#I Get To Bring Another Snippet To My Meeting With Her Tomorrow And Be Like “Dr. R...WHUT?”

[xaykwolf]

Just looked at an email from my dissertation chair, and apparently she isn't quite aware of how long my lit review already is, cuz she's talking about me aiming for 25-30 pages total and needing another 10-20 weeks for that cuz I've been giving her about a page or two per week this semester...

Gurl...I have at least 22 pages now, with a couple snippets to add in from other word docs...GURLLLLLLLL

[mariclerc]

A project of love | ls2

Summary: where you have to do a project with your crush and you try not to fall for him.

Warning: none.

a/n: requested and dedicated by @bananaleclerc I hope you like it!! And yes, I need a break from posting so much 😂😂

You're hunched over a textbook at a library table, surrounded by scattered notes and a half-eaten granola bar. Just then Logan enters the library, a whirlwind of energy and a backpack overflowing with what looks like every microbiology textbook ever written.

He slammed his books down next to you. “Hey there, study buddy! Ready to conquer the microscopic world?”

You jump a little, startled. He flashes a dazzling smile. “Uh, yeah, hi Logan. I was just... uh... reviewing.” You say, trying to sound casual.

“Awesome! Me too. Though, to be honest, my brain feels like it's about to explode from all these bacteria names.” He pulls out a chair dramatically and sits down. “Did you get a chance to look at the project outline Professor Davies sent? Apparently, we're germ-fighting partners!”

Your stomach flips. Internally screaming, you manage a smile. “Yeah, I saw it. Partnered up, huh? Makes sense, I guess.”

“Definitely! We balance each other out, right? You with your quiet genius vibe, and me... well, I bring the enthusiasm.”

You laugh nervously, a blush creeping up your cheeks.

“I wouldn't call myself a genius, but hopefully, I can keep up with your... enthusiasm.”

“Oh, you will, trust me. So, what do you think? Should we start with some foundational stuff, or dive straight into the exciting world of, like, antibiotic resistance?” he grins.

You take a deep breath, trying to focus. “Maybe foundational stuff first? That way, we're both on the same page when we get to the more complex topics.”

”Sounds like a plan! But hey, don't worry about keeping up. Like I said, I'm basically a walking microbiology encyclopedia. Just ask away if you get lost.”

You nod, but your mind is racing. Trying to focus on the project feels impossible now that you're so close to him.

You clear your throat. “Okay, so... cell walls of bacteria... what were we talking about those in lecture?”

Logan launches into an explanation, peppered with jokes and pop culture references. You try to concentrate, but all you can think about is the way his eyes light up when he talks about something he's passionate about.

Later, after a productive study session, you're packing your things.

“So, should we meet again tomorrow? Same time, same place?”

You feel your heart pounding. “Uh, yeah, sure. Sounds good.”

“Great! Hey, you seem a little quiet today. Everything alright?” he asks softly.

You force a smile. “Yeah, no, I'm just... tired, I guess... All this studying.”

“Studying can be draining! But hey, at least we're suffering together, right?” He winks at you. “See you tomorrow, germ fighter!”

He flashes another smile and throws you a peace sign before walking off. You sigh, a mix of frustration and a secret thrill bubbling in your chest. Studying with Logan might be the most nerve-wracking, yet strangely fun, experience of your university career so far.

You watch him disappear into the library crowd, a bittersweet pang in your chest.

You mutter to yourself. “Germ fighter, huh? More like heartbreaker.”

You gather your things, a sudden wave of determination washing over you. You like Logan, a lot. But you can't let that distract you from the project. You take a deep breath and head out of the library, a plan forming in your mind.

***

The next day, you arrive at the study table a few minutes early. You've spent the morning making flashcards – not just on microbiology, but also on Logan's interests you've gleaned from his conversation snippets. Genetics? Check. Obsession with the movie "The Andromeda Strain"? Double check.

He bursts in, a little late and slightly out of breath.

“Sorry I'm late! Professor Davies got us sidetracked talking about her research on bioluminescent bacteria. Apparently, there's a kind that glows neon green – can you believe it?” He says hurriedly, making you laugh a little, just then he notices the flashcards on the table. “Whoa, flashcards? You serious?”

You nod smiling, not as nervously as yesterday. “Just thought they might help us remember all this complex stuff. Besides, I found some fun facts related to the topics we need to cover. Maybe a little trivia can keep things interesting?”

His eyes wide at your words. “You got fun facts about bacteria? Okay, you officially win coolest study partner ever! Shoot, let's hear one.”

You pick up a flashcard and grin. Maybe studying with Logan won't be so bad after all. Maybe you can find a way to balance your academic focus with a sprinkle of something more.

***

The following week becomes a whirlwind of flashcards, late-night library sessions fueled by takeout, and a slow, simmering tension between you and Logan. Your knowledge of bacteria trivia becomes legendary, earning you surprised yet impressed glances from Logan. He, in turn, starts bringing coffee (with extra whipped cream for you, which you secretly adore) and peppering the study sessions with personal anecdotes, revealing a surprisingly deep and caring side beneath his bubbly exterior.

One rainy afternoon, hunched over a microscope analyzing bacterial cultures, Logan asks. “Hey, you ever wonder what those bioluminescent bacteria actually look like in real life?”

You glance up, surprised by the sudden seriousness in his voice. “Not really.” you admit, “but Professor Davies said she has some under a special microscope in her lab. Maybe we could ask if we could take a peek after our next class?”

He grins, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Perfect... We can make it a little research adventure.”

The stolen glance you share sparks a warmth in your chest, a silent acknowledgement that this is more than just a study session. The next day, after you convince a hesitant Professor Davies to let you glimpse the glowing bacteria, you find yourselves alone in the dimly lit lab.

As you peer through the microscope, Logan leans closer, his shoulder brushing yours. “Wow.” he whispers, “they're incredible.”

You hum in agreement, captivated by the tiny emerald lights dancing before your eyes. The silence stretches, charged with unspoken emotions. You can feel the heat radiating from him, his breath tickling your ear.

Suddenly, the lab door bursts open, revealing Professor Davies returning from her meeting. You and Logan jump apart, both cheeks flushing a deep red.

“Did you get to see them?” she asks cheerfully.

“Yes, Professor,” you stammer a little bit, “they're amazing!”

As the week progresses, the air between you crackles with a new awareness. You find yourself stealing glances at Logan as he talks, your heart skipping a beat when he laughs at one of your jokes.

During a particularly frustrating attempt at culturing E. coli, you blurt out, “Ugh, these bacteria are so stubborn!”

“Hey,” Logan says softly, placing a hand on yours, “we'll figure it out together... Like always.”

His touch sends a jolt through you, and you meet his gaze, your eyes locked in a silent conversation. In that moment, you both know this partnership has become something more, a budding connection waiting to bloom amidst the petri dishes and microscopes.

The shared look hangs heavy in the air, the frustration of the stubborn E. coli forgotten. Logan's hand lingers on yours, his thumb gently brushing against your skin. You can feel the warmth radiating from him, and a blush creeps up your neck.

“Maybe,” he starts, his voice a low rumble, “we should take a break from these little buggers. Grab some coffee, clear our heads?”

You nod mutely, your heart pounding a frantic rhythm against your ribs. Stepping out of the lab, the rain has stopped, leaving the air fresh and clean. As you walk side-by-side, a comfortable silence settles between you. You steal a glance at Logan, his profile sharp against the setting sun.

Reaching the familiar coffee shop you frequent, you order your usual, Logan opting for his favorite with extra whipped cream (a detail that makes your stomach flutter with a strange mix of amusement and affection). Settling into a quiet corner booth, you both sip your drinks, the tension still simmering beneath the surface.

“Thanks for sticking with this project,” Logan says, his gaze fixed on you. “It wouldn't have been nearly as fun without you.”

A shy smile graces your lips. “It wouldn't have been so bad with you either.”

He leans closer, his eyes searching yours. The air crackles with unspoken desire. In a voice barely above a whisper, he asks, “Can I do something?”

Your breath catches in your throat. You nod hesitantly, a shiver running down your spine. He closes the distance between you, his hand cupping your cheek. His touch is soft, sending a jolt of electricity through you.

The kiss is tentative at first, a brush of lips that sends a wave of heat through your body. But then, something shifts. He deepens the kiss, his hand moving to cradle your head, tilting it for better access. You melt into him, the taste of coffee and something uniquely Logan swirling on your tongue.

The kiss is brief, broken by a gasp for air. He leans his forehead against yours, his chest rising and falling with each ragged breath. Your eyes flutter open to meet his, a goofy grin plastered across his face.

“Wow,” he breathes, a mixture of awe and amusement in his voice.

You can only manage a shaky smile, your heart overflowing with a mix of exhilaration and nervousness. The world seems to tilt on its axis, and for a moment, only you and Logan exist in this small corner of the coffee shop.

As you pull back and smile, a newfound confidence sparks within you... Maybe this partnership, born amidst bacteria and microscopes, could blossom into something more. And you, for one, are eager to see where it leads.

[wolfjackle-creates]

Answer My Call Chapter 2 Part 3

The second of the posts compiling all my snippets from the ask game. I'll try and get another out later today, but it might be tomorrow for the rest.

Story Summary: Jazz, Sam, and Tucker manage to help Danny escape the GIW, but they can't follow him and are under too much surveillance to communicate with each other. Sam snuck Danny a phone as he ran and Jazz sends him a text every day, hoping to hear he is all right. But he's not the one getting the texts.

Jason was away for several months on a mission with the Outlaws. When he finally returns home, he is surprised to find dozens of messages from an unknown number begging a Danny to tell her he's okay. Looks like there's not going to be a break between missions this time around.

Chapter 1: AO3, Tumblr

Chapter 2: First, Previous

Word Count: 1.3k

-----

“Five months ago, he disappeared. I’d already started college, so I wasn’t home. But Sam and Tucker reached out and the three of us began searching. It… It took three weeks to find him. And another week to get him out. In that time… What we found… It wasn’t pretty. The guys in white—” Jazz cut herself off. That day would forever be branded into her memory and featured in far too many nightmares.

Todd made an encouraging noise, but didn’t interrupt.

Jazz took a steadying breath and forced herself to continue. “It wasn’t easy breaking in. And even harder breaking out. Danny was hurt and the agents were chasing us. We had on masks, but they knew who we were. We managed to cause some chaos, though. Released all the ghosts they had prisoner to mess up their scanners. Send them running in every direction.

“It was almost enough. We all got out of the building. But they’d figured out our path and were waiting for us. Sam, Tucker, and I managed to hold them back. Sending Danny ahead alone with the go bag we’d prepared him. He was supposed to either get back to Amity and cross the portal into the Infinite Realms or run north to meet up with the other Dani.”

“But he didn’t make it,” said Todd. A statement rather than a question.

“We don’t know. He never made it to Dani. And due to the breakout, the guys in white placed the town on high alert. There’s checks for everyone entering or leaving the town. If you’re suspected of pro-ghost sentiment, you’ll be brought in for questioning. Ghost shields are everywhere. Sam’s parents withdrew her from school because they didn’t trust her to follow the new rules.” She gave a watery laugh. “They were probably right. Then Tucker was offered a scholarship for a tech school in California. I was escorted back to Boston. Only time I went back was for his funeral.”

Todd nodded. “And they’re in your phones and computers so you can’t talk to each other.”

Jazz smiled wryly. “Yep. Tucker could’ve, probably has, developed something. A messaging program or whatever. But without being able to meet up with us to download it to our devices—” she shrugged “—we’ve no way to get it.”

“Okay, so we’ll start there. Restoring contact should be fairly easy if you all want it—”

“We do!”

“But I’m also worried about your safety. What will happen to you after you ditched your guard today?”

Jazz shrugged. “They’ll bring me in for questioning. Probably make me miss a quiz or something important for school to make it extra inconvenient.”

“What will the questioning entail?”

Jazz bit her lip and shrugged. “Before? Sitting me in an uncomfortable metal chair in an interrogation room like you might see on TV and keeping me there for… oh, up to twenty-four hours? Whenever my parents would find out and barge in yelling at them about how ‘No Fenton would support a ghost!’ or whatever. Now? I don’t know.”

“Do you think they’ll hurt you?” asked Todd. He was frowning. “After your brother, it sounds like they are capable of it.”

Jazz held out her hands. “Depends on if they know I’m liminal or not. I’m not as bad as you are. And especially no where near Danny’s level. I don’t think they’ve been able to detect it yet. But if they have their instruments that close and me captive for that long? I… I don’t know.”

Todd nodded. “That’s what I was afraid of. Look, they don’t know where we are right now and don’t have the means to find us at the moment. I can get you out of here. To a safe house in Gotham or Metropolis or, hell, anywhere you want. And we can reach out to Red Robin, see how things are going with your friend Tucker. Maybe extract him as well.”

Jazz’s mouth fell open. They could… get away? For good? To a Justice League level safe house? She burst into tears.

She might be able to see her friends again soon.

Todd moved so he was sitting next to her. Hesitantly, he put a hand on her shoulder. “So I take it you want to do that?”

Jazz nodded, then shook her head. “I don’t—I don’t know.”

“What don’t you know?”

Jazz sniffed. “I just—It’ll make it easier to find Danny. If we’re together. If we have to go somewhere.” She shook her head. “God, I’m going to sound like such a bitch. I love Danny. If it’s what we have to do to get him back, yes. Absolutely. But… It’s just… My degree. If I disappear halfway through the year for who-knows-how-long? I’ve been working to get into Harvard since I was ten years old. Since long before Danny had his accident.” She scrubbed at her eyes. “God, I’m such a bitch. My brother needs me. And if I go back, I’ll probably be detained long enough it’ll impact my grades anyway. And that’s if the Guys in White don’t just lock me up indefinitely.”

“You’re not a bitch,” said Todd, voice filled with some emotion she couldn’t put a name to. “Like you said, this has been your dream for practically half your life. But I think we can help you with that.”

She looked up at him in surprise. “How?”

Todd grinned. “I doubt your school would be able to complain or hold it against you if I had Kori—Starfire—tell them that you were needed for an urgent Titans mission. That you helped save the lives of countless people. Way I see it, they’d have to forgive your abandoned classes and allow you to retake them.” He hummed and looked up. “In fact, I’m pretty sure we could find a Justice League fund to pay for at least one semester of classes for you. Probably more. To make up for the money lost on this one.”

Jazz’s mouth fell open. “You’d do that? For me?”

“And your brother and sister and friends. It’s kinda what we do.”

Jazz nodded. “Yes, please. If you can do that, I’ll go with zero hesitation. I’d have given it all up for Danny, of course. But we’d both… not regret it. But he’d feel guilty he forced me to give up my degree and I’d always be a little resentful I had to. Not towards him, never towards him, but the Guys in White and Vlad and my parents.”

“Great. I’m going to call Arsenal and Starfire. I need one of them to get my car anyway. Left it parked back near our meeting place and I don’t think we should be going back anywhere near there if we can avoid it.”

“Then what?”

“Then I’ll reach out to Red Robin, see what happened when he went to meet up with your friend Tucker out in San Francisco. See if they’re up for an extraction as well. If I gave you a phone, would you be able to reach out to Dani-with-an-I?” He grimaced. “Do you have any other way to differentiate them?”

Jazz chuckled wetly. “Nope. Dani-with-an-I refuses to change her name. Says it’s her name and she’s not going to change it just because someone else had it first. And Danny-with-a-y hates going by Daniel or Dan. When they’re together, they drive us crazy with it.”

Todd grumbled something under his breath. “Fine, whatever. Just, do you have a way to contact her?”

Jazz nodded. “We’ve been too scared to, but if you can get me something with an internet connection, I can contact her and have her meet us somewhere.”

“Easy. I’ll have Arsenal bring us something that you can have to yourself rather than relying on borrowing our phones or computers.”

“Thank you. You didn’t have to do this, but thanks.”

Todd shrugged and stood. “I wasn’t going to just ignore you after seeing those messages. Now, try and get some sleep. It’ll be a few hours before my friends can get here.”

-----

And that brings us to the end of Chapter 2!

Hope you enjoy. We've got the beginnings of a plan set up.

Check out the subscription post if you want notifications when I update!

[wildlife4life]

Tease Tidbit Tuesday

Tagged by the super fantabulous @bekkachaos (dropped a whole fic, check it out!) @jamespearce9-1-1 @thewolvesof1998 @giddyupbuck @eddiebabygirldiaz @hippolotamus @daffi-990 @jesuisici33 and @disasterbuckdiaz. Thank you all so much and I am so very excited for your works!

Feeling a lot better today and I'm in still in a good NFL Buck mood. So here is a little snippet from the Dosed arc, featuring for the first time Buck's perspective. (Everything NFL Buck can be found here.)

