#Sid put the heart eyes away

[zoinksf1]

[monicahar]

“what are you doing?”

you comically cower behind his back even further.

“hiding.”

“...why?”

“because there's a flipping lion in the room with us, JING YUAN. that's what.” you snap back angrily.

if you're wondering how you got into this predicament—it's not that far from being akin to a kidnapper leading on a child with sweets and delicacies.

under the guise of work and a few promised cuddles, he had made you follow his steps into his home—now with you glued to his body like it's your own lifeline. the snow-white lion snugly lies down by the only exit of the room you're both occupying—having just introduced herself when it came to jing yuan for a few pets, scaring the bejeebers out of you when its fur had grazed the back of your thighs all of a sudden.

the lion only shows confusion yet complies when jing yuan coaxed her to go away for a few moments. in other words—for you to take a breather.

in response to your much evident suffering and growing impatience, a mirthful laugh escapes him, craning his head to look at you over his shoulder to throw you a small mischievous grin “it's just my cat. i don't see the problem.”

“that's fully grown lion, you scoundrel!” you hit his back weakly, whisper-yelling as if said lion would attack you if you spoke any louder. “a-ah...it's looking at me weirdly. it's definitely thinking of how delicious i am!”

“mimi is very gentle. i doubt she's thinking of such a thing.”

you sink further in his shadow when the lion catches your wary gaze with a tilt of its head. “jing, please. it may like you, but i doubt that a territorial species would enjoy having a stranger around its person bubble.”

“you're free to leave anytime, darling. i'm not forcing you to stay.” he says coyly.

“with how your adorable little mimi is standing right by the door—i doubt i can leave of my own accord.”

“so you think she's adorable? good to hear that.” oh, now he has selective hearing?

“jing yuan. please.” you kneel down and tug on his robes pleadingly, catching him off guard to the point he has now decided to fully turn towards you in mild surprise. “i really don't know how to deal with this! i don't dislike her or anything, i'm just super scared that she won't like me and would—”

“calm down.” your lover couches down before you, hand raising to pat your head. “she doesn't bite. i promise.”

“how are you so sure?” you question incredulously, ignoring the way your heartbeat quickens at his actions. “even if she's domesticated, she's still an animal that thrives on her own survival instincts.”

“dearest, would i really have taken in a pet if it was openly feral?”

“yep. you would.” you reply in a heartbeat.

his eye twitches in return.“ahem—okay, so as i was saying,” standing up to his full height, he stretches out a hand towards you, staring at you softly as he does so. “we both know i adore delicate and gentle things, [name]. mimi is exactly that—hence why i didn't mind taking her in and burdened you with meeting her.”

you raise a brow. he shrugs, opting to resign upon your obvious reluctance on the matter.

“truthfully, i wished to see my two favourite companions to bond and get along with my own two eyes,” he heaves an apologetic huff, a tad bit disappointed whilst you only stare in surprise, “but if you're really uncomfortable with it then i suppose i shouldn't force you.”

he helps you up with ease when you finally put your hand on his, hastily padding off the dust that was caught in your clothes upon kneeling down.

grasping your hand comfortingly to calm your nerves, you hate that it work flawlessly upon his touch.

“let's go?”

you were about to nod—until your gaze catches the lion's once more.

...pretty eyes.

snowmoon.

your heart clenches at the realisation.

“on second thought...” you trail off, watching as the mammal sits up in anticipation at your eye contact. jing yuan raises a brow at you, “i think i'll try interacting with her.”

he huffs out a deep chuckle, “really, you don't have to—”

“mimi?” you call out, leaning sideways to look past behind your lover's tall figure. he does the same, turning his head over his shoulder to look at the same direction you're fixated on.

the lion perks up, and starts walking towards you. you grin, but not before whispering back to jing yuan,

“if she actually bites me, we're breaking up.”

“no promises.”

you finally pat the lion's head after about an hour of excessive whining it'll bite you, finally havin found the courage to actually see it as a mere domesticated cat whilst glaring daggers at the owner.

“mimi...attack that bad guy.” you point at him, face still looking smug as ever.

“she won't listen to y—” said lion pounces on him.

idek what this is fiakehwjbsksbw i cant write no more man,,,,*/proceeds to make another jingyuan drabble in google doc

[chukys-mouthguard]

eternal sunshine

-> sequel to ‘dumb & poetic’

we both know i couldn’t change you

1k words

genre -> angst/fluff

featuring -> quinn hughes x female reader; mention of nils hoglander

note -> not exactly proofread but needed to get something posted for you lovelies cause it’s been a minute 🤍

The image of Quinn walking out was one you’d never expect to erase from your memory. How easy it was for him to walk away from you, how little fight he’d put up to salvage things.

And despite what everyone said or thought, there was no changing him. His true colors had been shown and there was no going back. Though you had tried.

Despite the way he’d walked out and given up on you, something in you still felt like it was your fault. Like it was something you needed to apologize for or try hard to fix though you knew what the end result would be.

Text messages had gone unanswered but read, countless apologies falling on deaf ears as Quinn became cold. Eventually telling you to stop apologizing and being sorry for him no longer loving you. The words cutting like a knife, the idea of things being so easy to forget or toss aside something you couldn’t understand.

Once upon a time you saw yourself being with Quinn forever. The home you two shared maybe being filled with a family of your own one day. The future seemed so bright and exciting, then so quickly fell apart around you.

Moving out while he was gone on a road trip to make things easier on you, taking the steps to remove all the photos of you two from their frames since Quinn would probably never notice them and do it himself. Leaving your WAGS gear behind for Quinn to either toss out himself, or give to the next girl that would apparently soon take your place.

He never struck you as the type to move on quickly, which is why it made it so much more painful.

Photos of them plastered all over her social media, seeing her wearing his name and number; it broke your heart. While you’d grown close with so many of the wives and girlfriends, going to Canucks games weren’t the same. You’d go to show your support of Quinn’s teammates whom you’d grown close with, only to be reminded of how much you loved going and supporting Quinn. Despite the amount of Hughes jerseys that would fill the stands, and people chanting his name, you were always the loudest. You were always his number one fan, and now you simply blended in with those who’d cheer when he scored or made a great play. Having to put emotions aside and treat him like any other player.

But as time went on, it got easier. Your heart ached less and less when you saw him, the fear that would wash over you when Quinn got hurt began to subside, and you found a reason to start to be happy again.

As you waited with J.T Miller’s wife Natalie in the family area after another home game, you couldn’t help but notice Quinn’s new girlfriend. Her hand painted denim jacket adorned with Canucks colors, logos, and Quinn’s number making it painfully obvious who she was. You were sure she was a nice girl, but that didn’t change the fact that it still hurt how quickly she’d seemed to have replaced you.

And as Quinn soon appeared from behind the locker room doors, you watched as her face lit up. The same way yours used to when you’d see him, no matter the outcome of the game. You too were always so excited to see him.

A soft smile came across his lips as he noticed her, slowly walking over to wrap her in a hug. His eyes shifted their gaze from the floor immediately to you. But rather feeling your heart skip a beat, or your emotions start to overwhelm you, you simply offered him a smile before turning your attention back to the locker room doors as they opened once again.

And as he walked out to greet you, it was as if you’d forgotten Quinn existed. The interaction was washed from your mind as Nils grinned from ear to ear, wrapping you in a hug as you congratulated him on a great game. His arm remained wrapped around your waist as he kept you by his side while he talked to you and Natalie.

The entire situation not one you’d ever seen yourself being in, not the type to ever move on from Quinn with a teammate of his. But while you weren’t looking for anything like this to happen, with Nils it had somewhat fallen into place unexpectedly.

The two of you had always been friendly, as like many of Quinn’s teammates you had come to know each other well. Of course you never necessarily thought about or looked at Nils as anything more than a friend. But when things began to take a turn with Quinn, he was someone you confided in. Especially when Nils had been one to notice the changes in the two of you himself.

He’d helped you get things settled into your new place, never trying to make a move or shoot his shot with you. Just simply being there. Whether that was to surprise you with flowers and takeout on a rough day, sitting with you while you cried on your couch, or finally being able to bring some happiness back into your life.

Nils had done all of that and more.

The look on Quinn’s face as he’d seen you on Nils arm wasn’t one you expected. Despite how cold he’d grown towards you and moving on himself, he looked heartbroken. Sure, you could’ve moved on with anyone but of course it being his teammate would sting significantly more. And maybe now he’d started to feel the pain you felt the day he’d walked out on you.

He watched as the two of you headed off towards the parking garage, his girlfriend snapping him from his thoughts as she’d noticed him paying her little attention.

“Quinn, hello? You okay?”

Her smile was a bit uneasy, as she wasn’t sure what had Quinn looking so down. But he softly chuckled as he shook his head, placing a kiss on her head before leading her towards the garage.

“No, but, I will be.”

[cheeeeseburger]

Dream girl Part 1

Next part

Sidney Crosby x Reader

Masterlist

A/N: This is so cheesy and if this happened in real life, i would run away lmao. But that's what fanfics are for, right? Anyway, English isn't my first language, apologies for the mistakes!

He wants you. He observes from afar, admiring your smooth curves, your pretty smile, the hint of cleavage shown by your short dress. Your dress is perfectly appropriate for an event such as this one, but to him, it’s obscene. He just wants to rip it off you. Watching you is better than porn.

Sidney wants you so bad that he isn’t even listening to his teammates trying to talk to him. He nods, not even registering the words. But then he sees him, and suddenly, he is very attentive.

The rookie walks up to you, and you greet him with a beautiful smile and a warm hug. Sidney’s heart skips a beat. His knuckles turn white, and he is fuming inside. You don’t know it yet, but you’re supposed to be his girl.

His his his

He watches as your boyfriend barely pays any attention to you, not even bothering to introduce you to his teammates. The stupid rookie doesn’t even grab your arm or your hand, doesn’t reach for any kind of contact between your bodies.

If you were his girl, he would have an arm snaked around you all night long and he would be so fucking proud to show you off. He would leave hickeys on your collarbones and smudge your lipstick with a kiss so everyone would know that you have a man.

The worst thing is, he had seen your boyfriend talking to a few girls after an away game. At the time, he had congratulated him on his catch, thinking he was single. Now Sidney just felt sick. He didn’t really like the rookie in the first place but now, he wanted to hire a hitman on him. Or even better, change career to become a hitman.

Soon, the rookie dared going closer to talk to him. Sidney barely even acknowledges him, instead insisting on getting to know his charming “sister”.

“Oh no, that’s not my sister. She’s actually my girlfriend.” Quickly corrected the young defensemen. Sidney already knew that, of course. “Really? I could have sworn you were single.” Sid’s words are sharp, and his teammate’s smile drops.

But you’re so sweet, and so naive, so you stay standing at your boyfriend’s side like a good girl. You should be his good girl.

He directs the conversation on you, not bothering to pretend to like the rookie. He learns many things about you. First of all, you’re so goddam young, you probably weren’t even in kindergarten when he got drafted. The math makes him feel old, but it also just adds to his desire.

Also, you’re so smart, and kind, and gentle and sweet. You’ve only spoken a few sentences, but he knows you’re his dream girl. No one will ever compare to you, and he hasn’t even tasted you. Yet.

He thinks you wouldn’t mind tasting him. He notices the flush creeping on your neck and cheeks every time he smiles at you. It makes him feel all giddy inside, live a lovesick teenage boy. He wants to give you a card that says: Be mine? Check yes or yes.

Sidney drags the conversation with the rookie for way longer, trying to keep you close to him. He talks more to you than him, and after awhile, your boyfriend slips away completely. Good. But Sid doesn’t miss the sad look in your eyes. The fact that your boyfriend doesn’t kiss the ground you walk on is mind-blowing to him. He wants to commission a thousand portraits of your face and carry your picture in his wallet.

The strap of your dress slips. Oops. Sidney puts it back in place. He wants to use his teeth, but since you’re in public, he only uses his fingers. That doesn’t prevent you from turning bright red. Cute. You can’t stop yourself from admiring his hand that leaves your shoulder. Sid wonders if you want him to use it as a necklace for you. He certainly wants to.

“You know, I used to have a crush on you. I stole a hockey card of you from my brother and I kept it under my pillow” you confess sheepishly. You add: “I was eight!” after you see the look on his face.

“Used to? Come on gorgeous, you’re breaking my heart!” You flash him a smile that could melt the ice he skates on and yeah, his heart is definitely broken.

“Sorry. You were quickly replaced by Justin Bieber, another Canadian icon.” He throws his head back in laughter, and it’s quite a sight to see. You wish you had a remote to press replay again and again.

The conversation flows so easily that it makes your head spin. Or maybe it’s just that he smells so good, and you two are getting closer and closer. Sidney is now certain: you’re the woman he wants to spend the rest of his life with. He just needs to prove it to you.

You had completely forgotten about your boyfriend but to be fair, he had probably forgotten about you, too. Anyway, why would you need him when you’re head over heels for Sidney Crosby? You had lied to him: your crush didn’t stop at eight, it only faded when you turned 18. Right now, now a few years later, it was stronger than ever.

Sidney notices you’re wearing all gold jewelry. He wants to buy you a ring. He had never wanted to get married before, but now he wants to elope and also have the wedding of the century. He knows he is absolutely crazy, but that’s love for you, eh?

He thinks you’re into him, too. Your eyes can’t help but trail his large shoulders and his strong jaw. Your stare a second too long at his lips and he stutters. He doesn’t know how you’re able to hold such an intelligent conversation when you’re both in a silent contest of who can give the best bedroom eyes.

All is well until your boyfriend comes along to pick you up. So, he hadn’t forgotten about you after all. Sidney notices the sudden guilt in your eyes. Even though you had only talked, something definitely happened between you two. Your boyfriend must sense it, because for the first time tonight, he puts a possessive hand over your arm. The two hockey players are seemingly in a staring contest, until your boyfriend suddenly gives a very icy goodbye to his captain and drags you away.

Sidney watches you leave, and he feels a bitter wave of jealousy taking over him. He knows it’s wrong, but he’ll have to make you his.

When he sees you turning back to look at him, he knows he’s already halfway there. He's going to be your dream man.

[lightwithinthedarknessu]

Destined ※ Star Speckled Sunset  

A SoKai Fic written for @twosidesfanzine

I had a deliciously sweet time writing for @twosidesfanzine and was paired with the wonderful @wiavi who created the most beautiful spot art for the story! Leftover sales are still open so head on over here to pick up your very own sokai and rokunami cookbook!

Thank you so much for having me!

Summary: As the first step on their next journey, Sora and Kairi return to the Islands to fulfill a long-held tradition. Along the way they meet a few friends and reaffirm just how sweet it is to cook together side by side. Set post-KH3, featuring familar friends from the Islands, seafaring folklore, reaffirmed oaths, new outfits, and descriptions of delicious sweets.

Full fic under read more and on AO3

Kairi took a deep breath, savoring the soft breeze as she stepped onto the island shore. Their round-trip visit to Master Yen Sid’s was longer than expected, earning a stretch and a yawn from Sora as he exited the Gummi Ship. His dark red hoodie peeked out from underneath his dark grey and black cotton jacket. Paired with his lax and loose cargo pants, Sora looked like he had finally grown into his clothes. Kairi jogged up behind him, dressed from head to toe in a long light pink overcoat. Her pink plaid flare dress swayed as she linked arms with Sora, beaming at the realization they’d made it back, safe and sound.

Sora and Kairi were done for now with fighting Heartless, Nobodies, and denizens of darkness. Their long-held promise of traveling the worlds was a reality. When deciding where they would begin their journey, the islands were an obvious choice. A world filled with greetings and partings. It only seemed fitting that they meet with their friends before going off on a long journey.

Kairi was practically giddy at first. But now, seeing their little island off in the distance, her eyes began to sting. The image of Sora fading away shimmered in her mind’s eye. Her racing heart faltered at the memory as she clung to him a bit tighter.

“It feels just like yesterday, that we were here,” she said, taking another breath to steady herself.

Sora tilted his head, not sure what brought on her sudden change. But a grin soon spread across his face as he put an arm around her waist to pull her closer. “Hmm, just tells you that nothing really changes! I’m glad, it’s nice to be back. I can’t wait to see everyone!”

Kairi reddened at their sudden closeness before easing into his rhythm. Sora was right, the Islands never changed, not really. Even if they had, it was a comfort to return to a place so closely tied to their hearts. “Yeah, and this time we aren’t saying goodbye, not really. It’s more like we’re setting off again and it’s an exciting journey. I can’t wait to see what other worlds we’ll find!” Kairi giggled as she broke free from his embrace and ran ahead of him. The tall hill before them extended off past the horizon.

Sora put his hands on his hips and drank in the scene of his hometown. There were a few new rooftops and terraces sprinkled about, but all in all, it was the same sleepy little beachside town he loved. “Yeah! I wanna see all that’s out there. But I’m glad to be back home for a bit, one last time before we set off on our own adventure. No Heartless, no Nobodies, just the two of us.” Sora beamed at her. It was a smile as bright as the sun on a clear summer’s day. Kairi felt all her past worries fade into the shadows cast by his light.

“Hmm, there may be some Heartless around. But I know you and I can take 'em!” Kairi pumped a fist as Sora fell into light laughter beside her.

“I know,” he said, gripping her hand a bit tighter. “So, where should we stop by first?”

Kairi traced the outline of a small square of double-folded paper in her jacket pocket. There was a place she wanted to go, and something she wanted to do—fulfill a dream she’d had for a long time. “Do you remember—when your mother first invited me over for your father’s Voyager Dinner?”

“Yeah, of course!” Sora grinned.

“Your mom…she told me the legend behind it, back then you know,” Kairi began.

***

It was both long ago, and yet just yesterday that a treasured memory took root in Kairi’s heart one sunset-kissed evening. It all began after a full day at the beach looking for sea glass with Sora. The two had taken their little haul and rushed to O’aka’s Odds and Ends, fully expecting to stuff their cheeks with candy before dinner. O’aka would usually buy the little bobbles from the kids in exchange for a bottle of Ramune or sweets. But not this evening. Instead, the two ran into Sora’s mother, who was out shopping for a “Voyager’s Dinner.”

“What’s a Voyager’s Dinner?”

“A seafarer’s wish of good luck,” Sora’s mother explained. 

Sora soon stepped in with his own excitement and described how delicious the dessert was—asserting that Kairi had to have dinner with them and try it.

Wide-eyed and filled with curiosity, Kairi stood next to Sora’s mother in the kitchen that night, her tiny hands gripping the counter as she diverted all her attention to the woman’s careful movements. A gentle folding of dough and a scattering of cubes of butter left the little girl salivating. As Sora’s mother began to smooth the dough, Kairi dared to ask what it was she was making. What made it so special? Slowly, the woman’s voice filled with the crackle of the warmth of a fire and weaved a tale.

“Long ago, the seas were rougher and the night sky darker than it is now. Only a few stars twinkled in the sky and could guide seafarers to their destination. The mainland itself was larger, much larger than it is now, and connected to so many other villages. And the sea, well, it was so large that you could travel hours by boat and only barely see the shore of another island. Our people, spurred on by the tales of passing travelers, took up their masts and set out to sea to find new lands, aware of the dangers and all they could lose.

Still, despite the pleas of their families , many decided they must set off for broader horizons. And so, the mothers, fathers, lovers, and friends banded together to wish their passionate travelers well. One proposed that they use the mystical properties of the paopu to ensure their loved ones would return. Another felt they should make a dish that could give them the warmth of home for one last time. And so, they put their heads together and created something that could give both. A crust so thin and crumbly, filled with the richest butter to sate their appetites. A smooth crème to cut the fat, and lastly topped with the tart soul-connecting fruit.

