#and I’m like oh ok I thought I was spilling a secret here but

[platypusisnotonfire]

I drank a bit more than usual and accidentally told a group of my friends that I’m ace and the entire reaction was like

Yeah we knew

[roxxie-wolf]

𝒩𝑒𝓌 𝒪𝓇𝓁𝑒𝒶𝓃𝓈 𝐿𝑜𝓋��

Pairing: Human!Alastor x Fem!Reader

Summary: Your parents want you to marry someone of their choice, but you already have eyes on someone else. Will you follow what your parents think is best for you or will you go with what your heart desires.

Word count: 2.0k

Warnings: human!alastor x fem!reader, slow burn, this story may contain mature sexual content. Your in your late 20's, Alastor is in his early 30's, you still live with your parents idk. If I forgot anything else please let me know.

Note: Hey guys I’m back, sorry for being MIA lately. I have been going through a lot and it doesn’t seem like it’s going to stop. I’ll try my best to keep posting and I’ll try my best to keep up with my writing.

By the way I’m not so sure about this chapter. Im a little burned out as well, but please let me know what y’all think.

𝒞𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝟣���

The morning sun filtered through the kitchen window, casting a warm glow on the worn wooden table. You sat there, lost in your thoughts, as if the weight of the world rested upon your shoulders. Your mother’s gentle voice broke the silence, pulling you back to reality.

“What are you thinking about, sweetheart?” Her words cut through the fog in your mind. You turned to face her, your gaze still distant.

“Oh, nothing, just here,” your voice barely audible.

“Alright,” her tone calm and understanding. “Richard is coming over today to speak about some matters.” Her eyes held concern, and you wondered how much she truly knew.

“That’s fine, Mom,” you assured her. “I’m going to town anyway.” You stood up, your chair scraping against the floor. “Take care, okay? And be careful.” Your mother’s voice spoke again as you walked toward the door. “I’ll be ok mom, thank you” you turn to face her before turning around and walking out the door.

As you stepped outside, your father sat on the porch, gazing into the distance. The concern etched in his eyes caught your attention. “Hey, Dad,” your voice carrying the weight of uncertainty. “I’m going to town. I’ll be back.”

His response was simple, yet it lingered in the air like a silent plea: “Be careful.” And with that, he turned away, leaving you to wonder. *Why did they both look at you with concern? Was it because Richard was coming over?*The unspoken questions swirled around you, like leaves caught in an autumn breeze.

Outside, the wind whispered secrets, and the world seemed both vast and suffocating. Richard’s impending visit weighed heavily on your mind. *What matters could he possibly discuss? And why did it feel like the walls were closing in?*

The sun climbed higher, its rays breaking through the canopy of leaves overhead, casting dappled patterns on the road. The town was not far, but with each step, the questions in your mind multiplied. The concern in your parents’ eyes was not just for your safety—it was as if they anticipated the turning of a page, the beginning of a new chapter that they were not yet ready to read.

The bustling streets of town enveloped you as you settled into your favorite café. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the lively chatter of passersby. You gazed out the window, watching the world go by, lost in your thoughts.

And then, there he was—Alastor—walking by as if he belonged to the very fabric of the city. Your coffee threatened to spill as you stood up abruptly, abandoning it on the table. You dashed out, your dress fluttering in protest against your haste. Alastor's long legs carried him swiftly, but when he walked with you, he deliberately slowed his pace.

*Was it because he was late? Or perhaps he was following someone?* You couldn't be sure, but you tried your best to keep up. As he turned a corner, you called out to him, breathless and determined.

"Alastor!" The man ahead of him slipped into a side door of one of the theaters. Alastor halted, turning toward you with a bemused smile. "You found me, dear," his voice a curious blend of frustration and surprise.

"Yes, I found you," you managed to say between breaths, your hand pressed against your chest. The sight of him had sparked an impulse within you, a desire to be near him that you couldn't ignore.

Alastor's presence filled the semi-darkness of the alleyway, his gaze holding yours with an intensity that seemed to pierce through the shadows. "Well, here I am," he declared, his arms sweeping open in a welcoming gesture before falling back to his sides, his smile unwavering.

Without hesitation, you closed the distance between you, your arms encircling his slender waist. The familiar scent of his cologne enveloped you, a comforting embrace all its own. He responded in kind, his arms wrapping around you, his back arching slightly as he rested his chin atop your head. You could feel him breathing in deeply, taking in the scent of your hair.

As you leaned back still hugging him, your gaze met Alastor's beautiful honey-brown eyes. The unspoken tension hung in the air, a delicate balance between desire and uncertainty. You wondered if he felt the same pull, the magnetic force that drew you toward him.

His smile remained, a silent acknowledgment of the unspoken connection. And then, his voice—a gentle caress to your ears—pierced through the moment. "Should we go somewhere, darling?" his words both invitation and promise.

You hesitated, curiosity bubbling within you. "Sure," your heart fluttering. "Where should we go?"

Alastor's eyes held yours, and he leaned in slightly. "Let's take a little walk around town," he suggested, his smile unwavering.

You both let go of each other, Alastor offering his arm, you accepted, leaving the alleyway. Your fingers rested lightly on his sleeve as you strolled through the town. The storefronts were a colorful blur, but your focus was on the man beside you, the shared laughter and light-hearted banter making the time slip away effortlessly.

Finding yourselves back at the familiar café, Alastor chose a table with a view of the evening’s gentle descent. The world outside the window was awash with the hues of twilight, painting a serene backdrop.

“Would you like something to drink, dear?” Alastor’s voice broke the comfortable silence.

“No thank you” your voice was gentle.

Then realization dawned on you as swiftly as the setting sun outside the café window. Time had slipped away in Alastor's company, and now the day's end beckoned you home.

"Alastor, I gotta go," urgency lacing your words. "I know we haven’t been here that long, but I need to head home." Thoughts of your parents, their potential worry, added weight to your decision.

Alastor's response was as gentle as the evening breeze. "Of course, darling. Would you like me to walk you home?" His offer was a beacon of comfort in the growing dusk.

"Yes, thank you," you replied without hesitation. The thought of navigating the streets alone, especially with whispers of people going missing, sent a shiver down your spine. But with Alastor by your side, the journey seemed less daunting, the night less foreboding. Together, you stepped out of the café.

—————————

As the silhouette of your home loomed ahead, you made the decision to part ways with Alastor. You turned around to face him, the evening's memories etched in your mind. "Thank you, Alastor," your voice carrying the weight of gratitude.

His smile remained, enigmatic and captivating. He arched his back slightly, bringing himself to your level, hands elegantly clasped behind his back. "You're welcome, dear," his words a soft echo of the moments you'd shared.

With a quick peck on his lips—a fleeting connection—you stepped away, walking toward your house. The familiar door welcomed you, and you entered, the warmth of home enveloping you. You headed toward the window, glancing back one last time. Alastor stood outside, a shadow against the night, and as you waved, he returned the gesture. Then, like a wisp of smoke, he vanished into the darkness.

“Who are you waving to sweetie”

Your mother's voice, like a sudden gust of wind, pulled you from your thoughts. You turned to face her, her concern etched in the lines of her face. "No one, Mom," you offer a smile that didn't quite reach your eyes.

But her next words sent a chill down your spine. "Alright, well, we need to talk." The sadness in her voice mirrored the heaviness in your chest. *What could be so important?*

Together, you followed her into the living room. Your father sat there, his gaze distant, as if lost in a world beyond the walls of your home. You took a seat, your heart racing. The room seemed to hold its breath, waiting for the truth to unravel.

"I don't know how to say this," your father began, his eyes avoiding yours, fixed on an unremarkable spot on the wall. "Say what, Dad?" Your curiosity was now tinged with anxiety. The air thickened with unspoken words, and you braced yourself for what would come next.

"We have arranged a marriage," your mother's voice was steady, but her eyes, those windows to the soul, revealed the turmoil within. "And you will be leaving this house in a week."The words hung heavy in the air, a suffocating blanket of disbelief and betrayal.

“You will be marrying Brian,” the name fell from her lips, a man that you didn’t love and now claimed a piece of your future. You sat, frozen, as the reality settled in your bones. Arranged to marry without your consent, without your heart's agreement. The question screamed in your mind, *How could they? Why?*

It was a betrayal of your trust, a disregard for your feelings. Your voice shattered the silence, a mix of shock and defiance. "What!" It was the cry of a cornered animal, of a child whose trust had been broken. You had believed in them.

Your mother's confession, her apology, it did little to soothe the sting. “We're sorry, sweetheart. We didn't want this, but we believe Brian is the right one for you." Her words were a lifeline thrown into turbulent waters, but your father remained silent, a statue of regret.

The revelation was a cruel twist, a transaction made in the name of love, yet devoid of its essence. The world you knew was crumbling, and in its place, a stark reality was taking shape—one where choices were made for you, and your heart's desires were secondary.

The confrontation with your mother was a clash of wills, a battle between tradition and the yearning of the heart. "No! I will not marry him," you declared, your voice a firm testament to your resolve. Your mother's stance was equally unyielding, her belief in the arranged marriage unwavering. "You’re all grown up, and it’s time for you to be married," your mother insisted, her eyes searching yours for signs of acquiescence.

"I’m in love with someone else," you countered, rising to your feet, a physical manifestation of your emotional stand. But your mother was immovable, her words a dismissal of your feelings. "What’s done is done, you need to stop seeing him and move on; you’re going to be a married woman soon."

The words stung, a betrayal that cut deeper than any knife. "I trusted you," you whispered, the hurt evident in your eyes. The tears threatened to spill, but you held them back, a show of strength amidst the turmoil. "I didn’t ask for this, you should’ve spoken with me first." Your plea was a last-ditch effort to reach your mother, to make her understand the gravity of the situation.

For a fleeting moment, your mother's facade softened, a crack in the armor that suggested a mother's love still lay beneath. But the moment passed, and the walls came back up, leaving you standing in the wreckage of her trust, your heart racing with anger.

“Did you accepted money?” The silence was deafening, a tacit confirmation of your worst fears. The question hung in the air, unanswered, yet the truth was clear in their avoidance. They had accepted money from Richard, a price tag placed on your future, your happiness bartered away without your consent.

The realization hit you like a wave, the pieces of the puzzle falling into place with a cruel clarity. Richard's visit to your home was not one of mere acquaintance but a transactional prelude to the life they had chosen for you.

With a heavy heart, you ascended the stairs, each step a reminder of the life you were being forced to leave behind. Tears streamed down your cheeks as you lay in your bed, the soft fabric of the sheets a stark contrast to the turmoil within your heart. You wanted to run, to escape the reality that felt like a vice around your future. Alastor’s image danced behind your tear-filled eyes, his kind eyes and gentle smile that had always been your solace.

You were leaving this house in a week, a house that was no longer a home but a prison of expectations. The walls seemed to close in on you, suffocating you with the weight of tradition and transaction. *Why did they do this?* The question circled in your head, each one a sharp jab to your sense of worth.

🌸𝒫𝓇𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑜𝓊𝓈🌸 🌸𝒩𝑒𝓍𝓉🌸

Let me know if you want to be added to the tag list so you be updated every time. I do try to proofread but if I missed something please let me know.

Also I sometimes tend to make minor changes to the chapters.

Thank you! For reading I hope you enjoyed it.💖

TAGLIST: @magictoebean @little-slyvixen @bitchywitchygardener @diffidentphantom @catticora @cloverresin20 @phoenix666stuff @minamilinaqueen

[allamericanb-tch]

only the brave thoughts (3)

chapter 14

i neeed them to kiss you don’t understand

“Thursday night James sits closer to Regulus than before. The other boy doesn’t acknowledge it, but he also doesn’t move away. James counts it as a win.” that sounds like another win for james

JAMES IS AN ABBA FAN

guys.

regulus likes simon and garfunkel

nooo it’s raining they were having a moment ☹️

“James is going to have to investigate. He’s going to learn French, too. He’s decided.”

barty and evan accidentally spilling that they’re together

pandora had a dream about xenophilius wait that’s so cute

they’re going to hogsmeade

james and lily friendship is everything

wait does lily have a crush on james

“Not cool, Remus,” Sirius says. “Making me look bad in front of the girls.” “You don’t need my help for that,” Remus deadpans.

HELLO the notes “Little montage of roof moments because I believe in people getting to know each other a little before they really open up... but that means the first kiss is coming :)” show it to me rachellll

chapter 15

THE NOTES SAY THEIR FIRST KISS GUYS OMG

sirius pov hello

he’s in so much denial

sirius is so deep in the closet he’s having tea with mr tumnus

oh no

lily does have a crush on james doesn’t she

regulus pov

oh no regulus thinks james went on a date with lily

ope he’s running away

oh he’s practicing his dark magic oooo

BYE JAMES JUST WALKED IN

“You holding hands with Lily Evans is my problem! You and your stupid fucking face showing up here like your girlfriend isn’t waiting for you in your dorm! That’s my problem!”

ARE THEY ABOUT TO KISS OMG THEY ARE THEY ARE THEY ARE

AHHHH THEYRE KISSING THEYRE KISSING OMG OMG OMG

i’m giggling me feet so hard rn

no james you can’t tell sirius

the plant ?! hello

halloweeeen

chapter 16

james is avoiding regulus

is he gonna tell sirius

i’m nervy

guys i’m so nervous rn

he told him

ok… sirius isn’t tweaking as much as i thought he would be

“The Nile is not just a river in Egypt. Please.” HELP

james just told sirius that he kissed regulus and sirius just punched him???

that went fairly well actually

hello the ending

chapter 17

omg no 

the mark

“And Regulus decides right there, at the breakfast table of Hogwarts in front of half eaten food and his daily black coffee, that James cannot be involved in the war.” i’m gonna hold your hand when i say this.

ope james is leaving

and regulus is following him

they’re kissing again

wait that was cute

james pov

remu ☹️🐺

wait is this going to start getting really angsty like the atyd war chapters

normal day after the moon stuff 

they’re visiting remus

wolfstar save me wolfstar

chapter 18

this is called horrible things??? i’m scared i think

james is waiting for regulus

they’re talking now

the war ☹️

kiss

ope angst

oh kissing again

they’re really going at it aren’t they

bye i love them

HELLO THE WAY REGULUS WAS ABOUT TO JUST GIVE HIMSELF A SCAR TO MATCH JAMES

oh hello pandora is talking to james

gasp she had a dream

oh my i’m nervy

james is asking remus about sex

this is so funny i cant

 chapter 19

halloweeeen

dorcas pov hello

their costumes are eating

dorlene save me dorlene

regulus is down bad 

barty calling regulus an encyclopedia 😭😭

GASP why is sirius kissing a girl right now

poor remu he is running away

HELLO they’re dueling

homoerotic wound healing this is my shit

remus is tweaking bc he just found out about james and regulus

evan pov hello rosekiller

rosekiller save me rosekiller

chapter 20

alright last one for now

regulus is doing more research

myrtle hello

no stop i had such a crush on moaning myrtle when i was a kid

this is. interesting.

it’s raining ☹️

they’re going somewhere secret hmm

they’re kissing

hanky panky

they’re talking now

james is so

chapter 21

i know i said last one last time but this is the last one fr

ah jegulus

SIRIUS IS DATING A GIRL??? remus go get your man

ooh plot

gasp

plot

GASP

regulus is overhearing sirius and adaline

i think they just broke up

gasp sirius is talking to regulus now

regulus’ inner monologue vs what he says to sirius

HELLO

remus pov

sirius having internalized homophobia ☹️

wolfstar save me wolfstar

chapter 22

one more chapter and then i will go to bed

i love the house elves

kneeling ?!

quidditch changing room jump scare

oh me oh my

oh no now they’re having the conversation

ope regulus is crying

james is so whipped actually

eugh selwyn i forgot about him

you know why they call it the come and go room right

ooh plot

regulus walking in on barty and evan 😭

“You should find yourself a dude, Reg. You’re missing out.” oh, barty.

gasp regulus is going to visit hagrid

oh he’s following him

aragog jump scare

plot plot plot

[ashdreams2023]

Hay, I noticed that you also write about some "addictions" (I'm not sure what to call them), so I wanted to ask you if you could do a Tom Hiddleston x SH reader if you want obviously. thanks in any case

Oh let’s see I’ve only written for irl people once so this will be an attempt

TW: Self harm (cutting)

For the better

Tom wasn’t home yet, it was dark outside and you’re feeling like absolute garbage, you went shopping today to kill sometime and saw a group of beautiful women posing near a billboard of his newest role.