After many different un-needed apologies from Eddie about the pollen and several assurances from Buck that Eddie is safe from the tiny ladies made of said pollen, the dosed firefighter finally passes out. Poor man is still in his uniform and is going to have one hell of a hangover when he wakes up. Or at least according to the article Buck speed read after Sergeant Grant stated his boyfriend and the majority of the 118 had been dosed with a hallucinogen. Most likely LSD. Buck lets out a groan of both frustration and weariness. He had just gotten home from the days workout with the team and was getting ready for his cool down when the gates intercom went off. Thinking it was another wayward delivery person who had yet again ignored instructions to leave all packages in the lock box, Buck was taken by complete surprise to see LAPD on the video. And hearing Eddie's desperate cries in the background, threw him for a major loop. Eddie is taken care of for the moment and quick texts to Carla and his sister, insured Christopher would be away until tomorrow afternoon, giving his father time to recover. The last issue at hand, is waiting patiently in Buck's living room. Rolling his shoulders, Buck steps through the arch way, doing his best to ignore the niggle of fear in his gut and to just put on the mask of Evan Buckley, charismatic and cool NFL quarterback. "Seeing that you are alone and a little more at ease, I assume firefighter Diaz is finally settled?" The Sergeant asks sounding truly concerned, but Buck can also see a glint of scrutiny and the mask of charm falters. "Um, yea." Buck answers trying and failing to meet her sharp gaze, feeling as if she could see every little secret he was holding. "Thank you, again for bringing him home and keeping him safe." Ms. Grant shrugs, "Its the job and he's fellow first responder. Plus my husband is becoming quite fond of Diaz, even without knowing him all that well." She catches Buck's wondering eye at that and it freezes him on the spot. "Have to say, finding out Evan Buckley, the LA Ram's shiny new star and hottest NFL bachelor is secretly dating a single father and firefighter from Texas, is the most surprising thing that's happened to me so far this year. And I allowed a delinquent kid out of my custody, to hot wire a concrete mixer to save a man trapped in his burning car." The entirety of the Evan Buckley facade shatters and Buck has to swallow every shard of dread. Shit.

Like Buck could fool Athena. Psssh. Hope you all enjoyed!

PSA: School has officially started for me this week and as I am in a 9 month fast track program, most of my focus will be on my school work, so my writing is going to slow down. But I will find the time.

Tagging (no pressure): @wikiangela @exhuastedpigeon @spotsandsocks @rainbow-nerdss @devirnis @spaceprincessem @fortheloveofbuddie @lover-of-mine @athenagranted @eddiescowboy @evanbegins @elvensorceress @malewifediaz @911onabc @911-on-abc @loserdiaz @hoodie-buck @try-set-me-on-fire @theotherbuckley @ladydorian05 @bigfootsmom @watchyourbuck @thekristen999 @shortsighted-owl @spagheddiediaz @monsterrae1 @rogerzsteven @eowon @princessfbi @honestlydarkprincess @vampbuckley @bitchfacediaz @buck-coded @housewifebuck @glorious-spoon @buddierights @prosperdemeter2 @gayedmundodiaz @lemonzestywrites

[forevercaroline]

The beautiful banner made by my friend Harlow Turner. I had told @austennerdita2533 about this fic and gave her a snippet it. This is my first song fic and the song is Pink Champagne by Carrie Underwood.

Buffy comes into her bedroom after a Scooby meeting, mentally and physically exhausted. She wants to go to sleep. She lifted the comforter, saw a piece of parchment with beautiful scripture, and picked it up. Turning on the light on her nightstand, she noticed yellow roses in a gorgeous crystal vase that twinkled in the moonlight.

“Love Buffy, I know how stressful these last few weeks have been for you; the only time you felt content was when you were Joan. I want to show you, sweetheart, that it will not always be this way. Tomorrow I’ll pick you up at 8 p.m. and wear a gorgeous frock and show you how life should be, we’ll even be Joan and Randy if you want. Just give me a chance.

Yours eternally, Spike.”

A small part of her is saying throw the letter away but everything else is saying she can’t every word has made her heart race. She looks at the letter again with a huge smile from ear to ear. Spike understood exactly what she needed: a night of freedom—no pretending and no judgment—just Buffy.

Xxx

The next night, Dawn pokes her head into Buffy’s room, but when she sees her sister looking at herself in the mirror, she stops and comes in.

“Whatcha doing.”

Buffy jumped and nearly jabbed her mascara brush into her eye. “Dawnie, knock next time you scared me.”

Dawn walks behind Buffy and looks in the mirror at Buffy’s dress and curled hair. “You’re all dressy; what's the occasion?”

Buffy looks at herself for another moment, then looks at Dawn through the mirror. “I’m going out with Spike.” She murmured.

Dawn has a massive smile as she looks at Buffy, fiddling with the bottom of her dress. “Come again; I didn’t quite hear what you said.”

Buffy turned around and looked Dawn in the eyes. “I’m going out with Spike.”

Dawn squeals with excitement and jumps up and down. This is finally happening. The doorbell rings, and Buffy nervously smooths down her dress. “Oh my gosh! I’ll go answer the door. You're going to blow him away. I love you guys!”

Dawn opened the door, and she was stunned. Spike changed his regular clothing for a black dress shirt with a paisley design, black dress trousers, and a leather jacket. Dawn then noticed what was in his hand, and her smile grew. “Buffy will be...“ She stops when she sees Spike's eyes move past her and looks towards the stairs in awe. The room suddenly becomes thick with anticipation.

Buffy comes down the stairs like an angel. She has on a black spaghetti strap cut-out cocktail bandage dress. It’s cut into a v in the front; not only can you see the side of her breasts, but you can see just below her breasts. The sides are cut out so you can see her sun-kissed Californian skin. She also has black heels and a black clutch.

Dawn looks at Buffy and then at Spike. "Spike, are you okay?”

He blinks a couple of times to make sure he’s not dreaming; she looks like a sexy goddess. “You look gorgeous.” He hands her a bouquet of yellow and black roses.

She smiles at the roses, she didn’t expect him to bring her flowers let alone colored roses. “Thank you. You look handsome too.”

She hands them to Dawn as Spike asks if she’s ready to go. She nods.

Xxx

Buffy stops halfway down the sidewalk when she sees the black Porsche in the driveway. “Spike, where did you get a Porsche?”

“Borrowed it from a friend. I wanted everything to be perfect for our date tonight.” Spike has dreamed of taking Buffy on a real date since he realized he loved her. A date where he asks her out and she accepts, they get dressed up and go to a fancy dinner.

He opens the passenger's side door for her and waits for her to get in. Once they are both in, she looks over at him, her big green eyes full of wonder. “Where are we going on our first date?”

“Third date.” He’s not expecting anything from this date. He just wants her to have fun, smile, and maybe even laugh.

She raises an eyebrow, confused about where she was during their first two dates. “This is the first time we’ve been on a date.”

Spike starts the car and pulls out of the driveway. He places his hand on her bare leg as he drives. “Our first date was when I told you about the past slayers I killed. Our second date was when you got drunk and I took you to kitten poker.”

“That first night ended up with me throwing money at you, saying you're beneath me, resulting in you wanting to kill me but instead comforting me when you saw I was crying. And kitten poker was fun. I still can’t believe you play for kittens, which is still stupid currency.”

His thumb brushes over her thigh, he is smiling and relaxed. This is one of the happiest moments in his life. “Not every love story is smooth sailing, pet.”

“So where are we going for our first or third date?”

“I was thinking about dinner, dancing, and then seeing where the night takes us.”

Buffy looks at him, really looks at him; he has a hand on the wheel, and his other hand is still on her thigh. She can’t help it but when he put his hand on her thigh it calmed any doubt she had about tonight.

Anyone can see that Spike is beyond ecstatic that he is officially going on a date with Buffy, the woman he loves. She actually accepted his offer.

She crooks her head while studying him. He’s told her and shown it in different ways, but it's as if she's looking at him in a new light tonight. Tonight he’s not annoying, always popping up Spike. Tonight he is her date, William.

She is still struggling a bit with coming back from the dead. It’s been better since Giles gave them what the council owed her for all the times she saved the world and for dying twice.

They pass the leaving Sunnydale sign. “Are we not having dinner in town?"

“There are no good restaurants; the only good ones are in LA.”

"Spike, please tell me we are not going to LA.”

He side-eyes her. “What’s the worry, love? Captain forehead is probably off brooding somewhere; he won't even know we are in town.”

Buffy takes a breath, looking down at her hands and his on her thigh, and tells him. “The last time I was in LA was that whole sitch with Faith. I went to save Angel from Faith, but I found out he was protecting her. I was mad. I hit Angel, and he punched me in the face. After Faith turned herself in, Angel told me to get out of his town. He followed me back to Sunnydale to apologize, but still, that’s something you don’t forget. I loved Angel, and he protected the woman who took my body and did things, and he hit me.”

Spike's hand on her thigh tightens; Buffy puts a hand over his instinctively; her touch relaxes him, and his hand loosens up his thumb brushes over hers. He is so mad at Angel for treating Buffy that way. He has only punched Buffy when they were fighting, and that was before he realized he was in love with her. Angel never deserved someone as beautiful and kind hearted as Buffy. “I thought the last time was when he found out you were alive.”

She shakes her head, he adds. “I knew you weren’t you that night. I didn’t know who was driving your body, but I knew it wasn’t you.”

Buffy smiles a little at him; aside from Tara, only Spike knew it wasn’t her. He asks her, “If you want, we can find somewhere else to eat.”

She takes a breath and looks down at their hands. She still has a hand on his, and his thumb is caressing her thumb. “No, you worked so hard to set up this date, I don't want to ruin it.”

Spike brings her hand up to his lips and gently kisses them. “You could never, I promise you good memories of LA tonight.”

Buffy turns the radio on, and they hear.

“I can get intoxicated on you, baby, anytime.

Cause you’re mine.”

Xxx

They pull up to a fancy LA restaurant. Spike opens her door and holds his hand out for her. She smiles as she places her hand in his. Amazed at this restaurant and how it fuses both indoors and outdoors perfectly. The doors are open to the outdoor dining area, and there are plants inside.

The host asks them if they have a reservation. Buffy looks up at Spike, and he cheekily says, "Yes, under Randy Giles.”

Buffy tries to hide her smile when she hears that. The host looks at his list and tells them to follow him.

They are seated at a private table for two outside. The entire outdoor seating was reserved for them. Instead of chairs, there is a little loveseat for two with pillows overlooking the patio seating.

“How did you find this place?”

Spike has his arm across the back of the loveseat. “I know the guy who owns the restaurant, he's a friend. His daughter wanted to meet a vampire like the ones from her books. He called me up and I met her, but when she tried to touch me, I told her I was a one-woman kind of man; I’m already taken.”

Buffy raises her eyebrows not expecting that explanation and says, “That was nice of you, but does your girlfriend know you’re on a date with me?”

He chuckles. “The owner told me the next time I’m in town, the meal is on him. The daughter was disappointed I was taken, so I sent her to a broody vampire who is lonely.”

Buffy can’t help but let out a little laugh. “You sent her to Angel?”

“Give the old granddad some fun in his life.” Spike smiles it’s been so long since he’s heard her laugh it’s an angelic melody to his ears.

He had ordered whiskey, and she got a cucumber martini. “So you’re taken?” She takes a sip and scrunches up her face. Buffy and alcohol, no mixy. Spike softly smiles at her, his eyes twinkling.

He nods as he takes a drink. "By a gorgeous woman, she glows; her heart is so big, but it’s taken some beatings in the past, and she has put up some walls because of that. Everyone is always asking her for things and expecting things from her. I don’t want anything from her. I love her; I don't know if she feels something for me. I'm not going to pressure her. She knows she can be alone with me, and I’m there to listen to her or just sit in silence with her.”

Buffy smiles at him and places her hand on his arm. “Who is this woman that has captured your heart?”

He smiles at her tenderly and says, “Buffy.”

She closes her eyes and wills back the tears. She knows Spike loves her but hearing him say this and everything she is going through is a lot for her. She has never had anyone like Spike in her life, he gets her in a way nobody has ever got her. She can never fool him and she doesn’t have to pretend around him or hold back with him. They are always upfront with each other. Her voice is so small, as she says. “Spike, you're going to make me cry here in this beautiful restaurant.”

“I’m sorry, love; I didn’t mean to.” She can hear his worry and regret about saying anything in his voice.

She cups his cheek and looks into his piercing blue eyes. “No, happy tears; that was beautiful; nobody has ever said anything like that to me before.”

He wraps his arms around her, and she snuggles into his embrace as a tear falls down her face.

Xxx

Angel is hunting a demon when he cuts through a parking lot. He is running past cars. When he stops for a second, looking around, he knows that scent;That’s Buffy. But that can’t be; she would tell him if she were in his town. Before he can go look for her, Wesley and Gunn come running up to him. "Angel, the demon, he’s getting away.”

Xxx

Buffy had ordered a molten chocolate cake for dessert. The first bite is an explosion of chocolatey oozy goodness and oh it’s melted chocolate in the middle. “Oh my god! This is the best thing I’ve ever had in my mouth.”

She picks up another piece with her fork and offers it to him. He’s not going to deny her. He opens his mouth, and she places the fork in his mouth. She's so adorable and he’s so happy she is enjoying herself. "Mmm, you’re right, that is good.”

He glides his finger through the melted chocolate and holds up his finger. Buffy licks her lips slowly. Glancing between his eyes watching her and his delicious chocolate covered finger. Buffy can not believe that Spike set all of this up just for her. He just wanted to do something nice for her. She has been so lost and everyone has been trying so desperately expecting her to just bounce back from being ripped out of heaven. Except Spike she knows he’s happy she’s back she can see it in his face, but he doesn’t hover over her or want anything from her. Instead he listens to her if she needs someone to lean on. He has become her person, she goes to him when she’s sad he makes life worth living. Buffy is happy right now; this is exactly what she needed.

A low growl emerges from Spike as he watches Buffy lick his chocolate covered finger up and down. Close her lips around his finger and suck. It's one of the most erotic things he’s ever seen. God this woman, he could dust right now a happy man.

They finish the chocolate dessert, and the plate is taken away. Buffy hears the open doors separating the inside from the outside shutting, and soft music can be heard from a speaker.

When she looks over at Spike he is standing next to her with his hand outstretched. “Want to dance, love?”

A small smile spreads across her face as she places her hand in his. Buffy didn’t know what to expect from this date but was blown away by the thoughtfulness.

“Adrenaline rising

Ain’t feeling no pain

I’m floating and flying

The room is spinning, making me sway

And I ain’t even had to go

And I open a bottle of wine tonight.”

As they sway, Buffy tells him. “Much better than the last time I was in LA.”

Spike smiles to himself. He is on cloud nine right now. He wants to give Buffy everything; she deserves everything. He wants to be the one she loves, the one she comes home to and snuggles up with. He will be there side by side fighting demons with her.

Xxx

After killing the demon, Angel went back to that parking lot. Where he smelled Buffy, but her scent was gone. Angel shakes his head. He is losing it.

Xxx

Spike glances over at Buffy; his hand is on Buffy’s thigh again. they share a smile and he almost hits a tall green demon with red horns in a red suit running out into the street.

“I did not want to kill anything tonight. Demons don’t go poof like vampires.”

Spike glances over at Buffy to see if she’s ok, she nods. The demon knocks on the driver's window. Demons don’t normally knock or wear suits. He rolls down his window, and the demon tells them. “Hi, I’m the host; you can call me Lorne. I can read people's auras, and as you were driving by, I got overwhelmed by you, diamond, and slim. If you may follow me into my club, I can give you a better reading. Help you on your path.”

Spike looks at Buffy; they both know that since she has come back, she has kind of been pathless, just going through the motions. She is trying to be okay so the others don’t worry. The only time she is happy is when she is with Spike. She nods at him.

The blonde couple follows the demon into his club. “How does this work?”

"I can read you the best if you sing.”

“Do you have any relation to a demon named Sweet?” Buffy’s body shakes memories of being in a musical coming back to her.

Lorne shakes his head, and Spike chuckles at the question.

Buffy takes a breath as she begins to sing the song that she heard in the car.

“One more round of you won’t hurt me.

I need you right now in a hurry.

Cause your love (baby) gets me more buzzed than pink champagne.”

Spike smiles at her and sings the last line with her. “Got me addicted, don’t want to fix it.”

Buffy wraps her arms around his waist and he wraps his arms around her. Buffy lets out a breath. She does not want to be hurt anymore and she knows that Spike would never hurt her. It’s the people she calls her friends who hurt her and would never accept her dating Spike. It feels like her friends do not want her to be happy. They pulled her out of heaven, told her she is broke and is expecting her to fix all their problems, but nobody is seeing that she has problems too. Except for Spike all he has done is try to help her with her problems and help take some of the burden off her.

