#I mean by the end it seemed obvious he knew even from bads POV but I keep seeing posts where it’s like ‘FOOLISH YOURE SO CLOSE CONNECT THE

[zeb-z]

Watching over Bad’s perspective of the little chat him and Foolish had at Forever’s base today, and from his perspective you really can’t tell that Foolish picked up Bad’s hint about the “blue fish” at first.

Their chat was a huge glimpse into the real Foolish under all his wisecracks and cheer, the Foolish that solves problems and takes things seriously, a little look into how much he actually is aware of and what his true intentions are - but even then he’s holding back how much he’s understanding what Bad is trying to say. Dancing around the subject, either for Bad’s sake to keep up appearances, or his own.

Bad goes home, and wonders if he can truly trust Foolish enough to show him more. Foolish goes home, and considers how Bad’s really the one they have to look out for.

[robxstar]

Hi what's your opinion on Terra after the reveal of her betrayal. After she fully swore allegiance to Slade I found her to be an evil unbearable jerk taking advantage of the Titan's hesitation to attack her while insulting them and telling Robin about not being some sad little girl waiting to be rescued seemed to come out of nowhere and all of that because of what beast boy said to her after betrayal.

Oh, do I get to expound on Terra now?

*rubs hands*

Nah fam, the bitterness and insults and manipulation didn't come out of nowhere. She was angry and lashing out at the friends who, in her mind, betrayed her. Beast Boy had promised to be her friend "no matter what" so from her POV his cold dismissal was him failing to be there for her, tossing her to the curb.

And who exactly do you think had been playing on her insecurities all that time about exactly that?

If you guessed our favorite masked manipulator ding ding ding! You win the prize.

Slade was absolutely 100% being the creepy emotionally manipulative "bad parent" to Terra. First he isolates her, preys on her fears of being alone, of having no one understand her, of being out of control. Then he offers her her greatest desire--a place to belong, a means of having agency and control over herself.

And, most importantly, he actually delivers on his promise. (For a while at least.) So now Terra has achieved this personal victory in her life thanks to Slade and he takes advantage of her relief and gratitude and starts poisoning her against the Titans before and likely during when he sent her to infiltrate them.

"I'm the only one who understands you. I'm the only one who cares about you. They aren't your friends. They will turn on you the moment they find out the truth. Their friendship is false and hollow and it won't last."

But since the Titans' friendship is genuine Terra gets so confused. She never had much of a moral compass growing up. She was told what to do and where to go, who to be, her whole life before she ran away. She had a desire and impulse to help and do good (which may or may not have been her genuine wish) but she never knew how to do that unless she was being specifically directed. That's why she falls so easily for Slade's deceptions, why he didn't have to brute force his control over her like he did Robin until the bitter end when she finally saw through him.

So when Beast Boy rejected her in "Betrayal" it just proves in her mind everything Slade had been telling her. So her loyalty to the Titans is broken and she devotes herself to mimicking and mirroring Slade. (His perfect "golden child".)

Aaaaaand that is where the insults and taking advantage of the Titans' mercy comes into play because that is classic Slade Tactics. Belittle, berate, twist every known weakness to one's advantage, throw your opponent emotionally off balance until they're reckless and you get an opening.

She's just doing exactly as he taught her.

And the line about not being a sad little girl needing rescue? Frankly that's half to convince herself. Even as she doubles down, her conscience is beginning to niggle at her and she has to shout it down and drown it out. That's what her whole opening speech in Aftershock Part Two is about, the mantra that repeats in her head as she tries to tell herself she wanted this outcome.

"I have no regrets," she lies, as she stops and looks wistfully at places where she has fond memories with the Titans.

I better stop myself before I keep on rambling and rambling but uh, in case it wasn't obvious, Terra is a narrative bone and I am a dog that keeps on gnawing and gnawing at all the amazing little fascinating juicy crunchy parts. So that's how I feel about her post-betrayal. (And pre-betrayal, frankly.)

[stefanmikaleson1864]

New Beginnings

Requested by @kzgsox

Jay halstead x female greader

Lindsey gets upset at her boyfriend Jay when she finds him comforting the girl he was in love with who served in the rangers with him and mouse,when a guy from the readers past is halled into the station and question the reader has a full blown panic attack having never told anyone what had happened an ends up being the solid source of the reasoning the guy gets put away for good and Jay stays by her side the whole time and they end up together

A/N: I Really hope everyone enjoys this ! And if you like my work please comment like and Reblog it means a lot to see interactions on my work

Y/N’s POV 

Things had been hard ever sense coming home from the rangers. You thought the moment you touched down on US soil everything would be okay.

 That you would be able to take off the uniform and put all those bad memories and feelings into the closet and lock it away. 

But that wasn’t the case which seemed pretty obvious now. Things were not doing okay and you were not where you thought you would be in live. 

You thought you would be married with kids and having a career. But that was from the life you had now. 

You were in bad relationship with a guy you had no business being with. He was a piece of crap guy. 

He always took every little thing out on you. And you always just ended up taking it. Not wanting to make the situation worse. 

With your PTSD and other things you had going on you thought life was as good as it was going to get. 

That you didn’t want to burden someone else with the struggles you were going through. Someone else didn’t deserve the weight you carried. 

Everyone you knew from the rangers had gone their own way. You never really kept in contact with them and decided it was best that way. 

Maybe seeing them would be to hard. Or that is what you told yourself anyways. 

The connections you had were just gone and it was honestly hard dealing with the pain of that to. 

You had 2 other people you were close with that you thought you had true connections to. 

Jay halstead and Greg Gerwitz aka Mouse. It was always the 3 of you together  and you seemed to have different feelings for Jay. 

The kind that missed him while he was gone and always got butterflies when he touched you. 

You thought about asking him out but you didn’t want to ruin one of the most important relationships you had. Besides he never seemed to recuperate so you didn’t want to get hurt. 

Once the 3 of you were honourably discharged and thanked for your service you all went back home.

 Conveniently you all lived in Chicago which is what also strengthen your bond. But once you all got home you went your separate ways. 

Maybe it was just hard on them to so you tried your best to understand. So you went into your little box and then just shut out the world. You didn’t even bother trying it all just seemed so pointless

But now it just seemed like someone was taking a hammer and breaking at the box making you come out.

  You tried to patch the holes but it seemed like it wasn’t working and you just didn’t know what to do. 

It wasn’t even a good thing that it was breaking at least right now it wasn’t. You knew your boyfriend was up to no good and know he was getting you involved in it. 

He was running drugs at first. You knew that and against your better judgement you didn’t do anything about it. He wasn’t getting involved so you didn’t say anything. But now he was upping his game. 

He was selling weapons and bomb materials. He was using your name on the weapons so they didn’t check his background. 

You didn’t even know until now because you got a letter in the mail about your background check 

You were shocked obviously , confused and hurt. You kept thinking about what you were going to do ?

 You knew you had a duty to protect the public it was in your blood. But then the other part of you was worried that no one would believe you.

You also wondered what the hell Keith would say ? I mean not that you cared what that horrible man would think but you also tried so hard not to even think about it. 

Right now you were sitting at the table in your kitchen biting your nails. Something you did when you were always nervous. 

Suddenly the door opened up and they slammed the door breaking your thoughts. You also jumped out of fear. 

“Y/n where the hell are you” The voiced barrelled out. 

Keith of course 

“Hey babe I’m in here “ You said quietly 

“We need to leave right now “ keith said. 

“What no i’m not leaving” You said 

“I really wasn’t asking let’s go” He yelled

“Why don’t you talk to me and we can work this out okay” You pleaded 

“I’m not talking about this anymore” He yelled grabbing your arm. 

You snatched it back and then stood up to look him in his eyes. 

“I know okay I know why you want to go” You said 

“How” was all he asked

“They sent me a letter in the mail from my background check” You said 

“Damn it” He yelled knocking stuff on the table.

It shook you up and you just kept starting down at the ground. Not knowing what the hell your next move should be right now. A little to scared to move. 

Suddenly the front door swung open again and you heard shouting 

“Chicago PD No one move” A familiar voice yelled out. 

You snapped your head up to the blonde hair man looking just as shocked as you. 

“Y/N Omg is that you” Jay asked 

“Jay what the hell is going on” You asked. 

“You know each other” A brown haired girl asked she was very pretty. 

“Yeah we were in the military together” Jay asked 

Some brown haired guy walked over and grabbed you 

“Come on put your hands behind your back” He said 

You looked over at pleading eyes to Jay. You didn’t even do anything wrong. This was all on him. 

“No let her go I got her” Jay said. 

He walked over to you and touched your arm slightly and nodded you for him to follow you. The brown hair girl looked at him with a confused and upset look.

He just seemed to shrug it off and walk past her and went straight outside. You didn’t say anything to him thought still a bit shaken up. You were just confused about was going on. 

Jay didn’t say anything either and you had a heart time reading what he was feeling or what he was even thinking. He walked you out to a black car and opened up the door and sat you in the back. 

Then he looked around for a little bit like he was making sure no one was looking and he got in on the other side. 

His face was reading like it was hurt and he didn’t know what to say because he didn’t want to hurt you. You knew he was pretty disappointed in seeing you wrapped in all of this. 

“ Do not say anything okay you hear me” He said 

“What do you mean I didn’t do anything” You pleaded with him. 

“Y/N look i know your name was pulled up in the damn report to buy the stuff” Jay said 

“That’s how far It got and I didn’t even know he was using my name at all I swear okay Jesus I would Never” You said 

“Okay if that’s what you say but when we get there not a damn word to anyone but me” He said. 

“Fine” You said just sitting back and not really saying anything. 

Jay got out and he walked away and you didn’t know where he went because the windows were tinted and you couldn’t even see anything. 

You just laid you head back and squeezed your eyes closed. You just hoped maybe when you would open them back up it would be some sort of dream. That this wasn’t really happening to you. 

You could feel the tears rolling down on your cheek. The salty water hitting your lips. God how did you get here and why. This wasn’t happening not to you. 

Suddenly you sat up and opened your eyes when the car doors opened up. You sat up and wiped the tears away. Jay and the brown haired girl got in. There was a air in the car like you could just tell they were arguing about something. 

You just sat up and put your seat belt on and they took off. No one was speaking and you could cut the tension with a knife. 

You just kept driving on the way to the station. You finally made it there and they pulled up in the front. They both got out and Jay walked over to your side and opened up the door. 

You got out and he kept right by your side without moving, It was hard to tell if it was because he was keeping you from running or was he protecting you. It seemed like the latter but it was hard to tell. 

You walked into the station and it seemed like everyone had stopped what they were doing and just stared at you. Or maybe you were just being dramatic. 

There was a lady at the front desk who looked up and gave a mean look towards your way. You wondered what the hell you did to her. 

Jay didn’t say anything he just walked you up the stairs and keyed in some numbers and the door opened up. 

You walked up the stairs and walked into a office/ work pen area. There were desk every where and you were surprised to see something on what was obviously Jay’s desk. There was a picture on the desk with you Jay and Mouse. 

It made your heart pound. And you can’t believe he kept it. DId it mean something or was it just sentimental ? You felt like you were getting in your head again. 

He walked you to a room and he pointed for you to sit down. He went and shut the door behind him. You didn’t see where the other girl went. She got lost in the crown downstairs. 

He just looked at you with concern in his eyes. Your pride was getting the best of you because you were going to start this conversation. Jay was probably thinking the same thinking because he wasn’t saying anything either. 

Finally he bit his tongue and spoke up. 

“What the hell is going on” He asked in a soft tone. 

You didn’t really say anything just kept looking down at your hands and playing with your fingers.  He grabbed your hand and gave it a squeeze and then you finally looked up at him. 

You didn’t know what to say or know where to start really. So you just took a deep breathe and tried to muster up some strength to start. 

“ I wasn’t lying I mean I legit just found he was using my name to buy weapons okay I was gonna say something” You said. 

“ I did know about the dealing and stuff I just figured it wasn’t that big of a deal” You shrugged. 

“Not that big of a deal we fought to protect to keep people safe now your sleeping with low lives what the hell happened to you” Jay yelled. 

You started feeling the anxiety creep up inside of you. You felt like your breathing was staggering and you felt like you were getting dizzy. You thought you were going to pass out. 

You closed your eyes and tried to calm down but it really wasn’t working. Then you felt these hands wrap around you. They squeezed you tight and you heard him whisper. It sounded like it was really far away. 

“It’s okay I’m here for you.” You heard Jay’s voice soften up. 

He didn’t leave your side and kept your hand on your back trying to soothe you. Finally after a few minutes you started to calm down. 

You looked up at him and didn’t even realise you were crying until you felt the tears on your face. 

You wiped the tears from your face and Jay took his hand and placed it on your face in a conforming manner. 

“I’m here I’m not going anywhere” He said. 

“Thank you” You said in a low soft tone. 

“Why don’t we walk through this together okay me and you” He said 

“ I swear okay I didn’t know about the weapons until like 2  days ago. I found out when I got the letter in the mail saying my background was clear” You said 

“What about the drugs” Jay asked 

You looked at him and nodded and just started crying again. 

He wiped those tears from your face and gave you a smile but his face said it was disappointed. 

“How did we get here” He asked. 

“Things just got bad you know I was struggling and thought if i just ignored it then the problem would go away. “ You said. 

“I get that but I’m here okay you don’t have to do this alone and I can get you some help okay but I also need your help as well.” Jay said. 

“I don’t know you don’t know him like I do” you hesitated. 

“That’s a good thing listen to me this is going to get you free and take a bad guy off the street save lives. This is also going to be a good thing for you a new beginning” Jay said. 

“Yeah yeah” You said 

“Its going to be hard and it’s not going to be easy but you are strong and you are brave and you are going to get through this” Jay said. 

“Okay” You breathed. 

“Tell me everything” Jay said. 

“I know he deals to some white people up North soccer moms and stuff but I don’t know about the weapons” You said. 

“You think he would tell you” Jay said 

“No I don’t think he would but his friends might” You said 

“Okay we will set you up with a wire and get the information that way” Jay said. 

“Yeah sure” You said 

“So that brown hair girl is she your girlfriend” you asked. 

“Yeah she is” Jay said

“Is it serious” You asked 

“Not really i guess we just been hanging out” Jay said. 

“What’s her name” You asked 

“Erin Linsday” Jay said 

“ she seems good for you and You deserve to be happy Jay and if she’s good for you” You said. 

“She’s just not” Jay was saying then the door opened and Erin walked in. 

“We need a statement from her and what’s going on” Erin asked 

“Nothing were just talking” Jay said. 

She looked like she didn’t believe him. She just nodded and walked out. Jay also had a look on his face where it was hard to read what the hell was going on. 

“I’ll be back okay” Jay said 

You nodded and he placed a hand on your shoulder and walked out and shut the door.  You just sat there  and took deep breathes.

You heard from the room there was yelling. 

“jay what the hell are you doing you are leading her this is going to throw this case this is way to personal” The brown hair girl yelled 

“It’s not Erin I told you I am helping her out okay she is not some criminal okay She is my family and she doesn’t deserve to be shoved in some box she earned better than that” Jay said 

You tried not to looka them and gave them their space.

There was a part of you that wasn’t sure if this was even the right move but you know you had to try.  Jay was right people’s lives were in danger and you could risk that. 

It was just hard looking in the mirror and seeing how you got here. Going from being a decorated solider to this a heaping pile of mess. 

The silence  was hard it just made you think about everything which is something you didn’t want to do. 

After what seemed like forever Jay walked back in and he looked at you and smiled. He was holding a small box in his hand. 

“I would say yes but your already seeing someone” You said smiling 

He looked at you and smiled and sat down. 

“Well good to know I have options” He said 

“So what is that thing” You asked 

“ A wire made like a necklace” Jay said. 

‘Yeah so this is real” You said 

“You can say no we will figure it out another way” Jay said 

“No I can handle this” you said looking up and smiling. 

“Hear come here” Jay said 

You both got up and he walked over and you turned to him and pulled your hair up. He put the necklace on you. 

You turned back and smiled at him 

“You ready to roll out” Jay said. 

“Yeah let’s do it I can text Jimmy to meet me down at the bar we hang” You said 

“Okay sounds like a plan I’ll let the team know we gotta get ready so you can hang at my desk while we go gear up” Jay said. 

You both walked out the room and you Jay walked you over to his desk. You sat down looking at the picture you saw earlier. Wondering what the hell had happened to you. 

The rest of his team all kind of scattered not really acknowledging you. Then after a little bit Jay signalled for you to come on. 

You walked out with him and Erin and got back into the same car as before. It was  quiet as no one was saying anything. 

After giving Jay address you all left to headed out. 

“Are you sure he’s gonna even be there” Erin asked

“Yeah I’m sure he practically lives there” You said. 

She didn’t say anything after that but her and Jay glanced looked at each other. 

The car ride was silent and the ride took a little bit to get there. It was just one of those neighbourhood bars. That sat on the corner and if you weren’t a regular you sat out like a sore thumb. 

Jay pulled up and you and Erin looked back at you with a serious look. 

“You got this” Erin asked

“I’m fine okay I was a ranger” You said not liking the tone she asked or maybe you were reading into it. 

You got out and walked over to the door. You stopped and closed your eyes for a minute taking a breath. 

Then walked in and looked around looking for Jimmy.  He was sitting at a table already a few beers in. 

You walked over and sat down in front of him. You grabbed a beer and started drinking and Jimmy looked at you and smiled. 

“Y/N how you doing where’s your man” He asked 

“Busy he sent me to talk about the plan” You said 

Jimmy looked up at you with a look on his face. 

“What plans Y/N” He asked 

“Come on man I know about the arms that’s it But Keith asked me to ask you about the plans he was drunk as hell but you know me” You said .

“Your right” Jimmy said 

“I do know you and you never really cared about this before always kept in the shadows why should I believe you” Jimmy asked 

“Fair point but look okay I got denied my VA benefits the one’s I been fighting for. All that trauma for nothing so now there gonna pay” You said.

“I like that so listen we got the weapons. Okay were planning to hit the Recruitment centres and then we got plans for some government buildings” Jimmy said 

“The guns where are they” You asked 

“Down in the basement at my place” Jimmy said 

“Good it’s a plan” You said 

You both sat and talked for a little bit more. To make it seem like you weren’t just fishing. The hate this man talked about it was disgusting. 

After a little bit you pulled out and headed back to the car. Jay was smiling at you and Erin even looked a little impressed 

“Nice job Y/N I knew you still had balls” Jay said. 

“See i told you i Had it” You said 

“So where to now” You asked 

“Were getting you home we deal with the rest” Jay said 

You just nodded and looked outside the window. It felt like you were getting a small part of you back. 

Finally you made it home and Jay got out and walked you out. You both walked up to your front door. 

Jay smiled at you and you smiled back and you both let out a laugh

“So what now” You asked 

“I told you I’m getting you help. I will be here every step of the way for you. I know the old you will come back and I’m so excited for her to” Jay said 

“Yeah I am to and thank you for everything” You said 

“Of course were family and everything that comes after” Jay 

“And everything that comes after” You said. 

You both pulled into a hug and when Jay let you go he kissed the top of you head. 

