#and she was like...i don't know...I didn't think that far ahead...i didn't think anyone wouldn't do it since it's a requirement....

[bookwyrminspiration]

including proper citations where you're not "supposed" to is the funniest fucking thing in the world to me. i just sent an email to my instructor quoting and citing said instructor with a works cited section

[estaticheart]

ᥫ᭡. THAT’S MY SISTER YOU BITCH

Summary: Despite Sarah and Rafe’s volatile relationship, that’s your sister.

Warnings: Violence, illusions to sex, swearing.

You had a great day so far. You'd woken up to Rafe in between your legs, waking you up in the best way possible before he made you both breakfast as you watched him from the island. Sometimes you just liked to ponder on how lucky you were to have a boyfriend like Rafe. To everyone else, you were far from lucky but you liked it that way- knowing only you got the real Rafe Cameron.

Now, you were on your way back from grocery shopping, planning to make Rafe a romantic meal when he arrived back from work. Blasting music from your car speakers, you were completely in the zone. Until you drove up to the City Hall, glancing ahead you saw Kelce's red truck, which you thought nothing of until you saw him and his idiotic friends surrounding John B and Sarah.

Alarmed, you pulled up next to the truck, gathering the attention of everyone. Despite being a kook yourself, you were far different from the rest of them. You didn't care about pogues, to you they were like anyone else, in fact often you preferred the pogues in the Outer Banks to the kooks. Rafe's circle exclusively consisted of kooks, meaning you often received a lot of respect from kooks even though you spent a lot of your time arguing with them. Rafe didn't mind it, you were his girlfriend and lover, so if you wanted to yell he wouldn't stop you.

"Problem?" You asked, slamming your car door shut behind you. Just as Sarah hit the ground. Immediately you rushed towards Sarah. Yeah, Rafe and Sarah had problems they needed to get past but to you, Sarah was still as important as she was 2 years ago. You were proud of her for finding her true love and true friends, and you always let her know that you would always be there for her. And this time was no exception. Putting two and two together, you saw Ruthie standing much closer to Sarah than the other kooks who looked at her in shock.

They all stood stunned at your arrival, to be honest, you were probably the worst possible person to show up at that exact moment. Everyone knew your opinions on the Pogues were far more empathetic than the other kooks. "No, no problem" Kelce muttered, beginning to pull Ruthie and the others back from Sarah and John B, to which they happily obliged. Not on your watch.

"Oh no, don't stop on my accord guys. Please whatever you were going to do next. Do it." Walking over to them, Ruthie stood stunned at your arrival. Since she started dating Topper, you got a lot of joy out of berating her, publically. For once, she didn't back down at your words. "She needs to watch herself. She pushed me first, it was self-defence." Ruthie said, glancing behind you to see John B pulling Sarah to her feet.

Snorting you replied, "Ruthie, I'm not Shoupe. Don't start pleading your case, I don't care." She stalled at your response, for a moment thinking that you were on her side for pushing Sarah before you pulled her back to reality. Walking closer to her, edgingly slow, you pressed, "You think you're all big and mighty for pushing Sarah? She's 19 Ruthie, you're what? 21? Don't you think you should play with someone your own size?"

Behind you, John B and Sarah smirked at the group. Unbeknownst to you, Sarah was pregnant and John B was far too occupied to make sure Sarah was okay than to pick a fight with Kelce and his goons today. But you happily would, and even better so because who was going to fight back against the kook princess? Definitely not these ones.

“Well?” You pushed, as you stood toe to toe with Ruthie. You were growing impatient, Rafe would have finished work by now meaning that soon he’d come looking for you- and you’d rather give Ruthie a good couple punches before Rafe showed up.

“Okay times up.” Before she could even think, your fist sent her backwards onto the floor, just how Sarah had been when when you arrived. Groaning, she lifted her hands to cover her nose, assumably bleeding- hopefully broken if Rafe’s self defence lessons had done some good. “Oh my god- I think you broke my nose. You bitch.” She shrieked, pulling her hands away to reveal blood beginning to pour from her nose.

Ruthie was nothing but a bully, a bully you’d had enough of tormenting the island. Your legs either side of her chest you crouched over her, “Don’t worry you still look just as bad as before.” You muttered as you flew your fist back into her face that she left unguarded. Idiot. Her screaming began again, as you moved off from her, deciding that your two punches had done enough damage. Wow, you’d really have to thank Rafe for those lessons.

“Just wait until Topper hears about this, he will deal with you.” One of the other kooks muttered from behind Kelce. “Yeah I’m sure Topper will be sure to deal with me.” You laughed, Topper wouldn’t touch a hair on your arm as long as you were dating Rafe- everyone knew that.

“You want to fuck with someone, not Sarah.” You spat at them, watching Ruthie sadly pull herself to her feet, with the help of no one. “That’s my sister you bitch. Now fuck off.” At your command, Kelce briskly walked back over to his truck, as the others followed just as fast, allowing you to turn back to John B and Sarah.

You were greeted to their smiling faces, both as grateful as each other. But you noticed, a twinge of emotion still lingering on Sarah’s face. Hearing you call her your sister in combination with her pregnancy hormones, was due to set her off to cry. Before she could get out any words, you spoke for her. “You are my sister regardless of whatever is going on between you and Rafe. You’re family.” Turning to John B, you continued, “That extends to you, hubby.” You winked looking down at the ring on his finger.

With a red blush covering their faces, they praised you in thank yous. “Don’t need to thank me for doing something I’ve been wanting to do for months.” Glancing back to see the red truck had disappeared.

“Now, you can thank me for warning you that Rafe will be here any minute and I’m not sure you want to see him.”

—————————

“Baby, please be more careful next time.” Rafe muttered, as he wrapped your knuckles in bandages. He was more than shocked to find you outside the city hall- alone- but with bloody knuckles. Only with the explanation, that you had an altercation with Ruthie, surprisingly over Sarah. He was confused to say the least, he wasn’t even aware that Ruthie had a problem with his little sister. But the more he thought about it, of course she did- Topper still hadn’t gotten over her.

“In fact, there will be no next time. Ever.” Kissing your knuckles, he pulled you onto his chest as he lied back on your shared king bed. Stroking your hair, he let his mind wonder. Should he have been there to protect Sarah? But they hadn’t had a good relationship in years, he couldn’t just suddenly start caring for her. He also couldn’t let you get into situations that could get you hurt over protecting Sarah.

You noticed his body still and you knew instantly his mind was wondering thinking about Sarah. Without moving your head from his chest you spoke, “Rafe. I love Sarah. I know you have a difficult relationship at the moment and whilst you can’t protect her I will.” Letting the silence sit between you for a moment, you decided to continue.

“She’s our only family, Rafe.” He didn’t move, but you both knew how right you were. She was all you had left. “I know baby, I know.” He whispered, laying a kiss on the top of your head, before he let his mind slip back into imagining how he can rectify this broken relationship with his sister.

[a-hazbin-reader]

Can you do an Alastor x fem!reader where Alastor confesses his love to her, but she doesn't believe him, thinking it's some kind of sick joke? She just laughs nervously, saying something like “yeah, yeah, I got it, very good joke, Al, your humor is getting better,” expecting that it will actually turn out to be some kind of prank

However, Alastor doesn't stop and tries to convey to her that he really loves her, but she still doesn't believe him because she doesn't trust him completely. Like, he's the radio demon, one of the most dangerous and powerful overlords who seemingly despised the idea of ​​getting close to someone, what if he just wants to trick her so he can maybe make a deal with her or something?? That's why at first she tries to avoid him in order to get rid of this awkwardness due to his confessions, but gradually in the end she begins to meet him halfway and considers the idea of ​​​​starting to date him after all. Not official yet, but the chances are great

WELP-

Alastor X Reader Headcanons

✅️Romantic

❌️Platonic

TW: None?? I think??

Description: ☝️⬆️

You're used to expecting the worst-case scenario and protecting your heart first and foremost, it's just how you learned to survive

You've learned not to trust anyone, especially anybody down here in hell with you, everyone has an ulterior motive

Yet...by some weird twist of fate you found yourself a home at the hotel, Charlie somehow having convinced you to stay

Whether or not you believed in redemption, you couldn't deny that you didn't feel a sense of closeness with everyone there

Even Alastor was nice to hang around sometimes, though you didn't trust him in the slightest

How could you? The Radio Demon?? He's got plans for his plans and only sees people for their use, he doesn't care about anyone, especially not you

You're just amusing to him, which is fine, you can tolerate being amusing just not being used

You had a comfortable relationship with the overlord which was something that not many people could say

You two got along well enough, spent a good amount of time together and actually had decent conversations

He'a charming and handsome, a dangerous combination but you were far too addicted to his presence now to worry about it, you can still protect your heart

Or at least you did, until Alastor decided to toy with your feelings, how he found out about your budding crush was beyond you

You two were walking alone together at night, laughing at some couple you two had witnessed earlier, teasing them

"I just don't understand how any man could be that whipped for a woman! I can't wrap my head around it..!"

Instead of joining in your laughter, he hummed and looked over at you strangely before looking ahead

"Oh, I don't know... I find myself understanding men like that a little more these days."

It's like a bucket of ice water just fell on you, your laughter cutting off as you look at him in confusion

"What do you mean? Are you...seeing someone or something?"

He looks as uncomfortable as a man with a permanent smile can be, tapping his claws against his staff

"Heavens no, but that doesn't mean there isn't someone special in my life... someone I wouldn't mind courting."

He gives you a meaningful glance then looks away again, stopping suddenly and facing you

"Alastor-"

"I wouldn't mind being whipped for you."

Your stomach sours and you frown, pushing at his shoulder a little harder than you meant to

"Yeah, that's real funny, Alastor. Why don't you go try that joke on someone else next time?"

You walk off as quickly as you can, leaving a baffled looking Alastor in your dust

Do you have any idea how hard it was for him to confess!? He grits his teeth and rubs his hand over his face as he watches you run away from him

You don't talk to him the next day, or the day after that, in fact... Alastor is pretty sure you're avoiding him because any time he tries to talk to you-

You find an excuse to run off, your relationship with him awkward and nervously hanging on by a thread

He ruined it and all your walls came right back up

You should've known he would exploit your weakness like that, should've seen that he was only being so good to you because he wanted to use everything he learned against you

You don't know what he gets out of it or what his goal is, but you're sure he's got an angle

Even now, he's trying to mess with your feelings, bringing you flowers, pushing little notes under your door, one time he even tried to serenade you

He keeps trying to tell you that he cares about you, that he feels for you, that he wants you, and you just don't want to hear it

It hurts to be toyed with

Everyone else at the hotel can see what's happening between you two which makes everything that much more embarrassing

"Come on, Husk! I know you know something! Why is he targeting me!? What do I have that he wants?"

Husk looks visibly uncomfortable, looking over your body before looking away, suddenly interested in a smudge on a glass

"I don't know anything so quit asking me! Why don't you just sit down and talk with him, huh?"

Oh, he knows something

Angel smirks and nudges your leg with his own, invading your personal space to further tease you

"You're tellin' me that you ain't flattered by all this attention he's givin' you? I've seen the way he's been mooning over you lately, and let me tell you~ That shit ain't fake~"

You huff and shake your head, mostly to hide the blush on your face from them

"He has an angle, everyone always does."

"Look if you wanna be a blind bitch then be my guest but at least promise me you'll hit that and tell me the details~?"

"ANGEL!"

You can't avoid Alastor forever no matter how hard you try, eventually running into him late one night when everyone else is in bed

You should've known better than to get that late night snack, but you had skipped dinner earlier, and you were hungry

You're washing your plate off when you hear Alastor walk in, stiffening once you realize you have no real excuse to run away anymore

"Alastor-"

He sucks in a breath and stays still as if scared he'll chase you away, which he might actually be worried about due to your actions lately

"I know you think I confessed to you in order to get something from you but that's far from the truth. I do genuinely find myself attached to you."

You feel your lip wobble a little, hugging yourself as you look away from him

"Don't. Don't you dare mess with me like this or I'll never forgive you, Alastor."

He takes another step closer to you, cautious as if trying not to scare you away

"I'm being entirely honest with you, I've fallen for you in ways I can't even begin to understand or convey to you. These last few weeks have been torture for me."

He's gripping your arms gently to stop you from turning away, the simple touch spreading warmth throughout your body

You have missed him a lot...

"I'm not asking that you confess your love to me, I only want a chance to show you I'm being genuine with you..."

You glance up at him before taking a step back, blushing furiously at the pathetic puppy eyes he's giving you

You can't believe you're going to agree to this, he better not make you regret it later or you'll make him suffer for it

You sigh and point at him, doing your best to remain calm and not let your emotions show

"I'll think about it, okay? Just...give me time to think."

He visibly relaxes and sighs in relief, giving you a warm smile as if you had just said yes

"That's more than I could ask for, I'll wait hundreds of years for you if that's what you want."

You blush more and have to cover your mouth to stop an excited squeal from escaping your lips

"Q-quit flirting with me! I already said I'd think about it..!"

He chuckles softly and reaches out to rub your cheek before pulling away and turning to leave

"Okay okay~ I'll wait for you...~"

He leaves you there in the dark, blushing and fuming to yourself

Having a handsome overlord on your arm wouldn't be the worst thing that could happen to you

I HOPE YOU LIKE IT!!

[jo1sstuff]

I think I know who the Archivist is, and it's not Jon. (TMAGP SPOILERS AHEAD)

(TLDR: I think it's Celia. Read on to see why!)

So.

I know the title sounds kinda click-baity, and this is gonna be a bit long, but this is such a ground-breaking theory that you'll hopefully want to stick around.

This is just a theory, so I might be wrong, but it would explain a lot.

