#Candi is the one you should be afraid of if you were wondering

[tumblingclockwork]

I love that Mania is the one of my object head OCs who gets the most horror art when she is objectively probably the least involved in horror person out of the group

[bitchimasnake-sss]

☆ oliver aiku vs. his ex!

synopsis: oliver aiku was always a ladies' man. a sadistic one, at that. he enjoyed playing with emotions, enjoyed being in control, enjoyed ruining women at the whims of his heart and dick. so, when he decides he's had enough of his cheerleader!gf and breaks up... why does she not look upset? in fact, why is she brushing him off, acting like he didn't mean shit to her?? huh? guess it's upto him to remind you just what a wonderful boyfriend he is. pairing: pro soccer player!oliver aiku x cheerleader!gf cw: hate-sex. marathon sex. making a sex tape. nsfw includes: fingering, penetration, creampie, oliver being a bitch and lowkey toxic. NOT PROOFREAD. wc: 2.9k

oliver aiku wasn't an actor by profession. no, he was a soccer player. the entire world knew that by now, you knew that by now.

yet the way he had clasped his hand — intertwining his digits — and looked at you with his pretty face all furrowed, you may as well given him an oscar for best actor.

"it hurts me to do this. it really fuckin' does." oliver nodded, splaying his large palm against his muscled chest, "but, i'm afraid it's just not working out between us."

you almost wanted to laugh in his face.

so, this is why he had booked a reservation at the same restaurant he had asked you out at just two months prior.

you could recall that night as if it was yesterday. the winds were unforgiving as you had sat on the same table in the same balcony area. that night, his heterochrome eyes were locked in on yours and he smiled so softly when he asked you out. words candied, so awfully, awfully sweet: "'s you and me, baby. forever."

how funny that forever lasted 2 month and 6 days.

now, the same dim overhead lighting panted the man in a subtle glow, hiding his dark intentions just as well as it hid the dips and curves of his facial features.

he reached for your hand on the table, methodically rubbing circles into your skin as his eyes bore into yours. he repeated, "you get me, right, baby?"

you almost did laugh in his face.

stifling your amusement under the guise of sadness, you nodded, "i understand it all, oliver. all too well, at that."

you knew oliver was a sadistic man, a man that replaced women with the flick of his fingers. something in him got off at their spluttering breaths, their wide eyes as they tried to ask him questions: but why? why do you want to break-up? oliver, why? why, why, why?

too bad you weren't one of those girls at oliver aiku's feet.

maybe he had forgotten that you had known him for ages, that you were well-versed with his tactics — being the captain of the national japanese cheerleading team. maybe he had forgotten that you knew what kind of man he was long before he started chasing after you. and maybe he had forgotten that if he tried to ruin you, you'd ruin him thrice over.

covering his larger palm with yours much smaller ones, you leaned forward. the swell of your tits was a sight to see, your cleavage so delicious against that low-cut dress but it was your words that made oliver aiku question his sanity, "i really get you, oli. with your career and mine, it's just so hard to make this work. i was gonna suggest the same. we should really break up."

what?

whatever flickers of amusement were left in his heterochrome eyes turn to ashes, sinking within his tanned skin as he physically froze. his eyes took you in, words barely pushing past his lips, "what?"

"you're right." you patted his hand sympathetically, "we should break-up, baby."

the two of you sat in silence, basking each-other in as the chatter in the background faded off. suddenly, the sensual ambience of the restaurant turned into one of stark... confusion...?

the man opened his mouth, pretty lips parting before closing again, and again, and again like a goddamn fish out of water.

"right. right." the man finally breathed out, shifting backwards in his seat and nodding, "i'm glad we both agree then."

"thanks for the meal, oliver." you smiled, pulling your hands back to your lap. your posture straightened, eyes tangling against his in such a cruel dance. "i'm so glad we could end this mutually."

"of course," the man rasped, trying to mask his disappointment at your level-headed tone.

why weren't you in shambles yet?

his lips wobbled as they fell into a smile, and the gesture left some sort of sick, twisted satisfaction in your gut.

oliver grit out, "i'm glad too."

that was two weeks ago, and you had walked away from the restaurant with heart well and intact. oliver aiku was a language you were well-versed in, after all. he was destruction, ruination, he was everything you should stay away from.

but now... the real question was: if oliver aiku was soo glad that you broke up, then why was he running towards you after winning the championship quarter-finals?

sweat dripped off the planes of his cheeks, down his jaw and into his jersey. he cleared his throat, completely ignoring your teammate who had been talking to you seconds prior. his eyes zeroed in on you, "oh, didn't see you there."

the man huffed, eyeing you in your tight-fitting uniform. the man in question smirked, keeping up with his own nonchalant attitude, "how ya doin', sweets?"

"didn't see me?" you repeated with a jump in your brows, "you didn't see the cheer team throughout the match? have you lost your vision, aiku? or worse, your mind?"

"oh? have i?" the slight, seductive lilt in his voice never gave up and you stared daggers at him, "what is it, aiku?"

"how was that, huh?"

"how was what?"

"my... play? the game?" the man slowed his speech down as if you were not comprehending him thoroughly.

"good, i guess?" you shrugged, still turned towards the teammate that seemed to sense the tension between you two. as if on cue, she left you to alone. walking away with the signature ponytail swaying with each graceful step.

you dragged your gaze back to the man and waited for him to spill. and spill, he did.

"i was thinking about the break-up." he finally fessed, a hand flying up to tame his unruly hair, "and i think it may have been a mistake."

a smirk threatened to break out on your lips but being a woman of class, you cooed instead, "but i do think it was the right decision. i don't think we should get back together, oli."

"what? f'real?" he panted, wiping a hand to get rid of the sweat that was cascading down his forehead.

you just hummed.

"what? jus' asking." and he grinned — unabashed, uncaring that the whole world might make when they see his crazed expression, "dont'cha miss me? be honest. don't you miss my dick? bet i can get you to come back with just an one night sta—"

"—nah, you're too tiny, aiku. it won't get the work done."

of course, the former captain didn't lose his cool. instead, he laughed — the kind that made your skin crawl and sent a violent, hot throb down to your core. his heterochrome eyes narrowed in some sort of evil satisfaction and he dragged his hand over his stubble so, so slowly.

he finally leaned in, "you want me to ruin you? ya wanna gamble your life like that?"

"can you?" you paused, purposefully looking at him with those doe-eyes, "can you 'ruin me', oliver?"

"hah." he pulled back, giving you an easy smile, "trying to push all my buttons? you have no idea how this'll end for you."

you nodded, "you think you'd scare me, aiku?"

"baby..." his voice was a drawl, words so well-pronounced, "i'd do you worse than that."

maybe you forgot that if you tried to ruin oliver aiku thrice over, he would go for a nasty total of four times instead.

"oli— a-aiku." your breath stuttered as his silhouette became blurry. hot tears pricked at your lash-line as he bullied his digits deeper and deeper into your cunt once more.

his pace was inhumane, fingers still playing against your gummy walls till he found the spot that was your kryptonite. and then, he kept assaulting that very spot over and over again. over n' over n' over again till your back arched and moans tore out of your throat so pathetically.

"i can't. i can't. ca-can't." you babbled — fucked so dumb on his thick fingers — as he tried to pull your fourth orgasm out of you, "a-aiku."

"ah." he hummed, his fingers fucking into you so, so mean. his pace slowed only so that you could focus on his rough voice, "tch, look right here."

his digits moved with purpose, their purpose being your ruination. and you lost yourself in the feeling of your stomach tightening, another violent orgasm trying to pry itself out of your aching body.

you were pulled into reality with a harsh squeeze of your cheeks. your teary eyes widened, wobbling lips falling into a forced pout as oliver repeated himself, "look into the fuckin' camera, doll."

"o-okay." your eyes dragged upwards from man to the tripod set at the edge of the bed. your shaky vision took in the metallic luster of his phone and you tried to focus.

"okay," he rasped, "now tell 'em how good i'm fucking ya." he cut himself off with a laugh, "ah, wait i haven't even fucked you yet and you're still so fucked out, isn't it?"

"no-oh." a harsh slap to your throbbing clit had your head rolling backwards. oliver hummed, "i asked you to speak up," another harsh slap had you gasping, "so, speak the fuck up."

"i-" your voice wavered pathetically, eyes barely focused on the camera that was perched a few meters apart, "i fuckin' hate oliver aiku."

"oh?" his amused laugh hit your core, hot breath playing with your overstimulated cunt. his fingers steadied, the impending orgasm that was just now knocking at your door dissipated with each drawled out second.

"oh?" he laughed again, this time slowly pulling his fingers out, "you hate me?"

"i- i do." you almost cringed at the weak resolve in your voice, and cringed once again as you failed to meet his eyes. oliver stared daggers at you, pushing his pretty fingers past his hungry lips to finally taste you.

"hmm," he hummed against his digits, popping them out lewdly, "you taste so fuckin' sweet but you're a mean, lil' thing. aren't ya?"

"yeah, i am. why?" as your body finally caught a break from his unyielding acts, your voice grew firmer, "are you having a tough time handling me?"

"you're so cute." the soccer player raised himself upwards and caged you in under him, muscled back rippling with each step forward. his fingers hooked under your chin, voice so soft, "why do you hate me?"

the very next second, he was off you. clad only in his boxers, oliver aiku carried himself to his phone and removed it off the tripod. bringing the device to you, he started a new video, "how about you tell all the reasons you hate me to the camera?"

"wh-huh?"

the phone was handed over into your shaking hands and you stared at your flushed face in the front camera as the camera kept on recording. your eye makeup was a mess, highlighter and blush smudged as lipstick dragged off of your lips to your chin.

"go on." oliver dragged his boxers down and you to his lap. with one smooth motion, his achingly hard cock was inside your abused cunt.

"o-li-ver." his words were mere syllables as your eyes clasped shut. his hips rutted upwards, his strong hands wrapping around your waist as he kept fucking into you. the mushroom tip dragging so deliciously against your g-spot.

"go on," he grit, words a desperate command, "tell the camera w-why you hate me, doll."

"first, you're so me-mean sometimes." you caught your face contorting into pleasure as oliver kept up with his pace.

"am i?"

"mhm." you nodded, one hand shakily clasping the camera and another wrapping around his shoulders to stablize yourself. he dragged his lips down your jaw, his stubble a familiar scratch against your skin, "what else?"

"you keep flirt—ingh ah, ah, ah wi—with other women, oli." he inhaled your scent, obscenely licking at the thin layer of perspiration on your neck, "and?"

"and you're s-sho," your words slurred at his sudden hard thrust within you, "pretentious."

he smiled against your skin, words so scratchy as your velvety walls milked him to his demise, "using big words now, pretty?"

your eyes met his in a lewd, charged dance. the long-forgotten video still getting filmed in the background as he captured your lips in a messy kiss; all teeth and spit and sins.

"'m not dumb like ya," you breathed against his kiss-bitten lips for a bare second before your lips clashed against his again. a strong hand travelled up your spine, the touch so intimate as he pounded his cock up into your cervix.

"o-oli," your hand shook, another wrapping around him as your hardened nipples rubbed against his hard, muscled body, "'m gonna cum."

"not yet." the man babbled, "not yet. not yet. finish telling the camera why you hate me."

"i ha-te you." you nodded, eyes drooping dangerously as you tried to speak into the phone, "i hate oli 'cause he only da-dated me to... fuck, oli. he dated me jus' to break up."

"did you not wanna break up?" the man cooed, though the undertones of his voice revealed the dark satisfaction of your admission, "ya said ya wanted it."

"i— i did."

"an' now?" his eyes bore into your face, words so desperate that they dangled at the edge of insanity, "say you love me."

your eyes widened, sanity clearing only for a moment to deny his hurling accusations, "i don't."

a harsh roll of his hips had your eyes rolling back again, had your manicured nails sinking into his tanned skin and had your jaw slacking open just for his to kiss you senseless.

"say it." he mumbled against your lips, drunk on you, "jus' say it. say y-you love me, doll."

you found yourself losing your senses as he fucked into you with one harsh rut and then another, and another. a hand snaked lazily between your writhing, sweaty bodies to play against you long-neglected clit, "c'mon. spill, doll."

"i do." you nodded finally, lips wettened by your crazed kisses and body molding to his corrupt touches, "i love you, oli."

"good girl." he smiled against your glossed lips, "say you want me back."

you repeated after him, a mindless husk of a woman at his disposition, "i wan' you ba-ah fuck 'm gonna cum."

"say it."

"i wantyouback." your words mushed together as you finally felt your orgasm clash against your own body. your thighs shook, the limbs closing tightly against his well-defined waist and his phone dropped from your limp grasp onto the luxurious bed.

"good girl, jus' like that." oliver nodded, his words so very dark as you finally fell limp against his body. his hand methodically soothed you, rubbing patterns into your back as he fucked his erection right into your overstimulated core.

heavy breaths stuttered out of your used body, eyes clasping shut at the feel of his warmth against your entire skin and the mess he was making against your puffy folds.

"fuuuck." his hips came to a stutter, arms growing tighter against your ribcage as the man emptied himself within your inviting, plush cunt with a pornographic moan, "fuckin' hell, i forgot just how good you feel like this."

the sticky, white-ish liquid dribbled past your fluttering cunt and pooled within you two. oliver pushed you a mere inches away to bring his hands to your face. as his heterochrome eyes burned into yours, the warmth from his palm seemed to seep into your cold cheek... but now, his touch felt too hot, as if it would char you.

oliver aiku gave you a smile — a dangerous one — and the dimple in his cheek came alive, "i'm so happy we're back together, baby."

wait, what???

but before you could question him, before you could take a pause and wonder aloud, his syrupy lips caught yours and he shushed you, "shh, 's okay. jus' go to sleep, baby. i'll clean you up, okay?"

"but oli—"

"��baby." his words were gentle, actions so soft as he laid you down on the bed and kissed your forehead, "just sleep, doll. we can talk tomorrow, right?"

and you nodded. how could you not as he dragged his strong palms up and down your sore body and mumbled sweet nothings into the pliant, night air?

the next morning, as the sun shone past his glass windows and onto your sleepy face, you saw a half-dressed oliver hovering on the side of the bed.

"what?" you asked lazily, rubbing the sleep off of your eyes. half aware that you were still in his bed, you stared at him confused.

"what?" he repeated with a dopey smile.

"what'dyou want?" your words slurred, the morning voice creeping in within the syllables.

"nothing." oliver grinned, bending down to boop your nose with his index, "jus' wanted to say goodmorning to my beautiful girlfriend."

your eyes widened, body shooting up so fast that your forehead collided against his dense head, "—ouCH!"

"jesus," the man staggered, rubbing the area you had assaulted with his index and middle finger, "what?!"

"you were serious about that?!"

"you were not?" he quipped, and you shook your head as if he was the insane one, "obviously not."

"ah," oliver aiku nodded — as if in a deep thought — before looking down at you. flickers of amusement swam in his irises, lips lopsided and twisted as he looked at you as if you were his personal lab rat, "well, too bad we're back together now, doll."

what the fuck.

a/n: OLIVER AIKU THE MAN YOU AREEE. I LOVE TO HATE YOU. MY CRINGEFAIL HUSBAND FOREVER MWUAH MWUAH. tagging: @moodswing101 @actuallynarii @5hoe1 @mininji @scara-simp69 @heartfeltstarry @keimorii because like why, not?

[utterlyazriel]

let me keep you company

a/n: a wee break from the doom & gloom of wtssf! it's unedited so i want no flack for that thank u <3 enjoy <3 wc: 5.1k whoops synopsis: You're studying in Velaris and a certain Shadowsinger catches your eyes in more than one way. It takes a while to realise the shadow keeping you company means more than you expect.

For the record, you had never met a Shadowsinger before.

You'd never even seen one. Sure, you’d read about them briefly in your studies and almost every Fae in Prythian had heard about them in whispers and rumours.

Rumours that increased more so when a Shadowsinger rose to become a hand for the Highlord, his own personal spy. Then became the spymaster of the entire Night Court for the next Highlord.

But beyond gossip and unfinished chapters within the scripts of your libraries, the knowledge of Shadowsingers is far limited. They’re rare. For all you know, Shadowsinger’s are a ghost— moving as a shadow, disappearing in and out of the darkness of the world.

You had never met a Shadowsinger before—so it makes sense that you hadn't an ounce of a clue what to expect.

Staring at him now, 6 feet something of pure muscle, you're a bit embarrassed at your own surprise.

Because he's probably— no definitely— the most beautiful Fae you've ever laid eyes on. His hair is tousled and dark, his glorious tan skin that's mostly hidden beneath the black of his fighter leathers, and his amber eyes that laid on you for only one long moment. Breathtaking is the only adequate word for him.

All that beauty and he's a Shadowsinger.

And it's not like you thought he wouldn't be like, well, any other Fae. But also... you kinda did? Mother, you should've known Freya was tricking you when she said they were all just shadow-y corporeal forms.

But she's also not entirely wrong there. There are dozens of wispy shadows that hover around him in constant motion, dipping and flying around his shoulders and if you look close enough, you can see how he seems to ripple at the edges. Shadows blur the edge of his very being.

You wonder if he can disappear into them all together, if that was one of the abilities granted with them. Does he control them? He must, you think, if the title is Shadowsinger.

But looking at him now, his beautiful face turned to face the Highlord you should definitely be listening to, they flit about almost absentmindedly, as though they have a mind of their own.

One curls up by his ear and you watch it, fascinated, more and more questions springing up in your mind— what do they feel like on skin? Do they make any noise? Is that what they're doing now? Talking to—

A sharp elbow jabs into your side, making you jump.

Your head whips to the side, an instinctive scowl almost overtaking your face before you plaster it over with a smile, realising your mistake. Your mentor, Sergei, clears his throat and smiles awkwardly ahead at Rhysand. You blink and take another moment to realise you've been asked a question.

"I'm— I'm sorry, could you repeat that?" You try not to sound as mousy as you feel but the question comes out as a squeak anyway. He is the Highlord of the Night Court after all. You suddenly feel very foolish for being so easily distracted.

Thankfully, Rhysand regards you with an easy smile. He's leaned back in his chair, relaxed, and his violet eyes dance with humour as he flicks his gaze over to where you had just been staring.

"That's alright. Azriel is a piece of eye candy, I can't blame you for staring," He all but purrs, a hint of mirth pulling at his lips as he casts another glance at his Spymaster. You're taken aback by the casualness of his words.

Rhysand continues. "I was only saying that for the duration of your stay, you'll be hosted in one of my homes, the House of Wind. You aren't afraid of heights, are you?"

A smidge of fear pinches at your stomach because, honestly, you aren't overly keen on the idea. But you know better than to turn down the generosity of a Highlord.

You take another glance at the wings of his Spymaster and General and pray that it's not too high up.

"Not... much." You answer honestly.

There's a chuckle from the side of the room and your head swings around at the noise. It's not the Shadowsinger, though he looks as though he's politely trying not to smile, his chin ducked. It's the General, just as beautiful as his brother but in that more rugged way.

He flexes his wings out a bit, showing off their mighty wingspan. "We'll rid you of that fear in no time."

You try for a smile but it might be closer to a grimace.

"Fantastic." You say, not managing to put all your enthusiasm into the word like you hoped.

Another sharp jab of Sergei's elbow in your side. The Shadowsinger, Azriel, huffs a quiet laugh, his amber eyes flashing up to steal another look at you. You try your best not to fluster.

It's going to be a long two months.

—

As Sergei's apprentice, you're expected to shadow him through his allowed time within Velaris.

Which means if he goes to the library, you go to the library.

There's just one problem; the library is down in the city and your temporary home is up in the mountain. The quickest way down is with wings.

Rhysand— or just Rhys as he had told you to call him— had relayed the information that you could ask either Cassian or Azriel to escort you if you didn't wish to take the stairs.

Cassian, the General, had been the one to fly you down and back the first couple of times you had asked and you weren't in any particular hurry to relive the experience.

Cassian was nice and he was more than friendly but seemingly incapable of understanding any fear of heights. You weren't sure if that was just the only way to fly— swooping and dropping fast enough to make you shriek— but it certainly seemed to be Cassian's way.

Which leaves you with the option of either asking the Shadowsinger or taking the stairs.

You get down about two hundred steps before you start to regret your decision. But, also, how in the Cauldron were you supposed to ask him to take you? (Never mind that you had asked Cassian quite easily, albeit very nervously.)

Oh, hi Shadowsinger who I can't stop staring at for both your abilities and your handsome face—care to sweep me into your arms and carry me places?

As if, you snort to yourself.

You take the thousand stairs all the way to the bottom and trot towards the enormous library, pretending your thighs aren't aching with overuse or that you're out of breath. Thankfully, the library itself isn't too far from the House of Wind, carved into the same side of the mountain.

As expected, Sergei is less than pleased with your tardiness.

"Sorry," The word rushes out of you in a wheeze, probably too loud for the library, as you scuttle in the entrance. A few priestesses turn their heads to look at you and you cringe, raising your hands in apology. "Sorry, I'm sorry,"

You focus back on your mentor and try to catch your breath, all while you explain. "I took the stairs and it took—" You huff out a breath. "—way longer than I thought."

Sergei's face softens a bit at your explanation, his face taking on a pitiful smile. "Still not enjoying the flying?"

"You are?" You ask in response. The thought of Sergei, your old-Fae mentor, swept up in Cassian's arms as he dips and dives makes you chuckle just a bit.

Sergei shakes his head as if to change the topic of conversation, deciding you've wasted enough time already. He turns, beginning to head further into the library and you follow behind him closely, eager to brush over your early morning fumble. The cavernous structure within the mountain yawns out ahead of you and you get all of two moments to wonder just how deep down it goes, when—

"You did not ask for a ride this morning."

Azriel steps up beside you, seemingly from nowhere, his steps falling in time with yours with ease. You jump, startled, and your footsteps falter for a moment. You're relieved to say that you only make one embarrassing noise in your surprise.

"I— oh, it's— I mean, I just..." You trail off, feeling flustered. "...like to walk."

You chance a glance up at him. He's wearing that same polite expression from yesterday, as though he's trying not to laugh and you get too caught up in the swirlings of his shadows to remember to be properly embarrassed. Both of you walk in tandem behind Sergei, slowly descending into the lower levels of the library.

"If you insist," He says, his voice low. It sends something warm down your spine and you pray he doesn't notice how your body temperature is definitely climbing.

His amber eyes pin you with another look, his lips twitching into a small smile. "However, if Cassian is giving you trouble, I would be happy to provide a smoother ride."

You flounder for a moment. You don't want to get anyone in trouble.

"I— he's not giving me trouble," You stammer.

Azriel smiles a little wider as if he can tell how polite you're trying to be. He slows to a meander and you realise only after you walk past him, it's because Sergei has stopped himself, turning down one of the many aisles.

You skid yourself to a halt and turn back, praying your flaming face isn't as obvious as it feels. You're not entirely sure if Azriel is accompanying you today but you're sure that Sergei would've mentioned it if he was.

You dip your head in a strange, awkward bow motion. Then point to the aisle Sergei disappeared into.

"I'll be... going this way."

Azriel's smile grows, like you've told a joke, and he ducks his head. He peers up at you through his dark lashes and you wonder if anyone's ever told him how damn beautiful he is. Probably. You're probably the last in a long line of people. Mother, his eyes though.

"If you don't wish to make the hike the other way," He murmurs.

He extends one of his hands and you watch the dozen shadows swarm around it, one of them separating from the pack to dive to the ground. It shoots forward and spins around your ankle, almost happily. "Just let the shadow know. I would be happy to assist."

When you look back up, he’s already gone without a sound. You try not to look so surprised— you’ve seen someone winnow before but you’re almost certain that the way Azriel moved about silently was something else altogether.

“Y/n!” Sergei’s voice echoes down the shelves, reminding you that you’re still late. You throw a quick glance around to check but it's fruitless; you can’t see the Shadowsinger anywhere.

You turn and bustle down the aisle quickly, not wanting to keep Sergei any longer. It takes only a second to notice the sole, black shadow that dances along behind you.

Guess you have company.

—

Okay, so, the shadows are definitely their own little guys.

Mainly because you can’t imagine how Azriel would be controlling them when he’s nowhere in sight.

And this one shadow is being awfully helpful.

The first time you drop your quill, knocking it to the ground as you lean over one of the many intricately carved desks, trying to reach another book, you don’t even notice it fall to the ground.

In fact, you have no idea how many times it’s picked up your fallen quill that you’ve undoubtedly knocked over countless times— only that it had given you the fright of your life to have it hover before your face, gripped only by the wispy shadow Azriel left with you.

“Holy shit!” You gasp, your loud voice echoing in the quietness of the library.

Sergei's head whips up, his eyes narrowing at the intruding sound with evident disapproval. You quickly snatch the quill out of mid-air and sink down in your seat. Gods, the echoes in here were doing you no favours.

“Sorry,” You whisper. Your eyes dart down to the shadow that retreated to your side, flickering around your ankle more wildly. “Er, thanks.”

It feels a bit silly to give thanks to something you’re not sure can hear you. But you figure if it can pick up your quill, you're better off using your manners.

