#THE MORNING PAPER DOESN'T DELIVER ITSELF GUYS

[spiteless-xo]

I was wondering how did our fav couple from tbaw spent Valentine's day? 👉🏻👈🏻

hello hello, sorry this is so late 😭

Eren is so excited to spend Valentine's Day with you.

It's special for you because it's your first Valentine's Day as a couple, but it's also special for him because it's his first Valentine's Day... ever.

Back in his fuckboy days, he'd conveniently end things with whoever he was sleeping with in February to avoid the awkward, are-we-together? conversation. Once, he got a girl a funny card he found at the store (he didn't even write anything inside), but then she got really weird and clingy, so he decided it was easier to just be single.

But not anymore. Not when he has you.

He stresses about it for about a month leading up to the day itself. Armin stops answering his calls after the first week, so then he starts bothering Sasha -- and, of course, she's thrilled to be involved.

("Flowers are a great gift! You have to get her a bouquet of roses!"

"Yeah, I was thinking I could get them delivered to her at work -- y'know, so all those fuckheads she works with remember that she's with me."

"Ok, tone down the Alpha Male energy, Eren. She doesn't even look at other guys."

"I just want to make sure."

"Well... in that case... you're going to have to do better than just a bouquet of roses, how cliche."

"It was your idea!")

Thanks to Sasha's "helpful" guidance, Eren ends up spending quite a bit on your gift for Valentine's Day. Roses, chocolates, dinner reservations at some fancy restaurant in the city, a teddy bear and a squishmallow ("Because they're different," Sasha insists) -- not to mention the necklace he bought at Tiffany's that cost almost as much as what he makes in a month. Thank God, his dad pays his rent.

But when he picks you up and he watches you bounce down the road to his car, his heart stops.

None of the gifts in the backseat are enough for you. You deserve the World and he wants to be the one to give it to you. His love for you can't be expressed in something so mundane like flowers and chocolates.

Not when he wakes up every morning next to you with a smile on his face. When he can't help his heart from racing when he sees your name pop up on his phone. When every day spent with you feels better than the last, and yet he still yearns for more.

His love for you is overwhelming and all-encompassing, and all these stupid trinkets in the backseat seem dull compared to the brightness of your smile.

"Hi, Eren!"

"I'm so fucking in love with you."

You scrunch your nose at him and roll your eyes because you're used to his random love declarations. "I got you a little something for Valentine's Day," you say, holding out a small box over the centre console of his car.

He doesn't want to look away from your pretty face, but when you wave the box in his face, he takes it from your grasp. "What is it?" he asks, tearing at the wrapping paper. "I told you I don't need anything."

"It's the least I can do for you after all of that," you gesture vaguely to the back seat, where all of Eren's gifts for you are sitting, and he feels his cheeks burn in embarrassment.

He looks down at the gift curiously, turning the box around as he tries to make sense of what he's looking at. "What is this?"

"It's Lego Roses," you explain. "I know how much you love building Gundams, and I'm not as good as you -- you know that -- but I thought this could be a fun little thing we could build together."

"I'm so fucking in love with you."

"Yeah, I love you too, Eren."

[sea-moon-star]

THE PERILLA LEAVES SCANDAL || MYG

Pairing: Min Yoongi x reader

Genre: Fluff

WC: 1k

Summary: Inspired by the MBTI lab episode of BTS where Yoongi claims that someone who doesn't know how to eat shrimp/perilla leaves shouldn't get to eat it but we all know he'd actually melt and help himself if someone he liked was struggling and needed his help. ( A soft kitten, indeed). 🌊🌙⭐️

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

Y/N's POV

Having finished a busy day as a professor or History, full of lectures and grading test papers. I knew I should take a break and energize myself. My recent fainting spell was still fresh in my mind and as adorable my students and the nurse at university were while taking care of me, I'd rather not have a repeat of that. I hadn't eaten since morning and should head out for a hearty meal. I decided to treat myself by going to my favorite Korean restaurant- it had become my frequent joint ever since I'd been there with a friend. They'd be playing my most liked k-pop songs and some japchae always lifted up my mood and spirits.

It was such a popular joint that they made guests share tables on busy days. I often had to share seeing as I was went alone, this time was no different. I sat down next to a guy, whose face I couldn't see quite clearly, he had a cap on. He was having gimbap and tteokbokki. Usually, kimchi and salad were a staple at the restaurant, it came with every dish. I guess the ahjumma had a soft corner seeing as I was a regular here, so she added an extra side dish to the table- perilla leaves.

I enjoyed eating it but my one problem with it was picking up the leaves that often stuck to one another. I remember getting so frustrated with it last time that I never bothered to finish it. I tried my luck again but in vain, my chopsticks just came up empty everytime I tried to have a bite. I sighed in annoyance and even banged my chopsticks a bit too angrily at the table without meaning to. I just pushed the side dish onto the other side, atleast someone else should get to eat what I couldn't. It's a shame to let food go to waste, I thought to myself.

Yoongi's POV

I usually prefered to have my peace and quiet above all else. The only reason I forgoed it in this case, was because I loved the food here far too much to let it keep me away. I knew that I'd likely have to share a table and make unnecessary small talk with a stranger but it was a small price to pay for ahjumma's cooking. She had a local business and refused to deliver things home or use those "apps". I'd had my fair share of terrible dinner mates- the last one not only chewed with their mouth open but also proceeded to drop soju all over my shirt.