They were obviously fans but looking at that made you feel bad, Tom was handsome, kind and famous, he also had a nice reputation.

You were basically a nobody compared to him yet he somehow settled for you, instead of being with someone like them.

Coming back home was also dreadful for some asshole catcalled you while walking up to the house, you felt extremely unsafe.

And now Tom isn’t home, he’s usually home by dawn when he didn’t have any work but something came up with his manager last minute.

Every passing minute you stay alone the thoughts come back, the craving for it gets stronger and your will weakness.

You pull down on your sleeve, the fabric was uncomfortable soft, too soft, your body was burning with anticipation, but for what? For pain…

The second it clicked exactly ten you sprinted to the bedroom, Tom was not coming home any sooner.

You kneel beside the bed and pull a box from underneath, inside it was blades, some used and others new, you buy extra packs just to fool Tom into thinking you just shave a lot, and that he too can use them because he grows a bear quickly but in reality you hide half the bunch for the this dark secret.

The dogs outside barked at a car passing by, you sighed as you picked up the sharp blade.

The marks from last time were faded now, probably because Tom was around more often and you didn’t want him to notice.

You went to the bathroom and held your wrist over the sink, it would be faster to clean, easier to hide and just more convenient.

First line, your eyes water but don’t spill.

Second line, so close but not close enough.

Third line, it’s a Red Sea.

The second arm was the hardest, you hand was shaking a lot but you had to do, you need it, the release and satisfaction-

"Darling? Where are you?"

Your breath stopped, the blade fell to the ground splashing pits of blood and before you could turn on the water or grab something to stop the bleeding he opened the bathroom door.

His sweet smile dropped immediately at the sight "What happened here? Darling what are you doing?" His voice sounded almost small.

You wanted to scream and run away but there was no run away now, he knew.

The tears ran down your cheeks without your control and before you could say anything he moved and grabbed the nearest towel and covered your wrists.

"Please Tom no! I-"

"No! How could you hide this from me! You’re hurting and and-" words failed him and all he could do was treat to your wounds and try to hold back his own tears of frustration.

"Why?" He finally asked.

"…I can’t stop…"

His looked so hurt and conflicted with you, you can tell he was also angry, probably with himself.

"I’m sorry…" you whispered "I’m not perfect like I should be-"

"Stop it, just stop" he said desperately "just…are you ok?"

You looked down at your bandaged arms and sniffed "I honestly don’t know…I’m just…Tom I’m so sorry you saw this"

Tom looked at you with hurt blue eyes, he reached his arms and warped them around you tightly, he didn’t say anything, he didn’t need too because his warmth spoke loud and clear.

He was all you needed, he was stronger than any drug there is, an addiction that keeps you alive, for the better.

"I love you, I love you, I don’t want to lose you" he said.

[mirai1269]

Yandere Shenanigans: Adventures of Little Bro

Part 4 Baby!!! (Rough draft)

TW: Guns + uncensored swearing

Oh crap, he’s coming to get me, HE’S COMING TO GET ME!! what do I do?! What CAN I do!

Leon only started to walk faster and more aggressively towards Newt, he remembered one of his messages to his older brother saying “call your brother.” but why does he look like he’s about to be kidnapped? Reme told him about everything didn’t she! Dammit!

“L-Leon what do you want?!”

“No time to talk, we need to go, you aren’t safe here.” He says, about to grab him.

“Wait, STOP!”

Clock

Suddenly, both men turned their attention to the sudden sound.

“Not another step, Leon!” Reme shouted, the gun aimed at the dead center his chest, where his heart beated rapidly.

“W-What.”

“Step to the side, and let him pass.”

Leon then stepped to the side of the wall, making enough space for Newt to slip by. He then joined Reme’s side as she kept her aim on Leon, making sure he doesn’t try anything.

“Leon, you are going to tell him everything that happened and where his brother is.”

With trembling lips and dialated eyes, Leon tried to get the words out his mouth. Newt then pulled out the pink strands of hair and his brother’s phone.

“I picked these up from the crime scene, I know you had something to do with my Brother’s disappearance and Vincent’s murder, tell us everything!” He spat out, tears of hate threatening to spill.

“Ok! Ok! I’ll talk, just please don’t shoot, I’m not here to hurt you.”

“Say that to Vincent and my Brother!”

“The reason why I did that is to save you and your brother from him. Look, I’ll admit, I went crazy when your brother chose to marry Vincent over me, I’ve known him for over 8 years, and that ASSHOLE comes in one day and takes what should have been mine!” He says with fists white and shaking.

“So you killed Vincent out of spite.”

“No no… well, there was spite in this, but that’s not why I… ugh!” He paused as he really didn’t want to spill the secret, but Reme’s gun wasn’t gonna stop aiming for him until he talked. “I lied to you and your brother. I said I was ok with who he chose, but I couldn’t handle it! I thought as long as he was happy, I was happy too, but that wasn’t the case, so… sigh… I stalked your brother as soon as he got married…”

Newt was supposed to be shocked, but this is the least offensive thing he’s done so far.

“It was harmless… not really… at first. It was just for his safety, to make sure that Vincent wasn’t doing anything. I wasn’t going to do anything unless he was in danger, I swear!”

Newt didn’t believe that last statement for a bit, after all, the more you bottle it all up, the more violent the explosion is going to be.

“Look, there was something going on with Vincent. He upped his security around the house, placed more cameras, hired more guards. I also heard him frantically mutter ‘I must protect him’ so he probably figured out I was stalking them, but that wasn’t it.”

“Well if that wasn’t the case, then what the hell was it!”

“Because the day I did it, the security all just… stopped. The guards and cameras disappeared, it was like he had never been paranoid at all. You would think that on a special day like his birthday, he would increase security, but he didn’t, which scared me. And what scared me more was that he wasn’t reading my messages, who knew what he was about to do to you guys!”

“So why did you kill Vincent! AND WHY DID YOU KIDNAP MY BROTHER!!!”

“BECAUSE IF I DIDN’T DO IT NOW, VINCENT WOULD DO IT HIMSELF!!! Look, I don’t know why Vincent suddenly lowered the security, but when he did, it was the perfect opportunity to... to…”

…

“The best way to keep a rabbit from being eaten by wolves is to keep it at home…”

So that’s what that memory was about. Vincent wasn’t entirely innocent in this, but that doesn’t mean he deserved such a violent murder, right?

“You… you didn’t kill Vincent just because he was going to kidnap my brother, right?”

“No, I could have just taken him when he came outside, or just knock Vincent out, but I was blinded by rage. I shot him 3 times, one bullet for every reason I hated him. I hated his spoiled and narcissistic attitude, I hated how he treated you two, and the thing I hated most… was he how he stole Everything from me!”

Newt got it, he understood that anger, he understood what it was like to have everything taken from, to become one big old wrecking ball because of it. But in the end, did it make anybody happier? Did it even save his brother?

Wait! His brother!

“Leon! Where is my Brother!”

“That’s the part that confused me the most, after I knocked him out and took your brother, there was a glow in the sky. I didn’t think of it much, but then that glow became brighter, until I saw what looked to be a UFO. I ran in another direction, but the ship spewed arms and snatched him!

You’ve got to be kidding me. After he though he understood him, understood Why he did what he did, he’s now turning it into nonsense!

“Shoot him in the leg Reme, that’ll get the truth out of him.”

“No! We are NOT doing that. Leon, tell us more about what happened.”

“Are you kidding me Reme! He’s talking bull crap about Aliens, he’s got to have him somewhere like in his basement.”

“Didn’t I tell you to listen to everything I said?”

“I swear, I don’t have him, he was taken from me by the aliens!”

“And what did those aliens look like?”

“Fuck this!” Newt said, snatching the gun from Reme.

“NO! DON’T!!”

He didn’t hesitate to pull the trigger, to be relieved of his anger, to finally get the revenge he so desperately needed.

click… click click click click

In terror, Newt looked at the gun refusing to fire, coming to the realization that it was empty the whole time.

This was the rage Leon was blinded by, the rage that made him fire the gun, the rage that killed Vincent, and he was repeating history despite knowing it was the same rage that only caused suffering... I’m really stupid.

Leon, realizing there were no bullets, got up and pounced on Newt. Knowing that the plan was screwed, Reme started running as fast as she could while he was still distracted.

“Reme, HELP-AGH!”

Leon didn’t hesitate knocking out the smaller man in one punch, but he couldn’t focus on Reme now, he needed to get somewhere safe. He was about to run into a store, ignoring the concerned shopkeeper, but he felt a familiar tug on Newt.

“NO!”

He wasn’t about to lose again, he grabbed onto Newt will all his strength, even to the point where wrapped his whole body around him, but the arms were too strong, so it lifted them both up higher into the air.

Reme watched as the two were sucked up into the sky, trying to process what she just saw

“What the hell.”

—————————————

Writer’s Note: Sooo…. Guess who’s still a beginner in writing action & suspense scenes… Also guess who still can’t write Reme 😐 I was going to add a flashback that explored Vincent and Newt’s rivalry, but this part was getting long enough. Also, plotting is hard, especially when multiple characters have multiple emotions and motives in them.

Anyways, eat up! 🍽️

*sluprs it up like spagetthi noodles*

Thanks for the meal! It was delicious!

[vauxxy]

my great and canon moonwater headcanon 👍

ok so around 5th year remus is like “hm. i’m lowk down bad for sirius black” and he has his little queer werewolf crisis and in 6th year he kinda becomes his sneaky link lowk!

sirius and remus get drunk af and decide to go up to the astronomy tower for shits and gigs! but guess who’s up there??? regulus…

they’re like “oh soz” and they leave, but remus is kind of like “hmmm that’s weird xx” so he comes back up the next day without sirius, and regulus is still there!

regulus is like “why the fuck r u here cunt??” and remus is like “mmm cause i want to be xx”

they chat a little bit and get a little stoned bc remus doesn’t really have any bad blood with regulus. they’re chill.

eventually it gets to like 1am and remus goes “why do you come up here?”. regulus is super quiet and gets all fidgety. remus is like “ohhhh u come up here to reminisce over a girl and be all romeo and juliet core”

regulus is like “no that’s stupid as fuck. i come up here to think about how i stupid i am.”

remus says “why r u stupid” and then regulus goes on a giant tangent while remus is just sitting there. eventually regulus accidentally spills that he is confusingly attracted to someone and he’s soooo irritated and angry at himself for it!! and remus is like “who?!!!” and regulus is like ummm im not telling u

they chat a bit more and it becomes like… a nightly tradition. a week goes by and reggie admits that he’s weirdly into james potter. he didn’t even think he liked men until he kissed barty crouch drunk and on a dare one time. remus is super shocked!! jaw on the floor!

but he’s supportive and he’s like “i get it lol. i’m down bad for ur brother”

regulus is like “ohhh that’s why u came up here a few nights ago x. i thought he was dating a girl tho”

and remus is like “yeah he is 👍 he’s two timing 🤭”

they get a lot closer after that and they just sit and pity each other, regulus loathing himself for being so infatuated with someone he hates and talked to a maximum of TWO TIMES! remus loathing himself for letting himself fall in love with someone who doesn’t want to be seen with him doing anything slightly romantic.

they get very close and help eachother with school work, their crushes, etc… and they honestly become good friends. neither of them would admit it though.

regulus’s crush remains unrequited and completely secret as james starts finally dating lily in their last year of school. and then he becomes a death eater lol xx

remus is like “well maybe he was coerced into it!!” because he literally was and regulus told him so. but sirius is like “… no he is a full blood supremacist…”

remus misses their nightly chats after graduating hogwarts and when the news comes out that he died, he had no choice but to honour his wishes and their secrecy by refusing to expose their friendship xx

[2baddiesfanfics]

Pleasure in Paradise

Pairing: Beidou x Ningguang

Tags: Sumeru (Genshin Impact), Bathing/Washing, Bath Sex, Bathtub Sex, Vaginal Fingering, Oral Sex, Vacation, Shower Sex

Summary:

Beidou is tasked with planning a getaway for her overworked girlfriend. After deliberating with a new friend, she decides Sumeru is the perfect destination.

Read on Ao3

Ningguang had been begging Beidou for time away together from Liyue for weeks. The captain knew if she waited any longer, there would be hell to pay. It was no secret both of them were workaholics, but they needed a vacation, which was becoming increasingly apparent to those around them.

Over the years they’d sampled fine Dandelion Wine while picnicking on Starsnatch Cliff and experienced the summer matsuri while walking the streets of Inazuma City. It was usually extremely difficult for the Tianquan to steal time away from her duties, but with the help of some extra mora and a promise that Keqing and Ganyu could use her private suite in the Jade Chamber to their liking, Ningguang was able to convince the young Yuheng to cover for her for a few weeks.

Kazuha was happy to take the reins from Beidou, and the whoops and winks of the rest of the Crux crew ensured her they were in good hands. She already knew exactly where she’d take her girlfriend for some much-needed rest and relaxation.

—————————-

“Archons, it’s humid…” the Tianquan complained as she fanned herself. “Beidou, this had better be worth it.” The women had docked at Port Ormos and leisurely walked to Shapur Hotel. The Sumeran climate could be harsh to those unused to it, and that was precisely why the captain had selected the nation as their destination.

While she had plans for them to venture through Ardravi Valley during one of their days there, they would also savor the local delicacies and shop in the myriads of specialty stores (with a pit stop at Djafar Tavern for Beidou, of course). However, most of their time would be spent in the room. This was by design, of course.

During her last trip here, the captain had become fast friends with a mercenary named Dehya. She had yet to meet a person on her voyages she felt she could relate to as much - so much so that she was comfortable enough to ask what she’d recommend for a romantic getaway.

————-

“Oh man…I know just the place. Normally I don’t kiss and tell, but I like you. I can tell you run a tight ship and will zip your lip. You see, I was contracted to this local family as a bodyguard for their daughter, Dunyarzad. And of course, I did the one thing I wasn’t supposed to and fell in love with her.”

“Ha! I knew I liked you for a reason. I can relate, my friend. Let’s just say my woman was similarly out of reach. Archons know how I was able to win her over.”

“See?! Ok, you do get it! Let me skip to the juicy part then,” Dehya said with a mischievous look in her eyes. “There’s a hotel here - Shapur Hotel - book the ‘rainforest room.’ Tell them I sent you and they’ll give you a discount and provide a gift basket on the house. They have this…well, you’ll see.”

“You can’t just say that and not tell me, Dehya. Spill!”

The mercenary clinked her tankard of ale against Beidou’s. “Let’s just say I made Dunyarzad wet in more than one way.”

“Man, we are gonna have to trade some tactics here. Barkeep! Keep ‘em coming,” the captain shouted before throwing down a bag of mora on the table. “When you and the little lady are in Liyue, let me know. Ever fucked your girl on the balcony of a floating castle?”

