#I can’t help but notice the cliff we’re jumping over

[diazsdimples]

WIP Wednesday

Tagged by @theotherbuckley @steadfastsaturnsrings and @puppyboybuckley (who published the final chapter of the Mudslide Fic, PLEASE go read it!)

I wasn’t gonna do this today cause I had the shift from hell and didn’t manage to write anything yesterday between birthday things but I managed to cobble this together after my shift! Frostpunk AU weirdly came back to me so please enjoy this small snippet!

Much to Buck’s relief, both Edmundo and Christopher are still alive when they make it back to the city, in record time as Bobby will have him believe. Rappelling down the cliff with two semi-conscious, reasonably unstable patients is more difficult than they’d initially anticipated, so in a rush of fear as he watches Bobby struggle with Christopher, Buck offers to bring the boy down himself.

Much like they did the day Buck carried Christopher to the cabin, they strap the child to Buck’s chest, using a small harness stored in the med kit on a “just in case” basis. Christophers head clunks repetitively against Buck’s chest as he pushes them off the cliff, slowly letting the rope out with each jump. He wishes that it wasn’t a two-hand job, that he could cradle Christopher’s head with one hand and keep the rope moving with the other.

Above him, Bobby abseils down with Edmundo dangling to the side of him in a basket. They’d done one last temperature check on the two of them before descending into the heavy, cold mist that lay over the city, and Edmundo’s had been the lowest they’d seen it since the rescue. The way Eli’s face had paled and he’d instantly tugged Bobby aside, talking with him in low, hushed tones was enough to tell Buck about the state of his health.

It made a cold, thrill of fear rush down Buck’s spine, settling in the pit of his stomach as a constant reminder of how precarious Edmundo and Christopher’s situation was, as he carried the small boy to safety.

The moment Buck and Christopher touched the ground, they were pounced on by a team of medics, headed by Hen.

“What’s the story, Buck?” Hen asked as she hurried to help peel off Buck’s outer layers and unclip him from the harness.

“Found this guy and his dad half frozen yesterday. He’s probably 7 or 8 years old and got moderate to severe hypothermia. Eli’s been monitoring him and he’s stable but barely conscious. Probably malnourished and seriously dehydrated,” Buck pants as he lowers Christopher onto the stretcher Hen has prepared. The kid’s light brown curls fall over his face, curling against his eyelids and Buck reaches out a tender hand to brush them back before he can stop himself.

If Hen notices, she chooses not to mention the look in his eyes as he does this.

“Alright, we’re going to take him to the med tent now. What about his dad?” Hen asks as two medics swiftly hoist Christopher’s stretcher into the air and run off in the direction of the nearest med tent.

Buck watches, half in a daze as Edmundo is lowered to the ground. His lips are pale and chapped, and his face looks lifeless and devoid of colour as his head lols to the side. A sick feeling creeps through Buck’s body as he thinks of how close they came to not making it back. How close Christopher came to losing his father.

“This is Edmundo Diaz, severe hypothermia, dehydration and malnourishment. He’s had issues with his oxygen and heart rate consistently through the journey home. Hen, he’ll need around the clock care, someone to stay with him, to keep an eye on him,” Buck says, hearing the urgency in his voice as he speaks. He doesn’t know what compels him, other than a sense that Edmundo is the other half of a magnet that’s drawing him ever closer, but Buck continues talking. “You guys can’t spare another medic but I-I don’t mind sitting with him. I’m good at taking his vitals a-and I could keep an eye on the kid.”

Hen eyes him, as if trying to read what his true motivation is. “Go,” she finally says, inclining her head towards the tent. Buck doesn’t need to be told twice.

No pressure tagging @hippolotamus @spotsandsocks @evanbegins @smilingbuckley @thekristen999 @elvensorceress @rainbow-nerdss @wikiangela @daffi-990 @watchyourbuck @disasterbuckdiaz @bucksbackwardcap @fortheloveofbuddie @aroeddiediaz @jesuisici33 @buckbuckgoose @exhuastedpigeon @cal-daisies-and-briars @wildlife4life @slightlyobsessedwitheverything @nmcggg @alliaskisthepossibilityoflove @kitteneddiediaz @epicbuddieficrecs @spagheddiediaz @loserdiaz

[treefory]

I’ve been listening to Hansel for the past year and I want to tell you what i think happened in the song

In the music video Hansel looks like a rat. I think in the world that Hansel lives in is mainly populated by rats

Hansel is born into a world were he looks like everybody else. He has very normal interests, so he doesn’t stand out. Hansel wants attention but can’t get any because of his sister

He starts off by asking for help and trying to make friends to no avail

So he starts doing dangerous stunts to get attention,even if it hurts him. He puts on a jester hat and a cape, but the people don’t care they keep looking at his sister

Hansel continued his stunts for years. Slowly over time his injuries start to change him.

He loses his teeth and has to get them replaced by big yellow ones. He breaks his nose, now it’s all weird and flabby. He gets tattoos (the triangles on his belly). He hurts his ears so badly to the point we’re he had to get them removed. Even after all of this, he never stoped his stunts.

Sooner or later he loses his arms and gets them replaced with wings. Hansel has a wonderful idea of a new stunt he can do. Now that he has wings, he can fly!

One day he climbs up a cliff in front of a crowd of rats, Then he jumps. Hansel expected to glide above the crowed, but instead he falls. on the way down he hits branches and rocks then he hits the ground, killing him.

At his funeral many rats show up a cry over his death. Instead of being sad he is happy to see rats finally give him attention, It’s like his own little party. Even though he’s happy he is also kinda sad that it took him dying to finally to be noticed.

And according to the song “ Gretel ” by sodikken Hansel also goes to hell

[aristocratic-otter]

Thanks to Daylight Savings Time, I'm going to manage posting tonight!

Also thanks to @aroace-genderfluid-sheep, @artsyunderstudy, @iamamythologicalcreature, @wellbelesbian, @whatevertheweather, @nightimedreamersghost, @ileadacharmedlife, @prettygoododds, and @j-nipper-95 for the tags over the last two weeks.

On to the snips!

From The Heart in The Well, my CORB:

Whoever (or whatever) these creatures are, they’re marching through the Wavering Wood bare footed. 

That’s not unusual. All manner of monsters and fae folk travel these woods. Once I ran across an entire warren of lemming gnomes migrating in search of a cliff to jump off of (I didn’t help them) (I believe in being of service to folk, but helping an entire village off themselves is above and beyond what I’m willing to do). 

What was unusual was the carefully folded note, left in a beam of sunlight on a tree stump in the centre of the clearing. 

A paper folded into the shape of a heart. 

From Saving Simon Snow

 I remember smelling magic from Simon before he passed out: smoke and fire and cedar wood. 

Simon’s magic, back when he had some, did smell like smoke and fire. But it was the acrid smell of smoke from an electrical fire, or the sharpness of green wood burning. This smelled like a full bodied forest fire, rich and smoky and faintly sulphurous. 

It smelled like my magic. 

From Snow Fox, my COTTA

The moment I enter my bedroom, I know I’m not alone. 

It’s not just the flutter of white muslin curtains over a window that was closed when I went downstairs this morning. Nor even the soft susurration of breath from a second pair of lungs. 

I don’t even notice those things. 

No, I know I’m not alone because the moment I step into my room, the scent of magnolia blossoms envelops my senses and every muscle in my body relaxes. My eyes drift shut and my lips tilt up. 

From Stars, Flowers, and Children:

So I know we’re far to young to take care of ourselves. If I were a few years older, I’d probably strike off on my own, because living with Davy is nearly unbearable. I’d try to convince Simon to come with me, but I think I’d go, even if he refused. 

But I’m not a few years older. I’m twelve, and I’m afraid. I don’t know if Simon or I could survive without an adult to guide us, no matter how vindictive he is. 

As it turns out though, we aren’t given a choice. 

From my fic where Simon is a TikTok Dancer:

Pretty much the moment Shepard saw me on the pier today, he offered me a place on his dance crew. Told me that they had plans to make it big on TikTok. I know TikTok; I’ve been watching dancers on it for the last several weeks. It’s frustrating, because it only shows bits of a dance, but Shepard says that humans have a pitiful attention span these days, and the TikTok vids are long enough to catch their interest without boring them. 

I can’t imagine how anyone could be bored watching people dance, but I’m not human, so I’ll have to take Shepard at his word. 

Tagging for a later day or just saying hello:

@best--dress, @bazzybelle, @bookish-bogwitch, @carryonsimoncarryonbaz, @dragoneggos, @erzbethluna, @fatalfangirl, @facewithoutheart, @frjsti, @hushed-chorus, @ivelovedhimthroughworse, @ic3-que3n, @larkral, @moodandmist, @messofthejess, @martsonmars, @moments-au-crayon22, @mostlymaudlin, @onepintobean, @palimpsessed, @thehoneyedhufflepuff, @theearlgreymage, @tea-brigade, @upuntil6am, @whogaveyoupermission, and @you-remind-me-of-the-babe

[thatonesquintern13]

📺: the way home - season two

season one recap 🩵

episode one - the space between:

• watching the ‘previously on’ like i didn’t just spend the week recapping it

• thought this was jacob and dell but it’s just another little boy and older lady

• “it will always take you where you need to go.” 👀

• picking up where season one left off. kat and dell were literally JUST healing and now where back to murder boarding

• oh we’re just immediately jumping into the FROZEN pond

• it didn’t work!

• kat you know that’s not how it works !! just get out before you freeze!!!

• oh god now alice is in the pond

• and YEAH we’re BENEATH THE ICE

• ALICE

• KAT DONT YOU KNOW CPR

• CHEST COMPRESSIONS

• oh god alice is back okay

• so much just happened oh my god

• a note for kat on elliot’s door ):

• me and elliot squabbin the next time i see him 😤

• (did anyone else’s school use the word squab around like 2015?? 2016??)

• “if i’ve learned anything these last few months it’s the worst thing to waste is time.” i gUESS!

• now how can a dog time travel 😭 the pond is SICK for that

• “the pond is done with us, allie. we have to be done with it.” we’ll see

• they’re making a pact to stay in the present

• time jump! seven months laterrrr

• hello?? DECODE PARAMORE?!?!

• and kat is jogging through the woods like is this twilight???

• passed elliot’s (still empty) house. hayley williams is right, how did we get here 😭

• ofc kat is listening to decode she’s an emo millennial

• if you think about it this kinda is like twilight. she’s gonna jump off a cliff next probably

• dell landry: bee keeping age!!!

• where’d the horse come from? 🤨

• “hey, boy. who are you?” oh so neither of us know okay

• oh! it’s the last day of school!

• not spencer from school pulling up

• and maybe zoe from school? hard to say

• alice is leaving!? oh going to the states with brady

• “that’s the thing about shared custody, eventually you have to share.” rip /:

• ugh r*chel mention

• “i am screening your next guy! these last two, they’ve been so very disappointing.” LAST TWO!?

• oh she meant brady and elliot 😂

• “brady only disappointed in the later years. we don’t.. we don’t talk about elliot.” yeah still too soon formerly nemesis monica

• lol so new guy leaves (suspiciously 🤨) and kat is like “okay fiiine i’ll take over the herald and hire myself back!! if i must!!!”

• and good for her!

• oh someone’s died 😰

• evelyn goodwin??

• oldest member of the most prestigious (and wealthiest) family in port haven. an institution, dell says!

• linger?more?

• oh elliot has the AUDACITY to send post cards 😤

• yeah, alice you’re right to roll your eyes at him!!

• we’re getting so much landry lore!

• but also more evidence for my jacob is his own ancestor theory

• the landrys were a founding family of port haven with the aforementioned goodwins

• dell talking about HAPPY MEMORIES OF COLTON!!!! 🥹

• we’re throwing a summer partyyyy

• landry ladies kitchen dancing 🥹

• ruined! by brady calling 😤

• oh so kat and alice are on the same wavelength as me. no wonder kat knows so much about her great great whoevers

• they stuck to their word, no pond!

• “yeah, well. elliot’s not around anymore to give us those pearls of wisdom.” “when are you gonna let that go?” no, no. hold that grudge, alice.

• “elliot promised that he would always be there to help, and when we needed him the most […], he bails.” just like the avatar 😪

• can’t help but notice the herald is brighter now that new guy is gone.

• now i know brady isn’t trying to blame KAT for the shared custody thing

• are we ever gonna be introduced to rachel bc now it’s getting suspicious

• “alice is no distraction, she’s the glue” she really is huh 😭

• ooooh evelyn goodwin put the herald in her will???

• kat is going to ✨lingermore✨

• (i’m guess that’s the goodwin estate?)

• “no wonder you turned the herald into a weekly, you’re always here” okay dell kinda ate with that one 😭

• “i’m going up the hill” me: kate bush?

•but also: *eerie music change* “i’m going with you.”

• okay now i’m scared of lingermore

• oh something has Happened here…

• sorry, evelyn saved everything to open a museum and her son was just like “eh oh well. gonna sell.” ??? hate men.

• oooh but now the herald gets it all!!

• now kat has the entire history of port haven at her fingertips! finding jacob has literally never been easier.

• oh something Sinister has Happened here… 😰

• alice! step away from that pond! you promised your mother!!

• oh she’s just coming to say goodbye ):

• girl back up that’s literally how you fell in the first time!!

• oh it’s LITERALLY how she fell in the first time? the bracelet hello???

• i do enjoy that when i gasp now it’s actually stuff i am surprised about

• is dell gonna have flashbacks of her own of this place now?

• she’s just sad about evelyn ):

• you know. this was kinda how dell’s future was looking before kat and alice showed up…

• yeah how is kat supposed to get all these boxes back to the herald

• UM

• why’s this portrait look just like kat 😀

• “MY KATHERINE, 1814” HELLO

• what did evelyn know 👀

• aww the jewelry dish

• we are immediately back to kat and alice keeping secrets from each other 🫠

• she’s a runna she’s a track star 🏃🏻‍♀️

• oh! note’s gone from the door! is elliot back???

• omg he’s back

• “well kat landry!” “oh… elliot augustine…” okayyyy

•god, kat might as well have just said “you look hot” that would’ve been less embarrassing 😭

• (and he does, she was right.)

• why is elliot being weird

• wait. just realized this man LEFT in the MIDDLE OF THE SCHOOL YEAR??? elliot there’s a TEACHER SHORT- wait they’re canadian…. is there a canadian teacher shortage??

• um but still. in the middle of the year, dawg??

• okay elliot when have you ever “imposed” on the landrys be so for real

• omg kat get up girl you are not playing it cool rn

• “i will never understand why she took elliot’s travels so hard” bc they’re besties??? (also bc that’s her stepdad but we apparently are keeping that a secret)

• dell didn’t notice that kat and alice were literally time traveling but she DID clock kat and elliot and that is, once again, so southern of her.

• “i haven’t seen you wear the bracelet in forever! i was beginning to think you lost it.” hehe about that…

• no actually WHY is elliot so… off i’m starting to not trust this… like go back to the caribbean if you’re gonna be like this

• “somebody had a glow up.” lmao rita!!

• “looks like elliot had what the kids call a hot boy summer” RITA!!!

• oh so alice didn’t know about katelliot and is really just mad bc elliot is her bestie!!!

• “and besides, there is no us, really. right?” ELLIOT YOU’RE THE BIGGEST DUMB DUMB THERE IS

• fumbled the bag

• he didn’t even say GOODBYE!? god what is with these men

• “great party, dell.” 😭😂

• “you better get out there and get a lobster before rita pilfers them all” lol okay great callback

• “[the farm] will always be here waiting for you.” 🥹

• fireworks for colton 😭😭😭😭

• flashbacks for everyone 🥺

• i miss colton landry

• ugh how long are kat and elliot going to pretend they don’t love each other

• alice is connecting dots

• colton and baby elliot 🥺 the club house is always there for him to have a space 😭

• “don’t waste any time, kid. because it’s never guaranteed.” and elliot thought that was a joke?? i-

• *branch snaps* “did you hear that?” WHO CAME BACK 🫵🏽

• “i saw that look between you and elliot. are you two together?” alice you’re far too late

• alice you didn’t ruin anything, sweetie 😭

• kinda rude that i grew up an hour from the beach and never went to a summer bonfire beach party in high school. (i didn’t go to parties in hs who am i kidding)

• oh! we’re being haunted by our past! cool.

• an elliot mixtape!!! IN THE CLUBHOUSE

• aww elliot’s here.