Lorne settles down at the bar and wipes his tears, emotions, feelings and thoughts flood through him. He Abruptly stands up and hurries over to the entrance when he sees who just entered his club.“Not a good time, Angel Cakes.”

"Lorne, you don’t understand...Buffy?”

Lorne puts a hand on his chest to stop him from charging at the couple, “Angel food.”

Lorne turns his attention back to Buffy and Spike.“That was Cher-rific. Your auras are so strong. My Diamond, you are not empty inside; you are filled with love. You closed yourself off after Mr. Tall Dark and Rockin left you, but from what I’ve seen, Spike is not going to leave you. Every moment spent with Spike breaks through the walls of depression. Slim, you love with your whole heart. You are one of a kind; you’re a vampire, but you love so strongly and feel things so deeply. You do have a soul, the demon could never take that away from you. You always knew what you wanted to be and what you didn’t want to be. Stay on this path together; your future is bright for both of you. There will be hardships, but if you’re together, you can overcome anything.”

Buffy and Spike are still holding each other. He has his arms around her, and her hands are on his chest. They are gazing into each other’s eyes and smiling at each other.

Lorne smiles at the happy couple as he claps his hands. “Pink Champagne for Slim and Diamond.”

“Mate, Buffy doesn’t like the taste of alcohol.”

He lowers his voice and leans down to her ear. “You do make the most adorable face when you drink it, though.”

She shyly smiles up at him as she tells Lorne. “Spike isn’t a champagne person; he's more bourbon or whiskey.”

“Everyone loves Pink Champagne.”

As Lorne has his back to everyone, Angel sees his opportunity and huffs over to the couple. “How do you know each other’s drink orders?”

“Angel?” Buffy doesn't leave Spike's embrace, she likes the feeling of Spike's strong arms holding her, she feels safe in his embrace. She didn’t even notice Angel was here; when did he arrive? How long has he been here?

“What are you doing here, you Magnificent Poof?

Angel touches Spike's arm around Buffy’s waist to free Buffy; she clearly needs his help. “Sod off wanker!"

“Stop touching my date!” Buffy pushes Angel’s hand away from Spike. She is the only one who gets to touch Spike.

Angel looks between them and takes in their date night attire. “You’re on a date? Buffy, are you under a spell? This is Spike here.”

Buffy scoffs; of course, she couldn’t go on a date or hang out with Spike unless she was under a spell. It’s not like she could like him on her own. She gets Spike, and he gets her; he doesn’t demand things from her. He’s happy to just sit in silence with her, listen to her, and be there for her when she needs someone. Buffy really likes that she can depend on Spike; he is there for her through thick and thin.

“No, I'm not under a spell. For the first time in a while, I’m having fun. I’ve been so lost and lonely lately, and Spike is the only one who noticed. He’s the only one who has been there for me.”

Spike’s fingers grazed her cheek. “Till the end of the world.” His voice is so soft, and it makes her insides explode with happiness knowing that someone will never leave her.

“Buffy, it’s Spike. Can you trust him? He’s a monster.”

Spike scoffs offended. Not only is Angel interrupting his date with Buffy, but that's rich of Angel to call him a monster. “Listen, you miserable bastard. You tried to make me a monster you failed; you don’t like me because I’m everything you’re not and never can be. I’m not like you, my soul never left when I turned into a vampire. With one without one I’m a good person. Take yours away, and you’re an animal. I was a gentleman when I was human, and I’m still a gentleman. I've just upgraded; you were a ponce, and now you're a gormless tit. I asked Buffy out tonight because I knew she needed to have some fun. She has been through a traumatic event, and nobody is seeing what they’ve done to her. I’ve seen the glimpses she’s let me in. I’m trying to help her. Where were you when the woman you claim you love died? You didn’t check on her family once; I took care of her little sister, made sure she went to school, helped her with her homework, made sure she was eating and not killed by demons. Do you even know how hard it has been for Buffy?”

Buffy looks up at Spike again, like it’s the first time she has seen him. He took care of Dawn when she was dead; he did not have to; she knew he promised, but a lot happened that night. She would not hold it against him if he did not keep his promise. “You looked after Dawn?”

“I made a promise to a lady, a lady that I love. I almost couldn’t. I was so heartbroken and sobbing at seeing you like that. I didn’t realize the sun was coming up so soon. Luckily, Clem was walking home. He got me back to my crypt.”

Buffy cups his cheek wiping a tear sliding down Spike's face, he leans into her soft touch. He cries everytime he thinks of seeing Buffy’s lifeless body laying in front of him. “I’ll have to thank him. Next time you take me to kitten poker.”

Spike raises his eyebrows and smirks down at her, tightening his arms around her. “Next time, pet?”

“I still think it’s stupid currency, but there can be a next time.”

Spike leans his forehead against hers. Their eyes closed. Savoring this moment between them. She has tried on his world, and he’s right, it did feel good. She wants to make a world with him.

Angel begins again. “I didn’t know she didn’t tell me, Buffy. Why didn’t you tell me?”

Buffy glances over at Angel; she just wants to continue her date with Spike. They should have never come into this club; Buffy and LA are not mixy anymore. “You didn’t want to hear it; like everyone else, you just wanted the confirmation that I was alive and that I could continue my fight. Getting ripped out of heaven is not something a person bounces back from easily; it takes time. Spike was the only one who cared to ask what it was like for me. He saw me coming down that staircase. He gently guided me to the living room. I did not want to be touched. Everything was hard, bright, and scary. Nothing felt right, but when Spike held my hands to clean them, it didn’t feel scary anymore. He didn’t attack me with questions like the others. He softly answered my questions, counted the days I was gone, and asked where I was. I told him later, I was in heaven, and now I’m not. It’s hard, but I know Spike is there for me.”

Spike cups Buffy’s cheek, and she softly smiles up at him. She tenderly leans into his touch, and his thumb stops a tear from running down her face. Buffy glances at Angel. “We know each other’s drink orders from a couple of weeks ago.” She looks back at Spike.” We went on a date; I had a hard day. I went to him, we drank whiskey, and we went on his motorcycle, he took me to kitten poker. I drank while he played. He was trying to cheer me up and he did.”

Before, Angel could be even more angry that Buffy was getting drunk in a demon bar. Lorne cuts in. “She is not on your path, my Little Crumb Cake. She never was. Slim and Diamond are on the same path.”

“But-“

“Angel, I'm going to tell you the same thing I told you about Darla. Let Buffy go; she is happy with Spike. Look at them; have you seen her be that happy with you?”

Angel looks at Buffy; her hands are around Spike's neck; her head is on his chest; he is hugging her tightly; leaving soft kisses in her hair; and he is whispering sweet nothings in her ear to relax her. Spike knows Buffy doesn’t like talking about heaven. It upsets her to think about what she lost.

Angel shakes his head. “She’s happy, my Little Milk Dud.”

“Milk Dud?”

“Said with affection, Angel Wings.”

Angel looks at the green demon with three glasses of Pink Champagne. “Lorne, stop calling me pastries.”

Lorne chuckles. As he watches Angel head for the door.

“To the happy couple.” Lorne gives Buffy and Spike a champagne glass, and the three of them cheer. Buffy looks down at the champagne glass of pink bubbly liquid. Spike drinks his and Lorne drinks his. Buffy takes a sip. It’s really good, she can taste the strawberries and the cream. They have found her drink. She is a Pink Champagne girl.

“One last dance for the road.” Lorne announces.

Buffy puts her hand out to Spike. “Want to dance?”

Spike places his hand in hers and smiles, remembering when he asked her earlier.

Angel stops at the door, turns around, and sees them begin to sway to Lorne singing.

“There ain’t no last call, counting down on the clock. (Counting down)

(On the clock) I can have all I want; don’t be cutting me off.

Cause too much of your good love ain’t a bad thing. (Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh)

And your kiss got me wishing, I could bottle it up. (Oh I could)

(Bottle it up) Every sip to my lips is a sweet sugar rush.

Cause your love gets me more buzzed than pink champagne.”

Buffy looks up at Spike. This has been a wonderful and memorable date. Sure, there are things she would rather not happen—the Angel of it all—but she is happy with Spike; just feeling him around her and swaying to the music is all she needs. “I’m sorry.”

“What for love?”

“For not seeing sooner that you do love me. I might be falling in love with you too.”

Spike's smile is huge when he looks down at her. This is the best sentence he has ever heard. This has been the best date he has ever had, apart from the Angel of it all. He did appreciate telling Angel off. His fingers slide under her chin, and he kisses her tenderly on the lips.

“I still like my rosé

Boy, don’t get me wrong.

But you’re what I reach for when I want something stronger.

Never hungover, but I can’t stay sober with you.

And I don’t want to.”

Xxx

Spike pulls into the driveway at 1630 Revello Drive. He opens the door for Buffy and puts his hand out for her to take. When they get to the door, Spike leans in and leaves a soft kiss on her lips. “Goodnight Buffy.”

As he turns to leave Buffy grabs his hand. She doesn’t want the night to end. This night was perfect. She couldn’t have asked for a better date night. Spike is her man and she wants to be with him. She leans in and leaves a small kiss on his lips. She leans her forehead against his.“You can come in if you want. It’s just me; Dawn is at Janice’s, and Willow is out.”

He nods as they get to the threshold. He scoops her up, bridal style, and she squeals. “Spike!”

He kisses her as he carries her inside, as she pushes the door closed behind them.

[puppetsoftomorrow]

⭐️ the phoebmonster fanfiction masterpost ⭐️

🌟 💛 all complete, but series may be ongoing

multichapter

all these roads lead back to you - 11k

🩷 set around s3, an artefact gives sara and ava the ability to read eachothers minds and force them to stay close. it goes about as well as you'd expect

the day before you came - 13k

❤️ ava hates going home for christmas, so she hires sara to come with her to annoy her family - but will something real come of their fake relationship?

heart of gold - 13k

🧡 sara is a lighthouse keeper and ava is from another world, washed up, all alone, unable to speak and far from home

wild wild whisper - 15k

��� ava is a lawyer, back in town after fifteen years, sara is a cowboy who never left - will their past drive them apart, or is it not to late to begin again?

for reasons wretched and divine - 20k

💚 fantasy au - ava is a princess on the run, and sara is a bandit with something to hide. loosk like its time for an adventure!!

heaven sent - 12k

🩵 a captain marvel au. sara has no memories of ava, but finds her way back to her. can it work with a lifetime of memories behind them?

flip a coin, decide your fate - 9.2k

💙 the legends all have soul coins, and astra has a hold of them, and gives them a chance to pick them up. written with ginger-canary :)

the girl in the movies - 20k

💜 highschool au - ava is the lead actress in sara's favourite tv show, and transfers to sara's school, but she's not who sara imagined at all

oneshots

the problem with portals - 1.9k

🩷 set in s4 - the five times the legends portal to fetch sara from ava's house, and what they find when they do

in another life (you would be my girl) - 3k

❤️ set after 4x08, where ava remembers the timeline in which sara was killed by the unicorn

half the world away - 3.6k

🧡 what if in 4x12, instead of sending ava to purgatory, neron gives her what she's always wanted?

if only, if only (you were mine) - 10k

💛 high school au - ava and sara are paired together to look after a robot baby for their social studies class - the trouble is, they hate eachother

for science! - 3.7k

💚 based on the brooklyn nine nine drunk scale - charlie and z1 get ava increasingly drunk to see what happens. zarlie!!

vienna waits for you - 4.2k

🩵 ava is a fire warden, alone and in 1989, and her radio connects to the waverider, with sara on the other end of the line

star child, are you out there? - 5.8k

💙 set in season 4a - ava temporaily adopts a baby who's also a magical creature. but what if it's not so temporary?

series

twelve and thirteen - a second ava becomes a part of the legends

now the day bleeds (into nightfall) - 4.7k

🖤 post 4x09 - a new clone is brought in to replace ava as director, and they get to know eachother as ava deals with her breakup with sara

you can see the difference - 6.4k

🩶 ava 13 returns to the waverider to go on holiday with the legends, and lots of introspection for ava

halley and the comet - snippets of avalance family life, with their children halley and grayson

i've been waiting for you - 3.5k

🤍 how the legends escaped from the time prison, as told in a bedtime story

now i stand here looking at the sky - 1.9k

🩶 the legends come around for dinner, as sara is carrying a pretty big secret

my love, my life - 1.2k

🖤 sara and ava's second child is born, and halley meets her brother

tumblr oneshots

these were all orginally posted to tumblr, and were then cross-posted to ao3

you've got a hold on this heart of mine - 1.5k

🩷 post 4x05 - ava comes home from thanksgiving to find sara, and domestic fluff ensues

if you could bring her back to me (or take her from my memory) - 1.1k

❤️ ava's angsty introspection, post the break up in 4x09

you're too much to forget - 0.4k

🧡a series of voicemails from sara to ava, set between the break up in 4x09 and when sara finds ava again in 4x12

no matter what, just be my girl - 1.6k

💛 what happened between sara and ava after ava gets home from purgatory

i'll trade all of my tomorrows (for one single yesterday) - 0.7k

💚 an alternative version of the break up scene in 4x09 - still angst though

got leavin' on her mind - 1.6k

🩵 sara can't brush off atropos' attack so easily - Major Angst!!

(i'm so) afraid of losing you again - 1.1k

💙 an alternative take on the opening for 6x01, written before s6 aired

i thought i'd been kissed and i thought i'd been loved (but that was before i met you) - 1k

💜 an au where sara doesn’t get kidnapped by aliens … or the one where ava gets tucked into bed

i'm just me - 1.2k

🩷 an alternative scene for sara telling ava that she's now an alien-clone. hurt / comfort

it's the happiness of having you (that makes my world a place worth living in) - 2.1k

❤️ my take on the avalance wedding! absolutly nothing like the wedding we got aha

hoping just by chance that i'll get a glimpse of you - 1k

🧡 written based on the 7x05 promo that something goes wrong and maybe ava gets erased for a bit when gwyn's time machine is on the fritz

heaven watches over fools like me - 0.8k

💛 ava and sara play gay chicken - originially from a tumblr prompt

the green green grass of home - 1k

💚 a potential s8 where sara and her baby escape from the time jail

[needfantasticstories]

A Snippet from my WIP

TW: abduction

other warnings: probably way too much exposition…lol.

(Okay, I’ve not written in a long time, so please forgive my sloppy/wordy sentences and feel free to leave constructive criticism below. I’ll try and get the chapters cleaned up, then post the five chapters I’ve drafter so far. This is a small part, and where the Whump begins.)

WIP Premise:

Cia’s War of Ages has far-reaching consequences for residents of Skyloft as they face invasion from a distant time. But when the battle comes, where are Hylia’s vessel and her Chosen Hero? 

Chapter TBD: The Walk and The Dorm

Dim lamps lit the hallway to his room. He walked toward it heavy with thought. 

If only he’d followed Zelda, explained what he and Groose meant. He knew she had the strength and speed to fight, but Groose and Gaepora had a point: the people need her too. She represented hope, the future, and wisdom. Few knew about her divine identity, but they never needed to. She radiated light, and strength, and determination. She gave them courage, made them feel strong. What would happen if she fell in battle? What would happen to him?

Still, he understood her desire to fight alongside the knights. He and Zelda both grew up among them, and they’d become family. She’d trained under captain Eagus along with him, and she could take on every monster they faced on the surface with incredible technical prowess. No one doubted she could hold her own one-on-one. But a battle?  He sighed.

In the end, she’d find a way to join. She let nothing come between her and her goal, and as exhausting as that was, he admired her for it. He smiled at the realization. He would fight at her side if she joined the fight.

If only his dream had revealed who would meet the end of their blades in the days to come. What did this mysterious enemy want? 

Demise and Ghirahim were dead, their remaining essences locked within three chests Zelda had hidden across time and not even he was allowed to know anything else about it. The demon hordes were dying out or rendered harmless, and not a single of the small political factions in Skyloft had enough hate or strength to declare war on the entire archipelago.

“Those like you, and those like me…” 

The memory rankled him. Lies from a demon, not to be trusted. He buried them deep and chose courage.

Who, then, was coming for Skyloft? The laughter and grasping hands from his dream, he didn’t recognize. The monsters up here were nearly extinct. And why had Fi asked him to turn her back into the Goddess blade, and raise Hylia’s statue back to the sky? Why did she switch from calling him Chosen Hero to Hero of Ages when his dream showed nothing about going through those portals? How would any of this fix a break in time? And who would want to engulf such a small island chain in flames?

his head ached from all the questions. He needed sleep. Perhaps he’d get another dream.

Link opened his door and stepped into the dark. He could not wait to sleep. 

Having lived in this same room at the Knight’s Academy for nearly a decade, Link knew every inch of it, and didn’t waste time lighting lamps or feeling around for his chair. He knew every creaking board and bump in the rug by muscle memory. 