“Good night Jay” You said 

“Good Night Y/N” Jay said 

You walked in after that. You threw your stuff down and headed in. You looked around the house and cleaned it. From top to bottom. Then you took a shower and washed it all off. Everything felt like it was a brand new start to the next chapter of your life.

[therealslimshakespeare]

That’s the thing! How does Gale react to it? We know he has objections (ignoring which is a bad thing to do -thats obvious) but I always was under impression that he was fond of her and would welcome a lot more of her advances if it wasn’t for their situation (first army protocols and later on stalag). Her ignoring or dismissing his boundaries is not a good thing to do, but it’s clearly not as easy as it may seem. They end up in love, there must be something there to build upon (even if it’s not easy due to their respective traumas). If they are able to build rather happy life post war that speaks volumes on how well they must end up understanding one another (because we must remember that this is a generation which was denied proper therapeutic care and were expected to just move on from killing people on daily or being tortured to being stand up civilians, mothers and fathers. On top of pre existing traumas connected to often lacking parenting care). So my question is how does Maureen end up opening up to Gale about her past, both her traumas and her own wrongdoings and how does he take it? And how much she reveals (purposefully or not) to the rest of the crew?

Excellent points all and the questions posed here are totally on my list of things to be woven into fics because they’re essential for their story making any sense, ya know? So, love this.

First off. One hint we have in Gale’s POV (in First Night) is that from the first time he saw her in the nose of Our Baby, he adored her nose. Tiny detail, doesn’t mean he was in love, doesn’t mean he was asking for a hand in his lap. But as we will learn, Gingerale had a rather startling attraction to her right away.

Why was it startling? Because Gale Cleven hadn’t felt attracted to a woman since…well, couldn’t remember when.

Not strongly, at least. It had been sometime early in highschool when a dreaded presentment settled over him that he was odd, and that worsened into knowing he was outright queer by college.

No like really. He liked men. In that way.

And that wasn’t something he was going to pursue, not if he was gonna rise up in the world, make a better run of it than his daddy. But it was something to acknowledge and he had to finally. Then he moved on.

And then he met Bucky, and he almost wanted to think Bucky felt the same hot gut devotion he did, but Bucky was like that with everyone.

Including a new girl named Candy. Or Maureen, to be proper. She was a new girl among many new girls who came flooding in with the war on. And Gale got along with all of them just fine. Used to them all, used to the batting eyelashes or the pink cheeks, the slipped phone numbers and the not so subtle attempts to bump into him in a corridor. He was used to that.

Plenty of them were really capable. Shockingly so. Among them, Kendeigh.

What he wasn’t used to was being watched by a woman across the bar, being hunted down by her, laughed over his stringent lack of alcohol, have her buy him a Gingerale, call him by the same name in a voice that suggested nothing good, like she knew he wasn’t as good as he pretended anyway. He felt a hot gut longing for that.

If only they’d met before all this. Before he was her Major and she was feuding with the new Lady Colonel over being demoted to bombardier. She was ferocious in her own way, very good at getting a party going, could make anyone forget how many folks they’d lost in a practice crash last week. She was good to have around. He asked if she might get put as his bombardier when they shipped out.

There weren’t any objections. He almost wished there were, to knock some sense into him for wanting to keep her so near. It diluted all his half hearted protests to the contrary. But soon she wasn’t just a a friend, someone to help wrangle and occupy Bucky, she was also his deputy. As missions got worse and the stakes got higher, he needed someone like that. When Curt went down, she felt like the closest thing left. It was her and Benny, and it felt wrong to have both eggs in one basket, as it were, but he wanted them with him all the same.

That’s a brief, but rather long all the same, fly over of my vision for some this.

One other addition: Maureen has a gay brother. One of those Ivy League homosexuals who wasn’t at all out but lord knows he wasn’t in either. And she knew it. Liberal in many ways, she accepted it, easily, and didn’t think much of sniffing another out when she found one. Much to Gale’s horror and then relief. It’s a dangerous to admit to a woman he’s not sure he fully likes, even if he rather adores her. But what she does with that trust -it’s like watching a flower bloom.

She’s oddly touched by it. Almost rises to the occasion under it. And for Gale, it’s good to be known.

Having that aspect known, by the time he gets to the stalag, goes through what he’s been through, proceeds to go through more once there —Maureen already knowing some of the most intimate details about him, he can’t manage to fully push her away when he begins to spiral. Meanwhile she is on a learning curve about how on earth to help. Since all the selfish ways she used to extract his attention would only be harmful and -selfish. And she rises to that occasion. She does it for Brady, too. And might be the only one tangibly keeping those two men’s morale’s afloat.

You can imagine after all that, how utterly ingrained and intertwined they are by time of liberation.

Before then. Before Gale leaves her behind in the escape. She tells him she loves him. And I think she tells him more. Now she’s learned there is a more to her story.

[mikeys-bike-slut]

Untitled - Sequel - PT.3

Once again sorry for the late update, things are a bit rough on my front. I hope you will enjoy it <3

Previous Part

T.W: n/a

***

Wakasa 3rd POV:

The white leopard started to get restless when the clock in his living room struck 9pm and his beloved kitten was nowhere to be found. She often had dinner with Kazutora after their shift ended but usually she always messaged yet tonight, nothing. Trying to call her did not seem to work as the phone kept on ringing until voicemail switched on. He was about to raise an alarm and send out his Black Dragons when suddenly his doorbell rang. He rushed to the door and his eyes widened and the worst thoughts rushed into his mind as he found the Haitanis standing there with Angel in Rindou's arms. 

"What the fuck is going on?!" snaps at the brothers he takes Angel away from younger. "Is she okay?!" he asks as he frantically looks for her pulse and wave of relief washes over him as he feels her pulse. "Get the fuck in, right now" he growls at the Haitanis who reluctantly at first but walked in not daring to start shit with the White Leopard himself. 

Once inside Wakasa gently laid the unconscious young woman onto the sofa then looked at the infamous Roppongi brothers, who not enough just randomly showed up at his door after 5 years of absence but showed up with the girl they swore to avoid, unconscious. 

"This is a long story, and a cruel twist of fate" Rindou shakes his head as he looks at the leopard. 

"She is fine, we gave her a small dose tranquilizer, she should be awake soon, if she asks what happened, tell her she slipped and hit her head and you found her unconscious in the shop. If she mentions us, or Sanzu or Kokonoi, tell her she was dreaming" Ran instructed Wakasa who was still confused. 

"What the fuck is going on exactly, Haitani?" he cocks a brow looking at both of the brothers.

"One of our associates got shot and by accident ran into the pet shop where Angel worked... If Sanzu wouldn't have recognized her we might have had trouble. Long story short she basically saved our associate's life. Normally we shoot any witnesses, but for obvious reasons we did not harm Angel" Rindou explains.

"She needs to believe what happened was a dream so she won't come looking for us. She has to stay away from Mikey" the older Haitani's voice sounds eerily serious which was out of character for him.

"I mean obviously..." Wakasa just rolls his eyes and Rindou lets out an annoyed growl.

"You don't understand, Imaushi. He will kill Angel if she goes anywhere near him again" Rindou barks at Wakasa. "Trust me, it fucking sucks to leave her behind and not to see her again but if she starts snooping around us she will find Mikey and that won't end well so for her sake we're gonna disappear" 

"Wait... I don't understand... As last as I knew Mikey and Angel were fine?" he gives them a  confused look.

"A lot has changed since then..." Ran shakes his head. "Mikey changed... he was alright in the beginning, he actually started dating again but he never got over Angel, to the point that the his new girlfriend was basically a split image of Angel, except her personality was just pure trash but Mikey didn't notice, he became fixated on her and obsessed with her, which she took advantage of and just used Mikey. We tried to warn him, but it ended in Mikey beating Sanzu so bad he ended up in hospital... That's when we noticed the change in him, that was until he caught her cheating, he lost it. He massacred her along with everyone who was in sight, even we barely made it out alive" Ran explains as he lifts his shirt up showing a deep scar on his abdomen. 

"After that he wasn't the same, he lost his mind. He got this delusion that Angel did that to him, and he got fixated on killing her if he'll see her again. Angel got very lucky at Emma's wedding. By some miracle Mikey was able to control his impulses probably because of his love towards his sister, but if he catches her alone... Angel would be in grave danger" Rindou continues the explanation making the older man let out a deep sigh. 

"That fucking kid I swear..." he shakes his head then looks at the Haitanis. "Thank you...both of you" 

"We promised to always protect her and we're keeping our words" Ran says in a serious tone. "We should go" he glances at his brother who just nods. 

"Take care of her, Imaushi" the younger looks at the white leopard before giving one last glance at the unconscious cyclone and walking out. 

"I will" Wakasa nods then walks out the Haitanis and locks the door behind them. "You make everyone crazy..." he sighs as he walks back to her sleeping form and just watches her laying there. How can one single woman could have such an effect on so many men? It's been five years and the Haitanis are still wrapped around her finger. "You little witch" he sighs softly then gently picks her up and takes her up into their shared bedroom and after changing her into her pjs he lays her into their bed. "Goodnight kitten" he whispers against her temple before tucking her in then walking back downstairs. 

Later that night - Angel P.o.V:

When I woke up to my confusion I was in our bed, at home. I look around confused and hold my head as I feel dizzy all of the sudden. What the hell happened...? I suddenly feel a strong yearning for Wakasa's presence. I climb out of bed and put on his Black Dragon jacket then slowly walk down the stairs hoping he is home. 

"Waka...?" I call out with my voice almost breaking. The thought of being alone right now was terrifying me. 

"Baby, hey. Are you okay?" his voice comes from the sofa as turns his head to look at me. Without a word I just rush up to him and climb into his lap, cuddling up to him. "Hey, hey. Is everything alright, baby?" he asks in a soft tone as he instantly wraps his arms around me and caresses my back.

"I don't know... The last thing I remember was Rin and Ran..." I whisper into his chest. 

"Hmm? The Haitanis?" he asks with confusion in his tone. 

"Yes... Someone was shot end I... I saved his life, then there was Sanzu too" I explain as I try to recall what happened.

"Maya, there was no one there, and there was no sign of anyone being injured. You slipped and you must have hit your head because when I got there I found you unconscious behind the counter and the bowl of water spilled. You gave me quite the scare" he sighs. 

"Really?" I ask confused. "Though... that would explain why I feel dizzy. But it... it all felt so real... Ran's kiss, their arms around me... I thought I finally got my brothers back" I mumble into his chest. "I miss them so much..." 

"That's probably why you had a dream about them, your subconscious trying to ease the yearning you feel for their presence" he explains as he keeps caressing my back. "Try to forget about it, okay? Don't cause yourself more pain"

"You're right..." I sigh then close my eyes. "Please stay with me tonight... I can't bare to be alone right now, I need you..." 

"Of course, my gem. I'll be right here with you as long as you'll need me" he says softly then presses a kiss on top of my head and gentle gives me a squeeze which starting to relax me. I rest my head on his chest then close my eyes, slowly putting my mind at ease as I listen to his steady heart beat. 

[fandom-fortress]

Thoughts and predictions of “The Bad Batch”!

This are just a few things that have been on my mind since the last three episodes, so it’s a long post.

If you haven’t seen them, keep scrolling!

This will go in no particular order:

Dr. Emerie Karr

This one was not so much of a shock to me, there was something about her and the way she spoke that inmediatly had my attention. The way she was introduced was a bit creepy but seeing it from Cross’ pov, she seemed to look like Tech, not to mention all the foreshadowing of all of them in the episode “The Outpost”.

In the episode “Tipping point”, she’s always calling Cross by his name rather than his number which, from my pov, is a way to get closer to him, make him feel more at ease giving the circumstances but, why would an imperial scientist do this? The answer is, she feels related to him somehow, then she stops the torture, gives him some sort of shot to bring him back and she unbuckles the wrist restrain, only for Cross to wake up short after and, this is where it gets interesting because, she warns him that there is no way out and it sounds to me like she has tried to do that before.

This for me means that she doesn’t want to be with the empire, because she knows what Hemlock is doing with the clones and feels uncomfortable seeing it and doing it herself, which brings me to me next point...

Echo’s contact

That’s right, i do believe that the one that keeps feeding them the info is Dr, Emerie Karr, as I mentioned before, i think she has tried to escape herself to no avail, so, to alleviate her guilt from torturing her “brothers” she’s giving the necessary intel to the people who has being helping the clones without being to obvious about it to avoid getting caught and keep helping.

I do admit this is a bit far fetch, but i think ✨it’s obvious✨

Tech’s “death”

Now here comes the heartbreaking part of this post. Though I’m in the grieving and the denial wagon, I want to see this from both sides, so bare with me on this.

Tech being alive: There are a few things that says that this might be true; one of those things being that the rest of the batch fell from a little lower than he did and they survived, they were injured as hell but alive. Another thing is, of course, no body = not dead. And the last thing is, you got it right, Tech’s googles; this is a classic move for the villian to make and it usually always works.

I feel like Hemlock knew that that attack was made by Clone Force 99 so i think he gave the order to search for clues and they found Tech’s body, at that exact moment, Cid commed the empire and tell them that the batch was at Ord Mantell, the person that answer the “call” told to Hemlock, so he grabbed his googles and made his way to Ord Mantell to poke at the wound of their fallen brother in hopes to make them turn Omega in.

Tech being dead: I hate this possibility but, I do believe this might actually be real. Things in a war don’t always end up in a happy ending.

Tech made a choice and a sacrifice. Giving him development, a love interest, making him bond more with Omega, etc, feels incomplete because that’s life. We don’t always get to say a proper goodbye to the people we care about nor do we have a lot of time to make this decision, it’s a now kindda thing. And this might even be the final straw to make them fight the empire for good this time, besides from getting Omega back that is.

Omega

I think I know were this one is going.  I saw the signs but never really paid attention to them before because ✨denial✨ but I can’t ignore them anymore.

I now believe that Omega is actually Force-sensitive. If Emerie is already a female clone, why would the empire need Omega? Yes, I know that they need Nala Se to help them and that’s why they wanted Omega but, what if there’s something else going on?

We know Palpatine is into his cloning phase, if we add to this that Omega has heightened awareness, knows how to meditate and the importance she has for the empire, then the only thing i can make of this is: Omega is force-sensitive.

The next steps

This is were the fun begins!

So, obviously they are not going back to Ord Mantell because they have nothing left there, they got AZI back and Cid finally betray them, so that’s not longer an option.

The most logical place where they should go is to Coruscant, back to Rafa’s and Trace’s garage. This because they need a place to investigate and get more fuel, not to mention that they could use all the help they can get, so i want to belive that Rex, Gregor and Howzer will help them at getting Omega and Crosshair back. 

Not to mention that i hope to see a very feral Hunter and Wrecker, i do expect to see an aggressive Hunter due to the pain of loosing Omega and Tech and the same thing goes with Wrecker.

The reunion

Now, i’m not saying that I don’t want a reunion because I obviously want that, BUT, i feel like Filoni won’t give us this unless it’s the actual final of the show OR they give us 2 more seasons; s3 will be them getting all 6 of them back together (with Tech being alive because i said so) and a final s4 with Cross trying to win their trust back.

[rupertsfangirl]

A Dungeon of Our Own ch. 1 | Draco Malfoy Series

This is the 1st person ver. (Closed)

Summary: It's the 2000s now and Draco is trying to clean himself up after the end of the 2nd wizarding war. His parents' supremacist ideals need to go but he’s not sure where to start. Maybe interacting in the muggle world. They can't be that bad. 

Tags & Warnings: A tad of angst (more to come), dual-pov (next chapter), slowburn, enemies to lovers but like if someone coughed E to L on it. Think I missed a tag or warning? Please let me know!

Word count: 1.1k Pairing: Draco Malfoy x Fem!Reader

A/N: (Edited) I have decided to continue the story through the 3rd person version. If you like this story it will continue through the 3rd person ver. Here is my Draco Masterlist where you can access the other chapters (soon to come).

Sorry for grammar mistakes

"Draco, listen we're all worried about you."

"No, last I checked it was just you." Although it was only Theo in a painting it was definitely still Theo. Really the only person I thought close enough to be an equal, but not anymore.

"Theo! *Sigh* Ignore him." Pansy’s eyes were filled with concern; I however avoided eye contact with her, I had not allowed them over for them to begin to lecture me. I shifted in my seat maintaining my calm and cool demeanor as I spoke. 

“When have these ideals done me any good?” She seemingly ignored my question as she was bickering with Theo’s painting. Blaise however did look at me not speaking but expressing how he felt with small twitches in his face. I knew he thought himself superior to everyone here and especially muggles but he was still probably the more humble of these three. 

“Anyway, I just don’t get it. Why spend time in the muggle world? I know you're trying to better yourself, which I really don’t understand but, why not just say I don’t hate muggles and be on with it.” Pansy’s arms expressed just about as much as her voice as she rambled on. I was getting a bit impatient and started drowning her out. I looked toward the window and watched a few birds flying in little circles. I thought about being a bird until I finally caught her ask, “I mean what do your parents think about this?” Blaise scoffed, placing his hand near his mouth. “Don’t you start. Shouldn’t you be helping me talk him out of this?” Pansy spoke sharply with a twinge of annoyance.

Blaise, seemingly ignoring her tone, spoke with a warmth, “Well I personally don’t agree with what Draco’s doing but I won’t waste my breath on trying to change his mind. And secondly isn’t it obvious what his parents think, if they even know, which I doubt they do. Do they?” He sat up straighter in his chair, if that was even possible, his posture already seemed perfect. I move my eyes toward him, peeling them away from the birds I had been watching fly into the distance. 

“No they don’t and it needs to stay that way.” I gave him a stern look which he wasn’t intimidated by but he clearly understood.

“Wouldn’t dream of telling them.”

 I had been raised this way by my parents and trying to remove it seemed like a betrayal. They were greatly disappointed when I told them I was going to adopt a more muggle tolerant view, which was hard on me. We just recently got back to having, mostly, normal dinners. I can’t imagine if they knew about me trying to go on an excursion to the muggle world. However, I knew my parents wouldn’t be here forever to loom over me. Which made me more sad than relieved. Pansy continued to suffocate me with reasons to not go but I just ignored her and made it clear I wouldn’t be changing my mind. 

“I do believe It’s time for you to leave. My parents will be home soon and they aren’t expecting company for dinner.” Blaise stood up walking toward the door with a small nod of his head as a goodbye. He held the door as Pansy walked out. “Oh, and take him with you.” I stood up pointing toward Theo who rolled his eyes. 

“I know you’ll miss me.” He puckered his lips making kissing noises. I sighed as Blaise swiftly grabbed Theo from the chair he had been previously set in and walked through the door disappearing into the hall after Pansy. I closed the door and walked toward the window hoping to catch a glimpse of the birds again. I thought it might take my mind off everything to see a creature so free, unbothered by the constraints of the world around it. I was unable to see them there so I decided to go outside to get a bit of fresh air and see the gardens. The sky reflected my mind: clouded. However, cracks of sunlight were shining through which gave me some hope for myself. I strolled along the cold stone path occasionally stopping and holding a flower in my hand. I however, was not interested in the flowers as I still rapidly searched the sky for the birds. I stayed outside a while longer resting while reading in the large Hazel tree we kept. My mother had insisted on having one in the yard, she enjoyed the scent it produced, as did I. I read until I heard my mother call me inside. It was early evening and the sun was about halfway to setting. My mind was still bothered by all my thoughts and the encroaching feeling of loneliness. Although being with my family helped in one way it worsened it in others. 

