#Flattered and honored my friend saw the news and thought of me instantly

[fitzpirations]

ladies & gentlemen… we are so back

[darknessisafriend]

Hello!! May I request a Merrill Hess x Reader where Merrill puts on his old baseball uniform and the reader finds it to be a huge turn on? It can be fluffy, smut, or fluffy smut, whichever one you feel comfortable with or connect with the most, or if you don’t like the idea that’s perfectly fine as well.

Heyyyy here it is! sorry for the waiting time and I hope you will enjoy it <3

It had all started during a joyful night where you were out in town with Merrill and few friends, drinking and you were already tipsy. Though Merrill wasn’t far behind, he too got easily drunk. You giggled, he was being already goofy and almost spilled his drink.

“Okay, tell me something that would really turn you on!” asked you one of your friends, everyone giggling and curious. You blushed and pinched your lips together as you thought, a few ideas came to your mind, but one was standing out…you looked at your boyfriend.

“You…wearing a baseball uniform.” You said and everyone burst out laughing while Merrill raised his eyebrows in surprise and interested. He still had his old baseball uniform after all…

“I’ll keep that in mind baby.” He told you charmingly, he was definitely going to try. You blushed and giggled in embarrassment, hiding your face in his neck and hugging him, receiving a kiss on your forehead from your boyfriend.

Actually, after that night, Merrill had quite forgotten about what you had revealed, it remained a huge fantasy of yours but you never seriously dared to ask Merrill, maybe he wouldn’t be comfortable doing that, dressing up with the uniform of a sport that meant a lot to him. In truth you were a bit embarrassed and for now it made you feel better that Merrill didn’t speak about it, hopefully he had been too drunk to remember it.

“Come on Uncle Merrill! I put on my uniform! Do it too! Like a real match.” Requested his nephews excitedly. Their uncle giggled and ruffled the boy’s hair and thinking about it, after all he didn’t wear his baseball uniform in a while, they actually saw him wear it.

“Okay, I’m going to put it on. I’ll be back in a minute.” he said, rolling his eyes amused before running back inside, somehow, he felt like it wasn’t the first time someone desired to see him wear it, but he couldn’t remember who or why... Your eyes followed him; did you hear correctly? He was going to put it on, your wildest fantasy. You heart started to race in anticipation even though you tried to distract yourself in the meantime, you failed miserably; your mind couldn’t stop imagining him in it, you knew all girls had a crush on him when he was playing, now it would be a sight just for you.

“All good! Let’s get started!” you jumped at Merrill’s voice, coming out of your thoughts and looked at him. Your face instantly went red, he was even sexier than in your fantasies, his cap, that shirt outlining his strong shoulders and arms and then his pants…damn…so tight around his strong thighs and his ass…wow it did him great honor. You bit your lower lip and squeezed your thighs together as you felt excitement grow between your legs, how bad you wanted to touch him and him to fuck you with that uniform on.

“Y/N? Y/N!” you jumped out of your lewd thoughts and met Merrill’s gaze, he looked at you amused “Where was your mind? The moon? We need our referee!” he teased you, but quickly he noticed your flushed cheeks, your dilated pupils. It was obvious, you were turned on, and your eyes hadn’t left him since he had come out wearing his uniform.

“Huh n-no nothing! I got distracted, y-you look very handsome like that.” You couldn’t help but say, blush increasing on your cheeks. Your boyfriend briefly looked away, thinking, it was as if he knew it, as if you had told him before. A little smirk formed on his face, he had an idea for later…

Merrill never forgot, all day along he thought about it. He had never done such thing but the thought of you being aroused by his simple uniform, aroused him in return. And he intended on making that fantasy real tonight. You sat in the bedroom you shared, looking at him and his excited smile, what did he have in mind?

“Okay, you sit and close your eyes while waiting for your surprise.” He instructed you, approaching you and giving you a quick kiss. You looked at him in surprise and your heart skipped a beat.

“Do you have a gift for me?” you asked with an eager smile and he smirked in return.

“Yeah, you can consider it as a gift. Now close your eyes if you want to have it!” he urged you excitedly, so you closed your eyes, a light blush appearing on your cheeks.

“No cheating huh?” he said as you heard him open a drawer. Once again, he took his old uniform out of its box, remembering the many victories he had with it; it felt strange to sexually play with it but it would serve a new purpose, a very pleasurable one, he thought. You heard very little noises during a few minutes, only those of someone undressing and then putting clothes on; you had to admit you were very curious now.

“You can open them now.” He said and instantly you opened your eyes, meeting the vision of your fantasies, he was wearing his baseball uniform again, holding his lucky baseball bat in his right hand, but now he was just with you , in your bedroom…that though only terribly aroused you.

“It’s a bit tighter than before though….” He said, turning around to show his back, aware it perfectly outlined his butt.

“I’ve noticed…” you replied, biting your lower lip.

“Liking the view huh?” he grinned at you over his shoulder, suggestively touching his baseball bat, up and down, slowly…

“Yes. It would be better if I could touch.” You said almost impatiently, making him giggle and turn around, slowly approaching you, like a predator with his prey.

“Oh I will let you touch and even better…I will let you decide whatever you want us to do…” he purred, his lips inches from yours, his eyes full of desire. He put his bat aside and placed his hands on your thighs, caressing them, and took your hands, placing them on his butt, his eyes analyzing your reaction to his touch. In fact, you were becoming a mess already.

“I-I want you to…fuck me, with the uniform on…” you slightly stuttered, not believing you had admitted your fantasy again. He licked his lips, looking down at your body before suddenly lifting you up in his arms, you gasped instantly wrapping your arms around his neck.

“With pleasure, miss…” he purred and captured your lips for passionate kiss, making you hum against his mouth, finally, it was happening your biggest fantasy.

Holding you in his arms, his mouth was now tracing kisses on your jaw, slow and yet hungry, he always had incredible lips. He approached from the bed before playfully letting you fall on it, you giggled, looking at him from below. You sat up, desire increasing in your chest, Merrill could see your hard nipples through your shirt, he couldn’t wait to have them between his lips. He made a move to come on top of you, but you stopped him, putting your hands on his belly.

“Wait. Let me…” you murmured, kneeling on the mattress, your hands on his belly slowly starting to caress it. He exhaled, looking at you in this position, he could feel himself getting a hard-on. Slowly you lifted his shirt, one of your hands going to touch his warm skin, feeling his abs under your fingertips; you placed your mouth on a spot above his belly button, sensually kissing it, Merrill’s hands coming to rest on yours shoulders, lightly playing with your hair.

“Y/N…” he murmured with desire, briefly pinching his lips together as your hands travelled down his body and started to unbutton his pants.

You pulled down his underwear just enough to have access to his dick; you licked your lips seeing how excited he was “What wonderful ass your pants gives you…” you purred, your hands traveling to his behind, squeezing his firm butt cheeks in your hands while your mouth placed kisses on his pelvis.

“Y-yeah I’ve noticed…you couldn’t stop staring at it while I played with the kids.” He giggled before biting his lower lip as you placed a kiss on the head of his dick. You couldn’t help but blush, you didn’t think it was that obvious but then it pleased him.

“Now I have it all just for me.” You winked at him before starting to give him a blowjob, humming at his taste. Merrill had to do his best not to melt, he was terrible excited by your view, he never thought his uniform would turn you on so much.

“If-if I had known…I would have put it on sooner…” he breathed before letting out a moan, he felt your hands keeping on caressing his ass, your tongue licking along his length.

“Since you told me…you played baseball…I’ve been fantasying about it…I’m not disappointed.” You grinned between licks “You’re so hot…strong…and you taste so good…” you added, your cheek flushed. Merrill groaned in return and couldn’t take it anymore, he wanted to be inside you, so he seized your chin, taken by his desire.

“And I will give you the whole show of my skills…just for you.” He replied, his voice horse, you swallowed down, your heart skipping a beat, how much you loved when he took control of the situation.

He made you lie down on the bed, and you stole his hat, giggling at his impatience and putting it on your head. “How do I look?” you purred as he eagerly lifted your shirt and undid your bra.

“Hmm suits you…” he purred back, you wearing his clothes were always sexy. He captured your lips hungrily, his hands starting to undo your pants. “Oh, I want you so much Y/N…” he breathed against your lip, letting out a little moan as your hands slide under his shirt again, burning his skin. His mouth traveled to your jaw and then your neck, kissing each patch of skin he could find.

“Oh…Merrill!” you moaned, biting your lower lip as he nibbled your neck and pulled on your pants, taking it off, his fingers already playing with the edge of your panties, he was always so impatient and you loved it, it flattered you a lot. You gasped as he captured your nipples between his lips, you shifted your hips, helping him to take off your underwear and then parted your legs, to impatient to have him.

“My biggest fan…” he breathed, playing and yet saying the truth; his hands ran along your legs, up and down, slow and controlled, contrasted with the rest of his body that showed impatience. His locked his eyes on yours, they were filled with love and strong desire, they spoke more than words as you undid his pants and lowered his underwear, revealing his erection. He captured your lips for a passionate kiss, humming against your mouth, how much he loved being with you, and even more to become one with you. Slowly he penetrated you, his eyes never leaving yours, loving how much it excited you to have him fuck you in his uniform.

“Ah…!” you gasped before biting your lower lips “Y-you did such a great match sir…you’re the best…!” you moaned and that turned him on even more, he didn’t have a praise kink but damn how good it felt to hear it. He grinned excitedly and slammed deeper inside you, making your nails dig into his lower as he kept thrusting with the same intensity.

Soon, the room was filled with lewd moans, yours and Merrill perfectly mixing together, his mouth ravaging your skin while you pulled on his clothes, his hat falling from your head. Pure desire from that fantasy started to be filled with something deeper, the love you had for each other, the bond you had forged over the years. You were madly in love with Merrill and whatever he did, working in a gas station or baseball, living with his brother or away, you would support him and follow him anywhere he went, he had become your anchor.

You came first, your body overwhelmed by Merrill’s touch and sight, you caressed his chest, your whole body trembling as you watched him orgasm, his mouth agape, his eyes closed and arching his hips against your core. His arms trembled and he almost collapsed on you, and rolled on the side, a few drops of sweat running along the muscles of his chest.

“I…I wonder…the effect it would have on you…if I integrated a team again…go national maybe…” he panted with a smile, looking at you as you snuggled against him.

“What a turn on…you, acclaimed by thousands for your talent…fangirls…yet you only belong to me…” he grinned, your fingers tracing designs on his chest.

“I really mean it…I went to a selection, they called me back…I’m starting next week.” He announced, watching your reaction.

“Really?” you gasped “Oh my God Merrill!!” you squealed and wrapped your arms around him, filling his face with kisses and making him giggle. You were so happy that he tried to pursue his dream again, and you knew how combative he was, he could do it and you would support him in the locker rooms and cheer for him in the stadiums.

Tag list: (if you want to be tagged, just ask!) @skaravile @lyoongx @weirdflecksbutok @charlie-sisters @stardancerluv @sgtsavoytruffle @ohcarlesmycarles @rajacero @niniitah-ah @morrisonmercurryphoenix @fly-like-a-phoenix @yukis-writing @stellargirlie

[robinofinashiro]

request from anonymous: “hewwwoooo my favourite fanfic writer! i love ur ficssss so much. they keep me sane during this quarantine. may i request for a cute fic with porco and reiner chasing after the same girl (the reader)” 

note: i’m done with finals! you guys can send anything you’d like now! but sjksjksjk, i’m your fave??? but i went with the AU bc that’s what ppl have been asking for so i’m just assuming. 

request status: fully open!

pairing: porco galliard, reiner braun x fem! reader

you sat with Marcel as the two of you tried to cram for the same exam you had coming up. you were a year underneath him but you were in the honors program at the university so you almost had the same classes as he did. 

“between this exam and the project for Bio, I think my brain is going to combust,” you murmured to Marcel. he chuckled before taking a sip of his coffee, “well that and considering I heard my brother on Facetime with you until three in the morning, that could also contribute to your fatigue,” your face fell warm at the comment. 

you chucked a scrap piece of paper at hime, making him dodge it. you saw Reiner walking towards the two of you. you waved him over, his face instantly lighting up. 

“hey Braun, I thought you said you were going to skip coming to campus today?” you asked. he shook his head, sitting down next to you, almost immediately wrapping his arm around you, “nah, figured that if I didn’t come today, I wouldn’t see you until next Monday,” he mentioned. 

you saw Marcel’s face drop in slight annoyance before shaking it off. you couldn’t help but wonder what made him do that but decided not to pay too much attention. 

“that’s very flattering,” you murmured shyly. “so, what’s a cutie like yourself doing this Saturday,” he asked, “oh! I have plans with Marcel and Porco. they want to check out this restaurant a few towns over and Porco offered for me to come along,” you said excitedly. 

Reiner rolled his eyes, not happy about your plans, “why? were you planning on doing something?” you asked. Marcel immediately texted his brother to come down to the cafe. he hated to get into other peoples business, especially if it came to his hot headed brothers personal life but he knew more than anyone how you meant to him so he had to do the brother thing and notify him of Reiner’s intentions. 

“I was just wonderin’ if you wanted to come with Bertholdt, Annie, and I to ice skate, I wanted to take you as my plus one,” he stated. 

you thought for a moment. 

“well, what time are you guys planning on going? I can come after I’m done with Porco and Marcel!” you said excitedly. Reiner’s eyebrow raised as he saw Porco basically jetting down the stairs, “oh hey, Porco’s here!” you exclaimed 

Reiner remained silent, looking at the boy who was now glaring at him. the two of them continued to stare at each other, making you wonder why the air suddenly became thick. 

“uh, guys?” you said clapping your hands in front of their faces. they both instantly looked down at you, “sorry,” Reiner said bringing you to his side, “I was just thinking of something,” he spat.

Porco laughed sarcastically, “care to mention what is was, Braun?” he asked. you looked to Marcel for help, “guys, enough, let it go. Porco, you need to head home to grab your soccer gear,” Marcel said. 

the two of them brushed off the words as you placed your hand on Reiner’s shoulder, “hey, how about you come with me to class. I want to get there a bit early and I know your class is in the next hall,” you whispered, hoping they would finally end their stand off. 

“sure, I have no problem in walking you,” he said. Porco’s anger instantly rose, “I’ll come bring you lunch. I know how much you like the restaurant by my house,” you looked over to Porco, “you really don’t have too. you’re already paying for my dinner tomorrow so I can’t make you do that again,” you tried to say. 

Porco grabbed your hand, “for you, I’d do anything,” Marcel’s mouth dropped at the sudden declaration of love that was not normal coming out of his brother. Reiner on the other hand immediately retracted you from his grasp before taking your other hand, “lets go before you’re late,” he said. 

you gave Porco one final smile before walking away with Reiner. Marcel stared his brother in disbelief, not knowing what to do with what he just saw. “well, you gonna explain what I just saw?” he asked. 

Porco shook his head, “no,” and with that, he walked away. Marcel followed him, “listen, you know I’m the last to get in your business but this little competition over her has to stop. either one of you confesses and she accepts it before it goes to the shit and ends up dating someone else because of both of your immaturity,” Marcel lectured. 

“don’t you think I know that?” Porco retorted, “I’ve been fighting tooth and nail for her and I refuse to lose to Reiner of all people. plus, I heard from Pieck that she plans on choosing one of us soon so if it happens before she hangs out with Reiner on Saturday night then it’ll just be the cherry on top of it all.” 

Marcel rolled his eyes, brushing off his friend and brother immature attitude. 

+

Saturday morning finally came as you crawled out of bed. being that today was relatively the last day you had with both boys before you confessed to Reiner or Porco, you woke up with a feeling of nervousness in the pit of your stomach. 

“you ready for tonight?” Pieck said over Facetime. you shrugged, “kind of. I’m just nervous. regardless of who I actually like, the other is going to be so upset and I’m more than likely going to lose a friendship out of them,” you replied. 

she nodded understandingly, “well, do you know who really owns that heart of yours? one of them has to stand out more than the other,” she replied. “it’s hard. Reiner is such an amazing guy. he understands me in ways that Porco doesn’t. arguably, he’s been there a lot more than Porco has but Porco is just so different. he’s almost as if he’s the piece that I’m missing.” 

you growled, putting your head against the wall as she laughed, “listen, don’t stress yourself out. just see how today goes and if you happen to see that you like one more than the other, tell them right there,” you nodded as you saw Porco’s message telling you he was outside. 

you told Pieck goodbye before slipping on shoes and grabbing your bag. she could only hope that if you didn’t pick Porco, you let him down easy. she knew how Porco was, especially towards Reiner and didn’t want to be at the receiving end of the news if you told him no. 

“hey Marcel, Porco!” you said excitedly. Porco grabbed your hand softly as Marcel jokingly gagged, “be quiet. you’re just mad you don’t have anyone to be with,” Porco told him, “my date is meeting us there so fuck off,” Marcel countered.

the entire ride to the restaurant was you three just talking about whatever came up and because Porco sat in the back with you, he held your hand the entire time. every so often, he would rub your hand with his thumb making your face a bit warm. 

his grasp was very different in comparison to Reiner’s. Reiner’s hold was soft, almost like a delicate flower as Porco really held your hand as if it was the last time he’d ever get to hold it. 

“we’re here so get out my car,” Marcel said. you gave him the finger before hopping out of the so he could find parking. Porco held your hand, walking you to the small bench a bit away from the restaurant. you were confused as to why. 

“I want to talk to you about something,” he said grabbed your hand. you nodded for him to continue, “I know I’m basically fighting for you with Reiner. Ik know the two of you are close but I want you to know that I’d be the best option for you. I can give you the world and more,” he whispered before bringing you in for a kiss. 

he was lucky that the bench was so far from the restaurant as he slipped his hand on your thigh, pinching it softly. you moaned quietly at the movement but quickly enough moved back. 

“not here Porco and it’s not fair to Reiner and you know it.” 

he nodded as he let himself off you before getting up and giving you his hand. the two of you walked to the entrance of the restaurant, greeting Marcel’s date before walking in. 

+

after the dinner you walked to Marcel’s car, he had given Porco the key mentioning he’d get a ride back with his date. you sat in the passenger seat, holding his hand harder than you would be. 

the drive was eerily silent. he knew that you were now going to be with Reiner, essentially on a date with him and he had no control of what you did with him so the nervousness was bubbling up in his stomach. 

as he got the rink, he saw Reiner grabbing your pair of skates and paying for your ticket. he saw the way your face lit up at seeing him and a bit of sadness washed over him. 

“i’ll talk to you later?” you asked as he nodded. Porco kissed your hand softly before letting you out of the car and pulling out of the lot. 

you ran too Reiner, Annie, and Bertl, them saying hi almost instantly. Reiner handed you the skates as he patted the seat next to him. 

“here, I’ll tie your skates for you,” he offered, pulling your legs up. you smiled, “thank you Reiner,” you whispered. he slowly tied the skates before rubbing your legs softly, “you look amazing tonight,” he mentioned. 

you smiled, “stop, you’re just saying that,” your murmured shyly. he shook his head no, “i’m not. I’m glad you came out tonight and I want to show you that tonight is going to make up for whatever you didn’t enjoy today,” he added on. 

Reiner grabbed your hand, the one specifically Porco had kissed and brought you closer. this time, the kiss he had given you wasn’t as heated as Porco’s was. it was softer, more gentle, and nice. 

“lets go before Bertl and Annie think something happened to us,” he joked, finally pulling away. 

REINER ENDING: 

the entire time you were with Reiner, he had you within close proximity almost the entire night. singing songs in your ear as they played through the loud speaker of the rink. ‘you were meant for me’ from the movie Singing in the Rain was specifically the song he was singing. 

your face had felt warm the entire time. you found it sweet that such an old song was what he chose and knew from heart. 

Bertholdt and Annie had left the two of you a while after skating. the two of them claiming they were cold but you knew it was more of the fact that they probably wanted to give you privacy. 

“we should get going before you catch a cold,” Reiner said finally taking his skates off on the bench. he once again helped out unlace the shoes before handing them to the worker and meeting you back on the bench. 

the two of you walked to his car, him opening the door for you. upon him getting in the car, you looked over to him and smiled before reaching over and giving him a kiss. he instantly returned it, happy that his car was parked in a section with not many people looking in. 

“wait, i can’t do this, i don’t want to get my hopes up,” Reiner said trying to pull back. you sighed knowing what you were about to say would be just like word vomit, “Reiner, it’s not getting your hopes up if I’m just waiting for you to ask me out,” you whispered. 

his eyes widened, realizing what you meant. “wait, are you saying?” he asked. you nodded shyly as he practically fist pumped the air in excitement, “I’m so happy to hear those words,” he said pulling you in for another kiss. 

you let him kiss you for a while before pulling away, “I need to get home. I should text Porco,” you told him. Reiner nodded as he finally pulled out the parking lot and making his way back to your dorm. the entire time you had texted Porco. 

“I’m sorry Porco.” 

as soon as he received the message, he knew what it meant. he felt his anger rising as his hands clenched in anger. Marcel was sitting beside him as Porco stood up from the couch, leaving his phone accidentally open. he peered down to the message and sighed. 

Marcel knew you had no intentions to upset him so badly but he just felt sad at seeing his brother so upset. 

PORCO ENDING: 

you looked too Reiner and nervously smiled at him, “hey Reiner, do you think you can take me back to my dorm?” you asked. a part of him felt the shift in the air as you couldn’t really look at him anymore. 

Reiner was starting to connect the dots as you were silent through the drive home. you were holding his hand but not the way you would be and trying to make conversation but couldn’t keep it up. 

once you got back to your dorm building, you got out, Reiner walking you to the empty back entrance. you held his hand as you stood in front of him. “you don’t have to tell me, I can tell,” he told you, now holding both your hands, “i know but I feel so bad,” you murmured. 

Reiner shook his head no, “don’t. the world was meant for us just to be friends and as long as I’m able to be your friend, that’s all I ask,” you nodded as he placed on final kiss on the top of your head before giving you a small goodbye. 

you looked to your phone and texted Porco wondering if he could meet you at your dorm. you made your way to your room, kicking your shoes off and pulling on a hoodie and shorts. 

getting a response that he was downstairs, you walked down slowly, seeing him holding something in his hand. you opened the door as you stood in front of him and smiled. 

