#I would combine this with best of what's around if I hadn't already set that up totally

[whatwooshkai]

more thoughts on the monk au. it would take place on cybertron because that's more interesting. buster would be some kind of cybertronian type dog, a peripheral like saint or maybe a cassette, but she's attached to thundercracker. her voicebox is broken so she "barks", and thundercracker is barely getting by with this job so they can't afford to have it fixed. ultra magnus is a former enforcer who after some major traumatic event that is an overarching mystery that spans the series that I haven't decided on yet had a major nervous breakdown and was removed from the force. prowl is stottlemeyer. bluestreak is disher. thundercracker took this job because he was in medic training and needed the money to finish school, now he's too attached to quit. his real passion is film and likes to write screenplays based off their adventures, kind of like a watson to ultra magnus' sherlock holmes

[03jyh23]

— i haven't kissed you yet today || choi san

genre: fluff

trigger warnings: none

words: 900

reminder: what you’re about to read is purely fiction, so let’s keep it separate from reality.

!minors do not interact!

— hi there! this request was in my inbox for an unholy amount of time. currently, i need some breather from all the angst im working on and i decided to give this request a shot! hope my lovely anon will enjoy this small piece of work!

love, monika. ♡

if you enjoyed this post, i’d be so grateful for a little love – a like, reblog or comment would truly make my day!

You were lying on your bed, the soft comforter providing a comforting warmth. The setting sunbathed the bedroom in a beautiful golden light. It was a lazy day, with your activities limited to fetching food or using the bathroom while binge-watching your new favorite series. In recent weeks San's schedule become incredibly hectic due to his idol responsibilities, leaving him little time for his boyfriend duties. He had left home early today again, and you were somewhat upset that he hadn't woken you up to say goodbye. Picking up your phone, you contemplated sending a message, but decided against it, not wanting to add to his already overwhelming responsibilities. Instead, you nestled deeper into the comforter. After several hours of continuous watching, even the most interesting series could lose its charm. So, you decided it was time to close your laptop and give your eyes a much-needed rest. You twisted and turned, trying to find that perfect spot. The bedroom was silent, save for the occasional rustling of the sheets. The golden hues of the setting sun had long faded, replaced by the soft glow of the moonlight seeping through the window. 

Awoken by the noise of unlocking doors, you were in a half-asleep, half-awake state. You clung to your comforter, pulling it closer to your body in a futile attempt to stay asleep. Its weight seemed to keep you in your dreams, but reality kept intruding. You heard the rustle of fabric as San removed his jacket, the sound a testament to the long day he must have had. Following that, the muted thud of his bag hitting the floor echoed in the quiet room. A few heartbeats later, the soft patter of his steps grew louder as he approached the bedroom. Soon after, you heard his footsteps getting louder as he came towards the bedroom. The bed dipped slightly under his weight as he slid in beside you. You could feel the warmth radiating from your boyfriend, his scent filled your nostrils, combining his faded cologne and a faint hint of sweat. 

"Baby?" San murmured, his fingers brushing a stray strand of hair away from your face. "Are you awake?" he asked gently, trying not to startle you. Despite your best efforts to remain asleep, the sound of his voice pulled you towards consciousness. You hummed in response, still unwilling to open your eyes. He chuckled softly at your response. "I'm sorry I came home late," he whispered, his voice laced with guilt. 

You shrugged lightly, turning your face to him. "It's okay," you mumbled, your voice muffled by the comforter. "I'm just glad you're home." He smiled in the darkness, pulling you closer. His arms wrapped around you, providing a warmth far better than any comforter. 

San leaned closer, his face just inches from yours. "You know," he said, his playful voice filled with affection, "I haven't kissed you yet today." 

Your heart fluttered at his words, a warmth spreading through your chest. You chuckled softly, looking into his eyes. "Well, we can't have that, can we?" you replied, barely a whisper against the intimate silence. With a gentle, almost shy smile, San closed the small distance between you, his lips meeting yours in a sweet, lingering kiss. It was the kind of kiss that made time seem to slow down, each moment lingering in the sweet love between you. "Better?" you asked, your voice barely above a whisper. 

"Much better," he replied, his thumb tracing a soft line along your jaw. "But I think I need one more, just to be sure." 

You chuckled softly, your heart swelling with love for the man beside you. "Well, if you insist," you teased, your lips finding his once more. It was just you and San, wrapped up in each other, sharing a perfect moment. It was a reminder of why you loved him so much, and why, despite the hectic schedules, you wouldn't change a thing. 

San pulled you in closer, your head now resting on his chest. You could hear the steady rhythm of his heart beating, a comforting lullaby in the quiet room. He kissed the top of your head, his lips lingering for longer than usual. "Goodnight, baby," he whispered, his voice filled with warmth and affection. As the whisper left his lips, you felt a sense of calm envelope you. The day's stress seemed to melt away with your boyfriend's comforting presence. A soft sigh escaped you, content as you drifted to sleep, nestled securely against him. San's hand gently ran through your hair, the action absent-minded yet filled with affection. It was a simple gesture, one that he probably wasn't even aware of, but it spoke volumes about his feelings for you. It was these moments, the quiet, intimate exchanges when it was just the two of you, that made everything worth it. You knew that no matter how hectic life got, you'd always have these moments to look forward to - the quiet nights spent in each other's arms, the shared laughter and whispered words of love. As you drifted off into a peaceful slumber, you knew that despite the challenges, there was nowhere else you'd rather be. 

[whitedarkmoonflower]

to give you that little push; I'd like to request a modern!Sihtric x reader where they are reunited after a long time apart. the rest is all you! ;)

Authors note: it all started with the ask, whether I accept modern!Sihtric requests, that left me deeply thoughtful whether I am really up to it. So thank you so much, my dear @sihtricfedaraaahvicius for giving me that little push and setting me on this short, but very intensive journey.

My very first Modern!Sihtric x reader fic.

Warnings: fluff, quite suggestive on the borderline with getting smutty, heartbreak, abuse of alcohol

Summary: see the request, although I have a slight feeling you had something different in mind, when you requested this.

Word Count: 3,748

Part 2 Part 3 Part 4

“Please, fasten your seat belt; we are landing,” a voice intruded upon your tranquil nap, jolting you awake. You rubbed your eyes, struggling to comprehend the source of the voice and your whereabouts.

“Thank you,” you murmured slowly, fumbling around trying to locate and secure your seat belt, your head still dizzy. You flinched as the airplane thudded onto the runway with a slight bump, rebounded gently, and then smoothly taxied to a stop at the parking position.

“Fuck! So fast…” you swore silently to yourself. In truth you did not want to get off that plane. You remained seated until the final passenger had exited before rising to retrieve your hand luggage. The irritated looks, masked under a polite smile, that flight attendants were casting at you, did not make you to move faster. You had no reason to hurry, so you took your time. Your head was tucked into the collar of your oversized sweater, its sleeves engulfing your hands. Your rucksack hung haphazardly over your shoulder, giving you the appearance of a turtle, save for the fact that even a turtle might have traversed the distance to the front door more swiftly.

“Have a nice evening, ma’am,” the flight attendant beamed at you as you walked past. Lost in your own thoughts, you didn't respond. It had been five years. Five fucking years since you left on what was meant to be a two-week summer course in the other part of the world and ended up staying there for a half decade. This had been one in a million opportunity, a scholarship and admission to one of the world’s best design schools combined with an offer to work for a renowned fashion house after graduation. Only a fool would have rejected it, and you were so close to doing just that.

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

“Hey, sweetheart, I’ve missed you! How are you doing? How was your flight?” Sihtric’s smiling face greeted you from the screen of your phone.

“Everything’s fine, I’ve missed you too!” you replied, your smile tinged with sleepiness. Glancing at the clock, you noted that it was 9 a.m., which translated to around 7 p.m. at Sihtric's location. Jet lag hadn't quite released its grip on you yet.

“I love you sweety and I miss you terribly. It is so lonely without you here,” Sihtric’s voice never failed to send shivers down your spine.

“I love you too, handsome! Just two weeks to go and I’ll be back home,” your drowsy gaze drifted once again to the clock. "Damn! It's already 9:00. I've got my first classes in thirty minutes! I need to hurry!" With an exclamation, you leapt out of bed, nearly dropping your phone in the process.

You had met Sihtric just a month before at a party hosted by your best friend Gisela, who was celebrating the opening of her very own studio and art gallery.  You had never believed in the love at the first sight, deeming it ridiculous and impossible to fall for someone you hardly knew. Yet, that’s exactly what had happened to you the moment you laid eyes on Sihtric. Seated on the sofa, gingerly sipping your gin and tonic, you nearly choked on your drink as your gaze widened, registering a striking dark-haired young man entering the room. The slightly snug black t-shirt and skinny jeans he wore accentuated his remarkably well-built body. Swallowing hard, your eyes remained glued to his face, tracing his sharp features, pronounced cheekbones, straight nose, and big expressive eyes. His moustache and short beard, covering his chin, only added to his rugged and strong presence. Gisela introduced you, and before you knew it, you had spent the entire evening sitting on the sofa with him, joking, laughing, telling anecdotes from your studies – you had studied fashion design — and raptly listening to his tales. He was a photographer and had journeyed across the globe for his job and passion, collaborating and doing shootings with various celebrities and amassing countless amusing stories to share. With each passing minute, you marvelled more and more why on earth this intelligent, breathtakingly handsome, and evidently talented man had decided to spend his evening chatting with you.

You lived just a few blocks away from the gallery and after the party Sihtric immediately offered to accompany you home, unwilling to let you wander the streets alone at such a late hour.

“Thank you for the stunning evening,” Sihtric said, taking your hand and lifting it to his lips, placing a delicate kiss upon it as you both stood at the entrance of your apartment building.

“Stunning?” you raised your eyebrow in disbelief. The idea that someone could describe an evening spent chatting with you as stunning seemed far-fetched.

“Yeah, stunning. I can't even recall when I last had so much fun," Sihtric's face drew near, his breath grazing your skin and quickening your heartbeat.

“Fuck, does he want to come upstairs?” a thought raced through your mind, but there was this age-old rule on not having sex with someone on the first date lingering in your consciousness. “To hell with the rules, I want him – even if it would be just a one-night stand. Common, handsome, kiss me!” you silently urged, feeling a shiver tracing your spine as Sihtric’s thumb gently caressed your cheek. His gaze bore into you, as if searching for a sign.

“You’re incredibly sweet and beautiful,” Sihtric whispered in your ear. His lips touched yours in the most gentle, tender kiss – the softest, you’d ever had. You closed your eyes, letting yourself melt into that delicate kiss, a pleasant lightheadedness enveloping you.

“Sweet dreams, lovely!” Sihtric’s voice brought you back to reality as he hesitantly pulled away. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”

“What?” your mind slowly registered the words you just heard, “No, wait!” you wanted to speak, but as you opened your eyes, he was already gone. “What the fuck? Was it a dream? Why did he leave? What did I do wrong?” Countless thoughts and emotions whirled in your mind as you ascended to your apartment, disappointment prevailing. You were convinced, you’d never see him again. He didn’t even have your number; how could he call? You were angry at yourself, believing you’d ruined everything, not knowing what exactly you have done wrong, but being sure it was you.

The greater was your surprise, when you received an early morning call from Gisela the following day.

“Hey there! How are you?” your friend’s ever cheerful voice came through the phone. “Guess what? I just gave your number to Sihtric. You must have made quite an impression on him. He woke me up at 6.00 a.m. today, to ask for your number, miserable that he hadn’t asked you for it. Can you believe it– 6.00 a.m.?”

“What?” you weren’t fully awake yet.

“Don’t mess this up, honey! He’s a catch! See you at lunch tomorrow; I want all the details!” Gisela hung up, leaving you staring at your phone, trying to grasp, what you’d just heard.

So, Sihtric did call, and the next day you had your first real date. You fell for him swift and hard. Being with Sihtric felt like a wild ride on a rollercoaster. He was impulsive and spontaneous breakneck, loving extreme sports like kiting and skydiving. Spontaneously embarking on a mountain photoshoot idea and heading there within minutes, leaving everything else behind, was totally normal for him. Yet, toward you, he was the embodiment of care and sweetness, a stark contrast to his impulsive, daring nature.

You had never had a lover like him before, so attentive, gentle, and eager to satisfy you. With him you felt like a goddess each time. You could still recall the tender touch of his lips on your skin, the delicate kisses covering every inch of your body. The brush of his fingers against your breasts, his hands gripping your hips, pulling you closer. His ragged breath against your neck as he purred sweet praises into your ear, while holding you tightly and thrusting deeply into you, evoking the moans of delight and pleasure from you, arching your back against the mattress.

You’d never been so deeply in love with someone, nor had your heart ever before been so broken as you read the message on your phone exactly one week after your arrival in your destination for the long-planned summer courses. The previous day had been already quite a mess. Your call with Gisela ended up with a quarrel. You had never expected her to react like that. You had shown your sketches to classmates, one of whom turned out to be the daughter of a renowned designer, just moved here to work for a major fashion house. This had led to you being invited to a meeting with the manager of the fashion house, offering you an admission to a top design school along with a scholarship in exchange for a five-year post-graduation contract as a designer for the house. You had declined the offer and just shared the whole unbelievable story with Gisela.

“Are you out of your mind” she shouted at you, incredulous. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and you’re considering giving it up for what? A guy, you’ve been seeing for less than a month! You must be insane! What’s his take on all this?”

“I haven’t talked to him about it, and I don’t intend to. I don’t want him to be involved or to feel responsible for a choice that’s solely mine to make. He might try to convince me to accept the offer, but I don’t want that. I don’t believe in long-distance relationships, and we’re not at that point to experiment with something like that.  I love him, Gisela. I don’t want to lose him. I want to go back and see where this relationship takes us,” you tried to argue with your friend, receiving only and annoyed scoff in return.

Gisela was not in a mood to give up. She was resolved to put some sense back in your love blurred mind and kept arguing with you, until you were completely fed up with her.

“I’ve made up my mind, and it’s final, Gisela!” you shouted, ending the call frustrated.

Next morning you woke up with a throbbing headache. You had slept badly, your mind twirling around Gisela’s words. You knew she meant it only good, but you stood firm in your choice. A message notification jolted you, making you smile. It was from Sihtric, you knew it instantly by the ringtone you had set for him.

As you read the message, your smile froze mid-blossom. The words hit you like a freight train: «I’m sorry, but it’s over. It’s time for both of us to move on. I’ve found someone else. » Your phone slipped from your grip, clattering onto the floor. You couldn’t believe what you saw. It was impossible, it couldn’t be real. You snatched your phone back up, your fingers trembling as you pushed the call button.

No response.

You called again, and again, and again. Still no answer. With a loud scream you hurled your phone against the wall. Face buried in your pillow, you started to cry uncontrollably. You lost track of how many times you'd dialed, texted, and cried, but there was no response. He did not even read your messages. Finally, you gave up. Your world had crumbled into thousand small pieces, your silly dreams shattered, and your heart ached. The next two days you spent crying in your small dormitory room. You did not care for the courses, you were unable to make yourself get up and dress, not even speaking about seeing other people. It was on the third day that you were sitting at the table and sipping your umpteenth cup of coffee, that your gaze landed on papers strewn in a corner. The admission letter and scholarship application form lay there, untouched. A rush of emotions urged you to rip them apart, yet something held you back. Tears coursing down your cheeks, you seized a pen and hastily began filling out the form. There was nothing left to return to. The mere thought of returning home, potentially encountering Sihtric and his new love interest, churned your stomach with disgust. Thus, you stayed.

Five years immersed in studies and working as a designer in your dream fashion house. And now you were coming home, although you did not think of it that way anymore. You had been sent to overlook the opening of the new shop and had to stay there for at least half a year to make everything set and running. Half a year felt like an eternity, especially as just before boarding the plane, you learned the name of the photographer that had been hired to shoot the first catalogue – Sihtric Kjartansson. With a heavy sigh, you took a tentative step onto the bridge and began the slow walk toward the exit.

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

“You have to do something about it!” Gisela rushed into Sihtric’s apartment in complete bewilderment bursting out the whole story about the scholarship and contract in one single breath, “It is her chance, Sihtric! She is so talented, and she’s ready to give it all up because of you. Can’t you see? She’s sacrificing her entire future, everything she has ever dreamed about! If you truly love her, you can’t let this happen. Please, tell me you won’t let it happen,” she sank onto the sofa and looked at Sihtric with pleading eyes.

“You know I love her, Gisela, but what are you expecting me to do?” Sihtric asked taken aback by Gisela’s sudden intrusion, attempting to piece together what she was telling him.

“You have to end your relationship with her,” the response was so unforeseen that Sihtric found himself speechless for a moment.

“Excuse me, I have to do what?” he finally managed to articulate, still trying to comprehend Gisela's proposal.

“You have to break up with her. That’s the only way. She will not listen to you otherwise. She does not believe in long-distance relationships and will refuse to stay there anyway.”

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

Sihtric’s phone vibrated again, signalling an incoming call. Seated in his kitchen, head resting on his hands, he wrestled with the urge to answer. It was the fifth time already. He was aware who was calling and knew that, if he did pick up, he wouldn’t be able to repeat the words he’d typed to you just an hour ago. It was a lie. A lie, he immediately regretted upon hitting the send button. But it was done, and you had read it. He knew he had broken your heart, something he'd been so certain he would never do to you. There was no turning back now. Even if he did answer and tried to explain his motives behind the cruel message, there would always be a crack between you, caused by the pain he knew his message had inflicted. He had lost you. He had pushed you away and had done it willingly, for your own good. He loved you too much to allow you to through away your future for him.

As silly as it might sound, he’d fallen for you from the very first moment he saw you. He hadn’t wanted to come to the party. Gisela had hinted that she wanted to introduce him to someone. Her persistent obsession to fix the love life of her friends was sweet but annoying. Yet, the instant she introduced you, Sihtric felt a rush of gratitude for changing his mind. He liked everything about you – your delicate and captivating face, the sparkle in your eyes, your full and inviting lips, your thick, curly, dark brown hair cascading onto your shoulders, and above all, your stunning and breath-taking smile. You were funny and smart, your demeanour so natural and unpretentious, as he found out within mere hours. He did not even notice how the hours passed, as he was slowly drowning in your beautiful eyes, listening to your infectious laughter and your soft voice.  

Desire raged within him, his jeans chafing painfully as he leaned in for a kiss that night. However, for the first time ever, he didn’t wish to rush events, fearing he could scare you off and ruin everything. He was not into a single night crush, he wanted to truly get to know you. It was your third date that he realised he couldn’t suppress his longing anymore.

“Can I invite you for a drink at my place?” he asked upon leaving the cosy Italian restaurant he’d chosen for the evening. It was so obvious what was on his mind, his look so full of desire as his eyes slowly undressed you. He licked his lips lustfully as all he could think in that moment was how you will look naked on his bed, him placing soft kisses down your body. His lips almost did not leave yours from the moment you both got into the taxi until he unlocked the doors of his apartment, his hands starting to pull up your dress as soon as you stepped into the room.

“You are so beautiful,” he murmured against your skin, drinking in the sight of your almost naked body, his fingers fumbling with the clasp of your bra.

A gratifying groan escaped his lips, his breath literally taken away by the irresistible pulchritude before him, as moments later he had you fully undressed on his bed, exactly as he had imagined it before. Pinning your arms above your head, he planted fervent kisses, tracing every contour, every curve and line of your body with his tongue. He’d imagined this every night since you first met – how he will ignite and arouse you, how he will kiss and pleasure you, making you crave for him beyond imaginable. Your response to his touch, fiery and eager, trusting and passionate, intoxicated him. As he finally pushed his hard length into you, he felt there was no greater delight in this world than feeling your walls clench around him, observing ecstasy pool in your half-lidded eyes, your hips dancing against his, your body quivering under his touch, and your spine arching against the mattress in pleasure he and only he was able to bestow upon you. And as you fell asleep in his embrace, nestled against his chest, he was sure he wanted to keep you, keep you forever.

But it was over now. Sihtric poured another glass of whiskey and downed it in one gulp. He was heavily drunk by now. His phone lay on the table, vibrating again. A message from you. He could see it appearing shortly on the locked screen. The fifth one this evening, amidst the dozen calls, he’d ignored. It was overwhelming. He couldn't endure it any longer. He had to respond, to clarify that the message had been a terrible misunderstanding. That absurd message was his fault, and he was ready to atone for it, whatever it would take, but he craved you back urgently, desperately. Sihtric reached out for his phone, but it slipped out of his numb fingers, landing on the kitchen’s stone floor with a resounding crash. When he finally managed to retrieve it, his face contorted in despair. The entire display was fractured, resembling a spider's web, and was unresponsive to his touch. A loud curse erupted as he flung the useless device against the wall before collapsing back into his chair. Reaching for the whiskey bottle, his fingers closed around its neck, bringing it to his lips. The fiery liquid surged down his throat in relentless gulps, until the bottle was empty and in the next moment it also flew against the wall, shattering into countless shards.

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

"Good morning!" your assistant's cheery voice welcomed you as you entered the pavilion, now transformed for the photo shoot. "Everything's set. The photographer arrived early this morning and had us reconfigure the entire pavilion, but you'll be pleased with the changes. We're quite fortunate – we managed to book Sihtric Kjartansson. He's truly the best and most sought-after fashion photographer right now."

The sound of that name sent a shiver down your spine. Images of Sihtric's face, engraved in your mind, surfaced – the memory of your last goodbye at the airport, thinking that you will meet again in two weeks. His gentle kiss on your forehead, the warmth of his hug, his soft words in your ear, "I'll miss you, sweetheart. You mean the world to me." How foolish you had been to believe it all. To think that you were more than just a fleeting diversion, discarded and replaced after just one week apart. Anger surged within you, wrapping around you like an armour, giving you the strength, you needed to endure this day, as you entered the shooting hall and saw the familiar silhouette behind the camera, his back turned to you.

