#I guess things have moved around so that it’d not an emergency that I’m sick but I have things I wanted to do

[asexualjedi]

I would love to stop being sick haha

[shenglingyuan]

title: a lesson in adolescence (ao3) pairing: togame jo/sakura haruka summary: “So, what was your problem this morning? Did you get sick?” “I think so. I never experienced it before.” Sakura’s fist curls at the hem of his sleeves, obviously having a hard time disclosing his concern. “This morning…when I woke up…my…down there…” Down there?! Togame chokes on air, belatedly realizing the issue at hand. “Don’t laugh at me!” (Sakura learns an important lesson every boy usually does in their teenage years.) *** explicit content: hand job (an attempt to write it, at least...)

Nirei Akihiko: Today 10:31 AM        Togame-san! We need your help! 10:31 AM        Sakura-kun isn’t in class this morning. 10:32 AM        He hasn’t answered our messages and our calls so we’re worried! 10:32 AM        But we still have classes, so maybe you can drop by his house to check on him?

Togame’s phone is bombarded by consecutive messages from one of Sakura’s friends in the middle of a Friday morning. After the big fight, the smaller boy – Nirei – had also asked for his contact number in case of emergencies. Turns out, it’d be useful now that he and Sakura are a thing.

10:33 AM        [Location pin sent] 10:34 AM        Please update us! Unit 201. 10:34 AM        Thank you, Togame-san!

The boy didn’t even wait for Togame to confirm if he can go or not. But it’s not like not going was a choice in the first place. Togame likes the message as acknowledgment and hurriedly makes a quick trip to the grocery store before heading for Sakura’s place. It's a good thing he isn't busy that day.

He later arrives at a rundown apartment. It looks barely livable that he almost thought he got sent the wrong address. But Nirei had even told him Sakura’s unit which he easily spots from the gate. He takes the stairs and walks towards the door of what should be Sakura’s place.

Before he can even knock, the door opens, and the familiar black-and-white hair pops out from inside.

“The heck?” Sakura’s eyes are wide in surprise, ��What are you doing here?”

“Nirei messaged me. Did he tell you I’m coming?”

“No, I could hear your footsteps from the stairs.”

“They were worried since you didn’t go to school today.” Togame shows the plastic bag of food he brought with him. “Have you eaten? I got food here.”

“I’m fine.” Sakura looks away. A tinge of red stains his cheek. “Just had a problem this morning.”

At this point, Togame is already used to Sakura reacting like this. He just needs to prod a little bit more. “You can tell me about it, you know. I’ll help you with it as much as I can.”

Though they’ve made great progress in their relationship, Togame notices that Sakura still keeps a lot of things to himself. Not that he wants to pressure Sakura to tell him everything, but he hopes that more than a fighting body, Sakura can also rely on him with more personal matters.

“Well, I guess if it’s you, you would understand.” Sakura finally says. “Do you wanna come in?”

“Thought you’d never ask.”

The room is small and severely unfurnished. It’s been a few months since Sakura has moved to town, but it doesn’t seem like he has made a home out of his apartment yet. There isn’t even a dining table or a chair. At least there was a small stove he spots on the limited kitchen space. He places the bag of food next to it.

“That Nirei, always sending people here for no reason.” Sakura grumbles.

“Can’t be helped if you’re giving them reason to be concerned – hey, Sakura, do you just wear that when you’re at home?” Togame finally notices that Sakura only wears a boxer with his shirt, baring his legs in plain sight.

“It’s just me here, anyway, why bother with pants?” Sakura crosses his arms across his chest defensively, “Besides, I do wear something when people come around.”

“Ah, so this is a special treatment for me then?”

“Don’t get used to it.”

“So, what was your problem this morning? Did you get sick?”

“I think so. I never experienced it before.” Sakura’s fist curls at the hem of his sleeves, obviously having a hard time disclosing his concern. “This morning…when I woke up…my…down there…”

Down there?! Togame chokes on air, belatedly realizing the issue at hand.

“Don’t laugh at me!”

“I wasn’t!” Togame coughs to clear his throat, gathering his thoughts as he did so. “You know, Sakura, that’s something that happens to almost every boy. It’s normal.”

“You think I’m an idiot?” Sakura snaps, his forehead contorted in a frustrated frown. “I know it can get hard in the morning! It’s different this time…it’s…it’s wet. Of course, it’s not piss!”

Togame freezes. Sakura just had his first wet dream, and he didn’t even realize what it was. He runs a hand down his face, feeling the colossal weight of the situation. “Do…you remember what you were dreaming about before you woke up?”

As if on cue, Sakura’s whole head turns to a deep shade of red. Even if he is unable to answer, Togame gets an inkling of what and who it was about. A small grin can’t help but form on his lips.

“Ah, how do I say this…at times, when you get a lot of pent-up emotions, and you don’t release it in any way, the body conjures up this dreams forces you to release those pent-up emotions while asleep.”

“What do you mean pent-up emotions?”

“Have you been thinking too much about me the past few days?” Togame asks teasingly.

“You!” Sakura jumps at Togame at an attempt to hit him, but Togame easily catches is fist with a laugh. “It’s your fault! You’re the one in my dream!”

“Heh, should I teach you how to deal with it, then?”

“You know how?”

“Of course, I’m older than you, remember?”

Suddenly, Sakura is genuinely curious, pulling away his hand to listen. “Tell me.”

“Hmm, it’s not that simple. You’ll have to let me touch you so I can show you how.”

“Let you touch me?”

Togame uses the term Sakura did. “Down there.”

“Ha?!” Sakura’s hand flies over his crotch, shielding it from whatever Togame is thinking about.

“It’s just a suggestion,” Togame shrugs. “You can say no.”

For a moment, Sakura’s eyes dart between Togame and his own hands, like a million thoughts are running through his mind and he can’t grasp a single one of them. Not wanting to stress Sakura even further, Togame resigns to ruffling his hair.

“Don’t think about it anymore, yeah? I’ll send you something later you can check in private.”

To his surprise, Sakura suddenly grabs his wrist, his expression turning persistent. “No, show me now.”

“Are you sure?”

“It’s…it’s something couples do, right?”

“Well, yeah, normally, if they’re both comfortable with each other already.”

“Then it should be fine.”

Togame scratches the back of his head, suddenly feeling like he bit off more than he can chew. But since he’s the one to bring up the idea anyway, and not to mention that he’s the reason for Sakura’s dream, he should at least take responsibility.

“Okay then, let’s go to your room?”

Without further delay, Sakura leads them to his bedroom.

It’s as bare as the living room-slash-kitchen, with a single futon on the middle of the floor. Fortunately, there are curtains at least that can give them privacy. Togame draws them to a close, dimming the surroundings, only the minimal daylight illuminating the room through the flimsy curtains. He then sits on the futon and pats the spot right in front of him, motioning for Sakura to sit. Sakura follows without complaints, already used to claiming the space in front of Togame’s body with his, and sits with his legs crossed. In this position, Togame both has clear access to Sakura and an unobstructed view of his face.

Most boys learn this part with their friends, or in the privacy of their own rooms as they explored the internet or whatever. Sakura had neither until recently, so Togame would ideally want to take this slow and let the experience at least be good and educational for him.

“You can tell me if you don’t want it anymore, okay?” Togame puts a hand on Sakura’s waist reassuringly.

“Just get on with it.”

Taking it as consent, Togame slides down a hand towards Sakura’s crotch and feels his length on the fabric of his boxers. Sakura’s breath hitches, the hand he rested on Togame’s thigh curls, and his body’s reaction is almost instantaneous. Togame pulls down Sakura’s boxers to let his cock free, already half-hard.

Carefully, Togame wraps Sakura around his hand and starts stroking, slowly at first, getting a feel at how Sakura reacts to his touch.

“When you do this, think back to the dream you had.” Togame instructs in a low voice, his lips mere inches away from Sakura’s ear. “You can close your eyes; it helps in imagining things.”

Sakura obediently follows his advice. His body relaxes as he did so, his lips parting open slightly, and his breathing picking up. Togame starts varying the rhythm of his strokes then, responding to Sakura’s own movements. Sakura bucks his hips in instinct, meeting Togame’s strokes halfway. And with his movements comes the sound —

Sakura is, surprisingly, quite loud.

His whimpers easily fill the small space of his bedroom and drills their way inside Togame’s mind, stirring at the pit of his groin. Togame pumps harder as pre-cum leaks from Sakura, wetting his length. Sakura’s jerks become even more erratic, his legs spreading fully, his body leaning back completely onto Togame as Togame holds his waist for support. The futon is not made of the softest material, yet Sakura doesn’t seem to mind, his hips lifting up, hitting the wooden floor underneath with a light thump at each contact.

Sakura’s almost there, Togame can tell, with the way his whimpers turn to whines, and his fingers and nails dig into Togame’s thigh. Though the apartment complex looked empty when he arrived, Togame doesn’t want to play it too safe. In anticipation, his hand that was on Sakura’s waist comes up to cover Sakura’s mouth —

Sakura becomes undone under Togame’s touch, his loud moans muffled underneath Togame’s palm. Sakura spills onto his thighs and sheets, arching his back, then slumps onto Togame, limbs twitching from the sensation he has just experienced.

For a moment, their ragged breathings are the only sounds in the room.

Naturally, Togame is affected, too. His own dick is hard underneath his loose pants, demanding to be attended. But Togame endures, willing himself to calm down. This moment is about Sakura, he can deal with himself later.

With his clean hand, Togame strokes Sakura’s hair gently, letting him take his time to recover. He also takes the chance to grab the soiled sheet and wipes himself and Sakura clean. “You okay?”

Sakura nods, still panting hard. “Does…it always feel this…good?” He asks hesitantly, their eyes meeting. His cheeks are flushed pink, quite different from all the times he gets flustered. Perhaps it’s the lingering sensation from the orgasm, but Sakura’s expression looks so alluring right now. It takes all of Togame to not jump on him right then and there.

In the end, he resorts to leaning down and planting a kiss on Sakura’s cheek. There’s always proper timing for everything.

“Yeah, but don’t do it too much, okay?”

(Togame wakes up the next morning to a phone call from Sakura, “Can you come over?”

“What’s the problem?”

“Can…can you do it again?”

Ah, he might have started something that can’t be stopped anymore.)

[please-buckme]

A Broken Heart.

Chapter 1

Lee Bodecker x fem!reader

Chapter warnings: slight mentions of sex, 18+,hitting, sad shit, break up, heart break, angst, cursing

Chapter Summary: reader and Lee breakup.

Masterlist

Series Masterlist

Chapter 2 //Chapter 3

The world felt as if it were shattering around you, crumbling beneath your feet like the rapture was upon you. Honestly, if the world did come to an end right now you’d be elated. At least you wouldn’t have to deal with your broken heart anymore.

You sat against a wall in your room, wallowing in your own self petty. It’d be three days since Lee Bodecker had broken things off with you. He had said that you were hurting his campaign, that he still loved you but needed a woman of power to help him become sheriff of this godforsaken town.

Lee had taken you out in the same field he took you to every time y’all made love. He kissed you so passionately, held you so closely. If you weren’t so caught up in the way his hands felt against your bare skin, you would’ve noticed how distraught he was the entire time he made love to you. It was his way of saying goodbye before he actually said goodbye. After he’d broken up with you, you felt disgusting and violated.

You’d never felt like that with Lee. He was your deputy and sinner in disguise. He was your rock and your soft place to fall. When the tears finally fill, the most empty feeling you’d ever felt emerged in your gut. One day you thought you were gonna be Mrs. Lee Bodecker. You daydreamed constantly of your wedding day and sharing a bed with the man you loved for the rest of your life ‘til you were old and gray. To know now that dream will always remain a dream.. that’s what hurt the most.

After Lee drove you home, you sat in your room for three days straight, not even coming out for supper. Your momma tried to convince you to eat and it worked once on the second day, until you threw up right after.

She didn’t understand. She’d never been in love, not really. Not love like you and Lee had. People told y’all all the time how rare and beautiful your love for one another was and you agreed. Just looking back on those memories made you sick. You listened in awe of how beautiful your love was not knowing Lee would only break your heart days later.

Today was Sunday, the lord's day, and usually you never wanted to go to church, but today you really didn’t want to go. The whole town, including Lee and his new arm candy, would be there. It’s the first time you’d be seeing Lee since he dropped you off. It was too soon, especially since you knew he’d already moved on.

As you sat with your head between your knees, your momma barged through your bedroom door.

“Jesus, girl. Why aren’t you up and ready to go? Church starts in an hour and you aren’t gonna make me late again.” She stomped over to your closet and shuffled through your dresses.

“Momma.. I- I’m not ready. I can’t see… him with her. I just ain’t ready for that kinda humiliation.” You sighed, trying to reason with your Bible-thumpin momma.

“Oh, no. You’ve embarrassed me enough this week. Disappearin’ for three whole days over a boy? You’re pathetic. You know, back in my day, we didn’t get to sit around and sulk the days away. No. We had to carry on like everything was fine and that’s what you’re gonna do. Now, get dressed.” She threw you a dress, one of your favorites actually. It was a teal blue, babydoll dress that you usually saved for special occasions, but you weren’t feeling very special at the moment and now you were just pissed off.

You stood and came face-to-face with your momma, “I’m not going. You have no idea how I feel. You can’t. You’ve never felt love the way we had it, Momma. No one ever loved you or me the way I love Lee. You couldn’t possib-“

Just then you felt a sharp sting against your cheek as your momma slapped you across the face.

“Not. Another. Word. You will be dressed and waitin for me at the car in ten minutes. No poutin’ and no sulkin’ in the pews. I don’t wanna hear another word about that boy.” She turned to exit your room but turned around to give you one last dig to the heart, “And, honey, a man in love would never have done what he did to you. Remember that next time you wanna preach to me about love.” With that she left your room. Your cheek still stung from the unexpected hit to the face. Your momma was cruel but she’d never hit you before.

The slap, in a way, was kind of refreshing. For a split second you’d totally forgotten about Lee. Only for a second, though. His crystal blue eyes and cheshire lips never leave your thoughts completely. You shook your head in defeat, trying to erase him from your mind. It didn’t work, but you took a deep breath and began getting ready.

//

The church parking lot was full when you and your momma pulled in. Rickety old trucks to brand spankin new, brightly colored cars littered the dusty lot. You spotted Lee’s car immediately, thankfully he was already inside.

The whole town came to this church, which wasn’t that many people. Nevertheless, everybody knew everybody and, even if you didn’t care, everybody knew everybody’s dirty laundry. Old Man Karl got pulled over last week for a DUI, Nancy from the library cheated on her husband with his brother and.. oh yeah, Lee Bodecker dumped his long time girlfriend for the mayor's daughter.

Lee and yours breakup was the talk of the town. You were the fresh, new gossip in this boring as hell town and there’s nothing you could do about it.

You couldn’t get two steps into the church without being bombarded by women you didn’t want to know but also knew too much about, asking if you were alright and that they’d pray for you on this ‘beautiful, glorious Sunday morning’. Yeah, same shit different day, different person.

One woman stayed to chat with your momma, so you went to find your seat. Your usual spot was next to Lee and naturally that’s where you headed, only to be greeted by Lee and His new girlfriend, Laura-Jean Mancon. She was one of those girls who’d been pretty her whole life. Blind hair, blue eyes and a huge rack. Everybody thought she’d go into modeling or start an acting career but she never did. Instead, she stayed and was now going to marry Lee. In your eyes, that’s the best path she could’ve taken. You’d take her place any day.

“Mornin’ Y/n.” Lee cleared his throat, unable to make eye contact with you.

“L-“ You went to say his name but found you couldn’t. It was only one syllable, only three letters and it pained you to even think about, let alone say aloud. You cleared your throat, “Laura-Jean, nice to see you again.”

Laura-Jean said nothing in return. She just hummed, waiting for you to talk away.

“I guess I’ll go.. find me a new seat.” You took a deep breath when you felt the tears welling up in your eyes, again. Lee stared straight forward the whole time you stood there, too cowardly to even look you in the eyes. Some Sheriff he’ll be.

You scanned the crowd of people and found your momma in the front row, of course. You made your way up the aisle and took your seat next to her. The chorus sang their hems and the preacher clapped his way in on the last versus.

“How are we doin’ on this fine Sunday mornin’?” he drawled to the crowd. He got an assortment of greetings in return.

“I said ‘HOW ARE WE DOIN ON THIS BRIGHT N’ SHINY SUNDIE MORNIN’?’.”

“GOOD” the people shouted in return. You could hear Laura-Jean giggling over something but you wouldn’t dare look back. Lee always made church bearable, making wise cracks at the preaches expense.

“Now, today I’d like to talk a little bit about love. Of course, we’re always talkin’ about love when it comes to our lord and savor, Jesus Christ. But just for a moment, it ain’t about him. No. This mornin’ I’m preachin’ to you about young love.”

Here we go.

“It comes and goes so fast, but when you have it, it’s one of the most beautiful things this world can offer you.. especially when you put a little Jesus in it.” The church laughed. You knew where this was going. Your stomach churned as you sunk down into the pew.

“I’d like to ask the newly engaged folks in the crowd to come and join me up here. You know who you are, soon to be Mr. and Mrs. Lee Bodecker.”

Your heart felt as if it were going to explode, a tear escaped through your lashes and you quickly wiped it away.

They walked up hand in hand, smiling for cheek to cheek. How could he be so happy, so calm after only being broken up for less than a week? Did he ever love you? Really love you. Like you loved him. Obviously not because you could never, in good conscience do this to him. You couldn’t stand on a stage wrapped arm in arm with another man while Lee sat, just as you were now, devastated and totally distraught.

“So tell us,” the preach beamed. “When’s the big day.”

Lee looked at you with a pained expression as Laura-Jean answered the preach.

“May 21st”

Your breathing heavies at the reply. Turning to your momma you whispered, “Momma, that’s in two weeks.”

“I know that. Now, hush.” She side eyed you with a full smile still pressed to her lips. Even your own mother didn’t seem to care about your feelings. You sat there, listening to Laura-Jean go on and on about their ‘big day’. Tears streamed down your face and you let them. You’d given up on trying to hide how hurt you really felt. When you looked up, Lee stared straight at you. He wasn’t crying but his pain ridden face told you everything. One look at him and you couldn’t breathe anymore. You stood abruptly, all eyes were on you and Laura-Jean had stopped talking.

“I- excuse me.” You said before booking it out the back door. Lee hollered out, asking you to wait. It was too late. You were half way out the door and couldn’t stand to be in that room for another second.

Your feet stomped against the grave, dust clouding up in your wake as you made your way to the road.

“Y/n!” Lee called out after you.

“Go away. I have nothing to say to you, L- fuck.” You cursed, trying desperately to get away from him.

“I said wait, goddammit.” He growled, capturing your bicep in his large hand.

“Let go of me!” You whined sounding out of breath.

“Not until you listened to what I have to say.”

“What, Lee? What could you possibly have to say?”

“I- I.. dammit. I know I put you in a tough position but-“

“A tough position?” You repeated.

“Let me finish.” He sighed and released your arm from his grasp, “I know I hurt you. I can’t even begin to tell you how sorry I am, but, doll, this is it. This is my only chance at becoming Sheriff. You know how hard I’ve worked to get here and you’ve always been so supportive of my dream. I- I just thought.. out of everyone you would understand.”

Your skin burned as you imagined smoke blowing from your ears. Did he really just say that? That you should understand the break up and go on with your life like nothing happened like he is? You stood there frozen, breathing heavier and heavier as your brain tried to come up with a coherent response while trying to also remain a lady.

“I- I still love you. You know that, right?” He asked, bringing a hand to your cheek and wiping a stray tear away.

You flinched at his burning touch and slapped his hand away, “Don’t touch me. Don’t you ever touch me again. I don’t love you anymore. I can’t love you. Shit… seeing you was the best part of my day and now I can’t even look at you without feeling like my heart is being ripped out of my chest. I can’t even say your name anymore. Everything about you, now, fills me with so much pain and dread. So if that’s what your love is, keep it. I don’t want it anymore.”

“Doll,” A tear ran down his cheek, you now being the one who’s breaking his heart. “I never meant to hurt you. I swear.” He sniffles.

“Well, you did. I’m in so much pain.” You sobbed, “I’m in so much pain and I have no one to go to because you were my person. You have left me completely empty and utterly alone.”

“Y/n, I-“

“Save it, Bodecker. I’m done talking to you.”

Lee didn’t chase after you this time. He let the tears stream down his face as he watched you walk away. He was just as heartbroken as you but couldn’t show it., not when he was so close to winning this election. He wiped his face with the back of his hand and headed back towards the church. He knew you just needed time and that he’d still see you around town.

Seeing you today took his breath away. You wore your favorite dress that he bought you for your birthday so long ago. You didn’t have on any makeup, which he loved. You were so naturally beautiful and he did still love you with every piece of his shattered heart. He’d eventually come up with a plan to get you back, but for now he would respect your space.

//

Once you’d gotten home and shut the door, you couldn’t help but scream at the top of your lungs. Hoping for some sort of release from all this heartache you felt. Telling him you couldn’t love him was the hardest thing you ever had to do. You sat on the floor in the same position you were in before you left; head between your knees and sobbing like a baby.

There was no escaping him in this town. There was church and the grocery store and the diner you worked at part time. He was everywhere. He’d come in every morning you worked to have coffee with you. He had been a part of every little thing you do in your daily routine for as long as you can remember.

There was never a time you weren’t together. It was always just you and him. He was the one who held you when you were sad, but where was he now when you needed him most?

To you, there was only one way to fix this; get the hell out of here. Completely leave town and start anew somewhere else. You have an aunt that lives right outside of town. You can stay there until it doesn’t hurt anymore.

Wiping the tears from your eyes, you got up. Your aunt agreed to the plan and said you could stay with her for as long as you needed when you called her. You packed a small duffle bag and waited for her to pick you up.

When she did finally pull up out front, you hopped in the car and she drove off, leaving the dusty ole town you called home for so long. You took in a deep breath as you drove towards your new life. No Lee, no momma, no worries.

Dividers by: @firefly-in-darkness

Taglist: @haydens-moles , @c00lkidvibes , @tcc-gizmachine , @buckysm3talarm , @gogolucky13 , @cryptidcasanova , @heavenlyseb , @writersbuck , @teddy-bearbaby , @bbmommy0902 , @sweetllamaparadise , @thereblogcrusader , @aleemendoza2425-blog , @frostbytebaby , @jessyballet , @emotionallyandphysicallydone , @sarge-barnes-sir , @generalbagelcookieslime

(Dm me to be added to taglist)

[evieonic]

I love your blog!! I was wondering if you would write about platonic Yuuji getting tickled by Gojo & Megumi? Tysm!

Hi Anon! I'm so sorry it took so long to get this posted, I had a tough time coming up with ideas and then I got sick but it's all good now! Thank you for your patience. This is what I came up with, I hope you enjoy it. This fic can also read on ao3 if you'd prefer to read it there.

Remedy For A Broken Heart (Published:  08/15/2021)

Pairing: Platonic only, characters: Gojo, Yuuji, and Megumi

Fandom: Jujutsu Kaisen

Trigger Warning: None, though technically contains a break-up and non-consensual tickling though it's all in good fun.

Length: 1595 Words, 1 Chapter. Completed.

Summary: Yuuji's heart got broken by some chick at school and absolutely refuses to go to class. Megumi takes it into his own hands to get the strawberry blond happy again by calling Gojo-sensei who has some... talented tickling fingers.

------------------------------------ Megumi sighed as he stared down at the miserable sight below him. Yuuji was curled up in his bed with the covers over himself, completely ignoring the world. There were tissues littering the bed with tubs of empty ice cream on the nightstand. There was only one explanation for a sight like this.

Yuuji… got his heart broken.

“Yuuji,” Megumi sighed once more, pulling off the covers, “I know your heart is broken and the world seems to be ending, but you still have classes.”

“No!” Yuuji grumbled, pulling the covers back over his head with a yank, “tell them I'm sick or something.”

Megumi rolled his eyes, “Yuuji, it’ll be a good distraction.”

Yuuji only curled further into his bed, completely ignoring the boy. Megumi had never seen Yuuji this depressed before. It honestly concerned him. He placed his chin in his hand, his other on his hip as he took a moment to come up with an idea. What could possibly cheer up Yuuji? Talking about girls wouldn’t help, it’d only remind him of his loss. Maybe ice cream? No, the poor boy has had enough. A movie? No, he wouldn’t focus.

His mind raced with ideas until bingo, he had it. He smirked slightly as he folded his arms over his chest, “alright. Suit yourself.” He took his phone out of his pocket, dialing his emergency cheer up number. He knew it was going to work because Yuuji had done the exact same thing when Megumi was feeling down.

He grinned slightly as the familiar voice answered, “hello?”

“Gojo-sensei, I apologize for bothering you so close to class…,” Megumi began. He always felt a little bad for calling Gojo for anything that seemed minor.

“Hey, don’t worry about it, I'm here to help! What can I do for you?”

