#I mean I did start cursing heavily later. but at first I said that

[deathsmallcaps]

Ok I’m probably not the best person to say this, but I’ve been seeing a lot of (as of right now) accurate insults on how the CGI approach for the Live Action Little Mermaid movie, but please be mindful that you don’t take things too far, and *especially* don’t start going after Halle Bailey (Ariel’s actress) and to a lesser extent, Ariel the character.

Antiblackness is still an issue in a lot of fandom spaces, and it doesn’t just come out as using nasty slurs or stereotypes. It manifests as drawing Black characters lighter and/or with more white features, it comes out as removing Black partners from ships, and it starts out as plausibly deniable insults that get the door open to microaggressions and outright nasty comments.

I’m not saying that all discussion of the movie should be stalled, or even if it turns out to be an artistic failure, that it doesn’t merit discussion. I’m saying that you shouldn’t extend your vitriol to the characters and actors.

If you really feel the need to insult her, it might be worth a little introspection. Ask yourself, “Do I resent that they changed Ariel, or that they changed Ariel in this way?”. You’re not irredeemable if your personal answer isn’t kind. Just be more careful, try and observe how that sort of world view affects your behavior to others, and then course correct.

A lot of little kids would love to see another Black Princess. A lot of little kids would love to have a Black mermaid as a main character. Hell, a lot of adults would love those too. Black fantasy characters have long been excluded, transformed, killed, merely in the background, relegated to stereotypes, villainized and have hardly ever in the spotlight, especially in major productions.

Don’t make it harder for kids (and adults!) to see themselves on screen. Don’t ruin their wonder. So don’t make unkind comments. Keep it to yourself. Frankly, Halle looks beautiful, and I can’t wait to see the sparkles in her fans’ eyes as she swims across the screen.

[favefandomimagines]

Everything Has Changed (r.c)

Summary: what started out as an arranged marriage, blossoms into something more after a tourist runs a stop sign.

AN: arranged marriage!au because I’m a sucker for angst, fluff and a male character who realizes what he has.

Warning: brief mentions of sexual activity

The sun hung high over the Outer Banks, its rays sparkling off the ocean waves. Rafe Cameron stood on the golf course, his mind far from the game. All he was thinking about was his “wife” who was at home.

Rafe had spent his childhood being the odd one out in his family, and now he was trapped in a whole new world.

When Ward told him that he was going to be marrying Y/N Y/L/N, the first thing he said was “who?” It was Sarah who told him that she had been friends with her for years.

Their families had grown close over the years, their paths intertwined since childhood. Rafe and Y/N had shared some moments as kids—playing on the beach, the occasional birthday party—but they were never close friends. As they grew older, the divide between them widened, especially as Rafe embraced his party boy side.

“Dude, focus!” Topper shouted, snapping Rafe back to the present. He shook off the irritation and concentrated on his swing, trying to push the thoughts of Y/N from his mind.

“Sorry, man,” Rafe muttered, forcing a smile. “Just got a lot on my mind.”

“Can’t believe you’re actually married,” Kelce chimed in, laughing. “You? Tied down? It’s like watching a lion in a cage.”

“Yeah, well, not much choice in the matter, is there?” Rafe snapped, the bitterness in his tone clear. “My parents thought it was what’s best for the family name.”

“You know the good thing about these business marriages?” Topper asked, a teasing lilt in his voice. “You can still hookup with other people.”

Rafe shook his head. “Not going to happen. I’m not unfaithful, so I expect her to act the same way.”

Little did he know, his thoughts about Y/N would soon change.

||

A week later, everything shifted. Rafe was on the golf course again, enjoying the day with Topper and Kelce, when his phone buzzed aggressively in his pocket. He glanced at the screen, frowning at the unfamiliar number. Ignoring it at first, he went back to his game.

The phone buzzed again, and with an annoyed sigh, he pulled it out. “What?” he answered, a hint of irritation in his voice.

“Mr. Cameron?” a calm voice spoke on the other end. “This is Dr. Miller at Kildare County Medical. I’m calling about your wife, Y/N Cameron. She’s been in an accident.”

Rafe felt his heart drop. “What do you mean? Is she okay?” He asked.

There was a pause on the line, and he could hear the muffled sounds of the hospital in the background. “She sustained some injuries, but she’s stable. You’ll need to come to the hospital to pick her up.”

Rafe’s irritation morphed into a visceral fear, a feeling he had never expected to experience for someone he hardly knew. He cursed under his breath, muttering something about the day being ruined. “I’ll be there.”

Dropping everything, he hurriedly made his way to the hospital, thoughts racing in his mind. How could this happen? Why did he care so much? As he drove, the weight of their marriage settled heavily on his shoulders.

||

When Rafe arrived at the hospital, he rushed through the doors and made his way to the ER. The sterile smell of antiseptic filled his nostrils, and the sound of beeping machines surrounded him. He found Y/N sitting on an examination table, her head bandaged and a doctor stitching her up.

“Rafe?” she looked up, surprise etched on her face, but it quickly turned to annoyance.

“What happened?” he demanded, his voice sharper than he intended.

“Some stupid tourist was texting and driving,” she replied, her voice strained as the doctor worked on her. “Ran a stop sign.”

“What are you doing here?” Y/N asked. “The hospital called, Y/N, I’m your husband.” Rafe answered, like it was the most normal thing in the world.

He watched her as she winced slightly at the thread being pulled.

Rafe’s eyes narrowed as he watched the doctor press the needle into her skin. “Take it easy,” he said, an unexpected protectiveness flaring within him. “You know what? Where’s the plastic surgeon?”

Y/N winced again at the pain. “Relax, Rafe. I’m fine. It’s just a stupid cut.”

“But—”

“Go back to golf, Rafe. You don’t need to be here.”

The coldness in her tone cut through him. “You’re hurt, and you want me to just leave?”

“You’d prefer that, wouldn’t you?” she shot back, a mixture of pain and frustration in her eyes. “I don’t need your pity.”

Rafe clenched his fists, angry at himself for how much her words affected him. “Did you call the police? Get the license plate number? I should sue the bastard.”

“Stop it! I’m fine! Just go back to your golf game.” she hissed, dismissing him.

He hesitated, a million thoughts racing through his mind. She wasn’t fine—not really. He could see that she was shaken up after the accident. The idea of her getting hurt scared him more than he wanted to admit. “I’ll drive you home.”

“Sarah is coming to get me,” she replied coldly, crossing her arms.

“Don’t act like you care just because we’re in public,” she added, her voice low but fierce.

Rafe stood there, the realization hitting him like a wave: he didn’t want to lose her. He didn’t just feel annoyed by their situation; he felt something deeper.

That night, Y/N returned home to find two dozen roses on the kitchen counter. She glanced at them with an unreadable expression just as Rafe walked in.

“Do you like them?” he asked, hopeful that it might be a first step.

She scoffed bitterly. “I’m allergic to roses.”

He felt his face flush. “I didn’t know…”

“You would if you’d bothered to ask,” she replied, voice laced with frustration. “You’d know a lot more if you weren’t such an ass the first year of our marriage.”

Her words cut deep, and for the first time, Rafe recognized just how much he had hurt her. She had never wanted this marriage any more than he had, yet she had done nothing but accept it with grace. He made up his mind that things were going to change.

He watched her as she tossed the flowers in the trash before walking right passed him and up the stairs.

||

Over the next few weeks, Rafe found ways to break through Y/N’s walls. Each gesture was an apology, a bid for a second chance. He learned her routines, finding out she was fond of morning coffee from a local café. Every day, he made sure her favorite caramel macchiato was waiting for her when she woke up.

He surprised her with tickets to an art exhibit she had once mentioned in passing, standing beside her as they admired the paintings. Though she was wary at first, she couldn’t help but smile at his efforts. Slowly, he began to chip away at her guardedness, showing her that he was willing to put in the work to make amends.

One night, she told him, “If you want to make things right, Rafe, it’s not about grand gestures. Get to know me. My favorite color, my favorite music, the things I love. That’s the only way I’ll believe that you care.”

And so, he did just that. He took the time to ask her about her favorite movies (she loved classics), her favorite books (she had a soft spot for poetry), and her favorite flowers (hydrangeas, not roses). Each new fact he learned about her deepened his understanding of her, transforming his initial frustration into genuine admiration.

He spent hours creating a playlist of her favorite songs, a blend of jazz, classic rock, and indie folk. When he played it for her one evening, she looked at him with an expression he hadn’t seen before—trust. She leaned against him as the music filled the room, allowing herself, just for a moment, to be vulnerable.

Eventually, Rafe’s sincerity broke through her walls. She found herself looking forward to spending time with him, enjoying his newfound attentiveness. They began to laugh together, sharing inside jokes and secrets they had once kept to themselves.

What was once just an obligation to get their parents to shut up about grandkids, sex was now enjoyable for the both of them. Before, Rafe didn’t care if Y/N enjoyed it or not but now, all he cared about was her. What she liked, what she didn’t like, the things that turned her on. He found that Y/N’s pleasure was a gateway to his own.

Y/N found herself wrapped up in the sheets of her’s and Rafe’s king sized bed, Y/N was lying on her side, drawing circles on Rafe’s back with her finger. “You know, that’s very distracting.” Rafe mumbled, his eyes still closed.

Y/N smiled at him as he opened his eyes and looked at her. “I’m sorry.” She said. “You have nothing to be sorry for.” He replied. Rafe continued to look at Y/N, taking in her natural beauty. No makeup, hair not done, it was just her.

“I love you.” He whispered. Y/N’s movements halted as she looked at Rafe. “R-Really?” She stammered. “I know I was an ass. I thought this marriage was your fault and it wasn’t. But over these past few months, getting to know each other, I think this marriage was the best thing that ever happened to me.” He continued.

“I love you too, Rafe.” Y/N spoke softly. Rafe moved to wrap his arms around Y/N’s body, pulling her into him before kissing her deeply.

||

It was now Autumn in the Outer Banks, the ari getting slightly cooler outside but never dropping below 55 degrees.

Y/N had been up for a few hours, spending most of her time in the master bathroom. She had been feeling a little under the weather the past few weeks and she thought it was just food poisoning at first. But when it didn’t stop, and her period was late, she decided to take a pregnancy test.

Y/N looked down at the three positive tests that were sitting on the bathroom counter. Her and Rafe were having a baby. The first thing she felt was fear, mainly because she had been so accustomed to walking on eggshells around Rafe.

But she had to remind herself that the Rafe she married, wasn’t who he was anymore. Then she felt relieved and happy.

Y/N snuck out of the bedroom and crept downstairs to make some coffee for when Rafe woke up. A few minutes later, she heard his footsteps come down the stairs.

Rafe saw her leaning against the kitchen counter in his t-shirt, holding out a coffee mug for him to take. He could see a look of almost mischief on her face as he took the mug.

“What’s up?” he asked, a gentle smile on his face. “There’s something I want to tell you,” She started. Rafe furrowed his eyebrows at her statement.

She took his free hand and placed it over her stomach. “We’re having a baby, Rafe.”

Rafe’s eyes widened as he stared at her in shock, then joy. A rush of emotion surged through him, and he pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly.

As they embraced, he whispered, “Thank you for giving us a chance. For giving me a chance.”

In that moment, he knew he had found something he’d never known he needed—her love. And he would do everything in his power to protect it, to protect them

[lialox]

Your thoughts on Joonghwa ? (Og TWSA Specifically)

Omg is this because I said I was on the het side of the fandom in a tag earlier today? 😭 I feel like I cursed myself

OG TWSA specifically hmm…

I hate to break it to you anon but, in a series of mindbending meta foolery, Joongwha did not truly exist in TWSA. 

Hear me out!!

TWSA starts on YJH’s third turn. 

It was in the 0-2nd turn where they had an ‘official’ relationship, getting married, having a kid, etc. 

But you see, none of those turns were ever written. Meaning, it only existed in KDJ’s imagination, and was messed with a lot by him in canon. There’s a quote that’s something along the lines of “since it wasn’t written, I can interfere as much as I want”. I do believe KDJ still pushed YJH in the right direction up until the 2nd regression based on his line of thinking there.

So I can’t actually comment on Joongwha specifically OG TWSA

In the actual TWSA, his relationship with Lee Seolwha was only mentioned. (Unless I’m remembering this wrong) There was never an established couple dynamic that was described. They were never depicted as lovers, but rather as a “it’s okay to be single because Yoo Joonghyuk is single too and he struggles in his love life just like you even tho he’s hot as fuck” for the number 1 yjh kinnie of all time to be able to relate to.

As far as I know, there isn’t a single chapter in TWSA where they’re actively in a relationship.

Joongwha in the OG TWSA to me, is a plot device.

There was never any substantial romance between them since that was not TWSA’s sole reader’s genre. So, they never really bonded in the way lovers do, but were more like very close companions that found it convenient to be with each other. 

Did they love each other? Absolutely.

In the way yoohankim or Joongdok does? Not even close. 

Yoo Joonghyuk loved her enough to let her go in his subsequent turns, but knowing how he’s like with other people…

YJH kept crawling back to HSY to hand her his life, over and over again, in every life.

YJH choosing a literal hell of eternity for KDJ. Plus a million other jd things you already know about.

It just really speaks to me about what love, trust, and devotion really means to him as a person.

Not to mention YJH was happy for her when she got into a different relationship and had a child with another man in one of his later regressions in TWSA. But really? YJH, the PETTIEST person in kimco, happy for someone he truly loves? Content to love someone from a distance?

NO!!! (That’s HSY’s thing)

YJH gets bitter and pouty when Doksoo yap all by themselves (their convo is heavily filtered half the time). He’s clingy. He’s 33% yearning. He is the kind of guy who—when he really truly loves, will do so by your side at all costs!!!

Side note — When I heard that YJH had a child in the 2nd turn my first thought was 🤨 damn he’s supposed to be good at all games so how is his pull out game this WEAK?? Because in NO conceivable way would anyone think it’s a good idea to intentionally get pregnant during the literal apocalypse. YJH really had to do some Star Stream gymnastics to even get the privacy to bang (unless they were into ‘that’) but they couldn’t figure out birth control??

[seunmong-in]

💋🌧️Kiss Me in the Rain🌧️💋

Pairing: Non! Idol Seungmin x reader Genre: Love at first sight (They did meet before but never gotten close), humor, cursing per usual, fluff, references to video games and anxiety Summary: Unable to go home due to the heavy rain outside, Seungmin is faced with being stuck at Changbin’s house until the rain clears out. But what happens when Changbin’s roommate, who Seungmin has only met once, is also home and steals Seungmin’s heart at first glance? Words: 2.9k A/N: So this may be a bit longer than I intended… but my insomnia got the best of me and my brain kept rambling with thoughts so here we are, my longest POV. I know I said this under my Felix POV but I have to say it again because I can not EXPRESS how much I am grateful and overwhelmed with joy about how many people liked my POV’s!! It truly means the world to me and it makes me strive to write more for everyone to enjoy! If you haven’t read Felix’s or Han’s story and want to, click on their name, it should send you to their stories. Later in the week I will be making a poll on which member I should write next about so stay on the lookout for that in the next couple days!! Anywho, getting on to our scheduled program now, I hope you guys enjoy Seungmin’s story!! 

P.s. Who else is going to Lolla this year and is secretly wishing Straykids play Topline or Hall of fame so they can scream their lungs out? I know I am!! 

♡❀˖⁺. ༶ ⋆˙⊹❀♡♡❀˖⁺. ༶ ⋆˙⊹❀♡♡❀˖⁺. ༶ ⋆

Oh, fuck me. 

Those were words Seungmin thought when he opened the door to reveal the pouring rain outside. He regretted not listening to Jisung when he said it would rain heavily later in the afternoon as he left for Changbin's. Mentally cursing himself out, knowing he couldn't drive home as planned, Seungmin sighed as he closed the door and walked back to the living room, throwing himself on the couch. Seungmin would've gone upstairs to Bin's room to bother him, but his hyung had left a few minutes before the rain started to pick up Jeongin. Pulling out his phone, Seungmin texts Changbin, letting him know that he is staying until the rain dies down and for him to stay safe. He puts his phone away, leans over, and grabs the TV remote. There wasn't much on the TV, so Seungmin watched anime to pass the time.

"Binnie, where the fuck did you put my gaming headset- Oh shit, Hi, um… Seungmin, right?"

Completely engrossed in the anime, Seungmin suddenly jumps when the soft-spoken voice speaks, pulling him out of his trance. He turns to see Y/n, Changbin's roommate, standing at the bottom of the stairs. Seungmin's heart skipped a beat as he took in her appearance. Y/n was wearing an oversized hoodie that belonged to Changbin and biker shorts. The hoodie engulfed her petite frame, making her look delicate. Her hair was still wet from a recent shower, and the sweet fragrance of vanilla filled the air as she approached him. Seungmin couldn't help but admire her beauty, noticing her glasses slightly fogged up from the shower's steam. He found himself getting lost in her sparkling eyes and felt his heart racing. Although he had met her at Changbin's housewarming party a few months back, Y/n looked different, and Seungmin couldn't resist but admire her beauty. 

"Yeah, And you're Y/n, right." 

Y/n positions herself comfortably on the couch beside Seungmin, crossing her legs as she nods in agreement with him. Seungmin pauses the series he is watching and turns to face her fuller, a hint of shyness creeping onto his face. 

"By chance, where is my wonderful hyung? The bastard misplaced my gaming headset, and I need it to play Overwatch with a couple of my friends."

Ignoring the first part of her question, Seungmin's excitement beams through when Y/n mentions she plays his favorite game. He usually plays with Changbin and Jeongin, but it has been a while since they've played. He primarily plays alone or with Felix and Chan, though they are more severe players. 

"Wait, you play Overwatch too?"

Seungmin's voice was filled with so much excitement that Y/n couldn't help but giggle. She got up from the cozy couch and approached the stairs. She looked back at Seungmin, still sitting on the sofa, staring back at her.

"If you want, I can show you my gaming pc setup. It's not much, but it's something," she offers as she continues to walk up the stairs.

With a slight hesitation, Seungmin followed Y/n up the stairs to her room, still feeling shy around her. But as he stepped inside, his eyes widened with amazement. The room was spacious and decorated with album covers and paintings, gifts that his other hyung, Hyunjin, had given her. The LED lights wrapped around the ceiling, casting a warm, inviting orange glow that made the room feel cozy and welcoming.

Looking around more into Y/n's room, his eyes were immediately drawn to her gaming setup. It looked like a gamer's paradise with a customized PC, fantastic LED lighting system, custom gaming keyboard, and sleek wireless mouse in pink and black. Y/n's setup was impressive, nonetheless. While one of her monitors had Overwatch already launched, the other screen had a Word document open, with the title reading "Kiss me in the Rain. "But before Seungmin could see more, Y/n quickly minimized the tab, leaving him curious and intrigued. He couldn't help but wonder what that document was about.

"You write as well?"

Y/n's heart skipped a beat as she looked down, realizing she had been caught red-handed. Hot flashes crept up her cheeks as she realized that no one, not even Changbin, had ever laid eyes on her writing. It wasn't that she was embarrassed about her work, but the fact that she had always thought of writing as her own private sanctuary, where she could feel vulnerable and have no judgment. Writing was also her second safe place, her go-to whenever she had a panic attack, with Changbin being her first. When distressed, Changbin would soothe her with warm hugs and cuddles until she felt better.

Y/n settles into her gaming chair, her fingers tapping nervously on the armrest. "To be honest," she says, "writing is my go-to when I'm anxious or want to feel vulnerable for a while. There's something about putting pen to paper that just helps me calm down." Seungmin couldn't help but be intrigued by her words. Though the pair rarely spoke when he did come over to visit, it felt nice to be able to interact with her on this level. Not wanting to bombard her with more questions, he simply asked more about the story she was writing. 

"What's this story about?"

"It's about two friends trying to complete their bucket lists before the summer ends, and they have to go off to college. They devised a plan to complete each of their bucket list dreams one by one until the very last day of summer. On the last day, the FMC added one more thing to the bucket list she wanted completed before leaving: for the MMC, her newly developed crush, to kiss her in the rain while it was pouring out."