I listened to TMAGP 29 earlier, and since my sister doesn't listen to TMA/TMAGP but I like to talk to her about it, I was mentioning the whole "It's on the train" thing, and a crazy theory popped in my head. So now I'm here sharing it with you all, so you can discuss it and maybe prove me wrong/right.

Anyways, I'm gonna start with something that might seem confusing at first, but it'll make sense later.

So we all know Celia, right?

Well, it's pretty much confirmed that she's from the TMA universe, but there are still a few things that don't quite make sense.

For example, the 'sleepwalking' thing she does. She'll wake up somewhere with no memory of what happened.

While I've seen some theories explaining it as the TMAGP Celia sharing a body with TMA Celia, it doesn't make much sense to me. Why would the TMAGP Celia still be in there? Wouldn't TMA Celia be able to communicate with her? Why hasn't anyone else mentioned seeing Celia when she 'sleepwalks'? Wouldn't TMAGP Celia have friends that would talk to her? If so, why wouldn't they notice it's not the same Celia?

Anyways, that theory just doesn't make sense to me.

Another thing that will make sense later: We all remember Michael Distortion from TMA, right?

And how his reflection looked different than how he sometimes looked in person?

An Avatar looking different through glass; whether through Sasha's window, or in the reflection of the cafe's window.

That was the thought that made me first come up with this theory.

The other thought was the "It's on the train" bit.

Sam and Celia get on a train to 'follow' the Archivist. Alice, however, sees it on the train with them.

(technically we don't know for certain that it was the Archivist, or if it was in or on top of the train, but it context makes it seem like the Archivist was in the train with them)

Why wouldn't Sam and Celia notice it? It's a monster that's all eyes, how could they miss that? Sure, it might have been hiding, but they likely weren't the only passengers on board. So why didn't the other passengers see it?

Well, what if they do see it, just not it the right way?

Because of the whole 'avatar looking different in windows' thing, what if that's why they don't notice?

Because they're not looking through the window?

Alice is though.

Alice is looking through the window.

She sees it.

What if, the Archivist is in a human form, but Alice can only see it because she's looking through the glass at it?

But who would it be?

Celia.

It's Celia.

Who else could it be?

What if, when she's 'sleepwalking', she's actually in Archivist form?

Sam got Archived, after all. And shortly after that, Celia appeared.

Wouldn't Celia have noticed the Archivist leaving?

Unless she just came to.

And she's so used to it happening, that she isn't bothered by the time she finds Sam.

Who knows how far away she got, after all. Maybe it was only one alley away, maybe it was a few blocks.

She'd have some time to compose herself.

And after that disorienting event, she managed to find her way to the O.I.A.R. and found Sam.

She was in the same area and time-frame the Archivist was there.

It's her.

Another thing: The statement-givers. Aka, the talking corpses. Aka, people that got Archived by the Archivist.

I'll bet that every time it mentions Celia having a 'sleepwalking' episode, it was around the same time that someone got Archived.

I'm not gonna go back through the episodes to see if I'm right on that, but if someone else will, it would be very much appreciated.

How exactly Celia became an Archivist, I don't know.

Maybe when she changed universes the Eye decided to make her its new 'precious little boy girl'. Maybe (if we believe that TMAGP is Somewhere Else) the Archivist part of Jon got stuck in Celia. Maybe she even became an Avatar by herself, who knows! I certainly don't.

Another thing I don't know is whether she'd remember what happens when she's the Archivist.

She seemed surprised to find Sam, after all.

And (if I remember right) she doesn't know how she gets to places while she's 'sleepwalking'.

I also don't know how Jack fits into this, but he's a mystery of his own.

Anyways, feel free to chip in with your own thoughts and criticisms, I could be completely proved wrong next episode after all!

[meanbossart]

ASK COMPILATION: LORE, CHARACTERIZATION, AND THE ONE IN WHICH I RUIN A BUNCH OF PEOPLE'S FUN

As usual, this is far from all of the asks in my inbox but I'm trying to catch up 😩thank you everyone for your patience!

For the record, if your ask isn't being answered, that most likely means one of three things:

I am saving it as a possible art prompt.

I sincerely don't have a very interesting or good reply for it yet!

It's a question I have been asked multiple times/the answer is in my pinned post.

Glad you like them!!

As much as I don't limit what I draw to canonical events, vampirism is so antithetical to DU drow's character journey that I couldn't really envision it, to be honest, but who knows! Maybe I'll cook up some Ascended Astarion scenario someday that is kind of a role-reversal of the Bhaalist DU Drow AU I have going on in tandem to the story.

I'll be honest, this is one of the rare times where I'm really not sure which aspect of DU drow's weirdness this is in reference to. Do you know something I don't? 😅

His masochism is very... Classic, I guess? He's in it for the pain and for the emotional connection, and the process of being pierced wouldn't cut it whatsoever, it's too subtle. The body modifications he has are an incidental result of it, but they were never really the goal.

Also having stuff dangling off his face or body would just irritate him, he specifically only does rings because all other types of jewellery get in the way too much. Pre-tadpole Bhaalist drow obviously wore them by the ton, but only as a symbol of status and because he had a permanent new-money complex🤷 so yeah not a piercing-type of character at all, sorry!

He's smooth from the eyelashes-down and profoundly weirded out by body hair LOL

I don't personally think that whatever Astarion had for a home before would bear my resemblance to it after 200 years - having probably gone through several owners, remodeled, if not completely lost to the destruction of the end-game. I do HC that he used to visit it whenever he could as an enthralled spawn to read his mail, but he stopped after his father passed.

THANK YOU, I THINK? I can't say that isn't a passionate description at least!

I'm honestly surprised that this comes up as often as it does LOL but it's just an stylistic choice on my end!

The latter - for sure. He figured that them dying at each other's hands at the end was a given and took that assumption entirely for granted (and I'm sure daydreamed about it often while Gortash went on and on about political strategy during their dinner meetings.)

;))) way ahead of you and by "way ahead" I mean "eventually and whenever I can figure out when to do it alongside the other 30 ideas I am currently juggling" (but I really do want to make a little comic out of it!)

He used them! Not immediately, but he grew to trust the guardian after some initial suspicion and happily gobbled up those squirmy little things alongside Astarion. Because I made his character on a whim and without any planned backstory, I didn't really put any thought into his Guardian's appearance either, so she's just a human woman with a Joan of Arc look going on who's of no significance to him or his past.

But DU drow did trust her, again not immediately but eventually. It was honestly a big kick in the gut to him when the Emperor revealed himself and it definitely set their relationship up to fail from the get-go.

This is also why he didn't ascend to the next stage of Ilithid power, he just stomped the thing dead right on the spot LOL

LMAO I think Gortash is too proud to chase a tail he can't catch like that

He was probably very overwhelmed by the sudden realization that OH, THIS IS ALL HAPPENING BECAUSE OF ME which naturally didn't come across whatsoever to anyone present since he immediately bottled it up and tucked it away out of sight. However, as the story progressed and DU drow helped his friends get out of their respective pickles he was probably able to justify it to himself as it having been for the greater good - since it led to Astarion being freed from his master and Shadowheart to defying the Sharrans.

As for all of the rest of the ensued destruction and death that resulted from it? Well you can't make an omelette without cracking some eggs, or whatever is the wizard version of that saying. He has essentially turned the entire situation into a net-positive in his mind and sleeps great at night because of it.

[happynowyo]

Stubbornness

Fandom: Six of Crows

Pairing: Kaz Brekker x Reader

Warnings: mentions of traumas and touch aversion, Reader being a Healer

A/n: so here's the thing I wanted something angsty and smutty but could come up only with the first part tonight so I'll do another hot part in a few days to finish this completely.

Word count: 2,1k

Part 2

— I don't need that, — the confident tone cut through the silence like a sharp knife, sending shivers down your spine for a second.

You might have believed it if you hadn't personally witnessed a couple of Dime Lions beating Kaz with such zeal that the crunch of his broken ribs was clearly audible in the empty valley.

So you continued to worry about him without listening to what was said. You paid far more attention to the quiet sighs Kaz let out with each step, leaning harder and harder on his bad leg, as you noticed the pained expression flickering in his eyes, though you had to hand it to him that he was using all his acting skills to pretend to be fine and make you leave.

— Stop being so stubborn! Even Matthias isn't afraid of my abilities anymore after I healed that bullet wound in his shoulder.

You determinedly followed Kaz into his room, letting the door slam menacingly. As a sign to Kaz that you wouldn't just give up and leave him to be alone with the pain. As a sign to everyone else in the Slat that no one was allowed to bother him anymore in the next couple of hours.

There was no relationship between the two of you. At least, that's what you both claimed when Jesper and Nina cast too many meaningful glances at you, and Inej carefully kept in a secret all those times she saw you leaving Kaz's bedroom before breakfast, knowing that you had spent the night with him. Saints, sometimes even you convinced yourself that you had nothing in common, even though certain details made it clear that your relationship had long gone beyond the professional.

If you didn't know Kaz personally, you'd think he was giving you conflicting signals. He was withdrawn and aloof, preferring to talk only about business. Even if he insisted and you spent the entire evening around him, he went about his deals as if he didn't notice your presence. His stern tone was used toward you as often as it was toward everyone else.

If you didn't know him, you'd be sure that Kaz Brekker was a cold, indifferent bastard who was only interested in kruge and the future death of Pekka Rollins. Calculating and cruel and completely incapable of basic affections. But in reality it was very different. The trick was not to take Kaz for an ordinary guy and not to see him as such. His difficult past had made him wear such armor that it had time to blend into his skin over the years.

In those moments when anyone else would have approached you with caring questions and a warm hug if you were suddenly hurt during the heist, Kaz would limit himself to a brief worried look, though later he would definitely comb down the person you were paired with. You once accused him of being incapable of showing any emotions, but you later realized that the Barrel had hardened him to show it in the most inconspicuous way possible, so as not to put you in any danger. Only the Saints know what Pekka or anyone else would have done to you if they had known about the secret feelings Kaz had for you.

When Wylan revealed that he knew a Healer, everyone took it with great enthusiasm. Even Kaz saw it as a good sign, and it made everyone feel a little more at ease about the tasks ahead, though you remembered to remind Crows to be careful. You could heal a lot, but it wasn't always instantaneous and serious wounds could take a couple of weeks to fully heal. The bigger problem was someone else's stubbornness - Jesper would drag himself to you almost every day with any simple cut, while Matthias or Kaz would literally have to be persuaded.

— I want to help. Let me, please.

Despite the soft shell, the authoritative tone was no deception to Kaz. He sighed heavily and, after a little hesitation, pulled off his jacket, ignoring the flash of pain around his shoulder. Who would have thought that Pekka's secretary was so good with knives?

— You're not supposed to be here, Y/n. He'll be looking for you. Did Pim let you in? — the curt speech was the proof of how much effort Brekker was making to hold back a painful groan and, God forbid, admit that he really needed some help.

You were bound to Anderson with an indenture and officially worked at one of his clubs along with the other Grishas. He was a part of the Merchant Council and was involved in key decisions regarding politics and trade in Ketterdam, which, however, did not stop him from accepting bribes, being under the wing of Pekka and running a real brothel in his club. Many men were really interested in spending the night with Grisha, though more often they ended up asking the girls to demonstrate their skills.

— Anderson is having a party tonight, along with a bunch of other great merchants. And you obviously knew that, since you'd snuck into Pekka's club, counting on the fact that he'd be among the other guests and his office would be empty. Why didn't Nina feel the heartbeat of the guards? — you were tired of the distance between you, so you approached first, gently helping to undo the buttons on Kaz's blood-soaked shirt. Your eyes tried desperately to catch his, but Brekker stubbornly looked away, trying to control the panic that was building up. Close bodily contact was still difficult for him, though his was making definite progress with your help.

— The Fabricator. Someone had worked on the office door, turning it into a veritable safe, through which it is impossible for Grisha to feel or hear anything. Someone from Dregs had told Pekka about our future attack.

Kaz looked angry, but you understood that he had already passed the stage of frustration with his subordinates and so was calculating his options as to who might had done it. His sharp mind was constantly at work, and it was clearly to his advantage now, since it distracted him from realizing how close your fingers were to his body. Phantom heat could already be felt, but it was nothing compared to what he was going to feel later.

You had tried some things before. Intimacy might have been expressed in different ways, but gradually you raised the degree higher and higher. Kaz was getting used to your presence more and more and it allowed him to push his boundaries a little further. Recently you were even able to spend the night in the same bed, separated only by the thin fabric of your pajamas. Before his trauma Kaz was a particularly tactile child, and you hoped to bring him back to that at least a little, showing him that physical touch didn't always have to be accompanied by pain and panic.

You remembered perfectly your first kiss. How timid and cautious it was at first. How desperate and greedy it became later, until a wave of anxiety swept over Kaz and made him pull away first. He focused on avoiding you for a whole week after that and was pretty sure that you were disappointed in his ability to control himself or that you were angry because of his attitude toward touching and the fact that he couldn't give you something normal. However, you managed to change his mind and you continued to take steps toward each other, guided by your growing feelings.

— None of that matters now. You took the papers you wanted, and I'll heal your wounds. We'll deal with everything else in the morning, okay? — you smiled encouragingly, and then you gently stepped closer, your fingers caressing Kaz's bare left side, trying to bind the broken ribs together. Your attentive gaze was fixed on Kaz's face the whole time, assessing and comparing, so that you could instantly catch the moment when the panic of too close contact would occupy his mind again.

— Will you stay? — Kaz finally stopped pretending that his brave solitude on that night was more appealing to him than your support.

— If you behave yourself, sweetheart.

