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ynscrazylife · 3 years ago

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Hey !! i love ur writing style <3 i wanted to ask you if you could write a loki x reader where the reader and loki have been best friends for a long time now and after he faked his death in tdw he knocks on their door and the reader and loki have an argument and then they kiss?? maybe like the scene in crimson peak “you lied to me” “i did” “you told me you loved me” “i do” smth similar? :)

The Greatest Deception | loki angst fluff fic

Summary: After Loki reveals himself to be alive, Y/N has some choice words to say. Loki has a question.

Authors Note: Thanks for requesting! Also, I want to say that I fully support and acknowledge that Loki is genderfluid. Seeing as this fic was requested with Loki having he/him pronouns, I will use those pronouns. (Also, I didn’t know which pronouns you wanted me to write since you mentioned they for the reader but typically I use she/her, so lemme know if you want that edited)

Request to be on a taglist (or multiple) here! (Taglists are at the end of the fic)

MCU Masterlist #1 | MCU Masterlist #2 | Main Masterlist

PSA: Do NOT copy, steal, translate, plagiarize, republish, etc any of my works on Tumblr or any other platform. Also, do NOT claim any of my works as your own. All of these works are either requests I’ve gotten that people have wanted me to write or original ideas I’ve had for works. If you happen to take inspiration from anything I’ve written and want to write something inspired by that, please a) ask me first and b) IF I say yes, credit me as inspo in your post by tagging me and link whatever work of mine that inspired you. Thanks.

header c @/someiconsx

“Lady Y/N?”

The voice was muffled through the door and the one in question rolled from her side and onto her stomach as she laid in her bed. A low groan emitted from the creature whose limbs were tangled in the blanket and sheets.

. . .

“Lady Y/N?”

A short knock-knock accompanied the repeating words, and Y/N had a feeling of that the lovely woman who she’d love to talk to at any other time wouldn’t stop until she replied.

She pulled herself into a sitting position, smoothed over her unruly hair, and finally pulled the covers up so her pajamas wouldn’t be seen and called out, “Come in!”

The woman opened the door and sent her a sheepish smile. “The All-Father has requested your present, ma’am,” she informed her.

Y/N furrowed her eyebrows in confusion. “Do you know the reason as to why?” She quizzed.

The woman spared a quick, darting glance at Y/N’s window. “Well, the All-Father has requested all of the palace’s royals and higher-ups to gather in the courtyard. He is gathering local citizens for a, ah, play, and more would like, in this words, his ‘most esteemed confidants to enjoy,’,” she answered, subtly bouncing her weight from one foot to the other.

Y/N thought for a moment. This was the first time she was hearing that the King was holding a play — not to mention, the fact that the last play (if you could even call it that, because by Heimdall’s recounting it was horrific) was held before any of the children of Odin were born.

Just thinking about that caused a twinge to hit her stomach and for it to twist up. Loki. Odin’s youngest child and the one that had most recently left her, as he sacrificed herself to save his vaillant brother, Prince Thor. It had been weeks, maybe even a month, since Y/N had heard the news and had been resorted to a lonely, saddened version of herself. Loki was her best friend, the person she trusted more than anything and—no, no, who was she kidding? He’s more than that, and he deserves to be remembered as more than that by her.

He’s also the one that she loves, and has loved for at least the past year when she realized it.

Nonetheless, she had taken many steps to get through the grief of Loki��s dead — as had his father — and she wasn’t going to let all her hard work crumble down on one, singular thought.

“Very well, then. Please inform the All-Father that I will be there shortly, thank you,” she said.

The woman nodded and bowed her head before exiting.

Once the door had been fully shut and she could hear footsteps no more, Y/N crossed over to her window and drew back the curtains, not having missed the look at said window.

The sunlight poured into her room but the stage was indeed sent. Rows of fine chairs sat with rows of fine people in them. In front, Odin stood with a red curtain drawn closed behind him. His arms were gesturing wildly and he had a big grin on his face as he gave his speech.

Despite the curiosity that itched into Y/N’s face, she pushed it aside. She had never seen the King conduct himself in such ways, but alas, everyone grieved differently. So, she closed the curtains and got dressed for the day ahead.

— — — — — — — — — — — — —

The moment Y/N stepped outside, she could’ve sworn that there was already long beads of sweat trailing down her skin. She let out a huff but journeyed on towards the courtyard, as this formal royal wear was necessary and she had no intention of pissing off Sir Snotty-Dickhead — as she called him (he had some fancy and long name she couldn’t remember, in her defense) — who was Odin’s right hand man.

By the time she got there, Odin was still rambling on with his speech, but his sudden notice of Y/N saved the guests from boredom.

“Aha, the guest of honor! Lady Y/N, herself,” Odin announced, bringing his hands together in a clap and gesturing for her to come toward him.

She betrayed herself and her cheeks involuntarily reddened as all eyes laid on her. She approached Odin and curtsied out of respect, but her mind was full of wonderings of why she, of all, would be singled out.

“I’m sure you all know who Lady Y/N is, yes?” He began, briefly pausing before continuing. “If you sadly do not, let me tell you. Lady Y/N had been a friend of the royal family, specifically my child, Loki’s—” the name caused her to suck in a sharp breath, “—and she was granted the title of Lady to uphold the image of the palace and to complete very important Asgardian duties.”

Once he stopped talking and the crowd clapped politely, Y/N took the opportunity she was presented before it’s door could close and quickly went and sat in her seat, the only seat not occupied yet, in the front row.

Odin then began speaking against whilst he walked to the side, “Speaking of my dear child Loki, this play that has been put together is one designed to honor him and his heroic sacrifice. Without further ado . . . ” He let his words trail off, and the red curtain pulled open.

Y/N’s face contorted into surprise at the words, not expecting this to take place. Again, she reminded herself, everyone grieved differently, so she decided to give it a chance. However, as the play went on, she was quick to realize that honoring Loki wasn’t the intention here. The horrid acting could be excused but Odin himself allowing this mockery of how Loki died? Of how he sacrificed himself? Well, with every second that passed, her face heated more and more — and not due to the sweat — and she grit her teeth, just barely refraining from yelling.

The worst part for her came though when the actor who played Loki did a dramatic reenactment of his sacrificed and the actor who played Thor did the worst fake crying ever. Y/N turned to the others, expecting them to be just as enraged as she was, but was floored to find that no—they were laughing. And not just that, but Odin was having himself a chuckle as well!

Her fingers tightly gripped the edges of her chair and she forced herself to look straight ahead, just about able to hold in her tears until the play was over and the actors bowed.

— — — — — — — — — — — — —

Afterwards, while everyone was standing and giving Odin rounds and rounds of praises, Y/N stayed rooted in her seat. She couldn’t just let this go by as if it were nothing, but she was struggling to compose herself to confront him.

After a couple minutes of going back-and-forth, she decided, screw composure. She didn’t have to be composed. She was allowed to be angry.

So, she stood up and marched straight for him.

“All-Father,” Y/N said through grit teeth, forcing herself to curtesy, “I request your company in private, if I may.”

It took Odin a moment to tear himself away from accepting his latest comment, but the way he quickly glanced over at Y/N, she knew that he had not noticed — or perhaps he did not care — the state she was in.

“My apologies, Lady Y/N, but should I depart now, I fear I shall upset my comrades!” Odin said, ending his comment in a boastful joy, which resulted in laughter and cheers.

He didn’t wait for her response before engaging in another conversation, and Y/N’s lips remained tightly shut until she decided to just go forth and let her stuffed-up emotions out.

“Fine. I will say it in front of everyone, then!” She said, firmly and loudly, gaining everyone’s attention. “That was a pathetic excuse to remember Loki . . . It was an insult! You mocked him, your own child! How could you even— I . . . I just don’t understand . . . He sacrificed himself for your son and for Asgard and this is how you repay him? God. I expected much, much more from you for him because I . . . Let’s just say that we both love Loki, in our own ways, and I-I . . . I am very disappointed.”

Wanting to flee from the tears that were now streaming down her face and from the silence that was pounding, she turned around and she walked away, the realization that she had just confessed her love in front of everyone hitting her.

“Lady Y/N!”

Odin’s words stopped her in her tracks, but she did not turn around. Just stood. Waited.

“He told Thor, before he passed, that he, uh . . . He loved you, too.”

Y/N stared straight ahead, her hand jutting out to grab the pillar next to her to steady herself.

Loki loved her?

She didn’t stop the tears from coming this time. She let them, and the sobs, overwhelm her.

— — — — — — — — — — — — —

“Lady Y/N?”

The voice and the knock were much more stiff than they were this morning.

“Come in.”

Her response was devoid of emotion, much more curt than it was this morning.

The same woman turned the door’s knob and opened it, sending Y/N, who was curled up on her bed, head nestled into her knees, a wary look. “The All-Father has requested your presence at his quarters,” she said.

Y/N let out a small huff, in no mood to talk to the King after what had happened. She forced her head up and gazed boredom at the woman. “Is it an emergency?” She deadpanned.

The woman looked around the room and by her lack of response, Y/N knew that either she didn’t know or didn’t want to say.

She sighed. “I will be there shortly,” she said.

The woman nodded and wordlessly left.

After she did, Y/N stood up and went in front of her mirror, taking in her appearance. Her once brushed hair was now frizzy and in knots and her eyes were puffy and red. Angrily, she practically tore the hairbrush through her hair and dabbed at her eyes with makeup until the red could be seen no more. She had no intention of letting him see her this way.

— — — — — — — — — — — — —

Screw formalities, Y/N thought, as she walked straight into Odin’s quarters which composed of a small living room, a bedroom down the hall, an office, and a bathroom. She didn’t bother to curtsy or announce her presence.

When he finally and gradually turned around from whatever he was doing, a slight look of shock crossed his features, before he replaced it with a warm smile. “Y/N!” He said, but quickly corrected himself, “Lady Y/N.”

Y/N frowned and crossed her arms. “I hope that you have called me here to apologize,” she said, an icy edge to her voice.

Odin nonetheless looked at her kindly. “In a way, yes,” he vaguely said, before a magical transformation underwent before her.

His wrinkles disappeared, his beard disappeared, his grey hair turned jet black, and his clothes transformed into his usual wear.

No longer was the All-Father standing in front of her, but her best friend. The one she loved.

Taken by utter shock, Y/N instinctively stumbled back, her jaw dropping and her eyes widening. “What the hell is this?” She gasped out, not wanting to believe it at first. It was a cruel trick — it must be! There was no way.

“It’s me,” the mischievous deity said, a rare softness to his voice and in his eyes. He took a step forward, but then stopped himself. “I never died, I only impersonated my father.”

Y/N stared at him, angry tears coming to her eyes once more. “How?” She forced out, thinking that maybe she was dreaming. “Why?”

Loki looked around, slightly dumbfounded, as if he hadn’t expected anyone to question him. “I wanted the throne,” he answered, as if it were obvious and a perfectly acceptable reason.

Y/N stared at him as if he had grown two heads. To her, he might as well have.

“Oh, really? So you take over your father, trick everyone - me, your brother - into believing that you’re dead, you banish Sif . . . All because you wanted the goddamn throne?” She cried.

The cluelessness left his eyes and replaced itself with guilt, regret pooling inside him. He looked down, shoulders falling with a sigh.

“I’ve felt guilty tricking you ever since it had all went down. I wanted to tell you but, honestly, a part of me didn’t think you’d be that upset over my death. But you were really, so upset and I . . . I was lost. I didn’t know what to do. All I wanted to do was hug you and tell you that it was fine, that I was here, but I thought I’d screw up your emotions and hurt you even more,” he admitted.

Y/N just looked at him, her frown growing deeper. “That’s an awful excuse,” she hissed out, words laced with venom.

Loki immediately snapped his head up to look at her and his gaze held desperateness. “It’s not an excuse,” he said quickly. “It shouldn’t be. I’m . . . I’m so sorry. The last thing I ever wanted to was to trick you, and . . . I did. But today was the final straw. I couldn’t continue like that.”

Y/N took a step forward, having an inner battle in herself on whether or not to forgive him. “You lied to me,” she reiterated bluntly.

Loki nodded guiltily. “I did,” he agreed in a small voice.

She took a pause, taking in a deep breath. “You told me you loved me,” she added.

There was a brief moment of silence before Loki said, in the same small way but a little more firm now, “I do.”

Y/N kept walking, not even fully sure or convinced of what she was doing, but knowing that she needed to do it, until she was standing just inches away from him. They looked at each other for a couple moments, neither saying anything, until Y/N wrapped her arms around Loki. He returned the embrace.

“Never do that to me again!” She yelled through the tears that were now coming. God, was she tired of crying. Especially today.

Loki hugged her tighter, his own tears falling. “I’m so sorry,” he whispered, and repeated that over, and over, and over again. “I’m an idiot.”

Y/N leaned back and cupped his face with her hands. The love she had for him overwhelmed her pain, and more than anything she needed him now. Besides, she could see his guilt. She could see the truth shining in his eyes. He wouldn’t do anything like this again, because he loved her. And she loved him.

“At least you’re self-aware,” she whispered through a sniff, taking a page out of his book with her joking remark. Before he could quip back (and she was sure he’d have an excellent one), she leaned forward and captured his lips in his a kiss. Loki smiled against her lips and wrapped his arms around her waist.

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peaches-and-creams · 3 years ago

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A Cold Summer Day (Part 1)

Pairing: Loki x Reader (Gender Neutral)

Tags: Over-working; Cold; Light angst;

Warnings: If you're not comfortable with being left, then maybe you shouldn't read this.

Word Count: 751 words

Notes: The second part is in progress. The prompt was actually simple "Person A has a cold so Person B cooks for them" I somehow ended up with drama. Feedback is very much appreciated so please tell me :]]]

Achoo!

“ 24th of that, for the past 10 minutes or so.” He comments, looking at his watch.

“Thrilling that you’ve been counting.” You reply, blowing your nose.

“You should really get checked,” Loki says getting back to his notebook.

“I’m fine. This is just…a bad case of Mondays.” You try to think of an excuse while maintaining focus on your screen.

“Well, it’s been a bad case of Mondays since yesterday.”

“It’s nothi ––“ Achoo! You were cut off by the strong urge to blow your nose.

“You were saying?”

“I’m sure this will go away in a few days,” you insisted.

It in fact did not go away the following days. The next morning, your body felt horrible, you couldn’t stop sneezing, and your throat felt sore and dry. It has only been 6 am and you’ve completely used up a whole tissue box on your runny nose.

Achoo!

“Here. Come drink this.” Loki enters your room, holding a fresh box of tissue and a hot chocolate drink.

“Oh, thank you! You’re an angel.” You exclaim upon seeing him. He conjures another blanket which he carefully wraps around you.

“Y/N, you need to rest.” He demands, prying the laptop away from you.

“I will. After this presentation.” You say, waving him off. He only manages to sigh before your attention was occupied again by your work.

You and that stupid workplace. Loki thought. This wasn’t exactly the first time this happened. By now, he has a routine of how to take care of you when you over-work yourself. It doesn’t make him less frustrated nonetheless.

Achoo!

“Y/n, please take a rest.” Loki tries again, albeit in vain. You were now more focused than ever on finishing your proposal to be presented tomorrow in front of the board of directors.

“Loki, just let me finish this. I promise I’m going to sleep after this.”

“No, Y/N. You need rest, and you need it now.” He said, closing the device shut. “You’ve been working on it for the past four days, now look at your state! Tell me, when did you last get a full cycle of sleep? Did you even take a walk this morning, like you always do? What about your usual coffee break around 10:30 in the morning? You haven’t been able to pay attention to yourself at all!”

“I know, just need to finish. be––“

“Last week, You made plans to visit my mother. Today, I had to cancel because you couldn’t make it.”

“Oh no… I’m so sorry. I- I can make time right now. How fast can Heimdall get us ––“ your rambling was cut off shortly when Loki interrupted you.

“No, Y/N. Listen to me.” He holds you on both shoulders, keeping you steady on the bed. “I didn’t cancel because you didn’t have time. It’s because you physically can’t attend to guests right now. Look at you, you’ve been sneezing none stop, you can barely form a sentence without wincing from your sore throat, your whole body is freezing. You’re sick and you need to go to sleep.”

“I’m not sick. I’m fine, I just have to ––Where are you going?” You asked as you see him slowly walking out.

“Y/N, I can be there whenever you need me. However, I cannot watch you destroy yourself like this. So I’ll return when you’re ready to help yourself.” You watched him leave as the door closed.

Loki had turned up the thermostat before he left. No matter how much he claimed to leave you alone, he couldn’t leave knowing you’d be freezing all day from the cold.

You, on the other hand, had been stubborn. You quickly focused back your attention on completing your proposal, nearly forgetting what happened this morning. By the time you finished, it was a quarter past 8. You wandered in the living room, looking for Loki when your phone rang.

“Good morning..” You slurred.

“Hey Y/N! Were going to invite you to the beach today. It’s lovely weather, quite sunny, we thought it’ll be a good way to end the summer.” your co-worker talked at the other end.

“I can’t. I think I’m coming down with a bit of a cold. but you guys enjoy.”

“Oh, get well then. Bye.” They hanged up.

Achoo!

You moved back to bed, realizing Loki had actually left and probably won’t be returning any time soon. You wrapped your blanket around you tighter, feeling slightly a bit colder than before. What a cold summer day it is.

🂡🂱🃁🃑

part 2

#loki x you #loki #loki imagine #loki x reader #loki odinson imagine #loki odinson x reader #loki laufeyson x y/n #loki odinson x y/n #loki odinson x you #loki laufeyson x reader #loki laufeyson x you #loki laufeyson imagine #loki x y/n #loki laufeyson x gender neutral reader #loki x gender neutral reader #loki laufeyson fluff #loki fluff #loki odinson #loki fanfic

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silvia7272 · 5 years ago

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ML Salt ~ The Cardigan Story

This is based on a true story.

Honestly, I always remembered this story because it constantly made my Sister and Mum laugh when I told them I outed a liar at school by wearing a cardigan, they were so proud of me because what I did wasn’t mean and I wasn’t even doing it out maliciousness so I thought, hey why not put it in the ML universe?

This isn’t canon to my main series so no Rosina since there isn’t any need for her, sorry sweetie.

And since I doubt Mlle Bustier would never out Lila, I’m changing the teacher to someone who actually has a backbone.

Word Count: 2303

Tags: @queenmj10, @fangirl39, @animegirlweeb, @northernbluetongue, @maribat-is-lifeblood, @raisuke06, @indecisive-mess-named-me, @luleck, @themotherofhogwarts, @more-or-less-human-i-guess, if you wish to be tagged all you have to do is say. Also, if you change your name please tell me, I don’t want to leave you out since you’ve asked to be tagged.

I know you may not wish to be tagged for one-shots, but I thought you might enjoy some salt I was able to come up with.

Also, I wrote this in one day so I’m extremely proud of myself.

***

If you told Marinette that Lila’s reign over the school would end over a cardigan, she would tell you you’re as crazy as she was about Adrien.

A lot.

But, she did just that.

She had to thank Adrien really, the ‘advice’ he gave her was what really pushed her.

She wouldn’t outright expose her, no, she had tried that before and look where that got her, near expulsion that’s what. And not one of her friends tried to stick up for her. She always remembered that glare Alix gave her, and since then she had been ignored, turned away by them.

Even after Lila came out with ‘the truth’ she was still seen as an overly jealous girl.

“Lila’s promised she hasn’t lied about anything else she’s said to us, it only acts up around people she doesn’t know as well, maybe next time, instead of being jealous you should give her a chance and stop being a baby. Girl this all could’ve easily been avoided if you weren’t so Adrien crazy”

Really? They actually believed that load of crap?

Whatever, Marinette was done, done with everyone.

If they wanted to show her how wrong she was then she’d let them wait until hell would frost over, because fat chance that would ever happen.

If Marinette was proud of one thing about her then it would have to be her stubbornness to get to the truth.

And she could be extremely patient.

***

It was just an average day at Collège Françoise Dupont. There weren’t any Akuma’s caused by anyone the previous day so Marinette was finally able to have a good night’s rest, something the exhausted teenager really missed.

She felt so re-energised she danced in the kitchen as she made breakfast without a care in the world.

Before she fell over that was.

“…Owww”

“Careful dear, you wouldn’t want to be hurt before school hours, now just sit tight and I’ll get you something to eat,” Her Maman said. Marinette felt grateful. After breakfast, she gave her Parents a kiss before leaving.

She had loving parents that supported her every beck and call.

…Well most of the time, but that didn’t matter, she would never let Lila manipulate them ever, her Parents were off-limits.

By the time she arrived at school she was one of the first ones there, Nathaniel in the back drawing his comics, texting Marc as well, it seemed like he was in his own ‘do not disturb’ bubble. Max was talking to Markov about some new type of game, and Rose and Juleka were just cuddling.

She made her way to the back feeling a positive emotion before exhaling.

Because it was about to be ruined.

Lila walked in with Alya, Nino and Adrien by her side.

She was telling a story about her ‘one of a kind cardigan-

Wait-

“My Grandmother made this cardigan especially for me carving her signature on as well, it’s the only one in existence because shortly after she made this, she ended up being in a terrible accident that left her bedridden.” They pandered to her of course. But for once she wasn’t focusing on the lie but the cardigan.

Oh, Lila’s only gone and done it now.

“I’ve always wanted to wear it, but I didn’t want it to end up ruined by someone” Her gaze casually went up to a lone bluenette, but she really wasn’t bothered.

“Don’t worry girl, I’ll keep a watchful eye on your cardigan for you. Ain't nothing gonna come between me and my besties property” They hugged before sitting down in their spaces.

‘Oh my god, I have a plan’ Marinette had that thought circled around her head until break. It was all she thought of.

Mind you, she wasn’t trying to expose everything she’d done, just that one lie. And that would be enough.

As soon as the bell rang, she was ready, she gathered her stuff and rushed home.

And thank god as well, Lila would not shut up about that cardigan, through Literature, Science and PE, it was constantly my Grandmother made it for me this, it’s the only one of its kind that.

Ugh, she wanted to rip her ears out at some point but had to endure it. No one else was bothered since they all believed her, even the teachers!

Yeah, you don’t really need any proof if it was handmade, some of Marinette’s earlier stuff didn’t have her signature on, but still, it was the principle of the matter!

And she could right that wrong.

In her room she was frantically searching for that item as Tikki dodged different articles of clothing, one hit her as she wasn’t looking, and she was down for the count.

“Marinette what are you looking for?” Marinette paused to look back at Tikki before continuing a bit calmer.

“Lila’s been lying about that cardigan and this time I can prove it.” Her eyes lit up as she lifted a cardigan up from her cupboard.

“One of Maman’s friends gave this to me a few years back, it was one of the reasons I got into fashion because of how soft it is and I wanted to replicate that. Don’t you think it looks familiar?” As Tikki looked over it her eyes widened, she knew Lila was lying anyway but she had no idea Marinette had definitive proof of it.

“That’s the same cardigan Lila has!” Marinette nodded before wearing it.