"Kinda sounds like how it is right now," both laugh as Seungmin looks out the window. The rain is still pouring hard outside, and there is no sign of stopping soon. Y/n's phone vibrates as she turns her chair to grab it off her desk. It was a message from Changbin.  

"Well, Binnie isn't coming back tonight. He says the roads are bad, so he's staying at Jeongin's. Which sucks cause I still don't have my damn headset," Y/n pouts as she puts her phone back on the desk. Without saying a word, Seungmin gets up from the beanbag chair and exits the room, only to appear minutes later, handing Y/n the headset he took from Bin's room.

"I keep a spare one in Hyung's room whenever I stay over; here use it.”

"Oh, Minnie, you didn't have to."

Minnie... Feeling his face turn red with the new nickname Y/n gave him, he continued to hold out the headset in front of her. 

"Seriously, take it. Besides, I wanna see you play. I have to see what my competition looks like."

Without backing down from Seungmin's challenge, Y/n confidently takes the headset, puts it on her head, and connects the aux to her PC. As the match starts, Seungmin is taken aback by her intense focus. He is fascinated by her gameplay, which is different from his own. Despite her unique approach to defense and combat, she continues to win match after match.

Seungmin sat back on the beanbag chair as Y/n continued her winning streak. However, he wasn't watching her play; his eyes fixed on her. He couldn't help but notice the small details of her behavior - the way she would scrunch her nose to keep her glasses from sliding down her face, the little victory dances she did when she won matches, and the lightning-quick movements of her hand when her hair fell over her eyes. He was amazed by her skill and grace, and he felt a sense of awe and admiration wash over him.

But as he watched her, Seungmin realized his feelings for Y/n were changing. A strange sensation began to stir in his stomach like a flock of butterflies had taken flight inside him. Feeling flustered and confused, Seungmin tapped Y/n on the arm and excused himself. He ran out of her room and hurried downstairs to make an urgent phone call to the only person he could think of who might help him figure out what to do next.

"Hey Min, what's up," Binnie answers, yawning mid-sentence.

"What do you do when you like someone?"

"What?"

"Changbin, I know you heard me. Answer my question," Seungmin demands. 

"It's Y/n, isn't it? See, I knew it from the first day you met her. Your eyeballs practically almost fell from your face," Changbin teased. There was nothing but silence and embarrassment as the banter continued. 

"Jesus, Bin can you shut the fuck up for a minute and help me, please," Seungmin practically begs his hyung. It was rare for Seungmin to say please, nonetheless, curse at anyone. This was serious for him. 

"Okay, okay, sorry, I'll stop," Changbin laughs. "What exactly do you like about her?"

Seungmin paused, taking a moment as he tried to collect his thoughts. Y/n is kind-hearted and gentle, with a soft-spoken voice that makes him feel safe. Her writing was outstanding, and he hung on every word she said. However, it wasn't just her mind that he was drawn to. There was something undeniably alluring about her physical presence as well. The way her hair fell in soft waves around her face and her eyes lit up when she laughed - every little detail about her seemed to captivate him.

Seungmin's heart was heavy with emotion, and he knew he couldn't keep it to himself any longer. "Hyung," he began, his voice barely above a whisper, his eyes darting around to ensure Y/n was out of earshot. "I can't help but feel drawn to her. She's like a dream come true, the perfect match for me. Changbin, I didn't expect to fall for her so quickly, and I don't know how to handle these feelings. What should I do?"

"Tell her how you feel. Knowing Y/n, she would be flattered hearing this. Oh, just to give you a confidence boost—you didn't hear it from me—but when everyone left after the housewarming, she thought you were the cutest out of all the boys." 

When Seungmin heard that, a bright smile that stretched from ear to ear was plastered on his face. It indeed gave him a boost to follow his heart. Before ending the call with Changbin, he asked for one more thing from Seungmin. 

"Just don't hurt her, Min. You both mean a lot to me and if things don't go well with you guys, I refuse to take sides. Plus, I don't want to fight you for hurting my best friend; you are too soft and cute to hit." 

"I won't, I promise."

Trying to contain his happiness, Seungmin quickly runs up the stairs. Ideas on how he could tell Y/n how he felt started going off like fireworks until he thought of the perfect one. He softly opens Y/n's door just as she stops playing OW. Instead, she had the same document open and was typing away. Feeling like she was being watched, she turned her chair around only to meet Seungmin's soft gaze. She softly smiles and asks, "Everything okay, you were gone for a while. I didn't make you nervous with my gaming skills, did I?"

Chuckling at her joke, Seungmin shakes his head as he approaches her.

"I was just telling Binnie I was staying the night since it's still raining out," Seungmin lied. Though the rain was starting to die out a bit, the roads weren't safe to drive in. Suddenly, Seungmin reaches out for Y/n's hand, pulling her out of her chair and her room. Confused with what was happening, Y/n couldn't help but question what was going through his mind as they both walked down the stairs, heading towards the house's back door. 

"Minnie, what are you doing?" Y/n asked as he let go of her hand and opened the door to reveal the rain outside. Though it wasn't as hard as at the beginning of the afternoon, it was still pouring down at a decent rate. 

"When you mentioned your story earlier and how the friends had things on their bucket list they wanted to complete, I realized that I had some of my own I have never completed. And well, playing in the rain is one of them. So I was wondering if you wanted to help me with that," Seungmin's cheeks turn bright red as he extends his hand towards her. Without a second thought, Y/n grabs his hand as the pair goes outside into the rain. 

As the chilly raindrops cascaded from the overcast sky, Y/n and Seungmin stood opposite each other in the backyard. They gazed at each other with wide grins and intertwined their hands, feeling the warmth from their palms. They began to spin slowly in a circle, their movements cautious at first, and then they picked up speed, their feet sliding on the slick grass. As Y/n lost her footing, Seungmin swiftly grasped her by the waist and pulled her toward him to prevent her from falling. Although the darkness enveloped them, Y/n's cheeks flushed a bright red at the proximity of their bodies.

"Is this okay?" Seungmin asked, trying to read her face to see if she was uncomfortable. The last thing he wanted was to make her uneasy, ruining his chances of possibly being with her. Y/n smiled as she nodded. She wrapped her arms around his neck, softly swaying. The two continued to sway slowly, staring into each other's eyes without saying a word. The moment couldn't be perfect for Seungmin as Y/n, their eyes now connected. 

"As much as I want to continue dancing in the rain, I want to tell you something. That phone call with Binnie-hyung wasn't about me staying the night, though I know he would be okay with either way. It was about you," Seungmin starts to explain. Y/n's face turns into shock, and she tries to figure out if she did anything wrong. Seungmin must've picked up on what she was thinking and started to chuckle. 

"I want you to know that you haven't done anything wrong. In fact, you have done something that I didn't think was possible. It's difficult to express myself, but I want to take a chance. Y/n, I have strong feelings for you. I understand this may seem sudden, especially since this is our first time hanging out alone. However, there is something about you that draws me towards you. There is so much more to learn about you and I want to know everything about you- your likes, dislikes, fears, and dreams. I want to be there for you in every possible way imaginable. You don't have to say anything now; I don't expect you to feel the same way as I do. I simply wanted to tell you how I feel before I get inside of my own head." 

Y/n took a moment to process everything that had been said and looked down for a moment. She started catching feelings for Seungmin too, whose shy and calming manner perfectly fit her sometimes crazy personality. Looking back into his eyes, she noticed that his now wet hair covered most of his vision, so she softly pushed it away, revealing her cheeky smile. She was going to ask him something that the FMC wanted done in her story.

"I also have a bucket list I didn't get to complete. Do you mind helping me," Y/n asked.

"Sure, what is it?"

"Kiss me in the rain."

Seungmin's heart races as he looks at the girl he confessed to. Without wasting another precious moment, he gently takes her hand, his fingers intertwining with hers. He can feel the warmth of her skin against his as he pulls her closer, his other hand cupping the back of her head as he leans in for a kiss.

The rain slowly begins to let up, creating a serene backdrop for their first kiss. Seungmin's lips are soft and tender against hers. As the last few drops of rain trickle down, Seungmin finally pulls away.

He doesn't want to let go of her just yet, so he takes her hand in his, holding it tightly as they both catch their breath. Their eyes meet, as he is the first one to speak. 

"So, I assume you feel the same way then.”

"Yeah, I do. And by the way, you don't have to ask; I'm yours now, Minnie."

As soon as she responded, he couldn't help but smile, feeling a rush of warmth in his chest. He pulled her in without hesitation for another passionate kiss, their lips meeting perfectly harmoniously.

After their little moment, the couple realized they were soaked from the rain, so they decided to change into dry, clean clothes for the rest of the night. They spent most of their time playing Overwatch together, with short intermissions in between as Seungmin helped Y/n with her story. 

When morning arrived, and the roads were clear, Changbin came home and peeked into Y/n's room. He saw Seungmin sleeping beside Y/n, with his arms wrapped around her. Her head was resting comfortably on his chest. Changbin smiled and took out his phone to send a picture to the boys' group chat. He knew Seungmin might be annoyed with him later, but for now, he was happy to see his friend with his dream girl.

[strangesthirdeye]

Listen Before I Go (SH x Fem! Reader)

Summary: A quick call won't hurt, right?

Warning: It's Sherlock everyone like him..heavy angst? Attempt Suicide, mental breakdown, mental health, You are loved by people, don't do that. You need a hug, pleading, high ceiling, hanging rope, almost suffocating. The Empty Hearse episode.

As usual, I'm sorry if there are any wrong sentences or typos or grammatical mistakes, please forgive me and again English is not my first language, so I try to improve my language and writing in this way.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

One more loop and the knots are strong enough to support your weight. You sighed heavily. The creaking sound of the chair under your feet is heard when you make some motions on it. You look around your living room. Everything is scattered and unmanaged. Papers and books on the floor not to mentioned chairs are scattered around the living room, just like your wooden table.

you exhaled a heavy breath and looked up to see the noose hanging from the ceiling of your house. Well, here it is. After running around in your own mind and going through all the painful and stressful things in the real world, you are finally lost. Those things successfully kick your ass. Not to mention what happened to Sherlock two years ago. He committed suicide and claimed he was a liar, but that was not true. Why did he do that makes it a question mark for you, John, Mrs Hudson, Greg, Molly and Lestrade. Mycroft? hmm, he's just quiet. There was no news from him after that.

As if he has disappeared from existence.

Every dark plagued plays in your mind. All those rude people who curse Sherlock and proudly claim that Sherlock is a fraud. Not to mention those people have started bothering Sherlock's friends including you as his girlfriend. Those people don't know the meaning of grief.

You then look down. This is high enough. As long as your feet do not touch the floor is enough. Suffocate is not the first thing in your mind but because you don't want to commit suicide dirty with blood, you immediately decide to hang yourself. At least your life is taken slowly and in that time you can see all the happy memories at the end of your time.

You stand on your tiptoes and stick your head into the noose. The noose gently ends around your neck. Your hands started to tighten the noose around your neck so that it would be tight and not come loose when you hung it later. You sighed for the second time.

You are not afraid but nervous. Well, at least you know what your destiny is. You then close your eyes and your legs are ready to push the chair. All of the sudden, your phone rang in your pants pocket. You were shocked and almost pushed the chair under you but luckily the chair didn't slip.

You fish out your pocket and take your phone out of your pocket. You gulped your saliva slowly when you saw the contact on your phone.

John.

You immediately slide accept and open the speaker.

"Y/n"

"Hey, John"

"Where are you now? I need to tell you something.. Might be a surprise from me to you... I guess" John chuckled a little. Following with his hype tone means that John is in a good mood. Good. You're going to ruin his mood if you tell him what you're up to.

"what is it that you want to tell me? Is it Mary tho?" You pretend to hype your voice just to hide your crack tone.

"Well, I prefer to tell you at a cafe around your house only if you're not busy" John reasoned.

"well, i can't go out now.. can you just tell me on the phone instead? i kind of not really having a mood to go out anymore" You bit your lip slightly.

John was silent for a moment. You can imagine his confused face in your mind. Classic John. Gonna miss him.

"Are you alright?" John asked.

"mhmm.. I'm always alright" You replied.

"really? cuz' that's not how your 'alright' voice sounds like" John said suspiciously. "is it about Sherlock again?" John added.

Dammit. Why does he have to be the one who is always right? You are silent.

"It's been two years, Y/n. You have to let go that 'feeling'. It's not good for you" John said as if a father was advising his children to be useful human beings.

"you don't understand, aren't you? It's not easy. You have Mary.. while I don't have no one. No one to help me. Not even Mycroft. And I don't want to bring Mrs Hudson into this. She's already got a lot of plates in her hands." you paused you stand on your tiptoes.

"well, at least you don't have to deal with me anymore. I know what I'm doing now is a very useful thing. You don't have to worry about me." you added, the voice started to crack.

"What are you doing right now, Y/n. Don't you dare say that to me. I know exactly what you are trying to do. I'm coming" John's voice seemed to rush.

"tell me, John" you spoke up.

"what" John snapped trying to stop himself from yelling at you not to say negative things again.

"tell me what you want to say to me. That you expect me to be surprised" You closed your eyes. Tears streamed down your cheeks.

John let out a heavy breath. "I- oh god! this is not the situation I expected to tell you what it is. Taxi!" John yelled. John's voice then became muffled for a few moments before it became clear again. John then hurriedly told the cab driver your home address. Although the location is quite far from your house, John doesn't care about the fare. As long as he can save his other friend this time.

"just hold on. Don't end the call" John informed you firmly. John then sighed anxiously. "I-I plan to propose Mary tonight"

You smiled sadly. "is it going to be fancy? big?" you questioned him.

"fancy but simple.. oh gosh, why can't you just.. not doing all these things? You have many other things out there to go through! why now do you want to end it?" John is furiously rich.

"I think this is the end of my story. I've got nothing out there to go through. You have Mary. She's the one, John. Marry her. Make her half of your life. Have a family." You said lowly. your toes little by little push the chair under you.

"don't you dare say that. Think about it again. Sherlock doesn't want all this. He doesn't like any decision to end your life. He despises it. He wants you to move on and live a normal life. Normal life! Don't you want that? Find someone who can be with you for the rest of your life. Please.. I don't want to lose my best friend again" John begged.

Your line is quiet. Only the sound of the cab that John was riding in was heard. You look down. The hanging rope around the neck feels tight.

You know he's right but why don't you move away from the noose that is now resting on your neck? Sherlock doesn't like this. He despises it like John said earlier. Why then don't you open the rope and get off the chair? It's not going to work you know. Kill yourself. It's not.

Every thousand possibilities play in your mind as you hold the phone tightly in your hand. You bit your lips hard.

"I can't hold it anymore. The feeling of pain, grief and lost. It's not easy like what you say. It's just- Move on? no.. it's not working." you sobbed.

"No.." John paused. Probably is choosing and arranging the next sentence. "No, it's not easy. But, Sherlock wouldn't want that, right? So whatever you're doing now just drop it. Please. For the sake of Sherlock Holmes" John added in a tone of hope.

You paused and closed your eyes. Thumbs up on the screen. "I'm sorry, John" and you ended the call.

'just get on with it' whispered the demon in your ear. You choked on your own tears in your throat. You tossed your phone aside and stared for a moment then without hesitation you pushed the chair down so fast that it landed on the floor. But you don't fall, you float in the air with a hanging rope around your neck.

And there goes your oxygen is cut off quickly as you gasp for air while thrashing in the air. Both hands on the noose around your neck while your eyes darted around the living room. Mouth part away trying to get even a little oxygen. Your skin's colour is getting paler and your brain is in a state of shock when the oxygen is getting less and less to the brain.

You almost lost consciousness and then you see it. Life flashes before your eyes. Happy and sad memories. All in one. As the last piece of memories played in your eyes, you finally lost consciousness. Both your hands limp to the side while your head lolled forward. Your hair frames your pale face. But not before you hear the door of your house burst open by someone. Someone who you didn't get to see as your eyes are now tightly closed. Welcoming the feeling of a blanket of darkness.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Eyes opened slowly as you gasped to take enough oxygen into your body system. Every thought plays in your mind. Why can't you just go in peace? Why do people have to bother you?

You look around the living room. Now you are lying on the floor. Eyes on the ceiling while your breath is still panting. Everything is hurt especially in your neck. You can still feel the texture of the hanging rope around your neck.

You curse whoever messed up your suicide attempt. It could be John but the taxi John took could not be able to get here quickly. So who? You glared at the person who was kneeling next to you but then as soon as your eyes landed on the silhouette, you widened your eyes.

there he is, a man who claims to be a sociopath and never believes in sentiment but then falls into the terms boyfriend and girlfriend. His brunette hair, his eyes, his cheek bones and his face are still the same but at the same time he looks a little mature. While his eyes hold emotions that are very heavy plus panic and concerned etched on his face.

Sherlock Holmes. The so called 'fraud' is now on your side.

"What were you thinking?!" Sherlock said loudly.

You are stunned. Sherlock then touched your shoulder and shook it a little trying to get you out of the trance.

Oh, God. What you think is a dream is actually not a dream but real. The feeling of him touching your shoulder and his deep raspy and smoky timbre makes you miss him so much. Your eyes start to glaze over with tears.

"Sherlock?" you whispered his name.

Sherlock looked at you with concern and tried to help you sit up. "what were you thinking? Suffocate yourself to death? why? just why?"

"because you died! For two years. I thought you were dead once your body hit the ground in front of the hospital. Two years, Sherlock. Two years. And you think I can live without you just like that?" you yelled while slapping him on the chest several times.

Sherlock deflected your blow by holding both of your wrists to his chest. He looked at you with sympathy. "I want to save you and the others. This is all I can do. Moriarty will do worse than what you don't expect that's why I have to do that. Two years I tried to take down his network and now I'm here. What you did earlier there was the most horrible thing for me. I don't want to come back home knowing that you are dead."

You thought for a moment. Your red eyes looked at Sherlock's face with realization on your face. And then you sniffed and leaned your head on his chest.

Sherlock then put his arms around you. His right hand was placed on the back of your head and stroked gently while his head was placed on top of your head.

"You saved me.. oh, how stupid I am to do that" you sobbed.

"no you're not stupid. Don't say that. You are the most brilliant and courageous woman I know. Your intelligent and kind attitude makes me adore and fond of you more.. listen, I don't always say this but you are the only reason I'm coming home. Please.. don't do that ever again" Sherlock said while kissing your hair.

"John will be here soon." you say. Your voice is muffled in his chest.

"let him. might as well make it a surprise for him." Sherlock joked trying to lighten up the mood.

You chuckled tearfully and then hugged Sherlock tightly. Sherlock smiled gently and tightened his arms and rocked you left and right with his eyes closed.

[thebibutterflyao3]

Day 22 - Prompt: Fire @pandalilymicrofics

February Daily Series - 716 words

<<<Previous Part OR Start Here

Lily lifted Pandora to her feet, then scrambled after her when she immediately stormed off toward the bloke she’d flattened. Their cute moment was ruined by the looming shadow of the man as he struggled to stand. The rude language he hurled at Pandora rekindled the fire of her temper all over again.

“Wait!” she called. “Hold on, Pandora!”

Thankfully, Sirius intervened first. He shoved the tall man away from Pandora and spoke in a low, intense voice. Lily couldn’t hear what he said, but it must have been a threat, because the strange fellow baulked and backed away.

“No! I didn’t hurt her! I just wanted her to admit that she ruined a good thing,” he protested, holding his hands up.

Sirius scoffed, “A good thing? Barty, after the shite you pulled? I doubt you’re capable of anything ‘good.’”

Barty looked up at the sky with a manic expression and shook his hands as though he was silently cursing the clouds. “Not Reg. I mean Evan!”

“Evan? As in…” Sirius trailed off as he turned to face Pandora. “Your brother?”

“Yes! And he’s stalking me just like the medium said he was!”

“I am not!”

Lily glanced down at her in surprise. “When did she say that?”