You pulled his shirt aside and examined more closely many bruises and cuts that studded Kaz's torso. The open wound on his right shoulder demanded your attention first, so you gently nudged Kaz toward the bed so that he could sit on it and give you more space. As you worked, you couldn't stop gazing at him, admiring him openly, and your free palm lightly touched his hair, brushing back the strands that had fallen to his forehead. Tenderness filled your heart, and a wandering smile appeared on your lips that didn't escape Kaz's attention.

He liked these moments of comfort with you, and he expressed it in his own way, deciding to take the initiative and slowly run his fingertips from your knee up your thigh. You were standing almost between his legs and the height difference you created gave him an advantageous opportunity. Touching you was still new to Kaz, but the mind-fogging desire was too great and, at certain moments, overpowered any panic. And that's why he gently wrapped his arm around your wrist and pulled you toward him to make you sit on his lap, facing each other even closer.

— It's good you weren't there in his office. If Pekka finds out you're working with me, he'll definitely tell Anderson. They're great friends, it wouldn't cost him anything to get your indenture to himself, — Kaz' eyes were filled with pure hatred, and some part of you was glad it wasn't meant for you.

— You could buy me out. That way I would belong only to you.

— You already belong only to me, Y/n, — Kaz said confidently, in a wave of ghostly jealousy, not even paying attention to the fact that your palm moved to his face, healing his cheekbones from the horrible bruises.

— Only at night. You only claim me here, among these confined four walls, when no one can see or hear us, — you shrugged briefly, getting rid of the sadness in your voice. It would be foolish to expect a man like Kaz to drop everything and leave for a peaceful life. Ketterdam, power and the pursuit of money was everything to him. — Sometimes it takes an effort to remind myself of that during the day, when I don't know if I can see you again because people on streets are about to break the news of your death after another fight or because Anderson will sell me out to someone else.

It was harder to hear about it than to just know it and keep it in the back of his mind. You were the fairest and most beautiful girl for Kaz, the person he truly wanted to protect from everything and care about, and he was sickened by the thought that someone could take you away or hurt you somehow. The words swirled on his tongue, burning with its despair, and he needed to do something to hold on to that moment and cling to you, to prove that the only thing real now was you, your caressing touches erasing the painful sensation from his skin, and the heat of life itself that emanated from you.

The few times before all your kisses had come from you. Kaz had found it easier to accept touch than to touch himself, but now the need to be with you made him go with his urges, so his palm gripped your waist, pulling you closer, and his lips covered yours so hastily, as if he feared it was the last thing he would ever have time and ability to do in his life. But kissing him was still extremely satisfying.

So much that the desire instantly settled in your blood and made you more pliable. Your tongue slid playfully along his, and a convulsive, loud exhalation became yours in common. You unconsciously buried your fingers in his hair and pulled stronger, causing Kaz to moan briefly right into the kiss before he slowly pulled away with a completely shaken look and a bright smile and a glint in his eyes. And in that moment he looked a hell of a lot like his usual self, just a guy spending time with the girl he loved, and their only problem was not the prospect of death at the hands of rival gangs, but the question of whether they'd locked the door.

Although Kaz Brekker had another question stashed away — would you agree to wear that ring he bought for you so you could remember him and his feelings at all times?

Part 2

[bakedbakermom]

i am nearly to the end of season 7 in my rewatch, and i want to tell new fans something that they may not have known about the original run:

we had no idea, until basically the day the finale aired, that there was going to be a season 8. the actors didn't know even while they were filming it.

see, turnaround times for network tv shows used to be MUCH shorter. they would spend usually 8 days shooting, a couple days in editing and post, and then it would air. often they were still editing in the MINUTES before airtime.

gillian anderson did an interview with letterman on the late show (i had to tape it because my mom wouldn't let me stay up to watch!) on like the thursday before Requiem aired saying that she had no idea what was going to happen. they had filmed one ending for if the show would continue, and another if it wouldn't. she said there was "this thing that i say" and if she says it, that would give us our answer. (it was "i'm pregnant" and when i say i DIED... like if i still had my diary from age 13/14 i would scan it for you just so you could see how unhinged i was about this.) (she was completely adorable in this interview and if anyone can find it i would love to watch it again. it was in may 2000.)

fox was in negotiations with the xf team for weeks leading up to the finale. they had no idea if Requiem was going to be a season or SERIES finale. david duchovny didn't want to come back, they didn't know if they could continue without him, they had NO IDEA what the plot for 8 would be if he didn't come back.

(this is why i laugh when fans try to say they planted clues about the ivf arc in s6-7. no they didn't. they did not think that far ahead. i love that you're trying to make this make sense but please don't tie yourselves up in knots about this, because no one else involved did.)

the weeks leading up to the finale were some of the most nail-biting times i have ever experienced in a fandom.

if you're wondering why og x-philes are all insane, this is just one of many reasons.

[am-i-the-asshole-official]

WIBTA if I refused to be my ex-boyfriend's sisters' bridesmaid?

💐 to identify

Me (29F) and my now ex-boyfriend (29M) have been dating for almost 4 years now and we broke up last month. I found he was cheating on me, but that is not the only reason - the relationship has been going downhill long before that and in a way I'm glad it ended. I'm not going to detail the relationship because that is not the point of this post, but just to be clear we are still living together (separate bedrooms), I'm preparing to move to a city I have always wanted to live in and we have reached a stage where we can calmly discuss things to make the break smooth for each other, and he has been very accomodating so far.

Now, my boyfriend's sister (27F) asked me to be her bridesmaid two years back when she got engaged, and back then everything was okay so I said yes. She is going to be married this summer. To be clear about this, we don't have a relationship outside of her brother. We get along fine with each other and have some common interests, but we have never hung out one on one except for a couple of concerts we went to together. The only reason she asked me is because I'm her brother's girlfriend. The other bridesmaids are two of her friends and their eldest brother's wife. She doesn't have a lot of friends and I feel like the only reason she asked me and her SIL is because she didn't want to do the wedding with just two bridesmaids.

I don't plan to have a relationship with her once I move out of here (I want a clean break). I'm sure she wouldn't want my pictures all over her wedding album if she knew of the fact, and neither would I. That said, if I back out now it would put the whole wedding in a jeopardy. Everything has been planned with 4 bridesmaids and dress fittings too have been done. The fittings were done before the break up but I could have informed her sooner so they could hold off on making the dress, but I didn't even remember the wedding in the whole mess of everything else. I'm sure the dress has been done by now - I don't know how to ask without having to explain why.

My ex-boyfriend thinks we should just go ahead with the wedding without informing anyone about the break up but I think that's kind of dishonest and also I don't want to wait around here till summer if I can help it.

Even if we aren't that close I still think it was sweet of her to ask me and I was touched by the gesture and now I feel bad, because I will mess up the wedding preparations and she may possibly have to postpone it if she can't find a bridesmaid in time, and I will end up adding to her and her husbands' worries during this stressful time.

What are these acronyms?

[tikvin]

While y'all waiting on your sketches and Eshra's "in game" dialogues lemme talk about Vice for a sec, because I love them with my whole being and unhealthily obsessed.

BG3 SPOILERS AHEAD

VICE (he/they/it)

Mechanically, spore druid, flavouring him as just some disgusting necromancing swamp devil, not actually tying him to any circles or balance obsessed folk.

Vice is quite emotionless and blunt, some would say even cruel. "When you out of my sight — you don't exist" type of person. So far, the only durge who flat out made conscious decision to kill Karlach, as he couldn't care less that she's just a tiefling, if that what Wyll's mission is, then he better do it and quit whining (tbf if Vice met Karlach first then Wyll would be the one dying, I just forgot that was a possibility lol.) Vice just doesn't care much for negotiations in these confrontations. They have a passive attitude when it comes to confrontations with his companions, he's more amused than anything, when he's being threatened, suddenly feeling strangely confident and patronizing, as if intentionally provoking to bigger conflict. It probably would get better in act 3, but right now he's quite an asshole.

I wouldn't say he isn't capable of understanding emotions and moral dilemmas, but he's driven mostly by his own whims and wants. He recognizes when he killed without any good reason, but he doesn't necessarily feel bad about his kills. He might do or not do something just because he feels like it, even if he knows it might hurt someone, he doesn't care, unless it's someone deeply close to him or someone he is very curious about, which is hard to achieve.

He haven't got there yet with him, but considering how his relationships with Shadowheart look rn — she's in quite dangerous area with the whole nightsong deal, as Vice couldn't give two shits about her (or anyone else's) secrets and just doesn't ask companions about their lives until they speak about it themselves. So Shadowheart haven't got a chance to tell him anything about her worship or herself. That makes her distant to him, which makes him not give much of a shit, considering nightsong is not only the key for Thorm's immortality but also a potential strong ally. The attempt to kill Lae'Zel also doesn't do Shadowheart any favours in Vice's eyes, as he enjoys company of those who are more straightforward like Lae'Zel, because if you want something from him — you better tell as it is, and not dance around the subject. That is why he's most close to Minthara and Lae'Zel, while being more prickly to Gale, Shadowheart and Jaheira.

Vice is yet another durge who doesn't care much about their lust for blood, nor concerned by their own actions. The only thing he strongly doesn't like about it is losing control, but he is curious about his past.

Concept of romantic relationship is a bit alien to him, as is any sexual relationships. Yet again, it's not like he's not capable, considering how it is with Bhaal, I'd say Vice probably was a huge horndog before amnesia, but after the incident he just didn't give much of a thought to it, since there are bigger problems at hand. His level of understanding the romance will actually depend on if he kills Isobel or not. If Vice won't do it, and my favourite durge camp scene happens — Vice will be kinda pushed to think about it for a moment, when Skeletaris make comments on whatever companion that will be. That would make him dig deeper into his everyday time with that companion and consider what his feelings are and does he even have them.

If Vice kills Isobel and gets power — he gets more emotionless and aloof, mindless killing will be much easier, just like it would be easier to betray close friends for power or just for his own fun. (And the latter even Minthara won't approve of, considering her opinion on killing without purpose).

Would've probably went with the whole Bhaal biz if it wasn't for losing control over his body (After Karessa, he unconsciously grown to absolutely despise any sort of helplessness and lack of control over his own body). So he most likely will be the most questionable "redeemed" dark urge.

[draco-dormiens]

THE STRANGEST OF PLACES - Chapter Twenty One

draco x fem!ravenclaw reader / postwar au series

an: happy new year guys ♡ your kindness and patience has been very much appreciated. i hope your holidays have been wonderful, if you have celebrated :)

warnings: possible strong language, angst, unrequited love, alcohol use (characters are 18+)

wc: 4194

masterlist

taglist is now closed - i’ve officially run out of tags! thank you all

The Greengrasses Come to Tea

Days pass by rather quickly when you're miserable as sin and dreading a certain something.

Another letter from Narcissa arrived the day before the dinner was planned to go ahead. In her letter she had explained, in thorough detail, exactly how she expects the evening to go, exactly how she expects Draco to behave, and exactly when to get down on one knee.

It was so calculated Draco felt like he was reading an instruction booklet.

Nothing much had changed, apart from the fact Granger's visit did nothing but play reruns in his mind. He was pretty certain you had no idea she'd come down to see him, otherwise she wouldn't have been there. The information she gave to him had scenarios playing out in his head. What would happen if he did show up? Would you be happy? Mad? Would you kiss him, slap him, or just tell him to get the hell away from you? He likes to think you'd run into his arms, but after how foul he was, he wouldn't blame you for breaking a piece of your mind. It's not too late, Granger said.

Can he really fix this mess? Would you really love him despite his cowardice, despite him making all the wrong decisions and leaving you no choice but to turn away. Could you find it in you to forgive him?

Over the last few weeks, as you've been avoiding each other like the plague, he's come to see that he never even tried to fight for you. Never once did he prepare himself to stand up to his parents. That's not to say he hadn't thought of it, because he most certainly had, but the bravery he would need escaped him. No wonder you're finished with him, he'd once again allowed himself to be pushed along the road by someone else. You were far too good for someone like him anyway, he tells himself. Someone else out there will have the guts he doesn't possess, and fight for you, just how he should have done. With only a day left until he was made to give his life away, Draco's patience was running very thin, and even someone being within his proximity irritated him, but Astoria seemed to be oblivious to this and invaded his space regardless. He held his tongue, because he's about to spend every waking moment with the girl, but in his mind he was thinking of several ways he could disappear without anyone knowing.

"Beautiful afternoon," Astoria sighs, once again trying to brush her hand against his as they walked along the edge of the lake, "don't you think, Draco?"

He retracts his hand into his pocket. Astoria was a fan of walks, and since the engagement was settled to happen, and you were out of the picture, she'd been asking him to join her most days. Draco, feeling like, somehow, his mother was watching his every move, agreed, but hated every second of being away from his dorm room. From the corner of his eye, he could see her growing impatient with his inability to reciprocate her efforts.

"It's nice," he mutters, "always liked the lake."

"As I've heard," she smiles across at him, "didn't you befriend the giant squid in your younger years?"

Draco chuckles lightly.

"The squid is harmless, and actually enjoys the company of many students," he explains, "I'm not special, I'm afraid."

"I think you are," she compliments, and he can't help but feel a little nauseous. It's so wrong that this girls feelings are being wasted on him, "even if the squid doesn't."

Draco only smiles thinly.

"Thanks," he answers quickly. He feels her getting closer, her arm brushing his. He knows he must show some sort of willingness if this was to work, so he gestures for her to loop her arm around his. She does so in a heartbeat, and leans into him.

"So," she begins, sounding a little cautious, "you and your friend are still not speaking?"