“Good morning, everybody!” you called out, straining your voice, but it was not necessary – there was nobody else there in the whole hall. Sihtric turned, his expression shifting from annoyance to utter bewilderment, his eyes widening as they locked onto you.

“Hi!” you managed to force through gritted teeth, your body stiff in tension that was taking over you. Those five years hadn’t changed a thing. He was still painfully handsome, and you couldn’t tear your eyes from him. Worse yet, you still desired him. You both just stared at each other unable to say anything until Sihtric finally found his voice.

“Hi, sweetheart!” Sihtric greeted, a mix of surprise and embarrassment colouring his face. “What a surprise! Haven’t seen you in a while. Precisely five years, two months, and five days,” he added, his face flushing as he realised, he had unconsciously used his favourite nickname for you and his precise time calculation felt so awkward and out of place, that he instantly wished to dissolve into the ear if that would only be possible.

You did not notice anything of it. You barely registered his words beyond the unfortunate "sweetheart," that made your heart skip a beat, stirring an overwhelming blend of love and hatred within you. The conflicting emotions surged through your veins, blurring your vision, and before he could see the tears forming in your eyes, you turned on your heels and stormed out of the hall, knocking over a coffee table in your path, and never once looking back.

[oblivious-aro]

Where the Sky Meets the Sea, Ch 3/3: Wavebreak

Summary: Rewrite of the parts of season 6 of Ninjago (Skybound) that make my blood boil. The main change is that Nya's struggles are respected, and she's allowed to yell at people. Also, Jay isn't a complete tool the whole time abs actually goes through some character development. Follows roughly the same plot line as Skybound. The parts that are unchanged are just skimmed through.

Word count: 7600

Nya grimaced at her reflection. It was slightly better now that the extra arms had been removed, but looking at herself in Nadakhan’s mother's wedding dress made her stomach tie itself in knots.

She didn't have anything against dresses, but Nya liked simple clothes. Clothes that you could easily move around and work in, not bulky restrictive skirts drowning in oversized flowers and unnecessarily showy frills. 

And wedding dresses were the apex of pointless bulky dresses. She never understood how people could be excited to wear them, even when they weren't being forced to.

The familiar feeling of her gi on her skin under the dress was a small comfort, but the reflection she saw in the mirror wasn't her. 

It moved when she moved, scowled like she scowled, but was still a complete stranger.

The whole situation was horribly surreal.

Tap tap tap!

Nya's attention was pulled from the mirror by a noise at her window. 

She looked over and saw the last person she expected to see clinging to the bars.

"Jay?" Nya rushed over to the window.

"Nya!" Jay briefly let go of the bar with one hand to wave to her. "Are you okay? Did Nadakhan hurt you?"

"I'm fine. His goons just stuck me in this stupid thing.” She gestured to the dress. “What are you doing here?"

"Uh, some combination of freeing you, rescuing our friends, and defeating Nadakhan. I haven't super worked out the details yet…but hey, we made it this far, so that's good!"

“We?”

“I put together a little rescue team of back-up ninja.” Jay grinned proudly.

At that moment, Nya spotted a brown blur in the distance being chased by three armed pirates.

“Is that Dareth?” she asked, squinting.

“Yeah…my options were kind of limited.”

Nya watched Dareth until he disappeared behind a barbershop. 

“I always forget how fast he can be with the right motivation.” She said “But please tell me you at least brought Skylor.”

“Of course I brought Skylor! Honestly Nya, I thought you said you believed in me!”

Jay planted his feet against the side of the building and gave the bars a good yank.

"It's no use." Nya said "I already tried."

"Maybe if we work together…”

Nya grabbed the bars and tried to push while Jay pulled.

"Ugh," Nya grunted "Still...won't...budge!"

"Keep...going. Maybe…it'll-AGH!"

Jay's foot slipped and he fell down the side of the building, landing in the bushes down below with a crash!

"Jay!" Nya called.

Creeeak.

The sound of the cabin door opening made Nya's heart stop. She turned to find Nadakhan floating at the entrance, leering at her.

Nya made her stance as wide as possible to block the window and smiled as innocently as she could.

"That dress suits you much better than those garish ninja robes." he said, shutting the door and setting his sword against the wall.

Nya bristled at the unwelcome compliment, but at least Nadakhan hadn't seen Jay.

"I've been watching you, you know." He continued.

"You have?" Nya wrinkled her nose.

"Yes." Nadakhan seemed oblivious to Nya's discomfort. "I've seen how you struggle, how you have to work twice as hard just to get the respect the rest of the ninja simply have. You know, if you were to marry me, all your struggling would be over. You could get your every heart's desire without having to even lift a finger. It would be a nice change of pace, would it not?"

Nya gritted her teeth. It took every fibre of willpower she had not to claw this condescending idiot's eyes out.

But as insulting as his suggestion was, she knew their best chance of beating Nadakhan was Jay's final wish, so she had to keep his attention on her and away from Jay as long as she could.

That was why she'd let herself get captured in the first place. 

She steeled herself and plastered a doe-eyed expression on her face.

"Really?" she said.

Nadakhan grinned.

"Of course. Once I marry you, I will be able to wish for anything I want, no limits, no restrictions. And naturally, I would be able to give my bride anything she desired as well…" Nadakhan's eyebrows slid up his head as he let his sentence trail off.

Nya pretended to consider what Nadakhan was saying.

"Anything I wanted? That...does sound nice."

"Excellent. The ceremony is right this way."

Nya blinked.

It was that easy? He really believed that she'd changed her mind and wanted to marry him just like that?

She quickly wiped the disbelief off her face.

"You mean we can get married today?" 

"Of course. The second I saw that temple in Djinnjago, I knew it would be the perfect location for the ceremony. I had my crew clean it from top to bottom, set out some very tasteful decorations, prepare seating, and to finish, Clancee performed a preservation ritual to keep it in pristine condition for our union."

"Oh wow," Nya looked away bashfully. "All that for me?"

Nya cringed internally. She was trying to fit the demure role Nadakhan had picked out for her in his head, but it wasn't a role that came naturally to her, and she was laying it on too thick. Nadakhan knew that she wasn't normally like this, there was no way he would fall for-

"But of course my dear," Nadakhan cooed, flying closer to Nya. "Any bride of mine deserves nothing less than the best."

Wow.

Nya had never met anyone who thought so highly of themselves. Or so little of women.

She was almost too astonished to be insulted.

"Now come," Nadakhan picked up his sword, "It is time for us to be wed."

"O-Of course," Nya turned her head towards the window. Out of the corner of her eye she could see Jay caught up in a fight with two pirates.

…Was that Captain Soto fighting by his side?

“Is something the matter?”

Nya's head snapped back to Nadakhan.

“Nothing!” she said quickly. “It's just…are you really bringing that sword to our wedding?” 

"Of course. It is tradition for a djinn king to be wed with the djinn blade.” 

“Oh well, that's not really a traditional wedding thing here in Ninjago. You should just leave it here during the ceremony.”

Nadakhan narrowed his eyes.

“For what reason would you want me to leave my djinn blade behind, little ninja?"

Panic seized Nya.

"Call me Delara." she said, surprising both herself and Nadakhan. "I just...want to be close to you. I don't want some sword, or ninja nonsense, or anything else getting in the way of…us."

That seemed to do the trick.

"Well," Nadakhan smiled as he leaned the djinn blade against the wall "I suppose I won't have any need for this once we're wed, anyway. Seeing as I will be able to simply wish for whatever we desire."

Nya forced out a shrill giggle. The sound made her slightly nauseous.

"Come Delara," Nadakhan said as he threw open the door "We have a wedding to attend, as the guests of honour!"

"Yes, and with no ninja or silly sword to get between us!" Nya said as loud as she dared, following Nadakhan to Yang's stolen temple.

She desperately hoped that Jay had gotten the message. She had Nadakhan distracted and unarmed.

The rest was up to Jay and his last wish.

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

When Nya entered Yang's temple, she found it hard to believe this was the same haunted building the other ninja had told her about. 

The outside was still a bit decrepit, but the inside was so polished and pristine it almost hurt to look at.

The front entryway had been completely emptied out and filled with pews and colourful floral arrangements. An altar had been set up in between the double staircase.

The alter and pews looked too new for Yang’s temple, but Nya decided against asking where the pitates had gotten them.

Once everyone was situated, a nervous green serpentine with a peg leg read out a long passage followed by an even longer list of vows.

“...through the g-g-good times and the bad, t-t-till death so you part?” he eventually finished, pausing for an answer.

“I do.” Nadakhan smiled, savouring the triumph of the moment.

“And do y-you, Ny- I-I mean…D-D-Delara, t-t-take King N-N-Nadakhan to be your lawfully wedded husband, in s-s-sickness and in health, through s-s-sunshine and rain, whether r-r-rich or poor…”

As Clancee talked, Nya subtly turned her head to glimpse at the shut temple doors.

There was still no sign of Jay. Where on earth was he? Why hadn't he crashed the wedding to use his last wish yet? 

A worrying thought crossed Nya’s mind.

Had Jay actually figured out what that wish was going to be? He hadn't mentioned anything about it at the window…

“Erm…D-D-D-Delara?”

Nya turned back. The vows had been said, and everyone was waiting for her answer.

“Oh, um…just…just hold on for a second? I need some time to…you know…think this through…and…you know…”

Nadakhan frowned.

  “I thought you said you wanted to marry me, Delara.”

“What?” Nya smiled widely “Of course I do, I just…didn't hear…um…Clancee, was it?”

Clancee nodded nervously.

“Yeah, I didn't really hear what Clancee said. I'm afraid I got caught up daydreaming about married life. Ah, so silly of me! Do you think he could repeat himself?”

“He's asking if you want to marry me.” Nadakhan said curtly “There's no need to waste all of our time with needless repetition.”

“Oh, of course I want to marry you! We’ve clearly established that! I just…think it's important to understand exactly what I'm saying ‘yes’ to before I actually say ‘yes’, right? I mean come on, that's like clicking ‘I agree’ without actually reading all the terms and conditions. Who does that?”

There was a tense beat of silence.

Nadakhan flew closer to Nya, slowly rising into the air above her.

“Are you questioning me, Delara?”

Several audience members flinched. Clancee threw his book protectively over his head.

Nya took a panicked step back. 

Nadakhan was running out of patience, which meant she was running out of time.

What on earth could be taking Jay so-

BAM!!

The doors of the temple flew open. 

Everyone in the audience turned their heads.

Standing in the doorway was Jay, Nadakhan's djinn blade in his hand. Behind him stood the back-up ninja crew, Flintlocke, and all of the previously captured ninja, armed and ready for battle.

Nya gasped with joy.

Nadakhan’s face scrunched into a mixture of shock and fury.

"What in the name of-"

"Nya! Catch!" Jay called, throwing the Djinn blade in her direction.

Nya caught it and turned to find Nadakhan scowling, having fully processed exactly what was going on. 

"You dare double cross me, Delara?" he growled, rising further into the air and glaring down at her.

Nya glared right back at him.

"My name," she said "Is Nya!"

She grabbed the skirt of the wedding dress with her free hand and in one swift motion, sliced it off with the djinn blade.

Nadakhan looked as though he’d been slapped with a cast iron skillet.

Nya only savoured his expression for a moment before hurling the severed skirt in his face.

"Gah!" Nadakhan struggled hopelessly under the frilly fabric.

Nya yelled and swung her blade, but Nadakhan teleported away just before it made contact, the wedding skirt drifting to the ground in a lacey heap.

Nya’s head darted all over the temple, searching for where Nadakhan was going to pop back up.

Poof!

Everyone turned to the front of the temple where an angry Nadakhan glowered at the crowd below.

“What are you all standing around for?” He spat “Seize the ninja!”

Pulled out of their stupor by Nadakhan's command, every pirate stood up and drew their weapon.

The ninja squared up, ready to defend themselves. 

“STAND DOWN!”

The booming voice made everyone freeze.

Dogshank stood up from her seat in the front row, her expression daring anyone to question her.

“Dogshank!?” Nadakhan’s eyes were nearly bulging out of his head “What is the meaning of-”

“Flintlocke was right!” Dogshank turned to the rest of the audience, “Nadakhan's no captain! He never cared about Djinnjago or any of us!”

She turned back to Nadakhan, her beady eyes narrowed.

“You may have given me great strength, but you took away my beauty and made me believe that meant I had nothing to offer! For the longest time, I really thought that was true. I thought my ugliness made me worthless, that no one would want me. That's why I joined your crew, because I thought this was the only place I could go. But when Flintlocke spoke out, he made me think about exactly who was benefiting from those ideas in my head!”

Dogshank gestured to the audience.

“You took everything from all of us and convinced us to keep giving you more! You’re nothing but a slimy snake and a coward!”

As Dogshank finished speaking, the pirates in the audience looked at each other anxiously, unsure what was happening or what to do next. 

“Sh-sh-she’s right, captain!” 

No one expected Clancee to be the first one to speak, but there he was, looking up at Nadakhan with uncharacteristic determination in his posture. 

“I’ve never liked the way you’ve always t-t-treated us. You’re nothing but a big b-b-bully!”

Clancee flinched when Nadakhan turned his seething glare on him, but he didn't hide under his book.

“To think, after everything I've given this crew,” Nadakhan spoke through clenched teeth, “That you would have the gall to turn your backs on your captain! I used my power to give you Djinjago! I have been nothing but generous! But…” 

Ndakhan’s voice grew dangerously quiet.

“Perhaps you’ve all forgotten how easily my gifts can be taken away. I may not have infinite wishes, but I am still a powerful djinn king who is not to be trifled with!”

Nadakhan punctuated his statement by opening his fists to reveal four bright balls of green fire.

On the opposite end of the front row, Doubloon stood up and drew his cutlass. He looked at Dogshank and his happy face turned to the angry side challengingly. 

Money Wretch climbed onto Doubloon's shoulder and started screeching.

“At least some of you still have functioning brains.” Nadakhan huffed. 

He thrust out his arm authoritatively.

“Those of you that are still loyal to your captain, take care of these interlopers and ingrates!”

With a puff of orange smoke, Nadakhan was gone.

“Ninja!” Lloyd yelled “Follow Nadakhan!”

“Back-up ninja!” Jay yelled “Keep Nadakhan’s crew busy!”

Lloyd, Kai, Zane, and Cole ran out the door as about two thirds of the audience launched out of their seats.

The remaining third of the audience tried to fight back, but it wasn’t long until the Nadakhan loyalists spilled out into the isle and surrounded Nya and Jay.

Nya raised the djinn blade, ready to fight, but before she could get a single swing in, all of the pirates were knocked out by Skylor and Ronin.

Soto and the police commissioner similarly helped Jay. Dareth cheered then all on from his hiding spot under a pew.

“We’ll handle these creeps,” Skylor said, kicking away another pirate “You two go after Nadakhan!”

Nya looked over her shoulder.

Dogshank was locked in a heated battle with Doubloon by the altar. She was able to block his blows with her thick arm guards, but Doubloon was nimble and kept dodging her comparatively slow punches.

“But what about-

“We’ve got things handled here!” Ronin whacked the pirate he was fighting in the head and turned to Nya “You belong out there, saving Ninjago with your friends. It's kind of your thing, isn't it?”

“Ay! I’ve been itching to knock some o’ Nadakhan’s goon’s heads for years!” Soto declared as he tripped a passing pirate with his peg leg. “Just make sure to give the ol’ captain one for me, eh?”

“You got it.” Nya nodded “Hey Skylor, before I go…” 

She held her hand up to Skylor.

Grinning, Skylor gave Nya a high-five, their hands glowing amber when they touched.

“Much appreciated.” Skylor said as she  summoned a giant ball of water and lobbed it at a group of loyalists who were trying to sneak up on Dogshank.

“Go Skylor!” Jay cheered “C’mon Nya, we gotta move!”

Just as the two of them made it to the door, three pirates jumped in front of them, blocking the path to the exit.

Nya swung the djinn blade. When the sword struck the pirates, they shrank into balls of light and flew into the jewel on the hilt.

“Wait, you can just hit people with the sword to trap them?” Nya asked incredulously “Why does Nadakhan even bother with the whole three wishes then?”

“That’s what I'm saying!” Jay said before a pirate jumped on his back. He quickly pushed her off and followed Nya outside.

“Where'd that slippery djinn go?” Nya growled as she and Jay caught up with the others.

“There! Up there!” Cole pointed.

Nadakhan could just be made out floating by a line of maple trees on a distant island, high above the one the ninja were currently on.

“Ugh, how are we supposed to get all the way up there?” Kai groaned.

“I do have one idea,” Jay said “But it's kind of crazy.”

“This whole situation is kind of crazy.” Lloyd said “It'll fit right in.”

“We jump across those!”

Jay thrust his hand towards the numerous mine bombs floating in the air between the islands.

There was a beat of silence.

“You…do know those explode when you touch them, right?” Cole asked Jay.

“Well, I personally oversaw Monkey Wretch’s design and construction of those mines,” Flintlocke said “They’re only meant to go off when something big hits them, so I reckon they’re actually pretty safe to jump across.”

“And exactly how confident are we in that?” Kai raised a sceptical eyebrow at Flintlocke.

“According to Pixal,” Zane's eyes lit up as he spoke, “Those explosives are designed to detonate from the impact of an enemy airship, so they should be durable enough to withstand a much smaller impact, such as a single person landing on them. Most likely, anyway.”

“Good enough for me!” Nya declared, running to the edge of the island and taking a leap.

She landed on the closest mine. It wobbled a little, but it didn't explode. 

The group let out a collective sigh of relief.

Confident that the mines weren't going to blow her up, Nya jumped to the next mine without hesitation. And then the next one.

“Hey!” Jay called “Wait up!”

He jumped on the mines after Nya. The others followed right behind him.

Bang! Bang!

The ninja turned back to Yang's temple.

A few pirates had managed to slip past the back-up ninja, and were shooting at the ninja with pistols.

“That's not good…” Cole said, eying the mines floating all around them.

“Just keep moving!” Lloyd commanded.

Nya hadn't stopped in the first place.

Between dodging bullets, the drifting of the mines, and the fact that only one person could fit on one at a time, the ninja were progressing towards Nadakhan's island at vastly different rates.

Nya and Jay got pretty far ahead of the group and were the first ones to land on the island.

Nadakhan was waiting for them when they arrived, armed with a slightly weathered cutlass.

“Foolish girl,” Nadalhan gritted his teeth. “I offer you nothing less than infinite wishes, and yet you still insist on being a thorn in my side!”

“Oh I've got something bigger than a thorn for your side!”

Nya charged.

Nadakhan parried her blade with his cutlass. He sliced back at Nya, but she quickly moved behind her sword to block his strike.

Nya was quickly back on the offensive, striking hard and fast.

Nadakhan growled in annoyance, but he deftly countered her every blow.

They continued back and forth like this, the battle so heated sparks seemed to fly from their weapons.

One by one, the others arrived. Once they landed on the island, they stood by Jay, entranced by the fierce dual.

The energy between the combatants was intense. No one dared to interfere.

Finally, Nya spotted an opening and swung, but Nadakhan teleported away at the last second, the djinn blade slicing through orange smoke. 

“Ugh! Where'd that slimeball run to now?” Nya growled, panting as her head darted back and forth searchingly.

Nya didn't see the swirl of orange smoke directly behind her. 

She didn't see Nadakhan suddenly appear with a maniacal grin on his face. 

She didn't see his cutlass raised above her, ready to strike.

“Nya look out!” Jay cried.

Nya looked obliviously into Jay's eyes.

Nadakhan swung.

Bang!

Splat!

“Gah!”

The cutlass dropped to the ground with a clatter.

Nya turned and gasped as Nadakhan dazedly staggered to the ground, a yellowish green stain splattered across his chest.

Everyone's heads snapped to where the bang had come from.

Flintlocke stood with his arm held out in a firing pose, a thin stream of smoke trailing from his pistol.

“I found a strange vial on the floor when I had to clean Nadakhan's cabin.” he said “I had a feeling it was the tiger widow's venom.”

“Nice shot!” Cole cheered “But I thought Lloyd's wish made it so you couldn't aim properly anymore.”

“I can’t.” Flintlocke blew the smoke from his pistol “That's why I aimed for your Delara look-alike. Nya, was it?”

“You what?!” Kai’s eyebrows nearly flew off his head. “You're telling me you aimed the deadly spider venom at my-”

“We don't have time for this!” Lloyd cut in, “Jay, you need to make your wish now!”

“I- what!?”

“Lloyd's right Jay,” Zane said “Nadakhan will overcome the effects of the venom in less than a minute! This is your only chance to make a wish without him teleporting away!” 

“I…uh…” Jay stammered “I wish…I-I wish…”

This was bad. After all this time, Jay still hadn’t figured out a wish that would stop Nadakhan. They didn’t have any more venom, so Zane was right about this being their best and possibly only chance.

But Jay couldn’t think of anything!

He was going to let everyone down in the final hour…he really was useless after-

No! It wasn’t over yet!

Jay didn’t want to give up. He was done with giving up.

He still had time! He could still think of something…

‘The wish has to come from the heart!’

As Lloyd’s words played in Jay’s head, his eyes fell on Nya.

Jay stopped thinking and listened to his heart.

“I wish for Nya to have my last wish!”

Nadakhan was too dazed to even utter his catchphrase as the sparkles of wish magic swirled around him.

“What?!” Nya looked between Nadakhan and Jay with a mixture of panic and confusion. “But Jay, I don’t think-”

“Don’t think!” Jay interrupted “Remember what old-Lloyd said! The wish needs to come from the heart! Don’t focus on trying to beat Nadakhan, just wish for whatever your heart’s telling you to wish for!”

The hesitancy on Nya’s face only lingered for a moment before morphing into her signature look of stubborn determination. 

