#a bit amusing to read about people being very wowed by someone attending a party 'virtually' via webcam

[quaranmine]

Book Reviews with Quara

Since I keep talking about audiobooks, now I want to do a sort of mini book review of the books I've read since starting to "seriously" pick up reading again last year. Also I just like typing about things. I'm skipping Fire Season by Philip Connors and Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams because I've spoken about them already. Keep in mind I am not super-super critical of reading material; generally if I enjoyed it I'm giving 5 stars. If I disliked it though I get a lot more critical because then I want to start analyzing what didn't work for me. Now go forth and learn about what my reading taste is when I'm not reading/writing angsty mcyt fanfic!

Books I loved, aka 5 stars:

Cold Storage by David Koepp

This was the first book I checked out from Libby and it was a banger. I am still trying to replicate that high tbh. When I gave my mom access to my library card in Libby (her rural library has nothing and my city library has everything) I made her check it out too. The narration on the audiobook is fantastic. My mom raved about the narration and basically says she doesn't want to check anything out that wasn't as good--regularly her reviews to me are "good narrator, not as good as that Cold Storage book" lmao. You may know David Koepp as the guy who wrote the Jurassic Park screenplay. This is his first novel.

It's about a mutated fungus that is a sci-fi version of the very real Ophiocordyceps unilateralis, which is more commonly known as the zombie-ant fungus. In this book, a version of Cordyceps can infect all lifeforms, including humans, and has been locked away deep in a former US military vault that has since been sold and converted into an underground storage facility. The plot follows two unlikely protags who work in the storage facility, as well as the two retired military people who are the only ones to have seen the fungi in action, as they try to prevent it from being released into the world. It's funny, horrifying, and gory.

They are making a movie of this book. The release date is tentatively 2024, but I worry about it because I have heard so little news on it. They did do filming though. I have high hopes because they cast Joe Keery as a main character, which I think is perfect casting for the guy in question. I have low hopes because they cast Liam Neeson, a white man, as a character who was originally Hispanic and (as I just noticed while writing this) changed the character's name to be more white. Ugh. Who is Robert Quinn and what did you do with Roberto Diaz???????

Dark Matter by Blake Crouch

What if you got kidnapped and woke up in a parallel world where everybody knew who you were, but they think you're someone else? What if you're just a quantum physics professor, but this other version of you is a successful theoretical researcher? What if your wife never married you in this universe, and your son was never born? How do you get back home? This book is constantly pulling out interesting new questions, twists, and places to explore. Also I liked that while it does feature romance pretty prominently, it's about a guy who just really loves his wife of 15 years and wants to see her again. I just like it when men love their wives.

Also, a fair amount of Goodreads reviews poke fun at this author for having way too much fun hitting the enter key on his keyboard, but since I listened to the audiobook I never had to deal with any annoying formatting choices lol

I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

I feel like we all know about this one already, tbh. If you don't, heavy tw for child abuse and eating disorders. Tread carefully. It's worth it though if you are confident you won't get triggered. If you haven't read it I recommend the audiobook specifically because Jennette narrates it herself and that gives the book so much extra. It was a 6 hour audiobook and I was gripped by it all day.

Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister

BACKWARDS TIMELOOP BABEYY!!! This one was great. It's about a Mom who witnesses her teenage son kill a man. Every day she wakes up in the past again until she can solve why this happened, the mystery leading up to it that entangles her family, and try to prevent it. First she ways up the day before, then two days, then three, then a two weeks, then a few months, then a few years--until her son hasn't even been born yet. I enjoyed it. Also a plus for British accent narrator (can you tell I'm American....)

A Rip Through Time by Kelley Armstrong

This one was fun. I checked it out because it was longish and I had to drive like 8 hrs roundtrip for a work trip, so I listened to this the entire way. It's about a (Canadian) woman named Mallory who was a police detective in the modern day, who gets attacked while out for a jog in Edinburgh, Scotland. The attacker strangles her and she goes unconscious. When she wakes up, however, she finds herself in someone else's body--in the Victorian era. She's now a 19 year old housemaid, and has to adapt as quickly as possible to avoid suspicion. She quickly finds out that she works for a man named Dr. Duncan Gray, who is a medical examiner. And there's a person who's been murdered in a very similar way to how Mallory herself was attacked. And she's quickly finding out that the person who's body she's in was not well-liked.

My favorite part about this one is the emphasis it has on early forensics in Victorian Scotland. Dr. Gray is a fantastic character and it is so interesting to see him doing his lil cutting-edge forensics research (which Mallory, being educated in modern times, wants desperately to help him with.) Also the narrator, while being Canadian, does Scottish accents for all the Scottish characters. I'm not the best person to ask as someone who isn't Scottish but I thought the accents sounded pretty good lol

Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson

My mom recommended this one to me. It's also a lot of fun. The title is, mostly, accurate. Ernest Cunningham (protag) is a writer, who mostly creates how-to books for mystery novelists he sells on Amazon. No, he doesn't write mysteries, he just writes the how-to books. But he's very well-versed in the "rules" of how to write a classic mystery! He promises that, as the narrator of this story, he will always be an entirely reliable narrator. The book itself is obviously fiction but within the narrative of the book, it is being told like a nonfiction account of something that the main character is writing down. This book is sort of a bottle mystery--strange murders while everyone is snowed in at a ski resort during a family reunion, anyone? The main character is funny and breaks the fourth wall often. I am convinced that there is a separate audiobook specific version since the narration within the book references it being an audiobook. The main character will be like "so, you probably realize this isn't the real killer, since we still have 4 hours of the book left to listen to" lol. I almost want to check out a print copy of this to see if the text is different.

Starter Villain by John Scalzi

First one on the list that I didn't listen to as an audiobook. Honestly, I probably read this book in 4 hours flat. Three of those hours just dead-focused while on a plane (with the book's hold expiring as soon as I landed and took my phone off airplane mode.)

I don't really know how to explain this one. I don't think I understood what it was about until I actually got like 4 chapters in and then I couldn't stop. It's just off-the wall ridiculous. There are talking cats. There are dolphins that want to unionize. There is a volcano lair. There are explosions and assasination attempts. There is a reasonably bleakly accurate capitalist picture of what "villainy" means in our world. There is a poor main character in over his head as he learns he's inherited all this from an uncle he never saw. This book is like...satire comedy. Comedy and outlandish but you're also depressed about billionaires a little while reading it.

Books I thought were Okay (3-4 stars but actually I gave both these 4 stars I think)

The Poisoner's Ring by Kelley Armstrong

The second book to the book I mentioned above. Honestly, I remember very well what the first book was about (i typed the summary by memory) but I have trouble remembering specifics about this one. It's a bit too long as well, at 14 hours. I don't have anything bad to say about it, I just didn't enjoy it quite as much as the first one.

But honestly I do remember it was still a good time. I just really like Dr Gray as a character and the setting, early forensic science focus, etc. These books are also setting up to be an EXTREME slow burn romance between Gray and Mallory, which I don't mind. (Literally by book 2 the most we have is that she thinks he's attractive, so at this rate it will take us 3 more books to get anywhere lol.) I will be checking out the 3rd book when it is released this spring.

Someone Else's Shoes by Jojo Moines

Also a book that suffered from being too long. It's a 12 hour audiobook but I think that it could have been 8 or 9 hours and gotten the same point across. My mom recommended this to me. It's narrated by Daisy Ridley, who does a good job. I enjoyed it, but I also started to feel like I really wanted it to be done?

Also unsure how to describe this one. Slightly-contrived-but-cute plot about how a bag switch up in a gym connects two women's stories. One is a, frankly quite annoying, American woman who married rich but has now been completely cut off from her money (and even passport) by her ex-husband who's cheating on her with a younger woman. One is a British woman with low self-esteem and a bad job who is struggling to keep her family afloat while her husband suffers from severe depression. I think my favorite was a side character named Jasmine who brought light to every scene imo.

Books I disliked (2 stars but after writing this review I almost want to make it 1 star)

Aurora by David Koepp

David I really believed in you after Cold Storage. But imo, this book isn't it. It throws away every interesting part of its apocalypse-level plot to focus on the characters. I mean, don't get me wrong, I love a good character-focused plot, except I never connected with anyone in the book. I just kind of didn't enjoy any of them. This is a story that is supposed to be about a solar flare taking out all electricity and communications for most of the world. And it only covers like a few days after the disaster AND THEN TIME SKIPS LIKE 8 MONTHS UNTIL EVERYTHING IS HAPPILY SOLVED NEIGHBORHOOD UTOPIA STYLE. I'm sorry????? Assuming I can believe that this little suburban Illinois cul-de-sac has managed to set up subsistence farming in a few months and is living perfectly happily, why would you....not show me how that happened.....

Also the "everything fits together" character moment at the end felt unearned. I was like yeah, okay, I guess this slots together. But the author didn't earn that moment for me. Instead of connecting with the characters and the plot and getting invested I felt like I was just being....told that everything worked out?? Or told that this was an important moment instead of actually Feeling the moment? It's hard to explain but I was like ok great thanks let's all go home now.

Sigh. I just can't get over the whole "throwing away the most interesting part of your setting" part. Again. Why would you spend a significant time setting up the science and how much of a disaster the solar flare is and then not show any of the characters figuring out how to survive it long-term....?

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

This book has such a high rating. It's very popular right now. It took me like 12 weeks of waiting for my hold to come up, and that's with the library having 7 copies.

It is, supposedly, about a smart octopus named Marcellus who helps an elderly lady solve the mystery of her son's disappearance at sea when he was a teenager.

In practice, it is about one minute at a time of Marcellus (the best part of the book) and extended sections of characters that I don't care about at all. I assume all the pieces of the story were supposed to come together later, but I was just highly bored. I was so bored that I DNF'd at 25% when my hold was up. I do not care enough to wait weeks to check it out again. Based on the one star reviews I read, the characters I didn't like did not develop into better people later and remained similarly annoying. Now, I don't need characters to be good people of course. But I do expect to be interested in them. I still don't know how the son's disappearance factors in because I felt like I heard barely anything about the supposed main character woman.

I feel vindicated because my coworker also checked out the book and told me a few weeks ago that she was at 50% and there still wasn't anything happening in the plot. I will ask her tomorrow if she finished it or not and if it ever got better.

Write an entire book for Marcellus the octopus and I'll check it out...

Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn

This book had so much potential. It's about a group of four women who were formerly assasins but are now retiring at 60. To celebrate retirement, they go on a cruise and then realize that they're the new targets for assasination, presumably because they know too much about the organization that used to employ them.

In execution....very meh. I actually had a Libby glitch on this one, where I think I missed about 1.5 hrs of narration total because the book skipped twice. I have no concept of which parts I missed. What I do know is that, the book was already so cobbled together before the first skip that I didn't realize I had missed anything until the end. Like sure, parts didn't make sense, but I was ready to accept that it was just Like That since the rest of the book was like that. After reading a bunch of reviews of this book I am convinced that there is NO way that all of its flaws can be explained by me missing a small part. After all, I did listen to 8.5 hours of it still.

The characters never felt their age to me. I felt like they either acted like they were 80 or 90, or like they were 20. It just seemed odd to me. The characters also felt very 2D, like the author wrote down three traits per person and called it good. There's a younger woman who appears to know the main character and conveniently helps the group, but I literally never figured out where their relationship originated or how they knew each other. Maybe I missed that too. By the end of the book I still didn't know who anyone was and couldn't remember which person was the main character. The plot jumped around to new locations constantly and often with little transition--this happened even on the parts where I definitely didn't get a skipping glitch. The main villain was a guy I literally had barely heard anything of til that point, although perhaps he came up in the 1.5 hrs I missed. They described the same painting in excruciating detail THREE separate times. It was...too feminist? Feminist in a contrived way where I have to be reminded every 5 minutes the characters are women? Like, I know, I am reading a story about women. Please don't mention it several times a chapter. There are ethical and moral considerations about their profession and chosen organization that never really get given the weight required. There was a love interest for the main character that I hadn't heard of once until he was introduced like an hour from the end--maybe I missed more about him in the parts I skipped? Unknown.

ANNND THAT'S ALL FOLKS!!!

[heartylunalys]

Cannes Film Festival

Austin Butler x black actress! reader

my masterlist || part 2

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genre: smut, tiny bit of fluff

words: 3k

warnings: well…smut, oral f receiving, slight spanking, a manager being annoying as fuck

notes : I loved writing this fic and I hope you will like to read it. I needed to write for Austin since he’s completely clouding my mind since I watched Elvis.

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Cannes Film Festival, an incredible and fancy place where everyone has nice dresses and tuxedos, a view of the beautiful southern French coast, journalists and fans all trying to take a glimpse at the many celebrities here.

You don’t really feel at your place here even if you’re glad to be here, with the big names of the industry. Being a young actress, it’s the first time you’re attending the event, the movie you played in was totally the genre of movie loved in the festival: intense, aesthetically pleasing, a little bit long… You were glad to be the main character in this movie as a black woman, you thought it was a way to show the versatility of black women and how they weren’t always meant to play aggressive, mean characters and conforms to black stereotypes.

The first night of the festival, even if you were tired, having too much spotlight suddenly, your manager begged you to go to the Elvis after-party, saying it will be a perfect occasion to meet new contacts and relieve the stress of the day. After almost 10 minutes of explaining your tiredness to her you understood that she wasn’t going to let you rest in your hotel room so you followed her to La Croisette where the party was at.

“Look at all these people,” she said excitedly, “if we don’t find someone to cast you in all these I don’t know what to do anymore.” She laughed and you forced a smile, clearly annoyed but you didn’t want to act disrespectful.

The party was something, there were a lot of people and you could easily recognize some faces that you already saw on the big screen. However you didn’t feel like talking or even approaching them, maybe because you didn’t feel legit to be in here, you were exhausted and not a very talkative person, so you just decided to take the drink one of the servers offered you, staying away from everyone. You were admiring the pretty landscape of Cannes, wishing you could leave to explore the city. The lights were bright, reflected in the Bay of Cannes.

As you lightly bobbed your head to the music, trying to ease your nerves a little bit, a figure was walking towards you with a little smile and you wanted nothing more than to disappear in the crowd of fake smiles and hypocritical laughs.

“Hey, I think I’ve never seen you before. You’re..y/n right?” The man with a deep voice and a slight southern accent said and you immediately smiled, seeing that the rumors about keeping his character voice were true.

“Yeah, I’m quite a newbie in this type of event, it’s my first time here.” You answered, still not looking at him, searching for a way to run away from this exchange.

“I totally understand,” he cleared his throat searching for something to say, “Did you like the movie ?” He asked with a little pride in his voice.

“Which movie?” It didn’t even occur to you that you were at a party for the movie Elvis, a movie that you watched just before and that you even liked.

“Well, Elvis, my movie.” He explained, a little amused at your question and you were glad that he wasn’t mad at you for this.

“Oh my god I’m sorry,” you quickly responded, clearly embarrassed by your mistake, “I loved it, a lot, it was wow, it was something.” You muttered and finally looked at his face and you wish you didn’t. His blue eyes felt like they were piercings your own dark irises, a smirk plastered on his face while he watched you attentively. “You were incredible.” You let out, almost like a whisper.

“Thank you, it was my job to mesmerize the ladies.” He joked and you laughed, feeling a little bit ridiculous to have a change in your attitude so obvious once you saw his handsome features. “Do you want another drink?” He asked sweetly and you immediately accepted.

You’re night was delighted with Austin. You drank all night with him, laughing and talking in each other's ears with sultry voices.

You were now feeling a little tipsy and clearly the man talking at you was partly responsible for your situation. Your bodies were pressed against each other’s, slowly swinging with the music. Austin’s hands found their place on your waist, going up and down almost cupping your breast.

“You wanna go somewhere else?” He whispered in your ear and you shivered from the sound of his deep voice in your ear.

“Where are you taking me?” You slightly teased him hoping he would announce that you were taking the way to his hotel room.

“Wherever you want, lead the way.” You could hear an almost innuendo in his sentence as his hand traveled from your waist to your thighs. His touch lingered on your skin.

“Well.” You took his hand ready to lead the way to your hotel room with a slight smirk, feeling hot and dizzy from the alcohol and the touch of the handsome boy behind you.

“Y/n! Where do you think you’re going?” Your manager hissed while taking you by the arm, she eyed Austin from head to toe, not impressed by him, “We’re going home, you have to rest.” She gave the two of you a death stare before pulling you out of the party to the car waiting for you to come home.

“Why the fuck did you do that?” You asked, clearly pissed off.

“Well, I’m keeping you from making a fool of yourself.” She strictly said, looking at her phone to message all the people she managed to find for the evolution of your career.

“Making a fool of myself are you kidding me?” You were clearly annoyed now, with a harsh tone in your voice.

“Look darling, I think, and it’s only for your well-being, that it would be terrible for you and your reputation to be seen as a whore fucking with anyone. It would be a shame wouldn’t it be?” She wasn’t really asking you a question, she was simply stating her mind with an almost mom tone, clearly looking down on you.

“I don’t accept that you think you can talk to me like that.” You harshly spoke and she simply hummed, not interested in this conversation anymore.

The rest of the ride was silent, an electric atmosphere lingered in the car. Once you arrived at your hotel, you quickly got out of it, ignoring the voice of your manager giving you instructions for tomorrow. You walked to your room, frustrated, feeling like you were 15 all again and people could feel like they had a word to say in your life. You’re sure you had at least an hour of nervous breakdown, all the pressure washing over you. Maybe it wasn’t meant to be your life, maybe you didn’t have the shoulders for it.

As you were wiping the mascara that runned, watching attentively at yourself in pity, your phone ringed, getting you out of your racing mind. The number was unknown and you were ready to freak out at the person calling you at this hour.

“What?” You harshly asked while picking up, not even letting your interlocutor speak.

“Is it y/n?” A deep voice asked and you couldn’t believe your ear.

“Austin? How did you get my number?” You murmured, a little bit taken aback by hearing him. He laughed lightly and you loved the sound.

“It was difficult but I did it finally.” He didn’t really answer your question but you couldn’t care less about that with how happy you were to hear him. “I’m sorry my manager is such a bitch, I wish I could have stayed longer.” You explained remorsefully.

“I wish you stayed too but hey,” he paused for a second and you waited for him, “Can I come by?” You could hear the malicious smile in his voice. How could you say no to that proposition?

“I’m texting you the info.” You informed him, trying to hide your excitement. After that you hung up, immediately texting him everything he needed to know to be able to come in. You sprinted to the bathroom to do your makeup, trying to accentuate the gorgeous features of your face. Then, you quickly changed yourself, trying to find something sexy but not too much, putting sexy lingerie under your silk dress. You unbraided your hair from the 2 braids you had done to go to sleep. You quickly picked your curls and coils, reshaping your hair like you wanted it. You plumped your lips one last time with your gloss and looked at yourself with pride.

Approximately 10 minutes after your rush you could hear a car pulling up to your hotel. You quickly looked from your window and you perceived the handsome figure of Austin going out of his car and walking nonchalantly in your hotel. You waited on your bed trying to swallow your nerves, you were not feeling as confident as before now that the effects of alcohol had faded. The knock on your door obligated you to stand up and open it, ready to face the beautiful boy.

“Hey.” He smiled and you step out of the way to let him enter your room.

“Don’t talk too loud, the witch is in the room next to mine.” You said while directing your gaze to your wall to explain to him. He snorted and looked at you from head to toes, letting his gaze stop at every parcel of your skin he could see.

“You’re gorgeous.” He stated while taking you by your hips, your dress slightly went up your thighs.

“And you’re handsome.” You answered and his lips found yours, kissing you passionately like he waited for it the whole night. You placed your arms on his neck while one of his hands was now gripping your ass. A soft moan came out of your mouth, Austin took advantage of it to let his tongue meet yours. Your hand was now pulling his hair, and the slight pain was making him even more hornier, pulling you right against him, feeling the bulge in his pants. The kiss was sloppy and wild, the two of you wanting to feel the other.

You pushed him on the bed, your legs encircling his thighs and his bulge right under your core. You attacked his neck, sucking, biting and kissing it. Your movements were making him even harder and he let out groans at the friction.

“You’re so sexy like that.” He stated, his blue eyes almost closed and his plumped lips slightly ajar. His torso was going up and down from his breathing.

“You should see yourself right now.” you murmured in his ear while unbuttoning his black shirt, caressing his hot skin.

His finger slowly lowered your dress straps, his touch felt like a feather on you. He finally exposed your red lace bra, his mouth traveling from your neck to your chest, his eyes piercing yours and his hips rocking slowly under you.

“Austin.” You moaned and he unclaimed your bra, replacing it with his hands while his hair was pulled by you.

He exchanged your positions and you were now on your back on the bed as Austin was above you, admiring your hair on the bed, your pleased face, your perfect chest and the rest of your body that was perfect for him.

“I want to please you,” he started with his hoarse voice, “to make you come before I fuck you.”

“Please do it.” You muttered as his mouth encircled one of your nipple, biting it slightly. His hand traveled to your panties, primarily playing with you by lightly touching you to earn soft whimpers from your mouth. You could feel his smile. He slowly lowered your panties and coated his fingers with your juice before drawing painfully slow circles on your clit. You pressed your nails into his shoulder and he deeply groaned before lowering his kisses and bites from your breast to your abdomen until he was in front of your pussy.

He looked at you to ask for your consent and you tiredly nodded. Austin kissed the inside of your thighs, letting a hot feeling in every spot his lips touched. He finally licked a long strip of your pussy, tasting you with pleasure as his eyes were still looking into yours. He lapped you like you were the most delicious threat on earth, sucking on your clit and licking it godly.

“You’re so fucking good.” He moaned and as your hand gripped his hair you saw him rutting against the bed trying to relieve himself.

“Fuck Austin, Austin! Don’t stop!” You begged and he added two fingers in your core that made you scream.

“I wasn’t planning on stopping, don’t worry baby.” He said, sending shivers down your core.

As he pulled his fingers in and out of you, eating you out wildly, you were now grinding on his face, chasing your high.

“I’m so close, fuck!” You cried and Austin deeply moaned with how hard you were gripping his hair. You felt your orgasm like the pleasure just exploded in you, you were screaming his name and your breath was ragged. He kept pleasing you until you gently pushed his face away, your legs shakingly encircling his shoulders.

“Fuck, you make me so hard.” Austin muttered and you quickly looked at his pants where the form of his hard dick could now be seen. “You��re gonna let me fuck you hard now, right?” He cockily asked and a horny yes rolled out of your mouth. “You’re so good for me, so gorgeous and sexy, I wish I could have you like that everyday, all day.” He scented your neck, addicted to your perfume.

“Can I make you feel good too?” You asked sweetly and he smirked at you before caressing your cheek.

“Just turn around and bend over for me if you want to please me.” You executed his orders, shivers running down your spine.

You heard him search for a condom in his pocket before unbuttoning and unzipping his pants before placing himself behind you, gripping your ass to make it wiggle a little bit while kissing up and down your back.

“You ready?” He whispered and you felt him rubbing his dick slowly on your clit.

“Fuck me Austin.” You almost moaned and Austin slowly entered into you, stretching you deliciously. Your breath hitched, biting your lips in pleasure.

“I don’t think I can control myself with you.” He groaned as he began to move, one hand on your back, pulling out completely before slamming into you. The side of your face crashed on the pillow, moaning all sorts of obscenities. Austin was fucking you wildly, moaning your name from time to time and slightly spanking your ass to hear you scream how much you loved it. One of his hand was on your neck to keep you in position so he could fuck you so deep and good, hitting you at the perfect angle, making your legs tremble and your mind go dumb.

“Austin, Austin, keep…keep doing.” You chanted, liking being used as a fuck toy by the boy. You could feel your core throbbing around Austin’s cock as the sensation of him in you was beginning to be too much to handle. You repeated his name like it was the only thing you could think off while creaming him, your mouth full opened, almost drooling from the pleasure of your orgasm.

“God, you’re making me crazy y/n.” Austin scratched your hips from how his nails were pressed on your hips as he felt his own high from your pulsating pussy. You understood he was coming as you heard the moans he let out and the way his movements were getting sloppier and even stronger.

He stayed in you a little bit more, catching his breath and caressing your back to your thighs softly.

“I’ll be right back.” He whispered as he pulled off of you to throw away the condom. You laid on the bed, watching him tiredly. He sat beside you, putting back on his underwear and your heart ached a little bit, you hoped he would stay at least for the night. When he took completely off his shirt and laid just beside you, taking you in his arms as he caressed your shoulder you felt relieved and content. The smell off his cologne lingered on the sheets and you smiled against his torso.

“What?” He amusedly asked, a smile plastered on his own face.

“Nothing, let me sleep.” You answered in the same tone and he laughed lightly. He peppered your hair with sweet kisses and at this moment you thought that you could get used to this.

The next morning you were alone in your bed, waking up to the voice of your manager at your door screaming at you to wake up before it was too late to go. You sighed, upset from this situation that contrasted completely with the idyllic night before.