• with a STRONG candian ‘sorry’

• oh they met alice after the last summer cookout… interesting

• i thought “traveling” was a euphemism. but he actually meant time traveling lol

• “i’m sorry i didn’t say goodbye. i just knew if i saw you, i wouldn’t go.” OKAY AND WOULD THAT HAVE BEEN SO BAD

• just sitting on the bed nothing crazy

• SCREAMING !!!!!

• grey’s anatomy training 😏

•making out with all for you playing in the background. gonna cry actually.

• elliot apologizing right away 😭 okay there’s the awkward guy i missed

• “i’m not your problem anymore” WHY WOULD SHE SAY THATTTTT

• ALEXA, PLAY EXHILE BY TAYLOR SWIFT

• the sad part is, they could just go right back to how they were. like elliot is so willing to be that sounding board for kat.

• but. he blew it. super hard. complete buffoonery.

• “welcome home.” damn she’s cold

• baby nick!!!

• ugh elliot was gonna make his move RIGHT before kat met brady 😭

• so i guess spencer from school and zoe from school are??? no more???

• alice is still hung up on nick 😭 girl he’s old let it gooo

• why are they making her sing rn

• now look you’ve made her get stage fright again. (it’s definitely not the ghosts of her mother’s past coming to haunt her…)

• kat and dell finally getting the mother daughter relationship they deserve??

• is the house called lingmore or lingermore… i need to look this up

• the subtitles are telling me lingermore. dell’s accent is just thick lmao

• oh! see, dell thought evelyn reminded her of herself too.

• “i wanna build back our relationship. i wanna get to know you again.” yup yup yup 🥹

• kat has also noticed that dell is talking about colton and jacob in a positive light now

• “no more regrets, only resets” dell would kill on facebook

• ugh, i know Something is going to happen and it’s gonna ruin everything we accomplished in this scene

• um why are we back at the “did you hear that” scene 😰

• WHO IS THAT!?!?? 🫵🏽

• colton???? new guy?????? JACOB!?!?!?

• oh my god

• the blurry polaroid!!

• alice and kat sharing their secrets! season of healing!

• kat don’t let her manipulate you like this!

• okay or do. whatever.

• wait elliot send that text 😭 you gotta be the one to fix this, dude.

• neighbor!? who is this man???

• they better not be trying to give dell another love interest 😤

• could be elliot’s dad tho? but i doubt it

• suspicious buyer of the neighboring farm????

• the new buyer isn’t going to lease the fields sooo what does that mean 😅

• dell is going to be losing money?

• AND WHOSE HORSE IS THIS

• don’t tell me that horse jumped in the pond 🤧

• mother daughter pond jump 🤪

• “it’ll take us where we need to go” what could go wrong! 😀

• BABY ELLIOT!?

• has present elliot been LYING to present kat this whole time??????

• if i got sent to 1814- hold up who is that

• not the gun

• HELLO

• grey’s anatomy training (dying in a horrific way)

• um. okay 😀

fin.

[sweets-fanfics]

Homecoming 24

Word count: 2624

Warning: Violence, animal loss

AN: Hey, it’s been a minute. I wrote this up last night. Lmk if you used to be tagged and you want to be tagged again. Thank you and please lmk what you think. (chapter after the cut :))

I bent down next to my father as he looked into the binoculars. He mustn’t have heard me because he jumps as I speak, “Why are you getting in this mess?”

“Daughter! Glad of you to join us. I honestly didn’t expect it.” 

“I’m only here to make sure you don’t get anyone killed.”

Dutch sighs and sits up, “I’m glad you have so much faith in me.”

I could see a wagon followed by four men on horses. “You aren’t trying to kill them are you?”

“Of course not, dirty thing, murder is.” He says waving me off.

“I highly doubt that as of late.” 

Dutch rolled his eyes and sighed again, “We will not have this discussion now. First, we must help these people get free.”

“Dutch, I don’t think getting involved is what we need right now.” I grabbed both my pistols and my bolt action rifle. “I just don’t want any danger brought to the camp.”

“Is that why you’ve been staying away?”

“I don’t feel safe in the camp right now for obvious reasons.” 

He opened his mouth to speak but a young native man cut him off, “They’re coming.”

“What are we going to be doing?” I ask the boy.

“We will be messing with him, and taking their payroll.”

I gave Dutch a dirty look, “Is he joking?”

“No, he’s not. But the money is all going to them.”

I groaned and stopped walking as the two walked ahead. I could sense two bodies stopping next to me. I glanced to either side to see Arthur and Charles both looking as irritated as I felt. 

“Do we help?” Charles asks. He and I both glance up at Arthur. 

“I guess… but don’t kill anyone. Or at least try not to.” 

Eagles Flies walks to the cart of explosives to help the other natives as Arthur catches up to Dutch. Dutch, already holding some explosives has a huge smirk on his face, “It’s perfect Arthur. We let them do most of the work and everyone will be too worried about the ‘Native problem’ that they won’t see us floating up the river to freedom.”

Charles looks visibly disgusted as Dutch carries on. “That’s horrible,” I mumble mainly to myself.

“Y/N why not help your husband put dynamite in the trees.” Dutch orders, oblivious to everyone's disgust with his grand plan.

“We’re using them?” Arthur asks, hoping he misheard Dutch.

“Not exactly.” Dutch tries to say

“These are good people,” Arthur says over him, “We could help these people.” 

Dutch side eyes me as if I spoke, “Let's just get this done.” He mumbles annoyed.

Eagles Flies Yells from the top of the cliff that we needed to hurry. Arthur mumbles for me to hold the end of the spool as he walks it across the road. I hold on to it as Arthur and dutch walk to each tree and attach the wire to the dynamite Dutch hangs on the trees. As they get further I see Dutch say something to Arthur that makes him stop in his tracks and look back at me. He’s just barely far enough away that I can’t quite read his expression.

“That should be enough, come back up here.” Eagles yells from the top of the cliff. The men stop and walk back towards me. Charles had already started to head back up.

Arthur gently takes the wire I was holding and starts to walk back up making sure I follow. “Dutch says the law caught Colm.” He states. His back is towards me so I still don’t understand his reaction.

“And? Only took them a few years.”

“They are gonna hang him in Saint Denis soon.” He finally peaks over his shoulder at me. “He’s gonna go watch 'cause he thinks his men are gonna try to break him out. He wants me to go.”

“And me?” I asked already guessing the answer.

“He uh… He said it’s not much of a thing a mother should be at.” I rolled my eyes. “I told him okay, but, I won’t tell ya no.” We gave each other both the same knowing smile.

“Sounds like a date.” 

  —---------

We made it back up to the cliff with everyone. I notice all the men putting on bandanas over their faces. “I thought we were just talking?” I asked realizing I don’t have a bandana.

“We are,” Dutch confirms, “But as you know some of us are outlaws and we do plan on humiliating them a little bit as well.” 

Arthur opens his bag and pulls out a black bandana, “Here, I have an extra.”  He ties it around my neck softly then pulls it over my nose, “Very pretty.” He jokes.

“This feels weird,” I admit.

“You get used to it,” Arthur mumbles.

“There’s more than we thought,” Eagles states sounding a bit nervous.

“It’s alright.” Dutch assures him, “Just means more ears to listen to our cause.”

“Our..?” I hear Charles say from somewhere behind me. 

Arthur finishes connecting the wire to the plunger detonator. As Eagles Flies warns his men to wait for his signal. All is quiet as we wait for the Army to get into the perfect position. 

The caravan passes past the first charge and Dutch gives Arthur the go-ahead. As they go off all the soldiers either hit the ground and cover their heads or try to calm the horses they are riding. 

Everyone on the cliff stands and aims their guns at the soldiers. “You’re surrounded. Don’t move.” Eagle demands the soldiers below. “Your humiliation of us has gone on too long.”

“You are making a mistake, boy.” The Soldier that seems to be in charge yells up. 

“You’re the ones making the mistake.” Dutch adds. 

“What happened to letting them do everything?” I aim my rifle at the soldiers.

“Who are you?” The soldier yells back.

“A concerned citizen.” I can hear Dutch’s smile. He’s enjoying this too much. 

I glance at Arthur and Charles who both also don’t look happy Dutch spoke up. “We should move,” Arthur suggests. 

As if proving his point, one of the soldiers fires toward us. I freeze as I feel the bullet buzz past me. Arthur yanks me back from the ledge by my arm as Dutch yells at the soldiers for shooting first and then fires back at them starting a firefight.

“Are you okay?” Arthur asks quickly.

“I’m fine, just shocked me for a second.” I can tell he wants to tell me to take off but I walk back to the edge and start taking out soldiers before he can even get a word in. 

As everyone fires back and forth I hear Eagle say his father isn’t going to be happy. I feel bad that my fathers' obsession with needing to cause drama will just make life harder for these people. 

I look to my left and see another patrol heading to us fast to assist the other soldiers. “More coming on the rear,” I announce out loud to everyone. When only Charles seems to hear me I groan and put my rifle away and grab my pistol. “Fuck it, I’ll handle it.”

Arthur hears me that time as he turns and watches me stomp towards the train the soldiers are climbing to get to us. “Four or five natives, two white men, and a woman” I hear the soldier at the front of the herd announce as they round the corner. 

“Y/N, hold on, hold on.” Arthur yells as he follows after to help. By the time he catches up however more than half of the group has already been dealt with by me leaving him only a few soldiers he quickly shoots. “Damn. Girl, you can not be doing that by yourself anymore.”

“Girl?” I ask wondering if he realizes he called me that. 

“Sorry, the heat of the moment.”

“It’s alright.” I sigh as a shoot a soldier that was sneaking up behind him. 

Arthur turns to the rest of the group as they walk down the cliff to join us. “You fools,” Arthur exclaims. “This is the damn Army, not to random gangs or country folk.”

“Shouldn’t we leave?” Eagle asks Dutch who is ignoring Arthur’s statement.

“Let’s see if we can get information first.”

Everyone starts checking the pockets of bodies for anything that can be used. I pick one pocket and find a letter a soldier wrote to his father. I sigh and put the letter back in the man's pocket softly. “These are all kids. They aren’t the problem.”

“Just keep looking,” Dutch says, obviously annoyed with my presence.

An explosion goes off as more soldiers show up already firing at us, “There’s a lot of men Dutch.” Eagles yells.

“Don’t surrender! If you do you’ll hang.” He says back. “Arthur, We gotta take that cannon out.” 

“I can do it,” I yell already hurrying up the hill.

“Y/N, get back here!” Dutch yells as I ignore him and make it to the top.

 The soldier using the cannon steps back and lunges at me landing a punch to the side of my face. I swing back hitting him in the jaw and making him stagger back giving me enough time to shoot him in the chest. The other soldier who was assisting him tries to shoot me but is taken out by an out-of-breath Arthur.

“You run fast.” He sighs and lifts my face softly. “You might bruise. That’ll be a fun story to tell Bea.”

“Yeah, that was my first punch in the face in a while.” 

“Where’s my friend?” Eagle asks as he frantically looks around. “Did he die?” I look and see the man injured but walking up the hill. “Thank goodness.”

“Well, that sure wasn’t the plan.” Arthur spats towards Dutch.

“I’m doing my best Arthur, I’m trying everything I have.” The sound of the trumpets plays from nearby alerting us to the cavalry. “I’ll keep trying and you,” He jabs a finger towards Arthur and I, “will keep doubting me.”

“We are just worried about Folk, Dutch.” Arthur sighs as a cannonball hits nearby. “Shit, where Eagles Flies?”

As we look around Dutch pushes us towards the denser forest. “Don’t worry about that it’s time to run.”

Arthur grabs my hand and starts running after Dutch, “What about Eagles Flies? And Charles?” I ask both of them.

“I saw Charles take off,” Arthur called back. He whistled for our horses as they ran up to us.

“Arthur, Y/N, we need to ride fast and hard so stay on me!” Dutch yells as he scrambles onto his horse. 

Suzie already seems extremely stressed as she takes off with all her might. We ride deeper into the forest when we hear shot fire from the trees to our right and I'm suddenly rolling through the mud. Arthur who was ahead of me pulls on Athena’s reigns making her turn around so he could check on me. I sit up sore already annoyed at myself for not changing into pants before coming here. I hear Suzie let out a painful sound and I turn toward her. 

She’s on her side in pain as blood spills out from a bullet wound near her neck. “Suzie!” I yell and crawl over to her. My skirt gets caught by a branch sticking out of the mud making me almost fall face-first into the mud again. 

I somehow stand and start to pull on her reigns to try to get her to stand. “You gotta get up,” I demand. “Please, Suzie.” I start to beg and my eyes start to tear up and I stop trying to get her to stand and start putting pressure on the wound. “Arthur,” I cry out as he hops off Athena and runs to me. “We gotta get her to stand.”

“Y/N, we have to go. The army is on our tails.” He tries to pull me but I yank out o his grip and keep putting pressure on Suzie.

She isn’t moving as much anymore and I can’t feel her breathing much, “Suzie, I need you to get up.” I cry again but the horse doesn’t react anymore.

More bullets fly past us and Arthur is very visibly starting to get worried. “My dear, you are gonna have to forgive me.” He throws me over his shoulder and starts heading away from Suzie who is no longer moving.

“No! Damn it, Arthur, we gotta get her to stand up!” I scream and hit his back but his grip just tightens around me. “No. She’s gonna get hurt more!” My eyes are stinging from the tears I didn’t realize were still falling. “She’s gonna get concerned if we leave her,” I say not as loud anymore. 

“Arthur makes your horse run, we’ll fetch 'em later. We gotta go on foot.” Dutch calls from way ahead of us. 

As we run past Athena, Arthur smacks her rear end making her head in another direction as the men go deeper into the trees. “Y/N, I need you to run now.” Arthur places me on the ground but grabs my hand and keeps running into the forest.

We find a very small footpath that leads to us running on the side of a mountain with the roaring river below us. The soldiers are extremely close behind us now.

I keep looking back behind us when I suddenly run into a back of Arthur. When I turn around to look he’s stopped at a broken bridge. “Shit, this is it.” He yells to Dutch.

“Don’t fuckin’ move. Put your hands up.” The soldiers yell as they surround us.

“Follow my lead.” Dutch mumbles. I wasn’t sure what plan he had at the moment because at least twenty soldiers had guns on us. 

We all slowly put our hands up. Dutch starts back towards the edge of the cliff slowly as he rants to the soldiers about the men they killed. Arthur and I slowly do the same. I have a feeling I know what his plan is and I'm thankful I know how to swim.

“You can ask this lovely couple that I have a problem with fighting change. But I know now that you can’t do that.” As Dutch finishes, all three of us step off the cliff and plunges into the cold water.

The soldiers begin to fire at us as we are rushed down the river. Once the firing stops Dutch is able to get to land. He grabs Arthur by the arm and helps him up who then turns and takes my hand finally pulling me in.

“That went really bad, Dutch,” Arthur says as he coughs up water.

“We needed it though, we just escaped from chaos.” He seems almost happy. “Go get Charles and head to the reservation-”

“Stop giving orders for a damn minute.” I snap at him.

Dutch looks at me confused. “I’m sorry but not everyone has time to greave a horse.” He offers a hand to Arthur who ignores it and stands on his own to help me up. “We are almost home free. Don’t forget. Let’s split up.” He starts to walk away from us leaving us at the edge of the river. “Have faith you two, have faith.”

“There is no more faith,” I say to only Arthur. 

He pulls me into a big hug. I wrap my arms around his waist and tuck my face into his neck. “I’m sorry about Suzie. Let’s go find Athena and go get our girl.”

I let out a long sigh and nod, “Alright, Arthur.”

AN: thank you for reading :)

[fearsome-series]

Claire and Summer crossed over the top stair, the last one after hundreds of impossible steps, stepping onto flat floor, onto…

The goddamn CEILING.

Summer tightened her grip on Claire’s hand. Squeezed it like she was being pulled up from a cliff. Closed her eyes, gritted her teeth, and looked up at…the floor. At the front door, the only way out, down…above? At the fridge in the kitchen staying in place. Down into the hollow spaces inside the walls. The floorplan was there, but no human life, and none of what they’d brought up inside. Up…down…? Ugh.

“We’re…” Claire sighed.

“Yeah!” Summer grimaced. “Yeah.”

Her lycanthropic senses detected…something. Small skittering over wood, the heavy scent of dank and dirty fur, scratches, scratches beating a rapid course towards -

A small creature leapt on top of Claire. “Sum!”

“Get off her!” She let go, and batted at the dark shape around her neck. “Get! Off!”

The dark shape resolved into a blinking mongoose. “Hullo!”

Summer growled back. “Was that you?”