Dehya nearly spat out her drink. “Bro, what? Who’s your girlfriend?!”

Beidou beamed with pride. “I’m sure you’ve heard of the Jade Chamber? Yeah, she built it.”

——————

Once they had checked in, the couple followed the bellboy down the hall. As he talked about the various attractions he’d suggest for their time in the Nation of Wisdom, Beidou couldn’t help but tune him out with impure thoughts. If the stories Dehya had told her were true, she had a feeling they wouldn’t have any desire to venture outside the hotel for the majority of their stay.

“And here we are. This must be a special trip for the two of you, huh? The rainforest room is not for the faint of heart,” he joked. Ningguang placed a small sack of mora in his hands and sent him off wide-eyed and thankful.

Shifting closer to her girlfriend, the Tianquan’s breath tickled her ear. “You better not disappoint me, captain,” she murmured seductively.

Beidou grabbed the door handle and then turned to smirk at her. “Baobei, by the time this trip ends, you’ll be on your knees begging me to plan every one of our getaways. Let’s just say you’re not the only one with connections, ‘kay?”

They entered the room and flipped the switch on the wall. Ningguang audibly gasped at the sight before her. The room was vast and included a king-sized bed dressed in deep, dark shades of mahogany and olive. On the opposite side of the space was an open bath, fully modeled to look like it was straight out of the rainforest. Crafted from stone that was no doubt imported from their home country, a waterfall poured forth in a soothing melody.

The two walked over to the dining room table in a trance. Sitting there waiting for them was a beautiful bouquet of padisarah, a plate of candied ajilenakh nuts, and a bottle of vintage snake wine. A note written in pristine handwriting read, “Enjoy your stay and our deepest gratitude for your contributions to Teyvat.”

Ningguang felt the other woman embrace her from behind. With the reality of their holiday finally setting in, she fully relaxed and melted into her.

“So…did I deliver or what?”

“Dear…how did you…what did you…”

“Told you you’re not the only one with connections, didn’t I? Come on, let’s dig into some of these snacks. Then we can spend the rest of the evening enjoying the amenities,” she said with a wiggle of her eyebrows.

The Tianquan grabbed the plate of dessert and the captain brought over the bottle of alcohol to the plush loveseat positioned in the middle of the room. Lounging and settling their nerves from the journey, Beidou told her the story of how she’d found out about the place.

“My, we really should make sure to give Dehya and Dunyarzad the royal treatment if they ever come to Liyue,” Ningguang mused.

Beidou blushed at the reminder. “About that…I may have…bragged…a bit regarding our more daring sexual exploits…”

Ningguang glared daggers at her. “You didn’t.”

“Uh…you know how it is…I had a few too many. But hey! Aren’t you flattered I talk about you wherever I go?” She covered with a nudge of her elbow.

Her girlfriend sighed. After a few beats, she burst into laughter. “You’re too much, you know that? But enough talk. That tub looks absolutely marvelous and I need a good soak after that dreadful voyage over here. I don’t know how you do it, love. I could never be out at sea as long as you are at a time.”

“Eh, you get used to it,” Beidou shrugged. She grabbed her hand and brought it to her lips. “Honestly, the worst part is being away from you.”

Having had their fill of treats, they rose from the couch and started to strip out of their travel clothing. Ningguang stole glances at her captain’s body and immediately felt herself shiver. Archons those scars and muscles do something to me, she thought.

“Ning…Ning! You ready?” She hadn’t realized she had been stuck in a daze until she heard her call her name. Together, they slid into the warm water, sighing in unison at the feeling of all their outside concerns melting away. With just the two of them, the Tianquan felt fully relaxed.

There was no need to keep up appearances, so she nuzzled into Beidou’s side. The captain slung an arm around her shoulders before kissing her temple. The bath was gorgeous and extremely spacious, with ample seating around its rim.

“So…did I meet your approval, your majesty?” Beidou teased.

“That depends…you don’t think we traveled all the way from Liyue to sit and soak in a tub, I hope?” The tone of her voice suggested she longed for something more than a bath. She turned her head to kiss the base of the captain’s neck.

“Why do you think I went all out with the waterfall and everything? It’s not often we have this much time to ourselves. Most of the time I’m worried one of those secretaries of yours will walk in on us.” Beidou looked at her, and Ningguang recognized the hunger in her eyes.

Without further need for banter, their mouths found a much more important task at hand. She pulled the Tianquan into her lap, her sea-worn hands gripping her slim waist. The blonde wove her fingers through her lover’s hair, dragging her deeper into the kiss. The only sound louder than the women was the steady stream of splashing water.

“Hey…wanna…try something…new?” The captain asked between licks and nibbles.

“What…did you…have in…mind?”

Ningguang let out a sudden yelp as Beidou lifted her with ease and moved toward the other end of the tub. Positioning their bodies lengthwise, she situated the Tianquan at the perfect angle for the pulse of the waterfall to strike the sensitive bud between her thighs. She whimpered at the new and surprisingly pleasant sensation.

“This frees my hands to do other things,” the captain whispered huskily before biting the shell of her ear. Her hands roamed to her girlfriend’s chest, massaging her ample breasts. Ningguang surrendered to the feeling, moaning as Beidou worked her nipples between her fingers. She started with light rolling and felt her squirm on her lap.

“Oh, something tells me you want something a little more intense.” Applying more pressure, she pinched in a soft but steady rhythm, causing her to jerk her hips.

“Beidou…archons…this feels…”

“Yeah, I know right?” She temporarily moved her hand to reach behind her and adjust a dial on the wall. The flow of the waterfall increased noticeably and judging by Ningguang’s reaction, she was happy it had. The captain continued to toy with her, letting the water pressure do the hard work.

“Ohhhhhhh fuck, fuck, fuck! Beidou…it’s too much…going to…”

“Go for it, babe. The walls are soundproof.”

The Tianquan cried out in ecstasy - this was unlike any orgasm she had experienced before. The unique sensation of something other than Beidou’s fingers or tongue against her clit felt incredible. Her girlfriend murmured words of praise while she held her close as she came down from her high.

“Well…I can’t say I expected that.”

“I can’t take credit for the idea, sadly. Dehya told me she tried that on Dunyarzad and it made her swear worse than a sailor,” she chuckled in response. “Seems like she’s in good company.”

Ningguang scoffed. “Well, I’m nothing if not inventive.” She rose from the water, tantalizing her lover with a full view of her naked body. Moving over to the dial Beidou had used earlier, she turned the stream down to a comfortable trickle.

“Now, be a dear and sit on the edge of the bath for me. Right there,” she commanded as she pointed right below the flow of the waterfall. The captain did as she was told and reveled in the warmth of the soft drizzle down her body. The contrast of the coolness of the room and the heat of the liquid felt as sensual as baring her lower half to Ningguang where she knelt on the internal seating bench.

The Tianquan took her girlfriend’s ankles and gently lifted them to rest on her shoulders.

“Whoa!”

“‘Whoa’ indeed.” She mumbled against the skin of her thigh as she kissed toward her center. Beidou’s mind went hazy at the combination of steam and the feeling of watching her lover serving her on her knees.

Ningguang’s tongue darted out of her mouth and tasted the sweet musk of her arousal together with the crisp clear flavor of the water trickling down her body. She hummed in approval at how easy it was to slip between the captain’s folds. Working her clit with her thumb, the Tianquan thrust her tongue inside her and felt Beidou twitch at the sudden intrusion.

“Fuck, Ning! Hungry much?” She taunted before gripping the back of her head by her hair.

“I have to…reward your efforts…somehow…” Her finger worked the bud, causing her girlfriend to tighten her legs around her neck.

“Archons…that pretty little mouth of yours…does more than just command a room, huh? Ah, fuck!” she exclaimed as she felt the throb of her climax hit her hard and slow. She rocked against Ningguang’s tongue as she lapped up the remaining slick.

Slinking back into the bath, the women leaned together once more. “Do you suppose we have time for a short nap?” The Tianquan asked through a yawn.

Beidou squeezed her. “You bet we do. Restaurant reservations aren’t ’til later tonight. We’ve got a whole two weeks ahead of us. No need to rush.”

“Good. That gives me some time to think of all the other ways I’d like to use the many amenities this room has to offer.”

[startanewdream]

Hey, happy 2023! It’s been a while that I do t come here.. but I’m always rereading Eyes Glistening!

I love so much that serie! So could I ask for some Mia and Harry moment 🥺

Please?!?

Happy 2023, Ana! ✨ Here's one of those moments where Harry is the nicest older brother!

***

The living room of the Potter house is a mess; Harry manages to cross it without spilling anyone's drink, which he considers a miracle, and he lets out a relieved breath when he reaches the quietness of the kitchen, though he isn’t the only one there.

“This is the last time I’m suggesting throwing the back-to-Hogwarts party at home,” he says dramatically, filling a glass of water for himself.

It’s only when he turns back that he realises that Mia didn’t react to his comment; she is still standing by the window, a frown on her forehead, hazel eyes far away.

“Mia?”

She blinks. “What?”

“Party was too much for you?” He asks, trying to understand. Now he considers it, Harry doesn’t remember seeing her joining her nephews and nieces at the party.

“I’m just not in the mood.”

Harry shifts his weight from one foot to another; it’s rare that Mia gets subdued – unlike him, her teenage moods are more constant. “Can I get you something?”

“Alcohol?” She asks, almost smirking now.

He rolls his eyes. “You are sixteen. No, I was thinking of offering you Teddy’s solution to everything: chocolate.”

Usually, the mention of Teddy is also enough to distract Mia, but this time, she just crosses her arms and turns away from the window. “If I ask you something, would you answer it truthfully?”

“When hasn’t I ever—”

“Were you ever jealous of Ron and Hermione?”

Harry blinks. “Sorry?”

“When they got together – did you ever consider that it would change everything in your relationship?”

“Ah—” The sound of Ron’s laugh can be heard in the other room. “It didn’t change much.”

She puffs. “Forget it.”

“I just mean—by the time Ron and Hermione became a couple, it was after the war and—”

“Then you were with Ginny and other things mattered more,” she finished for him. “Ok, ok, I get it, you were never bothered—”

“I didn’t say this. I got—not jealous exactly, but worried, yeah. There was this moment in our Sixth Year when they almost got together—”

“That Lavender situation?”

“You know about it?”

“There are no secrets in our family, Harry—we can discuss Cho if you—”

“Er—no, I’d rather not. What I mean is back then I worried that I would be left out or that if their relationship didn’t last, we wouldn’t be friends anymore. Turns out I didn’t have to worry about anything, so you may not—what are you worrying about?”

The answer comes in the shape of two figures landing in the backyard; they are distant, but the shades of blue and silver in their hair make them very recognizable. “Oh,” mumbles Harry.

“Oh,” agrees Mia. “It’s not that I am surprised, it’s just—”

“It’s been always the three of you,” Harry says, nodding.

“They aren’t even together yet and they are already doing couple stuff.”

“It’s just like different hobbies. You and Vic enjoy Quidditch; Teddy gets a bit sick after two minutes in the air. Friends don’t do everything together—you are already in different years.”

“It never seemed to matter, until…” She gestures outside. “It did.”

“Hum.” A thought crosses his mind. “Are you jealous? Of them together.”

“Oh, no, no.” Mia looks alarmed. “Merlin, no. I know there was this family bet going around, but whoever bet on me and Teddy—” She shivers. “He’s like a sibling. Not that I need two older brothers, mind you—”

“Minded.”

“No, I knew it would be Teddy and Vic, it just always seemed so far in time.” She sighs. “I’m happy for them, I—”

The rest of her sentence is cut when the backdoor opens, and there comes Teddy, his hair painted in an electric blue. “Wotcher,” he says happily. “Just getting some water for Vic—what are you two doing?”

“Just bad-mouthing you,” answers Mia calmly.

Teddy nods. “Oh, just the usual then. When you’re done brooding, come join us for a flight.”

“I’m not brooding.”

“Crossing your arms. Talking alone with Harry. Being mean to me. You are brooding, Potter.”

“Watch it, Lupin.”

Teddy winks at Harry as if to say, “see what I have to deal with?”

“We are waiting for you—Vic told me about your new move, I’ve got to see it.”

“You are going to faint.”

“Probably. What is it with you and moves that defy gravity?”

“It’s called flying, defying gravity is its whole purpose.”

Teddy laughs. He opens the fridge to grab two bottles of soda, all the while holding a glass of water in the other hand.

Mia shakes her head. “Oh, let me, you are going to drop everything on your way out.”

“Probably,” he agrees shamelessly, walking out of the door that Mia holds for him.

“Some things never change,” she mumbles; then she glances at Harry. “I will be back inside in a few—I don’t wanna be a third-wheel.”

“If they called you, they want your company.”

“I know, but…” She sighs. “I will be with Vic all year at Hogwarts, whereas Teddy… well, let’s give them a chance of finally realising they like each other. I bet they’d start going out in September, so at least I get some money out of it.”

“Ah.” Harry smiles. “My bet was on December, let’s hope they stay oblivious a little longer.”

[grossrottie]

Hey Trans RavenTiger anon here and I wanna add to the idea before i forget lol

On Ravens side the poor guy has been sufferin with his heat and everyone can scent it and it makes things so awkward, Dustpaw made fun of him for it and Fire, Gray while still his friends he did notice them avoiding Raven a little. It's just sooo embarrassing for Raven lol

So when Tiger backs him in a corner and instead of kill him he offers to help him like " I can scent it, everyone can, that must be for bothersome for you, let me help."

Little more encouraging and Raven let's it happen, a yeah it feels fucking amazing and a few more rounds and his heat was completely gone! And gone earlier too!

Imagen the horror when Spotted tells him his expecting and it might be a big one too.

Tiger hearing is smug as fuck, he hovers over Raven the more his belly shows cause 1. He now has a reason to be always around and 2. Raven can't tell anyone what happ or about Redtails since Tiger is always around

Idk if Tiger would claim the kits as his or would just go "oh my poor apprentice what a foolish thing to do: getting pregnant a moon before his warrior ceremony." Bdnsbd

Meanwhile everyone thinking Tiger is being so doting and loving ndrk

On and Tiger absolutely discovers that his actually into Ravens new look, he can't help himself for constantly touching the round belly (maybe mating while prego too) and whispering into Ravens ear, "your mine now." "You look so pretty like this." Things that can sound loving but really it's Tiger plants seeds into Ravens head that maybe being a permanent queen wouldn't be so bad, over time it's gets more blunt,. "You know, your such a good queen maybe you were made for this rather than being a warrior." "Doesn't it feel nice to be pampered and treated with respect." "Theres no better honor than carrying Thunderclans future warriors." And raven starts to believe it cause yeah his happier then he ever was as a warrior even if it's Tigers fault.

Of course it's only ok when it's Tigers kits in there obv 🤭 cause his possessive like that (maybe one of the classmates notices and offers if Raven wants kits he can ask anyone for them and not only the clan deputy and oops Tiger heard this and less than a moons after the first litter was born Raven is prego with the next lol claim officially stated)

Also perhaps their first kits could be Bramble and Tawny? And the reason why Spotted thought it would be more cause they were pretty big for Ravens scrawny body jdjd.

So sorry for the late reply but anon you are so RIGHT!!!

Ravenpaw being so relieved that his heat is finally gone, and internally battling with the fact that he had sex with his mentor who tbh terrifies him. But everything is fine so no problem, he can move past it.

Then he gets the news that he’s expecting and he just 😀

It would be radical whether Tigerclaw took claim of the kits or not. Either way, Ravenpaw can’t escape now!!

When Tigerclaw hovers and dotes, everyone thinks he’s being so kind and loving, but they miss the glint of possession and danger in his eyes.