“how are you?” he asked softly, “fine, glad you wanted to meet me this late,” you responded. Porco laughed as he grabbed your hand, “always,” he replied. 

you pulled him in for a hug, surprising him a bit, “I hate to say it this way but I want you,” you managed to say. Porco’s mouth dropped a bit before he picked you up and spun you around, “seriously?” he asked. 

you nodded as he brought you down for a kiss. you wrapped your arms around his neck. the two of you remained that way before you finally pulled away and looked at him with a soft smile. 

“you have no idea how happy that makes me. can i just cuddle you for a while?” he asked. you nodded as you opened the door and let him practically let him carry you in. 

[otpnessmess]

For you, there’s nothing I wouldn't do

Here it is finally! The first part of the Jasonette fake dating AU I had promised. I’m working on the following parts already as I will have a couple of weeks with a lot of free time. I’m so sorry for disappearing. Enjoy!

Ao3 - Masterlist

Next

-

“You’ve officially lost your mind, Jay, I swear to God.”

When Marinette had agreed to get up early on a Sunday morning because Jason had asked her to hang out, she didn’t think she’d regret it five seconds into meeting her best friend at their favorite restaurant. And she hadn’t yet, but it was very close.

“Nette, please, I’m begging you right now. Do you want me to kneel and plead? Because I will, don’t try me.” His blue eyes had always been her weakness and the puppy face he was making at her right now almost made her agree on the spot to whatever insane plan he had come up with. The keyword being almost.

“Alright, let me just reiterate to make sure I’m understanding. Your father is hosting a gala in a month and you want me to pretend to be your girlfriend?” Marinette tried to keep her face as straight and serious as possible but it was proving hard since the words she had just said sounded utterly ridiculous.

“Pretty much, yeah. So, will you? I swear I’ll pay you if I have to, I just need you to help me out with this.” He had started to look hopeful since she had yet to outright deny him his request. “You know I love you Bug, and you’re the only one I can trust with something like this.”

Damn, he was good at telling her exactly what she liked to hear, and Mari was just not strong enough to say no to him, though she did plan to at least make him sweat a bit more for it. “Oh really? And what if I asked you for, I don’t know, a new car?”

Her forced attempt at being difficult hadn’t flown under Jason’s radar as he seemed to pick up on it and smirked. “We both know you would never ask for that since you refuse to let me pay for anything every time we go out, but if you did ask for that, know that I’m ready to do whatever you wish me to do. Do you maybe want an apartment? You did mention wanting to stop paying rent… ”

Despite the teasing tone in his voice paired with the sly smirk on his face Marinette knew he was dead serious which, even if it flattered her that her friend would even think about doing such a thing for her, made her backtrack on being difficult immediately.

“No! Argh, you’re impossible. Fine, I’ll follow along to whatever your brilliant plan is, but don’t you dare buy me an apartment, you crazy knobhead.” The look she shot at him tried to be venomous but seemed to be ineffective when the brightest grin took over Jason’s face as he moved to sit by her side to squish the living daylights out of the tiny woman.

“I swear I don’t know what I did to deserve you Nette, I love you.”

That earned him a playful smack on the arm as Marinette gave in and chuckled at his antics. “I love you too, you goofball. Now, get off of me and finish your breakfast.”

The man sat across her once again looking like the cat that got the canary, Cheshire grin in place. “You’re the best."

She pretended not to notice the way her heart paused for a beat when she saw the way Jason was looking at her, with caring eyes as if she was incredibly precious. Instead, the woman hid her face behind her mug of coffee.

"W-why do you need me to do this anyway? What do you need a fake girlfriend for?”

Jason’s demeanor instantly changed, his shoulders squared up and he frowned. “The annual gala my father holds for the company’s investors and partners is always full of old men who are full of themselves-”

“Doesn’t that remind me of someone?”

“Oh shut up, I at least have a good reason for it. They’re nothing more than a bunch of old hags who like to brag 24/7, and since this gala is in their "honor” they can bring guests with them. If I have to go by another year hearing them pitch their daughters and grand-daughters to me hoping I’ll date one of them, I’ll simply kill one of them. Some of the girls over the years have been nice but for every decent one you can actually talk to, you have at least 9 others doing the most ridiculous things to try and get your attention. I assume it’s what they are asked to do but I swear… And everyone else gets out of it too. Dick is already married to Kor'i, Tim is forever married to his job and Damian is not old enough for most of them. So that leaves me, the handsome Jason Todd, to carry the family’s weight on my shoulders.“

She snorted at the theatrical sigh he let out before laying his head on the table, immediately regretting it as he looked up at her with a glint in his eyes. "That’s where you, my dear Miss Dupain-Cheng come in. If I have a girlfriend, those girls will have to effectively back off of me as well, and I won’t have to restrain myself from being incredibly rude to them.”

“As if you could actually restrain yourself from being rude.”

Whether he didn’t hear her or just decided to ignore her comment Mari didn’t know, but once the monologue had been delivered, he leaned back on his seat with his signature smirk. “I’m a genius, I know.”

It took a whole lot from Marinette not to smack her dumbass of a friend again, but even she had to admit no one deserved to have their space invaded as she knew Jason had had in some of the other events his father organized, and if he was being truthful with her, then this gala was shaping to be even worse in that regard. If she could help her friend it would be enough for her, but in doing this she would also have an opportunity to design a gown to wear and hopefully get some people interested in her designs. Maybe she didn’t regret agreeing to this that much anymore.

“You’re one hell of a crazy person, Jay. You’re lucky you’re my best friend.” She rolled her eyes and nudged his leg with hers under the table with a smile. “We’ll have to do some planning this month and you better be ready. I’m not meeting your family for the first time as your fake girlfriend without running through each and every way this could catastrophically end.”

His shoulders relaxed as he nudged her leg back, relief flooding his face seeing her so committed. “Don’t worry Bug, they will love you, and I’ll explain everything to them after this is over, but if they are in on it from the start I just know one of my brothers will screw it up. I think we can pull it off though, and you know I’m always up for a challenge.”

The already familiar confidence rush that ran through Marinette whenever Jason reassured her that everything would be fine made an appearance once more, and at that moment she completely trusted themselves to be able to make do with this crazy-ass plan. After all, Jay was stubborn and always ready to jump in head-first into the weirdest situations.

Newsflash. This time he wasn’t.

Jason had known it was risky to ask his best friend to play pretend so he could get rid of the sticky girls from the gala.

Not because he thought she would refuse, but because of his own feelings.

Truth is, he was in love with Marinette and had been ever since five months into their friendship they encountered two thugs trying to rob a teenager on their way to school. Jason had put one of them down but, before he could go for the second one, Marinette already had knocked him out.

Her breathing was just a bit labored from throwing the man over her shoulder and one of her pigtails had come off from where the robber had grabbed it, but then she turned to wink at him with a smile before going to see if the teen was alright. Red Hood could only feel the sound of his heartbeat in his ears.

Knowing Marinette was potentially able to kick his ass at any given moment had made him feel all kinds of things, and he was already a goner by the time she was back by his side.

That same night, and back in his bed, Jason was mulling over the earlier events. Read: thinking about Marinette. He had never felt so flustered around the tiny woman and it had proven to be a hard task to get her out of his head even when she had left for her own house several hours ago.

One thing led to another and soon he found himself reminiscing about the past months spent in Marinette’s company. How she always seemed to brighten up any room she walked into, making him feel like he should look away but being unable to. Her caring nature taking over whenever someone in need of help was in the vicinity, the tenderness with which she treated people’s injuries, be it physical or emotional.

Jason remembered the first time he had been at the receiving end of it. It had been the time when his identity as Red Hood was also revealed to her.

In his defense, he hadn’t expected Marinette to arrive early to his flat for their movie night only to find him trying to get the cuts all over his abdomen and arms to stop bleeding. Time seemed to freeze as they stared at each other, one sitting on a barstool at the kitchen isle, the other standing at the door with a bag of snacks in her arms. Marinette, being the quick-witted and resourceful person she was, recovered astoundingly quickly from her stupor and started chastising him while tending to the cuts herself while he could only look at her in awe.

Later, when he explained where he got injured, she didn’t seem fazed by discovering his identity. If anything she seemed…smug?

“What’s with that face? I expected more of a reaction:”

Her smile only grew at that as she put on the last bandage around his arm. “I’m glad you finally told me, but I kind of…already knew? I mean, I had my suspicions. You two had roughly the same measurements as far as I could tell, you also happened to go MIA whenever there was an emergency a time too many for it to feel like a coincidence. Also the little stunt you pulled the other day talking to me in the mask? You should’ve at least tried to fake your voice or something.”  Once she was done she patted his head with a wink and left him to process everything while she prepared the popcorn.

That wink had been so cheeky it left him swooning, heartbeat pounding in his ears.

Wait. That had felt familiar.

Oh.

Oh.

Jason was brought back to the present with such force he thought someone had slapped him. Laying on his bed, staring at the ceiling at 3 am he couldn’t tiptoe around the issue anymore. He wondered how he hadn’t reached this conclusion much earlier.

He was in love with Marinette.

He was in love with his best friend.

Dear God, he was so fucked.

That had been the moment he accepted he was so utterly in love with Marinette, and even though Jason had hoped that what he thought was a very one-sided love would subside eventually, with each passing day where he got to know her better and better he only fell harder for her.

Why was he even thinking about all of this? Oh right. He had asked Mari to play pretend as his girlfriend that same afternoon.

What could possibly go wrong?

Marinette had taken it upon her to have their lie be as believable as possible, which meant she wanted them to at least plan out what they’d do if certain situations arose while they were navigating the gala. What this meant was that the following month they had spent a whole lot of time together, maybe too much for Jason’s sanity to remain as stable as it could.

Even if he was used to meeting her at least twice a week and spending their weekly movie night together, Mari practically lived in his apartment now. And he wasn’t complaining at all, but by the gods, if it wasn’t so damn distracting to have her around. She would often keep him company while asking questions about the people who would attend the gala, working on her dress for it, or simply walking around the house jokingly complaining about how Jason tasteless choice of furniture and decorations made the living room look like a yard sale.

Oh, and there was also all the teasing. There had been a consistent amount of it between them before, but now it had turned into a constant stream of cheeky comments, smirk exchanges and usually a smack or two from Mari.

All in all, Jason had lived through both the most blissful yet most frustrating month of his life and the worst of it had yet to arrive, though time did pass by way faster than he would’ve hoped for.

And just like that, the big night was upon them.

-

And that’s it! Hope you liked this little thing and look forward to the next parts! Thank you a lot for reading <3

Tag List

@vixen-uchiha @18-fandoms-unite-08 @tbehartoo @queen-of-the-trash-planet-tm @queenmj10 @mochegato

[thecandywrites]

Of Heaven and Fire Part 11

Do ya’ll have any idea how long I’ve been saving that picture of Benyana’s brother Kaive? Since part 1. Finally. He’s here. Ya’ll are in for a treat. 

Tagging the crew. @probablyclever​ @imherefortheforthefanart​ @funmadnessandbadassvikings​

Of Heaven and Fire Part 11

“...and a thousand.” You counted out before you were handed a set of documents which you quickly put away into your satchel before you gave your orders to the builders and gave them a bonus in their wages and gave the foreman your new orders before you began to walk the long walk back down the beach towards Stormbreaker before Oriles came out of the water to walk next to you. 

“How are the legs working out?” You asked him curiously as you walked together. 

“Strange, like two tails instead of one but they have to work together as one to get anywhere.” He answered. 

“You’ll get used to them.” You offered as you took his arm as you walked together, your steps going in tandem. 

“Why did those gold tattoos on those orcs surprise you?” He asked curiously. 

“Can you keep a secret?” You whispered. 

“I’m a Prince of the 9 Seas, of course I can. Besides, I would also like to be your friend. And It would honor me to keep your confidence.” He flattered as your intuition told you that for now, you could count on him. 

“Look at the back of my neck.” You offered before he did and frowned. 

“You have a gold tattoo too!” He realized. 

“It’s called the gold moura mark. All moura are born with it. So if they have it, they are also moura.” You explained. “But the fact that they think it’s an orc thing, they’re...intimidating, not to mention fierce, powerful and are in great numbers and have a strength I don’t dare play against, so I don’t dare correct them.” You answered. “Every moura a few months after birth grows what’s called a moura cloak- it does look like a feather blanket at first. However someone is stealing the cloaks from them and they think it’s one of their gods and have built a tradition around it. To steal a moura’s cloak is a very serious crime and injustice and whoever is doing it- is counting on the orcs not realizing the real value of what they have lost and their own naivety, if not imposed ignorance. It’s like if I were to trade you two tiny pearls for a large pearl just because there’s two of them instead of one, counting on the fact that you don’t know that your one large pearl is worth more than two small ones, if not many small ones. They’re content with the sack of gold only because they don’t know the true worth of what’s been taken from them and it’s just a matter of time before they find out and when they do, it could be another war, one that no one would win, so we all need to be careful and cautious.” You explained. 

“Ooohhh,” Oriles nodded in understanding. “That’s why Mr. Jealousy was as shocked as you were, because he’s moura too.” Oriles realized as you giggled at the name. 

“He is jealous isn’t he?” You asked rhetorically. “I don’t know how I’ll handle him. Usually men who are like that irk me and I have nothing to do with them. Now I have to deal with him or else.” You grumbled. 

“Who says you have to?” Oriles questioned. 

“The hundred and fifty thousand heavenly moura above us.” You answered as you looked up and noticed they seemed to watch you steadily. “I’m worried one wrong move from me will have disastrous results.” You muttered. 

“You already told us that we are not to harm either you or your family or the other competitors.” He countered. 

“I don’t trust Cordene to honor that.” You said plainly which got Oriles to grin. 

“Well at least we both sense that.” He nodded. 

“If you could keep an eye on him for me, I would appreciate it. He may let things slide in front of you that he may not with me. I trust you won’t abuse this and put words in his mouth or falsely malign him.” You furthered. 

“It’s obvious you are an honest person and therefore put importance on honesty from others, despite the situation. I respect that and I respect you. I will do as you ask.” Oriles agreed. 

“Thank you.” You thanked him. 

“So what were you doing over here?” He asked as he turned to look at the docks under construction behind you. 

“Getting more information about what’s going on there, I like to be well informed.” You placated. “Rhos said that they’re building the docks to circumvent Stormbreaker. I came to see if it’s true.” You explained. 

“And?” He asked curiously. 

“Not quite, but her hunch was close. When people are fearful, they assume the worst about everyone and everything. To be cautious is good, but too fearful and you become too guarded to believe the truth if it’s not as bad as what you fear it is.” You advised as Oriles grinned fondly at you. How wise you were despite how young he knew you were. 

Once you got back Suriel and Cordene unveiled their gifts to the clans in your honor since they could tell you held the clans in a safeguarded fondness, they were mobile villages on clouds that the orcs could move into that could travel all the way up to Suchi, one for Stormbreaker and one for Hurricane Breaker and you were unbelievably pleased before Suriel revealed to Oriles that he would make sure Oriles’ ship would also float up to the city so his own people would be able to be close and have a home away from home as well which pleased you supremely. 

However that night at midnight the cloak detached and Suriel woke you up to tell you that within mere moments of it being detached, someone was already there to steal it and you were instantly enraged to the point you transformed into a missile hawk and flew after the two sparrows that flew like bats straight out of hell out of the top of the tent where there was a hole for the smoke from the fire inside it- to come out of and once they saw you, they transformed into missile hawks to try to evade you but you were determined and your rage gave you a fuel that you sorely needed and in moments of great acrobatic feats as you both fired at the other before you managed to hit each of them while evading their own fire and then you caught them and drug them down to the ground before they were captured in cages and you transformed into yourself. 

“Change into yourselves you fucking bastards!” You roared angrily as they looked at each other and simply backed into the corners and away from you, doing their best to imitate real missile hawks. 

“Suriel,” you called out before he was at your side in an instant and all it took was for him to flick the cages and both birds instantly transformed into their human forms as you gasped in horrified shock. 

There, at the bottom of the cages knelt your brother Kaive and your brother in law Garis. 

“Oh fuck.” Suriel breathed. 

“Who are they?” Cordene asked as you were ready to set them both on fire as a fire like glow came from your heart then rose up your throat.  

“Hey, hey, hey, take a step back and breathe.” Brock realized as he pulled you away and tried to calm you down which surprised Kaive and Garis the most as Brock watched as the glow began to wane before it died out. 

“Talk to me, who are those guys?” Brock asked before you started to cry. 

“That’s my brother Kaive and my brother in law Garis, this doesn’t make sense, they would never do anything like this.” You explained as you steadily lost your composure before Brock just hugged you as you sobbed into his chest as the others turned to Kaive and Garis as they both winced and grimaced. 

“Then ask them to explain themselves.” Brock invited before he brought you back but just looking at their guilty expressions and posture got you seeing red again.  

“What. The. Fuck. Is. Wrong. With. You?!” You screeched before Brock had to pull you away from attacking the cages once he saw your hands becoming clawed as the air above you started to waiver from the heat rolling off of you in the brisk spring night air. 

“Hey, they can’t answer you if you burn them to ash before they get a chance to explain themselves.” Brock calmly if not a little firmly reminded you. “Hey Suriel, how about you do the asking for a minute. You have a level head and know what’s really going on right?” Brock suggested as he tried to make sure you just didn’t turn into a fiery phoenix. 

“Explain yourselves.” Suriel demanded as Brock did his best to calm you down. 

“Elder Vedross told us that another moura colony was attacked and in the spoils was a baby’s moura cloak which the figured the orcs thought was just a blanket and put the blanket around their own child and tasked us with getting it back and suggested we leave a bag of money so that the orcs could buy a proper baby blanket but when we saw that the cloak actually belonged to the baby, we knew something was wrong so we left the money and the blanket on the baby and we fled.” Kaive explained. 

“Vedross?” You repeated in confusion. Elder Vedross was someone you never would have suspected of something like this but it only made you realize that this corruption was more vampant and arcane than you thought it was? What if TriKeng was actually rather new to this scandalous sin? What if this had been going on for centuries? What if there were other clans with gold moura marks? What if every colony’s elders were guilty of this? You were just one girl. Granted you were in extraordinary circumstances, and you did currently have legions at your disposal but did you really, honestly, want to use them on the very people you knew and loved and attack the colonies? Attack the very fabric of your way of life? Was there any answer to this problem that didn’t involve either blood or ash? And what if your family was more involved than it already was? 

You swallowed down the bile in your throat as you took a measured breath to keep yourself from hyperventilating as you could feel yourself grow numb in response to your overwhelming thoughts. 

“Tell me the truth, is this your first time doing this?” You questioned as they both affirmed that as you stalked over to them, angry tears rolling down your cheeks. 

“And are either of you aware that these cloaks have been stolen from these people for generations? To the point that these people have built an entire tradition around the theft? And does the council of elders know that all it takes is for word to get out of the true nature of this and no moura on the surface would be safe? Ever? Every moura would have to go back to the heavens or face these warhammers and battle axes and atone for these sins. These people have had their very birthrights stolen from them, their powers stripped from them and purposefully kept in the dark about the true nature of what’s been stolen from them. All of these crimes will be answered for and justice will be served- so may the gods help and deliver me I will see to it that each and every single one of these people will get their cloaks back or I will expose anyone and everyone involved so that the whole world will know the truth in vivid detail and whatever has been built on these sins I will break and tear apart thread by thread and brick by brick if I need to because these people are our brethren and they deserve to be recognized and respected as such and deserve to be welcomed into our brotherhood as a whole.” You insisted. 

“Because here I’ve risked my life to find a way to help Suchi, as we speak there are ships whose holds are frozen solid with seafood meant for Suchi and in just a matter of days we will be at the base of the mountain ready to climb up the passes and if the elders would just open their gates and if they would receive us in peace and joy and fortune we could be such strong allies. No one would come up against us ever again if we really embraced our brethren like we should have all along. Now if there is a way that that can happen without bloodshed and without everything set on fire to fuel war and for this great wrong to be set right, I’m all for it. The council of elders has until we get up to the gates to decide how to proceed.” You decided before you set them free. 

“Ok, I’ll let them know.” Garis nodded before he fled while Kaive stayed put. 

“Aren’t you going to go with him?” You prodded as you nodded up to Garis’ shrinking form in the night sky. 

“No, only one messenger should be needed for a message like that.” He answered before he cautiously came forward. “I really am sorry that I was stupid enough to get caught up in this, but I am so happy and relieved you’re ok, obviously.” Kaive apologized. 

“Thank you.” You sniffled as you hugged him. 

“How about I stay with you for now.” Kaive suggested. 

“Ok,” you nodded before you introduced him to everyone around you before he walked you back to the clan where Cordene and Suriel were all to happy to have you sleep in one of the homes on the massive cloud island that had been built for Stormbreaker. 

“How the fuck did you manage all of this?” Kaive asked as you both settled in bed as you curled into him. 

“Kaive, do I have a tale for you…” You chuckled. 

[polar-stars]

Shokugeki no Kimiko à la carte Series - The Extended Hand

Author’s Note:

Written for ShokugekiOCWeek, Day 7 (Prompt: Party)

You’ve reached the point where I’d to something for ShigeChi, because of course I would; or the tale of Chieko visiting a party she feels to small for. 

(As always, I’m not sure if its good or not haha)

---

Like he loved to do, Satoshi went out early in the morning so he could help his students tend to the garden.

An all-too typical everlasting smile on his face, he opened the heavy door of the dormitory to step out into the fresh, cold air. He took a deep, satisfied breath before he marched on.

Little did he expect however to hear the door opening behind him again.

And even less he expected Hideyoshi Kawashima to be the one coming out of it.

“Hideyoshi-kun?” He questioned. “You’re not on field-duty or cooking-duty today. What gives me the honor to greet you so early in the morning?” Hideyoshi was known for many things but not exactly for being an early riser.

Instead of answering, Hideyoshi only threw a “Good Morning, Satoshi-san” towards the brunette man and rushed straight up to the mail box of the dormitory.

The dorm caretaker had already turned around to walk on to the garden as he heard Hideyoshi’s loud exclaim of joy possibly waking up the last few sleeping birds in the trees. When Satoshi then looked over his shoulder, he saw the black-haired youth sprint back towards the dormitory with a bunch of letters in his hands.

