#Can you believe we are almost done this show? i'm speechless...

[bellamby]

I saw Transformers One. I am so normal about it (SPOILERS AHEAD)

(Some OC doodles to hide the spoilers! If you have a cool name for her, lemme know ^^)

Honest Review: 9/10

I went in with high expectations and I was not disappointed. The best summary I can think of is that this movie is truly a love letter to the fans.

I could rant for days, but I'm gonna break it down into sections so I don't talk myself in circles ^^

Story:

The story focusing on how the war began was such a good move on the writers' part! It showed a version of Cybertron that I haven't really seen in other Transformers films, and the setting was incredibly explored.

When it comes to the origins of Cybertron and the whole "Primus/Unicron" battle, I think it was well explained considering the limited time they have in the movie.

Overall, a well-paced and actually interesting NON-HUMAN-FOCUSED story, but I will agree with others that I just wish the movie had more time to explain some things. That's basically my only complaint: the movie wasn't long enough 😭

Art:

The animation style is gorgeous, and really takes inspiration from that Retro/VHS style and colours and merges them with a shiny modern look. It took a good chunk of inspiration from the 80s vibes and I think that really showed how much care was put into it.

When it comes to the designs, I freaking LOVE the way we see them level up throughout the movie!

Characters:

Orion Pax/OP = I loved him. I will love him in every continuity, but this one especially, showing him with all his flaws and then how he rises above them for what he believes. His relationship with D-16 was so well built up, and to see it torn down so harshly as the movie went on was the level of brutal I was expecting.

The scene where he finally gets the Matrix of Leadership was SO well done. My hype for Solus Prime will never die.

D-16 = He needs a hug so badly. He's the classic tale of "Never meet your heroes". To see him shift from "I made peace with my misery, why did you have to ruin it?" To "I'm going to destroy the people who made me this way" was such a painful thing to watch. But I can't even be mad because this is literally what Megatron's whole story is about.

His origin will almost always come from a point of seeing injustice and wanting to rise against it, and they showed the lengths he'd go to really well here.

Elita One = MY QUEEN. I will follow this woman into battle any day of the week (and so would Shockwave). I feel like there was a point where she was mainly just regarded as "Orion/Optimus' GF", but they really separated her from that stereotype in this. She's not just "pink Orion Pax", she's a character in her own right.

Seeing Orion have to earn her respect helped show just why the two hold each other in high regard. I hope we get to see more of her as a Commander in the sequel!

BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE = MY PRECIOUS BOY. Okay, there was a point in the trailer where I was really worried he was going to just be the comic relief character who makes a joke every time something serious is happening, but instead he's an awkward bot who means well. He doesn't always get it right, but he also doesn't actively mess things up for the group.

Bumblebee's wholesomeness was so well captured especially the part where he's like "Orion Orion! Watch me cut these guys in half!" While the guys in question are literally running away in fear. He's so cute, I can't. I am going to fight D-16 if he's actually the one who tears out his voicebox, I swear to Primus.

Can you tell who my favourite is? ^^

Favourite details:

- Starscream's high-pitched voice origin. The second he started sounding like that I was like "OHHHHH, MEGS DID THAT?!?!"

- "I'm...speechless" BEEEEE STAAAAWWP

- Alpha Trion's "ROAR" era.

- Sentinel's Death. I love that we can get away with gore in PG films when it comes to robots. Man literally got snapped in half like a KitKat, and the age rating people were like "...yeah, 5-year-olds can watch this"

- Origins of the Decepticon symbol being from Megatronus. Before, I just headcanonned Megs sitting over a desk with several balled up bits of paper trying to come up with a super cool symbol to show his Ex that he'd moved on (he hasn't)

- Chromia's little moment of rage when she won the Iacon 5000. Not enough people talk about Chromia, but I love how Ironhide matches her wild, slightly-unhinged energy.

Conclusion: Hasbro, more movie, please

I NEED to know where this goes. This movie is such a fresh change of pace from all the hesitation and back and forth in recent years. There have been so many different series and continuities starting up that it seems Hasbro is unsure of which one will stick, but this is my plea to them:

YOU HAVE STRUCK ENERGON, HERE, DO NOT WASTE IT

We're getting a sequel either way, but it's up to Hasbro whether that's written by them or by a hero on AO3 or Fanfiction.net

Thank you for coming to my TED talk. I have several nights of crying to do now.

[virginiaisforvampires]

Hello, VifV! I'd love to hear your thoughts regarding an IWTV show/book difference that I've been pondering lately, regarding the hows, whens, and whys of Louis & Lestat saying "I love you" to each other.

In the books, Louis is the first of the couple to say "I love you" (in TotBT), while Lestat is actually the one who doesn't say back it until much later (in PL--literal decades in the canon timeline). Neither one of them say it until more than 200 years after they first met.

In the show, of course, the situation is completely reversed; Lestat tells Louis he loves him within months of meeting him, and we don't see Louis saying those three little words in response during the entirety of their 30 years together in the States. It's quite the notable alteration, especially since the whole "saying I love you" element of their relationship becomes such a fraught and tragic one for them. I was surprised by the total flip and I'm curious to see where the show is going with it. Do you have any ideas as to why they made such a dramatic change to the love confession part of the story?

In light of the fact that Show Louis's narration provides limited points of view with many events and circumstances obscured, avoided, and/or straight up omitted, could there be more to the situation than meets the eye? Is it possible that memory is being a little monstrous in this case? I'm interested in hearing if you've wondered about this topic too, and what you think about it and what it might mean in the scope of the story. Thanks for your time! <3

Hi! 💜

Well, it’s worth remembering that when Louis finally says “I love you” to Lestat in the books, their relationship is in a vastly different place than in the first book or in Season 1/Season 2. It’s after Louis knows Lestat’s full backstory and almost loses Lestat to both Akasha and Lestat’s incident in the Gobi Desert, and Louis is worried about something happening to Lestat again concerning the body thief. It’s also worth noting that it is within book canon that Lestat fears Louis doesn’t love him.

From Queen Of The Damned:

There was so much I wanted to say to him, to ask him. Yet I couldn’t find the words really, or a way to begin. He had always had so many questions; and now he had his answers, more answers perhaps than he could ever have wanted; and what had this done to his soul? Stupidly I stared at him. How perfect he seemed to me as he stood there waiting with such kindness and such patience. And then, like a fool, I came out with it. “Do you love me now?” I asked. He smiled; oh, it was excruciating to see his face soften and brighten simultaneously when he smiled. “Yes,” he said.

Lestat was realizing Louis truly knew him at that point. He knew all the depths of Lestat’s soul. Lestat was asking Louis if he could still love him, even after seeing all the facets that Lestat believed made him an evil, unlovable monster. Can you love this, Louis? Or will you hate me too like Nicki?

In the books, the books exists in-universe. It’s canon that Louis would’ve read all the times Lestat wrote that he loved Louis. As for saying it verbally, Lestat points out the times that he’s so overwhelmed with love for Louis that he’s literally speechless.

From The Vampire Lestat:

I took a deep breath and looked away from him, wishing I could say what I really wanted to say. That I loved him. But I couldn’t do that. The feeling was too strong.

From Blood Communion:

“I love you with my whole soul, and I will always love you,” he confided to me. “You are my life. I have hated you for that and love you now so much that you’ve been my instructor in loving. And believe me when I say you will survive this, and that you must for all of us. You will survive because you always have and you always will.” I couldn’t answer. I knew I loved him more than words could say, but I couldn’t respond.

I personally don’t think Lestat never said it to Louis in the books. I just think he chose not to write about it, because the times he said it would’ve been so significant for them as Lestat was always in amazed awe when Louis expressed his love. You have to “read between the lines.” Lestat’s coldness in the first book was a defense mechanism, and we see that aspect being utilized in the show as well. It was Lestat mostly hiding his light from Louis due to what happened with Nicki. Still yet though, there are glimpses and those are the moments in which Louis is utterly enamored with him i.e. the scene at the opera in Episode 2.

As for the show, the books don’t exist in-universe yet. Louis recalling all the times that Lestat said he loved him is just another clue imo that something has happened between San Francisco and Dubai pertaining to Loustat for why Louis wants to give the more nuanced interview and admit that Lestat actually loved him. Also, in the books, Lestat not being able to read Louis’ mind wasn’t necessarily a factor. The show has heightened that by giving Louis and Claudia the ability to telepathically communicate, which didn’t exist in the book, and I think it’ll be used to directly parallel Gabrielle and Nicki being able to silently communicate. Louis’ connection to Claudia is a large part of why Lestat begins to feel inferior and like Louis doesn’t love him, because they alienate him with their silent communications. In the book, Lestat goes to Antoine to vent about his family, and Antoine is aware of how much Lestat loves them and fears losing them. In the show, this is demonstrated with Antoinette, and I theorize that maybe some of those interactions with her will eventually be revisited to show that all their conversations weren’t always as callous as portrayed in Episode 6.

Another large part is when Louis stops feeding and that intimacy is lost between them. It was easy for Lestat to know how Louis felt when Louis was feeding like a proper vampire, because I firmly believe they’d share blood. Lestat could see in the blood how Louis felt. Louis not verbally saying it goes back to Paul and also the fact that Louis withholds for power and control. In the books, Louis does that as well. He knows that he’ll be completely wed to Lestat the minute he lets himself go enough to say it. It’s not necessarily verbal in the books, but Louis holds himself back in other ways to keep from fully giving himself over to Lestat, because a part of him fears he’s not good enough for Lestat.

From Prince Lestat And The Realms Of Atlantis:

“I don’t know why I tormented you, made you pay for asking, made you come all this way. I always knew I was going to come. Maybe I thought you’d lose interest because I never really understood why you wanted me in the first place. But you’re not losing interest, not even with the whole Court, and so I’ll come. And when you tire of me and want me gone, I’ll hate you, of course.” “Trust me,” I whispered. He was cutting me to the heart and making me happy, and this was pain.

When they finally do start sharing blood again in the books, Lestat makes it clear that Louis knows what he can’t tell to anyone else. So yeah, the show isn’t all that different from the books in this respect. It’s just within a different context and more heightened. Louis in the books withheld. Louis in the show withholds. Lestat in the books wrote down his words of love. Lestat in the show verbally affirms his love as no books exist in-universe yet. It’s really just taking their struggles from the books and applying them to the show with considerations for the changes that have been made in the show universe.

[lestappenforever]

“Because growing up with a father who rejected him at every turn, no matter what he did, had left Max immune to letting the rejection of others affect him.

Well. Almost. Because contrary to popular belief, Max was still human in the grand scheme of things.

Even if he didn’t let many people see”

-

“The mere reminder stings like a motherfucker, and Max has to look away from where he has been staring at Charles on the podium. Because their last conversation in Monaco hasn’t done anything to dwell Max’s feelings for Charles, as much as Max had hoped it would. Has done nothing to put a damper on how desperately he wants Charles. All of him, in any way possible, all the fucking time.”

-

“There are tears burning his eyes and a lump forming in his throat, and Max just can’t. He can’t handle this. Can’t handle Charles. Can’t handle still wanting Charles more than he wants another world championship when he knows he can’t have him.”

-

Max Verstappen is used to rejection, and he accepts it without hesitation, Without putting up much of a fight. He doesn’t know how he’d cope if he didn’t.

-

“I don’t know! Be angry with me, hate me, treat me like I was invisible in the paddock for not being ready to let the whole world find out — something that showed it mattered! That I mattered!” Charles’ voice cracks a little at that last part, and Max is rendered speechless.”

-

“Charles, I told you I loved you. How can you even begin to think that you didn’t matter? That you don’t matter?” Max asks, voice finally at a more acceptable volume now.

You matter. You matter so fucking much. Hell, Charles, you’re all that fucking matters.

-

Max wants to reach out and pull him close. Wants to kiss him like there is no tomorrow and never let him go.

But he doesn’t. Because he can’t.

-

“I never needed or wanted the whole world to know. And losing whatever it was we had broke my fucking heart, Charles,” Max’s voice is low and raw, and there is no concealing the pain lacing it.

“But I would never ask you for anything that you cannot or will not give. So yes, I went back to treating you like a friend because I don’t know what else to do.”

-

“You thinking you don’t matter is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard. You are everything, Charles. You have always been everything . And fuck everything and everyone who makes you feel like you’re not.”

-

I want this to be noted as the parts where the author broke and shattered and bruised my heart. And I believe I should be compensated for having to go through that gut wrenching experience. My heart is crying. The author and the lestappen from this fic universe needs to fix it because I don’t think my heart can go through it again. It already goes through pain because Ferrari does Ferrari things to ruin Charles every weekend.

Anyways, lovely chapter, broke my heart and made me cry but nonetheless an amazing chapter. Can’t wait to cry more or be happy(🤞🤞) while reading the last two chapter. I will see you again after the next update. I don’t know if I will be crying or smiling though.

My beautiful, kind, darling anon who I do not deserve in any way, shape or form,

Thank you so much for this ask, and for including the parts of the chapter that affected you the most. The fact that you've taken the time out of your day not only to read the chapter, but to leave me this wonderful ask fills me with more joy than I can even begin to describe. Hearing my words can have such an emotional impact is honestly such a massive compliment, and makes the many, many hours I have put into writing this fic feel even more worth it.

I'm already excited to share the last two chapters with you, and I love you so very much. 💕

(And I'm crossing everything I have for Charles to please have a good weekend, and for Ferrari to fix his fucking car before tomorrow or I swear to God I will scream.)

[saffronjades]

Backfire.

Chloe's April Fool's plan was perfect. Her holiday with her best friend Ava fell right on April 1st - It just happened to be the cheapest week for hotels at the time they booked it. The fact of it being April Fools hadn't even crossed their mind at first. In fact, it *still* hadn't crossed Ava's mind. Chloe, though? Well, she had planned something a few nights prior.