Sergei gives you a somewhat bewildered look and you try to appease him with an awkward smile. It works enough for him to continue his work but not without one more lingering glance of worry in your direction. Great. You're talking to shadows and your old-man mentor thinks you're a bit nuts.

The shadow continues its helpful endeavours, following you when you head down different aisles at Sergei's request. It dances across the shelves, dissolving occasionally just to puff back up somewhere else, pulling your attention this way and that. It's playful. Friendly.

You deduce by the end of the day that you know even less about Shadowsinger's than you had thought. The abilities and personality of just one shadow are uncanny; like a silent friend keeping you company. You imagine that Azriel rarely gets lonely with as many as he has. Maybe you'll ask him.

When Sergei and you wind back up the staircases and he dismisses you for the evening, heading into the city for his own further business, you stand at the mouth of the library and ponder if you'll be brave enough to summon the Shadowsinger.

The shadow is still with you, circling your wrist absently. You peer down at it and think of all those stairs. Somewhat nervously, you raise your hand and try to be as casual as possible about talking to a shadow on your hand.

"Hi." You start, trying not to feel foolish. "Um, well, I guess I'm done for the day. Could— could you, if he's not busy that is, uh, let Azriel know? I don't mind waiting if he is."

The shadow zips off barely before you can finish your sentence and your head swings to watch it go, disappearing somewhere to your left.

You can't help but be a little amazed at its speed—it must be an incredible networking system to have a thousand little spies running around for you. No wonder almost all Shadowsingers tend to end up in the same line of work, you think to yourself, still peering in the direction of the shadow when—

"Y/n."

Even though he's said your name soft and quiet, Azriel still manages to take you by surprise. You jump and turn, all in one motion.

"Mother!" Your hand holds over your chest, relief curling in at the sides as your fright ebbs away. "That was fast."

"You called," Azriel responds, as if it's the easiest thing in the world. He gives you an almost shy smile.

It makes you fluster a bit and you gesture to the exit awkwardly and wordlessly, if only so you don't have to come up with a response to his intense and endearing answer.

Together, you wander out from the library and creep towards the edge of Velaris. It's a beautiful city and more than deserving of its title, especially when viewed from the House of Wind. You turn and cast your eyes up the mountainside, your familiar nervous fear pitching up from your stomach.

Then you look at the warrior beside you, tall enough that he's got what feels like more than a head's height on you, with his wings reaching above even his own head. His jaw is sharp and his eyes are already on you as your gaze trails up his face. Fuck. He's really pretty.

Now you're nervous for an entirely different reason.

"We can still take the stairs if you wish," He says, his hand sweeping back to the path you had followed along this morning. His shadows move with his hands, a black vortex that whirls around and around. "I'd be more than happy to keep you company."

Mother, he's not helping you in the slightest, being so perfectly nice to you. You regard the stairs and think back to how many hours it took before your thighs stopped aching—and that was on the way down.

"No, we can- we can try flying again." You say, nodding to yourself as if it'll help quell your fear. It takes another moment to realise that means you'll be bundled up in his strong arms, held against his broad chest and you feel a little shiver run through your body at the thought.

Azriel notices it too, his eyebrows knitting together in concern. "You're sure?" He checks.

You nod, not meeting his eyes, trying to keep your nerve. Flying is already something you're not keen on. Flying whilst being swept up in the arms of a Shadowsinger who you think is the most beautiful Fae you've ever seen? You send a silent prayer to the Mother that you don't do something embarrassing, like puking down his front.

"Let me know if you're uncomfortable at any time," He says softly and then he bends his knees slightly, one of his scarred hands resting on your lower back as the other scoops beneath your knees. He lifts you as though you weigh nothing.

It's impossible not to flush as you get nestled against his firm chest, your hands panicking for a moment as you try to think of a normal place to put them. Around his neck? On his chest? Either of them feels far too intimate for a man you've known only a week.

"You don't have to but I would suggest holding on," Azriel comments with a smile, his chest vibrating with the words. You nod, agreeing with him, but don't make a move to do so, only holding your hands out in front of you to indicate you're not sure where to put them.

The shadows adorning his shoulders move on their own, their friendly presence easing your nerves as they slither down to circle around your wrists. There's a gentle tug and you let them move your hands til they're wrapped around Azriel's neck, moving you much closer in the process.

Gods, your faces are close together. Another couple of inches and you could probably press your lips to his perfect ones—a thought that makes you fluster all over again. Was he getting prettier every time you saw him? For not the first time, you thank the Mother that it was Rhys with the daemaeti gift and not Azriel.

"Ready?" He checks, which is sweet. Cassian had just shot up into the sky the first time, without any warning.

You grip your arms around his neck a little tighter and then nod. "Ready," You say, quieter than intended.

You catch just a moment of Azriel's demure smile, your heart swooping at the sight, before you're both launched into the sky with one flap of his wings.

The noise that escapes you is one you're less than proud of, a squawky sound noise of panic that you bury into Azriel's neck. You expect him to laugh like Cassian had, not meanly but playfully, but instead Azriel's arms just tighten around you. As if he was assuring you that he would not let you fall.

By the time you're up at the House of Wind, Azriel making a far more graceful descent than his brother, you're less freaked out and more ready to point some accusatory fingers in the face of the Night Court's General.

That bastard had been fucking with you! The flight with Azriel proved as much, considering how much calmer and smoother it had been. You couldn't help but say as much as you were placed down from Azriel's hold, glad to be back on solid ground.

"I have some words for Cassian, Mother above," You ramble, straightening out your rumpled clothes from the flight. "Did he think I was kidding when I said I was afraid?"

Azriel smiles at your fieriness, his shadows calmer than they were in flight, moving about lazily. His eyes take a fleeting glance at the house behind you before focusing intently back on you.

"Cassian can have a strange sense of humour at times. He means well." He says. Then he grins. "I should like to see you tell him off— not enough people do."

You hmph. "Maybe I will."

You suddenly realise the closeness between you and Azriel, close enough to feel the warmth of his body. His scent of cedar and mist swirls around you, tantalizing and alluring in a way you've never known before. You take a step back to contain yourself.

"I—uh, well, thank you very much." You say, as sweet as you can. "For the ride."

Your eyes catch on one of his dozen shadows and you smile, observing them for a moment. "And the shadow. It was excellent company."

Azriel brightens, an expression of surprise crossing his face before he schools it away. He smiles, brazen and breathtaking. When he speaks, he sounds a little disbelieving. "You like them?"

You nod quickly, noticing how one of his shadows has snuck off again and circulates your ankle speedily. You laugh at the ticklish feeling of it against your skin.

"They're incredible." You breathe, meaning every word. "I imagine you must've ge—"

"Apologies, y/n." A smooth voice cuts in, Rhys stepping up somewhere behind you and stealing both of your attention. He dressed in more casual clothes than you last saw, but not quite Azriel's fighting leathers. "Azriel here is needed for some brief business. Do you mind if I borrow him?"

The way he poses the question, as if Azriel is yours, does something wonky to your heart. You flounder for a moment, stepping back and waving your hand in the direction of the Shadowsinger.

"Of- of course, by all means." You trip over the words and hope you don't sound too eager to escape his company. That couldn't be more untrue.

You turn back to Azriel and fix him with a smile, hoping it's not as nervous as you feel. "I'll... see you around?"

Azriel steals a glance to the side where Rhys awaits before he nods with another reserved smile. Hold on, is that pink on his cheeks?

"Let me know if you need any more help getting to and from the library. I'd be happy to assist."

And then with a quick nod to you, he walks off to join Rhys, his wings tucked in tight, careful to not nudge you. You watch them go, unable to stop yourself from letting your eyes wander down. Damn, all that training did wonders. What was that saying? Hate to watch 'em go, love to watch them leave.

Ahead, Rhys abruptly laughs and peers back over his shoulder, letting you exactly how well you had shielded those thoughts. You flush and scurry into the house as if it'll save you from the embarrassment of what's just happened. You only hope he won't pass the message on to Azriel.

—

It continues like that for the rest of the week.

Azriel carries you down the height of the mountain and leaves you with a promise that if you need anything, you can tell the shadow and he'll come to find you.

The shadow keeps its usual playful company. Beyond retrieving your dropped quills, it helpfully turns the pages of books for you. When you're focused on what you're writing, it nudges back any loose strands of hair. Once it even brings you a flower from Mother knows where. One single Lily of the Valley, left resting on your desk.

It makes you wonder; are all Shadowsinger's shadows like this? You can't help but imagine these niceties are shaped by Azriel's own soft nature.

Today, whilst you study in the vast caverns of the library, you get an unexpected visitor.

As you take your time scanning through the books in one of the vast aisles, you realise the Fae coming down from the other end of the aisle is none other than the Highlady herself.

"Feyre!" You greet warmly. The two of you had met before when she had taken duties in your home court and if it weren't too bold, you'd say you consider yourself good friends. Feyre smiles, glowing like moonlight, as she realises who it is.

"Y/n," She says your name sweetly and her hug is just as such. She pulls away, ready to inquire about your studies when she spots the trailing shadow behind you.

"Making friends, I see," She comments. Her eyebrows raise almost teasingly as if she's made a certain insinuation. You take a moment to notice what she's referencing.

"It's nice," You say, a defensive lilt to your tone. You hold out your hand and the shadow jumps at the opportunity to skitter around it playfully. "It's like a little friend."

Feyre smiles at your words but chuckles a little. "Except Azriel is anything but little."

You pause at her words, glancing down at the shadow and back up at Feyre. "What do you mean? I thought— they're not- I mean, aren't they...?”

You trail off, unsure of how to word the question you're trying to ask. Feyre smiles, her gray eyes glittering with mirth as she realises what you're figuring out.

"They're all his. Azriel's. He controls them." She tilts her head a bit, watching the shadow that drifts about your hand and wrist. "True, they roam a bit on their own but... Not like this."

"Oh," You murmur, thinking back to that first day in the library.

The playful shadow that lead you back and forth, picking up your quill and turning your pages. It was him, all along.

Something immeasurably warm starts to glow in your chest, a thread that loops through your heart and sends the valves into overdrive. Its warmth grows, something molten hot beginning to bleed in your chest— and it feels wonderful. It feels right.

"Oh," You gasp as you figure it out.

Feyre grins, watching you piece together what the rest of the inner circle has clued together from the very first day. She stands to the side and gestures to the entrance of the library with a tilt of her head.

"Go on then," She urges you.

For a moment, you think back to Sergei who sent you hunting for a certain manuscript Cauldron knows how long ago but the thought is washed away in an instant. You can feel it now, the strong tug in your chest. The connection that binds you to another.

You stride past Feyre, giving a quick thanks! and all but run up the spiral staircases, heading for the entrance. The shadow pings along with you and as you near the top, you look down at it and say through huffed breaths, "You better go get him."

He's waiting by the time you get there.

Against the setting sun, for a moment there's only the silhouette of him— a warrior with tall wings, the edges of him rippling like a mirage. He might just be one; an oasis in your life, the answer that you've been searching for for centuries. You can't believe you didn't notice.

Your footsteps echo on the marble as you march right up to him and Azriel watches you closely the whole time, his amber eyes soft but his expression hinting at his nervousness. Gods, he's wonderful. You can't believe he gets to be yours and you get to be his.

"How long have you known?" You ask because it's the first thing on your mind. You're nearly panting from the exhilaration of your sudden exercise, from the dawning future that's blooming right in front of you. He's your mate. Gods, how could you have missed it?

Azriel smiles, that same tentative one that's been driving you crazy all week. His wings give a little shake behind him, a giveaway of his nerves.

"I... suspected from the beginning." He chooses his words carefully, wary of how you might respond.

You can't help your little gasp, feeling even more of a fool. You curse, ducking your head before you glare back up at him, no real heat in your gaze. You have the urge to give him a little shove, just for keeping you in the dark.

"And you didn't think to tell me?"

One of his shadows spins up unexpectedly, dancing across your shoulders and tickling your cheeks gently. You startle in surprise but something sweeter curls up in your chest at the tenderness of its touch.

"Believe me," Azriel says with a quiet chuckle, his amber eyes darting over your face intensely. "I've been trying."

You melt. Eyes locked with his, you move slowly, letting your arms drift up to drape around his neck like they've done every morning and evening since he began flying you around. You realise acutely that Cassian's behaviour, his shoddy flying, had likely been on purpose. You laugh a little, eyes creasing shut in pure euphoria.

Azriel's hands find your waist and you can feel the slight tremble in them.

"In my defense," You murmur, pushing up on your toes. You're close, so close, your lips hovering just an inch from a kiss—his shadows go wild around you both. It makes you grin. "I had never met a Shadowsinger before."

"Yeah?" Azriel breathes shakily. "Disappointed?"

He says it like a joke but you can hear the note of sincerity in his tone. His hidden worry that he isn't all you dreamed of. It's nearly laughable how wrong he is.

This close you can see his long lashes and every shade of brown in his eyes. You wonder if you'll ever get used to how beautiful he is. Part of you hopes you never do.

"Not in the slightest," You say, nearly a whisper.

Then his lips are on yours, pillowy soft skin against yours, and it feels like coming home. He kisses you, kisses you, kisses you til you're breathless and the glow in your chest could rival the sun in its warmth.

He kisses you and every atom in your body hums and fizzes and comes to life — and all you can do is hold him tight and kiss him back, just as fiercely.

Breaking the kiss to catch your breath, you pant and grin brazenly at Azriel, at your mate, happier than you've ever been. Faintly, you realise that you won't be heading home when the two months of your study are up after all.

Not when you have a man who looks at you so reverently, who kisses you like there's oxygen hidden in the plush of your lips, who holds you like there's nothing more precious in the world.

Not when you know that home is right here, in front of you.

[juniperdugong]

The games we play - Mingyu

WC: 2.2k || Genre: Fluff || CW: Drinking || husband!mingyu x wife!reader, implied that the reader is well-known in their field of work

A/N: I swear this was supposed to be a drabble or short fic...

It was getting late. The bulk of the guests had already excused themselves to their other nightly duties and that's exactly what you were thinking of doing right now. You wanted to get out of here and get something more substantial to eat than the small appetizers that were becoming more and more scarce.

You knew that this event would drag on late, the company hosting it was notorious for their "after parties" and late gatherings. Honestly, you probably would've gone home by now if it weren't for the man catching your eye from across the floor.

The dim light might've made it hard to see but you knew that silhouette anywhere. The big broad shoulders, the tall frame, even down to the suit that was perfectly tailored to him. Kim Mingyu, oh how wonderful it was to be able to call him your husband.

You were posted up near the bar, nursing a cocktail that tasted more like candy than alcohol. The number you had on was a dress handpicked by Mingyu weeks before your flight over here. He had praised you so much for just putting it on that you practically felt like royalty in it. There was very little that compared to the love he held for you, that's something you were never afraid to admit.

You fight back the urge to bite your lip as you begin to walk towards him but you're stopped in your tracks when you see a woman approach him first. She's beautiful and you can't even deny it. What was there to deny when she was the main event of the fashion show that happened hours prior.

Her gait was nothing if not seductive and she wore a beautiful gown that was only accentuated by the heavy jewels that adorned her body. You couldn't make out what their conversation entailed but you could tell she at least had an eye on Mingyu. The way she would casually touch his arm in a small fit of laughter; Surely whatever he said couldn't be that funny. You raised an eyebrow in amusement and fascination at their antics, striding towards them once again to make a show out of your relationship.

"Y/n, right?" Once again you are stopped, at least this time it's from something/someone tangible.

You turn and put on your practiced business-ready professional smile, the one that lured people in but kept them distant enough to fend off unwanted advances of any kind, business-related or otherwise. Greeting you was a rather handsome man, the type that would have people thank his parents for their generous donation to the world and its beauty. Oddly enough you'd become used to people like this while beside Mingyu.

The conversation went on with the usual, something about how great your work has been, how they've heard so much about you from their colleagues, and, of course, ending with the staple "We should get a drink sometime.". A routine you knew all too well in your line of work. As you bid farewell to the stranger of a man you turn your attention back towards Mingyu - Mingyu who, with a smug smile, waltzes your way and places himself where the other man once stood.

Now the real fun began.

"You come here often?" Ha, you just had to scoff, was this really the way he wanted to start this tonight?

"Come here? Like this event? I think this is the first time they've held this event actually." He knew that sly little smirk on your lips, so you wanted to play it smart tonight and tease him a little for his setup? Bring it on.

"Right, forgive me. I meant the bar-"

"The bar? Do I frequent this bar or bars in general? Either way, it seems you have the wrong idea about me, sir." You were playing hard to get and he was all for it. He would never admit it but he liked a bit of the chase and back and forth, more than that he knew that you loved it - And how could he deprive the love of his life of something they enjoy?

He had to divert and fast! Or else you would overpower him and it's much too early for that. "That man you were speaking with, you two seemed to get along quite well. Someone, you know?"

"Not at all. Just met in fact. But yeah, maybe there was some connection between us... plus he was easy on the eyes." Oh, now you were just doing him dirty. Hard to get is one thing but jealousy? You were going to be the death of him. But you're plan was working. It was a steady rollercoaster of riling him up just to bring him back down and into your arms.

"Hmm, I see... I don't think your husband would be too fond of you speaking that way." He taps at the ring on your finger, putting emphasis on his own ring, the one that mirrors yours. You can tell he's getting annoyed by the way his brows furrow and he's almost pouting, he stays composed but you're hedging your bets that he caves in less than 5 minutes this time.

"What about your wife? Was that her you were talking to over there? Or were you just casually flirting with a beautiful woman for fun behind her back?" Now it was your turn to act annoyed, all was fair when it came to this little game.

"Oh, my wife?" He plays with the band on his ring finger, making sure that it's in your line of sight, "No, that wasn't her. She's much more beautiful and much less willing to give in to me, I love that about her." A small blush falls on your face at his words but you remain calm, it's all about waiting him out. He thinks he's got you though, celebrating quietly in his head as he sees you get red. She'll be dropping the act any moment now...

"You know what I like about my husband?" You pause and see that he's at the edge of his seat waiting to be praised. "He does whatever I tell him to do. Actually, he's waiting in the car for me right now." Huh? You had Mingyu thoroughly confused with the directions this time. The look on his face conveyed something much more than confusion though, he was putty in your hands the moment you finished your last sentence.

The game was done, he'd broken before you did. Mingyu however was still unaware of that fact. At the moment, he's just trying to decipher your words and you have to smile and scrunch your nose at the cute face he makes as he's deep in thought.

Did you want him to go to the car? But then he couldn't walk you out; He began to pout at the thought. Was he supposed to stay in character? But then why would you bring up the car? Aghhh, you had his brain fried.

With a swish of your dress, you turn so your back's against the counter, holding your drink in your hand you take a small sip. "Mingyu baby, go wait in the car for me? I want to finish my drink real quick.", you drop your character and fish the car keys from your clutch, dropping them on the counter between you two.

"W-Why'd you make your husband wait in the car for you? Got somewhere to be this late?" You turned to face him quizzically. Is he still in this? By the look on his face and the way he picks up the keys without question, he knows he's cracked but he's still fishing for answers. With a smile you turn once again to lean your upper body over the counter, a pose that you knew would make him flustered. If he was trying to work for it, then how could you not oblige?

"Well..." You start with a small huff. "You see, I know my husband very well. Well enough that I know that he's still hungry after scarfing down a ton of appetizers tonight." You poke at his belly only to feel his abs, immediately you tear your hand away in fear of what you might do if you kept it there too long. (You had the strength of the gods for being able to pull away, honestly.) "I told him that if waited patiently outside while I finished my drink that I'd get him a hamburger, maybe a few if he was really nice to me tonight."

Oh ho ho ho, you had his interest peaked! People often compared him to a puppy but that side of him really shined through at times like this. He's smart enough to be able to get what he wants regardless of who he's talking to but he'd never even think of being so mischievous with you. He actually really enjoyed you ordering him around sometimes, as strange as that was at the beginning of your relationship.

The whole facade he was trying to keep up crumbled into pieces as he crouched eye level with you and nuzzled his face into the crook of your neck. You patted at the back of his head as he ravaged your neck with hard pecking kisses, his own brand of thankfulness towards you. Grabbing your shoulder he made you look at him straight on, a determined look on his face.

"Your husband sounds like a very nice and well-mannered man. I'm sure that he'll appreciate anything you'd get him." He got back into character immediately, rushing the last of his words, and lasting a mere few seconds before melting into your touch as you cupped his face with your open hand. He pressed a small kiss to your palm before quickly sandwiching your head between his hands and covering his lips with yours. You giggle into the sudden kiss, he was always so hasty when it came down to it.

With that, he twirled the keys on his fingers and walked out of the event, completely satisfied and content.

It took a few minutes to finish up your drink. In the meantime you scoped out the rest of the scene, it was practically deserted at this point. It's times like this where you're both glad and annoyed that you have Mingyu. On one hand, he's a total social butterfly and it's really helped you get out of your shell... On the other, he always stayed out late when it came to parties and events, he could drink people under the table with ease, and everyone ate up whatever time he was willing to give.

Walking out you spot your car. Of course, it was much closer to the entrance than where you left it. He was trying extra hard to earn brownie points tonight.

Getting in, you let the warmth envelope you. It felt so nice to be in a familiar space after socializing all night. Just as you were getting comfortable you felt a small poke on your thigh. Slowly you turn your head and you practically glow with a smile at the sight.

Mingyu's making puppy eyes, his infamous ones that make people swoon and sigh over him. That coupled with an anticipatory pout, how couldn't your heart melt over him? His hand is resting on the middle console, you pick it up in yours and interlace your fingers, giving a small kiss to the back of his hand.

He looks at you expectantly, "Baby?", his voice couldn't have been softer.

Sigh... "Yes, Mingyu. We're still getting food." You say in an exasperated tone. You laugh when you see him break out in a small happy dance, dumbly acknowledging your words through movement. "Are you actually gonna let me pay this time?" You posture the infamous question of the night.

He pretends to be deep in though, stroking an imaginary beard like a scholar. "Not this time..." He moves his mouth side to side like he's thinking of what to say next, "But I will let you hand them my card."

"You never let me pay for anything, Gyu. The least I could do is buy you some food... You did offer to be designated driver tonight-"

"Hey! I jumped at the opportunity! My life, you never drink. You can't begin to understand how excited I was to see you let loose... Even if it was only a few drinks." He snickers as he whispers the last bit and you gently smack his face in retaliation for his slight towards you.

"Yeah yeah whatever, just wake me up once we're at the drive-through." You begin to recline your seat before jumping back up, "And don't you dare think of ordering for me or handing the person your card just because you think I look cute when I sleep." You let out a small huff as you mock words that he's said a thousand times over, "I've heard enough of your excuses throughout the years..."

You go back to reclining your seat and pass out within minutes.

While stuck at a red light Mingyu looks over to your figure. He pulls your dress down since it's ridden up quite a bit. Grabbing his jacket from the back seat he places it over your legs. His eyes go hazy with love as he gazes at you. He stretches himself enough to reach your forehead and give you a small kiss. You really were going to be the death of him, he knew it from the start.

A/N: Hahahaha I'm totally not procrastinating writing the Scoups angst fic... hahaha totally not 😓😖😨 (I'm a big fat liar who can't handle putting ideas to paper)

Please Reblog and Comment if you enjoyed ! (They act as power-ups for me)

Taglist (OPEN): @bemybabiibish @bath1lda @porridgesblog

[iguana-eyanna]

Shadow of Himself

Pairing: Isaac Mcadoo x Reader

Summary: Isaac's teammates try to guess who is mystery girlfriend is.

"Bruv, it's gotta be a Victoria Secret model" Jamie Tartt says.

"Nah, mate. She's an American singer, he's been obsessed watching the Voice for months." Colin Hughes says.

"American? Not international?" Richard Montlaur suggests, creating a louder argument with the team

"Okay y'all, what's going on? Y'all playing Guess Who: Celebrity edition?"

The boys turn around to Coach Lasso, Beard, and Kent as they stood by the entrance of their office.

"Coach, do you know Isaac's new lady lover?" Dani Rojas asks.

"I don't seem to know why I need to know." Lasso said, placing his hands in his pockets.

"I'm hosting an end of a season dinner at my restaurant for the whole team. Isaac asked me if he could bring a plus one." Sam said, feeling guilty he accidentally slipped it up to the whole team.

"And that concerns you how?" Beard asks.

"It's just news to us, no one knew about the girl. Not even Colin!" Bumbercatch pointed out to a solemn.

"You think you know a man." Colin says to himself, lowering his eyesight.

"Don't you think calling Issac's partner 'girl' a bit degrading?" Roy said, creating an unsettling silence in the locker room.

"Coach is right. I think we should be a tree and 'leaf' the situation. If Isaac is ready to tell us about who's dating and what not, we'll be here to support him."

"Ready for what?" Isaac said as he walks in with his bag.

The team try to stammer a lie, making Roy mutter a small 'fuck this' under his breath as he went inside the coaches' office.

"Uh, the dinner at Ola's. I've added a new dish to the menu!" Sam saved the conversation, hoping to not have a chair be thrown at his direction.

"Nice." Isaac said, walking over to his bench as he gets ready to go home.