Once the incident in the woods happened, Draco returned to the Slytherin common room looking worse than ever. His hair was a mess, his face was pale and his eyes puffy. Astoria, because why would anything be in his favour, happened to be reading in the common room when he entered looking like that. She rushed to him, of course, fussed about how upset he looked and sat him down, rubbing his arm. Draco felt so numb he didn't even feel her presence beside him, or really hear what she was saying. That's when he mumbled, staring into the fire;

"It's over. We're done."

Astoria knew in that moment, within a day, you had held your end of the bargain. It was perhaps cruel, but she felt a weight lift off her shoulders. He never questioned her about approaching you, he simply didn't have the energy for an argument. You knew, and you'd made your decision. Maybe, in some sick way, it was a blessing he didn't have to be the one to do it. He wasn't sure he could.

Draco refuses to speak about you, and Astoria knows this, but asks, in a roundabout way, if he's been reckless and gone back to you. Each time she asks, he feels his heart snap all over again, and forces out an answer that pleases his future wife.

"No," he answers shortly, and Astoria says no more on the matter. She only nods.

"Have you thought about what you might do after school?" she changes the subject as they stop at the water's edge. Gentle, little waves roll up the shore and crash by their feet, "I'm sure your exam results will be good."

"Hopefully," he says, his voice as empty as always, "the Ministry, maybe. Or something in medicine. Haven't decided yet."

"You'll be great, no matter what you do," she said, looking up at him with longing eyes. He looks back at her, another guilty feeling taking over him, "you're wonderful, Draco."

From the way she's looking at him, he knows what the girl is asking. It's not the first time she's looked at him that way, either. She wants him to kiss her. To show her that this decision is the right one, and that she's worthy. God, he feels like a criminal. He moves his head to look over the water, but Astoria's hand brings his gaze back to her. The look in her face tells him her patience is running rather thin, too.

"Draco," she whispers to him, fingers tracing his jaw. The only touch he can feel is yours, "you know we have to at some point, right? And tomorrow, they'll expect it."

He feels like he's being unfaithful. Her eyes are screaming it, asking him to lean in and take her as his wife. To accept her. Draco feels lightheaded, like he might pass out at any minute, when she's gently pulling him down to her level. Her lips almost brush his when Draco puts his hand on her wrist lightly, stopping all her movements.

"I can't," he whispers hoarsely, and Astoria's face drops, "I'm sorry, 'Storia. I can't kiss you."

"Because of her," Astoria mutters almost bitterly.

This was affecting her, too. He knew that, and just how unfair his behaviour must seem to her.

"I can't help it," he takes in a shaky breath, "I'm still... I'm not over it yet. I understand it's not what you want to hear, and I'm deeply sorry for that. I just... I- I need time."

She nods, and remains close, but she doesn't pressure him anymore. He can see, that even she is doubting his ability to see this through. He tries to move away, but she holds on to him. She needs someone right now, so they stay like that for a while. It was the least he could do for her, offer some comfort, so he rubs her back soothingly and she leans into him. From the corner of his eye, he sees two figures approaching them from a far. He focuses his eyes to see who it was, and his heart drops to the very pit of his stomach.

It's Granger, and you.

Astoria rests her head against his chest, unaware of their company. All he can do is stare back at you, and Granger tugs the arm of your sweater. Without taking your eyes from his, the two of you double back, and walk in the opposite direction. Once you've processed the image before you, you're turning away, rushing before Granger as she picks up pace to walk beside you. If he was feeling any kind of guilt, he was feeling worse than ever now.

"On the one day I convince you to actually come outside," Hermione huffs and puffs as she tries to keep up with your incredibly quick pace, "I can't believe it. I really can't."

"It's fine," you mumble miserably, quickening your pace to get as far away as possible, "this is mostly my doing, anyway."

"There you go again, blaming yourself," Hermione pants, "he's no saint in this, you know. He's just as responsible."

"That somehow doesn't help," you said, now marching back towards the castle, "this feeling... it doesn't make it go away. Ever. The guilt."

"After this weekend, you'll never have to see them again," said Hermione, desperately trying to keep up with you, "and I know that sounds awful, but being away from him, from this school, and the ever growing fear of running into them, might be what you need."

You stop at the edge of the school grounds, Hermione coming to a halt behind you. Hogwarts looked gloomy, even under the midsummer sun. Even in the hazy afternoon sunshine, in the warm and sweet air, it seemed miserable. Graduation was approaching quick and fast. Families and guests of the school will be arriving over the next couple of days, readying for a day of celebration when Saturday rolls around. There was nothing more sickening than that thought right now. Your mother had owled over freshly pressed robes and presents from family members. Flowers, cards, chocolates. Happy little messages and congratulations.

Shame you can't seem to enjoy such a pivotal time.

"Someone up there hates me," you mumble, and Hermione's hand rests against your shoulder.

"Well, someone down here doesn't," she says kindly, and you turn to face her, etching a smile across your solemn face, "and no one at the dinner tomorrow does. In fact, Ron owled me to say how excited he was to see you. I'm sure it's the same for everyone else, too. You're not alone, Y/N. There are so many people who wish you happiness."

"Thanks, 'Mione," you mutter softly, and then look back up at the towering heights of the castle as Hermione starts to walk ahead of you. A gentle breeze ruffles your hair, as two birds soar across the sky to disappear behind a tower. You take a deep breath, and exhale slowly, before whispering to yourself, "in another life, Draco. In another life."

The day breaks into blistering sunshine and clear blue skies. Friday morning greeted the grounds of Malfoy manor with the sound of whistling birds and fresh, crisp air. The flowers were in bloom; brilliant shades of red, pink and yellow. Rather a contrast to the glooming building in the distance. Watering cans, seemingly moving by themselves, sprinkled water over the petals and the neatly trimmed shrubbery as they danced across the gardens. The dark and dreary exterior of his childhood home looked evermore depressing as Draco stood just beyond the gates, gathering the will to enter the front door. Just inside, no doubt, his mother was ordering the house elf to fold napkins and polish cutlery. His father, he presumes, would be tucked away in his study, out of the way and minding his own business. He expects his mother has arranged more house elves to prepare the dining room for what some might say is a wondrous occasion.

Her son was getting engaged, after all. To the woman she had desired, no less.

Draco drags himself to the front door, and with a small flick of his hand, the large piece of oak begins to scrape along the tiled floor, revealing the foyer. His mother had freshly picked flowers decorating the entryway and lined along the corridors. The giant windows cast gorgeous rays of gold into the dark hallways, specs of dust floating in the light as he made his way towards his room. He could at least get a little bit of time alone before the dreaded dinner.

Or, at least, he thought he could.

"Draco," he hears his mother's voice call from the other end of the hallway, hand clasped around the handle of his bedroom door, "I had no idea you were here," Narcissa said as she crosses the space between them, "Why are you hiding in there? Are you feeling well?"

She presses her palm to his forehead, looks at his throat as she instructs him to say ah, darling, and feels under his jaw. With a perplexed look, she huffs, holding his face in her hands.

"Do you need to lay down? You look pale, sweetheart. Is everything alright? Is it nerves?"

Her eyes were kind. When his mother showed her true affection for him, it was oddly warming. Draco knew his mother loved him - that's why he was feeling this pain. That's why she was breaking her back to make sure he became a respectable pureblood, because she knew how it felt to be shunned and whispered about in the street. She knew how it felt to have the world watching as your reputation crashed and burned in a courtroom full of judgmental faces. More than anything, did she want him to avoid that. The less pain he had the better, and yet, because of her divine protection, Draco had never felt so much pain in his life.

"I just need to rest before tonight," he smiles thinly, "please, don't worry yourself."

Narcissa doesn't stop him from turning the handle and disappearing behind the dark wood door. His room came into view; green satin sheets neatly made up on his bed, fresh towels folded at the end and his suit for the evening freshly pressed and hanging from his wardrobe. His belongings were exactly where he had left them; papers on his desk, half read book on the bedside table and his curtains shut. Draco pulls back the long, heavy material from his bedroom window to look down at the grounds below. Glorious sunshine. Water fountain gently trickling in the middle of the maze that was his back garden. A few house elves were trimming the hedges. It's a shame really, because when you were a guest in his house, it was near freezing and covered in thick white snow outside. You never got to see the garden in its full glory. He wonders what you're doing now, if you're already at Weasley's house. Surely having a better time that he was...

Right?

"What do you mean you're not coming?"

Hermione bellows over the muggle phone that Mr Weasley has. Her hands were covered in batter, her apron speckled with flour as Ron and George attempt to hang the "Happy Gradation!" bunting over the dining table (Mrs Weasley, in a rush, had forgotten the 'u'.)

"I thought we'd gone over this," Hermione said, leaning to speak into the phone that was sitting on the side, its cord winding back to the holder at the other end of the kitchen, "everyone would love to see you, and you'll enjoy it once you're here."

You hear a kerfuffle in the background. "I said to your right, Ron, that's your left." George's distant voice laughs, as Ron protests "Do you want to try? I'm trying not to stand on the forks." Then a clash and a bang, and George's laughter erupts into hysterics.

"Is everything alright there, 'Mione?" you ask, and she sighs irritably.

"Ron's just fallen off the table," she said nonchalantly, "anyway, back to you. I would really love it if you could make it, Y/N. It might do you good, to get out and be around familiar faces. Besides, we graduate this weekend! We need to celebrate."

"I'm not exactly a joy to be around," you said miserably, "I'd hate to be a buzzkill."

"You won't be!" Hermione reassures you, panicking slightly that if, by some grace of the Gods, Draco decides to take her advice, you won't even be there when he shows, "please, Y/N. Rethink it? You have time, it doesn't start for a few more hours."

"I'll... think on it," you mutter, but Hermione isn't convinced, "please don't think I'm not grateful to you all. What you're doing is lovely and I do want to celebrate with everyone."

"I know," Hermione's kind voice said over the noise; George's roaring laughter and Ron's angry chuntering just audible,"I understand. Just promise me you'll think more about it before making a decision?"

There's a silence, as you stare out of your living room window, a white lie rolling off your tongue.

"Yeah," you breathe, smiling sadly on the other end, "I promise."

Night crawls in like a bad omen, seeping darkness into the unlit parts of the Malfoy's home; lamps and candles now lighting the long hallways, dining hall and main drawing room. The huge windows cast light across the dark grounds, the humid summer heat still hanging in the air. The antique clock on Draco's bedside table ticks, and ticks, and ticks. He fixes his tie one last time. Smooths down his hair, his suit, and takes a long, raggedy breath.

Grangers words still circle his mind.

There was one last chance still lingering, waiting for his hands to grasp it. He took a long hard look in the mirror at his pale complexion, something that never seemed to change about him after all these years. Still pasty, eyes still sharp and greyish blue, hair still thick and fair. The only thing that ever seemed to change about Draco was his age; the rest of him, even his bitterness, never faltered. Although, even those around him were not blind to the way he had softened - despite him always being Malfoy, his hard demeanour and nasty glare weren't as they once were. Something, or someone, rather, had managed to shift him slightly. 

But to Draco, as he looks into the mirror, dressed in his best, all he could see was the same old coward. The same old Malfoy.

"Draco, dear," a loud knock on his door tore his eyes away from the reflection, "they'll be here any minute, I need you down in the foyer to greet them."

"Yes, mother," he calls back, slipping the tiny velvet box on his desk into his pocket and leaving the safety of his bedroom.

The house was filled with the sweet aroma of summer flowers, grown in his mothers flower beds and arranged by the house elf for tonight's festivities. Candles and sconces lit his way, and he entered the main foyer to stand beside the large oak doors that Astoria Greengrass was no doubt about to walk through. He thinks back on Christmas, and how you showed up, in blistering cold and thick snow to bring him a simple box of chocolates. How you both drank the cellar dry and played pool like two giggling school girls. A smile creeps onto his face, just as his mother comes galloping down the staircase in a rush.

"Any moment," she mutters to herself, grabbing Draco's arm to stand beside her, directly opposite the door. One last look over her son, she smooths his tie and gives him a loving look, "so handsome," she whispers, pinching his cheek lightly as he grimaces at the gesture.

Then a loud, almost nautisating bell rings throughout the foyer, and Draco's stomach drops. Narcissa hurries over, and with a flick of her hand, the door scrapes along the tiled floor to reveal Mr and Mrs Greengrass, Daphne Greengrass, and her younger sister, Astoria Greengrass. 

"Ah, how wonderful it is to see you, Mr and Mrs Greengrass, please, do come in." Narcissa graciously moves aside, as Draco extends his hand to Astoria's father, kisses her mother's hand and gives his old classmate Daphne a little bow.

"Daph," he smiles thinly, and she curtsies in return.

"Draco," she greets him kindly, "it's been a while."

"Yeah, just a little," he jokes with a lifeless chuckle, "you look well."

"Thank you," she nudges him on the arm, "and so do you. But, you've always scrubbed up well. Remember the Yule Ball? Gosh, I regret that gigantic pink gown to this day."

The two remenice a little while as Astoria stands at a comfortable distance, watching Draco's every move whilst speaking to her older sister. They laugh about some past memories as young Slytherins, until Daphne finally remembers why she's there.

"Oh, Merlin, listen to me ramble," she says, turning to face her little sister, "I'm sure it's my kid sister you really want to speak to. Right, 'Storia? You've done nothing but talk about Dr-"

"Shut it," Astoria, red cheeked, snapped quietly to her sister, before giving Draco a kind, almost reassuring smile, "good evening, Draco."

"Evening, 'Storia," he reaches out to press a kiss to her hand politely, "you look lovely."