I was halfway through my meal and there was still no one in the other end, I was hoping it stayed that way but just as I thought that in my head- a petite girl with wavy hair, twirly earrings and a radiant face sat down in front of me. At first glance she reminded me of my friend- Hobi's sister. And this in itself made me soften to her appearance. Maybe it wouldn't be that bad, I wondered to myself.

It turns out I was right- she didn't even engage in conversation or disturb me in any way. She ate quietly and in an orderly manner, without taking her phone out for photos or needlessly ordering more food only to waste it. I saw her enjoying the music playing around us, her face lit up when this bubblegum pop song by a group named Astro came up. As a producer, it made me smile seeing that kind of a reaction to music. For most people, it's just background in a setting like this one- the ambiance, people watching and the food would take precedence. But for her, she was focused on the music and mindful about the food- enjoying the experience as a whole.

I found myself poking idly at my empty plate just in a bid to sit here for longer. I ended up finishing the kimchi even after finishing my main and as I worried about her not getting to eat a side because I completed it, the ahjumma came and gave us some perilla leaves as a bonus. As much as I loved them, I thought she ought to take some first, since I had shamelessly eaten the kimchi. That's when I saw her struggle with picking them. Under usual circumstances, this would've annoyed me to no extend. Firstly, she was keeping me from eating the dish and secondly, I was of the opinion that if you don't know how to eat something then you don't deserve having it at all!

But still, watching her brows furrow in concentration as she tried to pick up the perilla leaves and the way she bit her lower lip in effort made her look even more endearing than before. She banged her chopsticks onto the table and her anger made her appear cuter than ever. I felt my heart go out to her and if that wasn't enough, she pushed the dish to me as if gesturing at me to have it. And so, I picked up the perilla leaves in my chopsticks and kept it neatly into her plate. Her mouth turned into a little o at this development and this continued until the dish was all but empty.

I decided that watching her eat was far more satisfying than my need to eat the perilla leaves myself. And just like that, I realized that I enjoyed her company more than anything else. More than the ambiance, the food, everything else that once drew me to this place. I enjoyed her presence more than the annoying things around me- like the crowd of others around me and the noise of traffic from outside or the stifling heat in this room. The good, the bad, it all tilted in favour of her. I knew she was the one for me, right then and there. And come hell or high water, I'd make her mine.

THE END. 🌊🌙⭐️

[peachyysugaa]

gravity

– nasa operator!sim jaeyun x astronaut!gn! reader

miles of sky and space doesn't stop gravity from pulling him to you.

genre: strangers/coworkers to lovers, fluff

wc: 2.7k

warnings: 3rd person pov, probably inaccurate astronaut/nasa lingo sorry i'm a chemistry major LOL, one curse word, couple of time skips, food cw

a/n: yea it's another fluff one-shot 😎 finally a jake one-shot! i hope y'all enjoy this i took a while to write this but i'm p proud of how it turned out despite no proofread.

♞──────────────────────────♞

time on earth: 3:43 am

one of nasa's star rookies sits inside the mission room, monitoring the ISS diligently. today, sim jaeyun was assigned to keep watch on their astronauts as well as the station itself. it's supposed to be a reward for performing well on the latest calculations, but he can't help but find it a little boring. he flips through the cameras quickly, as if trying to find something new.

'yeah right, like anything happens in space,' he mumbles in his head. adjusting his thin glasses and stretching his chair to feel just a tad bit more alive, jake takes a look at one of the three astronauts on board as they float to the window. it seems to be l/n y/n, a rookie who excelled at their simulation tests and the one they say has stars in their eyes themselves.

the astronaut peeks over their shoulder surprised. they make swimming motions to reach over the intercom, which makes jake laugh a little. finally, they push the button and make a reply. "yes houston, this is l/n. is something wrong?"

the astronaut peeks over their shoulder surprised. they make swimming motions to reach over the intercom, which makes jake laugh a little. finally, they push the button and make a reply. "yes houston, this is l/n. is something wrong?"

the astronaut peeks over their shoulder surprised. they make swimming motions to reach over the intercom, which makes jake laugh a little. finally, they push the button and make a reply. "yes houston, this is l/n. is something wrong?"

now jake hadn't planned this far, but since he was already doing it, he might as well go through with it. "do you miss earth?"

he can see through the cameras that y/n wasn't expecting that question as their eyes widen. someway somehow, jaeyun was able to see the stars in their eyes everyone gushed about. maybe it was even better because they were actually living with the stars in space at the time.

"i-i don't know if we should be talking about this, but yea, i do miss earth," they finally reply. "not that being in space isn't fun! i just can't help myself especially since i can see the planet spinning in front of my eyes..."

it's silent for a bit, making the astronaut worry. "h-hello? houston?"

jake blinks before shaking his head and hurried to reply. "y-yes! sorry, i was just caught up in how lonely you sound?"

again, an awkward silence stills. the nasa operator curses to himself, realizing how awkward he must have made it and scrambling to fix the mistake. "i'm really sorry i didn't mean to overstep my boundaries!" he rushes. "my name's sim jaeyun, by the way. people know me better as jake."

"sim jaeyun? rising star sim jaeyun?" they owlishly repeat.

