#IT WAS LIKE A SILENT AGREEMENT TO MAKE HIM WAIT OUTSIDE WITH APRIL

[angelmichelangelo]

yes i am fine

(i am actually not fine because i’m thinking about that scene in tmnt 2012 where they get back to ny after the farmhouse arc and they don’t know if splinter is alive or dead yet, and so when they get to the lair they make mikey wait outside whilst they scope it out and it was probably because if splinter had been killed they probably didn’t want him to see his father’s dead body)

[integra1127grimmreaper]

The Replacement - Part thirty-three

Negan Masterlist

Series Masterlist

Part 32

Warning: violence

Negan was extremely anxious as they followed behind Gabriel and Aaron in search of Maggie and Daryl. Coming to the entrance of a room in the abandoned building; his anxiety multiplied when Gabriel jerks his weapon up suddenly at the presence of someone in the room, immediately lowering it with a sigh of relief.

"Look who we found..." he remarks as you and Negan enter after Aaron.

A shocked Maggie looks behind you and Negan, "where's Hershel?"

"His with Elijah, Annie and the others. He's hidden and safe" you answer reassuringly.

"He's good, Maggie" Negan assures her.

"We're here to take out shithead and the dick-brigade."

"I understand you being here" Maggie replies, looking toward you then.

"But why are you here? It's too dangerous for a heavily pregnant woman to be in the middle of this."

"My fighting abilities may be limited but I could be the perfect distraction for an ambush" you retort confidently.

Maggie looks at you in disbelief, turning to Negan then, "you allowed her to come?"

"Not like I had a fuckin' choice" he grumbles out.

"Would have made her own way here if I didn't."

"Ya always were too stubborn for ya own good..." Daryl softly chuckles at you proudly nodding at Negan's words. Pointing out then.

"Besides, we might need her strategic brain."

"We should go back to the Commonwealth first, get our people out and then deal with Hornby together" Gabriel argues.

"No, Gabe. He probably already radioed back; you know that" Aaron points out as Daryl scans the outside from the window.

"Look, he knows us. We're never getting through those checkpoints."

"And if he has his people go after our families in the meantime?" Gabriel continues to argue. The two continue to argue for a bit until Daryl steps in.

"Wait, wait... Hold up, hold up" Daryl waves his index finger deep in thought.

"We can do all of this..." he points toward Negan then.

"They never seen your face before."

Negan silently looks at you for a response.

"Right... you saying, I just walk right on in there?"

"Yeah. That's exactly what I'm saying" Darly replies, looking to you then.

"Ya know it's good plan. Probably thinking about it too."

"It is" you nod in agreement.

"That's why I'm going too."

"No, you're not going" Negan hastily shuts you down.

"Only one of us needs to go into the belly of the beast. Hey..." he attempts to make you see reason when you shake your head in disagreement.

"I need you to be safe. Besides, I am fucked either way" smirking at you, Negan remarks then.

"Hey, ya not getting rid of me that easily..."

"Me being with would make them let us in even easier..." you argue as a last attempt.

"Any other time maybe, but with them being on high alert ain't guaranteed" Darly points out.

"It's too risky."

Negan gives you silent 'I told you so' look at Daryl's words, causing you to sigh in defeat.

"Ok, fine."

With a faint smirk, Negan gives you a silent wink, turning back toward Daryl with a more serious look then.

"Alright so, what's the plan?"

Negan waited passively in the interrogation room he had been led to after arriving at the Commonwealth gates, when a largely built man in bright orange armor entered.

After silently observing Negan as he rounded the table, the man enquires then, "You know me?"

"Yeah... word gets around in the wasteland" Negan remarks nonchalantly.

"So, no" the man comments.

"Friend told me about you" Negan replies.

"Said that I should ask for you when I came for... April. When I came looking for April."

The man instantly sits down at Negan's words then.

"Do you know what happened to her?"

Negan silently stares at him through narrowed gaze, "I think you asking me, means that it can't be good."

Mercer lips twitch, "why are you really here?"

Negan faintly smirks, "ran into some trouble. Some shirt-and-tie-wearing-shit and his clamshell-assholes he runs with."

Mercer pauses for a second, "get him some water, now", he orders the guard in the room with them.

"Alright, who sent you?"

"I think you know who sent me..." Negan responds.

"Daryl. So, listen... this Hornsby prick, he's been cutting us cup out there. And we're dealing with it. You see, the problem is, we got people in here to protect too."

"That's my job" Mercer comments.

"And yet, I was sent here anyway..." Negan smirks in response.

"I can't just let you in" Mercer retorts.

"We got rules here."

"Oh, rules...?" Negan purses his lips in thought.

"Right. Well, if no one else is playing by those rules, then why are you?"

"Charlie-whisky-actual, Charlie-whisky-actual, this is field unit Bravo..." a Commonwealth soldier attempts to make contact over the radio.

"Copy. This is actual, go ahead..." a response comes back.

"Actual. This is field unit Bravo, OTB, message from Hornsby as follows..." the soldier states but is interrupted by a sound coming from around the corner.

"Can you help me, please...?" you softly whimper while slowly staggering toward him as you clutched your stomach.

Caught off-guard for a second, the soldier stares at you in shock. Realizingly something seemed off; he goes for his gun but is stopped by Maggie stabbing him in the back.

"Told you; a pregnant woman would be the perfect distraction" you smugly remark as Maggie proceeds to destroy the radio.

After Mercer had allowed Negan into the Commonwealth, he had come across Jerry, who then took him to see Carol. Once Negan had let them in on what had been happening on the outside; they had devised a plan for insurance of the safety for those still on the inside.

"Alright, what are we looking for exactly?" Negan remarks, entering a filing room behind Carol.

"Uhhh, blueprints, schematics, plans for Union Station have to be here somewhere" Carol replies, beginning to search.

"Uh-huh, and what else?" Negan comments, stepping up to begin searching as well.

"The person that I'm looking for was in the building right before people started calling for his head. So, he may have stayed."

"So, he stayed and they're looking for him? Then he has one hell of a hiding spot" Negan remarks.

"Yeah" Carol responds as they continue searching.

"Yeah, did I tell you, I got married" Negan suddenly remarks.

Carol pauses for a second as she side-eyes him, "why are you telling me this now?"

"Well, I don't know, because... because she is out there, and she's carrying our child... and you know her."

Carol pauses for a second at his words, looking at him then, "Y/N? She left with you?"

Negan nods, exhaling heavily, "she's supposed to give birth anytime."

"It's gonna be ok" Carol assures him at seeing the fearful look for your safety on his face.

"Thank you" Negan responds.

"Yeah" Carol comments as they continue searching.

You, Gabriel and Aaron meet up with Maggie and Daryl again after having split.

"Anything?"

"He's dug in up ahead with half his men, we wouldn't get close" Gabriel informs them.

"The others are flanking us from behind..." Aaron adds.

"We should go east before they pin us in."

"Is there any way to get behind them?" Maggie enquires.

"Not without them spotting us" Gabriel answers.

"What if they never see us coming?" you state, eyes concentrated on the sewer grate a few steps from the hiding spot as everyone looks to you then.

Your group makes the descend into the sewers, Maggie being the final one down.

"You ok?" she walks up, when you placed your palms under your belly to relieve some weight off your back.

"Yeah, just you know..." you exhale heavily after releasing the hold on your belly.

"Yeah, I do..." Maggie comments understandingly, offering then.

"Do you wanna take a minute?"

"No, we should keep going" you shake your head, smirking then.

"Good thing my morning sickness is gone or I'd a goner with the smell."

A faint smirk crosses Maggie's lips at your words as she nods in agreement to continue.

Two Walkers slowly make their way toward yous but Daryl and Aaron quickly makes away with them, and everyone continues; making their way through a large opening on the side of the wall to looks to have been an underground hideout.

"That way and we'll come up right behind them" you point to the right. Another Walker suddenly appears and Daryl stares at it, then upwards.

"Maybe we can get them to come down here to use."

Maggie looks at Gabriel then, lifting his gun; he lets off a few shots into the air as everyone covered their ears. 

Part 34

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[kiljoius-writes]

Cordial Activities

Ao3 | FFN

Full YOTP Series Found Here

Pairing: Hanabi Hyūga/Konohamaru Sarutobi

Summary: Sometimes, pranks go too far.

April Prompt: Pranks

Word Count: 3.6k

Rating: T

During Naruto’s inauguration celebration, Moegi had made a drunken show of calling Udon hideous and Konohamaru stupid. From the moment they had started drinking ‘til the end of the day, she had bemoaned them as stupid, horrible, awful men that hated her and had tried her hardest to rope Hanabi into her man-hating brigade. Udon and Konohamaru had come to a silent agreement that they would have to get her back, but the business of life had swept them away and Moegi and Udon had taken off to the Sand to do seal research.

But now that they were back and all four of them were settled in as sensei to a brand-new class of genin, Konohamaru had decided it was high time to get her back. Usually, he has a good enough prank for Moegi, but his mind is…well, it’s frankly sapped of energy lately.

The best he came up with was sneaking into her house and rearranging her cupboard while she was on a mission. It wasn’t a bad prank. It always set her off, but this just wasn’t satisfying.

Then she kindly brought him tea from a nice, new café.

And it had hot sauce in it.

The next day, Konohamaru woke up with permanent marker on his face. Something no one told him until Hanabi pointed it out to him when he came to visit her.

Udon had drawn a fucking dick on his forehead. And he’d already walked through the village. The whole point of pranking Moegi was to get back at her together. Alas, Udon had been taking her side more and more lately as Konohamaru began spending most of his available free time with Hanabi. A war was on the horizon.

So Hanabi suggested hiding Udon’s glasses and replacing them with some of those cheap, reading-style ones. For the duration of a mission, he had been complaining that his glasses seemed scratched, or that he might need to go update his prescription. He even began to panic that he was developing some sort of eye disease, like glaucoma. He ended up falling flat on his face later on in the mission and the war was certainly brewing.

Later, on a day Hanabi was having a particularly bad time because not only had Wasabi picked a fight with Iwabee while on a mission that she got reprimanded for, Konohamaru had also been sent out on a two-week mission. She didn’t like to admit how much it made her miserable not to see his goofy face every day, and for two weeks no less. On that day, Udon hid inside of the janitor’s closet at the Academy, jumped out, and scared the shit out of Hanabi, and she instinctively closed one of his chakra points. A war had started.

It proceeds innocently enough, with Konohamaru sneaking into Moegi’s apartment to change all of her clocks in the middle of the night. Hanabi and Konohamaru wait with childish excitement outside of her apartment for her alarm to go off and hear her yell in exasperation. They hear banging around in her apartment as she scrambles to get ready, hear her complain, loudly, “Shikadai’s never gonna let me live this one down!” When her door comes flying open, Hanabi and Konohamaru skitter away, giggling.

A few days later, another mostly innocent prank. While on a solo mission on the outskirts of the Land of Fire to investigate some disturbance, she approaches the gates of the Grass. She gives the guards a bright smile and presents her identification. While they look it over for longer than normal, she tries to make casual conversation about the foliage and weather. They eye her suspiciously before giving her the ID back and informing her that traveling clowns do not have clearance to enter at this time. Alarmed, she snatches the ID from their hands and looks at it wide-eyed. An edited photo of her with clown makeup and a big red nose looks back at her, and her title of jōnin is replaced with ‘Hanabi the Hellion’.

The moment she returns, she seeks out Shino and cites an old favor he owes her, and requests some of his kikaichū. He’s reluctant but eventually relents, giving her strict instructions with some chakra pills for the bugs to nibble on. With three containers and three bugs, Hanabi makes her way to Udon’s home. With her byakugan, she confirms no one is inside, and uses the spare key to his apartment he keeps under a gnome by his door to get inside. She puts one container on the highest shelf in a cupboard in the kitchen, another under his bed, and the final one in the air vent of his bathroom. Konohamaru and Hanabi proceed to spend the next several days thoroughly amused by Udon slowly losing his mind, complaining of weird noises in his apartment. It all comes to a head when Udon discovers one of the bugs, takes it to Shino, and both Hanabi and Konohamaru are reprimanded.

The (supposedly) last straw is when Konohamaru brings Hanabi back to his apartment. They had just finished setting up some obstacles for their genin and were getting a little too touchy in public before Hanabi suggested they go somewhere more private. Konohamaru pushes them inside and makes quick work of tugging at her shirt. She berates him like usual but lets him keep at it because she wants the same thing. He guides her to the couch, and she pulls him down with her. Just before he can pull the shirt completely open, he stops and pulls his mouth from hers. Her eyes pop open in irritation to find his looking up curiously.

“What is that?” he mumbles, reaching up above her head. She twists onto her side so she can look above her properly and she frowns at a sealing tag. As soon as he pulls it off, she screeches as the couch suddenly starts growing hair.

“The hell?!” Hanabi shoves him off her and they both go tumbling to the ground.

They pick themselves up and Hanabi inspects the coach while Konohamaru holds the tag up to his face. He grimaces. “Transformation tag…very funny.”

“Gross,” Hanabi says, sticking out her tongue as she pokes at the hairy couch. She can’t tell what kind of hair it is, maybe something like a Poodle’s. Not even something nice, like a Yorkie’s. “How long is it gonna stay like that?”

He doesn’t answer her, instead takes her hand, and pulls her into his bedroom, clearly still antsy to get back to what they were about to do despite the mishap. Honestly, she’s not really in the mood anymore but lets him drag her away anyway. It’s then that she realizes there are tags everywhere.

“Konohamaru!” she gasps as he pushes her backward against the bed, and she shoves her palms into his chest. “Stop!”

“What?” he asks, taking his hands off her with disappointed confusion. She gestures outwards and he finally stops to take in the room, coming to the same realization. She spins around, noting a lack of a sealing tag on his bed, then yanks the blanket off the bed, which in turn tears away another sealing tag, and now his bed is sprouting grass. She hears him groan behind her, “goddamnit, really?”

“Wow,” she breathes, staring at a bed that looks more suited for roses than humans now. “This…this is a lot.”

“Assholes,” he mutters, running his hand over the new grass, “both of them. Giant assholes.”

“They’re on everything, Konohamaru,” she whispers as she hovers her hand over a tag on his lamp next to his alarm clock, also donning a tag. Unable to control her own curiosity, she gently pulls the tag from the lamp and watches as the lampshade slowly morphs into what looks like skin. She clenches her teeth in a grimace, stepping away from it. “Looks like they really put to work what they learned in the Sand, huh?”

“That…” Konohamaru looks over her shoulder, a worried expression on his face. “That’s concerning.”

“I can’t stay here.” Hanabi starts to walk away and Konohamaru sighs in exasperation, lagging behind to lock up his home, though he knows at this point, it’s useless. He’s really starting to regret giving his friends spare keys. In vain, he seals it with some chakra before jogging to catch up with her.

“Where are we going?”

“Your office. We’re devising a plan.”

By the time they get settled in his office, they’ve already nixed several ideas that don’t quite have the bite they want to inflict on their friends. Then Hanabi thinks of the tags in his home and claps her hands together.

“Smoke tag!” she exclaims just as she sits in the chair across from Konohamaru. “I bet I can sneak one on each of their backs, their teams have a mission together tomorrow! Oh, gods it’d be—”

“—In front of their kids?! Yes, yes, yes. Perfect,” he agrees so quickly, she’s surprised. That little mischievous glint in his eye would always be cute to her, as long as it wasn’t directed at her. He reaches out to squeeze her hand, his voice serious, “gods, this is why you are my perfect woman.”

“Oh!” Hanabi giggles, rolling her eyes. “I’m just clever, maybe.”

“Mmm, very,” Konohamaru essentially purrs to her, and it makes her body heat up. Even now, he has her blushing whenever he wants. He crawls on the couch to rest himself on top of her and she shakes her head.

“Pranking gets you all hot and bothered or something?”

“Oh yeah.”

“Dork!” she gasps, laughing as she pushes at his face. He grins.

The next day, as planned, Hanabi skips up to the front gates as Udon and Moegi chat with several of their genin surrounding them. Konohamaru is in the distance, watching with excitement.

“Oh, hey, Hanabi,” Moegi waves with a little smile and Hanabi is having a very difficult time controlling her own mischievous look.

“Hello, hello, teams!” Hanabi lands in front of them, beaming down at the genin.

In unison: “Hi Hanabi-sensei.”

“You look chipper.” Moegi squints at her suspiciously, tilting her head. “Have you…uh, been to Konohamaru’s lately? Like…in the last day?”

“Hmm?” Hanabi questions innocently, looking up as if in thought. “Can’t say I have…”

“No?” Udon’s pitch is a little higher, too. “Maybe you should visit him soon.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” Hanabi responds, clasping her hands together. “Off for a mission?”

“Mhm,” Moegi confirms, relaxing a bit. She looks down at her watch and a look of mild irritation takes over her face. “Chocho is late as always, however…”

“You know how she gets without snacks,” Shikadai calls from the side, “probably best to let her stock up.”

Moegi tilts her head but nods regardless. Udon chuckles, turning to Hanabi. “What’s up, Hanabi?”

“Oh, just saying hello to my friends.” She shrugs just as Chocho appears in the distance bolting toward them.

“Ugh!” Chocho huffs as she stumbles in front of her team. “Sorry, guys. My stupid dad was arguing with me about—”

Inojin interjects, “chubs, no one cares.”

Hanabi frowns at the team as an argument immediately breaks out. She glances up at Moegi, who is rolling her eyes, and grabbing them by the scruffs of their collars. “Anyway! Well, sorry to take off on you, Hanabi, we’re off then!”

“No problem!” Hanabi beams up at them. “Good luck!”

She walks with them to the gates, and just as they make it through the front gates, Hanabi tugs two tags from each of her sleeves into her palms. Then she sets her hands on both Udon and Moegi’s backs, an innocent pat, and whispers.

“Release.”

She immediately leaps back as two plumes of ashy smoke release into the air, covering Moegi and Udon in a thick layer of dust and particles.

“What the—”

“—FUCK!”

Cackling, she bolts away.

“Are we being attacked?”

“Oh no, Udon-sensei!”

“HANABI!”

Several weeks later, they call it quits.

The back and forth was tiring for all four. Their teams were already a lot to handle, and having to constantly worry about one another wasn’t helping with overall stress levels.

Several more weeks later, and Konohamaru and Hanabi finally relax when no more pranks have popped up.

They stand together in a field, chatting while their genin pick around for herbs just on the outskirts of the Leaf.

“Is that Udon?” Konohamaru squints at a figure approaching, and Hanabi activates her byakugan to check. It is Udon, and he’s waving at them enthusiastically.

“Hey you two!” Udon calls, friendly-like. They both wave as he settles next to them. “Early morning gathering mission?”

“Yep,” Hanabi responds with a nod, “where’s your team, Udon?”

“Ah, that’s the thing.” He smirks, rubbing the back of his head. “Yeah, Denki was having a little trouble perfecting his transformation jutsu. And y’know, Konohamaru, you’ve always been good at it, right, with the sexy jut-“

“Uh, yep!” Konohamaru cuts him off with a high voice, warily looking at their genin. “Yep, I’m pretty good at it. What’s up, you want me to do a lesson with him or somethin’?”

“Or something.” Udon looks mischievous and it unsettles Hanabi. Couldn’t be good. “Give me a little run down on how you do it, Konohamaru.”

Konohamaru shifts slightly, bounces his eyes between the two before shrugging, “I mean, you know all about it, too, Udon.”

“Another perspective is nice, sometimes.”

“Fine, fine,” he sighs, looking off to their students who are now casting suspicious gazes at the group of sensei. Ever since their prank on Moegi and Udon, all of the genin are hyper-vigilant whenever they come together. “Well, y’know, you visualize it first, right? Get an idea in your head of what you’re gonna transform into, whether it’s a log or another person.”

“Right, right.”

“And that’s the shape your chakra is gonna take. You focus it in your body…like…I dunno, how you do any chakra, and then…” A little plume of vapor encases Konohamaru before dissipating, and in front of them stands an Udon look alike. It makes her frown. She does not want Konohamaru to look like Udon. It’s…unsettling. “And that’s kinda it, isn’t it?”

“I see, I see. Chakra control.” Hanabi eyes Udon warily as he smirks again. “Alright, so kind of like…” Udon widens his stance and wiggles his fingers, pushes up his glasses.

Dog → Boar → Ram

Hanabi wants to die when now, instead of Udon next to her, there is Konohamaru.

Shirtless.

In boxers.

Or maybe not even boxers. It’s just…clouds.

“Dude!” Konohamaru quickly turns back into himself and shoves his own lookalikes shoulder.

“Like this, right?!” Udon, as an incredibly well-defined, nearly nude Konohamaru, asks innocently. Hanabi backs away, her chest feeling like it would explode with her heart thrumming in it.

“Oh my gods!” Wasabi screeched from the sidelines.

“Konohamaru-sensei?!” Sarada cries, shielding her eyes.

“Oh, sick!” Boruto wretches, turning away.

Namida faints.

Sumire freezes, like a deer.

Mitsuki tilts his head curiously.