“I wish…”

Nya took a deep breath and closed her eyes.

“I wish I wasn't wearing this stupid wedding dress!”

“What!?” Nadakhan said as he once again let out a burst of orange sparkles.

The wish magic swirled around Nya.

Her shredded top faded away, leaving Nya standing once again in her maroon ninja gi.

No one moved. The wind rustled gently through the trees, but outside of that the world seemed to stand still.

“You…you imbecile!”

Nadakhan picked himself off of the ground. As his strength slowly returned he ambled over to Nya, his face contorted with rage.

“You had me at the tip of your knife just now! You could have wished for anything…anything in the world! I am just about set to become the most powerful being in all the realm, and your main concern is your clothes?! Foolish ninja!” Nadakhan turned to Jay “I can’t believe even someone like you could’ve been so wasteful! Giving up your last wish to some vain little gir-”

Shwink!

Nya hit Nadakhan with the djinn blade.

His body shrank into a sparkling orb.

The orb circled around Nya, then disappeared into the gem on the sword's hilt.

It was over. Nadakhan was finally defeated.

Nya panted and stared at the djinn blade, her eyes drifting from the gem to her reflection in the polished metal.

The image was distorted and bits of hair were stuck to her sweaty face, but a strong sense of satisfaction washed over Nya.

She looked like herself again.

“You did it sis!”

Nya was pulled from her thoughts by a tackle hug from Kai, which she returned enthusiastically.

“It’s so good to see you again,” Nya looked at the other ninja “All of you.”

“Likewise.” Lloyd smiled.

“Most impressive Nya.” Zane said ”But, if I may ask, why did you use your last wish like that?” 

“Nadakhan's a master of twisting wishes to his advantage. The only way to win against that creep was to not play his game.” Nya grinned slyly “But I figured it would really mess with his ego if someone made a wish he wasn't expecting, and in those extra few seconds he was ranting, I remembered another very obvious solution.”

Nya gestured to the djinn blade before sheathing behind her back. 

“Also I really didn't want to be in that awful dress anymore. Nadakhan's mother had a terrible fashion sense, and a her waist was definately smaller than mine.” 

Everyone started to laugh, but the celebration was cut short when the ground started to shake. 

“What's happening?” Cole asked.

“It seems that with Nadakhan gone,” Zane explained as he struggled to keep his balance, “There's no longer anything to hold up the- AHH!”

The other ninja screamed along with Zane as the ground fell away beneath them, sending everyone into a floating free fall.

“Ninja quick!” Lloyd shouted “Call your dragons!”

Four elemental dragons flashed into existence and flew into the air. 

Nya didn't summon her dragon. She'd noticed Jay was in trouble.

When they started falling, Jay had wound up in a midair spin that made it hard for him to get his bearings.

“Ahhhh!” he screamed, his panicked flailing not helping the situation.

Nya kicked and dove until she was right next to Jay, then reached out and grabbed his arms, steadying him.

Despite the fact that he was no longer spinning, Jay still continued to scream.

“Ahhhhhhhhh-”

“Jay!” Nya barked, shifting his attention from his predicament to her voice, “You need to focus and summon your dragon!”

“D-Dragon? Right, y-yeah. C'mon dragon…”

Jay's voice was unsteady, and his grip on Nya's sleeves was tight.

It didn't take a genius to figure out Jay was too panicked to summon his dragon.

“Come on!” Nya said more gently “You can do this! We'll do it together!”

Jay looked into Nya's eyes. Her words seemed to calm him down. 

A tiny bit, anyway. 

It would have to do. 

“One…two…three!”

Jay and Nya simultaneously manifested their dragons. 

Kah-Krakk!

The other ninja watched in awe as a giant elemental dragon rose into the air above them, both Nya and Jay on its back. 

The dragon was a strikingly bright blue, with an even brighter blue energy flowing between its scales. Each thunderous beat of its mighty wings filled the air with a sprinkle of raindrops and sparks.

“Woah!” Nya exclaimed.

“Did we do that?” Jay asked, suddenly full of confidence.

“I think so, but I'm not really sure what we did.“

The other ninja flew up to Nya and Jay's level.

“Did you two just make some kind of fusion dragon?” Cole asked.

“That’s awesome!” Kai beamed.

“Ahhhhhh!”

The fearful noise pulled the ninja's attention from the new dragon.

Two pirates were huddled together on a small piece of land, screaming as it plummeted towards the earth.

Lloyd zoomed towards the pair. His dragon stopped just below the little island, flapping its wings rhythmically to keep in place.

“Hop on!” Lloyd yelled.

The pirates gave each other a quick glance before running to the edge of the island and jumping on the dragon behind Lloyd.

“We have to help the other pirates!” Lloyd called to the others.

“But there's only so much room on our dragons!” Kai said “Even with Jay and Nya’s new giant dragon, there's no way we can carry all the pirates to safety!”

“I got plenty of room over here!”

The ninja turned at the voice and saw Misfortune's Keep approaching. They instinctively prepared themselves for conflict, but then noticed Flintlocke smiling at the bow, Dogshank behind him at the wheel. 

“I may not be able to shoot the broad side of a barn,” he said “But I sure as sugar can still steer a ship! I’ve got my crew patrolling around on their own vessels too, so just drop our people off with them and they can unload them here on The Keep!”

“Roger that!” Lloyd saluted before turning back to the group “Listen up everyone! Djinnjago was made by pulling chunks of land directly up into the sky, so that means these falling rocks are headed right for the city! Cole! Zane! You two head down and help everyone evacuate! Everyone else, round up the stranded pirates! Ninja go!”

“Ninja go!” the other ninja repeated before heading off in the appropriate direction.

Kai had to hold on to his hood as the hydroelectric dragon sped past him. It was much faster than any of the other elemental dragons.

Jay and Nya stopped by a falling coffee shop to pick up a group of five pirates.

After some flying around, they found one of the patrol ships Flintlocke had mentioned.

As they were transferring the rescuees from the dragon to the ship, an eerie shadow fell over the group.

They looked up and saw that an island the size of a whale was plummeting straight towards them.

“Oh man,” Nya's eyes widened “That's gonna do a lot of damage when it hits the ground.”

“Forget the ground, what about us?” Jay shrieked “We gotta-”

The hydroelectric dragon suddenly threw its head back.

“Hey!” Jay cried “What's this crazy dragon-” 

He was cut off by a deafening crackle as the dragon opened its mouth and let out a stream of black sparking clouds.

The stream quickly grew into a mass of clouds that was big enough to block out the falling island above them.

The clouds warbled as the island crashed into them, but to everyone's surprise, the island didn't fall through.

It simply sat there, nestled above the group in the giant black clouds.

A soft drizzle began to fall on the ninja and pirates. 

“Are those storm clouds?” Nya asked.

“I think so,” Jay said, wiping rain off of his face “But how are they holding up the island?” 

“It's not just your dragon's clouds,” the pirate piloting the patrol ship said “Look!”

She pointed to a smaller island in the distance that was sitting in a thick cluster of white clouds.

“My wish!” Nya's eyes lit up “Remember? During our battle with Nadakhan, I used my third wish to make it so the clouds would catch us!”

“Guess you've saved us with your wishes twice now!” Jay laughed “Now let's go catch the other islands!”

Lloyd and Kai helped gathered the remainder of Nadakhan's crew while Nya and Jay used their dragon's storm cloud breath to catch as many falling islands as they could.

They missed a few of the smaller islands, but Cole and Zane were there to protect the Ninjago citizens when the islands crashed into the city below.

The city ended up suffering a fair bit of property damage, but thanks to the city's incredibly efficient evacuation protocols, there were no major injuries.

It was far from the worst catastrophe Ninjago City had faced. 

Once the dust had settled, Doubloon and Monkey Wretch approached Flintlocke and Dogshank, their heads hung low.

Flintlocke and Dogshank nodded at each other in mutual agreement before Flintlocke walked over to Doubloon and patted him on the back. 

“I'd be a real hypocrite if I was mad at you two for being manipulated by Nadakhan.” He said “I think we all deserve a chance to decide where our loyalties are without him looming over our shoulders. In fact, after things settle down a bit, I'm gonna have a chat with Jay about getting the rest of our people out of that magic sword.”

Doubloon's face turned to the happy side.

The chunks of Ninjago City caught in the clouds were still stuck up in the sky, but maintaining their elemental dragons for the entire rescue had taken its toll on the ninja, especially Jay and Nya. The townsfolk were very understanding when they decided to wait until tomorrow to figure out how to get them down safely, even if that meant they'd have to wait a bit longer to go to their favourite coffee shops. 

But tonight wasn't about despairing over caffeine withdrawals, tonight was for celebrating!

As the sun set, Ninjago City was filled with coloured lights and joyous shouts. A city-wide party was held to celebrate the defeat of Nadakhan.

Luckily, the ninja's favourite karaoke juice bar was still intact on the ground, so they had the perfect place to celebrate.

After nearly two straight hours of singing her lungs out, Nya had stepped out onto the veranda for a break. 

Partying with the group was great, but it was nice to just take a quiet minute to look at Ninjago City, one again at peace, even if it was missing a few pieces.

"Nice night, isn't it?"

Nya turned to see Jay approaching with two drinks in his hands. He held one out for Nya.

“Mango? I got you a purple crazy straw and a little umbrella.” 

“You don't need a crazy straw to sell me on mango.” Nya smiled as she accepted the plastic cup.

“You deserve it after saving all of Ninjago.” Jay took a sip of his lemonade. “I gotta say, that’s not at all how I thought you’d use the wish, but I’m still pretty glad I gave it to you.”

Nya swirled her cup uneasily.

"Look Jay," she said "I appreciate you giving me your last wish, but it doesn't change anything. We still aren't going to happen."

"Wait, what?" Jay’s eyes went wide "Oh! No no no no no, that wasn't my intention at all! Did you seriously think I'd use my wish to try and manipulate you romantically?"

Nya raised an eyebrow.

"Okay, that's…” Jay rubbed the back of his neck “Actually a pretty fair assumption, I guess." 

"Why did you give me the wish then?” Nya asked, “My best idea at the lighthouse was summoning The Great Devourer."

"Yeah…I am glad you didn't do that."

Jay took a long drink of his lemonade while he thought about Nya's question.

"Well, Lloyd said to wish from the heart, and giving you the wish was what my heart was telling me to do. I've been making so many mistakes lately, especially when it comes to wishes. But you..." Jay looked Nya directly in the eye "It seems like no matter how challenging a situation you get thrown into, you always manage to rise above and come out on top. I knew that you'd find a way to stop Nadakhan, even if I couldn't."

The corners of Nya's lips scrunched slightly.

"I'm not trying to flirt with you! I swear!" Jay said quickly.

"I...yeah, I know.” Nya fiddled with her straw “It's just..."

"You don't trust me." Jay hoped the hurt didn't show in his voice.

"I do! I mean, I trust you with my life, and I trust you to always have my back, but..." Nya bit her lip.

"Yeah, I get it." Jay rubbed the back of his neck "I screwed things up pretty badly the last time you trusted me, huh?”

Jay's words hung in the air as the two of them watched a group of pedestrians go by, singing boisterously at the top of their lungs.

"For what it's worth,” Nya didn't take her eyes off the crowd, “You were an alright boyfriend back then. Which is commendable, since I was a pretty bad girlfriend."

"What? Come on, don't be like that. You were a perfect girlfriend!"

"Jay, I left you for a roomba. And I flirted with Cole while we were still dating. Ugh, I honestly don't even know why I did that. I don't even like Cole like that, nothing about that situation made any sen-"

"You flirted with Cole while we were still together!?"

"You didn't know that?"

"No!"

"Then why did you attack him when Pixal said we were the perfect match?"

"...It...erm...has come to my attention recently that I...may not be the most...secure person in the world...sometimes."

Jay felt a part of him deep inside screaming in terror as he said those words, but he knew they were words that he needed to say. 

He needed to stop hiding.

"Oh, you think so?" Nya grinned, but her smile fell when she looked at Jay's face and realized how serious he was.

Jay took a deep breath. The noise of the celebrating crowd slowly faded in the distance.

“It's just…you guys are the best friends I've ever had, and I know it's sappy, but I don't want to lose any of you, and sometimes there's a part of me that scared if you guys knew the real me, the weird me who's afraid and messes up all the time, you wouldn't like me anymore.”

Jay took a quick drink of his lemonade to help with his dry mouth.

“I guess Nadakhan took advantage of that. He used my…I let him use my insecurities to control me. And then I tried to hide it like I hide everything else I don't like about myself. I guess a scaly tail and fangs weren't the only thing I needed to stop hiding to live up to my true potential, huh?”

Jay chuckled.

“But seriously,” he quickly sobered, “It was selfish how I tried to use you to feel better about myself.”

Jay looked back up at Nya.

"Speaking of, there's something else that's come to my attention. About you.”

“About me?” Nya raised an eyebrow.

Jay nodded.

“You have to face a lot of challenges that the rest of us don't, and we don't really help you with that stuff. I don't really help you with that stuff.”

“Oh, you mean what I said at the lighthouse…” Nya looked away bashfully “Look, I didn’t mean to lose my cool like that. There was just so much going on, and I was exhausted, and-”

“But you meant everything you said, didn't you?”

Nya looked back at Jay.

“You get brushed off a lot don't you? And not just by bad guys and sleazy reporters, but by us, the people who're supposed to be your friends. I love how strong you are, we all do, but that strength shouldn't have to come from having to carry things on your own. That sucks. We suck for doing that to you.” 

Nya was silent the whole time Jay talked. He couldn't read her expression, but he decided to just keep going.

“I know I broke your trust in a really big way, but I really mean what I'm about to say: from this point on, I'm going to make sure you aren't going through your problems alone anymore. I won’t show up to those PSA shoots if you don’t get called too, I'll hold down those sexist producers so you can punch them, I'll..I'll tell those interviewers I'm dating Cole so they'll stop bugging you about that stupid love triangle thing!"

Nya let out a snort that almost made Jay fall over the railing.

"Uh, I feel like Cole might take issue with that plan," she said "But…thanks Jay."

Despite the smile on her face, Jay noticed Nya's tone sounded a little forced.

"It's okay if you don't believe me right now. I know you've got good reason to not have faith in people having your back, especially me. But I-I really do mean everything I just said. About trying to be better. I really do want to start being there for you. If, you know, you're okay with that…”

Having said everything he had to say, Jay’s eyes fell to his half-drunken lemonade.

He couldn't recall the last time he'd been so open and serious. It was cathartic, but also terrifying.

What happened next wouldn't be up to him. 

It was up to Nya.

All Jay could do was wait.

“Hey,” Nya said after a few beats.

Jay looked at her.

Nya held her fist up to Jay.

He smiled and bumped his fist against hers.

Once they pulled their fists away, Nya took a sip of her juice.

The sweet taste of mango hit her like a rainbow after a storm. 

It had been a long time since she'd had a mango juice. She'd forgotten how refreshing they were. 

"There you two are!" 

Jay and Nya turned to see Kai’s head sticking out the door.

“You gotta come inside!” he said “Zane made this giant drawing of Nadakhan, and we're all throwing shurikens at it!"

"Oh I gotta get in on this!" Nya smiled deviously as she moved to follow Kai inside. 

She stopped at the door and turned to Jay. 

"You coming? If your time as Nadakhan's prisoner was anything like mine, I'm sure you want to throw sharp things at that stupid face as much as I do."

Jay smiled and followed Nya inside.

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

"Boom! Take that sucka!" Kai yelled as he threw his fourth shuriken. 

The other ninja cheered as it sunk into the Nadakan drawing's previously only shuriken-free arm.

“Whew! You got him Kai!” Cole slurred, nearly falling off his stool as he raised his cup. “That's all his legs!”

"I think that's enough juice for you." Zane said, taking Cole's cup from him.

 Lloyd, Nya, and Jay clapped as Kai pulled his shurikens out of the drawing.

"For you sis," Kai mocked bowed as he offered them to Nya "If anyone deserves this, it's you. After being forced to wear that horrendous dress."

"Why Kai, you shouldn't have." Nya returned Kai's bow as she accepted the shurikens.

Jay held out his hand, and Nya gave him her drink to hold. 

The ninja watched in eager anticipation as Nya held her hand back and carefully aimed, before flinging two shurikens at the drawing.

Thinck!

Thuck!

The loudest cheer of the night rang out as Nya's shurikens landed in both of Nadakhan's eyes.

"Excellent precision, Nya." Zane remarked once the whooping had finally died down.

"Thank you Zane." Nya grinned proudly “I've been wanting to do that for a while, and with Nadakhan trapped in the djinn blade, I was worried I’d never get to.” 

She held her remaining two shurikens out to Jay.

"I imagine you want a turn." she smiled.

Jay blinked.

He's seen that smile. He knew that smile.

Her face was less wrinkled and her hair was shorter, but there was no mistaking it.

Nya was smiling the exact same way she had been in the vision Jay had seen in the maze.

After everything that had happened and how much he’d thought about that smile, there was no way Jay could mistake it.

What did it mean?

"Hey Jay," Nya's smile morphed into a concerned look and the spell was broken "You all good in there?"

"Huh?" Jay said "Oh yeah, I'm good. I'm just…glad we're all together again, you know?"

"You can say that again," Kai draped his arms over Nya and Jay's shoulders "Now take those shurikens and dish out some payback on Nadakhan already!"

"With pleasure!" Jay traded the two drinks he was holding for Nya’s shurikens. "But you know, it's not really Nadakhan I'm getting payback on, it's more like Nada-drawn."

Everyone in the room groaned.

"As the maker of this drawing," Zane said flatly "I would like to request that you do not call it that."

"Fine then." Jay crossed his arms poutily. "Be no fun."

"It's good to have you back, Jay." Lloyd said.

"It's good to be back. Now take this!"

Jay tossed his shurikens.

Zip!

Thunk!

One of Jay's shurikens sailed right out an open window, and the other right through Cole's head into the wall behind him. 

Everyone turned and gawked at Jay.

"Um…whoops. Sorry everyone, my bad." he said, gesturing to his eye patch. "Forgot that my depth perception's kind of out of whack."

There was a beat of silence before all the ninja burst out laughing.

"That's not funny!” Cole protested “Jay could've killed me if I wasn't already..." 

But even he couldn't keep his face straight for very long.

Everyone continued to laugh hysterically for a while, some combination of the hilarity of Jay's blunder and the relief that they'd all made it out of the Nadakhan situation okay fueling the mood.

Jay finished getting all his laughter out before everyone else, and turned to look at Nya.

After wiping away a tear, Nya looked back at Jay and smiled.

It's that same smile again. Jay still wasn't sure what it meant, but he had a feeling it was something good.

He smiled back at her.

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

[tonberry-yoda]

One More Time - Sanji (pt. 3) f!reader

pt.1 | pt.2

notes - Hi cuties! My writing inspo is coming back!!! <3 This was for my most recent poll! I decided to do another part of this because this is actually a fun series to write! Thanks to all who love it too and expect a Law fic soon???? Love you bunches!!! word count - 1,064 tags - @sleepyhead0720

The night went by too slowly for your liking. You were alone in that storage room jumping over the smallest noises, fearing that you were going to get caught.

You lied when you told Sanji that you had been in worse situations. You really hadn't. The Strawhat Pirates were famous and not in the good way. If even one spotted you, you would be dead meat. All of them combined had a bigger bounty than you could ever imagine.

But they were so kind. Why?

They looked like they were genuinely having a good time together, being human and laughing. Not only that, but you had heard from outside sources that wasn't the Navy that they had done so much to help others. Especially the captain. With a smile on his face in every wanted poster.

They were definitely a strange bunch, but they intrigued you; made you jealous. You were a crew bouncer, which meant that a lot of the time, you were just joining crew after crew for a pretty penny. Honestly, you stopped caring about the money and just wanted a home. But none of them felt like it.

But here? With all of these lovely people telling jokes and singing songs? It pissed you off. Why couldn't you live like that?

You definitely couldn't now that you were an enemy to them.

You tossed and turned in your sleep not having a clue what time it was because not only did you not have a watch, but you didn't even have a window that could give you a clue.

You were so tired though.

A sigh escaped your lips and you sat up. Sleep wasn't an option anymore, it seemed.

But you jumped to the roof when you heard the trap door open. Yeah, you were screwed. Too tired to fight and in a bad position with what little of a bounty you had on you.

"y/n?" You recognized Sanji's voice as he whispered your name. "y/n, are you down here?"

You peeked from behind a barrel and smiled. "Hey, Sanji!"

He walked over to you and turned on the light. "Hungry?" he asked as he kneeled down with a plate of food.

"I guess I am." you replied after your stomach gave a growl of hunger.

"We're almost to the island by the way. Sooner than we thought too." He leaned his head against a box as he sat across from you and sighed. "We'll be there in about an hour."

"What time is it?"

"Just past eight."

You hummed in response and kept eating. You weren't even on the boat for a full day, but you already missed his cooking.

"How did you sleep?" he asked, trying to hide that he as slightly blushing.

"I dunno. Probably slept a little bit, but I mostly just remember sitting." you admitted.

"I'm sorry."

You shrugged. "Not your fault. I'm the one who crawled on this boat."

For a moment, it was just silence, but Sanji quickly broke it.

"What are you going to do when you leave?"

"What I always do." You set down your plate and wrapped your blanket around your shoulders to warm yourself up. "Travel until I find somewhere to stay."

"That doesn't sound very fun."

"Eh, I'm used to it. A solo pirate, I guess."

"I wish you could join our crew." he giggled.

"Same." You played with a string that was hanging off of your blanket and sighed out of your nose. "But it's fine. I mean, I had fun while I was here. And had some pretty damn good food, if I do say so myself."

"Is that so?" he teased.

You laughed and tucked a strand of hair behind your ear. "What about you?" you asked. "What are you gonna do once you get to the island?"