"that's me," he states back, rubbing the back of his neck. "i guess you've heard my name."

he sees the astronaut nod in camera before they're absentmindedly spinning circles midair. "you're my age, and you're already working in nasa headquarters. quite a feat would spread around, you know?"

jake laughs and shakes his head at their comment. "you say that like you're not star rookie l/n y/n."

at the sound of their twinkling laugh, jake's eyes perk up to capture the joyful astronaut holding their stomach on the cameras. "i can tell we're a lot alike, jake," you say with a smile stretching across your face.

it turns out he likes hearing his name off their lips albeit via nasa intercoms. calming down the beating of his heart, jake starts off the first of many late night conversations. "so would you like to hear what's happening on earth?"

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ゜・・゜゜・*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

time on earth: 2:26 am

"—and layla was having such a good time meeting other puppies at the park this morning!" jake laughs out with the rookie astronaut laughing with them on the other side of the intercom, separated by thousands of miles in between them. they've been talking like this over the system for weeks now, practically a little over a month. safe to say, the nasa operator was developing feelings for them, perhaps already smitten. sunghoon in the other unit said something about being whipped?

"i wonder how she would react seeing my puppy," they reply.

"when you come back to earth, the first thing we'll do is have them meet on a puppy playdate," he tells them earnestly.

"just layla and rosie on a date? what about us?" he could hear the smirk in their voice even though they weren't next to him.

"i-i-huh? what?" jake stammers. he heard the smirk, but did he hear the words properly? for one, he's not sure they know what he looks like. does that matter to them? without realizing it, his hands are taking off his glasses and fiddling with them.

"are you nervous?"

"hah, what makes you think that?" jake asks nervously.

"jake, i can hear you playing with your glasses."

"shit," he curses, and an endearing giggle is heard on the other side.

"i like you, let's make it a date between us too," he hears, his face gradually becoming hotter.

the chance to confess to his crush is literally handed to him on a silver platter, but he's too busy acting like a middle schooler trying to give chocolates to the person he likes. it's unusual for him to feel like this, his heart's beating way too fast for him to think, and he has to cough to calm down.

"it's a date then." a happy hum is the response he gets, which does nothing to calm the beating of his heart but ignites a new warmth in him. "hey, wait a minute, do you even know what i look like?"

"i kinda remember, but does that even matter?"

"i don't know what if you don't like my face?"

"please, my roommate told me you're on par with that sunghoon guy, and he's known as the prince of his division."

"yeah, but-"

"don't take this the wrong way, jake, but shush." he's sure that if they were here in person, they would put a finger on his lips. it seemed like a(n) y/n thing to do based on the time they've gotten to know each other. "i don't care what you look like. the connection we have together is enough, don't you think?"

he knows they're right, but it doesn't stop the sassy compliment from tumbling out of his mouth. "well, we have a connection and i know you're pretty and smart and funny."

perhaps it's just the color of the screen, but jake swears he saw a blush on their face. it makes him proud after he had somewhat embarrassed himself earlier.

"good night, jake," y/n playfully scoffs at him.

"good night, y/n."

'what a night,' jake thinks to himself with a stupid grin spreading across his face as he prepares the systems for the person on the next shift.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ゜・・゜゜・*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

time on earth: 9:18 am

today is the day. today the pod that stayed at the ISS for 3 months was coming back to earth, and everyone was on their toes. jake was currently scanning the computer calculations from any errors, clutching the paper and burning holes in it with his eyes.

"you good there, bro?" he doesn't need to lift up his head to know that it's sunghoon.

"i have to make sure these are perfect," jake replies in a tone that screamed don't-bother-me.

he feels his coworker's hand pat his shoulder in reassurance. "relax, jake. they'll get here just fine."

jake's whole body sighs when he takes a deep breath. "yeah, i know. i'll just check one more."

his friend offers a comforting smile and one more pat before leaving him to perform his own duties for the landing.

for this last check, jake takes it upon himself to calculate the angle in which the pod enters the earth's atmosphere by hand as a safety precaution. his head jumbles with all the physics equations necessary as his hand complains by cramping from how fast he's calculating.

upon finishing, he looks at the two final numbers side by side. "same to the 5th decimal place," jake affirms to himself.

"great, does that mean you're ready to turn it in, mr. sim?"

turning around abruptly to the sound of the voice, jake finds his supervisor and rushes to grab all the papers for presentation. "yes, ma'am!"

a smile graces her face as she takes the materials from him and flips through the calculations. "good work," she finally says. "our astronauts will get home safely thanks to you."

it's like a weight lifted off his shoulders when he hears those words. jake lets out a sigh of relief once his supervisor walks away and tells him to wait for further instruction. he folds into his chair, thinking about how soon he'll finally be able to see y/n in person.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ゜・・゜゜・*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

time on earth: 9:45 am

"everyone, standby!" jake's supervisor announced. the whole command center took a deep breath as they tuned into the astronauts, soon to be leaving the ISS via pod.

"l/n, song, johnson, do you read me?"

"loud and clear, houston," y/n l/n replies in crisp audio.

"get ready to launch then, atlantis ii."

"copy that, houston." the sounds of buckling and buttons flicking can be heard on the other end as jake's palms sweat.

"3... 2... 1... launch!" and they're detached from the ISS, launched into the endless ocean of stars and dust that is space.

"coordinates and angles, houston?"