“Aw, c’mon!” Udon laughs, sidling up closer to Hanabi. “Don’t tell me you don’t like it?”

Hanabi thought it would be her that knocks Udon out cold, but with a puff of smoke, Konohamaru’s fist connects with Udon’s jaw, and he’s on the ground.

“Oh gods!” Hanabi gasps as Udon goes crashing.

“Udon-sensei?!” Sumire is the first to snap to action, bolting towards the unconscious man. Konohamaru rubs his hands over his face.

“Damnit, Udon!” Konohamaru groans as all of the genin girls crowd around the man (save Namida, who is a lump on the ground), poking and prodding at his face.

“This is a mess, Konohamaru,” Hanabi hisses, grabbing Konohamaru’s elbow, “why the hell did you knock him out?!”

“B-Because—” Konohamaru tries, shouldering heaving and slumping, “you were getting—well you know! I hate seeing you upset, and c’mon, isn’t that like a form of sexual harassment or something—”

“I know!” Hanabi growls, glaring. She’s well and truly confused on how to proceed.

This fucking prank war’s gone too far.

With an exaggerated sigh, she stomps up to Udon and gives him a swift kick to the ribs.

“Hanabi-sensei!” Sumire gasps, hand over her mouth as Wasabi groans on behalf of Udon, clutching her side as if she had received the kick herself.

“Udon Ise, wake up!” she demands as if she can summon him awake. Thankfully, he is stirring already. When he pops an eye open, he’s smirking and it sets her blood on fire.

“Gotcha.”

They whirl around to hear cackling in the background. Hanabi activates her byakugan, and yes, now she truly wants to be dead. It’s not just Moegi. It’s Moegi’s team. And Udon’s team.

“I. Am. Going. To. Kill. You.”

Udon hops to his feet and bolts away, Hanabi hot on his trail.

Sarada casts an incredibly disapproving glare at Konohamaru.

“Konohamaru-sensei…really?”

He has no good excuse.

The prank war continues.

“There she is, the little Hyūga brat that destroyed my stand…”

“It wasn’t even my fault…” Hanabi mutters to herself, clutching her shirt tighter to herself as she does her best not to engage in an argument.

The past two weeks have been exhausting. After Udon’s frankly horrible prank on Hanabi and Konohamaru, the village probably suffered the most in terms of collateral damage. They were even getting their younger shinobi involved.

Konohamaru had asked (bribed) Mirai to create a genjutsu that would convince Udon he was on a date with a drop-dead gorgeous dignitary from the Mist, which ended with him thinking he was being led back to her hotel room but ended up being Shino’s home. Then Udon proceeded to gather intel about Hanabi, which led to his discovery of her phobia of rats, and he released a few behind the stand of jewelry she had been perusing, causing her to destroy the entire thing with one hit.

There was the paper-bomb Hanabi had strategically placed on Moegi’s desk disguised as a pen, which she activated just when she was having a meeting with Temari about Shikadai (Temari did not find the prank funny). Moegi managed to convince (bribe) Hanabi’s guard, Tadashi, to ‘run into’ Konohamaru and inform him that Hiashi was urgently requesting he bring him a box of documents from the Hokage’s tower, which Konohamaru, predictably eager to please, offered to take care of for him. Moegi had conveniently placed a box outside of the main door for him, and only when the elder opened it upon delivery did Konohamaru realize, it was full of women’s underwear.

Yes, this prank war had gone far, far enough. Hanabi hadn’t had a decent night's sleep in weeks now, Konohamaru was snapping at his team for small things he’d normally brush off, Moegi was constantly reorganizing her things to ensure nothing was missing or off, Udon’s team were complaining about the lengthy missions he was taking in effort to be away from the village. The village itself is giving them the collective stink eye, and that’s probably why Konohamaru is in front of Hanabi now, informing her that they’re being summoned to the Hokage’s office.

Sure enough, Udon and Moegi are already standing in front of Naruto, who is resting his chin on his clasped hands, looking pissed. Hanabi watches as Konohamaru settles next to Moegi, and she reluctantly takes the other side next to Udon. All four refuse to meet eyes, staring shamefully at the ground like a group of kids ready to receive their punishment.

“See this?”

They all look up as Naruto drops a thick stack of papers on the desk, then pushes his finger on top of them, tapping aggressively.

“Forty complaints in the last two weeks. Forty.” He clicks his tongue as they slowly make eye contact. “All for four of my most respected jōnin senseis. I don’t think I gotta tell you how sad this looks.”

“Sorry, big brother—”

“Ah-ah.” Naruto holds up a hand.

“Sorry, Lord Hokage.”

“Because I am a merciful Hokage,” Naruto continues while clearing his throat, “I’ll let you choose your punishment. Option one, a dock in pay—”

“NO!” Moegi immediately protests, bringing her fists up to her chin with big eyes while Udon nods in eager agreement. “I—no, not that one.”

Naruto sucks in his teeth, then keeps going, “option two, I have you all weed Ms. Ogawa’s garden for a week—”

“Ah, no—”

“I don’t think—”

Hanabi’s cheeks turn pink as both her and Konohamaru interrupt at the same time. Hanabi waves her hands in front of her face. “I cannot let my genin see me doing the thing I give them as punishment.”

“Yeah, c’mon Lord Seventh, that would be…” Konohamaru rubs the back of his neck as he trails off.

“Then you’re left with option three, which is fine by me.” They watch, all four with grimaces, as Naruto reaches into a drawer and pulls out two large, white t-shirts with some sort of writing on them. “Option three, the getting-along shirts!”

The four jōnin look on in abject horror as he lays them out.

“Ah, I remember when Kakashi-sensei put me and Sasuke in one of these,” Naruto comments fondly, patting one that’s been written on with marker.

GETTING ALONG SHIRT

“Except we were, y’know, twelve or somethin’ like that,” he chuckles, looking up at them, “not in our late twenties.”

“Lord Hokage—”

“You chose!” Naruto declares, getting up with the shirts and circling his desk. He pushes Konohamaru and Udon together and yanks one shirt over their heads. The process repeats with Hanabi and Moegi, and then he turns them to face the exit. “Now, I’ve already called your teams to meet in the training grounds for some special training. Don’t keep them waiting!”

All four look at each other with the understanding that they’ve made a grave mistake.

[lou-struck]

A Single Candle

Katsuki Bakugou x Reader

~After his surprise party, Katsuki still has one more gift from you.

Genre: Fluff

Wc: 1.1k

~ Birthday Fic for our precious Boom Boom Boy...

Katsuki Bakugou wonders just what he did in his life to deserve his friends, especially as you; his loving wife led him into the surprise party Kirishima and Co spent weeks planning for the Explosion hero.

The hidden crowd erupts into cheers of “Suprise” as he jumps back in alarm, protectively pulling you behind him as his friends and coworkers step into the light, lowering his increased heart rate. He tries to hide his smile of pure joy as Kirishima and Sero lead him further into the venue telling everyone to make way for the Birthday Boy.

After the ginormous cake was cut and served, you lost track of him when the Bakusquad dragged him to the bar calling for shots. By the time you find them the whole crew is feeling a little tipsy and the party is drawing to a close. The evening went a bit later than expected and it looks like an April rainstorm is brewing just as you and Katsuki walk to the car and bidding adieu to all your friends making sure everyone makes good choices to get home.

Just as you shut the car door the rain begins to pour and streaks of lightning carve their way through the dark cloud cover.

“I’m glad we didnt have to walk out in that,” you say more to yourself than Katsuki as he stares out the window silently holding onto your free hand like its a lifeline. You’re not surprised, he gets quiet when he's had a bit too much to drink, You think it's because he has a subconscious fear of making a fool of himself. You mull this over as you use your free hand to drive the two of you back to your home.

The world outside suddenly becomes dark as streetlights flicker before powering down completely. The storm must’ve hit the powergrid which means that instead of parking in the dry garage you and Katsuki will have to make a mad dash from the driveway to the front door. Looking down at your skimpy party clothes you groan internally thinking about how drenched you are about to get. 

“Hey, we’re home Suki,” you say softly as he lets out a little grunt of acknowledgment. Still feeling the mixed liquor in his system. Knowing that he may have some trouble getting out and to the door on his own you slide out from the drivers seat and start to guide him gently to the front door not minding the rain soaking you to the bone.

The cold water in his face must have helped him sober up a bit because Katsuki stands up a bit straigther and looks over your form with concern. “You're getting all wet dumbass,” he mumbles as he tries to take off his soaking wet dress shirt and drape it over your exposed shoulders.

“We are both wet suki you laugh trying to steer his focus from taking care of you to getting inside as quickie as possible and out of the rain. After taking an embarrassingly long time trying to figure out what key on the ring is the house key you make it inside.

You are both shivering as you peel off your shoes. The gifts in the car will have to wait until morning when it’s not raining cats and dogs. 

“It’s cold in here, let’s get changed and make a fire.” Katsuki declares after realizing that the power is out. Not wanting to disappoint the birthday boy and miss out on some top tier cuddles you nod in agreement and change into one of his old sleep shirts and some pajama bottoms and grab a few blankets. 

Katsuki carefully tends to the fireplace, the flames coming to life in the hearth and making the room a bit warmer than it was before. Floppingdown on the plush rug and your mountain of blankets you nudge him playfully.

“ did you have a good birthday?“ You ask him as he makes one last adjustment to the fire.

“ of course I did, I spent the day with you didn’t I?”  he answers back pulling you close to him.“ today, was one of the best birthdays I’ve ever had.” He sighs.

Suddenly hit with a stroke of inspiration, you wiggle out of his grasp and send him a toothy grin. “ stay right there, I’ll be right back.” You stammer out before putting down the hall and turning into the kitchen where a large cupcake sets. You got him earlier in the day and forgot about it after the intensity of the party but now it seems like the perfect way to wind down the last few minutes of his birthday.

Reaching into a drawer, you grab a bright orange candle and a lighter. Gently sticking a candle into the mound of frosting you set it alight.

With both hands you carry the precious pastry back into the room and said it before him.

“What’s this?“ he asks looking at the cupcake. 

“At the party, you blew out your candles without ever making a wish.“ you say as a bead of wax makes its way down the candlestick. “ it’s a rule, on your birthday you always have to make a wish before blowing out your candles.”

“ Who says I do?“ he chuckles Play fully nudging you in the shoulder. 

“Everyone does,” you declare confidently as you take a quick peek at your dying phone. The clock says 11:47 PM. “ you have to make it right Suki, it is still your birthday for 13 minutes.“

“All right all right, I’ll do it if it makes you shut up about it.“ he relents, holding up the cupcake and closing his eyes.

“Don’t do it for me, do it for you.“ you chirp as his eyes peek over at you in mock disapproval. 

With a smirk and a shake of his head he takes a deep breath in and gently blows out the single birthday candle.

A wispy trail of  smoke stems from the wick and slowly thrashes against the air before dissipating. Katsuki pulls out the candle from the frosting and puts it in his mouth, cleaning the frosting from the wax.

"It’s good.” He says looking at you earnestly. 

“Aren’t you gonna tell me what you wished for?”  you ask as he laughs. 

“I’m not telling ya anything, you’re not supposed to tell people what you wish for.” He says throwing the rules of birthday wishes back in your face. 

“But you are going to share this with me,“ he states looking at the big cupcake holding up to your lips for you to take a bite.

The sweetness dances on your tongue as a little bit of frosting sticks the tip of your nose. In vain you try to stick your tongue out to get it.

As you do so,  Katsuki Bakugou, in the last few minutes of his birthday looks at you with all the adoration in the world.

This is what he wished for, spending the evening with you; his silly spouse who would do anything for him, just as he would for you.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hey guys, thanks for reading!

If anyone is interested I will be posting for a milestone event starting next Friday and am looking for a bit more inspiration. If anyone has a request or wants to check it out click here

[sleepdeprivedsloth]

The Beginning of Birthday Traditions

[MHA - Bakusquad]

summary: The Bakusquad has trouble coming up with a way to wake up Bakugou for a midnight birthday celebration that doesn’t result in them being buried six feet under. Mina then reveals a plan that would get the birthday boy to wake up with a smile on his face. (platonic Bakusquad tickle fic)

potential warnings: swearing, tickling

words: 2.1 k

a/n: how could i not write a lee blasty boy fic for his birthday ?? i absolutely  l o v e  the bakusquad they are literally so wholesome :,) anyways i hope you guys enjoy!

--

“It’s physically impossible to wake Bakugou up in the middle of the night and survive,” Kaminari tried reasoning with his friends. It was only a few minutes past midnight on April 20th, meaning that it was officially Bakugou’s birthday. The Bakusquad was currently gathered inside of Kirishima’s dorm discussing how they should go about celebrating the special occasion. Specifically, trying to figure out a way to wake up the birthday boy in the next dorm over that didn’t end with them getting sent to their graves.

“But we can’t just do nothing! The Dekusquad already threw a little midnight party on Tsu’s birthday,” Kirishima argued.

Sero gave a dejected sigh, “Yeah, you’re right. We can’t let them one-up us like that. I just wish there was a way to avoid him getting pissed at us for waking him. It honestly might ruin the whole birthday mood.”

Mina, who had chosen to stay silent and patiently listen to the hopeless discussion, decided that this moment was the perfect time to pull out and reveal her wild card to the rest of the group. With a small smirk and excited gleam in her eyes, she said, “Ahem, I may have some super exclusive, top-secret info that could allow us to wake up Blasty for his birthday and live to see the light of day.”

All heads immediately turned towards Mina, their gazes both intrigued and dangerously curious. Kirishima eagerly encouraged, “... go on..!”

Mina pulled out her phone and motioned for the boys to come closer. Without hesitation, they all crowded around the small device before Mina started playing a video.

The visual was extremely dark, but they could still make out the vague silhouettes of two boys. They seemed to be struggling against one another, the taller one fighting to get away from the shorter one’s strong hold around his sides. The audio was very faint, so the group had to strain their ears to hear what was happening.

“If we w-weren’t in the dorms right now I would not he-hesitate to blast your ass into nehext week,” a gruff voice threatened quietly.

Another voice gasped, and then spoke teasingly, “Did the Kacchan just giggle?” The shorter boy’s hands then traveled further up the taller one’s torso, going up to his ribs, and not even two seconds later, not-so-quiet laughter could be heard echoing throughout the dark room.

The camera recording suddenly turned towards the ground and started shaking around, showing Mina’s blurry, socked feet quickly pattering away, before the video abruptly ended.

The Bakusquad slowly brought their heads back up to face one another, the boys all sharing the same dumbfounded, gaping expression and Mina looking smug as hell.

Kaminari was the first to speak up, barely able to contain his newfound excitement. “No way. No. Freaking. Way.”

A mischievous smile formed on Sero’s face as he said, “This is just too good to be true.”

“I know right!!” Mina exclaimed, obviously very proud of capturing the personal and adorable Bakugou moment. “Who would’ve guessed that our resident boom boy is ticklish?!”

“Sooo.. we’re all thinking the same thing right?” Kirishima asked, looking over at each of his friends expectantly.

“Oh yeah, definitely,” Sero said, while Mina and Kaminari nodded in agreement.

“”So what are we waiting for?!” Kaminari declared while standing to his feet. “Let’s go give the birthday boy the wake-up call of a lifetime!”

After the rest of the Bakusquad got to their feet, they all excitedly rushed out of Kirishima’s dorm and into the hallway. Once outside of Bakugou’s dorm, Kirishima pulled out the spare key the blonde had given him that was supposed to be used strictly for emergencies, but he honestly thought that their mission could be considered a birthday crisis of some sort.

Kirishima unlocked the door and quietly pushed it open, just enough so that he could briefly peek inside to make sure that Bakugou was asleep. He then pushed the door wide open, allowing him and the others to sneak inside the pitch black room. They made sure to close the door behind them and leave the lights off, but the group could still see each other’s shining, playful grins.

The Bakusquad crept over to Bakugou’s bed and saw him sleeping peacefully and softly snoring. Perfect. Kirishima and Sero crouched down onto the ground near the foot of the bed and gently pushed the blanket out of the way to reveal Bakugou’s bare feet. Meanwhile, Kaminari and Mina quietly climbed onto the bed and settled themselves on either side of the sleeping boy.

From the floor, Kirishima motioned for them to start putting their plan into action. After a quick nod, Mina slipped one of her hands underneath Bakugou’s tank top and started lightly tracing her fingertips along his bare stomach. Not long after, his face scrunched up and his body slightly curled inwardly on itself, trying to escape the soft sensations.

Deciding to step it up a notch, Mina ran her fingers over his side, not too hard as to immediately wake him up, but just enough to get him sleepily squirming. Bakugou lazily brought an arm down across his torso, his unconscious mind telling him that it was just a bug.

Desperately wanting to get in on the action, Kaminari slithered his own hand underneath Bakugou’s top and slowly dragged his slightly wiggling fingers from the birthday boy’s stomach up to his ribs.

Bakugou twitched awake, sleepily whining a small, “Son of a-” before he opened an eye to see what had woken him up while Kaminari and Mina quickly retracted their hands. He had definitely not been expecting to see people sitting next to him on the bed in his dorm, causing his eyes to widen and his body to jolt out of shock. Once his sleep-filled mind had actually caught up to what he was seeing, Bakugou was able to recognize and identify the two smiling faces as Mina and Kaminari. He let out a small sigh of relief before relaxing his body and closing his eyes again, mumbling, “Pinky? Dunce? Th’ hell you two idiots doin’ in my bed ‘n the middle of th’ goddamn night?”

“Actually, there are four idiots. Kiri and I are here too!” Sero pointed out with a suspicious amount of energy and excitement, but Bakugou was so tired that he honestly couldn’t care less.

In fact, the blonde had already started falling back into the depths of sleep, only letting out a small, “Mhmm.. get out losers,” in response.

Kirishima dragged a singular finger down the length of one of Bakugou’s feet. “C’mon Bakubro, you gotta wake up!”

Bakugou’s breath hitched before he immediately pulled the attacked foot back underneath the protection of the blanket. “Don’t do tha’ shit. I- Jus’ let me sleep, guys.”

Kaminari butted in, bravely placing a hand on Bakugou’s shoulder to gently shake him awake, “But we need you awake! Do you even know what day it is?”

Bakugou shrugged Kaminari off and completely ignored his question, instead tiredly mumbling, “Make sure to lock th’ door on your way out.” A few moments of silence passed, and the birthday boy was on the cusp of falling back into a deep sleep, when he suddenly felt soft fluttering on both of his feet and down his sides. Fingers were lightly grazing over the balls of his feet, dipping into the arches, and circling the heel before going back up and starting all over again. Small squeezes were given spontaneously along the length of both sides of his torso, traveling from his waistline all the way to his lower ribs. 

He tried to pull away from the gentle touches, but found that all four of his limbs were being pinned to the bed. Shit. He was so screwed. Bakugou tightly squeezed his eyes and tried to keep his mouth clamped shut, but he couldn’t prevent the tired smile and sleepy giggles from inevitably escaping. Normally, he would be fighting like hell to keep his laughter under control, but he was freaking exhausted dammit! “Whahat the- shihihit! What do you dahahamn extras think you’re doHOHOING?!” Bakugou’s laughter unconsciously became more desperate and louder when Kaminari suddenly wiggled his fingers higher up on his ribcage.

Noticing the increased reaction, Mina started focusing her tickling on his higher ribs as well. “We’re tickling you! I thought that was pretty obvious.”

Bakugou tried to thrash his way out of his captors’ grasps, but he was heavily outnumbered and disadvantaged. Still, there was no harm in fruitlessly trying. “Leheheheave me alohohohone! I’m nahahahat even tihihihickli-AHAHahaha!”

“Hmm.. I don’t know, dude.” Sero playfully teased. He pulled back Bakugou’s toes with one hand, using the other to gently flutter his fingers on the sensitive space in between, rewarding him with more thrashing and a shriek that dissolved into uncontrollable laughter. “Seems like you’re pretty ticklish to me.”

“NOHOHOHO I’M NAHAHAHAHAT!! WHIHIHIHI-WHY ARE YOU ASSHOHOHOLES EVEN DOHOHOING THIHIHIHIHIS?? HAHAHAVE A DEAHAHATH WIHIHISH OR SOHOMETHIHING?!” Bakugou attempted to threaten his friends, but his bright smile, joy-filled laughs, and adorable blush covering his face counteracted the murderous words.

Kirishima was dragging his index finger along the padding of Bakugou’s toes, occasionally dipping down in between them and giving a little wiggle, causing the blonde to give out a little squeal each time. “Because it’s your birthday!”

“Yeah, we have to wake you up so that we can celebrate together!” Kaminari exclaimed. He moved both of his hands to grab at either side of Bakugou’s hips and repeatedly squeezed. With his head thrown back from the force of his hysterics, Bakugou bucked his waist left and right, trying to dislodge Kaminari’s fingers.

“YOHOHOHOU IDIOHOHOTS ARE GONNAHAHAHAHA REGREHEHEHE- AAAAAAAHHAHAHAHA!!” Bakugou started pulling at his arms desperately, bouts of laughter pouring freely out of his mouth, as Mina trailed her hands upwards until they wiggled against his highest ribs, only an inch or two away from his armpits. “NAHAHAHAHAHA! NO MOHOHOHOHORE, NOHOHOHOHO MOHOHOHOHORE!!”