“Stop shouting I’m fucking awake!” You screamed in the direction of your door. You then saw the little piece of paper beside you on the nightstand and saw that it was signed Austin.

I loved this night with you but I wish we could get to know each other. What do you think of a date tonight ? I’ll come pick you up at 10.

Austin.

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notes: So.. part 2 ?

I hope you guys liked it, I’m also preparing an Elvis fic so stay tuned.

I’m taking requests by the way.

Likes, reblogs and comments are well appreciated!

I created this blog to allow black girls to feel more comfortable with reading x reader, as a black person I saw how much we weren’t really represented in the fanfic community

* ° 𐐪𐑂 ♡ 𐐪𐑂 ₒ 𐐪𐑂 ♡ 𐐪𐑂 ° * ° 𐐪𐑂 ♡ 𐐪𐑂 ₒ 𐐪𐑂 ♡ 𐐪𐑂 °

This is my work, please don’t repost it, translate it or take it without my permission.

04/07/2022

[randomshyperson]

Hey :) can you please write about jo wilson (grey‘s anatomy) plot would be like „you guys are an engaged couple an you get in a pretty bad car accident and you flatline infront of her in the trauma room etc“

I love your stuff! ❤️ thank youuu

This request got a bit forgotten in my message box, sorry about that anon. I won't be able to write the “jo wilson plot” because I have never seen Greys Anatomy, and I really don't like medical shows. I also have a similar angst I believe, it is called Forever And Always , maybe you would like to give this one a read.

Also, i said already that Wanda suffered enough, i’m not giving her sad endings anymore, canon hurt her enough. 

Glad to know you like my stuff, hope you like this, even if is short.

-.-

Wanda Maximoff x Reader - Bitter Present

Summary: Reader and Wanda are married, and they are involved in a car accident.

Words:  3.499K || Read on AO3 

Warnings: Angst, brief mention of smut, a bit of fluff, happy ending people i promise.

Marks: @mionemymind - @abimess​

-.-

Present

"Honey, I can't find my keys." You said to your wife as you rummaged through the kitchen sink drawers.

Wanda let out a giggle, and you were startled when she suddenly touched your waist; you hadn't heard her approach. She wiggled her fingers on your belt, and lifted the metal item to your face.

"They were with you the whole time." She said in a playful tone and you smiled, grabbing your keys, and turning to her.

"All set?" You asked and Wanda nodded, kissing you quickly as she walked towards the exit, you hurried to keep up with her.

"I already called Nat to let her know we're leaving." Wanda says as you get into the car, you mumble in agreement.

As you drive to the house of your best friend, Natasha Romanoff, intending to attend her engagement party, you let out a worried grumble as you look up at the sky. 

"I think there's a storm coming, honey." You say to Wanda in the passenger seat.

"Good thing the party is indoors then." She completes with a smile. You look at her tenderly as the headlight is closed. Wanda is so beautiful, you always think you are too lucky to have married someone so amazing.

"The light turned green." She comments with a playful smile, blushing slightly as she notices your gaze on her. You blink awkwardly, turning back to drive.

//-//

Eight Years Ago

Your palms are sweaty. 

Natasha managed to set you up on a blind date after forcing you to sign up for a popular dating app since not only are you absolutely terrible at it, but you are also a surgeon, and don't exactly have a lot of time available for dating. But after much insistence, you accepted. 

She texted you as you were about to arrive at the restaurant, and you pulled out your cell phone from your pants pocket. The notification read "Talk about casual stuff, please. Don't overthink it Try to relax. You can do it." You smiled at her attempt to instruct you.

Your date had not yet arrived, and you sat down at the table that the app had reserved for you. Nat had told you that there would be other pairs, so you weren't that surprised when you noticed so many other couples at several tables placed next to each other, in a row.

You had left the options open, so you didn't even know the gender of your partner, not that it really mattered. 

Fortunately you didn't wait that long, when a handsome young man approached you, roses in his hands, which made you blush more from surprise than anything else. You greeted each other with a kiss on the cheek and he sat down in front of you.

A little small talk, and you were enjoying yourself. He was nice, and as bad at this as you were, you realized. When you ordered the main meals, however, something interesting happened.

"Hey, I think those are our orders." Commented a black man with an endearing smile. He was sitting at the next table, talking to a redhead. You and your date, Bucky as he had previously introduced himself, smiled in confusion. And then you noticed that the food you had just received was not yours, but that the one at the next table was. 

"I think the team must be overwhelmed with so many people." You said as you helped the couple next to you exchange their orders. 

You blushed when your gaze met the redheaded girl's, being impressed by her stunningly green eyes, and you almost knocked over your plate.

"I guess that's right now." Said the man as you finished, he was quite nice, and you risked another glance at his date, before quickly looking away when she glanced back.

"Yeah, I think it's fine." Bucky replied smiling. 

The meeting took an unconventional turn after that. Bucky noticed the small army necklace the stranger was carrying, and made a comment. And then the two boys began to talk excitedly, and you and the redheaded girl exchanged accomplice looks. When they noticed, they immediately excused themselves, and you giggled.

"I have an idea." You said, and then you exchanged partners.

"That sure is against the rules of the app." Bucky remarked with a smile and you laughed as he sat down at the next table, and the redhead in front of you. 

"I'm Sam by the way." The guy next to you introduced himself, and you smiled when you said your name back.

"Hi." You greeted the girl who sat down across from you.

"Hi." She said smiling at you. "I'm Wanda."

//-//

Seven years ago.

"Wow, what are you doing here?" You ask in surprise as you walked down to the reception desk.

"What are you doing here?" Wanda retorted in the same tone, and you looked down at her clothes in shock.

"My god, you've been transferred to my hospital"  You exclaimed as you understood and Wanda let out a short laugh.

"I see you've already made friends with the new pediatrician, Doctor Maximoff" Announced Fury, your boss for four years, and also director of the Avengers State Hospital, who you hadn't even noticed was present when you walked down to the reception desk and found your girlfriend.

Wanda had mentioned that she had requested a transfer from the hospital where she worked, and is waiting for an answer. With the busy life you both led, you had forgotten to ask about it. And then here she was, duly uniformed and smiling at you.

"I suppose I have HR paperwork on relationship politics to prepare for you two." Commented Fury with an insinuating look when he noticed the way you and Wanda looked at each other. The two of you exchanged shy smiles. "In the meantime, why don't you take the tour with your friend, doctor Y/L/N?"

"Sure, Director Fury, i got it." You nodded in agreement before the man walked toward his own office.

//-//

Six years ago.

"That is so risky." You heard Wanda sigh breathlessly as you had her pressed against a locker, your lips kissing her neck as your hands drifted dangerously down her body.

"Honestly, Fury is to blame." You retorted as you opened the buttons of her blouse. "Forcing me to take time off while you're on duty. I can't believe I'm going 26 hours without touching you. You grumbled as you grabbed her right breast, causing Wanda's smile to turn into a low groan.

"I'll go to your apartment when I'm done." She replied, blushing and biting her lips to stop herself from making so much noise. You nodded before kissing her deeply, your hands reaching inside her pants, your mouth holding back her moan.

//-//

Five years ago.

You smiled as you felt Wanda's arms around you, hugging you around the waist.

"This is our home." She commented tenderly. You stood in the empty living room. The key in your hands.

"Yes, dear." You retorted smiling, "This is our home."

//-//

"Have you ever thought about having kids?" Wanda asked softly as you both were lying in your bed. You stopped staring at the bedroom ceiling to look at her, laying your face on your pillow and slipping your arm underneath.

"I didn't like the idea." You confessed watching her mimic your position.

"What changed?"

"You."

Wanda smiles shyly, and you lift your hand to caress her cheeks.

"Do you think we could do it?" You asked, watching her intently. She blinked slightly confused and you added, "With so many shifts, and little free time. Do you think that would be a good idea?"

Wanda sighed, thoughtfully.

"I don't know." She replied. "It would be a difficult change. We would need to organize ourselves very well so that the kids wouldn't feel alone and..."

"The kids? As in plural?" You interrupted amused, Wanda laughed.

"Oh, sorry, you just want one kid?" She asked slightly ironically, joining in the joke. You pretended to be thoughtful.

"I think we can handle eleven."

"Eleven?" Wanda asked in surprise, laughing softly.

"Yeah, like on a soccer team. One kid for each position on the team" You explain smiling.

"Shut up" She retorted pushing your shoulder lightly while laughing. 

//-//

Four years ago.

"That's hot." You said looking at Natasha's cell phone screen, a picture of a lingerie. She let out a sigh.

"Yeah I know." She retorted taking the cell phone out of your sight and turning back to herself. "Bruce said he wanted to spice things up, and well, that's going to be interesting."

"I'd like to not talk about it over my lunch, though." You hit back with a smile, Nat laughs as she put the cell phone on the table.

"Sorry, but that's what friends are for." She says with a smile as she reaches for her own fork. You are having lunch in the main cafeteria of the hospital, it must be about two o'clock in the afternoon. "And how are things going with Wanda?"

You fiddle with your salad for a few moments, shrugging.

"I've never been more in love with someone." You comment.

"Well, you live together, so that's a good thing."

"I'm going to ask her to marry me."

Nat chokes in surprise, and looks at you with glazed eyes, before letting out an exclamation of happiness that attracts the attention of your colleagues around you.

In the next second she is listing a thousand ways the party could take place, famous buffets, flavor of cake, and you are smiling.

//-//

Present

"And how is the adoption process?" Natasha asked as you two stood in the garden. It had been a couple of hours since you and Wanda arrived at the wedding reception, and you are sitting at one of the outside tables, lots of guests around you. No rain yet.

Wanda smiles as she tells you that you have already met the twins, and that you are in the final processes of making everything official.

"They are so amazing, Nat, you have no idea." You comment as you show her a picture of the boys on your cell phone. Two five-year-old brothers. "They're not a full soccer team, but we'll get there."

Your joke makes Nat and Wanda laugh, and you take a sip of cider as Nat looks at the pictures.

//

Three years earlier.

You stuck your head through the warehouse door and let out a sad sigh when you found Wanda sitting on the floor, her head between her legs. 

"Hey honey." You greeted her as you entered and closed the door, walking over to her to sit beside her on the floor.

Wanda wiped away tears with one hand as she raised her head and grasped the other in your lap.

"Hey." She answered weakly, and you squeezed your hands together.

"I'm sorry." You said. "It wasn't your fault."

"It's not how I feel." She retorted hurt. "Nor how his family feels."

You sigh lightly, wishing you could change things. But you can't.

"Unfortunately we can't save every patient, Wands. You've done everything you can."

"He was only four years old." She retorted tearfully. 

"I know honey." You said releasing her hand to put your arm between her shoulders. Wanda sank into your embrace, crying softly. "I'm sorry."

//-//

Two years earlier.

You heard a familiar noise as you entered the living room, and you looked suspiciously at your wife when she startled when she saw you.

"Honey, what are you hiding back there, huh?" you asked crossing your arms. Wanda looked at you with surprise.

"Hey honey." Wanda said half-heartedly. "Don't be mad."

A meow echoed in the room and you let out a giggle.

"I imagine it wasn't you who made that lovely sound, was it, Wanda?"

Wanda moved to the side, and you let out a sigh as you observed the small creature inside a box on the table beside the sofa. 

"I found it around the street corner." 

You let out a chuckle, uncrossing your arms as you walked over to the animal. The cat couldn't have been even two months old.

"And of course the most logical choice was to bring him home instead of dropping him off at some pet shop."

"He was hungry." She retorted slightly upset, you laughed, taking your attention away from the cat to look at Wanda.

"Why are you grimacing, now I have two kittens at home." You joked stealing a quick kiss from Wanda, who relaxed her posture immediately.

"So can we keep him?"

You laughed, reaching out your arm to hug Wanda by the shoulders, she relaxed against you.

"We're going to have to figure out how to take care of a cat while working fifty hours a week, honey."

//-//

Present

You kissed Natasha's cheek as you said goodbye, Wanda mimicked your movement next. You both waved to Bruce again as you walked back to the car parked in front of your friend's house.

"Be careful in the rain." Nat warned as soon as you arrived at the vehicle, and you nodded in agreement.

By the time you have been driving a few minutes, Wanda turns on the radio, softly humming the song that begins.

"Can we watch something when we arrive?" She asks next, and you smile.

"By something you mean a sitcom?" You quip humorously, and she laughs softly, mumbling in agreement.

You are silent, and Wanda only speaks again when it starts to rain. 

"This is getting heavy." She comments as she watches the drops thicken. 

"Yeah, I'll pull over until it gets better." You tell her also worriedly, as you slow the car down to stop on the shoulder.

You think you hear a brake and turn your head to the side quickly, and a golden light is all you see before you black out.

//-//

You wake up in a jolt.

"Wanda?" That is the first question that escapes your lips. You blink in confusion trying to get used to your surroundings, there is a hand on your forearm the next second. "Nat, what...?"

"Hey, easy." Your friend asks pushing you lightly on the bed. She has a tired countenance and you look at her with confusion.

"Where's Wanda? Where am I?" you begin to despair, noticing your surroundings. 

"You're in the hospital." She replies stopping you from getting up, not that you have much strength anyway. Your body aches. At her words you notice the room around you. It is a white room. There are needles in your arm. " You guys suffered an accident."

You choke in surprise, trying to sit up, but you feel a sharp pain in your ribs.

"Where is my wife?" You ask again, feeling your throat close up. Nat looks away.

"She's in surgery, Y/N," Nat replies gloomily. You feel your eyes fill with tears, but you force yourself to sit up, pushing Nat's hands away. "Please, you can't strain yourself."

"No." You interrupt. "I need to see her."

"Y/N."

"I need to." You repeated again pushing your feet off the bed. Nat had a tearful face, but grumbled that you would make her lose her job some of these days as she helped you remove the needles in your arm.

Nat led you around the hospital to the trauma center, you ignored the curious glances your co-workers and a few strangers threw at you through the hallways. You leaned against the glass, watching Wanda on a gurney, many doctors around her.

Your face wet with tears as you asked:

"What happened?"

"A truck driver lost control." Nat replied looking at you. "It hit you on the breakdown lane. Wanda... She has a skull fracture."

You sobbed, lowering your gaze.

"Stephen is operating, Y/N" Nat continued as he held your hand. "He's the best we've got, we're going to do everything possible..."

"I can't lose her." You breathlessly interrupted, crying. "God, I can'..."

Nat hugged you next, and you collapsed in sobs.

//-//

Wanda had been in surgery for six hours.

Fury made you go back to your room and get checked up. And after doing this, and putting on a change of clothes that Nat had picked up for you, you went back to the trauma room, and waited.

Your face is wet with tears when your phone rings, and you go out into the hallway to answer it.

"Yes?" You asked in a hoarse voice.

"Miss Y/L/N?" A female voice asked, you ran your free hand across your face before confirming. "I have great news for you and your wife, dear. The judge has cleared the finalization of the adoption. You can pick up the twins at the orphanage on Monday morning."

You let out an exclamation of surprise. And then you are holding back the cry.

"Wow, that's... Incredible." You laugh breathlessly. You swallow the emotion in your voice. "I'm going to... I'm going to let Wanda know. She... She'll be very happy."

"Yes, I can imagine. Congratulations to new moms." Says the woman, and you hang up, no longer able to hold back the crying. You sit on the floor, sinking your face into your arms.

Nat appears beside you a moment later, concerned as she places a hand on your forearm, but you are unable to say anything for long minutes.

//-//

When the surgery is over, Wanda is in an induced coma.

Stephen is saying that the procedure went well, but that they need to leave her under observation, and that there are considerations to be made and they cannot know what the sequelae are, but it all seems like noise to you.

Nat says you should sleep and eat, but you are already walking over to stand next to Wanda's bed. 

"Hey, honey" You tell her softly, reaching into the sheet to hold her hand. "You'll be glad to know who called." You tell Wanda, wiping away your own tears as they flow. "We're going to be mommies, Wands." You gasp. "You need to wake up soon, honey. We need to be there on Monday."

Wanda just stood there, unmoving. And you sobbed, looking away. Stephen was beside you again, updating the documentation about Wanda's surgery.

//-//

"Enough, you need to eat something." Nat announced as she pulled you out of the room by your arm, a few hours after you arrived in Wanda's room. "And you're going to take a shower too."

You were so tired that you couldn't even resist, taking one last look at your sleeping wife as you were dragged out.

Nat waited outside the locker room while you took a shower. And then she took you to the cafeteria.

"Do you want to talk about it?" She asks as you eat hamburger sitting at one of the tables. You let out a dry laugh, and point outside the hospital. 

"If anything happens, I'm going to jump off that bridge". You grumble, and Nat lets out a sigh.

"Don't say things like that, it's not funny." She retorts with concern and you wipe away the new tears that have formed in your eyes. 

"I'm not telling a joke, Natasha." You tell her impatiently.

You throw your burger back on the tray, running your hand through your hair.

"I'm sorry about all this, Y/N" Nat says reaching for your hand on the table. It takes a moment for you to shake her hand back.

//-//

Wanda had been in a coma for two days.

You had no more tears, so you just stood by her bedside like a ghost, unable to really think about anything.

Natasha checked on you between shifts, and she also asked Bruce to feed your cat. 

After you fetched some coffee in the early morning hours of the third day, you gasped when the device at Wanda's bedside started beeping. 

Within a second there were nurses rushing in, and someone was pulling you out.

Your coffee cup fell to the hallway floor as you caught a glimpse of the medical staff using the cardiac defibrillator before the door was closed.

//-//

You awoke in fright, many hours without news of Wanda. You were asleep in the waiting room.

Nat was poking you lightly on the shoulder, his eyes full of tears.

"What is it?"

"She woke up."

//-//

Monday.

"Is it true that we're going to have two moms now?" Billy asked from the back seat. Natasha laughed lightly as she drove. 

"Yes, darlings, you're going to love it." She told. "Mama Wanda makes the best cakes, and you will get everything you want from Mama Y/N."

"That's so cool." Commented Tommy to his brother, holding his hand.

"Why couldn't moms pick us up?" Tommy asked a moment later, but Nat's expression was calm in the rearview mirror.

"Mommy Wanda got hurt last week." She recounted. "So your other mommy had to take care of her, but they are waiting for you at home. And I hear there are lots of presents waiting for you."

[lalainajanes]

For “neighborhood block party” on my bingo card! This one takes place in the same universe as Sweet As (quirky supernatural small town fic in which Caroline’s a dryad who owns a bakery and Klaus is the leader of the local werewolf pack and mates are a thing ;) ) though it’s more of a prequel.

The Fall Festival

Before he’d met Caroline, Klaus’ mornings had fallen into a predictable pattern.

He would wake up at the same time, wander into his kitchen to find a full pot of coffee and a pack member or two. Occasionally, there was an emergency. Sometimes there was an issue where his opinion was wanted. Most often, his visitors would come with a problem that could have been solved without Klaus’ input, though he’d never complained.

Klaus had been an outsider once, had become pack leader when the father he’d never known had died, and Marcel had shown up at his door in Chicago. At the time, Klaus had resented the disruption to his life.

Now, he doesn’t understand how he’d survived so long, locking himself in a cage every month.

His mother had explained his parentage when he’d turned twelve, and it had been revelatory, explained why he’d always struggled to wield even a hint of the power that came naturally to his siblings. Esther had told him what to expect, that he’d be dangerous, but she’d refused to tell Klaus anything about the man who’d passed him the werewolf genes, hadn’t even supplied a name.

The rift in their relationship had begun there, had only widened since. When Klaus had chosen to accept his birthright, he’d ensured he’d never be welcome in the home he’d grown up in. He’d never regretted it.

Most of his siblings happily defy their parents to visit, and the pack had become another sort of family.

Three months after Caroline had opened her shop, Klaus had trekked out into the forest to deal with one of the rare emergencies. A scent had been picked up on a security run two days prior, of a young, unfamiliar wolf.

A wolf who proved to have a gift for hiding.

Klaus and his inner circle had been trying to track the interloper, had to find them before the next full moon. His pack had long-standing agreements with the humans and the various local supernatural sects. A young wolf could have jeopardized the easy peace the town enjoyed without meaning to. Klaus and his pack would have had to pay the price.

Young wolves could not always assert human will over animal instincts, which could be deadly if any prey crossed their paths.

And to a werewolf, just about anyone can be prey.

That morning Klaus had decided to head west to an area of that woods that was dense with trees and wildlife. His pack usually leaves it be, understanding that there would be objections if they were to start messing with the local ecosystems. Besides, it offers little opportunity to run, something a werewolf is always eager to do when given a chance.

He’d been moving slowly and silently, examining the ground for prints that looked similar to the ones they believe belong to the young wolf. He’d frequently paused to see if he could pick up a scent, but he’d grown distracted.

Klaus had come across a grove of trees emanating a strange warmth. Curious, he’d rested his hand on the trunk of one.

Only to have the rough bark shiver under his touch and melt away, growing soft and smooth and scented of cherries and spice rather than earth.

He’d snatched his hand back and turned away as soon as he’d realized what was happening, had awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck, and wondered if it would be cowardly to flee. He’d heard rustling, soft footsteps, the glide of fabric over skin. Then a woman’s voice, dripping with amusement, “You can turn around now. I’m dressed.”

Klaus had turned slowly. “My apologies. I was unaware I was trespassing.” He’d averted his eyes, realizing that “dressed” wasn’t entirely accurate. The woman had only slipped on a robe, a pale green confection of a garment made from silk and lace, loosely belted and short. He’d looked closely enough to realize she was gorgeous, with a riotous mess of blonde curls framing a flushed face and friendly, curious blue eyes.

His body had reacted, and Klaus had forced himself to begin breathing through his mouth. Her scent had clouded his thoughts, tempted him to step closer.

He hadn’t understood what was happening, why he was reacting so strongly to a stranger.

Klaus might have grown particular about who he invited into his bed, but he was hardly inexperienced or prone to awkwardness in the presence of beautiful women.

He’d gone a little wild when he’d become pack leader five years ago, had freely partaken in pleasure just about any time it was offered. Offers were still coming, but Klaus had largely lost interest, leery of complications that could occur with attachments. At the time, he’d only occasionally indulged when an alluring visitor caught his eyes.

Which hadn’t happened in months.

Why was this woman, not even a wolf, so very compelling?

When he’d clasped his hands behind his back and carefully fixed his attention to just above her forehead, she’d made a noise, an aborted laugh. “Wow, never met a shy werewolf before. You guys are usually super quick to get naked.”

Klaus’ eyes had swung to hers, shocked and a touch suspicious, “How do you know I’m a werewolf?”

Her head had tilted towards the trees, “It’s hard to explain. When I’m in that form, connected to the ground, there’s a heightened amount of intuition. Most supernatural beings pull power from some variety of natural elements, and I can usually tell which one, feel the energy.”

“You’re a dryad,” he’d said slowly. He’d remembered reading about them as a child, in one of his mother’s books. An old, thick tome, with tiny print, that detailed the origin stories of all the known species that walked the earth. He hadn’t recalled much more than the basics, had made a mental note to check if the library in his home had a similar volume.

“Guilty,” she’d chirped. She’d held out her hand, “Caroline Forbes. I bought the bakery in town a couple of months ago. You should stop by sometime.”

He’d shaken her hand, that contact enough to ensure Caroline would never stray from Klaus’ thoughts for long.

That brief brush of her skin on his had spurred a change in Klaus’ morning pattern.

He’d visited Caroline’s bakery the next day. Had rolled out of bed, earlier than he had since he’d been obligated to attend morning meetings, and driven to town. Caroline’s business had been easy to spot, featuring a cheerful striped awning in the same shade of green of the robe Klaus had spent far too many minutes contemplating.

He’d slid into a booth shortly after Caroline had opened up. She’d noticed him, appeared pleased to see him and wiggled her fingers in greeting.

And thus began a new routine.

* * * * *

Caroline smiles at Klaus as soon as he arrives. His face immediately grows suspicious.

Oops. She might have overdone it. Klaus is weirdly adept at spotting ulterior motives, and Caroline needs a teeny, tiny favor.

Which is not to say that she doesn’t look forward to his morning visits. More often than not, they’re the highlight of her day. She happens to have gotten a delivery late yesterday afternoon, one that’s essential to pulling off something she’s been working on for ages, so she’s particularly excited about it. She needs to borrow Klaus’ artistic skills to realize her vision.

That she’ll get to spend a little extra time with him is just a bonus.

He walks up to the counter and leans against it. “You look like you’re plotting something.”

She tilts her head to the side, uses her sweetest tone, “Don’t you think it’s a little early to be accusing me of such a thing?”

She spots the twitch at the corner of his mouth though he maintains an impressively deadpan expression. “Honestly, I suspect you’re usually plotting something.”

Caroline had to give him that one, “Okay, true. I might need a hand from someone who’s more artistically inclined than I am. AKA you.”

“What can I do for you?”

She smiles again, kind of glad that there’s a counter between them because Klaus’ lack of hesitation has her feeling all sorts of fuzzy things, and she very well might have thrown herself at him.