"atlantis ii, the speed, angle, and coordinates at which you are to enter..." and jake hears his checked numbers be repeated to them. "...you'll be dropping in the gulf of mexico."

"copy that, houston. ready to enter earth's atmosphere in 3... 2... 1... entering!"

the audio delivers the rough shaking as the temperature regulation beeps steadily.

"your temperatures are in the right range, atlantis ii."

it's a rough 5 or something minutes, jake's not sure of the time. he just knows his armchair is having a field day with all the gripping he's doing. he can hear the shaking of the pod driven by the weight and the acceleration of gravity once it takes its pull on the astronauts' pod.

"prepare for impact, atlantis ii!"

everyone is rising up to see the camera pan to the oceanview team who waits for the pod to enter.

"initiating parachute!" and there! the pod appears on the command center's screen in high definition, the mic picking up some of the breeze of the mexican gulf. it enters the ocean with a large plop! and everyone is standing up and cheering.

"successful landing, everyone! congratulations!!"

sunghoon is coming to jake and lifting him out of the chair, engulfing him in the joy that comes from returning the astronauts home. he didn't realize he was staring stupidly at the screen with a blank look and still sitting.

"dude, we did it!" at the sound of his friend's voice, jake mirrors his friend's smile and they embrace each other.

"we did it!" jake replies. soon, he'll finally be able to see y/n in person.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ゜・・゜゜・*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

time on earth: 8:04 am

the next day when he clocks in for work, it's calmer and more exciting. jake can feel it in the atmosphere as the nasa operator walks through headquarters.

he makes his way towards the rehabilitation center for their astronauts, his heart unable to calm down the rapid rate of beating. he hears it before he sees it: the bell-like laughter jake was so familiar with, the one he associated with late nights. his feet is pulled towards the sound like gravity, his strides getting longer and his steps having a bounce to it.

jake hears his name being called happily, and he turns to face the voice with an unstoppable grin before taking steps towards the astronaut going through rehabilitation.

"hey, gravity got you bad, i see."

they laugh joyfully. "i'll be good in about a month or 2—i'm pretty quick at this."

"i have no doubt about that."

the two are silent for a bit as they do a few more crunches, jake crouching down in front of their feet to meet them. it's nice and comfortable between the two as he helps them go through their exercises.

"so about that date..." he starts off, watching as their eyes sparkle like stars upon hearing his phrase. his mouth starts to hang a little, loosening up to have words spilling out without his complete knowledge. "wow... your eyes really do have stars in them..."

they stop as they finish a crunch and reaches out to close his mouth with an eye roll. "close your mouth first, sim jaeyun."

"okay, but what about that date?"

"we're getting it. just wait a week or so when i can walk properly," they say with a teasing smile. jake can't help but to smile back.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ゜・・゜゜・*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

time on earth: 2:57 pm

the only thing keeping his nerves calm is layla. the golden retriever was far from nervous as she sat wagging her tail happily with her tongue out.

"jake!!" he hears from the voice he's come to love listening to over the past few months. looking up from layla while holding her leash tightly, he spots the person he's been waiting for and he's mesmerized, left breathless by what he sees.

a light summery fit adorns their figure as they dash towards him with a puffy pomsky dog equally excited. their smiles are bright and sparkles adorn their eyes as usual, but it doesn't make the effect any less beautiful. they slow down, owner and dog panting a little.

immediately, layla gets up from her sitting position to greet the new guests, starting to sniff the two of them.

y/n laughs as they squat down and let the golden sniff them and their hand before giving her warm pets. "hi layla! i'm y/n, and this is rosie."

the two dogs sniff each other in circles, but soon enough they're bouncing and pouncing each other as if they've been best friends since litter days.

"they're getting along so well, and we haven't even gotten to the park yet," y/n comments with a giggle.

"should we get going?" jake offers. they reply with a nod and holds their leash in one hand, grabbing jake's with the other.

if he's taken by surprise, he doesn't show it, but inside, his heart is pounding more than ever before and his head is screaming in joy. the pair walk together hand-in-hand towards the park with two even happier pups prancing ahead of them.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ゜・・゜゜・*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

time on earth: 4:31 pm

the two dogs are getting a bit tired, it seems, as they walk back to jake and y/n who were talking comfortably, y/n's head rested on his shoulder.

"look who's back from playing," y/n says as they ruffle rosie and layla's head, jake following suit.

"let's go get some ice cream for us and puppucinos for them?" jake suggests.

"ooh! that sounds good!" the pups seem to like the idea too, wagging their tails once more and looking at their owners with puppy eyes. jake thinks he's surrounded by three pairs of puppy eyes as he shakes his head in endearing disbelief.

"let's go then."

once they get to the shops, order, and receive their foods, the four of them sit down and enjoy their treats. the owners laugh at their dogs when they see them lap up their puppucinos with so much excitement and vigor, getting the cream all over their faces.

as the sun sets, it casts its glowing light onto the astronaut-in-rehabilitation, making jake's eyes move onto them. he notices a smudge of ice cream at the corner of their lips and without thinking moves in to kiss it off. y/n blinks their starry eyes at him, reminding him of their first "meeting" over intercom and camera screens.

"i like you," he blurts out. "can i... kiss you?"