Fart Spray.

She had seen it online in plenty of videos. The plan was simple but fool-proof: Wait until the two of them are in their 3-hour car ride together, and spray it. She'd pretend to be oblivious to the smell at first, before blaming the smell on Ava, and finally show her the spray. Ava had always been quite shy of her bodily functions, so Chloe knew that she would get embarrassed.

The issue was that Ava had opened the window. Not only making conversation difficult with the wind blasting into the vehicle, but any smell would escape instantly anyway.

Chloe had tried the basic "Oh, I'm cold, can we shut the window?"

Ava was insistent on keeping it open. Chloe didn't want to push any further, or it might become obvious that she had ulterior intentions... She'd just have to wait for the perfect opportunity.

Finally, they arrived at the hotel. They overcame the noise of the window by simply shouting their conversations at each other, but the window stayed up for the whole journey. The prank had not yet been pulled off.

"WE'RE FINALLY HERE!" Ava yelled.

"You're still shouting," Chloe laughed, "you're too used to it after three hours."

"OH, I DIDN'T --" Ava caught herself, "I didn't realise."

The two of them laughed as they head inside, got checked in at reception, and made their way to the elevator. As they stepped inside and Ava pressed the button for their floor, Chloe continued to wonder when the best chance for the prank might be. Perhaps when they're alone in their room? Her constant thinking almost made her miss the obvious opportunity right in front of her.

She glanced at Ava as the elevator door closed, to make sure she wasn't looking. Slowly, Chloe took the spray out of her pocket, and pressed it down slowly, making sure it didn't make a sound.

Little did she know, Ava was releasing a smelly spray of her own, *also* trying to not make a sound. She had done a great job at hiding her discomfort thus far, but she just couldn't hold her fart in any longer. She relaxed, perhaps subconsciously, and allowed it to release into the air around her. Feeling her stomach empty felt incredible, for a moment. Then the smell of the fart spray hit her.

Chloe, waiting for Ava to say something first, tried not to react.

Ava, thinking the stench was her own, tried not to react.

The two stood in the elevator for what seemed like minutes, breathing in the hideous odour. Ava felt so embarrassed, believing it to be an odour of her own making.

Chloe couldn't wait any longer - The elevator was nearly at their floor. "Did you fart?" She laughed and held her nose as she spoke, expecting Ava to get all flustered with a stubborn "No!"

She was right about the embarrassment, just wrong about the answer.

"Yes," Ava spoke softly, "I didn't think it'd smell so bad. I've been gassy all day, that's why I had the window open in the car."

Chloe remained speechless for a moment before she burst out laughing. "Wait you actually farted?" She held up her spray.

Ava pushed her gently, "Oh my god what the fuck?" She joined in with the laughter, "I thought the stench was because I farted!"

The doors opened during that last sentence. Specifically, as she loudly spoke those final 2 words - "I farted!"

Her gaze met with a gentleman waiting for the elevator on the top floor. He had *definitely* heard those two words, with his only context being the rancid smell now hitting his nose. Ava's face dropped as she squeezed past him, trying to get out of the situation as fast as possible. Chloe followed her quickly behind, with a slightly more cheeky look on her face as she tried to hide her smile.

"He totally thinks that was you," Chloe teased.

"Yeah. I know," Ava sheepishly replied.

"To be fair it could have been. Partially, at least," Chloe wondered allowed, half-jokingly. Ava turned to give her an evil glare. As she did, she saw the man distantly in the corridor behind them - He had opted to wait for the adjacent elevator. A very fair decision.

Ava and Chloe got unpacked and settled into their rooms. They hadn't planned to do much on their first day - In fact, it was already pitch black outside. They decided to just hang out in the hotel bar for an hour before bed.

"Hey," Chloe nudged Ava, "there's that guy who thinks your ass smells like death."

Ava turned around, hoping for it not to be true - Sure enough, though, there he was. Sat at the other side of the bar.

"Great," she spoke as she turned back to Chloe, "so I'm probably going to bump into him a few times whilst we're here."

"Oh lighten up, it's funny!"

Ava wasn't so sure of that. She sipped her drink and changed the topic, secretly hatching her own revenge plan.

After heading back to their room and saying goodnight, Chloe fell asleep quickly. Ava knew this would happen - A single drop of alcohol and she can practically sleep on command, even without being tipsy. She stared at her sleeping friend for a moment - She was innocent; fast asleep; unaware that she was going to be rudely awoken to the taste of revenge.

With the lights off, Ava searched for the fart spray, ready to release it under the duvet before pulling them over Chloe's head. As she continued into her fifth minute of searching, however, she began to wonder if her plan was too obvious. The spray had been hidden. The drawer? No. Chloe's bag? No. Her pockets? Nope. It had vanished.

As Ava was about to give up and crawl into her bed, she felt a bubble brewing below. Her stomach gurgled as she felt her butthole instinctively clench on a pocket of gas.

She stopped for a second before shaking it off. "No," she thought, "I'm too reserved for that. Chloe has never heard or smelt my farts."

She second guessed her choice for just a moment. But that moment was long enough for the spontaneous event to occur. "Fuck it," she said quietly to herself.

She lifted Chloe's duvet up slightly, and pushed. She made a gentle sigh of relief as she released her gasses directly into the bed. She felt her lower back get warm as some of the air escaped back out. It wasn't loud in the typical sense, but she could hear the hissing as it flowed out of her.

As it came to an end, she didn't quite feel empty. She leaned forward slightly and pushed once more.

A short but sharp *pprt* cut through the silent room.

She heard the duvet tussle slightly, and then Chloe's tired voice. "What was that?"

Quickly, Ava grabbed the blanket and trapped her inside, laughing manically.

"Oh my GOD, how did you find the spray? That fucking reeks worse than earlier what the fuck," Chloe yelled.

"I couldn't find it," Ava hinted at her devious doings, "I made my own spray."

Chloe burst out through a gap in the duvet's edge. "Ava what the fuck did you eat?" She laughed as she continued to gasp for air. The two of them fell to the bed as they continued giggling.

"I don't know, they're normally not like this," Ava claimed.

"Sure, sure."

They both calmed down for a moment as they caught their breath. Ava couldn't see Chloe's wide smile as she asked, "Hey, it's only fair you give it a smell," and lifted the blanket slightly. "Go on, see what you put me through."

Cautiously, Ava leaned towards it and sniffed - It was her own gas anyway, it couldn't be *that* bad.

She noticed Chloe's grunt too late.

*Pppppppppppppppptttttttttt*

Chloe released her own backside bomb as Ava got trapped in there with it. She heaved at the retched fragrance. Chloe wasn't too reserved about this - Ava had heard and smelt it before, but this was the worst.

"Get me out," she yelled as she managed to crawl to the other end of the bed and tumble to the floor.

"Shit are you okay?" Chloe was genuinely concerned for her friend - The hit on the floor sounded loud. "Ava?"

*ffff*

She felt a gentle breeze on her face, followed by the most rotten scent her nose had ever experienced. She could almost taste it.

Ava burst out laughing, revealing her position - Stood next to he bed, her butt right against Chloe's face.

Chloe gagged loudly before trapping Ava back under the blanket once more. Upon pushing, she exclaimed "Oh shit never mind, I got no more gas."

They released each other from the duvet and glanced at their phones - Midnight. April Fool's was officially over.

"Truce?"

Ava thought for a moment. "Truce. I think I gotta use the bathroom anyway."

Chloe laughed "I'm not surprised with that stench," -- a loud gurgle of her stomach interrupted her. "On second thought, me too."

[ereardon]

Wow. I am in pure shock right now. Almost speechless.

I’m curious to see what Ali will do if she sees Jake & Meredith again. Especially with her threat that she “keeps her word”, I want to see how bad she can go. Mainly because Meredith gives no fucks (like her laugh after the slap) and we know she can take Ali down. Meredith sounds a little scrappy, but I believe she can body slam Ali if needed.

And her mother and the baby. 😭😭😭 How bad of a mother, or a person, can you be to tell your daughter to get rid of the baby she had with her abusive and manipulative ex-boyfriend????? Surely having a baby out of wedlock can’t be the reason for why Sloan is ashamed of Meredith. We haven’t gotten into the full details of Meredith & Eli’s relationship & breakup, but it’s obvious what happened. So for her to tell her to get rid of the baby and saying Meredith was her mistake is out of line and completely over dramatic. MEREDITH WAS THE VICTIM!!!!!!! And all she wanted was her mother’s live and support.

Love Jake, Will, & Hannah for loving and protecting Meredith. Meredith’s right; Will and Hannah are the parents she needed.

I can see down the line that when Meredith & Jake get married and start a family, her mom clearly won’t be in the picture. That maybe Meredith will be a little apprehensive in being a mom because she doesn’t want to turn out like Sloane, and she’s still grieving and feeling guilty about her first baby.

A lot to unpack in this recent chapter, but well done. And what a great first kiss!!!!

It was a lot in one chapter!! Hence it being 11K words ...

Unclear if we'll see Ali again. She was largely there so that we could see the difference in Jake. Because the way he acted toward her/saw her at the bar is quite different than how we saw him act toward her during that flashback of their breakup. Shows how much he's grown and changed and moved on, and that he's there for Meredith now, not Ali.

Meredith and Will's mom sucks. You can see their dad is slightly better, but the mom is downright evil. She's one of those women that values optics and social standards more than the mental wellbeing of herself or her kids, and that's so obvious.

Hannah is the shit, I love her, and I love Will!

I think Meredith's experiences are going to haunt her, but they'll also shape who she is. What she's capable of, what she wants for herself, what she now knows she deserves. And she won't accept anything less. So Jake has to step up and meet her there.

Thank you and I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Their first kiss!!! Lots more to come

[deke-rivers-1957]

The Greatest Hero In The Empire Part 27

It has been a long and hard journey home, but we've finally returned and are given a hero's welcome. I'm honored by the Empire for my contributions to our victory and I will never forget this moment. The celebration is a beautiful and touching display of the Empire's gratitude, but it also means something more to me. It means that I have been given my freedom. I've been released from my bonds of slavery and I'm now a free man. I look forward to celebrating this victory with the Empire and to beginning my new journey ahead as a free man.

"Halt! Stand at attention as the emperor and empress arrives."

I'm overwhelmed with emotion as I get to see the Empress herself standing right in front of me. This is truly the greatest moment of my life. I take a deep breath and bow before the Empress and the Emperor to show my gratitude and reverence. I'm so happy and filled with such an incredible sense of pride that I can hardly contain myself. Seeing her in the flesh only makes me realize even more how much I owe to the Empress. I look at her with an aura of admiration, respect, and gratitude, and I hope that it shows.

"Toby! Front and center!"

I make my way to stay right in front of the Emperor and I immediately get on my knees. Even though he sounded stern, I don't think he's mad at me. At least I hope he isn't mad at me.

"Stand up."

I do as the Emperor says. I stand up and dust myself off. I can't have the Empress see me look so dirty. I wish Captain Nero let us bathe in the river before we came back. I probably look like a complete mess.

"My wife had made a deal with you. Is this correct?"

"Yes sir."

The Emperor gestures for the Empress to come forward.

"I see that you have managed to return from battle victorious. Captain Nero's reports stated that it was because of your efforts that the barbarians were driven back to Germania."

Captain Nero and his men cheer with pride. I don't know what to say. I feel like I need to say something as the Empress looks at me as if I should be saying something. But I got to think of something and fast.

"Your Majesty, you've given me the greatest gift a man could wish for. You've given me the chance to earn my freedom from enslavement. Words can't express how much I'm in your debt. I swear my utmost loyalty to you and your Emperor for everything that you've done for me. I vow that I will never fail you again. I'm at your service. Your will shall be done, Your Majesty."

I see her turn to the Emperor. I have no idea what she's going to say to him or to me or anyone here. I just hope that I haven't said anything that was completely out of line.

"I believe this calls for a manumission."

I'm so happy right now. I'm almost speechless. I recognize the word manumission. It means I'm going to be freed.

"I can't... I..."

Tears are streaming down my face and I look up at the Empress.

"I just don't know what to say... Your Majesty."

They start to perform the ritual and call Captain Nero up to hold me. The Emperor says what he needs to say and Captain Nero lets me go. I'm just trying not to burst into tears that this is really happening.

"Kneel before us Toby."

I gladly kneel before the Emperor and Empress of the Empire. I look up at them with reverence as I show them the respect that they deserve. I feel so honored and privileged to be in their presence and to be a citizen of this great Empire.

"Your will shall be done, Your Majesties."

I'm still overwhelmed by the incredible gift that I have been given.

"Here's your pileus. Usually we would have to cut your hair but-"

The Emperor looks at my almost bald head. Captain Nero for whatever reason always made me cut it. I don't know if it was to prepare me for thisbut at least I don't have to have my head shaved in public.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

I'm amazed at such a sacred object being placed upon my head. I can't express how much this means to me. This hat will always serve as a reminder to me of the grace and kindness that the Empire has shown me. I will forever and always bear this in my heart. I look up at the Emperor as he places the pileus on my head and my respect and admiration for him continues to grow. I bow my head to him and to the Empress once more.

"Your will shall be done, Your Majesties."

"That pileus represents your freedom. You are now a freed slave."

My eyes fill with tears as I feel the gravity of such an amazing moment. I'm free. I can't believe it. The emotions that I feel are simply overwhelming. I'll never in my life forget this moment or this incredible gift that has been given to me. I look up at the Emperor and the Empress, my voice quivering with emotion, as I thank them once again.

"Your generosity is truly boundless. I will forever be in your debt."

I'm filled with such an incredible sense of freedom, joy, and gratitude that I'm almost speechless.

"You may stand now and announce your new name."

