

Your heart and your head were saying very conflicting things. One was thinking ‘there is a very cute boy sitting close to you AND flirting with you! Go for it!” and the other was saying ‘remember the last time that you let a boy get this close to you!?! That didn’t end so well!!’ It was very confusing and made your head hurt.

Before you could listen to either one, Ron was a mere centimeters from you, eyes flashing between your own and your lips. “I’ve really liked seeing you again.” He whispered. “I know we weren’t close in school, but I really wish we would have been.”

You breath hitched in your throat. This was literally like a childhood dream coming true. You closed your eyes and let his lips connect with your own. It was sweet, but quick, because you pulled away, eyes shooting open again.

“I-I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.”

“No, no, it’s not you,” You shook your head, gathering your bag. “I do have to go, though.”

“I thought we were all going back together! Bloody hell, it’s 1 in the morning. Just wait for all of us.”

“No, no! It’s fine, tell the others I said goodbye! I’ll see you all soon.” You rushed towards the door, not even noticing that you were running past Harry and Ginny with glasses in their hands for all of you. You didn’t stop at the door when Hermione asked where you were going. The moment you stepped outside, you darted in the alley and apparated just a block or so from your flat.

The cold nipped at your skin. Merlin, you left your coat back at the pub. Your lips still tingled, asking for the connection once again. Ignoring the feeling, you briskly walked to your apartment building and stuck the key in the door. You were almost to the safety of your small, but warm flat when you heard the familiar *pop* of an apparating wizard.

“You left something back at the pub,” his soft, deep voice called out to you. You didn’t even have to turn around to know who it was, but you really weren’t sure how he knew where you went.

Slowly turning from the door to your apartment building, you faced the redhead that you had just left. “Thanks,” you whispered. “How did you know where to find me?”

“Hermione has known where you lived all along,” he chuckled. Your eyes widened at that comment. She always was the brightest witch in your year, figures she’d find the truth about this out. “But, if you wanted to keep it to yourself, we figured that we should let you.”

“Doesn’t make me feel much better now,” you mused.

“Why’d you run away?” he asked, jumping straight to the punch, your coat still in his hand. He had been a Gryffindor after all, bravery and looking for action.

“I had something to do. I need-needed to water my plants,” you lied. Gosh, you were awful at lying.

“At 1 AM?” Ron raised an eyebrow.

“Yeah, they’re on a weird watering schedule. Keeps me up all night,” you joked.

“Why have you been keeping us at an arm’s length? I thought we were all becoming great friends,” he continued.

“I’m not doing that,” you lied again.

“Bollocks Y/N! You are. Don’t think I haven’t noticed how you stop short before the end of a story. Or how you keep all of your answers about the last 2 years as vague as possible. Part of me felt like we were creating something, building up to something. We clicked, Y/N. You can’t deny that.”

You looked at your feet, keys still dangling on your fingers.

“Who hurt you?” Ron asked directly. “I remember you in school. You may have been quiet, but you were so full of life and so full of potential.”

You couldn’t bring yourself to look up at him. How could this boy read you so well? You’d given him nothing to work with. But, him remembering how you were in school struck a chord. He’d noticed you…

“It had to be pretty bad if you refuse to open up to anyone.”

You closed your eyes, breathing out deeply as you laughed to yourself. Bad didn’t even begin to cover it.

-

London felt like a whole new world. It was so exciting to be back in the city and starting a new life with the boy that could potentially be your forever. You had never felt more optimistic or hopeful about the beginning. Everything was falling into place. Michael started his job with Gringotts and was making good money, so that gave you time to shop around for a job that you truly wanted.

Michael was to meet you for lunch at your favorite little café, so you figured you would get there early to put your name in. You felt giddy with excitement. Michael said that he had some news for you and you could only imagine it was something like talking to your dad to finally ask for your hand.

You ordered an iced tea for yourself and tea for Michael along with a few appetizers for the both of you. Your 2 year anniversary was the next week. This would be a romantic day no matter what. He’d been working so many hours, but that was part of being newer at the bank.

Glancing at your watch, you watched as the hands moved from 11:45 to 12:15. You may have been early, but now Michael was running late. He didn’t show up until 12:30.

“Hello, hun,” you greeted him, standing to kiss his cheek. “Work was busy I’m assuming.”

“Yes, it was.” Michael was being short with you, how odd.

“At least you managed to get away. I ordered some of your favorites. I hope you don’t mind. You said-”

“I need to tell you something, Y/N.” Michael cut you off.

You looked up with him at bright eyes. Maybe he was just nervous. And going to ask you something that would change your life forever!

“Go ahead,” you responded calmly, hiding your excitement.

“We are breaking up. I’m breaking up with you.”

The words stung as he spoke them. You didn’t understand. Where was this coming from? He had literally asked you to come and live with him here. Before you could even stutter or ask, he stood up again and left. You were left there alone.

Not wanting to break down in the middle of a London café, you made your way to the flat you shared through glossy eyes. Maybe you should pack? You couldn’t stay there. You didn’t have the money to afford that flat. Where would you go? Why did he do this?

Instead of putting your things in bags and flying around in a blind rage, you sat on the couch. Emotions were swirling around inside you, but you just sat there and stared at the wall, unsure of what to do.

Michael returned to the flat promptly at 6:30, when he usually did. “Oh, I didn’t think you would be here.” The shock was evident on his face.

“Where else would I go?” you got out in a hoarse crack. “Why are we breaking up? I think you owe me that.”

“I don’t love you.” He stated simply. “You were a good bandage for a while, there when I needed you, but I’m sorry. I don’t love you. I never did.” You’d been holding back your tears all evening, but it was no use anymore. They came flowing like a waterfall.

“I’m sorry, Y/N.” He wasn’t actually sorry. You could hear the lack of emotion in his words.

You just shook your head at him. You couldn’t look at him once more. You wanted to scream and cry, but he didn’t seem to care at all, so why should you. Why should you show him and give him the satisfaction to know that he had broken you?

You stood up straight, wiped the tears quickly. “Go out to dinner. I’ll be gone by the time you get home.”

-

Ron stood at a small distance, watching you see a past memory flash across your eyes. You had built that wall for a reason, but maybe it was time for it to come down was all Ron could think about when he looked at you.

“I was hurt,” you whispered. You were still standing in the street, but you didn’t want him to see your sad flat. “Badly. I can afford to let someone else in, not when I gave my everything already.” You shook your head.

“You should talk to someone about it.” Ron offered. “It won’t hurt you so much then.”

“I don’t like to relive it.”

“Can you at least tell me who?” Ron asked, walking closer to you.

“You might know him.” You scrunched up your face. You didn’t really want to talk about your ex, but it was starting to boil over inside of you.

“Please tell me.” Ron asked again, eyes pleading with you.

“It was Michael Corner…” After the name, everything spilled out of you like word vomit. Meeting him again, the 2 years you spent together, the break-up, the fact that you didn’t even really know why he broke up with you, everything. You wouldn’t be surprised if Ron walked away right after that. It was a lot for anyone to handle.

When you finished, you searched Ron’s face for any sign of, well, anything. Any feeling, any inkling of what he might be thinking. “Say something?”

“That bloke deserves a swift punch in the gut.”

The bluntness surprised you so much that you just started to laugh maniacally. How could the simple words improve your mood so much?

“Would you like a cup of tea?” Ron then asked as he moved close enough to rub your arms with his hands. “You’re freezing.”

You nodded at him, agreeing that getting out of the cold was probably a good idea. You gave in. Ron already knew you lived in the building, so there’d be no use in trying to convince him to go somewhere else at nearly 2 AM. Once the kettle was on the stove and you settled onto the lumpy couch, you felt relaxed.

“I just have to say it,” Ron broke the silence. “What Corner did to you was terrible, but he is missing out. You are brilliant and funny and amazing at making the most out of a shitty situation.” He rambled.

You just chuckled in response, playing with a nonexistent thread on the couch. “Thanks,” was all you managed to say.

“I’d like to take you out sometime. If you would be okay with that, of course.” Ron followed.

You felt the walls around your heart begin to crumble. As if each word that Ron spoke, another stone was being pulled out of its place. It was loosening its hold. Your heart wanted to break free.

“Of course, after your story, I understand if you aren’t ready. I’ll wait until you are, but you should know that I will have flowers delivered here every day until that time. Just so you remember that I’m waiting around.” He chuckled at his own idea.

The smile that grew on your lips was real and genuine. Your heart was fluttering so wildly that it bashed against your walls from the inside. But when you looked Ron in the eyes, those blue eyes that looked so concerned for you, the wall just imploded. Each side surrounding your heart, well, the walls fell down.

“I’d like that,” you responded simply.

“Brilliant,” Ron got out as the kettle began to whistle, signaling the boiling water. “I’ll go prepare us some tea and then we can pick a date and time for our date and then you can leave the rest up to me.”

You watched, feeling content, skin burning with warmth as the boy who wiggled his way past your walls poured you a cup of tea.

[peachyaone]

Lonely Heart pt.5

Pairings: Lierra x OC

(A/N : Hi again! I’m excited to announce that the song “You” in this chapter is written by me! :) So pls don’t steal it :( And I’m also less busy this month so part 6 might be out soon! So yeah, hope you enjoyed this chapter, See you in the next one!)

*Luke’s POV*

They arrived at Ashton’s. His palms are sweating, and his throat was getting dryer by the second. Sierra placed her hand on his shoulder, slightly calming his nerves. They stood in of his door. He hesitated on knocking, Sierra had tired of waiting and knocked. Nothing happened at first, Luke knocked this time. There were footsteps, and the door opened. “Look, its early in the morning, so what the fuc- Oh. You two. He groaned.  “ I-Is Iris here?” Sierra asked him.  “You didn’t check your phones?” He said, slightly irritated. The two took out their phones.

They checked their messages:

[10:00 pm, 09/10/2020] Iris <3 : Hey. Just wanted to tell you that I’m leaving for tour early. I cleared up everything with Ashley and my bandmates. I will be leaving at midnight tonight. You’re welcome to come and see me off, only if you want to. I’ll be with Ashley for the while leg of the tour, we might have separate shows, but we’ll wait for the management announcement.

[10:00 pm, 09/10/2020] Iris <3 : I just wanna say that I apologise for being so distant , I’ve been in a really bad headspace lately. I’m sorry. It’s my fault for making you mad, making Sierra upset and everything.

“Fuck.” he whispered. Ashton was staring at them, arms crossed. "Have you realized what you've done?" Ashton said. They didn't have the chance to speak. "You absolutely wrecked her, you know that? Both of you. I thought you're better than this. She came here, soaked to the skin. She could get sick, and you both know that she gets sick easily. She was trying to keep herself together. She on a verge on an attack, thank god Katniss was there to calm her down. I wanted to march up to your house and beat your ass . But Iris wouldn't let me, you know why? it's because she loves you, Lucas. And that's the only thing stopping me from beating your ass." He scolded. Luke was looking at the ground, ashamed.

"And Sierra, you know what the media could do. They'd do anything to tear people apart, fuck with their mental health, twisting lies into stories with without knowing the real truth. One article could turn people against each other. I really thought that maybe you would understand a little more about this." He said. Ashton was disappointed. He sighed. "Now that you have your answer, I have a lemon tree to save. Goodnight." He said, closing the door on them. The two walked back to their car.