Which is not a thing that they do, though she’s hoping that changes at some point.

“I bought some lights and paint for the window. I splurged on it because it’s supposed to be really pretty, kind of sheer, and shimmery. I was hoping to paint some leaves and vines around the borders of the window, but my test runs were… subpar.”

“Still a bit upset about the Summer Solstice party then?”

Caroline glares without any real ire, “Shh. You know that’s a sore subject!”

She’d been woefully unprepared for just how serious the town took its celebrations. The Summer Solstice had been her first one. She’d nailed the food, had baked up tiny, fluffy meringues, served them with a vanilla peach compote, topped with fresh whipped cream and toasted almonds. Everyone had raved about them. But a few people – mostly the members of the town council who are generally unpleasant and excessively gossipy, in Caroline’s not at all biased opinion – had made snide remarks about her lack of decorations.

She’d been mortified even though it totally hadn’t been her fault. She’d miscalculated, not yet grasping just freaking slow the mail was. She’d had a ton of fresh flowers, but the paper lanterns and candy-colored trays and linens she’d ordered had arrived two days too late.

Caroline’s determined to do better this time and prove that party planning is her super-power, damn it.

Klaus is shrugging out of his jacket, “Show me to the supplies, love.”

“You’re the best!” she exclaims, reaching over to flip up the top of the counter. “Come on, it’s all in my office. Along with my very bad diagrams but feel free only to use them as a guideline. Far be it for little ‘ol me to tell a professional artiste what to paint.”

“Willing to cede control?” he teases. “Shocking.”

Caroline shrugs, “Guess I must trust you.”

Whoops. Caroline means it, but it’s a weighty thing to say.

Klaus has stepped passed the counter, bent to stash his jacket underneath. He freezes, head bowing before he up back at her. “I’m pleased to hear that,” he replies.

Caroline’s teeth sink into her lower lip, and she glances around. A few people are watching her curiously and, though she hates it, she knows now is not the time to dig into anything serious.

Though she’s not sure how much longer she’ll be able to resist.

Caroline clears her throat, heading to her office. She unlocks the door, stepping back to gesture Klaus go in first. She turns around to check that April’s come out from the kitchen, motions that she’ll be back out in ten, and then she joins Klaus.

He’s eyeing the sofa, “How often do you sleep here, sweetheart?”

“How do you… oh, right. Werewolf.”

Caroline’s pretty careful not to think about Klaus’ senses. Intellectually she knows he can probably sniff out all sorts of secrets, that the way she reacts to him is entirely unsubtle. She lives in purposeful denial to avoid melting into a puddle of mortification.

“Rarely. I did it a lot when I was scrambling to get this place opened. Now it’s pretty much just the night of the full moon, or the odd day when there’s a big complicated order.”

“Why the full moon?”

Caroline snorts, “Has it escaped your notice that you guys pack away a ton of food after the full moon? It’s my most profitable day of the month.”

She leans down and hefts the box of paint. Klaus steps forward, “Here, let me.”

Caroline lets him take it off her hands, “You know I’m probably at least as strong as you are, right?”

“I had read that, yes.” His eyes flit over her speculatively, and not for the first time in his presence, she thinks about how nice it would be if telepathy were in her bag of tricks. She knows what she hopes he’s thinking. Caroline’s been spinning fantasies that run the gamut from sweet and sensual to hot and frantic since Klaus first wandered into her grove. She’s pretty confident her interest is reciprocated, but he gives her mixed signals.

Caroline’s naturally tactile. She tends to crank that up when she’s in flirt mode. Klaus is careful to stay at a polite distance. He doesn’t cringe when she touches him, but he doesn’t touch her back either.

It’s confusing.

Caroline had gotten tipsy and whiny about the situation last weekend at the bar. Bonnie had been sympathetic and knowing, refused to spill what she clearly knew. Bonnie had only said, in that infuriatingly cryptic way witches have, that Caroline would figure it out when the time was right.

She and Bonnie haven’t known each other long, but Caroline had sensed she wouldn’t budge. She’d pouted until Enzo had arrived with shots.

Things had gotten a little hazy after that.

“Ah, so you’re just gentlemanly?” Caroline teases, watching as Klaus sets the box on her desk. He’s focused on it, so she takes the opportunity to ogle a little. His grey t-shirt is thin and snug. She’s going to be thinking about the way his muscles shift underneath it when she’s alone.

“Something like that.”

“Well, never let it be said that Caroline Forbes doesn’t pay her debts. I’ll save you a bunch of the desserts I’m making for the festival. I’ve perfected them over the last few days – pumpkin with pecan crumble, a delicious marriage of the best fall pies.”

He shakes his head, a laugh rumbling from low in his throat. “Sounds delicious. Perhaps you’ll save me a dance? There’s always a bonfire once the shops close down.”

Huh. That seems like an unmistakable signal. One Caroline hadn’t expected.

She swallows her initial instinct, the urge to joke about how Klaus must have decided she doesn’t have cooties after all. Caroline licks her lips, wonders if he can hear that her heartbeat has quickened. “I’ll make sure my dance card has a spot for you.”

* * * * *

Klaus finds Marcel in the living room when he comes downstairs on the night of the fall festival. He stops short, dread growing in his stomach. He’d spoken to Marcel earlier, and he hadn’t mentioned stopping by. “What happened?”

Marcel’s eyes narrow, “Is that a new sweater?”

Klaus doesn’t understand how that’s relevant to Marcel���s presence in his home.

He lifts his eyebrows expectantly, waiting for an answer to his question. Marcel grins, “Alright, not in a talkative mood. Heard. No disaster, don’t worry. I added an extra few cases of wine to the regular order last month, remember? Just here to grab them for the festival.”

Right. The pack operates several businesses but nothing with a storefront in town. On festival nights, the shops on Main Street decorate and offer free food or small gifts to anyone who wanders in. The town council covers the food available in the square, and Klaus’ pack supplies a significant portion of the booze (only fair since Klaus is quite sure they partake more than most). For this one, if he remembers correctly, they’re providing mulled wine and spiked hot chocolate while Enzo’s bar will set up kegs.

Klaus nods, relaxing. He glances at the clock on the wall. “I trust you can handle the delivery yourself?”

“Why, got a hot date? I don’t remember you ever doing much more than making an appearance at one of these things. This eagerness to arrive early is interesting.”

Marcel sounds far too knowing. To an extent, as the pack’s second in command, it’s his job to know Klaus’ business. He suspects what Caroline means to Klaus, that his wolf has chosen her, but Klaus has never confirmed it.

He’s been resisting the pull, exerting iron control over his instincts, maintaining a careful amount of distance even when he ached to return her affectionate overtures. And it’s not because he doesn’t want her, but because the bond is permanent. Unbreakable, once it’s solidified.

Klaus’ path is set. Caroline’s not bound by the same magic, not unless she wants to be.

“Obviously, you have this under control,” Klaus says, spinning on his heel. “Lock the door when you leave.”

Marcel’s laughter follows him out of the house.

* * * * *

Caroline’s nervous. More nervous than she’s ever been before a date, and it’s not even a date. She’d selected her outfit carefully. Her cream sweater dress has a wide neckline that’s prone to slipping off her shoulders. She’d selected dark tights for underneath and thigh-high boots, which are saved from being too risqué for a family-friendly event by their minimal heel.

She’s been getting compliments all evening, had smiled politely. She’d picked the outfit with one person in mind.

At nine, Caroline locks up, rushing into her office to let her hair down and touch up her makeup. A tap on the window comes at 9:06. She tucks a curl behind her ear, takes a deep breath, “You are not fifteen. Get it together,” she mutters to herself before she flicks off the lights.

She waves at Klaus through the window, grabs the small box where she’d packed up the portion of tartlets she’d saved for him and her keys.

Main Street is brighter than usual, street lamps lit and wrapped with strands of tiny white lights. Caroline steps outside, her eyes running over Klaus. He’s changed since this morning into darker jeans and a navy sweater. Is it a date outfit? She kinda thinks so.

“Hi,” Caroline says, impressed it’s not a squeak. She doesn’t trust herself to open with a compliment about how he looks – her brain-to-mouth filter is unreliable even when she’s calm, cool, and collected. Instead, she gestures to the windows, “Your paintings were a hit.”

Klaus doesn’t seem to hear her. He swallows heavily. “You look…” he trails off, but Caroline’s not an idiot. She knows exactly what the tiny ring of gold around his irises means.

Caroline’s grateful for the confirmation that her attraction isn’t at all one-sided. Her cheeks heat, “What, this old thing?”

He reaches for her, and Caroline’s heart stutters, mouth going dry. It’s the first time Klaus has made any sort of move, and it feels like the start of something she’ll want to remember.

Though she’s not capable of explaining that certainty at the moment. Caroline can’t claim to have a quiet mind, she’s capable of laser focus, but there’s usually a whole list of thoughts and questions in the background, each clamoring for attention.

Right now, there’s only Klaus and the shrinking distance between their bodies.

His palm lands on her upper arm, warm even through her sweater. His fingers tighten, skimming down, lingering when they meet the bare skin of her wrist before his palm meets hers.

She exhales shakily, returning the pressure. Caroline sways forward until her knees brush Klaus’, and his free hand clasps hers. He leans forward, and the hint of stubble on his face rasps against her cheek. “You are overwhelmingly lovely,” he murmurs, mouth brushing her temple.

Caroline’s lips part, and she’s seconds away from turning her head and rising to her toes when Klaus takes a half step away. He pivots until they stand shoulder to shoulder. He keeps one of her hands, and Caroline follows his lead when he begins to walk towards the town’s center.

She barely registers her surroundings, couldn’t name any of the people they pass or describe the decorations. She only feels Klaus’ hand, the solid strength of him next to her, is only aware of the addictive mix of comfort and anticipation fizzing through her veins.

He pulls her into his arms when they reach the makeshift dancefloor next to the bonfire.

It doesn’t feel like a first dance.

There’s no awkward shuffling or hesitant hand placement. Klaus’ grip on her changes, fingers threading between hers, and he wraps his arm around her waist. Caroline’s body melts into Klaus’, her hand rising to rest against his chest. She shivers when his head dips, his breath skimming across her bare shoulder.

There’s music, but it’s not important. She and Klaus move together seamlessly, closer than they probably should be in public, lost in their own world.

No one dares to disturb them.

[amara-scott]

Enjoy your dinner.

Movie: The Gentlemen Characters: Raymond Smith x Reader Categories: Teasing

you’re reading part one | part two

Takes place a few weeks before the movie timeline.

...

3rd Person P.O.V.:

Her father knew very well that she did not enjoy these kinds of events. Richlings bragging about their richness to other fat cats. Not to mention the young ones. The ones her age, who did not have to flip a coin to get any of the wealth their parents owned. Dirty or good money, does not matter. It is more dirty than anything else though. And she knew that also. Another reason for her to usually not stay longer than needed.

It has been a while since her father has last asked her to join him and her mother to a dinner party. It was way more just a synonym for let’s see who will embarrass themselves first by drinking too much of the way too expensive bottle of rum. Long translation - but a hundred percent correct. 

And even though she loathed going, she always used the opportunity to make the largest impact possible without trying to say a word. She loved the longing stares and the surprised ones every time she did indeed attend alongside her parents. Today it was just her father though. Her mother was out in Paris, probably spending all the pocket money her loving husband gave her. At least their love for each other seemed honest.

(Y/N) P.O.V.:

When I walk down the stairs to stop in front of a mirror in my hallway, I hear another honk of the limousine waiting outside. I sigh, grabbing a light coat and throwing that over my arm, holding a small clutch in my hand. After locking the door behind me, I greet Mitch with a smile.

“ ’Ello Miss (Y/L/N), hope you are doing well today.” I hold back a roll of my eyes, long forgotten how many times I made him call me by my first name. If I had to guess, probably around 64 times. He doesn’t work for me, he works for my father and my father alone. 

“Very well indeed, how about you, Mitch?” He smiles, about to answer, when a voice from inside the car calls out.

“-You can chat on the way there, we’re late as it is.” Now I do roll my eyes at my fathers words and send Mitch another small smile. He nods, closing the door when I’m in, going back to the drivers seat.

“Wow, darlin’, you look lovely tonight.” I greet him with a kiss to each cheek and buckle up.

“Thank you, is that a new suit? I’ve never seen you wear burgundy red.” He nods, smoothing out the fabric. 

“It is, it is. You’re a smart one. I despised the colour but your mother thinks it looks expensive and high-class. And you know her- there’s no telling her no.” I chuckle along and we get a few small-talk questions out the way before we finally arrive at the mansion. Some old business partner of my father’s. I can’t keep names in mind so I usually go the shy and long time no see route. It usually works.

My father helps me step outside and Mitch rides off, picking us up later again. Before walking after my father I take a deep breath and exhale, placing a smile onto my face. Fake- but no one seemed to notice the last few times. So no worries there. Walking up the stairs, an arm wraps around mine and I glance up to my right, frowning at the sudden physical contact. James. Yes, the one person I loathed the least. Or you could say - who I actually liked a bit. I grin and bump my shoulder with his as he guides me up to the entrance.

“Hello there gorgeous lady, haven’t seen you around a lot lately.” 

“Well, can you blame me? These types of gatherings do not amuse me much. They rather support my boredom and make me want to drown in expensive alcohol. I don’t want to turn into an alcoholic.” He smirks at my statement but shakes his head. 

“You’re a special one, you know that?” I nod, sighing dramatically. I look up front, where my father is already involved with other suit-wearing snobs.

“I know- I am.” I try sounding posh, but fail miserably, making us both laugh. I still have my arm wrapped around his’ as we get offered a drink and then he is off. Talking business, making connections. A life I would not want to live. That is why James and me could never be more than friends. Even though he might wants change my mind on that one day - I would never accept his advances.

“Well, well, well. If it is not little Miss (Y/L/N) Junior. How are things going?” I turn, taking another sip of champagne as I recognise the slimy man in front of me. His eyes wandering up and down my presence. 

“Oscar- what a nice surprise-” My fake smile widens and I let him kiss my knuckles briefly - even though some of the potatoes I had for lunch earlier wanted to revisit. He must be double my age - I never thought of that. 50 at least.

“Would not be that much of a surprise to you if you would join our parties more often.” So it is his housing we are inside of right now. Good to know...

“Oh, Oscar. You know I am a busy woman. Cannot have fun all the time.” My smile starts to hurt my cheeks but I keep it up. Having held it for longer. My record is 24 minutes and 37 seconds. Yes, I know. Very impressive.

“But you never fail to make a grand entrance, what a gown on you - just lovely. Perfectly fitting for you, an extraordinary woman.” His sickly, slimy words feel like nails scratching on a chalk board but I hold back a flinch, nodding once. Not quite sure how to reply. I glance down at my drink, assumingly and very unconsciously having drank it all.

“Oh, would you look at that- I think I need a refill, it was lovely chatting-” “-Let me get you a new one.”

“No need, Oscar. I will just go myself.” 

“Oh please, I insist-”

“-Here, take mine. I don’t drink Champagne.” I turn to my right, looking at the source of the new voice. A man I have not seen before stands there - a neat three piece in dark blue, adoring his well shaped physique. His dirty blonde hair combed back to perfection. He rearranges his glasses with his free hand before it disappears in the pocket of his trousers. The other one still holding out the glass to me. I realise I held a breath and nod at him, this time smiling genuinely. 

“Thank you-” I drift off, not taking my eyes off his. A little staring contest going on. I accept the drink and take a sip. Not having blinked once. Just like him.

“-Raymond. Raymond Smith.”

“Nice to meet you, Raymond Smith. I’m (Y/N) (Y/L/N).” 

“I know that.” I quirk an eyebrow at his answer, him staying silent though, a small smile grazing his lips. 

“Well, why don’t I give you a little tour? We have a whole new balcony on the east wing-”

“-no, thank you Oscar. I just found a way more interesting activity.” I cut him off, not taking my eyes off of Raymond Smith. I see his lips twitch but he is holding back a smirk. Which makes my smile grow. I only hear a huff and grumbling. 

I then break the eye contact, feeling rather lost now and walk past him, closely past him. My shoulder barely touching his jacket. I can feel his eyes on my back, making me sway my hips a tad more than usual. The things the right man can make you do.

I decide to sit down at an empty table and pick out some of the delicate canapés placed in the center. It looks like a mushroom tartlet and once inside my mouth I nod to myself. One thing that makes me come back to these parties is definitely the appetisers and the drinks. Lot’s of effort goes into them but no one seems to enjoy any. Either because they are busy laughing at jokes that are not funny or because they think others would judge them for eating. I learned to not care, ever, about what someone thought of me because I eat more than them. Their loss.

“Enjoying the food, I see.” I chew quickly and swallow thickly, holding a napkin to my lips as Raymond sits next to me at the round table, taking a tartlet himself. I hum.

“I do, cannot be mad about the food. I am a true gourmet, what can I say. But- you probably already knew that, did you not?” I grin at him, watching his chew and making eye contact with me once more. He chuckles, shaking his head.

“No, did not. I will note it down though.” His teasing tone sparks my interest and I wonder how far I could go. Or what he works as. Why I have never seen him before. 

“Tell me, Raymond Smith, who are you?” I turn toward him, leaning my arm on the table and tilting my head slightly, full attention on him. He wipes his hands at a napkin, eyes cast down as he seems deep in thought. Choosing his words carefully. One of the only men here who do.

“I don’t really exist. I just - like a good dinner party every now and then.” I bite my lip at his cheeky reply, trying to hold back all the things running through my mind. 

“Can I guess?” I lift my head and he nods, gesturing for me to go ahead. He leans back slightly, probably expecting the most cliché answers anyway. So I think again, observing his posture and the drifting of his eyes every now and then. Back over to the big table. A couple people sitting there. He must be here either with his wife or colleague. I shake my head at the wife, he wouldn’t be sitting here with me if he had one. 

“Well, seeing as you’re not here by yourself, you must be the right hand to someone or - maybe you are the kid of a big fish.” He smirks, nodding. One must be correct. I go with my first instinct. “-a right hand man it is.” I look back over to where he seemed to focus earlier. I do know a few of them. One being a partner to my father’s business. Another one the son of said partner. And then - no way. Micheal Pearson himself. The Micheal Pearson. Sticky bush Pearson. But Raymond would not be involved-

“-I see you figured it out.” My eyes snap back to Raymond and I close my mouth, licking my dry lips in the process. I tense up, not knowing if running would be an appropriate reaction. But then again - I never cared about appropriate behaviour that much.

“And I also see you’re taken aback.” It sounded more like a question really. But I only nod, sending him a small smile.

“It is not every day that I cross paths with true gangsters.” 

“I will take that as a compliment. And just for your information-” He leans in closer, elbows on his thighs. “-there are a few more gangsters here than you would like to care.” 

I gulp at his intense eyes, he leans back up and stands to his feet, smoothing out his suit and buttoning his jacket. 

“Well, if you would excuse me, my duties as a right hand man are needed. Have a good rest of your evening, Miss (Y/L/N). Enjoy your dinner.” 

“You too, Mister Smith.” He nods, walking off. I look after him, Mister and Misses Pearson walking off with him and exiting the building. I let out a breath I was holding and sink back into the chair. Not without being haunted by those icy blue orbs.

...

_________________________________

More The Gentlemen Imagines

Full Masterlist

part two

[taetaespeaches]

“The displeasure was mine.”

hoseok x reader (or oc) genre: fluff word count: 1.8K

a/n: Hi lovelies! This is Hobi and Petal/reader’s first meeting and well Petal is not impressed. But also, she’s intrigued. And secretly fond. But mostly annoyed. And Hobi is just happy and fond and he enjoys teasing her and yeah, it’s fluff but also idk what it is. Anyways, I hope you all enjoy and thanks for reading! :)) 

IT was just a comment. Or a question rather. It shouldn’t have set you off the way it did, but the way it was asked, with complete lack of knowledge of who you really were and a total misunderstanding of your personality, it was… annoying.

Maybe it was also the way in which he asked the question. Stringing the words together through that sunshine grin he’d been flashing to everyone since he arrived.

More likely than not, it had everything to do with the fact that you had a shitty day and weren’t in the mood for partying, but had promised your friend that you would make an appearance, and was instantly reminded of that the second you tried to back out from coming. That was probably to blame.

But this man, irksomely handsome and optimistic, and for some reason on a mission to cheer you up, just had to ask you the question that was now grating on you as you mustered a tight smile in response to his bright one.

“Why are you so serious?”

That was it. That was all he asked.

You stared at the man for a total of three seconds before giving him the tiniest forced smile, knowing full well it relayed your annoyance.

“Do I know you?” You finally asked, the man’s eyes widening as he slowly shook his head.

“I believe this is the first time we’re meeting,” he replied, a bit more nervous than his initial question to you. He sat on the arm of the sofa that was perpendicular to the loveseat you were seated on.

“Right,” you nodded a couple times. “So why are you asking me about my mood as if we’ve met before?”

The handsome man simply stared at you for a split second before his smile widened once more, his almond-shaped eyes turning to crescents with his unflinching cheerfulness. “Well, I’m Hoseok,” he told you, holding a hand out to shake.

Scoffing at him, you looked down at his hand before meeting his gaze again. However, you noticed the knowing expression on his face as he took in the slight curve up on your lips that unwelcomingly appeared on your own face.

“Hoseok,” you repeated. “You’re the idol.” You had heard about the man before through your mutual friend who went to school with Hoseok. He cocked his head at you in excitement that you’d heard of him before. “You have an idol look,” you noted, the man giggling at the comment. Why did his laugh have to be so cute?

“What does that mean?” He asked curiously, the smile still planted on his features, not quite as wide but equally as bright.

“Handsome,” you shrugged, watching how that smile morphed into a boastful one as he shot you an arrogant look. Oh jesus.

“You think I’m handsome?” He asked, raising his eyebrows slightly, relishing in the compliment.

Looking at him with a judging expression, you looked away from him to scan the rest of the room. “Looks aren’t everything.”

As he chuckled in amusement you rolled your eyes, looking back to him. The annoyance you felt toward the man probably had nothing to do with Hoseok himself and everything to do with your poor mood, but suddenly it felt like your heart was pounding against your chest out of irritation. It had to be irritation.

However, despite the bothersome presence of the dude who seemed to be the actual embodiment of the sun, you found that your eyes were drawn to him. Before he approached you from across the party, you’d been watching him conversate with the other partygoers. It seemed like there was a spotlight that followed him across the room.

You had watched how he made the rounds, chatting with anyone and everyone, making it his goal to evoke laughter from them all. His bright enthusiasm appeared to be an act of service, as he tried to leave each individual happier than when the conversation first started. He seemed to get a high from entertaining the party. Like he wanted people to like him, or felt like it was his duty to provide cheer everywhere he went.

“Are you at least going to tell me your name so I know who had the complete displeasure of meeting me?” He joked, the comment nearly earning a genuine chuckle from you, but you held it back, instead just letting your mouth spread into a smile. “Ah, she smiles.”

“Occasionally,” you joked back. “Displeasure, I like that,” you added before telling him your name. “And yes, the displeasure is mine,” you smirked. Looking down at his hand, you realized he was still holding it out for you to shake, the smallest of breathy laughs leaving you. “Wow, you are persistent.”

“I’ll just leave it there, no pressure,” he told you, and you couldn’t help but smile a little longer.

“What’s your stage name, Idol Hoseok?” You suddenly asked, not even sure why you asked the question. Why did you care?

Twitching his head to the side quickly, he smiled at you. “You know,” he started, “I’m more than just an idol.” Though the words were said in a lighthearted tone, it felt as though they were cloaking a sentiment that may have touched on a bit of the man’s vulnerability. In fact, the overall cheerful demeanor, as genuine as it appeared, also seemed to be a mask or a shield of some sort, keeping people at a distance from the man underneath. As annoying as he was, he was intriguing.

“Mhmm, of course,” you told him dismissively.

Letting out a light chuckle, he shook his head. “J-Hope. That’s my stage name,” he told you.

“Oh, fitting,” you told him genuinely, completely understanding the name. Anyone who met Hoseok for even a few seconds surely understood why ‘hope’ was part of his stage name.

“Yeah?” He asked, acting just the slightest bit cocky once again. “Are you feeling more hopeful right now?”

“Mmm,” you hummed in feigned thought. “I’m hopeful this conversation might end soon. Does that count?”

Again, the man had the audacity to flash you that literal sunshine of a smile. “Well, hope is hope,” he told you through the smile. The comment once again had you letting out a small breathy laugh as you fought a smile, nodding at him. “Did you know that you are a very pleasant person to be around?” he asked teasingly.

“Yeah, it’s actually one of my stronger qualities,” you told him sarcastically.

“It must be right up there with friendly and approachable,” he joked back, making you once again have to hold back a laugh.

“Exactly,” you nodded. “That’s usually how people describe me.” Hoseok stared at you for a moment with a… fond smile. Why did he appear fond?  

“I’m sure,” he said simply, giving you a small smile. “You know you’re allowed to have fun at these things, right?”