“After you left, I’ll explain later.” Pandora gripped her hand and held it behind her back as she positioned herself in front of Lily. “Listen, Bartemius, and listen good. You don’t get a second chance with me. Evan deserves better.”

“I am better! I swear!”

“Once a cheater, always a cheater.”

As Pandora continued arguing with the man — Barty? Bartemius? — Lily heard another, quieter debate starting behind her. James and Remus whispering sternly at Regulus while he struggled to free himself from James’s arms. There was definitely a connection.

Mary stepped closer and cupped her elbow. “Everything alright, doll?”

“It seems to be contained chaos, I think?”

“Any idea what’s going on? I found this mobile on the ground, is it Pandora’s?”

Lily briefly filled her in on what she’d overheard as she slipped the phone into Pandora’s skirt pocket. Mary’s furrowed brow deepened with every detail, then she nodded curtly and strode toward Sirius and Barty.

“Lily?” Remus said, tapping her shoulder. “Can you ask Pandora to talk Regulus down? He thinks that bloke hurt her and is losing his shite.”

Before she could answer, Pandora’s bangles clanged loudly as she whirled around and dragged Lily into the tent. Remus huffed a laugh while following them inside. Lily rolled her eyes at him when she was gently pushed into an empty folding chair.

At some point she’d become one of Pandora’s accessories, but Lily really didn’t mind. Especially when Pandora plopped in her lap again as she spoke quietly with Regulus. James offered her an apologetic grin that overflowed with relief as he turned to face her and Pandora properly.

Remus helped the stall’s owner straighten up the mess. “Sorry about all this, Tom. Is anything broken?”

“At least three train cars are missing!” the man said. He was justifiably upset about the state of his inventory.

James waved at Remus and mouthed, “Tell him I’ll pay for it.”

Lily watched the others with interest as she pieced together what happened. She heard Pandora shouting, but by the time she reached her, the man was already on the ground. Lily prevented escalation, but Pandora had the situation well in hand.

The woman was a force to be reckoned with, and once again, Lily was left profoundly impressed. She still hadn’t worked out how the psychic was involved though.

“Alright, he’s leaving,” Mary announced, stepping into the tent and immediately reaching for a rocking horse that laid on its side. “Sirius is escorting him out.”

“Did you say Sirius?” Remus repeated as his head snapped up. He hurriedly finished his task before bolting out of the tent.

“Yeah, that’s probably best.” James sighed heavily as he lifted to his feet. “Let me help, Mary. And sir, I apologise for the mess.”

Within minutes, the stall was sorted and the owner appeased with multiple apologies, charming smiles, and purchases by James. Lily couldn’t help admiring this mad group of menaces that she and Remus stumbled upon at the ice rink. They were messy, but at least they were courteous.

Next Part>>>

[bobawitch]

Love Story // Spencer Reid x French!Reader

Summary: french reader meets Reid and they become friends though both feel a strong pull towards the other. This is heavily based on the song Love Story by Indila.

A/N: OMG another oneshot, ik, i legit said i'm not the oneshot type and here i am. i really appreciate the kind words on my last one shot and I hope people like this one too!! This is around end of season 9 reid.

warnings: none!

word count: 948

You had moved to the states around a year ago, gotten yourself a sturdy job at a cafe/bookstore. You frequented any other bookstores along with the flower shops that reminded you of the quaint streets of Bezier. Your first home, nothing had driven you out in a rush but you always wanted to see the world. You had just bought a new book and were now looking at the flower shop nearby. That’s where he saw you, you were holding a rose and had the book in your free hand. You caught his attention immediately but it would be a few more weeks before he ever spoke to you.

L'âme en peine

Il vit mais parle à peine

Il attend devant cette photo d'antan

Derek had been teasing the guy endlessly for weeks now, Blake always telling the older man to leave Spence alone but honestly Reid didn’t mind it that much. He knew he was being irrational but something about you encapsulated the man. He greatly enjoyed when he’d go in for coffee and you’d be reading a book he liked. He couldn’t get you out of his mind but he was still so nervous. He was nervous to feel things towards someone again. It had been around a year since Maeve was killed in front of him and yet he hadn’t tried to speak to another woman. But today he decided he would speak to you, no matter how it went. He finally upped his courage to ask you about the book you were reading. You smiled, shutting it briefly to talk about the book in your hand. Spencer had recognized it as Nausea by Jean-Paul Sartre though he wasn’t expecting it to be in French. You spoke of his profound outlooks about how human nature is our own sickening curse. Spence gave that nerdy chuckle he always did and agreed with you though disagreeing with it being a fully bad curse. But this was just the beginning of the two of you. 

Il, il n'est pas fou

Il y croit, c'est tout

Il la voit partout

Il l'attend debout

Une rose à la main

À part elle il n'attend rien

Nearly two months later you two had basically started your own small book club, and when I say small I mean there were two members. You and Spence would talk for hours about different books and he always enjoyed listening to the sound of your silky french accent. Though Spencer couldn’t speak French he understood the language, having studied it in his spare time at college. He would try to say certain phrases and though most were pronounced correctly he messed up on occasion and you wouldn’t end the teasing. With each book club meeting you would grow closer and Spence’s feelings would get stronger, though you were oblivious to that. You had always found Spencer nice to look at and his brain was prettier than the stars on a clear night sky. You just assumed you two would only ever be friends since Prentiss told you about Maeve. 

Rien autour n'a de sens

Et l'air est lourd

Le regard absent

Il est seul et lui parle souvent

Il, il n'est pas fou

Il l'aime c'est tout

You could only keep a rational head about the boy genius for so long. Only 3 months after meeting you began to feel it. It was this sinking feeling that made you smile more when he was around. You found yourself imagining him whenever you listened to music or read a book. But rationality eventually came back and you would banish the idea from your mind. Which is why when he came to your house one rainy night you were evidently shocked. 

“Spence?” You looked at his dripping curly hair and how his shirt stuck to his chest tightly from the water. 

He looked at you with those big doe eyes of his and swallowed hard. It looked like he had been crying but you couldn’t say for sure. He didn’t reply to you which worried you further, causing you to pull him inside rather quickly. You grabbed him a towel and put on some tea, making him his favorite, earl grey. You got back with the tea, tucking a leg under yourself as you sat by him. He took the tea from you and held it, not looking at you for a while. Eventually you needed to know he was ok and set your tea down. Your fingers gently touched his cheek, leading him to look at you. “Spence, what’s wrong?” You spoke with genuine concern, your brows laced together with worry.

Though he didn’t respond, he just looked at you. He refused to break eye contact but out of your peripheral you saw him set his cup down. Then he began to scoot closer, your hand still rested on his cheek as you began to ask again.

“Spencer, really whats-” But you were harshly cut off by the feeling of his lips pressed against your own. Your eyes widened but within a few moments you melted into the softness of his lips. His arms quickly snaked around your waist as he pulled you closer. Your other hand came to his other cheek, holding his face close to yours. Soon enough the two of you had to pull apart. “Y/N…” He started.

You shook your head, “I know, me too.” He smiled at your words before leaning in and kissing you again, though that wasn’t the last kiss of that night.

Il la voit partout

Il l'attend debout

Debout une rose à la main

Non, non plus rien ne le retient

Dans sa love story

[canonicallyobserving911]

Buck & Eddie: Wedding rings and traditions

(Clearing drafts and GIFs before the end of season 6.)

I think I found something…

Traditionally, married couples wear their wedding rings on the ring finger of their left hands but some couples choose to wear their wedding rings on the ring finger of their right hands too.  There are various reasons why some couples choose to wear their rings on the right hand instead of the left and it could be something as simple as they don’t want to follow traditions.

Before I get into this, I need to mention I also looked at scenes that included Bobby, Athena, Hen and Karen to see which hand they wore their wedding rings on and all of them wear their rings on their left hands.

After 6x12 “Recovery” aired, during the mini hiatus, I was in the process of making GIFs and I noticed Connor’s wedding ring was on his right hand when he went to visit Buck.  At first, I thought he (the actor) may have been in a hurry and he put it on his right hand instead of his left but I quickly dismissed that idea when I remembered how particular 9-1-1 is about their metaphors and foreshadowing.

Therefore, I reviewed Connor’s scenes in 6x4 “Animal Instincts” to see if he wore his wedding ring on his left or right hand and that’s when I realized I might have found something. After carefully reviewing Buck’s scenes with Connor and Kameron in 6x4, I saw both of them were wearing their wedding rings on their left hands. So, I wanted to know why Connor moved his wedding ring from his left hand to his right but since the three-week long hiatus was in progress, I waited to post about it because I wanted to see if Karen’s comment to Hen in 5x17 “Hero Complex” would come into play and it did.  While they were discussing Jonah, she told Hen, “Once is a mistake, twice is a coincidence and three times is a pattern” followed by Athena mentioning coincidences again in 6x7 “Cursed”.  After she and Eddie finished their conversation with Felisa, Athena said, “You know what I believe in even less than a curse, COINCIDENCE”.

Based on their comments along with all the foreshadowing and metaphors that have been included in season 6 alone, it appears 9-1-1 doesn’t do coincidences and after the mini-hiatus, I saw the second instance of a married man wearing his wedding ring on his right hand.

In 6x13 “Mixed Feelings”, the husband in the last emergency call wore his wedding ring on his right hand just like Connor did in 6x12 even though his wife Patsy wore hers on her left hand.

The third instance, which makes this a pattern instead of a coincidence happened a few seconds later. When Eddie asked the husband what they were doing when the pain started and if they were doing things “the old-fashioned way”, the husband started to explain but when Buck said, “Oh, yeah…” Pasty screamed to get their attention and both Buck and Eddie held up their right hands to cover their faces.

I still wasn’t sure why the two married men wore their wedding rings on their right hands until I remembered two things.  First, Buck was involved in both conversations and he talked directly with both men. That may not seem like it matters but during 6B, the show hinted heavily at a Madney proposal which means those conversations could have happened with Chimney instead of Buck since he was the one who was going to propose before 6x17 “Love is in the Air”.  Also, Chimney doesn’t know Connor and he wasn’t involved in the call with the husband and wife like Hen, Buck and Eddie were; therefore these two instances can’t be related to Chimney. The second thing I remembered was the question Eddie asked the husband during the emergency.

He asked him if they were doing things “the old-fashioned way” and that’s when I realized both husbands were in situations where things were not “traditional”. Connor and Kameron did not go the traditional route to conceive a baby.  They asked Buck to be their sperm donor which means Connor wearing his wedding ring on his right hand is related to Buck. The husband in the last emergency was using a “non-traditional” method to try and please his wife and he was talking to Buck too.  While they were talking, Buck realized he wasn’t as skilled with his “Firehose” as he originally thought (I’ve already posted about his woodworking skills and it’s linked here). Then in 6x17, Buck started looking for a ring cutter that he apparently, keeps in his kitchen to remove Maddie’s engagement ring but when she asked him why he had one, he avoided answering her question.  He doesn’t wear jewelry of any kind so why would he have a ring cutter, especially since he doesn’t wear rings (at least he doesn’t wear rings that can be seen👀👀)?  If he has worn a ring on one of his hands before then it’s possible the ring cutter was used to remove it but it’s also possible it may have been used to remove a “non-traditional” type of ring. Reminder, the 118 has responded to several emergencies this season with couples who were involved in “non-traditional” situations when an injury occurred, i.e., in 6x2 “Crash and Learn” a husband found out about his wife cheating with their neighbor, in 6x8 “9-1-1 What’s Your Fantasy?” the couple on top of the firetruck and 6x13 “Mixed Feelings” the couple with the misplaced pleasure item.

The point is there were two married men wearing their wedding rings on their right hands and both of them talked directly with Buck along with the last one talking to both Buck and Eddie.  This could very well be far-fetched speculation but it also might not be that outlandish when everything that’s happened during this second half of the season is considered. Marriage has been a huge topic during this part of 6B and there’s also been speculation about Buck and Eddie having a fast wedding sometime around or after 6x18 “Pay it Forward.”  When that speculation is combined with the comment Bobby made in 6x16 “Lost and Found” while the team was riding in the firetruck, it’s possible all of these things are related.  After Hen explained the way she and Karen were planning to propose during their weekend get-away, Bobby said, “Couldn’t ask for a clearer sign that you two were meant to be together”, it was followed by the camera panning to Buck and Eddie instead of it being directed back on Hen.

Is it possible the two married men wearing their rings on their right hands was foreshadowing and could it be related to Buck and Eddie’s relationship?  Only the showrunner(s), writers and producers know the answer to that question.

[skulduggery-pleasant-bp9]

Playing with a Coroner and a Detective is not wise - Skulduggery x Male!Reader Universe

WARNING!: Anger issued Reader, cursing, threatening, mild violence, Fergus x Beryl (They are really people responsible for snger issues) AND MORE ! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED !

Part 1 - Gordon’s Testament

Gordon was dead and the Edgley Family was with Gordon’s lawyer, to hear who inherited what. Fergus, Beryl, Carol and Crystal were VERY impatient, while they had to wait for two more people.

“Can’t we just start without them already ?!”, Beryl demanded like a spoiled brat.

“No, we have to wait for the last two people.”, Mr. Fedgewick answered nervously.

Then a man, face completely covered in a scarf, hat and sunglasses, entered.

“I apologize for my lateness, it really didn’t get sooner.”, the man excused himself.

“You are ?”, Fergus asked with annoyance.

“Skulduggery Pleasant.”, the covered man answered.

Beryl scoffed and looked at Melissa and Desmond.

“Of course YOUR brat will be late ! At such an important day he HAS to be late !”, she yelled.

“Don’t talk about my Brother like that.”, Stephanie defended.

Then Melissa’s phone rang and she sighed in relief as she saw her Son’s name appear. She answered and put him on speaker.

“Hello, Son. Where are you ?”, she asked worried.

“Hey Mom ! I am so sorry ! I forgot to bring something to my workplace and had to go there to turn it in, because it was due for today. Then I wanted to drive straight to Mr. Fedgewick’s and meet you all there, but I am stuck in traffic. A car accident happened and I am stuck in here. I will need another 10 to 15 minutes to get out of here. Do you think you can wait that long ? Otherwise I am fine with you all hearing Uncle’s Will without me. It will be saddening that I am not there, but this was really unexpected and I am unsure how long Mr. Fedgewick will have time. He probably has other clients too...”, a teenage boy’s voice explained.

Before Beryl and Fergus could snarl at Fedgewick, to read the Will already, Stephanie replied.

“We can wait. This reading means a lot to you and you are Family too.”

Melissa nodded and smiled at her, while Stephanie’s Aunt and Uncle scoffed in hatred.

“She is right, Son. Just be careful and don’t drive too fast, yes ?”, Melissa said worried.

“I will be careful, Mom. I will be there soon. I am really sorry, that I am so late today. Usually I am always the first one to arrive and this is just embarrassing...”

“It could have happened to anyone, Son. Don’t sweat it. I stuck a lot in traffic and came late to work and meetings. No one was ever mad at me for it.”, Desmond replied happily.

The boy chuckled.

“Thanks, Dad. I love you two, see you soon. And Steph...when I arrive there, you better give me back my SD card.”

Stephanie chuckled.

“I have it in my bag.”

“Good.”

With that they hung up and waited a bit more.

-Twenty minutes later-

He cursed as he ran through the corridors and to the office. Why had this to happen to him at this day ?! Got he could beat himself up about this right now ! He soon arrived at the door and knocked gently.

“Come in !”, Fedgewick’s voice called.

He opened the door and breathed heavily, then entered and closed the door, taking off his coat.

“I am so very sorry that I am late. Traffic was a nightmare. The police gave my side two minutes to pass, while the other got ten. The traffic lights were broken and there was a nasty car accident, so police had to deal with it. Did I miss anything important already ?”, the Teenager asked.

“Are you M/n Edgley ?”, Fedgewick asked.

“Yes, that is me. Do you need my ID ? I have brought it with me, in case.”, M/n replied.

Fedgewick nodded and M/n quickly got out his purse and pulled out his ID card. He gave it to Fedgewick and he checked it over, after that he nodded and gave it back to him.

“Well then, FINALLY we can start.”, Beryl replied pissed and glared at M/n.

M/n scoffed as he sat down.

“Shut it, woman, you are the most disrespectful person here. If I were you, I would be praying that I even got something from my Brother in law. For your personality, I wouldn’t be surprised if he would only give you a boot to the head.”, he replied to her comment.

“You little shit ! Respect your elders !”, she yelled.

“You are older than me ? Then fucking act like it. All I see is a spoiled little brat that is a five year old. You aren’t older than me.”, he scoffed.

“Why YOU-?!”

“Anyways. Now that I am here, let us start, yes ? I still have so much paperwork to do...”, M/n said slightly saddened and rudely interrupting Beryl.

Just then he spotted Skulduggery Pleasant and he gave the person a smile.

“I think we haven’t met before. My apologies, that I didn’t notice you, Sir. My name is M/n Edgley. What is yours, if I may ?”

“It is nice to meet you Mr. Edgley. My name is Skulduggery Pleasant.”, the man covered in a scarf, sunglasses and had said, nodding his head in respect.

“Ah, Uncle talked a bit about you. His best friend, as much, as I recall. Nice to finally see you in person. I was worried that Gordon was messing with me at this point, given I never saw you around.”

The man chuckled.

“I was pretty busy, but came to visit often.”, he replied.

“Ah, that explains it. The job must be pretty serious then, otherwise you would have a lot of time. Every job is different after all.”, M/n said smiling.

Skulduggery nodded.

“He is a weirdo. Who covers their face like this ?”, Fergus scoffed in disgust.

M/n’s smile fell and it turned into an annoyed glare.

“Believe it or not, Mr. Snotty 24/7, there are people that are VERY insecure about their looks and rather hide them. From where would YOU know, what this Gentleman went through, huh ? Maybe he had a terrible accident and his face got it worst or he was attacked once and barely made it out alive or he was born a bit weird looking, that he started to hate it. Who the flying FUCK are YOU, to judge people that hide their face, hmm ?”, M/n snarled back in disrespect, getting fed up with his and his Wife’s attitude.

“You little-!”

“Now then, I deeply apologize for these Crack heads. Can we start ? I fear if I stay any longer with them in here, I will start a scene. I never got along with these people.”, M/n asked kindly and rudely interrupted Fergus.

Stephanie smiled in amusement and Fedgewick chuckled slightly.

“You are almost like Gordon was. Honest and still humorous.”, the lawyer said.

“What can I say ? I take more after him. I liked the way he was as a person and looked slightly up to him. Thanks to him, I am the person I am today.”, M/n said happily.

Stephanie, her parents and Fedgewick smiled at that, while the other half of the Edgley Family glared at him. Then Fedgewick started to give them all his condolences, with Baryl interrupted rudely, wanting to cut straight to the chase, which made M/n lose his smile yet again. He turned to her.

“Shut the fuck up, will you ? Here are people that cared about Gordon. Just because you don’t, doesn’t that mean, that you can tell anyone what to do. If you don’t wanna hear it, then get the fuck out. No one wants to hear your snotty, bratty attitude.”

“How about you learn manners ?!”, Fergus yelled.

“How about you look in a mirror and take your own advice, Fergus ? You, your Wife and your children are all VERY disrespectful. So shut the fuck up and if you don’t like it, get the fuck out. No one wants to hear you, you Gold diggers.”, M/n snarled back in hatred.

“You little adopted shit !”, Carol yelled.

M/n glared at her.

“You, better bake VERY little buns right now, you little Bitch. Get involved again and I might make you shut up in a way you won’t like.”, he threatened darkly.

“Is that a threat towards my daughter ?!”, Beryl yelled.

“Yes, it is ! You all apparently didn’t learn any manners as children, so I might as well, smack her across the face if she keeps it up ! You two grown up idiots can’t even raise your own kids properly !”, M/n hollered.

Stephanie got up and went over to her older, adopted, Brother. She pulled him into a hug, while he continued to glare at the wedded couple with hatred and disgust.

“Calm down, M/n... They aren’t worth it.”, she tried to calm him down.