Everyone of his team makes subtle eye contact with each other, wondering who would bring up the sensitive.

"Isaac, when are you going to bring your secret lover?" Jan Maas asks, ripping the bandaid as he always does. The whole team groans, throwing their used towels and dirty laundry at the Dutch player.

"Can't keep a secret from you all." Isaac muttered, snickering at the thought in a second.

"So you are seeing someone?" Jamie asks in a genuine tone.

"For everyone's information, yes. I am seeing someone. And no: she is not a model, singer, or a Romanian Spy." Isaac says, staring directly Thierry Zoreaux on the last part, who raises his hands in defense.

"You will meet her at the party, but till then, no one digs into my relationship. Got that?" Isaac demands. The whole team nods in agreement and go along their day, afraid to be stared down or beat up their captain.

Soon, Isaac drives home with a content smile on his face after he picked up some Thai food for dinner. He then gets outta of his car and unlock his door, seeing a pair of shoes that are 5 times smaller than his.

"Love, you here?" Isaac asks, as he takes off his shoes. He then lifts his head to see you standing there with a jean flared-skirt, beige blouse that silhouetted your figure just right, and your hair styled in an updo.

"Please tell me you got my pumpkin curry? They were out last time." You pleaded.

"You're in luck. They had it tonight." He said, raising the plastic bag for you to see.

"Gahh you're the best. Before heading back here, I grabbed you these for dessert." You raise your arm to show him his favorite candy, Rolos chocolate.

"That's why you're amazing" He said, giving you a kiss as he dips you down with his strong arms. Soon, you two set up dinner and talked about your day.

"Really, a Romanian Spy?" You ask, as Isaac told you what his friends were guessing your profession.

"Well you would look great in a spy costume."

"You wish you would." You remarked as Isaac slapped your but lightly, making you yelp and blush. You return the favor as he yelped louder and turning back to you with a mischievous look in his eye.

"You don't think me being a school librarian would make them think I'm boring?" You ask, looking up at him as you two sat down.

"You kidding? I think it's great you help out kids. And if they don't, i'll rough them up."

"I don't think your coaches will like it if you sent them to the hospital." You remark.

"Let them, cause no one will ever say a bad thing about you on my watch." Isaac said, taking your hand and kissing it.

You smile, feeling very confident in your relationship with him. You were a bit skeptical of course, as he was flaunting his money to impress you when you two were first dating. The both of you had a serious talk that splurging should be kept to a minimal (especially when you can't even afford to get his favorite cologne with 3 paychecks alone.)

As for the secrecy of your relationship, you two just wanted to spend your time privately with each other. He didn't like the idea of the press looking at his relationship under a microscope. But now that his team knows he's seeing someone, he realizes his privacy might not last for long.

"I wanted to ask you something."

"Oh no, that sentence never ended in a good situation." You remark, placing your glass down. You two scoot closer to each other by the table, and Isaac takes his hands in yours.

"I wanna introduce you to the team. Sam is having a private dinner party for the end of the season. No press or cameras, it will be just me introducing my amazing girlfriend to my friends."

"I'm your girlfriend now?" You quip an eyebrow, smirking.

"If you like to be... I mean what do you call four months of dating-"

You cut him off with a kiss as he holds you tenderly, melting underneath your sweet lips.

"I'd love to come."

Isaac smiles brightly as he kisses you again.

+

As the season ended, Isaac drove you over to Ola's and parked a few feet away. He looks over nervously by the window as he bounced his knee.

"Hey, are you alright? If not, we can leave." You said, placing your hand by his thigh.

He doesn't respond as his eyes dart to his designer shoes.

"Are you afraid your friends are going to say something?" You ask, knowing that his friends have a mouth like no body's business.

"No it's not like that, it's just... I used to be this big shot man who was undefinable. And when I'm with my mates, I become this dick that I don't recognize. I'm just afraid you won't like me if you see the worse parts of me, since it's pretty hard to imagine a life without you innit."

Your eyes soften as he finishes. All this time, you thought that you didn't matter enough to his adventoruos life when it was him that was having these insecurities.

"Isaac. I understand what I was getting into when I found out you were a pro-footballer. You come with a package, and yeah, every man has a very shitty phase but you pointing it out matters. Don't beat yourself up because you used to be a rich twat-"

He shoots you a glare, but he turns it into a snicker.

"I love you, and I hope that the both of us can grow into better people." You intertwine your hands with his.

Isaac looks at you with those dark brown eyes that you adore so much. He's been beating himself up for thinking he wasn't good enough for you. But it was because of you that he wanted to be a better man.

He takes your hand and kisses it.

"Lemme introduce my amazing girlfriend to my team."

Eagerly getting outta of the side of his car, Issac opens your side as he walks with you hand in hand to Ola's. He takes a deep breath before looking at you then walking inside where he's greeted by his new family, now forgetting why he was ever scared. He'll never be a shadow of himself, now that he has you as his light.

+

"So are we sure she's not a Romanian spy?"

"ZOREAUX!!!"

[maple-seed]

Thrown - Chapter 40: Foolish Mortal

Summary: You make a terrible mistake.

Word Count: 4,036

Author's Notes: :)

Thrown Masterlist Loki Masterlist

It was a routine market day. You took a moment to laugh to yourself that this was now what you considered to be routine. You woke up early and a god showed up on your doorstep to help you with your chores. Completely routine. He was sitting beside you now as Breidr pulled the wagon to town. Loki had his arm stretched across the back of the seat. He had been doing that lately. You would never breathe a word about that, and hoped he couldn't hear how your heart beat skipped every time.

And it did happen every time. It was ridiculous. A part of you wanted to say that you really should have gotten this under control by now. The rest of you knew it was a losing battle. You did your best to keep it from being obvious (you hoped), but your feelings were there and they weren't budging. If anything, they had grown stronger. Especially recently. You weren't sure how you would have made it through these past weeks without him. He had been there without you even needing to ask. You glanced over at him as he was admiring the scenery, and felt incredibly grateful that this was now your normal.

When you arrive at the market the two of you go to work without discussion. Loki knew how to set up the booth by now, though he was never above making a suggestion for improvement. You would roll your eyes and remind him that you have been doing this for years and he would insist that your business had increased dramatically with his input.

Khadija and Hani arrived. You told Hani about the time you tamed a lion (a mixed success, naturally). She asked to see Loki's magic and he knelt to show her something in his hands. This was your favorite part of the day. The magic was wonderful, of course, but what you really loved was watching his face. It was so open and earnest when he shared his talent with this eager audience. You loved the way they huddled together, like two conspirators. A small white bird flew away from them and you watched his smile spread in response to Hani's laughter. She bounded away back to her mother, Loki looked up and caught you staring. He often did. You tried not to react immediately, hoping that you wouldn't be given away. The way he kept his eyes on you as he stood, his face still soft, made your stomach flip. Once you felt it wouldn't be suspicious, you turned away to sort the cash box.

"Did you enjoy the show?" You could hear the smirk he was wearing as he leaned back against the counter. "I've seen better." You steeled yourself to look at him, then returned the smirk. He only chuckled.

The market was open and the day continued with your new normal. An alien prince sweet-talked customers into buying your dishes. He ate a sandwich you made for him. The two of you shared a packet of candied nuts.

After lunch you spotted a familiar face approaching your booth, Fredrik Larsen, an ever-friendly middle-aged man. You smiled as he reached the counter. "Hello, Mr. Larsen. How are you doing today?" He grimaced. "I have been better, I'm afraid. I'm here to redeem myself." You raised your eyebrows. "Oh?" "Yes." He was looking over the items in front of him. "This morning at breakfast, fool that I am, I manage to knock over Anja's favorite vase." He looked up at you over his glasses. "One of yours, you know it? It was blue, with speckles?" You slowly nodded while trying to recall. "Yes, I think I remember." "Well, it is no more." He sighed. "She forgives me, of course, but I would like to bring home a replacement." "And maybe some flowers to go in it?" You grinned. He chuckled and tapped his nose. "Clever girl. Precisely."

You helped him select a vase that was judged to be similar enough to the one that was broken and began wrapping it, with a little extra padding just in case. He peered at you over his glasses again with a wry smile. "Terna, aren't you married yet?" You laughed. "No sir, not me." He heaved a disappointed sigh. "I'll never understand the men in this town." He pointed a finger at you. "But someone has stolen your heart, surely?" You laughed again, shaking your head. "No, not yet." From the corner of your eye you saw Loki's head snap in your direction. "Ah, well," he idly scratched his jaw with a shrug, "the men in this town... you may be better off." "That's how I see it." You gave him a wink as you handed over the vase. "Give my love to Anja. I hope the rest of your day goes well." "It's much improved already." He smiled and waved as he left.

You turned around to see Loki watching you with his arms crossed, wearing a slightly amused expression. There was a glint in his eye that worried you. You couldn't help but feel it's the sort of look a fox might give a cornered rabbit. "What?" He narrowed his eyes, but his smile remained. "You lied to that man." You frowned. "No I didn't. I do hope his day goes well." He rolled his eyes. "Not that. Before." There was a pause while you tried to recall the conversation you just had. "You told him no one had stolen your heart." Ice ran through your veins, your eyes wide. "What? No. That's not...." He grinned. "Oh, darling, surely you aren't going to attempt a second lie to cover the first?" "I-" You started, then stopped. It was too late. There was no way to salvage this now. You pressed your lips together and turned away from him, busying yourself by straightening items on the counter. "Forget about it." He laughed, and you heard him cross behind you to stand by your side. "Come now, we're friends, aren't we? Why would you keep this from me?" "I don't want to talk about it." You turned away from him again. He moved to your other side. "You must tell me who it is." "No." You said flatly. "Very well."

He turned around and called out to the booth next door. "Khadija! Who is Terna in love with?" You frantically spun around and clapped your hand over his mouth. "Loki!" You felt him grinning beneath your palm. For her part, Khadija laughed and gave a smile that was a little too knowing for your comfort. "I can't say that I know." Hani was beside herself with giggles. Loki removed your hand and turned, looking at other stalls. "Hmm. Who else might we ask?" "No!" You hissed, tugging his arm. "Stop!" "Darling, I'm just trying to get to the bottom of this. I do love a mystery." You sighed in frustration. "Come on. Not here at the market. You're going to start rumors about me." His eyebrows raised. "Oh, so the topic is open for discussion elsewhere?" You winced. There was no choice but to step into the grave you had dug. "Yes. Fine. Just no more talk here with half the town around." "You have my word." His smile was victorious. You settled into defeat.

A weight rested in your chest as you went about your business. How could you have been so careless? You were so conscientious when you were talking to Loki. You were very aware of topics to avoid and you were sure to word things around the truth. The failing, of course, was that you hadn't been talking to Loki. You cringed, replaying the moment again in your mind. It was so obvious in hindsight. You should have paid more attention. You should have responded differently when Loki brought it up. A hundred solutions came to mind now.

Nevermind it. It's over now. Nothing to be done. You glanced at Loki, he was helping someone choose a mug. You didn't want to lose this. How would you get by without him now? Maybe, maybe he wouldn't leave. Maybe he would just mercilessly mock you for it. Maybe it would even be fun for him. You could deal with that. Something in you doubted that's how this would play out. You had a little time, at least. You knew he would keep his word, he wouldn't bring it up again at the market. Maybe if you were lucky he wouldn't mention it again today. But he wouldn't forget it. He would ask about it soon. You tried to carry on and enjoy the time with him that you had, but a dark cloud settled over your heart and hung there for the rest of the day.

****

No good could come of it, this he knew. Still, he had to know who it was. Something inside him drove incessantly forward after the idea. Outwardly, he performed as he would on any other day at the market. He laughed with you and helped as needed. Inwardly, he was tied in knots. Who had stolen your heart? Did he know them? Were they worthy of your attention? Almost certainly not. It was hard to imagine a mortal that could be. Then again, it might not be a mortal at all. You were thoroughly embedded in the community of New Asgard, any number of Æsir might have caught your eye. None immediately came to mind as someone you mentioned more than others, which led him back to the local humans. His mind drifted to the man behind the counter at the cafe. You never mentioned him either, but he stood out in Loki's mind as someone with clear intentions toward you.

He wondered how this had slipped past him. How could such a significant part of your life have gone unnoticed? There should have been some clue. Perhaps there had been. Perhaps he only saw what he wanted to.

As promised, he did not prod you any further at the market. After the lie and its revelation you weren't quite yourself, which brought him to another train of thought. Why wouldn't you tell him who it was? Was it something you were ashamed of? Was it someone you felt he wouldn't approve? And if you were to name this person, what then? What would change? He certainly couldn't do anything about it. He couldn't announce his feelings and ask you to forget yours. He couldn't take that away from you. You deserved this sort of happiness, and he wished it for you. Knowing who it was wouldn't change anything. Perhaps he just needed a target at which to direct his envy.

An alarming thought occurred to him: perhaps you wouldn't tell him who it was because you were aware of his feelings, and feared he would retaliate against your lover. This put a lump in his throat and he prayed to the Norns that it wasn't the case. The only thing he could currently imagine as worse than someone else holding your heart is the thought that you knew he wanted to hold it instead. Humiliation atop devastation. Perhaps your assumption of his reaction wouldn't be wrong. He found it difficult to imagine himself being friendly with the one who owned your affections. It was petty, he knew, but he doubted he could change that part of himself.

He briefly cursed himself for not telling you sooner how he felt. Perhaps all of this misery could have been avoided. He soon shook the thought away. It likely wouldn't have changed anything. This had progressed to the point where the truth was that this person had stolen your heart. This likely began long before he had even recognized the stirrings of his own feelings. Perhaps before he even met you. It was better he hadn't said anything. There was a chance he could keep your friendship, try to be happy for you.

Still, he needed to know who it was.

**

The wagon was well outside of town, trundling along the road to your home. Loki had his arm stretched across the back of the seat and his feet were propped on the dashboard. For all appearances he was casually relaxed, though his insides were wound tight. You appeared similarly calm, if slightly glum.

He examined his fingers and kept his tone light. "So, about this thief of your heart..." You groaned and slumped forward. "Loki, can't you let it go? Is it really that important?" "I can think of few things more important." He stated plainly. "I would think a god would have more serious things to worry about than mortals' love lives." He smirked. "I respect your ploy but it won't work." He gestured to the open landscape. "We're no longer at the market. Tell me who it is." You shook your head. "No, thank you." "Is it that boy at the cafe?" You looked at him quizzically. "Who?" "At the cafe, the boy behind the counter." Your brow creased with thought. "Johan?" "I suppose that could be his name." You laughed. "Why would it be him?" "He is clearly carrying a torch for you." You chuckled again. "I think you're mistaken." "I am certain I'm not." You shook your head. "It's not Johan."

It was true. Loki felt a sense of relief but still frowned. That had been his most likely suspect. "Lukas, then? From the woodworking stall?" "It's not Lukas." He thought for a moment, then feigned a scandalized gasp. "It's not Khadija, is it? She's married!" You rolled your eyes. "You know it's not Khadija." He shrugged. "Infidelity seemed a likely reason why you might be so guarded about the subject." "I just don't see how it's any of your business." He narrowed his eyes. "That was a lie." You huffed and hunched forward in your seat. "Very well. Next candidate...."

As the horse drew the wagon onward Loki offered the name of every human he could think of, each met with an honest denial from you. He had exhausted his list of mortals just as the farm came into view, and had named most of the Æsir as well by the time he had helped you unharness Breidr.

"Perhaps Sven?" He stroked Breidr's neck, leaning forward to speak to the horse. "What say you? Sven is a handsome enough fellow, isn't he?" The horse seemed entirely disinterested in the conversation, plodding forward into the field to graze. Loki followed you as you carried the equipment into the stable. "Is it Thor?" "Yes, it's Thor." You said flatly as you stepped into the tack room.

He knew it was a lie, of course, but that didn't stop his stomach from dropping like a stone when he heard it. The thought that you were in love with his golden brother was more than he could bear. It wasn't true. Of course it wasn't true. He recovered quickly enough, painting on a smile by the time you exited the stable. "Hah. I know that even you couldn't have such poor taste." "Well I wouldn't be the first mortal to succumb to his charms, right?" "The poor girl wasn't well in the head, I'm sure." "I heard she was really smart. Didn't she-" He held up a finger. "You are trying to change the subject." You frowned and stomped across the grass to your cottage. "Could it be the Valkyrie?" "Do you think she'd have me?" You swooned wistfully as you stepped through your back door. "Ah, so I've found it." He closed the door with an air of triumph. You rolled your eyes. "It's not Val. Why are you pushing this so hard?" "Why does anyone seek an answer that eludes them? Why do your people probe the distant stars or the depths of the ocean?" "I'm not a galaxy or an ocean." You mumbled. You were shifting items around in the kitchen now, Loki couldn't determine why. "You are no less full of wonder." He said quietly, leaning forward on your table. He worried the frayed corner of a towel, and spoke louder as he addressed you. "I still don't understand why you wish to conceal this from me." "Because you don't need to know!" You muttered. He returned his attention to the towel, pulling a thread free from its neighbors. "Darling, this is getting a bit ridiculous. I would say you know me quite well by now. You know that I will get to the bottom of this. Why not end this frustration and simply tell me now? I will find the answer eventually."

He looked up at you and was taken aback. You had your arms braced on the counter, your head hung. Your eyes were closed and your face was tight. You looked miserable. Guilt washed over him. He straightened and started to tell you to forget the entire mess when your voice interrupted.

"It's you."

Loki froze. "What?"

"It's you, okay?" You lifted your head but didn't look at him. "I've got feelings for you that are more than friendly and I'm sorry and it doesn't matter. It's stupid and I've known it's stupid and it really doesn't have to change anything." Your eyes looked anywhere but his direction, wringing your hands. "But I understand if you're uncomfortable and you don't want to be friends anymore. I just... I was trying to keep it to myself. And I can keep it to myself. It doesn't have to mean anything." You closed your eyes and took a breath. "And I know, I know this is the part where you call me a 'foolish mortal' or something and make fun of me. And that's fine, really. I just... don't want anything to change."

Your rambling finally came to a stop, you were still and quiet. You looked small, with your arms folded over yourself, staring at your countertop. Loki stood and stared as his mind caught up with your words. It was him. The answer he would never have dared to hope for. The most impossible answer. Your heart belonged to him.

A weightlessness filled him, and he breathed a laugh. Loki saw you wince, but it was no matter. Finally, this was a hurt that he could heal. He crossed the room to you and you tried to shrink away from him but he caught you, bringing his hands up to cup your face. His eyes were soft as you looked up at him at last.

He smiled a gentle smile and spoke with every tenderness. "Foolish mortal."

He waited as your expression eventually shifted from confusion to realization, then he finally brought his lips to yours. The urgency in your response, the way he felt your fists tangle in his shirt, removed any remnant of uncertainty and he pulled you closer into him. He couldn't be sure how much time had passed before he finally broke away from you. He didn't go far--he couldn't, you still clutched his shirt--and simply hovered close with his arms around you.

You took a moment to compose yourself before looking up at him. "I don't understand." "Really? I thought I had made myself clear. Allow me to try again..." With a smirk, he leaned in to kiss you again. You laughed and pushed him back. "No! I mean, me? I'm... I'm just...." He tutted, trailing a finger along your jaw. "Oh, my little bird. You are never just anything." "I'm human." "I can forgive that." He cut off your laugh with another kiss, and relished the feeling of your arms finding their way around his neck. You pulled yourself closer this time, and Loki wondered if he could ever be compelled to draw himself away from this. Perhaps he wouldn't have to. Your eager touch, your quiet breaths, these might be enough to sustain him for eternity. He was willing to try, but wasn't given the opportunity. You pulled back with a sigh, and lay your head against his shoulder while your hands snaked around his waist.

"This isn't a trick, right?" He might have been hurt, had it not been clear you weren't serious. He smiled. "Certainly not." "This is... a lot." He rested his head against yours. "It has been a taxing day." You scoffed. "Yeah, for me. I've been given the third degree." "How do you think it was for me? I was turning over every stone and coming up with nothing." You chuckled, then. "You ran through two towns' worth of people and never guessed yourself." "Oh, I would never have assumed I was worthy of your affections." You looked up at him, incredulous. "And Johan was?" He shook his head. "No, of course not, but the boy clearly has an interest. I thought it might be requited." "You're imagining things." "I will prove it." He pointed to the door. "Let us go down the cafe right now." You rolled your eyes. "No. I am hungry, though."

Rather than sit at the table, you brought the dishes to the couch and the two of you sat close while you ate. As soon as dinner was set aside his arms were around you again, he didn't see the sense in waiting. He had kept himself waiting so long already. You responded by maneuvering yourself until your legs were draped across his lap. What pleased him the most, perhaps, was how little felt different. Your hands found his and conversation carried on as it typically did. Everything had changed, certainly, but when he held you it felt like the most natural thing in the world. As if the two of you had done this every night for all your lives.

"Did you ever think I knew?" You looked up at him curiously. "Only today, for the most part. Though there were a few other occasions when I considered the way you avoided the topic of romance, and thought you might be doing so to spare my feelings." You nodded. "That week when you stopped talking to me, I was sure you had figured it out." Loki grimaced. "Yes, that was... a misguided attempt at quelling my own feelings." You did not look impressed. "That was stupid." "I did say it was misguided." "No, it was stupid." He chuckled. "I will concede the point."

You jumped when he suddenly gasped and gripped you tightly. "I've only just realized...." "What!?" He was smirking now. "The day we met." You narrowed your eyes. "Yes...?" "It's no wonder you were so flustered." You groaned. "Loki." "You must have been so overwhelmed, struck as you were by your desire for me." He held you firmly in his lap as you began squirming to get away. You muttered through gritted teeth. "You are the most irritating-" He was thrilled by your efforts to escape, grinning. "Poor little mortal. It's a wonder you stood upright in my presence. Your constitution is truly commendable." "I take it all back!" You were now wriggling and clawing for purchase on the couch. "I don't love you at all!" Loki stilled, his hands still holding you in place. You didn't seem to notice and continued your fruitless struggle. "Did you say you love me?" "No! Weren't you listening? I said-" He reached out to turn your face in his direction, when you saw his expression you stopped. Your faux-scowl gave way to a soft smile. You brought your hands up to cradle his face. "I thought we had covered this." He pressed his forehead to yours and closed his eyes. "Not in so many words."

He sat with you like this for some time, heads bent together and speaking softly. A conversation of quiet promises and whispered devotions. The night grew late, and then later still. Both of you found that you didn't feel like parting, so it was decided that you wouldn't. Loki settled into your bed and you joined him, curling close against his side. He pressed a kiss to your forehead and as he began to drift off to sleep his mind wandered back to that first peaceful dream he had of you, all those months ago.

It did not compare.

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[josiesullysblog]

Who Cares?

~AGED UP Neteyam x Na’vi Reader

~Fluff, smut, dom neteyam, sub reader, degradation, I'm so bad at tagging :(

~Proofread?-not at all

~Summary-Neteyam is afraid you’ll reject him so tells you he likes another girl.

***

You were by far the meanest person Neteyam has ever met, yet he still loved hanging around you. It wasn't like you were out here stealing candy from babies but you definitely had a mouth on you.

Everyone thought Neteyam was far too good to be hanging out with a girl like you. His future was bright and all you did was take your anger out on everyone else around you, but Neteyam saw past all this. He saw the real you, even when you two were younger.

He was the only person to hear your real laugh, see you smile, and hear your jokes. You were an amazing friend and he felt like when he hung out with you, he could let himself go.

“Why do you hang out with her?” Lo’ak questioned as Neteyam rushed to leave. “She’s more fun to hang out with than you,” Neteyam shot him a smile. “Whatever, go hang out with your girlfriend.”

Neteyam thought about you and him completing the bond. But he believed there was no way you saw him in that light, so he didn't like to think about it often.

He didn't want to because he became sad, imagine having to be friends with someone you are in love with. He didn't want to face this reality so he distracted himself.

He claimed to have a crush on another girl, and he tried hard to like other girls but nobody was you. He was able to convince you he liked another girl which hurt you.

You thought you were obvious with your feelings, like everyone but Neteyam saw how much you liked the boy. He was the only person able to get you laughing, the only person to get your heart beating. But you believed his heart belonged to another.

“Just ask her out,” you said as Neteyam shook his head, “she’ll say no,” you laughed before rubbing your eyes, “you’ll never know till you try.” Neteyam wasn't going to ask because he didn't want her but you didn't know this fact.

You smiled at him, “what if I helped you?” his eyes traveled to your lips, you were nothing short of beautiful, “what do you mean?” he smiled back at you which made you scoot closer, “what if I hooked you up with her? I see her quite often!”

Neteyam didn't know what he wanted your answer to be, but he knew he didn't want that one. He showed a fake smile, “I don't know,” his eyes bore into you. He wondered how you could look so beautiful, how you could completely stop his entire world, yet know nothing of his feelings.

“She’ll want you,” you said standing up, “every girl here wants you!” you laughed, how you wished how very true your words were.

“Hey!” you walked up to the girl Neteyam liked. You couldn't see why, but you weren't one to judge, “what do you want?” you faked a laugh. “Why so hostile? Can't I just say hello?”