"i thought you would never ask," they reply with a wide grin, leaning in to press their lips together before he does.

it's like gravity pulls them towards each other because they can't ever seem to get enough of one another, no matter how far apart they are.

[acciocriativity]

You and Me II || Harry Potter

Pairing: Draco Malfoy x Slytherin/Reader

Summary: After years at Hogwarts, your life would really begin and nothing could be better than to start this new phase with your official birthday party, but the next day does not turn out quite as expected.

Warnings: For those who haven't read the first part yet, Tom Riddle is not Voldemort in this fic. The first wizard war was against another wizard but its consequences are still valid! Just pure fluff and an implied bit of smut.

Word Count: 3,0k

A/N: This is obviously the part two of You and Me, but it’s not necessarily related, so you can just read this one as a one shot but the first part gives you a lot of context for this, ok? ok then. (Happy really early Birthday Katie! I'd like to post this on your bday but I was too anxious for this. Hope you like it!)

Part I

04/27/1997

"You're really not well, how can a person be in this state when their birthday is so close? I've tried to understand and still can't", the brunette's bored voice made itself present in the room for the 4th time in the day and as I prepared my answer, she held up her hand and delivered her own hypothesis first. "You can't be sad that we're finishing seventh year, I swear for Merlin's sake, if that's the case, I'll...", the words slipped slowly from her mouth, as did the calmness remaining in her.  

"Even though anything you have to say sounds like a lot of fun, it's not the case. I really want to start my own life, have my own job and all that. I'm just thinking a lot lately, too many things have happened, we've all changed so much", I didn't bother to look at her, still focused on the ceiling painted like a blue summer sky and she didn't mind asking permission to lie next to me on the bed. 

"We had to grow up eventually, although some took too long, in fact, I can point out for sure that half the boys still act like kids", we both laughed until our bellies ached.

"Well, good for us then because Draco and Blaise are not on that list and don't even dare look at me like that, you know he's changed a lot", I heard her amused giggles and already imagined what was coming. 

"I wasn't even going to say anything this time, it's really impressive how you just stick up for him, I hope it's the same with me", I frowned and looked at her as if she was out of her mind, and there were chances she really was. "Since when do you need protection from someone?". 

"I never said I needed it, but it's nice to know I have it", she shrugged without looking me in the eye and I decided it would be better to change the subject, because nothing good ever comes out of a Pansy, who is unseasy in any sense. 

"So, about your...," she started. "Pansy, what do you…”, I said at the same time, but I just smiled and waited in silence for what she had to say. 

"I was going to ask about your parents, you're going to have to live with them in a month, so how are you feeling about that?", she just glanced at me. 

"That's been going through my mind, I have no idea what it's going to be like but it's going to be better than anything that's happened in the past, that's enough for now", I sighed. 

"You know you can come to my house, right? You can hide there", I agreed with a smile and we continued in a comfortable silence. 

04/29/1997

7:30 A.M.

 On the morning of my birthday, I woke up in the best possible way. The warmth emanating from Draco's body and the thick blanket kept me unfazed by the freezing wind coming in through the window. I didn't want to move and I didn't need to. 

I sighed satisfied with the position I was in, curled up under the blanket hugging the blond's bare torso, with no responsibility or obligation other than to enjoy my day. 

"Morning, love", his arms pressed me tighter against him, I could feel his calm breathing and somehow, I felt calmer too.

I left a few kisses on his bare skin and the goosebumps they caused on him made me break out into a little smile. "Good morning, love", I whispered leaning back against him.  

"Come here, let me give you a proper happy birthday", he gave my hair a quick pat and lifted my chin to look at him. 

 As soon as I crawled closer to him, his arms entwined around my waist and pulled me even closer. 

"Happy birthday my love", he left several little kisses on my face and neck before moving to my lips, but our moment was interrupted by a noise on the window.

 A gray owl incessantly beat its beak on the window pane, we looked at each other, neither of us wanted to get up, but it would be too cruel to leave the poor thing waiting there. 

"It's my birthday, I have the right to ask you to go", I gave a brief kiss on his lips before letting him go to the war field. 

 I stayed warm while he opened the window further so that the owl could get through, as well as the icy wind. 

He rushed back to my side in time to see me tear the seal off the letter I received. 

"It's from my parents, they are really working hard this year. I have to admit that", I told him as I scanned the paper. 

"At least they realized what a great daughter they have, she's a little mean but still great", I was too busy reading the letter to notice his cunning and more icy than usual hands pass around me.  

 I jumped out of bed as I felt the shock of our skin contact and he had the audacity to laugh, I had to control myself too much not to grab my wand. 

"Draco Lucius Malfoy, you are dead now", I climbed into bed with my pillow, ready to fight. 

20:00 P.M.

 A few hours later, I was getting ready for the party in the Slytherin common room, everyone was invited since after this stressful year, a party would be nice and I couldn't physically kick anyone out. 

I was barely concentrating in my makeup, Nala was running back and forth between my feet wanting attention and I couldn't give it to her or for the next few hours, no matter how much it broke my heart. 

"For Merlin's sake... Nala! Sit!", it saddened me to see that she obeyed but still wanted to come running to me, that deserved a good reward.

 I fed her one of her favorite cookies and petted her shiny fur before going back in front of the mirror. I checked several times to make sure I was ready. 

"See you later my love, mma will be back soon", I waved to her and went downstairs before I gave in. 