She blushed a furious red, and in true Slytherin fashion, Daphne started chuckling to herself, opening her mouth to comment on her sisters tomato face when the tiny house elf that lived at the Malfoy residence offered to take the ladies coats. A look of relief washed over Astoria, thankful at the interruption. Drinks were poured in the drawing room, Lucius discussing current Ministry affairs with Mr Greengrass as Narcissa gave Mrs Greengrass a very lengthy description of the many portraits on the walls. Astoria excused herself to use the restroom, giving Draco a moment's peace after she talked and talked and talked about her interest in becoming an activist for magical creatures in captivity. As noble as her cause was, Draco was bored to tears. Then the couch dipped down beside him, and he looks up to see Daphne had claimed her sisters spot, a knowing smirk at her lips.

"You're so miserable, do you know that, Malfoy?" She says, swirling sparkling wine in her glass. Draco chokes on his.

"Excuse me?" he coughs, "you do realise you're in my house, drinking my wine as you insult me.”

She laughed. 

"Oh stop being so uptight," she said. Daphne had known Draco for many years, and as a result of that, knew his tell tale signs. She was in his circle of friends, and Pansy stuck herself to Daphne just as much as she did Draco. Her fair share of childhood mischief was done with Draco at her side. Parties and celebrations as children were spent sneaking about their parents houses and making trouble for the guests. All those years had gone now, though, but Daphne was still someone Draco remembered fondly, even if he was marrying her sister unwillingly. But Daphne, unlike her sister, had the qualities of a true Slytherin, and nothing, absolutely nothing, got past her, "you do look bloody miserable. What's wrong? Wait, don't tell me. 'Storia's been talking your ear off about magical creatures rights, hasn't she? Girl's about as interesting as a mop bucket."

Draco can't help but chuckle at that, and Daphne smiles over her glass at her old friend.

"Her hearts in the right place, Daph," Draco then defends the poor girl, who isn't even present to do it herself, "it's just... not for me, that's all."

"Sure enough, but my God, she needs a hobby, Dray," Daphne shakes her head, and the nickname was nice to hear from someone other than Pansy. It had some good memories attached to it, as well, "and so do you, by the sounds of it. All I've heard from 'Storia is how much time you spend in your damn room."

"It's called studying, Daphne," Draco points out, finishing his last drop of wine, "I didn't go back to Hogwarts to just sit around, you know."

"Oh, really?" she says sarcastically, "here's me thinking you just fancied a change in scenery," she sips her drink, noticing Draco's glare from the corner of her eye. "So," she then goes to say, "tell me. Why are you doing this, exactly?"

Draco almost gets whiplash from how quickly he turns his head. 

"What?"

"I asked why you're doing this," Daphne repeats nonchalantly, "you clearly don't want to be here. I'm not saying that my sister isn't a catch, because for the right guy, I'm sure she is, but for you... I guess I thought you'd be against all this arranged marriage nonsense." 

"I am," he mutters bitterly, deciding to stare hard into the fire instead of face Daphne anymore, because, as usual, her observation was off the charts, "but I don't want to disappoint anyone."

"But you're happy to disappoint yourself?"

He swallows thickly. Daphne sips her wine and watches as he squirms under pressure, how he still plays with his fingers when he gets nervous. Then, she shrugs, sighs, and gets up from her seat, "better get ready for dinner. Nice talking, Dray."

As quickly as Daphne left, Astoria reappears, sitting awfully close to Draco as she fills up his glass with wine she had collected along the way. 

"So," she says, sitting back comfortably beside him, "what did I miss?"

disclaimer: i do not own hp or any of the characters in this story

tags:

if your name is bold - i either couldn’t tag you or i’ve hit the tag limit :( sorry lovelies ♡

@lovesanimals0000 @cappgyuccino @lightning1ce @onlygetaway @honeyyypeach @namelesslosers @ghostyv @mikadorbs @redactedhimbo @morganadpl @scarecrowscaresthomas @camille-1019 @valkyrie418 @animeloverfreak310 @budugu @marplest @torresbarnes @bunny24sstuff @champagneesupernova @serafilms @siriusly-parker-main @lovely-maryj @i-bitch-you-bitch @astablacksword @sun-fiower-seed @tinafuentes @venusjustleft @omgitstatertot @aangsupremacy @ilovezy @leclerc16s @aslanvez @talesofadragon @3vasaur @the-skys-musical-echo @yeolsbubbles @idk-dolans @xx-kiraa-xx @sunbruized @vinkiesz @snickersmee @fandomrulesall-blog @astheraa @idkatee @marsanhwa @vintageoldfashion @63sucker @j-n-i-c-o-l-e @anarchistsons @smallsweetvanillabean @newbooksmell777 @tangomangroves @neoteezrenyoung @l0v3lies @delusionally-loveless-by-choice @higanbanagirl @ace152435 @arcanebabe @slythermuf @hea-vin @zucchinimalfoy

[keeneschoices]

I'm gonna miss one of my classes because I stayed up late to watch the finale of Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies and couldn't sleep afterwards... WELP, ANYWAY.

what a fucking good episode.

SPOILERS FOR EPISODE 10 AHEAD!

I've seen people saying they didn't like it that much because it was more relosution of past problems than anything else, but I did love it. The race didn't get to me nearly as much as I thought it would because after being presented with Cynthia and Lydia's situation, and the whole Olivia marrying that predator, I honestly had more things to worry about than any of that, but it was sort of fun.

Anyway, the whole song in the beginning of the girls telling Olivia not to marry that creep ("he's literally just a guy, hit him with your car" vibes) was just amazing. Everyone's vocals were great but holy fucking shit, ARI?? ARE YOU FOR REAL? THE TALENT.

We got a little more of backstory for Lydia and got some sort of hint regarding Cynthia's mom (my theory is she left them when Cynthia was young and sometimes she calls If she's in need of something). I'm loving to get to know these characters better, honestly.

The whole coming out scene between Nancy and Cynthia broke me. Like, literally had me crying and pausing the episode because I couldn't see anything behind the tears! I'm so goddamn glad Nancy talked to Cynthia and accepted them as they are (not that I ever thought she wouldn't), and seeing Cynthia cry, no, sob like that in Nancy's lap was so heartbreaking because their friend accepted them but it's still the fucking 50s and it's scary as hell.

AND THE MIRROR HOUSE SCENE?? WITH CYNTHIA SEARCHING THROUGH FOR LYDIA AND BEING VERY CLOSE BUT THEN AGAIN VERY FAR, UNTIL THEY CONNECTED AT THE END AND FINALLY GET THE RESOLUTION WE'VE BEEN WAITING FOR!! MY HEART MELTED. THEY'RE ALL IN, LYDIA!

God, I just love love love the mirror house song and scene, it was so well done (I SCREAMED OKAY?? THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE THING). And Nancy not only preparing Cynthia to go in but encouraging her and even entering the house to make sure Lydia knew Cynthia was serious about their feelings? AMAZING. NANCYCYNTHIA BESTIES, YES.

I also sort of liked that Hazel is now a Pink Lady and sort of didn'? like, I love the message and I totally think If anyone else deserves a chance to be a Pink Lady, it's her... but like, the other four are so connected already because of everything that's happened between them. I'm not saying Hazel couldn't fit into that, but with a bond like theirs it's normal that she'll probably feel left out at least a little bit and that's not what I want.

OHH, AND THE LITTLE NODS TO GREASE AND GREASE 2 WERE SO GOOD. Potato's "speech" to keep things intereseting with Nancy mirroring Sandy's to Danny from the first movie made me cackle and I just looooveeee that they included the Pink Ladies' Pledge, not only the pledge in on itself but also that little part of the song from Grease 2. I loved it!!

The only thing that really bothered me from the episode was the cliffhanger in the end. Because I was expecting like, a cliffhanger and we got, well, name dropped. Which is not bad I guess, I just don't give a shit about whoever this Zuko is and what his relation to Danny is so I'm sort of hanging here for season 2 because If this is the main plot, I'm gonna be tuning in mostly for my favorite characters. Not saying the plot won't be good (because these writers are fenomenal), but it's not as interesting as of now for me personally.

WELL ANYWAY, I'M GONNA GO TO SLEEP NOW BUT I STILL WANT A SEASON 2, YOU HEAR ME PARAMOUNT?? LET'S GO.

[windmaedchen-oceanhorn]

Knight of the Dark

It was something - 2

This chapter contains 2.300 words. We are also back to a more teeny rating, but the mature undertones remain.

"Lavi, the notebook?!" he exclaimed.

Her nod and continuous stare told him she had not only considered that.

"No way... you actually got it?"

She kept nodding. Valen turned around a little agitated to look at Lavinia and he settled on his left leg to sit. She seemed to relax from her personal memories a few moments ago and shifted around as well. Lavinia's explanation couldn't come fast enough.

"The thought of that notebook kept me awake at night. If it contained such sensitive information it wouldn't be easy to get and I suddenly felt on edge. I contemplated countless approaches and I feared nothing more than betraying my thoughts on this forbidden topic. I don't know how I had such luck, but it was less than two weeks later that I had the sudden chance to act. Although, luck is probably not the right word, given it all resulted in an even worse situation than before."

"How so?" he asked quicker than his memory worked. The Ashen Wastes, the assassination attempt on the road... his mind caught up in an instant and he waved his hand, giving Lavinia the sign to ignore his question.

"Well, as for how I got it: it is beyond me how easy it was. The General was present for a training demonstration conducted for an influential guest in the capital. The mood was light and he was happy to join the mingle and so he took off some of his armor and clothes. I think he did not believe I could possibly act the way I did, for he literally placed this notebook in my very hands to watch over. My mind was racing, as was my heart. This was all or nothing. The moment he was engaged in an exercise, I took to my heels. I didn't stop anywhere and particularly avoided my own flat or my mother's place. Instead, I wanted as much distance as possible as fast as possible. But when I moved down the southern main road towards the town gate, I bumped into a peddler ahead of me and he pushed me onto the cobblestones. It was Dura's divine protection that shielded me from certain death beneath the horses and carriages. I am not certain now that this was the General's work, but back then I was too nervous about everything to doubt that assumption. I just got back up and continued to run. I didn't stop until I had reached some tiny village in the early morning hours of the next day, where I fainted in front of their little church."

Valen crossed his arms and moaned deeply. He felt angry for a lot of reasons. That whole mess should not have happened in the first place.

"Since then... I have been running. To be honest, I am not sure I was thinking rationally. I was so afraid to be found at any time, too afraid to confide in anyone else and being alone, I just couldn't find a good way to deal with the situation. It's not as if I had been wanted dead before, so... ahahaha, I guess I just tried to get away as far as possible. I thought, that once I got far enough, I'd be having time to relax and consider my next steps. I haven't even been looking at the notebook at all for the first few days!"

Lavinia's helpless chuckle told Valen about the insurmountable stress she must have been through. He has been in stressful moments before where his life was in danger, but those were situational moments, usually self-instigated, that ended once the fight was over. He might have collected some enemies due to his line of work, but nothing as extraordinary, nothing to worry about as much as Lavina's case. Her fight was waiting to jump out of the blue, over and over again until she was dead. Being on high alert continuously like this was extremely distracting and exhausting.

If only he had known. He clenched his fist. There was no point in feeling frustrated about something in the past that he was not even aware of, but such an ideal is easier said than done. 

"Were there people you could find shelter with?"

"Not really. I did spend many nights with the most wonderful and selfless strangers, though. After some time, I tried to get in touch with someone in the capital, as I wanted to know about the situation there. I learned that my flat had burned down in an accident - apparently - and that my disappearance was officially explained with an emergency mission and that I was in contact with the involved superiors. Unfortunately, with that response also came the first attempt on my life. I managed to survive, but the people I stayed with got involved and injured. So I hurried to leave and moved past Holistone towards the Ashen Wastes. Regrettably, I didn't happen to run into you. Instead... I ran into something else. Or rather, something else ran into me."

"Berial." SONYA noted from the side. 

Lavinia looked up in surprise.

"How... do you know that?"

"I was there when he escaped the Rift. And then I was able to feel his hypogean magic on you when the attack on the road happened. He protected you, did he not?"

"You noticed that? ... Yes, he did"

Lavinia seemed taken aback by their knowledge about Berial. Her gaze then wandered around the room for the first time. Valen wondered what she was looking for and asked her about it. 

"Berial... usually I can feel his presence, but here..."

"This is the Mystical House. Its entire structure is made possible due to my magic and it bars entry to anyone I do not explicitly invite here. I do expect the same rules apply to Hypogeans as for any other entity."

SONYA gently explained. Valen was already aware of that but he didn't think it would also apply to something as powerful as Hypogeans, or Celestials. Then again, he sometimes likened SONYA to Dura herself, an almighty goddess, so what could possibly be able to penetrate her defences?

"So he cannot find me here?" Lavinia asked weakly.

SONYA shook her head. "I think he can find you... he just won't be able to come here or reach out for you from the shadows."

"I see."

Then there was silence for a moment, Lavinia seemingly elsewhere in her thoughts. Valen observed her inward expression for a bit before interrupting her again. It was getting late.

"Did he find you in Holistone?" he asked.

"No. I had long left Holistone. I was in the Ashen Wastes, spending some time with a young Mauler clan, right by the mountains. Of course, I didn't fare well in that climate and their members ended up helping me. I considered that place far enough and for three weeks or so, I took a break there, helping them in return to hunt. Turns out, it wasn't far away after all. Enough Lightbearer travellers, particularly merchants, came through all the time, going to places further into Mauler territory. I know that even Solitaries move around in the Ashen Wastes but I ... guess I didn't give it enough thought."

She sighed and shrugged her shoulders. That's right, Valen thought. They did have colleagues over in Mauler and Wilder territories. While the different factions weren't currently engaging in war, there were tensions going on here and there and the Lightbearer Empire preferred to be able to respond immediately should there be concerning developments.

