#also story time my aunt sent this to my dad

[storiesfromafan]

Benny x Reader

A/N: first off, want to say this is my first time not only writing a Benny fic, but also writing something different to my usual stuff. So please be kind, as I am terrified to post this haha.

I have been thinking about this idea, and possible series, for over a week. So I finally bit the bullet and wrote out the first part. It's more of a set up for the reader, as I want to make this a series. As well, I left out places and such, but tried to do it in away that its not bad. Only because I'm from Australia and don't really know much with America, only what I've seen in movies and TV shows.

If it is not really liked, I will take it down. But if anyone is interested, I am happy to keep going. I have two more parts kind of planned out. But there is a few idea's I'm not 100% sure of. So if anyone want to talk Benny and these ideas, please message me.

Alright, I guess on to the story then...

“Tell me about the first time you met Benny?” Danny asked moving his microphone towards you.

You were sitting on your couch, lit smoke in hand. “Honestly, the first time I saw Benny, that was something. He saw me more then I really saw him”.

“What did he say to you? Or what did you say to him?” Danny asked adjusting the recorder.

You chuckled. “We never said anything to each other, well I said something but it wasn’t to him. You see I’d just gotten back from living with my Aunt for over three years. I’d gone to live with her when I was nineteen, prior to that for the last ten years the woman had been on my dads case. She believed a man couldn’t raise a girl. My old man wouldn’t listen to her. So I grew up a tomboy, eventually he entertained her request”.

You took a drag from the cigarette between your fingers, before releasing the smoke. “I can tell you living with that woman was torture. Along with her daughter, who had just gotten engaged when I arrived. They both took to teaching what is expected of a lady, how to dress, walk and talk. The only way I survived it was when I made friends with some locals there that raced motorcycles. When my Aunt found out, she flipped out, sent me back after I wouldn’t change my ways...”

~~~

How you managed to pack up three years in two large suitcases surprised you. But here they were, back in your old room on your families farm. The room looked just as you had left it, only a tad dusty from half assed cleaning courtesy of your dad and brother. Looking around brought back memories. Your best friend pushed past you and took a seat on your bed.

“Can see the males of the house don’t know how to clean properly” she commented running her hand over your bedding.

“Unfortunately not. If they did, along with being able to cook, then women would not be required” you laughed lifting and bringing a suitcase over, before dropping it on the bed.

“Agreed" she laughed with you.

You began to unpack the suitcase, which had mostly shoes, tops, bottoms, personal items. Once that one was done you removed it from its place before replacing it with the second suitcase. This one had a few more tops and bottoms, but mostly your dresses.

“Lilly, do you mind getting the dresses out and I will hang them up?” You asked her as you put away the last of your tops and bottoms.

“Sure” was her response before taking out the first dress and handing it out to you.

You thanked her while taking the garment from her hands, putting it on a hanger and then placing it in your closet. While doing this together Lilly filled you in on the town gossip, along with that of people you had gone to school with.

“You remember Anne, right?” – You nodded your head – “she has turned into a real Miss Prim and Proper! No doubt it’s her mummy’s doing, dolling up her daughter in hopes for her to catch a big fish!”

You laughed. “Really? You believe her mum would do that?”

Lilly gave you a pointed look. “Just about every girls mum wants her daughter to land the perfect catch. They practically raise girls to be perfect house wives. My mum done it with me, it’s only half stuck” she laughed pulling out another dress.

You felt a pain in your heart at your friends words, for you didn’t have the luxury of growing up with a mum. You only knew your mum till you were eight, before she died. You love your dad but you missed your mum, and all the stuff you missed out on learning from her. Thankfully Lilly’s mum was a great second mum, not to mention your Aunt when she would come and visit would also give you a little of what you missed out on.

Lilly sighed holding your dress to her body, “I’m so jealous of all the lovely dresses you have”.

You smiled softly. “They are nice, but not ideal for a farm”.

“Well of course not! But when we go to town or parties, they will be perfect! Maybe I could borrow one or two sometime, specially when I have a hot date” Lilly asked leaning toward you batting her eyelashes.

You laughed taking the dress. “Sure, but make sure they are cleaned before returning them. Don’t want any suspicious stains on them”.

She gave you a disgusted look retrieving another dress. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, I’m a lady” Lilly proclaimed sweetly.

You laughed taking the dress from her hands, while she gave you an offender look before she in turn laughed, not hurt by anything you said or done. That was your friendship, completely open and honest. Since you were both children you got on like a house on fire. You told each other everything and not once judged each other. Lilly was the sister you never had.

Once you had finished unpacking that was when you heard the revs of a motorcycle. You looked to Lilly, just as she looked to you. Without saying anything the both of you left your room and headed outside, hearing the revs again you figured it was coming from the old barn away from the house. Both giggling at the intrigue, you both headed for the barn. You were the one to put your weight into opening one of the barn doors, wiping your hands on your jeans walking into the space, Lilly right behind you.

Before you was your older brother, Andy with a racing bike. He looked up when realizing he wasn’t alone, wiping his hand on an old rag. Once his eyes landed on you did he smile brightly before pocketing the rag and coming over to engulf you in a big hug, which lifted you off the ground.

You laughed. “What a great welcome home”.

Andy laughed swinging you around. “Welcome home kid. I’ve missed you!”

You hit his shoulder telling him to put you down, which he did reluctantly. “You saw me a few months ago”.

“Still missed you!” He laughed.

You shook your head at your older brother, before eyes going back to the racer. “Project of yours?” You asked as you walked toward the bike.

Both Andy and Lilly followed you. Andy took the place he had originally been when you entered the barn, while you moved to the other side of the bike, Lilly chose to stand back. You looked over the bike, admiring it’s beauty. Motorcycles was the one thing you and your brother had in common. It was a great way to bond together when you were a teenager.

“When did you start racing?” You asked running a hand over the bikes seat. “Does dad know?”

Andy rolled his eyes. “Yeah he knows. I’ve been racing on and off for seven or so months”.

“He has ever since joining the Vandals” added Lilly.

You looked to your friend before back to your brother with a raised eyebrow. “Really? The Vandals huh? When were you going to tell me, hmm?”

Picking up a tool, Andy went back to adjusting something on the bike that you couldn’t see while shrugging his shoulders. “Does it matter?”

“You usually tell me these things Andy, I feel hurt you didn’t mention it” you said with a touch of sadness. “And dads fine with it?”

He laughed. “Of course, he’s fine with it. Since he knows most of the guys in the club”.

You nodded. “Alright.”.

“Don’t worry (Y/N), Uncle Johnny keeps an eye out for his boys” Lilly spoke up, knowing you worried about your brother.

Yes, you recall Lilly mentioning her Uncle Johnny, and that you had met him a few times when he had stopped off at Lilly’s house, was the leader of The Vandals. He seemed like a nice man, always looking out for his family. You also recalled her mentioning the club, but you hadn’t been around when it turned into a riding club, just when it was in the early stages of a racing club.

After that you and Lilly chatted with Andy while he worked on the bike. The atmosphere had returned to a happy and fun one. You learnt about what had been going on with Andy and the farm, along with your dad, who you still hadn’t seen yet. You couldn’t wait to see your old man, you had seen him a few months back when you saw Andy, but you missed the time with him. You had missed both men in your life. But now you were back where you belonged.

“There” sighed Andy dropping the tool in his hand and turning the bike off, “I think that will do for now. Just have to test her”.

“Her?” Both you and Lilly questioned looking at Andy.

“Yeah, her” he replied moving to kick up the bikes kickstand and holding the bike up. “It’s been nothing but temperamental and trouble, just like a female”. His tone was teasing, telling you he was joking around.

“Sounds more like a male” retorted Lilly with a laugh.

Andy shot her a dark look before laughing himself. You shook your head laughing at the two of them. Eventually he admitted defeat when he and Lilly went back and forth a bit more.

Andy began to move the bike around and then out the barn door, both you and Lilly following behind him. Out in the sunlight you can see the bike better, watching as Andy gave it another look over. You stepped up to him and watch him. Once he was happy with the bike, Andy was about to get on when you stopped him.

“Could I give it ago?” You asked softly. You’d ridden bikes before when you were a teen. Plus when you were living with your Aunt, which may or may not have upset her.

He looked at you unsure. “I don’t know kid. She hasn’t gotten all the kinks worked out of her. I still have this issue with her taking off when you go up in gears, she just accelerates and can be hard to handle”.

You nodded but smiled. “I promise to be careful and not go too fast. Please, can I?” You gave him the biggest puppy dog eyes you could.

Andy wasn’t sure if he should let you, but Lilly came to your defense. “Come on Andy, you know she will be careful. It’s just a few laps, it won’t hurt”.

Reluctantly he agreed and you shot Lilly a big smile, which she returned. So with his consent, you grasped the handle before moving to swing your leg over the bike, and sat down taking hold of the other handle. Andy stepped up and walked you through starting her up, you knew what to do but let him instruct you. He went over everything; front brake lever, throttle, clutch lever, gearshift lever and rear brake pedal. With his instructions he stepped back from you and let you go.

You started out slow, going around in circles before both your brother and friend. Lilly was cheering you on, which made you laugh. Gradually you picked up the speed and at Andy’s words, you did wider laps.

“You look so cool!” Called Lilly. Which you rolled your eyes at.

“Alright kid” Andy called. “Why don’t you take her back up behind the barn, then down toward the house and then turn right to take the long way back to the barn, get her speed up a bit more”.

You nodded giving him a solute, which made Lilly laugh and your brother call out for you to keep your hands on the handlebars. You did as he instructed before turning around and riding up behind the barn. As you looped back around you revved up the bike, and as you straightened up and headed for the house, you shifted the gears. Unfortunately the little issue your brother warned you about decided to come forth as you gained speed. The bike jerked with the acceleration, you held onto the handlebars tightly doing everything to keep the bike in check.

Andy noticed the change in your body and figured out what had happened, panic setting in he began calling out to you. He couldn’t do much more than that. He prayed you could handle the bike, and didn’t want to think of what could happen to you.

All the while before you had gotten on the bike, none of you were aware that your dad had returned home. Along with him were two men from The Vandals, the older male had dark hair while the younger dirty blonde hair, with stubble to match. They were discussing some business before heading around to the back of the house, when they all caught the sounds of a bike.

“Take it Andy’s working on his racer” the older male commented to your dad.

He laughed. “Yeah, the boys determined to smoke the competition Johnny”.

Johnny laughed. “He’s a good kid and rider, no doubt he will beat them”.

The Three started to make their way around to behind the house. They all looked up to the barn to see the bike take off up behind the old building. Your dad noticed two figures standing by the barn, one looked to be Andy, which confused the man. He wondered who was on the bike then. That was when the bike came back into view, heading towards the house. The shouting from the barn caught everyone’s attention, worry setting into your dad.

You had been so focused on staying in control of the bike you hadn’t noticed the three figures walking into your path until last minute. Upon seeing them you quickly dropped the gears on the bike before hitting the back brakes. With the light weight of the bike you managed to turn it right, planting your right foot to the ground and pulling off a slide stop. Dirt kicked up at your manoeuvre, you sat there a little stunned as the bike idled away.

You blinked a few times before turning to look at the males before you. But mostly to your dad, who looked just as stunned as you.

“Ah, hi dad” you said slowly. “Didn’t know you were home”.

He looked at you, to the bike you sat on and then back to you. “What are you doing?! You shouldn’t be riding that!”

You flinched at his slightly raised voice. “I was testing the bike for Andy...”

He shook his head. “Did he tell you about the issue it has with acceleration?” – You nodded – “and he still let you ride it!?”

“Well I promised to be careful” you replied.

Your old man shook his head. “You shouldn’t haven’t gotten on it (Y/N), what if you had crashed! Turn it off and get off it, now!”

“But I didn’t crash, I think I handled her pretty well” you defended as you turned off the bike before getting off it.

By this time both Andy and Lilly had jogged down to the scene. Your dad turned and began to have words with your brother, while he took the bike from you.

“Seriously Andy, I thought you’d know better than to let anyone on that bike before getting it sorted out” he said with a deep sigh.

Andy looked down while apologizing.

“It’s not all his fault, I wanted to ride it” you came to your brothers defense.

“Yes, well I’m disappointed in both of you. What if something had happened to you? Your brother would have to live with that” he guilt tripped you.

“I am sorry dad. But I kinda knew what I was doing...” you said softly not looking at the man before you.

That was when you noticed the other two on lookers. Suddenly you felt embarrassed that both of them were witnessing you and your brother getting a scolding.

While from the time you had stopped and until you finally noticed them, the younger of the two males had been looking at you. He was surprised when you had slid stopped the bike you were on. It had been like an Angel had slid before him. He was impressed by how you had not only handled the bike, but also your dad. But found you cute when you got embarrassed by him and Johnny. He could tell there was more to you, and it was fascinating.

Before you could really take in the two Vandals, your dad sighed once more. “Andy, take the bike back to the barn. (Y/N), go back into the house with Lilly”.

Lilly walked up to you and linked arms with you and began to pull you to the house, reluctantly you let her do so. All the while Lilly softly comment on the events. But before disappearing into the house, you watched your brother push his bike back up to the barn, then you looked to your dad and the older male watching your brother. Looking to the younger Vandal you saw him looking at you, and not to were the other two beside him was looking. But then Lilly pulled you into the house, severing eye contact to the young Vandal.

“What was that Fred?” Johnny finally questioned.

Your dad sighed. “That was my daughter. She got back today from her Aunts”.

Johnny whistled. “Might have your hands full with that one. But I will admit, that stop was impressive”.

Fred shook his head. “Don’t let her hear that. Don’t want to encourage her” he laughed darkly. “Come on, the sheds this way”.

Your dad started to walk again, while the other males followed. Johnny continued to ask about you, which your dad filled in. He said how he’d lost your mum when you were eight. How he did his best to raise you, all the while his sister-in-law kept hassling him about letting her take you in and raise you.

“The old battle-axe didn’t think I could raise a girl” Fred said with a sigh. “She was kinda right. I raised a tomboy”.

Johnny laughed while the other male smiled. “Nothin’ wrong with that” comment Johnny.

“I agree” said Fred, “but (Y/N) missed out on a lot not having a mum around. Thankfully Lilly's mum was there when it came to female things”.

Johnny nodded before following Fred into the shed. The younger male decided to wait outside, which was fine with the pair. Walking over to a fence before the shed, the young male lent back on the post, retrieving a pack of cigarettes from his jacket pocket. Taking out a cigarette, he pocketed the packet and pulled out his lighter. With the cigarette between his lips he sparked the lighter and lit it. Taking the first drag he put away the lighter, eyes looking back at your house as he released the smoke into the air.

Honestly, he can say he had never seen a female ride a bike before. Usually the females that were around The Vandals were always on the back of one. So seeing you handle that bike like you had was not only impressive but also a turn on. He hoped to cross paths with you again sometime soon.

Johnny came out of the shed with Fred. “Come on Benny, were done here”.

Moving from the fence post, Benny followed both men back to the front of the house and where their bikes were. Once on their bikes, they both started them up. They sat there for a few minutes, which allowed Benny a few more drags from his smoke before tossing it off to the side. He and Johnny began to move their bikes back to turn around, when Benny got a glance of both you and Lilly by the window. With a small smile, they both took off, heading back into town and to the bar.

~~~

“As I said, it was something. Me embarrassed by my old man having words with me. I didn’t really take Benny in at the time” you stated putting out your cigarette.

“You said Benny noticed you more?” Danny asked checking his recorder.

“Yeah, he told me so later on. He’d call me his Angel on wheels” you laughed.

“So the next time you saw Benny, you finally spoke to each other?”

You laughed more at his words. “Unfortunately, no. We might have if the time was right. But that second time I saw Benny, I really saw him...”

A/N: please don't hate me for this lol. I am also sorry for the use of (Y/N).

[azelmaandeponine]

There is this part of the post "Why Filbrick Pines is not as bad as he seems" that I genuinely don't understand. Like, the person compare Stan's situation with the situation of the teenager son of they father’s sister but the situations are not even much similar. The only similar part is the part about being thrown out of the house:

"Speaking of kicking people out, I want to share something that happened in my family some years ago.

My father’s sister has two teenager sons, A and B: A left school at 17, but he quickly found a job with a watchmaker. B left school too, but instead of finding a job (or even attempting to do it), went out with his friends all day, smoking and drinking all night.

One day, my uncle found out his bank account was empty. When he tried to recollect what happened, he found out B took all the money from his bank account to bet on horses.

My uncle was livid. He came back home, told him he would not spend a single cent anymore and kicked him out of the house.

B stayed with his aunt for several months, before my uncle accepted him back and when he did it, he kept an eye on him all the time and forced him to find a job.

Why am I sharing this story? Because my uncle is a man in his 60s and he has always been a laid-back, carefree guy. Despite this and despite being in the 21st century, he got so mad at his own son, to kick him out without a second thought.

Does that mean he is a bad father? Or that he does not love his son? Of course not. He was so angry, to not think straight anymore. He needed several months of boiling down, to welcome his son back.

Of course that doesn’t mean that not kicking your children our of the house makes you automatically a good parent: parenting is not easy, there are a million of other mistakes parents make all the time and I don’t envy them at all.

My point is: Filbrick is not a bad father, because he kicked Stan out."

What do you think?

...dude.

Stan was kicked out of the house into the streets with nowhere to go with just his car where he was forced into crime to survive. And while Ford didn't know this, Stan breaking the project was an accident.

This person's cousin was sent to his aunt after being a dumbass and blowing his dad's money on horse racing.

These two things are not remotely the same.

Also "parenting isn't easy" lol.

True, but it's really not that hard to NOT KICK OUT YOUR UNDERAGE SON.

[gadriezmannsgirl]

Gender Reveal -P.G

I saw a video of a really cute gender reveal from a Chelsea player, can't exactly remember who was, sorry about that but I instantly thought of doing a cute gender reveal with Gavi so here it is. Gavi's aged up to 24-26, I don't see him as a dad while having just 18-23 years old

Summary: You are expecting your first child together and still don't know what gender it'll be. Xavi plans a surprise for both of you

When the team found out you and Gavi were expecting they instantly threw themselves to buy some pacifiers, diaper bags, sent you crib images thinking of the best one that would fit the baby, bib, onesies, high chair, stroller, you name it; you had it.

The little problem was baby clothes, most of the team were in a fight, wanting to have a little Gavira princess all around them, making them uncles, grandads and more, already making up stories of how to scare her future boyfriend's away. And, they also wanted a little Gavira boy (Without his dad's angry issues), to run around the field and take care like one more of them.

So when you said you wanted it to be a surprise they brought every neutral color possible: blue-red, yellow, green, white, red, blue-red, brown, stripped, black, blue-red. Let's just state that the unborn baby had more clothes than you had in your whole life.

While being with both of your families in a get-together at yours and Pablo's house, Xavi persuaded his way to surprise the both of you with the gender reveal, Pedri and Aurora instantly adding themselves up to it seeing as Pedri was going to be the godfather and Aurora was ready to be the spoiling aunt.

You were 21 weeks into the pregancy, your bellly was starting to appear when that happened. Aurora went with you and Pablo to your next appointment

"Do we wanna know the gender of this healthy beauty?" The Doctora had asked but before either you or Pablo could answer, Aurora had beaten you to it

"No, they don't. Auntie is the one that will know for now" You laughed as the Doctora nodded printing some things and removing the gel out of your tummy

"Well Auntie. Here it is, baby Páez's results"

She couldn't wait, she opened the envelope and you'll never forget her excited face as she started jumping up and down

"I'll be an auntie to a beautiful little precious..." She stopped talking

"Baby" Pablo said

"Yeah, exactly!" You laughed pulling down your hoodie and fixing your pants a bit, your husband helping you off of the bed

"Excited?" You ask smiling grabbing your things and waiting for the Doctora's recommendations and stuffs

"I fucking feel like flying" You smiled shaking your head "It's fucking awesome"

"Stop fucking swearing, my baby can hear you now" Pablo replied softly with a smile on

Now, you had 26 weeks into pregnancy, your tummy bigger and bigger each time. Xavi, Aurora and Pedri were the only ones who knew your baby gender, the males were excited and started jumping up and down around the pitch and hugging each other while laughing when they learned the news.