What were they gonna do now?

*Iris's POV*

The live session was a blast. Once she felt sensation of the bass, the sound of the guitar, the kick of the drums, she never felt so alive. They were covering "I Don't Love You" by My Chemical Romance. She felt the problems slowly melt away when she started singing. She sang each verse with all she got. It was pure, raw emotion, the one that could make everyone tear up. It's like she was a different person. Long gone the Iris that was depressed. The Iris on stage now was, way more brighter and her eyes seems to shine with unshed tears. This side of Iris only comes out when she's performing. Usually, without the tears. The crowd cheered her on. She was smiling. The trio gave each other knowing glances, once the adrenaline from performing wears off, she would go back to the woman she was before.

Sad and empty.

They thanked the crowd and the host and went backstage. They were buzzing with adrenaline. "You guys, wanna grab some food before we go back to the hotel?" Maia said. Julia and Helena nodded. "Iris?" Helena said. Iris's head snapped up. "You okay there? Your lookin' a little bit pale, shortcake." Helena said. Iris rubbed her face. "I'm alright, Just need fresh air, that's all. Maybe something to eat." She said. The trio was looking at her worriedly. "Guys. I promise, I'm okay, don't worry." she shyly smiled, nervous from the looks her bandmates were giving her. "Macca's?" Julia said. "Sure." Maia said.

*timeskip*

"That's all your going eat?" Julia said. Iris was eating her veggie dippers. "Yeah. I'm not that hungry." she mumbled. "Bullshit. You haven't eaten anything since last night." Julia said. "Take some my fries." Maia said. "Maia, I can't take it. It's your food." she declined. "Iris, we won't let you fuckin' starve. We have a long night of performing coming up. And you need the energy." Maia said. Iris stared at the ground. Helena rubbed her back, "Please, Iris. We all know you have haven't been doing well." Maia said. "Fine."

"Good girl." Julia said. "Wow, Julia. I didn't know you were into that kinda of stuff~" Iris teased. Helena choked on her drink. Julia looked at Helena, confused. Maia shoved Julia's shoulder. The look of realization dawned on her face. "Oh. Iris, you kinky bitch." She said, smirking. "Well, someone's gotta be the Yuri in this club, and you guys don't have to balls to be him. " she teased again.

They heard cameras clicking.

"Paps." they said in unison.  “Shit.” Helena mumbled.  “We have to get out of here, quickly.” Julia said. The group got out and tried to get to Maia’s car. Iris was soon cornered by the paps.

“Iris, you know they can do better!”

“Is it difficult having TWO partners? Having to be jealous all the time and fighting for attention – what does that feel like?”

She kept quiet.

“What do you think to the rumours that you cheated on them? There’s evidence of you spending the night with a mysterious female.”

“You’re really nothing special though are you? They won’t stick around for long, whore.”

“We’ve seen the scars on your arms.”

“Don’t you think that’s a bad image for your band?”

“You should look into conversion therapy, disgusting whore.”

“What about your partners? Should they have to deal with that on top of everything they should be doing?”

“You’re nothing but a slut. A cheating, useless piece of shit.”

“You’ll be better off dead.”

“'Lena…” She mumbled, searching for any of her bandmates over the crowd, she felt her vision go hazy for a bit as she desprately tried to push through the paps. She was so close from losing her sanity. The paps was closing in, blocking her in. Insults was thrown her way. She was going to break.

Then she felt their arms. Helena's strong hand gripping hers and pulling her into their arms, cradling her against her chest and Julia pushing through the crowd telling the paparazzi to fuck off along the way.“Get away from her!” She pushed the paps away from the duo while Helena helped Iris up. “We just want answers!” One of the paps shouted back at them. “Well, you’re not gonna get any so take your camera, shove it up your fucking asshole, and fuck off!”

They got her into the car. Maia drove away from the scene as fast as she could. Iris's hands was shaking. “Iris?” Julia ask, her hand moving to cup her face. “Iris, come on.” Julia pleaded, she was desperately trying to help her calm her down, holding her hands and trying to help her breathe. “They said such horrible things.” Iris mumbled. “They’re just trying to get a response.” Helena said.

"Can we call, Ash?" she meekly asked. "Of course, shortcake." Helena said. Julia called him.

"Hey, Julia. Is everything alright?"

"Um... about that."

"What's wrong?"

"Well, we had a run in with paps eariler and they cornered Iris."

"What?! Is she okay? Did the paps do anything?"

"Well, they verbally harassed her. We might ask management to file a lawsuit. As for Iris? She's the reason why I called, wait a minute-

"'Lena take the phone."

Helena took the phone from Julia.

"Hey, Lemon boy"

"Hey, Helena. Is Iris with you?"

"Yup. Let me hand the phone to her."

"Thanks"

She passed the phone to Iris.

"Hey, Ash..."

"Hey, Sunshine. Are you okay? Did they do anything to you?"

"They were closing in on me, taking photos of me and said bad things."

"What kind of bad things did they say, sunshine? "

"That I’m not good enough, they keep insisting that I cheated. They said that I look into converstion therapy-"

She was startled by Helena's hand on her shoulder. "Let it out." She mouthed to her.

"They joked about my scars, they said I would be better off dead." she choked out.

"They what?! Oh, Iris, I'm so sorry."

She sobbed.

" Iris, listen."

"What they said.... it's all lies. You hear me? They are lies. You are not what they paint you to be, they don't know who you really are. You are amazing. You are the most amazing person I know, the boys loves you.... even Luke. He came by with Sierra the night after you left. I didn't do anything, like I promise. But you bet I gave him an earful. But all that aside, Iris, you deserve to be here, and you are good enough. You make people happy. Your fans? They all love you, you make them smile, you make them feels safe. This will pass, things will get easier. I promise you."

"What if I fail to do so, Ash? What if I disappoint everyone?"

"You won't. Trust me, you are not a failure. You will get better. You will heal. You will be stronger than ever. You will make it through this."

"Are they alright?"

"You're seriously asking that? You're not okay and you're asking if they're alright?"

"Please Ash... I want to know."

They arrived at the hotel.

"Yes, they are. You don't have to worry. All you have to worry now is me giving you a lecture. Look outside."

"What?"

"Just look outside."

She looked outside to see Ashton, giving her one of his signature smiles. Beside him.....Luke and Sierra.

"Ashton?"

"Hey, sunshine."

She paled. She turned at the bandmates and chuckled shakily.

"Am I finally going crazy? Is they really here?"

She looked at Luke and Sierra, laughing disbelievingly. Shaking her head, she walked up to them. She prodded Luke at his chest angrily, as she laughed. "You had the fucking nerve to show up here." She was chuckling yet crying in the same time. "Where were you, Lucas. Where the fuck were you when I needed you?!" she said. She stumbled back, shaking her head. Iris's knees gave out. Maia reached out to steady her. "Can we get out of here, please?" She whispered to her. Maia looked at Helena and Julia. "Let's get her inside." She said, quietly. They nodded. They moved to get her inside. Sierra moved to stop them. "Let's talk this through, please." She said to Iris. Helena glowered at her. She stood in front Iris protectively.

"After what you've done, you think you could just come up here and expect her to talk? After the pain you put her through? No, ma'am. You lost that right." Helena said. "Hey, don't talk to her like that." Luke defended her. Julia stepped forward. "Don't think we forgot about YOU, Hemmings." She said. "You don't get to come up here, all high and mighty and expect that we let you go that easily." Helena said. “You two are fucking dumb if you really believe that's a way to treat our bandmate.” Maia said.

“If anyone should be arguing, it should be me.” Iris said, as she straightened up and six pairs of eyes snapped to her. "Thank you for standing up for me, guys." she said to her bandmates. They shrugged and smiled. "Pop off, bestfren." Maia playfully winked at her. Iris smiled and turned to face the duo. The look that they gave her made her newfound anger surge.

“You both don’t get to look at me like that.” She snapped, causing them to reel back in suprise. They never seen her this mad, never at them. "If you gave me the chance to talk back then, we wouldn't have this bullshit." she said. Their faces fell in guilt. The Iris she was before this would've cave in and forgive them but she was seething with anger now to care.

"If you'd noticed the sleepless nights I had, the bag under my eyes. If you'd have cared to even try and listen to what I had to say, maybe I wouldn't be fuckin' pissed at you right now!" Iris snapped and Luke flinched back.

If they'd only looked into her eyes, they would see the bottled up emotions that was threatening to explode. It felt wrong to see Iris so angry. She was always been the one to break up arguements, not start them. "Did you know how much suffering you caused me? Do you know how much pain I've been through? I never asked for this, you know? I never asked for us to fight. I hate fighting, you know that?" She said. She looked at them, they were looking down to the ground.

"Look at me." she pleaded. Her anger disappated. Their heads immediately snapped up."I d-don't think I contribute to this relationship anymore." her broken voice reached their ears.

"Iris!" They called out, but she's gone. Luke frantically searched for her. "Luke, we still have one more chance." Sierra said. "Sierra, there's no more chance. We lost her." He said. "And it's all my fault." he whimpered. "Luke, honey. We have her concert tickets, thanks to Ashley. Let's not waste this chance alright?" She said.

*timeskip*

Two hours till the concert. The stage staff were moving around, making sure that everything goes well. After the encounter, Iris fell in the hotel bed and proceeded take a long nap. And woke up just in time for rehearsal.

Seconds turned into minutes, minutes turned into hours. Iris drank some vodka that was prepared by the staff, it did so little to calm her nerves. She was pacing around. “Iris?” Her makeup stylist called out. Her head shot up, “Yes, David?” She said. “It’s time for your makeup, and then your outfit." He reminded. She smiled softly at him, "Alright, I'm coming."

She got dressed and sat on the chair."So what would we like on this wonderful night?" He said prepairing the brushes. "I was thinking of skeleton kinda look. Some black, a little red." She said. "That sounds good. Would you like some to put glitter on the black part?" he asked. "Sure" she nodded.

(A/N: Here’s the outfit. Credit to @boy..brainr0t for the makeup look)

They made a small talk about the weather and the upcoming shows. Half an hour later, David finished. "Wow, you did a great job! I love it so much, thanks David! " Iris said, her mood brightened. "No probs, Iris." He said with a smile. She side hugged him and left the room.

"Looking good, shortcake! That choker looks deadly, in a good way." Helena hyped her up. Iris flushed. "Enough about me, look at your mohawk! The spikes are as deadly as my choker! " She said, smiling. "Can I.... touch them? " Iris said. It was like a child asking for candy. "Knock yourself out, shortcake. " She shrugged. Iris's eyes shined with excitement and she poked it. "It's rock hard, did you use hairspray?" she asked, "I did. Used a little bit of hair pomade. Gotta make sure it won't fall while performing." Helena explained. "That's cool." Iris giggled.

