#an enigma that cracks open if he stares a lot

[martieshub]

Having her head so close to him the scent of her hair engulfed his nostrils. If they could stay like this for a while he'd be pretty content. One of his hands went up like they were gonna cup her face and played with a strand of her hair. An eye roll came after the surfer comment, ❛ Go easy on them babe. ❜

❛I do trust you. ❜ His voice whispered, thick with stubbornness. He wasn't going to lose her to this. Protocol be screwed if it came down to it. ❛ I understand that you can take care of yourself and I am all for it but I will not leave you behind. I will not sacrifice you for some mission. I don't leave people behind. We get out together or not at all. ❜ His voice unwavering as he wanted to make sure she understood he was also serious. ❛ We both have people who'd need us to come home. I won't be letting them down in not bringing you home also. We're a partnership. I know some people are fine sacrificing each other to get ahead but I'm not one of them. I'll always pick us over them. ❜ He wasn't sure how she done things before they'd met but she wasn't gonna get disappointed by him.

Making that promise he sighed heavily through his nose and looked at her. Hands making circles on her cuticles. ❛ I promise I'll be focused on the task while we are both doing our thing but I will still keep you in mind while business is being handled. ❜ As a compromise that was the best he could offer. She was coming home with him. He did love to get a rise out of her but in this moment he was completely serious and not playing around.

❛ Boss, we're here.❜ He heard from over his left shoulder and nodded to let him know he heard. He had yet to let go of her hand and didn't make a move to get up. Instead he leaned forward a bit and got the small necklace out of his back pocket. He chuckled knowing how he ended up getting this thing. ❛Turn please? Can't have you walk out there not wearing the very thing that got my ass thrown in jail for.❜ as far as diamonds went this wasn't too flashy which was why Lennox got it. It had the right sparkle for his wife. ❛ Get out there and kick some major ass baby. ❜ kissing her forehead he gave her a smile, the last she'd see from him in a while. ❛ As a request from Lennox, if you see Elenor, could you kick her ass for me. ❜ a small laugh escaped him as he threw one last silly comment to bring back a playful atmosphere with them.

His hardened features went back up again as he half turned and his voice took on the normal indention of Lennox. ❛Call Navarro. She should be staying at the Palms. Tell her I'm looking for the special and make sure my wife gets that spa booking. ❜ Finally letting go of her hand he gave a longing look almost like silently asking her if she was still good. She could pull out and he wouldn't get mad at her.

It was a little maddening how quickly he switched back to his persona. Almost like he had left the room and a twin had replaced him. Slipping on his ring he hummed as it shined and his three bracelets were visible now that he'd lost his jacket. Behind him a shake of a whiskey bottle was heard as it was about a minute to getting dunked on him. Lennox was a known whiskey lover and if anything it gave him the credibility to being one who hid in holes until it was safe.

She wanted to say that she could take care of herself, she hadn't made it this far without being able to. The words died as his hand came up and swept the hair from her face, giving her a clear view of his face and that dimple. She had found it so adorable the first time she saw it, almost childlike Now something in her wanted to close the space between them again and kiss it. Why was she thinking like this?

It was just the headspace she needed to be in to make this convincing, she kept repeating to herself. Something that was becoming harder and harder to convince herself of with the word of endearment that came from his lips. With the tender way that his hand was hers. It was all too soft, too caring. It's acting. Her mind yelled at her and she needed to get her head in the game. You've done this a million times before this isn't any different. It yelled.

But it was. Deep down somewhere she knew it was. Something she'd have to think about later.

As she rested her head on his shoulder, she couldn't help but ponder the question posed before her. Other questions were swirling through her head in response. Would she be able to pull this off? Would she be able to keep him safe? Would she have to reveal something about her old life? Would it mean her having to run again? Would Jennifer be there? ❝It is beautiful isn't it,❞ she teased. ❝If it's messy it's your fault. I'm just thinking,❞  If I told you would you turn me in? ❝About watching some beautiful surfers while gossiping with these women. It sounds like a great time. Greatest thing I've ever been paid to do. ❞ 

Knowing that they would be there soon, Elizabeth felt the need to reiterate it. ❝Wal's, I will follow your lead on this. I also need you to trust that I know what I am doing. But,❞  She took both his hands into hers and lifted her head up so she was looking at him again. Her amber eyes were dark and serious, her mind just racing with thoughts of watching him run around with his nieces and nephews at Easter. The happiness in all of them and him. ❝ the one thing I will not do is put your life in danger. I will not have you and your family go through you being hurt again. I know my way around these things and I need you to promise me one thing. If it comes to you having to leave without me, do it. If I become a pawn that needs to be sacrificed, do it. You do not have to worry about me. I've always found my way out of things and will continue to do so. It's a world I grew up in and will be able to find my way out when I need to. You have a family that cares for you and worries about you, and I want you to go back to them in one piece. ❞ One of her hands came up and cupped his cheek, part of it wanting to feel the scruff of his against her hand again and also making it so he could see she was serious. ❝ I will not get off this plane unless you promise me that. Promise me that you will not worry about me while we're here, you will remain focused on staying safe, completing your task, and getting home to your family. ❞ 

[pedrosbish]

Logan f*cking Howlett

pairing: (old!man) Logan x reader

outline: you somehow get roped into looking after Charles and end up falling in love with the grumpy man who you barely see around

warnings: very brief descriptions of smut, swearing, angst

He found you standing by the beat up gas station, a pathetic cardboard sign advertising for any job people were willing to offer.

You looked young, a pretty thing still full of life but your eyes didn't have that glint in them anymore, something that Logan recognised all too well after spending so long staring at what he had become over the years.

He was getting old - could feel it in the way his bones cracked when getting up, the wrinkles on his face spreading out and crinkling whenever he showed any other facial expression, and how his healing isn't how it used to be.

"I'm not a prostitute." Your voice snaps him out of it and he realises that he must've been staring at you for quite a bit now. "So you can fuck off to your buddies over there if that's what your after."

He glances over his shoulder at the group of men, crowding around a pickup truck, eyes ogling you and whistles reaching across the parking lot.

"I'm not-" He sighs, eyes closing for a split second before he turns back to you. "Are you good with old people?"

He had taken you to the middle of nowhere, surrounded by dirt and train tracks and for a split second you had a moment of panic surge through you. What if he was a serial killer? He had the blood on him already for that role, red spots dotted all over his fancy white shirt and on his knuckles as he gripped the steering wheel.

But then he had stopped in front of an old decrepit building and a calming presence had suddenly clouded around you. Logan had led you around the back to a decommissioned water tank, littered with thousands of tiny holes.

Eyeing him wearily as he opened the hatch, he stood to the side as you walked past him, eyes falling to an old man sitting in a wheel chair before a chess table.

"Good evening." The old man's voice echoed around the large space. "Do you like chess?"

Wake him up at 8 every morning with breakfast and two tablets. Bathroom, wash him up, chess. Lunch then nap, followed by dinner with two more tablets and sleep.

It was an easy job, although a little too boring for your liking sometimes. Logan had stressed on the tablets everyday before leaving to go and work for the night, making you weary of what you were actually giving the old man.

You cleaned every day, the dirt and dust from outside always finding its way inside. The TV worked but only occasionally when you hit the specific spot on the back. You read a lot, either by yourself or to Charles.

"Such a soothing voice." He had murmured after you had tucked him in, eyes drooping closed. You had been looking after him for 4 months by that point and had placed a gentle kiss to his forehead for the first time, missing the small smile on his face as you left the tank.

Logan was still an enigma to you, his time mostly spent either working or sleeping. He usually came back once you had gone to bed, too anxious to actually fall asleep until his return. You usually peeked your head around the open door to see if he needed patching up, blood covering his bruised knuckles and red staining his shirt.

This was a common occurrence, one that made you feel nervous. Who had he been fighting that night? Why did your heart always flutter when you had to stand between his legs to stitch up a wound that would heal up entirely after a couple of days?

The first time you kissed him, he had pushed you away, hands a little rougher than either of you were expecting. Silent cusses had poured from his mouth as he stood up from the chair, stumbling off to his room where the door slammed loudly behind him.

That ache in your chest when you looked at him that night was growing ever so slowly into a large cavity that only he could fill.

By the time you woke up the next morning, he had already left for the day - to pick up Charles' medication, supplies, to work and to do whatever else gave him those wounds. Ignoring that ache in your heart, you had tried to go about your day, Charles' gaze holding a certain sorrow that made the lump in your throat harder to swallow around.

He hadn't come back for dinner, your own food having grown cold as you waited for him. After covering it up and putting it in a place where he would be able to see it, you had gone to bed, drifting away uneasily.

The sound of your door opening woke you, and you watched as the light from the next room poured in, casting the shadow of Logan onto your wall. Turning around slowly, you looked at him standing in your doorway, an almost nervous look on his face.

"I, uh," he winces, hand clutching at the red patch slowly staining his shirt. "Need your help again."

You were quiet, which made in all honesty Logan nervous as he looked up at you, your gaze locked onto stitching his stab wound back up. Usually he could never get you to shut up.

Throwing away the cloth which you had used to wipe away the rest of the blood, you turned your back without a word, ready to go back to your bed. Without thinking, Logan had grabbed onto your wrist, standing up and looming over you.

It was difficult to look at nothing but him. Even though he was old, Logan was still possibly the most handsome man you had ever seen. Watching silently, you waited for him to say something, to say anything.

"Fuck it." He murmurs under his breath, the hand on your wrist tugging you forward so that he can crash his lips to yours.

It's not a loving touch. His hands are rough and hard against your skin, desperation coursing through him as he takes you right there on the kitchen table, shorts tugged down to your ankles and shirt hanging low enough for him to stare at your chest.

He collapses against you, a low groan reverberating through his chest. In this moment of intimacy, you allow your fingers to gently scrape against his scalp and you smile at how he melts against you.

He silently lifts you, placing you gently down onto his bed where he climbs in after you, hand dangling around your waist as he places a quick kiss to the back of your shoulder.

Your heart soars, a giddy smile spreading across your lips, so much that your cheeks ache. He's warm, snuggling back into him in the cold air of the old building, your hand tangling with his own as your eyes droop.

Wake him up at 8 every morning with breakfast and two tablets. Bathroom, wash him up, chess. Lunch then nap, followed by dinner with two more tablets and sleep. Make dinner, patch up and fuck Logan.

It always hurt after. He treated you as if you didn't exist or that you were simply not there the following morning. He usually left for work before you were awake but on the rare occasion where he didn't need to leave in the morning, his replies mainly consisted of grunts.

For now, Logan seeking you out for relief was enough. But in those rare moments of intimacy following after sex, you could almost picture a different life for you two. One where he wouldn't return from work with holes and blood covering his shirt, or the energy being sucked out from him to the point where he was almost losing himself and who he used to be.

After a particularly gruelling day with Charles, one where it had taken him a lot longer to remember who you were and where he was, you decided to talk to Logan properly. You needed more from him.

This night, he hadn't gotten into trouble and returned with no blood on him or his shirt. It was a small victory for the both of you at least.

He had snuck up behind you as you were washing the dinner plates, hand snaking its way down from your stomach to between your legs. It was easy to forget that you were meant to simply talk to him, to ask him what you were to him when his touch could be so distracting.

Laying down next to him that night, your hand on his chest which was beginning to slow, you had quietly murmured your question into the dark.

He had tensed up immediately, shifting away and sitting up, legs swinging over the side of the bed.

"Please, Logan." It's almost embarrassing at the way your voice cracks, wet tears pouring over your cheeks. "I-I love you."

"Don't fuckin' say that." His voice is sad, head hung low in his hands as he hears you move from your side of the bed, sitting beside him. "You think you do but you don't."

That ache in your heart burns with intensity at the way his voice sounds, almost as if he feels bad for you.

"I'm pretty sure I know how I feel, Logan." Your hand reaches out, gently moving his hand from his face. "What are you so scared of? Why can't you believe that I love you?"

"I'm not talkin' about this."

He shoots up, slipping his clothes and boots on and stalking towards the front door. You follow behind him, trying to match his stride as you call after him, voice cracking as you watch him grab his keys.

The sun is just rising beyond the horizon, painting the sky a beautiful hue of pink and orange. His car engine starts up just as you step outside, the dirt staining your feet as you watch him speed away.

You may not have known Logan that well or for that long but you did know some things about him. He was scared of caring for people again, having lost so many throughout the years. He thought that he was incapable of being loved, his years of ageing souring his thoughts of himself.

You knew that he cared for you, in whatever capacity and way he was capable of. And you hoped that he would come back to you and accept that he was worthy of your love.

But he was just a man.

_______________________________________

a/n: hey...so it's been awhile since I've posted any of my own work (and by awhile I mean 3 years oop) but thankfully seeing Hugh Jackman has gotten me sitting up again. I don't know if that means I'll be back but have a crumb for now...

[suckerforprettyboys]

illicit affairs- g.hawthorne

in which a simple interview starts fierce rumors of a secret romance.

wc: 1.3K

my inbox is open for requests! xoxo

The backstage room was cloaked in an awkward silence, broken only by the distant echoes of the camera and make-up crew doing their last minute touches. You, a well known and respected interviewer, were sitting patiently waiting for your interviewee to enter the room. You had your papers neatly stacked, hair perfectly set how you liked it, and a bright smile ready. 

Interviews were nothing new for you, it was quite literally your job, but today’s interview would be rather difficult in comparison to the usual interviews. You were interviewing a well known businessman and entrepreneur, the heir to the Hawthorne fortune: Grayson Davenport Hawthorne. 

Your mind is sucked from your thoughts as the door swings open, a rather annoyed and stoic looking Grayson straightening up his suit. He walks over, sticking out his hand for a handshake.

“Grayson Hawthorne, pleased to meet you,” he introduces himself, not even cracking a smile. 

You introduce yourself as well, presenting a sweet smile to go along with your words. He just stares at you, unimpressed, almost looking bored. 

“Oh boy, he seems like a joy” you think to yourself, not letting the negativity of your thoughts slip into your kind and warm demeanor. 

As the two of you settle into the interview space, the atmosphere grows increasingly frosty and tense. Grayson was clearly not in the mood to answer any hard hitting questions today, answering with the most vague responses possible. This left you to navigate through a maze of one-worded answers and dismissive gestures. 

It soon became evident that this interview would be a test of your ability to crack the enigma that was Grayson Hawthorne. 

The minutes ticked by slowly, and you pressed on, determined to unravel the layers of the unyielding celebrity. Little did they know, this encounter would become a battle of wits, a dance between an interviewer seeking to break through his icy demeanor and a stubborn man determined to maintain his impenetrable facade. 

Despite the obvious tension in the room, you continue on with your hard hitting questions, determined to get something out of Grayson Hawthorne. The air hung heavy, each question met with unspoken challenges and calculated responses. Grayson wasn’t a lot in your eyes, but the bastard was good. 

In a subtle shift, you decide to take a less business approach to the questions and quite beating around the bush. 

“So,” You smile sneakily, leaning forward as you fold your hands in your lap. “The Heiress, Ms. Grambs. Any comments on her you would like the world to know, or are you gonna shut this topic down too?” You smirk to yourself as you see a slight glimmer in his eye from your boldness. Maybe it was just the set lights that hit his perfect face just right, but you knew damn well he had something to say from the way he brightened up ever so slightly.

“No comment.” He says coldly, shifting in his chair. He crossed one leg of the other in your direction, body language indicating his slight interest in your approach to the questioning. 

He didn’t trust you, but he was opening up. Ever so slightly.

You smile warmly, laughing softly to try and clear the atmosphere. “Well folks, there’s your answer.” You turn back towards Grayson, looking him straight in the eyes as if willing him to give you something, anything. “Not to sound too forward, but you are a very handsome and wealthy young man. You have stated in previous interviews that, and I quote, ‘dating is not your thing, never has been and won’t be for the foreseeable future if you can help it,” You smile sneakily once again. 

“Does that still apply, or has a special someone changed your perspective on that?”

Grayson goes slightly stiff at your words. You take note of this, deciding that this would be that last romance question in an attempt to get him to feel comfortable. 

“I stand by the previous statements made regarding that particular topic.” He says, unfazed and bored. 

You lean back in your seat, uncrossing you legs and sighing, “Mr. Hawthorne, you are one tough cookie to crack.” You laugh, smiling sweetly at him. “I assume privacy is one of the things you value most?”

“Yes, it is.” He nods, but gives no other indication of emotions.

Bingo. You’ve gotten him to talk. And you are running with it. 

You smile, locking eyes with him again, “And is there any particular situation that made that choice set in stone? Or has that just been something you’ve always lived by?” You watch his eyes flicker with something, but you aren’t sure what.

“I grew up watching what the media had done to family members and the little bit they showed the press and chose to just steer clear indefinitely. It is better to avoid a burning building and wonder what would have happened then to walk in and burn.” He folds his hands in his lap, re-cuffing the sleeves.

You smile from ear to ear, overjoyed that he had gotten out more than a few words. “I guess I never thought of it that way.”

“You never had to.” Grayson cuts in, expression cold. It was clear this was a sensitive topic, so you decide not to push any farther. 

“I suppose I never did, my sympathy to those who found out the hard way.” You nod. Then, as if nothing had happened, your bright smile is back.

“Alright, Mr. Hawthorne. I believe that is all the questions I have for today.” You shake his hand again, thanking him for coming out and saying goodbye to your audience. Grayson gets up immediately, looking as if he was fighting to leave the room. 

You choose to ignore it, speaking with the camera crew and production team as the wrap up.

---

Less than a half hour later you are walking back to your dressing room, a nagging feeling in your cut. You feel guilty, not sure for what, but the feeling is there non the less. 

“Fuck it,” You think to yourself, heading towards the guest dressing room.

You knock on the door. No response. 

“Hello?” You call out, only to be met with no response once again. You continue to knock for a few more minutes, ear pressed to the door for any indication of life on the other side of the door.

Eventually, a staff member finds you looking like a creep with your ear pressed to the door. She tells you that Grayson was on his way to his limo and he was quite grumpy. At this news your stomach drops, concerned that you had been the root of his unhappiness. 

You weren’t sure why that particular fact bothered you.

You intercept him outside on the way to his car, hand waving in the air to catch his attention. 

“Mr. Hawthorne!” You yell, causing him to turn. His eyes narrow, brows furrowing as he looks down at you.

“Hi,” You smile, slightly out of breath from chasing him down. “Can I speak with you for a quick second?”

Grayson glances back at his bodyguard, giving a silent signal in the form of a nod. He steps off to the side, nodding at you stiffly. 

“Quickly.” He spits out rather rudely.

“I wanted to apologize.” You say softly, eyes locked on his to show your genuine intention.

This catches Grayson off guard, “Apologize for what exactly?” He slightly quirks a brow, still peering down at you.

“For overstepping the boundaries of the interview. The description of the question I sent your agent had nothing to do with personal life or romance and it was inappropriate of me to ask such things of a total stranger.” You ramble, talking with your hands, the complete opposite from your shiny and perfect interviewer persona. 

Grayson just nods stiffly at you once again, offering no answer as you continue on.

“I’ll have the production team cut anything other than strictly business conversation or we can cut the interview entirely if you wish.”

“No need.” He says quietly. “Just cut the things not described in the papers sent to my agent and myself.”

You let out a sigh of relief, smiling at him “Thank you so much, Mr. Hawthorne”

“Grayson.” He cuts you off. “Just Grayson is ok. Mr. Hawthorne makes me sound old.” He says curtly, turning to leave.

You just stand there as he gets in the limo, waving stiffly at you. Your eyes follow the limo as it leaves, confused as to what had just happened.

The picks up, causing you to shiver slightly, wrapping your arms around yourself. The shutter of a camera catches your attention in the distance. A group of maybe 3 paparazzi were huddled behind a group of bushes, holding their cameras in your direction.

You offer a sweet and warm smile, waving at them as they flick a few more pictures before walking off. You simply shrug, heading back inside for the warmth of the building.

Weird. 

---

Later that evening, you were finishing up with the production team getting the right clips in the right order and making everything look amazing. 

“Ok, guys. Looks great!” You smile proudly, thanking your team for all their great work throughout the day. The sound of your name being called catches your attention, causing you to turn.

Your eyes land on your agent, peeking her head through the door and asking to speak with you outside. You nod, slightly confused, and follow her into the small hallway. 

She looks at you with an odd look, “How are we gonna clean this up?” She says.

“Clean up what?” You laugh nervously, “What happened?”

She quirks an eyebrow at you, telling you to check your phone. You furrow your brows in confusion, pulling out your phone.

The second you laid eyes on it the screen glows with an endless amount of notifications: texts, dm’s, emails, and missed phone calls. Out of curiosity you click on one of the emails, leading you to an article link.

Hawthorne Heir Apparent and Heart-throb Grayson Hawthorne Spotted with Well-Known Interviewer and Possible New Girlfriend, and the cover was a picture of you and Grayson speaking in the parking lot.

Your stomach drops, “Shit.”

[bloodiedrogue]

GOOD DAYS

SUMMARY: Miguel just wants to understand you better.

PAIRING: Miguel O'Hara & Gender Neutral Reader

WORD COUNT: 1,503

WARNINGS: A little bit of miscommunication mixed with some longing. Nothing too serious here.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: For my beloved @imgoingtofreakoutnow I hope you enjoy!!

MASTERLIST

-

Miguel’s fully aware of how untouchable you are. Physically, at any given moment you’re an arms reach way, always lingering around him, making sure you know he’s there. Oftentimes, you can be found walking on the heels of his feet, touching his arm when you laugh, rubbing his shoulders when he’s tired.

In every other capacity you’re miles away, a distant body of thoughts that go blank each time he looks at you a little too long. 

He couldn’t understand you if he tried. Even after staring for as long as he has, picking apart your features and the way they often shift. You’re an enigma, he thinks. A paradox of guarded feelings shoved inside the body of an open book. Because of this, he thought it’d be easy to understand you —to slowly get through to you— but not long after putting in the effort he soon began to realize it was the opposite. 

On your good days, you’re avoidant. A joking mess of sarcasm and scoffs that deflects any sort of intimate conversation. Whereas on your bad days, you’re defensive. An impenetrable wall of silence that often has him fighting the urge to lash out. 

When the two of you are together and Miguel asks you questions, when you’re in a good mood, you usually respond with wit. Encasing your words in a humour he doesn’t quite understand. It’s on these days he makes the mistake of thinking he can get through to you. That he can get you to look at him and see how insane you make him feel sometimes. 

Miguel can feel your arms fall against his shoulders with a huff. Your breath hits his ear, causing him to twitch but instead of pulling away you merely rest your chin on top of his head, letting out another breath.

“Can I help you?”

“I got that Sandman from 102,” you tell him, letting your body shift further against his. Despite your size difference, you feel uncharacteristically heavy —tired maybe, he thinks as he cranes his neck back, feeling your head lift. 

“And?”

You peel away, raising your hands into the air to stretch. “He’s got a wicked throw. Tossed me a good distance across the I-95.”

He hears your spine crack a few times. Then, there’s a sigh of relief that escapes, sending your face into a grin that has him swallowing hard and looking back at the screen in front of him. 

You’re in a good mood today. A normal mood. He can expect lingering touches and lots of teasing. A few jokes here and there if he decides to pry, which he knows he ultimately will. That’s just how he is with you. 

“How was your day?”

The way you jump onto the edge of his desk, resting your feet on the arm of his chair with a smug look has him rolling his eyes, trying to suppress the joy that blooms through his chest. “Fine.”

“Just fine?” You poke him with the toe of your boot, raising your brow. “No exciting new developments in the Arachnoid Humanoid Poly-Multiverse?” 

He snorts, taking in the way you openly mock him. The way you poke and prod despite retreating when he ultimately does the same. He’d be lying if he said it didn’t bother him. That opening up to you without receiving the same kind of courtesy didn’t make him feel like shit. For a while now he’s pushed himself to be more open for you. To show you that he cares in ways he thinks you’ll like, but lately, he’s begun to second-guess himself. Questioning whether or not you’re even interested in him.