It was a Clásico at Camp Nou and Barca have won 3-0, goals of Raphina, Araujo and the other in the last minute of your husband, Gavi who dedicated it to you and your baby.

The hormones made you emotional and almost cried of happiness when you saw Gavi grab the ball put it underneath his shirt, thumb on his mouth, signaling you and doing your initial before blewing you a kiss, your mom, Aurora and Belén calmed you down laughing quietly

You guys were on the pitch celebrating the success of the Barcelona team, you instantly hugged Pablo not really caring if he was sweaty or a bit dirty with grass on his facce

"Congratulations, mi amor"

"Thanks, mi vida" He kissed your cheek "How are you? How's the baby?" You nod

"It's fine. Kicked a lot when the crowd started cheering your name and when you scored" You both smile as Pablo tightens his grip on you lightly "Baby already knows it's daddy is amazing" Pablo laughed

"Didn't give you any trouble?" You shook your head

"I'm fine, bit tired but nothing I can't handle. Hasn't stepped into my ladder, kidney, stomach or any other organ, so I'm fine"

"I'll talk with Xavi, tell him you're tired so he can let me go shower quickly and then go home" You shook your head

"You jus won LaLiga" You smiled "There's no way you are losing tonight's celebration with your team. I'm fine and you're not talking me or anyone else into it, sir" He laughed looking down at your tummy, one of his hands going to it caressing it on top of the "6" Barcelona Jersey, you were wearing.

"How's my favorite Páez?" Pedri came into the convo

"I'm doing fine" Pablo said

"Wasn't talking about you, cabrón; was talking about baby"

"Baby's fine" You laughed "And so I am" You exclaimed a bit scolding him

"Sorry" Pedri guilty-smiled opening his arms to hug you "How are you?"

"I'm good, a bit tired but good" You smiled "Congratulations"

"Thank you" Pedri smiled widely "Xavi has a surprise for both of you but first we gotta go and lift that trophy, Pablito" Pedri clapped your husband on the back

"Be careful" Pablo said kissing your lips repeatedly as you smile

"Will be. Don't worry about me" He smiled kissing you again before letting you go.

He watched as you walked back towards your families and stood next to your sister-in-law, hands on your tummy, smiling back at him. It was your turn to watch him lift the trophy with his teammates, wear his medal proudly and yell in happiness for their win. You feeling extremely happy as well for them and for your club.

"I'll go to the loo" Aurora told you as you nod

"Don't get lost, please" You said laughing lightly remembering the time she got lost while looking for the bath and had called you to help her, she pinched your arm and left.

You were talking with Pablo, your dad-in-law and with Belén, your mom-in-law when you saw a bunch of balloons blue and pink come out and so did a big grey box. Aurora and a few members of the staff pulled out a big sign that could read: Baby Gavira, boy or girl?

You laughed feeling tears up your eyes as Xavi called you over next to Pablo and gave him a ball

"Hit the target and the box instantly will open" those were Xavi's words as he make some space for Gavi to shoot, the Barcelona guys were all around you and some fans were also recording the moment.

"Ready, preciosa?" Pablo asked you looking at you with a smile on, you nodded excited feeling hands on your shoulders, looking behind you saw Pepi hugging you.

"Uno, dos, tres!" Aurora yelled and Gavi kicked the ball hitting the middle of the target.

The box inmediately opened revealing balloons and dust of a certain color. The cheers of everyone in the stadium grew louder but you couldn't process any of it.

You were too busy looking at the baby pink balloons flying around and the pink dust still lingering in the air.

The boys went to Pablo hugging him but he only wanted you right now, you felt his body crash with yours and felt his lips on your watery cheek.

"Te quiero" He said as you both cried a bit of happiness "Te quiero, te quiero, te quiero" He whispered against your skin "And thank you"

"Una nena" You managed to say "I love you so much" You kissed his lips but soon felt other bodies on top of you, congratulating you and hugging you both

"Princess Páez Y/L/N on her way" Xavi yelled making all of you laugh "Congratulations!"

"Thank you for the surprise, Xavi" You hugged him

"Gotta spoil my other babygirl" You smiled, the other boys came to congratulate you, your family and soon you walked over the grey box smiling and looking at it.

"Our little baby girl" You felt Pablo hug you from behind.

"I really can't believe it" You said still over the moon.

"Well, do it because I'm doing it. And soon, we will have another little you running around our house" Pablo fell in silence for a few seconds "...We have to take into account the fact that we still need to have baby number two" You laughed. Baby number one hasn't even born and Pablo was already planning Baby numer two

"Let her come into the world at least for you to then start planning the other" Pablo laughed

"She'll be blessing us with her presence, with her love, making us parents and more happy than we already are. Couldn't ask for more than what we already have, I love you and thank you so much" He finished his speech as you turned around to hug him and kiss him.

Honestly, you didn't had a preference, all you wanted was for your baby to be healthy but seeing the pink color made your mind instantly fly to places, future moments of joy and happiness with the two loves of your life, your baby and your husband.

You were already thinking how that babygirl would have Pablo on his feet, imaginating already the puppy looks she could give him and him agreeing to every little wish she could want, the fact Pablo would do anything to not seeing her cry. And not only Pablo but everyone in your family and close friends. She was already so loved. It warmed your heart inmensely.

You couldn't wait to have your little ray of joy, your baby girl.

"Baby Páez Y/L/N is on her way"

°°° °°° °°° °°°

Taglist: @gaviypedrisbride @stuckinaf4nfiction @elijahslover

[wilcze-kudly]

Suyin wasn't "coerced" to commit a crime, neither did she want to take herself out of the situation. She wanted to get her friends out of paying for their crimes because she's spoiled and entitled.

She didn't "have" to travel the world, she was sent to family members to take her away from a criminal and endangering environment, and she decided to escape because she's too much of a pick me girl to stay with the so called family "that didn't show her affection". To be honest, you speak of her as some kind of adult avatar-styled Rapunzel, instead of a teenager who deserved to be reprimanded.

She did turn her life around, and kudos to the creators for showing that. No one can say that her story and background is boring by any chance.

She, however, is not the most likeable character out there to a big part of the fandom, but I seriously doubt someone is taking it as seriously as you seem to do. Just chill.

Istg this happens almost everytime I post something mildly touching on the fact that Suyin deserves compassion too. Though you may be the same anon who blew up my inbox a while back so it might just be you.

I've always found the disdain we have for "troubled teens" upsetting because usually, when a teenager "acts out", there's more of a reason behind it that just "ooh they're spoilt or entitled".

[Trigger warning for self harm and suicidal ideation mentions]

Like, I was a very difficult teen back in the day. I argued with my parents, even got into physical altercations, skipped school, ran away from home at night. I was also going through a severe depression, dealing with a shitton of childhood trauma, cutting on the regular and making multiple attempts on my life. Hell, if my parents had brushed me off as "a kid who needs to be disciplined" I probably would've killed myself at 14. It doesn't excuse me for punching my dad in the stomach when he was just trying to stop me from running away into the night but it doesn't mean I didn't deserve help.

[End of Trigger Warning]

These two things can be correct at the same time. Suyin can have done a shitty thing that deserves reprimand and that she needs help that she seemingly had to find on her own. But like, guess which of these two is almost exclusively focused on.

And I mean, it's totally not like the Avatar fandom has a habit of expressing extreme hate towards young girls (especially young girls of colour) making sub optimal choices or just beind "annoying". I've just never seen that before.

Suyin grew up with Toph, who Lin herself has described like this:

Suyin : No, no. My children are a blessing. Lin: Yeah, mom used to say that too, but she never meant it.

Which btw, still an incredibly hillarious thing to say in front of Suyin's children: "Hi kids I'm your aunt Lin and your mother is lying about loving you"

While Suyin has, as a child, expressed doubt that Toph would even care that she's skipping school. And as an adult, she has described her childhood with Lin as "competing for their mother's affection" and still has doubts whether or not her mother is happy with how either of them turned out.

Hell, even though Su and Toph have been said to have made up, Toph still maintains a heavy layer of distance between them, seemingly dissappearing for years at a time!

It's honestly sad how Suyin hugs Toph and puts up statues of her everywhere in Zaofu and yet Toph still just fucked off to the swamp when Opal was probably less then ten and did not contact them.

I mean, sounds like there's not a lot of motherly affection going on there, dude. Idk what to tell ya. We know there were no fathers around either.

And Lin was also a victim of this environment, so I don't really want this to come off as me blaming her for the way she acted towards Su. But Lin is hardly what I would call affectionate.

So of course Suyin would put so much stock in her relationships outside the house. And her friends happened to be fucking criminals fucking hell. And of course Lin, being a kid too did not know how to approach this situation properly, so she inadvertently just pushed Suyin closer to them by insulting them and making her feel defensive.

Because that's what all fucking teens do. The internalise things, they rely on their peers to form their perception of things and they want to be independent. So when someone, especially someone who isn't a parent tries to control them, guess how they'll react? They dig their heels in. Especially a teen like Suyin who has virtually no reason to listen to her older sister other than a vague "I know better than you" type of vibe which really pisses teens off. That's like the time when talking down to them is the worst thing to do.

And fuck off with saying getting arrested and screamed at by your sister in the middle of the road isn't a stressful situation that you wolud wanna get out of. Lin punched a car so hard it dented! (Especially that Lin has already been confirmed to use her status as a police officer against people she has a vendetta against, like when SHE TRIED TO THROW PEMA IN JAIL FOR STEALING HER MANS like how tf did we brush over that)

What I always find interesting in this scene is the front that Su puts on in front of Lin, which slips up a few times, particularly when Lin can't see her expression. Because Suyin is, of course being a fucking brat and taunting Lin, but you can clearly see that she's stressed out.

Suyin also describing the reason she helped her friends as a getaway driver is something I find interesting:

Suyin: I didn't steal anything. I just drove the car. I owed my friends a favor. It's not a big deal.

Of course she's scared and minimising her involvement but the usage of "owing her friends" could very easily imply her not exactly being too hyped about this, as well as her insistence on not stealing anything.

Because the thing about Suyin is that, especially in the flashbacks, we see her only in Lin's PoV. We don't see her relationship with her friends, what led up to the robbery, anything. Which makes sense, because the flashbacks are supposed to be Lin's. But that means we're viewing Su with the inherent bias of Lin, who clearly has an agenda against Su.

Lin clearly blames Suyin for Toph leaving policework, despite us later seeing how burnt out and cynical Toph was about being a cop. Its more likely that Su's arrest was a wake-up call for Toph, but she left due to the buildup of stress and disillusionment and Lin, who has been idolising her mother and her mother's career blamed it on Suyin in her head.

Hell, even they made up, Lin still immediately pivots to accusing Suyin of being involved in the Red Lotus' attack. Despite the attack placing Suyin's life, the lives of her sons and the lives of her guards at risk and Suyin going out of her way to thwart it.

And Suyin's life is just a fucking mess after this point like: betrayal by close friend, daughter kidnapped by terrorists, anarchy in the kingdom, leaders of 2 foreign governments trying to pressure her into subjugating the people in the name of a monarch she doesn't support, betrayal part 2; child boogaloo, the country she lives in being declared a dictatorship, city under literal siege, threat of attack in 24 hours, the fucking Avatar doing fuck all to help, a desperate attempt at assassinating the leader, getting caught and placed in questionably humane restraints, having to watch her daughter be forced to flee, PUBKIC HUMILIATION, the arrest of her non combative son and husbandd, INHUMANE JAIL CELL...

Do I need to go on? Like the moment the Krew came to her gouse her life just started to fucking fall apart its actually kinda hillarious.

And calling Suyin a "pick me" is just... unfounded? Who's she trying to get picked by? Her mom who doesn't love her? Girlie just wanted a family she literally said so in the show, put your listening ears on, babes.

I understand that Suyin isn't the most likeable character to people. I can understand why they dislike her. She can be annoying, hypocritical, rash, the poor structuring of the episodes around her and Lin makes it so she gets unearned favour from the writers etc. People who like Lin and Kuvira, two extremely popular characters in the fandom have an easy villain in their faves' lives if they just tweak Suyin a bit.

But that doesn't mean I'm obligated to dislike her too or that I'm not allowed to post about her in a way that doesn't allign with the fandom's narrative of her. You're not obligated to read it, hun, you can block the #pro suyin beifong tag if it makes you that upset to see me

I want to appreciate parts of Suyin which aren't highlighted by the fandom and I'm allowed to do that. Just because it doesn't fit with your clearly overtly negative opion of the character well, tough luck. And hey, I gladly take the opportunity to talk about Suyin, but I've also made a ridiculous amount of posts around har and have probably addressed almost every single fandom complaint of her at some point so I'm starting to get a little tired of repeating myself lol.

And I'll be the first to admit, my own teenage years probably heavily affect how compassionate I am towards Suyin, particularly in her younger years. But I know how much people hate "troubled teens", how little compassion thet are given.

The narrative that if a misbehaving teenager just gets deisciplined and reprimanded enough they'll stop being "spoilt and entitled" or acting out is wrong and harmful. It hurts tons of teenagers by not getting them the help they need and it would've fucking killed me.

Also hun, I'm not sure if you've noticed, but I tend to use hyperbole a lot. I'm a dramatic bitch. Like did you also think I was serious when I said I'd shoot myself if I saw another ad for Amazon's shit lotr wannabe show?

Tbh everytime I get an ask like this I vaguely consider doubling down and commiting to the bit of being the fandom's "Lin Beifong hater". Though I feel like a lot of people wouldn't realise its a bit and think I actually hate her for real lol.

[mywritingonlyfans]

heyy back in the time when there were still dms on wattpad, I requested a bella and alex fic. It was about y/n taking care of bella when alex had to leave for tour. Bella was missing him really bad one night and y/n decided to facetime alex. You answered it was cute idea and you'd write it. Are you still up to it?

I'm glad you forwarded it here ❤️

It's not necessary to read my other fics to enjoy this one, but Bella is Alex's daughter (he's a single dad) in a later fic of mine, which you can check out here: link.

...

The first few weeks were peaceful, and Bella liked you. Every now and then, she mentioned missing her dad, so you’d tell her a story or ask her to send him a voice message. He’d always reply enthusiastically, meeting her expectations. Alex was a wonderful father, something you could never stop praising him for—it made you love him even more, seeing how attentive he was. You all had frequent video calls, always long, full of conversation and smiles, but it was starting to not feel like enough.

"He’s about to answer, Bella. What do you want to tell him?" Her eyes were red, her face buried in your shirt. You missed him too, a feeling you tried to hide while wearing his Stone Roses t-shirt. The familiar scent was comforting, and with her nose tucked into your shoulder, Bella seemed to share the same comfort. "I don’t know, mum." It wasn’t usual, but it did happen sometimes. A voice in your head reminded you that you weren’t her mother, but hearing her call you that, with the same accent as Alex, filled your heart with warmth. You loved her so much, and knowing that Alex didn’t mind her calling you ‘mum’ made you feel more connected to the bond they shared. "I really don’t know..." she repeated, her voice laced with tears. The time indicated he was probably finishing up a show, so you sent him a quick message and informed Kate that Bella was eager to see him. It was late at night for both of you, and Bella was refusing to sleep, clearly restless. "I misspoke, my love. It’s okay if you just want to see him. I want to see him too." You hugged her tighter. You only wanted to ease her anxiety about the wait, not make her more anxious by thinking she had to come up with something to say. It was perfectly fine to just want to see her dad’s face before a long day at school and some playing. She had taken over Alex's spot in the bed while he was on tour. Having your best friend by your side during this time was also good for you; she kept your mind off Alex not being there.

You gave a small smile to the camera on your phone, and Bella peeked over slightly as Alex finally appeared on the screen, wearing his usual post-show dad outfit. He was sweaty, his hair sticking to his forehead, and already without his blazer, the sleeves of his shirt rolled up to his elbows. If you were there, you would’ve rolled up those sleeves for him, and he would’ve watched you with that familiar breathless smile. Bella would’ve jumped into his arms, the proudest daughter in the world, and Alex wouldn’t have been able to stop smiling.

But right now, in this exact moment, Alex looked concerned, and you felt bad for not letting Bella speak first, afraid that Alex might panic seeing her so down without an urgent reason. "Everything’s okay, love. How was the show? Al, we just really wanted to see you before going to sleep." You brushed Bella’s hair away from her forehead, revealing her tired face on your chest. Both of you were ready to fall asleep, bodies settled in the sheets, ready to never leave again. Alex’s sigh of relief was immediate. He had cute bags under his eyes, and you knew he was also struggling with the distance. Bella nodded, agreeing with what you had said.

"It was good, really loud. The usual stuff. We sang your song, Bella. Aunt Kate managed to record it, I'll ask her to send it to you both." He sounded excited, trying to make Bella smile. "You really did?" She raised her eyebrows, and Alex nodded eagerly. "You can hear the crowd singing along—they love your song." She hugged you, looking from you to the camera as if she couldn't believe it. It was so adorable. "It's okay if they like it, but Suck It and See is my song." You laughed, and Alex joined in. "It's all yours, darling."

You watched them talk, noticing the sparkle in his eyes and how verbally affectionate he was with her since he couldn’t be there physically. Alex was much more of a physical touch person, both with you and with Bella. The effort he made to compensate for that when he was away was obvious, and you appreciated it so much. They continued chatting about school, with Bella mentioning how you had helped her with homework, saying you were smart and patient with her, and also talking about how she had played with other kids at the park. You chuckled; she hadn't been as vocal as usual that day, but she was making it sound so natural, at least with Alex.

He kept talking in his gentle, slow manner, carefully enunciating each word. She loved the attention he gave her; you couldn't imagine how much she missed having him in her daily life when he wasn’t there. For example, every morning you would wake up to the sound of them brushing their teeth together, with her telling him about some dream she had. He did the same with her, but with you, it was different—not that you wanted it to be the same. You had a good relationship with her, but you wished you knew how to make this difficult time easier for her in a better way.

"And how’re you doin’, pretty one?" he asked, his voice more drawn out when he spoke to you. He made the sound drag, prolonging the prit-ee longer than necessary, yet still failing to bring a smile to your face. You couldn’t muster the energy to hide how much you missed him being right there in front of you.

You held your breath, watching him through the screen. He looked exhausted, like he could reach out and touch you, and Bella’s face resting on your shoulder as she slept if he tried hard enough.

"She couldn’t sleep, huh?—It used to happen with my mum too, though she seemed happier being with you." This time, you laughed. It seemed to lighten his mood a bit. "Are you tired? How’s it been?" He was taking on the role of the more talkative one in the relationship. You were afraid that if you said too much, you’d end up crying.

"She’s a sweetheart. She doesn’t give me any trouble; I like having her around." He nodded, biting his lips. His eyes were on you, quietly, and the atmosphere felt warm.

"I’ll stay ‘ere until you fall asleep, alright?"

"Alex, you’re tired. You don’t have to." He didn’t say anything, making it clear that arguing would be pointless, and to be honest, you wanted him to stay with you longer. "Don’t be strong for me, lil' one." He said softly. You laughed painfully, your eyes welling up.

"I hate this," he laughed too, in that same low tone. "I hate it too," you pulled up your shirt to dry your eyes. The shirt in question was starting to lose his scent. "I’ll be back soon, to spend a few days with you both before I leave again, I promise."

You shook your head, "I understand, Alex, Bella understands too. We just can’t help missing you; you’re not doing anything wrong." It was comforting for Alex that you could voice what he felt guilty about; he knew deep down he was being unfair to himself.