Dinner as it had been recently was rather quiet, only the sounds of silverware clinking against glass plates. My mother kept eyeing my father clearly trying to send him a hint. She had resorted to pretending to clear her throat before he finally caught on. 

“Draco, as you know I will be going to Australia due to the discovery of potentially rare dark artifacts. I know you’ve shown interest in my collection so I am extending an invitation to you.” He finished while making a see-I-can-be-nice face toward mother. I knew this meant she had convinced him to ask me as a way of making amends for their prior disappointed silence. However I would not be accepting this invitation as I needed to get both of my parents out of the manor for a few days.

“Sorry father but I must decline, I have prior arrangements planned.” 

“I am disappointed, but I understand. I told you he wouldn’t want to come.” He took a bite of his food as mother gave a small kick to his shin under the table; his eyes squinted at her while she burned holes through him. I tried to keep my eyes on my plate so as to not get sucked into their stare down. 

“I have a suggestion, what if you two go?” I place another bite of food in my mouth, hoping to have diffused the tension. My father seemed a bit uncertain but my mothers eyes softened seemingly in love with the idea. 

“Well, we’ll need to discuss it.” He looked toward Narcissa. 

“I don’t see what’s there to discuss. If he could have gone, why can’t I? It would be the same arrangement, no?”

“Well I mean…”

“It’s settled, I'll come with you.”

“What about Draco?”

“He can take care of himself, and he can always contact me if he needs me.” I nod towards my father in agreement. He seems to want to roll his eyes but refrains only sighing before agreeing. Dinner ended only moments later I quickly excused myself heading to my room to prepare myself for my trip to the muggle world. 

[tuiyla]

I have an anti Bram rant that is literally going through my head 24 hours a day.

First of all, in season 4 when Brittany said something about the "lesbian bloggers," I dont know if that was aimed at Brittana fans, like we would be mad that Brittany dated a guy. I want to clarify that I do not hate Bram because she was dating a guy, I just hated them.

• I mean the most obvious thing is that Brittany and Sam had absolutely 0% on screen chemistry, which is literally what Brittana was built on. Just something about Bram was so stiff and hard to watch. It's like Brittany looked miserable every scene she had with Sam. I don't know if that was an acting choice or if if was accidental, but it happened.

• Sam said that Santana never liked him because she knew he had a crush on Brittany. Which was a definite lie seeing as he had spent the entirety of season 3 obsessing over Mercedes and trying to break up her and her boyfriend.

• I shouldn't really view Bram as a threat because they weren't. I mean Sam vs Santana, the choice is obvious. I always saw it as like the ad break during your favourite show, usually people go on their phones and pay no attention to the tv during the commercial break. It's an inconvenience because it interrupts your favourite show (Brittana) but it is a thing that had to happen and it is inevitable that the show will come back on afterwards.

• I know this is mean but I don't think Chord Overstreet is that good of an actor. I know this is an unpopular opinion so I'm sorry. His acting was always cringey to me, even in season 2, he just seemed boring.

Just everything about it seemed so wrong to me and every time they come on the screen I turn the tv way down and go on Instagram to look at pictures of Naya Rivera 😂.

I'm trying to get over it and not be such a drama queen because they are fictional. Also if they seemed like a better fit then I would be in a way worse situation, however, because every scene they were in together was dead and the acting/chemistry was awful it's not too bad.

I am still and out and proud Bram hater, and I will not deny it to anyone that asks me.

Ps. Santana has better abs than Sam.

She does indeed haha.

I approach Bram from a bit of a different pov but I always love an anti Bram rant so cheers, I'll drink to all this. That stupid joke was indeed aimed at Brittana fans, as far as I know, and that makes me want to commit violent crimes.

Maybe it could have worked as an okay midgame ship but everything about its execution was just so skin crawl-worthy, from the "jokes" aimed at fans (punching down much?) to the writers' only tool being bringing other relationships down to elevate Bram because they weren't willing to put any actual effort into it. They threw Samcedes just as much under the bus as Brittana and that's just so nasty.

Much love to Hemo and nothing against Chord but neither were what I'd call the best actors on the show, or even particularly... good, in general. I think Hemo was better than she often gets credit for and improved immensely in both singing and acting, but that stiffness could very well come from both being on the weaker end of acting. Just what happens when there's no Naya to sell the story, I'm afraid. And little to zero effort on the script's part. This isn't a huge factor in why I personally dislike them as a couple but a noteworthy point anyway.

You're in good company with the anti Bram sentiment. I don't care about them that much but I'm (kinda) currently rewatching season 4 and some of it is hard to sit through. They're just annoying lol. Most midgames I just don't care for (except for Wildebrams!!! justice for them) but Bram was actively hostile against fans and that's what pisses me off the most. Ryan Murphy chose violence by punching down so I won't hesitate to shit on this frustrating pairing. I also dislike it when people hate on Bram because they just hate Brittany and think Sam deserved better but that's another topic entirely lmao.

[graces5169]

Title: Two pounds

Warnings: Cursing, slight angst

Word count: 3572

Summary: Sirius makes a bet with reader, if he can make her fall for him by the end of the year she owes him two pounds, if not he'll give her seventy five pounds.

Y/ns POV

"Hey love." I rolled my eyes at the voice.

Picking up my pace slightly in hopes to avoid him.

Though him being taller gave him the advantage, as seeing he was caught up with me in seconds.

"Sirius." I huffed. "Don't act so displeased to see me, you know you love me."

I scoffed making him place a hand to his chest, feigning hurt.

"So.. Hogsmeade, next week, why don't me and you go together?"

"Hmm.." I placed a hand to my chin to mimic I was considering his offer. A sudden light grew in his eyes as he believed the act.

"No." I gave a sarcastic smile before glaring his way and attempting to walk away. Though just like the last time he caught up.

"Please Y/n. You won't regret it I promise!" He begged. I wanted to laugh at him for his behavior knowing he gained his ego in ways like this. Girls begging and flirting until he finally agreed to take them out.

Though the irrational part of me couldn't help but swoon, he seemed sincere. However I knew deep down, he just wanted to get his run with me. I was just another quick fuck to him.

I couldn't help but consider his offer for real this time. If I did agree to go to Hogsmeade with him, it didn't mean I had to sleep with him. Which I wouldn't. Not on the first date anyways.

I mentally cursed myself for thinking such things.

Just a friendly date perhaps. Would there be such harm in it?

"Or..." Sirius trailed off breaking me from my idiotic thoughts.

"We could make this into a bet, friendly game if you will." He smiled sweetly.

I rolled my eyes. I knew something was up.

"Oh piss off." I slurred out and this time before having the chance to speed off, Sirius gripped gently onto my forearm.

"No! That's not what I meant." He insisted. Desperately pleading for me to forgive him with a simple look carved in his eyes.

"Fine I'll play. What's your "bet?" He beamed at me making my stupid heart (which by the way was now just begging to be torn apart) swell.

His soft but devilish eyes, his switch of a sweet smile and an enticing smirk, his intoxicating scent that reminded me of rain, was now all getting to me.

My head spun and I caught myself in the mistake of falling into his gaze.

I shook my head for a quick second as if I was resetting myself, or preparing myself to hear his words that were surely going to be meant to turn me into putty within his hands.

"If in the occasion I can make you fall for me, you will owe me two pounds, and if I can't I'll owe you seventy five." He shrugged as if it was nothing, which to be honest, to him it probably was.

My eyes widened to the size of saucers and my mouth hung open.

I tried to sputter out a response but that just resulted in me opening, then closing, then reopening my mouth again and again.

Some could say I looked like a fish on land.

"What?" I gasped.

"If I can-." I cut him off with a slap to the arm.

"No you idiot! I heard you, I mean- I don't even know what I mean but why, why would you do this?"

He rubbed his arm with a pout before showing off his signature smirk.

"I like you. If that hasn't been obvious." I shook my head in denial. "No! You don't like me you must just be confused."

He frowned slightly and made a bad attempt at hiding it. "I'm not confused about you. Not at all Y/n. Please just consider it? You won't even talk to me without finding cause to bite my head off, so why not do it while I hold money on the end of the line?"

My heart fluttered at the realization how close he was to me and how he held my shoulders within his hands.

He sent a quick smile and a wink before turning around to leave. Though before he could get away I gripped his wrist.

"How much time do you have?" I questioned, not entirely opposed to the wager.

"Say..... til the end of the year, seem fair enough?" I nodded hesitantly. I didn't know what, or why I was doing this for.

"Fine then. You've got yourself a deal Black." I nodded and stuck a hand out.

Immediately Sirius shook it.

His face held a smug look that all made me realize I'd definitely regret this.

"Starting on last name bases. You're not gonna make this easy are you Love?" I ignored the way my heart beat faster and reciprocated his smile.

"Not at all." I agreed. He nodded and ran a hand through his hair before walking off without another word.

Game on Sirius Black.

Two months later

Over the last two months, ever since the bet was placed between me and Sirius, he had started to begin a never ending streak of flirting.

I leave my dorm he's at the bottom of the girls staircase waiting to escort me to the dining hall or classes, I have a class, Sirius is always there to walk me, I have a run in with a Slytherin who passes a snide comment, Sirius is always there to stick up for me.

And alongside of all of him always being there, he has to pair it with his witty comments.

Whether that's complimenting my outfit or hair, or noting how gorgeous I look today, or telling me I'm smart and beautiful, wonderful.

You get it.

He is playing a never ending game of unfairness. Sure their were no rules or boundaries set in place but how can I not fall for him when he's always there?

It was to late to take back on the deal now, and no way would I cower out and tell him to back off even in the slightest.

He was making it impossibly harder every day, and unknowingly to him, he's always had the advantage considering my (not so tiny) crush I've had on him for, a counting of two years now.

Wherever there's Sirius there's a group of three other idiots.

The marauders as they call themselves. A popular quartet among the school which consisted of, James Potter, "Mr. Lover boy", Remus Lupin, "The kind nerd", Peter Petigrew, "The awkward blonde" and of course, Sirius Black, "The heartbreaker."

All of which had become closely acquainted with myself and I'd even considered the four my closest friends.

With Sirius following me around constantly that meant so did the marauders.

After a while I stopped minding and they even allowed me to join in on their pranks from time to time.

Remus and me constantly studied together and he'd even confided in me with as he liked to call, his "fury little problem."

James had come to me with the need for "advice" on how to get a girl, and he had totally taken, and accepted the role of playing a big brother to me.

Peter showed me his love for music and instruments, and even though he was quiet and shy he had to have hands down the best jokes within the group. He made me laugh the hardest much to the rest's dismay.

And of course. All of this came with the price of Sirius repeatedly projecting the words to "Not steal his girl from him" onto them. He had done of terrible job of hiding his jealousy whenever I'd hang out with the others.

It was honestly quite adorable to watch his pouty face complain about how he never spends time with me anymore because of his stupid friends hogging.

Despite that being an absolute lie, all of my time was spent with him, I still made extra time to hang out with him and enjoy his company.

Not that I'd ever admit he was actually good company.

Summer was approaching fast and James had invited me, Remus and Peter over to his house.

With a-lot of wasted parchment used to convince my parents to allow me to spend summer with them, they finally agreed.

Later

"Hey love." Sirius smiled and took his usual seat next to me in the dining hall.

"Hey guys." I grinned back to the four boys who oddly weren't in the common room to walk together to the dining hall per usual.

"Where were you this morning?" I finally asked.

Remus attempted to speak up but Sirius cut him off.

"Packing...." He paused. "Why? Miss me?"

I scoffed though couldn't help but feel the heat rush to my cheeks and the flush in my ears and neck.

Deciding to play along, I sent a smirk his way and got up, climbing around the table and sat directly on Remus's lap.

"No. But I did miss my favourite marauder." My voice toned as high and flirty as possible.

His stare made me shiver. Remus blushed heavily and attempted to keep himself from touching me at all, scared of the glare Sirius shot him.

I laughed which kept me from realizing Sirius had gotten up.

A loud squeal left my mouth as soon as I felt two hands on my waist lift me up and carry me off Remus.

"Moony you're dead." James chuckled through a mouthful of mashed potatoes.

Peter shot him a disgusted look and wiped the crumbs James spat onto him off his robes.

"Oops- m' Sorry." James replied, food still in his mouth.

"You think you're funny?" Sirius raised his eyebrows, his face and body way to close to mine for my liking.

"Maybe." I shrugged. My voice coming out hoarse.

"Get a room!" James whined covering his eyes along with the other two.

"Oh we will." Sirius smirked picking me back up and carrying me away.

My hands banged against his back as he threw me over his shoulder.

"Sirius put me down!" I demanded but couldn't hide the laugh that I let out. I could barely look up, but I managed and noticed the common room below us. We were walking up the stairs to the boys dormitory.

The sound of the door slamming behind us could be heard from the common room for sure.

I was thrown onto the mattress of Sirius's bed.

Eventually I propped myself up and pressed my back against the headboard and crossed my arms with a pout.

"Rude." He glared at my murmured statement and let out a dry chuckle.

"That stunt was rude. You're mine, not theirs." He whined.

My heart swelled but I ignored it. "Im not yours. The deal was you try to make me yours. So I'm still single and allowed to date whichever marauder or any other person I prefer."

I was teasing him now, purposely attempting to get on his last nerve.

"Yeah. Whatever." He muttered. "I still have another two months and I will make you mine." He smiled determined.

I couldn't help but raise a challenging eyebrow his way. "We'll see Black. Im still holding out on getting that money." I grinned playfully as he shook his head.

Scooting to the end of the bed. I stood up and walked closer and closer til we were face to face, inches apart.

"Goodnight Sirius." I grinned and pressed a kiss to his cheek. He sheepishly smiled and blushed before placing a hand over his cheek where I had kissed him.

It was within that moment I left his dorm, I allowed myself to realize that I was going to lose this bet.

Once to my own dorm, thankfully, Lilly was there.

"I lost." I whispered. Her head snapped up and she stared me in the eyes looking confused so I clarified.

"The bet between me and Sirius, I lost."

Lilly had knew of the bet since day one when we both agreed. Her being my best friend within Hogwarts, I told her immediately afterwards.

She had to have been the only person who knew of my crush on Sirius.

"I figured." She shrugged with a teasing smile.

With a huff of frustration I sat next to her on her bed.

She wrapped her arms around me. "I love him." I whispered, more to myself than her.

"I know sweetie. I know."

The fear was rushing through my bloodstream once again. He was a player. Or at least used to be. I still was scared of trusting him but I knew I could. And I knew I would.

Within a matter of time, if he'd still have me, I'd take him in a heartbeat.

Three weeks later

"James!" The voice of who I can only assume is James's mother has all five of us looking for the voice through the crowds of people.

A hand shoots up in the air "over here!" And we all walk towards it.

As soon as James sees his mother and father he runs into there arms ands stands there for a while in their embrace holding onto them tightly.

Once James pulls back he motions towards the remaining four of us where we were now standing.

Sirius doesn't waste another second and is second to engulf the two adults into a hug.

Me, remus and Peter had all been aware of Sirius and how he was living with the Potters.

I also knew how he considered them as his own parents.

And the sight of Sirius holding onto them so tightly with a smile so bright made me grin myself.

Once Sirius stepped back, James took the opportunity to continue his introduction of us.

"Mom, Dad, These are my friends. That's Remus, and he's Peter and than she's Y/n."

The woman who I knew as Euphima, pulled Peter and Remus into hugs first while the man, Fleamont went around shaking there hands.

Once Euphima got to me she grabbed me just as tight as she did Peter and remus.

"It's so nice to meet you ma'am, I've heard so many great things about you!" I smiled politely at her.

"Please call me Euphima! It's great to meet you dear! I was surprised once James told me you'd be tagging along." I scrunched up my face in confusion. Was that supposed to be a bad thing?

"Oh... why?" I tried to keep from looking to nervous.

"We'll it's just surprising hearing how you'd voluntarily want to spend more time with them, considering it's James and Sirius." She winked and I couldn't help but laugh, which caused James and Sirius to cross there arms and feign hurt.

"They sure are a handful, though they also are fun.... Most of the time, when there not to busy being annoying."

All four of them groaned in defense and started to argue back. Ultimately proving my point.

Euphima and me giggled at there reactions before Fleamont took her previous spot in front of me and shook my hand.

"So you're the Y/n my boy is always on about?" I looked at James who gave me the same disgusted look I wore. "Not me! Him." James exclaimed and pointed down the line to Sirius who was now looking at the floor blushing hard.

"Im reserved for my lillyflower. And her only." I smirked at James and than back at Sirius who caught my eye for a quick second.

"I suppose I am sir-." He gave me a pointed look which made me stop for a second. "Fleamont." I finished to which he nodded in approval.

"Okay! Well let's get going kids. Don't want to get caught up traffic now do we?" We all agreed by silently ushering our way through the platform and running through the pillars before finding our way to their car.

The entire ride had consisted of James telling his mom the entire way about his "progress" with Lilly. Which being her best friend I knew she had feelings for him just refused to admit to him. Peter counting every yellow car we had passed out loud and making sure to tell us about every single bird we saw when passing. Remus stared out the window while humming a chorus of different songs to himself.

And Sirius and me played rock paper scissors, me winning every round. All while bickering about dumb things.

Once arrived I allowed help and helped the boys with mine and their suitcases.

"Thank you again for letting us stay." I smiled at the two.

"No problem at all dear. We love that you all can be together over break." Euphima grinned back.

James took everyone up to his room while Euphima worked on fixing dinner.

"Hey James do you have a phone I can borrow?" He nodded and pointed down the hall to where a phone rested on a table.

"Thank you." I mumbled and walked over.

Quickly dialing Lilly's number, I put the phone to my ear.

"Pick up, pick up, pick-." "Hello?" Lilly's voice interrupted my muttering.

"Lilly I need your help! I need to tell him. I can't keep this secret any longer it's driving me insane. What should I do?"

"Y/n?" "Yeah." I confirmed quickly and continued to wait for her advice.

"Okay first of all calm down. Second of all, why won't you tell him?" Sighing, I answered.

"What if he changed his mind about me? There's no guarantee he kept feelings!" I exclaimed. Panic rising up my body and word's threatening to spill over.

She laughed through the other line. "You are oblivious. The boy is infatuated with you. He stared at you like James stares at me." My mouth went agape and my cheeks began to burn pink.

"He does not!" I ensured. "So does." She promised. "Look, Y/n, do you love him?" Without a missed beat I responded, "yes." "You only have mine and the rest of the marauders word to go off of, which I know is not ideal. But the only way you'll ever be sure is if you trust us. Hand him his two pounds and leave it up to him if he wants to move forward within you're relationship or if his feelings changed."