Ravenpaw tried to ignore it at first (“maybe I’m imagining it”) but eventually even he can’t deny the weird looks that Tigerclaw gives him.

It’s not like he can argue or kick up a fuss—after all (as Tigerclaw likes to remind him) it was his choice to get fucked, Tigerclaw only obliged and helped out. Ravenpaw has to deal with the consequences.

Maybe Tigerclaw holds that word above Ravenpaw’s head. Consequences. For being foolish and allowing himself to be fucked. And, if Ravenpaw doesn’t behave, consequences for spilling the Redtail secret.

But Ravenpaw finds himself enjoying the attention in a weird way. It’s better than Tigerclaw’s treatment of him before, after all. When Tigerclaw occasionally compliments him, Ravenpaw will groan and lean into Tigerclaw, pleased beyond belief.

(Tigerclaw uses that to his advantage ofc. He adds in praise in between every few manipulative comments about Ravenpaw deserving to be a queen.)

Once Ravenpaw begins to show, he sometimes just stares at his own belly, horrified and shocked and yet somehow hopeful as well. It’s a crazy situation but somehow, he wants to see his kits, and to see Tigerclaw’s reaction to them.

When he finally gives birth (I love the idea of Bramble and Tawny being their kits!), it’s difficult but Tigerclaw is there the whole time. Maybe he steps out for a minute and Ravenpaw gets a contraction, and he grits out “I didn’t even want kits!” in the midst of the pain.

Then whoever is there with him (Firepaw?) pauses and starts to ask what he means, but Tigerclaw returns with a piece of fresh kill.

Then maybe it’s Firepaw who (after about three weeks after the birth once Ravenpaw can go on supervised walks out of camp) offers to be the sire if Ravenpaw wants kits again.

Tigerclaw walks through the forest at that moment, and hears it. He cranes his ears, staying in the shadows, as Ravenpaw replies.

He stutters and stammers, and briefly retracts his earlier “I didn’t want kits” statement, saying that it was an accidental remark. Maybe he stumbles over talking about Tigerclaw.

He’s visibly flustered but eventually he leans towards “But it’s fine! Tigerclaw is really nice and he’s so caring towards the kits, and he’s strong, so he can protect them. And he’d never let me get hurt.” He doesn’t say a word about ‘love’ though, nor does he say that he likes the relationship. He just vaguely implies that Tigerclaw is great and that he, Ravenpaw, deserved the relationship.

Firepaw frowns and tries to argue, but Ravenpaw changes the subject and trots away.

Tigerclaw, still in the shadows, grins. His little pet had been taught well. But he’d have to reinforce the lessons a few more times, just to safe. He had to make sure Ravenpaw knew who owned him.

Perhaps another litter of kits would be the next step.

[danganronpasurvivoraskblog]

Zen Katagiri.

...

Akeru.

Hm?

*Everyone returns to the camper. Toko and Komaru have already tucked Akeru into bed.

Are you ok?

...No, not really...But I’m doing better than I should be.

I wanted to meet Seishi Yodogawa for a while now, but I never thought it would be like this.

Akeru...

...

404...

*Toko stands up.

Who...is that guy?

Pardon?

That bastard we saw in the holograms. Zen Katagiri. Who IS he?

Hm...Well, he’s bad news. That’s the be-all-end-all of it.

But...if you want the FULL origin story...Ask your boss.

Huh?

I had a feeling...

*Makoto turns around.

...

Kyoko. You know who Zen Katagiri is, don’t you? You’ve been dropping hints about him for a short while now.

...I might...

That’s not an answer.

*sigh* Ok, yes, I do. But his files were secret. I signed an NDA with the Samidare Detective Agency after they investigated the case.

Well, in case you forgot, Samidare’s dead now, so balls to that NDA.

Kuripa!

WHAT!?

...!?

*Hina bites, but Kuripa bites back twice as hard. She backs down immediately.

...

You are right...but you could stand to be a little less insensitive.

Not my style Bosswife. Normally I wouldn’t be like this, but in case you forgot, I’m PISSED OFF!

Whoever or whatever Zen Katagiri is, he deserves to HURT. And the sooner we take care of him, the better.

*He looks over at Rantaro.

Assuming that Agent 404 here upholds his end of the bargain, and helps us track down our BIGGER enemies.

I fully intend to.

Oh, that’s right. This was part of the deal.

Honestly, I’d be down to stomp Katagiri in the dirt even if it wasn’t.

But we’ll need more information before we do, so SPILL! IT!

...

Fine...Although I must warn you, the actual amount of information I have is far more limited than you might think.

We’ll take whatever we can get.

Alright. I suppose first things first is that I know of the relationship between Seishi and Zen.

They were classmates at Precepts Peak Academy. They attended the same year, and I believe they were somewhat close.

So Katagiri was an Ultimate too?

Makes sense. It takes a genius mind to come up with something like this. A DISEASED mind, but a genius one nonetheless.

So let me guess. Katagiri was the Ultimate Programmer, or something along the lines? It would explain why he was so good at tech.

...No, not by a long shot.

Then what was he...?

The Ultimate Hitman.

I’m sorry...the WHAT!?

HITMAN!? He’s an ASSASSIN!?

It’s all true. Zen Katagiri...Precepts Peak Academies Ultimate Hitman.

Famous for using his aptitude with technology to commit his bounties. Automated AI drones and turrets that make killing quickly, security cameras that gather information...He could do it all.

So right from the early days, he was using his technology to kill. Why am I not surprised.

How could Yodogawa trust someone like that!?

Seishi’s faith was indeed misplaced, but...let me turn that question back on you.

Why did YOU trust Mukuro Ikusaba. She’s a mass serial-killer/terrorist, right?

...!

...

Sorry, we were just talking about not being offensive to the dead...I just needed an example, that’s all.

No, it’s ok. You’ve made your point.

Mukuro was a valuable classmate to us. Back then, pre-killing game we might not have known her history, but we would have known she was a soldier. And we still got along with her.

However, we were unknowing that she and Junko were in cahoots at the time, and that she was unknowingly against us.

I see...Our situation with the Despair Sisters isn’t too dissimilar to Yodogawa’s with Katagiri’s.

And because Katagiri was skilled, when Yodogawa was suffering, he went to him for protection.

Protection from what?

From the people hunting him. Yodogawa did have altercations with the Yozora Clan before Shinitani’s death, in case you forgot.

...Right.

So he was under the impression that the Yozora Clan was still hunting him.

It’s not like he could have known about Shinitani Yozora’s untimely demise.

It disgusts me though...He sought out his old friend for help, only to be used in such a horrifying way.

But you see now what I meant? That’s the extent of what I actually know about Zen Katagiri.

All I know is that he was the Precepts Peak Ultimate Hitman, and he and Seishi knew each other, hence why Seishi would have gone to him for help. 

Also, according to what information I read, Katagiri vanished and hasn’t been seen in years. This was concerning, but no crimes reported in the years after matched his modus operandi. Everyone was willing to think that he might have given up killing, or that he’d died.

I see now the truth, but the problem is most of Katagiri’s past isn’t on file. So there’s nothing I can really share aside from that.

Actually, the information IS on file. You just need to know where to look.

Huh?

Allow ME to fill in the blanks for you ma’am. I’ll send you a file complete of all of the information I was able to dig up on Katagiri.

None of it is really essential to my cause, so it’s not worth mentioning right now. Really, it’s just nitty-bitty parts of his childhood.

How did you FIND that...!?

Let’s just say that Agent 404 is a title I deserve.

The biggest problem, and I mean the BIGGEST problem, is that I’m missing the most crucial piece of the puzzle.

Katagiri’s location.

Exactly.

I KNOW he’s here in New York. Given the circumstances, he can’t exactly leave...

What do you mean, “given the circumstances?”

Togami. We’re the only people in this country that know Seishi Yodogawa is Zen Katagiri in disguise. Unless Katagiri somehow found a way to steal Yodogawa’s body, he can’t exactly go out in public.

But if no one recognizes him, what’s the problem?

Didn’t you hear the part about Katagiri having gone missing for years? I think he’s trying to keep it that way. General public might not recognize him, but he’s gotta be on some sort of government list.

Fair enough.

Besides, his company is here, and he kind of needs to hold it down here to run it properly.

By the way, if I had nickel for every corrupt tech company that I tried to take down in the last few months, I’d have two nickels.

Which isn’t a lot but...y’know, it’s weird that it happened twice.

...

*Akeru suddenly sits up straight.

I might know where Katagiri is.

What?

Huh!?

Excuse me!?

...

*Akeru reaches into her pocket and takes out her phone. She hands it to Rantaro. Makoto peers at the screen.

What’s this? A text message?

It’s from Dad...

What...!?

Before I shut him down he...he sent me a thread of text messages. When I tried to reply to them, it didn’t work.

He...He agreed to send me Katagiri’s location if I deactivated him. I did, and before he vanished, I got sent this.

...

Wha-hey!

*Kuripa snatches the phone. He looks at the text and starts to read it aloud.

“Akeru. I must apologize that we didn’t have much time to talk after you discovered the mansion...”

Woah, hey, why are you reading it out loud?

Should I not? Better than passing the phone around to everyone one by one.

Besides, isn’t hearing Yodogawa out the entire reason you ditched the FF and came to the USA in the first place? If you don’t want Akeru to hear this, then cover her ears.

But I think she should listen. This message is for her after all.

...

...

...

*Toko and Komaru don’t take action. Akeru just sits still and listens.

“Due to what he did to me, my vocabulary as an AI was very limited. Zen didn’t feel it would be important for me to use words that weren’t relevant to the role as his housekeeper. Hence why I felt the need to send this written text to you before I passed.”

“Zen had a bad history, but to be betrayed by him like this still stings. But this isn’t about me, or him.”

“Truth is, I wanted to apologize. I know I haven’t been a good father, and I can make no good excuse. All I will tell you is that I had no idea that my daughter had survived. I left Shinitani and her clan behind shortly after she became pregnant, and knowing her, I thought she would abort the child.”

“But after seeing how strong and healthy and brave our child became, I’m eternally glad that she didn’t.”

...

“No, in fact, I have no right to call you my child anymore. Whether I was running from the Yozora Clan or not, or whether I was suffering from my disease or not, I should never have abandoned you. My unborn girl.”

“This does not make up for any of my misdeeds, but I must repay you for finally putting an end to my misery. You had no right nor reason to deactivate me like I asked you to, and had you refused I wouldn’t have blamed you. Nevertheless, you did what I asked, so I will return the favor.”

“I do not know where exactly in the institute he’s hiding, given that it’s an open area, but Zen Katagiri has a secret facility hidden in Central Park. THAT’S where he’s concocting his experiments and the development of AETHER.”

Central Park...! YES! That’s what I’m talking about!

A PARK? He’s not using some sort of building or facility...!?

No, and that’s why it’s so clever! If you’re looking for a lab, you’d naturally look at every famous building in New York. Central Park would be one of the LAST places you’d check, even if you were to do a city-wide scan of the entire Big Apple.

“I apologize, but this is the last time I’ll be able to speak with you. So before I go, I just want to say one more thing.”

“If this message ever reaches the ears of Akeru’s new parents, I just want to let you know something.

...!

...!

“I have nothing but gratitude for the both of you for making my daughter so happy. You did what I could not.”

“Believe me, you and I both know that despite being the victim, I am hardly the good guy in this situation. So you have no right to answer any of my requests.”

“Nevertheless, Akeru seems genuinely happy to be with you both. So please...Keep up the good work.”

...

That’s it.

...

...

...

*Toko, Komaru and Akeru don’t know what to do. They just sit and snuggle.

Right...That’s that then.

Woah, hey, where are you going?

Sorry, but I think I’ve overstayed my welcome.

After hearing all that, you Naegi’s need some time to recover. I wouldn’t want to come in crashing your family time.

Besides, now that Yodogawa’s given me a place to look, I need to find out how Katagiri was able to mod Central Park.

AND I need to find a way to access it. Give me some time, and I’ll be back later with my results.

Alright. Good luck out there.

And please. Next time you need to contact us, don’t do it through your creepy website.

Haha...I got it. See you soon.

*Rantaro exaunts.

...

...

...

...

*And Makoto just quietly watches his sister and her family as they mourn together...

[pyromanic-pidgeon]

-Because we lie-

PART 3 

Wordcount: 1027

Warnings: fluff, mention of sex, fake dating, just overall the adorable loveliness that your heart deserves, I actually wrote over 1k this time yay, enjooyy 

Previous parts: PART 1  PART 2

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

Jonah ran as fast as his legs could manage. He needed to get there now. Before she heard about it herself. An explanation he really needed to give before all hell broke loose. He loved his best friend, more than he really should, but she really couldn’t keep a secret for the life of her, however he had insinuated something before his brain had caught up. Just down this hallway and to the left. 

Once he got inside he first went over to the romance section, quickly scanning the shelves for his target. And there on the third highest shelf, almost entirely to the right it stood. Witcha gonna do. 

He grabbed it and hurried over to his questionable but recent favorite spot, which is where he found her. Sitting on one the blue cushions nestled into the corner of the whale section she looked up from her phone. A slightly confused look on her face. 

“What are you doing here? Don’t you finish early on wednesdays?” 

“Yeah, well, I am going home. After this, that is. I don’t live that far away actually. It’s just like a twenty minute walk- and I’m rambling sorry. Here.” She laughed at his antics and he felt his heart beat ever so slightly faster, not that he was paying attention to it of course. He gave her the book and watched her eyes light up. A smile spreading across her face as she grabbed the book. 

“Gosh, I’ve been looking for this for months! Wasn’t it rented out all month?” She asked, a certain warmth in her excitement only she possessed. 

“Beats me.” He shrugged, deciding not to mention that he had placed a hold on it for this very specific purpose. She’d reacted just how he’d hoped. However, he reminded himself, he needed to talk to the redhead. 

“Listen Mills, I need a favor.” 

Her face changed into one of intrigue as she placed her book in her bag. “Who’d you kill?” 

“No one!” 

“Hah, you should’ve seen your face Joe! Priceless.” She laughed as she stood up. “But seriously, what do you need?” Jonah sighed as he thought of the best way to phrase things. 

“Becky’s wondering why I go here all the time, which I suspect yours are too? Well, she might, maybe, perhaps think that i per chance might have a tiny crush on a secret girl in the library now and she won’t leave me alone about it.” He spilled. Emilia’s eyes widened. 

“Gee, alright. Ehm. Is- Is it true?” She asked, her cheeks beginning to flush. “Because, look Joe, you’re a great guy and all but you know-” 

“Oh, nonononono. I don’t like you. Not that there’s anything wrong with you of course, I-” He sighed. “What I’m trying to say is; do you maybe wanna fake date me so that she’ll leave me alone about it?” 

She thought for a second. 

“What’s in it for me?” 

“Your friends won’t wonder why you leave all the time, you get a free date, and no one will wonder if you like Leigh or not.” Jonah explained. 

“Does people think I like them? I mean I do, how could I not, but that’s a secret.” Emilia felt her chest tighten and her breathing rush. 

“No. Or, I don’t know. I thought so… But I’m not everyone else.” He rubbing his hand nervously on his neck. 

“Also, fake dating? We’re not living in a romcom Joe. No one’s gonna believe that, and how do I know this is not just you wanting to somehow end up with us liking each other?”  

“We won’t.” 

“That’s some famous last words you got there Jonah McQuinton.” She deadpanned. 

“Yeah, ok. Fair enough. But hey, what’s the worst thing that could happen if we actually started liking each other?” Jonah asked with hope in his eyes. He didn’t know what he’d do if she didn’t agree. Perhaps, he’d simply, just, tell Becky the truth. 