 "Hey, cuties!" Julia hollered from arcoss the room. "Its almost time, get your sexy asses over here!" Maia said alongside Julia. "Alright, alright, we're coming!" Iris shouted back. "You look like Gerard Way, Iris." Julia said. "Awh, Julia that's nicest thing you ever said to me" she joked. Julia playfully punched her in the shoulder. "Heeeey" She pouted. "Hey guys!" Ashley jogged over to them. "Hey, Ashley" They said. "You ready to go up there?" She asked. "Yeah, it's been a while since we last went on stage, still kinda nervous, but excited." Iris said. "Excuse me, sorry to interrupt, but you guys are up in 10" the stage manager informed them. "Alright, thank you for informing us" Julia thanked the staff. "You welcome." the staff said, then walked away. 

"Go get ready, I can't wait to see you guys out there." Ashley said, before leaving to get ready herself. "You ready?" Maia asked. " As ready as I'll ever be" Iris said. Her eyes shining with excitement. The group fistbumped each other and went on stage.

"GOOD EVENING, LONDON!" Iris screamed into the mic. The crowd screamed. "ARE YOU READY?" The crowd cheered. "WE CAN'T HEAR YOU" The crowd screamed.The intro for their song "You" started playing.

You, 

The thought of you makes me sick

Heaven and Hell doesn’t scare me anymore

Not when your with me

Why you gotta be so greedy?

I’m giving all I have to you,

But you keep asking for more,I’m dying, can’t you see? (Look at me)

My blood stains the floor

And I know you love seeing me like this

When it comes to you, (you temptress)

You act so innocent, like an angel in disguise

Always painting yourself as holy

But your tainted halo says otherwise, my dear

Iris sang, stomping her feet to the rhythm. She was smiling, looking out to the crowd. And then she saw familiar head of curls. It was Luke. Her eyes widened, trying to maintain her composure as she sang. She looked at Julia, who noticed them too.

Look at what you’ve become

My still beating heart you hold,

Your knife against my throat.

I’m on the floor, barely breathing (Gasping for air)

My mind tormented by your lies

There’s no escape from you (Never)

There’s no saving for me

“Oh, my darling sweetheart” you said,

With your hands around my neck 

“Let me own you” you whispered

Your cold breath makes me shiver

Death knocks on the door (It’s time)

She puts on a facade, performing all the energy she had. Maia and Helena soon caught up with the situation immediately. They were soon picking up on the energy that Iris is giving out. She was nervous. Very nervous.  Her heterochromia eyes instantly found blue ones.  She wanted to run off stage but her pride wouldn’t let her. What would the fans think of her if she did? She didn't want to be coward.

*Lierra's POV*

They were standing somewhat near to the stage, same as the people that are there, they were all waiting for the show to start. Soon, Iris came on stage along with her band mates. The crowd screamed and cheered.

"GOOD EVENING, LONDON!" she said. She sounded so different from 4 hours ago. She looked beautiful as always, her facial features were enhanced by her stage makeup. "ARE YOU READY?" They cheered. "I CAN'T HEAR YOU!" They cheered even louder.

Iris smirked. "Helena, darling. If you please." she said. They both knew it was her persona on stage to be a little flirty , but Sierra couldn't stop but feel a little bit of jealousy. Helena was smirking on the screen. " ONE, TWO, THREE-" Helena said, before she started playing the drums. The intro sounds familiar to them. Then Iris started singing.

In their eyes, she was the most ethereal being they ever seen. She was confident when she sing, it was beautiful.

Midway through the song, their eyes met. Luke could see her eyes widening. She turned to Julia. Julia gave her a brief nod. She turned to the front, with a smile on her face. He gave Sierra a look.She shared the same look, they clearly knew that she was faking her expression. And the thought of that made them feel even more guilty.

*Back to Iris*

Look at what I’ve become

My still heart you hold,

Your knife still against my throat.

I’m on the floor, still and silent

My mind corrupted by your lies

There’s no escape from you

There’s no redemption for me.

As she sang the last verse, the crowd cheered and clapped. She was a little sweaty and she was a little out of breath.  She kept on smiling. Her bandmates joined her at the front. Ashley comes on stage next. “Good Evening, London!” Ashley said. The crowd screamed. “ I would like to thank my good friends, The Temptress, for their AMAZING performance tonight!” She exclaimed. The crowd screamed again. "You welcome, Halsey." she said. 

In the corner of her she saw a sign. The sign said "It's Nia!". Her eyes shined. "Well won't you look at that, Hi Nia." She waved at the girl direction. A group of girls were screaming as she said that. "Thank you again for the wonderful gift you gave me yesterday, darling. I really appreciate it." She said. The group screamed again. She was smiling. A real smile. The camera was on her and the crowd screamed again. She and her bandmates said their goodbyes to the crowd and Halsey and went off backstage. 

She took off her facade and became unsually quiet. She plopped on the couch and drank the vodka she poured for herself. Her friends didn't know if they should comfort her or give her space. "Hey, shortcake." Helena said softly. Iris just leaned against her, her head on her shoulder. "You okay, bub?" Helena said. Iris just buried her face further into her neck.

 "I don't know, 'Lena."

[chosenkeepersworld]

The Curses We Inherit - Chapter 6

Original Work

Date Posted: June 30, 2021 (Tumblr)

Word count: 1, 757 words

A/N: Work is unbeta'd but I do hope you'll still enjoy reading it. Comments are always appreciated! And if you can't wait to read what happens next, this story is also up on Wattpad (under username ChosenKeeper0971) but with way more chapters, I appreciate your support there too!

Thank you so much and happy reading :) Masterlist / Part 5

Sunlight streamed through the slit between the curtains, stretching toward the bed.

Danika groaned and squeezed her eyes shut tighter when the light hit her face, whining the blonde lifted the blanket over her head as she turned on her other side. Her head was pounding and the young woman could feel all her muscles ache. Her mouth felt so dry it was like there was sand in her mouth. Danika stretched her arm but froze when she felt a warm body next to her.

Panic coursed through her and the young blonde yelped and tried to scramble off the bed, but tripped when her feet got tangled up with the sheets.

"What are you doing?" a sleepy voice asked

The young O'Brien twisted until she could face her bedmate, she knew that voice well enough seeing as she spent an entire day yesterday with her.

"What am I doing?" Danika exclaimed "What about you? Why are you in my bed?"

Jacqueline sat up and yawned "The drinks last night really did a number on you didn't they"

"What?" it was not often that Danika would drink so much that she would get a hangover and forget the events of the night before.

Jac sighed "Alright let's start from after we left Krysa's shop"

******************

The sky was darkening when Jacqueline offered to drive Danika back to her aunt's house. Aileen had called her niece earlier to inform her that there was a business emergency and needed to return home. The blue eyed woman, overhearing the conversation and concerned for Danika's safety, volunteered to bring her back.

"You really don't need to bring me all the way home" Danika said, fidgeting in her seat.

Jacqueline backed out onto the main road "Absolutely not! You are my friend and I should at least make sure you get home alright"

Danika fell silent.

Friends. Majority of the blonde's life was propriety and phoney smiles, friendships were never easy or sincere. There was always a motive to someone's actions, it was exhausting to a child.

But now, there was this stranger with an easy smile and open expression offering friendship. A true and real friendship.

Maybe it was the exhaustion or the overwhelming feeling of loneliness that's been present since her childhood but Danika could only feel something light settle in her chest. She quieted, smiling in her seat as her new friend drove on.

They arrived at Aileen's home by dinner to which the older O'Brien invited Jac to, insisting all the while that the brunette should have something in her stomach before she went home. With that Aileen left them to rest and wash up before the meal, Jac was too stunned to make any protest.

The events of the day had been exhausting and Danika was in need of a good wine on days like this.

Much to the youngest O'Brien's relief her aunt felt the same way, or just took a look at her niece's face and thought she could use a drink.

Once the wine was poured Danika snatched up the glass and brought it closer to her face, sniffed delicately at the pale lemon colored drink then sipped. Danika closed her eyes and sighed in pleasure.

At the sound Jac and Aileen exchanged smiles before drinking the wine from their glasses.

Time and wine flowed as the moon rose higher and higher in the sky. The youngest O'Brien resisted, insisting on drinking more, trying her hardest to drown her emotions.

It wasn't difficult getting the glass and the fourth bottle of wine away from the drunken girl but Jacqueline, just as drunk or arguably more, had difficulty moving her limbs properly.

The two burst into Danika's bedroom with Aileen behind them, tipsy but still aware enough to get two young women into bed before collapsing into her own.

******************

It was officially day three of the young heiress' trip but she still had no leads and she was losing time. Danika was restless, during breakfast she was constantly fidgeting, playing with her food and refilling her water every time she took a small sip.

"Do you want me to talk to her or do you want to do it?" Jac whispered

Aileen sighed "I'll talk to her. I have an idea on what might be bothering her."

As the older woman stood up a ringing could be heard from from the entrance. "I'll get it" Jacqueline hopped out from her seat and headed to the front door, allowing the O'Brien women to have some privacy.

Danika lifted her head when she heard the taller girl speak but Jacqueline was already out of the room.

Silently, Aileen went over to her niece and set down two sets of cups and a steaming pot of tea.

Aileen poured the tea in both cups and pushed one toward the younger woman.

"Whenever I was feeling...off, my mother could always tell and would make tea to comfort me" she lifted the cup to sip at the hot drink "After dinner, and after you went up to your room, Jacqueline and I had a few drinks and she mentioned that you're looking for a 'very fancy necklace'"

Danika froze, her eyes were wide as she stared up at her aunt's face. The younger O'Brien had always kept her reasons for coming to the island to herself. Danika knew that the reason would be considered ridiculous to a lot of people.

"My mother told me the story too, Mo stoirín" Aileen reminded her gently. "She told the story every chance she could, during bedtime, dinners, family gatherings. It's impossible to forget. A prince makes a choice, the woman who loves him dies because of those choices and a friend who loved her curses him and his descendants' loved ones to die, forcing his entire line to feel the same way she did. Now that I think about it, it is not an appropriate story for children" she said thoughtfully, a sad, far away look entered her eyes.

Danika looked away, turning to watch the trees sway in the light breeze. She had forgotten that it wasn't just her who had lost someone important, everyone in her father's family had lost someone too. Her mind drifted back to Sean and Cara starting their own family and shivered.

The young woman turned back to her aunt "Do you believe it?"

Aileen took a long sip of her tea "Why does my opinion matter?"

"Don't you think I'm being ridiculous? Still believing in fairy tales after all these years" Danika asked

Aileen sighed "There are times when I do believe and there are times when I don't, but my opinion shouldn't matter. What's important is what this little quest means for you. Will you finally find peace after everything?"

Danika fell silent again, there were still things she had to think about.

Loud footsteps could be heard racing down the hallway and Jacqueline was back, panting "Hey, uh Danika you need to come with us right now. We might find a potential lead to that fancy necklace you're looking for"

The blonde could only blink "We?"

Outside, Danika was surprised to find Krysanthe standing by Jacqueline's car, the short blonde smiled shyly at the two as they came closer.

"Good morning Danika." she greeted "I hope you're well this morning"

"I'm..." Danika paused, trying to find the right word "fine-ish" she then frowned "Why don't you come inside to talk. Jac said you had a lead"

"Actually, I need you to come with me. The lead is back at the Antique Shop"

A little later the trio arrived at the store. Krysanthe quickly unlocked the door and went in, Jacqueline and Danika followed her inside.