“Aw c’mon, no disrupted canon events? No overpowered anomalies?”

“A few.”

“How many specifically?” you muse, making him wonder why you’re asking. And more importantly, why you’re still around if all you’re here to do is pester him? 

“Is there a reason you’re asking so many questions or are you just here because you’re bored?” 

There’s a part of him that wants to be rude to you the same way he is with everyone else. In the deepest parts of him, he can feel that tactical guard shift towards the surface, threatening to cut him off from whatever it is you’ve pulled him into. Slowly it moves through the base of his chest, sliding across disrupted organs that twitch when he watches your jaw fall in fake offence.

“You know you’re not my only form of entertainment,” you tell him. 

There’s a certain bite behind your words, lingering in the air. At first, it’s funny, so in response, he jokingly scoffs, but then he sits with your words a bit, realizing how jealous it makes him feel. How oddly infuriating the idea of someone else earning your attention has him breathing through his nose.

He has to take a minute and does so by turning his chair to one of the side screens. Then, he pulls up the footage of your mission, watching the way you zip through the air straight into Sandman’s fist. It’s a hard-looking hit. One that has him outwardly wincing as your body’s sent flying across the highway, through the window of a building before taking a moment and jumping back into the fight. 

“Wow, couldn’t even wait until I left to watch the bloopers.”

You click your tongue and Miguel looks back, noticing that, despite the joyful tone of your voice, your face looks heavy. Tired and —if he’s honest— a bit sad as you stare at the screen. 

Immediately it fills him with this new sense of worry. Forcing him to knit his brows and ask if you’re okay. 

When you don’t respond right away he finds himself reaching to grab your wrist, placing his fingers gently around the bone as he pulls himself up to stand. 

“Hey.”

He boxes you in. Between his legs, your knees brush against the inside of his thighs, both of you freezing at the sudden closeness.

You may be touchy. The kind of person who’s always throwing your arms and legs around him but Miguel knows this is different. It’s more intimate. Loving even. 

“I’m fine. Just…tired.” 

“Tired?”

You hum, avoiding his gaze —avoiding his concern in a way that has him releasing more air, trying to get you to let him in.

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“No.”

He’s not surprised by your answer, but it still doesn’t hurt any less. “How come?”

“Because it doesn’t matter.”

“Doesn’t it?” 

He sees your tongue tuck itself into the edge of your cheek as you look away, forcing him to swallow all the fear and doubt he’s ever felt as he raises his hand to your cheek. Gently, it cups the plushest part, pushing your face back to look at his before he leans in, pressing his forehead against yours. 

“You know you can talk to me, right?” 

He can feel you nod against him. The motion is small and quick, but regardless it makes him smile because it’s the first time you’ve given him any sort of confirmation. 

“Good, because you know I love you.” 

It’s the kind of declaration that slips out before he can even think to suppress. Without realizing it, his mouth moves around the syllables, accidentally pushing them out; making him quickly inhale and pause because he didn’t want to tell you. At least… not like this. Not when you’re looking at him with wide eyes that tell him all he needs to know. That these feelings he holds deep within his chest each time you’re standing next to him or touching him, are one-sided.

“Wait, you—“

He pulls away, releasing the hold he has, looking at the device on his wrist with desperation, wondering how bad it would be if he just opened up a portal and left. In the end, he knows it wouldn’t save him from the embarrassment. Honestly, it might just make it worse. But at least he’d be away from the awkward tension. 

“Just pretend I didn’t say that, alright?” 

As he turns to walk away, he’s pulled back in by the feeling of desperate hands clawing at his elbow. Hungrily, they pull at the fabric of his suit, making him groan and turn only to be met by the entirety of your body launching into his chest, taking hold of his neck with looping arms that drag him down.

Before he can even register what happens next your lips are on his, sucking the air from his lungs in such a way that he feels like he might faint. Both of your mouths move out of synch, gliding across the other in messy movements that slowly begin to match up. When they do, it feels like he’s whole again. As if this missing piece he’s always longed for has suddenly slotted itself into his lonely edges, making his heart swell and his lips grin, forcing your mouth to do the same as he pulls you in closer, unwilling to let you go. 

-

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[ninjastormhawkkat]

Nate wouldn't call himself insane or very imaginative. So there was no way he would be chatting with a puppet.

And yet here he was talking to one.

A live puppet. Couldn't say breathing because Wally didn't have lungs. And yet he sighed, whistled, gasped, wheezed, and huffed. As…if he did have lungs. He sang, he talked, he walked. All on his own. He did not, however, blink.

He was a puppet after all. Made out of cotton sewn into colorful fabric with thread and buttons. A creation from his creator's imagination. The absurdity of it all!

Though that just added to the strange and uncanniness of his existence. An enigma. Nate wasn't even sure when or how Wally was even alive….he just was.

"I can't remember…" Wally said when he was asked. He exhales as if sighing a bit. "I suppose…maybe I've just been alive the whole time." His eyes stared almost blankly and yet at the same time full of life. His gaze was unwavering. Staring directly at Nate. And that's the thing about Wally. He enjoyed STARING.

It had creeped Nate out more times than he could count. He had come to learn that was just how Wally was. He wasn't staring, most times to be intentionally creepy or even intimidating (ha! That would be funny in a way. A 3 foot puppet being intimidating…) though when in the dark or dim lit places, he looked like he could be in a horror flick instead of a kids TV show.

Even now as Nate sat at his workspace, the thought still plagued him.

He felt someone staring at him. The hairs on the back of his neck stood up. "Hello Wally." Nate said knowing it was him before he even heard the pit patter on his shoes tapping on the floor. "Hello neighbor" Wally's soft and almost monotone voice said as he neared. His black eyes bored into Nate's green one. Once eye contact was made it was hard to look away. Like an unspoken game of eye staring….an eye staring contest.

It was like this for a few moments before Wally looked away. His eyes looked at what Nate had been working on. "What's this?" He asks, curiously. "Just another prop in the works." Nate says, cracking a small smile. "For the next episode, Julie is hosting a mock business meeting. I am a bit behind on props making so I am staying here late to finish."

"That's nice." Wally says softly. He paused as if wanting to ask Nate something. His hands fidgeted a bit as he held them.

"Is something the matter?" Nate asked, looking at Wally. The puppet opened his mouth a bit, hesitant. "Well, I was wondering…" he began. "Since you have a lot of props to make…maybe… maybe I could lend a hand?" Wally asked. The puppet sounded nervous and unsure which was a bit different than how he usually acted. He looked at Nate waiting for a response. Nate nodded. "Sure I don't see why not." The man said.

Wally's permanent grin seemed to smile wider. The stitches being tugged at. "Whoa careful now." Nate says. As much as he was happy to see the puppet genuinely smile, he was ripping his stitches. The prop maker wasn't sure if it was painful or not. He knew his coworkers would begin to question why Wally was getting tears on him.. "Ah right…" Wally said, stopping himself.

Nate was among the few people that even knew Wally was alive. And had been adamant about keeping that secret. Wally couldn't understand why. If he was real shouldn't he just be allowed to do whatever? However the puppet figured there had to be a reason behind it. And this decided to keep his existence a secret.

He didn't stay mulling over this fact for very long, due to the excitement he felt. His fingers itched to create.

"Here I have spare brushes and paint." Nate says gesturing to his art supplies toolbox. Wally practically ran over to the box. His hands dug in and picked up a small paint set.

"Thanks Nate!" The puppet chirped. The man smiled. "No problem Wally."

And that's how Wally ended up helping him with the props. They chatted in-between, mostly about silly episodes or ideas they had. Eventually Wally found himself rambling about something that had bugged him. Nate would give an occasional sound of affirmation and say I see among a few other short sentences.

Not that Wally minded. He was happy to be able to get whatever was in his chest out. Right now he talked about how there wasn't enough apples around the studio.

"I just thought that maybe we should have at least one apple hidden somewhere in every area! Then it could be like a search and find. The one with the most apples wins!" Wally mused as he held up a prop he had painted on top of. It is dry now.

"That's a good idea, don't you think so Nate?" Wally asked his friend suddenly. Silence was his only response….

"Right Nate -?" Wally paused. Not having heard his friend speak for some time. The puppet turned around, concerned about the prop maker. His eyes landed on Nate's sleeping form. The man's paintbrush had fallen out of his hand, as he slumped on his desk. "Ah…" Wally said, lowering the prop in his hand. He then softly chuckled. Right…sleep. Humans needed sleep.

He also knew Nate's prop work was due the next morning before shooting began. With Nate sleeping, he would not be done in time. The props needed time to dry after all. He stared at the unfinished work. "I could work with this!" He muses.

….

In the morning, Nate sat up, realizing he hadn't meant to pass out. He sat up adjusting his glasses on his face. The first thing he saw was the assortment of props that had been made. Even the one he fell asleep doing was completed. Wally was no longer in sight, a red apple sat on Nate's desk. A small note that read. "Apple @:)"

Gift fic for you!

aww I love this, wholesomeness from the past. Lol Wally is really obsessed with apples pfft.

[unboundwanderers]

@terestris asked: "“why not? what’s the risk? what happens down there?“ // for the goth or looney doctor?? hello !! ♥" Doctor Who — Gridlock  {Sentence Starters} \ACCEPTING/

               "I'm not sure. That's what's causing the risk." Long hums of intrigue left this man's lips. He crouched next to the opening of a great ravine, a crack in the skin of the earth that dredged down deep beneath the ground with a bottom that was seemingly invisible. This man reached for a pebble and flicked it, waiting to hear a drop- but there was none... there was nothing, not even an echo. Not even a howling of wind or a crying of agony. This man stood and reached into his inner-breast pocket. He wore a black denim jacket, which was buttoned up currently, and under it was a white T-Shirt. Tight jeans and high top sneakers made up the lower half, and he wore a messenger bag across his chest. Soft brown hair and sun kissed skin helped to shape his face, skin dotted with freckles and eyes a deep brown.

               "I wonder... Doesn't look like any gap I've ever seen before." He muttered aloud, tossing a stone across the ravine. "Hm." He hummed again, looking down. "It's a split... connecting two places to one." He crouched down and removed something from his breast pocket. A brass device, which emitted a soft sound when he pointed it in the ravine- before he promptly flicked it open to read some data on the device. He gave it a long stare, "Like a bridge... but where does it lead? Where's the other side pop out at?" He let out a laugh, "Maybe it's a portal to hell." He joked, but collapsed the device and put it back into his inner breast pocket. He tapped his finger against it, thinking long thoughts about where the crack might lead.

               And there, stood this man- this enigma. He seemed very casual about everything he was talking about, what with all the thoughts running through his mind about what could and couldn't be. "There could be anything on the other side of that bridge..." He muttered out, crouching again. "If it really does connect to some kind of underworld, then maybe- a path to The Void? At this particular moment in temporal space, the only relevant thing I've got in my mind is maybe... A war beast or a hellhound, but that'd be a long climb up." He gestured, "Note how smooth the walls are, see- right there... too smooth for claws, it'd be difficult." He used his finger to accentuate what he meant. "But if it connects different times and places, then maybe... at worst, Cardinals or Old Ones." He thumbed at his chin. "But that's only if I've gotten the right version of Earth- it changes a lot in Space-Time... But even then, if there were some here... That'd be nasty business."

               Finally, he remembered his manners, straightening himself out- "Oh! I'm The Doctor, by the way- nice to meet you." He stuck his hand out to give it a shake.

[genshingarbage]

hoii, is it okay if I request something with Diluc and Kaeya ? like, gn!reader feels very alone and unloved, because they can't make/keep friends and their family doesn't pay much attention to them ?

and if it's not too much, can the men be like big brother or father figures to the reader ?

it's okie if you don't want to write it!

have a good day/night ♡

This is too cute. Bless. Both I and Mod Kaeya worked together on this one, take a guess who wrote for who lmao hope this is okay sweetie! - Mod Diluc

I'll Always Care.

|| One - Shot ||

Kaeya / Diluc

Diluc

The sun was beating down like normal, the heat was unbearable and it was making you itch and sweat like nobodies business. You felt stuffy and so uncomfortable, but maybe you could give the sun a break from your insults; because deep down it wasn't the sun making you feel like utter nothingness right now. It was the fact you yet again were reminded of the harsh fact that no one cares for you, not even your own mother can pretend to wear a smile around you.

First your mother sighed and brushed you off this morning like a pestering bug, and to rub insult to injury your small group of friends (if you could even call them that.) Had conveniently forgotten to secure a place for you to go with them all on their expedition today. So here you were alone, curled up with your knees pressed against your chest and your eyes closed as to try prevent the threat of tears: despite you trying to convince yourself it's just to block the sunlight, even though you're under a tree that's already blocking the sun indefinitely.

You felt the pain sinking further inside you now and it just stung worse and worse. Why? Why do you always get forgotten about... why do they never care how you're feeling? No one seems to understand you ever. Was this world even meant for someone like you? You debated it sometimes, but all it ever did was work you up more into a crying mess because even if you'd conclude you're better off dead- you'd never have the guts to kill yourself; and you'd be way too terrified to let someone or something else do it for you.

Your head sunk further into your arms that coiled round your frail frame as you began to sniffle and sob softly. Your ears were ringing and your head was hurting so much from how much you'd been on and off crying the past two hours by yourself, nothing but the breeze and butterflies to keep you company in your own misery. Life was cruel, and you were starting to resent it in a whole. But all you could so was curl up and cry like you always do, why can you never fix yourself? Stupid.

You practically leaped out your skin however, shooting your head up fast, almost giving yourself whiplash from the force you done it at. The squeeze on your shoulder was most unexpected and most definitely an understatement to how shaken up you were. You felt the scream aching in your throat about to fly out your lips when you saw who it was, Diluc. His crimson eyes staring down at you, the matching hair tied neatly into a ponytail behind him. His claymore resting on his shoulder effortlessly.

"Why are you crying Y/N?" He spoke sternly, but under that tone you could hear the concern in his voice; as poorly as he was at showing his emotions on a day to day basis. You sniffed hard, an involuntarily rub of your eyes and nose following behind as you blinked away the tears quickly. "I- I'm not. Just resting is all." You wanted to cringe at your poor excuse there yourself, your voice was wavering in tone and cracking so badly, why did you even bother to lie?

He let out a deep sigh before slipping his claymore off his shoulder and swinging it in a circle before letting it peirce into the dirt, securing its position he let it go and stepped next to you, bending down and taking a seat beside you now. Inviting himself into your private affairs had become common ground for you now, then it hit you. He is always around when you feel at your lowest. You looked at him with a bewildered expression, eyebrow raised. The look of utter confusion evident on your face.

Finally he turned his head to you and then looked forward again, one of his knees lifting up for him to rest his arm on, the other sliding round the back of your neck and gently pulling you into his chest. You were confused at first, but then it hit you, he was hugging you and comforting you, in his best efforts at least. You laid there against him, cuddled up to him, your head pounding, your throat sore from crying, your eyes stinging. Face flushed red from your inner rage. You really looked like a mess right now.

"Rest. You need it. When someone's cried at lot it helps to get rest after." He spoke matter of fact like to you. You lifted your head ever so slightly about to attempt another pitiful protest, but his hand came up to your head and softly stroked through your hair. "Rest." He added. That silenced you and simply closed your eyes, feeling not so alone anymore and at actually at ease. He always helps you feel better, no matter how small of an action it was.

He always makes you feel loved and cared for, if you could describe Diluc in one word, it would be big brother. He really was like a big brother to you, always there to cheer you up and make you feel better, always there to remind you that you're not as alone as you always think you are. He's always kept you safe and always put you first before himself even sometimes. A smile crept onto your face ever so slightly when all of this was resurfaced in your mind.

You truly were grateful to have a friend like Diluc, even if you have no one else that's by your side, he is, and he always will be. "Thank you." You muttered the words ever so softly and breath like, as you'd mutter them out in your sleep, while your head rested against his chest. His eyes slowly trailed to the side, looking down at your peaceful sleeping state. His hand still stroking through your hair as it kept you huddled up to him. Not that you'd ever see it or know of it, a small smile made its way onto his lips too.

"Sweet dreams, Y/N".

Kaeya

The lanky man found you in his guest bedroom, knees tucked under you chin with a cloak of thick duvets framing your clearly exhausted face. He sighed softly before beginning to  pat over to you, chocolate milk in hand and heart on his sleeve.

Once you’d noticed him making his way over you shifted under the blankets to let him crawl into the little cave you’d constructed yourself. He placed the glass onto the night stand, interrupting the somber silence of the room with a gentle clink of glass against hardwood, then turned to you in order to pull you into his broad chest. He gently rubbed your back as his icy eyes observed the room with it’s askew drawers and new adornments of thrown pillows and tossed weapons or tools. The gentle moonlight pouring in from the still open curtain, tarnishing the peachy walls a soft periwinkle blue only telling him of the sadness you were feeling.

“You can stay here as long as you need.”

“I know Sir Kaeya.”

Your sniffles broke his heart a little, the way you buried your head into his nightshirt even more so. You were some sort of enigma to him. Like a puzzle he couldn’t solve yet was made of pieces of a mirror he had shattered.

You reminded him so much of how he was after Diluc had…well…

The blue haired man pulled you closer to him to bury his nose in your hair, beginning to frown, “Will you tell me what happened?”

“It is not really what has happened and more what keeps happening honestly.” Your voice was muffled slightly but he could still hear it clearly through your tight words forcing their way out of your throat. You didn’t really have the heart to tell him that since you became an adventurer your parents had all but kicked you out because they didn’t want to deal with the likely chance you wouldn’t be making any sort of money with your dream job. Your friends had began to leave one by one with teasing remarks about joining your adventure team or horrific monsters, leaving to study in far off corners of the world.

You were completely and utterly alone, with only Kaeya at your side. It didn’t take the feeling of his arms tightening around you to tell you he could already sense what you were thinking about.

“They weren’t your family or friends if they simply tossed you aside y’know? You should not spare them another thought.” He muttered this softly into your hair, hoping you could somehow find comfort in his backwards way of thinking. As much as he wanted to toughen you up…he didn’t want you to become him.

He’s well aware of your plights, has been since you were a kid and he was a fresh young face in the knights even if he doesn’t necessarily know what happened today to cause you to spiral into such a state. Maybe that’s why he took you in. He’d ponder over it as he tucked you in, brushing your hair out of your face afore lightly stepping out of the room to leave you to sleep finally.

[takahero]

some basta x ww!reader au content, set pre-inkheart. in which basta tries to keep his identity a secret from someone he can never have, so he offers the only solution he can think of…cue clandestine rendezvous & painful foreshadowing

“We should run away.”

It’s the sheer absurdity of the proposition that makes you laugh. You crack open an eye, just to make sure he’s not joking.

Basta’s expression, however, is devoid of humour.

You shift upright, studying him with a look that’s torn between amusement and concern.

“Now why would we want to do that?”

“Why not?” He picks out a tuft of grass. “Or would you rather stay in this cursed hole forever?”

“Hm.” You’re tiptoeing now, piecing together this rather abrupt revelation. “And what makes you think there’s anything better out there?”

Beyond these shaded woods, where the wind sings in the trees. Past the shape-shifting clouds, sailing across the cerulean sky. When Basta finally answers, his voice sounds stripped, as honest as you’ve ever heard it.

“I don’t know,” he admits, before glancing up at you. “But don’t you want to find out?”

A small smile dances on your lips.

“No,” you say, surely. “Not any more than you do.”

Before he can object to that, you raise a hand to cradle his face, tracing the outline of his jaw. Sharp and angular, with an edge as keen as his biting snark. And yet, how he sighs — how he softens — at a single touch, eyes fluttering shut as if in a trance.

These stolen moments with him are becoming scarcer by the day. It doesn’t take a sage to recognise that something is weighing on his mind, but perhaps it is better not to ask. Perhaps it is better to simply be here and pretend, for a while, that all is well in the world.

So you kiss him, because sometimes words are too much and time is too little.

Basta places a hand behind your head, his fingers curling into the roots of your hair. You close your eyes, waiting for him to deepen the embrace. To your surprise, however, he draws you away from his body instead.

You’re about to complain until you take in his distracted countenance — fraught with an expression you’ve been noticing a lot more of lately. He swallows as he searches your eyes.

“I’m—” he starts, and clears his throat. “I’m serious.”

You sigh.

“Lombrica is my home,” you tell him, quietly. “I can’t leave.”

“Only because you’ve never tried.”

“Basta.”

He shuts his eyes, taking in a sharp breath. A muscle in his jaw twitches.

“We could go anywhere,” he whispers. He reaches for your hand, and brings it to his lips with an urgency that makes your heart stutter. It would be a lie to say that this impromptu proposal — if you dare call it that — and the yearning in his eyes is not making you want to reconsider. “Anywhere we want.”

“I know,” you assure him, fighting off an affectionate smile. “But my father needs me here.”

“Fine. He can come with us.”

“And what about his farm?”

Basta huffs.

“Oh, come on,” you laugh, brushing dandelion fluff from his hair. “It’s not so bad here.”

“But the wolves,” he insists. “You know, they say they’re not nearly as bad in the north.”

“That’s because nobody knows what’s in the north.”

“The Adderhead’s not,” he counters. Then, a pause. “And what about the Fire-Raisers?”

(If you had known better, you would’ve noticed the slight tremor of his tone.)

“What about them?”

He stares at you for a beat.

“Aren’t you afraid?”

“If any of those Fire-Raisers think they can hurt me,” you tell him, with an edge of defiance, “then they’ve got another thing coming.”

“Why?”

You throw him a soft smile, reaching out to entwine your fingers together.

“Because I’ve got you.”

And there it is again, that stricken look — flashing across his face and laying out his thoughts like an open book. Is it shock, or is it fear? In any case, it’s enough to make you wonder, at least for a moment, if any of this is what it seems.

He’s a walking enigma, star-crossed with contradictions. Impervious to violence, yet chastened by a glance. Drives people away, yet craves company. Asks you to run away with him, but won’t say he loves you.

Even if you could map him out, you think it still wouldn’t answer all of your questions.

This time, though, you feel like you’re getting closer. But just before you can slot the puzzle together, he pulls you back in, kissing you speechless, senseless. Until you forget about everything — the probing questions, the implication of a future, the strangeness of the entire conversation.

Until all you know is the prayerful sound of your name on his lips, repeated over and over, like a vow he might take to the Grave.

Well, only time will tell.

(If you had known better, you would’ve known it wasn’t fear. It was guilt.)

[rainygothherowolf]

Daminette- Oblivious Idiots

Ladybug groans her face in a pillow as she freaks out a little a lot.

"How'd you figure it out? I'm not that obvious, am I? Do you think he knows? He can't know, that would be awful- ohhhh NonononononoNOnonononooooo. No. Please, tell me he doesn't know." Ladybug is laying face down on the couch in the living room of Titans Tower, Beast Boy smirking down at her reaction to being found out. The boy just brought up her rather obvious crush, and now the Parisian hero is a little panicked. If Beast Boy noticed who else did? Everyone on the team is really smart.

The Parisian joined the Titans over a year ago after asking the Justice League for help. She fits into the team’s dynamic really well, playing video games with Beast Boy and Kid Flash; hanging out with Star and binging rom-coms; Raven was a tough nut to crack but didn’t seem to mind hanging out. They did get along but respected that they just had very different interests.

Robin is a completely different story, at first he was rude but the bluenette was stubborn. She wasn't going to deal with his bratty attitude, she sticks up for her herself. At some point, the Parisian earns his respect. They became friends over time, working well together though Robin insisted they train so she could improve her technique.

"It's kinda obvious for me, but he's pretty dense. Bats are always idiots when it comes to emotions n' stuff." The young Parisian hero looks up from her pillow.    

"I know that... he's my best friend. Friend- Merde. What if he sees me just as a friend!?" The bluenette's hands go to her hair, eyes blown wide. It takes everything in Beast Boy not to laugh at how blind the girl is being. Does she not see how smitten the fourth Robin is for her? That he acts more like a human being when she's around?