They say that even after the world changed and the stars in the sky grew in number, eating this tart brought their loved ones home even years later. And so we continue to make it as a send-off, a way to wish them a safe voyage home and remind them of the connection we share. We don’t use the paopu much anymore…but I like to sneak it in. Don’t tell anyone else, ok?” 

***

Back then Kairi had giggled and found herself dreaming of what it would be like to create her own tart for someone she loved. And now was the perfect time to make that dream a reality. She licked her lips as she fumbled with the small slip of paper in her hand.

“I had forgotten about it—the recipe I mean. Until I remembered your name again. Somehow, I knew I’d see you again soon so—I asked your mom for it.” Kairi gingerly handed Sora the recipe and placed her hand over his. “I couldn’t find the right time to make it till now but…this time...”

Sora’s eyes were focused on her the whole time, searching her expression for the truth behind her eyes. He knew what she wanted to say and it made his heart flutter. “Let’s make it together since we’re leaving again. We can go say hi to everyone while we shop for ingredients!”

Kairi beamed. He always seemed to notice what she wanted to do even before she said the words. Hand in hand the two headed off to find all they needed.

***

Word got out fast around Destiny Islands. For a seafaring village, gossip and new arrivals were always the talk of the town, so Sora and Kairi’s return didn’t go unnoticed. Reunions abounded with familiar faces, some tearful and others filled with laughter as the two visited store after store hunting for ingredients. The pair even stopped by O’aka’s and ran into a bubbly Selphie who got in a few teasing comments. 

“Here for some special ‘announcement’ to your parents before going off again?”

Kairi and Sora bashfully took a glance at one another—they had never told anyone how committed they were, yet Selphie already knew at a glance. Now wasn’t the time, but maybe someday they’d share everything with their families and friends. 

As Kairi and Sora gathered their ingredients, a familiar pair of friends entered the shack with the loudest and cheeriest of greetings. Tidus and Wakka, although a bit taller, had hardly changed at all. Kairi admired how easily the two conversed with Sora as if no time had passed since he’d last been home. It was heartening to see how much of an impact he still had on their hearts. With a brisk goodbye and promise of a reunion, the two bid farewell to their friends. 

Before leaving, Selphie slipped a grateful Kairi a bag of fruits. Inside shined a ripened paopu fruit. With a wink and a smile, a girl starving for the future juicy details wished her traveling friend good luck.  

****

Kairi was reminded of Sora’s cooking skills immediately upon entering his mother’s kitchen. Although it had been years, the boy knew where everything was kept and didn’t miss a beat gathering the pots and pans they needed.

Joy filled his features as the two poured over his mother’s detailed recipe. Kairi could tell he was excited to use what he had learned from Remy on a dish all his own. Teasingly, she suggested that he should teach her a few skills along the way. 

Sora got into the idea more than she expected and took on his own little chef role to guide her through the process. With every chop, sift, and stir, the klutzy boy from her memories was replaced by the image of a true chef.

The crack of a perfect egg by two and a whisk of sugar. The gentle click of a gaslit stove and a warm simmer of coconut milk slowly helped the pair gain a rhythm as they baked. 

While the pastry crème chilled, the two made the puff pastry. Along the way, Kairi tossed a pinch of flour at Sora in a sudden fit of mischief, earning a teasing grin and a dash of flour to her own face. His laughter filled the air. It reminded Kairi of the wholeness she had felt back then cooking alongside Sora’s family in a home filled with laughter and love. 

After the chopping of fruit and a couple of hours of reminiscing, the tart was complete. Or so Sora thought. Kairi insisted on adding one more special fruit. With an impish grin, she pulled out her secret ingredient, much to Sora’s heartfelt surprise.

Together, the two dotted the top of the tart with thin slices of paopu fruit. 

***

Kairi and Sora arrived at the Play Island with a wicker picnic basket dangling between them. Gingerly, Sora hoisted Kairi up onto the paopu tree before taking his place beside her. The setting sun before them was a welcome sight—a perfect end to their last day on the islands. Tucked inside the basket was the tart, glistening like the evening sunset. Sora cut a slice for the two of them. He held up a slice to Kairi with a boyish grin, taunting her to take a bite. 

An ache that had long persisted inside her heart faded away at the gesture. For over a year she couldn’t bring herself to visit the island—not until she brought Sora home. It was a fleeting dream come true to be here, with him, full and whole. Beaming, she held up her own slice—the two completing the ritual once more. 

The taste of their shared tart was sweet and refreshing, the tang of the fruit juice filling their taste buds with the nostalgia of home and the sunset’s burst of light. Gone was the bittersweet memory of their last parting at the base of the paopu tree, replaced with the promise of a new beginning.

“You know, back at that Voyager’s Dinner—I was so happy you were there, Kairi. It felt like a piece I was missing had finally fallen into place,” Sora said, red kissing the tips of his ears.

Kairi leaned in and gave Sora a playful kiss. “Me too. I felt at home. You were all so welcoming, and it was like a part of me that was missing became whole. My home is with you Sora, now and forever.”

Sora interlaced their hands and smiled. “No matter where we go, or how far, our connection will bring us back—

“Safe and sound.” Kairi finished. A promise and a childhood wish were fulfilled against the fading horizon, a tried and true guarantee for a safe voyage. 

Notes:

Written for Two Sides Zine Volume 2: A SoKai and RokuNami Cookbook! I'm so thankful to have had the chance to write for sokai, a dream come true project and I had the most amazing time working on it!

Thank you to Wiavi for bringing the story to life with her gorgeous spot art. It was amazing to work together and I just adore how you protrayed the scenes! Kairi's conflicting emotions come through so brilliantly and their little chibi forms cooking make my heart warm every time I see them!

And thank you to Phoenix and Liv for editing the story. Your feedback and lovely comments during the whole process really made this zine piece a love letter to SoKai and I grew so much as a writer because of it! It was so wonderful and a blast to work alongside everyone! I had so much fun and truly loved every minute.

Thank you to @true-intha-blu for the absolutely delicious tart recipe that inspired the same tart in the story! Your feedback and direction for the recipe made every mouth-watering detail come to life in words, I'm so happy we got to work together! If you haven't, definitely pick up a copy of the zine to enjoy the delicious recipes <3 Thank you all so much!

[mytheoristavenue]

SE Dr. Franken Stein x Teacher!Reader - Good Medicine

Summary: While Stein looks over your lesson plans for the neck week, you let it slip that you've been ill.

Warnings: slight angst, fluff, mentions of madness/illness/ symptoms of serious illness, fem!reader, mentions of addiction/substance abuse, platonic!nygus x stein, platonic!nygus x reader, not proofread

You sighed before gathering another deep breath as you made your way through the halls of the academy shortly after the final bell. The school was mostly desolate, save for the staff and the few remaining students who had to stay late for whatever reason. You waved to a few of them on your way, hands trembling nervously as you clutched the file in your hands.

Finally, you stopped at his door, the entrance to the EAT classroom. Hesiently, you knocked, before quickly stepping backward to put distance between yourself and him when he opened the door. Just as predicted, you could hear shuffling within the room, an aggravated groan, and desk chair wheels rolling. Then the door unlocked and cracked open, revealing a terrifyingly tall figure, shrouded in darkness, glass lenses gleaming and obscuring his eyes. "Miss (Y/N), can I help you?"

You swallowed hard, stepping forward and nodding. "I-I was wondering if you could look over my lesson plans for this next week? I've not been well and Lord Death asked me to have someone-"

"Have you tried asking Sid?" he interrupted in a monotone.

You blushed, feeling embarrassed and silly for thinking he'd be willing to help you. "W-Well, Sid's gone for the day, he left early today. Besides-"

"I see," the man acknowledged, bringing up a hand to straighten his glasses. "Spirit then?" he suggested, cocking a brow. "I'm sure he'd be more than happy to help a lady in need."

You began to feel defeated, you were a people pleaser at heart and hated bothering people. "Um," you said, shrinking under his gaze. "He's in an important meeting with Lord Death this evening." Stein's posture seemed to shift as he slowly began to realize he couldn't pawn you off on someone else. "Also, Lord Death asked that I go to you specifically..."

He seemed to mull the idea over for a moment before answering. "Is that so?" You nodded timidly. "So Lord Death instructed you to come to me for help and you directly disobeyed him by looking into every other option beforehand?"

Your eyes blew wide and you struggled to form a response. "N-No! Of course not, I just didn't want to bother you! I know how busy you-"

"Relax," he finally said, chuckling and opening the door further. As he did so, the glare on his frames dissipated to reveal kind and playful eyes. "I'm just playing with you. I'd love to help, for a price, that is."

"W-What is it?" you asked, nerves shot to hell.

"Can you go get me some coffee from the teacher's lounge, please?" Your shoulders fell in defeat as you nodded, beginning to walk away. "Oh," he called before you could get out of earshot. "Bring the syrup bottle, I like mine sweet."

-----

Brows furrowed in annoyance, you rounded the corner into the lounge and set the file down on the counter. You hated dealing with Stein, all he did was play mind games and make your life difficult- not to mention how scary he was. Sighing, you got a tray down from the top shelf, and then a pair of mugs, figuring you might as well get yourself some while you're here. Carefully, you poured muddy water into both cups, dressing yours the way you liked. Absent-mindedly, you began to fiz Stein's mug the same way, pouring simple syrup into it. It wasn't until you began stirring caramel cream into it that you realized. "Shit!" you hissed, realizing your mistake. Quickly, you took out another mug from the cupboard, and grabbed the carafe, only to find it nearly empty. Now you had no choice but to bring him an incorrect cup of coffee and pray to Death he still helps you.

You gripped the handles of the tray nervously, seeking some kind of support from them. Blonde coffee swished in each cup, and the syrup bottle treated to tip, but you eventually made it back all in one piece. "I'm back," you called into the dark room from the ajar door. "Can I come in?"

"The door's open, isn't it?" Stein's monotone voice replied from deep within. Stepping in, you found him at his desk, a single tabletop lamp illuminating his workspace. He seemed deep in thought as his red pen scrawled hastily across pages, shuffled one after another. In response you let yourself in, slowly inching toward him, before eventually deeming yourself close enough and standing at his side awkwardly. "Are gonna set that down or just stand there?" he asked, not bothering to even give you a side glance.

"Sorry," you muttered, shuffling in place. "I just wasn't sure where you'd like it." He pointed to a spot on his desk, equally cluttered but mostly flat with his pen. You obeyed and set the tray down, before taking his cup and setting it in front of him, as well as the syrup bottle. You tensed a bit when you noticed the sticky bottom of the bottle had adhered to what seemed to be a page of homework. He never seemed to notice, though. "Um, before you drink that," you interrupted, just as he lifted the cup to his lips. "I...zoned out a bit and started pouring the syrup in, so it may not be exactly how you prefer it."

Stein sighed, rolling his eyes. "Leave it to you to make pouring a cup of coffee harder than it should be." At that, he took a sip, pausing for a moment afterward. "Is there caramel in his?" he asked sternly, finally looking up at you.

You shook in your spot. "Y-Yes? I'm sorry-"

"It's really good." he smiled, taking another sip. "I guess I'll have to have you make all my coffee from now on." Your muscles fell lax with relief and you stepped closer. "Now then, pull up a chair, and let's have a look." You did as he instructed, dragging a nearby stool to his desk. You felt like you were a student again, having to stay behind with the teacher to review why you hadn't passed a test.

Once in a good position, you handed over the file which you'd carried under your arm. Stein took it and slayed it out on the desk as you looked over his shoulder. "What's the subject?"

"Soul bonds and forces that affect them." you responded astutely. Now he understood why he was the one Lord Death had you ask.

"I taught this last year to a pair of my students," he recalled. "Though, the results weren't very pretty. What's your goal in teaching this?" he wondered.

"To educate my kids on how to nourish their connection and help them understand the consequences of not doing so." you replied, gaining some sort of confidence in showing him that you knew what you were talking about.

"And what are those consequences?" he asked, lazily flipping through the loose pages inside the file.

"Potentially irreparable damage to the partners' bond, bodily injury, mental strain, inability to fulfill their duties, and in extreme cases where students cannot be reassigned to new partners, expulsion."

"And how can a bond be nourished or restored?"

"Trusting in one another, appreciating your partner internally and externally, and understanding of how a healthy dynamic should look between partners." You answered as he followed along with your written word. It was as if you'd memorized the words on the page.

"Well," he concluded. "You seem very knowledgeable on the topic, your notes look great," he paused to pack the papers back into the file and handed it back to you. "As long as you tell what you just told me to your students, I have no doubt they'll be well informed."

Finally, you beamed at his analysis, happy to have his approval. Pressing the file to your chest, you went to stand, only to have him point his palm to you- a signal to stop. "Just a moment," he said, taking out a legal pad and his red pen. "Now that that's out of the way, I'd like to talk to you about something if you've got time."

You froze, a tad stunned as you fully sat back down. "Sure, I'm not in any rush," you accepted, tilting your head curiously. "Have I done something wrong?"

"Wrong isn't the right word for it," he reassured. "More like odd." Stein quickly jotted down the date, time, and your name before continuing. "You said you hadn't been well, and that Lord Death had noticed and sent you to me to double check your lesson plans. Let's talk about that."

You couldn't help but notice how his voice had changed. It wasn't quite as monotone now, and paired with his kind and genuine smile, you couldn't keep the butterflies out of your chest. He was being so gentle all of a sudden and you didn't understand what changed. "Which part?" you asked.

"Tell me about how you've been feeling, (Y/N)." he instructed. "With everything that's taken place, I don't blame you for not feeling like yourself."

You instantly knew what he was referring to. The Kishin Awakening. The battle with Medusa and Crona beneath the school. The ruined celebration of the academy. It was all fresh and heavy on your mind still. "I suppose..." you began vaguely. "Everything that's happened has stressed me out a bit."

"What happened wasn't your fault, you do know that, don't you?" he soothed, adjusting the frames on his nose. "Nothing you could have done would have changed the outcome of that fight."

"I know that," you admitted, twiddling your thumbs. "I guess I just wish there was something more I could have done. I mean, our kids were down there risking their lives- getting hurt, getting traumatized, and where was I? Stuck up here with everyone else, helpless."

Stein offered a gentle smile. "You're too hard on yourself." he laughed, removing his glasses and wiping the lenses on the tail of his coat. You were able to catch a glimpse of his eyes, swampy and genuine. They put you at ease. "Besides, you helped keep everyone calm, that's not nothing."

"Maybe you're right..." you relented, pinching the bridge of your nose and shaking your head. "I've just been having these terrible nightmares where things end differently."

"Nightmares?" He perked up, suddenly vastly more interested in what you had to say than before. "Tell me about that."

His change in attention span didn't go above your head, but you chose to ignore it for now. "I'll have dreams that the students you had with you die or become gravely injured, or that those witches managed to get into the school and hurt the people I was with."

"And have you experienced any other odd symptoms? Headaches, hallucinations, insomnia?" he asked, quickly scrawling your answers on the note pad.

"All of those, yeah," you confirmed, nodding and tucking a strand of hair behind your ear. "And nosebleeds."

Suddenly, Stein froze entirely. "Have these gotten worse since the Kishin awoke?" you hummed in response, giving even more basis to his hunch. "And have you had these in the past?"

"Well, I've had chronic migraines since I was a kid," you replied, unsure where he was going with this.

"Have you ever been medicated for it?" he asked, eyeing you as if waiting for you to confirm his suspicions.

"Many times," you answered, and he seemed to relax at this. "Nothing ever helped, though. Except for some herbal tea Medusa prescribed me a while back."

Stein tensed again, jotting down the new information before continuing. "And the symptoms subsided during that treatment?" You nodded and he pressed on. "And how much would you say they've worsened since you stopped taking the herbals?" You remained silent, guilt creeping up your back as you lowered your head. "(Y/N)?" Stein leaned in, concerned about your sudden shift in willingness to talk. He repeated the question, hoping you just hadn't heard, but your continued stillness told him everything he needed to know. "You're still taking them?!"

The sudden raising of his voice startled you, as well as the slamming of his fists on the desk. "Are you stupid? Don't you realize she's been poisoning you?"

"I'm sorry! It's the only thing that helps!" you cried abruptly. "I stopped for a few days but it just got so bad I couldn't resist! Now I have to take them even more often to get them to work!"

Stein composed himself, taking in and releasing a deep breath before reaching out and grabbing you by the shoulders. "That's enough, (Y/N), you need to listen to me," he began, pausing to make sure you were. "You have to stop taking those herbals, that's not medicine, it's a curse." Your eyes searched his for an indication that he was joking but came up short. "She has you addicted to this remedy, but all it does is make the problem worse, that way when you need a higher dosage, you'll have no choice but to go to her for more. Then she'll use you against us." Something in his voice revealed itself. Maybe it was worry, maybe frustration. Either way, it made your stomach churn.

"I'm about to tell you something you won't want to hear," he warned, sighing before looking back up to you again, mossy eyes boring into your (e/c) ones. "You've most likely got a parasite inside you, and it's possible she's been using it to gather information on the academy. Now that she's no longer a member of staff, you're much more important to her than you might realize."

There was nothing you could do to hold back the tears that began to stream down your cheeks. It was so ironic that the thought of bringing harm to the school had driven you mad, but in an effort to stop the madness from taking over, you put everyone in danger. "Oh my God," you sobbed, not even noticing when Stain pulled you into his chest.

"Shhh," he hushed. "Don't cry, it's gonna be okay," he reassured, rubbing your back as you cried. "Now that we know what's wrong, we can fix this."

"I'm such an idiot!" you sniveled. "I can't believe I fell for her lies!"

"You're not an idiot, you were deceived. We all were." he soothed, pushing you away and holding your shoulders at arm's length. "You made a mistake and that's okay." He withdrew himself from you, giving you a moment to compose yourself, and turned back to the desk. He then opened a drawer and pulled out a smaller pad before scribbling on it before tearing off the top page and handing it to you.

"I'm prescribing you something for the headaches and something for the parasite. When you stop taking the herbals, the hallucinations, nosebleeds, and nightmares should go away on their own."

"I didn't even know you could write prescriptions..." was all you managed to get out, still stunned at the revelation and his overall coolness about it. He simply gave you a kind smile.

"I am a doctor, after all." he chuckled, putting the two pads back into the desk drawer. "If you give me a second, I'll walk with you to the infirmary to have Nygus fill these."

-----

You'd been nearly silent since Stein's diagnosis, and now that you were walking through the halls beside him, you couldn't bring yourself to speak. He chatted away, nonchalant as ever, and you'd usually be delighted to see this rare side of him, but you couldn't get out of your head.

Finally, you both ended up at the infirmary, him walking in ahead of you. "Evening, ma'am," he greeted the woman behind the counter, grabbing her attention.

"Oh," she said, turning around and smiling softly behind her bandages. "Hello, you two. A bit late to be at work, huh?"

"I could say the same for you," Stein laughed, leaning on the counter. "If Sid left early, I assumed you'd be with him." Nygus rolled her eyes and sighed with a lighthearted chuckle.

"Not this time, I needed some time to reorganize my office." Her sky eyes suddenly flicked up to you, then back to your companion. "So, what can I help you with?"

Stein looked back at you and tilted his head towards her, prompting you to hand over the slip he'd made you. "We just need some prescriptions filled, if you're not too busy."