She looked at you funny, “what do you need [Y/n]?” you laughed giving up, “Neteyam likes you and is too afraid to tell you, so i’m asking from a friend to a friend,” you touched her shoulder, “give him a chance.”

She laughed, “Neteyam’s old enough, if he liked me he should be able to tell me,” you sighed, “he is but I just wanted to help,” she scoffed, “you always “just helping” him hm?”

She turned to fully face you, “Neteyam is very kind and sweet, but I know for a fact, he’s inexperienced.” you looked confused at her, “Neteyam is the best hunter here! So I don't understand-,” she quickly cut you off, “in bed [Y/n]! I know what I want, and Neteyam’a is so wrapped up in his duties I bet a girl has never even kissed him!”

You stood there having nothing to say, “Neteyam’s a virgin and I don't date virgins,” she tried walking off but you trapped her, “so? Some would see this as plus!”

The girl laughed, “you think he’s the only boy who likes me? Older boys are begging for me [Y/n], and Neteyam isn't even the one telling me, it’s you! So, you go tell lover boy i’m uninterested!” with that, she yanked her hand back and walked off.

Neteyam sat waiting for you, he lit up when he noticed your figure appearing, “[Y/n]!” you gave him a sad smile, “what?” he looked at you nervous.

“I spoke to the girl you liked,” Neteyam’s eyes widen, he didn't think you’d take it this far. “What did she say?” this lie was digging a big hole and he didn't know how to get out. “Well, she doesn't like you!”

You tried sounding happy maybe this happiness could rub onto him, “really?” he tried sounding sad, but he couldn't give a crap if she did, “yea she doesn't like you but who cares, right?”

Neteyam wasn't thinking about the girl, he was thinking about you. How he wished you could love him even a fraction of the way he loves you, “I guess,” he sounded sad, too sad for your liking.

I mean he was your best friend, your crush, your literal reason for smiling, you understood you probably weren't ever going to date him. I mean How many people date their childhood friends?

You were okay with watching Neteyam be happy with another girl, even if you were on the sidelines, you just wanted him happy.

“Well, thanks for letting me know [Y/n],” Neteyam went to walk but before you even understood what you were doing, you grabbed his shoulders and kissed him.

Neteyam’s body reacted quickly grabbing you and deepening the kiss. His mouth tasted like heaven you kept yearning for more, trying to get closer like it was even possible. You quickly came to your senses pulling back from the boy, Neteyam tried getting closer wanting more but a smack on the cheek stopped him.

You hadn't known what possessed you to smack him maybe it was in the heat of the moment, but you quickly grabbed his braids bringing him closer, “you tell anyone about this and I will kick you in the balls.”

You let go and stormed off, Neteyam smiled he couldn't believe he kissed you, he palmed the hard-on under his loincloth, “fuck.” was all he could say.

Neteyam’s eyes followed you as you walked into the storage room. It had only been one day since you both kissed and he couldn't hold himself back.

Just the thought of you got him going, so it wasn't a shocker when he put something to make the makeshift door stay closed. You gasp as you heard his loud footsteps, clenching your heart when you saw it was him, “you scared me!”

You looked at him as he smiled, he was up to something you knew it. “What did she tell you?” you looked confused, “what?”

He smiled, “the girl yesterday, why doesn't she like me?” You kicked imaginary air as Neteyam walked closer. You didn't know why but his demeanor scared you, you walked back as he came closer, “she said you were inexperienced in bed!”

You blurted out as Neteyam had you pinned, Neteyam laughed, “she thinks I can't pleasure a woman?” you shrugged trying not to make eye contact, “maybe I should show her,” his hand traced your body, “I’ll leave a nice mark on your pretty little body.”

He picked you up like you were a doll, placed you on the table, and opened your legs. “Neteyam someone will see,” you tried reasoning but you knew it was futile. His hands groped you as he kissed you, “you know how I said I liked that girl?”

His hand played with your lion cloth, “I never liked her,” he found your clit causing a gasp to leave your throat, “I like you, [Y/n],” he went harder as his eyes bore into your face, “I like you so much I can hardly breathe, you make me so nervous.”

He stuck two fingers inside you, smiling as you let out a moan, “I like you so much it feels like I swallowed a rock whole,” he littered you with kisses, “teyem,” he went faster. You held onto his hand trying to slow him down, but he just went faster.

His other hand worked on your clit and he smiled as your eyes rolled back, “you make me calm, [Y/n] so calm.” he grabbed your chin forcing eye contact, “I love you, [Y/n].”

You felt yourself approaching, and Neteyam kissing you, and the words coming from his mouth were no help, “I’ll love you till I can't anymore.” you came falling backward as Neteyam finally slowed down, “Gorgeous.”

You tried catching your breath but Neteyam sat on the table and put you on his thigh, “ride me,” he said as you looked at him crazy,” he pinched your nipple, “I know you heard me.”

With the rest of your energy, you started moving, “teyem, please,” you didn't really know what you were begging for, but the way he was making you feel was electric. His fingers traced your skin as he laughed at you, “wonder what they say if they saw you, how you are getting off by my thigh.”

You hid your face in his shoulder but he quickly grabbed you, “keep looking at me, I wanna see how much I ruin you,” you struggled as you looked into his eyes. You wanted nothing more but to smack that shit-eating grin off his face.

“Aw poor little [Y/n] can't keep up, do you want me to help you?” you nodded but he just smacked your ass, a moan leaving your throat, “use your words.” he became serious, scaring you a small bit.

“Yes, please,” he smiled placing his hands on you and grinding you down, “ahh, much better! See it's always nice to have manners,” his thigh flenched, causing you to explode in pleasure.

The pleasure fogged your mind, you looked away for a second but it caused Neteyam to stop. His eyes became dark as he gripped your chin, “what did I say?”

You struggled in his grip, only just noticing how much stronger is he compared to you, “not to look away,” his other hand forced you to grind harder and faster as he played with your breast, “it seems my toy still needs some training,” you moaned as he squeezed hard at your nipple.

“Neteyam, slow down,” your mind was gone, you weren't even thinking anymore, “after today i’m going to break you, mold you into the perfect toy,” he smiled as he felt your pussy clench, you were near.

“You're going to become my bitch, and you're going to love it,” you nodded frantically, “yes, yes, please!” Neteyam smiled down at you as you came, “the perfect toy.”

You got off him, your legs shaking Neteyam kissed your head as you finally smiled at him. He noticed your cum dripping down your leg and took two fingers swiping it and tasting you, “Neteyam!” you took his hand trying to stop him but his other hand caught you.

“First thing, never deny me what's mine,” his hand snaked in between you again playing with your sensitive clit, “I will play with you whenever, wherever I want.”

“Okay,” you breathed out as you let him drag you out, “I love you,” you told him as you both walked, “I love you.” he kissed you once more.

***

HEYYYY GUYS! I’ve missed you, but guess what i’m about to go on holiday so I’ll be able to write so much more for you all! Hope you enjoy this!

[solarrclxud]

MAYBE IN ANOTHER LIFE

summary : this is goodbye my love. maybe in another life.

pairing : modern! wriothesley x reader (she/her pronouns used)

genre: angst (i tried) . modern au

warnings : not proofread , melancholy-ness . wriothesley smokes. 1 mention of cigs and a lighter.

a/n: idk what this is either babe .... its lil sad tho. kinda inspired by my own weird yearny feelings.

" We were so bad it weren't we" , she said , smiling and gazing up at the stars . A melancholy chuckle left his lips " Yeah...we were."

"I wish i would have said something."

"I wish i could have too " Wriothesley said , clicking the lighter in an absentminded attempt to light a cigarette. She looked over at him .

" Sometimes", he continued" I wish i would have told you , how i felt. Maybe if i had just told you .. we could have tried to work it out you know?" .

The cigarette lit , he watched the flames smolder slightly , dusting of the ash and lifting it to him lips . They stayed silent after that for a while. The music from the party was muffled by the balcony door , incoherent lyrics and bass vibrations filtered through the gap under it.

"Maybe" , she whispered . If it had been any louder Wriothesley wouldn't have heard it . But he hummed , urging her to continue ." Maybe it would have worked. wouldn't it have been wonderful?" .

He remained silent , thinking of what to say. He didn't know if he should tell her . The words on the tip of his tongue. Wriothesley longed to fill the silence between then as he looked at her .

" Maybe if we had more time.." He said . i still love you...after all this time is what he meant to say. They made no sound, as if afraid to shatter the precious moment. He though it would be stupid to ask her to love him again now. Years have passed , her hair is different , but so is his . But did that really matter?

He looked over to her , himchest heavy , he didn't know what he had intended to say . They made no sound, as if afraid to shatter the precious moment. Her eyes were glossy as she leaned on the balcony .

She looked back at him and smiled. Oh that smile. It was as beautiful as he remebered , even though this time there was a melancholy tone to it. He smiled back and we both turned to the stars again. The smiles felt like an apology in a way . For both of their yearning and pain. A bandaid for and a candy after a doctors visit.

Wriothesley gazed at the moon . He sometimes feel like He was always meant to love her. Because if He wasn't , what was the purpose of this love to be there in him heart for the last 4 years?

The vines of nostalgia snaking around his heart , gripping it and squeezing like his blood itself ran through them. Maybe it did . Some nights his love for her overcame all else as he lay in bed and thought of all the " ifs" .

She too watched the moon . Thinking of her own nights, the ones she spent wondering what would have happened if she had said something before it was too late. It had been years. She always knew there was no point in hoping .

A part of them both reached out for the other , neither uttering a word in fear that they were the only one yearning . Deep inside their chest their hearts clenched . As if wishing. For things to go back to the way they were. But it wont happen today.

She shifted slightly on that balcony to be closer to him , their hands touched . The electricity of the touch ran through their veins as it they had been hit by lightning .

It means nothing they thought .

They only want comfort thats all .

The song in the background shifted to a softer more romantic one . The sound of angry boooos followed . She laughed . Moving away from him reluctantly and breaking their bubble . "We should get back" she said , the air felt thick , it refused to fill their lungs as they looked at eachother for the last time . She smiled and he smiled back. A last goodbye . A last apology. An i love you of sorts .

"Yeah, we should" .

Maybe in another life.

thank you !

[remikuii]

are you leaving me too?

( ᪥ ) : hii this is my first time doing a request and of course, posting a twoshot. thank you for your wonderful idea @monikadreemurr, i really love it !! (i'm thinking of making this one a series but i'll stick w/ twoshots).

characters : ranpo edogawa and reader (as his foster mother)

synopsis : everything's not fine for ranpo. everywhere he go, he finds his way out immediately. since the death of his parents, he was left alone with no one to rely on. his dad who's known as 'the clairvoyant' told him if anything were to happen, ranpo should go to yokohama and visit the police academy. throughout his journey, he secretly longed for love—an unconditional love of a mother who will give him hugs, praises and snacks to go throughout his lonely world.

warnings : nothing because it's all about baby ranpo :3 just wanna kiss him !!

"Mr. Edogawa....GET UP FROM THE FLOOR, NOW!"

Just a typical day for Ranpo's Police Academy Instructor to go insane from his tantrum in the middle of the class. Ranpo Edogawa, a student of Yokohama's Police Academy who got admitted for merely 3 days already set fire on his name. Instructors fear the time he comes inside the classroom with his usual bored face. Ranpo will be making remarks about how the lesson can be so easy that even a baby could understand.

"Just quit your job and find something else! You and your lessons bore me out, it's nothing but a piece of cake!" Ranpo remarked with a pout on his face.

Oh, what about his classmates? They're humiliated. There jaws are down the floor with their tired stressed eyes opened wide. 'How could he find the l-lesson that e-easy...' they question that time to time.

"How dare you...—" The instructor raised his hand when someone clapped their hands gently, getting everyone's attention.

"Mr. Imoto, I'm afraid that's not how you give discipline, yes?" A lady with a [hair length] [hair color] hair, glimmering [skin color], navy colored uniform and a badge questioned.

"Ah! Miss [Last Name]! I-I didn't mean—Class, greetings!" The class eventually stood up, acknowledging the presence of the Police Academy Head Assistant, Miss [Your Name].

"Everything's noted, Mr. Imoto. Oh, and Mr. Ranpo, I'm impressed of how you find every difficult lessons quite easy for you to understand, yes? Yet, a talk will be waiting for you after—"

"Couldn't it be now? I can't handle this man anymore." Ranpo straightened his uniform and pointed his index finger to the instructor who's now raging.

"The director won't be too happy if I myself, will break a rule. Now, back to business." Looking back to Ranpo, you sent him a genuine smile and threw a candy to him mouthing 'that will last long enough until later'.

After an hour of keeping his mouth shut to stop all the snarky comments he wants to throw to the instructor, Ranpo lazily gathered his things and left the room. He dig inside his pocket and found a lollipop that he bought maybe 2 months ago.

While walking, he heard a familiar voice yet far from the suiting voice he remembered. Their voice is firm and cold, as if it's ready to blow your whole dignity out with one word being spoken.

"Mr. Imoto, I don't want any excuses. Young Edogawa is a child, he has no one to rely on, this is the only place he could stay at for the moment. And as a Police Officer, should you act like this?"

Ranpo's steps halted. It's his first time to hear someone who cared about him this deep that despite the reality of him, crossing his limitations, you cared about his wellbeing.

"I...I do understand, Miss [Last Name], I deeply extend my apologies to the young boy."

'Miss [Last Name]? So, it's the head assistant..' Ranpo thought, placing the lollipop back to his pocket. Later on, multiple sounds of footsteps filled the hallway. In the end of it, there is Mr. Imoto alongside with you, his head hang low.

"Oh! Mr. Edogawa! I thought you have forgotten about the talk we're supposed to do." You let out a chuckle as she patted Mr. Imoto's back.

"Now, Mr. Imoto, what have we discussed...earlier?" You asked, a sinister smile creeping on your face.

"I—I, Mr. Edogawa...I would like to apologize a-about what I've done to you for the past 3 days...I..please forgive me..." Ranpo looked at you with a pout on his lips. 'Just like this? No sweets? Just apologies?' you shook your head and shrugged.

"No."

"Mr. Edogawa..." You started, handing him a box filled with his favourite snacks. There are some sweets from the foreign country that caught his attention.

"Hmmm...[Your Name]-chan! They're yummy!" You're taken aback when he addressed you informally. Yet instead of finding it disrespectful, you found it cute and heartwarming.

You watched him eat the whole pack of candies and open another one—the whole box almost empty. You found a genuine happiness to his face, smile plastered on his face while he took in the sweetness of the food.

You found yourself connected to the boy despite of him merely staying for 3 days and almost kicking himself out already. You found him pure and angelic, a soul that no one would understand if they're not interested to do so. You discovered the feeling that you want to protect him when he's about to be hit by his instructor.

"Okay, so, back to business...Ranpo..Why is it you feel that everything's just boring for you?"

"Oh that? I feel like all of them are dumb like, you can see from that situation who did that and why but they're acting stupid...It...scares me."

"Why...Why does it scare you?" You took a sit across the young boy, interested to how he would respond.

"It's like, I'm the only one who could see the monster..the darkness. They're not able to see it, that's why they can't see the truth.." Ranpo sighed and put the bag of candy down.

"You want some red bean porridge?" You asked, trying to lighten up his mood. Ranpo shook his head but his stomach says otherwise.

"Uhh...[Your Name]-chan? How do you know I like red bean porridge?"

"Oh well, I'm used to visit you when you're 4, I'm around 11 there, I think? Whenever your parents are away, I will take care of you. They will have some note on the table saying 'Don't forget he loves to eat red bean porridge, we'll be back by the evening.' and you'll end up eating 10 bowls.." I laughed at the memory and took my car keys from my table.

"Come on now, I think it's a job well done for you to even reach 3 days here.. Let's get some dinner !!"

"Oh please, can we buy a red bean porridge with a sweet sweet sweet mochi~? The last time I ate one, the mochi wasn't sweet enough!"

okayyy so, that's it for now..I feel sleepy. i don't even know how i wrote this haha, maybe will revise it later on.

take note : there's part 2~!

[whatavery]

Sweet Mayfly Fly Away

An art trade I did for @miles-crow a while ago featuring Atlas and Asa. We love us some old man yaoi around here, don't we?

---

As the door slid open, Asa glanced up in time to see the familiar, leaner figure of his friend stepping into the dimly lit office. Cigar smoke swirled around Asa as he exhaled, his face breaking into a smile.

“Ah, Atlas… I was beginning to think you weren’t coming.” Atlas may was dressed as sharply as ever in a nice, sleek, almost form-fitting black three-piece suit. Asa grinned and drew another deep hit of his cigar, exhaling slowly after the smoke had filled his lungs. Asa himself was also dressed up in a similar getup. He knew it was almost time.

“I wouldn't miss a party of yours for the world,” the gray tabby simply said as he took a seat on the other side of Asa's desk. Atlas wasn't a man who smiled very often, but just then, Asa noticed the unmistakable way the corners of the gray cat’s mouth tugged themselves upwards. “Look at you, working on the night of your own party…”

“Not working, just… making sure everything is as it should be,” Asa chuckled, before he resumed looking over the paperwork. Granted, he had a hard time keeping his eyes on it now that Atlas occupied the chair opposite him.

They occasionally stole glances at each other and Atlas didn’t seem to mind just waiting.

“Oh, but where are my manners…” Asa gestured towards the jars on his desk, one holding cigars, the others holding candy. “See something you like?”

“I certainly do.” Atlas’ eyes weren't even on the candy. Instead, the tabby’s golden eyes were staring straight into Asa's green ones. Asa smirked at him and chuckled.

“Well, afraid I can’t let you do that, old friend,” he said with a wink. Asa put out his cigar on a nearby ashtray beside his desk mat, and pulled the lid off a jar. He popped a hard rock candy into his mouth. “We’ll need something else to occupy your mouth tonight.”

“I’ll have one of those then…” Atlas leaned in closer, eyes still staring into Asa's. When Atlas opened his mouth, Asa knew what he wanted, making him snicker. And without a second thought, he picked out a piece of candy for his oldest friend and gently placed it into his mouth. When he briefly felt the other man licking his finger, Asa found himself grinning some.

“We really need to find you a lady friend – get those queer tendencies under control,” he teased him. He showed one of those small smiles Asa knew so well. Since the day they'd met, Atlas hadn't been much for smiling. Although many people found it intimidating, it hadn't ever bothered Asa. Besides, he knew fully well how to make Atlas crack smiles on a semiregular basis.

Asa finally rose to his feet and adjusted his red tie, before he checked his jacket and his vest, the left side of his chest adorned with the signature orange Marigold flower. “Mayhaps tonight is the night.”

“Mayhaps…” Atlas said, though he didn’t seem like the prospect was one that interested him very much. Asa had barely stepped around his desk before Atlas stopped him in his tracks. “You already know who I want, though.”

Feeling his friend invading his personal space, Asa gave him an almost guilty smile. He shook his head. “You’re a strange man, Atlas May. Pining for your oldest friend who’s taken.”

Atlas’ small smile faded quite noticeably when Asa reminded him. They both knew, it wasn't as though it were some shocking revelation that Asa was seeing someone. Atlas leaned in towards him till their lips almost met. “Can you blame me?”

“Well, I just want to remind you that no matter how bad you want it – no matter how bad we want it – we can’t, Atlas…” It was a rare, serious moment between them that didn’t involve business. For decades, they'd been together, generally in secret. Not many people would understand what they had.

“I know…” Atlas replied in that calm, almost cold voice of his. “I’m merely wondering what changed… This new lady of yours really must be something special…”

It was true, things had changed. They didn’t use to let something like this stop them. They'd always sneak around, kiss in secret, spends passionate nights together. Asa inwardly swore and closed his eyes.

Their lips met and Asa already regretted it. He couldn’t help it, he knew he shouldn’t do this, shouldn’t encourage this. Tonight was the night they were meant to end things, they had been doing this for far too long.

“She’s… Yeah, she’s something, alright, Atlas…” But she’s not you, Asa almost said. However, based on the look on Atlas’ face, he doubted he needed to say anything. Atlas’ lips were so sweet, and not just from the candy in his mouth. Perhaps his old friend just tasted all the sweeter because they shouldn’t be kissing.

Feeling Atlas’ hands on his cheeks was about enough to make Asa melt. He closed his eyes and sighed. “Stop…”

“Stop?”

Asa opened his eyes again and looked into Atlas’ piercing, golden ones that always took Asa's breath away. “Please, Atlas… You know how I feel.”

“I do know… But we’ve done this before. Tell me why it’s different,” Atlas demanded. Asa sighed inwardly as Atlas stroked his cheeks with his hands, being so very gentle. “That’s all you need to do, and I’ll drop it.”

Despite himself, Asa put his arms around Atlas and held him close. “Because I love you, Atlas. You know as well as I that we can’t have a normal life. You've been with me longer than anyone, you know I would marry you if I could.”

Atlas fell silent and said nothing for a moment. When Asa pulled back to look at him, the other cat had a somber expression on his face. Atlas was the first to avert his gaze, looking down. Asa took a hold of both his hands, holding them against his own cheeks. He removed Atlas’ hands after a moment of enjoying the feeling.

“Atlas… please, I want you to be properly happy… We can’t keep doing this for the rest of our lives. As much as I want to. I want you to be happy,” Asa said, repeating the main point of what he was trying to say. “You understand, don’t you?”

Even after that, Atlas said nothing, he didn’t even meet Asa's eyes. He closed his eyes again and sighed. “I know. And you know how much I love you. There's no one I've ever wanted like I want you, Ace.”

Asa couldn’t help but smile sadly upon hearing Atlas using that nickname that no one else used for him – not even the women he had seen in his life. “And I feel the same about you, Lassie.”

Upon hearing his own nickname, Atlas likewise gave a sad smile of his own. He kissed Asa's lips gently, briefly. Though they both knew it was wrong, it didn’t end at a kiss. Asa knew for a fact that while it could be seen as a finality, the ending of what they had had for decades, it might also make it harder to leave it behind. There wasn't a thing in the world Asa wouldn't do for Atlas, and he felt he owed the most important person in his life something good.

Feeling slightly lightheaded by the time they prepared to leave for the party downstairs, Asa stopped Atlas in his tracks. From a desk-drawer, Asa produced a small, black box and handed it to Atlas. He gave his dearest friend a sad kind of smile as he peered into the box. Atlas’ eyes darted back up to Asa's, fleeting hope showing itself on his face for just the briefest of moments.

Smiling sadly, Asa shook his head. “Give that to a woman you think is good enough for a man like you one day, Lassie. Give it to her and know it’s the ring I would’ve given you.”

Atlas closed his eyes and nodded. He seemed to steel himself before he eventually pocketed the ring. Nevertheless, he walked from the office with Asa. Asa kept stealing glances at Atlas, searching his handsome face for some, any kind of reaction – some way of knowing what he was thinking. Had it been a mistake to end things? Had giving Atlas that ring he'd held onto for almost a full year been the real mistake? Asa had no way of knowing, seeing as Atlas gave him nothing to really go off of.

But they made it down to the Marigold Room no problem. Asa had wanted to make tonight special. Perhaps it was knowing that he wanted to end things with Atlas, perhaps he wanted to see it as a new beginning. It would be quite a party with many people invited, it would have a band playing live music, a different band than the usual one. These people were from out of town and Asa didn’t know who they were. He just hoped they could deliver.

Perhaps this new band could bring about something new. A symbolic or literal new start for the both of them.

[ticklygiggles]

Miya&Mia's Tickletober Day 31 - Halloween

Neuvillette x Wriothesley

Collab with wonderful @otomiyaa

A/N: Last day of this fun event and of course we had to write something together! I had so much fun writing this with you, dear. Thank you for doing this with me! And also thank for doing such a challenging and fun list with me!

Summary: There's a All Hallow's Eve event in the Nation of Justice and The Duke has his own little informant, but why is he so serious?!

It was something not very common.

The words just wouldn't stop coming out of Neuvillette's mouth, and even though his voice was as monotone, serious and deep as ever, he sounded almost breathless, excited even, as he explained to Wriothesley everything there was to know about All Hallow's Eve, or at least Fontaine's version of that event. 

Wriothesley had stopped working to focus his full attention on Neuvillette while he enjoyed his tea. That little traveler and his companion had introduced Lady Furina to this autumn event that happened yearly in Mondstadt. Pumpkin carving, enchanted attractions, a weird game called apple bobbing, playing pranks, lots of candy and a lot more things which sounded appropriate for the Nation of Freedom, but certainly did not seem like something that could be celebrated in Fontaine. 

But, according to what Neuvillette said, everyone seemed very interested, and the streets at the Court of Fontaine were full of people, but also full of decorations that probably no one in the Nation of Justice had ever seen before.

Wriothesley almost felt the need to leave his office and see everything with his own eyes but… why was Neuvillette still so serious? 

"I see, it seems like a big celebration then," Wriothesley said kindly, smiling warmly at Neuvillette. "Did you get bored?" 

Neuvillette blinked and he tilted his head to the side, confused. "I just said it is quite interesting, why do you ask if I got bored?" 