I get up to my feet and look at the Emperor and Empress as I think of a name to announce. I want something that will honor this day and all that the Empire has given me. I want the name to stand for something and mean something. I close my eyes and focus, trying to think of a name. After a few moments I look up at the Emperor and the Empress. 

"I will be known as Toby Octavius from this day forward."

I pause for a second, making sure that everyone can hear my new identity. I feel an incredible sense of pride and accomplishment in this name.

"Indeed you are. Wear that pileus with pride."

"Oh, believe me, I will."

I stand up straight and take a deep breath as I know this day will forever change my life. I'm Toby Octavius. I'm a free man.

"Now then. I have business to attend to. Toby you will accompany us on the trip back."

"Yes sir."

I get in the carriage next to the Emperor and Empress. I'm so glad that I was given such an honor. My skin's even darker and is starting to hurt. Maybe if I'm a free man, then I won't have to spend most of my life outside. Clothes would also be nice. This uniform's only good for a battlefield. I want to dress like a normal person. My mind starts to think about what I'll look like until I fall asleep in the carriage.

Tagging: @arrolyn1114, @jaqueline19997, @vintagepresley, @ashtag6887, @presley72elvis,

@jakeywake, @xanatenshi, @thetaoofzoe, @hooked-on-elvis, and @tupelomiss.

[an-aroaces-harem]

Ivy Chapter 16

DISCLAIMER: I just deepl and google translated my way through this because I wanted to know what’s going on, so there are definitely mistakes but I believe I managed the general gist of the story. Anyway, it’s just a fan-made translation solely for entertainment purposes. Morganatic Idol belongs to Cybird and ABC Frontier, Inc.

Ivy: There's lot of noise outside my room.

Rina: Well ...

The voices outside were getting closer and closer ... until I could clearly identifiy the exe members.

Ivy: What's all the fuss about?

That moment, Ivy-san let out a sigh, got up, and opened the door ...

The rest of exe rushed inside the room.

Finn: Ivy. do something about them. They're so loud!

Hugh: Shush ... come ...

Jace: What is it about us that makes us persistent? You're the one who's going too fast.

Xeno: I'm just trying to be reasonable. You're the ones who need to stop this!

The room becomes noisy at once at the sound of four voices.

(What the hell!?)

Ivy: Don't fight. What's the matter?

Finn: It's their fault! They're trying to get in the way of me and Hugh.

Jace: I'm gonna get in your way! I know it's not going to work.

Hugh: You never know ... until you try ...

Xeno: The result is obvious! You guys are too short-sighted to begin with.

Finn: Shut up, you're going to have to hit and break these things!

Hugh: Finn is right ... I'm not good at thinking.

Jace: Think about it for a second. Finn and Hugh always act too spontaneously.

Xeno: It's the same on stage. Both of them are habitual offenders who change their dances at will and cause trouble.

Finn: You're telling me it's a nuisance? You guys can't even call people names like that. Just the other day ...!

They were arguing and arguing and arguing, and nothing was getting done.

I was almost at my wit's end when I heard a loud clapping sound.

Ivy: That's enough!

The members who had been arguing suddenly look at Ivy-san.

Ivy: Calm down a little bit. We can't solve anything in this situation.

Ivy: Let's discuss it properly. You aren't children. Can you do that?

Finn: ... Tch. All right.

Jace: Maybe I got a little overzealous ...

Xeno: ... I'm sure. It was unbecoming behaviour.

Hugh: ... Hm.

Ivy: Good.

(It's amazing ... you can calm them down in no time ...)

(I knew he was the leader ...)

The members notice me, as if they can now see their surroundings.

Finn: It's Rina.

Hugh: Housekeeper-san ... there you are ...?

Xeno: It's long past our meeting time.

Rina: I-I'm sorry.

Jace: I was starting the discussion because you didn't show up. Then this happened ...

Ivy: Discussion? ... Rina-chan, what are they talking about?

Rina: Uh, well ... that's ...

Finn: We were talking about ... you.

Ivy: Huh ...?

Jace: Oh, he said it.

Xeno: ... I'm not going to let this happen.

Jace: Aegis-chan told us that you are having trouble and feel threatened by us, Ivy.

Ivy: !!

Xeno: If it is so bad that it is even affecting your composition, it is a serious situation. We can't just leave it at that.

Ivy: ...

Ivy-san was speechless with surprise.

Rina: I'm very sorry, Ivy-san. I ...!

Finn: I'm telling you, Rina said it was supposed to be a secret. I had to force her to tell me.

Finn: You can't leave us alone, can you? You're our leader.

The other three nodded to Finn-san's words.

Xeno: If you, as a leader, are not doing well, it will lead to exe's failure. That's why we discussed countermeasures.

Jace: But we couldn't come up with a good idea, and we talked about how we wanted to reduce your workload.

Finn: So we decided to stop relying on you as much as possible.

Hugh: Instead, I had Housekeeper-san ... help me ...

Ivy: ! That's why Rina-chan was like that today ...

Hugh: But ... even in Macau, you were not in good spirits. All the time ...

Jace: We thought this was a bad idea, so we decided to have an emergency meeting at the hotel.

Ivy: I didn't know that ...

Xeno: Aegis didn't show up on time, so we went ahead and statet meeting on our own. But ...

Jace: We couldn't come to an agreement at all. We were getting heated, and it was like a fight ...

Xeno: Eventually, Finn got fed up and stormed out of the room, saying he would talk to you in person ...

Finn: It's become a bit of a muddle. You have to say what you want to say directly and clearly to convey what you want to say.

Hugh: Me too ... agree ...

Jace: How short-tempered you are. ... Xeno and I wanted to make a move with more thought.

Jace: So we came here, stopping them ... and that's pretty much it.

(That's why all that fuss ...)

Ivy: ... In other words, I was the cause of the fight.

Ivy: I'm sorry guys ... Maybe I'm not a good leader after all.

(What!?)

The other members and I were flustered when Ivy-san laughed without a care in the world.

Rina: There's no way you were the cause of the fight ...!

Rina: You're important to us all, Ivy-san. That's why we don't want you to worry or suffer ... that's all.

Ivy: I'm important? Why ...? I'm not that special.

Rina: Ivy-san ...

Xeno: Why are you so down on yourself? I recognize you as a part of exe.

Finn: Yeah. We've never underestimated you.

Jace: That's right. I really like the music you write. There's no need to feel inferior.

Hugh: Yeah ... you just have to be ... Ivy.

Ivy: ... But I don't have any talent.

Ivy: My composing skills are also mediocre. I'm just an average person who puts in a lot of effort and puts on a good front just like you guys.

Ivy: I'm the only one who isn't "special". I'm diffrent from the rest of you ...

The sad look in his eyes reminded me of something he once said to me.

--flashback--

Ivy: Xeno, Jace, Finn and Hugh … they all have special talents.

Ivy: I’m the only mediocre one. I can sing, dance, compose … nothing really great.

Ivy: They are all special. I’m different from them …

--flashback end--

Then as now, his words were tinged not only with a sense of inferiority but also with a sense of loneliness.

I can see why when I think of the kind, brotherly gaze that Ivy-san always gives his members.

Rina: Ivy-san thinks he's different from the other members of exe ... that's why it's so hard for him.

Rina: "I am inferior to you, my precious friends, in terms of ability, so I am not able to be a true friend to you all."

Rina: You think so, don't you?

Ivy: !

He looked at me as if flabbergasted.

Rina: That's why you're worried, and that's why you feel shy and reserved. Am I right?

Ivy: ...

He bit his lip tighty and let out a defeated sigh.

Ivy: ... That's right.

Ivy: For me, exe is an irreplaceable place.

Ivy: That's why. I can't forgive myself for being different and inferior to everyone else ...

... A lonely little cough brings a look of astonishment on the members' faces.

(I'm sure it was this feeling of loneliness that was at the root of his inferiority complex.)

With this thought in mind, I spoke up once and for all.

Rina: That's not true.

Ivy: What?

Rina: You are not alone. How can you say that you aren't one of them?

Rina: Because exe wouldn't exist without you.

Ivy: I don't have that kind of talent ...

Rina: It's not just about talent. You are the spiritual pillar of exe.

Rina: No matter how good you are at singing or dancing, that's not enough to be a leader.

Rina: Without you, exe would be in shambles. They were fighting like that just now.

Ivy: That's ...

Rina: You can only become 'exe Creed' with your presence and the songs you write.

Rina: Ivy-san is already "special" to the members.

Rina: The fact that they are all working so hard to encourage you is proof of that.

Rina: I'm sure you are the only one who could move people like this.

The members also agreed.

Hugh: Ivy, kind ... without Ivy, I can't do it ...

Jace: If it wasn't Ivy who was depressed, maybe we wouldn't be so desperate.

Xeno: Exactly. ... Ivy's malfuntion is directly related to exe's malfunction.

Finn: And I don't think anyone else would have asked me to do so much. It's because of you.

Ivy: ... Everyone.

With a look of disbelief on his face, Ivy-san looked at them all. They all looked at him intensely in return.

Rina: Do you still consider yourself unfir to lead?

Ivy: ...

He choked on his words.

His clenched hands conveyed the many emotions that must be running through his mind ...

And ... eventually he looked up and said with a tearful smile on his face.

Ivy: ... Thank you. I may not be the most reliable leader, but I'll try my best.

Everyone laughed at the slightly awkward expressions that differed from the usual gentle smiles.

Finn: Yeah. Of course!

Xeno: I've been saying that from the beginning. ... Absolutely.

Hugh: Yeah. Good ...!

Jace: We are no good without Ivy.

Ivy: Haha, I'll be there for you. I'll support you guys.

Ivy: I think I finally understand my role in exe ...

(Good ...! I'm so glad.)

I'm almost in tears.

(Surely now exe Creed is truly united as one.)

(This could be a hint for my presentation ...!)

As I looked at the happy members clapping each other's shoulders, I had an idea in my mind ...)

And ...

... after a successful trip to Macau, we returned home.

Ivy: I'm glad it was so good, even though there was a lot going on. I was able to talk to everyone, and ... my heart was lightened.

Ivy-san looks radiant, as if a burden has been lifted from him.

Rina: I see. But I'm sorry for telling everyone about your problems.

Ivy: It's okay, I know you were thinking of me.

Ivy: Thank you, I owe it all to you. You've always taken care of me ... and I appreciate it.

Rina: I'm glad. ... Ivy-san is feeling lighter.

Rina: And I'm so glad I was able to connect with all of you.

Ivy: ... You're really great. I can't believe you understand me so well.

Ivy: But that's not all. You helped me solve my problems, you saved me ...

He looked at me as if he was looking at something very serious.

Ivy: ... You are my "special" after all.

Rina: Ah, Ivy-san ...!

His heart-melting smile made my heart flutter.

Ivy: But ... even though it was for my sake, it was still lonely knowing that you were hiding and acting in secret.

Rina: I know. I'm really sorry.

Ivy: Yes. So ... from now on, don't hide anything from me.

Ivy: If something happens, tell me everything. I'll do the same for you. ... Okay?

Rina: Yes, I understand.

Ivy: It's a promise.

Ivy-san said happily.

His somewhat innocent smile and honest feelings of loneliness were something he had never shown before.

I'm sure this is also due to the disappearance of love.

(I'm glad, I hope we will be able to see more of Ivy-san's unknown face from now on ...)

Exe has changed and so has Ivy-san. I'm sure that their relationship with him will become even better.

... That's what I thought at this time.

⤷ next chapter

[joshduhamels]

Josh Duhamel As Joel Schwartz In “The Thing About Pam”. S01E04, She’s A Loving Daughter.

[atrirose]

🦢 ° — CALLING ENHYPEN PRETTY BOY

˖ ft. enha members | g. fluff ˖ warning. f!reader , none | theme. sfw , headcanon | TIKTOK SERIES

# . — HEESEUNG : "what? repeat what you said" did not believe his ear, did you really call him that "I said can you pass me the remote pretty boy" shook, speechless, will cry any minute, you took mental note to call him pretty boy everytime you talk to him, its a must, he needs to hear it more, he deserves it. no one should make him feel otherwise, protect this boi :(.

# . — JAY : "what are you doing my pretty boy" not surprised, barely had any reactions but his inner self is screaming, jumping, rolling, silding down the wall, "nothing much just working on this song, about you" now its your time to get excited but yours is visible, you shake him asking more about the song "wait what really jay, tell me more about it-" — "its pretty boy" he pulls you on his lap as he shows you his notepad "it really got to your head didn't it?" you said "your fault" .

# . — JAKE : "hi pretty boy" that was a mistake in a sense, firstly he choked on the ramen he was eating and secondly you think he is not breathing, just looking at you with big eyes "wow jake you are so dramatic" walks towards you as he sits himself down and rubs his cheeks on yours "yeah maybe! but that just made me happiest man for the next 10 no 100 years" he is quite vocal about it and it made you embarrassed "call me that infront of the members okay?" he smiled as you buried your face in his chest "its embarrassing" squeezes you in a tight hug "no its not hehe, im sure they will be jealous"

# . — SUNGHOON : "YN ! HOW DO I LOOK?" he was excited it was your 1st anniversary and he did his best to do his hair and put on his best clothes "you always look good, pretty boy" he brushed his hands across the table to find the perfume he bought "yeah and- wait what? what did say?" looks at you with a serious face "you look good, my pretty boy?" you almost thought you offended him until you saw him blushing and hiding his face "yn im already madly in love with you. how much more do you want me to fall" you smiled at his behavior "insanely"

# . — SUNOO : "yn can you please hurry up, we are not going for pairs fashion week, its just THE MALL" he said frowning with a very kissable pout which you did peck as you got of the bathroom after your millionth try of making your eyeliner symmetrical "lets go pretty boy" you said as you took his hand "pretty boy?" would not let it slide, respectfuly asks you to NEVER call him sunoo because its only pretty boy from now on "I guess I will let you slide this one time but hurry up next time"

# . — JUNGWON : "did you eat it" jungwon stood infront of you towering you "eat what? pretty boy" there goes his attempt to intimate you, yes you did eat his precious curry he saved, which he physically defended against jay "yn you can't do that" squats down and hids his face "do want?" you asked tickling his ears, he brushed your hands off lightly "say things that make me nervous-" you know he likes it but apperently you have to make fun of him "so you don't like it?" looks at you with a panic look "no no i did not say that, I mean I like it, I was- yeah keep calling me that" the curry was completely forgotten as you survived once again.