"No, what if all he ever sees in me is a friend? This isn't good, then we'll never date and he's just so datable. Have you seen the way his nose crinkles when he tastes something he doesn't like, holding it until it goes away? And the way he swoops his hair, I'd bet it's soft. And he's so strong-"

"Ew. I have ears, please don't-" Ladybug doesn’t seem to hear him, continuing her rant. 

"And then one day I'll have to watch him fall for someone, I think I already have. It's awful- not that I'm not happy he's happy, because I am- but I think he likes Raven. They spend so much time together, sneaking off sometimes."

"I bet they like each other, how could I compete with her. She's amazing, and- and I'm not." The bluenette's tone goes from one of acceptance to defeat.

"Oh, okay, we got serious. Uh- don't cry." When he and Raven went over the plan, they hadn't covered the possibility of a) Ladybug thinking Robin and Raven were a thing; or b) that Ladybug would compare herself to Raven. The Parisian is always so self-confident and optimistic, perfect even- she never lets anyone get her down. She huffs at his less than helpful response.

"I'm not gonna cry. It's just, why would he like me? I'm pretty sure he thinks I'm annoying." The girl stands pacing, trying to decipher the enigma that is Robin. The girl's moods changes at the drop of a dime, leaving Beast Boy to try and play catch-up.

"Am I  annoying to him? Probably. Raven is so calm and nice, he has no reason not to like her."

"That's definitely not true, if he thinks that he would tell you." She nods, sitting on the couch, leaning on her hands. His words help a little but a girl’s mind is her worst enemy, all the worst 'what if's' popping into her brain like spam mail in an already full mailbox.

This is going to take more intervention than he thought. "You're ridiculous, that isn't true."

"You're just blind, and as you would say- 'you're too close.'" Robin rolls his eyes, Raven is sitting on her bed as Robin looks at her, standing.

"All I'm saying is-"

"I understand what you said, you don't need to repeat it. All I'm saying is-" He mocks, "- that it's highly unlikely she'd be interested in me." This time Raven rolls her eyes, he really is an idiot.

"How can I prove it to you- just ask her out. She'll say yes."

"I don't trust you, you have no proof."

"Fine. Don't believe me, but mark my words, if you wait too long she might settle for someone else. You heard her complain about being mobbed on Valentines day last year."

"Whatever, she didn't like any of them."

"Yeah, because she likes you." Robin glares at Raven as he walks out of her room to go train. Robin first saw her as annoying but she grew on him. He mistook his interest in her as friendship until Raven commented on his liking their latest addition without telling her. It went downhill from there, now it’s like he can’t get her off his mind.

He tried to deny it, reason a way out of the conclusion. Raven did her best to encourage him but she was getting nowhere, the entire team was frustrated because both refused to see what was staring them right in the face.  Beast Boy and Raven meet with Starfire after both Ladybug and Robin go back to their respective home cities.

"What did you the learn?" Beast Boy speaks up first, recounting his confronting Ladybug about it. 

"She's got it bad, thinks he and Raven are into each other." 

"Robin is convinced she doesn't like him. He doesn't want to get rejected so he refuses to ask her out."

"How can we tell him she likes him that he actually does the listening?"

"He'd only be convinced if he heard her say it." Raven reasons, knowing how blind and hard headed Robin is.

"There's no way she'll fess-up, she's too insecure. Even if we convinced her that Robin wasn't into you."

"I wish the little D could just hear her say it in passing. He would ask without fear and she'd get to date him without putting herself out there." Beast Boy can already see it, it’s the perfect plan. 

"I'm sure I could get her to talk about it in the hall, you could get him close enough to hear?" Beast Boy offers, it could work but they can't see each other.

"We'll use the hallways on the fifth floor, that are separated by a wall and meet towards the elevator?"

"Sounds great, Mama." Raven rolls her eyes at his nickname for her. Starfire looks between the two before abruptly standing, trying to hide her smile.

"Yes, well, I must attend to some dishes. Farewell." The two shared a look. Perhaps it isn't only Robin and Ladybug that need to come clean.

"We gotta say something sooner than lat-"

"I know, but not yet. We could use this to our advantage..." "Right? So I had to go all the way to the other side of the city to deliver this banner, it was worth it though. The skater friend won."

"Do they still race? You said this was a normal way to spend your weekend."

"O-oh well, I don't see them much anymore." Ladybug's shoulders turn inwards, looking to the floor. Robin hates the small frown on her lips, he knows better than to pry but maybe if he got some more information he could help.

"How come?"

"Just, time. Grew apart I guess."

"You're an awful liar."

"I take that as a compliment!" Ladybug defended, smiling slightly. "You see, while Mr.-Tall,-Dark,-Handsome,-and-Mysterious is making up lies he has to keep straight I'm simply seen as an airhead that forgets her phone everywhere she goes!"

"You're even worse at changing the subject." Ladybug's smile falters.

"Hehe, yeah, have you seen Star? She said she had the cutest picture of you asleep in your costume with some dog." Robin crosses his arms, why is she avoiding the subject?

"I have plenty of pictures of 'the dog' but please-" He pats the seat next to him on his bed, "-elaborate on this 'growing apart' situation." He isn't going to give in, he has that face he used to do during training when she was too tired to get up. Ladybug sit, plopping onto the bed her arms spread across the comfortable fabric of the duvet.

"I can't say much, just that they don't want to be friends with me anymore. None of them do."

"Who's none of them?"

"My friends. All of them, only one does but they 'can't' be my friend. He just doesn't have enough of a backbone."

"Surely you have other friends besides the mindless heathens."

"School and hero duties add up, I hardly have enough time to keep up with my jobs. I don't have time for that, and they could get suspicious, notice the patterns where my old friends would see the clumsy forgetful me." He nods, laying on his back and turning to look her in the eye.

"At least I have you guys." She smiles, brushing some hair from Robin's forehead. It feels nice.

"If it were up to me-"

"It isn't, and it's best not to dwell. Come on, bird boy, let's get a snack."

"Right, but none of that hot chocolate nonsense." She rolls her eyes, she'll get him to try it. One day.

"Are we sure this is gonna work?" Beast Boy is unsure, Raven hadn't seen the way Ladybug reacted, it was like no matter what he said her mind found some way to turn it into a bad thing, like she could only see the worst in a situation. It was completely unlike her.

"Yes."

"But-"

"No 'but's', this will give Robin the push he needs to ask her out. She'll say yes. End of story."

"Then why are we planning the the thing with the mo-"

"In case he's more dense than humanly possible and because it's time people knew."

"Right... I'll wait till ten minutes from now to get her to walk past, you have till then to get him there, we'll take two laps just in case." Raven nods before going to look for Robin. She finds him in the living room, reading a book. 

“Come.” Raven turns around and makes her way towards the elevator, he catches up and they ride to the fifth floor. They exit and hide behind the designated wall. 

"You are not to make a sound, simply wait and listen.”

They wait.

And listen.

It takes ten minutes for something to happen, the elevator bell rings and opens at their floor. Raven motions for him to stay quiet. Robin hears to footsteps as someone sighs.

"-How could I not? He's just so- dreamy."

"Ew. Why do you even like him? You're too nice for him."

"I am not 'too nice' and Robin is not mean... He's just... gruff- yeah, gruff, at first. But you should have seen how cute it was when we were talking about something and I was laying and he laid down next to me and there was hair blocking his eyes a little so I swiped it out of the way and it was so soft." She says it all in one breath which should be concerning if Robin’s attention wasn’t being taken up by trying to not freak out. His eyes wide, back pressed against the wall so as not to get caught. She keeps talking, he has to hear more.

She sounds so sure of her affection, like it’s the most natural thing in the world. She likes him? Like to date? Raven is right? This is impossible, but it was happening. She’s ranting about things not even he notices about himself like they’re the most amazing things in the world.

"And have you seen him smile? And his laugh, it's one of my favorite things about him. And did you notice the way he always perks up when there's a happy animal on the television, like it reminds him of something- I'd bet he has an animal. I wish I could have a pet." They kept walking, she kept rambling about him, his hair, his smile, the way he walked. He heard the voices fade at she and Beast Boy kept walking.

"I told you." Robin didn't even have a response, she feels the same way?

"She likes me?"

"You've got to be joking, after all that, you still don't believe it?"

"Shut up, I'm processing." Raven crosses her arms, impatiently waiting, they'll loop back soon.

"She likes me."

"Just keep listening." Ladybug and Beast Boy came back into earshot. When they got closer, Beast Boy cut her off when she starts going off topic about his hair.

"So if he asked you out, what would you do?" Robin hears them stop, she makes a high pitched whine he knows means she’s flustered, she used to do it every time he glared her down and got a little too close, at the time, an unknown symptom of his attraction towards the heroine.

"I mean, if I could speak- I'd say yes but I'd probably freak out and fall or trip over my words. It doesn't matter, he wouldn't ask. Why in the world would he like me?" Raven has to remind Robin to stay quiet and hidden with a shushing motion and a hand to his shoulder. He stays in place despite the fact that he wanted to list every reason why he would. His stupid monkey brain thought of kissing her to drive his point home but shoos the intrusive thought away.

"Right, and what you'd kiss him?" It was like his teammate is reading his stupid, teenage mind.

"Pretending he liked me back? I mean, I could go on about his li-"

"Please don't." The bluenette laughs with him.

"Ah! I have to go meet Robin for training. Bye!"

"Later." The girl's footsteps disappear as the elevator door arrives and carries her towards the training room.

"Dude you better not say she doesn't like you again." Beast Boy sad, knocking on the wall to get his attention.

"Why don't you just ask her?"

"Yes, the little D, she will the gladly accept." Kor'i appears out of nowhere, he hates when she hovers like that. He can never tell where she is. He glares at them all, he’s late to meet with Ladybug. How in the world is he going to face her after that, it was so wrong to have listened. She hadn't meant for him to hear those things. Robin is filled with guilt as he walks into the waiting elevator and nears the training room. Ladybug is there smiling and slightly pink, likely from their teammate's questions.

"Are you alright?"

"Yes." He couldn't tell her he heard, she'll get embarrassed. He can't act on it either, she sounds busy enough as is. He would just be in the way.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes." He snaps at her this time, the rest of their training session is silent. She leaves back to Paris as soon as her shift is over, not staying to speak with Robin like she usually does. No one is amused by his behavior.

"What the hell? You get the confirmation you've been needing to finally ask her out and you start acting like you hate her?" Beast Boy finally exclaims, Raven kicks him under the chair.

"It's none of your business, and none of you should have interfered. I was not meant to hear any of that, she doesn't have time for me anyways." Robin gets up from his seat and walks towards the zeta-tube.

After that, things get a little better. Robin isn't rude or snappy to her but they don't talk or have their little one on one training sessions. Ladybug does everything in her power to try and rebuild the bridge she didn't know had been burnt. She doesn't know what she did wrong, what she said, what happened made Robin want to avoid her like the plague.

Is he going to leave her too?

No. It doesn't matter that he probably put two and two together and knows she likes him, that he probably likes someone else, he is her friend at the very least, it might not be enough but it’s something.

Ladybug gathers her courage, waiting for him to pass the one place she knows she can get him. Waiting right at a corner, she hears him coming. She wants to laugh when he slows, always knowing when she tries to sneak up on him, but this time she holds it in. Reminding herself of why she’s there.

Just as he comes into range, she turns the corner and faces him. 

Her face is angry, no, pissed. Her eyebrows scrunched, a deep frown replacing the usual smile, she shoves a finger onto his chest. He always knew she was there but her expression, it’s hurt and angry and world ending- his world to be specific.

"What is your deal? What the hell did I do to you that you won't even talk to me anymore? What did I say? Why do you suddenly hate me?"

"I-"

"I mean, one day we're laughing and talking, and I tell you about what happened with my friends, and then the next you don't even bother to greet me!" She berates him in French, she gets more passionate about her speech until she's out of gas. At least, that's what he thinks.

“It’s disrespectful and hurtful! You don’t just drop someone because they did something to upset you, you try to fix it. You try to work through it!” 

"I-"

"What? You what? I told you about my friends, not only did I put a lot of trust in you for that- it could have pointed towards my identity if I slipped up. You're too easy to talk to. And don't you dare say that this is just how you are because we both know you've been off lately. So just tell me! Tell me you hate me, tell me you want space, tell me somethings wrong or that I did something but just don't shrug this off. You are too important to me to just let this go!" He can see the unshed tears in her eyes, why is she crying? Why does he have to make her cry? He doesn’t deserve her tears, her affection, he doesn’t deserve her. 

"I just- I think you can do better. I’m not a good enough companion." Robin refused to use the word friend, she isn’t his friend, she’s so much more than that. A rouge tear falls, her face incredulous.

"What?"

"You sound busy enough, you'd be better off spending your time with someone else." Robin doesn’t look her in the eye, it’s the honest truth but he can’t stand looking at her so upset. 

Ladybug is at a loss, that’s why he’s upset? Because he thinks she was wasting her time? That he wasn't good enough for her to spend her time with?

It’s like a switch flips, her anger melting away. Her jabbing finger falls.

"Who could be better?" She hugs him, Damian does have some experience from Grayson so he awkwardly returns the favor. The far shorter girl sniffles once before pulling back with a smile.

Robin feels a pang in his chest, he made her cry. She wipes away the unshed tears from the corners of her eyes, glad to have the mess over and done with. He vows never to do so ever again.

"I never wanna hear you say that you're anything less than the best, c'mon time to get your butt handed to you."

"Spar?"

"You wish." Robin sighed, she always beats him in video games. As they walk, the alarm blares. There’s an attack somewhere. The duo runs towards the living room, Starfire is already there with Beast Boy, Raven, and Kid Flash.

"We've got two. There's some kind of monster tearing through down town, we need to stop them."

"And the other?" Robin asks.

"Paris, akuma." Ladybug groans, like she always does. She runs off towards the zeta tubes with a wave goodbye. Time to deal with the mangy cat's puns.

Robin and the rest of the team walk back into Titan Tower expecting to see Ladybug waiting for them, she always gets back before them in situations like this. Kid Flash speeds off after grabbing his things saying he’s late to something, as usual. Beast Boy limps, most of his weight supported by Raven as they make their way towards the med bay. 

Robin and Starfire sit in the living room, she shows him photos of Dick in ridiculous sleeping positions or mid fall but Robin is on edge. Why isn't she back yet?

Of course, he gets an immediate answer. Ladybug's distress signal goes off, he and Star are off without a moment's hesitation. Jumping into the zeta-tubes, worry for their teammate clear. After over a year of working with her she’s never used the distress button. The machine powers up and blinds them, Damian jams a communicator in his ear and tunes in to the local news station. He hears where Ladybug is and he and Starfire set off in search for the girl. Paris is bright, people stop and stare as the heroes make their way towards the Eiffel tower.

Robin's mind is hyper focused and clouded at the same time, he knows he has to be at his best to help Ladybug so he shoves all that annoying emotion in a stupid box, shuts it, locks it, and pushes it into a dark little corner. They arrive at the lawn of the Eiffel tower.

Looking exhausted, Ladybug charges the villain. A blond boy in a black cat suit is flung at her with ease. The monster tries to throw a bus full of people at the two as Ladybug tries to get the boy off, he doesn’t seem to care, trying to hug the girl. Robin feels his chest tighten in jealousy.

Robin motions towards the bus, Starfire flies past and catches the bus mid air. The dark haired teenage boy is quick to lift the ill equipped partner he's heard so very much about off Ladybug.

"I believe she is trying to get up." He drops the boy to the side before offering a hand to Ladybug.

"Hello, again." Ladybug smiles up at him, taking Robins hand. Pulling her up, the two stand close together. Staring.

"Hi."

"Shall we get back to the task at hand?!" Starfire asks, mid battle with the monster when Ladybug and Robin snap back to reality. They join the fight, Chat sticks to the sidelines with a pout. The monster is tough, she only pressed the panic button in fear of the hostages being injured or killed. Even if they were physically healed by the miraculous cure it’s traumatizing.

The battle doesn’t last very long, the monster is extremely susceptible to Robin's ice capsules, and is no match for Kor'i's strength.

Ladybug is relieved when she sees the purified akuma flap away.

"Miraculous Ladybug!" The bluenette was able to use her lucky charm quickly enough, she'd say thank you before giving Tikki food and returning to the tower to finish her shift.

"Well done."

"Thank you, you weren't too bad yourself." Marinette smiles back to the far taller boy.

"Will you be returning to the tower? Should we wait for you?"

"You are the kidding, yes? We are in Paris! I'd like to go the shopping!" Ladybug laughed.

"With what money? My brother's card is rather telling. As is your own."

"I suppose you are correct."

"Don't worry, Starfire, we can go on a shopping day soon." The girl smiled.

"Yes, the little D, would you join us? Raven may join as well, yes, Ladybug? Girls day!"

"I do not qualify as a girl."

"Little D?" Ladybug asks, smiling softly before bursting into laughter. "I need to go help the victim and recharge. I'll see you back at the tower." Ladybug turns to leave but comes face to face with Chat. 

"What are you doing here? We don't need you." He directs his comments to both of the American heroes but mostly towards Robin. Ladybug pinches the bridge of her nose.

"We are members of the Teen Titans, we were asked to come. Now if you'll excuse us-"

"What? Who asked you to come here. My lady and I would never-"

"I did, and I am not 'your lady' you need to stop with the names and trying to distract me mid-battle, Chat.” 

“But-” Ladybug gives the mangy cat no time to explain, cutting in with no patience.

“No ‘but’s, you almost got us and all those hostages killed. Go. Home.” The tro of Titan’s walk away, it’s best not to give the boy anymore attention.

"We should do it now."

"What'd you mean? He's still acting like he can't stand her."

"No, they made up. I heard her yelling at him about it. He caved pretty quickly after that. We do it tonight, no more sneaking around and hopefully they get together." Beast Boy nods, watching Raven ice his ankle for him.

"Thanks, mama."

"... You're welcome." He smiles flicking some water on his girlfriend, she looks at him with a sad excuse for a glare.

"Alright, the ice should stay. Let's go see if she's back." Raven makes sure to keep Beast Boy off his ankle, quickly shooing him off to the empty living room couch. They don’t wait long for Robin, Starfire, and Ladybug to return.

"Thanks again for coming to help, guys." Starfire smiles. Robin nods.

"It was our pleasure, what shall we do now?"

"Movie?" Beast Boy asks, getting immediate yeses from the girls.

"I'll pass-"

"Come on." Raven complains, the guy can be such a pain.

"tt, no. That doesn't work on me."

"Pretty please?" Starfire asks. She pulls out the baby doll eyes and a pout.

"No, the physical appearance of the 'please' makes no difference-"

"Please?" Ladybug pulls out all the stops, she looks him right in the eyes, those big, blue, innocent eyes were so sad and pretty, she shuffles a foot, her hands behind her back. Her bottom lip juts out ever so slightly as her torso sways back and forth. His response is immediate.

"Yes." Ladybug grins in victory, Damian doesn’t get the chance to backpedal.

"Yay!" Starfire quickly steals Robin's usual seat. Raven and Beast Boy take up one side of the couch, Robin and Ladybug take up the other. Everyone bickers and argues over which movie to watch until Robin gets annoyed and plays one of the few movies he can bear. Lion King.

Throughout the duration of the film, Beast Boy slowly pushes Ladybug closer to him laying longways until he takes up the majority of the couch. Ladybug is squished against Robin, their arms pressing uncomfortably against each other. Deciding to test the waters, Robin wraps an arm around the Parisian's shoulder. The lights were off but the girl's blush is obvious. She has yet to move, he feels her glance in the opposite direction for a moment before leaning onto him.

Damian wasn't freaking out... Okay, Damian was only freaking out a little. He didn’t do well last time he saw she likes him. What should he do now? An annoying and sarcastic voice told him not to ignore her but they weren't much help. The little Grayson in Damian's mind told him to pull her a little closer, maybe kiss her head to make his intentions more clear. She still isn't aware of his affection towards her. He does the first, he could all but see the little Grayson smiling. Robin has no clue what to do next so he just does his best to watch the movie.

The lights come on far too soon, Ladybug doesn't move to get off him until she notices the lights turn on. She blushes that adorable shade of pink. That's when he sees it, just behind a blushing bluenette is Raven snuggling with Beast Boy as if it’s the most normal thing in the world. His brows furrow, his arm falls of Ladybugs shoulder. It was clear this isn’t a one time thing or anything of the sort. They know exactly what they’re doing, they’ve been seeing each other and she didn't tell him. After all the times he spoke about Ladybug, she didn't care to mention her own relationship.

Ladybug follows his line of sight, her posture goes from relaxed to tense.

To Marinette it’s like confirmation to something she knew all along, he likes Raven. Maybe he only wrapped his arm around her because of how squished they were. Which means she completely misread the situation and leaned onto him when he was just trying to be comfortable.

"I knew it!" Starfire exclaims, beaming. Raven just looks away trying or hide her small smile. Ladybug is happy their happy but Robin just walks away, his face neutral. She hates when he makes that face. Soon Starfire has to leave and Beast Boy hobbles to his room, ankle still tender.

Ladybug's overthinking keeps her in place, staring at her hands. She doesn’t even notice that Raven is still in the room with her.

"You should go talk to him."

"W-what? Me? No, he doesn't want to talk to me." Ladybug tried to say no but she couldn't help but be worried for Robin. Raven gives her a look, she relents.

"Fine." Ladybug drags herself to where she knows he'll be. He was always on the roof when he has to think. She mentally prepares herself for an undeniable, verbal confirmation that he doesn't like her, she forces herself to go- to be there for him.

"Go away." Damian is in no mood to deal with Raven, how could she not tell him?

"You can't get rid of a bug that easily, Rob." He chastises himself for being rude to Ladybug again, at least she doesn't sound upset because of it. She doesn't say anything, sitting next to him as they look over the brightly lit cityscape.

"Wanna talk about it?" He doesn't respond. The little Grayson, encouraged by the success of last time, tries to get Damian to hold her hand. Their hands were so close, just a few inches apart. That definitely isn't happening. "Right..." She trails off, not knowing what else to say. The silence grows, unchecked like a cancer.

"I- Just- Why wouldn't she tell me? After-" Robin was about to say too much but thankfully stopped himself.

"After what?" He’s relieved she’s still ignorant of his affection, putting himself out there like that’s a scary thought.

"Nothing. Nevermind."

"After you told her you like her." She speaks with such certainty, like she’s accepted it as fact. Is that what she really thought?

"What? No- I just- confided in her about something similar. I expected she'd do the same. She's one of my best friends." He sees Ladybug nod, that same look of  on her face.

"I'm sure she didn't mean to hurt your feelings. They probably just wanted to keep it quiet until they were ready to tell everyone." Robin had to admit she was probably right. He saw the way her hands fiddled and folded, she was trying to think of something to talk about, likely to distract him. She was always so considerate.

"So... girlfriend."

"Where'd you hear that?" He was so confused, the very idea is ridiculous.

"Well, you said you confided in Raven about something similar. I just assumed you had a partner."

"Oh. No." They sat in silence again, looking over the silent harbor. Damian gathers his courage, now is the perfect time- looking over a clear sky with the stars out. Isn't this the kind of situation girls daydream about? Now was the most likely time for her to accept. Deciding to just get it out, Damian starts speaking.

"Actually there's-"

"I know you probably don't-" Of course, just as Robin starts speaking, she does too. Alarm bells start ringing in his head, the little Grayson is trying to figure out what she was going to say while the rest of him starts freaking out.

They awkwardly laugh, looking away, Damian feels an unfamiliar little burning sensation on his cheeks. He’s loosing more of his nerve by the second.

"ILikeYou,LikeLikeLike." She just blurts it out, redder than her costume. Damian's head snaps to her with his lips parted. This is happening.