"Not at all!" she chirped with a grin, taking the slip from you. "Let's see here..." Suddenly, the contour of her wrappings fell flat and the sparkle in her eyes disappeared as she looked back at the man with a questioning look.

"I know you can keep a secret, Nygus. I appreciate that about you." He smiled, aware that she'd caught his meaning.

"Well, if you've got worms, that's none of my business, now is it?" She finally said, spinning on her heels and walking deeper into her office, dreads bouncing as she went. Something about her reaction melted your heart, knowing that she knew even a fraction of the truth- the worst fraction, and she wasn't upset with you.

Within a few minutes, she'd returned, a small white paper bag in hand. She gave you a reassuring smile as she handed it over. "For the headaches, take one as needed and no more than four in a day. For the other one, take one with breakfast and one with supper every day for two weeks."

After a tad more conversation, you both thanked her and exited the infirmary. "Start those both tomorrow and keep me updated on how they work for you, if need be, we can always adjust your dosage," Stein said, turning to head back to his classroom. "Have a good night, (Y/N)."

As he walked away from you, the question that had been burning in your mind bubbled back up to the surface again and you blurted out his name. "Stein! Wait," He halted, glancing at you curiously over his shoulder as you ran to catch up to him.

"Was there something else you needed?" he asked as you stopped beside him.

"I wanted to know..." you began, fidgeting timidly with your fingers. "Why are you being so kind to me?"

He laughed heartily, which embarrassed you a tad. "I can 't recall a time where unkind to me, why wouldn't I?"

You blushed a bit, shuffling in place. "W-Well.. you're-"

"Big and scary?" he chuckled lightly.

"Um, yeah..."

"I'm sorry you feel that way, perhaps one day I can change your mind." he mused, turning to leave again.

"U-Um, Stein?" you called out again, and once again, he indulged you with a quizzical look. "I'd like to get to know you better," you confessed. "I know you're not like I thought you were, and I'm sorry I made assumptions about you."

"Well, that's kind of you to admit," he accepted, beaming.

"I was wondering..." you trailed nervously. "Since you're going to be keeping up with the results of my treatment...we should probably..." try as you might, you couldn't will the words from your throat.

"Miss (Y/N), you're going to have to come out and ask me if you want me to say yes." he finally said, hinting at knowing what you wanted.

"W-Would you like to get coffee with me tomorrow?"

"I'd love to."

Thank you for reading, if you'd kindly like and reblog, I'd greatly appreciate it!

[fritz-federleicht]

the 1999 slipknot guys (like sid, mick, joey, chris, n corey maybe paul too) with a mall goth s/o, just like general head cannons. preferably gn reader but i don’t rlly care on the gender. so basically the reader dresses like Talena Atfield from Kittie, that type of style, and they mainly listen to like nu, industrial, n goth metal!! if not that’s totally ok!!

... with a mall goth reader/ Slipknot x reader

Notes: i didn't write anything for Paul, i had too few ideas, hope you still like it

Sid:

- he has a soft spot for goth clothing, but only when you wear it

- maybe that's because you led him to it through your development

- you didn't always dress like this

- in the past you didn't put much thought into what you wore, you just took

what you get

- you were already a couple back then

- at some point it clicked and you dressed differently

- Sid thought it was a bit weird at first, he didn't think your new look was bad it's not like that, but you just looked different, not like when he first met you

- but the way Sid is, he thinks it makes you dangerous, and he thinks that's hot

- it also has a plus point, now Sid doesn't have to worry about unwanted pairs of eyes looking at you

- also your taste in music has changed

- of course you always supported his music, listened to it, but you never listened to more than Slipknot

- now you have discovered your passion for metal, which Sid is very happy about, because you can visit concerts of this kind together

- extra: with his oversize jumpsuits he wears at gigs he has one of your bracelets on each arm, so he is not only closer to you but can also work at the mixing desk without the sleeves slipping down

Joey:

- he loves your clothes with all his heart

- especially your jewelry and shoes

- if you have the same shoe size he wears your boots to Murderdolls gigs

- when you come home with new bracelets he asks you to show them to him

- you do it proudly of course, want to show off your new achievements

- Joey looks at everything examining, already considers which he can steal from time to time

- sometime later you want to wear a new bracelet, but it's not there

- "Joey! Have you seen my bracelet?"

- you enter the room he is in, he hides his hand behind his back. "No?"

- you walk up to him and pull his hand out from behind his back. Your bracelet dangles around his wrist. "If you like my jewelry so much why don't you buy the exact same thing? Why don't we go partnered?" You suggest

- Joey, of course, is thrilled. But only goes along on one condition. "You pick out the jewelry and I buy it."

- that's how it comes that you often wear the same accessories

Chris:

- as soon as he sees you in fishnet clothes something stirs inside him, he just loves it

- on those days he can't tear his eyes away from you

- all the time they are on you, not craving or anything, just desiring, like you are the most valuable thing this world has ever produced

- but not only his gaze is constantly on you, but also his hands

- he runs his fingers over the black squares, touching your skin and giving you goose bumps

- at the beginning he found your reaction to his touch cute, now he finds it endearing

Mick:

- this big man loves to kiss you

- it looks quite funny when you wear chains with spikes

- he bends down to you and cups your jaw lovingly as if you were fragile

- at the same time he touches your chain and gets pricked

- he slowly lets his gaze wander from your eyes, over your beautiful face and then finally to your necklace

- he exhales as he pushes his hand further up to your cheek, so high that his arm no longer touches the spikes, bending his arms more, pulling them away from you

- you grin innocently and lean against him

- He releases a hand from your cheek, caresses your waist, he leans to your ear and whispers. "I can't wait to rip that chain off your neck." As he says this he is careful not to get too close to your neck, you blush

- Mick spreads light kisses from your cheek to your lips, in between he pulls away. "I love when you blush."

Corey:

- when you get ready you listen to metal songs

- Corey, who is usually in the room right next to you, hears the music come on

- he waits a moment for you to put on your clothes, you already sing along with the music

- after a short time he comes rushing into your room, all excited

- he loves to sing with you (roar with you)

- often the whole situation drags out from just dressing up, a kind of duet emerges

- despite everything you try to pick out suitable jewelry for your look

- singing Corey points at bracelets, necklaces and belts, suggests them to you

- now and then you take it and hold it to your body, sometimes you take it, sometimes you put it back in its place

- eventually you've done it and you're all dressed up

- you want to turn off the music but Corey holds you back. "One more song. Please?" He doesn't want the time with you to end

- you nod and together you sing at the top of your lungs, with as much emotion as you can muster

[ww2yaoi]

last line tag game

I was tagged by @sidleckie to post the last line (*cough* paragraph *cough* paragraphS) of my wip so here we go

It seems so long ago now, but Sidney’s mother used to compare him and Eugene to two clocks ticking away at the same time. They did everything together as boys, like Siamese twins cruelly separated at birth, but between them was a phantom thread. They walked to school together, rode their bicycles together, attended their first dance together, and they would have enlisted together given the chance. Eugene’s saliva was wet around the bottle when Sid tasted his first sip of whiskey. Eugene was the first to learn how to drive, but as soon as Sid turned sixteen, he was in the passenger seat teaching him to put his hands at ten and two. When Eugene was sickly as a child, Sid would sneak up to his bedroom and crawl underneath the bed sheets, even though Mrs. Sledge would shoo him away once they were inevitably found out. Sid would press his ear to Eugene’s chest and listen for the murmur. He had a weak heart, Sid was told, but Eugene had always seemed strong to him. Even when he was feverish, pale, and feeble, his hair was red like a forest fire, and his eyes never lost their light. Sid looked at Eugene back then and saw the fight inside of him. The frustration, yes, but never without Eugene’s persistent warmth. Sid looked at him and saw gentleness. He saw familiarity. He saw his best friend. Sid looks at Eugene now and he doesn’t know what he sees.

some sidsledge for your saturday sensibilities. your saturday agonies

I tag @randlemartin yes YOU 🫵 and anyone else

[beggingwolf]

Sid/Geno

things you said when you were crying

#😭bigfeelings

Zhenya opens Instagram again, and closes it again, and opens his email, and closes it again. It's nearly midnight. He's exhausted. All the lights in their bedroom are off except the lamp on Sid's side of the bed.

Zhenya puts down his phone to watch the bathroom door. There's no noise from behind it. He is, for a brief moment, unsure if he wants it to open. With it closed, the bedroom is silent. It's peaceful. It's very easy to pretend nothing is wrong. Zhenya's gotten much, much better at that as he's grown older.

It's not enough to stop him from hauling himself up out of bed, though, and shuffling across the carpet. He pulls the door open gently.

"Sorry." Sid clears his throat, turning away from the mirror. "I'll be right out. You can go to bed."

Zhenya stands, and waits, and, finally, leans against the doorframe.

Sid just barely glances over his shoulder to see. He lets out a quiet scoff, but it's waterlogged.

"Seriously. Go to sleep. I'm almost done."

Zhenya lets his head rest against the wood and takes Sid in.

He's keeping his bad wrist tucked close to his chest again—it's been bothering him, Zhenya knows, but after the last surgery, all Sid can do anymore is take a few pills before every practice and game and hope it's a good day.

His hairline at his nape is a little crooked. Zhenya has many vendettas against Sid's barber, and this one layers neatly on top of the rest. His neck is bare, though — his chain glitters on the countertop, next to a mangled hand towel.

"Jesus, go to bed," Sid mutters, and Zhenya doesn't.

"If you cry, do in bed, with me. Not here. It's sad."

"Fuck, Geno, I'm not cry—" Sid starts, swinging around, and he crackles and breaks halfway through as he meets Zhenya's gaze. His eyes are pink.

It breaks Zhenya's heart, like it always does, because Sid is a happy crier, not a sad one. He's not a sad person, unlike Zhenya and his melancholic moments. He's joyful, and he's determined, and he's a very bad crier when it comes down to the ugly stuff.

He pulls a partly-unwilling Sid into bed. Sid is stiff and won't look him head-on, so Zhenya curls himself around Sid's back and tucks his nose against that crooked line of hair on his neck.

"This fucking sucks," Sid finally mutters. Zhenya doesn't quite smile, though part of him wants to: this is Sid, Zhenya's sullen, never-grown lover, always a bit of a college boy, never a poet.

Zhenya just holds him tighter, because it's all he can do, and because he'd do it all over again if it meant he got to end up here, with Sid in his arms, in his bed, his tears hitting Zhenya's pillow.

[slasherbvnnie]

Omg- I would love a continuation whenever you get a chance! Maybe size kink within the smut section or even them getting caught or almost getting caught?

This part 2 is brought to you by learning Stu is a foot and three inches taller than me. I hope you enjoy this, I did my best with the smut. I'm still trying to work on smut, but I think I did a good job with this one.

Dirty Little Secret | Part 2

Part 1

Context: Stu and reader are in a secret relationship behind Tatum's back. Modern Scream Au. All characters 18+

Word Count: 1186

Every other night was always new. Whether it be because you were thinking of a new lie to tell your friends why you couldn’t meet with them or if it was because your heart was racing as Stu climbed up into your window.

Tonight, he chose to once again climb up through your window, which he did even after asking him to come in like a normal person. The reason why he did it was because of the exhilaration he got from sneaking in, not only because he was trying to evade your parents, but because your house was only two houses away from Tatum’s.

It was risky, especially with his car parked not too far away, but both of you loved the thought of potentially getting caught.

You heard the thumps of him climbing up, looking out your window and rolling your eyes. “You know, I’m glad your parents have money, you might be owing me a new wall,” you said as he smirked. “Oh will I,” he asked as you nodded, kissing his cheek as he threw his leg over the windowsill and climbed in. “Tate’s having a little sleepover with Sid tonight, so I figured we could have a little party of our own tonight,” he said as he put his hands on your waist, leaning down and kissing your neck as you smiled. “I’d love that, you haven’t come to see me in a few days,” you pouted as he chuckled against your skin.

“So the other day in that empty lab room meant nothing to you?” He questioned as you hummed, “no, but I do prefer when we can go longer than just a quickie,” you said, moaning softly as he bit down on your neck.

“Then I’ll take my sweet time with you today, sweetheart,” he promised as he pulled you towards your bed.

He smiled, beginning to undress you from your clothes, leaving kisses and hickies in his wake. “So pretty, so fucking gorgeous,” he said as he groped your chest. He smirked, kissing down your body before he got to your panties. He moved his hands off of your chest and instead pulled off your underwear, lifting your thighs to rest on his shoulders and planting little kisses on your inner thighs. You bit down on your bottom lip, letting out a needy whine. “Hurry up already,” you huffed out.

“What happened to not wanting a quickie,” he teased, laughing when you pouted down at him. He flicked his tongue against your clit, moaning at your taste. You whimpered, one hand curling into his hair as the other grasped at your bedsheets. He moved slightly to have his mouth on you, sucking on your clit as his right hand began to play with you. His middle finger teased your entrance, you could feel his smirk against you when you moaned as he slipped his finger inside of you, your grip on his hair getting tighter and holding him in place.

“Fuck,” you moaned out, whimpering when Stu added a second finger. You felt his mouth leave your clit with a little pop from releasing the suction, arching your back when his tongue joined his fingers. You attempted to squirm away from all the pleasure, but his free arm wrapped around you and pulled you back down onto his tongue. “Please, Stu, I need you,” you whined out, feeling happy when you heard him groan. “Don’t say that unless you want me to ruin you,” he murmured against your core as you whined.

“I want you to ruin me, Stu, please. I need you to ruin me,” you pleaded, smiling when he pulled away from your cunt and instead rose to plant a hard kiss on you. “You’re going to be the death of me,” he chuckled against your lips, holding your face as he kissed you again. He groped your breast with his other hand, taking the chance of you moaning to slip his tongue into your mouth.

You didn’t fight him, simply letting him do what he wanted with you. Even though you enjoyed teasing him sometimes, you both enjoyed when you gave him full freedom and let him use you as a toy.

“Such a good girl for me, yeah? Let’s see how much of a slut I can make you into,” he hummed, pulling away from you. He pulled off his jeans, quickly getting out of his shirt and underwear before grabbing you and getting off the bed. “Let’s try something new,” he said as he took you over to the window, your legs wrapping around his waist and connecting your ankles behind the small of his back. “Stu, but-“ “what? Afraid tate will see?” He asked with a smirk as you pouted, “Oh come on baby, who fucking cares. I want your neighbors to see how fucking hot that ass looks, especially when I’m fucking that pretty pussy of yours,” he said, kissing your neck again.

He pulled down the window, not wanting you to fall out mid fuck, pressing you against the glass after. He held onto you tightly, pushing inside of you, the two of you moaning as he pushed all the way inside. “Fuck, look at that, barely fucking fit inside,” he groaned, looking down at where the two of you connected. You grew wetter at his comment, moaning as you looked down and he thrusted all the way in.

You clung onto him, clawing at his back as he took no mercy on you. Stu knew exactly how you liked it by now, wasting no time to get the both of you off, not when he knew how many rounds you two could last together.

Your climax was beginning to build until you heard your phone ring, the two of you huffing as you looked over and saw Tatum’s id call. “Fuck, stu, hand it to me,” you requested, Stu rolling his eyes as he reached over and handed the phone to you. You thought he would stop, but was only met with him thrusting even harder into you.

“Holy shit, are you getting fucking plowed right now?” Tate asked as you blushed, “Tate! What are you doing outside,” you asked, trying not to moan and doing your best to not notice Stu’s shit-eating smirk at hearing your question. “Me and Sid made some cookies, came to give you some but it seems like you found something better,” she said as you whined. “Just leave them at the door okay!” You said before hanging up, moaning as Stu pushed even harder against you.

You moved your head to the crook of his neck, moaning into the crevice before hearing a loud exclamation from outside. You looked to Stu, blushing when you realized he was staring out the window down at whoever was yelling outside. “Fuck,” you huffed out, whimpering when Stu didn’t stop, instead quickening his pace. “S-Stu, Tate’s-“ “Getting a show along with Sid, come on, let’s at least get off before getting into a fight,” he laughed, kissing your neck as he continued to thrust inside of you.

[the-osborn-way]

Ghostface ranking please n thank you

OH MY GOD YES YES YES I LOVE RANKING ALL THE GHOSTIES

My ranking of all 15 Ghostfaces so far (yes.... I'm including Jason and Greg because if I don't, SOMEBODY'S gonna bitch about it I know--)

SPOILERS AHEAD FOR ALL 6 SCREAM FILMS

Rankings under the cut

Stu Macher (Scream)

The BEST Ghostface to ever Ghostface. A BIT underrated just because people will sometimes give Billy more credit. But like- hot man. Has no actual motive for killing, Billy was like "Hey, dude, let's kill people" and he literally needed nothing more. Thought up of some of the key parts of their plan, definitely gutted Casey and Steve, probably put Kenny on the van by himself (Billy wasn't around, so-) . Definitely top 3 or 4 strongest Ghosties to date. And the humor-- okay, I could go ON AND ON about Stu, but I'll stop here. Matthew Lillard really took the character from boring in the script to one of the only parts of the original film me and my mother (who's TERRIFIED of horror films and would rather forget them) remembered from our first watch when I was 13. (She said she'll never forget his laugh and that she hates him. ... She then got me a t-shirt of him not 3 weeks later for Christmas. Sorry, Mom-) Great job, man! Stu stole my heart, LOTS of my money, and a large part of my brain, so it's safe to say he'll always be my fave and an icon in my eyes. (Literally wearing my Stu shirt as I type this, what a fun coincidence LOL-)

2. Charlie Walker (Scream 4)

I said what I said. People either adore Charlie or despise him, and I love him DEARLY. Yes, he's very attractive, but on top of that, he racks up one of the highest kill counts by a single Ghostface alone in the entire franchise, beaten only by Roman, I believe. From Olivia Morris, which was obviously his kill, to tossing Rebecca Walters off a building, to Jenny and Marnie... definitely Robbie... Kirby... Kate Roberts... man just went crazy with the kills, and I respect it. He had loyalty, some great lines, a HILARIOUS deleted scene ( ), and he kept cool under pressure, never revealing himself until absolutely necessary. Do I relate to him? Yep. Is that bad? Probably, but I love him anyways.

3. Jill Roberts (Scream 4)

Another maybe controversial ranking, but I love Jill! I think her motive is fantastic, the way that she uses Charlie to get what she wants, and as someone who has acted innocent in situations where I'm definitely not, her acting is spot on. I never thought about it being her until her reveal, and it's still one of my favorites of all time. She is also, I believe, the Ghostface who got closest to the goal of killing Sidney and getting away with it, so congrats, girl! You had the whole world fooled till the hospital! She's a great take on what I think is the modern version of Billy Loomis, and she nailed the innocent act, truly. Did she kill anyone? Probably, but I can't think of anyone who I know is 100% a Jill Kill. Either way, good for her for not getting her hands dirty, or FOR getting her hands dirty! Impressive no matter what in my mind.