"Even so, I really need to see you both, to recharge my energy." You nodded, feeling better after talking with him. You didn’t realize how much you needed this moment, even though you didn’t know you needed it. This quiet conversation without Bella, where you could cry and be vulnerable with him. It wasn’t that you minded if she saw, but you tried to avoid making her feel worse.

"Are you drinking enough water, Al? Don’t have too much beer after the show." You said after a while, and he bit his lips to suppress a smile, showing you a bottle of water. "I’m not going to stop listenin’ to you just ‘cause you’re not ‘ere." Alex continued talking about more band stuff, the days of shows, until you slowly drifted off to sleep, unable to stay awake any longer, depriving yourself of having more minutes with him.

But the next day would be better.

[mirkwoodshewolf]

Snowstorm truce; Eddie Munson x reader

*Author's note*

Like I said in my John Wick oneshot, I've got some more goodie fanfics for you guys that I want to start posting up. This came after watching one of the GREATEST movies of this year, The Wild Robot. And this also can serve as a sequel oneshot to this oneshot.

But for those who see this first, this is my superhero AU where Eddie Munson is a master waterbender and you the reader are the adopted daughter of Daredevil himself, Matt Murdock.

Warnings: some fluff, bit of angst, snowstorm graphic level injuries, swearing.

Taglist:

@jd-johndeacon-or-jackdaniels

@queen-paladin

@waddles03

@remussl0vers

@plethora-of-things

@psychosupernatural

__________________________________________________________

It was unlike anything that Hawkins had ever seen.  Now we have had some pretty rough snowstorms in the past but this one that we’re suffering from this year is unlike any others in the past.  People have been calling this our infamous Snowmageddon and honestly I believe it.  I’ve heard about them happening everywhere else in the country but never did I think we’d get it ourselves.

But with this Snowmageddon, that’s when the heroes really had to step up and help out everyone in the town.  Providing services like extra clothing and blankets, snow plowing, backup generators and heating, and bringing in extra food and water.

I was currently with my girl crew of Robin, Vickie, Max, Jane and Nancy helping bring the civilians with extra blankets and clothes.  We were going around the neighborhood going from apartment to apartment in downtown Hawkins when we took notice of the waterbenders that were currently bending the snow out of the roads.

“Hey (Y/n), no offense to you but why haven’t I seen Eddie helping out around here? I know he doesn’t normally like to get involved in big time superhero stuff but this storm affects him too.” Robin said to me.

“When I went to visit him yesterday I had seen how he was the only waterbender to truly help out at the trailer park. Also he told me that the mayor himself had sent a letter of concern of how the town didn’t feel comfortable about the Son of the Puppet master helping out the community.”

“Are you serious? It’s been nearly eight months since he helped throw his father back in prison and they’re still giving him heat about it?!” exclaimed Vickie.

“Trust me Vic, if it were up to me I’d paralyze those corrupt politicians downtown until they came to their senses. My dad’s even tried to speak on Eddie’s behalf but the city council refuses to listen.”

“The corruption and prejudice in Hawkins is nothing but bullshit.” Max sneered lowly.

“Yeah bullshit.” Parroted Jane with a firm nod.

“I agree girls it’s complete bullshit but what else can be done? We’ve tried everything and Eddie’s just come to accept it.” I sighed heavily.  Nancy placed a comforting hand on my shoulder.

“Once I’m out of school, you know how I’m trying to apply for city council. I’ll make sure and get those old laws extinguished and those old bastards out of office.”

“Please Nance with your powers you could do that right now. Send them off a cliff for all we care.” Robin said.

“I prefer to gain my seat in a fair trial and election. We already live in a corrupt, misogynistic world already.”

“Amen to that sister.” Preached Max. 

“That’s why my dad, uncle Foggy and aunt Karen prefer the freelance independent law firm. Mostly going pro-bono until the bills start piling up. But of course uncle Foggy still likes to go on about how his mom wanted him to be a butcher.”

“Oh my god not that story again!” whined Max.

“Seriously (N/n) now you’re starting to go on repeat with that story.” Complained Vickie.

“Hey if I had to suffer with it, I’m taking you all with me.” I said as we continued down the street passing out our supplies until we had ran out.

After doing my bit of community service, I finally arrived home and was greeted with the warmth of our fireplace roaring nearby.

“Take a seat by the fire sweetheart.” I heard my dad call out from his room.

“Don’t have to tell me twice. Heck I bet you heard my teeth chattering from a block away, right?”

“Yes but I mainly say that because I want you to get warmed up. I can’t have my daughter become a human ice sculpture now can I?” he came over in his old college hoodie and sweatpants on, his red glasses taken off his face and for the first time I could see him without any signs of bruises or blood stained skin.

“Must be a relief to get more than 4 hours of sleep these past couple of weeks.”

“In a way. But it also riddles me with anxiety. For as long as I can remember I’ve always kept myself busy. But with both sides of myself not doing much of anything, I’ve gotten a major case of cabin fever and I hate it.”

“Welcome to the world of normalcy. It sucks but you can manage it.” I mocked as I came up to him and embraced him while he rocked me from side to side.

“God you feel so cold to the touch and your heart’s barely beating.”

“My heart’s just fine dad, though my legs feel like they’re on fire.” I said as I leaned down and began scratching at my legs from the sudden itchiness I was feeling.

“That’s your blood trying to pump as much blood back into them. C’mon sit by the fire like I told you.” He guided me over to our small fireplace and set me down on the couch before grabbing my snuggie and placed it over me.  I put my arms through the sleeve and briefly shivered.

“So no one’s been coming into the firm from what you had said earlier?”

“Mostly we’re getting phone calls since no one is daring to brave this weather. But just recently the phone lines went dead in our area of the city so we decided to just call it a day for a while. If anyone needs us, they’ve got our email.” Dad said as he cuddled close to me bringing me into his lap.

“Do you think—this is more than just a storm dad? Like could this be like a mutant gone rouge or some sort of monster?”

“No news has come from the Heroes council about anything like this. But we have seen reports that this storm has happened in different parts around the world. So it’s not just us.”

“I’m all about winter fun but I’m starting to get scared dad. What if this never ends? What’ll we do? Where would we go?”

“Hey,” he cupped the side of my face and brought me to look into his eyes.  His unfocused gaze stared deeply in my general direction and he told me, “We’ve been through worse predicaments and world ending disasters than this. As long as we got each other, we’ll be okay. Okay?”

“Okay.” He pressed his forehead against mine and I softly smiled feeling his confidence and strength flow within me.  “Listen, I got word from the Mayor about our evacuation tomorrow. We’ll be assigned to the Hawkin’s Global theater. So make sure you pack a bag tonight cause we’ll be leaving as soon as we can. Landlord said they’re only having this generated power go on till tomorrow afternoon once the evacuations start.”

“Got it. Think I’ll have time to go see Eddie before then?”

“I’ll give you one hour. Then I need you back here so we can leave, okay?”

“Thanks dad.” The two of us spent the rest of the day cuddled up by the fire playing trivia games or doing some training to help keep our bodies warm.

The next morning I had my bag packed and ready to go and I got bundled up to go over to see Eddie and Wayne before I’d be heading over to the Global theater to seek shelter.  Thankfully this morning there wasn’t any snow falling so it made the walk there slightly better.

With another foot or so added, the waterbenders were once again piling up the snow on top of their work from yesterday.  Now would be the day they’d get to work dissolving the snow back to water and deposit it wherever they’ve been told to take it to.

I soon arrived at Forest trailer park and was greeted by the large shelter in the shape of a large dome shape.  Made completely from ice and snow but made to withhold the cold as well as the fire I could see from the smoke coming up from the open part of the roof.

“Was beginning to think I’d never get to see you again!” Eddie’s voice proclaimed as I saw him come out from his storm shelter.  I jogged over to him and wrapped my arms around his neck while his arms rested at my waist.

“You saw me two days ago.”

“Far too long for me my love.” He kissed my lips which sent warm shivers down my spine and goosebumps on my arm.

“Unfortunately I can only stay for an hour. Evacuation and all that, my dad and I will be at the Hawkin’s global theater along with uncle Foggy and Aunt Karen.”

“I’ll take what I can get. But you know Wayne and I are more than willing to offer you our shelter here. I built it for that reason.”

“You know all you’d want to do is make out and we could never get away with that with my dad just a few feet away from us.”

“Yeah and Wayne probably would keep telling me to only strip out of my clothes if I had fallen into the lake and was desperately freezing.” I playfully slapped his chest which made him chuckle and kiss me again.  “Come on in and I’ll give you some of Wayne’s infamous hot chocolate.”

“With extra marshmallows?”

“What am I a savage? Of course with extra marshmallows.” He then guided me into his storm shelter and there I saw Wayne pouring two cups of his hot chocolate over the large firepit that stood at the center of the shelter.

“I swear I have never seen such dedicated lovebirds like you two to brave these blizzards just to see each other.” Wayne said to us.

“Nothing’s too good for this girl right here.” Eddie said as he brought me in closer to which I chuckled softly and tried to wriggle out of his grasp.

“Actually when I heard you were making your famous hot chocolate I just had to come and get a cup for myself.”

“Oh I see how it is. Just using me to get a hot beverage, I see you Murdock.” Eddie gasped before turning away with his arms crossed over his chest turning away from me.  I rolled my eyes and went over and Wayne gave me a cup of his hot chocolate while I added my seven marshmallows and let out a loving hum.

“Still don’t know how you do it Wayne. You gotta give me the recipe I just know my dad would flip once he took a sip of this.”

“Sorry doll, old family secret recipe. If you stick around that knucklehead for a little while longer I might be tempted to share the recipe.”

“Using me as a way to get a recipe, that’s cold-hearted sweetheart. And I thought you cared about me.”

“Aww Eddie-bear.” I cooed. “I do care about yah puddin.”

“Don’t seem like it to me.” I set my cup down by the firepit and walked over to him.  I once again wrapped my arms around Eddie’s neck stroking my fingers through his locks the way I knew he’d like it and gave him my best bunny eyes to him.

“How bout now?” Eddie hummed as he looked down at me before smiling softly.

“Now how can I resist those cute eyes?” I smiled then just before we could kiss for the third time that day, Dustin’s voice proclaimed.

“Eddie! Open up it’s me Dustin!”

“I’m gonna kill that little shit.” Grumbled Eddie for ruining our moment.

“Hold on, something doesn’t sound right.” I quickly raced over bringing Eddie with me and we raced out to see Dustin, his mother, Steve, Robin, Vickie, Nancy, Mike and their family all racing over toward the shelter.

“What is it Henderson?” Eddie proclaimed.

“It’s Lucas. Their entire house suddenly got caved in by snow and ice and their all trapped inside!” Dustin exclaimed.

“Why not get some of the waterbenders that are closer by to help out?” Eddie asked.

“You might wanna take a look up at the sky first.” We all then looked up and unlike before, the clouds were starting to spin almost as if there was going to be a tornado or a typhoon about to touchdown.  The winds suddenly started to pick up.

“The city is on a sudden shutdown. The evacuation plans have been cancelled and sudden ice winds have suddenly trapped hundreds of people in their homes.” Nancy explained.

Oh no dad! Uncle Foggy and Aunt Karen they’ll…..they’ll die if I can’t get to them.  Just before I could run ahead, Eddie grabbed my arm and said.

“What the hell are you doing?!”

“My family’s out there Eddie! I have to help them!”

“No babe if what Nancy said is true you won’t be able to get through the ice. And with a sudden snow typhoon coming you won’t survive a second out here!”

“But….”

“I promise, once I help get the Sinclair’s out, I’ll head over and get your dad as well as Foggy and Karen. I promise.” I cupped his face and gave him a kiss.

“Promise me you’ll bring them to me safely. And that you’ll come back as well unharmed.”

“I promise sweetheart.” He said crossing his heart.  I embraced him and he whispered to me.  “I leave you and Wayne to take care of everyone here.” I nodded then Eddie took off with Steve, Robin and Nancy while Vickie, Mike, Dustin and I got the parents and younger siblings inside Eddie’s shelter and began to prep for all the families we’d be bringing into the shelter.

*Eddie’s POV*

After getting the Sinclair’s out of their house and racing across the rooftops, I finally made it to (Y/n)’s apartment and water bended the snow off of the fire escape of her bedroom and snuck inside.  I shut the window before calling out.

“Mr. Murdock!? Mr. Murdock can you hear me?”

“E-Eddie?” a female voice soon spoke up.  I came around the room to see not only Mr. Murdock but also Foggy Nelson and Karen Page also in the apartment.

“Well less work for me.” I muttered first before asking them out loud, “Dumb question but are you guys okay?” I asked.

“Oh you know. Could be better but at least we’ve got proper attire this time around. Not like that one time our dorm’s heater shut off that one year, right Matt?” Foggy said.

“Yeah. Cheap blankets and overworn college hoodies.” Mr. Murdock chuckled sarcastically.

“Well luckily for you guys I’m here to get out of here. The guys and I have been gathering people to my snow shelter. It’s not much but it’s big enough to hold as many as we can fit.”

“Well then lead the way waterbending Master Munson.” Foggy said as he got up huddling himself deeper into his thick winter coat.  I lead them to (Y/n)’s room and opened up her window.

“I’ve managed to keep the fire escape waterproof for now. Should be enough time for us to get to the ground safely before the storm freezes up the metal again.” I explained.

“Wow. Since wh-when were you able to do that?” asked Karen shivering from the winds that were starting back up again.

“Just now actually. When we got Sinclair’s family out I had accidentally managed to keep their sidewalk from freezing back over after clearing it. But of course that only lasted just long enough for his dad to get off the driveway.”

“We’ll take what we can get. Go ahead Karen you first I’m right behind you.” Karen first went down the stairs with Foggy right behind her.  Just as I went to head down I felt a tight grip on my arm, I turned to see that it was Mr. Murdock who had his iron grip on my arm and I knew it wasn’t because he needed any assistance.

“I’m only gonna say this once Munson. Are (Y/n) and your friends gathering everyone who couldn’t make it to the school?”

Shit, shit, shit, shit, shit! No wonder why (Y/n) can never lie to her father.  Not only is he human lie detector but when he puts on the ‘Devil’s tone’ I knew he wasn’t messing around.

“Hmm? Uhh…hmmm…..” I hummed lightly as I could almost feel the intense stare behind his red shades, his frown deepening.  “Yeah.” Just before I could water whip his hand off my arm, he grabbed my other wrist tightly and I let out a groan.

“Foggy! Get Karen to Eddie’s shelter. We’ll meet you all there!” Matt called down to them.

“Matt you’re seriously not thinking what I think you’re thinking!” Foggy called up to me.

“Just get her there! Her temperature’s dropping faster by the second. Before long she’ll get hypothermia.”

“Matt! Be c-c-c-c-careful.” Karen shivered out.  I sighed heavily and told Foggy.

“The shelter is right at the entrance of the trailer park. My uncle will be there to help you guys out along with the rest of the parents from Hellfire. Just follow the pathway I made coming over here.” He nodded then he held Ms. Page close to him before walking down the open access path I had made while hopping over the roofs to get here.

Mr. Murdock finally released me from his iron grip before taking my scarf and wrapping it over the upper half of his face.

“What no suit?”

“There’s no time. Now c’mon, there’s a family that lives around the corner that’s been chattering their teeth since this morning.” He leapt off the fire escape and I followed behind him.  I snow bended a path to the apartment complex as I said to him.

“Are you sure you wanna do this? Besides isn’t that the apartment of the Prosecutor that doesn’t like you?”

“She still has a family that needs help. Eddie why are you insistent on letting everyone else in this city die?” I turned to him and said.

“Do you really need me to answer that question? Surely (Y/n) told you what the Mayor himself said to me.” I crossed my arms over my chest huffed annoyingly.

Sure even though I don’t care whether I end up being a villain or hero in the eyes of the public because of my dad, I still wanted to at least help my girl and her dad out.  Waterbending the snow from my entire trailer park since no waterbender dared to come into my neck of the woods.  Building the shelter for everyone there but nope.

All anyone in this city will see me is the son of the infamous Puppet master.

I felt Mr. Murdock’s hand on my shoulder this time he had a more empathetic touch and I looked up at him as he told me.

“I know. But right now you’re their only chance. I can’t do this without you Eddie.” Damn you Daredevil and your clear conscious.

“Okay.” I groaned as I first made a clear path beneath the whole apartment complex.  I then gathered the snow together and formed it into a giant staircase then with my ice breath, the staircase hardened and Mr. Murdock was able to walk to whatever level he needed me to get him do as I would either raise or lower the icy staircase.

“Get me to the 9th floor 12th window to the right.” I moved the staircase to where he needed and while he went up, I walked over towards the building, took a deep breath and by placing both hands on the foundation, I absorbed all of the ice that collected from the bricks to the windows.

I looked up to see how Mr. Murdock was now able to get into the Prosecutor’s apartment and after a few minutes I saw her and her three kids coming down the stairs.  When she caught sight of me, she first picked her youngest son in her arms trying to keep him warm before giving me a grateful nod and said.

“Thank you.” I nodded.

“Where to next Daredevil?” I called up.

“7th floor, 5th window to the left.” Mr. Murdock called down to me.  I guided and adjusted the staircase to the 7th floor, 5th window to the left.  We continued to gather any person who wasn’t able to get to Hawkin’s high and after gathering almost 30 people, Mr. Murdock and I lead them through the storm toward my shelter.

Blocking the harsh winds and continuously making a clear pathway towards the trailer park we finally got the people to my shelter where (Y/n) and the others were all gathered.  The large fireplace was roaring with life, people were huddled up together with blankets and drinking Wayne’s famous hot chocolate or being given medical treatment thanks to Jane’s abilities.

“Eddie! Daredevil!” (Y/n)’s voice called out as she came up and embraced the two of us.  “What took you both so long I was—” that’s when she noticed all the people behind us at the entrance.

“Some of these people need immediate medical care. Think your friend Jane can handle more?” her dad said.

“Yeah, yeah she’s almost done with Karen.” We allowed the 30 people to come inside.  As they walked past us, (Y/n) cupped her father’s face and said. “Your lips are almost blue. You better let Jane have a look at you too.”

“I’ll be fine. There’s still more people out there. Where were Steve and Robin gathering people at?” Mr. Murdock asked me.

“They had gathered the people around downtown. Steve’s parents have some civilian coworkers that needed help getting out of the storm.”

“Then downtown’s where we’re going next.”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, wait, wait, wait, wait. You guys aren’t thinking about going back out there are you?” (Y/n) came in front of us blocking the entry way.

“(Y/n) there are people still out there who need help. We can’t just limit this shelter to those we only care about. This city needs us now more than ever.” Her dad said to her.

“But the storm’s getting worse by the second. And if you guys stay out there after nightfall…..”

“C’mon babe. You’re talking to the number one ranking waterbender in Hawkin’s High. Not to mention the Man without fear. We’ll be okay. And he’s right, we’re their only chance of getting out of the storm.” I came up and cupped her face stroking her chilled cheeks.  She placed her hands over mine and said.

“Just be careful.”

“We will.” I leaned down and kissed her cold lips.  “Look after things for us while we bring more people here.” Mr. Murdock and I headed back out into the storm and I had us sledding on a mountain of snow all the way towards downtown.

As we arrived in downtown it was worse than anywhere else in Hawkins.  The snow had piled up almost half the height of some of these skyscrapers and office buildings while others were practically buried within the snow.  Together Mr. Murdock and I worked on getting various of people out from their office buildings, when we got to the same orphanage where (Y/n) had been sent when she lost her parents as a kid, I saw about 12 kids all cuddled around both Robin and Steve for warmth.

“Harrington? Buckley?”

“To-took you long enough M-Munson.” Chattered Robin with a weak smile.