He pulled off his tunic and chain mail and draped them on the chair by the door, ready to be cleaned tomorrow. 

They had drills first thing, and he’d already be tired, and then he’d help Groose with materials for his flying machines to bring materials to the temporary camps, and hopefully he’d get a meal or two in before building the forts again. 

He slipped his feet free quickly as he thought about the coming day, and set his boots aside. He’d have to polish them tomorrow or Gaepora would chide him for not living up to the knights’ dress code. The surface had not been kind to them.

A gleam of moonlight on something red near the window caught his eye.  

His mind flashed in fear: Ghirahim? Goddesses, I must be tired. No, he’s gone.

It disappeared quickly, if it was even there in the first place. The academy clocked chimed the second hour past midnight, startling him.

It’s just nerves. No sense fretting until the fight comes.

Still, this felt wrong. He held his breath, listening. He took a step back to light his lamp, but something caught his wrist as he turned. Three fingers, scale-skinned, and hot.

A lizalfos? How?

As his brain fired the thought, yet before it fully registered, three more claws grasped his arms while another pair slid around his throat and mouth, pinning him in place just inside the door. He wished he hadn’t closed it. 

He bucked and writhed, but they seemed to anticipate his strength, and held him firmly in place. They maneuvered to hold him steady and muffle him, huge leather wings snapping as he fought the free himself.  

Since when do lizalfos have wings? 

It doesn’t matter! He thought, trying to bring his fists together so he could add momentum to his elbows, Just get free, then worry about it!

(what do y’all think? Should I post the rest or edit more to clean it up?)

[writingonscrappaper]

Snippet Saturday - I Think My Neighbour’s A Mobster

I’ve been recently possessed by an idea for a new original story, and have been writing almost feverishly for it LOL (I’ve also been screaming about it on my other tumblr, and figured I should finally put it here on my actual writing tumblr lol) Literally all other writing has been put aside, after reading a mobster story one of my friends is writing (and a fucking wonderful story it is 🥰 ) but my brain went, “Okay, but what if mobster ROMANTIC COMEDY???”