“I can’t do this anymore, Stephanie ! Everywhere we go or show up with them, they are like this ! They treat everyone like utter shit and think they are the most perfect people ever ! I am sick and tired of it ! All they do is embarrass us ! God, every time we go somewhere with these people, I am in second hand embarrassment ! I have to pretend that I don’t even KNOW them, with their disgusting attitude ! I’m sick and tired of it !”

At that everyone was dead silent. M/n was pissed off and that rightfully.

“I HATE them ! All they do is care about themselves ! They never cared about Uncle Gordon and now they demand to get something from him ?! I hope they get close to nothing from him !”, he yelled.

Stephanie hugged M/n tighter and he hugged back, tears coming to his eyes. No one could tell if it was from rage or sadness, but it, none the less, made everyone go silent at once, while Stephanie was there for him.

After a while, she parted and pulled her chair next to him, so she was close, in case he had another rage episode. M/n was always short tempered and quick to rage when Fergus and Beryl were around with their kids. It wasn’t always like that, but one day, they were just toxic to each other and M/n wanted nothing to do with them since, only if necessary, did he spend time with them. And with necessary, it meant when Melissa forced him to stay and spend time with the whole Family.

“Excuse me...please continue.”, M/n got out with a quiet voice.

He was still calming down, but Fedgewick nodded and started with opening the Testament. Again giving his condolences and everything, this time, no one interrupted him, in fear M/n will lash out again.

Skulduggery kept a close eye on M/n. The Teenager seemed to be between 15 and 18 years of age and he seemed very sad.

Then Fedgewick read out what Beryl and Fergus got.

His Car, boat and a little present. As they asked what the present was, in excitement, he opened a small box and in it laid a brooch. It looked old, but M/n, none the less, smirked.

Gordon’s car wasn’t worth much to sell, the brooch was old and pretty, but not much worth and then the boat. It was a small one and also not worth much, because it was old and needed some work to look better.

M/n would have laughed, if he wouldn’t feel so incredibly sad at the same time. His Uncle was dead. He always brightened up his day after work, always knew what to do with him...He was the best and he left. Why couldn’t someone from Fergus’ side have died ? They were always rude and mean...and they only cared about the money Gordon made anyways. They didn’t like M/n either and they never helped, nor supported him, in anything he did.

It was unfair !

After that, they tried to know what else they got, but that was all, which made Beryl wail. M/n scoffed and stared at her with darkness in his eyes.

“Kindly get out of the room and cry. As many say in my workplace ‘Cry silently, Chantalle.’”, M/n scoffed.  (In my school we knew that term, please don’t take it as offense, whoever knows a Chantalle ! We just had that saying !)

Fedgewick then looked at Skulduggery Pleasant and read out a small text that Gordon wrote down. He left the man only an advice.

“Your path is yours alone and I don't want to dissuade you, but sometimes we find the greatest enemy within ourselves and fight the greatest battles against the darkness within. A storm is coming and sometimes the key to safe harbor remains hidden from us. Sometimes, however, it is right in front of our eyes.”

Everyone stared at Skulduggery with wide eyes, besides M/n. He was very interested in that advice. It sounded more like a riddle he had to solve. M/n got out his phone, opened Word and then wrote the whole thing down quickly. He will figure this out ! His Uncle was very cryptic, but he knew for a fact that this was a riddle. He will solve it !

Stephanie looked at her older Brother and saw that he typed it all down quickly. So he thought it was important and a riddle to solve. She knew, from the moment this stranger entered the office, that there was something about him. Something mysterious and dangerous.

M/n stuffed his phone back into his pocket as he finished and waited for the rest to snap out of their momentum.  Skulduggery only nodded silently. Fergus then told his Wife that they were at least lucky enough to get the few things Gordon had, instead of some stupid advice. She just hissed at him to be silent, which made him cower away.

“He is right, be grateful, Beryl. And you know what the best part is ? This Gentleman is taking it with dignity and respect. Just an advice and yet, he accepts this and doesn’t whine about it. I understand why he liked you, Mr. Pleasant.”, M/n said smiling.

Skulduggery chuckled softly and nodded.

“Thank you. His advices are greatly appreciated. I need them a lot.”, he replied.

M/n smiled.

“My Uncle was cool in that way, aren’t I right ? He helped me with these a lot too.”

“Hah ! A Team member then, huh ?”, he asked jokingly.

“Seems so.”, M/n chuckled.

Then Melissa and Desmond had their turn. He joked about leaving Desmond his Wife, that he successfully took away from Gordon. Of course it was a joke. They were saddened a bit and then Fedgewick read out that Desmond also inherited his Villa in France.

Beryl made a scene at that, while Fergus wanted her to stop her tantrum. She went on about how much worth it is and it made M/n’s blood boil.

“Fergus, put her on a leash, before I snap and slap her so hard that she will see starts, pass out and wake up in a hospital.”, M/n growled out pissed.

Fergus grew worried. M/n never threatened to hurt Beryl.

“Beryl, please calm down...”

“NO !”

M/n snapped up and stalked towards her.

“You shut your ugly trap right now ! Otherwise you won’t like the outcome, Bitch ! I warned you multiple times that I am VERY close to snap at you ! Sit your fat ass down and shut it !”, M/n screamed.

“You are my Nephew ! You have to RESPECT ME YO-!”

SLAP !

The whole room was dead silent and Beryl looked at her left, eyes wide in shock, while her right cheek formed a red handprint. M/n glared at her, his hand still in position to give her a backhand slap too. M/n looked livid.

“I. Said. SHUT THE FUCK UP AND SIT YOUR ASS DOWN, BITCH !”, M/n screamed at her pissed off.

She whimpered and sat down instantly, tears in her eyes.

“Just WHY do we have to deal with people like YOU, Beryl ?! My GOD are you ANNOYING and OBSESSED with showing off and money ! No wonder Uncle Gordon didn’t want you to have anything too expensive ! Such an ungrateful woman like you, I have NEVER met in my LIFE !”, M/n raged.

Stephanie quickly pulled him to his chair and hugged him tightly again. She was his anchor, when he let his rage consume him.

“DON’T mess with my Family, Bitch ! They deserved the Villa, because they CARED about Gordon as a PERSON, not some fucking PAYCHECK !”

“We are Family too, M/n.”, Fergus said softly.

“NO YOU ARE NOT ! I WILL NEVER ACCEPT YOU AS A PART OF MY FAMILY ! ALL YOU EVER DID WAS HATE UNCLE GORDON ! YOU !!! HIS OWN FUCKING BROTHER !! GO TO HELL, FERGUS !”, M/n yelled in rage and pure hatred.

He looked away, scared for his life.

“M/n, Brother, remember what the psychologist said a few years ago, yeah ? Don’t let your rage consume you. Take deep breaths. Relax. No one is hurt. We are all fine. Remember what Uncle Gordon said, yes ?”, she whispered into his ear.

M/n’s rage was gone in a flash as she mentioned Gordon. His eyes went wide and then he hugged her back, tears again in his eyes.

“S-sorry, Steph...”, he muttered out.

“It’s okay. Just stay calm, okay ? No one is hurt and we won’t have to endure them that long anymore, okay ? After this testament is over, we can leave and have some bobba tea, okay ?”

He nodded with a small smile and sat down again, this time Stephanie sat on his lap, to keep him grounded.

“Is he always like this ? No judgment, just curious.”, Skulduggery asked softly.

Melissa and Desmond looked at him worried, while Stephanie felt like she had to answer him.

“Only if someone hurts us, threatens us or if Beryl and Fergus are around him with their kids. He is very overprotective of Family and he hates people that see his Family as an object, they can use. So he gets pissed off very easily.”, she answered softly.

M/n wrapped his arms around his little Sister and hid his face in her left shoulder, still trying to calm down. She felt that he was shaking. Skulduggery only nodded at that. He knew that kind of rage and protectiveness. It has been a while since he saw someone, who was just like he used to be.

“Can we please just continue ?”, M/n asked softly.

Stephanie rubbed M/n’s hands softly, to help him calm down. Fedgewick looked back down at the paper and continued to read, understanding that M/n got more and more unstable.

“With all that sorted out, I want to come to my Niece and Nephew now.”, he read out loud.

M/n and Stephanie looked at him with wide eyes. They will also inherit something ? Is Uncle Gordon serious ?

“I regret that I never had children of my own, but at the same time I felt lucky that I never had any, if I think at what Fergus and Beryl produced.”, he contined to read out.

M/n smirked and Stephanie had to keep her chuckle in.

“Although I have to admit that I saw Steph and M/n like my own kids at some point, sorry Melissa and Desmond, but I had to be honest. M/n, I know that you are adopted and that you always felt like, you weren’t good enough for anyone. That you felt like you never tried or did enough, but I promise you, you are enough. You do enough. You try enough. I know you are only 16 years of age, but you already finished school and college with 13 years of age, thanks to your incredible intelligence. I am proud of you and of how far you have come in such little time. And as you know, I let you move in with me, so you have more space to work and storage notes in and for Stephanie to finally have a bigger room to herself. I don’t want you to move out, so I decided, since you and Steph were both like my own kids that you have to share my house together.”

Their eyes went wide and M/n smiled happily. He was already worried where he should go that had enough space for him to work even from home, but now, this was a blessing to him. And he will share it with his little Sister ! He hugged her tightly, he didn’t mind sharing, all he wanted was for her to own the house too and he was happy they both own it now.

“Stephanie, my wonderful niece, I hope you aren’t all that mad with that decision. I want to give you also a few words, before I reveal what else YOU alone will inherit. The world is bigger, than you think, and scarier, as you can imagine. The only currency, that is worth something, is that, you always stay loyal to yourself, and the only goal, that is worth going for, is to find out, who you really are.”, Fedgewick read out.

She was giving a sad smile, while M/n smiled at her too, saddened, but with slight joy for her.

“Make your parents proud and take care, that they are lucky, to have you, because I am leaving to you all of my possessions, my financial assets and my royalties. They shall with the day, you’ll turn eighteen, be transferred to you. I want to use this opportunity and tell you, that I love you all in my very own way, even those, that I don’t like very much. I mean you with that, Beryl.”

Beryl scoffed softly, but instantly cowered away as M/n glared at her, with a dark promise.

“Before we end this whole testament, I want to remind you of something, M/n.”, Fedgewick continued to read out.

M/n snapped his attention back to him, listening.

“We all know you have serious anger issues and you are very overprotective, maybe even a bit territorial, of the Family. Anything bad, no matter how small, sets you off into a raging storm and that goes to Family only. Remember what I told you. No matter how outraged you get, try to keep a clear head for me, okay ? Rage can make you blind and you could lash out, doing or saying something, you didn’t mean to. Rage makes you think illogically, so please, always try to stay calm enough to take in your surroundings. Think, before you act. I know you are a very smart and clever boy, so please use that head of yours. I know you will miss me terribly, because now you have no one that will help you out, when you are stuck or stressed out, so I thought of something small, but don’t have too much hope on it.”

M/n listened very carefully and he was confused. What was his Uncle planning ?

“I bet you met Skulduggery Pleasant, my friend that I told you a bit about. You two have almost similar jobs. I ask of Skulduggery, as a very good friend, to give you his phone number. He might be able to help you in some problems you are going to be stuck in. And no, Skul, I don’t mean any physical problems, I mean in his job, some problems. After all...your jobs are almost the same. Please help him out when he asks for your help. I trust you enough for this. I love you all and I hope you will live happily.”, Fedgewick finished and took off his glasses.

M/n was surprised and Skulduggery seemed to be too.

“Similar jobs, huh ?”, Skulduggery asked.

“What kind of job, M/n ?”, Melissa asked.

M/n felt himself sweating at that question.

“Marketing ! I got promoted and I do marketing stuff now and I design websites. I didn’t know Mr. Pleasant had something similar to it.”, he lied quickly.

Skulduggery seemed to pick up on it, while the others blindly believed him.

“Ah, yes. I do something quite similar. I am surprised you do such a job as well.”, he replied, playing along.

“You might have some tricks that I don’t know of. Can’t wait to learn from them.”, M/n played it off.

“Of course.”

Stephanie got up and M/n stood up as well. Beryl threw a fit and M/n raced out of the room, wishing Fedgewick a nice day and thanking him for everything. Skulduggery was close behind him.

“Alright.”, M/n said as he was alone with the mysterious man.

“What are you actually doing for a job ?”, M/n asked.

“You say yours first.”, Skulduggery replied.

“I work as a Coroner.”, M/n answered honestly.

Skulduggery was stunned into silence.

“You, a Coroner ?”

“Yep. I worked and studied very hard for it and with 13 years I got the job. I have been very good since, but there are newly some...clients that seem to have died...weirdly. Or better...murdered....weirdly... Any time I was stuck and couldn’t make sense of it, Gordon helped me. He made me relax and then we talked about it, then he came up with conclusions and at least one of them was always right.”, M/n explained.

“You are sixteen and you work as a Coroner ?”, he repeated.

“I had to grow up way faster than others. When you lived on the streets for a while and saw horror at its worst, as a kid none the less, you don’t get scared that easily anymore when you work with corpses.”, M/n said slightly monotone.

“Oh dear... I work as a Detective.”, Skulduggery answered softly.

M/n stared at the masked man in surprise.

“Huh. Uncle was right then. We have similar jobs. You solve the Crime and who did it, while I inspect the corpses and what killed them.”

“Seems so.”

“Though, I bet you do a different Detective job, because I’ve never seen, nor heard of you around here before. So I guess you work on ‘special’ cases. Am I right ?”

“You can call it that.”, Skulduggery confirmed.

“Okay... I have some ‘special’ cases sometimes, that the Crime police doesn’t want to waste their time on, because they think it is stupid or too much of a hassle. I can send you one and you could tell me if that would fall into your categories of ‘special’ cases.”, M/n offered.

“That would be a good idea.”

“Well then...phone number ? I could send you pictures of the reports then.”

“Oh, right.”

Skulduggery pulled out a pen and paper and wrote down his phone number, then he gave it to M/n.

“Thank you, Sir.”

“If we work together a few times, just call me Skulduggery. Sir makes me feel older than I am.”

“Okay, Skulduggery. I will text you later, when I have the reports.”

“Splendid.”

Then Skulduggery looked at his pocket watch and sighed.

“Well, I have to get going to work now.”, he told the Teen.

He was about to leave as M/n stopped him.

“Hey.”

“Yes ?”, Skulduggery asked.

“If you need help or something, tell me, yeah ? I might look like I don’t know a lot, but I know more than anyone thinks. If you are stuck on something, tell me and I’ll try to help. Helping goes both ways, after all.”, M/n said softly, with a kind smile.

Skulduggery felt touched.

“I will. Same goes to you. If you are in ANY trouble, call me. I will come to help.”

“Any trouble ? Even physical ones ?”, M/n asked softly.

“Any trouble. That includes physical trouble. If you feel watched or are being followed, call me and I will come.”

M/n smiled brighter and nodded.

“I will, thank you.”

“You are welcome. After all, Coroner is just as much of a dangerous job, as a Detective one’s is.”

With that Skulduggery left and M/n felt a bit touched. He understood now why Gordon liked this guy.

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StrayTeeze Trope’Pril - Trope Prompt 7: Friends to lovers

Post Date: 20th April 2023 Content: Fluff/ Smut - Friends to lovers : Changbin x Reader Word Count: 1.1K TW?: N/A Summary: After a long period of mutual pining, Chan gets a plan together to make Changbin take the first move. But you do it first.

~

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“That’s not fair!” You kick and scream, being draped over Changbin’s shoulder after you tried to keep yourself grounded to the couch.

“No! You said you’ll come to the gym with me so you’re coming!” He laughs, not even a struggle in sight despite you kicking about over his shoulder.

Giving up moments later, you let your body fold over his shoulder.

“It’s not that bad!” Changbin tries his best to sweeten up the deal, but you sigh heavily against his back.

“I’ve heard about you being a trainer, I’m going to die.”

Yes, you’re being dramatic about it but you seriously would much rather be sitting on the couch and eating ice cream.

“Ah, I see you’re trying to kill her off?” Chan chips in, following you both out of the apartment.

“Yes he is!” You whine out loud, pretending to cry as you lift up your head to look up at Chan being you.

“Shush, I’ll go easy on you.” Changbin defends himself turning to Chan who pinks at him.

“What was that wink for? Are you in on it too?” You cry out, giving Chan daggers as he laughs, squeaking in the process.

“I think it’s cute that he wants you to join him. Couple goals.” He teases in turn, Changbin turning red in the face.

Not long ago did he confess to his friends about liking you. And you did the same to them. But neither of you know that you’ve told the boys about your crush and they haven’t said anything to you about how each of you feel.

You’re oblivious to it, hence why you think they both planned this just to tease you. This means they get to bully you into doing more intense workouts and you’d rather stuff your face with ice cream.

“We’ll go easy on you, I promise.” Changbin sings gently as he lets you down.

If you’re quick enough, you can get out of his full grasp and run back to the flat.

Ready.

Set.

Trapped.

Chan’s getting hold of you and does the same as Changbin by putting you over his shoulder.

“Nope, you’re coming now.” He laughs gently, dropping you into Changbin’s open arms, laying you into them as though he was doing the bridal pose.

“Now isn’t that romantic?” Chan childishly talks, running down the corridor away from Changbin who glares at him in return.

Putting you down to your feet, he wraps an arm around your shoulders.

“I promise, we’ll go at your pace.” He whispers, smirk twitching at the corner of his lips.

You curse at him at first, but give up the fight.

He better keep his word.

Fortunately for you Changbin insists that you got to choose what you did for the workout, taking a lot of pressure off you.

“Come on, let’s do some stretches first.” Changbin smiles sweetly and he starts doing so, Chan following his lead.

Once you’ve finished stretching, you move onto going on the tread mill, Changbin taking the one next to you as he keeps giving reassuring smiles.

He wasn’t challenging you, but you couldn’t help but her distracted by how amazing he looks in his gym gear.

If anything, the way he effortlessly jobs on the treadmill, and his structure of doing so, throws you off guard.

One second you’re running on the machine, the next, you’re on the floor, butt hitting the ground with a thud.

“What’s gotten you so distracted?” Changbin laughs, helping you up off the floor as you scratch your neck.

Though you’re flustered, you try to push through it, make a joke of it, “See, it’s a bad idea for me to be in the gym, working out. It’s doing more harm than good.”

Changbin giggles, Chan bursting into laughter behind him, “Come on, it seriously isn’t that bad if you keep your focus on it.”

“Yeah, stop getting distracted by attractive muscly men in the gym.” Chan quips, winking at you then points to Changbin from behind him.

“Shut up.” You hiss lightly, rolling your eyes before walking away to do some bench presses.

Changbin just laughs, not thinking much of it and draws himself towards you.

“You’re holding it wrong.” He sighs teasingly, helping your reposition your hands on the bar, leaning over just to see how pretty you looked.

“I can do it! Thank you!” Pouting at him as you brush away his hands.

Changbin steps back, defensive hands in front of him, just grinning at you.

To be fair, from Chan teasing you about getting distracted by Changbin, you found it pretty easy to do the reps.

Could Chan blame you? He knows that you’ve been attracting to Changbin for years by this point. Even once telling you that you should just try kiss him.

Plan.

Worst case scenario, he doesn’t like you back but at least he knows how you really felt.

Forcing a false reaction to a decline in ability, you sigh and whine, Changbin rushing to help place the bar back on the rack.

He gently takes hold of your hands and you panic.

Flustered by his natural beauty, reminding yourself of why you’d drop everything in a heartbeat for him.

But now’s your only chance.

“Are you okay?” Changbin asks, worry in his voice as he assists you to sit up, sitting on the end of the bench but leans in slightly.

“I’m good.” You grin, taking this chance to pull him in for a kiss, which he instantly melts into.

His hands gently cup your face as he deepens the kiss, completely distracted by you and no one else. Nothing else.

“I’ve been wanting to do that for so long.” He whispers as he pulls away, looking back at Chan briefly and shooing him away.

Chan squeals excitedly, turning away as you turn back to Changbin.

“I’m guessing he knew how we both felt so he made you drag me to the gym so you could try pull a similar move?”