“Was that me when? Here? Very perceptive!”

“Were you the one making the noises up here?” Claire asked. Gef nodded. Right in HER FACE, ugh. Can’t imagine the breath.

“You got us trapped here, Gef.”

“Well, have you looked for a way out?” Gef said.

“...yes!”

“What if we…” Claire jumped, but she came down like normal. “It appears gravity’s inverted.”

“If we can’t jump down, then what do we do? What do we do? Keep moving and hope we find a way out?”

“Yes, yes, very well, onward,” Gef said from Claire’s shoulders. “Don’t want to carry me, eh?”

“No, but if Summer did, she may eat you.”

Gef scanned Summer’s face for confirmation; oh, you’ll get it. Summer nodded aggressively, baring her grimaced teeth. Gef averted his glance, and let Claire carry him onward to…to…

More house. UGH.

Scraping over wood. Dragging feet. Summer sniffed bone and dust and rock, and she didn’t need to look back, but she did. But she did, stupidly, and she saw a horned shadow falling along the ceiling, falling and rising as it hunted…

***

“Em, it’s not a big deal.”

Emily sat on the floor of the living room, beside their pile of bags, with only Alice for company; everyone else was outside, but Emily…Emily wasn’t ready. She didn’t know what to say.

Emily brushed tears off her face. “You don’t understand.”

“I do. It doesn’t matter that nothing happened. It’s good, you know, that nothing happened.”

“You don’t understand,” Emily repeated. She really didn’t. Emily had cared a little about seeing what was inside the house, but it was mainly an excuse to get everyone together and hold the seance, so she wouldn’t be alone when she tried to contact…

Could’ve just done it in my room, she thought; they would’ve helped. But then she’d have to admit…

Sigh.

Emily took Alice’s hand gently. “Let’s go outside.” Alice helped her to her feet, and together they inched their way to the door, opened it, and -

Jainaba, jumping forward, hand out. “No! Keep the door open! Don’t let it-!”

Click.

Click.

Her mind woke up. Processed the images taken in by her reddened eyes. They…weren’t outside. They were in the house. The exact same house, but flipped the other way round.

Laura, Manuel, Jainaba, and Eliza were here, gathered around the door that just closed.

“What’s goin’ on?” Alice swung her head around, mouth half-open.

Laura pointed behind them. “Check the door.”

Emily did. “It’s locked…?”

“We don’t know what’s happening,” Manuel said. “The door locked after us. This house appears to be the same house, but mirrored.”

“Did either of you bring your bags?” Laura asked. Both Alice and Emily checked themselves, and said no. “Then they’re back there. In the real house.”

“They’re not mirrored too?” Emily asked; Laura confirmed.

“This place does appear to be physical,” Manuel explained. “I don’t notice any obvious distortions or errors in replication. It is an exact copy.”

“Were Claire and Summer with you?” Eliza asked. “If they’re still in the real house, maybe they can open the door and free us.”

“I don’t know…” Alice flinched. “They…went upstairs.”

***

Don’t look. Don’t look. Don’t look.

They sprinted along the ceiling until they came across the stairs again; they receded into the ceiling, and they descended onto the second floor ceiling. Was it still behind them? Yes, Claire could smell it; she didn’t need eyes to see it, but still, she declined to look…

There was a doorway up ahead. Summer led the way, Claire holding on tight, Gef’s hands - yes, Laura was right, they were horrible, off-putting in a primal way - digging in tight to her shoulder. Summer pushed open the door, and they walked out onto the second floor ceiling. But this one was different. The door frames were slanted at sharp angles, jutting out of their right position, while the floor was tilted, the experience akin to walking through a Dutch angle shot in a movie.

Everything suggested the safest way was to press on slowly and carefully, but behind them, they could hear the opening of the door, and the smell wafted through quite strongly, and Claire knew it was time to run; she wished she was in werewolf form, able to run all night without pause, but here, her human lungs cried out for relief.

Up the stairs and along the ceiling of the first floor, an expanse of running, fear, of iron in the throat, until in the middle of the ceiling above the living room they found a dark hole, cleanly cut from the beams in a rectangle. The inside of it was all shadow, all darkness, its nature imperceptible, and Claire and Summer stood together at the edge… 

“This is…” Summer said, and Claire knew she didn’t know what she was saying.

“We should keep running,” Claire offered, and she knew she didn’t know, either.

“What if that’s the way down?”

“I…I’m too afraid.” An honest response.

“I’m not too afraid!” Gef cried, leaping off of Claire’s shoulders and vanishing into the hole.

“He’s gone…”

“He went somewhere,” Summer said. “He’s somewhere that’s…the worst that happens is…is that it’s here again.”

“The worst that happens is…”

“But it’s not here. It’s not running. We…we go together? We go together.”

“T…together,” Claire said; she held Summer’s hand tightly, closed her eyes, and together, they fell into the darkness.

***

Emily tapped to call Jessie, and in the seconds between looking down at her phone and putting it to her ear Claire and Summer were lying on the floor. The phone rang and rang, and the others helped Claire and Summer to their feet, and then Gef after they found him (he had bounced off the floor and landed in the entryway, apparently unnoticed). The phone connected, and blasted the noise of scraping stone on stone; she rejected the call, and turned off her phone to conserve battery.

“I couldn’t get Jessie, I only heard this weird noise.”

“That’s what happened in the ghost world, too.” Jainaba was sitting on the floor with her legs in front of her, arms wrapped around her knees; Emily opted not to make a joke about Jainaba ending up in the Ghost Dimension twice, for tact’s sake.

Laura and Manuel were huddled around Claire and Summer, and Emily joined them. “Are you two alright?”

“Fine,” Summer grunted.

“We ended up in a non-Euclidean space,” Claire explained, rubbing her arm. “We were walking on the ceiling, and there were stairways that went different directions.”

“And there was a GIANT MONSTER.”

“That too.”

“What was this monster like?” Alice asked.

“It has horns -”

“Like Eliza’s?” Absolute silence.

The chupacabra shook for a moment, and spoke up with quiet anger. “What are you saying?”

“No, NOT like Eliza’s.” Summer snapped back.

“Two horns, on the top of its head.” Claire demonstrated with her hands.

Laura sprung up, and Manuel held her back before she even opened her mouth. “Hey, how about you don’t accuse my friend of being a monster?”

“Sorry,” Alice mumbled, taking a few steps back. Another silence.

“Oh, and the knocking we heard? It was Gef.” Summer said. “Go yell at him.”

“Ugh,” Laura said. “Gef, stay with me. Okay? No vanishing.”

“Hmph,” he protested, but he swiftly clambered onto Laura’s shoulders.

“We should keep moving,” Manuel said. “See if we can open the back door. Um, do any of you have spare objects? Fluff or things in your wallet or anything we can leave behind us?”

Everyone searched their pockets, offering Manuel a smattering of pocket fluff, string, one lost button, and some bills, coins, and useless cards. They also gathered wood chips, dust, and other detritus from around the floor. After assembling this cornucopia, they made their way to the back room; the door that once led out onto a patio opened, and led into the front entryway of the House. No barbecues, then? Manuel set a chunk of wood behind them to mark the door, and they walked through single-file.

Alice and Eliza walked through last.

“Eliza, I’m…I’m sorry,” Alice said, louder than before. “I’m sorry.”

Eliza walked through the door without turning back, and Alice scrambled to follow.

***

The second copy was ordinary, another mirror of the first. They tested the basement door here. Still locked.

The third copy was identified by Summer and Claire as one they passed through: it was slanted, and some of the doorframes were crooked and stuck out, and they had to watch their step lest one trip them up. Its basement door was locked, too, but oddly, its frame wasn’t crooked - the front door, too.

The fourth copy was where the degradation really started. The walls all looked, and smelled, heavily water damaged, and in some places buckled inwards, and in some bubbled out. The ceiling was stained, and it was in this copy that a debate began.

“I didn’t think we’d be hanging out in the Backrooms tonight,” Laura said.

“Philistine,” Emily responded.

“For what?”

“Because, you uncultured swine, the chance was there to make a House of Leaves joke.”

“I’ve never read House of Leaves.”

“Exactly. Uncultured.”

“This isn’t much like House of Leaves, though,” Summer said. “‘cause the rooms are repeating and it’s not a maze. It really is more Backrooms-y. But the stupid wiki with all the extra levels.”

“You’ve read it?”

“No, but I saw TikToks about it.”

Emily sighed. “Same. But I’ll actually read it if we get out of this place.”

Manuel left some string behind, and they walked through another doorway into the fifth copy. The monster hadn’t appeared, and they didn’t have much to fear. They’d be out soon. They just had to keep walking.

***

The fourteenth copy was another distorted mirror, but it was the first to add something.

This one appeared to be the House as it was when people lived in it: there was a table in the dining room and couch in the living room, a beige box of a computer in the corner at a desk, a weighty CRT in a wooden media center along the wall. Plants hung from the ceiling, and in a few planters dotted around the first floor (no one dared go upstairs).

But it was all a copy. The computer had an AOL page printed flatly on the monitor; the discordant notes blaring from the TV jabbed into everyone’s ears like daggers, the TV looping a few seconds of MTV, scanlines thick as prison bars. The table was lumpy and wet, and the couch rippled and sank in on itself like quicksand - even though everyone was tired, no one was brave enough to sit on it. The plants in the planters were in perpetual rot, and the pot hanging off the ceiling held a fern made of sharp metal blades.

But the basement door was the same, as always. The front door, too.

They were in the living room, looking over the computer screen (“BULLS DEFEAT JAZZ IN GAME 6, JORDAN WINS FIFTH TITLE”), when they heard it. When they heard stone dragging over wood, and they closed ranks, standing back-to-back in the living room. The stairs, it’s coming from above, the stairs…

“Come on. We know you’re up there.” Summer cried. “Come on and-”

The fireplace burst apart in a storm of stone and plaster. It stepped out: bipedal, skeletal, its body stone and bones, its head a deer’s skull with two tall antlers. It stared at them, it stared at them with holes devoid of eyes, it stared at them and through them as it reared up on its two legs, antlers scraping the ceiling, plaster dropping in their wake…

“Oh. Oh god…” Laura backed into the others, who didn’t notice her mistake. Nowhere to run, nowhere to…

The creature slammed its large, skeletal hands into the floor. A deep voice spoke - not from within it, but using it, like a speaker, the voice issuing not from the mouth but reverberating through its whole body - “I have killed many for intruding in my walls. They suffered greatly. You did not only intrude. You attempted to destroy me.”

No one wanted to be the first to speak up; their heads craned to watch the creature’s movements - it stepped forward, then dragged its other foot. It could walk normally, but - it wanted them to suffer from the noise. It paused at the TV screen and tapped it. The MTV loop dissolved organically into a view of the House’s upstairs. Two teens walked down the hallway, one in a dark shirt with KOЯN on it, and one holding out a flip phone.

“Man, I’m not getting a signal at all.”

“Dude, what the shit?” The dark-shirt boy said; he lifted his backpack off, and placed it on the floor. “You said it was just a house.”

“It is.” The other boy wandered into another room. “What the crap? This room’s all wet. The ceiling’s white, and -”

The ceiling shot down, and the room was replaced with something white, something made of tiny objects of different shades - white, yellow, black and gray…

Teeth. Oh god, teeth.

The white mass wasn’t a wall, but something twisting around in many interlaced spirals, and from them, came the sounds of butchered meat and the boy’s screams. The other boy screamed, tried to turn and run, but something unseen tripped him and pulled him into the room, each section of his body breaking out into tiny red welts in the instant before it disappeared within the white. His backpack tumbled, and several cans of spray paint rolled down the stairs…

The creature tapped the TV again, and it changed to a view of the living room. A haggard man in a tattered green jacket crouched on the floor. He pulled out a lighter, and after a few flickering attempts, he kindled a fire in the fireplace; as soon as it was kindled, the fire shot out of the fireplace and up his arm, and consumed him in a matter of seconds; the fire trickled down to embers, and firefighters arrived to put out the last burning ashes, but the fire still consumed the man, who squirmed and flailed to try and put it out. The firefighters glanced his way, but did nothing to help; and they left the house without incident.

Another scene, an angle out the window onto the front porch. A man knocked on the door, sweaty and with blood smeared across his forehead. “Please, I-I need help, I’ve been in an accident, is anyone there?” A hole opened up beneath him. He fell, screaming, and it sealed above him.

“I could kill you now,” the creature said. “I could kill you all at once. The men you saw took years to die. No, you must suffer worse than an intruder. The pity is, one of you must die first and miss the rest of the pain. But I know who will be last to die…” The creature tilted its head and stared daggers at each of them in turn, before locking its gaze on Gef; though the skull lacked eyes, Laura felt a deep squirming in her stomach when it passed over her - the tingling of goosebumps on her neck recognizing many eyes, where there were none. “I can’t kill you, can I? Very well. I’ll kill you again and again. Your eternal suffering will offer me some momentary amusement…”

The creature leapt upwards, horns ripping chunks out of the ceiling, and landed, and at its landing all the wood splintered and boards flew outward in a great explosion, and they were all blown far away. Laura dived to grab Manuel, and all was wind and wood and pain.

[luimagines]

Could you maybe do one where the reader is in their time and they take them on a date since everything is calm for a moment?

Masterlist

It's Reader's turn to treat their favorite hero!

Date Day! Part one will included Wild, Legend and Hyrule!

Content under the cut!

Wild

“Ok, bare with me for a minute?” You grin and put a finger to your lips to keep your boyfriend quiet. “I want to show you something.”

“And we’re sneaking out because?” Wild tilts his head but follows you regardless.

“They to the place is a little... challenging and I don’t my Grandma or Time... or Twilight for that matter getting on our case about it.” The face you wear is mischievous and Wild can feel his morph to match yours as you tip toe away from the main group.

When you get far enough away you look over your shoulder and giggle. In a flash, before Wild can figure out what’s happening, you grab his hand and sprint away into the forest growth behind your house.

Wild snorts at your excitement but follows you step for step as you lead him through the foliage.

You stop a quick breather by a rock cliff and before you point up. “That’s where we’re going.”

And then you start climbing.

Wild blinks and doesn’t hesitate to follow you. A small woop leaves his mouth as he takes a running start up the rock and catches up to you relatively quickly.

Your practiced movements and Wild innate ability to climb anything makes the trip as simple as walking up a hill.

You get to the top first, since you’ve made this trip countless time to your Grandmother’s chagrin, and wait for Wild to make it up, holding out your hand to help him with the final stretch and pull him to you. You jump a little in your spot as he gets himself situated and giggle a little at the way his jaw drops at the sight before him.

A meadow of those flowers Wild seems to like so much, the Silent Princess.

But in the middle?

A natural fountain, with water sprouting upwards to give the rocks below the chance to be rained upon even if they’ll never see the light of day beyond what the crevices would offer. It falls into a small pool just beyond the rocks where small lily pads grow ands frogs sing their songs. In the darker corners you can see fireflies take off and return and there’s multiple dragonflies to dart from flower to flower where they know the mosquitoes reside as they try to catch their own lunches.

You see Wild take it all in and stare.

“This is my favorite spot.” You admit in a whisper. “No one else knows it’s here. They can’t get up even if they tried. But I can, and I knew you could because you can do anything.”

“It’s...”

“It’s a bit small I know.” You say with gulp. “and I doubt it’s anything compared to what you’ve already seen in your own world but I wanted to share it with you.”

“It’s just like you.” Wild says and looks over to you with a large and and boyish smile on his face. “It’s perfect.”

The admission strikes you in your spot and you don’t deny the blush that follows. “That’s a bit much, don’t you think?”

“No.” Wild takes your hand and kisses your knuckles. “Not at all. I think it’s a bit lacking actually, but there’s no other word to use to properly describe what I think about you.” 

“What am I going to do with you?” You snicker and take your hand away to cup his face.

“Tell me about this place.” He answers. “How did you find it?”

“Oh that’s easy! You see, Link...uh, my brother, was just born and I was left unsupervised as mom and dad had to take care of the baby so-”

Legend

“Legend!” You cry and drape yourself across his back. “Come with me! I wanna take you somewhere!”

The boy in question falters in his step from your added weight and looked over his shoulder to see you better. “Now?”

You grin and nod. You’re fairly certain that you look crazy but you’re too excited to care.

“Should I be concerned?” Legend gets a small smirk on his face.

“Of little ol’ me?” You tilt your head, your smile never leaving your face. “Maybe. But right now? No. Come on, let’s go! I got Wild and Warrior to watch over Link and Zelda and Time and Twilight are busy humoring my grandma. It’ll just be you and me!”