With a villainous look in her eyes, Mina dug her fingers into the spot with more purpose and vigor, while Bakugou absolutely lost his mind to the sensations. “We’ll stop as soon as you promise that you’re gonna have tons of fun on your special day!”

Sero quickly half-jokingly added, “AND that you won’t kill us for waking you up.”

“OKAHAHAY OKAHAHAHAY!! WHAHATEHEVER JUHUHUST LEHET MEHE GOHOHOHO!!” 

“Not enough, Bakubro. You gotta say that you promise!” Kirishima teased.

“ALRIHIHIHIHIGHT IHIHIHI PROHOHOHOMISE!!”

Kaminari leaned down next to Bakugou’s ear, brought his hands up to his bare armpits and started creating feather-like flutters while whispering, “Say that you pinky promise, birthday boy~”

Bakugou’s blush only deepened as he fell into silent hysterics for a few moments, tears of mirth gathering in the corners of his eyes. Seeing that Bakugou was being tickled beyond the point of responding, Kaminari mercifully stopped his fluttering, but kept his hands rested on Bakugou’s armpits and slowly drummed his fingers against the soft skin. Once able to verbally form sentences again, Bakugou pleaded, “Pihihihinky prohohomise! Ihihihi pihihihihinky prohohohohomise!!”

The Bakusquad all immediately ceased their tickle attacks and released their hold on Bakugou’s limbs. The blonde quickly tucked his arms and legs back underneath the blanket and curled in on himself, trying to catch his breath and slow the stream of leftover giggles pouring out of his mouth. “Dohoho nohot e-hehe-ever doho thahat agahain asshoholes.”

“No promises on that one, Blasty,” Mina declared while Sero and Kirishima got up from the floor and joined the others on top of the already-crowded bed.

“Oh yeah, we’re totally doing that again!” Kirishima excitedly commented. “We’ve seriously gotta make wake-up tickles a birthday tradition in the squad.”

Bakugou groaned fondly at their silliness, a soft smile still present on his lips. The others all shared a look with one another before exclaiming, “Happy birthday, Bakugou!!”

When the birthday boy looked up, he saw his friends all wearing the same stupidly huge smile on their faces and doing dramatic, and surprisingly synchronized, jazz hands that they must’ve practiced on together for hours. He let out a few chuckles, “Yeah yeah, whatever losers. So what are we gonna do for the next five hours before class starts?”

“Wanna go raid the kitchen for snacks and play Mario Kart?” Sero suggested.

“Obviously, just don’t throw a tantrum when I completely dominate all of your asses!” Bakugou quickly challenged.

“Tough words for someone who’s deathly ticklish…” Kaminari teased with a knowing smirk.

Bakugou buried his head into one of his pillows to hide the oncoming blush and nervous smile quickly spreading across his face. “... shut up..”

--

a/n: ahaha not me posting in the middle of class :D but i really hope that you all enjoyed reading this and thank you for taking the time to do so!! I’ll be posting my fandom list tomorrow because i love procrastinating on it lol have a great life guys!!

[fandomscombine]

It's the Lease I Can Do

Platonic! Weasley Twins x Reader

BG: The Weasley twins are so close to having their joke shop become a reality. They had found the perfect location but they had hit a minor problem that could cause them everything. You want to help, but how can you when they, the birthday boys themselves had given up?

a/n: I had this idea for a almst a year now and waited til ther twins bday to write it. I hope you enjoy.

WC: 2111

>>>MASTERLIST<<<

Fred and George causing a ruckus in the common room is a daily occurrence that everyone is accustomed to. However ever since the start of Year 7, the amount of commotion these two had caused can be counted in one hand.

At first glance, it could be attributed to NEWTS or in this year's case-to a pink toad acting as High Inquisitor. Still, more and more nights the twins had claimed the back corner of the common room.

~

The last remaining batch of students were making their way through Filch's checkpoint (an added security protection which also serves for Umbridge having a list of names on who comes in and out of Hogwarts). You glanced down at your watch- 2:27pm, they’re late. Weird, the twins never pass a chance to go to Hogsmeade.

You hear the castle door open behind you. Thank Merlin, you thought but instead you were greeted with a disheveled Angelina. “I’m coming! Wait!”

“Have you seen Fred and George?” You called as she ran past you.

“I think I saw them in the common room!” Angelina shouted back.

The common room? “What are they up to now?” You sighed. Stomping heavily up the stairs. “Ditching me….”

~

“Oi Weaslebees! I know you’re in here!” You rounded the corner of their secret spot. “AHa!”

You caught them red handed, midway into shoving papers into their “Weasley & Weasley'' Trunk. Though what they were hiding, you weren't exactly sure.

“Y/N!” Fred greeted, grabbing onto your shoulders, effectively covering George and the table. “To what do we owe the pleasure?”

Narrowing your eyes at him. “Really?” Hands on hips you blatantly say “2:15 am, courtyard?? Ring any bells?” Fred shook his head.

Meanwhile George’s head shot up. “Oh shit, y/n we’re so sorry!”

Fred turned to his brother, still clueless on what the heck George was talking about.

Abandoning the trunk, George gave his twin a classic smack on the head. “Hogsmeade, you idiot! We were supposed to all go together.”

“OHHHH FU--” Fred knew he was screwed. “I’M SO SORRY! WE’RE SORRY.” Seizing the messy trunk, he strategized. “Right, here’s the plan: I’m gonna quickly drop this off back in the dorm while you two make your way to the gate. If you run, I guess you can make it. I’ll catch up with you two then.”

“Fred….. We’re not gonna make it” you argued.

“Not if we don’t try.”

“It’s almost 3, Filch would be closing the gates by now.” You sat down on Fred’s empty seat. “Besides we can go to Hogsmeade next time, we could just hang out here. I miss having my best lads around.”

“Awww…we’ve been upgraded from annoying pricks to best lads!” Gushed George, pulling you into a side hug.

“Yea, I could help in whatever it was you guys were doing before I came. I don’t mind.”

At that, you could feel George tense up, his arm around you dropping. “Uhhh…” He looked to the older twin, silently conversing.

You gaze between the boys, sometimes they get so caught up in their scheming that they don’t notice that to others, especially those who had known them for years that their non verbal communication is not so sly.

In the end, Fred gave his brother a subtle shake. “No, that’s alright. I’ll just put this back and we could play gobstones or something, anything you like.”

As Fred headed up to his dorm room, you noticed a piece of paper under the table. Picking it up, the header caught your eye. RE: Lease Agreement. Were the twins looking for a new home after graduation? You didn’t mean to pry. You were close friends, they would tell you if they were moving right? This is big news….you decided to brush it off until another line caught your attention. The shop premise located at Number 93 Diagon Alley. Shop? They are trying to set up shop? That’s brilliant! The twins would get to showcase their inventions to the world! You could feel your pride swell. Leasing Agreements would not proceed if tenants, Mr. Fred Weasley and Mr. George Weasley, are unable to provide an endorser by the date of 31st of March.

“Where’d you get that?” George standing across from you, gobstones on one hand and another pointing at the document. There’s no backing out now.

“It was under the table.” You explained. “I didn’t know you were this far along with the shop.”

“Yea, well it’s not happening now is it?”

“What?”

“Cmon y/n. I know you read it.”

“I didn’t mean to-”

“It’s alright. We aren’t getting the place anyway.”

“Wait what? Why?”

“No endorsers.” George stated matter of factly but you sense the pain in his voice.

“How about your parents surely-”

George laughed. “As if mum would suddenly have a change of heart. You knew how she disapproves of our inventions, calling it a waste.”

“Arthur then.”

“Mum won’t let him.”

“Anyone then?” George huffed in defeat. “How about me! I could back you up.”

“You have to be an adult with a proven financial stability.” He stated, effectively shutting you down. “Forget it y/n. The hold ends in 3 days. We’ve tried everything. Just don’t let Fred know that you know. He’s devastated. Promise?”

“I promise.”

“And no pity, sad eyes!” He added as footsteps are heard descending the staircase.

“But I suck at poker faces!”

“Then let’s hope that Freddie is distracted even to not notice.”

~

It’s been 4 days since you had sent the letter to your father.

“Dear papa,

I know that this is a huge favour to ask but I believe it would be worth your while.

So remember back in the summer when you caught Fred Weasley, George Weasley and me snooping around with the Extendable Ears but let us go because you were so enamored?

Well turns out the twins and trying to get a shop up and running! How amazing is that?

The only problem is that they need an endorser to back them up in order to proceed with the lease agreements. The are currently on hold for the Shop Number 93 in Diagon Alley until the 31st.

This is where the huge favour comes in. Could you please be their backer? You did say that you’d love to help in some part in their invention, be an investor of sorts. Please papa. I would love to do it myself but I have to wait a couple more months to qualify. Plus it’s their 18th birthday on April 1st. Imagine their surprise if it were to come through.

I’d love to hear from you soon, regardless of your choice.

Your favourite child

y/n.”

The twin’s 18th birthday was spent with absolute love and madness.

Lee had unloaded his stash of butterbeer and firewhiskey, Fred had slipped Angelina with one of their new prank inventions- which changes the person into a sickly color of vomit green, a perfect way to ditch class or events.

Upon learning that the color would last for a few days and would only fade with the ingestion of an antidote, antidote that George said they still had yet to create. Angelina (understandably) threw cake at them. The Gryffindor chaser with perfect aim, hits its mark. However, Fred using his beater skills, instinctively blocks the incoming cake.

Resulting in a wide splat zone. Fred’s arm was covered in frosting, having sprayed everyone around him in whipped cream during the impact. George wasn’t safe too, despite being across from Fred, the rebounce of the cake had made him the new target.

You had just changed into your pajamas when a tapping sound came from your window.

Your family owl, Lanny, was outside carrying a large yellow envelope.

Quickly letting him in, you gave Lanny a gentle pat and brought out some owl treats for the tired bird.

Unscrolling the note tied to his leg, you begin to read.

“My dearest y/n,

My sincere apologies for the late reply, it’s been quite hectic at work.

In regards to your favour, you need not worry. Everything is taken care of. I had met with the landlord of Number 93 Diagon Alley and had all the documents settled. I had also gone and checked to make sure the two lads aren’t being ripped off. Fred and George had picked a nice prime location.

Greet them a happy birthday for me alright? And tell them that I look forward to witnessing them succeed in their endeavors.

They would undoubtedly be bringing a lot of much needed joy into these darkening times. The people would be thankful for them.

I also had Lanny bring the twins’ copy of the Lease Agreement.

I can’t wait to see you all soon.

Much love,

Papa.”

~

Fred was grateful that their friends had retired into the night, leaving him and George to sulk into the dreadful reality.

“We were this close Georgie, this close!” Fred winced, pinching his fingers close without touching.

“I know but there was nothing else we could have done.” consoled George but even he himself was having a hard time. Number 93 was the perfect location for their joke shop. But now it’s gone.They are back to square one, scouting for locations.

“Fred! George! There you are! I have great news!” You yelled, not caring if you could wake up the other students.

“Oi Y/N! Be careful!.” Even in a bad mood, Fred Weasley couldn’t help being protective.

You banged the envelope on the table. “Surprise! Happy Birthday! From papa and I.”

“Another gift?” wondered George.

“So you don’t want it then?” You challenged, crossing your arms. You tried to look intimidating but the pajamas weren’t doing any good. “Cause I bet a hundred galleons that you’d shit your pants if you were to reject it.”

“That confident eh?” Smirked Fred, taking the contents of the envelope out. “ What do you think is so grand that Georgie and I would---BLOODY HELL! Y/N!” Fred kept looking down at the paper and up to you, unbelieving.

“What is it Freddie?” asked George leaning over to read whatever it was that left his brother speechless.

Re: Lease Agreement

Mr. y/l/n has submitted his endorsement to Mr. Fred Weasley and Mr. George Weasley.

The turnover of the leasing property of Shop Number 93 Diagon Alley would begin on April 1st …..

“Oh My- Y/n? Is this real?” George whispered, afraid that if he were any louder this dream would end.

“Yes, absolutely, 100%.” You affirmed. “The shop is yours! Opff-”

George embraced you tight, catching you off guard. You could feel your right shoulder getting wet. “Heyya big guy, don’t cry.” Running a hand up and down his back.

“But how?” Fred with brows creased was still stuck in a trance, you could see the paper shake in his grasp.

“You left the agreement noticed a couple of days ago. I might have accidentally read it. George said to not let you know cause you might get angry-”

“YOu KNEW?!?”

“George only knew I saw the paper. Nothing else.” You defended. “I thought i might try and help, so I called in a favour with papa. You knew how much he was impressed with the Extendable Ear, so I mentioned if he wanted to back you up. I only got his reply just now, said he’d love to and got onto ironing out the paperwork and viola!” Pointing at the document. “Oh and he also said Happy 18th Birthday, looking forward to your success and the people would be thankful for bringing a lot of much needed joy into these darkening times.”

“Thanks Y/n but this is a lot we can’t possibly-”

You cut Fred off before he could say more. “Oh please, you have done countless things for me. And I know what you’re gonna say- but see you would do the same for me. Besides think of this as your first investors. We want to help. We see your potential, we know you two, Fred, George, are gifted with bringing laughter and joy to people with your inventions."

"Thank you, truly y/n and to your dad too." Fred admitted, opening himself up. "No one's really backed us up with our inventions before, we've been always told off for being childish. It really means a lot."

“Hey, it’s the lease I could do.” You replied, causing the twins to chuckle immediately lightening up the mood.

It's great to see them relax again after weeks of stressing over the shop. Times might be changing but at least tonight, you got your best lads back.

~

Everything Taglist : @gruffle1

HP Taglist: @onlyfreds

[bangteamhyuk]

In This Rain

Genre:  Mafia (AU), Action, Suspense/Thriller, Smut

Mature content

Word Count: 4,962k

Characters: Police Captain!Namjoon, Police Officer! Reader, Mafia Boss! Jungkook.

Warning: mentions of drug use, graphic violence, language, oral sex, penetrative sex, implied dom!reader, emotional manipulation, mention of psychopathic characters, implied torture

Synopsis:  You admire your captain, your beloved Capt. Kim Namjoon. You admire him so much that you wanted to be by his side always, well, quite literally. Under his office desk, inside his apartment, on his bed and even on his dangerous mission against a vicious Mafia leader named Jeon Jungkook.

He’s been so obsessed in Jungkook, his formidable enemy on his entire career, that he’s been trying to apprehend him for years. Until both of you uncovered an unsettling truth as to why he always slithers: there’s a mole within your department.

Namjoon kicked the door hard with his combat boots, took cover immediately from the wall behind him, before aiming his gun to the direction of the open entryway.

“Freeze!” he shouted.

Yet he was the one that was left frozen at the scene. Two men, thin as a stick, were staring blankly at the ceiling. Clearly passed out with rubbers wrapped around their arms, old scabs and fresh jabs on their skin. Several discarded needles were left lying on the floor.

They look so oblivious from the presence of Namjoon and his team that you can’t help but call him out “Namjoon, I think we’re late” you shook your head, as you watched their cold and drugged out bodies sitting on a plastic chair, heads resting on the air.

“We are, they’re both dead” Hoseok said after checking their pulse. He stared at them for a moment, as if saying a prayer as he shuts their eyes gently with his finger.

Namjoon walked around the room and picked a used foil and a paper with logo of a lotus flower “Jungkook…” he mumbled to himself as he crumpled the paper and threw it on the floor in fury.

“Are you sure it’s him?” you went to pick it up and checked. It was definitely the symbol of his organized syndicate.

“Positive” Namjoon’s blood suddenly rushed in and felt nauseous at the thought, as he shut his eyes, hoping that he was wrong about it.

“It was a close one...” Hoseok rummaged through the pockets of the two men, but he found none.

“I was so sure, they’ll be here. Him and his men. But why does it look like they knew... You think” you shut your eyes and gasped, realizing what Namjoon might have just thought of earlier. “there’s a mole within the Department?” you continued, slowly turning around to see Namjoon’s reaction. His face turned grim and just weakly nodded.

“I trust that you two would keep this a secret, until we find who it is…” Namjoon swore. It wasn’t about money or his ego any longer, he wanted to end this. For years. Whatever this was, he wanted to stop people from dying, stop wasting innocent lives, end the fear of women and children always being on the brink of death.

“Roger” Hoseok nodded.

“Roger, Captain!” you blinked and stood up. You and Hoseok tapped Namjoon’s shoulder, assuring him that you two were on his side. Always on his side.

You and Hoseok stood behind closed doors, but it was very apparent that the chiefs and the  Department heads were clearly upset at the result of your team’s recent mission.

“Goddamit! We told you to think things through Kim and you blew it! You got one shot! One fucking shot, and you didn’t even get to meet a single strand of his hair!” the deputy chief exclaimed.

“What a waste of the city tax, really, you haven’t given us any valuable result” the Department head, fixed his paper and put everything inside his briefcase.

Namjoon just stood there, taking every thing silently. He was called names before, been spatted, got hit, everything. He’s the man who’s been through all horrible things and yet he still took it in. No wonder why you’ve like this guy, there’s something incredibly attractive about an underdog filled with potentials. It’s as if you’re hearing a club of hyenas around a lion, waiting for it to roar. He was the kind of leader you want to solemnly swear your loyalty, and that was the reason why you were there.

After the sham meeting, you and Hoseok just followed Namjoon towards your office room. He was clearly angry and frustrated, as well. But more than that he was determined to find another chance to get close to Jungkook . Namjoon went to his desk silently, and studied recent reports and profiles of people on his desk, piled and unkept.

Hoseok, feeling unnecessarily guilty, excused himself to get the team sandwiches from a nearby store.

You on the other hand, had something in mind to ease Namjoon’s frustration. “Hey there” you whispered on his ear. “Not here, Y/N. Not today” his eyes still concentrated on the screen. You gently pressed his shoulders, unbothered at his plea and made gentle circular motion, caressing his stiff shoulder blades. You slowly crouched down to kiss his ears and traced it down his neck. “You know what reminds me of your stiffness?” you chuckled.

“I said stop!” his quick reflex surprised you, as he held on to your wrist. His eyes stern, full of resolved. You stood up, and knew that he wasn’t up for any games.

“I just heard everything from the meeting. It’s hard to miss.” You folded your arms, as you watched him turn his back on you again and type disordered words on his screen. “Try, typing Gwangjin-gu, April 16…” you reached out for his hands to guide his finger from each letter on the keyboard, as he suddenly groaned softly to the sensation of your warm hands.

You smirked, seeing him freeze for a second. You crouched back down again and slowly reached for his legs hiding underneath his desk. “You know, it takes Hoseok about half an hour to get back? No one’s around. I’m sure you needed to let loose of that tension” you spoke softly, while caressing his legs. He slowly turned around from his seat and opened his legs.

“Give me 10 minutes tops, Captain” you smirked as you knelt down, and unclasped his belt.

Namjoon just stared at you blankly for a second, thoughtless and unsure. But as soon as he felt the warmth that you give right in the middle of his legs, he cursed and responded in pure ecstasy. You watched him toss his head and covered his mouth, trying not to cry out your name, but you love it. You love seeing your beloved Captain, the one people look up with so much pride and respect, becomes susceptible to your touch.

You were lounging in the smoking area during your break time, even though you aren’t smoker. You just like being outside, on a bench, and beside a vending coffee machine where you could refill your own cup.

“Hm, Sun Tzu’s Art of War” you heard Namjoon’s voice from behind. You nodded in agreement, as you finished the last line of the page and flipped it to the next.

“Read this about 9 times, still holds true” you replied, not leaving your gaze towards the book.

“I got a lead” he pulled out his cup from the vending machine and scoot beside you on the bench. You closed your book and turned to face him. Namjoon peered behind you, and looked around before he dropped the name “Seokjin”. You squint your eyes, trying to figure out how Namjoon arrived at his conclusion.

“You mean Kim Seokjin from the Hi-tech Crime Unit?” you spoke softly towards him, making sure no one hears even when it was only the two of you in the area.

He nodded, grinning. “I always wonder how he received information about them, everyone in his unit is as competent as he is but he would always get the best lead”

You smiled, finally beginning to piece things together. “It does seem odd Namjoon. It doesn’t make sense, but it does seem bizarre? How does he get those information?” you stared at Namjoon and smirked “I never thought of that, Captain. As always, that’s pretty smart of you to---”

“Y/N!” you heard someone call.

“Speak of the devil” you smiled at Namjoon then at Seokjin.

“Meet you after office hours?” Seokjin ran up to you, handing you a bag of sandwich. Namjoon tilt his head in confusion.

“Yeah sure” you blushed, turning your head to the floor at Seokjin’s sweet gesture.

“Y/N, are you…. Are you two going out? Since when?” Namjoon stood up, puzzled at the scenario. Clearly, you have left him out of the picture, but it’s not like you owe him anything. Besides weren’t you two clear about the position you two are in? Just colleagues trying to help each other out? Out of convenience?