“Even more heartbreaking one-sided pining? It’s already hard enough for me to be around Leigh all the time. I don’t want the library to be a similar warzone.” 

“Look, let’s make a deal. If we do fall in love with one another, we have a code word. Let’s say… Whales. But if it’s one-sided, we have an agreement that the one with the broken heart has the claim of the whale section. The other can only come over if it’s strictly necessary, which to be frank we both know is close to impossible to happen. What do ya say Mills?” 

Emilia thought about it for a few seconds. He did have a point, and the plan seemed pretty fail-proof, although…

“No miscommunication. I hate that trope.” 

“As you wish.” 

“Alright, I’m down, we need some ground rules though.” 

“Of course, how do you feel about kissing?” 

“I don’t want to kiss on the mouth unless it’s necessary, but the cheek and stuff is fine.” 

“Noted. No sex, of course. I don’t think we should do more than hugging but cuddling can be ok at times?” 

“Agreed on both. The basic, ‘no telling others it’s fake’ is also a must.” 

Jonah nodded his head in agreement. 

“Alright, give me your phone.” He reluctantly got his phone up. “C’mon Joe, I’m not dangerous.” 

“That’s debatable, but sure.” He laughed as he unlocked his phone. 

Emilia then proceeded to put her number in his phone before adding a cringy photo of herself that she air-dropped to him. She then went over to him and took a cute photo of them making faces to set as his background image. 

“There ya go, do the same to mine.” 

“Love muffin?” He asked as he checked his new contact. 

“It’s adorable, boyfriend.” She smiled evilly towards him, clearly enjoying the teasing he’d endure from all of this. He then proceeded to do the same thing but he took a picture of him kissing her cheek for her background picture, effectively making her blush. 

The bell rang just as they finished their shenanigans and she headed off to class. Blowing a quick kiss followed by sticking out her tongue at him as she left. 

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

Later parts: PART 4

[mrsbsmooth]

Scripts - S7 - Episode 29 (Part 1 of 2)

Baby challenge - Part 1 (including you and partner disagreeing)

NARRATOR: Previously on Love Island! We’ve got a dumping on our hands!

NARRATOR: Speaking of which, why did the <i>oyster</i> get <i>dumped</i> by his girlfriend?

NARRATOR: He was <i>shellfish</i> in the sea-bed!

NARRATOR: Happens to us all, mate.

NARRATOR: But who’s about to <i>clam up</i> and get dumped? Let’s see shall we?

The news of tonight’s dumping cuts short {0} and {1}’s chat.

The others gather around the pool to discuss the big news.

PLAYER_SURPRISED: A dumping… tonight?!

UMA_SAD: Not just a dumping… a double dumping.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: Aww man.

UMA_EMBARRASSED: It hasn’t even been like… a day!

{0}_EMBARRASSED: Jeez. Just when I was getting comfy.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: I thought we were home free! The final couples, on the final stretch.

PLAYER_EMBARRASSED: Guess you were wrong.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: You can say that again, {1}.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: I’m so not ready for this!

UMA_SAD: It’s just sad thinking another couple’s gotta leave.

Uma rests her head on {0}’s shoulder.

UMA_IDLE: Just when we were getting into our flow, {0}.

{0} squeezes Uma’s hand affectionately.

{0}_FLIRTY: It wouldn’t be the end. Just the beginning.

{0}_IDLE: Woah. Since when did you guys become adorable?

{0}_EMBARRASSED: To be fair, Uma and {1} are one of the strongest couples here now.

PLAYER_SURPRISED: Wait, did {0} just give… a compliment?

{0}_HAPPY: Wish I’d recorded that. A rare sighting.

{0}_IDLE: What about you, {1}?

{0}_IDLE: You think you and {1} are a strong couple?

Hell yeah, we’re strong!

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Hell yeah, we’re super strong!

You look at {0} with a flirty wink.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: We’ve never been stronger.

{0}_FLIRTY: We’re as sturdy as an oak tree.

{0}_IDLE: Oak trees can rot, fyi.

{0}_IDLE: Not this one.

ALEX_FLIRTY: Trust me I know how to look after an oak.

ALEX_FLIRTY: And {0}...

There’s still work to do

PLAYER_IDLE: There’s still work to do.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: Wait, work?

{0}_FLIRTY: Is that so?

UMA_IDLE: Oh please. What relationship doesn’t need work?

{0}_EMBARRASSED: Tell me about it.

Time will tell

PLAYER_IDLE: Time will tell, I guess.

{0}_IDLE: It always does.

{0}_FLIRTY: Meow! Someone’s keeping their cards close to their bikini.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: Maybe just stay out of it, {1}?

{0}_HAPPY: Well excuse moi!

{0}_FLIRTY: Can’t blame a girl for sizing up her competition, can you?

{0}_HAPPY: Ok, go easy, {1}.

{0}_IDLE: I think it’s safe to say, everyone’s stronger than {1} and {2}.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: I said go easy, {1}.

{0}_SERIOUS: Wow. Charming, {1}.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: To be fair, we were on the rocks.

{0}_ANGRY: {1}?!

{0}_SURPRISED: I’m being honest, though!

{0}_SERIOUS: Ok, yes we were on the rocks.

{0}_IDLE: But things are good now! Right?

{0}_EMBARRASSED: Right!

{0} looks over at you awkwardly.

UMA_IDLE: I always think that the first rule of relationships is communication.

{0}_IDLE: Yeah, no secrets. That’s the key.

{0}_SERIOUS: Thanks for the smug advice from the villa’s golden couple.

{0}_HAPPY: Anytime!

PLAYER_IDLE: Speaking of secrets, {0}...

Suddenly, all the Islanders’ heads swivel to you.

PLAYER_IDLE: What did you pull {0} to talk about just now?

UMA_SURPRISED: Ooh! Spill the tea!

{0} looks at the ground.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: Nothing.

PLAYER_IDLE: Well, if it was nothing, why can’t you say it?

{0}_IDLE: {1}...

Before {0} can finish their sentence, a sudden squeal is heard from the living room.

PLAYER_SURPRISED: Wait… Who’s that?!

{0}_SURPRISED: Is that crying?!

UMA_SURPRISED: But we’re all here, what’s going on!?

More wails can be heard getting louder and louder.

PLAYER_IDLE: Oh my days, those are <i>baby</i> cries!

UMA_SURPRISED: You know what that means? It’s baby day!

{0}_EMBARRASSED: Ugh. I’m so not ready for babies!

UMA_SURPRISED: The. Babies. Are. Hereeee.

Uma jumps up and down on the spot, clapping her hands in excitement.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: Guess we’re parents now, {1}?

{0}_IDLE: Great. Another baby to add to my life.

PLAYER_IDLE: Ok, gang! Let’s go meet the little ones.

UMA_HAPPY: Right behind you, Mumma-bear!

You and Uma lead the pack, heading for the living room.

You and the Islanders rush into the living room, only to find the place is filled with cots and crying baby dolls.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Yep, it’s definitely baby day.

UMA_HAPPY: Aww! I love the Baby Challenge! Been waiting for this!

BONNIE_IDLE: This must be how they’re testing our compatibility…

{0}_IDLE: This is a massive day!

VICKY_IDLE: That’s some heavy infantry.

{0}_IDLE: It’s time for dad-mode, I guess.

{0}_IDLE: It’s time for mum-mode, I guess.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: Ok, this is all great, but how do we stop them crying though?

{0}_HAPPY: We can sing nursery rhymes?

{0}_EMBARRASSED: Great, nursery rhymes, yes!

{0}_HAPPY: Aww look how cute they are!

{0}_SURPRISED: Cute? They’re just yelling at us!

Your phone pings with a text.

PLAYER_HAPPY: I’ve got a text!

{0}_EMBARRASSED: Read it out! Maybe that’ll stop them crying?

LITEXT: Islanders, congratulations you are now parents for a day. It’s time to see which mums and dads will thrive in the Baby Challenge.

LITEXT: Get ready to goo-goo gaa-gaa because the couple whose baby cries the least throughout the day wins. {0}SilenceIsGolden {1}HitTheGroundNappying

UMA_IDLE: Oh no… nappies.

UMA_HAPPY: Or as Daphne would say diapers.

{0}_FLIRTY: Watch this space. They call me The Diaper King.

{0}_IDLE: Weird nickname…

UMA_HAPPY: I am so beyond hyped!

UMA_SURPRISED: Maybe I can open a new baby <i>hair</i> salon!

Uma grabs {0} and heads over to the cots to find their baby.

{0}_IDLE: C’mon, {1}. Let’s go find our baby.

PLAYER_IDLE: Let’s do it.

You and {0} head over to your assigned cot and peek inside.

NARRATOR: Select baby...

A. Asian

B. Caucasian

C. Black

D. Olive

{0}_HAPPY: Look what the stork brought us, {1}!

You both look down at your adorable baby doll.

{0}_HAPPY: What do you think, {1}? Ready to be a mum?

I was born for this!

PLAYER_HAPPY: Ready? I was born for this!

{0}_HAPPY: Yeah, I feel the same way.

PLAYER_IDLE: You do?

{0} nods and breaks into a grin.

{0}_HAPPY: Hate to brag, but I could definitely be the world’s best dad.

{0}_HAPPY: Hate to brag, but I could definitely be the world’s best mum.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Prove it.

{0}_FLIRTY: Just you wait, {1}!

{0} smiles and takes a closer look at the baby.

I’m not ready!

PLAYER_EMBARRASSED: Am I ready? No way!

{0}_IDLE: I get you, {1}.

PLAYER_IDLE: It’s a big responsibility.

{0} takes a closer look at the baby and takes a deep breath.

{0}_HAPPY: I feel the weight of the world on my shoulders right now.

{0}_IDLE: But I think I can handle this.

PLAYER_IDLE: Glad one of us is ready.

{0}_HAPPY: You can count on me.

{0}_IDLE: But I think I can handle this.

PLAYER_IDLE: Glad one of us is ready.

{0}_IDLE: You can count on me.

{0}_HAPPY: Even if it is just a doll.

I’ll report back after today

PLAYER_IDLE: How about I report back after today?

{0}_HAPPY: Works for me.

{0}_IDLE: Something tells me we’ll make a good team.

I wish we had twins!

PLAYER_IDLE: Am I ready!? I wish we had twins!

{0}_HAPPY: Twins, huh!

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Double the trouble.

{0}_HAPPY: Let’s go one step at a time, yeah?

Motherhood? No thanks!

PLAYER_IDLE: Having kids is not on my agenda.

PLAYER_HAPPY: I’d happily be the fun aunt and just leave it at that.

{0}_HAPPY: Fair enough, {1}.

{0}_HAPPY: But for the sake of the challenge could you pretend to be into looking after a baby?

PLAYER_HAPPY: I wouldn’t mind winning that special prize so I’ll give it my all.

Your baby gurgles and {0} strokes its head.

BRYSON_EMBARRASSED: Time to try out this dad hat for size I guess.

JOYO_IDLE: Surfboards away. Daddy mode is activated.

EVAN_IDLE: Canvases away. Daddy mode is activated.

TRAVIS_IDLE: Looks like a rock climber! Just like his dad.

RAFAEL_HAPPY: Ah, man. This is gonna be fun!

ALEX_IDLE: Carpenter hat off. Dad mode activated.

{0}_HAPPY: Hey there little one.

{0} looks at you, a twinkle in his eye.

Your baby gurgles and {0} strokes its little head.

VICKY_IDLE: Hey there, little one.

VICKY_IDLE: It’s mummy Vicky and mummy {0}.

BONNIE_IDLE: Hey there, little one.

BONNIE_IDLE: It’s mumma Bonnie and mumma {0}.

{0} looks at you, a twinkle in her eye.

{0}_IDLE: Got any ideas for a name?

{0}_HAPPY: I love it, {1}. {2} it is!

Uma breaks away from cooing at her new bundle of joy.

UMA_HAPPY: {0}? That’s an epic name!

{0}_FLIRTY: Uma, thoughts and feelings on calling ours ‘Blaze’?

Uma and {0}'s baby suddenly erupts into high pitched screeches.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: Guess not.

UMA_ANGRY: Shh! {0}! Your silly name upset baby Leo.

{0}_SURPRISED: Leo?

UMA_IDLE: Yep. I’ve already named him. More traditional.

She picks up the screaming baby Leo and tries burping him.

UMA_EMBARRASSED: There, there, Leo. It’s ok.

Leo’s cries only get louder.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: Looks like my boy’s got some good lungs on him.

{0}_SERIOUS: Can you guys calm your baby? Shelby Jones is trying to sleep!

PLAYER_EMBARRASSED: Shelby Jones?

{0} rolls her eyes.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: His choice, not mine.

JOYO_FLIRTY: Named after my favourite pro-surfer.

RAFAEL_FLIRTY: Named after my favourite tech entrepreneur.

TRAVIS_FLIRTY: Named after my favourite pro-climber.

BRYSON_FLIRTY: Named after my favourite fashion designer.

{0}_SERIOUS: Fantastic.

In the corner, you spy {0} fumbling with her new baby doll.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: Is this how I hold it?

{0}_IDLE: It? Come on, {1}! She’s called Lola.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: Sorry, Lola. Right.

{0}_IDLE: I hope you’ve remembered some nursery rhymes?

{0}_EMBARRASSED: Something tells me this is gonna be a long day.

Vicky spots a selection of baby outfits sitting next to your cot.

VICKY_HAPPY: Shut the front door! Look at those little outfits, {0}!

PLAYER_HAPPY: Oh yeah.

{0}_IDLE: So, {1}, how are you gonna dress up {2}?

{0}_FLIRTY: Maybe you and {1} could go matching!? Such a vibe.

UMA_FLIRTY: Or you can let {0} be fashion forward and independent?

{0}_HAPPY: What do you reckon, {1}?

PLAYER_HAPPY: Let’s see what there is!

A. Carrier1

B. Carrier2

*C. Carrier3

*D. Carrier4

UMA_HAPPY: I can’t even! Just so cuuuute!

{0}_HAPPY: Oh my days, little {1} is adorable!

{0}_IDLE: Ok. You do win the cutest baby award, {1}.

{0}_HAPPY: World’s. Coolest. Baby.

{0}_IDLE: Not my first choice, but you do you!

UMA_HAPPY: Still cute though.

Uma and {0}’s baby’s screams are still reverberating and reaching an ear piercing pitch!

UMA_EMBARRASSED: Shh, Leo!

PLAYER_EMBARRASSED: Leo’s really screaming up a storm, huh!

{0}_IDLE: Easy there, little guy.

Uma frantically paces up and down, patting Leo on the back.

UMA_EMBARRASSED: What do we do?

{0}_IDLE: I’ve got this, just need to be calm. Parenting is like playing chess.

UMA_ANGRY: I don’t know how to play chess, {0}!

{0}_SERIOUS: Would you guys zip it? Princess Lola needs rest!

{0}_IDLE: Looks like someone’s taken to mothering sooner than she thought.

{0}_FLIRTY: Lola’s cool. What can I say?

Lola then also erupts into crying squarks.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: Oh no, what did I do?

{0}_EMBARRASSED: And so the parenting begins.

The living room is now filled with babies wailing.

Amidst all the screeching, {0} pulls you to one side.

{0}_IDLE: How about we go to the terrace for some baby bonding time?

PLAYER_HAPPY: Sounds like a plan.

{0}_HAPPY: We might even get some peace and quiet.

PLAYER_HAPPY: If we’re lucky!

You and {0} sneak off to the terrace, away from the noise and chaos.

Away from all the commotion, you and {0} take a seat on the terrace. You gently rock {1} back and forth.

PLAYER_IDLE: There, there {0}. We’re away from all the noise now.