# . — NIKI : "hi pretty boy" looks at you with most horrid reaction "what..?" you repeat yourself for him to spourt nonsense "you can't say that shhh!! what if someone hear you" you almost want to slap him "and what about it-" — "iT HURTS MY MANLINESS" bro was 💀 "niki shut up or I will really hurt your 'manliness' ye" he can't be serious right now "call me handsome bruh" smirks for no reason "pretty boy" then you guys went on arguing until you came to the deal that calling him pretty was only to be done private

AN. I'm sorry I'm really inactive and haven't answered any asks but I wanted to write this 😔 also I would get butterflies even if I utter the word pretty for anyone, but just on that note you all are beautiful, and im proud of you, keep going 💖💖

[ornii]

La mia musa (My Muse)

Nancy Wheeler X Male Reader

Summary: You had a painting project and Needed a muse for it, Gladly, Nancy took your fumbling offer in exchange for help in her history class

"So why do I have to sit like this all day?"

Nancy Wheeler, the Wheeler Families daughter and occasional friend of few. She sits so elegantly in a chair inside a classroom of Hawkins High, an art room adorned with Odd drawings, used cavas and the smell of paint. She had one leg crossed and was looking forward, her eyes slightly dart to the left to a cavas being painted on. The quiet but abrasive sounds of paint being produced upon the canvas can be heard gently under music being played via a radio.

"Nancy, I've told you before that this stuff takes time." A man peers past the canvas to her, a student of Hawkins high just like her, he has this very flow y and fluent look to him. He frowns a bit at her.

"We can reschedule it if you're not up for it today..." he says, Nancy considers it for a second.

"No, I want to finish it so you can show me, since you've never let me see it." She replies a bit coldly and he agrees.

"Okay, keep your chin a bit high." He replies and she leans her head upward slightly, he looks at her and their eyes meet. He could only just stare at her; watching as Nancy's beauty just beams though the room like the sun rising through the horizon. He looks back down as Nancy smirks just slightly. She had a slight feeling of his intentions when he awkwardly asked her to be his "Muse." Which was mostly just him stumbling on her words, and him convincing her by helping her with History class. To just stand in one spot, just too easy for her to pass up.

"So, what is a Muse anyway?" Nancy asks and (Y/n) continues to paint while explaining.

"Well originally they were Greek Goddesses of Art forms, The Nine Daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne, but the term means something that inspires you to paint, to create.. and for me.." he says, (Y/n) makes a power move and peers over, staring at Nancy.

"It's something so perfect you can't take your eyes off of." He says, his words caught Nancy off guard, All her life she somewhat kept her cool but at this moment she was actually caught off guard, speechless. There was an awkward silence between them as the mutual attraction began to fester. Nancy, embarrassed just looks back at her Muse spot. (Y/n), even more embarrassed just keeps painting, now keeping his eyes off of her. He pursues his art for another hour and a half of awkwardly cute silence, the two eye each other for a moment and then go back to their jobs.

"Alright, done." He says, breaking the silence, Nancy stands up and stretches her legs a bit, standing on her tippy toes.

"Great, that took forever." She says and walks over next to him, she then finally gets to stand before the painting.

"I'm glad I'll be able to get to see this.."

Nancy halts her sentence looking at the painting, such colors, the way her hair was drawn with such cautious love and attention. Each stroke of the brush was meticulously made with care and complexity. Nancy was at a loss of words as he stood next to her, He smiles a bit, actually proud of himself.

"It's my best work, I want to call it...

"The Mystery Girl.."

Nancy just couldn't believe the attention to detail, the artistic flow of her hair, the almost heavenly like aura around Her, the perfect brush strokes that represented her eyes were an almost perfect color of hers, she just blinked a few times and turned to him.

"This is, Amazing. I knew you were in art class a lot but this is.. whew." She says slightly combing her hair to the side. It has a certain beauty to it all, and that Beauty was Nancy. She turns to him, so amused by what she's witnessing.

"You really are talented, Steve isn't into stuff like this, I don't know why." She says a bit sad, and (Y/n) felt the compliment in his heart, and wanted to feel like this more. He always thought Nancy was this mystery girl, so intriguing, so beautiful and consummate. Once he saw her in Mrs.Duffers history class, like a modern day Audrey Hepburn or a Lady Elsie. Such beauty should be encapsulated in a way to always be existing.

"Thanks. Uh, sorry for making you stay after school those times, I just wanted it to be, perfect." He says.

"No, you don't have to apologize it's, I can see it was really worth it, what do you plan on doing with it?" She asks, "The Painting." She says and he looks at it.

"Once it dries.. that's up to you." He says, Nancy looks at him confused, and realizes what he means.

"I-I can't take this, it took you days to make this." She says and looks back at it.

"Yeah, but it would be easier to explain to your Boyfriend and Parents that you got this made by a professional, than people asking why I have it." He replies. And Nancy looks at him, she was indecisive but then held her ground on it and grabbed him by the hand, it shocked him a bit and he turns to her.

"You're taking this with you, you made it, put it in an exhibit for aspiring painters or something. You deserve it, your Mystery Girl says so." She says with a hint of authority, it was more than enough for (Y/n) to nod sheepishly. She smiles and lets go of his hand. They were interrupted by a horn from outside. Nancy peeks out the window to see a car.

"That's Steve, gotta go." She says, Nancy turns and walks over, offering a handshake, he takes it and she smiles.

"It was nice being your muse." She says, and walks to grab her backpack and he nods, still staring.

"Yeah, it was nice." (Y/n) says and she gives him one last smile before leaving, (Y/n) stands there by himself before turning to the Painting.

"I guess I'll be seeing you.. Mystery Girl."

[just-my-type-x]

A Imagine about romantic sex with Brad

Warnings: angst, smut, pretty long

Italics is flashback

Also, i hope i can halfway make up to that mistake I've made in the Call Time imagine where i mistakenly changed the whole idea of the imagine through this.

As always, pic not mine

You're A Vibe

Part 2 of Showstopper

Brad's POV

The show ends after what feels like a lifetime. We bow one more time in front of our fans before we exit the stage. We go straight to the venue showers and I'm so glad it's the first venue in months that has four showers. It's hard to hold back the tears I've been feeling in the back of my eyes the whole show, but somehow i manage not to let go in the shower. I feel betrayed and even if it looks like something almost insignificant, my soul breaks in numerous pieces. I've never felt a love so strong in such a long time and it's hard to accept that I've been taken for granted. A part of me knows i shouldn't be upset or give in my sad emotions because it doesn't matter. But deep down i know, for God's sake, how much this woman means to me. Meant.

We get done with our showers and don't waste any more time, we get dressed with clean, cosy clothes and exit the venue. As we approach our house for another two or so months, i catch a glimpse of y/n talking to Joe.

"You need to talk to her, mate", James advices me and i nod my head, not taking my eyes away from her, scared she'll disappear. She turns her head towards me, as she felt my stare on her. Her cheeks lose color and i clench my jaw. How the fuck did we end up in this fucked up situation..

The boys get inside the bus after giving y/n the "after every show" hug, which is usually given inside the venue, right when we get off stage. Joe goes inside too. I put on the ground my bag with the sweaty clothes and i lean on the vehicle on my shoulder, crossing my arms at my chest, looking with empty eyes at her.

"I'm sorry i didn't leave, Joe made me stay", she looks away from me and i sigh

"It's ok, we still need to see what we're doing with our lives, right?", i bite the inside of my cheek

"I guess..", she brushes her stained undereye make up with the hoodie arm. I hate seeing her so sad and all i wish for is to cover her body in mine while hugging all her worries away, telling her that I'm going to be my her side all my life. But i guess we both have other ideas for the future. "Brad, when you left on stage, you made things clear you don't want to be with me anymore.",she waits for me to nod. "I don't want that. You mean so much more to me than all of this", her eyes get teary. I look away, a cold breeze making my eyes sting.

"I'm sorry, y/n, but i can't believe you. I am in love with a moment we never actually had. (line not mine) You can't expect me to believe that what we had was true. You know about my insecurities, you knew everything and you literally decided to have a fight with me before the show, regarding the top reason I'm insecure. What does that make you? Because it definitely doesn't make you my girlfriend.". She is shocked and speechless because of the sudden decision i didn't know i was going to make. I open my mouth, but close it again, surprised by my own words.

"Every moment between us happened..", her voice cracks. "I'll just.. Let's just take a break, ok? For the rest of this tour. You don't have to talk to me, but if you want to, please do", my heart breaks at her words. She never had to say please to anything, i would've snapped my fingers to give her whatever she wished for. I clench my jaw again, fighting the urge to kiss her and make up right on spot. "I don't want this to be the end of us. I was stupid to wish for us to go public. I respect you more than that, trust me", she takes a deep breath. "I'm gonna go to the airport tonight and head home with the first flight. Just..at least lie to me that this is just a tour break and we'll talk when you get home", a few tears run down her cheeks. I give in and hug her tightly in my arms, her sobs weakening all my senses. If she only knew how much i love her.

A few weeks go by and I'm finally alone in my hotel room. I couldn't stay in that bus bed anymore and i couldn't spend another night hearing the boys get so loud after the shows. Connor makes fun of me how I'm frustrated because of the lack of sex and i think it's true. I get angry at the small things and can't take a joke as it is anymore without snapping at somebody.

Although my state of mind is what it is right now, i started talking again to y/n, things getting better, apparently. My anger and disappointment on why we fought starts to go away and I focus more on the things that are actually good for the return of our relationship.

"What are you doing tonight?", i text her and get in bed

"Waiting for Lisa to pick me up. Wby?" i frown at the text

"Where are you going?"

"There's a new bar in Central London, she said the drinks are on her tonight. I don't say no to free drinks haha", she texts, but there's a weird feeling in my chest. I start typing "be careful", but i detele the words.

"Who's coming?", curiosity killing me

"Mark, Jason, Ada and the two of us.", my anger goes through the roof as i read the names, but i receive another text. "Don't worry, Brad, Jason has nothing to do with me. We're just friends."

The only reason I'm angry at Jason is that he had a massive crush on y/n before we got together. She almost decided to be in a relationship with him, shortly before she met me. You can say I'm the one who made her fall in love with me on the spot, making Jason long forgotten. Even if, for now, we're broken up, i cannot not be protective over her or jealous.

"Do they, uhm", i send the text

"They know we're still together", she answers, like she already knew what i was about to ask

"Good, i don't want Jason all over you tonight", i roll my eyes

"Jealous"

"Never", i smirk at my phone and put it on the nightstand

After a few moments of silence, i receive another text message.

"Wanna see my outfit for tonight? 👀", she asks me

"Sure", i smile. Small things like this mean a lot.

My eyes grow wide and my body heats up. I lick my lips, the picture turning me on more than ever.

"Fuck, y/n, you can't go like that", i run a hand through my hair, looking at the picture over and over again

"Lisa's here, it looks like i am 🤧", cocky as always, y/n knows she triggered something and leaves it for me to deal with. I look down at my body, a visible boner creating a tent between my legs. I sigh, giving in the need for some relief. I take down my pj pants and take out my phone again, looking at the picture she sent me. I start pumping my dick with my hand up and down, squeezing tighter every now and then. Looking at her curves, i feel myself going insane, wishing i had her next to me.

"Fuck, i wish i could squeeze those beautiful boobs of yours", i whisper and a tingling feeling roams my body. I keep pumping my length, thinking about how good it feels whenever y/n is on top of me, bouncing her ass fast, while i grab her by the boobs, her hands on my chest and her moans filling up the room, especially when she would slip my name from between her lips when she felt overwhelmed by pleasure. I put the phone aside, feeling myself getting closer. I close my eyes and think about how she clenches her walls around me every time she is close to finishing, squeezing my hand on my dick just the way i remember feeling her. I groan escapes my throat. "Fuck, y/n", moving my hand faster, i try to replay in my head her shaky breaths and shaky voice, while her body was uncontrollably shaking on top of me.

"Oh My God, Bradley, that's it, mmmm", she used to say, while i tried to help her move so we could both finish.

"Fuck, baby, let it go", i whisper and i feel myself getting rock hard as i remember the feeling of y/n hitting her orgasm, clenching tight around me. My dick twitches and i release myself with a loud groan, my body shaking. My head falls back down on the pillow and i try to catch my breath, the intensity of it all taking me by surprise.

I go to the bathroom and take a quick shower, before going back to bed and smiling at myself, feeling better after these long weeks of being sad and frustrated. I also feel the need to see y/n and even if it might be because of the naughty thoughts I've had about us, i want to see her. I grab my phone to text her.

"I miss you", not long after, she texts me back

"So do i, Bradley", i put my phone back on the nightstand and go to sleep.

3 weeks later

I get home and throw all my belongings on the floor, making room in my arms for y/n, who jumps on me, hugging me. She asked for permission to come into my apartment and cook something for me to eat when i get back home and of course i accepted. I also knew I'll be home shortly after she finishes the food, so i wanted to catch up with her before she left.

"It feels good to be back", i say while looking around the living room. "Oh wow, it smells amazing", i get inside the kitchen and start looking around the stove to see what's in the pans.

"I knew you were going to like the smell of it", she laughs and comes over to stir the food around

"It also looks amazing, I'm gonna get changed, I'll be right back.", i head over to her and place a small kiss on her temple. She looks at me surprised and i give her a small smile.