"I feel the same way. I- I apologize I didn't say so sooner I just- you said you were so busy already, I didn't want to become a distraction." Ladybug gives him a small smile, that was what that was about. She fondly wipes the hair from his forehead back, lacing her fingers through his hair. Her hand rested at the back of his neck, smiling. She looks so content, at peace.

"I see no issue in distractions."

"I suppose this is the part of the story where we kiss?" Robin puts a hand on the Parisian's cheek, inching closer. They move to close the gap until they were just a hairsbreadth away. Her eyes are so blue and so beautiful up-close.

"I suppose you'd be correct." Their lips meet, the beautiful night sky behind them- everything else melting away.

[a-cupof-jo]

Dyspnea

Parings: Potion Master!Jaehyun X Medicinal Herbalist!Reader

Genre: Fluff, Intended Angst, Magic!au

WC: 4.1K

Warnings: magic inaccuracies, food mentioned, tiny bit suggestive

For @ficscafe fic scenario event! 

Summary:  The candle flickered as Jaehyun’s breath caught the flame. The life you two lived together was simple, but he wouldn’t change anything about it, “Happy birthday, Jaehyun. Make a wish.” The flame flickered out. He hadn’t known it then, but he should have used that wish more wisely.

Prompt: 38. When they test out a love potion on their partner.

~~

It wasn’t fair that so many people get to enjoy this day while he is stuck behind the shuttered windows  dark shadows. He doesn’t hate this day. How could he? It was Valentine's day- and his birthday but that never mattered. Not to the everyday people who slip through his door hours before this day begins. He can’t blame them. For they came in search of something only he can provide. 

Love.

Or at least some figment of love. For some it was a way to prove their love. Others used it to try and get their long time crush to like them back. Jaehyun can’t help but laugh every time a young teenager pushes open the door to his shop for the nth time that week saying that they wanted to test this “love potion” on another person. Of course he doesn’t give them a full love potion. Just something diluted down closer to an addictive, like honey. It barely lasts 15 minutes. 

He hears a bell chime from the other room. Whipping his hands on his apron he walks through the separating doorway. “I’m sorry,” he glances toward a cracked window that no longer had sunlight gleaming through it. “I am actually closed.” 

“Oh,” a man just shorter than Jaehyun stood in the middle of the room. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize. I’ll just come back tomorrow.” He bit his lip lightly glancing around the room.

“Nonsense,” Jaehyun waved his hand. “You are already here. Might as well make good of the trip. Besides. I don’t mind.” He grinned at the man, trying to ease the tension that laced through the newcomers face.

The man sighed before stepping closer, “I still feel bad.”

“Don’t,” Jaehyun gave a light laugh. “Gives me something better to do than stir pots,” he watched the man warily as the sentence left his lips. “Magical beings” were still a wary subject for some people even if they had been able to practice in the open for nearly 50 years now. When the man just gave him a small smile Jaehyun stepped behind the counter that held his potions and elixirs. “What can I help you find today Mr…”

“Oh, Lee. But just call me Taeyong,” he waved his hand around peering through the glass at the display. “Well here’s my situation.” He glanced up at Jaehyun. “I have a date coming up and my date said there is this potion that allowed a person to change their hair color just by drinking it,” Taeyong looked amazed as he stared up at Jaehyun. “I wanted to try it out for our next date. That, and I’m not sure how much more bleaching my scalp can go through.” He combed his hand through his hair giving it a light tug at the bangs afterwards. 

Jaehyun grimaced as he watched the straw like strands fall back into place, “Well you’re where you need to be. I have a lot of potions for that.” He moved down the row to where a shelf full of colorful bottles filled every inch. “There’s all of these, plus I can also create other colors if you don’t see one you like here.”

Taeyong peered back through the glass eyes wide with wonder. He glanced around the box a few times. "What about white?" He rested a hand over a bottle he assumed to hold the potion. 

Jaehyun grinned, "One of my best sellers." Reaching for a little black jar Jaehyun scan the man. He would obviously look good with white hair. He probably looks good with any color of hair. "You just want to try the white?" 

Taeyong hummed a second glancing toward the moonlit window, "Yes, just the white." 

Jaehyun set the bottle is a small leather pouch, "2 shillings." The coins clinked as rested on the counter. "Enjoy! Have a good night." He watched the thin man walk through the door and past the window before latching the door shut. Taeyong had been pleasant and kind but Jaehyun couldn't help but be slightly peeved with the man. Unlatching the door he peeked his head out; he glanced to his left and, yes, there was still the sign with hours stating 'Dawn to Dusk' hanging off the building. 

The moon was bright tonight and he couldn’t help but stare at it. How could it be that a ball of rock could bring him such peace. Maybe it was just the ambiance, but a little part of him wants to believe that there's a little man that lives on that moon and watches over the earth. It might seem ridiculous, but he could brew color changing elixirs and make people fall in love, so it couldn’t be that far fetched. 

“Happy birthday, sweetie,” Jaehyun jumped lightly as arms wrapped around him from behind. He sighed as you placed your chin on his shoulder. “Sorry I wasn’t back earlier. I got stuck talking to Johnny at the market.” Your finger traced little patterns on his stomach as you both stood in the dimly lit doorway. “Come on, I’ll make dinner.” You pulled at his arm. Jaehyun closed his eyes taking a deep breath of clear night air before turning and giving you a soft smile. “I may have something for you. You know, considering it is valentines day.” 

“Only because it’s valentines day,” He raised an eyebrow at you as you glided through the small store. 

You were once an enigma to him. Someone he couldn’t reach, couldn’t touch. Your brother, adoptive brother, Johnny was Jaehyun’s best friend growing up. You were the aloof younger sister that Jaehyun hardly knew about until you made it to your apprenticeship. For as long as Jaehyun had known you, you’d have always been enamored by plants and flowers. So, when he found out you were studying herbal medicine, he wasn’t surprised. 

“Of course, what other day would it be,” you gave him a small smile as you stood near the pot Jaehyun had previously been working at.

Jaehyun's relationship with you had been moments of fleeting looks, paths crossing, and unspoken rules. Two lives bending and swaying, following the same path, but never touching. Until you broke the pattern, you veered off course.

He had just finished his apprenticeship with the, now retired, potions master Kim. Mr. Kim had taken Jaehyun in from a young age, raising him when Jaehyun’s parents decided they didn’t want anything to do with someone containing magical properties. Johnny had planned a small party congratulating Jaehyun on his success. He didn’t know you were going to be there. Even if you were Johnny’s sibling you never showed anything but indifference to Jaehyun. Music had played from a small group of boys too loud for the space they were in. 

You had sauntered over, a small flute of champagne dangling from your fingertips. "Can you do it?" Jaehyun had been surprised by your bluntness. "Take over for Kim. There's gonna be a lot of pressure," you noted, not unkindly. 

"There will be, but Mr. Kim wouldn't let me take over if he didn't have at least some confidence in my abilities," he swiped the glass from your hand and swallowed down the contents. "Besides, he's still going to be around. He hasn't cut me loose yet." 

You grabbed his hand in yours and tugged him towards the outskirts of dancing people, "A dance?" You didn't wait for a response as you twirled him closer to the center of the floor. 

Jaehyun was not surprised at your fluid movements. Johnny had always bragged about how his sister was a natural dancer and the best in their city, perhaps the world. He smiled at you now sharing Johnny's sentiments. You gave him a small grin in return as the music died, "You're going to be great."

A whoop went up from one of the musicians, Donghyuck, Jaehyun's brain supplied. Your grin grew as you raised your voice in a louder whoop. Jaehyun watched as the sentimental atmosphere changed. You grabbed his hands leading him to a lively dance, "Beside, you can't fail, not when I'm just a few doors down." 

"You mean cause Ms. Joy is a few doors down," Jaehyun teasing corrected. 

You shake your head at him, "I'll be a few doors down." 

You were, and a line that you didn't know existed between you both was crossed. Jaehyun wasn't sure who started the late night rendezvous or the unspoken pact of always standing by each other, but turned into late night talks which turned into early morning coffee, and later, shared lunches. 

You guys fell into a rhythm, a three year rhythm that morphed into passing kisses, soft hugs, mornings of gentle coaxing and nights of soft loving. 

Jaehyun wrapped his arms around you glancing into the pot full of a clear liquid, thicker than water and smelled of sweet syrup, "Busy?" 

You spun to face him shaking your head as you fixed the collar of his shirt, "Everyone was too busy being in love to be worried about visiting me.” 

“Ah, the prettiest healer on the street doesn’t have love on this day,” Jaehyun furrowed his brow. “I knew this would happen. You would leave me because I have given love to everyone but you.”

You gave him a light giggle kissing the corner of his mouth, “I would never leave you.” You spin out of his arms walking further towards the house that sat behind the shop. “You are my soulmate,” you gave Jaehyun a look full of adoration and love.

Jaehyun was sure that his face read the same, “My perfect half.” 

You motioned for him to follow you, “Come, I made something for you.”

“Made something for me,” Jaehyun stepped into the small living areas entryway. “What is the occasion?”

“It’s Valentine's Day,” you had shrugged, pulling a large dutch oven out of the convection oven. You turned and furrowed your brows at him, “and I think there’s something else going on today. Any idea what that is?” 

Jaehyun shrugged, “None that I can think of.” 

“Hmm,” you opened the lid letting more of the aroma fill the room. Your mouth popped open in  mock surprise, “Oh, that’s right. It’s your birthday.” You placed vegetables on the table before scooping up some hot soup. You widen your eyes at him, humor dancing through them, “I can’t believe I forgot about it. Especially because I got you something special.” 

“Something special?” Jaehyun placed cups on the small table as you set down the plates. “Where is it?” 

You grinned and leaned in close to his ear, “That’s for me to know and you to find.” You laughed as Jaehyun let out a choked breath and scanned you up and down. “Now, let’s eat. You’re going to need all of your energy.” 

“You are going to be the death of me,” Jaehyun gave an astonished laugh grinning as you sat across from him placing a small cupcake in front of him. 

The candle flickered as Jaehyun’s breath caught the flame. The life you two lived together was simple but he wouldn’t change anything about it, “Happy birthday, Jaehyun. Make a wish.” The flame flickered out. He hadn’t known it then, but he should have used that wish more wisely.

~~

Jaehyun hummed under his breath as the sun shone through his shop's open windows. Spring was just around the corner and Jaehyun’s happy mood couldn’t be dimmed. Warm bright weather brought in more customers. More customers meant that he was busier, and brought in more revenue, but mostly he was busier. That was one reason Jaehyun loved his job. He was working with his hands all day. There was never a moment where he was bored. 

He watched as a little boy walked between the two aisles the shop held. It wasn’t much, but the little trinkets and common potions that lined the shelves made Jaehyun proud of how far he had come. He could still picture the small store from when he was around the young boy's age. Laughter sounded through the store as the boy tried to escape his mother's hands. "Have a good day!" Jaehyun watched the giggling pair walk out the front door. Turning to the backroom he sighed looking at the pot that sat there.

The weeks he had spent trying to develop a new love potion was wasted as he, once again, failed. Since before Valentines day, now nearly 2 weeks ago, he had been cooped up in that backroom, trying to find a better love concoction. You, while fully willing, were starting to become an annoyed test subject. Jaehyun couldn't help but get testy when you complained about the new love potion. If you were gonna tell him it wasn't good or right then maybe you could give some ideas on how to fix it. Maybe he just needs to find a new test subject. Jaehyun looked through the list of love potions and ingredients that he had already used. Too many, he scowled down at the pages and pages of notes he had made on each variety of potion he had made. 

"Hello," he heard the little bell connected to the front door ring and someone walked around the shop, obviously looking for him. 

Jaehyun sighed, rolled his shoulders back and tried to put on his best smile, "Hi, what can I help you with- Oh Taeyong. Hello." Jaehyun scanned the man in front of him. "The white looks good."

Taeyong reached up and ran a hand through his bright white hair, "Thanks. I love it and so did my date." He tapped his index fingers together as he walked back up to the counter full of the colored potions. "I wanted to try more." 

Jaehyun smiled as the man scanned the rows, "We've plenty to choose from." 

Taeyong narrowed his eyes, concentrating on different colors. He eyes flickered up and met Jaehyun's, "I can't decide. What do you think? What would look good?" 

"He looks great in pink," a hand wrapped around his bicep. "He knows it too, but not many can pull it off well. You might be able to," Jaehyun grinned at you. While you were right about pink being a difficult color to pull off, you knew more than that, the pink dye was the hardest one to make. Which is why when Jaehyun glanced down at the box, he saw only 2 pink vials while the others had at least 10. "What about red? Maybe a green?" 

Taeyong watched the two of you share another quick look. Clearing his throat slightly he looked down in the box again.  "Red and green," he nodded his head. "Yes, I think I'll try those. One of each, please." 

Jaehyun grabbed the two vials and placed them both in a leather patch that you held open, "Okay, 4 shillings." Taeyong placed the coins in Jaehyun's hand. "Have a good day!" 

"You too," Taeyong gave a half hearted wave. 

Jaehyun sighed as your arms wrapped fully around him, “What’s up?” Your eyebrows furrowed as you stared at his face, your eyes fluted around looking for an answer. 

“I still can’t get this potion right,” he ran his hands up and down your arms. Jaehyun felt you press closer to you, your hands started running up and down his sides. “I want something different, something that shows who you are supposed to love, but how are you supposed to know that.”

“Soulmates.” Jaehyun startled as the voice rang through the shop. He turned to glare at the man who had made him jump, “Sorry.” Taeyong raised his hands. “I didn’t mean to intrude or overstay my welcome, but I can’t help but be fascinated by all of this. And also you can’t really-”

“It’s fine,” your arms dropped away from Jaehyun. You finger tapped your chin as you considered Taeyong words, “Soulmates… that may work, but, how could you put something like a soulmate indicator in a love potion.”

Jaehyun tapped his hands on the counter. Soulmates, while not nonexistent, hadn’t been thought about in decades. In fact, Jaehyun didn't know the first thing about finding soulmates or even if he believed in them. It’s not not very plausible, he can’t just give someone a potion and tell them that it will give them their soulmate. There's more to it than that. More to love and being in love then just having souls destined to be together, "I can't do that." He shakes his head at the two who had continued to excitedly discuss the topic. He watched as their faces morphed to disbelief and disappointment. 

Your hands came up to rest on your hips, "And why not." 

Jaehyun reached into the glass cabinet rearranging vials and avoiding eye contact, "There's no way I can reveal soulmates. Too many indicators and no defiant way to squeeze all of those into one potion. Soulmates and their indicators have been hidden for years and it's rare that people ever find or want to be with their soulmate. Besides, there are too many variables." 

"Too many variables," you gave a light scoff. 

"What if you didn't give them a way to instantly reveal their soulmate," Taeyong cut in. "What if, instead, you revealed soulmate indicators or made them stronger." 

"What do you mean," Jaehyun sighed. He knew they weren't going to give this up. The hope and excitement in their eyes made Jaehyun more hesitant to even consider creating this potion. 

Taeyong walked closer to the counter where Jaehyun and you stood. “Soulmates, they are predestined, we can’t control or decide who they are or how we get paired. Now, many of us don’t meet our soulmates, the bonds aren’t as strong and people can find people they truly love. What if you strengthen the bonds? Revealed them?” Taeyong lifted his hand wiggling his fingers. “Sometimes I think I feel a tug on my hand, especially when I am at home alone. I can’t help but wonder if, hope, it’s my soulmate.”

You watched him, an unfamiliar look in your eyes. Slowly you turned to Jaehyun and grabbed his right hand in both of yours, “Please Jaehyun, you can do this, we can do this. Help others find their soulmate, their perfect half.” Your eyes pleaded with him.

 It really wasn’t fair. You knew that he would do anything for you, and you used that against him. Jaehyun sighed, “Okay, I’ll try. If you think this will work I’m willing to work on it.” Jaehyun couldn’t help the small smile that graced his face as you gave him a hug cheering along with Taeyong. He watched as you danced around the room bidding goodbye as you ran back to work. Taeyong also raced out of the shop, saying something about a ruby and some fish. As he watched the door swing shut the smile dropped his face. He couldn’t help the dread that filled his stomach and the distinct feeling that this would not end well. 

~~

Jaehyun stirred the sweet smelling syrup again. This was his fifth attempt at this potion. By this point he was frustrated. Nothing was working, all he kept making were diluted love potions, potions that made eyes change colors when they saw their loved ones, and a potion that made your heart glow from inside your chest. Both you and Jaehyun had been disturbed by the last potion. He had spent two weeks trying to figure this out. Both Taeyong and you had been helping when and where you could. You would get herbs and plants of magical origins, guiding and helping with the new ones that Jaehyun hadn’t seen before. Whereas, Taeyong would stir the potions or gather, obscure, ingredients- fairy dust, dwarf warts, pegasus hoof shavings. While impressive, Jaehyun was too scared to ask Taeyong how he got all real, authentic these ingredients or knew about all of these ingredients. As far as Jaehyun knew, Taeyong wasn’t a magic user. Though he wouldn’t be surprised if he descended from fairies or mermaids. 

He sighed as the potion bubbled the mugwort he just dropped in hissed as it blended, “Make a potion, they said. It will help people, they said.” He pulled out another vial. He had it simply labeled “love”. A base potion that he used when creating all his love potions, but this wasn’t a love potion, not truly. People don’t fall in love because of it, they may not even be able to find love because of it. With that thought in mind he set the base potion down and pulled out a different potion. It’s more medicinal, healing than anything else. It was the first potion that you and Jaehyun had made together. A potion that could heal a bond. Chi bonds specifically. Maybe it would work. If he broke it down to its core parts and mixed it with the current love potion or maybe the one that made your heart glow just a few nights ago.

Jaehyun jumped from his seat racing around the room grabbing ingredients and writing down ratios and doses. The smell of linens and irises filled the room. Jaehyun could help but feel comfort from the two smells. It smelled like you. Like a warm day under the sun laying in the little meadow sitting on the outskirts of town. 

“It smells so good here,” Jaehyun looked up as you entered the room. You closed your eyes inhaling a deep breath. “Like just after it rains and…” you took another deep breath, “and roses.”

Jaehyun tilted his head. That was interesting. The scent was different to everyone. Maybe it was a comforting scent or the scent of your beloved. It may have worked this time. Jaehyun stirred the pot a few more times before turning off the heat, “I just need to let it cool now.” 

You walked closer to him peering down into the now pale yellow potion, “You think it worked this time?” 

Jaehyun wrapped an arm around your waist. He shrugged, his chin coming to rest on your shoulder, “Maybe. I tried something different this time. It may do the trick.”

You hummed as he swayed you both back and forth, “That’s good. I’m really glad that you decided to make this. Soulmates were intended to be together, to have each other and we’ve moved so far from that.” You reached up and played with his hair twirling it between your fingers a few times, “I know that it doesn’t really matter, but I’d like to know, to confirm what I know, you’re my soulmate.”

Jaehyun was so in love with you. So ready to spend the rest of his days with you. He took another deep breath, linens and irises, “My better half.” He kissed under your ear before moving to grab a ladle from beside the pot, “Would you like to ladle or hold the bottles.” You grabbed the ladle from him motioning to move closer to the pot. “Would you like to know what I used this time? What the heart of this potion?” He watched you nod your head urging him to continue, “Our first potion.” Your head shot up surprise lighting up every feature. Jaehyun laughed, “I still remember you rushing in here and demanding I help you. You had never had to make a medicinal potion for a chi before. I hadn’t either, but that didn’t stop us from trying. Maybe we were lucky, or maybe it was fate because that day I feel deeply and madly in love with you. You unlocked my ability to love.” 

You stood still. Face slack jawed but eyes full of love, “You’re such a dork.” Jaehyun couldn’t say anything before you were in his arms, lips on his, and arms wrapped around his shoulders. “I love you.” 

“I love you,” Jaehyun grinned at you, pulling further away from you. He looked over at the now empty pot. “Now, rock, paper, scissors for who has to drink the potion.” He held his hand up in a fist.

“Fine,” You rolled your eyes at him. “Rock, paper, scissors.” You sighed as he held up scissors motioning to cut through your paper. “Fine,” you picked up the small vial tilting it in a small cheers before drinking the liquid inside. 

Jaehyun waited, the air tense around the two of you. A bell rang, but he didn’t pay any attention to it. A small red string pulled at your previously bare pinkie, “Hey guys! What’s going on. It smells so good here, like fresh linen and Irises. Are you guys back he- oh.” The string led past Jaehyun and tugged tight where Taeyong stood, his hand lifted in surprise.

~~

Tag List: @qianinterprises @stayctday @infnteen

[southslates]

something wicked this way comes

@grishaversebigbang - it’s been so awesome bringing this six of crows harry potter inspired AU to life!

materialki: @violetfolgi, @spirilium [here], @forgetyourtroubleshappyday, @margot-arts [here], @art-by-me19, @purns-art

summary: Kaz and Inej meet as Hogwarts first years and become fast acquaintances and allies and then something more. A story about falling in love. Slytherin house isn't ready for these two.

ao3 link

prologue (the hogwarts express, year one!) below the cut!:

Inej was always early. She’d slipped into the first open compartment she’d found in the Hogwarts Express, cosying up to the window. She couldn’t stop anyone else from joining her— by the time the late stragglers arrived at the train, she’d probably have to share the room with someone else. 

She sighed at that thought, but decided to sit in silence and stare out the window in solitude for as long as she could. Inej could see the entirety of platform 9¾ from where she was. Her own parents had dropped her off almost half an hour ago, and hadn’t been able to stay. She didn’t blame them; she understood the timeliness required of their profession, and they’d cried over her enough before they left. 

With a quick crack of static, the speaker above her head started to blare. “The train will be leaving in ten minutes,” it said. “We will not stay back for stragglers.”

It was the families of the first years who seemed to be holding up the platform, but Inej saw them slowly start towards the train too. The corridor outside her closed door started up a racket, and she winced. She just wasn’t a fan of loud noise, or of too many people. 

“Ay, you think this one’s free?” she heard, and then the door to her compartment was pushed open. She expected to see a few loud-mouthed fourth years, perhaps even a sixth or seventh year who would force her to leave her blissfully open cabin and walk into the unknown. Instead, she turned her slight head to see a boy who couldn’t be more than a year older than her. 

“It’s full,” he said behind him. His voice was a bit raspy but still pre-pubescent, nothing like anything Inej had heard before.

“Damn it.” Noise dissipated from the corridor, and Inej looked away from the strange boy, tugging her luggage closer to her and staring out the window once more. The platform was empty of children, full of crying parents; almost. She could make out a few stragglers just now coming through the pillar which marked the platform as an in-between. 

“Five minutes,” the speaker rang. 

Inej heard the compartment door slide shut. When she looked to the left again, she saw the boy seated across from her, glaring forward at nothing. She didn’t know what to say to him, so she said nothing, just pulled herself up onto her knees on the seat. A minute or two passed, and the silence switched from slightly uncomfortable to something fitting. Inej was a bit grateful. If she had to sit with someone, at least it wasn’t someone who wanted to make her uncomfortable. 

As the platform grew stagnant, she turned the slightest bit to face the boy, letting her hair fall in front of her face. He was staring straight ahead at the empty seat in front of her, his dark hair falling into his coffee-colored eyes, his mouth in a thin line. He had the chubby cheeks of childhood, the ones she shared, but they looked almost hollow— perhaps they’d look sharp when he grew older. He was wearing a set of wizarding robes, one meant for children— Inej was too, but his were tailored well, and made of a silky fabric she couldn’t name. 

There was a plain black bag at his side that was deceivingly simple; it was made out of a shiny material, too, and rather clean. Inej wondered if he was a member of one of the ancient wizarding families— that seemed likely, though she couldn’t be sure. She scrunched her eyes together and thought she could make out something stitched into the bag’s handle. K. Rotvold? 

“You’re staring,” the boy said, and Inej looked up. She didn’t know how long he’d been watching her trace him. She didn’t say anything. “Who are you?”