The store was actually quite large inside, the first thing people would see upon entering the establishment was the counter and register, the rest of the store were the different items displayed for customers. There were two other doors in the store, one on the other side of the store and one behind the counter.

"What made you change your mind?" Danika asked taking in the contents of the store, there were a variety of items, and while the young heiress couldn't be sure of the details she could tell by the quality of some items that they should be more expensive than the price displayed.

"Jacqueline forwarded a picture of the necklace and honestly I have personal interest in the necklace." Krysanthe admitted "The necklace has been in this shop since I was a child, when I saw it something just came over me. I kept going back to look at it whenever I could even though I was prohibited from going anywhere near it.

"One day the owner of the store found me really close to touching it and essentially locked me out of the store for almost a week. By the time she let me back in here, the necklace was gone." Krysanthe continued as she went behind the counter to unlock the door behind it.

"Follow me." Krysanthe took a step forward before stopping to face Jacqueline.

"Touch. Nothing." the shorter girl said with a hard glare.

Jacqueline gasped dramatically, putting her hand on her chest "How dare you assume I would cause any damage just by touching-"

Krysanthe raised an eyebrow "You caused almost eighteen thousand euros worth of damages in my flower shop just by touching the display"

Pink stained the brunette's cheeks, she laughed sheepishly "Oh right, I forgot about that"

Behind the counter was a small office, the room itself had minimal decor but there was a desk at the center of the room with four metal cabinets behind it. On the desk was a computer and a few personal items.

Krysanthe made quick work going through the drawers of the cabinet before pulling out a folder, she sifted through the papers before pulling one from the pile.

"Alright, so there was a meeting set up earlier this month for the necklace, the buyer came and they discussed the terms of the sale" Krysanthe's face fell as she read through the page

"Does that mean we can't get it now?"

The shorter woman flipped through the pages and her face brightened "The buyer wanted the necklace for an auction" the dark blonde grinned "We still have a chance"

Danika moved closer, peeking over the woman's shoulder "When's the auction?"

"It's..." her green eyes scanned the paper, her eyes widened and her face twisted in distress "Three days from now" Taglist: @mel-writes-with-her-dragons @dustylovelyrun @woodhousejay

[addictofsupernatural]

The Perfect Cast

Sweet Pea x reader

Riverdale + Supernatural crossover (kind of)

Inspiration from @sgarrett49

Summary: You and Kevin are planning the perfect school musical based on the Supernatural episode "Fan Fiction", and you know who would be the perfect lead role.

Author Note: Let's just pretend that Mitch is alive.

(also proof that Sweet Pea can sing)

Word Count: 3701

When Kevin came to you asking for you to help with the school musical, you were more than happy. What made you ecstatic was what the musical would be. Your favorite show, Supernatural.

It was a story of two brothers, Sam and Dean. They hunt things that go bump in the night, and keep fighting no matter what. They were heroes that needed no gratitude, only each other. Just them, their car, and the road.

In the show, they break the forth wall and have their lives written in books by a "prophet" of the Lord, but that's a whole different conversation. There is an episode where a school makes a musical of the books, which is basically a musical about the show. That is what this musical will be about.

"So," Kevin said. "We got the budget and what each of the finances will cost, but we still don't have the most important thing, a cast." It was just the two of you and a notepad and pen in the auditorium. "First things first, Sam and Dean."

You tapped your pen on your notepad, thinking. "Archie?" Kevin suggested.

"Too boy next door."

"Reggie?"

"Maybe. I'm just not feeling it." You thought hard. Then an idea came into your head, causing you to sit straight up in your chair. You were excited about this, and by nature a very passionate person. "Sweet Pea!"

"What?" He looked at you confusedly.

"Sweet Pea should be Dean! It makes total sense."

"Okay, um, have you ever even talked to him?"

"No." You were still smiling, not letting that set you back.

"Do you even know any Southsiders?"

"Jughead." You said cheerfully.

Kevin looked at you as if your crazy. He took your hands in his. "Let me tell you a little something about the Southside. They are tough, and mean, and do not like the Northside. And the one who hates the Northside most of all is Sweet Pea."

You shook your head. "Everybody needs to stop seeing the Southsiders as people to be feared or hated. I'm not changing my mind."

Kevin sighed. "Fine. If you must know Jughead's Serpent club should be ending in a few minutes."

You quickly stood up and hugged him. "Already on it!"

"When he says no, I have every right to say I told you so!" He called out.

"You have my consent!" You called back.

You headed to the room where the Serpents held their 'boardgame club'. When you got there, you were nervous to knock. You checked the time, not wanting to interrupt anything.

You knocked. Jughead opened the door. "Y/n, what's up?"

"I need to speak to Sweet Pea." You smiled. He gave you a look, and you nodded.

"Alright. Everyone dismissed." Jughead said as you stepped in with him. "Pea, you stay." Everybody started to head out, leaving the tall guy with the snake tattoo on his neck leaning on a desk. Jughead, patted my shoulder. "He's all yours."

"Thanks Jug." You walked up to him. "So you're Sweet Pea?" You smiled.

"Look, whatever your Bulldog boyfriend said about me, it's probably fake. I don't need you Northsiders starting up something that isn't my fault."

Your smile faded, and you look at him, confused. "What? First of all, I'm not here for any beef with anyone. Second, I don't have a boyfriend, and if I did it wouldn't be a bulldog. I mean, really? They're all full of themselves and think they're badass when they're just a stupid football team. And don't even get me started on Reggie Mantle. He's just, ugh."

Sweet Pea didn't really notice looks because this town was full of deceiving good looking people, but after you saying that he just seemed to view you as an attractive person. He let out a small laugh, crossing his arms. "So why are you here?"

"I'm one of the people in charge of the school musicals, and this year we're doing a Supernatural musical."

"Supernatural? Like the show about demons and stuff?"

"Yup!" You smiled. He looked at you, amused. You seemed really excited for this. "Have you seen it?"

"I've watched a few episodes here and there. Why are you telling me this?" He looked you up and down.

"I want you to play Dean." You said cheerfully.

There was a pause. "No."

You instantly frowned. "Why not?"

"Why would you want me in a stupid musical?"

You sit down on one of the chairs beside him. "I'm just going to ignore that insult." He gave a tsk in return. "I want you in my stupid musical because you're a perfect fit for Dean. Dean cares for his family, does everything for them. Even when he gets roped into crazy stuff and it seems like fighting is useless, he never stops. He feels that he needs to protect his family before he protects himself. I see that in you, but y'know, I could be wrong." You couldn't help your sarcasm.

He didn't know how to respond. He wasn't expecting that from someone he didn't know, especially a Northsider. "Why do you think that? You've never even talked to me before."

"I don't need to talk to you to know you. I'm usually there when the Northside v. Southside stuff happens, I just don't make my presence known. I'm Jughead's friend, so if something happens and he needs help, I'm there. I just don't announce it."

He was feeling weird about you. You were different than all the Northsiders. Even the ones that helped made a big deal and announced it to the world, but not you. You didn't need gratitude, and now you were saying all these things about him when the two of you have never even met.

"You don't care that I'm a Southsider? Wouldn't want some gangster trashing up your set, right?"

"Why would I judge you on where you come from? I judge you on the kind of person you are, and right now I see a loyal friend to his people." You said all too casually.

He wanted to see you more often, to get to know you. You were such an interesting person and different than most in Riverdale. You seemed to think differently than the whole town, North and South alike. Which was the only reason he responded with, "Fine."

You smiled and got up. You put a hand on his arm. "Thanks! I'll see you around, okay?" And with that, you left. Sweet Pea suddenly wanted to binge watch a certain show now.

You went back to the auditorium, Kevin watching you make your way back. You plopped into your seat. "Boom." Kevin looked at you, shocked. You just wrote down Sweet Pea's name, then another amazing idea came to you. "Fangs should be Sam, and Jughead should be Cas."

"Are you just purposely casting Serpents now?" Kevin asked, worried for how smooth this wouldn't be if the three of them were the lead roles.

"No, but name a better trio that's more fit for this."

He looked at you, then sighed. "Go ahead."

You stood, hugging him and rushing to Pop's. You asked Jughead if you could talk to Fangs, to which he asked the reason why. "For the musical."

Jughead looked at you, amused. "Good luck with that."

"I mean Sweet Pea agreed, so this shouldn't be too hard right?"

He choked on his milkshake. "Sweet Pea said yes to that? Why? How?"

"I guess I just have that affect on people. Let's go."

You both headed to his trailer, Jughead behind you as you knocked. It wasn't too hard getting him to agree, after saying that Sweet Pea would be the other lead. "Wait, so who would be Castiel?" Fangs asked.

You then turned to Jughead and smiled cheekily. "No. Absolutely not."

"Please Jug, it'll be adorable! Right Fangs?"

"Yeah, Jug. It'll be cool." You exchanged grins.

He huffed. "Fine, but you owe me Pop's." You thanked both of them, then went home to plan out the other roles. You texted Kevin and you both came up with a final list.

Betty would be Donna, Veronica would be Jody, Archie would be Bobby, Reggie would be Crowley, Moose would be John, and Mitch would be Mary.

You let everybody know what roles they played, and they all agreed. The next day Kevin told almost everybody to meet after school. He then asked you to let Sweet Pea and Fangs know, which you agreed to do.

Much to Sweet Pea's surprise, you had two classes together. He saw you and Fangs talking together. Much to his annoyance, you had four classes with him. He wanted to know if you two talked before. Are you guys friends? Why hadn't he introduced you to him?

You saw him staring at you in the hallway with Fangs, and you brightened up instantly. You then tugged on Fangs' arm to drag him with you to Sweet Pea. "Hey, Sweet Pea." You said as you made your way towards him. "So you guys have a meeting for the musical right after school in the auditorium."

"You guys?" He questioned.

"Yup. Fangs is playing the other lead, Sam. I thought that you guys would play brothers pretty well."

Sweet Pea nodded his head, looking pissed. He felt less special. Although Fangs felt a little scared by his face you just kept smiling, not finding anything scary. "See you later then." He said.

"See you later Sweets. Bye Fangs." And with that you left.

Fangs clasped his friend's shoulder. "You good?"

"Yeah. I'm fine." He said, a little harsher than he meant to say. He cleared his throat. "Hey, what did y/n say to you about the play?" He stared daggers into him. It wasn't intentional, Sweet Pea just felt jealousy towards his friend for a reason that he couldn't figure out.

"She said that you were the other lead and that I would play your brother."

"That's it?"

"Yeah." Sweet Pea's features softened as he nodded. "You sure you're okay?"

"Yeah, why wouldn't I be?"

Fangs smiled. "Maybe cause you're into her." He patted his shoulder. "See you later Sweets." He then left, leaving a confused and frustrated Sweet Pea alone with his feelings.

After school you all met at the auditorium. Kevin had the group sit in a circle while you stayed silent with your clip board, looking over the rehearsal schedule to make sure nothing was wrong. "I think it'll be good for all of us to introduce ourselves and our role so that we can work well together."