I sighed nervously. She was right. I had only there word to believe if Sirius loved me.

"Okay." A sudden boost of adrenaline hit my veins. "Okay?" She assured. "Okay!" I replied once more, enthusiastically.

"Good luck." The smile in her tone was evident. "Just know I'm gonna be endlessly playing matchmaker for you and James if this goes well." She scoffed. "I wouldn't expect anything less."

After saying our goodbyes, I hung up.

I sprinted to the spare room I was supplied with and dug through my backpack until I found my wallet, I pulled out the two pounds and shut my door behind me.

I knocked on James's room where all the boys were and opened it once I heard the "come in."

Wordlessly I stepped in, walked up to Sirius and placed out the money to him.

Confused, he reached his hand up from where he was sat and took it.

And with that I left the room just as quickly as I entered.

:

"Holy shit!" Remus suddenly said, Peters eyes widened a second after while James and Sirius still remained clueless.

"What?" Sirius asked staring at the money before glancing back up to the door where Y/n had previously exited.

Peter and Remus glanced at each other before

falling to floor in laughter.

"The bet you idiot!" Remus sputtered out. James eyes flew wide and he joined in on the hysterical laughter.

"Oh." Sirius smiled, still slightly confused. "Oh!" His eyes widened and his mouth went agape. To say he was smiling was now an understatement, he was beaming.

His eyes twinkled with happiness. The boy was overjoyed.

Quickly, ignoring the cheers and comments the rest yelled after him he ran to Y/ns room.

:

I paced back and forth. He was taking oddly long. I checked my watch, four minutes. Was Lily wrong? Had he lost feelings? Did he-

My negative thoughts were interrupted by my door swinging open. A wave of relief washed over me as I saw the shaggy black hair of him, with a smile so bright.

I reciprocated his grin. Wasting no more time, Sirius stepped closer and closer until I was backed up into the wall.

Tentatively, he reached his hand up to my face and cupped my cheek. "You've won, Sirius Black." I whispered. "It seems I have."

Before I could speak another word, his lips crashed down onto my own and our lips began to move in sync. The kiss was slow and sweet, it was everything I could've dreamed of.

His lips came off mine and he pressed his forehead against my own. "I love you Sirius."

My eyes opened as I gauged his reaction. His smile couldn't have gotten larger.

"I love you to." "My girl." He added.

"Yours." I confirmed before leaning back up and kissing him once more.

[ren-shonen]

💫what is your favorite kind of comment/feedback?

💌share something with us about an up-and-coming work (WIP) that has you excited!

Hello hello, it's nice to hear from you! :D I answered that first one about my favorite kind of comment here, but hmm, what can I share about one of my WIPs....

I'm not sure that any of them are "up and coming" — my publishing schedule is no such thing, lol, so please do not hold your breath waiting for me to post anything — but hmm.

I've got one about young pro heroes Kaminari, Shinsou, and Sero that I'd love to write sometime. One of the Planet BNHA Exchange rounds had "You've got it all wrong!" as the theme, but the outline I ended up with for this idea ended up being WAAAY too ambitious to write in the time I had available, so I wrote "Parallel" [ShinKami, explicit] instead. This WIP would be in the same continuity as that fic.

I'm really pleased in particular about the working title, "Obtuse and Scalene," and also about these (still very tentative) possible tags:

outsider POV

unreliable narrator

everyone thinks they're dating

everyone thinks they're cheating

the quoiromantic agenda

relationship anarchy

And here's the one scene I wrote before I realized that I wasn't gonna fit this whole story into 5,000 words:

At this point, it wasn't even a rumor: it was just an obvious fact, the same as Ochako's undeniable crush on Midoriya their first year. Kaminari Denki, Shinsou Hitoshi, and Sero Hanta were together — or at least in some weird sort of triangle — and everybody knew it. 

"I'm not dating either of them, Meens."

...everybody, it seemed, except the three of them.

Mina sipped unimpressedly at her bubble tea, taking in Sero's arms crossed uncomfortably over his chest, the mulish pinch between his brows. She knew that look. Denial.

Sero denied a lot of things: how objectively hot he looked in his skin-tight hero costume; how often Kaminari ended up in Sero's lap at the slightest drunken (and sometimes not-so-drunken) suggestion; how he and Shinsou sat shoulder-to-shoulder like an old married couple. Or, well, maybe Sero didn't deny them, exactly, but he certainly wasn't accepting what they meant.

Sero slouched in his seat, long limbs folded up like he was trying to disappear into the cafe booth as he picked at his black nail polish. It looked good on him, giving him that sexy, bad-boy edge. Mina would never understand why he complained so much about it being added to his costume. Certainly nobody else was.

"Well, who are you sleeping with, then?" She held out a hand before Sero could sputter out his embarrassment. "I mean literally, sweetie. We've been in your apartment — excuse me, 'bachelor pad' — and the bed math? Isn't adding up. One bedroom plus one bedroom doesn't make three roommates, Mister Cellophane."

She studied his face as she took another sip of her bubble tea. Was that disappointment she spied? Oh, this was golden. Classic idiots in love.

This would require a deft touch. Just a little nudge....

Mina arranged her expression into a sympathetic look, trying not to crack too soon as Sero narrowed his eyes. He knew her so well. It was really endearing. But she pressed forward, tapping her straw against her chin.

"Ohh, I see, I see. You're not dating either of them, but you want to be, huh." She pointed two waggling index fingers at him, unable to contain her widening grin. "You know, I bet Kami would—"

"Lay off it, Ashido."

Mina blinked at Sero's low tone. His dark eyes met hers firmly across the table. She'd expected him to look away, to mutter one of his usual quips to cover the grimace that meant he was feeling down on himself. Not... whatever this was.

Sero was serious.

Raising her hands in surrender, Mina sat back in her seat, trying to keep her pout off her face as she changed the subject. She knew she was right about those three. She just had to find the right angle to make it all make sense.

[spaceyflowerswriting]

Please please DG/James Lee fluff with pregnant S/O??? 🥰

ready (james lee x reader)

details: fluffy drabble, gender neutral reader but written in 2nd pov, general canon au, you and james are married

summary: you tell james about your pregnancy.

a/n: ofc, thanks for requesting 💖!! decided to do a oneshot since there was no specification, hope thats okay !!

×

Nighttime had fallen.

Your husband finally arrived home from a busy day. You had been itching to tell him the news ever since you found out this morning, but felt the need to express it in person rather than through text or call.

Despite having all day to prepare, you hadn't really thought about how to let him know. Best to just be casual, right? It's not like you two hadn't spoken about the possibility of having and wanting kids before. Still, it was a nerve-wracking thing to think about and you stayed nervous until you took a seat next to him on a couch in the living room.

James seemed to sigh in relief at the sight of you. "Hey." He leaned in, lightly kissing your cheek before pulling back to continue finishing up his glass of water.

"Hey," you softly greeted back. Your eyes darted to the side for a moment, hands fidgety. "How was your day?"

"Same old. How about you?"

"...Exciting?" You laughed nervously when he raised a brow. You didn't really want to derail the conversation so you figured you'd just get to the point. "I've got good news, that's all."

His lips turned upwards in amusement. "I'm interested in hearing it."

"Okay, well." Clearing your throat, you let him set his glass down and then continued, "I'm pregnant."

"Oh, that's nice." His quick, casual response left you baffled. Sure, you expected him to take the news well, and yes, this was a positive response, but not enough to relieve you of your current nervousness. Nonetheless, you smiled while James paused for a moment. Then, his calm expression shifted into one of glee. "We're going to be parents, huh?"

The realization of his new reality seemed to properly settle in and his words truly made the reality settle in for you as well.

"Yup," you chuckled.

Honestly, he wasn't surprised thanks to past conversations, so he expected this to come sooner or later. To say he felt unprepared wasn't right, but he definitely wasn't prepared either. Still, he knew he would be okay as long as he had you and he hoped you would feel the same.

"Come here, love." You blinked at him in curiosity and scooted closer to him. His arms gently pulled you in before wrapping around your waist and momentarily picking you up to set you in his lap.

"J-James!" you stammered, your back bumping against his chest, "You could've just asked me to move..."

"Nope, get used to this," he said in reply, resting his chin on your shoulder as his arms wrapped around your waist again.

"Huh?"

He smiled, a hint of mischievousness in it. "I'm going to treat you with extra care for the next 9 months."

You would've felt touched if not for what he just did. "I believe you, but manhandling me to express that is kind of contradictory."

Your husband laughed softly before leaning his head into yours. "I mean it, though. Breakfast in bed, massages, catering to all your needs... you'll be my only priority."

To say warmth didn't enter your cheeks at his sweet words would be a lie. "What about your job though?"

"Hm? Isn't it obvious? I'll just take a year-long hiatus."

"Are you sure that'll be okay??" You gave him a worried look but he just continued to smile.

"It's not a problem for me. If it does bother anyone, they can cry about it for all I care."

You scoffed, but not with ill-intent. "How do you even still have your job with that kind of attitude?"

"Talent, perhaps," he teased as his soft lips pressed against your nape. "Now, no more worrying, stress is bad for the baby."

After a playful roll of your eyes, you started asking him more serious questions about how to best prepare for the upcoming months. Naturally, he responded back with genuine care in his words, and by the end of the night, you felt at peace. Confident, too.

The road of parenthood was a bumpy one, but like James had felt earlier, you also knew things would turn out just fine as long as he was by your side.

[1101001]

THE GIRL WHO FLEW DOWN THE STAIRS _

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‘ the story of akashi meeting you and all the events after that made him realize he was falling for you ’

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character .. akashi seijuurou

word count .. 1.3k

tags .. fem!reader who is energetic but also thoughtful and likes to learn (as requested) , lowkey pining? , s h o g i , written from akashi pov , requested by the lovely bean anon <3 

Akashi’s first impression of you wasn’t anything bad. It wasn’t exactly good either. It was certainly memorable though. ‘The girl who flew down the stairs, knocking him onto the ground, and landing on top of him with a thump’ is how he remembers you. 

The moment was almost cliche. If your eyes had met and lingered on each other, both aware of the position you were in but not moving away, then it possibly would’ve been a scene straight out of some cheesy romance novel. 

Instead, you seemingly bounced straight up upon impact, not even bothering to spare Akashi a second glance. You proceeded to give him a quick apology, running down the next flight of stairs immediately after.

It was definitely one of the odder interactions Akashi had with his fellow students at Rakuzan High, but it amused him nonetheless and made him notice you much more often around campus. Even though you weren’t in any apparent rush anymore, you still radiated this energy that was all bubbly and seemingly ready to burst. 

It brought a small smile on his face every time he saw you, bouncing along hallways without a care in the world, chattering away with your friends. Sure you seemed like the typical happy-go-lucky person, but Akashi couldn’t help but see you as a bit more unique.

Your second interaction with Akashi was an interesting one too, in Akashi’s opinion at least. 

The basketball team had just won a tournament the other day, so Akashi was free this afternoon. He had decided to go challenge some shogi club members to a few games. 

In the middle of one of those games, you walked into the club room.

Akashi didn’t think you were part of the club, and his suspicions were confirmed when another member of the club went to ask if you needed anything. Akashi was definitely not eavesdropping, no he was paying attention to his game (the one he knew he would easily win anyway) when you pulled out an envelope and he happened to overhear you telling the club member that someone asked to meet you. 

Nobody in the room came forward to claim they were the one who sent the letter though. 

After a few awkward, silent moments, you moved to take a seat with some of the other club members. It was an action that surprised Akashi. He figured you would’ve just left because the whole did seem like a waste of time. However, you just sat there asking some club members to teach you how to play. 

Akashi could sense genuine curiosity in you and, needless to say, it intrigued him. It seems like there’s more to the “girl made of energy” than he originally thought.

The clock ticked, and a few rounds later, Akashi decided it was time to head home. Saying his formal goodbyes, he walked out of the clubroom. 

He didn’t expect you to come running after him, almost slamming into him again in the process. 

“You shouldn’t run around school so much, you know. You could end up bumping into people and maybe even hurting them.” The words left Akashi’s lips sounding a lot more teasing and flirtatious than he intended.

You blushed and started rambling out apologies. ‘Cute’ Akashi thought. 

His brain froze. 

Wait. Cute? How-

“Anyway um.. you left your notebook back there…” you said, holding out what was indeed his notebook out towards him.

“Oh…” was all he could say. He rarely forgot his things, especially things as important as his notebook. It seems his mind must’ve been too distracted by... other things. “Thank you L/n-san.”

He saw a slight shock on your face. “You know my name?” 

His brain froze yet again. How was he supposed to answer this question without seeming like a stalker?

“Well yes…” he started before you cut him.

“Didn’t expect the Akashi Seijuurou to know my name.”

He scoffed at that. “I think I’d know the name of the girl who jumped down the stairs and knocked me to the ground.”

“Again, I’m really sorry about that…” you said with a smile, although Akashi could see the guilt that lingered behind your eyes.

“Don’t worry about it,” he quickly said. “I was just…”

He was just what? Flirting? Was he actually flirting? Him. Akashi Seijuurou. Flirting??

“…you know,” he finished quietly.

You didn’t say anything in response but instead looked at him with a peculiar sort of gaze. 

“Um.. hate to make things awkward by asking this but… were you the one who sent me this?” You held up the envelope Akashi saw earlier.

“No, I didn’t.”

“Oh… okay then.” Was it just Akashi’s imagination or did he hear a sliver of disappointment in your tone? “I suppose you don’t know who it is either right?”

He shook his head.

A lot of thoughts rushed through his mind. Did you actually expect him to send you a love letter? Did you hope it was him? 

He sensed you were about to leave though, so before he could regret it, he asked you, “Why do you want to know who sent it anyway?”

Your eyes widened slightly at the question.

“I understand the curiosity and wanting to know who it is but… if they didn’t show up, why are you still waiting?” He clarified.

“Akashi-san, you’ve never confessed to someone have you?”

He gave a slight nod.

“Well, I don’t see why you’d need to,” you mumbled more to yourself than him. Clearing your throat, you continued, “The thing is, confessing takes a lot of courage. And writing this letter asking me to meet them here would’ve taken a whole lot of that courage already. I think that, if they were able to go that far, then I should at least hear them out right?”

That… surprised Akashi. 

“But then again, there’s always a possibility this is just a prank,” you added as an afterthought. 

Unsure of what to say, he just nodded. “It is possible, considering how long you had to wait.”

You smiled, “The wait was fine though. I had fun learning shogi.” 

You actually had fun learning how to play? Looking back, it did seem like you were enjoying yourself… 

It’s strange. Akashi realized just how much his view of you changed in one afternoon. Earlier, you were that bubbly, energetic girl bouncing through the halls. Now, you were this thoughtful and kind person who liked to learn. You also said you had fun playing shogi, which nearly made Akashi’s heart skip a beat.

Oh. 

Oh.

He gets it now. The reason his brain was acting all slow was you. With that thought, everything became clearer. 

Now he wishes that love letter really was a prank.

“Ah Akashi-san, I think I have to go home soon,” you said, holding up your phone. “You’re heading out too right? Wanna walk with me?”

He blinked in surprise but quickly agreed.

“Great, just let me get my things first-” And with that you rushed back into the club room.

Akashi stood staring at the empty hallway, still caught up in his thoughts and trying to process what just happened between you two just a few seconds ago.

When you came back out with your things, he couldn’t help but smile softly. The two of you fell into conversation easily, and by the time you walked out of the school gates, you were still in a talk that showed no signs of nearing an end.

He wanted to continue walking and talking like this, but there was a car and a driver waiting for him in the exact opposite direction of where you were headed.

“Well, goodbye then L/n-san,” he said, hoping the reluctance wasn’t obvious.

You smiled in response. “Goodbye Akashi-san. It was nice talking to you.”

With that the two of you went your separate ways. Throughout the car ride home, Akashi could think of nothing but you. It would seem… he has taken quite the liking to you.

He isn’t sure what’ll happen next, but he’s looking forward to seeing you again and hopefully, talking more with you too.

. . .

note .. THIS CAME OUT LONGER THAN ORIGINALLY INTENDED but anyway i actually enjoyed writing this,,, yk all the stuff potentially going thru akashi’s mind when he has a crush intrigues me and uhh i hope u guys liked this and if u do PLS LMK WHAT U THINK !! it would legit mean the world if u guys did <3

[kwritingbooks]

cowritten by me & @shroombloomm

read on wattpad or tumblr masterlist

Aurora has a lot to think about while Harry is gone, but just because he's gone now doesn't mean he won't be back soon. Which also means that she can't hide away from the issues at hand forever, especially when that familiar knock on the door rings out. But maybe it won't be as bad as she keeps telling herself...

AU: star-being!harry x astronomy-student!aurora

AURORA'S POV

It would be a lie to say the last few days were easy, or that I was able to pretend it didn't happen. The truth was, while some of it was foggy, not enough of it was for that to happen. None of the parts that I would have preferred to forget were misplaced in memory at all. Not the look on Harry's face when I saw him over Brandon's shoulder, not the aggravation from Nina, and not the touches I allowed Brandon in the first place either.

I didn't even know why I did it. Or why I allowed it to keep going. The regret had yet to fully subside even afterwards. It also didn't help that Nina had given me her version of silent treatment the night of. She didn't say much to me unless she needed to, but there wasn't much she needed to say besides helping me get to bed. I was pretty sure I had even started crying at one point, mumbling about how I fucked things up between everyone and how stupid I was to go to the party.

Nina just shushed me to sleep, saying that we would talk about it in the morning when I had sobered up. Which we did. She seemed more put together then and less annoyed with me, too. As long as she wasn't holding a grudge over me, that was all that mattered in the moment. She never was upset for long, which I was eternally grateful for. Sometimes I didn't fully deserve it, but that never seemed to matter.

I even remembered instinctively reaching for my phone once I woke up more, hoping to see a message from Harry. Some kind of acknowledgement had to have been better than nothing. Until I remembered that he had left for the next few days back to his planet. I tried not to think about what he could possibly be thinking, but he was probably too preoccupied with his star duties anyway– whatever that meant.

Instead, the only messages I received were texts that I had the least amount of energy to deal with. They were from Brandon from last night, rambling different cursing variations slewn together from his obvious drunken state. It was hard to piece together completely what he was trying to say, but it was obvious that he was angry that I got up and left him for Harry. Actually, most of the insults were directed towards Harry, messily explaining how Harry would never give me what I needed whereas he could. Most involved the size of his dick.

That was probably the first time I had truly laughed since that night. The blocked and deleted buttons had never been so easy to press.

She had breakfast cooking, but she said I had to get out of bed to get it. It took awhile to muster up the energy over the hangover, but I think that was part of the punishment, whether on purpose or not.

Regardless, once I did get up, I didn't eat much. The blaring headache in my skull was too powerful to focus on anything else besides fighting the urge to vomit all over the countertops. That was how I ended up spending the majority of the rest of the day. While she ran errands, I tried my best to sleep it all away. I wrote off the sunken feeling I felt in my chest as another inevitable symptom of binge drinking, but when I woke up the next day sober, I realized that that wasn't at fault of the alcohol at all.