“Kind of like that. Well, you never asked about our private lives, Cap” you chuckled. Not that he doesn’t care, but you know how much he respects his colleague’s personal space. Well, except on some occasion when you two needed to satisfy each other’s need. “Give me a minute, I just need to talk to my superior” you faced Seokjin for a moment and watched him wait for you at a distance.

“Cap, I’m sorry.” You cleared your throat and continued “The news surprised me too, and I didn’t know how to tell you. Can you trust me? I’ll try to look on to this. I swear, feelings won’t get involved. If I happen to find anything that might point a connection against Seokjin and Jungkook, I’ll let you know immediately”

“And what if he is? Are you okay with it? You know what will happen if he becomes part of our custody” he asked, worriedly.

You shut your eyes and nodded “I’m aware. I’ve been seeing him Jin for half a month now. It’s nothing compared to you, Cap” you looked down, refusing to look back at him, not when you just confessed your feelings for him albeit indirectly.

“Y/N…” he spoke softly.

“You don’t have to say anything.” You shook your head “I know this is purely work, lives are on the line…” You begrudgingly replied, then you paused. “That’s why I’ll make sure I’ll get compensated well on this” you slowly turned your gazed at him, now smirking.

“I can only pay what the government give--- ” you stopped him mid-sentence by pointing a finger on his lip, raising yourself up, tip-toed.

“Not that silly” He tilt his head again in confusion. “You, wrapped around my fingers. Go figure.” You whispered on his ear and chuckled. You turned around, and left him wondering on his own. It took him a moment before he realized what you meant. He bashfully chuckled at the thought.

After spending more time with Seokjin for months, you’ve finally gathered valuable information to report directly to Namjoon, which entails you in meeting him straight to his own apartment each night.

“Are you ready for tomorrow?” he asked, as he gathered his boxer he left from the floor. You remained still in bed, panting after doing a marathon with Namjoon. Namjoon opened his window to let the cold breeze enter his dull room.

You turned sideways and watched him moved out from the bed, savoring his bareness. “Nearly, ready”

He tied his discarded condom and threw it on the trash bin “Y/N, whatever happens tomorrow. I just want to let you know that I---” he paused, trying to construct what he was about to say.

You sat up, despite remaining bare “Shh” You reached him out for a kiss.

“If things goes bad tomorrow, I want you to know that you mean so much to me” he took your wrist and kissed the back of your hand, his lips pressed hard as if hoping that his pure intentions will get through your skin.

You shook you head. “Aren’t I just a colleague, Namjoon?” you smiled weakly, reminding him of the reality that you are just there for him… for his own convenience.

He cupped your cheek and kissed you again. “You’re my partner, in everything Y/N”

You parted and smile. “I’m glad you feel that way” you pushed him back to bed, and pulled his boxers off again, almost ripping it to two. You wanted to let him know he wasn’t wrong, about feeling that you are his.

He was clearly surprised at your reaction, and flustered upon seeing you right above him. You smiled, amused at the view. To see your beloved Captain in such a vulnerable position. And like a clockwork, you sat comfortably on his waist as you pulled his wrists towards you. You forced his palms open with yours and directed it to your chest, letting him feel you again.

You closed your eyes, as you let him cup you gently “Captain..” you breathed his name while you shut your eyes, and began moving your hips slowly.

“Shit” he quickly got hard again, and you felt that. You felt his excitement again after you shamelessly teased your beloved Captain. You took a sealed condom from  the bed side table and placed it on his harden length. He pulled one of his hand away and held on to it, then guided his length towards your entrance. You opened your eyes and smile.

“Ready for a second?” you asked. You watched him nod, as he began to push it in within you,  both of you cursed almost synchronously at the ecstatic sensation. You tossed your head, and began moving your hips.

He held on to your waist, and you relished on it. You relished the way your Captain held on to you, you relished at the sight of seeing someone strong like him depended on you for comfort and affirmation. Exhilarated at the view of him below you, exhilarated at the thought of your own superior, down at your mercy.

Seokjin informed the Investigation Department again, which the assignment was promptly relayed again to your team: “Apprehend Jungkook and his men in #32 Namdo Building Gangseo-gu District”

At the same time, Namjoon informed the Investigation Department of his suspicion against Seokjin.

“You sure, Kim? If you’re wrong about this, not only will you lose Seokjin’s trust but your whole credibility as a Captain…” Mr. Song, one of the Investigation head, reminded Namjoon.

“I am certain sir. One of my partner, Y/N, was able to gather pieces of evidence that may point out his guilt in conniving with Jeon Jungkook” he bowed and handed him a manilla envelope containing the things you took from Seokjin, secretly.

“Very well, we will take Seokjin in to custody after I examine these things. Good luck on your mission” he bid Namjoon good luck as he watched Namjoon ran towards his car while it rained.

“Point A to D clear” you heard Hoseok speak from you and Namjoon’s ear piece.

“Copy” you subtly replied from your microphone hidden inside your shirt. “Ready, Mr. Kim?” you fixed his necktie inside the car. He didn’t reply, his eyes were burning with hatred. You’ve never seen him this determined to be able to see Jungkook, his formidable enemy, finally in the flesh.

You and Namjoon, took great lengths over these past few weeks to be able to secure a seat on this secret meeting with the boss himself, Jeon Jungkook. Despite at his tender age of 22, he was able to amass a fortune more than his father and his forefathers could ever gain. And now at the age of 24, he was able to bring down all his enemies. Rumor has it, he would clear out his enemy’s entire family line so that no one could ever attempt to take revenge against the whole Jeon family.

But Namjoon was ready to risk it all, even if his own family was on the line. He was willing to wager everything he has, just to end his lunacy. Yet he still couldn’t bring to himself the idea of risking and losing you against Jeon.

“Y/N, if anything goes bad, I want you to run as far as you could. Away from this, okay? You know how vindictive Jungkook can be” he stared at you, longingly.

“Joon” you shook your head and corrected yourself “I mean Captain, I’m trained to face whatever remember? Whatever happens, I’ll show up. It’s part of my job---”

“Okay, lovebirds, enough chit-chat. You know this is recorded right? We’ll be handling our conversation to the heads, unless you wanted to let them know about your secret affair or whatever this is… God, it’s awkward listening to you two!” Hoseok said on the other line.

You chuckled. “Can we have this off-record? Anyway, he’s right Captain. Time’s running. You need to get to your sit there now, as Mr. Kim the representative of Fiery Brothel of Songpa-gu District. I’ll stay here, make sure everything is working according to plan, alright?” you pat his collar and checked his ear piece if it was greatly secured. “All dashing and ready!” you smiled at him.

Namjoon introduced himself as Mr. Kim to a man in red suit “I speak on behalf of my superior Mr. Co, who manages Fiery Brothel in Songpa-gu owned by the Jeon” The man in red suit just nod and led you inside the building.

At first, Namjoon was confused as to why he was led inside a burger chain. Then he turned to the left hallway and entered inside the “authorized personnel staff room”, Namjoon followed. The room was cramped and filled with cleaning tools, food and personal hygiene products and other things.

The man pulled out the fire extinguisher from the glass box, where he found a button hidden behind it. He suddenly pressed it twice, paused then thrice, paused then once. It was a secret code. The wall started to separate from top to bottom, unfurling another secret entryway that leads to a speakeasy bar-cum-opium den.

Namjoon quickly recognized few faces around, from the head of the other government department, to local celebrities, even the sons and daughter of influential businessmen were there. Gambling, out of wits, high from the aroma of opium mixed with other things.

They continued to walk, the man in red suit clearly unbothered, as if it was regular business. Namjoon gulped and tried to calm himself, putting a mental note on everything he saw and commit it to his memory. He’ll be needing it once he get his hands on Jungkook. Everything he sees right now, everything he owns, he wanted to see him lose it. He wanted his downfall. he was confident that after that night he’ll finally put everything to its end.

“This is as far as I can lead you sir” the man stopped in front of the door, bowed and opened it for Namjoon.

There it was the high table. Only 6 men, sitting on each side of the table, making him the last and the seventh member to the meeting. His heart was pounding fast, hands starting to grow cold, shaking uncontrollably. Little sweat beads were forming behind his neck, it’s as if he was drugged and out of wits as well, except his feeling was driven by his own fear.

Just a few second upon entering, he saw Taehyung and Jimin enter first from the front door of the room. He presumed it was an exclusive entryway for Jungkook and his trusted men, in case something bad happens, but nothing bad ever happened when they’re there. Taehyung and Jimin were his only trusted men. They were skilled, precise, ruthless and cold to the core. They would blindly kill anyone and even everyone for Jungkook, even if it cost their lives.

Jimin, narrowed his eyes towards Namjoon while he chew on his bubblegum. Taehyung, on the other hand, watched the other men shake in fear too. All were waiting for the boss himself to enter the room.

The room was white and bare, almost blinding to the eyes. The only color that was present are their ashen faces (except Taehyung and Jimin), their black clothes and the long dark-red oaken wood table and its matching chair. And finally, he was there, all in flesh.

No longer a picture posted on his office walls. No longer a dream, that woke up him up each night in fright. This was Jeon Jungkook.  Young, tall, handsome, almost perfect that he can pass up as a god. Well, technically, he is, because he is the kind who plays like one. Because any mistake they omit in his presence can swiftly translate to a painful death.

Everyone rose from their seat to show their respect and fear towards him. Jungkook smiled. Too kind and too sweet, as if he looked innocent. But everyone knew better, he wasn’t the slightest bit of it. When he sat from his chair on the front, everyone followed, except Jimin and Taehyung who stood there to watch over.

Jungkook listened to each person during the meeting, he was attentive, alert and smart. He was the kind of leader that would bring shame to the whole police department, perhaps the whole country. Everything that runs out of his mouth were well-thought, intelligible and thorough. He didn’t leave a single issue unresolved, and the men quickly took note of it. The men were so scared that they just nodded without any further question. Jungkook like things brief, and hated being interrupted. The moment he finds someone that annoys him, Taehyung, a sharp shooter, will place a single bullet straight through their head. Not even letting them finish their first word.

“Actually, I’m sure you are all aware of the situation you are in right now, don’t you? I called everyone for a meeting because some of you are doing a very, very poor job” he grinned at everybody, nose a bit scrunched, like a harmlessly little bunny pouncing sunshine on each person on the table. Yet everyone looked down, nervous and grim. So did Namjoon.

Namjoon wasn’t aware of it. Neither anyone on the team. What was Jungkook thinking? Did he knew? Did Seokjin informed him that they’ll be attempting to take him in? Sh--

“Shit!” one of them men screamed in fear as he tried to ran towards the door, but before he could take another step from his sit, Jimin managed to throw his dagger in his head which passed through his eye and pinned his body down the floor.

“Tsk” Jungkook shook his head in disappointment. “Atleast, we were able to eliminate a coward in this group. Anyone wants to follow?” he raised his eyebrow as he chuckled again. Clearly entertained at the sight of blood.

No one dared to speak, not even a sound of whimper. “Very well, now that no one wants to speak for themselves, I would, for everyone’s behalf. I need to keep my business flowing, and you all are doing a terrible job. Thus, it’s unfortunate to inform everyone in this room that no one will survive today…” Right upon hearing it, Taehyung fired his gun towards 3 other men on his side and Jimin with his daggers flying and pinning the remaining 2 heads to the wall on his side, simultaneously and precise. “Except you, Kim Namjoon.” He blinks slowly and smiled at his direction.

“How does it feel to finally meet your nightmare?” he stood up and went to his direction.

Suddenly, Namjoon heard Hoseok cursing on the other end “Namjoon, it’s a trap! They knew! If you’re still there, run! Quickly! The mole told everything about us!”

“Where’s Y/N?” Namjoon asked Hoseok, but you only heard noises from his end.

“Y/N?” Jungkook asked. “You know I don’t like it when I don’t have someone’s full attention”

“Where is she? My partner! Did you take her? Did you kill her?” Namjoon immediately stood up from his seat, demanding Jungkook for an answer. Jimin swiftly threw his dagger to pin Namjoon’s legs back to his seat while Namjoon cried in shock and pain .

“You know I wouldn’t dare you pissing Jimin any longer Namjoon, unlike Taehyung he doesn’t have much patience. If you try to move again, I swear the next time will be a bullet from Taehyung’s gun and it’s far more painful than Jimin’s knife… and I can’t assure you where he wants to aim it. Sit” he spoke calmly, and strangely alluring yet intimidating.

Hoseok spoke again “The mole is here! Seokji----- scchhhht” Taehyung went to Namjoon side and pulled the ear piece away from him, threw it on the floor and stepped on it.

“Where is she?!” Namjoon demanded, eyes intensely fixated on Jungkook.

Taehyung crouched down and slapped his mouth. “You’re not asked to speak” he took the broken ear piece from the floor and pushed it inside Namjoon’s mouth “You better listen!”

Namjoon gagged a bit and spit the shattered pieces “Enough Taehyung, I bet he’s got it” Jungkook commanded.

“You and Seokjin will pay for what you did to Y/N!” he screamed, his fear already absent upon realizing the possibility of losing you for good.

“Seokjin? Who is he?” Jungkook chuckled. “While, it’s true there’s a mole within you” he sat on the table, just inches away Namjoon. “It’s not Seokjin, whoever he may be, I never met the guy. He sounded like a nice guy” he shrugs, still smiling. “Give you a clue, try to think who is out of reach right now?” he taps his temple.

Namjoon paused. When he realized who it was, his blood rushed up to his head, leaving him cold, nauseated and in pain. “No, it can’t be”

There you were, entering the room from the door in front of everyone inside. Safe and unharmed “Hey love, I miss you so much!” you quickly ran towards Jungkook and jumped to give him a long pressing kiss.

“No… but why?” Namjoon’s eyes started to cloud with his own tears.

“Love, why don’t you tell him?” Jungkook pouted as he turned to face you, and pulled you in closer, letting you sit on his lap.

“Well, I got bored here. I decided I want to play police. That’s why I’m here, but I got bored too, so I decided to come back” you smiled at Namjoon then at Jungkook “to you, love”

Jungkook chuckled, his nose scrunched again in a bunny like manner, as he point his finger against your nose and tapped it “That’s my girl, isn’t she cute when she gets bored?” he asked Namjoon.

“But everything, what we’ve been through, were they all lies?”

You shook your head still smiling “Not everything, no. Well, except everything about Seokjin, and the brothel and Mr.Co…” you rolled your eyes, sluggishly “Didn’t I tell you I’ll make sure everything goes according to plan? I mean, my plan that is…” you shrugged.

“How?” Namjoon’s head fell to his chest, clearly desperate, praying that everything he was hearing from you weren’t true.

“Well for starters, it’s really not hard to fake documents, my background then my history… You’ve seen the opium den earlier didn’t you? The head of National Office Record is pretty much a regular these days, we just gave him a little freebies and then we’re good. But you sir, you were pretty interesting, I really had a great time!” you nodded.

“It was actually me who subtly planted the idea that it was Seokjin, it was me who gave Seokjin information, the exact location and a glimpse of our plan, well without telling him I am part of the group that is” you playfully traced your finger on Jungkook’s neck, letting Namjoon watch while he aches at everything. The reality that was unfolding before him.

“I was the one who curated random stuff as your evidence, made up stories about a non-existent Mr. Co and the Fiery Brothel in Songpa-gu, reserved a seat for you in the meeting and voila!  You’re here! Isn’t great, love?” you gave Jungkook a peck on his lips and he nodded.

“Y/N” Namjoon cried

“You know Namjoon? I really like you, that’s pretty much true. But this man right here” you turn to Jungkook and playfully squeezed his cheek “I love him so much, I’m willing to give my life for him. That’s the difference. To be by your side, quite literally and to be by his side, forever, wherever I may be” Jungkook giggled at your declaration for his love.

“Please say it’s a lie! Tell me, you’re being forced by him, just say it. Please, I love you!” Namjoon screamed

“Stop, Namjoon” you watched him in pity. “Didn’t I tell you? We’re just bunch of colleagues…”

“Boss, what are you going to do with him?” Jimin’s eyes remained focused against Namjoon while he pops his gum.

“Love, what do you plan?” Jungkook gazed at you lovingly, while he was fixing your hair.

“He’s where he is supposed to be. A captain who just lost the trust of his superior and his men, just because of a woman. Isn’t it a tragic story, the story of a naïve pawn? This way love, you’ll be able to move freely with your business.” You stared at Jungkook’s lips, resisting to kiss him while he revel at your impregnable intellect.

“As usual, impressive as always” Jungkook nods as he kissed you again. “Let him live, so he’ll be able to tell our tale, a precautionary one to not screw with us”

“Y/N” Namjoon pleaded.

“Namjoon, you were the best Captain really. Thank you for the memories” you smiled.

Then Taehyung swiftly hit Namjoon in the face, leaving him unconscious, but only for a while.

Namjoon blinked at the sensation of rain drop falling over his face. Next thing he knew, people in scrubs were rushing towards him, raised him up from the pavement outside the hospital and secured his tired body on a stretcher.

“Sir, are you okay? Do you know where you are? Do you remember who left you here?” Namjoon was so oblivious at the moment, that he just tried to pull himself up to see if everything that happened earlier was a dream.

Until something fell from the inside of his coat. He picked it up “The Art of War by Sun Tzu?” he opened a page and saw a little note from you that says

“An enemy of my enemy is my FRIEND :) - Y/N”

Even when this rain stops, when the clouds go away I stand here, just the same Without saying anything, looking at the world There, a not so beautiful me is looking at myself In this rain In this rain

Rain by BTS

A/N: Thank you for giving time and reaching this far. This is my first attempt in making a smut fic so please be kind >.< This fic is actually my birthday gift for Slyn (SLL-AW Fictions) she’s a writer from YT who pushed me to try doing one too. Her bias is Jungkook so, naturally, the story ended with Y/N falling in the arms of Jungkook.

This is also nod and an attempt to honor one of my all time favorite fanfic, the BEST EVER CREATED on the internet about BTS: “House of Card by Sugamins” (if you know, you know 😉 )

I am so whipped for Master Jeon Jungkook that I just 👁️👄👁️. I didn’t want to recreate the verse, because I just can’t... I could never. House of Card is like a whole level of superiority and I’m just...a nursery...

Although, I borrowed the dark environment and the emotions involved in the characters... but I am totally disclaiming it to be a part of the verse. I’m a huge fan, I’m sorry I’m geeking out 😭 (Sugamins if you ever see this, I love you and thank you!! 😭 huge fan!!)

Slyn’s favorite genre are mafia, action, and romance (specifically with Jungkook). She’s aware of House of Cards too so yeah..

Anyway, I hope you guys enjoyed “In The Rain” :).

PS.  If you haven’t read “House of Card” please do! It’s on a03! Google it! BUT YOU HAVE TO BE 18 and above... and open to like practically everything! Read the warning signs first before you proceed. But I swear, it’s the best out there!!! (you’ll know why it hit a million views once you finished. That fic should be in a book, and I’ll gladly buy several copies!

ALSO, I’m so sorry for making Y/N a villain/psychopath. As well as Jungkook, Jimin and Taehyung. Forgive me. It was raining hard one day while listening to Rain on by BTS and the ending scene just came up to my mind and I happen to work on it since... :<

[strawberrylemonz]

Accepted Invitation

Part 1

Part 2 [CURRENT]

Part 3

DT: @bargledblocks my beloved <3 and @snapdragonfirefly my beloved <3

“Chat, stop being dickheads.”

Kristin shook her head as she narrowed her eyes at Phil, who smiled at her.

“He gets that from you.”

“What? Never! He must have learned it from someone else!”

As the two playfully bickered, accusing each other of starting Tommy’s cursing habit, they failed to notice the guilty look that covered the twin’s expression. Ghostbur, not being able to read the atmosphere or situation, whispered in a loud manner.

“Heeeeeey, didn’t we teach him how to curse.”

“You two did what?”

“Nothing! Let’s move on!”

Tommy hummed as he happily navigated through the unfamiliar Portal Hub. He had heard stories of what it was like from his father and brothers, so he was more than excited to finally navigate through it himself. Look at him go! TommyInnit, the most badass adventurer around! He would be so cool, just like his family!

“What is he doing on the main server? Why is he walking around the Portal Hub?”

“I don’t know, but does it matter?”

“Of course it does-!”

“Does not.”

Just as he was about to enter a different section of the Portal Hub, the sound of a small peep caught his attention. Turning around with a smile, he held out his hand as he caught a baby chick, gently petting it with his finger. 

“Hello, little guy. New god?”

“Yes, little chick, I am!”

“Did Clara and Mother lead you my way?”

“They did! They couldn’t help but say good things about you, so I just had to come and see you for myself! I hope I’m not going to stay this small forever.”

“Don’t worry, you’ll get bigger the longer you stick around with me. Mother and Clara are already fully grown chickens, but there’s other deities who are still puffy chicks, like you.”

“Wonderful! Can I stay on your person?”

“Sure, why not? Here, just stay there.”

“Thank you, young chick.”

“Not a problem!”

“I’m sorry, gods?”

