#and what a confusing messy history there's just so much hurt and brokeness and regret between the love

[daydreamingmiller]

joel miller 14/?

[spenciegoob]

The 4 Types of Manipulation

A/N: hey hey hey cuties... just thought I’d drop in to tell you I love you and Harry Styles at the Grammy’s, oh and Miley Cyrus in general. Okay that’s it.

Summary: Spencer has to interrogate an unsub, but she has a few tricks up her sleeve.

Pairing: Spencer Reid x Fem Unsub!Reader

Category: Not fluff, but not angst... angsty fluff? fluffy angst?

Content Warning: mentions of murder, manipulation, mentions of sex in the form of flirting, mentions of drug use, mentions of emotional abuse

Masterlist

Word Count: 2.8K

____

Nobody dared to take a breath out of place, every profiler was packed into the room watching with careful eyes at the sobbing girl in the interrogation room through the glass. No one knew what their first step should be, but I guess there’s a first time for everything, right? Winging it was not something anyone in the BAU enjoyed doing, each case needed a thought out plan.

But they’ve seen this unsub before, they know the profile, the history, they know her. So why was she crying so hard that the weight of her head became unbearable, leaving her only option to sob into the crooks of her elbows as best as she could with wrists cuffed to the table?

Nobody knew, except for Spencer Reid.

Emily was hesitant, as expected, to blindly send in one of the best agents she’s ever seen into the room that with each tear shed slowly morphed into a lion’s den. Reid deserved better, she knew that, especially since the last time they dealt with an unsub like this one, Spencer had to be so far out of the loop that the case almost broke him.

He put up a good fight though, and if the determination set in his eyes wasn’t enough to inform the unit chief that she was not winning this argument, his deviance to storm through the door, startling the young woman chained down definitely did.

Why was it always Spencer?

Tears:

“P-please, I didn’t do anything.” Those were the first words anyone’s heard her say since the arrest, even if they were separated by sniffles and choked out sobs. 

Spencer just stared down at her, not taking the risk to further entertain the stuttering girl with wet cheeks and tired eyes.

“I promise I’m not a murderer. You have to believe me, please.” That promise whispered so quietly made with unbreakable eye contact urged him to take a second to reevaluate the situation.

She was apprehended in place of Jacob Hughes, the man they had originally been looking for. There was a chance she wasn’t complicit, a chance she was innocent. Maybe Jacob placed a hair of hers at the latest crime scene because he knew they were closing in.

Or maybe she is just as sick as he is. 

“Prove it,” Spencer said, his tone loud and assertive, leaving no room for argument. She didn’t plan on fighting his demand anyway.

“I- I haven’t seen Jacob for days. He drugged those men, and did h-horrible things. Those poor men.” This struck a nerve, everybody could tell, even the one person in this interaction that wasn’t a profiler. 

Spencer’s shoulders tensed for a millisecond, but she saw it. She saw what her words were doing to him, after all, he used to be one of those poor men she felt so sorry for.

Another loud sob echoed off the concrete walls before she bit her bottom lip and took a deep breath.

“I can’t believe he mur... did that to them. H-how could he?” Spencer watched as the young girl looked up to him like he held the answer to the million dollar question. He studied the way her eyes bounced around his face, looking for something, anything to relieve some confusion when it came to her fiancé.

“Jacob Hughes is what we call a vindictive narcissist and a sadist. He receives pleasure from hurting others, and in this case, drugging and torturing men because he feels he’s been wronged his whole life. The question, however, is why. I know you know, just like how I know you’re aware of his crimes.”

It was a blow so low it could’ve come from hell itself. Spencer regretted it immediately when he watched the way her whole body stiffened at the mention of her knowledge, but he had to be certain no matter the fallout.

“I-I still don’t understand. I’ve never seen him hurt anyone.” Denial, guilt and fear all jam packed into 3 little words that had his heart dangerously close to breaking. The sorrow in her eyes believable enough that Spencer left his standing position between the suspect and the door to sit directly across from her.

She watched his movements with careful eyes, only stealing glances from her peripherals before returning to her cuffed wrists.

“Maybe you’ve never seen him physically hurt anyone, but we know what he does to you.” It was the first and only time Spencer let any emotion, as fake as it was, show in his responses. How could he not try when the girl resumed her sobbing at the implication of her past deception from the man she loves? 

“You know nothing,” she whispered back, her tone laced with defensive anger.

“I know everything.” Was he challenging her?

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Was she challenging him?

“You know what it means.” Yes, he was.

“Do I?” Yes, she was.

The two stared at each other for the entire tone shift in the stuffy interrogation room. The other profilers on the other side of the mirror had no knowledge of how thick the tension had just become because unlike Spencer, they weren’t standing in the middle of it.

Small sniffles were the only noise breaking through the quiet until suddenly, they just stopped.

“Ugh, fine! You win this round. My eyes are starting to hurt from all this goddamn crying. Do people actually cry this much when you arrest them?”

Spencer leaned back in his seat, crossing his arms to clearly convey just how unamused he was with the girl’s antics. She watched him intently, picking apart every move down to the muscle trying to search for any indicators that her little performance worked even a fraction of what she was hoping for.

And she got her wish in the form of the agent’s fingers tapping lightly at his sides under perfectly muscular, if she may add, arms, because any other movement would have been too obvious.

Spencer Reid was getting nervous, because the second her facade faded, he lost the upper hand. She just had to get him trapped in here.

“Oh come on. Not even a ‘good job’? I wasn’t expecting full blown applause, but some appreciation for that show would be nice.” Still, Spencer gave her nothing. He needed her to keep talking, and filling silence was a sure way to make certain she did just that.

“I’ll tell you what you need to know, but first you have to admit that I had you fooled for a second there.”

Lies:

“No.” Unexpectedly, instead of getting frustrated with Spencer’s refusal to play along, she just smiled brighter. This was exciting to her, and it was getting on his nerves.

“What gave it away? Did I look to the left before I spoke or something?” Spencer kept his mouth shut. “Come on, what’s my tell? Enlighten me.”

She copied his movements as Spencer leaned over the cool, metal table slightly, eyes racking over her face, lingering on certain parts for longer than others.

“No.” At this, she huffed back in her seat, leaving the close proximity that would later be used as a secret tool against the doctor before he had the chance to catch on. 

“If you’re just going to shut down every single one of my proposals, then why am I here?”

“You’re here because you’re a suspect in a series of 7 murders in the past 5 weeks.” She perked up at his words, amusement dripping from her features.

“Finally, Doc has something more to say than just ‘no.’ Tell me, was that so hard?”

“No.”

“Ugh!” Rolling her eyes would be giving ammo to the enemy, but the urge to do so was quite strong. In fact, she almost did until she caught a glimpse of her reflection in the one way mirror.

“I’m serious when I say this,” she said, looking directly into Spencer’s eyes so he couldn’t accuse her of lying. “If you take the cuffs off, I’ll answer everything.”

“No.”

“Please! They’re seriously starting to hurt. I put 100% into that performance, and now it’s coming back to bite me in the-”

“Fine!” Spencer stood up carefully, not walking around the table until he was certain the girl wasn’t a flight risk, or worse. When he did finally make his way over, she sat completely still, not taking her eyes off where his fingers grazed hers as the handcuffs unlocked.

A breath of relief escaped her as she rubbed her wrists with the opposite hands, eventually feeling the blood fully return to all 10 fingers.

“Thank you.” It was so vulnerable and raw that it knocked Spencer back for a second. They locked eyes, and something deeper than he was ready for passed between them.

He didn’t know what it was, all he knew was that he hated it so much that he tore his eyes away immediately to return back to his original spot seated across from her.

“Answer me this-”

“I’m gonna stop you right there.” Neither of them spoke for far too much time, and Spencer was growing more annoyed by the second.

“What?” It came out harsh, and mean, and downright cruel, but he couldn’t care less.

“Oh nothing, I just wasn’t going to answer anything. I really just wanted to fix my hair.” And, in being true to her words this time, she secured her hair into a messy bun using the elastic Spencer didn’t even realize was missing from his wrist.

“I’m putting the cuffs back on.”

“No wait,” she pleaded, halting Spencer’s move to get up. “They really did hurt, I wasn’t lying about that.”

“I don’t care.” He made his way over, forcefully grabbing both of her wrists before securing the handcuffs back on. Spencer only regretted his actions slightly when she winced at the metal now back to pressing into her skin.

“Yes you do. It’s your biggest flaw.” Instead of answering, Spencer just returned to his seat, leaning back with crossed arms. He didn’t need to listen to a psychopath tell him his flaws.

“You care too much,” she continued, not minding if he was listening or not. “It gets you hurt, other people hurt. I wish that wasn’t the case. You deserve better, Doc.”

Spencer didn’t engage, opting to gawk tiredly at the suspect, and watch the way her eyes flicker across his features, gauging for a reaction. She wasn’t done.

“Hey, okay, fine. I’m just messing with you,” she laughed, finally breaking her serious facade. “What? A girl can’t joke around while she’s being accused of murder?”

“Accused? Or caught?”

“Accused.” It was final, her tone immediately dropping to a fiery rage. Her defenses were up, and Spencer was never really good at playing on the offensive team.

This time, it was Spencer’s turn to analyze, watching the way the blood rushed to her cheeks with her rising anger level. How all of a sudden her eyes lost their playful glint, giving him the chance to fully see the soul buried deep in them. For a split second, she was completely unveiled right before his eyes.

Spencer, clearly not anticipating just how long the girl in front of him could hold her own, used his last bullet.

He placed the crime scene photos in front of her.

“You know who did this.” It wasn’t a question, he saw it in her eyes. Spencer watched the way they remained stoic even after looking at the bloody walls, and vacant eyes of the deceased.

“No.” Oh, how the tables have turned.

“Who are you protecting?” Her head shot up at his question, eyes flashing red before she blinked it away again. Subconsciously, she started to pick at her fingernails.

“No one.” It was a lie if he’s ever heard one. 

Fear:

“You’re lying. Who is it?” 

“I’m not lying.” She wouldn’t even make eye contact with him. Instead, she gave her undivided attention to her shaky hands confined to the table.

“Yes, you are.”

“No, I’m not!”

“Enough! Who are you protecting?!” At this, Spencer stood up and slammed his hands against the table with a strong amount of force that she flinched hard enough to further irritate her wrists.

He felt awful, the bouncing back and forth between them should have given him enough indicators that she wasn’t lying out of spite. But he couldn’t back down, he had her cornered and her only way out was to tell the truth.

“No one.” She wouldn’t look at him, even as she whispered. “Please stop.”

Spencer truly believed that he had her in a bind, an inescapable one at that, but it wasn’t the truth. Oh no, what the profiler failed to realize was she had him where she needed him.

“I have no information to give you,” she whispered before tagging along. “I’m sorry.” It was the first time she apologized for something Spencer could have seen as an inconvenience.

He believed her, too.

“I shouldn’t have yelled.” That was his form of an apology. Spencer wasn’t going to go any further with it, even if she was coerced into lying by whoever the true unsub is, she was still getting on his nerves.

Her hands were still shaking at this point, and she wouldn’t meet his eyes. Spencer just slumped back into his seat, settling into the silence between them until ultimately he was either called out of the room, or she gave him another indication that her game hasn’t ended.

A loud sigh bounced off the walls. “I don’t care that you yelled in my face. You think it’s the first time a man’s done that? You’re not special, Doctor.”

“I never said I was.” So the game carries on, but this time, she didn’t smile at his sarcastic response. Leaning back in her chair, she huffed a breath before continuing.

“You really want to be though, don't you?”

Lust:

She was pushing his buttons, trying so hard to dig under his skin till she was unremovable. She wanted Spencer to leave this room with her on his mind for the rest of his days.

She was close too.

“No, I don’t,” Spencer deadpanned, trying to keep a cool tone. If he continued to hand her the ammunition she needed, he would be left defenseless.

“Oh come on, loosen up. I was just joking.”  A smirk grew across her features, a thought crossing her eyes. One Spencer knew would not be in favor of his win tonight. “I could help you with that, you know.”

“No, I don’t know.” He did. Spencer wasn’t going to lie to himself and say that the woman sitting across the table wasn’t extremely attractive; she was. He just would never admit it aloud.

“I have a feeling you like to get rough, don’t you, Doctor?” She asked, sitting up and crossing her legs. The stare shared between the two of them was a mix between passion and anger, meeting in the middle to create a new kind of emotion.

“Is this fun for you?” She left out bait, and Spencer was stupid enough to fall for it. Emily once said that a pretty face slashed his IQ in half.

He couldn’t help but agree.

“Undo these cuffs, and I’ll show you what fun is.” She was toying with him now, and they weren’t going to get anywhere, but Spencer couldn’t find it within himself to get up and leave. She had him by the...

“I’m going to get that confession.” It was like he was five years old again, arguing on the playground with the older kids about how their insults didn’t make sense.

“What’re you going to do, punish me?” She asked, the last words in a hushed whisper. When Spencer’s cheeks grew hotter, and his eyes darker, she knew she had him.

“You do like to get rough! My, my, Doctor, you're keeping me at the edge of my seat here.” She let out a boisterous laugh before really digging the knife deeper. “Is that why you kept the cuffs on?”

Before he could snap back, the door flew open and Emily stood there with a tablet in her hand. “You need to see this.”

Spencer got up to leave, thankful for the reprieve even if he did have to return to the interrogation after speaking with Emily. He almost made it to the door before a voice called out behind him.

“Wait!” She called after him, the cuffs rattled when she instinctively went to reach for Spencer. “Aren’t you going to answer my question, Doctor.”

Playing chess his whole life, Spencer had never once played a game where Checkmate presented itself unexpectedly. He was always at least three moves ahead in his mind, seeing the inevitable end before he even began his gameplay. There was a first for everything, because his last move suddenly arose.