“Hmm,” Wriothesley hummed, leaning over to grab one of the ghost-shaped cookies Neuvillette had brought him. He took a bite to eat it with his tea. The taste was rather bland, but he appreciated the effort. 

“Looking at your face, I can’t say whether you are reporting about a funeral or a festival,” Wriothesley admitted in all honesty. He took another bite of the cookie. 

“About a festival,” Neuvillette replied, still very serious. 

Wriothesley scanned the little basket with candies and snacks other than the cookies, and a couple of festive decorations Neuvillette had brought him so he could still enjoy the festival during his working hours. He reached for a funny hat, more like head decoration with a skeleton on it, and handed it to Neuvillette.

“This is for people to wear? Please put this on. It will make you look less serious.” 

Neuvillette did not budge, though a very subtle blush could be seen on his face. “I am afraid I must refuse.” 

“It’s a gift. You should accept it,” Wriothesley encouraged.

Neuvillette remained calm and serious. “With all due respect, Wriothesley. I gave it to you first. So, it is your gift.” 

Wriothesley chuckled. “Fine. Then I say, I would like you to wear my gift. At least it will look like you are having fun. Come on, Neuvillette. My lonely experience of All Hallow’s Eve from my office will not be complete unless you wear it.” 

Neuvillette stared at the silly hat. Then without responding to Wriothesley's funny request, he sighed and got up without even finishing his tea.

“I am afraid I should leave. Lady Furina must be waiting, now if you’ll excuse me -” 

Wriothesley got up quickly and tried to place the hat on Neuvillette’s head, but as expected, the Chief Justice was not one to fool with and snatched the thing from him and held it above his head.

“Do not,” he warned. Wriothesley smirked, watching the elegant Neuvillette with the silly skeleton hat high above his head. 

“Fine. I will not.” Instead without warning, he placed his hand on Neuvillette’s waist and squeezed slightly. 

Neuvillette's breath hitched in his throat and Wriothesley felt the muscles contracting under his touch as his arm lowered just a little. Neuvillette looked at him with slightly wide eyes.

"Do not," he warned again, his arm stubbornly up. "I am serious."

"That's exactly why I'm forced to do this, Monsieur Neuvillette," Wriothesley taunted, placing his other hand on the other side of Neuvillette's waist and squeezing. 

Neuvillette grunted, his hips lurching back as his free hand closed around one of Wriothesley's wrists. The Duke chuckled to himself and without another word, he started to squeeze Neuvillette's waist over and over. Neuvillette made a strangled sound and Wriothesley saw him gritting his teeth as he tried to twist away from between his hands. 

"Maybe if you show me a little smile, Neuvillette, I'll actually believe that you had fun?" He teased and giggled when Neuvillette shook his head desperately, refusing to talk back. "Or you can put the hat on, that's easier right?" 

“N-no I - ahhhh!” Neuvillette let out a most precious yelp when Wriothesley moved his hand up and squeezed just the right spot between his lower ribs. Neuvillette jolted in surprise and didn’t just drop his arm. He also dropped the hat. 

“Ooh?” Wriothesley watched the thing fall and looked back at Neuvillette, smirking.

“N-noho i-it was ahan accide-ahh! Don’t!” Neuvillette tried to fight his laughter as Wriothesley trapped him against his desk, both his hands now aiming for Neuvillette’s sides and tickling him ruthlessly. Neuvillette, who usually looked so cool and aloof, was now blushing and stuttering, making the cutest and strangest noises. 

“Wriahaha-Wriothehhesley! N-nohoho!” With each second Wriothesley dragged the playful moment, Neuvillette’s voice sounded louder. He went from restrained chuckles and giggles to soft little yelps and a nice and gentle sound Wriothesley could call laughter. He smiled. 

“Now this is more like it,” he said when Neuvillette was finally smiling. 

“Ahhahah!” Neuvillette turned and twisted, his hands reaching for Wriothesley's, but failing to pull them off.

It was fun to see Neuvillette trying to cover his smiling mouth with one of his hands, he was also trying to seal his lips again, but it was harder now that Wriothesley found that extremely sensitive spot on his lower ribs. 

He looked so pretty, his fair skin was adorably pink and his smile was so wide. Wriothesley couldn't lie, he always found an excuse to tickle Neuvillette just because he always got to see that beautiful expression on him.  

"L-Lehehehet mehehe gohoho!" He laughed beautifully, pushing Wriothesley's shoulder. "Thihihis ihihis chihihildihihish!"

Wriothesley chuckled, "you always say that when I do this," he said happily, "but hey at least you look happier, do you mind repeating everything you just said about the festival?"

"I c-cahahahan n-nahahat!" He squeaked when Wriothesley vibrated his fingers against his lower ribs. "Stohohahap tihihickling me thehehere!" 

"You can not?" Wriothesley asked, completely ignoring Neuvillette's pleading. "Then, what about wearing the hat? Sounds like a plan, Neuvillette?"

Neuvillette shook his head while sweet laughter continued to pour from his lips. 

“No? Hmm, alright then.” Wriothesley’s hands climbed up a bit further, his thumbs slipping under Neuvillette’s arms and digging into those armpits, a hidden goldmine Wriothesley would call them. Neuvillette let out a loud gasp and jerked with all of his body. 

“WAhhh nohoho!” Neuvillette laughed in the cutest way. Wriotheseley joined in with a laugh of his own when Neuvillette made such a violent movement as a reflex to the tickling that he managed to turn around, bending over Wriothesley’s desk, but the Duke was persistent and continued to tickle his sensitive underarms.

“No- not thehere! Ahahahah!” He flailed his arms when Wriothesley tickled his armpits mercilessly, knocking the basket he brought from the festival and sending its sweets, candies and decorations rolling and falling off the desk. 

Neuvillette’s efforts of trying to remain cool and calm were admirable, but right now he should just give in to the fact that he was adorable.

Wriothesley smiled fondly, pleased that in this position, Neuvillette wouldn’t be able to see how soft he could make him. 

“Not here? We could strike a deal, if you wear that little hat to the festival,” he suggested, glancing at the skeleton hat that lay on the floor between several other fallen items. 

“Buhuhut!” Neuvillette laughed, and Wriothesley could swear he was blushing. He stepped back and forced Neuvillette to turn back around so they were face to face again. He was indeed blushing, and there was a subtle trace of sparkly tears in his eyes. The sight made Wriothesley feel… things. He leaned in and kissed him. Not their first kiss, for the record. But definitely the first one in a while. 

“Hmmhehehe!” Neuvillette giggled when Wriothesley gently wiggled his fingers from his sides towards his tummy, poking the spot playfully. The Chief Justice was a breathless and flustered mess, and he tiredly caught Wriothesley’s tickly hands, failing to pry them off or to stop their wiggling fingers tickling his stomach.

“Wriothehehesley,” Neuvillette laughed breathlessly. 

“Hmm?” Wriothesley kissed his lips again, feeling a little greedy. “What is it?”

“I’ll wehehear the hahahat…," he said blushing and unable to keep from laughing when Wriothesley's fingers wiggled against his lower stomach. "O-Ohohonly if y-yohou stohop, thohough."

Wriothesley hummed in thought. He certainly wanted to see his serious Neuvillette wearing that ridiculous yet cute hat, but his finger still itched to draw out more of his wonderful and exquisite laughter, however, his lover was already out of breath and could barely stand on his own feet. 

He sighed heavily and he smiled when Neuvillette looked at him curiously. He surprised the Chief Judge by a sudden squeeze to his hips that had him squeaking and giggling before Wriothesley moved to pick the hat up and the basket with all those candies he still wanted to try.

"Very well, Monsieur Neuvillette," Wriothesley said, placing the hat between Neuvillette's hands. "Would you do me the favor?" 

Wriothesley wanted to laugh at Neuvillette's expression when he saw the hat in his hands. Disgust combined with horror and an adorable blush that spread from his cheeks to the tips of his eyebrows. He looked at Wriothesley and then at the hat and then at Wriothesley once more before quickly placing the hat on his head. 

Wriothesley thought he was going to laugh at the sight of Neuvillette, but his heart jumped in his chest and he could only think of how adorable Neuvillette looked. His eyes softened and he gently cupped Neuvillette's face in his hands to plant a kiss on his lips. 

"Why didn't you want to wear this?" He asked after leaving Neuvillette breathless with a heated kiss, his crooked hat gently fixed by Wriothesley. "You look so adorable I might pass away this instant."

If Wriothesley didn't know better, he'd say Neuvillette was pouting. “.....” Neuvillette answered with silence. He just had this cute embarrassed look on his face, so Wriothesley kissed him again.

“You look great. A true All Hallow's Eve enjoyer.” 

Neuvillette nodded shyly and turned away. “I should leave,” he said, and Wriothesley could see that even his ears had turned red. Aw, so flustered he was. Wriothesley reached for his hand, grabbed it and pulled him right back. Neuvillette gasped when Wriothesley once again caught him with his eyes, and he smirked.

“Wear it until the end of the festival, alright? I have my sources up there, so I will know whether Monsieur Neuvillette walked around according to the theme… or not,” he said teasingly, and he wiggled his fingers against Neuvillette’s hip again. A soft strangled noise left his lips, and Neuvillette quickly managed to disguise it as a cough.

“Y-yes, uhunderstood,” he giggled nervously. Ah damn. He was so cute. "Will you not… go up to see?"

Wriothesley smiled, "I'll probably join you after I finish some things up," he said, grabbing Neuvillette's hand and kissing the back of it. "You should go now, however, and show Lady Furina your All Hallow's Eve spirit, hmm? Also, promise me you'll come back here if I don't go up."

Neuvillette nodded solemnly, his lips slightly curved in a shy smile. "I will."

"I am planning on tickling you again, too. I know you love it so much."

Neuvillette's eyes widened and he pulled at his hand still held by Wriothesley. "I do not enjoy that little childish and rather silly game of yours!" 

Wriothesley laughed, kissing Neuvillette's hand again before letting him go. "Yes, yes, yes. Of course. Now go and don't forget to wear your hat and bring some more of those cookies, please?"

"... Fine. I will see you later, Wriothesley."

"Be careful on your way, Monsieur Neuvillette."

As he watched Neuvillette walk away, he felt a small pang in his heart. Maybe it would have been better to keep Neuvillette here with him, wearing his adorable hat and listening to his beautiful laugh, but he could tell Neuvillette really enjoyed the festival and who was he to keep him from having fun? 

Ah… maybe he should join him later after all, just for fun!

[the-moon-lullaby]

Okay, I spent an early morning reading this wonderful blog (seriously, you really do it well), and I wanted to place an order too. It's always nice and interesting to read other people's HC's, sometimes even debate about it, and honestly you seem like a great person to talk to.

By the way, I read below that you were busy with college exams, I hope they are over now and you are free of this Hell. If unfortunately not, my condolences, but good luck.

Anyway, my request is very simple: based on my bad night, since I woke up because of a nightmare... I wanted to see Candy waking up in shock, because of a horrible nightmare, and her first reaction is to call her boyfriend to try to calm down. Oh, it could be on HSL.

The HSL Boys' reaction to Candy having a nightmare

N/A : Hiii ! Thank you for being so sweet, it means a lot ! I feel horrible that you had to wait so long for your request to be done but there we are. I hope you like it still ! (Also I hope your nightmare wasn't too bad and I wish you nothing but sweet dreams darling) 💕

𝙽𝚊𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚒𝚎𝚕 : 

Nathaniel can be a light or heavy sleeper according to how tired he is 

Yet, if Candy starts speaking, crying or even screaming in her sleep, that’s more than enough to wake him up with a little fright 

Now, depending on how intense and how affected Candy seemed to be by said nightmare, he’d start shaking her up immediately and would probably freaks out a bit if she’s yelling in her sleep or if she can’t stop crying

If it’s not that terrible, he’ll try to gently pull her close and caress her hair, hoping that this should be enough to comfort her and allow her to sleep more peacefully 

But if he doesn’t hear her and  it’s Candy waking him up, give him a few second and he’ll handle the situation (I have the feeling that Nathaniel is easy to wake up in the way that his brain is functional straight up after being awoken and slay honestly, that couldn’t be me)

(or if Candy’s calling him in the middle of the night on his phone, he’ll be woken up by the ringing, which according to Nath’s personality is probably the most basic one, without offense. You know the Apple default wake up alarm ? Surely it is that one and oh boy, if there’s a top ten of the things you don’t want to hear in the middle of the night it’s totally one. I would personally rank it above the sound of a demonic entity, that how much I can’t stand it anymore) 

He’ll listen to Candy rant about her nightmare (whether irl or on the phone) and would try his best to reassure 

He’d avoid saying basic things like « it was just a bad dream » because yes, that’s the point, it was that bad. So instead of trying to diminish the things he’d try to be more focus on validating her like « I understand why you were so scared » (even if the nightmare was about something he’s not afraid of) or « Do you want to keep talking or you’d rather if we talk about something else ? » (And he’s ready to talk about anything you like if it can bring peace to your mind)

(If Candy’s calling him, he gets a certain feeling of pride washing over him, even if she’s waking him up in the middle of night it doesn’t matter, he feels great about being the person she thinks of when she needs to be comforted. And it makes sense since it’s who Candy is to him as well)

If it happened while she was staying over and if she can’t stop crying, doesn’t want to talk about the nightmare and no matter how many hugs and sweet words he offers her seemed to make her feel better, he’ll get up and go get a glass of water and Blanche (because every time he feels down, petting and cuddling with her makes him feel better so bring the cat, maybe it’ll work for Candy too) or if they’re on a call, he’ll FaceTime so she can see Blanche

He doesn’t mind staying up until late if she doesn’t want to go back to sleep right away even if they got to go to school the next day (he’s used to be sleep deprived anyway with the amount of all-nighter he pulls to study so don’t worry he can handle it)

𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚛 : 

Honestly, Lysander sleeps like a baby most of the time, which means he is neither a heavy or light sleeper and he doesn’t get nightmares that often (or when he does, it mostly sad ones and it’s understandable since he went through some major loss in his life. He might also get nightmares where he gets hit by a car since it happened to him and there’s some trauma that went along with it)

But the fact that this happens so rarely to him can explain why he doesn’t know how to right away to comfort Candy went she going through it

No matter the nightmare, even if it doesn’t seem to be an awful one, he’ll wake her up. Just in case

He wouldn’t say much though and simple take her in his arms, planting kisses on the top of her head and try to lull her 

He wants her to know that she’s safe so he rather acting on it instead of trying to find words that would probably end up sounding absurd 

If he receive a call from Candy in the middle of the night, it’d wake him up but also got him confused since it’s pretty unusual for her to call him at this hour without warning

He’d freak out a little because of it 

When Candy tells him about it, he’ll be more focused on why she felt so scared rather than the thing itself (if that makes sense ? It’s like, if we found the root of the problem then we can get rid of it instead of just trying to make her feel better temporarily)

If Candy and him are physically together in this situation, he’ll get up and invite her to do the same so they can improvise make hot chocolate or simply some tea 

They’d have to be quiet though because chances are that Leigh is sleeping in his room

If he sees that talking about the nightmare doesn’t help, he’ll try to distract Candy by telling her about stories (probably little myths and legends from where he is from that could be comforting since Lysander is a countryside boy. Idk if that’s the case everywhere, but from where I am from, there’s plenty of little tales like that and I can totally picture our boy paying interest to them)

Or he would tell her stories about his childhood on the farm (because even though he kinda stopped having nightmares as he grew up, when he was little it was an other story)

Overall, he’s very calm and that itself is reassuring and comforting. Also he emphasises on the point that he’s glad Candy woke him up as she could never burden him and it makes him happy to be there for her as the romantic man he is 

𝙰𝚛𝚖𝚒𝚗 :

The only reason Armin wouldn’t be up in the middle of the night is because Candy is staying over and he went to bed with her 

Otherwise, he’s up all night playing games, watching animes or googling the most random things ever (you know these questions you ask yourself at 3AM and even though having the answer to it will not change anything to your life but you feel like you have to know ? Happens to him all the time. It makes me think, could he have ADHD ? Perhaps, but he surely got some symptoms even if he doesn’t)

Also, he’s a heavy sleeper so he might not hear Candy having a nightmare unless it’s getting loud and his reaction to it : panickkk

He’d just cluelessly shake her up because what else is he supposed to do ? 

Unlike (his bestie) Nathaniel, his mind does take some time to be functional after waking up so he’s confused, Candy’s confused (and scared/shocked), everyone’s confused, it’s a mess

The brief conversation they had before Armin gets to pull himself together is absolutely chaotic because of it (like Candy is absolutely terrified and he’s just like « huh ??? What ??? WHAT IS IT ?? »)

They’d sit up in bed and he’ll listen to Candy explaining what had happened and he finally gets it (why do I feel Armin is the slow friend ? Also completely out of topic but I’ve been rewatching some Buzzfeed Unsolved episodes and am I the only one that can imagine Shane and Ryan’s dynamic as Armin and Nath’s ? Like Shane as Armin and Nath as Ryan. Ok, that was not the request but I needed to say it)

I think his first reflex would be to go grab something to eat. And since the twins’ parents seem to be the coolest, I bet their house never lacks snacks (I’m envious). 

Armin raiding his parents’ kitchen at every opportunity he got is basically canon at this point

I feel like Armin’s way of comforting people is by trying to make them laugh so when Candy tells the whole with more detail he’d comment on it just to have a little giggle out of her 

He might very well ask her if she wants to play a video game or watch a movie (maybe a Ghibli one because they’re the epitome of comfort and no one can argue about this. Yes, I am a big fan of Ghibli movies)

In the end, Armin is the perfect guy when it comes to lighten up the mood and even though he’s not sure about how you should comfort someone properly, he manages to do an excellent job and Candy’s nightmare feels far away now as he so easily put a smile on her face (and he does so by simply existing, what a flex)

Now if he receives a phone call from Candy and that she’s isn’t by his side, he immediately picks up because as I said, he pulls all-nighters all the time so chances are that he isn’t asleep 

He’d FaceTime her right away and overall, he’d act the same way except that he can’t raid the kitchen for her on this one 

𝙲𝚊𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚎𝚕 : 

He’s a heavy sleeper, no questions asked. Even worse than Armin so once again, for him to be woke up by Candy having a nightmare, she got to be very loud or to wake him up herself 

And if she does, she’ll scare the shit out of him because he was unprepared and he needs time to collect his thoughts when emerging from his slumber (I feel like coma would be a more appropriate word lol)

Which is why if Candy calls him after a nightmare he might not hear his phone ring (or that could also be like this guy constantly leaves his phone on « Do Not Disturb » because guess what ? Most of the time, he do not want to be disturbed by anyone or anything - even though Candy’s the exception because he’s whipped but that’s a whole other story)

But if he sees that he missed the call in the morning, be absolutely certain that he’ll feel terrible (even more when Candy tells him about why she called him because he’ll deny to death but he would have loved to play the white knight and be the shoulder she can lean on during tough times. Metaphorically in this scenario but still, he’s much more of a romantic that he likes to admit)

Yet, if by any chances he wasn’t asleep, he’ll catch the call and he’d be confused and worry at the moment he hears Candy being so upset 

He’d be like « c’mon little girl, take a deep breath, it’s okay » (and since it’s late he has his tone affected by tiredness that makes his voice more deep and calm. Idk if you can picture it but I think there’s a difference in people’s voice according to what time of the day it is and I think that « night voice » exist)

Surprisingly, Castiel handles the situation really well. He’s calm and composed which is obviously the best attitude to adopt when trying to reassure someone 

Whether it’s on the phone or in person, he’ll let out some sweet words, even gets a little cheesy dare I say and would tell her how much he loves her as he sees how that calms her down (don’t mention his cheesiness afterwards though because otherwise he’ll never allow himself to be so open about his feelings with you and next time you need to be comforted, GET COMFORTED ON YOUR OWN. That’s what you get if you make fun of him - but why would you when he’s being so sweet though ?)

If Candy is by his side in this scenario, he’ll shelter her in his arms, hold her tight to keep her grounded and will gently rub her skin, hoping that the repetitive movement helps her to calm down

Now if it’s not enough, he’ll ask her if she wants to get up (and that means a lot coming from him because he’s probably exhausted) and go get some water or even go on his little terrasse for a few minutes to enjoy the refreshing air of night 

He might not say much since his mind isn’t the clearest at this precise moment (doesn’t know what to say) but he makes up with his touch and by carefully listening to Candy as she tells him all about the nightmare and as goes done from the adrenaline rush caused by the fear

Could bring Demon if she wants to (Animals are the best emotional support, I’ll never let go of this idea)

𝙺𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚗 : 

Kentin is a light sleeper but it wasn’t always the case. It started when he arrived at the military school and his « comrades » used to pull pranks on him while he was sleeping. Therefore, he kinda has this habit of sleeping with an eye open one might say (when you think about it, it’s basically ptsd and that is tragic. But Kentin’s a tragic character in a way and that is unfortunately pretty much overlooked)

When hears Candy sobbing, talking or even screaming (if so his reflex will be kicking in and he’s now wide awake ready to fight the threat. He’s too sweet and too pure), he starts by waking her up and before asking anything, he cups her face and try to make sure she knows she awake

He wants her to know that whatever nightmare she was having, no matter how terrible, it is now over and she’s completely safe by his side 

He’d dry her tears, trying to help go back to a steady breathing and only when she’s a bit calmed down, he’ll ask about what happened 

I feel like Kentin is good at dealing with nightmares for the sole reason that he has them often and a lot himself. Considering what he’s been through and how much he repressed his feelings, it makes sense and honestly he deserves better

He’ll make Candy sit up and hold his hand while he listens.

He’ll try to hide his glistening eyes since he doesn’t want Candy to think she’s making him sad but he can’t help it.

We know how much he cares about her so seeing her upset is enough to make him upset as well 

If Candy’s calling him instead, he was probably asleep but as soon as he heard his phone ringing, he picked up (he was awoken by the singular alarm he picked for Candy)

He’s frustrated he can’t be there with her but he also feels pride swelling in his chest. The idea of Candy counting on him to calm her down in this situation makes him feel like a big boy lol

He might FaceTime or not, depending on if she wants to see him or just hearing his voice

He doesn’t mind staying on the phone all night if it’s with Candy. Therefore she can take all her time to talk about her nightmare or anything really because he’s not bothered by it in the slightest 

If they’re at his place, he’ll reveal his secret stash of cookies and will offer some to Candy (sweet boy)

There we go ! I hope it's not that bad but I've been gone for so long (much more than I expected, sorry again about that) I felt like I am rusting. Do not be surprised if you see some edits on the posts in the future (idk if I am satisfied with it or not, I got the feeling that I could do better).

Also I really went big on the personal thoughts on that one and it's probably because I am loosing my mind (because yes I started a summer job and it's in a factory. Your girl is making nuggets for basically eight hours straight and has to wake up at 4 AM in the week to do so. And each time I wonder WHO SENT ME THERE ? and the answer is me because we live in a capitalistic society and I have bills to pay now that I am a big girl.) But Live laugh love as they say 💀(who really says that though?)

Anyway, I wish you all a splendid day and see you soon (for real this time, I hope) !

[corporatefrog]

꒦‧₊ ꒷ headcannons: team stan with a careless friend✧.*

✧.* tags: college au

✧.* Characters: kenny mccormick, kyle broflovski, stan marsh, eric cartman, butters stotch

a/n: I usually don't add cartman to these things bc he stinks+loser+annoying+suckmydick but I know he'd take advantage of someone who hod so sense of mortality so he gets a pass this time ig.

masterlist

Kenny

He mistakes the carelessness for spontaneity and immediately assigns you as his go to “lets do something stupid I just thought of” partner

He’s a “try everything once” kind of guy so it’s perfect that you have no sense of self preservation

“Kenny stand on the other side of the field, I wanna see how far I can throw my phone.”

“Okay.”

You both infuriate stan to no end

#annoyingduo in the best way possible 

Do NOT put the two of you in the same room at a party

All of a sudden there’s a 15 person game of just dance happening but there’s no screen?? You’re all just doing moves you saw on just dance

Everyday is a new adventure

Kenny probably has an eye out for you though

He can die doing something stupid and be back the next day but you on the other hand are not 

Gotta keep his partner in crime alive! There’s a bunch of other things on his “before I die (for real)” bucket list that you still need to mark off

Kyle

You just get caught up in the moment! You have such a wonder for life!

Kyle doesn’t get it sometimes seeing as he tries to view everything logically. 

He’s more like a babysitter when you both go somewhere

“You did not just spend $300 on knock off jordans from a random man on the street corner.”

“I did and they’re the comfiest shoes I’ve ever worn. He told me they’ll cure my posture problems.”

“Do you just believe anything someone tells you?”

“Coming from someone who almost cried when I didn’t use his Candy Crush referral code so he could get more lives, that’s really rich.”

Okay so he gets swept up in trends sometimes. At least he understands his own mortality!

After the third time you try to learn how to do a backflip and fail miserably, he has to leave the room to keep from screaming 

keeps a mental count of the things you do every day that should kill you

the current record is 14

Stan

He doesn’t understand how you can just go through your day without a care

Are you not afraid of dying? That’s like 32% of his thoughts during the day

“Fuck I dropped my credit card down the drain. Stan, hold my ankles while I reach down to grab it.”