“Are you telling me that Tommy’s just as crazy as his family? I mean, come on, Chat? Voices? Obvious red flag-”

“That’s not very nice, Dream.”

Dream frowned and tried to cover his ears, doing his best to block out Ghostbur. Techno and Wilbur just sat in silence, watching the form of their brother as he happily interacted with his voices, with his chat. He seemed so much more in control than they ever were at his age. Overall, they were just shocked that he even had a chat, and they didn’t know. Watching the interaction, Ranboo voiced his observation.

“Hey, Tommy kinda has what Phil does.”

“What do you mean, Boo?”

“Phil has a bunch of crows that follow him around, Tommy has baby chicks. Kinda funny, if you ask me.”

Tommy smiled as he tucked the chick into his shirt pocket, happy to see the little fella content. Peering into his satchel, he smiled as he nodded to a small group of chicks huddled in there, peering up at him. Their peeps comforted him as he entered the new area, clutching the straps of both his backpack and satchel tightly in his grip. Mumbling as he studied the different portals, he couldn’t help but snort as familiar clucking caught his attention. Turning around, he waved as a clucking chicken ran to him, flapping into his arms.

“Hello, Mother.”

Quackity snorted, only to quickly move to cover his mouth. Kristin raised an eyebrow as she turned to face him, curiosity painting her face. Nervous laughter erupted from the man’s throat as he scratched the back of his neck, trying to explain.

“It’s just, seeing him call a chicken mother was kind of funny.”

Kristin laughed as she nodded in agreement, she and Clara sharing knowing looks.

“It is funny, yeah.”

The chicken clucked as she rested her head on his shoulder, snuggling in. Waiting as he held her close, he smiled as a red aura came off the chicken, forming a mass in front of him. Floating there, arms crossed, was Kristin. Humming as she looked around the area, she spoke up in a confident manner.

“Joining your Chat was one of the smartest things I’ve ever done. Now I just need to track down your brothers and join their Chats, talk some sense into them during my free time.”

“Good to see you too, Mum.”

Kristin chuckled as she shook her head. Pressing her lips together, she gave her youngest son a pointed look.

“Now, Tommy, why are you here? You should be at home, with the others. The Hub is a big and unpredictable place, no nine year old should be wandering around here unsupervised.”

“But I’m not unsupervised, you’re here!”

Placing her hands on her hips, she shook her head as she sharpened her look, making the child avoid her gaze.

“I mean by someone who is physically there to watch you.”

“I don’t need a babysitter, Mum, I’m a Big Man!”

“I don’t doubt you are, but you still shouldn’t be here on your own. Here, let’s get you back to your father and brothers-”

“No!”

“Yelling at his mother, how rude!”

Niki shook her head in distaste as Jack nodded in agreement.

“She must have the will of thousands to deal with someone like Tommy.”

Kristin frowned at the statements being made behind her. It hurt her that the people her son admired and looked to spoke ill of him behind his back. What hurt her the most, however, was the lack of defense from her husband or sons. Instead, the defense came from someone else.

“Hey, leave the kid alone! Look at him, he’s just a child!”

“Quackity is right, Tommy’s nine here. Besides, if Kristin see’s something wrong with his tone, I’m sure she’d put him back in line.”

A satisfied hum came from Kristin as she smiled at Quackity and Ranboo, glad to see that some people had some sense in themselves.

Kristin frowned as she raised an eyebrow, tilting her head towards her youngest son. Tommy peered down at the chicken in his arms, ashamed. Sighing, he nodded as he looked back at her.

“I’m sorry, Mother. I just- I can’t go back.”

“Why not?”

“I hate being alone.”

The group watched as tears welled up in the child’s eye. They all felt a pinch of pain and hurt in their chests, frowning at how Tommy was feeling. Watching as he wiped his tears away with the chicken, they couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable.

“What do you mean by alone? I’m sure that if you just ask your brothers if you can join in sparring-”

“They left.”

“...What? What do you mean they left? What about your father? What did he say about this?”

“He left too. They all left me alone in the cottage. Something about being invited to a new server? They sent letters back home for me to read, but they stopped coming in two months ago. Dad and Techno started a nation, I think. The Antarctic Empire, or something. Wilbur started his own, but I think he’s allied with them? It got confusing after a while.”

“L’manburg wasn’t Wilbur’s first country?”

“Forget that, the anarchists started a country?!”

“Letters stopped two months ago? When did they leave you behind?”

“Um, I’m not sure? They left November twenty-second.”

“Wha- Tommy, it’s July fourth! They’ve been gone for almost seven months!

“Wow, really? It’s been that long? Huh, would you look at that! I’m a master survivor!”

“Ow!”

“I still don’t forgive you for that! How could you leave our son behind like that?! For seven months?!”

“Kristin-”

“Don’t, we’ll talk about this later.”

“And you’ve been alone all along? What about our sweet neighbors? Aren’t you best friends with that boy your age?”

“Tubbo went with his dad on a trip a few months back.”

“Schlatt took him on a trip? Huh, weird. And what about Lani?”

“What’s so surprising about that? I can be a loving and cool father, right Tubbo? Lani?”

The two siblings avoided the ram’s gaze, mumbling excuses so they did not need to reply.

“Adopted dad took her on a different trip after she got upset that Schlatt left her behind.”

“Well, count on Jordan to cheer his daughter up.”

“The Captain is cool like that, Mum.”

“You bet he is! Man, I need to go on a trip with him again. He’d love to meet Michael!”

“Knowing dad, he’s gonna freak after seeing that his only son is married and has a child.”

“I think you’re wrong, Lani, dad will be fiiiiiiiiiiinnnnne.”

“Whatever.”

“Well, where are you going, Tommy? Joining them on this new server?”

“I was, but I decided not to.”

“And why not?”

“I was invited to a different server! See?”

Kristin watched as Tommy reopened his satchel, greeting the chicks who napped inside. Carefully pulling out an envelope, he smiled as he pulled out the card. Presenting it to his mother with pride, Tommy giggled with glee as she read the name of the server.

“Dream SMP?”

“Yup! Started back in April, I think? I got the invite a month back, and I’ve been preparing to leave ever since! Isn’t that cool? Someone thinks I’m cool enough to join a server!”

Kristin studied the face of her son, watching as he happily rambled about his plans for the new server. He didn’t fool her, he never could. She knew that despite his excitement, he was lonely and scared. He didn’t want to be alone.

“You’re not going to make me go back to the cottage, are you?”

“You know what? I’ll follow you wherever you choose to go.”

“Really?!”

“Absolutely, my ray of sunshine.”

“Oh, thank you!”

Pure love and happiness filled everyone as Tommy held the chicken close to himself, ignoring the strange looks people gave him as he mumbled his thanks.

“He really loves you, doesn’t he?”

“As do I for him. If I could live every day outside of my realm, I’d be by my family’s side every day.”

“Well, what are you waiting for? Now, let’s see this Dream SMP, okay?”

“M’kay!”

-

“You guys left Tommy all by himself when he was nine? Kinda wack, ngl.”

“Did you just verbally abbreviate “not going to lie” in real life?”

“That’s not the point, Sapnap.”

“I know, but still.”

Wilbur refused to speak or look at anyone. He didn’t know why the train brought him and the others here, but he knew that being sat with his family made him uncomfortable. Technoblade just sat beside his twin, messing with his hands as he silently thought things over. Peering at his parents and brother, he couldn’t help but wonder if he had been unfair towards his youngest brother. He didn’t regret doing what he did to L’manburg, the country deserved it. He didn’t regret a thing, no matter what Tommy said or did. He didn’t even know why the voices and his own consciousness felt uneasy by this all, nothing bad hadn’t even occurred yet! It was definitely uncomfortable to feel what Tommy was feeling during these events, but that was the only thing that truly explained his uneasiness.

He watched as his mother whispered to his father, her stare firm and strong. The ex-citizens of L’manburg all conversed with one another, sharing their observations so far. They all shared the same question, he knew this, but only one was brave enough to ask it. Watching as Drista made her way from Lani to Kristin, Techno watched with amusement.

“Excuse me? Mrs. Minecraft? Where is Tommy?”

“Oh, simple! None of us wanted him to revisit all these moments that may be uncomfortable for him, so he’s somewhere safe.”

Before anyone else could ask anything else, they were suddenly overwhelmed with excitement and joy. Turning around they watched as Tommy spawned into a new server, his mother’s chicken in his arms. Petting her head as he looked around, Tommy addressed his small following of chicks and chickens.

“Boys! Welcome to the Dream SMP!”

[inkandpen22]

Somewhere (7/?)

Pairing: Sirius Black x Female!Reader 

Warnings: fluff, angst, mentiones of war 

Word Count: 1.1k

Part Summary: Lily and James are about to have a baby. When Y/N attends her first Order of the Phoenix meeting, things take a turn. 

A/N: sorry that this part is short. I promise the next one won’t be! I’m just trying to get back on schedule. X

Masterlist

April 1980...

The outside of the Potter’s home is covered in blue and pink decorations. A few of us have gathered to celebrate the news of a new addition to the family. Lily may have spilled the beans to me that it’s a boy, but I have to keep it a secret from Sirius. I can hardly wait to meet the little guy! Right, when Lily answers the door, she greets me with a hug and we shuffle inside. 

“Congratulations!” I greet the very pregnant woman.

 “Aw thank you!” She gushes right as her husband appears by her side. 

James and I embrace while Lily and Sirius have the chance to say ‘hello.’ 

“Glad you could make it!” James welcomes me before he turns to his best friend.

The two boys embrace as if they didn’t just see one another a few days ago. We’re always with Lily and James. Half the time we’re giving us trouble for not being engaged yet. I assure them it’ll happen eventually, I simply want to finish university. I pull Lily aside and she escorts me to the kitchen to chat. The two of us sit at the counter and she starts to pour me a glass of lemonade.

 “When are you due?!” I can hardly hold in my excitement. 

“July, we’re very excited!” She squeals. 

“We wanted to talk to you two,” James announces as he enters the kitchen with Sirius.

 “Oh no, what have you done now?!” I playfully wack Sirius on the chest as he stands behind my stool. 

“Nothing... from what I can recall,” he grumbles the last bit as he rubs his chest.

 “We were hoping you could do something for us...” Lily drags out, biting down on her lip. 

“Like what?” I switch my gaze between the couple and my boyfriend who appears equally as confused. 

James places his hands on Lily’s shoulders, standing behind her like Sirius is with me. It’s funny, we must mirror one another as couples. Granted, Sirius and I are like the darker version of Lily and James.

 “Lils and I want you two to be the godparents,” James blurts out. 

“Us?! Sirius and I gasp in unison. 

“Are you mad?” Sirius adds. 

“I can hardly take care of myself,” I point out. 

“I think I’d kill it by accident,” Sirius starts to worry. 

“He would,” I nod in agreement.

 “We completely trust you both and who knows us better than you two,” Lily clasps her hands together with a smile.

 “Literally anyone else,” I suggest. “I would’ve picked Remus.” Then, I turn to James, “no offense.” 

“None was taken,” he shrugs. “Lily wanted him too.”

“Was I straight across the board?” I inquire. If so, they’re crazy. 

“Yep, it was either you or Petunia,” James nods and I see Lily’s face falter at the mention of her sister.

 “Not Marlene?” Sirius questions. 

James and Lily give us knowing looks. Yeah, Marlene wouldn’t be good either. 

“Right, fair enough,” I agree. 

“So?!” Lily pressures excitedly as she peers between the two of us. “Will you do it?” 

I glance up at my boyfriend who looks rather terrified by the offer. Yet, if James and Lily are sure, then I can’t deny them what they want.

 “If you think it’s best?” I hesitate to say. 

“Yes!” Lily and James voice in unison. 

“Yay...” Sirius mumbles unenthusiastically. 

I elbow him in the side and offer the exciting couple an assurance smile. We exchange embraces as we did when Sirius and I arrived. Goodness, the two of us godparents. With the war going on, the sense of responsibility is overwhelming. If something were to happen to Lily and James I... I don’t what we’d do. _________________________ Sirius was reluctant to have me attend any Order of the Phoenix meetings. He wants me to have nothing to do with the organization or the war in general. Yet, when a location for the meeting was needed, our apartment is the only place the Order has never met. Sirius wasn’t too keen on the idea of having everyone over but eventually came to the conclusion he had no choice. 

While the Order sits around the dining table discussing important points, I stay behind the kitchen counter and pretend to be busy. I’m preparing dinner for everyone while all I do the entire time is eavesdrop on the meeting.

 “There’s a crucial bit of information I’ve just learned,” Dumbledore announces and the apartment grows silent. "The prophecy speaks of a boy born at the end of July.” 

I peer up from the cutting board and direct my focus at the Headmaster like the others. Then, my attention flickers to Sirius who meets my gaze. Based on his narrowed stare, he doesn’t want me listening nor anywhere near the room. He can deal with it. 

"You need to go into hiding," Kingsley Shacklebolt tells the Potters and Longbottoms.

Murmurs erupt around the table. James and Lily frantically look at one another, the same for the Longbottoms. Sirius looks as though his eyes may pop out of his head.

 "What?!" James finally breaks the silence. 

"You can't be serious!" Frank adds in. 

"Y/N will be the secret keeper for the Potters,” Dumbledore declares. 

I swallow hard and drop the knife in my hand onto the counter accidentally. Sirius wasn’t supposed to find out this way. 

“What?!” My boyfriend flies up from his seat aggressively. “Now you’re a mad man! There’s no way Y/N is getting involved!” 

“She’s a muggle, they won’t suspect it,” McGonagall calmly interjects.

 “She could be killed!” Sirius barks at the elders of the group. 

“She’ll have protection,” Dumbledore tries to ease Siriu’s worries. 

“No!” Sirius declares.

“Sirius-” I softly voice.

 “No!” He points at me directly. “

I already agreed!” I shout at him.

His jaw drops, “you what?!” 

“If it’ll keep the Potters safe... I want to help,” I mutter timidly. 

Sirius hurries around the dining table into the kitchen. He grips my biceps eagerly. 

“You could be taken, murdered even!” He panics. 

I nod calmly, bringing my hand to his cheek. “It’ll all be okay. Dumbledore is right, they would never suspect me.” 

"I'm not risking you!" He cups my face. "Baby, you don't understand what they're capable of." 

"Sirius, it's James and Lily... it's the baby... you know they'd do the same for us," I reason with him gently. 

His jet black eyes pour into mine with a torn expression. They become more glassy with each passing second. I hate to do this, to betray Sirius's wishes, but I have to do this for my friends. I have to protect the people I care about.  _______________________

Masterlist

[fandomsilhouette]

the presents they measured (the presence she treasured)

Love is a powerful motivator. Jealous is even more so. Suddenly, someone finds themselves falling faster than they knew how to breathe, before they knew they were even walking to the edge of a cliff, too quickly to enjoy the scenery on the walk over, and all they know is that by the time they crash-land, they’d better be ready to fight. Someone pushed them over the edge. It’s time for revenge.  Happy @felinettenovember​, y’all! Yes, we are in fact back to happy times. This has been written in collaboration with @musicfren​, who will be posting the second part on his account tomorrow. It continues to be fluffy fluff, don’t worry... for now >:3 We’ll be doing every weekend pair together, so follow him if you don’t already or you’ll be missing a whole chapter!!! 

Part 1 below. Part 2 upcoming. 

“...did I miss Marinette’s birthday?” 

“Dude, what are you talking about? Mari’s birthday is in April.” Nino shoots a pointed look at the snow drifting down to the streets as he shakes the now-sludgy water off his snow boots and starts unwrapping himself out of his winter gear, piling them up in a wet mess on Felix’s desk. Felix, for once, chooses not to complain, opting instead to focus on the main issue here. 

“Well, but there’s a gift on her desk and November seventh is definitely too early for holiday gifts.” Felix smirks slyly at a camera no one else can see as he said the date, making Nino send him a weird look. Then again, Felix was weird all the time. Nino is used to it by now, so he doesn’t comment any further. 

Nino shoots him a sidelong glance. “Dude, why are you specifically checking her desk?”

“Unimportant, I saw it as I walked in. Do you know who put it there?” Felix says, swerving the discussion violently back to the most salient point. 

“…bruh… her desk requires you to turn almost 180˚ from where you would need to go for your desk.” 

“Unimportant, I said.” Hopefully his Ladybug-red blush doesn’t show under the still-flickering half on lights that no one has bothered to flick the other switch for. The back half of the classroom is bathed in residual light and Felix can hardly see his own hand in front of him, but by Nino’s amused smirk, his blush is clearly bright enough to light up the path to his doom. 

Nino opens his mouth, but whatever snark he was going to respond with is lost under a quiet “ooooooh!” and the sound of wrapping paper being carefully pried apart. Felix turns and his meticulously coiffed composure slips a bit. 

“Marinette!” He half-falls out of his chair as he scampers anxiously to her side. He stands protectively behind her as if about to pull her to safety, hands hovering awkwardly around her waist, but she seems far too engrossed by the present before her to notice. Later, Felix will blush and be glad she didn’t. Later than that, she’ll admit she saw and just chose to ignore it, and Felix will blush again. 

“I wonder what it i-- ooh!!” With a small happy gasp, she pulls back the paper (a disgustingly garish shade of green, easily three shades off of the correct shade, obviously) to reveal a dainty box of chocolates and an elegant white card, ornately decorated in gold leaf print. Marinette curiously picks up the card as Felix cranes his head intently over her shoulder. Inside, in pretentiously penciled cursive, is a simple phrase:

“With love, your secret admirer <3”

Felix immediately scoffs, grabbing Marinette’s wrist and pulling her into his chest, but she scarcely pays him any mind, so engrossed is she in her gift.

“Gosh, that’s really thoughtful of them, picking my favorite!  Who… whoever they are…”

“It’s not even your favorite kind of chocolate!” Felix screams in his head, and refuses to acknowledge the follow-up question of whether he even knows what her favorite chocolate is. He’s quickly distracted, anyways, when Marinette giggles, which is a very distracting sound, Nino, stop looking at him like that!

“Haha, I could even say it’s… sweet! of them!!” She pops a chocolate in her mouth and Felix is riveted to the way her lips purse around the sweet, the way her tongue swirls around her finger as she sucks the last of it off. 

Nino shoots him an impressed glance and mouths, “Dude, nice!” but Felix’s mind is too busy spinning to process why. What on EARTH was happening?! 

It takes him the next two classes and most of lunch to work up the courage to ask. “Um… what’s a secret admirer?” 

Nino pauses mid-bite, fork dangling in the air, to give Felix such a dumbfounded look that Felix immediately chooses to google the term instead, furtively hiding his phone under the bench. “Dude… why did you use that word if you didn’t even know what it meant, you walnut??” 

Felix slams the lid down on his food and walks away immediately, footsteps echoing to the sound of Nino’s laughter. 

He hopes to put this baffling incident behind him, but to Felix’s immense distress, the parade of gifts does not stop there. At her locker the next morning, Felix finds himself needing to push through a group of students all cooing over… something he cannot make out from behind the crowd. As he gets closer, he notices flowers pinned up in the shape of a heart over her locker, with a grand bouquet of roses pinned in the center. Felix’s nose twitches, itches, and then-- 

“Achoo!!”

Rose petals go flying everywhere and Marinette laughs, delighted. Kim nudges into him. “Sick show, bro! She loved that, how’d you time that sneeze??” 

Felix doesn’t know. He’s confused. He wants to go home.

Two days after that, the PA system crackles through the classroom five minutes before the class  is scheduled to end. Principal Damoclese clears his throat with a sharp peak in the audio and says in his most bored, reading-off-a-paper voice: “Marinette Dupain-Cheng to the courtyard, please, that’s Marinette Dupain-Cheng to the courtyard.” Bustier winks and ends class early, and everyone floods outside to see a teddy bear holding a cute little love-heart. Marinette makes a beeline to it and hugs it immediately, burying her face in its fur. It’s adorable, actually, and Felix tries very hard to not be jealous of a stuffed toy. 

He does not succeed. 

“OHMIGOSH, Felix!!!” Rose squeals, “That was so romantiiiiic, you’re sooooooo good at this!!! How are you being this sweeeeeeet??? <3 <3 <3” Felix can hear the hearts in her voice. Juleka mumbles something that he can only assume is agreement. Felix just sits down where he was standing and puts his head in his hands. Why did nothing make sense?

Felix leans his head against the window of the car, letting the bumps in the road thunk his forehead against the glass in a nice, soothing, repetitive dull pain, better than the constant headache he’s been living with for the last week. Their words spin about his head, hounding his thoughts. His chauffeur is silent for once

“Dude, nice!” “Sick show, bro!” “How are you being this sweet???”

And that’s when it hits him, making a hollow thunk off his empty skull.

Someone is getting her these gifts. And they think he did it. 

Another heartbeat. 

OH NO, THEY KNOW HE LIKES HER! Wait. He likes her?! ...oh no. He DOES. 

Staring out at the road speeding by far too fast, Felix clenches his hands into fists. He’d never expected to find himself here: head over heels crushing on a girl that everyone knew he liked before he ever worked it out on his own, a week late into a competition he doesn’t remember entering. 