At least it still fit.

“But Marinette I thought we were gonna take the high ground?”

“Tikki it's tiring having to listen to them being lied too. I may not want them to be my friends anymore, but I just want the lying to stop. If I go and tell them that she’s lying with this as evidence they’ll clearly see she’s lying”

“But outing her like that won’t make it better!” Marinette wished she could respond with ‘are you sure’ but didn’t want to piss the mini-god off.

“Fine, what if I just wear it until someone notices, that way I’m not actively looking to publicly shame her? Better?” Tikki gave a reluctant nod, she knew her chosen wouldn’t let up about the situation, besides this whole thing was really just pettiness, nothing too serious. If no one noticed nothing bad would happen.

“Bye Maman, bye Papa” As she began walking back, she grew a bit nervous with her plan.

What if Lila made a whole other lie about her cardigan? What if she lied that Marinette had stolen it out of jealousy and everyone would try to take hers? She’d have to run away and live with a secret identity, all before getting caught and going to prison, and she’d never have her three kids and her hamster named-

“Ahem Marinette, is thou there?” A hand brought her out of her trance

“Ahhh!” She waved her arms before composing herself and seeing D’Argencourt in front of her.

“Ah, yes Monsieur?” How long had he been standing there? How long had she been rambling in her head?

“As I was saying, these new garments of yours, where did they originate from?” It took her a while before realising he was talking about her cardigan, she was so used to wearing her jacket it felt strange she had changed.

“Ohh this, well it was a present from Maman’s friend. They were on sale a few years back, so I thought I’d wear it again” He furrowed his brow before telling her to carry on with whatever she was doing.

“Well, that was weird. Do you think he liked the jacket?” Tikki ponded as her head ever so slightly popped out the small handbag.

“He’s always been weird Tikki. But whatever, let's just get back to the classroom.” All she had to do was wait.

***

‘How the hell hasn’t anyone noticed yet?’ Marinette was secretly fuming in her mind right now. None of her classmates noticed the change in her outfit.

Not one.

Bustier did however, the bluenette was sure because she’d see her teacher quickly glance from Marinette to Lila but never said a word. Probably thinking of that whole, ‘be the bigger person’ crap.

And not even the excuse of maybe Bustier didn’t know, bs. By the time break happened everyone in the school knew about that damn cardigan so don’t get her started.

‘Oh well, looks like that’s it. My petty revenge came flat… At least Lila didn’t pull a Marinette ruined my belongings stunt’ That would’ve been the last thing she needed.

Knock Knock Knock

The door opened before Bustier could reply, a teacher would reprimand a student for this type of rudeness, but it wasn’t a student.

It was a teacher.

And it was Monsieur D’Argencourt.

‘What the-’ Marinette didn’t remember this part of the plan.

“Excuse me Caline, but I need to interrupt the class for an announcement.” Bustier was about to deny but D’Argencourt the stubborn teacher as he was, walked straight on through ignoring whatever Bustier would’ve said.

“Lila Rossi, may you please step in front of the classroom?” Lila looking completely confused let go off Adrien, much to the relief of the boy, and walked in front of her desk.

“Marinette Dupain-Cheng?” He didn’t need to repeat the command.

Yes, command not a request.

“Can I ask you where you got your cardigans from?”

“Armand, I don’t think this is appropriate-” He shot a glare back at the teacher.

“I can assure you this won’t take long if I’m not interrupted”

Lila looked over to Marinette and realised with a sinking feeling what was happening. But she would win this time. Just like all the others.

“My Grandmother made this specifically, you see-”

He held a hand up to silence her.

“Yes, that’s quite alright, and Marinette would you like to repeat what you said before?” As Marinette did just that Lila was seething, he cut her off. How dare that simpleton cut off Lila Rossi!

He would pay.

“Well, it appears one of you is lying, and I expect that person to own up to it now” The class gasped as they all looked expectedly at Marinette, they knew she was petty but to do this was so low.

Lila looked at her smugly, she had tried to play with fire but got burned in the process. How could she even think she’d get away with this?

“I was talking about you, Lila Rossi”

“Eh, what?” The class gasped as they tried to say of course Lila was innocent, Marinette was the one lying. Or that Marinette must’ve tricked him.

He shot a glare towards all the class members as they instantly shut up.

“I don’t remember this being a class discussion, if I want your opinion, I will ask for it. Understood?” They nodded before giving sympathetic glances towards the brunette, D’Argencourt almost had the urge to shout at their incompetence but alas they were kids.

“I can tell you why you are lying Lila, with a photo. But as I’m feeling generous, I will give you one more chance to reveal yourself.” The class was silent as they all looked on in anticipation.

But Lila stood her ground defiantly, as if he actually had proof-

Oh…

Oh no she’s doomed…

“Then I don’t suppose this looks familiar? Hmm?” On his phone was a picture. Lila immediately lowered her head, too ashamed to look him in the eye.

3 guesses of what it is?

No.

No one?

Too easy?

Ok, it was the cardigan.

And at a fairly cheap price. No wonder she had it in brand new condition.

“I first knew you were lying once I saw Marinette wear the exact same one, however, hers was clearly worn out, evidently she has worn it for several amount of years. You had already messed up when you said it was the only one made. So please…” Lila looked up to see D’Argencourt giving one of the most frightening glares of the century.

“Don’t ever lie about anything to my face or anyone ever again, you will be court out and I will be keeping an eye on you. Is that final?” She meekly nodded her head, trying to give a frightened appearance to make him have sympathy but he was immune.

“That will be all. I hope your class has learned a valuable lesson of not taking things at face value” And with that, he left. Leaving Marinette with a different impression of her PE teacher, it seemed he didn’t like liars all that much.

Marinette smiled, her plan worked, and she didn’t even out her herself. Tikki surely can’t be mad at her now.

Bustier tried to get the class to go back to normal but she couldn’t. The class erupted into a screaming fit, asking how Lila could lie about that sort of thing?

It wasn’t until someone unexpected said the next few words she wondered if this was a dream.

“Hey if Lila lied about this what else did she lie about? She even said herself she doesn’t lie to her friends but that was a lie” That made the class tick as they soon realised and soon torn into her about it.

Leaving Lila, a ‘sobbing mess’ on the floor. All before she stopped that fake display and arguing back.

But the one who said that…

Was Adrien.

He was able to slip by the crowd and stand next to Marinette.

No words were said, she knew what he would’ve said even without the noise.

‘I’m sorry’

It was a start, and maybe through time, she could start trusting again.

But for now, she just wanted to enjoy this chaos…

Before there was an Akuma alert.

***

I want more D’Argencourt I want more D’Argencourt I want more D’Argencourt. I probably screwed his speech but oh well this is salt, doesn’t have to be accurate.

Phew, hope you enjoyed it, sorry its shorter than the others but this happened when I was in Year 5 and I was 9/10 years old. Woo 10 years ago, god that makes me feel old. Also, not everything was exactly this way, the teacher did out the person in front of the whole class, but she admitted it and went back to her class, we had two classes for maths. Anyway, I actually have to give Lila credit compared to the liar we had at our school, this person actually knew I had that cardigan and actually complimented me on it like months earlier and still had the audacity to say that. I think that’s the reason why I think if I was in their world I wouldn’t believe Lila because I already had a Lila at my school who would always say they’ve done the exact same thing as we had (They even said they had the same Aunt as me living on the same street, crazy right). Mind you they never said anything to me, I think they were too embarrassed plus, I was a goody little two-shoes there.

Anyway I really hope you enjoy it and if you like real-life stories so much I can always try to ask my friends for more ideas, I did have like some slightly toxic friends there that I may be able to tell you about but I’ll try to think how later.

Cya next time.

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hey-its-nonny · 4 years ago

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Chapter six!!

can’t wait for you guys to read it :)

we have about three chapters after this! (i’m estimating, dont quote me on this) i’m so excited but also kinda sad because my first multichapter will be over :/ but it’s for good reason because there will more than likely be a second one

please don’t be mad at me for this one

sorry for the rambling. enjoy!

~~~~~~

You inhaled a breath, warmer than ever despite the chill outside.

also, a forewarning, there’s a bit of angst if you squint hard enough on this one at the end

sorry for the rambling. enjoy!

~~~~~~

You inhaled a breath, warmer than ever despite the chill outside.

The three of you had gotten word that a grand annual celebration was being held tonight in honor of Rohan’s army, and decided it couldn’t hurt to go. So, you all went separate ways (really, Legolas and Aragorn just paired up.) to find some decent clothing.

Your eyes wandered around the store, searching for anything to wear. You’d caught sight of a casual (f/c) dress, almost instantly falling in love with it. You didn’t shop often, but you enjoyed it when you could. The dress was on the lower half of your price range, so you decided to get it.

You bought it and went back to your room at the inn, already excited for the festivities to come. You washed your hair, drying it and styling it as best you could.

You took a deep breath, staring at your reflection in the mirror with a content smile. And as if on cue, a knock sounded on your door. You strode over and opened it after one last look in the mirror, revealing a clean, very well dressed elf.

You smiled, giving him a once over with a sharp breath. You were about to speak, but Legolas beat you to it. “I- Um,“ He stammered quietly, his cheeks and the tips of his ears going bright red. He looked you over, unaware that Aragorn was watching from afar.

Your face lit aflame at the reaction, and you smiled bashfully. “Do I look alright? My only fear is that it may be too much.” You asked, slightly self conscious about the whole getup. The elf shook himself out of whatever trance he was in, only making it harder to keep your calm.

The elf nodded, taking a deep breath. “More than alright. You look incredible, Y/n.” He replied, offering his arm to you. “Aragorn sent me to get you for the celebration. Shall we?” He asked, to which you nodded, looping your arm through his.

”We shall.” You beamed, stealing a glance at Legolas with a sharp breath. You decided to go ahead and compliment him as well, your cheeks burning. “Also, thank you. You look amazing as well.“ You smiled warmly, walking alongside Legolas with a lopsided, bashful smile.

Aragorn watched carefully, a smile growing on his lips as the affections blossomed right before his eyes. He couldn’t have been more blessed to have the privilege of watching it happen. He’d have to talk to Legolas later though.

He approached you two, walking over with a teasing grin. You both looked away from each other, clearly embarrassed at what he was implying. “Y/n, you look beautiful.“ He grinned, earning a smile from you. “You look beautiful too, Aragorn.“ You retorted, a wave of quiet laughter sounding from the three of you.

Once you were done laughing, you all decided to make your way to the venue, chatting along the way. You grinned upon seeing the decorations, taking a breath to calm yourself as you approached. Aragorn spoke up, looking at the both of you. “Y/n, why don’t you go ahead? I would like to have a word with Legolas.” He asked, and you nodded reluctantly, walking through the entrance.

Legolas, who seemingly knew what this conversation would be about, stood tall, waiting for Aragorn. “She truly is beautiful, isn’t she?” He asked the elf, and he nodded with a fond smile. “Yes, she is.” He replied, relaxing as they walked away.

Meanwhile, you weaved throughout the sea of people, careful not to bump into anyone. You hummed, watching people laugh and talk to each other while the children ran around, laughing. Just as you were gaining some confidence in the sea of people, a young, golden haired boy no older than seven bumped into you.

You gasped, looking down at the child in surprise. He looked mortified, picking up the toy sword he held in his hand. “I’m so sorry, miss! I wasn’t looking where I was going.” He apologized, frantically dusting his shirt off. “It’s alright. What’s your name, young one?” You asked, offering a warm smile.

The boy looked up at you, placing the sword in your open hands. “Theoden. What’s yours?” He asked, watching you wield the sword. “Y/n. Did you make this?” You asked, surprised with how well it was crafted. The boy nodded, looking at his sword proudly “You’re a fine craftsman, Theoden. Would you like to see a real blade?” You asked, heart melting at the way the boy lit up, enthusiastically nodding.

You grinned, standing up after handing Theoden his sword. “I’ll be back shortly. Wait here.” You smiled, standing up to run back to the inn and grab one of your daggers, as well as it’s case. About ten minutes later, you returned, Theoden patiently waiting exactly where you left him.

You unsheathed the blade, kneeling before the young boy. He grinned, eagerly eyeing the detail on the blade. “You can hold it, but you have to swear you’ll be careful.” You cautioned, watching Theoden nod with the same level of care and respect.

You placed it in his hands, watching how he held the blade with care and skill. As if he’d known you were surprised with his skill, he spoke. “My father taught me how to care for a blade.“ He explained, handing the blade back with care. “Thank you for letting me hold it.” He smiled, bowing his head respectfully.

“Thank you for taking such care with it, Theoden. You will be a fine swordsman when the time comes.” You grinned, ruffling his hair before turning on your heel to return your weapon to its other half.

You walked to the inn, making sure you still looked okay before you left again. You strolled back to the venue, allowing your thoughts to take you away momentarily. Your thoughts wandered back to Legolas and his whereabouts, a smile resting on your lips.

The closer you got to the venue, though, the more evident it became that the music had begun. You picked up the pace, entering the area with a certain excitement you hadn’t felt in a while.

You were so distracted by the music, that you bumped into yet another person. This one was much taller, though. “Excuse me. I wasn’t paying attention.“ You apologized, your cheeks heating up when you saw who it was you bumped into.

Legolas grinned at you, clearly pleased to have found you. “I was just looking for you.” He offered his hand, nodding towards the stone dance floor. “Care to dance?” He asked, a wry grin on his lips as you took his hand, doing your best to keep it cool. “I wouldn’t rather be anywhere else.”

The song previously being played ended, the musicians switching to an upbeat tune. You grinned, leading Legolas onto the dance floor. Just before you could start dancing, though, Legolas placed one hand on your waist, and grabbed your hand with the other, pulling you close.

You didn’t think your face would ever get as hot as it was, but it felt like you were on fire. You watched him closely, letting him lead. “Follow my lead.” He grinned mischievously, which would’ve made your stomach if Legolas had given it time.

He lead you in a set of surprisingly uncomplicated steps, fitting perfectly with the music. You trusted him and it paid off. With a smile, he pulled you closer to his chest, speeding up just a bit. You chuckled, rolling your eyes at his skill.

He hummed, making an ”oh-really?“ face, stopping momentarily. Your eyes widened while he held you close, spinning you around in circles. “Legolas!” You gasped, erupting into a small fit of laughter before the elf pulled you back to his chest.

He laughed, leading you around the dance floor in the same sequence of steps, pairs of guests clearing the dance floor to watch you two dance the night away. After a minute or so, you’d gotten used to the steps, gliding over the stone floor with ease.

The song picked up a bit, and you followed the music, letting Legolas lift you in the air to spin you around when the music piqued, earning a round of applause from the crowd you’d accumulated. You smiled brightly once you’d landed on the ground, the feeling worth all the gold in the world. You went back to the dance, spinning once more until Legolas dipped you at the end of the song.

You were both panting, faces nearly inches apart as the crowd roared with applause. You both laughed, smiles bright. Careful not to spoil the moment, you leaned in, Legolas doing the same until your lips just barely brushed.

You let your eyes start to flutter shut until you felt Legolas hesitate.

In his deep blue eyes, you saw that same pain and sorrow in his eyes in replacement on the joy in them seconds ago. He pulled back, lifting you up to stand up straight. You stared at him, searching for an explanation as to what just happened.