Legend pauses before he seems to mellow out, and he reaches for your hand behind him. “Ok.” His voice is soft, the kind he saves only for you and when you’re alone. “Lead the way.”

You barely suppress the giggle that passes your lips before you pulled him closer to your side. You take off a brisk pace in case some of the others who are unattended decided to follow you.

You drag him through the streets of your home, your footsteps a mere after thought to the idea of Link’s reaction to what you plan on showing him.

He doesn’t say anything as you travel and keeps a tight grip on your hand, less he get left behind and lose you.

You stop in front of a flower shop and tilt your head in its direction. Legend nods, at your unspoken question and beams when you brighten even more so than you already were.

You both enter and you b-line for the some of the smaller flowers they have near the back and begin to seemingly pick a few at random.

You don’t even notice you lose Legend sometime in the middle of your choosing.

You’re so focused on your selection that you go to pay and head out, already working on your project.

You weave and bend and keep the flowers in place as you begin your journey out of the store.

Legend watches you leave in the middle of the your concentration and quickly pays the needed amount before following you out. He walks next to you at you pace and keeps one hand on your shoulder at all times to guide you back through the streets and make sure you don’t crash into anyone or anything.

He smiles at you, a soft and secret look he knows he should give you more often but he can’t seem to handle the idea when you’re in public.

Within moments he can see what you’ve been making.

A flower crown, braided with such intensity that the flowers covered every inch of the band, there’s not a spec of stem green in the mass that’s been created by your fingers and Legend has to admit that he’s impressed.

You beam and glance at him, as if he’s never left your side the entire time and rip off his hat.

He jumps to take it back but you throw it over your shoulder and spin him around. It’s a dance you both do often and there’s a laugh on your breaths as you anticipate the other’s reaction. But what Legend doesn’t expect is for you to trap him in your arm as you spin and to put the crown over his head from behind.

He’s stunned and when you kiss the tip of his nose, he’s inclined to not move a muscle until you say he’s free to do so.

You spin around while he freezes and bend down to pick up his hat, placing it on your own head with a cheeky wink.

Oh, Legend thinks, he likes that.

Legend blushes crimson and take takes his hand and places the single flower he bought up to your ear and between your hair. “There.” He says. “Perfect.”

You giggle and adjust the hat to keep the stem in place and grab Legend’s hand to lace your fingers together.

“Thanks for coming with me.” You grin and swing your hands together as you begin to walk around with no destination in mind.

Legend smiles back just as bursting with joy as you are. “I’ll follow you anywhere.”

Hyrule

“If I were to say we should leave, what would you do?” You ask your boyfriend, as you watch the group meander around your house. No on is paying attention to you, too focused on the game your cousin and little brother have made up as your grandma watches from her rocking chair, knitting something that will no doubt be gifted to one of the boys before you have to leave again.

It was nice.

A bit loud.

But that your everyday anyway, whether in your home or with the group, so it wasn’t all that unfamiliar.

Hyrule looks over to you with a raised eyebrow and and grin on his lips. “I’d follow you anywhere anytime.”

You smile and place your cheek on your hand as you rest your elbow on the table. “That doesn’t answer my question.”

“Did it have to?” Hyrule snorts. “You already know my answer.”

You hum and tap your fingers on your face before you smile. “Come with me.”

Wordlessly, he follows you and you lead him out of the house and into your garden. It was something your mother started before she left.

You took it upon yourself to try to keep it alive but you never had the same green thumb that she processed. Still, it wasn’t too shabby if you had to say so yourself.

Hyrule took a deep breath through his nose and grinned. “There’s magic in the air.”

You pause and turn to look at him. “You can smell that?”

“Nooo...” Hyrule laughs. “But I can feel like. It’s nice. It’s warm and sweet.”

You smile and hold your hand out to him, waiting until he seems to get a ahold of himself and pull him from behind you. 

You walk together in silence before the old and beaten path opens up to reveal a small clover covered clearing, with a two seater swing hidden by the tree branches. “Come on, let’s sit there Link.”

Hyrule smiles and sits down first, pulling you unexpectantly onto his lap. “And here I thought we were going to go on those adventure you like so much.”

“No.” You blush at the close proximity but lean yourself against him, placing your head by his and poking his neck with your nose. “Grandma would still need me close by incase the kids get too rowdy. At least I’m within yelling distance.”

Hyrule nods and begins to play with your hair as he pushes off the ground somewhat to get the swing in motion. “I like this. I want one.”

“I’ll build one just for you.” You snort and snuggle closer. “Anything for you.”

“Only if you’ll join me.”

“Obviously. Who else you plan on swinging with?”

“I didn’t think I’d be here at all, let alone have someone other than you.” 

You hum and play his hair even if you can’t see it. Hyrule shifts the both of you around so that you’re both lying on the swing instead of being precariously placed on the edge. “Well, I’m glad I’m with you.”

“Me too.”

Part 2 

[parkerlyn]

touching / 37 / oisein 👀

cannot wait for more chaos & softness 🥰

(remember kids, don't fall for peer pressure and terrible friends like Oisein adfsakljl) Thank you for the asks! ❤️

putting their head on the other's chest | holding hands while jumping down from somewhere together

You try to remember how the conversation went, considering where you've ended up. How did you finally agree? Did you actually finally agree? Did you get marionetted? Were you going to have to find a way to quietly murder Oisein?

They had come to you, all teeth in a terrible grin and splotchy, glowing markings flickering with excitement.

"Absolutely not."

"Please please please please-"

"Oisein, I'm not jumping down the Saor waterfall!"

They bring their hands inward like a prayer and give their best attempt at a pout and pitiful eyes. The whole charade looks much less innocent as their long, sharp nails clack together, though. "But the pool is fuller from the recent rains and Heleen won't go without Mav and Mav won't go unless I do and I need moral support. And by moral support I mean you jumping with me."

"The base is right at the edge of the hydro pillars - what if someone from Saor is out there?!"

"We'll wear our glamours!! I was already planning on it, not trying to snap one of these," they say with a nonchalant wave to an antler. "Any mortalis will just think we're a bunch of reckless assholes."

"You ARE being a reckless asshole!"

"Oh it's not even that high, and Heleen and Mav are both elementalists-"

The rest of the conversation blurs out among the dark branches above the Sanctum, and the odd image of Oisein happily skipping away.

Which would explain your current predicament.

The raucous water tumbling over the cliff's edge sprays onto your bare legs and crossed arms, icy pinpricks kissing at your elbow and shins. Thunderous sounds echo back up to the top of the cavern and into the canyon beyond where the stone rings of Saor glint like silver bracelets, delicately detailed with the reflection of thousands of windows.

More whooping and yelling comes from below - far, far below - as what looks to be a pale mortalis woman with coiling ginger hair laughs on the bank. She leans forward, lifting herself from a grassy patch, to throw a scoop of darkened water at a thin person lounging waist deep at the water's edge, the wet sheen of their deep brown skin reflecting moonlight into your eyes. Without their sheevra forms, an unconscious part of you wants to stay out of their sight. But you will yourself to remember the prickly desert flowers of Heleen's markings as she lays back down again, and the winding orchids that normally curl over Mav's shoulders as they blow raspberries in the woman's direction.

Oisein says something next to you, but when you don't respond over the rushing water, they raise their voice.

"If you kill me now, they'll know it was you! So-"

"What?"

Oisein smiles widely next to you as you turn, their disguise more familiar. Their honeyed waves of hair, currently pulled back into a tight bun, provide some comfort alongside the earthy freckles speckling their tanned skin.

Or well, it would, if they weren't the reason you were in this mess in the first place.

Remembering that, you snap your head forward again with a huff.

They laugh - nervously, you notice - and step forward towards the edge of the stone precipice, peering down below. Their bare toes curl into the rock, shoulders rising as they hold a breath. "Okay!" they almost shout over the echoing noise. "It's a little further up than I thought it was. But that's why we're doing this together, right?" The smile turns apologetic while their eyes stay fixated on the drop, but any sympathy you have has already been washed away with the falls, plummeting into the pool below.

You glare at them again, though their edges are blurred and softened by the mist surrounding them, a faint glow diffusing from the stars in the background and the weak light of their markings.

Despite your harshly set face, they turn back to you and pause, before slowly hold out their hand. Curled fingers hesitate for a moment and then unfurl, showing you their empty palm.

You press your lips into as thin of a line as you can possibly muster, determined to glare them off the edge of the waterfall without taking you down with them.

"Can't do this without you," you read from their lips more than hear, their chin lowering but eyes still held your face. The outstretched hand still waits, though you notice a fearful shiver run from their wrist and up towards their collar.

What feels like an eternity passes before you finally give a heavy sigh and uncross your arms, stepping towards Oisein. You slap your hand into theirs, the base of your thumb fitting squarely into their palm, and they wrap their fingers tightly around your hand as you both turn outward to the open air.

The moments begin to blur like the conversation that led you here. A swallow and a flare of their nostrils. Your fingers gripping tensely against their knuckles. One more furtive look to each other and an anxious song kindling in the magic leaking out from the tense leanhaun.

And suddenly, you're flying.

A burst of air pushes you clear of the cliff as you jump, a bright chord that lifts you safely away. The wind whips and streams over your arms as your stomach lurches up into your ribs, your legs cycling through the air. Sound boils and bursts through your throat in tandem with an ecstatic screech from Oisein, muted by the roar of wind and water.

Even as you hurtle nearer to the waterfall's base, the blackened pool quickly approaching, your hands still remain tightly clasped together.

And then, you're floating. Stomach rolling downward against a pillow of swirling wind, water lapping up towards your ankles, twisting upward in lazy tendrils from the surface of the pool. You look down the last dozen feet to see Mav's hands glowing in the water, Heleen's poised expertly in the air above her face. They grin just as you look to Oisein, who laughs, loud and exuberant, water droplets floating near the loose strands of hair that glide gently around their ears.

You catch a sneaky smirk exchanged between the other two sheevra before they release their magic, dropping you the last few feet to plunge into the water.

Chilled bubbles race over your body as you break the surface, taking a quick breath and slamming your eyes shut. The water rushes in around you, weaving over your neck and surrounding you in a bracing cocoon. Muffled murmuring sounds somewhere in the distance (where the waterfall ends?) and you take a chance to open your eyes against the current. Above you the water glitters darkly, scattering the image of the night sky and and reflecting a murky outline of your body back to you.

The heat in your hand finally registers again, the only source of warmth bursting over your fingers as Oisein pulls upward, more bubbles flowing over their windmilling arm and where their feet kick below. It only takes a few seconds more to feel the tug at your shoulder, before you emerge together in a tangle of limbs and gulp in a desperate breath.

While they move backwards and help pull you from the water, Oisein is already berating Mav and Heleen, who snort and giggle together a few feet away. But despite the chiding, there’s a wide grin on their face as they fall back onto their elbows and pull you up towards them, repeating quiet questions of "You okay? You alright?" You nod, cough once, and laugh despite yourself, arms wobbly from the adrenaline and knees digging into the dirt between Oisein’s legs. As more of your senses return, you notice an unwelcome lack of warmth in your palm, but immediately brush that thought away.

The blonde sheevra goes silent eventually, breathing deeply as the wet, ivory cloth of their shirt clings tightly to their chest. They lay their head back against the grass and blink their eyes, splaying their arms out wide.

Without thinking, you collapse where your arms have taken you, thumping your soaked head face first against their chest and elbows framing their hips. There’s a small 'oof' and a laugh that shakes your head when you make contact, before your head bobs with their even breathing.

A chill comes near your body, but the worst of it is held at bay as Oisein’s hands move down to your shoulders, giving them a reassuring squeeze. When you pry your head back up there’s a smile - gentler than usual - alighting their lips. Their hands stay, rubbing warmth into your muscles and eventually resting along your upper arms.

You'd thought their breathing had settled, but you can’t help but notice the quickening pace of their heart and the way they still themself, trying to restrict the rise and fall of their lungs. They swallow, much like they did before you leaped, and you feel their legs tense against yours. Infinite seconds pass while Oisein's lips barely part, neither of you wanting to break the moment.

Which Mav happily does, whistling shrilly at your side.

Oisein scoffs and removes one of their hands to flip them off while carefully putting a little more space between your bodies, shifting awkwardly up the grassy hill. Disappointment drops rudely in your gut while they shiver noticeably again, the sudden absence of your body against theirs bringing back the full effects of the autumn night.

But in the next instant, their head turns to the side, bangs flopping unceremoniously over one of their vibrant eyes before a mischievous look twists their face.

“Wanna go again?”

[inkandpen22]

California Dreamin’ (2/?)

Pairing: Topper x Female!Reader

Word Count: 1k

Warnings: underage drinking, mild violence, drug use 

Part Summary: Y/N and Topper have lunch together and later attend the Cameron’s party. 

Masterlist

Y/N

After surfing for most of the morning, I've grown tired. The waves here are so different than in Malibu. I run out of the water onto the sand, tossing my hair to the side. I hadn't noticed Topper on the beach in the middle of a morning run until I return to my belongings. He slows to a stop once he reaches my stuff. 

"Morning," I greet with a warm smile. 

"I could see you down the beach. You're really good!" 

"Thanks! Years of practice." I giggle. 

He raises a brow. "What are you up to later?" 

"Well, there's the party at the Camerons since Ward and Rose are gone for the weekend. You're going right?" I ask. 

"I was thinking of making an appearance." He remarks wittily. "You free until then?" 

I shrug. "As a bird." 

"Would you want to get some coffee or something?" 

A faint blush forms on my cheeks. "Sounds good." 

____________________________________

Topper

Sitting at the small table outside of the cafe, I can't help but admire her as she talks about California. All changed out her bathing suit and into a cropped Boston band T-shirt and ripped up Daisy Dukes. Half of her hair is tossed up into a bun, the rest hanging loose in waves over her shoulders. She doesn't notice my absentmindedly listening as I analyze every inch of her, even her white Converse high tops, the laces so stretched that she can tie them around her ankles multiple times. 

The waitress interrupts my daze and takes our orders. 

"Regular black coffee and farmer's breakfast please," I request. 

"Lavender tea and granola acai bowl, please. Thank you so much." Y/N smiles, handing her menu to the girl. 

What the hell is acai anyway? Does anyone know? Because I don't. 

When her eyes meet mine, she giggles. "What? Are you gonna start calling me Granola Girl?" 

"I didn't even know how to pronounce acai until you said it," I admit. 

"You should try it! It's very good for you!" She encourages. 

I make a 'yuck' sound and cower. "Isn't it purple?" 

"Maybe... Don't let that scare you!" She giggles. "Branch out, Thorton." 

"Okay, I'll try it, but only because you're peer-pressuring me!" I laugh. 

After a few minutes, my coffee and her tea arrive. Almost immediately, she reaches for the bottle of honey on the table and squeezes some in. 

"Did you know it takes bees almost a month to produce honey?" She asks. "A little fun fact."  

I glance up from stirring my coffee right as she brings her honey-coated finger to her mouth and begins to suck on it. Her eyes meet mine innocently, not suspecting of my thoughts. Fuck me. 

I swallow hard and quickly return my focus to picking up my coffee. 

"Sarah mentioned a party happening at The Boneyard tomorrow. What's that?" She asks with furrowed brows. 

"It's uh... it's place on The Cut," I stammer, still caught off guard by the honey incident. 

She frowns as takes a sip from her tea. "Why is it called 'The Cut'?" 

"It's where Pogues live. It's just the less valuable part of the island," I do my best to describe. 

"Pogues?" 

"The people from The Cut." 

"Do you all from your neighborhood have a name?" 

"They call us Kooks." I shrug. 

"At least it's fair. Sounds rather West Side Story," she teases with a giggle.

The waitress appears with our food. My plate is rather basic, All-American breakfast. Y/N's is a symbol of the trendy West Coast. In summary, we fit our stereotypes. 

I'm hesitant to say what I'm thinking, but Y/N doesn't know the island as I do. She hasn't met any Pogues and should be careful. "You should stay away from Pogues. They have a tendency to steal and lie." I advise. 

Her face falters, apparently, they don't have stuff like where she's from. "Oh... wow... noted." 

"Yeah, I would stay close to Rafe or me tomorrow night," I suggest, genuinely concerned for her and partially for my own benefit. 

She smiles, taking a bite of her smoothie bowl. "Will do."

"Our friends will be there so you should be okay, but Pogues will be too. Tourons too."  

She laughs. "Is that what you call tourists?" 