“Who said I’m not having fun?” You questioned while cocking your head to the side.

“Well, your face,” he told you through a small smile.

“Ok, but like I pointed out already, you don’t even know me,” you reminded the man, his eyes immediately widening in panic.

“No, I-”

“You can think whatever you want about me, Hoseok,” you interrupted his scrambling for an explanation for his comments. You’d heard all the comments before about you being stuck up or moody or boring, Hoseok wouldn’t be the first or last to person to have that opinion of you. He was just one of the first who actively tried to cheer you up, and for some reason, the endearing sentiment of that action was angering.

“I don’t have an opinion-”

“Also, I don’t need you to try to cheer me up,” you added, glaring at the man. “I’m quite content in all my moodiness.”

“Look, I’m sorry if I offended-”

“No, don’t apologize,” you shook your head. “It’s fine, I just think you and I don’t really complement each other very well,” you told him bluntly, the man’s eyes widening in surprise.

“Well, maybe I beg to differ,” he commented, you letting an annoyed smile toy on your lips as his mouth curved into a smirk, almost as if he was accepting a challenge.

Pulling your eyebrows together in confusion at his expression, you stood up to leave the party you didn’t want to attend in the first place. “Thanks for the frustrating but slightly entertaining conversation, Hoseok,” you prepared to bid him farewell. Reaching your hand out, Hoseok giggled at the gesture, placing his own hand in yours. He squeezed your hand, the feeling of his warm soft hand against your own causing your heart to race once again. Um, what the fuck?

“Nice to meet you,” he told you with that infuriating smile that you couldn’t look away from.

“The displeasure was mine,” you replied, the man laughing once again, his mouth wide open as he let the amusement flow through him freely. Annoying. And definitely not just because it was way too cute for someone you were supposed to be irritated by.  Pulling your hand from his, you took a step away from him before meeting his gaze again. “Maybe if I’m unlucky enough I’ll see you around again,” you smirked.

You were met with his smile once again, as cheerful as ever. It seemed as though he knew he could get under your skin by being overly bubbly in your presence when you were throwing nothing but insults and unpleasantries.

“Already looking forward to it,” he teased, you rolling your eyes before finally walking away.

Hoseok watched as you crossed the room, walking up to your friend and telling her something, probably letting her know you were heading out.

He observed you as you smiled brightly at the mutual friend, adorably scrunching your nose as you giggled at something she said. A feeling of affection as well as a jealousy settled in his chest. You were stunning, cute, and surprisingly warm, but he wanted that directed toward him.

Scanning the room one last time as the friend talked to you, Hoseok smiled and gave you an arrogant head nod when your eyes landed on him. Blinking a couple times at him with a judging expression, you looked away from him, Hoseok chuckling to himself on the arm rest.

Continuing to stare at you, unable to look away, he watched as you hugged the friend and made your way to the front door. Just as Hoseok was about to look away from you to direct his attention to the partygoers who all seemed a bit less interesting after meeting you, you surprised him by looking back one more time.

With your eyes locked on one another’s, Hoseok gave you a small genuine smile as you resisted the urge to smile back. And with that, you left the apartment, but you stayed firmly in Hoseok’s mind.

And he didn’t think you’d ever leave.

[artificialqueens]

Galactica, Chapter 74 (Group Fic) - TheDane/Veronica

A/N: Click here if you’re looking for previous chapters (or here if you’d rather read on AO3). 💫

Previously: Galactica shut down for the holidays, and Bianca turned Courtney’s shitty day around.

This Chapter: Christmas Eve. Fame plays hostess for Juju and Detox’s family, Bianca and Courtney jet off to Puerto Rico, Violet spends the evening with Sutan, Raja and Raven, and Pearl thirsts for Dahlia.

***

“Patrick?” Fame called over her shoulder, a big porcelain vase on the table in front of her.

“Yes darling?” Patrick was sitting in an armchair, his finger holding his place in the crime novel he was reading, Charles curled up on the floor in front of the crackling fireplace.

“What do you think of this?” Fame took a step back, showing off the greenhouse bouquet she had arranged, their gardener bringing them in after his rounds, snow covering the ground outside. “I was hoping they could be the centerpiece for tonight?”

They were upstate, in what Karl had jokingly started to call The Farm one summer. In reality, it was a mansion with several acres of land, the incredible garden the reason for the nickname, though Karl had insisted it was because upstate New York was basically Hicksville.

Fame and Patrick had bought it forever ago, the property supposed to be a real estate investment, but when they had visited it to oversee the remodel during the fall of the year they got it, Fame had fallen in love instantly.

She adored The Farm, loved the open land, loved the space that reminded her of her childhood’s free roam, loved that Charles had all the space in the world, the property so big that no one ever bothered them while they were there.

“I think that’s lovely dear,” Patrick smiled, taking a sip of the spiced eggnog the chef had made. “Juju’s going to love that.”

“Good.” Fame smiled, a moment of happiness washing over her body. Juju and Detox were coming up for Christmas, bringing their children along, the bedrooms already prepared for them.

When Detox and Juju had accepted her invitation to join them upstate, Fame had been overjoyed, spending the holiday with her friends instead of family so much more enjoyable, and best of all, it required absolutely no flying.

Unlike the Manhattan townhouse, The Farm was decorated in a traditional Christmas red and green, a fresh cut actual pine tree set up in the parlor, copious amounts of gifts for Kelly and the twins already under the tree.

“I’ll go check up on the chef.” Fame put down her garden shears, quickly drying her hands on her tea towel, collecting the scraps for the compost out back. “Make sure they’re cooking the Brussels sprouts correctly.”

The night's dinner was a wild lemon and honey salmon, a spinach salad with goat cheese and beets, the dessert spiced tea-poached pears for the adults and a sundae bar for the kids.

“And the mac and cheese?” Patrick raised an eyebrow.

“Of course,” Fame smiled. “I specifically instructed the chef to go for the mega size Kraft. The little ones should know it’s Christmas too.”

In reality, Fame had requested a complete restock of what Patrick lovingly called the kids cupboard, a whole section dedicated to the Sanderson kids, Kelly always going straight there the second she stepped foot inside. Just because she was a teenager who rarely attended family events anymore didn’t mean that Fame would forget about her.

“The sleds are ready to go too.”

Fame had never wanted kids of her own, but she loved and adored her entire chosen family, especially the little ones. Spoiling them had been one of her favorite pastimes since they’d met, when Kelly was still a chubby little baby with a passion for sticking jewelry into her mouth.

Today, she’d planned a lovely afternoon of fun in the snow for when everyone arrived. Fame had even bought a new snow set, the pure white Prada demanding to go home with her, her new mittens lined with rabbit fur so she could truly get down and dirty while building the snowman she hoped they had time for.

It was one of the most liberating things about The Farm, the acres of land meaning that there was a sense of privacy she could never feel in the city.

“And did you go for the wood?”

“Of course I went for the wooden sleds,” Fame rolled her eyes, Patrick so often playing stupid on purpose just to rile her up. “The antique German design.” There was no way Fame was going for anything but the best, and Julia and Owen deserved the best sledding experience money could buy, gourmet marshmallows and Jacques Torres hot chocolate already in the kitchen ready to go.

“Mmh?” Patrick smirked, taking another sip of his egg nog, and Fame went over to kiss him, just to wipe it off his face.

***

“Kelly Sanderson! Don’t you forget your scarf!”

“Yes mom,” Kelly rolled her eyes, but snatched her scarf, putting it around her neck before walking towards the house with her gym bag over her shoulder, and Juju couldn’t help but smile.

They were emptying out the car, the drive upstate a complete pain since she had been nauseous the entire time, Detox driving while Kelly was in the front seat, so Juju had been alone in the back with the twins because someone had to keep an eye on them, and Kelly refused.

“Okay champ,” Detox looked at his son who was still in the car, Julia standing on the snow-covered ground in her Frozen jacket. “I’m going to unbuckle you, but that doesn’t mean that you can-“

“Bye dad!!”

“Fuck!”

Juju laughed as Owen ran as fast as he could towards the front door, his sister right behind him.

“We got them!”

Juju turned to see Patrick call from the door, a big smile on the man's face, Fame right behind him.

“Your death wish!” Detox yelled, and Juju smiled before digging back in, her husband quickly gathering enough suitcases to make his first trip up to the house, Juju taking a moment to enjoy the blessed silence of private property upstate.

She fished her phone out of her handbag, a sense of relief washing over her when she saw that Bianca had texted. They had only spoken once last week, when Juju called her to apologize for the dinner party pile-on, and Bianca said it was okay, but she also seemed a bit rushed and distracted. Juju was hoping that it was just work, that she wasn’t genuinely mad, but she couldn’t be sure, especially since she hadn’t responded to any messages the night before. Looking at the messages today, though, it really did seem like they were good.

JUJU: Hey there. Thinking of you, hope you’re good.

JUJU: To be clear, I was thinking of you because I got up to take a very large dump.

JUJU: :-D

JUJU: Hehe

JUJU: <3

JUJU: OK goodnight! xo

JUJU: Merry Christmas Eve, lady! I love you.

BIANCA: Love you too, kiddo. Sorry for being MIA last night.

BIANCA: I’m taking Courtney to PR for Christmas, we’re heading to JFK right now.

BIANCA: Tell the monsters that I owe them some presents when I get back.

JUJU: Oh wow!! Have fun!!!! (And trust me, they will collect on those presents, lol)

She sighed, slipping the phone back into her bag, thinking that perhaps she should keep Bianca’s vacation plans under wraps for now. She turned towards the house, watching Fame on her knee, unlacing Julia’s shoes. Yes, better not to be the messenger for this particular news.

***

“So...is it everything you imagined?” Bianca asked, a wry grin on her face. She’d been a bit shocked when Courtney revealed in the car that she’d never flown first class before. She thought that surely someone as cute and charming as her had been slipped a free upgrade or two by a flight attendant trying to hit on her.

“It’s perfect.” Courtney tilted her champagne glass towards Bianca for a toast, her eyes taking on that slightly glazed, naughty look as she sipped on her third glass.

“Perfect, huh?” Bianca asked, clinking her glass lightly. “Then I guess you don’t want another present…”

“Wait, no...I do!” Courtney exclaimed, suddenly looking so serious that Bianca couldn’t hold back her cackling laughter.

Drunk Courtney was turning into one of her favorite people, the comically exaggerated faces she made when her defenses were down too cute for words.

“Oh, well in that case…” She reached into her bag and pulled out a box wrapped in sparkling pink and gold.

“How did you fit that in there?” Courtney asked, letting Bianca take her glass so that she had both hands free for the large gift, examining it closely. “Are you Mary Poppins?”

“Yeah, that’s me. A g-rated singing nanny.”

“Hot,” Courtney giggled, and Bianca gave her a stern look. “What, I like sexy nannies. Maria Von Trapp...Fran Fine?!”

“You’ve gotta be kidding me.” Bianca shook her head, amused.

“Oh no, am I being naughty? Are you gonna spank me?” Courtney’s eyes glittered.

Well, this was an unexpected turn. Perhaps something to explore when they weren’t flying thirty thousand feet over an ocean, surrounded by people.

“Open your present.”

“Yes, ma’am…” Courtney said, making Bianca laugh again as she tore into the package, first pulling off the excessive ribbons and bows (Joslyn really shouldn’t be trusted with that kind of thing) and then the glittery paper. She lifted the lid on the box, revealing 5 brand-new designer bathing suits, all from this year’s hottest resort collections. Her eyes lit up. “Ooooh, wow! This is much better than the plan I had.”

“What was your plan?”

“I was just gonna go without a suit,” she said, shrugging a bit as she fluttered her lashes.

“Huh.” Bianca’s brow furrowed in mock disappointment, adding, “Yeah, no, I like your plan better, give these back.”

She reached over and attempted to swipe the box from Courtney’s hand, but Courtney clutched it greedily to her chest.

“No! They’re mine now!”

Bianca laughed, leaning over to press a kiss to her cheek, just as Courtney grabbed her face and went right for her lips.

“Thank you, B. I love them. I love you.”

“I love you too, sunshine.” Bianca rested her forehead against Courtney’s with a happy sigh. “And I can’t wait to see you in them...or out of them.”

***

“Are you sure it’s okay that I’m not helping?” Violet asked. She was sitting on a silver bar stool and feeling absolutely useless, her fingers drumming on the marble breakfast bar.

Raja and Raven’s apartment looked like something from a catalog, big art pieces hung everywhere, fresh flowers in vases even though it was December. Violet had spotted the heavy oak Raja preferred, and the green and gold she gravitated towards, but it was clear that Raven was the main decorator.

“Of course,” Raven smiled, flashing her teeth over her shoulder. She was standing at the counter, filling up the sink so she could rinse off their dishes.

“Let her have the fantasy,” Sutan grinned, putting the empty tray he was carrying down, Raja right behind him. “This is the one time of year Raven pretends she’s the perfect housewife,”

“Fuck off.” Raven flipped him off, “I’m always perfect.”

When Sutan had told Violet he usually spent Christmas Eve with his sister and Raven, Violet hadn't been surprised. What had surprised her was when Sutan told her that Raven insisted on cooking every year. It had been a simple meal, roasted chicken and potatoes with gravy, but it did really seem like Raven had made it herself, Raja in charge of buying the dessert.

It was the first time Violet had celebrated Christmas Eve with anyone since she was 17, and while it was very different from what she usually did, which was wine and a movie, it was nice.

“You are, Princess,” Raja smiled, pressing a quick kiss against her hair as she dropped their dishes. “Now, does anyone want another drink?”

“Me,” Raven grinned, and Violet had to fight not to show the surprise on her face when Raven just grabbed the dirty dishes. She had never thought Raven would be someone who did chores, who’d willingly get her hands dirty.

“I’m driving tomorrow, so no,” Sutan was leaning against the counter, a smile on his lips. He was wearing a blue turtleneck sweater, and Violet had to admit that he looked stupidly hot in it.

“Actually…” Sutan paused, narrowing his eyes. “Raven, what’s going on with your nose?”

“Her nose?” Raja tilted her head, looking at her fiancée. “What do you mean?”

“It looks different. There.” Sutan pointed with his pinky at the edge of her nose.

“She seems normal to me.”

“Can’t you see it? Here, I’ll adjust- Let me push her head back.“ Sutan was just about to reach for Raven’s chin, when he was cut off.

“Hey!” Raven pulled away, “Crazy agent, I’m in the room.” She raised an eyebrow, her tone sharp, “I’m trying a new makeup technique.” Raven pushed Susn’s hand away from her face. “Is that a problem?”

“Of course not…”

“Good,” Raven rolled her eyes. “Now can we please get this done so we can watch a movie?”

“Sure.” Sutan rolled his eyes too, grabbing a dish towel before bumping his hip against Raven, making her yelp, laughter filling the room.

Violet let out a breath of relief she hadn’t even realized she had been holding, the knot in her stomach slowly releasing. She was probably overreacting, a childhood of tense Christmases just under her skin, but it had almost felt like Raven and Sutan were about to get in a fight.

Violet took her glass, a smile on her face as she took a sip of her wine, the uncomfortable feeling thankfully already fading.

***

Earlier, Courtney had enjoyed a healthy buzz from all the first class champagne, but then she fell asleep for half of the flight, and by the time they got to the resort, she felt refreshingly, deliciously sober, closing her eyes to feel the warm, fragrant ocean breeze blow in through the windows.

As Bianca directed the hotel staff with their suitcases, Courtney wandered over to the glass doors, eyes widening when she peered out at the terrace.

“B! Omigod, is this an infinity pool?” She threw open the doors and stepped outside, where a table was set up with a romantic, candlelit dinner. But even better, what was clearly a private infinity pool, which made her so excited she squealed with glee. “I’ve seen pictures of those but I never thought I’d see one in person!”

Bianca appeared in the doorway, a smirk on her face as she replied, “It’s not an infinity pool. It’s an infinity hot tub. The pool is down those steps.”

Courtney giggled, already slipping off her shoes to feel the heavenly warm water. She sat down at the edge of the hot tub, letting her legs dangle into the water while she gazed out at the gorgeous view, the gentle waves under a night sky sparkling with stars. When she mused last week about wanting to go to the beach, she certainly wasn’t imagining a private beach at this posh resort. But for once, everything in her life had worked out perfectly. All because of Bianca, who was now chatting with the hotel manager about their meal.

“Es esta la comida? Todo es vegano, verdad?”

“Si, of course. I hope everything is to your liking, Señora.”

“Es perfecto. Gracias.” She pressed some bills into his hand, adding, “Feliz Navidad!”

As soon as he left, Bianca turned back to Courtney, head tilting curiously when she took in her enraptured expression. “What?”

“I just think it’s sexy when you speak Spanish,” Courtney explained, biting her lip.

“Oh yeah? That’s what gets you going? My shitty high school Spanish?” Bianca asked, strolling towards her, dimples deep in her cheeks.

“Uh huh. I like the accent. Say more things…” Courtney leaned back, lashes fluttering, as Bianca laughed and pretended to think real hard.

“Hmm…” She settled in beside Courtney at the edge of the hot tub, slipping an arm around her waist and pressing a kiss to her shoulder. “Dónde está la biblioteca?”

“Ahh, yeah, that’s it,” Courtney growled, and Bianca laughed some more.

“Tu eres una gringa loca…”

“Uh huh…wait, what does that mean?”

“It means you’re a crazy white girl.”

“Oh. Yeah, fair.” Courtney cupped Bianca’s face in her hands, pulling her in for a kiss. Things were just starting to get a little heated when Courtney’s phone began to ring. She had a brief moment of panic before realizing that it was her personal phone, not her work phone. And since very few people made phone calls anymore, she was fairly certain that it would be her parents.

Coming out to her parents had been strange. She knew already, from how they reacted to Ben’s coming out when he was just 13, that they would be fine with her not being straight. But Ben hadn’t been dating someone nearly 20 years his senior.

So she was nervous, more than she’d have admitted, when she finally told them everything that was going on in her life--that she was dating, or rather in love with, a woman.

A woman who was, incidentally, a famous fashion magazine editor many years older than her.

Turned out, it was even more of an anticlimax than she anticipated, Mum giving her some bland platitudes about how love is love and Dad telling her to make sure she takes her vitamin D.

Which at first seemed like an innuendo, but actually was just him being his usual health-conscious self. Either way, they seemed both unsurprised and unbothered by the whole situation, which was a relief, she supposed. It was strangely reminiscent of when she was 16 and she’d announced that she wanted to graduate from high school early and go to America for University. Measured, unemotional support.

Courtney reached for her bag, pulling out the phone and answering, her family’s face popping up on the screen as she tried to figure out the time difference. It must already be Christmas morning in Brisbane.

“Hi, Mum! Happy Christmas!”

“Hello darling!” her mother cooed, elbowing Dad and Ben on either side of her, who she’d clearly forced into position, sitting on the sofa with the Christmas tree behind them, the picture of suburban bliss. “Happy Christmas!”

“Happy Christmas, love!” said Dad, pretending that he wasn’t thoroughly engrossed in whatever crime novel Courtney could see open on his lap.

Mum poked Ben again with her sharp elbow, and he scoffed.

“Yeah, yeah. Happy Christmas. How’s your rich girlfriend?” Ben asked.

“Great. How’s single life?” Courtney shot back, and Ben opened his mouth in mock offense.

“You fuckin’ cunt-”

“What was that, dickhead-”

“Kids!” Mum interrupted, putting on her best scolding voice as Courtney and Ben both broke out into giggles.

“She knows I’m kidding, Mum. Calm down.”

“I’m perfectly calm,” Mum said, rolling her eyes. “I’m just trying to have a pleasant conversation with my daughter, thanks very much.”

“Thanks Mum,” Courtney said, kicking her feet in the warm water. “It’s fine, though. It wouldn’t be Ben if he wasn’t giving me shit.”

“That’s called love, ya slag! Appreciate it!” Ben cut in, and Courtney blew him a kiss.

“Well darling, we just want you to know that we miss you terribly, but we’re so happy that you’re having a nice vacation. Right?”

“So happy,” Ben echoed, sticking out his tongue.

“And we’ve been talking about it, and-” she patted Dad on the thigh, then hit him harder when he didn’t say anything.

“Oh, yes. Ahem. We’ve been talking about planning a trip to New York next year,” Dad said. “How does that sound?”

“That sounds fantastic!” Courtney exclaimed. She hadn’t seen any of them since a quick trip to Australia last spring, before she moved to New York.

Bianca sat down beside her again, silently handing over a glass filled with ice and some kind of milky liquid along with a sexy wink, just out of camera range.

“Guys, check out the view!” While her family exclaimed over how beautiful it was, Courtney took a small sip of the drink, eyes widening with delight. “Omigod, this is like Bailey’s but better. Cheers!”

“Cheers,” Bianca murmured back.

“Hi, Bianca!” Mum called loudly. “Thank you for the wine!”

Apparently, Bianca had sent a whole case of high-end wine to her family home--and even signed both of their names on the card, although her family knew for damn sure that wasn’t something Courtney could afford.

“Um...hi. You’re welcome,” Bianca grinned, giving a quick, friendly wave and then leaning back out of frame, tilting her head towards the table with their food. Courtney nodded, reaching over to squeeze her thigh.

“Mum, thanks for calling. But we should go, we have dinner here and it’s getting cold.”

“Alright my love,” Mum said, smiling warmly. “Have a wonderful night. So long, Bianca!”

“Bye, Mrs. Jenek. Merry Christmas,” Bianca said, and Courtney giggled behind her hand.

“Mrs. Jenek…” she snickered, and Bianca grimaced, then put a hand on her hip.

“Well...shut up, I’m from the South. That’s just what we do.”

“You could at least say ‘doctor.’ She has a Ph.D.”

Bianca facepalmed, and Courtney laughed again, kissing her on the cheek. It was adorable how much she cared about making a good impression on Courtney’s family. “I’m just kidding, she doesn’t care about that stuff.”

“I care, though.”

“I know.” Courtney nuzzled into Bianca’s face. “And I love you for it.”

***

“Hey! I saw that!” Trixie gasped, pointing at Kim, who had just skipped a square on the Monopoly board.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Kim smirked, leaving her car piece as she took another cookie.

They were all gathered around the coffee table, mugs of hot cocoa and Katya’s Christmas cookies on plates, a crackling fire playing on the TV, music playing from the speakers.

“You’re cheating,” Trixie looked around. “Say something!”

“I didn’t see anything, sugar butt,” Katya smiled, her knitting needles in hand. She was weirdly good at Monopoly, Katya dominating the majority of the board. When Trixie had asked her how, and what her strategy was, Katya had simply grinned and told him it was simply how it was done in Soviet Russia.

“Pearl, what about you?”

“What?” Pearl looked up from her phone. “Oh. Sorry. No.”

“Who are you texting?”

Pearl smiled. “No one.”

“Not again,” Trixie groaned, not even interested in whatever girl had managed to capture his best friend’s attention for more than two seconds. “Pearl please. It’s Christmas.”

“Relax Trix,” Pearl grinned, leaning over so she could press a kiss against his cheek. “You’re the only one for me.”

***

PEARL: Was just thinking about you...so I thought I’d say hey ;)

DAHLIA: Oh yeah?

PEARL: Uh huh

DAHLIA: What were you thinking about?

PEARL: Mostly I was hoping to be suffocated by your thighs real soon.

PEARL: Your thighs are the stuff of dreams

DAHLIA: Right now, my thighs are stuck to the plastic cover on my grandma’s couch...but thanks.

PEARL: Hot

DAHLIA: Lol

PEARL: Can I tempt you to sneak away at some point in the next few days? Without pissing off the fam, of course

DAHLIA: Possibly...I have like 40 cousins, so no one would even notice I’d gone

PEARL: Fan fucking tastic

PEARL: Hey guess what?

DAHLIA: You’re horny and wanna fuck?

PEARL: Yes

DAHLIA: Patience, darling

PEARL: But also...it’s midnight. Merry Christmas.

DAHLIA: Shit, I missed mass again!

DAHLIA: For the 7th year in a row!

PEARL: Hahaha

PEARL: Oh god. My roommates are singing happy birthday to Jesus.

PEARL: With a fucking cake and candles

DAHLIA: LOL, HBDJ

***

[silver-lily-louise]

Straight Over Their Heads

Summary: ‘And what’s your wife’s name?’ Alec's coming out was certainly something of a statement, just as Magnus said. But that doesn't mean everyone got the message. (Or: the 'damn, straight people are oblivious sometimes' fic.)

Read it on AO3, or below! 

~oOo~

‘And could I have some of that more, uh-‘ Alec gestures rapidly, trying to find the right word – ‘bushy greenery?’

The attendant smiles, sliding some of the foliage he’d asked for into place. ‘Of course. I always think the sleeker foliage makes roses look too severe, honestly.’ She begins to wrap the gold cellophane around the arrangement, and asks, ‘So, I take it these are for someone special. Is it a special occasion, too?’ Alec feels his mouth twitch up into a small, private smile. ‘Yeah,’ he says. ‘It’s our anniversary – not our wedding anniversary, that is, but the day we got together.’