Well, no matter. There’s still time to enter, catch up, win.

The next day, Marinette finds another chocolate box on her desk, bigger, more expensive, and exactly the correct shade of green. Each one is handcrafted into increasingly more elaborate designs, laced with caramel and toffee and candied pecans. The spread takes over her desk and Alya’s, and Felix grins smugly. 

“Wait. Didn’t you already do this?” Nino asks, but Felix is too busy. There is an entire wheelbarrow of flowers to deliver by lunch. 

His competition moves quickly: by the end of the school day, the PA is playing a serenade for her in front of the whole school. As soon as the bell rings, he cancels his next order and places a rush on the biggest size they offer: clearly, he’s going to need to do better. He doesn’t bother to look at the sizing or the price. Nothing is too big or too expensive for Marinette. 

The next day Marinette finds a third box, so big it doesn’t even fit on her desk and instead sits next to it like an awkwardly crouched gremlin. Felix glowers at it, not having realized exactly how big it was going to be, and becoming increasingly concerned as she shrieks with delight, yanking out the artistically crinkled tissue paper and tossing it gleefully behind her, climbing into the giant box as soon as she makes enough space for herself. 

Terrified, Felix shuffles over and peeks over the edge. She’s curled up in the paws of his giant stuffed animal, half asleep, looking so cozy he can hardly bear it. 

...oh, goodness, he’s getting jealous of a toy again. His own toy, even!  

There’s nothing for a few days, and Felix relaxes, and then--

The entire classroom is covered in flowers of every kind come Thursday morning. Bustier cancels the first period and directs everyone coughing and sneezing to the nurse, and convinces everyone who can stand the pollen to help her move it out of the way. 

It turns out the class has been talking about the secret admirers-- a lot more than Felix expected. Sometime after the impromptu courtyard concert by Jagged Stone and the last minute fashion walk between classes, and between the endless planning and scheming and glowering, Felix finds himself cornered by Nino, who’s lost his hat, glasses hanging half off his face in a way Felix could’ve sworn they didn’t used to bend, looking more feral than Felix had ever seen him. 

“ENOUGH, FELIX.” And then Felix finds himself being dragged bodily to an empty classroom where at last he faces his opponent-- nay, his nemesis. He recognizes them at once, because of the way they, too, are being held prisoner, the only other put together person in the entire room. 

Oh, he really should’ve known. 

[mampysou]

Day 6 of Harringrove April. And a bit more fluff for you.

Also on AO3

Star gazing.

Steve walks into the mostly deserted lot as the last but one car pulls out of it. All of him wishes they didn’t have to sneak around like they do but living in small town Hawkins and dating a boy who you hated 6 months ago does not make for happy campers. He cringes when he thinks what he called Jonathan in the not so distant past and he knows Billy still answers with fists, if anyone implies he is anything but a total womaniser.

It’s tricky to say the least. He parks two streets over outside the closed stores and walks over to Billy. It’s always in the direction of the shop that’s open late, so if stopped or spotted he’s just heading for cigarettes. Steve would do it every night if they could, but Billy is bound by a strict curfew and an even stricter father.

Nights like this, where they can meet late, are few and far between. Billy’s father, Steve had been corrected one night, ‘He’s not my dad Harrington. Those are nice to their kids’, is away for the weekend. Max’s mom is out till late having drinks with the girls and would be a little worse for wear on her arrival home, therefore not caring if Billy is home or not. And Max is round at Mike’s, for DnD night. Something Steve knows will last till the small hours of the morning. Steve’s own parents are away on business somewhere and wouldn’t really care what he was up to if they were hone anyway. So, they were safe – probably. As long as they are discreet and kept to themselves, no one will bother them.

Steve ambles up to the dark blue Camero and taps on the window. Billy pops the locks and watches him as he climbs in.

Billy is in reverse and moving before Steve even has the door fully closed, the first time it happened he complained, but he gets it now. Billy doesn’t want to waste this time sitting and waiting. He would never say that to Steve but he feels it every time they get to where they are going and Billy hauls him in close. His hand demanding and his mouth claiming.

Steve never knows where they are headed. He sits and waits, watching Billy drive, cigarette hanging from his fingers out of the open window and hair bouncing as his nods his head to the beat of whatever is screaming out of his stereo.

Tonight, he drives them to a abandoned house with a large drive and scary looking woodland behind it. It’s just starting to get dark and he can’t see a light for miles. The sky is clear and a chill is starting to creep over him. He pulls his jacket close to him and climbs out. Billy grabs the tatty blanket and the six pack from his trunk and stalks off leaving Steve to catch up.

Some days Steve always feels like he is one step behind Billy always chasing him. He feels though he has to figure out the truth behind all his words because he can never say what he means, unless it’s cutting them there is no problem. He reads too much into every kiss and every touch, every twitch on his lips away from his usual smirk.

Steve promised himself he wouldn’t do this tonight. He is just going to enjoy Billy’s company, talk, drink and make out, hopefully. He is now even further behind the retreating back of the blond

As he scurries to catch up, he listens to the sounds around him. The woods rustle and the trees creak, the breeze smells like pine and he breathes it in. It calms his nerves as he falls in step with Billy.

“Where are we going Billy?” Steve asks, trying to see any sort of landmark ahead of him.

“Just up the hill Steve.” He says pointing to a small hill rising just ahead of them. Steve just hums in agreement.

The trek up the hill is short and quick and there is a nice plateau at the top. Billy lays out the blanket and flops down on it, popping out two cans and holding one out for Steve. He sits down more gently and plucks his can out of Billy’s waiting fingers. The sun is dipping below the horizon sky awash with oranges and purples and Steve stares at it. It’s so beautiful.

The sky darkens to a deep blue, suddenly filled with stars. It’s like someone flipped a switch and they blinked into life in the sky above him. The moon looks huge and so bright they wouldn’t need a torch to see when they head back to the car. Billy is silent next to him apart from the occasional pull he takes from his beer.

Steve spots some shapes he recognises but can’t remember their names. The three stars in a line with some coming off its side. The one that looks like a saucepan. He also sees the only one that he remembers the name to, the North Star. Brightest in the sky always showing you where you are. A point to make sure you are never lost.

Steve thinks that’s how Billy has become in his life. Always catching his eye, an immovable point that Steve can’t ignore. Always there making sure he doesn’t lose his way. No matter how little time the send together, he always seems to be there when he needs, a fleeting touch her, a reassuring smile just for him there, or a stolen kiss when they can capture a moment alone.

He stares down at Billy to his right, but finds him, not looking up at the sky, at the beauty it holds, but right at him. He felt his cheeks darken with the heat of a blush.

“What you looking at Billy? The stars are beautiful.” He asks gently.

“Why would I look at those balls of fire when I could look at you?” he asks quietly.

Steve’s smiles at him, and falls back to lie next to him, deciding staring back at Billy is just what he wants to do.

-

Hope you like it.

[wlfkssd]

A Royal Return ( oneshot )

Piece based on the prompt ‘starting to talk to the other before even entering the room’ + hvithelred, sent in by @issadoragreen <3

Summary : Modern Royalty AU - Prince Aethelred returns from one of his royal tours a little early, only to find his Norwegian prince, Hvitserk, baking cookies with their children. Not too exciting or cute but I tried. 

Warnings : None that I can think of tbh.

Pairing : Aethelred x Hvitserk

Word count : 1,250

Additional Notes : Could become part of a larger, on-going piece but who knows. Also Hvitserk’s favourite song is Changes by Charles Bradley just because of that one video where Alex and Marco sang it behind the scenes. I don’t make the rules. 

The tour had been a tiring one. Six months away from Hvitserk and their daughter, their nine month old son and the dogs, had all but ground him down into a short tempered grump.

Being a royal representative for his brother, King Alfred, isn't anything like it was before the children came into their lives and he doubts it will get easier. The only difference is that, eventually, they'll have to come along as well. Aethelred dreads that day with every fibre of his being for more than one reason; letting go the fact that Hvitserk married him on the agreement that he would take a step back from public duties in a country that isn't his own.

The prince rubs his heavy eyes as the car pulls up outside of their shared home. It's an offshoot of the main palace, giving privacy to everyone - though he knows they've been moved here to reduce the noise of the children on his ailing mother. A glance up into the second floor windows tells Aethelred that someone's in the kitchen and, as the door of the Rolls Royce opens, he can vaguely hear music.

He smiles. For the first time, really, in what feels like a lifetime.

"Your Royal Highness." The footman makes a small bow as Aethelred steps out, pulling his thick black coat around him a little tighter. Unusually cold weather for April. He returns the greeting and takes the wide steps up to the front door two at a time and, as the large oak doors part before him, the smell of cookies couldn't be more homely.

Waiting hands quickly take his coat and that disappears somewhere, leaving Aethelred in a dark ensemble; slacks and a knitted sweater, bought for him by his husband for their anniversary trip back to Norway. Needless to say, that never happened - something about a disagreement between his brothers, Ivar and Sigurd, hitting the front pages of the tabloids deemed it undignified - so it's yet to be tested against a real winter.

Taking a moment to look about the reception, the realisation sinks in that he's actually back. Actually home. Even if it's only for a short time.

Luxurious blue carpet sinks with his footfalls as he climbs the staircase, set on either side with a portrait of their children. Aethelred touches each one as he passes it in turn. They were a gift from Hvitserk's aunt Helga, painted after photographs of their son's Christening were released in the papers.

That was a day nobody will forget in a hurry. Especially for Hvitserk who caught an earful from three of his four brothers. Only Ubbe seemed to understand that protocol demands such things when marrying into a largely Christian family. Not to mention their position in the public eye as royals.

Still, those memories whisper themselves to the back of his mind as the prince moves down the hallway to their private rooms.

Not much has changed. The bed is made, as per usual, and the long curtains have been tied back, allowing the light to find its way inside through tall sheets of stained glass. Hvitserk was the one who first suggested the idea - using the children as an excuse for the flourish of creativity. True, it's been a helpful tool some days, he'd imagine, but Aethelred really hasn't been at home enough to appreciate the effects anything has on the little ones.

A sudden feeling of guilt catches hold of him and Aethelred sighs, knowing he shouldn't waste any more time now but there's something about this room being quiet that is almost close to sacred.

Be it the toys packed away, save one that pokes out from under the bed, or the smell of Hvitserk's shampoo that envelopes the air - indicating that all three occupants who sleep and wake here must be using it. Be it the way a small indent still curves in his pillow from before he left, or the stack of drawings on his bedside cabinet.

On the last phone call, Hvitserk informed him that there'll be one for every single day he's been away.

It's the little things that make this room, this life, sacred.

He changes quickly, silently, into more comfortable clothes and takes the passage from their bedroom up to the nursery; now used only when they have a nanny, which is rare. They're very hands-on parents for the most part, when schedules allow - especially with Hvitserk's position meaning that he only has to attend events when Alfred attends as well, unless he decides otherwise - and Aethelred takes great pride in the fact that he knows what his daughter's first word was. That he was there for her first steps.

He loves those children more than anything.

Leaving the nursery, Aethelred notes that the music is louder now. Charles Bradley. Changes. There's something soulful in the melancholy but hopeful in the song too; Heaven knows they've been through so many changes themselves to get where they are now. It almost feels fitting as a guide to bring the prince to the arms of his family.

Socked feet pad softly up to the kitchen door. His hand rests on the cold brass of the handle as he peers inside; warm glow of the oven door illuminating Hvitserk's front as he, and both of their children, stare in at the baking cookies. They look so excited and it feels like a shame to break that, even if Aethelred is sure they'd be all-but-forgotten about in his wake.

He turns away and takes a few steps back down the hall before he stops and clears his throat.

"Are we having milk with those cookies, Prince Hvitserk?" He asks, voice loud enough to alert anyone who cares to be listening. A contained shriek - their daughter isn't an animal - lets the prince know he's been heard and he turns again in time to catch the little girl and scoop her up, into his arms first and then sits her safely on his hip. Small arms throw themselves around his neck and she peppers his face and soft shirt with tiny kisses. "Did you really miss me that much?"

"Mhm! Mhm!" Her response is muted in comparison to any other child her age but Aethelred appreciates it nonetheless. Of course he does. He smiles and tickles her tummy as he walks into the kitchen.

"They smell good." Talking to the little girl as he crosses the threshold, it's clear Hvitserk wasn't expecting him back so soon. He's covered from head to toe in flour and there's even a sprinkling of sugar in his hair. Aethelred's sure that story will get explained later but, for now, his Norwegian prince seems happy enough to turn off his favourite song.

With their baby boy in arms now - he's sleeping, one large hand resting soothingly on his back - Hvitserk looks surprised but not in a bad way. He stands up, awkwardly, and crosses the heated tiles to where Aethelred waits for him.

"I thought you said you wouldn't be home until tomorrow." Hvitserk's voice is a whisper and even that is endearing. Oh, how he must have suffered. He looks tired. "Nothing happened did it?"

"Nothing bad, no. A few engagements were cancelled, that's all. Aren't you happy to see me? Because I can go..." He's joking in that soft way he does and Hvitserk sees it immediately, smiling as he steps in and kisses Aethelred's cheek, chastely.

Anything more and he knows he won't be able to stop. "You're not going anywhere until you try one of these cookies."

[swan--writes]

Can you please do a Dewey x Reader with the song ‘Naked’ by James Arthur?

What a song to end my requests on, damn. Thank you for requesting this, whoever you are. Now, allow me to make this entirely about myself.

A bit more than a year ago, I had an opportunity to say something to somebody, and while I meant everything I said to him, I didn’t say everything I meant. This is what I should have said.

Warnings: a breakup

Words: 1,540

Hey, you there.

Shirts, socks, pants, toothbrush, chord charts, guitar picks – including the one that had fallen behind the radiator in your living room and you’d never bothered to fish out.

Can we take it to the next level, baby, do you dare?

By the time you had all of Dewey’s things together in the gym bag you never used it was mostly dark outside. Cloudy skies again, but you felt clearer than you had in months. Since you started dating Dewey. You cared about him, more than you could express in just one day. It would likely take months for you to fully process your feelings. But enough of them had made it into the clearing of what mental space you could spare for you to know what needed to happen now.

Dewey needed to leave.

‘Cause if you can’t say the words…

You had been waiting long enough.

I don’t know why I should care.

You were sitting on the couch beside the bag when he got to your place from work.

“Hey, babe!” he greeted you, breathless, eyes shining. He stomped the snow from his boots and kicked them off at the door. What little of his face you could see between his hat and scarf was red from the cold. His nose was especially bright.

Dewey was adorable, and the thought was a pang in your heart. Still, you waited patiently for him to finish filling you in on his day so you could tell him what was on your mind. No going back now.

“…so Freddy’s losing his friggin’ mind at this point, Lawrence can’t focus on what he’s doing, the backup singers have stopped. And then April comes in with this sick riff and Freddy loses track of what he’s doing…” Dewey collapsed onto the couch on the other side of the bag. You just watched him. “Those kids are amazing, I swear.”

Yeah, I’m right here…

Dewey leaned his arm on the gym bag and shook his head. Then he stopped, frowned, and looked down at the bag. “Hey, babe?”

“Hm.”

“What’s this doing out here?” For the first time since arriving at your apartment, Dewey looked at your face. Panic immediately spiked in his eyes. “What?”

I’m trying to make it clear…

“We need to talk,” you said quietly. This wasn’t the way you wanted to start, but what else were you supposed to say?

That getting half of you just ain’t enough.

Dewey hesitated, but shifted to face you more fully. “Okay. What’s up?” He tried to laugh, but it seemed to get caught somewhere in his throat.

You took a breath, trying not to be too dramatic but needing to steady yourself. “Okay,” you muttered. Then you turned your gaze fully to your partner.

I’m standing here naked.

“We don’t fit into each other’s lives as well as we used to,” you said. “I know you’ve been busy, and you know I have been too. But I have been trying to make a space for you, and I’m not really feeling that from you.”

Dewey tried to give you a look. “Well, that’s not really–”

You held up a hand. “Let me say this.”

More surprised than anything, it seemed, Dewey closed his mouth. You took another short breath and pressed on with your rehearsed monologue.

The mirrors in your apartment had probably had enough of you.

“Now, I know that I have a tendency to worry about my relationships--all of my relationships when they start feeling distant.” That much was true. “But I also know that if I don’t trust my instincts, I usually end up out on my ass.” That was also true.

You laughed then, lightly, trying to lift some of the heaviness between the two of you. The corners of Dewey’s mouth turned up ever so slightly, and you silently congratulated yourself.

“And what my instincts are telling me is to screw censoring my feelings. Because I have been,” you admitted. Dewey nodded, possibly in understanding, or maybe in agreement – you weren’t sure. Still, you continued and said, for the first time, “I kinda love you, Dewey.”

He stopped moving.

You rolled your eyes at yourself. “No, not ‘kinda.’ I do.” You looked at him again. He seemed paler than usual, but he was maintaining a poker face. “And I know you don’t feel the same, and I wish I could be okay with that. But, um…” You tried to keep from twisting your lips. Dewey said your name, but you held up a hand again. Your hand was shaking. You decided not to care. “But it’s not.”

Hey, get out.

“Maybe it’s a matter of time – or timing – or maybe it’s not. I don’t think it really matters. We’ve been together for four months, and I’m already the one who cares more.”

I’ve got nothing left to give, and you give me nothing now.

“Again,” you muttered, mostly to yourself and looking at the back of the couch rather than at Dewey. He was still watching you. “And I think it’ll probably stay that way.”

“Do you?” Dewey asked faintly.

“Yeah, my heart doesn’t like to let people go. It’s kinda stubborn that way.”

“And you don’t think that I’ll…” He swallowed. “I mean, it’s not like I don’t care about you.”

“I know.”

“‘Cause I do. I care a lot. I think you’re amazing.”

“I--yeah, you too.” You tried to keep your tone self-aware enough that he would get the joke. He seemed to.

“I’m just not–”

“I know. But I am.”

I wanna give you everything.

For the first time since Dewey had sat down, you checked in with yourself. Your heart was throbbing. You had known this would be hard, but God, this sucked. Then again, this was also the most honest you had ever been with Dewey.

In the four months that you had been together, you had connected at least a hundred times over dozens of subjects. Dewey got you. He got you in a way you weren’t sure you would ever find again, and the thought was terrifying. So you had put this off. When he started cancelling your plans at the last minute, for reasons he had ‘forgotten’ to tell you about, you set your frustration aside. When he started forgetting you existed unless you were directly in front of him, you brushed off the hurt. When he stopped making plans with you altogether, you tried to get over it. You really, really tried.

He wasn’t as bad as all that, really. Dewey had bright eyes that seemed to glimmer when he was excited about something. He had clusters of freckles across his back that danced in the morning sun. His laugh was the most beautiful sound you had ever heard. Dewey was kind (mostly), and reliable (when he wanted), and thoughtful (usually), and brilliant (always) and stunning. Yes, he was stunning most of all.

And you loved him. You loved Smart Dewey, and Drunk Dewey, and Musical Dewey, and 2AM Dewey making weird noises and dancing around the room. You loved his wild hair, his smile, the way he would prod at you when he wanted to understand something. His sloping shoulders and soft lines. How could you ever have not loved him? From minute one you hadn’t stood a chance.

It sucked.

And it was only a matter of time until it all boiled over and you both fell apart. You would always love him; you knew that in a way you had never known anything before. You also knew that letting go now was the right thing to do.

I’m not gonna wait until you’re gone.

“I don’t know if this hurts you, but if it does, I’m sorry I have to do it.” You had never been this honest with him before, and the look in Dewey’s eyes told you that he knew it.

‘Cause you pretended you don’t need anyone.

He shook his head. “I’m sorry for being an asshole.”

“Thanks.”

Can’t you see that I’m naked?

“Will I see you again?” he asked.

Your mouth formed a solid line, and you suspected you had that small frown above your nose you only got when you didn’t know what to say.

Dewey looked away. “Oh.” He nodded. “Okay.”

See that I’m naked!

Your ex-partner wrapped his hand around the handles of his gym bag without asking what was in it. He had to know. He stood and walked back to the door, and set the bag down.

I’m not gonna try until you decide…

Dewey put on his coat, then his scarf, then his hat, then his boots. Then he picked the bag up again, gave you a parting glance, and turned back to the door. He squared his shoulders and left.

You’re ready to swallow all your pride.

And just like that, he was gone.

For months, you would cry about this moment. In your car, in your bed, on various friends’ couches and shoulders. Your mind would find some new detail to fixate on every two or three weeks, and you would lose it all over again.

I’m standing here naked.

You would wish he had told you exactly how he was feeling. You would wish you had told him just how much you loved him.

I’m standing here naked.

You would realize that you would likely never see his eyes again, and that the last time you had seen them they had been so, so dark. There were a million little things that would hurt you so deeply.

I’m standing…

And, eventually, you would come to see that you had done the right thing. You really had.

For now, though, all you could do was stand and lock the door. Dewey had left his key with you. You turned the deadbolt and felt the click in your bones.

I’m standing here.

.