A chuckle escaped Satoshi, as he lightly shook his head. “Youth.” Then he walked on.

-

When he finally came back from field work, all sweaty but filled with the highest spirits after his connecting and conversing with Mother Nature, Satoshi found all of Polar Star’s current highschool first years at their table in the dining hall, hunched together like a group of penguins.  

“Good Morning.” He warmly announced in order to get their attention. He ended up being successful as the young teens all lifted their heads with admirable synchronicity.

"Good Morn-" Was all that Hiroshi could say before his friendly greeting was drowned out by Hideyoshi's exclaim. "Satoshi-san! You're not going to believe this!" The addressed adult came closer, chuckling. "My, my, you're truly in a good mood today, Hideyoshi-kun."

"He was invited to a party." Mumbled Daisuke while staring at his omelette, some jealousy swinging in his voice. "Not a party." Hideyoshi immediately corrected and held up an envelope. "THE party." As Satoshi arrived at their table, blue eyes full of interest for what Hideyoshi was so excited over, the emcee began elaborating further. "It's Inoue Eito's party, Satoshi-san! The tenth seat!"

While Daisuke rolled his eyes and Yasu slightly shook his head Hideyoshi took over the tone of a storyteller, weaving myths and legends. "The 114th Generation is famous for their parties and Inoue-senpai is the one who throws the most acclaimed ones by far. Each and every single one of them being iconic. He's not one to invite too many underclassmen. The fact that I got invited…." He proudly puffed out his chest. "Makes me a VIP without a doubt."

"I see…" Satoshi rubbed his chin and then nodded. "I am glad to see you so happy, Hideyoshi-kun." The dorm-warden spread his arms and, as they did many times, the young teens swore to see sparkles and glitters appearing around him. "Parties are a great way to savor your youth!"

"Ever considered that these might have been some prank? Maybe by the underclassmen?" Chieko suddenly spoke up. As the heads turned towards her, Satoshi noted the white envelope in her heads. "Because I can't see why they would invite me…."

The gears in Chieko's brain had been turning ever since Hideyoshi had pushed the invitation into her hands. But all the data and knowledge that she'd stored up over several years could not provide her with an answer to the question on why her, a perfectly normal student of the 115th Generation who looked plain and nerdy, was invited to such a popular, trendy event. In her understanding her name just didn't fit in-between widely-gushed-over emcee Hideyoshi Kawashima, gorgeous Mika Aldini and the school idol's little sister Kimiko Yukihira.

"I don't really get this either. I haven't met this Inoue guy." Kimiko voiced. She had laid her letter away already, so that Hiroshi read it instead while she payed more attention to her omelette.

Hideyoshi was quick to enlighten the blonde. "Please, Yukihira. I thought you were smarter than that. Of course Inoue-senpai would want the sister of the most popular person within the 114th Generation and Totsuki as a whole to be there."

"Hiraku will be there? Yeah, I think I will pass this one." Kimiko shrugged at that and continued eating her breakfast, completely unbothered by Hideyoshi looking at her as if she had personally insulted him. Meanwhile a visible blush had been creeping on Mika's face as she quickly decided to read over invitation again, only now truly realizing that she'd get to meet a certain redhead on the party.

"Maybe it's actually for you." Chieko theorized and pushed her invitation over to Yasu. Good-looking, well-liked Yasu, who never failed to catch several eyes when walking through town wether he was aware of it or not. No way she was chosen over him.

"I don't think a guy that concerned with creating an illustrious guest list would make such a mistake, Chi-chan." He tilted his head slightly. "If you don't want to go, you don't have to." "We can play cards together instead!" Kimiko quickly brought up with a grin.

"No!" Hideyoshi huffed. "No, I'm having enough of this lack of appreciation for this flattering, distinguished chance." He pointed at Chieko. "Marui, I won't allow you to miss out on this. As your friend I can't let you shot yourself in the foot like this!"

—

Despite all of Chieko's skepticism and hesitance, she ended up standing in front of the tenth seat's mansion outside of Totsuki when the day of the rager had come through the sheer force of Hideyoshi's insistence. She even had put on make-up and one of her prettiest dresses.

She felt the house was practically shaking from the booming music that played in it. Hideyoshi next to her bounced on the balls of his feet like some 3 year old who was granted two scoops of ice cream by their mother. Mika had merely crossed her arms as she eyed the scenery in front of her with narrowed eyebrows. Around them, students kept streaming in and out of the house. Some sober, others already smash-drunk.

Chieko could tell right away: this was a very different caliber than the regular Polar Star gatherings.

The insides of the house were loud and crowded. Chatter, laughter, badly sung lyrics to whichever song was playing; those were the sounds that dominated the halls.

The trio began wandering around and inspecting the mansion's ground floor but eventually they split up, as Mika sought to find her prince charming while Hideyoshi aimed for the bar. Chieko meanwhile found herself a corner that was not occupied by some horny couple or a guy about to throw up for her to stand in.

Not many took a notice of her but occasionally she received a couple of confused looks here and there. But what did she expect? Here she had been, dressing up pretty just to stand around in the shadows.

She had just decided to search for Hideyoshi at the bar in order to drown her frustrations in a little bit of cheap wine as said classmate already appeared in front of her, yelling. “Marui! There you are!”

Before Chieko could come up with a response, her dorm mate began to make hasty gestures. “I heard Aldini made it into the upper part of the building! Can you believe it?”

Based on his tone, Chieko knew that he expected some sort of shocked surprise from her but all she gave him was calm confusion. “Huh?”

Hideyoshi gave her a long look before he groaned. “Marui, everybody knows that the real deal of Inoue-senpai’s parties is in the upper part of the mansion. This is where the A-List gathers. The most popular personalities of the school. The true Crème de la Crème!" Knowing her dorm mate and his never-ending chase for a grand social standing well enough, Chieko already feared what will follow next as she listened to his ramble. "If Aldini made it up there, we gotta get there to."

Before Chieko was even given a chance to rationally line out all the reasons on why this was probably a bad idea; she already found herself standing in front the massive staircase that lead up to Hideyoshi's personal Olymp, with Hideyoshi next to her engaging in a broad discussion with the second-year that had been tasked to keep out any mere mortals. "No, there has to be a  mistake. I am Kawashima Hideyoshi. Surely, you must have seen me host a Shokugeki already. I belong up there." "All I see is another entitled, little first-year-shrimp."

Chieko felt an immense urge to hide her face in her hands as Hideyoshi just kept on being his ever persistent, irritating self. "Just let us through! You'll thank me later." "Pffh, yeah right." The guard scoffed before crossing his arms to truly complete the image of the strict, incorruptible doorman. "Listen up, you two guppies have no business up there, understand? Now buzz off or I'll throw you out entirely."

To Chieko's sheer horror, she saw Hideyoshi opening his mouth yet again. However before any words could come out a third voice suddenly spoke up. "These two are my guests actually."

Chieko, Hideyoshi and the gatekeeper all turned their heads in surprise. The gatekeeper was the first one to greet the new participant of the discussion, as his face instantly became pale and he shrieked. "Eizan!"

Shigeo was dressed in a white shirt, a waist coat, black trousers and his infamous smirk. Behind him, one could see Umino and Yamada in full casual glory and with burning eyes directed at the gatekeeper. "Let them through." Shigeo purred, with a certain warning edge to it.

"We-Well…..if they're your guests, they should have just said so." The guard stammered in a desperate attempt to defend himself, while simultaneously taking a step to the side to symbolize their free pass.

"Wise choice." Shigeo hummed before turning to Chieko, whose eyebrows had sunken downwards in the meantime. Not imitated the slightest by her glare, Shigeo merely brought out his hand to her. "Greetings Marui. What a pleasure to see you! I am glad my plus-one showed up."

“Plu-Plus-One?!” Chieko snarled. So that's how she received an invitation. She practically heard Hideyoshi's jaw dropping behind her.

"The Boss barely ever brings a plus one!" Umino brought up with a certain gravity in his voice, most likely to make Chieko understand just oh how special and lucky she was.

"It really was not necessary." Chieko replied, not flattered but completely meaning what she had said. It left both Umino and Yamada utterly floored and Chieko could also feel Hideyoshi's disapproving gaze and his fear of his dorm mate ruining his one chance to get upstairs.

But Shigeo's smirk merely grew a bit as that certain amusement glinted in his yellow eyes. "Yet you still showed up. So I don't believe it was a wrong choice inviting you." He nodded towards the staircase. "Now let's go upstairs. What good is an invitation if I don't give you a chance to experience the true party. Not this….gathering of maggots down here."

While Chieko still made no attempt to take his held out hand, Shigeo for the first time shifted his gaze to Hideyoshi. "Your dorm mate can come too if he wants." Chieko didn't have to turn around to know that Hideyoshi's face lightened up at that, not even bothered how both Umino and Yamada made rather displeased grimaces.

A moment of silence ensued in which Chieko wagered cons and pros in her head. Ultimately the knowledge about how badly her friend wanted to hang out with the cool kids pushed a sigh out of her and a curt. "Fine." She then began walking past the hand that Shigeo still held out to her and up the grand stairs. "I suppose a glimpse can't hurt. Come on, Kawashima."

Before Hideyoshi, completely over the moon, followed he gave a quick bow towards Shigeo. "Thank you, Shigeo-senpai." He faked an unsure laugh and made a waving hand gesture. "Don't mind Marui's grumpy tone. She's always like that. I'm sure she's more than happy about your gracious-" "Listen sockpuppet, if I should ever feel the desire to chat with you I'll be sure to let you know, alright?" Shigeo's frosty tone interrupted him  and it brought back the smiles on Umino's and Yamada's faces rather quickly.

Hideyoshi gulped, made another bow and then chose to retreat back to Chieko's side. Shigeo and his two companions watched them for a couple more minutes before following as well.

Upstairs and Downstairs truly felt like two different worlds. Chieko could tell as much when she finished climbing the stairs.

The first floor was a lot less crowded and the faces she saw were all faces she recognised instantly. From 7th seat Suzume Hojo dancing alongside the president of the French RS Harumi Tsujimoto to a song, whose lyrics "Beautiful, Dirty, Rich" described the entire atmosphere perfectly, to Kimiko's widely-beloved brother Hiraku sipping whiskey at a bar, much more finer-looking than the one they had down there, with 6th seat Akio Hayama close as ever to him.

Hideyoshi let out a whistle next to her. "That's what I'm talking about, Marui. This is were Totsuki's truly important people can be found." Just as he said so, the duo also spotted their lost dorm member Mika, a glass with some red drink in her hands and in a conversation with Beatrice Shiratsu.

Their reunion seemingly had to wait however as all out of the sudden a blonde upperclassman approached them, spreading his arms and true manner of a host exclaiming. "Eizan and Co! I wondered when you'd show up."

Both Chieko and Hideyoshi turned their heads and saw that Shigeo, Umino and Yamada had arrived as well. "Good evening, Inoue." Shigeo greeted while subtly raising his hand. Umino gave a nod. "Yo" while Yamada just said. "Sup'"

As the tenth seat, Eito Inoue, reached them, he observed with a bit of sorrow in his eyes. "I see Saito-senpai didn't come along this time. What a shame." Shigeo gave a shrug. "Spontaneous shopping-trip to Paris." He said with a nonchalance you'd expect a person who grew up in a world where spontaneous weekend trips to other countries were affordable and completely normal to have.

"Inoue, is Koharu-chan here already?" Umino questioned Eito before he could make any further inquiries over Kiyoko Saito's whereabouts.

"Yoshida-san?" Eito gave a nod. "Yeah, she's here." He then pointed at a large assortment of couches far away and close to a wall. There, waiting, Chieko and Hideyoshi could make out a thin, female figure with blonde hair and clothes in pastel-colors. "She's at you guy's usual spot with the usual amount of vodka."

"Hell yeah." Yamada grinned in anticipation. "Koharu-chan never fails to disappoint." Umino meanwhile turned to Shigeo. "Boss, is it okay if we join Koharu-chan already?" "Go ahead." Shigeo replied. "Tell Yoshida, I'll be there in a second."

"Aye, Boss." The two men answered simultaneously before wandering off to the couches and Koharu Yoshida with her numerous bottles of vodka.

Once they were gone, Shigeo gave Eito a command, disguised as a friendly request. "I'd like the usual brandy, Inoue."

"Sure, sure." Eito nodded. "Just a question."

After having looked over their heads for the last minutes, Eito finally let his grey eyes fall on Hideyoshi and Chieko. "Who are they?"

Before Shigeo could say anything however, Hideyoshi held out his hand and informed. "Kawashima Hideyoshi. Good evening, Inoue-senpai. I'm a large fan of your work."

It was silent for a second but then Eito's eyes grew and he exclaimed. "Oh! Of course! The Shokugeki-Host!" He playfully hit his head. "I knew something was familiar about your face! How did you get up here though?"

Hideyoshi opened his mouth again but this time Shigeo was faster. "I brought him up." It might have been Eito's party but Shigeo's tone showed absolute confidence in the belief that he could do whatever he wants and he was proven right as Eito showed no signs of an intention to call him out over acting on his own behalf.

"I see." Eito merely smiled over Shigeo's lack of respect for his neatly organized VIP-guest-list. "Lucky kid."

Then his eyes fell on Chieko. "And you are?"

Chieko tried her best to resist the urge of nervously fumbling with her skirt as she answered. "My….name is Marui Chieko."

What followed was a minute of silence and Eito just blankly staring at Chieko. With each passing second, she felt smaller and smaller and her lips began to tremble.

Finally Eito monotonously spoke. "Oh, so you're Eizan's plus-one, right?" He finally smiled again, albeit it seemed a little forced. "He told me to invite you. I hope you know that he doesn't do that very oft-" "She knows, don't worry." Shigeo suddenly cut him off, a little harshness in his tone which made Eito flinch subtly.

Chieko meanwhile looked at the floor, her face burning.

"Enjoy the party, then!" Eito exclaimed jollily. "And we'll get you a brandy." He also said towards Shigeo.

As the two upper classmen then moved away, Hideyoshi shifted his gaze to Chieko. "Marui…." He asked. "Everything alright? You've been so quiet suddenly…."

Chieko bit her lips one last time before looking up and giving Hideyoshi a little smile. "Yeah, I'm okay. I think I just need some fresh air right now." Before Hideyoshi could make any further inquires she already began pushing him into the direction of two Italian chefs. "Be a dear and tell Mika-cchi that we're here, alright? I'll be back soon."

With no more explanation left, Chieko then made her escape to the balcony.

As she stepped ousted she was immediately greeted by the cold night air and the stunning sight of Tokyo's sparkling skyscrapers in the distance. Yet she could not take much enjoyment from it as the heart in her chest was close to bursting.

Dazed from her sudden sorrow Chieko staggered to the railing for support. She felt the tears urging to come out, but kept on fighting the battle against them so she would not have to return to her friends with red eyes.

After having observed her for what must have been several minutes, Eito had only been able to recognize her as "Eizan's plus-one". And the way he had said it. 

As the memory mercilessly replayed in her head a single tear rolled over Chieko's cheek despite all of her best efforts.

Foolish as she ever was, a part of her had hoped to have fun tonight. To be someone more than the one nerdy girl from Polar Star. She hd put her efforts into dressing up for the occasion but no matter how hard she tried, she'd never be a gorgeous Mika Aldini, a noble Kaori Hayama or a interesting Kimiko Yukihira. She'd always be the girl from the library to everyone else.

"Are you upset that I invited you?"

A lightning bolt was sent through Chieko as she heard Shigeo's voice behind her. Still wide-eyed over the sudden noise, she made a half turn and found the older male standing close to the door of the balcony with crossed arms and an unreadable expression.

Once she had recovered from the initial shock, Chieko managed to press out. "I don't want to talk right now. Go away."

Shigeo however rather took a note of something else and surprise spread on his face mixed with something that seemed identical with actual concern. "Marui….have you been crying?"

Immediately Chieko turned her head away at that, cursing at herself internally. But it was too late, as Shigeo already appeared next to her after a couple of seconds. "If you really hate it around here so much, you could have said something."

Chieko pressed her lips tightly together as she kept averting his sharp gaze. "I…..It's simply that your ever great self made a mistake. I do not belong here."

As Shigeo did not reply, she kept on. "This is a group of people who instantly have all eyes on them whenever they enter a room. I don't fit into that." Her voice shivered slightly. "I'm much too dull and unexciting for that."

What followed was a long silence. But just when Chieko actually thought that Shigeo had just quietly slithered away already, he spoke up again.

"Do you mean to insult me?"

Completely taken by surprise and confusion, Chieko finally turned his head back to him and met a pair of oddly serious eyes. "Marui Chieko, do you honestly think that I, Eizan Shigeo, would waste my time and breath on a type of person you just described?"

Chieko could only blink.

"If you really think that I would even consider to bring some uninteresting bore to a party as my partner, you're a lot badder at reading people than I thought you would be." Shigeo continued.

At first Chieko was only capable of staring at him, robbed off words. But finally a few of them returned in her otherwise so eloquent brain. "I….you…."

Shigeo's solemn look disappeared and made way for a smile. But for a change it wasn't loaded with self-infatuation but rather had a hint of genuineness in it. "I invited you for two reasons, Marui: one being that I earnestly believe that you belong into these ranks given the talent that's sleeping in you. The other one being…" He made a slight pause, letting his eyes trail to Tokyo's skyline for a second before looking back at her with the city lights reflecting in his eyes. "The other one is….that I quite frankly enjoy your company."

Once again, Chieko was at a loss for words as her teal-colored eyes merely widened, her jaw dropped and the blush appeared on her cheeks.

They stood there like this for several minutes. Just staring at each other. Noises of the city on one side and loud music from the other side, but the two didn't seem to hear either of them.

Finally Chieko regained her ability to speak and additionally several facts of her speaking-partner which were about more than him just being a good-looking, charming young man. "Shigeo-senpai, I…." She looked to the side and sighed. "I don't know if I can truly trust you with your words. You're Shigeo-senpai after all." Now she was the one to take a pause before looking back at him. "But for tonight I like to believe they're true…..Thank you."

Once those words were spoken, she immediately looked down to her feet as she felt her face burning hotter and hotter with each second.

Would she come to regret what she had just said? It was impossible knowing with this man.

Another moment of quiet ensued, until it was broken by Shigeo. "May I have the pleasure of dancing with you?"

Chieko's head shot upwards again as she looked at him in disbelief. "You dance on parties?"

"Not normally." Shigeo replied and yet again brought out his hand to her, as finally after all of this uncharacteristic concern and sincerity, his well-known vain smirk appeared back on his face. "But perhaps this is a way to prove to you that you're not just some girl to me." He chuckled. "I believe we two could be quite a sight."

Chieko stared at his held out hand, thinking about wether this was the gloved palm of her Prince Charming, or the dangerous, seducing offer of some mob-boss.

She decided that today was not the night she'd try to solve this question and simply took it.

[occasionalfics]

worth my while // epilogue

main masterlist | thor masterlist | ko-fi | p. 11

Summary: After being banished from his home, Thor Odinson has stopped at nothing to prove himself worthy of his throne, title, and power.

After losing the love of your life, you turned to a power you didn’t understand.You know you shouldn’t get involved.

But how could you not?

Pairing: Thor x Reader (Hercules au…kind of…)

A/N: I’m like...stunned that this is over? I feel like it happened really fast. REALLY fast. How? 

I couldn’t let this go without a REAL fairy tale ending and I’m not sorry about it. Let’s celebrate!

Warnings: Honestly just nostalgia and fluff finally

Words: 2,545

An enthusiastic Thor introduces you to his close friend Heimdall, but doesn’t spend too much time on it. He moves you onward too quickly, insisting on taking you directly to his mother. Immediately.

You laugh at his excitement, but still stop him as he leads you across a glassy rainbow bridge. You take one look at the skyline of Asgard before you, and all the joy falls from your body.

You’re really here. In Asgard. With Thor.

He turns to you, warm hands sliding up your arms to your shoulders. “What is it, min kjærlighet?” he asks.

You don’t have an answer for him. The sudden weight you feel is a pleasant one, but still overwhelming. Because you’ve just left the only planet you’ve ever known - the only life you’ve known - for a kingdom you don’t belong in, for a man you’re not worthy of, for a life you have no place in.

“(Y/N)?” he asks again, some of the light leaving his eyes, too.

“Thor,” you whisper, “I- just. This is a lot. And I have...so many things to tell you, things I didn’t think I was going to get to but I need to say before anything else happens-”

“Nothing is going to happen here,” he tells you. “You can tell me all after you meet my mother. She’s eager to see what I see-”

“I can’t wait, Thor.” You take in a long breath, remembering all of the things you’d wished you’d told him before, when you knew you couldn’t. Memory is a harsh prison, but it’s the one you won’t be free of until he knows everything. “I can’t stay here if I don’t tell you.”

He hesitates, and his brow furrows. “Do you… want to return to Midgard?”

You shake your head. “That’s not what I’m saying. I just- Before we go forward with anything, I have to tell you.”

“Tell me what?” he asks, his tone clearly impatient but curious.

You lick your lips and tell him, “Everything.”

--

It’s easy to sneak into a room via lofted balcony when simply twirling a hammer enables flight. Thor holds you tightly against his side, wind rushes past you so fast you have to close your eyes, and within seconds, you’re placed on solid marble.

Being lifted off your feet like that twice in less than ten minutes is a lot to deal with, but you manage.

He leads you into his bedroom. This one, the one he’s grown up in, is nothing at all like his Avengers’ Tower bedroom.

This room is golden. Everything has a yellow tint to it - the fire kindling in a fireplace across from the bed certainly helps with that. His bed is huge, like his other is, but this one is covered in silken sheets and long, wide fur blankets. Tables are lined with goblets and trophies of war and revelry.

Here, Thor is truly who he was always meant to be. You’ll have to figure out who that is in time.

He leads you to the bed, sits on the edge of it, and waits for you to join him. When you do, his hands grip yours again. You might only pull away if you didn’t miss him holding you like you do.

Every day for three months, your whole body ached for him. It was just never as apparent as it is right now, with his body excruciatingly close.

“What is it you wanted to tell me?” he asks, patient now.

You try to remember where to start, then decide that an apology is a good place.