Everybody introduced themselves and their roles, with Reggie and Moose eyeing the three Serpents. You were brought out of your concentration when you heard Reggie get mad and yell, "This is bull!"

Kevin turned to you for support. You sighed. "Kev, you really need to grow a pair." You then turned to Reggie. "Reggie, what's wrong?"

"Why the hell do these three Southside snakes get to play the leads while us Northsiders are pushed to the back?"

"So you have a problem with my casting?" You were calm and in your seat, while Reggie was huffing and puffing and making a big deal.

He pointed to Sweet Pea. "Why the hell is he Dean while I'm stuck as Crowley? I think I'd be better for the lead, don't you think babe?" He smirked at you.

Sweet Pea shot up, going straight to Reggie. "I think I'd show her some respect if I were you."

You then stood, "Sweets, it's fine. I got this." You then started walking towards Reggie. "He is Dean because he protects people and only gets into the gunfire when necessary. You are Crowley because you don't care about the consequences of your stupid ass decisions and are always starting something unnecessary. Now sit." He angrily sat, with the whole group silent except for the munching of Jughead towards his chips.

You sat back down. Nobody said a thing, there was only small laughter from your friends. The Serpent boys couldn't help but smile at you. It was time somebody put Reggie in his place. "Look, if anyone has problems then talk to me or Kevin. I'm usually chirpy and easy going but now and then a dumbass will get the best of me."

You looked at Kevin expectantly. He cleared his throat. "These are the rehearsal dates and the script." He then passed it out to everyone. "You are all free to practice your lines with each other on your own today, but tomorrow will be a group reading. We will call each of you up to right notes on your scripts. Until then, just practice."

Sweet Pea stared at you as you were talking to Betty and Veronica while writing on their script. Fangs saw this. "Careful you don't drool." Sweet Pea only scoffed in response.

"Let's just go over our lines." He said, looking down at the script. Them as well as Jughead began to read out their lines, and Fangs and Jughead had to agree that Dean kind of seemed like Sweet Pea.

"Come on, Sammy. Dad wants us to pick up where we left off. Saving people, hunting things, the family business." You heard him rehearsing, and kept looking up at your work. He was good.

"Jug." You called out, nodding for him to come over. He did while Kevin called out for Fangs at the same time. He awkwardly stood there waiting for his friends.

Archie saw this and went up to him. "Hey man."

"What do you want Andrews?"

He noticed that he wasn't really staring at him, but more focused on you. "Just came to talk. Sorry about Reggie, you know how he is. You know y/n?"

He then turned to look at him. "Not really."

"She's a pretty fun person. I think you two would make good friends. Who knows, maybe even more?" Archie had his arms crossed as Sweet Pea was caught off guard. Archie laughed in response. "Look man, if you like her, go and talk to her. I think she'd be good for you."

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

"I mean that you're always angry, usually at us. But she's mostly happy and cheerful all the time. She stood up for you, which she doesn't really do. She likes to stay unnoticed. Maybe she could make you happier."

Archie then walked away, followed by you calling out his name. "Hey." He said when he got there.

"Hey." You quietly said.

As you grabbed the script and went to writing, Sweet Pea spoke up. "You okay?"

"Yup, I'm good now." He nodded your head, eyes not leaving the papers.

"I just wanted to say that you were pretty funny. Finally someone was able to shut Mantle up." He looked away from you and let out a small laugh.

You looked up and smiled. "Thanks. And thank you for sticking up for me." He looked at you. "Saying that he should start showing me respect. That was really cool of you." You finished up and gave the papers back to him. He awkwardly nodded and grabbed the packet from you.

The next day after the group reading Fangs and Jughead nearly forced Sweet Pea to go and talk to you. He asked if he could stay with you because he needed help on his role. He didn't know what other excuse to give, but you were more than happy to.

You helped him out of being awkward when he spoke and acted. You made jokes the whole time, causing him to smile. It was just the two of you, so he didn't really need to be tough in front of others. He felt embarrassed every time you gave him compliments. He didn't really know how to respond.

"Driver picks the music, shotgun shuts his cake hole." He added a teasing smile, sitting next to you.

"That was a lot better. Very charming." You said. He smiled at you. You were just so calm and soothing right now. "I think we could stop now. I think it's getting late."

He then checked the time. "You hungry? We could go get some Pop's." He hoped his boldness would pay off.

"Sure. I kind of feel bad that you're buying me food though."

"Nah, it's fine. I kept you here anyways. I should thank you." He nodded his head for you to come, and you two walked outside at the parking lot, him showing you his motorcycle. He got on. "Hop on."

"You're not a reckless driver, right?" You were partly teasing and partly nervous.

"It'll be fine. Let's go." And with that you got on and held on tight to him.

You got there and ordered. You were both having a fun time. Sweet Pea felt relaxed around you. As the two of you talked you noticed how attractive he was. There was something about him that you couldn't figure out. For an unknown reason you just wanted to spend more and more time with him.

All was well until Reggie walked in. He saw the two of you together, and decided he should join in. He liked you. Sure, you embarrassed him earlier, but you were hot and feisty in his eyes. He liked that.

He walked up to your booth. "Excuse me." He said, taking a seat next to you, with you sliding to the window in response. "What did I miss?" He smirked, eyes glued on Sweet Pea.

"What do you want Mantle?"

"I just came to say sorry to the lovely lady." He then looked at you. "I figured we got off to a bad start." You gave him a tight smile. He then took a fry from your plate. "So what did I miss?"

Sweet Pea glared at him. "School." You said, your voice monotone.

He nodded and took another fry. "That's not your food." Sweet Pea said in a restrained voice.

"Yeah, your right. Could you order something for me? Thanks." He then turned to an angry looking you. "Speaking of school, I was thinking you should join the River Vixens. You could cheer for my games. I think you'd look hot in the outfit." He put his hand on your thigh.

Sweet Pea shot up, having had enough. He grabbed on Reggie's letterman jacket, yanking him up. "Don't touch her like that." He said through gritted teeth.

Reggie shoved him off. "Why not? You catching feelings or something?"

You shot up as well, about to split them up when you heard Pop's voice. "What's going on here?"

"Reggie was just leaving." You said. Reggie then angrily walked out, leaving you to explain what happened to Pop while Sweet Pea payed for the food.

You two went outside he leaned against his bike. "I'm, uh, sorry that all that happened." He avoided your gaze. "We were having a good time and that screwed it up."

You walked up to him and hugged him. He was taken by surprise for a few moments, before he hesitantly wrapped his arms around your waist. "You did all that because of Reggie. He was the one that ruined things. You're kind of my hero." You said as you were against him.

When he got home, he looked over his lines and took a look at the notes you wrote. They were mostly tips and helpful stage directions, but he also noticed something else. You wrote little encouraging comments or compliments. Sometimes you drew happy faces with them. He smiled.

The next day at the auditorium everybody was in a group reading while sitting in a circle. You guys decided to skip the songs and do that towards the end. When you got to the songs, you were not prepared for what you heard.

Sweet Pea started singing one of the songs, causing you and Kevin to immediately look at each other. He mouthed the word wow, and you mouthed I know. It seemed like everybody else was surprised as well.

When he finished you weren't thinking when you said, "Holy shit."

He looked at you, a mixture of confusion and worry with him. "What?"

"That was really good!" He smiled. Fangs then gave him a look, and his smile immediately fell off of his face.

For the next few weeks you and Sweet Pea practiced your lines while joking around and having fun together. What you two would do was practice for about twenty minutes, then just talk, go out to eat, or hang out at the Whyte Wrym.

You had begun to develop feelings for him. Although to others he seemed scary and was always mad at something, but you didn't see that at all. He was a gentleman in your eyes, who always knew how to make you laugh. Being around him was always fun, and he made you happy.

Although Reggie had been trying to impress or flirt with you, you never paid any attention to him. Sweet Pea had almost gotten into fights with him over the way he treated you, but you always interjected. To make him feel better you would give him a hug and talk him out of being mad.

Sweet Pea's feelings for you only grew as you two spent more and more time together. Reggie treated you like property, and Sweet Pea was always ready to beat the crap out of him for you in a heart beat. But you wouldn't let him, always telling him that you'd be worried if he got hurt. You would always tell him something that made him feel better, with your warm smile making him melt.

It was the day of the musical, and all day Sweet Pea was getting teased by his friends to grow a pair and ask you out. All day he responded that you guys were just friends, and that's the way that you'll always see the two of you. But they were right. He needed to get it out of his system.

"Hey," you said, coming into a dressing room to see him in the whole Dean get up. "I just wanted to say good luck. You're gonna be awesome." You took a seat right next to him.

"Thanks." He gave you a nervous smile. It was now or never. "Um, so after the show, I was thinking that the two of us can go out somewhere."

"That sounds cool. We should invite more people." You suggested.

"Uh, no. I mean, uh," he rubbed the back of his neck.

"Hey," you put a hand on his shoulder. "You okay? You can tell me anything."

He took all the courage he could muster up and went for it. "I want to go out with you. I mean like a relationship. I want to say that you're mine, and put my arm around your shoulders, and kiss you whenever I want."

You said nothing, which he took as a rejection. "You know what, just forget it. It was a stupid idea anywa-" he was cut off by your lips. You kissed him passionately, waiting for this moment for what seemed like forever. He then returned the kiss, putting a hand on your waist while yours were on his face.

You smiled when you pulled back for air. "Yes, I'd love to go out with you." He smiled, about to say something when an alarm from your phone went off. "Looks like it's show time. Break a leg, Winchester."

[hyukmark]

Masterlist | prev. | next

↳ A Reader X Mark swimmer!au series in which Johnny’s little sister Y/N finally moves back to Korea after graduating high school in Chicago. A written/social media fusion au!!  ↲

A/N sorry that it's been a while I've been so busy with school and homework and sis,,, I'm exhausted

-Stroni

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

CHAPTER TEN

It had been around three months since Jaemin and Jeno had come out to you all, a week later they had told the whole swimming club, the girls included, that they were in fact dating. It was cute how welcoming everyone was to it, in fact Yuta had made a bet with everyone that they were together and ended up rich at the end of the day.

You and Kyungmi were best friends still, you and Hyosonn had also become closer and even Hyunjae made conversation with you. Jaehwa still was off though she put up with you more and both Eunjung and Chunhei seemed to be tolerating you too.

You had become closer with the dream team plus you, Mark and Lucas were practically inseparable now. You'd spend most of your days either at their houses or your own, being wrapped up in a quilt and surrounded by snacks as you'd sit and watch films together. You were mainly all together, the ten of you, including Kyungmi, just snuggled up either on the bed or on the floor and talking about life or how your days had gone.

"Y/N, when are you coming to our college?" Lucas had asked you once, you and Mark were sitting side by side whilst Lucas had taken up his bed with his long body.

You tutted, "Lucas I've already told you that they haven't accepted me yet! They're looking for a reference and don't really want to contact my old school in Chicago so it's taking even longer."

Mark glanced at you and smiled at your pout, "just turn up with us. They'd never know, you'd fit right in."

"Maybe..." You had trailed off, remembering what both your parents had told you.

You heard the bed shift under Lucas' weight as he flopped his head down next to yours, "a penny for your thoughts?"