He shook his head, turning around to leave you alone, deserted on the dance floor.

~~~~ CLIFFHANGER MUAHAHAHA

no seriously though was that okay? i loved the dance stuff but i kinda think it’s trash lol

tag list: @elvish-sky @themerriweathermage @from-patroclus-with-love @iwenttomordor@

@wishingtobeinadifferentuniverse @redheadedfaye @ophieles @ahs0katan @raven-emxralds

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ghstandpucks · 4 years ago

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Cutting Edge ~ Nathan MacKinnon Ch. 3

A/N: Hey everyone, thanks for all the love on the last chapter! I loved seeing that you enjoyed it! Also thank you to @pumpkinpatchmakar and @pizzasloot for your kind words after my update post <3

I do know where the story is going, and I’m excited to write it all out! Just bare with me, between school and my heart being broken, it might take longer between chapters but I will get to them!

Tags are open, just let me know! Enjoy!

Prologue Ch.1 Ch.2

Nate was halfway to his apartment when his phone rang; an incoming call from his captain. “What’s up?” he asked as he answered.

“Where have you been? I’ve been trying to get ahold of you for the past hour,” Gabe asked. Nate now realized that he had seen all those calls and texts, but after getting your number he forgot about them. He cleared his throat.

“Sorry Landy. I was at the rink with Y/N,” he stated, unsure of what the captain’s response would be. When Gabe remained quiet, Nate became a bit nervous. “You there?”

“Y/N? As in Coach Y/L/N, Y/N?” he asked, and Nate could hear Gabe’s amusement over the phone.

“Yes,” he answered shortly. Gabe laughed.

“What happened? Practice ended 3 hours ago, what have you guys been doing…or do I even want to ask?” Gabe said suspiciously.

“It was nothing like that. I heard someone still on the ice when I was about to leave and went to see who it was. It turned out to be Y/N and she was just skating around and asked me to skate with her,” Nate explained as he pulled into his apartment complex.

“Oh, so she’s just Y/N now? Seems like you two got close,” Gabe chuckled. Nate groaned as he parked. Maybe telling Landy wasn’t the smartest thing. “Please tell me you at least asked for her number or something before you left.”

“I did actually. I asked her as we were leaving,” Nate said, quieter than he needed to.

“Wow, okay. She’s definitely got you interested, doesn’t she?” Gabe sounded amused on the other end. Nate mumbled out a yes, knowing he wasn’t going to be living this down anytime soon. He was happy with the little progress he made with you, but now he was sure Landy would look for any reason to bring you around, not that Nate wouldn’t enjoy seeing more of you anyways though. “Well, I guess that brings me to why I was calling in the first place. Mel and I are taking Linnea on a hike on Sunday and we’re inviting some of the guys to go since everyone is pretty much back in town. I was inviting you, and I think you should see if Y/N wants to come. I don’t think she really knows anyone here yet, and Mel wants to meet her. After I tell her about your afternoon she’s going to be dying to meet her,” Gabe chuckled. Nate perked up hearing that he had a legitimate excuse to text you right away, instead of trying to play it cool.

“Yeah, I can ask her,” he said, a little too eagerly.

“Great! And make sure you pick her up. She doesn’t need to drive when she doesn’t know where anything really is,” Gabe suggested, knowing his friend lacked skills in the romance department. Nate rolled his eyes, but he was grinning at the thought of seeing you away from the rink.

“I know Landy. I’ll text her and see. I’ll let you know,” he said as he entered his apartment and plopped down onto his couch, saying goodbye as his captain became distracted by his daughter.

On the other side of the city, you had fallen onto your own couch and immediately got on facetime. “Superstar! How are you doing sweetie?” Jeremy asked.

“I think I just gave Nathan MacKinnon my number,” you said in one breath, throwing a pillow over your head. Jeremy laughed.

“You think?” he asked. You threw the pillow off and looked at him.

“I gave him my number. I stayed after to skate and he was still there and I have no idea where I got the courage but I asked him to skate with me and I taught him some skating, he taught me some hockey, and it was just really fun and then he asked me for my number…” you rambled off.

“Hey, deep breath Y/N. That sounds like you both had a nice time. And is it really so bad to give an attractive hockey player your number?” Jeremy tried to be sympathetic because he could see the wheels spinning in your head. He had known you for too long to not know where this was going.

“He’s on the Avs though Jer. I’m technically his coach. How is that ever going to work?” you asked.

“I don’t know Y/N, I wish I could tell you. But it seems like you are starting to like this guy, and if he likes you too then I’m sure you can figure it out. Don’t overthink it. I’ve seen you do that a few times, always putting your career first. And although that worked then, you can’t keep running from everything outside of the rink,” Jeremy tried to reason with you.

“I know,” you said, knowing he was right.

“And know that whatever does or does not happen, I will be here as your biggest supporter,” he said. You smiled at him.

“Thanks Jer. Sorry, I don’t know why I freaked out,”

“Because you are starting to like him,” Jeremy smirked. Your phone chimed and you briefly caught the text from a number you didn’t know at the top. Tapping on it, you saw that it was from Nate. Before you could read anything else, Jeremy laughed. “And I’m guessing that is him?” You nodded.

“I guess some of the team are going on a hike Sunday and he wants to know if I want to go,” you stated, your smile growing.

“I want to hear all about this hike when you get home,” Jeremy said. “Hang up with me and text your Doug Dorsey back.”

“This is not the premise of Cutting Edge,” you laughed at his mention of one of the main characters. Jeremy shrugged.

“He’s a hockey player. You’re a figure skater. Close enough,” he said, before saying goodbye as he had to run to a team meeting. You hung up and opened up Nate’s text. It read: Hey Y/N, it’s Nate. Some of the guys are going on a hike on Sunday and I was wondering if you would like to join us? Mel, Gabe’s wife, is going and he said she’s been wanting to meet you. If you have plans no worries. Just thought I would ask. You smiled, seeing as you had no plans for the weekend beside finishing unpacking and would rather spend some time getting to know the team better…and Nate.

Y/N: Hi! That sounds like fun. I would love to go as long I wasn’t intruding on a team thing. You answered. You were a little worried that your presence would be unwelcomed, being a coach. Your phone pinged with another message.

Nate: No you wouldn’t be. You were about to reply when a text bubble popped up, and the following appeared. I would like for you to be there. You were happy this wasn’t in person as your face became flushed.

Y/N: When and where? 😊 Nate texted you to be ready at 9am on Sunday, and told you where you would be going. He said he would pick you up, and you gave him your address. And as the day continued, you continued to talk with him. Saturday came, and neither of you had technically said goodbye as you fell asleep texting him the night before, so Nate didn’t feel like it was too much, too soon to continue your conversation the next morning. You were giddy when Sunday morning came and you were getting ready. You felt that you had gotten to know him a little more and were excited to spend some more time with him. Right on time at 9 in the morning, there was a knock on your door. You looked in the mirror, fixing your hair quickly before answering it. Nate stood there in basketball shorts and a t-shirt, holding two cups of Starbucks. “Good morning,” he smiled as he handed one to you.

“Morning!” you replied as you took a sip, humming contently as you tasted the pumpkin spice latte. “Is this why you asked what I liked from Starbucks?” Nate shrugged as you turned away to grab your jacket off the back of your couch.

“I’m just hoping you’ll forget about making me do those extra laps tomorrow,” he teased as he looked around your apartment. It was small, but not too small, with a few boxes still sitting in the corner. “Are you still not unpacked?” You let out a sigh.

“I have too much crap. I need another bookshelf,” you shook your head and took another sip, exiting your apartment. “But flattery will get you everywhere in my book. I may overlook your extra laps.” Nate chuckled as you locked the door behind you and followed him to visitor parking. You blushed slightly as he held the passenger door to his car open for you. The both of you sat in comfortable silence for a moment as he started to drive, enjoying your coffee. “So, who’s all going today?” You finally asked.

“Landy and Mel, Tyson, Burky, and Cale I believe. Landy invited pretty much everyone since we’re all back in town, but I think everyone else was busy,” Nate explained. You nodded.

“Well I’m excited. Thanks for inviting me to tag along,” you smiled over at him.

“Of course,” Nate smiled over at you quickly. You kept casual conversation as you made it to the outskirts of Denver and what looked like would be a pretty hike to an overlook. Nate parked and off to the side you saw Gabe with a beautiful woman and a toddler in one of those carrier packs standing under a tree. As you made your way over, Nate leaned down and whispered. “Don’t let Gabe start showing you pictures of Linnea; you’ll be sitting there for like 3 hours.” You giggled, catching the attention of Gabe. The woman who you assumed was his wife, turned also and smiled widely.

“You must be Coach Y/L/N. I’m Mel, it’s nice to meet you!” She said, pulling you into a side hug as to not squish her daughter.

“Y/N. It’s nice to meet you too!” You replied, barely missing the not so subtle wink Gabe sent Nate.

“Hey Coach, glad you could join us” Gabe said, “This is our daughter Linnea,” he introduced the little blonde haired, blue eyed girl. You smiled at her tired little face.

“She’s absolutely adorable!” You squealed looking at the little girl. You weren’t necessarily a kid person yet, still being in your early 20s, but this little one was just too cute! Just then the others showed.

“Eww who invited our coach?” Tyson grinned at you. You made a face at him, about to respond before Gabe beat you to it.

“I’d rather have her here than you,” he said as Tyson feigned hurt. The others laughed and after greetings were exchanged you all started to walk. As the guys walked ahead, you walked along with Mel and Linnea.

“So how are you liking Denver?” she asked cheerily.

“The weather is a nice change from SoCal, that’s for sure,” you let out a soft laugh. “I’ve really only been to like the rink and the grocery store, so I haven’t been able to explore much more than this. I was happy when Nate invited me to hike with you guys so I could see a bit more,” you smiled.

“We should go get lunch then one day, and go shopping! If you would like to. I know hanging around the rink with the guys gets a little old,” she said sincerely, and you couldn’t help but feel excited at the possibility of making a new friend.

“That sounds like fun! I’m not used to being around this much testosterone.”

“Yeah they are terrible sometimes.” You both started to laugh, catching the attention of the guys in front of you. You locked eyes with Nate, and blushed slightly under the grin he was sending you. Tyson walked over to the two of you and slung his arm around your shoulders.

“Coach, I have a question…” you looked at him apprehensively and he gave you a sly grin. “Who is your favorite so far?” Nate you automatically thought, but were nervous to say out loud.

“Well it’s definitely not you,” you replied, shrugging off his arm to the chirps of everyone else.

“I bet it’s Nate,” Andre spoke up with a grin, Nate shooting him a look. You tried to think of something quick to say, seeing as Nate was looking as uncomfortable as you were starting to feel.

“No, he has extra laps to skate tomorrow,” you tried to joke, hoping to ease Nate. It worked, he grinned at you and chuckled.

“You don’t even know if you can enforce that,” he teased back.

“I will figure it out!” you yelled back dramatically. The rest of the walk went like that, with the guys chirping one another, and dragging you and Mel into it. At some point after talking a bit to Cale, you ended up next to Nate as your little group came to a stop at a look out point. The trees were turning color with the season and everything looked pristine and beautiful. When Mel suggested taking a group picture. You automatically started to back up and were about to offer to take the picture when Nate gently placed his hand on your back.

“Your part of this group too. Don’t be trying to sneak off,” he smiled at you. You were about to reply that it was okay when Andre spoke up.

“Yeah Coach. Grace our picture with your Olympic winning smile.” He said, sending you a wink. You laughed and shook your head.

“Oh God. That one hurts my face,” you admitted. You were known for always smiling throughout your routines. Even if you fell, you kept your smile. By the end of a four in a half minute long program though, that smile usually felt forced and plastered, even if it didn’t look that way. Andre turned his camera around as a selfie and held it up since he was the tallest. You were toward the back with Nate, his hand still on your back and you stood on your toes to try to be taller, your short frame looking incredibly small next to the larger bodies around you. After the picture was taken and sent to everyone, you and Mel exchanged numbers as you all continued the hike back to your cars. It was just after 1pm and you all decided to get lunch. You enjoyed your time with everyone and were starting to feel like Denver could be home. After lunch, Nate drove you back to your apartment. You were slightly sad the day was coming to an end. He parked and insisted on walking you up to your apartment, even though you assured him it wasn’t a big deal. Opening your front door, he eyed your still packed boxes again.

“You know, I could help you put together a book shelf if you’d like,” Nate said, face flushing a bit. You thought it was adorable, someone as large as him flustered.

“That’s kind of you, but I have to go buy one first,” you smiled at him. He shrugged.

“I can go with you. You might need help carrying it,” he smirked and you let out a laugh.

“Wow, I think you are just really trying to get out of doing those laps tomorrow,” you shook your head.

“Are you really going to make me do those?” he asked, leaning against your door frame.

“I’m not sure yet, I haven’t decided,” you shrugged, making him chuckle. You looked up at him and couldn’t help but smile, the thought that someone might actually care about you as a person, and not because of your accolades filling you with immense joy. He was offering to help you build a bookcase after all. “I might just take you up on that offer though.” Nate smiled and pushed himself off your door frame and extended his arms to you. You gave him a hug and have never felt quiet as safe so quickly as his large frame enveloped you.

“I’ll see you tomorrow Coach,” he said as he pulled away from you and winked.

“Have a good night Nate,” you smiled. As he walked away you shut your door. Walking further into your apartment, you plopped down on the couch and got your phone out of your bag. You saw you had a few new followers on Instagram, some from the team and a few of their significant others. Mel had tagged you in a picture, and you saw it was the one you had all taken, along with one of just her, Gabe and Linnea. You went and posted the picture as well, captioning it “I’m not sure what I like about Denver better. This team, or the view?”

You busied yourself the rest of the day and checked your Insta around dinner again. There was a comment from Tyson. “This team is the view.” You couldn’t help but laugh and be thankful that you ended up in Denver.

tags: @bqstqnbruin @avsfans95 @andreiaafaria

#nhl imagine #nhl x reader #nhl fanfiction #nhl fic #nhl imagines #nathan mackinnon imagine #nathan mackinnon x reader #nate mackinnon imagine #nate mackinnon x reader #cutting edge

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cocos-cocoapuffsarenotforsale · 4 years ago

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His Little Witch~~Part 9

MASTERLIST

Part 8

Main Pairing: Tom Riddle x Reader

Background Pairings: Harry Potter x Ginny Weasley, Ron Weasley x Hermione Granger, Luna Lovegood x Neville Longbottom, James Potter x Lily Potter, Draco Malfoy x Pansy Parkinson

Tags: Swearing, Controlling!Tom Riddle, Controlling Relationship, Canon-Typical Violence, Possessive Tom Riddle, Soulmates, AU, CANON DIVERGENCE, Minister of Magic Tom Riddle, Out of Character Tom Riddle, nice Tom Riddle, Dumbledore and Tom get along, sane Tom Riddle

Taglist: @chewymoustachio, @peachsnyder138, @marvelous-glims, @ingeniouscollectionthing, @thedarkshiningknight

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“Little Witch! Are you ready yet?” Tom calls from his study.

“In a minute babe!” You call back, peeking your head out of your bedroom.

“Love, we need to get going, it’s the first task of the Triwizard Tournament. The Minister of Magic cannot be late.” He repeats for what had to be the tenth time that morning as he walks back into your bedroom, where you’re finishing getting ready.

“Tommy relax. They aren’t going to start without you. And anyway it’s not even 10:30 yet, the task doesn’t start until noon.” You remind him gently. He was already stressed out about baby Grindelwald and it was the morning of the first task of a tournament that hadn’t been held in 20 years.

But to be honest you think that he is more worried about you being out in public with Grindelwald on the loose. You hadn’t left the house in a week and you were going stir crazy. You had to beg Tom to let you go with to the first task and he finally relented after your incessant teasing last night.

“You’re right, sorry, I’m just nervous.” He apologizes, pacing back and forth in front of the bed, running his hands down his face.

“It’s all going to be fine babe,” you say softly standing up and stepping in front of him, taking his hands in yours.

“You don’t know that. A million things could go wrong a student could be injured, Grindelwald could show up, you could be hurt-“ he started rambling.

“Babe, it’s going to be ok. Just breathe,” you try to soothe him but you know it’s hopeless. No matter what you say or do he will still be a bundle of nerves.

“You’re right love, of course, you’re right,” he says after taking a deep breath, he forces a small smile trying to ease your concern for him. But you know it’s fake, Tom is still panicking no matter how much he tries to hide it from you.

“Hey, I love you, Riddle,” you whisper, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. He reciprocates, finally letting his shields down a little.

“I love you too my Little Witch,” he replies after you break apart. “Are you ready yet?” He asks, causing you to chuckle.

“Yes my love, we can go now, though we are going to be incredibly early.” You tease taking his hand in yours as the two of you walk to his study.

“Better to be early than late. I am the Minister of Magic, after all, I do have a reputation to uphold,” he says as the two of you step into the fireplace together and Tom grabs a handful of Floo powder before shouting, “Dumbledore’s office!”

The fire flares up around you and sucks the two of you in before quickly depositing you in Dumbledore’s fireplace. The headmaster glances up from his position behind the desk, and a small smile creeping upon his face.

“Ahhh, Tom, Ms. Y/l/n, lovely to see the two of you again. Excited for the first task?” Dumbledore asks as the two of you step out of the fireplace and dust off your robes.

“Very! I am so excited to see Harry compete today! Though not as much as James and Sirius I’m sure.” You reply, your smile stretching from ear to ear. There was a small part of you that was worried about Harry’s safety but you knew that with Tom, Sirius, James, and Dumbledore there he wasn’t in any real danger.

“Yes, I’m sure James and Sirius are thrilled about Harry competing. And you Tom? Are you excited?” Dumbledore asks carefully, his eyes twinkling with concern.

“Oh yes, I’m so thrilled that we are hosting a deadly tournament with barely legal wizards competing in. It’s not like this isn’t an international incident waiting to happen or anything,” he replied, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

“Don’t mind him, Professor. He’s just a worrier, deep down I’m sure he’s excited.” You cut in, shooting Tom a look that says behave.

“I completely understand Ms. Y/l/n, Tom has always been one to worry. Mr. Crouch and Mr. Bagman shall be arriving shortly and then we can discuss final details about the tournament and the tasks.” Dumbledore says and you take that as your cue to leave. But of course, Tom refuses to relinquish his hold on you. His arm stays firmly in place around your shoulders and he shoots you a confused look.

“Where do you think you’re going Little Witch?” He asks, worry clouding his features.

“I was going to give you all some privacy to discuss tournament matters and find my friends. I wanted to wish Harry good luck.” You explained, patiently. You should have known he would question you. Tom was ridiculously overprotective and he hated not having you by his side.

“Alright, but I want James and Sirius to escort you. Albus, could you send them a message?” He asks, still keeping you tucked into his side.

“Of course Tom,” Dumbledore replied indulgently. He quickly summons his patronus and asks it to find James and Sirius and tell them to come to his office. While the three of you are waiting Dumbledore makes up some phony excuse about needing to check up on Fawkes, in order to give you and Tom some privacy. Dumbledore quickly shuffles off into his private chambers, just off of his office, as soon as the door closes Tom crushes you against him in a bone-crushing hug.

“Tom, it’s only for a little while, I’ll see you at the task.” You try to reassure him, though you know it’s pointless.

“I know love, but with Grindelwald out there I’m on high alert. This is the perfect opportunity for him to attack and I can’t have you caught in the crossfire. Promise me you will stay with James and Sirius until I come and collect you for the tournament?”

“Ohh, I get to sit with the Minister of Magic?” You tease and he just glares at you waiting for you to answer his question.

“Of course love,” you promise knowing there is no point in arguing. Especially considering all the begging you had to do to even be allowed to come today.

“Thank you Little Witch,” he replies before capturing your mouth in a hard, possessive kiss. Only a few moments later however you are interrupted by a knock on the door that causes the two of you to pull apart. Sirius and James walk in with big smirks on their faces, Merlin will those two ever grow up?

“Hope we weren’t interrupting anything,” Sirius teases with a giant smirk on his face.

“Sod off Black,” Tom growls in response.

“Touchy, touchy,” James tutts.

“Do you two want to be unemployed?” Tom hisses, his face turning slightly pink at their teasing.

“Let’s go guys before you get yourselves fired.” You say, giving Tom’s hand a quick squeeze before heading for the door.

“You two keep her safe,” Tom commands as the three of you walk towards the door.

“Yes Minister,” they both reply, any tone of teasing gone from their voices.

The three of you walk down in relative silence, feeling slightly awkward due to the lack of conversation you ask the one question that’s been on your mind all morning.

“How’s Lily doing?”

“She’s ready to lock Harry in a tower and throw away the key,” James replies, scratching the back of his neck nervously.

“I can’t believe she hasn’t done it yet,” Sirius says.

“What about you two?” You asked you knew that no matter how crazy and chill these two might appear, they were secretly just as overprotective as Tom.

“I’m excited for him, but part of me just wants to put my foot down and tell him he can’t compete. I know it’s important to him but this tournament...it’s so dangerous.” James answers, his face hardening at the thought of his son in danger.

“Yeah, I know he’s a great wizard but to me, he’s still just a chubby, clumsy baby.” Sirius jokes, but you can see the tension behind his forced smile.

“He’s gonna do great guys,” you try to reassure them, they both offer you smiles but you can tell they are still freaking out on the inside.

Once you reach the Quidditch Pitch which had been altered to accommodate a dragon’s nest, you rush over to Harry and the others. James and Sirius stay back to give you guys some time on your own, though they stay close enough to keep an eye on you and to protect you if the need should arise.

“Hey, guys!” You greet them with a smile and pull Harry into a big hug. “Good luck out there Harry. You’re gonna do great.”

Once you break away from Harry you take in the looks on everyone’s faces. Harry looks slightly nervous but mostly excited, Ginny looks like she’s going to be sick, Ron looks enthusiastic yet slightly jealous, and Hermione looks disgusted at the prospect of students fighting dragons.

“Thanks, Y/n/n,” he says with a soft smile. He puts an arm around Ginny who was shaking like a leaf to try and steady her.

“It’s gonna be fine Gin,” he whispers, pressing a kiss to her temple.

“Champions to the tent please!” McGonagall’s voice announces over the loudspeakers. Harry gives you all one last wave before heading over to the champions’ tent.

“He’s gonna be alright Ginny,” you try to reassure her as you place an arm around her shoulders.

“Yeah, Harry’s a great wizard sis, he’ll be fine.” Ron agrees, trying to quell his sister’s worries.

“Y/n, I think someone is looking for you,” Hermione remarks, pointing over to where Tom is searching the crowd with a concerned expression.

“Oh, thanks ‘Mione. I’ll see you guys later,” you say before rushing over to his side.

“There you are Little Witch,” he greets you and you can see the tension fade from his face. Damn this man needs some calming drought, you think to yourself. He gives James and Sirius a nod, dismissing them from babysitting duty, at least for now.

“Hi Tom, how was the meeting?” You ask curiously. He wraps his arm around you and the two of you walk over to the teacher’s box.

“Boring, it was just tying up some loose ends and making sure the French and Bulgarian Ministries were part of the task development process. We need to cover our bases and ensure a fair competition.” He explains as the two of you enter the teacher’s box and he guides you to your seats. You were sitting in the front row next to Dumbledore and the other headmasters. It was a little awkward being with all the teachers, instead of the other students. But you were just going to have to get used to it, being the Minister’s mate and all.

The task was incredibly high pace and very interesting to watch. Though it was also slightly terrifying to see your fellow students go up against a dragon and try to capture their egg. Harry ended up scoring the highest and getting to his egg the fastest, which placed him in the lead. He made sure to use his natural skills to his advantage, summoning his broomstick and then getting the dragon to fly after him in order to get it away from the egg so he could then swoop in and grab it.

“I’m gonna go congratulate Harry,” you whisper to Tom right as he was being bombarded by reporters, all asking questions about the tournament. You knew he would be furious at you for wandering off on your own but you would deal with that later.

“Congratulations Harry!” You shouted giving him a big hug. His mom and Ginny were smiling but you could see the terror in their eyes. Sirius and James were off collecting money from their bets and Remus had his arm wrapped around Lily’s shoulder stabilizing her. Ron was going on and on about how incredible Harry was and Hermione was ranting to anyone who would listen about how absolutely barbaric the tournament was.

“Hey, guys party in the common room after dinner!” Seamus shouted, he and Dean both had faces full of Gryffindor colored face paint.

“Sweet!” Ron exclaims, he was always ready to party.

“Are you coming Y/n?” Hermione asks quietly.

“I wish, there is no way Tom will let me go without him and I don’t think it would be a ton of fun with the Minister of Magic chaperoning us.” You grumble slightly annoyed. You loved Tom but sometimes it sucked not being able to just hang out or party with your friends.

“There you are Little Witch,” Tom growled, looking absolutely furious with your little disappearing act.

“Hey babe,” you greet shyly, nervous for his reaction.

“Ready to go home?” He phrases it like a question but you know better. Fuck, you were in so much trouble when you got home.

“Sure, bye guys!” You call over your shoulder as Tom leads you back to the castle. The entire trip back to Dumbledore’s office is silent and you decide it’s best to keep it that way until you get home. Once you are in Dumbledore’s office the two of you walk straight to the fireplace and Tom grabs a handful of Floo powder before shouting, “Riddle Manor!” The fire swirls around the two of you again before depositing you both in the fireplace in Tom’s study. Tom marches you towards your room before he slams the door closed and turns to give you his signature glare.

“Care to explain Little Witch?” He asks, the fury practically dripping from his voice.

Fuck, you were in trouble now.

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Part 10

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rogue-durin-16 · 5 years ago

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DISTRACTION

Request: I'd like to request a fluff kili x reader where the reader is stressed with loads amount of work

Pairing: Kíli x Reader

Genre: fluff but make it stressed

Tags:

Requested by: @thatdambookworm13

Permanent taglist: @queenofmankind @randomparanoid @karlthecat15722

Warnings: none

A/N: I really fucking hope all of you are safe and sound, and the same for your families and loved ones. These are fucked up times.

Rogue-durin-16 masterlist

As the official manager of the library of Erebor, I had numerous responsibilities —I didn't even dare to count them—, but ever since the young prince had started courting me, difficulties were added to my work.

He would present in the library at any moment of the day and would find an excuse for me to pay him attention.

More often than not, for obvious reasons, I would indulge Kíli's wishes and would allow myself to get distracted by his words and his kisses, and leave the work aside for a little bit.