4. Billy Loomis (Scream)

Dont worry, Billy fans, he's still in my top 5! The only reason he's not my third is because I think he's just a BIT overrated. If the movies weren't constantly making him seem like he was the only killer and completely alienating Stu (I think there's a reason for that, but I won't explain that here), then I'd put him above Jill. I know that's a weird reason, but it's my reason. Billy is a fantastic manipulator who knew how to get exactly what he wanted from Sid, and also was a repressed drama queen, which I relate to a lot. While Stu was openly crazy, Billy hid behind the stone cold semi-facade. I don't think Billy would ever have gotten as crazy as Stu did, but he definitely showed the drama in several ways that make me smile and laugh every time. Falling down a flight of stairs? Fucking up Stu's couch cushions? Comedy gold every time. I give Billy credit for stabbing Casey, killing Himbry, and killing Tatum. I think the rest were Stu's because of the gutting and where Billy was at the time. I also think he killed Maureen, so a nice 4ish kills for him! Anyways, top tier Ghostie, another one I'll always respect respect and love.

5. Amber Freeman (Scream 5)

I'm gonna be honest, I hated her when I first watched Scream 5. Hated Richie too, but he's still terrible. Fuck him. I thought Amber was a trashy, third rate version of Stu that was extremely fake and her turn from cold to goofy seemed extremely forced. Then I took a deep dive and figured out why. (If you want a full explanation, let me know, I'm trying to stay short here.) So I believe that Richie is this movie's Stu and Amber is the movie's Billy. From her plans, her using the house, just her very cold, calm demeanor in the beginning, she just gives Billie energy, while Richie is just... well, he's the Netflix guy. He makes jokes left and right. But Amber, I think she was trying to be the Stu while Richie was trying to be the Billy. Everyone forgets that Stu was a boyfriend too, (Billy's) Tatum's boyfriend. Amber was supposed to be Tara's girlfriend in the original script. So now, I see her third act as more of her desperate attempt to look like her idol instead of sticking with the persona that served her well for the rest of the film. That really made me appreciate her more, and made her feel even underutilized, as did the Macher house. (I LOVE THAT HOUSE. I LOVE IT. Well, the actual actual house, not the Scream 5 version.) So yeah. Amber was a cold blooded killer trying to be just like the Macher before her, even if that wasn't the part she was meant to play in her movie. Taking credit for Dewey's kill? Absolutely. She was in the cult and she just wanted to piss Gale off by saying she did it. Fantastic lines, wonderful creep factor! Her death- *chef's kiss* Lovely homage to Sidney shooting Billy. And that's my top 5!

6. Quinn Bailey (Scream 6)

The only member of that damn family who did a good job killing. Richie included. Funny? Check. Didn't see her coming? Check. Ruthless? Double check. I don't think she did Gale's attack either, I think that just like Amber, she took the blame for someone else's work just to keep them hidden. Besides that, she was a good character, someone you thought was long gone until she wasn't. Bonus points for her saying Stu was her fave and definitely being the one to stab Mindy on the subway. Maybe not the greatest Ghostie ever, certainly low on kills, but I enjoy watching her a lot.

7. Nancy Loomis, aka "Debbie Salt" (Scream 2)

Another hidden killer who deserved more screen time after her reveal, and more backstory. I love her motive of "good, old-fashioned revenge", and I can see her killing Randy out of rage. Killing Mickey? Nice way to keep things in her favor! Debbie Salt was eh. Don't remember her much tbh- I would've liked to see Nancy more as herself, she just had great potential. Did she take some kills? Absolutely. Got her hands dirty to honor her son. But that's what I don't like. She leaves Hank, then suddenly after Billy dies, she's like the best mother ever?? Killing for the son SHE left?? Her leaving is the reason Scream happened, paired with Maureen and Hank's infidelity-- that's why she's a solid 7 in my book, and the best of the worst. Only goes downhill from here, folks.

8. Mickey Altieri (Scream 2)

GREAT in the Act 3. Other than that? Um... he was okay, I guess? He had some funny lines, but where I really like him is in the possibility possibility of what he's done. He definitely killed for Nancy, he was insane and just wanted people to see him that way. He DID talk to Matthew Lillard in the background of the sorority party... Mickey and Stu working together?? His Act 3 was good, he showed he could be a good Ghostface, scared Sidney, killed Derek... but that's where this ranking and my positive comments about him stop.

9. Wayne Bailey (Scream 6)

Classic parent who wants revenge, angry, pulls it off decently. He has some good moments, funny, a definite suspect, and nowhere near as good a cop as Dewey. Points for trapping the Core 4 (minus Mindy) and Kirby in the second coolest location in the franchise, but that's where my positivity stops. Sam killed him easy, he was a shit parent until Richie died I bet. Did he get his kids to murder? Oh yeah, I think he's the one who made this whole plan up with Quinn and Ethan's help. He doesn't really stand out. Did he kill?? Even wear the fucking mask?? I honestly don't think so. I would put him lower, but compared to the next three... yeah, he's fine at 9.

10. Richie Kirsch (Scream 5)

WHYYYY. WHY. The only goof thing I can say is that like 5 of his lines made me laugh, and he also hates Stab 8. Me too, dude, that looks BAD. Motive? Pretty good, solid movie motive, getting with Sam to get the job done. Ruthless? Yeah. But he's sloppy. He's a Stu without the magic, just trying to make a movie. Him dating Amber?? *vomits* KILL ME NOW. He was 100% manipulated by her, I know he was. A sad attempt of Billy Loomis that leaned more towards Stu, and his cheesy shit throughout the film made his "true colors" seem kinda dull and not very scary. I don't like him. I don't.

11. Ethan Landry [Bailey] (Scream 6)

Like father, like sons!- all in my least favorite 5 of legitimate Ghostfaces. How much screen time did he have?? Not enough. Innocent guy, "I was in Econ!" to "HAHAHA I'M INSANE NOW!!"? I hate it. His transition was too forced, he was bland and stupid, his attempts at faking his knowledge about everything were embarrassing and made him look worse as a character. The easiest Ghostface to spot. I don't know, I mean I get people like him because he's insane and attractive, but I don't. Sorry to all of you who love this guy and his family. His best scene? When Tara stabbed him in the mouth. You go, queen!!

13. Roman Bridger (Scream 3)

Fuck. FUCK. I hate him, I hate this movie, I hate it all. His motive is pretty solid, I actually like it a lot... but he was stuck up, whiney, and underutilized. Like Ethan, low screen time, unbelievable shift from loser to villain- did he even share a scene with Sid?? Talk to her?? And this makes Billy and Stu look like lackeys. I HATE IT. I would've much rather had the Stu leading a Ghostface cult film, but I know why they went this route instead, and I respect that. Like Ethan, the best part about him, and of this movie, is his death. Dewey missing his head like 5ish times before finally hearing Sid and going for the head Thor in Endgame style?? Comedy. GOLD. I love Dewey Riley. But yeah, I just don't like Roman at all. His strengths are his motive, his INSANE kill count (I think he had an accomplice.), and his physical strength. Besides those? Useless. Sorry, Roman die-hards.

14. Jason Carvey (Scream 6)

Not bad for a Ghostface killed in the first 15 minutes. He had the makings of a good killer, definitely in the cult, but his time was just extremely short. Nothing much to say about him, but his only kill was a fantastic start to the film. I would put him higher, because I think he WAS a good Ghostface, but... 10 minutes or less of screen time? Sorry dude, don't know you well enough.

15. Greg (Scream 6)

Who?? Saw him a fridge. That's it. What's his last name, I don't remember- No screen time, not even alive on screen. Nothing more to say. He was probably pretty good though, if he was anything like Jason.

And there's my ranking of all 15 Ghostfaces!! If you want to add your own, feel free to below! If you wanna comment on mine, please be respectful, but I'd like to know why you don't like characters I do, or like ones I don't. If your faves are my faves, share!! I love finding new Scream buddies!! And thanks for listening if you made it this far, that was LONG.

[doc-pickles]

sent to save me | sidney crosby (ch. 9)

series masterlist

summary: Sid comes to Annie’s rescue

warnings: mentions vomiting, hospitalization

notes: enjoy!

xoxo

nina

It’s barely 7:30 AM when Sid’s phone starts ringing. He ignores it the first time but when it chimes again he groans as he picks it up.

“Hello?”

“Mr. Sid?”

At the sound of Vivie’s voice on the other line Sid is sitting up and wiping at his eyes. He pulls his phone away and checks that it’s Annie’s number she’s calling from.

“Vivie, why do you have your moms phone? Is everything okay?”

There’s a beat of silence before Vivie answers, “I got up for school but mommy is sick and she said I can’t go to school because she can’t drive me. But it’s Lily's birthday today and she’s bringing cupcakes and I can’t miss that.”

“Okay, I’m on my way Viv. How’s… Is your mom okay?”

“She’s throwing up and her forehead is hot. I checked her tebature just like she does when I’m sick,” Vivie pauses. “Is mommy going to be okay?”

“Of course Vivie,” Sid rushes out. “She’s gonna be fine. I’ll be there in 10 minutes okay?”

“Okay Mr. Sid.”

Sid hangs up and pulls on the first thing he can find before racing downstairs. He’s worried for Vivie and how scared she sounded, but he’s also worried about how sick Annie must be if she can’t even drive Vivie to school.

He hadn’t heard from Annie in three days, not since their fight. Sid had wanted to call her multiple times, to tell her that they could talk things out, but her anger and hurt flashed into his mind every time and he figured it would be best to let her come to him.

By the time he pulls into Annie’s driveway Sid knows he’s broken a few speed limits but he can’t bring himself to care as he bounds up to the front door. He finds it unlocked and Vivie is perched on the couch by the door with her backpack on. Her socks are mismatched and her curls are wild but she seems pretty put together.

“Hey Viv,” Sid kneels down in front of the little girl and cups one of her cheeks. “You okay?”

Vivie nods but Sid can see the tears welling in her eyes. She throws her arms around his neck and he pulls her in close as she cries. The sad little noises break Sidney’s heart as he holds his daughter tight.

“It’s okay, I got you,” Sid whispers the words as he runs a hand through Vivie’s curls. “I got you, don’t worry.”

“Mommy was sick and I was really scared,” Vivie sobs. “I just want her to be okay.”

“Mommy is going to be fine, I promise,” Sid reassures Vivie before pulling back and ruffling her curls. “Can I go check on your mommy before I take you to school?”

With a nod of agreement from Vivie, Sid stands and walks down the hall. It’s eerily silent but he

keeps on as he heads toward Annie’s room. When he pushes open the door she’s not in bed so he continues into the en suite, his heart lurching as he steps in.

“Annie? Hey Anns,” Sid rushes to kneel next to Annie who’s laying on the floor, face pale and unmoving. “Shit… Annie you gotta wake up.”

Annie groans in protest as Sid brushes back her hair, nuzzling her cheek into his hand. He takes it as a good sign that she’s at least somewhat coherent.

“Hey baby, I need you to open your eyes. Can you look at me?” Annie groans again but finally looks up at Sid, his heart rate slowing incrementally as she blinks up at him. “There’s my sweet girl. How are you feeling?”

“Why’re you here,” Annie buries her face in his lap and Sid’s hand instinctively comes up to stroke through her hair. “You’re mad at me.”

“I’m not mad at you, we just had a disagreement,” Sid sighs as he looks down at Annie. “I would never leave you stranded when you’re like this.”

“Mmm… Viv… where’s Vivie?”

“She’s fine, I’m more worried about you,” Sid whispers. “How long have you been sick?”

Annie pauses before speaking up again, her voice rough as she looks up at Sid from his lap, “Mmm yesterday? Started after I dropped Vivie off at school. Anna brought her home and I was able to cook dinner but once she went to bed it started up again. I’ve been here since then.”

Sid sighs heavily as Annie closes her eyes again, resting against his thigh. He pulls his phone out and dials Anna, asking if she would come pick up Vivie before school.

With Vivie sorted Sid stands and picks up Annie, depositing her into her bed before going to find Vivie.

“Vivie, Anna and Nikita are going to come and pick you up and I’m going to stay here and take care of your mama,” Sid crouches in front of Vivie and takes her hand. “Is that okay?”

Vivie pouts but nods and throws herself at Sid for another hug. In the few weeks since her birthday Vivie, Sid, and Annie had been spending a lot of time together. He and Vivie had grown closer, especially because of their love of being on the ice. He doesn’t hesitate to hold her close until Anna texts him that she’s outside.

“C’mon Viv,” when Vivie makes no move to get out of his arms Sidney carries her outside. “Look Niki saved you a seat right next to him.”

“Okay… Thank you for taking care of mommy,” Vivie leans up and presses a kiss to Sid’s cheek before pulling back and buckling in.

“Everything okay?” Anna asks after he’s shut the door. “How’s Annie?”

“Not good, but I got her. I might need you to pick Vivie up too,” Sid rubs the back of his neck as he looks at Anna with a sad smile. “I appreciate you coming to get her.”

“Of course, keep me updated.”

Sid shuffles back inside and goes to Annie’s room, finding her sleeping. Sidney comes to sit next to her, his hand floating up to brush away her wayward curls. Annie makes a sound of approval, but doesn’t move.

“I got you, Anns. I’m right here,” Sid whispers, his voice shaky. “I’m not going anywhere.”

+

Annie manages to sleep for almost two hours while Sid cleans the house. He’s just finishing wiping the dining room table when he hears the sound of her retching.

“Hey, it’s okay baby,” Sid rubs Annie’s shoulders, speaking in a quiet voice. “I got you, I’m right here.”

With a stuttering breath Annie settles her head on her hands, a groan leaving her lips, “Sid…”

“I’m here,” Sid supplies quickly. “What do you need?”

“Just you,” Annie groans, head swaying to the side as she attempts to sit up. “Fuck…”

She’s barely sitting up for a few seconds before Annie collapses into Sid’s arms, limp arms falling to her sides.

“Shit Anns, wake up please,” Sid pleads to no avail. “Come on, Annie please.”

Without another option Sid quickly gathers Annie up in his arms and heads out to his car.

“I got you, Annie,” Sid whispers as he holds her close. “I got you.”

+

When Annie awakes it’s not in her bedroom where she fell asleep. The air is cold and smells funny and the bed is uncomfortable. She goes to wipe the sleep from her eyes but feels something tugging at her arm.

“Don’t move too much, you’re okay. Everything’s fine, baby.”

That piques Annie’s interest, her head turning so she can see Sidney in the chair next to her bed. Her hand is firmly grasped in his and he looks like he hasn’t slept in days.

“I… What happened?”

“You scared the shit out of me is what happened,” Sid leans up and cups her cheek tenderly, locking eyes with her. “You were sick and then you passed out and I couldn’t get you to come back around.”

“How did you know I was sick?”

Sid smirks, that same smile she’s seen on Vivie a million times, “Viv called me. And I’m glad she did, Anns.”

“But we had a fight,” Annie stutters. “I… Why’d you come still?”

“Annie,” Sid sighs. “I would come no matter what. And yeah we did have a fight but I told you I’d be there for you and I meant it.”

Shutting her eyes again, Annie leans into the warmth of Sidney’s hand pressed to her cheek. She’ll unpack his words later, for now her mind is stuck on Vivie and how she must’ve been so scared. She feels awful for putting her through that. Her face must give her away because Sid is comforting her in seconds.

“Hey none of that. Vivie is fine, okay? I just talked to her and she’s having a great time with Nikita,” Sid whispers as his thumb gently strokes her cheek. Annie relaxes at his words and looks back to him with teary eyes. “No tears, everything is okay.”

A knock on the door interrupts them, both heads turning to see the doctor come in, “Glad to see you’re awake Ms. Wright, you were really out of it.”

Annie blushes but lets the doctor continue, “Do you want to speak in private or…?”

Looking to Sid for only a second, Annie shakes her head and turns back to the doctor, “He’s fine, he can stay.”

“Well you were severely dehydrated, which is probably why you passed out. But we’ve given you a lot of fluids and an anti nausea medication that should help. I want you to continue on the medication for the next few months so this doesn’t become a common occurrence, especially since you’ll need to keep your fluid and food intake up to keep gaining weight.”

“Gaining weight?” Annie laughs nervously, Sid's hand squeezing hers. “Why would I need to gain weight?”

“Well you’ll already be gaining weight from the baby but we want you to be able to keep yourself and them healthy.”

Annie is frozen as she stares at the doctor, eyes wide and heart palpitating as she takes in her words. The doctor must notice and take pity on her, checking her chart quickly, “You do know you’re pregnant right? About 12 weeks, but we can do an ultrasound to confirm if you’d like.”

Pregnant.

The overwhelming urge to vomit overtakes Annie and before she can move Sid has a basin in front of her. Her chest burns as nothing but water comes up, gasping breaths leaving her as she tries to calm down.

“Breathe Annie, you’re okay,” Sid calmly reassures her, a steadying hand on her back. “Deep breaths.”

She can barely make out the doctor saying she would be back in a little bit as she brings her hands up to her face and presses her palms into her eyes.

A baby. God Annie doesn’t know if she can handle another pregnancy alone, not to mention raising two kids by herself. A small cry leaves her throat before a hand settles on her arm.

“Anns,” Sidney whispers and its gentle enough to coax Annie to bring her hands away from her face. “Hey, it’s okay.

“No it’s not! I can’t raise two kids by myself,” Annie sniffles and wipes at her face. “I can’t do this!”

There’s a long and slow pause before Sid speaks up, “Even though it’s not my baby I’ll still be here for you Annie.”

Annie pauses, looking over at Sidney with a puzzled expression, “What?”

“I was serious when I said I wanted to be there for you and Vivie,” Sid stares up at her with teary eyes and grabs her hand again. “You don’t have to do this alone.”

“Sidney,” Annie whispers as they meet eyes. “The baby’s yours. There’s no one else.”

Wide hazel eyes stare back at her and Annie could almost laugh if she wasn’t on the verge of crying, “I- but… You said you were going to have to do everything by yourself. I thought…”

“Because I always do, it's always just been me. Anyways, it’s fine,” Annie brushes Sid off. “You’re going to take the job with the Penguins. I can handle this.”

“If you think I’m going to miss another one of my kids lives you’re wrong,” Sid leans up and presses his forehead against hers. “I’m not leaving you, I’m going to be right by your side for everything. You and Vivie and this baby… You’re all I need, all I want. Fuck hockey, fuck the job offer. I’m not losing you again.”

A choked sob leaves Annie as Sidney pulls her into his chest. His warmth is comforting and for the first time in a long time she feels herself relax, clinging to Sid tightly.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry I was so mean to you. I didn’t mean any of it,” she cries as she presses her face to Sid’s chest, all of her unspoken worries spilling out. “I know you won't leave us. I’m sorry, please don’t leave.”

“I’m not leaving, I swear,” Sid whispers as he holds her. “I’m not going anywhere Annie.”

+

“Mommy!”

Vivie’s excited squeal sounds through the house as soon as Annie and Sid step through the front door of Annie’s house. Sid steps in front of Annie to catch Vivie as she barrels towards her mom.

“Your mommy is very excited to see you Viv but she’s also really fragile right now, so we have to be gentle,” Sid meets Vivie’s eyes and gives her a serious look which she returns with a nod. He gives her a quick hug before setting her down and letting her give Annie a hug.

“I missed you so much my baby,” Annie’s voice cracks as she holds Vivienne close. “Have you been good for Anna and Geno?”

Vivie nods but doesn’t say anything as she clings to Annie. Sid gives Annie a smile before wandering into the kitchen, giving the mother and daughter some space.

“Sid, everything okay?” Geno asks as he pulls Sid in for a hug. “How’s Annie?”

“Good, doing a lot better,” Sid rubs the back of his neck as he glances back toward the entrance where Vivie and Annie still are. “Just some really bad morning sickness.”

Geno’s brows shoot up as he looks at Sid who’s blushing under his gaze, “Yours?”