I knew I should've used the time I had proactively. I also knew that my door was supposed to be fixed yesterday and that it was safe to go back, but it was as if I physically couldn't. Astro barking to go outside for a walk was the only reason that I found myself leaving the house on my own accord.

That was how I spent most of my time while I was at Nina's. It started off being sick with a hangover and meddled with a slip of depression in the midst. I think Nina had definitely noticed, because she was kinder than her already normally-kind self was. She made sure I still woke up for classes, ate beforehand, and was clean enough to go out in public. If it was anyone else besides Nina, I would've gotten annoyed– yelling that they're not my mom, but there was no way I could be annoyed by her. She was just trying to help, and if it wasn't for her help I would've stayed in my stumper for that entire time.

It did eventually get better, and luckily that feeling didn't completely devastate me for too long. Though, it was still hard to fight against the feeling that I hadn't truly messed up everything. Mistakes were bound to happen for anyone, and hopefully Harry would understand that. We were just friends after all.

I was still nervous about him coming back to Earth today, though. I had spent most of the morning going over what I would say when I first saw him. I didn't know there were so many ways to apologize until that moment– swearing none of them felt right. Nina reminded me that I was thinking too hard about it and that I was beating myself too much over it.

"Just say what feels right, don't force anything else." She had said as she came around the corner in the kitchen. She must have heard me talking to myself, whispering "sorry" in one too many different ways.

"I think he'll understand. Just be honest." She continued after I didn't say anything. She could probably tell that she had taken me by surprise. I was too absorbed in the pancakes and eggs that I was cooking that I didn't realize she had woken up.

The smell of which only seemed to riddle me with more guilt, reminding me of earlier in the week when Harry had done the same for me. Maybe that was why I went for that option out of instinct, it felt like the perfect reciprocation for him to come back to his second home with. I even added blueberries inside for the special touch.

I turned my head behind me, giving her a faint smile as she ventured to my other side. She peered down at the pan, taking a small whiff of the batter cooking in front of us.

"Smells good." She paused as she made her way towards the coffee maker, pouring herself a cup. "Could this have anything to do with a certain someone coming back home today?"

I didn't have to look at her to know that she was smirking. I had to fight against my own as I flipped another one of the pancakes in the pan.

"Or..." I trailed off, trying to wipe off the guilty look on my face. "Maybe I'm just hungry."

She snorted. "Sure, right, of course."

"Why did you say it like that?" I sat my mug down onto the counter to face her with a hand on my hip. "It's just Harry."

"It's just Harry." She mocked me teasingly behind her cup of coffee before taking a slow sip of it. I rolled my eyes at her, turning my body to face away. I tried to hide the smile that carved deep into my cheeks, but it was hard not to.

It was just Harry. That was all.

Just Harry.

"Anyways, he should be stopping by here soon I think." I stirred the spoon into my coffee cup, pursing my lips to the side as I got lost into my own thoughts.

I suppose I was a bit scared to see him. Nina always had a gift for seeing right through me. I just hated that she would say it out loud. I didn't think I had even said it out loud to myself, even when I was left alone without any other eyes on me.

Saying things out loud made it real, and that was what scared me. I wanted to stay in my bliss of ignorance for just a bit longer. Bathe in my own delusions of what I had made for myself on the inside. I didn't have to say anything out loud. Not if I didn't want to. And I did not want to.

"Aurora, if you make this awkward, I swear to fuck I am leaving your ass here." Nina said as she pushed past me on purpose. It was a soft nudge to the shoulder, but I knew what she was trying to say through the gesture.

"I am not going to make it awkward!" I half whined. I didn't even notice my hands going over my face when I had said it. I didn't mean to make things awkward, but I guess I did have that tendency sometimes. Especially when I was nervous.

"You better not, because like I said, I will leave." She teased. "If it's one thing you're good at, it's making everything awkward. Just talk to him like nothing happened. It's not that hard, Aurora."

"You say that, but–" I went to defend myself, but the knock on the door had quickly grabbed my attention. I felt my body go stiff, not even noticing the way my hands were now death-gripping the hot cup of coffee that I held.

"Mm, speaking of the devil." Nina nodded towards the door with a teasing smile on her lips. I squinted my eyes at her as she made her way towards the door. I truly didn't feel as nervous earlier as I did right now, which I didn't even know was possible.

There was a turning feeling in my stomach. I didn't think that seeing Harry right now was going to make me react this way, but I also just didn't think I was ready for it this soon. I didn't know what to say to him. Not yet.

I sunk into the deepest parts of the kitchen that was away from the front door. I wasn't hiding. I was just...cooking. Exactly. I was just cooking. That was all.

I sat my coffee down onto the counter as I grabbed the bowl of batter, quickly pouring some into the hot pan that Nina had on the eye. Noises from the door opening made my stomach twist uncomfortably, and then I heard him, only contorting it further.

"Hey, Nina. Aurora's still here, right?" His voice floated through the apartment as Nina closed the door from behind her.

"Yeah, she's in the kitchen." Nina perked up with a cheery tone. I pinched my eyes shut tightly, placing a hand on my forehead as I tried to collect myself.

They were having small talk, and that was fine. It bought me more time to regain my composure, which I was more than happy for. It was when I heard his footsteps coming towards the kitchen that I started to feel my tensions rise again. I immediately started to busy myself around the area, trying to make it look like I didn't even know he was there as if I wasn't just eavesdropping on the conversation they were having.

I settled on standing in front of the oven with a spatula in my hand while I flipped the pancakes that were burning in the pan. My chest was caving in while my breathing was staggering as I glanced out of the corner of my eye to see Harry standing in the doorway of the kitchen.

It really didn't matter how much I had seen of him, he still knew how to knock the breath out of me any time he was around. He had a loose, white, and washed out Rolling Stones shirt on with blue jeans that ripped at the knees. That was all I could see from the small glance I had given him. It was all I could bear.

"Hi." His voice was laced with nervousness. I could tell that much. It almost lifted a bit of weight off of me to know that I wasn't the only one that was uncomfortable, but he didn't know that.

I felt like the minute I said something, my voice was going to give everything away regardless, though. In order not to let the silence linger any more than it already had, I finally spoke up.

"Hey." I echoed out with my head crooked over my shoulder in his direction. I caught a brief glimpse of him before I brought my gaze back to the food that was almost finished cooking. I was on my last one, which also meant that I wouldn't have any more excuses to keep my focus laying anywhere else but the people around me.

He was leaning against the doorframe and I couldn't tell if he had a look of confusion or concern wrapped in his features just from the small glance that I had gotten. The unknowing of what was going through his mind was the most nerve-wracking of all. In reality, I knew I was probably blowing it slightly out of proportion, but it didn't help settle my mind any more with that knowledge anyway.

I placed the last blueberry pancake onto the platter, stacking high with steam creeping off of the cakes. Just as I twisted the knob of the stove off, I heard his steps behind me start to move closer. For a moment, I considered cooking more just so I didn't have to turn around and face him. Even though it had already been a few days since, the embarrassment from that night was still just as overwhelming. At least beforehand I didn't have to face Harry about it, I could just ignore it and let it eventually pass until it came up again.

But there was no ignoring it when it was directly behind me.

"Everything okay?" Harry questioned quietly, sounding slightly unsure about his own feelings himself. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see him now leaning against the counter to my right. He was using his elbow to prop himself up as he gazed at me.

I flashed a meek smile at him, gathering all the dishes and placing them in the sink between us. "Yeah, I'm good."

He wrinkled his eyes at me as he surveyed what I was doing. I could tell he was attempting to figure out what I was thinking but was getting slightly frustrated when he couldn't pinpoint what it was. I wasn't sure if it was because I was doing a good job at remaining neutral, or if it was the barrier between species that was helping me out. I was grateful either way.

"Harry!" I heard Nina exclaim as she re-entered the room. "I almost forgot– You're coming to the get-together later, right? It was supposed to be this big party at some dude's house, but plans changed a bit. Plans changing as in that guy is a dick and it'll be lame, so we made our own plans instead. It'll be fun!" She beamed.

I inhaled a deep breath as I continued to place everything to their designated spots. I pretended like I wasn't just as excited as Nina to hear what he was going to reply with. We had decided it was just going to be the four of us while Harry was gone, so we couldn't update him beforehand. I had to explain to her the same bullshit excuse as to why he wouldn't be able to answer his texts while he went to go see his parents. Luckily, she didn't pry too much on it and just accepted it.

"Oh, uh..." He stammered for a moment. "I had forgotten. Don't we have work to do and classes tomorrow?" His voice sounded unsteady for a second and I could tell that he had been taken off guard. I felt bad.

"It's nothing huge, I promise! We all don't have classes until later tomorrow anyways." Her voice raised an octave from excitement as she got in front of Harry, pouting her lip out. "C'mon, Harry! Pleaseee..."

I smiled to myself as I placed the last plate onto the table with the pancakes directly in the middle of all of them. Once finished, I leaned an arm against the table and watched the interaction between the two of them, giggling slightly to myself.

He still looked faintly uncomfortable as he searched his eyes around the room. Nina backed away with a small huff, looking at me out of the corner of her eye. I shifted, placing a hand onto my cheek as I looked away from the both of them.

Okay, maybe this was a little bit awkward.

"Okay, okay. Just think about it, okay? I've got to get to class, so I'll see you guys later." She flashed one last smile in Harry's direction before venturing in my direction. With a bare hand, she reached for the first pancake on the stack and winked at me. 

"Stop being awkward and use that Aurora charm that works so well!" She whispered in my ear, concealing it with a hug. She mouthed one last "you got this" before taking a bite and turning on her heel out the door, giving Harry a pat on the back on the way.

The silence trickled back between us as we were now left alone again, but this time truly alone. I tapped my fingers against the dining room table for a moment as I thought. With a singular deep breath, I sat down in one of the seats.

"I made blueberry pancakes if you're hungry–" I stopped myself, wanting to kick myself in the foot after the realization that he doesn't get hungry. "Or if you just wanna try them, I guess."

"Blueberries?" He questioned with his brows knitted together. He peered over the table as he took a step closer. "What does it taste like?"

I smiled as he pulled the chair out for him to sit in. He didn't even wait to hear my explanation before slapping the biggest cake onto his plate. His head crooked at the shape, as if trying to understand how the berries got stuck inside of it.

"There's only one way to find out." I half-laughed. "They're good, I promise. They're not the poisonous kind of berries." A full laugh broke out that time, but dissipated when I saw the look of horror etched onto his face.

"There's poisonous berries?" His eyes widened as big as the moon and I thought that he was about to toss the plate away from him.

"No. Well, I mean, yes, there are poisonous berries but not the ones you buy in the store. Blueberries are sweet and they taste good. Try it." I nudged my head towards his plate for encouragement, but he still looked unsure. So, I took a bite of my own and he looked at me like he was waiting for me to fall over dead on the floor.

I swallowed, forking another bite onto the silverware. "See? Not dead."

His eyes softened as he stared back down, cutting his own slice and placing it into his mouth. For a few minutes, that was how we continued to exist amongst each other. Both of us were so preoccupied with the food that we didn't say anything. There was still a slight awkwardness in the air, but it had greatly subdued. I had almost forgotten what I was so worried about to begin with given how natural it felt to be around him again.

That was probably the reason why I had enough confidence to say the next thing that I did.

"I'm sorry, by the way." I strained to get the words out, convinced I would choke on my food if I wasn't careful. A swig of coffee helped coat my throat and soothe my nerves simultaneously.

"Sorry?" He repeated in a confused tone.

I stopped eating my food, trying to focus on what to say next. I was hoping I wouldn't have to explain what I was apologizing for and that it would be obvious, but that didn't look to be the case this morning.

"With the whole Brandon thing...at the bar...you know?" I mindlessly cut up the pancakes into smaller pieces, not picking any of it up into my fork. I had to stop myself from continuing as it would just become one big mushy mess if I didn't.

"Ah." He mentioned softly. Such a small word left such a weird hollowed out feeling in my stomach again. It was like he had forgotten and I was stupid enough to bring it back up for him to remember. Regardless, I knew I needed to apologize sooner than later. I was sorry after all. I didn't need to lie or pretend it never happened.

"I don't want you to think that's who I am. It's who I was, but I don't like that side of me. I blocked him and I don't want anything to do with him anymore, okay? He's not a good guy and I should've known better. I'm sorry you had to see any of that." My eyes looked along the table, suddenly interested in the table cloth fabric as I twisted it between my fingers.

"Okay. I believe you." He replied, quicker than I expected. The previous look of hurt was no longer on his face, it was now replaced with that familiar Starboy sparkle in his eyes that I had grown so much comfort in.

"Thank you, Harry." I grinned at him. The uneasiness had drifted away and so had the queasiness that had grown in my stomach. I forked away at the food again, looking up briefly towards Harry who was doing the same.

"You should come tonight, though. It'll be fun. You'll get to meet Nina's boyfriend, Ryan, too." I said as I piled the last bite into my mouth. I hummed lightly to myself, content with my now-full stomach.

"Is he nice?" He inquired aloud suspiciously. "Because most of the men I've met so far are not very nice."

I had to hold back the snort that I wanted to let out from his observations, but I couldn't help but feel a ping of guilt. Harry watched the way I surrounded myself around guys that weren't that nice of people. If he had realized that so quickly, and I wondered why I had let it happen over and over again.

"I don't know much about him either, but Nina really likes him and I want to give him a chance. You should, too." I said quietly, offering an innocent smile.

He twitched his lips together as he thought, swirling around the leftover pieces of pancake still on his plate. "Okay." He mustered out. "As long as he's nice to her."

I smiled. "I'll make sure he is. We both will, okay?"

His eyes glided back up to mine, this time with the first real smile I had seen since he came back. I felt an immediate wave of relief flood through my chest. "Okay."

"Perfect. It's settled then." I beamed, gathering our finished plates and putting them into the sink. The water rushed out, splashing slightly onto my shirt from the suddenness of it. It was a good thing I was still in my pajamas, completely unaffected by the mess.

The mood within the room had completely flipped from only an hour ago, and I now felt on top of the world. Not only did it end a lot better than I expected it to, but we were all going to go out and have a good time with just the four of us. There was a little bit of nervousness about Nina's new boyfriend, but like I told Harry, I wanted to give him a chance. Given how patient she had been with me recently, as well as in the past, it was the least I could do for her. Maybe he would be the one frat guy that I could stand to be around.

It took some convincing at first, but as Nina described it more, the more excited I actually got. There would be no entering of stranger's homes; it actually didn't involve anyone's home at all. We were going to drive out to a spot that Nina and I had camped out at a time or two awhile back, completely surrounded by trees and nature.

Which also reminded me that I was already behind on my one and only job for it: rolling the joints.

"Oh, shit." I cursed out, shutting the water off and spinning around out of the room. "I'll be right back, I forgot something." I shouted over my shoulder, already out of view.

I wasn't sure if Harry said anything back as I was too preoccupied with rummaging through my drawer where I stashed everything. Everything from glass pipes, to jars of different strains, to decorated lighters, to cherry wrapping papers were all neatly placed in their rightful places. I was usually the one in charge of rolling as Nina swore up and down that I did it best, but I wasn't wholly convinced that she just preferred not to do it. I never minded though, I enjoyed the act of rolling. It was calming in some way to be so focused on one task.

I scanned my eyes along the contents as I thought to myself on which to choose. I ended up deciding on Wedding Cake, the classic mellow strain that I always found myself reaching for. Even though I wasn't sure which one Harry would have preferred, I thought that would be the safest out of the choices regardless.

Quickly, I grabbed the jar with the papers and padded away back into the kitchen where Harry still sat. He hadn't moved besides placing his hands neatly onto the tabletop, and he smiled at me once I entered. His eyebrows seemed to dance together as he tried to focus on what was in my hands, and I opened my mouth to explain myself, but then promptly closed it. I found it slightly entertaining to see him gape at the objects that I had placed onto the table.

It was as if I wasn't even in the room as he continued to stare at the nuggets that I placed into the grinder, spinning the lid in order to crush it up. I peeked up at him every now and then as I reached around for each object, and he didn't meet my eyes once until I brought the cherry papers up to my lips.

All of a sudden, the nervous feeling in the pit of my stomach reappeared as I swiped my tongue along the edge. I could feel his eyes on me even while I avoided them. It took everything in me not to close my eyes just to pretend he wasn't there– or to avoid my cheeks from blushing.

My thumbs threatened to shake as they carefully rolled the paper up, enclosing the weed inside of the material. For something I was typically so confident in, the feeling was suddenly dwindling with such eager eyes on me.

"What is that?" He finally spoke up, continuing his look of interest in his eyes. "It smells funny."

I giggled, placing one of the finished rolls onto a tray and began starting on the next one. "Weed, Harry. It's for the party tonight."

His head slightly fell back with a slight face of horror. "Weeds? Like the grass outside? That green stuff? I don't remember it smelling like that. What do you do with it?"

His rapid firing of questions reminded me of the Harry that I had first met, eager to know everything possible as soon as he could. Everything interested him and he wanted to know every single possible answer.

I chuckled again because of it. "No, not grass. It's a plant, but you smoke it. It makes you feel good, floaty almost." I peeked my eyes up at him as I began to lick at the next one. He no longer stared as intently at me as he once was, which helped ease the nervous feeling he had given me previously.

"I can already float, Aurora." He stated matter-of-factly with his arms crossed. "I don't need to smoke grass to float."

I snorted. "I suppose not, but you should try it at least once. I bet you'll like it." I smirked at him, putting up the rest of the contents that I had left over. After the nerves had settled, my previous work speed had gone back to normal and I had already rolled three joints perfectly by the time that he was inquiring about the weed.

"Will it feel like those good blue slushies from that one restaurant we went to?" His eyes began to glow with anticipation, practically bursting at the seams.

"No, not quite like that. It'll be more relaxing, like your whole body will feel it. Sensations will be stronger, too. You can watch us first to see if you want to try it." I reassured him. "Nina and I will make sure you're safe and comfortable regardless."

He nodded his head. "I think I'll try it. Maybe this type of floating won't be so exhausting."

I blew out a burst of air through my nose. "Hopefully not."

My attention turned towards the stove, reading out the time in glowing numbers. I didn't have a class until later, but I needed to stop by the planetarium beforehand so that I could get my supplies for the next presentation. Apparently the professor was so impressed by my first one that he wanted me to join him again for this week's showing. It hardly took me a second to reply with a quick acceptance.

"Do you want to come by the planetarium with me? I've gotta get some material from there and make sure there's nothing else that needs to be done before work tomorrow." I pushed my chair in, wiping my hands of any residue that had lingered against my fingertips. I mildly regretted doing this beforehand, not wanting to greet Professor Collins while smelling like weed.

Hopefully he wouldn't notice.

He nodded his head quickly again, scooting his seat in immediately as he grabbed for his bag and slung it over his shoulder promptly.

I chuckled lightly. "I gotta get dressed first. I'll be out in just a second and then we can go. I'll be quick, I promise."