“Are we safe now, Steve?” asked one of the orphan boys.

“Yeah Timmy, we’re gonna be okay now.” Steve comforted the young boy.  I never knew him to do this but Mr. Murdock revealed his face to the kids and he told them.

“We’re gonna do everything we can to get you kids to safety. But in order for us to do our job, we need you to do one thing. Be strong. It’s gonna be cold and merciless out there but I believe you kids can make it. Like Steve told you all at the graduation class parade, anyone can be a hero.”

The kids nodded and Mr. Murdock and I helped them stand up.  I helped Harrington up and asked him.

“Storm too much weight to burst through the walls Harrington?”

“Even if I could, we would’ve flooded the building with snow. Plus I—didn’t want to scare any of the little ones more than they already were. Caretakers were found frozen in the basement probably trying to find more blankets when the doors began to freeze over trapping them down there.” I looked down solemnly.

“Luckily they had you. This place will be lucky to have you once we graduate.”

“Let’s hope we live to see that day happen.”

“Hey I’m supposed to be the cynical one here.” I shoved him playfully as I picked up a young girl who wanted me to carry her while Steve picked up Timmy.

The people we managed to save helped pick up the orphans so that they wouldn’t have to track through the snow and I lead them towards my shelter.  After ensuring the orphans and people of downtown including Robin and Steve were taken care of, Mr. Murdock and I continued on our search for more people trapped in the storm.  Civilians, heroes and even some criminals were all trapped within the storm but they still needed our help.

I opened up a balcony to a very big manor that I knew all too well but really wish I didn’t have to come here.

“Wha-what are you doing here, f-f-f-fr-freak?” the voice chattered.

“Bummer Daredevil, this guy’s dead!” I slammed the balcony door shut then before I could snow bend the snow back over the window, Mr. Murdock stopped me spoke my name in the Devil’s tone gripping my wrist tightly.

 Groaning exasperatedly and throwing back my head I opened the balcony window again and gestured.

“You can either come with us if you want to live Carver or you can sit here and become a human ice sculpture, your choice.”

“I can’t move.” He said with a shiver of fear in his voice.  Something I never knew Carver to actually admit. “My le-legs…..I can’t….feel them any—more.” We came up to him and Mr. Murdock gently hovered his fingers over the covers where Jason had his legs covered.

“No blood is circulating into them. Could be stage 2 possible close to stage 3 hypothermia. He needs to get to Jane and fast. She might be able to reverse this.” Together Mr. Murdock and I hoisted Jason’s arms over our shoulders and carried him across his room.

“I-I’ve been reduced….being saved by the fr-freak.”

“Hey!” Daredevil snapped. “Consider yourself lucky he didn’t turn you aside once he saw your manor Mr. Carver. So either you swallow your pride and let him help you or you can just wait here and lose your legs as well as any chance of becoming the hotshot hero you claim yourself to be. Your choice.” Damn go Mr. Murdock!

Without another word, Carver allowed us to take him to our shelter and we went back out to search for more people.  It was starting to get dark and the storm was really starting to pick up.  The harsh winds felt like knives on our faces and we were both starting to lose feeling in our limbs but we kept pressing on.

Mose people we managed to save but like what Steve had told me with the caretakers at the orphanage, there were families who didn’t make it and were found dead huddled together trying to keep warm.  It broke my heart knowing that we had let these people die, especially the elderly folks who had been left behind.

But Mr. Murdock told me to not give up and I had used that to push myself to fight off the storm.  By the time it grew pitch black and we came back to my shelter with the rest of the people we managed to save, both Mr. Murdock and I collapsed to the ground.

“Okay that’s it. You both have done enough. I’ve counted over 298 people here. You guys can rest now.” (Y/n) said as she came up and held me in her arms while Foggy came up and helped Mr. Murdock up.

“She’s right. You both are exhausted, bleeding and turning black at this point. We’ve got enough people.”

“Not……all…..” panted Mr. Murdock.

“You can’t seriously be thinking about bringing him in here.” Foggy demanded in a hushed tone.

“Wait does he mean…..” (Y/n)’s muffled voice came in and out of my ear.  Mr. Murdock stood up and I saw him stagger around till he leaned up against the entry way.

“He dies……no true justice…..will be served.” He then went back out into the storm but just as he started to fall, I came and helped him up.

“You’re not going without me.”

“Not….this time…..not with—him.”

“No offense Daredevil but you can barely stand now. We’re going together whether you like it or not.” He turned toward me panting heavily.

“You’re…..made……for…..each other. Stubbornness……”

“She gets it from you too.” I helped him through the storm as we headed toward our last and final destination.

The High rise of the ruthless crime boss next to my father.  Wilson Fisk aka The Kingpin.

*My POV*

 It was shortly after Eddie and dad left to go get Fisk that things suddenly started to get bad in here.  Villains who were now recovering soon spotted their nemesis and fighting soon began to spring out.  Civilians were blaming and arguing with some of the heroes for not evacuating them sooner and fights and brawls started between them.

Screaming, shouting, laser eyes, fireballs, any type of powers were being fired across the entire shelter.  I tried to keep the peace as did Foggy and a few other people but that caused some of us to get the repercussions of a punch to the face or a type of power thrown at us in the crossfire.

Children crying in fear, every curse word under the sun was being screamed out as everyone was trying to rip each other apart.  And it only got worse as some people began to panic once Dad and Eddie brought Wilson Fisk in along with his wife Vanessa.

“What the fuck is he doing here?!” asked a petty thief that was under house arrest exclaimed as he and a few other people ran away from the Kingpin’s unconscious body.

“Oh great, this’ll help immensely. Hey! No! No! No! That belongs to Eddie’s mom! Put that down!” I snapped as some of the kids trying to take Eddie’s mom’s staff.  I shooed them away before I felt a literal knife nearly stab me through my hand.  I recognized the pattern and exclaimed.  “Really Tommy!?”

“(Y/n)….what is happening?” I could faintly hear my dad from all the commotion.  I saw as Jane was now trying to heal both him and Eddie at the same time.  I walked over to him and said sarcastically.

“Gee I don’t know. Hmm you put a bunch of angry, starving humans together in one room. Half of them with super powers to use either for good or evil, mix them together with normal civilians and oh yeah you get this! But who’d knew this would happen?” 

 “(Y/n) I get your angry but now’s not the time for any sarcastic remark.” Uncle Foggy tried to reason with me.

“Babe.” Eddie called out to me.

“What!?” I snapped.

“Help them.” I let out a groan as I stood on top of the large firepit that was now roaring and being our only source of warmth in this shelter.  I took a deep breath and with my own She-Devil scream I cried out as loud as I could through the clamoring crowd.

“SHUT IT!!!!” but even as my voice echoed through the shelter, it did nothing to deter the fighting.  That was until Nancy came up and stood beside me and as her eyes glowed red and with a wave of her hand as it glowed red, the fighting soon stopped and everyone turned towards us.

“The She devil wants to speak.” She then released everyone from her mind control and got off of the firepit. I glared at her briefly at the nickname but turned my attention back to the crowd.

“Some of you hate me and I’m really starting to hate most of you. Everyone in here hates someone else right now.” Everyone nodded at my statement and I heard a few people verbalize their agreement.  “Yet here we are. And here’s the deal, first person to walk out those doors is dead. And if we can’t keep our shit together, everyone’s dead. We all got one chance to survive this storm because of them.” I said circling around the firepit before stopping and pointing at my dad and Eddie.

Jane, now having healed them of their frostbite and stages of hypothermia, stood up and her father Chief Hopper and Joyce were now putting heating blankets over them.

“The Man without fear and freak. The son of the vicious Puppet master! Well their names are Daredevil and Eddie Munson. And while everyone in this room as either ran from them, cheated them, or insulted them. All they’ve been trying to do is make this city a better place. To be two of the greatest men that this city should be lucky to have even though no one would give them a chance!”

I hopped off the firepit and walked over to them and continued to say as I sat between them.

“They’re the ones who got you out of the storm. Eddie Munson himself built this place, and despite wanting to let you all freeze, he and Daredevil risked everything to bring you here.” As I spoke, I could see heroes, criminals and civilians all starting to feel bad about what I was saying and take it to heart that Eddie Munson and Daredevil weren’t the bad guys here.

“I know this storm has tested us all in more ways than anything else in the past. But sometimes we must come together in order to survive and come out stronger.” My dad spoke exhaustedly.

“I’m not one for motivational speeches cause hell I’m too cynical for that type of stuff.” Eddie chuckled softly before letting out a hacking cough.  I rubbed his back before he continued, “But if there’s one thing Daredevil taught me tonight, it’s that there is hope for community. So just while we are in here, can we not come together in a truce?” Everyone stared at Eddie in silence until the most unlikely voice spoke up.

“The boy….is right.” We all turned to see that it was Wilson Fisk himself that spoke.  “Daredevil is right as well. I promise, I will not harm anyone. Not while we’re in here.” Wilson Fisk brought his wife close to him and what surprised everyone was seeing one of the orphans that came with Steve and Robin walk up to Fisk.

The Kingpin looked at the young boy then removed his coat and gave it to the young boy.  He then allowed the child to sit on his lap for warmth while Vanessa also cuddled up to the boy to keep him warm.  With a scene like that, it proposed everyone to gather around and help one another out to keep warm.

This was truly a sight that I’ll never be able to see again.  Civilians, criminals and heroes all huddled together and helping aiding anyone who still needed medical treatment or extra warmth.  I turned to see Frank Castle walking over to my dad holding a heating blanket.  He and my dad had always butted heads when it came to ‘doing what was right’ but he soon said to me dad.

“Gotta hand it to yah Red. You proved me wrong tonight.” He then covered my dad up with the extra heating blanket and my dad gave him a nod in gratitude.  I then saw Wayne sit close to Eddie and bring him close as he said.

“What’s going through your head son?”

“W-would……she be proud of me?” Eddie said exhaustedly.

“She’d be damned proud of what you did tonight. She’d probably say she’d be lucky to have a son like you, I know I am.” I walked over to them and put myself between my dad and Eddie.  I took both of their hands in mine rubbing my thumbs over their chilled skin.

“You both may say you don’t like the term heroes being associated with your names, but you both proved to be the greatest heroes Hawkins is lucky to have. And I’m proud to call those heroes my dad and boyfriend.” I felt Eddie cuddle himself closer to me on my right side while dad took the extra heating blanket he got from Castle and wrapped it around both me and Eddie.

Throughout the night, we all kept warm throughout the worst of the storm and not once did a single fight break out within our sanctuary.

When the storm finally blew over and passed us the waterbenders, now including Eddie in their ranks, cleaned up the last remnants of the snow.  The mayor of Hawkins also appointed to honor the brave heroes who helped save the people of Hawkins but it was my dad and Eddie that received a special type of reward.

The Mayor personally called it the ‘Hawkins Medal of Truce’.  Eddie occasionally jokes that he was only given the Medal cause the Mayor didn’t want to lose his position in office but he can’t deny that after what he did alongside my dad, the town of Hawkins really came to see him in a new light.

No longer did anyone call him ‘The Freak of Hawkins’ or the Prodigal son of the Puppet master.  And surprising even, Jason Carver would snap at anyone who dared to try and give Eddie a hard time at school.  Now not saying their friends or anything but there seems to be a gleam of gratitude for what Eddie did and that he was able to save Jason from losing both his legs when his own parents just left him to die in the storm.

Eddie and I were currently doing some stargazing after finally being able to see the night sky after all this Snowmageddon BS.

“So you’re not going to get a big-head now that the town’s calling you a hero?” I asked him.

“Me a big head? I am deeply offended that you’d suggest such a thing.” Eddie gasped exasperatedly while holding his hand over his heart in mock offense.  I raised my brow at him and he brought me close into his lap and said, “To be honest it feels a bit weird. I mean one second I’m the town’s pariah and the next I’m treated like I’m a Harrington or something.”

“You and my dad saved 300 people Eddie. From your average Joe’s to high ranking political personals. From the slum down criminals to the fucking Kingpin himself. Orphans, heroes, and everyone else inbetween. I’d be shocked if even one of those people forgot about what you did for them.”

“Still, it’s weird to see Carver suddenly tone down his bullying against us especially since he’s had an axe to grind with me since we were in kindergarten.”

“Yeah but be thankful that your actions at least humbled his ass. Just promise me that when you do finally become the Hero I know you can be, you don’t forget the people who really matter.” I cupped the side of his face and tucked the wild strands of his hair behind his ear.

“Me? Forget about you and Wayne? Never.” He leaned in and we kissed each other lovingly.  “You guys are the ones that truly matter the most to me.”

“Don’t forget about the others.”

“Yeah but those guys are not as important as you and Wayne are. In my life I just want to make both you and Wayne proud.”

“You already have babe.” I cupped the side of his face and he turned his face toward my palm before giving it a loving kiss at the center of it.  “I love you, Eddie Munson.”

“I love you (Y/n) Murdock.” He leaned in again for a more passionate kiss and that’s what we did for the rest of the night under the full moon.   

[natchiiii]

Miss Academia Chapter 2: Q26

☆ Pairings: Wooyoung x reader, Minho x reader

☆ Characters: Bodyguard, Bookstore boy, Redheaded

Warnings: crying, mention of past trauma, swearing Word count: ~5.8k

Next Chapter . Masterlist . Previous Chapter .

Time really flies because, just like that, summer break is over. One day, you were playing badminton and spending time with Mom and Dad as much as you could, and now you’re standing outside your house with bags in both hands and both shoulders with your mouth hung open.

Your aunt sent you a car, and it’s definitely wrong to call it just a car. You’ve only seen cars like this in movies. A shiny, dark navy-coloured Bentley Brookland, and this is just to get to you to the railway station.

A smart guy in his late 30s with a proper suit and tie and his hair styled properly with jel came out of the driver's seat. It's so obvious that he’s not from here.

“What is going on here?” The nosy neighbor in her 50s from the opposite house came out of her door. Your eyes widened, checking your watch. It’s still 5 in the morning. No one’s usually awake at this time in this town. You specifically chose the time, so the attention is not on you.

Because you live in a small town on the outskirts of town, everyone knows everything about everyone. Yes, everything, and you’re no exception. The stories you, yourself, wish you could forget always got brought up by these simple-minded townspeople. Just how could someone talk about the things that broke the little girl so openly and casually? It broke and weakened the mind of little Y/n even more.

Mom and Dad did everything they could to protect you. Aunt Jeongie herself tried to fix the problem in her own way, which is kind of a funny story for later, but the damage was already done. Even though now the talks about you have lessened a lot, it’s still there.

And guess who is the biggest news reporter in this town? Absolutely correct, Mrs. Nosy Rosy, who is now crossing the road from the opposite house faster than she listened to your suggestion on getting her joints checked by the doctor. 

You predicted osteoarthritis from an early stage, which is mild pain in the knees when moving, stiffness after sitting for a long time, weak thighs, et cetra et cetra. She did in the end, though, after her condition worsened and surgery was needed.

After months and months of doing everything to keep the news as close and secret as possible, it is now all doomed. 

“FUCKKKK!” 

You wish you could scream out. 

“Here comes the investigator,” Mom mumbled before putting on a friendly face. You hate when she does that, but she said, “We don’t know when the time to need help comes.” As if you will ever ask these creatures for their help, and as if they could help anything at all.

The guy bowed to you all before speaking, “Good morning. I’m Park Seo-Joon, I’m assigned to take care of Miss Y/n.” You recalled him as Jeongie told you. She assigned him to escort you all the way to ‘Haven,’ the city you’ll be spending the next part of your life in. Seojoon introduced himself with a charming smile, holding his hand out. Your mom was about to take his hand when. “Take care of Miss Y/n?” Oh my god, that voice. Deep breath, Y/n, deep breath.

Seojoon glanced between Nosy and you. “Ye..s,” He spoke hesitantly, unsure of what was going on. “I’m taking her to Ha-” You shook your head with wide eyes. “Ha Ha….HAHAHAHAHA” 

Dafuq

Mom also started copying Seojoon, laughing along, still trying to hide it. She signaled you with her eyes to laugh along as well, so you did. “Hahahahaha” in a monotone.

Nosy looked at you three weirdly. “Ha?” She thought for a moment before it clicked. “Haven?”

You exhaled deeply. At these moments, she becomes Sherlock.

There’s no use keeping it now. If she doesn’t get the answer clearly, she’ll keep on bothering Mom after you’re gone. “I’m moving.” They all turned to you. “I’m going to study at Will Academy.” Let’s just say everything so she’d shut up. She gasped with her hand over her mouth. “That’s all.” You said through gritted teeth, glaring into her in daring her to open her mouth again. 

She nodded obediently before slowly walking away. You glared at her until she closed her door. You just know she is peeking out from the window.

Mom finally took Seojoon’s hand. “M/n M/l/n, she’s…sorry.” “Don’t be. Nosy people are everywhere.” Seojoon replied with a lavishing smile at Mom. Wherever Dad is, he’s definitely glaring diggers into this Park Seojoon guy. You moved past them to put your stuff in the trunk. Your hands were about to give out from holding the heavy bags for a long time.

“Let me help you.” Seojoon offered you a hand. “I can manage.” You rejected his offer, which stunned him, you don’t know why, but he still went to grab your other stuff at the doorstep. You walked back after putting the ones you were holding in the trunk, taking the others from him. “I said I can manage.” He watched you with a confused frown, turning to your Mom. She made a ‘Yeah, she’s like that.’ Face. 

Jeongie did tell him things about you. He didn’t understand it then.

After putting all your things in the trunk, you turned to Mom. Now, you’re fully aware of the situation. 

This is it.

You won’t see her for a long time. You won’t be able to see her face or be in her presence. Who will hug you before going to school? Or coming back after a long day? Or before going to bed? Who will make you laugh? Even if you don’t show any cheery expressions or laugh now, it always comes easily with her. And the little you were able to laugh and smile will also be gone. Who will you run to when anything happens? You blinked the tears that started to pool in your eyes. How will you even survive alone?

You pulled her into a tight hug. She was stunned that you hugged her first before gladly hugging you back just as tight. Tears pooled in her eyes as she felt your tears on her shirt. 

You both stood there hugging, taking in the moment as much as you could.

But you would be standing here all day if you don’t let go now. The longer you stay, the harder it’ll get. You loosened your hug, looking back at her face. This is why you tried to keep it in, seeing her sad or worried always breaks your heart. Taking her face, you wiped her tears, which caused her to let out a little chuckle. “Call me every day.” She said to you shakily, still trying to give you the sweetest smile. You nodded, smiling back at her. “Every day,” You confirmed. She kissed your forehead, wiping your tears as well.

Even if you won’t be able to see her face, just hearing her voice would be more than enough to soothe you at that point. “Whenever, okay?” She knows that you try to keep everything to yourself, not wanting to worry her. You nodded before turning to Dad, who was standing near the door. 

He was looking anywhere but at you. Dad doesn’t talk much, just like you. Still, you two enjoy each other's company. You walked to him, taking him by surprise when you hugged him, tears continued flowing down your face. You still love him very much. He stood there frozen for a moment before hugging you back awkwardly. Your mom smiled at him in amusement, shaking her head. 

When you let go, he shuffled your head softly, which shocked you. Tears fill your eyes even more. 

He hasn’t done that in a long time. 

“Take care of yourself. Call me, Mom, or Monnie if anything happens. I’ll get there right away.” You nodded with a little chuckle, blinking away and wiping the annoying tears that kept blurring your vision. “You both take care of yourselves, too.” “Don’t worry about us, hon.” Mom said, “Now go on.” She pushed you lightly, even if she also wished you could stay a little longer.

Your feet felt heavy as you forced yourself to move to the car. Seojoon was holding the door of the back seat open. You resisted the urge to turn back around and hold them once more. 