When I'm back, casually dressed, finally, the food is already being placed in plates. We eat, watch some tv and i go out to take Jack for a walk. When i come back from the walk, y/n is ready to leave to her place. I frown at her while closing the door.

"What are you doing?", i ask, pointing to her backpack

"I'm going home?", she answers me, not understanding my question

"Why?"

"Because we don't live together anymore", she chuckles, but a sad smile appears on her face. I get sad too, remembering that we were not together anymore.

"Please stay for the night. We haven't seen each other in two months and that's a lot. I want to hear about what went on in your life", i offer and she looks from me to Jack, who was now climbing up her leg to make her pet him.

"I'm gonna say yes just because Jack apparently likes the idea", she kneels down to pet my dog and Jack starts to wiggle his tail like he's about to take off. I think we're both happier when we have her around. I smile at the view and take a quick photo of them, y/n not noticing.

Hours go by and it's past midnight, both of us sitting on my bed and watching some random show on tv. We eat ice cream and comment about what's going on inside the tv.

"He's so stupid, he could've walked around", she says, licking the spoon

"I know right? He had a clue hidden between those rocks", i put the empty ice cream container next to the bed on the floor

"Exactly. We could've been so much better doing that", she says frustrated by the incompetency of the character.

"We're much better no matter what", i look at her and she stops in her tracks, looking at me. "Especially together", i smile widely, her face lightning up with a big smile

"Don't mess with me, Brad. Do you mean that..?", she starts, but i interrupt her by nodding fast. She squeaks in excitement and i grab her face, kissing her hungrily, making up for all the days we've lost.

"Oh, how i missed your lips", i exhale, a groan escaping my throat when she slips her tongue in my mouth. We make out, her on top of me, until our kisses become more passionate amd heated. She starts rubbing herself on top of me and we both give into our emotions, moans getting louder and louder as the tention between us increases.

"Bradley, please do something. I need you a lot", she begs, he forehead stuck to mine, plump, red lips parted

"I need you too, babe. You have no idea how bad", i take off her t-shirt and leave her in a sports bra, i take my t-shirt off as well, but she's so eager that she takes her bra off immediately. I turn us around, so I'm hovering over her, taking her pants off, quickly getting rid of mine too. I look down at her, her black lace thong and my boxers being the only things that stay between us. "Have you been a good girl for me?", i trace the outline of her underwear, her body squirming under my touch. Oh how i missed this

"Mhm..", she moans and i smirk, taking down her underwear and taking in the sight of her naked body. I take off my boxers and put a condom on, positioning at the entrench of her pussy.

"I'll go slow, don't worry", i guide myself inside her, bit by bit, like it was our first time. We gasp when it slides all the way in. "Ugh, you're so tight babe, i could finish right now", i move slowly in and out of her, holding myself up by grabbing her waist, surely leaving bruises by how hard I grab her. To be honest, i can't even contain myself because of how bad i missed this feeling of having her underneath me. I move, as I'm hovering over her whole body, my arms on both sides of her head, and i bury my face into her neck, kissing and biting her at her sweet spots.

"Mmm, this feels so good love", she whispers and i gasp, feeling her nails dig deep in my back, as i speed up my thrusts, but keeping gentle. "Deeper", she begs and i roll my hips further between her legs, her legs wrapped around my waist. I raise my head to look at her, turning hers to look at me too. We hold each other's gazes, both blushing because of the intimacy of the moment.

"I love you so fucking much, y/n. Don't say anything that stupid ever again."

"I love you too, Brad, I'm so sorry", i kiss her, thrusting a few more times before feeling my high approaching. Y/n clenches around me, her moans getting louder.

"Come on, love, i know you need it", i whisper in her ear, grabbing her by the waist with one hand, thrusting harder and faster to build up her orgasm even more.

"Fuck, baby, I'm cuming", she shakes underneath me, soaking the condom in her juices. I cum soon after, collapsing on her body, not being able to hold myself up anymore. "i needed that so badly", she sighs and i chuckle.

"Me too, love. It feels so good doing this with you. And everything else", i confess and reach her forehead to give her a kiss before collapsing on my back on the bed

"I'm so sorry for that, again. I was frustrated and left it take a hold on me. I would never use you for anything. Well, other than personal pleasure", we both laugh and i intertwine our fingers together

"I know, it's ok. This reminds me", i take my phone from the nightstand, opening my gallery and setting as my lockscreen the picture of her and Jack I've taken earlier today. "Look", i show her the lockscreen and her eyes twinkle

"What are you doing?"

"Letting people know I'm taken. If they see this lockscreen by chance, they'll know about you", i smile and she hugs me, almost suffocating me

"You're the best"

"Just like you"

[aella-targaryen]

I'm actually very sad to agree. I was expecting a lot more. The lighting is absolutely atrocious. Like there's no excuse for the professionals who are supposed to be working on a show of this magnitude. Horrible job. A film student could have done better. I think the biggest problem is, the director for one. And more than anything the fact they admitted they filmed this first. Matt did his best, but it was almost obvious that he didn't have the build of the previous 6 episodes here. It didn't feel like he had gone through that journey w Daemon. It felt like he knew what was meant to have happened, and did his best, which is admittedly amazing. And with Emma, you can really tell that she did not get the benefit of seeing a single one of the younger Rhaenyra scenes. They are both great actors. But hanging a massive episode on the first run out of the gate..for the main relationship of your entire show was a huge HUGE mistake. It was still better than a lot of other things GOT or otherwise...but this being THE Daemyra episode could have been epic. And I'm sorry to the workers, but it just wasn't compared to what we now know they are capable of.

Dear Anon

I am speechless. I can't believe the creators of the series allowed that to happen.

I have never studied cinematography and acting, but from what you have told me I imagine the following situation:

Imagine having only read the last chapter of a book. Naturally that chapter will not generate in you any emotional charge. Maybe that's what happened to the actors idk

Now I feel terrible for the actors, as you say they don't seem to fully understand the context of their characters yet.

I know Matt can do a better job with better direction, that's for sure.

I've only seen Emma in hotd but i was very impressed to see their performance in the ep. 6 especially their interpretation as a mother.

[helloalycia]

The Wrong Lifetime – Five // Wanda Maximoff

chapter four | story masterlist | main masterlist | wattpad | chapter six

author’s note: dying of cramps but didn’t wanna leave y’all hanging, so enjoy! x

Taking Wanda to Blackpool was something I couldn't stop thinking about for the past three days.

I kept telling myself that I had to remain calm, not make her feel uncomfortable with my obvious attraction to her, and to give her the best day out considering she'd never been before. It wasn't anything more than a girl spending time with her soon-to-be sister-in-law, and I had to keep reminding myself that whenever I'd feel a stir of desire in my chest at the thought her pretty smile or intoxicating gaze.

My family were thrilled when they heard of my plans with Wanda. My parents were glad I was actually making an effort to get on with her, whilst my brother was excited I was becoming 'best friends', as he put it, with his fiancé. That one stung a little, the guilt pricking my insides, but I convinced myself that that was exactly what I was doing. It wasn't wrong if I didn't think of Wanda in any way but what she was. Right?

The weekend came around quickly enough, and on Saturday morning, I met with Wanda at the train station where she waiting for me with an enthusiastic smile.

"I brought my watercolours and sketchbook so I can paint what's there," she explained as we boarded the train. "I also bought a lot of pencils in case some snap. I'm gonna draw everything I see so I don't forget a single thing."

We slid into our seats and I smiled with admiration as she continued to ramble about all of the things she wanted to do today. She looked so lively when she spoke, her hands moving about frantically to express her excitement, and her lips permanently etched into a smile when she wittered on. I didn't mean to stare, but God, she looked beautiful.

"Thank you again for doing this," she finished, head turning to mine.

Now, I'd read and written many clichés of someone falling for someone else, particularly the moment they knew they were too far gone. It was hard to believe if they were true depictions of liking someone, but I liked reading and writing them.

It was now that I learnt that they were no exaggeration, for when she looked my way with a beaming smile and glowing green eyes, I knew it was too late. There was no going back for my attraction to Wanda.

"No need to thank me," I spoke slowly, surprised I could speak at all since she'd knocked the breath from my lungs. "I'm glad you're excited."

The journey was a few hours long and we made conversation the whole way. It was the longest I'd spent alone with her since meeting her and I was intrigued by everything she had to say, hanging onto every word with all of my attention. If that wasn't enough, her accent only made everything she said sound so much better. She was naturally soft-spoken, but syllables rolled off her tongue in a silky, raspy way with her accent entwined in her words. I loved it.

At one point, the topic of our families came up and I felt like my brother came up in almost every conversation I'd had with anyone who discussed family, so I took this as my opportunity to get to know hers instead.

"What's it like to have a twin?" I asked, leaning on my elbow as I watched her attentively.

She mirrored my action playfully, though answered my question. "It's just like having a normal sibling, except they're way more annoying."

I smiled, imaging just how annoying Pietro could be as a sibling.

"I love Pietro, but he's very frustrating at times," she spoke with a hint of endearment. "He constantly throws it in my face that's he's older than me by twelve minutes. As if that makes a difference."

A chuckle flew from my lips as she pouted at her own words.

"But he's also my best friend," she said with a sigh, like that fact was irritating in itself. "He knows me better than anyone and he's the easiest person for me to talk to. I don't have to hide anything from him." She paused, glancing upwards in thought. "Well, almost anything."

Pursing my lips, I wondered what she meant as she mumbled the last part, but didn't question it. Everyone was entitled to their secrets.

"So, you and your family moved to England when you were kids, right?" I tried to recall what my parents had told me of them. "From Sokovia."

"Yes, we were about..." She scrunched up her nose as she tried to remember. "Eight years old, I think?"

"Wow, that's young," I realised.

She hummed in agreement, smile fading as her eyes fell to her hands. "Yeah... I don't remember much, but there was a lot of unrest at the time. A war. It was dangerous for everyone and my parents were lucky to get us out when they did."

I frowned, knowing some of this already, but it was sadder to hear when it was coming from Wanda herself.

"Our extended family didn't make it out," she continued to explain, voice quieter. "I didn't know them much, my parents' siblings, so it's not that sad for me. Pietro, too. But it's strange to think, you know? Especially when all of your family are around with this wedding and–" She sighed, shaking her head and looking to me with an apologetic smile. "Sorry, I didn't mean to bring the mood down."

I straightened up, reassuring her instantly. "Wanda, you don't need to apologise. It's okay. I... I didn't know any of that. I'm glad you told me."

She nodded, though the regret was still present in her gaze.

"I'm sorry all of that happened," I expressed honestly, not looking away. "But I'm glad you're here, if it makes a difference. You– your family are good people."

A small, appreciative smile graced her lips. "Thank you."

I shrugged, trying to brush it off so she wouldn't notice the heat rising up my neck. "It's nothing... so Sokovia. You speak Russian and English. That's pretty bloody cool."

She laughed wholeheartedly and any hint of sadness disappeared from her face, reassuring me completely. I didn't like to see her sad, especially when there was nothing I could do to make her feel better that I knew of.

"I promise to teach you some Russian today," she said with amusement. "A few words, just to diversify your vocabulary."

"Gee, thanks."

Another laugh escaped her and I chewed on my lip to contain my grin. I could get used to that sound.

—

When we reached Blackpool, Wanda was radiating with excitement. We couldn't make it two steps anywhere before she whipped out her sketchbook and began to sketch. She wasn't kidding when she said she was going to capture everything she saw.

I was patient, since the reason we came was for her, and watched as she worked. It was cute, seeing her concentrate and trying to stop dancing around with excitement every time I showed her something new.

We walked along the promenade and dipped in and out of the shops, looking at the gifts and clothes they sold. We bought a few things to commemorate the trip, but then Wanda was quick to drag me back outside so she could sketch the view of the beach from where we were stood. The grin on her face was convincing enough for me to let her drag me wherever she wanted. She looked so happy and I didn't care about anything else.

Eventually, around lunchtime, we headed to a café to have a break from all the excitement. Or rather, a break from running around. For Wanda, it was a better opportunity to sit still and sketch some more.

"So, you're drinking what, Y/N?" she asked, not looking up from her sketches as she worked.

I looked at my tea and lowered the cup. "Er, tea?"

"In Russian," she instructed.

"Oh." I cleared my throat, remembering what she taught me earlier. "Chay."

"And what's in the chay?" she asked, lifting her eyes to meet mine patiently. "The milk?"

"Moloko," I remembered, and the proud smile on her face reassured me I was correct. My shoulders relaxed as I returned her smile. "Thanks."

"You're a natural," she assured me, before looking back to her sketchbook. "I only taught you the words. You remembered it yourself. And before you know it, ty budesh' govorit' polnymi predlozheniyami na russkom."

My mouth opened with confusion, not knowing what she said. She seemed to realise as she chuckled at my expression.

"Never mind, milaya (darling)," she said with humoured eyes, before resuming her sketching.

I breathed out, taking another sip of my tea before grabbing a fork to dig into my pasta. As I chewed, I watched Wanda move her pencil effortlessly, creating lines that somehow resulted in a perfect drawing of the horizon.

"Do you only draw and paint landscapes?" I asked curiously.

"I can do portraits, too," she answered with a nod, glancing at me. "But they're never as good."

I gave her a knowing look. "I doubt that."

She merely smiled in response, eyes meeting mine for a moment, before shaking her head with amusement and looking back to her sketches. I chuckled, leaving her to it as I enjoyed my lunch and read the newspaper.

It was nice to just sit and enjoy each other's company as we did our own thing. I'd occasionally glance up to see Wanda focused on her drawing and smile, allowing myself to appreciate the sight, before looking back down to the paper and enjoying my pasta.