 There were already a lot of people when I arrived, the new song by The Weird Sisters was so loud that Pansy didn't hear me, even though I called out 2 times as she passed by on the other side of the room. 

As I made my way through, many friends stopped to congratulate me and also to chat a bit, by the time I realized what I was supposed to do, more than 10 minutes had passed. 

"Have you guys seen Pansy? I was looking for her", I said before turning my own glass of buttered beer over and leaving it in Tom's hand. "See you guys later", my eyes were glued on the blond guy standing in the corner and in less than a second, I was walking towards him. 

"What the hell am I supposed to do with that?!", I heard his indignant voice but ignored it along with all the other people, who tried to talk to me on my way to him. 

"You know, the delay is only elegant because it doesn't last more than 5 minutes", he was smiling even though he hated tardiness. 

"Maybe for most people, a queen is never late love, the others were too early. Especially when it's her birthday", I stopped in front of him. "You haven't given me my present yet, I'm waiting", I pointed to my own lips.  

 He chuckled and looked at me for a few seconds before he said  something, even with the lights flashing I could still see the twinkle in his eyes, which still reflected mine equally. 

"Are you asking this as a gift around too?", his smile widened as did mine, he took a step closer. 

"Does that mean you're not going to give it to me? I had high expectations for this one in particular", something in his gaze changed, I could clearly tell but it was gone as quickly as it appeared. 

"That particular one can wait, right now, I have my main gift", he took his hands off his back and in them was a green velvet median box with silver details. 

 I was almost breathless just admiring the package once it was in my hands. To top it off, a green silk bow and I had the impression that he had made it himself. 

When I opened it, my jaw dropped. A silver necklace with an emerald heart carefully displayed in the box. 

"Draco, you really didn't have to give me something expensive", he didn't answer me, instead took the necklace and helped me put it on. 

"It seemed like an appropriate gift, now that we will no longer be living by Slytherin rules, it’s a nice way to say goodbye", I didn't think twice before I kissed him. 

"I love you, I'll never get tired of saying that", I whispered between kisses. "You won't forget that, right?", I sighed as he brushed his lips across the skin of my neck. 

"I have no reason to forget love, I...", we were interrupted by a forced cough behind me. 

"Why don't you two just go into a room? No one has to see this scene", Blaise's unmistakable voice sounded and I felt my boyfriend giggle, not moving out of position. 

"You can go after your girlfriend instead of getting in our way, wouldn't that be a brilliant idea?", I didn't see what happened, but a nice answer wouldn't be."So where were we honey?", he raised his eyes to meet mine. 

"We better save that for the end of the party love, wasn't that your idea?", I pulled away from him and took his hand. "You have a whole party to enjoy." 

"I already regret that decision, thanks for reminding me", he mumbled that and a few other things I couldn't hear. 

07/01/1997

7:00 A.M.

"I still can't believe this is our last breakfast at Hogwarts", Astoria commented amidst the silence that had formed at our table. 

"I still can't believe it's really over, it seems like any minute now I'm going to wake up and be back in third year", Pansy added. 

"Well, I hope you'll make better decisions if you go back there tonight. No one forgot the hair Pan", my remark made everyone laugh for the first time in the day, a bit of pride grew inside me. 

"Just because Hogwarts is over doesn't mean we're going to split up. None of you have any right to be this down today", Theo said and I was forced to smile as was everyone else. 

"I was glad to be rid of you, at no point I was sad," Blaise muttered but we could all hear him and we all laughed once again. 

8:00 A.M. 

"What are you thinking?" he was with his eyes closed leaning against the train window, but I knew he wasn't asleep. 

"How familiar everything here is, the worn leather of the seat, the smell of candy in the hallway and of trees coming in through the window. Other things will be familiar 7 years from now, it's just weird to think about it," he continued in the same position but held out his hand to me. 

"That's true but I feel better knowing that we will continue to be each other's constant," I intertwined our fingers and we continued like that until we arrived.  

11:00 A.M. 

"It's time for the gifts, we prefer to give you personally. I believe you will like it", my mother said as soon as we sat down on the couch in our living room. 

 I smiled not knowing how to respond, since I usually got the same thing every year, money or more paint, and I was pretty sure they didn't choose in person. 

"Go ahead, open it. We decided to give two separate presents this year, the pink wrapping is mine and the purple one is your father's", the two boxes were right next to me on the couch, so why was I hesitating so much to pick them up? 

 A lot was going on in my head, they have changed a lot in the last year but why? I could be dreaming of the ideal day, but no dream was as vivid as this one.

I took a deep breath and opened the pink first, I expected to find anything but my stuffed bunny, he was washed and clean, different from how I remembered, but still the same. 

"I thought I lost or tore it a long time ago", I managed to say as I hugged him like one who finds an old friend, but he was beyond that. 

"He was really in a rough state, but I was able to fix him. It was in one of the boxes in the basement, remember how you got it?", I agreed again, a wave of memories washed over me. 

My parents had just arrived home from a business trip, it was the first time I had been alone at home without them. 

"Mommy, Daddy!", I ran down the stairs as fast as my little legs would allow and threw myself into my father's arms, not caring about his wet coat, which soon became even wetter. "You promi-promised that you would be back soon”. 