FUCK IT

It’s now or never, so you turned around, running back to hug both of them one more time before quickly getting in the car. You waved your hand to them until they were out of sight as more tears flowed down your face non-stop. 

That was when Dad finally let go, letting out a soft sob in Mom’s hold. “How will she live?” “Isn’t this too early?”

They have been thinking about your future for a long time, knowing how you don’t fit into the local education system or the society here, but they didn’t think the time would come this fast. Your talent and love for learning can’t be fulfilled by this place, and if Haven can provide you with all those things, they’d wholeheartedly let you go even if it’ll be hard. 

//

After an hour and a half of the ride, you reached the railway station. You watched as your hometown disappeared, trees and greenery turning into buildings. Your town is away from all the city chaos. People live a slow life and move with the flow there. You’d have to adjust a lot in Haven.

You were now standing awkwardly on the side, watching as the station workers loaded your stuff onto the train’s VIP zone. You tried to do it yourself again, but Seojoon stopped you this time.

“She may not be used to our way of…doing things,” Sejeong told him.

He cleared his throat, thinking how to explain it to you. “That is not your work, Miss.” You frowned at him confusedly, so he continued. “Uhh…that’s not how things work for where you’re going.”

“You mean I can’t do my own things in Haven?” That just sounds stupid. “Well, how you put it sounds…You let workers do their job, you know? While you should be…comfortable.” This is his first time teaching someone how to live Haven’s life.

You’ve heard about it from Jeongie. Like, what do you mean there’s always someone doing things for you? And you just sit there like a master? No, thank you. You do not want that for yourself. 

You don’t need anyone’s help.

The inner of the VIP zone was exquisite and very luxurious. You had no idea these parts even existed on trains. Aunt Sejeong always manages to leave you speechless with her extravagant ways. You understand Dad’s disapproval; it’s just impractical to spend this much on every little thing, but that’s just their lifestyle.

You watched the scenery out of the window until you fell asleep. Yes, you slept the whole way. Only waking up for the breakfast and lunch meal that was prepared for you specifically. You haven’t been able to sleep properly in the past week from being excited and rather nervous about the changes you’ll be facing in the near future.

//6 hours later//

“We’ve arrived, Miss Y/n,” Seojoon said, poking your arm from the opposite seat. Rubbing your eyes, you sit back straight. Where did this pillow come from? You looked up at Seojoon to see him smiling proudly. You slung your hand carry bag over your shoulder, moving off the train. Forgetting to prepare yourself, your eyes widened as you got off, your sleep daze completely gone. You were blown away by how large and grand this station was. You blinked, reminding yourself where you’ve arrived.

"...Distinguished guests, welcome to Haven, enjoy your stay..."

You heard from the loudspeaker of the station. The place was buzzing with all these...really distinguished guesses. Everyone here was in their best attires, looking all classy and stylish. You felt completely out of place in your simple track shorts, white hoodie, and track shoes to be travel friendly.

You waited with your carriage trolley as Seojoon went to contact the car-keeping booth for Jeongie’s car he parked here when he was going to receive you. You don’t understand why he had to sit on the train 6 hours back and forth, which is 12 hours, plus driving to your home and back 3 more hours added, and you don’t know how far away Jeongie’s mansion is, so basically he had to travel 15 and more hours for you. 

It makes absolutely NO SENSE.

You feel sorry for him. But since you can’t do anything about it now, let’s appreciate and be thankful.

You stood there, not knowing what to do. You felt eyes on you.

Reminder: You’re not poor, just from a middle-class family, an ordinary one.

You didn’t look bad at all, though, cause literally, who wears such an elegant but so not easy-to-breath corset top while traveling? Not that you’ve worn them before, but you’ve definitely heard about it. You weren’t sure if you should appreciate the fashion and ways of dressing up of each individual first or the station’s inner designs. You decided to do the latter.

Looking around, there were many shops inside the grand station, convenience stores, drug stores, souvenirs, restaurants, and…a bookstore?! 

A gasp left your mouth at seeing the huge bookstore, heart picking up its pace. You started shaking your leg frantically and bit your lips to control yourself. Where is Seojoon? He better come back right now, or you won’t be able to resist yourself. 

You know what? Fuck it, he can wait.

You dragged your luggage trolley to the bookstore, leaving it for one of the station guards to look after it for you. Seojoon told you that Haven is a very safe city. You doubted him then, but right now, you couldn’t care less about your belongings.

You walked around the beautiful store, looking from the magazine zone to the kid’s section, art, novels, and the most exciting section, the Academic zone *glitter sound effect, specifically Biology. You did a thing with your hand in excitement before putting it over your mouth to stop yourself from squealing. You were about to combust from the thrill. You moved closer to the shelve to look at the new untouched textbooks. 

‘Essential Cell Biology, Make sense of life, Invertebrates, Raven Biology of Plants, Microbiology, Environmental Science…’

You reached forward to grab the one that caught your eye. ‘Atlas of Human Anatomy,’ but just as you did, another hand came to grab the same one, making the soft hand hold over yours and the book. You turned your head to the person. A handsome boy around your age turned to look at you as well. He was wearing a black leather jacket and accessorizing it with some necklaces. His dark hair was falling over his eyes. He didn’t look like the type to be in a bookstore and definitely not in the academic zone.

You didn’t notice him after entering and seeing this heavenly section. So, without you knowing, too lost in your fantasy, he saw the thing you did in excitement from the corner of his eyes. But he was focusing on the books from his favorite subject. After scanning them, he found an interesting-looking one, so he reached forward at the same time as you.

He was also slightly surprised, turning to look at the owner of the soft feminine hand.

You two stared into each other's eyes, and it felt like the outside world had suddenly gone quiet.

After a moment of just gazing...intensely gazing at each other, he scanned you up and down. He looked back up at you before pulling on the book lightly, expecting you to let go, but you didn’t. You tightened your hold on the book, eyes turning back sharp. He narrowed his eyes at you, pulling again, but you still didn’t let go. “I took it first,” He spoke up. “Clearly, I took it first.” You retorted back. Your hands were holding the book fully under his that was partial on yours and the book.

~

Seojoon’s eyes widened, looking around frantically as he didn’t see you where he left you.

“Shit”

He just went to grab you and himself some croissants after getting the car key since you two ate lunch on the train at noon, which was an hour ago. “Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck” He cursed under his breath while searching for you frantically everywhere in the station. “Sejeong would kill me.” 

“Where could you be?” “Food? Ice cream? Bar? No, you idiot, she’s underaged. Clothes?…Bookshop?” Then it clicked as he remembered what Sejeong had said. “She loves reading…very passionate about learning…that’s why she got into Will so easily…”

“Books!” He exclaimed before clearing his throat awkwardly from getting some looks his way.

He put his hand on his chest, sighing in relief as he saw your trolley outside the bookshop. He went in, but as he looked around, his eyes widened again as he saw you and a boy fighting over a book.

~

“Let go.” The boy said with a slight firmness, glaring at you. “You let go. Do you even know what book this is?” You argued. He scoffed at the insult, one side of his lips curled up into a smirk.

‘Didn’t expect a cute face to have a sharp tongue.’

He turned fully towards you, tightening the hold on the book and your hand. 

Tilting his head to the side. “Say that again?” He said, stepping closer to you. You glared up at him, determined not to back down while taking steps back to keep the distance between you two. 

Gladly, you emphasized every word of your question. “Do you even know what book this is?” His brow raised at you, accepting his dare, lips turning up again. “Be careful, young lady.” “Or wh-”

“Y/n!” You turned to the side to see Seojoon rushing towards you. Your hands loosened from getting distracted, which gave the boy the chance to snatch it away. You gasped slightly, turning back to see him smirking evilly at you before walking away with the book. Minho could feel your gaze as he paid for the book.

Seojoon watched you in disbelief before grabbing another copy of the textbook.

Oh.

…still, you grabbed it first. You saw it first.

‘Like aunt like niece.’ Seojoon thought with a shake of his head.

The boy turned around to look at you one last time, and before going out of sight...

The bastard winked at you.

You scoffed, upper lips curling in disdain.

//

You walked out of the bookstore with your heart filled, holding a new Bio book. You argued with Seojoon that you just wanted to have a look at it. But the way your eyes glowed as you looked inside the textbook, he just had to buy it for you.

It was the first time he saw your eyes weren't...

emotionless.

You walked beside Seojoon as he dragged your trolley out of the station. You waited alone again as Seojoon went to grab the car from the parking lot.

You’ve come to Haven before to visit Aunt Sejeong, but you were very little back then, so you don’t remember much about the city. As you grew up, Mom, Dad, and Jeongie all became more busy with their work. You only got to talk with Jeongie on the phone, or she was usually the one who came to visit you, but only once in a while.

You miss her a lot, too bad she’s busy today as well, so she couldn’t make it. She’d do anything for you, and from how excited she sounded every time she called to update you about your moving and Will Academy stuff, you just know she would’ve left everything to come for you today, so the fact that she couldn’t make it means the work is exceptionally important today.

You leaned forward on the trolley handle, looking at the city structure. It’s completely different from your hometown. Instead of looking far away to see fields and trees, it’s all these beautiful classically designed buildings. Even the word beautiful sounds inadequate for describing this place…

Magnificent

Yes, magnificent, that’s the word for it.

After a while, you saw Seojoon in the clear window view of a maroon jaguar, driving closer to the station's front. It looks exactly like the small car model Dad collects but enlarged into a real car. You're like living your Dad’s dream right now, getting to see all these beautiful cars. You wish your camera wasn’t in your luggage so you could take a picture to show it to Dad later when you go back. 

See? You haven’t even been here for an hour, and you’re already thinking about going back, this is going to be harder than you thought.

You dragged your carriage trolley to the ramp on the side of the huge stairs, ticking your head at the slope and the heavy trolley before slowly dragging the trolley down the ramp.

You put in as much strength as you could to not let the trolley drag down on its own, but as you went down, you started losing control. Why? Physics, everybody~ stop! This is not the time to think about the fraction and force needed to apply to resist this freaking trolley. You scrunched your nose as you pulled on the trolley with all the strength you could gather. “S..tay”

And as if Mother Nature had heard your struggle, a hand came to hold the handle beside you, slowing the trolley down. You didn’t get to look to the side, focusing on continuing your way down safely first. You breathe out in relief as you reach the flat ground.

You turned to the side to thank the person politely, but the person was gone. You frowned, narrowing your eyes to find the person in the crowd. 

Then you saw it...

the black leather jacket.

Oh

Before you could think much further, Seojoon came to take the trolley from you, bringing your attention back. “Why didn’t you wait?” He asked in concern with a frown.

Why didn’t you wait?

You shrugged.

You (thought) could do it on your own.

//

Now, you were standing at the side with your arms crossed, like a grumpy kid who didn’t get the ice cream flavor they asked for, glaring as Seojoon loaded your stuff into the trunk. He begged you to just let him do his work.

You gave up right away as he did, not liking him begging you at all.

Then a car passed by in front of you, and guess who was inside looking back at you with an amused look? 

Bookstore boy.

Your already bad temper elevated even more, jaw tightening to see him looking at you like that. Your eyes followed as he went out of your line of vision. 

Turning back to the front, Minho let out a chuckle, poking his inner cheeks.

“What?” Felix asked curiously. 

“Met a fiery girl.”

//

“They’ll get your bags to your room.” Seojoon was about to go in with you, but you stopped him. “I seriously think I can manage from here.” You resisted because he did enough too much for you today. “Go rest, Seojoon.” You said stoically but caring.

Yes, you have feelings. Surprise~

You could tell how tired he was from the journey.

Seojoon sighed. “Fine, the key to your room is at the reception. Here’s my number call me whenever you need.” He high-key knew that you wouldn’t, but at least he tried. You took his card, thanking him. Seojoon waited for you to get inside safely before driving away.

You were so tired from the long journey but became wide awake as you turned around to actually look at the condo, and this was only the outside.

Are you even in the right place? You looked up at the big letters.

‘Golden Hour’ 

Okay, maybe it’s just the outer design. 

Nope, it wasn't just the outer design. You were flabbergasted for the thousandth time today by how luxurious it was. You rubbed your eyes in disbelief, and the smell, GOD. Are you in heaven? You circled around yourself slowly to look at everything. There were massive chandeliers in the middle of the lobby area and many sooo comfortable-looking armchairs on both sides of the long carpet you were standing on, which was laid from the entrance all the way up to the reception table.

You didn’t think Dad would choose such a high-cost place, but you doubt there even is a place that looks normal. And by that, you mean your level of normal, not here’s. You felt like crying again, so taking a deep breath, you made your way to the reception table. And yep, the residents were glancing your way.

Clearing your throat, you spoke up hesitantly, “Hi…Room for Y/n…Y/n Y/l/n.” Maybe you’re really in the wrong place.

The receptionist looked up from the computer. Damn, she’s pretty as hell. She scanned you up and down. I’m sorry, this is not a place for commoners like you. Would she say it? Definitely and maybe it's better to hear that than to actually live here.

Recognization came over her, and she smiled. “Yes, Miss Y/n, I was expecting you. You’re right on time. Miss Sejeong informed me that you’ll be arriving soon. Your room is ready, let me guide you.” You relaxed at the warm welcome, nodding with a slight polite smile. She stood up, guiding you to the grand ballroom stairs. “I’m Liz, heard that you’re going to the famous Will Academy?” You snapped your head to her. 

How did she kno-

Oh

You remember Jeongie is really friendly with literally anyone she comes in contact with, so you nod in response.

“Congratulations, I also heard you got the 2nd highest score. You must be really proud.” She said, guiding you up the ballroom stairs to your floor. Who else have you announced this news to, Jeongie?

Something pricked inside you at hearing 2nd. The rank has never once been referred to you up until now.

“Thank you,” You replied simply, feeling kinda overwhelmed to say or think about anything else from the long journey, and Liz seemed to understand your body language, remembering what your aunt said.

“…She might feel too overwhelmed by then, and also she has this...kinda tough personality? So pleaseee don't mind her. Take care of her for me while I’m not there. I feel so…ERGHHH, These idiots keep stuffing work…”

“This is your room, Q26,” Liz said, handing you the key to your room, a small golden key with a heart at the top. ‘Q26’ written on one side, and ‘The key to happiness’ on the other. “If you need anything, I’ll be at the reception table, or you can just press 0 on the telephone inside. Welcome to ‘Golden Hour,’ enjoy your stay.” 

“Thank you, Liz.” You smiled slightly at her before she walked off with her own smile in response. You looked back down at the key in your hand. This will be your new home for a while. “The key to happiness, huh?”

“Happiness.” You repeat the word in a whisper, staring blankly at the key.

After you have no idea how long, you blink back, remembering where you are. Sighing, you prepared yourself before twisting the key and opening the door extremely slowly.

A gasp left your mouth as you walked in, a queen-sized bed in the middle, a beautiful orange lamp on the bedside table, a study table with bookshelves ready for you to fill it, and a large glass door connecting to the balcony with the perfect city view. You removed your shoes before walking further in. A closet room with more space than the clothes you have, kitchen, dining table, big ass bathroom with bathtub, and a glass shower.

Everything you need and more is here for you.

Quickly moving your bags and suitcases inside the room from the hotel carrier bellboy delivered for you, you took out your flip phone from your bag, deciding to call Mom because you can’t handle this all alone. 

You told her that you reached safely before telling her about the room.

“Mama…do I even deserve this?” 

“Hey! Baby, don’t say that. Of course! You deserve it…” She reassured you. “I know you and whatever you’re thinking, so get rid of it. If Dad spend this much on you, he wouldn’t want it all to go wasted by you thinking you don’t deserve it. Do you understand me?” Mom said firmly. “…Yes,” You said poutingly. 

You told her every single detail from the meal you had to the bookstore bastard. When you were done talking, you checked the time. 

‘15:20’ 

Tired, but still wanting to move in properly, you decided to take out your belongings, clear all the bags, and decorate the room to give it a more home feeling. 

‘17:07’

After taking out the last bag of your shoes and putting them on the rag, you plopped down on the floor. “Ye-” *stomach growls, so you ate the croissant Seojoon bought.

After eating, you take a slow cold shower to get rid of all the bacteria and sweat, putting on your PJs, which is the crochet set Mom knitted for you this summer, specifically for you to take with you, a multi-colored crop top, and mini shorts. You put them on while tearing up again.

“Although loneliness has always been a friend of mine, I’m leaving my life in your hand~” You sang along with the radio into the hairbrush in front of the large mirror in the bathroom while also crying ugly, missing Mom. Good job to the person who chose the song at such a perfect moment.

You cried yourself to sleep and slept like death from the adventurous day.

The academy starts in 2 days, and you don’t think you’ll go out of this place until the academy starts.

//Next morning//

“Seojoon?”

“You/I don’t have anything to eat?” You both said at the same time, which caused you to be stunned. “I’m waiting outside.” “Right now?” You asked in disbelief. “Yes”

Wow. How?

You wake up the next morning at your usual routine time, 6 am. Opening your eyes, you were shocked to see an unfamiliar before remembering where you were. You rubbed your puffy eyes from crying last night and pushed yourself off the bed to do your morning yoga to wake your mind and body before hopping into a quick shower. You throw on your grey cropped zip-up hoodie & low-rise shorts set. Like you said, you didn't expect to go anywhere today, but as you opened the refrigerator to find yourself some breakfast, it was empty. 

Not a single fly to feed the hungry girl.

The cupboards were also empty. So, you have to buy everything yourself? 

Well, this is actually the first thing that makes sense since you came here, but how will you go out alone in this unfamiliar, big, scary city? You haven’t seen anything scary yet, but still, it’s a big city, and some things have to happen here. You’ve watched all those crime documentaries with Mom and read many yourself, so yeah, you’d never go out alone. 

But you can’t starve to death, right? You didn’t even get to open the new Atlas book you got. So you decided to call Seojoon.

As Seojoon drove back yesterday, he remembered that there wasn’t any food or utensils, as Sejeong informed him, so he asked Sejeong for your wake-up time so he could be there to help you.

You already had long sleeves on, so you only grabbed your crossbody denim bag with the necessary stuff and walked out, locking the door. You looked around in awe as you made your way down to the lobby since yesterday you were too tired to look carefully at the details.

You're basically a princess right now, living in this castle-like place. Except for the fact that you don't have a tiara or any puffy dresses or a Prince Charming or a pet or...

Okay, maybe not.

You greeted Liz before giving her your room key for safety.

You were completely out of place again, but who cares when you're still stylish and look good in your own way.

//

“The World Mall?”

Seojoon took you to the mall in Haven, which he said has everything you want inside, from the kitchenware, dishes, and all the groceries.

The mall was, of course, no exception in its grandness. There were more teenagers in here, but even then, their fashions were no less than the adults, and, to be honest, you could say it’s even more over the top than what you saw at the train station. This is basically like a gathering place for all the spoilt brats with their Mommy and Daddy’s money.

You feel blinded by all these sparkly glittery dresses, and not just that but elevate it even more with fur coats. Am I in Hollywood? What fabrics even are these crop tops and skirt sets? But they look expensive for sure. Chanel, Saint Laurent, Gucci, Ralph Lauren, and many more high-fashion outfits.

Just…Woah.

“Are we at a fashion show?” You leaned closer to ask Seojoon, to which he chuckled. “This is normal, especially for teenagers.”

You thought you looked good, you do, that’s no doubt, but…*sighs deeply.

What are you supposed to think? When they’re staring at you as if they’ve never seen a normal teenage girl with her cute little outfit that you don’t think is available for sale anywhere in Haven. These high-class humans probably don’t even wear these comfortable clothes in their sleep.

The old Y/n would’ve cared, you now? *Buzzer sound effect.

So you ignore them, like usual. You’ve always been stared at everywhere you went since you were little, no joke. Even from the people who don’t know you or any of your horrible past stories, which is really, really weird.