{0}_IDLE: Check you out, {1}. Mum of the year, right here.

{0}_IDLE: You were right, you were born for this, {1}.

PLAYER_HAPPY: You hear that, {0}?

{0}_IDLE: For someone who says they’re not ready for a baby, you’re doing a fab job, {1}.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Sure, I said I wasn’t ready.

PLAYER_HAPPY: But that doesn’t mean I’m not a natural.

{0}_HAPPY: Touché.

{0}_IDLE: Gotta say, I’m glad we don’t have twins just yet, though.

{0}_HAPPY: Now that would’ve been a real handful.

PLAYER_IDLE: Two handfuls to be precise.

{0} beams at you as he strokes {1}’s arm.

{0} beams at you as she strokes {1}’s arm.

{0}_IDLE: Y’know, I wouldn’t want to be doing this challenge with anyone else, {1}.

PLAYER_IDLE: Is that right?

{0} nods.

{0}_IDLE: I know I want to be super hands-on if I have a kid for real.

RAFAEL_IDLE: I’ve known that for as long as I can remember.

PLAYER_IDLE: You always knew you wanted kids?

RAFAEL_IDLE: No, just that if I was to be a dad, I’d be a hands on one.

RAFAEL_IDLE: I’m pretty open to the idea of having a family.

RAFAEL_IDLE: But I’m also open to the possibility of it being just me and my partner.

ALEX_IDLE: I’ve known that for as long as I can remember.

PLAYER_IDLE: You always knew you wanted kids?

ALEX_IDLE: No, just that if I was to be a dad, I’d be a hands on one.

ALEX_IDLE: I’m pretty open to the idea of having a family.

ALEX_IDLE: But I’m also open to the possibility of it being just me and my partner.

BRYSON_HAPPY: There’s still so much I want to do first.

BRYSON_IDLE: But in the future, I could be open to it.

JOYO_IDLE: But I can’t lie, in practice it feels different.

PLAYER_IDLE: You never thought about having kids yourself?

JOYO_EMBARRASSED: I thought about it. But not seriously.

JOYO_HAPPY: I’m more of a take each day as it comes kinda guy.

JOYO_IDLE: But in the future, who knows.

JOYO_IDLE: I could be open to the idea of having a family.

JOYO_IDLE: But I’m also happy for my life to include just me and my partner.

PLAYER_IDLE: Is that right?

EVAN_IDLE: Of course. I know I’ve got it in me to be a great dad.

PLAYER_IDLE: Have you ever thought about having kids?

EVAN_IDLE: In the future, I could be open to it.

EVAN_IDLE: But right now, it’s career time.

EVAN_HAPPY: Those paintings aren’t gonna paint themselves!

TRAVIS_IDLE: But I never handled <i>this</i> kind of package in the warehouse before.

PLAYER_IDLE: You ever wanted kids yourself?

TRAVIS_IDLE: Hmm, maybe.

TRAVIS_HAPPY: I can see myself being pretty good at it.

TRAVIS_IDLE: I was lucky, my old-man was an amazing role model.

PLAYER_IDLE: You do?

VICKY_IDLE: Yeah, of course.

VICKY_IDLE: And I’m lucky, my mum was a great role model to me and my sister.

VICKY_IDLE: I could be down to replicate that one day.

PLAYER_IDLE: You do?

BONNIE_IDLE: Of course.

BONNIE_HAPPY: I’m pretty sure I’d be good at it.

BONNIE_HAPPY: But I wouldn’t say I’ve definitively chosen a side when it comes to having kids.

BONNIE_HAPPY: Who knows what the future holds for me!

{0}_IDLE: Either way this will be a fun practice run.

PLAYER_IDLE: It will indeed.

{0}_IDLE: Plus, I always knew we’d make a good team, {1}.

We’re the best team

PLAYER_FLIRTY: I think we’re the best team.

{0}_FLIRTY: I’m glad you feel that way.

PLAYER_IDLE: {0} is one lucky baby!

{0}_FLIRTY: And how’s this for team-work?

Team? I’m doing all the work!

PLAYER_IDLE: Good team? I’m doing all the baby work?

{0}_SURPRISED: Woah there! Gimme a second, we’ve only just started, {1}!

{0}_IDLE: I’m a hands-on parent, remember?

PLAYER_IDLE: So you say!

{0}_IDLE: Well, how’s this for team-work?

There’s still team-building to do!

PLAYER_IDLE: Steady! There’s still some team-building to do!

{0}_IDLE: Of course. I get that.

{0}_HAPPY: Just please don’t make me do one of those cringe teaming-building exercises?

PLAYER_IDLE: There’s still time.

{0} shoots you a mischievous grin.

{0}_IDLE: Well, how’s this for team-work?

{0} leans over and strokes {1}’s little head.

{0}_IDLE: Look at {1} being as good as gold.

{0}_HAPPY: I’m one proud parent.

{0}_FLIRTY: Plus, I think I make a hot dad, right?

Rawr! Hot dad, alert!

PLAYER_FLIRTY: All I can say is…

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Rawr!

{0}_FLIRTY: Don’t you know it?

{0}_FLIRTY: And it goes without saying…

{0}_FLIRTY: You’re one seriously hot mum.

You seem a little nervous

PLAYER_IDLE: If I’m honest? You seem a little nervous.

{0} looks down at the baby and laughs.

{0}_IDLE: Damn. You read me so well, {1}.

{0}_SERIOUS: But it’s actually not {1} I’m nervous about.

PLAYER_IDLE: What is it then?

I’m still getting used to it

PLAYER_IDLE: I’m still getting used to it!

{0}_HAPPY: You and me both.

{0}_IDLE: You normally get a bit of warning before these sorts of things, right?

PLAYER_IDLE: Very true. About nine months.

Focus on {0}!

PLAYER_SURPRISED: Oi! Focus on {0}!

{0}_IDLE: Sorry, sorry. My bad.

{0}_HAPPY: Guess I’m just trying to impress you with my dad skills.

PLAYER_HAPPY: So maybe just focus on <i>being</i> a dad? Not how you look.

{0}_IDLE: Got it.

{0}_IDLE: {1}’s being one chilled baby, though.

PLAYER_IDLE: Yeah, we’ve been lucky so far.

{0} begins to snore softly.

{0}_HAPPY: Check it out! {1} is asleep!

{0}_FLIRTY: Hot dad strikes again.

PLAYER_IDLE: We’re doing good!

{0}_FLIRTY: Plus, I think I make a hot mumma, right?

Rawr! Hot mum, alert!

PLAYER_FLIRTY: All I can say is…

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Rawr!

{0}_FLIRTY: Don’t you know it?

{0}_FLIRTY: And it goes without saying…

{0}_FLIRTY: You’re one seriously hot mum too.

You seem a little nervous

PLAYER_IDLE: If I’m honest? You seem a little nervous.

{0} looks down at the baby and laughs.

{0}_IDLE: Damn. You read me so well, {1}.

{0}_SERIOUS: But it’s actually not {1} I’m nervous about.

PLAYER_IDLE: What is it then?

I’m still getting used to it

PLAYER_IDLE: I’m still getting used to it!

{0}_HAPPY: You and me both.

{0}_IDLE: You normally get a bit of warning before these sorts of things, right?

PLAYER_IDLE: Very true.

Focus on {0}!

PLAYER_SURPRISED: Oi! Focus on {0}!

{0}_IDLE: Sorry, sorry. My bad.

{0}_HAPPY: Guess I’m just trying to impress you with my mum skills.

PLAYER_HAPPY: So maybe just focus on <i>being</i> a mum? Not how you look.

{0}_IDLE: Got it.

{0}_IDLE: {1}’s being one chilled baby, though.

PLAYER_IDLE: Yeah, we’ve been lucky so far.

Just then, {0} begins to snore softly.

{0}_HAPPY: Check it out! {1} is asleep!

{0}_FLIRTY: Hot mum strikes again.

PLAYER_IDLE: We’re doing good!

The two of you take a second to enjoy a moment of much needed calm.

{0}_IDLE: I’ve actually been meaning to talk to you, {1}.

PLAYER_IDLE: What about?

{0} looks at you, slightly nervous.

{0}_IDLE: Us. I guess.

PLAYER_IDLE: So <i>this</i> is why you were looking nervous.

{0} nods.

PLAYER_IDLE: Go on then…

PLAYER_IDLE: So <i>this</i> is why you were looking nervous.

{0} nods.

PLAYER_IDLE: Go on then…

PLAYER_IDLE: What about us?

{0} looks at the sleeping {1} and takes a deep breath.

{0}_IDLE: It’s been a real journey for us in here.

PLAYER_IDLE: You’ve got that right.

{0}_IDLE: And I just…

{0}_FLIRTY: I want you to know how happy I am right now.

PLAYER_IDLE: You are?

{0}_HAPPY: I just still feel so lucky that you walked into Casa Amor.

PLAYER_IDLE: Feels like so long ago, doesn’t it?

{0} smiles and nods to himself.

{0}_IDLE: Although things have moved pretty fast.

{0}_HAPPY: I mean look at us, we’ve got a baby now!

PLAYER_SURPRISED: Wait!? A baby!? No!

You put on a faux shock and horrified expression which makes {0} grin.

{0}_IDLE: But being sincere for a minute…

{0}_EMBARRASSED: I just want you to know that for me…

PLAYER_IDLE: Yeah?

{0}_SERIOUS: I really care about you, a lot.

{0}_IDLE: The more time I spend with you, the more sure I am about us.

{0}_IDLE: And I’m just really excited to see where this goes.

{0}_FLIRTY: Both inside and outside the villa.

TRAVIS_IDLE: I know it’s still early days for us.

TRAVIS_HAPPY: But we are an official final couple now.

PLAYER_IDLE: Yeah?

TRAVIS_FLIRTY: And I want you to know…

TRAVIS_FLIRTY: I can’t wait to find out what’s in store for us.

TRAVIS_EMBARRASSED: Both inside and outside the villa.

TRAVIS_IDLE: I don’t mean to get all melty on you, but I really like you, {0}.

TRAVIS_IDLE: When I walked in here…

TRAVIS_EMBARRASSED: I didn’t think I’d find someone I’d have such a connection with.

TRAVIS_HAPPY: And I mean look at us, we’ve got a baby together now!

Travis gestures to {0}.

PLAYER_SURPRISED: Wait!? A baby!? No!?

You put on a faux shock and horrified expression which makes Travis grin.

TRAVIS_IDLE: But being sincere for a little minute…

TRAVIS_SERIOUS: I just want you to know, I really like you.

TRAVIS_IDLE: And I like where this is heading, {0}.

TRAVIS_FLIRTY: You’re pretty special.

EVAN_IDLE: I just wanted to say…

EVAN_HAPPY: I’m super happy with you right now.

PLAYER_IDLE: You are?

Evan looks deep into your eyes and nods.

EVAN_IDLE: I feel like we’re in a really good place.

EVAN_EMBARRASSED: But sometimes things in here can get pretty messy.

PLAYER_IDLE: You’re telling me.

EVAN_IDLE: So let’s carry on taking things one step at a time.

EVAN_HAPPY: It’s still early days.

PLAYER_IDLE: It is.

EVAN_FLIRTY: And there’s no point rushing a good thing, right?

PLAYER_HAPPY: Says the guy adoring our new baby.

EVAN_HAPPY: That’s a very good point.

EVAN_HAPPY: Y’know what they say! Things sure move fast in here!

Evan gestures down to {0} and laughs.

EVAN_IDLE: But in all seriousness…

EVAN_HAPPY: I’m enjoying this and I’m excited to see where it leads.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: …To you painting my portrait, hopefully.

EVAN_HAPPY: Guess it’ll have to be you <i>and</i> {0} now.

PLAYER_IDLE: Get out those paints, Evan!

EVAN_FLIRTY: For you, anything.

VICKY_IDLE: It’s been a real journey for us in here.

PLAYER_IDLE: You’ve got that right.

VICKY_IDLE: And I just…

VICKY_FLIRTY: I want you to know how happy I am right now.

PLAYER_IDLE: You are?

VICKY_HAPPY: I just still feel so lucky I met you.

VICKY_EMBARRASSED: I just want you to know that for me…

PLAYER_IDLE: Yeah?

VICKY_HAPPY: This is everything I could want and more.

VICKY_IDLE: The more time I spend with you, the more sure I am about us.

VICKY_IDLE: Obviously, I know it’s early days.

VICKY_FLIRTY: But I’m really excited to see where this goes.

VICKY_FLIRTY: Both inside and outside the villa.

BONNIE_IDLE: It’s been a real journey for us in here.

PLAYER_IDLE: You’ve got that right.

BONNIE_IDLE: And I just…

BONNIE_FLIRTY: I want you to know how happy I am right now.

PLAYER_IDLE: You are?

BONNIE_HAPPY: I still feel so lucky I met you.

BONNIE_EMBARRASSED: I want you to know that for me…

PLAYER_IDLE: Yeah?

BONNIE_HAPPY: This is everything I could have wanted and more.

BONNIE_HAPPY: I mean I really wasn’t expecting a baby!

BONNIE_IDLE: But the more time I spend with you, the more sure I am about us.

BONNIE_FLIRTY: And I’m just really excited to see where this goes.

BONNIE_FLIRTY: Both inside and outside the villa.

{0}_FLIRTY: I just feel unbelievably lucky right now, {1}.

{0} shoots you a flirtatious grin and edges in closer for a kiss.

Give a passionate kiss!

You pull {0} in closer and go in for a snog.

You kiss him gently, knotting your hands around his neck before pulling him closer to you.

{0} groans softly, his arms circling around your waist, he kisses your lips with passion and longing.

You kiss her gently, knotting your hands around her neck and pulling her closer to you.

{0} groans softly, her arms circling around your waist, he kisses your lips with passion and longing.

Suddenly, you’re kissing each other harder, deeper with an urgency you never knew you needed before.

After finally pulling away, you feel wild tremors and butterflies dancing in your stomach.

{0} brushes some hair behind your ear and holds your gaze, tenderly.

{0}_FLIRTY: I’m glad the baby’s asleep.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: I know. No one wants to see their parents make out.

Peck on the cheek

You lean in and give {0} a peck on the cheek.

{0}_FLIRTY: You’re being a very responsible parent, aren’t you?

PLAYER_IDLE: I most definitely am.

{0}_FLIRTY: Maybe we can save some more kisses for when we’re alone.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Exactly. In a baby–free zone.

Act casual

PLAYER_IDLE: Oh don’t worry, I know I am.

{0}_IDLE: That’s what I like to hear.

You look down once more at {0} who’s fast asleep.

PLAYER_EMBARRASSED: Let’s hope {0} isn’t a screecher like baby Theo.

{0}_IDLE: Nah, I have faith in our little {1}.

No kissing in front of {0}!

PLAYER_IDLE: Woah there, Romeo! No smooches in front of {0}!

{0}_EMBARRASSED: I know. You’re right.

PLAYER_IDLE: We’re being responsible parents, remember?

{0}_FLIRTY: We can save it for another time.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Exactly. A baby–free zone.

{0} bursts out in tears, wailing and screaming.

{0}_SURPRISED: Uh oh! We got busted!

PLAYER_EMBARRASSED: Sorry, {0}! Did we wake you?

{0}_HAPPY: Looks like {1} wasn’t a big fan of that kiss.

{0}_FLIRTY: I very much was, though.

PLAYER_EMBARRASSED: Cringe to see your parents snogging. I get it, {0}.

{0}_HAPPY: Looks like {1} wasn’t a big fan of that cheek kiss either.

{0}_HAPPY: {1}’s still not having it!

{0}’s cries start getting even louder.