“Well, Yuuji got his heart broken so he refuses to go to class, so I was wondering if you could-” Megumi hadn’t gotten most of the words out when Gojo suddenly hung up. “H-Hello? Gojo?”

Megumi lowered his phone, looking at the ID in confusion, about to redial Gojo’s number when suddenly, their dorm room door was blown off of it’s hitches, hitting the wall with a hard impact.

“AYO I HEARD SOMEONE WAS SAD IN HERE,” A voice yelled and Megumi immediately realized what happened. Gojo had kicked down the door.

“Gojo-'' Megumi started, anger evident in his voice, but he was interrupted by Yuuji suddenly perking up, frightened by the sound of their door crumbling down.

He blinked. He glanced at Megumi, then glanced at Gojo.

And then he realized exactly what they had planned.

Megumi couldn’t help but smirk as he saw Yuuji suddenly remember that the last time Megumi was sad, he had called Gojo over and the two of them practically tickled him to death, making his sadness go away. Megumi had sworn revenge ever since that day. Today was a perfect opportunity.

“W-Wait,” Yuuji began, sinking back underneath his covers as Gojo’s eyes narrowed at him, “w-wait, there’s been a mistake, I’m-”

Gojo was making a beeline to him now.

“W-WAIT, I’m fine! Gojo, I’m- eheh !” Giggles were already catching in his throat, bringing a smile to Megumi’s face.

“Nurse, hold him down!” Gojo ordered. Megumi immediately obeyed, though cringed at being called a nurse. He held Yuuji down by his arms while Gojo yanked his covers away.

“N-N-NO! I’m fine, Gojo, I’m good!” Yuuji stammered, panicking before turning his gaze to Megumi, giving him his finest death glare, “why did you call him, you traitor?!”

“Revenge,” Megumi said.

“How?! You needed that and you know you did!”

“Well, you also need this so…,” Megumi shrugged, “point denied.”

Gojo hummed in thought as he straddled Yuuji, looking at him and thought, “hmm, I see, I see. I can see the sadness is located here,” he poked at Yuuji’s chest, right where his heart was, “we will need to prepare for an emergency tickle session.”

“Yes doctor,” Megumi nodded, falling into the scene Gojo was creating.

Yuuji only looked at them both as if they were idiots, “the fuck is wrong with you two? Can you please let me just be sad in peace, it’s okay to be sad every now and then- it’s healthy!”

“See, now that’s a symptom of extreme sadness, which means you’re too far gone,” Gojo said seriously, shaking his head. “He’s worse than I thought. Are you ready, nurse?”

“Yes doctor.”

“Can you two at least not be weird about this?!” Yuuji complained once more but Gojo ignored him, rubbing his hands together as if he was about to use a defibrillator on him.

“Clear!” He shouted before placing his hands on Yuuji’s sides and wiggling his fingers about.

The effect was immediate. Yuuji squirmed and thrashed about, forcing Megumi to hold on tighter, keeping him pressed on the bed as laughter filtered out of his mouth. “GAHAHA-! Nohohohohoho!! Staaahap! Staahp!” He giggled, trying with all his might to buck Gojo off, but the teacher was unfortunately too heavy.

“Seems like the medicine is working, nurse,” Gojo said, a hint of a smile on his lips as he continued his attack, “perhaps we should administer it to all locations of depression.”

“I agree, doctor,” Megumi smiled, nodding as he watched Yuuji smile with glee, despite the fact that his happiness was somewhat forced right now.

“I think I can see this being a huge problem area,” Gojo said, digging his fingers into Yuuji’s ribs, making him cackle with laughter, “oh yes, this whole area is pretty bad.”

“P-Pleehehehese,” Yuuji wheezed out, gasping for air as Gojo continued his treatment, “I cahahan’t breeeeathe!”

“Oof,” was all Gojo responded with.

“Gojo!!!”

“Well are you not sad yet?” He asked, halting his fingers for just a moment.

“I’m more pissed off than anything,” Yuuji grumbled, panting and glaring at his teacher.

His teacher only raised an eyebrow before thrusting his hands underneath Yuuji’s shirt, his fingers scribbling against Yuuji’s sensitive skin, making him howl with laughter. “NOOOAHAHA! Y-YOU BASTARD!”

“Nurse, he’s becoming critical!” Gojo grinned. “I need a hand stat!”

Megumi smirked, immediately catching on to what Gojo meant, “yes doctor!”

Yuuji caught the look in his eyes, squirming more vigorously in attempt to get away, “oh no, no you don’t, no you fucking don’t, don’t you da- PFFFAAHAHAHA!!” he erupted with laughter, the sound turning into a wheeze as Megumi, wiggling his fingers around his armpits, stimulating the sensitive nerves there. He had his knees pressed down on Yuuji’s hands, preventing him from moving his arms and keeping him vulnerable.

“T-T-T-This is t-t-torture, ahaha!” Yuuji wheezed, the words barely audible.

“It’s called medicine, actually,” Gojo said, “thought I guess depending on the medicine, it is torture.”

“Y-Y-You’re - ahahaha! - b-both - heh - s-stupid,” Yuuji giggled, his words distorted. Gojo and Megumi both only smiled down at him.

“Sorry, what was that?” Gojo smirked

“Aahahasshole!”

“Are you going to stop being sad?” Megumi asked, digging his fingers into Yuuji’s sensitive nerves, gently moving them to his neck, scribbling underneath his chin. “Are you going to get out of bed, make yourself happy and go to class?”

“Y-You cahahahan’t just autaha-automaahatically make sohohomeone hahappy!” He whimpered, trying with all his might to yeet them off but having no luck. He simply just had to lay there, as their fingers sparked up giggle after giggle. It was so unfair.

But finally, after a while, Megumi and Gojo both slowed to a stop. Yuuji made a breathless giggle, his eyes wet with happy tears as he blinked a few times before glancing at them both, confused, “Y-You… finally stopped?”

“Depends. Did we cure the sadness?” Gojo asked with a smile.

“If I say yes, will you guys sto- AHAHA!! WHA- HEY?!” Yuuji glared at the sudden tickling done by Megumi. He only smirked, a twinkle of mischief in his eyes.

“Just making sure you know we can keep going with this treatment all night long,” Megumi said.

“Yes,” Gojo nods, “I am the top rated doctor in the nation, I don’t let my patients leave when I know they need more treatment.”

“I hate you both.”

Megumi chuckled and rolled his eyes, “come on, Yuuji. I know it’s rough, but you can’t stay like this.”

Yuuji sighed, finally letting himself lose the sad attitude. He was sad that he got dumped but to be honest, he didn’t really like the girl anyway. It just hurt his ego more than anything. He slowly nodded, “okay, I’m fine.”

“Is that the honest truth?” Megumi asked, moving his fingers slowly in a silent threat.

“Yes!” Yuuji said, “It is, I swear.”

Gojo and Megumi exchanged a look of doubt before finally nodding. “Okay,” Gojo shrugged, “we believe you. Now we can go get you ice cream.”

“Eh? Ice cream?” Yuuji said, instantly perking up from that.

“You know how doctors give their patients lollipops at the end of their treatment? I don’t have any lollipops so… ice cream,” Gojo said, getting up off of the poor young boy, Megumi quickly following him.

“You know if you just gave me ice cream first, I would’ve been easily healed,” Yuuji said, rolling his eyes as he sat up.

“You’ve been eating ice cream all day with that same sulky look in your eyes, ice cream wouldn’t have the same effect as it will now,” Megumi said, smiling softly as Gojo nodded, completely agreeing with him while Yuuji glared.

“Again, I hate you both,” he pouted.

“Yes we know. Now, where do you want your ice cream?”

[whumpinggrounds]

Hide n Seek

sooo this doesn’t have a title but Liam came into my head and would not leave so? here we go? 

lmk if you like it or you hate it or want to see more. or if you have a title or anything to say or for any reason at all :) talk to me!!

CW: failed escape, escape attempt, environmental whump, big whumpee, tiny whumper, female whumper, nonconsensual drug use, drugged whumpee, scrapes and bruises, gaslighting, uhhh i forget what else. nonconsensual touching but it’s also nonsexual

Dark branches tear at Liam’s skin hard enough to draw blood, but he won’t stop running. On either side of him, trees loom up, huge and bristling with needles. The ground tilts sickeningly under his pounding feet, and as he slips and skids over icy ground Liam throws his body from side to side, trying to dodge the obstacles that pop up, seemingly out of nowhere. He’s pulling it off – barely – and then a towering red spruce appears out of nowhere. One of its lower branches, thick around as a lead pipe, catches Liam in the side of the head and sends him reeling.

Liam lands on his knees, breath whooshing from his lungs. The blow to his temple makes his head spin worse than it already was, and his whirling vision isn’t doing any favors for his roiling stomach. An unbearable heaviness in his limbs makes him long to stop, rest, maybe lie back on the frozen, muddy ground and let the blessed chill ease the fever heat in his brow.

As the desperate, exhausted thought crosses his mind, a faraway sound reaches his ears.

“Lavender’s blue…dilly-dilly…lavender’s green…when you are king…dilly-dilly…I’ll be your queen…”

The words are sung in a voice that’s high and light and almost fey. The sound stops Liam’s heart, makes ice water run through his veins. Dashing frightened tears from his eyes, Liam scrambles to his feet, ignoring the bleeding scratches, the ache in his bruised and frozen knees. Behind him, the voice drifts piercing and eerie through the trees, and, driven before it like a sacrificial lamb, Liam picks himself up and crashes onward.

Head reeling, body aching, so sick to his stomach he spends every step fighting not to vomit, Liam runs. He runs until he slips and falls, hitting the ground hard enough to knock the wind out of himself, mark bruises on his skin. Then he gets up and runs some more, staggering, faltering, missing steps, head empty of any instinct besides move forward, get away. The headlong sprint through the woods feels like it lasts forever. Snatches of song reach Liam’s ears, distorted and giggly. The forest rears up on every side like so many dark green walls – towering large, endless in every direction. Liam’s ears are ringing, his throat is dry, he can hear his own breath heaving unevenly in his chest. The terror in him is so raw and real that he can almost taste it, salt and iron, blood on his tongue. He’s choking on tears as he staggers onward, but scared as he is, all he can think is what if his sobs are too loud?

When Liam sees light through the trees, he thinks he’s dreaming. Stumbling forward, hardly daring to believe, he feels new hot tears spill down his face. Like a drowning man, he stretches his arms toward salvation, straining as if it’s something he can hold in his hands. Then he’s stumbling again, toppling forward, knees and then hands and then body kissing pavement.

Unable to stop himself, Liam sobs in simple, blessed relief. Pavement. The ground beneath him hard and unforgiving, solid and uniform. Above him, big plate glass windows spill yellowy light into the gathering darkness. The miracle of sidewalk, of concrete, of buzzing phosphorescent light!

Liam is weeping like a baby into his scratched up, icy hands. Now that he’s horizontal and staying there, now that the adrenaline has done just about all it can for his body – now, Liam starts to let go. His body feels both distant and incredibly close. He can feel every individual bit of concrete against his skin, and he can feel himself buzzing against the inside of his skin, and there’s a cloudiness in his head, a big and growing white threatening to envelope him, leave him blissfully out and unaware.

“What in the - ? Son? What the hell is wrong with you, son?”

The voice is gruff, incredulous, more than a little suspicious. Peering up through hazy eyes, Liam sees an older man coalesce into a hazy double-focus, bearded and grizzly as his tone suggests. The flannel-clad bear of a human recoils at the sight of the tears on Liam’s face, lip curling as he takes in Liam’s disheveled appearance.

“H-he-e-elp,” Liam manages, one hand reaching up, wavering and buzzing static in his vision. Even to his own ears, his voice wavers, rises and falls, distorted by hoarseness and God knows what else. “I n…need hel-l-l-p.”

Narrowing his eyes, the man continues to regard Liam with blatant doubt. Liam tries to morph his face into something acceptable, an expression that’s beseeching without being desperate or deranged. His muscles respond slowly, sluggishly. He can’t remember how to manipulate his face. Giving up, Liam leaves his mouth slack and just looks up, inches a little closer, pushing his body over the pavement, ignoring the way the cement rasps against his skin. He doesn’t want to try standing, yet.

Strange things are happening to the man’s face – his cheeks bloat, blow up grotesquely as he talks. His eyebrows, thick dark beetles, worm and writhe over his deep-set eyes, which are more like holes than real eyes. He’s towering over Liam, so tall the man on the ground can’t help but shrink a little bit against the pavement. His mouth is moving and Liam watches it with a dull kind of fascination, forgetting to pay attention to the words that emerge as shapeless sounds from that dark cave of a mouth.

“Help,” Liam tries again, seeing the way the word feels on his tongue. It sounds like it’s coming from very far away. “Huh…help?”

“Boy? What is wrong with you, boy?”

The man is waving his hand around in front of Liam’s face, looking for some kind of a reaction. When Liam just keeps staring hazily up, the man shakes his head. He starts talking, but the words dip and circle around Liam’s head, refusing to find his ears, refusing to find his brain. Every so often a word or two comes through – a revelation.

“…fucking cops…”

“Hellllp,” Liam whispers, turning his head to rest one hot cheek against the concrete. His head is pounding so bad it makes him feel sick. Or maybe he just feels sick. Either way, he’s wrung out, exhausted, ready to be done. Liam is tired. He gives up. He’s ready to be done.

Shutting his eyes to try to block out the loud and angry spinning world, Liam forces words out as best as he can make them. “Pl-l-l-e-e-eease. Please.” In his chest, he feels a little hitch come with the word, a shaky breath that prefaces a whimper. The sound is so small, so utterly pathetic. Liam didn’t know he could make a sound like that. “Ple-ease help me.”

The man squats down now to peer a little closer at Liam, at the young man laid out flat on the ground, not even trying to get up. “…what is…come from…”

The words aren’t landing with any greater frequency, nor are they making much sense, but Liam imagines he hears a grudging warmth in the tone that wasn’t there before. Maybe concern, instead of suspicion. Maybe aid, instead of exasperation. He lets himself slit his eyes open, see the hazy outline of the figure above him, leaning in. He lets himself hope.

Then he hears the gasp from behind him, long and loud, high and flighty and dramatic. Suddenly, Liam can’t breathe. He shuts his eyes again, trying to block the nightmare out, but it’s too late. She’s already here.

She throws herself down beside him, drapes herself on top of him, small hands roaming from his broad shoulders down to his waist, as if checking that he’s still whole. She’s so small. She’s always been so small. Doesn’t make sense that she can be all over him, everywhere at once when she’s so…damn…small.

“Philip!”

She trills it, sweet as any songbird. There are tears in her voice, real tears, and a burbling wet kind of laugh of relief that would tug at the heartstrings of anyone who had a heart. “Oh God, Philip, oh, don’t scare me like that.” She presses a warm kiss to his temple and Liam groans out loud. “Oh, sweetie. Oh Philip. Oh.”

One finger traces down the side of his face. The feeling comes through hideously clear and sharp. If it were a picture, it’d be Technicolor, while the rest of the world scrapes by in staticky black and white. Liam presses his face harder into the concrete, wanting to escape, to sink through, to disappear. She picks up his head and cradles it with one little hand.

“…know this…?”

Liam wishes, more than he’s ever wished for anything before, to understand the words of the man standing over them. Instead, the man remains indistinct, distant, unreachable, while every word she says rings loud and perfect in his ears.

“Philip is my brother,” she explains, voice so sweet it conjures honey on the tongue. “He’s…he’s…well, he’s not right.”

“…see that…”

“Well.” A firm but gentle hand smoothing over his wild hair. “We don’t know what exactly it is that’s…wrong.” Locked inside his head, Liam is screaming. All that emerges from his mouth is a low, indistinct moan. Above him, Delilah chatters on, her voice taking on a tragic tone. “We suppose it could be genetic. Or it could be…well, he was in a bad way with drugs, my brother.” She strokes his back, a long, possessive touch. “It’s not his fault.”

The man above them grunts. His voice is still so distant, coming in and out like radio waves. “…damn fool thing…cold.”

“I try. I really do try. He’s just…he gets away from me sometimes, I guess.”

“…huge motherf…little thing like…”

A laugh, carefully calibrated to sound just a little forced. “Philip is my brother.” Another long, tender caress down his back. Liam pants into the pavement, head spinning. “I love him. Of course I’m going to look after him. I have to.”

“…need help?”

Sprawled out on the ground, Liam heaves a dry sob. Those words, words he wanted to hear so badly just minutes before, now offered to the exact wrong person. The conversation goes on above him, but Liam can’t waste his focus listening to it anymore.

Squeezing his eyes shut, Liam takes stock of his aching body. His knees are bruised and sore, his body scratched all over. He’s exhausted and cold and his muscles feel distant, tingly and out of touch. Even lying on the ground, his head pounds and spins. If there was anything left in his stomach, he’d definitely have thrown it up by now. All he wants is to stay where he is and rest. He wants to feel right again, in control of his body and his mind. He wants to give up, give in, be allowed to sleep and heal and rest. Liam just wants this to be over.

But he can’t just yell surrender and expect Delilah to leave him alone. She’s hopping to her feet now, standing to shake the stranger’s hand. If he has a last chance, this is it, so Liam grits his teeth. Dredging up every last bit of meager strength, he places his palms on the ground beneath him and pushes up. His arms are shaky, and nearly give out, but he manages to slump into a sitting position before his strength fails.

From his place sitting on the pavement, Liam can peer up pitifully at the two people above him. The flannel-wearing man is facing Liam, which means Delilah is facing away from him. He has a window, a precious small amount of time, in which he can just maybe make his escape. Swinging his head to the side, Liam examines the storefront he’s ended up outside of. The vinyl booths, the matching countertops – it’s a diner, all the lights inside aglow. If Liam can just make it inside. If he can just get his story out.

He has to move quickly. Sucking in a quick puff of cold air, Liam leans back and pushes off the ground, flinging himself to his feet. Almost before he’s all the way up, he’s throwing himself into his next step, staggering forward with all the grace and control of a drunken grizzly. Speed is his only chance, and also his greatest enemy. As Liam lunges forward, his body gives out under him. He stumbles, wailing in frustration, stretching his hand out for the door even as he goes down.

Before he can hit the pavement for the second time in ten minutes, the stranger catches Liam. It sounds like it takes a good amount of his strength, because the man grunts as Liam’s chest smacks his shoulder, but he stays where he is, all but holding Liam up.

Even though the guy seems to have decided to take Delilah’s side, gratitude leaves Liam breathless.

“Your brother is heavy,” the man complains, his gruff voice booming through the air right next to Liam’s ear.

“He was a football player,” Delilah explains, and surely anyone could hear that smug, faintly covetous tone in her voice? Surely, this man can see the way she squeezes his bicep as she runs her hand down his arm?

The man throws one of Liam’s arms over his shoulder and drags his unresisting body toward a parking lot. Stumbling along, Liam tries to stay on his feet, though now his hectic vision is starting to fade entirely. On his other side, Deliliah hovers along, her hand so light on his back that he should hardly be able to feel it. Somehow, though, while his entire body is distant, prickling, offline, that handprint burns in his awareness, heavy and hot and stinging like nettles. Liam whines under his breath, trying to make his thick tongue form words.

“Shh,” Delilah soothes, drawing so close he can feel her breath on his arm. “Shh, Philip, honey, it’s gonna be all right.”

Still whining like a kicked dog, Liam is dumped unceremoniously in a foreign backseat. Crawling up next to him, Delilah waits until the man is seated in front of them to perch herself basically in his lap. With greedy, grasping fingers, she tugs his leaden body over so Liam’s head is resting on her shoulder. At first, Liam fights it, but when the car starts up the winding mountain road, he subsides. The curving motion of the road sets his stomach roiling, so he’s too nauseous to do anything but let his head flop back as he tries to open his airway and breathe.

Cooing, Delilah cards her hot little hands through his hair. “Poor Philip,” she murmurs, voice sweet and conciliatory. “Poor honey. Didn’t I tell you no one would believe you?”

[morganaspendragonss]

hiya. could you write a fic where tk has a panic attack from carlos’s pov? 😘🧡

i can indeed! this is combined with an idea jamie ( @silvarafael ) had and very kindly allowed me to write - i hope you both enjoy! the first section is also based on a vague idea i had after watching the ep.

ao3 | 1.9k | 2.10 spoilers

TK is silent the entire drive home, choosing instead to stare out the window with his jaw firmly clenched, his hands making fists in his lap. The silence extends all the way into the house, right up until the point when he flops down on the couch with a loud, frustrated sigh, burying his head in his hands. 

At this point, Carlos knows not to push when TK is like this; he’ll talk when he wants to, and not a moment before. So he simply walks over, sitting next to him and placing a hand on TK’s back, rubbing gentle circles. TK slowly relaxes under his touch, unfurling his body, and Carlos is all too happy to let him shift into his arms, holding on and pressing kisses on the top of his head.

I’m here, he’s saying - not with words, but he knows the message gets across regardless. It may have only been less than a year since they started dating, but already they don’t always need words to communicate.

“I’m sorry if you were uncomfortable back there,” TK says suddenly. “I know my dad kind of dragged you into it all, and that must have been awkward for you.”

“It wasn’t my favourite interaction with your dad ever,” he admits.

TK snorts. “Understatement,” he mutters, and Carlos laughs, tilting his head in agreement. “I am sorry, though, really,” TK continues. “It was amazing of you to even be there; you didn’t have to be. I’m sure there are hundreds of places you’d rather be than an intervention session for my dad.”

“You mean supporting my boyfriend through something difficult and important?” Carlos corrects gently, shifting to catch TK’s eyes. “Because there’s nowhere I’d rather be than there.”

TK blinks at him, managing to hold his gaze for all of two seconds before he blushes and looks away. He takes Carlos’s hand, tapping restlessly on the back of it - a sure-fire sign he’s still worked up about something, so Carlos leaves him be, waiting for it to come out.

“Is it bad that I’m pissed at him?” TK’s voice is quiet, small, and it’s mirrored in his body language when he turns to Carlos, drawing his legs up and hunching his shoulders. “I’ve spent my entire life trying to connect with him, and it just feels like he’s constantly throwing it all right back in my face. And he’s… He’s such a fucking hypocrite. Ever since my first overdose, he’s been going on and on about how good it is to talk about my feelings and how I shouldn’t keep things bottled up, yet he insists on hiding this shit from me.”

TK laughs, short, sharp, bordering on hysterical. “He didn’t even tell me when he was fucking dying; I had to find that out by myself. And I’ve tried. I haven’t stopped trying.” He deflates, sinking back into Carlos with a defeated sigh. “But there’s only so much I can take, you know? I can’t… I can’t keep doing this, Carlos.”

Carlos’s heart breaks for his boyfriend. He wishes he could take the pain away; as it is, all he can do is hold him, and hope that he has enough words to at least dull the ache somewhat.

“It’s not bad to feel what you feel, TK.”

TK looks up at him, eyes wide. “You don’t think so?”

He shakes his head, kissing him again. “No. I think… I think your dad has treated you pretty unfairly, actually, and you’re well within your rights to be mad at him right now. But, I also think that you said it yourself; there’s only so much you can do. Before you can take care of your dad, you have to take care of yourself, and you can’t do that if you’re worrying over him.”

If TK’s eyes were any wider, it’d be comical. “But -”

“No buts.” Carlos smiles tightly, keeping his tone gentle. “TK, babe, you just led an intervention into your dad’s mental health, which I know was hard for you, yet you did it anyway because you love him. You tried, but if he doesn’t want to engage, then there’s nothing you can do.”

TK is silent for a long time, staring down at his lap. He’s still holding Carlos’s hand in one of his own, but his free hand is rubbing the material of Carlos’s shirt between his fingers; Carlos doubts he’s even fully aware he’s doing it.

“I know that,” he says eventually, voice little more than a whisper. “I do. I just wish he wasn’t so goddamn stubborn all the time.”

Carlos’s lips quirk up in a smile, and he speaks before he can stop himself. “Guess it runs in the family.”

TK stares at him, open-mouthed, and Carlos immediately regrets his words. He’s halfway through an apology when it’s like a dam breaks, and TK breaks out in giggles, his head thumping against Carlos’s chest.

“You’re lucky I love you, Reyes.”

Carlos grins and pulls TK as close to him as physically possible. “I really am.”

*

The call comes early the next morning, waking both of them up. TK grumbles as he smacks his hand against the nightstand in a blind search for his phone; the sight would be adorable if Carlos weren’t so tired himself. After the exhaustion of the past few days, he’d been desperately hoping to have a peaceful morning for once, maybe even - god forbid - to spend some quality time with his boyfriend without the threat of parents or work or sudden emergencies hanging over them. 

Clearly, though, it’s not to be, as TK suddenly sits bolt upright in bed, all traces of sleep gone.

“We’ll be there as soon as we can,” he promises to whoever’s on the other end, before lowering the phone and turning to stare at Carlos, terror obvious in his eyes. 

“TK?” Carlos asks when he doesn’t speak, sitting up and slowly reaching out for him. TK startles at the contact, but quickly leans into it, covering Carlos’s hand with his own.