‘How sweet,’ she coos, eyes not lifting away from the flowers. ‘And what’s your wife’s name?’

Alec blinks for a moment, assessing. ‘…Magnus,’ he says carefully – preparing himself for her surprise, and hoping it won’t slip into outright disgust. What he doesn’t expect is a cheerful, ‘Oh, like Agnes? How unusual! Well, I’m sure she’ll love these.’ And then she’s turning back to him, handing over the flowers, and telling him his total.

He hesitates, but decides that near to closing time in a mundane flower shop isn’t the moment for this particular conversation, especially with a complete stranger. Instead, he just pays for the flowers, shoots the perky attendant another half-hearted smile, and heads home.

***

‘Yeah, I know – Magn-‘ Alec smiles, a little exasperated, as his husband’s voice raises urgently in his ear. He keeps an eye on the queue – he’s nearly at the front, and he’ll have to hang up in a second so he can be served. He wouldn’t ordinarily bother going out for coffee, but he’s going to need the caffeine if he doesn’t want to fall asleep in the middle of Rafe’s birthday party this evening, and the swill they serve in the L.A. Institute’s cafeteria makes the New York Institute seem like a home for cappuccino connoisseurs. ‘Yes, I remembered to – Mag- hey,’ he says, more insistently, but keeping his tone reassuring. ‘Listen, he’s going to love it, okay? It’s gonna be a great evening, have a little faith.’ He glances up – one customer left between him and the barista. ‘Listen, I gotta go. I’ll see you tonight, okay? Yeah. I love you too.’ He hangs up, shaking his head fondly. ‘Ladies, am I right?’

Alec turns his head towards the voice, finding the tall, well-groomed man directly behind him. ‘Excuse me?’ The man gestures at his phone. ‘Ladies. Can’t get a word in edgeways.’ He chuckles. ‘My Paula’s just the same as your Maggie.’

Alec forces a smile. ‘Hm. Yeah.’ Not worth it, he thinks. This guy’s attitude doesn’t exactly scream open-minded; and although Alec knows he’d win that particular fight, if it came to that, he’d rather just avoid the hassle.

Thankfully, the barista says, ‘Next?’ and he’s spared any further attempts at misogynistic bonding over his non-existent wife. He turns away to give his order, trying to put the exchange out of his mind. He’s got better things to worry about.

***

Alec isn’t sure how coming out is normally supposed to go, but he’s fairly certain ditching your bride-to-be at the altar and then immediately making out with the hot guy who crashed the wedding (‘I was invited, Alexander-‘ ‘Oh, come on, you don’t get to make that entrance and then take offence at being called a wedding crasher.’) is one of the… less subtle methods. That being said, the Shadow World is a big place – and while gossip travels fast throughout it, that doesn’t mean everyone’s always up-to-date.

Case in point – ‘Alec? Alec Lightwood?’ Alec turns around, pleasantly surprised to recognise who he finds after an evening exchanging pleasantries with one-time acquaintances and distant colleagues. ‘Aaron? Wow. Long time no see,’ he greets, holding out his hand with a genuine smile. Aaron accepts the handshake, chuckling a little. ‘Yeah, it has been. You haven’t changed a bit, though,’ he says. ‘How’s life been treating you since the Academy?’ Alec takes a deep breath. ‘Well. Hm. It’s been eventful,’ he says, almost laughing himself at the sheer understatement. ‘I mean, first off – it’s Lightwood-Bane, now,’ he says, holding up his left hand, where his wedding ring glints proudly in the warm ballroom lights.

‘Congratulations,’ Aaron says, raising his champagne in a small toast. ‘Who’s the lucky lady?’ Alec’s taken aback for a moment, but he’s saved from answering when a familiar presence appears at his side. ‘Lucky guy, actually,’ Magnus corrects, linking his left arm through Alec’s and holding out his right. ‘Magnus Lightwood-Bane. A pleasure to make your acquaintance.’

They chat with Aaron for another few minutes, and then Alec excuses them, leading Magnus over to the extensive, near-empty balcony. He leans gratefully against the railing, heaving a deep sigh. ‘Everything okay?’ Magnus asks lightly, the barest thread of concern in his tone. Alec’s gaze flicks from the Melbourne skyline back to his husband, and he smiles reassuringly. ‘Yeah. It was nice catching up with Aaron, but I’ve spent the last two hours making small talk. Needed a break.’ Magnus hums understandingly, shuffling a little closer, looking out over the city lights.

A thought occurs to Alec. ‘That happens quite a lot, y’know,’ he says, not sounding quite as offhanded as he’d like. ‘The whole… lucky lady thing.’ Magnus laughs quietly. ‘And here I thought our love story had made headlines everywhere,’ he teases, coaxing a smile from Alec, before letting his amusement simmer down a little. ‘In all seriousness,’ he says, ‘I can’t say I’m that surprised. Things are better than they used to be, but straight is definitely still seen as the norm.’ He huffs. ‘I’ve lost count of the times I’ve made a new acquaintance and had to use the phrase ‘No, not Alexandra,’’ he says.

Alec raises an eyebrow. ‘Even with that huge picture of us in your office? The one that’s pretty clearly from our wedding day?’ ‘Firstly, it’s not huge, you’re just used to only keeping pictures on your phone. And secondly, yes, even with that. Presumably, they think I’m very close with my best man.’ He smirks. ‘I knew I should have picked the one where we’re kissing.’

Alec rolls his eyes, but can’t quite keep his face straight. ‘I don’t know about that,’ he says, turning to face Magnus. ‘I think I quite like saving this…’ he leans in, pressing a gentle kiss to his husband’s lips, ‘for reality.’ Magnus’ smile softens. ‘Hm. I think I could come around to your way of thinking,’ he murmurs. ‘Perhaps with a little more convincing?’

Alec sets about doing just that. The rest of the world – and all its expectations – falls away, forgotten.

~oOo~

[mka1098]

My Love is God

My Love Is God

Veronica x JD modern AU 

Rating: M

Warnings: swearing; death; murder; depictions of violence and blood; mentions of sociopathy and insanity; sex

I have a couple of things to explain about this AU because it’s a bit confusing. This is also gonna be a mess since I’m trying something new here. 

Backstory: JD and Veronica met in the lunchroom of their senior year when JD moved to her school. They met in a 7-11 and he was drawn to her and she didn’t push him away. They made close friends and he was so utterly in love with her. JD admitted his family problems to her and a lot of the deranged thoughts in his head. Veronica loved him a lot so she calmed him down and took him to therapy. It took time but he began to control his bloodlust and anger issues. Being 18, he moved out of his father’s house and found an apartment nearby Veronica’s home. JD became a normal teenager, more troubled than most but never wanted to do anything like bomb the school again. Veronica was his lifeline. She had saved him and helped him and he knew that. He fought his dangerous tendencies and continued going to therapy. One day, Veronica got into a huge fight with her best friend, Heather Chandler, who wanted her to get with one of the college boys at her party. It ends with them no longer being friends and Veronica humiliates Heather but reveals that Heather was too scared to even get close to kissing the college guy she was with. Heather is angered by this and hatches a plan to kill Veronica; she succeeds. And JD has just found out. 

Go easy on me please; it’s my first time writing present tense and I’m very lost 

My Love Is God

Heather Chandler hums to the mirror in her locker. Powdering her face during the passing period between the 4th and 5th period had become a regular affair. Her face got so oily; what a treacherous look would it be if people saw her face shiny? Biting her lip, Heather adjusts the red scrunchie in her hair. Ram has previously mussed it up in class and if not for her reputation; she’d rip hima  new asshole.

“Heather.” A voice calls behind her. Her eyes roll back in annoyance; who the hell thought that they were good enough to address her? 

“What in god’s name, do you want.” She says with bite in her voice. Her view catches on a darkened teen-boy. His long trenchcoat looked solely out of fashion and terrible for the nice summer weather. Her nose crinkled at his look. Face nearly covered up to the eyes, the boy stares directly at her. His dark brown eyes narrow into slits. 

“I’d like to take this outside.” He says with a dead tone. Heather’s eyes roll. What was the point of entertaining some idiot’s needs?

“Look, I don’t give a fuck about what you like. I have people to attend to, so unless you have an upper. Get. Out. Of. My. Way.” She snaps. His expression remains unfazed, much to her annoyance. He was supposed to cower and fade into the background. What a \\\ douche. She fluffs her ponytail and steps out away from her locker. 

“If that’s what it will take.” He calls after her. Heather spins around, glaring at him harshly. If this kid was kidding, she was going to end him. Heather puts out her hand, accepting the offer. “One the condition… we take this outside.” He continues. His stare was burning into hers. Heather inwardly scoffs at that, she had a harsh look and didn’t appreciate anyone matching it. 

Heather breaths in but finally caves. She was fresh out and in need. “Fine.” 

The teen doesn’t say much to her on the way; he was taking long, stiff strides. His arms and hands were clenched into fists. Heather had become a master of reading body language. This boy had a plan, but clearly, was unsure about it. Heather spoke not a word. Her eyes scan over him like a hawk. His appearance did merit a reliable product, that was for certain. That terrible coat would be great for cover. 

“Where are you taking me?” Heather demands. It had registered that she had not a clue his name minutes prior however, she knew better than to act like a fool and ask like a child. “I have places to be after this. Do not, make me late. You will regret up.” Heather says haughtly, giving no empty promises. 

He stops suddenly, their surroundings were empty streets and a 7-11 in only the visible future. Heather growls harshly under her breath. “You want to know where we are? We’re here. Where it all began.” He spoke in a low tone. It was slightly raspy and very attractive if she were to be honest. Heather’s perfected blonde brow rose. 

“I know your plan. I catch on quick. I get it, I’m hot, I’m a heather. I’m the Heather. If you want a quickie I take them in a closet. You’re just extra.” Heather says in a cackling tone. If only the other Heather were here; they’d love the show of embarrassing a loner. 

The boy’s expression began to morphe, not into embarrassment, not into fluster, not even impression. Instead, his hand reaches up to the hood and it tugs the fabric down behind him. “I’m not interested in fucking you.” He says in a deadpan tone. Heather laughs in a wicked way. This boy was stupid, sure but amusing as well. 

“That’s cute.” She says, putting on a seductive smirk. The boy scowled at her. 

It was now she could see his features; somewhere in her mind, there was a face match. Perhaps his father was a movie star? His hair was messy and long; skater boy hot indeed. His jaw, sharp as ever. Wide nose, but not bad. His face sure matched his voice. 

Heathers tsks approvingly. “I get what I want though. Don’t hold back.” She winks at him. He frowns harder. 

“I’d like to talk to you about someone.”

Heather licks her lip. “Enlighten me.” Her voice having now a delicate flare to it. 

The boy glares at her. “Veronica Sawyer.” He says in a harsh tone. 

Oh. Her. She was a nuisance, to say the least. Heather sighs heavily and rolls her eyes. “Do we have to? Her funeral was last month. It’s kinda overrated.” She says mindlessly. His face tightens. 

“You were the last to see her alive.” He accuses her. Heather’s eyes roll again; God, why he about Veronica? Heather was a hot bitch and in front of him. Besides, Sawyer was being a pain in the ass, not the mention a huge snitch. 

“Not really The hospital medics took her in. They didn’t let me in.” Her lips purse into a pout. “It was unfortunate. I tried to warn her from stepping into the road. The cars were going oh so fast.”

The boy snarled at her. “Don’t act so innocent. You hated her. You were friends and then you hated her.” 

Heather gasps dramatically. Sure it was suspicious but she had been playing it off so well! “How dare you! Do you even know how traumatic that was? Watching even ex, your best friend die! The therapy has finally stopped my self-blame.” Heather defends. 

“Don’t even try and think that act works on me.” He growls. 

Heather let out a high-pitched sobbed. “Why do you-”

“WILL YOU SHUT THE FUCK UP!” He shouts at her. Heather steps back in shook. That was unexpected. 

“I know you killed her.” a finger shoves into her vision. “I know because she was so scared of going. But she went anyway because goddamnit she just had to see the best in people and hope for the best. She went because she wanted things to be just a bit more okay with you guys. But she was so scared, she knew you were going to do something; I knew you were gonna do something. You pushed her in front of that car. And I know you cackled like a fucking witch while doing it.” The boy’s mouth sprouts word afterword; his fury was increasing more and more in the most obvious way. 

Heather racks her brain. Who was he? Why did he talk to Veronica? That girl only had two other friends after Heather let go of… oh… ohhhhhh.

“So what.” She says with danger. “You as her pretty little boyfriend is now going to cry about it? Get over it, she was no big thing. I’m sure the sex wasn’t that good to miss it. We’re all long past; catch up.” Heather steps forward, her intimidation factor went higher and higher up. “Calm your tits JD. No one else is worried. Learn to read a room.” 

JD’s face explodes into angry. “You dumb bitch. You’ve never cared for a single person in your life, have you? Well, let me tell you this. We were in love. So in love. She was the best person on this shithole we call earth. Veronica saw only the best and fixed anything she could. She never turned away from someone who needed help. She fixed me. She stayed with me. And you took the brightest light away.”

Heather let out a huge laugh. “Wow, dramatic. Definitely her little plaything. Love is overrated. She’s not anything anymore. Get past yourself and find a new slut.” She says with amusement. “Be glad she died painlessly. That was the best gift I could give her. Well, painless after she was dragged across the street, but still.” Her laugh fluffed and sugared; JD didn’t seem to apparatus it. How rude. 

“She hated you. She pitied you. She almost wanted to take you to therapy like me. But in the end, she decided you weren’t even worth the effort.” JD says darkly. Heather’s expression quickly shut down. Had she heard him correctly. 

“Very funny joke.” She attempts her easy-going tone of voice but the slip-up didn’t pass him by. His mouth twists into a grin. 

“Denial. Now you know how it feels. Rejection, you’re getting a lot of frists today. Congratulations princess of the fucking school.” JD’s voice echoes all around her. Coated in a thick layer of sarcasm and condensation, he spits it out at her. “Veronica felt sorry for you. That’s why she joined your little club. Sorry for the little princess who no one really cared about. She thought, maybe I can help her. But you want to know what happened? She met you and realized… what mattered? Certainly not you. Why else did you think she took Duke to the doctors? Duke was meant enough to the world to be fixed and now she’s all brand new. Mcnamara got a personality, kinda. But Veronica thought anyone worth it, was. Too bad that wasn’t you.” His wicked smirk sears her eyes. 

“You’re bullshit,” Heather growls. He laughs;  the sound is demented. 

“Am I? Or am I right?” He continues his speech. “My Veronica wanted to help people. She did. She helped me, she saved me. She saved Martha, Duke, everyone. Just not you. You’re not going anywhere. Everyone knows… don’t you?” 

His words pound into her head. Like in a small tunnel, they echo and get louder. “Shut up.” She snaps weakly. Her ears were about to bleed. Her head began to scream. How long had it been going on? The looks; the pitying looks? The laughs, the condescending laughs that she should have been the one making. She was the queen of the school; she was going to the top of the world. Did everyone think she’d melt to the bottom? “Shut up!” JD’s voice didn’t stop. Their pace; increased. The volume; skyward. 

“Veronica would have been here to tell me to stop; to tell me to go home. She would have said, breath a little and remember me. Her hand would have touched my shoulder and slowly she would walk me home and talk about anything she could do to help. She would have cleared my mind, given me my meds, and sang a song terribly to ground me. Veronica would have been here. But she’s not.  Actually, even if was alive, she’d wouldn’t do anything of that. She’d probably dance around with me with a smile on her face saying, babe you’re doing great..” JD’s voice became mixed with wicked, deranged laughter. Like her own evil cackles, but much, much worse. The insane glint in his eyes was terrifying.

She sucks in a breath; one final one to perceive her dignity, her pride. “Veronica this. Veronica that. For the love of god, she’s DEAD! She doesn’t matter anymore, you fucking jac- oof” Heather fell forward. Had he punched her in the stomach? What a weirdo! Heather went to take in a breath, only to find she couldn’t. What the fuck? The pain was there in her body; it was growing exponentially fast. Her eyes trailed down and oh- oh- oh holy mother of fucking shit!

“DID YOU FUC-” She not longer had the ability to speak; not when there was a knife sticking out of her body. JD’s eyes stare down the crumbling girl. 

His face, wide with a grin. 

His hands, perfectly clean. 

His insanity bared itself to the world. 

“You fucking psychopath.” She growls her last words. The red liquid was leaving her body fast. 

JD remains unfazed. His deaden look, his empathy free eyes. “Sociopathic tendencies, actually. Diagnosed. They’re actually not that dangerous. This? This the anger-management issue at work.” He smiles. “This is what it feels like on the other side of the killing.” He crouches down to meet her face to face. Heather musters the strength to growl. 

“What do you... want me to say? Dear diary? My teenage angst bullsh- bullshit now has a body count?” She snarls back. JD laughs. 

“No.” His voice, dark as ever.  “You’ve never loved a person in your life clearly. And no one has ever loved you, not a surprise there.” He stands up straight, looming like a darkened villain. “Let me tell you something. I love Veronica Sawyer. She was going to be Veronica Dean. I love her. More than anything in this fucking shit-world. I’ll worship her till the end of time. We had the strongest love in the universe. She was a goddess; you shouldn’t have killed her.” 

Heather’s eyes roll for the last time. “Dear god, this whole love shit you’re trying to pull on me is really annoying the last minutes of my death” She voices drily. JD crouches down to her again, lifting her chin with a rough tug. 

“Our love was so strong; it could have killed dinosaurs. I’ll settle for killing you though.” He threw down her face aggressively. The blood letched out to the ground. She scowls for the last time. 

“We could have made a pretty good murder couple.” She comments.  JD laughs and steps away, removing black gloves to shove in his pocket. “Dear God, just kill me now.” Heather expresses haughtily. 

JD laughs darkly. “Right you are my dear. Veronica and I… our love was god; it could have killed worlds. But she’s gone now. I’m left. So yes. My love is god.” Heather’s eyes began to feel heavy; was he slipping away farthing into the distance or was she dying faster? This was it wasn’t it? She grimaces. 

“My love is god. It has killed you. Isn’t that just beautiful?” 

Okay, I know it seems like I made Veronica seem like a Mary Sue and JD as this romantic guy. Let me explain things now that I have finished the story. 

Veronica hated Heather C and after helping JD, she started helping other people but she chose not to help Heather C who clearly has problems

Veronica was actually kinda okay with the murder. There was nowhere to put this and I briefly mentioned it, sorta at least, but if she didn’t like the person she was fine with JD killing them. She wanted to curb JD’s bloodlust, but she had accepted it as part of him and never was fully like THIS IS WRONG. As JD said, she would have laughed with him as he killed Heather C. 

Veronica was also kinda manipulative. I didn’t know where to put this but basically, Veronica started to isolate Heather without her even knowing. She’s not a Mary Sue, I swear it’s just not a long story

Heather C. had a lot of clear mental issues that Veronica literally just ignored and used to her advantage. She has such narcissistic behaviors, Veronica was able to get people to turn on her all while she thought she was the queen

People stopped caring about Heather C. Like they basically just made fun of her and were sarcastic to her. But with all of her mental issues and stuff, it twisted in her mind to make them think they were worshipping her. People shot her dirty looks or laughed at her, but she didn’t notice that. 

Heather D. got help for her bulimia because of Veronica. She thus was given kindness and was not a huge bitch 

Heather M. also became less of a bitch. She wasn’t one before, it was just she followed Heather C. around too much. Veronica helped her. 

Martha had Veronica back and it helped her feel like she had a true friend and ended up saving her from her depression

VERONICA IS STILL NOT AN ANGEL I REALIZE THAT’S HOW IT SOUNDS 

JD is possessive and Veronica has learned to live with it. It’s kinda unhealthy but not dangerous to her so that’s why she puts up with it. It’s directed towards other people

JD praises Veronica. She is the only thing in his life. She’s his mildly unhealthy but weirdly good fixation 

JD is adamant he and Veronica will end up together. There is nothing else. It will happen in his mind. His head is still a little twisted, though better than before. He’s not trying to kill for baby reasons now. He’d kill for Veronica and that’s basically it

Veronica’s parents do not like JD but deal with him for her 

Heather C. invited Veronica to a girl’s trip to bond a bit and make-up, then she pushed her into a street. Veronica didn’t want to go but she was too trusting and nice, like how she was in the movie and musical n trusting JD

JD goes on to flee the town and Heather C. Is discovered to be dead at the end of the school day

Now, I’m not totally sure what this is. It was an idea in my head and I needed it out. It’s not very good, It’s not the level of gore and blood I think my honestly messed-up mind needs to get out, but it can suffice Basically, I have my own mental problems, though I don’t know what they are currently, but they do give me a lot of problems. Writing is my healthy way of expressing them rather than screaming at my friends. That was my old way… not good. Anyways, hope you guys liked this story. 

[dem-obscure-imagines]

(Not So) Invisible Love

Ben Hargreeves x Reader Fandom: The Umbrella Academy Prompt: Dating Ben Hargreeves hc? Note: Mayhaps I love him? Also I went WAAAAAY OVERBOARD. Oh well. Warnings: None? (Well mentions of death...this is Ben after all…) Word Count: 4.5k

“Klaus, look at what I found at the witch market!”

The ghost-whisperer you fondly referred to as your best friend gasped in horror and held a hand over his chest. “You went to the witch market without me?!”

“I am a witch. Sometimes I go to the witch market. You act like this is surprising news. Besides, I’m the one who showed you that place anyway.”

“But you know how much Ben and I love the witch market…” Klaus looked to the empty seat on the couch. “He said he feels betrayed.”

“Well, tell him I said sorry. You guys can come with me when I go back next week.”

“I’m putting it on my calendar. You better not let me down, Baudelaire.”

“I won’t, I won’t.” You chuckled, sitting on the couch opposite Ben. Though you couldn’t see or hear Klaus’ ghostly brother, your supernatural tendencies made you better at feeling his aura than most. You were one of the first people who’d ever believed he was there in the first place. Maybe that was why Klaus had latched onto you so quickly. Or maybe it was because the two of you related in more ways than one.

You, like Klaus, were one of the children born that fateful day, but instead of being scooped up by Reginald Hargreeves to attend his Umbrella Academy, you’d been shipped off to Baudelaire’s, an exclusive school for gifted children tucked deep into the woods of Michigan. Needless to say, you got out of there about as quickly as you could. Reginald had raised his “children” to be famous, whereas Narcissa Baudelaire had done the opposite, nurturing the gifts of her recovered children in secret, tucked away where no one would find her.

It wasn’t that Narcissa was inherently awful to you or any of the other kids in the school. In fact, you knew she only wanted the best for you, but you’d always craved for something much more normal, which ironically had led you to meeting a man who saw the ghost of his dead brother.

“So, do tell what you found. You’re leaving us hanging.”

“This was on the clearance shelf, so I’m not expecting much, but…” You pulled the potion bottle out of the paper bag and held it up so the boys could read the label. “Tada~”

“Temporary Spirit Sight?” Klaus read, looking at you incredulously. “I already see ghosts.” He looked to the spot where Ben was sitting. “Shut up.”

“It’s for me, silly.” You shook your head. “Unlike the rest of you, I’ve never seen Ben, and considering we’ve been friends for the past year and a half, I think it’s about time I did.”

“Awwww, you hear that, Benny? So sweet.” Klaus put a hand over his heart and then grinned, looking at you. “You should see him, you’ve got him blushing.”

“Cute.” You chuckled, reading over the label and instructions more carefully. “Okay, so it says: Drink the entirety of the potion to feel full effects. When used properly, it grants the drinker the ability to see, hear, and touch spirits around them. Lasts up to three days.”

“So in other words, a little taste of what it’s like to be me.”

“Yeah, that’s what it sounds like.” You shrugged and popped the cork off, giving it a sniff for good measure. “Any thoughts from our ghostly companion?”

Klaus looked to Ben and then back to you. “He said ‘bottoms up.’”

“Here goes.” You tilted the bottle into your mouth, swallowing the contents in a few large gulps. After about a minute, the bottle was empty and you felt very dizzy, pinching your eyes shut. “Ooh ouch. That stings a bit. Pretty sour.”

“You okay?”

“Fine, yeah, do you think it worked?”

“Uh, based on the fact that I didn’t ask that question, I’d say yes.” Klaus grinned, watching as you slowly pulled yourself together.

You blinked a few times, processing what he’d said. If Klaus didn’t ask then that meant…Immediately, you bolted upright and looked to the other side of the couch, where Ben waved shyly, still unsure if you could REALLY see and hear him, or if it was simply too good to be true.

“Ben?” You asked, making direct eye contact with him.

“Y-yeah. Uh, hi. Nice to...finally meet you.”

“Nice to meet you too. Well, officially, that is.” You held out your hand, waiting for him to offer his in return. Hesitantly, he did. Ben didn’t expect much, certainly not to be able to make contact with you, but much to his surprise, his cold hand touched your much smaller, warmer one.