“I...am so, so sorry, Thor. For everything. For keeping things from you, for leading you on, for...god, for dragging you into Hades’ mess of a plan. For thinking I’d be able to stop you from fighting with a fucking car-”

“You saved my life that day, (Y/N),” he interrupts.

You squeezes his hand in a plea to let you finish. He nods slowly, conceding.

“I met a guy...almost a decade ago, now. This man, Rick - he was everything I ever thought I wanted. I was sure I was gonna marry him. But we got in a stupid fight one night, and he walked out and...a drunk driver hit him.” The memory of that night rises, stings your throat and eyes and nose. Despite the warmth of the room, a chill settles over you.

“Hades found me a year later. I was...a mess. I thought I’d  lost the great love of my life. I was an easy target for someone looking for a glorified assistant. Hades told me he’d bring Rick back, and without thinking, I agreed to whatever terms he laid before me.”

You bite your lip, try not to hold what happened against Rick, and only went on when you felt ready.

“Rick and I didn’t end up working out. Obviously,” you say. “But Hades...he knew what he was doing. I was his servant, and basically nothing else. Not until I met you.”

He smiles, flattered.

You can’t return the gesture.

“I knew I should’ve stayed away. I shouldn’t have gotten involved with you, because Hades always knew. And you...you’re so powerful, God damn it!” You pushed on his arm, taking just a second to joke because that was so much easier.

But you can’t let the break drag on.

“I couldn’t help myself. The more I saw you, the more I wanted to see. You…” You sigh and meet his eyes with certainty in yours. “You made me feel like I was a regular person again. Like I was worthy of your friendship, of your love. The more I felt that, the more I wanted to get out of helping Hades bring you down. But he knew. He always knew. And when I tried to tell him you were unstoppable, he used me against you.”

“And it cost you your life, (Y/N).”

You nod, leaning toward him so you could whisper and he would feel the meaning behind the words: “I’d do it again if I had to. For you, I’d do anything. And I know you’d do it, too.”

“For you,” he agreed, “always.”

--

As it has every day for the last...four months (you think, time is different on Asgard than it is on Earth), the Asgardian sun warms your skin, breathes new life into parts of you that you’d forgotten all about. Dormant parts. Pieces you haven’t felt in...years.

You sit in the city square and watch the market around you. People mill about, like they always have, hardly noticing the wolf in sheep’s clothing.

Thor told you to stop calling yourself that. You’re not here to harm Asgardians, but to be one of them. And slowly, you’re starting to feel at home. With Thor to help and his mother’s approval (you don’t know how you managed to garner that, but you refuse to question it), you know that, some day, you’ll really feel like you belong here.

You’re adjusting. It makes Thor proud to see you content. It makes you proud to see him happy and whole again.

He comes through the crowd and hands you a light purple flower. It’s petals are soft and dainty, it’s stem strong and stable. It smells unlike anything you know of from Earth. It’s perfect, and yet, Thor’s smile outshines the glory of his gift.

He sits beside you on a stone wall, has no hesitation of pulling you close and holding you against him. You were surprised to learn, upon meeting the King and Queen, that Thor wasn’t already engaged to a Space Princess. Apparently, Earth fairytales don’t really apply to Space monarchies.

“Did you miss me, my heart?” he asks.

Yours always, without fail, skips a beat when he calls you that. You can’t help it. Somehow, in some way, you’ve earned his affection. The name is confirmation enough, and you have one for him that serves the same purpose.

“Of course, my soul.”

Four months of Asgardian living has absolutely affected your vernacular. How could it not? Why wouldn’t you let it, if you planned on staying?

He kisses your cheek as you place the small flower behind one of your ears. “What’s the plan for today?” you ask, knowing his days are normally full of training, both in battle and for the throne.

The fact that he is heir to an intergalactic collection of realms, of course, puts you on edge. You don’t know what it means for you, but you don’t have the heart to ask him. He’s already under enough stress at the thought of having to lead an entire kingdom.

“There are none today,” he tells you. Instantly, you relax against him.

“Really?”

“Well,” he starts, in a tone that automatically makes you roll your eyes, “there are plans, but I’m not seeing them through.”

“Thor-”

“Nope.” He smiles so widely that his eyes nearly close. “I’d like to see someone try to take me away from what I have planned today.” He brings a hand to your waist, squeezes, then chuckles at himself like he’s the cleverest man he’s ever met.

You purse your lips and tell him, “Don’t be cheeky,” but you know he’ll only tell you he can’t help it.

A week ago, the Queen told you she’s never seen Thor so happy. Consistently, that is. You told her you still had a lot to apologize and make amends for, but that her observation was much appreciated.

And now, Thor has no hesitation to show the entire kingdom even a fraction of how happy he is. He leans in and kisses you openly - admittedly, not for the first time. But still, the thought that you had ever tried to hide this, even for his and your own safety? It seems blasphemous.

--

You spend the day with the people. They love Thor - missed him during his time on Midgard. No one remembers him like you’d thought they might - like the arrogant, insolent, spoiled prince he’d said he was when he was banished. They only know him as he is now - strong and vulnerable, compassionate and still a little intimidating. He’s friendly and bright. Just being in his presence like this is an honor you’re still working to be worthy of.

Thor swears they love you, too. And they are friendly and kind. They ask what living on Midgard for so long was like. They want to know you, so you believe him. You don’t have to tell them about Hades - especially not in the same way you’ve finally told Thor everything. Maybe someday, they’ll know, but for now?

For now, you want to move past it all.

Knowing that Thor brought you back from the dead, that he knew you’d sacrificed your freedom for his safety, that he couldn’t stand the thought of living on while you were dead because of him… it’s enough.

When you return to the palace for the nightly feast, you stick close to Thor. His friends are yours now, too, though Sif is off planet on a diplomatic mission. Fandral, Volstaag, and even Hogun surround you and Thor that night, joking and laughing and living the way a family should.

It’s been so long since you’ve felt this acceptance. So long since Rick walked out. So long since you sold your soul to save a man that was meant to die that night.

Now you understand that. Rick was never supposed to come back. It was his choice to leave that night, not yours to push him away.

You were not meant for such a short life, though. For pain and suffering and growing, yes, but death? Not yet.

--

You have your own room in the palace - a guest suite, a gift from the Queen - but you hardly ever sleep there. Thor’s chamber feels more like home.

He’s sitting up against the headboard, eyes shut, just resting while you slip into a robe. The fabric is soft against your bare skin; the stone floor is cool beneath your feet. You hold the robe shut as you go over to the bed, sliding over to straddle Thor’s lap.

His eyes draw open, and he pulls you as close to him as he can. Your knees are tucked up against his hips, and you lean your chest against his. As usual, he’s warm and comfortable, and he smells like petrichor and cinnamon.

“You know,” you tell him, “I don’t think I ever thanked you for bringing me here.”

He shrugs. “Of course you have.”

“No,” you say as you shake your head. “I thanked your parents for allowing me to stay. But I’ve never thanked you for...for changing everything.”

His hands come around to your thighs, and once again, he squeezes you. “You don’t have to say it exactly like that to say it at all, (Y/N),” he whispers, that silly contented smile on his face filling you up with all the happiness you could possibly stand.

You crash your lips into his, weave your fingers into his beard. You still can’t believe you have all of this, but here it is. And it’s yours. He is yours - and if anything confirms that, it’s the nudge you feel on the inside of your left thigh the longer you kiss him.

You pull back and tell him, “I am grateful, though. For everything. For all of this.” You look up at the domed ceiling, around at the walls, then back at the absolute masterpiece between your palms.

“Funny,” he sighs. “I’d give it all up for you if I had to.”

He kisses you this time. You lean into him, and one of the shoulders of the robe falls off your arm. His tongue lines your bottom lip, and in one swift move, his arms encircle you so he can turn and lay you down against the softest mattress you’ve ever slept on. One hand unties the knot holding your robe together, the other crawls up the side of your leg. You feel like you’re on fire, covered in gooseflesh, drowning in the sun.

And then, to break it all apart, there’s a knock on the door.

“Go away!” Thor calls, lips still partially pressed to yours.

“There’s news from Midgard, Highness,” a voice says. It could be Fandral, but it could be one of Odin’s guard. “Your...acquaintances require your assistance.”

Your eyes shoot open wide, and you push against Thor to get him to listen. This messenger sounds serious.

“Now?” Thor asks.

“Immediately.”

Thor’s face sags. You giggle and stroke his beard again.

“No need for a face like that, my soul. Our friends need us.”

You swear a bolt of lightning ignites the blue of his eyes. “Us?” he asks. “You want to go with me?”

Thor’s gone off planet since you’ve come to Asgard, and normally, you don’t go with him. But this is Midgard. It’s a planet you know with people you know.

You nod. “Sam probably misses me too much. That’s all this is.” You shrug, and his smile matches yours as you sit up. “Come,” you tell him, reaching for his hand with yours. “Let’s go see what the problem is now.”

FIN.

[justice-for-shayla]

The Shadow and the Soul (Part Two)

A/N: So sorry this took so long, it’s a good chapter though! There’ll have to be a part three to wrap things up though. 

Warnings: Jealousy, drinking, Smut (18+ only!), minimal editing

Word Count: 7000

Tag List: @r-ahh-mi, @sherlollydramoine, 

During the next three days, she saw him occasionally, though there wasn’t much time to be alone, which meant that she was on her best behavior, smiling and chatting and making nice to whoever approached her, all the while stealing quick glances at him over her shoulder.

He mostly stayed near Gene, rarely leaving his side to mingle with the other guests, hovering like a shadow in the corner of the room, and though she couldn’t always tell, she liked to imagine that his eyes were fixed on her.

Aurelie had acquired a shadow as well, not that she was pleased about it. Sidney Phillips had taken to following her around, and while she found him perfectly pleasant, he wasn’t all that interesting. It didn’t help that they knew all the same people and had been doing most of the same activities for three days, which left them with little to talk about.

The weather-- excruciatingly hot with heavy air and bright sunlight-- was not enough to sustain all that much conversation, which meant that they either fell into long silences or Sidney tried to come up with something he could possibly fetch for her. 

“Are you sure you wouldn’t like a glass of lemonade?”

She didn’t want one, which she’d told him moments earlier when he’d asked if she was thirsty, but she did want a moment alone. “Yes, please. Thank you Mr. Phillips.”

He nodded eagerly and left her in the garden to go find some. Aurelie felt like she could finally breathe now that he wasn’t next to her.

“Miss Aurelie.”

She turned sharply towards the voice. She couldn’t believe she hadn’t known Merriell was in the garden; usually she was keenly aware of his presence, as if she had a compass in her mind that only pointed towards him.

“Merriell,” She whispered, smiling at him. “How long have you been there?”

He was smiling slightly, looking down at her like he knew something she didn’t. “Long enough. I didn’t know I had competition.”

Glancing back at the house, Aurelie huffed a little bit. “You don’t.”

“Sledge likes him,” Merriell said, and she wondered if maybe there was a little bitterness in his voice. “Suppose he’s the sort you want your cousin marrying.” That time, she could definitely hear bitterness.

“If that’s the case, Gene knows less about his cousin than I thought.”

Slowly, Merriell leaned down and kissed her, and she shifted slightly so that her parasol would hide their activities from any curious eyes in the house.

“Does he kiss you like that?” He asked when they broke apart.

The idea that he might be jealous was a little flattering, but Aurelie wasn’t going to fan the flames. “He wouldn’t dare; it would be extremely inappropriate.”

“So what’s it when I do it?” He kissed her again and she laughed.

“Oh it’s still inappropriate, I’m just happy about it.”

He straightened up after a moment, glancing over her shoulder. “Your Beau is back.”

“He’s not my--”

Sidney stepped next to her, taking her elbow gently as he handed her a glass. “Here you are, Miss Aurelie.” He nodded once, tersely. “Shelton.”

“Phillips.”

There was an odd tension between the two that Aurelie couldn’t decipher. She might have thought it was jealousy and been worried that Sidney had seen something she didn’t want him to, but he wasn’t angry. No, it seemed almost as though he was scared of Merriell, or at least nervous around him.  

“Miss Aurelie and I should be getting back inside,” Sidney said, steering her away from Merriell with a wildly untoward arm around her waist.

She glanced back at him with confusion and apology in her eyes, trying to squirm out of Sidney’s grip. “Excuse us, Mr. Shelton.”

He released her when they were a good distance away, but Sidney didn’t speak until they reached the house. “Was he… bothering you, Miss Aurelie?”

“Mr. Shelton? No, why on earth would you say so?” She pretended to be politely surprised at his words, hoping she might gain some insight into whatever had passed between the men.

He sighed, more agitated than she had ever seen him. “He’s not… I don’t think he’s quite right in the head, Miss Aurelie. You should be careful around him.”

“He’s been nothing but polite to me,” Aurelie said more stiffly than she meant to. “Gene said he was his friend.”

“They are friends, I think,” Sidney said. “Shelton saved his life or something, but there’s something odd about him. Even Gene thinks so, he’s just too nice to say anything about it. All I’m saying is that you should be careful, Miss Aurelie.”

“And I’m saying that you shouldn’t gossip, Mr. Phillips.” With that she stood and walked inside, retreating to her bedroom where Sidney wouldn’t dare follow.

Later on, a maid came to her room with a vase of flowers and a note. Seeing them, she knew instantly that they weren’t from Merriell; pink carnations were a flower for friendliness, not passion, and they were far too typical for someone like him.

When she opened the note, she noted Sidney’s signature with disinterest before reading it. “Miss Aurelie, please accept these as a token of my esteem, and allow me to express my apologies if I offended you earlier. I hope I will see you tomorrow evening at the ball in honor of my mother’s birthday. Sincerely yours, Sidney Phillips.”

So he really was courting her. Their mothers would be thrilled, but Aurelie felt nothing as she looked at the stilted, pleasant note. She wondered if he had even written it himself; it sounded far more formal than his usual relaxed speech.

She set the flowers on her dressing table and lay down on the bed, praying for some rest. When the maid came to call her for dinner, she feigned a headache and asked to be excused, escaping to the garden when she was sure everyone else was occupied.

It shouldn’t have surprised her to find him out there. He sat with his back against a tree, smoking and staring into the distance.

“You’re not at dinner,” She commented, joining him on the ground.

“Wasn’t invited,” He replied, not unpleasantly.

“Then what are you doing here?” She wondered.

He looked over at her, the barest hint of a smile tugging at his lips. “Looking for you.”

She felt herself blush and wished she had the ability to hide her emotions the way some of her friends could. “Really?”

He reached out with the hand that wasn’t holding the cigarette and twined his fingers with hers. “Did he say anything about me?”

Aurelie frowned. “Well, not precisely but--”

“What?”

“Merriell, it didn’t mean anything. He just said something about you being, oh it’s ridiculous, but he said you were dangerous.”

For a second, Merriell’s grip on her hand tightened, but he relaxed so quickly she thought she might have imagined it. “Do you think I am?”

She shook her head and leaned in closer to him, resting her head on his shoulder. “No.”

Slowly, he pressed a kiss against her hair, tucking one finger under her chin so he could lift her face up and kiss her again on the mouth. “Let’s go,” He whispered.

Still somewhat dazed from the kiss, it took Aurelie a moment to decipher his words. “What? Go where?”

He laughed. “Have you seen the city yet?”

She wanted to say yes, but she knew that the glimpses she’d caught out carriage windows on the way to parties or to call on family friends didn’t count. “Not much of it but--”

“Then let’s go. I’ll wait here while you change.”

There were many arguments she could have made, and she knew that if she resisted, he would drop the subject entirely, but she didn’t want to resist. Her life was a perfect map of things that would happen someday.

Someday, a man would propose, and she would accept to make her parents happy.

Someday, she would have children with that man.

Someday, she would die after having never really lived at all.

So she stood up and ran back into the house, clumsily changing into the only comfortable dress she had. When she had finished struggling with all those buttons and ties, she put on a bonnet and carefully scrawled a note asking not to be disturbed so that she could be rested for the Phillips’ party tomorrow. She pinned the note to her door and returned to the garden, where Merriell was still waiting for her.

“Thought you might not come back.”

She took his hand. “Let’s go.”

After climbing out of the garden, he led her down streets and allies until they’d reached a bustling street, crowded with people and food carts, everyone shouting and selling something or pushing past to get home to their family and dinner.

Aurelie felt dizzy as she was swept up into the madness, clinging to Merriell’s arm as he led her confidently through the chaos. Before moving to New Orleans, she had lived in a town that never managed to be as lively as this, and the idea that so many people existed in the world felt like a surprise she should have known all along.

“What do you think?” Merriell asked, leaning in close so she could hear him over the sounds of the city.

“They all have lives,” She said, marvelling. “Everyone here has a life and a home and a family, a story and thoughts and ideas. Every person!” She felt like a child, wanting to spin around and soak in everything.

He laughed, giving her a look like he thought maybe she was the mad one, but he didn’t comment.

She had never been in a bar before, which he found funny enough that he was still laughing as he led her through the doors. She wondered if the people around her could tell that she didn’t belong here, that she had no idea what she was doing, but they all minded their own business, laughing to each other. No one seemed to even notice her.

Merriell returned and handed her a glass of amber liquid. “I bet you’ve never had that before, either.”

Of course she hadn’t had whiskey before. “My mother says it’s the devil’s drink,” She told him, smiling a little suggestively.

“Try it,” He challenged, lifting his own glass and taking a large sip.

Not to be outdone, Aurelie downed half of hers in one sip, then had to fight with herself not to choke as it burned all the way down.

Her eyes were watering by the time she had stopped coughing enough to breathe, and Merriell was obviously trying not to laugh at her.

She was used to wine, which was slow to take effect, stealing her balance gradually until the whole world had a slight spin to it. Whiskey was like being knocked off her feet; one second she was sober and rolling her eyes at some dumb joke Merriell had told and the next she was caught in a wave as the world spun around her, but all she wanted to do was laugh.

Merriell was more at ease here, his usual hint of a smile had widened into the real thing, to stunning effect. He also reached out and held her hand on top of the table, running his thumb over her bare skin in a way that made her shiver; she had forgotten her gloves at home.

The night felt like a story someone was telling her. She drank more whiskey, and when people pushed the tables out of the way and someone pulled out a fiddle, it felt perfectly natural to grip Merriell’s hands and swing onto the floor and into a dance whose steps she’d never learned, but which she knew by heart anyway.

The motion was dizzy and breathless and clinging to his warm skin seemed to be the only thing that kept her from floating away all together. When the music swirled, crashed, and finally ended, she fell against his chest, and in a sudden, perfectly clear moment, he kissed her.

She pulled away after enjoying it for only a moment. “Mer, we can’t, all these people--”

“They don’t know us, darling,” He murmured, lifting her hand and kissing each of her fingers. “This is New Orleans, we’re not the most interesting thing they’ll see tonight.”

Aurelie shivered, his words sending a shiver that was somehow warm down her spine. Ignoring the part of her that knew it was risky, she kissed him again, very softly, before pulling away. “I have to go home.”

He nodded and wove their fingers together, leading her off the dancefloor and onto the street. They walked in silence back to the Sledge’s house, back to her world. She was still drunk, but the recklessness had seeped out of her, leaving behind sadness.

Together, they circled the garden walls until they found an easy enough place to climb over it. She struggled, even in her smaller, more practical skirt, and he had to do most of the work in pulling her up.

“I’m sorry,” She whispered, not sure if she was apologizing for her lack of athleticism or for having to leave the party.

Merriell kissed her hand again and said nothing, leaping off the wall and into the garden. She hesitated before putting a careful foot on the ivy to climb down.

Her elegant shoes had not been made for this sort of thing and immediately slipped off of the narrow purchase the ivy offered, sending her hurtling towards the ground, but Merriell caught her. It would have been terribly romantic, even to Aurelie’s hardened heart, but the impact knocked him cleanly off his feet and onto the ground, with her a mess of skirts and limbs on top of him.

When she’d caught her breath, she started to shift, hoping to regain her footing, but the world was spinning from the whiskey and the fall and she hardly managed to prop herself up on her elbows.

Elbows that were resting on Merriell’s chest.

She was hovering over him, most of her body across his, their faces only breaths apart. In that moment, the only option was to kiss him, and it was perfectly natural when he sighed into it, burying his hands in her hair and pulling several of the pins loose.

Her tongue darted out, tasting the whiskey that lingered on his lips and in his mouth. He groaned, the sound so low it rumbled against her chest.

“Aurelie,” He whispered against her lips, his hands stroking her sides. He groaned again, rather than say whatever he’d been thinking, pulling her back for another kiss.

One of them should object. She knew that. They were in her family’s garden. They were too close to the house where her family and his best friend were staying, where anyone might happen to look out a window and see them. But when he shifted underneath her, giving her the faintest hint of friction, she only wanted more.

For several breathless, aching minutes they stayed like that, wrapped in each other’s arms, pressing lips against heated skin and always returning for another deep kiss until Merriell finally pulled away.

“You need to--”

“You’re right.” Her whisper was more because she hadn’t caught her breath than their need for secrecy.

He stood carefully and offered her his hand to get up. He looked perfect like that, a little rumbled and flushed with passion. Aurelie wanted nothing more than to pull him back down into the grass and see where they could let that passion lead them, but she knew she couldn’t.

When they reached her window, he once again had to help her climb up to her bedroom window, hauling her up once he’d gotten inside. He held her for a long moment in the darkness. She could feel his breath against her ear, and felt him tense after only a moment.

He stepped away from her, suddenly oddly stiff and too polite. “Goodnight, Miss Aurelie.”

Her name on his lips made her shiver, despite her hurt that he’d called her ‘Miss’ again, like they were mere aquaintences. “I’ll see you tomorrow, won’t I? At the Phillips’ ball? You’ll dance with me, won’t you?”

He shook his head. “Wasn’t invited. Goodnight.”

She grabbed his hand before he could leave her. “But what about-- I want to see you,” She finished lamely, unable to explain that she couldn’t bear the thought of another stuffy party without at least being able to see him across the room, or to let him hold her in the confines of an entirely appropriate waltz for a couple minutes. He wouldn’t see her in the pretty ballgown she would wear tomorrow, wouldn’t admire the way her hair seemed to glow in the candlelight.

Merriell stroked her hand with his thumb. “I’ll see you soon, Aurelie.”

“Promise me,” She pleaded.