He swallows once, twice. “Buttercup’s sick,” he whispers. “Dad had to rush him to the vet’s. Carlos, what if… What if…”

He trails off, shaking his head viciously, as though he can erase the thought from his mind. Carlos quickly moves to steady him, stroking his thumbs across his cheekbones to calm him down.

“Let’s get dressed, okay?” he says, knowing reassurances won’t mean a thing right now. “Then we’ll go, and we’ll know more.”

TK just nods, quiet as they go through the motions of getting ready. Carlos makes sure to press an apple into his hand before they head out; he knows it will likely go uneaten, but it’s the only choice he has, given he knows that TK will refuse to stop for breakfast without finding out about Buttercup first.

If the drive back from Owen’s yesterday was silent, today’s is far worse. TK’s hands are constantly moving in Carlos’s periphery, alternating between fiddling with his apple, tugging on his clothes and hair, and rubbing at his face. On the rare occasion he does try to stay still, his hands end up twitching in his lap, followed by a sudden burst of anxious movement before falling back into some semblance of a pattern.

Carlos presses his lips into a firm line, accelerating more than is technically legal; at any other time he’d make a joke about how TK’s turning him into a criminal.

They’re forced to stop at a traffic light, and Carlos curses under his breath, getting jittery himself as the drive extends. He turns to check on TK, then curses again at the sight of his boyfriend’s pale face, his wide eyes and trembling body. TK gasps, then again and again, a hand going to his chest, and Carlos knows what this is. 

A panic attack, but the second he reaches to help, the lights change and he’s forced to keep driving. He keeps one eye on TK the whole time, heart beating faster as he seems to get worse, and he’s thankful when he spots an opportunity to pull over, taking it immediately.

TK stares, shaking his head frantically and gesturing in a motion that Carlos takes to mean keep driving. His mouth opens and closes but he can’t form words, breaths coming short and fast. He folds in on himself when they stop, eyes closed and forehead almost touching his knees as his body heaves and shakes.

Carlos unbuckles himself and shifts as close as he can, placing one hand on TK’s back and taking his hand in the other, rubbing circles on the back of it with his thumb. He’s had to do this a few times over the course of their relationship, shootings and kidnappings and disasters taking their toll on his boyfriend.

But that doesn’t make it any less difficult.

“You’re going to be okay,” Carlos says, pushing his own fears aside. “Just breathe slowly, in and out, that’s it; it’ll be over soon, I promise.”

He keeps it up, murmuring assurances he barely registers himself until the shaking lessens and TK’s breath slowly but surely begins to even out. He straightens in his seat, eyes still closed, and leans his head against the headrest. 

Carlos pulls back, giving him a moment before he asks, “Do you want to talk about it?”

TK shakes his head, then immediately changes his mind and nods. Still, it takes him a few seconds to speak. “What if it’s the cancer, Carlos?” he asks, peeling his eyes open, despair written all over his features. “He could - He could die, he could be dying right this second, and I don’t know if I can handle that, not after everything else.”

“I know,” Carlos says. “You just have to remember that we don’t know anything yet, and you have to believe that Buttercup will be fine until we do know more. We’ll take it from there, and if it is the cancer - which, yes, it might be - then we’ll all be around to support each other. Buttercup’s strong, though, I’m sure he’ll fight whatever this is with everything he has. He’ll be fine.”

Carlos smiles, noticing how TK is pretty much hanging onto every word he says. He takes a deep breath, briefly looking away before continuing, “As will your dad.”

TK frowns. “Who said anything about my dad?”

“TK.”

He sighs, hanging his head. “You’re right,” he admits, “this is a little bit about my dad. The longer he puts off this surgery, the more scared I get that the cancer will come back and we won’t get as lucky this time. I know it’s stupid, and I know I should be focused on Buttercup right now, but…”

“But,” Carlos agrees, reaching out and squeezing TK’s hand. “It’s okay, and it’s not stupid at all, I promise you. Let’s just take this one thing at a time, okay? First, we’ll get to the vet’s and find out how Buttercup is, and then we’ll see about having another conversation with your dad - maybe telling him what you’ve told me?”

TK exhales shakily, then nods. “Okay. Okay.”

Carlos gives him a small smile, squeezing his hand once more before shifting back in his seat to keep driving. “I’ll be right by your side,” he can’t help but say. He’s sure TK already knows, but the reminder can’t hurt, especially after what just happened.

TK stays quiet, but Carlos doesn’t miss the mumbled, “I don’t deserve you,” from the passenger seat. 

“Wrong,” he replies, eyes on the road. “You deserve the world.”

And, in his periphery, TK smiles.

[bratkook]

one chance. (m) knj. teaser.

pairing. flash!namjoon x reader genre. fluff, angst, smut, superhero!au word count. approx 20k warnings. light hearted, some fighting (not graphic), mentions of character death (also not graphic...or permanent), mutual pining, namjoon is an adorably sweet dork !! smut: tbd as i write! but ofc filthy summary. namjoon knows he only has one chance to go back and make things right, but is he prepared to live with the potential consequences that his actions could cause? note. this was going to be part of a bts super hero collab that fell through (& i hope the author’s involved still post their fics) i’m about halfway through writing it and hope this will give me the motivation to finish it lmao. i might do a tag list if anyone is interested?? lmk muah.

The searing pain is felt before Namjoon even hits the floor, shooting down his fingertips when he attempts to move them, making his shoulder ache with each breath he takes. The plastic drums he had just collided into—an impact at a speed they weren’t designed to withhold—lay tattered in bits and chunks all around him, cold water that would typically be held inside them now spilled out and soaking into his suit. 

A hiss escapes his lips as he remains on the wet floor, already hearing the rushing footsteps approaching him. “It’s broken!” he shouts out, wincing when he once again attempts to move his arm. “Why isn’t it healing if it’s broken?”

When you and Hoseok finally reach him, you breathe a sigh of relief. From the absolute chaos his crash had caused, you were expecting to see him a lot more battered and bruised. Instead he lay on his side, hand gently cradling his aching shoulder with a grimace on his face. 

“Holy shit, that was awesome.” Hoseok barely spares a glance at Namjoon, overstepping him to assess the damage caused, tapping away at the screen of his tablet as he does so, checking the speed data he had captured. 

“You told me these would hold,” Namjoon grumbles, foot kicking a nearby scrap of plastic, another groan leaving him when his shoulder throbs. 

“That was just a guess.” Hoseok brushes him off, continuing to type away as he circles the crash scene. He only approaches Namjoon to pluck the Go-pro off his head, pocketing it with a sheepish smile on his face. 

With a subtle eye roll, you’re crouching down to meet Namjoon’s body, hands gently reaching out to see what the problem was. He lets his hand fall from it’s protective position, eyes squeezing shut as he waits for the burst of pain to come, jaw clenching when your fingers press along his shoulder, clearly feeling the way it had popped out of place. 

“It’s not healing because it’s not broken.” Namjoon finally opens his eyes now, peering up at you and gulping when he realizes just how close you are. He can clearly see the worry in your eyes as you try to see just how bad it is, a crease between your brows that he wants to rub out with the pad of his thumb, small frown on your lips that only makes him feel worse for going against your warning of this being a bad idea. 

A small huff spills from your lips once you realize you won’t be able to help him until you’re back at the lab without this suit—a suit that Hoseok calls his pride and joy—covering him up. “It’s dislocated. You probably tore some ligaments and tendons, but those will heal up just fine once we pop it back into place.”

“Wait, is that gonna hurt?” he whines out, huffing out the strands of his brown hair that had fallen over his face and gasping in pain when you purposely prod at the swollen joint with a small glare. 

“I’ll make sure it does so you remember to never go against my warnings.”

“Oh god, you’re doing this on purpose!” Namjoon yells, sat on the cold chair, knees pulled up as he braces for the pain. 

“I told you I was,” you smirk, extending his arm out, hands placed against his palm with the other on his trap muscle to get a good grip. The loose threads of his suit tickle his skin, a product of you cutting the fabric to double check that the only thing wrong was in fact his dislocated shoulder. 

Did you actually have to cut it? No. This was just your childish way of getting back at Hoseok for convincing Namjoon to do this. 

The grimace never leaves his face as you stretch the limb out, twisting it slowly to the right angle before pulling back with a slight pop once it settles back into its rightful spot. 

He feels the relief instantly, tense muscles relaxing as he sags back into the chair, face no longer contorted in pain when you gently lower his arm. Namjoon swears he’s never felt better, already able to lift his arms as if nothing ever happened, the torn tendons quickly repaired and back to normal thanks to his regenerative ability.  

“Good to go. If you pop it out of place again you’re gonna have to do it yourself.”

“Yeah right. I’ll just have Hoseok do it for me.”

Right on cue, a crash sounds out behind you, followed by a shout and an apology as Hoseok picks up whatever gadget he was currently working on. 

“You sure about that?” you question with a smug smile, crossing your arms under your chest as you step back. As smart and helpful as Hoseok was, his mind was far too focused on the technology surrounding him. If Namjoon seriously injured himself, the only person who would know what to do, was you. 

He knew this, and sometimes he liked that fact, not opposed to the way you’d constantly worry about him—totally choosing to ignore the reason why you did so was because it was your job. That tiny factor in the equation was tucked into the back of his mind. His small crush was innocent, and if looking forward to seeing what color lipstick you’d wear that day helped him deal with getting poked, questioned, and forced to run on a treadmill to document his speed, then that's fine by him. 

“I won’t dislocate my shoulder again. I promise.” 

Something about the smile on his face does nothing to ease your worry, and as Hoseok emerges from his room with a giddy laugh, you feel the need to pry. 

“What the hell were you trying to do anyway?”

“I think we’re close!” Hoseok announces, your question being brushed aside as he thrusts his tablet into Namjoon’s now fully mobile arms. The only thing lighting up the screen is a skew of numbers along with a diagram and some fancy looking animated figure that slightly resembled himself. It meant nothing to Namjoon so he doesn’t bother trying to decipher it, looking back up at Hoseok with a confused expression. 

“I don’t think me making those plastic drums explode got us any closer.” A small shiver courses through him as he recalls the pain from his shoulder once more. 

“Oh yeah, that was pointless. But I think I figured out another way.” Hoseok grabs the tablet once more, tapping a few more times before another animation fills the screen. Peering over his shoulder you spot what it is, a golden animation of what looks to be a treadmill, swirls flowing on either side of them that you believe to represent wind. 

“Another way for what?” You question again, not liking the sly look on Hoseok’s face. 

“Time travel.” He says it so casually, not even sparing you a glance as he flips the tablet over to show Namjoon. 

That wasn’t what you were expecting. When you had walked in on Hoseok pitching the idea to Namjoon, wanting to document his full speed, push it further to see what more he was capable of, you thought it was just to gather information to help when it came to figuring out a plan of action the next time a meta-human decided to torment the city. 

“Time travel?” you repeat, a displeased look on your face that Namjoon spots instantly. The small wrinkle between your brows is back and he can’t even allow himself to find it adorable because the small glare you were giving Hoseok changes course and stares directly at him. 

“Yeah,” he quietly admits, pressing his lips together gently. His saving grace comes in the form of his phone ringing loudly, cutting through the tense silence and making him jolt in his seat, hands fumbling for the device.

He has never been more thankful to get a call from work, your scolding being directed at Hoseok now, but Namjoon can hear it through his current conversation. The worried tone in your voice is clear as you question Hoseok’s sanity, stating how dangerous time travel could be in the grand scheme of things. Hoseok can only stumble over his words, flustered at being on the receiving end of your lecture. 

Namjoon ends the phone call right on time to hear you shout, “Are you trying to start World War three?!”

“I gotta go…” he whispers, slowly sliding off the chair trying to be as quiet as possible, hoping he wouldn’t be detected. But before he can flash out of there, you’re looking at him again. 

“Not so fast.” He freezes instantly, hands lifted up in front of him. “We’re not done talking about this—“

“I know, but I gotta go. I do have an actual job after all.”

Hoseok glares at Namjoon, “So you’re gonna leave me here to get yelled at...alone?”

Namjoon gives him a guilty smile, shrugging and mumbling out a quick apology before bolting out of there—literally. Your hair flows up at the speed, Hoseok’s shirt flapping wildly, and nearby documents scatter around from the gust of air he had caused. The only thing left behind is the red suit draped across the chair he had been sitting on, flashing out of it and into his regular clothes before leaving to work. 

“What was the Gopro for?” you question. As much as you didn’t like the idea of time travel, you were slightly curious about the entire situation. 

“Just thought it’d be sick to film it. Like imagine if it actually works and we have solid proof?” Hoseok’s eyes glimmer at the prospect of it all, tapping at the screen to replay the footage captured earlier. The two of you have front row seats of Namjoon’s earlier crash, and seeing the chaos along with hearing Namjoon’s grunts of pain a second time makes you glare at Hoseok once again. 

You reach forward and grab the discarded red suit from the chair, balling it up and tossing it at Hoseok’s face. “Patch it up. I had to rip the sleeve to properly see his shoulder.”

He whines loudly as he peels the material off of his face, fingers clutching the precious suit and gasping when he spots the torn area. “You monster!”

[fleetingpieces]

My One in a Million CH 6

Here we go! Thanks for the patience and support everyone❤️

Thank you to my amazing betas @knittingdreams and @inloveoknutzy I love you both so much❤️

And thank you so much lovely @heyitssmiller for your amazing vet knowledge and kind help, I hope what I wrote makes sense!😅

Tag list (let me know if you want to be added! <3 )

@justdyingontheinside @donttouchmycarrots @heyoitslysso @whataboutmyfries @sunflowerfox87 @hereforwolfstarr @potterlocked24-7 @cheekeebabe

CW: dog getting sick

Here’s the Masterlist, and the story in Ao3 if you prefer to read there :)

Chapter 6 - Water tides

Remus let the water wrap around him lazily as he swam down the middle of Gryffindor Tower’s indoor pool at a serene pace. He was glad to have the place all to himself that late afternoon, as he was exhausted after a pretty intense workout.

His day had been fully booked; he’d been out since morning, only stopping home long enough to grab his gym bag and head to the building’s top floor. He was trying to clear his head and organize his thoughts, but just like in the past three days, his mind drifted to the gift that was still sitting face-down in his guestroom, waiting for him to figure out what the hell to do with it.

As he reached the other end of the pool, he stood there with his hands caressing the surface of the water, feeling the slight resistance it made against his palms.

Sirius had seemed so genuinely sorry and like he was really putting in the effort, and Remus didn’t know what to make of it. It was still hard to believe how fast things had changed; this was the man that had been driving him crazy for weeks... but he was also the one that was making Remus open up about his past, even if it was just a little bit. Even Cocoa liked him. It’d been really hard for Remus not to turn into a fucking pile of goo when he saw them together, and fuck if Sirius’ starstruck face didn’t do things to him. People were usually afraid of Cocoa, but Sirius had opened his arms to him straight away.

What an adorable bastard.

Remus groaned and dived underwater. He stayed in place, floating with his eyes closed. Doing this always gave him a sense of peace that very few other things could. With the exception of yoga, maybe.

It was terribly ironic how sometimes he felt like he couldn’t bring air into his lungs when he remembered that time, but being underwater felt so soothing, even if he was obviously not breathing. There was something about the stillness of it and how weightless it made him feel, as if nothing could bring him down; and having his eyes closed, he could imagine having infinite space all around him, like maybe he’d blink and he’d be floating with the stars.

A splash of bubbles that could only mean another person had jumped into the pool reached his ears.

Remus held on for a few seconds more before he stood up, breaking the surface as he passed a hand through his face and hair to get the water out of his eyes.

“Merde.”

The whispered word echoed in the big room, though Remus was probably not supposed to hear it. He froze with a hand still in his curls and turned towards the voice.

“Sorry, I thought it was empty,” Sirius said from a few feet away. He lifted a muscular arm to rub at the back of his head and frowned with a small smile. “Just how long can you hold your breath?”

Remus just stared at him. At the way the droplets of water dripped from his dark locks and ran down his chest and the planes of his stomach. He swallowed, lifting his gaze before it could travel down further and focused on the piercing grey eyes that were already staring back at him. It felt as though Sirius could see into his soul, and it shocked Remus to realise that the thought wasn’t as scary as it should be.

Remus wasn’t sure how long they stood there, it could have been a second or maybe hours, but the smile slowly faded from Sirius’ face.

“I can go?” he asked unsurely.

“No!” Remus said hastily, before clearing his throat. “No, it’s fine.”

“Ok...” Sirius seemed surprised. They stared at each other a few moments more, Remus wracking his brain for something to say but coming up short. Sirius shifted on his feet. “Well, I don’t want to get in your way, so…”

He started turning around to go to the other side of the pool. Remus took a deep breath.

“Wait.”

Stopping mid-movement, Sirius turned around, arching a perfect eyebrow.

“I…” Remus started, but closed his mouth. Sirius’ eyes softened, and Remus started again, more firmly. “I never thanked you.”

That made Sirius frown. “Why would you need to thank me?”

“For the painting,” Remus said simply, though he figured it should be obvious. He couldn’t help but add with a small crooked smile, “and for the cookies too. Even though they were awful.”

Sirius barked a laugh, covering his face with a hand, and Remus found himself wishing he didn’t. He wanted to see the way his eyes crinkled. “Yeah, well. I should have asked first before I did anything, sorry I assumed-”

“No,” Remus interrupted, shaking his head. “No, you had no way of knowing.” He stopped to take another deep breath. “I'm sorry, I overreacted.”

Sirius raised both eyebrows at that, he clearly hadn't expected an apology. He regarded Remus steadily before he shrugged. “It's important to you. I think it's perfectly reasonable to react the way you did.”

Such a simple phrase, and yet something tugged fiercely in Remus’ chest. He tried to ignore it and sank until the water covered up to his shoulders. There was something about this man that made raw emotions come to the surface, and he tried his best to control them.

“Still, you were only trying to do something nice. So thank you.”

Sirius nodded as he stared at him, a small smile on his face again.

“Maybe we can start over?” He swam closer and Remus resisted the urge to sink lower. Instead, he got up when the other man extended a hand towards him. "Hi. I'm Sirius Black, and I live in apartment 12. Nice to meet you," he grinned.

The resolution on Sirius' face made Remus smile too, before he glanced down at the outstretched hand and reached to shake it. Despite the coldness of the water, Sirius’ palm was so warm that Remus felt it in his core, and he looked back up quickly to find Sirius giving him an odd look.

“Remus Lupin. I’m in apartment 10, right next to yours. Funny that we didn’t bump into each other sooner,” he said playfully, earning himself another wholehearted laugh from the other man, his chest rising and falling with it.

“Ouais, funny that,” he said with a twinkle in his eye. He let go of Remus’ hand and promptly plunged underwater, emerging only one second later while shaking his hair like a dog and sending a wall of droplets in Remus’ face. 

“You mutt,” said Remus as he raised an arm to cover himself, making Sirius smile widely. 

God, does he ever stop grinning? 

“So, what brought you to Gryffindor?”

The casual way he asked it made Remus relax some more. He sagged back down and moved from the shallow part of the pool, treading water as he thought of everything that had led him here.

“It’s kind of a long story, but the main reason is that I wanted to expand my brand, and I thought living in a bigger city would be better for that purpose.”

Sirius nodded as though he knew exactly what Remus was talking about. “Yeah, that makes sense. Where did you live before?”

A wistful smile tugged at Remus’ mouth, and he noticed Sirius tilting his head in curiosity. “In the countryside, just outside of Gryffindor. I was born there and lived in that town my whole life until I decided to move here.”

“Do you miss it?” Sirius asked softly.

The water lapping around them was the only sound in the air as Remus looked down at his hands, weaving them just beneath the surface.

“Yeah...I miss my mum and Leo mostly. I know it’s not too far, but it’s not easy to see them either. I guess it’s hard for me not seeing them everyday.” Remus didn’t add that it made him feel lonely, or like he was back in room 308, but Sirius seemed to sense that it was making him feel sad, cause he didn’t ask more about that and moved to another question.

“What’s your hometown like?”

Remus smiled thankfully at him. “It’s really small, nothing compared to this,” he made a sweeping gesture with his arm. “But it’s beautiful. There’s this beach that Leo and I used to go to all the time when we were kids, and later on we would always find the time to go there on small camping trips, just the two of us in bedrolls, sleeping under the stars. It became a tradition. And then, there’s a forest on the other side, with these huge trees that go on for miles, and there’s a-” Remus stopped himself when he realised he’d been going on and on without a pause, blushing a bit. He looked at Sirius sheepishly. “Sorry, I got a bit carried away.”

But Sirius was just looking at him with a dopey smile. “That’s ok. I like listening to you speak.”

Remus didn’t know what to do with that, so he cleared his throat. “What about you?”

“Hm?” Sirius asked distractedly.

“Did you always live here?”

That seemed to snap him out of whatever he’d been lost in. He ran a hand through his hair, which stayed pushed back, sleeked by the water. Remus liked it. He could see more of his face like this.

“Uh, no. I grew up in Slytherin, actually. But I went to boarding school when I got older, so I spent a lot of my teenage years there. It’s where I met James and most of the guys.”

There it was again, that fond smile, and Remus found himself asking, wanting to know more, “what was it like, going to a boarding school?”

Sirius laughed at that, and walked to lean his back against the side of the pool, his forearms resting over the edge. He tilted his head back, staring up at the ceiling with a faraway look. “Oh, it was great. Not so much at the beginning though. I lived a pretty sheltered life up to that point, so you can imagine I was a bit of a snobbish dick.”

“A bit?” Remus raised a teasing eyebrow, making Sirius laugh again and focus his gaze on him.

“Trust me, whatever you think of me now, I was ten times worse.”

“I don’t really think you’re like that,” Remus replied, and was surprised to realise he meant it. Sirius’ smile faltered, and he opened his mouth to say something, but Remus beat him to it quickly, “so what made you change?”

There were a few seconds in which Sirius just stared at him with an unreadable expression. “James,” he said plainly in the end.

“James?”

“James,” Sirius agreed. “Sometimes I wonder what my life would be like if we hadn’t met. He made me see I was behaving like an idiot, and everything I was missing out on.” He turned his head and gave Remus a sad smile before he continued, “I didn’t have any real friends before James.”

There was a deep pain rooted there that Remus couldn’t completely grasp, but he felt that it wasn’t his place to ask. “So you guys were friends from the start?”

“Pretty much,” he said, and then a laugh escaped him. “I tried to shove him aside at first, but he clung to me like a koala. I don’t even know why he wanted to be friends with me then.”

Remus thought about the way Sirius’ face lit up when he was close to James or when he talked about him. It was obvious to anyone that they were close, and how much it meant to Sirius.

“Well, I’m glad you found him.”

“Yeah,” Sirius said softly, “me too.”

“So how did you end up in Gryffindor?”

Sirius chuckled, “that would be James’ fault again. He grew up here, and I used to spend months at his house during the summer hols. It’s where I went when I finally ran from home; his parents took me in.”

He’d spoken casually, like it was the most normal thing in the world, but still Remus felt his heart stutter. “You...you ran away?”

Sirius’ eyes widened a bit, clearly he hadn’t realised how much he’d said. He glanced at Remus a bit wearily, who hastened to add, “I’m sorry, you don’t have to talk about it.”

Some of the tightness seemed to leave Sirius’ shoulders as he exhaled sharply. “No, it’s ok. I...fuck. My family and I had different views about...things. They own this big company and run in some upper circles of society that I never had any interest in.”

It was Remus’ turn to have his eyes widen like ping pong balls as the realisation hit him like a bag of wet sand. “Wait...you’re that Black? From Black Enterprises?”

The tension in Sirius’ jaw was so sudden and intense, Remus regretted his words instantly.

“No. I mean, yes. I should be. But I left that behind years ago.”

There was a crease between his brows, and Remus’ hand started stretching towards it to smooth it, but he caught himself in time and pretended to scratch at his cheek instead.

“Ah, sorry, my bad. I thought for a second that you were. But you must be the Sirius Black from Gryffindor, huh? I’ve heard great things about him,” Remus said in a light tone. At first, Sirius frowned at him as if he’d gone crazy and Remus shifted awkwardly. But slowly, it started melting away until he started laughing at Remus’ antics, one hand clutching his stomach.

“God, you’re so weird.” There was that sweet smile again, directed fully at him, and Remus’ heart stuttered for an entirely different reason.

After that, Remus lost track of time as they talked and splashed about. He felt surprisingly light. Laughter was not in short amounts, an easy banter settling between them, and sometimes he’d catch Black staring at him with an indecipherable smile on his face. It felt like they’d been friends for years and not just a few hours, which was something Remus’ brain couldn’t completely wrap around.

Their topics went from the most trivial things to some that bordered in way-too-intimate for how long they’d known each other, but it didn’t feel weird or forced.

Remus mentioned how much he enjoyed a cup of tea in the afternoon. Sirius told him that he’d started smoking at 16, and had quit three times so far but started again when he felt overwhelmed. Remus talked a bit about his mum and how hard she worked to bring money in, and how Remus had to practically beg her to let him help once his business had taken off. Sirius confessed to being afraid of spiders to which Remus couldn’t keep in a laugh.