.

please like and reblog, if you are so moved

tags list: @skiddyyo @missihart23 @ballerinafairyprincess @thewolfisapartofmysoul

if you would like to get on the tags list, feel free to shoot me a message or drop me an ask

[redcameleon]

Superstar Series

Chapter 07: Red Strings Attached

Summary: The beach is a mysterious place. It has the power to bring people together, to provide understanding towards each other, and oneself. And it sure brought Sasuke and Sakura closer. 

Rating: K. 

Prompt: SSM 2020 Day 31′s free prompt

A/N: I’m particularly fond of this chapter, because I feel like Sasuke and Sakura have always had a special bond, and I want to highlight it in this chapter. They enjoy each other’s presence, without even trying. This is dedicated for the last day of 2020 Sasusaku month. 

Spring.

A comeback is in the making, which also means everyone will be busy in the next couple of months. K-4 is scheduled for an overseas photoshoot and another music video shoot. More exactly, in the warm paradise, Jeju Island.

Despite the high amount of stress, everyone is more than excited to go on their first overseas trip together. Nonetheless, with the amount of preparation that needs to be done, Sakura is constantly on the phone with a couple of designers or being in meetings with the creative director. They are determined to make this next album even more successful than the previous one, and that means making sure everything is in perfection.

Landing in Jeju, the team is greeted by the warm but cool breeze. The sun is just almost set and the sky is painted in a beautiful pink and orange hue. The drive to the hotel seems long, perhaps due to the fatigue from the flight, despite it being a short one.

According to their schedule, the photoshoot should last two days, and the music video shoot for three. The first four days is so busy that all Sakura could think about is work work work. Helping the team set up, taking care of the outfits, and making minor adjustments along the way sure made Sakura weary.

On the last day, they are able to end all activities around 5PM, and everyone gets some free time on the island before they have to go back home to Tokyo.

“Hey Sakura! Karin, Tenten, Hinata and I are thinking of grabbing dinner together. Wanna join us?” Ino offers.

“Thanks, but you guys go ahead, I could use some me-time to destress.”

“If you say so! Let us know if you change your mind.”

Being around so many people can be draining for Sakura, and she is thinking of doing something more in line with taking a leisure walk around the beach.

It’s the middle of April, yet the air still feels cool and refreshing. The breeze carries the scent of the sea, almost therapeutically.

The beach just across from their hotel attracts Sakura’s attention. No people? Perfect! She walks pass some trees and bushes and finds an empty spot, or so she thought. She spots a silhouette up ahead. Looks like someone sitting on a beach towel. Sakura recognizes the form and approaches them slowly.

“Sasuke-kun?” Sasuke turns his head to greet her. By the looks of it, Sasuke is probably here for the same reason.

“Mind if I sit here?” Sasuke nudges his chin for her to take a seat on a towel right next to him. She stretches her legs and buries her toes in the cool sand. She lets a few moments pass before speaking.

“Isn’t it so peaceful here?”

“Aa.” Knowing the members, Kiba and Naruto must be off celebrating with some karaoke and food. Suigetsu, being the water lover he is, must be off swimming either in the luxurious hotel swimming pool or in the ocean. From the amount of stuff around her, it’s more likely that Suigetsu is having a night swim in the ocean, with Sasuke accompanying him.  

“Are you cold?” Of course, she’s always taking care of him.

Sasuke shakes his head.

“Wow, it’s been a hectic couple of days. I can’t wait to soak in a tub of hot water with a glass of wine.” Sakura sighs.

“You guys did a great job! As always, us stylists don’t even have to do a lot of work, you guys already did half of it with your guys’ looks.” She lets out a playful giggle.

“Hn.” Even though it’s dark, with only the moon shining down on them, she’s sure she can see him smirk.

“It’s sad that we have to go back to Tokyo first thing in the morning. It’d be nice to enjoy our time in this island and just relax.”

Sasuke hums in agreement. They stay silent for a while before Sakura gets up and dusts the sand from her pants and legs.

“Well, I should get going. I don’t wanna take too much of your precious time alone. I know how tiring it could be around so many people for so long. Good ni-”

“You can stay...” he pauses “If you want.”

Sakura stares at him in surprise. That’s the last thing she expects that would come out of his mouth. After all, they’re just coworkers. Right?

She smiles and settles herself back on her previous spot and enjoys the sound of waves crashing. She tilts her head up to look at the stars that adorn the night sky and the cool night wind that caresses her cheeks. She feels so at peace.

She relishes in his presence. Even when there’s just silence between them, she can still feel them connecting with each other. She can also tell Sasuke is not bothered by her. In fact, she thinks to herself that maybe, just maybe, Sasuke also enjoys her around. Or maybe it’s because he’s used to having her around. She has been around them even before they debuted.

She lets her fatigue and tranquility take over her when she suddenly leans over on Sasuke’s shoulder. It catches him off guard. He turns to see that Sakura had dozed off.

“Sa-” he plans on saying something but decided not to. He can tell she must have been exhausted, so he just lets her rest her head on his shoulder, and shifts his weight so that his hand is supporting her back. Sasuke could feel as if time is slowing down between them. She watches her even breathing. She looks so peaceful, and if anything, he feels the moment between them is almost too romantic, way too romantic for two coworkers. He can’t help but feel a blush creep to the tips of his ears.

The moment is brief because not long after, Suigetsu comes out of the water and heads over to Sasuke.

“Oh? Sakura? What’s she doing here?” Sasuke doesn’t answer but motions his finger to his mouth to hush the silver-haired man.

Suigetsu crouches to get his towel and dry himself off before Sakura wakes up from her “nap”. She shoots herself away from Sasuke, shocked by how close they were.

“Sasuke-kun! I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to doze off like that! Oh Suigetsu! I see you’re back from your swim. I’m gonna…. go head back to the hotel. You guys have fun! See you all tomorrow!” She dashes and doesn’t even bother to look back to see Sasuke’s startled look.

“Stupid Sakura stupid! How could you fall asleep like that in front of him?! Again!!” Her cheeks are flushed red as she keeps on muttering to herself.

Although she can’t deny that warmth inside her chest when she relishes the feeling of being by his side. That was the closest she’s ever gotten to him, outside of work. She doesn’t know if she is dreaming but she could’ve sworn she felt a connection back then. It was a similar feeling like the one she had felt back on New Years Eve when they were alone together at the office.

She feels light on her feet, all giddy.

Unbeknownst to her, Shikamaru had been watching all along.

Walking around the coastline, he saw two people sitting on the sand, leaning against each other. He didn’t realize who they were until he saw someone run off, then he was sure that the one who ran was Sakura. He glanced at the other person and recognized their silhouette. Sasuke. He does notice that those two are close, but now his suspicion grows. He’ll be sure to keep a closer eye on them from now on.

.

.

.

to be continued.

<--Chapter 6      Chapter 8-->

[artificialqueens]

Tree House Kisses, Chapter 37 (Adorney) - Scorpio and Veronica

A/N: Click here for previous chapters or to read on AO3, click here! XOXO!

Chapter Summary: Courtney and Adore begin repairing their friendship, slowly but surely.

Chapter 37: I Have Confidence

“Bonnie!” Courtney flung herself into Bonnie’s arms, causing the older woman to laugh and put down the tongs, stepping away from the grill.

“Hiya darlin’, how are you?”

“I’m good now.” Courtney’s voice was soft, muffled in her hair.

“Dory told me you were coming, so I threw on a couple of veggie burgers.” Bonnie gestured to the grill.

“Aww, thank you!”

“Do you still eat cheese, or have you gone all the way to the dark side?” Bonnie held up a package of jack cheese, which she was about to put on the burgers.

“Cheese is fine,” Courtney laughed. “Although you know I’m really here for your macaroni salad.”

“Hey, Court? You wanna stop hanging on my poor mother and help me set the table?” Adore called from the other side of the patio, arms full.

“Coming!” Courtney pressed one last kiss to Bonnie’s cheek before skipping over to happily fold napkins, just as Angie came outside with a couple of serving bowls.

As she laid out the silverware, Courtney looked up at Adore, setting the condiments at one end of the table. She snatched a piece of red pepper from the veggie tray and grinned, thrilled to be here with her best friend and surrogate family on this beautiful, breezy Spring evening.

Adore smiled back, the light in her hazel eyes making Courtney’s heart nearly burst with happiness.

“Who wants toasted buns?” Bonnie called.

“I do!” Courtney exclaimed, eyes glittering with amusement at the joke she knew by now was coming.

“Well then, come sit on the grill…”

Adore and Angie both groaned, but Courtney laughed uproariously as if it was the first time she’d ever heard Bonnie’s lame joke.

“Why are you encouraging her?” Adore asked, slinging an arm around Courtney’s shoulders and guiding her towards the house to get the rest of the food.

“She’s cute. I missed her-” Courtney stopped suddenly, not wanting to kill the jovial mood, but Adore nodded.

“She missed you too,” Adore said, tossing Courtney another smile before she entered the house.

Courtney took a deep breath, grateful and happy, and then followed her inside.

-

Trinity adjusted her pillow behind her back, accidentally jostling the porch swing and Willam on the other side.

Willam had joined Trinity at her Granny's for the weekend. He never missed an opportunity to get some homemade cornbread, mac and cheese, and Granny Bonet’s Famous Peach Cobbler.

Plus Granny Bonet was sweet as pie, soft-spoken with a roaring laugh. She always seemed genuine when asking Willam what he has been up to since they last had seen each other, never making him feel any different than her own grandkids.

"Shit, Trin! Don't make me drop the weed." Willam snapped, adjusting the book on his legs.

"Sorry, sorry. This thing was stabbing me in the back," she said, finally getting the pillow in place and turning to get comfortable.

"Eh, Fuck it!" Willam shrugged, taking the half-open joint to his mouth and wrapping it closed. "If I can roll up while Violet is driving, I can fucking roll anywhere. That bitch drives like she’s playing Mario Cart."

Trinity burst into laughter, nodding her head in agreement unable to vocalize.

"I don't understand how the hell she even got her license," Willam snorted, spurred on by Trinity’s giggles.  

"It's really not that bad," Trinity said, finally trying to defend their friend.

Willam gave an incredulous look over the flame he quickly ran over the joint.

"It's more so when she's impatient," Trinity clarified.

"Oh." Willam rolled his eyes before actually lighting and taking a quick intake. “So, all the time.”

"She's gotten better recently. I think Pearl's been helping her or something," Trinity shrugged, grabbing the joint.

"Wait, what? Pearl doesn't even have a car. That's not right." Willam sat up, staring seriously at Trinity.

Trinity held his gaze, intrigued by the wheels turning in his head. What could he be thinking?

"They're having sex!" Willam finally exclaimed triumphantly.

"What? No!" Trinity’s brow furrowed.

Willam shook his head and continued, "Actually, it's pretty obvious. And right under our noses. Violet’s one sneaky bitch."

"No, no, no, no, no," Trinity coughed, deep and loud.

"Yes!"

"Do you really think Violet is over Fame though?" Trinity asked, intentionally rocking the swing as Willam took another hit.

"Well, yeah. Or...maybe. Probably. At least, she should be."

"No." Trinity shook her head adamantly. “She’s definitely not.”

"Okay, Trin. If Pearl and Violet haven't hooked up already; they will. I bet you that."

"Bet what? Because I don't even know if Pearl is really Violet's type," Trinity hesitated.

"How so?"

"Like compatibility...in bed and stuff like that. You know Violet is forward and aggressive and Pearl seems sort of nonchalant but in the ‘you can't tell me what to do’ kind of way. Violet has to be the boss, and Pearl doesn’t seem like she’d let her. Incompatible." Trinity shrugged, snatching the joint from her cousin’s hand. “Don’t forget to share, dick.”

"Hold up! And how would you know what either of them is like in bed? You’ve given this a lot of thought, cuz." Willam looked genuinely shocked and confused.

“It’s just a guess,” Trinity said, rolling her eyes. She put the joining to her lips, inhaling deeply, even as her cheeks darkened in embarrassment. “I mean, you know, it’s not like I obsess over it or anything...shut up.”

“Omigod, Trin, are you gonna start lezzing out with those whores?”

Trinity started coughing and laughing, shaking her head.

“Never say never,” she wheezed, laughing even harder at the scandalized look on his face.

-

“What’s so funny?” Roy asked, tapping on Courtney’s thigh. She was sitting next to him in the booth at Denny’s, giggling to herself over something on her phone for about the 20th time since they’d sat down. They were with April and Bob, getting a late snack after the movies, and her mind was clearly elsewhere.  

“Oh, um...sorry. Adore just sent me this-” Courtney gave a sheepish smile. “You know what, it’s not important.” She closed her phone and stuffed it into her jacket pocket.

“Well, thanks for finally joining us,” Roy said. He was going for lighthearted, but it came out a bit cross and scolding.

“Sorry, daddy,” Courtney teased, causing April to burst out laughing and Roy to make an even grumpier face. She stole a French fry off his plate, biting her lip to keep from laughing.

“I think she needs a spanking,” Bob said, and Courtney turned to stick her tongue out at him.

“You need a spanking,” she informed Bob.

“Hell yeah I do.” He cast a sly look over at April. “You wanna spank me?”

“Not especially,” April said, feigning boredom as she sipped her strawberry milkshake.

“What about you, Court?” Bob wiggled his eyebrows. “Want to teach me how to behave?”

“You’re sick,” Courtney said.

“Come on, someone must want to punish me,” Bob whined, and then yelled, “Ow!” as Roy kicked him hard under the table.

“You’re welcome,” Roy said. “Now eat your chicken fingers.”

Courtney laughed, then felt her phone buzz in her pocket, fingers itching to open it and see what Adore might have sent. She reached inside; even just touching it made her feel better. When Roy got into a heated debate with Bob over whether the Jackass crew was in fact funny, she quickly flipped it open and checked.

ADORE: LOL but can you blame me?

COURTNEY: Of course not. You’re only human.

Courtney finished sending the text, quickly putting her phone back, when she looked up and saw April gazing knowingly at her. She shrugged guiltily, pulling her root beer float over and taking a sip.

-

Once Courtney and Adore made up, play practice became about ten times as fun. They didn’t have any scenes together, so whenever one of them was on stage, the other would be cheering them on silently from the wings.

Courtney was especially supportive once the performances began—not once leaving during Adore’s big solo, ready to leap out and fight anyone who would dare upset her this year. Fortunately, the protestors stayed home. Apparently, as Mrs. Maguire thought, just the words ‘Sound of Music’ were enough to appease them. They didn’t bother watching to see the genderqueer lead, lesbian nuns, drag queen baroness or gay messenger boy mincing about.

Closing night was a bit bittersweet for Roy—after all, he’d had a starring role in every show his entire 4 years there. College would be different, and he knew that this part of his life was now officially over. Courtney hugged him tight, and Adore teasingly told him that it was okay if he wanted to cry.

“Fuck off,” he said, burying his face into Courtney’s hair.

“What, I’m serious! We’re all very impressed at this display of emotion,” Adore said.

“Yeah, it really shows how secure you are in your masculinity,” Courtney added with a wink.

“Ugh! You’re both assholes!” Roy said before he stomped off stage.

“Hmm. I guess he’s not that secure,” Adore commented, and she and Courtney both began to giggle again.  

-

As May bled into June, days getting longer and warmer, Adore began to feel antsy for summer to begin. One Saturday, she invited Courtney for an old-fashioned sleepover in the tree house, just like the good old days, and Courtney enthusiastically agreed. It was their first one in almost a year, and both girls were excited to reconnect, but maybe a bit nervous. There was still so much that they’d never said to each other. Still so much that they didn’t know how to put into words.

Adore climbed up the ladder with pizza and drinks, just as Courtney finished laying out the sleeping bags.

“Pizza delivery!”

“Ooh, yay!” Courtney exclaimed. “And um...I stole this from the liquor cabinet. Hopefully Adam won’t miss it.”

She produced a nearly full bottle of Jack Daniels, which impressed Adore, and made her send a grateful little prayer to Karen’s latest boyfriend.

“Thanks, Adam!”

Feeling like she could use a little something to help her relax, Courtney took a big swig from the bottle.

“Ugh, this is disgusting!” Courtney winced at the bitter taste, giggling.

“There's Coke too,” Adore said, and off Courtney's horrified expression, clarified, “Coca-cola, you dumbass. You can use it as a chaser.” She gestured to the white bag on top of the pizza box.

“Oh. Right.” Courtney flashed an apologetic grin and pulled a bottle of Coke from the bag, taking a sip.

Adore shook her head, chuckling, taking the bottle from her.

“Here…” She poured some of the soda out the window, then carefully replaced it with Jack, taking a sip to make sure the ratio was right before adding a little more alcohol. “Perfect.”

“Ugh, Adore!” Courtney opened the pizza box, groaning. “There’s pepperoni all over it!”

“Oh shit.”

“Gross…”

“Sorry!” Adore said, explaining, “I haven’t been hanging out with a lot of vegetarians lately, I forgot. Here, I’ll eat the pepperoni off for you.”

“Then there will still be pepperoni juice,” Courtney whined.

“You’re such a pain in the ass. Pepperoni is barely an animal. I don’t even know what animal it is!”

“Yeah. Don’t you think that’s a problem?” She pushed the pizza aside and dug into the bag of cheesy bread instead.

“Well. Sorry,” Adore said again, and Courtney leaned back, giving her a smile before taking another swig of Jack and Coke.

“It’s cool, I can eat this.”

-

“So…” Adore traced the edge of the sleeping bag with her finger, by now a bit sleepy and rocking a healthy buzz, finding herself realizing again just how much she’d missed her best friend. She felt bad, wished she could take back all the months of silence. But instead, she settled for trying her best to find out how her life was going these days. “...How are things with Roy?”

“Good. Great, actually,” Courtney sighed. “He’s the best.”

“He really loves you a lot,” Adore said, the memory of their argument a few weeks back still fresh in her mind. How Roy was the one who, in spite of everything, got her to make up with Courtney—and all because he wanted his girlfriend to be happy. It was disgustingly sweet, actually.

“Yeah. It’s gonna be so weird when he’s gone next year…” Courtney said.

“Oh, right. Shit. How’re you gonna survive?” They’d been joined at the hip for so long now that Adore couldn’t imagine what school—or life—would be like for Courtney without him.

“I’ll manage,” Courtney said, rolling over onto her side. “Anyway, he’s going to UCLA, so he’s only gonna be a few hours away. I’ll probably still see him all the time.”

“That’s cool.” Adore took another sip of their makeshift cocktail, swallowing down her residual bitterness about Roy and Courtney’s perfect teen romance along with the whiskey.  

“What about you. Any...special girls I should know about?” Courtney asked carefully. She took the bottle from Adore’s hands.

“Special girls? Okay mom.”

“Shut up, you know what I mean! Anyone who-”

“Nah.” Adore shook her head slowly.

“Do you and Violet still ever-”

“No,” Adore said, not even letting her get out the question. “We both realized that it was super toxic, and we’re much better off as friends. And this time, it feels like it’s stuck.”

“And Pearl?”

“Pearl?” Adore furrowed her brow, shaking her head. She and Pearl were still in that weird place where things were almost flirty but not. And she was still the only one who knew the whole truth about what happened with Courtney. It was too hard to explain, so instead she just said, “No. Although she has been really great this year. You know...with everything.”

Courtney took another sip, nearly polishing off the bottle, and Adore crawled over to make a new one.

“Can I ask you something?”

“Go ahead.” Adore once again poured the Coke out the window—this time maybe a bit more, and then replaced the contents with Jack.  

It was a few moments before Courtney spoke again. She appeared to be collecting her thoughts.

“How did you know that you were gay? Or...when…did you start thinking about it?”

Adore turned around, head tilted.

“Where’d this come from?”

“I’m just curious. You never really talked to me about it.” Courtney held a pillow in her arms, hair falling across her eyes.

Adore considered what to say, how honest to actually be in this moment, deciding that a few lies of omission were probably the best idea for everyone.

“I guess I always sort felt a little...different. And then when Violet started tutoring me, she kind of guessed? And she made me feel like...I don’t know. It was normal. Or at least, okay.”

“Of course it’s okay,” Courtney assured her, then asked, “So...was she the first girl you ever...had feelings for?”

Adore’s tongue felt thick in her mouth. She didn’t want to lie, not tonight when they were supposed to be bonding. But on the other hand, they’d only recently found their way back to each other, and what if she destroyed their delicate new reality? She didn’t think she could bear another fight, another period of loneliness like she’d had this year.

“Um...I guess I had little crushes before, but nothing that ever...went anywhere,” Adore finally said. Which was true.

“Oh yeah? Like who?” It was a fair question. A casual question. Her best friend showing interest in the inner workings of her heart.

“Uh…” Adore racked her brain for an answer that would satisfy her. “Remember that counselor we had at drama camp? Asia?”

Courtney did remember—she was a pretty Black girl with a dazzling smile, funny and lively but always sure to keep them in line.

“Oh yeah. She was cute,” Courtney nodded approvingly.

“And of course, um...Shakira.”

“Of course.” Courtney giggled, then bit her lip. “Anyone else?”

“Oh! Remember that girl who worked at Video Village? With the pink hair and all the piercings?” Adore grinned slyly, starting to have fun with this walk down memory lane.