"Whatever the captain orders."

"Sounds confining."

"Surprisingly, not really." Sanji moved himself so that he was sitting next to you and slid his hand in yours, clearing his throat. "Better than being in one place."

"I got you there. Traveling is the best."

"No kidding."

You laid your head on Sanji's shoulder and squeezed his hand. "Have you ever felt alone, Sanji?"

He sighed. "Hell yeah I have."

You nodded and felt yourself drift off into sleep.

---

"Sanji! Get up here!" You heard someone shout from above you as you woke up. "We're here!"

"Coming! Just give me a second! You guys can get a move on without me, I'll catch up!"

You heard the sound of footsteps above you disappear and you rubbed your eyes.

"Looks like we're here, princess. Get you some beauty sleep?"

You turned to see Sanji smile at you and you smiled back.

"I guess so. I'll get out of your hair though. Thanks for covering me up."

"Don't mention it." He stood up and grabbed your hand, helping you up. "Want me to walk you out?"

"If it's not any trouble."

"I would be happy to."

Sanji slid his hand into yours as you two got off of the boat. The island in front of you was warm and very welcoming. Small, but perfect. You knew you were bound to have a couple nights of rest here.

"Well, I have to get some shopping done before me and the rest of the crew head out." Sanji said. "So, uh... this is goodbye?"

You looked at him and he had misty eyes. The wind blew and his blonde hair followed it along with his cigarette smoke.

"Yeah... Bye, Sanji. Thanks for everything." You went to turn away, but couldn't help yourself as you quickly turned around and fell into his arms. You hugged him so tight that his cigarette fell out of his mouth. His hand reached the back of your head while the other found it's way to your back. You hadn't been hugged like this in ages.

When you pulled away from the hug, it felt like something dropped out of you, made you feel empty. Another goodbye, that's all it was.

"So, you and your crew are leaving as soon as you can?" you asked.

"That's the plan." He ran his fingers through his hair and looked up at the clouds.

He felt your lips softly press against his, but when he looked down, you were gone.

If only he could see you. One more time.

~~~~~

one piece masterlist | pinned post | ko-fi

2023 @tonberry-yoda – do not repost or claim ANY of my work as your own! likes, reblogs, and comments are not only welcome, but appreciated

~~~~~

[brandstifter-sys]

Birthday Spider

Word count: 1123 (Ao3)

Rating: T

Pairing: Dukexiety

Warnings: explosions, sex mention, blood mention, cartoon physics

Virgil wakes up to a surprise on his birthday. Of course it's a Remus-style surprise, so things get a little crazy.

---

Virgil knew it was suspicious that he had gone to bed alone the night before. His over exuberant boytoy was always begging to snuggle all night—possibly naked. But Remus hadn't even suggested it. In fact, it was so suspicious that Virgil really should have seen this coming. 

He was roused from his sleep by an unpleasant smell. It took a minute of burying his face in his pillow for everything to click. 

He jolted up and threw himself to his feet. 

Something was burning! 

He had a fire extinguisher on his wall. If he found the source he could— 

All of his thoughts went out of his mind when he saw the giant purple cake with black spider web decorations. It was beautiful, uneven and sharp, but it was too big, even for him—and he could eat more than everyone else combined! 

And then a familiar set of notes played from the cake. Virgil knew that particular beat all too well. 

Oh no

He inched back and sat down. It was probably the best way he could stay safe. He knew something was coming.

BANG 

Virgil squeezed his eyes shut and held up his arms to shield himself from the sugary debris. 

The top half of the cake exploded, revealing the source of the burning smell. 

“It’s your birthday so I know you want to ri-i-ide out!” Remus sang as the smoke cleared. 

Virgil coughed and glared at the shameless imp. He was standing proudly in the middle of the red cake in burnt tatters of his clothes. They were so thoroughly destroyed that he could see the upside down purple heart pasties covering his nipples. 

Worse yet, he was beaming with wide, manic eyes and the ends of his mustache were on fire, like fucking candles. To top off Remus' exaggerated look, he was covered in smears of ash and frosting. 

“Dude!” Virgil snapped and waved his hand to stop the music. 

“Happy birthday!” Remus cheered and threw his arms out in a dramatically showy gesture. 

“What the fuck?!” 

“I'm celebrating your birthday! And I'm your sexy present to use however you want!” Remus jeered and brought his hand to his chest. He fluttered his lashes and blew a kiss. 

“You're on fire,” Virgil deadpanned. 

Remus giggled and licked his fingers. He pinched the ends of his mustache and wiggled his shoulders. 

“How do you expect me to not catch fire when you're so hot?” Remus jeered. 

Virgil sighed and rubbed his temples. He was going to get a headache from this flirt’s antics. He was already going to have to clean up the mess. 

“Remus, how did you get inside the cake?” 

“Well I baked it around myself of course! And then I used my special talents to decorate it!” Remus laughed. 

“That's why you're covered in ashes and your clothes are burnt.” 

“You would have torn them to shreds anyway!” Remus giggled, “We both know how much of an animal you can be!” 

“Did your pants burn up?” 

“Yes, yes they did!” 

“Fix that,” Virgil said and ran his hand through his hair, only mildly pissed off that there was frosting in his mane. 

“Aw! But I'm ready for you to use and abuse with your massive—” 

“Remus, what's the point of a present if I can't unwrap it?” he cut the duke off. He knew Remus could see through his excuse, but he could hope Remus was intrigued by the prospect. 

“Kinky!” Remus jeered and wiggled his eyebrows. He at least waved his hand and conjured something to cover his special duchy. 

The absurdity of the situation finally caught up with Virgil once he knew that Remus was covered. He was still covered in cake splatter, and his ridiculous boytoy was posing inside the destroyed cake like some kind of pin up. Everything was a mess and Remus looked ridiculous. Virgil was torn between laughing and crying. 

While he let his emotions settle, Virgil decided that he really did not want cake all over his face. He lifted the bottom of his shirt and wiped away the mess, knowing full well that there would be more mess to come. 

AWOOGA

Virgil paused his clean up and glanced at Remus, just in time to see his head return to its normal shape from a train whistle. The little shit’s eyes bugged out of his skull and his tongue hung out of his mouth like a cartoon character. 

“Seriously? You can't even see that much skin, you dork!” Virgil scoffed and realized that he would have to change his shirt. With a sigh he reluctantly pulled his tee over his head. 

This time he expected the small explosion. Remus was hovering in the air, running in place and leering at him. 

Virgil accepted his fate the second he tossed his shirt aside. Remus zoomed into his lap and immediately ran his hands all over Virgil’s exposed torso. Little purple and green hearts seemed to bubble up from his shoulders. 

“Jeez!” 

“I am a simple man! I see my boyfriend's tiddies and I have to touch!” Remus jeered and smiled up at him, “Especially if it makes his birthday better!” 

Virgil couldn't help himself when he met Remus' gaze. The little Looney Toon was so excited and cute, covered in the cake he made. Of course Virgil had to lick up some of the frosting on his cheek. 

Remus immediately turned red, like a curtain had been drawn from his feet to his head. Virgil chuckled as he went rigid and steam shot from his ears. 

And then he relaxed and clung to Virgil with hearts in his eyes and little gargoyle cupids circling his head. 

“Buttercream?” Virgil asked with a bemused smirk. Remus nodded and grinned like a dopey puppy. 

“Not bad. But it needs something else,” Virgil teased and ran his tongue over the same cheek, picking up frosting, cake, and ash. Remus absolutely melted, at least his bones did. 

“Much better. Red velvet?” 

“Mhm, with extra fresh blood!” Remus responded in a daze. 

“Must be your blood,” Virge mused and cleaned up his entire room with a wave of his hand. He cleaned himself and the duke and got Remus in some pajama pants. 

“How did you know?” Remus giggled as Virgil scooped him up. 

“It's sweeter than usual,” Virgil said and dragged Remus under the covers. He curled up around the flustered duke and kissed his forehead. 

“Since you're my present, you get teddy bear duty for now,” Virgil hummed and relaxed his head on the pillow. Remus immediately rolled over and clung to him. He could use a nap with his Scare Bear, and any fun stuff could wait, as long as Virgil was happy and his.

[belltrigger]

I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW YOUR SBMS VERSIONS of "Kiss" and "Surprise" <3

-Send me a “Kiss” and I’ll write a drabble about their first kiss

-Send me a “Surprise” and I’ll write a drabble about one character discovering something surprising about the other

Hiiiiiii Iyod! Thank you for requesting from me! 🥺 I hope you enjoy what I came up with. I had to think what I consider to be "my version" of Sbms, and I think this closest to what I think is "them."

Title: Our First Home Word count: 2330 Synopsis: The first time the twins move into their own space, they can kiss without worry of someone catching them. Dynamic: NoboKuda

~~*~~

Setting down a large box labeled 'bedroom,' Nobori cast a satisfied look around the room he stood in. Wanting to bring all the boxes in from the moving truck, he'd settled on placing everything in the living room. His twin, however, had decided instead to poke through particular boxes and had already started placing things around their new home.

It was difficult to understate just how excited the both of them were to finally have their own place together. On their pokémon journey as children, he and Kudari had traveled far and wide, settling down wherever they could. Sometimes they camped, sometimes they stayed with distant relatives, sometimes they boarded with people offering a place to rest. Each one offered their own interesting experience, and for a time they continued to explore even after they should have returned home.

It had been during one such excursion that he and Kudari had finally revealed their growing feelings for each other. With all of their time together, it hadn't come as a surprise to either of them, but it had been freeing to finally share what had bloomed in their hearts. However, even with the confession, they'd been too shy and nervous to do anything more than they usually did beyond stare into each others' eyes more. They already held hands often and slept in close contact - such a thing had never seemed out of place when they were younger, and it became a comfort neither one wanted to lose as they got older.

They never pushed the romantic expectations of their relationship while away from home, and it became nearly impossible to do so when they returned. Kudari firmly believed it was none of their parents' business who they were interested in, and thought it quite obvious anyway. Nobori, for his part, felt nervous to share something so personal with anyone other than his chosen person. He also felt it was an obvious conclusion that they would only grow closer with how compatible they were, and that they were not beholden to anyone to explain that.

Even so, this created an inability to express their deepened affection. Nobori became increasingly aware that the anticipation was for them both to find a separate lover and move to another location with that person. There was teasing from some of their friends to find the *same* lover, with the implication that many people would enjoy "the thrill" of twin lovers. Nobori was grateful, then, that Kudari did not reveal their relationship then, as his twin had expressed he wanted to when they spoke later. But it became more and more common to be asked what their plans were.

Finally, Kudari announced to anyone who asked that they were going to find their own place on their own terms! It gave the impression that they would continue as they had been, but his precious younger twin threw himself into deciding the perfect place for them to live together. Although he had absolute faith that Kudari would make good on his promise that "Nobori deserves the best," it was an absolutely monumental task to hunt for a place for them to live. One that Nobori couldn't allow his twin to do on his own.

With their combined efforts, they found the perfect apartment. More than anything, Nobori wanted Kudari to be as happy as possible. While Kudari searched for homes that Nobori would most enjoy, Nobori wanted to make sure Kudari's home needs were more than satisfied. It was almost like a fun little game, he thought. Kudari would excitedly buzz when he found a promising lead he thought Nobori would like, and Nobori naturally responded in kind.

Kudari had long wished for enough room to expand their pokémon team, and even to be the one growing them from their eggs instead of discovering them in the wild. Having their own place would allow him to devote as much space as he wished to that pursuit. It was a fun idea that Nobori enjoyed as well, and he knew he would appreciate a devoted approach if they wanted to be the strongest battlers out there.

Feeling a nudge at his shoulder, Nobori pulled himself out of his thoughts and fond memories. Lampent floated there, humming with curiosity, clearly wondering why he stood there staring at the massive pile of boxes and not moving. Reaching up to gently pat Lampent, he assured his dear first pokémon that he was simply taking in their change of scenery with the appropriate wonder and joy. Lampent did not seem to understand exactly what he meant, but seemed satisfied that he was alright. Once his safety was assured, Lampent calmly floated off to explore and possibly stake a claim on a sleeping spot.

Watching his pokémon partner hover down the hallway towards the rest of the apartment - no, *their* apartment- Nobori smiled. During the time it took to finalize the apartment contract and other such important factors, he had never let himself stop to think about the reality he and his beloved brother would find at the end of the process. If he gave himself the pause, he would have been driven to distraction out of giddiness, leaving the paperwork to his brother. And paperwork was Kudari's least favorite thing. But here, now, with the boxes of their belongings right in front of him, it was finally hitting that it was all real and finalized.

He and Kudari had their own place, where they were free to be as close as they wished.

Feeling warmth flutter in his chest at the thought, Nobori stepped through the piles of boxes to follow Lampent. Earlier, he'd been content to approach the furnishing of their new home in a different way from Kudari. His twins eager smile every time he popped back into the living room for a new particular item he wanted to place always brought a smile to his own face. But the need to be by Kudari's side had slowly been building as they worked separately, and he felt it was time to reunite.

Stepping down the hallway, he passed the two rooms that had been assigned as their individual bedrooms. Kudari was in neither, and he was not in the bathroom or dining room either. Lampent had found Eelektrik and was trilling and bobbing around as they both investigated the room that had been designated as a playroom.

Although his brother was not in any of the rooms he visited, he slowed at the entrance and allowed himself a moment to daydream. Each and every room had the potential to build great memories, and he was filled with limitless wonder over what he and Kudari could do together. What he hoped someday become memories rose to his mind: his twin at the bathroom sink, glancing at him through the reflection with light in his eyes; Kudari stepping out of his bedroom for help with his tie; a sleepless Kudari bursting into his bedroom with news of his success in breeding the perfect egg. Shared smile upon endless smile as they lived each day occupied his thoughts.

Finally, Nobori found his way to the kitchen. Hearing Kudari softly humming a pleased little tune, his voice was accompanied by a gentle clicking sound in random intervals. Unable to determine what could have been causing the sound, Nobori stepped fully into the kitchen. There, in front of the fridge and back to the doorway was his precious beautiful twin, placing things onto the fridge door's surface. The sight of Kudari turning to him was better than any of his daydreams - none of them had made his breath catch or his heart beat speed up. But Kudari's smile, easy but radiant, temporarily distracted him from his original purpose for entering the room.

They had found the perfect place to live together, but anywhere Kudari was would be home to Nobori. No matter what city it was within, whether large or small, permanent or temporary, he would never care as long as Kudari was by his side. Smaller places just meant he was closer to Kudari. Larger places meant they could gather more things as proof of their happy life. Cities would be close to their desired work. Towns and villages would allow them to be closer to wild pokémon to train against. A residence that was *theirs* would gather memories, and an ever-changing one would allow them to cultivate the experiences with greater flexibility. In fact, he would be hard pressed to find a singular complaint when-

"Nobori?" Kudari's little chirp of his name brought his attention back to the present, to the kitchen of their new home. Kudari stood expectantly with his hands at his side, eyes slightly narrowed in fondness as he understood exactly what Nobori was thinking. They were always so in sync, yet another thing he cherished about their relationship.

Still, Nobori felt the words coming from his mouth. "Sorry, I was just thinking."

Eyes closing completely, Kudari laughed brightly. "There's a lot to think about. But that can wait until we've unpacked, right?" Turning back to the fridge, he returned to what was making the clicking sound. Peeking around his twin's shoulder, Nobori finally discovered what it was that he was doing.

Magnets! A variety of different magnets were already smattered over the front of the refrigerator in a fanciful pattern. With a cursory glance, Nobori spotted one shaped like a joltik next to a litwick, some large blocky magnets in the shape of letters, and one shaped liked a train engine. A closer inspection drew his attention to two clay magnets, seemingly hand made, with the first character of each of their names painted on them. A heart magnet was placed boldly between them - such a thing could have never been on such public display anywhere else they'd stayed.

Nobori felt his heart speeding up, silently thankful that Kudari had thought this so important as to set it up immediately. Kudari's hands continued to busy themselves, and Nobori pulled his attention to the other magnets Kudari worked with. These were slightly different - black letters on white rectangles with singular words or short phrases printed on them. Mixed in amongst the longer words were individual letters as though Kudari had mixed together various kits.

'Kudari loves Nobori. Nobori loves Kudari. Together we make the perfect two-car train. Kudari will stay with Nobori forever." And then it was punctuated with yet another heart.

His twin fiddled with it some more, but kept going back to the same phrases. When Kudari reached forward to once more change the shape of the sentences, Nobori reached out and placed a gentle hand on his. Curious, Kudari lifted his eyes from the fridge as if requesting approval from Nobori over his attempts. And, perhaps, a little bit of Kudari believed it still inappropriate, despite being in their own home now. Nobori would not hesitate to soothe his fears.

"And Nobori will stay with Kudari forever," he assured, and the barest flicker of doubt that Kudari had harbored instantly vanished amidst the love and cheer in Kudari's eyes.

"Yeah! I am Kudari. I've wanted to put these up forever!" Pointing excitedly to the handmade magnets, he grinned. "I made these so long ago. But I wanted to surprise Nobori when I could display them for real."

It truly had been a surprise, for he'd never noticed Kudari making them. "Yes, we can now display whatever we want, since it's our house!" The moment a mischievous sparkle lit in his twin's eyes, he quickly corrected himself. "Though-! We must decide together! That means we will not be changing all the decor and appliances to be joltik themed." He had no choice but to chuckle as Kudari puffed his cheeks out in a fake pout. "There must be at least one or two litwick themed appliances for your aesthetic to be accepted. This is my one and only term."

Of course, he knew that Kudari's love of joltiks would never go that far.

...Right?

But Kudari was laughing again, stepping away from the fridge to wrap Nobori in a tight hug. "I am Kudari. I will show you just how good joltiks will look through the entire apartment." He squeaked when Nobori hugged him tighter in refusal. "Okay! Okay. No apartment full of joltiks!"

The daydreams that he'd been having combined with his laughing, squirming brother in his arms welled a sudden urge into Nobori's heart. Something they'd never been brave enough to do before was no longer a taboo. This was their home, and they could do as they wished.

So Nobori did as he wished.

He waited until Kudari stopped wiggling in his arms, looking to him with curiosity and perhaps something more. And when their eyes locked, Nobori leaned in and kissed Kudari. Feeling the buzz of excitement shiver all the way through his twin, he relaxed when Kudari pressed against him. Of course, there was no chance that Kudari would not reciprocate the kiss; Nobori knew that Kudari felt the same as he did, and yet the chance of bashfulness getting in the way was not completely out of the question. More than once, Nobori had lost his nerve when wanting to kiss his twin before. He could only imagine Kudari had gone through the same trouble.

But finally, they were able to kiss without concern. Seizing this chance, Nobori pulled back, only to try at another angle which earned him a pleased murmur from his younger brother. There was plenty of time to find the perfect way to kiss his other half, and he relished the possibilities there. All the things he could do with Kudari, now that the nerves had been banished, now that they had their very own place, were limitless.

And he and Kudari always strove to push past their limits.

[blueraineshadows]

Heart Song Part Two

Leander Prewett x F!MC

Preparations are underway for the Hogwarts concert and MC is being dragged ever closer into Leander's orbit...

Their duet song is linked below for the concert that has a theme inspired by the movie Moulin Rouge.

"The theme for the concert is going to be Romanticism combined with the new Bohemian movement that is sweeping across Europe," Professor Florence said, excitedly. "Some may say its all rather risqué, however the art that is being produced through this movement is divine, and the music, oh my goodness, it is doing wonders for putting bums on seats in the theatres."

"We aren't going to have to dress up like can-can girls are we?"

MC smothered a smile at the horrified voice coming from the back of the group. There was no way Professor Black was going to let them get away with that. But, this theme did intrigue her. She had heard of this movement, and any new expression of creativity was interesting.

Her gaze wandered over towards Leander, who was sitting next to Amit. He had been delighted when she had finally added her name to the list. She hadn't really been given much choice in the matter after the performance in the Three Broomsticks on Friday evening. She had been praised and encouraged so much by her friends, and then Sebastian had dragged her to the music room and stood watch as she scribed her name on the list.

"I hope you're doing this because you know you're going to be amazing, and not because you're crushing on Prewett," he'd said.

MC had swiped at him, slapping him smartly on the arm, which only brought a chuckle from his lips. "Oh, you are so crushing on him!"

"I am not!"

She had protested, but her cheeks had flamed. She had been subjected to merciless teasing ever since. Just wait until Sebastian started his next crush, she was going to give as good as she got.

Now, as her eyes kept moving towards Leander across the music room, she was beginning to wonder if Sebastian's teasing was merited. Was she developing a crush on Leander?

That could prove rather awkward. He had a girlfriend for a start, and Elizabeth was already making it obvious that she had a claim on him. MC wouldn't have said she was friendly with the Ravenclaw girl, but Elizabeth was certainly sticking her nose up in the air a lot more than usual around her. Along with touching Leander as much as possible in MC's presence.

As Professor Florence gave them some music to look up, and opened a suggestion box for ideas on what to perform, MC felt the twinges of excitement that came from a new project to sink her teeth into. And best of all, it was music related.

"Any music must uphold the message of the Bohemian movement. Truth, Beauty, Freedom, and Love," Professor Florence said. "Read over the copy of the French play I have given you to help inspire the sense of mood I am hoping to achieve. We are an accepting society, and I want this conveyed in our performance."

After discussing practise sessions and the matter of getting people involved for set design, the group was dismissed. MC gathered her reading material and made for the door.

"Oh, Miss MC and Mr Prewett, might I have a word?" Professor Florence called.

MC and Leander exchanged a look before heading over towards the Professor. She smiled at them both. "A little birdie told me about your little duet performance in Hogsmeade at the weekend," she said. "I'm sorry I missed it! By all accounts it was quite the show."

"It was just a bit of fun, Professor," MC said.