By the time I finished my food, as had Wanda, she straightened up and tore a page from her sketchbook. The noise pulled me from my reading and I looked up to see her holding the paper towards me.

I quirked a brow, but she simply shook the paper, signalling for me to take it. With confusion, I took it and became speechless when I saw what she'd drawn. It was me reading the paper, the exact view she must have had from being sat opposite me. It looked exactly like me, probably better since I knew I didn't look that good, and I was amazed at her talent all over again.

"You did this just now?" I asked with disbelief, looking up at her.

She shrugged and distracted herself with her pencil. "Yeah, it's not much. It's not my specialty."

I scoffed. "You're kidding. Wanda, this is amazing!"

Bashful smile on her lips, she glanced up at me. "Maybe it's the best portrait I've done. But I think that's down to my subject."

Even when she was embarrassed, she was still capable of turning the tables on me, leaving me a flustered mess. It was like her superpower. A very annoyingly cute superpower.

"That's what you look like y'know," she continued, nodding to the paper in my hand. "When you're focused on reading. You chew your lip with thought. And you get this little crease–" she pointed between her brows with a laugh, "–right here, and you seem to forget that anything else exists."

A sweet smile spread on her face as she tilted her head, watching me with intimidating eyes, very much aware of the effect her words had on me.

"You're very observant," I said, trying not to stutter, her gaze making me nervous. "Perfect skill for an artist."

She hummed in agreement, though didn't look away. "Mere artistic observation, right?"

My heart was hammering in her chest the longer she stared, especially when her words dawned on me. I'd said the exact same thing after she confronted me about picking her ring. I wondered if she could hear my heart pounding in my ears.

Just like the first time I saw her, I was at a loss for words and couldn't look away. She was compelling, beautiful and remarkable all at once.

—

"Nebo," I said, hoping it was the correct word for 'sky' in Russian, as Wanda had taught me.

She grinned. "Yes! And horizon?"

I pulled a face as I thought carefully. "Er...gorizont?"

"The student is soon to become the master," she said, and I rolled my eyes, knowing that was anything but the truth. I appreciated her encouragement though.

"Okay, before we head to the beach, we have to buy some rock," I told her, leading her to the stall on the promenade. "I got it last time and it's so good."

She furrowed her brows. "What's that?"

I smiled at her expression. "It's a sweet. Kind of like boiled sugar that's formed into a stick of, well, rock."

She didn't seem convinced. "If you say it's good, I trust you, I guess..."

I laughed, grabbing her hand and tugging her to the stall. "You'll love it."

After getting two sticks of rock for Wanda and I, we began to walk to the sand. I glanced at the brunette, wanting to see her reaction. She eyed the hard candy before attempting to bite it, a small piece breaking off at the top. Crunching on it, she scrunched her nose up.

"It's hard," she noted, swallowing the piece. "Tasty, though."

"It's better if you suck on it, love," I let her know with a hidden smile. "Tastes much better."

She did as I said, beginning to suck on the top, and seemed to enjoy it more. Giving me a thumbs up as she sucked it, I couldn't help but laugh again. She looked adorable, so I left her to it and did the same as we walked along the sand and towards the benches in the distance.

Like a child experiencing something for the first time, she began to point excitedly at Blackpool Tower and the ferris wheel in the distance and I just kept nodding along, letting her get excited because it made my heart skip a beat every time she flashed me a smile.

When we reached the benches, I was glad that today wasn't a busy day. It wasn't exactly tourist season, so the beach was scarce of anyone but residents of the town. And even then, our side of the beach was pretty empty, giving us first dibs on a bench that wasn't broken or uncomfortable.

Settling on it, Wanda pulled her legs up and sat cross-legged so she could lean on them and pull out her watercolours. I sat beside her and leaned back, inhaling the salty air and exhaling peacefully. I never had much reason to visit here apart from when my parents took my brother and I on the occasional trip, but it was nice to appreciate the sound of the ocean washing over the sand and the seagulls squawking in the sky. A big difference compared to back home.

Another silence formed between us as she painted the water ahead, and I couldn't help but glance her way, watching her pucker her lips with concentration. All she'd wanted was this and I was glad I could finally give it to her.

So she wouldn't notice, I looked away and stared out at the blue expanse of ocean before me. I should have been appreciating its beauty, but all I could think about was how it was no contest to the girl sat beside me.

"I'm really glad you brought me here today," she said out of the blue after a while, "but I wouldn't have said yes if I'd known you would be bored."

I looked to her and saw she was still preoccupied by her painting. "I'm not bored. We came here so you could see the water and find some new subjects to paint. And that's exactly what we're doing."

She sighed, looking up at me with a questioning glance.

Smiling reassuringly, I said, "I like the quiet. And I like watching you work. You look happy. It's good to see."

She tensed her jaw, stifling a smile, but her eyes said it all. She was grateful. Of course, her eyes were also very easy to get lost in, even if she didn't mean for me to. And right now, under the sun, I found myself drowning in pools of blue.

"What are you thinking?" she asked quietly, a hint of a smile on her face.

Stupidly, I felt compelled to tell her the truth. "I'm thinking about how you have really pretty eyes."

Attempting to make me flustered yet again, her favourite hobby by now I was guessing, she raised a brow teasingly. "Oh, really?"

It didn't bother me this time though, as I maintained eye contact and felt my heart swelling with adoration. "Yes. It's like you hold all the elements in a single gaze."

Her smile faded and that's when I realised what I'd said, my heart dropping to my stomach in an instant. Swallowing hard, I looked away and shook my head. An apology was waiting on the tip of my tongue when she spoke with realisation.

"It was you."

I glanced her way nervously. "What was?"

She was staring like her mind was working something out and I was the missing piece. "The letter that Y/B/N gave me last week. He wrote the exact same thing. What you just said."

My brows knitted together with confusion, then it hit me. The love letter Y/B/N wrote. The one he assured me was for his own eyes. He'd given it to her. And I'd just gone and said the exact thing he'd written on it, no doubt passing it off as is his own words.

"Th–that wasn't me," I got out, shaking my head slowly. "I didn't even know he gave you a letter, Wanda."

She continued to watch me, eyes squinting with scepticism. I swallowed hard under her gaze, trying to think of how I could come back from this. But apparently I didn't have to, because she suddenly leaned forward and pressed her lips to mine.

My mind was foggy when her fingers rested behind my neck, tugging me closer. I closed my eyes, melting at her touch, and began to kiss her back, moving my lips against hers. She was slow and gentle with me, her lips as soft as they looked and sending the butterflies in my stomach into a frenzy. I could have kissed her forever and been content, but my brain finally caught up to my actions and I reluctantly pulled away, stunned.

Glancing around to make sure nobody saw us – there was literally nobody here – I caught my breath and looked back to Wanda. Her eyes were drawn to my lips before they flickered to meet mine, darkened with desire.

"Why did you do that?" was all I could think to ask, and I was acutely aware of her fingers still grasping my neck, the skin burning where her tips grazed.

She licked her swollen lips, expression softening. "I think I've been falling for the wrong Y/L/N."

My lips pressed together, missing the feeling of hers against them. Never in a million years did I expect her to say something like that. I thought she'd been teasing me this whole time, but now, maybe there was truth to her actions.

"Did you really mean what you said?" she asked apprehensively.

"What?"

She swallowed. "What you said about my eyes. Did you mean it?"

Well, she'd kissed me, so there was no going back now.

I nodded, noticing the hesitance in her eyes. "Yes... you're beautiful, Wanda."

She didn't say anything and the silence was deafening. I almost wanted to run back home and pretend this never happened, but that was the cowardly side of me. The other side, the disbelieving side, wanted to stay here with her and keep living in this little bubble we'd created.

"Can I kiss you again?" she finally spoke, eyes flickering between mine for confirmation.

Not trusting myself to speak, I nodded slowly, and she didn't waste another second as she leaned in once again. This time, I wasn't so surprised, so I kissed her back quickly, trying not to think about how wrong this was. How I'd been taught that this was wrong. Because I refused to believe this was wrong, that it was a sin, when it felt so damn right.

Wanda felt right.

—

When I got home later that afternoon, I couldn't stop myself from smiling.

Wanda was all that was on my mind. Everything about her was floating around up there – the contagiousness of her smile, the brightness of her eyes, the taste of her lips. When I left this morning, I wasn't expecting to return with– well, I wasn't sure what we were, but we'd decided to give whatever this was a go.

Of course, she was still engaged to my brother, but I tried not to think about that. She made me happy and maybe in a different lifetime we could have been together, but this was the wrong lifetime which meant I'd have to make some wrong decisions, this possibly being one of them.

The guilt was still present, but the adoration I had for Wanda overpowered it. The fact that she actually liked me back was too thrilling for me to even concern myself with the lack of future this relationship would have. I just wanted to enjoy what we had whilst we had it, even if it meant being together in secret.

"So, how did your trip go?" my mum asked me when I returned, looking up from her knitting.

I stifled my grin the best I could. "It was fun. Wanda loved the seaside."

My mother seemed pleased as she smiled my way. "Y/N, that's great. You know, I'm really proud of you for making an effort with her. It means a lot to everyone."

"Mhm."

"She's going to be your sister-in-law after all," she continued knowingly, "so it's good you're spending time with her. Maybe you could do it more."

I hummed in agreement, my heart fluttering at the possibility of spending more time with Wanda. "Yeah, that could be good."

"Go on upstairs, you must be tired from the travelling," she said after a moment, noticing my distant headspace. "I'm glad you had fun today."

Wanda's smile appeared in my mind again, her lips ghosting my own. I sighed contently.

"Me, too."

[xbadgerbearx]

i guess they are pretty funky

word count: 1.5k

Can’t Sleep: [2] … [4]

Your team prepared themselves as you started your journey to your new destination. You and Abner were talking about random things as you walked.

"You really like the dots?" Abner timidly asked.

"Are you kidding? Of course! You're so colorful," you said quietly with a smile.

Abner smiled to himself before motioning to your outfit. "I like your uniform too, it suits you. It makes your eyes stand out."

"Thank you! Ya know, I always thought you had a really nice nose- whoa, Abner, are you doing alright?" You cut yourself as you faced Abner for the first time during this walking session. He had those glowing dots on his face again.

"Oh! Those?" He was nervously covering his face. "Don't worry about-" splat. Abner tripped over a rogue tree root and fell face first into the mud. As you went to help pick him up, Flag turned around.

"What the hell are you doing?"

Everyone turned around to look at you two, well, minus Cleo, but she was sitting on a fallen tree almost asleep.

"We're tired, Colonel. We need a rest," she whined.

"Goddamn hobbyists," muttered Chris.

Soria turned to Flag, "We cannot stop. We need to hurry if you're going to help my people."

"Hey," DuBois intervened. "We're not here to help your people. But she's right, we gotta keep moving."

"I carry friend?"

"It's okay, Nanaue," Cleo said before turning to Abner. "It's happening to his face again."

"It's nothing, I tripped," he brushed off.

"Hey," Peacemaker said as he shoved Abner back. "Norman Bates, if that shit's contagious, we need to know."

"It's not," Abner tried moving forward before he was pushed again.

"What is it?"

"What's your deal, Chris? Stop pushing people around before I turn into something you're really not gonna like. And what's up with the obscure references?" You were getting fed up with Chris' bullshit.

"Oh yeah? And what's that?"

"I don't know, how about your dead father? The one that killed himself in front of you when you were a kid?"

"How do you-"

"You'd be surprised how much your mom loved recording all your childhood achievements. Your fifth birthday—ring a bell?" Peacemaker had an unreadable expression on his face as you got in his face and lowered your voice. "You wouldn't believe how much information you can get on your hands if you're able to disguise yourself as a high ranking employee in Belle Reve."

Before any of you could make the situation worse, Abner cleared the tension with a sigh.

"It's a... it's an interdimensional virus."

"Fuck is that?" Peacemaker asked after seemingly forgetting what just happened. You think he was trying to not think about it.

"My mother was a scientist at S.T.A.R Labs, and she was obsessed with turning me and my brother and sisters into superheroes."

"Oh, Abner," you softly said as you placed a hand on his arm. Peacemaker looked between the two of you with a hard expression.

"She infected me. Now, if I don't expel the dots twice a day..."

DuBois asked, "Then what?"

Abner made a face that was hard to read as he said, "They'll eat me alive." He then chuckled dryly as if he himself couldn't believe it.

"What happened to your brother and sisters?" Flag questioned.

"Some lived. Some... died."

Cleo, now standing, asked, "And your mom, where is she now?"

Abner looked to you before turning to his team.

"Almost everywhere."

Everyone just looked at Krill for a few moments.

"Okay," Flag turned around. "Let's move out."

"Come on, we must hurry, or we'll be late to meet my contact," Soria ushered.

Sooner or later, well, later, you made your way to this blockade where a driver in a large van was being investigated. During your trip Abner had to expel the dots, and although he was embarrassed about the situation, you and Cleo tried keeping his mind off it. The soldiers surrounded the van after a minute and started banging on the door. That was your cue.

Peacemaker started taking people out with a silenced pistol, Bloodsport shot with his arm crossbow, and King Shark ate a guy. The rest of the team moved from their hiding spots once the soldiers were dealt with. Success.

Bloodsport banged on the van's window before asking, "Are you Milton?"

The driver choked out a tearful "Si."

After Soria directed him to a nearby pull off spot, you started looking at the contents in the boxes that were pulled out.

"Milton will drive you through town and to La Gatita Amable. There are clothes in the boxes for all of you so you can blend in." Cleo started putting on a random pair of sunglasses as you pulled out a fedora. Soria continued, "That said, the walking tiburon is gonna have to stay out of sight."

"I wear disguise," Nanaue said.

"Ohhh," Cleo drawled. "You're going to wear a disguise?"

"Si."

"Hey, he's learnin' Spanish," Peacemaker said offhandedly.

"And what kind of disguise?"