"Anyway... I was found a second time. Again I was surprised during the night and could hardly fight back. In fact, that should have been it. The woman's dagger found its place right here."
 Lavinia placed her hand right over her chest, gently rubbing a spot with her fingers.

"I swear could feel the cold blade within my beating heart. But in that same instant, a burning hot feeling mingled with the cold of the dagger and my whole body turned so numb I was about to lose consciousness. In that state I still saw how this dark figure emerged from my chest, pouncing onto that woman and throwing her around like a puppet. At this moment, Soren finally joined the battle and tried to take a hit on Berial, but he disappeared as quickly as he came and ... I passed out."

"Soren?" SONYA leaned forward in interest.

"One of the Mauler warriors I spend time with. A very good young man."Lavinia elaborated. "A few days later Berial appeared to me again. He was intrigued by the darkness in my heart and offered me his help to feed from that power. I... I make no excuses. As I was running, frustration turned to hatred and my thoughts got poisoned with a desire for revenge and self-justice. Besides, he did not forget to mention that he saved me from death. All he wanted in return was a bit of 'entertainment' as he called it. When I pointed out to him that what we planned was my death sentence, he just cheered and said 'no risk, no fun'. But it did not really matter to me. I was stuck in this situation and now outside forces decided my course of action. So be it. I expect death one way or the other. It matters not to me, for my life is lost. I came back to the capital with only one desire: to kill the General, satisfying my sinful urges and fulfilling my debt to Berial. I never thought in my life, that I would meet you. Sir Valen... shining knight of the Heroic Order..."

Lavinia's voice gave up and she hid her face behind her hands. She pulled up her legs again and tried to stifle her sobs.

"It was so hard, knowing you would be there to see it all. If I hadn't been distracted by your memory, I would have been able to end it today."

"Hey--"

Valen reached out and tried to place his hand on her arm, but Lavinia instantly shook it off. He retreated with a faint sigh.

"I am very glad I have met you, Lavi. I just wish it had happened way sooner."

SONYA leaned forward and spoke after Valen.

"I think we can work this out. As long as you are here, you should be safe from Berial's direct approach. As for the situation with General Lorenzis and the Heroic Order, I suggest we try to get General Hogan involved. I have no doubt that he will try everything in his power to help you. He does not ignore injustice."

Valen nodded to her words. As the former leader of the Heroic Order, the General would know a lot about the command chains and the people involved and could certainly try to formulate a sensible plan for them to act on. Especially as they had good evidence to base their accusations on and start their investigations into the trafficking within the Order.

"Lavi, the notebook! Do you have it with you?"

She did not look up to him, still hiding in her sorrow, and just shook her head. Valen leaned over, closer to her.

"What do you mean? You don't have it? Where is it?"

Lavinia just shook her head again. Her response was barely audible.

"I don't have it any longer. I did not want it."

"Wait... what... Lavi. Please tell me you just hid it somewhere." 

Valen couldn't believe she might have just thrown it away. This was the one piece of evidence that obviously held so much importance that the General sent assassins after her. 

"No. It's gone."

There was a near irresistible urge to shake Lavinia violently. This was her one proof to actually substantiate her claims and she seriously told him that after all the effort to get it, the stress and pain to keep it, she now didn't have it anymore? Valen reached for his forehead trying to fathom her stupid actions. It took a moment before he managed to collect himself enough to talk.

"Lavinia... do you have any idea how vital that notebook is to you?"

"I gave it away. He will do what's right. It is out of my hands. And I will do what I intended."

"Who? Who's got it? Lavi!"

"No. It matters not. It matters not..."

Lavinia leaned even heavier into the cushions of the sofa, burying her face in the fabric. Her voice died down and was replaced by silent sobs and she no longer reacted to anything Valen said.

She wasn't going to tell him no matter how much he begged. SONYA eventually interrupted him gently. She came up to him, tucking on his pauldron. 

"Come. Dolly's dinner is ready. Let's take a break. We are all here now, and we should rest."

Valen sighed heavily but he did agree. He felt exhausted and his mind needed some time to process all that he had heard. And Lavinia... she needed the rest more than him. 

They did not discuss the topic any further that evening and agreed to deal with the situation tomorrow. Only light words were spoken. When SONYA offered her a room Lavinia declined. She ended up staying on the sofa and having eaten something and taken another drink of Dolly's soothing remedy, she soon fell asleep.

With his chin resting on his knee, he observed his friend for a little time. His thoughts wandered back and forth, from the past to the present and in between. Eventually, Valen decided to retreat as well and made his way to his room.

[defira85]

WIP Whenever

The very lovely @elinorbard tagged me for WIP Wednesday, but it's a dreary rainy Thursday here so you get my Whenever! I've been doing most of my work this week on my BG3 Big Bang fic, but I don't think I want to spoil too much of that ahead of time, so I do thankfully have a snippet from Rhyme's next chapter ready to go (I know, I know, I only posted on the weekend and I already posted another snippet earlier in the week, I promise I do sleep sometimes!)

But a library seemed to imply that multiple people would have access to the knowledge stored therein, whereas a study was a far more personal, private affair. And if there was one thing she had learned about Gromph Baenre over the last decade, it was that there was absolutely no chance he would ever willingly share anything: knowledge, power, riches, it didn't matter. The man wouldn't even share common courtesies, such as- "I have been waiting for three fucking hours," she snarled, charging across the beautiful floors and leaving a trail of now dried mud in her wake. Ahead of her, the man in question was seated at his colossal desk—which definitely wasn't compensating for anything—sipping calmly from a delicate tea cup. He scarcely even raised an eyebrow at her approach, though his gaze did slide to his manservant who scampered in behind her. "I believe I said I was not to be disturbed," he said mildly. "I'm not one of your little fucking errand boys, Baenre," she hissed, hefting her satchel and slamming it down onto his desk. It landed on a pile of papers, and squelched wetly. He frowned. "Clearly not, because the servants in my employ have better manners, and keep a civil tongue in their head," he said, looking her up and down with a disdainful glare. "And know better than to sully my presence with such boorish, soiled attire." "My lord," the manservant said, wringing his hands together anxiously, "I did tell her-" "You may leave," Gromph said calmly, and when the man hesitated, his brow narrowed ever so slightly. "That was not a suggestion—leave." Rhyme thought herself very, very patient for not immediately mocking him for having to repeat himself to his servants. Or slave, the man was very likely a slave, knowing Gromph. His footsteps retreated over the large hall, and then there was a moment or two with awkward crunching sounds as he tried and failed to close the door. "My lord, the Zedriniset has broken the latch—" "Leave!" Gropmh thundered.

Hoo hoo hee hee, Rhyme needed to have someone to yell at, and she does certainly seem to find herself caught in the orbit of powerful, ambitious archmages doesn't she?

Tagging @sleepytimegrrl @robinyourcreator @angelicfangirl @thegingerjedi (you finished Veilguard! i know you've got fic brewing now hee hee) @darkfeanix and anyone else who wants to consider themselves tagged :3

[hiken-no-stark]

I put a spell on you (König x Reader)

Summary: After a rough day König found himself in the middle of the woods with a bleeding arm and in front of a mysterious woman.

Warnings: Angst, mention of blood. Use of (Y/N). I gave König a name (I don't know if that's a warning)

A/N: Hi :D This is going to be a Two Shot, but I hope you all like it. I'm sorry if there are any mistakes. Enjoy!

Part 1/2

┏┓┗┛┏┓┗┛┏┓┗┛┏┓┗┛┏┓┗┛┏┓

It have been a really rough day and it was starting getting dark. König was walking around the forest trying to get out of there. The sun was setting behind the tree tops, leaving the forest in shadow as he limped out of a clearing. Blood trailed down his arm and stained his sleeve. He'd been running on adrenaline and was finally starting to feel the wound and exhaustion. His head kept dropping forward as he struggled to stay awake. He kept walking until it was completely dark. He just wanted to lay down for a moment and take a rest, but his feet continue making him move.

He eventually stumbled to his knees, looking down at the dried blood caking his arm. He knew he wouldn't get far in his condition, he couldn't quite accept the idea of being alone. He was about to force his legs up when he heard a faint sound ahead that was enough to stop him in his tracks. He raised his head and stayed in silence trying to focus on the sound. He didn't know if it was an enemy or an ally… Or even an animal.

But then he saw a light, it was a bonfire. He moved towards the light as quietly as he could, holding the bloody bandage tightly around his arm and wincing silently with every movement. He decided to stay in the shadows in order to eavesdrop.

And that's when he notice that the owner of the bonfire was a woman… A young woman wearing a white dress. She was kneeling next to the bonfire humming softly, and accommodating a pair of things in front of her. He stayed still, afraid to make a sound and give away his position. It was weird to see a young woman standing out in the forest late at night, but what really caught his attention was what she was doing in front of the fire. He squinted his eyes, trying to get a better view but the firelight was bright and blocked his sight too much.

Then the woman stand up and take off her dress, revealing her naked body. She close her eyes and start to dance around the bonfire humming a song. The cold air of the night doesn't seems to disturb her.

He felt his mouth hang open in shock as he watched the woman dance around the flames. His heart began to pound in his chest so hard that he feared she might hear it. His anxiety caused him to break into a cold sweat, his skin going pale and clammy. What was she doing? Why would anyone behave like this? He wanted to look away, but he couldn't move. He was entranced.

He had already forget of the pain in his arm. And what happened next shocked him even more… She continue moving around the flames when suddenly her feet leave the grass. She had start floating and close her eyes smiling.

His heart went into overdrive as he saw her feet lift off the ground and he couldn't comprehend what he was seeing. It wasn't possible for anyone to float mid air, so the scene baffled him. All logical thinking had left him and he found himself unable to think of a rational explanation. His anxiety was getting worse by the minute as he continued to stare, watching her float above the fire.

Maybe it was his wounds, he must had hit his head really hard. This can't be real. Yeah, that's it. The lack of blood was making him saw visions. The lack of blood… He stumbles and almost fall but hold his body to a tree. But the noise was enough to caught her attention. She fall to the ground and look at him.

He stood there for a moment, still unable to believe what he was seeing. His heart raced and his breath came fast, but when he saw that she had seen him and was now looking at him with concern, he couldn't help but take a step closer. He reached out to help her and suddenly snapped back to reality.

"D-did I just hallucinate?" He muttered under his breath as he tried to process everything that had just happened. For a moment it had felt so real and he was questioning everything.

She move back covering her breasts, scared that might he wanted to hurt her. But then she noticed is state, the hod covering his face, his dirty uniform, the blood in his arm. She was about to say something when suddenly the tall man fall next to her. He had pass out.

He lied unconscious next to her as his anxiety eased for a moment. The strange images he had seen were starting to blur together with reality. He was injured and exhausted and the sight of the woman had only added to his confusion. The thought of seeing her naked body kept nagging at him and he couldn't remember why. He shifted uncomfortably in his sleep, muttering something about it all being a dream.

≪•◦ ❈ ◦•≫

When he opened his eyes again he didn't know where he was. This wasn't the base or a hospital… Not even a place know by him. He looked around, it was a wooden cabin. A bed, a couch, a table, a chair, shelves and jars. Then he take a look at himself, his hod have gone, his vest and shirt as well. And his arm was bandaged.

The sun shone through the window, and the place felt warm and inviting. "H-how did I get here?" He muttered, sitting up quickly in shock. His mind couldn't process everything that had happened. He thought that the memories of seeing her naked were just a product of his imagination, but he now knew it was real.

She appear by the door carrying a basket full of vegetables, herbs and some flowers. She was wearing the same white dress as last night. But now whit the sunlight he could notice her features.

When she noticed that he was awake, she greet him with a shy smile. “Morning.” She whispered walking to the table and letting the basket there. “How are you feelin?”

He couldn't take his eyes off her, the images of last night still lingering in his thoughts. The sight of a beautiful woman dressed in nothing but a white dress was enough to make his heart race again. He could sense his anxiety growing, but he forced himself to remain calm.

"T-t-thanks, I'm doing good..." He muttered, his voice raspy as he tried to look away. But he couldn't bring himself to, instead his eyes kept gravitating towards her. He couldn't understand his reaction, what was wrong with him? Why couldn't he think straight?

“I'm glad.” She said smiling and start to take out of her basket the vegetables. “I'm going to cook you something to eat. You must be starving.”

"Y-yes please." He said, his voice sounding rough and tired. He was still looking at her, but he tried his best to look away. It was only a woman, after all, what was the big deal? But seeing her naked body and now cooking for him while dressed in a white dress, it was too much, he could feel his anxiety starting to take over again.

"W-what's your name?" He stammered, trying to distract himself by asking something as normal as a name.

She take a knife and start to cut a pair of carrots. “I’m (Y/N).” She move around in the tiny house looking for a pot to cook. “And you are Alexander, aka König, right? I saw your name in your dog tags.”

"T-that's right." He confirmed, still blushing uncontrollably but trying to act as if it was nothing. "What were you doing last night near the woods?" He asked as she continued to look for the pot to cook. He needed answers to satisfy his curiosity and hopefully make him forget about his anxiety. "And how did I get here?" He continued, glancing at her.

She place the pot over the table, she was nervous by his questions. “What did you saw?” She shake her head quickly. “Whatever you have seen, forget it.” She start to put the vegetables on the pot, still avoiding his gaze. “You were bleeding and I got you here. I couldn't let you there in the middle of the woods.”

"I..." He started to say, unable to form a coherent explanation as he recalled the images of (Y/N) floating above the fire. But what was the point? It have been his imagination, right? "Thanks." He finally said, his voice still rough but sounding a bit more confident. He tried to focus on the vegetables and not think about what had happened before. "I was bleeding pretty bad. I can't remember anything after that, it was all a fog."