“Inej Ghafa,” she whispered after a moment. Her name wouldn’t mean much to anyone— it was her father’s, and it was her mother who was the family wizard. Her father was a muggle; the descendant of squibs, but a muggle nonetheless. 

He nodded and then stared at her, his eyebrows drawn, as though he was doing calculations on her face. He said nothing, so Inej was forced to ask. “And you?”

“Kaz. Kaz Brekker,” he said curtly, his voice rough, like salt. Perhaps that was just puberty. It was an odd sound.

Inej was sure the name on his bag was not Brekker, but she didn’t want to bring that up. She and Kaz met eyes and then both quickly nodded their heads at each other. Then she turned her face back to the window. 

Their quiet existence was interrupted not even a moment later. “The Hogwarts Express is now leaving,” said the announcer. At that moment something suddenly pressed against the compartment door and a girl burst through it, tugging a boy behind her. 

She was tall, far taller than Kaz and Inej and even the boy behind her, and breathing heavily, but smiling. “Told you we’d make it, Jesper!”

The dark-skinned boy, Jesper, let go of her hand and ran it through his hair. “I don’t even know you.”

“We’re friends now,” she turned to him and closed the door behind them just as the train set off, slowly starting to speed out. In a split-second, Kaz scooted down to sit right across from Inej as Jesper fell into the seat next to him and the girl sat down next to Inej. They both clutched their bags tightly to each other.

Inej internally groaned at the intrusion, and when she looked up Kaz was making eye contact with her. His face was stalwart, but she almost felt as though he would be rolling his eyes if he was capable of it. This boy was already an enigma to her. 

“Hi!” the girl on her side said, green eyes shining, bag clutched to her chest. Inej turned to her and gave her a small smile, putting her feet back onto the ground. “I’m Nina! I’m a first year.”

“Hello,” Inej intonated. 

“I’m Jesper, and I’m a first year too,” the boy across from Nina smiled. Then the four of them fell into an awkward silence. 

“I’m Inej,” Inej said. “And this is Kaz. We’re both first years.” At least, she assumed Kaz was.

“Nice to meet you!” Nina said, bending forward to Kaz, as though to shake his hand. He leaned back into his seat and glared at her. “Wow. No need to be like that.”

“Sorry for bursting into your compartment,” Jesper said. “We didn’t mean to interrupt anything.”

“You weren’t—” Inej blushed. “Nothing, there’s no problem.”

“Great!” Nina said. “I’m so excited to get to Hogwarts. I’ve been practicing magic for a bit but going to the school will be so cool. I want to be a—”

“How’ve you been practicing magic?” Kaz asked, suddenly sitting up.

“I’m—” she almost blushed. “I’m part veela, actually, and I was mostly raised at the Little Palace. You must have heard of it—”

“I have,” Kaz interrupted again. “Veela,” he murmurs, almost as if to himself. “You must know your way around a wand.”

“We work more with specific types of magic,” Nina said. “I specialized in blood magic, mostly for healing. But I’m not very good at it— hopefully it’ll be better with a wand.”

“You’re a heartrender,” Kaz said, seeming a bit taken aback. Nina scrunched her brows. 

“You know about the orders? Are you—”

“I like reading,” he said simply.

Nina nodded slowly and leaned back. “What house do you want to get sorted into?” she asked.

Jesper spoke first. “I’m not sure. Don’t really think I’m meant for Slytherin or Ravenclaw, though.”

“How did you two run into each other?” Inej asked quietly. 

Jesper started laughing. “We were both running late outside the station and came in together.”

“Are you also grisha?” Kaz asked suddenly. 

Jesper seemed a bit shocked, but quickly shook his head. “Nopes,” he popped. He nodded to Inej. “What house do you think you’ll get sorted into?”

“I don’t know,” Inej shook her head, letting more of her hair fall into her face. “I don’t really know much about Hogwarts. I wasn’t supposed to come here.”

“Oh,” Jesper said, then leaned in to look at her. “Were you supposed to go to Karmana?”

“Sort of,” Inej said. “My family travels a lot. We were in England when the letters came, so I got sent here.”

“Cool!” Jesper said. “Well, I’m glad we got to meet you. Now we can all be friends.”

“Excuse me?” Kaz said. Jesper turned to him with a bright grin, refusing to falter as he was met with a stalwart glare. Nobody replied to him; Nina asked Inej if she’d bought her robes, and from where, and if she was looking forward to sharing a dorm. 

Nina was loud and boisterous, and Jesper was funny and constantly in motion, and Kaz was quiet and mean— he’d taken to glaring at Jesper as the boy tried to talk to him about brooms. They were a strange group, the four of them, but even Kaz didn’t grumble as they sat, together, in the boats that would take them to see their first real glimpse of the castle. 

[lune-hime]

Garden of Tulips (Levi/Reader) Chapter 2

~Click me for more chapters~

“What did it look like?” “Hmm?” Levi looked up from his place next to your sleeping form. “The titan that tried to snack on my darling granddaughter.” “Ugly as fuck.” “Aren’t they all?”

Levi recounts memories of the reader and their shared life together while she recovers from a serious injury.

!!WARNINGS!! - Violence, gore, smut, wholesome content ;)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tulipa Princess Irene ~ An eye-catching tulip whose unique lavender markings on apricot petals make it unforgettable to any who gaze upon it.

↞↠↞↠↞↠

With one last glimpse in your direction, Levi followed your grandmother out of the room. Just as he was about to ascend the stairwell he was met with a gasp. Your grandmother was hunched over the railing, eyeing a suspicious piece of material.

“Is that a piece of titan skin on my mahogany railing?” She shrieked in horror, craning her neck to look at Levi who stood bewildered at the top of the stairs.

“And you got my floor all bloody.” She complained shaking her head. “Honestly, I didn’t think you would have the audacity to leave your disgusting boots on while walking through a lady’s house.”

Levi stared at her in disbelief. Is she fucking serious? Y/N was just bleeding out and she’s worried about her damned floors being dirty?

His glare remained cold and unwavering but he felt anger swell in his chest. He dug his nails into the wood of the railing and his pupils dilated. Before he had time to do anything, however, she suddenly burst out in a hearty cackle.

“Hah, gotcha. Don’t get your panties in a twist, shorty, I’m just teasing you. That was a test and you passed. Good to know you care about her health more than cleanliness. You can help me clean it up later, we are going to be spending a lot of time together after all.” Then she waddled down the stairs without sparing a single glance back. Levi was dumbfounded. He felt like he was going to have a heart attack from the combination of the lingering shock of the expedition and all the palpitations your grandmother was giving him. No amount of formal training, combat or political, could have ever prepared him to deal with this woman.

He followed behind as she scuttled through the archway to the right of the foyer. This room was the kitchen. It was open just like the rest of the house; windows decorated with cream doilies framed by dark paneled walls and a large island counter with stools in the center. The style of decor was modest but the layout screamed extravagance just like the previous rooms. Every space he entered he couldn’t help but gawk at its contents, it was far nicer than any place he had ever called home. He felt so out of place; like a poorman who had just walked into the prince’s quarters. This uncomfortable feeling kept him standing in the entrance; hand nursing his torn shoulder as another streak of red hot pain traveled up his back.

“Why are you standing there all hunched over like that? Are you sulky because you don’t get to get stitched up in a king size bed with pillows sewn with love and a cutie little nightgown? This kitchen isn’t as luxurious but I promise I’ll get the job done just the same; so get in here.”

He reluctantly entered the room and scooted into one of the stools, the metal bottoms scraping against the timbered floors as he took a seat. He rested his head on one hand while the other massaged his shoulder.

“Haven’t spent proper time with my granddaughter since walls know when and this is hardly the reunion I was imagining." Your grandmother muttered as she lit the gas burner on the iron stove. Levi watched the tiny blue flames dance into existence before settling into a warm orange.

“How long do you think she’s-” He attempted to ask, the tone of his voice rising significantly before it cracked.

“Going to be asleep?” He croaked. “By Ymir, are you going through puberty again?” She snorted and Levi’s features became icy.

“You like tea don’t you?” Levi nodded slowly. She didn’t look at him to check his response as she stood on her tiptoes to grab a glass from a higher shelf and the kettle from the side of the stove.

“Of course you do. My girl goes on and on about how it’s your life force.” She filled the kettle up with water before placing it on the burner, the stray droplets sizzling when they came in contact with the open flame.

“I’ll make you some tea with ginger root, that should help your sore throat. But for now drink some water, you sound like you’ve been huffing cannon smoke.” She filled the small glass with water and handed it to him. He gratefully accepted it and hummed in satisfaction when the cool liquid soothed the fissures in his throat.

“And to answer your question; I don’t have a damned clue. That gash on her side is beyond nasty. Her body is going to need a lot of rest to recover from all the shock, trauma, and blood loss she’s undergone.” Your grandmother placed a smaller kettle on the counter.

Levi watched as she sifted through her tea cabinet, swearing under her breath when she couldn’t find what she was looking for. For someone who was in the later years of their life she had remarkable posture. She carried herself with a confidence that retained her youth. She dressed simply, donning a long sleeved dress of a muted navy color, but aspects of her clothing reflected her wealth. Her shawl looked as if it was made out of cashmere; a commodity that not many people outside of Wall Sina had access to. She looked nothing like you, and her personality was sure as hell different. Her long silver locks were braided and wrapped into a neat bun at the top of her head. Her features were chiseled; a high brow ridge and straight nose were supported by a strong jawline. The only physical similarity you shared was your eyes. They shared the same structure, although yours were a little more almond shaped, and sparkled with the same excitement.

“Take off your shirt. Your boots, too, while you’re at it.” She commanded out of the blue, dipping a needle into a bottle of alcohol once and shaking it.

Levi was reluctant to undress, even though he knew he had to eventually. He never had any problem disrobing for the corps’ medical staff, unless it was Hange; he only let her near him if she didn’t have scissors in hand. That was story for another time.  But this was your grandmother. It feltweird .

Levi hesitated at her request. She pursed her lips when she got no response.

“Relax, you’re not my type. Too short and toned. I like my men lanky-” She looked him directly in the eyes while she snipped the surgical thread.

“-so I’m able to snap them in two.”

This woman was truly an enigma. Levi’s mind couldn’t process how she could switch from sweet to salty within moments. He found himself more at a loss for words in these last few hours than he had been in his entire life. And he’s not a man of many words.

Y/N please wake up quickly . He pleaded in his mind as he unbuttoned his shirt.

He then shrugged it from his shoulders, hissing when the fabric scraped against his wound. Your grandmother came to his side and examined his exposed back. The gash stood out against his pale skin, the area surrounding it dappled with light bruising. She pressed a cold fingertips to the area, goosebumps freckling his skin in response.

“One of those big nasties barely grazed ya, if your position had been a couple centimeters to the right you probably wouldn’t have a spinal cord.” She mused, threading the needle through the surgical thread. What lovely images your grandmother painted with her words.

She dabbed a washcloth in the alcohol and began ridding Levi’s gash of the dirt and dried blood. His features contorted when the stinging liquid met his skin. Her cleaning was abruptly halted with the shrill scream of the kettle filled the room.

“Oh! The tea is finished.” She squealed, leaving her place at Levi’s side to take it off the burner. She then appeared before him and pushed the mug into his empty hands. The hot spice of the liquid hurt his chapped lips as he drank. But damn did it feel good. His whole body was blanketed in a serene numbing.

“Alrighty-you want the belt? You shouldn’t need it, though, it's not that deep.” She offered. Levi shook his head and took another sip of the tea.

“Okay, ready shorty?” She asked, pressing her hands to his back.

“Yeah.” He replied breathily, relaxing his muscles in preparation. Then Levi felt a pinch, followed by a tug, and then a dull burning as she weaved the needle in and out of his skin.

“So is my tea up to par with what you drink back at headquarters?” She spoke up after a moment.

“It’s good.”

“Just good?” She huffed and gave him a ginger slap on the shoulder.

I’m glad Y/N didn’t inherit her personality. She’s too fucking much to deal with.

“Hmm what was that?” She pulled the needle just a little too hard for Levi’s liking. He gasped and sucked a breath inward.

“I didn’t say anything.” He winced, gritting his teeth as she entered a particularly tender area.

“Now you’re starting to sound normal. You have a sexy voice, I see why Y/N likes you.” She cackled into his ear. Levi faltered and coughed, tea burning his throat as it entered the wrong airway. She took so much enjoyment in tormenting him and all this relentless teasing was going to push him past his breaking point.

“Why don’t you tell me a story to pass the time? Although your wound isn’t deep, it’s going to take me a little while to get it all cleaned up.”

“I don’t know any stories.” He responded blandly.

“I didn’t mean tell me a bedtime story. I wanna know about you and Y/N. That way I can get to know the person who is courting my granddaughter.”

She let the request sink in before speaking again.

“How did the two of you meet?”

“Officially?”

She hummed in agreement.

“She was delivering paperwork for me and she knocked over a box of my tea.” Levi explained, a small smile dancing across his lips. Your grandmother let out an artificial gasp and Levi clicked his tongue.

“Clumsy girl.” She chuckled, pulling the thread taut.

↞♞♘↠

Stop being nervous, Y/N, you’re just dropping off some papers and then you can leave right after. Your hands on the stack of parchment felt clammy and you picked the edges of the paper uneasily with your fingers.

Confident and assertive. That’s what your grandmother told you to be before you enlisted in the corps. However you found it difficult to live up to these words as the recipient of these important documents scared the absolute living hell out of you. You had had minimal interactions with him, and all of them unpleasant. It didn't help either that the horror stories you had heard from other cadets made your skin crawl. Surely he couldn’t be that bad though, right? After all, your cousin was constantly in his presence and they weren’t scared of him.

As long as you look like you can kick someone’s ass, you can. You repeated another one of your grandmother’s mantras in your head as you knocked on the large wooden door with a firm hand.  

Nothing.

You knocked again, this time slightly louder, and abruptly drew into yourself as you awaited a response. Nothing.

Maybe he’s out? You thought, contemplating coming back later. You waved the idea off, however, as your squad leader had told you to meet them back at the training grounds immediately after you dropped the papers off. And they intimidated you too, although not to the extent of the Captain. You began to get jittery as you tried to think of the best thing to do.

Maybe the door is unlocked? I’ll just sneak in, drop the papers on his desk and run out. If he blames someone for breaking into his office he can blame Squad Leader. The plan seemed foolproof in your mind.

Wrapping your hand around the door knob you hesitantly turned it clockwise. A crisp click broke the tense silence, signaling that the door was indeed unlocked. To your delight you pushed it forward cautiously, the wood creaking painfully loud as you did so.

Before entering the vacant quarters you poked your head in and scanned any visible inch for tiny officer before calling out. Yet again you were met with silence. You swiftly padded to his desk and stacked the parchment neatly in the middle, taking caution not to knock over the inkwell or misplace any other of the contents of the table. Fighting against your conscience, you found it irresistible not to to look at the contents of the office. You were already in here, and if the universe was on your side, would never have to come back here again. Despite your fear for the man, you harbored an immense curiosity for him. Everything about him was shrouded in mystery; from his childhood to his enlistment to even just his favorite book. So, while you were here why not just have a quick look and then be gone?

Only the main room, though. You thought, gaze falling on the door to his private quarters. If he found you in there you would surely be skinned alive.

Your eyes floated from the bare and spotless walls to the velvety fuchsia victorian couch, to the brick fireplace, and finally to a small distinctive box on what you presumed to be his tea cabinet. You gasped in surprise, stepping closer to get a better view. It sat right next to a beautifully painted porcelain teapot among other boxes of tea in his collection. The tin was very familiar to you; your grandmother’s favorite tea. The box depicted a beautifully intricate war ship, its sails open to the wind and bow wet with the crashing waves. It was like laying eyes on an old childhood friend and you couldn’t help but smile.

“Oi Cad-” A low voice broke the stillness of the room, causing you to squeak and slap the box of tea right off the shelf. It’s top fell off with a pop and the ground tea leaves scattered across the floor. You stood there, mouth agape, frozen in fear. Maybe if you didn’t move you could dissolve through the floorboards and fade into another dimension.

“What. The. Fuck ?” He seethed, though his composure and expression remained devoid of emotion. His words made you shiver and you shakily straightened up.

“I-Captain I’m so, so so sorry. I came to deliver these documents because Squad Leader said that they were very important so it felt weird holding onto them for such a long time and then I saw this tea that I used to drink as a child and I swear I wasn’t trying to take it and then you startled me-”

“Just-stop.” The Captain held one arm out while the other rubbed his forehead in frustration. He looked like he was trying to collect himself. You sucked in a breath and awaited for your imminent death. Although it didn’t come as swiftly as you had presumed, and in a last ditch effort to redeem yourself in whatever way you could you spoke up.

“Let me clean it up, please!” You pleaded, your hands clasped together in front of you.

The Captain removed his hand to look at you and nodded his head in approval. When you made eye contact it felt like your soul was about to climb out of your body. You exhaled the breath you had been holding and picked up the tin and neatly placed it back on the shelf. Meanwhile, the captain had fetched a broom and a dustpan from the closet. You gratefully took them.

As you started to sweep the pellets of tea into a pile the captain took a seat at his desk, sinking into the chair with a tired exhale. He grabbed the top document and read it over, still expressionless. He mumbled  fucking request forms when you swept the last pebble of tea into the dustpan. Rising, you moved to the corner of the desk to dispose of them in the trash can.

“Um, these go in there?” You asked, pointing towards the closet and the captain grunted in affirmation. It looked like he had gotten over his initial anger which eased your beating heart.

“Why were you touching my tea in the first place? Trying to steal it, Cadet?” His sudden comment caught you off guard, the dustpan fumbling in your fingers.

“N-No not at all! I was just admiring, I swear. It’s my grandmother’s favorite I just wanted to take a closer look…” You trailed off as you placed it neatly in the closet, shutting the door. He looked at you, his features set in stone so you couldn’t gage his reaction. You wondered how he would look with emotions. You weren’t going to stick around to find out.

His brows were so furrowed that they almost met his metallic eyes. His intensity made your intestines twist around each other.

"I-if you need me to I promise I can report for extra cleaning duty if my squad lea-"

"I know who you are. That won't be necessary." He interjected. You felt like a cow being sized up by its butcher.

"You...you do?" You asked tentatively. The moment the words left your mouth you felt like an utter dunce for questioning him. You hoped it was from your familial connection rather than your training slip ups.

The captain nodded once.

"You started working with Hange recently." He stated, his tone running along a flat plateau.

“Yes sir. I am from the 104th class, so technically I’m still in training. But I started apprenticing with Squad Leader last week.” You had gone into training with your childhood friend, but had graduated more quickly than others in your training group because of your extensive knowledge of life systems and quick mastering of combat training. What still held you back, though, was maneuvering the 3DMG gear. You just didn't understand how someone was supposed to stay in the air for longer than five seconds. So, in that aspect you still had a lot more training to complete. But when Hange caught wind of you she practically captured you and took you in as her apprentice.

“So you’re the brat the two of them been going on and on about?” His quizzical behavior set you on edge. One wrong answer and you would be sent to the slaughterhouse.

“Y-yes I guess. Before enlisting I was training with a biologist.” He made that grunting noise again and nodded once more. He really was a man of little words.

“Well sir, if you don’t need me for anything else I’ll be taking my leave. I’m sorry again I spilled your tea.” He didn’t say anything, just nodded again.

“I promise I’ll make it up to you!” You proclaimed, forming the best salute you could muster and turning to exit the premises.

‘Cadet Y/N.” He called, stopping you before you could depart. The hairs on the back of your neck as he proved he had knowledge of your name.

“Yes sir?” You stood awkwardly and awaited his response.

"Don't come snooping in my office again." He ordered sternly before shooing you gently with his hand.

↞♞♘↠

“So she was scared of you at first? Hah, what a softy. I see why though, the first thing you said to her included the word fuck.  Not exactly smooth or inviting.” Your grandmother's words were harsh but they held a tone of endearment to them.

“Alrighty that lil’ scratch is all closed up now!” She declared proudly, leaning back and admiring her handy work. Levi stretched his back and ran his shoulder in circles to get some movement back into his stiff joints.

“Thank you.”

She smiled softly, the wrinkles under her eyes crinkling. She then turned her attention to the stove to begin preparing dinner. As Levi continued to stretch, a sudden, pressing problem he forgotten about popped into his mind.

‘Ah!” Levi gasped in recollection.

“‘Ah!’ what?” She mocked his surprised comment, not taking her gaze away from chopping onions.

“The horse.” He said frazzled with his gaze fixed on the front door. He shot up, ignoring the screaming protests by his shoulder, and was about to grasp the brass doorknob before your grandmother cleared her throat.

“A little eager aren’t we, Mr. Shirtless? You planning on flashing my neighbors?” She chimed throwing him his shirt with a playful smirk. Levi felt heat on his cheeks and averted her gaze.

“The stable is out back behind the shed.” She yelled from the kitchen as Levi slipped on his boots with haste. Buttoning the dirtied fabric he didn’t bother to tuck it into his trousers as he padded down the stairs to search the property for your horse. With the day coming to an end the landscape before him looked like something out of a postcard; birds fluttering about returning to their nests, the evening sunlight breathing warmth onto the flower fields. He would have never expected a place so idyllic existed within Wall Rose. He envisioned settling down with you at a place like this once this hell was over.

As expected, your horse wasn’t in the place you had left him. Levi puffed his cheeks and lazily looked around for the shed. He vouched to start from the left side of the house. He rotated his shoulder blades, feeling the tightness of the stitches and cracked in his neck. When he reached the side of the house the shed your grandmother had been talking about came into view. It looked more like a house than a shed to Levi as it was even bigger than most houses in the underground. A glorified shed indeed; freshly painted, nothing hanging off the sides and no equipment haphazardly strewn around the base.

“Alright you little shit where are you?”

Walking aimlessly around the shed proved fruitful, as peeking out from one side of the grand structure was movement. Approaching carefully he rounded the corner of the building to find what he was looking for. Your horse stood with his back towards him but sluggishly looked his way upon sensing his presence.

He looked awful. Dried blood caked of his cobalt coat and scratches littered his body, exposing the surface of his skin. His muscular neck hung low and he was favoring one of his back legs, hoof resting just above the ground. Levi felt bad for him.

“Damn you look fucking horrible.” He said aloud, looking him up and down.

Your horse snorted and glared back.

“What? You do.” He answered, instantly cringing after. He couldn’t believe he was talking to a horse. You did it all the time, however. You even claimed that he understood you on a spiritual level , but Levi thought it was just bunch of, well, horse shit.

Did he have a surprise concussion he didn’t remember getting? Did he have a hallucinogenic fever making him inclined to speak to animals? Placing the back of his palm on his forehead, he checked his temperature. No heat, just clammy.

As he closed the distance between the two your horse didn’t make a run for it like he usually did. He really is in bad shape if he isn't running.

Levi grabbed the grimy reins just below your horse’s chin and lightly tugged. He almost tripped over his boots at the sudden lack of movement. Whipping his head around he saw your horse hadn’t moved at all. His shoulder started to sting again.

“Let’s go.” He commanded, giving the reins one more small tug.

No movement. Even in his injured state the horse was still a pain in the ass.

He tugged more firmly, even clicking his tongue a couple times.

Nothing.

Levi then began stepping backwards slowly, pulling the reins as he did so. Your horse followed him with his head until he had stretched his neck as far as he could go without moving. Although Levi affectionately referred to him as a little shit, your horse was in fact a large shit. He was one of the largest horses within the Survey Corps which also made him very troublesome to move. And Levi realized that no amount of pulling was going to get him to budge.

He closed his eyes and exhaled. He was about to do it again.

“I know your favorite person isn’t here right now but, please? Y/N would want you to be someplace safe and cleaned up.” He blankly stared into its amber eyes and it stared right back.

When Levi tugged again, he slowly began to follow.

“Are you fucking serious.” He rolled his eyes and headed towards the stable.

↞♞♘↠

“Squad Leader I messed up, literally.” Your opening statement had the woman slightly worried, but mostly intrigued.  