"Fake mustache," he said smugly.

"Yeah," DuBois interrupted as he moved more boxes. "Fake mustache isn't gonna cut it, mate."

"Aww come on," you cooed. "What if he wears a hat?" The fedora you picked up earlier was now sitting on the King of the Ocean's head.

"You still look exactly like yourself."

"That's the worst fake mustache I've ever seen," Chris added.

"And if you had fooled us, we'd have to kill you, shark-shaped bloke with a mustache creepin' up on us like that."

"FUCK!" Nanaue yelled as he stomped off. You snickered before turning to Abner with some clothes in your hand.

"What do you think?"

"Hmm? Oh, those look nice, although I saw something in another box that I thought you might like. Let me go get it."

As he walked away towards another box, you dropped the clothes you were holding as your face softened. Someone saw something and thought of you? That hasn't happened for a very long time. You started sifting thoughtfully through a nearby box when he came back.

"Here," he showed you the clothes. "I hope you like it." It was sweet how anxious he was getting over this. He must not socialize often.

Taking the clothes from him, you observed the material. It was... actually really good. It was something you would've loved to wear if you weren't forced to wear that stupid prison outfit, and it looked like it'd fit.

"Abner, this is great! It's a lot better than what I was originally going with," you laughed. "Oh! Here, I saw these pants and thought it would match the shirt you picked up."

"Thank you," he said shyly.

"I'm gonna change over there. Stand watch, please?"

How could he say no to you? "Of course," he said while respectfully turning around. As he waited, Peacemaker appeared.

"(L/n) around?"

"Huh?" Abner said, startled from Chris's sudden presence. "Uh, yeah, they went over there to change into their disguise. I'm looking out for them."

"Oh, you're looking out for them? Well look out for this, Patrick Bateman," Peacemaker wasn't looking so peaceful as he leaned in towards Abner. Dropping his voice, he continued. "I don't know what you think is going on between you two, but leave it, you understand me? Why would The Mimic want to go for someone as lame as you? You throw polka dots at people?" Peacemaker scoffed before finishing, "Quit getting in my way, or else."

Stay away from you? There was no way he could do that. You were seemingly the only person who liked him, and now he would have to end that? Fuck that.

Abner, admittedly with a little less confidence than what he hoped for, challenged him. "Or else what?"

Gosh, three words and his heart was already pumping.

"Excuse me?" Chris raised a brow.

Luckily before anything could be done, you emerged oblivious from the jungle while dawning your new attire. Your uniform was neatly folded and tucked under your arm. Both men looked at you and... wow. Abner was speechless. Literally. For the second time within you knowing him, you made his breath hitch.

"You look stunning," Peacemaker quickly said before Abner had a chance. That wouldn't really matter since your response was quite the cockblocker.

"Thanks! Abner picked it out for me," you smiled. You even gave a twirl to show off the outfit to your teammates. Abner just looked at you with such affection in his eyes.

"Anyways, your turn," you ordered as you took Krill's watching place so he could change. Peacemaker tried making some move on you, but you were clueless. Instead, you went into Mission Mode™ and discussed some tactics and strategies you could implement. Sighing, Chris humored you and joined your planning. Not too long later, Abner walked out with his disguise on.

"I'm not sure about this," he said while standing awkwardly.

"You look like an idio-"

"You look great!" you voiced over Peacemaker. "I love those pants on you."

"Really?"

"Yeah," you laughed. "They're funky."

"I-" Krill let out a laugh of his own. "Yeah, I guess they are pretty funky."

"Alright, well, we've gotta get back to the van," you announced while walking away. Abner blindly followed you with a dumb little smile on his face while leaving Chris just standing there in disbelief.

[charliedawn]

Imagine you're another being with the "shinning" and hunted by Rose Hat and her gang. Part 1.(my version of Doctor Sleep. Warning : gore. Horror movie. Also, you're a bad a**. 😉😂)

Little Danny loved to explore the hotel, he liked to think that it was an adventure. This is why that when the door of room 374 mysteriously opened on its own, he found himself inside before he could think about the consequences of his action. He looked around, it didn't seem any different from any other room, besides the fact that there was a huge mirror in the center of it. He approaches it and, finding his reflection funny, started making weird faces in front of it. However, his reflection quickly distorted, showing a little girl who was crying instead. Danny was a very curious little boy, and like many little boys as curious as him, he wanted to investigate. He sat on the ground and stared at the girl that hadn't noticed him yet and couldn't help but find her pretty. When she raised her eyes, they immediately made contact with the ones of Danny that smiled sympathetically at her.

" Why are you crying?"

He asked and she sniffled.

" My sister..She's done some terrible things..But I don't know what to do.."

He stared at the mirror for a moment before raising his index to his ear and whispered.

" What should I do, Tony ? She seems scared.."

The little girl raises an eyebrow at his strange gesture, but didn't interrupt him as he replied in another voice.

" I think she needs a friend.."

The boy smiled and nodded vividly in agreement before turning towards the girl again.

" Tony says I should probably be your friend. My name is Danny. What's yours ?"

The girl laughed a little before replying.

" Y/N..Where are you right now ?"

You asked, looking around him with a small frown. He seemed to be in some sort hotel..But, something felt off.

" I'm with my mom and my dad. We came here for his job.."

But, Danny didn't seem too happy about it and you decided to step a little closer to the mirror.

" You see bad things too.."

You said knowingly and Danny nodded frantically.

" I see them too.."

His eyes widened at your confession and he quickly asked.

" Really ? What do you see ?"

You seemed to look around, making sure that no one could hear you before leaning in and whispering.

" My sister..She has someone else with her, someone bad and that tells her what she has to do. This morning, she killed our dog..This is why I'm sad. The more the bad lady stays, the more my sister seems to change..I'm afraid that she will do something awful to my parents.."

Danny listened and put his thumb in his mouth, the only this that seemed to calm him down when he was worried or upset about something. He was afraid that you would find his odd behavior strange, but you only smiled before putting a strand of your hair in your mouth: your own calming process. He slowly took his thumb out and shared his own struggles.

" My father wanted to come here..but the hotel is bad. There are very bad things happening around and I'm afraid that he is going to hurt us.."

In a way, you both understood each other's struggles..But before you could talk more about it, you heard the voice of your sister calling you and freezed. She entered the room and her eyes were immediately drawn to the mirror. She smiled maliciously before standing in front of the glass.

" And who might you be, huh ?"

She asked, but Danny was too scared to speak..He had seen the old woman standing above her and her face suddenly distorted at the realization. She grimaced in anger and screamed.

" Get out of my house !"

The force of the scream was such that it send Danny flying against a wall. The connection stopped and Danny was on the verge of crying when he suddenly heard a door creak. He slowly turned his head towards the bathroom and his eyes widened as he saw someone in the bathtub. He stood up and seemed to be drawn in by the bathroom. He wanted to get out, but couldn't help walking forward, the door closing behind him..

A few years later :

You are walking towards the nearby cinema, unaware that you are being followed. You step in the cinema and buy a ticket before sitting down in one of the comfortable chairs of the dark room. There are other people, a blond girl and a man in his forties. You don't have to wonder about their relationship as the man puts his hand on the girl's thigh. You grimace and try to take a better look at the girl that seemed awfully young..You sigh loudly before looking up at the screen. They had entered together..maybe you were reading too much into this ? However, when you hear the small noises of pain, you stand up, ready to take the girl's hand and run..But imagine your surprise when you see that the moans of pain were coming from the man. You stay speechless, but quickly sit back down, looking at the girl that is whispering things in his ear, things that make the man physically shake. You look around, wondering if anyone else had noticed. Nobody seems to notice what's unfolding, only two people that seem to fix the girl with envy and..something else. You shiver as the eyes of the woman seem to stare straight at you. However, you pretend being as oblivious as everyone else by stuffing yourself with popcorn, making her grimace in disgust and look away promptly. At the end of the movie, you nearly run out of the cinema and enter the bus quickly. You see the two persons following..the blond girl from the cinema. She seems scared and you take multiple shaky breaths before running out of the bus. You curse yourself as you run past the two creeps to take the arm of the girl and put on your best fake smile.

" Hi girl ! The movie was sooo good, don't you think ?!"

The blond one frowns in incomprehension, but quickly understands when you significantly tilt your head backwards. She nods and smiles even wider before playing the game.

" I know ! I'm so sorry to have left you, but I really thought my date would show up !"

You glance backwards and see that the two have disappeared..But you don't feel like leaving the girl alone and whisper.

" My house is a few blocks away..You can hide there for a bit, just to make sure the two weirdos are truly gone.."

She looks back as well and finally nods in agreement. You arrive and lock the door behind you. You then turn towards the blond that is looking around curiously. You smile and look through the window to observe the street.

" Do you have any friends or family around here that you can stay at for the night ?"

You ask and the girl looks at her shoes sheepishly and shakes her head.

" No..I'm alone."

You feel her uneasiness and gaze back at her with a small reassuring smile.

" Don't worry, you can stay the night if you want. But, as I'm supposed to leave tomorrow..I need to know if you have anywhere to go ? A shelter maybe ? Do you want me to call child services ?"

At the mention of the latter, the girl looks up at you with frightened eyes and shakes her head negatively.

" No ! You won't take me there ! You'll allow me to stay here !"

The way she says it almost sounds like an order and you can see that she is trying to use the same trick on you than she did with the older man..but it doesn't work and you only sigh loudly.

" Fine. As I said, you can stay the night. But, tomorrow, I will be going to New Hampshire, so you better find something until then."

She slowly nods and you then make a sign for her to follow you. You open the guest room and she enters. She sits on the bed and seems happy enough. You smile and are about to tell her goodnight when she surprises you by telling you her name:

" Andi. My name is Andi."

You just realize now that you hadn't even asked for her name..You smile and respond.

" I'm Y/N."

Then you close the door and go to your own room.

The next day :

You wake up and get ready before preparing your breakfast. You enter Andi's room, but only find a neatly made bed. You feel a bit sad at the fact that she didn't even say goodbye..but that quickly goes away when you see that you are missing 20 dollars.

" Son of a..!"

You curse and sigh again..Well, it could have been worse. You take your car keys and get inside your car. You start driving towards New Hampshire while following a map. You are supposed to have an interview for the local newspaper and also..You kinda want to get away from the city for a while, too many entities there. You only stop halfway to get your sandwiches out of your bag. You search for through your stuff, but suddenly feel something moving on the backseat. You freeze and your brain starts gathering all the possible explanations..A raccoon ? A spirit ?..You wait and finally, a familiar fair-haired head peeks out from underneath a blanket.

"...Hey."

She greets you with an awkward smile and a small wave of her hand. You can't believe that she 1) actually slept through more than half of the road and 2) that she followed you ! Your shock passed6, you pinch the bridge of your nose in exasperation and ask on an intransigent tone.

" Andi. What are you doing here ?"

She doesn't answer, she just looks ahead with widened eyes and you grit your teeths..Is she actually ignoring you right now ?! You are about to start yelling when she points towards the road ahead. You sigh, but still look and your eyes widen as well when you see who is driving the small van ahead of you..the guys who was following Andi yesterday ! He seems to be following a young boy now. Your blood boils in your veins at the prospect that they were now actually attacking small children.

" Andi. Seat belt."

You say warningly, your hand gripping the steering wheel with such intensity that your knuckles turn white. Andi doesn't wait for you to ask twice and quickly buckles her seat belt. You see that the boy is about to get inside the car and suddenly hit the gas. You had a feeling, a feeling that this boy would never see the light of day again if you didn't stop them. You drive straight ahead and collide with van full force, continuing advancing even afterwards. You make them drive backwards and you glare straight into the other driver's eyes. He seems shocked at first, but when he recognizes you, he smiles. You grit your teeths and yell while raising your middle finger.

" Yeah ! Keep smiling, a**h*le !"

The boy is far away now. He will be able to get back to his parents safely. Andi doesn't scream, but can feel the anger radiating from you. The van drives away as well, and the front of your car may be in a disastrous state, but you don't care. When you're calm enough, you lean back against your seat and look back at Andi, making sure that she is alright.

" Everything's fine ?"

She nods affirmatively before looking at you with concern written all over her features.

" I know that they are creeps but..Wasn't it a bit too much ?"

You close your eyes and remember the screams of agony of a little girl that you had heard a few months ago..You don't know why, but the screams had suddenly reappeared in your head as you had seen the two individuals following Andi yesterday, and even louder with this kid. It is now your alarm when bad thing are about to happen. You hear the screams of this girl that seemed in such pain when she died..You had ran to get to her, but by the time you had arrived, she had disappeared completely. This is another one of the reasons why you had decided to leave your old town. You take a big breath before driving forward.

" You have to trust me on this. They deserved it."

You say confidently and Andi doesn't add anything. She only looks out the window silently for the rest of the way. When you finally arrive, you stop in front of a weird-looking house with dark-tinted windows and a bright red door. You had already seen it of course, but Andi hadn't. She pouts when she sees it and whines.

"Is that really where you're going to live ?"

You ark an eyebrow at the pronoun she uses and cough loudly for her to turn her attention towards you.

" Where WE are going to live, you mean ? You really think I'm going to let you go with those people out there ? Not in a million years. You stay with me, Missy. That you like it or not.."

Her eyes widen, but she quickly smiles excitedly.

" You mean it ?! I promise that I won't steal money from you again ! And I'll even give your watch back !"

" Yeah yeah..Don't get used to it though, as soon as the creeps are definitely off our backs, I'm finding you someone else to take care of you..Wait, what do you mean by giving my watch back ?!"

She smiles awkwardly and you look at your naked wrist and roll your eyes before extending your hand.

" Come on. Give it."

She immediately gets it out and gives it back to you with an apologetic smile. You both get out, and she even helps you with the luggage.

" No more stealing. I'll have a job and I'm sure it'll pay enough for the both of us."