I'm not going to lie, having him there, teasing me, listening to his stories or rambling about any topic related to his life was a breath of fresh air.

He was joyful, curious, quite handsome, and he was not only interested in me, but in what I had to say.

However, there was a difference between sitting against one of those massive shelves with him once a week, and doing said thing once a day.

I could see the foreshadowing of what was about to fall upon my shoulders, but it didn't sink in until I saw the loads of parchments, documents, books and work in general that I had to take care of in one day.

I was halfway through a very intensive working day when the door opened. I had no need to look up in order to see who it was.

"Good afternoon, amrâlimé." I rolled my eyes at his words and looked up to see him plop down in one of the chairs. "what are you doing?"

"working." I shortly replied, moving around as fast as I could. I hadn't intended to be rude but I knew he was going to be a not so welcomed distraction and that didn't put me in a better mood.

"You look like you've been here for too long." he pointed out when I threw myself down on me chair to start signing the documents that needed to be out of the library by tomorrow morning. "Maybe you could use a break."

"No, I could not." Once again, the sharpness in my tone was not meant to harm.

"Did I do something wrong?" The prince questioned worried. "Are you mad?" he got up from his seat and cautiously approached me. "I'm sorry if I-"

I shook my head no. "Don't, you didn't do anything wrong Kíli." I assured him, making a brief pause to give him a reassuring look. "I'm just behind schedule and- it's just a lot, I didn't mean to be rude." I turned to the desk to order the documents and then I stood up, taking them to a separate table. "You should go."

"Why?"

"You're going to distract me." I stated, grabbing a parchment from the floor and laying it on its place.

"But you need company." he protested, following me as I moved around the enormous stance. "Or else you will go crazy."

"Kíli, I'm telling you," I stopped abruptly, making him crash against me, though his hands steadied me before any damage could be done. "it's already too difficult for me to finish on time." I explained, grabbing some misplaced books and moving away.

"You don't have to finish on time." he suggested, still trailing behind me. "Tell your boss that you are not feeling well."

"Kíli I am the boss."

"Oh?" I could see the gears in his mind turning, trying to find an easy way for me to get out of that situation. "Well, tell my brother."

"Your brother has no legal authority whatsoever over this." my reply triggered a sigh in him.

"Tell Thorin."

"I'm not going to tell the King Under the Mountain ." I replied with wide eyes. "Part of my responsibility is being in charge of this so the king– your uncle– doesn't have to worry about it."

"Well then, I'll help you."

"No?"

"Why?" he stepped to be in front of me, shielding me from the shelves. "This is kind of my fault."

"Because you are the prince." I moved past him to get the books I was holding in their respective places. "You have better things to do."

"An example?"

"Prince's things." he let out a snort at my answer. "How am I supposed to know? They are not mine to accomplish."

"A good prince must help his folk."

"A good prince must behave like a prince."

"I behave like a prince."

"You behave like a kid."

"But you love it."

I sighed, going back to my stone table to keep ordering the ancient parchments displayed all over it.

"C'mon." both his hands appeared in front of me, tugging mines and taking them to his lips to plant a sweet kiss on the back of each one. "Let me help, I will be obedient."

"You are a lot of things," I started with a half smile, "but obedient is surely not one."

"For you I will." I scoffed, though his eyes seemed sincere. "I promise, I will do as you say." his head tilted to the side as I weighed his proposal. "I gave you my word, if you don't accept I'll be offended."

"That's emotional blackmail." I pointed out, staring intently into his eyes. "and those puppy dog eyes are too."

"Are they working?" he asked, making a small pout.

"You really are begging to do my work, huh?"

"If doing so spares me more time with you," he gave my hands another tug, leaving our faces way too close. "then yes, I'm begging to do your work."

"You are something else." I whispered, leaning on to give him a kiss, which he happily returned, his fingers no longer interlaced with mines, but pulling me closer to him by my waist.

"So?"

"You can help me." I declared, pulling away from him so I could go back to work. "Why don't you start-" he was now behind me, his hand wrapped around my waist and his lips ghosting over my neck. "See? You're already distracting me." I scolded, subconsciously leaning against him.

"I'm sorry." he apologized softly, moving away to stand besides me. "what do I do then?" he inquired with a smile, which I gladly returned.

We worked all night, falling asleep in that same place and getting just a couple of hours of rest probably, but we finished all the tasks.

A servant accidentally woke us up when he entered the library to carry the documents to Thorin. He didn't say a word when he saw the young prince asleep besides me with our hands held and our heads way to close to each other, and I was thankful for it.

"Thanks for staying." I whispered into his ear, and in response, he leaned on me and tugged my hands to him.

"what time is it?" Kíli grumbled, burying his face on my arm to hide it from the sunlight.

"Time to wake up." I replied. "Unfortunately."

"No, it's time to go to sleep on a proper bed." he stated, his eyes barely open when he got up and dragged me out of the library with him. "C'mon."

"Kíli."

"What? Don't oppose."

I was going to complain but I was exhausted and the thought of falling asleep in an actual bed with the brunet cuddling me was way too appealing.

"I won't."

#kili x reader #kili x reader request #kili fanfic #kili oneshot #kili x reader fluff #durin's sons imagine #the hobbit fanfiction #fili x reader #kili smut #Kili Durin #Kili imagine #Kili x reader fanfic #Kili x reader imagine #Kili x reader fluff #fili smut #Kili son of dis #Kili x dwarf!Reader #Kili fluff imagine #Kili x reader smut

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kurokoros · 5 years ago

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some like it hot (2/4) | todoroki x reader x bakugou

Rated: T (bakugou’s dirty mouth, sexual humor)

Words: 9.2K

Pairing: shouto todoroki x fem!reader x katsuki bakugou

Summary: A Charity Fundraiser leads to you going home with not one, but two of the most popular Pro Heroes of your generation. They say some like it hot, and you certainly aren’t complaining.

AKA: a totally not self-indulgent threesome fic

Chapters: One | Two | Three | Four | AO3

AN: It’s been a terrible week, but I still managed to pump out a chapter, so I feel accomplished! Also available on AO3. Ask to be added to the tag-list. Chapters will be weekly until completion! Thanks in advance for reading! A note: the reader does have a name used only in dialogue because I hate using “Y/N” in fics. Both names are puns. “Yuna” = Y/N, and the kanji in “Hikai” means “fire time”.

Dubiously, you stare at the file Izuku is holding out to you. The look you send him is all but reproachful as you place your hands on your hips, your lips pressed into a tight line. Izuku fidgets under your gaze, sweat beading on his hairline, but his smile never falters for a second.

“Let me get this straight,” you start slowly. Maybe you didn’t hear him right. With all the muttering and nervous babbling he tends to do, it wouldn’t be a surprise for you to mishear a few things. Though, you have practically mastered the art of deciphering him at his most incoherent. Regardless, you press on, not even trying to mask the utter bewilderment in your voice. “You want me to run all the way to Shouto’s Agency to drop off a single file?”

It sounds even more bizarre when you say it out loud.

Izuku fiddles with the pen on his desk. “Yes?”

The questioning inflection of his reply only makes your frown deepen. Resisting the urge to rub your temples, you send him another hard look. “Aren’t you supposed to be seeing him and Bakugou tonight?” you ask, sure you heard him mention something about the three of them going out for dinner. “It can’t wait until then?”

“It’s important,” he tells you, only slightly more confident in his reply than he was before.

You know you shouldn’t roll your eyes at your boss, but you do so anyway. “I see. And you do realize I’ll be gone for at least two hours, right?”

“It’s very important?”

Your frown turns into a pout.

Any other day you might have agreed to go right away, always happy to see one of your favorite Heroes. But ever since that night at Momo’s, you’ve been doing your best to avoid both Shouto and Katsuki. It wasn’t on purpose at first. You planned on going out for drinks with Katsuki and Kirishima over the weekend like you always do, only to be slapped in the face with the reminder of what you told the girls. Mina’s jokes about a threesome came crashing back over you, and with the dirty fantasies floating through your head, you knew that being drunk around Katsuki would end in nothing but loose lips and an extremely awkward confrontation.

You didn’t even want to think about the possibility of rejection, so you called Kiri to cancel with excuses of planning the fundraiser—which wasn’t technically a lie.

Katsuki wasn’t happy about it, obviously, but you know how to handle him. You just need to make it through this fundraiser before making any life altering decisions including, but not limited to, trying to fuck two Pro Heroes that also happen to be two of your closest friends.

Avoidance was clearly the best answer to this.

Of course, your luck seems to have run out today thanks to Izuku. You have no idea where he’s going with this or why one of his sidekicks can’t bring Shouto this supposedly very important file, but seeing as the alternative is more phone calls and paperwork, you might as well go along with it. And you won’t lie and say you aren’t a little excited at the prospect of seeing Shouto today.

That being said, you aren’t above giving Izuku a little hell for it first.

“I don’t feel like I can leave you alone for that long without something terrible happening,” you say bluntly, careful to keep your mouth from twitching into a smile. Though you’re only teasing, a part of you does mean it. As great of a Hero as Izuku is, he’s also practically a walking safety hazard.

He really hasn’t changed all that much since UA.

The pout that forms on his face makes you feel like you’ve just kicked a puppy. “I don’t know what you mean,” he says, sulking. Those big, green eyes of his stare down at you from the other side of his desk, only adding to the effect.

You aren’t so easily swayed. “The last time I left you alone here, you managed to dislocate your entire arm,” you remind him, casting a pointed glance at said arm. Even now, you aren’t entirely sure how he managed that in the time it took you to grab lunch at a cafe not even fifteen minutes from the agency. You’re never going to let him live it down.

“That was an accident!” Izuku defends himself, flushing all the way to the tips of his ears. The color clashes spectacularly with the green of his hero costume.

Your tone is beyond dry when you say, “I’m aware.”

Izuku’s expression melts into one of distress, and again you wonder why this file is such a big deal. Whatever it is, it’s making your boss more skittish and awkward than usual, something you didn’t even think was possible. “Please, Hikai? This is really, really important! I don’t trust anyone else to do this but you!”

“This is manipulation,” you tell him, crossing your arms. Even as you say that, your heart swells with the sheer level of trust he has in you. Izuku must realize it too. There’s something cunning behind those puppy dog eyes.

He blinks at you far too innocently. “I don’t know what you mean.”

Well played, Deku.

Heaving an over-dramatic sigh, you hold out your hand and wiggle your fingers impatiently. “Give me the damn file.” A megawatt smile stretches across his face before the file is practically shoved into your hand. “Really, Midoriya, you have to stop leaving things until the last minute. One day it’s going to get you in trouble.”

He rubs the back of his head in embarrassment, ruffling the curly strands of his hair. “That’s what I have you for,” he tells you. The sincerity in his voice makes you soften. “Oh!” His eyes suddenly light up. “How’s everything been with planning the fundraiser?”

“About as well as you’d expect considering the short notice,” you muse, idly thumbing the edge of the file you’ve been handed. Surprisingly, you haven’t had too many issues beyond your less than friendly conversation with Mr. Fujikaze. Most other agencies have been understanding about the situation, and your contacts have been pulling through despite the time crunch. “I’ve contacted most of the agencies in the country like you asked and almost all have replied affirmatively, though some will only be making short appearances.” You glance at him. “Not everyone can leave the field for an entire night.”

Izuku nods, his brows furrowed in thought. “That makes sense,” he murmurs aloud, staring down at the surface of his desk. “Even with the crime rate dropping again, we can’t be too careful.”

Humming, you turn your gaze to the windows overlooking the city behind him. While not nearly as grandiose as some other agencies you’ve been in, you’ve always loved the view from Izuku’s office.

“Exactly.”

With the highly publicized nature of the fundraiser, you’re sure that some people will take the opportunity to commit crimes, violent or otherwise, but it’s nothing most Pros haven’t had to work around before. The event itself will have heightened security even with the amount of Pros attending. Frankly, you’re more worried about the general public, though you know they’ll be in good hands even without Heroes like Deku, Shouto, and Ground Zero. Izuku himself would probably insist on patrolling that night if he wasn’t the one hosting, but you know his sidekicks will be able to handle things for one night.

“How’s everything else going?” he asks. “I know you had to pull a lot of strings to make this work. Thank you, by the way.”

You wave him off and shrug, but offer him a small smile. “It’s my job.” And, hey, if this whole personal assistant gig falls through, at least you have a potential future as a wedding planner. “We have a venue and caterer lined up,” you explain to Izuku. “I’m hoping to hear back from my other contacts by the end of the day, but so far, everything seems to be going well.”

A look of relief appears on his face. “That’s good,” he says, breathing a sigh. At your raised eyebrow, he panics, thinking he’s said something wrong. “Not that I thought you couldn’t do it!” he’s quick to explain, quickly turning an even darker shade of red. “You’ve always been great at organizing things! Though this was super short notice, so I wouldn’t have been disappointed if you couldn’t put it together that fast. But I would never doubt you like that. You always go beyond! Plus—”

Mercifully, you hold up a hand to stop his rambling. You have work to do, and you know from experience that he would go on and on until someone stopped him or he ran out of air, and Izuku has quite the impressive set of lungs.

“Deep breaths, Midoriya,” you chide playfully, reaching out to pat him on the back. “I know what you meant. Thank you for having so much faith in me.”

“Okay,” he murmurs, going right back to beaming at you. “Thanks again for doing this—the event and the file, I mean.”

You gather your discarded purse and jacket, carefully tucking the file into your bag. “Well, it’s not like I had much of a choice,” you joke as he leads you to the door. “What would you do without me?”

“Apparently, I’d die.”

Your laughter cuts off as soon as you reach the door, your expression sobering as you remember the phone call you received shortly before Izuku called you into his office. You didn’t have the chance to tell him before he was practically shoving a folder in your hands and babbling something about you needing to see Shouto immediately.

Izuku stops beside you. His expression turns to one of concern as he notices the look on your face.

“There’s one more thing,” you tell him, lowering your voice though it’s only the two of you in the room. “I received an answer from Endeavor’s assistant this morning.”

The statement is heavy and laced with more meaning than so few words could typically hold. You can’t keep the bitterness from creeping in as you say the former Hero’s name, but Izuku either doesn’t notice or chooses to ignore it.

Somehow, he manages to keep his voice light when he asks, “Oh? And what did he say?” Izuku’s gaze slides to the door and refuses to move. You can only imagine what might be running through his head.

“He’ll be making an appearance at the gala.” Absently, your fingers clench around the strap of your purse, knuckles turning white from the pressure. As soon as you realize what you’re doing, you sigh through your nose, forcing yourself to release your grip. “He may be retired now, but it matters a lot to the public that the former number one Pro Hero makes an appearance at things like this. Not everyone may like Endeavor, but most people do respect him. It’s exactly the show of support we need right now.” You turn to Izuku, and his gaze finally rises to meet yours again. “Similarly, All Might will be there as well, even though he retired almost a decade ago.” Your lips quirk upwards. “Though, I’m sure you’re already aware of that,” you tease, hoping to lighten the mood.

It works. Izuku is always an easy target to fluster. He sputters and makes a vague excuse while awkwardly waving his arms around like he isn’t sure what to do with them. You wait patiently until he’s done, used to this kind of outburst after so many years. When he’s finally calmed down, his eyes widen a little as he looks at you.

“Does Todoroki know?”

The question makes your stomach churn. “Not yet.” Your admission is soft as you rock back on your heels. “I just found out. Besides,” you look past Izuku to stare out the window again, “I thought it would be better to tell him in person.”

When Izuku doesn’t respond, you clear your throat. “I’ll be back in a few hours.”

He snaps out of his thoughts quickly. “Right!” Izuku reaches around you to open the door, holding it for you politely as you step into the lobby. Your eyes immediately drift to your desk, and you’re more than a little surprised to see a familiar, nervous face sitting behind it. When you stop, Izuku follows your gaze and smiles. “Oh! I’m sending Nakamura with you!” he explains as the hero in training waves at you awkwardly. “He’ll be heading back to UA after and I want to make sure you get to Todoroki’s agency okay!”

It’s a poor excuse if you’ve ever heard one, but you don’t have time to question it. Your eyes follow Izuku as he darts back into his office. He’s not fast enough to hide his ever widening smile though.

He’s up to something, you decide as you make your way to the flustered intern behind your desk. You don’t know what he’s up to, but you’re going to find out.

The train ride across the city was nothing short of awkward between you and Seiji. The poor intern didn’t seem to know what to say to you outside of a professional setting. He kept squirming in his seat and wringing his hands, glancing at you occasionally in a way that wasn’t nearly as subtle as he thought he was being. Clearly there was something on his mind, but you weren’t about to ask. You figured if it was important enough, he’d come out and say it when he was ready.

Meanwhile, you took the opportunity to get some additional work done. Izuku may have kicked you out of the office, but you did still have a job to complete. The fundraiser wasn’t going to plan itself, and the date was rapidly approaching. You’d made good progress so far, but that didn’t mean you could start slacking.

It isn’t until the two of you are within a block from Shouto’s agency that Seiji finally perks up. There’s an additional bounce to his step that reminds you of an overexcited puppy, and it makes your lips twitch in amusement.

It’s only then that you realize he’s so much taller than you, gangly with long limbs that carry him faster than you can walk. He keeps getting ahead of you, only to freeze up when he realizes you aren’t there, quickly glancing around almost frantically until he spots you again. It’s absolutely adorable the way his eyes light up and he visibly relaxes.

“Hey, Hikai?” he asks once you catch up to him for what must be the fifth time. “What’s Shouto like? You seem like you know each other pretty well.” Those blue eyes of his are too wide with innocence, and you school your expression before you can flush once you remember what Seiji saw last week.

“You met him last week,” you remind the teenager, adjusting your grip on your purse and double checking that the file is still tucked into place. “What do you think he’s like?” There’s something disconcerting about discussing one of your friends that you’ve thought about fucking on multiple occassions with your boss’s new student intern.

Seiji’s eyebrows furrow as he thinks over your question. “He was nice,” he decides, glancing down at you. “Just… really quiet.”

A low hum of agreement escapes you. “Don’t take it personally. Sho isn’t much of a talker.” Especially in comparison to Izuku’s excited ramblings and Katsuki’s loud presence. “If you stay with Deku for a while, I’m sure he’ll warm up to you though.” You smile up at Seiji and pat him on the arm.

He flushes at the attention. And there’s no hiding the pride shining in his eyes at the insinuation that the Deku would take him on as a sidekick after graduation. To cover his embarrassment, he sputters out, “So, you’ve known them for a long time then? Shouto and Ground Zero?”

“Almost as long as Izuku. I met them through him. Deku has a way of adopting people.” You sigh. “Neither of them have changed much since UA.”

“I see,” Seiji murmurs as you reach the front doors to the agency. He politely holds the door for you as you step inside, a look of deep contemplation on his face. His head cocks to one side as he stares at you, eyes narrowed just a tick before they widen. “That must mean you’re pretty close.” There’s an unexpectedly sly tinge to the statement, like he’s hinting at something more.

Your breath catches at the statement. Seiji notices. “I suppose so,” you say before turning your attention to the receptionist in front of you.

After a short greeting, she lets you pass, recognizing you from previous visits. You’re told that Shouto just returned from a patrol and is already waiting for you in his office, and with a parting smile you and Seiji head for the elevator.

It’s only after the doors close behind you that you look at Seiji again, confusion clear on your face as you remember what Izuku told you earlier. “Shouldn’t you be heading back to the dorms by now? I don’t know how long this will take, and I don’t want you to have to wait for me. You should go enjoy your afternoon.”

“No!” Seiji protests a little too quickly, voice cracking. He shakes his head almost violently. You stare up at him in bewilderment as those big blue eyes meet yours seriously. “Deku told me to walk you to Shouto’s office,” he babbles, struggling for an excuse. “We aren’t in the office yet!”

“I—” You shake your head, decide it’s not worth questioning as the elevator comes to a stop and the doors open. “Yeah, okay, sure.” If that’s what he wants to do, who are you to stop him?

An achingly familiar voice calls out your name as you and Seiji step into the top floor lobby. The smile that overtakes you in response is automatic once you see Shouto already waiting for you.

“Shouto.” You practically breathe his name, and it would be pathetic if there was anyone else around aside from Shouto, who’s, frankly, as dense as a brick at times, and Seiji, your boss’s dorky intern. Before you can do something stupid like staring at his toned forearms, you forcibly peel your eyes away from the sliver of skin at his throat left uncovered by his hero suit and look up at Seiji. “Can you make it to UA from here, Nakamura?” Your voice is higher than usual. “I don’t want you getting on the wrong train.”

Seiji smiles a little too wide. “I’ll be fine.”

“Good.” Turning to Shouto again, you nod towards his office. “Should we…?” You could just as easily hand him the file and leave with Seiji, go back to work, return the dozen phone calls you still have to make, and check to see if everything is still going smoothly in your short absence, but you’re rooted in place under Shouto’s fond gaze. You’ve missed him more than you care to admit—Katsuki too—and now that he’s in front of you, you can’t just walk away.

More than that, there’s something you need to discuss. The thought makes your stomach flip anxiously.

Shouto seems to relax at your suggestion and gestures for you to follow him as he turns toward his office. You wave to Seiji over your shoulder and are vaguely aware of him taking a seat in one of the leather chairs situated in the lobby area.

You shut the door behind you.

“I believe this is yours,” you say as you pull the folder from your bag and hold it out for him.

Shouto gives you a small smile. “Thank you.”

“How’s the case going?” you ask, gesturing to the file you’ve handed over. The two of you easily slip into a familiar routine as Shouto settles himself behind his desk and you lean against the side of it before hoisting yourself up to sit on the glass surface. “I was a little surprised when you called in Izuku and Katsuki for help. The last time the three of you worked together like this was…”

“Operation Vermillion,” he finishes for you, thumbing through the stack of papers. “That was right after we opened our agencies. I remember you leading the briefing.” His blue-grey eyes flicker to yours, and his smile widens a fraction. “My old man tried to give you trouble, and you shut him down. I’d never seen him so shocked before.”

Humming, you start to smile as well. “He never did like me much.” It’s a perfect segway into what you need to discuss with him, though you wish it wasn’t.

You lean back on your hands, watching silently as he idly flips through the files from Izuku. That knot in your stomach tightens. Your gaze shifts to the aged burn scar covering his left eye. Just another reminder of Endeavor. It makes you sick to think about, and this is the last thing you want to talk about right now, but you know he deserves to hear it before Friday night. Even so, your tongue feels thick and heavy in your mouth.

Clearing your throat, you wait until he looks at you to speak. “I figured I should let you know that Endeavor will be at the charity gala.” Your gaze holds steady as you say it, gauging his reaction.

Predictably, Shouto stiffens. It’s slight. Anyone else probably wouldn’t notice it. Shouto’s always been good at burying his emotions and acting like he doesn’t care. But you can read him. And you’re close enough to hear him inhale sharper than normal. The tense line of his broad shoulders and the nearly imperceptible twitch of his fingers are your only warning before the temperature in the office drops drastically.

Goosebumps prickle across your bare arms, and you shiver reflexively. The ghost of your breath clouds the air as you exhale, but you don’t move from your spot on his desk even as frost begins to creep across the glass. It branches outward from his palm, slow and sluggish, and you wonder if he realizes he’s even using his quirk.

The ice stops just shy of your fingertips. A heavy sigh falls from his lips. Your eyes flicker back to his only to find him already staring at you apologetically.

“I expected as much,” he tells you, a bitter tinge to his voice. When Shouto smiles, it’s rueful and nothing short of sarcastic. “It would look bad in the eyes of the public for the former number one Hero not to be there.”

You hum your agreement, having said as much to Izuku earlier. The temperature begins to rise again, and the thin layer of frost on the desk melts and evaporates before it can make a mess. You watch him carefully as you pick at a spot of lint on your dress. “How have things been lately?” you ask casually. “Between you and him.”

Shouto is silent for a moment that seems to stretch on for hours, seemingly frozen behind his desk as he stares at his reflection in the glass. What he’s seeing there, you don’t know, but the torrent of emotions that flicker in his eyes makes your chest feel tight. It’s melancholy. Resignation. Bitterness. A dozen other things that come and disappear so quickly that you couldn’t put a name to them even if you tried.

An incessant need to pull him close buries itself inside you and takes root. You can feel it in your throat, choking you, urging you to move, but for now you ignore it.

“He’s… trying,” Shouto settles with. “But…” Those mismatched eyes hesitate before they meet yours, and you’re struck by just how exhausted he looks. Sighing, he stands and glances away from you, looking out the large window overlooking the city. “I don’t know,” he finishes bluntly, eyes finding you again. “It’s difficult. I understand that he’s trying, but I still…” he trails off again and shakes his head.

Shouto walks around the edge of his desk to stand in front of you, close enough that his leg brushes against your knee. His palms settle on either side of you, boxing you in, and heat creeps along your spine as you tilt your head to maintain eye contact with him.

Like last time, the scent of his cologne tickles at your senses. Automatically, you lean in closer, lulled by the heat rolling off of him in gentle waves. Shouto doesn’t pull away, and like always you’re pinned in place as those mesmerizing eyes stare down at you.

He wets his lips, and you unintentionally follow the movement with your eyes. “Izuku thinks I should forgive him,” Shouto tells you, voice lower than before. Deeper. His thumb brushes against your bare leg, just above your knee. It’s freezing to the touch and you swallow your gasp. “He says it would bring me peace.” The heat of his breath tickles your skin.

“Oh?” It takes more willpower than you thought to keep your voice even.

A low sound rumbles in the back of his throat. His thumb taps against your leg again, flirting with the hem of your skirt. Shouto’s eyes stay locked on yours. “Bakugou says I should tell him to shove it up his ass.” The faintest hint of a smile tugs at the edge of his mouth.

That doesn’t surprise you. Katsuki can be too blunt for his own good at times. He and Shouto are both like that. Clearly, you have a type, and it’s fogging your brain a little how close he is. A little voice in the back of your head that sounds suspiciously like Mina whispers how easy it would be to close that distance and pull him down to you, how good it would feel to have those hands of his sliding across your skin.