Which has resulted in me writing what has so far become a fucking adorable story about a woman who moves into a new apartment building and has some… concerns about her very polite next door neighbour and the odd things he gets up to…

~~~~~

“…I didn’t think people still brought their neighbours meals,” he admitted, and she couldn’t help smiling giddily at that low rumbling voice, shrugging her shoulders with a sheepish laugh.

“Yeah, I know, it’s kind of out of practice, but like I said, my grandmother was very particular about us showing our manners and being good neighbours. She’d have preferred I bring you a pie, but people can be picky about pie flavours, whereas it’s really hard to find someone who’ll turn down a chocolate chunk cookie. They’re out there, I’m sure, but I’ve yet to meet one!”

His mouth curved in that same grin he’d given Mrs. Neilson, and Eliza felt her stomach flip about, her own smile growing in response. 

“I’m certainly not one of them,” he assured, rubbing his hand on his pants for a moment before extending it to take the tray from her. She blinked at the sight of scars along his knuckles, and a particularly long slice that ran along the heel of his palm, but smiled and handed the platter over. 

“Don’t rush over returning the platter, I’ve got plenty of them.” 

“If these taste half as good as they smell, you’ll have it back by tomorrow cause they’ll be gone,” he warned, grinning at her in a way that had her giggling instinctively.

“Well, knowing me, I’ll have more baking done in no time, so if your sweet tooth is ever bothering you, just come knock on my door!” She smiled as he gave a strange look, one she couldn’t quite figure out, but he nodded as he pulled the tray into the apartment, setting it aside out of sight before offering his hand to her.

“I’ll keep that in mind. Welcome to the building.” Her smile was broad as she shook his hand, fascinated with the calluses and scars she could feel as she did so.

“Thank you very much, I’ll see you around!” With another happy laugh and a sheepish smile, she turned and trotted back to her own apartment. Appearing every bit the cheerful, happy neighbour until her door closed.

The instant she was out of sight, she collapsed back against the door, burying her face into her hands and groaning loudly. What the hell, she’d been giggling like a damn school girl at him the entire time!! She was a grown woman, what in the fuck? How did he have such an affect on her so easily?? She’d gone over there to make up for acting like a moron in the halls, and she’d ended up painting herself as the silly, ditzy neighbour!

A thought occurred to her that had her pausing before she groaned and tugged at her hair, grumbling loudly as she stalked over to her coffee machine.

She hadn’t even gotten his name!

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Carter shut the door and snapped all the locks closed. Staring intently at the plate of cookies that sat on the table beside his front door as he tucked the gun he’d held just out of sight back into its holster at the small of his back. Humming thoughtfully as he peeled back the plastic and picked up a cookie.

When was the last time he’d had a homemade cookie?

Bracing his free hand on his hip, he continued staring at the treat as he walked slowly back into his living room, a pensive look on his face.

“You know… I think that’s the first time in my life I’ve ever seen a neighbour bring over an introductory meal,” he mused in a thoughtful tone. “You see it happen all the time on tv, but I thought that was just a thing people made up. I didn’t think anyone in real life would actuallydo it.”

Turning the cookie over, he shifted his stare to the man tied to the chair that was centered in the middle of his living room, laughing gently. “I mean, you heard that whole conversation, right? I know your head’s likely pounding, but you had to have heard that, she was quite the talker. She’s a vast improvement over the last neighbour, that’s for sure.”

Carver leaned forward, smirking as the bloodied man in the chair cringed away from him in response. Waving the cookie near his face. “Seriously, smell that. Isn’t that fucking delicious? And she made these specifically for me. Do you know how long it’s been since someone made me a meal? I mean me, personally. Family dinners don’t count.”

Walking away a few paces, the plastic that covered the floor crinkling with his steps, Carver hummed again. “I was a bit irritated over having someone move in on this floor with me, cause it means I’m gonna have to be a lot more careful. But if she makes stuff like this on the regular?” 

He bit into the cookie and instantly groaned, leaning back against his kitchen counter and cursing as he chewed. “What the fuck, that’s so fucking good!” Staring down at the cookie, he shook his head, taking another couple bites. “Shit, I’m gonna get fat.”

Finishing the cookie off, he huffed, wiping his hands off on his pants before walking back over to the bound man, picking up the tenderizing hammer he’d set aside before answering the door. “Okay, so we’re gonna have to wrap this up real fast, cause those are delicious, and I’m gonna want more while they’re still warm. So you’re gonna start talking right fucking now. Cooperate, and I might even give you one of those cookies.”

He paused, glancing over and eyeing the tray for a moment before looking back at the trembling man. “…but it has to be really good information.”

[jojoblessed365]

The days fly by, and Jess and Rory have come to a point, where they’re almost ready to take their relationship into public. And by public, they mean their families, friends, and their workplace.

They have planned it meticulously- how they were going to go about it, and when and what must be done, in order.

And then it’s Parents Day. And that’s when things go to shit. With whatever Jess and Rory have been pulling for the last month and a half ever since the new semester started.

Here’s what exactly happens-

Everything goes smoothly- Rory meets the parents of her Lit classes; thankfully, the Goblin sisters (what Jess and Rory both have chosen to nickname them) and DJ don’t have class with her, so she gets a reprieve from having to dodge their intrusive questions (well, mostly the Goblin sister’s questions) and having to complain like a tween about her intrusive older sibling’s teasing, to their respective parents.

And so, during lunch, she decides to pay Jess a visit. She closes the office door, and knocks against the plywood. Jess looks up and upon seeing her, he smiles, unable to hold back and puts his pen down. “Hey, stranger,” he says, getting to his feet.

Rory snickers and takes a couple of steps into his office/workplace, the carpet muffling her footfalls as she faces him from the other side of his desk. “You look surprised to see me. Lose track of time?” she asks with crossed arms and a teasing smile.

Jess just shrugs as he makes his way over to her, making the flutter in her heart approaching hummingbird beat the closer he gets. “Maybe I’m just more dedicated than you, ever think of that? So much so that I can ignore all earthly distractions?”

“You telling me you’re a harder worker than I am?” Rory asks, eyebrow arched, a smirk dancing across her lips.

“You’re accusing me of this, after all the things I did for you last night.”

Rory sucks in a sharp breath at the rush of memory of just what he did to her, like a flipbook of erotic images being thumbed through in her mind. Her face heats up and Rory feels the beginnings of desire begin to pool low in her belly, all swooping and dizzying. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings,” Rory says, voice coy and oozing with apology, sounding way too breathy to her own ears. “Let me make it up to you.”

Jess stands just in front of her and she bites her lip to fight the wild grin that threatens to break out across her face. He’s close enough that she can feel the gentle warmth radiating from him and the air around her fills with the smell of him - the freshness of clean laundry and the sandalwood of his aftershave. It’s a smell that’s as addicting as it’s becoming familiar, a combination of scents Rory will forever associate with Jess Mariano.

Enjoy!!!

In the meantime, enjoy a snippet from tomorrow's chapter-

Jess sighs, ignoring the stab in his temple. “You know what? Hang on a second.” he covers the phone with his hand. “What are you doing May 11th, Friday night?” he asks impulsively.

Rory looks up from her Kindle. “Uh, nothing special, I think.” she furrows her brow. “Why?” she asks warily.

Jess uncovers the phone. “Actually, you know what, I do have a - I am bringing someone after all. So, you can just go ahead and seat me with a blank spot and put Crazy Carrie, I mean- Aunt Carrie’s niece somewhere else. Far away.”

“Alright hon, thanks.” Liz says, hanging up before Jess could say another word.

Jess puts his phone down and turns to Rory with wide, pleading eyes. “So,” he says as innocently as possible. “I need a favour.”

“What’s happening on May 11th?”

“Well, my mom and TJ are getting remarried.”

“I thought they were already married?”

“They were. And then they were separated for the last year. Emotionally, I mean. And now they're getting married again. They’re renewing their vows.”

“No kidding? A William Powell-Myrna Loy ‘I Love You Again’ premise in real life? You don't see that every day.”

“Liz wanted to set me up with her friend’s niece if I didn't bring a date. Her name is Olga. she’s into a cappella. If she tries to sing ‘Stayin Alive’, I might stab her in the throat with a cocktail fork. Please?” he sighs dramatically. “I don’t know Jess, I-”

“And besides, you’ll have to come either way. Might as well have me as your shield.” He says brightly, trying to sell it.

“Shouldn’t it not be the other way around?” she asks, but Jess looks at her, and she sighs, giving in. she noncommittedly shrugs. “I'll go. If only to prevent the bloodshed.”

“Okay, then,” he says, surprised at how little begging it had taken. At first, he feels relief at the fact that he'd dodged Liz’s torturous setup as well as her attempt to take the reins of his currently non-existent love life. But then he realizes that bringing Rory to the wedding meant... bringing Rory to the wedding.

[spaghettificationandpretzels]

The Reaper and The Death Angel Part 31

This will be the second last to the last chapter where the sexual violence of season two will be a large part of the story, as always triggers will be put between XX. Happy's getting a lot more back story, there's also a lot of highly unrealistic change to the canon, if I give the reasons it will spoil future plans.

Series Masterlist

Part 30 Snippet 4 - The Charming Gazette

Contains: Brief discussions of sexual assault and past domestic violence, angst, hurt/comfort, smut (fingering, P in V), murder involving a child, forensics. Follows the plot of 2x11 and 2x12.

6.3K words

Comment if you want to be tagged.

The only good Nazi is a dead one

"I wanted to tell you, but I'm not going to apologise for keeping her confidence."

Jax nodded, "you did the right thing, keeping her secret. You had no choice."

You nodded, "I would have kept it even if I had the choice, it's not my place to tell her story. What are you going to do about Zobelle? I don't think your dad's book covered something like this."

Jax shook his head, "if Gemma had been beaten and almost gang-raped on John's watch, he'd have written a whole different book."

Knock knock knock.

Jax took his gun out of his kutte, you both went to get up but Jax put a hand on your shoulder, "it's alright, I've got it." Clay and leaning on the wall when Jax opened the door.

"Sorry, I know it's late."

Abel was crying, "he needs food, I'll get him." Jax shook his head, "I've got it, just bring the bottle in." You nodded and went to the kitchen while Clay and Jax went into the nursery.

You waited a little while before going in, it seemed they had worked something out. You knocked on the door and handed the bottle to Jax, turning on your heel and walking away, "stay, please."

You were shocked that Clay asked. "I'm sure you know a lot more than we do."

You nodded, "I have the files in my car, some of the Anvil guys and I have been doing surveillance and recon since it happened, I know everything there is to know about all of them."

Upon seeing the file, they decided to wait till tomorrow at church to go over it. Clay left with another apology and a promise to do better by both of you.

"I'm sorry y/n."

You tilted your head, "why are you saying sorry?"

His eyes were downcast, "you've been doing everything these last few months, raising Abel, working, doing all of this, your book. I feel like I've been neglecting you."

You shook your head, "I like to stay busy Jax, it keeps me sane."

He closed his eyes, "I….I."

You cut him off, "it's done Jax, I knew what I was getting into when I started this. Things will slow down and go back to the way they used to be and you can make it up then if you feel the need. Until then, I need sleep, I have a very big day tomorrow."

*****

"Good morning beloved." You were already up and dressed when you woke Jax up, "I won't be at the Clubhouse for long, I have another thing tonight so I'll be home early morning."

Jax blinked the sleep out of his eyes, "I'll meet you there."

You waited outside the Chaple while Jax and Clay told the Club what was done to Gemma, about twenty minutes after they went in, Sam came out and got you.

"Over the last two months, I've collected enough evidence for you to be able to bring Zobelle down." You handed each of them a file.

"Zobelle and Weston get most of their muscle for a faction of the Aryan Brotherhood. Weeks before this started, I got a call from a shot caller who I met when I did my thesis, all he said was that I needed to watch my back, when I asked for clarification, he said it would take me calling in my favour." They were all listening intently.

"I saved his life, I didn't even mean to do it and I told him as a much but he went on a rant about being an honourable white man and while I never planned to cashing it in, I had to."

You continued, "I spoke to him just after Gemma was attacked, he didn't tell me much, only that Weston was on a short leash and most shot callers hated him because he had no problems recruiting sex offenders into his ranks which goes against the AB by-laws." You shrugged, "he won't cause problems for you if you kill Weston, and he'll make sure no one else does."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

You took a deep breath, "Zobelle has sanctioned gang rapes in every place he's landed, Weston has always been the leader but it's different men everytime." There was a sharp inhale from someone.

"Two of the men who assaulted Gemma are already dead, one of them was one of the men that attacked me, the one I didn't allow to speak, and the other the was the one that died from that bee sting that was in the paper. Before you go off, this was done to Gemma, I asked her if she wanted him dead and she said yes."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

No one protested, "another thing before I leave, I think Zobelle might be working with the feds. I can't do too much looking because it will set off alarm bells but I'm willing to bet he is."

Clay smiled, "any way we can prove that?"

You nodded, "if Zobelle is arrested they will have to intervene."

A resolve came over the table, "thank you."

The sentiment was shared by everyone, "as much as I would like to stay and help, I got a call while I was waiting outside, hikers found a child's body in the woods, I need to get to the scene."

****

The little girl had gone missing in Texas, when you talked to the mother, she insisted it was the father that did it. She wasn't really coherent after that. You were filing the paperwork for the cops when Happy arrived.

"Umm, Mr Lowman at the door for you."

Poor Travis, that man was a saint, "thanks T, let him in." A few seconds later, Happy was at your office door.

"Hello, you don't normally come for a visit, is everything ok?"

He didn't say anything, "is it your mum or aunt?"

He shook his head, "you doing ok?"

You nodded, "as ok as I can be. It's you I'm worried about, you have been very quiet these last few weeks, even Sam brought it up."

He rubbed his face, "it's a lot to deal with."

You sat down next to him, "I imagine this is bringing up some very unpleasant memories." There was a flash of surprise on his face.

"I did a pretty extensive background check before I moved. I know you're father, if you could call him that lived with you on and off. I also know that your mother had multiple trips to the hospital when he was living with you. However, each time something happened to you, he left." Happy swallowed.

"I also know that he was killed in what appeared to be a gang shooting when you were sixteen. But I don't believe that for one bit, the way he went indicates that it was very personal, broken fingers, shot multiple times after death, whoever killed him was filled with rage." His head dropped.

"I don't blame you for protecting your mother, and I know there's a very deep, dark part of you that worries you're just like him. But I also know you've never killed a woman, and all the women at CaraCara and the Club hang arounds love you. None of this is your fault and you can't blame yourself for what's happened." His head fell against your shoulder and you reached up to rub his scalp.

"I know it comes from a good place, and the anger you're feeling now seems righteous but it will just cloud your judgement." He was too far into his own head to listen.

"The reason I'm so hardcore on inmates' rights is because of what I experienced when I wrote that paper. I worked in the three gang units most of the time, but when it came time to write a clinical sexology paper on sex offenders, I went to a different pod. It was in the same building as the gang pods just down a long hallway." He seemed to be listening a little more now.

"Whenever I would go back to the gang pods, I would get questions, my answers would often be followed by some violent fantasy one of them had about getting inside the unit."

He nodded, "then a riot broke out and they did get inside. I've never seen so many rival gangs working together, I could hear the screams for the other end of the building. I thought the violence would stay in the pod but I was wrong, I went to get something for the commissary which had been broken into, on the way I walked by a bathroom." Happy had an idea about what you were going to say.

"When I looked in, four men were skinning a child molester alive. I locked eyes with one of them and kept walking, it felt good, I felt vindication for the victims that monster had left behind."

He swallowed, "what I'm trying to say is that I understand why you've been feeling so off, but there's a reason they say revenge is a dish best served cold. Your anger won't help, calm calculation is far more terrifying than rage."

He sat up, "thank you."

You smiled, "feeling better now?"

He nodded, "yeah, Jax is lucky to have you."

He stood up with you and you gave him a hug, "you know my number, if you want to talk about anything, I'm here."

Without another word, he left.

****

It was later in the day when you got home, Jax jumping as you walked into his bedroom. There were some boxes already stacked in the corner but he was busying himself gathering his guns.

"Hey, I thought you were at work."

You shrugged, "it seems pretty open and shut. A father kidnapped his little girl, she had a medical episode and died. The cops already suspected him so my work's done until the test are back."

He nodded, "did you see my mum?"

You shook your head, "no Happy stopped by to talk about some things but I talked to her over then phone, she's pretty numb. I'll keep an eye on her until I have to leave for the other thing."

Jax smiled softly, "thank you."

Jax walked up to you, picking up your hand and bringing it to his lips, "I love you."

You smiled, "I love you too." Jax walked away, you stopping him before he could get out of inside voice range, "do you want me to take these boxes to my place?"

"Please Darlin."

****

You went to T-M to see your brother, only to be greeted by Tig, "hello, is Sam here?"

He shook his head, "out with Jax looking for Weston."

You nodded, "thank you." You were about to leave when Tig pulled you into the garage then into the Clubhouse.

"You don't like me very much, do you?"

You took a deep breath, "I will not lie to you, the answer is no."

He crossed his arms over his chest, "why?"

You straightened up, "because you're a disloyal coward. Not only did you go after a member without the Club's approval but you killed his wife because you couldn't stand to look your friend in the face before you shot him in cold blood."

You put up a hand when he went to defend himself, "Stahl didn't pull the trigger, Stahl didn't choose to not identify the target before firing the gun, Stahl didn't keep the truth from Opie, you did." He was taken aback by your frankness.

"I imagine Clay let you know that I knew?"

He nodded, "I found your hair, it popped on the database. All I can say to you is that I betrayed my most sacred morals on your behalf and now you are indebted to me. I'm not going to tell you to tell Opie, you need to come to that on your own." He looked lost in thought.

"Do you know the fable of the scorpion and the frog?"

He nodded, "I can't fault you for what you did because I believe it's in your nature, you didn't kill Donna by mistake because you loved Opie, you killed Donna by mistake because it's in your nature to be weak spined."

You turned when you heard Opie's bike, "speaking of the frog."

He stopped you from walking away. "I wanted to talk to you because I'm going to tell him, now in fact, I just wanted to know if you thought of me the way I think you do."

You nodded, "I probably think far worse of you than you know, Mr Tragger, but perhaps if you choose to take full responsibility for your actions, you will change my mind. If part of me didn't think there was some good in you, we wouldn't be having this conversation." With one last look, you left.

Tig swallowed and took a deep breath, walking over to Opie as he was fixing the old bike he found on the highway. Tig didn't know where to start, after a brief mention of Gemma he asked Opie why Donna was driving the car that night.

Opie clued in pretty quickly, then Tig fully admitted it. He thought back to what you said about Stahl not being the one to pull the trigger but there was a part of him that didn't want to admit that it was his fault so he went for the middle ground.

"Stahl put bugs in your car, made you look like a rat. Clay and I didn't want to bring it to the Club, we were worried about it ruining the charter so we decided to deal with it ourselves."

Opie didn't care, he was punching Tig like he was trying to kill him. Tig for his part, did the honourable thing and took each blow. Jax pulled into the lot and stopped it before it could get worse.

Once Opie had walked away Tig went into explaining what had happened, "I had to tell him."

Clay was mad, "tell him what?"

Tig was looking at the grey sky, "that I killed Donna."

There was a charge in the air, Jax ran off to stop Opie from killing Stahl and the rest of them stood around staring at Tig and Clay. Chibs out a firm hand on Tig's arm, "I'll clean you up."

****

Sam had turned up at your office just after you did, "'Tig said you were looking for me?"

He nodded, "yeah, after what just went down, everyone's staying away from T-M."

He sat on the couch, "that's understandable, have you seen Ope?"

He nodded, "he just got back, he went after Stahl but he didn't do anything." You breathe a sigh of relief.

"I don't blame him if he hates us, we did keep it from him."

Sam nodded, "I know, why did you want to see me?"