“Her?!” This one, Courtney didn’t seem to appreciate, but Adore just shrugged.  

“Yeah! She was hot.”

Courtney took another thoughtful sip from the bottle before asking, “Have you ever liked a boy?”

“I used to try to make myself like boys,” Adore said. “Or, imagine that I did. But it was always just some dumb pop star or something. Like...remember Ashley Parker Angel?”

“No. Who?!” Courtney looked utterly confused, brow furrowed.

“The blond from O-Town.”

“O-Town!” Courtney giggled gleefully, a hiccup escaping her as she passed the bottle back to Adore. “Omigod. You had their picture on your binder and no one could figure out why.”

“Yeah, I know. Their music was terrible,” Adore admitted.

“They made music?”

Adore laughed, shaking her head.  

“And god, even my fake crushes were dudes with girl names…”

This made Courtney giggle some more, holding her pillow tighter. Her eyes drifted shut for a moment.

“What about you?” Adore asked.

Courtney’s eyes popped back open.

“What about me?”

“You ever like a girl?” Adore teased, poking her in the ribs. Fully expecting her to squeal in disgust, or burst out laughing.

But instead, Courtney looked back at her and said, “Besides you?”

Adore stared back at her for a long, heated moment. A million thoughts swirled in her head, but none so strong as the realization that Courtney was just fucking around, making her pay for her teasing. Adore started to laugh, shaking her head.

“Good one, bitch.”

Overcome with an impulse she couldn’t ignore, Courtney leaned forward and pressed her lips to Adore’s. And for a moment, it was perfect—Adore’s soft lips against hers, breath sweet and smoky from the drinks. And then Courtney felt a hand on her shoulder, shoving her backward.

Courtney clapped a hand over her mouth. What was wrong with her? This was exactly how she’d fucked things up last time. Her cheeks blazed red.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean-”

“I know,” Adore said hoarsely.

Courtney’s eyes filled with tears, terrified that this time, she’d fucked up for good.

“Are you mad?” she whispered.

“No.” Adore shook her head, giving a wry smile and reaching forward to pry the bottle from her fingers. “But you’ve probably had enough of this.”

Courtney let out a relieved chuckle, tension leaving her body as she laid back down against the bean bag chair. Things were okay; they were still friends and everything was back to normal. Or at least, as normal as possible.

“Dory?”

“Yeah?”

“Will you snuggle with me?” she asked, voice soft and tentative.

Adore turned to her friend, giving a gentle nod, saying “Of course,” before curling up beside her.

For a second, as she breathed in, Adore realized that Courtney must have switched shampoos. The scent of her hair was different, and the unfamiliarity of it gave Adore a strange pang of sadness.

But then, as they settled in some more, Adore realized that lingering beneath the surface was something she knew very well, something innately her that would never go away, no matter what perfumes she might use. And that, the sameness, was enough to make her smile to herself, arms wrapping tightly around Courtney as she pulled her in close.

[babygirlkiki1016]

The Hunt Begins

When we got to Stanford Dean told me just to wait outside by the Impala. About twenty minutes later I hear voices coming from the building. I see Dean take a glance at me to see if I was still there. Sam was saying something but Dean just rolls his eyes.

"The weapon training, and melting the silver into bullets? Man, Dean, we were raised like warriors." I heard Sam say as they cross the parking lot to the Impala.

"So what are you gonna do? You're just gonna live some normal, apple pie life? Is that it?" Dean growls.

"No. Not normal. Safe." 

"And that's why you ran away." Dean looks away.

"I was just going to college. It was Dad who said if I was gonna go I should stay gone. And that's what I'm doing."

"Yeah, well, Dad's in real trouble right now. If he's not dead already. I can feel it." Sam is silent.

"I can't do this alone."

"Yes you can." I joke, making both of the boys look at me. 

"Yeah, well, as Y/n pointed out earlier which you weren't here for, I don't want to."

"Wait, that's Y/n? Y/D/N's kid?" Sam asked surprised. "You brought his kid here?! Do you know what he's going to do to us when he realizes she's missing!?"

"Uh I believe he already knows." I interrupt.

"Look, she wanted to come so I didn't stop her besides she's eighteen." Dean points out. Sam sighs and looks down, thinking, then up.

"What was he hunting?" Sam asked as Dean opens the trunk of the Impala, then the spare-tire compartment, it's an arsenal.

"Holy crap this is cool!" I exclaimed as Dean props the compartment open with a shotgun and digs through the clutter.

"I know right? All right, let's see, where the hell did I put that thing?"

"So when Dad left, why didn't you go with him?" Sam asks.

"I was working my own gig. This, uh, voodoo thing, down in New Orleans."

"Dad let you go on a hunting trip by yourself?" Dean looks over at Sam.

"I'm twenty-six, dude."

"And then you went to Y/D/N for help?"

"That's about right, she offered to help cause her father wouldn't." Dean pulls some papers out of a folder. "All right, here we go. So Dad was checking out this two-lane blacktop just outside of Jericho, California. About a month ago, this guy." Dean hands one of the papers to Sam, I look over his shoulder to see. "They found his car, but he vanished. Completely MIA. The paper is a printout of an article from the Jericho Herald, headlined Centennial Highway Disappearance and dated Sept. 19th 2005; it has a man's picture, captioned Andrew Carey MISSING." Sam reads it and glances up.

"So maybe he was kidnapped."

"Yeah. Well, here's another one in April." Dean hands me a Jericho Herald article for each date he mentions. "Another one in December 'oh-four, 'oh-three, 'ninety-eight, 'ninety-two, ten of them over the past twenty years." Dean takes the article's back from us and picks up the rest of the stack, putting them back in the folder. "All men, all the Same five-mile stretch of road." Dean pulls a bag out of another part of the arsenal. "It started happening more and more, so Dad went to go dig around. That was about three weeks ago. I hadn't heard from him since, which is bad enough." He grabs a handheld tape recorder. "Then I get this voicemail yesterday." He presses play, the recording is staticky and the signal was clearly breaking up.

"Dean...something big is starting to happen...I need to try and figure out what's going on. It may... Be very careful, Dean. We're all in danger...and if you can...Y/D/N's kid." Dean presses stop.

"Wait...he mentioned me." I say silently.

"What does dad want with Y/n?" Sam asks.

"I don't know that's why I went to your dad. So whatever is going on, obviously your part of it."

"Well other than the creepy message involving me, you know there's EVP on that?" I said.

"Not bad, Y/n. Kinda like riding a bike, isn't it?" Sam shakes his head. "All right. I slowed the message down, I ran it through a gold wave, took out the hiss, and this is what I got." He presses play again.

"I can never go home..." Was the voice that was heard, Dean presses stop.

"Never go home." Sam comments, trying to think what it could mean. Dean drops the recorder, puts down the shotgun, stands straight, and shuts the trunk, then leans on it. "You know, in almost two years I've never bothered you, never asked you for a thing." Sam looks away and sighs, then looks back. "All right. I'll go. I'll help you find him." Sam submits, Dean nods. "But I have to get back first thing Monday. Just wait here." Sam turns to go back to the apartment but turns back when Dean speaks.

"What's first thing Monday?" 

"I have this...I have an interview."

"What, a job interview? Skip it."

"It's a law school interview, and it's my whole future on a plate."

"Law school?" Dean smirks.

"So we got a deal or not?" Dean says nothing, Sam turns back around and heads back into the building.

"Your brother is certainly...not happy." I look over at Dean who shrugs.

"Eh he'll get over it." Dean smirks and gets back in the car, Dean maybe be smiling but I have a bad feeling about this.

~

Dean comes out of the convenience mart carrying junk food. Sam is sitting in the shotgun seat with the door open, rifling through a box of tapes as I was sitting in the back with the window down. I don't know what he's looking for but it must be important.

"Hey!" Dean says with a smile on his face. Sam leans out and looks at him. "You want breakfast?"

"No, thanks."

"Y/n? I got you coffee, along with some biscuits." He hands me the food.

"Thanks...." I say and take the food from him. "So how'd you pay for that stuff?" Sam  asks. "You and Dad still running credit card scams?" 

"Yeah, well, hunting ain't exactly a pro ball career." Dean puts the nozzle that he left running while he went inside back on the pump. "Besides, all we do is apply. It's not our fault they send us the cards."

"Yeah? And what names did you write on the application this time?" Sam swings his legs back inside the car and closes the door.

"Uh, Burt Aframian." Dean gets into the driver seat and puts his soda and chips down.

"And his son Hector. Scored two cards out of the deal."

"That's pretty smart, man I wish I thought of that. Then I wouldn't have had to get a job." I joke as Dean closes the door, Sam looks back at me then at Dean.

"Only a few days and your already a bad influence on her." Sam chuckles. "I swear, man, you've gotta update your cassette tape collection." From what I could see there are at least a dozen cassettes in the box on Sam's lap; some have album art, others are hand-labeled.

"Why?" Dean asked.

"Well, for one, they're cassette tapes. And two." Sam holds up a tape for every band he names. "Black Sabbath? Motorhead? Metallica?" Dean takes the box labeled Metallica from Sam. "It's the greatest hits of mullet rock."

"And that's probably why he has them." I interrupt while sipping my coffee.

"Well, house rules, Sammy." Dean pops the tape in the player. "Driver picks the music, shotgun shuts his cakehole." Dean drops the Metallica box back in the box of tapes and starts the engine.

"Wait." Sammy looks back at me as Dean drives off. "Why does she get coffee?"

"Well I asked her what she wanted and she told me."

"You didn't ask me...."

"Suck it up Sammy." Sam made a pouty face, I look down at my coffee then back at him. I reach forward and politely offer him some which Dean notices.

"Aw look at that she's willing to share."

"Shut up." Sam said with a blush on his face as he slowly took my cup.

~

   Sam is talking on his cell phone. "Thank you." He says then closes his phone. "All right. So, there's no one matching Dad at the hospital or morgue."

"Well at least we know he's ok." I said, making Sam nod in agreement.

"That's something, I guess." Dean glances over at us, then back at the road. At a bridge ahead of them, there are two police cars and several officers. 

"Woah, I wonder what happened." I wondered as Sam leans forward for a closer look, Dean pulls over. We take a long look before Dean turns off the engine. Dean opens the glove compartment and pulls out a box full of ID cards with his and John's faces. Visible ones include FBI and DEA. He picks one out and grins at Sam, who stares.

"Let's go."  Dean gets out of the car and me and Sam follow pursuit. On the bridge, the lead Deputy, leans over the railing to yell down to two men in wetsuits who were poking around the river.

"You guys find anything?" He yells.

"No! Nothing!" The other man who was below us replied. The deputy turns back to the car in the middle of the bridge. Another Deputy, is at the driver's side looking around inside the car. The three of us walk into the crime scene, I felt out of place but the brothers acted like they belong there.

"You fellas had another one like this just last month, didn't you?" Dean asks as the first Deputy looks up when he starts talking and straightens up to talk to him.

"And who are you?" Dean flashes his badge. "Federal marshals."

"You three are a little young for marshals, aren't you? Especially the girl." Dean laughs. "Thanks, that's awfully kind of you." Dean goes over to the car. "You did have another one just like this, correct?"

"Yeah, that's right. About a mile up the road. There've been others before that."

"So, this victim, you knew him?" Sam questioned, Jaffe, as it says on his name tag, nods.

"Town like this, everybody knows everybody." Dean circles the car, looking around.

"...And that is why I hate small towns." I state. "Any connection between the victims, besides that they're all men?"

"Uh N-No. Not so far as we can uh tell."

"So what's the theory? I'm thinking insane hitchhiker." Sam goes over to Dean as I keep the deputy busy.

"Honestly, we don't know. Serial murder? Kidnapping ring?"

"Well, that is exactly the kind of crack police work I'd expect out of you guys." Dean insults, Sam stomps on his foot.

"Thank you for your time." I say and the three of us head back to the Impala. Jaffe watches us go but I could the two talking.

"She's a pretty one ain't she?" Jaffe mentions, I ignored him, pervert I thought. Dean smacks Sam on the head, catching my attention.

"Ow! What was that for?" Sam grumbled.

"Why'd you have to step on my foot?"

"Why do you have to talk to the police like that?" Dean looks at Sam and moves in front of him, forcing Sam to stop walking.

"Come on. They don't really know what's going on. We're all alone on this. I mean, if we're going to find Dad we've got to get to the bottom of this thing ourselves." Sam clears his throat and looks over Dean's shoulder. Dean turns to see a Sheriff and two FBI agents.

"Can I help you boys?" The sheriff asks.

"No, sir, we were just leaving." I smile at them, giving them some reassurance and walk past the three men. Dean and Sam head past the Sheriff, who turns to watch us go.

~

Later we decided to go talk to this young woman, the second deputy's daughter I believe. As we walk up the street the marquee on the Highland Movie Theater reads in big bold letters: EMERGENCY TOWN HALL MEETING SUNDAY 8 PM BE SAFE OUT THERE. Below that a young woman is tacking up posters with Troy, the missing boy's face and the caption "Missing Troy Squire". The three of us approach.

"I'll bet you that's her." Dean says

"Well no shit sherlock, if course it's her." I joke, the boys turn towards me.

"Listen sweetheart you may be helping us, but that doesn't give you the right to curse."

"Oh I'm sorry, I didn't mean to say shit, fuck, crap. Sorry!" I giggle, making Sam smirk. Dean ignores me and walks up to the young woman.

"You must be Amy." Dean points out.

"Yeah." She says as she looks towards us. "Yeah, Troy told us about you. We're his uncles. I'm Dean, this is Sammy and that's-" Dean was saying, trying to think on what I should be. "-my girlfriend Y/n." I give him a weird look and so does Sam, girlfriend? I thought. He couldn't have gone with sister or something?

"He never mentioned you to me." Amy walks away as the three of us tag along.

"Well, that's Troy, I guess. We're not around much, we're up in Modesto."

"We never really talk to Troy much, teenager's these days. Never wanna hang out with the adults." I chimes in as another young woman, comes up to Amy and puts a hand on her arm.

"Hey, are you okay?" She asks, while eyeing the three of us.

"Yeah." Amy replies.

"Do you mind if we ask you a couple questions?" I asked. "You probably know my nephew to be better then I do."

"Woah trying to get married already babe" Dean jokes as he puts an arm around my shoulder. "I thought the man asks the woman?"

"Well, 'darling' technically I am the one who is the man in this relationship." Sam and the two girls try not to giggle.

~

The five of us are sitting in a booth, Dean and Sam opposite Amy and Rachel while I'm sitting at the end of the table with a normal chair. The chair was turned away from the table as I was facing the four if them.

"So...Amy." I start. "What happened the night Troy disappeared?"

"I was on the phone with Troy. He was driving home. He said he would call me right back, and...he never did."

"He didn't say anything strange?" Sam asks, Amy shakes her head.

"No. Nothing I can remember."

"I like your necklace." I state, Amy holds the pendant she's wearing, a pentagram in a circle, and looks down at it.

"Troy gave it to me. Mostly to scare my parents-" Amy laughs. "-with all that devil stuff.

"Do you know where he got it?"

"Um...no actually."

Sam laughs a little and looks down, then up.

"Actually, it means just the opposite. A pentagram is protection against evil. Really powerful. I mean, if you believe in that kind of thing." Sam says.

"Okay. Thank you, Unsolved Mysteries."

Dean jokes, takes his arm off the back of Sam's seat and leans forward. "Here's the deal, ladies. The way Troy disappeared, something's not right. So if you've heard anything..." Amy and Rachel look at each other. "What is it?"

"Well, it's just... I mean, with all these guys going missing, people talk." Rachel, the other girl says. Dean and Sam speak in chorus. "What do they talk about?"

"It's kind of this local legend. This one girl? She got murdered out on Centennial, like decades ago." Dean looks at Sam, who watches Rachel attentively, nodding. "Well, supposedly she's still out there. She hitchhikes, and whoever picks her up? Well, they disappear forever."

"So let me guess you believe in this so called legend?" I ask.

"It's a possibility, you never know." Sam and Dean look at each other.

Considering that Rachel mentioned this legend, we made a trip to the library. Dean was in the computer with a web browser open to the archive search page for the Jericho Herald. The words "Female Murder Hitchhiking" are typed into the search box. Dean clicks go; the screen tells him there are "(0) Result". Dean replaces "Hitchhiking" with "Centennial Highway" with the same response.

"Your not gonna find anything in the internet. You gotta go old school." I point out.

Sam sighs, who is sitting next to him, watching.

"Let me try." He offered, Dean smacks Sam's hand.

"I got it." Sam shoves Dean's chair out of the way and takes over. "Dude!" Dean hits Sam in the shoulder. "You're such a control freak."

"You two are definitely brothers." I giggle, the boys just shake there heads. I push both of them out of the way "If you want to find a spirit, you gotta go dark. Angry spirits are born out of violent death, right?"

"Yeah." Dean agrees.

"Well, it's not murder." I replace "Murder" with "Suicide" and find an article entitled "Suicide on Centennial". Both if the boys seemed surprised. I open the article, dated April 25, 1981, I read what the article had to say. "A local woman's drowning death was ruled a suicide, the county Sheriff's Department said earlier today. Constance Welch, 24, of 4636 Breckenridge Road, leapt off Sylvania Bridge, at mile 33 of Centennial Highway, and subsequently drowned last night. Deputy J. Pierce told reporters that, hours before her death, Ms. Welch logged a call with 911 emergency services. In a panicked tone, Ms. Welch described how she found her two young children, 5 and 6, in the bathtub, after leaving them alone for several minutes. I continued to skim the article. " Here this is what the husband said, What happened to my children was a terrible accident. And it must have been too much for my wife. Our babies were gone, and Constance just couldn't bear it. Now I ask that you all please respect my privacy during this trying time."

"So she committed suicide." Sam says. "Good job Y/n."

"Quiet there's more. At the time of the children's death and Ms. Welch's subsequent suicide, Mr. Welch was at the Frontier auto salvage yard, where he works the graveyard shift as associate manager. Connie might have been quiet, but she was the sweetest, most caring girl I ever knew, said Deanna Kripke, a neighbor. She just doted on those children."

Dean raises his eyebrows.

"Hm. The bridge look familiar to you?" Dean asks.

~

The three of us walk along the bridge, then stop to lean on the railing and look down at the river.

"So this is where Constance took the swan dive." Dean states.

"So you think Dad would have been here?" Sam asks.

"If your dad was here then he would've stopped the spirit right?" I wondered.

"Well, he's chasing the same story and we're chasing him."

"Okay, so now what?"

"Now we keep digging until we find him. Might take a while." Sam stops and looks at Dean.

"Dean, I told you, I've gotta get back by Monday-" Dean turns around.

"Monday. Right. The interview."

"Yeah."

"Yeah, I forgot. You're really serious about this, aren't you? You think you're just going to become some Lawyer? Marry your girl?"

"Maybe. Why not?"

"Does Jessica know the truth about you? I mean, does she know about the things you've done?" Sam steps closer, I could tell a fight was about to break out.

"No, and she's not ever going to know."

"Well, that's healthy. You can pretend all you want, Sammy. But sooner or later you're going to have to face up to who you really are."

Dean turns around and keeps walking, Sam follows.

"Guys c'mon we got more important things to do." I state.

"Stay out of this Y/n!" Both of them say at the same time.

"Who am I really Dean?" Sam says.

"You're one of us." Sam hurries to get in front of Dean.

"No. I'm not like you. This is not going to be my life."

"You have a responsibility to-"

"To Dad? And his crusade? If it weren't for pictures I wouldn't even know what Mom looks like. And what difference would it make? Even if we do find the thing that killed her, Mom's gone. And she isn't coming back." Dean grabs Sam by the collar and shoves him up against the railing of the bridge. Instantly I push Dean back, he begins to protest.

"Y/n-"

"No enough out of both of you. Focus, look if San wants out if this life then so be it. You can't change that, I may not know much about what you guys do for a living but I know damn well I wouldn't want to be hunting monsters all the time."

"What do you mean don't know much about what we do?" Sam questioned, clearly aggravated. "You brought her into this!"

"She decided this not me! I gave her the offer to walk away!"

"That wasn't her decision to make! If Y/D/N kept her out if this then you shouldn't have brought her with you!"

"She's eighteen! She can do whatever the hell she wants!"

"No Dean she's not eighteen! She's seventeen! She doesn't turn eighteen till (your birthday)." Dean looks at me, clearly surprised that I lied. However I wasn't paying attention, the spirit of Constance was standing at the edge of the bridge.

"Uh guys." The boys forget there argument and stand infront of me, like I'm something to be protected. Consance looks over at them, then steps forward off the edge. We run to the railing and look over.

"Where'd she go?" I asked.

"I don't know." Sam said, then behind us, the Impala's engine starts and its headlights come on, catching our attention.

"What the-who the fuck is driving your car!?" Dean pulls the keys out of his pocket and jingles them. The car jerks into motion, heading straight for them.

"Run!" I yell. The car is moving faster than we are, when it gets too close, the boys dive over the railing but it was to late for me.

The New Hunter Masterlist