“Really? Spiders?”

“Oh, shut up, you,” Sirius had said with no real venom as he splashed him with water, making Remus laugh harder. Remus didn’t miss how Sirius' eyes hadn’t left his face when he’d looked back up at him.

They had started drifting closer to each other, and right then Sirius was swimming backwards around Remus as he told a story about a school prank. Remus was turning around slowly on his feet to keep him in sight, entirely too conscious of the way that the movement with each backstroke made Sirius’ back look even bigger. And how the waves Sirius was making kept lapping at Remus’ lower belly.

What the fuck am I thinking?

He shook his head just in time to catch Sirius’ next question.

“Did you always know you wanted to teach yoga?”

“Oh. Well, not really. I always thought I wanted to be a writer,” Remus chuckled. “But then after...Um, a couple years ago I decided to start a healthier lifestyle, and discovered I really liked it.” He gave a small shrug. “I decided to focus on that, and I don’t regret my decision.”

Sirius hummed as he kept swimming with his eyes closed. Feeling a bit weird just staring at him, Remus pushed his legs up and started floating on his back, focusing on the ceiling instead.

“So, what do you do for a living?” he asked.

He heard more than saw Sirius stop and stand up at once.

“I um...I work as a freelancer from home.”

“That’s nice. What kind of jobs do you do?”

“Oh, all sorts of things. Y’know, I never learned to float like that,” he said in a rush, which struck Remus as a bit weird. He let his feet angle down and touch the floor, and he pulled himself upright to eye Sirius curiously. He was fidgeting, but smiled at Remus hopefully, so Remus smiled too.

“Would you like me to teach you?”

Sirius’ face lit up. “Would you?”

“If you want,” Remus shrugged.

Sirius nodded enthusiastically and took a couple steps closer.

“Ok, try to align yourself with the water, and I’ll help by holding you until you can adjust your body on your own. It’s easier to float if you take a deep breath and hold it, so let’s start with that.”

“Ok, I can do that.”

“You need to be perfectly relaxed, ok? Save that puppy energy for something else.”

“D’accord, d’accord,” Sirius rolled his eyes. Remus tried to ignore how nicely the words rolled out of his tongue.

He watched as Sirius breathed in and pulled himself into a horizontal position. He held it for barely one second before he started sinking, so Remus took a deep breath too and moved over to place one hand in the middle of his back, and the other under his head.

Soft.

It was all Remus could think as the dark strands of hair fell between his fingers.

“Tip your head back and lift your chin. There should be no tension on your neck.” Remus’ voice was mellow, automatically slipping into the tone he used for his classes. “Put your arms just like this.” He removed his hand from Sirius’ head and used it to bring the arm closest to him slightly up, Sirius’ fingers brushing against Remus’ thigh, and then placed it back in the inky hair.

“My hips keep going down,” Sirius chuckled, making the water ripple in small waves. His eyes were closed, his chin tilted up just like Remus had told him to, exposing the long lines of his neck. Remus looked away, trying to keep a blush at bay.

“Ok, I’m going to move my hand to support you better, is that ok?”

A breathy “oui” was all he got for an answer.

Remus’ hand trailed down, his fingers brushing against Sirius’ spine until he could place it more firmly against the small of his back. He could’ve sworn he felt Sirius shiver, but that could be because of the water.

Looking down at Sirius’ toes, he told him to try and relax more. His eyes went up his legs as he gave small advices on how he should place his body, passing by the blue swim trunks that clung to his thighs, then kept going up his hip bones, toned stomach and chest, telling him to try and push up. He glanced up at that long, elegant neck, until he finally stopped when he found silver eyes staring intently at him.

In that moment, with those eyes locked with his and feeling overly conscious of the skin he was touching, Remus felt a bolt go through his fingers and removed his hands instantly as if he’d been burned, and Sirius flailed his arms and sank.

He stood up spluttering, water dripping everywhere.

“Remus what the fuck-” he started complaining, but stopped short when he realised just how close they were standing.

Remus felt his breath hitch in his throat as he was engulfed in the grey once more. Wet hair fell over his eyes, and this close, he could make out all the shades, every spot in those irises. He felt like he was staring at a tempest sea, the calmness around them making him feel like he was in the eye of the hurricane, and he was about to be swept up in the storm.

Sirius’ breath fanned against Remus’ face, slipping between his parted lips. His eyes darted down to stare at Sirius’ mouth, those pink lips that looked so incredibly soft that Remus wanted to reach up and touch them with his fingers. The tip of his tongue moved to wet his lips, and when he glanced up again he caught Sirius following the movement. The other man inched his face closer, torturously slow, until Remus tilted his head up slightly.

Everything around them seemed to be suspended in time, waiting, waiting… And then that same memory was flashing through his mind and Remus pulled away.

“Remus?” Sirius asked, confused, and Remus’ heart gave another painful tug.

“I...I...” Remus backed against the wall so much he wished he could just become one with it. Sirius took a step back and watched him with worried eyes.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean...Are you ok?”

“I just- I...I gotta go.”

Not waiting for any answer, Remus turned around and lifted himself out of the water, and basically bolted back to the changing rooms.

He didn’t even stop to take a shower, just changed his clothes as fast as he could, grateful that Sirius didn’t come looking for him.

Once inside his flat, he unceremoniously dropped his bag and keys on the floor, and let his head fall back against the door.

What the fuck was that?

It was so not like him to do something like this. He knew better than to get tangled in... in whatever happened at the pool was. Focus on your career, that was the goal. No time to meet anyone just to get into a relationship, get attached, and then be left broken.

But Sirius just...it felt so natural to be around him. Remus was still surprised at how comfortable he felt around the other man, given the way they’d started things off. If the image he’d had of Sirius was so far off the mark, then maybe Sirius was not like-

No.

He was done with relationships and that was that.

“Ugh, fuck,” Remus groaned, then finally glanced around his flat. “Cocoa?” he called, surprised that he hadn’t been tackled in a bear hug yet. “Cocoa, c’mon boy. Let’s go for a walk. Fuck knows I certainly need some fresh air.”

It was dark outside already, but Remus’ heart was still beating wildly, and he didn’t think he could stand to just stay inside. He needed to calm down and get his mind off dark hair, stormy eyes and wet lips.

When he still got no response, Remus frowned. It was very unlike Cocoa not to rush to greet him or come to him when called. Even if he’d been sleeping, he’d always wake up to the sound of Remus coming back home.

Remus stepped into the living room, walking around the couch to where Cocoa usually laid in his dog bed. And there he was, with his head between his paws, looking up at Remus with big, yellow eyes. He whined when Remus got close.

“Hey boy, there you ar-” Remus stopped himself with the immediate knowledge that something was wrong. Cocoa was trying to get up, but his legs were trembling and he fell over. Remus rushed forward and knelt at his side, noting how fast Cocoa’s heart was beating, and the spasms still going through his body. “What’s going on? Cocoa, what’s wrong?”

Remus was frantically trying to figure out what was happening when his eyes landed on a crumpled piece of paper. He snatched it up and his heart stopped. It was the wrapper for one of his favourite dark chocolates, and there were only a couple of bitten pieces left in it.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck, how did you get this? When did you-? Oh my God, when did you eat it?” Remus wracked his brain, trying to remember if the wrapper was there when he’d stop by his flat a few hours earlier, but he had no idea. He remembered thinking Cocoa seemed a bit more energetic than usual, but he hadn’t thought too much of it.

Shaking out of the whirlpool that were his thoughts, Remus carefully picked Cocoa up and rushed to the door.

“Please hang on, boy. Please, please, please hang on.”

[masterjedilenawrites]

"Youre so full of light, I'm afraid I'll be the one to quench it" with crosshair x reader? is that an option?

Awww yesss, I’m happy to write anything for this grumpy toothpick! 🖤

Crosshair x reader | 2k words

“You’re so full of light... I’m afraid I’ll be the one to quench it” from this prompt list.

Crosshair was avoiding you. That much was obvious.

At first you'd thought he was having a bad day and let him have his space. But then it kept happening. Never looking at you. Leaving the room as soon as you entered. Pretending not to hear your questions. You were back to where you'd started with him, all those rotations ago when the Bad Batch had first arrived on your home world to help drive out some troublesome pirates. He'd been a tough cookie to crack, but slowly, day by day, you'd managed to draw him more and more out of his shell. And the more he did, the more you fell for him.

But now he'd retreated back behind his walls again and you had no clue why. Had you said or done something to scare him? You weren't sure, but you also weren't disheartened. You knew someone as special as Crosshair would take time and patience to bond with. You'd pull him back out eventually, you were confident.

An opportunity came when Hunter announced one day the need for the marksman to scout a nearby pirate camp, located in a clearing just beneath a forested ridge of land. You knew the area yourself and convinced the Sergeant you'd be a good assistant for Crosshair's recon mission. The sniper had had his helmet on when Hunter sent you off with him, so you could only imagine whatever salty expression he sported beneath it.

The two of you trudged along in silence for a while at first. Occasionally you'd suggest a path to take, or he'd caution you from stepping on the more unstable parts of the terrain hidden beneath the underbrush. Otherwise, you let him be, and instead focused most of your attention on taking in your surroundings. Even in the midst of trouble, you still made a point to appreciate the beauty of your planet. The curved and knotted trees, each as unique as a snowflake, with their wide leaves fluttering in the grasp of a stray breeze. The tiny beams of sunlight that sliced through the foliage and illuminated the otherwise dingy forest floor. The echoing songs of the winged creatures that danced above your heads, ignorant to the conflict of the more sentient beings they cohabited with.

Eventually you couldn't help yourself, and you started to hum a song of your own. It was a tune you made up as you went, each note created to express whatever new feeling sparked within you as you ventured further into the forest. You were hardly a composer, and you were certain that even when humming you were off-key, but it didn't matter. The song made you feel light and free, a feeling that was rare but welcomed wherever you could find it.

You realized you were being watched, and turned your head to see Crosshair's worn helmet trained in your direction. He quickly averted his gaze, but it was enough to show you he'd been staring for a while. You hid a smile, not wanting to seem like you were teasing.

"Am I annoying you?"

"No," he said, low and quick. You noticed his grip on his rifle tightened ever so slightly.

"Are there any songs you like? I can try to sing if I know them."

He did not respond, continuing to plod alongside you in silence. Well, at least you'd gotten one word out of him.

You soon arrived at a part of the ridge that gave you the perfect view of the pirate encampment below. You nestled in the crook of a large tree while Crosshair laid himself prone on the ground next to you. He used the scope of his rile to get a better look at the camp, muttering details he thought important while you logged them on a holopad for future strategizing.

"Kriff," he growled. You peered around the trunk of the tree, as if you could see whatever had caught his eye from such a distance. You could only make out little dots of tents and people scattered in the valley below, so you turned back to him for explanation. "Children."

You hummed knowingly, which seemed to fluster him.

"That doesn't concern you?" His scope was abandoned as his helmet lifted to face you.

You shrugged. "What, criminals can't fall in love and start families?"

You couldn't see his scowl but you could feel it. You weren't sure why his grumpiness made you want to laugh sometimes, but you hid your amusement with another shrug, not wanting to upset him further, not when he seemed to be more open to talking to you again.

"Well it's going to make this mission much more difficult," he grumbled, starting to pack up his rile.

"Yeah..." you agreed, but you didn't sound as defeated as he did. "We'll just have to get creative. We'll figure it out."

He was crawling over to your spot behind the tree but paused at your words, his helmet tilting as if in thought for a moment. You raised your eyebrows at him, wishing you could somehow read the marksman's mind. You were certain his thoughts were fascinating; they usually were with the quiet ones.

He settled into the space next to you and fumbled around in one of his pouches, eventually bringing out a couple of small ration packs. You smiled in gratitude as you took the one he offered you. You hadn't realized how famished you'd grown from this outing.

"It's not much," he mumbled as if apologizing. He worked on freeing himself from his helmet and you tried not to stare at the face that emerged from it.

"It's still something," you smiled through bites of... well, whatever it was you were eating. It tasted more like wood than food and you tried to believe it at least had some nutritional value as you forced it down.

Crosshair was shaking his head at your words.

"What?" you asked. He only shook his head again.

You tried to drop it, but your patience was starting to wear a little faster than usual. He was so close to you, and yet he felt further away than ever. You were both angled so that it'd be natural to look at each other, but you could see him purposefully looking anywhere else. You moved your knee experimentally, brushing against his and causing it to jerk away suddenly. Even beneath all his armor you could tell his muscles were tense. Something was clearly bothering him and you hated the thought that you were somehow the cause of it.

"Crosshair," you said, trying to keep your voice soft and non-threatening, but still speaking loud enough for him to know you were trying to get his attention. He reluctantly looked at you, his fingers curling around the rile that lay across his lap in clear display of unease. He almost looked sick. "What's wrong?"

His frown deepened, further than you ever thought possible.

"Cross," you said again, even softer now, scooting yourself just a little bit closer. You felt like you were approaching an injured animal. You needed to be careful if you wanted to help him, lest his suddenly snap and chase you away.

"Nothing's wrong," he huffed, still determined to keep his thoughts private. You didn't move closer, only looked him up and down, trying to figure him out.

"If I did something to upset you," you said slowly, "please let me know, so I can try to make amends. I don't want to be a burden to you."

He sighed, but it wasn't as frustrated or annoyed as it usually sounded. He brought his hands up to his face and dragged them down, slow and forlorn. When he spoke, it was so quiet you could barely understand. "You're not a burden."

You squinted at him, summoning back what patience you'd briefly lost before, waiting.

"I'm the burden," he said a little louder. "You, you're so..."

His eyes cast about the forest beside him, as if he might find the words he wanted painted on the trees. You held your breath, unsure what they could possibly be.

"So full of light," he finally said, allowing his gaze to finally meet yours. "And... I'm afraid I'll be the one to quench it."

You blinked as it became clear to you the cause of his turmoil.

"Your response to everything is positive," he continued rather quickly, as if to get his thoughts out before he could stop himself. "All I see is hardship and difficulty. You sing songs and act like everything is beautiful."

"Most things are," you couldn't help but say, which only caused him to glare at you, proving his point.

"This forest is not," he said. "There are a hundred places someone could've hid and got the jump on us. Those pirates are not... They can have as many children as they want, but they are fools for bringing them along to a raid. These rations are not..."

He threw the crumpled wrapper at you and probably would've continued his ranting had you not let out reached out for his hand and stopped him.

"Okay, okay, I get it," you said with a slight chuckle, only resting your hand atop his, not yet holding it fully. "I'm an optimist, you're a cynic. So what?"

"So..." his voice slipped back into a growl. But he trailed off, unable to explain why it mattered to him that you were so different from each other. You had a guess as to why now; it had become quite clear to you the sniper had feelings for you that were very similar to the ones you had for him.

"You want to know what I think?" you asked with a smile. You waited for his nod to continue. "I think we need each other. I think you need me to ease your worries, show you that not everything is as difficult as you make it. And I need you to keep me grounded. Keep me safe from all the threats I can't see. We make a good team, you and I. That's what I think."

Crosshair looked at you and it was if the walls he'd built up were slowly lowering down again, just as they had when you'd first gotten to know him. The lines on his face, usually so sharp and prominent, softened as your words began to settle within him. You much preferred seeing him like this, relaxed and at ease.

"You won't ever be a burden to me," you said, now letting yourself cross the gap that remained between you, saddling up alongside him so your sides were flushed together and your hands, now holding each other properly, rested on your thigh. "My entire planet is at war. Most of my friends have left or are dead. I don't even have a home anymore. It's going to take a lot more than your grumpy ass to quench my light."

You rested your head against the stiff plastoid on his shoulder. It wasn't comfortable, but it was more to show him the truth of your words. You trusted him. You enjoyed him. You wanted to be close to him.

He didn't say anything, but then again, he was better with actions anyway. After a beat, he let go of your hand and moved to wrap his arm around you instead, pulling you into the crook of his shoulder and placing a toothpick between his teeth with a contented sigh. You let out a happy sound of your own, humming your made-up song as the two of you rested against the tree.

You knew this probably wasn't the end of Crosshair's insecurities, that you had a lot of work ahead of you to continue convincing him that he was wanted and worthy, that you were strong and safe. But it was a good start, and you were more than willing to keep going, knowing the reward of Crosshair's love at the end would make it all worth it.

[nestasgalpal]

Your precious High Lord [Nessian fic]

Masterlist | AO3

Sinopsis: So this is a fix-it fic where I give my version of the scene where Nesta calls Rhysand an asshole and Cassian defends him and tells Nesta that everyone hates her 🤡🤡 The idea is to just fix the scene, so everything else (aka Cassian telling her that and Nesta leaving the room etc) stil happens. I just want Nesta to verbalize why she doesn’t like Rhysand, since nobody seems to understand her reasons.

Tagging: @gwynriel @rhaenystargaryn @clolikescloquetas @amelievrstr  @t8astr8ng @wanderlustlastsforever @saltydreamcollector @lordlorcan​ @esrahiba @queenestarcheron @ko0mbayamylord @poisonous-bloom  @jemstan300 

I might fix the Amren confrontation scene too, so let me know if you want to be removed or added to the tag list ^^

Azriel was having lunch with them, giving Cassian the details for the mission he was going into. Nesta maintained her silence as she slid into her chair, picked up her fork, and dug into the fillet of beef and roasted asparagus.

Cassian cleared his throat and said to Azriel, “How long will you be gone?”

“I’m not sure.” The shadowsinger’s eyes bore into her before he added, “Vassa was right to suspect something deadly amiss. Things are dangerous enough over there that it would be wiser for me to keep my base here at the House and winnow back and forth.”

Curiosity bit deep, but Nesta said nothing. Vassa—she hadn’t seen the enchanted human queen since the war had ended. Since the young woman had tried to speak to her about how wonderful Nesta’s father had been, how he had been a true father to her, helped her and won her this temporary freedom, and on and on until Nesta’s bones were screaming to get away, her blood boiling to think that her father had found his courage for someone other than her and her sisters. That he’d been the father she had needed—but for someone else. He had let their mother die in his refusal to send his merchant fleet hunting for a cure for her, had fallen into poverty and let them starve, but had decided to fight for this stranger? This nobody queen peddling a sad tale of betrayal and loss?

That thing deep in Nesta stirred, but she ignored it, pushed it down as best she could without the distraction of music or sex or wine. She took a sip of her water, letting it cool her throat, her belly, and supposed that would have to be enough.

“What’d Rhys say about it?” Cassian asked around a mouthful of food. 

“Who do you think insisted I not risk a base over there?”

“Protective bastard.” A note of affection rang in Cassian’s words, though.

Silence fell again. Azriel nodded at her. “What happened to you?”

She knew what he meant: the black eye that was finally fading. Her hands and chin had healed, along with the bruising on her body, but the black eye had turned greenish. By tomorrow morning, it’d be gone entirely. “Nothing,” she said without looking at Cassian.

“She fell down the stairs,” Cassian said, not looking at her, either.

Azriel’s silence was pointed before he asked, “Did someone … push you?” 

“Asshole,” Cassian growled.

Nesta lifted her eyes from her plate enough to note the amusement in Azriel’s gaze, even though no smile graced his sensuous mouth. Cassian went on, “I told her earlier today: if she’d bother to train, she’d at least have bragging rights for the bruises.”

Azriel took a calm sip of his water. “Why aren’t you training, Nesta?”

“I don’t want to.”

“Why not?”

Cassian muttered, “Don’t waste your breath, Az.”

She glared at him. “I’m not training in that miserable village.”

Cassian glared right back. “You’ve been given an order . You know the consequences. If you don’t get off that fucking rock by the end of this week, what happens next is out of my hands.”

“So you’ll tattle to your precious High Lord?” she crooned. “Big, tough warrior needs oh-so-powerful Rhysand to fight his battles?”

“Don’t you fucking talk about Rhys with that tone” Cassian snarled.

“Or what?” Nesta snapped. “Rhys is an asshole. He is an arrogant, preening asshole.”

 Azriel sat back in his seat, eyes simmering with anger, but said nothing.

“That’s bullshit,” Cassian spat, the Siphons on the backs of his hands burning like ruby flames. “You know that is bullshit, Nesta."

“I hate him,” she seethed.

“Good. He hates you, too,” Cassian shot back. “Everyone fucking hates you. Is that what you want? Because congratulations, it’s happened.”

Azriel let out a long, long breath.

Cassian’s words pelted her, one after another. Hit her somewhere low and soft, and hit hard. Her fingers curled into claws, scraping along the table. Rage emerged, boiling in her veins. She tried to contain herself, but after months of drinking herself into oblivion, using alcohol to chain her feelings, her emotions, her nightmares, she was having trouble containing all the thoughts that were coming up her throat now that only water filled her cup. Nesta sensed her own anger rise to match Cassian’s.

“I’m done with you and your problems.” he finished.

The words rumbled between them. Nesta blinked. Azriel tensed, as if surprised.

Cassian aimed for the door, his pounding steps fading down the hall.

Nesta had never in her life tried to use her issues as an excuse. There was not one flaw in her character she didn’t know about. She was terrible to be around, and she was aware of it, but she had never expected people to try to understand where it all came from. On the contrary, she used it against every person that crossed her path, so they couldn’t get to see her aching heart. She wore her issues as an armour, so people never wanted to come closer and see why she was the way she was. Nesta had used her anger against almost every person she knew, but not once had she tried to use the cause of that rage, that infinite void in her chest, as an excuse.

But she was so sick of them, their patronizing, them projecting their own issues into her, that the seal that contained her darkest thoughts broke, and the words came out. Because if after everything she had given to them she still hadn’t made it up to Feyre, then there was absolutely nothing else for her to do. She had nothing left to give.

She wanted them to know what their victory cost her. If Cassian didn’t want to see on his own, she would make him.

“I gave my life for you. For all of you” Cassian halted in the archway of the door. Azriel’s eyes were fixed on her, even if her own stare had followed Cassian. “Even before the war, I tried to make it up to my sister for the four years she hunted for us.” Cassian’s body was almost lost in the shadows coming out of the hallway, but still close enough to the door that she could see his back, his wings, the tension in his muscles under his shirt.

“Your High Lord likes to pretend I’m nothing but a burden, but I’m only what you’ve made of me” When none of the illyrians interrupted her, Nesta felt seen for a moment.

Then, she realized the temperature in the room had dropped, her nails had left marks on the table, and Azriel’s shadows were ready to strike if needed.

Cassian was also still, ready to move.

They were not listening to her, they were waiting for her to attack. Like a wild animal. Like Rhysand in his studio, using his power on her to make her sit.

They expected nothing better from her than that. They expected her to unleash her wrath on them, and that’s what she was going to do. She didn’t care.

“To have any kind of contact with fae is a crime in the Mortal Lands. Did you know that?“

She wanted himto know she was talking about a time prior to their last day in the battlefield, because her sacrifice had not been only physical. No, she was talking about the things she did before, favours to help her sister’s cause. Their cause.

“I did everything you lot asked me to do. I sent the letters putting my neck on the line, and risking Elain’s future. I held the meeting at my house and let you come and go as you pleased.”

“Her future with Greysen would have made her miserable” Azriel’s icy tone surprised her. She merely blinked in his direction. His graceful face was covered in shadows of anger, too.

“That was the future she wanted. The one she chose”.

Azriel fought back “He came from a family of fae hunters”. Nesta wasn’t sure why he had gotten caught up on that detail, but she insisted. Now that she was a fae, she wanted to stay away from people like Greysen, but back then, his family and her money combined offered a safety she had desperately wanted.

“Which we both thought was a good thing. We thought Feyre had been killed by fae. We gave her a funeral” Cassian shuddered, his wings reacting to her words, tucking in a little more.

Nesta felt the cold of the room on her bones.

“I still let you into my house. Have you even considered how scared I was to let you in? Do you have any idea of the stories I grew up with about faeries and their tricks, their bloodthirst? I’ve met people who were taken by your kind… my kind, now, I guess. And I still helped you.” She didn’t tell them Rhysand was the one murdering her friend Clare and her family.

“Those stories are about faes like the ones in Hybern, of wild creatures near the Wall. Not Prythian’s folk” Cassian answered. His tone was dark and low, angry, insulted. But he was not screaming now.

“And how was I supposed to know?” She shouted. How was she supposed to know? His words almost made her doubt, thought. In the middle of her rage, his words almost made her doubt herself, like she might be overreacting, like she had gone crazy, maybe, paranoid. But she didn’t fall for it. She hadn’t been careful enough with them, their promises, their requests. “The only explanation I received when my sister came back after months with a new male in her arm -a male she had warned me about before her departure- was that the mortal realm was about to be destroyed by war, and she needed my help. So I helped her.”

It was not only anger or rage, but pure wrath what tinted her words. She could take the blame for all the things she did wrong -she would. She wanted to. But she was tired of them using her mistakes as an excuse to never acknowledge that fact that she had tried. Nesta had given them everything they had asked from her.