You smiled, "I need you to keep the Club distracted tonight, nothing serious I just want them away from Mainstreet for a few hours around midnight."

Sam nodded, "I can do that easy, I'll just say you're doing more recon on Zobelle and don't want to spook him."

You clapped your hands, "great."

Sam shook his head, "what are you planning?"

You smiled again, messing around with the papers on your desk, "all will be revealed."

Sam shook his head, "how did it go with church?"

Sam took a deep breath, "Opie doesn't want it to escalate, he says he's staying."

You rubbed your face, "he's a better man than me, I would have shot both of them the moment I had the proof. He has every right to hate us for keeping this from him."

Sam nodded, "I know."

You titled your head, "are you hiding something?"

He smirked, "Piney almost killed Clay."

You could hold back the smile, "good for Piney."

Sam went over to the table and got himself a cup of coffee, "Your recon panned out, it looks like Zobelle might be looking to work with another Club."

Sam handed you a cup, "who?"

"Calaveras MC, Alvarez hates the guy but he isn't willing to do much more than voice his support for the Club to be gotten rid of."

You waved your arm "this is too much for me, I can't put out that fire too."

Sam nodded, "yeah, this is Clay's bed, he's going to have to lay in it."

"Agreed."

****

Sam had put dinner on the table, it was pretty quiet for most of the meal, "how was work today?"

You shrugged, "the case was rough but the father confessed just after he was arrested, I'll be into the next one in two days once the paperwork clears."

"Did you and Lyla get the distribution contract?"

Ima nodded, "yeah, four more paid porn sites are taking on the Saffron Sisters."

Sam smiled, "what about the underwear line?"

She shook her head, "it's been put on hold because of a problem with the fabric production, we're trying to secure another American manufacturer."

"Have you asked Francine? She might be able to hook you up with someone."

Ima nodded, "good idea, I'll go with Luanne tomorrow."

Sam chimed in, "if she does give you the option, it's a bonus that you can say it's all small business based."

Jax laughed, "since when did you all become business people?"

Sam chuckled, "nah, I think that's just y/n and Ima." The rest of the night was very much the same until Derek's car horn sounded outside your front door.

"Well lovelies, that's my ride, I'll be back at around three. Don't wait up."

****

"Oh hello."

Aden was in the backseat waiting for Derek to talk to you, "I thought we could use the extra pair of hands."

You drove Jacob Hale's office under darkness, waiting until the street was empty to get out and start. It took a matter of minutes for it to be done. There was no need to worry about cameras, small chips on your shirts caused CCTV within a certain range to show nothing but static.

You got home just after two-thirty, Jax was awake rocking Abel back and forth when you went into the shower, "I thought I told you not to wait up."

He chuckled, "I didn't want to but Abel did, he's such a momma's boy." You towelled off your hair and took him from Jax's arms.

"Don't listen to him little one, he's just jealous because you're a cool baby and he's a boring adult."

Jax shook his head, "did you do what you needed to do."

You nodded, "yeah, you might want to take Mainstreet to work tomorrow, there's a surprise along the way." Once Abel had calmed down, you put him back into his crib and went to bed.

"Good night y/n."

"Good night beloved."

*****

Jax was a little excited when he woke up, running downstairs to shove breakfast into his mouth while Sam chastised him about getting the hiccups. Ima was glued to the paper, reading it with an increasingly angry expression.

"What is it Darlin?" She shook her head and closed the paper and passed it to him, the front-page story was pretty to the point.

"Fascists at our door."

Jax sped through the article, he had read enough of your books to know that you at least wrote the draft.

"On the second of September 1945 World War Two ended and the world celebrated as the Nazi scourge was wiped off the face of the planet, but this is not the case in our small town. A place where there are people from all different walks of life, including a Holocaust survivor and his decedents, come to live a quiet, small-town life, Charming is now host to a group of violence Neo-Nazi and their supporters."

There were four photos of Ethan Zobelle and his men, surrounded by Nazi propaganda.

"Worse still, one of Charming's most promising sons is leading the charge, Jacob Hale." Another photo of Hale shaking hands with more than one of the men.

"Is this the man you want as our Mayor?"

Jax smiled, yelling a quick goodbye and kissing Ima on the cheek before getting on his bike and driving up Mainstreet. When he drove past Hale's office there was a huge crowd gathered out front, he parked his bike and got off, the group moving aside at the sight of his kutte.

He didn't know whether to smile or jump for joy, the whole front of the office was covered in blown-up photos. Jacob shaking hands with Zobelle and his men, pictures of the men next to their rap sheet filled with hate crime convictions and violent offences. Close-ups of their racist tattoos and photos of Zobelle and his men throwing up the Fascist salute with Hale in the crowd.

The last few photos really took his eyes, David Hale punching his brother, David Hale arresting some of Zobelle's men and two of him leaving Weston's place waiting for CPS to arrive.

At the top of the door, in messing red spray paint, was a statement that really hammered it home.

"A Nazi collaborator works here."

The people were enraged, he could overhear some of them talking about going to Impeccable Smokes to send a message. Jax got on his bike and headed to T-M, when he got there, everyone was reading The Charming Gazette and talking about what they saw at Hale's office.

Clay came up smiling, "I guess we'll never have to worry about Hale developing Charming."

Jax shook his head with a smile, "no, we won't." Jax went into the dorm and called you.

"Did you see it, did you see it?"

He laughed at your childish tone, "yeah Darlin, I saw it."

He could hear a soft squeak over the line, "yay! As much as I would love to brag, I'd rather do it in person tonight."

Jax shook his head, "alright, keep your secrets. I love you, I hope you know that."

"I love you too Jackson, now get out there and have fun, I'm sure Hale will come crawling for PR some time today."

****

The whole incident was the talk of the town, Jacob Hale started his day by being greeted at his door by his brother and some deputies, "something has happened at the office, we're here to take you there safely."

When he got there, the people milling around started jeering and spitting. David raised his voice, "we're not going to stop you from exercising your first amendment rights but you need to clear a path."

It was the same story with Zobelle but he had his goons standing outside four abreast, he pulled Weston aside, angrily ranting in the back.

"Do we know who did this?"

Weston shook his head, "no but I know what happened to the two men we sent to Teller's bitch's house." He pulled an envelope out of his pocket, opening it to show a tanned tattoo, a Norse symbol. There was a note along with it.

"The only good Nazi is a dead one."

Zobelle shook his head, "I thought we tracked their phone to the Mexico border?"

Weston nodded, "we did, there was traffic footage of them in the car at the border."

Zobelle rubbed his face, "it seems we underestimated all of SAMCRO's women. We need to change plans, the people of Charming no longer want us here."

Weston left without another word.

Jacob Hale's day only got worse, when it was clear the photos weren't just going to come off, he went to hire the local pressure washing company but was turned down. His lawyer said suing The Gazette would just make him look even worse since they had proof which meant it wasn't deformation and half his investors had cancelled by midday.

David, on the other hand, had already been thanked more than once. One person even asked if he and his brother were really related. Unser had pulled him aside and asked if he knew who did it, he had an idea after thinking back to your comment about handling his brother in public, he was sure it was you, but he wasn't going to say that.

There was no way he wouldn't make sheriff now, no matter what his brother did.

****

"Nazi scum at the door for you y/n."

You weren't surprised, "Hale?" Travis gave an affirmative grunt, "check him for weapons, thoroughly, then send him in." It took a little longer for Hale to arrive at your door.

"What do you want?"

He walked in, doing his best to ignore the death stares from the other staff, "I….I. Did you have anything to do with this?"

He showed you the newspaper, and you shook your head, "no, nor did I have anything to do with what happened at your office."

He took in your nasty smile, "again, what do you want?"

He shook his head, "stop wasting my time, I warned you what would happen and you didn't listen. What happened is your fault, now get lost or I will be responsible for what happens next. I'm sure the Feds would love to know where your money is going."

You pressed the intercom, "please come and remove this man from my office, I can't stand to look at him one moment longer."

****

The second Jax got in the door, you were being picked up and kissed, "you are a genius woman, I think that was the most amazing thing I've seen in years."

You smiled and returned the kiss, "which Hale showed up first?"

Jax rubbed your nose with his, "David, he just came to ask if we knew anything, then he apologised again for even thinking about working with them."

"What did Jacob turn up for?"

Jax smirked, "he wanted to borrow detailing equipment, half of Charming were there bringing their grievances about him to Clay so it didn't go over well." You put a hand on his arm, gesturing for him to help you get dinner ready.

"It won't matter, he'll need a special solvent to get both the paint a glue off. Did Jerry call Clay?"

He nodded, 'yeah, Clay and some of the other guys made comments, they're going to be published tomorrow. Did you make one?"

You nodded, "yep, I even mentioned that I brought my concerns about Zobelle and the League to both Hale's and only David listened. I can't wait to read the story." Jax wrapped his arms around your waist while you made the sauce, "it will help with the charges too, I imagine the people of Charming are far more supportive of the Club's actions now?"

Jax kissed your neck, "yep, we got it all day long, some people are going to write letters of support to the court." As you got dinner on the table and Sam and Ima wandered in, Jax whispered in your ear, "I hope you're not planning on any more fun tonight, because I need to thank you for all your hard work."

****

The night was enjoyable, Ima had to leave the table more than once to talk to Luanne about more movie requests "sorry about that, we've been getting a lot of requests since we expaned."

They cleaned the dishes while you fed Abel and put him to bed. Jax was waiting for you when you got to the bedroom, pulling you into his lap as you climbed into bed.

"I missed you."

You giggled, "it's been like a week."

He leaned down and kissed your neck, one of his hands coming up to stroke your nipple through your shirt, "you know I can't get enough of you."

You shifted further into his lap, pressing your chest closer to his, "you're very warm."

Jax lifted his eyebrows, "yes, and your hands are very cold." You smiled and ran them over his belly under his shirt, Jax twitching away from you before taking his shirt off and bringing your hands to kiss his lips to kiss them.

You leaned back slightly so Jax could pull your top off, his lips wrapping around one nipple while his fingers brushed the other, you sat and on your knees for a moment to pull your underpants off, Jax's free hand going to your centre.

"Shit, you're wet, I guess you missed me too."

You giggled and kissed his cheek, "truth? Last night kind of got me going, I forgot how intoxicating adrenalin can be" Jax smirked against your skin, his middle and index fingers making lazy circles around your clit.

He slid two fingers inside you as you wrapped your arms around his torso, his fingertips were rubbing your G-spot with practised expertise, his lips never leaving your skin.

"Jax please, I want you inside me."

He smirked against your skin, his fingers rubbing a little harder, "I am inside you Darlin."

You turned your head a bite his skin, "I want your cock inside me." He pulled his fingers out, sucking them into his mouth before shifting so he could take off his boxers.

"I can do that." Jax wrapped his arm around your lower back and helped you lift yourself up while his other hand held his cock in place. You pressed your lips to him as you slid down, the hand on his cock moving to your clit.

"That's it." Jax hands never left your skin, his lips moving from yours to your neck at random, your chests were pressed together and your hands clutched his back.

One of his hands moved over your crow, his fingertips rubbing gently. "I love you so much."

You were holding onto him like a koala, your hips moving in time with his, "I love you too Jackson."

The fingers on your clit sped up and you tighten your arms around him, "fuck you feel so good."

"Jax, please."

He buried his head in your neck, "I know Darlin, I'm right behind you." You moaned into his ear, Jax grunted as the sweet sound reached his brain.

His breath caught in his throat as you contracted around him, "fuck."

His fingers sped up further, "come on, give me one more." You were powerless to deny him, your nails digging into this skin as you peeked again.

His teeth met your neck as he came inside you, he was breathing heavily, his forehead pressed to yours. "Shit I missed you."

You lifted your hand, brushing hair off his face, "I missed you too." You rubbed your noses together, Jax smiling softly, "I love you."

"I love you too beloved." Jax got up and got a cloth to clean you up, throwing the blanket over you once you returned from the bathroom.

"Are you packed for the lockdown tomorrow?"

You nodded, "all packed, I've basically got an OR in my bag."

He laughed softly, "it will all be over soon and things will calm down. Nothing else is going to happen to you, I promise."

You nodded and kissed his neck, rolling over to lay your head on his chest, "I know, we're all going to be ok."

****

There was a rush to get to the Clubhouse; you, Lyla and Ima arrived a little early to help with the food and drink. Soon enough, the Clubhouse was full of people and music was playing over the speakers.

Jax signalled for the music to be cut off and Tig yelled out, "EVERYBODY, LISTEN UP." Clay walked to the middle of the room and cleared his throat, "I wanted to welcome you all to Club Reaper, I'm glad you made your reservations early because as you can see, we're all full."

He continued talking up the Club and after the show with Jacob Hale's office, everyone was supportive. With a shout and a round of applause, they left for the chapel.

The plan was simple, convince the Irish that Hayes and his kid were the rats and not Chibs. Next was talking to Weston, it took all of Jax's self-control not to kill the man the moment he saw him.

"It seems your great white hope only cares about one colour, green. He's dealing heroin with the Calaveras."

Weston screwed his face up after Opie made a comment about the guns, "you're talking out of your ass."

Jac shook his head, "I followed Zobelle and some of his guys, they met with Salazar and left with a duffle of heroin." The conversation went on, becoming more and more heated, then Opie was pulling Jax away.

"Say hi to your kids for me."

*****

To say O'Phelan was unimpressed was an understatement, he was already in shit with the kings but his right-hand man turning rat was just the time of the iceberg. Needless to say, he caved to SAMCRO's demands without protest.

He had to come up with a plan so he didn't face the same wrath that Hayes was going to, it was just a matter of how he was going to swing it.

*****

"Hey Kip, how are you feeling."

He had stopped by the Clubhouse to get something to eat with his medication, "disappointed."

You put a hand on his shoulder, "I'm sorry it turned out like that, medical technology is always adapting and advancing soon enough, the VA will be signing you up for another kind of implant. It's just a matter of waiting."

He nodded, "I don't know if I want one, I thought it would change how I felt about getting blown up but other than looking differnt, I felt the same."

You nodded, "all that matters is that you're happy."

To your surprise he hugged you, "thank you, for you know, always being nice to me."

You returned the hug in earnest "no worries Eddie."

****

To Weston's rage, they were right. After killing everyone at the warehouse, he went off to get revenge for all the lies he was told. But Polly pointed a gun at his face and he didn't get his righteous vengeance.

To make matters worse, he was called to the station, his children were being taken from him.

Jax was there when he arrived, standing off the side smugly. "I see your kids are taking that little trip I arranged."

Weston managed to keep his anger under control, "son of a bitch, you wanna kill me, time and place."

Jax smirked, "access road, timberland, eight o'clock, your ten best against mine."

Jax got within breathing distance of him, "either you or me, goes home in a bag."

"I'll be there."

****

Jax breathed a sigh of relief, even after Chibs and Jimmy'o butted heads, they still got their guns and went to put the rest of their plan in motion. ATF showed up right on time, looking around for the Irish and their guns, they found nothing but two deads rat in a crate.

"Can we go now?"

Bobby snarked, "maybe we should wait for gold PD, file some assault charges."

Just before they left, Chibs sat a bloody mouthful on the floor, "you hit like a girl."

****

Everyone was standing in the lot, you were talking to Jax in a hushed tone, "do whatever you need to do to come back to me my love."

He nodded, kissing you softly, "everything's going to be ok." With one last kiss, he left you a climbed on his bike, your brother giving you a soft nod as if to say, I'll look after him.

Gemma pulled you, Lyla and Ima into her arms, kissing Lyla and Ima on the cheek, "it will be alright. Let's get everyone inside."

****

The sun had set by the time they got out there, the air was buzzing with tension so thick it could be cut with a knife. It was just like they had expected with the Ayrayns pulled up, there was way more than ten of them and they were armed to the teeth.

"Whatever happened to ten on ten, no weapons?"

Weston snarled, "fair is for losers, I'd like to win."

Jax smirked, "yeah me too." He waved his head and Tig whistled, then Niners, Mayans and the triads were coming out of the bushes just as armed.

"Put your weapons down."

Weston signalled and the guns were dropped, "let's just stick to the plan."

With a war cry, the two sides met. It was a bloody fight, blows were traded back and forth and the sound of fists hitting flesh filled the air. Jax considered snapping Weston's neck, Sam had shown him how to do it with speed and precision but he thought back to what he had added on at the end.

"I don't like to do it that often."

"Why?" Sam smiled.

"Because it's very quick."

Just as Jax felt some kind of relief from his burning rage, the cops showed up, "this isn't finshed." Weston took the shove, "I'm not going anywhere."

Hale was angry but let them go, so they put the second part of their plan in motion and headed to Zobelle's. The place was a bit of a mess when they got there, Unser was already waiting in the store, the windows having been broken by angry residents.

It didn't seem like Zobelle was there at first but after Clay put a gun to his daughter's neck, he came from the back, "Poly, Poly." Tig grabbed his and Opie pulled him in front of Clay.

"What do you want?"

Clay sounded calm, "to talk, outside Charming."

But Zobelle wasn't having it, "if you want to kill me, do it here on Mainstreet." Clay was fine with that, shoving Zobelle to his knees.

Then Hale showed up, his chest puffed out. "I got this deputy, there's been no crime here." Hale looked over the scene, after a moment of thought, he turned on his heel and started to leave.

"Officer, my daughter and I are in possession of illegal narcotics. There's a load of them under that cash register in the centre drawer." The officer looked under the drawer and pulled out a foil-wrapped block.

"It's here."

Zobelle yelled his demand, "there arrest us, do it." Hale hauled Zobelle onto his feet, the other snarling at him as they were walked out. Jax leaned in close just before they left.

"We're going to kill you." He meant it with every fibre of his being.

Part 33

I hope everyone liked it, it's another chapter that's a bit all over the place but if I included every plot point in each episode, it would will a million words long. Season 2 concludes next chapter.

[mountswhore]

hey! see u were taking requests so i wanted one with mason related to "london boy" by taylor swift? maybe reader is a singer or something like that?

one of the best taylor swift songs imo, so of course!

𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐧 𝐛𝐨𝐲 — mason mount

summary: mason shows you around london during your break, and now you don't think you can ever go back

notes: requests are open again! my asks are open.

Leaving your hometown in New York to visit the world was one of the hardest things you had to do. But you had your dream job, now it was time to follow it. Your recent album was a success, pouring your heart into it as you recovered from your breakup. Your fans had watched your relationship build, and then break apart. Hearing your side of things through 14 songs. Awards, interviews, and traction had come from it, earning you a world tour. It was a scary thing to do, considering it was your first international tour.

“I just want to come back to New York already, I’ve not been on this tour long.” You complained to your sister, curled up in a hotel bed in London. Your first destination was the UK, and there was nothing worse than being homesick.

“Quit being a baby, the UK is so nice.” Your sister replied, chuckling shortly afterwards. “Me and dad visited Manchester, I think? Very nice looking, at least where we stayed.” You sighed, knowing that didn’t make it any easier. You loved your cosy apartment in New York, you were even starting to miss the constant traffic sounds and arguing in the early hours of the morning.

“I guess, and I know London is nice, at least. I think I’m gonna interact with some fans,” you decided, pulling the duvet further up your body, “speak tomorrow at sound check.” You ended the call, liking some tweets and replying to a few things, eventually tweeting something of your own.

“Happy to see a lot of my UK fans tomorrow, can’t wait to scream my feelings out with you,” Declan read out, giving Mason a cheeky look. The pair of them were in Mason’s living room, enjoying their evening of FIFA. The boys had spoken about you plenty of times, in interviews too, Mason declaring you as his celebrity crush.

“Shut up already, she probably doesn’t even know who I am.” Mason stated, resting his arm over his eyes to conceal the blush on his face. Him, Declan and a few other boys were going to your concert tomorrow night, some of the WAGs suggested it as they loved your music.

“You think she’s not going to notice a blue tick in her dm’s? It’s worth a shot.” Declan encouraged his friend to shoot his shot, close to grabbing his phone and doing it himself, but instead he was watching Mason bashfully scroll through your twitter replies. “Do it, or I will.”