You didn’t even need an answer, pushing a finger against his chest to push him away. His grin and gently hands still placed on your cheeks were a clear answer.

It didn’t feel awkward at all, it felt so right.

But now you have the motivation to work out, knowing that everything is working in your favour.

“So, are we the cutest couple in this gym?” Changbin teasingly asks, laughing as you throw him a glare but soften up.

“You think you’re so smooth don’t you?” You bite back teasingly.

“I’m very smooth thank you!” He defends himself dramatically, hands on his chest.

“Whatever you say.” You bite back with a smirk, kissing him again before pulling on his arm to drag him back to the treadmill.

“First one who gives up has to buy dinner.”

“You’re so on.”

~

Taglist: @hipster-shiz, @ateezreactionsandscenarios, @whatudowhennooneseesyou, @bellscamander

[yourfifitherealone]

Jealous

(this is a college AU NOT HS‼️‼️)

Non-binary friendly

Content warnings consist of:

cursing

Mentions of argument

Angst

Jealousy and jealous friendships

BTW THIS IS NOT FINISHED CONTINUE IT IF YOU'D LIKE 🤷🏾‍♀️

Ever since that costume party, Bakugou became more distant towards you. Not answering your calls, never wanting to hang out, one text answers were a daily occurrence for you two.

You tried to go to Bakugou's dorm and asked why he's been ghosting you but all of a sudden when you knocked and announced it was you, it went quiet and no one's home.

You started getting more aggravated not seeing Bakugou anymore with no explanation. You had really enjoyed being around him and when you think maybe he also shared the same feelings for you he acts like he doesn't know you. So today was the day you were gonna ask him no matter what happens.

You walked determined trough the halls to find Katsuki and ask him why you haven't seen him in a solid 3 weeks. "Hey what's up Y/N?" Sero asks with a wave. "Going to find Katsuki." "Why? Where's he?What happened? What did he do? Are you mad?" Denki appears. "He's been avoiding me, I don't really know but probably in his dorm, he ghosting me, same answer, no" You answered while Denki followed close behind. You knocked heavily on Katsuki's door.

"Whaddya want?" Katsuki said opening the door. He looks down at you and his eyes said it all.

"Why have you been avoid-" "We can talk about this later especially when Dunce-Face and shitty hair are gone at least, 'Kay?" He cuts you off backing into his dorm.

Bakugou's not a shy person but always has been nervous to admit he's wrong and when you want to resolve something he usually doesn't prefer to do it around others but when it's bad he just wants to make it up you didn't understand what was different now..."Hey guys, can you... you know?" They nodded and walked off in the same direction.

You threw up your hands and landed them on your hips, "well, what's up? Why are you avoiding me?"

"Later. I'm busy okay that's it, that's all. SPEAKING of busy... I gotta get ready for class." Then he closed the door on your faces leaving you more disappointed then before. "Uh not to be...y'know...we should probably get ready for class anyway" Denki whispered. "Where did you even -?" you sighed mid sentence and started walking, leaving Sero and Denki behind.

You slammed the door and fell onto your bed. You were upset but then the more you heard the echo of the door slamming you felt the tears well up in your eyes.

*Knock* *Knock*

You lifted up your head and then he started, "Hey. It's me Ejiro this might be embarrassing but I heard what happened and some others to...." You let your head face-first hit the pillow in embarrassment. "...but I am here to comfort you! Very manly of me, right?"

You stomped over to your door and yanked the himbo inside your room, "You gonna tell the whole world?! Jeez" "Heh sorry I wanted to make sure you were at least okay since Bakugou is.. not himself right now." You quickly turned your head, "What do you mean? Is he okay?" "Uh he's.. physically fine but shut downs every single interaction and he's not a very big talker but he's hasn't been like this before." You stayed quiet. What could've you said he didn't want to talk to you and that's that he's stalling on all of your conversations it's like you guys weren't friends at all.

"It's whatever anyways he doesn't even like me anymore i thought we'd be friends forever maybe that was just wishful thinking but we've been friends since highschool even went to the same college! I don't know what I did wrong. Ever since that stupid drunk filled costume party-" you realized, that was the last day he was himself. You two had both got into an argument over you "getting into the wrong crowd" and you felt like you're a grown woman and can hang out with whoever you pleased and Katsuki isn't your father so he can't voss you around and tell you what's good for you. He left the party by himself.

"Shit. I think he's mad about that argument. I had thought we'd gotten over it because the day after we talked just fine. We hung out, I left with a friend and now he's doing this shit!" "...I know you're mad but we have class in a few. Think about why he's so pissed while we're on break or something, alright?" "Sure, thanks Kiri. Very manly of you." You joked, still Kiri flashed a big, bright smile and took the compliment to heart.

Though Kiri SPECIFICALLY said on break to think about the issue, you couldn't help yourself in class while taking notes to do the math and add up why he's so upset with you.

'Bakugou really wasn't a fan of the friend I left with...but like be never acted out like y'know this. He just complained about it after they had left and went on rants about how my friend was a jerk and a whole bunch of other stuff. I am GOING to ask him. Katsuki has been my best friend for the longest'

'I need him in my life."

"Class dismissed!" The professor announced as the bell rung.

You rushed out and stood off to the side of the door while people walked to their next class/lecture.

"Pick up, pick up, pick up" you pleased holding your phone up to your ear. You paced until you heard

'Its Katsuki don't leave a voicemail, just call me later, idiot'

*BEEP*

You rolled your eyes, such a stupid voicemail. You ran to your dorm and grabbed a loose leaf paper, star stickers, and a pen and ran to your next class.

You slipped the handmade note under his door and went on with your day hoping, he'd answer.

At the end of the day you sat with Denki, Sero, Mina , Bakugou and a few others. You invite them to come over for something super personal and important and practically pleaded Bakugou to attend even if that'd be the last time you saw each other. When he arrived he showed affection he hadn't shown since that party, he put his scarred up hand from the nitroglycerin in his sweat and the battles he fought on your shoulder and said "I am... busy but it's not or at least I hope so, the last time we see each other, understand?" You smiled and hugged him. He pulled you in his embrace and you went back to sit in the circle with the rest of the group

[wizard-spider-man]

Asfelaeia Freedom Fighters

*The Wizard Spider-Man finds himself weakened after a casting a mighty ward to save part of the city from the necrotic rain.*

*There was a window of opportunity to strike back against Verglas. It would seem, in the face of the WISH's efforts, and the efforts of the AJC, Spidey's own wishes were being granted.*

A large group of individuals, a gathering of many folks from many walks of life, all gathered here for a single cause;

***To stop the blood rain and end the necrotic storm.***

"I have studied the blood rain, and the necrotic snow."

Spidey addresses this gathering.

"I've broken down the components of the Curse. I've figured out where he is. A mighty castle."

He coughs, having to clear his throat to yell some more.

"...technically a citadel, on the outskirts of the city. It would appear an icy ruin, but it's a fortified base of scum and villainy."

"I need your help to save your city. We all need each-other now, to stop Verglas. Who's with me!?"

*People cheer in response.*

*The Wizard Spider-Man feels the malaise weighing on his body. Grasping for steady breath, his exertion these last few days was reaching the limit.

Still, he pushed himself forward.

Spidey surveys the group, taking in their faces, filled with fear and determination.*

*This was the start of something. Something different, something new?*

"I know where he is, and I have ideas on how to stop him. But he's incredibly powerful. That means we need a plan of attack. Any ideas?"

A Merc, holding a big rifle and a bigger smile, responds.

"I know I’m fitting the stereotype here, but we can shoot it a lot."

""That's... part of the plan." *Spider-Man asked himself why WISH hired soldiers... we needed them, but did they need us?*

-

*Later that night, a strike team sat together in a makeshift war room.*

"The Gallows Company skelephants are armoured and function as troop carriers. Made of undeath and metal, they’re heavily resistant to necrotic damage. Also, they’re elephants so they’re pretty much immune to locked gates."

Captain Blacktongue says, skeletal voice like a shadowy whisper against the window.

"That sounds like a good start. Any other ideas? This castle is heavily fortified. We're gonna need more than just a few elephants and infantry."

Spidey says, prodding brains.

*Nhak, the tall armored man in the room speaks up, his golden armor drenched rose by the relentless onslaught of the rain…*

*Merged into his left shoulder was the outline of a woman in white, a ghost, with a green left eye, but where her right eye overlapped his left, there was a poignant golden glow… which shone as a light against the deep blacks of the snow…*

“The Skellephants would be good as siege vehicles…” he said.

“Speaking of, if anyone could find diagrams or even photographs of the castle… I could identify it’s weakpoints…”

“I’ve been around a long time, more command experience than you’d believe. I’ve never lost a siege… and I don’t plan on leaving this my first…”

The Masked Driver, Nirva, speaks up, standing near Revengeancer.

" …I know a way to get someone into the Citadel walls quickly…"

As the sun sank below the horizon, casting long shadows over the group of gathered individuals,

the Wizard Spider-Man took a moment to reflect.

This motley crew of soldiers, wizards, and mercs, all preparing for the epic battle that lay ahead...

The weight of responsibility, the value of their lives, sat heavily on his shoulders.

This fight felt personal. It was more than just the Good Fight, the Right Thing for the Sake of it. It was the future of the city and everyone in it at stake.

Even as he pondered the gravity of this endeavor, melancholy crept into his thoughts.

The city they were trying to save was scarred and broken, its once vibrant streets now blanketed in the cold embrace of the necrotic storm. Broken through to Undercity, where it was already a difficult place to be.

The thought of what had been lost gnawed at him, the thousands dead and thousands more lost to Nethis.

This group, these...Freedom Fighters. They inspired hope in him.

**He still didn't feel like a leader,**

**But something deep down was starting to get the idea.**

[trafficlifelights]

Secret life spoilers ahead!!

I have too much desert duo brainrot istg

I just NEED to talk about this seasons winner and something Grain said last season

During limited life Grain said something along the lines of "The one time I'm not teamed up with Scar he's actually doing damage" but this is heavily implied in other seasons and I think it's another pattern of sorts

In Third Life where Grian and scar are teamed up from the first episode Scar is his most harmless even when he's a red name, getting Grain to set the trap up instead of him and just claiming the triple kill since he's the red name and Grain is still green, he has a pet bee and robs people of their clothes not very scary

Then we have Last Life, the boogyman is implemented now so things are bound to be a little violent, Scar and Grain are not teamed this time around but at the beginning, Scar gives Grain a heart and Grain runs off with it and later on Grian signs a contract with Scar so that their friends now Scar is rather bloodthirsty this season when he's the boogy or turns red quite literally being consumed by bloodlust when turning red until someone gave him a heart so he was a yellow name, he way more violent than last season and not as close with Grian

Double Life comes around and the two by fate, chance and the narrative become soulmates and Grain is not having it, going as far to have a 'secret soulmate' at the start Scar is really docile, setting the ranch on fire over some animal disputes later on when Grian starts distancing himself from Scar and seeking out BigB, now once Scar finally understood what was happening between Grian and BigB things went downhill and became chaotic and Scar seemed more dangerous than before

Not last but Limited Life where the quote is said and the change is a lot more than the other three seasons where Grain instantly joins a group and Scar finds a different one where he has other people to fall back on but it's not like Grian it's just not the same and he's actively more violent and as soon as he can kill someone he's going for it being extremely bloodthirsty this season and killing a decent amount of people and attempting even more (not meaning permadeath) but he did eventually end up with a flimsy alliance with Grains group after awhile

FINALLY Secret Life and Scar won in a fit a bloodlust so consuming that Grian who is watching this play out have to tell him he's won the watcher that meddles in the death matches told him that he's won, the person that keeps him sane and non-violent to an extent having to bring him out of his still mid-fight mindset, Scar ended up with what I think was 11 kills? (not sure) and did lots of damage and survived to the end now this falls into two theories 'Grain always killing his teammates' and 'Grain keeping Scar friendly'

Scar was alone this whole season in the past he had other teammates to fall back on in Last Life it was Joel and everyone he made small alliances with and in Limited Life it was the family but this season he had nobody and he desperately tried to get friends but could not, making him his worst self and he didn't have Grain to keep him sane, he had nobody at all, and the one time he didn't make any alliance with Grain he lives any other time he has died and three of the seasons that was Grains fault for his permadeath of course Third life in the cactus ring, Double Life by getting killed, and Limited life stabbing him in the back.

The stars Aligned for Scar to win, having his skin reference the flowers Grian gave him back when their bond was unbreakably strong and how he didn't have Grian at all that season, and Grian's curse of killing his teammates not affecting Scar cause they have no alliance what so ever.

In both Secret Life and Third Life the winner is the villain of sorts the difference being in Third Life, Grian is a villain with loyalties who played his cards right and acted through Scar to kill and cause havoc while in Secret Life, Scar had no cards to play he was alone and both were doomed by the narrative, Grian had to kill his best friend to win and Scar had to win with nobody by his side

[buttered-milky]

IM SORRY THIS SAT IN MY DRAFTS SO LONG BUT I FINALLY EDITED IT

Ah. Time to articulate. So I want to be clear right at the start here and say most of this hinges on my own interpretations of symbolism. There is nowhere in the lore where anything says point blank “Marika wanted to make an angel of vengeance” (or something similar, but in fromsoft writing style). But to me it’s implied that’s what she did!

Basically, take this read with a grain of salt because it’s a lot of interpretation! You don’t have to enjoy it or agree with it, and symbols often represent many things, so there are definitely multiple ways to read Messmer.

That said let’s get into it.

First of all, I’m working under the assumption Messmer is Marika’s firstborn. This is heavily implied from Gaius’ greaves, which say Messmer was an elder brother to Radahn. The only other demigods we know to be older than Radahn would be Godwyn and the omen twins (? Possibly, unclear on where they fit in the timeline). Messmer could feasibly be somewhere in the middle of that lineup, but I think not based on his vibes and symbolism (we’ll get to this later in the post). I think Marika had him shortly after the genocide of her people. The O Mother gesture being in Bonny Village also implies this—like Marika gave birth somewhere familiar. This is slightly complicated by opening narration saying the first demigods were Godfrey’s children. Marika may have taken Godfrey as Elden Lord before she left the Shadow Lands, which would make this make sense.

Second of all: the genocide. Understandably, Marika was distraught with grief and rage after her people were destroyed and put into jars (items to check out here are anything to do with living jars, but specifically the tooth whip and the spectres around Bonny Village and the Gaols). This was done for spiritual reasons (implied by ghosts saying they’ll be “saints”), so it seems Marika’s apotheosis was a direct response to what happened and a very…thematic attempt at revenge.

That’s the key thing here: revenge. And that divinity is the way to get it.

Revenge is Marika’s focus right around the time she had Messmer. I think she may have manifested that desire in him. I don’t just mean that she raised him to be an armament of war (though that is likely true, too) but that she literally put all of what she was feeling into his soul.

…I know that’s very metaphysical and weird, but it is how I see their relationship. In fact, I think most if not all of Marika’s children represent some aspect of her own being and are manifestations of some desire. For example, Godwyn seems to be the first of Godfrey’s children born in Leyndell and is the incarnation of the “ideal” order of things.

But anyways back to Messmer.

Messmer was born of a “single god.” Regardless of who you think his second parent is (or if he even has one), Marika is the god this refers to. Something about her newly-given godhood and the depth of her human emotion just screams to me that she might’ve, accidentally or intentionally, birthed what she felt the world needed: something to bathe it in divine fire and avenge her people.

A lot of that read has to do with Messmer’s fire as well and how it’s discussed.

I know some people think the fire is his curse (and you could certainly view a soul full of vengeance this way) alongside the base serpent, but given the way items describe it, I don’t think so. It seems to me that the fire was only an attractant for the base serpent. Snakes sense our heat, after all, and we know from his Remembrance that the base serpent feeds off his fire. But without the base serpent, Messmer seems fine and has no issues using his fire. The fire doesn’t necessarily act as a curse—it just attracted one. That’s what I’m getting at when I say by creating an angel of vengeance, Marika ended up cursing her son.

What about the angel part of my original take? Well, Messmer is a demigod. But what originally got me thinking about this was the winged serpents. If you look at his character model, they run through his shoulders and exit from his spine and one shoulder blade. They can be held like (admittedly fucked up) wings, not to mention they have wings themselves. To me, that reads as angel.

It’s interesting to me that fire (vengeance) insta-cursed Messmer. Because that’s true to life. You can’t end cycles of violence by killing/hurting just One More Guy. If your only purpose in life is revenge, of fucking course you’re gonna end up with The Horrors gnawing at your soul.

That’s pretty much all I have for elaboration on my original take. Hope this helps 👍

TLDR: there is no canon evidence for the original post, I just like interpreting winged serpent positioning and fire symbolically and got “damn he’s an angel of vengeance.”

If you’re wondering why I’m like this: it’s because I’ve read Carrie, so now I get way too into religious vengeance in media since it reminds me of that book.

Bonus: biblically accurate angel vibes from all the eyes on the base serpent

Marika trying to create an angel of vengeance and instead accidentally laying a curse on her firstborn because Cycle of Violence is so….yeah. I don’t have the words right now to express this more articulately oops

[bukguhope]

𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞 - 𝐤𝐭𝐡

> he says you are suffocating him out of anger but regrets it when you put begin to avoid him in order to give him space

> all members series 1/7

> swearing, little angst, fluff

you were always an affectionate person, in friendships and relationships. when you first got together taehyung said it was one of the things he loved most about you, the way you happily greeted him whenever he walked through the door after work and smothered him in kisses. he always welcomed your affections and gave it right back to you. it was made you fall for each other initially, both being so affectionate as friends until it turned into something more. taehyung was infatuated with you and how loving you could be, it was like a borderline obsession with how often he’d be wanting you to cling onto him and never let go. it made him feel so secure and loved, no one had made him feel the way you did. it was exactly the same for you though, the way his arms felt around yours could not be beaten by anything else.

lately taehyung and been staying at work later and later as each day of the week passed on, you understood of course. you just carried on texting like you normally would, any thought that came to your mind to tell him you sent it. what worried you was that he began to respond less and less frequently, you assumed he was just practicing but as the time grew later you were getting frustrated. to ease your mind you gave him a call, pressing his name it rang a couple times before he finally answered

“what” your eyes widened at his bluntness, he was never so rude to you like this. no matter how stressed either one of you were, the pair of you knew that calm communication was the best thing for your relationship

“try again”

“i don’t have time to mess around what do you want?” he was breathing quite heavily indicating you had caught him in the middle of dance practice.

“you know what, i just wanted to see if my boyfriend was okay seems as it’s past midnight and he still hasn’t come home. seems as he didn’t tell me he would be so late” you had to bite your tongue tremendously, having to settle for passive aggressive before you actually start getting angry.

“well he’s fine, clearly” taehyung knew he was being childish, but today had been rough on him. from turning up late meaning he was already behind to not getting the steps right to any choreography- he had enough.

“you sound frustrated, did you want me to come bring you some food? some drinks maybe?” trying to understand his behaviour, you give him some options that might cheer him up instead of playing up to his harshness.