“Oh my God.” Ben gaped, not letting go even after an almost uncomfortable amount of time.

“What?”

“Sorry.” He snapped out of it, pulling his hand away to rub the back of his neck. “It’s just the last time I touched someone was...a long time ago. It’s been a while, that’s all.”

“Sounds like someone needs a hug.” Klaus tilted his head, amused. Ever since you and Klaus met, he knew that Ben had the BIGGEST crush on you. Though your powers were dark in nature, somehow you managed to be one of the brightest people he’d ever met, always happy and optimistic, kind and caring and willing to listen when Klaus came to you with his problems.

“Would you shut up?” Ben hissed at his brother, red creeping across his cheeks and up into the tips of his ears.

“Do you want a hug?”

“I-well, uh, yeah. I do.”

“C’mere.” You stood up and held your arms open. Ben looked at you with wide eyes for a second before he stood in front of you and surrendered to your embrace. It had been so long, so, so freaking long since someone had been able to hold him. He only realized now just how starved for human contact he was. “Wow, you really needed this, huh?”

“You have no idea.” He murmured into the fabric of your old gray hoodie.

***

The more you thought back on your friendship with Klaus, and therefore, your friendship with Ben, the more you could recall all of the little instances in which it had maybe been a little obvious that Klaus’ dead brother harbored more than friendly feelings towards you.

Most notable was a time you’d showed up at the Academy dressed up for your friend’s birthday party and he’d told Klaus to tell you that you looked stunning. There was the time you made tea for the three of you, and he told Klaus to thank you for setting out a third tea cup, even though you were all aware he couldn’t drink it. And in addition, there had been plenty of rainy afternoons when you’d felt his aura lingering near you even when Klaus was out or in another room.

You couldn’t imagine it was all that fun for him to just be there and watch you read, but Klaus told you once that Ben liked reading over your shoulder. After so many years on his own, Ben had become a quick reader, so it didn’t matter what pace you read at, he could keep up.

For the past day and a half, though, now that he was visible and tangible, it had been extremely obvious. Any opportunity he got, he’d touch you. At first, you wrote it off as Ben being touch-starved from his years of death, but then again, did ‘just friends’ really hold hands at every chance they got? They probably didn’t cuddle near the fire with a good book, either…

And it was after catching all of his lingering glances and whispered words when he thought you had fallen asleep against his shoulder that you realized, deep down, that you had harbored feelings for him, too. Sure, maybe a relationship between a witch and a ghost wouldn’t be the most orthodox, but you knew you’d be able to make it work somehow.

You knew that whatever you needed would likely be in one place. And that meant…

“KLAUS! BEN! I’M GOING TO THE WITCH MARKET! THIS IS YOUR LAST CHANCE!”

“I thought you were going to the witch market next week.” Ben noted, materializing beside you.

You slapped a hand over your chest as your heart raced in surprise. “Jesus! You’re gonna give me a heart attack!”

“Sorry. Forgot. Klaus is used to that by now.”

“It’s fine.” You waved it off, laughing. “Where’s your brother?”

“Did someone say witch market?” Klaus popped his head out from the foyer. “Oh, there you are, Ben. I was wondering where you’d wandered off to.”

“Shut up.” Ben glared at Klaus, but his features softened when he felt you slip your hand into his and give it a squeeze, grounding him in the moment. It was easy for him to forget that for this brief little window, you could touch him.

“Well, to answer your question, I WAS going to go next week, but this stuff is supposed to wear off tonight, so I wanted to be able to go together, if that’s alright.”

“That’s...more than alright.” Ben smiled, squeezing your hand back. If he tried hard enough, he could pretend this was a date. A cute little witch date. Granted, with his brother Klaus there, but a date no less.

You all piled into your car, with Klaus letting Ben take shotgun, and in about thirty minutes’ time, you were parked in the parking lot outside. There was an enchantment on the place to make it look abandoned and dilapidated to all who looked on without magic, but as soon as you cast the entry key, the spell was lifted from your guests’ eyes and you all walked in.

There were dozens and dozens of witches manning their own stalls and selling whatever they specialized in. Your first stop was to visit Nancy, the kind witch near the back corner of the store who had a variety of spell books along with other tomes she’d read and decided she didn’t need anymore. You told Ben to go find whatever he wanted and you’d get it for him, and he agreed, thanking you before wandering through the rows of boxes filled with old books. Meanwhile, Klaus was talking to the broom dealer further down the market.

“Nancy, this is an odd request, but, I need something to bring the dead back to life.”

“You sure don’t half-ass anything, do you, (Y/N)?” Nancy chuckled before reaching into the box tucked under her chair. “Now, I wouldn’t do this for just anyone, but I know you’ve got a good head on your shoulders. It’s for your cute ghost boyfriend, isn’t it?”

“My-” You looked over at Ben, who excitedly motioned to a box next to him. You assumed he’d hit the jackpot. “Yeah, it is.”

“Well, this should do the trick.” Nancy handed the book to you and you paid her. “The trick is not to even concern the body in the matter. Easy to accidentally make zombies that way. Instead, you have to help his soul cross over from the spiritual plane to the physical one, which is not as hard as it sounds when you get the timing right.”

“Thank you so much.” You clutched the book to your chest before walking over to see what Ben was so excited about.

“She has the Narnia books.”

“Well then I guess we have to get them, huh?”

“Well, uh, we don’t HAVE to…”

“Right, but they’d make you happy. And you deserve to be happy, okay?” You looked up at him and watched as his expression melted into a smile.

“Okay.” He worked his hand into yours as you bent down and picked up the other books. Once you paid, Nancy helped you get them into a bag, and then the two of you walked over to Klaus, where he was still trying to strike a deal to get a broom.

“Klaus, we can just take mine for a spin sometime.” You told him, laughing as his face lit up. He gasped, spinning around to look at you.

“You’ve had a magic broomstick all this time and you didn’t tell us?”

“Well, if the pointy hat fits…” You shrugged, drawing a laugh out of Ben.

“Aww, aren’t you two awful cozy?” Klaus motioned between the two of you, grinning before turning around and leading the three of you further on through the market. “Come on, I want to see if they have any cool enchanted necklaces.”

***

When you all got back to the Academy, there were only a few hours left before the potion would wear off, so Ben insisted on taking you up to his old room to show you something.

“In here.” He pointed to the closet door so you could open it. You did, pulling it apart to find Ben’s old clothes, back from when he was alive. “I just...when you can’t see me anymore, I just want you to be able to remember that I’m here and that you’re never alone. I want you to have this one.”

Ben poked a black hoodie, his finger phasing right through the fabric. You carefully took it off of the hanger and slipped it on over your t-shirt. It was a bit bigger than what you usually wore, the sleeves covering your hands, but Ben loved the sight of you in his clothes, and couldn’t wait to see you wear his hoodie from time to time.

“Thank you.”

“No, thank YOU. You’ve done so much for me in these three days. I just...I really don’t know how to repay you…”

“Ben, you literally have nothing to repay me for.” You shook your head, looking up at him and trying to memorize his features. In a little while, you wouldn’t be able to see or touch him again for a long time. “I had a great time finally getting to talk to you. I mean, well, without a translator involved.”

“Yeah, I guess from now on, Klaus will have to third wheel…”

“Yeah…” You exhaled a little sigh and reached forward to take Ben’s hand in yours. “This is a really shitty time to say this, and I’m sorry for holding it in for so long, but….I think I caught some feelings for you, Ben. And I just didn’t know if-”

“Oh thank God.” Ben smiled, pulling you against his chest, arms wrapped tight around you. “I’ve had this giant crush on you since, well, the day we met, I guess. The first day, about a year and a half ago.”

“And I know it’s weird, and I’m a witch and you’re...dead. But I’m willing to give it a try if you are.”

“I’d love that.”

***

Operation: Bring Ben Back from the Dead was going to be a lot simpler than you thought it would be. The spell book Nancy had given you said you only needed a few things you didn’t already have, and those could be gathered on a quick trip to the Witch’s Market. Some of them, you didn’t even need to go the the Witch’s Market for.

You didn’t tell Ben about your plan for two reasons. The First was, you weren’t sure quite how he’d react to it. Second, you didn’t want to get his hopes up in case it didn’t work. You did, however, need Klaus’ help for some parts of it. This meant you had to get him alone, which was easier said than done.

“KLAUS! BEN! I’M GOING TO THE WITCH MARKET TO DO SOME GROCERY SHOPPING!!” You hollered up into the big empty house.

“What the hell is a witch market?” A younger member of the Academy, who you could only imagine was Five, walked into the entrance hall, a store mannequin tucked under his arm.

“I’m (Y/N). Klaus’ witch friend. Think of it as like a specialty market, except for witches.”

“Ah.” He nodded, leaving as quickly as he’d come, with Klaus waltzing out in his place. You felt Ben’s presence there next to him, and you smiled, looking to where you were pretty sure you felt him.

“Hey guys.”

“Witch market? We’re so in.”

“I was hoping you’d say that.”

About thirty minutes later, you, Klaus, and Ben were strolling up and down the rows of merchants, filling your cart with the things from your list. Once you got close to Nancy’s stall, you turned to where you felt Ben and told him he could pick out a book if he wanted to. As soon as you were alone with Klaus, he turned to you accusingly.

“You’re trying to bring Ben back, aren’t you?”

“Is it that obvious?”

“To him, no. Not at all. To me, well, the daffodils on your little ‘shopping list’ there are a giant red flag.”

“Alright, you got me.” You shrugged, surrendering. You turned to the herb dealer and bought aloe leaves, a few cloves of garlic, ivy, and some sage, components of what would become your Drought of Life. “So I’m trying to bring my ghost boyfriend back to life. Can you blame me?”

“Not at all, but I wish you would have asked me for HELP, maybe. Ben’s been following me around for years. You think I don’t want to see him happy?”

“I’ve been TRYING to ask you, but it’s not exactly like I’ve ever gotten the chance without him there.”

“Fair point.” Klaus glanced over his shoulder. “Ghost boy incoming.” Klaus listened to Ben before reporting to you. “He said there’s nothing good over there today.”

“Alright. It was worth a shot.” You shrugged, smiling before you pushed the cart over to the vendor selling copious amounts of candles. You bought twelve white candles of varying heights and widths and added them to your cart along with the rest of the goodies.

Once you crossed them off the list, that left very little to get, the last thing being one of Ben’s used socks, but you had been sure not to put that on your little list. So, after all of you were done, you loaded up your car and headed back to the Academy.

You immediately walked into the kitchen and started brewing. Your cauldron was here because the Academy was the perfect place for making potions, and Grace and Pogo didn’t seem to mind all that much, so long as you cleaned up after yourself and didn’t brew anything dangerous. Once the water was boiling, you waved your hand over the steam a few times, rolling up the sleeves of Ben’s hoodie. You felt his presence behind you, his form molding against yours.

“I miss your voice, Ben.” You whispered to him, imagining his arms wrapped around your waist. “I’ve fallen in love with the invisible boy…”

“Aww, aren’t you two cute?” Klaus walked into the kitchen, holding the socks you needed. He was quiet for a moment, listening to whatever Ben was saying. “He says he’s glad you like his hoodie.”

“Well, how could I not like it? It’s so warm and soft…” You murmured, tearing the aloe leaves into bits and then sprinkling them into the swirling waters, for healing and protection. Next, you chopped up the garlic, and sprinkled that in too, to double the effects. Next came the ivy leaves, for eternal life, though in this case, they would grant him life of any kind. Finally, in went the sage for long life.

You stirred the potion for a while, Klaus and Ben watching. Ben had confessed to Klaus, a long time ago when he’d first told his brother of his crush, that he was fascinated when you did witchy things. It was soothing for him to watch. Klaus grinned at the blissed out look on his brother’s face. The Ghost-Seer was really happy things were going to work out, even if Ben didn’t know it just yet.

Once all of the ingredients had been dissolved into the drought, you picked up the socks, which were still giving you the heavy dark vibes of Ben’s once-living self, and let them melt into the pot, using your magic to help them along until they were no more than another part of the thickening potion.

Another hour or so, you were done. You ladled a few bottles of the drought into glass vials for good measure, and then set them on your brewing rack to cool. If one of them broke, you had extras just in case. Then, thinking about it again, you labeled them with a very large note warning the other people in the house not to drink them or they would DIE.

Klaus looked at you with a question from Ben. “He wants to know if they’re poisonous.”

“No, but I would kill someone if they touched them.” You shrugged and washed your hands in the sink. “You guys have any plans tomorrow at midnight?”

“Do we ever have plans that don’t involve you?”

“I’ll take that as a no.” You laughed. “Meet me in the entrance hall under the skylight.”

Klaus grinned. “We’ll be there.”

***

The hour was steadily approaching. You lined up all twelve of the candles you’d bought in a large circle right under the skylight and lit their little flickering flames one by one with the tip of your finger.

Fire.

Next, you plucked the petals off of the dozens of daffodils you’d bought and sprinkled them into the ring of flames. You felt Ben lingering in the doorway as you did it. The whole house was getting darker, the lights dimmer and dimmer as the witching hour drew nearer.  Once the ring was complete, it flashed with light before dying back down.

Earth.

You took off your shoes and socks, letting your bare feet touch the cold white tiles, and as soon as you did, you lost the need to stay grounded to the floor below you, your form beginning to float a few inches in the air. In all the time Ben had spent with you, he’d never seen you do this before. He supposed you were full of all kinds of tricks he didn’t know about.

Air.

The final step would have to wait just a few more minutes, until the clock chimed and the moon was directly overhead.

“What’s going on in here?” Klaus’ gorilla of a brother made himself known and you turned to face him, still drifting in the air.

“I’m doing a spell. It’s important. Please don’t disturb it.”

“I don’t think that’s in our best interest.” Luther bristled, taking a few hulking steps forward.

“KLAUS!” You hollered up the stairs, and a few seconds later, he came down, looking at you with wide eyes.

“You’re floating.”

“Yeah. Explain to your brother the importance of this spell. We’ve only got a few minutes before-” You went silent, centering yourself in the middle of the ring, your legs criss-crossed and your body bobbing ever so gently in the air.

Klaus took Luther aside and explained to him very quietly and desperately just important what you were doing was, and defying all of his expectations, Luther actually listened, standing off to the side with the rest of the confused Hargreeves siblings.

Once the clock struck the first time, you closed your eyes and took in a deep breath. You poured the droplets of the Drought of Life into the air and the droplets floated around you, as unaffected by gravity as you were. You molded them into the base of the ring, using your energy to push the concoction in place. As soon as the ring was complete, the water extended upwards, expanding like a wall of water, translucent as a waterfall, and through the shimmery surface, you could see Ben there, in all of his glory, looking on at you in awe and confusion.

“Ben.” You looked at him, locking eyes with him. You reached out to him, motioning him forward.

“Me?”

“Take my hands. Do you trust me?”

He was quiet for a few seconds, trying to figure out what spell you could possibly be casting that involved him. “O-of course I trust you.”

“Then come here.”

Slowly, he did, taking unsure steps forward until he was standing in front of the wall of water dividing you from him. You let your legs down out of your criss-crossed position and held out your arms for him to take. Tentatively, he reached through the water and took your hands on the other side of it, solid touching solid.

“Come on, buddy…” Klaus murmured, watching as Ben took a step through. And then another. And then another until he had crossed over entirely.

“W-what…” Ben looked down at you in disbelief, unable to put together a string of words. “What did you do?”

Instead of answering, you broke the ring and let the water fall, putting the candles out. Once everything settled, you were standing in the center of the room, looking up at Ben as all of his siblings watched.

“Oh my God…” Allison whispered, eyes watering. “Ben?”

He turned to look at his siblings, who for the first time in ever, were all looking back at him. His eyes widened. “You...I...am I-?”

“Alive? Yes. Yes you are.” Klaus grinned, rushing up to his brother first, as soon as you helped him step out of the broken ring. He hugged him tightly. “Welcome back.”

“I just...I can’t believe it.” Ben whispered, looking at his hands. They didn’t LOOK any different, and yet, somehow, they were. He decided to put them to the test, reaching out to grab your shoulders. Immediately, he made contact with the fabric of his own hoodie, and he pulled you to his chest, tears rolling down his cheeks. “Thank you so much…”

“Don’t mention it.” You shrugged, finally starting to feel the exhaustion of all of the energy you’d burned up. You started drooping like a wilting daffodil, only for Ben to scoop you up in his arms, wrapping your legs around his hips. Your head rested heavily on his shoulder and you smiled sleepily.

“You okay there, flower?” He asked softly, concern etched in his voice.

“‘M fine…” You hummed. “Just drained...Need...sleep…”

***

You woke up to sunshine the next morning, and an arm around your waist, soft snores in your ear. At first, the drowsiness made you think this was still a dream, that the night before hadn’t happened, but when you turned and found Ben’s warm chest, you knew it must have been real. That this was much too vivid to be imaginary.

When he felt you stirring, he woke up, a smile gracing his features as soon as he saw you curled up in his arms. “Good morning.”

“Good morning.” You smiled back, delicate fingers reaching up to trace over the details of his face. “God, you’re so warm…”

“That’s all thanks to you, angel.” He hummed and leaned forward to kiss the crown of your head. “Wouldn’t be here without you.”

“Eh, some witch was bound to meet Klaus and fall in love with his ghost brother. I think it was inevitable, really.”

“Oh definitely.” He chuckled. “But for the record, I’m really glad it was you.”

You smiled and captured his lips with yours, kissing him gently before whispering, “I’m really glad it was me, too.”

[haveanotherkpopblog]

Masquerade

Inspired by @noona-clock‘s “EXO as Royal Princes”

Part 1

Paring: Kim Minseok x You

Genre: AU, Fluff

Word Count: 1.7k

Warnings: None

Masterlist || Next>>

Tonight was an unusual night within itself. Tonight was the annual masquerade. What made this particular masquerade so unusual was the fact that it was being hosted by Prince Minseok.

Prince Minseok didn’t host parties and very rarely attended them. No one really knew why. Some speculated he lived a double life, others assumed he was disinterested and spoiled. One theory was that he remained in the background so when he did decide to make a public appearance, all eyes were on him. That was the more likely case, for whenever he did make an appearance, he had the entire kingdom’s attention. He had such a profound way with words and such a breath-taking appearance, it was near impossible not to watch and listen to him.

You stood in front of your full length mirror, admiring your dress. You admired the dark blue fabric, attempting to follow the intricate gold design sewn into the skirt.  You were extremely appreciative of the theme Prince Minseok had chosen, “Midnight”.

“Lady Y/N,” called a servant. You turned around, a soft smile gracing your lips. “Your mask, my Lady.” You nodded, allowing the young girl to secure the mask on your face. The mask matched the dress beautifully, making you feel like a princess. You sighed wistfully, slowly turning.

“Thank you,” you said, bowing your head.

Admiring the decor, you make your way to the ballroom. Everything from the decorations, to the food, to the guests themselves was decked out in black, silver, and midnight blue. For a man who’s never hosted a party, he was doing a marvelous job.

“Y/N!” You turned your head, greeted by your best friend, Marchioness Y/F/N, hurriedly walking towards you. “Y/N! Oh my, you look exquisite,” she told you, her smile shining bright.

“Thank you Y/F/N. I must say, I love your dress,” you complimented. She giggled, spinning to show off her black and silver dress. “You’re the envy of the ball, not even Prince Minseok will be able to keep his eyes off of you.”

“You’re too kind, my dear Y/N. Speaking of Prince Minseok, have you seen him?” she inquired. You shook your head, making her pout. She’d always had a minor crush on the prince, if you count an unhealthy obsession as minor.

Before you could assure her he’d show up, a man, dressed in a black suit and a dark blue mask approached the both of you. He briefly nodded to you, then turned his attention Y/F/N, flashing her a smile.

“May I be as bold as to ask for the first dance?” he inquired. She smiled, nodding as she slipped her hand into his.

You smiled fondly as he whisked her away. You slowly made your way around where the dancers were, quietly observing them as they laughed and danced. You were so engrossed with what they were doing, you ran straight into someone’s back. You almost fell when a strong pair of arms caught you. Glancing up, you saw it was the man you’d run in to. You quickly straightened yourself. You curtsied, apologizing profusely. The man smiled, amused.

“No harm done,” he assured you. He was wearing a dark blue suit with silver accents and a matching mask. “As long as you’re okay.” You smiled, grateful it wasn’t some stuffy lord. He looked rather close to your age. He had black hair styled up to show his forehead. His voice sounded familiar, yet you couldn’t place it. You didn’t dwell on it, instead, offering a bow and continuing on your way.

You made it back to where you started by the time the song ended. Y/F/N ran up to you, flushed and slightly out of breath.

“I assume you enjoyed yourself,” you laughed. She nodded excitedly.

“He was amazing Y/N,” she sighed fanning herself. “He was so charming, and funny, and wow. Plus he said he was a prince. Maybe he was Prince Minseok!”

“That’s extraordinary Y/F/N.”

A tap on your shoulder made you turn around. It was the stranger from earlier. He was smiling at you, his cat-like eyes trained on you. He held his hand out, silently asking for a dance. You turned to Y/F/N, who was still rambling on about her prince, before you slipped your hand into his. He led you to the center of the room, twirling you to face him. The music began, and he gracefully guided you across the floor. 

“I must say, you are quite the elegant dancer,” you complimented. And indeed he was. He kept in perfect sync with the music, making you wish you’d taken your dance classes more seriously.

“Thank you, as are you. Much better than walking,” he teased. You rolled your eyes playfully.

“Did you ask me to dance just so you could tease me?” you asked. He chuckled softly, shaking his head.

“No, I asked you to dance because you’ve piqued my interest. I want to get to know you.” You nodded. “Please, tell me about yourself. Please.”

“Well, if you insist. What would you like to know?”

“Everything.”

You thought hard, figuring out where to start.

“Well, I’m an avid reader. I find there’s nothing more calming than reading a good book with a nice cup of tea. I enjoy a plethora of activities, and I tend to volunteer my free time to those in need,” you told him.

“Volunteer? I think you’re the first lady I’ve met that helps the poor,” he commented.

“And that’s what’s really sad. Everyday, those not lucky enough to be born with riches suffer. They suffer from poverty, starvation, lack of education, and so much more. Children are not taught literacy and mathematics, they are taught how to farm and take care of each other. They are not allowed to play because they have to work so they can eat.

“Don’t get me started on their diets. They can barely afford the food that’s rotten and stale, let alone fresh, clean produce. The mortality rate is unbelievably high, and it pains me to see them suffer.

“I’ve been reading some works by Lao-tzu. I highly recommend. He goes on to say:

‘When the rich prosper

While farmers lose their land;

When government officials spend money

On weapons instead of cures; when the upper class is extravagant and irresponsible

While the poor have nowhere to turn--

All this is robbery and chaos.’

“I wholeheartedly agree with him. Their majesties and his Royal Highness are too worried about themselves and every other country and every other country and not enough about their people.”

“His Royal Highness? Do you think so little of him?” he inquired.

You shook your head. “On the contrary, I think very highly of him. He is a fair man who knows when he must be firm. When he speaks, he knows of what he speaks of. His only problem is he’s focused on the wrong issues,” you explained. He nodded, appearing deep in thought.

“You are quite an intelligent woman. I have to say, you’ve certainly captured my attention.”

“Did I not have it before?” you jested. He smiled, an actual smile. You noticed the little kink in his mouth, how one side rose a little more than the other. The words were out of your mouth before you could stop them. “What’s your name?”

He hesitated. He glanced to the side then snapped his attention to you.

“Xiumin.” You wracked your brain, trying to remember any noble named Xiumin. None came to mind.

“I’m afraid I don’t know you. Are you a foreigner?” you asked. He shook his head.

“It’s what my friends call me,” he explained.

“You consider me a friend?”

“I’d like too.” He stared deep into your eyes, and you stared right back. “I don’t know what it is about you, but I feel so at ease with you. You’re an honest person, unafraid to speak your mind. I admire that. Since you know my name, may I know your’s?”

“Y/N,” you replied. He seemed completely taken aback by your name. “Xiumin? Is there a problem?” He quickly shook his head, his face contorted to look shocked.