Now isn’t the time for that though.

“And what do you think?” you ask him in a voice barely above a whisper. His hand stills beside you, and the burning chill makes you shiver again. Surprise flickers in his eyes as he peers down at you through his bangs. “This isn’t about Izuku or Katsuki,” you remind him. “What do you want to do, Sho?”

Shouto inhales sharply as you move. Your fingers find his left hand, still pressed to the glass, and slowly your palm slides up his arm until you’re gripping his bicep just like the other day. An anchor. Like he did before, you allow your thumb to rub slow, soothing circles against the tense muscle beneath your fingertips. In response, his right hand shifts so that he’s gripping your thigh in his palm, long fingers wrapping around you and squeezing.

“I don’t think I’m ready to accept him,” he admits, voice just as soft as yours.

“And that’s okay,” you tell him, brushing his hair away from his eyes with your free hand. Gentle fingers ghost against his cheek and the curve of his jaw, and you allow your hand to linger there, tilting his chin to better meet his eyes. Shouto leans into you. “You don’t have to do anything. It’s not your job to forgive him.” When he looks like he wants to argue you squeeze his arm, pinning him with a harsh stare. “It doesn’t make you less of a Hero.”

That strikes a chord with him. Shouto’s eyes stay locked on yours, refusing to budge as he searches your gaze. For what, you don’t know, but you hope he finds it. His grip on your leg grows tighter, a little bit colder, and you think about the ice that covered his desk without him realizing it. But he’d never hurt you. You know that more than anything.

And then, quietly, “Okay.”

The tension slowly drains from his shoulders as the two of you stay like that. The soft pad of your thumb rubs against his cheek, and you absently stroke the high point of the bone just under his eye. Shouto leans into your hand, lips pressing against your palm in what isn’t quite a kiss, but something close. In response, you squeeze his upper arm before letting go. There’s a noise of protest bubbling in the back of his throat, but your hand reaching up to cradle the left side of his jaw silences him before it can slip out entirely.

With your finger you trace the edge of his scar, smooth with age and familiar under your gentle touch. You try not to think too hard about the way he’s looking at you or the heat of his breath on your forearm. Raw instinct begs you to do something—anything. To lean in. To draw him down to you. To sink your fingers into his hair and pull.

Instead you smile and hope he can’t hear how fast your heart is beating. “If you ever need to hide a body, you can call me,” you joke, because you aren’t sure what else to say. You just want to make him feel better.

Shouto’s chuckle is low and throaty and it sends a shock down your spine. “Oh? Is that so?” He shifts his weight to his other leg but is careful not to dislodge your hands from his face. And you can’t bring yourself to release him either.

Your thumb brushes against his scar again, and you say, “I know a guy.”

His head tilts to the side, and he raises an eyebrow at you, clearly amused. “You do remember what my occupation is, correct?”

You should stop holding him like this—intimately—but the way he’s looking at you makes you feel like you have the whole damn world in your hands, and how could you possibly let that go?

“Are you going to arrest me, Hero?”

Shouto shakes his head, a small but genuine smile tugging at his lips. “You are so…” He sighs as he trails off, and you’re surprised when he releases your leg to wind his arm around you instead, pulling you into his chest. You go willingly. Tucking your head under his chin, your hands leave his face to wrap around him, returning the embrace. His heart beats loud beneath your ear, as strong and steady as his hands.

His lips find the crown of your head and his hand slides up your back so that he’s cupping the nape of your neck. “Thank you, love,” he murmurs against your hair, too quiet for you to hear.

You aren’t sure how long the two of you sit like that, but the next time you speak your lips brush against the cold buckle holding together the collar of his hero suit. “You don’t have to talk to him at the gala,” you remind him, returning to your initial conversation. The mention of Endeavor is sobering, and you hear him sigh above you. “And if he tries to talk to you, I can be your human shield.”

The offer makes him hum. “My human shield, huh? Will you have time for that on top of everything Izuku has you doing?” His thumb rubs against the back of your neck absentmindedly.

You shrug. “I can make time for one of my favorite Heroes,” you tease him, tightening your grip around his waist.

He stiffens. “I see,” Shouto murmurs. His fingers are still against the back of your neck, and you could swear you feel the heat of his hand begin to grow. “And what about Bakugou?” There’s an edge to his voice that you almost don’t notice, but when it registers, you pull your head from his chest with a small frown.

Jealousy. That’s what it is, you realize as your eyes seek out his.

Your traitor heart practically skips at the mere mention of the other hero. Right, Katsuki. That’s another thing you have to figure out. Not for the first time you think about Momo’s suggestion. This time, though, you don’t force it away just as quickly as it comes. A part of you is desperate to know if it would work between the three of you, if it’s worth the risk. Because you can’t keep holding Shouto like this if you won’t do something about it. It’s not fair to Shouto or Katsuki to keep dancing around things.

But then your thoughts go back to the gala, and your stomach drops when you remember how much you still have to do, how much pressure you’re under, and how important it is that this event goes as planned. No slip-ups. No disasters. And absolutely no messy relationship drama.

It just has to wait until after Friday night.

“What about him?” you ask, hoping your voice isn’t higher than usual.

His expression shifts, his brows furrowing as he looks down at you. “I thought—” He cuts himself off with a shake of his head. Your stomach drops as he starts to unwrap himself from your frame. “Nevermind. It’s nothing.”

You’re left overwhelmingly cold as he slips away, and you follow him without meaning to, sliding off the desk and landing back on your feet. “Shouto?”

He avoids your eyes as he reaches for the file sitting on his desk. “Thank you. For dropping this off.” Shouto hesitates before he looks at you again, swallowing thickly, but then his expression goes carefully blank. “You didn’t have to go out of your way.”

Your heels click against the tile as you take a step towards him. “What do you mean?” A frown forms on your lips, confusion sweeping through you at the turn in conversation.

Whatever was going through his head a moment ago seems to have disappeared. Shouto peers down at you with a puzzled look. “Midoriya was going to give this back to me tonight,” he explains. You nod, having already known that. “He called and told me you offered to drop it off on your way home. He said you have a half day.” Shouto’s expression softens. “That’s good. You’ve been working too hard.”

“Oh. Did he?” A half day. Amazing how Izuku neglected to mention that little detail to you earlier. It seems like you’re due to have a little chat with your boss. You glance at the door to see a familiar head of dark hair duck out of sight and your eyes narrow when you realize Seiji has been waiting here the entire time. So much for going back to the dorms. “Well, I should get going,” you say, gathering your things. “I don’t want to bother you.”

Besides, apparently it’s your day off.

He’s shaking his head before you’ve even finished, expression nothing but sincere. “You never do,” he says as he walks you to his office door. And then, softer, “I like when you stop by.”

Your chest tightens at the admission. “I’ll see you Friday,” you tell him as he opens the door for you. There’s so much more you want to tell him, but now just isn’t the right time.

Shouto’s palm presses against your lower back and you readily relax into his touch, glancing up at him. Heat sinks into your skin and radiates through you until you can feel it everywhere at once, all consuming. “Save me a dance?” he asks, his breath tickling your ear.

Smiling, you nod. “Of course.”

“I’m telling you, Ochako, Izuku is scheming something.” You glance at her from across the table, idly stirring your drink, and your eyes narrow when you notice she’s biting her lip to keep from laughing at your assertion. “This isn’t funny, I’m being serious!”

This time she does laugh. “This is Deku we’re talking about,” she reminds you, waving off your concerns as she picks at her food. “You really think he would do something like that?”

“If he thought it was the right thing to do, yes. He’s kind of nosy.”

You ended up calling Izuku directly after leaving Shouto’s office, only waiting until you saw Seiji racing around the corner to get to the train station and frantically texting on his phone to dial your boss. He picked up on the second ring, like he’d been waiting for your call. It wouldn’t surprise you if he was. You could barely get a word in before he was babbling something about you deserving the rest of the day off and to do something fun before you were abruptly hung up on, only furthering your suspicions.

Hence, you called Ochako. Though, you’re beginning to regret that decision.

“I don’t know,” she drawls, quirking a skeptical eyebrow. “You seem to think people are much more invested in your love life than they really are.”

You scowl. “Oh, don’t give me that bullshit when you and Mina interrogated me the other night.” Not invested in your love life, your ass. You were perfectly fine ignoring your feelings until they brought up a threesome. Now, it’s the only thing you can think about. “Besides, why else would Izuku have his intern spy on me while I was talking to Shouto today?”

“I seriously doubt he was spying on you.”

“Izuku told us two different stories about why I was dropping off that file. That’s not exactly subtle.” For a Pro Hero it was a pretty lame move, if you’re being honest. “And Nakamura sat outside Sho’s office for like fifteen minutes while we talked. And he insisted on walking me up to his office. That doesn’t seem odd to you?”

Ochako shrugs. “Maybe he has a crush on you?” The suggestion makes you blanche and she backtracks. “I just don’t think Izuku would actively try to spy on you and Todoroki. That’s a little weird, even for him.”

“Maybe you’re right,” you reply, propping your elbow up on the table and resting your chin in your palm.

“See?” Ochako reaches across the table to pat the back of your hand, offering you a sunny smile. “Besides, even if Deku was trying to spy on you guys, you know he’s only doing it because he cares about you guys. He’d never try to make you uncomfortable or anything.”

“I know, I know. I just… I don’t get why, you know? According to you I’m incredibly obvious and Izuku already knows they like me, so I don’t understand why he’d go out of his way to make me see Shouto today unless—” Eyes wide, your gaze snaps to Ochako and you gasp, betrayed. “Did you tell him something about the other night?”

She almost chokes on her drink. “No!” she says just a little too loudly, drawing a few curious eyes their way. Ochako flushes and plays with her chopsticks as you continue to stare her down. “Maybe,” she relents, “but not on purpose! Like I told you the other night, Todoroki and Bakugou have been fighting because they’re jealous idiots, and Deku didn’t know what to do, and it just kind of slipped out, I’m sorry!” The apology in her eyes melts into a more curious look. “Anyway, have you thought about what you’re going to do?”

You sigh and shake your head, picking at your food. “Not yet.” Ochako makes a disgruntled sound, and you pout, glaring at her half-heartedly. “In case you don’t remember, I’ve been extremely busy planning a major event with little warning. I barely have time to eat, let alone seduce two men.”

Seducing just one of them seems like a daunting task. Katsuki is the more open flirt between the two of them, but he tends to clam up whenever you even hint at returning that affection, so actively trying anything could send him running. And Shouto can be difficult to pin down, if his open affection earlier today is anything to go by. He’s usually more reserved; the last thing you want is to scare him away.

“Oh, I don’t think you’d have much trouble trying to seduce them.” Across the table, Ochako’s smile becomes sly. “I mean, they’re both pretty blunt, right? So if you just went up and asked if they wanted to have sex they’d probably say yes. You’re just being a chicken!”

“I am not!” you argue, offended. “I just need this gala to be over before I worry about my love life. That’s all.” It’s been your mantra since girl’s night. Just a few more days. Everything will work out.

She snorts. “You keep saying that, but then you go and cuddle up with Todoroki in his office.”

“It wasn’t cuddling,” you correct her not for the first time today. “It was just a hug because we were talking about his dad.” A very long and intense hug that kind of made you want to let him have his way with you right then and there, but still a hug.

Ochako doesn’t look impressed. “Prolonged physical contact counts as cuddling.”

You throw down your chopsticks and cross your arms, leaning back in your chair. “Ugh, why did I call you?” You’re pouting, you know, but it’s hard not to when you can see her blatant amusement over your suffering. Why are all of your friends so mean to you?

She blows you a kiss. “You love me!”

Damn right you do.

Before she can keep heckling you over the complicated situation that is your love life, a familiar, gruff voice shouts, “Oi! Sweetcheeks!” from across the cafe. You stiffen in your seat as heat rushes through you, leaving you feeling uncomfortably hot. You blame it on the eyes that have shifted to look at you and not the disgustingly attractive Pro Hero stomping towards you.

You don’t dare to look at him as he approaches, sure you’ll turn into a stuttering fool if you do. “Katsuki, what have I told you about calling me that in public?” The correct answer is “not to.”

He scoffs, and you finally force yourself to look at him. He’s already glaring down at you. Why? You have no idea, but you match his look, holding his intense ruby gaze with a stare of your own. It’s a challenge. One he usually takes. But you’re surprised when he drops his gaze first and glares at the floor instead. “Whatever,” he grumbles, cheeks a little pink.

You’re a bit put out by the distinct lack of any flirty comments or obvious—according to Mina—bedroom eyes, but before you can ask what’s wrong, someone else cuts in.

“Oh, hey, guys!”

It’s only then that you realize Kirishima is there too, and you’re only a little embarrassed about that.

But Kiri, bless him, is either entirely oblivious to you not noticing his presence, or just decides to roll with it anyway. He really is too good for the rest of you. “I wasn’t expecting to see you here, too!” His smile is wide and toothy as he rubs the back of his head, careful not to dislodge the bandana holding his hair back. “Midoriya suggested we stop by for lunch, what a coincidence, huh? I gotta say, it looks like a nice place. Hopefully we don’t get kicked out because of this guy.” He jerks a thumb in Katsuki’s direction, electing a sour look from the cranky man.

Your eyes widen as Kiri mentions Izuku, and you shoot Ochako a look that she ignores. Kirishima and Ochako begin to chat about the cafe, but you stop listening.

Okay, now you’re almost positive you’re being set up. The cafe isn’t anywhere near their agency, and it’s more than a little suspicious that they just happened to show up while you and Ochako are here. Coincidences, your ass. You should have known better than to trust Ochako. Of course, she and Izuku would be in cahoots. Assholes.

You glare at Ochako one more time before allowing yourself to stare unabashedly at Katsuki instead. He isn’t looking at any of you, instead choosing to glare at something across the cafe and pretend the rest of you don’t exist. You resist the urge to roll your eyes, instead using the rare moment to just look at him.

Katsuki is nothing short of eye-candy, though you never really get the chance to appreciate just how damn hot he is without the chance of being teased mercilessly in front of other people. Even now, you can see Ochako biting her lip to keep from laughing at you, but really who can blame you for just wanting to ogle him a little? Katsuki is by far one of the most attractive men you’ve ever seen. Years of training and fighting have covered him in lean muscle, and his features have become sharper since you were teenagers.

He’s nothing short of someone’s wet dream, and he damn well knows it, too.

Your eyes drag down his bare biceps slowly, silently thanking whatever gods are out there for his aversion to anything with sleeves. You stare a little longer before your eyes trail back up, lingering a moment on those broad shoulders before moving higher.

Red eyes stare back at you, and you almost choke on your spit.

Katsuki’s eyes narrow.

Like the hero he is, Kiri chooses that exact moment to turn to you in excitement. “Hey, how has the event planning been going?” His interest is nothing but sincere, and you can’t help but smile. “It sucks that we missed you this weekend, but hopefully afterwards you’ll have more free time, yeah? It’s super manly of you to take on all of this by yourself!”

“It’s going well, Kiri. Thanks for—”

“I need to talk to you,” Katsuki cuts you off, scowling. He shoves his hands into his pockets, when you don’t move.

You blink back at him, baffled. “What?” He rolls his eyes at your confusion. “Katsuki, I’m kind of in the middle of—Katsuki!” You call after him, gaping as he just turns around and walks away from you, heading towards the back of the cafe.

“Hurry up, angel face!” he calls over his shoulder without stopping.

The pet name makes you flush. You glance at your friends, noticing their similarly dumbfounded yet amused expressions. “Ochako?” You aren’t sure if you should apologize or not as you cast another look at Katsuki just in time to see him round a corner.

She waves you off. “Take your time! Have fun!”

Resisting the urge to roll your eyes, you slip out of your chair and hurry after Katsuki. If you take any longer, he’ll probably bitch about it. Though, you are curious about what he wants, especially if he decided it’s something he can’t say in front of Ochako and Kirishima.

A less than PG thought flashes in your mind, but you force it away just as quickly, fighting down a blush.

You turn the same corner that he did, finding yourself in a dim hallway that has you searching for your favorite head of spiky hair. A hand lashes out, grabbing you by the arm. You gasp as you’re suddenly spun around so that your back is pressed flush up against the nearest wall. Just as quickly, a large pair of hands slap against the wallpaper on either side of you, boxing you in.

A pair of red eyes glare down at you, closer than before. Your breath catches, and your hands press against a well-muscled chest automatically. There’s hardly any space left between the two of you, but Katsuki manages to close that short distance even more until your bodies are just barely brushing against each other. It sets your nerves on fire, all of your senses suddenly attune to him.

He speaks before you can ask him what the hell he’s doing. “Damn Deku said you went to see Icy Hot today,” he practically growls against your ear. His breath fans against your cheek and you shudder.

It takes you a second to collect yourself, overwhelmed by the feel of his chest rising and falling beneath your fingertips. “I dropped off a file with Shouto, yes,” your voice trembles a little, but not because of anything like fear. No, you’re just stupid and horny and he’s close enough for you to smell the heavy caramel scent that clings to him because of his quirk.

You were already more riled up than you’d ever dare to admit out loud, and the heat rolling off of his body paired with the way he’s pinning you between his broad chest and the wall is doing things to you.

Whatever you were expecting from him, it certainly wasn’t this.

He huffs. “Figures,” he sneers, lip curling back. His eyes shift from yours to glare at the wall, and without his gaze on you you find you can breathe again. It only makes you more aware of the knee that’s pressed against the outside of your thigh. “Bastard would do it first,” he grumbles under his breath. You wouldn’t have heard him if he wasn’t pressed up against you like this.

“Excuse me?” Your mouth is dry. Your tongue is thick and heavy. And the heat radiating from him is making you dizzy. Somewhere in the back of your mind, you realize that, just like Shouto earlier, he’s jealous. Though where it made Shouto pull away from you, it only made Katsuki bolder than usual.

“Ask you to be his date to this stupid fucking thing.” His eyes snap back to yours for just a second before they’re raking down your body just like the other day at the agency. He leans in a little closer. “Ask you to dance.”

How does he know about that? “Katsuki?”

When you don’t deny it, he makes a low sound in the back of his throat that has heat pooling low in your stomach. Your fingers fist in his tank top. Katsuki’s lips brush against the shell of your ear as he whispers, “Guess, I’ll just have to remind you that I’m better than Icy Hot.”

As turned on as you are right now, the mention of their stupid rivalry makes you want to roll your eyes.

“Katsuki,” you say again. He’s so close that this time you notice the faintest hitch in his breathing at the way you say his name, sweet as honey. Despite the way your heart is pounding in your chest, you can’t resist the urge to tease him. “If you want me to save you a dance, all you have to do is ask.”

“Tch.” His lips brush against your jaw, barely grazing your skin. “Who’d wanna to dance with you anyway?” Katsuki is slow to lean back again, but only enough to meet your eyes.

You breathe a laugh. “You’re such a grouch.” Tilting your head to the side, you lean in close enough to press a sweet, fleeting kiss against his cheek. Katsuki freezes, sucking in a harsh breath. “I’ll see you Friday?” you ask, sliding your palms down his chest.

He lurches away just as your fingers reach his stomach, edging closer to his belt. “Whatever, sweetcheeks,” he huffs, not meeting your eyes.

Katsuki shoves away from the wall and stomps away without looking back at you once, but you still manage to catch a glimpse of his pink cheeks and the tiny smile he’s trying to hide as he disappears back into the main dining area. He’s flustered, and satisfaction floods through you at the mere thought of leaving him all hot and bothered.

Maybe Ochako was right. This seduction thing might be easier than you thought.

That night, Katsuki leans back in his chair, nursing a drink and only half-listening to Kirishima telling a story to Kaminari, Jirou, and Mina. He stopped paying attention after his first drink, annoyed at being the fifth wheel among his friends, but he only has himself to blame for it.

He was supposed to meet up with Midoriya and Todoroki tonight to go over a case—the same fucking one they went to talk about last week only for it to turn into an argument. That was his fault too, not that he’ll ever admit it. He shouldn’t have cancelled tonight either, but Icy Hot backed out first, and the last way he wanted to spend his night off was listening to fucking Deku give him relationship advice.

The memory of your lips on his cheek makes his skin itch, and he scowls over the rim of his drink as he thinks about that Icy Hot bastard asking you to save him a dance at the stupid party coming up.

The sound of his name draws him out of his stupor.

“Ugh, finally,” an intoxicated Mina slurs, cuddling up closer against Kirishima’s side. “It’s about time one of them made a move. I thought for sure she’d be the one to do it after what she said on girl’s night, but I’m proud of them for finally doing something about it. Usually Bakugou and Todoroki are more emotionally constipated than that.” Apparently, she doesn’t remember that one of said emotionally constipated men is sitting right across from her. Or maybe she doesn’t care. Mina tends to say whatever the hell she wants when she drinks. No filter at all. Mina heaves an over-dramatic sigh. “If those three would just fuck already.”

Katsuki chokes on his drink. Wild, red eyes lock on Mina across the table. “What the hell are you talkin’ about raccoon eyes?” he finally manages to sputter out.

Kirishima and Kaminari look equally as shocked, and Jirou’s face has gone pale, frozen in horror.

And Mina, with no filter or hesitation, looks Katsuki dead in the eyes and says, “Just how Yuna wants to fuck you and Todoroki.”

“Mina!” Jirou snaps, glaring at her furiously and shaking her head. A silent conversation passes between the girls and then Mina gasps, covering her mouth with her hands when her brain finally catches up with her mouth.

A very tipsy Kaminari glances down at his frazzled girlfriend before he blinks and turns to Mina instead. “Like… at the same time or…?” he trails off.

“Don’t answer that!” Jirou lurches forward and slaps a hand over Mina’s mouth as she starts to answer. Despite being unable to speak, the other girl nods behind Jirou’s hand, happily spilling her friend’s sexual fantasies.

Kaminari’s question is like a punch in the gut to Katsuki, but the wave of interest and arousal that crashes over him is unexpected.

Jirou groans and peels her hand away from Mina’s mouth. “Fuck, she’s gonna kill us later.” She shoots a withering glare at Katsuki. “Look, Bakugou, you can’t tease her about this, okay? She’s stressed enough about liking both of you dumb assholes, and if you make her feel bad for it, I’ll make sure Denki lights your ass up like a Christmas tree.”

“I will?” Kaminari asks. Jirou glares at him too. “I mean, yeah I will!”

“Yeah, whatever,” Katsuki grumbles, staring down at his drink. He’s never been shy about wanting to fuck you, and he’s known for years that Icy Hot wants to fuck you too, but he could never figure out which one of them you wanted to fuck. Apparently, it’s both of them.

He can work with that.

Katsuki waits until the conversation shifts to something else he’s not interested in to pull his phone out of his pocket and find a specific name in his recent texts. He keeps the message short and vague, glancing over it once before hitting send.

‘Yo, Icy Hot. We need to talk.'

#todoroki shouto x reader #shouto todoroki x reader #todoroki x reader #bakugou katsuki x reader #katsuki bakugo x reader #bakugou x reader #bakugou x reader x todoroki #todoroki x reader x bakugou #todoroki shouto #bakugou katsuki #bnha x reader #mha x reader #nbha #mha #fic: some like it hot

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ashleyswrittenwords · 5 years ago

Text

Correlation Doesn’t Imply Causation

Another Zelink Oneshot

Commissioned by @truffeart :)

Post-BOTW fluff with needless angst mixed in

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It took time for the people of Hateno to warm up to the presence of the Princess with the blood of the goddess. They were folks of the countryside where the strangest occurrences had been the occasional Goron traveller or the time a youngster swore up and down that one of the cattle could speak. Miffed hadn’t covered their wonder when the mysterious young man who had brought the decaying house by the cliffs brought home a wide-eyed blonde who suspiciously met the description of the fabled princess.

The man had only stayed in the house for short periods of time, typically buying out Pruce’s stock of arrows and visiting the odd scientist at the peak of the village. A wild, insatiable heart for adventure was something to be expected and the older gossip mongers suspected he would bring back a woman from his travels. What they hadn’t expected was his bashful admittance the day after to Ivee and her mother that he was last century’s fallen hero, that Calamity had been vanquished, and that Princess Zelda was resting in his house.

When one person knows something in Hateno, everyone does.

Initially, it was something Zelda worried extensively about. One-hundred years. Would she be out of touch? Even worse, would they see her as a monster? During her excessive ramblings, the latter question made Link do a double take and immediately steer her off the topic. He had been awake for a little over a year and reassured her that the people of Hateno were harmless, but for the first couple weeks he didn’t dispute her flimsy excuses to stay in the home when he went out on short errands.

Actually, he was very supportive of her. Link’s love for cooking had turned into more of a passion and he had easily taken the mantle of the house chef. She could tell he allowed her to do menial tasks like dicing onions so she could feel helpful, and it worked. While out to gather ingredients for meals, he brought back gardening and sewing supplies to supplement her time; even taking her measurements and returning with three colorful Hateno dresses.

And Zelda was thankful, so thankful that after two weeks she let Link introduce her to the people he knew. She had slinked a couple paces behind him, uncomfortable by the stares once they reached the main road. Amira, the wife of the general store owner, had laughed during their brief introduction, “Nack was going around spreading rumors that you glowed in the dark. I don’t suppose that’s true?”

With a wobbly smile, Zelda affirmed that it hadn’t been true. The day got easier after that. People realized they weren’t going to witness anything other than a socially anxious girl and went about their chores as if nothing happened. Of course, she also dissuaded formal titles and told them she wanted to be a normal person for as long as possible before piecing together the kingdom that had already been underway by the Sheikah.

The days went by slow, but the months sped by her. Before she knew it, Link had woken her up to the smell of herbal tea and fruitcake - sweets in the morning had always been her guilty pleasure.

“Happy three months,” Link said with a hum as he set out some plates.

Blearily, she smiled and took a seat at the table to watch him work. “Has it really been that long?”

He barely nodded. “Official this evening.”

She observed him from behind. A soft hum smoothed over their silence and she allowed herself to enjoy this less guarded Link. He talked more often. It seemed to come naturally to him now.

Zelda let herself melt into the wooden chair and thanked herself for making patterned seat cushions. It wasn’t uncommon that she took in her surroundings, comparing what she lost to what she has now. Materially, it was a deficit but never did she feel so complete. There was no real goal other than to just be.