Mason sighed, clicking the reply button and typing out a reply, handing the phone to Declan to review. ‘Can’t wait, wanna see you.’

“Perfect,” Declan mumbled, pressing the reply button for him. He knew Mason never would, he just saved him 20 minutes of back and forth debate. Handing Mason his phone back, Declan smirked as he watched his friend's face change from fairly embarrassed, to shocked.

“There’s no fucking way you sent that.” Mason remarked, refreshing his phone to see his tweet attract likes. “You dick.”

Declan just laughed as Mason had turned completely red, watching the likes and replies collect under his tweet. Moments later, you’d appeared in his dm’s.

‘I recognise you.’

It was an ominous message from you, one that had you pacing and replaying the creepy message over and over again. But Mason smiled at the message, all ounces of worry leaving his body as he replied to you.

‘Oh yeah? From where?’

‘Actually, I think I recognise your teammate, Pulisic. He’s all my brother talks about sometimes. But all I know is that he plays for a soccer team.’

He laughed at your reply, Declan watching over in pure disbelief.

‘You have a lot to learn about the UK, and luckily I know all about it.’

‘I’ll hold you to that, come backstage after the show, bring whoever you’re with. I’m in London for the next few days before my next show, maybe you can show me around.’

“There’s no way you’re flirting with Y/N Y/L/N within two minutes of replying to her tweet.” Declan stated, Mason smirking at his best friend before sending another reply.

‘Bet.'

Your show was now over and you were anxiously waiting for the boys to be escorted back stage. You didn't know much about football, especially over here, but you knew the boys that were coming back stage were professionals. You'd learnt their names, Declan, Jack, and Mason. Jack and Declan brought their girlfriends along, but Mason was 'painfully single', as he put it.

Finally, as you sat down in your chair to relax, you heard a knock at the door. It was them. They had all filed in, the two girls in shock that they were meeting you. You'd given them all a hug, and gotten to Mason. He looked down at you as you pulled him in, squeezing you tightly before letting you go again.

"Did you guys enjoy it?" You asked, ushering them to the couch for them to sit down. You wanted them to feel as comfortable as possible, rushing over to your dressing room fridge and pulling out some drinks.

"It was amazing," Sasha gawked, still in awe over seeing you for the first time, "we saw you have one in Birmingham in a few weeks, so we're going to that one too." You blushed, returning to your seat opposite the couch.

"That's so sweet! I'm sure I can get you some good tickets, I'll dm you on Instagram or something." You suggested to her, Sasha eagerly nodding her head. You conversed with the group of five, Mason giving you a particular look that you had mirrored back to him. You planned on getting his number, and making sure he showed you around London.

Soon enough, the group was heading back to wherever they were staying, as it was beginning to get quite late. "Thank you guys for coming, and I'm so glad I met you."

Mason stayed behind, folding his arms and sharing a smirk with you as his friends voices trailed down the hallway. "So, about this bet."

"Yeah," you replied casually, grabbing your water bottle from the table and taking a sip, being in the presence of an attractive man again was giving you quite the nerves, "I'll take your number, because I'd love to get to know London." He nodded, grabbing his phone from his jacket pocket and handing it to you.

"Perfect. See you."

You and Mason had planned your first meeting in a pub. It wasn't the classiest of places, but your plan was to get to know the UK. Mason had ordered you both a drink, guessing what you like and nailing it when you went in for a second sip and shoved a thumb up.

"So," he began, fiddling with the coaster his beer sat on, "how long are you in London for?"

"Just until Thursday, Friday morning I'm heading to Manchester." You stated, realising you only had four days with Mason, including today.

"Well, we better make the days count then." Mason declared. The pair of you spoke about his career as well as yours, talking about how different school was for the pair of you. Mason had stood up, holding his hand out for you to take, and you'd accepted it without complaint. He led you out of the pub and through the town center, gazing at the stalls set up around you. The weather wasn't so different to New York, both constantly dreary, but you were liking London so far.

On your second day together, you'd taken a cab to another town, this time to just experience the busy streets. To Mason, this was normal. For you, it was only familiar. New York was one of the busiest cities in the world, but London was different, better in every other way. You'd finished your day together, stomachs full of pub food, and in the back of a cab, rain pattering on the windows. You'd shuffled closer to Mason, placing your hand on his and squeezing. He looked at you briefly, smiling his usual smile, before quickly looking out at the street in an effort to hide his tinged cheeks.

Day three, the weather was too bad to do anything. But Mason kept you company in your hotel room. He'd taught you a bunch of British slang, laughing as your accent completely butchered them all. You'd shown him a snippet of your new song before room service had arrived. And the night ended with the pair of you collapsed in your bed, tv playing in the back ground, but your eyes on each other. It was like pure magic, the long-awaited feeling of his lips on yours. You'd been thinking about it all day, missing every opportunity until now.

Your final day was the worst. You both knew it was coming, you wouldn't see him until you had a break, and he had one too. You both had stupidly busy schedules, as well as living in different countries. Maybe one day you could bring him to New York, show him your side of life. And maybe one day you'll branch out and move here.

Mason had helped you carry your things out of your hotel room, which was taking you to Manchester. Your manager had texted you to be in the car before 3, which meant you had just 10 minutes until you had to say goodbye to Mason for a while.

You were stood in the foyer of the hotel, waiting for the car to arrive. You'd secretly hoped it didn't, you wanted to stay with Mason for a while longer, but you couldn't. Duty called.

"Thank you for showing me around London," you spoke, looking up at Mason, who was hiding his deflated feelings, "I really enjoyed it, I might even prefer it to New York."

"That's a given. I'm here." He joked, in an obvious attempt to lighten the mood. These four days had been immense fun for him, different to how he usually spent his days. Different than night at home alone, different than a night on the town. Was it too soon to say he missed you?

Mason looked down at you as you clung to his side, hoping he felt the same way you did. And he did, you just didn’t know that. His fingers slid across your jaw slowly, pulling your chin up to look at him. It was an intense moment, so many different emotions. He’d leaned in and kissed you, it was his parting gift. To say that he’d see you soon enough.

“Enjoy Manchester, I’m sure I can fit another show in somehow.” Mason spoke, his voice barely above a whisper. “I’ll miss you.”

“I’ll miss you too.” You spoke, the car pulling up outside. He’d dragged your suitcases out to the car, popping them in the boot for you. Finally, he stared at you through the window, which you quickly rolled down. “I fancy you, is that the right term?”

Mason laughed, head tipping back slightly. “Yeah, it is. And I fancy you too.”

[ashen-crest]

[ID: a banner showing line art of three potion bottles, in white, blue, and yellow, against a dark brown background. The white text on the right reads “A Rival Most Vial: Potioneering for Love and Profit.” End ID]

Ambrose’s Upbringing (a draft)

Synopsis: four short excerpts about Ambrose’s past. 

(Would love to know if the connective thread between these scenes works, because I really need the punch to be justified! I’m struggling to come up with a stronger insult before the punch, so let me know if this gets the idea across, or if I need to keep brainstorming.)

Word Count: ~700

TW/CW: punching, mild cursing, family neglect, I guess?

Snippet #1: Ambrose and Eli’s First Meeting

“Really?” Eli frowned. “How long have you been at your shop?”

Ambrose set his shoulders back. “Twenty years.”

“Twenty?” Eli gave another laugh. As he swung over to a shelf, a pair of sun-shaped earrings twirling against his neck. “What, were you born in there?”

A different, deeper anger flared in Ambrose. He shoved it down with a practiced hand. “Apprenticed.” He tried not to hiss the consonants through his teeth. “I began when I was eight. My master retired and left me the shop several years ago.”

Snippet #2: Eli Asking Questions

“No, no, Lily’s great.” Eli toyed with his earring as he chatted with Banneker. “Wants to hop on a griffin and visit tomorrow, but she’s going to train with my cousin up north. As if having one Valenz in that village wasn’t enough, you know?” He nodded to Ambrose. “Probably not far from where you grew up, I’m guessing.”

Ambrose’s hands went cold. “I beg your pardon?”

Dawn’s smile fell off her face, but Eli didn’t notice.

“You grew up in the north before you started apprenticing, right?” His line of questioning lost none of its speed. “You’ve got a bit of the accent, and blue hair’s pretty common up there. I was gonna guess Woodfall, but—”

“I have to go.” Ambrose heard himself say, and he was out the door before he could process where he was going. How dare he bring that up, how dare he ask—

Snippet #3: Ambrose’s Past (same chapter as #2)

Ambrose cursed and poured himself a third cup of tea. It usually helped break the cycle in his mind, the one he had worked against for years. But it wasn’t helping, not this time, and he plodded along the cycle like a donkey in a deep rut.

He didn’t care about his family. He didn’t care that they had dropped him at the Griffin’s Claw when he was eight, barely old enough to take on an apprenticeship. He didn’t remember their accents when they spoke to Master Pearce about taking him in, and he didn’t recall their hair color when they climbed back into the wagon and never returned. He didn’t remember, and he didn’t care.

Then the mental rut drew deeper, unearthing his more childish thoughts. Where was Woodfall, anyway? How far away was it from the Scar? Would he remember any of it, if he visited? Would anyone remember him? Would he find his—

He downed the rest of the tea in one gulp, tensed his jaw hard against the tears, and swept into the workroom to gather ingredients for a simple healing potion. A nothing of a vial, just something to hear the glass clinking and water bubbling. 

Snippet #4: Eli’s Insult

Eli strode forward, eyes flashing. “You think I’m doing this just to spite you?”

“Well, it’s certainly not to help me.” Ambrose stepped forward as well. “You’re taking my ingredients, stealing my customers—”

“I’m not stealing your customers, I’m trying to survive!”

“Then do it elsewhere!” Ambrose threw an arm out towards the opposing storefront. “I don’t need to see your stupid banners, or go to your stupid parties, or read your stupid ads—”

“No one’s asking you to, you self-centered prick!” Eli shouted. “Gods, do you care about anything other than yourself?” He looked Ambrose up and down, and as he dropped his voice, his gaze sharpened into something more venomous. “I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.  If I spent twenty years alone in a cauldron, I’d be a pretentious asshole, too—“

Ambrose didn’t realize what he was doing until after his fingers broke. 

His right hook—wild, clumsy, and far too wide—smashed into Eli’s jaw, wiping the smug grin off his face. And for an instant, it felt good. Satisfying, even, taking aim right at that infuriating mouth of his.

Then a lancing pain shot up Ambrose’s arm, and he staggered away, clutching his wrist to his chest.

“Shit!” He stared wide-eyed at his red knuckles, his fingers screaming. What had he done? He never punched people, not ever. Why did he—

[drwcn]

ok but for fem!wwx au does lan zhan believe the rumours? and if so what does that mean for the whole 'i birthed him with my own body!' cause lan zhan did the maths and was like 'no it was just the once and this child is too old' but if he thinks he was just one in a line does he go back to bm after nightless city to rescue a kid he thinks is wei ying's but with another man? does he spend the three years in seclusion cursing every jin whose name he remembers as cowards only to step out, take one look at sizhui, and have an 'oh. i know why wei ying was so determined to save wen qionglin' moment???

Answer:  Haha, nah, Lan Wangji was fairly sure Sizhui wasn’t Wei Ying’s, for several reasons. One, Wen Yuan was born before the wen remnants even went to the Burial Mount. Lan Wangji saw the small child amongst the escape party that rainy night at the  concentration camp. Also, Wen Ning was several years younger than them, which would make it kind of weird if he were the dad. Before Wen Ning became the Ghost General, everyone just knew him as Wen Qing’s kid brother.  Lan Wangji, however, absolutely believed Jiang Yan to be Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian’s child even before Wei Wuxian was resurrected... 

《the midnight sun》 — 

[original], snippets [x] [x] [x] [x], other posts found under #lanyan or #midnight sun

midnight sun [snippet 7]

When Yan’er turned ten, Jiang Cheng decided it was time for her to accompany him to Cultivation Conferences. Most sect heirs began their training this way; Jiang Cheng still remembered his first time, trailing nervously in Jiang Fengmian’s wake. 

Heiresses, in comparison, were few and far between. Even head disciples were rarely girls. Jiang Wanyin had no children. His head disciple was his heiress, and his heiress was Jiang Yueqian (江月千). 

长烟一空 - when the smoke clears; 皓月千里 - the moon casts a thousand miles of light 浮光跃金 - which dances upon the water, golden 静影沉壁 - the shadow of the moon itself like jade underwater*

A jade underwater indeed.

“Shifu.”

Speaking of the devil, here she comes, walking measuredly down the long stairs of Jinlintai towards Jiang Cheng, the epitome of an obedient, filial disciple. It had only been a day and Jiang Yan already had the world fooled. Only Jiang Cheng knew how impossibly obstinate and utterly uncontrollable she was when her mind was fixed.

"Ah, Jiang-zongzhu, this is..." Spotting her, Lan Xichen glanced beyond his shoulder, the question dangling in the sentence he did not deem necessary to finish.

Unbeknownst to Lan Xichen, the child that made her way over was his niece by blood. Jiang Cheng was acutely aware that Yan'er actually resembled Lan Wangji a great deal, and despite having weighed the risks and gains against each other repeatedly before deciding to bring Jiang Yan along, now he was no longer so certain in his calculations. Lan Xichen was not a simple peasant; what if he detected a trace or a hint of her heritage between the furrow of her brows or the curve of her eyes? What if...

Jiang Cheng turned, raising an arm towards Jiang Yan, an introduction ready, but whatever words he had prepared in advance died on on his tongue when he laid eyes on the girl. Suddenly, he was no longer worried that others would suspect her to be Lan Wangji's child.

There was a red ribbon in her hair.

Yan'er stopped at a polite distance from the two older men and bowed in perfect form.

Jiang Cheng's heart stuttered violently in his chest at the sight of that red ribbon falling sideway over her small shoulder. If souls could travel, his would have left him in an instant. He stood in disincorporated panic, wrestling with the nauseating sensation of being ripped from his reality and tossed so far into the distant past that he felt whole again.

"Shifu, Lan-zongzhu." Yan'er greeted.

Shifu. Lan-zongzhu. In another world, another life, she would not need to be so formal. She could easily bound up to them, carefree, cooing jiujiu and bobo and ask to be bailed out from whatever trouble she caused.

Instead, he was only her shifu, and Lan Xichen, a stranger in her life. It would be laughable, if fate had not dealt them each such a wretched hand.

Jiang Cheng stepped towards her. “Where did you get this?” 

Jiang Yan looked up in surprise, her hand reaching up and making an aborted motion to touch the red ribbon in her hair.

“Qin-shenshen gave it to me. Is it not nice?” 

Qin Su. Jiang swallowed down a sigh of relief. Earlier, the Jin servants had sent word that Jin-fu'ren had baked treats for Jin Ling, and the boy had wasted no time dragging his favourite person - his Yan'er jiejie - to his aunt's place with him. Clearly, Qin Su had seized the opportunity to dote on the girl in place of the daughter she never had. Qin Su meant well. She couldn't have known. She's never even met Wei Wuxian.

In this state, Jiang Cheng could barely bring himself to look at his disciple, but he forced himself nonetheless to kneel and tuck an errant strand of baby hair behind her ear. “Very pretty.” 

Yan'er smiled.

Jiang Cheng could cry.

They'd been lucky thus far. Yunmeng's Jiang-xiao-guniang was born a taciturn girl who did not like to smile or laugh, not even when she was expected to for polite society. Whether she was happy or sad, one would be hard pressed to tell. Only in front of her master Jiang Cheng or her Jin Ling-didi did she elect to reveal the full expanse of her emotions. Yet, whenever Jiang Cheng bore witness to that smile as warm and incandescent as sunlight, he could not help but shudder somewhere deep. Recalling the radiant days of years gone by, he could still see - every time he closed his eyes - his er-shijie smiling at him in the very same fashion.

Aiyo, Jiang Cheng ~

So...they'd been very lucky thus far, that Yan'er was not so like her mother in that way, not so free and generous with her smiles. Or else this devastating secret —Wei Wuxian's only wish — would not be able to withstand the test of time.

"Very pretty, Yan'er." He reaffirmed. "Did you thank Jin-furen?"

"I did."

Jiang Cheng stood and turned back to face Lan Xichen, and realized they were being joined by two others: Lan Qiren and Lan Wangji. The latter of two stared directly down at Jiang Yan, visibly stricken and unblinking, as though he'd just seen a ghost. After all, he had often been on the receiving end of that signature smile once upon a time. It was probably not a smile he'd ever expected to see again in this life.

In hindsight, perhaps Jiang Cheng should have made Yan'er wear her uniform like all the other disciples instead of her favourite indigo robes.

“Ah, Wangji, shufu -” Lan Xichen was quick to react, sensing animosity brewing in the disquiet that stretched taut between his younger brother and his fellow sect master. "Jiang-zongzhu, perhaps you would introduce us?"

The First Jade smiled kindly down at Yan'er. She returned his kindness with a polite nod.

Lan Wangji finally dragged his gaze up to meet Jiang Cheng's, a rarity since their violent parting at Nevernight. The venerated Hanguang-jun had developed a habit of pretending that Jiang Wanyin of Lotus Pier did not exist at all. He probably preferred, dreamed of it even, if Jiang Cheng had been one to fall of the cliff that day. He probably hated himself for not shoving him into the molten abyss when he could to avenge the love of his life.

Love. What did Lan Wangji know of love? Jiang Cheng sneered inwardly. One did not compromise one's love and abandon her, ill and with child, to bleed out alone in a cave tainted by demonic spirits.

One did not watch idly as one's love and her people are reduced to ashes for the power and greed of men either....

Jiang Cheng buried the offending thought, too familiar with Wen Qing's ghost that still haunted him in his moments of weakness. Without breaking gaze, he laid a hand on the crown of Jiang Yan's head and said, "This is my first disciple, Jiang Yan, Jiang Yueqian."

"Yueqian greets Zewu-jun, Lan-lao-xiansheng, Hanguang-jun."

Jiang Cheng watched as the icy fire within Lan Wangji's eyes flicker, fizzle, and extinguish entirely. Jiang Cheng's vague silence had allowed him the space to make his assumptions, and he had assumed the most insane explanation.

Is it so difficult for you, wondered Jiang Cheng. To believe that she could be yours? So impossible, that you would choose to doubt Wei Wuxian instead?

Fine.

Hanguang-jun. The venerated Second Jade of Gusu. That's all you'll ever be. Yan'er will never call you Father.

Jiang Cheng decided he had spent enough time today making nice. "Zewu-jun, it's getting late. If nothing else, I will be taking my leave. The conference continues tomorrow. I will see you then. Yan'er, come."

Yan'er bowed again to the senior cultivators, perfectly well-mannered. A dash of surprise crossed those bright eyes, however, when Jiang Cheng took her hand to lead her away. She followed wordlessly, trusting him, and did not look back once at the Lans she left behind.

Now that Yan'er was out in society, there would surely be rumours. No matter. Rumours were nothing Jiang Wanyin could not withstand. How ironic, indeed, that this was to be his lot in life.

For the first time, Jiang Cheng felt he could understand his father.

Note:

The poem is from the Song dynasty, by poet 范仲淹 from his work 《岳阳楼记》

Jiang Cheng of course is also working off a lot of assumptions about Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji's relationship. He has his reasons for hating and blaming Lan Wangji, but not all the blame is deserved.

[aries-writingblog]

Child’s Play

Summary: Steve is falling fast for a girl that he’s only been on a few dates with (I suck at descriptions🤦🏻‍♀️)

Word Count: 1968

Pairing: Steve Rogers x reader

Warnings: none

AN: GIF is not my own, credit to original creator

“All I’m saying is that you should really consider bringing that uniform back.” She nodded, wiping her fingers delicately on her napkin. Steve cocked an eyebrow, trying not to smile too broadly. “It did wonders for you.”

Steve lowered his eyes, heat creeping onto his face. It was a good embarrassment, though. He couldn’t remember when he last laughed so hard. Even if it was at himself. He had to agree the things he did once were a little cheesy.

“You we’re supposed to pay attention to the message. The videos had a message.” He scolded lightly, dipping a fry in his ketchup. YN scoffed, stealing two fries from the plate and dunking them in her milkshake. Steve scrunched his nose in distaste.

“I was in high school, dude. And you were hot, what was I supposed to do?” She grinned as his cheeks shifted from a shade of pink to a deeper shade of maroon. “It was detention and I was bored. I had to think of something or I’d lose my mind.”

Steve tried not too think too hard about the age difference. It jarred him to take into consideration she watched the stupid patriotic videos he had to film in her high school days. He focused mainly on the present age gap of only a few years. Not the seventy year gap.

“Okay, if I see one more fry go into that milkshake, I’ll flip this table.” Steve threatened, eyeing the drink suspiciously. YN laughed, a bright giggly sound Steve had come to enjoy.

This would be their fourth date. He had the idea to take her to an old diner he’d stumbled upon. Mainly because it had been around in his day- the coffee was still outrageously disgusting. He wasn’t sure how they’d managed to keep the same flavor the whole time but the moment it touched his tongue, Steve was thrown back into his youth.