“Yeah, you were bleedign pretty much. I was scared you would die.” She said as she start a fire and place the pot over it. “Talking about that… I need to check your wound.” She take a step closer to the bed.

The thought of (Y/N) tending to his wounds made his anxiety grow even more. It was all too much, seeing her naked earlier and now that she was going to be close to him while he was injured. He couldn't think straight. "I think it's alright." He said, his voice becoming shaky again. He was just starting to relax and now she wanted to inspect the wound? The idea of her touching him and cleaning him seemed too intimate for his liking. His face turned red just from thinking about it.

“I need to check it.” She insisted, moving closer to him. Her hands quicly start to take off the bandage on his arm. The wound was covered by a couple of leafs and an ointment. She cleaned it quickly and carefully. “It looks good.”

He shifted uncomfortably as she touched his wound, feeling his skin tingle when her hands gently caressed him when she cleaned him. His chest felt tight as he tried to stay as still as possible, while trying not to focus on what she was doing. "Okay..." He murmured. He was trying to act as naturally as possible, especially considering the situation they were in. It was hard for him to believe that she had actually helped him last night the forest. There was no way it was just a dream, he could recall her every feature clearly.

He was so lost in his thoughts as she continue attending his wound. She put some ointment in the wound again and cover it with new leafs before bandaged his arm again. He still felt uncomfortable with her tending to his wound, but the ointment and the new bandages did make him feel a little better. He breathed in deeply as his body relaxed, no longer bothered by the pain. He was starting to feel more relaxed now that his arm was properly bandaged and he tried to make small talk with her.

"Umm… How long was I unconscious?" He asked timidly, not wanting to bring up last night again.

“All night.” She answered walking to the pot in the fire, taking a spoon and start to move the preparation. “I stayed next to you making sure you were still breathing.”

"I… thank you." He said, his voice sounding raspy. The thought of the young woman worrying about him while he was unconscious made him even more grateful towards her. She walk to a shelf and take a bowl to serve him some of the vegetable broth she had made for him. Then she move next to him and give him the bowl and a spoon.

“I know it's not to much, but I hope you like it.” He couldn't help but blush a little bit as (Y/N) continued to give him that shy smile of hers. He took the bowl and spoon from her hands, his eyes lingering on her beautiful eyes.

"Thank you." He murmured, his tone sounded more relaxed now that he had a chance to eat and rest. With his injuries and low blood pressure, he needed to eat and drink to stay healthy. He raised the spoon and tasted the broth. "Hmmm… it's delicious." He commented, already feeling much better now.

Her smile grown and he could saw a tiny blush appear on her cheeks. “I'm glad you like it. There is more if you wanted.” Then she turn around and walk again to the table, returning her attention at the basket, she take out the herbs and start to put them in differents jars. “You must be really tired. You should rest, I'll be in silence. I promise.”

He took another spoon of broth and ate it, not wanting to be too greedy but enjoying the delicious mixture of vegetables. The warm liquid was soothing to his wounds and calmed his anxiety, making him feel more relaxed. Once he finished it, he realized just how thirsty he was, the broth having hydrated him a lot.

He glanced over at (Y/N), watching her prepare the herbs. He felt like resting for a while, but he didn't want to leave her alone either. There were still so many questions he wanted to ask her.

She turn her head and smile at him. “Would you like more broth?” She asks turning all her attention at him. He sighed, still feeling exhausted after everything he had been in the last couple of hours. But he was also too curious to leave (Y/N) alone and continue asking her all sorts of questions. Especially since it was the opportunity to know more about the strange young woman.

"Yes." He answered, handing her the empty bowl. He wanted to say more, but felt that his words might escape him. So he just kept staring at her with a small but warm smile.

She take the bowl still smiling and walk to the pot to serve him more of the delicious vegetable broth. Then she return to his side and give him the bowl. “There you go.”

"T-thank you..." He muttered, starting to eat the broth again. (Y/N) couldn't help but notice how nervous he had become the moment he started eating again, almost as if he knew he should keep her company. But what should he say? Was she aware of his attraction to her? He wanted to talk to her, but he was starting to freeze up. He had to do something, or else the awkwardness would continue. So he forced himself to speak. "H-how long have you been living in the woods?" He asked, thinking it was a good starting topic.

She smiled at his nervous state and found it cute for someone as big as him. It's not a way she would expect that a soldier will behave. “A couple of years.” She asnwered returning her attention at the jars, placing them on the top of shelves. “It's a nice place to live.”

"Yeah, it is calm." He said, looking around with curiosity. All he had seen so far were a few flowers and the occasional trees scattered around the woods. But from what he could see, this little cabin looked like heaven in comparison. "Why do you live here… all by yourself?" He asked, trying to avoid looking at her as much as possible, even though he was fascinated with her beauty.

She sighed. “Let's just say I belong here. This is my home, the woods, the nature. I belong here.” She turn her head and smile again at him. “You are my first guest.”

"And I'm honored to be your first guest." He said, returning her smile and glancing away quickly again. If it was just him and (Y/N) in the woods, then he definitely was her first guest. But something about her words made him question why this young woman would choose to live all alone in a cabin. He wanted to know more about her and get to know her better. "Um… What's your story? If you don't mind me asking." He continued, still focusing on the broth instead of looking at her directly.

“My story.” She giggles. “You wouldn't believe it if I told you. And the less you know, the better.” Then she walk to the door of the cabin with basket in hand. “I will go to look for something different to cook for you. Stay here and rest. I will go back soon.”

"I wouldn't mind hearing it, honestly." He said with a shy smile. This was his chance to learn more about her, to satisfy his curiosity which was killing him. But he also felt a wave of awkwardness wash over him as (Y/N) stepped toward the door to leave. "Wait. Umm… how do you make your food?" He asked, curious about how she managed to survive while living completely alone.

“The woods provide everything I need.” She answer and get out of the cabin leaving him all alone again full of thoughts. He have more questions than answers now. He watched her leave, noticing that she moved like water. She was graceful and swift in her movements, which only added to her beauty. But why was she living alone in the woods? What had happened to make her want to leave the world and society behind?

He continued eating the vegetables broth while glancing around at the cabin. Everything here was so different from what he was used to. For a moment he felt like he was stranded in a dream. He decided to explore the place while he waited for her.

It was a small cabin but somehow she has make it a real home. He look around the place, the flowers make the cabin smell beautiful. There are a couple of books at a shelf. Jars full of different herbs. This place looks like take it off of a fairytale. He look by the window, outside there was a vegetable patch. That was where she had gathered some of the ingredients for the broth. She was definitely self sufficient, maybe even a little more independent than he thought.

He couldn't help but admire the cabin and how (Y/N) had managed to make it her home. It's clear that she loved where she lived, the place had a unique feel to it which made it much more inviting than a normal house.

He decided to look around the place for a few more minutes, hoping to find something that could tell him more about her.

Candles, quartzes, potions...

Was she some kind of… Witch? No. That’s a stupid idea. That is unreal.

"That's ridiculous. Witches don't exist." He said to himself, trying to stay rational. He walks towards a trunk and opened it, there where clothes and a picture of a woman carrying a little girl. Maybe they were (Y/N) and her mother. The sight of the candles, quartzes, potions, and the picture of the mysterious woman and her little girl all made him feel like he was crazy. But he had heard many stories of witches before, they were all fantasy though.

He quickly looked away, hoping to stop the witch thoughts in his head. He didn't want to ruin his chance at getting to know the young woman by acting foolish.

If she wasn't a witch then why she was floating the last night? No. She wasn't floating, that have been a figment of his imagination, probably because of the exhaustion. Or not? He doesn't even know what to think. Still, the very thought of it all made him feel weird. What if it wasn't a dream? What if (Y/N) really was a witch? The thought almost seemed too unbelievable.

He leave the picture and close the trunk, standing up. Then he walk to the books at the corner of the room.  He turned his thoughts away from witches again as he opened the book, reading through the words. The book was called "Meditations and Spells" and it talked about spells and their different meanings. Was she really a witch? He look at the cover of the other books. There are books about herbs and their medicinal use, but there were also a few about witchcraft.

Okay… That is weird.  

He closed the book and put it back in its place on the shelf, turning quickly to the bed and pretending to relax. However, he felt himself shaking and his hand clenched tightly around the blanket, his thoughts spiraling out of control again.

Then he heard footsteps and started getting nervous again. Was she returning? His heart began pumping faster and faster as he tried to keep himself calm and relaxed.

She opened the door and greet him with a smile. “I'm back. I found a rabbit, I can cook it for you.” Her smile disappear at notice his nervous state. “Are you alright?” She asks with concern in her voice.

He couldn't help but smile when he saw her entrance with that adorable and calm smile on her beautiful face. How could he be scared of her? No, it was his own thoughts that were making him nervous and creating all that panic.

"Um... yeah, I'm fine." He said, calming himself down and forcing a smile. "I'd love some rabbit. I was really hungry and the vegetable broth was delicious." He tried to keep the conversation casual, as if he hadn't been reading one of her books a few moments ago.

She blinked a few times and took a quick look around the cabin, everything seemed to be in place. She hopes he hasn't taken a look around in her belongings. “I'll start cooking then.” She said and smile again.

But he was already nervous. He didn't know anymore if it was secure to eat anything she woul cook for him. What if she had add some of the potions on his food? The thought sending him back into a panic. He had eaten two whole bowls of the vegetable broth, which meant that he could have consumed any of (Y/N)'s concoctions if she had added any. Was it too late? He started to feel weird and anxious, even though he had been fine a couple of seconds ago.

"Uhh… (Y/N)?" He mumbled out, feeling confused about all his emotions. "Um… are you putting anything strange in the food you're making me?" He blurted out, hoping to make himself clear.

She tensed for a momento and stops her work over the rabbit. “W-What?” She muttered looking at him. “I just add some herbs I find in the woods, but they are comestible. They give the rabbit a good taste.” She opened a jar and take a pair of herbs puttin them in her mouth and swallow them.

A witch.

He felt like the world had just turned upside down, but her explanation made a lot of sense. She had gathered the herbs herself, of course that meant that they were indeed safe with all the knowledge she had of the woods and nature.

"Sorry… I just got a little nervous." He said looking down, feeling ashamed of his accusations. She had already served him two bowls of the vegetable broth without any problems. He shouldn't worry. "Can I ask you a question…? It has been bothering me for a while." He murmured, trying to change the subject.

“Sure. What's on your mind?” She said, continuing with her handy work on the rabbit. She had made this a lot of times so it was really easy for her.

"Are you really alone out here?" He asked, looking back at her. She was definitely too kind hearted to be living alone all those years without contact with anyone else. "Don't you get lonely?"

“Yes. I live alone here.” She said smiling. “At first it was difficult, I felt alone… But now I am used to it and I like it a lot. No one disturbs my peace.” She put the rabbit in the fire and then take a kettle and serve herself a cup of tea, taking a sip. “Sometimes I'll go to the nearest town to find some supplies or sell vegetables.”

He was impressed by her strength and resilience. "But what about your family? Friends? Or a husband?" He asked, staring at her with curiosity and hoping to get to know her a bit better. "You said you lived here for a couple of years, what were you doing before that?" He asked, noticing how easily she changed her topics of conversation. She wasn't revealing a lot about herself, which made his questions and curiosity to rise even more.

“No family. And obviously no husband.” She giggles and take another sip of her tea. “Honestly I used to live here when I was a child, but my mom and I moved to the town when she started to get sick.” She explain with sadness in her voice.

He felt bad for asking such a delicate question, not knowing that there was a sad story behind it. If anything he was learning that (Y/N) was strong but also kind, which made her even more lovely in his eyes. He was also curious about her situation, although he was hesitant to ask more questions and bother her with them. But he decided to do it anyway. "Your mother… do you mind me asking what happened? I'm sorry if you don't want to talk about it." He said, feeling more comfortable in her company now.

“She had lung cancer. It was very difficult for both of us. But I know that she is resting now and without any pain.” She said looking at the floor. Then she shake her head and smile to him. “But that's enough about me. How about you, Alexander? Or do you prefer König? Are you a kind of elite soldier or something like that?”

"König." He appreciated that she had already called him by his name, it felt like a sign of respect since she knew so little about him. "I prefer König. And yeah, I was a member of a special forces group." He stopped talking, wondering if he should reveal more about himself. "I'm not anymore… I was actually kicked out of the military." He said hesitantly, feeling a bit embarrassed by his confession.

She opened her eyes in surprise. “Why did they kicked you out? I mean, you can tell me if you are comfortable to.” She wasn't saying a lot about her life, so she doesn't blame him if he doesn't want to share details of his life.

"You want to know the truth?" He asked, staring at her. His eyes were full of uncertainty, not sure if he should be honest with her or not.

But (Y/N) seemed to have noticed his emotions since she remained silent. "I... it's complicated." He started, taking her surprise as a sign that she really wanted to know. "I made some mistakes and caused some trouble for others, and as a punishment, they fired me." He revealed the truth in a few words.

“And they… shot you in the arm?” She asks pointing at his bandaged bicep. She could remember the hours she spent trying to take out the bullet and stop the blood.

He looked down, staring at the bandage on his arm. He couldn't deny it, it had been obvious since the moment she had started treating his wound. "Yes..." He muttered, feeling uncomfortable at the question. He knew it would come sooner or later, so he had to be honest with her. It didn't feel good telling the truth to herself, but she deserved it. "I... I deserved it."

She widened her eyes in shock. “What!? I don't think anyone deserves to be shot. Let alone left alone in the woods.” She said with a hint of anger in her voice.

And then something strange happened. One of the jars breaks into pieces.

He felt a cold and chill that he couldn't understand running along his spine. The sudden and loud sound of the jar breaking made him freeze for a moment and look around. Then his gaze returned to (Y/N).