You and Mark both burst out laughing, Lucas' serious tone entertaining the both of you more than it should have. "Dude!" Mark laughed, reaching over you and pulling him off of the bed with a thump, "that was so cringe."

"Ow!" He yelled, rubbing his head which he bumped on the way down, "hey Y/N looked troubled I only wanted to know why!"

"Idiots," you mumbled happily, this trio was the only thing which made you feel like you were still a kid, "it's just my parents, they don't want me going to this college just because two of my friends go there."

"But this college is like-- the best in Seoul?" Mark quizzed and he wasn't wrong, it was a super good school and you'd have wanted to go there even if you didn't know these two.

"I know, they want me to make a presentation of why I want to go there and they said if I mentioned any of you two then it's an immediate no," you flung your head back onto the bed, the stress of college was hitting you and you hadn't even gone to a single class yet.

"It's fine Y/N," Mark had whispered from beside you, "we can always help you make it, who else is better than two college students themselves?"

And that was when you first noticed your feelings for Mark Lee, that was about a month ago and he had kept to his word. He let you borrow his laptop and came round to give you quotes or photos he had taken around school. Lucas tried to help too but a majority of the time he ended up falling asleep in your bed, leaving both you and Mark to do the presentation yourselves.

Now though you were getting ready to go out to town with Mark and Lucas once again, Johnny was getting slightly suspicious of why you hung out so much but you knew secretly he was just being jealous.

"Y/N!" You heard him shout mid doing your hair, you hummed loudly in response, "where does mum keep the cereal?"

"I don't know Johnny, leave me alone I need to get ready!" You yelled back, you had gotten dressed and done minimal makeup but your hair took time and you didn't want to ruin it.

He knocked on your door, something he does to see if he's able to come in. You sighed but let him in anyway, "why are you going out again?"

You rolled your eyes, here we go again, "Johnny it's called having friends, you might not understand that concept but when you have them- you go out together."

"Ouch," he huffed, sitting on the edge of your bed, "but I mean, you never hang out with me anymore sis."

"Johnny," you finished the final touches on your hair then turned to face him, "I love you okay? You're always going to be the number one man in my life."

He looked at you skeptical, "What about dad?"

"Fine, maybe dad's a little bit more above you...you're a very close second though!" He smiled, opening his arms wide for you.

"Just stop growing up, okay Y/N?" You giggled, slapping his chest lightly.

"I'll see what I can do Johnny."

The sound of your doorbell ringing made the both of you jump, you quickly jumped out of Johnny's arms and ran to the door.

"Very close second, sure Y/N," Johnny muttered under his breath as he trailed after you.

"Y/N!" Lucas screamed pulling you into a hug, "you ready to get your shop on? You haven't eaten today right? We want to go to all those small snack bars and try something from each one!"

"Back it up buddy," Johnny deadpanned, coming up behind you.

Lucas quickly let go and hid behind Mark, everyone knew that Mark and the dream team were the only ones Johnny could tolerate being around you, Lucas would've been too if he hadn't been caught flirting with you by Johnny.

"Hey hyung, we will meet you at the club later alright?" Mark said, doing his usual hand shake with your brother.

"That's fine Mark, see you guys," Johnny hugged you one more time, "have fun Y/N, not too much fun though."

"Yh yh, see you oppa."

You closed the door behind you, giving the two boys in front of you a bright smile, "so who's driving today?"

Lucas gave Mark a light shove from behind him signalling that Mark would be your driver for today. The three of you walked down the few flights of stairs, saying anything random that came to mind and laughing about it like it was the funniest thing in the world.

***

You had gone to multiple shops already, not one of you had bought anything yet but you didn't need to, you were having enough fun chasing Lucas around the different aisles with Mark worrying behind you about being kicked out.

"I'm hungry," Lucas said out of nowhere, eying up the rows of restaurants and fast food chains.

"When aren't you?" Mark smirked, earning a punch in the arm from the taller boy.

"I'm quite hungry too," you mumbled as your stomach rumbled quietly, "should we go to that noodle bar?"

The boys followed your finger and nodded. You three walked over to the place, Lucas opened the door and immediately burst out laughing, "Jisung! LeLe! Kyungmi!" He cried, walking in further so both you and Mark could come in.

"What are you guys doing here?" Jisung groaned, Kyungmi and Chenle were sitting together opposite him. Kyungmi waved, telling you to bring a chair next to her.

Mark too a seat next to Jisung, you sat inbetween Kyungmi and Jisung and Lucas inbetween Chenle and Mark.

"How come you didn't invite anyone else?" Mark questioned, slurping up some of his noodles.

"Same reason you three didn't," Chenle teased.

"You know if you were born in 99 then you'd be able to come on our excursions too," you joked, taking a sip from your drink.

"And if you were apart of maknae line then you'd be invited with us too eonnie," Kyungmi poked you causing you to laugh at her cuteness, "What have you guys done today anyway?"

"Nearly got kicked out of a store thanks to these two idiots," Mark sighed, rolling his eyes.

"Mark getting kicked out of somewhere? That's unheard of," Jisung laughed.

"I know right? But I'm full, when you're all finished you wanna head to the club?" Lucas asked with a raised eyebrow, "I wanna race Y/N again."

"You're on pretty boy," you smirked, you weren't going to lose this time. With an extra three months training on your belt you were sure you could beat him now.

***

"On your marks," Chenle started, you slid your goggles down and made sure your hat was on tight.

"Get set," you readied up, smirking one last time at Lucas then concentrating completely on the water around you.

"Go!"

You set off with a backwards stroke. You blocked out everyone's yells and ignored the splashing of water that came your way as Lucas powerfully attacked the water. You blocked him out completely, it was just you and the water.

Not wanting to lose this time you tried to be even more in tune and to have a rhythm to your strokes. You were practically glaring at the ceiling as you sped down your lane.

You quickly flipped, using your legs to boost off of the back wall and transfered into a front crawl. This was your strong suit.

You quickly edited your rhythm in your mind, remembering to take an ample amount of air when you looked up from the water. Instead of the ceiling being the target of your vicious glare it was now the floor of the pool, and occasionally Lucas if you looked up in his direction.

Before long you hit the finish, flinging your head back out of the water you took the time to catch your breath before tuning in on everyone shouting at you.

"I can't believe I lost..." You heard Lucas pant beside you, his hand running through his hair. Wait, had you won?

"Eonnie! You stormed ahead of Lucas, that was so cool!" Kyungmi yelled as she ran across to you, almost slipping into the pool herself but Chenle steadied her from behind.

"I- I won?" You were dazed, of course you had wanted to win but you never expected that you would.

"Yes dumb dumb, did you not notice?" Chenle laughed, offering his hand to you to lift you out the water, "Lucas was so far behind you!"

"Is anyone gonna help me out?" Lucas grumbled, watching as Jisung also came to grab your other hand.

"I gotchu bro," Mark chuckled, lifting his friend out of the water, "you still raced well, I think that's your fastest time yet."

"Thanks man," he was back to his normal self now, the compliment making him less grumpy, "guess it's one to one now Y/N."

You shrugged, "we should have a decider one time, don't get hurt if I beat you again though."

Kyungmi made a series of 'ooh' noises and Chenle joined her, both finding fun in teasing the older boy.

"I think this loss means you should buy us food hyung," Jisung offered, also taking the time to bully him.

Mark doubled over laughing at Jisung's cheekiness, "he's got you there," he cackled, slapping his friends arm.

Lucas ran his hand through his hair again, his attention focused on you, "fine but you're all limited, Y/N though, you can have whatever you want babe."

"Ewwww Lucas is trying to flirt," Kyungmi scowled in disgust, standing in front of you protectively.

You glanced warily at Mark who had suddenly stopped laughing, "he always does Kyungmi, never learns even after I do this."

Lucas looked at you confused, "do what?"

You slapped the top of his head making him fall back at the sudden pain, "do that!" You howled, the smile returned to Mark's face and the younger ones started crying out of laughter.

"Now...last one to the cafe has to split the bill!" Jisung yelled, dashing towards the doors with everyone else following close behind him.

It seemed like everytime you were going to eat together, it always ended like this. You weren't going to complain though, you enjoyed it.

[wonder-wonpil]

lotto (1) ; prologue

Warning : excessive cursing, degrading terms towards women, triggering content, violence, and such. This is a mafia! au. Read at own risk.

Inspired by the MV Lotto by EXO, therefore this takes place during the Lotto era.

lot·to

ˈlädō/

(n.) a lottery game similar to bingo.

When you live in this city, surely you've heard of the name EXO being associated with dangerous, mature stuff. Drug dealing, loan sharking, human trafficking, and the list goes on. They're very powerful -- so powerful, in fact the police didn't dare interfere with whatever illegal business they're doing.

It didn't help that they were pledged under the SM Alliance with other dangerous mafias such as themselves -- NCT, SUJU, F(X), and many more. In short, EXO aren't people you'd want to get involved with.

"Hi!" An overly cheery red-haired man greeted. He had a good muscular build for someone who's a little shorter than average.

The man was no other than Byun Baekhyun -- genius spy and the leader of EXO's second raid squadron. He had a messy, unruly red hair, and a pair of brown eyes, in addition with that playful grin on his child-like face.

The man rolled in the room with a wheely chair, stopping where another man was standing behind the counter with a stoic expression.

"I'm in charge of desk today, much to my displeasure. How can I help youuu...?" Baekhyun squinted his eyes before looking to the other male, a smirk present on his face as he cocked his head to the side, waiting for an answer.

"Sehun," the man, presumably named Sehun was a tall man with a nice build, with blonde locks and dark brown eyes, and a stoic expression, preferably because of his thick eyebrows. So to say, he was a beauty. "I'm here to see Suho." Sehun said curtly.

Baekhyun's eyes widened -- not in surprise, but in amazement. He pulled a knife out of his back pocket and Sehun watched intently as Baekhyun started twirling the knife.

"You want to see the boss?" Baekhyun began. "I mean, yeah, I can arrange a meeting. But you're a man with a brain. How much are you willing to pay this starving man?"

Sehun slammed a heavy suitcase worth of money on the counter, but Baekhyun didn'n't seem phased, nor surprised.

"I need to see him," Sehun repeated. "Fast."

Baekhyun was still looking at Sehun with the same amused expression, "You're young, Sehun. Are you sure you want to pay this amount of money for a trip to hell?"

"Yes, I'm sure." Sehun frowned, but his faltered voice didn't escape Baekhyun's ears. Of course, Baekhyun was a professional spy. But in all honesty, "spy" is just a cooler word for stalk and eavesdrop.

"Jongdae -- Oh, Bacon? The hell is taking you so long?" Another voice -- a rather feminine one, this time -- piped in on the conversation.

Not long after, the owner of the voice stepped out of the same door where Baekhyun rolled in. The woman was shorter than Baekhyun -- with her ponytail and brown eyes, a bottle of beer in her hand.

She looked half-drunk, with lidded eyes and a slurring tone, and faint tear stains on her cheeks. She was pretty, to say the least. Sehun wondered why, but decided not to push it. She was probably one of the girls Baekhyun brought home from a strip club EXO owned.

"Oh, a client?" She asked, taking a chug from her bottle, "Sorry, my bad."