“I can literally see the used heroin needles down there.”

“Okay and??? Not my fault the city doesn’t have a safe use zone, I need that card!” 

One time you guys were leaving a store and the alarm went off 

Stan turned to ask you if you got the security tags removed but you we’re already sprinting halfway across the mall

Not because you stole anything, but because you saw jimmy, clyde, and tolkien walking out of a store and wanted to say hi

And then you spent the rest of the day being lectured by an underpaid paul blart wannabe

Stan was freaking out because he thought you would get arrested for causing a scene or something (they find any reason to arrest someone in south park) 

But all you did was laugh in that light hearted, careless way you always do

Cartman

Bro will manipulate your carelessness for all its worth

You are now the second person he calls when he has some stupid plot that needs someone who doesn’t understand the concept of death

If kenny’s busy, you’re on speed dial

Honestly, you’re probably the first call because you’ll do something stupid without needing to be paid! 

Free labor!

Wanna work at dicknbaus hot dogs for 14 hours with no pay? It’s free hotdogs! You’re in! 

Hes an exploitative motherfucker 

Thats all im here to say about it

butters 

You’re going to give him a heart attack

One time you purposely kicked a medicine ball to see how far it would go and broke your foot

And he was more worried about your foot than you were!

“Oh jesus, can you move it?”

“Um… no I don’t think so. Lemme take off my sock”

“AH ITS PURPLE!”

“Oh damn, you’re right. That’s a nice shade though, I was thinking of painting my room that color!”

“NOW IS NOT THE TIME TO BE TALKING ABOUT THIS”

Unlike kyle, he can’t force himself to ignore your careless nature

He’s always worrying about you 

He’ll suggest you both go to first aid classes or cpr training whenever you hang out “just for fun!”

but really he needs to know that you at least have some first aid knowledge if you're going to keep running around like death is a social construct

[noturlondonboy]

No More Excuses//Katelena

Chapter 9: When It Rears Its Ugly Head

Pairing: Kate Bishop x Yelena Belova

Chapter Summary: The girls go see a movie and then head to a bar to just relax and enjoy each other’s company, but trouble arises when a toxic face from Kate’s past shows up.

A/N: I hope you hate this man as much as I do.

Chapter Warnings: alcohol, men being assholes, harassment, PTSD, trauma

Kate lets Yelena pick the movie when they shuffle into the first theater they can find, which happens to be small and vintage and ultimately adorable. She goes over the options for a small moment before excitedly beckoning to the reruns of Howl's Moving Castle, and Kate lights up with a grin at her decision. They get ridiculously cheap candy from the snack counter and scurry down the hallway.

Apparently Howl's Moving Castle had been on a list of Yelena's of things to watch because of her intermittent internet browsing, and Kate made a mental note to properly introduce her to Studio Ghibli later on.

The movie is an instant hit with Yelena, of course, who is so enthralled with the gorgeous art style and music that she doesn't even remember to touch the Reese's Pieces Kate convinced her to try. Here and there she mutters her thoughts, commenting on how sad it was that Sophie thought so little of herself, how much she adored Calcipher, how she thought that the rings were the most beautiful thing she had ever seen.

Kate probably didn't pay as much attention to the movie as she should have, but to be fair, she had seen it a million times and knew most of the lines anyway. She really only had eyes for Yelena; the way her nose scrunched when she smiled, the honey curls loose around her neck, the way the deep, sticky red of her lipstick moved with her mouth when she laughed and when she cried.

By the end of the movie, Yelena looks as if she's gone through the five stages of grief. Her cheeks are flushed and the tears, both genuine and from laughing, have smudged the corner of her eye makeup, which in Kate's opinion, only enhances it. The assassin is chatting Kate's ear off, who has to admit that her energy is the most addictive drug she's ever come in contact with.

"Kate Bishop!" Yelena yells for the millionth time as soon as they're outside the theater, hands grabbing her friend's arms and almost shaking her. "That was beautiful!" She bursts into a stream of excited rapid-fire Russian, her accent so thick that Kate thinks she could wrap herself in it and snuggle down for a night of listening to Yelena talk.

Yelena suddenly squeals and throws her arms around Kate's waist, lifting the archer off of her feet and spinning her around. "Kate Bishop, thank you thank you thank you!" She presses her lips to both of Kate's cheeks in swift kisses, her laughter and smile so contagious that Kate can't help but laugh along, even though her face is burning and her stomach is doing unsanctioned flips.

"Why are you thanking me?" Kate asks, her grin so wide her cheeks start to ache. She is still in Yelena's arms, the assassins grip strong and sure and oh-so warm. "You're the one who paid for the movie, Yelena."

"Yes, but I would not have ever gone to see it without you!" Yelena lets go of Kate to place her hands over her heart with a wistful sigh, her eyes closing. "Oh, Kate Bishop, I loved it so much."

Kate's heart is thudding against her chest, but she pushes it down and takes the blonde's hand. "I'm glad," she says softly.

Yelena's lips curl up at the corners, and the snow is still falling lightly out on the cold New York streets, a few flakes sticking to her dark lashes. "Me too."

There's another moment, then. Right there, just the two of them. Yelena knows, and is less afraid than she was even three hours ago, but it is heavy in her chest and she doesn't know if she can take the weight yet.

"Time for drinks, Kate Bishop?" she says coyly, raising an eyebrow. The air is crisp and wonderful in her lungs when she takes a deep breath, and it eases the squeeze on her heart.

Kate's grin is blinding, and she nods. "Absolutely."

--------

They end up walking until they find a cozy looking bar, and Kate holds the door open for Yelena before following in behind her. They are immediately enveloped in music that is somehow both quiet and loud but I still rather pleasant, the aroma of coffee and alcohol mixing together, and the glow from several assorted colors of fairy lights strung up in just about every inch of the place.

Kate whistles lowly, taking it in on a slow circle. "How have I never been to this place before now?" she mutters, finding herself falling in love with the establishment immediately. It's all one big, open space, with the bar against the back wall, each side wall full of different booths, tables, and variously decorated seating areas, and the rest of the floor appears to be where the dancing happens.

There seems to be only about two dozen people dancing, and only a couple of them are hammered enough to be throwing limbs around and grinding on each other. The rest are either slow dancing with their respective partner or friend, or letting themselves loosen up.

Yelena's grin is feral as she takes it all in, and when her eyes light upon Kate after a moment, the glow in them intensifies. The archer swallows, knowing her face is hot but not being able to do much about it.

"Hi there, ladies!" A deep voice calls out from somewhere to their right, and a tall, friendly looking man wearing entirely black with a safety vest appears from the crowd, walking towards them. "So sorry I didn't catch you at the door, but I'm the bouncer. Can I see some ID?"

Kate smiles apologetically and nods, digging through her wallet before handing her ID over. The guy looks it over for a moment and gives it back, then turns to Yelena. "And you, ma'am?"

Yelena doesn't move, and her voice is dry. "I called ahead. Fanny Longbottom."

Kate doesn't know how she keeps herself from choking on her own spit and laughing so hard she shits herself, but the bouncer looks over a list on his phone and confirms a few numbers with Yelena before letting them know they're good to go.

Yelena looks at Kate and notices the way she's barely holding herself together, and the assassin rolls her eyes. "Don't," she says in warning, her face grave but tone light. Kate wisely keeps her mouth shut.

They make their way to a booth where they have a clear view of the bar, dance floor, and both exits; Yelena tells Kate to sit while she grabs them drinks.

The archer settles into the booth and admires the leather upholstery, which is in much better shape than you would expect from a New York bar.  The hanging light above the table is a warm orange, and Kate leans further into the cushion, looking forward to the rest of night.

That is, of course, until a figure appeared in front of the table, much too tall and masculine to be her Yelena.

"Hey there, Baby Girl."

Kate feels her stomach blanch, and she does her best to keep the anger from showing through her face as she slowly turns to face the man who spoke. He was tall and lean and had short cropped hair, and Kate could barely stop herself from kicking him between the legs.

"Connor." She grit her teeth tightly and sat up tall, not bothering to make her face look pleasant. "I hope you remember I still have a restraining order against you."

Connor laughs and dares to sit in the booth seat across from her, leaning back and folding his arms across his chest. In hindsight, Connor looks completely harmless. He's wearing a simple blue henley shirt and converse, his hair is well kept, and his smile is dorky. But his eyes hold a gleam that Kate had managed to forget, and seeing it light upon her again has her blood boiling.

"I figured since your MILF of a mommy is in prison, I might try to say hi again." He leans forward, his elbows bracing on the table as he gives a wink. "Without any money to pay the police, how are you supposed to keep a restraining order in the first place?"

Her tone is cold and sharp, and she knows he can see the fire in her eyes. The jab at Eleanor simmers in the back of her mind, and Kate pictures getting to throw him into a wall. "I'm still rich as hell, Connor, and I have more money than you'll ever make in a lifetime. Leave before I call my security in and get you arrested." Kate didn't have official security, but she knew Yelena could chop this man into pieces without breaking a sweat.

For a moment, he looks enraged at the comment on his financial situation, but Connor only laughs, and his lips twist into a cruel smirk. "Girly, we both know you don't have security." He's staring into her, gaze challenging and rotted, like he's trying to tear down her defenses and scare her into submission.

"Leave," she hisses, body shaking with the anger she wants to hit him with. It had been so long since she felt this way. So upset that she could burn the world down with it. So afraid she might kill someone in her frenzy.

"No." His answer is simple, and Kate feels her heart fall with a thud. She recalls the feel of his hands on her wrists, his words mocking and laughing when she tries to get away. He was detained before he could seriously hurt her, but she remembers.

Yelena appears, a full shot glass in both hands, her face stone cold and murderous. "Who the fuck are you?"

Translations: none

Kate Bishop counter: 4

This chapter's meme:

Comments/reblogs/notes make my day :)

[silvervioletvalentine]

🦋!Whenever , Wherever, we’re meant to be together!🦋

Pairing: Quinn Hughes x Lina Valentina (femOC)

Word count : 14k

Summary: in which Trevor accidentally steals a baby and while returning said baby they finally figure out who jacks new neighbour is.

Or: in which Quinn’s longtime crush on Spanish popstar Lina Valentina is brought to life when they find her baby in the hallway.

Warnings: fluff. Babies. Confident and knows what she wants Lina . Annoying brothers , Quinn being awkward and in love . Smut. A lot of taylor swift and shakira references because if you can’t tell already i love them <3 I think that’s it. Just a bit of a funny , fluffy one . Lemme know what u think xoxo

Quinn was seriously wondering if he had mistaken his multi vitamins for some hallucinogenic drugs of some kind , as he looked away from his brother to see Trevor skipping back into his apartment holding a baby in his hands , who couldn't have been older than a year old, high in his hands like the poor thing was a trophy.

Both he and Jack stopped their casual conversation to stare at him in various degrees of shock, Quinn's face more worried and horrified , while his brother just merely looked amused at the sight of his friend holding a baby , that they had never seen before. As though this was a completely normal thing to happen (it wasn’t).

"Something you forgot to tell us dude? Condom broke again?" Jack joked, already laughing loudly to himself as he bent his head down to coo at the baby in his friends arms. Awwing at his cute little face all scrunched up, wide eyed and utterly confused.

Trevor just rolled his eyes with a casual grin, holding the baby out like he was apart of the lion king.

Quinn's hands quickly darted out as he moved closer to him, afraid that he was going to drop the poor baby onto its head . Blinking in absolute disbelief as he looked between the two idiots silently , utterly speechless .

"No! I just found the little dude crawling around in the hallway outside our door. He was making vroom noises. Look at the curls on this kids head!" He gushed in amazement , Jack leaning down to ruffle said curls gently . Both looking like kids at a candy shop as they cooed at the babbling baby happily.

Quinn finally had enough of this concerning bullshit and snapped

"let me get this straight-" he took in a deep breath to try and calm himself down, it was incredibly difficult thing to do then, feeling his heart racing in his chest as he glared over at Trevor in absolute disbelief-

“-you found a stray baby and instead of looking around to see if one of the neighbors left the door open , or were panicking looking for him- you-" he took yet another long , angry breath , eyes flickering back down to the baby that was now looking back at him with big , bambi eyes "picked him up and brought him to jacks apartment?! That's kidnapping! You've stolen a baby! Have you lost your mind?!" He shouted in disbelief , concerned beyond it.

Trevor let out a groan as though he was the idiot ruining his good time . "little dude was right outside the door! Have you never heard of the phrase finders keepers losers weepers?" He joked, just to get on his nerves some more.

He adjusted the baby in his arms again and Quinn's heart lept , crossing his fingers tightly and praying for some patience .

Jack laughed loudly while Quinn's scowl just deepened.

"That does not count in this situation! Oh my god- you fucking-"

"Not swearing in front of the baby!" Jack exclaimed, still laughing. Unable to help himself, finding this situation far more amusing than he should be.

Trevor started laughing too, the poor baby looking up at his grinning face with wide eyes, making little noises as though he was trying to speak but had no words .

Quinn felt the same way, reaching the end of his patience as he reached over and quickly took the baby from Trevor’s arms before he could accidental hurt him. Glaring at him all the while as he awkwardly held the baby in one arm, wincing to himself as his little hand darter out to grab onto his hair with an iron grip.

God. Was he having a nightmare? What the hell was going on?

All he had wanted was to hang out with his brother , maybe play some video games and order takeout or something. Instead he was awkwardly rocking a fussy baby in his arms while glaring at the two idiots in front of him in disbelief.

"I can't believe you-" he was ready to give him another stressed out mouthful , maybe a slap too. Gently patting the small hand in his hair as he tried to get him to stop pulling on it so damn hard, worried he was going to have a bald spot by the time the baby was done with its fun.

Either the guys were going to give him one or the babbling baby was . This was unbelievable.

Trevor laughed carelessly "calm down man. I only brought the little dude here so we could all go look for the mamma. Do you think she'll be a milf-?" He looked at Jack with a sick smirk, both of them giggling like little kids as they joked around. Apparently unconcerned with the sudden appearance of a random baby at their door.

Quinn didn't know whether to hit them both or simply leave. Maybe both. Could he do that?

"Or maybe they'll be a dad waiting out their ready to beat out asses for having his baby! I know I would if I found some strangers holding mine!" He hissed at them annoyed , worried and pissed off all at once.

He couldn't believe that his relaxing Friday night was turning out like this. Holding a baby that wasn't even his .

He turned his head a little to check in on him, face softening a little as big , wide eyed stared back up at him. Framed with long lashes and a freckled nose , rosy cheeks and a pacifier in his mouth. Quinn had to admit that it had got to have been the cutest baby he had ever seen in his life . With wild Curly hair sticking up in every direction thanks to his brothers ruffling hand, he gently smoothed his soft hair back down for him. Smiling a little when the baby let out a giggle .

"mamá." He started repeating , looking around the room as though he would find her there with them .

Quinn snapped his head back over to dumb and dumber with a darkening glare , gently rocking the mumbling baby in his arms in hopes of calming him down now that he had finally realised that his mamma wasn't there with him.

"See? He's upset now! Asshole!" He hissed at Trevor , furious with him for not thinking like a normal, logical human being for once.

Who the hell picks up a baby from the floor and brings it inside without looking for the parents first?

Fucking Christ! Quinn felt like his heart was going to fall out of his ass with worry. He really did.

Jack looked at his brother with a easygoing grin, snorting a little in amusement at the stressed out look on his face. Finding it hilarious how awkward and out of place his older brother looked holding baby like that. The baby still refusing to let go of his hair.

"Always so positive." He couldn't help but remark , unbothered by his hot glare in response.

He just let out a small chuckle "calm your tits man. My neighbour at the end of the hall has a baby. Ive heard it crying some times and they play a lot of Lina Valentina music to calm him down. I think I could speak Spanish now from the amount of songs I've listened to lately." He told them casually as he led them over to the front door, ready to return the baby before his brother had a aneurysm or passed the fuck out from stress .

Trevor looked over his shoulder at Quinn with a teasing grin as he heard her name .

“That's that spanish pop star that you always listen to but pretend you don't right?" He quipped , amused.

Quinn coloured , deciding that he absolutely hated Trevor now. Childish and right. He hated it. Bastard.

He carefully adjusted the babbling baby in his arms and glared at him sourly "I do not- not all the time. Just when she comes on the radio-" he tried to defend himself, weakly. There was no point.

His brother easily called his bluff "liar! You made me go with you to see her gig when she finally came to the states. I think that's the only time I've ever seen you flustered over a girl. It's the belly dancing thing right?" He teased him, wiggling his eyebrows at him to annoy him.

Quinn just huffed, fed up with the both them.

Trevor had stolen a baby and he was the one getting bullied.

Unbelievable. Just Really nice.

"She’s famous  for a reason jackass. Don't act like you didn't pop a boner as soon as she started dancing too!" He hissed to his brother in both annoyance and embarrassment. Hating how he apparently wasn't allowed to enjoy some Lina Valentine in his spare time now either .

I mean, who the hell didn't? She was a absolute icon. The same age as he was and she had already achieved so much. Quinn, admittedly thought that she was amazing. Unbelievably fucking beautiful with the body of a siren , and the way she moved her hips and rolled her waist-

Yeah. He just thought that she was cool. That's all.

She might have been his first and only ever crush , even to this day. She was just something else. That’s it. Nothing strange.

"How haven't you met your neighbour yet? Surprised  you weren't  banging on her door begging to be friends." Quinn muttered pissily at his brother, the complete opposite of mr social butterfly. He preferred his alone time, where nobody else could bother him.

And this, he looked down at the baby in his arms that wasn't his, then back up to his brother and Trevor with a dark scowl. Was exactly the reason why he didn't like leaving his own apartment , because he always ended up getting dragged into somebody else's shit.

Fuck them all. He thought miserably. He was too tired for this shit.

What was next? Accidentally stealing someone's car because he wanted them to see how cool it was? Fucking dickhead.

Jack just rolled his eyes at his moodiness, used to it by now. Knowing that as soon as he had some pizza and beer, he would be feeling much better again.

Hopefully. Fingers crossed.

"What if she's a mean Karen and shouts at me? I don't want to deal with that." He defensible shot back at him. Not wanting to admit that he was too nervous to approach his new neighbour after he had heard loud Spanish shouting through her door one night on his way home.

She had e scary as fuck. Especially since he had no idea what the hell she was even so mad about. What if she had been pissed off about his nosiness after boys night and was ranting about him in another language to the building owner to get him kicked out?

He didn't want to risk it. Too afraid to knock after that. But they didn't need to know that.

Trevor called over his shoulder to them in amusement "well luckily it seems like we don't need to knock because this door is already open!guess this is where the little man wandered from!”

He grinned, sticking his head around the door confidently

"Helllooo-" his sunshine greeting suddenly froze mid sentence as his body did .

Making Quinn warily approach  behind them, clutching the baby a little tighter in his arms with worry while sharing a confused glance with his brother,  who shuffled a little closer to him without even realising   it .

"Oh fuck. Oh my god." Trevor breathed out in shock, eyes blown wide as he blinked at something in the apartment that they couldn't see.

Getting impatient , Quinn snapped "what the hell are you gaping at? Move!" He shoved him aside with his free arm to take his place .

Heaving in a annoyed breath as he stepped into the apartment with a annoyed scowl "look I really don't think that-" he was ready to scold the careless idiot for losing their baby like they had  when his eyes found the source of trevors sudden speechlessness.

He found himself freezing up too in absolute disbelief, paling dramatically , as he wondered dreadfully , if the universe  was playing some sick type of joke on him then.

Was this his karma for being such a sourpuss all the time? For never going to parties and leaving before midnight at every single event? Was this his...slap in the face? Shock to the system?

He swallowed thickly .

He could only look silently down at the woman sat down in the middle of the living room , seemingly attempting to build some sort of chair, crossed legged in only some short shorts and a sports bra. Curly hair wild and free and he swallowed dryly again, throat running dry as he blinked down at her in pure shock. Heart dropping to his ass.

Because what the actual fuck was going on?-

"Holy shit you’re Lina Valentina! We were just talking about you! I can't believe this!" Jack blurted out with a loud , surprised laugh  , giving her a excited grin. Practically jumping on his feet as he realised that his new neighbour wasn't some nutty physocpath , but the Lina Valentina instead.

Master of the hips and voice of an Angel, all three guys took a shuddering breath. Hearts pounding in their chests as they were faced with the celebrity of many a mans dreams.

Startled at the sudden noise , her head snapped up from the instructions In her lap that she was concentrating on , as she took in the three guys now suddenly stood in her apartment. One of them holding her baby in his arms like he had never held a baby in his life before .

It was an strange image to be seen. She couldn't help but chuckle a little underneath her breath despite the way her heart jumped in her mouth with slight fear for a moment. But she quickly took in their youthful , excited faces and knew they weren't going to be a threat.

She relaxed a little , smiling as her little baby let out a excited screech at the sight of her. Wriggling in the mans arms as he clapped happily, eyes wide and full of joy. She felt her soul light up just at the sight of her little man.

Her face momentarily fell a little as she let out a loud, exasperated sigh, bottom lip pushing out a little as she pushed herself off the floor slowly to greet them .

"Oh no. Not again." Her Spanish  accent was thick as she shook her head a little in amusement, eyes on her baby in Quinn's arms.

She didn't even looked alarmed at the sight of them or the worrying situation she had found herself in  , nor concerned or even a little bit angry like he thought she would be .

He was expecting a little more...drama. Maybe a slap to the face or some sobbing in his arms as she thanked them relentlessly for finding her baby but not this..

Not her... god. He sighed deeply too.

Quinn didn't know what the hell he was supposed to do or what he was supposed to say, he gave a quick glance over to his brother only to see Jack quickly reaching over to introduce himself  . His excitement  obvious on his face, Trevor quickly snapping out of his own shock too to join him as they crowded her, greetings loud and more than pleased.

Meanwhile Quinn just stood aside from them in the corner in absolute disbelief, silently watching them trying to flirt with her while he held her baby to him, even going as far as exchanging a small glance with the little dude as if to say 'can you believe this?' To him.

The baby just giggled and tried to bite his noise, he held him out a little away from him at that. More Nervous now.

Feeling a little like he was going to be sick from the horrible anxiety swarming  in his stomach, unable to take his eyes away from the woman that he had spent years dreaming about.

The woman that  he had bought tickets to see live on stage a few years ago , signing up for pre sale tickets because he knew they would sell out within minutes. They did , and he had been so happy to get his own tickets despite the fact that he hadn't shown it, only privately grinning to himself in the comfort of his own room. the same woman that he shamefully had a crush on for so long now. Even attempting to learn Spanish so he could watch her interviews and understand at least single word she said.

Apparently Lina Valentina was his brothers neighbour. Because of course she was.

He tried to hold back a hysterical laugh. Coughing a little instead , unable to believe what the hell was happening right then. Wondering if he really was dreaming or if someone really had switched his vitamins for acid. Because he had got to be seeing things.

He was So in his own disbelieving thoughts he didn't realise that she was coming over to him until she was stood right in front of him, her vanilla perfume filling his senses as she smoothly took back her baby from his arms while giving him a casual smile.

As though this was a everyday occurrence for her. He sure fucking hoped not. For the baby's sake.

"Maybe I should get a gate  for the hallway too. He’s like a little flash. So fast now." She blew a raspberry on her baby's belly, giggling with him with a face full of nothing but love.

Quinn couldn't believe it. His starstruckness mixed with his usual awkwardness had him blurting out a unimpressed -

“-maybe you should  just keep your front door closed. What if he got out into the street and hurt himself ?" Frowning down at her disapprovingly. Unable to stop himself before it was too late.

Missing the look of pure disbelief that Jack shot Trevor , shaking his head slowly to himself as they watched his brother awkwardly cross his arms over his chest, scowl never leaving his face as he looked down at the grinning , unbothered pop star in front of him.

"God. He couldn't even charm a fish." Jack groaned underneath his breath, both in amusement and second hand embarrassment.

His brother had the woman of his dreams right in front of him and what was he doing? Scolding her.

It was just so Quinn like that he couldn't help but grin even wider once he noticed how unbothered Lina seemed too.

Simply looking up at Quinn with a perfectly arched brow, as though she wasn't stood in front of him in tiny shorts and a thin sports bra. Looking like a messy wet dream .

He didn't know where to look, he settled on her amused eyes instead . Fighting back a horrified wince at his blunt and not cool at all behaviour .

When he had daydreamed about all the ways he would meet her, and charm her, maybe flirt his way (or plead his way pathetically ) into getting her to give him a chance . He imagined telling her how beautiful she looked under the lights , about how she took his breath away every time he heard her songs on the radio . How he sang along and knew everyone word despite his friends and brothers teasing. He had been loyal to her for so long now that it was in his dna.

scolding her for her carelessness was not on his list of first words to her at all. What kind of meet cute was this? He wanted to die a little. He really did then.

This couldn't be happening to him. His felt his face flame , right up to his ears and nose. His lips pursed tighter , not knowing what to feel or what to do.