“No.”

_____

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[sirius-archive]

Dare or Dare (Prompt)

Pairing: James Potter x Reader, mentioned Sirius Black x Reader

Word Count: 2256

Warnings: Swearing, underage drinking, mentions of sex i guess?

Request: Could you do 13 and 15 of random with James or Sirius maybe? :) - Anonymous

Prompt: 13. “YOU SAID BE HONEST STOP HITTING ME!” 15. “I’m too sober for this.” “You don’t even drink.” “Maybe I should start.” 

A/N: First prompt finally finished!! please send in more! the list is pinned to my blog. Enjoy <3

***

It may have been cliche, but it was a common tradition for you and your friends to steal food from the kitchens, get drunk and play stupid muggle games late at night in the Gryffindor common room.

The fire crackled and popped, emitting shards of amber light that jarred with the dark shadows, creating a golden-warm atmosphere that encompassed you and your friends. You sat crossed-legged on the ground between Mary and Marlene Marlene while the boys - James, Sirius, Remus and Peter - sat opposite you, forming a circle that sort of resembled a seance. Littered in the centre of your ‘Friendship Circle’ (coined affectionately by James) was your plunder; a variety of puddings and treats and left-over sweets from a recent Hogsmeade trip.

Soon enough, two bottles of firewhiskey were brandished and passed around the group, and everyone was taking long sips from the bottle - everyone except for you.

“Boo,” Sirius jeered, “You’re boring.”

“Well excuse me if I don’t want liver failure,” you drawled, rolling your eyes, “Besides, six people sharing from the same bottle? That’s unsanitary.”

“What? You worried you’ll catch boy cooties,” Sirius teased, “Because last time I checked, you didn’t mind boy cooties when I saw you making out with Prongs in the broom closet last week. And trust me, none of that was exactly ‘sanitary’.”

You felt your face glow with embarrassment as laughter bubbled over the group. You glanced at James, at the little curl of his lips that wasn’t quite as mischievous as a smirk, but not as open and carefree as a smile. It was somewhere in between...like he wasn’t embarrassed of kissing you, of even being lumped in the same sentence as you. It made your heart swell, your cheeks no longer warm from embarrassment.

“Why don’t we stop harassing (Y/N) and Potter and get on with some games!” Marlene urged, gracefully saving you from Sirius.

“Yes!” Peter agreed, “I managed to find a load of fun muggle games in this book!”

He pulled out a book from his bag and brandished it before you friends.

“101 Party Games to Play at your Bachelorette Party,” Remus read aloud, frowning, “Some how, I don’t like the sound of that.”

“I do!” Mary said eagerly, leaning forward to get a good look at the book.

“Whats a Bachelorette Party?” asked Marlene, brows knitted in confusion.

“It’s a party where a bride and her bridal party celebrate her last night as a ‘single’ woman,” Mary explained excitedly, “My mums been to loads. She always comes back with weird penis shaped memorabilia.”

“Well, what’s the hold up, Wormtail?” James asked, grinning broadly, “Let’s crack it open!”

Peter dropped the book in the middle of the circle and sat back as Sirius opened the first page. A devilish grin spread slowly across his face as he read the index.

“This is brilliant!” Sirius laughed, flicking the page, “’Stick it in the Hole’ a game inspired by all those sex ed classes you pretended to listen to in High School. Two people are required, much like the real thing.”

“Muggles are insane…” Marlene decided.

“Dunk the Weenie in the Creampie,” Sirius continued, “The only time when it is encouraged to be bad at cooking. Simply tie a sausage to your waist with a short rope and try to dunk the sausage in the centre of a cream pie. Beware, this game is messy.”

“Yeah, I’m not playing that,” said Remus, disapprovingly, “I’m not sure what’s worse; having to embarrass myself by grinding on a cream pie in front of my friends or watching you lot do it.”

“Agreed,” said Peter, who was blushing furiously.

“What about this?” Sirius perked up, reading intently, “Bridal Truth or Dare. A sexy twist on a classic game. Players must reveal deep truths or suffer through scandalous dares. The more debauchery, the better!’”

“I’m down for a game of truth or dare,” Mary piped up excitedly.

“Same!” Marlene chimed.

“Me too!” said Peter.

“I have no shame and I don’t believe in regrets so I’ll play,” said James, winking at you.

“Oh what the hell,” Remus shrugged, sighing, “So long as the fire whiskey’s still flowing.”

“What do you take us for, amateurs?” Sirius gasped, his tone oozing with mock-offence.

Everyone turned to look at you. An unpleasant burning sensation prickled beneath your cheeks.

“Alright,” you sighed, grabbing a sugar quill, “I’ll play.”

Marlene and Mary giggled excitedly as Sirius dropped the book in his lap and skimmed the first page.

“Right,” he said, importantly, “If someone asks for truth, they have to answer or risk being forced to do a dare from the list of Extreme Dares.”

“I like the sound of that,” said James, craning to peer at the list.

“I don’t,” you muttered, glancing at Remus.

You knew beyond a doubt that you’d be asked about you and James’ complicated history by one of your friends and, if you refused to answer, would probably have to do something embarrassing with him like let him fondle your breasts or something stupid like that.

“Alright, so the eldest starts,” said Sirius and he grinned, “Which is me so suck it losers.”

Everyone groaned. Having Sirius start a game of Bridal Truth or Dare was going to be excruciating to say the least.

Sirius feigned a deep look of hurt, clutching his chest in pain, “I had no idea you guys thought so highly of me!”

“Hurry up, Padfoot,” Remus grumbled, taking a swing of fire whiskey, “Lets just rip it off like a band aid.”

Sirius’ lips spread into a wicked, calculating smirk. You knew that look all too well; it was the look of someone who was either barking mad or insanely clever forming a devious master plan.

Tapping his chin thoughtfully, he pretended to think for one attractive moment before narrowing his eyes on you.

“(Y/N), Bridal Truth or Dare? Quickly now, or we’ll all sober up and lose our nerve.”

You thought that was quite impossible for two reasons: one, everyone except you had had enough fire whiskey to drown their veins in alcohol and, two, Gryffindors never lost their nerve.

You sighed long sufferingly, “Alright, truth.”

“Bridal truth,” Sirius corrected and then furrowed his brows in thought. His eyes sparked again with a look of wild excitement, “Have you and Prongs ever reached third base?”

Marlene and Mary stifled their giggles. James shot you an apologetic look, grimacing at Sirius.

Something about the challenging look in Sirius’ eye rankled you, grating obnoxiously on your competitive streak. Usually, you were more rational, more ‘pick-your-battles-carefully’, but now, Sirius was closing in on your relationship-not-relationship with James, something you considered deeply personal. If Sirius wanted to play this game, then he’d better be prepared to lose.

“Padfoot,” James began, glancing at you, “I think that’s-“

“No,” you answered, defiantly, “James and I have not reached third base, and that’s only because we kept getting interrupted by you.”

There was a stunned sort of silence at the tone of your voice. Everyone was used to you denying your relationship-not-relationship with James, so your candor was like a splash of cold water in the middle of winter.

You broke the silence by snatching the bottle from Sirius’ grasp, “I’m too sober for this shit.”

“You don’t even drink,” said Marlene in shock.

You uncorked the bottle, “Maybe I should start.”

Tipping your head back, you took a long drag of the fire whiskey and winced as it seared the back of your throat. A moment later, a tickling warmth kindled in your stomach, and what felt like gold shot through your veins, filling you up.

Everyone was staring at you, shocked and speechless. You - Gryffindor prefect, one of the top performing students in the school, rule abider and teachers pet - were breaking a dozen school rules by drinking fire whiskey and admitting quite blatantly that you and James would have had sex if it weren’t for Sirius.

Their shocked expressions made you smirk.

“Are you lot going to keep staring at me or are we going to play?”

***

An hour into the game, and your brain was swimming in pools of intoxicated bliss. It was like peering through rose-tinted glasses - everything was hilariously funny, and your courage and impulsivity had been dialled up by about a hundred while your common sense had abandoned you.

Everyone had participated in an array of embarrassing truths and even more embarrassing dares. Peter had asked you what it was like to kiss Sirius (you and Sirius had a few…flings…in the past, before you had realised your feelings for James).

“Be honest now,” Sirius winked at you, “You don’t have to lie because ol’ Padfoot is here.”

James looked slightly amused, but there was a glint of something dark, something wild in the mosaic of his eyes.

You took your time, formulating a response.

“Eh, he’s alright” you shrugged, nonchalantly, “I’ve had better. A little overrated, if you ask me.”

That had been a mistake. Without warning, Sirius had launched into a wild tickle attack, scrambling toward you and poking his fingers between your ribs. Laughter erupted from your lips as you keeled backward, lying flat on your back as Sirius clambered on top of you.

“YOU SAID BE HONEST STOP TICKLING ME!” you shrieked, laughing hysterically, “SIRIUS! GEROFF”

James was the first to pull Sirius off you, smacking him around the head.

“Ouch!” Sirius yelped, but he smiled at James’ playful expression.

The hours ebbed away.

Soon, everyone was getting bored with Bridal truth or dare and instead decided to play Dare or Dare. You, Marlene and Mary had been dared to race each other stripping your bras off without taking your tops off. While you had done it a million times before, it had been significantly more difficult to do while drunk.

Remus had been dared to sneak into Filch’s office and leave him a love note and James and Sirius had been dared to kiss - which they did, passionately and unabashed.

“Alright,” James had smirked as he stared at you, “(Y/N). Dare or Dare?”

You pretended to consider your options, “Hmm…Dare!”

“I was hoping you’d say that,” James grinned, dodgy and lopsided, “Alright, I dare you to sprint past Dumbledore’s office, topless.”

You grinned, climbing to your feet, “I’ll do you one better.”

Slowly, while maintaining eye contact with James, you stripped into your underwear. James’ expression cycled rapidly between awe and arousal, and you couldn’t help noticing the way he squirmed, trying to casually cover his lap with a pillow.

Marlene let out a low whistle, startling you. You had forgotten about the others.

Grabbing your cloak, your friends all made your way to Dumbledore’s office, dodging out of Filch’s sight and weaving around Peeves, who was throwing furniture around in Filch’s office.

It was only after you watched Nearly Headless Nick sweep past Dumbledores office when you unclasped your robe and let it pool around your feet. Moonlight soaking into your skin, you stepped into the empty corridor and took a deep breath. The air was cool, prickling your skin with goosebumps. Your cheeks, however, felt hot and flushed from the alcohol and adrenaline.

“Go!” urged Sirius and, without hesitating, you ran.

Arms flailing in the air, you sprinted past Dumbledore’s office while your friends giggled madly. Once you reached the corridor, you turned around and raced back but came to a sudden halt when a figure stepped around the corner.

Severus Snape was standing at the end of the corridor, a look of shock and embarrassment creeping into his thin, pallid face.

You immediately took a step back. Severus had become your friend after meeting him in Diagon Alley before your first year at Hogwarts. You’d stopped associating with him after he had started associating with Death Eaters and you had noticed a definite change in his attitude toward muggleborns.

“(Y/N),” he said, softly, as he drank in the view of you, your skin glowing in the moonlight, “W-What-?”

James and Sirius stepped forward protectively and Remus draped your cloak around your shoulders, forcing you behind him.

“What do you want, Snivellus?” James spat, “Looking for another kitten to drown for Lord Stinkamort, are you?”

Severus’ expression contorted into a look of fury. He grabbed for his wand when you stepped forward, lacing your fingers with James’.

“He’s not worth it,” you whispered, and with another urgent tug, you pulled James away, Sirius following.

Perhaps because you were there, neither James nor Severus attacked one another as you retreated to the Gryffindor common room. James was grasping your hand tightly, still enraged by Severus’ presence, but that changed when you pulled him around a corner and kissed him deeply.

“What was that for?” James asked in surprise.

“You don’t want to kiss me?” you asked, playfully, “Oh, alright then…” you started to saunter off but James pulled you back into his arms and crashed his lips onto yours, stealing the breath from your lungs and the words from your tongue.

Panting as he pulled away, James looked around and spotted something to your left. You followed his gaze, where it landed on the Prefect Bathrooms.

“Fancy a dip?” he asked, a sparkle in his eyes.

“Definitely,” you smirked, tugging on his belt, “And this time, we won’t be interrupted.”

***

@siriusmuch  @beyoncesdragon​ @moon-zodiac @mflufflion​

[noocturnalchild]

A Ruined Movie Night

pairing : Modern!Ben Solo X Modern!Rey

Rated : Teens and up

Word count : 1K

No warnings. Just small silly writing...

This is the first piece I write for this fandom...

Hi I'm back... dunno XD

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

“Can I sit by your side, Ben?”

Rey tried to make it sound as casual as she could manage, and she regretted even asking. She could just take her seat casually by his side, like friends do, after all, didn’t she?

“I charge by the hour”

He seemed unbothered, face focused on the action scene that broke out suddenly and she took advantage of his moment of inattention to move carefully on his side of the sofa.

“Prick, move your ass.”

Ben swallowed as she sat beside him. She was wearing that sweater he liked so much. With the three buttons on the back, starting from the collar down her neck. They were so tempting, these little three buttons, like round little candies wrapped in mauve, begging to be popped.

Ben aggressively dumped a handful of kettle corn in his mouth.

“Easy, angry bear! We haven’t even made It to the first half of the movie. Think about your smaller forest raccoon friend.” She leaned to grab some popcorn from the box on his lap and he ducked, swiftly lifting the box out of her reach, hiding it behind the sofa arm.

“Raccoons are cocky thieves, they say.”

“Bullshit !” She shouted, “They are the most ado-“

“Hey! Look, you made me miss how they blow up that ship!” Ben’s scream was tainted with laugher. “Can’t you keep still for a moment? Jesus!”