He smiled. “I promise.” With one last kiss, he urged her onto the lattice leading up to her window and waited until she was safely in her room before he disappeared into the night.

It wasn’t until after he’d gone that she realized he had seen Sidney’s flowers in their place of honor on her table.

When she woke with an uncomfortably dry mouth and limbs that were just a bit too heavy, Aurelie tried to bring herself to regret any of her reckless actions from the night before, but she couldn’t do it. Even tired and a bit hungover, she was thrilled at her boldness.

Getting ready for a ball was an affair that took most of the day, so no one was surprised or suspicious that she asked to take her breakfast in her room. When there was a knock on the door, she opened it without hesitation, assuming it was the maid with her food.

But her cousin was standing there, holding the tray and looking a bit sheepish. “Morning, Rellie.”

“Gene,” She took a moment to recover, pulling her robe tighter around herself before she stepped aside so he could come in. “I… what are you doing here?” Family or not it was extremely unusual for a man to come to her bedroom for any reason, but especially in the morning, well before she could be expected to be presentable.

To his credit, he was obviously aware of this and mortified about it. “Well, I wanted to bring your food because I need to talk to you about something.”

He helped himself to a slice of her toast and sat down, gesturing for her to do the same.

“What is this about?” Her mind jumped to the perfect moment in the garden last night, cheeks flushing at the memory. Could he know?

“Sidney told me you were talking to Snafu.”

“Excuse me?”

“Shelton. We… back when we were fighting, we called him Snafu.” Gene rubbed the back of his neck, clearly regretting how he’d decided to have this conversation, which gave Aurelie some satisfaction.

“Why on earth would you do that?” It seemed an odd nickname under any circumstances, even the madness that the war had created.

“Because he wasn’t quite… right. In the head. Sidney said that the two of you looked… Friendly and I wanted to... ”

Aurelie pursed her lips. “I’m friendly to everyone, Gene. Mr. Shelton was only commenting on the weather. Perhaps Mr. Phillips is confused?”

It was obvious that Gene could tell she was putting on an act, but she hoped he couldn’t determine why. “Be careful around him, Rellie, he’s not…”

“What? Sane? Mr. Phillips said as much yesterday, but I’ll remind you, Eugene Sledge, that you’re the one who told me to seek him out in the first place.”

“I know, Rells, I know, but.” His hand darted up, mussing his auburn hair and leaving him looking even more boyish than usual. “But I saw him do things that…”

“What things, Eugene?” She crossed her arms over her chest, planting herself stubbornly.

He shook his head. “It’s not for a lady to hear--”

“Then you shouldn’t have brought it up. Mr. Shelton has been nothing but polite and civil to me, and I enjoy our conversations. I won’t suddenly start being rude just because you and Mr. Phillips have decided to tell stories.”

“I’m not just telling stories,” Eugene insisted, his accent thick with distress. “I’m trying to warn you. He… He used to steal from the dead, and sometimes-- Christ this’ll sound insane-- but sometimes I think he liked it. He liked killing them.”

She looked at him evenly. “They were rebels, Gene. They wanted to tear our country apart and thought owning folks was just fine. There’s nothing wrong with killing them, and honestly after everything they did, everything they took from me? I might enjoy killing them too.”

She stood, letting her dressing gown swing around her as she gestured to the door. “Good Day, Gene.”

“Rellie--”

She said nothing, only clenched her jaw and crossed the room to open the door. As Eugene passed her, he put a hand on her shoulder. “I’m sorry, Rellie. I promise I’m just trying to do the right thing.”

Meeting his eyes, Aurelie tried to keep her voice steady. “Do you think he’s dangerous?” She couldn’t believe that Merriell would ever hurt her. The two of them had been alone in the city at night together; she couldn’t have been more vulnerable if she’d been trying, and he’d barely even been untoward, and even then just in ways she’d wanted.

Eugene stopped for a long moment, his forehead creased as he thought. “No, I don’t think so.”

When he left, Aurelie was forced to contemplate her relationship with Merriell in light of what Eugene had told her. As hard as she tried to picture him as the slightly mad, dangerous killer that her cousin had described, she just couldn’t do it. He was Merriell, her Merriell who found excuses to touch her, who didn’t care about the rules that so strictly governed her life, who watched her with such intensity that she swore she could feel it, who would never hurt her.

He would never hurt her.

Thinking about it like that, she was perfectly certain of it. Regardless of what he’d done during the war, he was certainly not dangerous now. The war was over, and she intended to leave whatever he’d done there in the past where it belonged.

Somehow, that made everything else that had been worrying her settle into place as well. Her future was decided in many ways, but she could still have this-- have him-- for the time being. For as long as he wanted her, they could steal time and be together. She was not yet old enough that her parents would demand that she marry, and though Sidney had implied interest, the rules of propriety would keep him from making a serious offer for several months at least. They had time, and Aurelie intended to use it.

She spent the rest of the day preparing for the ball, though her heart wasn’t in it and her mind was far away. In idle moments while in the bath or having her hair arranged, Aurelie found herself thinking about how it had felt when she’d fallen on top of him, the warm feel of his chest under her arms, the way his hands had felt steadying her waist.

She shivered a little despite the warm air, and her maid asked if she needed a wrap. Flushing slightly, Aurelie shook her head. “No, thank you.”

The final step, after she’d been pinched and pulled into a corset and all the essential undergarments, was to put on the gown. Though she had done this dozens of times and she mostly dreaded these parties, there was always a slight thrill when she felt a new gown settle around her.

This time, the quiet rustle of fabric was especially satisfying, as the war had made new gowns into a ridiculous luxury. This was the first one she’d had in years and though she might have chosen something slightly different if her mother hadn’t been hovering over her shoulder, pestering her the whole time, she still appreciated the cool green satin. Her mother had claimed it was exactly the right shade to make her yellowish hazel eyes look almost green, but Aurelie thought it clashed and made her hair look brighter.

These features weren’t proper or fashionable, which appealed to Aurelie’s rebellious nature; everyone around her could try all day and all night, but her hair and eyes and freckled skin would always be what they were. As she swept down the stairs, she saw her mother’s little smile which told her that she looked as good as she could, unfashionable coloring aside.

Gene offered his arm when she reached the bottom of the stairs and she took it, allowing him to lead her out to the carriage, and accepting his (admittedly needed) help getting inside. Her enormous skirt crowded him against the wall, though he wisely refrained from complaining as his parents joined them. Aurelie’s mother wasn’t feeling well and chose to remain at home.

Sidney was waiting at the door to his family’s ballroom. “Miss Aurelie, welcome. I’m so pleased you could make it tonight. Gene told me you weren’t feeling well last night?”

“Thank you for your concern, Mr. Phillips,” Aurelie demurred, “I’m quite well. It was only a headache.” She flushed, remembering what she’d done after making that excuse. “And thank you as well for the flowers; they were lovely.”

“Not as lovely as you, Miss Aurelie.” What might have sounded like flirting, flattering, or teasing from another man sounded scripted when Sidney said it, but Aurelie did the proper thing and laughed modestly into her fan as they walked further into the ballroom.

The conversation stalled, but thankfully the band started a new song, and Sidney had the presence of mind to bow and offer his hand. “May I?”

She nodded and took his hand, glancing behind her to see her Aunt Marie nudging her uncle and gesturing at them. The look of glee on her face was girlish and made Aurelie’s stomach twist. She really thought she was looking at a young couple, soon to be the talk of the city.

“Miss Aurelie?”

Shit. Sidney had been talking. “I’m sorry, what were you saying?”

“I was… I was trying to apologize for our conversation yesterday. I don’t want you to think that I have any… I’ll will for Mr. Shelton. He’s just--”

Just hearing his name had brought a blush to Aurelie’s cheeks. As they whirled past an open widow, she caught a whiff of the night air and it immediately brought her back to that night in the garden, laying against Merriell.

She needed to get herself together. Sidney was still apologizing and she had to force herself to pay attention to him. “It’s very noble that you want to help someone who helped your cousin, and I shouldn’t have tried to interfere.”

“Thank you for apologizing, Mr. Phillips.” She paused while he navigated her through a particularly difficult turn in the dance. “But there was no need; we should put it behind us.”

He nodded. “Of course. I only hope that it hasn’t… changed your opinion of me.”

“Of course not, Mr. Phillips.” She might have said more, but he interrupted.

“Please, call me Sidney. Our families are too close to stand on formality, don’t you think?”

“Oh. Well, um, I.” Aurelie paused and swallowed hard, unsure of what to say. Using his first name would send a signal to anyone who overheard their conversations. It was an intimate thing to do, usually reserved for couples that were engaged or very close friends.

“I’m not sure that would be appropriate, Mr. Phillips,” Aurelie said slowly. “I wouldn’t want to start talk.”

She had convinced herself that she and Merriell had time, but this was evidence that she was wrong, that things with Sidney were moving faster than she planned.

To his credit, he took her response well. “Of course, I didn’t mean to suggest--”

The music, and the dance, stopped, releasing them before he finished his sentence. He bowed and stepped away from her while she dropped into a curtsey.

The rest of the night was similar. Aurelie was shuffled from the arms of one dance partner to another as they each asked the same questions and had the same conversations. The only memorable event was one particularly terrible dance with a rebel whose stare gave her chills. Gene had to rescue her from him, which very nearly caused a scene.

When she finally returned home, Aurelie retreated to her room with barely a word to her relatives, feeling utterly drained and yet somehow not tired. Her room was dark and  empty when she got there. The prospect of getting undressed on her own made her want to cry, but she hated to wake the maid so late, so she resolved to struggle with all those layers, buttons, and ties.

She lit a candle and started to tug at the back of her dress.

“Do you need help?”

Aurelie felt her heart leap and while her mind was still panicking, her body snapped into action, reaching for the letter opener on her desk.

He grabbed her, holding her against his chest and putting a hand over  her mouth.

“Don’t scream, Darling, it’s me. It’s just me.”

She sagged in relief for a moment, then rounded on him. “Shit, Mer! You scared me! I thought--” Her mind flashed to the steely eyes of the rebel at the party. She had thought he was someone dangerous.

“I’m sorry,” He whispered, stroking her hair while her heart started to slow down.

“What are you doing here?” She hissed, feeling like she might cry as the panic started to subside. “I could have hurt you! During the war I carried a knife, you might have--”

“You keep a knife in this thing?” Merriell said, gesturing to her dress.

She chewed her lip. “No. Mama won’t let me anymore. She says I’m safe now that the war is over.”

Merriell didn’t respond to that, instead, he leaned in and kissed her, soothing away the last of her fear. “You said you wanted to see me. Yesterday.”

“I did. I do.”

He rested his forehead against hers, holding onto her waist, his hands burning through the cool satin. “I kept thinking of you at that party. With him. His hands on you, him holding you.” His eyes darted to Sidney’s flowers, still sitting on your table. “Did you dance with him?”

“Yes.” She didn’t want  to encourage his foolish jealousy, however flattering it was, but she wouldn’t lie to him. “I thought about you.”

“I thought about you,” He echoed, holding her close. Carefully, he put one rough hand on her jaw, tilting her head up so he could kiss her. Very slowly, he reached up and started letting her hair out of its careful style, pulling each pin out and setting them on the desk.

When all of her hair was hanging in wild red tangles around her face, he pulled her in for another kiss. This time he buried both of his hands in her hair, kissing her passionately. “Beautiful,” He murmured into her lips.

She kissed him back, pouring everything she had into it, pressing as close to him as her full skirt would allow.

Merriell pulled away, leaving his hands on her hips as though he couldn’t be any further from her. “I only came here to see you. I’ll leave if you want me to.”

But Aurelie met his eyes boldly, unable to hold in a smile. “I thought you were going to help me out of my dress?”

He groaned very low in his throat and for a moment she thought he would resist, would cite Gene or Sidney or her status or any of the dozens of reasons that the two of them should not be meeting in the dead of night, in her bedroom.

But he didn’t. He kept his voice low, almost a growl as he leaned in so he was speaking directly into her ear. “Turn around.”

She did as he instructed, turning slowly until her back was to him. Her heart was pounding and she wondered if he could hear it in the silence of the room. His hands started at her shoulders, trailing over the daringly bare skin, tracing the lines of her bodice. Carefully, he starts to unlace it, tugging at strings and ties until he had removed her bodice and she was able to step out of the skirt.

Then he set to work on the next four layers of petticoat and crinoline, patiently removing them while occasionally dropping kisses on her shoulders, or pushing her hair over her shoulder so that he could kiss the back of her neck.

Finally, he was at the last two layers. She wondered if he was aching as much as she was, if his face was burning like hers, if he was shivering with anticipation despite his steady hands. They very slowly, very carefully unlaced her corset and let it drop.

Aurelie took a deep breath-- her first of the night-- feeling the rush of oxygen go straight to her head and make her just slightly dizzy. She was breathless again a moment later when Merriell pulled her against his chest.

He was warm against her bare skin, even through his clothes and she swallowed hard, trying to control her reactions as he ran his hands up her sides, slowly skimming over her breasts.

“Tell me you want me to leave,” He whispered into her ear.

She shivered, pressing back against him. “Don’t. Please don’t.”

He bent over her, kissing her shoulder and taking a slow breath as if he were savoring the scent of her. “Aurelie, I don’t… I’m not your husband. You--” He hesitated, and the full meaning of what he was trying to say, trying to do, hit her.

“Merriell.” She turned and reached up to run her fingers through his thick hair. “Are you trying to protect my virtue?” He nodded. “There’s nothing to protect, Mer.”

A flush crawled up her neck and into her cheeks as she watched him process her words. Unable to bear the silence, she explained, stumbling over her words. “I-- This wouldn’t be my first time, Mer. There was a boy, during the war. He and I had known each other for a long time. He was leaving the next day and… I’m sorry. You aren’t my first.”

Merriell laughed and pressed his lips against hers. “You’re not my first either.”

“Oh.”

It was finally his turn to look embarrassed. “The were… ladies at the camps sometimes--”

Aurelie laughed a little at his attempt at delicacy. She was well familiar with stories of General Hooker’s ladies, who made a living following the army. He stopped trying to explain when she kissed him again, only leaning back so she could ask, “Do you still want to leave?”

“I never wanted to leave, just thought you deserved better.”

“I want you.” Whatever his idea of better was, she didn’t share it. All she wanted was him.

With that, he gripped her hips and pulled her flush against him, kissing her hard and slipping his tongue between her lips when she gasped. She rocked her hips against him on instinct and felt a groan rumble through his chest.

“Aurelie,” He whispered against her jaw as his lips travelled down towards her throat.

She was writhing in his arms seeking more sensation, more heat while his hands kept her as close to him as he could. Fumbling slightly, distracted by his lips, she tried to get his shirt off.

Finally, he couldn’t reach anything else while still standing, and he dropped to his knees in front of her. “Was he good?” He asked, looking up at her while his thumbs traced small circles on her hips.

“What?” Her voice was breathless and thin.

“That boy, your first. Was he good? Did he treat you well?”

Aurelie swallowed hard, trying to collect her thoughts. It had been ages since she’d thought about Daniel. “He was careful not to hurt me,” She said.

Merriell frowned, shaking his head. “It’s not supposed to just not hurt. It’s supposed to feel good.” Leaning forward, he kissed her stomach.

She looked down at him, his  shirt half off, his hair a mess, his face so close to her skin she could feel his breath. Heat pooled in her center and pulsed at her core. “Show me.”

Smiling, he ducked his head between her thighs, kissing her there and running his tongue along her core. Aurelie gasped, falling forward slightly so that she had to grip his shoulders to balance. He went slow, tasting every part of her, only stopping to focus on the sensitive bud at the top of her slit that made her feel like she was melting into the floor.

It only took a few moments for her to be gasping and whimpering with his touch and his tongue. It was unlike any experience she’d ever had, new and strange and perfect as the heat curled in her chest, twisting together so tight she thought she might burst.

“Please, Mer, please,” She begged, not even sure what she was asking for.

Whatever it was, he seemed to know, and he circled the bud with his tongue while slowly sliding two fingers into her. “That’s it,” He whispered, sitting back so he could watch her. “That’s it, darling, let go.”

She wasn’t sure what she was supposed to let go of, but when he returned his mouth to her, she felt that amazing tension snap and release. The wave was so powerful it nearly knocked her off her feet as he knees gave out while he kept licking her.

When the wave had subsided, she was practically collapsed on top of him, a turn of events he didn’t seem to mind as he stroked her hair. She pulled at his shirt, still clumsy but finally able to get rid of the damn thing.

She moved on to his pants, undoing the button to start working them off. He stopped her hands. “We don’t have to.”

“Mer, how many times do I have to tell you I want this?” She kissed him again. “I want you. Are you going to make me beg?”

He shook his head. “No, though that might sound nice.” He helped her get his pants off and then lifted her bridal style to carry her to the bed.

Carefully, he set her down on the bed and climbed in after her. Sensing that he was about to hesitate again, Aurelie pulled him close and kissed him. “Please,” She whispered.

He groaned, pressing his forehead against hers. “I’d give you anything.”

Rolling so that he hovered over her, he leaned in close, kissing her softly as he lined up with her entrance and slowly sank into her.

Aurelie let out a gasp and a soft moan, digging her nails into his back as her hips jerked towards him. She saw his face crease together at the sensation, watched each expression flit across his face as he pulled out and sank back in.

“So beautiful,” He sighed, thrusting in again. “So perfect.”

She jerked her hips up again, rolling them experimentally to see how he reacted. The roll felt good so she did it again, grinding against his hips and pulling him even deeper inside her.

“Oh, fuck,” She muttered, rocking again and urging him to give her more.

He smiled against her lips. “Don’t think that’s a word a lady should use.”

Planting one hand on his ass, she pulled him sharply into her while she kept her eyes locked on his. “If you want me to be ladylike, we’ll have to stop doing this.”

“Please,” He said, almost broken. “Don’t. I don’t want to stop.”

“I want more,” She told him, and he happily gave it to her, thrusting into her harder and she felt the heat coil again in her stomach. It didn’t take long for it to snap again and she let the waves of pleasure roll over her while she moaned his name.

He went faster, harder, kissing her hard enough to sting until he finally pulled out and spilled on her stomach. His breathing was labored as he dropped next to her, pulling her into a sloppy kiss. “So beautiful,” He murmured.

After a slow, lazy moment of catching their breath, he stood and grabbed a rag from her table, bringing it back so he could clean her up. “Thank you,” She said, stretching lazily and rolling over.

Merriell got back into bed with her after discarding the rag. He pulled her body against his, kissing her. “I was going to leave, you know,” He said.

Aurelie was already falling asleep but she was awake enough to ask, “What?”

“That night, at the party. I was thinking about leaving. Sledge had done his best, but this place isn’t for me. These people… I’m not one of them, Aurelie. He wanted me to stay because everyone else wanted him to be the same as he used to be.”

“I don’t,” Aurelie said, rousing slightly. “I know the war changed him--”

He kissed her. “I know. I’m not who I used to be either. Thought maybe the new me might be able to live like that, but… I couldn’t. I was going to walk away, just vanish into the night without saying goodbye, but then I saw you.”

She felt herself blush.

“Do you believe in love at first sight?”

“No.”

“Neither do I. But I wanted to know you from the moment I looked at you, Aurelie.” He kissed her again, gathering her into his arms. “I’ll be here for as long as you want me.”

[arielleyoga-blog1]

Positivity

When I first decided I wanted to write a blog, I asked my instagram buddies what topic’s they’d like to hear about. And one that I got more than once was “How are you always so positive?” 

Which was surprising to read more than once, as well as flattering. One of my friends, who I think is the bubbliest sweetest angel on earth specifically said “Even when you’re having a hard day or going through a tough time you’re so positive and joyful. How?!”

And it got me thinking...am I actually that positive of a person? And if so, just like they asked...how? I think the first part has to do with my natural disposition: I have always been a super sweet kid. I always cared about other people, and animals (animals more duh), and have ever since I was little really seen the good in everyone and wanted the best. That’s definitely just part of who I am, I think. However, it’s not all of who I am.

I mentioned in my last blog that I suffered from clinical depression in college. Before that, when I was young I had some body image issues and eating issues. I’ve always had issues feeling confident: in fact, this blog is really REALLY hard and scary for me. I just don’t feel like anyone cares. My mind instantly goes to “Why would anyone care? Who am I? I’m not special.” While it’s natural for me to see the good in others, it is also natural for me to see the not-good in myself. So the jump from that to depression took one thing: the death of my friend Scott Preston. 

Scott and I met freshman year in high school and we just clicked. We were definitely an odd pair of friends, but I saw the good in him and loved him very much.  He ended up leaving our school, but we stayed in touch and I’d go hang out with him sometimes at lunch or after school on the days I had my mom’s car. 

Scott smoked pot a lot: but so did a lot of my friends. I didn’t...yet. So it wasn’t a big deal or alarm for me. Scott also, like me, got migraines. So, one day when we were hanging out after I had surgery on my hand, he asked for my extra vicodin. Again, being the sweet-seeing the best in people-young girl that I was, I didn’t even think about it. Plus he said it was for his migraines. I gave him the vicodin. 

A week later, his dad came in and yelled at him about his grandmother’s medication being missing. After his dad walked out, he admitted he was taking her meds from her. All I could muster up was “Scott, you shouldn’t do that. You should be careful.” And about a month later, he crashed his Dodge Ram into a tree almost killing himself and his friend. He went into rehab and I just kept waiting to call. Feeling responsible somehow. My feelings of guilt for not saying more kept me from calling. And my need to be liked and not upset people is what kept me from saying more that afternoon when I had the chance. 

I talked about him to my new college friends, and really was planning on calling him soon. And then, I got a phone call that Scott was dead. And I took it all on as my fault. I became incredibly depressed and was in danger of seriously hurting myself. I got help, saw a therapist who sent me to a psychiatrist and got put on medication. Then more medication. Which made me numb. But not depressed. When I smoked pot it brought me up enough that I was my old self. But I didn’t want to be taking antidepressants and smoking pot to feel normal. So, I made the decision when I ran out of meds to just not renew my prescription knowing that the chances of my depression coming back was pretty much 100%. 