Azriel’s shadows were dangerously still. Nesta wasn’t sure if she had ever seen them like that. Cassian hadn’t moved either.

They were listening now.

”I know Feyre risked her life for us. So for her, I risked mine too. And Elain’s. The difference is that I actually died and became this,” she pointed at her own body, everyday stronger, gaining back the absurd beauty that belonged only to creatures from that side of the Wall. She hated it ”while Feyre found happiness. My sister chose to come back to this awful land full of monsters, I was dragged out of my bed and taken.”

“Nesta-” The shadowsinger didn’t move, but his tone had a cautious note to it. She knew her eyes were now quicksilver, flames dancing in them. She had seen herself in the mirror when that happened. She would be cautious too.

Nesta didn’t let Azriel finish. She wanted Cassian to hear the rest. Cassian, who had promised her a future and then vanished. Cassian, who would still defend his High Lord even when he physically threatened her. Nesta wanted him to hear her words until the end.

She wanted him to be as hurt as she was.

Something tucked in her stomach, warning her that both of them would regret it later if she went on, but her blood was boiling, so she did it anyway.

“Your High Lord of friend or brother or whatever he is to you, promised we would be guarded.”

Nesta let the words resonate. She didn’t need to remind any of them what had happened next. They knew. They had suffered from Hybern too that night.

She wanted them to remember. It wasn’t fair that they got to live their happy ever after, but she had to be consumed by it and left alone because she didn’t warm up the room with a smile like Elain did. It wasn’t fair that after everything she went through so they could live this perfect life, they still got to lock her up in a tower and make her the villain.

Nesta didn’t need to look into Cassian’s eyes to know he was remembering the same moment she went over and over in her nightmares every night. The moment she was dragged into the Cauldron. His body in the ground, covered in blood. His shredded wings. Her screams echoing in the hall.

“So the next time I call him an asshole -and I promise it will happen again- don’t you dare using that tone with me.”

There was a long silence. Silver fire remained in her eyes, but Cassian didn’t turn to meet her gaze. He only said “I won’t”, and stalked out.

Alone with Azriel, Nesta bared her teeth at him.

Azriel watched her with that cool quiet, keeping utterly still. Like he saw everything in her head. Her bruised heart.

She couldn’t bear it. So she stood, only two bites taken from her food, and left the room as well.

She returned to the library. The lights blazed as brightly as they had during the day, and a few lingering priestesses wandered the levels. She found her cart, filled again with books needing to be shelved.

No one spoke to her, and she spoke to no one as she began to work, with only the roaring silence in her head for company.

[stellaryusdb]

I Do Love You

— a JiSolB FanFic by stellaryusdb; spin-off to Let Me Love You

Seo Jiho’s POV

"Prosecutor Seo, good evening!" Said a known prosecutor that remains unknown to me. I forced a smile while shaking his hand. I wonder what it'd look like.

I am so tired of this. I am currently in a party and surrounded by big names in the field - lawyers, prosecutors, judges. There are also corrupt politicians whom I've questioned in the court, as well as egotistic businessmen I sent to jail but ended up abusing their power to get out of it. It makes me sick that I was invited to this party. I should be at home, preparing for my case for next week's hearing. I blame Bokgi for dragging me into this hellhole. 

It's suffocating. It felt as if I had to swallow a big lump in my throat as I interacted with the people in here. Not until my eyes darted onto someone whom I know, and I am sure as heck feels the same way.

Kang Sol, my archenemy. It’s been years. A lot has changed since we celebrated the results of our bar exam. More specifically, when my other enemy, Joonhwi-hyung, confessed to her on the school grounds. I watched as we drifted apart.

I remember how I trembled in fear when he was nearby, enjoying the cheers in our circle. I remember how panic consumed my all. I remember feeling the cold air lingering on my face, heat travelling through different parts of my body. I remember how my shoulders went down in fatigue. I remember how I was defeated, even without fighting a single battle in this war. So I ran away.

I fell in love and I have been loving this archenemy of mine since forever. Well, I just realized it in law school. Back then, I always tell her how much I despise her but joke's on me because it's always been the other way around. Now, someone's in love with her. I've always thought that I am not worthy so I took a step back and gave in for my other enemy-turned-pal in law school.

I remember seeking comfort from Sol A-noona's reaction as we both watched them from afar. She forced a smile I could not return. I just... can't. And ever since then, I started to distance myself from the squad. I ran away even if I had no one to go to. I rarely attend our monthly catch-ups, always making up excuses. I also prohibited myself from getting too close to Sol B. I kept reminding myself, "Joonhwi-hyung likes her, I can’t…” In the end, I suffered the repercussions of longing for her.

I was hurt but then it's also my fault. I did not shoot my shot. I had three years to do it but didn't. Damn it, it's still so frustrating!

But now she's here, elegantly marching her way into the hall. Her hair slightly curled at its tips, reaching a bit beyond shoulder's length, like the one she's had in middle school. Eyes as mesmerizing as the stars in the sky. I hoped she looked at mine, praying that we'd form constellations. She's also wearing a white dress that perfectly matches her skin tone. Tied are its straps as they clung onto her shoulders. She's gorgeous, as always. It was as if the angels had given up their kind to bless the world with her beauty.

Was she looking for someone? I was kind of hoping that it'd be me but...

She halted when she caught my stare. Those piercing eyes that I was used to sent shivers down my spine. 

Heck, I am nervous! What do I do? I'm trying to avert her gaze because I might give into it. Should I confess? No. Hyung. Should I—

"Jiho." She called out my name. I was so distracted in trying to look busy that I didn't notice she's already in front of me.

I swallowed all my fears and anxieties before looking her in the eyes as I fixed my glasses.

"Sol."

She's looking at me and I cannot breathe properly. Years later, I just found myself gawking at the person who's captured my heart. My legs felt like jelly as we exchange gazes.

Static noise filled the room, then the speaker announced, "Greetings, everyone! As it is already midnight, I am inviting you all here, in the main hall, to dance waltz with the person on your 12 o'clock..." What a good timing!

I tried to excuse myself, "I'll just go there," then sprinting my way out, turning my back on her. I needed a sign.

"Jiho." Was that my cue?

My feet had its own mind because the next thing I know is that I am coming back to where I was a while ago, and where she is at the moment. Should I ask her to dance with me? Will it be too awkward? I wanted to but I just don't know how to do it. Everything's just so unexpected.

I exhaled a surrendering sigh because of what I am about to do. Ok. Here goes nothing.

"Do you know how to dance?" Stupid question.

"No," She replied.

Oh.

"But I'll go with you." I was stunned. I had to gulp once again.

Shaking and hesitating, I asked for her hand which she immediately gave and the next thing I know is that she's pulling me, leading me towards the dance floor. I guess this night has a lot more to unfold.

We are in the middle of the hall, just below the chandelier. People around us are swaying their bodies as if they really are enjoying this. Hypocrites.

I was caught off guard when she moved closer to me. And now our faces are only inches apart. She's also an inch taller than me as she's wearing heels. I hope they don't hurt her feet for too long.

Her eyes fell on the floor. Is she maybe waiting for me to initiate our dance? Whatever, I'll do it anyway. I am already here and I am not wasting this opportunity.

I took her hand that was on the side of her thigh while I maintained my eye in contact with hers, asking for permission. Now I got her attention. I was rewarded by a small smile that our squad rarely sees. I put it on my shoulder, followed by the other one. She was just watching me as I brave myself in doing whatever this is. After that, she held my hands at the same time and put them on her waist. Then, she rested hers on my shoulders.

My heart is racing, louder than the ballad that surrounds the hall. Does she hear it? She'll never know anyway.

Her lips start to form a smile as she looks into my eyes, then avoids them, then goes back to them. She looked over our feet. It's adorable, it's like she's about to blurt out a joke but...oh. I bet she's making fun of our height difference. I scoffed at the thought. She just never lets me live. But I don't mind at all.

She looked at me with eyes full of malice and said, “You should see the view from up here." No way. 

"That hurt." I said while raising my eyebrow at her. 

Her face fell into a frown. "I was just teasing you." Well, so do I. 

My smirk has turned into a grin. And when I realized it, I faked a cough. What is this feeling in my stomach?

Our bodies emerge into "dancing". Our footsteps complement each other as we watch them. This is very foreign to me. I hope she doesn't mind.

This moment was the least of what I expected in this very hour. I have pictured myself sitting in a corner, alone at the table, watching the people around me as I keep a keen eye to those I might be facing in court. My plan has been ironed out: I'll just stay for the food and leave after an hour or so. This party is pathetic anyway. But then she showed up and now she's here, in my arms.

In my arms. That felt like cloud nine. I just want her here, with me. But then, I started to doubt and question everything that's happening. My hands are on her waist, hers now around my neck, and everyone else is blurred in the background. It's just us. But what is this?

The thought of hyung just appeared in my mind again. 

I remember it very clearly during that night. When she took the flowers from Joonhwi-hyung, her eyes shot up to mine which I instantaneously averted. She can't see me. She should not. I didn’t want her to see me shatter. We were each others' anchors and I must not sink further. I do love her but I am not sure if she feels the same. And I am too afraid to ask. Now that hyung has made the move, what is left of me to do is to just go. To let go.

We were swaying when I started to keep my eyes from landing at hers. I feel uneasy but at the same time, I want to stay. I want to be with her. I want to make this night last.

But still, I shouldn't be the one in his place. I am just so...terrified. I don't know. I... I have to stop this before it gets out of hand.

She halted our waltz, perhaps feeling the sudden change in my atmosphere. When I tried to meet her eyes with mine, they were screaming a hint of betrayal, or was I just seeing things? 

She excused herself. I ruined it.

I sat on my seat to contemplate on what just happened. I feel the need to follow her and explain why my mood changed. But then, she'll know what I truly feel for her. And I promised myself that I will bury that secret with me to the ground. I can't. Joonhwi-hyung...

But is it so wrong to confess right now? I am not even asking for her to reciprocate it. It's just that I have to let it go so that I can finally move on with my life. I cannot stay in this unrequited zone forever. I have a life too. Will it be so selfish?

I just found myself following her trail, rushing my way out to go to where she was. When I got there, I paused for a while to catch my breath. She was looking over the city, scattered are the flashing lights before her eyes. She turned around to see me, with a glass of champagne in one hand. It was as if she was waiting for too long.

The familiar cold wind started to linger on my face again as I jogged to get close to her. Her arms are resting on the railing and when I arrived a few meters away from her, she looked away to go back to what she was doing before I came.

I just looked at her. Just a few more minutes, I beg.

I also leaned onto the railing as the steel touches my skin. I looked over the city lights in Seoul. Cold, busy, intimidating, lonely. It’s like I can relate to it, like it’s foreshadowing a fleeting feeling before I let go and set myself free. I needed to breathe before I let off everything I've kept for years.

"I returned the flowers to Joonhwi-oppa." She broke the deafening silence.

My brows furrowed at her words.

Then she looked at me and said, "It's not my favorite," before drinking the champagne until its very last drop. She put it on the table when it was already empty.

A flashback came to mind when we stopped by a florist's place. She was accompanying me as I bought flowers for my late father. I saw her staring at the lilacs that are beautifully arranged on the shelf.

"Do you want one?" I asked.

I saw how her eyes panicked before saying, "What? No." Then, she hurriedly went outside.

She's not into sunflowers. I could have told Joonhwi-hyung that but let me be selfish for a while. Let me have this little secret with her.

And right now, she's staring at me as I wait for my words to arrive. I was just completely left in awe. I do not know... I— I cannot understand.

"You did not see it because you left right when you saw me inside his car," she continued, then paused for a while. "I returned it from there. I did not want him to feel embarrassed in front of our friends."

I do not know if I am just seeing things but I noticed that waters started to form in her eyes. And when they aligned with mine, it was as if we were forming reflections. What is this? Sol...

"I was about to go to yours because I thought that I had a place there. You brought me here with you, but suddenly, you were so eager to leave. I had no choice but to ride a cab to get to your apartment, hoping that I'd find you there and that you'd keep your promise to go to my house. We were going to prepare for my case the following day just as what we had talked about."

I remember all those, too, how I hurriedly started my car and rushed my way out of that disheartening situation. I was drowning in my own pain that I forgot to look after her.

The waters in her eyes came rushing like a waterfall but her face remained stoic and heartless. It was as if the heavens had fallen upon me. I want to close our distance, to hold her if I were given a chance.

"We were going to pull an all-nighter which I have been looking forward to. When I arrived at your place, you weren't there. I tried to call you but you shut your doors on me. And it's been years, Jiho." She put emphasis on the last sentence while gritting her teeth which really, really tugged my heart, making me realize how much of a fool I was.

I took a few steps closer to her. I want her to feel my proximity, of how sorry I am. I just want to shelter her all my life.

"Why do you keep on running away?" she paused to take a deep breath before asking, "Do you hate me that much?" Now she started to sob. I can't. I— it's too much. A pang in my chest has been surging in all of me. I can't...

"Because Jiho, it's you. I know you despise me with all of you. But for me, it's always been you. I wanted you to take the flowers from Joonhwi-oppa and tell it to his face that it should have been lilacs. I wanted you to drag me out of the school grounds as I am willing to follow wherever you may go. I want you to study with me, to counter all my arguments, to let me help you with all your cases, and to bring comfort in my life just by the means of your proximity. But you were gone for so long..." The weight of her gaze has had me looking for the strength that is left in me.

Her expression starts to soften as she continues, "Now, just in case...If ever...if ever you're done hiding," she paused as her lips started to quiver. Tell me, I beg.

"If you're through with running away please tell me, if ever...if ever you feel the same way. At least I'll know where I stand and I won't be blindingly looking for your clues anymore."

The sounds of her sniffing have been etched in the atmosphere. The waters in her eyes just would not stop from falling. I want to go near her, wipe them away and shower her with reassurance that I never got to tell her. She's crying but she's still as beautiful as ever. And I want everything about her. I want to cross our gaps but will she let me do so?

She heavily sighed before looking back at the cities beneath us while wiping her tears away.

I hope it's not too late to redeem myself.

"Sol," I called her. My voice is trembling in fear. The only force that I am holding onto at this moment is the fact that she has these feelings for me. Heck, she feels something for me! Heavens, I have been waiting for this.

But then I hurt her. I betrayed her. I left her, when in fact, there is an unsaid vow to the both of us that we will be each other's constant. And I took it for granted.

"I'm sorry," I moved an inch closer to her to get her attention.

"I'm so sorry..." I felt a tear landing on my face. 

She shook her head as if she wanted to tell me how disappointed she was at me. So am I. So am I. And I hated myself for being a coward all this time.

I crossed another inch closer and asked, "Can I hold you?"

She looked at me, pearls still lounging in her eyes.

"I've been patiently waiting for you, Jiho."

First, I held her by the waist before pulling her onto my chest while she rested her chin on my shoulder. Good thing that our heads are side by side and she couldn't see me bawl my eyes out as my waters start to race on my face. I'm safe and sound now.

Finally.

"I'm sorry, Sol. I am so sorry." I cupped her face and started to catch the tears that wouldn't stop falling. Her eyes are red and pained. Her lips form a pout. Gods! I love this woman.

She did the same thing to me. It's the littlest things that she does that put me to my place, to constantly look out for her. Then eventually, falling for her.

I wrapped my arms around her waist to pull her closer. Then, I leaned my forehead against hers and closed my eyes. I felt that our noses touched. I took a peek at her eyes and caught that she was also peeking at mine. I smiled again. I closed my eyes, thankful for all the sinners and saints for this moment. So at peace. So contented.

After some time, I leaned away from her forehead which earned me a questioning look on her face.

I cupped her face again before saying, "I do feel the same way. I love you, Sol."

She started sobbing, but this time, I know she's glad at what she's heard. She's crying and suppressing a smile all at once. And she looked gorgeous while doing it.

"No more running away please." 

I gave her a reassuring nod before uttering, "No more."

We fell into the comfort of each other's presence without the words that bound us together and we had settled on that borderline. But at this very moment, everything just made more sense. The collateral damage we'd done in the past cannot be undone, but at least we can move forward. And I know that I can heal from it, with her by my side.

She, too, cupped my face and wiped the waters off of it, her eyes full of stars.

"We've lost years, Jiho." She realized.

"And we have a lifetime to make up for them." I replied.

She stopped what she was doing and blinked her eyes a little. "Did you just ask for my hand in marriage?"

"What? No." I teasingly copied her remark.

She tried glaring at me but I had a glimpse of a ghost of smile on her lips. I was trying not to smile too but she's just so adorable.

"Not yet. We are just starting." She used her voice that she applies whenever she counters my argument.

I playfully nodded. "Whenever you're ready."

Her eyes widened as her cheeks started to heat up. She buried her face on my neck as her arms were wrapped around my shoulder. I feel like a teenager going through puberty with everything that she's making me feel at the moment.

She faced me to say, "Jiho, this is the part where you kiss me," before allowing her eyes to drop at my lips. When she realized what she just said, her eyes started to wander.

I blinked at what she just declared. Well, I wanted to... but how? This is my first time doing this.

My throat went dry and I immediately licked my lips as I looked at hers. I inched my face closer to hers, still clueless of what I am doing, before pressing my lips onto hers and parting away from it real fast. Did I do it right?

Right after that, she stole a peck from my lips, copying what I’d done. I blinked and I felt heat rushing up my face. Again, I tried to brave myself and copied what she just did. I stole a kiss, then came another. I can do that, too! When I leaned in again, she caught my head to stop me from teasing her and to lock my lips with hers.

It was thorough and passionate. It was oasis after hundreds of years of push and pull. It was victorious, because at last, she's here with me, underneath the countless constellations in the sky. We were able to fathom our stars and satellites.

Her hand is on my hair as my arms are snaked around her waist. We were pulling our bodies together as if the spaces won't ever be enough. I titled my head to get a better access to her lips.

When I started to feel that the temperature had been shooting up, I let go of her lips while I caught my breath. She, then again, mirrors my movements.

I watched her licked her lips as they turned red. In awe at her gestures, I put my tongue to the side of my mouth to stop myself from grinning. This elating sensation drives me crazy just as what she does to me.

From her waist, my hand went onto hers, interlocking it with mine. I looked her in the eye to say, “Let’s get out of here.”

This time, I’m running away with her.

She grinned while never losing eye contact with me. 

This time, I led us into our venture as we walked out from everybody and everything else.

She pulled my hand which made me glance at her direction. “I love you too, Jiho.”

Slowly, my lips curve into a smile. She, on the other hand, tries to conceal hers but her lips just betrayed her. She doesn’t have to hide. My arms are always open to her. 

I watched our hands clasped together as they suspended themselves in the air, between our sides. I glanced at her and she immediately did the same to me. I renewed the grip of my hands onto hers. Close enough to embrace, but far enough to breathe. Gone are the cold nights, at last. 

As we walk, we’ve had a mini debate as to whose house we will crash into. But then a brilliant idea popped up, as if I found a loophole to a corrupt politician’s not-so-solid alibi. I just couldn’t contain this euphoria. I think I’m going to explode. 

I turned to her. “Let’s get the lilacs I owe you.”

[gladerwolfstarkimagines]

Tea Shop Part Two: Zuko x female reader series

Part one here

Part Three here

Part four here

After saving Lee’s life he stops being so rude to you and is actually bareable to work with. You grow closer, even taking care of him when he gets sick and start to feel there could be something between you. Then the avatar shows up in Ba Sing Sei and Lee isn’t your priority anymore...until you find out he’s not really Lee at all but Zuko, the crowned prince of the nation that wiped out your entire culture.  

Under Mushi’s watchful eye the tea shop flourished and so you weren’t suprised when business men showed up and offered Mushi his own shop. You watched amused as your boss tried to bargain a title with a tea shop and smiled proudly as Mushi refused your boss’s selfish offer and got his own tea shop. Afterwards your boss went to sulk and you walked up to your friend. "Congratulations Mr Mushi" you smiled "don’t forget me when your rich and famous". "I wouldn’t think of it" he cried "i’d like you to come with me". You paused "what?". "Y/n you’re a wonderful server, your efficient and smart, you’re exactly the waitress i need and i can pay you better than the peanuts we earn here". You smiled "you’re serious?". Mushi smiled "of course, so what do you say?". "When can i start" you grinned.

To celebrate Mushi invited you to his house for dinner and you arrived early to help him cook. You were both in the kitchen when you heard Lee emerge from his room grumbling to himself. Apparently he wasn’t as thrilled with the news and that didn’t suprise you. He went to complain about something but he hadn’t realised you were here and jumped when he saw you. "What are you doing here?" he asked in greeting. "Wow great to see you too! You’re so good at interacting with people Lee” you teased and he paused “I didn’t mean it like that...” he muttered awkwrdly. Mushi took pity on his nephew and stepped in "i invited y/n over for dinner to celebrate our new tea shop! She’ll be working with us at the new shop so get used to her being around". "Great" Lee sighed and you shot him a look. “I’m actually not being sarcastic” he said dryly and you smirked. "I knew there was some enthusiasm in that cold lifeless body" you grinned reaching across the counter to mess up his hair. Lee rushed to correct it, moving away from you but he seemed equally as embarassed as he was annoyed. You smirked and moved away to set the table.

Iroh’s POV

Iroh smiled looking from your smirk to Zuko’s blush. His nephews blush seemed to grow everyday and you seemed to cause it more and more often. Iroh hoped your home visits became more regular soon. You began dishing up the food and Iroh watched as Zuko studied what you were doing and then started to help. You smiled as you noticed Zuko trying to help and Iroh saw Zuko was purposefully avoiding your eye so you couldn’t make a big deal out of it. For his nephew small acts of kindness meant a lot but Zuko had certainly been putting the effort in with you. Iroh supposed you’d won his respect when you saved his life but regardless of what it was, the two of you were getting along well and it made Iroh smile. Things were looking up for his nephew.

1 week later

You’d been running the preparation of the shop for a few days now because Mushi told you there was a family emergency so he couldn’t. You hadn’t heard from him for a while now and were worried about him so after work you went to his house. You suspected the crisis involved Lee and sure enough, as you approached the front door, through the window you could see Lee on the floor in the living room injured. You knocked on the door but got no reply. You knocked again and went to leave when you heard a groan. It was Lee and he sounded in pain. You frowned but tried the door. It opened and you walked inside. "Mushi?" you called but got no reply. You sunk to your knees beside Lee and frowned, he looked bad. You couldn’t see anything physically wrong with him, there was no blood or wound, but he definitely looked in pain. You placed a hand on his head but removed it quickly, he was boiling hot. You spotted a bucket of water and soaked a flannel in it before placing it on Lee’s forehead. He stopped muttering when you did that and you smiled slightly. You pulled the blankets up to cover him more, not only for his modesty, but also because you knew it was the best thing to do for a fever. The flannel slipped and you moved to put it back onto his forehead when suddenly Lee grabbed your hand. His grip was tight and you flinched “Lee? Lee you’re fine, it’s just me!”. His eyes were wide but it still seemed to take him a minute to recognise you "y/n? Why are you here?". "I was coming to see your uncle...can you let go of my hand?” you asked as you started to lose feeling in it. Lee looked down realising he was still gripping you and flushed “ow sorry...”. He rubbed his face with his hands and you worried at how unwell he looked. “Lee i think you should lay back down". "No" he groaned but he was too weak to put up any fight. You eased him back down onto the pillow and put the cold flannel back against him. "Do you want some water?" you asked. "My father" he muttered "the fire lord!" he gasped. You frowned concerned, he was hallucinating. "Lee calm down, nobodies here but me". "No my father...fire lord Ozai, i can see him". You frowned patting his shoulder as he carried on. "They took my honour" he told you "they took my crown! I won’t let them keep it" he cried sitting up. "Lee stop" you said sharply "Lee lay back down it’s okay" you said grabbing his shoulders to stop him standing up. "Y/n?" he asked confused and you nodded "it’s me, lay back down, drink some water". You went to get him a cup but he grabbed the whole bucket and downed it. You frowned at the mess but he laid back down so you were happy. You covered him back up and he blinked at you "y/n are you still there?". "Yes i’m here" you told him for what felt like the hundreth time. "Why are you here?" he asked suddenly. "Because you’re not well". "You shouldn't be here" he said groggily and you smirked that even ill he didn’t want you around. "Well i’m not leaving you alone while you’re like this so you’re stuck with me". Lee made a noise and you smirked. "Just go to sleep and it’ll be like i’m not even here". Lee nodded "go to sleep" and closed his eyes. You smiled as his breathing settled down and tucked the blankets around him and placed the flannel back on his forehead. You brushed his hair out of his face and looked at his poor pained expression. You got the sudden urge to stroke his cheek but you didn’t, even if he was asleep. You looked down at his face, examining it from his scar to his sharp jaw line. The boy always had his head down, eyes low, so you’d never really got a good look at his face. Now you did you we’re pleasantly suprised. "You know you’re not bad looking when you’re asleep and can’t glare" you thought aloud "the fact you’re not talking probably helps too" you smirked. "Y/n?" someone asked suddenly and you jolted. "Mushi" you jumped up moving away from Lee "i came to make sure you were okay, nobody answered but i could hear Lee muttering so i opened the door, i’m so sorry for letting myself in". "No it’s alright, Lee’s been ill for a few days, i went to make tea and fell asleep, thank you for looking after him, i hope he wasn’t too much trouble". "No we woke up a few times and was babbling but i managed to make him go back go sleep and tried a cold compress, will he be okay?". Mushi nodding, smiling at the concern in your voice "he’s okay, he just needs some rest". The flannel fell as Lee turned and you sighed kneeling back down to place it on his forehead again. You frowned worried and Mushi carried on "i’m sure he’d be happy to know you were here". You laughed "one of the first things he asked was why i was here in his demanding tone, he didn’t seem happy" you smirked and Mushi smiled "my nephew was probably just embarassed, he struggles letting people in but you are good for him, you don’t give him a choice". You blushed "I don’t mean to impose on him" you frowned. Mushi shook his head "no and you never do, i just meant you don’t allow him to mope, you are firm and honest with him and none of his family or friends ever were, that’s why he rebels against you so much, I don’t think he’s met someone as honest as you". "I guess that makes sense" you smiled looking down at him. You went to move a piece or hair from his face but stopped realising Mushi was watching. You stood up blushing "i should go but let me know if you need any help i’d be more than happy to assist you".