A nod is all Geno needs to be pulling Sid back into a hug, congratulating him on their new addition. Sid says hello to Nikita but both he and Geno are out the door after a few minutes.

When he returns to the living room, Annie and Vivie are curled up on the couch together with a movie playing. Annie catches his eye and motions for Sid to join them.

“Mr. Sid we’re watching mommy’s favorite movie,” Vivie exclaims, doing her best not to jostle Annie as she points to the screen where The Sound of Music has started. “It’s a super long movie so you better get comfy.”

With a chuckle Sid takes the spot next to Annie who immediately snuggles closer to him. With Annie curled up in his lap and Vivie next to her he feels at peace. His hand gently drifts toward Annie’s stomach, fingers brushing over where their baby rests. The motion has her moving closer to him, her hand pressing into his chest.

“I’m so glad you’re here,” Annie whispers.

“No where else I would rather be.”

[cheeeeseburger]

Dream girl Part 8

Next part

Sidney Crosby x Reader

Masterlist

A/N: IF YOU HAVE RED PART 7 BEFORE PART 8 WAS POSTED, PLEASE GO BACK BECAUSE I HAVE ADDED SOMETHING AT THE END! Wow, three parts in a day, is this really me? And they're the parts with the most words so far? Anyway, English is not my first language, apologies for the mistakes, enjoy!

Sidney noticed you crying on the porch immediately, then he saw the other car in the driveway. He put his car on park and got out instantly.

“You’re such a fucking slut!” Your boyfriend spited out those awful words and Sidney saw red.

“Hey, hey, what’s going on?” He went up his teammate, trying to prevent him from getting closer to you.

“What’s going on is that my girlfriend is a whore who’s mad that I’ve been cheating on her when actually she’s the one playing behind my back!” He kept trying to go forward, but he blocked him. Sidney heard you sobbing and immediately trying to justify yourself.

“It’s not like that, I swear!” The desperation broke his heart.

“Shut up!” The whole neighbourhood was sure to have heard him now.

“Woah, come on now, stop that. You don’t get to speak to her like that.” The rookie’s eyes widened and he snapped at Sidney.

“You don’t get to tell me how to speak to my girlfriend when you’ve been fucking her behind my back. What a good captain, eh? I saw the fucking notes on your locker and put two and two together when her friend told me she was no longer living with her. I didn’t expect to actually find her in your house, but I guess you two have become quite comfortable, huh?” The rage in his words was palpable. He was truly furious.

There was a million thoughts running in Sid’s head. Of course, his priority was you. He saw you crying on the porch from the corner of his eye. He had to think about his position in the team and his role as captain. Of course, falling in love with your teammate’s girlfriend was a pretty shitty move, but that was not your fault. You had done nothing wrong. Admittedly, there was that almost kiss, which he initiated, and that real kiss, which only happened a few weeks after you had stopped talking to your boyfriend.  Anyway, all of this mess only started after he cheated on you. In fact, even though it sounds awful, Sidney believes the rookie is more mad because his pride has been bruised, not because he believes you’re having an affair.

Sidney was not too worried about his position, but for someone who did not know the full story, he looked like a shit captain who stole the rookie’s girlfriend. The media would have a field day. A few neighbors were outside, clearly aware that they were spectators to a big scene.

“Okay, I get it, you think your girlfriend has been cheating on you, but she has not. Can you say the same thing? I don’t think so. Calm down, and we can talk about it inside. Let’s not cause a scene.” Sidney was surprisingly calm, given the situation. Years of dealing with situations on and off the ice had turned him into a sharp mediator.

“I’ll give you a fucking scene, dick.” He shoved him. Like, actually tried to push him. The attempt was laughable.

Of course, being a defenseman, he was taller and all, but he didn’t have the experience that Sidney had. Also, he didn’t have the fury that now inhabited his mind.

“Don’t fucking play with me.” It was just like on the ice, except he didn’t have to throw away his gloves. There was no penalty box here, but the girl of his dreams was the prize. The Stanley Cup was nothing compared to you. The first punch came swiftly.

“No, stop, guys, please!” You ran down the driveway frantically. “You have to stop or else the cops will show up!” But it was like the two guys couldn’t hear you. They were in a trance. If this was in an actual game, the entire arena would go crazy. He would be expelled for sure.

“Stop! Stop!” Your screaming didn’t change a thing. Sidney was too blinded by his rage, otherwise he would have stopped as soon as he saw you. You had no other options.

You squeezed yourself between the two hockey players, and your boyfriend didn’t even notice you until Sidney yelled “Stop! You’re going to hurt her!” Both guys snapped out of it.

The whole scene felt like a cringy high school soap, but the blood on the faces and the knuckles of both guys was very real. This wasn’t Riverdale.

“Let’s just go inside, please. Please, I beg of you!” You took your boyfriends hands in yours and although it hurt Sidney a bit, he knew why you were doing it. He was going to follow you inside anyway, but the rookie might not.

It was like he finally noticed your mascara-stained tears. It seemed like he really did care for you still. Panting, he agreed. “Okay. Let’s get inside.”

Instinctively, Sidney’s hand made its way to the small of your back. He sensed that it was not the time, nor the place and he dropped it, although it pained him to do so. The sound of your tears echoed in the entryway while regret coming from both guys filled the atmosphere.

The three of you gathered in the living room. You sat down and there was an awkward moment when Sidney and his teammate did not know whether to sat down next to you or not. Ultimately, they both decided to stay standing. Sighing, you stood up too.

“First of all, I have to make things clear. I have never cheated on you with Sidney or anyone else, and I do not deserve to be called a whore or a slut.” The words came out distorted from all the tears you spilled. You choked up when speaking and your voice trembled. Some guilt flashed in your boyfriend’s eyes, but not enough to stop his next spiteful words.

“How can I believe that? You have been living with him for Christ’s sake!” His left eye was turning black. Sid should feel bad, but he just felt satisfied.

“Only because you moved back in the condo, and I obviously could not go back there! I lived with my friend for like a week, but then she kicked me out because of her boyfriend!” You seemed ready to pull out your hair. You had to make him believe you, because your reputation was on the line. The double standards were crazy and hockey was a small community and you did not want to become the black sheep of the sport nor did you want to stain Sidney’s golden boy reputation.

“Why the fuck did you not go back home with me?” The captain ached to order his teammate to watch his tone, but it was not his place to interrupt now. You two were in duel, both waiting for the other to actually pull the trigger.

“Are you freaking kidding me? You cheated on me, and that was just the first time that I had proof, because I know you have cheated on me before, I was just too naïve to see it! In what world would I want to go back to living with you like everything is normal?”

“How the fuck should I know? You refused to talk to me!” It was like having to fight with a toddler. You took a deep breath.

“Okay, I admit that that was not the most mature reaction, but put yourself in my shoes. You came here acting crazy because you thought I had cheated on you! I think my reaction was not outrageous given that I had proof!” It took everything in you not too roll your eyes at the ceiling.

“So you admit that you’ve been cheating on me with?” Sidney knew this guy had next to no hockey IQ, but he was starting to believe he had no IQ in general.

“I do not admit to anything! Goddammit, you really don’t know me, do you? Otherwise you would not for a fact that I would never cheat on you. I’m way too loyal for that. I stood by your side through everything! Your junior hockey days, the draft, I even moved to Pittsburgh for you! Heck, I guess I don’t know you that well either because a year ago I would have never thought you could play behind my back like that!” Your boyfriend pinched his nose and cursed at the ceiling.

“That was a fucking mistake! Okay, maybe a few fucking mistakes, but I swear they did not mean anything and I have regrated it every single day since!” Wow, the arrogance of that kid.

“You only regret those hookups because I finally found out!”

“No! I regret everything that went down because we were supposed to get married, to be endgame! You’re the one I want to have children with, not those sluts!” Oh, he was digging his grave deeper.

“Oh, like that’s supposed to make me feel better? And don’t call them sluts, you’re the one that can’t keep his dick in his pants!”

“You’re such a bitch! Can’t you see that I’m trying to say sorry?”

“Okay, that’s fucking enough! Shut the fuck up!” Sidney shouted and his words echoed all over the house.

“Well, it’s not freaking working, because you keep insulting me!” You burst into hysterical tears.

That sobered him up. “Oh God. I’m so sorry, baby. I should have never said that. You’re not a bitch or a slut or a whore. Forgive me please. I’m so, so, sorry.” He sensed that he had gone a step too far. He tried to get closer to you but got the message when he saw you flinch. It seemed he only now realized all that he had done. For the first time in the last hour, real guilt crept up in his eyes.

Sidney stood there, helpless. He did not want to make the situation worst and he knew that it was not his place to step up. You managed to speak between hiccups. “I’ll forgive you, because I know you and I know you don’t mean those words. But on one condition. You have to say that you trust me and you believe me when I say that I have never, ever cheated on you. I did kiss Sidney, but only after we had not spoken for over a month, and I know you have not been a saint either. Please, just say that you believe me, and all will be well.” This was incredibly generous of you, but that’s who you were. His sweet, sweet girl.

He took the part where you confessed to kissing Sidney better than the captain though he would. Slowly, he nodded. “I trust you. It would be extremely out of character for you to do that. I’m sorry for insinuating you had.” Sheepishly, he turned to look at his captain. “I also have to apologize to you for how I reacted, Sidney. I’m sorry.” He offered his hand and Sidney happily shook it.

“Hey man, no hard feelings.” That was kind of a lie, but he would let it slide. For now.

Sidney finally breathed right for the first time in what felt like months. He hadn’t realized the guilt was consuming so much of his energy, nor had he realized that it was there in the first place. It warmed his heart to see you wiping the tears with the sleeves of your sweater and to see a shy smile peaking through.

“Perfect! Now that that’s done, I want a divorce. I mean, I want to break up. And I want to sell you my share of the condo.”

“And also, I’m in love with your girlfriend. I mean, your ex.”

"Sidney!"

[azurbright]

May ask for a sickfic please?

You decide who got hit with the whole shebang (fever, headache, fatigue, stomach pain... you decide) and who's taking care of whom.

Totally not related to the fact that I am currently burning up but am basically home alone for now so there's nobody to be sweet to me about it

-🐈‍⬛ (if that's not taken. I'm here for the first time ^^)

This is so cute, Mumbos a little silly goose and likes to overwork himself to sickness and Grian wants him to stop.

(DISCLAIMER: I'm writing about the characters they portray and their minecraft personas not the people in real life)

"Mumboooo" Grian flew down next to Mumbo scaring the life of him almost.

"Oh gosh" He sniffled quietly. "Grian you scared me." He sucks the snot back up into his nose.

Grian laughs "Sorry Mumbo" He says sort of in a sing song voice. He then notices that Mumbo seems a little off today.

He cocks his head to the side a bit, "are you feeling okay?" He asks Mumbo worried for him, he knows how he overworks himself.

"Huh, oh yeah. Just a little sick" The tall mustached man seemed to be lost in thought at the redstone before him. He sighs and turns to Grian and notices him staring. "What?"

"Mumbo you're sick? Why aren't you stopping?" Grian questions the man, he holds his hand up to the tallers forehead and feels the warmth radiating off of him. "Good lord, you're running a fever. We've got to get you home." Grian attempts to grab Mumbos hand.

"What? No? I have to finish this contraption." Mumbo argues with the winged boy, but he wasn't giving up that easy.

He grabs Mumbos wrist somewhat more forcefully this time, "No Mumbo, we're going home."

Mumbo sighs and nods, deciding his mind is just too feeble right now to disagree. He does feel sick, and he feels like he could pass out any moment, but he doesn't want to worry Grian anymore right now.

"Thank you Grian, I wouldn't have stopped if you hadn't dragged me away." Mumbo smiles at the gesture. Grian had always been such a good friend to him. He didn't wanna ruin that by telling Grian he was in love with him.

"I know, you've got that work ethic." The avian sighs, "sometimes I think it's too strong." He mutters almost to himself. What Mumbo didn't know was that Grian was also in love with him, he wanted to care for him and make sure he rested when he was sick.

Grian brings Mumbo back to his house and quickly puts him into his bed, "okay! I'm gonna be your personal nurse for today Mumbo." Grian smiles, jokingly saluting to Mumbo.

"Mm thanks Grian, you're the best." He says sort of delirous.

Grian hums and runs into Mumbos kitchen to grab a cup of water so the sickly man can hydrate. He brings it back to him and helps him sit up. Grian sits on the side of the bed next to Mumbos knees. Grian hands Mumbo the cup of water with a tender look.

"Grian you really don't have to do this, I can take care of myself." Mumbo sighs and takes a sip of water.

Grian smiles again, "I know, but I want to take care of you. You're important to me." He takes Mumbos hand in his own after the ravenette sets the cup down on the side table.

"Okay, lie back, I want to try something, and I want to know what you think." Grian has that mischievous look in his eye. Mumbo however does comply laying back against his pillow.

Grian climbs on top of him laying his chest next to Mumbos heart beat. "Grian..? What're you doing?" He asks nervously.

"I'm listening to your heartbeat and breathing, hush" Grian hushes Mumbo. The redstoner decides he's going to take advantage of this situation and he wraps his arms around the smaller limply.

"O-okay," Mumbo stutters out the word quietly as Grian lays on top of him. The compression of the boy is actually nice and makes Mumbo feel safe. He feels more relaxed. He slowly drifts asleep arms wrapped around Grian like his favorite stuffed animal.

Grian looks up gently and smiles. He attempts to climb off him, but Mumbo just turns to grip on tighter so that they're both laying on their sides now. Grian blushes even though he knows Mumbos asleep.

Grian loves him, he knows for sure. He'll be sure to let him know after the two wake up from their cuddle session. And with that, Grian too fell asleep in the arms of his beloved.

~~~

I hope you enjoy and get better soon <3

[daydreamgoddess14]

this love left a permanent mark - Chapter 6

I'm so sad for this to end!

Bit of an understatement to say this little prompt got away from me... but I think it did! 🤭 A (frankly) bonkers 55k later, here we are.

Thank you so so much to everyone who's been reading, I truly hope you've loved it as much as I have 💜 I'm grateful every day for your kind words and support. You're all magic, and I couldn't do this without you. Time to finish the slightly late Valentine's prompts!

Word Count: 11k (sorry, not sorry!)

Masterlist

River x Sid Masterlist

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5

Taglist: @a-sunflower-in-bloom @sad-quality @linkpk88 @dreamer-98

Sid stared at her reflection long after River had left the bathroom.

She knew she had taken a risk in sleeping with him, and now they were leaving Italy on bad terms. She sighed, guilt and frustration churned in her stomach making her nauseous.

She splashed some cold water on her face, trying to calm her anxious thoughts.

The events of the last few days had been a whirlwind, to say the least.

She couldn't deny her feelings for River, but she also knew that succumbing to those feelings could be problematic.

She looked at her reflection once more, taking in her tired eyes and slightly disheveled appearance.

With a deep breath, she steeled herself for the journey home.

She followed him back to the bedroom with her own things from the bathroom in her arms. She dumped them unceremoniously into her case, not bothering to be careful or organised.

She and River barely exchanged a glance as they packed their things in silence. She could feel his anger radiating off of him, and she knew that their argument had left a deep rift between them.

She was too proud to apologise, and so was he.

Despite her frustration with River, she couldn't help but feel ashamed of the way she had treated him.

“You don't trust me,” he said quietly. “If you agree with me, and I'm wrong, then we both look stupid.”

“What if you are wrong?” She whispered.

“What if I'm right, Sid?” He shrugged, “you could be back at your own desk in the morning.”

She shook her head.

“If you expose Jonty, the real mole will know they're in danger. They'll blend in with all the other people leaving anyway, leaving us right back at square one.” He countered.

“It's too much of a risk,” her voice trembled with frustration.

“Trust me,” he sighed. “Please?”

Sid felt her heart ache at the sound of his pleading voice. She desperately wanted to agree with him, to trust his instincts, but she couldn't bring herself to go along with it.

She could feel tears welling up in her eyes, and she fought to keep them at bay. River's head dropped, disappointment and hurt etched into his features.

When he spoke again, his words hit her like a punch to the gut. His tone was tinged with self-deprecation, like he was the one who had caused all of this.

“I guess I'm not that good at this then,” he muttered bitterly.

“You are,” she mumbled, messing with the zip of her suitcase.

River's eyes snapped up to hers, surprise flickering in his gaze.

“I mean it,” she said quietly. “You are good at this. You saw things I didn't even consider. I just…” she trailed off, struggling to put her feelings into words.

“We need to go,” he sighed when she didn't finish her sentence. “Are you packed?”

She swallowed.

“Yeah, I'm packed,” she replied softly. She finished loading her belongings into her suitcase, and zipped it up with a trembling hand.

River took her suitcase from her, and Sid immediately felt the absence of his touch.

She had grown accustomed to his hand in hers, and the deliberate removal stung.

She followed him to the door, feeling a mix of emotions - frustration, guilt, and a longing for their connection despite their argument.

She glanced back at the room as she closed the door, at the still messy bed, the memories of the night before still so fresh in her mind. The dull ache in her body reminded her of the moans and sighs he'd teased from her.

With a heavy heart she turned back to River in the corridor, his expression guarded and unreadable. It was a stark contrast to the relaxed and open man she had come to know in Italy.

Sid felt a pang of sadness as she looked at him, the distance growing again between them felt overwhelming.

Fortunately, the rest of the group was still caught up in their own hangovers and the fallout from Diego’s behaviour to notice that Sid and River were standing so far apart in the lobby that the chatty Italian coach driver could have driven through the gap.

With the cases on the coach, they filed on quietly,

River held out a hand to help Sid up the first step onto the coach.

For a moment, it was as if nothing had changed between them.

But he let go as quickly as he'd offered the hand in the first place, and followed her up the steps to the next pair of available seats.

River sat down, leaving a gap between them, Sid turned her gaze out the window, away from the stifling silence.

She listened to the conversations happening around her, the laughter and banter of her colleagues filling the air.

The ride to the airport felt longer than usual, and Sid's thoughts were consumed with their argument and the uncertainty of what would play out once they were back in London.

She longed to bridge the gap between them, but the words felt stuck in her throat.

The time at the airport was more muted this time around, with Warwick still opening a tab at the bar but the drinks flowing more cautiously.

Immediately, River turned away and found Hassan. Sid found herself on the edge of Dilly and Priya's conversation, dipping in and out of listening to them.

She watched River across the bar, his back to her, feeling the sting of his distance.

So much for leaving Italy as friends. She wasn't sure he'd ever want to be friends again.

Sid couldn't quite pinpoint why she was so certain Jonty was the mole, but there was a nagging feeling in her gut that she couldn't ignore.

River, while passionate about his theory, couldn't provide any real evidence to back up his claim that Lilly was the mole.

She'd decided that in sticking to her instincts, she was protecting River from the risk being wrong.

It was the unspoken agreement Sid had with herself. The outcome of this mission was going to be on her own shoulders. She refused to drag anyone else into her own mistakes, especially not River. If anything, she was determined to show Lamb and Taverner that he was a much better agent than they believed him to be.

She watched him from afar, engaged in conversation with one of their colleagues. He seemed so calm and composed, hiding any stress beneath his easy demeanour.

Warwick's voice rang out in the airport lounge.

“Thank you all for coming this weekend. Who knows where we'll be next year,” he said contemplatively. “Perhaps together again... perhaps not.” The thought of their lives moving in different directions was a bittersweet one.

He continued, “But we'll always have these beautiful memories of the time we spent together.”

His words hit a little too close to home for Sid's comfort. She exchanged a sad smile with River across the bar, a silent acknowledgement of their own uncertainty.

Despite the smiles and laughter around them, there was an undercurrent of unease, a sense that time was running out.

As they all gathered their bags and headed towards the gate to board the flight, Sid couldn't help but cling to the memories they had made in Italy.

She thought not only of River, but the friendships she was certain to lose.

She'd detached herself from any social life for so long, being about to talk to Priya and Dilly in particular had been a surprising joy.

She'd grown to love Dilly's exuberance and infectious happiness, Priya's dry humour and kindness. She hoped they'd stay close friends, even if she wouldn't be part of it any longer.

Sid felt a familiar panic as the flight came in to land until River gently loosened her death grip on the armrest, and intertwined his hand safely in hers. She took a deep breath, finding comfort in his touch.

Sid couldn't bring herself to look at him, so she kept her gaze fixed straight ahead at the folding table in front of her. She was hyper-aware of his presence beside her, the feeling of his hand in hers both comforting and nerve wracking at the same time.

She knew it could be the last time she held his hand, the epiphany sent a wave of sadness washing over her.

She wanted to savor the moment, to commit every second to memory - his touch, his scent, the feeling of his skin against hers.

She closed her eyes, exhaustion washed over her, but she could see vividly River's boyish smile after each time he'd kissed her, the weight of him pinning her to the mattress, their fingers intertwined and held above her head as he rocked into her... the plane landed with a heavy bump, jolting her from the memory.

She sighed softly, back to reality.