And guess what? I was right, I relapsed. And something else happened in my life that was pretty terrible. But I remember that when that second event occurred I said “Losing Scott took me to a dark place, and I will not give this other person the honor to mean as much to me as Scott did and pull me back. I’ll get through this.” I talked A LOT about my feelings. I journaled. I did yoga. And I let myself cry when I wanted to. Eventually, I came up for air. I personally give yoga all the credit: But I think my willpower had a lot to do with it too.

Ever since then, it truly has been a “It’s not worth it to go back there” mentality to me. I know what it’s like to want to end it, I know what it’s like to hurt yourself, I know what it’s like to live in this dark cloud where you feel nothing but sad and empty. And life is too short to live that way. 

So how do I stay positive? Well, I constantly focus on the things I HAVE!

We live in a culture that thrives off of us being in a “lack” mentality. Like sheep. “I don’t have time” is usually the thought when we wake up. I don’t have energy, I don’t have enough money, I’m not skinny enough...when I make this much money or have this phone or this car...blah blah bullshit. YOU HAVE SO MUCH. 

I always focus on the gifts of my life: which truly are plentiful. I’m healthy. I have use of my limbs. I can breathe without machines. I live in a country that for the most part allows me as a woman to LIVE (right now some horrible stuff is happening in the South and Midwest) but: I was able to get an education. I went to the top public college in the country UCLA, thanks to loans that I’m still paying off, grants, and work study. I work hard and I am grateful I get to work. I get to vote. I can wear whatever I want. I have a strong amazing mom that supports me even when she doesn’t agree with me. My list goes on!

And when things have gotten bad: like when my mom was diagnosed with lung cancer and my whole world came crumbling down, I found a way through. I cried, I was scared.  I journaled and I prayed and I thanked God for finding it early and for giving us the opportunity to get her healthy. I focused not on my fear or her cancer, but on her recovery even before we knew if that was a thing. I was thankful I had friends that I could call when she told me so they could rally around me for support. That bought groceries and meals for us, that helped ME get through it: because as an only child of a single parent it was a lot to handle. It’s a lot to handle no matter what: it’s cancer. I was thankful that I had the ability to work through my fear and sadness at my job. Teaching yoga helped me, and even more so being able to talk with my students about it: in fact, one class two of my student’s asked me straight up what was going on: Mellisa and Heather. And they both had dealt with very similar things and were there for me. What a blessing!  Now, every time...okay, not EVERY, but almost every time I get frustrated or annoyed with my mom, I remind myself that I’d rather her be here alive and healthy to drive me nuts than for her to be gone. I’m so grateful she’s cancer-free now! Oh moms! 

I focus on the good. It’s a HABIT you have to cultivate, like working out and eating well. BUT it makes it so when you get in a car accident: you’re grateful it wasn’t worse. So when you’re in traffic: you’re grateful you have a vehicle and a place to go. When somebody is a dick: you’re grateful you aren’t them and don’t treat people like that. 

Things can ALWAYS be worse. And for me, they have been. So what a gift it is to have this moment, and to choose to focus on how fortunate I am and how much I have.

I make a conscious decision to live life through a lens of gratitude and abundance, not of lacking. You can do that, too! I know the best way to start, is to every single day think of 5 things you’re thankful for. You can do it in the morning in bed, or before bed in a gratitude journal, OR BOTH! Also: tell your friend’s you appreciate them out of the blue. When you put that good out there, it comes back to you!

And that doesn’t mean I don’t get sad or mad. But when I do, I just let that happen. I feel it, because that’s important. I’ll usually vent to my husband or one of my best friends. And then eventually, I breathe and let it go and focus on the good. It’s not always easy. There are times where my mind is like “yes I know this could be worse...” but my heart is still upset. But eventually, you get there.

Also, sometimes, I think of a friend I’ve lost-like the amazing Laura Allio. And if I’m about to complain about something, I remember how much I wish she were alive to be able to bitch about it...and also that she wouldn’t. And that it’s a gift to even be able to complain, or move my body when I’m tired, to have a job to have to go to...yada yada. And that will get me right back on track. 

My mom always used to say to me growing up (because she had quite an emotional daughter that cried a lot) “Is this going to bother you in 3 days? In 3 weeks? In 3 months? THEN LET IT GO!’ lol And she's right. As mom’s tend to be. Most of the things we get SO bogged down by, don't affect us a few days later. So why let it taint the day you’re living now? Another thing I did that was SO helpful with journaling are mantra meditations. So I pick a few mantra’s I like and I play some binaural beats from youtube. I sit with my eyes closed. I inhale, and on my exhale I say the mantra. Sometimes out loud. Sometimes in my head. Certain mantras will INSTANTLY create a smile. Here are some of my favorites:

 “I deserve love.”

“I am the light.”

“My income is constantly increasing.”

“I allow my life to move with ease and joy.”

If you haven't heard of Louise Hay, I HIGHLY SUGGEST looking her up. One of her go-to’s is to say “I love you (enter your name here)” while looking in the mirror. She has an amazing little book called “Heal your body” where she gives you mantras for actual ailments your body! It’s AMAZING! I’m thankful for you. For your support. For your time. For reading this. For being here in the world. Remember to choose to look at how abundant you are! I mean, you’re reading a blog on the internet right now! WHAT IS THAT?! There are people in this world that don’t even have clean water, not to mention the ability to sit somewhere (because so help me god if you are driving I will come after you) and read a blog post about positivity!

Thank you thank you! 

[bookaholic1012]

An Unexpected Muse - Feysand

Summary: Based on prompt from @sjmaasandallthesass : Feysand in a modern AU where Feyre and Rhysand always see each other in this cafe they like but never speak to each other, and he likes to sit and read or write while she loves to draw little sketches here and there. One day, she goes to the bathroom or whatever and he sees her sketchbook as he’s passing by and sees she’s been drawing him. You can choose the ending.

A/N: Hello, everyone! This prompt & fic is from when I reached 100 followers. Apologies for the long wait and if my writing isn’t up to par. (I wrote when I had writer’s block for something else, so my writing was kind of suffering I need my opinion.) Something to know: This fic is told in alternating point of views both in 1st person.

Word Count: 1,636

Writing Masterlist

I saw her frequently at The Sidra. The first time I spotted her, I nearly dropped my coffee. She was beautiful. I knew nothing about her but was instantly captivated. I figured she was an artist; the young woman was always drawing something in a sketchbook. She had golden-brown hair, blue-gray eyes, pale skin, and I even glimpsed a sprinkling of freckles across the bridge of her nose.

Gorgeous.

I would love nothing more than to take her on a date, but that would be strange. We have never spoken and all I do from the moment she enters the café to when she leaves is covertly look at her whenever I can. Occasionally I caught her looking at me, so I have hope that something will happen between us.

Every night I wish to the stars for my dream to be answered so I can properly meet this stunning angel.

He’s easily the most beautiful man I’ve ever seen. Black hair, soft brown skin, gorgeous violet eyes. He’s always at the café, sitting at the table tucked away in the corner. Always reading. Sometimes  looking at me.

When I first caught him looking at me, I couldn’t help the deep blush that bloomed. I promptly glared at him, turning back to my sketch, fighting the tug of my lips, fighting the smile. I was flattered, of course. He could be an Abercrombie model. And the perfect subject for my next drawing.

My grip tightened around the pencil I was holding. I hadn’t thought of anything new to draw in ages; usually I redrew old pieces of art, making them better using the skills I’d obtained through the years.

I glanced once more at the stranger but averted my gaze when I noticed he was still looking at me.

What did he see in me? What did he see that made him gaze at me with interest? As if I were his savior?

Weeks passed by with us continuing to dance around each other. It was obvious by now that she had an interest in me, and it was painfully obvious that I had an interest in her. So I decided to ask her out.

But I chickened out the first time I planned to.

Now I was going to try again.

The beautiful creature had gotten up to go to the restroom, and, due to my stalling, I wound up being late to meet Cassian and Azriel at the movies.

Tomorrow, I promised myself. If she is here tomorrow, then I will ask her out.

As I was leaving, I made sure to walk by her table in hopes of glimpsing whatever it is she was working on in her sketchbook before leaving the table. I knew I should ask first, but I was curious.

What I saw made stop dead in my tracks. She had been sketching a familiar young man. She did not need to add color to her art in order for me to recognize him; his features I knew so well were a giveaway.

She drew me.

I was so shocked by the realization that the breathtaking woman had paid enough attention to me for her sketch to be done so accurately that I hadn’t heard the approaching footsteps.

“Crap, this is mortifying.”

I spun around, coming face to face with the angel of my dreams.

“Uh, hi.” Immediately I scolded myself. Out of all the words in the English language I could have used, I chose ‘uh, hi’ ?

“Hey,” Her face was bright red, making her cute freckles stand out. “You probably think I’m some creep. I am so sorry. I should have asked if I could sketch you first. I mean I don’t even know you, it’s just that you are incredibly handsome and a perfect model! I just had this urge, y’know? Like, if I couldn’t capture you in my sketchbook, then what will I do? Aaaand I just realized that is even creepier, so I’ll just go, and —”

“No!” The word burst out of me, cutting off her ramble. “I mean, I don’t want you to go. I, uh, have actually been meaning to… get to know you. You’re interesting to me. Does that sound strange? Shit, it does, doesn’t it? I just mean that I felt a… connection — now that’s sappy and double weird. We aren’t in some Hollywood movie. But, I, um, was wondering if we could — and this probably seems bizarre to you — go on a date? Maybe. I don’t know why you would agree, but I would like to. So, uh, yeah.”

I looked down at my shoes, hoping she wouldn’t see the blush creeping up my cheeks to my ears. When the silence went on for much longer than I would’ve liked, I started praying for the floor to swallow me whole. There was no doubt in my mind that she was going to turn me down. I know I would if was in her position.

“Are you always this articulate? I got the impression you were some suave man.” I looked up to see her lips had curled into an amused smirk. “But… I suppose I could be persuaded into a date.” Then she laughed. And I would do anything — anything — to hear it for the rest of my laugh.

God, I have the inner monologue of a cliché romance!

“Trust me, I usually am suave. Just not around you apparently. Oh, I’m Rhysand by the way. My friends call me Rhys.”

“It’s nice to finally meet you, Rhys,” she held out her hand. “I’m Feyre.”

Cauldron, her hand is soft.

Shut up, Rhys.

“So, how can I persuade you to go out with me?”

Feyre laughed again, a full-bellied laugh. “I was kidding, Rhys! I’ve also been wanting to ask you out, and I totally got what you meant about the Hollywood movie connection feeling. Does Friday work? At… eight?”

“Yeah, that’s fine by me.” In all honesty, I would have said tonight, but that would be pushing it. I mean, I have no idea how much I already freaked Feyre out.

“Great! I need to leave, so can I get your number now?”

“Of course,” Hearing she had a place to be reminded me of my own plans. We swapped phones and put in our contact info.

“Sorry for keeping you from the… movies, I think? You have tons of texts from someone named Cassian.” Feyre added when I looked confused. I had completely ignored the buzzing in my pocket and the fact that I was extremely late.

“It’s alright. I much prefer your company over Cassian’s.”

“Well, it seems Cassian is desperate for your company, and I really do need to be going. See you Friday, Rhys!”

“Bye, Feyre.”

When I got to the movies, I tuned out Cassian’s questions — “Why the hell are you late?” and “What’s got you grinning like an idiot, Rhysie?” being the two constants —as well as the movie.

I couldn’t get Feyre out of my head.

“Feyre! I was wondering when you’d come!” Alis said.

“Sorry! I got held up! Where’s Lucien?” I looked around for my other close friend, but he was nowhere to be found in the park.

“He texted saying he was held up by something. He’ll be here in about thirty minutes.”

“Do you think he and Andras are having sex?” Lucien and Andras had moved in together recently, and they constantly took advantage of their newfound privacy.

“There’s no doubt in my mind!” Alis laughed. “But seriously, girl, what happened? I was ready to start searching for you when you weren’t at our table; you’re the most punctual person I know!”

“I have a good reason, I promise! You remember that handsome guy I mentioned a few times? The one frequently at the Sidra?”

“‘Mentioned a few times’? Fey, you gush about him for hours!”

“I don’t!” I protested. “Anyway, I’ve been sketching him and he saw it.” Alis gasped, her hands flying up to cover her mouth. “I know! It was beyond mortifying! I started rambling like I always do when I get nervous, but then he cut me off, asking me on a date!”

“No way!” Alis squealed, her horror morphing into joy.

“Yes way! And Rhysand — that’s his name — was so cute while asking; he was blushing and fumbling his words. You know how I find that endearing!”

“Nothing is more swoon worthy than a guy who gets all flustered!” Alis agreed.

“Right! Anyway, I agreed — obviously — so Friday night, guess who’s got a hot date?”

“That’s my girl!” Alis cheered. “I can’t wait to meet Rhys! Then, you guys will be engaged, have a lovely wedding where I will be the maid of honor, have kids, and grow old together!”

I smacked Alis’s arm. “Jeez, Alis, slow down! We haven’t even gone on our first date yet!” Though I had to admit that I wouldn’t mind if what she said came true.

“Alis! Feyre!” Lucien called out, jogging towards us. “Hey, guys!”

“Hello, Lucien. I’m surprised you are up and running. Andras didn’t tire you out?” Alis teased.

Lucien’s smirk was downright wicked. “He will when I go back home. I didn’t want to abandon you and Feyre.”

“Alis and I were having a grand time without you, Luc.” I said.

“Oh I see how it is. You two are cutting me out of the group.” He wiped away fake tears. “I’ll just leave now, I suppose. Since you two don’t want me. It’s alright, I’m used to it.”

We all laughed before Alis told Lucien how Rhys and I were going on a date, causing me to retell the story, this time with Alis’s input.

I left Velaris Park with a huge smile on my face, eager for my date with Rhys.

Thank you for reading! x

Tagging: @sjmaasandallthesass @the-annabethchase @sugarcoated44 @ourbooksuniverse @ame233 @tyblckthrn

Send me an ask if:

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[ghoulboyboos]

Inspired by doppelgangers i saw on my cruise. Ryan is a performer in the musical shows and shane is one of the photographers on board

Oh boy, nonnie! I have never been on a cruise ship in my life, all that I have is Google and my imagination. I hope I can get the scenery across

Thestage of the Calliope isbigger than any cruise ship’s Ryan has ever been on. He and thetroupe get a little lost in blocking and re-blocking the show for thenew venue. The director has already slipped out for his seventhcigarette break and it’s getting a little concerning. Ryan looks athis co-star who just shrugs. She is twisting in the cute blue dressthat is part of her costumes and Ryan snorts and pulls her into aspin. Somewhere behind the stage, “The nicest kids in town” isplaying and everyone else seems pretty chill with the new place.

Theyeventually figure all of it out. Hairsprayis still well liked, because it’s bright and happy and positive.Ryan isn’t sure if the rich and mighty are the crowd who gets mostexcited about the show, but they definitely seem to like it. Whenhe’s not on stage, he glimpses out through the curtains and frombehind the backstage door. Most of the guests are dressed in allkinds of expensive outfits, but they keep it pretty tasteful. Ryanswipes the lock that is half-plastered to his forehead to give himthat I’m trying to keep my hair in linelook Link Larkin is rocking outof his eyes and looks around. The waiters and waitresses are prettybusy and Ryan knows alcohol is flowing on these cruises like mad. Hehears a click and looks to his left.

Aman is standing nearby. He’s dressed in dark chinos and a blackHenley with a jean jacket over it. Apart from that, he has severalbags and pieces of equipment strapped to him, all of which seems tobelong to the camera he is holding in his hands. They’re nicehands, Ryan notices. Long fingered and lean. The man isn’t exactlywhat he would consider conventionally attractive, but in a weird way,he’s sort of cute. His face is long, his nose is big and his eyeskind of droopy. But he has soft, fluffy brown hair and a nice stubblecovering his chin and jaw. He’s also tall. Really, really tall andRyan licks his lips thinking about someone that height pinning him tothe next wall to kiss him senseless.

OkayRyan, chill your bi little brain. It’s just a photographer.

Saidphotographer stands up to his full height – and Ryan can’t helpbut gulp a little at that – and removes the lens of his camera,swapping it for another one with quick, practiced movement. When helooks up, his gaze brushes Ryan and Ryan can’t help it, he lifts ahand in greeting and smiles a bit. The guy pauses and then grins andwaves back.

Somewherebetween high school and college, Ryan has learned to always followwhat’s happening on the show even if he was paying attention tosomething else. He knows he’s going to be on stage in five, so hejust smirks at the tall guy, gestures towards the stage and shrugsapologetically. The photographer seems amused and just nods and giveshim a thumbs up. Ryan chuckles as the thumbs up turns into fingerguns and a wink. He pretends to swoon and sees the guy’s earspinken. Interesting.He smiles at the man before he ducks backstage and gets ready for hisnumber.

-

Afterthe show, he finds the photographer again. He is ambling about,offering people at the tables to take their picture on the Calliopewith the show’s scenery in the background. From what Ryan can see,the guy is joking a lot, making people laugh genuine laughter whilehe is taking pictures. Afterwards, he shows them the tablet he iscarrying in a bag under his arm, probably showing off their pictureson a big screen. He hands out business cards and Ryan can see himcollect the odd tip, always humble and grateful. Ryan is hanging outat the bar and buffet. He normally focuses on buffets and stacks hisplate with a bunch of fried food, but tonight, he is distracted. Ryanisn’t sure what exactly draws him to the guy. He is neitherparticularly hot or charming, but there is just something about himthat seems friendly and comforting and, as embarrassing it feels,Ryan could use someone who is just supportive and nice.

Luckily,his interest doesn’t seem as one-sided as he has feared, becauseeventually, the guy passes the bar and just quickly grabs a sausageroll to stuff his face with before he is heading straight for Ryan.Ryan knows he should probably fall into a pose that makes him lookaloof and charming, but he is sick and tired of all the flirting tipshe has gotten over the years. He feels a genuine attraction to thisman, so he decides to be genuine in return.

“Uh.Hey.” The man smiles down at Ryan and Ryan feels his stomach flip alittle. “I saw you earlier, remember me?”

Ryanchuckles. “Yeah, uh. I do remember. Did you think I wouldn’t?”

Thephotographer smiles thinly.

“Itdepends on the person. There are some who consider the staff kind of…replaceable. They don’t recall our names or faces. Not that yourcrew did that, but some other show folk have done that. Sorry.”

Ryanwaves him off.

“Noworries, you’re not insulting me or anything. I know some peoplehave huge egos.”

Theman nods.

“Isit okay if I hang out here a bit?”

Ryanblinks.

“Ofcourse! You don’t have to ask that.”

Theguy leans against the wall next to Ryan and he seems to relax alittle as he looks over and smiles. He has a nice smile and Ryanfinds himself mirroring it.

“Iguess I got in touch with too many… uh, complicated people.” Theman says and laughs. “There are some people who don’t want to beseen with me.”

Ryanfrowns.

“Whythe fuck not?”

Theguy shrugs.

“Classicism,I think? I’m just a dudetaking pictures of people who deserve having their picture takenbecause they are rich and beautiful.” He sounds a little bitter andRyan feels himself nodding.

“Yeah,I get it. The kind who wants entertainment but treats entertainerslike dancing monkeys. I know what you mean.”

Hecatches the guy shoot him a look, measuring and unsure.

“I’msorry you get that shit, too. If it helps, I thought your show wasreally amazing.”

Ryansmiles.

“Itdoes. Thank you.”

Thephotographer laughs and it sounds of relief.

“I’mShane, by the way.”

Heholds out his hand and Ryan shakes it.

“I’mRyan.”

Shanesmiles back at him and Ryan could swear he sees a sparkle in thosehazel eyes.

“Well,Ryan. I took a bunch of pictures of your show… wanna help me pickthe best ones?”

Theyend up at a table in the back where they go through the picturesShane took. Ryan is impressed. Whatever Shane did to take and editthem, the colors are popping wonderfully, which has always beensomething that was very important to him in this show. Shane alsoseems to be able to capture movement very well without causing thepicture to blur. Ryan smiles down at a picture of the main actressand him and he feels great.

“Isthat your girlfriend?” Shane asks.

Ryanknows that tone. That actively by-the-by behavior. The question thatwas really a different one: “Are you single or are you taken?”

Hedecides to go easy on the guy.

“No,no. She’s a great friend but we could never fit together likethat.” He laughs.

“Ihad a boyfriend a while ago, but it didn’t work out so I’ve beenliving the single life ever since.”

Shanelooks over at him, eyes widening and Ryan smirks at him.

Theydon’t push anywhere that night. Instead, they talk about picturesand Shane explains to him what adjustments he made to capture thecolors so well. Ryan listens intently but still instantly forgetshalf of it. He admits it to Shane, who just laughs and promises toteach him again and again if he wants to.

-

Afterthat, they are sort of glued at the hip. Some of Shane’sphotographs are just for Ryan. Moments during the show where Shanehad zoomed in to take a picture of Ryan looking especially good. Ryanfeels flattered, but he also is worried. He doesn’t want this guyto believe that he is just talking to him so he gets the bestpictures.

Hemakes a plan. On one of the nights they don’t have a show, he hangsaround the dining room until Shane is done taking pictures. He wavesat the other man to catch his attention and his heart flutters whenhe sees that face split into a smile. They hang out in the kitchen.The cook lets them, because they are technically staff and each ofthem is sitting in the back with a filled plate while talking.

“Iwas wondering.” Ryan starts, pushing himself to continue. “Do youmaybe want to hang out at my cabin later? Each of the actors got abottle of Champagne as a gift from the captain. But drinking alonesounds like a stupid idea.”

Heis laughing for good measure, but the way Shane’s eyes widen almostmakes him laugh even more.

“Uh,I mean. Are you sure you don’t want to keep it for a betteroccasion?”

Ryanleans in, not too much, but enough to insinuate something.

“Ican’t think of a better occasion than sharing it with you.”

Thereit is, the clear breach from fun flirting to serious flirting and hedoesn’t miss Shane swallowing.

“Imean… I feel really honored…”

Ryan’sheart starts to beat faster and faster as he is waiting for the“but”. It doesn’t come, however.

“Areyou sure?” Shane asks, eyes wide and stunned. Ryan frowns at him.

“Ofcourse I’m sure! Why wouldn’t I?”

Shaneblinks and actually blushes.