It didn't take long to rummage through my closet. I slipped on an extra layer over my shirt, expecting the chilliness in the air to bite back with force. I did my best to try and dodge any mirrors, knowing I had to be quick, which meant I couldn't focus on my appearance. As long as I looked put together enough, that was all that mattered.

Luckily with the guidance and help of Nina, even my depressed stupor didn't affect my cleanliness too badly. I had even remembered to do my skincare routine earlier this morning before I got out of bed.

I almost tripped over my feet as I attempted to slip on my boots while I walked out of my bedroom door. After a couple of tries, I gave up and plopped myself on the floor while I laced them up correctly. I hadn't been this excited to leave the house since the whole bar situation. It was a nice change to the feelings I had been engulfed with since then. I liked this version of Aurora so much better.

"You ready?" I asked, slightly winded from the previous excursion I had put myself through in the hallway.

Harry turned around from Astro, who he was whispering to as he petted her back. She was wagging her tail vigorously, fighting to lick at his face as he knelt down to her.

"Let's go." He smiled, giving Astro one last pat on her head. He pointed in her direction. "Does she always slobber that much?" He sounded concerned.

"Only when she's excited...or thirsty." I offered with a shrug and a laugh. "Dogs can be kinda gross, I know."

His face twisted with a look of fascination mixed with disgust as we walked past her. Harry led the way, briefly looking over his shoulder in my direction.

"Quite peculiar they are."

The cool breeze greeted us as we left the apartment. This was just a reminder that summer was starting to slowly fade into fall. No more shorts and breezy shirts, or fun colors with sparkly makeup. It was going to be long sleeve shirts and pants from here on out.

I was a fan of the fall time, but summer was when I thrived the most. Specifically because it was a good time to see the stars, and it was more comfortable to lay outside at night and watch the constellations. I hated that the warmest of seasons seemed to go by so quickly, but it was something I surely couldn't control.

I wrapped myself up with my arms as my fingers slowly trailed up and down the goosebumps that the wind created on my skin. I wished I grabbed my thicker jacket, but I didn't expect the weather to change so drastically. It was hot yesterday, but then again, the weather never seemed to want to pick a side as they drifted into the new seasons.

"You cold?" Harry asked quietly from beside me. I glanced at him out of the corner of my eye, a small chuckle came from me as I shrugged my shoulders and dropped my arms to my sides.

"Um, just a bit." The small talk was kind of weird. I was glad we had gotten everything out of the way, but I still felt a gnawing guilt feeling in the back of my mind. Harry seemed fine, and I suppose that was all that really mattered. I just wanted him to be okay.

We kept walking, the gray skies clouding over the city. I had somewhat hoped that the clouds would subside by tonight so we could still watch the stars. One of the reasons I mainly went to these things was so I could get high and just stargaze.

One could say it was cliché, but I was a walking cliché after all. Never claimed not to be. I knew that as well, and I was okay with it. I had long gotten over the need to be different from everyone else, that was a cliché in and of itself.

"The weather today–"

"Don't do that to me." I told him with a chuckle, shaking my head at him. "We are not about to talk about the weather."

"Does weather talk not interest you, Aurora?" His smile dipped into a half frown, and I immediately felt bad. I kept having to remind myself that he wasn't from here, and that he didn't get that talking about the weather could be weird filler conversations reserved for strangers.

"Um...It's just that, sometimes, it could be taken weirdly, you know?" I kicked at the pebbles on the ground as we approached the planetarium. "Usually it's just a way to fill awkward space between people who don't know each other. Friends don't have to do that."

"Oh, okay. I see." I could've believed him if he didn't swallow the rest of his words down. Some things just weren't meant to be said. In our case, it was best if we just left it alone as it was now.

Harry led the way into the planetarium, and I was grateful for a moment that he did, given that I was nearly holding my breath the entire walk there. I felt my shoulders relax as I entered the warm building, the heat hugging me like a weighted blanket.

I hated doing things so last minute sometimes. If I wouldn't have put off needing to pick up the papers for next week's speech then I could be doing other things right now. Such as staring blankly at the notes for the test I had coming up, but not soaking anything in due to how tired I was. Or I could have been napping.

Harry stood close behind me as I walked into the main room of the building. The lights were dimmed down, but they were still on. Usually this place was packed, but today we didn't have anything scheduled to show. It was weird seeing this place so empty– so quiet.

I wheeled around the chairs, rushing towards the desk that was all the way in the back of the room. That was where Professor Collins said that he would have left the papers for me. I didn't think he was going to be in today, but I also didn't want to check either. I just wanted to be in and out.

Out of the corner of my eye, Harry stood next to the row of chairs that was by the desk as his eyes scanned around the room. His fingers slowly fiddled with the rings that cladded his hands. It took me a second to put two and two together, but then I realized.

This was where he was attacked by the light guardian. The night that we had met up at the coffee shop, where his face had been bruised and bloodied.

I clutched the papers tightly into my hand, moving my gaze towards the desk as I placed them into my bag.

"Looks like you've seen a ghost, Harry." Professor Collins's voice echoed through the room.

I saw Harry slightly jump at the sound of his voice, his body quickly turning to see him standing there with a wide smile on his lips and his arms crossed against his chest. I gazed over the two of them, seeing how uncomfortable Harry was made me feel bad for him.

"Oh, just–" Harry cleared his throat, shifting onto his feet slowly. "I just always found this building creepy when it's empty."

"Hm." Professor Collins hummed, giving Harry a once over before turning his body towards me. "Find those papers I left for you, Aurora?"

"I did!" I tried to sound cheery, but the tension somehow became a lot thicker in the air, but this time due to the newfound awkwardness. I didn't think it was possible after the residual feelings that were still felt in the air between Harry and I, but Collins being in the same room had proved that it was. "Sorry I was so late grabbing them, but I'll make sure that I study them before next week."

"Not a problem at all." He reassured me with a small smile. "Just want to make sure that you're prepared. We will be going over some more information I have gathered about black holes. I know we really haven't gone over that much, so just make sure you study the notes."

"Black holes?" Harry took a step towards the professor with a big smile. "Did you know that the milky way has a black hole?"

"Probably." He corrected Harry, perking his brow up as his lip twitched in curiosity. "Scientists say that it probably has a black hole. No further studies have proven it, not quite yet."

"Oh." Harry bit back. The fact that Harry said it, made it ring true. He knew everything about the stars and space himself. I mean, he lived there, so why wouldn't he?

"You sure know a lot about that, don't you?" Collins shifted his gaze towards Harry. "How long have you been going to school here again?"

"Um... I just started this semester." He said quietly, taking a step back from him as he crossed his arms over his chest.

"And yet, you know so much." Collins pondered to himself quietly, but loud enough where we could hear it. "Was this something you always wanted to do? Study the stars?"

"I mean, yeah." Harry cleared his throat again, bringing two of his fingers to push on his lips as he switched his gaze back and forth between Collins and I. "My parents are really into that kind of stuff, so...I guess that's why."

"And where are your parents, Harry? It seems like I don't know much about you, though you've been working here for sometime now." Collins said as he glanced towards me out of the corner of his eye. It was almost like he was making sure I was watching him dig into Harry.

Harry rubbed the soft stubble on his cheek with a frown as he averted his gaze towards me. I knew this was starting to get more uncomfortable for him by the moment, so I had to say something to get him out of the hole that Collins was digging him into.

"We have to go." I said almost in shock as I checked the time on my phone. "Harry, you have that hair appointment in twenty minutes. I totally forgot about that."

Harry's eyes widened, his hand dropping down to his side as he looked at me in confusion. Collins faced me, tilting his head as he looked me over. I stood there with a small smile on my lips, a nervous laugh spilling from them.

"Hair appointment–?"

"Well, it was really nice seeing you, Jerry." I said as I collected my things from the desk, shoving them into the bag swiftly. "We really need to get Harry to that appointment, but we can definitely talk later."

"Right..." He cleared his throat, a smile spreading across his lips. I let out a small breath as I nodded towards him, my hands interlocking with Harry's as I started towards the door.

"Bye!" Harry waved back at him with his free hand, his dimples planted into his cheeks as he smiled. I dared not to look back as I continued to pull Harry out of the door.

I didn't have to ask Harry, I think he already knew that that interaction was really weird. Collins had always been a really nice guy ever since I met him. I couldn't wrap my head around why he would ask a million questions to Harry. He had to have known it was awkward in the way he was throwing them so quickly at him. I didn't recall ever having so many inquiries from him towards my life at once.

Harry's grip tightened around my hand as he pulled me towards him for comfort. My cheeks started to heat up as his thumb mindlessly ran over the back of my hand. For a moment, I wasn't sure if I should pull my hand from him or if I should just let it happen. I couldn't lie, it felt nice. I liked it.

That was until Harry had let go of my hand the minute I was closer to him. I pursed my lips to the side, crossing my arms over my chest as we continued to walk down the sidewalk back towards Nina's house.

"Sorry about that." I cleared my throat into my fist. "I don't know why he did that. That was..."

"I don't think I like people asking me questions." Harry said softly, a soft frown formed onto his lips. "I'm never sure what to say. I always feel like I'll say something I'm not supposed to."

"Let's just stay away from questions for right now." I breathed out. "Later I can help you figure out some answers to some of those questions, okay?"

"You would really do that for me?" Harry gazed towards me with a soft smile. I felt his hand rest on the top of my back. "Thanks, I really appreciate that."

"Of course." I nodded towards him. "Um... would you mind helping me pack up everything at Nina's and taking it back to my house? My landlord said they had fixed the door, so..."

"Can I walk Astro?" He said with an excited tone and a lopsided grin.

"Yes, you can walk Astro." I chuckled out.

"Then yes, I will." Harry clapped his hands together, shrugging his shoulders as he started to walk a bit faster. I watched as he excitedly blew past me, and I couldn't help but find it so cute.

Just the simplest things Harry found so exciting.

It made my heart flutter.  

"Nina just texted me, they are outside waiting for us." I said as I clicked my phone off, sliding it into the back of my pocket.

I double checked through the bag, making sure I had everything for tonight. Waters, blankets, jackets, and snacks. The joints were in my purse and everything else was good to go.

"I'm a bit nervous, Aurora." Harry said from behind me, his fingers twisting his rings around slowly as he pursed his lips to the side. "After the last party we went to..."

"It's not gonna be like that party. It's just gonna be the four of us, nobody else. I promise." I tried to reassure him as I flung the bag over my shoulder. "Plus, Nina is a good judge of character. She wouldn't have Ryan around if he wasn't, right?"

"And you." He said, nudging my elbow with his. "Don't forget you."

I wanted to laugh, but I held it back. I wasn't really that interesting of a person, or good for that matter. Maybe it was just my anxiety talking, but I really didn't look at myself the way that Harry seemed to. He was much more forgiving to myself than even I was.

"Well, anyways." I cleared my throat as I headed towards the door. "Astro's fed for the night... Got everything in my bag..." I ran my hand over the fabric of it, squinting my eyes as I went through my mental list.

"You checked the bag twice now. I'm sure we have everything." Harry said as he nudged me out the door. "Now go. Shoo, shoo, out the door."

"Okay, okay." I chuckled as I locked the door from behind me. We left my apartment, seeing Ryan's truck that was parked right outside. I was glad I didn't have to walk far to meet him. Usually the streets were filled with cars, but luckily tonight it wasn't.

I packed the bag into the back before hopping into the truck. Harry came in after me, scooting into his seat before closing the door shut. It smelled like strong cologne in the truck, and when I looked over I saw a bottle that was sitting on the floorboard. It had been used so heavily that it was hard to read the label and identify the scent from where we sat.

"Harry! You came!" Nina clapped as she smiled wide back at him, her dimples prominent in her cheeks. Harry let out a nervous laugh, running a hand through his thick brown curls.

"Yeah..." He hummed. He sounded slightly unsure with his answer, but he did his best to match the excitement in Nina's tone.

Nina knew he was nervous, but we were going to try our best to make him feel more comfortable in our circle.

"Hey, what's up." Ryan's low, tangy voice came from him. My jaw nearly dropped to my lap when I heard his voice. It sounded so thick and deep. Looking at him, I didn't really expect him to sound like that.

Ryan was probably about the same height as Harry. He had dark brown hair that curled around the backside, but came outwards towards the front of his face. Brown eyes that were more golden than a deep brown.

He looked like he was meant to be with Nina from the way he looked. He just radiated Mr. Right for her. He had a very cool and relaxed demeanor about him.

"What do you go to school for, Harry?" Ryan looked in the rear view back at him as he drove off down the road.

"Uh, I major in science and astronomy." Harry nodded towards him, his fingers fiddling with the strings that frayed on his jeans. "What about you?"

"Computer Engineering." He said back. "It's boring to learn about, but it's fun to build computers."

"That's...awesome." Harry wasn't sure what to say. I chuckled at his response, shifting my weight in my seat.

"How old are you?" Ryan looked back at Harry in the mirror again. "You look young."

"Do I really?" Harry smiled cheekily as he looked down to study his body. "Well, I'm...twenty-one, so cheers. Thanks for that."

"I'm twenty-four." Ryan chuckled out at Harry's response. "You guys are practically babies."

"Hey! We are only a few years younger." Nina whined, nudging Ryan in the shoulder.

"Is twenty-four old?" Harry had leaned closely over towards me as he whispered into my ear. I let out a chuckle, glancing over to him.

"No, it's not." I whispered back to him, patting his hand softly.

"Oh..." His lip twitched up into a smile, turning his body towards Ryan again.

The place we were going to was out in the middle of nowhere, but thankfully it was only a thirty to forty-five minute drive. Harry kept staring out the window, and I could tell he was nervous from his leg lightly bouncing.

I was nervous too, honestly.

Ryan talked a lot about how he and his frat friends had parties a lot and that we should come with him. Instinctively, I had rolled my eyes at him without him seeing.

It was so weird to think about Nina dating a frat boy. He definitely had the qualities to show it by his tank that had slits down the side, paired with skinny jeans that were so tight you could basically see his dick imprinted in them.

Oh, and the backwards baseball cap was a dead giveaway.

Even with that, though, the way he talked about things so passionately made me think twice about him. When I would think about frat guys, I would mostly think about, well... dumb guys that did dumb shit and got drunk a lot.

Besides him getting drunk a lot, I had to give it to him that he was incredibly smart. Maybe there was more to him after all.

We finally pulled up to the large field. Ryan took the gravel road that led out towards the field, but then he took an unexpected hard right to drive straight into it.

Harry's brows furrowed together tightly, his fingers gripping his seatbelt as he scanned around the area from all the windows before looking at me with a curious look.

"It's okay." I whispered as I unbuckled my seat once we came to a stop.

He gave me a nervous smile as he also clicked his seatbelt off of him.

"I'll let the bed of the truck down." Ryan said as he turned the car off and then got out.

"I'm gonna help him." Nina said with a smile as she leaned back to grab the big luggage full of pillows that we had packed.

"Try not to shove your tongue down his throat by the time we get out." I chuckled, watching her face get bashful.

She left the car with a roll of the eye and a scoff, but a sly smirk spread across her face that told me she was definitely gonna have her tongue down his throat when we got out.

Harry scooted himself closer to the door, his body pressed against it as he stared out the window. Part of me felt a little bad only because I knew he was anxious to be around other people right now.

"We're gonna be stargazing." I told him softly as I scooted towards him. "Ryan seems to like you."

"Ryan is okay." He replied with his attention elsewhere, but I could tell he really meant it. Ryan did seem just okay. So far.

"C'mon, let's go outside so we can get in the bed of the truck." I nudged him softly with a smile.

He cracked a small smile back at me before opening the door. We got out of the car, and I had imagined it to be a bit colder, but it was just the right temperature. It wasn't too hot and it wasn't too cold.

We walked to the back of the car, and my eyes lit up at the sight of how comfy the bed had looked. Nina had laid down five thick blankets, with pillows scattered around for us to use if we wanted to lay down.

It was perfect.

I climbed up first, taking a spot next to Nina. Harry sat next to Ryan.

"This is so cute." I pouted, tilting my head towards the sky. "And the stars are really out tonight too."

"Tonight is gonna be so much fun." Nina chuckled as she nudged my arm. "Ryan brought some shots. Do you guys want one?"

"Yeah, they're uh... pineapple flavor." He said as he showed the small shots. They were in small clear bottles with the liquid sloshing inside.

"Sure, thank you, Ryan." I smiled as I took two from him. I glanced towards Harry out of the corner of my eye that was staring directly at the sky. He wasn't even zoning in on what was happening around him.

"Hey, Starboy!" Nina used her foot to tap Harry's thigh, a wide smile on her lips. "You want one?"

Harry looked towards Nina with a bit of a jolt, as if he wasn't expecting to come in contact with someone else. He squinted his eyes at the small bottle, then looked towards me.

I held out the second shot in my hand, a reassuring smile on my lips. "You don't have to take it. It's like the blue drink."

"Blue drink—Ah, yes." Harry chuckled nervously as he leaned forward to take it from my fingers. He examined the bottle, tilting his head side to side. "I think I will. Thank you, Ryan." He said quietly towards him as he tilted the shot towards him.

We all took the caps off of the bottle, holding it up in the air with a smile. Harry watched in curiosity, slowly raising his glass with the rest of ours.

"Cheers!" Nina chuckled.

"Cheers!" I smiled.

"Cheers." Harry repeated more shyly.

We all took the shot at the same time. Harry, though, had fallen behind. He was having a small problem with taking it all in one go and instead going with a sip.

He let out a cough, covering his mouth with his arm as he tried so desperately not to spill the shot on the blankets.

"Not a tequila man, huh?" Ryan chuckled as he hit Harry's back with a loud pop. His eyes widened, letting out another cough before shaking his head.

"It went down the wrong way, I think. Doesn't really taste the same as the blue one either." Harry cleared his throat, sending me a silly smile as he looked down at the drink once more.

"You don't have to—"

Before I could even finish my sentence, Harry took the drink and chugged it all the way down. His face scrunched as he did so, and his ring cladded fingers gripped at his jeans tightly.

"God damn, Harry." Nina laughed out. "You want another one?"

Harry shook his head with a sour look on his face as he placed the bottle to the side, waving his hand in front of his face.

"No, I think that's quite alright." He said thickly. "Maybe, uh... Later."

Watching Harry struggle with the shot was so pitiful, but I couldn't help but laugh anyways. It was funny the way he wasn't used to alcohol and the way his face twisted with the burning feeling that it left in his throat.

"We need some music!" Nina stood on the bed of the truck, placing a hand onto the roof of it before jumping over the ledge to the grass.

"Please don't turn on that electronic stuff. It gives me a headache." I begged as I watched her crawl into the driver's seat of the truck. Suddenly the music started to flow through the truck, and it got louder as she turned it up.

It wasn't too loud but just loud enough for us to hear it.

Sounds of guitars started to strum its way through the air, causing my body to start to relax more. I was thankful that Nina turned on something that we all liked. Usually she listened to really noisy music that was just too much for my brain to handle.

"Don't be a hater, Aurora." Nina pouted as she climbed over the ledge, pulling herself back onto the blankets. "You just haven't been to a rave yet, that's your problem. You should come with me sometime."