"But isn't that what it's all about?" She smiled. She pressed her hands together. "How would you two feel about teaming up again for the show?"

MC felt her tummy do a little flip, the idea actually rather appealing. She glanced up at Leander, nodding shyly. "Well, I'm happy to do so..."

"As am I," Leander said, immediately. He beamed at MC, and Professor clapped her hands together in delight.

"Oh, fabulous!" She said. She pointed to the booklet in MC's arms. "There are a couple of duets in there, have a practice together and see how you get on. Oh, this is wonderful!"

As they left the classroom, MC gave Leander a shy glance. "Looks like we will be spending a bit of time together, are you sure you are okay with that?"

"Of course," he said. "I think we perform well, and just think, if we do it together, then it might be easier on the old nerves."

"That's a good point," she said, nodding. But then she hesitated, pausing on the stairs. She was a step behind him, which meant that when he turned to her, their faces were more on a level. "Is Elizabeth going to be alright with this? I don't want to cause trouble between you."

His cheeks coloured a little and his smile slipped. "It's alright. You're not causing trouble," he assured.

"Are you sure? I got the impression she isn't all that keen on me. And I don't think it's entirely Crossed Wands related."

Leander rubbed a hand on the back of his neck, his face awkward. "Well, she has been a little jealous, but please, don't worry. It's not your fault. I will talk to her."

MC winced. "See? I'm already causing a problem."

She was surprised when he stepped forward and took hold of her elbow. He stared into her eyes and MC felt her pulse flutter in her neck, her gaze locked on those lovely, pale eyes.

"I want to do this," he said, earnestly. "This is why I wanted you to sign up for this concert. After that night when we performed Minstrels Sonnet, I knew that we could put something amazing together. I'm not going to risk ruining that. Elizabeth will understand. She knows how much joy I get from my music, and I really want to do this. Please, don't say you are thinking of backing out. Not because of Elizabeth."

MC felt a little breathless after his speech, moved by his words, and secretly delighted that he had been equally affected by their duet. The earnest look on his face touched her, and his gentle hand on her elbow made her arm tingle.

Oh, Merlin, Sebastian was right. She was developing a crush on him. Standing here on the stairs, practically trembling under his touch, and ready to agree to whatever he asked of her, the truth was fairly obvious.

"I'm not going to back out," she promised. "I wouldn't dream of it."

He gave her one of those heart stopping smiles, like the one after they had played together for the first time. His arms twitched, and for a maddening second, she thought he was going to hug her. But he didn't.

"Brilliant," he said. He gave her elbow a gentle squeeze before releasing her. "Then I suppose we best start practicing. Tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow," she agreed.

As she climbed into bed, it occurred to her that she wouldn't have minded if he had hugged her. Laying back against her pillow, she pulled the blankets up to her chin, really wishing that he had.

....*....

Leander let the script of the French play fall to his bed covers and ran a hand through his hair. He blew air through his lips and stared blindly across his dormitory. Bloody hell!

He looked down again at the last closing scenes, flipping the pages to rescan the lines. This play was about two lovers, two tragic lovers, and Professor Florence wanted him to duet with MC with this material. He almost gulped at the thought, flushing as he realised he could not let Elizabeth see this. She would be furious.

He wondered if MC had read this yet. He was supposed to be meeting with her soon to start practicing, he had already played out one of the songs from this script, it wasn't too bad, but he didn't think it was going to be quite right for the concert.

He shuffled through the music sheets again, and found the song that went with the closing scene. The words were heartfelt confessions of love, deep love, and colour bloomed across his cheeks.

This was going to be the song, he just knew it. It was a duet between the lovers, admitting their love in front of her jilted groom at the wedding. Leander winced at the thought of performing this with MC in front of everyone, in front of Elizabeth.

Maybe he could try and push for a different song. It was worth the shot. But the more he looked through those on offer, he kept coming back to the lovers duet.

With a sigh, he gathered the parchments together, and then got himself ready to meet with MC.

With everyone from the group needing a place to practise, Professor Florence had offered them the use of her own music room, complete with a baby grand piano. When Leander arrived, MC was already there and playing a piece of music. He paused in the doorway, just taking a moment to watch her.

She just looked so...beautiful, so graceful, her brow creased with emotion and her hair soft about her face. She usually wore it up, but today, it was half pinned back, soft strands delicate against her cheeks.

The song she was playing was pleasing, and as he entered, he came around to see what sheet music she was following, and it didn't come as a surprise to see it was the lovers duet. Clearly, she had come to the same conclusion as him. This was the song.

She paused and looked up at him. "Hello," she said, softly.

"Ready to fall hopelessly in love?" He joked, holding up the exact same music sheet in his hands as hers on the stand.

Her eyes widened, before she looked at his sheet, her cheeks growing pink, and then she smirked. "You picked the same song."

He nodded. "It just seems right somehow, it fits the theme. Did you read the play?"

"I did, and I went to speak to Professor Florence about it," MC said. "I wanted to double check it was appropriate, and she asked if we would just perform the vocal duet for this song, and then have the orchestra as back up."

"Just sing?" He thought about that for a moment. It felt vulnerable somehow. "What would we do with our hands?'

She laughed and shrugged. "I don't know."

"Let's learn it first, and then we will go from there," he suggested.

She played the melody, and they gradually began to build the song up, learning the tune with the words. Leander's part was first, and the longest. When it came to her part, he would be singing parts with her in harmony, and when they did this, there were some hiccups that had them chuckling at themselves.

Her voice seeped through him, and he soaked it up, felt it surrounding him until those words started to take on a life of their own. He took a turn at the piano so that she could focus on her singing, and he wished he didn't have to keep concentrating on the music sheet before him. He wanted to watch her, see the look on her face as she poured herself into the words.

When they took a break, Leander poured her a drink from the jug on the side and leaned across the top of the piano, sipping from his own cup as she sat on the bench.

"How do you think we're doing?" She asked. "Do you think we can pull this off?"

He twirled his cup in his hands. "Yes, I think we can," he said. He met her eyes. "Please don't take this the wrong way, but...I think...we have some kind of chemistry between us. The music just seems to work. I've never performed like this with anyone before. It's...amazing."

He had dared to speak those words aloud, and he tensed as he waited for her reaction. Had he revealed too much? Guilt plagued him as he thought about Elizabeth. It was getting harder to keep her front and centre, his thoughts were consumed by the girl in front of him.

She flushed and looked down into her cup. She was nodding slightly. "I agree," she said, quietly.

He expelled the breath he had been holding, his heart thumping, his ears ringing a little. She agreed they had chemistry. He stored that away to think over later, for now, he needed to get back into safer territory.

"Have you ever written any music of your own?" He asked.

"Not really," she answered. She looked back up at him, and a wisp of hair fell across her cheek. He absently wondered how it would feel to brush that hair back from her face. She lifted a hand to brush it back herself and he took a steadying breath. He shouldn't be thinking these things.

She gave a little shrug. "I've never really thought about writing my own. As long as I am playing music then I am happy, whether that be classical, or something more modern. It depends on my mood."

"I can relate to that," he nodded.

"It's an escape, isn't it?"

Her smile was sad, and it pulled at something inside of him. It made him ache and he wanted to take that sadness away from her. His look was curious, wondering what it was that troubled her. He realised he didn't actually know that much about her. "What are you escaping from?" He asked.

"Oh, you know..." She looked away, suddenly uncomfortable.

He felt his cheeks burn. Of course, that was something very personal. His brain scrambled for something to say, kicking himself for putting his foot in it as usual.

He cleared his throat. "I er...well, I have written a few things for myself. I have never played them for anyone though, but I could play one for you, if you would like. You can let me know what you think."

"Really?" She brightened, a small smile curving her mouth. "You'd really play something so private for me?"

"I trust your opinion," he said. And that was the truth.

She flushed with delight and got up from the bench. "Please, do play it for me. You have me intrigued."

He chuckled as he sat on the seat. "Don't get your hopes up. You haven't heard it yet."

....*....

MC stood with her hands on the piano top in the intimate music room, watching as Leander began to play the song he had composed himself. It was soft, the melody immediately captivating her. When Leander began to sing, his voice taking on that cadence that she was growing to adore, he sung about a girl that he loved, but could never have. She was so close, but there was something in the way.

There was a ring of honesty to the words, highlighted by the emotions that were playing out across his face. He almost looked sad. MC felt every word, a sadness building in her own chest. She couldn't take her eyes off him, her heart aching. Either this was from real experience, or he was just that talented at bringing a song to life.

She couldn't decide which it was, but when the song ended, he couldn't look at her. Confusion swirled in her thoughts. He had a girlfriend. Surely that meant he was happy, right? He had got the girl.

"Wow, Leander," she breathed. "Whoever that girl is, she doesn't know what she is missing out on. It was heart breaking, but so beautiful."

She watched as he swallowed hard, his throat working. He rubbed his face with his hand. "I wrote this a while ago," he said. "It's been some time since I've played it."

"Is that because you have Elizabeth now?" She smiled.

Leander skipped his eyes away and winced. "Maybe." He stood, fiddling with the button on his waistcoat. "Would you like to continue?"

Sensing that he needed to change the subject, she nodded, and they spent some more time on the duet. But there was still a lingering sadness in his eyes, and the emotion had tipped towards something melancholy when he sung.

Over the next week, they worked on their song until they were note perfect, meeting every day. MC didn't bring up his own song again, but she found herself wondering who he had written it for. Whenever she saw him with Elizabeth, she watched them, as discreetly as she could, and noticed that it was always her who initiated any physical contact. Was he just not in to public displays of affection? Or was there more to it?

At night, MC would lie in her bed, the duet spinning through her mind, distracting her. They were ready to present it to Professor Florence, and she wondered if they had done enough. Were they capable of pulling it off and showcasing two people in love?

She was worried. She knew Elizabeth was not happy about the amount of time Leander was spending with her, and she wondered how the love song would go down once performed publicly. Was this going to affect their performance?

It all certainly didn't help with the nerves that were slowly building within her. Or the fact that Leander Prewett was slowly getting under skin, invading her thoughts, and making her lie awake at night imagining what might happen if things were different. What if he wasn't with Elizabeth?

....*....

Leander leant his head back against the tree trunk and sighed, tired from a day of study and classes. The warm weight of Elizabeth's head in his lap wasn't really much of a comfort. His legs felt restless, but he didn't want to keep fidgeting and disturb her reading.

They hadn’t spent much time together lately what with music practise, and that was a sensitive subject. He still hadn't told her what he would be singing, but she knew it was with MC. The whole concert group knew so it wasn't possible to keep it a secret.

He inwardly cringed at the way he wanted to keep secrets from Elizabeth, and not for the first time he wondered if maybe he should break things off with her. Relationships were built on trust, were they not? And he was doing her a disservice.

He didn’t seem to be able to give Elizabeth all of himself. Playing his own song to MC had proved that. What had possessed him to do such a thing? The song had been about her for Merlin's sake!

Ever since he had done that, and after what she had said afterwards, everything he had pressed down and hidden from himself had risen to the top. Singing that duet with her was starting to mean something dangerous.

He looked down at Elizabeth's pretty face, the light dusting of freckles across her nose, and the soft blonde curls that tumbled over her head. He had not believed his luck when they had started dating. But, and it was the but that made him wince, she was not her.

He brushed a blonde curl back from Elizabeth's forehead and thought about how he had fantasised about doing the same to MC. Elizabeth's lips curved into a smile, lips he had kissed, many times.

This was wrong.

He took his hand away and turned to look across the grounds of Hogwarts. How to find the words to bring it to an end. His mother had not raised a liar and he was ashamed of what he was doing. This was emotional infidelity and Elizabeth deserved better.

"What troubles you, my love?" Elizabeth shifted. She looked up at him, closing her book. "You look sad. You have done for a few days actually."

He forced himself to look at her. "Tired, I guess," he said. She sat up and kissed him on the mouth and he just couldn't return it properly.

"You've been pushing yourself too hard," she said. "You need a break." A small grin spread across her face. "Want to sneak off somewhere and indulge in some stress relief?'

He felt his cheeks warm up at the suggestive tone of her voice. Just lately she had been pushing for this more and more, and he had a sneaking suspicion that it was jealousy driven. He should be flattered, and in a way he was, but he was also uncomfortable. They had fooled around, but he had held off on taking her to bed properly.

He tried and failed to smile. He rubbed the back of his neck and shifted, forcing her sit up straighter. A frown of confusion flickered on her brow and he winced. "I'm sorry," he said. "But I don't think that's a good idea."

Her face fell. "Why not?"

"I just think it's best we don't," he said.

"Now, or...or ever?" Her lips trembled.

"I'm sorry," he winced.

She blinked, her cheeks paling first, and then flushing as her mouth tightened. "It's because of her isn't it?" She bit the words out harshly. She turned away from him, blinking away the tears flooding her eyes, and he felt like a right bastard. Because she was right.

He sighed and rubbed his forehead. "No, nothing is going on with MC, I have told you that, repeatedly," he said. "I wouldn't betray you like that. This is about you and me."

She glared at him. "Liar," she spat. "You must think I am an idiot. I have eyes, and I see the way you two look at each other. She doesn't look at Sebastian that way and they are fucking joined at the hip. The only reason this isn't working for you, Leander, is because you want her, tell me I am wrong."

He shook his head. "Please, Elizabeth..."

She growled and got to her feet, her face livid. "Bastard!" She cried. "Well, she is welcome to you! Go and be with Miss Fucking Perfect if that's what you want, you deserve each other."

Leander cringed, his shoulders slumping as Elizabeth stormed across the grounds, her back rigid. He rubbed his face with both hands and sighed.

That was bloody horrible!

....*....

The music coming from the piano was a dark, emotional piece, and MC entered the music room slowly, her eyes falling on Leander as his hands moved dramatically across the keys to accommodate the complex chords. He looked in pain, distressed, and she almost turned to leave until she realised that he was crying.

Torn between going to him, and giving him some privacy, she hovered, anxiously twisting her hands. Then, he stopped playing, removing his hands from the keys and he spun to face her. He wiped his face and shook his head. "Apologies," he said, thickly. "Please, excuse the state of me."

He got to his feet and picked up his robe from where he had draped it over the wood railing. "I will leave you to it," he said.

"Leander...are you alright?" She asked. Her heart twisted at the flicker of emotion that crossed his face. She risked a step closer. "What is it?"

He sighed. "I behaved like a bastard today," he said. He couldn't meet her eyes and he shook his head, turning to move past her. "I'm sorry. You don't need to hear this."

On instinct, she reached out and gripped his forearm, halting him before he could pass her. She looked up at his tear stained face, his reddened eyes. "Wait," she pleaded. "Don't go off alone like this. Talk to me, maybe I can help."

He bit his lower lip, wincing. "I ended things with Elizabeth, and now she hates me, which is no more than I deserve."

MC blinked in surprise. "Oh! I'm so sorry."

"It's not your fault," he said. His eyes met hers, his gaze softening. "Definitely not your fault. This is on me."

His voice cracked a little on the last word and he took a breath. "Sorry," he muttered.

"Stop apologising for feeling sad, Leander," she said. "There is no shame in it. In fact, if you need to cry, then do it. I'm not here to judge. But I might hold your hand if that would help. Just don't run off to cry alone, okay?"

"Okay," he whispered. He gave her a sad, half smile. "You're too kind, you know. I'm not sure I deserve it."

"No such thing as too kind," she said. Unable to stand it a moment longer, she pulled him closer and wrapped her arms around him. She placed her head facing outwards against his shoulder and rubbed his back, trying to offer him so comfort.

He stiffened at first, and kept his arms at his sides, but then he slowly responded, his arms coming around her, and his head bent to lean against hers. They remained like that for a few moments, and MC closed her eyes, telling herself that he was heart broken here. She shouldn't be savouring the solid feel of him under her cheek, or breathing in slow and deep to savour the clean scent of his jumper, and the inticing scent of his cologne.

It felt too good to be this close to him, and she couldn't help but probe the thought that he no longer had a girlfriend. Flushing at her forward thoughts, she was glad he couldn't see her face.

She shifted slightly, the movement nuzzling her cheek against him, and then she felt the soft touch of his fingers in her hair at the back of her head. The drag of finger tips grazing her scalp sent a shiver down her spine and he stilled at her shudder. Goosebumps erupted up her arms and her heart was in her throat making it hard to breathe.

She could hear his quickened breaths and she lifted her head to slowly look up at him. This close to him she could see the little flecks in his irises, the delicate sprinkle of his freckles and she felt like they were both suspended in time, gazes locked, his hand in her hair and her fingers gripping at the back of his jumper.

He whispered her name and her gaze dropped to his mouth. His lower lip was so full, so inviting and her chest tightened, pulse flickering as he lowered his face to hers. His kiss was soft, oh so gentle, but deliciously erotic as his lips dragged over hers. They both breathed hotly, lips parting, hovering a whisper apart. Desire was a swift, burning wave surging through her and she craved more.

His tongue flicked to graze her lower lip before he kissed her again, harder this time, the sound of it loud in the quiet room. His grip tightened in her hair, tilting her head back so he could claim her mouth again, his moan a desperate sound that sent a shock of heat through her.

They were moving, her back meeting with the wooden railing that ran the length of this level. He pressed against her, the solid weight of him crushing her against the wood as his tongue swept into her mouth. She welcomed him, kissing him back.

It wasn't a crush. This was more. She gasped for her breaths as his mouth moved to press slow, hungry kisses along her jaw and down to her neck, his tongue swirling to taste her. She moaned and tilted her head, exposing her throat to him, her eyes blinking as she gazed up towards the huge bells and rafters of the tower above them.

"Fuck," he hissed. He stopped kissing her, pulling back and putting his hands to his face. "What am I doing? Gods, I'm so sorry."

"What?" She panted. "No, don't be sorry..."

He shook his head, backing away. "Forgive me..."

His eyes were dark and tortured, his cheeks flushed and still stained with tears. He pushed a hand through his hair, muttering more apologies before he turned and hurried from the room.

MC was still leaning against the railing, her heart thudding, her lips swollen from his kisses and her mind spinning in disbelief at what had just happened.

He had kissed her, and she had liked it. No, she more than liked it, his mouth waking up a need inside her that warmed and clawed at her insides.

There was no denying it now. She wanted him, and he had just run out of the door away from her.

Now what?

To be continued... Part Three

[holdmytesseract]

Against the odds

Chapter Seven - Harsh Reality

a/n: So many things are happening here...

Word Count: 4,9k

Warnings for this Chapter: thirst, suggestive smut/light smut, swear words, angst, the publicity...

Masterlist

Coming home after a long day of work with a frozen pizza waiting for you in the freezer was amazing. Coming home after a long day of work with your boyfriend - who was none other than Tom Hiddleston, standing in the kitchen, half naked and cooking one of your favourite dishes was even better, wasn't it? Well, that was exactly the scene you were walking into.

Tom had a day off today, 'cause every scene which got filmed today didn't involve him. It were a lot of scenes with you and a few other co-stars, especially Jeff Goldblum since he played your father. All in all, went shooting 'The Moralizer' pretty good. You were almost finished, only had a month of filming left.

Now, you were finally at home - well, Tom's home and found him in the kitchen. He stood in front of the stove, apparently stirring something in a pot, which smelled absolutely delicious. Tom wore nothing but a pair of black boxers - for whatever reason. It was quite a scene to behold. You were not complaining at all and would've lied, if you were claiming that this wasn't quite a hot view... He hadn't noticed you yet, though, so you allowed yourself a selfish moment and leaned against the door frame, ogling the gorgeous Brit shamelessly from bottom to the top. Bare feet standing on the tiled kitchen floor, holding the trained body upright. His calves were strong and muscly, just like his delicious, thick thighs. The boxers sat snugly around his hips and ass, literally holding on for dear life. The muscles in his bare back were on full display, as they strained and flexed under his movements - just like his defined arms and biceps. You bit your lip. Gods, you thought. That man was literally sex on legs… And the best thing about it? He was all yours. Licking your lips, you approached him, gently wrapping your arms around his strong torso. Tom flinched a bit at the sudden contact, "Hi, baby." but relaxed immediately at the sound of your voice.

"Hello, darling. Wrapped up filming for today?" "Uh.Huh." You tried to look past him, see what he was cooking. "What are you cooking, Tommy?" "Lasagna. Just finished preparing the sauce. I just need to stack everything up and shove it in the oven. Then we can eat." You pressed your cheek against his warm shoulder blade, inhaling his scent. He must've showered... That was why he only wore a pair of boxershorts. "And how long is it going to take?" A low chuckle rumbled through his chest. "Are you hungry, darling?" "Quite a bit yeah, but..." You paused in your sentence to let your hands travel lower to the front of his thighs, rubbing them up and down. "Not just for Lasagna..." Tom's demeanour suddenly shifted, as he realised what you insisted - and your hands so dangerously close to his crotch seemed to trigger something inside him. "Oh yeah?" You nodded. "Uh.Huh." "Would you like to have dessert before the main course?" Your lips started to ghost over his upper back, leaving a trail of small, hot kisses behind. "Do we have enough time for dessert, before the main course is ready, babe?" An audible gasp left Tom's lips. Your seductive voice, combined with the touch of your hands and lips on his skin caused his boxershorts to grow incredibly tight. "Are forty minutes enough time, Milady?" A grin spread on your lips - something Tom wasn't able to see. "That'll do." You stood on your tiptoes to whisper in his ear. Another chuckle escaped Tom's lips, before he quickly finished preparing the Lasagna and shoved it into the oven. He set the small alarm clock and put it on the table, turning to face you with a smug smirk. "Time is running." Only now did you realise, that he wore glasses – which were making him even sexier than he already was and turning your legs into jelly. You smirked up to him, grabbing him by his boxer shorts. "Then let's not waste it." You pulled him after yourself towards the bedroom, all the while kissing him passionately.