“And they are cute! AND you are definitely the one ALWAYS fidgeting in your seat! If my sofa could talk, I’m sure it would fill salty complaints against your flat ass!”

“My flat what?!” Ben mumbled curses under his breath.

“I can HEAR you.”

“I know.” he smiled.

They fell into a comfortable silence again, before Ben put the popcorn box in her lap, casually not moving his hand off.

“Just a precaution, forest thief.”

She gave him a faux dirty side look, followed by a lopsided smile as they refocused on the space opera playing on the screen.

Warmth flooded Rey’s space and she relaxed, limbs limp and head empty, lids heavy with sleepy comfort. His hand and technically, half of his arm were still on her lap. Damn, the man was warmer than her central heating. She wondered if he was conscious, or if people noticed. If his other friends teased him about it, if his exes…she chastised the latter thought, and corrected her stance. She was leaning a bit too much into his shoulder, she noticed as a dull pain started to numb the nape of her neck.

Rey tried to crack her neck a number of times, wincing at the pain that didn’t seem to lessen, but to increase. She sighed in discomfort, touching the painful place to find it ice cold. Fuck her premature cervical arthrosis.

“You alright?” Ben seemed to watch her for a while now.

“Yeah, just a light neck pain, 8 hours at Plutt’s do that to you.”

“Doesn’t seem to be light, to me.”

“I told you it’s ok.”

“No, it’s not, look at your face, your wince looks like a that of middle age martyr on a burning stick!”

“History nerd. I don’t look like that.”

“A constipated raccoon then.”

“Ok, I have arthrosis.”

“What?”

“As I told you, dumbass.”

“Are you 80 or something?”

“You idiot, it has nothing to do-“

“I know, I know that wasn’t funny. Where does it hurt?” Ben paused the movie.

“The nape of my neck, mostly…”

“It worsens when it’s cold huh?”

“Yes, exactly, and today was just…”

“Yeah, let me check if we forgot one of the windows open or something.”

“Yeah fine.” She winced again at the loss of heat when he moved to check the windows.

When Ben came back, he found her literally crumpled on herself, arms wrapping around her and shivering.

“What? I leave you one second and you transform into a snail?”

“Fuck you Solo.”

“Closed the kitchen window. You’re welcome.” Ben flopped down back into the sofa beside her, making her bounce in her place.

“Slow, I’m sick.”

“It’s your neck that’s hurtin’ not your ass- You fucking finished the popcorn!” He exclaimed at the empty box lying neglectfully now at her feet and she shrugged, not sorry the slightest.

“I’d crack you neck good if it wasn’t already fucked.”

“You’re rude!”

“Let me finish the movie, you should too.”

A few minutes later …

“Feelin’ any better?” Ben paused the movie again.

What a ruined movie night, Rey thought as she shook her head, eyeing the empty second popcorn box. In the end, none of them was really focused on the events anymore.

“Nah, to be honest. I’m so done.” She sighed.

“You should try heat patches.” Ben talked seriously now, concern visible in his chocolate eyes.

“Too tired to go and try this now, just wanna zone out on that couch when the movie is over, eugh.”

She slumped further onto the cushions. her cheeks were so red, and her hair all tousled and messy and he found himself staring and starring, a bubble of tenderness swelling in his chest at the sight before him.

“Ok, we can try something else…” words fled his mouth before he could catch them.

“Liiiike?” She pinched her brows, confused.

Ben showed her his hand.

“I… don’t… understand” she said slowly. Ben sighed, a pretty blush raised to his cheeks. In the faint light coming from the Tv, he hoped it wasn’t that obvious.

“Can …can I put my hand on the nape of your neck?”

Rey was dumbstruck for a second or two, looking at him with round eyes and Ben felt so stupid, the stupidest he felt for a while, to say the truth.

“Please?”

No, now he felt like the dumbest creature in the galaxy.

What kind of earthly idiot would ask their roommate to use their hand as a heat patch? Ben wished they’ve already created that damn time machine so he could hide his shameless face in the past and disappear from history, once and for all.

But here she was, surprise flipping to impish amusement. In her eyes was a flame twinkling in the feeble light of their small living space.

“Ok” her response came against all odds, and he had to metaphorically reboot to register it.

“Ok” Rey said again, no hesitation in her voice whatsoever, eyes wide open. Was he mistaken somehow, or was that a smirk she was giving him now?

No, she must be as stupid as him, that’s the only explanation.

“Hey, Venus to Mars? Ben?”

“Oh, hello”

Idiot.

“You offered. I’m waiting” she said firmly, an exaggerated grimace as she turned slightly, offering the base of her neck to him, pointing at it impatiently.

“Of-of course”

Hesitantly, Ben reached out, but before he could take his time playing his stupid self, Rey took his hand and pressed his palm resolutely on her soring spot, instantly groaning in relief.

“Fuck Ben, that’s definitely one of your rarest good ideas” She flexed her neck again, hand always grasping his, keeping it firm against her skin, like to absorb the maximum heat.

He should have thanked heavens she kept her eyes closed; his face resembled more that of a clown now, he knew. He had to return to cool Ben, have a grip on his running thoughts. He coughed a little.

“Oh, It’s uncomfortable?” Rey opened her eyes finally, seeming to realize he was struggling with their current position. She released his hand.

“No, just…just turn around... we could just sit like we were and you can use my hand as a neck pillow as much as you want”

“ So generous when you feel like it” Rey teased and the sparkle in her eyes returned. Ben really struggled to pull himself off the searing feeling he was lost in all of a sudden as his chest expanded with unfamiliar bubbles.

“Huh, guess so” he replied vaguely, still pretty much distracted by the placement of his hand on her skin. Damn, he had to find conversation, and soon. Silence wasn’t an option now.

Fuck. Make it awkward Ben, that’s it.

Ah right, the movie. Ben reached for the remote and pressed resume.

The sound of spaceships explosions echoed in the tiny living room walls. Rey and Ben both jolted in their place. They didn’t even remember putting the movie on pause in the midst of that action, mind on other matters. They both burst into laughter when the first shock subsided and Rey leaned a little bit onto him. She was visibly feeling better now. Her muscles seemed relaxed and warm and she looked…genuinely happy. Ben wished the smile he saw then on her face to never fade away. He promised himself that it wouldn’t, as long as they were together.

“So…Ben…” Rey sweetly sang-song after some moments of silence. “Since today is the day I apparently entered in your good graces … remember that little favor I asked you about …the history exam?”

Fucks sake. Not that. Now. That was too good to be true.

“No, Rey. Happens that I don’t remember that.” Ben refrained from rolling his eyes. He actually remembered well her very specific request to get help from him, and no, not to study...but to cheat.

Rey sighed, dramatic.

“At least I tried.”

“You should rather try and study, for a change.” Ben said firmly, trying and successfully hiding his amusement behind a frown, one of his stern ones.

It was almost comical now; the number of times she tried to get him to help her cheat on an exam, begging, bribing, without results, but never backing down. Typically Rey, he thought with fondness.

“So how long are we staying like this, anyway?”

“Just a lil bit mooore. next time think twice before you offer” Rey whined.

“You little scrounger” Ben mumbled between his teeth.

“I heard you!”

“I know” and he smiled.

[lostincalum]

Uni! Ben Hardy- pt 2

AN: Hey big shout out to @burncrashbromance​ for proofreading and also requesting part 2! Ah lav u, it turned out longer than expected but I hope at least one person likes it 

Word count: 4,3k(???)

TW: A flaky father and insomnia mentions 

Part 1

When you woke up the next day, you were a little confused. You didn’t quite recognize the room at once, with the light shining through the window, no stars in sight. When you started to twist you were immediately aware of something slightly hard poking your thigh. The heat that rushed to your cheeks didn’t get any better when you felt an arm around your waist, tightening slightly each time you moved. Slowly you turned around to find Ben with his eyes closed, asleep. You carefully peeled his right arm away from your waist. 

The white comforter had slipped down to his waist, leaving his entire abdomen exposed. To put it frankly, he looked unreal, with the sun casting tiny shadows over the small ridges in his muscles. God, it wasn’t like you had slept with him, but something about this moment made you wish you had, maybe just a little. Even if you wouldn’t have admitted it to anyone.

You got out of bed as quietly as you could, and started looking for all your stuff. Your jeans were in the bathroom, along with your phone, which had died. Curse the damn battery life. You realised you had slept in your long sleeve from yesterday, neither of you had thought about it then, but you regretted it now. After scanning your reflection in the mirror you exited the bathroom with a sigh, while wrangling your messy hair up into a bun. 

The flat looked almost as good in daylight as it did at night. You almost couldn’t believe a boy lived there with how nice things looked and how the interior seemed well fitted together. A leather couch and some blankets, a big TV and a playstation as well as the bookshelf that was almost filled to the brim with books. It felt like a home. Nothing like the dormroom you had. However much you dreaded going back, you had to. So you walked into the little hallway and found you jacket and shoes. You started looking for your backpack, before you realised that it was still in Ben’s truck. 

Not feeling like waking him up, you left a note on his kitchen counter with your number and a message in regards to your backpack. Then you opened the door and head out, making sure the door closed and locked behind you. 

----

The last lesson you had before your finals were on dark matter. It had been twisting your brain for a while but when you walked out of the lecture hall you felt like you finally understood a bit more. You had never been one to rush out of your lectures, but since you only had a notebook, you were quick out. When you step out of the door you’re immediately pulled off to the side by your waist, making you let out a little yelp. You could tell by the cologne that it’s Ben, but he didn’t stand still until your back was pressed against the wall and he was leaning with one arm by the left side of your head. Quickly you pulled your notebook up to your chest, you felt warm all over. Some people kept looking over at you, and you wished they would stop. 

“Eyes on me, angel.”

Ben told you with a deep, almost gravelly voice. You gave him an eye roll, but looked up at him nevertheless. You were met with intense green eyes and a little smirk. 

“Hi Y/N, how are you?” 

You said sarcastically as you stared at him. He gave a short but genuine laugh. 

“Hey angel, how are you?” 

He repeated after you, albeit he still used that nickname. His goal was seemingly to make you go crazy, but he’d have to work a little harder than that though. 

“I’m good Ben, although, I do miss my laptop and books. They both cost me half a fortune. How are you?” 

You looked at him, scanning his teal college sweater and over all soft look. It contrasted deeply with his domineering demeanour. You tried to be swift when attempting to get out of his hold; turns out he saw it coming. Caging you in with his other arm. Luckily most other students had dispersed by then. 

“I’m actually quite hurt by you, love.”

He didn’t look hurt though, he looked like he was out on a mission. 

“Well, I do apologize.. actually, what am I apologizing for?” He looked a little surprised by your cheeky comment.

“I’d hoped you’d apologize for leaving me high and dry this morning, or for running out on me, as if I was just some poor one nighter, for cuddles.”

Ben responded cheekily, thinking he had the upper hand. 

“Well, maybe you were, anywho I still wanna pass this class, and I’m assuming you have some classes to pass as well.”

He removed one hand from the wall, causing him to lean in a little closer. You could feel his breath on your face and it really hit you how close he was.

“I was just a one night cuddle to you?” 

Ben feigned hurt as you looked at him with a deadpan expression. 

“Like the concept’s new to you.” 

Finally you managed to escape from underneath his gaze and break free from his cage-like posture. 

“Look, I just need my stuff back, please.”

You didn’t miss the face he made, the one that looked like genuine hurt. It made your heart regret the words for just a second, before it was gone as fast as it appeared. 

“Sure, I’ll drop by your dorm room in an hour.”

Ben said a little distantly before disappearing into the lecture hall. You started the trek to your dorm as it was your last class, feeling both relief, butalso some kind of unwelcome feeling gnawing at the back of your chest.  

-----

When you entered your dorm room, Alice was there, obviously back from her classes as well. 

“Hey Alice, how’s it going?” 

You asked the brunette, who was slaving away at an essay. Manicured nails making an odd tapping sound as she touched each key. 

“I’ll tell you, if I survive this paper.”

She grumbled as she aggressively typed away at her keyboard. 

“Copy that.” 

You replied as you hung your jacket on the hooks by the door, before you sat down at your own desk. Trying to make out your own handwriting wasn't always the easiest thing, so you got stuck there for an hour or so. Until you heard a knock on the door. You were about to get up, but Alice had been faster. 

“It’s probably just..”

You didn’t get to finish your sentence before Alice had opened the door. 

“Ben, hi how are you?” 

She said to the man at the door. A little flirtatiously, but that might, might, just be her personality. Truth be told you had asked Alice about Ben when you got home that morning. Before class. She told you all about his endeavours and antics, which she had been a part of. After all, she had a reputation for herself. You didn’t judge her by it though, she had every right to do whatever she pleased. 

“Oh, hi, Lisa, I’m alright, here for Y/N though.”

Your mouth dropped as you heard him say the wrong name. Rightfully so, she smacks the door in his face. You just sighed as she went to the bathroom leaving you to open the door again. 

“Nice work there, Benjamin.” 

You smiled at him, rather unimpressed. 

“My name’s Ben, angel.” 

He said, the mischievous glint was back in his eyes.

“And her name is Alice, remember that.” 

Ben put a finger in the air and tapped it to his head.

“Will remember that.”

He then held out an arm with your backpack dangling from his hand. You went to grab it, but he pulled it back, so it was just out of your reach. 

“Okay, I’ll bite, what’s the catch?” 

You asked with a quirked brow. 

“A date, with yours truly.”

He announced cockily, whilst he looked at you with these intense green eyes. You could have sworn he looked hopeful, maybe even a little vulnerable. That feeling was back in your chest. The one that gnawed somewhere behind your heart. The one that told you to dive in head first, without looking. However you head decided if you were gonna dive, it was going to be on your terms.

“Sure, but I decide when.”