You remember being extremely self-conscious. Always had a feeling like someone was watching you, even though you were…alone. Yes, it was terrifying, thinking back still gives you shivers. You’ve recovered from it on your own as you started caring less.

You pretended to not care until you realized that you weren’t pretending anymore.

Mom always says that it’s because you’re attractive, your mannerisms, and blah blah blah. *Flicking your hair back sassily while walking past everyone staring. 

There’s no way.

You’re not insecure, let’s make that clear. You just don’t like when people only look at what is shown and not what really is inside. But that’s actually a benefit for you because that’s why you chose to hide everything and turned into this person.

As you make your way up the stairs to the Home and appliances area, you can see them gossiping and whispering to each other secretly while staring at you.

There is something in common between this city and your town, after all. But something was missing, though, there weren’t any pity or disdain expressions on their faces. It was more like…surprise? Curious?

Whatever, you’re just here for grocery shopping, so let's focus on getting that done and get out of this place quickly.

//After an hour//

You were done shopping, so now you were holding half of the bags while Seojoon held the other half. He’s not arguing anymore since you said that you're comfortable this way.

You made your way out of the mall just as a group of boys walked in.

Your shoulder brushed with the redheaded one, causing him to turn his head from talking to his friends to you, but before he could see your face, you had already walked past him.

His eyes followed your figure, slowing down on his track. One of his hands came out of his jeans pocket to rub his neck while checking you out.

Ticking his head to the side at the new but very ho-good-looking fashion. “Someone caught your eyes, buddy?” San teased, wrapping his hands around Wooyoung’s shoulder, bringing his attention back. Wooyoung phewed, adjusting his fashion glasses. 

“I...” He breathed out, not knowing what to say.

'Who are you?'

[space--daemon]

day two of @roudiseshipweek: growth !! under the cut

also on ao3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/61209589/chapters/156472543

“This is not happening.”

“Uh, I think it is?” Rudy asked more than said, looking down at himself. “But just to be sure, what is ‘it’?”

“Oh, you know what you’re doing,” Louise said, bending down to examine his shoes. “Hmm, they look normal.”

“They’re the same as the last time I saw you. Louise, are you mad I went on vacation with my mom? Because I asked when I was leaving and you specifically said you weren’t.”

She had said it in that classic Louise way, through gritted teeth. Of course she wasn’t mad that Rudy was leaving to go on a cruise for a whole month in the middle of their summer break! Of course she wasn’t jealous that he was going to see most of South America when she’d hardly ever been out of state! But when he’d called - his mom’s phone to her dad’s - Louise hadn’t seemed mad at all. In fact, she’d almost seemed happy, only yelling at Gene to get out of my room when he tried to cut into her story of how she and her siblings helped their Aunt Gayle break into her ex’s condo to steal back a letter she’d sent him while drunk. Perhaps it had been naive of Rudy to take that as forgiveness for abandoning her.

“What? No, obviously not. Switch places with me.”

He frowned, but obediently took her spot on the sidewalk. From here, he could see into the restaurant, where her siblings were braiding each other’s hair - or trying to, anyway. It was kinda hard to braid someone’s hair while they were braiding yours - a lot of arms. He caught Mr Belcher’s eye, who nodded before shooting a worried look at Mrs Belcher. Louise’s mom gave Rudy a feeble thumbs up and turned to talk to her husband.

“Huh,” Louise intoned darkly, frown deepening. “Sidewalk isn’t crooked.”

“…Nope. Are we gonna go inside?”

“Not yet.”

“Oh, okay. You wanna ride bikes? My dad has mine but he can bring it over.”

“Nah, I’m good,” Louise shot back with a grimace. “Hey, Rudes?”

“…Yeah?”

“Just relax, huh? Feels like you’re kinda tense, like maybe you’re holding yourself really tight or something?”

“Maybe a little? Because you’re being really weird?”

Louise finally met his eyes, squinting critically. He fought the urge to back away. (Louise would pounce on any sign of weakness.)

“Urgh! Fine!” She grabbed him by the wrist and dragged him into the restaurant.

“Oh, hey, Rudy!” Gene said, looking away from Tina and accidentally getting his hair pulled for his trouble.

“Hi.” Louise gripped his shoulders and positioned him to stand still.

“Stay there. Mom,” she demanded, “you know what to do.”

“Honey,” Mrs Belcher said, mild panic in her eyes, “it really doesn’t matter. You know that.”

“Mom!”

“Uh, what’s going…?”

Mr Belcher met Rudy’s eyes and shook his head, making a slicing motion across his neck. Behind him, he felt Louise’s back press against his. He fought the urge to move.

Louise’s mom sighed and came around the counter, menu in her hands.

“Louise,” Mr Belcher said, ducking into the kitchen slightly, “are you sure you want to do this?”

With the tone of a man at the gallows, Louise said, “I have to know.”

Louise’s mom placed the menu flat on Rudy’s head, and recognition suddenly shot through his synapses. Uh oh.

“Well,” she soothed, “with the ears…”

With a rustle, Louise tore the hat off. “Measure again.”

The menu slid from his head to Louise’s. Down to Louise’s. Oh no.

“Uh…” Mrs Belcher bit her lip. “I… I think Rudy might be kinda… taller?”

Louise said nothing. Rudy held his breath.

“Okay, definitely,” Mrs Belcher continued. “Rudy’s definitely taller.”

“How much?”

“Oh, I don’t have a tape measure-“

Louise handed her mom a ruler that Rudy recognised from Tina’s pencil case. “How. Much?”

The bell above the door rang and Teddy the handyman walked in.

“Hey, Bob- oh, I…”

“Get out, Teddy,” Mr Belcher warned just as Louise yelled,

“Get out, Teddy!”

“Uh, okay! I’ll be back… in a year.” The handyman ran away as Louise’s father murmured,

“We’re gonna have to call him when it’s safe.”

Mrs Belcher sighed and held the ruler up, sliding her hand onto Rudy’s head to read it.

“How much, Mother?” Louise intoned.

“…Trmunfles.”

“Mom!”

“Two inches, honey. I’m sorry!”

Rudy didn’t need his inhaler - and was a million times too frightened to reach for it either way - but took comfort in the weight of the holster on his hip.

Finally, Louise spoke.

“This is so unfair.” Rudy had expected anger, had been preparing for it. The sadness was a total surprise.

He turned to see Louise, hat in her hands, downcast expression on her face.

“What?”

She turned to him, sighing in frustration.

“I didn’t grow at all this summer. Gene grew an inch and a half, Tina pubed out and grew three inches, but I’m exactly as tall as I was in May. And like, who cares if Tina and Gene get taller? No offence, guys.”

“None taken,” Tina said.

“I’ll forgive you if you give me your dessert,” Gene shot back.

“Not happening. But they were already taller than me. Big whoop. But Rudy? If even you’ve beaten me, I’m gonna end up the shortest kid in school. I bet even Pocket-Sized Rudy’s taller when we go back.”

“No…” Her eyes started glistening and Rudy started to panic.

“And it’s dumb! I know it’s dumb! I just thought, I dunno… we’d be shorties together.”

“Oh.”

“Oh my baby!” Mrs Belcher choked, grabbing Louise by the waist and pulling her into a hug.

“We didn’t know you felt like that, Louise,” her dad said. “We all kinda thought you were mad Tina and Gene got new clothes.”

“And I love you this size,” her mom added. “You think I could pick up Gene or Tina anymore?”

“You could at least try!” Her son shot back.

“I wanna hold you as long as I can,” Mrs Belcher continued. “Maybe this is the universe giving me that.”

“Or it’s the universe realising we can’t afford three new sets of clothes in one summer. I mean, we can’t even really afford two,” her dad added.

“Besides,” Tina said, “I had my first growth spurt when I was ten. You can see my midriff in my fifth grade class photo.”

“Sexy!” Gene shouted.

“Gene.”

Louise bit her lip. “Okay. But if I’m not taller than Dad by the time I graduate, I’m cutting him down to size.”

“Oh my God.”

She turned to Rudy, pulling her hat back on. He breathed for what felt like the first time in minutes. “Did you… still wanna ride bikes?”

“Yeah.”

“Okay, let’s go call your dad.” He followed her out of the restaurant up to the apartment.

“Cool. I’d ride on your bike, but I’m probably too tall for it.”

Louise stopped on the stairs and shot him a look. “…You get one.”

“Yup, no problem, lemme call my dad.”

[mamawasatesttube]

hey I sent another person this ask but I GOTTA know your opinion on this. do you think Kon would call Jon + Kara weird mash-up terms (and vise versa) on purpose to be funny and confusing to outside people because of the whole nontraditional family ties thing. like

"hello brother-uncle Kon how are you" "I'm good nephew-bro Jon I just visited our cousin-aunt Kara she says hi" and Clark is just standing there like "you two *please* keep it down I don't want people actually thinking our family is the product of incest"

if anyone i think jon would be the one getting a kick out of that moreso than kon. it feels to me like the ongoing bit a kid would do just to get a rise out of their parent lkdfjs

like to me i guess kon's just straight up Not labeling most of his relationships. there's no brother-dad-uncle-cousin-guy in his life, there's just clark. ma isn't "mom" OR "grandma" she's just ma. lois isn't any sort of mom or stepmom or sister-in-law she's just lois. jon himself is kind of the exception bc kon points at him and goes "baby brother. my baby now" but i think that's about the Only one who gets a label that isn't just. them. you ask him what he and clark call each other and he just goes uh... he's just? kal-el? and then gives you a weird look bc why does it matter. kara gets simply "cousin" bc that can be vague and general enough it doesn't imply any specific relationship.

but also not to overthink a joke ask but that DOES also have me pondering the way "conner kent" has to define his relationships to outsiders. if jon's his little brother, people will assume he's clark's son. which he doesn't really like, but at the same time, they definitely have a strong resemblance (haha, #justclonethings, amirite fellas?) and clark's adopted, so it's hard to say they're just brothers or cousins as opposed to the story people assume, which is he's the product of some sort of teenage fling clark had. i don't think kon likes this story at all, but it's probably the most convenient, secret identity-wise. hmm... much to ponder.

[farity]

Family is Everything, part 2

Pairing: Modern AU BabyDaddy!Aegon Targaryen x you

Yet another ficlet inspired by a picture of TGC with a bebe

Warning:  OFC has unnamed chronic illness/breastfeeding issues - little bit of smut

Part 1 

.

“Give her to me, Aegon,”  Helaena demanded auntie privileges after baby Vizzy woke up from her nap.  “Come here, dumpling.”  

“Whoever has her when she poops changes the diaper!” Aegon yelled after his sister, who merely flipped him off as she took the baby to the kitchen, where Alicent was warming up her bottle.

You were still feeling a little guilty about having had to stop breastfeeding but having had a flare up last month where you had been in so much pain, merely breathing had been a trial.  You had refused to take the new medication because it would mean no more breastfeeding your daughter.  

“You know I will support you whatever you decide,” Aegon had said, sitting next to your bed.  “She’s had months of getting your breast milk, she’s happy and healthy, and right now, you’re neither.”

It got so bad that he had to hold the baby up so you could feed her, and you realized that taking care of your health did not mean you were being a bad mom.  You were taking care of yourself so you could take care of your daughter.  Two days after starting the new medication, you were up and around, and Vizzy was learning to hold her bottle.

You felt Aegon’s arms around you as you watched Helaena feeding your daughter.  “You’re an amazing mom.  She is the happiest baby I’ve ever seen, and that’s your doing.”  He kissed your cheek, and you turned to kiss him on the lips.  

“You’re a great dad, it’s not all me.”

Helaena looked up at that moment, smiled excitedly at you two as Vizzy continued sucking on her bottle.  The baby reached up and grabbed her aunt’s hand, and Helaena began cooing at her.  

* * * * *

“Do you really have to hit her so hard?”

Luke winced every time Aegon smacked the baby’s back to burp her.  

“She’s fine, Luke,” you said, rubbing his shoulder.  “If they don’t burp, their bellies are full of air and they’re in pain.”

He nodded, but still didn’t look completely convinced.

Vizzy let out a huge burp, and Aegon smiled, “that’s my girl!”  He turned her around and sat her on his leg.  “Want me to burp you, too?” he asked Luke.

“Uh, can I get you over here for a moment?” Alicent’s boyfriend Criston looked at Aegon, signaling the backyard with his head.

Aegon looked at you and your eyes widened.  You were pretty sure you knew what was happening, and you took your daughter from him, and went back to hang out with Luke and his brother Jace.

“So,” Luke began, “she is definitely going to have hair, right?”

* * * * * 

You watched as Aemond was also summoned and then Helaena went out to the backyard, then Criston went back inside to get Alicent.  

“When are Baela and Jacey coming back?” you asked while keeping watch on the kitchen door that led to the backyard.  Jace’s wife Baela and their son were visiting grandparents.  Baela’s sister Rhaena and Luke had a long-term flirtation going on, and there was a betting pool amongst the cousins as to who was going to be the first one to make an actual move.  Most of the bets were on Rhaena.

Jace pulled out his phone and began to show you pictures Baela had sent.  “He’s so big!” you exclaimed.  

Smiling proudly, Jace began to share anecdotes and stories about his son, and then there was a loud cheer from the backyard and everyone in the house looked at each other.  You took your daughter over to the kitchen door and looked out to the backyard, where Alicent and Criston were hugging and Aegon and his siblings were clapping.  Aegon caught sight of you and beckoned you over. 

Aegon hugged Criston, clapping him hard on the back before he wrapped his arms around his mother, kissing her cheek.  Aemond and Helaena congratulated both of them as well before Alicent saw you and flashed her new engagement ring.  “I’m so happy for you both!” you said, hugging her tightly while Aegon took your daughter.

Criston hugged you as well as Luke and Jace joined the group.  “So when are you two making it official?” he asked, looking from you to Aegon.

“Don’t look at me,” Aegon said, “I’ve asked her three times.  Isn’t that right, Vizzy?”  The baby babbled back at her father.  “She knows!”  He looked at you, the love he felt for you clear in his eyes.  

“I’d say we’re pretty damn official as we are,” you replied, smiling back at him.

* * * * * 

Back home, Vizzy was long asleep in her crib after a full day of playing with family, and Aegon reached over to grab the back of your head.  “I adore you, you know that?”  He kissed you slowly, and you sighed against him.  Almost four years together and you could barely remember your life before him.  

He traced the line of your jaw with his fingertips, laid you back on the bed.  “You’ve made my life complete,” he whispered, one hand reaching under your shirt.  

You did the same, pulling up his t-shirt until he reached back to grab it and yank it over his head.  His skin was hot against yours as you pulled him down with you.  “You two are everything to me,” you replied.  He was shoving down his pajama bottoms and as your need grew, you got rid of yours as well.  “I want you, all the time, Aegon.”

He began kissing your neck, that spot under your ear that he knew made you shiver, and you wrapped your legs around him.  You felt him reach between you and then he was sinking into you, the welcome weight of him pinning you to the bed.  He began rocking his hips against you, the need swirling inside you as he reached under your knee and pulled your thigh up higher, sinking even deeper into you.  “Fuck,” he moaned, letting his head sink into your hair.

You rolled your hips to match him, your breathing uneven as you felt him get even harder inside you.  You loved it when he lost himself inside you, when he was became incoherent with need for you, and your nails sank into his back as he began to thrust harder.  You were so close, your whimpers louder and louder until the orgasm hit you, the rolling wave of pleasure taking over until you felt him groaning into your hair and after a few more thrusts, you were both still, wrapped around each other.

* * * * * 

“Remember when we met and you thought I was a spoiled fuck boy?”

You smiled, warm and safe in the cocoon of his arms.  “Aegon, you were a spoiled fuck boy.”  You looked up and catch him smiling. 

“And then you brought me to your place, fucked me twice, and threw me out right after.”

It was your turn to smile.  “And yet here we are.”  You had fallen in lust with Aegon the moment you met him, and you’d realized what he was all about.  A rich boy who’d never had any boundaries.  

So you gave him some.

His mother liked to tell you that you’d turned the boy into a man but in your mind, the man had always been there.  He needed someone who believed in him and told him “no” once in a while.  

“I love you,” you whispered against his cheek, brushing his hair out of his eyes.  

“And I love you, my heart.”

He held you close, and you drifted off to sleep together, legs intertwined.

[numbuh-7-knd]

Random Naruto AU musings/fanfic ideas incoming:

OK so, I was listening to Naruto theme songs in my room via speaker to drown out the sounds of my mother/housemate having a private appointment downstairs via zoom. (As you do)

And I started to think of how Asuma's death kind of represented a turning point where the konaha 12 are not kids anymore, things are getting serious, main ensemble members are drying, ect.

And I thought, the other thing like that in the original series was the death of the third homage. Exept even that didn't hit as hard because he was old and stuff. Then I realized one big opportunity lost with his death: the person was likely to maybe someday tell Naruto the truth of his parents, especially since he's the one who made it classified in the first place.

Here's where the AU comes in: I was trying to think of scenarios in which the third would have allowed Naruto to know about his parents during the time before the thirds death, and had a thought: there's a bunch of fics out there of Wave having some connection to hidden Whirlpool village, Uzushio, either neighbors or even that they were protected by/allied with Uzushio before the village destruction.

So what if, during the wave arc, Tazuna and the other villagers reacted when they heard Naruto's last name, being overjoyed to hear that at least one Uzumaki survived. Being hush hush about it because they don't want Gato to know because having an Uzumaki present threatens his standing.

Eventually they get Naruto alone with some of the older villagers who express their relief and exitment that there are still surviving Uzumaki after the destruction of Uzushio.

Naruto is so confused, poor kid. These old people are almost acting like he's some long lost relative or something, something about his last name, the destruction of some place called Uzushio? And what's this about asking about his family? Are all these old people senile and mistaking him for someone else?

The villagers confirm his last name is Uzumaki, and that they are talking about his clans home village of Uzushio, which was destroyed during the last war. What do you mean you've never heard of it? Is your ancestral homeland surely your parents would have mentioned it.

And then they learn that he's an orphan left all alone in the world, nothing of his family save his name and the symbol on his back. He tries so suggest that maybe he's not related to those Uzumaki, only to be rebuffed by a team of geriatrics, each pointing out some innocuous feature they swear is an Uzumaki trait, from his speech pattern and large amount of Chakra, to his ears and his chin.

By the end a group of Wave villagers old enough to remember Uzushio in its prime have mentally adopted Naruto and started telling him stories of Uzushio and the Uzumaki Clan, even trying to determine who he might be related to.

Eventually an old woman remembers a friend of hers, who's daughter was sent away to Konoha years before the attack, to be a Konoha ninja. they figure that must have been his mother, and naruto puts together that he was born around the same time as the nine tails attack of the village and they come to the conclusion that his mother probably died in the attack, weakened from childbirth, maybe even dying to protect her baby, and that he must not have had a dad in the picture for him not to be claimed afterwards.

Maybe they even introduce him to a village elder who's actually an Uzumaki and married into Wave decades ago, even long before the attack, and as she took her husband's name and wasn't a ninja, no one caught on. Maybe it Turns out to be his great aunt or something.

I'm imaging the bridge being named something representing the return of the Uzumaki clan.

Also, when the missions over and is time to return to Konoha, the entire village of Wave tries to fight for custody, especially his Great Aunt, who insists on accompanying them back to Konoha to interrogate the Hokage as to her grand nephew's treatment.

Maybe his newly found great aunt or distant cousin decides to move to Konoha, maybe with a bunch of her kids and grandkids giving Naruto a bunch of cousins. Or maybe he just gains a single elderly Uzumaki refugee from Wave.

I feel like Sasuke would be pretty mad/offended on narutos behalf over having the knowledge of his family hidden from him, since at least Sasuke has his memories and his clans belongings.

It'd be pretty funny if however many Uzumakis end up in the village, they all more or less adopt Sasuke as well as Naruto.