You two literally stumbled into the room, limbs tangled together and lips sealed together. Hitting the edge of the bed, you gave Tom a quick, firm push, causing him to fall onto the soft mattress. Now he laid in front of you, chest heaving from the deep, ragged breaths he was taking. Abdominal muscles contracting due to the heavy breathing. His glasses were shifted; hair a total mess - and his arousal was straining more than just obviously against his pants. Your insides almost exploded at that sight. How could a man be that hot? You didn't even realise, that you were staring, literally eye-fucking him, until Tom started to chuckle. "Like what you see?" You blinked. "How could I not?" Another chuckle. "Well, then come on, darling. Dessert is waiting for you." You didn't let yourself tell that twice, of course. Within seconds, you got rid of your jeans and sweater and crawled on the bed, now hovering above your boyfriend. Your hands were all over his body, as you enjoyed the delicious look of your 'dessert'. Mapping out his broad and strong torso, worshipping his pecs and abs, all the way down to the hem of his boxers. Looping your fingers underneath the fabric, to pull them down his ridiculously long legs. By now, your mouth literally had started to water - something Tom noticed, of course. Just like the look in your eyes. He smiled, tangling his hand in your hair. "Bon appétit, baby."

"Okay guys, I just wanted to remind you, that our PR Colleen, is going to shoot the TikTok Live video we were talking about, to give the people a few looks of the set and all the people working here. I don't know what she has exactly planned, but prepare to get involved." Anne said, before turning to face you and Tom. "Especially you two, Tom and Y/N. I think I don't have to explain why." The cast and crew nodded and agreed, thankful for the reminder. This was announced to take place when you had the first read - so quite a few months ago. Hardly anybody still thought of it. "Alright. Ten-minute break!" The circle, in which the whole crew stood around Anne dissolved and everybody went his way for the break. You and Tom as well, heading for the food tent to get a small snack. You were positively hungry; shooting since 5 a.m. in the morning, with nothing but a quick bowl of muesli. Now it was 11 a.m. and your stomach demanded some food, but an apple for the both of you had to do for now. Lunch was scheduled at 1 p.m.

After another round of filming and the long-awaited lunch, you headed with Tom inside the studio for the rest of the break. Shooting went well at this day and since you started this early, you were finished around 4 p.m.

"Alexander..." You practically fake moaned, while trying to shove Tom away from you, while he had you trapped against the small desk, kissing and sucking your neck. "Not now, not here. The process starts in ten minutes. I have to go in court." Tom - aka Alexander just ignored you, like he had to and instead pulled up your tight, black skirt and hoisted you up on the said desk, stepping in between your legs to 'block the view'. "A-Alex..." You desperately 'tried' to get out of this situation. "We can't. If someone sees us..." The director gave you a signal, letting you know that this was the moment, where Victoria would hear somebody approaching the tiny office. "Fuck." You cursed and pushed Tom entirely away from you - he let you, because the script told him to. The scene ended with you frantically fixing your skirt and blouse, as the sound of the door getting ripped open echoed through the set. "And cut!" Anne announced, before she started to clap. "Wonderful work today, guys!"

After another short speech from the friendly woman, you and Tom headed for the trailers to get out of costume and make up. "You did that last scene so perfectly." Tom said with a smile. "Thanks, but I think that scene was very difficult." The Brit's eyebrows lifted. "Really, darling? Why's that?" "Well, how am I supposed to resist you, huh? When you kiss me like that and try to seduce me with that sexy, evil smile! Gods, I was one second away from just starting to rip your clothes off!" Tom chuckled. "I'm sorry, Y/N, but that's my job." "Pft." You scoffed, but couldn't help but giggle as well. When you reached the trailers, you split up and agreed to meet later again. "Meet me outside the make-up trailer?" "Sure, darling." While you and your boyfriend were getting out of costume, Colleen arrived on the set and prepared everything for the TikTok Live stream. Little did you know that meeting Tom outside the trailer was going to light the blue touchpaper...

Tom awoke the following morning before you, tickled awake by the sunlight. Deciding to stand up, Tom swung his legs over the edge of the bed and got up. Tiptoeing out of the spacious room, in order not to wake you, he made his way towards his kitchen to prepare breakfast. Though, the man made a quick stop at the bathroom and slipped in a pair of fresh boxers and loose grey sweatpants. Therefore, that it was Saturday, both you and him didn't need to be in a hurry to get to work today. Switching on the coffee machine, he grabbed his phone and turned on the WIFI. It wasn't uncommon for the Brit to have a ton of text messages - mostly from his family, friends or well, Luke. Lots of emails weren't abnormal, too, but the amount of Twitter and Instagram notifications shocked him quite a bit. Tom didn't even know why. With a frown, he opened Instagram and saw the dozens of comments underneath his last post. His eyes scanned the said comments, reading what the people had to say. The lot of them were pretty much the same, coursing around one specific topic... Your relationship.

'Tom and Y/N are really together now???'

'You and Y/N are such a sweet couple!'

'They are together? Really? Oh god no...'

'Well... Better than Taylor.'

It was utterly confusing to Tom. Why did the whole world suddenly know about this? They were so careful and adamant to keep this private, because they both knew how toxic the social media and press could be, and now that? But then he stumbled across the next comments...

'I knew the rumours were true and now we have the proof!'

'I don't think they meant to make this public... It was an accident.'

'C'mon, guys! Let 'em be! They seemed so happy in that video!'

Proof? Video? What were they talking about? The answer to his question got literally slapped into his face, as soon as he opened Twitter. The actor's explore tab was literally flooded by snippets of the TikTok livestream the team's PR had been filming yesterday. Tom couldn't help but to click on one of the posted videos, causing his eyes to widen in shock. In the scene could be seen Colleen, of course. She was talking about the movie and set. Everything seemed normal, but then... She turned to face the trailers and suddenly two people appeared in the background, dressed in normal clothes, hugging and kissing each other. The Brit's eyes widened in shock. The two people were you and him. There was no mistaking. It was as clear as daylight and completely obvious. Yours and Tom's face clearly recognisable. "Fuck..." Tom cursed under his breath and squeezed his eyes shut. How could you and him be so... reckless? You both acted headless, knew very well that your PR agent was going to make a sightseeing tour through the set. Colleen definitely wasn't the one to blame for this... You and Tom had brought this upon yourself, being the two idiots in love you were. But one thing was certain... You were absolutely not going to like this. He just hoped that the world was kind to you now...

"Y/N?" Tom knocked gently on the bathroom door, after he had heard you getting up over an hour ago and heading for the bathroom. It wasn't unusual for you to take your time in the morning, but that you didn't come out after such a long time, started to slightly worry him. He received no answer. "Darling, are you alright?" Still no answer. "Can I come in?" No response. Tom pondered on what to do. Usually, he wouldn't just invade your privacy, despite the fact that he was your boyfriend, but this had something to do with respect - at least that was what the Brit thought. But now, that he didn't get an answer and didn't know if you were okay or not, he was conflicted. When he was on the verge of just turning around and walking away, he suddenly heard some muffled cries, coming from the inside of the room. That was when Tom threw his 'good manners' of respecting privacy over board for once and literally stormed into the bathroom. He found you sitting on the floor, leaned against the heater. You were hugging your legs to your chest and had your face buried in your thighs. You were audibly crying; sobs wrecking your delicate body - and suddenly Tom had a very bad feeling.

He approached you cautiously, slowly - not to startle you and squatted down in front of you. "Y/N, love..." The worried Brit addressed you in a gentle voice; almost whispering. "What's wrong?" Tom then asked and placed a big hand on your side, stroking with his thumb over the clothed skin there. You didn't answer him right away. When you noticed his presence, you literally lunged forwards to hug him, almost causing the man to tip over, but he caught himself and you, wrapping you up in a tight embrace. He sat down on the floor, with your body clinging to him like a koala to a palm tree. Hot tears started to wet his bare skin, as you buried your head in the crook of his neck. "T-They know, T-Tom..." You mumbled. "T-They know..." The man knew of course exactly what you meant. "I know, love, I know - and I'm so sorry." Another sob wrecked your body, as the next wave of tears rolled down your cheeks at the dreadful thoughts, running through your mind. It was like a déjà-vu for you... The publicity was getting whiff of it, it was raining mostly hate comments and the press criticised you - and in the end destroying everything, ruining whatever it was for you. It seemed like everything you did and every decision you made was a thorn in the publicity's side. No matter if professional or personal, you always seemed to do the wrong thing. It was like a curse. Perhaps it was, who knew?

"T-They are going t-to destroy it, T-Tommy... T-They are going t-to destroy us, I k-know it. It's always the s-same." You felt how your boyfriend vehemently shook his head. "No, they won't destroy this; us. They won't. I'm not going to let it happen, okay?" Now you were shaking your head. "They always do. It's j-just a matter of t-time." "No, Y/N. Not this time. What we have is wonderful, good... The publicity just needs to accustom to this. To us starring in a film together and falling in love in real life as well. They have to accustom to this, because I won't let you go." His words felt so warm and loving and promising. Your head didn't want to believe him, but the problem was, that your heart did - and that was your mind's downfall. "R-Really? Y-You think?" Tom nodded and pulled back to look into your red, glassy eyes. "Yes." He said with a soft smile, cupping your cheeks. "You're mine now - after all these years, you are finally mine and you'll always be." At those words your heart almost bursted from all the love you felt for this man. "I love you, darling." A soft smile grazed your lips. "I love you, too." Over the next days you purposefully stayed away from social media, distancing yourself from the toxic environment. Tom told you to - and it was the best decision. Although, you struggled at first a bit, having the urge to know what the people thought of you, especially after the lot of tabloids had released several photos of that TikTok livestream as well. But you made it and this 'detoxification' was like heart-balm. Your mind started to align with your heart, believing for the first time that this could really work out. Tom's positivity got to you as well, after he had started to read at least one positive comment written under his posts every day.

The lot of the publicity received it favourably, but a haunting figure from your past didn't...

After almost two week of your social media deprivation, you decided to get back to it. By now, the fuss about your and Tom's relationship had died down again. Sure, there were always people who had something to say, but it was much less than two weeks ago. Another thing Tom told you was to ignore the hate and not even bothering to read those comments. They weren't worth it, he had said. "Focus on the positivity and kindness of the people." That was a difficult thing for you as well, but you tried so hard and, in the end, mostly made it to not give a fuck. Things were suddenly looking better and you dared to say that you have never been this happy in a long time. Unfortunately, the next mistake was quickly made… A post. You just had the feeling to do this, because of all the lovely comments Tom had presented to you. The majority of his fans seemed to love and accept you, therefore you decided to do this. Be brave, you thought. Show the people that you're proud and happy and not ashamed.

Your mobile vibrated inside the pocket of your jeans, informing you about the incoming notification. You were currently sitting in the make-up trailer, so you had the time to check on it. Perhaps it was one of your brothers? Or your mum? It wasn't. Your face fell, when you saw the Instagram notification, telling you it was none other than Nate, leaving a comment under your post. You tried to resist the urge to read it, because you knew it was certainly nothing positive, but you couldn't. You had to know. So, you opened the app and made the next mistake to take a look...

'Screwing through the acting world now? Who's next after Hiddleston? Chris Evans? Andrew Garfield? Or maybe even Henry Cavill?'

You swallowed hard, felt the lump forming in your throat. Yes, Nate was your ex and an absolute asshole. You knew that you shouldn't give a fuck about his stupid and childish behaviour, but nevertheless... His comment didn't fail to hit you. Perhaps it was the fact how utterly sour this relationship had turned... From deeply in love to toxic hatred. But who knew? "Y/N?" You didn't even notice that Camille - your personal make-up artist called your name. "Y/N? You still with me?" You blinked and shook your head slightly. "Yes, sorry. I was in thoughts." "I noticed that. Everything okay?" You nodded, faking a smile. "Sure."

In fact, nothing was alright. His comment occupied you the whole day, 'causing you to just push yourself through acting today. Nobody noticed - except for one man... "Y/N?" Tom approached you after the scene he had just shot, wearing this incredibly tight suit he so often wore on set. You would praise the costume designers forever for this. "Hey." A soft smile graced your lips as you greeted him. "Is everything alright, darling? You seem to be so... absent-minded. Is something bothering you?" His handsome face was tinged with worry. A defeated sigh escaped your lips. You knew it was only a matter of time, until Tom was going to notice it. He always knew. He always noticed. "It's Nate... He commented the post I made a few days ago..." You could tell how Tom's demeanour immediately shifted. "What did he comment?" You took a deep breath, trying to hold back the upcoming tears. "Screwing through the acting world now? Who's next after Hiddleston? Chris Evans? Andrew Garfield? Or maybe even Henry Cavill?" You quoted Nate's comment; already knew it by heart. It had burnt itself into your memory. Tom scoffed in shock. "He commented that?" You nodded, unable to form words. "Who the hell does he think he is?! What a dick. I'm going to-" "No, please, no." You interrupted your boyfriend. "Whatever it is you wanted to say... No. When I learned one thing in the past months, then to better not hit back at him. Ignoring him is the best. Annoys him the most." Tom's oceanic blues pierced your Y/E/C ones. "Are you sure about this, darling?" Once again you nodded. "Yes. I-I'm just going to delete it." Now it was your boyfriend's turn to nod. "Alright..." You swallowed hard and looked away, not able to face Tom any longer. Nate's comment probably hurt you more than you thought... Mere seconds later, you felt two strong hands on your upper arms, gripping them gently. "Hey... Don't listen to him, darling. Don't let him get to you. He's a jerk. A jealous, frustrated, childish jerk. This utterance is absolute shit, and do you know why?" You lifted your head once again, glassy eyes facing him. "W-Why?" A sweet, soft smile appeared on Tom's face; love radiating in his blue orbs. "Because I will never let you go again." His words warmed your heart and lifted you out of your misery. He never failed to make you smile. Launching forwards, you wrapped your arms around him, literally clinging onto him. "Thanks, Tommy." You felt how he slid his arms around you as well, pulling you close. "Always."

Unfortunately, the small high didn't last long. Just as you crawled out of that dark hole again, you fell down the next, only two days later...

You and Tom had planned to have a romantic dinner tonight, since it was date night, but a short-term scheduled interview threw your plans over board. Instead of sitting in a cosy, private corner of a restaurant, with a glass of wine in your hands, you found yourself sitting on a director's chair with Tom beside you in one of the studios you were filming at. Great. Yes, you loved your newfound passion of being an actress, but you really wanted to go on this date tonight, since it had been all planned out, but well... Life just wasn't fair, right?

A camera was directed on the two of you and the seemingly friendly lady opposite you. "Tom Hiddleston, Y/N Hemsworth, thank you for joining me tonight for this interview. It's a pleasure to meet you." Both, you and Tom smiled. "Thanks for having us." He replied, speaking for both of you. At first the interview was pretty normal, involved the standard questions like 'How is it to shoot a movie with such a star-studded cast?' and 'How is it to work with Anne Miles as a director?'. The usual stuff. You wouldn't say you had fun with this interview, but you all shared a few laughs together. Though, at some point the interview turned, got weirder with every question...

"Tom, how is it to shoot with somebody who has absolute no acting experience?" Yeah... The question was directed to your boyfriend, but it wasn't like you didn't sit right beside him and could hear it. You didn't think that the lady meant no offense, but nevertheless left the question a sour taste behind. You couldn't deny that it didn't sting a bit - and yet... It was nothing but the truth, reminding you of your lack of experience. When Tom delivered his answer, you felt a bit like back in school, when two classmates were talking about you in front of you, not giving a shit that you were right there. Though, Tom was the one who replaced the sourness of the question with the sweetness of his answer. "I wouldn't say Y/N is entirely inexperienced. She stood in front of cameras before. As a professional surfer and model. She's from an acting family, so she knows how it works. I think it's in her blood as well to some extent. Of course, we all helped her along a bit, especially I, because I'm the male lead character, but Y/N learned very fast and she is doing an absolute great job." He looked over to you, giving you a soft smile, which you returned. "Thank you." The next question of the interviewer interrupted the small moment you had with Tom. "And you don't say this, just because she's your girlfriend?" The lady asked with a giggle. Was it meant to be a joke? If yes, both you and Tom didn't get it. He shook his head, stayed absolutely serious. "No. It was entirely a professional answer." Or perhaps the woman used it as a springboard to ask you and Tom about your relationship. "Alright. Speaking of it... You confirmed the rumours saying you are in a relationship. Congrats, first off." Tom and you just knew that sooner or later you were going to get pestered about being a couple. At the latest at the premiere of 'The Moralizer' and the following press tour. Well... Seems like the lady opposite you was about to start the ball rolling. "Thank you." You and Tom answered in union to her congratulations. You and him discussed as well, how you were going to react to such questions and what you were going to say and how much of your private life you were going to reveal - but you didn't see the following question coming. "Y/N, your last relationship isn't that far dated back and the split-up was - or well, still is very dramatic and heated. According to these circumstances, is the relationship you two share now really something serious or is Tom just another getaway?" Low blow. That question was a literal punch in the guts. Frustration and anger started to simmer in your veins. Why would everybody think you were using Tom just as a getaway? Oh right, because of your 'bad reputation' and your ex being an absolute wanker. And Tom? Was he nothing more than a getaway now for women? Well, a lot of people seem to think that after Taylor. What a complete bullshit, you thought. You were ready to yell at the woman in front of you, tell her and all those toxic people how things really were - but Tom stopped you and answered before you could. He reached for your hand, took it in his and stroked his thumb in a reassuring manner gently over the skin on the back of your hand. He felt how angered you were by this question, no doubt. "We won't answer this question, apologies. This is our private life and we would like for it to stay private." Tom played off the question as nice and polite as possible, stayed as cool as a cucumber - and you thanked your lucky stars for this. God forbid to think what you would have started with an emotional outburst... "Understandable. Thanks for taking the time to talk with me."

After the interview, Tom and you went back to his home; remnants of anger from that last question still coursing through your veins. "I can't believe that she really asked this..." You said, plopping on the couch beside Tom, into his awaiting arm, which he immediately wrapped around your shoulders. "I know, darling... Sometimes interviewers can be mean and ask way too personal questions. You just need to learn to play it cool." You sighed, snuggling closer against your boyfriend's warm and comfortable body. "Yeah... Something I definitely still need to learn." "Don't worry, love. You are going to learn it. It comes with time." "I hope so... You know, back when I was a professional surfer - and even as a model, nobody asked me such questions. Perhaps, because everything was picture perfect with Nate back then, I don't know... I mean, I always had some way, somehow a target on my back, but this... This is new... Thanks for helping me out of this." You felt how Tom placed a soft kiss on your head. "Of course, darling. Anytime. We're a team, remember? We are in this together." You looked up to him, smiling. Oh how much you loved that man. "Thanks, baby. I love you so freaking much." A low, sweet chuckle rumbled through Tom's chest. "I love you even more, Y/N."

Tagging: @crimson25 @kikster606 @huntress-artemiss @123forgottherest @lovingchoices14 @ozymdias @vbecker10 @coldnique @lokixryss @simplyholl @peaches1958 @lokibadguy @jennyggggrrr @stephenstrangeaddictions @holymultiplefandomsbatman @gigglingtigger @mischief2sarawr @mypsychoticlove @mochie85 @muddyorbs @ijuststareatstuffhereok89 @simping-for-marvel @lady-rose-moon @goblingirlsarah @kats72 @vickie5446 @buffyfan2833 @12-pm-510 @ladymischief11 @somewiseguy @woooonau @cabingrlandrandomcrap @alchemxx @honeyrydernot

[waywardstation]

Hey. I got cursed with sleepy today, so I wrote this thing about your Phione!Akari story.

Time was ticking down, surely and certainly toward the 48 hour mark. Ingo didn't know why his brain was fixated on that figure, specifically, but as it got closer and closer to two days, he found himself dreading more and more that he might never find Akari. Forty-six hours and--he went to check the sky, but the sun was already set, and Ingo couldn't judge the time from the moon or stars--some number of minutes. Was there a pokemon that could help him tell time, perhaps? The way that Probopass could always tell directions. Maybe someone in the Diamond Clan would know…

"Phi! Phi!" The little pokemon in Ingo's right hand squeaked again, and he hoped he hadn't been accidentally squeezing it too hard. It was squishy, and its body was slightly moldable in a way that made him think it was very fragile. It was like a little angry stress ball, except Ingo didn't know what a stress ball was. It was certainly angry, though, if he was reading its expression correctly.

The pokemon extracted itself clumsily from his hand and flopped toward his shoulder, standing for a moment in the crook of his elbow. It cried again, like clockwork, and the bright sound grated against Ingo's frayed nerves.

"Small passenger, please," Ingo told the pokemon. "Unless you can tell me what time it is, I must ask that you refrain from yelling. You might attract wild pokemon to our camp."

The camp was a little sheltered hollow near the base of Veilstone Cape, where Ingo had set an uncovered bedroll and scratched out a fire pit. But he was simply too anxious to do more than the bare minimum while Akari could still be out there, scared and hurt. To that end, Ingo had stayed out searching late into the day, and he had not even had time to gather wood for a fire.

He would have to settle for a cold dinner before he went out again. Ingo considered what he knew of the landscape, and which areas would be best to search next. With the light of the waning moon so thin, he would want to stay near the ocean, where it was more open, but there would be wild pokemon to contend with, especially if he went south, near Deadwood Haunt.

His own team was tired, and they had been searching for more than a full day. He couldn't ask them to battle in such a state--he would need to keep to safer areas while they had a chance to rest.

But Ingo was still frustrated with the slow pace of his searching. He felt his hand clench around nothing but air--the little pokemon had climbed up to rest in the shadow of his collar. He should have found Akari on the first day, and the fact that he had not chilled him to the bone.

"Phi!" the little pokemon repeated, right next to his ear. Ingo flinched.

"I am sorry," he said, as evenly as possible. "I have been neglecting you, small passenger. What do you need? How can I help you right now while I’m resting?”