His breathing was slow and the air in the room seemed thick. His eyes had gone wide with fear, and his heart was pounding in his chest. "(Y/N)... is there something wrong with you?" He said, staring at the broken jar on the floor. "What was that?"

His anxiety was back and stronger than ever, even if the jar had broken accidentally.

She was nervous as she look at the broken jar on the floor. “I'm okay, It was just an accident.” She said nervously and kneeling to pick up the pieces of broken glass. “I come back in a minute.” She almost run out of the cabin, leaving him alone again and the rabbit still cooking.

He stared at her as she left the cabin once more. "(Y/N), wait!" He yelled, standing up and opening the door to the cabin. She was too far gone, he couldn't stop her. He watched her disappear into the woods at a distance and his heart felt like it was being torn apart. He needed to know, he had to follow her. He ran out of the cabin, hoping to find answers that might change his life forever. He was scared, but he had to know the truth about her.

He had tried to follow her, but clearly she knows the woods better tan him.  He give up and return to the cabin. So many questions without an answer.

[gaintsnowflake]

Hey, can you do a Lockwood x reader where the reader is Kipps' sister, and Lockwood is in love with her from the very beginning. After a joint and successful case, Lucy invites her to sleepover(Lucy is her BFF and sees what is happening between them) and this is an opportunity for Lucy to play matchmaker. But Kipps disagrees and goes with them. He interferes with Lucy's plan, so she locks him in the basement(She lets him out for breakfast in the morning) .It's a bit complicated, but you're talented, so you can do it ☺️

𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇𝐌𝐀𝐊𝐄𝐑

PAIRING : Anthony Lockwood x fem!reader ( Qill Kipps x sibling!reader )

ONESHOT : in which lucy is a wonderful matchmaker

TRIGGERS : being locked in the basement ?

A/N : I hope you enjoy this, if this isn't what you were hoping for, please dm me and I will do write it again or if you want an extention. I loved writing this, the complexity being a bit of a challenge was fun, thank you so much for this request! Please ignore any spelling and grammar errors, this is not proof-read! Thank you for that sneaky complement as well.

WORD COUNT : 1.9k

masterlist

EVERYONE KNEW. How could it be a secret? His stares weren't discrete, he would constantly throw himself into danger for you, nor was the way he took every opportunity to touch you in some way, even if it was just a simple bump. It was so unbelievably obvious that he was head over heels in love with you. But yet, you still didn't believe it. 

Anthony Lockwood and you met nearly a year ago when you had finally convinced your older brother to let you on his team instead of insisting on keeping you on night watch. That was your first encounter with him, and to put it lightly, you were shocked by it. Quill had talked down about this man for what seemed to be years, yet there you were face to face with a gentleman. 

What was even worse in Kipps's eyes, even though you did at one point get him to admit that he may fancy the girl, was you instantly became best friends with Lucy Carlyle. It was probably bonding over running down a long hallway while a type two chased you, only to be met with a type one across the way. 

That best friend status was now being utilized as you walked out of a large mansion with her, your brother and his team not too far behind. Anthony, you started calling him this instead of Tony to piss him off just enough that your brother wouldn't notice your liking of the boy, although he does like the way his name rolls off your tongue rather than the other Local Kipps, and George were far ahead. You were pretty sure that Anthony was complaining about Quill coming to "rescue him" but you would like to think of it as a successful team effort. 

"So... how about you come and sleep over?" Lucy asked, her voice full of hope. 

It had been nearly a month since your last sleepover, and you will admit, you missed staying up late to talk to the girl. As well as liking running into Anthony in the morning, long before anyone else would wake up.

"Don't know, Luce, I think Quill and I were supposed to go out for ice cream." That was in fact true, Quill owed you some ice cream after the two of you got into a long fight about something dumb that you cannot even remember now. 

"Please? Kipps can wait! We haven't had a sleepover in forever," Lucy exclaimed, walking closer next to you, as you reached the gate of the house, Anthony and George standing just outside.

"I guess you are right, wait for me, yeah? I am gonna tell Quill I am staying over," You started to turn around and walk away, ignoring her silent cheers. 

Quill and the others were far behind, it took you nearly three minutes to meet them in the middle of your locations. You were returned to your typical spot among the team, at Quill's, who wasn't listening to Ned ramble about something stupid while Bobby and Kat just stayed annoyed silently. They didn't seem to notice your presents and were rather preoccupied with ignoring Ned.

"Hey Quill, I am sleeping over at Lucy's tonight," You informed your brother, hoping he was distracted enough to not question or really realize what you are saying. But sadly, he definitely does, because he then gives you a look. 

"What? We have plans," He was quick to exclaim, gaining everyone else's attention.

"Oh come on Quill, we haven't slept over in ages," Your voice drew out a bit as you tried to convince the boy.

It took a few minutes of you going back and forth before you reached Lockwood and Co, who were standing outside the gate. Anthony and George confused at your sibling bickering gave Lucy a look.

"I invited her over for a sleepover," The wink she gave Anthony had nearly gone unnoticed if it wasn't for Quill looking at her, instantly understanding what she was planning. He was not having any of it.

"I'll be back in the morning Quill," You told him, walking over to the trio. "We can continue this tomorrow."

You had now turned around to face the three, Lucy smirking, George looking clueless, and Anthony had a slight shade of pink rising on his cheeks. You hadn't noticed the wink or anything that gave away Lucy's plan of playing matchmaker. So the following words out of Quill's mouth took you for a shock.

"I am coming with you," His voice was stern as if there was no stopping him. 

Anthony was quick to shut down the idea, but after nearly ten minutes of listening to their bickering, you decided to stop it. Seeing as everyone else was annoyed, it would be doing them a favour too. 

"Alright, Quill, if you just, let me go, your ice cream dept will be forgiven and all will be forgotten," you stated, stepping in between the rivals to create a physical barrier as well as a verbal one.

"I am going," he stated again, which caused you to send death glares. 

"Quill," You warned, "I swear, I will be fine. Just go home."

"Fine."

If only it was that easy. Although you did think he went home, Lucy was quick to realize that wasn't how it went. 

You were at their house now, you had found your way in the Library with Lockwood, just as Lucy planned when she had sent you out to get tea and biscuits. But while you were talking to him about the magazine he was reading, Lucy heard the front door open from her position on the stairs. She was quick to jump up and reach for the nearest weapon.

Luce looked over the railing to see a very familiar guy step into the home. He was still in his uniform, making her wonder if he ever did take it off. His rapier banged into something, causing him to mutter a few curses as he closed the door.

"Kipps," Lucy's voice was just above a whisper as she walked down the stairs, catching the intruder.

"Shit," Quill's voice was low as he tried to give her a smile. "Sorry, but I can't let you set them up. Let me just get here and we will be on our way."

Lucy was quick to think of a plan, a dumb one, but it was still a plan. She just hopes Kipps was dumb enough to fall for it. Which, much to her surprise, he was. Or perhaps he was just too tired to truly realize the trap he was about to put himself in.

"Okay," Lucy said, hoping that it wasn't too quick to draw attention to her plan.

"Really?"

"Yeah, really," she nodded, walking down the stairs. "Come on, they were in the kitchen last I checked."

Lucy led the way down the stairs into their kitchen, which when they opened it to be empty, Quill was a bit aggravated. But when he saw a door, the basement door, cracked open he began to think they were down there—not questioning why it was so quiet.

"I thought you said they were in here?" He grumbled, looking around the place.

"Probably took a trip to the basement, we have storage down there, and it looks like we've run out of tea," Lucy begins to ramble, as she didn't think she would get this far in her plan. "Door is right there if you want to check."

Quill was slow to check but still did. Which he would defiantly blame on his tiredness later. But once he was down the stairs he heard the door close and lock, signally that he was now stuck down there. Hearing the noise he ran up the stairs and banged on the door, begging for Lucy to let him out. Lucy, on the other hand, was making her way back to her spot on the stairs, waiting for one of you to emerge from the library so she could shove you back in there. This left the Quill to sigh and admit defeat, to where he found himself, sitting on the ground of the basement.

Lucy wasn't that cruel, after nearly an hour, she went and found a spare set of blankets and pillows and opened the door for a few seconds. She left them there with a note saying he will be let out in the morning. To which he was very thankful as he took them and made a makeshift bed.

While all that was happening, you and Anthony were deep in conversation, not realizing how much time had passed. You were just sitting there, talking about nothing. 

It was then that you realized how close you were to him. You started out sitting in the chair next to him, but after he wanted to show you something, he moved over slightly, letting you sit in his chair with him. Not the two of you were fully facing each other, sides pressed against one another and your faces barely a hand length apart. 

Your laughter stopped as heat rose to your cheeks. His hand found its way over the top of yours and was now caressing your fingers. You just looked into his eyes, analyzing every bit.

You stayed there for a few moments before his other hand found its way to your cheek. He blinked a few times before the scary words left his mouth. "Can I kiss you?"

You were quick to nod your head, not trusting words to leave your mouth. That is when he leaned in, closing the gap between your lips. It was a gentle kiss, only lasting a few seconds. But those few seconds were life-changing either way.

"I really like you, y/n," He muttered, not looking away from your eyes, except to steal a quick look at your lips. "Would you be interested on going on a date with me?"

"Yes," You were quick to respond, before putting another soft kiss on his lips.

Somehow, you guys managed to fall asleep together in his chair. This completely abandoned your sleepover plans with Lucy, but she wouldn't mind, especially since she was the one who set this up in the first place. 

You woke the next more to Anthony shuffling around under you. Which, you were quick to open your eyes to.

"Sorry, love, didn't mean to wake you," His voice was gruff, as he had also just woken up. He was slightly out from under you, showing that he was trying to escape your grip. "But I can smell George cooking breakfast and I would really like whatever the hell he is cooking."

At the sound of George's food, you got off of him, not saying another word. You didn't check your messy appearance, which was yesterday's outfit, as you never managed to get changed, as well as untamed hair. George's food really did wonders as you were downstairs staring at the boy in a matter of seconds.

"That smells amazing George! What is it?" You asked, trying to peer over his shoulder.

Lucy had already been at the table, happily spilling her tea. Anthony walked in shortly after you laughing at your actions. The laughter didn't last long as he heard a banging at the door.

Lucy made a quick, "oh shit" face before rushing to the door, unlocking it to let out an aggravated Quill Kipps. 

"She is a barbarian Tony," Quill spoke, in a grumbling tone, before going to sit down in a random chair. "You should hire someone else, and don't even think about saying y/n."

"Quill, what the hell are you doing here?" You sounded shocked, just as the other two boys were.

Lucy gave her best sorry smile before explaining how he ended up in the basement. Which did seem successful as you and Lockwood did end up together at the end of the day. You do have to admit, she is a good MATCHMAKER

[richonnesbitch]

Thoughts on ep 5?

This was pry my least favorite episode so far. I’ve never cared for Gabriel so his and Jadis’ scenes bored me. The 3 new people they introduced were killed off so quickly… and badly? Idk it’s like 10 years into the apocalypse and known of them seemed to know how to survive, it felt stupid. They were literally just there to show how Rick and Michonne worked together.

Also I was surprised that Jadis ended up helping them in the end, she could have just died and got the last laugh that they didn’t know where the file was.

Honestly, I would say I loved it if not for all the Gabriel/Jadis scenes. That really brought it down for me. The entire time they were on I was fighting the urge not to skip ahead. But I guess I'm glad I didn't because I would have missed hearing that Rick wanted to marry Michonne on the bridge!!! Absolutely insane. Absolutely BONKERS.

But with that being said, I loved the rest of the episode so much. It really gave The Next World and Say Yes vibes which are two of my favorite episodes ever! Seeing Rick and Michonne on their honeymoon is just soooooo 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

Rick trying to get that "junior" license plate for RJ just melted my heart. He loves that baby already and he hasn't even met him. Father of all time me thinks! And then Rick gifting Michonne her favorite toothpaste because he remembers and cherishes every little thing about her. When I say the line "I was in love with my son's best friend" sent me into orbit..... it sent me into ORBIT. I was crying my eyes out. And then when he gave her the replacement "m" necklace. Oh Rick Grimes, how I love you. I love seeing them getting to be happy and love on each other as hard as they can. Wish we could have saw their drunk freaky cabin sex where they most definitely probably tied each other up 😉 it looked a little too natural when they tied themselves up for Jadis.

It was so pleasurable for me seeing Jadis die slowly, brutally, and painfully. Everyone say thank you, Michonne! Rick telling Michonne "maybe just maim her first" had me chuckling! He's so funny. I guess Red and his siblings really were pointless? Why did Jadis think Rick and Michonne wouldn't be able to easily take out those randos? But seeing Jadis FINALLY die felt so satisfying!! I'm glad she suffered. And I'm glad Michonne didn't give her any peace as she died. She let her know the CRM will be getting what's coming to them 🥳🥳🥳

And last but not least my favorite part of the episode. You already know what it is. Rick fucking proposing to Michonne!!!

8 fucking years and we FINALLY got a proposal. I mean it's weird how most of the other couples got that chance but not the lead couple? It's weird. But I'm so glad to see it happening now. Vindication has never felt so good.

And this was only the proposal! Meaning we got a wedding coming up.

And I love this proposal so much. It's not lengthy or over the top and you really feel the few words Rick and Michonne say to each other. They carry a lot of meaning. I'm just so beyond happy!!!

But in conclusion, I do understand why this isn't people's favorite episode. I don't dislike it as much as anyone else but it's not my favorite either. I think my ranking would be episode 4, episode 1, episode 2, episode 5, episode 3. I loved that we got a little lightheartedness before shit hits the fan in the finale!