They ate in a comfortable silence, both still wearing what they slept in.

When noon rolled around, she disappeared upstairs to pull on a deep green dress with sewn in flower patterns and jotted down a list of items to pick up from East Wind.

“Do you not wish to accompany me?” she asked, tying a rupee pouch to her belt. There wasn't any accusation in her voice, merely simple curiosity due to his affinity to keeping by her side. And, admittedly, she did enjoy his company.

“As much as I do,” he grumbled shortly as he tapped the Sheikah slate repeatedly. “Impa sent a letter last week that travelling merchants were having bokoblin issues in the mountain pass.”

Link wore his riding trousers and a simple Hylian tunic. Without words, they had both understood that she had claimed his Champion tunic to sleep in after days of mending. Her heart sank, it meant the shrines weren’t working today and he would need to ride horseback.

He seemed to read her mind, reaching to thread his fingers passed her ear and through her shortened locks. A commonality after she decided thigh-length hair wasn’t practical anymore.

“I should be back at nightfall. Will… you be okay?”

It was a question born of genuine concern despite the knowledge that she was fully capable of cooking and caring for herself, but he needed that affirmation for himself and she was fully willing to allow him that. When she nodded, he pulled away and she mourned the loss of warmth. Zelda forced the corners of her lips upward. The sight reassured him.

“Be careful,” she chided once he packed a small bag and swung onto his horse. Link looked down at her, grinning as if he knew something she did not. “I mean it. Don’t do anything rash.”

“I know,” he breathily said, “I won’t.”

The manner in the way he spoke sounded like her nagging had caused him great exhaustion, which elicited a playful swat at his leg.

“Tonight?” she said, sounding more like a statement than a question.

Unwavering cobalt eyes fixated on her. A chaste nod. They didn’t say much more by the time he secured the reins in one hand and urged the horse into a slight trot. Soon he was over the bridge and down the road. By the time she retrieved her basket, he had long disappeared into the Hateno woods.

Autumn made herself known in the tree leaves that were displaced by Zelda’s steps and the chill that bit her cheeks. She fell in love with the season all over again. Ivee’s voice was clear as day once she stepped on the village road. Two people on horseback road passed her towards the inn up ahead. They politely nodded to the woman as she shouted out today’s discounts and carried on their way.

Ivee grimaced at their backs and stiffened at Zelda’s footsteps. Suddenly, with a bright smile, she twisted around to ring out a warm invitation.

Zelda offered a weak wave when the greeter’s face fell. “Sorry.”

The store owner’s daughter waved her apology away with a sigh and continued sweeping away fallen leaves from the doorstep. “Don’t be. Dad’s been on me more about getting newcomers in before the first snow.”

“Is business bad?” she asked, taking a glance about the area. There were more people than usual.

“Quite the opposite, it’s our busiest season,” Ivee pursed her lips in thought before gesturing towards the door with a scowl. “He’s always like this. Thinkin’ we’re missing out on customers if I don’t lose my voice by sunset.”

Zelda’s shoulders bounced with silent laughter as Ivee leaned back on her heels to wipe sweat from her brow.

“I saw Link leave not too long ago,” the brunette raised her brow. “Seemed to be in a hurry.”

A shrug was Zelda’s answer as she said, “I suppose Kakariko is having a monster problem and, well, you know how he is.”

She grinned wryly, “Can’t ignore a damsel in distress?”

The basket swung with Zelda’s idle swaying and she rolled her eyes. “Oh, no,” she considered, then remembered why she came by. “Have the truffles been restocked?”

“I’m afraid not,” Ivee pouted, “I tried to save some yesterday before they sold out again, but Dad nearly lost his head.”

“I appreciate the thought, Ivee,” Zelda hummed in contemplation. She’d have to do something else for dinner.

The woman looked down, then hazel eyes shot up to hers with an idea.

“Nikki’s daughters go truffle hunting down in the lower forest. Such troublemakers, those girls,” Ivee mumbled the latter notion under her breath. “But now that moblins aren’t as much of an issue, I’m sure they wouldn’t mind if you tagged along.”

“I’d love to, but Link has still been wary about me straying too far from the village. I’d rather not give him a heart attack.” And Zelda wasn’t too keen on wandering far without him; the Yiga were still active on the roads outside the village. Until now, they were careful to keep a low profile.

Ivee sighed and leaned on her broom. Wistfully, she smiled, “I wish I had a protective husband like you. You would think I could find a respectable man already, but everyone our age in this town has the maturity of a child.”

The basket in Zelda’s hands froze mid-sway. “I beg your pardon?”

She didn’t seem to notice the change in the blonde’s body language and went on to stare off, “Link is so protective of you. Zelda, you’re lucky to have snatched up a man like that early on. I’m starting to think I’m either horribly unlucky or Calamity Ganon made them extinct.”

Surely her ears weren’t mistaken.

Husband?

Snatched up?

The woven wood splints of the basket handle dug into her palm, but she carefully guarded her expression - a testament to her upbringing.

“There’s plenty of agreeable men in the village garrison,” she said, trying to shrug off the odd feeling. “I can make Link put in a good word for you.”

Ivee quirked her lips to the side, “I don’t know, Zee… but honestly I have nothing to lose. Will being into soldier types make me as smart as you?”

They laughed it off and Zelda politely excused herself with a slight stiffness. From East Wind, she picked up grains and milk while making sure to leave a good report to Pruce of Ivee’s behalf. On her way out, Pruce chuckled.

“Send my regards to your better half!”

Her brows scraped the highest reaches of her forehead, but Zelda quickly reeled herself in and sent a bright smile behind her. As she walked down the road with the sales shouting of Ivee behind her, she felt the shock of their assumptions settle into a stark warmth against the chill air.

There were several variables that insinuated… a very misconstrued aspect of her relationship with Link. The tips of Zelda’s ears flared. But, no, she was a scientist and understood that correlation did not mean causation. It could simply be an assumption drawn from Amira and Pruce’s household only.

“Zelda!”

She jumped at the hiss, spinning towards its direction and coming face to face with Nikki. The woman gripped her wrist and dragged her around the corner of a house. Then, Amira popped up from behind a barrel.

“You’re good!” she loudly whispered. “He didn’t notice.”

“Who didn’t notice?” Zelda said, making Nikki momentarily panic when her voice was too loud for her liking. The antics of the two women were fairly normal, but this situation was entirely new.

Amira, who was glaring around the bend, appeared again with shifty eyes. “There’s a man going around asking nearly every woman on a date.”

Nikki puffed out her chest victoriously. “You’re lucky. He got distracted by the innkeeper’s daughter. He kept going on about boots. His boots this, his boots that. My goodness, he’s fortunate he didn’t pull that on me. My Nacky would have let him have it.”

“O-Oh,” Zelda exchanged glances between the two of them. “Thank you.”

“Absolutely, darling,” Amira proudly declared. “We wouldn’t want Link running around trying to find the man who wanted to steal you from him, now would we? It’d be bad for business.”

Before Zelda knew it, she was nodding vehemently. “Yes, I know what you mean.”

She most certainly did not know what they meant. At all. Quickly, she bid them a good day and began her way up the slopes to the Sheikah lab. Despite Amira and Nikki’s warning, the boot man never appeared to steal her away.

Purah’s squeaky voice was heard above the ticking of gears as Zelda pushed open the doors. Calculating brown eyes met hers, “I was wondering if you’d ever visit me.”

“I was here yesterday.”

She still appeared to be a child, but Zelda noticed she was taller than the prior day. From her stool, she squinted down into the cavernous body of a small guardian. It had long been deactivated by Link before he defeated Calamity Ganon, and Zelda was set to use it for a better purpose than rotting in a junkyard.

The Sheikah waved her off, “Did your potion make only my mind older because I distinctly remember Symin being the only one here.”

Symin barely looked up from a diagram, “She was here for four hours, Purah.”

All the scientist did was hum a tune. Zelda helped herself to the desk space she had occupied a day before. Scattered across it were miscellaneous notes in Zelda and Purah’s handwriting. Small illustrations were more prevalent in Purah’s more recent studies. At least her physical form was growing older and the blonde was quick to scribble down her observations.

Beyond that, however, Zelda grew relentlessly distracted. Any progress was dashed when she remembered how they referred to Link. Three desperate attempts to read through the same paragraph were thwarted by the time she slammed the book shut, unable to get the notion of being married out of her head.

Husband. Husband? That would make her his wife, logically. But what wasn’t logical would be the ability to fathom this idea in the first place.

“Symin,” she suddenly said, catching the larger man’s attention. He swiveled a bit in his stool to face her.

“Do you need another reference?” He was referring to the Guardian mandible in his lap.

Zelda shook her head before choosing her words carefully.

“What are your thoughts on marriage?”

“Um,” Symin wrinkled his nose and gazed up at the ceiling above. “Uh, I have very little on the subject. Why ask me?”

“Don’t hit on my assistant, Zelly,” Purah’s voice echoed from within the Guardian body she was dismantling. “I’ll tell on you to Linky.”

That made Zelda place her hands on the table and partially stand. The metal parts lying on her skirt clattered to the ground.

“So, you think we’re married too?” She was louder than she usually was with a tone of finality.

Symin nearly gawked, “You aren’t?”

“No!”

“You aren’t?” Purah echoed, popping her white head of hair out of the sea of wheels and cogs.

“Purah you should know this!”

“Zelly, you must know old women don’t poke their noses into other people’s business! Consider it an educated guess.”

Zelda groaned, falling back into her seat with her head in her hands.

The researcher’s assistant beside her shifted awkwardly in his seat.

“Well,” he started, then stopping and starting again. “It must have been another dramatization when the story began spreading across Hyrule.”

“What’s the story say then?” she said, defeat in her stature and embarrassment on her cheeks. “I might as well know how it was told.”

Purah had fully reemerged now, her clothes stained from oil. She wriggled onto the table. “Something something, before the Princess’s birthday,” she sang, “the goddesses something something and under the watchful eye of Hylia they eloped or whatever.”

“We eloped?”

“I don’t know!” Purah threw up her short arms. “That’s what the bird said!”

“Look,” Symin steered her away from his mentor. “Maybe it’d be best if you got home and explained it to Link before he hears it from someone else.”

She considered it. He was right. Zelda should rip the bandaid off early on, then the awkwardness could pass faster.

Right?

“I will say, I was hurt that I wasn’t invited,” Purah pouted, handing Zelda her basket. “But remember that when there’s a real wedding.”

She didn’t have the emotional energy to argue at that point.

It had been hours since she had ascended the cliff and now the impending sunset brought dropping temperatures. The clouds over the sea hadn’t lightened her mood either.

By the time Zelda returned home, night had fallen outside and it caused her to assume that Link was wise enough to spend it in Kakariko. He knew she didn’t like the thought of him riding past dusk.

She waited until small bubbles manifested over the sea of oil and melted the butter for her mind to wander. It wasn’t… imposterous to make inferences based on their interactions. After all, they had known one another for over one-hundred years (with all minor happenstances abiding). Perhaps it was only natural that they developed their familiar bond.

Zelda had difficulties with darkness and he, with sleep, so it wasn’t an uncommon occurrence that she made herself a space amongst his makeshift pallets by the hearth, nor him in her bed in the loft. How many times has that happened?

Many times. Most nights.

The heat on her face was quickly blamed on the simmering risotto base. Gradually, she stirred in the rice and spices, copying the movements she’s seen Link do before.

Besides, sleeping together - no, merely sharing the same proximity - was born of necessity. There were plenty of activities a married couple performed that they didn’t. Nikki and Nack called one another the most egregious nicknames. Zelda nodded to herself, stirring the contents of the pan with fervor. That was something they never did.

They were comfortable roommates. Who slept together on the occasion.

And who shared lingering touches when words didn’t suffice.

She was wary to confess the feelings she harbored for those small moments when he’d brush the side of her cheek and down the length of her hair; the only times she regretted her dubious haircut. And maybe she did enjoy the opportunities to remind him to shave by cupping his cheek in her hand. Thrill wedged itself in her heart when he leaned further into her touch.

Discomfort sat at the bottom of her stomach. Zelda frowned deeply. The familiar sensation of impending disappointment ebbed at her.

The door at the head of the room clambered open, revealing the sheets of rain falling from the heavens. Boots stomped a couple steps on the hard-wood and the door shut more gently than it opened.

“I’m sorry,” a chilled, but deeply familiar voice said. “I’m late.”

Zelda sat back on her haunches, taking Link in as he peeled off his sopping cloak. His shoulders shook as the rain had long set into his clothes.

“Link,” she whined. “Hylia above, what have I told you about riding in the rain? Especially in this weather!”

“I know,” he grinned wryly at her from across the room. “And I nearly rented a room, but then goddesses told me you were cooking tonight.”

She would have chastised him further and ran to grab him an extra change of clothes, but her previous thoughts pounded in the back of her brain and the steady bubbling of risotto kept her in her place.

“You’re too much for me,” she huffed, barely looking at him. “Can you check to see if this is done?”

Suddenly, his breath was right next to her ear. “I’ll move out anytime you want me to.”

A pause.

“It’s perfect, Zel.”

Her hand stilled in its stirring. There went the nickname criteria.

Zelda caught his eye and his amused expression deflated slightly. She blinked, “This is your house.”

A small crease formed between is brow. “And?”

“And,” she emphasized, “you’re going to catch a chill in your own home if you don’t change.”

Link didn’t move immediately and she could feel his stare, but eventually he relented to her nagging. She could hardly hear him shuffle about the room once his boots were removed. When Zelda pulled the pan from the fire, he was descending down the loft in a simple cloth shirt and trousers.

“Did I do something?” he said, idling by the foot of the stairs.

That had made her brow furrow and her frown to deepen.

“No,” she nonchalantly answered, throwing down a potholder on the table with more force than needed.

He eyed her from the cabinet and pulled out a couple plates.

“I am fine,” she copied his stare and could tell the question was on the tip of his tongue. Still, he held her gaze from across the room. Zelda pressed the appropriate silverware onto the placemats.

“Link, stop that. I’m fine.”

When he closed the distance to put the appropriate plates on their mats, he hadn’t yielded to her reassurances and took note on the way she stepped away to give him extra room.

Annoyance wormed into Zelda’s chest and she dimly noticed that this manner of interrogation was used before.

“Have I done anything?” Link asked again, genuinely this time. “Because I’m sorry if I worried you.”

It was a wonder how this was the same man who could take on three lynels at once. She only knew because she’s seen it. The fire was there when he stared down Ganon after a year of waking up from a century of slumber, it hadn’t stifled the flame in his eyes. But now, he was careful with her. The blue of his eyes was soft, gentle and fully willing to apologize when there was nothing he did wrong.

“No,” she said, forcing herself to match his demeanor because it wasn’t fair for her own troubles to affect him. “No, you haven’t.”

His follow up question didn’t need a voice.

“I heard something in town and,” she stopped to let her stiff shoulders sag. “I don’t think you’ll like it.”

Gods, she sounded like she was a child about to admit to breaking something. As she said the words, she realized that the idea itself hadn’t bothered her. What had bothered her was his potential reaction.

Zelda could say they were friends, even close friends, but lovers? Spouses? The pull of her heart at the thought scared her.

Disappointment. There would be disappointment in his eyes that would leave her to hurt.

“They think,” she paused. He tried to take her fidgeting hands in his, but she pulled away and left him dumbfounded. Zelda didn’t like that expression at all on him, only making her more flustered in what to do.

“Who?” His tone was gentle, like calming a spooked horse.

Zelda breathed in a large breath, “This morning. Ivee and- and Pruce and… Nikki and Nack...”

She trailed off, searching the floor and Link for words.

“The townspeople?”

Tentatively, she nodded, not quite able to spit out what she needed to say.

Now, he was fully confused. “What do they think? Zelda, I promise you they don’t judge you for what had happened.”

The Calamity. Of course he would be thinking she was worried about that with how aloof her mannerisms suddenly were. Assuming he guessed right, his small frown upticked to sympathy.

“They’d never pin that on you. If anything, they warmed up to you more than they did to me.”

He began to tell her about the odd stares he got when he began reconstruction of the house. All the stories that would typically make her laugh, but all she could do with stare at their feet.

“They think we’re married!”

The words that flew from her were unequivocally hers yet her ears could hardly believe it. Link’s lips fell into a small “o” as he took a step back. Shock barely registered on his features, and it made her regret saying anything at all. She hated the way his eyes left hers.

Unsure of what to do, she watched him pace to the opposite wall and back. Never did he meet her gaze in turn for the rafters above. A hand brushed through his damp hair.

He swallowed the remnants of his tales, more softer with a certain disbelief, “Married, huh?”

Her quiet response affirmed him.

If this had been any other situation, she would have poked fun at the way he was behaving. Nothing about him exuded the certain confidence he so often employed in front of her. Lucky was a word she would have used if she managed to confound him like this.

“Ivee was the first to mention it in passing,” Zelda placated. “I thought it was a simple misunderstanding until Pruce then Nikki then Amira until…”

“Until it wasn’t so simple,” he finished for her. She smoothed a piece of hair behind her ear with a nod.

They fell back into a quietness. Some of Link’s shock gave way for, what she assumed, a reluctant acceptance.

The risotto was growing cold and neither had the stomach to point it out.

Zelda wasn’t ignorant about her feelings. However, she knew she was a coward. Before the Calamity, she had an understanding of why his name suddenly filled up the pages of her diary. Back then, Link had a silent charm to him that let her be herself for a short moment. It enraptured her. But she also had an excuse to never admit it.

Now, she had nothing to hide behind. No Calamity Ganon was going to drag her away from the man who was obviously embarrassed to be seen as her husband.

“Married?” he asked again, as if she hadn’t confirmed it for the umpteenth time. He was leaning against the table with his hand rubbing his neck.

“Yes, Link,” she was growing frustrated. “They think we’re… you know.”

Then, he looked up. “Is that a bad thing?”

Link’s eyes swept the room at her startled reaction. “Well,” he said with a raised brow and a small shake of his head. “If you’re completely against it then I am too, but-”

Then, to her absolute surprise, he shrugged. “It’s not horrible.”

“What are you saying?”

“I’m saying,” there was defensiveness in his voice, “that other people assuming I’m married isn’t the worst rumor in the world.”

Now Zelda was thoroughly convinced he had stumbled upon a pub on his way home. “You do realize that it would mean I would be your wife.”

His shrug was more grandiose this time. “And I would be your husband.”

By then, the room was much dimmer. The fire lacked wood and Zelda hadn’t had time to think about lighting candles. She could make out his features, but could hardly read them.

“So, you’re not mad?”

Link wasn’t leaning on the table anymore. The action made her feel closer to him.

“Why would I be mad at you?”

She crossed her arms over her chest. “Not at me. The rumor.”

There was hesitation in his movements, but he crossed the little amount of space between them. “Honestly? It makes sense why more people haven’t outwardly hit on you.”

That comment made her let out a short laugh.

“But no,” he said; she could hear his smile. “I’m not mad… not at all.”

Link’s approach was slower than usual, but she opened up to his enticing pulls that evolved into a gentle embrace.

There were many doubts Zelda harbored. Most old, some new. To her, they were indistinguishable. Yet, all were forgotten, if only for a little while when he held her close in his arms.

When she bunched the cloth of his shirt in her hands, she felt him shiver.

“You’re going to catch a cold,” Zelda muttered.

All he did was hold her closer.

#i LOVED writing this #i actually wanted to write more but you know theres always a point where too much of something spoils the rest #loz #zelink #loz fanfiction #zelink fanfiction #ashleyswrittenwords #zelda #link #legend of zelda: breath of the wild

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ask-the-wordsmith · 4 years ago

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hello!!! you're really talented at roleplaying on tumblr and i was wondering if you had any tips on how to write for rps and just generally how to get started if you havent really done it before! thanks so much, ur very cool!!

OHHHH thank you so much for asking!! no seriously, thanks for asking, I’m in a bit of an original-content slump so I will grab any chance to talk about RP and feel better about myself—

First off, I have a writing tag on my most well-known RP blog (percival-queen) with a few posts that might be worth the read if you can get past my rambles. There’s quite a few on getting a RP blog started, at least (things like making icons and whatnot). #[ 2 feathered quills - writing advice ]

But, that’s boring to me, so I’m not gonna rehash any of it! Writing tips below the cut!

The very basics

“Yes, and!” Basically, never negate anything your partner says! And I don’t mean your muse can’t say no to something. I mean YOU, as the narrator, should never change something your partner establishes, even if it’s not what you had planned. Jello gives the funniest and best example of this on an episode of Tip Of The Tongue, where is one guy says “hey dude, pass me the soda!” and the other replies, “there’s no soda! WE’RE ON THE MOON!” ...Yeah. Don’t do that.

Don’t godmod. This is what makes the rule above work. Remember that in role-play, you can only 100% control YOUR muse’s actions. You have 0% control over your partner’s actions: try not to assume even little things, like that they’ll accept a handshake. The world around your muses (such as minor NPCs, weather, and other events neither muse caused) might be a 50-50% split, or one person might have more control than the other— but unless you and your partner really click, it might be best to communicate about this number beforehand. Which reminds me!

Communicate OOC. The amount in which you have to do this varies depending on the length/importance of the thread and how chill your partners are. Goldbricker-ramsey and I almost never planned past the setup (“hey can my muse show up at your muses’s doorstep on the verge of fainting” “YES! ...do you know why?” “nah I’ll figure it out later” “OKAY!”), but donutbadge likes to discuss at least the outline of the entire plot before starting. Everyone is different! Figuring out how much you need to communicate is the first step of communication.

Slightly less basic basics

Conflict is good. In all writing, but ESPECIALLY role-play. Note that this does NOT mean every thread has to have conflict— but something I notice a lot of beginning role-players do is that they (usually subconsciously) avoid any kind of rude/mean/conflict-inducing behavior because it makes them uncomfortable. They feel like they’re doing something wrong. But conflict, whether life-threatening or just siblings yelling at each other, is often the source of the most interesting threads, and can even lead to the best fluff further down the line! This is where OOC communication can come in handy, if you feel nervous about your muse doing something that you wouldn’t do.

*disclaimer for the advice above: do communicate OOC if you’re going to have any “heavy/mature” conflict, or even heavy/mature themes in your thread. If it’s the sort of stuff that needs to be tagged for triggers, you MUST ask your partner about it first.

Remember your character basics. I know this feels like it shouldn’t even need to be said on the list, but it’s insane how much I see this just... not happen. With villains, it might tie into the whole “avoiding conflict” thing, but it’s not villain-exclusive. If your muse’s DEFINING PERSONALITY TRAIT is being a hothead who’s easily ticked off, don’t have them immediately forgive the random guy who bumped into them on the street! I think “nice” muses tend to be easier to play because less people are inclined to make a nice character act mean (unless it’s in the context of a joke or crackpost, and ofc those are fine).

Look for contrasts. With same-world characters and new interactions alike, searching for evident contrasts can get past the awkward “hello my name is x what is your name how do you do” stuff and into the actually interesting dynamics. Contrasts can be anything from “one muse is a farmer and the other is a city boy” to “one muse a pacifist sweetheart and the other is literally a murderer.” Once you’ve found your contrast, look for an excuse to bring it up in IC conversation and let the fun begin! (A classic trope if you want a less-serious thread is one muse not knowing or misunderstanding something, e.x. “hey look a pizzeria!” “a what now?” “YOU’VE NEVER TRIED PIZZA?!?”)

Look for similarities. Contrasts are sometimes harder to find but easier to make threads out of. Similarities are easier to find but less interesting most of the time, so try looking for the unexpected similarities between your muses! Do they have similar backstories? Personalities? Especially if it’s something you’ve never seen explored before, find a reason to bring it up and let the Bonding Moments (TM) happen.

Make strong choices. ...when it’s in-character, of course. Some muses really are just Chill and that’s kinda their Thing, but 99% of them are super expressive— because, guess what, those characters are the best ones for writing, whether in RP or prose! If you have a decision, but it seems kind of boring, go back to your character basics and see if there’s anything you can use to make it stronger.

If a partner muse asks your muse to dance, you know what’d be the most boring answer? “Sure.” Unless you’re part of the 1% of muses that would do Exactly That, you know what would be more interesting? “HECK YEAH!” or “I thought you'd never ask!” or “Really? You’re sure you want to dance with me?!” or... pretty much anything!

The same can even be said when the choice is negative. You know what else is a boring answer to being asked to dance? “No thanks.” Again: unless you’re RPing as the 1%, please, PLEASE give your answer more flavor. “Not in a million years, you shallow jerk!” or “No... I’m sure I’d just step on your feet and get in the way...” or “N-no way, b-baka!” or “(*PANICKED SCREAMING, RUNS AWAY, TRIPS ON THE STAIRCASE, AND DROPS A GLASS SHOE AS THEY FUMBLE WITH THEIR HAIR*)” are all more interesting than the first response.

Get used to feeling out endings. This might take some practice, but what I mean is, try to be aware when you’re reaching the natural conclusion of a thread. A lot of threads just kinda lose momentum and die out, sometimes without even an official end, and while that’s okay (role-play is supposed to be relaxing and for fun!), it’s MORE satisfying to have a thread wrapped up with a nice neat bow. For threads that have conflict in them, the ending should be shortly after the resolution of the conflict— whether good or bad. For non-conflict threads (the ones that read like domestic fics), a good ending is for the characters to finish whatever they’re doing— eating a meal, going shopping, whatever— and wrapping up their conversation at the same time.

There are of course a billion variations on ending threads, and I could probably make a whole post dedicated to the subject, but for now I think this ramble is plenty!

#thanks for this anon.... I was havin a bit of a bad night writing-wise and this was a very nice way to boost myself up again #roleplay #rp #rp tips #[ smithing tips - writing advice ]#[ price tag - answered ask ]#anon

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lizzie-boo · 5 years ago

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Making the First Move-Ficmas Day 7

Percy Weasley x Reader

Words:1,715

A/N: This is just to short for how I wanted this to actually play out. If it was how I wanted it to be it would’ve been idk maybe another 10,000 words at least. So this is just a really rushed version of it. If your interested I would totally be down for making this into a longer story once ficmas is over. Let me know if you would be interested in that.

I’m reposting this because it doesn’t seem to be showing up in the tags. But it was originally posted on the 7th, I promise.