2 days later

You didn’t expect to see Lee at the opening of the restaurant a few days later but he appeared looking well, better than well he looked refreshed, relaxed, maybe even happy. He nodded to you in greeting and you smiled "good to see you're feeling better". Lee stopped and nodded "my uncle told me you helped look after me, i can’t remember it". You laughed "thats no suprise you had a pretty bad fever, you were mumbling about all sorts of things, the firelord, your dad, crowns" you chuckled. Lee paused and stared at you "what did i say exactly?". "Nothing really it was just one or two words, you wanted your father and then a crown, never took you for a guy who likes jewellery but i bet it’d suit you" you smirked. Lee studied your body language and tone closely but sighed in relief, you hadn’t worked out who he was. Lee’s shoulders relaxed and he smiled "well thank you for looking after me" and walked away. You stared after him confused, Lee had just been polite and kind with no hint of sarcasm. How odd.

Zuko’s POV

"Uncle two more teas!" Zuko called "we’re so busy" he grinned at you and you paused "who are you and what have you done with Lee". Zuko rolled his eyes but still smiled "it’s my uncle’s grand opening and it’s going great! Can’t i be happy?". "Yeah but i’ve never seen that on your face before...i believe its called a smile right?". Zuko blushed smile gone but he noticed you were grinning at his reaction "that looks good on you too" you smirked before moving away to serve more tea. At that comment Zuko's smile reappeared.

"You and y/n are handling the rush very well" Iroh smiled as soon as he got his nephew alone and Zuko nodded "yes she is very good at her job, you made the right decision hiring her". "I’m glad you think so" Iroh smirked and Zuko frowned "why do i get the feeling you mean something different to what i mean?". Iroh smirked "i don’t know what you mean...just so you know i asked and she’s not seeing anyone at the moment". "Uncle!" Zuko snapped and Iroh grinned "what? She’s a lovely girl you’re a lovely boy....". "I’m not dating y/n!" Zuko cried but his face had gone bright red. “Lee I need your help at table three” you called and Zuko nodded “be right there” and took a few breaths to calm his heart rate. Iroh smirked “you better go, she’s waiting for you”. “I’m going” he snapped and stormed away from Iroh who was chuckling at the fact Zuko’s blush had gotten even worse.

Your POV

The day had flown by and after the resounding success you made your way back home in a very good mood. For the first time in a year you were very excited about life in Ba Sing Sei and it was all down to your new job. If everyday was like today, if Lee was always like this...lets just say your life was looking up, so of course it had to change. When you got home someone was waiting for you, the avatar.

Apparently your uncle had found his air bison and given the bison a message to help the avatar find you and he had. You couldn’t believe you hadn’t known the avatar had been in Ba Sing Sei for weeks and felt bad you’d been so distracted from your real mission. So you decided to drop everything to assist the avatar. You left for the western air temple the next morning hoping Mushi and Lee wouldn’t be too angry or disappointed in you.

Zuko’s POV

When you never showed up for work the next few days Zuko was concerned, it wasn't like you but neither he nor Iroh knew where you lived. It was then Zuko started wondering how much he actually knew about you and he was suprised he wished he knew more. When Azula captured him Zuko's worry turned to downright fear. He figured Azula must’ve captured you too just for be associating with him and Iroh. That must be why you’d disappeared and he hoped to see you safe and well when he was placed in the earth kingdom prison. He saw a girl and rushed to his feet, relief filling him that you were here, atleast now he could help you. "Y/n?" he called and then flinched to see it wasn’t you. It was the water tribe girl Katara and she seemed angry. "Y/n?" Katara snapped "how do you know y/n?". "Wait how do you know her?" Zuko asked and just like that your real identity was revealed to him.

Your POV

You returned home early from the air temple because Aang got a vision Katara was in danger and sure enough upon your return you couldn’t find her anywhere. You and the gang all paced in their home trying to think of where she could possibly be.  "There has to be a way to find Katara" you frowned when Toph looked at the door "an old friend of mine is here". You looked towards the door expecting some reinforcements and in walked your boss. "Mushi?" you asked and they all looked at you, even Iroh seemed shocked. "Y/n? What are you doing here?". "Me...you're not here to see me? I know i’ve missed quite a few shifts...". "Wait you work for him!" Sokka cried. You frowned "why do you say it like that?". "Y/n he’s Iroh, dragon of the west". You looked at Iroh shocked "no...you can’t be!". "It’s true, i’m sorry for deceiving you y/n but me and my nephew couldn’t reveal who we were to you and i see you have skeletons you kept hidden too" he nodded to your present company. "Wait so if you’re Iroh the firelord’s brother than that makes Lee...". "Zuko prince of the fire nation" Iroh nodded and your jaw dropped.

An hour later

With Iroh’s help you realised Azula was probably keeping Katara in the same place as Zuko and so set off to rescue them together. The plan was Aang and Iroh, would go save Zuko and Katara and you Toph and Sokka would stop the coup. You didn’t mind the plan mainly because it gave you more time to process everything. Mushi started to walk beside you and there was an awkward silence. Finally he broke it, "I’m really sorry we lied to you" he told you. You didn’t reply unsure what to say so Iroh carried on. "Neither of us wanted to do it but we knew it would put you in danger knowing who we were, if anyone found out you knew...". You nodded your head "i can see that, it’s just the actual idea of you both being royalty" you frowned "i yelled at the future firelord". Iroh laughed "he needed it, trust me Zuko will forgive you for that". You shook your head still not used to Lee being Zuko. "It makes sense now" you frowned "why Lee was so sad...i just figured he was a moody teenager but i know what it’s like to have your home taken from you, i get why he was so angry". Iroh frowned, saddened at your anger but nodded "it was hard on him but things were getting better, he was enjoying things here, you helped with that". You blushed and shook your head "i didn’t do anything, i wish i’d helped him more". "There’s still time" Iroh smiled "we are going to rescue him right now". You nodded not sure if you were more nervous or excited to see Zuko again. "Yes we are".

Of course the plan failed. Toph and Sokka never returned from going to warn the earth king and you and Appa were getting ready to launch an offensive attack when suddenly they appeared but without Aang or Katara.

The evening drew on and still Aang didn’t appear with Katara or Zuko. You paced worried it was all taking too long...what if Azula had them? What if she’d forced Zuko and Iroh to return to the firenation as her prisoners? Your mind was freaking out when suddenly a figure appeared running towards you. You knew something was wrong because Katara was alone and she was cradling Aang in her arms. Nobody seemed to be chasing her so when Sokka made Appa take off you jolted. "Wait what about the others". Katara shook her head bitterly and you frowned moving closer to her. "What happened?" you asked “where's Lee and Mushi...I mean Zuko and Iroh?". "They stayed back" she said and you turned frantic "what? We can’t leave them! We have to go back”". "Y/n" Katara said sharply "they chose to stay back, Zuko sided with them, he was fighting against his uncle to get us...i don’t know who you met here but he’s doesn’t exist anymore”. Katara’s words hung in the air and you sat down stunned. “If he ever did” she added bitterly and you shivered but not because of the cold. Lee had betrayed Mushi and sided with his sister? Maybe Katara was right and the boy in the tea shop didn’t exist anymore. Now he was Zuko of the fire nation, crowned prince and Lee from the tea shop was no more.

[rainydayhogwartsimagines]

If you have time, could you please do about Fred, on his penultimate year on Hogwarts, falling for the new Slytherin student, who is the daughter of Regulus Black and is also demisexual. Also, George is shipping them hard 😂

You got it dudeee

“And remember, if someone mentions your last name--" "Tell them Uncle Sirius will kick their ass." Sirius said making you snort. "Guys, it's not like it's my first year." You said. "We know lass, we just love you to pieces." Sirius said, hugging you. You smiled in your Uncle's arms. "Alright, I've got to go. Love you dad, love you too Padfoot." You said before walking onto the train. "They wouldn't stop hugging you aye?" Ginny asked. "It was the hug that WOULDN'T END!" you whined. Neville smiled and you hugged him. "Where's Luna?" You asked. "Here!" She said making you smile. You hugged the girl, walking with the group once you parted. "Hey, my brothers wanted to talk to us by the way. Some weird ass experiment with their products." Ginny said. "This is Fred and George right?" You asked. "Still can't believe you haven't met them, I thought everyone knew the Weasley twins." Neville said. "I guess I just never made it on their radar." You shrugged. "Oh no, they know you." Ginny said. "They do?" You asked. "Yep. I talk about you all the time and they have seen you around." Ginny assured. "Ah." You nodded before Ginny slid open the door. "Aye. You brought them?" A boy asked. "well shit George, who the fuck is standing in front of us." Fred snorted. "Fuck off." George said making Ginny said. "Aye who's the one in the middle?" George asked, referring to you. "Oh that's Y/n." Ginny said. Fred looked over, dismissing the new face at first before truly looking at you.

He couldn't explain what happened. It was like your eyes just made him freeze in place. All sound temporarily drowned out and Fred swallowed hard, looking at you. There was something about you that just was amazing to him. Maybe it was your eyes that almost seemed to glow as you looked into him. Or maybe it was the fact that you were beautiful. Maybe, just maybe it was the soft voice you used when you said hello to him. It took him a few seconds to comprehend the fact that you had extended your hand for him to shake. He slowly took your hand and shook it, still looking into your eyes as if they gave him purpose. "Uhm... Guys? You good Fred?" Ginny asked, snapping you two out of the trance you two seemed to fall under. "Yeah..." Fred nodded, slowly letting go of your hand. "Yeah, we're fine." You cleared your throat. Both of you listened to George as he explained the product, Fred glancing over at you before George cleared his throat, looking at Fred to speak. "Y/NNNNN!" someone yelled making you jump before everyone turned to the window of the train. You facepalmed seeing your Uncle James. You opened the window and Lily smacked James. "I wanted to give you something!" He said, making you raise a brow as you took parchment from him. You gasped, realizing what he gave you. "Really!?" You asked, the group confused over the fuss over a seemingly blank slip of parchment. "Good luck!" He said. You chuckled and turned around, the group looking at you confused. "Uhm... What the hell was that?" Neville asked. "Oh... Uhm... Promise you guys are as devious as Ginny say you are?" You asked Fred and George. They both exchanged a look before nodding.

You closed the door and smiled. You held up the parchment and pulled your wand out of your pocket. "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good." you said, sudden burst of maroon, splashing onto the pages and forming the words "The Marauders' Map". "The hell is this?" Fred asked. "Well shit, it says its a map, I wonder if it's a MAP FRED." Ginny said, earning a flick to her arm. "What does it do?" Luna asked curiously. "You can see everyone's movements in real time with this. It's able to be used on the train, in Hogsmeade and Hogwarts." You explained. "....This is brilliant." George gaped. "Wait, so how does it go back to normal?" Neville asked. You cleared your throat. "Mischief managed." You said, the map clearing away. "Oh God, Fred and George are going to have a field day with this." Ginny said. "DUH." both brothers said in unison.

You carried on through the week though, by yourself. That's usually how it went. First day with friends, but outside of listening to their problems you usually only hung out with Luna. She understood you. She saw the hatred for your own family and how people rarely recognized you for yourself but that damn last name that was your curse to bare. Regulus was a good man to the lower class of wizards who shared the philosophy that all wizards are equal. However to the upper class he was a fucking moron who didn't understand tradition. Some would even bring up your "disappointment" of an Uncle.

Regulus for the most part while in school ceased contact with Sirius for the sake of your grandparents. But the second he moved out, a letter was sent to Sirius begging to be in his life again, which of course he accepted. In fact, he introduced Regulus to your mother. They were married for three years before she had you and my god was Sirius proud to be your Uncle. However the rest of the house of Black bowed their heads in shame as Regulus married a muggle. Your mother was a wonderful woman, however she got sick a few years ago, passing away and leaving you to your dad and Uncle. You didn't hate the arrangement by any means but you missed her. Luna, recognized that pain but also recognized how you pented up your grief, your most common excuse being that if Regulus knew how depressed you truly were then it'd be an issue.

Luna, of course knew better. She understood that Regulus would want you to be okay and let those feelings out. You were eating in the great hall alone today though, Luna having classes that didn't exactly line up with yours. Someone however, sat in front of you. At first, you disregarded it as some random student, but when you glanced up you saw the red hair and dropped your fork, jumping slightly. "Fred!" You gasped. "Hello there." He said. "... Isn't class still going for you?" You asked. "Yep." He nodded, biting into a croissant roll. "...And you're not going?" You asked. "Nope." He said. You gave him a flat look. "So you're trying to lack brain cells orrr--" "Academics don't necessarily measure intelligence darling, it's just an excuse for adults to supervise our actions." He said. "....Riveting perspective." You said, raising a brow. "I wanted to talk to you though." He said. "About?" You asked. "About some rumors going on." He said. You frowned. "...About what?" You asked. "Your family--" you got up, grabbing your books that were next to you, avoiding the subject by leaving as Luna sat down. "Where is she going?" Luna asked. "No idea?" Fred said. "She seems upset... What did you say?" Luna asked. "I asked her about the rumors going around about her family." Fred admitted. "Oh... She doesn't like talking about it. Actually she hates being vulnerable in general." Luna said. "...Is there something wrong?" He asked. "What rumors were you referring to?" Luna asked. "The ones about her being a Black?" He asked. "it's true." Luna said. "Seriously? She's a pureblood?" He asked. "No. Her mother was a muggle." Luna answered, recalling what she learned about you from Harry. "Was?" Fred noticed the past tense. "She passed away late into her first year here. It's why during the last few weeks she wasn't here."  Luna said. "I've never heard any of this from Ginny." Fred said. "Neville and Ginny don't exactly listen. Neville does but he gets easily distracted. But Ginny, while she is a good friend has other things she worries about." Luna said. "...I see." Fred muttered. "You want to get closer to her, right?" Luna asked. "Wha--" "I saw how you looked at her on the train, I think you'd be a good match." Luna said in a "matter of fact" voice. "...Not a word to anyone else." Fred said. "The only things I say that are secret are to Thestrals." She said softly. "...What?" Fred asked. "Nothing. Y/n probably went to the library." Luna said. Fred blinked but nodded slowly.

He proceeded to the library, almost walking past you. Neville had emerged though, jacketless and walking to the great hall. Fred walked into the section Neville emerged from and found you on the ground with a book, reading and wrapped in Neville's cardigan. "Y/n--" "Jesus!" You jumped. "Sorry! Sorry." He cleared his throat. "I'm sorry about earlier... I didn't realize it bothered you." He said. You rose a brow. "...Why do you care what I think?" You asked. Fred blinked. "...What?" He asked. "Why do you care if I'm offended or not?" You asked. "Because I want us to be friends." He said. You looked as if he asked a confusing question. "...Why?" You asked. ".. Because you're interesting?" He said confused. You blinked a couple of times but Neville reemerged with an apple. "Hey, I know you said you weren't hungry but I got an apple from the kitchens." He said, sitting next to you. "Thanks..." You answered, still looking at Fred. "Mind if I join you?" he asked. "Sure! Come sit with us Fred- or is it George?" Neville asked. "You got it right the first time buddy." Fred said, looking at you. He slowly drifted his eyes to Neville as he had a small smile. "Or did you?" He added making Neville look up and you snorted.

From this point on, Fred had decided to just be around you, whether it was in the library with you and Neville, walking the grounds of school with Luna or sitting in the Gryffindor common room with Ginny, Fred was always present. It bugged you slightly at first. But as the months continued you gradually got used to him being there.

Everything changed though, when you all went to Hogsmeade together. The rest of the group went off together, you however decided to go off on your own. Almost, on your own. You were sitting on a bench, letting out a slow breath before Fred sat next to you. You looked over and sighed. "You." You sighed, looking at the shrieking shack. "Me. Always me right?" He asked. "It is always you. But I'm meeting someone so if you could go, I'd appreciate--" "Who are you meeting?" Fred asked. You sighed. "My Uncle and dad now--" "Why can't I meet them?" He asked curiously. "Because I said so!" You whined. "If I followed the rules, I wouldn't be in detention so often, now would I?" He asked. You huffed and groaned, getting up. "You're always such a pain in my ass Weasley! Why do you have to follow me around like a lost puppy or something!?" You asked. "Because I think you're cute." He said. You blinked. "But if I'm really bothering you, I'll go." He said, getting up and walking away. You looked at him surprised as he walked. "NOT. FAIR." You blurted out. He stopped. "What?" He asked. "That's not fair!" You huffed once more.

He turned around "how is it--" he was met with a snowball to the face and he blinked at you. "Did you just throw a fucking snowball at me?" He asked. "YES!" you huffed before he bent down, scooping a handful of snow and shaping it. "Oh shit-- I didn't think this through--" "You really didn't." Fred agreed before launching the snowball at you. It hit you and you grumbled, grabbing a handful of snow, throwing it at him. "What about me--" snow hit Fred. "Telling you that you're cute--" you threw another snowball at him. "Is unfair!?" He asked, dodging the latest attempt of a throw. "Because it's like you expect me to give you some sort of answer back!" You huffed. "Well I was more expecting a peaceful interaction!" He said, dodging another snowball. "I don't experience attraction to people I don't know you idiot!" You snapped. He paused. "Wait what--" snow hit his face. "I don't play well with others Fred, you should know this. You know more about me than I know about you! Stop expecting some sort of reaction from me when I barely know you!" You yelled. "I didn't know that considering when we first met you seemed awfully fixated on me!" He said. You blinked. "Wait you thought... No-- Fred I had never seen someone 6'3 before. Compared to my short ass you're a giant-- I was gaping at the height difference!" You admitted making him blink. "Though I could see how that could be mistaken for attraction... I'm so sorry Fred--" Fred snorted before laughing hard.

You blinked at his reaction to the rejection. "...Are you laughing?" You asked. "Yes! Oh my God that's hysterical!" He wheezed. "...Was this a prank--" "Merlin's Beard-- No! But out of all of the reasons a girl has locked her sights on me, my height was not an expected answer!" He admitted while laughing. You tried to bite back a smile before laughing. He smiled as he heard a true laugh from you for the first time. After you finally stood up straight, you extended your hand. "Friends?" You asked. "Alright Y/n. Friends. But the second you feel even the SLIGHTEST attraction to me, please let me know, I'm dying here." Fred said earning a chuckle. "Alright. Alright." You nodded.

"So... Do friends get to meet the tall men standing behind you or should I scram?" Fred asked making you turn around and jump. "who is this boy and why were you holding his hand?" Regulus asked. "We were just--" "Coming up with a handshake dad." You answered quickly. "...Like a secret club thing or--" "Yes!" Both you and Fred nodded in unison. "See, I figured we go with the one from The Parent Trap but she's insisting we go with the one from Boy Meets World." Fred lied. "...Like Shawn and Cory's?" Sirius asked, earning a confused look from Regulus. "What? Me and James have too much free time." Sirius shrugged. "Clearly." Regulus said turning back to you. "Let's go to the Three Broomsticks. Get you something warm to drink, you look cold." Regulus said, wrapping his arm around you and walking. "I'll go find--" "Nope, kid you're coming with us. I want to hear honest answers from you." Sirius said, yanking Fred forward.

You sat at a table, Fred sitting across from you, Sirius and Regulus on either sides of you. "So who are you?" Regulus asked. "Fred Weasley sir." He answered. "Weasley? One of  Molly's sons?" Regulus asked. "Yes sir, I'm a twin, in fact--" "Freddieee what in God's green earth are you doing over here?" George asked, sitting down next to Fred. "Well--" "Making a good impression on Y/n's Dad eh? Asking for his blessing?" George nudged earning a facepalm from Fred. "Y/n... Care to elaborate?" Regulus asked. "No- No I can." Fred sighed, his head in his hand as he rose the other to speak. "I like your daughter sir. She's aware of that but we're just friends." Fred assured. Regulus's eye twitched. "I fucked up didn't I?" George whispered to Fred. "Royally brother. Royally." Fred said with a sigh. George gave a smile to the men, it being slightly deranged as he was clearly screaming internally as he bolted out the shop.  "My daughter... Who's two years below you?" Regulus said. "We-well--" "My daughter. Who is not only two years below you but is also in a separate house as you--" "Dad, come on." You sighed. "My daughter?! Really?!" Regulus asked. "Regulus... Breathe. Y/n's grown. Plus she could do worse. Remember that Goyle kid?" Sirius reminded. Regulus let out a long sigh and you looked at Fred. "Look. Dad. Fred's a good guy. Let's face it here, he's probably the best outcome." You shrugged. Fred gave you a shocked look. "What?" You asked. "Nothing I just... Didn't expect that. I thought you weren't interested." He shrugged. "I never said I wasn't. I just said you misread things. Which you did." You shrugged. "Not. A. Good. Conversation. To. Have. In. Front. Of. Dad." Regulus groaned.

"Calm down dad. It's okay. Let's just change the subject!" You suggested. "How's school going?" Sirius asked. "Fine." You said as a waitress sat butterbeers down in front of everyone. "Is everything fine?" Sirius asked Fred. Fred looked at you and then Sirius. "Yes." He answered. Sirius rose a brow. "Regulus, why don't you go with Y/n and get to know her other friends, I'm noticing six different veins showing here." Sirius sighed. It wasn't long before he got up and left, Fred unsure if he should move.

"Uhm should I--" "What is she not telling us Frederick?" Sirius said. Fred swallowed looking down. "It's the rumors. They tend to really bother her." Fred admitted. "Rumors?" Sirius asked. "About her... And you... And her heritage." Fred admitted. Sirius sighed, running a hand over his face. "I knew it." Sirius sighed. "Can I ask a question?" Fred asked. "Yes, some of the rumors are true." Sirius sighed. "Then... Her grandparents are--" "cruelhearted people. What are you getting at boy?" Sirius asked. "N-nothing, I just... Will she be alright?" Fred asked. "What?" Sirius asked. "Will she be alright? The rumors seem to really bother her I just want to know if she'll be fine sir--" You really care about her, don't you?" Sirius asked. Fred took a deep breath. "I do." he nodded. "And you know that she can't experience attraction to someone she doesn't know? That she needs time to experience that attraction and then decide?" Sirius asked. "I learned that today, but yes." Fred nodded. Sirius sat back in his seat and sighed. "Regulus is all bark, kid. You'll be fine." Sirius said. Fred let out  a little breath of relief but Sirius yanked him forward by his shirt. "But if you hurt my niece, my brother will be the least of your worries." Sirius said to him. Fred's eyes widened. "Do you understand me, boy?" Sirius asked, his voice very low. Fred nodded and Sirius let go. "Now..." Sirius began. Fred geared up for another dark conversation. "Tell me about yourself." Sirius said. "Uhhh... Okay?"

"Think you might like the boy later?" Regulus asked. You looked over at your father. "I don't know yet dad" You answered, your sights returning to the window. Regulus sighed. "If he invited you for Christmas... Would you want to go?" Regulus asked. "He's not going home for Christmas dad." You answered. "Why?" Regulus asked. "His parents are visiting his brother again." you answered. "I see..." He said before letting out a long sigh. "So all of his siblings are stuck at the school? Including that friend of yours? Ginny?" Regulus asked. "Uhm... Yeah. Well not Ron... He's hanging out with Uncle Prongs and Aunt Lily with Harry." You answered. Regulus sighed and you looked over. "Why?" You asked. "Invite them." Regulus sighed. "What?" You asked. "Invite them over. You're making friends Y/n, that's good. So invite them." Regulus told you. "But what if your mother comes--" "Then I'll rely on those two boys to cause trouble... I've heard stories." He shrugged. You looked out the window at the Three Broomsticks. "Alright.. I'll be right back. " You said.