“no just, stop being clingy and give me some fucking space” your mouth fell open, not even having time to reply as he hangs up the phone. the hand holding your phone to your ear goes limp, you were utterly shocked at the way you were just spoken to. it was like a different man was on the other line of the phone. as soon as taehyung hung up though he groaned in annoyance at himself, none of his bad day was your fault. in fact you were what usually made his days better, and now he’s just insulted you with a side of swearing at you too - fuck. he was truly disappointed in himself, about to call you back to apologise he was stopped when he was called back to start a dance routine over again. cursing to himself he throws the phone in his bag before joining the group. taehyung couldn’t help but return to his fowl mood as soon as he went back to work, thoughts of the whole conversation leaving his mind. in fact by the time he was heading back to your shared home, he pretty much forgot how rude he was as work consumed his mind.

meanwhile you made your way to bed, laying in darkness while you thought about that phone call. it was 1:30am at this point and your heart jumped when you heard the front door open, letting you know taehyung had arrived home. the whole time after that phone call you were thinking about what he said to you. how he needed space, something he’s never indicated before. you thought he always enjoyed how close you were to each other, how you were so affectionate but really he - didn’t like it? you came to the conclusion to just give him what he wanted, you’d put some space between you too and become less clingy. as taehyung walked into the house he was surprised to see darkness, usually you’d wait up to see him. you were quite the night owl so normally you’d be up late anyway, he shrugged it off but hurried to the bedroom just to make sure you were still in the house. opening the door he was happy to see you tucked into bed, sighing he began to get changed before sliding right in next to you. he drapes an arm over you and you let him, not reacting not moving into him. he let out a frown and tucked himself into your back tightly before sleeping.

the next morning taehyung woke up groggily and unusually cold. blindly he reaches around for you to get some warmth but his hand was only met with the sheets and an empty space where you would usually be. with sleepy eyes he sits up before finally getting out the bed, checking the time he notices he doesn’t have long to get ready and head to the studio in order to record. heading down the stairs he notices you sat at the kitchen table, eating breakfast without him. that’s strange, normally you’d wait so you could at least have one meal together but he didn’t look too much into it.

“morning” he calls out and you look up and offer a small smile, he plates himself some before digging in. something felt off, it seemed a lot colder this morning without you sitting yourself on his lap and planting a kiss on his lip like you normally did. instead you stood up and began to wash your plate, not saying a word as you left the kitchen. he watches your figure walk back upstairs and confusion hits, he thought you’d at least sit with him and talk but he was left to eat in silence and he grew to miss your presence instantly. once he’s done and clearing his plate he hears you come back down the stairs

“iam off have a good day” he couldn’t rush to the door quicker when he heard your voice, but it was already closed by the time he got there. now you were definitely acting strange, no goodbye kiss? no i love you? no iam gonna miss you? all normal behaviour for you but he didn’t get any of it. shaking his head he gets ready for the day before heading off to the studio, maybe he was overthinking it but he couldn’t stop replaying the morning over and over. and it was still on repeat the whole time he was working, but the longer the day went on he forgot about it. five hours into the day and taehyung was still deep with work when he found himself checking his phone, knowing he probably had some messages from you as he always did- but there was nothing. no missed calls and no un opened texts. he couldn’t help but feel a little deflated, you normally had something to say even it was asking how his day was going.

“you good?” he looks up to a worried jimin eyeing him

“uh yeah iam fine” his friend nods before sitting down next to him, taehyung slides his phone back into his pocket still wondering why you could possibly not be trying to reach him

“how’s y/n? she normally stops by on thursday’s?” now this had him thinking, how could he forget you’d come by to drop off a late lunch for everyone or some snacks to cheer everyone up? he lost track of the week so much he didn’t even remember what day it was

“must be busy with work” he offers a quick excuse, too embarrassed he forgot his own girlfriends normal visits

“doesn’t she finish early today though? that’s why she comes by?” of course you did, and of course he used the only excuse that wouldn’t work.

“right, i’ll get hold of her- see if she’s okay” with that taehyung pulls his phone back out, seeing there were still no messages even though he hoped there would be. sending a quick message asking if you were alright and if you’d be by at any point he waits, silently staring at the screen. but no matter how hard he stared, you didn’t reply, you didn’t even open his message. at this point he contemplated calling you, worried something did actually happen.

“call her, no harm checking” jimin utters as if reading his thoughts before standing and leaving taehyung. with his friend suggestion, he does pull up your contact and call you. to his surprise you pick up quite quickly

“hello”

“hi baby you okay?”

“am fine” he was taken aback by your bluntness, normally you were extraordinarily sweet with him that’s what made him fall in love with you so quickly.

“good i-i just wanted to check if you were stopping by?”

“no, thought you’d be too busy” he sighed at the thought of not being able to see you until he got home, he really needed a pick up from you after the. coldness of the morning

“iam not too busy for you, ever”

“maybe next week then, see you when you’re home” he didn’t even get a chance to reply as you hung up, making him falter before putting his phone away

“hey is lovely y/n coming by anytime soon?” jungkook calls out and it seems taehyung wasn’t the only one hoping you’d stop by, sure they probably were excited for the food but he was excited for you.

“no, not today” taehyung let’s out, deflated before caring on with work and it felt excruciatingly long before he was finally able to go home. he was the first one out the door when it came to the time, rushing to get home. he loved his job, but sometimes he just needed your love after a long day. quickly unlocking the door and entering his eyes work over time scanning around but don’t find you downstairs so he hurry’s up the stairs and finds you led down, on your phone. with a smile he climbs on the bed and places himself next to you, waiting for you to pop yourself on top of him like you’d usually do and welcome him home but you stay in your spot making him frown

“how was your day?” you ask, putting your phone down before looking over to him. his frown still etched onto his lips as he stares at you

“tiring, recorded a lot of different things but iam happy to be home”

“good, iam going to make some food” with that you were standing up and taehyung is quick to sit up and stop you before you can leave the room

“wait! how was your day?”

“it was fine” you shrug before going to leave but once again you were stopped, taehyung having had enough of your strange behaviour

“gorgeous, what’s going on? why you brushing me off?” of course you knew what he meant, you definitely weren’t acting yourself. but you were only doing what he asked of you a day prior, give him space. it was killing you to not act like normal, hugging him so tight and showering him with kisses but that’s what he wanted. you assumed you were suffocating him and to take it down a peg would be the best for the relationship

“iam not?”

“you’re not? then what was with this morning?!” he reached the end of his line, he just wanted your hugs, your kisses- your affection! “you’ve barely spoken to me today, barely touched me and why didnt you visit me at work?!” his rant shocked you, wasn’t that the exact opposite of what he asked you to do?

“iam confused! that’s not what you asked for the other day, you wanted space iam giving it to you what else can i do?” taehyung’s eyebrows furrowed at your words, space? he doesn’t want fucking space he wants you to smother him it was the best part of being your boyfriend! then he thinks back, that stupid phone call

“no oh my god, y/n iam sorry. i didn’t mean it i was being a grumpy, overworked ass. i don’t want space, i want the furthest thing from! smother me for goodness sake!” you looked at him in disbelief as he sat on the bed, throwing a little tantrum. you had to admit he looked cute, frustrated with his lips pouted out practically begging for attention. feeling relieved you stomped your way over, getting on the bed and climbing onto his lap. he relaxed into you as you wrapped your legs around his back and arms around his neck “much better” he mumbles into your shoulder as he holds you tightly to him

“i only did what you asked”

“yeah don’t listen to me, never listen to me.” you chuckle as he falls back and takes you with him so you’re led on top of him. “iam really sorry, i shouldn’t have talked to you like that, you’re affection is what i love the most”

[anxioussweasley]

Christmas Is Our Season|| J.P

James Potter x Reader

Summary: You’re n love with James. He’s in love with Lily. The whole friend group is confused about their feelings. And December is quickly becoming everyone’s least favorite month. Lightly based on heather by Conan Grey, that one scene from Friends, and incredibly self indulgent. Featuring: (slight) Jily and very heavily insinuates Wolfstar 😊

Warnings: cursing, angst, hurt comfort? jealousy, brief mentions of abuse, pinning, James being an oblivious idiot.

Word count: 11.4k (I got carried away 😩😭)

A/n: PLEASE READ!!!! omg this took forever. I am so sorry this is late but I figured I would wait and let this be my Christmas gift to all of you! Hope you enjoy! Also so much of this is unnecessary but I wanted to do it all!!!!!!!

Lily evens was a good person. She was your best friend. She was kind and smart and beautiful. It wasn’t her fault. Of course he loved her. Lily Evans was a good person, she wasn’t trying to hurt you. That’s what you had to keep repeating to yourself. Because it was hard not to be angry with her. You were in love with James and he was in love with her and she didn’t even care. So here you were suffering through slughorns double potions sitting next to your best friend and trying not to hate her.

“Hey, are you okay? You look unwell, do you want me to ask the professor to excuse you?”

Scratch that it was impossible to hate her.

“I’m okay Lil’s. Just kind of knackered.” You gave her a small smile and the girl sent back a small nod before turning back to her notes.

It use to be easy to ignore the fact that the guy you like was in love with your best friend. But that was back when Lily wouldn’t even give James the time of day. Now the whole group had become friends and even though James had dialed back on asking her out incessantly, he still made his affection obvious.

“Hey!” The quiet voice came from behind lily and you already knew exactly who it was. “Hey, Lily.”

The redhead glanced at you rolling her eyes playfully before turning around to look at James. “What, Potter?”

“Me and the guys were going to Hogsmeade later. Do you want to come?” Lily let out a small chuckle.

Scratch that you kinda wished she were dead.

“And why should I go anywhere with you, Potter?”

“Because it will be fun, c’mon Sirius and Remus are coming.” James tries to convince. “Y/n are you coming?” he added, glancing toward you. Lily just replied with a short we’ll think about it before turning back to Slughorns lecture.

Peter, who was sitting behind you, let out a small laugh at James' disappointment.

“Oh, shove off Wormtail,” James mumbled.

Classes dragged on with lily contemplating James' offer. You wanted to go, after all, you were invited, and you loved hanging out with the boys. But lily was new to the group and she figured James was just trying to get a date out of her. It was now your final class of the day and one of the few you had without Lily, so here you were sat next to Remus lupin listening to the professor drag on and on.

“So James said he invited you and lily to Hogsmede,” Remus whispered as the professor started on another irrelevant tangent.

“I don’t know if invited is the word I would use. I know he only asked me because he thought that lily would come if I did.”

Remus sighed. “Y’know that’s not true.”

“It is. I'm trying not to let it get to me.”

Remus took in a deep breath. He was smart enough to know the truth.“Y/n what happens if Lily ever says yes to him.”

“I don’t know what you mean.”

“C’mon Y/n. It’s me. That might work with Padfoot or Wormtail or Lily but I know everything.”

Of course, he knew, you weren’t exactly subtle. “I know. I don’t know what to do. She’s my best friend and I can’t blame her, especially since she doesn’t know I have feelings for him. And he-” You and Remus's attention snapped to the front as the professor coughed before he continued to ramble on. “Well, he’s James. I don’t know what I was thinking falling for him. He’s been in love with Lily since first year… Sometimes I hate him.”

“If it makes you feel better, I know what it’s like.”

You looked at him confused. “Moony, what do you mean?”

“I know what it’s like to love someone you can never have.” Remus fiddled with his hands, turning the thin leather bracelet on his wrist. A bracelet you recognized Sirius gave him. “And I know what it's like to hate them too.” You gave him a sympathetic smile. He smiled back. Remus really was your other best friend. The only person you could talk to about your feelings for James.

You and Remus shared a quiet laugh before you rested your head on his shoulder.

“We are quite the pair Mr. Moony.” You joked.

“Yes; It seems in misery we are equally matched.” Remus humorously replied with a small smirk on his face.

“So are you going to Hogsmeade with us?”

“I’ll have to check in with Lily but I want to.”

“Even if she doesn't, you should. We don’t hang out enough anymore.”

“I will.” You smiled in reply.

“Come on, Lily, it will be fun. You would like the boys if you got to know them. You like Remus do you really think he would be friends with bad people?”

“I don’t know what I think.”

“Well, I think you're confusing James for someone else.”

“Don’t bring up Sev.”

“You're still calling him Sev? Lily when are you going to get it through your head that he doesn’t care about you! His obsession with you isn't okay, not to mention what he did to that poor girl. What do you think he made that spell up for.”

“Okay, Y/n! I get it, Sev- Snape isn’t who I thought he was. But for merlin's sake y/n, you think I don’t know that? He called me a mudblood. I know I haven’t been fair to James, I just don’t understand why you care.”

You froze. You couldn’t tell her the truth; not like it mattered anyway. “Because they are my friends and you are my friend and I just wish you could get along.”

“Okay, okay. I’ll go.” Lily smiled.

It took all of three seconds for y/n to realize she likely just broke her own heart. One for James and Lily to make eye contact. One for the brightest smile you’ve ever seen to pass over James' face. One for Lily to smile back.

You sucked in a breath. Remus gave you a sympathetic look. James didn’t even greet you as he addressed Lily. Remus grabbed your hand and pulled you over to the entrance of the secret passage. Sirius stood there, glancing down at your intertwined hands before furrowing his brows.

“I think I made a mistake.” You whispered to Remus.

“It’s going to be okay.” He whispered back.

“What are you two on about,” Sirius mumbled. His eyebrows still furrowed as he looked between the two of you.

Remus squeezed your hand. “It’s nothing,” he answered.

“Whatever.” Sirius scoffed, crossing his arms and turning his head away from you. “Prongs! Are you coming or what?” Sirius shouted at the bespectacled boy.

“Shove off Pads,” James laughed before walking over to the entrance and stretching out his arm. “Ladies first.” He said to Lily, then noticed your presence glancing at you. Lily looked weary of the passage but you had done this before.

“It’s fine Lil’s. I’ll go first if you want?” The girl flashed her brilliant smile at you before giving a small nod.

It didn’t take long for the group to make it to honeydukes and it certainly didn’t take long for Remus to head over to the chocolate section making the whole group laugh. Lily kept close to you as the group split up in different directions to shop around the candy store. To no surprise, Remus joined you carrying a large bag of chocolate. Sirius followed him, shoving his wallet back into his pocket. You and Lily shared a knowing look. The both of you could see Remus's light blush.

Lily started up a conversation with the two leaving you to finish your shopping. You made your way to the back of the store, reaching up to grab a pack of sugar quills off the top shelf; your hand only an inch away before someone reaches up behind you and pulls them off the shelf. You whirl around to be met with James who hands you the package with a smug smile. “Careful love, don’t hurt yourself.” He chuckled.

You narrowed your eyes but couldn’t help the smile that broke across your face. “I am perfectly capable of getting my own sugar quills.”

“I know. Just wanted to be polite. I’m glad you came with us. It feels like it’s been forever since we hung out.”

You scoffed, trying to play it off as playfully. “Please, Potter. We both know you only asked me so Lily would come.”

“That’s not true.” James sounded a little offended which regrettably made you a little hopeful. “Y/n I’m serious.”

“No you're not; Sirius is over there.” You point with a nervous giggle.

James sighed. “I’m not joking y/n. I honestly thought you were avoiding us. Is it because of what happened with Snape because-“

“No James it’s not that. I mean what you did wasn’t okay, but it wasn’t unprovoked. I promise I haven’t been avoiding you.”

“I guess- I thought once Lily became friends with us we would hang out more, but it’s like you just disappeared.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. I just,” he took a deep breath before giving you a small smile, “I’m glad you're here.”

Merlin, you loved him.

“Me too.” But something across the shop had caught James' attention. You followed his eyes to find Lily walking through the store with the two other boys. You looked back to James, something in you cracking as he watched her. He was in awe.

Merlin, you wanted to die.

After the group left honeydukes you made your way over to the three broomsticks for a butterbeer.

Hogsmeade was beautiful this time of year. Christmas decorations lined the streets, garland, and lights, and carolers, and snowmen wearing festive scarfs. The wind was blowing gently and snow fell softly all around you. It was beautiful but cold and you were shivering from it. The only one in the group that forgot to wear a heavy coat.

“Jeez, Y/n/n your teeth are going to fall out from all that chattering they are doing.” Sirius laughed as you shiver from the cold. Remus shot him a glare and moved to pull his coat from his shoulders, but his efforts were interrupted when James reached into his bag and pulled out a large sweater; throwing it over your head.

“Don’t worry. I’ll make sure our dear friend here doesn’t lose her teeth.” James announced.

The group kept moving forward as you paused to pull the sweater over your head. Hoping the heat in your cheeks wasn’t obvious. Although at this point it would be easy to blame the blush on the weather. James stood with you as your group carried on.

“Thank you.” You said as you finally pulled the garment into place.

James couldn’t help letting his eyes look you up and down. “No problem, love. I’m glad I brought an extra. Besides, it looks better on you anyway.” James mumbled the last bit and, luckily for you, turned away before you could react. You trailed behind him as he trekked to the three broomsticks. Only if he knew. Godric you wanted to tell him. You could stop him right here and confess. None of your friends would be there to witness it. No one would witness your humiliation when he ultimately told you he was in love with Lily. No one would ever-

“Do you think- that Lily really doesn’t like me?”

The question interrupted your train of thought and caught you completely off guard. “I- um, I- I don’t know.”

James didn’t look convinced. In fact, he deflated a little. “I know I’m annoying when it comes to her but I don’t know what else to do. I just get so nervous. I can’t think straight when she’s around I’m so worried about what she thinks. Sometimes I’m so nervous I feel sick. Y’know what I mean?”

You thought about it for a second. It was easy to immediately agree, but the truth is you didn’t feel that way. James had never made you that nervous. Yes, he gave you butterfly’s but he never made you so nervous you felt sick. “Not really, James. Honestly, I don’t think people you care about are supposed to make you feel that way.”

James was taken aback by your answer but he didn’t argue. He only mumbled out an “oh” before opening the door to the three broomsticks and gesturing for you to enter first.

Remus, Sirius, and Lily had all made themselves comfortable at a Large table. There were two empty chairs. One next to Remus, and one next to Lily. James sat next to Lily.

“Took you two long enough,” Sirius commented.

“Shove off,” you retorted.

“We already ordered drinks for everyone,” Lily smiled.

It didn’t take long for Lily to become completely at ease in the group. She had been friends with Remus for years and had been growing closer to Sirius and James for months. The group quickly fell into easy conversation.

James, whose natural defense to anxiety was massive overcompensation, had turned his flirting dial up to 11. He complimented her left and right, wiggling his eyebrows as he teased her.

It was painful to watch. And the more James flirted the closer you drifted toward Remus. He eventually threw his arm over your shoulder resting it on the back of your chair. He knew this had to be hard for you, and he was willing to comfort you any way he could. This however would lead to a whole new set of problems as both Sirius and James noticed. Sirius stared daggers into the side of your head when you weren’t looking.

James got up from the table, going to order more butterbeer for everyone. Lily smiled after him causing your heart to sink. “Wow, Subtlety is not his specialty is it.” She giggled.

“He’s nervous,” you replied, your voice was a little harsh despite your effort to keep a light tone. Your eyes drifted over to James. Lily stared at you.

“Right,” she mumbled, “I’m gonna go help him carry drinks.” She stood from the table and met James at the bar.

“I’m going to run to the bathroom real quick,” Remus announced, standing from the table and disappearing.

“What’s going on with you and Remus?” Sirius questioned suddenly.

You looked gobsmacked. “Nothing.”

“Don’t pull that shit with me Y/n. I saw you holding hands back at the castle, and all the whispering, and now he’s got his arm around you. So I’ll ask again: what the hell is going on with you and Moony?” Sirius’ voice was accusing. His glare could bring giants to their knees. You understood now why most people were afraid of him.

“Sirius, nothing is going on with me and Remus.” You stated quickly.

“I’m not an idiot Y/n.” Sirius was seething. “Are you two dating? Because if you're trying to keep it a secret, you're not very subtle.”

“What? Seriously, Padfoot, I’m not dating Remus! He’s my best friend. We are allowed to interact!”

“Then what the hell is going on with you? You’ve both been acting dodgy, and I don’t know what's going on-“

A loud laugh pulled both of your attention over to the bar. James had a huge smile on his face as Lily laughed. His arm was thrown over her shoulder. Nothing could stop the cold feeling from seeping into your bones. Lily laughed again, shoving James away from her playfully. She put on a playful glare, and James pouted teasingly.

Nothing was fair.

Sirius saw your face drop as you took in the scene, he saw the longing look in your eye, he noticed the pain on your face. “Oh,” he realized. Pulling your attention back to him.

“Oh, no. Y/n you can’t like-“

“I can’t like him. I know.”

There was a pause.

“But I do. And I know he’s never going to feel the same.” You sighed. “That’s why Remus and I have been so close lately. He’s the only one I can talk to about it.”

“I’m sorry about before. I guess, I um…” Sirius trailed off. Looking guilty but more so embarrassed.

“You were jealous. It’s okay. I know how you feel.” You looked back at James, who was now picking up drinks with the help of Lily to bring back to the table. Sirius followed your stare.