~~~

Christmas had come once more and like always you found yourself staying with the Weasley’s. It wasn’t that you hated going home but you would get to see your family all summer when you went on vacation. So Christmas break was one of the few times of year that you got to spend time outside of school with your friends and your faux family.

You were sitting in the living room of the burrow with Ron, Harry, and Hermione. You were idly chatting about what you should do over the break, bouncing ideas back and forth. The room was cast in a warm glow from the roaring fire.

“I’m gonna grab a drink, anyone else want anything?” you ask while pushing Hermione’s feet off your lap so you could stand.

“I’ll take a water,” she tells you. Both boys nod in agreement and you head towards the kitchen.

You’re rummaging through the cabinets looking for four glasses that match. The door opens and then click shut but you don’t notice. You spot the last glass you need towards the top of the shelf. You pat your back pocket in search of your wand so that you can get it down. Coming back empty-handed you let out a huff.

You turn to lean your back on the counter. Only to find that Percy Weasley is watching you. He quickly comes over grabs the glass for you. Not realizing that he’s leaning over you. Handing you the glass he wanders off without a word.

You feel your cheeks warming from the encounter. You hastily fill the glasses and return to your friends, who all shoot you weird looks.

“What took you so long?” Ron asks while taking a large gulp of water.

“Why are you all red? Are you sick?” Harry asks causing Hermione to snicker.

“It’s nothing,” you say.

“Mhmm, sure,” Hermione drawls causing your face to heat up more. This causes both boys to look confused between the two of you. Hermione lets out another laugh at your embarrassment.

“Shut up,” you yell at her while swatting at her arm.

“We’re talking about it later.” You know that there won’t be any way to get out of the dreaded conversation based on the look she sent your way.

Slowly the conversation turns to a new topic and you once again find yourself laughing and chatting with your friends. The time ticks by and before you know it Molly is calling everyone to dinner. Everyone begins to sit down and Fred and George take the seats next to you. You roll your eyes at their antics.

“Hey, I saw that. That’s not very nice of you,” Fred teases while bumping his shoulder into yours. At the same time, you notice Percy taking the empty seat across from you and you blush when you accidentally make eye contact with him.

Towards the end of the table, Hermione is watching you. When she sees Fred joking around with you and your blush she nudges Ginny.

“Do you think she likes Fred?” she asks the younger girl.

“I don’t know why anyone would like him,” she responds before turning back to her meal.

Before you have a chance to fully finish your meal Hermione is dragging you up the steps. She instructs you to sit on the bed and you just stare at her confused.

“What is this all about?”

“So what happened between you and Fred earlier?” she asks.

Your eyebrows knit together and you look at her.

“What are you talking about? Did you hit your head or something?”

“You ran into him in the kitchen earlier, it had to of been him. I saw the way you were blushing at dinner when he bumped your shoulder.” She clasps her hands together and takes a minute to pace the floor.

She starts rambling about how she should’ve seen it coming when you interrupt her. “Hermione!” you shout, finally getting her attention.

She turns to look at you and you continue, “I didn’t run into Fred in the kitchen.

She tilts her head, much like a dog would and just stares at you. Your hand comes up to rub at your temples trying to quell the embarrassment of who it was that caused such a reaction from you.

“Who was it then?” Hermione asks.

Taking a deep breath you whisper, “Percy”

Her mouth practically falls open. Running your hand over the duvet on the bed you try to avoid her stare. You smirk down at the bed, trying not to laugh at her surprised reaction. No matter how embarrassed you were to have said who your crush was, seeing Hermione in shock would never not be funny.

“Oh my god, that’s even better. You two would be so much better together. You should make a move.”

“First of all calm down. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you this excited. Secondly, he doesn’t even notice me and I’m just coming to terms with my feelings towards him. I don’t want to rush into anything.” you tell her while running a hand through your hair.

“It’s just I’m so happy to see that you finally found someone who likes you back.” It was bizarre to see her so happy over your love life since this wasn’t something she was normally interested in.

“What do you mean someone who likes you back?” you ask, mimicking her tone of voice for the last half of your question.

“I’m not supposed to tell anyone but I might’ve overheard Percy talking to Charlie before about how he thought he might have feelings for you.” Her face breaks out in a sheepish smile and you smack her arm.

“And you didn’t tell me?” you exclaim.

“So what I’m hearing is that you like him.” She crosses her arms while quirking her brow again.

“I mean I don’t really know. I’ve always thought he was cute, but I haven’t really thought about him like that until recently. Besides he would never date me because he’s so much older than me.” You sigh running your hand over the duvet cover. You hadn’t thought about what it would be like dating Percy very much but when the rare thought popped up it made a smile form on your face.

“You should just try cause we both know he won’t make a move and if you don’t try you’ll never know.” She shakes your shoulders slightly, making you laugh.

“Fine but only cause you’re so confident that it’ll be okay.”

She claps her hands in excitement and goes to grab your arm again. Pulling you to your feet you both head back down to the living room to meet up with the rest of your friends. You kick your feet up in Ginny’s lap and she tries to push them away. Hermione copies your actions causing the younger girl to get irritated.

“I’m not a footrest,” she complains.

“Yeah, they don’t listen,” Ron informs his sister.

Soon enough you slip into conversation and find yourself laughing at the twins' story of their most recent prank. It’s not long before Harry excuses himself to go get ready for bed. Minutes later Ginny is shoving you off of her to turn in for the night too. You remember to make a mental note to talk to Hermione about that tomorrow but don’t worry about it too much.

The twins head up to bed shortly after with a chorus of stay out of trouble. You roll your eyes, wondering how they can tell you to stay out of trouble when all they do is get in trouble.

“We should probably head up too, gotta make sure Ginny gets to her room eventually.” Hermione jokes and Ron yells at her.

“I don’t want to think about my baby sister doing that stuff,” he complains.

“Then you better go to your room so she doesn’t get the chance to.” He rushes up the stairs without even saying goodnight.

You both head up the stairs together, reaching Ginny’s room at the same time she does.

“Don’t” she grumbles before entering the room. You grab your pajamas out of your bag and head towards the bathroom.

You change quickly and brush your teeth. After pulling your hair back you gather your things and start to make your way back to the room. You only make it a few steps out of the bathroom when you bump into someone. Your clothes and toothbrush fall to the floor with a bang. Dropping down quickly you scramble to collect your belongings. Standing up you notice Percy standing there, your toothbrush in his hand.

“I’m sorry,” you say as he hands it back to you.

“It’s fine.” He places his hand on your shoulder in an attempt to be reassuring. It takes a moment before he drops it back down. His hand accidentally brushing your arm in the process which causes a shiver to travel down your spine.

Looking into his eyes a blush takes over your face, similar to the one adorning his. You stand there for a moment unsure of what to say. In a moment of courage, you lean up and place a chaste kiss to his cheek.

“Thank you,” you whisper while gesturing to your belongings before rushing off.

He grabs your wrist in his large hand and spins you so you're looking at him. The feeling of his hand on your bare skin causes goosebumps to rise and your heartbeat to speed up. He grabs the back of your head and pulls you in for a passionate kiss. It leaves you breathless and lightheaded but happier than you could ever imagine.

Your arms snake around his neck and his around your waist. He pulls you close and just holds you in his arms for a while. Laying your head on his shoulder you take a moment to let it sink in. You break apart when the sound of footsteps echo through the quiet house. You both part ways with an unspoken understanding that you would figure it all out in the morning.

You don’t miss the look Hermione and Ginny give you when you slip into your bed.

“I’ll tell you in the morning,” you tell them before turning over and drifting to sleep.

#harry potter imagine #Harry Potter #percy weasley #percy weasley x reader #percy weasley imagine #ficmas 2019 #ficmas #ficmas day 7 #reader insert #imagine #reader #x reader #repost #this story sucks

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lilywoood · 5 years ago

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Prompt 53

I posted it before but somehow tumblr managed to delete it so here it is prompt 53 for my dearest @felicitous-one

Also tagging : @diazbuckleysworld @translucent-bisexual @cherishingstydia @gxtop @impossiblealice

Word count : 2001

Song : Kiss Me - Jason Walker

It had been a rough year for the 118, between the accidents, the lawsuit, the fight club and unresolved sexual tension the 118 had it share of problems that’s why they welcomed the Christmas period with a bit of reserve...

They knew people, they knew how they were more accident prone during that period of the year, that’s why this year Bobby with some help from Athena decided to make this Christmas a memorable one, in a good way of course.

The plan was simple, with the approval of his chief he decided to organize a Christmas special event, this year it’ll be secret Santa...

Well secret for everyone minus two of his best firefighters who’ve been dancing around one another for too long and whose sexual tension was getting a bit uncomfortable to say the least...

Nobody would blame him for forcing destiny a bit, quite the opposite he deserved to Captain of the year just for that.

The plan was to be set on motion the next day, he’ll make the daily announcement and then he’ll present them with the Christmas event, thanks to his wonderful wife he already have a plan to make sure Buck and Eddie would be each other’s secret Santa.

———————————————————-

Buck wondered if the universe heard his prayer or if his friends were just tricking him once again, it couldn’t be possible, of all the team he’d picked the one he secretly wanted, he secretly dreaded.

Don’t get him wrong he was happy, ecstatic to get his best-friend slash secret crush, slash love of his life’s name, he couldn’t wait going gift hunting with Maddie and hopefully (finger crossed) Christopher but at the same time he couldn’t stop the stress and the knots in his stomach.

He was stressed not about what to get Eddie, he knew him pretty well, knew that it was easy to please the man, no he was stressed because this time he wanted his gift to be meaningful, he was ready now, he’d made peace with himself and accepted his feelings, he couldn’t says them out-loud for fear of rejection so he hopped to find something that would transcript it for him, find something that’ll make Eddie understand..

Eddie knew something was up with his team, he could’ve swore he saw Hen high five Bobby and Chim had been recording the all pick your Santa moment, he knew he didn’t got Buck’s name by chance and he was pretty persuaded that the other man had picked his name.

He didn’t mind it, quite the opposite it was the perfect opportunity for him to repay Buck for all he’d done for Chris and him, it was also a good excuse to get the man something more personal, something that maybe make his clueless friend understand that he wanted more, that their friendship wasn’t enough for him, that he wanted him in the picture forever ?

His teammates were nagging him one after the other trying to make him reveal if he did pick Evan’s name, he managed to dodge the ball every time pretending that it’ll ruin the surprise if he did say who he’d get.

He couldn’t wait getting home and sharing his day with both Chris and Carla maybe they could help him plan the perfect surprise for Buck, they probably had better idea than a proposal on Christmas Eve.

———————————————————-

When Eddie got home he almost forgot about his day, forgot about secret Santa, forgot about the paper with Buck’s name in his back pocket.

It wasn’t until Chris started to talk about his day at school and how his teacher made them write their letter to Santa that he remembered.

-Seems like you had a really good day at school buddy, he smiled ruffling his son’s hair,

-What’s about yours daddy, he quizzed meeting his father’s tired gaze.

-It was a good day, he grinned softly, say, he started taking a deep breath, this year we decided to play secret Santa at work and now I have to found a gift for Buck want to help me, he questioned

-Yes, Chris beamed leaving his drawing to rejoin his father on the sofa, what do you want to give him, he wondered.

-Something that’ll show Buck how much we love him, he sighed.

-He already know that, Chris smarted, he’s family right, he added confused.

-Yes buddy he’s family, Eddie reassured holding him in his arm, it’s another kind of love I want to show him though, he quietly revealed

-You love-love him, he stated joyfully, I knew it, he exclaimed when Eddie nodded,

Eddie smiles relaxed by his son’s reaction, he knew of course he knew how much Chris loved Buck and didn’t mind having him around but it was different now and having his son support really was the push he needed to set his plan in motion.

-So I can count on you to help me, Eddie asked playfully....

———————————————————-

Buck was getting desperate, he spend most of his and Maddie’s day off gift hunting...

He searched for everything everywhere, he wanted to find the perfect gift for Eddie, one who’ll make the other man think of him, one that’ll make him understand how important he was, how loved he was.

They were exiting the fifth store when Maddie decided to take matters in her own hands, she knew how important this gift was, how much significance it needed to hold, she knew that this gift was the perfect opportunity and he couldn’t miss it...

-Evan, she called tenderly grabbing his forearm, we can’t continue like this, she tried, you need to know what you want to get because going into stores hopping you’ll find it isn’t working, she explained to a dejected Buck

-I know, he sighed passing a hand on his face, it’s just... he tried, it had to be perfect, he frowned, I..I want him to know, to understand, I can’t... he was playing with the hem of his coat, I love him so much Mads, he chucked his eyes getting teary.

-Maybe we should ask Christopher for help, she smiled patting his cheeks, he knows his father better than us, she hummed, tangling their arms.

-He’s with Carla now, he remarked, do you think I should call them, he demanded bitting his lips.

-Want me to do it, she replied, I could call Carla and explain it to her if you don’t feel up to it, she added, I’ll give you the phone when Chris is on the line, she proposed

-Okay, he nodded giving her his phone.

She quickly found Carla’s number and called her, she spent exactly five minutes with her explaining her brother’s trouble and dilemma before tending him the phone and letting him talk with Christopher.

-Hi Buck, Chris cheered on the other side, how are you, he asked.

-Hey buddy I’m good, he responded, I’m calling you cause I need a special favor from you think you could help, he wondered cringing at how unsure he sounded.

-What do you need Bucky, the little boy inquired genuinely.

-I’m trying to find a gift for your dad, he croaked, I need to know what would be good for him, he muttered.

-Everything would be good Bucky if it’s from you, Chris reassured him.

-I know buddy but it’s different this time, he trailed not sure if it was right to reveal his real intention to him.

-It’s different because you’re in love with daddy, he stated, don’t worry kid it’ll be fine if it’s from you daddy would be happy cause he loves-love you, he giggled

-I love-love him too, Buck chuckled reassured, still I need something perfect buds, he hummed...

———————————————————-

The call had been brief but it was what he needed shortly after hanging up with Chris he found Maddie in front of Victoria’s Secret gazing at their Christmas special collection.

-Do you think I should buy some sexy outfit to surprise Chim, she joked pointing at the Santa lingeries

-Gross Maddie, he irked, I don’t need that picture in my head, he barfed.

Maddie chuckled tangling their arms, forcing him to join her in her lingerie hunt, they spent the afternoon together, going from shops to shops until he found it the perfect gift....

———————————————————-

Christmas Eve came faster than what Bobby imagined, all the stations had been decorated for the occasion, they were giving away gift for those in needs and a small diner had been served.

After people were nourished and all the gifts distributed, the 118 retreated upstairs to finally reveal who have been whose Santa.

Everyone got its gift except Hen, Bobby, Eddie and Buck, the first two knew they were each other’s not so secret Santa and couldn’t wait to see the two men’s reaction. Hen rose first à bug smile on her face she pretended to go to Buck who was sat next to Bobby, she suppressed a laugh at Eddie’s confused look and Buck’s dejected expression.

-Seems I’m your secret Santa Cap, she smiled tending him a flamboyant red gift bag.

-Thank you Hen, he frowned confused by the vibrant color, who’s next, he clapped, Buck, he called.

-If you don’t mind Cap my gift is a bit too personal, he mumbled cheeks reddening, I’d like to give it to Eddie privately, he blurted,

-That’s fine, Bobby assured squeezing his shoulder, Eddie, he asked nodding to the other man.

-Uhm, he coughed trying to avoid his teammates pointed stares, I...can you guys give us some space, he mumbled gaze fixed on the floor.

———————————————————-

They were alone now, everyone left the room shortly after Eddie asked for space, it had been ten minutes ago and none of the two men were willing to start the conversation...

-So, Buck coughed getting sick of the tense silence, do you want to get your gift first or we could exchange them at the same time or I don’t know, he rambled

-Evan, Eddie called getting up from his place to sit next to him, don’t panic whatever you give me would be fine, he smiled, if it’s from you even a simple card is enough, he assured him patting his knee, here’s mine, he smiled giving him a small packet.

-Here, Buck croaked tending him and slightly larger box, I...I hope you’ll like it, he coughed turning his attention back to his own gift.

Eddie was the first to open his present, he carefully teared the paper while Buck was more brutal, Buck got him a framed map of stars, with a date at the bottom, he frowned confused turning back to Buck.

-It’s beautiful, he smiled, passing his hand over it, tracing the stars, it was from the day we went to see Santa with Chris, he asked.

-Yeah, Buck mumbled, it was an important day and I was happy you invited me, he chuckled, it felt like I was part of your family, he hummed.

-You’re family Evan, he affirmed taking his hand in his, never doubt that, he added softly making circle on his skin with his thumb.

-I...thank you, he smiled back interlacing their hands, it wasn’t the only reason I choose this particular day, he admitted biting his lips

-Before you tell me what I think you’re going to tell, Eddie smiled, open my gift please, he pleaded, I need to know we are on the same page, he prayed.

Buck grinned letting go of Eddie’s hand to open the little wood box on his laps, tears were flowing down his face when he saw what it was.

-Is that, he sputtered drying his tears with the back of his hand...

-I know it’s a little childish, Eddie mumbles, I know we aren’t seventeen, he pursued before getting cut of Buck’s lips on his.

- I love it, Buck smiled putting the prompt ring on his left finger, I love you, he giggled.

-I love you too, Eddie breathed surging for an other kiss, I love-love you, he laughed quoting his son.