"Four floors down?" She said in amusement as she kissed the side of her baby's head gently "-plus you have to take the moving box to get down to the bottom to get out . And as smart as Juan is, he can't use them yet." She told him matter of factly , like he was an idiot .

Then she slowly looked him up and down, taking in his outgrown hair and messy stubble. The broken nose and nervous twitching of his fingers by his side.

She stifled a sudden smile of her own before looking away from him, wandering into her kitchen to make Juan a bottle instead.

"Elevator." Quinn muttered , because that was him told. Wasn't it?

His cheeks flushed even darker  as he ignored the two idiots snickering at his own misery . He looked down at his feet for a moment , eyes only flickering back up again when she let out a quite hum.

"Oh. Okay." She simply let out, not bothered at all. Moving box. Elevator . Same thing.

“Trevor. You asked me out . I'm afraid my answer is a hard no." She directed her attention over to the grinning guy behind him instead, giving him a amused shake of her head. Props for trying she supposed . Gotta love the confidence.

Trevor just shrugged, smile never leaving his face. Just happy to be there and to be meeting her. He couldn't wait to get a picture with her to brag to all of their friends about this moment for the rest of his life.

Nobody was going to believe this. It was a thought that they all shared. Quinn the most.

He couldn't help but glare over at him, pursing his lips tightly together as he watched Lina fondly flick his forehead as she passed him as though he was something that amused her greatly . Gritting his teeth to keep his mouth firmly shut.

He Should have known that Trevor would try snd charm his way into her pants. He couldn't blame him. But still.

They had only been there for less than five minutes , Trevor having practically stolen her baby for a good moment there without a single apology .

Didn't he have any shame? Quinn glowered, bitterly jealous that he had all the guts that he didn't have at all.

"Is it because I'm not Spanish? I could download dualingo. I'm a fast learner." He winked at her shamelessly.

Even Jack burying his face in his hands beside him with a laugh , amazed by his over confidence . Even with a famous pop star that was clearly out of his league . Well. Anybody's league really.

Lina let out a loud giggle, smirking over at him. He was cute. She could give him that, she wondered if it was just an American boy thing. Backward caps and American smiles .

She wasn't completely unfazed but her eyes kept going back to the sulking man leaning against her wall instead. Glaring at his friend as though he wanted to melt him with his dark gaze.

That one, her brain supplied like a spoiled child wanting more than they should have.

I want that one. It sang mischievously.

"You're funny. But no. I'm sick of the guys back home anyways. Very beautiful but.." she let out a long suffering sigh "so very stupid. Too beautiful , no brains , Sí?" She looked at them like they should understand .

All of them nodding along as though they did when they so clearly didn't. Just wanting to get on her good side now.

Trevor let out a dramatic sigh "well that's too bad. If you're not looking for beautiful guys then I have no chance. Because clearly I am the most beautiful-"

Quinn rolled his eyes "god. Shut up. Arrogant jackass." He muttered at him, irritated beyond belief at him. Not wanting to admit to himself why either .

Jack glanced over at him knowingly , grinning at his obvious jealously and lack of coolness around her.

He tried to help his big brother out, in a little brother kind of way of course .

"Well If you don't want a beautiful man. You should meet my brother Quinn-" he gave him a pat to the shoulder as he tired to push him towards her.

Quinn immediately shoving him away, flushing a dark red as he shot him a glare. Mortified.

"Shut the fuck up-"

Lina gasped as she covered her baby's ears with a disapproving frown towards him.

"no cursing! He's going to be a good boy. Stop that!" She was the one scolding him this time , reaching out her foot to kick at his ankle like she had seen her own mother to do her father when he was doing something that she didn't like  .

Quinn went silent in shock , eyes blown wide as he looked down at where she had kicked him in disbelief .

"He started it-" he went to defend himself pathetically , Trevor snorting behind him at how childish he sounded . So moody and annoyed that his luck was so fucking shit like this.

Lina just side eyed him , unimpressed. "Shush. Quinn. Huh-" she got sidetracked for a moment as she tasted his name in her mouth.

Completely Missing the way he swallowed and averted his gaze , needing to take a deep breath in as her heard her say his name like that. Reminding  himself how to breath all over again. It didn’t feel so easy anymore.

Not with her there, looking like that… who gave her the right to look so fucking beautiful like this? It really wasn’t fair.

How was he supposed to breathe normally now? His nose was already fucked up as it was, she was making his chest collapse too now.

Fuck. He ran a slightly shaky hand through his hair, swallowing dryly again. Fuck . Fuck.

"I like that name. But don't argue with me." She stepped to his side , no longer looking at him as she spoke up again, changing the subject quickly . Ignoring his kicked puppy look beside her.

"are the two of you men yet?" She smirked over at Trevor and Jack like she was setting a trap. Quinn falling quiet beside her as he watched them fall right into it. Fighting back a amused snort at the sight of them perking up eagerly.

"Hell yeah! Can't you tell by all this muscle?" Trevor flexed his arm at her with sly wink. Jack grinning too as he laughed loudly "yeah. We're manly men. Do you even-have to ask?" He said arrogantly . In way over his head already.

Lina just grinned at them smugly  "I do. Okay then. That's great then . Seeing as you're so strong and manly could you finish fixing up that high chair for me? I can't do it." She softened her voice along with her face as she tilted her head sweetly at them. Perfect manipulation granted.

Both of them melted just like she had planned . Nodding their heads along like obedient puppies as they quickly spun around to sit on the floor in the front room, fighting to get the instructions . Eager  to please her.

"Of course! We've got this! We'll have it up in minutes. Don't you worry." Jack told her confidently as he picked up a wooden piece of it, glancing at it uncertainly . Yet he didn't give in, pride on the line,

Quinn shook his head in disbelief "unbelievable." He muttered as he followed a smug Lina into the kitchen while Side eyeing her in amusement .

"They’re idiots. There not going to have it done quickly." He felt the need to let her know as he leant back against the kitchen counter, watching her bring out a plate of fruit . Looking down at all the different left overs pieces in contemplation.

She just shrugged her shoulders indifferently "I know. Here-" she abruptly turned around and stuck out her arms, nodding down to Juan with a expectant gaze on her pretty face.

Treating Quinn like she had known him for years, as though they were close friends and like he always held her baby for her while she chopped up some fruit in her kitchen. Totally normal.

He didn't even think, too in shock still as he awkwardly pulled the garbling baby from her arms, placing him on his side instead. Looking down at little Juan for a moment as he swallowed nervously.

"I-he's quite heavy. For a baby I mean." He blurted out, suddenly hating the silence that had fell upon them. His nerves forcing his mouth to open and spew out whatever it wanted before his brain could even catch up.

Anxiety. He shut his mouth promptly. Was a bitch.

What happened to his life long vow of being quite and chilled out? He took one glance over at the grinning Spanish woman and inhaled shakily, yeah, that wasn't going to happen. Not with Lina fucking Valentina beside him . Even her name sounded like a love song on his tongue.

Was it hot here? He fanned his shirt a little frantically , flushing . Or was it just him?

Lina just giggled, obvious to his little freak out as she focused on chopping up the fresh fruit for them to eat.

"I know right? When I thought of having a baby I thought it would be so much easier to carry him. Even when he was fist born, the dolls are really misleading as kids. If I'd have known how heavy baby's really were-" she paused her talking to glance up at them for a moment , smiling at the sight of Juan snuggling up to Quinn happily . Just happy to cuddle anyone these days. She got it. She really did.

"-I would have started weight lifting before my pregnancy. But hey!" She laughed, flexing her arm for him to see with a mischief grin "look at my arms now! So strong huh?" She winked at him, enjoying the red painting his cheeks more than she should.

But she was just a woman. As Quinn was a very cute, very awkward, adorable man. She was gonna tease him till his legs gave out and he lost all the paleness in his face.

She could fell her body perk up excitedly , eyes trained on him as she chewed her bottom lip with a thrill.

Oh yes. Maybe this was whst she had been missing since moving here . A Quinn to tease and please and play with. Her heart had been an empty room for so long now, didn't it deserve to let someone in again? To house someone new?

She was a romantic at heart. A tease and a minx. She knew it. Everybody did. Even Quinn did.

That didn't make his heart flutter any less as he tore his eyes away from her toned and tanned arms, smiling a little tensely in her general direction.

Unable to look her in her eyes. Intimated by her natural charisma and easygoing nature, and her beauty .

God her beauty... he felt sick from it. Was that normal? To feel sick to your stomach when somebody smiled at you?

He swallowed again "yeah er- yeah." He shifted Juan in his arms again just for something to do , rocking him a little as he started to drift off again his chest. His eyes softened as he glanced down at him, relaxing a little as he gently patted his small back with his hand.

"What are you doing here?" Realising how rude that sounded , he quickly rushed out "I mean- in America? Here . I thought that you lived in madrid." He was curious to what could pull her away from such a beautiful place. His home was nice but it wasn't madrid. Who could leave there willingly with a baby in tow?

Lina did.

She just shrugged as she placed the plate of now cut fruit onto the table , moving close to him as she carefully lifted up a piece of watermelon and held it up to juans mouth for him to suck at . Smiling down at him affectionately As he tiredly did so, eyes blearily and barely open.

"I like travelling and going to new places. It's not good to stay around in one place for too long plus.." she inhaled deeply as she glanced up at him with a small quirk of her lips , finding Quinn's eyes already glued to her face. Soaking in every word she said like a sponge.

"Plus the whole ex boyfriend putting his tiny dick in his ex girlfriends mouth thing kind of put a dampener on the city for me . Ya know?"

She said it so nonchalantly that he couldn't help but let out a surprised laugh , even snorting a little in amusement how uncaring she sounded , just a little annoyed that her home had been stained if anything .

"Oh no." He breathed out a chuckle , watching her feed Juan some more fruit as he held him carefully for her still. "So that's what happened. He was a footballer right? Everyone was talking about your split."

Lina just nodded her head casually, unbothered.

"yeah. Should have known really. He can only think with his balls, that's all he knows. He can find the back of the net but not the clit." She bluntly told him, giggling to herself as she did so.

“But it's whatever. It's his loss."

Quinn was speechless for a moment , just grinning down at the amazing woman in front of him. So beautiful and so fucking funny..so cool. He let out a sigh without even realising it.

"It is." He murmured before letting out a surprised noise when she suddenly reached up, strawberry in her hand as she tapped it against his mouth gently.

"What are you doing?" He tried to pull his face away, flustered. But she wasn't having it.

Simply rolling her eyes at him with a grin as she tapped the fruit against his lips again , more impatiently this time .

"Open your mouth Quinn. Don't waste my fruit now." She teasingly remarked , enjoying how he couldn't even look at her, face now a permanent red since he had arrived .

He kept his eyes to the wall opposite him as he hesitantly opened his mouth, heart going crazy as he felt her fingertips brush his tongue as she casually fed him the strawberry.

Tapping his jaw gently with her fingers to keep his mouth open as she reached over to feed him some more, face casual and serene , like this was a normal thing to do.

Quinn felt like he was going to collapse. Eyes flickering rapidly between the wall, the fridge , the baby and then Lina . Not knowing where to look as she continued hand feeding him the fruit , keeping her body close to his side as she smiled up at him softly . Pleased with his compliance.

"Not so bad huh?" She glanced down at his pouty lips now stained with Berry and subtly sighed .

"tienes una boca tan bonita." (You have such a pretty mouth.) she murmured in appreciation , finding it hard to look away.

His eyes shot back to her own at those words, eyes widening as he heard a familiar one.

“Pretty?" Bonita. He knew that one. He looked at her for an answer.

Lina just smiled at him and moved herself away from his side finally , coyly shrugging her shoulders at him in response .

“Very. What do you do?" She asked him curiously , mind already making plans.

She wanted him. That much was simple. And judging by his heaving chest and apple red cheeks , he wanted her too.

Quinn took a deep breath in, trying to calm himself down again . Juan now fast asleep in his arms as he watched Lina pack away the remaining fruit and put it back in the fridge , only glancing back over her shoulder at him when he took a second to long too answer.

Still lost in the feeling of her warm fingertips on his lips. He wondered what they would have tasted like if he had sucked them into his mouth and gently wrapped his tongue around her fingers, sweet fruit he knew. His mind supplied him with other dirty thoughts that he was quick to shut down, shifting uneasily on his feet instead .

"I er-I do hockey." He grimaced a little at himself, wishing he was a little more cooler and charming. Wishing that he could be more smooth with his words like Trevor and his brother were. But this was him. A little awkward and unsure "we all do. I'm the better player though." He tried to joke.

She laughed a little "oh yeah? Should I really take your word for it? What if Jack is the better player?" She teased him back. Enjoying it.

He scoffed immediately , chest flaring as he quickly countered back "he is not Better . In anyway." He wouldn't let him be.

Not with Lina . Not like this.

He looked back over at her quickly "and you don't have to take my word for it. You can come see me play anytime." There. That was smoother, wasn't it? He mentally patted himself on the back for that one.

Biting down on his lip to suppress his proud grin as he watched her giggle at what he said, his chest puffing out a little with pride. That he had made her laugh like that. Him. Not Trevor or Jack.

Him.

Lina smiled over at him slyly "I'm usually more inclined towards European footballers but I guess I could try something new." She said casually as though it was no big deal. As though she wasn't spinning his entire world on its axis at the double meaning to her words.

Something new. Like him.

She smirked at him as she carefully took back a sleeping Juan from his aching arms, Quinn barely even noticing. Too busy looking at her like a lovesick idiot. Cheeks red and belly all sticky with the feeling of the butterflies flying around in there, going crazy for her.

God. This was crazy. He let out a breathless laugh , already in love.

"Though i must warn you. I don't like losers Quinn." She said while casually grinning.

He grinned straight back, confidence slowly rising now that he realised that she was only looking at him that wag . That he had her attention.

No amount of dreaming or singing along to her songs in his car could have ever have prepared him for this.

Were they flirting? He hoped they were. He tried his best , he had to.

This was Lina fucking Valentina. And What did Eminem say? You only got one chance, do not miss your shot. Opportunity’s come once in a lifetime . Or something like that.

He wasn't wrong at all.

"That's a lie. Seeing as your baby daddy is the biggest loser out there." He shot back without missing a beat, worried for a moment that she would get pissed off over his offhand comment.

But she just laughed . Loudly . Looking both amused and proud of him, Pointing her finger at him while nodding her head along.

"you're right. I'll let you have that one! But I still don't think you're the best.." she backed away back into the front room, placing the sleeping baby into a small cot in the corner of the room . Tucking him in perfectly before coming straight back to him once she was done.

"No? What will change your mind?" He looked at her in amusement . Liking the back and forth they now had going on. Heart jumping in his chest , hiding his trembling fingers behind his back quickly so she didn’t see them.

She just hummed teasingly "not much. Maybe a lot. So much to prove ya know? Any of your friends single?" She tested him. Seeing if he would play along and fall for it all.

He did. Because of course he did.

"No. There all jackasses anyways." He snapped straight back. Frowning again.

She hid a laugh , so easy . She thought fondly. So cute.

“Hmmm. And you're so lovely? You were scolding me before you even said hello. Actually.." she smirked "I still don't think you have said hello at all. Rude."

He rose his brow at her , rolling his eyes . "Because you were careless. Who leaves there doors wide open like that? Little dude crawled right out!" He exclaimed, not letting it go .

Lina just kicked his ankle again "it's too hot In here! It's summer. Do you want me to get heatstroke and die? Is that it Quinn? You wanted me to melt? I was letting some air in." She countered back , jumping up onto the kitchen table. Feet dangling in front of them, body facing him.

Quinn clenched his hands around the counter top behind his back, eyes flickering down to her bare , swinging legs before quickly darting away again .

"Shut up. Don't be so dramatic. You're used to the heat. Don't even try it." He muttered amused. Kicking her ankle right back.

If possible, her smile grew even bigger at his actions. Chest buzzing with excitement as she took in the shy man in front of her, able to keep up with her whips and dish it right back too.

How perfect.

Before she could resort back and bicker with him some more like she wanted to, Trevor and Jack came rushing back again. Sweaty and proud , with matching grins on their faces.

"It's done! The men built the baby a chair! Can you believe it? It looks so good huh?" Jack smugly said as he pulled her down from the table, dragging her back into the room to see what they had done.

She let out a amused laugh, nodding her head along as she patted their backs. Practically feeling their manly prides boosting as she gave them a sweet smile , both guys cheeks going rosy.

Quinn was glowering at them from beside her , just shaking his head at them in disbelief. Was he this bad? He wondered a little concerned. Before quickly shaking off that question because he didn't want to know the answer at all. (Yes. It was yes. Always.)

"Well done guys! How can I repay you for your help?" She beamed at them. Pleased.

Trevor smirked "with a kiss-" he couldn't even finish before Quinn was smacking the back of his head, hard.

Glaring at him darkly "I will break your teeth." He gritted out in a whisper while Lina was distracted talking to his excited brother . "All of them." He threatened.

Trevor just snorted, side eyeing him. "Jealous are we? In love? Wanna marry her and give her your babies-" he made a baby voice at him, winding him

Up.

Quinn went bright red "shut up." He snapped st him quietly . Keeping an eye on Jack and Lina to make sure they couldn't hear . He could only take so much embarrassment before he would simply keel over .

"You should come over tomorrow! We're just gonna hang out, watch some movies , get takeout and have some beer. Wanna join us?" Jack extended the invitation hopefully. already deciding that he was going to be her friend now.

She was never going to be able to get rid of him now, he was like a overly friendly leech. Quinn hoped that lina knew what she was getting herself into. No more quite alone time anymore.

She smiled at him , thankful to be included. "Sure! Sounds fun. What are you eating tomorrow?"

"Just pizza. Any preference?" Trevor asked her.

She grimaced a little but only Quinn noticed the little sad sigh she let out . Barely audible. Already so in tuned with her . He brows furrowed a little as he looked down at her.

"I'll have whatever you guys have. I'm still not used to all the takeouts here. We never really had pizza unless it was home cooked." She told them absentmindedly . Thinking back to home.

Jack just grinned at her "you'll love it! I'll make sure to get one extra cheesy." He said as they all slowly made there way to the front door. Knowing that they couldn't stay with her forever . No matter how much they wanted to.

While they were distracted , Quinn gently

nudged lina's shoulder with his own.

“What would you normally be having on a Saturday night back home?" He murmured to her , curious.

A little homesick , she shrugged. Nudging him back gently just because she could now.

“A range of things . My mamá is the best cook in the world. But - as overly used and abused as it is- Paella has always been my favourite ." She admitted to him quietly "any kind really . It was the only thing my papa could make. Not as good as a cook as my mama ." She giggled fondly while talking about them .

He smiled at the fond tone she used to speak about her parents , In awe that she was even willing to speak to him at all.

He nodded slowly "I'll eat anything so.." he let out a chuckle "I do have a bit of a sweet tooth though." He muttered shyly , watching her play with her wild hair from the corner of his eye subtly .

His breath hitching in his chest, overwhelmed by her.

Lina giggled "me too! I love anything chocolate but- ya know. I'm not supposed to. Only on special occasions." She whispered to him like it was a secret , unable to look away from his shy smile and rosy cheeks.

Both of them completely missing the looks that Trevor and Jack exchanged as they watched the old dust turned to stardust as it fell around the apartment around them, so lost in each other as the inevitable began again.

Falling in love had never been so easy.

By the time Saturday night came around , Quinn was already tired  with the bundle of nerves that had been running rampant over him the whole day leading up to it.

Fretting over every little thing , not wanting anything or anyone to scare her away. He had made Luke promise to not do not say anything stupid , otherwise he wouldn't be allowed to join their movie night either.

In fact in the space of a couple of hours Quinn had maybe , definitely , threatened and blackmailed all three of them to be on there best behaviour or else. Like a couple hundred times already.

He ignored their amused muttering behind his back about how whipped he already was , he completely blanked out their childish teasing . Instead focusing on making sure that everything went perfectly for their night , wanting Lina to feel comfortable around them.

He couldn't imagine how strange and difficult it was being in a new country , with a baby none the less .

He just wanted her to be happy. Wanted to be the one to supply that rush of happiness and hopefully have her smile that mischievous smile at him again, to hear her giggle at his stupid attempts at a joke in the kitchen.

He just wanted her to like him.

He had felt nothing but a lot of self consciousness and sickness as he got ready for the day, looking at himself in the mirror in his best black jeans and clean shirt. Running his hand through his freshly washed hair, ruffling it as he let out a frustrated groan at himself . Pissed off for even feeling this way to begin with.

He had never cared about what he looked like before, not really , not on such a horrifying scale like this one .

But Suddenly he couldn't look away from his reflection as his grimace got deeper and deeper, eyes zeroing in on his large nose, bent and busted from all the breaks it had taken over the years. Fingers picking at the acne on his face that refused to leave even after his teenage years were long over , rubbing mostoriser into his skin with trembling hands in hopes of it somehow , miraculously taking it all away.

He didn't know why he bothered , or why he cared so much.

Okay. That was lie. He knew exactly why he suddenly cared so much. He thought back to linas long line of ex lovers and felt sick to his stomach as he realised how way over his head he was about this.

She was Lina fucking Valentina. She was beautiful. Stunning. This Ethereal goddess that didn't even seem real until yesterday.

She was everything .

And he - Quinn-felt like nothing compared to her. He thought about all the handsome footballers and other sport stars that he had seen her with over the years and swallowed thickly , averting his gaze from his reflection with haste. No amount of cream was going to change the way he looked like, no amount of cream or new clothes would make him look like they did.

He wasn't them. And he didn't want to be.

They may have had the looks, the hot accents and the ridiculous abs and muscles. But what had that accomplished? They meant nothing to Lina now. They weren't here. She wasn't feeding them fresh fruit and trusting them to hold little Juan in their arms like she was with him .

He was. She was letting him in, without Quinn even having to do a single thing .

She had looked at him and seen something that he never would , and that was enough for him.

He had a chance . He wasnt going to lose it or waste it, he had to try. Broken nose, acne and eye bags and all.

So he spent most his day around town getting everything he needed for the night . As he was unpacking the bags he brought home, Jack spotted the containers he placed on the breakfast table and frowned in confusion at his older brother.

"Why have you got food? I ordered pizza!" His voice rose in surprise , looking at him like he had lost his mind.

Maybe he had. Being lovestruck had that effort on people he guessed .

He just shrugged a little as he continued to unpack , keeping his eyes down on his hands as he felt the heat reach up to his neck .

Telling himself that he had absolutely nothing to be embarrassed about, unable to look at his brother in his eye as he responded quietly.

"I know you did. It's not for you dipshit." He just muttered as he pulled a couple of jars of baby food and placed them on the counter too.

Jack looked at the baby food, the Spanish takeout bag and the big box of chocolate that he was pulling out and felt his mouth drop open in shock.

Blinking at him slowly as he slowly took everything in , realising what this actually meant .

"Quinn- I know I've been teasing you about this but- I didn't realise you-" he was baffled, unused to seeing his older brother in such a flustered state about anything. Never mind a woman.

He looked at Quinn's red cheeks and averted eyes and exhaled loudly in shock.

“I didn't realise that this was real. I mean- you're serious?" He couldn't believe it.

Couldn't believe that the day had finally arrived where his brother was losing his mind over a woman , but no, not just any woman.

Lina fucking Valentina. The same woman that Quinn had been losing his mind over for a long time. He recalled all the gigs he had been dragged along to, all the gifts everyone had gotten him for Christmas as a joke with lina's face on. He thought about the cd's and vinyls , the silent admiration and adapt attention whenever her name was mentioned on tv or on the radio and let out a loud laugh .

Because really. He should have seen this coming. For a long time really .

He just hadn't thought that Quinn would ever have the guts to actually take the chance presented to him like this.

I mean. It was Quinn..

His brother just looked annoyed at him "serious about what? It's just food. We're you planning on giving her one year old baby pizza?" He shot back at him , scowling . Getting Defensive. Hating that his brother looked so shocked about it at all.

Jack just laughed even harder "is there a ring in there too?" He joked.

Dodging the flying kitchen towel that came flying at his head with ease . He smirked at him mischievously, enjoying winding him up like this. He couldn't wait till he got to tell the rest of their family and friends about this, to let them see the uncharacteristic way that he was behaving.

He was going to be in for a lifetime of teasing after this.

"Shut the fuck up!" Quinn snapped at him, irritated and hating being put on the spot like this. His feelings were his own. He didn't want to talk to his brother, or anyone else for that matter , about this. It was stupid .

Jack snorted "why did you get her chocolates as well then?" He teased him.

"They were on sale! I'm just being nice! Something that you should try being !" He lied.

They were not on sale. They were not cheap at all and he had deliberately drove across town to this fancy chocolate shop that did the best homemade chocolates that he had ever tasted in his life.

He just knew that Lina would love them.

He did. So why wouldn't she? They both had a sweet tooth, he just thought that she would appreciate them like he did. That was all.

No big deal.

"You? Nice?!" Jack was laughing hysterically now

"yeah right! You want her! Huggy bear is in loveeeee!" He sang childishly  at him, watching his brother get worked up so easily.

Only further proving his point that he totally was gone for Lina. That this really was a big deal for him.