You walked back in to Sirius and Fred laughing and joking with each other. "Hi guys." You said sitting down. "Ayee! Y/n, nice of you to join!" Sirius said with a laugh. "What's got you all giddy?" You asked. "Exchanging mischief stories." Fred chuckled. You smiled. "What brings you back in here?" Sirius asked. "Dad has invited the Weasley's over for the holidays. all of them." You answered, earning a shocked look from both of them. "I'll let mum know where we'll be." Fred said after a while. "Cool." You shrugged, getting back up and walking back.

So there they all stood, the estate being more massive than expected. "I don't recall hearing this estate being so.." "Off with their heads?" George suggested. Fred nodded and Ginny rung the doorbell. The door immediately opened to a house elf. "Mistress Black, your guests have arrived." Kreacher announced. You walked over. "Thank you Kreacher, go get some cocoa from the kitchens, you look absolutely freezing." You said to him. "I'm not permitted to--" "Kreech. What have we talked about?" You asked. He sighed and nodded, walking away to the kitchens. You pulled back the door and sighed. "Welcome!" You finally said. "This place is huge!" Ron gaped making you raise a brow. "I thought you were with Harry?" You said confused. "I am." Ron said, Harry raising his hand. "I thought you were with Uncle--" "HE ISSS!" James shouted, scooping you up into a hug. "Gah! Aunt Lily-- help-- breathing--" "James, release the poor girl." Lily's voice said. James let go as they all walked in. "Why are you all here?" You asked. "Your father invited us." Remus' voice said. You perked up. "UNCLE MOONY!" You squealed, jumping into the man's arms. Fred smiled at your excitement. "They're here!" Regulus called and Sirius popped out from behind a door. "MY GUYS!" Sirius said, nearly tackling James down into a hug. "Where is Wormtail?" Sirius asked. "He's--" "Here!" Peter emerged. You were nearly knocked down by the sudden group hug from the men and you rolled your eyes. "alright, you guys, you're with me." You said to the group that wasn't the Marauders. They all followed you with their bags and you escorted them to their rooms. "And Ginny, you'll stay in my room." You finished, the group still reeling from the size of the house. "I know it's a little large... But if it helps, we sometimes take in the homeless." You admitted.

Jesus. A good heart and a beautiful face, could you get any better? "Kreacher makes really good food too. But I was thinking we make some holiday cookies, what do you say Fred?" You asked him, Fred looking at you surprised. "...Yeah sure." Fred nodded. "Explore you guys! Seriously, as long as you don't break anything we'll be fine." you said to the group before nodding for Fred to follow. He did, walking with you and looking around, seeing the family portraits on the wall. Fred stopped, staring at a beautiful woman. "Who's this?" He asked. You turned around and smiled softly. "My mother. Persephone." You said. "Is she..." Fred asked, recalling that he never saw your mother. "She passed away in my first year." You said. Fred looked at that face. You seemed sad but you sucked in a breath, walking down the hall. You walked down the stairs but stopped when you saw Luna and her father. "Luna!" You gasped, rushing down the stairs and hugging your friend. Fred followed and Neville walked in as well. "What on earth are you doing here!?" You asked the two of them. "Your father invited us!" Neville answered. "Lovely home you have Y/n!" Neville's mother said. You smiled. "Kreacher!" You called. The house elf walked over. "Would you mind showing the parents around? There's a galleon in it for you!" you said. "Miss Y/n, there is no need for payment." Kreacher said. "Kreeeeaachherr." You sighed. "Be more flexible. Understood ma'am-- Y/n." Kreacher stuttered making you smile. "Right this way Mr. Lovegood, Mr. and Mrs. Longbottom." He said, escorting them off. "Me and Luna are going to the library, see you at dinner?" Neville asked. "Yep." You nodded before walking off. Fred opened his mouth "Fred, come on!" You called, still walking.

You opened the door, walking into the kitchen. "ever bake cookies before?" You asked, rummaging through a cupboard.  "Uhm, a couple of times with my mum, Y/n no offense but... Why am I here?" Fred asked. You sighed, pulling out a bowl. " I want to get to know you Fred." You answered. "...Oh. Oh! okay!" He nodded. "There's cookie mix next to you. Can you get it please?" You asked. He grabbed the box, and walking over. "SO. Your childhood. What was it like?" You asked. "Uhm... Nice. My mum is a stay at home mum and my dad works for the ministry, he knows your dad actually." he answered. "How many brothers do you have?" you asked. "Well there's Bill, he's nice you'd probably like him, then there's Charlie, Dragon obsessed, Percy, stick is constantly shoved up his arse, then there's George, you know him, Ron, super whiny but we love him, and the one sister is Ginny." he listed. "lot of siblings." You noted. "Oh yeah. Never a dull moment with us." he chuckled. "Are you an only child?" Fred asked. "Yes. Though I think my grandparents are still praying my dad finds a nice Pureblood to marry to 'fix our lineage." You said. "... Was your mother not a pureblood?" he asked. "No, she was a muggle." you answered. "Hmm. Grandparents didn't like that?" He asked. "they loathe my existence." You answered. "I'm sure--" "No Fred. They loathe me." You said, looking at him. He blinked a couple of times, noticing the pain in your eyes.

Fred cleared his throat and you sighed. "Sorry, it's just... They might be coming this year. And if they do..." You shook your head. "What do you want to do with your life?" You asked. Fred noticed the sudden change in subject. "Uhm. Well I know it sounds dumb but I want to run a shop with my brother. Which I'm already doing... technically." Fred answered. "Oh the underground joke shop?" You asked. "You know about that, eh?" He asked. "Gryffindors tend to use the items on us. So yes." You answered, dumping the mix into the bowl. "Ever been used on you?" He asked, slightly concerned. "Once, but it was actually funny. Neville wanted to wake me up so I hadn't slept so he used an exploding ink pen next to me so the noise would wake me up." You chuckled. He smiled, you cracking a couple of eggs. "My dad is my best friend. I might give him a hard time but I know he loves me." You said. "What was... Your mother like?" He asked. You stopped for a second. "Sorry--" "No it's okay I'm just thinking of a good way to describe her." You admitted. "She was kind. A bit of a goofball but that's why dad liked her." You answered. Fred noticed the sincere smile you had. You favored your mother, the way you had that same soft smile as the woman in the portrait

"You have her smile." He said without thinking. You looked over, slightly surprised by his observation. "...Dad agrees." You said before turning back to the bowl. You heard the door open and you rose a brow. "Expecting more guests?" Fred asked. "No... Unless-" "Where is that useless house elf!?" You heard. Your face dropped and you swallowed. Fred noticed that look. Pure terror.

"Mother?" You heard your father say. "There you are. Don't you know that there is a use for a house elf?" She replied. "...Right. let me see if I can find him." He said before walking into the kitchen. "Back door. Now." He said to you. You nodded, grabbing Fred's hand. "Where are we-" "SHH!" you and regulus hushed before you opened a back door, walking out of the house. You dragged Fred with you, walking as fast as you could before running into Neville. "Y/n? Why'd you take the backdoor?" He asked. "My grandparents are here." You said. He winced and Fred looked over. "No- Mother I really think you should lie down!" You heard Regulus said say. "Fuck!" You sighed. You pulled out your wand, grabbing Neville and Fred before Apparating to your room and locking the door.

"....Wait a damn minute, only Seventh years should know how to do that." Neville said. Ginny and Luna looked up. "She reads ahead in her textbooks." Luna said. You sighed. "We heard your grandmother downstairs so we came up here." Ginny said. You sighed, running a hand over your face. Fred looked over at you and put a hand on your shoulder. "Y/n it's alright-" "Dad is stuck with them!" You realized. Ginny stood up. "What do you want us to do?" She asked. You pondered before sighing. "I'll be back."

Regulus looked around the halls as Sirius was walking around with James. Regulus yanked him back. "Mum and Dad are here." He said. Sirius frowned. "James, we need to make ourselves scarce." Sirius said. "Yeah I saw Walburga." James said. "Have you seen Y/n?" Regulus asked. "Pst!" You whispered making all the men jump. You took off the invisibility cloak. "Here, you'll need it more than me." You said, handing it off to Sirius. "What about you?" He asked. "Don't worry about me. I just learned to apparate, I'm okay. You however need to leave, my suggestion is that you go to the gardens behind the house, you at least wouldn't be too bored." You said.

Lily walked out of her room confused. "Why are you all standing around?" She asked. "Mother and father are here." Sirius said. "Yes, why do you have the invisibility cloak?" She asked. "To leave!" Sirius said. "Oh for Godric's sake!" She sighed. "Look, you both will have to see them at dinner-" "Lily no offense but you have parents who love you. I don't. You don't understand how it feels. You never will." Sirius said. "They loathe our existence. But Aunt Lily does make a good point..." You muttered. "You mean-" "We were here first. If anything we can... Just kick them out if they act out." You muttered. Everyone gaped. "Y/n, do you hear yourself?" Sirius asked. "... It's better than hiding." You said.

Fred popped his head out from the door. "Y/n, we good?" He asked. "....Yeah." you muttered. Neville, Fred, Luna and Ginny stepped out. You sighed again, already seeming exhausted. Luna put her arm around you. "You've got us Y/n. We're going make those cookies!" Luna said. "Wait wha-" before you knew it Neville and the group was dragging you off to the kitchen.

"ALRIGHT! WHERE WERE WE!?" Fred asked. You chuckled, lifting the half stirred batter in the bowl. Ginny snorted.  Kreacher sighed, cracking his neck as he walked by and you noticed a red mark. You set down the bowl. "Kreacher, are you alright?" You asked. "Yes ma'am." He said. "Kreacher." You said. He sighed. "Mrs. Black reprimanded me for trying to help with her belongings." He said. You frowned. "She did what." You asked. "Miss Y/n it is fine--" "No Kreacher. It is not." You said. Fred looked at you. "What do you want to-" you exited the kitchen and Ginny looked over. "You guys, finish the cookies I'm going to stop a homicide." Fred said rushing after you.

You walked into the main hall before freezing at the sight of your grandmother and grandfather. She turned and scowled. "Oh. It's you." She said. You opened your mouth but nothing came out. "I-..." You struggled to speak. Fred soon arrived next to you. "Who are you?" Orion asked. "Fred Weasley. Y/n, we should-" "Weasley?" Walburga asked. "Yes." He sighed. You swallowed. "... Don't hit Kreecher again." You finally said. They turned to you. "Excuse me?" Walburga asked. Fred shot you a look. You were shaking but still you stuck with your guns. "Kreacher is here to assist you. H-he's not a punching bag." You said. Walburga scowled and Fred cleared his throat. "I'm a twin by the way!" He said.

You looked over at him. "Yep. George is skulking around here somewhere! Looks exactly like me! He 'says' he's the older one by five minutes but that's totally false." He said. "what is this bloody idiot going on about?" Orion asked. "Well that was all we needed to say! Off we go!" Fred said, dragging you off.

When you returned to the kitchen you sighed. "I am a child." You sighed. "You were terrified!" Fred said. "Well at least I told them." You said. "Barely. But yes you did." Fred nodded. Kreacher sighed. "Miss Y/n, that really was not necessary. I know they frighten you." He said. You shook your head. "Kreacher you help us all the time. I just... I don't like to see you hurt." You said. Fred blinked, looking at you. Kreacher nodded. "...This may sound out of line... May I have some tea?" He asked. "Oh! Sure. Earl grey?" You asked. He nodded and you walked off. Kreacher poked Fred for his attention. Fred kneeled to him and Kreacher whispered. "Please keep Mistress Y/n safe. She's a good woman." He said. Fred nodded and you turned around with the tea. "Kreacher your tea is ready." You said softly. He nodded, taking the small cup and sipping it. "No one makes it like you do Miss." He said with a small smile. You chuckled. "Thanks Kreach." You said with a smile.

Dinner creeped upon you, everyone changing into better clothes. You sat between Ginny and Fred, sipping on water and staring off into space as your father spoke. Sirius constantly readjusted his tie. "Sirius, you can take it off you know." Regulus said. "It is proper to-" immediately Sirius took it off, staring at his father as he did. You tensed up, looking at Regulus. "beautiful home you have Mr. Black." Arthur said to him. "Thank you Arthur. Designed it myself." He said with a smile. "Really?" Molly asked. "Oh yes. You know there's quite a few secrets in these walls, you just have to look around." He said. "Secrets?" Alice asked. "we have a secret study." You said. Regulus smiled. "Is that it?" George asked. "Oh no. There's the training room, the pool, the game room and..." You cleared your throat. "the... Art room." You said. Fred rose a brow but Ginny chuckled. "Say... Who was the portrait of in the hallway?" Frank asked.

Every family member tensed as Walburga slammed down her glass. "A disgrace." She said. You gripped the hem of your skirt. Fred looked over as did Arthur. "Y/n go to the other room." Regulus said. "No, I'm fine." You said. "She was a disgrace. And so is the child." "Mother we are trying to have a nice dinner-" "Honestly. Why her? Why? A muggle? Regulus we raised you better!" Orion said. "here we go." Sirius sighed, getting up and walking out with a flask. James trailed after and Peter looked at you. "Are you okay?" He mouthed. You shrugged but Kreacher almost entered, you shaking your head to let him know that now was a horrible time.

He stepped back and Walburga continued. "Your daughter isn't even living up to our name! She is hanging around these people, she is spending time with mudbloods, God only knows what she's doing at school!" Walburga said. Fred glared at Ginny looked at you. "She is a disgrace, just like her mother" "stop." You muttered, so low that only Fred heard you. "Just come home Regulus, this is a fruitless attempt at adulthood." Orion sighed. "Excuse me, but that is my daughter you are talking about!" Regulus said. "She doesn't have our blood Regulus, she will always be a half-blooded-" "SHUT. UP." Fred said, everyone looking at him. "Excuse me?" She asked. "Fred." You halted. "Y/n is one of the kindest people I know. She's patient, she's smart and she's a beautiful human being, if you had half a fucking mind you'd see that! Instead you come into their home, you make them feel uncomfortable, you drove your own son away from the table, you had THIS conversation in front of guests and you acted as if you're above us all. How is it a family that isn't even noble has better manners and composure compared to actual nobles!?" Fred asked.

You gaped, Regulus blinking. "....Dad I think I'm gonna check on Sirius now." You said getting up. Fred sighed but you gripped his hand, forcing him to get up. You dragged Fred with you and he sighed. "Y/n I didn't mean to yell at your grandparents I just... I-" "I felt it." You said. He blinked. "What?" He asked. "....I felt an attraction to you. When you... Stood up for me." You said.  He stared at you. "....Fred?" You asked. He wasn't saying anything. "Fred? Are you okay-" "Can I kiss you or is that off limits?" He asked.

You blinked. "No, you can kiss me-" he slammed his lips against yours, you holding him close and him pulling away for air. "....That wasn't... Too much was it?" Fred asked. "No! No... Freddie that was perfect." You said softly. James walked out and sighed, causing you to immediately back away. "Your mother is yelling at Orion." James said. Fred rose a brow. "...Molly is what?" You asked.

You entered the dining room to see Molly yelling at the man and Luna eating a bread roll and talking to her father as if nothing happened. "AND FOR YOUR INFORMATION, Y/N IS THE BEST DAMN THING THAT'S HAPPENED TO THE BLACK FAMILY. SHE IS WORTH THE WORLD AND MORE." Molly defended. You smiled. "I will not be spoken to in this manner-" "Then leave." You said. Everyone turned to them. Orion glared, as did Walburga. "Excuse me?" She asked. "Then. Leave. You will not come into my father's house and yell at him for his life choices, make me feel inferior or make our other guests feel uncomfortable. Sit down, shut up or LEAVE." You said. Orion reached for his wand but found it missing, Kreacher now standing at your side. "Your bags have already been removed from the premises." He said. Fred looked at them. "Get. Out." You said.

Sirius leaned against the doorway. "You heard the woman." Sirius said. They huffed, getting up and leaving. The second the front door closed you let out a breath you didn't even know you were holding. "Y/n, are you alri-" you picked up the bottle of wine, uncorking it and drinking it. "I've earned this, don't even start." You halted your father. "...I was going to offer a glass..." He said. "Nope." You said before continuing. Fred attempted to grab your hand away from the bottle but you smacked it before finishing the entire bottle. "She learned that from you." Regulus said to Sirius. "Damn right she did." Sirius chuckled. "Are we continuing this dinner?" You asked. "Yep, Neville finished the cookies." Ginny said. "Nice! I love his baking!" you said, sitting down. Kreacher walked but you halted him. "Why don't you join us Kreach?" You asked. "Oh yes! do join us!" Regulus nodded. "But who's going to get-" "Oh I'll do it! I wanna know if there's any secrets in the kitchen!" Ginny said. "But-" "Kreacher" You and your father chuckled.  

Dinner continued, you all laughing at jokes and sharing stories. Eventually they all dispersed and you stood on the back patio with your father, leaning on the railing. "They were wrong you know... My parents." Regulus said. You looked over. "You and your mother were the best things that ever happened to this family. Don't ever second guess that." Regulus told you. "I know dad." you said. He chuckled, hugging you with one arm. "So, that kiss." Regulus said. You turned red. "W-what!?" You asked. "James caught you." Regulus said. "Oh Godric's balls- Dad I love you but I'm never having this conversation with you." You sighed. "Alright alright!" Regulus chuckled. "...Was it bad?" He asked. "Dad!" You whined. "Whattttt? I wanna know just a little information!" He sighed. "Nope, nope- I'm out, bye dad, love you!" you said, walking out.

You walked down to the study noticing the false wall had been opened. You swallowed. You hadn't been in there since...

You walked in and found Fred looking out the window. "it was your mum's right?" Fred asked. "What?" you asked. "This room? The art room? You got quiet when it was mentioned earlier and I thought maybe this was the study... But judging by the paint... I was wrong." he said. "Yeah... Mum was... She was something else." you said. Fred looked over with a small smile. "Y/n, you really do make us all proud.  and.. If you'll let me I'd love to watch you succeed from the sidelines as... More than a friend." He said. "like.. Boyfriend?" "Yep." He nodded. "Boyfriend." You said. "me." "Girlfriend." "You." He said. "Hmm. I think I like that Weasley." you said. "Really?" Fred asked. "Absolutely. Plus you defended my honor, that kind of says boyfriend." you said. He chuckled and wrapped his arms around you, looking out at your friends through a window.

Regulus sighed, leaning on the patio. "She's growing up." Sirius said. "I know." Regulus sighed. "She's become quite the woman." Sirius said. "I know." Regulus said. "She looks more and more like her mother every day." He said. "Absolutely. Same personality too." Regulus said. "Not quite." Sirius said.

You walked out with Fred, laughing at something he said. "That spark of hers is all you brother." Sirius said, putting a hand on his shoulder. Regulus smiled watching you as you stole Neville's hat and ran, laughing at Neville scooped you up and took it back. "She is indeed my daughter." Regulus said softly. Sirius smiled, watching you. "What are you two doing?" Lily asked. "Watching the coolest girl in the world." Sirius said. You threw snow at Harry who returned the favor.

You built this family, you made it better. You were a force of nature that was strong but built to withstand even the toughest of storms. You had this love for everyone that was backed by your fierce need to protect. Many paint a negative picture of the Slytherin house. But when another Slytherin looks at themselves they see someone who is quick on their feet and is very protective over their own. To others they see snakes. To them they see people who have the resilience of a snake. They are strong. They are tough. And if you try to come near them they have a venomous bite.  

But by no means are they heartless.

And you are a beautiful example of that.

[jonah-aesthetic]

Jingle Bells I Daniel Seavey

Daniel X Reader 

Plot:  Your best friend since childhood takes you on a sleigh ride. one you’ve only mentioned once to him. With the entire Christmas vibe he brings to life it’s hard for you to keep your feelings at bay for him.

Word count: 2.9k

Author’s Note: unedited I feel like this piece flopped for me. I didn’t want it too long, but it also dragged on a little. Yet I didn’t think I put enough detail in this one. 

Rating: 16+ (I’m 20 so I’d like my readers to be some what around there.)

MoodBoard

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Your vision was blocked by a folded bandanna tied around your head with a secured knot or two. Hand tightly locked with Daniel’s, feeling his thumb rub a top yours for comfort. Snow crunched under your Dr. Martens with ease, slightly soft from the snow fall a few days prior. Slow steps as He guided you keeping your location a surprise.

 Your senses felt heightened with your eyes looking into the dark oblivion. The vague bitter smell of horse manure and the rather oddly pleasant hay scent Reached your nose. You wouldn’t have noticed it before, almost feeling like a damn blood hound. Yet it gave a hint on where he was taking you. 

Two hours previous he woke you up, you’re nothing close to a morning person. So you cussed his ass out of your apartment so you could enjoy the fantasy dreams about him. Ones you could never endure in reality, Daniel’s your best friend who you were insufferably in love with. 

Yet he came again, using the spare you forgot you gave him. But this time he came bearing an Eggnog Latte and gingerbread cookie. Slaying the ferocious dragon into silence, the way he always knew how.  The caffeine and baked good keeping you at bay as he told you he at the day planned for the both of you. Although it was a surprise, all he said was dress appropriate for the chilly winter weather and grab a blanket. 

Analyzing everything in your head for a quick second. You realized he was bringing you on that sleigh ride you mentioned once before. Thinking it’d be fun to do during the winter months, you didn’t think he’d actually book an entire day for it. Making it a big thing, you wish he didn’t. Cause it only made butterflies flutter, tempting you to wreck your friendship. 

“Watch your step..” Daniel’s voice is more projected against the snow over ground. Heart slamming upon your rib cage and you swear you can hear it.

“Actually just bend your knees, It’s a stairwell and I’d rather not risk you eating shit. Or breaking a nose in the winter.” At his words you probably figured they were slippery or he didn’t trust you not to slip, you were no doubt clumsy as Bambi, and the man knew it. 

Bending your knees a little, which you curious on why he asked you in the first place. Yet you trusted him with your life, there’s no going back on years of friendship now Seavey. his arms scooped you under your legs and against your back. Bringing you closer to his chest, the motion fast and unexpected as you let of a small whimper. Daniel groaned as he hopped getting a more sturdy hold on you. 

“God you’re heavy.” He breathes, the air from his lungs hitting your cheeks. 

“Then put me down Asshole.” You scold him, slapping his chest, feeling a deep chuckle rumble within. 

“I was joking, you’re not heavy, you’re fine. It was a bad joke anyways. Now hold on I might drop you.” 

“Daniel That’ll be the last thing you’ll do before you end up in hell.” You threaten playfully. You instantly wrapped your arms around his neck after feeling him climb up the stairs. It was a small rocking motion almost like you were on a ride especially with the blindfold on. 

“Was that a death threat?” 

“If you drop me, yes, yes it is.” 

Gasping you felt Daniel fake drop you, it was a slower motion that you thought it would be to actually drop you. Nonetheless it still scared you, clawing on tighter to him. Whitening your knuckles as angry wasps scattered in your stomach. 

“I hate you, I hate you, I have you Seavey.” You yelled still preparing for the fall the would never come. 

Again you could feel the glorious deep chuckle of his erupt from his chest. Vibrating against you, turning angry wasps into love-sick butterflies. “We’re hear anyways.” 

“Than you can put me down and take this damn blindfold off.” You speak trying to reach for it. Daniel’s hand caught your wrist like a reflex. “Not yet, just a few more minutes.”

Opening a door and being engulfed my warmed, you shivered from the drastic temperature change. Bells rang above warning the receptionist that customers have arrived. It was around an hour, or what felt like an hour to you later. Of going over everything for the surprise, from the time to the pricing. Which you weren’t to happy about, yet after all of it nobody confirmed your theory. You knew what it was, but you wanted it to be heard. Though nothing about it was said. 

Nada. Zilp. Zitch. Nothing. Not even a damn crumb. 

Going from warm to cold wasn't as drastic of a change. Daniel still held you bridal style, scared you eat shit. Which you most likely would have, if he let you climb down the steps. You felt very natural in his arms anyways, like to pieces of a puzzle. 

Daniel began to lower you softly letting you go before your feet were on the ground again. Silently thanking him for being on your two feet again. His presence coming behind you, raising his fingers to the knots and began to pick at them. 

“Are you ready?” 

Yes I’ve been waiting all damn day for this. Take it off Seavey.” Hearing him chuckle behind a smile spread across your face. Feeling the bandanna drop, hands flying to your mouth as you gasped. You knew it, yet you were still shocked by the sight of it. 

In front of you was bright red sleigh with gold detailing all around it. Had a massive resemblance to the famous Santa Klaus one. instead of nine reindeer, a beautiful black Clydesdale stood in their place.  On of the bands resting upon his butt had a line of huge bells. Ringing every time he moved, bringing the whole Christmas vibe alive. 

whirling around gazing at him a gentle smile rested on his lips. His blonde hair half tucked under a black beaning. Light stubble dancing along his jaw, making him look older. His icy blue eyes watching you, fighting the urge to tell him you wanted him. Maybe he knew it already, that’s why he took you here, and maybe he didn’t.