“Y/N. For the fiftieth time I told you to call me Hange, just Hange.” She responded cheerfully before laying eyes on your nervous form. She quirked an eyebrow and gestured to the lounge chair slightly to the left of her desk. You sank into it and let out a shaky breath before explaining the situation. Throughout the story, Hange had to stifle her laughter which caused your frown to deepen.

“That’s the most excitement shorty has gotten in a while.” She giggled, the severity of the situation going completely over her head. You curled up and groaned, placing your head in your hands.

“Aw, Y/N don’t be upset. You messed up and you apologized, that’s all you could have done. It’s not like shorty is going to kill you or anything.” She came to the back of the lounge chair and enveloped you in a hug.

“He does love his tea though…” She trailed off, cocking her head in contemplation. You let out a muffled cry and wiggled in her grasp.

“Ah-no I didn’t mean to stress you out! In all seriousness nothing bad will happen to you, I’ll see to that. You know how many brats annoy him on the daily? You are just another one of those cadets to him at most.” She reassured, rubbing your shoulders gently. She lowered her voice and matched his tone perfectly when she imitated his favorite insult. A little bubble of laughter rose from your chest.

“But if it’s really bothering you-” She gave your shoulders one last squeeze before returning to her desk. “You could buy him some more. Only if you can afford it, that is.”

You would have to use up a significant amount of this month's savings, because from experience you knew that stuff was not the cheapest, but if it meant that you wouldn’t suffer a lifetime of torture it would be a worthwhile monetary sacrifice.

↞♞♘↠

Levi led your horse into the stable, passing your grandmother’s other horses before stopping at an empty stall and placing him inside. He gingerly removed his saddle and bridle, careful not to nick any exposed skin.

I have my work cut out for me. He rolled up the fabric of his shirt up to his elbows before gathering the grooming supplies. Levi brushed out as much of the dried bits of blood as he could, sponged him down with warm water, and finished with bandaging the tender area just above his back hoof. The last part was particularly hard on his shoulder but he shrugged it off.

He evaluated the equine's condition from head to hoof. Levi had cleaned him up to the best of his abilities and resolved that there was nothing more he could do at the moment. He ran his hand along his neck, giving his coarse pelt a few long strokes, before stepping out of the stall and locking the stable door.

“Good night, little shit. Don’t even think about unlocking that door.”

↞♞♘↠

A few days after the tea incident you had decided to go into town to try to find a new tin. At dinner the previous night, Mikasa had offered to accompany you to help you find a replacement. Besides Hange, she was the only other person who knew of the event. As insignificant as spilling tea was compared to the other stories told by your fellow cadets you still didn't want your mishap spreading around. If your best friend knew about your little mistake you knew you were in for a life of relentless teasing. Not that you didn't already experience that, but you didn't want it going around that you had gotten on the Captain's bad side.

Mikasa had sworn to keep it on the down low, and you were grateful to her for that. The two of you had grown quite close in training as both of you excelled at hand to hand combat. From constantly training together you quickly found out the two of you had much in common and that you got along extremely well. Plus you were happy to have another girl around with all the testosterone floating about the 104th class. Mikasa and you had both grown up around boys, and even though you loved them, albeit them being idiots, it was refreshing to have other friends that were girls. Eren and Armin were attatched to her at the hip so you became more friendly with them as well.

“Hey ugly.” An upbeat voice called in your direction.

“Hey horse-face.” You shot back, looking up from your place at the fence.

“Please don’t start calling me that too. If you do, it will stick for sure.” Jean whined, crossing his arms.

“I’ll stop calling you that when you stop calling me ugly.” You teased, sticking your tongue out at the taller boy. Jean huffed in annoyance but smiled when you tried to hit him.

“You actually look nice today, all jokes aside. Got a date today?” He wiggled his eyebrows and leaned in closer to playfully look you in the eyes. Shoving him away you clicked your tongue.

You had in fact traded in your regular street clothes for something a little fancier, yet still casual. You donned a soft yellow sundress that made you feel less sweaty in the summer heat, pulled some of your short hair into a braid and had put on a ghosting of makeup. It had been awhile since you had the opportunity to dress up, so even if this was just going into town you wanted to take that chance to feel not dirty and grimy like you did during training.

“Would you believe it if I told you that I got all pretty for you, Jeanie~” You cooed, sticking out your bottom lip and looking up at him from under your lashes. Jean gagged in an exaggerated manner and mouthed a yuck before you started playfully kicking him.

“Uhm-guys?” A timid voice piped up, causing both you and Jean to stop mid limb-throwing to stare at the source of the sound.

“Ah! Hey Armin, Mikasa!” You instantly collected yourself and smiled brightly.

“By all means, don’t stop fighting. It was just getting good.” Mikasa added, a small smirk on her features. You abruptly disentangled yourself from Jean and placed your hair back in its position.

“Eren’s not coming?” You tilted your head in confusion. This trip into town was supposed to be the four of you until Jean insisted on joining.

It’s actually better off he’s not coming otherwise those two would be down each other's throats the entire time. You eyed Jean who was fiddling with his shirt.

Armin shook his head before explaining. “No, he has special training with the Captain.” The Captain. His name was enough to send shivers down your spine.

“Horse-face is coming with us into town?” Mikasa asked flatly. You nodded and Jean looked at her with minor offense.

“Yeah, he begged to come along. That’s how much I mean to him.” You linked your arm with his and gripped his forearm hard, cozying up to his side.

“N-no it’s not like that at all.” He stuttered, blush alight on his cheeks. He desperately tried to maneuver out of your grasp but you kept him hanging off your arm like a limp noodle. Armin laughed nervously and Mikasa flashed an amused smile. The way you manhandled Jean was quite an amusing sight.

“Please put up with him for a few hours for me; I had to tolerate him all throughout my childhood.” You pleaded, tugging on his arm causing his balance to falter in your direction.

The nearest town was within walking distance. You and Jean strolled side by side a few paces behind the other two in your party down the main street. Armin’s enthusiastic chattering could faintly be heard from your position. Jean, however, was the total opposite of Armin, and had begun sulking since you had embarrassed him earlier. He would not stop pouting, so you nudged him in the ribcage to snap him out of his pity party. He yelped in surprise and shot you a dirty look.

“Look I’m sorry for teasing you in front of her earlier.” You apologized, poking him on the arm. He gave you a confident smirk, which you knew as the start of his suave act, cool boy act.

“Pft- you mean Mikasa? I don’t care what she thinks.” He responded all too nonchalantly. You deadpanned. If your best friend was proficient in anything it was bullshit.

“You’ve been staring at her this whole time.” You commented, your companion’s confident facade faltering.

“Huh? I’m just walking.”

“I may be ugly but I’m not dumb, dumbass.” You snorted. “I know you like her, but there are no signs pointing towards she’s interested. You might as well date Marco.”

Jean swallowed wrong and began to have a coughing fit. Your firm pats on his upper back only worsened his condition.

“W-what? Why would I date him?” He gasped and jerked his head in your direction.

You were about to explain when Mikasa suddenly stopped.  

“We’re here.” She called out. Jean and Armin looked towards the painted sign of the tea shop in confusion.

“We came all the way out here to get tea?” Jean questioned, unamused and still trying to recover from his coughing fit.

“You know how much I love tea.” You trilled. You made an attempt to ruffle his hair but he batted you away.  

“Since you think it's lame you and Armin can go somewhere cooler, like the book store or something.”

“I think that’s a good idea.” Mikasa interjected, sending an apologetic look towards Armin before shuffling you into the shop.  

“Jean don’t be a dick, please!” You called out before disappearing into the shop.

It was a humble store stocked with countless varieties of tea and various kitchen wares. It was also the only shop that sold tea in this small town, so if they didn’t have the type you were looking for you were screwed. The two of you split up in search for the tea, but your searches came up empty as you scanned every display in sight.

“Is this it?” Mikasa asked, holding up a similar looking container. You shook your head, feeling defeat set in. A small man appeared in your peripheral vision.

“Excuse me, madam, is there something I can help you find?” His hands were clasped together neatly at his front and he wore a wide smile that was barely visible underneath his graying mustache.

“A-ah yes. Do you have Queen Mary tea?” Your question seemed to light up his eyes.

“Oh yes! Quite and aromatic and rich tea, isn't it?” He beamed, leading you to a display where familiar tins were expertly stacked along one of the top shelves. The anxieties that had plagued you for the past few days were all swept away when you saw that little warship. Thanking the employee, you purchased two tins, one for the Captain and one for your grandmother.

“Let’s hope this will set me in the clear.” You said with slight apprehension. Mikasa silently placed a hand on your shoulder as you left the shop and made your way down the cobblestone street.

↞♞♘↠

Upon Levi’s return to the house the sun had set and the moon was already creeping up the sky.

“Why did you take so long?” Your grandmother prodded as if she were interrogating her teenage son.

“He was hiding.” Levi explained as he shoved his boots off his feet.

“...the horse?” She questioned, eyebrow raised. Levi nodded in conformation, plopping rather ungracefully onto one of the kitchen stools. She shook her head in disbelief but didn’t pry any further.

“Here, eat up.” She said, sliding a plate across the table. Bratwurst dressed with sauerkraut and two slices of buttered bread on blue china laid before him. His mouth must have been visibly watering because she puffed with laughter.

“When you’re done please go to bed. You look like shit, bet you feel like it too.” She cackled. There was a small piece of Levi that was beginning to find her dryness endearing.

“Thank you.” He expressed his gratitude before digging into the food. She grunted in response.

“Well-I’ll quit bothering you tonight. The two of you almost made it to Valhalla today so you deserve a full night’s sleep.” She stifled the flames on the stove and took her leave but not before stopping in the doorway.

“I’m going to go check on her again before heading off to bed myself. I’ve prepared one of the guest rooms for you, it’s the last door on the left.” Levi looked up mid bite of his sausage and swallowed before speaking.

“Thank you.”

“Sheesh is that all you know how to say?” She turned back once more in the entryway with a warm smile.

“Eat quickly and get some sleep, otherwise you won’t grow any taller.” Her barking laughter bounced off the walls and harmonized with the creaking of the stairs as she ascended them.

After he finished his meal he went to check on you again. Your condition looked the same; gentle limps strewn across lavender silk and color flushed from your complexion. He slowly pulled the covers up to reveal your bandaged torso. An opaque layer of red rested beneath the layers of gauze, meaning you were still bleeding through the stitches. The hand he used to place the covers over you once more moved to rest against your cheek. He had some false hope in his head that you would react to his touch, but you laid still as ever. Levi prayed you were sleeping as blissfully as you looked, that your peaceful expressions and steady breaths didn’t hold a secret sea of turmoil behind them. He placed a loving kiss to your forehead and reluctantly drew away from you.

He initially thought he would have trouble sleeping, both from his unconventional sleeping habits and the earlier events, but when his head hit the downed pillow the mattress absorbed all the tension in his muscles. His eyes instantly fluttered shut and Levi was engulfed in a tranquil darkness that he hadn’t experienced in a long time. The last thing he heard before he was washed into the the void was that melodious laughter of yours.

↞♞♘↠

Okay, Y/N you can really do it now. He’s positively in there this time.

So after returning from town, here you stood at the climax of your tea saga. The freshly brewed kettle shook with the small tremors of your hands and the cream almost spilled as they gripped the edges of the tray.You attempted to form a determined visage before knocking twice with your foot.

Confident and assertive. Confident and assertive. Confiden-

“Name and business.” Oh god this is actually happening. The situation had manifested from hypothetical to real in a matter of a few words.

“Cadet Y/N, sir.” You specified, eyes locked on the chipping varnish of the door.

“Come in.” A voice with the richness and texture of red wine answered.

It was then you fully realized how preoccupied your hands were and began fumbling to open the door. The Captain heard a symphony of clanking and thudding and rose to his feet.

The next thing you knew the door was being swung open, causing you to falter and barely stop the tray from tumbling from your hold. The Captain regarded you with his usual unwavering expression. His inability to change facial expressions sent you spiraling further into a world of nerves. He said nothing as you straightened yourself up.

“Good evening, Captain.” Meeting his gaze, you smiled. You hoped it looked natural but to your superior you just looked constipated.

“I wanted to apologize again for what happened two days ago, sir.” You started, adjusting the grip on the tray. The Captain’s metallic features dropped from your face to the contents of your hands.

“So I bought you more tea as a replacement, and I brewed a fresh pot for you. Squad Leader said you usually drink tea in the mornings and evenings, and I had to train this morning so I decided this was the best time…” You trailed off towards the end of your speech, remembering how he silenced your rambling before.

The Captain didn’t know how to react. No brat, nor anyone for that matter, had ever gone to this length over something so simple as spilling a sachet of tea. Sure he was annoyed when it happened, but never did he expect you to purchase a whole new tin for him. He new tea was not an affordable commodity, especially this brand. He was the tiniest bit touched.

“You bought this?” He asked, hints of shock evident in his voice. He gestured to the box and you nodded rapidly.

“Yes, sir. I bought you a new tin. I hope you don’t mind I placed some of the bags in the kitchen.”

“That’s fine.” He confirmed. Suddenly the tray was being pushed into his chest. Taken aback he moved backwards slightly.

“Please take it as compensation for the trouble I caused.” You requested, your outstretched arms voicelessly asking him to accept your gift. You waited expectantly for him to relieve you of the tea. When he performed no such action you gulped.

“Place it on my desk.” He instructed, nodding his head in the direction of his work space.

“O-oh yes sir!”

He stepped aside to let you scurry over to the desk. Once you set the tray down you saluted him and made your way back to the door. Before you could dismiss yourself the guttural clearing of his throat stopped you dead in your tracks.

“I did not dismiss you, Cadet.”

Rather than butterflies, bats began swarming in the pit of your stomach. They screeched at your nerves and their leathery wings pricked the inside of your skin. Your head explored all of the terrifying scenarios that could come after that phrase. Thankfully you had an overactive imagination.

“Do you know where Squad Leader Mike’s office is?” He questioned, lifeless eyes boring through your chest. You nodded timidly.

“Go give these to him. When you come back, you don’t need to knock.”

Upon your return after a refreshingly brief encounter with Mike you found the Captain totally immersed in the tea. His eyes were closed, breaths rising from deep in his chest, and a smoothness to his features. If you were not completely petrified by his demeanor, you fancied you would have found him quite handsome.

Handing him the documents Mike had traded for the ones you gave him earlier, you made your second attempt to escape from the Captain’s clutches.

“Cadet.” He called just as your fingers brushed the doorknob.

“Yes, sir?”

“Thank you.”

Your eyes went wide and the bats transformed into butterflies, flitting about in a less chaotic manner.

“A-ah yes, of course sir!” You saluted in one fluid and exaggerated motion. He clicked his tongue and waved your salute off. A short silence fell upon the room that caused you to fiddle with the hems of your sleeves. Levi regarded you with unfeeling eyes, yet beneath them your sweet appearance made his chest clench.  Just as you were curious about him, a strange interest in you had blossomed within him.

“Do you need anything else sir?” You offered as he rose from his seat to grab two tea cups from the cabinet.

“Sit.” He instructed, his command firm but no hint of authority in his tone.

“P-Pardon, sir?”

“Sit.” He pointed towards one of the chairs in the corner. You brought it over and seated yourself on the opposite side of the desk. The inside of your body felt as if it was filling with iron, making you feel heavy as you awkwardly awaited his next move. The air was painfully thick between the two of you, if you had let out a large breath it would have solidified within seconds.

“Tell me, how do you make it?” He asked, his words thinning the air. His visage remained focused on preparing the tea, a meager knit of the eyebrows the only movement on his face.

“Pardon, sir?”

“The tea. It’s very good.” The butterflies crept back into your bloodstream. Did he just compliment you?

“Thank you, sir!” You exhaled with a smile, extremely relieved that he was satisfied with your repentance.

The Captain then poured the dark liquid into your cup. He handled the teapot with such a delicacy that contrasted his stark disposition; thin, pallid fingers caressed porcelain while acute ashen eyes supervised.

“Sugar?” He asked, his attention still fully on the tea.

“Yes, please.”

“Cream?”

“No, thank you.”

A tap tap of the steel spoon against the rim of the cup was followed by a soft thank you as he pushed the vessel towards you.

“I add a bit of honey to the tea leaves to give it sweetness. Black tea tends to be bitter on its own.” You answered his earlier question, taking a small sip, cautious not to slurp. Instantly the metal oxidized from your body and was replaced with air.

“Interesting. Where did you learn that?” He lilted, adding a stingy amount of cream to his cup.

“I learned how to make and serve tea when I was young. My family is acquainted with some affluent individuals.” Your thumbs traced patterns on the surface of your teacup.

“Affluent, huh?”

“Yes, sir. A bunch of snobby assholes if you ask me.” Your face turned a ghostly pale before flushing bright red. Just when you were nearing the top of the whole you had dug yourself into you had fallen right back in.

“P-pardon my language, sir! I had no intention of speaking vulgarly.” You covered your mouth with your hands, mortified by your tone of speech.

The captain huffed. It was sound that came deep from his chest that made his eyes crinkle slightly and the corner of his lips twitch upward. It was a sound that made your butterflies flit about and generate a lovely fuzzy feeling with each wing beat.  

Maybe your Captain wasn’t as scary as you had originally thought.

[vialeza]

The Struggle of a Long-distance Marriage [a short story ] sasusaku fanfic

It was past midnight and Sakura was still up since she seems to had a lot of paperwork plus she had to check the records of her patients, this day had been a nightmare for her, since part of her time she was busy in the hospital, then she had to check on the new apprentices that enlisted to be a medic ninja and to add more she was several times summoned by the Hokage office, basically this whole day was one of those where they don't seem to have an end, and you could tell since she still hadn't finished with her work.

Suddenly the sound of a door being unlocked flood Sakura's ears, she knew who it was this about, it was him, he did this all the time, it was usually when he finished a mission and came back home, from what she could see, he probably passed for the Hokage office to turn in his report about his mission, just like Sasuke, Naruto was working hard too, from what Hinata told Sakura, Naruto spends most of the time on his office and he barely makes it home, Sakura was worried for Sasuke and Naruto, both have strived their best to keep the village safe yet they barely make time to spend with their family

"You're still up" Sasuke pronounced with his raspy voice making echoing all around in the silent house.

Sakura slowly glared at him and nodded at his statement; in the corner of her eye, she could see Sasuke silhouette leaving his black cloak over the chair right next to her at the dinner table.

Sakura was spacing out, this night she seemed to be more thoughtful than ever and the cause was because, since today's day she was busy going back and forth in the village, she couldn't help but hear people talking about her when she was around, and that wasn't a problem for her, if not the rumors about her and her relationship with her husband, back when she got with Sasuke many people didn't stop talking about them and their strange relationship, at the time she didn't really mind since they were only simple rumors that she tried to avoid but recently while she was working she would hear things like:

"Wow Sakura Uchiha hasn't aged at all, she still keeps being a beauty like she was in her youth"

"Did you know about Sakura's daughter, Sarada, being only a genin her accomplishments as a ninja are one of the most remarkable of the village"

"There are rumors about Sasuke might be betraying the village since he's always out"

"Did you know that Sasuke only married Sakura to restore his clan"

"Oh lord, really that must be terrible I feel so bad for Sakura"

"Rumors say that Sasuke and Sakura are divorced and that's why he only comes once in a while to visit her daughter"

"How can Sakura have a husband so absent of home for so long time, if I were her I couldn't stand for someone like that"

And rumors like that had spread all around Sakura's presence in events and even in her hospital, she couldn't help but be affected by them because the rumors were the same most of the time, and she somehow started to feel uncertain about the rumors.

And what if maybe they're true and I just have lie to myself all this time she questioned herself.

She rapidly shuddered to think that.

"Sasuke-kun " she pronounced with a lump on her throat.

"What is it?" he abruptly stops and turns around to Sakura.

She could see that he was probably very tired since seem to be walking to his room.

"You know what, never mind, go to sleep you must be tired" she smiled at him and shook her head at what she was going to ask him.

I must be really stupid to be affected by those lame rumors. she thought to herself trying to appease the lump on her heart that has been formed.

"What is it?" Sasuke repeated himself this time walking towards Sakura and leaning his hand on the table.

Sakura knew that Sasuke was staring at her looking for an answer from her.

"Oh don't worry, I'll tell you tomorrow" she glared back at him with a fake smile on her lips, trying to make Sasuke go away.

"Tomorrow I'll be leaving out for another mission, so say it now"

She suddenly lowered her head and stared at her feet, a sudden rage followed by a bit of sadness despaired her, she clenched her fists around her and furiously stood up.

"Why? why do you have to go?" she said crestfallen.

"You know exactly why" Sasuke bluntly retorted.

"It's not fair for me, I only get to have you for a couple of minutes, and then you're suddenly gone" she frowned at him.

He didn't say anything and was only staring at her jade green eyes.

"I know I'm sounding very lame and selfish, but believe me, I know it, but why can't I be selfish for once? why can't I have the opportunity to spend time with you and Sarada as a family? why can't you be with us for more time? it's killing me knowing that Sarada is missing a lot of memories of his dad and not only her but me too" she burst out raising her voice.

Sasuke only gave her a last glanced and started to walk out of the room without saying anything about the outburst that she just had.

"So then the rumors are true" Sakura's voice started to crack "You only are with me to restore your clan? "

In a span of seconds, Sasuke was already in front of her, staring face to face Sakura nervously gulped

"Do you really believe that?" Sasuke's husky yet velvety voice made Sakura's ears tingle at his closeness.

She didn't, she knows that her bonds to Sasuke were deeper than anything else, that even though he wasn't that expressive when it comes to affection, she knew that he loves her in his own way, but the uncertainty and insecurities have always been chasing Sakura since was little.

Sakura didn't reply to his question instead she only stayed silent and glared at her feet.

"Look at me, Sakura" he slowly pronounced close to her ear "don't make me repeat myself" he added.

Sakura slowly move her face towards him, and there he was, eyes darker than the night sky, a sharp nose followed by some plump lips, and an unexpressive face, that you couldn't tell if he was happy, sad, or mad, he was a whole enigma yet only his wife could sometimes read through him, even for Sakura, sometimes it was hard to tell what Sasuke was thinking.

"It's not about if I believe or not, it's what everyone else believes" she mouthed.

"I asked you if you believed it, not them, so...do you?"

"N-no " she stammered "But I can't help but get so insecure when you're not here, I feel lonely, I feel like I can't talk to someone before going to bed because you're not here, I'm sorry that I get carried away with people opinions, but being here without you for so long it pains me, the uncertainty of not knowing if you are going to come back home sound and alive is slowly torturing me... but I have to be strong for Sarada and you since you two are everything to me..." she added with tears streaming down her eyes.

Sasuke's expression soften and gently started to cupped her face in his hand, sakura shivered at his unexpected touch, but deep down she enjoyed being touch by him, since that was the only way that she could only feel like he was home, by feeling him in her skin.

"I'm sorry that I make you cry" he softly pronounce whilst wiping her tears away

Sakura in response only buried her face against his broad chest, allowing herself this moment to fully lean on him and feel his presence.

"You don't know how much I love you, Sasuke-kun" she muffled, and in response, Sasuke tilted his head and planted a kiss on her forehead.

Not too long from that touching moment Sakura's body faints in Sasuke's arms, he rapidly holds her tight and takes a moment to appreciate the delicate face of his wife, he smiled the scene of having Sakura fainted on his arms, she was probably so tired from too much work and to add more, all the burst of emotions that she had set free this night must have left her exhausted and overwhelmed.

Sasuke carefully poses her over his shoulder to carry her to their bedroom, gently he places her in the bed but before he could leave her side, Sakura's hand grabs his arm "please don't go" she pouted and pulled him towards her.

And there they were, the two of them laying on the bed in the darkroom, Sakura couldn't help but snuggle on him, the familiar cologne of Sasuke invaded Sakura's senses unconsciously making her sniff Sasuke's neck.