“Imean. You’re a pretty popular actor and singer and dancer. I’mjust a dude who takes pictures.”

AndRyan understands. His heart melts a little as he looks at Shane.

“Youwere never just a dude who takes pictures to me. I would love to hangout with you whichever way you want, Shane. Okay?”

Shaneonly nods, face pink.

-

Theyshare the Champagne and talk about shows and pictures and filming.Shane explains a bit about his camera to Ryan. He picks throughsome adjustments and talks about exposure and light with Ryanslouching on the bed next to him. Ryan doesn’t quite understandwhat Shane is getting at, until he catches a certain sentence:

“See,most people on these cruises are rich, privileged white people.Photographing them is easy because many cameras are made to taketheir picture. But when someone has brown or olive or black skin, youhave to fiddle with exposure a bit.”

Ryanwatches him with interest. They are about half way into the bottleand Ryan has taken off his blazer. He is still wearing the pink shirtand maroon pants after discarding the tie. Shane picks a lens andsits up to point the camera at Ryan. Ryan looks up, champagne flutein one hand, eyes wide and the flash goes off, less blinding than heexpected. Shane takes his tablet and swipes across the screen a bitand Ryan sits up to look over his shoulder. He sees himself, leaningon the bed, slightly surprised… and his skin glows.The brown tint fits the reddish outfit so well he feels his breathstop.

“See,babe?” He hears Shane say. “I told you. You’re a sight tobehold. Living, breathing art. I’m just some dude who takespictures.”

“Ah.”Ryan empties his flute and puts it away. He is familiar with thefeeling of inadequacy.

“Youthink I’m just hanging with you because you take good pictures?”

Shane’seyebrows twitch upwards.

“Uh…I don’t want to sound like I have a bad impressionof you- It’s just-”

Ryansmiles.

“Iget it. A bunch of people in the business have seduced you for you totake nice pictures of them?”

Shanechuckles.

“No,it never actually gets to the seducing. They just hang with me a bitand I take a bunch of pictures and then I leave.” He seems to sigh.“It’s okay. I’m doing it for the art. Not justso someone… I don’t know.Owes me affection, I guess.”

Ryanchuckles.

“Clearlythey don’t owe you anything. But in return, you don’t owe themeither, okay?”

Shaneseems to frown.

“ButI’m not an actor. My job isto take pictures of people like you.”

Ryansmiles softly.

“Andthat makes you a great person. You put so much thought in what you’redoing. Your photographs are beautiful. And you put so much work intothem. Work you really don’t have to put in just for a couple ofshow photographs.”

Hesmiles softly at Shane and it seems to work, because the other man isflushing and moving in his seat.

“I’m…I’m not doing it for attention.”

“Iget that.” Ryan whispers. He reaches out and runs a hand throughShane’s soft hair. “I guess you just caught mine. Do you… notwant it?”

Despiteeverything, Ryan wants to make sure. Shane could simply beintimidated by sitting next to someone who is kind of a “celebrity”,even though Ryan never saw himself that way. He doesn’t want Shaneto go along with something, just because Ryan is popular. Butapparently, his fear had been absurd.

Shaneblinks and laughs and leans in a little.

“Ofcourse I do. I have to admit, I kind of felt drawn to you from thesecond I saw you at the backstage door. But I’m just- And you are-Ryan are you even aware of how gorgeousyou are?”

Ryanchuckles.

“Well,that’s convenient. Because while I’m not sure what about youradmittedly strange face is so interesting to me… I have to admitI’m pretty smitten with you.”

Shane’seyes widen. Ryan sees him swallow hard and shuffle back a little.Ryan feels a sting of pain and discomfort.

“Imean… I’m sorry if that was too forward. I guess I just wantedyou to know that I’m not just some celebrity who wants nicepictures or is bored. I actually like you. And I’m happy to havemet you.”

Ryanmeans it. They have talked about a lot of random things and duringthat time, Ryan has realized that he and Shane fit togetherperfectly. Almost all of their interests overlap, they have the sametype of humor and the same taste in movies. The only thing theyreally disagree on is the existence of the supernatural, but their“fight” had quickly melted into an excited talk about theirfavorite Horror films.

“Ryan…you don’t want this. Me. You don’t want me. I’m a hugemess. I wanted to be someone and now I take pictures of richpeople on cruises, sucking up to them so they will leave me a nicetip. I’m a fucking failure. You have seen me. You know it.”

Ryanalmost laughs, but he doesn’t because Shane seems honestly upset.He takes the man’s hands.

“Listen,Shane. I really don’t have a negative opinion of your job. I’m abit upset about how little confidence you have in it, because I thinkit’s cool and you are really good at it. I still hope you will sendme that picture you took earlier. And if you don’t like me thatway, it’s cool. But if you are interested, I would like you to…well, stay here. Tonight.”

Shane’seyes seem huge in the low light of Ryan’s cabin.

“Really?”He finally manages.

Ryansmiles and leans in to press a kiss to the corner of the other man’smouth.

“Iknow you’re sometimes around a bunch of douches with too muchmoney, but just because I work on a stage doesn’t mean I sharetheir views on things.”

“No.”Shane says softly. “I mean… I didn’t think you would.”

Heglances at Ryan. It seems like he is trying to get across an apology.

“Iguess I was just worried that someone as magnificent as you wouldsettle for someone as average as… well, me.”

Ryan’sbreath stops for a second.

“Please.”He whispers. “Please don’t think you’re ever less thanperfect, okay?”

Shanechuckles a bit as Ryan leans in.

“Aren’tthose song lyrics?”

Ryansmirks, their lips almost touching. “Maybe?”

Shane’ssmile widens and Ryan feels a huff of laughter.

“Iwould love to stay with you, if you let me. And I will allow you totry and proof to me that I am nice to look at.”

Ryansnorts and cups the other man’s face in his hands.

“Ipromise I’ll do my very best, love.”

Shaneblinks and stares at him and then his tongue darts out to wet hislips. Ryan can hear the sound of Shane’s camera turning off as theman puts it aside.

“Okay.”Ryan feels the whisper more than he hears it. Shane’s breathtickles his lips. “Show me.”

Ryandoesn’t let him ask twice.

[legion1993]

The Time For Secrets is Over

A/N: this is my new fave story header!!! i mean he looks so hot!!!! anyway this is for another write challenge!!! happy birthday @thinkwritexpress-official!!! this is #2 of 3 for ya...

pairing: jensen x reader

prompt: possessive

masterlist

my city is Shadowhaven, my name is Y/N. my home was originally New York, but i moved for my work... what happened after i moved was the way things happen, the way i ended up standing beside my very double-sided possessive Fiance. although before i should probably tell you how we got into this situation before continuing. 

~let me take you back to before we got into the danger~

as a artist, song writer and author i move around alot and always end up staying in a different place every few months or so.. depending on work, concerts, conventions, etc.

this project was taking me to the far regions of Europe. yay we are close to my ancestral grounds but i had never ever heard of a place called Shadowhaven till i was told to go record and spend time there... my manager told me it would be good for my rep... 

so i booked my flight and left the USA behind, flying my way to Shadowhaven a decent sized town in the deep end of Scotland (my home ancestral grounds). it was a nice relaxing flight, course i knew my history, but Shadowhaven had never been mentioned anywhere at all.

i could tell that this was the start of a new adventure, immediately making my way through the airport, through customs, towards the inner of the airport, i decided to shop for a new wardrobe that might help me to blend in, i knew my family crest colors so i used my skills in shopping to inconspicuously find a blend in outfit.

you approached this one boutique upon arriving inside this shopkeeper approaches you, and notices that you look like your seeking something specific. 

Shopkeeper: “good day lass, can i help ye with somethin’?”

you smile and turn to face this shopkeeper.

Y/N: “yes, what would you recommend for someone whose first time being in her ancestral grounds and wanting to experience some of her heritage?”

the shopkeeper was very impressed, but immediately had a thought. so she went around the desk again circling through some of the stuff she had back there, and as you watched you realized that it wouldnt be long before someone over here recognized you.

Shopkeeper: “what are your families colors?”

Y/N: “would this help i don really know how to describe it...”

you pulled out your smartphone and showed her a picture of your families colors. she comes up to you again a few moments later with a dress that looks like it was made for royalty, but yet it also looked surprisingly comfortable.

Shopkeeper: “come with me darling, let me help you put it on...”

you follow her to the back of the store storing your suitcase & backpack behind the counter, you knew that there was someone who was kind enough to help you. 

as she helped you get into that dress you started to feel like a normal person. almost like this was your destiny. but thats when you got to look at yourself in the mirror. upon seeing yourself in that dress you felt something inside you change. 

you looked at the lady and were instantly grateful.

Y/N: “thank you so much i appreciate this...”

Shopkeeper: “your welcome deary, its on the house... welcome home!”

you walked back to your bags and smiled as you left the store now blending in. you went to hail a cab and find somewhere to stay at a reasonable price.it wasnt until you got out of the cab in mid town, that there was a voice hailing you down...

a gentleman wearing a suit was now approaching you... it wasnt till he got alot closer that you realized how hot he was... 

Jensen: “excuse me ma’am, may i help you? you look a little lost.”

Y/N: “well yes i am a little lost, i dont really know the city too well... and i very well dont know how to find myself a place to stay so i can start working on my vacation! well actually it was my boss who said i work too hard and told me to just go back to my roots... so here i am on my ancestral grounds.”

Jensen: “well how does staying with me in my castle sound...”

Y/N: “you know supposedly my family also has a castle somewhere but i hath no idea where... its really quite frustrating...”

Jensen could only smile as he moved closer to you... he extended his hand and bowed...

Jensen: “my name is Jensen Ackles! and what is your name mi-lady?”

you were so flattered that you slid your hand into his and curtsied.. not being completely away that he had just marked you... a mark of possession it is something that has been passed down between your 2 households for ages...

Y/N: “my name is Y/N Y/L/N it is good to meet such a fine handsome fellow...”

Jensen: “its my highest honor to have you stay with me for the duration of your stay... no exceptions no constitutions... but some nights i do have things to do, extra work loads and stuff... so on those nights ill be gone shortly after dusk... so will thee join me as my guest, fair lady!”

you smiled at him nodding, but then before you had a chance to say another word your bags were being loaded into his car...

Y/N: "sir, are you sure its fine for me to come stay with you, i really dont want to be a bother..."

at the sound of your lips calling him sir something inside him stirred... as if some sort of dark force on the inside was trying to push out his darkness and take control...

Jensen: "sir seems too formal just call me Jay... everyone does..."

Jensen smiled darkly as you threaded your arm through his and both of you walked to his car... getting in you happened to see the heading of a newpaper.

《《Ethereal Phoenix claims another woman as his own》》

but Jensen rook notice of how your eyes flitted immediately across the headline on the newspaper. Jensen also knew he would have to be careful with where you would wander off too...

Jensen: "those colors are a representation of one of the original founding families of Shadowhaven... it is actually a funny thing our 2 households have always had good relations!"

the dark twisted sound to his voice made you shiver but it was almost like that good kind of shiver...

Y/n: "well i hope that i can learn some history while im here... i honestoy can say i knew i was from scotland but i didnt know where.. it really is beautiful here..."

Jensen: "when we arrive at my castle we shall take a walk through the country side and ill show you where your families castle stands!"

Y/N: "that sounds wonderful in fact i had hoped to get to know the man whose house im staying in tonight. for its my undying gratitude that i give to thee."

Jensen could only smile for in his mind, his other side was getting ready for its time to reveal itself.

the rest of the ride was calm and peaceful! Jensen suddenly felt something come over him... he had the driver stop the car and he stumbled getting out he started into the trees, you followed you had to make sure he was ok...

<< The danger is revealed>>

After a bit of running you found yourself in a clearing, you stopped to admire your scenery, but someone else was there too. for the sound of bushes rustling, branches breaking and heavy footsteps scared you frozen in your tracks..

Y/N: "Jensen... Jensen where are you?"

it wasnt till you screamed that, a dark deep laugh came out of the trees. it showed through the trees a golden blur... it kinda startled you but at the same time made you wonder, what kind of creature might be able to move like that...

you kept a steady pace and slowly continued to now wonder the dark wood in search of Jensen. but you were startled once more qhen a voice spoke out of the darkness.

Ethereal Phoenix: "have you lost something mi lady?"

you tried to track where that voice was coming from but debated on answering it but felt like you could trust it. but as if natural you pulled out your best scottish accent.

Y/N: "a friend of mine ran into these woods a few moments ago and i have not been able to locate him. who are you? where are you?"

ethereal phoenix didnt answer right away instead he raised up in a gold blur and placed himself in a tree.

Ethereal phoenix: "i am the one that those papers in town speak of, the one who takes those women away from their men, i am he who makes women feel like they are worth something. i am Ethereal Phoenix. Miss, may i say you look new, how long have you been in Shadowhaven?"

Ethereal Phoenix said with a dark twisted tone to his voice. you shook off the bad feeling that suddenly plagued you.

Y/N: "only a few short hours... look i really dont mean to be rude but im really scared and i need to find my friend, so please excuse me.."

you started to retrace your steps back to the car, but once more the ethereal Phoenix spoke as thought he had been following you.

ethereal Phoenix: "why are you in such a rush to find your friend dont you want to be with a real man..."

you stopped dead in your tracks, almost feeling more scared of the voice that was talking than that of the dark wood. thats when you saw it standing there a shadowy figure in the little sunlight shining in between the trees. 

Y/N: “excuse me, you have no idea how much of a decent hot man Jensen is... trust me he is better than you... mr im gonna be that creepy ass voice hiding in the shadows... that preys on innocent women, raping them, at least Jensen is man enough to show his face...”

at that moment Ethereal Phoenix rushed in a golden blur and pinned you to a tree... the sunlight reflecting off his face made it clear that he was nothing good... 

Ethereal Phoenix: “you need to learn some manners little girl... how bout i teach you some manners. you know i feel a little possessive of you, now lets go somewhere where i can stand over you, while you scream... while you scream for a rescue that will never come. now hold still and let me see what kind of goodies you have under these clothes...”

at that moment it was like something out of an erotic rape novel... for this creature teleported the both of you to a fancy castle bedroom. where he got off of you after laying you on the bed... he then shackled you to the bed... 

with one evil laugh he snapped his fingers and your dress tore in 2... this exposed your breasts and your lace panties and well everything. there was nothing good happening, there was a creature of some kind that looked human but yet wasnt... 

for it was the thoughts of Jensen, the mystery man that had disappeared that kept you squirming, that kept you screaming... for it was then that you screamed louder... that you tried to break the chains that now held you down.

Y/N: “if i survive this you son of a bitch i’ll kill you...”

Ethereal Phoenix: “oh you will survive this, you will just be my slave... my pregnant slave...”

your mind was now clouded, your mind was scared... hell your physical form was scared... your emotions were running higher and higher, but your form was screaming but all it did was echo over the walls, bouncing off of them like soundwaves off a pond of water.

Ethereal Phoenix: “keep screaming no one will ever hear you...”

this thing seemed to be very sly & very very demanding... that of course is till you started to think back to when you fist met Jensen. it was pretty well a similar nature but this was probably your minds way of making you think about something else.

this of course also seemed to be the bane of your existance... just as you watched your captor walk around it seemed like he was now addressing someone else...

Ethereal Phoenix: “stay down little boy, the girl is not yours... I’m about to claim her... stay away...”

you at that moment wondered who the hell he was talking to...

Y/N: “hey ugly ass if your gonna claim me you should just do it ‘nstead of making small talk with yourself.”

thats when you heard it, a voice it came out of the shadows... a voice that was a delight to hear, for you had no heard it for hours.

Jensen (voice): “phoenix you will not lay another hand on her cause i already marked her... not in the way you were about to but a mark of claiming that i placed on her when i first held her hand... now i say again, let her go...”

the voice, there was only one man you knew to speak with such a dark fire... but ethereal phoenix started to stalk towards you again, this time he was removing his shirt... it seemed like everything you held dear was about to be taken from you but the panic started to set in...

Y/N: “Jensen help!!!!”

Jensen (voice): “hold on Y/N I’ll explain in a few... but first embrace your inner Scotish heritage, you have to try and seperate yourself from those chains...”

Ethereal Phoenix: “insulent fool if you think that you can help this young girl escape... ha, you are really demented... soon she will have the sperm of a god thrust inside her, while you Jay will never ever see the light of day again...”

Jensen at this point had enough and started trying harder to take control back of his own body...

Jensen (voice): “Ethereal Phoenix you have made an enemy of me... as soon as my girl is free you will die asshole.”

you kept doing what Jensen said trying to embrace your scotish heritage... after a few moments it turned out that Jensen had been right the entire time... for you felt this surge of energy loosening the chains... 

Y/N: “Jay take control, bring him towards the mirror...”

the closer to you that phoenix came the louder that he screamed it was almost a war cry...

Jensen (voice): “Y/N keep doing what doing... he doesn’t seem to like it...”

Y/N: “thats fine but i dont know what im doing... or how im doing it...”

thats when it occured to jensen... he had to say something...

Jensen (deep dark voice): “Y/N, listen the mark i told him about its a mark of possession, it is always passed between our two houses when 2 people of the same age range find eachother... its passed through to show the other posers that the 2 people are... well its like a promise ring... or a betrothal of sorts... anyway its got powers, it is how your breaking the chains.”

Y/n: “ok so how does it work...”

Jensen (deep dark voice): “you have to think about what you want and you will have it so...”

with a few more thoughts your feet were free this made Phoenix look over at you... with a few more seconds and a loud crash your hands were now free... it was then that you were once more able to move... 

you didnt bother trying to cover up cause this fight was more important than what ever was left of your decency... 

Y/N: “hold on Jay... i’m gonna try to seperate you guys...”

you grabbed both arms, the screams got louder and louder the mirror started to crack... but you looked at the mirror coming face to face with Jensen, it was Jensen you could see him but you were hold Phoenix back... 

Jensen (deep dark voice): “okay you need to think about spliting me and Phoenix apart... think about 2 seperate physical bodies... i promise once i am in my own body seperate from this evil son of a bitch i intend to be possessive of you in the right way...”

the way that Jensen said that sent a fire deep into your core it was unlike anything you had felt before... you suddenly like it was beyond your control found yourself holding 2 different arms pulling apart 2 different bodies... but it was only the beginning... 

finally after one more good pull you had them split apart but when you did ethereal phoenix went flying out the window... it was not a pretty sight... Jensen however landed on the bed... 

you knelt down to catch your breath for it felt as though you had been running and running continuously.. but in truth it was just your physical body being exhausted from all the magical exertion...

Jensen who was laying still on the bed only breathing from what you could tell he only started speaking in a dark deep tone...

Jensen (deep dark voice): “it is said that when 2 has become 1 that they will fight the evil that plagues the world... they from the moment of marking shall be known to the world as Dark Archer & Dark Mistress... may they serve their powers with the same courage and shattering loyalty as their ancestors...”

[cutegirlmayra]

Could you please do prompt #14 with botw zelink? I loved their chemistry in the game and I know you can do them justice ❤👍

This nails them to a ‘T’ in my opinion. Whether it’s botw or another game, I feel this hits they’re characters well enough for me to not have to strain so much to stay in character.

Thank you, I’m going to enjoy this :3

Prompt:

Zelda walked pristinely with her head down in long, slow strides down her castle halls.

Link, being ever faithful, remained close behind her.

This wasn’t new to them. After her father had ordered her to fixate the rest of her time on her prayers, she was soon found moping around the castle, having come back from previous praying.

She remained silent, almost as silent as the dusk, as the sun began to set.

Link kept up her pace, but looked down.

Something inside him told him something was wrong,… and he should say something.

Often remaining silent about his feelings upon everything, he wondered how long she would remain under silence…

The silence wasn’t new to him, but he knew it was silently paining her inside.

She was usually cheerful about the things she liked.

Perhaps…

He stopped walking a moment, and Zelda broke her stride, turning behind her.

“..Link?”

He remained looking to the side, outside the window, spotting something that completely took over his interests.

She paused a moment, before turning around, her dress carrying the motion. “What’s wrong, Link..? What do you see?” she turned to the window, and then back to Link, walking towards him.

“Has something caught your eye?”

He continued to stare…

Suddenly, he rushed forward, startling Zelda. “Ah! Link!” she faltered back, before stumbling to rebalance herself and ran towards the window.

He placed a foot up on the ledge, and jumped, looking determined as he flew downward with his arms out wide.

“Liiink!” she rammed herself against the edge of the windowsill, and looked around, worried.

When she saw him rushing to the garden, her eyes widened in shock, not sure what he was doing, and quickly darted to the stairs, lifting her dress up and hurrying to find out-

“What on earth had possessed you to-!?” she looked pretty angry, but mostly surprised and panicked with worry, before stopping in mid-sentence and stride, lifting a hand up.

“Ah…”

Link had picked a flower for her.

He held it with a neutral expression on his face, then nodded his head and walked towards her.

Bending to one knee, he ducked his head and held it out for her to accept.

Her eyes delicately stared down in wonder at the flower, before smiling kindly and tilting her head, understanding his true intent.

“Link…” she drew forth her hand, and lightly took the flower from his hand, barely skimming her fingers against his own.

He lightly blushed from the sensation of it, but with his head down, no one could tell.

He rose it up, as if half expecting her to acknowledge it, but knew he was probably just thinking oddly and shook his head, quickly getting up from kneeling.

He readjusted himself as she smiled even more warmly towards the flower, and held it up to her nose.

“…Link, have you been paying attention to my herbal lessons?” She tilted her head, a slightly cheeky look coming on her face.

He honestly didn’t know what she was talking about, and put a hand up behind his head, scratching it.

“Hmm… I guess not.” she turned around, facing her back to him.

“..This flower… is called Love Eternal.”

“Wa-ah!” he seemed to trip on her words, before regaining himself.

Had he just accidentally confessed!?

She giggled lightly, a breathy one, before lightly touching the petals of the flower.

“It’s said that when women are too shy to say it, since the tradition has always stood that men do those honors first… that they plant these in their gardens and flowerbeds… a silent invitation for him to propose.”

She lightly turned her head back to Link, nodding some comfort to him, but still teasing him.

“I assumed you didn’t know. It’s alright. I thought it was very cute, and awfully funny of you. Thank you… Link. It did make me feel better.”