{0}_IDLE: Woah, woah, woah. Let’s calm it down little one.

PLAYER_EMBARRASSED: {0}, what’s with all the noise, huh?

{0}’s howls reverberate across the terrace.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: Do you know any baby soothing tips, {1}?

{0}_IDLE: What you got?

Let’s sing a lullaby!

PLAYER_IDLE: Sing a lullaby!

{0}_EMBARRASSED: A lullaby?

PLAYER_IDLE: Yeah! Why not?

You take a deep breath and start singing.

PLAYER_IDLE: Go to sleeeeep baaaaby {0}, go to sleeeee-

{0} waves his hands, signalling you to stop.

{0} waves her hands, signalling you to stop.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: That’s just too much noise, {1}.

PLAYER_EMBARRASSED: What do you mean?

{0}_SURPRISED: Isn’t singing just going to rile {1} up?

PLAYER_IDLE: It’s supposed to be calming!

{0}_EMBARRASSED: {1} needs to be settled, not sung to.

{0}_IDLE: Let’s rock the baby?

PLAYER_EMBARRASSED: Rock the baby?

PLAYER_EMBARRASSED: So no lullabies?

Dance for {0}!

PLAYER_IDLE: Let’s dance for {0}!

{0}_SURPRISED: Dance?

You start moving your arms wildly around to an invisible beat for {0}.

PLAYER_HAPPY: You like this dance, {0}?

{0} suddenly waves his hands, signalling you to stop.

{0} suddenly waves her hands, signalling you to stop.

{0}_SURPRISED: Isn’t a dance just going to rile {1} up?

PLAYER_EMBARRASSED: Maybe it’ll be a good distraction?

{0}_EMBARRASSED: You <i>really</i> think you and your wobbly hands are a calming influence?

PLAYER_EMBARRASSED: It was just a suggestion.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: {1} needs to be settled, not danced to.

{0}_IDLE: Let’s just rock the baby?

PLAYER_EMBARRASSED: Rock the baby?

PLAYER_EMBARRASSED: So no dancing?

Do baby voices

PLAYER_IDLE: Let’s do baby voices!

{0}_SURPRISED: Baby voices? You sure?

You clear your throat before addressing the yowling {0}.

PLAYER_IDLE: Are woo a nooiizzy babba?

{0}_EMBARRASSED: {1}...

PLAYER_HAPPY: A nooiizzy, noiiiizzy babba?

{0} continues to cry, while {1} signals for you to stop.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: Something tells me that’s not going to work, {1}.

PLAYER_EMBARRASSED: It’s supposed to be a distraction?

{0}_IDLE: Let’s just rock the baby?

PLAYER_EMBARRASSED: Rock the baby?

PLAYER_EMBARRASSED: So no voices?

{0}_HAPPY: In my experience, it’s just not going to work.

PLAYER_IDLE: In <i>your</i> experience? And what might that experience be?

PLAYER_HAPPY: Sorry I didn’t realise you were a baby expert?

{0}_EMBARRASSED: Obviously not. I just…

{0}’s howls start to become deafening.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: I guess we’ve just got different ideas when it comes to baby rearing.

PLAYER_SERIOUS: I guess we do.

Uma calls you from the garden below.

UMA_IDLE: You ok up there, {0}?

[hollybell51]

Prologue + Chapter One

The Beginning

Our Treasure - Jim Hawkins x fem!Reader

Masterpost

Word count: 2428 (prologue: 727, chapter one: 1701)

Summary: getting ready for the voyage of your (admittedly short) lifetime, you and your mentor John Silver find yourselves unexpectedly saddled with a new cabin boy. A new cabin boy who asks way too many questions for both of your liking. 

Notes: Hello folks, this is my first post. I’m new to Tumblr so I don’t fully know how to use it yet, HOWEVER, I do know that there’s a spot for fanfiction on here, so I’m gonna shove mine on here.  This particular little story is also over on my wattpad though from a long time ago (and as a result much less refined and very poorly written, also in a whole different narrative voice I think) since I don’t really use wattpad much anymore. It’s also on AO3. Ok let’s get into it and I guess we’ll see how many people end up reading! It’s all (except for the prologue) in past tense, second person (”you”).

Prologue 

“On the clearest of nights, when the winds of the Etherium were calm and peaceful, the great merchant ships with their cargo of Arcturian solar crystals felt safe and secure. Little did they suspect that they were pursued by pirates. And the most feared of all these pirates was the notorious Captain Nathaniel Flint!”

“Fire!” Flint yelled, and instantly the scene descended into chaos as canons went off, people screamed and pirates boarded the merchant ship. 

“Like a Candarian Zap-wing overtaking its prey—”

“James Pleiades Hawkins!” a woman cried, opening the door to a little boy’s bedroom, making him jump. He slammed shut the book, sitting bolt upright and facing his mother. “I thought you were asleep an hour ago,” she sighed.

“But mom, I was just getting to the best part!” He protested, picking up the book again. “Please?”

His mother considered him for a moment, then smiled. “Oh, can those eyes get any bigger? Skooch over.” She sat down beside her son, leaning over to see the book.

“Like a Candaria Zap-wing overtaking its prey,” the narrator continued, “Flint and his band of renegades swooped in out of nowhere.” The gunfire and yelling continued as Flint’s crew boarded the ship, taking everything of value that wasn't tied down. Flint went straight to the largest chest of treasure, simply cutting the lock away with his sword and letting the precious stones and gold spill over the floor. “And then, gathering up their spoils, they vanished without a trace.”

“Whoa…” the boy and his mother chorused.

“Flint’s secret trove was never found, but stories have persisted that it remains hidden, somewhere at the farthest reaches of the galaxy, stowed with riches beyond imagination. The loot of a thousand worlds. Treasure Planet.”

“Ok,” the boy’s mother said, closing the book, “blow your nose.” She held up a handkerchief, waiting as he does as she says.

“How do you think Captain Flint did it, mom?” the boy asked, climbing atop his headboard. “How’d he swoop in out of nowhere and vanish without a trace?” he jumped from the headboard, landing flat on his stomach and crawling under the blanket.

“I have no idea,” the mother said. “Come here you!” she grabbed him around the waist, pulling him onto her lap and ticking his sides. The little boy squealed with laughter as she blew a raspberry on his stomach, curling up and wriggling frantically. “Ok,” she continued, placing his back against his pillow, “now it’s time for this little spacer to go to sleep.”

“You think somebody will ever find Treasure Planet?” the boy asked as his mom fished for a toy under the pillow.

“Sweetheart,” she said, holding it up, “I think it’s more like a legend.”

“I know it’s real,” he protested.

“You win,” she smiled, “it’s real.”

“Nighty-night, mom.”

“Nighty-night, sweetheart.” She got up from the bed, crossing the room and pausing at the door. “I love you.”

“I love you too.”

Somewhere not so far from the boy and his mother, a little girl was huddled under a much more tattered blanket on a much thinner mattress, reading a much older and more worn copy of the same book. The light from its holographic pages was enough to illuminate six stark black numbers tattooed on her wrist – a slave’s brand. Around her, the faces of three other children and four adults, each with their own thin mattress and ragged blanket, were just visible.

“(Y/N), turn that down!” one of the children hissed, “the master will catch you!”

“The rules don’t say anything about how late we stay up,” she argued, but adjusted the volume anyway.

“No,” one of the adults put in, “but you’ll be in trouble tomorrow when you’re yawning all day.”

“So what?”

The other people all shook their heads, knowing it was useless to try convincing the girl to put down her book. She poked her tongue out at them, turning back to the story.

“There are nights when the winds of the Etherium, so inviting in their promise of freedom, made one’s spirit soar.”

The little girl closed the book, carefully stowing it under her mattress and wriggling to get comfortable “I wonder what it’s like,” she whispered into the darkness.

“What?” the sleepy voice of the person next to her asked.

“Freedom.” The word was like honey on her tongue.

Chapter One

*12 years later*

“What do you think it’ll be like?” you asked, aiming a large cleaver at the knife rack.

“I don’t know, lassy,” John laughed, “but you’d be best to keep quiet about it.”

“But everybody already knows,” you protested, releasing the knife and watching it sail across the kitchen right where you wanted it to go.

“We don’t want the Captain getting wind of it,” he cautioned. “And don’t do that to the knives – you’ll blunt ‘em.” The cook frowned at you, and you rolled your eyes.

“Whatever, it’s not like you even need them.”

Treasure Planet. You’d been dreaming about it since you were a little kid, huddled under a scrap of fabric in your master’s slave dormitory – if you can even call it that – the battered holographic book clutched to your chest night after night as the narrator regaled you with the story of the notorious Captain Flint. The loot to a thousand worlds, all there and ripe for the taking. You would be able to pay off any debt a million times over. 

You were jerked from your thoughts by clanking footsteps on the stairs, and two distinct male voices. 

“It’s my map,” someone was saying. They sounded about your age, and probably a boy. “And she’s got me busting tables!”

You cast a glance at John, who shrugged and started whistling a tune. You grabbed a rag from the bench next to you and went back to drying dishes, minus the knife throwing.

“I’ll not tolerate a cross word about our Captain!” Uh oh, Mr Arrow. “There’s no finer officer in this or any galaxy! Mr Silver?”

“Why, Mr Arrow Sir!” the cook turned away from his task, smiling broadly at your three visitors. “Bringin’ such fine-lookin’, distinguished gents to grace my humble galley. Had I known, I’d ha’ tucked in me shirt!” He made a ridiculous show of stuffing his apron and shirt down the front of his trousers, bowing low to Mr Arrow and his companions.

“May I introduce Dr Doppler, the financier of our voyage.” The First Officer rumbled, pushing forwards a man in a rather ridiculous suit which looks to be around two sizes too big for him. That would explain the clanking.

“Love the outfit, Doc!” John exclaimed, scanning him with his cybernetic eye.

“Well thankyou!” he replied, “Um, love the eye! This young lad is Jim Hawkins.” He grabbed the other person, dragging him forwards and retreating to Mr Arrow’s side.

“Jimbo!” John greeted him, extending his robotic arm – knife function engaged, you noticed – to shake his hand. “Ah,” he laughed, switching to his more hand-like function and trying again.

Jim didn’t say anything, just glared at John from under a curtain of brown hair. You couldn’t make out much through the steam of the kitchen, but he didn’t look particularly friendly. You wouldn't either if you had a map that could lead to a lifetime supply of treasure, you supposed. 

“Don’t be too put-off by this hunk o’ hardware,” John recovered, stepping away and setting about preparing a few prawns and vegetables. “These gears ‘ave been tough getting’ used to, but they do come in mighty handy from time to time!”

“Show-off,” you muttered as he fried the neatly chopped up food and tipped it into the pot in the centre of the kitchen, adding dashes of salt and pepper. He scooped some of the stew into two bowls, holding them out to Dr Doppler and Jim Hawkins.

“Here now,” he smiled, “’have a taste o’ me famous Bonza-beast stew.”

Dr Doppler sniffed it delicately, then lapped at it. “Mmm!” he said after a moment, “delightfully tangy, yet robust!”

You looked at Jim, who was still eyeing John suspiciously from under his hair. Your eyes met, and he looked away quickly. 

“Old family recipe,” John told them. “In fact,” he grinned as the Doctor gasps, “that was part of the old family!” You surmise that some less chopped up animal part must have popped up in his bowl.

“He’s full of shit,” You called, pushing yourself off the counter and crossing the kitchen. “Don’t listen to a word he says.”

“Ah,” John smiled, “how could I have forgotten! Gentlemen,” he placed his real arm around your shoulders, pushing you forwards slightly, “this is (Y/N), my lovely apprentice and cabin girl.”

 “You can eat that,” You grinned, “it doesn’t actually have any family in it.”

“I’m nothin’ if I ain’t a kidder,” John laughed. “Go on Jimbo, take a swig.”

Doubtfully, Jim raised his spoon in front of his face and frowned at it. Before he could eat any stew, the spoon changed in shape and colour, swallowing the stew and returning to its normal form as an amorphous pink blob. It giggled at Jim’s shocked expression, then rapidly assumed the shape of a straw.

“Morph!” You exclaimed, shaking your head.

“You jiggle-headed blob o’ mischief!” John accused as the little creature proceeded to drink all of Jim’s stew. “So that’s where you was hidin’!”

Morph burped, peaking over the rim of Jim’s bowl then flying up to his face.

“What is that thing?” the boy asked, fending off Morph’s affectionate advances with one hand.

“He’s a Morph,” John explained as Morph spins in the air, then settles into a tiny replica of Jim. “I rescued the little shape shifter on Proteus One. He took a side to me, we’ve been together ever since!”

Morph cooed and rubbed against John’s cheek, then swirled around his fingers.

“We’re about to get under way,” Mr Arrow said as a bell tolled somewhere overhead. “Would you like to observe the launch, Doctor?”

“Would I? Does an active galactic nucleus have superluminal jets? I’ll follow you.” He clanked in the direction of the stairway.

“Mr Hawkins will stay here, in your charge Mr Silver.” Mr Arrow proclaimed, baring Jim’s exit with an arm. 

John choked on the mouthful of stew he was eating, spitting it out over the floor. “Beggin’ your pardon sir, but—”

“Captain’s orders! See to it that the new cabin boy is kept busy.”

“Wait no but—”

“We already have a cabin girl—”

“What am I supposed to—”

“No, wait—”

“But—”

Mr Arrow showed no sign of listening to us, so you stopped.

“So,” John said, “Captain’s put you with me, hey?”

“Yeah.” Jim shoved his hands into his pockets, leaning against a wall.

“Who be a humble cyborg to argue with the Captain?” the cook sighed, going over to the bench and getting back to preparing vegetables.

You too, went back to your task of drying the dishes, stacking them neatly beside you as Jim grabbed a purp from a nearby barrel, eyeing it carefully.

“You know,” he saiid, tossing it between his hands, “these purps are kinda like the ones back home. On Montressor. You ever been there?”

“Ah, can’t say I ‘have, Jimbo.”

“Come to think of it,” the boy continued around a mouthful of purp, “just before I left I met this old guy, who was um… he was kinda looking for a cyborg buddy of his.”

“Is that so?”

“Yeah. What was that old salamander’s name? Oh yeah, Bones. Billy Bones.”

“Bones? Bones. Mm-mm, ain’t ringin’ any bells. Must’a been a different cyborg.”

“Besides,” you added, flipping a knife over in your hands, “it’s not like cyborgs are uncommon.” You squinted at the knife rack, drawing back your arm to throw.

“(Y/N)!” John said sharply, just as you released.

“What?” You didn’t take your eyes off the knife, which was now quivering next to the others.

He sighed, then turned to Jim. “Got a nasty habbit o’ throwin’ the knives, (Y/N) has.”

“It’s not bad if it gets the job done,” you shrugged, grabbing a plate and rubbing at it with the tea-towel.

“Prepare to cast off!” Mr Arrow’s voice echoed above, followed by a long high-pitched whistle.

“Off with ya, lad,” John said, pushing Jim towards the stairs. “And you, lassy. Go watch the launch.”

You followed Jim, casting a glance back over my shoulder. John raised an eyebrow at you, and you shrugged again. You’d have to watch yourselves.

On the main deck, everyone wasrushing everywhere with no regard for anyone else.

“Come on,” you said to Jim, tapping his shoulder. “It’s better from up the front.” Just as you started heading for the bow of the ship, you lifted off. Everyone floated for a minute before the artificial gravity and atmosphere were engaged, then you all crashed back to the deck.

The Captain and Mr Arrow were shouting orders, everything being relayed among the crew as the sales lit up with solar energy, the engines firing with them.