"Shannaro, I missed you so much," she said.

"I did too" Sasuke retorted while tenderly running his fingers through her hair.

By the time, both of them fell asleep together, after all, it was a long night and both of them have been exhausted by it, Sakura for a moment was happy to be in Sasuke's arms, and Sasuke was relieved to get to see his wife once in a while since he got to be away from home for long periods he misses the presence of his partner, couldn't see her when he wanted, couldn't talk her when he wanted, couldn't touch her when he wanted to it, missing all those things was torturing him, he was repressing himself from all of those things, only to protect the village and his family, which in the end it had paid off.

The next morning, Sasuke woke up very early to go off on his mission, but before that, he took a glance at the woman that was laying in his bed, his wife, he knew that he was going to miss her a lot, so before leaving the room, he leaned over Sakura's side to take a close look to her face and say:

"Until next time" he poked her forehead.

Before continuing with his way off the house, he stopped on the threshold of Sarada's room and quietly opened the door, by far he could see that his daughter was peacefully sleeping, he smiled at the cute image of her asleep and resume his going.

Hours later, Sakura woke up and realize that Sasuke wasn't there anymore, instead of being depressed about it, a slight smile form on her lips, even though she probably wouldn't see Sasuke for a long time, she could only pray for him to come back home safe and sound.

"Mamaaa!!! breakfast is ready! " Sarada shouted from the kitchen.

Oh, this girl woke up so energetic this morning she thought while giggling.

"Okay I'm coming"

With this, the Uchiha family started a new day, Sarada going on a mission with her team, Sakura going to the hospital, and Sasuke...well that's a new mystery.

**********************************************************************************

Story written by Via Leza

Twitter: leza_via

Tumblr: vialeza

06/02nd/2021 

i hope you like the fanfic, follow me for more

[the-al-chemist]

Artemis Hexley and the Figures in the Shadows

Chapter 7: Keys

A/N: July Christmas is over, and we are back to tracking down Cursed Vaults… Among other activities, of course. Warnings: Merula, being Merula.

Artemis didn’t really care whether or not Merula would continue to be civil to her now that the new term was starting. She was more concerned with finding Tulip Karasu, the owner of the padlock she and Bill had found. That lock was the only thing keeping her out of the room her brother had used to research the Cursed Vaults during his own days at Hogwarts, and she was desperate to get inside.

Although she didn’t know Tulip personally, she knew of her by name. Tulip was a Ravenclaw in her own year, had a reputation for being a troublemaker, and mainly kept herself to herself. Of course, when it came to their fellow students, Artemis’ friends always knew more than she did.

“I like her. She’s a right laugh,” said Tonks, as the girls carried their Puffapods through the greenhouses in their first Herbology lesson of January. “She let me colour her hair last summer and she lent me a dungbomb after Filch confiscated all my Zonko’s goodies.”

“Sounds like you two are good friends,” Artemis said.

“Not really. Tulip’s a bit of enigma.”

“What do you mean?”

“She doesn’t give much away, or let people get close to her,” Tonks shrugged. “But I’m working on it.”

Artemis would have liked to have known more, but their conversation was put to an abrupt end, as Tonks dropped all her Puffapods on the floor. The pods cracked opened, the seeds inside spilled across the ground and immediately began to bloom, much to the chagrin of Professor Sprout.

After lunch, the Hufflepuffs had Transfiguration with the Ravenclaws. Artemis made a note of where Tulip was sitting near the back of the classroom, easily recognisable by her hair, which Tonks had helped to colour a bright cherry red. As the bell rang at the end of the lesson, Artemis hung back near Tulip’s desk.

“Excuse me, Tulip,” she said, as she approached the girl. “I know we’ve never really spoken before, but I’m Artemis Hexley and -”

“I know who you are,” Tulip, still seated at her desk, narrowed her almond-shaped eyes and gave Artemis a funny, mistrusting look. “What do you want, Artemis Hexley?”

“Well, it’s an odd request,” Artemis replied. “But the thing is, my brother Jacob was expelled a few years ago. And I’ve recently found out about a secret room he used to keep a lot of his stuff in. I wanted to see it, but the room is locked -”

“With my padlock, and you want the key,” Tulip finished her sentence for her.

“Yes. Please.”

“Ah,” said Tulip, and she stood up. She was almost as short as Artemis herself. “The thing is, the padlock needs two keys to open it. I only have one of them.”

“Who has the other one?”

“My accomplice.”

“Who’s your -”

“That’s not exactly my secret to tell,” Tulip folded her arms across her chest and gave Artemis another doubtful stare. “Besides, I hardly know you, Artemis Hexley. How do I know that I can trust you with my secrets?”

“You trust Tonks, don’t you?” Artemis frowned. Tulip was silent. “I mean, you trusted her with your hair,” Tulip still said nothing, but the corners of her mouth twitched slightly, “and Tonks trusts me. Also, that’s my brother’s room. If anyone should know what’s inside it, it’s me.”

“You make a good point,” Tulip uncrossed her arms and picked up her schoolbooks. “Very well, Artemis Hexley. The other key is with Merula Snyde. If she gives you her key, I’ll give you mine.”

*

Artemis decided to ask Merula about the key to her brother’s room outright. Maybe Penny was right, and she would be less antagonistic after spending Christmas with Artemis and her friends. Unfortunately, this was not the case at all.

“You want me to give you a key to that secret room on the seventh floor?” Merula asked, glowering at Artemis over her cauldron. She looked around and lowered her voice to a low hiss. “Is that why you gave me a Christmas present, to butter me up?”

“No,” Artemis shook her head. “I only found out about the key after the end of holidays.”

But Merula was unconvinced.

“Whatever, Hexley,” she snapped. “I knew you were only pretending to be nice because you wanted something. I wanted the Zonko’s tricks so I went along with it. So the joke is on you.”

“Merula, I honestly didn’t -”

“Sod off. I’m not giving you anything,” she flung her hand into the air. “Professor Snape, Hexley is distracting me. May I swap seats with Barnaby?”

Snape permitted Merula and Barnaby Lee to switch seats, and took five house points from Hufflepuff. Merula strode across the classroom, stopping only to whisper something to Barnaby as they crossed paths.

“That went well,” Rowan muttered, watching her skulk away to sit with Ismelda Murk and Liz Tuttle. “Looks like Merula won’t be joining us for Butterbeer at the next Hogsmeade trip.”

“Penny will be disappointed,” Artemis moved her ingredients closer to her as Barnaby Lee took the now empty seat next to her. “Barnaby, what did Merula just say to you?”

“When?”

“Just then, when she whispered to you.”

“Oh, she asked me to spy on you two for her,” Barnaby said, matter-of-factly. “And to tell me I’d have to cut up more bat spleens because she’d be taking the ones I’d just done. Actually, do you have any spare? It took me ages to dice that lot so precisely.”

“Um, sure. Help yourself,” Artemis frowned. She’d hardly ever spoken to Barnaby. He seemed a lot less tough and intimidating than she’d imagined him to be. “Barnaby, surely if you’re spying on us, you shouldn’t tell us that you’re spying on us. I mean, it’s not really spying if we know that you’re doing it.“

Barnaby looked at Artemis over his bat spleen, obviously perplexed. He was silent for a few moments.

“Could you maybe not tell Merula I told you? That I’m spying, I mean. She’ll get really angry with me if she finds out I did it wrong. She already thinks I’m the most stupid boy in our year.”

“Of course I won’t tell her,” said Artemis. “Barnaby, she didnt say that to you, did she?”

“Say what?”

“The thing about you being stupid.”

“Oh, that,” Barnaby returned to his bat spleens. He didn’t seem in the least bit upset. “Yeah, she says it a few times a week, maybe.”

“That’s awful. Why do you put up with it?”

“I just do. I’d never really thought about why,” Barnaby said, and he tilted his head to one side like a puppy. “But she did say if I helped her find the Cursed Vaults before you she’d make me the most powerful wizard at Hogwarts.”

“And you believed that?” Rowan raised her eyebrows.

“Well,” Barnaby looked confused again. “Why would she lie?”

“Because she wants you to make her look more powerful,” Rowan replied. “Because you’re muscly and good at duelling.”

“You think I’m muscly?” Barnaby smiled and looked at his upper arms as if he’d never seen them before.

“What Rowan’s saying is that Merula is more interested in getting ahead than she is in helping you become more powerful, or even in being your friend,” Artemis said, her eyebrows furrowing even deeper. This was the strangest conversation she’d had in a while. Barnaby also frowned. Artemis couldn’t tell whether he was upset or just thinking.

“I don’t want to talk about this anymore,” he said, scraping the diced bat spleens into the cauldron. “I’m just going to make my potion and carry on spying on you like I was told to. Okay?”

“Okay, Barnaby. You do that,” Artemis said as she met Rowan’s eye and shrugged.

*

Having had no luck getting the key from Merula, Artemis again approached Tulip Karasu.

“If Merula Snyde won’t give you her key, there’s not much point in me giving you mine. You need both to unlock the padlock,” Tulip told her. “And anyway, I’m not really sure if I even want to give you my key, Artemis Hexley. I just don’t know if I can trust you.”

“You trusted Merula enough to give her a key.”

“Merula Snyde and I were friends. We aren’t anymore, but we were.”

Artemis sighed. She hadn’t anticipated that getting into her brother’s room would be so difficult.

“Surely there’s got to be something I can do to show you that you can trust me,” she said to Tulip.

“Well, there is one thing,” Tulip replied, after a moment’s thought. “Professor Flitwick said the other day that a space has opened up in the Frog Choir. Merula was going to audition for a place at the start of the year with my toad, Dennis, but now that we’re no longer friends, that’s not going to happen.”

“Right,” Artemis nodded. “Sorry, but where are you going with this?”

“I can just tell that Dennis really wants to be in the choir. But he needs someone to sing and hold him, and I can’t sing for toffee,” Tulip smiled shyly at Artemis. “But maybe you could audition with him.”

“Let me get this straight,” Artemis said, completely baffled. Somehow, the conversation she had with Barnaby Lee in Potions that morning didn’t seem quite so bizarre anymore. “You will give me the key to my brother’s room if I sing in the Frog Choir, because your toad wants to join?”

Tulip flicked her bright red hair over her shoulder and looked away from Artemis.

“Don’t worry if you think it’s too weird for you,” she said.

“I mean, it is weird. Very weird,” replied Artemis. “But I’ll do it if it gets me into that room. Although, don’t you have to be able to sing to be in the Frog Choir?”

“Tonks said that you’re quite a good singer.”

Artemis laughed. Tonks was tone-deaf.

“That’s a matter of opinion, I guess.”

When Artemis asked Professor Flitwick about the Frog Choir auditions after her next Charms class, he was delighted to hear that she was planning on auditioning.

“We don’t get very many students wanting to join,” he explained, beaming. “Especially not this late in the year. And now there will be two of you trying out for the empty spot!”

“Who’s the other person auditioning?” Artemis asked him, but she didn’t need to. She knew the answer to her question before she’d even finished asking it.

“Miss Snyde. Merula Snyde.”

*

Merula was not best pleased when she found out that Artemis was also auditioning.

“Ugh, isn’t being famous Artemis Hexley the curse-breaker enough for you?” She sneered at her over her cauldron, having returned to her normal seat by their next Potions class. “Why do you have to try and one-up me at every turn?”

“I’m not trying to one-up you, Merula,” Artemis said, stirring her potion. “But if you’re so worried, why don’t you give me the key to my brother’s room? Do that, and I’ll pull out of the auditions.”

“I don’t need you to pull out, Hexley. I know I’m a better singer than you could ever be.”

But Artemis could tell she was anxious, and she noticed that Merula started to become even more foul-tempered than ever before. By the day before the audition, she had made cruel remarks that had reduced several of their classmates to tears, and poor Barnaby Lee looked even more bewildered than he normally did whenever Artemis passed him in the corridor with Merula and Ismelda.

“Don’t you worry about her,” Penny reassured Artemis, as the Hufflepuff girls walked past a glowering Merula on their way to the Great Hall after Defence Against the Dark Arts. “She just knows how wonderful you’re going to be, that’s all.”

“I think wonderful is a pretty strong word, Penny. I mean, I’m not even sure I can sing that well!”

“What do you mean? Of course you can, silly!”

“When have you head me sing?”

“Lots of times,” Penny beamed at her. “You know, sometimes when you’re doing your homework or tidying your stuff in the dormitory. Do you not realise you’re doing it?”

“Apparently not,” Artemis said. Why had no one ever mentioned this to her before?

“Oh, how funny,” giggled Penny. “Well, you have a lovely voice. It’s unusual -”

“Great.”

“- but it is very nice,” Penny sighed, and turned her gaze to the Ravenclaw table. “You know, if you’re nervous, maybe there’s someone who could help.”

“Who?”

“Chester Davies, he’s a seventh year Ravenclaw prefect. He’s in the Frog Choir and the school orchestra, too. He’s a pianist.”

“He’s a what, now?”

“A pianist, Artemis,” said Rowan, tutting and rolling her eyes as Tonks began to snigger loudly. “As in someone who plays the piano. Honestly...”

“Right,” Artemis said, “and how is this” - she paused, making sure to pronounce the word carefully, so that Tonks wouldn’t start laughing even harder than she already was - “pianist boy meant to help me with singing?”

“He might be able to practice with you beforehand,” said Penny, and she immediately started to walk away. “I’ll go and ask him now. Please could one of you save me a seat?”

*

Artemis wasn’t sure what Penny had said to Chester Davies the pianist prefect in order to persuade him to help her, but he agreed to meet Artemis at lunchtime the next day. When she arrived in the disused classroom ready to meet him, he was already there, leaning against the only object in the room: a grand piano.

“You must be Artemis,” he said, holding out his hand for Artemis to shake, which she did. He was tall, as tall as Bill, with high cheekbones, and dark hair and eyes, and a serious and slightly tired looking face. “I’m Chester. Penny Haywood said you’re auditioning for the spare spot in the Frog Choir this evening.”

“That’s right,” said Artemis, taking her hand back from him. It felt warmer than it had before.

“Great. Lots of the girls are in my year, so it will be good to have some younger female voices that will know the ropes after we all graduate in the summer,” Chester sat at the piano, his hands gently resting on the keys. “Right, let’s get to it. What song are you going to be singing?”

Artemis hadn’t even thought about that.

“Um, I don’t know. I assumed Professor Flitwick would just ask us to sing a song that the choir do.”

“He will, and we can go over that if you like,” Chester said, wearily. Artemis got the feeling that he was trying not to sigh or tut at her. “But he’ll want to hear you sing something that you choose yourself, too,” he paused, and started to rifle through a leather briefcase full of loose sheets of parchment and Muggle writing paper. “If you haven’t had a chance to think about it, Celestina Warbeck would be a good shout. Flitwick loves her. Do you know ‘You Charmed the Heart out of Me’?”

Chester’s fingers pressed down on the keys, and the familiar melody started to play.

“I know it,” said Artemis. “Not well, though.”

“Well enough to sing it?” asked Chester, and Artemis nodded. “Go on then.”

Artemis took a breath, and sang along to the piano, but she found it difficult to reach some of the higher notes, and she didn’t like the way her voice sounded at all. Clearly, Chester didn’t, either, as he stopped playing after only one verse.

“That was rubbish,” said Artemis. “Maybe I should just let Merula have the spot after all.”

“Actually,” Chester replied, shaking his head, “I was going to suggest that we do something a bit different with it. Your voice is a lot lower than I was expecting.”

“Is that bad?”

“No, we just need to change the key for you, that’s all,” he moved his hands down the piano keyboard, and played the same melody on a different set of keys. This time it sounded deeper, darker. “Can you sing it down here?”

“I can try.”

Artemis did so, and suddenly, the song became easier to sing, and her voice sounded less strained, more forceful. She made her way through the song, making up the words when she didn’t know what the actual lyrics were, and Chester didn’t stop her once.

“That was better,” she said, as the final piano note rang out.

“Much better,” Chester nodded, but he was frowning. “Not sure it’s the one for you, though. I think you need something you know really well. What music do you like to listen to?”

“Everything,” said Artemis, feeling her own smile creeping across her face. “Muggle music, mainly.”

“A girl of good taste. What kind of Muggle music?”

“Oh, all sorts.”

“That really narrows things down.”

“I don’t know,” Artemis frowned. “I just like the way that when you listen to a song, it can make you... feel something, I guess.”

Chester pursed his lips, and began to sort through his case of loose sheets again. He picked another, placed it in front of him, and started to move his fingers across the keyboard again.

Artemis watched, transfixed, her eyes following his hands in the same way that Fergus’ eyes might follow spots of light moving on the floor, as his fingertips danced on the keys, making each one sing out a different note. Forget spells, or potions, or flying; this was magic.

“Do you know this one?” asked Chester, his voice breaking the trance.

“Yes,” said Artemis, suddenly realising that she hadn’t been breathing. “But isn’t that a boy’s song?”

“Not if you’re the one singing it. It’s your song,” Chester said, “so sing it how you want, and I’ll work around you.”

This time, when Artemis opened her mouth to sing, her voice was strong and unwavering, and when she had finished there were a few seconds of hushed silence from her, the piano, and the boy who had been playing it. The silence was broken by the sound of Chester’s hands, clapping slowly, three times.

“Now,” he whispered, “where did you learn to sing like that?”

“I didn’t, really,” said Artemis, and she leant on the piano, her elbow on the lid, her chin on her hand. “There was a Muggle who used to live on a boat behind my house. Reggie. He had all these big circle things called records, and he used to play them for me. Jacob had some records, too, and our Grandma, when I was little. She was a Muggle, too.”

“Could she sing?”

“Yes, it was her job.”

“That explains it,” Chester nodded, and packed his sheets away. “You know, I was not expecting such a big voice to come out of someone so small.”

“Yeah, well, I’m full of surprises.”

*

After the afternoon’s lessons had finished, Artemis returned to the classroom with the piano, ready for her Frog Choir audition. Considering it was only her and Merula who would be auditioning, the room was very full. Tulip Karasu was already there waiting, and the other Hufflepuff girls had decided to come along to support Artemis. Merula had her henchmen Ismelda and Barnaby with her, and at the piano sat Chester Davies.

“Just do what you did earlier and you’ll be fine,” he muttered to Artemis as she walked past him, and she nodded in response. Despite not really caring about being in the Frog Choir, her stomach was doing backflips. She took a deep breath, and willed herself to feel calm.

First, Professor Flitwick had Merula and Artemis sing a song from the choir’s songbook together, then separately with Merula holding one of Flitwick’s toads, and Artemis with Tulip’s beloved Dennis. After that, the girls were asked to sing a song of their own choosing.

Merula went first, and sang the Celestina Warbeck song Artemis had tried earlier in the day. She had no trouble whatsoever hitting any of the high notes, and Artemis couldn’t help but admire and envy her rival’s crystal clear voice.

“She might be horrible,” Rowan whispered, looking as impressed as Artemis felt, “but she really can sing.”

Next it was Artemis’ turn, and she stepped up to the piano.

“Ready?” Chester asked, his hands poised, ready to play.

Artemis nodded, and he started to play. The noise of the piano soothed whatever nerves Artemis had left, and as soon as she began to sing, she forgot all about Flitwick and Tulip, and the toads and the Slytherins, and even about Rowan. It was just her, her voice, and the piano.

When the music stopped, she remembered where she was. Chester looked at her and nodded curtly as he placed his sheets back inside his briefcase. Rowan was smiling proudly at her, Penny’s hands were pressed to her mouth, and Tonks and Tulip were both smirking. Ismelda Murk was scowling, and Barnaby Lee’s eyes were wide. Artemis could have sworn that they were full of tears. Merula’s expression was unfathomable.

“Well,” said Professor Flitwick, clapping his hands together, and looking delighted. “I think it’s safe to say that both of you have given me a lot to think about. Perhaps if you come back after dinner, we can discuss which of you will take the place.”

The students returned to the Great Hall, but when they got there, it was clear that Merula had gotten lost somewhere along the way.

“She went in the other direction when we got down to the ground floor, did you not notice?” Penny said, when Artemis pointed out Merula’s absence. “It looked like she was headed for the viaduct courtyard. Poor thing, she looked rather upset.”

Artemis sighed.

“I’ll go and find her,” she said, getting up from the table.

As Penny had said, Merula was sitting in the cloisters of the viaduct courtyard. She had clearly been casting the snowflake spell, as a small flurry of snow was floating down from a metre or so above her head, and she was watching the snow as it landed onto the ground in front of her, each drop leaving a wet mark on the stone as it melted. She looked as if she had been crying.

“Merula,” Artemis said as she approached her. “Didn’t you want any dinner? There’s Bakewell tart.”

“I’m not hungry.”

“You know, you don’t need to be worried about the audition. You have a really beautiful voice,” Artemis sat down next to her. “And even if you don’t get in, it is just a choir.”

“Bog off, Hexley,” Merula wiped her face with her sleeve. “You don’t know anything about me.”

“I know that this obviously means a lot to you.”

“Yeah,” Merula paused and sniffed. “My mum was in the Frog Choir when she was at Hogwarts. She was an amazing singer, and she taught me how to sing.”

“She did a good job. You were brilliant back there.”

Merula ignored Artemis’ compliment, and carried on watching the snowflakes.

“She used to sing that song to me,” she said quietly, still not looking at Artemis, “the one you sang for your audition. She used to say it was my song, just for me.”

“But it’s a Muggle song.”

“I know that now, obviously.”

Merula scowled and looked away. Artemis sighed.

“So that’s why you wanted to join the choir,” she said. “To make your mum proud.”

“Kind of. And to just feel, I don’t know, closer to her somehow,” Merula rolled her eyes. “I wouldn’t expect you to understand.”

“The thing is, I do understand,” said Artemis. “It’s exactly how I feel about my brother. That’s why getting into his room is so important to me.”

Merula looked at her with narrowed eyes.

“Again, being kind just to get something you want from me,” she sniffed. “Some Hufflepuff you are.”

“Merula, no, I -”

But Merula had already walked away.

*

When Artemis returned to the piano room, Merula was already there, as were Professor Flitwick, Tulip, and Dennis the toad. Flitwick cleared his throat.

“Um, Professor,” Artemis said, before he could say anything. “I’m really sorry. I know I said I wanted to audition for the choir, but I’ve changed my mind.”

Professor Flitwick looked surprised.

“You’ve changed your mind?”

“Yeah. The thing is, Merula is a better singer than me, and it means much more to her. So I think you should give the empty spot to her.”

“Are you sure, Miss Hexley?”

“I’m sure. I’m happy to let Merula have the spot,” Artemis turned to Merula, who looked even more surprised than Flitwick. “On one condition, that is.”

Merula groaned loudly.

“Forget it, Hexley. I’m not giving you that key.”

“I wasn’t going to ask you for the key,” Artemis shook her head. “I just want you to promise that you’ll sing with Tulip’s toad Dennis. Because that means a lot to her.”

Merula rolled her eyes, but she nodded her head.

“Well, that settles it, then,” Professor Flitwick squeaked. “Congratulations, Miss Snyde.”

As they left the classroom, Tulip turned to Artemis.

“That was really kind,” she said. “Maybe Tonks is right to trust you, after all. I’ll give you my key. And I’ll help you get the other key off Merula.”

“Ugh, if having the bloody key means that much to you, Hexley, you can have it,” a voice said from behind them. Merula was leaning against the wall, watching the two of them talking. She reached into her pocket and pulled out a key. “I’ve already taken what I wanted from your brother’s stupid room, anyway.”

“Thank you, Merula,” Artemis smiled. “And congratulations for getting into the choir.”

“Whatever. I knew you’d pull out of the audition as soon as I told you that stuff I made up about my mum. You’re really gullible, you know,” she laughed and threw the key to Artemis, who caught it one-handed. “Means you’d better watch yourself. Especially with that Karasu. She’ll stab you in the back like she did me. Just you wait.”