You said, determined. And to your surprise he nodded and got out his phone from his pocket, scrolling through his calendar. You gestured for him to come in, and went to get your phone on your desk. 

“What about after I’ve had my exam in physics 1B? At say 5pm on thursday?” 

“Works for me angel.”

Ben smiled, before taking a step closer to you. Therefore you took a step back, immediately your thighs met the back of your desk. Ben took yet another step and you couldn’t take your eyes off him, constantly gauging his actions. He took the final step up to you, and stood so close that you could feel his breath on your face. He smelled like red bull and cigarettes, and a little hint of cologne hit you as well. Yet you kept your eyes glued to his. Without moving his gaze, he dropped your backpack to the floor. His then free hand went to your chin, tilting it up as he closed in on you even more. 

“See you then.” 

He said as he left a quick peck on your left cheek, which made your cheeks heat up. With a wink he was out the door, leaving you a little speechless. Thursday was only two days away. 

------

When thursday rolled around, you had seen Ben around campus and he had seen you. You knew as much ‘cause he winked at you every time. 

You had also talked more with Alice about him, who had told you about his history with people, which made you feel a little hesitant, but you decided that at least, you could get a good fuck out of it. If the rumors were true, if not, who knows, you might get something more. 

Mostly though, you had been practicing for the physics exam. You got up that morning and got ready, putting on a pair of ripped jeans and a hoodie.Your hair was its usual mess, in your eyes, even though it had just been washed. In the dorm kitchen you got out your thermo- cup and made yourself some tea before you headed out the building.

You reached the lecture halls faster than you had thought, and decided to check your phone. Just one message from a number you didn’t know flashed up at you. You unlocked the phone and read the message. 

Good luck today, angel;)

You didn’t stop the smile that broke out on your lips. However you didn’t get the chance to reply as professor Atkins unlocked the door with a smile in your direction. You and a couple of other students wandered into the lecture hall and before you knew it, the exam was in front of your eyes. 

It was a hard one, with so many questions that you thought you were gonna miss some, flipping all the pages and double checking all of your calculations. But when you finished you were only the fourth to leave. 

Quickly you walked across campus and over to your dorm, trying to figure out what to do. Then you remembered the message that still sat unanswered in your inbox. 

- Ben? This you?

You sent as you unlocked the door and flung your backpack to the floor. There was no expectation for him to answer soon, since you expected him to have his own exam. But almost immediately a response ticked in. You sat down by your desk to answer.

- Sure is;)

-  Finished your exam?

The second message ticked in, and you couldn’t help but think that maybe he was a little excited too. You were about to reply when he called you up instead. Instantly you felt more anxious and let it ring two times before you answered.

“Hey?” 

You answered lamely. 

“Hey yourself, I figured you were out since you answered my message now.”

He said and you could hear him rummaging around somewhere as he talked to you.

“Yeah, apparently I knew more than I thought I did.” 

You laughed as you thought back to how the exam went. 

“So, since we’re both done, wanna start the date a little early?” 

Ben asked as a door shut in the background. 

“Sounds like you’re already on your way over here, but sure, why not? Where are we going by the way?”

You asked as you got up from your desk and headed for your closet. Wondering what to put on. 

“That’s a surprise, but put on something warm.” 

He answered as if he knew what you were thinking. 

“Okay, see you soon.” 

You said as you opened the door to the closet. 

“See you in a minute angel.” 

Ben said and then you hung up. 

You decided to put on a different hoodie, a plain white one, and a leather jacket over it, hoping it might be enough. White, almost new sneakers went on your feet. Then you went into the bathroom to put on a little bit of perfume and some make up. Just sorting out your brows and some mascara, as well as a little concealer for the dark circles under your eyes. You hated not being able to sleep properly. You frowned at your reflection when there was a knock at your door. 

When you opened the door Ben was stood there looking as handsome and cosy as ever. With a sweater and a coat hanging from his arm, he looked like he came straight out of a fashion magazine. You could see his eyes scanning your body and face, before he licked his lips. It almost looked predatory, but you noticed the little nervous shifting from foot to foot he did. 

“Hey, ready to go?” 

Ben smiled at you, with the most genuine smile you had seen in a while. You just nodded as a reply, trying to hide your embarrassment by putting on your backpack and shutting the door, locking it behind you. You didn’t think he would act like a sap, but there he was, brushing his knuckles against the back of your hand. He didn’t take your hand until you were out of the dorm building though. You turned to look at him and were met with a smirk.

“You don’t think I’m gonna call it a date just to say I’ve been on a date with you right?” 

You just shrugged, as Ben lead you to the parking lot. 

“‘C’mon love, gonna need you to use your words and smart mouth today.” 

Again, there was something overly sexual about the way he just was, but you wouldn’t complain. He looked hot. Until he suddenly looked nervous.

“Unless you don’t want this, then that’s totally cool, I’ll just head back-” 

He started to ramble and you suddenly saw him in a brand new light. You squeezed his hand.

“I want this Ben, ‘m just nervous.”

You smiled at him shyly. Finally you felt a little comfortable in your own nervousness, because it seemed like he was the same. 

“Good, okay, yeah.” 

Ben said with a relieved smile on his lips. 

“So, wanna tell me where we’re going?”

You asked as you playfully pushed against his side. However, it seemed that he had foreseen your action, because before you even knew it, you were tucked into his side with an arm hanging lazily around your shoulder. 

“Nope, you’ll figure it out soon anyways.” 

He whispered cheekily against your ear, before opening the passenger door to his truck that you had just arrived at. You nodded at him and got in. Taking in the vehicle’s inside in the daylight. It was clean enough and the radio had an aux cord hanging out of the plugin. A pair of sunglasses were laying on the dashboard and you noticed it was stickshift. With how smooth the previous drive with him had been, you were a little surprised, most people chose automatic nowadays. 

“Ready?” 

Ben asked after plugging in his phone and putting on a playlist. You nodded both in answer and admiration for his song choice. Jimi Hendrix was always good. 

“Words, angel.”

You couldn’t help but roll your eyes at him, but you answered none the less.

“Yes, I’m ready.”

So Ben started up the car, and you rolled out of the parking lot, to the tune of ‘All Along the Watchtower.’ You both sat in silence, occasionally looking at each other and smiling. You eventually pulled out your phone and sent a message to Alice that she shouldn’t wait up for you. Then you remembered that you hadn’t saved Ben’s number, so you went to his number and saved it, not bothering with his surname. You took a look over at him, and when you saw the sun hitting him at just the right angle, you had to take a contact picture. He knew what you were doing to some degree, because he smiled a little crooked smile. It wasn’t a smirk, just a regular crooked smile. 

“What’s that for?” 

He asked as you smiled down at the photo. Alice just answered with a winky face. 

“Contact photo.”

“Ugh, you’re one of them?” 

He groaned, while you laughed a little.

“What’s wrong with contact photos?” 

You asked curiously.

“I mean, you already know who’s calling, why would you need a picture to remind you?” 

He said incredulously as he took a turn to the left away from the city. 

“I don’t know, I just think it’s a cute feature, makes me remember good times I’ve had with people.” 

You said as Ben nodded a little in understanding, as you stared out the windshield when realisation dawned on you. 

“Ben, are we going to the observatory?” 

He chuckled and nodded, before looking at you for a second. 

“Way too smart.” 

----

You arrived at the Observatory 45 minutes later, when the sun had started to set. You were both heading out of the car and while you started walking, you stopped after a few strides to see that Ben had gone to the side of the plane on the back of the truck. He grabbed a backpack that seemed a little oversized, but you went along with it. 

He grabbed your hand and lead you the rest of the way up to the building. He could see how you were admiring it and how the sunset shone against your hair, making it look like a halo. Before you turned he snapped a picture of you. 

“I haven’t really been here in ages, jesus.” 

You said more to yourself, but Ben overheard you.  

“You haven’t?” 

He took a hold of your hand gently, rubbing the back of your hand softly upon seeing the distant look in your eyes. 

“Nah, but that’s not a story for a first date though.” 

Ben just hummed at your answer, but you could tell he wouldn’t let it go.

“So, how was your day Ben?” 

You changed the topic, genuinely interested in what he had to say. He seemed a little surprised at your question. With a furrowed brow you looked up at him as you neared the entrance. 

“You know, not a lot of people ask me that, and if they do they hardly care about the answer.”

And your heart ached for him. You watched him as he paid for entrance tickets, nodding to the guy and saying a thank you. This was completely different to the guy you’d seen around campus, who seemed so unaffected by the world. Yet he studied astrophysics and asked you out on a proper date. 

“Well, I do care about your answer Ben.” 

You said as you followed him into the observatory. While usually your mouth would be slightly agape at the sight of the big telescope and all the technical instruments surrounding you, Ben was the one holding your attention. 

“Well, woke up early, had a little jog and then a shower, then this exam that went mehh. When I got home I got ready for this date I have tonight. Don’t know if I should tell you, but I’m a little nervous.”

You smiled as you looked at him, still your fingers were intertwined, and you gave him a little squeeze. He pulled you closer by the hand and left a little kiss at your temple. It felt like you’d known him for a long time, like it had been like this forever. It was both scary and comfortable at the same time. 

The two of you walked outside to watch the sunset over the city along with a handful of other people. You were still looking at the orange and pink hues that painted the sky when Ben carefully let go of your hand. He slung his backpack down and opened it, pulling out a blanket, along with a few containers.

“Ben, are we gonna have a picnic here?” 

You asked a little shocked, still there was a coy smile on your lips. It wasn’t that you put it past him, but to be honest, you thought it was going to be a pretty low key date. He always seemed to surprise you. Ben laid out all the containers on the blanket carefully. 

“Yes we are, now will you sit down?”

He smiled at you from his position on the grass, and you complied, sitting down at the other side of the blanket, you felt like you needed just a little space to catch your breath. 

“Now, I’ve made a couple of different dishes that I hope you like, if not I’m also serving looks.” 

Ben winked at you. 

“Well good thing you cooked, I don’t want to starve.” 

You said a little exaggerated, as you started opening one of the heavenly smelling containers. 

“You wound me, angel.” 

But you could tell by the smile on his lips that he wasn’t serious. Yet again the nickname made you blush. 

“Why do you call me angel by the way?” 

You asked a little embarrassed, yet you still met his gaze. Ben mused at your question, with a little smile on his lips. 

“You remind me of an angel, and to be a little frank, seeing you blush every time I say it, well it’s a welcome bonus.”

As if on cue, you blushed, which made him chuckle with you. You sat in comfortable silence for a while, just eating all of the good food he had cooked up. 

 “Didn’t know you cooked either, you don’t really seem like the type.” 

You said after a few minutes of silence, with a hope to create some conversation, you wanted to get to know more than the person the entire uni seemed to know.

“Yeah, well, mum always cooked when she couldn’t sleep, I guess it’s something I’ve picked up from her, that cooking is a really nice thing to do when you want to think of something else.” 

Ben admitted a little quietly, and you remembered how she had insomnia, the same as you. You nodded and started pondering. Maybe you should tell him about why you didn’t really come here anymore. 

“That's really nice Ben, it tastes really incredible.”

The sun had finished setting and the stars started to come out, one by one. The temperature had dropped a bit too, and you regretted not bringing any gloves. That’s why you started to rub your hands together to generate some heat. It didn’t take more than a few seconds for Ben to notice. Quickly yet smoothly, he scooted closer to you and grabbed your hands, and warmed them in his own. 

“You know, my dad used to bring me here to look at the stars.”

You decided to speak up, but still keeping your eyes on your hands, engulfed in Ben. He hummed in reply.

“Back then it was okay for me to have silly dreams and stupid theories, it was okay. But as the years passed and I still wouldn’t let the dreams die away, he stopped bringing me here. One night when I was around fourteen, I asked him why. He said he didn’t want to nurture silly little dreams, that I should start focusing on a real, efficient and good work opportunities for girls.”

Ben had stopped looking at the sky. He looked at you, with those big green eyes of his. 

“Anyway, I’m gonna be a professor or engineer. In spite of him.”

You said decidedly.

“You know, you’re not doing it just to spite him-” 

Ben started, but before he could finish you interrupted.

“Don’t tell me how I live my life.” 

You protested. A little hurt by his comment. 

“I’m not, I was going to say that you don’t do it just to spite him, but also because you’re insanely good at what you do.” 

“Oh.” 

Was the only word you managed to squeeze out. You felt really embarrassed. He laughed, and put an arm around your shoulders. 

“And I mean that, professor Atkins hasn’t shut up about you in class for the last two months.”

Ben was an ego boost and a half, even though you felt abashed most of the time. 

“Shut up.”

You smile at him, and he leaned down and placed a quick kiss on your lips, leaving you stunned and wanting more of his soft lips. 

“Now, wanna go look at some planets through a big ass telescope, genius?”

You smiled at his question. 

“Fuck yes.” 

[shippostshitpost]

“Boyfriend” does my make up challenge part one.

“I need a boyfriend….” Izumi Midoriya mutters more so to herself.  The greenette was normally content with her life as it was, but she had made the mistake of looking at the tending makeup challenges. She, like any streamer, wanted to make sure she kept up with what was trending. It just so happened that  with Valentine's Day coming up everyone was doing the “my boyfriend does my makeup videos and streams.” 

She never really considered dating. Growing up she was the quirkless kid on the playground, the living punching bag. Kaachan may have backed off but that didn’t mean everyone did. So dating never crossed her mind. Then when Kaachan gave her the idea to start her own makeup channel and talk about heroes her life became busy. She would pick a hero, work on a basic analysis or break down a singular fight. She would spend days making sure she had the look planned out and enough allowance if she needed to pick up something. Then one for all entered her life, crash training had dissolved any free time she had left. Attending UA it was only that much worse. No, she never had the time and she didn’t have the time now. She scolded herself for even thinking about it. It couldn’t happen. 