Her kindness… her gentle reassurance not to worry…

His shoulders fell as he lowered his arm from being raised, and looked down, nodding in his embarrassment.

“Please, don’t act so modest. I honestly felt flattered.” Zelda closed her eyes and smiled, nodding another reassurance for him not to worry.

“Now then.” she lowered her hands, keeping the flower tightly in one of them.

She regained her natural dignity, and looked seriously back to the castle. “Father has forbidden me to leave the castle walls if not for the sole purpose of my prayers… we should return before he suspects us of any treason against his words…”

Link looked up.

He realized how much she held back.. the true pain at saying those words.

Even his adventurous spirit felt trapped and coped up here… but it was more than just tolerable, because he was protecting the princess.

So long as he had the princess….

On her way to her quarters, Link stopped once again.

“…” Zelda turned her head once more, “Link,…”

He looked out the window.

“..You’re not planning to jump out of the window again are you?” Zelda smiled, turning around, “I swear, Link.” she giggled, “You almost gave me a heart attack last time.”

He looked back at her, and smiled kindly, before looking apologetic.

He then lowered his head.

“…Link?”

He closed his eyes, deeply looking troubled and saddened.

“…What ever is the matter?”

Zelda walked back towards him, and waited in front of him.

When his eyes slowly opened, but didn’t look to her, she lightly raised a hand, but never fully touched him.

He looked up, following the gesture.

“…I know you’re worried about me.” Zelda looked understanding, and with every ounce of a gentle loving friend, she spoke again, “And I must ask you to keep enduring for me.”

“A-ah…” he voiced out, stepping to balance himself more.

She knew?

She looked down, turning her head away, and placing her hand holding the flower up against her chest.

“I understand you feel at a loss… wanting to help me, but not being able to disobey orders.”

He held his stare, but closed his mouth tightly.

“I’m sorry, Link… I truly do hope you know…” she looked back up at him, her pleasant face always sending a feeling through him… but he just wasn’t sure what to call it.

His eyes quickly darted to the flower, before blinking back up at her fast as instantly as he had glanced.

“I enjoyed the confession today.” She mischievously beamed.

“Gaah!”

She laughed, seeing his over-exaggerated expression.

She held another hand over her mouth, bending down and then slowly coming back up, enjoying his hilarious expression and reaction.

“Oh, Link! Haha, forgive me, haha! I couldn’t help but repeat myself again. Haha!”

She was smiling… she was genuinely laughing… at least that was enough.

Link continued to turn, embarrassed.

Later that night, as she slept silently in her bed, Link stood by her window.

He held his sword out in front, down to the floor, as his hands rested on it’s hilt.

In the shadows, he turned from his position of guarding to stare at her a moment… and the Love Eternal flower, glistening in the moonlight.

He slowly walked over to it.

Then bent down by Zelda’s side, looking over at her calm, peacefully sleeping face.

He leaned down, a quiet voice in her dreams…

“What if… I did..?”

She lightly stirred as wind passed by her ear.

the curtains of the open balcony window lightly draped over the moonlight, revealing the beautiful landscape of Hyrule outside.

“Always.”

The flower lightly dropped a petal from it’s watery glass.

“…Love you.”

Zelda felt something warm and slightly moist upon her cheek, but never spoke of the dreamed voice sense.

(Got a little AU at the end there. I should have just ended with, instead of ‘what if I did?’ to “Always” huh? May have kept it fully in character canon, lol)

[jornami]

Stuck to this Corner Like a Streetlight

A/N: I've been obsessed with bakery AUs lately and I really wanted to write one! Feedback/constructive criticism is always encouraged! Hope you enjoy! This is so long I’m so sorry!

Things you should know: 1. I've never been to NYC in my life. So, I don't know how streets work up there. Is 34th and Melso Street even a place? Probably not. Is it five blocks down from the Richard Rodgers? Hell no. 2. I do a very poor job of explaining ITH 3. I have nothing against Vanessa

Tagged: @congratsonhamlet @unlazilyfreshrebel @lexiortanez @hamfamhamfam @superwholockbooknerd526 @naomyb16 @iamafangirlforeverthing @sleepretreat @xomullenxo @rebekatrue @plamspringsdancingontables

Pairing: Lin x reader

Summary: You bake cupcakes for Lin’s opening nights and he gives you tickets to the show. It's enough until it isn't.

Masterlist | Request!

You and Lin-Manuel Miranda had a friendship that came about in a unique way. It all started back in 2008.

March 5, 2008

You had just opened your bakery on the corner of 34th and Melso Street. You were beyond happy; opening a bakery was a lifelong dream of yours. Your bakery, “Cupquakes,” had only been open for three weeks, and business was booming; you already had ten orders. But the order made on March 5 was the one that you’ll never forget.

You were just about to close the shop for the day, when he walked in.

“Sorry, we’re about to close, and the Lucky Charm cupcakes are sold out.” you said as you wiped down the counter, not even bothering to look up.

“I know, but do have time to place one more order?” the man asked desperately.

“Sure.” you said with a warm smile.

“Can I order like four dozen cupcakes?” he asked.

You two proceed to go over the details of the cupcakes and just the cupcakes until you asked him what he wanted on them.

“Umm, I don’t really know. I hadn’t even thought about that.” he chuckled.

“Well, what’re the cupcakes for?” you asked in hopes that it would give you an idea on what to put on the cupcakes.

“Well, I’m actually opening a play on Broadway.” he told you and immediately you were intrigued.

You always loved plays, and you couldn’t believe you were taking a cupcake order from someone who wrote one.

“What’s it about?” you asked.

He proceeded to tell you what the play was about and immediately you had a ton of ideas. It was called “In the Heights,” and it took place in a Latino neighborhood in New York City. The play was about a guy named Usnavi who ends up winning the lottery.

“That play sounds really good, no wonder you made it to Broadway!” you gushed.

“Thanks,” he blushed, obviously flattered by your compliment.

“Maybe I could make little Puerto Rican and Dominican flags out of fondant. Ooh, and I could write 96,000 on Oreos and stick them out of the cupcake frosting. And you said champagne is a recurring motif, right? Well, maybe I can make champagne cupcakes with gold sprinkles!” you rambled until you caught yourself.

“You can do all that?” he asked in disbelief and you nodded.

“What time do they need to be ready?”

“The ninth.” he said sheepishly.

Your smile faded instantly. Four dozen cupcakes?!?! In four days?!?!

“Four dozen cupcakes in four days?” you exclaimed. “That’s 48 cupcakes!”

“Well, today’s the fifth so maybe one dozen each day?” he offered. “Can you do it? ‘Cause if you can’t, that’s totally fine; I’ll just find someone who can.”

You face softened, you really wanted to make the cupcakes for the opening night of his play.

“No,” you told him, “I can do it.”

“Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you!” he praised you.

“Just give me a name for the order.”

“Lin.”

“Delivery or pick up?”

“Delivery.”

“Where to and when?” you asked.

“The Richard Rodgers Theatre on 226 West 46th Street at 5 o’clock.” he said.

“Alright, Lin, I’ll see you then!” you smiled.

“Until then.” he said and began to make his way to the door. “Wait, I never got your name.”

“Y/N.” you told him.

“Y/N,” he repeated. “such a nice name for a nice girl.”

And in that moment you knew you were going to have to do whatever it took to make all 48 of those cupcakes. Ugh, he had you whipped and you just met him.

March 9, 2008

“Done!” you cheered as you stuck the last Puerto Rican flag on the cupcake.

You spent that last four days making the four dozen cupcakes for Lin’s opening night, and you did whatever it took to do so. You stayed late, skipped lunch breaks, you even closed the shop early.

You put that last cupcake in the box and started carrying the boxes out to your car. The Richard Rodgers was only five blocks from your shop, but with New York traffic you knew it would probably take you at least 30 minutes.

Sure enough, 35 minutes later you were there. You texted Lin to let him know you were outside and you need help.

“On my way :)”

Three minutes later you see Lin come out of the theater.

“Here they are!” you said, gesturing to the four boxes of sugary confections in you trunk. “All 48 of them.”

“Thank you so much!” he said for the 800th time that week. “How much do I owe you?”

“68.23.” you read off the receipt.

He hands you all 68 dollars and a quarter.

“I’m sorry, I don’t have any change,” you apologized.

“Don’t worry about it; it’s only two pennies.” he assured you. “Help me carry these in?”

You both grab two boxes and head inside the theater. You stop halfway and stop to admire the place. This was a dream come true.

“Wow,” you awed, “a real Broadway theater.”

“Yep, maybe if you stick around I’ll give you a tour.” Lin smiled.

God, was he cute.

You followed him backstage to a room where the after party was being held. The room was decorated with flags, balloons, pictures of the cast, and a poster of the show. You sat the cupcake boxes next to each other.

“You wanna see them?” you asked Lin with a smirk on your face.

“Of course!” he exclaimed.

The look on his face when he saw the cupcakes was priceless. He was awestruck.

“Not to toot my own horn or anything, but I think I did a pretty good job.” you said, admiring your own work.

“You did amazing,” he said sincerely.

“Thanks,” you smiled shyly. “I’m gonna head out, but it was a honor making cupcakes for you opening night.”

“Wait!” Lin called after you and you turned around. “68 dollars isn’t enough. Come see the show tonight?”

“Seriously?” you asked.

“Seriously, it’s the least I can do for all your hard work.”

“Well, if you’re offering, I’d love to.”

“It starts at 7.”

“I’ll be there.” you smiled.

So, there you were at 6:59 on the nose. You found your seat and waited patiently for it to start. And, oh boy, once the lights dimmed you were practically bouncing in your seat.

It finally started and you enjoyed every minute of it. Then intermission rolled around. Ugh. A fifteen minute break never felt so long.

Finally, after what felt like an hour, act two started. However, just as soon as it started; it was over. By the end you were actually crying, and your lap was filled with crumpled up tissues.

Lin told you to come backstage after it was over, so you fixed your face in the bathroom and headed back there.

“So, what did you think?” he asked eagerly.

“It was okay. I'd give it a check minus.” you lied, adding a reference from the play.

“By your bloodshot eyes and tear stained cheeks, I'd say you enjoyed it.” he said slyly.

“What can I say? The finale made me emotional.” you admitted, causing him to giggle.

“Your cupcakes were a hit; everyone loved them!” he said.

Just as he said that Chris Jackson who played Benny came up to you.

“YO, ARE YOU THE GIRL WHO MADE THOSE BOMB ASS CUPCAKES?” he asked.

“Yeah,” you smiled, slightly taken aback.

“CAN YOU MAKE ME LIKE A WHOLE BATCH OF THOSE CHAMPAGNE CUPCAKES?” he yelled.

“Alright, buddy,” Lin said and patted Chris on the back. “no more alcoholic cupcakes for you.”

You two laughed as Chris was led away by Karen Olivo who played Vanessa.

“Well, I really have to get going.” you told Lin and his face fell.

“Stay, please.” he begged.

Your heart sank; he looked so sad.

“Lin, I’d love to, but I have a huge wedding order to fill tomorrow morning.” you told him.

“If you must,” he sighed dramatically.

“If you ever need some more cupcakes or a friend to talk to,” you said as he pulled you into a hug. “you know where to find me.”

“Noted.” he said and you went your separate ways.

Lin took what you said on March 9, 2009 to heart and he visited your shop quite frequently. Sometimes, he would come in because he needed a sugar fix. Other times he came in just to talk to you or have a quiet place to work on his plays.

He didn't need another cupcake order until 2014.

June 4, 2014

“Hey, Miranda,” you said to Lin as he walked into your shop. “how's my favorite playwright?”

“Pretty good,” he smiled. “and how are you, my favorite baker?”

“Tired,” you sighed. “I have sooooo many orders to fill.”

“Well, I'm about to add to your workload,” he told you.

“You finally ready for me to make cupcakes for that musical about Alexander Hamilton you've been working on?” you asked hopefully.

“No, actually I've been working on this musical called, ‘21 Chump Street,’ and I was wondering if you could make cupcakes for opening night?” he asked.

“Of course, how many do you need?”

“Two dozen.”

“Delivery or Pick up?”

“Delivery.”

“When do you need them?”

“The 7th.”

“Lin!” you exclaimed. “You can't keep doing this!”

“I know, I'm sorry!” he apologized.

“Whatever.” you said, obviously not convinced by his apology. “What do you want on them?”

“Surprise me,” he said simply as he handed you a playbill. “The synopsis for the play is in here.”

“You're lucky we're friends, Miranda,”

“Love youuuuu!”

“Goodbye, Lin,” you sighed. “I'll see you on the 7th.”

June 7, 2014

You had just finished putting the finishing touches on the cupcakes for Lin’s play. You made vanilla and chocolate cupcakes with buttercream frosting, and all of the cupcakes were topped with little fondant marijuana leaves.

“Isn't the play about how weed can ruin your life?” your fellow baker and friend, Charlotte asked.

“Yeah, but I wanted to make them look cute,” you told her.

“Well, Lin will love them anyway,” she assured you.

“I hope so,” you mumbled.

“When are you gonna ask him out anyways?” she asked.

“Tonight after the show.” you told her.

“Finally!” she squealed. “You've been practically in love with him since ’08!”

She was right. You had liked Lin in a more-than-friend way since 2008, but you never had the courage to tell him. But you were past patiently waiting; you were finally going to do it.

You arrived at the Brooklyn Academy of Music at 5:00 and you saw Lin waiting outside for you.

“Cupcake delivery for Mr. Lin Manuel Miranda?” you announced, flashing him a cheesy smile.

“That's me!” he smiled.

“Your total is 36.50.” you said.

“Here,” he said and hand you an envelope.

You looked inside and saw two tickets to the play.

“I hope you can accept this as a payment,” he said jokingly.

“I'll gladly take the tickets in addition to the money.” you replied snarkily.

He handed you the money and you two walked inside. He led you backstage and you sat the cupcakes down on the table.

“Can I look at them?” he asked.

“Go ahead,” you said.

He opened the box of cupcakes and didn't say anything. It was starting to make you nervous.

“So, what do you think?” you asked nervously.

“I think it's insensitive to Justin Laboy’s story.” he said harshly. “He was seduced and tricked by an undercover cop and you're making a joke out of it.”

Shit. Your biggest fear was coming true.

“Lin, I'm so sorry. I thought you'd think it was cute, and—” you rambled, but he cut you off.

“Y/N, I was kidding!” he giggled.

“Goodbye, Miranda,” you said, slightly relieved and slightly pissed.

“See you tonight!” he called after you.

“Uh huh,” you said and waved him off.

Lin gave you two tickets so you took Charlotte who was a mess by the end of the play.

“It wasn't fair!” She shouted, “He was just a child!”

“Well, I guess if you're so upset we can just go home,” you suggested, hoping she'd forget about what you said about asking Lin out.

“No!” she said, her mood changing right before your eyes. “You're going to ask him out if it's the last thing you do!”

You groaned and you two walked backstage. Lin was talking to his friend, Alex Lacamoire.

“Oh, he's busy, let's go!” you mumbled and began to walk in the direction you came in.

“Over my dead body!” she said and pushed you in Lin’s direction.

“Oh hey, Y/N!” Lin said as he saw you. “How did you like it?”

“It was great, but I need to ask you something,” you said, getting more anxious with every word you spoke.

“Can it wait?” he asked and your smile disappeared. “I'm talking to Lac about getting Hamilton on Broadway!”

“That's great! I'll just ask you later.” you said.

You were genuinely happy for Lin. You knew how long he had been working on Hamilton, and besides, you could always ask him the next time he came into your shop.

You never did ask Lin out after that day at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. You could never work up the courage to ask him. That would be to your detriment because what happened on July 29, 2015, would make you regret that decision forever.

July 29, 2015

“Y/N, big news!” Lin announced as he walked into your shop.

“What's up?” you asked.

“Hamilton is going to Broadway!” he announced proudly.

“Lin, that's amazing!” you squeaked, practically jumping over the counter to hug him. “I'm so proud of you!”

The warmth of his embrace, the smell of his cologne; it was perfect.

“But wait, there's more!” he announced.

He dug through his pockets and pulled out a velvet box.

Oh no.

“I'm proposing to my girlfriend, Vanessa, and I was wondering if you could bake the ring into a cupcake?” he asked with a huge smile on his face.

Your smile faltered and your heart shattered. It was too late.

[theletterunread]

A Week in the City: Friday

The end of the week coincided with the end of the pay period, the end of the month, the end of the season. There was no reason not to lean into this, so Marla set an appointment at her hair salon for 5 o’clock. Any time she had her hair done, she felt like she’d lived a whole lifetime between stylings, that the priorities and concerns she’d lived under when she last went to the salon were as remote and trivial as the Wars of the Roses. This was the same if she went at regular intervals or if, as in the case of this visit, Marla was calling a snap styling, cutting short the life of her current look in the hopes that a new look would hasten a new and better reality for her.

The chairs at the salon were turned towards the storefront windows, though there was nothing Marla could see that anyone would want to observe. The skies were heavy and grey. “We may see a star walk by,” explained Marla’s stylist, Brigita. “They’re filming that new superhero movie a few blocks away,”

“I’ve got my autograph ledger ready,” beamed Sue, a waiting customer

“Who’s in it?” asked Marla.

“It’s with Cameron Tenzin,” said Brigita. “Wouldn’t you kill to get a picture with her?”

In fact, Marla already had a picture of herself with Tenzin. Five years earlier, she had run into the star before a taping of At Night with Apollo Yamasaki. She had seemed gracious while taking the photo, but when Marla watched the program later that night, she saw that Tenzin was showing the picture to the audience as a warning about how not to approach a celebrity.

“I don’t mind taking a picture, but come up to me little less like a rabid maniac, please,” she remarked to howls from the audience and a raised-eyebrow take to the camera from Apollo. “And the haircut on this kid, oh my god.” Tenzin rubbed her forehead. “It’s just flat down all around her head, like an onion skin.”

Embarrassing stories are often necessary learning experiences (Marla soon found hairstyles more flattering to her head), but she still wished she could have learned the lesson in private. Or by watching somebody else’s public faceplant.

“Look!” screamed Sue, and Brigita, spinning around to see, clipped an extra large hank of hair from the side of Marla’s head.

“What? What?”

“Oh…no, that’s not her,” said Sue. “Looked like her for a second.”

Marla held up the triangle of hair that had fallen into her lap and tried to get Brigita’s attention. “Can you–”

“She was too short,” Brigita chastised Sue, pointing the scissors at her. “Don’t freak like that.” She turned back to Marla. “Don’t worry, I can even that out, let’s just…well, let’s see.” She stared at her mistake hard enough to bore a hole in Marla’s head. “You know, let’s do a soft reset on all this. Let’s wash again.” She opened a drawer and riffled through some hand-labelled bottles. “Is this…?” she asked herself, holding one up to the light to read the faded lettering.

“Well, forgive me,” Sue said, having spent a moment devising that comeback. “I just thought we all might want to take advantage of the opportunity.”

“Do shut up,” said Brigita, emptying the bottle into the sink and massaging it into Marla’s hair. “The trouble with you is…”

She was cut off by an enormous thunderclap overhead. There was a cloudburst and sheets of rain came down the windows.

“The trouble with you is that you don’t have any decorum. You could never be a star like Cameron.”

“And you could?” shot back Sue.

“No, but on the scale it goes: real stars, then me, then you’re last.”

Marla stared up at the mirror on the ceiling, wondering if she could ever be a star. Her first thought was that she was too normal to be famous, but then, maybe it was more accurate to say that she was too normal not to be a star. She was calm and collected and competent, with an average level of ambition, energy, and social grace. If her life followed the contours of “Regular Person,” she would sink below the great mass of humanity, sink below everybody else’s talents and quirks and jagged edges, never accomplishing anything of distinction, not even dubious accomplishments like office fuck-up or flakiest friend. What could she do that couldn’t be done better by another, less ordinary person? But if she was a star, the shape of that lifestyle would give notability to her normality. Those attributes might even become her signature style.

Brigita lifted Marla from the sink. Her hair was shaped into odd tufts and bouffants that didn’t flatten even as Brigita pressed on them with a towel. “That’s irregular…” she said and looked closer at the bottle she’d emptied into the sink. “Ooh, shouldn’t have kept this with the shampoo bottles. Fat Manatee brand glue. It’s water-insoluble.”

The front door banged open, and Cameron Tenzin rushed in, three flunkies trailing behind her. She shook out her umbrella, caught sight of Marla and burst out laughing. “Oh, wow! What is this? You look like a scarecrow that lost its fight with the birds.”

“Wow, Ms. Tenzin, what an honor, it’s incredible!” babbled Brigita. “This is my shop, and that you would come in here, it’s…you’re…”

“We’re so excited for your new movie,” added Sue. “I don’t want to annoy you, but can I get an autograph?”

Tenzin hadn’t taken her eyes off of Marla. “Oh, I don’t think so. We’re in the middle of a scene. We just had to come in to get out of the weather.” She started laughing again, louder even than the rain banging against the windows.. “But I can’t be in here with that hair. I’m not going to be able to breath. Let’s find somewhere else.”

She turned back to the door and a member of her entourage opened it for her. She stepped out onto the sidewalk and was immediately knocked off her feet by the rushing water. Everyone in the salon watched as Cameron Tenzin was swept down the flooded streets, beyond their sights and out to sea.

“Oh no,” exhaled one of her lackeys. “That’s it for the movie.”

“No, it’s not,” said Marla, standing up and throwing off her smock. “I’ll take over.” The entourage took in her unique look, her collected demeanor, and saw, instantly, her star quality.

Since the film’s premiere, Marla has been traveling around the world on a publicity tour, greeted by screaming fans in even the most remote corners of the world. It’s the longest she’s ever been away from the city. Whenever a flight plan takes her overhead, she leans far out of her seat, presses her face to the plane’s window and looks down at the skyline, the streets and highways, the apartment buildings, the parks, the beaches and rivers, the trains and buses…until they pass out of frame and are replaced by the suburbs. If on a globetrotting trip a star, high above her city, edging off her seat without concern for poise or equilibrium, looks down through the billowing clouds at the network of lives that intertwine, at the network of lives that decussate, on the gridded world electrified by the private dreams of an unspoken community…“What new excitement awaits me tomorrow?” she wonders, eager to know the answer.