Delighted, Artemis went back to the dormitory, expecting the other girls to ask her about the audition, but instead they we’re flustered about something else entirely.

“What is it? What’s wrong?”

“Artemis, when we came back from dinner, we found a letter on your bed,” Rowan said. “We don’t know how it got there. There wasn’t an owl here or anything.”

“What?” Artemis went over to her bed, where an envelope lay next to a sleeping Fergus. She opened the envelope, and pulled out a sheet of folded parchment, and read its message.

Artemis, I have reason to believe that you are in danger. Your involvement with the Cursed Vaults has drawn the attention of a group that are not to be trifled with. Be careful, but remain courageous. I will assist you where I can. I hope that the next time we correspond, the circumstances will be less mysterious. Yours sincerely, A Friend.

[justanotherteentitansblog]

Bbrae week day 3 Starry Nights

(A/N I am an astrology hoe and that is the entire basis for this fanfiction. This is based on Gar’s actual birth chart based on his canon birthday. I can reveal his whole chart later and explain what it means if there’s interest. Also enjoy the brief lesson on astrology.)

“I don’t care what you have to say about that, Gar. I refuse to believe you,” 

Garfield trailed behind Raven on the way to her room several paces in front of him, “What did I even say that was so unbelievable?” 

Raven scoffed and turned to him so sharply that he almost ran into her, “There is no way in all the nine circles of hell, that you are a scorpio.” 

Gar threw up his hands in frustration and confusion, “What?! Yes I am! Why is that such an incredible thing to you?”

“Because Beast Boy, I’m a scorpio. A scorpio, you are not. You have to be mistaken, when’s your birthday?” 

“November 12th.” 

Raven’s eyebrows shot up in disbelief. “Are you sure?” 

“About my own birthday?” Gar scoffed, “Yeah Rae, I’m pretty sure.” 

“OK, so you are a scorpio...you sure don’t act like it...what’s your moon sign?” 

“My what?” 

Raven sighed, “We’re just gonna have to do your whole birth chart, I need to get to the bottom of this. You have to have Aries or Leo or something in your big six or else you’re just a total enigma.” 

“You just said a whole lot of words that make absolutely no sense to me, but whatever you say Raven.” 

Raven continued her brisk pace to her room while Gar stared after her, she instinctively punched in the code and stood in the open doorway turning to look back at Gar. 

“Gar, come on.” 

The changeling balked at the sudden invitation, “You’re room? As in, YOU’RE room?” 

“All of my books on astrology are in here and there’s too many to bring out in the common area, so you might as well come in, but DON’T TOUCH ANYTHING!” 

“Oh trust me, after accidentally being sucked into your mind a few years ago, I’m too scared to,” he said, stiffly entering the room and taking a tentative seat on the floor. 

After a short interview about the year, time and place of his birth, Raven got to work sketching out a circle with several connecting lines and symbols that seemed to mean something to her. 

Gar looked over her shoulder in curiosity as his warm breath grazed her cheek. Raven shuddered at the sudden intimacy of the moment but Gar was too transfixed on Raven’s work to notice. 

“So what is that?” 

Raven continued sketching without looking up, “It’s your birth chart, essentially it’s a map of the stars and planets and where they were at the time of your birth.” 

“Ah, right, makes sense. You really take this astrology stuff pretty seriously huh?” 

“I have to,” Raven said, connecting another line in the circle. 

“How come?” 

“How do you think they foretold the prophecy?” 

“So wait, your birth chart is just…” 

“It shows who you are and what is going to happen in your lifetime, but foretelling the future through astrology means getting into the houses and I don’t have enough training in that area to give you accurate predictions.” 

“So if not to tell the future then why are we doing this?” 

“To figure you out, and why you are the way you are.” 

The tone in the room shifted and Gar's mouth spread wide in a mischievous grin. He leaned forward, and whispered in Raven’s ear, his hot breath tickling her neck, “And why do you want to figure me out so badly?” 

Raven dropped the pen in her hand as her face went crimson and goosebumps appeared all over her body. With a shaky hand, she palmed the changeling’s face and effectively pushed him away from her, knocking him back on his butt. “Cut it out! I’m trying to work!” her voice cracked. 

Raven picked up the pen and finished the last few lines of the chart and stood back to admire her work. 

“Ok that makes a little more sense, but also raises many more questions.” 

Gar looked back over her shoulder, the chart still not making any sense to him, and then leaned back resting on his elbows. “Alright then, lay it on me mama. Explain me to me.” 

Raven glared at the man on her floor, “How many times have I told you not to call me that?” Raven rolled her eyes knowing it was a lost cause. “I’m just going to explain your big six to you, these are the most powerful planets in your chart and sort of explain your personality.” 

Raven cracked open one of her astrology books to reference and began, 

“Starting with your ascendent sign, also known as your rising sign, this dictates how you present yourself to the world. Your rising sign is in Aries is in which makes much more sense for you.” 

“What does that mean?” 

“Aries is considered the child of the zodiac, explaining why you come off as so immature.” 

“Hey! I’m not that immature” sticking his tongue out in Raven’s direction. 

Raven cocked an eyebrow at the changeling, “Only further proving my point…next is your sun in scorpio. Your sun sign is the lens through which you see the world, so you see the world as a scorpio. Scorpio’s are known for being secretive, they tend to come with a lot of trauma and um...a high sex drive…” Raven’s face colored at the last statement. 

Gar smirked flirtatiously , “Hey Rae, didn’t you say you were also a scorpio?” 

Raven’s voice cracked again, as she continued, “MOving on to your moon in sagittarius…” 

Gar rolled his eyes and rested his cheek on his fist, she was taking all the fun out of his game. 

“The moon marks emotions and one’s true self, who you are way deep down. Your moon being in sagittarius means you’re a natural optimist, probably outdoorsy, but irresponsible.” 

“Yeah that sounds about right for me.” 

“Next is your mercury, which marks communication skills. Your mercury is also in scorpio..” 

“Which means I talk sexy too!” 

Raven rolled her eyes in annoyance, “Can you get off the sex thing?” she grumbled.  

“Trust me Rae, there’s nothing more I’d like to do right now than get off.” 

Raven pinched the bridge of her nose, she was really starting to regret inviting him into her room. 

“Mercury in Scorpio, means you’re more observant than you make it seem, and people tend to come to you to talk about their problems, also you love to talk...and talk and talk..” She grumbled. 

“What is this, the roast of Garfield Logan?” 

“That’s essentially what a birth chart reading is. Next is your venus, that marks how you love or what kind of partner you would be in a relationshi-” Raven paused looking at his venus on his birth chart. 

“What’s wrong? Does it say I suck as a boyfriend?” 

“No actually, quite the opposite. You have one of the best placements for your venus. Your Venus is in libra. Um, that means you’d essentially make a really great boyfriend.” 

Gar wiggled his eyebrows suggestively at Raven, “I don’t know Rae, the stars don't lie..” 

“Are you trying to get kicked out?” Raven glowered. 

“No ma’am, I’ll behave!” Beast Boy looked up at her sheepishly. 

“Ok, last but not least, we have your mars also being in Aries. Mars marks desire for action and physical energy.” 

Raven looked at him expectantly but Garfield had bit his lip to keep whatever disgusting remark he had inside his head. ‘So he can learn,’ Raven thought to herself. 

“Good boy” Raven praised him for his restraint. 

It was now his turn to blush, “Listen, I’m not gonna be able to hold my remarks back if you’re going to sit here and turn me on!” 

Raven rubbed her temples in annoyance, “and you were doing so well, too…your mars in Aries means you’re impulsive, you get mad quickly but you also get over it quickly, and you’re very energetic.” 

Gar quietly grumbled more sexual innuendo to himself and Raven had just about enough.

“Alright, get out. I should’ve never brought you in here, you’re driving me crazy.” 

Gar lazily stretched and got up seeing himself out of Raven’s room, he paused at the open doorway and turned to his teammate. 

“I don’t know Rae, all I heard was that I’d be great at sex and make a great boyfriend,” he lightly booped her on the nose, “So that’s just something for you to think about,” he said with a wink. 

“GET OUT!” Raven’s eyes went red with her anger as the changeling scurried away. 

Raven’s door slid shut with a hiss as she threw her astrology book in a huff as color flooded her face a third time. She hated when he was right.  

[vannyvancan]

"mr assassin" Roommate!Shinsou Hitoshi X F!Reader Part 2

Part 2 of your Roommate/Assassin!Shinsou is here! First of all I wanna thank y'all for liking the first part so much! In this part we go deeper in darker theme of it, so just a fair warning.

my masterlist. Hope you have a great day and happy reading!

Tw for : Assassin!Shinsou theme, female reader,  gun usage, slight insecurity, NSFW for the most part on the later chapters, drug usage, corrupt government talk, harrasment

Day five of living with your new roommate. He hadn't shown much of an interest in harming you...

That was swell.

You huffed out a breath of relaxation when the realization hit, but not also that, things weren't as bad as you expected! The thought you'd get a nasty roommate who would leave much more bigger mess than you was on the mind... but he seems to be the one who cleans as well? A welcome surprise indeed.

Shinsou was an enigma, waking up early at five am, neatly sorting his clothing and coming back late at 11 pm, he didn't seem restless, which could only mean he probably has a second accommodation where he rests and eats as well. It also explains why he only had one bag with him which you had decency and never saw what was inside. Besides...

He had given you a glare yesterday when you stared at it for long with those white pupils of his.

Even though he was soft spoken, he always managed to find a way to poke fun at you before he left. Granted, you were quiet surprised when he made you a french toast every morning! He barely knows you, but you were grateful to have found a roommate that in one way or another showed his gratitude. Afterwards, you felt obligation to one up him and return the favour. Now dragging your dear friend out, you giggled at the phone text from Uraraka as she immediately started spewing jokes about your potential 'future' with him.

„What an idiot.“ You grinned to yourself, walking down the street to the meeting place, you were about to go shopping with her, you still had to supply yourself with comfortable winter clothing.

„Y/N!“ Uraraka's voice reached your ears.

„Hey! Long time no see!“

„Very long time indeed!“

Uraraka rushed her step to give you the biggest hug there was. She was the sweetest friend and was always there for you no matter the circumstances. Now both of you dragging yourselves in the clothing store

„You just got off from work right? How was it?“ She asked, looking at time, it was now 5 pm.

„Tiring, its even worse because they fired colleagues before summer so now all of us have extra hour of work.“

„Oh no. But at least you will be rewarded more no? More hours equal more pay.“

„Nope, it's the same job in the end, they just extended work time.“ Frowning at the work contract on the mind, it was a very high chance it will drastically change soon as well.

„It's very... bad.“ You nervously laughed as you walked together.

„One time they fired someone from storage, only to replace them with boss's relative. By law its forbidden, but they made up a name for the new position that does the same job in storage. So it seems valid, but its not.“

„Ah... it happened here as well, but uhm.“ Uraraka started

„Hmm?“

„There's been some disappearances from our parent company, we are having a bit of a rescheduling on our own as well.“ Uraraka nervously chuckled and scratched the back of her head, it was quiet obvious there's been some action going on on her end as well.

„But enough about that, how's Shinsou~?“ She teasingly leaned in and poked her pink cheek.

Your mind shifted to the now roommate, the intimidating figure had you stuttering for a second. Obviously, Uraraka shouldn't of hung out with Mina so often back in college days, because it was so obvious she wanted to pull out some flustering on your end as well. Her curiosity especially hit the peak since she heard your voice hit higher notes when talking about him.

„I-I.. U-um. Okay, fuck! I can't!“ Both of the palms now covered your face to hide the embarrassment.

„Ahah! Is he that hot? You didn't react like that for so long!“

„Shut up!“ You huff out „It's enough that he made a toast for me yesterday, now I don't know how to return the favor. I want to get close to him, but he's unapproachable.“

The brunette put a finger on her lower lip in deep thought.

„Maybe if he's so busy, you can make him little lunches in a box, since he's so busy.“

„Uraraka, that's so childish.“

„It's not! You have to show him your soft side! Poke around, maybe he likes it.“

„My soft side?“

Grimacing as she advised, you were afraid of getting your feelings hurt. Now hesitantly picking up shirts and pants from the shopping stand, you managed to pick decent clothing for the upcoming winter before the prices skyrocket, it was expensive already but you managed to find something cheap. Your eyes trailed to find a plain white scarf, it was really nice quality, and rather cheap, but the sudden thoughts redirected to Shinsou as fingers tried out the material.

Maybe its not a bad idea to try and open up, you'll try but there should be equal effort on his end as well. Now snatching the scarf from the stand, you both bought your things and left the store, suddenly being nudged on the shoulder by the pink cheeked individual, you let out a relieved laughter while walking home for today.

...

„No, no! Please, Spare me!“

„I'm afraid job's a job.“

„No, please! My wife-!“

-SNAP-

„... Operation successful, returning to the main area. Prepare for body disposal.“

„Roger that Mindjack.“

On the broad daylight, Shinsou had eliminated yet another target for today, this time it was a business man whose life spiraled down in gambling addiction, the man who had hired him said he owned too much and knew too much to be kept alive.

Drugs and gambling went hand in hand, it was no different that the client probably had some shady stuff going on on their end as well. Shinsou had to keep his eye open on this one as well.

„Dispatched him quickly?“ Shoto came by side to Shinsou while adjusting dark gloves on.

„Yeah.“

„Good. Let me help you up.“

Several moments later, a truck came by to pick the dead body up, Kirishima's disguise as a trash driver made both of them cringe for a moment, but quickly brushed it off as Shoto and Shinsou threw it away. The cleanup crew should get rid of their traces now, all he has to do is get away as fast as possible from here. Shoto and Shinsou entered in the truck and drove in silence.

„You blocked the spot quiet nicely Shoto! Made a nice clearing for Shinsou to execute.“ Kirishima praised

„I merely blocked the parking lot. I don't see it being worth a mention.“

„Man, but missions like these always for newbies rely on stalking and timing. And this was perfect.“

„Nothing is perfect in this line of business.“ Shinsou ripped off his gloves and cracked his own neck to relieve tension. „Karma will hit you back hard if you don't know what you are doing.“

„Yeah yeah, it isn't very manly if you're in it just for cash, I mean... I'm rooting for justice and y'all, don't go thinking I am blind to what you guys are doing.“

Shoto and Shinsou fell silent. It was hard to swallow the truth, the car ride to the safe house wasn't long, soon Kirishima hit the brakes and came to a stop to the small abandoned storage house on the outskirts of the city. Shoto jumped out to take care of the body while Shinsou assisted with it, after they were done, Kirishima checked the contract for the job well done and handed the payment. A block of dollar bills now in their hands, the digital transfer of money would raise eyebrows in eyes of banks, so the money transfer was best if it was physical.

„Here you go boys! Boss says that the next contract is gonna be handed out tomorrow, you are free for the rest of the evening.“

„Tomorrow already?“ Shinsou asks.

„Yeah, what did you mean with that question?“

„I was thinking of looking into the client of the previous contract. Do some research and possibly eliminating him.“

Kirishima clicked with his tongue while Shoto huffed out and fiddled with the block of money in his hands.

„Sorry man. Solo contracts wont get you money, and gateways like us wont help you since we put too much at stake. You are on your own if you are gonna kill someone who is off the list.“ Kirishima explained

„Why would you even do it?“ Shoto asked, „Its not like the guy did you anything bad.“

Before Shinsou could answer Kirishima pat his back two times before turning on his heel to store his equipment away and head home himself for today.

„Mindjack has always been like that, even before you started working with. He sorta goes off on his own at times, seeking who needs killin' and who doesn't. That's why we hired you Shoto.“

„Can't blame me for doing what I think its right.“ Shinsou lowered his head, „All I need is time, That's why I was taken aback when a new contract was announced for tomorrow.“

„Alright alright, Mr. Assassin. You'll get your time. Someday. For now, this handsome manly man is going to go home for tonight! I'm going to get myself some hot bath.“

„See you Red. I'll be going too, Goodnight Mindjack.“

The departure was short, Shinsou took his bag and changed clothes before heading back, the bad smell could of easily rub off on him and he didn't want you to start speculating things. Even though he mostly ends his victim's lives in a way where no blood can be shed, it was a close call when she started eyeing the bag yesterday. He hated it, but he had already planned out way's to kill the roommate he was living with for any situation if she found out his true work.

'I don't need any of you to help me in my solo hunt.' He thought to himself, putting his black leather jacket on and helmet, he checked out his surroundings before revving up his bike and driving away.

The evening was busy as people were going back from work, it was 6 pm after all and he was stressing out on the fact that he will have to see his roommate. Maybe he could take a spin? Or start investigating on his own, but he didn't have time, he needed it. Rumbling of the bike eased tension he had from the committed crime, but only barely. As he came to a red light he slowed down and realized he was shaking badly, he knew it was not only from the setting sun and chilling air slowly creeping in, but also of stress. The realization that he might get caught always hit him harder after it settled in his mind. He inhaled deeply and eyed the nearby passengers. His eyes land on a woman in distance he never thought he would run into.

It was you, and you have been on your way to the flat with things you've gotten. The fact you saved up on the flat made you relax and indulge in the little shopping spree with Uraraka and groceries. You smiled from ear to ear nevertheless the tiredness creeping on you from the day.

„Mm...“ You sighed and rolled your shoulders.

„Maybe I'll make the thing she told me.“

You honestly looked like a happy child after realizing now that you have a roommate who pays for half of the expenses, you have extra cash to buy for things and make food at home. It wasn't a big deal to go out and buy something since it was cheap to buy a box of instant meal, but you wanted to cook your own food for a long time now. As you looked in the grocery bag and already beginning to think of the recipe you'd think for it, you suddenly bumped onto a stranger who didn't quiet follow his surroundings either. The harsh impact almost made you fall behind flat on your backside, but you managed to find balance. 'How rude-!' you thought.

„Ah-! S-sorry! I didn't mean to bump into you sir-„

„Watch where you are stepping wench-! I swear, women like you need to fucking know their place and stay at home.“

Excuse me?

Since when did this idiot have any right to find you to get his frustrations out?

You frowned at his sentence, knowing better not to engage with a random incel on the streets at evening hours, whose breath reeked of beer and bad hygiene, you decided to clutch your bags and pass by him hurriedly.

„Don't fucking ignore me!“

„Hey! Let me go!“

The man captures your wrist harshly and doesn't let go, now pulling you towards himself, he makes your belongings and your body stumble forward. His other hand wrap around your waist and starts dragging you along with him. Trying to shake yourself away only resulted in him recapturing you. He started laughing and you only now realize he quiet probably meant to bump into you.

He was trying to kidnap you-

„I said you are a bitch! Now you'll know your place-!“

„Let me go!“

Closing your eyes, the strong grip bruised your wrist and you yelped in pain, Your eyes veiled with tears as his disgusting sweaty hands found their way on your thighs to try and attempt to carry you, but the hold that was on you was suddenly broken free and a strong impact of a punch made the man fall flat on the ground. You were quiet sure you heard something broke as well.

„Agh! Son of a-!“

The adrenaline spiked in your veins and you immediately snapped out of it to see what was going on. Another hand rested on you almost protectively, you raised head to see a dark dressed figure that was very familiar. You were quiet shocked to find Shinsou held you close to his chest, wasn't he supposed to work until very late? You hear his quickened heartbeat and deep breathing as he gazed into the eyes of an attacker. Clutching onto him, you immediately felt more sorry for the drunken individual that had attacked you. Hooded eyes with dark eye bags were visible with blood rush, he stared down at his victim like a prey.

„I honestly can't believe how uncool you are, attacking a woman.“ He tilted his head on the side „Piss off before I do anything worse.“

The drunkard scrambled to his feet, he held onto his nose, groaning in pain inflicted by just his one punch.

„You fucker-! You broke my fucking nose!“

He charged again at Shinsou and you. This time, Shinsou quickly dispatched him by a high kick in his stomach, stealing all the air from his lungs. He hunched over and fell flat face forward, deeming him now unconscious. Your mouth went agape at his form, even though there were no visible passerby's, the drivers could certainly call police and at any moment and both of you would get caught.

„Shinsou!“ You panicked, finally reacting at the scene.

„Come on, lets get the hell out from here. He's bad news.“ He pat your shoulders and helped you scramble the bags that were on the ground.

He led you to climb on his bike that you were quiet hesitant to get on at first, he didn't let you get acquainted as the time was limited and you let out a noise of protest at first.

„We have no time, grab onto me.“ He revved up his bike and it rumbled.

„You just gonna escape like that!?“ You asked „What gives he's not gonna blame it on us? The police-“

„Police is not going to do shit.“ He glared at you „Unless you want to call them right now and deal with this sort of mess on Thursday evening, be my guest.“

You whined again, thinking thoroughly on his words you knew he was right so you followed his orders. If anything Shinsou was a witness if both of you ever end up getting caught. Holding onto the bags in your hand, you decided it was a better option to leave. Now climbing on you adjusted yourself in back of seat, the view in front of you were of his back, now starting to get illuminated by the street lights. He smelled nice, despite it being closed off by the leather jacket, his vibrant purple hair was flattened by the helmet, and you couldn't shake off the thought that you were about to hold him. You let your left hand slip around his stomach while your right one grips his shoulder.

Fuck, he was solid.

The gas made you back up a bit and grip on him tighter as he violently sped forwards to escape the scene. You hid your face in his back and held onto dear life. You weren't acquainted with bike's, most of your life was spent driving in cars and public transport, but you were quiet thankful to have him tell you when to lean on sides as you took turns.

„Just like riding a bicycle“ He claimed.

You relaxed after he talked more about it, there was something about him being calm in this situation made you very thankful. If he hadn't shown up...

Well, you wouldn't like to think about it.

He slowed down and stopped as the lights turned orange, then red, he took this opportunity to check on you. Shinsou leaned back and turned to you.

„You okay?“

„Y-yeah, still a bit shaken up about it. I... think I'll be fine. What about you?“

„I'm good.“ He replied shortly, his curt expression not giving anything else away.

In his mind, there wasn't anything he could do to help, the thought of comforting a victim was very alien to him. He could manage dispatching the person quickly, but he would rather much leave a therapy session to others. There was something about how he emotionally closed off himself that helped him do what he was working for, but it was never in favor when someone needed emotional support, like you right now.

His thought process was interrupted by a white scarf now gently falling around his neck.

„Your facial expression doesn't quiet match your body language Mr. Shinsou. Here, have this, your body is shaking.“

„What is this?“ He asked, tenderly reaching for the soft white fabric and letting the warmth of it settle around his neck.

„Its a scarf... I was planning on giving it to you. You are a good roommate to me.“

His eyes lit up at the realization, his knee was thumping up and down in nervousness from what he had been overthinking about, whats wrong with this woman? Is she going to be the one giving him the therapy session? He better not go soft now. The light turned green and you took a last turn to your place and he parked nearby. Both of you got off and he helped you by giving you a hand and with the bags.

„You didn't have to.“

„That's not true, I had to! I know work's probably putting a lot of strain on you just like mine is, and I know you mean only well, hell, you've been cooking an extra toast just for me.. and now you saved me.“

Both of you came to a stop as you entered the building. You sighed a little bit as words of gratitude escaped you

„And I just want to say.. Thank you."

Wide eyed like a kitten, he seemed so innocent if he didn't act so suspicions all the time. But this time you were so happy on seeing your roommate warming up to you. He was speechless for a solid second, he raised the scarf just a little bit to hide his mouth and nose.

Was he blushing?

"You really think that huh?" He asks, it was a simple question, but it got you stuttering madly and you looked onward, taking big steps as suddenly your flat was the lifeline of a place to be in right now. Shinsou himself didn't want to admit it but looking at you being cheerful after the events set his mind at ease.

"O-of course! A-and don't think that that you are ever a bad person, whoever is telling you bad things at work... They are wrong, because you are actually a really nice person... I think." You said without looking back.

„Now you are just sprouting nonsense.“ He chuckled and followed closely behind.

„Come on! I'm gonna cook us dinner. We are gonna feast.“