And even as she told herself that, she found herself drifting away in her own mind as she watched what had to be her 20th video in a row. Her favorite are the videos with the shy boyfriends. They always seemed anxious and worried, like they truly valued how important make up was to their girlfriend. They would apologize and fidget, even going against the rules of the challenge to check with the product was for.  She also enjoyed the joker ones she called them jokers because they seem to make a joke out of everything. They openly admitted it they knew absolutely nothing about makeup and we’re just winging it. She thought it hilarious the ways they would use some of the products. Sometimes it be brow powder as an eyeshadow, and then they would be confused as to why it wasn’t super pigmented. One guy, and she wasn’t sure how this happened, tried to use liquid liner and lipstick. It was the only time his girlfriend said absolutely not. She couldn’t help but imagine if she had a boyfriend like either of those. Given that she herself was pretty shy, she wasn’t sure A shy boyfriend would be a good idea. But she did like the idea of a bold boyfriend with a good sense of humor. She could imagine herself pushing him away as he tried to insist that a product was for one thing when it was for another. The two of them laughing as he reminded her that he knew nothing about makeup.  The third category a boyfriend she came across were the ones that seem to know how to do make up. In one video it was a Gothic boyfriend, he was amazing with the eyeliner. She was almost jealous of how well he did, she still couldn’t get her eyeliner to be a sharp as his was.

“...Or a girlfriend…” she sighed, letting her mind jump. Her favorites included, the shy bashful girlfriend who is good at Sweet looks, lots of pinks and soft blues maybe a little bit of purple here in there and a lot of white. And maybe some face jewels, the kind that were stickers you could get at your local crest store. Not the glue on ones, never the glue on ones! She had tried that once and regretted it. She also loved the challenges we’re both girls were doing the others makeup. They will do matching looks based on famous couples or even TV shows they liked. She also had a soft spot for the girlfriend that just couldn’t do makeup. The one who had the more natural look that wore the red flannel, and combat boots. The lumberjack girlfriend. Izumi giggled at the idea but swooned all the same.

She pulled at her bottom lip muttering at several hundred words per minute. Her thin bows were pulled tight together while freckled cheeks were dusted pink, her green hair slightly messy as the curls broke away to do as they pleased. She was completely oblivious to the world around her, and the fact she was in the common room.

1-A was in utter shock. Had she really just said that? Izumi Midoriya wanted a boyfriend? Or girlfriend? She wanted to date? They could hardly believe what they were hearing! It would be a lie to say that none of them had tried. Bless her heart, the green haired girl was a bit dense. She was incredibly intelligent in matters pertaining to heroism. She excelled in strategy, went above and beyond when it came to quirk history, she could tell you anything you wanted to know about any quirk including her own, using this knowledge to try and dominate the battlefield. But when it came to other people, and subsequently romantic interests? She seemed to know nothing or maybe she was just ignoring them? They found it hard to believe that she would brush off their feelings  without acknowledging them. And she always seemed worried about hurting people's feelings, no they had decided that she was just oblivious.

But now? This was a complete game changer. The poor girl didn’t realize what silent competition she had set for her classmates. And there wasn’t a single one that wasn’t taking it seriously. While she scrolled away day dreaming the class seemed to be planning.

Tenya Iida of course began devising a strategy. Being that they were close he knew her schedule, her common interests, and when she had free time. After all regardless of romantic attraction he didn’t want to intervene with her personal schedule. And certainly not with her school or training schedule!  Though he did have the advantage of being a class representative, meaning he could easily ask for her help on something. What exactly? He wasn’t sure. He also began scrolling through her social media trying to find things she might be excited about they could make great conversational topics. As well as sending a text to his older brother. Izumi was a woman not a girl, he couldn’t expect her to swoon over any position he held nor his family name. No, he would simply have to show her that he was a superior option to the rest of his competition.

Ochaco radiate confidence. Izumi was her best friend, and have been since they started at the prestigious hero school. If anyone knew her it wa Ochaco! She knew it would be effortless to get her attention, she could simply ask for a little help in a class here or there. If there was one thing she knew about the mumbling angel, it was that just by being her friend she could gain the attention she wanted.

Tokoyami began conversing with dark shadow. The two were trying to figure out a strategy to show their little ray of light that the darkness was a safe place to be. Tokoyami was always a little anxious about his power, but he wasn’t about to pass up an opportunity to win the girl of his dreams. He could already see them strolling in the moonlight, him dressed in a dark cloak and her in a pure white kimono. The thought alone was enough to motivate him. He would write her poetry, letters, and pay her compliments. Traditional love languages were the most effective.

Mina was already working on a playlist. She and Midoriya enjoy the same music, and it just so happened that a new album had dropped. They could listen to it together Mina would have the opportunity to show her that she could be the fun girlfriend. The girlfriend that she could let loose with.

Momo  wondered if she even stood a chance against the others. She was more shy, and really lacked the confidence that Midoriya seem to carry. Then again that wasn’t always a bad thing, after all Momo could be the shy one, and Midoriya could be the outgoing one who had all the confidence. She began to daydream about that dynamic, they would surely be the cutest couple on campus.

Kaminari and Sero had decided to work together. After all, they were both very aware that she was out of their league. But maybe if they could both get her laughing she would choose one of them. They also didn’t mind if she chose both.

Shouto didn’t even bother to think about it. He didn’t want to think of the how, he only thought of what would happen after they got together. Surely if they got married he would take her last name. And they would be the power couple of UA. He would show her how deep his love was, using both of his powers to rise to the top with her. He would be a good husband unlike his father. 

Kirishima, well his plan was simple. He was aware of how strong she was, and the fact that she didn’t really need a man to complete her. She wasn’t weak or fragile and had more than once kicked his ass. No his strategy was to show her how well they work together. That they could be an unstoppable team.

While the class plotted,  and Izumi watched her video, Katsuki had a moment to reflect. He wasn’t unaware of the intentions of his classmates. He had always known that half-and-half bastard had a thing for her. And it wasn’t hard to figure out that almost everyone else did too. But where did that leave him? He was under no illusions, he had put her through hell and made her life miserable. She didn’t owe him forgiveness and he wasn’t going to ask for it. he wasn’t sure how he felt about her, she was his childhood friend. And he did truly believe that. Regardless of how he felt, he wasn’t going to let anyone in that room just try and waltz into her life. They would have to get through him first.

“Game on extras, may the best man or woman win…” He thought with a smirk. This was going to be fun. 

[toms-order]

Dive

Tom Holland x reader

Requested by @da5haexowin

Dive by Ed Sheeran

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

Maybe I came on too strong Maybe I waited too long Maybe I played my cards wrong Oh, just a little bit wrong Baby I apologize for it

When Tom first saw you, he could feel his heart stop. You stood from across the room, the dress you wore was a perfect fit. It showed off your beautiful curves that made Tom’s knees grow weak. You were laughing at something your friend had said, the sight made butterflies appear in Tom’s stomach. Tom pushed back his nerves. He was determined to make some sort of move on you. He had hoped you wouldn’t turn him down in the first second.

Tom’s steps towards you were hesitant, his nerves taking over his body. He could feel the sweat start to form on the back of his neck. He cleared his throat, nervously fiddling with his collar. He stood in front of you, interrupting the conversation you were having with your friend.

“Hello, I’m Tom.” He stuck his hand out for you to shake. He sounded confident, like he was meant to be introducing himself to you.

To you, he looked like it was easy, like he hadn't just been sweating a storm. But on the inside Tom was freaking out, his insecurities were slowly taking over, and he could feel his body start to give out.

You gave him a smile, softly shaking his clammy hand. “I’m Y/N.”

Your smile washed away all those insecurities Tom had. He felt proud of himself for taking action, proud that he got you to smile, even if it was only a friendly one. Now that Tom grew more confident, he sent you a cocky grin.

“I couldn't help but overhear your beautiful laugh, and I just had to meet you.” His words sent shivers down your spine.

You chuckled, flashing him a grin. “Well now you’ve met me.” You teased.

He bit his lip, trying to hold back a smile. “Care to join me for a drink?” He asked, hopefully.

You forgot about your friend standing next to you, watching the interaction carefully. You were too distracted by the handsome man in front of you.

“I’d love too.”

I could fall, or I could fly Here in your aeroplane And I could live, I could die Hanging on the words you say And I’ve been known to give my all And jumping in harder than Ten thousand rocks on the lake

It only took three months for Tom to fall in love with you. He knew he fell for you quickly. It was like he had been waiting for you his entire life. Like he was surrounded by darkness and someone had just given him a light. Everyone around him could see Tom slowly change into the happiest man he could be. He felt like he finally had everything. He got the girl, a good career and a family that supported him, nothing could bring him down.

Even though Tom knew he had fallen in love, he still didn't say it. He was waiting for the right time. He wanted it to be special. He was confident that you loved him back. There was no way you hadn't fallen for him too. He could see your love for him even in the dark.

Tom set up a picnic at the lake. He had a plan to finally tell you there. He bought take out and brought extra blankets so you could lay down and look at the stars. Then when your comfortably laying on his chest in silence, he could tell you he loves you. He had it all planned out in his head, nothing was gonna ruin his fantasy.

When it finally came down to it and you both were sat up, your head on his shoulder while he rested his hand on your thigh, things didn't go as planned.

You were looking up at the stars, Tom was looking at you. You felt his intense stare, and looked back at him.

“What?” You asked with a smile.

He smiled softly, his eyes were filled with love.

“I love you.” He said above a whisper.

Instead of saying it back like Tom had thought you were, your smile dropped into a frown.

So don’t call me baby Unless you mean it Don’t tell me you need me If you don’t believe it So let me know the truth Before I dive right into you

You quickly lifted your head off of his shoulder. Tom started to panic, he jolted up from his seat, nervously running a hand in his hair.

You followed after him, ignoring his nervous gaze.

“I didn't mean that.” He quickly tried to take back his words. He thought he fucked it all up, he thought he scared you.

You let out a breath, before looking back at Tom with sympathetic eyes. “Tom.” You looked at him knowingly. You knew he meant it. It felt like he meant it.

Tom let out a grown, rubbing his hands over his face. “Okay, yes I meant it.” He looked at you, his eyes full of regret. “I love you.” He said firmly.

You sighed, biting down on your lip. “Tom-” He cut you off.

“Look, I know maybe it's too soon and we’ve only been seeing each other three months, but I also know that I love you.” He breathed out. “I know you’re meant to be mine. And it is possible to love you this soon because I do. I love you so damn much, it makes me feel insane.” His voice cracks.

You could feel the tears pool up in your eyes. Tom didn't stop, he continued.

“I need to know you feel the same way.” He took a step towards you. “because I need you.” He took your hand in his, bringing it towards his chest. “I need you to love me back.” You could see his tears start to fall.

You paused, letting his words sink in. You didn't know if you loved him. You didn't know it was possible for someone to love so soon.

“Baby-” He cut you off again.

“Don't.” He said sternly. “I just need to know if you do.” He looked at you with begging eyes.

“I-” You took a deep breath. “I need you too.” You told the truth. You did need Tom, he was your rock for the past three months, but you didn't know if you were in love with him.

Tom let the tears fall, his hand clenched yours. “Don't say that unless you can tell me you love me.” He begged. “Please tell me you love me.” The desperation in his voice was clear.

You bit the inside of your cheek, holding back more tears. You shook your head, looking down at the floor.

“I’m sorry I-” Tom didn't let you finish. He let go of you, quickly walking away.

He walked away from you, letting the tears fall from his eyes. He didn't let you see him break. He didn't let you have another word.

You’re a mystery I have travelled the world, there’s no other girl like you No one, what’s your history? Do you have a tendency to lead some people on? 'Cause I heard you do, mm

Tom sat at the bar, a glass of scotch in his hand. His tie was undone and thrown over his shoulder. His white button up was wrinkled, like he had been pulling on it.

A hand collapsed on his shoulder, bringing him from his thoughts about you. Tom looked up, watching as his best friend Harrison sat next to him.

“What the hell are you doing here?” Harrison questioned, shooting him a grin.

Tom sighed, raising his glass at Harrison. “Drinking my feelings away.” He joked before bringing the glass to his lips.

“What's wrong?” Harrison asked, his eyebrows furrowed causing his forehead to wrinkle.

Tom looked down at his scotch, avoiding his strong gaze. “Me and Y/N had a fight.” He said hesitantly.

“Y/N?” He asked. “The girl you've been dating?”

Tom nodded. “More than just dating.” He corrected. “I love her.” He admitted.

Harrison grew confused. Tom never told him about falling in love. Sure, the both of them never talked about relationships or love, but he thought that a least Tom would tell him something important as that.

“Why didn't you tell me?” Harrison asked, hurt in his voice.

Tom rolled his eyes. “It doesn't matter, she doesn't love me back.”

Harrison sighed, running a hand through his hair. “She has the tendency to lead people on.” He admitted, gaining Tom’s full attention.

“What do you mean?” He asked.

Harrison ran his tongue over his bottom lip before speaking. “Some of the guys I know told me.” He said guiltily.

Tom clenched his jaw. “Why didn't you tell me that before.” He snapped.

Harrison shrugged, unaffected by the tone of Tom's voice. “I thought it was just dating.”

Tom ran his hands over his face. “It doesn't matter anyways.” He licked his lips. “She can't give me what I want.”

I could fall, or I could fly Here in your aeroplane And I could live, I could die Hanging on the words you say And I’ve been known to give my all And lie awake, everyday don't know how much I can take

All Tom wanted was for you to admit you loved him. He didn't care what Harrison's friends had said. He knew you and he didn't believe what he heard. The whole time you guys spent together he never felt like you were leading him on. You both scared your secrets, shared your biggest fears, there was no way any of that was fake. Tom still held on to hope, he hoped that you loved him. That, that night was just bad timing and you were just confused. He still had hope.