~~~~~

Jackson Lamb did not enjoy being chased by Diana Taverner unless he had the upper hand. And he did not have the upper hand.

Sid had been back undercover at Warwick’s offices for a week, and so far had given him nothing except another round of toast in the M&S cafe.

Lady Di was getting twitchy, and her government contacts were getting twitchier.

He summoned River.

River who'd returned from his field trip looking like a beaten puppy with a faint tan.

River who’d gone over the trip with Lamb in plenty of useful detail but no emotion whatsoever.

River who’d spent the last week ploughing through the most boring paperwork Lamb could find without a single complaint.

Almost without a single word.

“You thumped?” He asked from the doorway.

“‘S taking too sodding long. Baker's been at this for weeks and I've got jack shit to show for it. Tell me again,”

River sighed.

“I've told you everything. She's doing what she can, she… we think it's this guy Jonty, Sid just needs to link it to him. All we have is a few conversations and shifty looks.”

“She thinks it's this guy?”

“So do I,” River corrected him.

“Don't lie to me, dipshit. You got your eye on someone else for it?”

“It's him. Sid knows what she's doing.” River said defensively.

Lamb leaned back in his chair, eyeing River with scrutiny.

“You sure about that?” He asked, his tone jeering. “You trust her judgment completely?”

River felt a pang in his chest at Lamb's question.

Of course he trusted Sid completely. Her instincts, her intelligence, her determination - they were all assets that made her a valuable agent.

“I do,” River replied firmly. “She's never wrong about these things.”

“Who else is in the running?” Lamb asked. River hesitated, “go on?”

“There's a woman, Lilly. she's been there a long time, very close to everything.” River explained.

“So you suspect her?” he asked, an eyebrow raised quizzically, his lighter lined up against the tip of the cigarette perched on his lip.

River shrugged, his expression conflicted.

“I don't know,” he admitted. “I mean, I don't have anything substantial on her, but... there's something about her. She's close to the people at the top, gets involved in just about everything. It's just... a feeling.”

“Why're you bullshitting me about this Jonty character then?”

“Sid's sure it's him.”

“Ohh,” Lamb leaned back again, heaving his feet up onto the desk as it all became clear. “Had a bit of a lovers quarrel did we?”

River felt his cheeks warm at Lamb's words.

He couldn't deny the truth.

“It's not like that,” he protested weakly.

Lamb fixed him with an amused grin.

“Oh, I think it is,” he said, his tone bordering on mockery. “You're letting your feelings for her get in the way of your objectivity.”

“It's her mission. I gave her my opinion, it's up to her what she does with it.” River said tensely.

“Do me a favour!” Lamb laughed. “I don't give a shit who it is, I don’t give a shit which one of you is right. I just need an answer.”

He lobbed the small black box that had sat on his desk for a week at River's head.

“Go to that office, take your wife out for lunch and sort this fucking mess out.” He demanded.

River caught the box with ease.

Lamb's demand was clear.

For a moment, he wanted to protest, to tell Lamb that it was none of his business, but the look on his boss' face was stern and unyielding.

With a sigh of resignation, River nodded.

“I'll talk to her,” he said gruffly.

He trudged down the stairs and put the box on his desk, looking at it with narrowed eyes.

“You got food, dickhead?” Shirley asked.

“I'm fine, thanks.”

“Suit yourself,” she shrugged. “What's in the box?”

River looked up at Shirley's question, his gaze returning to the little black box on his desk.

“It's nothing important,” he said dismissively. He didn't want to get into the details of the conversation he'd just had with Lamb.

Shirley raised an eyebrow.

“Fuck off, so that's why you're staring at it like it's a bomb waiting to go off.”

“It's a ring. I've got to go and see Sid.” He sighed.

“Ohhh.” She hopped up onto the edge of his desk. “She's dragging that out a bit ain't she?”

River sighed, rubbing his forehead in frustration.

“It's not like that,” he said, his voice tinged with annoyance.

“This mole is taking forever to nail,” Shirley smirked, swinging her legs.

“She's doing her best,” River found himself defending her again.

Shirley held her hands up.

“Just saying. It’s alright for some, trip to Italy... not being stuck in this place every bloody day,” she complained.

River couldn't help but roll his eyes at Shirley's complaints.

“Trust me, it wasn't all fun and games,” he told her, his mind briefly flashing back to the argument with Sid.

“Trouble in paradise?” she asked, a small smirk playing at the corner of her lips.

“Piss off,” he rolled his eyes.

He looked at the box once more before snatching it up and opening it. He slipped the ring onto his finger. It felt familiar.

Shirley sniggered as she watched River slip the ring onto his finger.

“You look proper miserable about it,” she teased, her eyes glinting with amusement.

“Don't worry Shirl, maybe one day he'll trust you enough to go undercover,” he teased sarcastically. Shirley glared at him.

“Better go, otherwise he won't let you out again,” she sneered.

He stood up, adjusting the ring on his finger, and shot her a smirk.

“Stay out of trouble while I'm gone.”

She raised her middle finger as he left her.

~~~~~

Sid looked up gratefully as Dilly placed a coffee down next to her.

“Thanks, Dil.”

“What's happened? You look so sad?”

Sid frowned.

“Do I? I was just concentrating, that's all,” she brushed Dilly off who didn't look convinced.

“That's not your usual concentration face,” she perched on Sid's desk expectantly.

“Just tired, the other weekend took it out of me!” Sid smiled.

“Oh I hear that, god it's so knackering all that being social,” Dilly agreed.

“You're better at it than me, I don't have much of a social battery.”

“I can tell. At least you've got River to look after you.”

Sid's heart ached at the mention of River, the mere thought of him sending a pang through her.

She forced a smile, doing her best to hide her pain.

“Yeah, I suppose I do,” she said softly.

“You two are so cute together. We'll have to get dinner, the four of us! Ooh, maybe Priya and Has too!”

“Good idea,” Sid said lamely.

Dilly chattered away, planning ideas for double and triple dates.

Sid tried her best to sound enthusiastic, but her heart wasn't in it.

Every mention of River and their 'relationship' reminded her of the emotions she was trying to push down and forget.

She missed him more than she could have anticipated.

She'd expected the heady emotions of Italy to settle down with some distance between them, instead it felt more like a true break up.

She longed for River's touch, the comfort of his presence, the sound of his laugh, but the more she yearned, the harder she pushed the thoughts away, refusing to acknowledge her feelings and instead focusing on her work.

She desperately wanted and dreaded seeing River again.

Sometimes, she'd find herself reaching for her phone, her fingers hovering over his number, wanting to hear his voice but knowing she couldn't.

Sid zoned back in on whatever Dilly was saying.

“Oh, that reminds me, Tom wants me to pass his number on. Apparently they forgot to swap over the weekend,” she scribbled on a post it, “something about axe throwing. I wasn't listening to be honest,” she laughed, moving back to her own desk.

Sid forced a smile and looked down at the sticky note, Tom's number written in Dilly's neat handwriting.

“Thanks,” she said softly, stuffing it into her pocket.

She tried to focus on her work, to push the thought of River from her mind, but it was like trying to ignore a constant itch.

He was always there, lingering at the edge of her thoughts.

Their taxi ride from the airport to her flat had been deathly silent.

He'd taken her case up the front steps and muttered a quiet “see you around,” before carrying on to his place.

She hadn't heard a word from him since.

She tried to tell herself that it was for the best – she needed to focus on the mission anyway.

But the silence was deafening.

She had gotten used to having him by her side

Sid had spent most of the week trying to put the whole trip behind her.

After all, they were colleagues, and a relationship wasn't professional. But as the days rolled on, her resolve started to break.

The worst of it was that she still couldn't gather enough evidence against Jonty.

Sid knew that she had messed up.

She should have listened to River, instead of dismissing his concerns about Lilly so easily.

But her stubbornness had gotten the better of her.

Now, she was left feeling more isolated than ever, without his support and with a case that seemed impossible to crack.

The crushing weight of regret settled on her as she thought back to their one night together.

She should have known better, should have realised that one night would do nothing to stop the feelings that had been building between them for months.

But she'd been desperate, wanting to feel his touch, his body, the release that it offered.

Now when she lay in bed at night, unable to sleep, she would recall the events of their one night together.

She could see it clearly - the way he had looked at her, the way her body had responded to his touch.

She regretted insisting on one single night.

She had been too scared of the implications, afraid of letting someone so close.

Her skin tingled with the memory of his touch.

She closed her eyes, her hands roaming her body, the echoes of his kisses and whispers still fresh in her mind.

Frustration and desire coursed through her veins as she tried to find the same release she'd felt with him, but each touch left her feeling even more empty and alone.

“What're you doing for lunch?” Dilly asked, her eyes just visible over Sid's monitor.

Sid shrugged.

“Not really hungry, I might just get a coffee,” she mused.

Dilly frowned, noting the dark circles under Sid's eyes.

“You need to eat,” she chided gently. Sid forced a half-hearted smile.

“I know, I know. I just don't have much of an appetite lately.”

Dilly's eyes brightened as she looked over Sid's shoulder.

“I think I know something that'll help,” she grinned mischievously. “River, will you tell your lovely lady that she should eat lunch?”

Sid tensed as she heard River's name, her heart skipping a beat.

She spun around, her eyes widened as she found him standing behind her, his hands in his pockets.

He looked tired, his face strained, but it was him.

River raised an eyebrow at Dilly's comment, his gaze flicking over to Sid.

She schooled her features into indifference, though her pulse was racing.

River smirked at Dilly, leaning against the edge of the filing cabinets.

“She won't listen to me,” he said dryly.

River's expression darkened as he took in Sid's appearance.

The tiredness was evident in her face, the lack of sleep noticeable despite her attempts to hide it.

He fought the urge to step closer, to touch her.

Dilly chattered on, oblivious to the silence building between them.

“Mind if I steal her for an hour?” he asked, once Dilly had stopped talking.

“Only if you send her back with a smile,” Dilly teased. “And a halloumi wrap for me please.”

“I'm sure at least one of those things can be arranged,” he smiled charmingly.

Sid silently grabbed her bag and phone.

She felt River's gaze on her, heavy and intense.

But she didn't look up, couldn't look up.

She was keenly aware of her appearance, of the dark circles under her eyes, the lack of colour in her cheeks.

She was embarrassed to be seen as such a wreck by him.

River took a step closer, his voice low and steady, “Come on, we need to talk.”

They walked in silence, Sid kept her gaze fixed straight ahead, her mind racing with questions and thoughts.

They reached the small cafe at the end of the road and ducked inside.

River led her to a quiet corner, taking the seat across from her.

He studied her, his expression unreadable.

Sid finally looked at him.

His face mirrored her own, drawn and pale.

His eyes, always sharp and alert, had a dullness to them.

She felt a pang of guilt for what she had put him through the past few weeks.

As their eyes met, a strange cocktail of emotions washed over them.

It was a moment of clarity, a shared vulnerability.

They were both struggling, both feeling the weight of the world on their shoulders.

“You look like shit, Sid.”

“You need talk,” she murmured. “What are you doing here?”

He sighed deeply, running a hand through his hair.

“Lamb sent you?” She guessed.

“Yeah... I had to see you,” he said earnestly, a hint of vulnerability in his tone. “He said you're... struggling a bit,” River explained.

Sid's eyebrows shot up in surprise.

Struggling? That was the understatement of the year.

She bit the inside of her cheek, anger and self-pity warring for dominance.

“He said that, did he?” she muttered, her tone sharp. “I'm not struggling, I'm just... tired.”

He knew she was lying.

He knew the truth.

She was drowning, and she hated that Lamb thought he needed to send someone to babysit her.

“I don't need a babysitter.” she said on cue.

He smiled ruefully.

“I told him that.”

“I can handle this.”

“I told him that too.”

Sid looked away, her pride wounded.

She hated being seen as weak, as someone who needed help.

But it was difficult to deny the truth when she'd been avoiding meeting Lamb as much as possible.

He was always one step ahead of them all.

He probably knew who the mole was just from River's recount of the Italy trip.

River reached across the table and gently touched her hand.

She flinched, the touch igniting something within her.

“I thought if came, we could try and get enough together to put it on Jonty and get this over with.” He explained.

She stared at him.

“But you don't think it's Jonty.”

“No,” he agreed. “But you do, and if that's what you think then I want to help.”

Sid's shoulders slumped slightly at the confirmation.

He was right - she was so sure it was Jonty, but she had no proof. She was chasing shadows, drowning in theories and speculation.

She let out a ragged sigh, burying her face in her hands.

“I'm lost, River,” she admitted quietly, her voice quivering slightly. “I think... I think I'm wrong,” she admitted.

“You do?” River asked, surprise clear in his voice.

He leaned forward, his gaze never leaving her face. She was admitting defeat, and he couldn't help but feel a stab of sympathy amid the affection.

“I've got fuck all on Jonty, there's no evidence to suggest it's him.” She sighed, “I need you to tell me why you think it's Lilly?” She asked.

River leaned back in his seat, considering her request.

She looked so vulnerable, so unlike the Sid he knew.

But there was also a resilience in her eyes that made him want to help her.

He'd turned up with the intention of supporting her decision to go with Jonty, now he had to try and put his own gut feeling into words.

He inhaled deeply, gathering his thoughts.

“It's a feeling, a hunch,” he started, watching her reaction closely. “There's always something a bit too... convenient about her.”

She leaned forward, her elbows on the table, waiting for him to continue.

“She's got access to so much information, as much as Warwick. He trusts her. She gossips enough to plant seeds of doubt about the others - look at her impression of Jonty and Diego compared with what Warwick told me?”

Sid nodded slowly, processing his words. It was true - Lilly had access to all sorts of sensitive information, and her status as office gossip could easily be in her favour.

“She's always popping up in the right place,” River continued, “and she seems to be aware of a lot of private conversations that she shouldn't be privy to. Warwick has her taking notes in direct calls with the PM and other ministers.”

River saw the wheels turning in Sid's mind as she pieced together the puzzle. It was like watching the realisation click into place, her eyes narrowing as she considered the implications.

“But it's just a feeling,” River added, sensing that she needed more. “I've got no solid evidence to back it up.”

Sid frowned.

“You're right. It’s not going to be enough for Taverner.” The waitress hovered next to them with a pad and pen. “Club sandwich and a Coke zero please,” Sid glanced at the menu. “Oh and a halloumi wrap to take out. And a box of the sprinkle doughnuts please. And whatever he's having,” she gestured to River.

River smirked, amused by the sudden change in her demeanor and the large order.

“The best at ordering is back. You planning on eating all of that yourself?” he teased as the waitress scurried away once he'd added to the order.

“Someone said I need to eat,” she countered. “And it's my turn for office doughnuts,” she explained.

River smiled, both of them enjoying the moment of levity.

It was a brief glimpse of the Sid he knew, the woman who could quip and laugh as easily as she could take down a man twice her size.

“What about if I took this to Warwick?” She asked. “He knows there's a mole, he knows it's not me. I could come clean to him, tell him why I'm really there?” she suggested.

River pondered her suggestion, weighing up the pros and cons. It was risky, but it could be their only option.

“It's a shot, I guess,” he admitted, tapping his fingers against the tabletop. “But you'd have to be ready for a backlash. When Warwick finds out you suspect Lilly, he could take it badly. We don't know what kind of history they have.”

“I think I'm going to have to chance it,” she reasoned. “He might have something that could be useful evidence.”

River nodded slowly. She was risking her cover and her position, all to get closer to the truth.

“Just be careful,” he warned her, his voice low and steady. “I don't want you getting caught up in something you can't handle.”

She arched an eyebrow, giving him a withering look. “I can handle myself, River.”

“I know you can,” he shot back, refusing to back down from her challenge. “But this is a dangerous game. I'm just saying, you might need backup.”

“I don't think Lilly and her corporate espionage are going to be that dangerous.” She sighed.

The waitress put a plate in front of her, and a matching one in front of River.

“Oh wow,” she whispered, realising how hungry she was.

“Looks good,” He agreed. “Listen Sid, Lilly might not be dangerous, but she's still a mole at the centre of the ministry of defence. She could be reporting back with god knows what information on movements, communications, plans -”

“I know, River, I know the job.” She pushed her sandwich around the plate.

It was clear neither of them had made peace with their argument, emotions still running high.

“Look, I'm not saying you can't handle yourself -” River started, trying to keep his tone measured.

“Then what are you saying,” she snapped, her frustration bubbling to the surface again.

He looked at her silently for a moment, his eyes roaming over her face, taking in her tired expression, the stress troubling her features.

“I'm saying,” he said quietly, “that you look tired. You look like you haven't slept in a week.”

“I've had a lot on,” she bit back with a scowl.

Instantly regretting it, she leaned back in the red plastic chair. “I don't like how we left things in Italy,” she mumbled, reading and rereading the ingredients on the side of her can of Coke.

River leaned forward trying to close some of the space that had opened up between them. His elbows came to rest on the table.

His gaze softened as he studied her, the tension in her shoulders, the defensiveness in her voice.

“I don't like it either,” he admitted quietly. “But I thought you needed space. I thought it would be good for both of us... after... everything…” He trailed off.

There was a heavy silence as they both reflected on the implications of his words. The aftermath of their night together was still a raw wound, a collage of unresolved feelings and unspoken desires.

Finally, River cleared his throat, shattering the quiet.

“It didn't quite work out that way, huh?”

“I guess not,” she muttered. “Look, I've got to go.” She gestured to the waitress and asked if her lunch could be packed to take out. “I'll come up and pay,” she said.

“I'll get this,” River insisted, standing with her.

“It's fine, really.” Sid bristled, taking her bag and phone.

River paused, his hand on his wallet.

He wanted to argue, to insist on paying, but the stubborn glint in her eye told him it would only start another fight.

“Ok,” he relented, “what're you going to do?”

She shrugged, unable to answer him.

“Wish I knew,” she frowned, and turned away. Reaching into her pocket, she pulled out a crumpled post it, she turned quickly back to him and pushed it into his hand. “This is for you, Tom’s number.”

River watched her go, his jaw clenching in frustration.

He hated seeing her like this - exhausted, on edge, pulling away from him. But he also knew that arguing with her now would only push her further away.

He sighed deeply, pulling a hand through his hair. There was so much he wanted to say, so much unresolved between them. But it would have to wait.