The pokemon squeaked impatiently.

"Here, have a berry. You didn't take any of the sweet ones, so I've saved a sour sitrus for you." Ingo struggled to hide how his hand was trembling. That would be a combination of adrenaline and sleeplessness. It would go away once he found Akari.

The little pokemon looked up at him with big eyes, then back to the berry he was offering, then back to Ingo's face. It would have looked so cute and innocent if the pokemon's face wasn't scrunched in frustration. While it was looking Ingo in the eye, it very deliberately reached out one of its blunt, flipperlike hands, and swatted the berry from his grasp.

Ingo sighed. It had some kind of intelligence in its eyes, but mostly indignation. He should have been able to reason with it, but he couldn't figure out what the pokemon wanted. "You have to eat sometime," he told it. "We can try bitter berries next. Please understand, I wish I could devote my time to helping you, but I must find Akari first."

The pokemon squeaked at him again. "Phi!"

Ingo grabbed the pokemon with two hands and sat down in the dirt. Hold it gentle like hamburger, his brain told him, though he had no idea what that meant. "Please sit," Ingo said, as he placed the pokemon into the space left between his crossed legs. "I will--I will find Akari soon, and then she will be so glad to meet you. I'm certain she will want to catch you, and take pictures for her pokedex."

"Phi phi!" the pokemon pleaded. It stretched its little arms up towards Ingo's chest.

"I already tried giving you water, but you didn't drink it. And you had a chance to drink saltwater from the ocean as well, and you ignored that, too. What do you want?"

"Phi," said the pokemon. It flapped a flipper at its own body, then said, "phi phi!"

"If you would like to go, you can go," Ingo said. He uncrossed his legs so that the pokemon had an escape route, from his camp, but the pokemon stayed stubbornly by his side. it put its little hands on his leg, and the cold, clammy feel of moisture soaking into his pants briefly cut through his exhaustion. Ingo gathered the energy to stand up.

"Phiii!" The pokemon hopped up and down as he stood, arms stretched up, reaching like a child that wanted to be picked up. Ingo stooped and obliged it.

"Are you going to follow me while I continue to search? Or would you like to stay at the camp?" Ingo asked. The pokemon didn't offer any answer except to cling to his hand. "Very well," Ingo sighed. "Maybe you can protect me while I search near Aipom Hill. Though I haven't seen you use any moves."

The pokemon in his arms shook its head at him, and used one flipper to point at itself again. "Phi."

"Please, if I let you come with me, will you perhaps be quiet? You have been awake all this time, just as I have. Surely you must also be tired?"

The pokemon reached out to him, and he bent his arms and brought it close to his face to examine. "Is that a yes?"

The pokemon's expression became momentarily placid. Its eyes sort of looked like a human's instead of a pokemon's, though Ingo had no idea what its species normally displayed. It looked at him, laser focused, as though it was trying and failing to use telepathy.

Ingo met its gaze, unblinking, then the pokemon used one arm to slap him weakly across the face.

"Okay, I'm putting you down, now." He set it on top of the unused bedroll. His cheek felt wet in a way that was almost refreshing, but he didn't want the pokemon to think that he liked getting hit.

"Phi phi!" the pokemon said, quite unhelpfully. "Phi!" It used all of its strength to drag at the trailing end of his pant leg, and the tone of its squeaking cry was agonized.

"Are you trying to prevent me from leaving?" Ingo asked. "I have an important mission, passenger, and I will not give it up."

The pokemon shook its head and patted its hands against Ingo's knee, which was the highest spot it could reach. "Phi," it said, mournfully.

"Yes, I miss her very much," Ingo said.

"Phi, phi." The pokemon nodded its head.

Ingo had not seen it do that before. Was he hallucinating? He was certainly very tired. "Are you…also missing someone?" Ingo asked.

The pokemon squeaked, but he could not tell what it was trying to communicate. It used its arms to beckon him down towards the bedroll. He crouched down next to it.

"Phi," the pokemon said. "Phi." It patted him gently about his torso until Ingo got onto his knees, then it climbed into his lap.

"Is this an apology?" he asked, half-skeptical.

The pokemon chirped softly, the first quiet noise that he had heard it make. It settled across his folded knees and nuzzled its little face into Ingo's chest.

"Oh." Why was it acting sweet so suddenly? Why the change of heart? Ingo tried to puzzle out the pokemon's mysterious behavior, but he came up with nothing. If he was more awake, it would probably be easier. Ingo used one hand to stroke the long ribbonlike part of its head. Though the ribbon was watery blue and wet, it still felt soft. "Okay, that's very nice. Would you like to rest, now?"

The pokemon didn't make any noise, and it didn't move either, except for the soft tidal squish of its body, which was sort of like breathing. The entire front of Ingo's tunic was soaked, but the night was warm, and he barely felt it. It felt like most of the rest of the world was far removed from him at that moment, packed away where it could not hurt him. He tried to dig up his worry for Akari, but the feeling was blunted, somehow far away.

He blinked heavily and gathered the little pokemon in his arms. Its eyes were closed. "Good," he told it. "You go to sleep, and I'll keep searching."

The pokemon stirred back awake when he set it down on the blanket, and it clutched at his hand, cuddling it close. Oh, that was cute. Did it know what it was doing to him?

"Shh. Go to…go to sleep," he said, momentarily unsure whether he was speaking to the pokemon or to himself.

The pokemon made a little peeping sound as it hugged his hand. Ingo's eyes were so heavy.

"Okay," Ingo mumbled. "You win. Just a--just a quick nap." He laid down next to the little pokemon and felt his body relax. He could have sworn that it smiled back at him, but he was already asleep.

OP?? THIS IS SO SWEET ;-;

Ingo being so worried over Akari yet still trying to take care of this phione. Phione Akari being so frustrated with Ingo, before just relenting to appreciating her time with him, and trying to get him to rest. GAH!!

The way you wrote this really nailed now if you know it’s Akari, it’s obvious it’s her, but if you don’t, you would have no idea. SO GOOD!!

And the descriptions of a phione’s body, how it’s just this weird in-between of solid and liquid?? THATS SO COOL I love how you wrote it!!

And I love that several people now have had Ingo refer to Phione Akari as Passenger now, he’d probably just use that as her nickname until he realizes it’s Akari.

OP!! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR WRITING THIS!!! Absolutely in love with this writing, and I will be thinking about it forever ;w;

[alterchaos]

HEAVEN'S GATE

Time is running out. With the cursed flame barely at a flicker, will they be able to save their friend…

(cn: Fun Fact: this chapter was originally where the power of the world rings was explained since I hadn't written out the rest of the saga. It's been edited and updated to reflect the deeper story at hand now, but maybe I'll post the original sometime as a fun behind the scenes if enough of you want to see it.)

PREVIOUS CHAPTER: ANYTHING

NEXT CHAPTER: INSIDE THESE WALLS

Tap. Tap. Tap.

They were almost there.

Tap. Tap.

Then this nightmare would finally end.

Tap. Tap.

He would be okay. Then the two of them were going home, together, just like he promised.

Tap.

He had to be…for her sake…

Tap.

But…

What if…

Tap.

“Eve?”

Her eyes snapped in the direction of that voice, of the half-genie’s worried gaze piercing her very soul, threatening to unveil all of her deepest and most hidden fears. The human hadn’t even realized the wrinkles in her furrowed brow or the shallowness of her breaths or how she’d been intensely staring off into some great beyond…

Or that every nerve in her body was buzzing in panic, ready to jump right out of her skin..

“I-I’m fine…”

Liar.

“H-Hey, Sharah? I’ve been wondering: what do you plan to do when all of this is over and Sonic and I are back in our world?”

She needed a distraction.

The half-genie sighed but decided to fill that need anyway, “Well…I want to undo all of the pain and suffering that…Erazor…has caused to this world. I was thinking I could convince King Sharyar along with Ali Baba and Sinbad to help rebuild what has been lost, one sentence, one chapter, and one story at a time.” Her smile faded as she hung her head, “I will need the help since…without Sonic and the power of that ring…”

“Sharah…”

Sharah shook her head, smiling confidently at her newest friend, “No! It will be alright! I know now that my true power doesn’t come from that ring, but instead…” She held a hand over her chest, “...it comes from the wish deep within my heart. No lack of magic can ever take that away from me.”

Eve smiled cheerfully, putting her own hand over her chest in like, “‘Power’…’enriched by the heart’...” She felt a momentary surge of warmth wrap around her, as if her soul was enveloped by light itself, “I guess The Laws of Chaos still ring true, even across worl-”

“Th-Th-That’s…huff…Th-The s-spirit…haa…S-Shar-ah…pant huff”

That moment was over.

Panic threatened to overtake her as she turned to look at her best friend. The blue blur was hardly able to keep up anymore, let alone stand, his gaze shifting in and out of focus as if he was barely grasping what little strength remained to stay conscious. She was ready to give up fighting the urge to just run over and prop him up, which she knew would only make him feel worse than he already did, but she didn’t care. She had to-

A caring hand met her shoulder, gently squeezing in a soothing motion. Her terrified eyes met Sharah’s calm gaze.

“Look. We’re here. We made it to the sky palace’s gates.”

Eve hadn’t yet noticed the large, pearlescent gates lined with gold that towered right before them. Lying just behind was a large set of ornate doors donning the same design. Everything surrounding the trio seemed to be made of some amalgamation of glass and stone, a combination that defied all laws of physics, screaming disaster, and yet emanating an overwhelming sense of magic and wonder. The fading stars of the early morning glittered off the glass bridge beneath them and the pearlescent finishes on the architecture before them. 

It would have been a breathtaking sight if not for the evil that awaited them just beyond. 

Eve let out a tense breath, tears threatening to sting her eyes, “We….We made it….We’re so close…”

Sharah stepped forward, “I can open the gates. Prepare yourselves…” She held up her hands in preparation, a soft glow emanating from her palms as she commanded the pearlescent doors before her. The lock at its center clicked, a mysterious object falling to the ground at the duo’s feet as they slid open.

“Sharah…look.”

The half-genie frowned, “The ring of sadness…”

Eve bent down to pick up the purple relic, “How cruel would someone have to be to seal away their home in such a way…”

Sharah’s gaze fell. She rubbed her bangles for comfort, “Very…”

The human’s eyes flashed purple as she held it. A deafening silence washed over her as she stared ahead blankly, her mind wandering to that of her days as a child. She remembered it so vividly, her cries for her brother to help as she pulled against their grip.

Her brother…

She hadn’t thought about how sorely she missed him all this time. She’d been so focused on her life of endless adventures with her friends. 

She was selfish…

Pathetic…

Her mind wandered to her journey deep into Solomon’s domain, the catatonic hedgehog lying limp and lifeless in her freezing arms. She remembered the overwhelming despair she felt in facing a situation so similar to that of the final battle against Dark Oak. He’d been so willing to sacrifice himself…all to prove a point…and now…now she faced the grim possibility that she would return home alone. 

All alone…

Without Sonic…

“Eve?”

The girl with the golden hair jolted, not realizing the tears that were now pouring from her eyes. She began to wipe them, but they refused to stop. 

“I-I’m sorry…hic…I-I…I don’t know what-”

It was all too much.

Sharah watched in worry as she buried her face in her hands, consumed by the endless grief the ring stirred from deep within. She walked up to her, wrapping her arms gently around the human in a comforting embrace. Sonic, having regained some semblance of strength, slowly joined her. The three of them stayed like that for a moment, allowing the girl with the golden hair to feel safe as she released the tension she’d been holding in for so long. Sharah gently slipped the ring from her loosening grip, taking its effects upon herself as the girl continued to weep. Before long, she fell silent, slowly sinking to her knees as she averted her gaze in shame.

“I’m sorry…You wouldn’t have to carry all these rings if it weren’t for me…I’m so weak…”

Sharah knelt down beside her, Sonic opting to remain on his feet. If he went down now…well…

He wasn’t getting back up.

“Weak? Eve, being sad is not a weakness.”

“Sh-Sharah is…r-ri-ght…huff hnngh…” Eve looked up at him with wide, tearful eyes, “It’s…o-ok-kay t-to…haa…c-cry…”

“Eve…” Sharah placed a hand on her shoulder, “True sadness, more than any other emotion, is what gives us empathy. If we can cry for another and share in their pain, that is what makes our hearts truly worthy. And it is just as okay to feel that same empathy for yourself. Do not be ashamed of that.”

The girl with the golden hair searched her eyes in denial. She then looked back up at her best friend once more, watching as he half-smiled, half-grimaced, offering her a wink and supportive thumbs up. She looked back down.

No.

She didn’t deserve this.

Not yet.

Not when Sonic was suffering so greatly under her watch.

Eve looked back up, smiling as a few loose tears fell, “Thanks, you guys. I’ll…keep that in mind.”

Not until she could see them home…

Together.

The human’s brow furrowed as a curious thought entered her mind, “Sharah…would it…be possible…to wield all seven rings at once?”

The tan half-genie’s eyes widened in shock, “In theory…yes. In reality though…” Sharah closed her eyes in deep thought.

A twinge of desperation lined her features, “But if someone were to feel every emotion in balance-”

“At the intensity needed to harness that kind of power? What you’re suggesting is just- It is impossible. Remember what happened when you tried to wield two of them? Could you possibly imagine anyone who would feel such intense joy and sadness, or hatred and pleasure, both in perfect balance at the exact same time?”

Eve paused for a moment, a slight pang of frustration tugging at her heart. Some small part of her had hoped they could use such unimaginable power to take down Erazor once and for all.

“No. No I can’t.”

Sharah looked knowingly at her friend and sighed. She knew what was going through her mind and, honestly…

Some small part of her wished the same.

“H-Hey…huff…I-It’s…huff…a-a…haa…all g-gonna be…huff wheeze…a-alright…” Sonic put a shaky hand on his friend’s shoulder, offering an exhausted yet sincere smile of reassurance, “We-We’re…huff huff…g-gonna…huff…p-put a-a stop to h-him…huff wheeze…o-o-okay?” He fought to catch his breath before standing tall and doing his best to speak clearly, “T-Together…I-I p-p-promis-!?”

Too late.

Sonic’s eyes flew wide in shock as he stumbled forward, his hand sliding off his friend’s shoulder with no effort and falling limp at his side, the momentum of his stumble putting the rest of him in gravity’s grip as the wind carried him in one swift motion towards the glass bridge beneath his feet. 

She stared unmovingly, emotionless as all of this suddenly took place just before her eyes. It was as if chaos control had caused time itself to cease, the moment lasting what felt like hundreds. Her eyes met his, as he went down, both of them in complete shock.

Then her gaze shifted downwards.

She saw it.

She saw the flecks of red, orange, and yellow all dancing…

Up…

And more upwards still…

Until finally…

They disappeared..

What remained was a tiny flicker of light, so fragile even a gentle breeze seemed able to snuff it out.

To snuff out…

The…

FLAME!

THE FLAME!!!

Panic finally overtook her.

Time resumed.

“SONIIIIIIIIC!!!” 

She swiftly jumped up, wrapping her arms around him and keeping his now-limp body from crashing into the ground below. He didn’t even have the strength to be trembling anymore, though she certainly did. Fat tears blurred her vision, rolling down her cheeks in rapid succession and plopping onto his still figure beneath her. She leaned in to listen, terrified of what she may possibly not find. She could barely hear the slow and shallow breaths he could hardly muster, though the entire world could hear her rapid and shallow gasps for air, “NONONONONONO!!! SONIC!!! GASP SONIC PLEASE!!! GASP GASP P-PLEASE STAND UP!!! GASP L-LOOK AT ME!!! GASP PLEASE JUST LOOK AT ME GASP P-PLEASE I-I GASP I-I CAN’T-!!!”

Everything began to swim and sway as the lack of oxygen began to overwhelm her already-rampant mind. She didn’t know what to do. What could she do? She was so powerless it could kill her. What if he was wrong? What if he couldn’t-? What if they weren’t-? He promised! He couldn’t-! He was going to-!

“…d-dee………reaths…”

It was barely a mumble and yet, she heard him loud and clear.

Even now…

Even though he couldn’t stand on his own…

Even as he was moments away from death…

He still cared more about his friends.

He still fought for a purpose that went far beyond himself.

And her?

Here she was, standing strong and healthy, perfectly capable of carrying her friend the rest of the way and yet, she was the one being comforted as she just stood there panicking over what may or may not come to pass. There was still hope. He could see it, even in his fading consciousness. Her? 

She was ashamed of herself.

What did he even see in her that made him want to be her fr-?

“It’s not over.”

“S-Sharah…sniff hic”

The young half-genie gripped the limp hedgehog’s right arm, wrapping it behind her neck and holding his hand to keep him propped up. She shot Eve a serious, yet confident glance, “We still have time. We can- no. We will save him, but we have to hurry, and I can’t do this alone. I need your help. Please. You are the reason he’s made it this far. Don’t let fear and doubt overtake you when we are this close.”

“….s-she’s…………righ………..ve…..” Sonic lifted his head slightly to where his friend could just see the end of his weak smile, forming a low and loose thumbs-up with his free hand, drawing in a shaky breath with the small exertion, “…..elieve i-in…….y-you…..” His head and hand slumped back downward, a few more shallow, exhausted breaths escaping him.

The trembling, panicked human nodded shakily before grabbing the hedgehog’s other limp arm and following Sharah’s example. She looked up at the towering entrance, now fully open, ready to swallow them whole. Wiping away her tears, she looked on with a newfound sense of determination.

“A-Alright. Let’s go open that door.”

Then the two of them helped half-guide, half-drag their weak and limp friend through the glittering palace that lined the heavens, ready to face whatever awaited them at…

Hell’s Door.

CHAPTER END

[thealphashitter]

New Beginnings | Five x Male Reader | Chapter One

Sooo, first of all I've changed my name to Theo/Eddie and second, I'm so sorry I didn't post for so long BUT I've written the first chapter of FIVE IN HIGHSCHOOL so yeah. Anyways, here it is, the next chapter is gonna be Y/N'sV so I hope your excited for that. Also let's just assume that they stopped the apocalypse in season one and eve

How the hell did Five find himself here, standing in front of a high school with a backpack and a packed lunch with some study books in it. Allison and Klaus thought it would be best for at least one of their siblings to have had some sort of childhood experience of some sort. And for some reason they thought sending him to public school would do the trick.

Since he already was probably smarter than all of his teachers combined, they decided to just make him take a GED test and then send him off so he’ll only have to worry about making friends. Sure. Like that’s ever gonna happen. Every single person here are mindless idiots brainwashed by society to conform to some sort of authority figure and gaslit into thinking they were actually given a proper education whilst being spoon fed lies about how the world works and never actually taught how to operate semi-decently-

His train of thought cut off as he heard the sound of what he assumed was the bell for his first period.

Fuck.

He gathered up his thoughts and ran towards his first class as the rest of the remaining children began to pile into the building. He ran into the room and sat down in the only empty seat in the back of the class next to a window-seat kid. He drew a big sigh and set his bag next to his seat.

—---------------A few hours later—---------------

Five stared down the teacher from where he sat in the back of the classroom as they scrolled through their phone. The bell rang annoyingly in his ears as others started to get up and leave the classroom.

The teacher simply got up from his seat while looking at his phone and walked out with the other students and down the hall.

He watched as the teacher left his line of sight before looking back to the rest of the class.

Most of the other students had left the classroom by now except for one. It was the same one from all of his previous classes. The boy laid on his desk using his arms as a pillow. The boy shot his eyes open making direct eye contact with Five. A troubled expression took over the boy’s face before being replaced with one of indifference. The boy sat a bit further up in his seat but still very much leaning on the desk and looked Five up and down.

Five watched as the other bit his lower lip before his attitude turned very cheery. Five rolled his eyes and stood up. He narrowed his eyes at the other before letting out an impatient “What?”.

“Transfer student, right?” The boy said with a certain amount of smugness in his voice.

“Yes, what’s it to you?” Five said, his frown deepening.

The other seemed to light up at that. “The name’s Y/N, you from around here or just moved?”

“It’s… complicated.” Five said warily.

The other gave an understanding nod before speaking again. “So, you're gonna tell me your name or?”

Five took a moment, thinking the decision over. He couldn't tell him his name was Five, that would be a bit odd to the normal person. He hadn't really decided what his name was gonna be though anyway so maybe he should just stick with Five. Yeah, that sounds good.

“Five, like the number” Five said before getting up. He needed to get the hell out of this place as soon as possible.

“Well nice to meet you, ‘Five like the number’, very interesting name you got there” Y/N said with a small smile. “Yeah, good to meet you too” Five said offhandedly as he walked out of the classroom, leaving Y/N on his own.

Five needed some air after that conversation so after checking for people and cameras he spatial jumped out of the school and onto the roof. He blinked against the harsh sunlight, using his hand as a cover. He walked to the edge of the roof to watch his classmates walk out of the school. He decided to sit down and watch the people that looked like ants from this height walk around. A few of them gathered into little groups while most of them just went on their merry way down the street or to the bus stop.

Five looked to the cityscape surrounding him, relishing the cool, gentle breeze against his skin. The cool breeze and the warm sun created a nice sensation inside of him. Like two opposing flavors coming together to create a better one.

Five sighed, he knew he needed to get back home soon or the others would worry. He took a deep breath, stood up, took one step off the roof, and spatial jumped to his bed back home. Five looked around his room, he was going to need to do something to it as it was getting a little boring. He'd also have to figure out how to cover his calculations on the wall from when he tried to stop the apocalypse. He liked to ignore that part of his life, just like with the Commission and everything else related to those times in his life. Maybe suppressing those memories wasn't the smartest decision but it sure was the easiest so that's what he was gonna do.

Five took off his backpack, setting it on the floor beside his bed. He walked over to the door leading out of his room and took a deep breath, preparing himself for the mental exhaustion he was about to experience when he walked down those stairs.