“I can’t believe I didn’t see it sooner. You look at him the way I look at Remus,” Sirius let out quickly as James and Lily approached the table.

“Where did Moony run off to?” James said as he noticed the empty chair between you and Sirius.

“I’m right here,” the voice came from behind James as Remus made his way around the table.

Sirius sat up straight and pulled Remus’s chair out for him; inevitably pulling the chair closer to himself. “Are you alright? You were gone for a while.” Sirius asked.

“I’m fine, just having one of my headaches,” Remus mumbled quickly, hoping not to worry his friends too badly.

“Are you out of that potion Pomfry gave you? Do you want to go back to the castle? Are you sure you're okay?” Sirius rushed out.

Remus blushed, James wore a smirk on his face, you and Lily shared knowing looks. “I’m fine Pads, I promise,” Remus reassured.

By the time the rest of the group was ready to go your heart was in pieces. James and Lily got along swimmingly during the trip and you had even noticed a light blush paint her cheeks when James complimented her. Remus noticed your sinking mood and suggested you all head back to the castle. You did your best to avoid Lily on the walk back to Hogwarts but she noticed your irritation easily.

“Are you okay?” Lily asked once you returned to your dorm room. She was verily confused about your sudden mood but she didn’t want to push you. She thought it might have something to do with the way you were acting earlier in class.

“I’m fine Lil’s,” you answered quietly, sitting on your bed to take your shoes off. You had to admit you were annoyed at her and that only made you feel worse. It wasn’t her fault that he liked her or that you liked him. Besides you had begged her to go so it wasn’t her fault.

“No, you're not. I can tell. Y/n/n cut the crap, I can tell something is up, what’s going on with you.”

“It’s nothing Lily, will you just leave it alone.”

“Is this about the boys?”

“No! Bloody hell, do you always have to be in my business!” You regret the words as soon as they leave your mouth. You and Lily barely ever fought and you hated shouting at her.

“So this is about the boys?” Lily said accusingly. She was pissed. “I don’t understand what your problem is! You're the one that wanted me to be friends with them! You're the one that told me to give James a chance! I want you to be happy, but if that’s too damn difficult for you the least you could do is pretend!”

“I am pretending!” You shouted back.

“Then do it better,” Lily demanded.

“Alright, why don’t I go downstairs and tell James how glad I am that you're getting along.”

“Oh, so this is about James?” Lily interrupted.

“Yeah Lily,” you huffed, “this is about James.” Realization dawned on her.

“So why don’t I go down there and tell him how much I like him.”

“Y/n-“

“No. It’ll be good. I can tell him how much I’ve been thinking about him.” Lily looked shocked. She couldn’t believe she never noticed. “That I haven’t stopped thinking about him since the moment we met. That I’m so fantastically over the top in love with him that for every moment of every day I can’t believe my own damn bad luck that you met him first.” Tears streamed down your face as you realized what you had just confessed. Lily looked like a deer in headlights.

You couldn’t help but sob. Large tears leaving trails down your face as you cried. The sobs wracking your body felt never-ending. It wasn’t until you felt Lily’s arms wrap around you that you saw any end in sight.

“It’s okay. Shh, shhh, shh. It’s okay. It’s okay. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.” Lily was crying now too. She couldn’t believe how blind she had been.

“I’m s-sorry, Lily. I’m so sorry, I know it’s- it’s not your fault. I shouldn’t have yelled. I’m so sorry.”

“It’s okay. It’s not your fault either. You're my best friend, I should have realized.” She assured, squeezing you tighter as she started rocking you both back and forth.

“Lily, I screwed everything up.”

“No, you didn’t. I’m not mad at you, okay?” You nodded. “Okay. Now C’mon, let’s get you off the floor.” Lily finished. Pulling you from the floor. You both made your way to Lily’s bed sitting up against her headboard.

“So you and James?” Lily giggled. You glared at her half teasingly before breaking into soft giggles. “What, too soon?” She asked wearing a small smile.

“Yeah,” you smiled back.

There was a long silence as you and Lily sat there. Neither one of you knows what to say.

“Lily, I know you’ve said it a million times before, but I also know people change their minds, so I need to ask: do you like James? Because if you do, well he likes you and I want you both to be happy. I don’t want to get in the way.”

Lily laughed. Loudly. Until she saw the defeated look on your face. She stopped, caught her breath a little bit, took your hand in hers. “Y/n I promise you, the only feelings I have for James are strictly platonic. You were right when you told me to give the boys a chance. They are hilarious and James is a good person, but he’s not my type. I’m glad you convinced me to get to know them, but trust me I’m still just as annoyed at James’s flirting as ever.”

You laughed softly at Lily’s response before giving her a brilliant smile. A smile that quickly faded as a new question popped into your head. “Lil’s what in Merlin's name am I going to do?”

“I have no idea.”

But the two of you quickly figured it out. As you both had learned when it came to dealing with feelings, and dealing with James, avoidance was key. And within the next few days, you basically had a routine. Breakfast together, away from the marauders; James was clingy in the mornings. Lunch with the marauders; Lily friend-zoning James every other sentence. Dinner with the girls; gossip and corny bets on when Remus and Sirius would finally kiss to follow. It was an easy enough plan and the boys didn’t even seem to notice. It made Lily becoming friends with them easier but took away the chances of James breaking your heart all day. And James quickly stopped flirting with Lily every time she was there.

The only problem was, James did notice. And given the fact that the Christmas holiday was quickly coming up, he was determined to figure out what was wrong.

“Hey! Y/n! Wait up!” James shouted as he jogged down the hall after you. You had finished your last class of the day and couldn’t wait to retire to your dorm. Midterms were exhausting and the last thing you needed at this moment was James’ antics.

“What’s up James?” You asked quietly. Continuing towards the common room.

James quirked an eyebrow at you. “I know you think I haven’t noticed...but I have.”

Your heart rate tripled in speed. “No-noticed what?”

“You’ve been distant lately.” Your heart rate decreased mildly. “The only time we talk is at lunch and even then you and Lily sit as far away from me as possible.” But that wasn’t entirely true. You had been distant for nearly 4 months now. The only time you have hung out with the boys like you use to was that day in Hogsmeade. “Y/n- what’s going on with you? We used to hang out all the time. I thought that after Hogsmeade we would go back to the way we use to be, but we haven't had a real conversation since. Is it Lily? Because I'm trying to act normal around her, I’ve stopped nervously flirting. I-“

“It’s not that James,” you interrupted his rambling. You sighed. He was never going to let this go.

“Well then what is it?” James threw his arms up in frustration. He always was one to talk with his hands. “Because, Merlin, I can’t figure it out for the life of me.”

“It’s none of your business James.” You raised your voice slightly to match his.

“Is it Remus? Because I’ve seen you two. You’ve been holding hands, and he had his arm around you at the three broomsticks, and he was going to give you his jacket. Bloody hell Bertha Jorkins has been telling everyone she thinks you two are together. She said you guys were cuddling in class the day we went to Hogsmeade. Are you two just fooling around or are you together? Because-“

“Excuse me?” You were livid now. “As I said before: it’s none of your bloody business! And even if you were right, which you aren’t, what makes you think interrogating me about it is going to fucking help!” You and James stopped walking. Turning to face each other in the middle of the hall.

James shrunk back a little. He had never seen you this angry. Well, scratch that, he had never seen you this angry at him. But he was angry too and James Potter had one large fault. His pride. “It is my business. He’s not right for you. You do realize he has feelings for Padfoot right? You are just going to hurt each other. You're my friend, but you are messing with his head!” By now everyone in the hall had turned to watch the show go down.

“Blimey, James! The only person messing with people’s heads here is you! Remus and I are friends! End of story! I’m so sorry that he happens to be a better friend than you! That he actually gives a shit about me!”

“I care about you!”

“If you cared about me at all you wouldn’t go flaunting how much you love my best friend! If you cared about me at all you wouldn’t be standing here yelling at me! If you cared at all, you would have noticed that the reason I’m avoiding you is that it hurts too fucking much watching you fall in love with my best friend!” You gasped as you realized what you had just confessed. Tears were forming in your eyes, a few had already escaped. James looked confused, and hurt, and shocked. You were both frozen in place. That’s when you heard the whispering. Everyone in the hall gossiping back and forth. Nothing felt real. The world was moving in slow motion. There was a ringing in your ear. You turned your head to look around, Lily and Remus were shoving through the crowd as Peter pointed out your location.

Lily got to you in a fraction of a second. Throwing a look at James, who still couldn’t find the words. There were tears in his eyes too. “C’mon let’s get you out of here,” Lily whispered, putting her arm around you and pulling you down the hall. Suddenly everything was real again. You could hear the people gossiping, could feel the stone floor under your feet. could hear James call after you.

“Wait! Y/n-“ but Remus grabbed his arm to stop him from following you and when that didn’t work he moved in front of James putting both hands on his shoulders to keep him in place.

“Stop, James. Stop.” Remus sighed, “let her go.”

“I- I don’t know what happened. I…” James trailed off. His cheeks were unbelievably flushed, tears streamed down his face. He couldn’t tell exactly what he was feeling. He knew he was frustrated, tired, hurt, but there was so much swirling around his head he couldn’t understand.

Remus looked around at the unmoving crowd. A glare took over his face as everyone watched. “Wormtail, get these people out of here.” He said over his shoulder to Peter.

Peter nodded quickly. “Oi. Clear out of here! This was awkward enough without you all poking your noses in!” The crowd quickly dispersed.

“Remus?” James asked, voice cracking. “What- what just happened?”

“Remus? James? What’s going on? Everyone’s been talking about a fight all up and down the halls.” Sirius said, rushing up behind the boys. He caught sight of James' face. “Bloody hell, what happened?”

“We’ll fill you in later, now let’s get out of here.” Remus brushed him off.

It didn’t take long for the boys to make it to their dorm; everyone whispering as they passed by.

“So what happened, James?” Remus asked. Peter had only filled him and Lily in on the major details when he rushed to retrieve them.

“I- I wanted to ask her why she had been so distant. Things didn’t exactly go as planned. I got annoyed and then she got defensive and then I accused her of sneaking around with you and then she got mad-“

“You did what?” Remus interrupted.

James stood from his bed running his hands through his hair for the umpteenth time since he arrived at the dorm.

“I don’t know Remus! I was angry and I noticed you two have been so close lately and there are all these rumors, and she’s been avoiding me and I said some things I didn’t mean.”

“Yeah, okay, that’s understandable, I did the same thing in Hogsmeade. Get to the point!” Sirius stated.

“I’m sorry, you what!” Remus directed at Sirius.

“Oh my Merlin, Remus, get over it! What happened next Prongs?” Peter sighed exasperatedly.

“She got really mad and told me it was none of my business. I - I guess, I kind of accused her of messing with your head.” James winced at his stupidity. “She said that the only person messing with people's heads was me, and then she said that I didn’t care about her, and I said I did, and she said if I cared about her I wouldn’t flaunt my feelings for Lily— she said she was avoiding me because it hurt too much for her to watch me be in love with her best friend.”

“Bloody hell,” Sirius mumbled. “James, mate, you're my best friend, my brother, but you’re fucking daft.”

“Don’t you think I know that!” James threw his arms up… again. His frustration with everything was only growing. He was mostly angry at himself. His stupid pride. His stupid ego. His stupid feelings. His stupid head. His stupid heart. His stupid oblivious self.

“Mate, what the hell are you going to do?” Peter inquired.

“I don’t know… I mean, what am I meant to do? I don’t even understand what just happened,” James sighed defeatedly. Once again making his way to his bed and threw himself back in it as he spoke.

Remus facepalmed.

“Oh, for fucks sake Prongs!” Sirius stood from his bed, nearly knocking Remus over with the momentum of it. “She’s in love with you! She has been for years! But you’ve been so focused on Evans you’ve never even seen it! You’re always ‘Lily that, and Lily this. And oh, Padfoot do you think she likes me? What does she think about me? No Padfoot, I don’t want to go prank Minnie, Lily thinks I’m an annoying stuck-up prat.” Sirius mocked. “Who cares! Who cares what she thinks of you? People you love aren’t supposed to make you feel that bad about yourself! Believe me, I know.”

Remus watched as Sirius’ eyes flicked over to his bedside table. Sitting there on top was a letter Sirius had received from his mother concerning the Christmas holiday. He hadn’t discussed any of its contents, but Remus knew it must have been bad. Sirius hated going home for Christmas, but this year he was downright dreading it.

James had rolled over to face Sirius as he ranted. He looked guilty, but also as if he had realized something. Remus wanted to ask what he was thinking; he didn’t.

“You need to apologize,” Peter added.

“Apologize? I didn’t do anything wrong! Okay, yeah, I shouldn’t have yelled at her. But it’s not my fault that she has feelings for me!” There was his blasted pride again. James hated himself.

Remus stood up abruptly. Making his way to the door.

James sat up. “Where are you going?”

“Honestly Prongs, I have no idea. Anywhere but here, because if I have to sit here and listen to you bitch, I am going to kill you. Y/n is a good person. She cares about you. She convinced Lily to hang out with us because even though she has feelings for you, she wants you to be happy. Even if that means you're with someone else. So I’m not going to sit here and listen to you complain about it. You’re a good person James. You’re trusting and kind and you love your friends unconditionally, but right now you're being an arse.” Remus slammed the door on his way out.

The three boys sat in silence for a while. James laid back on his bed fiddling with the snitch that he had stolen from the Quidditch gear his first year. Sirius seethed quietly. Peter pulled out a potions book and started working on his next assignment.

After about 10 minutes Sirius stood from his bed again. “ I'm going to check on Moony,” he grumbled quietly, exiting the room before James could get a word out.

“I’m going to the library,” Peter stated, before picking up his bag and heading toward the door.

“Wormtail, wait. How badly have I just screwed everything up?”

Peter, who was never one for brutal honesty, uncharacteristically decided not to sugarcoat it. “On a scale from one to ten, I’d give you a twelve.”

James groaned. Damn his stupid pride.

He needed to fix this, and with only 3 days till Christmas break, he didn’t have a lot of time.

“Remus?” Lily's voice startled the boy. Remus had made his way to the library, surprised when Sirius and eventually peter had joined him, but the two boys had quickly gotten bored and had decided to go raid the kitchens for snacks. Remus wasn’t sure exactly how long he had been there.

“How is she?” He asked.

“About how you’d expect. She’s heartbroken and this whole kerfuffle has turned her into a nervous wreck. That’s why I’m here actually, she wanted me to ask you for something.”

“What is it?”

“Well she doesn’t want to see him, and honestly neither do I. She said you guys have this map that can show you where everyone in Hogwarts is at any time. Which I’ll lecture you all about later; right now I just need to know who has it?”

“Yeah, honestly I debate on whether or not that map was a good idea anyway. You would like it though it's got a cheeky personality.” Lily raised a brow but the smile on her face betrayed her. “James has it.” Remus finally answered.

“Of course he does,” Lily rolled her eyes. “I need you to get it from him.”

Remus gave Lily a skeptical look.

“She doesn’t want to see him, Remus. You and I both know that he’s going to pull something to try and make this better but he can’t.”

“I’m not going to pick sides, Lily,” Remus responded. James had given him too much for him to choose Y/n, but Y/n was one of his best friends. She stood up for him when no one else could. They understood each other like no one else did.

“Please Remus, you don’t have to give it to us, just keep it away from James,” Lily begged.

Remus contemplated his choices. He could take the map from James, help out his best friend, and be accused of betraying James, or he could leave it be, and watch James break Y/n’s heart all over again. There wasn’t much of a choice. “Fine. But if anyone asks, this conversation never happened.”

“Has anyone seen the map?” James asked as he rummaged through his trunk. He had been looking all over for you before deciding that the marauders map was the quickest way to go. That is until he realized that the map too had gone missing. “Guys, seriously, where is the map? I can’t find it, and I need it to find Y/n.”

The room filled with dismissive grumbles as none of the boys had seen it. Remus had decided to compromise. Instead of taking the map from James he just happened to hide it in a place he knew James would never look but would be easily excusable once found.

“Maybe you should leave her alone James. Wait until after the holidays; give her some space,” Remus mumbled, turning the page of his book without looking up.

“I can’t Moony. I have to make this right.”

“James. You’re not going to fix this in an afternoon. You need to get your head on straight. You don’t have a plan, you don’t even know how you feel, you need to take a break from all of this.”

Whether James liked it or not he was forced to take Remus’s advice. The Christmas holiday came faster than expected and the next thing he knew he was at home thinking of how he could make things better.

It didn’t take long for Euphemia and Fleamont Potter to realize something wasn’t quite right with their son. James sulked around the house, spending hours in his room or out in the backyard practicing quidditch. He picked at his plate during dinner, he dodged his mother’s questions about his love life and his father's questions about his friends. Euphemia was growing increasingly worried.

“We have to do something Monty,” Euphemia insisted.

“What do you suppose we do dear?” Fleamont inquired.

“Well, I don’t know. He’s never acted like this before, I’m worried.”

“Come here, love.” Euphemia took a seat next to her husband, who put an arm around her. “I know you're worried. I am too. But this is James. He’s always told us everything, he’s a good kid. Maybe we should give him a little space. He‘ll come to us when he’s ready.”

“Maybe you're right,” the women sighed. “I’m going to talk to him tomorrow though. If he tells me what’s wrong, great, if he needs some time then he can have it, but I’m not going to sit here and act as if nothing is wrong.”

“I wouldn’t expect you to,” the man smiled at his wife, who leaned up to press a small kiss to her husband's lips.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

James sighed. “Come in.”

Euphemia wasted no time in swinging the door open. She found James laying on his bed. The boy fiddling with his stolen snitch. Thinking. “Got some time to talk with your mother?” The woman questioned as she took a seat on the foot of James' bed.

“Of course, Mum.” James sat up. “What’s up?”

“Your father and I have noticed you haven’t quite been yourself. And I know you're a teenager and you don’t want to discuss everything to death, but I want to know what’s wrong.” Euphemia watches as her son's shoulders slump forward. “If you need some time that’s fine. But your father and I can’t help you if you don’t tell us what’s going on.”

“It’s not anything bad, I promise,” James answered anxiously. “I-I just screwed everything up with my friends. Honestly, Mum, I don’t want to talk about it yet.”

“Okay, my love. Just let me know when you’re ready,” Euphemia stood from the bed. She brushed some of the curls out of James' face before placing a kiss on his forehead.

“I just— don’t want to disappoint you.”

“You never could.”

James took a couple of days to gather his thoughts. He didn’t know why he was nervous to tell his parents. They were unbelievably forgiving and had always made sure he knew just how loved he was. Their love was unconditional. That might be exactly why he was so nervous though, they had taught him to love the same way, and he felt he had failed miserably.

Euphemia and Fleamont Potter taught their son to take care of his own. They taught him to love extravagantly. It wasn’t a surprise James was a sucker for grand gestures, he loved big, and he wanted to make sure his friends knew it. But he had let them all down. He had broken your heart. Had disrespected you and your feelings. Had enraged Lily. Had turned Remus against him in the process. Had created massive tension in the group.

And now, after it all, he was even more confused about his feelings. He loved Lily, didn’t he? But maybe you and Sirius were right, people you love aren’t supposed to make you feel bad about yourself. He didn’t think Lily made him feel bad, she just made him… unsure. He questioned his worth with her. He cared so much about what she thought that one sentence could crush all the confidence he had.

You never made him feel like that. He was comfortable with you. Yet his many feelings involving you were starting to become overwhelming. He never felt anxious. He could be himself with you. But there was that flutter in his stomach every time you complimented him. That increase in his heart rate when you smiled at him too long. Not to mention that burning rage he felt when he saw Remus’s arm around you. The way his heart sank when he realized you were avoiding him. The heat in his cheeks when he saw you in his sweater. Godric, he needed to get his head on straight. He needed to take a break from thinking about it all.