“You wouldn’t be Countess Y/N, would you?” he inquired. You nodded. He dropped his jaw. “You opened a public library in your province, and donated to the orphanage, and volunteered at the hospital.” You nodded to everything, giggling quietly. “Wow, the Countess Y/N. It’s an absolute honor Lady Y/L/N.” “There’s no need to be so formal with me Xiumin. After all, we are friends, right?” you said blushing slightly. He grinned, nodding. He opened his mouth to speak, but he was cut off by a servant announcing the firework display. Everyone began to head to the gardens to watch. Xiumin held you back. You gave him a confused look, but he pulled you out onto the balcony. You could see the stars twinkling above, and you took a moment to find as many constellations as you could. “We won’t get in trouble for being up here, right?” you asked. He shook his head, walking to lean on the railing. You followed suit, standing right next to him. You could see everyone gathered in the gardens, making light talk. You spotted Y/F/N, surrounded by multiple men, all of them laughing. “I don’t remember if I told you, but you look gorgeous Y/N,” Xiumin whispered in you ear. You bit your lip, thankful for the darkness to hide your blush. Bright light attracted your attention, followed by a loud boom that rattled your chest. You glanced up at the night sky as fireworks colored silver and gold painted it, thundering loudly. The wind picked up, blowing across your exposed arms. You shuddered, running your hands up and down your arms. A jacket was put on your shoulders. You turned to see Xiumin without his jacket, staring at you fondly. You thanked him, heat rising to your cheeks. You continued to watch until it was over. And thus ended to masquerade. You were almost sad it was over. You turned to tell Xiumin something, but he was nowhere in sight. You rushed back to the ballroom, desperately searching for him. The only person you found was Y/F/N. You sighed, hugging his jacket closer to you.

“Where were you? You disappeared,” she said, looping her arm through yours. “I met someone. He was amazing. He actually listened to what I had to say and cared. He was so easy to talk to.” “Sounds like you found your prince charming! Where is he?” “I don’t know,” you replied. You looked down at his jacket, smiling softly. “I can only hope I’ll see him again.”

[tracle0]

22/11

I was tagged by @joyful-soul-collector​ (thank you this is possibly one of my favourite tag games) ... Okay also also before I could finish this up, @hyba also tagged me so uh it’s 22/11 instead, ty ty. You two might want to check the tag list cause uhhh you might be there who knows not me c:

The rules are: Answer the 11 (22 this time but hush) questions, make up your own 11 and then tag... I think it’s 11 people but I don’t know 11 people who I haven’t already tagged so...

I sort of started spamming pictures to answer a question so I’m gonna... put the pictures under the cut. 

1. Have any of your OCs ever stolen something? What did they steal, and why? Oh yeah sure - the first one I can think of easily is Cain. He used to live on the streets so had to steal to survive. But he’d also work for money. He’s not heartless, just desperate. 

Also now I’m thinking about it, Tag would definitely be the kind of guy to just... hey I know I’m meant to hand this gear in but... no-one will miss it so.... he steals to amuse himself with the gadgets he gets. 

2. Did you ever have imaginary friends as a kid? What were they like? I copied my sister in having pretend animal friends, but not really. Who needs imaginary friends when you have real-life ones lol I was a lot more liked as a kid.

3. Do any of your  OCs have a favorite article of clothing? Why is it their favorite?

Uhhhh

Um.

Yeah, you could say that. 

Andy likes his hoodie because it’s a thing that is only his. He didn’t get it from Murdock, I honestly don’t know WHERE he got it from, but it’s his, and the fact he owns anything means a lot to him.

Cain likes his because it’s one of the few things left over from when he was younger and again, it’s his. He didn’t steal it. It belongs to Only Him. He feels comfortable in it. 

4. What do you fist develop about a character when you make one up? Do you think of their appearance first? Their personality? Their backstory?

Honestly? It depends. Backstory always comes after, but personality and appearance often intersect. I know for WIP 3 I thought of personality and traits first, and for Collateral it was appearance first. I think for Sonder it was more.. their role in the story? ‘Oh hey this is the antagonist, this is the protagonist, this is the love interest wait I hate romance, okay, side kick’ etc

5. Fluff or Angst?

If it’s not romantic? Fluff. I made myself angsty enough when I was younger, I want more happiness in my life.

6. Remember the color of that dress that everyone was debating about however many years ago? The one that was blue and black, or white and gold? What colors did you see?

The correct colours.

7. Pick your bubbliest, happiest OC. Now tell me what will make them turn into your worst nightmare. I wanna see what makes them the angriest.

Oh boy, let’s see uhhh... Tag. Tag from WIP 3 who is undergoing the process of a name change. 

Seeing someone he loves die would twist him. Being isolated would eventually break him. Being unable to do what he loves would definitely upset him also. 

Also idk if you’ve heard about it but in his world, there’s a nifty ability called being a silvertongue and I know at least one silvertongue is not gonna exploit this but I also know of another who would even on this19-year-old kid so maybe it’s not by choice but that could make him a nightmare. Just sayin’

8. Now pick your angstiest, most emo OC. And tell me what would make them blush and giggle like an idiot. I wanna see what makes them the happiest.

Okay for this one it’s a tie I write a lot of angsty characters. 

>Andy - seeing something just. Really funny. Oh did Sam just fall over in a ridiculous way? Fantastic. That’s actually how they first have a proper conversation. Sam falls over, he laughs, they talk.

>Cain - anything awesome that Duck does. Oh hey what’s up Goose oh you drew this radical picture? /tearing up/ it’s so great oh my gosh you’re so talented. That’s more being happy than giggling but can you see Cain giggling? No, me neither. 

9. If you could have any mythical creature for a pet, what would it be?

Dragon, next question.

10. What’s your go-to thing for when you’re hungry but don’t have time/energy to cook something?

Fruit! It is! Very good! And tasty! Apples have a good cronch! Oranges are mmmm juicy. Banana? Yes nice thank you. Oh wow we have strawberries? What a sweet treat. Also healthy!

11. Do any of your OCs have scars? Would they be confident enough to show them in public (like at the beach)?

Oh yeah sure man. Andy’s got multiple from... ‘training’. He doesn't show them off. Cain, Duck and Theo have all been badly burnt on the arms, and Cain ‘’shows it off’’ just because it makes him uncomfortable to have his arms covered. And uh Raya probably has some sort of scar on her knees or elbow from rollerblading. Because you do fall over and it does scar.

And now for Hyba’s questions, lez go bois

1. What cultural value do you see in writing/reading/storytelling/etc.?

I think that without storytelling specifically, humans would be so... mundane? We’d be no different to any other animal on the planet. Creating anything, be that stories or art or literally anything is so... human. To take that away would be like taking away humanities soul. The cultural value isn’t really measurable - storytelling makes up the culture. 

2. Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?

Honestly, I have no idea. I try to entertain myself, and if other people like it too, then that’s neat. But because I’m writing for myself, I anticipate everything, so I don’t know if it’s original or not. I know it delivers what I want! But is that readers want? Who knows!

3. As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal?

Crow. Not even as a writer, just... dude crows are so damn cool. 

4.  What do you think most characterizes your writing?

I’m not quite sure about the phrasing so uhhhh represents? Google is telling me ‘describes’. 

In which case, a midnight fever jolting you out of bed, moments before you could fall asleep, and puppeting you to a writing surface so you can splurge ideas onto it sounds about right. 66% of my WIPs have elements in them that were based on dreams. 

5. How do you select the names of your characters?

Mostly? Spite. ‘Oh Trade, you can’t have a bad guy named Andy, all Andy’s are good’ NOPE NOT ANYMORE SUCK IT. I also have a friend who is really good at coming up with names that fit the exact mood of the character so I go to her a lot. Sometimes they’re puns. 

6. Choose one of your OCs (or more). How would they want to be seen by others?

Sam from Sonder wants to be seen as someone people can talk to, but also someone who pursues a science because yes sociology is a science to her, shut up, don’t talk to me if you’re going to mention the words ‘paradigm’ or ‘objective’ thank you.

7. How do you find or make time to write? Are you consistent or do you write whenever you get the chance?

Hahahahahhahha.

In the past few months, I’ve not been writing because I’ve had exams. Before that, I wrote at every chance I had - being a student, I had a fair bit of free time during the day, so I’d use that to write. But for a while, it was a nothing on the ‘what has Trade written recently’ chart. 

Going up again boiiis

8. What does literary success look like to you? Is it important for you as a writer?

Literary success? That’s... a very interesting question. I think I’d be satisfied and feel successful if one person told me that my book helped them through something. 

Jokes on me, I’ve already had that, my books helped me, I have already succeeded, see you losers in hell.

Also fanart but uh who needs fanart when you draw enough for five armies?

9. Are there any scenes that you’ve had to edit out of your WIPs? Can you tell us about them if they don’t spoil the book?

YES oh lord yes okay so in Sonder, chapter 15, I decided around draft 2 that I wanted a scene where Atlas got drunk. I made up reasons for it, asked lots of friends about what it was like to be drunk (as I personally have never been drunk), attended parties to get first-hand research and did so much preparation. 

Wrote the scene, was pleased with it, left it to fester. Two years and two drafts later (now), I’ve come back and realised oh hey that scene is utterly useless and de-rails the plot. Time to remove it I guess. 

I rationalise it as ‘well you wrote it and you had fun but it’s not needed, move on’ and that works well for me. 

10. Would you feel comfortable publishing or sharing your writing using your real name, or would you prefer a pseudonym?

Pseudonym 100%. As cool as it would be to be able to go ‘hey I wrote this’ to people, the terrifying ordeal of being known is horrific, and people being able to track all my past activity from when I was literally seven is my worst nightmare. I wouldn’t even tell family or friends if I could get away with it. 

‘Hey [real name], there’s a book at Waterstones called Sonder? With the exact same characters, plot and writing style as you have? But it’s under [pseudonym]?’ ‘oh hey, really that’s wild. Anyway,’

11. When writing, do you try more to be original or do you prefer to deliver to readers what they want? Do you think that a book can do both? Which is more important to you as a writer?

Oh hey, this is like question two but MORE. Standing by my previous answer, I think a book can do both - people want a happy ending, usually, but you can always be original in how you do that. No two stories can be told in exactly the same way. And hey - even if people do guess what’s coming up, that’s good. 

As a writer? It’s most important to entertain. I don’t try and catch people out, I just deliver the story I have in my head and then edit it mercilessly until I’m pleased. 

Questions!

1) Design a mask for an OC to wear. Would it cover their whole face? Is it a mascarade mask? Is it fancy or simple? Bonus cool kid points if you draw it.

2) Which OCs like spicy food?

3) Which OCs can take care of a plant - an orchid, to be exact? 

4) Do you tell stories in any other medium beyond writing? eg: art or roleplay or...? 

5) Do you have any irl items that you have because ‘oh dude this is something that’d totally be in my story’? Can I see them?

6) What’s the first book you remember buying? 

7) Do you have any weird collections of things? As an example, I have a skull collection and a collection of... what’s best described as doll body parts. Anything just... weird that you have a lot of? Can I see it? 

8) Which OC gets distracted by watching birds and which OC is like ‘dude stop watching the birds we’ve got STUFF TO DO’

9) Have you ever met a published author? Who? 

10) Are you a person who likes tea or are you a person who prefers coffee? If the latter - dude c’mon tea is so much better smh

11) Have you backed up your files recently? Do it now. Please, for the love of god, back up your files. 

Tagging!

@hyba @joyful-soul-collector (dunno if I’m allowed to tag the people who tagged me but fukkit here’s some more questions you eggs) @kaatiba @albatris @timetravelingpigeon @note-katha (hi we have barely interacted but nice new username) @nymph-of-diana (on your main if you want, idm c:) @writing-and-nutmeg @futurity-writing @osteoprecocious and @thatfizzyyyy 

Honestly, the fact I made it to 11 is - wowza. Uhhh if you don’t want to then don’t, if you do want to then PLEASE do and then tag me so I can see your answers, I’m curious. 

Ciao.

[brightly-painted-canvas]

I’m so happy you’re writing again! Your fics are so cute and happy! For a new prompt, maybe something about Rami and Joe meeting each other’s families for the first time?

Thank you for your kind words, anon! It’s good to be back ;DHere’s a fill for your request, even though I twisted it a bit and it became a ‘their families meeting Rami and Joe’ LOL hope you don’t mind!This, as you may notice, doesn’t follow a specific timeline as the logical order of meetings is mixed up.I also don’t know much about some members of Rami and Joe’s families but as I said before, I won’t dig too deep into their private lives just for fiction purpose, it doesn’t sound nice. I’m keeping my knowledge Imdb/Wikipedia-based and that’s enough :)

This is the One - Mazlek

Sami meets Joe for the first time after Rami gets back from Australia and one day decides to hold a small party at their parents’ house.

Some other actors from The Pacific are invited, but Sami is mostly interested in meeting Joe Mazzello, not only because he has been a Jurassic Park enthusiast since forever and really wants to get his old VHS signed (shut up Rami, what’s the point of you becoming an actor if I can’t get autographs from famous people you work with!?), but also because he feels that something is going on between his twin brother and that kid and he has to investigate.

Most importantly, if his intuitions are right (they always are, when Rami is concerned) and his brother is getting romantically involved with his (admittedly cute) co-star, he needs to take a proper look at this Joe, analyse him and figure out if he passes the ‘Twin Test’ and he can allow this relationship.You know, standard brotherhood administration.

So he steps outside his parents’ house while Rami finishes the preparation for the party and waits for this young fella to show up, ready to snatch him away before Rami can intervene and prevent him for having ‘just a friendly chat’ before lunch (a conversation that could be considered friendly if he hadn’t been used by now to add death threats at the end of it. But to be fair, it had been working out greatly in the past, scaring off some real douchebag trying to date his brother for not nice reasons).

A black car stops right in front of the house at some point and out of it comes a nervous-looking redhead holding a crate of what look like bottles of wine.

Sami patiently waits for him to climb the few steps from the lane to the house when he notices the guy tripping and losing his grip on the crate, that falls on the ground with a horrendous loud sound of broken glass.

“Fuck!” is Joe’s desperate comment, as he rushes to pick up the box and ascertain the damage.

One bottle is shattered and leaking read wine all over the porch’s floor, but the others look intact, except for one which has its neck cut abruptly in half, although the content of the bottle is still miraculously inside.

Sami gets closer to help him and that is the moment when Joe notices him and does a double take, his mind for sure going from ‘who’s there’ to ‘fuck Rami saw me being a clumsy idiot’ to ‘wait this is not Rami’ and finally to ‘ah the famous twin, at last’.

“So, this is a goner,” he sighs, carefully picking up the broken pieces of the lost bottle: “But this one we can keep for ourselves.” he says, extracting the damaged bottle from the box and lifting his gaze to smile mischievously at Sami, who smiles back.

“You drink the first half, I’ll take the second.” he says back and he really doesn’t know why he’s already acting so chummy with this Joe kid, but his smile is infectious and his clumsiness is endearing and he suddenly understands why Rami seems so smitten with him.

Joe laughs at Sami’s suggestion and nods: “I’m gonna need it if I’m meeting the rest of the family as well.” he comments.

“Oh no, just me today.” shrugs Sami: “And I’m the most dangerous one so you are really, really lucky.” he adds, just to have a bit of fun with him.

Joe gulps and nods again and Sami thinks he has passed the Test.

He’s a good one he thinks, helping Joe getting up and calling for his twin brother to come help them clean up.

John meets Rami for the first time when he’s been ringing the doorbell to Joe’s apartment for minutes and he’s about to give up, but then someone opens the door and that someone isn’t his brother.

“Oh. Hi.” he stutters, confused.

The stranger looks tired and sleepy and like he’s been woken up by John’s insistent ringing but he still smiles apologetically and asks: “Joe is gone grocery shopping. Do you wanna come in?” and John says ‘yes’ and steps inside looking around like he’s never been before.

Joe’s house looks the same and it’s clear that this young man is not just a friend crashing on his brother’s couch because said couch is tidy and empty of blankets while the stranger is still in his pajamas.

“Do you want coffee? I should make some.” asks suddenly the guy and John nods, lost in the paradox of being treated as a guest by someone he doesn’t know in his very own brother’s house.

The guy smiles and extend his hand and says: “I’m Rami, by the way. You must be John?” and John’s mind suddenly gets swallowed into a very specific memory of a phone call some days prior in which Joe was talking about some fellow actor staying over for a few weeks and so he goes: “Ah. Yeah, that’s me. So you’ve been…” but for some reason doesn’t end the sentence.

“Dating your brother, yes.” concludes for him Rami and John’s mind gets blown away for the third time in the span of a few minutes.

That’s exactly when Joe decides to get home. As he opens the door and sees the both of them standing between the living room and the kitchen he smiles and exclaims: “You’ve meet my brother!” and then to John: “You’ve meet Rami!”.

“We did meet.” smiles Rami and he looks happy to see Joe, which seems so strange to John considering they’ve probably been living together (and oh my God don’t think about other things they may have been doing together in this very house) for the past few days.

But then he gets distracted by Joe hugging him and asking him to stay for a late breakfast and they sit on the couch chatting about this and that until Rami is serving them coffee and toasts. Joe looks horrified by having left his friend (boyfriend? Partner? Lover?) do all the work in the kitchen but Rami just shrugs and tells him to keep catching up with his brother and gracefully leaves them alone.

John catches Joe’s lingering gaze as Rami disappears into Joe’s bedroom to get changed and he’s stunned by the look of utter love and adoration he sees in his brother’s eyes.

He must be a good one he thinks, still bewildered.

Yasmine meets Joe for the first time when she gets a text from her mom that says Rami hasn’t been feeling well for a few days and asks her to stop by her brothers’ flat to check on him.

The ride from the hospital to the apartment is not a long one and she’s relieved she still has the keys to the front door in her bag, so she can step inside without bothering his sick brother.

When she gets into the living room she’s surprised to see two people sleeping on the couch as the television is transmitting the looped music of a neglected dvd’s main menu.

Rami is tucked under the chin of a redheaded man, sprawled on top of him and almost completely hidden under a blanket, slow breath coming out in difficult puffs from his congested nose.

The other guy seems to be sleeping more relaxedly, holding Rami close with their legs entangled and one arm slung around Rami’s shoulders, protectively.

Yasmine stills and take a proper look at them and, after the initial shock, she smiles at the sight.

She soon will be needing to wake them up to check on Rami’s health, but for a moment she just waits, busying herself with quietly turning the tv off and tidying up the coffee table in front of it, full of half empty cups of tea and used tissues.

She doesn’t know when and how Joe (because this must be The Joe) managed to arrive before she did to take care of Rami, but she’s glad he’s here for her brother.

I hope this is the one she thinks, getting closer to gently shake Rami’s shoulder and wait for him to wake up and explain his symptoms to his doctor sister.

Mary meets Rami for the first time when she asks Joe to babysit the kids but when she meets him at their favourite park he’s with someone else.

The guy politely introduces himself as Rami and Mary thinks ‘oh, right’ as he looks amusedly at Joe’s nephews already playing on the park’s swings.

“Will you be fine with keeping them for a few hours?” she asks Joe and he nods confidently: “Yeah, we’re good. Rami is exceptional with kids, he’s been so excited to meet them he couldn’t sleep.” he confesses with an amused look as they witness Mary’s younger son already confident enough to ask Rami for a push to his swing.

“Wow, Joe! Don’t let this one run away, he seems like a catch!” she jokes lightly.

“Yeah.” is the sincere reply that catches her off guard. Like Joe knows, like he has thought about this already and he came to the same conclusion, but in complete seriousness.

“You got it bad, uh?” she asks, quieter this time.

“So bad.” he replies in a whisper, earnestly.

This feels like the one she thinks, as she says bye to the boys (all four of them) and leaves them having their fun.

Nelly and Virginia meet their son’s significant others the same day they meet each other, at the The Pacific’s premiere. It’s not the first Hollywood event they attend of course, but it’s a big premiere with a red carpet to walk and both Joe and Rami are swept right and left for photo calls and interviews.

As guests and mothers of two of the stars of the show, they hold their distance from the commotion but keep a keen eye on their boys, striding with confidence on the carpet, smiling at the cameras, shaking hands, looking very happy.

And as they catch Joe and Rami finding each other’s eyes amid the crowd, smiling secretly at each other and sharing a silent conversation with just one look, they both understand what that means.

The two mothers just give each other a knowing look and nod, without a need for words.

At some point Rami and Joe excuses themselves with the interviewers to get near them, introduce one another with a ‘mom this is Joe’ and a ‘here’s Rami’. Virginia smiles and hugs Rami close the same way Nelly does with Joe.

This is the One they think of each other’s son, and they’re sure about it.

[butindeed]

What if... [TRR X PM Cross over] (Riley x Drake) (Kai x Hana) [PART 8/?]

Hi guys!! This is part of a nameless Riley x Drake series. You can read the previous parts HERE.

Tags: @lazychic28   @boneandfur @drakelover78 @captainkingliam

@andy-loves-corgis @client327 @walkerismychoice @chantelle-x0x

Summary: What if things were different? (Part 8)

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Tame Impala - The less I know the better

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Kai woke up with a terrible headache, as she did the previous day before, and the previous one, and the previous one and basically the whole week.

Riley had been nagging her about her barely attending to class so she decided it was time to move on from Hana being with someone else.

The last few days had been particularly difficult having to face Hana and her confessing everything to Kai. Maybe even more than she would have wanted to know.

It turned out that blondie was Hana’s ex, a freaking Diana Argon looking woman that had broken her heart some time ago when she decided to marry a well connected man.

Hana had told Kai she’d struggled getting over her, especially since M, as Hana called her, had never stopped texting her. When Kai and Hana got together, Hana stopped answering, and that was when M dropped by.

Hana appologized several times, asking Kai to help her getting over M, Kai was too hurt to even listen to Hana’s excuses. 

So even though she had confronted Hana unsuccessfully seeking for relief, she did found some at the bottom of a bottle some days and crying herself to sleep some others.

The sunlight was making her headache even worse walking her way through campus. Class today had been a nightmare, she was ready to head home alright. Kai closed her eyes for a second and felt her body bump someone else’s.

She opened her eyes, ready to blurt out some remark when she saw the last person she thought she’d see.

-Hey Kai!

-Oh hi!

-How have you been feeling?

- jdkfjbnvf-she shrugged 

-Heh, I feel ya!

Kai nodded starting to walk away when a light bulb stroke her brain.

-Wait - she turned 

-Huh?

-Would you like to come home tonight?

-You sure?

-Yes! It’ll be fun! We can have some snacks and something to drink. We can even karaoke!

-I don’t karaoke

-Please? I need it! I’ll invite more people so it’s not akward!

-What time?

-Right now! Come with me!

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Daft Punk - Around The World

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Riley was feeling a bit down lately. Drake had texted her sometimes, but they hadn’t seen eachother since the Kai debacle. So she did what she used to do when she was feeling blue: she tied her hair into two buns, she put on her old ragged Star Wars tee, her ironman undies and her headphones. She turned up the volume and danced it out.

It was so therapeutical to dance to the upbeatmusic that she usually forgot not only about her problems but about the whole world as well.

So concentrated was she on the music and her butt shaking, that she didn’t listen to the door being open and the two people entering the apartment.

At one point, when she was doing some questionable dancing moves she thought were extremely hot, she turned around opening her eyes.

In fron of her were now a bended over in laughter Kai and, to her horror, a very amused Drake.

Terrified, she looked at them and then at her very naked legs. Running towards the couch, she grabbed a blancket and covered herself ET style, landing on the floor; on her ass.

She took off the headphones expectantly looking for an answer, but too ashamed to say anything.

- So, Leia... - Drake smirked making her blush violently.

Why was Kai so determined to embarrass her in front of Drake?

-I invited Drake for some karaoke night!

-You what? - Riley managed to splutter

-If you don’t want me here Mr Stark, I can leave... - Drake stated overdramatically, making Kai laugh again.

-C’mon! It’ll be fun! - Kai begged making puppy eyes - Please?

Riley fumed towards her room without saying anything.

She was rambling through her wardrobe trying to find anything to wear when she heard a knock on her door.

-Who is it?

-It’s Drake

Riley put on the very first thing she found and opened the door.

-So... I was kind of serious about leaving if you want me to - Drake rambled looking at her feet

-No, I mean, it’s nice to have you here. I... I would have liked a heads up but...

Drake flashed a smile, a genuine smile. And the most beautiful smile Riley had seen in a long time.

-By the way - he looked up - I like those jeans, they realy make you justice.

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Some time after the living room was full of people. Penelope, Sloane and some of Kai’s college class mates were mingling, sipping wine and beer and listening to music.

Riley didn’t know much of those people, and as Drake was talking to one of their mutual classmates, a guy named Neville, and Kai was a bit busy with a boy Riley didn’t know, she decided to go and talk to Penelope who was standing by herself in a corner.

That’s how she learnt she was from Cordonia too, from Portravira, a small coastal city. She also had two pooddles whom she missed terribly and a boyfriend back home named Zeke. 

-He and his family are so nice! His sister Kiara and I are very fond of eachother.

-Kiara? Drake’s sister’s friend Kiara?

-Oh yes! Do you happen to know her?

-Well, I kind of saw her once...

-Oh! She’s so nice! She likes Drake, you know? But poor thing, he doesn’t feel quite the same for her - she shook her head sadly - They’d make a lovely couple. Don’t you think?

But Riley wasn’t exactly thinking about Drake and Kiara being together as she oagled at him from the distance.

He looked so handsome with that white polo shirt and those dark blue skinny jeans that make his butt pop.

-Well, anyway - Penelope continued - design was the only thing I needed to learn, and as Cordonia University doesn’t teach it, I had to come here!