Five opened the door, and immediately heard some 2000s alternative music playing faintly from the kitchen. Five walked out, closing the door behind him as he walked down the hallway, stairs and made his way through a labyrinth of a house toward the kitchen. Maybe he could go make a peanut butter and marshmallow sandwich, he thought.

Five walked into the kitchen and the music was exponentially louder than it was before. By the island was Diego reading a cookbook while Klaus was dancing around the kitchen in one of Allison’s dresses. It was a bit short but luckily he had shorts on underneath. Klaus noticed him and immediately stopped dancing. He walked over to Five in a way that you could only describe as a saunter as he opened his arms wide to try and embrace Five. “My dear baby brother, how was your first day at school” Klaus said as he approached. Five quickly bit back and spoke in a stern voice. “It was hell, and you better not try and give me a hug now.” Five spatial jumped out of Klaus’s reach to where Diego was sitting. “I see your finally getting in touch with your heritage.”

Diego rolled his eyes before speaking. “I was always in touch, I'm just getting more in touch. So, how was your day at school?” Five turned his back to him and walked toward the cabinet holding the marshmallows. “It was fine, there was this one kid who was always sleeping, no matter what class we were in. Oh and did I mention he was in all of them? What kind of weird coincidence is that?” Five said as he got to work making his sandwich.

“Awww, sounds like the start of an epic highschool romance! Speaking of romance, what are you into anyway? Girls, guys, nonbinary pals?” Klaus asked with too much enthusiasm for Five’s liking. “I believe that my sexual interest in different human beings is not something that you need to know.” Five said with a slight tone of disgust in his voice.

Five liked to keep anything of that part of his life private. Besides, it was another one of those things he didn't like to think about.

“Well I think it would be good for you, maybe you two wouldn't become lovers but maybe friends?” Klaus said as Five rolled his eyes at that. “No way in hell. I'm already being forced to go to that stupid place, I don't need to try and ‘socialize with kids my age’ because if you forgot, I'm 57 years old and if I wanted to do that I'd go to a strip club.” Five said before taking a bite of his sandwich. He turned around and set his plate on the island as he went to the wine cabinet. Five needed to have a drink after his very uneventful day. He poured himself a glass and made his way toward the exit. “I'm going to my room, if any of you need me, you don't” Five said as he walked out of the kitchen.

‘Dear whatever the fuck this is.’ Five started, unsure of what to do. ‘Dear Diary’ felt too cliche for his taste.

‘well, today was uneventful. I am being forced to participate in high school and it is absolutely infuriating. I can't do any of the work they give us so I just sit there for eight hours doing nothing. There is this one kid that is in every one of my classes which is strange, and yes that includes the electives. What kind of weird ass coincidence is that? He even had the nerve to make fun of me too as I left. Who does he think he is? I'm surprised he didn't recognize me by name, then again it had been years since The Umbrella Academy was a thing, he must be pretty young.’ Five wrote down. He chewed on his pen a bit before deciding to change clothes and go about town.

HEY SORRY ITS NOT LONG BUT EXPECT ANOTHER ONE SOON

[cyber-cry-baby]

Miasma pt. 10 "Back home"

Caustic x fem reader Words: ~800 Warnings: none Previous chapter | Next chapter

"I am so thrilled that we are a team. Time to break some hearts", Loba grinned, watching as you paced restlessly back and forth. You nodded in agreement. You felt victorious. It was great to have someone in your team whom you had already grown close to. Your teamwork could reach a whole new level.

"And with our tracking skills combined – we will slátra our enemies”, Bloodhound declared from under their mask. Your team was strong, and you had spent the whole week preparing for this moment. Practicing at the firing range and fine-tuning your equipment had boosted your confidence.

This game had a massive following, and winning would mean a lot. You briefly imagined a life as a famous legend, but more importantly, you wanted to see your progress and skills in action today.

When it was time to jump, you, as the jumpmaster, led your team to victory.

*

Outside of the games, Leni and Sierra were your best friends. After your victory three days ago, you were excited to meet them again and decided to take a short vacation in your hometown. The city felt familiar and comforting.

"Do you see how everyone's looking at you?" Sierra grinned, and you glanced around. People seemed to recognize you.

"Well, the last game was really something!" Leni added. You hoped they'd keep it down, not wanting to draw too much attention, but secretly enjoying the admiration.

"By the way, what's my favorite legend, Mirage, really like?" Sierra asked as you all sat down in a noodle restaurant. "You are my second favorite - of course!"

"He's great, fun to be around, one of my close friends", you replied with a smile.

"Can you set up a date for me and Mirage?" Sierra asked, dreamy-eyed.

"I actually really like Loba", Leni sighed. You went on to describe your fellow legends and the fun times you had together. You painted a rosy picture of your life, which was mostly true except for a few things. You didn't mention Alexander at all. You hadn't seen him in over a week, not in the game or anywhere else.

X hadn't contacted you either. You had been so focused on practicing and preparing that you hadn't thought about your operation Miasma. Now, you wanted to enjoy your vacation before returning to your routine. Dealing with Alexander was on your mind. You felt the need to do something about it. As you looked at your laughing friends, you wondered if Syndicate might harm them due to your performance not meeting their expectations. That was a troubling thought.

You knew you had to continue gathering information when you got back. You also wanted to know Alexander's thoughts. Was his previous action genuine or just part of some twisted game?

"And what about Caustic? Have you interacted with him?" Sierra asked in a hushed tone.

You almost choked on your noodles. The timing was uncanny.

"He's... different", you said honestly, quickly changing the subject to your friends' updates. Soon, an outsider approached for a photo, recognizing you as a legend. It felt odd but you happily posed for the picture. Your friends were overjoyed. It saddened you that you couldn't share your truth with them. They only saw the surface. They didn't know about the constant danger you faced, potentially putting them in harm's way.

(You also couldn't tell them about your secret fantasies involving Caustic. They wouldn't understand.)

Later that evening, you were on Leni's couch watching a movie with your friends. It felt like a taste of normal life. The city's neon lights reflected on the window, giving you a sense of belonging.

You chatted about everyday things, relishing the company of normal people dealing with regular problems. Talking about their issues grounded you amidst your own troubles.

Then, a message appeared on your phone:

'Your friends are charming; it would be unfortunate if they found themselves in trouble.'

Reading those words made your face go pale. Another notification followed:

'I assume that next week, you'll provide me with new information.'

A lump rose in your throat. Here you were just lounging around, putting your friends at risk. Should you have taken this information gathering operation more seriously? You hadn't made any progress at all. In secret, you had hoped that Syndicate would realize you were of no use and forget about you. But they were wicked men who enjoyed blackmailing and intimidating. You weren't getting out of this easily.

'Yes, I'll have new information next week'

You typed the message with trembling hands. What had you gotten yourself into? On the other hand, you had bought yourself some crucial extra time. You just needed to accomplish something soon.

For real.

[hisadoringkitten]

15 days...

We got officially approved for the apartment!!! I can't wait to start my life with you! I only wish I could enjoy the excitement more, he's making things so difficult for me here.

I hate his days off. He accomplishes nothing, is making no progress towards the move at all, and he's now making it incredibly uncomfortable for me to be around. I feel banished to the bedroom. And it's not like he's spending quality time with the kids. They played minecraft all day yesterday.

He keeps trying to start fights with me, too. Got all pissy when I interrupted his guitar playing, snapped at the kids too. He kept saying he needed to write his new song so he could get on the radio and be famous. *rolls eyes* he's not that good and nowhere near dedicated enough but whatever. Then he was trying to start shit when I was telling my daughter we should cut a few inches off her extremely long hair because she was having a hard time getting a brush through it. He used it as an opportunity to throw digs at me about not having trimmed the dog's nails. When I reminded him that I've asked him to find the clippers or buy new ones for months, suddenly he knew exactly where they were and threw them at me.

He went out and took a coworker out for drinks. I asked him to let me know when he was leaving, and he did not. Of course. I'm over it. If he wants to make things ugly, that's fine. I'll stay in my room and work on trio stuff and read my book or go out to not have to deal with him. I won't be drawn into the drama. I had to take my laptop out of the living room because he was setting drinks on it so I took the rest of my things out of there as well, including my good chargers he's been using. I'm so over it... 15 days.

You had a rough day yesterday, too. Bad dreams and tension with your wife combined with a bunch of recent triggers around your ex had you not okay. I hate seeing you struggle like that. I am so grateful you called, and we talked about it. It seemed to help you, at least a little. I can't tell you what it means to me that you come to me when you're not okay, that you trust me and confide in me, that you lean on me and allow me to lighten your load, if only just a little. It also allowed us to talk a bit more about the coldness and distance I hadn't expected from you on the trip. We even came up with a safe word for when you're struggling with it, so I know and am not left wondering what I did wrong. In all things, you're so considerate and good to me. I hope you feel the same. You put such a high priority on balance, but you always seem to do so much more for other people than they do for you. I don't want to be among them. I want to show you the kind of love you show others, thoughtful, considerate, going above and beyond to make them happy and cared for.

Offering myself to you was the best decision I've ever made, and it's been so much more than I realized it would be when I did. I keep coming back to the concept of worship because it's the closest thing I can find to what captures it. Being yours, I've become so wholly dedicated to you, to your path for me, for us. It's not just some infatuation and excitement about the sex and play (not that I'm not incredibly excited about that, too)... it's the deep bond, the dynamic between us, the fact that you've already done so much to EARN my trust and devotion. I thought I knew what it meant when people spoke of Doms earning and being worthy of the submission they're given, but you take it to a level I had never dared to even dream.

I've been molded before into the type of sub my Doms wanted, fulfilling their fetishes and desires. It's different with you. You're molding me into a stronger person, healthier, more capable, and confident. You're pushing me towards MY goals and dreams and fitting them into your own. It astounds me. I've always felt like the lifestyle meant more to me than to a lot of other people, that the dynamic I craved was rare, if not a thing of fantasy altogether and here you are, exceeding even that.

So yes, worship it is until I find a better word for it. To the absolute best of my ability, I will show you the devotion and dedication you so deserve. I will forever seek perfection in my service of you, will always work to further your plans and goals, will strive to always deepen our bond and connection and cherish the life you've given me. I will not squander the opportunities and guidance you provide, nor will I allow our balance to go unchecked. I will forever seek new and better ways to provide for you a submission worthy of your Dominance. A love that rivals your own.

Thank you, Sit. My gratitude knows no bounds.

[eienshi09]

Ula'ula Island

This was where the Trials started becoming more of a challenge if you're unprepared. Sometimes even if you ARE prepared, they can take you by surprise. The Totem Battles in this game were definitely a bit harder over the base game. Nothing insurmountable but with a higher level and better coverage and allies, they do require some strategy if you want to take them on at level parity or below. Also by this point in the game, I was rotating through enough Pokemon that even with Exp. Share on, nothing is over-leveled. In fact, save for when I trained the team to match Totem Mimikyu's level, I was 1 to 3 levels behind every other major fight. That said, I don't think the game itself is much more difficult than the average Pokemon game, especially if one were to stick with mostly the same team. I just found that, by using a wide range of Pokemon, I got a bit of an unexpected though not unwelcome challenge.

Anyways, play by play on the Trials below the cut.

After a brief detour to the Aether Paradise, I disembark on Ula'ula and set to exploring Malie City and the surrounding routes. Once I escort Lillie to the library, I challenge all the trainers on Routes 11 and 10 then take the bus up to the Hokulani Observatory. There, I take the time to fight all the trainers on Mt. Hokulani for what I thought would be some extra experience. Having cleared out 3-and-a-half areas' (counting the Malie outskirts) worth of trainers, I figured it's high time to do the Trial. In my haste, I forgot to switch around my team and go into Sophocles's Trial with the following team: Vela the Noibat, Oort the Alolan Grimer, Bellatrix the Tsareena, Tucana the Toucannon, Makemake the Ribombee, and Berehynia the Araquanid. Sophocles's Trial is the electric-type Trial. You can start to see the problem at hand. Not only that, but because this was the catch-up team, they were all around level 30 save for Noibat and Grimer who were at 36. So not only is half the team sporting an electric weakness, we're about 3 levels under the Totem Togedemaru.

This was going to be a tough fight. Noibat got outsped and knocked out by the Totem immediately and couldn't even get off its U-Turn to switch into something else. I then sent in Grimer, thinking he would be okay to tank a hit or two with Eviolite and hit back with Fire Punch. He ran into Toge's Spiky Shield on his first attack but did manage to do a couple of (much weaker than I'd've thought) hits before falling to the combined attacks of the Totem and its ally Skarmory. At this point, I was not sure what to do. Toucannon and Araquanid are weak to the Totem's Zing Zap while Cutiefly, though fast enough to get off a hit, is weak to the Toge's Iron Head AND Skarm's Steel Wing. My best bet was then Tsareena since I hadn't seen a Flying move from the Skarmory. She came in and tries to Low Sweep Togedemaru since it should be Super Effective. It dodged the hit by using Bounce! At this point, I didn't think this battle could be salvaged, but I persisted and went into my bag and, for the first time ever in all of my Pokemon playing, used an X Defend. If this doesn't let Tsareena survive the hit, then we're wiping. Miraculously, at +2 Defense, she took the hit and a Steel Wing as well! I healed her up and we begun a battle of attrition. I tried to time my attacks to dodge Spiky Shield and Bounce and healed whenever Tsareena got under half. To make matters worse, the ally Skarmory had Torment and Tailwind, making us have to alternate between Trop Kick and Low Sweep all while keeping Totem-maru faster than us even with a couple of speed drops. I chose to focus on the Totem because the other possible ally was an unknown factor and I did not want it to throw a wrench into this already precarious but managed situation. It took awhile but after enough Attack and Speed drops, I got to a point where Tsareena was relatively safe (barring a Crit on Bounce) and it was just a matter of chipping down Togedemaru.

For the Ghost Trial, I went in much more cautiously since I knew Totem Mimikyu would start with an omni-boost. I don't remember exactly what I brought but i took in anything with a Dark or Ghost coverage move that wasn't itself weak to Ghost or Fairy. However, for all my caution, that was still not quite enough as, at +1, Totem Mimi's Play Roughs hit like a truck and also outspeeds my entire team. Not wanting to burn through another bunch of items, I wiped and got to planning while training everything up to level 35 to match the Totem. Luckily, in that first-go-round, I was able to Poison Mimikyu and learned that it carried a Lum Berry. With that knowledge, I was able to determine that Toucannon should, even if just barely, survive a Play Rough from Mimikyu. This means we can make Mimikyu use up its Lum Berry, break its Disguise, and--if we sacrifice Toucannon--burn it again with Beak Blast. With the burn, Centauri the Mudsdale only takes about a quarter from Play Rough instead of half, which, in combination with its Stamina ability, gives it the bulk to hit Mimikyu twice with Heavy Slam even after the ally Pokemon hits him. A much cleaner fight, and I even took an extra turn to Revive Toucannon for the exp.

The rest of the island wasn't much issue, but by the time I'd gotten to Guzma, my team was starting to get outleveled again so his Goliospod and Pinsir hit rather hard but were manageable due to a few of my team dropping rocks on them. Then with only a fight against Gladion inbetween, I found I was about 2-3 levels under Nanu's team but was able to power through with Choice Specs-boosted Pollen Puffs from Ribombee after Toucannon dealt with Nanu's Sableye.

On to the Aether Paradise (again)!

[overwhlcmed]

☁️ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ─────────────         imani   wasn't   all   too   pleasant   to   be   around   then.   her   usual   genial   smile   and   dulcet   tone   had   been   drowned   out   by   exhaustion   manifesting   itself   as   anger;   an   accumulation   of   every   bad   feeling   she   tried   to   ignore   finally   bubbling   its   way   to   the   surface.   it   was   an   uncontrollable   sort   of   rage   that   imani   didn't   know   how   to   handle.   her   way   of   self   regulating   her   emotions   was   to   keep   it   to   herself;   cry   when   she   needed   to,   deep   breaths   when   crying   wasn't   enough,   and   self   isolating   when   the   combination   of   the   two   hadn't   worked   either.   it's   not   that imani   thought   her   way   was   the   most   healthy,   but   it   was   the   only   way   she   knew.   growing   up,   there   was   never   anyone   there   to   hold   her   hand   and   tell   her   feelings   were   valid,   that   it   was   okay   she   felt   the   way   she   did   and   no   one   to   teach   her   how   to   move   past   it.   like   most   things,   she   taught   herself.   she   did   the   best   she   could   with   what   she   was   given,   and   in   her   adulthood   continued   to   try   to   do   her   best   to   make   a   difference.   though   she   never   said   it   out   loud,   imani   hoped   to   impact   even   just   one   life   the   way   she   wished   someone   would   have   impacted   hers.   it's   why   the   vandalization   hurt   so   much;   its   discovery   wouldn't   just   affect   her   but   the   people   she   was   trying   to   help.   it   broke   her   heart   to   think   of   the   look   on   their   faces,   or   any   hope   for   something   in   their   life   to   be   different   to   falter.   maybe   more   selfishly   it   broke   her   to   think   that   all   her   work   was   insignificant.   that   despite   her   best   efforts,   she   was   still   insignificant.

         the   shadow   that   lowered   itself   beside   her   was   unexpected.   the   harsh   scrubs   against   the   pavement   came   to   a   slow   stop,   and   imani   watched   akira   roll   up   his   sleeves   and   set   to   work   on   a   task   she   never   would've   asked   him   to   do.   as   his   suggestion   rung   out   guilt   was   added   to   the   searing   blend   of   emotion   and   her   features   softened   into   something   much   more   apologetic.   imani's   body   rose   up   to   rest   on   her   heels   once   more   as   his   words   rung   out;   her   head   already   shaking   no   before   he   could   complete   his   suggestion.   ❝   you   don't   have   to   do   that.   ❞   she   reminded   gently,   almost   fearful   of   what   his   reaction   would   be.   ❝   i   wasn't   trying   to   guilt   you   into   helping   or   anything,   this   isn't   your   fault.   ❞   another   reminder �� she   should   probably   share   with   herself   but   instead   her   focus   remained   on   him.   ❝   why   would   you   want   to   help   me   ?   ❞   the   confusion   is   clear   in   her   tone.   it's   not   that   she   believed   akira   to   be   a   bad   person,   that   was   the   furthest   thing   from   the   truth.   she   thought   the   world   of   the   man,   envisioned   futures   for   the   two   of   them,   but   imani   was   just   another   face   in   a   sea   of   bodies   to   him.   not   even   a   side   character   in   the   story   of   his   life,   hardly   a   recurring   guest,   much   more   of   a   continuity   hire   set   in   place   to   make   sure   the   routine   wasn't   jarring.   it   also   didn't   help   that   she'd   just   bit   his   head   off   for   walking   on   the   sidewalk.   ❝   i   was   just   so   horrible   to   you,   i'm   sorry.   and   now   your   hands   are   all   dirty...──   ❞   voice   trailed   off   as   her   head   dipped   and   she   begun   searching   for   hand   sanitizer   to   help   get   his   hands   clean.   ❝   i   shouldn't   have   spoken   to   you   like   that,   i   don't   know   what's   wrong   with   me.   i'm   so   embarrassed.   ❞

*˖ ⊹     the  tense  expression  that  paints  akira’s  face  only  deepens  as  imani  turns  to  snap  at  him,  her  words  sharper  than  he’s  used  to  hearing.  truthfully,  he  watched  her  for  a  while  from  across  the  road,  trying  to  piece  together  what  exactly  she  was  doing  hunched  over  the  sidewalk  like  that  with  what  looked  like  a  yellow  kitchen  sponge  and  bucket.  unfortunately  the  reality  of  the  grisly  scene  became  increasingly  clear  as  he  approached,  and  so  did  the  fact  that  she  was  cleaning  the  stringy,  gooey,  orange  mess  that  litters  the  steps  on  her  own.  there’s  a  twinge  in  his  heart  that’s  small,  but  noticeable,  one  that  carries  his  feet  right  to  where  she’s  cleaning,  and  he  intends  to  catch  her  attention  before  he’s  standing  right  before  her,  but  he  doesn’t.  instead  the  small  movement  of  his  shoe  bumping  hers  seems  to  send  her  into  a  spiral,  and  while  he’s  used  to  imani’s  longwinded  sentences,  he  feels  like  this  time  it’s  different.  the  usual  airy  tone  of  curiosity  he’s  grown  to  know  her  for  has  been  decimated.  imani  is  upset  ──  no,  frustrated  ──  in  a  way  akira  hasn’t  seen  her  before.  he’s  both  speechless  and  concerned  as  her  request  for  him  to  turn  and  go  back  the  way  he  came  rolls  over  him,  and  it  takes  time  for  him  to  process  what  she’s  said  before  he  can  react.  

since  he  doesn’t  get  the  chance  to  say  something  before  she’s  turning  her  attention  back  to  the  steps,  he  settles  on  the  idea  that  his  best  course  of  action  is  to  not  speak  at  all.  with  slow  movements,  akira  lowers  his  bag  to  the  ground.  his  hands  make  quick  work  of  rolling  up  the  sleeves  of  his  shirt  ──  and  then,  without  saying  a  single  word,  he  drops  down  to  one  knee  beside  her.  he  doesn’t  look  at  her  as  he  starts  scooping  up  chunks  of  pumpkin  guts  into  his  hands,  grimacing  at  the  slimy  feeling  as  they  slip  through  his  fingers  but  reaching  to  discard  them  in  the  bushes  beside  them  anyway.  “  if  you  have  a  second  sponge,  “  when  he  finally  speaks  his  voice  is  soft,  delicate,  reassuring,  and  he  raises  his  gaze  to  study  her  for  a  brief  moment  before  it  returns  to  picking  the  sturdy  white  seeds  from  the  crime  scene,  “  i  can  start  at  the  top  and  we  can  meet  in  the  middle  ?  “