So that’s why he stood on your front porch. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves before knocking on your door. When the door swung open revealing your puffy red eyes and your messy hair, he knew he made the right decision on coming.

You let out a cough, running your fingers through the knots in your hair. “What are you doing here?”

Tom bit his lip. “We need to talk.” He said softly.

You nodded hesitantly, stepping aside to let him in.

When Tom entered your house he could feel himself start to grow more nervous. He was nervous for what was about to happen, for what was about to be said.

Before he could speak you broke the silence first.

“I’m sorry.” You quickly said. “I didn't mean to hurt you.”

Tom let out  a breath he had been holding. “I know.”  He looked at you sympathetically. “I shouldn't have said it too soon, or I shouldn't have reacted the way I did.” He stepped towards you.

“No, it's not your fault.” You shook your head. “I should've told you how I felt.” You admitted.

So don’t call me baby Unless you mean it And don’t tell me you need me If you don’t believe it So let me know the truth Before I dive right into

Tom stepped closer again, looking into your regretful eyes. “And how do you feel?” He whispered.

He was nervous for the answer. Tom was positive he loved you, even if you didn't love him back. He knew you were the one for him. He didn't care if it was too soon, he didn't care if he drove straight in right away, he just loved you. And that's enough for him.

You gulped, nervous for how he would react.

“I don't know.”

I could fall, or I could fly Here in your aeroplane And I could live, I could die Hanging on the words you say And I’ve been known to give my all Sitting back, looking at every messy that I made

Tom nodded his head, tears pooling his eyes. “Okay.” He said softly.

“Okay?” You weren't expecting that reaction. You were prepared for screaming and crying, not the calm tone he held.

Tom placed a hand on your cheek, giving you a small smile. You leaned into his hand. “I don't need you to say it right now.” He paused. “I thought I did, but the truth is I just need you to stay.” He ran his thumb over your cheek. “I just need to know that you're with me.”

So don’t call me baby Unless you mean it Don’t tell me you need me If you don’t believe it Let me know the truth Before I dive right into you

You sent him a soft smile. “I don't know if I’m in love with you right now.” You paused. “I don't know what love is to know.” You placed a hand on his cheek. “But I do know is I’m with you, and I’ll be with you to figure it out.”

Tom smiled. That’s all he really wanted to hear. He could wait for you to say it, he would wait a thousand years for you to utter those words, all he needed was you right by his side, supporting him throughout his journey.

Tom didn't say anymore words. There wasn't any words that needed to be said. He didn't waste anymore time, he connected his lips with yours

You felt the tingles of his kiss run through your body. You felt at bliss. All you needed right now was Tom, and all he needed was you.

Before I dive right into you Before I dive right into you

One month later you had said it first. Once you had figured it out, you felt like all you needed to do was finally say it.

And you did.

In the same place Tom said he loved you the first time.

Tom gave you his heart a month ago, and now you were ready to give him yours. You were ready to dive into his pool of love. And this time you were sure of it. You were positive you loved him, you were positive it was all gonna go right this time.

And it did.

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

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[thedragonlover]

Oops I stepped into a wormhole - Chapter 1

hahahaha you bitches thought I was going to give up on this didn’t you NOT TODAY PAL

But siriusly, this has been fun. I’m just writing what I want. Without worrying over making it a gd masterpiece. It’s a bit liberating? I sometimes get wrapped up in the details, so just doing whatever I feel like is strange but nice.

Anyway, hope you enjoy the continuation of this nightmare MM fic! Again, thanks to @mystical-imagine and @freckled-yoosung for the encouragement! ^^

Warnings: SPOILERS TO SEVERAL ROUTES, COMMON AND DEEP; profanity, as usual; possible OOCness; a writer who didn’t want to write fifty chapters of a protag who wouldn’t believe what was happening and decided “fuck it”; also this monster is almost 6k words, dayum son.

Teaser/Introduction / 1

There were fingers on my shoulder, trying to roll me over.

"Ngh--"

One arm was trapped under me and my laptop bag, so I wriggled the other out to prop myself up. And immediately regretted that, once the headache kicked in.

"Agh, fuck, did I headbutt the sidewalk...?"

I continued to hiss my agony, resting my forehead against cool tile as I made a mental checklist. Head? Pounding. Rest of body? Pretty all right, and actually a little warm. I wasn't outside anymore. Those were my glasses pressing into the bridge of my nose, and a little feeling around with my freed hand conjured up my phone, intact despite the fall. I obviously had my laptop bag with me, which was heavy so it hopefully hadn't been rummaged through. Maybe I still had everything. I didn't think I was out long. Ha, not like I have experience with being knocked out.

"H-hey..."

Realizing someone was talking to me, I struggled to sit up properly. I shrugged off my bag and grimaced as it fell over with a thud. There was definitely too much shit in that thing. My perusal of my surroundings was thwarted by some hellishly bright lights. Ugh, I almost wish I was back outside... never mind, that shit is cold. I squinted, pulling my hat down until it hit my glasses. So much red, and black, and yellow. Huh. You know, this color scheme--

My gaze came upon who I assumed had spoken up, and I had already begun saying "oh, that's a person" before some facts registered in my brain. First there was the obvious: He had red hair, and were those golden eyes behind his glasses? He was wearing contacts around the house? Oh, speaking of, I was probably in his house. Welp. Hope this isn't a murder den. If it was, he was a very uncertain-looking serial killer. Once the pain and shock of this situation wore off I'd probably be freaking out, but for the time being I was unnervingly calm.

His staring was making me uncomfortable, so in typical me-fashion I broke the silence with an odd question: "Why do you look like Seven Zero Seven, the Defender of Justice?"

Because, come on. Gold eyes, red hair, bumblebee-colored glasses, orange headphones, black-yellow jacket... even the cross necklace. This was a really good Seven cosplay. A pro for passing out/being kidnapped: Meeting interesting people!

He glanced at the finger I had wagged in his direction.

"...b... because," he answered, in accented English, "I am Seven Zero Seven, Defender of Justice."

The finger dropped.

"...huh."

Speaking of that.

I glanced down, lifting my phone to examine the screen. A simple swipe was all it took; it strangely didn't ask for my pattern lock. Along with that, my background had been changed to a plain black with yellow stars, and a little spaceship in the corner. There was a distinct lack of organization; I never let my phone to get so cluttered. (Technology was one of the few areas I was always neat and orderly in.) And there was an app called "RFA" in the corner?

"What the hell," I muttered. I swiped through the home screens, finding nothing familiar, and repeated, "What the hell?"

My contacts. Right, I should probably call my roommate. Or the police. A click, and there was a distinct lack of roommates in my address book. And numbers. Dammit.

Messenger! Please please PLEASE let me be able to talk to someone I kno--ohhhh for the love of everything good in this world, what is this crap.

"Seven" tried to say something, but it was aborted, and I told him to wait. I'd get to him in a moment.

Palm to my forehead, I went back to tap on the RFA app, which finally brought up a welcome sight. "Thank the gods, something familiar." Tap, tap. It wanted me to enter a new name? Well, duh, use the usual. ...it wouldn't accept my first entry, saying it was already taken. Since when was that a thing? Okay, fine, I'll put in my real first name, jerk. Huh, the loading wasn't as god awful. Actually, wait, there wasn't a continue option, or after ending, or extras. I navigated through the familiar-yet-not menu, but the call history was empty.

Then I actually looked at the time--I was out for twelve hours?

Lifting my gaze, I finally returned my attention to the man. "Okay. So. What happened?"

"I..." Hand rising to his hair, he admitted awkwardly, "I-I don't know...?" He seemed rather shaken.

That wasn't a good sign. "...how'd I get here?"

"You... appeared?" I furrowed my brows at him. "I'm being serious! You appeared out of nowhere! No jokes!"

" "God Seven," not joking?" I snorted. "The horror!" If he dragged me here, he sounds very confused about it. So, maybe someone else did? I wasn't sure why someone would take me to a house instead of a hospital, but to be honest I was thankful I wasn't in one. I'm not all that fond of them, and I didn't seem to be horribly injured. "Okay, well. Cool cosplay... and apartment... though there are too many lights for my taste."

He seemed to get over what was bothering him. Or internalize it, I don't know. A goofy grin, more fitting for the character he was dressed as, came over his expression as he told me, "If I knew you'd want to see me in some cosplay, I would've put on my favorite dress."

I snorted, then covered the noise as he continued grinning. "You'd really rock a maid outfit," I snickered.

"Of course I do!"

I outright laughed at this, thinking of how bizarre this situation was. Well, keeping calm and waiting until I figure things out can't hurt. I've already been MIA for twelve hours, apparently. I moved to sit cross-legged, which he immediately copied.

"So, Sir Defender of Justice...?"

"Affirmative!" He gave a silly salute that drew another giggle-snort out of me. "Seven! Zero! Seven! That is I!"

"You're such a dork," I laughed, shaking my head. His acting was pretty much what I expected out of the guy. Pinching my phone between two fingers to spin it, I asked him, "So, I trust that this superhero didn't hack my things?"

"Negative! ...but the night's still young," he added. "Heheh." And wow, he stuck his tongue out and winked, yep, this was the most accurate Seven cosplayer in existence.

I wagged a finger. "Bad hacker. Down, boy."

"Ruff!"

Well, I was giggle-snorting as much as I would when listening to his character's antics. Mission accomplished, man. I tossed and caught my phone all cool-like--not really, I almost dropped the damn thing, but I was willing to ignore that--and went on, "And if I called "707" through this RFA app, it would definitely go to your phone?"

"Definitely maybe!" He hummed, gripped his chin and nodded. "Mm... possibly for certain!"

"Absolutely so-so?" I went ahead to the app, wondering if perhaps Mystic Messenger had updated and caused total chaos on my phone. With my current situation, that was probably the least of my worries, but it was the only lead I had so far.

"Ohh! Yes, that!"

"Pfffha, okay, sure, let's try it then." Click. "Don't leave me hanging, God Seven!"

He expertly flipped his phone around, putting my earlier attempt to shame. "I, Seven, would never let down such a loyal disciple!"

"I guess a necklace with the gemini symbol is the Seven-ist religion's equivalent of a cross necklace--"

An unfamiliar ringtone cut through my words. The man answered his phone. And my call was picked up.

"Hello," he sang into the reciever. I hung up. "Aww!"

Staring at the screen, I navigated through the numbers saved in the app, separate of the phone's main address book. Sure enough, there were all of the names of the RFA's members. "707... Jaehee... Zen... Jumin... Yoosung..." But of course, they were all in the game.

In that case, what was with the extra name on the list?

"...Dragon."

Yeah, that's the one.

My head snapped back up at the voice. "Seven" wasn't smiling anymore; his expression had dropped into something more serious. I was reminded that, even sitting down, he was a tall mofo. It was a little intimidating.

Swallowing, I exited out of the RFA address book and examined the chibi icons that would lead to the different profiles. There was an additional one there which, when clicked on, led to the profile of a cute young woman with long brown hair. Username "Dragon." It was the exact same username I'd used throughout the game. (I'm just predictable like that.) I backed out and clicked Yoosung's for another shock. I couldn't help the urge to cover my gasp as I saw someone who looked very much like the excitable college student smiling alongside "Dragon"... with only one good eye.

I turned off the screen, set the phone down, and returned the redhead's steady gaze.

"...okay." I took a deep breath, then let it out. "Okay. This... isn't a dream."

"Yeah?"

Another deep breath. "I don't lucid dream, so the fact that I know that this could be a dream means it isn't. And even if this was a lucid dream, I wouldn't be dreaming of a scenario where Yoosung..." I swallowed again. "I could change it. So. Not a dream."

"...All right." Compared to earlier, this tone of voice was frighteningly serious. If this was a cosplay... he was taking it too far. He needed to stop. "Then what is it?"

"Well..."

I clasped my knees, gaze sweeping carefully across the apartment I'd found myself in. Complicated computer set-up against the wall, front door, a few steps down to a living area, and a hallway that led elsewhere. It was a pretty sweet pad. Messy, too. A guy after my own heart.

"...since it's not a dream, this leaves two other options. One, I've been dragged into a crazy cosplayer's house who delights in going above and beyond for authenticity's sake."

...you know, it would be nice if you corrected me on that one, buddy.

"...or, this is actually Seven's place. Which is impossible so--"

"It's possible."

I searched his expression, but it was strangely neutral and entirely serious.

"You're... telling me that you're actually Seven. As in, Seven Zero Seven, secret agent and hacker extroardinaire. God Seven."

"Yes."

"That's..." He'd already told me it was possible, and with that face I was inclined to believe him. I wasn't getting bad vibes from him either, and I generally trusted my gut with that. Still. "...that's hard to believe. Because, despite how awesome that'd be, Seven is not real."

"Then who am I?"

I squinted. "...uh. A cool dude who dresses, acts and sounds like Seven?"

Resting his elbows on his knees, he leaned forward. "So, you're just a person who dresses, acts and sounds like someone Dragon and I know?"

Now I was definitely giving him a weird look. "Uh... yes? Because I've... never met anyone who speaks Korean, and looks like you? And also I only know about Seven and the others because of a phone game?"

"A phone app?"

"Y...es."

"...Sounds just like Dragon."

I glanced down at my phone, then raised my palms for a respite. "Okay, okay, hold on. Let's ignore the ramifications of fiction becoming reality for a moment..." Rubbing my head--because it still hurt--my eyes were drawn to something blinking on the ceiling. I peered past his head and couldn't help commenting, "Well, that's flashy."

That was an honest-to-god stoplight on the ceiling. It hung over the living area, which lined up with what I remembered from the game. So much for ignoring fiction-turned-reality.

My admiration of the bizarre decoration met an end when a computerized voice broke the awkward silence.

"Password accepted. Mary Vanderwood the 3rd entering."