"Oh my love, something unexpected has happened. We were never going to leave you alone for so long," her hands wiped away my tears and took me in her lap. "So, for you never have to be alone again, we brought a little friend, he will always keep you company when we have to leave." 

That wasn't enough to calm me down but it made me curious enough to stop crying, I didn't have any friends before that. 

 I hurried to open the other package but there was only an empty picture frame with no photo inside. 

Before I could open my mouth to ask for an explanation, shapes began to appear from the black background. 

I recognized the picture, me still a baby in my mother's arms and my father behind her, hugging us both but as soon as I blinked, it was gone. 

Another picture formed in its place, I was older, about two or three years old, this one I had never seen. I was on my mother's lap holding a drawing that I had made and possibly looked terrible. 

More pictures appeared and disappeared but I didn't wait to see them all at that moment. 

"I loved these gifts...thank you Mom and Dad," I made a great effort to hold back the tears as I hugged them both. "They are the best presents I have ever gotten." 

23:00 P.M. 

"What are you two doing out there at this time of night?! Draco, have you been drinking now?", Narcisa gave us another stern look before opening the door and shoving us inside. 

 We walked in almost tripping over the living room rug, laughing at each other, to the point where tears formed in our eyes.  

"Shhhhhh, my dad must be working... uhhhhhh, he's not going to like this, u-um," his hand covered my mouth. 

I pushed his hand away from my face. “Me?Shut up? You're practically screaming you idiot!".

 "You two, I don't want another peep out of you. Come up quietly. Your father doesn't like to be interrupted," she whispered, but it was enough for us to agree without hesitation. 

"Yes, Captain, I mean, ma'am," he pulled me up the stairs before her patience ran out. 

07/02/1997

14:00 P.M. 

"What do you mean, you don't remember what happened?", the blond was clearly trying hard not to laugh and I sighed, still under the blanket. 

"I don't remember Draco, did your mother really not hate me? I can't believe we came here...", even though no one was watching me, I started to blush, or was it just the fever? There's no way to be sure now. 

"That could never happen, she made sure to request your favorite tea. Now get out of there before it gets cold", he tried to pull on my blanket but I used all the rest of my strength not to let him.  

"Noooo, out there that's too cold. Come here, it's too cold for you too", I took one of my hands from the comfortable warmth to pull him to me. "You didn't have to get up so early to get this", I whispered but soon after started coughing. 

"There must be a potion to help you, I'll just get it and then...", he was ready to get up from the bed but I didn't let go of his arm. 

"I just want you, please stay here? The elf will bring it anyway", before he could protest, I covered him with the blanket. "You're not well either, let's just lay down for now". 

 He opened his mouth to deny it again but all that came out was a sneeze, after this he just gave up and lied down too. We were both screwed but at least we were together, right? I tried to think positive.

[ @x-dratie-x @fa-me]

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Episode 16: What About Grace (Part 1)

Last night had been a turning point for me. For the first time in this godforsaken world, I felt truly alone. These people had welcomed me with open arms and now they couldn't even look me in the eye. My truth and past had made me an outcast. I could hear Audrey laughing now in the kitchen. She was talking to me now thankfully, but how long would that last? How long before the others convinced her I was just some scumbag thief? She fit here. I didn't. I don't think anything I could say now could make me fit.

I passed the kitchen and out the now boarded up door that led out to the backyard. I sat down on the steps. Everyone seemed to be inside enjoying breakfast. Pancakes as usual. Unfortunately for me, I wasn't welcomed. The first thing this morning I was met with looks of disgust and fear as I walked through the hallways upstairs. Wade looked at me as if I was a monster as he exited the bathroom. Aaron immediately closed his door upon seeing me. He looked as if seen a ghost. Then Lin stared at me looking unsure as we locked eyes on the stairs. Then there was Matthew. He truly hated me now. He peered out from the living room watching me with utter contempt on his face.

In fact, Audrey and Omar seemed to be the only ones left who still liked me or tolerated me at least. Well, those that I could confirm. I hadn't seen Grace, Mr. Jones, Madison, Tao or Nathan. Not even DJ. I had overhead DJ talking to Jones this morning in the hallway about the corpses. From the sounds of it, he would be spending most of the day taking out any he saw roaming around the premises after what happened last night. I was sort of relieved by this. If he had any thoughts about kicking me out I could at least prepare myself for the blow and hopefully make up a good plea for Audrey to stay.

I groaned feeling absolutely miserable and worn out. The sun was beating down on me and the heat was sweltering today. Summer was definitely making itself known. Luckily no corpses seemed to be around, but nature still thrived. I watched some birds fly over me. I found it fascinating how they had somehow survived in this fucked up world. I had even seen a deer in my travels. I closed my eyes trying to clear my mind taking in the organic sounds around me.

"Hey, Vincey! Breakfast?!"

A very loud and obnoxious voice then startled me. I looked up to see Audrey standing over me with a stupid grin on her face.

"Ahh! Shit! What are you a ninja? I didn't even hear you. What the hell?"

She giggled and placed her hand on her hip. "Maybe, but aren't you hungry?"

"No," I mumbled sitting up.

"You're lying. Come in and eat something."

"Nah. I don't eat where I'm not wanted. And I know I'm not wanted."

She cocked her head. "What makes you think that?"

"You haven't seen how they look at me now. They hate me."

"Wah Wah! They hate meeee! You sound like a kid," she said mocking me.