#buddie fic #buck x eddie #buddie prompt #911 prompts #prompt list #evan buckley #eddie diaz #hen wilson #bobby nash #maddie buckley #maddie x chim #9-1-1 on fox #9-1-1 fanfiction #911 fox

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bulbpix · 5 years ago

Text

If You Just Listened - Part 13

Public transportation in Gotham wasn't the best. After witnessing fights, drug deals, and countless other events on the buses and trains, you eventually came to the decision that walking was best. But today was an exception.

Once you'd dried your laundry and finished talking to Arthur last night, you carried your clothes to your apartment and settled in. Shortly after heading to bed, you suddenly heard what sounded like yelling and banging from the apartment under you... Arthur's apartment.

It didn't sound too serious, probably just a dispute between mother and son. Still, you felt bad. Arthur just had a very big day, his comedic debut. It shouldn't have ended with a fight. But, there was nothing you could do. You tucked yourself in, and waited for the yelling to die down.

This morning, Arthur told you he needed to do something important. Something very important. You assumed it had something to do with the fight last night. You were undeniably curious, but didn't want to press too much. It seemed like a personal issue.

"Can you come to the train station with me?" he asked. "I know it's a pain in the ass, but..."

You shook your head. "Arthur, we're friends. If you need me, I'm there." You crossed your arms, smiling at him. He smiled a bit, but you could tell he wasn't in his usual cheery demeanor today. "So where is this train station?"

Arthur scratched the back of his head. "That's the annoying part. It's in Elmont."

Of course it's in fucking Elmont.

You stopped yourself from groaning. Elmont was a neighborhood so far uptown from the city that there was no way you two could walk. You'd have to take the bus, which you did NOT want to do. At all. And it wouldn't be a short ride either - it would be an hour there and back, at the very least (And that's without traffic!). You dreaded the public transportation of Gotham. Arthur couldn't have asked you to go to a train station in downtown Gotham. Nooo, it's gotta be Elmont!

"Pfft, Elmont? Don't even worry about it. Let me just get myself together and I'll see you in the lobby, yeah?"

Arthur nodded, and began his way downstairs.

You shut the door behind you, grumbling as you went about your apartment. "Fucking Elmont."

And now here you were, on a crowded bus that smelled like an armpit. Luckily, you and Arthur were able to find seats. You tried to strike a conversation with him a few times, but it didn't seem like he was in the mood to talk today.

You furrowed your eyebrows. This behavior was weird, even for Arthur. Whatever happened last night must have really been serious. Although you weren't enjoying this trip in any sense, you truly wanted to be there for him. You sighed, staring at his knee. You wanted things to be better. For both of you.

Halfway through the ride, you felt your eyelids begin to grow heavy. You turned to Arthur. He seemed to be zoned-out, staring through the window. Still not in the mood to talk.

You yawned, deciding that if you were going to nap, this would be your chance. You adjusted your arms, sinking down into your jacket, falling into a surprisingly easy sleep...

"Excuse me?" "Mm...?

You slowly opened your eyes, looking towards the source of the voice. An older woman was leaning towards you from the seat across yours. You rubbed your eyes, trying to adjust them. You couldn't exactly remember what you were doing on this bus upon waking up.

"The last stop is coming up. Just wanted to let you and your friend know." She smiled, and turned back ahead.

My friend...? Oh. Right.

You felt a heaviness on your shoulder. You turned to see what it was, your face immediately being buried in a bunch of brown hair.

Arthur had fallen asleep on your shoulder.

You turned your head forward, wondering how he ended up there. He probably fell asleep sitting up, the rocking of the bus eventually knocking him to the side. Imagining it made you chuckle.

I wonder what his hair smells like...

Wait, what?

That was a weird thought. Why would you care how his hair smelled? What were you, some kind of creep? Who even thinks of that? You were just tired. This bus ride was long, and boring. Yeah, that was it. Your brain was probably just looking for a way to entertain itself. Stimulating the senses, or something. Yeah.

You peeked over at him. Still sound asleep.

It would be harmless, Arthur wouldn't even notice. Was it a crime to want to smell something? What, like using your nose was illegal? What harm could it do?

You slowly turned your head towards his, hesitating.

Arthur wouldn't care right?

Or would he?

This was weird...

Ah, you were just overthinking it.

Slowly, you sunk the tip of your nose into his chestnut locks. You closed your eyes, gently burrowing into his hair as you inhaled. He smelled smoky, yet sweet. Like a combination of cigarettes and honeysuckle. Where did the honeysuckle come from? Maybe it was his shampoo. You dug your nose deeper, nearly touching his scalp. He smelled earthy, and natural. Like he showered recently, but not too recently. If you could describe his scent, the only word that came to mind would be... comfortable. What a friend was supposed to smell like. Friend-scented? You smiled.

Arthur rustled, slowly picking his head up and nicking your nose.

Your face shot forward, your eyes shooting open. You folded your hands together tightly.

He adjusted his shoulders, his eyes still squinting from tiredness. He touched the top of his head, shifting his gaze towards you.

"Were you... sniffing me?" Crap. "What?" "What were you doing just now?" "I literally have no idea what you're even saying."

You buried yourself further into your jacket and scarf, your face now beet-red. He was asleep, you were so sure he was asleep. Was he awake the entire time? Did he just wake up? You prayed to God it was the latter.

"I could've sworn I felt you-" "Arthur, can you just focus, please? Look, we're already at the stop."

Arthur blinked a few times, clearly puzzled by the entire situation. He looked ahead, and sure enough, you had reached your destination.

The bus came to a slow, creaking halt at the station. The driver looked behind his seat, shouting, "Last stop! Everybody out!"

You and Arthur got up, stretching from the long ride. You stepped outside, walking him towards the station entrance. As you reached one of its glass doors, he took a deep breath and turned to you.

"I just want to say something," he sighed.

"Is this about the smelling thing? 'Cause I swear it wasn't what you think it was. I was looking out the window and your head was right there and I just needed to breathe like any human does so I inhaled through my nose but your hair was also in the way so it LOOKED like I was smelling your hair but I wasn't I was just turning my head and your head was also there and I was breathing but while my nose was-"

Arthur held his hand up, stopping your ramble.

"I believe you, I just wanted to say thanks for coming," he said flatly.

His calm attitude only served to make you all the more embarrassed. Shouldn't this be the other way around? Usually he was the flustered one.

"I have to get on my train now," he continued. "I'll see you tonight?"

You nodded. "Yeah, just stop by if you need me, why not."

Arthur gave a low-spirited smile, turning towards the entrance.

Before he could take a step, you grabbed him by his arm and yanked him into a tight hug. He tensed up, unsure of what to do.

You were hugging him. This wasn't his imagination.

This was... real.

Cautiously, he wrapped his arms around you.

"I don't know what's going on, but I can tell it's a lot. I'm here for you, bud. Whenever you need me." You squeezed him tighter.

Arthur was speechless. Never in his most fantastical dreams would he have imagined to have a friend like you. He felt... undeserving. He hadn't done anything to earn you as a companion. Why were you here? He shut his eyes tightly, feeling his body begin to shudder with grateful, yet sad laughter. He pulled you closer to him, unbelievably thankful to have you here in this moment.

You patted his back, used to his laughter by now. You sighed, hoping whatever he was dealing with would be over soon.

After a few minutes, Arthur began to calm down. He stood up straight, sniffling a bit and grinning at you.

"Thanks." "Don't mention it."

Arthur walked towards the train station entrance, pulling open a glass door. He stopped there, turning to you.

"Also, I was awake the whole time," he added, an amused smile on his face. "You're weird."

And with that, he disappeared into the station.

Your expression sunk, your face immediately going pale. You yanked your winter cap further down on to your head, wanting to bury yourself inside it as you ran towards a departing bus.

Did Arthur just call me weird? Arthur, of all people? I hate my life.

A/N - Looks like Y/N can be just as creepy. anyways - IM BAAAAAACCCCCKKK, AND FINALS ARE OVER!! GET READY FOR BACK TO BACK FICS GUYS - and sorry for the wait ehehehe....

@geronimosanna @theworldthroughmynikon @niniita-ah @captainohgod @memory-mortis @handsomeguyslover @bitterspectrum @sosearchingromeo @aesikupills @mardema @ajokeformur-ray

(i hope i got this tagging thing right? im still new to this lol)

#joker #arthur fleck #joker x reader #arthur fleck x reader #joker x y/n #arthur fleck x y/n #joker x you #arthur fleck x you #slowburn #slow burn #If you just listened

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apveng · 5 years ago

Text

Partners in Crime

Here is the sixth part of my story. The first part, Khao-Shuh, is here. Second part, Why Do You Need Supergirl, Anyways?, is here. The third, She Is Not Kara, Damn It, is here. Fourth, Kara oh Kara is here. The fifth part of my story, The World’s Worst Pretender, is here.

Hope everyone is doing okay.

**********************************************************************************

She must have done something amazing in her past life to deserve such a reward.

Because Alex couldn’t explain how she could have been blessed with her current happiness otherwise. Just being able to prop herself up on her elbow as she watched Kara so: lying beside Alex, curled into her, golden hair askew, carefree in sleep.

If only she could spend the day just gazing at Kara.

But, she couldn’t. Not today.

She reached out and trailed a finger along Kara’s cheek. “Kara, hey! Wake up!”

“Alex!” In a second, Kara was awake, rubbing her eyes and looking at her sleepily. “You are awake! What is the matter? It is still early isn’t it?”

“Kelly and Jaya will be here shortly. This is Hope’s weekend with them.” That was all Alex could get out before a blur flew from her bed leaving her cold and empty. And then, Kara was standing before her dressed and ready to be off.

She hated superspeed.

“You didn’t tell me Kelly would be here. What if she saw me? What would she think?” Kara rambled on for some time before Alex could catch her drift.

“Wait, why should Kel have a problem if she found you here? She knows you are, you, right?”

“No. I couldn’t tell anyone before you. Only J’onn and M’gann know. And, I couldn’t tell you after Kelly’s because of the infiltrator, remember?” Kara paused and the trademark squiggle appeared on her forehead.

Deciding to focus on one thing at a time, Alex sat up and pulled her legs to her chest, bunching up the sheets around her. “The infiltrator? That story is true?” They had gotten a bit busy after coming to the bedroom, and talk had, well, pretty much fallen out the window. “Wait? You don’t think Kelly…”

“Of course not.” Kara sat down, apparently realizing Alex wasn’t getting up until she got the full story. “And, yes the story is true. After seeing how much it hurt you, I’d not have kept you in the dark otherwise, Alex.”

Alex reached out and cupped Kara’s face. “Hey! I know that. I know that you would have had a good reason for keeping the truth from me.” Kara leaned into her touch, and they remained like that for some time before Kara’s eyes flew open.

“What?

“You said Kelly will be here soon. I need to go.”

“No. Wait Kara. I can help you find the infiltrator. Don’t go.” She nodded at the door. “Hope will be disappointed. We can tell Kelly and then, I can join you in the investigation.”

Kara shook her head. “Kelly can’t find me here with you. Alex. I can’t imagine what she might think if she found us like…” She waved at Alex’s state of undress.

As Alex tried to decipher the deep distress in Kara’s face, Kara stood up. “And, we found the infiltrator. Come to the Tower.”

Alex’s eyes widened at the declaration. “You found… Oh! Not…”

“Yes.” Kara nodded, sadly. And really, who else could it be? “I will explain once you come to the Tower.” Her eyes softened and she leaned down and kissed Alex. Gently.

A tender kiss that nevertheless took her breathe away.

Kara had stood up by the time Alex’s eyes fluttered open. “Kiss Hope for me and tell her I love her. And get dressed before Kelly comes.”

With that admonition she was gone.

Really, Alex did hate superspeed sometimes.

*********************************************************************************

“Mommie, why didn’t Je.Jeu stay back? I wanted to see her in the morning.” Hope pouted.

Before Alex could answer that her Kryptonian mom had ran away rather than face her human psychologist mom, Jaya asked, curiously. “Who is Je.Ju?” Hope of course remonstrated her for the pronunciation, and Jaya repeated the word until their daughter was satisfied. “Okay.” Kelly held up her hand finally. “Who are you talking about?”

Kara! Now, how am I going to answer that?

Kara had indeed left in the nick of time because by the time Alex had got Hope ready and packed, Jaya and Kelly had walked in. Not that Alex thought Kelly would have any problem with Kara. She knew where Alex’s heart lay and they had made their peace with it long past. Which reminded her that a talk was long overdue with her lover.

Lover.

Alex’s heart stuttered at the realization, and a smile appeared on her face.

“Mommie’s girlfriend.” Hope replied promptly. “I love her Mamma. And she told me, I can call her Je.Ju.” The picture of childish glee, she leaned forward conspiratorially. “It means, mother in Kryptonian.”

As one Jaya and Kelly turned to Alex.

The smile fell off Alex’s face.

What could she say? She shrugged.

Kelly turned to Hope. “Sweetie, can you go and check if you packed your new Bat Woman ball cap for today’s trip?”

Hope shook her head. “I don’t need it. I have the cat one. What do you want to talk to Mommie about, Mamma?”

Alex suppressed a smile. An intelligent and perceptive child was the bane of her parents. At times. But, this time, it worked to her benefit.

Her reprieve was short though. Jaya picked up their daughter and nodded towards the door. “How about we start?” She looked at her watch, a huge frown on her face. “If we don’t, we will not get to the zoo in time. Let Mommie and Mamma tag along.”

The frown was very convincing because all of Hope’s rebellion was forgotten in worries about missing time at the zoo. As soon as Jaya set her down, they were off.

Sadly, neither the frown nor the reasoning worked on Kelly.

“Alex! You can’t let that woman get such a hold on Hope. What is going on here?” Kelly asked as they made their way out the door, keeping some distance from Hope and Jaya.

She took her time replying, focusing on locking and securing the door. “I don’t want Hope to get hurt any more than you, Kel. You know me.”

“Then, what is this about calling…” Kelly lowered her voice. “Calling that, calling Kara,” air quotes around Kara, “her mom?”

Alex shrugged. “Apparently, something that kid Tamar suggested. Hope asked Kara if that is okay, and Kara said Hope can call her Je.Ju.”

“And you have no problem with that?” Kelly exclaimed, her face the picture of disbelief.

They had reached the stairs and Alex increased her pace. “Come on. You will be late, and Hope will be, well, hopping, mad.”

“Alex!” Kelly called and then hastened to catch up with her. “What are you hiding? Why don’t you have a problem with Hope calling that woman mother?”

“Even if I did, there isn’t anything I can do about it, is there?” She hedged. To her relief, they had reached the parking lot. Hope was indeed dancing from one foot to another and calling for them to catch up.

Alex waited for them to reach the car before offering up her excuse. She had already got Hope on her side, so she was safe. “I need to go to work.”

Jaya took over the inquisition from her wife. “I thought you were done with your project, Alex?”

Alex shrugged. “There are some pending items. And, I have decided to help with other matters. Hope is okay with that. Isn’t that so, precious?”

“Yes.” Hope nodded. “Will you tell Je.Jo that she needs to come meet me tomorrow?”

Damn!

Alex didn’t dare meet her friends’ eyes. Instead she crouched down and gave her daughter a hug. “Yes, sweetheart. I will. Now, you go and have a good time. Okay?”

Without further ado, she herded the lot of them into Jaya’s car, sent them on their way and then, let out a sigh of relief.

Now, to find out what Kara, J’onn and M’gann have been up to.

**********************************************************************************

Alex reached the Tower in record time.

Her eyebrows went up as she took in the small group inside. She had counted on M’gann but not anyone else. But then, if she had given it any thought, she could have predicted this and prepared for the awkwardness. As it is, all she could do was push forward, so that they were beyond the discomfort right away.

“Hello! S’lynn. Long time.”

S’lynn, ever the consummate soldier, came over to clasp her hand, Martian way. “I apologise for not telling you the truth earlier Dr. Danvers.” She glanced at Kara and gave a small smile. “I was outvoted.”

“Oh! I don’t doubt that even a bit.” Alex smiled to reassure her. “Don’t worry about it.” She walked over to Kara and gently kissed her on the lips—she didn’t see any reason to hide where they were around J’onn or M’gann or even S’lynn—before turning to the others.

J’onn directed his trademark understated smile at her. This time, the guilt and recrimination she usually felt at his regard didn’t rise up.

She just felt happy.

Thank God. She was getting pretty tired of all her issues.

M’gann reached over and clasped her hand before letting go. With her, Alex let down her mental block for a moment, just to reciprocate the openness inherent in Martian gestures. M’gann’s eyes widened before she smiled warmly and nodded.

Once the greetings were done and she had gotten to know S’lynn’s updates, she turned to the group. “How sure are you folks about the infiltrator’s identity?”

“We used your test. And then, took a DNA sample to confirm.” S’lynn answered. The DNA sample was the additional measure to find out the identity of any Martian that her tests revealed. That got around the privacy issues.

Alex sighed. This was not good news, and it did make her feel a tad guilty. She pushed the guilt away. “Okay. You mentioned that the infiltrator was a member of the rebels, right? So, what is their agenda here? And, how much is our mission compromised?”

M’gann grimaced. “We know the man. He, Ja’all T’riss, was one of ours until a loss of his mate—killed off planet by one of our neighbours—made him start losing faith in our mission. At least, in the larger plan even if he is still all for bringing any remaining Green Martians back and curtailing the supremacist behaviour of White Martians.”

“It is an immensely traumatic thing for a Martian to lose his mate, Alex. It is possible he is not in his right mind anymore. He may need our help.” J’onn added.

Alex understood. The whole mind sharing thing, even if it didn’t increase the pain in the absolute, made it linger strongly for far longer periods than for a human. And, even humans lost their perspectives in grief.

“He had left us a few years back, saying he needed time to deal with his pain. It seems, he had instead been gathering a small force for attacking the neighbouring planets, starting with Earth. Or, at least, that is what it looks like at the moment. The good thing is that this means the enemy is small in number. The mainstream White Martians didn’t care for him and Ja’all hated them for their cruelty to the Greens. These are possibly just a few younger ones that the League with Rebels and Supergirl and Superman could defeat easily.”

“Probably why they decided to go the infiltration route.” Kara added.

“So, he doesn’t know Kara.” Alex raised her hand and counted. “And, he doesn’t think the League, or you guys, know about him. Two advantages we have against him.”

S’lynn and M’gann agreed.

“Have you found the rest of his group?” She looked at Kara. “I am assuming those aren’t probably people we know since DEO and Star Labs tested negative?” Her device had the capability to scan an entire area for Martians. The DEO was the first place they tested, Star Labs coming next.

“We have been keeping an eye on the people he regularly contacts. So far it has been a bit tricky because we have no legitimate reason—as far as he is concerned—for hanging around him. We have had to be careful.” S’lynn answered.

That was indeed a problem. Without finding the rest of the White Martian attackers, they couldn’t possibly defeat them. Just finding Ja’all wasn’t enough.

Alex could think of only one solution to the problem. And, she didn’t like it at all. The last thing she wanted to do was cause Kara more pain. But, her plan would make it easier for them to keep an eye on Ja’all.

When nobody else seemed to have any solution, she looked at Kara.

“What is it?” Kara squeezed her hand. “Alex, it is okay. Tell me.”

She grimaced. “I think you may be able to get around the issue.”

“Oh!” It took only a moment for Kara to understand her thinking. “By telling him the same thing J’onn and M’gann told you. That, for me to look like me, I should be shown working to repair friendships.” Kara turned to M’gann and S’lynn. “Will that work?”

M’gann considered the answer. “If it was the earlier Ja’all, I’d have said no. Now, though… He has been different since S’tratt’s death. If you don’t tell him you are S’lynn or any of the people he knew, it might work.”

“He wouldn’t want to join hands since that would give the game away, right? Can any other rebel do the job?” Alex asked as she rolled the idea around in her mind. Kara did really suck at being an undercover agent, but anyone else would be just as much of a risk if not more. Kara was supposed to act like Kara. Other than S’lynn, Alex didn’t think any of the rebels could do that. May be S’lynn or M’gann had a better answer. She hoped.

S’lynn shook her head. “None of the others know Kara well enough to imitate her. As a friend, yes, but they aren’t prepared.”

Alex turned to Kara. “Kara…”

Kara interrupted before she could continue. “Alex. This is my planet. I will do whatever it takes to protect it. And, this isn’t that bad in the scheme of things. Ja’all isn’t Lena. We don’t even know where she is at the moment. Me going there would help us find her and the rest of the folks these guys captured too.”

That brought her back to her guilt. “Kara. I am sorry about this. If I had known…”

“It is not your fault.” Kara replied fiercely, dropping her hand and clasping her shoulders to look into her eyes. “I never expected you to reach out to her after what happened with the Leviathan.” She looked at J’onn. “I didn’t expect that from any of you. I would have at least tried to have cordial relations and checked in on her, but it was on her to speak to you not otherwise.”

“It did help an alien to take her place and threaten our planet.” J’onn sighed.

“J’onn! Alex couldn’t have predicted that. And, that could happen to anyone, just not to people you knew. It is not Alex’s fault. It is none of your fault.” Kara let out a breath. “If it is anyone’s fault, it is mine. But, I couldn’t stay back. Not after…” She looked at Alex. “I couldn’t.”

“Okay!” Alex raised her hand. “Can we all agree that it is no one’s fault but Ja’all’s? And may be indirectly, whoever killed his partner.”

J’onn smiled. “I am good with that.”

With that settled, they spent some time fleshing out the plan of action.

“Have you told Clark?” Alex asked when they came to the final confrontation. They needed the League to know. Especially, Clark.

Kara shook her head. “I wanted to tell you first. Now, I will tell him and Lois.” Kara smiled. “I can’t wait to tell the twins. They are so much bigger now. I missed so much of their lives.” A flash of sorrow flickered across her face.

Alex squeezed Kara’s hand. There was much that she needed to make up for. And, she knew, as far as her cousins and friends were concerned, Kara probably felt the same way. But, this time, they will make things right, together.

“And, you need to tell others.” Alex met Kara’s eyes. “Including Kelly. Kelly isn’t going to take it badly, Kara. Believe me.” With the others there, she couldn’t explain. However, that was the first order of business once she got Kara back to herself.

J’onn shook his head. “I don’t know Alex. Other than Clark and Lois, I am not sure it is a good idea to tell anyone until the last moment. One of them may give the game away.”

There was silence as the group considered this. Finally, Kara nodded her assent. “I hate the subterfuge.” She sighed. “But, you are right, J’onn. It doesn’t even have to be one of the League. One of their partners may let slip something.” She turned to Alex. “Alex.”

After considering, Alex nodded too. Her time at the DEO had taught Alex that there were times when confidentiality was of at most importance, even with family and friends. She didn’t like it, but she had made her peace with the necessity of it. She squeezed Kara’s hand to ease her mind. “J’onn is right. Let us get this wrapped up as soon as possible then, so that we can tell our friends.”

Kara, grinned at her. “Partners?”

Alex returned the grin. “Partners.”

As one, they set to work.

*********************************************************************************

One more part, and we should be done. 😊 Thank you for reading. And, hope you are well.

#Kalex

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