"I would rather eat rusty nails for breakfast." I teased her, crossing my arms over my chest. "Raves are not my kind of scene. You know that."

"But they could be!" She raised her arms in defense. "Don't knock it 'til you try it!"

"Babe, did you bring the joints?" Ryan nudged Nina. "Let's light up, c'mon."

"Oh, Aurora, did you roll the joints?" Nina jolted as she turned towards me with a smile. "Please tell me you did."

I rolled my eyes. "Did I bring the joints? Of course I did." I said as I brought out the small packaging from my bag. Harry shifted in his seat, staring at me curiously as he watched me bring out one of the cherry paper rolled joints from earlier.

"Fuck yes. Thank you, Aurora." Ryan smiled wide. "You're a lifesaver."

"You're gonna make my ego inflate, be careful." I teased as I placed it between my lips. I lit it with no effort, taking a slow, but long drag off of it. Smoke bellowed into the air, creating a stench of skunk immediately.

"It's been so long since I've smoked. My normal guy has been dry as fuck." Nina mumbled as she pouted her lips. "Gimme, gimme, gimme."

"So needy." I mumbled as I blew the smoke out, passing it off to her.

"Can I try some of that, Nina?" Harry said shyly, pointing towards the lit object between her fingers. "I, uh... I've never smoked before."

"Harry, you've never smoked before? No way! This is gonna be so awesome." Nina said excitedly as she scooted towards him with the joint in hand.

"Well, maybe—" I stopped Nina with my hand, taking it from her as I tsked. "Let me show him. You always end up getting first-timers way too high."

"That was one time and that shit was medical grade, okay? It's not my fault she couldn't hang." Nina pouted as she scooted back to her spot.

"Okay, whatever." I teased, handing it over to Harry with a smile. "Okay, so put your lips around this end and just take a really small hit. Inhale like you are breathing through your mouth, but uh... with your mouth closed."

Harry took the joint, staring down at the butt of it. He gave me nervous eyes for a mere moment, but I reassured him with a small pat to the knee and a nod.

He shrugged, clearing his throat before putting it to his lips. His cheeks drew in slowly, brows pinched tightly as he looked down at it.

"Hold it, Harry! Hold it in!" Nina cheered on as she laughed. "It'll get you higher!"

"Babe, you're gonna kill him." Ryan rolled his eyes, wrapping his arm around her to pull her close.

Harry took Nina's advice, but it was only for a few seconds before he started to cough up the smoke. A lot harder than he had coughed for the shot he took moments ago.

"It's okay. Hey, it's okay." I panicked slightly, taking the joint from his fingers before passing it off to Ryan from behind me. "Nina knows that's just a myth anyway. If anything, coughing will be more helpful with that." I replied, eyeing her purposely. She only winked at me in return, causing us both to giggle.

Harry was hunched over, covering his mouth as he coughed hard into his hand. I placed a soft touch to his back as I rubbed it carefully, nodding my head in understanding.

"It's normal, you're gonna cough a lot." I frowned. "Just don't listen to Nina next time. She tends to... do this to people."

He tilted his head up, his eyes slightly watery from the coughing. He let out a soft breath, rubbing at his eyes before turning towards me with an embarrassed expression.

"I didn't expect that." His voice was now raspy from the coughing fit. Harry ran a hand through his brown curls, sitting up straight as he tried to control his breathing.

"You okay?" I whispered as I found a seat next to him, putting my back against the truck with my legs stretched out.

"I feel a little weird... in my chest." He whispered back, placing a hand onto his heart as he drew in a long, slow breath. "Is this normal?"

"It's normal, I promise. You'll feel good in a second, just don't worry about smoking if you don't want to, alright? Sometimes too big of a hit can cause your chest to hurt from all the coughing." I nudged his arm. "We can just listen to music and lay here."

"No, I like it." Harry cleared his throat into his fist, shaking his head softly. His glazed eyes peered towards Nina and Ryan who were blowing the weed smoke into each other's mouth. His lips parted, shifting in his seat slowly.

"Ignore them." I whispered towards him with a roll of my eyes. "Hey! Stop hogging the weed!"

I leaned over, taking the joint from Nina's hand. She muttered something under her breath before wrapping herself back around Ryan. It was typical, I hadn't doubted they would be all over each other tonight.

Placing it between my lips, I took a slow, but long hit off of it. The smoke filled my lungs, burning my throat as I leaned back. It felt good to be smoking again, it had me questioning why I had even stopped for a bit in the first place.

"You're not gonna blow that into my mouth, are you?" Harry questioned with a nervous chuckle that followed after. I let out a soft breath, a smile curved on my lips as the smoke bellowed through my nose.

"No, don't worry."

Harry took the joint from me, taking a long draw from it. The cherry burned the wrapper as I watched him hold the smoke in before it spilled from his lips. He coughed into his hand, his eyes starting to become more and more hooded.

We sat there for sometime, listening to the music while my head leaned back against the truck to stare up at the sky. I kept glancing over towards Harry to make sure he was okay, and he was in the position that I was in. I hadn't noticed that he was staring up at the stars with me.

I had often wondered about what went through his mind. When he looked up at the stars, was he thinking about home? Was he contemplating? Was he thinking the same things that I did?

His mind, from what he had shown me, was beautiful and dark. It was ironic in a way, the way that he could look so happy on the outside, but yet have so many doubts and insecurities about himself. I could only wish that he would see himself the way that I saw him.

But I supposed other people could say the same thing about me as well.

I glanced towards him once again, seeing that he was looking directly at me. I bit back a smile, turning my head to look at him fully. His blood-shot eyes crinkled as he smiled at me, his dimples poking out. I parted my lips, my fingers tapping on my thigh.

"I–"

"You know what!" Nina said as she leaned up from Ryan's arms, spreading her arms out with a wide smile.

"I'm scared to ask." I mumbled softly. The high was now setting in, I could tell from the way my words were slightly slurred with the threat of giggles and my voice became lazy and raspy.

Nina tsked at me, leaning over to grab her purse as she sat it into her lap. Harry and I watched curiously as she brought out a small baggy that had small square foils in it. I wasn't a fool, I knew exactly what it was.

"Are you guys ready to really party?" Nina smirked as she handed me two hits of acid on their own pieces of foil. I stared down at them in my hand, a chuckle leaving me.

"What's that?" Harry whispered towards me, his brows pinching together tightly. I glanced out of the corner of my eye, nibbling on my lip carefully.

"This is acid." I said as I took the small pieces of paper out of the foil, placing them directly onto my finger. "It will make you feel really good. Colors will be a lot brighter and it's like, you're one with the Earth."

"I think I already am one with the Earth, Aurora." Harry chuckled, glancing towards Nina and Ryan who were already putting the hits onto their tongues.

"Do you wanna do it? You don't have to. I know it's all a lot at once, especially for someone not used to it." I turned towards him, holding my palm out. Harry looked down into my hand, his brow perking up. I knew Harry had never done anything like this before, but I would rather him do it with me than some random person he didn't know.

He would be a lot safer with us. With me.

"Uh..." He scratched the back of his head, pursing his lips. "What's it going to feel like?"

"You'll have to figure it out on your own. It's different for everyone, but just imagine pure bliss and euphoria." I placed a hit onto his finger, then one on mine as well. "Here, you can put one on my tongue and then I'll put one on yours."

"How long do you leave it on your tongue?" Harry frowned, looking down at the paper with curiosity.

"Just for thirty minutes or so and then you spit it out or swallow it. This kind doesn't dissolve." I told him as I raised my finger towards his mouth. "Open your mouth."

Harry let out a giggle, opening his mouth slowly before sticking his tongue out. I watched him in awe, a smile spreading across my lips before I did the same thing. I placed the hit onto his tongue, and he placed one on mine.

I closed my mouth, letting it settle on my tongue and making sure not to swallow it before I could give it time to kick in. Harry settled back against the truck, placing his hands into his lap as he brought his tongue back into his mouth. He stared down into his lap, not really saying much after that.

"Are you ready to really see the world now, Starboy?"

a/n: heyyy. just a reminder in case you didn't see sunny or i talk about it, but we're no longer doing scheduled updates. it had just gotten too much and this way makes it less stressful honestly. we still love starboy and are continuing to work on it, but we're allowing ourselves a little more freedom with it so i hope everyone understands! we also hope you guys still stick around and continue along the starboy journey with us <3

[violetarks]

"oh, they're down for good."

anime: tokyo revengers

character: sano 'mikey' manjiro, mitsuya takashi

summary: y/n needs to explain to the boys her plan. and the boys need to understand why she has to do what she's planned.

a/n: afab! reader, she/her pronouns, third person pov, as always, spoilers ep 18 onwards, manga spoilers, sorry it's short this time, i have exams coming up!! series masterlist here

taglist: @chaoticyuna @eriskaitto @kenmas-xbox @chosoisbaby @lagrimasdeglitter @kamikoii @achoomoos @netzukochannn @tomanprincess

Y/N fixes her shirt as she gets ready for bed.

Today had been very different to her usually Tuesday. Thanks to Mitsuya's idea, she had stayed home and just... tried to relax. As much as someone like her could.

She did get Chifuyu and Takemichi texting her, asking if she was alright and some little things about Toman. But that was the most of it.

Those texts mostly consisted of telling her that it was okay to speak to them, and that they understood if she wanted to step down from Toman for the time being. Only until she got back onto her feet.

But who would be their leader if Y/N was gone?

She laid in her bed, facing the ceiling as she heard Mana and Luna run around the stairs and hallway. She had never really gotten used to the laughing of the sisters. Maybe because it seemed unnatural to allow little kids like them to make such noise at home when the older people were home. At least, that's what she grew up to know.

If Kazutora and Y/N laughed too loud or talked above a good level, then their father would yell at them since he was working in his study. More like getting drunk before 3 PM.

Their mother would cry and complain that she couldn't work in such a loud environment. Although not outright saying it was their fault, it was implicated and even 9-year-old Kazutora and 7-year-old Y/N knew it clearly was. They always knew it was their fault. Some way or another. They were used to it, but somehow it hurt more every time it went on.

She hears the girls run into their rooms after finishing their dinner and getting ready for bed. Little footsteps following another pair. They pass Y/N's door a few times, meaning they were racing up and down the halls. Something the two would do frequently, for some reason. Maybe it was fun.

The one time Kazutora and Y/N did it, they got yelled at by their father and locked out of the house until dinner. Kazutora ended up taking Y/N to see Mikey and Baji.

She heard Mana and Luna shut the door to their shared room, and go on to speak about whatever, giggles being heard through the walls. Y/N blinked, arms at her sides.

'Loud', she tells herself, like she did every time they were here, 'So loud.'

But it's not the loud that gives you a headache. The somewhat nice noise that makes you feel comfy.

Maybe she should pull back from the sisters for a while.

Reminded her of Kazutora.

Or rather, the Kazutora that she kept her brother as.

Lana and Mana were what Y/N wished she and Kazutora were.

And she didn't know whether that was a good thing or bad thing. Because now she was 'remembering' doing the same — running around the house, being as nosy as they wanted and laughing and being kids.

A big chunk of that was because of Mitsuya himself. He was an amazing brother to the girls. Always so caring and nurturing. He would hold their hands when they were scared, encourage them to keep going.

Kazutora hid Y/N when she was scared. Let her cry right into his chest. And warned Y/N about everything she did.

Maybe that's why she was so drawn to Mitsuya. He was kind, even when it was obvious not to be. He only cared about doing what was right, no matter what. He wanted the best for everyone. Y/N admired that about him. And loved that about Mitsuya.

That he was there unconditionally. No matter what shit went on, he always rounded back to Y/N, even when no one else could. Even when they all left her.

She turns on her side and sees her phone light up. Reaching out and checking it, she reads a text.

mikey &lt;3: you okay?

She squints at the name before sighing out.

It's been four years, and she still hasn't changed that stupid name from her old, love-sick self.

Y/N takes it upon herself to do that now.

She finds herself glancing over to the framed photo on her table. Of course, the one with her and Mikey. At the festival. She looked so happy with the blonde. Maybe she'd learn to do that again.

She knows what's on the back. It's been drilled into her mind.

'you’re kinda annoying, but i love you - from mikey’

'well i mean, i guess i’ll love you too’ - from y/n &lt;;3’

Coy and childish, but they both meant it at the time.

She supposed that Mikey still meant it now, though. Wouldn't that be right?

She changes the name fully, just as another text from Mikey comes through.

manjiro: mitsuya, kenny and i wanna go over what you said at the table.

manjiro: if you're too tired, we can wait for tomorrow before the meeting. it's after school, isn't it?

y/n: it is.

manjiro: okay. can we talk about it?

y/n: yeah alright. come to my room now.

manjiro: be decent when we get there.

y/n: i'm fully clothed, shut it.

manjiro: i mean, you never know...

y/n: you have three minutes.

She puts her phone away, rolling her eyes at Mikey's antics. Some things just never change, do they? Even when he's like this.

More heavier footsteps are heard down the hall. She knows for sure that Mitsuya is one of them, since his voice is heard on the other side of the wall. He tells his sisters to quiet down since it's night time, and that they don't want to wake the baby next door. His sisters go on to whisper, inviting Emma inside.

Mitsuya is the first to enter, doing his knock before she allows them in as he always did. She felt at ease seeing him give his usual smile, allowing Draken and Mikey in after him.

They all sat each other in different places. Y/N sat on the side of her bed, Mitsuya not too far beside her. Mikey was situated on the desk rolling chair, pout on his lips and leg crossed over his knee. He was going to sit beside Y/N, but the lavender-haired opponent seemed to be quicker.

Draken leaned against the dresser in front of Y/N, still standing with his arms crossed over his chest. He was the only one who seemed to not the mind the positions.

"So... what is it?" Y/N questions, fiddling with her fingers.

But she knows. She just wants to make sure Mikey isn't tricking her anymore.

Draken sees that the two other boys can't decide what to say first. It's in Mitsuya's eyes and the way Mikey plays with the hem of his shirt. The taller boy then lets out a huff, "We want to know more about your idea to make Mikey the Sixth Division Captain. You left the table right after you said that. And you spent dinner talking to Luna and Mana."

Y/N bites the inside of her cheek before hugging the pillow on her lap tighter to her chest. A habit Mikey had found out when he snuck into Y/N's room for a late night cuddle session. She did that whenever she felt lost or worried, maybe even alone. He watches her fingers wrap around the corners of the pillow.

"What do you want me to clarify?" She hums out, tilting her head into the cushion, "Mikey is the only other leader I can choose. Takashi has the Second Division, Takemichi and Chifuyu are the First Division, Draken is my Vice-Commander and I can't split the twins up. Neither can I do that to the last Division."

Mikey suddenly speaks up, leaning forward in his seat, "But you want Hanma put in Mitsuya's Division and Kisaki with me. What would that even accomplish?"

She explains, holding out a hand as she looks to the boys, "Kisaki is nothing without someone to throw hands for him. Hanma is impulsive and loud, exactly what Kisaki needs." She begins to draw circles on the pillow. "I know Takashi will take whatever needs necessary. And Kisaki will be a kiss-ass to Mikey since he knows he has no one else that is willing to 'cooperate' with him."

Mitsuya looks away. Dealing with Hanma was usually Draken job because of their somewhat feud going on all these years. While Hanma was kept in Toman, he held a low position because of Y/N's suspicion with Moebius and Valhalla. Hanma's done nothing so far, but with Kisaki back in the mix, it seemed Mitsuya would have to be trusted.

"Having them separated during Toman business would create less of a threat." Y/N claims, "Or even better, cancel out a threat entirely. Although we all know that's not likely."

"What about outside of Toman?" Mitsuya questions her.

Kisaki is a sneaky guy. He'll find one way or another to get what he wants. Y/N needs to be precise with what she's doing. Kisaki can find the cracks in anyone's plan and get through it.

"I'll find that he has no time to speak to Hanma outside of Toman." She states, swinging her legs off the side of the bed. So much for a relaxation day. "If he really is looking to reconnect with Toman, which is incredibly unlikely, then he wouldn't need to talk to him about anything in private."

Draken interrupts her thoughts. "You said that the leader of Ketsu-gang would be the captain of the Sixth Division." He reminds her. Of course, she hadn't forgotten that little piece of information.

"That was before Kisaki paid me a visit at school. Tomorrow, I'm clearing it up." She responds to that, running fingers through her hair with a tired glance, "They'll compromise, or else we crush them to bits."

Mitsuya and Draken nod their heads. Mikey waits for Y/N to say more. And she does.

"They idolise Mikey." She states, looking bothered by what she had just said. Mikey takes no offense to that. "So if they see him working with Toman again, they'll be more compliant, won't they?"

"That is true." Mitsuya agrees, nodding his head once. Although Mikey's done wrong, he's still a hero to a lot of people. Especially to Toman. Lucky, since Y/N decided not to disclose why he left and how he did.

There's a quietness between them that makes all three of them uncomfortable. Mikey is picking at the hem of his shirt, Mitsuya is staring at his lap as he wakes for Y/N to speak, and Draken is full on looking at his Commander. He knew if there was no more, then she would dismiss them.

Y/N then swallows her nerves, mumbling out, "I... I have to tell you guys something."

Draken raises a brow as Mikey tilts his head. She seemed anxious.

"There's going to be another brawl." She tells them.

"What?" They all gasp in unison, Mikey standing from his seat.

Mitsuya shifts a little in his spot, closer to Y/N. "What do you mean? We just had one last week on the 27th of October." He reminds them. Mikey makes a mental note that it was a few days before Halloween. "Why would we have another one so soon?"

Mitsuya and Draken know nothing of any local gangs looking to stir up some drama.

Y/N furrows her brows a little. Her grip tightens on her pillow before she sighs out, "I got a note in my locker yesterday." The boys think nothing of it. Another love letter, probably. As much as Mitsuya and Mikey dislike that. "It was from the Lumière du jour de la Lune."

Draken and Mitsuya are visibly shaken by this. Mikey raises a brow at that. Really, he didn't hear what she said that clearly. He asks, "Who are the Lumière—... jour—... jour Lune? Fuck, what does that even mean?"

Mitsuya tries not to laugh at his lazy pronunciation, not to mention how he left a few words out. But as he stifles his laugh, Mikey glares his way with an embarrassed look on his face.

He's been gone for four years, why would he have to study French? It's not like he's heard of this French gang anyway...

'Stop laughing, Mitsuya, you're being insensitive...' Mikey curses in his head. Once he sees Draken chuckling too, he looks away angrily.

The Vice-Commander is the one to answer his best friend, regardless of having to calm down from laughing. "They're one of the more known sub-gangs in Tokyo. Like our Divisions." He informs Mikey, looking more serious now. Mikey glances over to him. "Their mother organisation is... pretty vicious. They've been hinting at contacting more and more smaller gangs to basically eat them whole and make them a part of their gangs."

Y/N opens her locked drawer, pulling the key from around her neck. The boys don't seem to phased by it, but Mikey makes another mental note about that. What could be so important that she'd keep it there?

Mitsuya only looks away as she opens it up. He's respecting her privacy, knowing she kept all her valuables in there. A diary, a few notes from Emma and old cards from Kazutora. Maybe more, he's never asked.