I suppress a grin and drag my tongue across my lower lip. 

"So I'm a touron?" She questions with amusement. 

My eyes grow wide and impulsively, my hand travels across the table to land on hers. "No, no! Not you!" I then notice my hand resting on hers. Oh geez, I'm messing this up! "Oh.. uh.. sor-" 

Calmly, she glides her hand over, allowing our fingers to interlock. She brings them down to rest on her lap under the table. "You're fine, Topper!" She giggles. "You apologize too much. Relax. It's just me." 

A smile forms on my lips and I nod. She's right, it's her, she's not scary. She's kind and understanding, more relaxed than anyone I've ever met. 

"Here, try this." She scoops up some of her smoothie bowl, picking up some granola and fruit on top. She guides the spoon into my mouth and I try it. 

I nod, processing the experience. "Okay, I'm a fan." 

"I knew you would be," she grins, giving my hand a faint squeeze. 

The remainder of the meal, on the walk to the car, throughout the drive, and until I dropped her off, we hold hands. It felt so natural and right, as though our hands were made for each other. It was difficult to let go, to say the least. 

__________________________________________________

Well into the party at the Cameron's, Rafe challenges me to jump off the roof into their pool three stories below. Kelce gets him fired up, encouraging the challenge. Y/N and Sarah innocently stand nearby on the balcony, smoking a joint together. I would be lying if I said I haven't been watching Y/N all night. That yellow bikini should be illegal. 

"I'll do it if Y/N does!" I compromise. 

Rafe grins wickedly and I instantly regret what I said. He gets up from his spot on the couch and jogs over to the girls. He rests his hand on Y/N's lower back, dangerously close to her ass. I swallow hard, doing my best not to make a scene. As they talk and laugh, he glides his arm around her. The way she looks at him so intently, makes me wonder if it's solely friendly. Then again, Y/N has the ability to make everyone feel like they're the most important person in the world. 

"Oh, you're on!" I hear her tell him. 

Rafe takes her hand and brings her over. "She's down!" 

The next thing I know, Y/N and I are standing on the roof of the Cameron's house. 

"Scared?" I ask her as I peer down at the pool below. People stand with their heads tilted back, cheering for us to jump. 

She shrugs. "It's just like cliff jumping. I do it all the time back home." She slips her hand into mine. 

My eyes flicker down to our interlocked hands and an idea pops into my head. I tuck my arm behind her legs and scoop her up. 

She instantly flings her arms around my neck and squeals. "Topper!" 

"Ready?" I chuckle. 

"On three!" She giggles nervously. 

I nod and begin to count. "Okay! One! Two!" I jump and cheers ensue louder. 

Y/N screams and clings to me. Her face is hidden within the curve of my neck. Within seconds, the cool pool water consumes us. We break apart and I kick to the surface. When I pop out of the water and wipe my eyes, I find Y/N close by. She swims over to me, smiling brightly. I snake my arm around her and guide her legs around my waist. 

I point to her and announce to the cheering crowd. "This is the coolest girl in the OBX!" 

________________________________

Rafe

The party has died down, the sun threatening to rise in two to three hours. Topper and Kelce finish a game of pong outside and Sarah crashed a while ago. I watch dazed as Y/N takes another hit from the joint and hands it to me. She sits back onto the couch and leans into my side, resting her head on my shoulder as I take another hit. Once there's nothing left but ash, I set it down on the ashtray on the side table. I rest my now free hand on Y/N's knee as she rests against me.  

"So soft..." I mumble, rubbing my thumb over her skin. 

Y/N rises off my shoulder, resting her chin against it. I turn my head, meeting her red and dilated eyes. She smiles softly at me. 

I lift my other hand to caress her cheek. "So beautiful..." 

She stares into my eyes and I'm left wondering what's going on inside her head. My eyes flicker down to her lips and I want to kiss her. Following my instincts, I lean in. 

Shaking her head, she presses a hand to my chest and moves away. "Rafe, don't." 

I persist, scooting closer to her. "Why not? It's not like you're still with Nate," I chuckle. 

"We're friends..." She reminds me. 

I press against her shoulder to urge her down onto the couch. "We could be more." I lean in to kiss her again. 

Within seconds, Y/N's palm flies across my cheek with a smack. "Jesus Rafe! I said no!" 

I hiss, my hand covering up my cheek. 

Y/N takes the opportunity to slip out from under me. She storms off toward the staircase. I slam my fist against the back of the couch. Damn, that slap fucking hurt. She really knows how to hit! Suddenly, Topper and Kelce appear from outside, laughing and talking about the party. I pull out my vile of coke from my pocket, ready to release the pain in my face. 

"Where did Y/N go?" Topper chuckles as they plop down on the couch with me.  

"I don't know, bed? Who gives a fuck," I grumble, pouring myself a new line on the table. 

“What’s with the attitude?” Kelce questions. 

“Nothing, man. Just don’t care about her.” I hide behind a disdained expression. 

________________________________

Masterlist

Tags: @starkeythinker @bethii1 @thegunnerkelly @cc13723things@hockeybabe87 @jolomez @plutooryectors

[annaraebananawriter]

"do you want to die?" -nm

"do you want me to answer that honestly?" -dream

if you don’t mind? i crave dream angsttt

It's taken me months to do this, I'm sorry. If you still crave it, then eat away. Although...it's not the angstiest thing I've written, I think.

Also, just so you know. This ended up being written as if the characters were in a cops and criminal au. I think it's clear who is who. Just so you know and aren't confused reading.

That said, enjoy! Prompt is italicized.

~oOo~

4:12 p.m.

He's been lying in bed for over 48 hours now.

Dream rolled back over, away from the sun, and pulled the comforter around him more. He settled back against his pillow, staring blankly at the wall in front of him. The only sound was the fan; it was over 30 degrees Celsius today. The bed was probably drenched in sweat by now.

Blue and Ink were away, a phone call from someone (he couldn't remember the name, only that he was pretty sure it was a member of the Fell family) needing help after a failed attack from Error. The attack in question was after he got in bed, so he didn't show up for it. His friends had updated him about it through the door, he could only hope that Nightmare and his gang hadn't been there.

Nightmare would've noticed he was absent.

Nightmare would've thought about after the battle was over.

Nightmare would've realized where he was.

If his gang was there for the attack, Nightmare would be calling him soon.

Dream closed his eyes. Sleep wouldn't come, he's already tried it, but he can't just stop trying.

It wasn't that he didn't want Nightmare to call, it was very much the opposite, he just didn't want to deal with explaining things. Nightmare would probably understand, but there's always the chance that now they live two different lives, he won't care, and...he wasn't sure if he could handle that.

Living like this, knowing he was trying to catch his own twin and arrest him, that was one thing. Getting the confirmation that Nightmare doesn't care about him and who they used to be is another.

Behind him, his phone vibrates with a call.

Opening his eyes, Dream turns and grabs it, unplugging and answering without seeing who was calling--he already knew. He lays on his back with his phone next to him on the bed. He watches the shadows of some trees move as he waits for him to speak.

"Ah," Nightmare eventually starts, smooth and emotionless as ever. "I assume you're waiting for me to start and not kidnapped and tied up in the trunk of a car right now?"

A smile twitches at his mouth. "If I was kidnapped, I wouldn't have answered."

His brother hums, the sound of his chair leaning back coming through. "Not necessarily. The kidnapper could've taken your phone and answered it for you. You know, mislead me into believing you're safe and sound."

"Not everyone who kidnaps people does it the same way you do, Night."

"They should. I never get caught, don't I?" Nightmare sighs, dropping the banter. "You didn't show up to stop Error yesterday."

So his gang was there. Figures.

He echoes his brother's sigh and closes his eyes. "I didn't."

"Why?"

"Nightmare, you already know why. You wouldn't be calling if you didn't." He's only ever called when Dream was stuck in bed. He never answers any phone calls any other times, either.

"You should say it this time." Nightmare says, lightly. "You have to acknowledge it, too, you know. I can't just say it."

"The day I acknowledge it is the day I die."

Nightmare paused. "Do you want to die?"

Dream stared at the ceiling again, quiet.

Do you want to die?

He's never thought of the question before. Never thought of actively taking matters into his own hands and making sure he dies. No. However, this doesn't mean that if he were to die, he would be unhappy. If a car was about to hit him, he wouldn't move. If he was in front of a cliff, he'd probably jump.

Do you want to die?

He wouldn't go seeking out his death, but he wouldn't run from it either.

Do you want to die?

Was he supposed to feel numb towards the question? Was he supposed to be curious, contemplating what it would be like?

"Do you want me to answer that honestly?" Dream answers, tracing patterns with his eyes.

Nightmare was quiet for a minute. He took this time to roll over to face his phone, leaning into the pillow.

"You missed a good battle." Nightmare speaks up, chair moving again. He was changing the subject, either out of careful planning or just uncomfortable carelessness.

He closed his eyes again. "It's not the Medival times, Night. You don't have to say battle."

"If I called it a duel, then you'd be right." Nightmare sneers a little, just like he always would when Dream would tease him. "Anyways. Dust and Killer almost got caught. Blue's getting better at fighting first, asking questions later. You teaching him?"

It stung a little. His brother was poking his own fun, through more hurtful means, of course. Dream breathed, ignored it. "I haven't taught him anything in months. You must be thinking of someone else."

"Interesting. I thought you taught all your little goons."

"They're too good for me to teach them anything else. My only use now is my connection to you." It came out more self-deprecating than he planned. Not that it wasn't true, mind you.

"Hm. I doubt that." He heard Nightmare move things around on his end. "Aren't you the one who beat me every spar we had?"

"You always kept your weight forward, never balanced."

"You always neglected your pawns in chess. We're even." Nightmare says, "Now, while I have you hostage on the phone, I'm going to go through some paperwork and you're going to help me."

The smile that had been tugging finally took over. Dream buried it in his pillow as he fought down laughter. "Oh no," he deadpanned, though the amusement fought its way through, "my enemy is interrupting my plans to get food to spill his plans to me! Whatever shall I do?"

They both knew he wasn't serious, he could feel Nightmare rolling his eye. "I'll get Horror to break in and deliver to you later. Now, be quiet. It might be hours before we get through all this."

[mackeydoodledoo]

I got your Back

Pairing: (DragonBat!)Daniela Dimitrescu x (Fem!)Reader

Summary: One walk out in the woods would change your life. One encounter with a Royal Dragon Bat changes your views on the four lords.

Warnings: Near-Death, Running, Being chased by the Queen of the ‘Dragon Castle’

A/n: I thought I was going to make this a one story thing, but I was WRONG! Hi, I apparently make series and this is apparently a series now. Also, plot twist comes in this chapter!

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

1 Year...

Daniela’s injury had long healed however, eve if you were letting her go, she only just walked back towards you. No matter what you did to distance yourself from her, she’d always, someway somehow find her way back to you. 

“Don’t you miss home sometimes?” You ask Daniela, leaning against her back

I do but... I enjoy being in your presence as much as I do being at home. 

“Are you sure?” You ask her, reeling in a fish, “Last time I checked, there was nothing special here...”

As you bring in that reeled fish, you toss it to Daniela and she catches it, downing it in a gulp. You roll up your sleeves as you reveal a tattoo. It was a design of Daniela; the Brilliant Red scales and mane with a hint of Brilliant Emerald Green scales was all in the design. You unfortunately had to leave town for a little bit to go into the modern world to get it done. 

I can’t believe you really have a tattoo of me...

“You’re my best friend Dani,” You explain, “So, even if you go, you’ll be on these adventures with me.”

You’re something else Y/n...

“Hey, were you always a dragon?” You ask, “Sorry if that’s out of the blue... If a dragon bat can communicate with me telepathically you must be human as well...”

I don’t know... However, there is a legend... Where humans who were turned into monsters like me...

“I don’t see you as a monster,” You say

You... Don’t?

“I don’t,” You say, “Continue on the ‘legend’ you know about.”

You don’t notice Daniela’s cheeks flushing a deep red. 

It started with a daughter of the royal family. She was absolutely lovesick. From time to time she fell for many different men. One night she went too far and killed the man that she had ‘fallen in love’ with. This had angered the townspeople. The daughter was chased to the edge of town, where she begged mother to help her. However, the mother... Was fed up with her daughters’ flirtatious ways. However, deeply caring for her daughter, she felt merciful and found a way to curse her. The mother had cursed the daughter to become a hybrid of a Dragon and a Bat. The challenge for her cursed daughter was to find someone who would love them not only for appearances but for one who truly is themselves shall be turned back to normal. 

“That’s... Intense,” You sigh, “Do you think... It’s about you?”

Who knows? Just maybe. 

“Well, for one, it’s awesome having a dragon bat for a best friend,” You start, “Who would have thought that-”

You hear rustling in the distance. This causes Daniela to begin hissing and growling. You stand up and cock your gun and stand up to begin making your way to where the noise was. Daniela right behind you to protect you. You lift your gun and begin listening for anything out of the ordinary.

Dani... You hear them too?

I do.

As quick as a flash of light, a hoard of Lycans jumps down from the bushes, ensnaring Daniela in a net.

“Daniela!” You yell, beginning to shoot the lycans, “Let her go!”

One lycan had gotten closer to you however, you immediately whip yourself around and shoot at the lycan that was inches away from your face. You watch molten fire string right above you, dodging the drips of lava that was dripping down from the stream of molten flame.

Run!

“I don’t think so!” You yell, taking down the remaining lycans that were holding Daniela down

You immediately remove the netting from Daniela and wrap your arms around her neck as much as you could.

I thought I told you to run...

“I’m not leaving you behind Dani,” You say, sternly, “We’re partners...”

The Dragon Bat coos under your touch as the both of you begin walking back to your home. Somehow you had been able to keep it afloat. Even with all of the Lycans targeting you. However, you were certain they were all after Daniela. You shoot at the final lycan but hear it beginning to speak.

“The mother of... The Castle... Will kill you...” It says before dying

The lady of the castle?... Does he mean?-

Y/n? Are you okay?

“I’m fine,” You sigh, “No scratches or anything.. Shouldn’t you get back to the castle?”

My mother is being overprotective... I can take care of myself.

“I wouldn’t want you being strongly punished for choosing to stay with me,” You sigh, “Or even me getting burned alive... I wouldn’t want to go out like that.”

Then how would you want to go out?

“On my bed,” You answer, “Surrounded by the people I love... Well, you for that matter... I’m pretty sure a dragon bat like yourself can live longer than the average mortal...”

That is true, But... I’d rather go out valiantly.

“As your typical dragon bat would,” You smile and sigh

What’s wrong with going out valiantly?

“Nothing at all,” You state, “You should go out valiantly. Or at least protecting the ones you love.”

Before Daniela could answer, the both of you look up to the sky and notice a large silhouette of a dragon. Daniela uses her head to nudge you inside of your home. 

“Daniela!” You yell as Daniela uses her tail to lock you in the house

Daniela walks away from the home and watches the large dragon land in front of her.

You stay away from the castle for over a year?!

I wanted to be on my own for awhile mother!

What if a hunter could have killed you?! Or even sold you for money?!

Mother the human I’m with has not sold me or killed me!

You try to unlock the door however it was locked from the outside. You cover your fist with your hoodie and begin punching the door window, unlocking it. However, you look down and notice how your fist began bleeding; seeing dark spots beginning to seep through. You leave your fist covered however, you run in front of Daniela.

“You leave her alone!” You scream

Oh! We have a loud mouth!

Your eyes widen and jump out of the way just as the white and black dragon breathes its fire. 

Mother Stop! Please!

If you want me to stop you must come home!

Daniela actually considered it, but, she had grown attached to you. She couldn’t just up and leave right then and there. She didn’t want to leave you. You appear right back at Daniela’s side, not long before the ‘Mother Dragon’ had began forming her fire in her mouth. It wasn’t before Daniela had curled her neck so that she was practically guarding you; her tail also curled around you. You hear and feel the growling emitting off of Daniela.

You DARE growl at your mother?!

Mother... I don’t want you hurting this human... She saved my life!

Humans are all the same! Now move my daughter!

Daniela also didn’t want to anger her mother. A chill shoots up your spine as you feel Daniela’s tail move away from you, along with her head and neck. But, you feel her warm steam exit her nose.

“Run...” A very feminine voice whispers in 

You’re not sure what shot through your body, but in the next second, your foot pivots and you run... And run... And run.

You come back and succumb to your despair!!

You could hear what the Mother Dragon was yelling. But, you don’t turn to look back. That’s one thing your father taught you; to never look back when you’re running away from something. However, you hear another roar; making you finally turn your head, stopping in your tracks. 