[knickynoo]

Headcanons for what Marty and Jennifer are like as parents, and how Doc/his family interact with the kids?

Anon, this is such a late reply, and I'm sorry. I'm making a concerted effort to finally get to some of the asks I've been neglecting.

Also, I'm almost positive that I once made a post of Marty and Jen as parents headcanons, but I must have forgotten to add a link in my pinned post, and the Tumblr search function is useless, so I can't find it. Anyway, I may end up repeating some of what I put in there or even contradicting it, lol.

Of course, I'm going with the improved, happy Jen and Marty marriage timeline for this. So, as parents, they're a pretty united front. They're both very involved in all aspects of the kids' lives from the start and excited to embark on such a wonderful journey for their family.

Being first-time parents and also having twins leaves Marty and Jen utterly exhausted for, like, a solid year or two. They're happy, but they're tired. As such, they're sure to divide up the work, take over for the other when needed, and also rely pretty heavily on family for support. Jen's parents help out a lot, as do George and Lorraine. I can see Aunt Linda and Uncle Dave stopping by a good deal as well to help with tasks around the house or just watch the twins for a little while so Marty and Jen can sleep.

Doc and Clara play a very big role in the kids' lives! Of course! Doc and Clara love those McFly kids!!! Makes me lose my mind to think about. They don't even wait to be called upon or anything; they just show up at the house, announce they're taking Junior and Marlene for the day, hand a home-cooked meal to Jen and Marty, and then leave. Marty and Jen are incredibly thankful for their help, and Doc and Clara love having babies around again.

Doc is like the very chaotic uncle, but in like...the most responsible way. He's got Dad-Mode down pat at this point, and he slips right into it with Junior and Marlene, but he also knows how to let them have some (supervised) wild fun. He plays games that teach them science concepts and lets them help with small projects of his when they're able to do it safely. He also reads lots of Jules Verne to them. Marty definitely calls Doc one day and goes, "Junior and Marlene are playing an elaborate game of Around the World in 80 Days outside. Can I assume this is your influence?" The kids also start digging a giant hole in the yard at some point, and that's how Marty and Jen know they've started reading Journey to the Center of the Earth.

Clara absolutely dotes on the twins every opportunity she gets. They both find such comfort in her presence and love spending time with her. She has a special place in her heart for Junior. On nice nights, she takes Junior and Marlene outside to sit on blankets and look at the stars. She teaches them about the constellations and the stories that go with them.

Okay, this is something I know I mentioned in that other post I can't find: Marty writes individual songs for Junior and Marlene that he sings to them at night. It starts off as something he does to help them sleep at night, but it's a tradition that continues until the kids are much older.

Jennifer likes to involve the kids in as many experiences as possible, so she's always looking for little art classes they can take, museums to take them to, hobbies to introduce to them, etc. She also sets aside days every so often where she just takes one kid along for an afternoon of doing something special with them that align to their interests. Maybe on those days, Marty takes the other kid and does the same.

Lately, I've been thinking about Marty and Jen having a third child at some point and what that scenario would look like. One thing I know for sure is that they would not have an "M" name.

You'd sent this ask in late September, and I ended up writing two Doctober chapters that include Marty, Jen, the kids, and Doc and Clara! I'll link them in case anyone might be interested :) HERE & HERE

Thanks for the ask!

[fensherohair]

The Marauders & The Metamorphic Witch Part 9

Words: 1.9k Warning: None although mentions of dating Pronouns: She/Her

Christmas was drawing closer; the many students seemed to be in a constant buzz of excitement. Many spoke about their plans, discussing if they would be going home for the holidays or staying within the walls of the castle. The castle itself had been decorated, and the great hall had several trees around the side, with a larger one behind the professor's area at the back of the hall, especially decorated by the professors. The candles floating in the hall had holly wrapped around the base, with snow falling from the cloud sky, hiding the arched ceiling. Even the grand staircase had been decorated. With tinsel lining the many moving staircases, some with sparkling baubles, too. The pictures had Christmas trees with them or something Christmas-related, and a few even singing Christmas songs. 

Of course, the common rooms hadn't escaped the Christmas makeover. Each had a tree in the corner near the fire. Decorated in the house colors with Hogwarts emblem baubles here and there. Other decorations had also appeared around each common area, seemingly overnight. The first-year students always seemed to be amazed, whereas the older ones grinned at the reminder Christmas was coming. Every now and again, mistletoe would appear in a doorway or above a random area where students gathered. However, the Scottish weather had likely already reminded them the holidays drew closer, with the thick snowfall beginning in November and seeming to be constant. Until the ice and snow created a winter wonderland out of the castle grounds, even the great lake had frozen over. 

"Are any of you staying here for Christmas?" asked Isolde, a soft smile gracing her lips as she remembered her parents informing both her and Allegra they would be staying at the castle this year. Their loving parents had finally got around to going on the romantic getaway they'd always talked about doing. Isolde had accepted it without much fuss, instead looking forward to exploring the castle when it was almost empty and getting to experience something new. Allegra, on the other hand, had written a harsh letter back to their parents, demanding they either change their plans or allow her to go to her favorite aunts for Christmas. Not surprisingly, they had refused, explaining it was too short of notice and the aunt would also be away with her own family. 

"I will be, same with my dear older brother," stated (Y/N), recalling her parents were going to travel the world this Christmas, visiting her uncle in Egypt and Grandpa in America. The plans had been in place for a while now, but the uncle wasn't one who they got to see often, even if he always wrote and sent gifts for special occasions. Plus, it had been some time since their father had seen his own dad and his side of the family. The visit there was long overdue. 

"I'll be going home, much-needed time with my sister Petunia," stated Lily, her bright smile dimming a little as she remembered how their once strong sisterly bond had faded in recent years. To the point that they barely spoke, and Petunia often ignored her. She had her own life now, friends that were normal rather than magical. "I'm hoping to fix our relationship; things haven't been the same since finding out I was a witch," commented the redhead, awkwardly moving her hair and brushing her fingers through it. She looked around the quiet dorm room, to her trunk that was already packed, and the presents sitting on top from three of the girls surrounding her. 

"Family Christmas for me. Three generations in one house," chuckled Marlene, recalling the chaos that happened every year, her brothers always excitable on Christmas morning, ready to rip into the gifts, her grandparents telling stories of the past, her parents, aunt, and uncles casting a few spells to help the day go easier and entertain the younger ones. Despite the screaming, terrible singing, and often embarrassing stories, it still ended up being another perfect Christmas, even if the adults did end up tipsy or outright drunk by the night's end. 

"At least I get rid of most of you and the boys," grumbled Allegra; the tension between the Smith Twins hadn't eased over the past month or so; if anything, it had gotten worse, to the point it was difficult for most to be around and the shared dorm had become almost unbearable. The two barely spoke to each other now and only stayed in the same place when there was no other choice, such as classes and the great hall. They did their best to stay away from each other when in the great hall and traveling between classes. Although Allegra still stayed close to the group, she often made rude comments. She acted as if she was the de facto leader, trying to control what everyone did and often shouting about the mischief and pranks being worthless. 

"Remus mentioned Sirius was staying in the castle this year," voiced Marlene, glancing over to (Y/N) sitting on her bunk holding her penguin plushy, an open box of Berty Bots on the trunk at the end of her bed. "Apparently, he had a falling out with his parents about something, so he chose to stay behind," she added, mindlessly braiding her blonde locks, almost laughing as (Y/N) seemed to miss why Sirius chose to hang around the castle rather than taking James up on his offer to go to the Potter's for the holidays. 

"He's a tosser, but he's somehow adorable at the same time," commented Lily, noticing the way (Y/N) looked around at the mention, still appearing oblivious to what almost everyone could clearly see. "Remus, too, is cute in a nervous way," laughed the auburn-haired girl, Isolde joining in, too. Marlene and (Y/N) looked at each other, the latter's cheeks heating up as if realizing what the girls were referring to, whereas (Y/N) looked on with confusion as if she didn't understand the direction the conversation had turned to. 

"How in the name of magic haven't you noticed?" asked Isolde, directing her question to (Y/N), who looked back with confusion sparkling in her (E/C) eyes. She shook her head as if to indicate she didn't understand the question asked. "Come on, James practically yelled from the astronomy tower weeks ago," she added as Marlene and Lily began to laugh a little more. Isolde tried to find a way to explain it to her clueless friend. 

"Sirius has a crush on you, (Y/N)," giggled Lily, blurting it out to save the awkward sidestepping Isolde was running at. "When James asked if Sirius had asked his girlfriend if she would brew the potion, he was referring to you," admitted Lily, finding the situation cute. How James, as gobby and annoying as he was, tried to help his best friend when it came to his school love life. "As I said, Sirius may be a toss pot, but you two would make a cute, mischievous couple," she added, as (Y/N)'s cheeks heated up at the realization, her eyes wide as she tried to hide behind the penguin plushy she held on to. 

"Hey, if Sirus and (Y/N) are the Cute Mischief Couple, does that make Marlene and Remus the parents of the group?" asked Isolde, turning her attention to Marlene in time to see her hide her burning cheeks behind her hands, before quickly hiding beneath the wooly blanket previously resting across her bed. "At least you two recognize there's something there, and again, you'd make an adorably cute couple," she added as if to soothe the embarrassment a little. Allegra merely rolled her eyes from her bunk, not appreciating the girly talk or the reminder of others having what she wanted. 

"And yet neither of you attended the winter dance together," voiced Allegra, pointing out Remus and Marlene didn't attend the dance together despite both recognizing there was a connection between them. Likewise, Sirius hadn't asked (Y/N) to be his date to the dance despite how obvious his crush on her was and how James and occasionally Remus pushed him to be truthful with himself and (Y/N). 

"I can't walk in a straight line without falling over; how do you suppose I dance without my superpower of clumsiness taking hold?" asked (Y/N), a small smile appearing on her lips as her eyes began to sparkle with mischief again. Lily chuckled again, likely imagining the scenario mentioned or something else had tickled her about the comment. "Not to mention Sirius didn't ask, neither did Remus ask Marlene," she added, pointing out that neither of the boys had gained the courage to ask either of them to attend the winter dance with them. Just as it became clear again, Allegra hadn't paid attention; if she had, then she would have been aware (Y/N) had spent that week in the hospital wing again after being hit by a bludger during Quidditch. Remus had as well due to his condition being particularly difficult that month. 

"Speaking of going on dates on all, Isolde, how was your date?" asked Marlene, turning the attention to Isolde, who looked like a deer caught in the headlights, her eyes wide as she began to pale at the realization she hadn't been as secretive as she thought she had been. Mentally, she questioned if one of them had seen her and her date at the Three Broomsticks or during their wander around the snowy Hogsmeade. 

"At least tell me, my brother dearest was a gentleman," spoke (Y/N), her grin turning gentle as she revealed she was aware of the date; she found it cute, as much as Isolde and the others found her imaginary relationship with Sirius cute. Isolde looked over to (Y/N) with almost horror, as if terrified that she already knew of the months-old relationship. "He told me weeks ago. Said that he didn't want things to be awkward or make the friendship weird," admitted (Y/N), recalling when Hunter had pulled her aside to ask her permission to date Isolde. (Y/N) Being herself, she had asked why he needed permission. Although she did promise she'd kick her brother's ass if he hurt one of her best friends. 

"See, this is why I say you Wolffe siblings are something to admire," laughed Lily, throwing a cushion at Isolde playfully. The brunette girl returned the favor soon after before breaking out in laughter. Marlene and (Y/N) glanced toward each other before hearing someone call their name from the common room. No doubt one of the boys. 

"That will be the boys with the presents," spoke Marlene before getting up to answer the call. A soft smile appeared on her lips as she saw James waiting below, Peter next to him, wondering why he'd been roped into helping with the gift delivery. In the hands of the scrawny boy was the small pile of presents intended for him from each of the girls, each wrapped to the best of the individual's ability. 

"You and Lily joining us on the train home tomorrow?" asked James, raising his voice slightly so Marlene could hear him over the chattering students crowding the common room, all of them getting ready to leave for the holidays. Knowing they had to be ready and at the station by noon the following day. 

"I will be; I'm not sure about Lil. You get Mason, though, and I think Regulus," confirmed Marlene, walking to the small spiraling staircase to join the pair of boys in the common room. She was thankful to be away from Allegra again but dreading returning to the tension-filled room. She didn't want to imagine what would happen over the holiday period, with both Smith Twins being stuck in the castle and still having to share a dorm. However, she had little doubt (Y/N), and Sirius could handle it or remove themself from any situation if needed. 

Series Masterlist

[ravensroleplays]

Okay, you know what? Gonna share the AU idea I've been toying around with for a while, because why not?

Also, I'm just going to state upfront that I haven't figured out all the details just yet--this is very much a work in progress at this point. I just kind of want to share what I have right now.

I'm also going to admit that this idea was based in part off the family from the Fox cartoon Krapopolis X'D Haven't watched the show myself (and I have no plans of doing so, for several reasons), but after seeing the promo on my aunt's TV last year, I actually got curious enough to look up the show's Wikipedia page, and I can appreciate the blended family dynamic of the main characters. Also, I stated some time back that I do actually like the idea of Hat Kid and Mustache Girl being sisters, whether it's through adoption or they're biological sisters--and I just couldn't leave Bow Kid out of it, because she's babey :3

Now then, all that out of the way, here's what I've been thinking (and yeah, I'm going to put all of this under a cut, bc it's LONG):

First big difference: Charles (the name of the Prince in my AU(s), for those who didn't know that) and Vanessa did actually get married in this one, rather than just being engaged, like in my main AU, Specters and Space Aliens, and Hat Kid is their biological daughter.

However, Vanessa being Vanessa, she of course got jealous of her own daughter taking attention away from her husband, and Charles, fearing that Vanessa might hurt their daughter, arranged with Tim, the CEO of Time and Space, to take little Hatty with him to the Timekeeper's planet, at least until some time had passed, and he was able to cool Vanessa's temper. Alas, that wouldn't come to pass, as afterwards, Charles got the idea to buy his wife some flowers and...well, you know the rest.

However, unknown to Charles, it wasn't the first time one of them had done something like this...a couple of years before, Vanessa secretly had a one night stand with a man from what was then Mustache Town. After discovering she was going to have a baby, Vanessa used magic to hide her pregnancy until the time came, and gave birth to the child who would come to be known as Mustache Girl in secret, and arranged to have her sent to Mustache Town in order to be raised by her father.

So now you have a Hat Kid who actually did grow up on the Timekeeper's planet, being raised by Tim as a sort of granddaughter to him. At some point, Bow Kid (who no, isn't Moonjumper's creation/daughter here, though I'll get to old MJ in a bit), an orphaned Timekeeper child, ends up meeting Hatty, and Hatty asks Tim if Bow can live with them, with the two girls adopting each other as sisters.

From there on, the events of the main game play out like in canon, albeit with Bow tagging along with Hatty through Mafia Town, Dead Bird Studios...and eventually Subcon Forest. Like in the SaSA! AU, MJ corrupted Charles into Snatcher...however, since here it's only been about six years as opposed to hundreds, if not thousands, he's not quite gone yet. So not only does Snatcher NOT take the girls' souls, but he recognizes his daughter's soul and HOLY COW HIS DAUGHTER IS BACK.

So to make a long story short, after the events of the game, and after struggling with his own doubts and giving up taking souls and murdering people (though he DOES have a MUCH easier time of it here than in my main AU), Snatcher decides he wants to try and be a father again and, after Tim reveals the truth of Hatty's parentage to her, he allows her to return to Subcon Forest to be with her dad, albeit under the condition that he be allowed to stop by now and then to make sure things are going well. So Hatty goes to live in Subcon, bringing Bow with her, since she's grown attached to her adopted sister, and Snatcher not only has his old daughter back, but he also has a new daughter as well.

But it isn't ALL Roman candles--sometime after her defeat, Mustache Girl ended up going into self-imposed exile from the former Mafia Town, and, after doing some research, learned that she, like Hatty, was actually royalty--the elder daughter of Queen Vanessa. So she also treks into Subcon to meet up with mommy dearest...suffice it to say, it doesn't go quite as warmly as Hatty and Snatcher's reunion, but at some point she puts it out that she is, in fact, Vanessa's daughter and, though it takes some doing, Van's eventually like 'Oh HECK, this is the kid I gave up.'

So yeah, the AU is basically Hatty being caught in the middle as her former soul-stealer dad tries to be a better person and a good dad to her and her adopted sister, while her crazy ice witch mom and half-sister who once tried to kill her scheme to try and get back the prince and kingdom, respectively XD

I call it: 'Dysfunctional Blended Family AU'

Thoughts?

[mirkwoodshewolf]

No following; Planet of the apes fanfic Chap. 5

*Author's note*

And here we go with the start of even more family drama happening with the Rodman family. And we are also getting closer to ending ROTPOTA story line, the next chapter will be the last one for the first book before going into book two which takes place during DAWN. So get ready for that and be on the lookout for that. Until then continue to enjoy my lovely readers.

Taglist:

@plethora-of-things

@waddles03

@jd-johndeacon-or-jackdaniels

@gay-and-ready-to-cry

@queen-paladin

@psychosupernatural

____________________________________________________

Life went on as expected.  I graduated high school, got my diploma and performed my last show with the Community center.  But even though life outside the Rodman house was normal, on the inside there was a dark cloud constantly hovering over us.

My grandpa’s health was rapidly deteriorating day by day.  Now he hardly ever moved, nor did he speak.  All he did was just lay in bed or sit on it if Will wanted him to at least be out of bed.  Will had thrown himself not only into his work but also trying to find a way to bring Caesar back home.  Caroline’s tried to be there for Will but truthfully what could she do to help?  

As for me, well—there are days when I just spend most of my time in Caesar’s room, preserving all of this things just the way they were.  I’d look at all the old drawings he did when he was just a young chimp, the models he’s built and puzzles he’s completed.  I’d even play some of his favorite movie soundtracks he’d come to love thanks to me.

Even though Uncle Will and Caroline said to me that we’d be allowed visitation rights to Caesar, we just had to call in advance before we could.  And it couldn’t be more than one visit a month.  That alone wasn’t good enough for me, I’d be leaving by mid-August and then who knows what could happen to him by then.

He could be put down, sent to an even worse facility, I don’t know.  I began doing some research on the San Bruno facility and as I expected there wasn’t much to go by.  Nothing but the smoke and mirrors of them providing ‘enrichment and quality integration with other chimps’.  I then went into my contacts and called up one of my friends who once worked for the school yearbook.

“Hey Doe, listen do you still have that camera I gave you for your birthday last year? Oh nothing’s wrong I just need to borrow it for a little bit, is that alright? Great, thanks. Yeah, yeah that’ll work. Okay see yah tomorrow. Bye girl, and thanks again. Kiss, kiss.” I hung up and turned to an old photo that Will made for Caesar.

It was the two of us together on his 3rd birthday just after I had performed E.T’s flight for him.  My violin bow in hand with Caesar and I leaning against the other and him holding my violin carefully in his.

“I promised I’d never let anything happen to you, and I failed you little brother. But I’m not gonna fail you again.” My plan forming carefully in my head.

The next day I met my friend Dorinda at her aunt’s cat café and she gave me the camera I had given her for her 17th birthday.  A 4K megapixel digital camera.  Doe was always into photography which is why all her pictures were the best ones in the school yearbook.  And like me, she’s getting a scholarship all the way in New York for Journalism with a focus in principle photography.

I promised to bring the camera back before she left for New York in two weeks to start moving into her new apartment her dad had found for her (her parents had gotten divorced during our sophomore year).  I then rode on my motorbike towards San Bruno’s primate shelter.

Once I got there, I was careful not to drive up to the gate, instead I found an old abandoned building that was fairly close to the shelter and snuck inside of it.  I climbed up the stairs until I reached a good window that happened to look down at the sanctuary.