Riley was well aware that she had lost a good portion of the conversation, but luckily for her, Sloane joined them at the same time that a tipsy Kai announced that the karaoke was about to begin.

Kai opened the night by singing a dubious version of ‘Let’s get loud’

As many of the attendees were reluctant to participate, Kai came up with a system in which all the names were written down and put in a paper bag, so they could pick a name and the lucky winner would have to sing along the karaoke track.

After a various repertoir, incluiding a hillarious version of ‘I want it that way’ and a very off key ‘I will always love you’, most of the guests were drunk enough to call it a night.

At one point, when the songs had became more and more babbled, Kai dragged Riley’s name out. Luckily she was drunk enough to accept singing, so she stood up and staggered her way to the screen and mic.

She typed the song’s name and waited for the music to start. Although she was feeling a bit selfaware, she started singing.

In the beginning God created Heaven and Earth For what it's worth, I think that he might've created you first Just my opinion Your body is the one paradise that I wanna fly to Every day and every night I've been sick and tired of running Chasing all of the flashing lights These late nights don't mean nothing

She look at Drake as she sang, not knowing if he’d get the hint. He just sat there, nursing his whiskey, staring at her pokerfaced.

I need your love And I'm dying for the rush 'Cause my heart ain't got enough I need your touch This is getting serious

Drake took the glass to his lips, once and over again.

When Riley finished the song, he got up and went for a refill.

She was struggling whether to follow him or not when she felt someone tapping on her shoulder.

-Wow! I never heard someone sing so beautifully - Neville praised

-Oh! Thanks

They engaged in a trivial conversation for a while and she forgot a bit about where she was about to go.

After a while Neville excused himself, and left the party.

Only 5 people were remaining when Kai took Drake’s name out of the papaer bag.

Drake’s cheeks were reddened. It was hard to tell if he was blushing of drunk.

He strode to the keyboard and waited for the song to start without lifting his eyes from his feet.

Have you got color in your cheeks' Do you ever get the feeling that you can't shift the tide That sticks around like something's in your teeth

Oh, good! Riley thought. I love this song!

Drake sang with a deep gorgeous voice, totally on key. 

Riley felt like the world blurred around them. Maybe it was the alcohol, maybe it was something else, but suddenly Drake gazed at her, as if he felt they were the only two people in the room too.

I dreamt about you near me every night this week How many secrets can you keep' 'Cause there's this tune I found that makes me think of you somehow When I play it on repeat Until I fall asleep Spilling drinks on my setteeIf this feeling flows both ways (Sad to see you go) Was sorta hoping that you'd stay (Baby we both know) That the nights were mainly made for saying things that you can't say tomorrow day Crawlin' back to you.

Ever thought of calling when you've had a few? 'Cause I always do Maybe I'm too busy being yours to fall for somebody new Now I've thought it through Crawling back to you

 Riley could feel something warming up on her. His voice, his stare. Was she imagining things? Was he really singing that for her?

So have you got the guts? Been wondering if your heart's still open and if so I wanna know what time it shuts Simmer down and pucker up I'm sorry to interrupt it's just I'm constantly on the cusp of trying to kiss you I don't know if you feel the same as I do But we could be together, if you wanted to

Was she just imagining things? Was she reading between lines too much? Why was she standing up? When did it happen?

They were looking at eachother’s eyes. His stare was burning, piercing her like a lynx, making her entire body tingle.

When he finished the song, he glupped the rest of his drink. 

Was it it? Would he be coming to her now?

Just then Penelope tapped her forearm.

-Riley, dear. I have to take off now

Riley saw from the corner of her eye Drake’s face grimmace.

-Oh! Okay

-I wanted to thank you for the invitation. I had a great time!

-Well, I’m...

-Drake! Are you leaving too?

Drake, who was standing right behind them, as waiting for their conversation to be over, gasped in surprise.

He looked at Riley, at Penelope and then at his very empty glass. 

-Sure - he mumbled leaving with Penelope and the rest of the guests and leaving a very dissappointed Riley at the doorstep.

<NEXT           PREV>

[littlerose13writes]

The Lily Special by LittleRose13

Day 6, The 12 Days of Shipmas - Did someone spike the eggnog?🍾

In which Lily is given a lifetime kitchen ban and Albus vows to never become an actor. 

Words:2,657

Pairings: Albus/Scorpius, Teddy/Victoire, Harry/Ginny

24th December, 2026

Everyone in the family knew that Lily Potter loved board games. They also knew that Lily Potter was the most viciously competitive member of her generation. These two facts were why everyone avoided playing games with her on the off chance she lost and threw a tantrum or a hex their way.

But Christmas Eve was the exception. It was the one night of the year Lily could convince her family to play with her, and they didn’t hold back. Now Lily was no longer a child, her brothers thought she could handle losing from time to time, and they did their best to make that happen. Some rather underhanded tactics had taken place in previous years to prevent Lily from winning.

As the kids got older - and James started playing professional Quidditch and really discovered his competitive side - the gameplay became even dirtier. With the addition of alcohol in more recent years, Potter Christmas Eve Game Night was really quite something to behold.

Of course Teddy had always been part of Game Night too, and then Victoire when he married her. This year was the first year their baby twin girls were also in attendance. Albus started to bring Scorpius along from their first Christmas out of Hogwarts and living together and Scorpius enjoyed the whole thing immensely. James, ever the bachelor, was unlikely to bring anybody with him. Lily was gushing to anybody who would listen about her new boyfriend who she’d met at university, but he was a muggle and it was a very new relationship so she hadn’t brought anyone either.

“Who wants The Lily Special? I make them at uni all the time.” Lily asked her family loudly, brandishing a cocktail glass. Everybody said no, apart from Scorpius who politely asked what was in it before Albus listed the five different types of alcohol included and Scorpius shuddered.

“I can’t drink much tonight. The twins have never slept away from home before,” Teddy explained, appearing in the living room with his wife after having put their twins down to sleep in the spare room.

They were three games in, Lily was in second to last place (Harry was last because he always let Lily beat him) and she was really not enjoying herself. She was bored of being picked on by her brothers in every single game and the smug look on Albus’ face was starting to get to her.

“Next we’re playing Mandrake Mime!” Lily insisted and Albus rolled his eyes at the mention of the game which only Lily actually knew how to play.

“That game is the worst.”

“Last place always gets to choose,” Lily turned to her father, who was nursing a firewhiskey and making eyes at his wife sat beside him. “Daddy, do you choose Mandrake Mime?”

Harry looked up, confused. “What? Oh, yes definitely.”

Lily gave Albus a triumphant look. “You’re incorrigible,” he muttered as she set the game up.

“Cheer up Al, this one’s always hilarious.” Scorpius poked Albus in the side. “What was it you had to do last time?”

“I don’t remember,” he muttered.

“He had to mime eating a hot dog and didn’t understand why we were all laughing so hard at him,” Teddy put in helpfully.

“That’s you lot and your dirty minds, not my intention.” Albus held his hands up.

Lily scoffed. “Probably for the best, otherwise I’d feel sorry for Scorpius if that’s actually how you-”

“Who wants more eggnog?” Ginny quickly interrupted and offered it round. Albus was rolling his eyes at Lily and Scorpius had turned bright red. With a triumphant look, Lily shook her head and gestured to her own glass which was already full with some concoction probably containing copious amounts of vodka, knowing Lily.

Despite Al’s protests, they played Mandrake Mimeand to Lily’s delight, the withstanding ‘don’t let Lily win’ rule was sidelined in favour of ‘pick on Al’ instead. The game required each player to choose someone to act out a phrase on a card, and there was also a board and a complicated system of earning tokens, which only Lily understood.

Nobody was paying a great deal of attention to any of the rules and instead they were enjoying winding Albus up.

“Oh, it’s my turn to draw a card.” Scorpius innocently took a card from the pile and held it face down. “Let’s see, who do I choose?” He pretended to consider everybody before handing the card to a scowling Albus with a flourish. Albus was in such a bad mood by this point that Scorpius was probably the only person who could have gotten away with giving him another card.

“I’m moving out, you no longer have a housemate,” Albus said to Scorpius as he begrudgingly took the card and read it to himself. “Or a boyfriend.”

“It’s okay Scorp, you can move in with us, can’t he Dad?” Lily patted Scorpius on the shoulder.

“Any day Scorpius. You’re much tidier than Albus.” Harry grinned at Albus who was rolling his eyes but was taking the teasing well.

“Can I get this over with?” he held the card up.

“Short, scrawny potions nerd,” James yelled as soon as Albus stood up.

“Wow, Jamesy. Got it in one.” Albus threw the card down in front of his brother and fell back onto the sofa next to his boyfriend. “Can we play something different now? I’m bored of being a performing monkey.”

“This says realising you’ve forgotten your wand,” James read the card incredulously.

“Yes!” Lily drowned out everyone else. “That means I won that game!”

There was a collective groan.

Somehow the next game didn’t ever happen as the family descended into conversation and everyone was too busy drinking and talking to bother setting up another game, even Lily. Albus and Scorpius were curled up together in an armchair, not far from the sofa which Victoire was sat on with Ginny and Harry. Over on the other sofa, Lily was leaning against James and tapping at her muggle mobile phone, chatting to Teddy as she did.

Teddy’s wand, which was lying on the mantelpiece, emitted glowing sparks and the sound of a baby crying came from it. Victoire put her drink down immediately.

“If one of them wakes up, it doesn’t take long for the other one to join her,” she muttered to Ginny, rising to leave.

“I’ll do it, you stay here, Princess.” Teddy was on his feet already and he kissed the top of her head, stroking her hair lovingly. “I love you so much.”

Vic raised her eyebrows as she watched him leave.

“That was… sweet. A little over the top, but sweet.” Ginny was confused by her almost-son’s behaviour.

“He’s drunk,” said Victoire shrewdly, narrowing her eyes into the distance where Teddy had just left. “That, right there, that was drunk Teds.”

“I thought he wasn’t drinking much ‘cause of the babies?”

“So did I.” Victoire looked thoughtful. “He’s barely drank at all since we found out I was pregnant, it’s supposed to be a solidarity thing. I told him he didn’t have to but, well, you know what Teddy’s like.”

“His taking-care-of-people thing,” Ginny said proudly. “What happened tonight then? It’s not like Teddy to just abandon ship like that.

Victoire considered her question for a second and then turned in her seat. “Albus!”

He looked up from his boyfriend and grinned at her, his green eyes giving away instantly that it wasn’t only Teddy who was drunk.

“What did you give my husband to drink?” She eyed his full glass of something that looked like one of Lily’s Special Cocktails.

Albus gestured vaguely to the door that Teddy had just left through. “Your husband went that way.”

“Not really what I asked. You’re no help when you’re drunk, Al.”

He shrugged and took a sip of his drink happily. Scorpius had been listening to their exchange and luckily was able to shed light on Vic’s question where Albus had failed.

“He’s just been drinking this delicious eggnog all night. It’s not strong at all.” Scorpius was holding a glass of said eggnog precariously as he spoke and Victoire looked at him suspiciously.

“Give me that a second.” She reached for his glass and he obliged. One quick sip confirmed that Harry’s eggnog recipe certainly was strong.

“Merlin, Uncle Harry! How much rum did you put in this?” She turned to her uncle who was all kinds of confused.

“James made it this year.”

Everyone turned to look at where James was sitting and talking to Lily.

“What?” he said, looking up when he sensed so many people looking at him.

“How much alcohol did you put in this?” Ginny asked, looking confused but also like she was trying to hold back laughter.

“Did someone spike the eggnog?” James looked shocked and appalled, and grabbed Scorpius’ glass from Victoire’s hand to taste it. “Tastes fine to me. I followed Dad’s recipe exactly. Lily helped me, you saw, didn’t you Lil? I used the recipe.”

Lily didn’t respond and was looking rather shifty.

“Lily Luna Potter!” Ginny reprimanded her daughter as if she were seven, rather than eighteen. “You didn’t?”

“Come on, you have to admit it made everything more fun. Look at Scorpius.”

“Oh, hi everyone,” Scorpius said, looking pleased when he noticed so many eyes on him. He’d conjured himself a party hat which he’d been unable to convince anyone else to wear with him.

“You got Teddy drunk, Lil.” Ginny looked as if she was slightly amused by her daughter’s actions.

“He got drunk from that? When did he become such a lightweight?” Lily looked incredulous. “He’s not Scorpius.”

“Hey!” Scorpius said, offended, but then he shrugged his shoulders. “Actually, fair point.”

“You’re a cheap date,” Albus threw an arm around his shoulders and stole his party hat.

“Your idea of a lightweight isn’t on the same page as anyone else’s if your stories from freshers week are anything to go by, Lil.” Ginny rolled her eyes.

“Teds hardly ever drinks anymore, Lily,” Victoire explained calmly; she wasn’t upset by the situation because drunk Teddy just meant he was more tactile and a bit soppier than usual.

“Since he had babiesand turned boring,” Lily muttered, stirring her own drink with a straw. Victoire laughed at her words and got up to go to the kitchen and refill her drink, taking Harry’s glass with her too.

Teddy appeared in the kitchen, their daughter held firmly in his arms, one of her hands in his as he exaggeratedly danced around with her and she squealed in delight. “That’s your mummy, the most beautiful woman in the world.”

Victoire rolled her eyes and took the baby from him. “Is Clemmie still asleep?”

Teddy didn’t seem to hear her, he was still holding their daughter’s little hand and making exaggerated faces at her. “I love your mummy so much, and I love you so much.”

Victoire looked around the kitchen and lowered her voice so nobody else could hear her use his pet name. “Blue Bear, I know you’re drunk right now. Lily spiked the eggnog. I don’t mind one bit, you can stop all this.”

He smiled at her gratefully, as Pippa let go of his hand. “Thought you’d be cross with me,” he muttered, stroking the baby’s blonde hair. “S’all Al’s fault.”

“It’s actually all Lily’s fault,” Victoire replied, leading Teddy back into the living room with their baby. They were met by both Ginny and Scorpius descending on them to coo over the baby.

Ginny took her from Victoire and Scorpius held onto her little hand, waving it around and making faces at her. Baby Pippa was smiling widely at him and her smile grew even bigger when she spotted Teddy again over Scorpius’ shoulder. She reached out for him and Ginny obliged, handing the baby over to her dad where she curled into him and rested her head on his shoulder.

“She’s normally such a good sleeper,” Victoire sighed, watching her daughter.

Scorpius ended up sat on the floor with his back up against the sofa, his knees bent up and Pippa sat across his stomach happily.

“Look at her little feet, and her little toes, and her little pyjamas. Look how little she is.” Scorpius was practically in tears over how cute the lower half of baby Pippa was. He was talking to Albus, who was spread out on the sofa behind him, giving non-committal noises of comprehension every few seconds and gazing at the baby too. “She’s just so little, wow, so small. She’s like a human, but really tiny.”

“Have you done your term in the neo-natal ward yet, Scorpius?” Victoire asked him, watching her daughter giggle. Victoire was a junior Healer and she’d chosen to specialise in mental health magic; Scorpius was in his third year of Healer school and about to choose his own specialism.

“That’s my last one! I’ve got the whole paediatrics department still to go. I’ve been in Spell Damage this past term, and before that Potion Poisoning.” Scorpius turned to speak to her then immediately shifted his gaze back to the baby and started cooing over her again.

“I think you’ll enjoy it,” she laughed as Scorpius babbled away to her daughter.

“You should have seen him when he was on the Labour and Delivery ward.” Albus grinned, sitting up on the sofa behind his boyfriend. “Albus, this baby was only this big. He was so small, only this big I tell you.”

“I don’t sound like that!”

“You do a bit, love.” Albus stroked Scorpius’ shoulders and Scorpius, noticing he’d sat up, picked baby Pip up to sit beside Albus on the sofa. The baby reached curiously towards Albus and he leaned forward to take her from Scorpius. Pippa was more interested in grabbing a fistful of Al’s hair, and his neck was stuck tilted at an odd angle as she happily pulled at it.

“Your daughter’s broken my neck, Ted,” Albus laughed, his head still leant over to one side. Teddy didn’t hear him because he was curled up against his wife who was stroking his hair fondly and keeping an eye on their daughter from across the room.

Scorpius freed Al’s hair from Pippa’s grip and she looked at him reproachfully. “She’s cross with you now,” Albus observed.

“I’m sorry, Pippy. I’m quite attached to your Uncle Albus’ hair,” Scorpius told her very seriously and she giggled at him, squirming down further and settling herself across Albus’ chest.

Albus kissed the top of her head. “I think I want one, one day. A long time from now.” He spoke loud enough so that only his boyfriend could hear.

“Me too.” Scorpius rested his head on Albus’ shoulder and gazed down at the baby too. “You know I can’t give you one of these. Or did you mean with somebody else?” he said quietly.

Albus looked up at him and furrowed his brow. “Of course I meant with you.”

“Which takes me back to my original point. I can’t give you a baby, I lack certain essential components.”

Albus laughed lightly as Pippa crawled across the two of them, landing on top of Scorpius. “We’ll work something out. Imagine having one of these around all the time.”

Pippa sat up and stared at Scorpius, as if realising for the first time that he was neither of her parents. Her bottom lip trembled and she let out a piercing scream, attempting to throw herself from his lap. Scorpius’ reactions, while slower than usual, still kicked in to catch her in time, but that only made her cry more. He hastily lifted her up to deliver her back to Victoire, where she settled almost instantly.

“I think I prefer it just the two of us for now,” Scorpius sighed, throwing an arm around his intoxicated boyfriend. Albus nodded in agreement.

[ohstardust]

Fireflies and Shooting Stars

REQUEST: from @shinespauzi I've got a little idea for a story you could write and kill me with 😂 How about Y/N is invited to a girl friend's wedding and she's allowed to bring a plus one. She's hesitant to ask Jack because they're not official but he senses there's something on her mind and they end going together. He as her plus one. You could spice it up if you want. :) I'd be happy to read it because I love your writing so much! Xx A/N: This got a little more cutesy than I expected but I like the banter. Hope this is alright for you lovely! Also, they’re playing the Edinburgh Edition of Monopoly because I thought it was hilarious. Title: Teenage Heart by Lady Antebellum My Jack playlist can be found on Spotify (x)

“Are you gonna tell me what’s up with you or am I gonna have to guess?” “Shut up and take your turn, and don’t you dare land on St Andrew’s Square or I’ll be furious.” She playfully scowled trying to avoid the question that she absolutely did not want to ask him. Perhaps she could just stew in this for a little while longer.

Jack snorted in response and picked up the dice, secretly hoping he would land on the mentioned landmark just to see how she’d respond and how much he could tease her, “Now that’s not very nice, is it? That’s very competitive of you.” “Don’t. Land. On. It.” Rolling his eyes, he shook his head and rolled the dice onto the board. As he counted his moves Y/N sat with baited breath. Maybe she was slightly more competitive than she realised. When Jack set the top hat token on ‘Go to Jail’, Y/N howled with laughter, clapping in delight and enjoying the pout that formed on Jack’s lips. “Right you little terror, seeing as I’ve not nabbed the property you want, you now have to tell me what’s going on. Why have you been a bit quiet with me this week?” She sighed and worried her lip between her teeth, she paused opening and closing her mouth and scrubbed her hands over her face before starting, “I know we’ve only been seeing each other for such a short time but, I don’t have anyone else to ask – and I really don’t wanna go alone-“ He cut her off mid-ramble, trying to make her talk sense and stop his confusion, “-what is it? Just tell me.” “There’s a wedding - a uni friend of mine is getting married next month and I’ve been allowed a plus one, I’m yet to RSVP because I wanted to ask you first. Would you join me?” Before Jack even had a chance to open his mouth, she continued rambling again, “look I know it seems fast, but it’s only for one evening. I really don’t think I can face it alone – but I absolutely understand if you don’t want –“ He pressed his palm over her mouth, face full of amusement and cut her off, “Do you always talk this bloody much?” Blinking rapidly she stared at him, unsure of what reaction she’d gain from asking him. Y/N licked his palm and giggled as pulled his hand away in faux disgust, wiping it on his jeans. “Well I was gonna say that I’d be glad to accompany you, but now I’m starting to rethink that.” He grinned as he dodged the cushion she flung at his head and threw one back at her. She grabbed the nearest one and started whacking him with it, completely childishly to dissipate the unease she’d been feeling. He grabbed her wrist to stop the beating he was receiving and they fell to the floor beside each other in fits of giggles. She tilted her head to the side and watched him smiling up at the ceiling, “So it’s a yeah then?” He flicked his gaze down to her and lightly nodded, “Yeah, I’d be glad to be your date.”

The sunlight was flooding through her living room and the sky had turned the most beautiful shade of blue. It wasn’t even her wedding yet she felt so relieved that the day had at least started off right. She was beginning to feel apprehensive again though, she’d never actually attended any event with a plus one, never had someone to accompany her and share the day with. So naturally she was terrified that Jack would bail right before they were due to leave. The nerves hit her like strong blow to the gut and called him, hoping for some reassurance. “You sure you’re good to come to the day do too? I feel like I’m taking far too much time off you.” “The wedding’s today, I’m all ready and I’m about to leave mine. So yeah, I’m good for the day do, Y/N.” There was no hint of annoyance in his voice and she felt calmer, letting out a sigh of relief. “You didn’t think I’d flake out, did you?” his voice was full of concern and she felt guilty, it’s not that she thought that badly of him, she just wasn’t quite used to being able to hold his attention and have him want to do something for her. Truth be told, she was still somewhat self-conscious that he’d grow tired of her, and she wasn’t ready for that. “No, no. I just wanted to make sure, you know me, overthinking and all that shit.” “Well stop. Go and get yourself ready and I’ll be there in fifteen, yeah?” It was ridiculous how fast the smile spread on her face when she hung up. They’d only been dating a very short while, nothing was official yet and she was still unsure where she stood with him, but everything had been wonderful so far and she hoped they were on the same page. Pulling the bobble from her hair, she shook it out and combed her fingers through it, watching the waves fall just how she had hoped. She wasn’t one to go the extra mile for effort, but she hoped she still looked halfway decent seeing as she hadn’t seen a bunch of her university friends in quite a long time. And she’d be lying if she said she wasn’t all that bothered about impressing Jack. Just as the buckles on her nude heels had been fastened, Jack’s voice rang through the flat and she scurried to coat her lips in colour before grabbing her bag and leaving her bedroom, shutting the door behind her. “One sec-”, she turned and straightened herself to head towards the living room, ready to leave just as Jack turned into the hallway. “I- wow,” the man’s eyes widened, scratching his hand over his beard as his gaze wandered over her. She glanced down at herself and back to him in confusion, “What?” “You look stunning, absolute vision.” Blushing, she ducked her head smiling, feeling high off his compliment. She’d definitely never get used to that, nor tire of it. Her eyes met his and finally took in his full appearance. Clean cut suit, trimmed beard, twinkling eyes and a smile that made her want to press herself close to him and kiss him for the rest of the day. “S’pose you look a bit handsome, I mean – you’re alright.” She giggled as he smirked at her, striding over to her and crowding her against the bedroom door for a kiss. “Just alright? Made an effort for you and everything.” “Gorgeous,” her breath came out as a whisper against his lips and she couldn’t stop smiling, his attention and aura were infectious. “C’mon, don’t wanna be late,” he gave her one last kiss before pulling away from her and taking her hand in his. “Jack, you’ve got some-“ she swiped her thumb over his lip to remove her lipstick smudges, “better.” “Shoulda left it on, tell everyone what we were doing before we arrived.” “You’re wretched, Lowden.” Rolling her eyes fondly at him, she pulled his hand and led him out of her home.

The ceremony was beautiful and the couple looked the happiest she’d ever seen two people, she was in awe of how in love they were. She’d been surprised by Jack sliding his hand into hers just as the wedding march began, but they stayed that way until the end of the service and it made her feel incredibly warm inside. They stayed at the party well into the evening, Jack being the designated driver had all but encouraged Y/N to have a few drinks to celebrate with her friends, not caring that he’d be stuck to cola all evening or sat by himself on the odd occasion. He just really enjoyed seeing her having a good time. “Dance with me babe,” Jack was just finishing his drink when she returned from talking to a couple of friends, her arm outstretched and hand begging to be held by his. His arms looped around her waist loosely as she struggled to curl hers around his neck despite the height of her heels and he smiled at her attempts. Jack shifted their positions so her arms could surround him in a more accessible area. It's the way that you know what I thought I knew It's the beat that my heart skips when I'm with you But I still don't understand Just how your love can do what no one else can She whispered the words to him, eyes locked and slipping open and shut, the urge to kiss her so strong. “Can we make this official now? I just wanna kiss you in front of your friends - in front of everyone.” He asked, pressing a small kiss below her ear and nervously waited for a response. Y/N was all but breathless at being asked and instead of vocally responding, she lifted his head and crushed her lips against his. “I take back what I said earlier, you’re not wretched. I guess you’re just my beautiful and handsome boyfriend.” She grinned, “You’re just a bit dim sometimes.” He’d definitely make her pay for that one.