Daniela?! What is the meaning of this?!

“Run Y/n!!!” Daniela yelps as she falls off her mothers’ back

Did Daniela just...

You wanted to turn back and help her. But how could you? The Mother Dragon said it herself. You were a mere human. No special powers, no dragon bat abilities you were just human. However, you couldn’t just simply run away now. Daniela was in trouble. 

You will come home this time! And you will never-

Before the Dragon Mother could finish her sentence at a whimpering Daniela, she turns to a pressure on her tail; your teeth were attempting to sink into the scaly tail. Like themselves, you were grunting, growling and trying to injure the Dragon mother long enough for Daniela to get free. 

No mortal has ever sunk their wee teeth into me flesh before... Got to say little one... You have guts... No matter, You’re finished..

With a simple motion, your teeth weren’t strong enough to hold against the Dragon Mothers’ tail whip. Daniela’s ember eyes widen as she watches your body be flung over the edge of the cliff. Despite being under her mothers’ foot, she manages to break free from her mothers’ grasp. 

Y/n!!!!!

You couldn’t scream. The heavy drop of your stomach made it hard for you to. At that point you decided to accept your despaired fate. That was... Until you saw a silhouette of dragon wings...

A/N: Omg!! It’s been too long! I’ve gotten a new job and it has been exhausting me to the bone! Hopefully I can upload more soon!!

Go Home Daniela

[punemy-spotted]

In Which Love is a Leap of Faith

Chapter 1: Merman

Summary: You thought a man was drowning in the lake. He wasn't.

Pairing: Steve Rogers x You

Warnings: Eventual Smut, Alcohol Mentions, PLEASE DON'T JUST DIVE INTO LAKES IN YOUR BRA AND PANTIES THAT'S WHAT EMERGENCY SERVICES ARE FOR YOU DO NOT WANT TO DROWN, Don't Try This At Home, 18+ ONLY, MINORS DNI

Notes: Pacing meant I couldn't shoehorn being absolutely railed by Steve Rogers into Chapter 1 but Chapter 2 is starting with a bang. Will this be an ongoing series? Probably. Inspired by This Reddit Post

Did you know? Did you know the Avengers sometimes came out to your little mountain hideaway? Well. Not exactly yours, but you’ve lived here your whole life and you know it best. This is your sanctuary, the space you feel safest and yet you had no idea. Of course you didn’t, because if you did? You wouldn’t have just stripped down to your bra and panties and taken a running leap of faith off a cliff right into the mountain-spring lake below.

So how did you get here, making that perfect arc with your body, arms outstretched before you the way you remembered from swim practice all those years ago?

Easy.

You were jogging, like you always do in the mornings before work — your parents’ bar, where you wait tables and balance the books and keep the family business alive — when you saw him. Floating, almost limp in the water, just bobbing along in the emptiness. The lake had a reputation — there was always some barely corroborated story about a friend-of-a-friend who nearly drowned or a tourist who quite possibly did — and you, having occasionally been the person putting MISSING posters up, didn’t want the loved ones of the man in the water coming to town wondering.

If you could save one person from the torment of the unknown, wouldn’t it have been worth it?

So you yelled, Hey! Hang on just a little longer, I’m coming! and threw your clothes off and to the side before throwing yourself off and into the water. You’d swam here plenty of times, knew the exact angle to hit the cold surface, knew just where the shore was from here, knew the right path to take to get to your clothes, thrown haphazardly over a rock somewhere. This was your sanctuary, and you weren’t going to let it turn into someone else’s grave.

Except then you actually reach the man in the water and the blue-eyed surprise spread all over his face Are you okay?

Yes? Are you?

See that? That’s a regulator hanging from the side of his mask.

Now isn’t that convenient?

What the Hell are you doing out here?

What are you doing out here?

I thought you were drowning! Who the fu—CHRIST!

You’re not alone with the blond man in the water — you know his face now, of course you do, as you tread water and try not to glare at Captain fucking America, Steve Rogers, the Man With A Plan, cuz you sure as hell ain’t the gal with one, not anymore — and the clearing throat about three feet away from you sends you into a kicking frenzy, screaming in surprise and face-to-face with a very bemused (and also very concerned) Sam Wilson.

There really is no justice left in the world for you, because they’re both laughing so hard you think Captain America might actually keel over right here and now.

And there’s more.

There’s always freaking more, isn’t there? Yeah, that’s the rest of the fucking Avengers, popping up out of the water and looking like you’re the best comedy act they’ve seen all week.

You’re treading water so fast you think your legs and arms might give out here and now and oh fuck you don’t want to end up the friend-of-a-friend in those cautionary ta— Steve Rogers to the rescue once again. He’s so gentle when he puts his hands on your waist and holds you still Hey, hey, I’ve got you. You okay? You’ll float, just relax, just relax.

You have the good sense not to glare at him for patronizing you. He has the good sense not to tease you for swearing up down and sideways.

You good?

Yeah.

Good.

You’re so red you might in fact have turned into the sun from the force of your embarrassment and the smirks on everyone’s faces don’t exactly help but here you are. I thought you were drowning so I— you can’t even finish your explanation it sounds so ridiculous surrounded by the Avengers in dive suits and regulators.

The smirk on Steve Rogers's face? Absolutely illegal, you should kiss it off do something about it.

You’re still thinking about the what you should do when he speaks up again, steady and warm and it’s honestly hard to be mad when he’s holding you up and keeping you steady, You wanna escort me back to shore?

It’s nice of him to be the one to glare at Sam when the Falcon bursts into laughter at the ridiculousness of the offer, but you know what? Still rude.

Yeah, I can. Hard to flounce when you’re still treading water, even harder to flounce when you’re wearing nothing but a bra and panties and Steve Rogers is pressed against you.

You’re a good swimmer and he’s a good complimenter, handing you a towel and trying not to look at you in soaking wet skivvies. You briefly consider how you might have preferred him being unconscious — least he wouldn’t see the heat rising to your cheeks or the way you’re avoiding looking at him in the dive suit does it have to look so good?

Yeah, thanks. Learned to swim in the lake while you towel off and glance up the path where the rest of your clothes are waiting. You’re going to have to explain this to your family and they’re absolutely going to be weird about it, aren’t they?

Hey he startles you again, why does he keep doing that and you’ve got eyes on him, big and round you did the right thing back there. Thanks.

What?

Jumping into the water. Trying to help. It was the right thing to do.

You… didn’t need any help though.

Yeah, but you didn’t know that.

Okay we— he does that thing, the glare you’ve heard he’s famous for you watch the news and you just. Shut up, faster than you expected. Oh. So that’s how it feels.

Look. We shouldn’t have laughed — and I’m sorry about that. I’ll talk with the rest of them later. There’s not enough people who go diving into lakes and try to do the right thing, and even if I didn’t need it, you did it because you wanted to do the right thing, and that’s what matters.

If you weren’t red before, you’re redder now, about to open your mouth to say thanks and then—

But that was also incredibly dangerous, what if you’d gotten hurt in the dive? How good are emergency services out here — you can always call them before you start stripping down — water’s too cold for that anyway.

You know what, being scolded by Captain America sucks.

Better focus on the praise.

You invited him to the bar.

Well. Technically you invited all of them to the bar — something about overpriced beer and endless pool, you can’t remember you were too busy rambling in your underwear. Bottom line, you invited the Avengers — who, if you recall, apparently come out to your little mountain hideaway for dive training — to your family’s bar and your mother (bless her) didn’t kill you for not giving her advance warning so she could clean the place up.

They’re not gonna show, c’mon, it’s the Avengers. They’ve got better things to do than humor the dumb bitch who jumped into a lake wearing nothing but a sports bra and some briefs.

You’re too busy dealing with the dinner crowd to be disappointed, and trying not to think about how everyone in town is asking you about your encounter with Captain America and The Avengers was he nice what was Thor like were they polite did you really meet them in your underwear what are you, Ariel?

Did your mother have to be the town gossip?

You’re busy and frazzled and the dinner crowd gives way to the lakeside drinkers and still no one shows, proving you right as you clean glasses and try to steer gossip to something less exciting.

You don’t actually notice when the room goes quiet.

Not until you hear Hi, we’re looking for…

You could almost say you didn’t recognize him in clothes, but Captain America? Looks really good in a leather jacket and a button-down, determinedly trying not to jam his hands into his pockets like some sort of dork, hair dry and combed and even a little sheepish as he scans the room until he sees you.

Hey. That offer for drinks still open?

[softomi]

butterflies

prompt: I read in a book once that blue butterflies symbolize many things but I think my favorite was that they are wish-granters. So if you see a blue butterfly, make a wish.

pairing: atsumu x reader

word count: 3.3k

general taglist: @graykageyama

Between the twins, Osamu was always your favorite and it was clear that Osamu preferred you over his brother. Atsumu was the bane of your existence ever since they moved across the street from you. Seven years old, the parents happily introducing themselves, the children staring at each other awkwardly. One held a volleyball, the other staring at you. They were supposed to be your new friends, though all of you were seven, technically you were older. You were a grade above them having just made the cutoff to enter school early, that didn’t stop Atsumu from addressing you as though you were younger than him.

“Ow.” You fell onto your butt, Atsumu had harshly pushed you, “Tsumu.” You began to whimper, tears forming in the corner of your eyes.

He didn’t mean to push you so hard, he just didn’t like that your cooties were going to stain him. There’s a pretty blue butterfly pin in your pigtail braid and when he reaches out, your cries lessen. Your eyes widening, perhaps he was going to help you up. His fingers tug on one of your braids, a little too harshly that the butterfly pin falls out. You begin to wail more at how hurtful he was being.

“Tsumu!” Osamu rips Atsumu’s hand away, shoving the boy to stand between you and his brother. Osamu has dirt on his face from playing far away, he had left momentarily to dig through the ground but as soon as he heard your cries, he came running, “Don’t be mean!”

Atsumu doesn’t know what he did wrong, was it so bad that he was interested in your braids, “She’s the one being a cry baby.” He sticks his tongue out, scowling at you for ruining his fun.

The twins parents have emerged from the home, their mother helping you up and dusting off the dirt from your dress. Osamu lunges at Atsumu, they’re pulling each other’s hair, Atsumu is shoving his brother’s face with his palm, Osamu’s knee is pressing against his brother’s chest. Their father lifts Osamu off Atsumu, scolding the boys loudly for starting a fight.

“Apologize!” Atsumu’s head is forced in a bow by his father.

Atsumu’s fingers are clenched in a fist, “I’m sorry.” He’s gritting through his teeth. He has a scar on his cheek from his brother and he watches with a heavy glare at the way Osamu has his hand in yours, leading you into the home with their mom.

Atsumu plays by himself outside, his father watching him throw around the volleyball for an hour. He catches the ball and holds it still when he hears the door of the home opening. For a second he turns thinking Osamu has decided to come out and play but he scowls when you’re walking to him with your pretty blue polka dot dress.

“I brought you a cookie.” You have a plate in your hands, chocolate chip cookies looking freshly made. He reaches but his hand knocks the plate out of your hands, the cookies sadly falling onto the floor.

“Miya Atsumu!” His father’s stern voice sends a chill down his spine. Before he knows it, he’s being dragged into the home by the back of his shirt.

Atsumu thinks, it’s your fault he’s always getting in trouble.

After Osamu walks you home, Atsumu is allowed to come out of his room. He’s back outside and when he walks through the grass, something shiny attracts his attention. His fingers reach out, gripping the butterfly pin he remembers in your hair. He stuffs the pin in his pocket, running to throw around the volleyball with his brother.

As time went on, Atsumu, Osamu, and you fell into a respective trio dynamic. You were close-knit with Osamu, sharing similar interests in movies, games, and books. With Atsumu, you bickered and spat with him over every little thing; he stopped pulling your hair but that only egged him to think of other modes of torture. Osamu was always there to beat his brother up for you, someone’s got to knock him down a peg and that’s exactly what Osamu did.

By the time the twins entered junior high, Atsumu was beginning to notice he was the third wheel and the only way you’d ever look his way was when he tormented you. He’d spill his drinks on you, eat your food, purposely poke your sides to make you jump, scare you from around the corner, and even just plainly verbally hurt you.

“Did you gain weight?” Atsumu poked your stomach. You slap his hand away, trying to ignore him until Osamu arrived. You should have known better than to walk with Atsumu. He slings an arm around your shoulders, “Did you look in the mirror today when you got ready?”

His cackle is blow to your heart, you jab an elbow into his side, your palm wiping away a stray tear.

“Are you crying?” As much as Atsumu doesn’t want to laugh, because he doesn’t, he feels guilty, horrible even, but his automatic reaction is to chuckle, “Hey, I’m“ His apology is cut off when a fist forces him to step back.

Osamu blows on his fist, he looks at his brother with a grin, “Call it twin telepathy, I just knew you were being mean.”

Not much changed in high school, him a mere second year and you a third year. The only change he can think of is the fact that now you had a whole team to back you up. Kita was rather sharp in detecting Atsumu being a little prick to you, Suna took pride in tripping the blonde if he as much tried to approach you, the other’s seem to take more of an approach of just being near you. After all, you being their volleyball club manager was more important than Atsumu.

“Hey.” Atsumu’s voice stops you dead in your tracks before you can even step foot into the gymnasium to start setting up, “What’s with that on your face?”

Your hand instinctively flies to your cheeks, “What?”

His hand wildly gestures to his own face, “You trying to impress someone? Make-up won’t do you any good.”

You didn’t think anyone would notice the thin layer of foundation you put on or the minimal line of eyeliner; even your eyeshadow was so sheer, you wondered how he even saw it. You give him a cold shoulder, “Go fall off a cliff Atsumu.”

He follows you into the gym, setting his bag down onto one of the benches. He makes his way behind you, his finger dipped into your skirt, pulling at the waistband, “Oi, you have a rip in your skirt.”

“What are you doing?!” Osamu drops his bag at the entrance of the gym, he’s running, tackling his brother to the ground.

“Get the fuck off me!” Atsumu is shoving his brother.

Osamu is digging his brother’s face into the floor, “You’re being a perv!”

“Fuck you!” Atsumu is on top of his brother now.

You could clear up the situation if they weren’t so engrossed in murdering each other. They continue to roll on the floor, taking turns shoving the other’s face into the ground. You use their distracted minds to pull your skirt around. He was telling the truth, it was barely noticeable but there was a tiny rip on the waistband, probably where he had been pulling.

Atsumu is biting the insides of his mouth, he had been scolded by Kita when Osamu explained what had happened, and even when you explained he had no ill intentions; Kita still lectured him on how it isn’t appropriate to touch a girl without her permission. Now he’s running laps around the gym with the rest of the team while you fiddle with the fabric of your skirt.

“Here.” You look up at him, Atsumu had disappeared for ten minutes and when he returned, he towered over you, in his hand a small sewing kit, “If you keep playing with it, you’ll end up ripping the entire skirt. No one wants to see that.”

Even when he’s being nice, he has to throw in a blow to your self-esteem.

“Thanks.” You say bitterly, “But I don’t know how to sew.” Your finger scratches against your head, “I know, I’m stupid.”

You’re not. Atsumu wants to say.

You shift uncomfortably when he suddenly takes a knee. He pulls the thread from the kit, looping it through the needle to make a small knot.

“Can I?” He’s asking permission to touch you and you merely nod.

Compared to his usual self, Atsumu’s touch is soft. You stare at how concentrated he is, stitching the ripped fabric so that it looks almost brand new. Though your uniform skirt was black, the thread he chose was vibrant red. He leans his head near your hip, he uses his teeth to sever the rest of the thread. His breath hot, you could barely feel it through the fabric of your shirt. Your cheeks tint with a blush when he briefly catches your gaze, he looks away quickly.

“What are you doing now?!” Osamu has returned from his long bathroom break; his hand pulls his brother back by the neck of his shirt.

“Samu!” You wave your hands around, “It’s alright, he was just helping me.” You point to the red thread of your skirt.

Atsumu has his hands up in mercy, Osamu eyes him, “I’m onto you.”

“What? Why?!”

Osamu throws a volleyball at his brother’s head, “Because! You’re an asshole!”

“We’re twins, so by default, you’re an asshole too.”

Atsumu starts to run, Osamu tackles him pretty quickly.

There’re girls piled at the door of Atsumu’s classroom, one by one they come in as though they’re presenting their sacrifices to the king himself. He has chocolates stacked to the ceiling, the teachers are already spreading news that they can’t yell at him since they are gifts and if he was forced to throw any away, the female student body would wreak havoc.