“Just try it.” She demanded, shoving her glass across the table. He lifted his eyebrows, glancing between her and the chocolate milkshake.

“Absolutely not. The fries get soggy in there- I know they do.” He explained, observing as she rolled her eyes. Slumping back into the booth in playful defeat. “You enjoy that?”

“Uh, yeah. Get with it, gramps.” She dusted her hands off, placing her phone and wallet on the table. “I’m gonna run to the bathroom really quick- watch my stuff?”

“Yeah- of course.” Steve watched her as she stood, pulling at her shirt before starting towards the bathroom. He then turned his attention to their mostly finished plates, stacking them neatly to one side of the table.

Just as he went to catch a waitresses attention, he looked around. They were the only two customers remaining. Steve felt the guilt immediately, seeing the women cleaning around their table. They had been so distracted he had forgotten time could pass. He flicked his wrist, checking his watch. They had been at the restaurant for way too long.

YN emerged from the restroom just at the same moment he stood to approach the register. She noticed he had taken her things, tucked in his jeans pocket. So she found her way to his side, curling her arm around his and hugging it to her chest.

He finished paying, apologized several times to the wait staff for taking the booth for so long. She had brushed it off, telling him it had been a pleasure to serve Captain America himself. Steve still felt guilty, leaving a very large tip for her.

“Ready?” He asked, turning to face YN. She gave an enthusiastic nod, clinging to him as they walked to the door. He pushed it open, holding it for her.

“It’s so late- I don’t think we’ll ever catch a cab.” YN checked her phone, the time shining up at her.

“I’ll walk you home. It’s not that far, if you’re up for it?” He offered. Steve watched as she frowned at the device in her palm, the streetlight gleaming down onto her hair. Giving her face an ethereal glow, eyes sparkling. Her lipgloss was incredibly distracting- shimmering and glittering under the lights.

“Steve?” She asked. He jolted, breaking his stare as he realized he had been zoned out while she was speaking. The heat crept back into his cheeks; He never seemed to get rid of it around her. It was always lurking under his skin, readily revealing itself at any moment.

“What?” She laughed.

“I said that I’d take that escort home, if it doesn’t put you out of your way.” She repeated. Steve shook his head immediately.

“You’re never out of my way, sweetheart.” In truth, her apartment was seventeen blocks to the east of the diner. The Tower was nineteen from the diner, to the north. Steve would’ve done pretty much anything to keep her with him longer, even walk the entire length. Carry her if she wanted.

“I just don’t want to keep you.” Her hand found his forearm again, slithering down to his hand. Her fingers twined with his and he squeezed her hand gently. “You had mentioned that you had to get up early tomorrow. I don’t want to make you late.”

“It’s just some work. Nothing drastic. Can’t leave until I get there anyways.” He assured her, their sides bumping together as their strides evened out. It was practically true- it was work and it wasn’t drastic. He had to leave early for a stake out mission with Natasha. She would eventually forgive him, if not immediately. “I might be gone for a couple weeks… I’m not sure how long it will take.”

“That’s okay.” She shrugged, swinging their arms between their bodies. “Just means our next date can be even better, cause we’ll be really excited to see each other.” Steve smiled, his free hand finding his front pocket. He was always excited to see her.

They fell silent for a moment- something that didn’t happen often. YN was a regular chatterbox when she was excited. And as far as Steve could tell, she was always excited to be around him. He didn’t mind, he loved hearing her voice. Liked listening to her. Telling him fun facts, stories, asking questions, going off on tangents. It was always amusing, watching her face go through several ranges of emotions during her stories. Hands gesturing vibrantly.

“So you’re gonna let me hang around for another date?” Steve asked, risking a glance to her. A light smile on shining lips.

“I may.” She nodded. “Depends.”

“On?” Steve pressed, nudging her with his elbow. YN pursed her lips, feigning concentration with her eyes rolling to the side.

“Well, if I finally get a good night kiss I might let you stick around.” She teased. Steve chuckled, shaking his head. He’d wanted to kiss her the first night, but didn’t want to scare her away. He was still unsure on twenty first century mannerisms, caught in between the centuries. Wanting to move into the current for her, but clinging onto the values instilled in him growing up. Remembering the awkward dates he had with girls. How he never really knew what to do.

But now that she had mentioned it, Steve figured it would be safe to push his luck.

Suddenly, YN gasped and yanked his hand- jeering off course. His feet hit grass as she released his hand. Steve looked up, seeing a playground laid out before them.

“What are you doing?” He followed her at a slower pace, watching as she leapt up. Hands catching on a set of horizontal bars. She twisted upward, hanging down by her knees.

“What- you’ve never played on a playground at midnight before?” She demanded, pushing her shirt back down. Steve laughed, standing in front of her, hands on his hips.

“Not that I can remember.” She released her hold on her shirt, hands reaching out to him. The fabric fell back down, bunching around her chest. A snippet of her dark red bra peeking over the edge. Steve snatched the end and shoved it back upward, covering her torso. “You’re gonna get hurt, YN.”

“Not if I have a superhero boyfriend here to save me.” She argued, leaning back up to take the bars. “Come on, Stevie- let loose for a while.”

He sighed, meeting her eyes as she turned herself right side up. Dangling by her hands. She gave him a pout, eyes twinkling in the park lights.

Steve stepped to her left, tucking his loose t shirt into his belt. Ensuring his hands were clasped tightly around the metal bars before pulling himself up and hanging beside her.

“There you go, now- pull your feet up and hook your knees around a bar and you can hang.” She instructed, then quickly giving him a visual reenactment. He picked it up easily, releasing his grip and turning his body upside down to hang beside hers. “You’re doing it!”

YN wiggled her body happily, figure swinging wildly. Steve reached out, hands on her waist to steady her, worried she would tilt or lose her grip.

“Take it easy, YN.” He squeezed her hips as she laughed. “I don’t think a date should end with an emergency room visit.”

“Then you definitely haven’t been on a really good date.”

“Should I be worried about that statement?”

“I wouldn’t think about it too hard.”

“Oh, for sure.” He smiled, feeling the blood begin to rush to his head. His face felt tingly as he hung beside her, pins and needles pricking at his skin. “We should probably start back, it’s getting late-“

Steve felt her hands grasp his shirt, pulling him closer. YN’s lips brushed against his before planting firmly. He grunted in surprise, hands clasped to his chest, between hers. She moved her lips slowly, gently. He could taste her lip gloss- mix of cherry and vanilla flooding his system with error messages. Brain flashing a ‘vacant’ sign before his consciousness.

“I don’t know if you’re a really good kisser or if all my blood rushed to my head but I’m really lightheaded.” She murmured, not even allowing him to go far as she spoke, lips still touching.

His wide blue eyes stared gleefully into hers, swinging himself down to his feet. Reaching to help her back to the ground next. YN huffed, readjusting her shirt before leaning to pick up her phone that had slid from her pocket whilst upside down.

“Y’know, I think my research isn’t complete yet- still not sure which caused the lightheadedness.” She pressed a finger to her lips, the gloss smudged down her chin. Steve narrowed his eyes at her grin.

“Now you’re just trying to get me to kiss you.” He clarified, able to see through her actions easily. She shrugged, as if to say ‘you caught me!’

“Only if it’s working.”

Steve chuckled, one hand grasping the back of her neck while the other found a place on her waist. Pulling her body to his. She stumbled forward, colliding with his chest as he angled her mouth up to his. Leaning down to meet her height. He pressed them together, cradling her body. His fingers tangled in her hair. YN’s fingers curled into his shirt, finding purchase in the fabric. He felt her lips curl upward in a smile, still pressed to his.

He pulled back, keeping his eyes on her face as he did. A happy, dazed smile on her features- eyes crinkled in the corners. Her fingers drummed against his chest in time with his heartbeat as she ripped herself away. Breaking into a full sprint across the grassy playground.

“Race you to the swings!” She shouted over her shoulder, feet pounding the ground.

Steve chuckled. For once, he didn’t feel the need to be an adult, to be the mature, responsible one. He could turn everything off- even if only for a few minutes. Even if it was something as simple as sprinting across a playground with a girl that was slowly changing his life and perspective. He decided he liked that feeling.

“You asked for it, sweetheart!”

[sketchstress]

In honor of finally seeing Anastasia: the musical last night, here’s a snippet of the prologue for my Zukka Anastasia! AU!! I’m so excited to share this, and hope you enjoy it!!

“There was a time, not very long ago, where we lived in an enchanted world of elegant palaces and grand parties. It was the time of my father’s, Firelord Azulon, reign. We were celebrating a time of peace and unity between all four nations and the prosperity of the Fire Nation. And that night, no star burned brighter than that of our beloved Prince Zuko, my nephew. I was preparing to go on a diplomatic mission to the new Republic City on behalf of the Fire Nation, and promised my nephew that we’d meet again soon. However, it appeared we were destined to never be together again. A dark shadow fell upon the Royal Palace that night, which would soon destroy our lives forever…”

“Come on Katara! We need to look for secret passageways!” Shouting over his shoulder, Sokka races down the hall, hoping his sister is indeed following him. The echo of another pair of feet confirms her presence. Sokka hears his mom shouting back at them, “Now don’t get into too much trouble!”, but her voice fades along with the sounds of the party in the banquet hall. He grins as he finally finds a deserted hallway and starts dragging Katara along, impatient with her little legs.

“Sokka, is this ok? We won’t get in trouble for this? I thought we were just here for a party.” Katara’s eyes reflect her worry and confusion.

“Relax Katara. We were at the party for long enough that I think we can get away and do a little exploring. And big, old palaces like this are filled with secret things that are just waiting for us to find!” Saying this, Sokka turns back to the wall in front of them with a careful eye, and starts wondering where some secret passageways could be.

A few hallways later, and they remained fruitless in their findings. Katara tugs on Sokka’s arm. “We should go back now, Mom and Dad may be worrying about us.” He drags his eyes away from the wall panel and sighs in defeat.

“Fine, I guess we’ll go back now. But maybe we’ll be able to explore more tomorrow!” With that hopeful thought, he takes his sister’s hand and begins walking back the way they came.

Bright flashes of fire appear before them without warning, and a mob of angry-looking Fire Nation folk appear from around the corner and leave behind a trail of screams from where they left. Sokka stifles a shout and drags Katara to the wall, hoping to remain out of sight and get passed by unnoticed.

Firelight reflected in her eyes, Katara makes eye contact with her brother, mouthing I’m going to find mom. She’s away and out of sight before Sokka can protest.

She’s too stubborn to have listened to me, Sokka reassures himself, despite the growing hollow feeling in his chest. Startled by renewed shouts and fire blasts, he dives behind the nearest tapestry, pressing as close to the wall as he could to make himself as small as possible. His heart leaps as he instead falls backwards, and lands on his back in a small, dark corridor.

“I knew there were secret tunnels!”

Reminding himself to tell Katara later, he assesses his options: go back and face whatever craziness is out there, or follow the passage and hope it’ll bring him to a safer area where he can reunite with his family (and get to do some exploring).

“Secret tunnel it is.”

---

Zuko paces around his uncle’s room, hands waving around frantically.

“Since when were you going to Republic City?” Zuko questions, trying to make sense of his uncle’s news.

Iroh turns to the young boy with a patient smile. “My dear nephew, I was only just asked by Firelord Azulon. He needs to send a diplomat to the new Republic City, and I had the honor of being tasked with this duty.”

“But why now?” Zuko knows his voice sounded like a whine, and as a prince he should be acting better than this, but it still creeps into his voice.

“Well, Republic City has been growing very rapidly, and the Fire Nation wants to start our relationship with them quickly so that we may be able to benefit from the potential they hold. Do you understand this, Prince Zuko?” Iroh explains before going back to oversee the packing taking place.

Lu Ten laughs from the corner. “Father, I wouldn’t expect him to understand the complexities of diplomatic relations at just nine years old! I don’t even know how well of a grasp I have on it!” he exclaims, poking Zuko with his elbow.

“It’s a very important thing to understand, and it’ll be good for him to start at such a young age if you haven’t even mastered it yet in all your years,” responds Iroh. “Come, we must not be late for the celebration tonight, and if we keep at this we certainly shall be.”

Pushing his son and nephew out the door, Iroh grabs a small object from the dresser before turning to follow them out. Before they enter the celebration’s ballroom, Iroh stops Zuko from entering.

“I know my leaving will not be easy for you, so I have gotten you something to remember me by.” With this, he pulls out a tile from his sleeve and presents it to Zuko, who takes it with eager hands and then a confused look.

“This is the White Lotus tile. While many often overlook it in a game of Pai Sho, it has secret strengths that come into play when the time is right. When you see this, think of me and our Pai Sho games, my dear nephew.”

“And your tea!” Zuko says excitedly as he examines the tile, promising to himself to always cherish it.

Iroh lets out a laugh. “And my tea! Now why don’t you put that away so we can enter the celebration properly.”

Zuko nods, placing the tile carefully in his pocket, and straightens himself as the doors swing open.

[lena-in-a-red-dress]

Notting Hill AU Snippet #10

Kara doesn't call.

Lena doesn't know if she wants her to, of if she just aches for a new kind of hurt, after the sting fades to a throb fades to a bonedeep sense of loss. When her therapist asks, she tells the truth: she doesn't know what she expected by inviting Kara Danvers into her home a second time. It had simply felt... right.

Weeks bleed together, time losing its meaning as Lena trudges through attempts from her friends to distract her. She sees Lex more than ever. He and Nia set her up on more than one date, but not one scratches Lena's surface.

"I could kill her for what she's done," Lena overhears Andrea telling Lex one night. "Look at her: it's as bad as Veronica."

"Worse, even." Lex's voice is low and concerned. He's always good for a laugh, but is at a loss when every single joke lands like a sack of bricks. Lena doesn't hear anymore. She slips out and texts an apology the next morning.

One day, Nia visits the bookshop with Querl in tow. She's radiant with excitement, enough so that even Lena nearly catches it.

"You are going to love me forever," Nia says, offering Lena a slip of paper. On it is written a phone number.

"What is this?" Lena asks.

"The number of Kara's agent in America."

The news hits Lena like a kick to the stomach. Her chest locks, and suddenly it feels like she can't breathe.

"I thought," Nia continues, suddenly nervous when Lena doesn't respond, "now you can finally call her. Now that things have calmed down. Get some closure, if nothing else..."

Lena still can't respond. Finally, Nia curls her hand around the slip of paper for her.

"Just, promise me you'll think about it, okay?"

It lives in Lena's pocket for a week, heavy and foreboding. Twice, she almost reaches for the phone. In the end, she throws it in the waste paper bin outside the shop and walks away.

---

One night, Lena finds herself sitting on her brother's couch. With Lex sitting next to her reading the paper and Andrea working on her laptop in the nearby armchair, the room is quiet. Normally, Lena prefers the silence, but tonight it weighs on her like a lead blanket.

"I should have known better, shouldn't I?"

The question slips from her without thought, marking the first time she's spoken of the great Kara Danvers debacle since it happened. Both Lex and Andrea look at her, and suddenly Lena's eyes fill with tears.

"Maybe-- maybe I'm just not meant for you two have. I should have taken the hint when my first crush fell in love with my brother instead. Spare myself the trouble."

"No," Andrea says, snapping her laptop shut and setting it aside to focus her entire attention on Lena. "No, just because I didn't love you the same way doesn't mean you aren't meant for happiness."

"Yeah," Lex chimes in. "And it's not been all sunshine and roses for us either. But the not so great moments are the entry fee you pay to get to the good stuff."

Lena wipes her eyes. She wonders if this was how the american colonies felt-- taxation without representation. Well, consider this her declaration. She's done.

"No," Andrea says again, recognizing the look on Lena's face. "You don't get to give up, Lena. We won't let you."

"Mmhmm," Lex agrees with his wife. "No one deserves to be happy more than you do. You'll get there... and maybe sooner rather than later."

"What does that mean?"

"It means," Lex says, folding his newspaper and handing it over, "that someone's back in London."

"Lex..." Andrea warns.

"What?"

Their conversation fades out as Lena stares at the headline. Kara Danvers Returns. It features a picture of Kara in a ballgown, grasping her academy award with a beaming smile, and a second image of a filming location filled with actors in period costume. The caption identifies the location as Hampstead Heath.

Though the image of Kara brings fresh tears to her eyes, Lena feels a strange sense of calm. Kara is okay. In that moment, she realizes that so much of her anguish was the not knowing whether Kara had recovered from the media blitz that had ended their tryst so spectacularly.

Now she does, and Lena feels... okay.

She coughs a laugh, wiping her eyes again as she stands. "I should go."

"Oh, Lena..."

"No, Drea, I'm okay. Thank you." Lena sniffles. "For caring."

Andrea rises, enveloping Lena in a hug. "I do love you, you know. That's never not been true."

Lena nods. "I believe you."

---

For a few days, Lena thinks the peace of knowing Kara is okay will be enough. But three days after Lex hands her the newspaper, Lena finds herself in Hampstead Heath, walking past horse drawn carriages and crewhands working diligently, eyes peeled for a flash of blonde hair.

She runs into a production assistant first. "Can I help you?" he asks, subtly shifting to stand in her path and keep her from going any further.

"Um, yes, hopefully. I'm here to see Kara Danvers, if she's not busy. I'm a friend."

"A friend," the guy says, clearly unconvinced.

"Yes, as far-fetched as that seems. I--"

She stops abruptly when the sound of a familiar laugh drifts through the air. In an instant, Lena zeroes in on the source, and sees Kara stepping out of her trailer with her agent in tow, her face alight with mirth.

Her agent grins back, clearly pleased with herself as she peels off to head in a different direction. Kara joins up with a trio of other actors heading towards the south lawn of the hampstead manor. They pause briefly, and in that moment Kara turns, and their eyes meet.

Electricity fills Lena from head to toe, rooting her to the spot even as her hand lifts in a hesitant wave.

Kara stares for a moment more, until Lena carefully retracts her hand. Only then does she say a word to her costars and take her leave, closing the distance to where Lena stands with her new friend.

Said friend notices Kara's reaction and stands aside, allowing Lena to approach the picket line marking the boundary of the set. They meet on either side, neither speaking for a long moment.

"What're you doing here?"

Kara's question cuts like a knife, and Lena has to swallow against the sudden lump that rises to her throat.

"I heard you were in town," she says softly, "and I..."

Again, she doesn't know why she's here. She doesn't know what she wants to say or how she hopes this conversation will end. She's just... here.

For now, even with all things unsaid between them, it feels like enough.

"Excuse me, Kara?"

Another production assistant calls for Kara, and the moment shatters. Kara holds up one finger, earning them a few more seconds.

"Um, things aren't going very well, and it's our last day, so..."

"Right, you're clearly very busy, I shouldn't have--"

"But if you could wait?" Kara asks, cutting Lena off before she can bolt. Lena looks at her, and in Kara's gaze she sees nothing but a wary earnestness. "There are... things to say."

Lena feels herself nod. "Of course."

"Okay," Kara breathes. "Great. I'll come find you when I can?"

Lena nods again. Kara leaves, taking all the air in Lena's lungs with her. Lena flexes her trembling hands, then hides them in her pockets when someone approaches and offers to take her behind the cameras.

The walk through the cultivated garden filled with costumed actors is thrilling in its own way, allowing Lena a glimpse into Kara's life as an actor rather than just a celebrity.

"Here," her guide says, passing Lena off to the sound technician. "Bill here can hook you up with some headphones to listen in. The actors are already mic'd."

Lena offers Bill a smile of thanks when he hands her a headset. There's also a small monitor, allowing Lena to see what the cameras currently see-- Kara Danvers running lines with another woman.

"So I ask you when you're telling everyone, and you say..."

"Tomorrow will be soon enough."

"Right, and then I..." On the monitor, Kara nods under her lace parasol. "Got it. Thanks, Siobhan."

Her costar, Siobhan, nods, then leans back against the fence behind her. "So. Who was the hottie you were talking to on the way to set?"

With a jolt, Lena realizes that she's suddenly the topic of conversation. She shifts uncomfortably in her seat, fidgeting with her headset-- but not removing it. Not yet.

"Oh. No one."

Lena swallows, her cheeks heating with a mortified flush. She was so stupid for coming here-- but Kara's not done.

"Just a friend from the past. It's actually kind of an awkward situation-- I don't know what she's doing here, actually."

The ground falls out from under Lena's feet, making her stomach swoop sickeningly. She tears the headset from her head, and shoves it back into Bill's hands.

"Sorry, I've got to--"

She doesn't bother finding an excuse. She simply bolts, and doesn't look back.

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