"He wants an exclusive meet and greet with Suho," Baekhyun smirked. "I don't know, can we make it happen? Poor guy's paid quite a lot."

"Eh, with Myeonie?" The woman asked, leaning on the counter after taking another sip of her beer.

"Who's Myeonie?" Sehun asked to no one in particular.

Baekhyun continued, ignoring the younger (yet taller) man. "Funny, really, paying for your death."

"Nice, young lad, I like the spirit," She flashed him a thumbs up before taking another sip. It made Sehun wonder how old she was, she looked no older than him.

"But my advice; you need to stay away from that crazy bastard. He's nuts, I tell 'ya." This time, she offered the bottle to Baekhyun, who happily took a big gulp.

"You're not anyone I know, nor you know me. So here's my advice for you; stay the hell away from my business." Sehun growled.

"Feisty, nice. But sorry, anything involving him --" she pointed to the red-haired man who has happily chugging the drink, "-- involves me, whether you like it or not."

"Who would've thought? For a good two minutes I thought you were another one of his whores he sleeps around with." Sehun countered.

At his words, the woman's eyes widened, a look of hurt flashed on her face as Baekhyun slammed the bottle down, using the knife to press on Sehun's neck.

"Ay, we've had rude customers, but Boss ain't going to be happy you said that to (y/n). Have some manners." He warned, the malice in his voice crystal clear. Sehun was frozen -- he didn't know what to do. He knew this man was dangerous -- but not this dangerous.

"So she's Suho's whore?" Sehun blurted before he could stop the words from coming out of his mouth. He silently cursed to himself -- why can't he be quiet for once?

"Why, you piece of shi-" Baekhyun, anger and annoyance now present on his face as he lunged forward to grab Sehun's collar while the other aimed for Sehuns's neck. Sehun didn't have time to step back, everything was happening so quickly.

"Baekhyun, that's enough." (y/n) told him with a stern voice as she pulled on Baekhyun's shirt. Had she wasted another second, Sehun would already be bleeding to death with a knife down his throat. Although it's not half bad, Baekhyun had managed to make a cut -- deep enough to draw a little bit of blood.

Sehun's eyes widened -- what the hell just happened? He let out an exhale he didn't even noticed he was holding in. Had she not pulled Baekhyun back, he would be six feet under. That is, if they gave him a proper burial instead of dumping him in with the other victims. Oh no, Sehun was far too beautiful for that.

"But, (y/n)!" Baekhyun whined as the so-called (y/n) grabbed the beer and sighed.

"I'll go arrange the meeting, but don't say I didn't warn you." (y/n) gave him one last glance before heading out to where she came from.

"Ah, sorry about that," Baekhyun apologized with a dangerously uncomfortable smile that made Sehun shift. "But I'd watch my words if I were you. Be glad I didn't kill you on the spot, yeah?"

Despite not understanding what Baekhyun said, Sehun got the message. He grunted, signalling that he understood.

"Yo, Baekhyun!" A tall man -- taller than Sehun, even -- came rushing in where Baekhyun and Sehun were sitting in awkward silence. Well, at least it was awkward for Sehun -- Baekhyun was too busy laughing at his phone to even notice.

"Chanyeol!" Baekhyun said in between gasps of air his lungs lacked from laughing, shoving his phone to the new person.

"OH MY GOD HE REALLY DID THAT?!" Chanyeol bursted before laughing along with Baekhyun, making Sehun rolled his eyes. They were grown man in the mafia, damn it.

And this man was Park Chanyeol, the red-haired leader of the first squadron in EXO, also known as the man who lead a raid which resulted in two warehouses down the ground.

"Anyway, (y/n) said you can bring the brat inside." Chanyeol motioned to a rather offended Sehun. Baekhyun rolled his eyes before calling Sehun to follow him in the door.

"So, your name is Sehun?" Chanyeol asked, trying to make the situation less awkward. Sehun responded with a stern nod, "Whoa, it's just me. No need to be too serious now, okay?"

"I mean the chances of you being alive after meeting up with Suho is reeeaaaally small," Baekhyun added as they kept walking down a dark corridor. "Especially after that (y/n) incident."

"Oh, what (y/n) incident? Do tell me more." Perched Chanyeol, who was looking at Baekhyun curiously. Sehun just stayed silent, he knew better.

Just as Baekhyun was about to tell the story of the titled "(y/n) Incident", another man stumbled out of the room on his right.

Sehun didn't recognize him at first, as he was wearing a cap over his face. Odd, because who wears a cap in their own room?

The man quickly took the cap off and tripped over his own steps, quickly rushing to where Baekhyun, Chanyeol, and Sehun stood.

"Oh my god, m-my mug broke. You know what that means, right?" The ebony-haired man spluttered. By now, Sehun recognized him as Chen, EXO's technician and hacker. He wondered if that was his real name.

"Your mug broke?" Chanyeol repeated, looking clueless.

"Oh my god, I can't believe this. I have to go find (y/n), shit--" he began, stumbling over his own words.

Baekhyun told him that (y/n) was with Suho, and Chen quickly muttered a thank you and headed further down the corridor in a sprint. He did trip a few times as he was only wearing a pair of socks besides his hoodie and jeans.

The trio continued walking, but Baekhyun and Chanyeol -- or Dumb and Dumber, Sehun liked to call them -- had forgotten about the "(y/n) incident", much to Sehun's relief. Sure, he didn't know who (y/n) was, but if the genius Chen who's hacked through many security systems was looking for her in such a rush, she must be a pretty important person. Or, Sehun thought, she can just be a maid and Chen is just finding her to clean his broken mug.

The next person who greeted them was Kai, the brown-haired sharpshooter of EXO and the one in charge of the strip club. Baekhyun let it slip that he was more flirty than he ought to be.

"The sun's getting low, you're not going to bring a girl home?" Baekhyun questioned with a laugh. Kai only laughed back, before responding with a disappointed sigh.

"Yeah, since (y/n)'s still around and all. You know how she feels when we do the do when she's around. And she's in a bad mood," Kai let out another sigh. "Apparently the jerk turned out to be more of an asshole than we thought."

"What? She should've told us!" shouted Chanyeol, and Sehun was staring at him with a weirded out expression. Who was this jerk? "No wonder Jongdae's mug broke!"

Yeah, Sehun was getting himself in some pretty weird shit. Why do they associate a broken mug with (y/n)?

"I'll tend to her in a few, she's got Jongdae. I'll take this brat to Boss first." Baekhyun told him, motioning to Sehun. Kai nodded at him with a smirk before going on his merry way.

Sehun didn't want to speak any unnecessary things, but the curiosity was eating him away. So he opened his mouth and asked, "Who's (y/n)?"

This time, it was Baekhyun and Chanyeol who stared at him with a shocked expression. Sehun rolled his eyes, how ironic.

"Who's (y/n)?" Repeated Chanyeol. "Who's (y/n)?"

"That's what I asked." Sehun growled. Baekhyun only shook his head with a grin while reminding Sehun to keep walking.

Eventually, at the end of the corridor, two oak doors stand tall. Baekhyun knocked before a new voice answered, "Come in."

Baekhyun grinned as he opened the door to reveal Suho sitting on something best described as a throne the other end of a long table. Suho was a man who, despite the pink hair that oddly suited him, emitted a dangerous vibe -- even from the other end, Sehun could feel his cold onyx eyes on him.

And to the seat beside him, there was a man with blonde hair who was looking at Sehun in shock. He seemed to recognize Sehun, and Sehun as well. The man was Xiumin, or Minseok -- practically the only one in EXO Sehun was acquainted with.

"Sehun?" Minseok had muttered, but it echoed loud enough for the whole room to hear. Baekhyun turned to him in surprise.

"You know him?" Baekhyun asked. Minseok responded with a slight nod before turning to Suho.

"This is Sehun. He and I grew up in the same orphanage together along with Luhan," he told Suho. "We haven't spoken in quite a while, though."

Suho turned to Sehun with an amused smirk. "So, you came to visit your old friend?"

"Partly," Sehun replied. "I wanted to see you, too."

This only intrigued Suho more. "Ah, really? My pleasure. For what business, may I ask?"

"I have a criminal record," Sehun began. "I killed a few people, and I've done drugs and such. The police are on their way to track me down, so --"

"No," Suho cut him off sternly. Sehun glared at him. "No, we are not going to be your hiding place from the police. You do you, because in the end you'll burden us."

Sehun continued, "I want to join the mafia. And before you ask, I know what I'm getting myself into."

"And why, exactly, should we accept you?" Baekhyun snorted from Sehun's left, making the younger glare at him. Baekhyun didn't seem phased, though.

"Because I'm qualified?" Sehun raised a brow. Baekhyun, now eye to eye with the latter, challenged with a "Qualified by who?"

"By SM, of course." it was Sehun's turn to snort. All eyes in the room seemed to widen as they stared Sehun in shock.

Suho let out a hearty laugh, one that Sehun thought sounded a bit insane. "It's been a while since the SM Alliance reccomended someone. The last person was Baekhyun, right?"

Baekhyun scoffed as Chanyeol laughed. "Guess you're not the special one anymore, Baek. Tough battle."

"Please," Baekhyun rolled his eyes. "I'm obviously better and more skilled. You're not helping, Chanyeol."

"Very well, let me see the pass." Suho extended his hand, and Sehun placed a slip of paper on his palm. Sehun internally sighed. This was it, he was going to reunitw witu Minseok and Luhan, and start his new life, and -

"Junmyeon," a familiar voice called and entered the room from a different door, the one near Suho -- or Junmyeon, Sehun took it -- was (y/n).

"Oh, I take it you met the brat. He's an SM reccomended?" (y/n) hummed as she glanced over Junmyeon's shoulder, reading the pass with him.

"Guess you're not so special anymore, Bacon. Suck it, no more bragging." (y/n) laughed at Baekhyun, who turned beet red of embarrassment, which Chanyeol interfered with, "I said the same thing!"

"Anyway, welcome aboard, Oh Sehun," Junmyeon smiled. "You obviously know me, I'm Suho. Or Kim Junmyeon, the leader."

Everybody followed with simple introductions. "Byun Baekhyun, second raid squadron leader." Baekhyun said spitefully.

"Park Chanyeol, first raid squadron leader." Chanyeol followed.

"Kim Minseok or Xiumin, whichever you prefer," he shrugged. "First assassination squadron leader. Eldest. Glad to have you on board, Sehun."

"Ah, I take it that you met (y/n). This is Kim (y/n), my cousin, professional hacker and my second in command." Junmyeon smiled.

As soon as the words sunk in, Sehun's heart sank as well. Yeah, he just called the boss's cousin and apparently second in command that he's never heard of a fucking whore.

He was so fucked.

[uriduriragwaenchana]

All of your attention pt1 || Wong Yukhei (f)

a/n: a very cute anon requested this a while ago. I'm sorry it took so long I was trying to make sure I had enough information on the subject to write about it😅thank you for bearing with me

genre: fluff! cafe!au Its a little dramatic but so am I so..

words: approx. 2.6k

summary: Why would he think ignoring him was something anyone could do on purpose?