The second-year girls slink back when they spot you, a third year that has all the second-year boys turning heads. Some are boldly stopping you to present their own chocolates which you take sweetly. They sigh happily when you walk away.

“Please accept my confession!”

You enter as the class falls dead silent, you’ve come to the second year classroom to give your gifts to the volleyball boys but you’ve stumbled into what seems to be a public love confession to Atsumu. He leans back in his seat, balancing on the back two legs of the chair as he looks up to the girl. She’s shaking from anxiety with her chocolates out for him, the students begin to whisper the longer he takes to answer. You pity her because Atsumu is a complicated person, you just never know what he’s thinking or what he’ll do next.

“Sorry sweetheart, can’t accept any more chocolates. Teacher says I have too much.” Atsumu settles himself onto the four legs of his chair, “You can try Osamu.”

Some of the students let out audible gasps at his comment. You watch her lower her head, brushing past your shoulder in a dejected fashion. The class goes back to bustling rather quickly. Suna sits straight up when he spots you at the door, he taps on Osamu’s desk, the male turning away from the window. Atsumu turns to look over his shoulder, his lips in a thin line when you walk towards the three.

“Happy Valentine’s day.” You have three bags in your hand, you settle one on Osamu’s desk, one falls into the hands of Suna and the last lingers between your fingers. Atsumu stares at it, he notices you have scribbled his name on the side.

The longer you stand without giving it to him, the more he gets irritated. His leg bounces rapidly, he notices the ugly boxes of chocolates squished between your arm and side; pathetic boxes given by pathetic guys. He could do better.

“I just came to drop these off.” Your voice is starting to fade as you notice the last bag still in your hand. You flip the bag around, Osamu and Suna stare at it, a weak glance to their setter, “I’ll see you guys later.”

Osamu got cookies and a gift card to the café he’s been dying to try out. Suna got cookies and a cute little fox plush. Atsumu got nothing but a blow to his pride. He’s sitting arms crossed, knee bouncing against his desk as he refuses to look at Osamu and Suna. Atsumu wonders what you had put in the bag for him.

He had thought long and hard about his gift, Atsumu wasn’t planning on getting you anything for Valentine’s day but the team insisted that it would be a good day to show their appreciation for their manager. When Atsumu asked Osamu what he had gotten for you, Osamu showed him the mug he bought that had a bunny on it. Apparently, the bunny changes color depending on the temperature of the drink. When Osamu asked what Atsumu had gotten, the male simply shrugged his shoulders but the butterfly pin in his pocket pokes at his skin.

The group chat with the team has signified that he’s the last one who hadn’t given his gift yet. He can’t seem to find the time to pull you aside and he can’t find the courage to waltz into your classroom looking for you.

Meet me after classes, near the garden shed.

You reread the text just to make sure that it was correct. A part of you thought maybe his text was a joke meant to leave you hanging outside in the cold but as you near, you can clearly see his tall figure. His back is to you, he’s kicking the snow on the ground, it’s freezing and you’re jogging slightly to reach him.

“Hey.”

He whips around at your voice. His nose is red, trying to hide himself in his scarf. His eyes fall to your hands, you still have the bag but you’re making sure that the side that has his name doesn’t show. His hands are dug into his pockets, he’s twirling the butterfly pin.

“Atsumu?” Your voice shakes him, your eyes wide and just waiting for him to say something, anything.

Snow begins to fall, you look up, your hand lifted to catch the snowflakes that melts immediately in your palm.

“I.” Atsumu can’t find his next words because as you look at him, his heart is pounding in his chest. His eyes are falling and he catches the faint red thread on your skirt; he was sure you had thrown the skirt out, he recalls you telling Osamu that you had ordered a new skirt, “I’m sorry.”

“Hm?” You lean in, “What?”

Atsumu’s clenching the butterfly pin. He’s remembering every moment he’s ever had with you, all the hair pulling, all the nasty words, all the dirty tricks, “I said I’m sorry.” His lips are chapped, cheeks turning red from the cold, or maybe from the way he feels his heartrate accelerating, “Okay?”

You’re confused, “Did something happen? Did you get into a fight with Osamu again?”

Osamu, Osamu, Osamu. Is that all the two of you will ever talk about? Is that the only topic of common ground that you had with him? Osamu this, Osamu that.

“No.” He presses his thumb on the hairpin, “Whatever.” He sighs, his hands are removed from his pockets, in his palm you stare at the pin, “Happy Valentine’s day loser.”

Your finger brushes against his skin and you stare with wonder at the butterfly pin you recall bawling to your parents for losing, “Where’d you find this?” You’re smiling, for the first time, you’re giving him a smile.

“It’s not really important where I found it.” It sat on his dresser for years, some days he forgot it was there, other days he stared at it when getting dressed.

You’re giggling with glee, you’re pushing the hairpin to pull back strands of your hair, it’s bright blue jewels contrast against the falling of snow. The pin rests above your ear, Atsumu stares in awe. A snowball smacks against his neck, it jolts Atsumu out of his trance and he’s alarmingly looking around.

“What are you doing?!” Osamu screams from a distance, Suna’s phone out had captured the accurate shot.

“Goddamit Samu!” Atsumu screams, the cold torturing his skin. Atsumu quickly forms a snowball, you scream when another snowball hits Atsumu’s side, it exploded and struck you as collateral.

Atsumu chucks the snowball at his brother, though he tried to run, Osamu was hit straight in the face. You let out a gasp in unison with Atsumu, Osamu is building another snowball and just as he’s about to throw, Atsumu grips you by the arms, putting you in front of him.

“Tsumu! No!” You screech.

His stomach jitters, you called him by his nickname. Osamu chucks the snowball and to protect your face, you turn in Atsumu’s hands, your fingers clinging to his jacket and you’re laughing. God, you’re laughing with him.

The snowball sends you forward, your cheek pressed against his chest, your laughter vibrates onto his skin. He’s burning, he’s hot, he’s sweating. He’s suddenly gulping, thirsty, aching to drink something. Another snowball is thrown, this time it hits him in the shoulder.

“Don’t use y/n as a shield, ya dickhead!” Osamu is approaching, this time he nears with a snowball in his hand.

You’re just realizing now that you’re exposed legs are freezing. You shiver into Atsumu briefly before pulling away from him. You escape from his grasp to skip over to Suna. You’re clinging to Suna’s arm, teeth chattering, and you watch through Suna’s phone as Osamu smacks the snowball into his brother’s face. Of course, this causes Atsumu to tackle Osamu; Suna stops the recording.

“I got like ten million videos of them rolling on the floor.”

Atsumu ruffles his hair, he’s looking in the mirror to make sure all the dirt and snow mixture is out. Osamu approaches next to him, running his hand under the water. They don’t meet gazes but as they stare into their own reflections, it was like they were looking right at each other.

“Don’t do it.” Osamu states. He’s pulled one of the paper towels, wiping his hands as he doesn’t break eye contact with his reflection, “Don’t go acting like you loved her this entire time. You treated her like shit and now suddenly you think you’re in love.”

Atsumu feels guilt build up in the pit of his stomach. Osamu leaves the bathroom, leaving Atsumu to grip onto the sink. The feeling of you pressed against his chest makes blue butterflies swirl in his abdomen. He shoves the feeling down, he tucks it into the back of his heart, he puts you on the back burner.

His cell rings, Suna’s text tells him that everyone has decided to head to the gym first. He takes the time to wipe his hands, throwing the paper towel into the trash, he spots a brown paper bag next to the door of the bathroom. His name is scribbled on the side in your handwriting.

Atsumu got cookies, a volleyball keychain with his name etched into it, and a card. He sits in the bathroom, card in between his fingers, streaks of tears down his cheek while he stuffs the cookies into his mouth.

Thank you for helping me that one day with my skirt. I was going to buy a new one but then cancelled the order since I’ll be graduating any way. I never did get to thank you so I’m doing it now.

The card continues with a different colored pen.

I love the butterfly hairpin, thank you for finding it. I hope that we can become friends.

Atsumu heavily breathes, you were so nice, for someone like him, you were incredibly nice. You were so nice his heart was clenching and somewhere in the world, blue butterflies are flapping their wings.

[fabricated-misslieness]

God Tier Gliding Laughs

Refer to this post for what "God Tier" means

Features: Amber, Beidou, Noelle, Klee & Diona + Albedo

You can find everyone’s laughs on Honey Impact

SS Tier Laughs

Amber (♥ω♥ ) ~♪

As the Gliding Champion of Mondstadt, Amber knew all the ins and outs of gliding - even if some of them weren’t technically legal. Ever since Amber got comfortable with and around you, she’d been nagging you about getting your gliding license so that you could have a gliding date.

Despite being an ordinary citizen of Mondstadt, you had no such interest in gliding. You had basically every fear in the book that was against the activity, heights, falling, etc. But your girlfriend was ecstatic, lending you her favorite book Wind, Courage, and Wings in the hopes that you’d be persuaded.

As it happens, you were. You could clearly see how much the story had affected her, and it encouraged you too. Even so, it did not entirely wash away your fears.

Amber assured you it was fine, so one day she took you out to teach you - more so abducted you, though she told you it was a date.

Starsnatch Cliff, far away from the city - since you didn’t have a license, close an ocean to catch you, and a shore so you didn’t have to swim far.

It would be perfect, right?

No.

“AMBER!” You didn’t know how or why, but you were falling, not gliding.

Your girlfriend yelled your name as she dove down and caught you with one arm. “Hold out your arm!” For someone that was currently falling, you don’t know how she was thinking rationally.

“WHAT?”

“Just do it!”

And you obliged. Miraculously, you were not dead. Instead, you were slowly gliding down towards a rock by the shore.

“Phew.” Amber sighed, “Thank Barbatos.”

Once you landed, she wrapped her arms around you and held you tightly. “You!!! Agh!” She groans, clearly frustrated, before kissing all over your face. “Bunny, you had me worried!”

All you could do was apologize, but she didn’t blame you as much as she blamed herself for being a 'bad' gliding instructor.

 

Beidou ⊂（♡⌂♡）⊃

Being a native of Mondstadt, it would almost be a crime if you didn’t know how to glide. As such, when you traveled to Liyue and fell in love with the famed captain of the Crux, you had to teach her too.

Even if she was a woman of the sea, the wind would not dare defy her from riding its breeze.

Beidou is full of spirit. No challenge is too hard for her, and gliding is no exception.

If she hadn't voiced her struggles, you would've thought she was doing perfectly fine. And even when she did say them, she only needed a minor correction.

Gliding was fun for her, as you could tell from her wonderful laughs.

"What is it?" She asks you as you stare at her intently during a break, something you hadn't noticed. Her tone is playful though.

For once, she wasn't the one calling you cute. "Well, you're cute."

"Oh?" She laughs and presses a kiss on your temple. "Thank you, honey buns."

The only reason she calls you honey buns is because "you're the only sweet I'd ever pick over-"

"...something spicy. I know, I know." She's said that many times. Even so, it never fails to flatter you.

She cups your flushed cheeks until your lips pucker out. "I mean, just look at you."

With the cutest of laughs, she gives you a chaste kiss, pulling back just as quick as she went in. "Come on, let's go gliding!"

 

Klee and Diona (´∀｀)♡

but really, it's Albedo

"(y/n)!" Albedo shouts up at you. You, on top of a cliff and about to throw yourself off with two children behind you, do not heed his warning.

"Ah, come on Albedo!" You beam at him, "It'll be fun!"

..and you've jumped off.

The two impressionable children behind you follow suit, giggling excitedly as they do. Albedo yells loudly in fear of their safety.

You glance down at Albedo, catching a glimpse of his terrified face, before turning back to the girls and making sure they're okay. Their form is correct, but most importantly, they are having so much fun.

"See, Albedo?" You call down to your more responsible boyfriend. "They're doing just fi-"

They may be doing fine, but you're not.

You groan in pain as you get tangled up in the branches of the tree in front of you, which you hadn't seen due to the fact that you were looking at the girls behind you.

But the kids are your biggest priority. "Steer to the side, steer!" You shout.

They obey you, but they laugh at your 'situation' as they do.

"Brother is stuck in a tree!" Kids don't know how to make fun of people on purpose. It's only when they're making an honest opinion on you that it hurts.

<>♡<>♡<>♡<>♡<>♡<>♡<>♡<>

With the help of Albedo's elevator, you're back on solid ground. Though, evidently, you're a little messy.

You're both sitting on a tree while the girls are catching nasty things for Diona's next cocktail within your vicinity. Albedo tidies you up, picking branches out of your hair, leaves off your clothes, and cleans up your scratches.

"Why are you like this…" The Head Alchemist groans. "One minute I leave you to find something, the next I have to find you and stop you from causing accidents."

"Stop stealing my notes, stop stealing away the children, and most importantly, stop causing trouble." He scolds you.

As you move to pick a leaf off your shirt, Albedo slaps your hand away and does it himself. It seems that he can't even trust you to do something as small as that.

No matter how many times he scolds you, it always leaves you a bit ashamed.

He notices the look on your face and sighs, "I'm sorry." He presses a peck on your lips and then one on your forehead. "But you have to learn that the girls will always be impressed by you, no matter what you do."

"It's-"

"Big brother instinct, I know, dear."

 

Noelle (๑♡⌓♡๑)

Noelle had little to no free time. As maid of the Knights of Favonius, she cleaned their Headquarters daily. As an aspiring knight, she trained and trained to great heights. As your girlfriend, she made sure that, even on the busiest of days, she had shown affection to you.

She did so many things a day that you wondered how she had not burned out yet.

Was it her determination? Or was it her lack of knowledge on resting that had lead her to not desire it?

Nevertheless, today, she took time off for you. You were determined to get her to loosen up through the sport of gliding.

"Gliding?" She grimaces, though she covers it up with a smile in an instant, hoping that you didn't see it.

You sigh, taking her hands in yours, "It'll be fine, trust me!"

"I do, dear, it's just.. I've seen Amber fall so many times! It worries me." Her worry doesn't falter.

"It's alright. You've got your license, right?" She nods hesitantly. "Then we're all set! You're always so determined at everything that you're a natural!"

Your enthusiasm seems to lighten her up. She nods again, this time determined. "Okay, I guess I can do it."

Your smile beams brighter, "We can do it!"

She presses a kiss to your cheek before allowing you to drag her along to wherever you plan on going.

[queen-ofsunflowers]

My favorite moments I've written for Shujin Assassins so far:

Kayano: How do you say ‘unkillable’ in Japanese? (Ren pauses and thinks about it.)

Ren: Korosenai. (The entire class whips around at the sound of Ren speaking.) Korosenai… Koro… sen...nai… Koro...sen...sei? ...Korosensei? Huh? 

Nagisa: Korosensei? (Ren pauses. Oh crap, he said all that out loud.)

Korosensei: A pleasure to finally hear more of that voice of yours, Amamiya. Five whole words!

---

Korosensei: Shoot and stab all you want, class! Even with this handicap, I am too fast for you! (Ren looks up and takes the gun from Nagisa.)

Nagisa: Hey, what—

Korosensei: Only in your dreams do you have any hope of getting the deed done— (Ren fires, not aiming for Korosensei but the rope tied to the tree. The rope breaks and Korosensei, stunned, falls. They watch as the rest of the class takes the initiative to attack him, forcing a panicked Korosensei to roll around on the ground.)

Ann: Wow. I didn’t know a BB could break a rope like that!

Ren: It was starting to break anyway.

---

Ren: You’d really help me?

Ryuji: ‘course. We’re friends, aren’t we? (Ren blinks. But they’ve only known each other for like… a week and half. He still smiles all the same.) Ain’t that right, Ren-Ren? (A shiver goes up Ren’s spine at the sound of that nickname. Of all things to call him…) So call me Ryuji, got it?

Ren: Thanks. I think I’ll stick with Sakamoto.

Ryuji: Oh man, that's cold.

---

Kataoka: Does anyone else think it's weird that she’s all over Korosensei?

Ryuji: I dunno. Maybe she’s into tentacles. (Someone swiftly kicks his seat.) OW! Hey! What was that for?!

---

Ann: But we bought those for ourselves! *groan* I was so looking forward to that for later…!

Shiho: I’m starting to think that he just used this lab to feed his junk food habit until payday.

Ren: Why does an octopus need to get paid a teacher’s salary…?

Shiho: Huh. Eleven words now.

Ren: What?

---

(And the door opens before Ren can run away.) Oh.  

Ren: Uh… H-Hello. Sir.