I turned on the camera and looked through the lens screen and saw the full 4k HD picture of the San Bruno Primate shelter.  I hit the zoom button and low and behold I managed to actually see the security building and saw two men.  One was a blonde haired boy who could’ve been ten years older than me, or maybe around my uncle’s age.  And the other one was a dark-haired man about the same age, maybe a few years older than the blonde haired boy.

“What I wouldn’t give to have some audio recording gear right about now.” I muttered to myself as I slowly look around the security building.

After a few minutes of nothing but seeing the two of them arguing, or more like the blonde one bullying the dark-haired man, I soon heard the sounds of a car pulling up.  Without hesitation, the gates opened up and the car pulled in.  I was beginning to think this could be another employers car or even the manager who runs the shelter, but the second I heard the frantic honks and faint sounds of cheering, I knew this wasn’t the case.

Soon enough two girls and another boy came out of the car and were waving around bottles of beer.  I smirked and began snapping the pictures of them.  The blonde boy coming out and greeting whom I assumed were his friends, and him letting them inside the shelter.  I also made sure to get good pictures of the beer his buddy brought.  Smirking I looked down at the camera and said.

“Gotcha.” I raced out of the building and headed back towards my bike. Quick as I could, I drove off to the closest Walmart and went over to the tech department to get the photos developed.  After waiting about 20-25 minutes, the clerk handed me the photos and I thanked him before heading out.

I packed up everything I was going to need tomorrow when I heard a knock at my door.  I jumped slightly but relaxed once I saw that it was uncle Will.

“I just got off the phone with the sanctuary, your visitation tomorrow has been approved.”

“Thanks Will.” I said.

“Now you sure you don’t need me to come with you. I know that things have been—delicate for you lately since Caesar was……”

“I’ll be fine uncle Will. Who knows, maybe seeing him and knowing that he’s alright will put me at ease.”

“You know I’m doing everything I can to get him back, right?”

“I know you are. Believe me, I know.” I walked up to him and embraced him.  “You’ve always tried to be so strong. It’s okay to need help.” I heard him sniffle before he separated from me and he said.

“You might wanna get some sleep. They told me they’re expecting you at 10am sharp.” Without another word, he left my room and I let out a deep sigh.  I got into bed and soon fell asleep after setting my alarm.

Bright and early the next morning, I got up, got dressed, had my breakfast and took off towards the San Bruno primate shelter before the summer morning traffic could hit.  This time I came straight to the gate and after showing my electronic approval to the dark-haired employer, he let me in and escorted me inside.

“What’s your name?” I asked him.

“Pardon?” he asked nervously.

“I asked you for your name.” I asked him again.

“R-Rodney.” He replied.

“Pleasure to meet you Rodney, I’m Lin. Lin Rodman.” I extended out my hand as we came into the office and he hesitantly took my hand before we shook on it.

“Alright Rodney piss off and get back to work!” snapped the blonde-haired man.  Rodney flinched and raced off further down the sanctuary corridor.  “So, my father tells me you’re here for the new guy? Been nothing but trouble that one.”

“All apes are intelligent beings if you take the time to know them in a calm, collective manner.” I told him.  He rolled his eyes and groaned.

“Oh don’t tell me you’re one of those people. The ones that are always protesting for animal rights and their free speech. Please they’re animals! They don’t know the difference between food and their own shit.” I narrowed my eyes at him and said as I came around and sat down at one of the chairs.

“And just who are you to say something like that?”

“Are you kidding me? Kid, I’m Dodge Landon. And I know better than these stupid monkeys.”

“Apes. Monkeys have tails, apes don’t.”

“Whatever. Let’s just get this over with.” He trudged out of the main office and I followed right behind him to another room where a large cage with only a small slot stood.  “Wait over there.” He ordered me as he pointed at a bench before continuing onward.  I sat down at it and waited for a bit.

Soon I heard the sound of footsteps coming from the roof and hopping down in the cage was Cesar.  The second we saw one another, Caesar hooted happily and I came over to him taking his hand in mine.

“Hey, hey there Caesar.” He reached up and gently touched where the bruise from Hunsiker’s punch was at as he signed to me.

‘Still hurt bad?’

“It’s fine, see? Bruise is gone now. I’m okay bud, I’m okay.” The second I saw Dodge come into the room I stood up and asked him. “I’d like to know that he’s being well taken care of here and that no harm has come to him.”

“He’s fine. If he gets picked on, that’s his problem, not ours.” Dodge shrugged nonchalantly.

“So you wouldn’t care if a court order of animal abuse came onto this sanctuary?”

“Truthfully I could care less about what happens to this place. My father’s the one who really runs it, he just forces me to work here.”

“Huh.” I hummed.  “Now according to your website, you say you provide an ‘enriching environment’ is that correct?”

“Yeah, so what?”

“So what is that exactly? Just out of curiosity.”

“You know you’re asking a lot of questions that shouldn’t be asked.”

“Well now hold on a second, I’m merely just making conversation here. I’d like to know that the temporary home that Caesar is in is giving him everything he needs. He’s not like other chimps you know.”

“Please. He’s just another dumb animal who thinks he’s special. And you’re a nosy little girl whose sticking her nose where it don’t belong!” Caesar lowly growled but I held my hand out in front of him to calm him down.

“I suppose I am. But before you do anything, I’d like to show you something.” I went over to my pack and pulled out the folder and held it out to him.  He snatched the folder and opened it up to reveal the fully developed 4k pictures of him and his friends together with beer in hand and him sneaking them inside the sanctuary through the backdoor.

“How’d you get these pictures?” he hissed at me.

“How I got them doesn’t matter, what matters is what are you going to do with them.”

“You really think you’re so smart, huh? Well I’ll show you!” he then proceeded to rip up the pictures to shreds. “There, now you have no evidence.”

“Don’t I?” I then pulled out the thumb drive I had put the pictures on before getting them developed.  “Now I know you said you could care less what happens to this place, but what happens if—I don’t know say….the public finds out about this? If the courts decided this place was unreliable to house unwanted apes. After all in this day in age, it’s the public opinion that rules all, right? Even if the courts don’t do anything, the people will. And that would be such a headache for you, now wouldn’t it? Unless……we come to a little deal.”

Dodge looked at me with both seething anger but also a hint of fear.

“You blackmailing me?” he asked.

“Yes.” I replied after a moment of silence.  I gave him an unsettling wide smile, softly chuckling while and a crazy look to my eye to let him know I meant business.

“What do you want?” I turned towards Caesar and said as I took his hand in mine.

“I should like to come at least twice a week, no further visitor approval. And I shall provide the apes true enrichment. Give you less work to do.”

“And just how do you expect over 100 apes are going to listen to you.”

“Music doth soothes the savage beast, isn’t that how the quote goes? In that folder you’ll also see my resume of performing with the San Fransico community center orchestra. You give me at least an hour to entertain the apes with true enrichment, and no one ever need know your dirty little secret. Not even your own father.”

I could see Dodge going over my proposition in his head, he took a deep breath in before exhaling sharply.

“And you swear you won’t go back on your deal and release those photos online?”

“You keep your end of the bargain, and I shall keep mine.” Dodge glared at me but he soon said.

“Deal. In fact you can start now, these animals have been going mad for hours.” As he turned away I turned to Caesar and muttered.

“Got it, Malfoy.” Caesar let out a laugh as I snickered which made Dodge stop and slowly turn to us.

“What did you call me?”

“Nothing, nothing not a thing, Draco Malfoy.” I told him before muttering the name under my breath again.  “I’ll see you on the other side Caesar.” He nodded and proceeded back up the cage and I heard his footsteps trail off.

“Move it.” Dodge lowly sneered as he gestured for me to move.  I was then taken to the back room where I feared all the apes were actually living was revealed.

Tightly condensed cages with only room for them to pace a foot between and only a small bunk-like bed for them to sit on if they didn’t want to sit at the floor of their cages.  All the chimps were going insane in their cages, beating on them, hotting and chattering hysterically.

“Sweet Jesus it’s worse than I thought.” I muttered.

“Oi! If you don’t mind, get on with your silly fiddle music.” Dodge impatiently snapped.

“It’s a violin, not a fiddle.” I set my case down and took out my violin.

“Uhh Dodge? Wh-why is she back here?” Rodney asked nervously.

“Oh don’t worry Rodney, I’m here to give you boys a bit of extra help.” I gave him a wink as I walked down the ramps tuning my violin to make sure it was good and ready.  As I came to the pathway between the cages, the apes began to settle down as they all looked to me.   

I then proceeded to play the very song I played at my last performance with the community center.  Celtic woman’s ‘Granuaile’s Dance’.  The second I started with the first few notes and dancing about like a doe in springtime, the apes all went silent as they watched me.

I’d dance in front of some of their cages, spinning on the balls of my feet while continuously playing.  Some came up to their cages with an entranced look that Caesar always had whenever I’d play for him.  Others began softly hooting happily as I’d do another spin for them before running down the corridors.

I made sure to give every ape the same attention as I played in each row and ran down the long, winding corridor.  Twirling, jumping, skipping, and racing down as I played my violin.  By the end of it all, I had raced back towards the main entrance of the corridor and when I finished, I heard some claps from the apes while the rest of them hooted and chattered in their way as an applause. I even heard some claps from above as I saw Rodney clapping but then he stopped when Dodge glared at him.

“Now if you gentlemen don’t mind, I’ve got about 57 minutes left of this concert and I think the apes would appreciate it if they weren’t being monitored like common criminals.” Dodge turned away scoffing under his breath.

“Whatever.”

“J-just be sure to not get too close to the cages.” Rodney advised me.  I nodded and he left to go back into the infirmary office.  I took a deep breath in and proceeded to do several more compositions until my hour was almost up.  For the remainder of the five minutes I had left, I sat in front of Caesar’s cage.

“So you think the others enjoyed having true enrichment?”

‘Yes. Maurice especially loved it.’ Caesar signed.

“Who’s Maurice?” Caesar then pointed over to the only Orangutan in the sanctuary.  Maurice looked at me with eyes that held the same level of intelligence as Caesar and he began to sign.

‘You play beautifully.’ I gasped softly and signed to him.

‘You know sign language?’

‘Circus orangutan.’ Maurice signed to me.  I looked at him sympathetically and signed back to him.

‘I’m so sorry.’

‘No need for apologizes.’ I turned back to Caesar and he signed to me.

‘When can I go home?’ I sighed solemnly.

“Believe me brother, if it were up to me I’d bust you out of here right now. But only Will can get you out of here, I have no legal right to do that. I’m sorry.” Caesar huffed lowly as he looked away from me.  “I’m really sorry Caesar, the only thing I can do is come twice a week and provide you with some semblance of home thanks to my deal with the owner’s son.” He didn’t look back at me.  “I’ll see you in two days.” I packed up my violin and headed out the door.

“Finally finished?” Dodge sneered.

“Be thankful I took an hour of your miserable life of having to deal with these intelligent creatures. And remember our deal, if I hear you mentioning this to your father, the pictures get posted on my Instagram.” I walked out the door, got on my bike and headed back to the house.

Along with providing music for the apes, I also performed for grandpa in hopes of getting some recognition back into his eyes.  But all he gives any of us is the thousand-yard stare.

Sometimes I wonder if there is such a thing as ‘out of body experience’, that way grandpa could really see just how much his health has affected all of us.  Like cancer, the worst thing about Alzheimer’s disease is not what it does to the person it’s affecting, but the people around them.

Four weeks later and I had just finished my current concert I had given the apes at San Bruno primate sanctuary.  And as usual, I try to make the last few minutes be the one on one time with Caesar and I.  Lately, however, I’ve noticed how he’s grown to be more distant.  He hardly ever signs back to me, only giving me the occasional nod or one worded sign.  I sat by his cage and said to him.

“I don’t know what happened after the last time Will and Caroline came to see you a week ago, but surely it can’t be worth all this brooding and misery.” He didn’t turn back to face me.  “Please Caesar, you’re really starting to worry me. You can hardly look at me anymore. Are you—ashamed of me being here now?” he remained on his bunk bed, his back turned to me.

My heart cracked as I let out a soft scoff.

“Alright, I can take a hint.” I packed up my violin and told him. “Just know that all these years together wasn’t a game to me, nor a lie. You were like the little brother I never had, but if you don’t want me in your life anymore, I’ll respect your decision. I’ll remember you though, after all—I remember everyone who leaves.” A tear slid down my face as I raced out of the sanctuary and rode back home.

I stayed in my room the rest of the day and into the night.  Looking through the old scrapbook I had made of Caesar and myself throughout the years.  All of his best drawings, pictures of us together, things we collected during our time in the redwoods.  My throat clenched tightly and my heart sunk to my stomach.

I grabbed an old suitcase and with all the memorabilia I had that reminded me of Caesar, I placed them in the suitcase before zipping it up and placing a lock on the suitcase and locked it up.  I then slid the suitcase under my bed before collapsing onto my bed burying my face into my pillow as tears once again fell down my face.

And just when I thought I didn’t have anymore tears to shed, I woke the next morning to check on grandpa when I saw him and uncle Will together.  Grandpa’s body pale as his white sheets and lying still like a statue.  Will turned to me with tears in his eyes and he shook his head at me.

My body went numb—I didn’t feel myself collapse to my knees but I did take notice of how the world looked bigger while I felt smaller.  I must’ve let out some heart-breaking wail because uncle Will came and held me in his arms while Caroline came rushing in and I saw her checking on grandpa, but there wasn’t anything she could do.  There wasn’t anything anyone could do.

My grandpa, Charles Rodman, was dead.

We had the funeral a week later.  I didn’t even hear the automatic speech that the officiant had to say about my grandpa, all I could hear was muffled voices while I watched brokenly as my grandfather’s casket was lowered into the earth.

After the service, I was back in my room fiddling with some of grandpa’s old sheet music.  I don’t know why but now that he’s gone I feel—empty.  Like all the music I once had inside of me, the passion I once had for it, it was completely gone.  I tossed the sheet music aside and I heard a knock at my door.

“Knock, knock, may I come in?” I heard Caroline’s voice ask softly.  I let out a small grunt allowing her inside my room.  She sat down beside me and asked me, “How are you holding up Lin?”

“Was it worth it?” I croaked out for the first time after being silent for a whole week.

“What?”

“Was it worth pulling it off? His death? Would it have—hurt less if he had passed on five years ago? Or would we still be in this much pain, knowing that he didn’t have to have that fleeting second chance.”

“I know there’s nothing I can say that’ll bring him back, or change what happened. But you should at least take comfort in the fact that—he’s no longer suffering anymore. And he’ll always be with you, as long as you remember the things he taught you.” I moved my eyes towards my violin and I suddenly had a distain for it.

“LIN!!” Will’s voice cried out after hearing the front door slam shut.  Thunderous footsteps came up and he soon entered my room, a pissed off look across his face.

“Will, hold on now’s not the—”

“No Caroline this is between me and her.” Will snapped.  Caroline stood up and walked over to my uncle, holding his arm.

“Choose your next words carefully. She’s in a fragile state right now.” She then left closing the door behind her.

“The month you’d disappear twice a week for, tell me exactly where’d you go off to? And don’t lie to me.” I looked up at him.

“Visiting the community center to—”

“I SAID DON’T LIE TO ME LIN!!” he said slamming his hand on my dresser.  “I know Lin. I know you’ve been sneaking out to see Caesar by blackmailing the owner’s son. He told me, ‘tell that little brat of yours I don’t care about the photos. Now both of you aren’t my problem anymore’.”

“You already know, what’s the point in me telling you?”

“Don’t turn this around! Why would you do something so incredibly stupid!? If it had gotten out by the time the court date came around that you trespassed on private property, blackmailed their staff, and illegally saw Caesar, we’d never get him back! You never think these things through!”

“What like you did?! When you gave grandpa that drug? Or not telling Caesar who he really was? Or even just now by paying off Mr. Landon just to break Caesar out!” I snapped as I stood up from my bed and got into his face.  “Yeah, I saw the envelope full of money before we left for the service for grandpa. You’re not as slick as you think you are uncle.”

“Well as you can see it didn’t work. Caesar wouldn’t leave with me.”

“Good.” I went to walk away but he roughly grabbed my arm and snapped.

“What now all of a sudden you don’t care about him anymore? You’d always call him your brother ape now you’re acting like you don’t even know him!”

“Because I’ve learned to accept what he wanted. Something that you clearly can’t seem to grasp, and I don’t just mean for Caesar.” He let go of my arm and said.

“You got to be with your grandfather longer than you would’ve…”

“And then his disease came back! Ten times worse than it was before! You didn’t think that would happen!?”

“It’s not my fault that you turned your back for one second for him to get into Hunsiker’s car allowing Caesar to be taken away from us!” silence immediately rang through my room.

My fists clenched so tightly that my knuckles turned white and my nails dug deep into my palms.  I shook with rage as uncle Will suddenly realize what he had said.

“Lin, I—”

“No! No this is great! It’s great that you finally spoke the truth after all this time! I’m happy to know that Caesar being taken away was all my fault! So I’m sorry if I made things harder on you but in less than a month from now you…won’t even have to deal with me!” I stormed out of my room as well as out of the house.

I didn���t even bother grabbing my bike, I just ran as fast and as hard as I could down the street.  I don’t know where I ended up and I didn’t care, all I knew was that I couldn’t stay in that house.

[vilandel]

Hiya Vilandel! For the ask game; may I ask for 3, 7, and 8 for Eis please 🥰?

Oh, Solids and Rosettes son! Thank you so much for this, Lyra, he is happy to answer your questions 🥰

What is your favorite childhood memory? The first time I was on my ice-skates. It's a bit blurry, since I was only four, but I do remember quite a lot. I was nervous and I admit, pretty scared despite having ice magic. Ironic, isn't it. I was so tiny and I couldn't understand yet how I could be able to stand onto such tiny surfaces. Dad was with me. He was the one who helped me, who taught me the first steps. The first time, he hold my hands, explained to me that I shouldn't be an expert from the start, even though I'm royalty. I felt very secure with him. He also insulted some nobles that were there that day. I don't if the just watched, if they said something, if it was mean or not. But it certainly pissed my father off, as he told them he would sent a platoon of sea serpents at them if they would do say anything. It was funny, but it also made me happy, as it showed me that Dad has my back. Having Dad with me that day motivated me to continue with iceskating. Today, it is actually a father-son activity we love to share.

Who do you look up to? Oh. that's a difficult question. I have a lot of people I look up to. My parents, because I love them and I'm biased, my uncles Nozel and Asta, others... But if I have to choose, I think I look up to my best friend and cousin Loreleï a lot. I admire that despite her immense mana pool that matches her mother, aunt Noelle, she still decided that she wouldn't become a Magic Knight, like it was kinda expected with the immense mana she had, but doing what she loves and becoming a novelist. Society became more flexible with uncle Asta as Wizard King, but it wasn't just openminded just like that. Especially with stubborn nobles. Being a Magic Knight is considered one of the coolest things to be and a royal who neither just goes to noble circles, goes into politic with the parliament nor becomes a Magic Knight is sadly not something you see every day. Especially when you have parents and brothers who are all warriors. But Loreleï preferred to write books and she is a genius with the feather. It wasn't easy, but she fought through it. Of course, our family had her back, but I still admire her a lot for that.

What do you think had the biggest impact on you growing up? My family. My parents first, that is for sure. My uncles and aunts as well, be it the Silva families or the Black Bulls. Also our Vermillion relatives. And even though she doesn't live anymore, my grandmother too through the stories me, my sister and my cousins were told about. But I think my parents had the biggest impact. Mum and Dad always supported me, guided me, helped me in every way possible. I'm so grateful to have them. I know that their marriage was arranged and that Dad was a jerk in his youth (he is still a bit today), but I couldn't wish for any better parents than them.