☕

"I brought you help," He smiled with all of his teeth, his eyes squeezing shut as he tossed a look back to where he'd left the stranger, the new boy, petting the animals. That was exactly how it started.

Johnny had worked at the puppy cafe for quite a while before you'd been hired and he'd done a number when it came to marketing and advertising the small place, tucked away on the far end of a busy shopping district.

His face helped, he wasn't bad looking; he was actually quite stunning and he was even more charming and friendly once you got over thinking how people really weren't allowed to look like that-- coupled with the visual of his tall frame feeding and caring for small animals and making frappecionos with a towel over his shoulder-- well, you can imagine why there were always people in the store and a small line down the street.

Aside from that he made a mean cup of coffee and kept little cute flyers with him so that even when he was approached randomly or met someone at a supermarket or elsewhere, he'd hand it to them and smile and then they'd come running through the door the first chance they got.

He was sociable and easy to talk to and sometimes he invited his friends to watch him work, which usually consisted of them ignoring him and spending the afternoon playing with cute pups. They were wellmannered and just as goodlooking and made easy conversation with you when they weren't giving their undivided attention to the animals or when you tended to their glasses for refills.

The days when Johnny was off were noticably more quiet and easy going, which you preferred. Sure, you enjoyed his company but when it was busy, it was hard for you to concentrate and stay focused, and most of all it was hard to make out what any one of the customers were saying when there was soft music from the speakers, puppies barking and growling and chatter, with 'ooohs' and 'aaahs' directed almost always toward Johnny.

Oh and the puppies.

Today was no different, save for a few middle schoolers sipping distractedly on iced coffee with two, mild mannered labs sat on the seat next to them, eager for any sort of attention.

You didn't expect Johnny to come in today because he'd called in earlier about his practice running a little late and you most certainly did not expect for him to bring friends. Luckily you were facing the door, cleaning up after Yuki; the toffee coloured shitzu, otherwise you'd have missed the little bell on the door ding and Johnny coming in, followed into the store by another giant boy with the biggest, most endearing eyes and an oversized blue sweater and messy, soft brown hair.

The puppies went straight for the stranger like they'd been waiting for his return (even if you were sure you'd never seen him before) and started licking and wagging excitedly as he ran his hands over them, eyes alight in jovial delight.

☕

Ever since then, the tiny, fairly profitable puppy cafe had had a new addition to its staff. Lucas-- who reminded you so much of Sushi, the doe-eyed beagle mix that always found the strangest assortment of accessories from god knows where around the store and dropped them at your feet-- wasn't much older than you were and probably half as capable. He was a clutz and a little bit of a ditz and you suspected that it was that naïve charm about him that was so endearing to the customers. They never seemed to get mad or impatient with him when he mixed up an order or put a little too much sugar in the drinks and he drew the younger kids in by the boatload. The coffeemaker was his nemesis and the trio of pugs that were brought in by one of the usual customers-- a high school boy with soft smiling eyes and beautiful lashes--named Blondie, Raven And Carmine respectively, always made his life miserable.

You would admit, however that Lucas was kind of cute. His hair was always a fluffy storm, like he'd ran his hands through it too many times in one second. His hands dwarfed the puppies and most of the kitchen appliances and utensils. His mannerisms were also kind of adorable; he mumbled a lot to himself--which you found out when he was training, and only because you'd been looking at him directly. He was asked to make a basic iced coffee and when he moved behind the counter to begin, immediately started the inner and sometimes outer conversation with the appliances. You could read his lips but at some point you'd decided there were multiple languages involved and you wouldn't try to decipher that.

Overall, very cute.

He wasn't however, as articulate or friendly as Johnny; who now spent more time out of the store now that Lucas had begun his shifts more regularly. He'd been a recurring staff member for a little over two months now and during that time, Lucas hadn't tried speaking to you unless he had to and tended to side step you altogether. You hadn't minded at first, you were a little shy about certain things about yourself and it was fine, if only a little hurtful but you weren't going to make trouble unless he was being rude.

You were perfectly content to remain cordial colleges; you each had your routine duties-- he took out the trash and cleaned the dog's sleeping area, you cleaned and stacked chairs on close up and took care of the counter and kitchen area. You both fed and cared for the animals and washed the dishes in peaceful silence-- and you were comfortable enough in his presence to get through the day without major upset. Until one day he broke part of the coffee machine and you'd decided to make the executive decision, after calling Johnny and talking about it for five minutes; to close up shop about an hour early, put the pups away to their little room in the back wih sufficient food and toys to entertain them, and try to fix the machine since it only seemed like the lever had detatched itself in Lucas' all-encompassing grip.

"What do we do?" his hands found their way into his hair as he turned to you when you'd came back, shoving the phone into your apron.

"We can try to fix it, no biggie," You assured the little big baby standing and staring, absolutely distraught. He was truly adorable.

It in fact, was a biggie and before the minute of faux repairing was up, there were more loose parts than you knew what to do with and very little idea of what to do next. You did not want to call Johnny with this information. You wanted to believe you were more than capable of doing this on your own. You were not inept; the coffee machine was Lucas' enemy, not yours.

☕

Some time during the next half hour, Lucas had managed to find a toolbox in the storage room, the cafe had been closed for much longer than you'd have liked and both of you were still no closer to fixing the machine than you'd been when you started. Your patience with the contraption was starting to wear a bit thin and Lucas was visibly agitated-- kind of the first truly negative emotion you'd seen him express.

"This isn't working," you didn't hear the metal wrench clank against the tile countertops, but you did see Lucas plop down into the plushy seat Johnny had purchased at a flea market and stuck behind the counter for 'atmosphere', his full lips pulling together in an exaggerated pout. "Oh geez, its all my fault too."

"Not really." Yes really... "You've actually been doing really great so far," You were not entirely sure what prompted you to respond, honestly. He wasn't speaking to you, but you'd managed to make out what he said and he looked like very much like a wounded puppy. You wanted to at least lessen whatever he was feeling and your heart may have lurched a little when he looked up at you from his seat, eyes wide and a little bit of a smile dancing at the corner of his mouth.

"I mean you put a little too much effort in sometimes but... " you rushed, letting the sentence hang and turning away as your face began to sear, back to your task at hand. If you looked him in the eye again you were sure you would crumble and right now, you wanted nothing more than to fix the stupid machine and get back to work.

There was a beat before you felt movement at your back and spun, immediately met face to chest with Lucas' mass of body.

"You're doing it again," he said crowding your space like it wasn't even yours to begin with. Everything was a blur and before you realised what had happened, your lower back was met with a lever on the machine and you were sandwhiched between the two, confused and flustered. Your most innate reaction was to try to put some space between the two of you. He was much too close; you could practically feel his body through his clothes and your brain was starting to dissasociate with this personal space nonsense. You forced your hands up though, and angled your body away as best you could without impaling yourself further on the now, broken coffee maker.

"Doing what?" you sputtered, trying to keep eye contact with him somehow so you could try to pick up what he was saying but also trying to regain some of your composure. Lucas wasn't having any of it though, completely oblivious to your struggle as he tilted his head to look down at you.

"You're ignoring me. You've been doing it since I got here; I try to talk to you or ask you questions like when we do dishes and stuff because I'm really trying and this is really hard, but you keep ignoring me and I'm kind of hurt and annoyed." His eyebrows furrowed and he was pouting again. You were very hyper aware of all his facial details and not the not so subtle changes in his expression; the unreal process of a frown glossing over his features was kind of mesmerising.

Why was he so... pretty?

He was too close.

Your breath got stuck in your throat and you froze as the implications of what he had said dawned on you. Of course Johnny hadn't told him; he was too kind, too Johnny. He would want your business to be your business. He would let you confide in Lucas on your own like you'd done with him. A very small part of you kind of wished he had told him so you wouldn't have to go through this again now, but you realized that potentially would have been worse than his entrappment. Apart from this being the most he's ever said to you-- well now you knew that probably wasn't true-- you had a good few of reasons to be taken aback.

Why would he think ignoring him was something anyone could do on purpose? Surely he was aware of how large he was; physically and personality-wise as well? This did seem to explain his occasional mild standoffishness and you thought back to all the times your back must have been turned to him and he'd probably tried to say something to you.

Poor kid; he was trying his best and struggling and he was just trying to talk to you or make a friend. You wanted to facepalm but your hands were keeping you alive so you settled for groaning softly. Would apologising even help?

Not if you weren't going to tell him.

You swallowed another groan and attempted again to put some space between you. This time Lucas got the message and took one tentative step back. That did nothing, but it was enough for you to bring a hand up to brush some of your short hair behind your ear, revealing the tan aid you had in today. You didn't usually wear them, but you were kind of glad you did because now you didn't have to focus on explaining, just keeping the anxiety and embarrassment from showing on your face. People very rarely cared, most did however and decided against any type of relationship with you because of it.

"I don't ignore you on purpose," was all you could get past your lips at this point.

Lucas retook the space he'd just barely given you, reaching a hand up and out to you. You held your breath; your first instinct again, to move. Move and then panic although the latter seemed to sprint ahead first. What if he was trying to touch it? You were not an animal. And you were going to  muster some annoyance to tell him off or at the very least move away, but his hand stopped short, grazing your skin, stroking your cheek ever so lightly before he pulled back half second later. He was staring and all that served to do was make your skin hot and your knees waver in and out of stability. This was a very bad idea and he needed to stop looking at you like you were... normal. He wasn't staring at it, although he had briefly glanced, but rather he was staring at you, his eyes settling on yours.

"What?" you tried to keep the anticipation out of your voice. This was killing you. His eyes ran over your face endlessly, what he was looking for you weren't exactly sure. What you were sure of however, was how ridiculously easy it would be to stare at his eyes forever without wanting for anything else. They were so pretty and bare and screamed of his harmlessness. He could probably kill you if he hugged you too tightly and the damage he had made to coffee maker was minimal, but even if he looked like a threat to most inanimate objects and short people, you knew he was harmless. He probably just didn't know his own strength.

"So... you just weren't hearing me?"

You winced and dropped your gaze. This was so embarrassing and talking about it so casually was just making you want to crawl inside yourself. You weren't embarrassed to be hard of hearing, nor were you embarrassed of the aids; you'd needed them since you were very young, and you knew you weren't an anomoly-- there were tons of people like you and you liked yourself because of it, not in spite of it. These conversations were always uncomfortable though because you never knew what type of reaction you would get. You finally grew some balls and slid out from practically under Lucas, sliding across the edge of the counter. Now you could almost breathe again, although now there a was a familiar, Lucas-sized indent in your memory and on your body.

"Yea," you didnt elaborate or offer any types of explanation. Anything that would prolong this conversation was not something you wanted to do right now.

"Oh my god?" you and Lucas jolted, spinning around to where the voice of pure distress had come from. Johnny's large frame shimmied between the beaded curtain seperating the puppy room from the main cafe, his hair hanging low in his eyes and coated in sweat like he'd ran all the way from practice. He wasnt panting, but he was breathing raggedy as he stared between you both, who looked like you'd kick the shit out of the coffee maker and won. Secretly, you were ecstatic that'd he'd come despite you begging him to just let you deal with it. Even without knowing, he was saving your behind. "I thought you said it was just a lever?!"