She doesn't answer right away, but you suddenly turn around and wait with your arms crossed expectantly. She finally rolls her eyes and replies with her gaze lowered to the floor.

" Yes, "mom"."

You gasp in fake offense at her insinuation and she looks up at you with a small smirk.

" That's it, young lady. Come on. Get inside and tomorrow, I'll be sure to walk around and see if any schools can accept you. There is no way I'm leaving a fifteen-year old roam the street."

She seems to disapprove and says on an authorative tone, crossing her arms as well.

" I'm not going. In fact, you'll forget ever asking me to do so.."

She tries to use her powers on you again, but you resist her and sigh before entering the house. You don't answer her and she frowns, upset. However, she still enters after you and is agreeably surprised by the interior that is a lot prettier than the outside. You smile at her awed expression, however, you aren't that pleased to be back in this house..

" Home sweet home.."

You still remember how you thought that the walls were full of secrets and that the seemed to be whispering in your ears..They had warned you of what would happen, but you were only a child..What could you have done ? Andi gets you out of your thoughts by groaning loudly.

" I'm hungry.."

You sigh, of course she is..

" Okay, the money you stole from my wallet ? It was supposed to be used for buying groceries once here."

She looks at her shoes almost guiltily before admitting.

" I was hungry this morning..I used it to by a box of donuts and a milkshake.."

You want to be mad..but you can't. You only take out your wallet and open the door. She quickly follows you and you start walking, searching for a shop. You soon find one at the corner of a nearby street and enter. You start looking around for decent prices while Andy starts piling up sugary sweets upon sugary sweet in the...You turn in the soups alley and Andi grimaces in disgust at nearly every single soup on the shelves. You finally take some, ignoring Andi's complaining. You see that the last tomato soup is on sale and are about to take it when another hand shots up to get it. You turn towards the owner of the hand and see an Indian man with a nice smile. He gives you the soup while apologizing.

" My bad, you spot it first."

You smile back politely and take it. You are about to turn around and go when the man introduces himself while extending your hand towards you.

" I'm Billy. Billy Freeman."

You finally shake his hand with a small smile and nod in acknowledgement before replying.

" I'm Y/N. And this girl here is Andi."

However, the man frowns in confusion before looking behind you.

" Hum..Andi ?"

You turn around and see that Andi is gone. You sigh loudly before groaning.

" This girl I swear.."

You then flash your best apology smile towards Billy.

" It was a pleasure, Billy. But, I need to go."

You start walking towards the cashier, but Billy follows you before adding.

" Wait. I'll search with you."

You are about to refuse, but finally nod in agreement. You need all the help you can get to find the girl, hoping that one of those creepy guys didn't get to her first..You shiver just as the thought and feel the adrenaline rushing through your veins as you start yelling.

" Andi ! Andi ! Where are you ?!"

Billy calls her as well, but you finally have to go through the cashier.

" Please, I lost my...sister. Her name is Andi. Can you call her ?"

The lady only nods before making the call. You stay here, biting your nails out of frustration. One minute, and Andi had disappeared. You don't want admit it, but you like the blond midget. You don't want anything to happen to her until you find her a family or help in any case..Suddenly, the woman smiles and tilts her head towards one of the aisles where two individuals had just gotten out of. One is Andi, munching grumpily on a handful of crisps while the other person, a man, drags her forward. You sigh in relief before running towards them.

" Thank God ! Andi ! I was worried !"

She only rolls her eye dramatically before continuing eating, but you can see that she feels guilty when she whispers.

" Yeah..Sorry.."

You look up to thank the man that had found her and freeze on thee spot when your eyes meet. Somehow, you have this feeling to have already seen him somewhere.. However, he doesn't seem to feel the same way as he only smiles before tilting his head towards Andi.

" You're the sister of the little demon ?"

He asks with a small smile and you nod with a slight smile as well. He extends his hand towards you and you shake it accordingly. However, the moment your hand is in his, you feel as if electricity is coursing through your entire body. He seems to feel it too this time as he immediately steps away with a small frown of incomprehension. However, before you could say anything, Billy appears and takes him by the shoulders in a friendly way.

" Hey, Danny ! I see that you've met the new members !"

Danny ? The name is as familiar as the face, but Danny only shakes his head with a shy smile.

" Yeah. Just found the girl and decided to do a good deed..But, I have to come back to work. I'll see you around."

You don't know who he is addressing those last words too, but you still reply.

" I hope so.."

He looks one last time at you before leaving and suddenly, memories flash in your brain that makes you scream in agony in front of everyone. Andi is by your side in and instant and tries to calm you down, but you feel a painful pang in your chest. You open your eyes wide and feel as if you can't breathe..You thought you had locked her up..But, one glance at Danny, and your old demon got out of his prison. You feel cold arms around your neck as she whispers in your ear.

" hello, sister.."

End of part 1! Tell me what you think!

[tinyboxxtink]

"Black Magic" *Part 6*

Part 5

Part 7

Okay so this one's a bit shorter, but like I said I want to try and keep it a "day" a chapter. Also, I don't think you want this day to be ANY longer.

....I'm so sorry.

Also also---- I'm going out now. I'M SO SORRY.

I'll post another chapter tonight....be strong my babies!

Side note how perfect is the gif with the angry barba and the smirking Olivia....I mean.... what?

Tag List:

@bookishfanfic

@stars-in-the-skies-world

@omgsuperstarg

@chasingeverybreakingwave

@gibbs274

@milkshqke

@wanniiieeee

@word-scribbless

@objection-argumentative

@aprildecker-blog

@lolliepopsicle

@madamsnape921

@stars-trash-18

-------

You arrived at the door of Rafael's office early once again, knocking this time. You looked like a million bucks. You had taken at least an hour to get ready, your outfit, your hair, your makeup. You were ready to make a move. You knocked again. There was no answer. He should be there, maybe he didn’t hear you. You knocked a little louder. Where could he be? You decided to take a peek and peer open his door to see the most horrifying sight:

Rafael and Olivia, making out on his desk. They both snapped back when they heard the door open.

“Y/N!!” He yelled angrily. “Don't you knock?”

“Oh.. oh my God I'm so sorry sir I'm really sorry. I just brought your morning coffee sir,” You were upset, embarrassed , confused , distraught unable to speak, unable to think.

“Well you should learn not to peep on other people Y/N,” Olivia gave you an evil smirk. “I should get going anyway baby,” she rubbed the lipstick off Rafael's lips. “I have a long day.”

“Oh but I'll miss you carino,” Rafael whined while rubbing his nose against hers in a disgusting fashion.

“I know baby, but maybe we'll have lunch?” She messed with his collar.

“You can count on it,” Rafael growled seductively, smacking her butt as she walked towards the door. “Two can play at your game,” she whispered at you as she walked out

Oh my god. Oh my God oh my god!! How did she know? How was it possible? So many things went through your head at that moment.

“I um, I left something at my desk,” You lied quickly as you headed out the door.

“Olivia!” You called after her angrily suddenly overwhelmed with courage. She stopped and turned and stared at you

“Really? Got some balls on you now do you?”

“What did you do?” You demanded.

“I didn't do anything to him.” She acted innocent. “He just realized that his feelings for me were there all along,” she batted her eyes mockingly. “Isn't that what you did?”

“It's not real!” You barked. “You know it's not real. It'll wear off by tomorrow,”

“Oh I really don't think it will” She held up a water bottle in her purse and it was filled with a….purple liquid? Yep it was purple. Why was it purple? Did she make it stronger? Oh God how strong did she make it?

“Olivia you can't do this to him. I stopped and realized if it wasn't real, I didn't want it.”

“Oh that's bullshit.” She rolled her eyes. “You just brought him his morning coffee. You and I both know that it has that stuff in it. You just needed to refill him but I got there first.”

“No that's not true! You yelled, tears stinging your eyes now. “And he loves me. I know he does.”

“Oh my God you are delusional,” she laughed.” Look I'm happy you had a fun day yesterday but you’re out of your league here, sweetie. He's mine and he always will be? Got it?” She smirked again, then turned and stomped away in her heels leaving you there speechless.

----

You were furious, you were confused, you were upset and then you realized that you had to still continue this day as if nothing was different. Nothing was wrong. You wondered how strong Olivia's stuff was. You wondered what the rules were. Did it block out his feelings for you completely and only focus on her? Did it wipe any memory of you and him at all? Could you break it? You had so many questions you needed to call Chloe but you know you couldn't until your break so you sucked it up and walked back into Rafael's office.

“I'm really sorry about that so earlier,” You did your best to keep from crying. He looked at you with an almost look of disdain.

“Yeah well you really need to be more professional, Y/N.” He scoffed.

"Now you really need to get me copies of these prepositions by noon so that I can go to lunch with my beloved and then go to court.”

“Your beloved?” You spat unintentionally, wanting to gag.

“Excuse you?” He gave you an angry look.

"Look I know that you have some kind of crazy crush on me, but you need to learn that what me and my girlfriend have is something you can't get between so you really need to either control yourself or I will relieve you of your services.” He glared at you.

You couldn't breathe, you felt your heart beating in your chest and your ears. Your palms were sweating, you were having a panic attack. What the hell did she put in her concoction? How did she make him turn so harshly against you?

“I... Yes sir, sorry sir, right away sir,” You whispered grabbing the papers from him running out of the office.

Finally after you got Rafael his copies and he stormed out of his office to go meet his “beloved”, you took the break to call Chloe in tears.

-----

“Oh My God, what happened honey?” She asked, immediately hearing your sobs over the phone.

“She did it,” You sobbed.

“Who did what now?”

“She found the spell! Or some spell. I don't know what she did. I don't know how she could have-- I don't know what she did!!!” You kept sobbing uncontrollably not being able to form coherent thoughts.

“Okay, I'm going to need you to slow down,” Chloe said in a calming manner. “Breathe honey. Use your words. Now explain to me exactly what happened,”

You took several deep breaths trying to compose yourself so that you could explain what was happening to her.

“I went into Rafael's office this morning, and he was making out with that vile woman,” You sniffled.

“What vile woman?”

“Olivia, his ‘beloved’,” you rolled your eyes through your tears.

“His beloved?”

“It's some woman that he works with, and apparently has been in love with him forever. She somehow, I don't know how, figured out what we did to him and she somehow found her own spell. Which I'm pretty sure is not the same one, because it was a purple liquid. AND she not only created feelings for her, she made him hate me!!” You continued to sob.

“...Oh,” Was all Chloe could say.

“OH…?!” You scoffed. “I thought you said that magic laws frowned upon spells like that, controlling people's free will!”

“It does! Good magic anyway,” She sighed.

“What the hell does that mean?” You yelled angrily.

“Well I mean you know there's good witches and bad witches,”

“Oh my God, what in the Wizard Of Oz fuckery--”

“I don't know what to tell you honey. That's how it is. There's good magic and there's black magic. Black magic is all selfish and self-indulgent and instant gratification. She must have gone to somebody who deals in that,”

“Who could it be?”

“I don't know! It's not like they're listed in the yellow pages! WAIT-- Oh my God I think I might have an idea,” Chloe suddenly paused. “...But you're not going to believe me,”

“Oh my God what does that mean?” you asked wearily.

“Well.. you've seen all the movies right? You know like Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Snow White,”

“Oh God. Are you seriously going to tell me that true love's kiss can break the spell?”

“Well.. you really don't have any other options right now, do you?”

“CHLOE those are Disney movies for fuck’s sake!!”

“Hey, remember Once Upon A Time? THAT was the ‘real world’, and true love’s kiss brought magic to our world!” Chloe pointed out.

“THAT’S A TV SHOW!!!!!”

“I don't know what else you want me to say here babe. But you should do it. Unless you want to lose him forever to this “Olivia” person. You said that she had a lot of it, right? She could keep this up for as long as she wants. AND the more she gives him the stronger it's going to be and the harder it is going to be to break. I mean he might end up really hating you and firing you, and then your whole life will be ruined. You not only need to break this spell for you to be happy, but before it impacts your entire life,” Chloe warned.

“Oh my God, oh my god…” You whimpered. “I should have never done this.”

“Hey chin up this will work out I'm sure of it!” She said in a chipper tone.

“Okay Jiminy,” You rolled your eyes as you hung up and went back to your office. You did your best to continue with the rest of the day, trying to stay out of Rafael’s way. Which wasn't hard, considering that he was in court most of the day. Around four he texted you and told you that he was no longer in need of your services for the day so you could go home early. Oh also he just HAD to add that he was going to go out with Liv. You wanted to vomit. You headed home and went to brainstorm with Chloe.

-----

“Okay so I've been researching black magic. Chloe had papers sprawled out all over her bed when you came home. “She must have used a combination of love and hate spells.”

“Wait, so you mean actual love spells? Like actually creating fictitious love? Not just magnifying what he felt for her?”

“Correct” she nodded. “I don't think he ever had real feelings for her.”

“Well he said that she and him had a thing, and that he thought about her like that when they first met. So maybe it was going off of that,” You shrugged sadly.

“Another thing we need to figure out is how to get the rest of the potion from her somehow,”

“And just HOW do you expect me to do that?!”

“I don’t...I don’t know,” She shrugged, sifting through her research.

“Chloe, give me something you DO know,” You rubbed your temples; this was giving you a migraine.

“Okay… well, maybe if I talk to my other friends they can figure out a way to counteract the effects even just a little, if you're not willing to or unable to get true love's kiss,”

“Oh God--”

“Hey, I'm just saying”

“Whatever.” You sighed. “My head hurts, my heart hurts, everywhere hurts Chloe,” You whined. “I just want this to be over,”

“Okay honey just-- just go get some sleep, I’ll figure out a game plan for you to use tomorrow,”

“Okay...thank you,” You gave her a small hug and went to your room.

You went to bed with a deep feeling of dread.