“You didn’t have to.” You said shaking your head, 

“I know, I wanted to, I had the money for it.” He shrugged stuffing his hands into his pockets. Why couldn’t Daniel be less attractive! it wasn’t fair. perfect silence emerged over both of you, genuine smiles with adoration for one another hidden behind your eyes. 

“If you Two love birds are ready, I love to show you what this gorgeous winter has to offer.” The Driver spoke, sitting upon the front seat that was two or three feet higher then the main seats in the center of the sleigh. 

With giddy giggles Daniel escorted you towards it, his hand resting on the smallest part of your back. Maybe it was your mind playing tricks on you, but you swear you could’ve felt his hand reach and squeeze your hip. 

Sitting down it was a tight and cozy fit, the bench and the back rest was cushioned with a black leather material. Smooth to the touch and soft as ever, with a clicker of the chauffeur’s tongue, the sleigh bolted to life, cause you and Daniel to fall back into each other. Soon enough the jingle bells rhythm came into ear shot. Making this whole experience feel like you woke up in a fucking Christmas. Unbelievable real.

“Are you okay?” Daniel’s laugh fans your cheeks as he helps you to sit up right. 

“Never better.” You say with an undying happiness you possessed inside. Not feeling the way the cold nipped at your nose making you look like and off brand Rudolph. 

“Here.” He speaks as you watch him unfold a black blanket, a little dumbfound, the thing was massive and surprised you hadn't noticed it before. Handing you one of the corners of the blanket, and instantly wrapped it around you as Daniel did the same. Pulling you two closer together, trying to engulf your body in it as much as you. 

“Thanks” you whisper under your breathe, watching it form into an icy cloud. Glancing at the gold letters embroidered into the corner of the blanket tight. it was a gift from Daniel’s mother giving to you on the day you both graduated. Remembering the words she said to you like it was yesterday. 

“You know I wasn't to ecstatic about new neighbors moving in. But as soon as I saw this sweet little girl playing with my boy. I was glad that your parents’ pick the that house. I Watched you two laughing and giggling in the yards, I just knew you two would be in separable. It’s a shame that boy of mind doesn't see the love that you have for him...”

It shocked you to know that she knew that you were in love with him. You covered your tracks pretty well back then. Controlling yourself around him was child’s play compared to now. She never interfered with the way you felt about him, You were grateful at the time. Now not so much, but it could’ve wrecked the friendship you had-

“Y/N look.” Daniel’s voice cut your thoughts short, His attention of the right. You follow his gaze, spotting nine caribou in scattered in the woods. Or rather nine reindeer, you guessed they weren’t replaced after all. You could feel the sleigh come to a gentle stop, the jingle bells’ song vanished into the air. 

“Oh shit! Reindeer.” No filter with pure shock, 

Curiously watching them from a far, you admired each and every one. Noticing a chunky bell lacing around their necks, like they were Santa's famous reindeer's’ out of the movies. 

“And watch this.” He speaks glancing up at the driver, as if on cue he places his fingers in mouth and releases a high pitch whistle. “Keep an eye out for him,” 

“Keep an out of who?-” 

A  reindeer further into the forest walks towards us, elegant and gentle. Stalking through the snow as if he held pride, significantly larger than all the other reindeer, he must of been the alpha, the leader. 

Amazed at the whole thing you couldn't think of words to say and if you manged something. It’d definitely come out as word vomit. Reaching closer and closer to the sleigh you could her the bell jingle against his chest. Black scribble appeared on the red ribbon clasped around his neck. Soon being able to read the name ‘Rudolph’  on both side on his throat. 

“Isn’t he beautiful?” Daniel asks looking back at you expecting you to say words you couldn’t fathom at the moment. You gulped and nodded your head vigorously. He was more then beautiful he was stunningly gorgeous and massive. You’ve never seen a wild animal in person not to mention this close to one. 

Daniel held a chuckle at your reaction to this entire encounter with Rudolph. Finding your dumbfound shock, adorably cute. In moments like these he dreaded the knowledge of being your best friend and not your boyfriend. Where he could just grab the back of your neck and smash his lips hungrily to yours. 

The adrenaline high was retreating in your veins, causing your mind to process again. The cage of anxiety breaking open as the glance of Daniel’s ocean eyes calmed you down.  

He’s fucking perfect. Look at those dopy eyes, various shades of blues swirled inside them. causing your heart to melt into the bottom of your stomach. All thoughts of common sense started to leave, glancing at his lips. looking pink and soft as ever, god they must taste like heaven, or at least the closest thing to it. 

Best friend. Best friend. Best friend. 

Looking forward you could’ve swore you breathed the same air as Rudolph. Still he was more beautiful up close. White creamy chest that reached to his legs, chocolate brown body. adorable nose that had the softest resemblance to a cow. Antlers sprouting from a top his head, developing towards the sky. A small white box was tethered to his left antler by a black ribbon. Throwing your best friend a suspicious glance, he nodded letting you reach for it.

Clasping the velvet box in your hand, feeling your heart pound repeatedly. Breath caught, anxious of what’s in the box. Feeling your gut tell you this was it and whatever this box contained was going to change everything. Distracting yourself you focused on Rudolph, seeing the way he looked at you. As if he knew what it was somehow. 

taking your glove off with your teeth you reached for him, pausing three inches before his nose. If you learned anything from Draco’s encounter with Buckbeck, was to be patient and let the animal come to you. Although at the end of the day it was just a fucking movie. 

Warmth exploded from your palm to your elbow, smiling you trailed your hand to rest under his chin. His fur softer than you were expecting it to be, yet you didn’t know what you were expecting. “Thank you Rudolph.” You whisper to him soon retracting your hand. Backing away he retreated to his herd, quite as if the encounter with him never happened.

Taking up your spot next to Daniel you glance up at him, “What is this?” You asked breathlessly. 

“Open it.” He says, voice a tremble and couldn’t help but think that he knows. Was this what a best friend break up was like? Staring at it you forced the top open, but you let it go. Snapping shut without a glimpse. You shake your head, gulping feeling the bile rise. “I can’t Daniel” 

His hand comes into view, twice the size of yours. Veins scattered along his knuckles, red from the cold. Taking the box from you grip you stared at your fingers, missing the feeling of his hands on yours. 

“I’m in love with you.” He blurts in out like it was nothing new to you. Your head whipped so fast you got dizzy. His eyes were genuine, you always knew he was lying. The way he would glance up and down then to side. Tongue poking out with a fiddling of handing, but he didn’t show any signs. He was a good actor though. 

“She told you.” You accuses like a defensive mechanism. You guessed Keri thought you moved on with your feelings for Daniel. There was no other reason you could think  of. 

“She did.’ He confirms, Nodding his head. Was this was this a joke to him? Cause it wasn’t fucking funny. You shook your head feeling the fire burning in your blood. 

‘I can’t do this.” You speak, removing yourself from the seat and jumping out of the sleigh. Starting to head back in the direction you think the farm was located. The cold weather bite at your body, but you hugged yourself too furious to care. 

“Y/N!” 

“Leave me alone Daniel.” You could here him chase after you, with the ay he was breathing. 

“Mom told me you wouldn’t believe me.” His voice getting louder. 

“Maybe you should’ve kept it to yourself Seavey, better yet you should’ve let me sleep in.” You were hurt, and you didn’t know how to comprehend any of this. 

“I love when you talk about things you’re passionate about. Like the colors on your paint palette, how you mixed blue and purple for the perfect shade of magenta.” 

That was two months ago and you remembered the excitement you felt. After hours of mixing you finally made the exact shade you wanted. Daniel was the first one you came to, as he was at your apartment. 

“Daniel stop.” using his name the way you were was like a sting each time. 

“Or the time you hit that sparrow, you pulled over as so soon as you felt the bird hit the grill. You dug him a grave with a used spoon in the truck of my car. Gave him a funeral and forced me to speak at it like it was lost friend. It was the day I finally realized I love you with every fiber of my being.” You could hear the strain in his voice. 

That happened two fucking years ago. 

“It’s not fair.” You speak stopping in your tracks, a good distance away from the sleigh. Feeling his presence behind you, you let him reach out for you. His hand turning you to face him yet you faced the ground feeling like you lost a damn war, defeated and drained. 

“I know it’s not and I’m so incredibly sorry.” He sounded like he was begging for you. 

“Okay.”  you didn't know exactly what it was for, but you felt like it was needed. 

His hand came to rest on your cheek wiping a tear you didn’t know slip. His touch delicate against your face, tilting your head up he caught your lips against his. His lips were soft as you fell into sync. Tasting like cinnamon and peppermint. Pulling him closer you lost yourself within him, the feel, the smell, and the touch of him. 

Kissing him was like finally finding the last piece of your puzzle, the way both of you fit perfectly together amazed you. He tasted like heaven and heaven tasted like home. 

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Felt like I could’ve added more, but its already long.

I hope you enjoyed this piece.

Also if ya made it to the end comment which Why Don’t We guy I should do next. 

[fourmarkdove]

Silent Night.

Title: Silent Night

Summary: You’ve been in quarantine for 23 days and your anxiety over coronavirus hits a tipping point.

Pairing: Henry x Reader

Words: 1.8k

Warnings: Fluff. Angst. Anxiety / panic attack. Brief mention of implied sex.

A/N: I’ve been in quarantine for 23 days and my anxiety hit a tipping point, so I started writing. Ha. Haha. Ha. Eh. Comments are welcome! Thanks for reading!

He slept soundly beside you on his stomach, one arm stretched out over your side of the bed. He almost always kept a hand on you or a heavy arm draped over you as you slept together.

Pushing down the covers, you turned your knees and put your cold feet on the floor.

“Mmph…” he groaned incoherently into his pillow feeling the bed shift weight. “Where you going?”

“Bathroom, Love.” You lied. You needed to walk out some of this nervous energy in the front room.

You paced in his shirt. And checked Twitter in the dark. Paced some more. Looked out the window over the city that should have at least some cars’ headlights showing, but there were none. No movement. Nothing.

And it’d been like that in quarantine for 23 days.

You thought of family, wondering if they were feeling okay. If they were being safe. Reports were terrible of people even when they did their best to be safe. You trembled at the thought and mouthed a silent prayer.

Heavy footsteps padded up behind you; you held your breath, willing your heartbeat to slow down.

Long arms looped around your waist from behind and he lowered his head down to nuzzle aside your hair and kiss your shoulder. You could feel the warmth of his bare chest pressing flush to your back.

“I’m scared,” you whispered softly, unable to stop the full body tremors.

He let out a slow, deep breath and put his chin over your shoulder. “I know, Nugget.”

“It feels like the whole world is falling apart. What if it never gets better?”

“Darling-“

“I know it could be so much worse for us so it’s not that I’m not thankful, but…”

“Nugget…“

“What if this is the best it’s ever going to get? What if I never get to see my parents again? What if... we never got to say ‘goodbye’ to our friends... to your... whole family… I… can’t breathe…”

You were wide eyed and gasping when he turned your shoulders around to face him. You palmed his chest and he gripped behind your elbows to steady your shaking body.

“Hen… am I sick? Is... this…it?”

“It’s a panic attack, darling. We’ve been through this a hundred times before.” Holding under your chin, he lifted your gaze up to his and arched a concerned brow. “If I go get the meds, will you stay right here and try to breathe for me? Yes? Good girl. Two minutes.”

You shook and wrapped your arms around yourself, mentally demanding that your mind slow down the racing thoughts. ‘Stop it. You look crazy. Stop it.’

By the time he returned with your emergency meds in his palm and a glass of water, you had a hand over your eyes and whispered quickly under your breath, “Fucking stop it right now you stupid fucking brain. I hate you. I fucking hate you.”

His jaw clenched and hurt furrowed his brow. “Here,” he grunted as you took the pill and downed the water.

Handing back the glass, your attention returned back to the floor but his slow rolling baritone wasn’t having it: “Look at me.”

The abrupt serious tone he took was surprising. He never used that volume or intonation unless it was during a particularly tense moment in the bedroom but this was the farthest thing from sex. It definitely shocked you out of the panicky haze. He looked more than serious, and different than sexy and playful.

He was pissed.

“I never want to hear you say anything like that ever again, you understand me?”

“That… I’m… worried?” You attempted to wiggle emotionally away from him.

“You know damn well that’s not what I meant.” He folded his arms across his broad chest and arched a brow. “Try again.”

“That I... hate my stupid fucking brain?”

“Right.” He loomed large over you; his stormy stare was so intense but you didn’t dare look away. “I hear it again, I swear I’ll take you over my knee and…”

“Ohh…?” Your eyes lit up and you almost started to coo thinking Daddy was implying playtime. That was an idea you could get behind. So much easier than this hard emotional stuff.

“No. Not ‘ohh’. You’re not hearing me.”

He looked you over thoughtfully and bit inside his cheek for a long moment before holding his hand out for you.

“Come with me.”

“What are we doing, Henry?”

Your hand felt small and cool inside his. Upon arriving in the kitchen, he swiftly lifted you by the ribs right up onto the counter.

“Hen… I don’t have any pants on,” you blushed, tugging on his shirt riding dangerously high up your thighs. He shrugged and shot you a side eyed glance reaching into the fridge.

“I ONLY have pants on. What’s your point, Nugget?”

You sighed watching the muscles in his back move as he picked out things from the fridge.

“Are you going to be a good girl for me and not peek? Or do I need to get a tie for your eyes?”

You perked up, closing your eyes tight just seconds before he brought his selected items back to the counter.

The water in the sink turned on briefly and then off again. Not being allowed to see really made you focus on what he was doing. Without even realizing consciously, the anxious knot in your stomach began to relax.

You sensed him even before you felt him step up to the counter between your knees.

His voice came low and gentle like a whisper near your lips but not quite close enough to kiss. “I think you really do want to be a good girl for me, don’t you?”

“I do. I promise I do.” You mewled earnestly.

The sound of a smile could be heard in his tone. “I know, darling. We are going to give you something else to focus on. You’re wearing yourself thin with all of this worry and I’ll not have it. So… open those beautiful lips of yours.”

Doing what was asked of you, a piece of fruit, small, smooth and round was fingered past your teeth for you to taste.

“Mm blueberry,” You cooed softly.

“Very good,” he praised, popping one into his own mouth as he began slicing on the cutting board next to your thigh. The slices were slick and crunchy and you let out an audible “hmm” trying to guess the next by sound only.

His hips nestled between your thighs again. “Tongue, darling.” Sticking our your tongue tip, he let you lick the fruit between his fingers.

“Smooth but bumpy on the edges… like a triangle but not. Strawberry.”

That guess earned you a gentle, chaste kiss at the corner of your lips. You hadn’t expected it and it made a shiver run up your spine.

“Open,” he directed, placing a sliced strawberry piece into both of your mouths. Something popped and he slid open the silverware drawer, retrieving two spoons that clicked together.

Holding onto your knees, you sat up straight, expectantly. “I like this game, my love.”

“Mhm I thought you might.” Standing between your thighs again, he leaned over and purred deep. “Last one, darling.”

Opening your mouth, you ejected your tongue, very nearly licking his nose. He chuckled and turned the spoon laden with the thick substance onto your tongue. You closed your lips over it and suckled all of the liquid from the metal before releasing it. Placing it on the counter, he pressed both palms flat on the surface on either side of your hips so you were caged in by his long, muscular arms.

“Mm that one was honey.”

“Three for three, Nugget.” Tilting your head up with a finger, he pressed his lips to yours, giving you a series of sweet, soft, slow, honey flavored kisses.

With a nuzzle, he asked barely above a whisper, “Why did put out your tongue for that last one? I didn’t tell you to.”

“Because you were going to give me something yummy.”

“You didn’t know what was coming. Could have been anything. Could have been a limp pickle or cold sauerkraut.”

You screwed up your face and he chuckled lightly, licking his fingers clean. “You can open your eyes now.”

Curling your fingers over the edge of the counter, you watched him place the cut fruit and honey over two small bowls of yogurt. “No, I didn’t know what was coming, but I guess… I trusted that you’d not give me something gross.”

Placing one bowl in your hands, he then lifted your jaw with his thumb. His clear blue eyes searched yours for a second and his jaw tensed before he spoke again.

“I’ll do everything I can to give you all of the best things, darling. We may not know what’s coming next but I’m going to do my damnest to keep you safe, protected.”

Hot tears welled up in your eyes and he made a ‘tsk’ sound, lifting his brows in the center. He hated making you cry even if they were happy tears. Straightening up, he slipped a hand behind your head, and brought you into his chest, curling himself over you.

“Please Nugget. Don’t shut me out. I experience anxiety, remember. Not to your extent but I know how isolating it is. How terrifying. Even if you can’t fully express it, could you try to give me a heads up before it becomes an emergency like tonight?”

“Heads up like… a code word or phrase?”

“If you like.”

“Pickle?” You sniffled and lifted your head, smiling up at him through your tears. “Emergency Pickle.”

He laughed out loud and rubbed your back, craning his long neck down to kiss you. “If you trust me with the little things, then trust me with the larger things too, Nugget.”

“So like dill spears not just gherkins then?” you giggled and he shook his head in mock annoyance.

Helping you down from the counter, he swatted your behind playfully. “Back to bed with your snack now, little miss.”

Once your bowl was empty, he took it from your hand and you curled up even closer into his chest. Settling back into the pillows, he smoothed the blanket up over your shoulder. “We’ll get through this, darling. We always do.”

Your only answer was a sigh as you’d already drifted back to sleep in his arms.

A/N: Keep washing your hands and taking your meds, all you cool cats and kittens. 

[mandareeboo]

I dont have anything exact for a prompt for dc superhero girls but like... any of them that you want to write abt... simply they are girlfriends ur honor <3

"So," says Babs, conversationally. "Are you a 'one and done' kinda gal, or a 'take it slow, let it go' kind?"

Karen bit her lip. Her fingers were shaking as they dug into the wood of her desk. They'd decided it was best to do this in the Gordon home, seeing how the faintest trace of what was sticking out of her arm could send their friend into serious agony. "Um. Both sound terrible. But I guess I'd rather just be done with the pain."

"Mm-hmm." The redhead adjusted her grip on the shard of kryptonite sticking out of her arm blaster. "Gonna be honest with you, Bee. This went in at an angle. It cut you going in, it's probably gonna cut you coming out. Is there anything I can get you to make this less stressing?"

"A stuffy?" she asked. "Preferably not bat-shaped. Not that bats aren't cool. But you usually stuff explosives into the bat ones."

Babs deems that fair and retrieves what Karen can only assume is the least beloved teddy bear she's ever seen. It's fur is bright brown- or it would be, without the dust. This was clearly an ancient Christmas or birthday present, tossed around but never truly used, with just enough sentimentality to avoid being thrown out or donated. Karen stuffs the teddy into the crook of her elbow and squeezes. Hard.

"Are you going to count to three?" she asked.

Babs shook her head. "You'd tense on three. Flexing the muscles is a bad idea."

"Okay. Then wh-"

She tightened her grip and yanked. Hard. 

Karen let out a yip and buried her face into the bear. She didn't want to imagine the disaster it'd be if the Commissioner heard.

"I got it!" Babs exclaimed, holding the rock up into the fluorescent light. "Man, I wish I could study this stuff. But I don't want to risk Kara getting sick having it close by."

"Yeah," she answered, trying not to get sick herself over the faintest bit of blood. Karen tapped a few buttons on her panel and the limbs popped off one by one, falling to the floor with a clatter. Karen yanked up her sleeve. "Oh, that's not so bad."

Babs, wetting a cotton ball, agreed with her. "Won't even need stitches. This time I'm definitely gonna count, okay?"

"Yes, please."

It doesn't take long to do the medical end of things. It was, all things considered, a surprisingly small gash. That said, getting cut with a rock was a great way to make yourself hate antiseptic. The crisp white bandage was probably a bit too much, but Babs is thorough.

The damage to her armor, however, is pretty damning. Karen felt her stomach squirm as she opened the hull, revealing ripped circuits, damaged data boards, and a couple of melted discs. Not cheap to purchase. She was going to have to run on bubblegum and duct tape for a while. (Not that that was out of the ordinary)

"Back to the drawing board?" Babs hummed, hefting a truly breathtaking toolbox out of thin air. "I'll go to the lair tomorrow and see if I can't scavenge you a few parts from first-drafts bat weapons."

"Thank you." Karen pulled out a wrench, feeling it in her hands. Her grip wasn't too affected. Good. "Back to the drawing board."

There was a clatter on the stairwell, too fast and too heavy to be Commissioner Gordon's, and there was Diana, flinging open the door in her full Wonder Woman garb. "KAREN ARE YOU-" She caught sight of Karen and seemed to lose an entire inch as she sighed with relief. "Oh, thank Zeus."

Babs let out a shriek. "Diana, did you walk to my house dressed in full uniform? What is somebody saw?"

"I did not walk; I ran. I told the your father I was doing a 'costume play'." Diana seemed to struggle to regain her poise at the sight of the bandage on Karen's arm, jaw tightening. "I was told you jumped in front of Supergirl, little Bumblebee."

Karen let out an awkward chuckle, rubbing her arm. "I think that's a bit of a stretch. Y'see, Babs and I have been prepping ourselves for cases like these, and-"

"Cases like these?" Diana echoed. Her voice was flat. "Cases like what, exactly?"

"Kryptonite weapons!" Babs chirped, holding up the stone. She'd had the sense of mind to wipe it off, at least. "Just being near the stuff can weaken Kara. We didn't even want to consider what might happen if she got poked by it. So we've made work-arounds; thicker armor around our limbs, metal designed to avoid skin-contact with sharp objects, etc. The next step is if they find a way to make it into a ray gun or something, but that's mostly if it's somehow too quick for Kara to dodge, and, let's be real, that probably won't-"

"Barbara." The girl stopped instantly. "Leave me and Bumblebee alone for a moment, please. We need to talk."

Karen gulped.

Babs shot her an apologetic look, then gave the Amazonian some finger guns. "Righty-o, boss. I'll go make us some snacks." She paused at the door, looking over her shoulder. "Just gimme a ring when you're ready, alright?"

Diana jerked her head in a nod. She watched with frightening intensity as the knob clicked closed.

"Diana-"

She whirled around. "Why was I not made aware of this? You and Barbara have been plotting to- to collect shards in your limbs like cufflinks! And you never-"

"It's not our first choice!" Karen held up our hands. "It's not even our last choice, Diana. We're also making shields, and inhibiters. It's an extreme emergency, last resort thing. And we've not even fixed the bugs!"

"It was faulty and you did it anyway?" She shrunk down as Diana slammed her hands on the table. "You could have been seriously injured! Or worse!"

"Diana," she said, showing off the bandage. "I'm mortal, not a water balloon. Trust me, I would have never done this if I thought it would be lethal."

Diana, for her part, did look a bit chastised. Her shoulders fell. "I am... sorry, little Bumblebee. I did not mean to doubt your abilities. It's just- I was out of the loop for one mission, and I came home to find my strongest warrior hardly able to move as she told me you were taken elsewhere for serious wounds."

"Kara talked to you?"

"She tried. She was crying."

Karen winced. She knew Kara would hate this idea. That's why they'd been so quiet about it. "I'm sorry I worried you all, but I wasn't in any real danger."

"This time. What of next time?"

"Now that we know they're onto our weaknesses, there won't be a next time."

"There shouldn't have been a first time!" Diana got down on one knee to hold her arm with great respect. This was one of the few positions she was actually taller than the Amazonian, and it made Karen nervous. She knew how bad it felt to be small. She never wanted other people to feel that way. "Is it bad, αγάπη μου?"

And Karen, smart and strong and absolutely weak to puppy dog eyes, couldn't stop herself. "I was in front of her."

Diana sucked in a breath.

"When it went off. I was in front of Supergirl." Karen forced herself to go on. It felt horrible to say out loud. A betrayal. But she had already betrayed Kara, hadn't she? She needed to own up to it. Reassure them all that she deserved the little scratch on her arm. "I dodged. I dodged out of the way. How horrible is that, Diana?"

"Darling-"

"I dodged," she repeated, voice wobbly with unshed tears. "I knew it could kill her, and I dodged." Fingers dug into her skirt. Her own fingers. The cut burned. "I'm a terrible person."

Diana's fingers cupped her chin, bringing her gaze back to her. "No. Never. You are human, Karen. You were scared."

Karen wished it was that easy. But, to her, it wasn't. She wasn't enough. "Heroes are supposed to take risks."

"Heroes must be alive to take those risks." Diana's fingers tightened their grip- not enough to hurt, but holding her in place. "Please, αγάπη μου. No more secret extreme emergency, last resort things. We are warriors, not blockades to toss in front of each other."

"Promise," she said, and it was the easiest promise she ever made. "...Can we call Babs back in, now? I'm gonna need her help un-soldering some things."

Wonder Woman swooped up for a kiss. Karen was someone who got electrocuted a lot, but nothing so simple had even a bit of life compared to being held and loved by the strongest woman in Metropolis, especially when she smiled like that. "In a moment. Allow me some time with you alone. It’s selfish, but it’s... human.”