~~~~~

After a handful of sleepless nights, she'd made her decision. Sid's heart pounded in her chest as she stood outside Warwick's office.

She'd taken a risk, it was a bold move, but she was running out of options, and time.

She'd done all she could, given more of herself than she'd planned and was probably set to lose the only friends she'd ever had.

Taking a deep breath, she squared her shoulders and rapped her knuckles on the door.

“Sid! Come in,” he said with a wide grin, his phone in his hand. He brought it back to his ear, “Jonty, I'll call you back later, mate.”

Sid hesitated by the door.

“You're sure?” She asked.

“Yes, yes, I should thank you for getting me off the phone, I only called to get him to finish his expenses,” he rolled his eyes, “forty minutes later, I'm rescued!”

“I'm not so sure this is a rescue to be honest,” she said grimly.

“That sounds ominous,” he gestured to the chair across from him, and Sid sat.

“There's something you need to know. A few things really,” she began nervously. “Warwick, I'm not who you think I am.”

The colour drained from his face.

“It can't be you, the timing -”

She shook her head.

“It's not me.”

Warwick fumbled for his words, disbelief crossing his face.

She could see the wheels turning in his mind, the questions and accusations forming on his lips.

“But then... who?” he asked, finally regaining his voice.

“I've been asked to… observe -”

“By who?”

“MI5, requested by a handful of senior MPs, I believe. They asked for someone to come in, fit in with the team and look out for someone who could be passing information to external parties.”

Warwick's eyes widened further at her confession. His gaze fixed on her face, his mind racing to process the implications of this revelation.

“You've been lying to me, to the whole team, this entire time?” he asked, the hurt evident in his voice.

She smiled sadly.

“I'm just the messenger, Warwick. And besides, my lies are nothing compared to the person that's been handing your confidential information around to the highest bidder.”

Warwick leaned back in his chair, his brow furrowed in thought. He was silent for a long moment, considering her words, processing the gravity of the situation.

“You're certain?” He asked finally, his voice tight with suppressed anger.

“I think you are too? You know you have an issue here,” she coaxed gently.

“River…” muttered Warwick quietly. “He's not your husband?”

She shook her head.

He rubbed his forehead, the weight of the situation bearing down on him, the thought of one of his trusted colleagues betraying him was sickening.

“How long have you known?” He asked hoarsely.

“I'm not certain I know who, that's why I'm coming to you now.” She explained. “At first I thought it could be Diego, or Dilly -”

“Ha!” He interrupted with a bark.

“But then I narrowed it down to two. Jonty or Lilly.” At the reveal of the names, Warwick's shoulders sagged. He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath to collect himself. When he spoke, his voice was rough with emotion.

“Jonty... God, I can't even fathom it, he's like a… a son. And Lilly…” Her name hung in the air like a shadow. “Which did you settle on?”

“Lilly,” Sid confessed. It felt like she'd spent days flipping between the two, debating whether to put her trust in River.

Warwick nodded, his eyes closing briefly in resignation.

“I've had my own suspicions,” he admitted. “Her behaviour... her gossip, her proximity to certain conversations... it's all adding up.”

“Really?” Sid asked, feeling a wave of relief roll over her.

Warwick sighed.

“I know, she seems an unlikely candidate, but... I've trusted her with some extremely confidential information recently. I know some of it has made it into the wrong hands. I just didn't want to believe it could be her.” He said sadly.

Warwick looked defeated, it was one thing to suspect there was a mole in their ranks, but to have it confirmed was a blow he didn't think he'd ever recover from.

“Do you have proof of that?”

He shook his head.

“It's just so hard to believe, I didn't think about evidence. She's been with me from the start…” he trailed off, lost in thought.

He took a steadying breath, trying to compose himself. He turned his attention back to Sid, his mind already calculating their next move.

“We can't confront her until we have some evidence,” he said. Sid was glad he'd come to that realisation himself. “If we accuse her based on suspicions alone, she'll know we're onto her, and she'll go to ground. We need proof.”

“And is that something you're willing to help with?” Sid asked carefully. If he'd pushed his suspicions to the side before, there was nothing stopping history repeating itself.

Warwick looked resolute.

“Yes,” he replied without hesitation. “We need to put a stop to this, and if you think Lilly is the one…”

“If we both think that?”

“Yes, yes both. I know.”

“I suggest we move quickly then, my seniors are eager to resolve this. We need to feed Lilly something specific and time sensitive. Something she has to distribute quickly.” Sid explained, standing to leave. “And Warwick... if you warn her, we'll know.”

Warwick nodded solemnly, understanding the stakes of their plan.

“I wouldn't dream of warning her. I want this to end as much as you do,” he said, his jaw clenched tightly. “I'll let you know when I've planted something for her. It has to look natural.”

Sid gave him a final nod and turned to the door.

She had a phone call to make.

~

She was the first one at the cafe for a change, two rounds of toast in front of her and two coffees.

“To what do I owe this generosity?” He grumbled, sitting down with a huff and a groan.

Lamb eyed the second plate of toast with a raised eyebrow. “You're trying to butter me up for something,” he grumbled, taking a sip of his coffee.

“Things are moving along,” she began tentatively. “We're going to set up some information for Lilly Mackenzie to pass on, something time sensitive that only she'll see. Assuming she does so, that'll be enough to nail her.” She explained.

Lamb nodded, his expression skeptical.

“Bit of a risk, isn't it? What if she doesn't fall for it?” He asked, his hand tightening around his coffee mug.

“Or she realises it's a set up?” Sid asked. Lamb nodded. “I know, but we need to get answers.”

“Interesting you've gone with Cartwright's choice. thought you were eying the posh lad as the mole?” He asked smugly.

Sid bristled at his comment, her eyes narrowing.

“I've reassessed my initial assumptions, based on new information,” she said, offering a cool, from the book response.

Lamb smirked, taking another sip of his coffee.

“Ah, so you've finally come to your senses then.”

“Something like that,” she muttered. “So we need to have a team ready to come in once she takes the bait.”

“I'll let Taverner know,” he told her dismissively. “And we'll see you back at your desk shortly after you've called me?” He asked. She nodded in agreement. “Good, maybe Cartwright will stop moping around once you're back. Anyone would think he's missed you.”

Sid scoffed, rolling her eyes at Lamb's comment, but couldn't fight the small smile that played on her lips at the mention of River.

“I doubt he even noticed I was gone,” she retorted, attempting to downplay her absence.

Lamb grinned knowingly, his gaze sharp and perceptive.

“Oh, I think he noticed,” he replied smoothly. “I think he noticed quite a lot.”

He drained his coffee and took the last half slice of toast from Sid's plate. “Get a move on, let's get this thing finished,” he muttered, leaving her alone in the cafe.

Sid sat there for a moment longer, her mind whirling with the next steps in their plan. She let out a sigh, finished the last of her coffee, and rose from her seat, determined to see the end of the mission.

~

Sid knew the information had to come from Warwick.

She knew that if anyone else became involved, Lilly would be far less trusting.

The waiting was agony and she was half terrified that Warwick would either mess things up, or cover for Lilly.

She tried to keep her mind occupied, focusing on the menial tasks at hand, but her eyes kept darting to her phone and the ticking clock on the wall.

Each minute felt like an hour, and she was half convinced time had slowed to almost a crawl.

The waiting was unbearable.

Her phone pinged and she snatched it off the desk. not Warwick, unfortunately.

A text from River, 'good luck.'

Sid's heart skipped a beat at the sight of the text, her fingers hovering over the screen.

It was a small gesture, but one that she found oddly comforting.

The sight of his name on her phone was a brief distraction, a reminder that she wasn't entirely alone in this.

“Sid, can we talk about the transport contracts?” Warwick called from his office doorway.

Sid jumped at the interruption, stuffing her phone into her bag.

She spun around, her cheeks slightly flushed.

“Uh, yes. of course,” she said, trying to sound composed as she grabbed her notes and walked towards Warwick's office.

“She's taken the information. I put a name on there I trusted, asked him to call me if someone gets in touch with him,” he slapped his phone nervously against his palm. “Could be today... could be a few days.”.

“As soon as you get the call, I'll let my team know,” she told him. “They're waiting. Don't let her think anything is wrong or different.”

He nodded his understanding.

“I won't,” he said firmly, “I have to keep things as normal as possible, I get it. We can't afford to blow this.”

“Just keep your phone close, stay calm.” She reminded him, her expression earnest.

“What about you?” he asked before she could leave.

“Once I know MI5 are here, I'll slip out. I'll be out of your hair straight away, don't worry.”

“Can I tell anyone?” He asked.

Sid shrugged.

“I don't know, to be honest. Probably not. I assume you'll just have to tell the others that Lilly was taken ill or something and I was let go... budget cuts, poor performance, you'll think of something.” She smiled. “They're a good group. It's not been so painful working here.”

Warwick smiled.

“They are a good group,” he agreed. “And you've done well. It doesn't feel quite right to say I'm glad you were here, but,” he shrugged.

“I know, same,” she smiled, “call me when you know.”

He nodded, his face uneasy, and she left him alone to wait.

Sid returned to her desk, her heart pounding in her chest.

She found herself staring unseeing at her computer screen, her mind racing and her stomach tied in knots.

She dragged out the afternoon, staying as long as she dared before leaving with no confirmation received.

Halfway home, her phone rang.

“He's called me. Lilly has been in contact with him. She's still at the office.”

“OK, keep her there,” Sid instructed and hung up, immediately dialing Lamb.

“We've got confirmation. Call Taverner,” she told him urgently.

“Got it,” he muttered, she could hear the hiss as he put out a cigarette before the phone went dead.

And then she waited.

She was half convinced that time might as well have stood still.

The seconds ticked by like hours, each one stretching on and on.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, her phone rang again.

She fumbled for it, her hands shaking as she hit the answer button.

“Well it took bloody long enough,” Taverner's clipped voice started without a greeting, “but we've got her. Good work, Baker.”

“How did it go?”

“Not your concern,” she heard the smirk in Taverner’s voice. “You'll be back at Slough House tomorrow.”

Sid could tell she was about to end the call.

“Wait! Wait.”

“What now?”

“Did Lamb tell you? About River?”

“Tell me what?”

Sid hesitated, she could feel Taverner itching to hang up.

“He was… is, he is really good, you know? He's good at this.”

There was a long pause.

“... And? That's it? Of course Lamb told me.”

“Oh.”

The line went dead, leaving Sid with a completed mission and a hollow feeling in her chest.

She knew she should feel relieved, the case was done, no more playing nice in an office full of overly happy people.

But still a strange emptiness had settled over her, she had accomplished something significant, but at the cost of... what exactly?

~~~~~

Sid had been back at Slough House for a month.

She'd met Warwick the day after Lilly’s arrest early in the morning to collect her things from his office, and had trudged back to Slough House before any of her temporary colleagues had arrived.

She hadn’t been able to say goodbye to Dilly, to wish Kasim luck in his budding new career, or offer Hassan her best wishes for his wedding.

She’d ghosted them.

She was quieter now. Lonelier. The feeling of isolation settling in her bones like a phantom ache.

River barely spoke to her, though that came as no surprise.

There had been a certain awkwardness to her return, a sense that things had changed in her absence.

She had been changed.

Slough House had always been a place of quiet desperation and melancholy. The offices were cramped and poorly lit, the atmosphere heavy with past failures and regrets, and the slow horses themselves were a motley crew of misfits and screw ups, each with their own demons to battle.

She threw herself into work.

She and River had settled into a pattern of casual avoidance. Further apart than they'd been even before the Italy trip.

Every attempt at conversation seemed to hit a wall, his responses short and disinterested.

She had taken to keeping away from him as much as possible, unable to bear the stilted exchanges that left her feeling like a stranger.

She found herself surprised that she missed Dilly and the others, not realising the impact they'd had on her in such a short amount of time.

It was a strange feeling, this pang of loneliness, of missing people she barely knew.

At Slough House, she was back to being alone.

Dilly's message came out of the blue.

Sid wasn't sure what Warwick had told any of them, but the request to meet for coffee was so welcomed, Sid accepted immediately.

When she arrived, she saw Dilly and Priya already sitting in a corner booth, their faces lighting up as they spotted her.

“You came,” Dilly exclaimed, hopping out of the booth to envelop her in an affectionate hug.

“I…” Sid started, not quite knowing where to start. “...Yeah. It’s so good to see you both.”

She leaned into Dilly’s hug.

Finally, Dilly pulled back, beaming at her.

“Sit. Sit,” she ordered, waiting until Sid had slid into the booth before sitting next to her. Priya smiled at her, reaching out to hug her once she’d sat down.

“You’re here too,” Sid marvelled.

“When Dilly said you’d just disappeared… I couldn’t believe it. I told her I wanted to see you as well once she’d convinced Warwick to hand over your number.”

Dilly looked guiltily into the distance, trying to flag down a waitress.

“He gave it to me willingly!” She insisted. “Eventually.”

“What exactly did Warwick tell you?” Sid asked curiously.

Dilly took a cautious sip of her drink, eyeing Sid.

“Not much really... just said you were with some sort of government investigative department and that's why you left all of a sudden.”

Sid smiled a little, grateful that he hadn't given everything away.

“And... how have things been?”

“Apart from Lilly ignoring every NDA we’ve ever signed and funding herself a Villa in the Canaries and an early retirement?” Dilly remarked with a laugh.

Sid feigned shock.

“Are you serious?!”

“Oh pull the other one, Sid. I know it’s her you were investigating,” Dilly teased. “You know, if you’d only come to your work bestie first, I could have bloody told you from the get go.”

“And how are you? Are you allowed to be talking to us?” Priya asked.

“I don’t see why not. It’s all been resolved now,” Sid shrugged.

Dilly ordered another round of coffees, this time including Sid.

“It’s really not the same without you," she blurted out, her expressive features morphing into a pout.

“I was barely there a few weeks!” Sid countered with a grin.

“Still. What about River, do you guys always work together?”

Sid frowned, it seemed odd to let them continue to think that she and River were married.

“We’re not actually together,” she started.

Priya knocked the coffee pot into her cup with a loud clang, splashing coffee on the table.

“Fuck, wait - what?”

“You’re not married?” Dilly stared in disbelief.

“We’re barely friends,” Sid explained, mopping up the coffee with a pile of napkins.

“Fuck off,” Priya looked from Dilly to Sid and back again.

“No, she’s right,” Dilly nodded towards Priya. “I don’t believe that for a second.”

“It’s true,” Sid said bashfully. The two women continued to stare as if she had two heads. “We work together, but it was my boss’s idea to send River to Italy. Before then we just… shared an office. Co-existed. Not really friends, definitely not married.”

“But you’ve shagged?” Dilly questioned, scooching closer to Sid.

“I… no… we didn’t -”

“Oh you did,” Priya grinned. “Babe, it’s written all over your face!”

Sid opened her mouth and closed it again, unable to work out what to say next.

She suddenly wondered why on earth she’d missed either of them.

“I think I’ve made an awful mistake,” she said worriedly. In an instant, she had Dilly and Priya on either side of her, huddled close.

“Tell us everything,” Dilly insisted.

“If Hassan knew about this, I’m going to kill him.”

“Why would Hassan know?” Sid asked.

“They’ve been texting since Italy? And Tom,” Dilly nodded in agreement. “They went out for a beer at the weekend.”

Sid was dumbfounded.

“I... didn't know that,” Sid admitted, still processing the new information. “Why didn't River tell me?”

Priya raised an eyebrow at her.

“Is he talking to you at all?”

Sid shook her head sadly.

“It's complicated,” she sighed. “Things were just so... intense in Italy. Sharing a room, a bed, pretending we were in love... I didn't know it would be so consuming.”

Dilly and Priya listened intently, their eyes wide with interest.

Priya nodded in understanding, while Dilly reached forward to grab Sid's hand, her thumb gently rubbing soothing circles on the back of it.

“You caught feelings,” Dilly stated.

Sid shrugged, her gaze dropping to the floor.

“Maybe a little. Or a lot,” she admitted quietly. “And I stupidly said that maybe one night would be good to just.... get it all out, you know? And now he's all I think about, and one night wasn't enough and I've messed everything up.” Sid's voice cracked.

Dilly leaned closer, her arm wrapped around Sid's shoulders. "

“Oh, babe,” she murmured, her voice soft and comforting.

Priya patted her leg gently.

“Have you tried talking to him about it?”

Sid scoffed.

“He won't even look at me,” she said bitterly.

“I'm not gonna lie babe, this is better than a quick catch up over coffee,” Dilly smiled. “Have you talked to anyone else?"

“That's the thing,” Sid said sadly. “I don't have anyone else. You guys were my only friends, and it wasn't even real.”

Priya looked outraged.

“Excuse me, this is very real. Of course we're your friends, Sid! And we're not just going to let you wallow alone,” she declared.

Sid couldn't help but smile at her insistence.

“Do I get a say in this?” She asked jokingly.

“Nope,” Dilly grinned. “We've got you now.”

A wave of affection washed over Sid at their words. Despite the complications with River, their steadfastness was oddly comforting.

“Thank you,” she said quietly.

“Literally can't believe you two faked a whole marriage,” Priya laughed.

“Honestly, the first time I had to kiss him was in the airport and Dilly was watching!” Sid smiled, “I was mortified!”

Dilly and Priya burst into fits of giggles.

“Oh my god, are you serious?” Dilly finally managed to wheeze out between laughs. “You were so convincing! Like, I was questioning my whole life! I was cursing Tom every night ‘cos he didn't look at me the way River looked at you!”

Sid blushed furiously at the memory.

“It was so weird,” she admitted. “It felt so... real. He was so natural, it just felt so normal.” Sid said affectionately, thinking of River.

“I don't think the lads know the truth. It's not something that comes up during the rugby,” Dilly declared. “Besides, Tom is a bigger gossip than I am, he’d have been ringing me from the bar!”

Priya leaned back in her chair, her eyes narrowing.

“So, you still have feelings for him?" she said quietly.

“It'll pass,” Sid said softly. “He wants nothing to do with me, I'll get over it.”

The atmosphere shifted, the previous laughter replaced by a quiet sense of melancholy.

Dilly reached up and placed a gentle hand on Sid's cheek, tilting her head up.

“You have us here now,” she said, her voice gentle. “You don't have to deal with any of it alone.”

“Dil's right. In fact, you should come to mine on Friday night, we'll put a film on, drink some wine... pretend we're back in Italy!” Priya insisted

Sid found herself agreeing before her brain fully caught up with her mouth.

“Ok, yeah,” she found herself nodding, “that sounds nice.”

Dilly and Priya grinned, clearly happy to have their friend back.

The rest of their meeting was spent swapping stories and laughing at stupid things, a distraction - and a friendship - Sid hadn't realised she needed.

~~~~~

It had been a few weeks since Sid had started spending time with the girls again.

She found that she was fully able to enjoy their company now that she wasn’t pretending.

Everything she thought she’d found annoying had stemmed from keeping her distance while she’d been undercover. They accepted her for who she was, with no judgment and included her in their plans as if she’d always been there.

There was a new lightness to her step, her eyes were brighter again and she was less withdrawn and pale.

She’d mostly managed to avoid River. Priya and Dilly had told Hassan and Tom about the fake marriage, and Sid only knew of River’s reaction second and third hand. In turn, he’d avoided mentioning the intensity of the situation and had focused purely on it being required for work.