I rolled my eyes. "You know I liked you better when you were unconscious."

"Always the insults with you," she jested. "Well, continue your pity party out here. I'm going inside. I'll make sure Madison saves you a plate.

"Yeah, thanks."

"But Vince..."

"What?!"

A warm smile graced her face. "What you did last night was pretty brave. I'm glad you told the truth."

I shrugged. "Nothing to it."

She went back in the house and I leaned back staring up at the sky again. The wind was kicking up making the heat more tolerable. I checked in my pocket for my cigarette. I had been saving one since the gas station. It was stale, but it would do the trick. I stuck the cig in my mouth and dug in my other pocket for the lighter I bummed off of Nathan, but I stopped midway during my search when I heard footsteps. I took the cigarette out of my mouth and glanced over my shoulder to see Grace standing over me now.

She smiled and sat down beside me. I wasn't really sure how to react to her. We had barely talked since my introduction into the house. We exchanged pleasantries here and there, but we hadn't had a real conversation. Audrey, on the other hand, had become quite fond of her though. Still, it felt strange sitting next to her and from what I heard I should tread lightly when speaking with her.

"Hey," I said feeling suddenly nervous. "Something up?"

"Whew, it's hot. No. Just enjoying the scenery, child," she said wiping sweat off her forehead. "Besides, I thought you might need some company. You look...troubled."

"Nah, Ms. Grace. I'm fine. Just...just lost in thought," I sighed as I fiddled with my cigarette.

She shook her head and took my hands into hers. I turned to meet her eyes and she had the sweetest expression on her face. One of understanding and concern, but I wasn't convinced she could comprehend what I was going through even if I did tell her. Alzheimer's had crippled her emotionally and robbed her of the complexities of thought. If I confided in her I assumed I would just upset her, but what she said next astonished me.

"You're worried about last night," she said plainly. "You told us about your criminal past and now everyone's tiptoeing around you like you're some bad guy."

I looked at her stunned. She laughed and continued. "I know. I see. I got two eyes. Just because I got Alzheimer's don't make me stupid, Mr. Martez. I listen. Now I don't always understand, but when I do I do," she said winking. "Now would you like to know what I think of you?"

"Well...uh..."

"I think you have a good heart," she said now placing one hand on my chest. "I can tell. You know too, but you doubt yourself, but I can tell you you're no monster. No matter what you've done. Your past is only part of your story. The rest is up to you to tell and from the looks of it, you got a lot left to tell. You're here for a reason."

"Here for a reason. Maybe I just got lucky," I thought out loud.

"That's more than luck. I don't know what you believe in, but someone or something wants you here and they’re watching over you," she said quietly. "You’re getting your second chance. We'll all are and we better not waste it."

"How you figured that?"

She closed eyes and sighed. "I could sit here like this forever. It's so nice here, but it's best I get back to Omar. That man will lose his mind if he doesn't have breakfast and his morning paper."

"Ms. Grace. Are you ok?"

She stretched and began climbing to her feet. I rose up immediately and helped her the rest of the way. I took her arm in mine and guided her to the door.

"You got a good heart, Vince. You're a good man," she said nodding as I held the door open for her.

I chuckled. "Thanks. I wish everyone else thought the same as you."

She stopped in the doorway and folded her arms eyeing me suddenly serious now. "They will. They're just afraid and it's easier to be afraid nowadays. Also smarter to be cautious."

I was speechless.

"Besides, according to society, we should be afraid of you. Especially me. A little old lady in the presence of a convict. Heaven forbids", she smirked. "But I'm not and society no longer exists. Time's are changing my friend."

I couldn’t hide how impressed I was with her. I stared at her in amazement. Then I saw her smile slowly fade and her confidence diminish with it. Suddenly she looked confused as if she was looking for something.

"Something wrong?"

"No. Just looking for that darn cat. Ms. Fluffy," she said looking frantic suddenly. "Also the paperboy hasn't delivered the paper these past few days. Omar will be so upset."

"Grace. There's no newspaper or paperboy, honey. Come on, you need a nap," Omar said appearing at the doorway beside her. He turned his attention to me. "She been bothering you?"

"No. Not at all."

"Talking nonsense?"

"Actually not much at all. Everything she said up till now has made the most sense," I said shaking my head in disbelief.

He first looked at me as if I was crazy, but he quickly smiled and patted me on the shoulder. I watched the two of them enter the house then and suddenly Tao appeared. He poked his head out the door looking nervous. His eyes darting from me to elsewhere.

"Whatsup kid? Something the matter?" I asked staring at him.

He looked around and whispered, "Um...did you really kill people?"

A small laugh escaped my lips. "No."

"So you’re really innocent?"

"Yeah. Now I'm no saint, but yeah I was."

"No. I was just wondering," he said coly as he shuffled on his feet. "Do you have a mugshot?"

I chuckled again. "Tao.”

“What? I mean it’s dope if you do.”

“Tao, go in the house!”

“What? What I do?"

I laughed again hardily. I could barely contain myself. I put my arm around him and guided him towards the door. Carefree. My mind and body feeling a bit lighter now. I hadn't won over everyone, but this was a start.

For once I felt hopeful, but it was a feeling that would be short-lived. Maybe not so much the hope, but the feeling of ease. An ease that would be lost that very night and replaced with the feeling of utter despair.

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