Principal: (more warmly that Ren expected) I look forward to your midterm results. Let your mother know that I said hello, would you? (Ren swallows and nods. When he leaves, that warmth disappears and is replaced by ice cold.)

---

Ann grabs Ren’s wrist to pull him back to her.)

Ren: Huh? What’s up?

Ann: Did you really mean all that? (Ren raises a brow.) What you said to those guys back there. About us. Did you really mean it?

Ren: ...Every word. Why?

Ann: ...Like I told Kayano, I always thought I was an outcast because of my looks or the fact that I didn’t grow up here. So hearing all that… Thank you. I really appreciated it.

Ren: No problem. It’s like Ryuji told me. We outcasts have to stick together, don’t we?

Ann: *giggle* Right! ...um, hey. If you want to, you can call me Ann, alright?

Ren: Okay.

Ann: Okay! And… thanks again. ...Ren-Ren. (Ren bristles, turning bright red. Ann laughs out loud, patting his back.) I’m just messing with you!

Ren: Please don’t do that… (Nearly killed him…) Can you maybe… not call me that?

Ann: Okay, okay! (She’s still laughing.) I promise!

---

Nagisa: What did you even do to them?

Ren: I have no idea. I got this really bad headache… and I think I heard a voice in my head? There was this thing… I’m not sure what it was.

Nagisa: Whatever it is, I could help with it. We’ll figure out what it is.

Ren: You don’t have to.

Nagisa: I’m already figuring out Korosensei’s weaknesses. Who knows? Maybe whatever that was 

Ren: You’re not… freaked out?

Nagisa: Amamiya, our teacher is a giant yellow octopus. Whatever happened to you is the least strange thing that I’ve seen this year. We can figure out what it is. And hopefully it’ll help us with our assassination.

Ren: *nods* Right! Let’s do this! (He holds out his hand. Nagisa stares at it for a moment before shaking it.)

---

Ryuji: Wow, she’s seriously cute.

Ren: She doesn’t really look like an assassin.

Shiho: Neither do we. But still… I’m curious about what this new girl’s all about. Amamiya turned out to be quite the joker.

Ren: Joker?

Shiho: A wild card! I mean, you didn’t hesitate to jump out a window or off of a cliff.

---

Ann: Uh, no offense but I don’t think your usual tactics will fool Mr. Karasuma. He knows your M.O.

Irina: Don’t you think I don’t know that!? (She sighs.) It’s like a paid escort trying to put the moves on her old man. (Ren shivers at the image.) If I don’t get this done, I’ll have to leave.

Ann: What?!

Irina: C’mere, I wanna try something. (She drags Ann off.)

---

Kayano: Here’s the thing, if they really are related… I mean, don’t you think that Korosensei would’ve known about it?

Fuwa: Hmm… not necessarily.

Ren: Right. They could’ve been separated at some point.

Kayano: Um, that still doesn’t explain why Itona’s human.

Fuwa: Easy. He’s a mutation.

Kayano: You’ve totally glossed over the core issue here!

Ann: Uh, no offense, but the whole separation thing is really kinda cliche.

Fuwa: Hey, no one asked for your criticism.

Ann: If you didn’t notice already, we’re sorta dealing with real life!

---

Sugino pitches and Shindo swings again. The ball hits the bat, and Ren leaps back just in time, flipping backwards and actually sticking the landing.)

Karma: (jumping up to catch the ball.) Oh, now you’re just showing off. Heads up, Nagisa! (He tosses the ball to their catcher, who tags the home plate.

Ren: Maybe.

---

(The whole time Ren had been taunting Takaoka and keeping everyone’s eyes on him, Nagisa had come around to sneak up behind him. The cat and the snake both strike, Ren flipping over Takaoka’s shoulders as Nagisa brings him down to the ground, knife at his neck and a hand covering his eyes.)

Nagisa: Looks like we win.

Ren: Nagisa, you’re using the back of the knife.

Nagisa: Huh?

---

 (She jumps onto his back.)

Terasaka: What the hell?!

Shiho: What the heck did you mean when you called me a rabbit?! If I’m a rabbit, does that mean you don’t think I can kick your ass?! Because I can! (Her weight eventually toppled them both over and they landed in the water. Ann laughs as she goes to help them up. Ren moves over to get his glasses from Karma.)

---

Ren: And finally, the grand overachiever himself holding the top spot: student council president Gakushu Asano. He got the top spot in the National Mock Exams, and tends to get perfect scores in just about every subject. He’s the principal’s only son, so I think that might have something to do with it. if we could somehow catch him off guard, surprise him somehow, it could get him to mess up and make a mistake. He’s always been like that as far as I can remember. For example, despite being adept at martial arts, he didn’t remember how to catch himself when he fell after I… might’ve shoved him.

Shiho: You know a lot about Asano. It’s kind of creepy. (Ren only hums in reply. It’s not that creepy when you think about it.)

---

(Ren’s eyes widened. He… He actually did it?)

Ryuji: Way to stick it to that know-it-all, man! (Ren softly smiles.)

Ren: I guess.

Ryuji: You guess? The guy’s ranked nationally! Even Nakamura only beat him by the skin of her teeth!

Nakamura: What was that, Sakamoto?

Ryuji: Uh, nothing! Just sayin’! Ren challenging the King of the Hill is definitely awesome!

---

Ann: Yup! (as she and Shiho take the drinks from the waiter passing them out. Ann takes a sip from hers) C’mon, guys! Drink up! These things are like… super good. So sweet!

Ren: (holding up the water bottle he thought to bring with him) I’m fine.

Ryuji: Don’t mind if I do! (He takes Ann’s, which is still at least a three-fours of the way full. He drinks right from the glass)

Ann: Hey! Get your own!

Ryuji: Too late! My backwash is in it! It’s mine now. I LICKED the glass! (He does so to drive his point home. Ann huffs as Shiho chuckles, downing the rest of her glass.)

---

Karma: Oh, sorry ‘bout that. Let’s see if there’s a way to help you out there. (He gestures over to another classmate, who brings him a sea slug. Karma plops it on the sphere.) This do anything?

Ren: (as Korosensei screams) Karma, knock it off.

Karma: Why should I? Not like he can do anything about it. (Ren pulls himself out of the water and the sea slug off of Korosensei.) Now, I wonder if we could find a creepy old beach hum anywhere. I want to shove Korosensei down his pants. (Ren groans. What the hell…? In hindsight, taking this form probably wasn’t the best idea. Especially around Karma. That is why Ren snatches up Koro Sensei and runs over to Mr. Karasuma.) Hey!

---

Ren: ‘Eliminate the impossible and whatever remains is the truth’. 

Fuwa: Hey, yeah! I didn’t know you read Shonen Jump, too!

Ren: I uh... 

Karma: He doesn't. I saw him reading a little something else on the way over. Sherlock Holmes, wasn’t it?

Ren: Maybe… ...okay, no. ...It was Arsène Lupin. ...I finished the Sherlock Holmes books a while ago. A friend recommended Arsène Lupin to me and I haven’t been able to put it down.

Ryuji: Nerd.

Ren: You were reading over my shoulder.

---

Ann: Hey, are you okay?

Ren: Yeah… just a little bit of a headache. I’ll be fine.

Ann: How long have you had it? (Ren looks down at the ground.) Ren, how long have you had it?

Ren: ...Since the mastermind called, saying he poisoned everyone. It’s just a small one, Ann. I’ll be fine.

Ann: Liar. You know what happens when you get those headaches, though. Don’t act like none of us noticed. I saw your phantom try to come out when that guy had Karma. Ren, I know it’s hard, but you need to keep calm.

---

Ren: Ryuji, you’re-- (Ryuji puts a hand over Ren’s mouth, shushing him.)

Ryuji: I’m fine. It’s just a fever. Ann and I split the drink, so if she’s fine, then I’m fine, too. (Ren takes Ryuji’s hand off of his mouth.)

Ren: Ann barely drank any of it at all. You drank most of it. The virus is deadly, Ryuji. 

Ryuji: I don’t care! It’s like everyone said earlier. I’m the fastest in the class. I can’t just sit and wait for help while this creep gets away with it. I don’t care if I’m sick, I’m not gonna let everyone down!

Ren: Ryuji--

Ryuji: Please. Don’t tell anyone. Especially Ann… I think she already blames herself for what happened to Shiho, I don’t want her to blame herself for not stopping me earlier, too. (Ren bites his lip but nods either way. Once Ryuji decides to do something, it’s hard to stop him. But still… He really hopes that they can get that antidote.)

---

Ren thrashes against whoever’s holding him and loudly screams, dropping to his knees and letting it all go. He doubles over, catching himself on forearms as wind whips around him.)

“Nagisa, back away from him! NOW.” (There’s a blue light streaming around him, travelling up his body as the voice in his head now echoes in his ears.)

“I am thou, thou art I. Thou who would accept blasphemy for the sake of thine own justice, call upon my name and release thy rage!” (Ren shakily pushes himself up, his knees feeling like they’re about to give way as he stands. The light shifts and morphs into a figure behind him.) “Show the strength of thy will to ascertain all on thine own, though thou shall be chained down to Hell itself!”

(A single name appears in Ren’s mind.)

Ren: ARSÈNE!

[yayeetsonny]

Always tell the truth~ USWNT x Baby Reader

A/N: Hi ya’ll, yes I’m still alive, I’m sorry I went MIA for Idk how many months. My life just got turned upside down and I got a job and I’ve just been so busy. But I’m officially back and will be getting to all the requests I’ve received soon. This wasn’t a request but I got this idea from another fic I read so I hope you enjoy - N

Y/N PRO//

At 18 years old I’ve got so many activities and responsibilities sometimes I wonder how I’m still functioning. I’m a senior in high school, an honor student, a theatre geek and most of all I’m a pro soccer player for the United States Women’s National team. Its amazing, I’m living out my dream of playing the greatest game alongside some of my idols and we’re like one big, goofy dysfunctional family. My parents, while they love me and support me, aren’t around much and aren’t the most attentive. But my teammates make up for it by acting like overprotective, hovering moms whenever we’re together. 

I’d just gotten to the facility where we were gathering for our first team training of this camp. I was extremely excited to see my teammates. 

 I walked into the meeting room quietly and I saw everyone just talking among themselves; they had yet to notice me, so I took full advantage of this. I walked up behind Mal, made a shh gesture to Alex who made eye contact with me and took a deep breath, then I let out an ear piercing yell. Mal and anyone else who hadn’t seen me jumped 10 feet in the air. Poor Mal was in a heap on the floor, clutching her chest while the others were laughing and trying to compose themselves.

“What the- Y/N!”

“That’s me!”

“Hey kiddo! Quite the entrance you made there.”

“I know, I apologize I just couldn’t resist. Sorry Mal.”

I helped her off the floor and wrapped her in a hug.

“You good?” I giggled

“Yeah, you just gave me a heart attack, no big.” She giggled back

I made my rounds, gave and received hugs and hellos and then I went to sit with everyone for the start of the meeting. I rolled up the sleeves of my hoodie and got comfortable since these meetings tend to be long. Alex was on one side of me and Mal was on the other. I didn’t notice the giant bruise on my arm but Alex did.

“Y/N? Where’d you get that bruise?”

“Bruise? What are you talking about?” I say looking at her like she had grown two heads.

“That nasty looking one, where’d you get it?” She said pointing at my arm but not breaking eye contact with me.

I looked at the bruise for a minute, studying it, trying to figure out where it came from. I genuinely couldn’t remember hurting myself or hitting my arm hard enough to leave a bruise

“Oh, uh I don’t know.”

“You don’t know? Doesn’t it hurt?”

“No, not really.”

“Okay… are you sure you don’t know where it’s from?

“Yes I’m sure.”

“Okay well if it starts to hurt or gets worse for whatever reason let me know and I’ll get some cream for it.”

I could tell Alex didn’t believe the whole “I don’t know” response but its the truth and she let it drop anyways so whatever. 

Mal just looked at me curiously

“What was that about?” She whispered

“Oh nothing, Alex is just being overprotective as usual.” I whispered back

The meeting was long as I predicted but when it was finally over we were sent to change for practice. On the way there I let Mal hop on my back, once she was on and comfortable she yelled 

“Onward trusty steed!”

“Your wish is my command!” I said as we both giggled

I carried her all the way there and then gently set her down and went to get changed. 

I was talking to Christen whose locker happened to be next to mine and she was telling me about her dogs and how much she misses them, I was beginning to tell her about my dog and how much I miss him when I saw her staring at my arm.

“Hello? Earth to Christen?”

I waved my hand in front of her face trying to get her attention and after a minute it worked.

“Huh? Oh sorry, I don’t mean to stare, it’s just that bruise on your arm looks quite painful, what happened?”

“Oh, I don’t know, I can’t seem to remember.” I said shrugging

“You don’t remember? Are you sure?” She said looking at the bruise and back at me worriedly

“Yeah, I’m sure.”

“Okay.”

I could tell she too didn’t believe me but I’m not sure what else to say, I can’t just make up some story about what happened. Okay well I could but that would be lying and I’ve always been a terrible liar.

I decided to just forget about those two interactions for the time being and focus on giving my all this camp so that the coaches know I can be trusted to step up when they need me to. 

We started out with some warm ups, then did some sprints, passing drills, shooting drills, set piece work, PK practice and to wrap it up like always we had a scrimmage. My team consisted of, Chris, Alyssa, Crystal, Sam and myself, the other team consisted of Alex, Tobin, Ashlyn, Ali and Lindsey. 

The scrimmage was pretty normal, a few goals for each side my team unfortunately coming up short by one goal, as the other team celebrated my teammates and I pretended to be upset and pouted about the loss. 

“Oh cheer up guys, you’ll get us next time… maybe.” Ash said giggling

“Yeah, yeah. You guys only won because I got distracted by a butterfly on that last play.” Sam said 

Everyone just stared at her blankly

“What? It was really pretty! Didn’t you guys see it?”

We all just started cracking up at that. I was able to pull myself together enough to ask the question everyone was thinking

“You-you really got distracted by a butterfly during the game Sammy?”

“Yes, and?”

“It’s just as funny hearing it a second time” I said before laughing again 

“You guys are mean.” She pouted

“You love us.” Ali said, reaching up and ruffling Sam’s hair. 

After practice the team all got on the bus and went back to the hotel we were staying at. Vlatko booked out a whole floor just for us since he knows how loud we can be and didn’t want to deal with angry neighbors. Not again, after last time. This time I’d be rooming with Ali, we didn’t get put together often but I always enjoy when we do. It helps us bond and I’m always learning new things about her. 

I was going to meet them there later however because I had to go see my parents at their request, my dad said something about it being urgent. I got in a team van and went to see them.

After several hours I was finally able to go back to the hotel and be there for the rest of the night. My parent’s seem to have had a change of heart about my career choice, they went on and on about the sudden need for me to join the family business and how my only goal in life should now be to live up to their legacy. I hated every minute of it, I was so ready to get Into my comfortable clothes and head to get something to eat. When I got to the room I’d be sharing with Ali I opened the door to an empty room. She must be with Ash. I thought.

 I decided to get changed and see if I could find her. As I was changing I didn’t hear the door open and only knew my roommate had arrived when I heard a gasp

“Y/N… What happened babe?”

“Ali, Hi. What do you mean? Nothing’s happened.”

“ So that big bruise on your arm, the one on your shoulder and the one going all the way down your spine aren’t anything?” 

“What? What are you talking about?”

“You obviously know what I’m talking about.”

“No I don’t, I only knew about the one on my arm, after Alex pointed it out. Otherwise I seriously have no idea what you’re talking about.”

She grabbed my hand and pulled me over to the mirror in the bathroom, spun me around and said 

“Those bruises, Y/N, where’d you get them?” 

“Oh… I don’t know.” 

“Yes you do.”

“No I don’t, that’s the truth.”

“Really?”

“Yes, and besides, we are soccer players, I probably just got them in practice.”

“Y/N… I’ll ask again, where are those bruises from?”

“I. Don’t. Know.”

“I don’t believe you.”

“Fine then, don’t believe me. First Alex, then Christen and now you. This is just great, my teammates think I’m a liar. Well I’m not and I’m telling you the truth.”

I brushed by her and stormed out of the room, now determined to avoid my teammates so they’d stop asking questions and questioning my honesty.

I’m not a liar. I don’t know where I got the bruises, I don’t know why they won’t believe me.

A/N: Okayyyy... sorry for the sort of cliff hanger? I can’t type anymore for now because my wrists hurt too bad. (Work messed them up lol) so this’ll be a two part imagine, sorry!- N

Not really edited