He didn't know why Quinn even tried to deny it. As though Jack hadn't witnessed him fawning over the pop star for years leading up to this .

"I am not! I'm just nice!"

"No you aren't!"

"Yes I am! Shut up!"

Both brothers were too busy shouting at each other to hear the front door open , Lina walking into the apartment like she owned the place, only to see Quinn glaring at Jack like he wanted to strangle him right there and then.

Laughing to herself as she watched Jack wind him up over and over again, after watching Quinn raise his finger threateningly at him while promising to

Shove something up his ass, she finally decided to make her presence known to them.

"Who's not nice?" She asked them curiously, wondering what had gotten Quinn so worked up now.

He froze in his spot, his head snapping over to where she was stood smiling prettily at them , his blood pressure scaling even higher as he took in the sight of the Red Devil's jersey she was wearing over some shorts.

He felt crazy "no. Absolutely not!" He snapped just at the sight time that Jack happily told her "Quinn! He's not very nice at all!" Smirking smugly to himself one he noticed where his older brothers eyes were glaring into .

The jersey that he had deliberately left at lina's for her to wear , not telling her which brothers it was . Poor girl had no clue , Quinn's face couldn't have gotten any redder it tried to, only with fury this time.

Only his anger quickly melted away when Lina stepped in front of him and reached her free hand up to grip his jaw in her hand, titling his head to the side so she could admire him closely , with no shame at all as she hummed a little fondly .

"I think he's very nice. I've been so sick of those pretty Spanish boys back home anyways." She muttered , leaning up to kiss his cheek before moving away.

Casually turning to greet both Trevor and Luke, the younger brother just as starstruck as he hugged her, excitedly introducing himself while Trevor pulled her closer so that they could take a selfie together.

Quinn just watching on In disbelief , hand to his flaming cheek gently , heart stuttering in his chest while Jack just snickered at his flustered face from beside him.

"You bastard! I know you did this!" Quinn hissed at him, annoyed.

Lovesick and overwhelmed , not knowing what the hell he was supposed to do next. His plans to be cool and collected going right out of the window now, all he could feel was his skin tingling and buzzing from where her lips had touched it.

He inhaled shakily and tried to get a grip of himself , shaking his head in hopes of snapping out of it quicker.

Jack smirked smugly "the jersey? Yes I did. She looks good in my colours eh?" He teased him.

Quinn had enough . He scoffed, tugging at the back of the stupid jersey she was wearing to get her attention again.

"Get that shit off." He told her bluntly , not amused by his brothers antics in the slightest. The only jersey he wanted her ever wearing was his own.

Lina looked up at him in surprise , raising a amused brow as she casually passed him Juan to hold.

The baby just giggling as he cuddled his neck in excitement , Quinn's anger briefly melting away as he swayed him gently in his arms , caressing his curly hair affectionately . Heart melting.

"Why?" She wanted to know . Confused.

He huffed "it's jacks. Get it off." He grumbled , kicking her ankle Impatiently. A new tradition setting in now. For years to come.

She kicked his ankle straight back, laughing at his red face and narrowed eyes. Finding his jealously more than amusing.

"Right now? You want me to strip?" She looked pointedly at the other three guys around her and shrugged dramatically "okay then If you say so-" she made a show of pulling up the Jersey as though she was going to pull it off, showing her bare stomach underneath . Only wearing a bra underneath it.

Panicked , Quinn gasped sharply "okay no! Stop! Ah ah!" He shook his head quickly as he reached out to yank it back down. Everyone laughing at him, he ignored the guys and focused on the Lina's grinning face in front of him instead.

“Never mind!"

After messing about and chatting with the other guys, she wandered into the kitchen to find Quinn again. Smiling to herself in contentment once she spotted him sat at the breakfast table , her baby on his lap as he fed Juan a pot of baby food that he had bought for him without her even having to ask.

Her face softened , a teasing remark dying on her tongue as she looked at them. Throat closing a little as she looked the little bottles of baby food, the container of takeout and big box of chocolates on the table as well.

"You got Juan food? That's so sweet..." she muttered, swallowing as she felt her throat dry.

A sudden rush of feelings falling upon her as she took a seat beside him at the table , tapping Juan’s little nose with a small smile on her face . Overwhelmed . But so grateful.

Quinn nodded a little shyly "yeah. He needs to eat to.I. He likes the chocolate pudding one." He mumbled as he carefully spoon fed the baby it, chuckling at the mess that he was making .

Grabbing a paper towel and gently wiping his chin with it , missing the look of softness that fell over lina's usually calm and teasing  face . Unable to take her eyes off him.

She giggled a little, fiddling with the takeout container as she pulled it closer to her. Heart racing in her chest as she peeked inside to see a familiar food and beautiful smell drifting up to her , looking back at Quinn beside her in amazement .

"You got me paella? Oh my god. Quinn!" She gushed , so giddy. So happy as she inhaled the delicious smell of her favourite Spanish food , shaking her head in disbelief at how good he was to her already.

He still wouldn't look at her, couldn't . Instead he focused himself on feeding little Juan , grinning a little as the one year old try to speak .

"Qqqqq-" he babbled , blinking up at him with his big eyes. Quinn melted. "Quuuuqqq"

"Quinn." He smiled down at him fondly , stroking his soft hair . "You'll say it soon enough little man. So smart already."

Lina let out a silent breath. Her mother's words rushing back to her as she recalled her soft voice talking about her papa. "When you know. You know, you just look at them and think, yes, this is what I want, forever and always. I want this man."

She looked at Quinn holding her baby so delicately , took in his bashfulness and shy smiles. His thoughtfulness and pretty face and let out a small laugh too.

Oh god. Her mama was right.

She was never going to live this one down,

An American boy. Her father was going to have a stroke! She giggled to herself .

Not scared at all by the sudden realisation that she knew exactly how this was going to go. She decided to just let the story play out how it was supposed to instead , to let herself enjoy the small moments and secret grins.

She had seen this film before and she loved this ending. She was finally going to be the starring role in somebody else's universe.

Quinn was going to be the sun in her sky , she could feel it. All the stars finally aligning just the way they were supposed to be.

"And the chocolates?" She asked him quietly , knowingness written across her face as she pulled open the pretty box. Slowly Lifting one to her lips, eyes never leaving his flushed face.

He finally allowed himself to look up at her, his eyes dropping to the small chocolate now between her teeth, his lips parting in a breath as he watched her take a bite. Humming softly as her eyes fluttered close in happiness, smiling around the sweetness as she grabbed another one immediately after.

"You like them." He almost whispered , enjoying the quietness between them. And The teasing smile she gave him setting him right .

"-and I like them. We both like them. So why not? They were on sale." He lied again.

She just laughed quietly , picking up a chocolate and bringing it to his lips. A exact reminisce of the day before with the fresh fruit.

Quinn swallowed and admitted In a mumble like she had some kind of spell on him  "no they weren't."his lips parting as he let her feed him the soft chocolate , humming too. "They're good."

"They should be. They were expensive right?" She called his bluff. Seeing right through him. Just like her mama could with her father.

He just nodded a little in defeat "yeah. They were. You like them?" He looked hopefully at her chocolate covered lips, watched her slowly lick them clean. Shuffling in his seat as he tried not to lose his head right there and then.

She was a goddess . It was night time yet all she made him see was daylight. He felt Alive in a way that  he had never done before. It was surreal. Magical. Erotic . Loving. Strange . All rolled into one fancy chocolate .

Lina smiled "I do. I love it all. gracias." She simply said. Kissing his cheek again, just to see him smile bashfully down at the table , his cheeks a cherry red as he laughed quietly to himself , shaking his head in disbelief.

It was silent for a moment before Quinn hesitantly spoke up again.

“You said you're sick of pretty Spanish boys. That you think I'm nice." He was almost speaking to himself. In disbelief .

Lina frowned a little, nodding her head. "Yes. I think you're pretty too. If that's what you're wondering." It was almost like she couldn't read his anxious mind. She rested her chin on her hand, elbow on the table as she tilted her head at him, still smiling.

He looked shocked, and it made her sad to know that he didn't see himself the way she did. He was fucking beautiful to her. He really was. She liked all the imperfections , inside and out.

She just liked him.

It was that simple. No need to complicate things.

"Really?" He looked at her . Eyelashes fluttering as he fought to hold her gaze. Goosebumps breaking out on his skin. "No kidding?"

She shook her head. Tapping his chin with her pointer finger gently.

“ "no kidding." She repeated just as quietly . Eyes glittering around his face thoughtfully , just taking him in.

“I like really like your nose." She told him . Meaning it.

Quinn couldn't have gone any more red , blinking at her in shock. "Really?" He hated it. Couldn't imagine why she would like it, in his mind it was ugly and far too big and crooked.

Lina told him why , blunt as always, accent thick with something else as she gently caressed his nose with her fingertip confidently .

Before Smirking softly at him "big noses are great for riding . And yours is perfect for it. For you. And me." She winked at him before hearing Jack loudly call her.

She swiftly stood from her seat, kissed his cheek again before leaving him there, flustered , red and swallowing loudly in the kitchen , oblivious baby clutched to his chest , gaping at where she had just been sat , speechless.

He finally inhaled sharply , blinking rapidly as he felt Juans tiny hand pull at his hair , snapping him out of it, shaking his head to himself in disbelief.

"Your mama is going to kill me. My poor heart..." he sighed out , picking out another chocolate and eating it. Smiling all the while .

This was what dreams were made of.

By the time midnight hit, Lina was sneaking into his room to check up on him after he had disappeared a little while ago. Mumbling something about being back in a minute , but he didn't .

She didn't knock, just slid into his room and closed the door behind her.

Quinn smiling up at her lazily from where he was laid stretched out in his bed , looking like he had been waiting for her to come despite neither of them having said a thing.

Some promises were made with quick smiles in the dark.

She had waited until little Juan was asleep and cozy in the portable cot before hurrying off the see him again.

Heart calm and cozy in her chest, meanwhile Quinn's was racing as he watched Lina climb onto his bed and settle in beside him silently , both just looking at each for a long moment, smiling in the dark.

"You okay?" She whispered to him, both of them on their sides facing each other. She felt his hand slowly come up to play with the ends of her hair, a soft sigh leaving him . As though he was already asleep and dreaming something seeet and easy.

"Yeah. Just tired." He murmured , yawning .

Fingertips lightly tracking over her shoulder and down her arm, blinking slowly as he pulled the blanket over their laps , making sure that her bare legs were covered . No wanting her to get chilly, but Lina was burning .

For him.

"Me too." She whispered with a lazy smile, head on his pillow that they both now shared. She lifted her hand to run her fingers through his hair , feeling him let out a shaky exhale , subtly shuffling closer to her till they were as close as could possibly be.

"Want to-" he hesitated for a moment before mumbling quietly "do you want to stay?" He asked her , hope filling his chest as he quickly added to avoid confusion "with me. In here."

She just laughed quietly , soothing her thumb over his burning ear . Finding him so endearing that it hurt.

"In your bed? With you?" She giggled "how scandalous." She couldn't help but tease him. Loving how his tiredness brought out some confidence that he struggled to find around her so far.

He groaned a little and tired to bury his burning face into the pillow, Lina giggling as she followed him down. Pressing her own cheek against his as she hugged his face to her , grinning against his heated skin. Quinn smiling against the pillow as he raised his hand to press it against the side of her face, keeping her face pressed to the side of his own

Firmly.

Giddy with the feeling of falling love with someone you only just met.

Giddy with the feeling of knowing that this this was it. The moment that their mamas had always told them stories about.

"You know I do Quinn." She told him sincerely "I'm gonna stay with you from now on. For a while I think. Because I like your stupid face." She said as she pulled their cheeks away from each other so he could pull his face out from the pillow, done with hiding now that he had some reassurance again.

He looked up at her , biting down on his lip with a shy grin. "Yeah?" His eyes flickered down to the jersey she was still wearing "not in that stupid jersey you're not." He muttered, hand sliding down to settle on her thigh instead. Rubbing soft circles in her even softer skin.

She grinned wickedly down at him, feeling his fingertips wandering up to fiddle with the end of the jersey .

"You want me to take it off?" She teased down to him , biting back a giggle when he averted his eyes to the ceiling for a moment . Taking a deep breath to gather himself and his courage before facing her again, bravely nodding his head yes.

"I want to take it off you." He couldn't help but add a small "please" at the end.so sweet that she couldn't help but smile at him.

This was it. This was what her mama had joyfully  warned her about while Lina just rolled her eyes and listened in disbelief . Not believing that she would ever find a love like that. Being told about Guys like him with their crooked smiles and heated cheeks , good intentions and pure hearts.

She hasn't known that they existed . Until she met Quinn . Now her heart was in her mouth and she was nodding her her head in consent as Quinn's shaky hand pulled up the wrong jersey over her head, his mouth falling open in a hitched breath once it was finally gone .

His eyes tracing over her Tanned stomach , toned from all the belly dancing on stage. Then down to her wider hips , following up to the dip in her waist before settling on her breasts encased in a pale pink, lace bralet.

He swallowed thickly , hands gripping her hips as she swiftly climbed on top of him, straddling his lap as he laid out beneath her , sweaty , flushed and with his heart in his mouth . Body Trembling and she hasn't even touched him properly yet.

"You're so beautiful Lina." He whispered to her . Just like he had always dreamed of telling her.

He finally got to now as his hands softly followed a path up her stomach , caressing the warm skin of her body as she leaned down, settling her own hands on his broad shoulders .

Biting her lip as she let him lean close to kiss her bare shoulder , open mouthed kisses being spread down to her chest, then over her neck . Anywhere that his lips could reach without moving too far from her . His arm around her waist as he hugged her too him, needing her close, having dreamt of this moment for what felt like his whole life.

Unable to believe that this was actually happening, that this wasn’t one of the many dreams he had about her over the years.

She sighed blissfully , gripping his chin to pull his lips away. Looking into his glossy eyes and flushed cheeks , his lips parted And pink from kissing her heated skin. She softened completely .

"Are you gonna buy me flowers just because?" She asked him softly , curious and playful as she pulled off his shirt so she could return his kisses down his body too.

Quinn's breath hitched as he tilted his chin down, utterly breathless as he watched her kiss down his chest , sucking softly at his freckled skin , his hips jumping as he felt her hand slide down to his pelvis , playing with the band of his pants teasingly .

"Yes. Sí! Sí!" He Moaned out breathlessly , hands desperately gripping at her back, then at her hips as she kissed up his neck. Tongue marking over his racing pulse below his ear , he trembled.

"I'll buy you flowers every Friday to mark the day we met." He breathed out. Already planning on which florists he would be running to, which flowers he would pick. Something beautiful. Like Lina.

She smiled softly against his jaw as she teased him some more, nudging her nose gently against his as she felt him try to lean forward to close the gap.

She just pulled away with a breathy laugh , brushing their lips together her softly, slowly as she spoke against the corner of his mouth , her words kissing him . Teasing him. Testing his control.

He whined.

"Will you dance with me in the kitchen? To silly songs?" She whispered quietly into the dark .

He groaned lowly , just wanting to kiss her. Just wanting her completely .

"I'll dance with you in every room. To every fucking song , to all of them..please.." he pleaded . Desperately. Kissing her chin over and over again.

She gripped the back of his neck and held him firmly , pressing their chests together as she let him unclip her bra . The flimsily material falling somewhere on the bed as he Palmed at her breasts messily , lips sucking at her jaw, down her neck , hips bucking up to meet her own. Begging her for more,

"Please Lina.. por favor." He pleaded breathlessly , rocking up into her, sweaty and so in love he could cry.

He sucked lovemarks over her heart , panting against her skin as she held his head close to her chest , head thrown back in pleasure as he got messier , spit leaning a trail against her skin as he gripped her in any place that he could . Fingers bruising and desperate.

"You'll come home? With me? To Spain?"

"I'd follow you anywhere." He promised , eyes wide and showing nothing but sheer desperation and the truth.

“I’ll take you joke to meet my family , I still have your poster on my wall though. Maybe you'll believe me then... I need you.." he told her shamelessly , meaning it with every fibre in him.

She laughed breathlessly "yeah? Should I put a poster of you above my bed too now  chico tonto?" (Silly boy) She teased him with a smirk.

He laughed too , breathless and smile too big for his face as he pulled her face up to his own, their teeth knocking together as he kissed her, hard and messy. Needy and wanting. He kissed her firm and true, just like he had always dreamed of doing .

"We can try right?" He murmured hopefully against her lips , trembling as she bit down on his bottom lip, soothing the sting of it with her tongue .

He sighed shakily, body trembling with anticipation and pleasure. "please? I want you so bad ."

"You want to fuck me?" She giggled mischievously as she leaned back to pull down her shorts and then his own. Eyes never leaving his flushed and sweaty face as he watched her like she was god above him.

He swallowed audibly "yeah." His voice cracked as he admitted lowly "I want to fuck you and you to fuck me , and I want to love you. I just want you. In every way."

Lina paused for a minute as she hovered above him for a moment , both breathless and needy. Quinn whining beneath her as she rocked her hips slowly , humming softly as their eyes fluttered closed in bliss.

"You're gonna love me forever if I let you Quinn ?" She wanted to know . Needed to. This was the real thing for her. It had to be. She had dreamt of moments like this, or all the pieces falling into place.

Hand caressing him firmly as he squirmed restlessly Beneath her , looking like he was going to laugh and cry at the same time. Eyes dazed and teary as he looked up at her , grinning wildly .

He nodded frantically "I am. You're all I've ever wanted Lina." and he meant it and she knew he did.

She sunk down on him , both moaning lowly as he pulled her down onto his body, cradling her close as he buried his face in her neck, breathless pants filling the air as she showed him why she was the one of the most wanted woman in the world.

But that didn't matter anymore because all she wanted was him.

She kissed him, laughing softly against his trembling lips as she whispered softly "I'm going to love you too. Maybe a little too much."

Quinn just moaned louder , mouthing at her sweaty skin with his bruised lips as he gripped at her hips tightly , realising why they didn't lie now. It all made sense as she snapped her hips down and around and around , bouncing and leaning , fingernails digging into his shoulders as she made him see heaven.

Eyes rolling to the back of his head as she fucked him, his lips unable to leave her skin as he wiped away the sweat dripping between her breasts with his tongue , in another world completely,

His heart sang in her voice  as she danced above him, belly moving as she moaned his name quietly , leaning her hands back on his thighs as she felt him hit deeper inside , feeling his body moving.

She made a man want to speak Spanish .

She rolled her hips again, like she did on stage , making him cry out as she clenched around him, his hips snapping up to meet her own as tears filled his eyes , pleasure whitening out his vision as his body shook below her.

"I got you. I got you bebé" she sighed , breathy and high pitched as they came together . Like it was supposed to be.

Holding his head close to her chest as he mumbled her name over and over again like a pray , grunting and shaking before finally collapsing against her body tiredly , pulling her down with him in a heap of sweaty limbs and kiss sealed promises.

It took them a while to calm down, Quinn's face in her neck as they tiredly cuddled into each other , soft kisses in the dark .

He smiled against her skin in joy, overwhelmed with love.

"You meant it? No kidding?" He whispered to her , holding her close and never wanting to let go again.

He was going to get her roses tomorrow, the biggest bouquet he could find.

This was it for him. He knew it was. This was the start of forever . Whenever , wherever , they were meant to be together. She was right. He wanted to hear her sing it again and again and again.

Only he had his own private show now. No more nosebleed tickets and tuning into the radio just to hear her voice .

He has the real thing right here, in his arms , smiling down at him like he was something worth keeping around .

"No kidding." She smiled , yawning as she combed her fingers through his sweaty hair . Holding him close as they both relaxed properly for the first time in a long time. Because they finally had someone to lean on.

"I meant. I'm keeping you forever now. Better get used to the heat because Madrid is even hotter, American boy." She teased.

Already planning on calling her mother in the morning to tell her the news that she was right all along .

She had found her star in a clouded sky of grey, she had found her daylight.

[akariarda]

The hard side of growing up-2nd Part

Part1

Thanks @master-jarrus for the request!!

Garmadon and Wu must find the right balance in training ninja and Lloyd and making sure they don't become like their father.

"Cough, cough." Garmadon raised his head as he watched little Lloyd take a full jar of candies from the pantry.

"Oops." Little Lloyd laughed and continued to eat.

"Calm down..." Garmadon sighed and quietly said to himself. He didn’t want to react like his father.

He didn’t want to be like his father, but... he was still afraid of what would happen to Lloyd if he ate so many sweets.

"He has a sweet tooth on you." Misako laughed, and Garmadon turned around surprised.

"Lloyd, sweetheart." Misako said as she came up behind Lloyd. "What did Mom and Dad say about taking and gorging on candies?"

"Oops." Little Lloyd kept laughing and started to cry when Misako took the candies away.

"I think you've had enough for today." She said and kissed him on the head, but Lloyd angrily pulled his head away.

"What's wrong?" Misako asked, confused, when she saw Garmadon’s expression.

"I don’t know what to do," Garmadon said quietly. "I don’t want to be like my father, but I also don’t want him to eat sweets uncontrollably..."

Misako frowned slightly at that. "Maybe we should give him a little bit every other day..."

"Maybe." Garmadon sighed and hugged Misako from behind. "Luckily, I have you to keep an eye on it."

"Dad is better!" Little Lloyd said angrily, and both of them smiled.

~~~~~~

"Never put off until tomorrow what can be done today!" Sensei Wu said angrily and took a piece of pizza out of Jay's mouth and threw it away.

"Hey, that’s mine..." Jay tried to protest, but Sensei Wu silenced him with a sharp look.

"I think it’s finally time for you to start training."

"I promise I will tomorrow..." Kai tried to get out of it, but Sensei Wu wasn't accepting excuses.

"We train hard every day..." Lloyd sighed.

"No, no, you don’t train hard enough." Sensei Wu said angrily and slammed his staff on the floor.

"How many times have you slacked off because I was too lenient? How many times have you lost every sense of ninja life and..."

He took a deep breath before continuing. "Do you think I’m that strict?"

"Not always." Zane said. "You really would let us slack off, but training can sometimes be exhausting..."

"You’ll understand that it’s part of the ninja life." Sensei Wu said quietly and looked at them once more with a gentler gaze.

"Let’s go train." Cole said quietly, and they all followed him.

"Are you okay, Sensei?" Nya, who was at the end of the line, looked at Wu with concern.

"I am, dear, just please go with the others..." Nya silently obeyed the order, although she kept watching Wu until he was out of sight.

Wu took a deep breath when they all left.

"Am I a bad Sensei?" He wondered aloud.

"Every day I try not to be too strict like my father..." And on the other hand, he raised him and Garmadon. In their time, they were the best ninjas...

But he didn’t want to force them; he didn’t want to let them destroy themselves. He knew that without a firm hand to shape them, all their talent would go to waste...

~~~~~~

"I can't." Sensei Garmadon answered half terrified and half sadly.

"Please repeat why you don’t want to eat your favorite cakes that I made for our wedding anniversary?" Misako raised an eyebrow angrily.

"Because..." Sensei Garmadon swallowed.

"The whole sentence." Misako insisted for some unknown reason.

"I don’t want to eat my favorite cakes that you made for our anniversary because I’ve already eaten too many calories today..." Sensei Garmadon said in one breath.

"Do you hear how that sounds?" Misako sighed.

"I know... but I can’t..." Garmadon said sadly, looking at his hands. He would give anything to make her happy... but something inside him wouldn’t allow it, he couldn’t...

"Mom, Dad?" Lloyd called his parents from the living room "You’re here! And Mom made cakes!"

"Take them to the other ninjas." Misako told Lloyd and smiled.

"But Wu will be angry if they eat the whole thing..." Sensei Garmadon started, but then Misako looked at him.

He realized it was better for Wu to be angry than her.

"Just take it, son." Sensei Garmadon forced a smile. "Enjoy!"

"Okay then..." Lloyd said and frowned when he sensed the strange tension between his parents.

He quietly left the room...

"Are you angry?" Sensei Garmadon asked, looking at Misako.

"No." Misako said, coming up behind him and placing her hands on his shoulders.

"Are you sad?" Sensei Garmadon asked her and lifted his head to look into her eyes. Misako bit her lip slightly.

"Yes." She sighed and said against her will.

"I’m sorry..." Sensei Garmadon said shamefully and looked back at his hands.

"Me too." Misako said quietly and leaned closer to his ear.

"Why?" Sensei Garmadon asked, confused.

"Because of how you and Wu had to grow up. I know that your father loved you and that’s why he did that for you and that you are both very healthy...

But maybe that’s not the right way. The same goes for Lloyd..."

"I know." Sensei Garmadon sank even lower. "We push him too hard; he’s lost his childhood. As much as we both don't want to force him, neither I nor Wu, he is the Green Ninja..."

"At least let him live a little; he’s still just a child." Misako insisted, and Sensei Garmadon looked at her.

He knew she was right... He just needed to find the strength to put that into action.

"I promise I will." He smiled at her. "And I’ll tell Wu."

Misako laughed even harder at that and hugged him. "Happy anniversary."

"Happy anniversary, dear." Sensei Garmadon smiled and kissed her on the temple.

PART3