"It means 'Daylight of the Moon' in French." Y/N tells Mikey, flicking through things in the drawer. Mikey didn't know she knew French. Or maybe she doesn't, she only knows a lot about gangs.

That seems more likely. She's always been good at remembering information to use in the future. One of the reasons she was appointed Commander of Toman.

She goes on, pushing an old locket to the side, "The sub-group that contacted me. That's their name. Their mother organisation is called 'Clair de Lune', meaning 'Moonlight'."

Mitsuya clenches his jaw at the thought of this big organisation going after Y/N. It was worse enough that Kisaki knew where Y/N went to school. He probably told Hanma about it too. Maybe. But he didn't want to take any chances. Clair de Lune was nothing to joke about.

He can't help but hear the keys of piano play through his mind.

"They're called that because of all the chaos they cause after sundown. They're like vampires, only coming out at night and resting during the day." She claims, shaking her head at the idea. It was a silly concept, but one of the most powerful. People were scared. Y/N didn't want that. "The 'Daylight of the Moon' group is the only division of theirs that actually is seen doing work in sunlight. But it's not like that changes what they do. They're still asshole delinquents causing mayhem."

Mikey sees the look on her face. She looks annoyed by the thought, or probably disgusted. Whatever it is, it isn't nice.

"But why French?" He inquires.

Draken scowls at that, looking away with shut eyes, "Because it was a gang that originated from France. It showed up out of fucking nowhere three years ago and grew like crazy." He finds himself holding his chin between his fingers. "I don't know why, but they've decided to cause Japan a whole shit-load of trouble for our delinquents."

Mitsuya rests his chin in his palm, furrowed brows. He hears Y/N curse quietly about not being able to find something. "Admittedly, they only have around 150 in each of their sub-groups, which there are six of. We'd have to fight, like, 900 people before even getting to the Commander and Vice-Commanders." He speaks aloud, looking to be weighing out the options.

"We have only around 575 Toman members so far, excluding Ketsu-gang." Y/N explains. Although it is higher than the 450 that Mikey had once commanded, it was not enough to fight a gang like Clair de Lune. "However, if they prove to be loyal to Toman, we'll have nearly 700. That's something, at least."

Draken nods his head, thinking of his own plan. Surely this wouldn't be the end of Toman.

Y/N pulls out a piece of paper, seeming to be folded neatly inside an envelope. It had the words 'TOMAN'S LEADER' written on the front. That takes all of their attention, shutting their mouths.

She reads aloud from it, "'Hanemiya Y/N, we know who you are and your relationship with not only Toman, but the past Valhalla group." Her brow twitches at the mention of her brother's old gang. She despised Valhalla, only allowing Hanma in because Draken kept him in check and he was admittedly a good fighter. "'We are not here to begin trouble in your side of Tokyo, but Clair de Lune is looking to expand it's group and we believe that the Tokyo Manji Gang would be an asset.'"

To Mikey, it seems like the most polite way a gang has ever spoken to Toman.

"'If you do not cooperate, we plan on destroying every hint of Toman for good.'" Y/N then adds on. Maybe Mikey was wrong. So very wrong. "'A meeting will be held on the 24th of December. We will give you the remaining month to come to a final decision. We will stay in touch.'"

Mitsuya furrowed his brows at the date. Right before Christmas, huh? The only day where he can rest assured that all his friends and family can be safe. Where Y/N and his sisters are waking up early to make breakfast for Emma and the other who usually sleep over. Others being Chifuyu, Takemichi and Draken. Where they all open presents gifted by the others, singing and dancing and watching movies.

Where Mitsuya would constantly tell Y/N that he was going to be there every Christmas. And where he always gives her a small gift that he knows she'll cherish, even more than the ones she was previously given.

If he remembers correctly, he gave her a nice diary with a lock, the leather cover being made by himself. Y/N cried at having something for herself that was strictly hers.

Y/N folds the letter and puts it back in the drawer, locking it and putting the necklace back under her shirt. She silently puts her hands back on the pillow, nudging her chin into it.

The boys all looked troubled by the new-found information. Nobody wants to say a thing, because what were they supposed to do? Y/N's plan was to make Toman the biggest gang in Tokyo. How was she supposed to accomplish this with Clair de Lune breathing down their neck?

Even Mikey could read the room.

"We have over a month to decide." Mitsuya states, holding his hands together over his knees, "Which means, we should start as soon as possible. Any wasted time could lead to the end of Toman."

"The meeting tomorrow." Y/N calls out, making the three boys look towards her. She pinches the bridge of her nose, ignoring the headache she currently has. "I'll mention it after inviting the new members. It's better to dry out all of the conflict before we talk to Clair de Lune."

Draken then furrows his brows. He lifts his chin to Y/N. "You said there would be a brawl. Clair de Lune is expecting a normal meet up." He says, to which he sees Y/N nodding her head to agree with. She has an unmoving expression. That makes Draken smile. "Oh, this will be great."

He's giving a slight laugh, enthusiasm coursing through his system. Mikey only raises a brow at his friend. What the fuck?

"What are you talking about?" He questions out, sitting back down on his chair. Y/N looks back at him for a second before towards Mitsuya. She raises a brow, as if waiting for him.

He then picks it up a few seconds later, grinning softly as well. He now understood why Draken was excited. "You don't want to cooperate." He chuckles to Y/N, shaking his head a little, "You're going to take over Clair de Lune."

"Ah, how did you know?" Y/N jokes in a soft tone, laying back onto the bed and closing her eyes. She feels as if this was one of the only things she's certain of with Toman. Or in her whole entire life. "Keeping Kisaki and Hanma apart will be my first step into controlling Clair de Lune. I need those two to either cooperate, or get the fuck out of my life."

"That's crazy." Mikey claims, shaking his head. He isn't saying it in support of her decision. But in confusion and nervousness. She tilts her head to look back at him. "Didn't you say these guys were bad news? Why even associated yourselves with them? You could just escape them, or sign... a peace treaty or something."

She closes her eyes again, making Mikey furrow his brows. He clenches his jaw at Y/N's laid-back atmosphere at the moment.

"Because the bad guys are always the weakest after they fall." Y/N exclaims to Mikey, who watches her open her tired eyes. He feels stiff in his spot. "When it's a hero, they are just down for a bit and then get back up as if nothing had happened."

Mitsuya and Draken don't say anything. Even they know that Y/N had changed more to be like her sibling.

She gives a short laugh, smiling as she speaks out, "But villains? Oh, they're down for good. No matter how much they persist. They'll never be as strong, or stronger, than what they were."

Mikey feels his heart twist.

Y/N sighs out, craning her neck to ease out some unwanted tension, "Once Clair de Lune falls, they will only be the dust underneath my boots." He won't admit it, but Mikey kind of enjoys seeing Y/N be so certain and assertive. "I'll have them eating out the palm of my hand for a crumb of attention."

She flexes her fingers out in front of her before curling them in a fist. A tight hold, like the one she wants around Clair de Lune. "I take out the support, it's over. Once we have the upper hand, we don't let go." She claims, looking determined as always.

This is the Hanemiya way of thinking.

Against all odds, they're are the good and bad. Mikey got firsthand experience when talking to Kazutora and Y/N alone. The boy at Bloody Halloween and the girl once at dinner before she left for the bridge. He didn't like it one bit. There's always more than the hero and villain.

Right?

There can't be just that black and white stance.

He grips his pants a little and tilts his head at Y/N.

"I get it." Draken speaks up, nodding at his Commander. She blinks at him, nudging her chin into the soft pillow again. She knows that him talking is her sign to stop. More like a warning before she says something terrible.

The tall guy then turns his head. "Mikey. Familiarise yourself with the new Divisions." He commands his friend. Mikey, in return, nods his head slowly, brushing out the creases of his shirt. Draken then gazes at Y/N, who is still hugging her pillow to her chest. "Our meeting tomorrow, do you plan on explaining it all then?"

Y/N nods her head in return. "Yes. They'll know about the Division changes and all that, but not about our plan with Kisaki." She explains, lifting herself up and rubbing the back of her neck. She was tired. A lot.

Maybe it was time to go to bed.

But someone speaks up before she can ask them to leave.

"And what exactly is our plan with Kisaki?" Mikey questions her, just wanting to quickly ask after seeing her face, "We only know that he's coming back and that he knows where you go to school. He's probably mentioned all he knows to Hanma, too."

"We won't speak about it unless we're all in this room, got it? This is the safest place, away from any of Kisaki's minions or whatever. What is said here, stays here." She commands, making all three boys nod theirs heads. Good to have such compliant guys around, isn't it?

Y/N lets out a huff, glancing at her desk where a shiny item sat, "I'm planning to shut Kisaki up for good."

Mitsuya furrows his brows. "What do you mean?" He asks in a quiet tone, almost afraid of her answer.

Draken is as well. Because he can finally realise how similar the ex's in this room are. Sure, he might've seen some similarities, but never to this extent. When did Y/N become Mikey? And why didn't he figure it out until now? Had it always been this way, ever since she became Toman's leader?

Y/N stands up, walking towards her desk. Mikey blinks at her for a moment as she moves in his direction. "With the Clair de Lune coming to overtake Toman, we can't have any loose ends at the fight on the 24th." She explains to her commanders. Mitsuya crosses his arms. "Kisaki's been up my gang's ass for years now. I don't like having that guy constantly snooping and getting my men worried. They won't fight well if that happens, and I can't afford to lose to Clair de Lune."

She picks up the item from the table, clicking it into place before turning around. Draken widens his eyes with a slow inhale, suddenly standing up straighter once Y/N faces them. Mitsuya's shoulders raise as he then lifts himself off the bed. His fists are clutched at his sides.

Mikey is the only one to remain in his seat. He's got his arm on top of the chair backing. He closes his eyes for a moment, letting a sigh out. 'Is that really necessary? It's just Kisaki', he thinks to himself.

But then again, he doesn't exactly know what he's left behind. All he knows is that Kisaki stepped down and Toman was Commander-less for about four months until they agreed upon Y/N.

What he didn't know was that Kisaki had tried to take out all of the Captains, in fear that they'd take over Toman in his place. He didn't go after Y/N since, well... why would Toman invite Mikey's ex to be the Commander?

The only slip up. Letting Y/N live.

She tilts her head and aims at the bed in front of her, leaving her finger off the little important section of the item. She blinks once as she lifts her chin. A small grin adorns her lips.

"I'm going to shoot Kisaki."

[acourtofthought]

It's still said by some that if the Azriel POV Bonus Chapter was truly important, it would not have had a limited distribution.

This is obviously an argument being put out there because some realize there was a lot in that Bonus Chapter to indicate problems for the future of E/riel and mate-like coding for Gwynriel as well as an acceptance of Az and his shadows as a package deal whereas the shadows hide from Elain.

I don't agree with the argument. Just because not everyone has access to it doesn't mean it can't contain hints to future books. All it means is that some people will find out sooner rather than later what will eventually happen.

Wings & Embers strongly suggested the future of Nessian and even if you hadn't read it, it did not change the fact that Nessian became a thing.

But let's just say the POV chapter never existed. This is what we've got going on in Silver Flame:

Az on Elain -

Nesta saw the blow land, like a physical impact, in Elain’s face, her posture. No one spoke, though shadows gathered in the corners of the room, like snakes preparing to strike.

Mor no longer sat beside Cassian, draped herself over him, and Azriel … those longing glances toward her had become few and far between. As if he’d given up. After five hundred years, he’d somehow given up. Cassian couldn’t think why.

Azriel stiffened, an outright sign of temper from him as he said quietly, “There is an innate darkness to the Dread Trove that Elain should not be exposed to.” <- cringy but whatever

“My shadows don’t like the flames so much.” A pretty lie. She’d seen Azriel before the fire plenty. But she looked at who sat close to it and knew the answer.

His secret to tell, never hers.

Those are all the "hints" of Az having feelings for Elain prior to Solstice. After Solstice, he's in a bad mood but we have no idea why. There are also at least three months that occur between Solstice and the end of the novel with no further interaction between Az and Elain. But before that we know Az is looking at Mor a lot less now (though there are still the occasional glances as few and far between doesn't mean zero). We know he's protective of Elain and that he's feeling something for her. But that doesn't mean much of anything, we've always suspected that to be the case. That doesn't mean love or anything long lasting. You can have a secret crush on someone that never leads to anything. An unrequited crush can still feel excruciating even if it's not meant to be. Az pining for an unattainable female is not a new thing. As far as we can tell, he pined for Mor but since that didn't work, he has now jumped ship and is pining for Elain.

Let's talk about Elain on her feelings for Az in Silver Flames -

Azriel offered her a small smile that Elain quickly looked away from. Cassian tucked away his puzzlement. Lucien was certainly not here to snarl at any male who looked at her for too long.

Feel free to add to that if I've missed anything but..... Wow. I'm completely overwhelmed by the very obvious interest Elain is displaying towards Az. So, so, so many clues that she's completely enamored by him 🤦

Without that POV Chapter, I don't think I would even known Elain would be open to kissing Az. She seems completely disinterested in him in Silver Flames. If the POV Chapter was not in existence, there would honestly be nothing in the book that made me think she had any sort of feelings for him. So anyone claiming she wants Az and is ready to break her bond for him..... Where are we getting that from again?

For everyone's blustering about Elain being uncomfortable around Lucien, Elain looking away from Az when he smiles at her and her having a total of zero words exchanged with him in Silver Flames isn't some sort of glowing endorsement either. And the difference is we know Elain and Az have previously spent time together. You'd expect them to have a bit more camaraderie what with them having become "so close" and all. The fact that there isn't doesn't make me feel warm and fuzzy about two people who know one another "so well".

And I truly believe that when it comes to the Archeron sisters, it's about what they want and when they want it. Not what the male wants. It doesn't matter to me that Az wants Elain (whether it be for the right or wrong reasons). In SF, there is nothing to indicate that Elain wants Az.

With the POV chapter, all I'm convinced of is that Elain wanted a little horizontal acrobatic fun with him. Without it, I'm not convinced she wants even that.

Pick your battle. Is the POV chapter important or not? If it's important than we know Elain was willing to kiss Az but chose to walk away from whatever was building between them when she returned his gift. We know that Az could not confirm that he was over Mor, hasn't thought of Elain beyond his fantasies and all he could tell Rhys is that he was about to kiss her because he feels like she should be his mate because his brothers got the two sisters. We know Az ended up interacting with another female who he expresses respect and admiration for, who likes a part of him that no one else seems to bother acknowledging, and who (at the thought of her happiness) brought a smile to his face.

If it's not important than it doesn't sound like Elain is all that interested in him anyway.

[inahallucination]

im probably never going to finish this so i might as well post it

anderperry from knox’s pov featuring charlie

not at all edited lol

ao3 link knox overstreet is trying his best, okay? (okay.)

//

Neil and Todd were best friends. This was a fact that Knox knew and was obvious. Like… like the way the sky was blue and you needed oxygen to live. Neil and Todd were best friends.

It was kind of weird to Knox, because, before Todd transferred to Welton, Charlie was the closest to Neil. And then when Todd came it was like a switch - a gradual switch, but quick in comparison to the years that Charlie and Neil had spent attached to the hip. However, Charlie didn't seem too bothered by the turn of events so Knox supposed it didn't really matter. Maybe, just in case, Knox could check up on him. After all, it must suck if your best friend suddenly decided they had another one and looked closer to the new one than they ever did to you.

Of course, this was by no means Todd’s fault. Something that Knox would surely double check Charlie knew and understand, whenever he got around to checking up on him. After all, sweet Todd was well…. sweet. Yeah. Ok, look, Todd was the poet in the group. No matter how much he denied it.

Of course, Knox couldn’t just go up to Charlie and say all of that. He was pretty sure that Charlie would laugh at him for the kindergarten phrasing. Like, ‘my best friend played with someone else on the playground, so we’re enemies now’ or however 4 years old's thought. But just because they were teenagers now and not kindergartners, that didn’t mean that their feelings were controllable. So if Charlie was actually upset - at the whole situation or at Todd - Knox would have to phrase it in a way that wouldn’t leave the poor guy embarrassed.

Maybe, he could ask Todd for help--

Ok, that might be a very bad idea since Todd was, technically, the homewrecker in this scenario. But for best friends. Damn. Todd was the best with gentle questioning and genuine concern. Not that Knox’s concern wasn’t genuine. But it was hard to misunderstand Todd with his big blue eyes, endearing shyness, and his concerned pout. He had a way of turning his attention solely on you and making sure that you, not even for a second, thought he wasn’t listening. Even if he couldn’t help you’d end up feeling better just by his sympathetic smile and hesitant hug. 

But as much as Charlie may be hurting, Knox also knew without a single doubt in his mind that Neil and Todd didn’t have a single mean bone in their bodies. It's not like their friendship exists to spite anyone. That was probably why Charlie wouldn’t say anything if he /was/ upset. After all, could Charlie, even with his I-don’t-care attitude, survive accidentally guilt tripping Big Blue Eyed Todd and Neil? Could he survive the two staring at him with the two best/worst puppy dog eyes. Neil with his furrowed brows, guilt complex, and expressive eyes. And Todd with his… Todd. No one could. 

Or maybe he just didn't care about the whole situation. (Charlie did seem to be close to Todd too.) 

Knox would need to investigate this, for the sake of Charlie’s happiness, Neil and Todd’s newfound friendship, and, of course, the survival of their friend group and secret club.

Knox subtly glanced to where he knew Charlie was sitting.

Charlie had discarded his coat long ago, and his tie was acting like a bandana on his head. He wasn’t wearing shoes and was sitting with his legs crossed on the sofa chair. Other than diligently doing his homework, like Cameron had clearly stated was the expectation when they had all gathered in the commons, he was folding up said homework into paper airplanes and throwing them at Cameron's head. So pretty normal.

Knox turned his gaze to where Todd and Neil were sitting together. He thought they were doing English homework, since they typically did it together without input from the rest of the group. (Knox was pretty sure Neil just did that so Todd, who had English as his best subject, would only help him). And, given that the two were peering over the book Todd was holding, he was probably right.

The way they were sitting was a bit unusual, if he thought about it, but it just proved to Knox that Todd was officially Neil’s new best friend.

Todd had his legs thrown over Neil’s and it seemed like their feet were tangled, but it was hard to tell because of the table in front of them. Neil had an arm around Todd’s waist and one playing with a button on Todd’s shirt. His chin was on Todd's shoulder, face practically buried in his neck. Knox noted that Neil had his hair pushed back; something he rarely did but suited him very well. If only he’d stuck on his glasses too. That was peak Neil. Anyway, Todd was leaning into Neil as much as he could. His face was covered with a soft blush, matching Neil’s. They both looked content there. 

Knox had never had a best friend like that. But he sure wished he did. The two just seemed so happy and relaxed with each other and never seemed to hesitate to reach over and grab the other. And that, Knox knew, was not common in many friendships.

Perhaps, since Knox wanted to have a friendship like that too, he should consider spending more time with Charlie. After all, Charlie had more free time now that Neil was busy with Todd.

//

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