James had made his way outside to practice quidditch though he didn’t feel much like dragging out his broom or any of his quidditch gear. This resulted in him tossing his quaffle through a short goal post with little effort. He charmed the ball to always come back to him which took even more effort out of the sport. It didn’t help that it was freezing outside. Not to mention the sun now went down at six o'clock leaving the yard dark and foggy. There was just enough light, shining from his parents' Christmas decoration, for him to see as he threw the ball.

“Well, I sure hope you didn’t become the greatest chaser in Hogwarts history practicing like that.” James turned to see his father looming by the doorway. James knew he didn’t mean to loom. Fleamont potter was a man who knew very little about how intimidating he could appear, a man who was so good-natured it didn’t occur to him that he might scare strangers. He started walking to his son.

“Not usually, but I don’t feel like trying today dad,” the boy responded. Just as the words left his mouth he realized the quaffle he sent flying moments ago was now barreling towards him. He quickly realized he couldn’t catch it and resigned to his fate of getting knocked down; it wouldn’t be the worst thing that had happened to him this month.

Luckily enough for James, his father had quick reflexes and caught the ball before it could hit him. “Maybe you should try a little harder.” Fleamonts voice was teasing as he smirked at his son. He undid the charm on the ball before throwing it toward the small storage shed where James kept most of his quidditch gear. “But not right now. Effie says dinner is ready,” the man informed as he turned to make his way back into the house.

“Dad wait!” Fleamont turned toward his son. “Can I talk to you about what happened back at school? I’m sure mum told you what I’ve already said about it, I just,- I want to know what I should do about my friends. I hurt one of them and now Remus is pissed at me and Sirius is on his side because, well it's Remus, and Peter is avoiding all of us because he doesn’t pick sides, and It's all my fault and I don’t know what to do.”

“Have you talked to them?”

“Yes. It’s not like we’re fighting but there is all of this tension and things are just weird. I don’t know what to do.”

“Okay. Which friend did you hurt?”

“I- well- Y/n. Apparently, she has feelings for me, but I've always had this thing for Lily and anyway, Y/n has been avoiding me and I thought her and Remus were secretly dating and I got pissed and things got out of hand. I really just wanted to talk to mum about that part but you’re going to find out anyway I guess.”

“Why were you upset when you thought she might be dating Remus?” Fleamont inquired.

“Because Remus has this thing with… that doesn’t matter. They just aren’t right together.”

“You know what? I think you would be right to leave this one to your mother.” James nodded solemnly. “I have one piece of advice about your friends though. The only way to fix this is to fix things with this girl. They are your brothers James. Don’t let your pride get in the way of that. Trust me, it's not worth it. Now let's get inside before Effie takes off our heads for being late to dinner on Christmas eve,” Fleamont smiled at his son, throwing his arm over his shoulder and leading him inside.

For just a few short hours James allowed himself to forget about everything else. He basked in the warmth of Christmas with his family.

“Okay. Okay, you can open one present.” Euphemia chuckles at her son and her husband's pouting faces. The two men jump up in victory. James rushes to the home’s large living area where their large Christmas tree sat. “But not the big one James that's a surprise.”

James scoffed playfully at his mother. He quickly reconsidered his options on that's of his presents to open.

“Well while James picks out a new gift,” the other man in the room started, “I have a gift you can open, Love.” Fleamont beamed at his wife.

“You didn’t have to do that,” Euphemia smiled at her husband as he handed her a small box.

“Just open it,” the man chuckled.

James watched as his mother pulled the box open, pulling out a beautiful locket. “I didn’t pick any pictures for it. I thought we could have some made tomorrow for it.” Fleamont informed.

“It's beautiful, love. Thank you.”

It was a beautiful scene. And James realized it was oddly familiar. The one Christmas he had ever stayed at Hogwarts over the break. He thought he was going to be all alone, that is until he found out you were staying as well. You didn’t know each other very well back then but you were friendly enough, and it was calming for him to know he wouldn’t be all by himself. And even though Sirius had decided last minute to stay at Hogwarts as well, you still spent time together. The three of you ate every meal together laughing and getting to know each other, you went on trips to Hogsmeade together, super excited to explore the village since it was the first year you were allowed to go, you even pulled some harmless pranks on Professor McGonagall. It was one of his favorite memories. When Christmas day rolled around you awoke to find your new friend had a gift for you.

“You didn’t have to get me anything, Jamie,” you smiled brightly at him.

“Of course I did. We’re friends now and I wanted to thank you for making sure I didn’t end up here all alone on Christmas.” The boy brushed you off. “Now go on; open it.”

You pulled the box open to reveal a gorgeous necklace. You gasped as you took in the circular pendant, it was beautifully crafted, silver, and hanging from a long chain.

“It's amazing James!” You squealed as you pulled it from the box.

“That's not all,” James commented. He gently took the necklace in his hand, sliding his fingernail between the edge to unclasp it. He showed you as he opened the locket, revealing a hilarious photo of you, him, and Sirius you had taken in Hogsmeade. The three of you were all laughing, the brightest smiles on your faces. It was a perfect picture. James realized now that you had been blushing in it.

“I love it!” you exclaimed again. You stood from the floor next to the Christmas tree and rushed over to a mirror. James followed as you tried to clasp the Jewlrey around your neck.

“Here let me help,” he mumbled as he took the ends away from you. He felt butterflies in his stomach as your fingers brushed. He quickly clasped the necklace together, watching as you took in its beauty.

“Thank you so much, Jamie. It's perfect. I love it.” Y/n beamed as she stared at the locket. “Merlin it's beautiful.”

“Yeah, beautiful,” James murmured in agreement, though his eyes never left you.

“James, which one do you want to open?” His mother's voice brought the boy back from reality.

“Oh, umm, how about this one?” James quickly grabbed a random box that had his name on it.

“That's a good one,” his parents answered.

The boy sat down on the carpet in front of the tree as he always did when opening gifts. His inner child refused to let him sit on the couch as he opened his gifts. He quickly pulled the wrapping off of the box turning it around to be met with a picture of a record player on the front.

“We know you and all of your friends like that muggle music so we thought this would be good for you.” His father commented.

James smiled widely. “It’s brilliant! Thank you.”

“We got you some records too, but you will have to wait for those till tomorrow,” Euphemia informed.

“This is amazing. I wish Y/n were here, she loves these. There's one in a shop in Hogsmeade, she loves It, she picks a record to play nearly every time we are there. I can’t wait to see her face when I show her--” The reality of his relationship with you suddenly hit him as the words left his mouth. He didn’t know if he would ever get the chance to show you. He didn’t know if he would ever get the chance to even speak to you again.

The boy's parents shared a knowing look.

“I’m going to start a pot of tea,” Fleamont said suddenly, “why don’t you two talk,” he suggested softly before leaving the room.

Euphemia smiled at her son, patting the spot next to her on the sofa. James got off of the floor and took the seat next to his mother.

“I’m guessing dad already told you what I said before dinner?”

“You would be right.”

“I hurt her mum. I didn’t mean to, but I did. I know I need to fix it but I don’t know-how. It doesn’t help that I'm so bloody confused. I don’t know how I feel. I thought I loved Lily, I always have but maybe I was wrong. Because everyone around me is telling me that love isn’t supposed to feel that way and I can’t stop thinking about Y/n.”

“How does Lily make you feel?”

“I don’t know. Like that stupid butterflies in your stomach thing… except they feel like wasps and they don’t want to be there. I want her to like me but honestly, I don’t know why anymore. And Y/n? She makes me feel like I can do anything y’know. And I thought that I had only ever seen her as a friend but that's not true. She gives me butterflies too, but these feel more like fireworks. I think I really fancy her…” James had a realization, “I think I always have. But I thought I loved Lily and I met her first. I’m just- really confused.”

“You know, my mother once gave me some advice I think fits your situation very well. ‘Don’t fall for the person who gives you butterflies, because that means your nervous, your anxious. Desperate for their approval. You fall for the person that you’re comfortable with. The person you know you can be completely yourself with. The person that makes you feel like home.’ James, I can’t tell you what to do. I can’t tell you who to choose. I’m your mother, it’s my job to support you. Your father and I taught you what love is, didn’t we?” James nodded. “Remember that. You already know what to do James. I believe in you.”

“I love you Mu-”

A loud banging on the front door interrupted James' words. Both of them stood from the sofa and made their way closer to the front door.

“Fleamont!” Euphemia shouted down the hallway.

When the banging came again James took a step forward, “I’ll open it.”

“James-”

But the boy had already unlocked the door and turned the handle. Nothing could have prepared him for what he was met with on the other side. Leaning against the doorway, James found Sirius Black. The boy's hair was disheveled and falling in his face, blood had made a trail down his face, he was clutching his side.

“Oh my god.”

“I did-didn’t know where else to go,” Sirius looked up at James who noted the tears in his eyes.

“Dad! Dad, come help me!” James raised his voice, pulling Sirius inside and placing his arm over his shoulder so that he could help him walk. “Mum go get some bandages, and your wand.”

“Merlin's beard! What happened?” Fleamont exclaimed as he finally made it into the room, quickly helping his son with his injured friend.

As soon as they got Sirius onto the couch, Euphemia was back wand in hand, bandages in another. “Sirius? Sirius, it’s okay, you’re safe. What happened?”

Sirius didn’t answer. He shook his head rapidly before hissing at the pain.

Fleamont pulled James from the room as Euphemia began patching Sirius up. “Do you have any idea who could have done this?” James didn’t take his eyes away from the door. He didn’t know when he had started crying but there were tear tracks along his face. “James?”

“His mum.” James shuttered. He had never been more sure, and he hated it. But he knew that Sirius's mother had hurt him before, and despite James’ pleas with Sirius, the boy always returned home.

Euphemia quickly finished patching Sirius up and made her way into the kitchen where James and her husband were waiting.

“Is he okay?”

“He’s going to be fine. Looked a lot worse than it is. Fleamont? I think we need to have a word.”

James made his way to Sirius's side as his parents conversed. And while Sirius told him his story, Euphemia and Fleamont decided that Sirius was never to return to Grimauwald Place again.

“So did you figure out what you're going to do about Y/n?” Sirius asked as he lounged on James' bed.

“I think I have an idea,” the bespeckled boy answered. It had been a few days since Sirius had arrived at the potter's house and the boys had been plotting.

“You just gonna confess your undying love for her?”Sirius asked sarcastically.

“No! Not like that would do any good, not to mention that never really worked out for me before,” James laughed.

“You should. It will be funny to watch her slap you.”

“Okay, ill do it, but only if you do the same with Remus.” James' smirk was unmatched. Sirius chocked.

“I- what- I don’t- what are you talking about?” Sirius was bright red as he feigned confusion. James nodded along, amused.

“Sirius, I may be a blithering idiot, but I’m not that blind.”

“Shove off.”

“C’mon pads, it's not a big deal.”

“How long have you known?”

“Y/n pointed it out to me last year,” James answered.

“Christ. Does everyone know?”

“The girls have a bet on when you are going to do it,”

Sirius choked again. James laughed.

“You're taking the piss aren’t you?”

“Only a little bit,” the boy smiled widely. Sirius threw a pillow at him.

“Lily! Lily wait! Please!” James shouted down the halls, running as lily tried to get away from him. James was faster than the girl though and once he caught up with her he quickly pulled her into an empty classroom. It was the first day back to school from Christmas break and James had come up with a plan. But he needed to talk to lily first, he needed closure, and he needed her help.

“What the hell do you want?” Lily barked.

“Lily, listen-”

“Why the hell should I listen to you! Honestly James there is not a single sentence you could say that would make me not want to punch you in the face!”

“Lily please listen to me. I know I messed up. I’m a complete tosser and if you never want to speak to me again after this fine. But I need to fix things with Y/n and I need your help.”

The redhead scowled at him. “Have you gone mental?” she fumed. “I’m not helping you with anything!” the girl yanked open the door ready to make her escape.

“I fancy her lily!” She shut the door, but James kept going. “I think I always have. That’s why I acted the way I did. I thought she and Remus were sneaking around and I was jealous. I made an arse out of myself but I want to make it right. I don’t need her to forgive me because she shouldn’t, I just need her to know that I’m sorry.” James took in a shaky breath. “Please Lily, I just need to make this better.”

Lily sighed. “You really are an arse… I’ll help you.” James smiled relieved. “But I need to make sure you actually care here. I need to know your not just saying this because she has feelings for you.”

“You really think I would do that?”

Lily didn’t answer.

“You know, you were the person to introduce me to Y/n. our first year. We had met on the Train. A couple weeks after school started Sirius and I sat next to you at dinner, and Y/n was there. I told some corny joke trying to impress you and she smiled at me. That one where her eyes light up and she scrunches her nose. You know the one?”

“Yeah, I know.”

“I thought I was going to pass out. Because you had just rolled your eyes at me but Y/n had lit up.” James continued.

“I remember,” lily grinned.

“I never want that smile to leave her face. She looked so happy, like nothing in the world could ever go wrong. Merlin, I wish I had gotten to know her back then. I wish it hadn’t taken us till the third year to become friends. I wish I had realized sooner that I can’t live without her. I wish I had done everything differently. I am sorry for everything Lily. Not just with Y/n but with you too. I shouldn’t have pursued you for so long. I knew you weren’t interested and I should have accepted that. I’m sorry, and I promise to be better.”

“You really do fancy her don’t you?” James was taken aback by Lily’s question but answered anyway.

“I do.”

“So what’s the plan?” Lily wondered, a large smile on her face.

James didn’t have a real plan. Well, he had a plan for what he was going to say when he finally got the chance but he didn’t have a plan on getting you alone. Remus had forgiven James as quickly as Lily had and now the whole group was working together to help James get you alone. Plus Peter and Lily had provided James with a perfect gift. But you were smart enough to know what was going on and all of their attempts over the next few days ended up being futile.

“All I’m asking is that you hear him out,” Lily specified as you threw yourself down on your four-poster.

“Lil’s you of all people don't get to tell me to listen to James.”

“Y/n, I know your mad at him, and you have every right to be, but this needs to stop.” Remus groans. He was sitting on the floor back against your bed frame, an old book in his lap. “Seriously I’m getting knackered.”

“You two are not helping.”

“No, we are… You’re just too stubborn to see it.” Lily explained.

You stood from your bed and gabbed your bag throwing a book in there as well.

“Where are you going?” Remus quired.

“Not telling you. You'll both send James after me and then I’ll have to kick both of your arses,” you retorted.

“It’s nearly curfew though!” lily protested, but her statement fell on deaf ears.

“I thought you might be up here.” The voice startled you before filling you with dread. You had made your way to the astronomy tower, you weren’t sure how long you had been up here but you knew it must be past curfew.

“Use your special little map to figure that out?”

“No. I just know you,” the boy answered as he walked across the tower and sat next to you. You had your knees pulled up to your chest, and you refused to look at him.

“What do you want James?”

The boy frowned. “Look at me? Please?” Reluctantly you turned your head to look at him. His hair was that curly mess you always loved, his glasses were sitting crooked on his face and the urge to reach out and fix them was almost too strong for you. He wore a small sad smile. A smile begging you to forgive him. His eyes were soft and caring. Damn it, he hadn’t even said anything yet and your resolve was crumbling.

“Don’t do that,” you demanded.

“Do what?”

“Look at me like that. It’s not fair. You hurt me. You embarrassed me. You don’t just get to come up here and make it better with one look. It’s not fair. So stop. Stop looking at me like that.”

“Okay. I’m sorry. I’m sorry.”

You looked away from him. You hated that he had this much power over you with just a look. You could still feel his eyes on you; though you've realized he probably couldn’t help it. James was one of the few who wore every emotion on his face.

“I have something for you,” the bespeckled boy offered. You looked back at him as he handed you a small box.

“What’s this for?”

“Christmas. And to say I’m sorry, well mostly to say I’m sorry.”

“You can’t just fix this with a gift.”

“I know. I don’t plan to. But I wanted to get this for you anyway.” James assured. He didn’t know how you were going to react. He could only hope you were just as cheesy as he was.

You pulled open the box, and much to your amazement found a beautiful locket. A locket you already owned. A locket James had given you. You looked at James confused.

“Open it.”

You did. Inside was the picture of you, James, and Sirius, where it had always been on the left. To the right sat a new picture. One you had never seen before. One you never knew had been taken. The picture was of you and James standing outside in Hogsmeade, you were wearing his sweater, a blush adorning your face, an unrecognizable look on James. Snow was falling all around you. The picture was beautiful.

“Wormtail gave me this when we got back to school. He took it that day we all went to Hogsmeade. I didn’t even know he was there I swear but the photo gave me an idea.” When you didn’t say anything James continued. “There is one more thing to.”

You looked back down at the box the locket came out of, sitting there was a folded piece of paper. You pulled it out and opened it.

Maybe Christmas can be our season?

You looked at James again. He smiled at you, before taking the gift out of your hand and sitting it down next to you. He grabbed both of your hands. “I am so, so sorry for what I did to you. I was angry and jealous, and I let my ego get the best of me. I never should have yelled at you. I know you're not just going to forgive me overnight, but I would like a chance to prove to you how much I care about you. I was so caught up with lily that I never realized it, but the truth is it's always been you. But I always told myself that you were my friend, that you didn’t feel that way about me, and that I had feelings for lily, but that’s not true. I was an oblivious idiot, and I swear if you give me a chance I will make it up to you every day. You don’t have to forgive me. But I never want to not be a part of your life.” His speech brought tears to your eyes though it was taking you a second to process everything.

“Yo- You were jealous?” You inquired. James had to fight the urge to smile, of course after everything he just said that's what caught your attention.

James blushed a little, nodding sheepishly. “Yeah. I was being an idiot.”

“I’m still confused.”

James laughed softly, “Jesus, Y/n I’m in love with you!”

You sucked in a sharp breath. This couldn’t be real could it? James was in love with you. You had to be dreaming right?

“Really? Me? You’re in love with me?”

“Yes, Y/n. I already told you, It’s always been you.” You smiled brightly at James’ words. Launching to wrap your arms around his neck. He let out a chuckle as he wrapped his arms around you. “I’m so so sorry, love. For everything.”

“I forgive you.”

“I love you,” He whispered in response.

“I love you too, Jamie.” You pulled back slightly. “Can I have one more thing for Christmas?”

“You can have anything you want ever,” James promised.

“Kiss me?”

“Well I would consider that more of a requirement than a gift considering we are sitting under mistletoe,” James smirked.

You looked up to see a small sprout of mistletoe blooming in midair over you. “You’re a cheeky bloke,” you giggled.

“You’ll have to get used to that because it only gets worse.”

Before you could respond his lips were on yours. You smiled into the kiss, causing him to do the same. It was messy, all wide smiles and clashing teeth and soft giggles between breaths but it was perfect.

“Maybe Christmas really is our season.”

Bonus:

“So you two finally got together?” Sirius laughed as you and James walked into the common room holding hands.

“Yep kissed and everything,” James laughed, causing you to elbow him in the side. He just put his arm around you and smiled.

“Look at that Remus I win!”

“Win what?” You asked glaring at them playfully.

“We had a bet on when you two would kiss. Unfortunately for me, I forgot how absolutely hopeless you were,” Remus conceded.

“And that means I win! So give it up Moony, I won fair and square!” Remus pulled a bag of chocolates out of his bag and threw them at Sirius. Hitting him in the face.

Sirius was unfazed even though the bag came dangerously close to the healing gash that ran across his forehead and threw his eye brow.

“How does it feel to be a loser moons?” Sirius badgered. His taunting was unrelenting and Remus quickly became annoyed. It didn’t help that Sirius was getting so close to his face as he teased.

“Shut up-“

“Hey don’t be a sore loser, Moony. It’s not your fault I’m so brill-“

You, James, and Lily (who had been sitting quietly in an armchair with a large smile) all gasped as Remus shut Sirius up with a kiss. When they pulled apart every ones eyes were wide. Including a very shocked and seemingly very dazed Sirius.

“Rem-“

“I said shut up.”

“Ah ha!” You jumped up, Lily groaned. Everyone’s eyes were suddenly on you.

“What you think you guys were the only ones with a bet?” You laughed when you noticed the attention. “Thanks to Remus here, Lily owes me 5 galleons!”