Immediately, the guy was grabbing my arm and yanking me to my feet.

"Ow, what the--"

"You need to leave. No--" He swore. "You need to hide. Here."

"Ah--" I fought against his grip until I could snag my bag, which I tossed over my shoulder. It smacked painfully against my back, but I was already being ushered into the bathroom. Phone gripped in my other hand, I hissed, "Wait, hold on--"

"Be quiet, and lock the door. I'll get you when it's safe."

I shut my mouth, thinking that if this was truly Seven's place--and he, the secret agent himself--that I didn't want to tangle with "Mary Vanderwood the 3rd." That guy has a taser. And, that was that. Unless this was an incredibly detailed gag--of which I didn't have any friends who would bother going to such extremes--this was really the world I had glimpsed into using the Mystic Messenger app. It was crazy. Insane. But in the end, I was far more willing to accept this as reality then I was to take my chances and continue being difficult. Really, I've had dreams crazier than this. I can deal with this. ...Probably.

The bathroom was only marginally cleaner than the rest of the house had been. As in, only one empty chip bag per five-foot square instead of twelve. Sitting against the door, I set the phone on silent to fiddle with as I eavesdropped as best I could. Organizing the apps was calming.

There was already the sound of crinkling packages, cans being kicked across the floor, and loud complaints. It was a good thing I hadn't left any of my things out there, or Seven--it was probably better for him if I called him that--would've had some uncomfortable questions to answer. It was likely a visit about work--of course, Vanderwood was like his handler, there to keep him on track. It seemed he was still a part of the agency. That's not good...

The good thing was, it didn't sound like it was nearly as urgent as I remembered from the game. Important to finish, yes, but their talking didn't suggest a topic of dying or loved ones being injured.

The only English I heard was when Seven gave a loud, dramatic, "Ahh! Madam, be gentle!"

Snrk. I covered my mouth, hoping no one heard my low snort. Come on, you can't do things like that and not expect your audience to laugh.

It was agony, lying low. I managed to separate and alphabetize the apps in that time, putting the ones I'd likely use into appropriate folders and deleting the rest. There was the temptation to text Seven for Vanderwood's ETD, but I didn't want to risk it. He had said he'd come get me when the coast was clear, and I wanted to trust him.

Huh. I didn't think he had a warning system for guests. Maybe he was getting tired of being taken by surprise, since Vanderwood evidently carried an Arabic dictionary. And that taser. Hmm, I wonder what Mr. Taze A Lot is like in-person... That was a definite "curiosity killed the cat" situation, unfortunately. Shame.

There was a knock on the door, and I held my breath.

"...it's me. Coast's clear."

I got up with a grunt, kicking my bag aside for now. But there was something very important I had to do first, to regain what sanity I had left.

The door opened, and Seven began, "So back to your similarity to--"

"I'm disappointed in you, y'know."

He stopped, mouth working in silence for a moment. Finally, he managed a very baffled, "What...?"

"I thought that you would've..." I held up a bar of soap. "...cleaned up your act by now."

He stared at it.

"...get it? Clean... soap..." I wriggled it. "Was that too... suds-den?"

More staring.

"...I'm hilarious and you know it."

His face twitched. Air escaped his lips like a balloon. Then he leaned bodily against the doorframe, laughing wholeheartedly as he held his stomach. I laughed along with him, feeling rather triumphant. Bad pun: Success! I can never let a stupid joke go unsaid. In all honesty, he was probably laughing hysterically at the situation instead of my sense of humor, but I'll take what laughter I can get.

The soap was returned, and I was led to the living area where seating more comfortable than tile was located. He offered a bag of Honey Buddha Chips, and I pressed a dainty hand to my heart, affecting a Southern drawl. "Wha--for me? I'm flattered, Mistuh Seven, but I can't accept such an extravagant gift." Then I snatched that bag out of his freakin' hands because my stomach was trying to eat itself. He laughed at the enthusiasm. I chowed down (mm, not bad) as I asked in my normal voice, "Okay, so, I'll believe that you're Seven, aka Luciel, etcetera. So... what's this about recognizing me?"

He crunched loudly on his own chips. Is he making--yep, he's doing a duck face, what a goober. "It sounds crazy--"

"I'm crazy."

"--but I... saw you in my dreams."

"I know I'm dreamy, but--" I snickered, stopping myself there. "Okay, psychic dreams. Continue."

After finishing his own snickers, Seven scarfed the remainder of the bag in a hot second and crumpled up the wrapper. I saw him preparing to toss it on the floor and offered a hand... wriggled my fingers... then finally sighed and told him, "Please give me that so I can throw it away in a proper garbage receptacle."

"Yes, ma'am," he replied, giving a mock-salute.

I held onto it for the time being. "Anyway? Dreams?"

"Okay... so..."

Normally, when a person says that they had dreams about you, it's a bit weird and difficult to take seriously, and makes you want to find the closest exit. Who could really credit their slumbering mind with giving glimpses into anything credible? Not to mention the potential for more bad jokes. But I'd had my own dreams that connected to reality in the past, not that I ever thought much of them. So I listened intently to what Seven had to say, letting him explain with only a comment on how fluent he was in English. I'd forgotten that he knew seventeen languages. (Not gonna lie? Jealous. That's hella cool.)

According to him, after the party (where Yoosung came in, injured and totally prepared to smooch "Dragon") there started a period of strange dreams. It followed similar events at first--a "common route," if you will--but introduced some instances and information I knew to be from the "deep story" I was familiar with. The more Seven talked about it, the more I realized that was exactly what he was dreaming about. How else would he have been able to tell what was in the contents of that drawer in Rika's apartment? In this timeline of Yoosung falling in love with "Dragon," he wouldn't have set foot in there.

Of course, he didn't believe all of this at first. He chalked it up to Honey Buddha Chips and Doctor Pepper. They were only dreams, right? He laughingly told Dragon about one of them, expecting her to tease about him dreaming up a girlfriend.

Then she told him that she had the very same dreams.

So he decided to do some searching.

"And by that, you mean hacking."

"Correct!"

The thought of having someone hacking through the internet to locate me was more amusing than disturbing; they wouldn't get a lot out of it, because I didn't make much of an imprint on the world wide web. Maybe gratuitous amounts of fanfics, doodles and poetry, but that's about it. Along with that, it was really starting to feel like I was in a totally different universe than before, and I was pretty positive that you couldn't just Google search--sorry, Noogle search through the multiverse. (If the "Noogle search bar" on our phones wasn't definitive proof that I wasn't in the same realm, I didn't know what was.) I couldn't help telling him exactly that.

"It'd be too easy if I was able to just pop into other universes and steal their fanfiction. And what if someone from there read my fanfiction?"

"Uh..."

"...oh my god, no way." Thank every deity in existence I don't upload smut, holy shit that would be awkward. "Please tell me you didn't read anything before 2012."

"I, Seven, am too thorough to leave even the silliest fanfiction alone!"

"Oh, ye gods of yore. Why? You're the worst... I hate you...!"

"God Seven rejects your hate!"

"Okay, fine, no, I don't. ANYWAY, please continue."

He didn't have much luck at first, as I expected. But the dreams continued, and because he didn't think he and Dragon were going crazy the exact same way and time, he was certain there was some grain of truth in them. On top of that, they were scenes about someone he didn't recognize in peril. (I thought maybe he just mistook "Dragon" for me, but he mentioned the meowing and I just... couldn't deny it, that was definitely me. Plus, she didn't wear glasses.) It kind of consumed him for a while. And the threat of the hacker returning to finish the job hung over him like a bomb threat.

"I think he'd bide his time," I mumbled. "Saeren can be rash and has a temper, but he had patience for a bit."

The pained look on Seven's face made me regret speaking my mind, but he agreed quietly. It'd been several months since the party, however, and he wasn't going to take any chances. He nearly got into trouble with his agency for slacking off on their work, but since he finished the big scary job on time they'd given him a bit more leniency. (Remembering the deep story's threat of torture placed a stone in my gut.) Yet no public record lined up with the information he'd gleaned, and he was running out of options. The only other RFA member aware of his struggles was Dragon, who worried over his health.

"Well, someone has to," I muttered, mostly to myself. I approved. By this point, we were both reclined on the sofa like amoebas. I expected to leave imprints on the cushions.

So, there were dreams involving the deep story, starring me, that he shared with Dragon and couldn't find an explanation for. He still hadn't exactly explained how he had been able to read my fanfiction.

Rubbing his neck, Seven began that topic with a low, "I... got a weird email."

I really couldn't help it this time. Another snrk escaped as I jokingly sang, "Did you get mysterious messages?" It was too perfect.

There was a faint smile on his face. "Correct!"

...wait. "Weird, how?"

"It was... from someone who called themselves "Cheritz." "

I drew back.

"...wat."

"Yeah."

"That's... Cheritz? Really? ...what'd they say?"

"Said they knew what I was trying to do. They referred to me by name... my real name... and said that they could get me the information I was looking for."

Well, that was scary. Glancing at my phone, I was a little glad I had the RFA app now instead of the Cheritz game. "...so. You took their offer?"

Seven nodded, then cracked his neck. Ew. He noticed my wince. "Sorry."

Now, he said it was only after a lot of hacking and being unable to sneak any nefarious intentions out of them that he decided to play along. After all, he was good at biding his time, and making his escape. They had promised they'd contact him again soon. He stewed impatiently for a few days, trying and failing again to get any dirt on them, until they finally emailed a dossier with more information on his "dream girl." He provided these documents now; I could feel his gaze as I poured through my life on print.

"Holy shit, they know more about me than I remember about myself." Officially creeped out now. "Why?" Seven didn't know, which was frustrating because I kind of expected him to have all of the answers. Sighing, I let him continue.

"It was hard to believe at first. I am God Seven," he claimed in a deeper voice, "and if my heavenly hacking skills couldn't find anything on you, no one could!" The playfulness left as quickly as it had come. "...is what I would like to say, but it was clear that they had access to something I didn't. And it was protected so well I couldn't even find many mentions of it. When they sent audio clips and video that matched up with the person from our dreams, I knew Cheritz wasn't playing around."

Trying not to feel sick, I decided I didn't want to know what he had seen or heard. "...so, if this is a multi-universe-thing, Cheritz... has access to both of ours."

Seven nodded. "And since they were the only lead I had--"

"Hold on," I cut in, brows furrowing.

I sat up straight.

"Does that mean that they can go across spacetime as they please? Like the TARDIS or a Time-Turner or something? How? Why are they bothering with otome games if they can do that? I can imagine, like, five other get-rich-quick schemes using that sort of power, and that's just off the top of my head. And why this universe? If there are various possibilities out there for them to meddle in, it's weird that they settled on this one in particular. It's not a bad one, you guys are freakin' fantastic, but like, why this one? What attracted them to you guys? To this branch of the timeline? Or to me? Does everyone who plays their "games" have access to their own personal universe?"

I was spacing out a little at this point, looking off into the distance over his shoulder as if the answers were hovering out there past his fortress walls.

"A multitude of universes as numerous as the stars... or more so... Holy shit. Holy fuck, that's--cool and scary and kind of hard to wrap my head around, even knowing that time isn't linear, and the concept of the Many Worlds Theory. Like, how do you make a walkthrough for real life? How true is the game interaction to the universe's reality? Is that the same for mine? Am I playing matchmaker across universes? Holy shit. I shouldn't have that kind of responsibility, I barely remember to eat and function like a normal human being, so..."

...Oh. Seven was staring.

"Uh. Sorry. Go on." Clearing my throat, I tried to ignore the embarrassment as I glossed over the tangent I'd just gone on.

He blinked, a smile growing on his face like I had just offered to help him open up a toy factory. Way to go on not flipping out or anything. Then I was blessed with another great laugh that made me feel only a smidgen more mortified by my rambling. I guess it's not the worst thing in the world.

"I can get a little..." I trailed off. There wasn't a word for it. When he continued giggling, I couldn't help a sheepish smile. "I've devoted whiteboards, sketchbooks and notebooks to dissecting video game lore before."

"Seeing this in-person is so much better," he teased. Oh, yep, my face was definitely red now.

"Thaaaat's right, you've probably seen it all."

"I've read some messages." I saw him shoot little finger guns, before I rubbed my forehead to shield my eyes. "Your nerd rage burns with a fiery passion! Like the brightest star!"

"You're why it was a good idea to cover my laptop's webcam," I muttered, still grinning.

"Yeah, that wasn't very nice of you. You still had your phone, though."

Of course he can hack my phone too. I glanced up to see him wagging his eyebrows. "Ahem. Anyway." I gestured desperately. "You got info from this Cheritz person, and it somehow got you access to my entire life as recorded by modern technology."

"Like childhood photos."

"Cool." Sigh. Well, it was a good thing I thought I was adorable. Old pictures weren't embarrassing to me; the thought of people looking at my old writing was more appalling. "Okayyyy, no more tangents, back on-topic."

"Right." That detour seemed to have put him at ease. Of course he'd bounce back after doing some teasing. "Well, after they shared that information, they claimed they were working to get me direct access. They still hadn't explained why they were doing this, but at this point I was... kind of desperate for answers."

"Who is that mysterious, magical person," I joked, posing dramatically. He laughed again.

"Yes, Agent Seven Zero Seven was determined! He would find out who this mystery woman was!"

At this, I couldn't quite help expressing the lingering doubt. "...and you're absolutely certain it's me?"

He nodded. "Considering the information you know... you have to be. No one, besides me... and V... knows the identity of my brother. And Dragon," he added, "thanks to those dreams."

"Mm, true..."

"And along with that, and the fact that you look exactly like her..." He pointed, and I glanced at my necklace. "You mentioned the sign gemini. But no one outside of the RFA knows my birthday."

And with how much of his life had been erased, that wasn't surprising.