She was grateful for the buffer the girls provided, River still barely interacted with her at work, and Sid was fine with that. Fine-ish. The fewer encounters between them, the better, she reasoned as she still tried to ignore the nagging feelings about him that lingered in her mind.

She found herself bumping into him when he’d meet Tom at the same pub she was meeting Dilly, or in shared taxis at the end of separate nights out, crossing paths when she'd met Priya for yoga…

The interactions left her more on edge, she’d steal glances in his direction, wondering if he thought of her at all.

He looked better too, happier and more relaxed.

“So you’re sure you don’t mind?” Dilly asked for the thousandth time over the phone.

“Dil, it’s fine! We’re all friends, of course it’s not weird if River comes too.”

It was weird, it was very weird, but she couldn’t exactly tell Dilly that.

“Ok, I’m booking the tickets then, yeah?”

“Yeah, go for it.”

Sid forced a smile, willing the knots in her stomach to loosen.

The thought of spending an evening in River’s company was thrilling and terrifying in equal measure.

Sid hung up and turned back to the mountain of paperwork as River pushed through the door with another box.

Pushing his hair from his forehead, he lifted his phone from the desk while he got his breath back.

“You’re going to this thing with Tom, Dilly, Has and Priya?” He asked.

“She text you?”

“Hassan,” he held up the phone.

“Is that ok?”

“I already told Dilly yeah,” he shrugged, pushing the phone into his back pocket.

Sid’s heart leapt in her chest at his casual comment. She swallowed hard and looked down at the papers in front of her, trying to appear indifferent.

“Right... well, yeah, I'm going,” she muttered, trying to sound unbothered by his presence. “Should be fun, I suppose.”

He looked uncertain, still guarded.

“Yeah, should be good.” He agreed.

Dilly had got them tickets to see a local band, Sid sat in the back of the taxi, wedged between Dilly and Priya. In the row in front, Tom, River and Hassan were deep in conversation.

She had tried to make an effort, knowing that they'd be going out together, but their interactions were still limited to work and the occasional, stilted greeting in the hallway.

She felt a pang of anxiety at being stuck in a crowd with him, but she tried to ignore the tension, focusing instead on the conversation with Dilly and Priya.

The taxi ride felt like it lasted for hours. Sid couldn’t help but feel hyper aware of River’s presence in front of her. She could see the back of his head, the movement of his shoulders as he spoke to Tom and Hassan.

Dilly and Priya chatted animatedly beside her, trying to include her in the conversation, but Sid’s mind was elsewhere, fixated on the man in front of her.

Inside the venue, it was hot and crowded. They weaved through the swarm of people to the bar, and then into a space in the middle.

The music was loud, the bass thumping in Sid’s chest. The dimmed lights made it hard to see beyond the small group around her.

She could hear Dilly and Priya singing along, laughing, and dancing next to her.

River was a few feet away, talking to Tom and Hassan.

He wasn't singing or dancing, just nodding his head to the music.

They found a spot with an okay view of the stage and waited for the band to come on.

Sid fidgeted nervously, stealing glances at River.

He was still engrossed in conversation with the others, laughing at something Tom said.

She couldn’t help but feel a pang of jealousy, wishing it was her making him laugh like that.

He looked across at her, catching her looking at him, and smirked.

Sid’s cheeks flamed in embarrassment at being caught staring. She quickly looked away, hoping he hadn’t noticed her blushing. But he had, and his smirk only widened into a cocky grin.

With the flow of the crowd, he moved to stand behind her, a steady hand on her hip so he could lean down to talk to her.

The touch of his hand on her hip sent a shiver down her spine. Sid tried to pretend like she didn’t notice the way her body reacted to his proximity, or the way her heart raced in her chest.

“Something wrong?” He asked, she could barely hear him above the music.

Sid shook her head quickly, avoiding his gaze and keeping her eyes on the stage.

“No, everything's fine,” she said, trying to sound indifferent. But even she could hear the tremble in her voice.

She struggled to maintain her composure.

“Can we talk?” He said, his chest pressed against her back. His hand held her tighter to stop her from getting pulled deeper into the crowd.

The closeness was almost too much for Sid to handle. His breath on her neck sent goosebumps down her arms and she had to fight the urge to lean back against him. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart.

“Yeah,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “Sure.”

She nodded, unsure if he had heard her. He nudged Hassan and pointed at the bar to let him know where they were going, and then took Sid's hand, pulling her through the crowd.

Sid allowed herself to be led to a relatively quiet corner near the bar, and River let go of her hand, turning to face her.

“What's going on?” He asked, leaning in to be heard.

“Nothing,” she insisted. “Everything's fine.”

“You keep looking at me.”

“I'm sorry,” she mumbled. “I'm trying not to, I'm really trying.”

River studied her for a moment, his eyes narrowed. He could tell she was avoiding something, something he wanted an answer to.

“You've been ignoring me.” He pointed out, his voice gentle.

Her eyes widened in shock.

“I have not!” She spluttered, “you're the one who's been ignoring me!”

River stifled a grin.

“I haven't been ignoring you,” he retorted, his voice amused. “I've just been giving you space, since you clearly don't want to talk to me.”

Sid's jaw dropped.

“No, no that's not what's been happening -”

“Maybe we should stop fighting about who's ignoring who?” He interrupted.

Sid pouted, unable to deny the logic in his words. She crossed her arms and huffed.

“Fine,” she relented.

River smirked, clearly amused by her stubbornness. He stepped closer, closing the small distance between them.

“You went with Lilly in the end,” he noted.

“You were quite compelling.”

He nodded.

“When you decided to listen, you mean? And trust me?” He asked.

Sid rolled her eyes.

“Yeah, yeah, I was wrong. You were right. I'm a stubborn idiot. Is that what you want me to say?”

“Seems like a good place to start,” he said smugly.

“Well, I'm glad you're happy now -”

“I never said that,” he interjected. “I've never seen you like that before, so uncertain.”

Sid looked up at him, feeling exposed and vulnerable.

“I'm just… I'm trying to figure things out,” she muttered, shifting uncomfortably.

“How's it going?”

“Really badly.”

River laughed, the sound sending a jolt through Sid's chest, the tension in it easing a little.

“At least you're being honest,” he said. “That's something.”

She shook her head.

“I'm not though,” she told him.

River raised an eyebrow.

“No?” he queried, his voice soft but with a hint of challenge.

She reached out, about to touch him, but stopped halfway, as if she didn't have the right to be near him.

“Everything feels like it's been so much harder since I got back.”

River watched her, noting how her hand stopped midway between them, like she was afraid to touch him. The distance between them felt charged with unspoken words and unresolved tension.

“I know I hurt you, and I'm so sorry,” she said, her voice dropping as the band increased their volume, he leaned closer, trying to hear her.

“Say again?” He asked. She had to tilt her head back to see him.

Sid took a deep breath, her eyes fixed on his. She repeated herself, her voice barely loud enough to be heard over the music.

“I know I hurt you,” she said, her voice thick with emotion. “And I'm so sorry.”

River leaned closer.

Despite the noise, she continued, knowing she had to get the words out before she lost her nerve.

“I should have trusted you, I should have believed in you,” she said, her voice growing shaky.

“You were right to challenge me, neither of us had a strong enough argument,” he said softly.

Sid's eyes widened.

She hadn't expected him to validate her perspective, to acknowledge that she hadn't been entirely in the wrong.

The admission was unexpected, and it made her heart ache even more with the weight of her guilt.

“But I should have trusted you,” she insisted, her voice quivering.

“Just because you didn't agree with me doesn't mean you don't trust me. Took me a while to work that one out,” he acknowledged.

Sid's heart ached at his words. It was a small but important distinction, and it showed that he'd given their conflict an amount of thought.

“You're too gracious, I don't deserve that,” she muttered, tears starting to prick at the corners of her eyes. “I just…” she began, struggling to articulate the maelstrom of emotions swirling within her. “I just wish I had handled it differently. I wish things had been different.”

“I was worried about you,” he sighed.

“You were worried?” she whispered, looking up at him.

“The only time I saw you happy was when you weren't worried about playing a part,” he explained.

“It wasn't real. The whole thing was about playing a part,” she whispered.

“It felt pretty real to me,” he countered.

His words hung in the air.

Sid swallowed hard, her heart racing in her chest.

“It was just an act. We never should have let it get that far.”

“Do you regret it?” He asked his eyes dropping to her lips.

Sid's heart quickened.

His gaze was like a magnet, drawing her in, making her feel vulnerable in the most delicious way.

“No,” she whispered, the confession slipping out unbidden. “I don't regret it.”

She couldn't lie, he'd know instantly.

She couldn't regret a single moan or sigh, or the way her fingertips had walked up his spine, or his frustrated laugh as they'd tickled between his shoulder blades.

She couldn't regret her hands tangled in his hair, drawing him in.

The look on his face as she straddled his hips, his hands guiding her stuttering rhythm.

“Good, me either,” he told her, and she realised she'd been lost again in the memory of that night.

His response ignited a spark of hope inside her.

“But, what now?” She asked, her voice trembling slightly.

“Now... I should probably ask you out for real, rather than jumping straight into marriage,” he smirked.

A smile tugged at the corners of Sid's lips, her heart swelling with anticipation.

“That sounds like a good place to start,” she said softly.

River's hand found its way to her waist, pulling her closer.

His gaze dropped to her lips, and she leaned into him, closing the distance between them.

His kiss was tentative at first, testing the waters of this new reality, half expecting her to retreat again. Instead, the kiss deepened, becoming more heated and urgent.

Sid wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him even closer, their bodies pressed together, familiar and yet brand new.

FIN

[theblueprincess590]

To Awaken From the Eternal Sleep-An Analysis/Explanation of Kingdom Hearts 3

The Power of Waking is a central plot point in Kingdom Hearts 3. Obtaining it is the main goal of Sora’s journey throughout the Disney Worlds. It is how Sora restores Ventus. And ultimately it is the cause of The Seven Guardian’s salvation and Sora’s damnation. But it is also a very controversial aspect of Kingdom Hearts 3 with many people being confused on how the power works or frustrated with its ultimate purpose in the narrative. So I am going to address these complaints and go over not only how The Power of Waking works in Kingdom Hearts but why it is pivotal to the game’s overarching themes.

The Power of Waking is to put it simply the power to awaken a sleeping heart. First appearing in Dream Drop Distance it was granted to the two boys upon unlocking the Seven Sleeping Keyholes and used by Riku to wake Sora up after his heart fell to darkness. In this one instance Riku is able to demonstrate to the player the two main uses of The Power of Waking. The Power of Waking is like its name suggests the power to wake a sleeping heart. In the world of Kingdom Hearts Darkness and Sleep share an integral connection. For you see, darkness itself is what allows a person to enter sleep and is what holds their dreams. After all one must close their eyes and turn away from the light in order to sleep. However if a heart indulges in darkness and becomes consumed by it then it will be left scarred and forced to enter an eternal sleep, as shown by both Ventus and Sora. This is why The Power of Waking is so vital as it is the only power cable of waking the heart up and healing it’s scars. The second use of The Power of Waking is the ability to traverse worlds through hearts. To be more specific The Power of Waking is also capable of opening the connections between hearts and worlds allowing a keyblade wielder to create portals to other worlds through a person's heart. For example Riku uses The Power of Waking to open a portal to Sora’s Station of Awakening at the end of Dream Drop Distance. To summarize, The Power of Waking is the ultimate proof of mastery for a Keyblade Wielder as it shows a complete control over the Keyblade’s ability to unlock a heart.

The Power of Waking appears again in Kingdom Hearts 3 where it takes an even more important role in the story. In Kingdom Hearts 3 Sora’s main goal throughout the Disney worlds is to rediscover The Power of Waking after losing it at the end of Dream Drop Distance. He is even forbidden by Master Yen Sid from helping Riku and Mickey retrieve Aqua until he has The Power of Waking. It is what Sora uses to finally wake up Ven. And ultimately it is the Power of Waking that allows Sora to bring his friends back from the dead. Each one of these plot points has been met with its own fair share of confusion and criticism. From fans not understanding how Sora used The Power of Waking to bring everyone back to some believing it was a cop out that Sora had The Power of Waking all along. However despite these issues The Power of Waking does make sense within the rules established in Kingdom Hearts as well as adding an extra layer of thematic weight to both the story of Kingdom Hearts 3 and Sora’s character arc. So let's go over these complaints one by one

“Why does Sora need The Power of Waking To Save Aqua?” Now this complaint, while a little overblown, is fair since the game only gives a brief explanation for it, which can be quickly forgotten by the time the player reaches Anti-Aqua. When Yen-Sid says Sora needs The Power of Waking to Save Aqua it is because he and the rest of the gang are under the belief that Aqua is trapped underneath the Seas of The Dark Margin after falling into darkness and is now in an eternal sleep like Sora at the end of Dream Drop Distance. So They believe the best way to solve this problem is the same way they did before: have someone with a deep connection to Aqua use The Power of Waking to wake her up. Sora lacks The Power of Waking so he would be of no help in this situation. Of course when comforted with Anti-Aqua Sora and Co learn that they were mistaken about Aqua’s situation. She had indeed fallen into darkness but it was not the same as Sora’s Situation. No, Aqua had been infused with darkness by Ansem Seeker of Darkness transforming her into a monster that resembles the Darkling Heartless from Unchain X-Chi. As such it became clear that The Power of Waking was no longer necessary to save Aqua and instead what she needed was just the helping hand of a friend. Which Sora can give regardless of having the Power of Waking or not. Besides that it also makes sense on a more pragmatic level not to send Sora The Realm of Darkness unless he has The Power of Waking. For one, The Realm of Darkness can not be entered so easily. In order to get there you must either possess Kingdom Key D, Wield the power of darkness to create Corridors of Darkness, use the opening that is created when a world falls to darkness, or use the Power of Waking to make a portal there. So even if Sora wants to get there he is going to need The Power of Waking. 2. Sora is at neither Riku nor Mickey’s level by the start of Kingdom Hearts 3 and would only be a hindrance to them in the Realm Of Darkness. So it makes more sense to send Sora on a journey to help him reach Riku and Mickey’s level rather than needlessly endangering him.

“How does Sora use the Power of Waking to bring his friends back from the dead? It doesn't make any sense!” This is another critique that while I disagree with, I do understand where it’s coming from. Kingdom Hearts 3 does explain how Sora used The Power Of Waking to save his friends after they expired and it is consistent with the rules of the series, BUT it is explained in a way where it is difficult to understand on a first playthrough since it’s not explained directly but rather through context clues. Heck for me personally it took about a few months after the game’s release to put it all together. Now with that out of the way let's get on with the explaining. Established in Kingdom Hearts 3 Death and Sleep share a connection as shown by Sora’s ability to slip into The Final World in his dreams. In the world of Kingdom Hearts dreams and death touch which makes sense when you realize the similarities between the two. Like just like with Dreams Death is held in darkness as all eyes come to a final close upon reaching the end. Death IS the final sleep, so it is only fitting that The Power of Waking is capable of awakening a heart from Death. Of course as elaborated on by Young Xehanort this is not the intended use of The Power of Waking but rather an abuse of the power and worst of all a nature taboo. For all living things are destined to die and to defy Destiny is the greatest sin in the world of Kingdom Hearts. As Shown by Sora’s ultimate fate at the end of Kingdom Hearts 3 where just like the Master of Masters before him he disappears, dims, or perhaps fades away from reality.

Now that all the explanations are over with and you have a complete understanding of The Power of Waking lets go over the thematic weight of this power and why it is vital to both the story of Kingdom Hearts 3 and Sora’s character arc. Many fans bemoan the fact that Sora had never truly lost The Power of Waking but rather still had it deep within his heart. They say it makes Sora’s previous action pointless as the main goal of Sora’s adventures through the Disney worlds was to rediscover The Power of Waking. And I do understand why people are upset about this not only because it doesn't fit the traditional story structure the game appeared to be setting up but because the whole “The power was in you all along” message can very easily come across as trite if misused. However these criticisms more than any other of Kingdom Hearts 3 are missing the trees for the forest and failing to grasp the true point of The Power of Waking and its role in Sora’s Journey. 

While Sora’s motivation to travel through the Disney worlds is for the sake of The Power of Waking it is not the only reason Sora is embarking on these quests. Sora is traveling to the Disney worlds in order to restore the rest of his lost powers. Which is accomplished in worlds like Mount Olympus with Second Form or Kingdom of Corona with Super jump. There is the search for the missing Guardians of Light as well. Which is accomplished in Monstropolis where Sora learns that Ventus is in his heart. Beyond all tangible accomplishments however there is a grander purpose behind Sora’s fairy tale adventures. The reason why Sora goes to these Disney worlds specifically is because his heart itself is leading him to them. In Kingdom Hearts the heart is not just the core of a person’s being but a force of higher power and authority, knowing things even if the person themselves does not. For example in Kingdom Hearts 1 Sora’s heart is already aware of what's to come as shown through the prophetic dreams Sora has at the beginning of the game and the events in the Station of Awakening, which is Sora’s heart preparing him for his trials against the Heartless. Sora’s heart knows Sora still has The Power of Waking but it also recognizes that Sora is not ready to wield said power. Not only has Sora become significantly weaker in body at the beginning of Kingdom Hearts 3 but in heart as well. Sora’s character has always had an undercurrent of self loathing underlying it. Show best in Sora repeatedly putting himself down or refusing to acknowledge his own strengths in favor of his friends. This is at its absolute worst in Kingdom Hearts 3 where Sora’s confidence has taken a major hit after his failure in Dream Drop Distance. In order for Sora to be worthy of The Power of Waking he must grow beyond his past and learn to have faith in himself. So his heart leads him to other worlds in order to help him rebuild his confidence, learn new powers, reexamine his values, and help those in need. From learning how to fight with all his heart in Mount Olympus to mentoring the team Big Hero 6 in San Fransokyo Sora becomes the person he needs to be. And only then does Sora’s heart tell him the truth through the one person who needs Sora’s help the most, the one that has been beside Sora all along, Ventus.

Beyond Sora’s character arc The Power of Waking serves another thematic function in Kingdom Hearts 3. The Power of Waking is the purest form of fairy tale magic. Everyone knows Kingdom Hearts is a series that draws heavily from fairy tale stories and tropes. After all it’s not only a Disney property but the series borrows elements from its big brother series Final Fantasy which carries heavy inspiration from western fantasy and myths. But one thing many people fail to recognize is why Kingdom Hearts uses these tropes and what the series is trying to say with them. Kingdom Hearts has always been a story about fairy tales, exploring how the miracles of a happily ever after can overcome the inherent tragedies of life. This is first seen in Kingdom Hearts 1 where by staying true to his heart and fulfilling the role of a typical fairy tale hero Sora is able to defy the cynical expectations of reality and create a new truth about the inherent goodness of life. With The Power of Waking this idea is continued as the power is very clearly based on the fairy tale trope of waking up sleeping beauty with true love kisses. Which has been present in Kingdom Hearts since the very beginning of the series with the opening of Kingdom Hearts 1 ending on a shot of Snow white within Sora’s own dream. And in KH3 this most classic and iconic of fairy tale stories is transformed into a power that can defy the greatest tragedy of life, death. Through The Power of Waking Sora is capable of giving each and everyone of his friends their Happily Ever After showing that Fairy Tales themselves have the power to save us, even if Sora can’t do the same for himself.