"...to be fair," I started slowly, "I don't know it off the top of my head--" But I definitely have it saved on my phone's calendar. "--but it's easy to remember that your sign is gemini, since... y'know." Wow, way to go, me, let's just keep reminding him about his brother, ahahaha I'm the worst.

"Hmm, excellent point!"

Thankfully, his spirits didn't seem to fall this time. It was equally likely that he just wasn't showing it, but I was going to be optimistic. He surprised me by poking my nose, which made me "eep," which made him laugh.

"And it's easy to remember your sign is cancer because you blush so red, like a cute crab!"

"Only because I'm living in a literal anime now," I joked back, trying not to let the "cute crab" blush creep back in. Rubbing my nose as if he'd injured it, I stuck my tongue out at his continued laughter. "So, what happened when you finally got direct access?"

"I did some research of my own, to make absolutely sure that you were the right person. Then..." He wiggled his cell phone. "I called you."

"...oh." I thought this over. "...twelve hours ago?"

"Uh... no, that was right before you... appeared in my apartment."

"What?" I glanced at my phone's clock, confused, before it dawned on me. "Oh. Timezones. Korea is literally on the other side of the world."

"Correct!"

"...only magic could have brought me here in minutes. I mean, it would take magic or crazy science to transport me to another universe too, so I guess that's kind of just expected." I adjusted the hat to rub my forehead, snorting. "Huh, I'm still calm. I'll probably have a mental breakdown later, but for the time being I'm feeling pretty chill."

"Chill? But you're wearing a jacket!" Seven poked one of the stars on its design.

Snrk. "Are you stealing my shtick of bad jokes? I'll fight you for that. Come at me, bro."

"Ohoho! God Seven versus Crab Cutie, this Saturday on the Space Station Network!" He cupped his mouth for fake applause.

"You bet your ass! Bring it on! Get ready for the fight of... your..." Wow, that was a large yawn. Oh, right, I had just come off of an eight-hour shift. I blinked a few times, squinting at the lights and pulling my hat down again. "Okay, we might have to postpone that showdown, 'cause... it'd be too embarrassing if you fought a sleepy me and still lost."

"Oh, right, it must still feel like nighttime to you. I know the feeling! My sleep is so irregular, I lose track of days, ahaha..."

His laugh almost trailed off nervously at the confession, as if realizing how candid that had been. Clearing his throat, he sounded concerned as he asked, "Did you... would you be all right crashing here...?"

"Oh, yeah," I reassured him with a wave, "the couch is fine. I was only eaten by a couch the one time."

"What? No, I meant here, my place--I'm not forcing you to sleep on the couch! There's a bed in the other room you can use." He almost sounded offended by my assumption.

"...you mean, your bed?"

"Yeah, I'm not going to be using... it..." Seven trailed off again.

"I don't want to steal your bed, though. I mean, you need sleep too--"

He suddenly leapt from his seat. "H-hold on," he interrupted, "I-I've got to clean that disaster zone--uhh, I mean, find clean sheets!" The coffee table managed a parting shot as he leapt over it in his haste, and he choked on Korean curses (oh, you best believe I looked those up) before disappearing around the corner. Surprised, I eventually burst out laughing.

"Dude," I shouted so he could hear me from the bedroom, "it can't be nearly as bad as my room. I literally couldn't see my floor for weeks!" What the hell was all of that thumping for? "You okay in there?"

"Just--hold on! Stay right there! Don't come in!"

"Pfffft. Yes, ma'am!"

That was the adorably considerate hacker awkwardly doing all he could for someone else that I expected. He is too pure for this world, I thought with another laugh. Shaking my head reminded me that a headache was still lurking, and the lights weren't doing me any favors in banishing it for good. Okay, if his room is dark, I'll gladly steal it. Just for a nap. I rubbed my forehead to try easing away the pain.

...I'm in Seven aka Luciel aka Saeyoung's apartment, which is in another universe's Korea, probably thanks to the meddling of a multiverse-traveling otome game company. Cradling my face in a palm, this laugh was quieter and a bit more hysterical. Yep. I guess this is my life right now. When I get back home, the only thing I can tell my roommate and family is, "Oops, I stepped into a wormhole, sorry!" They wouldn't believe it, of course. I hardly did, and I marveled once more at how being crazy tended to make life easier in the most bizarre ways.

When Seven returned, less panicked now, he found the area immediately around the sofa cleaner than he'd left it. "You didn't have to do that," he told me, switching to a more joking tone as he added, "I already have a maid! The wonderful but strict Mary Vanderwood the 3rd!"

I snorted. "Uh-huh. She deserves a raise."

We laughed as if we both didn't already know the truth. It was much better to be laughing than freaking out. I hopped onto my feet and saluted. "Permission to go pass out, Captain Seven?"

He mirrored me, barking, "Permission granted! Dismissed, soldier!"

"Aye, aye, sir!"

Collecting my things, in case his "maid" returned, I retreated to this sanctuary of darkness and crawled into a bed sans empty wrappers and crushed chips. I surprisingly wasn't too lost and anxious to find much needed sleep, but the confusion definitely followed into my dreams.

[TBC omg]

[forfearofwolves-blog]

Eazy-O

[All dialogue is in Greek, but written in English for reader’s convenience.] The water rocks the boat gently. It’s like a soothing lullaby, the underlying melody in this nightmare. 1962, Oia, Greece. “Put your head down, knees to your chest, and don’t look out the windows. If you have to use the bathroom, there’s buckets by your cots.” Stomach churning, head spinning. Twelve year old Ezio did as he was told. It was the same routine the past five years, only this time there were new faces. Younger faces. They looked mortified, with reason. He may have been the only one there void of emotions. No expression. No feelings left inside anymore. He’d been used over and over again, this was nothing foreign to him, but the fact that the youngest boy here had to be at least six years old sickened him. The man who had given them direction on where to use the bathroom paced back and forth down the wooden floors of the lower deck of the ship, dark eyes skimming over each and every one of them. His black hair was greasy, a green hat pushing down on it, and Ezio swore he never smiled. Taken from his life. His family. Given away by his own father, and for what? Money. Money made the world go ‘round, and his father needed a lot of it. Even as his mother screamed and begged for Alfio Lazarus not to give Ezio away, he handed his baby boy over like it was nothing. Sold him. He blinked in the dimness of the room, hearing the whimpers around him. The boy next to him was particularly loud, and he knew if he didn’t do something he wouldn’t be able to sleep. “Hey,” He said, placing a hand on the kid’s shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze, “what’s your name? How old are you?” The cherub face gazed upon Ezio, tears filling them, lip trembling. “M...my name is Alex,” He said, body shaking violently, “I’m….I’m five.” Jesus. Five. Did they really have a limit on the age of the boys they stole away? Probably not. “Hi Alex,” Ezio said, turning his body towards the boy a little, offering a kind smile, “I’m Ezio. Ezio Lazarus. I’m twelve. I’ve been doing this for five years and I promise you it gets better.” A flat out lie. How could this nightmare get better? The boy scooted closer, catching him off guard as he buried his little head into his chest. “I want to see my mommy.” Alex said, sniffling, “Why did they take me away from my mommy?” He had no answers. He never did. Never would. What was he supposed to tell him? Some really bad men who like to hurt children took us away from our life. Took us away from everything we know. We’re never seeing our mother’s again. 1964, Vlora, Albania. “Kick the ball, Eazy-O!” Green eyes fell upon the dirty ball that rolled to him, hitting his feet. He stared for a moment, before turning his attention to the small, malnourished boy running towards him. “Alex,” He said, laying his pen down upon his notebook, setting it on the log he was sitting on, “I told you I didn’t want to play.” Alex poked his bottom lip out, dark, messy hair falling over his big brown eyes. He was good at that, good at playing little brother, and ever since he’d met Ezio on that ship two years ago he’d been stuck to his side like glue. “Come on!” He exclaimed, prodding the ball towards him, “you’ve been writing poetry the past couple hours. Come play with me.” Ezio stared for a moment, looking back and forth between the seven-year-old and the ball. “Fine.” He said, rolling his eyes and picking it up, “but only for a little bit. I’d like to finish what I was writing.” Alex looked so excited. How could he say no to that? This was their little paradise. Their time away from the monsters. Whatever he could do to keep the boy’s mind off of everything… he’d would… 1965, Tirana, Albania. “You’ve been bought for the day, Alex. You’re doing so well.” Straight lines. They always stood in straight lines. Hands at their sides as potential clients looked at them from behind glass, like they were zoo animals. At the mention of him being bought out like a cheap prostitute, Alex whimpered and narrowed his eyes to Ezio. He’d successfully avoided this nightmare with the help of the older boy, who took so many bullets for him, but now… “I’ll go instead.” Ezio said, stepping forward, “he’s not going anywhere.” The man in the green hat scowled at him, appalled that he even had the nerve to speak up. “No,” He said, grabbing Alex’s hand roughly, “they don’t want you. You’re too old. They want him.” As the monster began to drag the little boy away, Ezio broke from the line to go after him, but was quickly yanked back by another uniformed asshole. “Let me go!” He said, squirming against him, “no! You bastards, leave him alone! He’s just a little boy!” He could see it, even as Alex was dragged away. The pleading look in his eyes, the tears streaming down his cheeks as he begged for Ezio to help him. To save him. When he couldn’t. He couldn’t even save himself. 1967, San Diego, California. “When I’m older,” Alex said from the bottom bunk, fingers grazing against the wood, “I’m gonna get married. Have kids. Leave this life behind me. What about you, Ezio?” The older male lay in his cot, arms folded over his chest as he listened to the unrealistic dreams of the child below him. Alex had made it to ten-years-old, and he himself was surprised he’d made it to seventeen. “Me?” He finally answered in the darkness, over the snores of the other boys, “I’m gonna have kids too. Meet the love of my life. Become a cop so I can bust every sex-trafficking ring in the entire world. I’ll free everyone like us. Every prisoner” There was silence. Alex stopped drawing shapes into the bed beneath them. “I like that.” He finally said. “I can’t wait, Eazy-O.” The next day Ezio sat alone in the dingy room where they ate their meals. Their small, unfilling meals. Alex had been taken off again, someone bought his time. He’d been one of the most popular ones there, and with Ezio being older now, he had not. The silence of the day, however, was disrupted by a scream from the other room. “NO! EZIO! HELP ME!” Within seconds the older boy shot from his chair, breaking past the guards, running down the hallway towards the sounds of Alex screaming for him. Screaming over and over. He couldn’t run fast enough. Suddenly it stopped. He kicked in the door to the room his little friend had been in, eyes widening in horror at the sight before him. An older man lay in a pool of blood on the floor, a trembling, crying Alex hovering over him, bloody knife in his hand. “He was hurting me…” He sobbed, dropping the weapon and running to Ezio, arms wrapping around him, “he wouldn’t stop…” God no. What have you done? Before he could even comfort the boy, the one he’d been protecting for the past five years, the guards burst through the door and ripped him away, dragging the screaming child from the room. Ezio quickly followed after, begging, pleading. “Please,” He said, watching as they pushed Alex to his knees, “please, he didn’t mean to! The man was hurting him!” He knew it was useless. Knew that nothing he said would change the fate of his friend. Absolutely nothing. Alex looked up at him with those big brown eyes, terrified, but in that moment it was obvious… He knew Ezio couldn’t save him anymore. “Thank you,” The boy said as the barrel of a gun was pressed to the back of his head, “thank you for the past five years. Thank you for being my friend.” The sound. It was so loud. The sound of the gun going off. The feeling of warm blood and brains splattering against his skin. Ezio knew he was screaming, but the ringing in his ears was drowning it out… he didn’t even hear the front door being broken down. He didn’t hear the police swarming in, firing at the bad men who’d kept them prisoner for so long. He fell to the floor, pulling Alex’s lifeless body into his arms, cradling the boy. He’d failed him. “Hey hey hey! You’re safe now. You have to come with me. We won’t leave your friend behind, I promise.” The voice was so comforting. So soothing. His green eyes fell upon the source, the face of a kind looking woman in a special police uniform. She pulled Ezio into her arms as he reached for Alex’s corpse, pulling him out into the sunlight. “No no no!” He cried, vision blurred from tears, “I didn’t protect him. I should have protected him. You were too late!” Anger. Confusion. Grief. It all consumed him. All of it. Had they only been there a few seconds earlier, Alex would still be alive. He was dead. Dead. Dead. Dead. He had so much life left to live. So much. 1971, Bostons, Massachusetts. “Happy birthday, Alex.” Ezio’s back pressed against the cold tombstone, the one he’d visited every single day for the past four years. Four years and Alex’s death still hit him pretty hard. The little boy would have been fourteen today, but he didn’t get to enjoy his life. Ever. Eyes fell upon the smooth surface of the grave, fingers trailing along the words engraved into it. Alexander Dimitriou Galanos, 1957-1967. ‘Forever young in heaven’s sunlight.’ Everything Ezio had went into making sure this boy had a proper burial. Went into Alex having a name, a history, all of that. In the time after his death, he’d sought out his parents to inform her, but they’d both been killed by the people who had taken the little boy. So it was up to him. Up to him that he was humanized, after so many years of being treated so poorly. “This is for you,” He said, holding up the bottle of whiskey clutched in his hand, dumping a little into the dirt, “since you won’t ever be able to live out your dreams, I’ll live them out for you. I promise.” The amber liquid soaked into the ground, rain beginning to fall heavy on him. In his hand he clutched the picture they’d taken years before, just he and Alex. Written on the white space beneath it, it read, ‘The best poetry in life is not what you write, but the memories you make.’ He didn’t regret meeting that boy, but Alex would want him to start over. To live his life. Here he was, free, while the other boy was dead, and survivors guilt filled him. A new beginning felt so empty, but it was all he had now. Goodbye Alex, can’t wait to see you on the other side.