“Hold on!” you shouted, grabbing the rigging. Jim did  the same just in time as with a roar, the ship sped away from Montressor space port. You climbed up the side, leaning out over the side of the ship and staring into the inky blue of space.

“Woah,” Jim laughed as you passed a pod of Orcus Glacticus, the movement in the edge of the artificial atmosphere blowing his hair over his face.

You reached out a hand, your fingertips brushing one of the huge creatures’ fins. You smiled back at Jim, and he reached out too. The Orcus Galacticus’s eye rolled over you, the deep moan that it made vibrating through your bodies.

You hooked your knees over the rigging, swinging backwards over the ships deck and watching John talk to Captain Amelia. “I think we’re about to get in trouble,” you said to Jim as the Captain looked your way.

“What do you mean?” he followed your gaze, hopping down onto the railing of the ship.

“Jimbo!” John shouted before you could respond, “I got two new friends I’d like you to meet! Say hello to Mr Mop, and Mrs Bucket.” He tossed the two of them to Jim, who caught both without losing his balance. Impressive.

“Yippee.” He said unenthusiastically, then looked down at you as if to ask where your mop and bucket are.

You pulled yourself right way up, climbing down off the rigging and giving him a mock salute before heading back down to the kitchens with John.

Chapter Two

[hereforbords]

Everyone has a secret

PLEASE NOTE: this is a work of fiction, about fictional characters based on the public persona of real people, this is not about the REAL people. please do not link this to the real people associated with this work of fiction, or if you are or are in contact with a person who shares a namesake in this work of fiction, please close your tab. Not beta’d, just proofread so all mistakes are mine. :)

This one does have hockey RPF in it. Not your thing? Look away now/don’t interact with this one.

I wrote this in one day. Yes, I wrote all 3.7K of this fic in one day (thanks GoogleDocs! LOL). 

For @hockeyboysarehot, who requested “ya bords x reader!female and to be kent’s twin sis. then us being on the d-line w luke and pow”. Hope I did it justice. :) (and if not, let me know, and I will gladly change it up if needed; I kind of neglected the hockey part of it- oops!)

Author’s note: TWs: underage drinking/partying (briefly mentioned), a super overprotective brother (sorry I made him out to be kind of an asshole), mentions of sex- all parties are over 18.

Title stolen from Maroon 5′s “Secret”.

***

Growing up, you and your twin brother Kent had done everything together, including playing hockey. You had thought that was going to change when you went to college. Kent had fallen in love with the campus at the University of Michigan immediately; you weren’t quite as quick with the love, but when you went to the game at Yost, you were drawn in. Even if you couldn’t play on the ice, you’d be there supporting your brother every chance you could. Then the NCAA had instituted a “one girl on the men’s team and one man on the girl’s team rule”, and you suddenly found yourself as the one girl on the Michigan men’s hockey team (thanks to Kent’s stellar sales pitch and your great tryout). It was nice to be playing hockey again.

Kent had always treated you as an equal, and the other boys had quickly taken a liking to you. You played defense, and you found yourself splitting playing time between Owen Power and Luke Hughes. Whichever line you were on, the other team didn’t stand a chance. Coach liked to mix it up too, so sometimes you spent the whole game with one d-partner, other times, you switched mid-game, and sometimes, it was shift-by-shift. 

As the season got going, Kent reminded you of his one rule- you were not allowed to date any of his teammates. That had been easy, until Thomas Bordeleau came crashing into your life- literally.

You had been at one of the parties hosted at campus; Matty had gotten you a drink, and you’d been working on it all night long. You were content just to hang out in the corner and watch the party unfold (parties weren’t really your scene), but Briss had decided you were being “a stick in the mud” and pulled you onto the dance floor. Kent had given you a thumbs up, so you allowed yourself to relax. Brendan was super sweet too and was always looking out for you.

You danced a couple songs with Brendan and then told him you’d had enough; he’d taken you back over to the drink table. You had just turned around with your drink when someone crashed into you, spilling your drink down the front of you.

“Shit! Sorry!” You looked up to find none other than Thomas Bordeleau standing in front of you, apologizing profusely. “Oh my gosh, y/n, I’m so sorry.”

“Bords, it’s ok. It was an accident.” You said, looking at Bords. He’d clearly had a couple drinks, but he wasn’t too tipsy yet.

“Here, take my jacket.” He said, peeling off his jacket and handing it to you.

“Bords, I don’t need your jacket, but thank you.” You said, looking over at Kent, who had an eyebrow raised.

“Please, sweetheart, just take it.” The term of endearment slipped out before he could stop it. “I feel really bad.”

“Fine.” You said, sliding it on. “My brother’s coming over here. Just let me do the talking, ok?”

“What’s going on over here?” Kent asked, looking between you and Bords. “Why is my sister wearing your jacket?”

“Thomas accidentally ran into me and spilled my drink all over my shirt,” you said, showing Kent the drying soda stain on your shirt. “It’s just until I can get home. I was planning on heading out soon anyway.”

“Alright. I’ll take you home.” Kent said. “Just let me tell Owen I’ll be back.”

“Kent, I can walk home by myself.” You tried to protest; Kent had always been overprotective of you, and sometimes while it was nice, other times (like tonight), it was annoying. You could handle yourself, thank you very much.

“Let me, please?” Kent asked. “I just want to make sure you get home safe.”

“Fine.” You weren’t going to tell Kent your roommate was gone, or he’d probably try to stay the night. “Night Bords. See you tomorrow at practice.”

“Night.” You and Kent left, and when you got home, you fibbed and said your roommate was working late and would be home later. Kent seemed to buy it, and after he left, you changed into your pjs. You definitely were intrigued by Bords, and you thought what harm could come from giving him your number. That wasn’t breaking Kent’s rule. You took of Bords’ jacket and slipped a piece of paper into the pocket with your number and a text me! :) on it.

The next day, you made sure to give Bords his jacket back in the presence of Kent. “Thanks again.” You said. Kent nodded approvingly and as soon as he left to hit the ice, you whispered to Bords, “check the left pocket”, and walked out of the locker room.

That had begun a secret relationship; it had started as texting, but the more you two communicated, the more you found you had in common. Trying to find a way to have a date without Kent meddling in everything had been challenging, but Owen (who had figured things out pretty quickly, and kept your secret) had helped you out there-he had insisted Kent come out for a movie with him (and you knew it was because Owen had a crush on your brother, and you knew Kent liked Owen-you felt a little like the pot was calling the kettle black- it was ok for him to have a relationship with a teammate, but you couldn’t?) and that bought you and Bords a couple hours to go out to dinner and have a nice time.

You started sitting closer to Bords more than before, when Kent called you out on it, you always had an excuse- “we’re binging “Euphoria” together, “I was actually talking to him about a class assignment”-and the one time you sat next to Bords (holding his hand under the blanket), Briss and Matty (who had figured things out and were helping run interference) had kept Kent occupied with hockey questions so he didn’t have time to focus on you and Bords.

Right before the Olympics, Bords looked at you one day after practice, before Kent got into the locker room. “I want to tell him.”

You slapped a hand over Bords’ mouth. “No!” 

Bords looked at your wild eyes and quickly backtracked. “Alright.” He softened a little. “I’m just tired of hiding.”

“Me too.” You quickly moved away as you heard your brother approaching. “I’ll text you later, ok?” You said, making a beeline out of the locker room.

Then came the Olympics. You were the proud sister- you were so happy for Kent and Owen. You were also proud of Matty and Briss. You knew Bords was bummed about not being picked, but he definitely wasn’t complaining- especially when you were spending almost every moment with him. This was nice to not have to hide. You still knew what would happen if Kent found out though.

Truss was letting you stay over at their place (a compromise with Kent. As far as Kent knew, you were sleeping on the couch; in actuality you were sleeping in Bords’ bed), and he was giving Kent updates on things.

You almost blew it the one time you answered the FaceTime call from Bords’ room; thankfully Owen was there too and distracted Kent long enough for you to bolt downstairs to the couch. If he noticed anything, Kent didn’t say a word.

You made sure to watch all of the boys’ games (usually with Bords and Truss; Kent had gotten a couple pictures from Truss of the three of you-in the first one, you were in between the boys, and after he received the reply, he frowned and said, “switch me spots for a sec”. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure it out; you plastered on a smile and Truss sent the new pic to Kent, and then you resumed your spot in the middle).

Unfortunately, both Canada and the US weren’t going to be playing for medals, and that meant the boys were going to be on their way home soon. You figured you still had a couple days before that happened, so you were still a little lax on your “hiding things” mode. Which ended up being when all hell broke loose.

You had just come back into the locker room (you had a separate area to shower and change). The boys had all gotten dressed in their suits already, and you were just buttoning your suit jacket when you sat by Bords and rested your head on his shoulder. That’s when you heard the “What the hell is going on?!” You looked up to find your brother looking between you and Bords, and oh shit!

“Kent!” You started. Luke and Blanks started getting everyone out; Matty, Briss, Truss, and Owen stayed back. Matty and Truss came to stand by you, Briss went to Bords, and Owen went to Kent.

“How long?”

You stared down your brother. “Since the party.” You admitted. “It wasn’t planned, but it happened.”

“I had one rule. One fucking rule.” He said.

“You know, you think you’d be happy for me. At least you know him. And he likes me for me. He’s not just wanting to ‘bag the hot girl who plays hockey with the boys’. He’s sweet and caring.” Now that you were on a roll, you couldn’t stop. “You know, he wanted to tell you so many times, but I wouldn’t let him. Because I knew this is how you would react.” You felt tears sting your eyes. “I know you think you’re helping, but you’re not. I’m my own person, and I’m a grown ass woman. I can make my own decisions. I don’t need your approval. I just need my brother to be there for me and trust me.” You broke free of Matty’s grip and went barreling out of the locker room, Matty and Truss trailing after you.

“Way to go asshole,” Bords said. “You know, I have a sister too. And while I want to protect her, I also know she has to feel like she doesn’t have to hide things and she can talk to me about anything. Come on Briss, I’m done here.” Briss and Bords left, and it was just Owen and Kent in the room.

“I fucked up, didn’t I?” Kent asked, sitting down on the bench.

“Honestly? I know you don’t want to hear it, but yes.” Owen said, expecting the glare he got from Kent. “I understand it, babe, I do. Think about it- you told her she can’t date a teammate, but here you are dating me.” Owen sat down by Kent. “You know, I actually hung out with them one time together. He treats her well. Really. She definitely could have done worse. Plus, I’m sure Bords knows you would beat the shit out of him if he ever hurt her, so there’s that.” Owen said.

“I want to go talk to her.” Kent said. “I need to talk with her.”

“Let’s go home tonight, ok? We’ll do it in the morning when we’ve all got clear heads.”

“No. Tonight.” Kent said. Owen sighed and fired off a text to Matty warning them that Kent wanted to come over.

When he arrived at the house, Kent was a little unprepared for what he saw. Truss was in the hallway between the two rooms, and he fixed a glare on Kent. “I’m making sure they don’t see each other, don’t worry.”

“Huh?”

“Briss and Bords are in Bords’ room, and Matty’s with your sister in his room. I’m the one to make sure that no one sees each other.”

“Can I talk to her?” Kent asked. Truss went and knocked on the door. Matty came and opened it, and Kent could hear your sniffles. Truss whispered something to Matty, who’s gaze hardened. He went back into the room for a minute, and then Kent heard footsteps. He got his hopes up for a minute, until you came to the doorway.

“Go away. I don’t want to see you.”

“I just want to talk.”

“Well, I don’t. Go home Kent.” With that, you slammed Matty’s bedroom door shut.

“You heard her. Let’s go home.” Owen said. “Come on.”

“Take care of her Truss.” Kent said, “Please.”

“I will. You know that. Now go before I escort you out.” It was in that moment that Kent realized how much all his teammates had your back and would protect you.

*

In the morning, you were still feeling like crap; Matty had tried to get you to eat something, but you weren’t hungry. You just wanted last night to be a dream, but looking at all your missed texts, you knew it wasn’t. “Matty…” you said. “That... that really happened. It wasn’t supposed to happen like that.” Your tears started again.

“I know.” He said, hugging you tight. “I know it wasn’t, sweetie. Come on though, you need to at least shower. I wouldn’t put it past your brother to come over again today.”

You groaned. Matty was probably right. “Ok. Can I talk to Bords?”

“Let me check with Truss and Briss, ok?” Matty said. “You take your shower and we’ll have an answer when you come out.”

When you came out, feeling a little more human, you found Bords sitting on Matty’s bed. “Hi honey.” He said; you could tell he’d been crying all night too from his red, puffy eyes. “I’m sorry about last night.”

“You have nothing to be sorry about.” You said. “I’m sorry. My brother is an asshole.”

“He is.” Bords laughed. “But I get it. I’m pretty sure I’d go all ‘brother bear’ on whoever wanted to date my sister. But, I’d trust her too. I get it if you need to break up with me.”

“And let him win? No fucking way.” You said. “He’s going to have to deal with us, whether he likes it or not. I’d rather not have a brother instead of losing the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

“You mean that, sweetheart?” He asked, eyes wide. He knew how much Kent meant to you.

“I do.” You said, grinning as he tackled you in a hug back on the bed. You were both lying there when there was a knock on the door and Truss poked his head in. “Are you up to seeing Kent?” He asked.

“Yeah.” You said. “He can come up.” Truss raised an eyebrow at you, but grinned.

“Alright.”

You and Bords sat up on the side of the bed. You again leaned into his side. “Here we go.” You said, as there was the knock on the door. “It’s open!”

For the second time in two days, Kent walked in to find you with Bords. This time however, he didn’t fly off the handle. “Can I come in?” He asked, standing in the doorway.

“Yeah.” You were still pissed at him, but you’d at least give him a chance. You owed him that much. “You can sit in the chair over there.”

“I’ll go.” Bords said, suddenly feeling awkward in the situation. He looked between the two of you. “This is a family situation.

“Stay.” You and Kent said at the same time; you grabbed Bords’ hand, holding him in place.

“I want to start by saying I’m sorry.” Kent said. “To both of you. Bords, what you said last night made me realize that I needed to trust my sister more and always support her, even if it’s hard or uncomfortable.” Kent turned to look at you. “Sis, I’m sorry. If you’re happy, it shouldn’t matter who you’re dating. Even if it breaks my rule. You’re right. You can- and should be able to- make your own decisions. It’s going to take some work, but I’ll do my best to support you and put my feelings aside.”

You stood up and went over to Kent. “I love you. That’s all I can ask.” You hugged him. “I’m assuming Owen also gave you a talk?” You grinned, knowing already he had (Owen had texted you all about it).

“He did. So did Briss, even though he didn’t have much stake in the game. Bords there gave a pretty impassioned speech, and Matty ripped me a new one. I’m also pretty sure Truss was going to beat me up if I didn’t leave.” That caused you to chuckle a little; Truss was the most mild-mannered one of them all. “They’ve got your back, and it made me realize they’d always be looking out for you, and that I should be too.”

“I forgive you.” You said, walking back over to sit by Bords. “I’m assuming there’s going to be some ground rules though?”

“Yeah.” He chuckled. “I was thinking though- we should do this at my place. If I have ground rules for you and Bords, it’s only fair you have a set of rules for me and Owen too.” He said. “Equals?”

“Equals.” You said. “Bords, what do you say? Do you feel like going to my brother’s and getting the rules and shovel talks out of the way?”

“I’m in if you are. Babe. ” He grinned, looking at Kent. “Um, are pet names ok?“

“We’ll talk about that.”

*

Owen had given you a hug when you’d come in the door; you’d whispered a “thank you” in his ear, knowing he’d probably been the one who had the most impact on Kent- Owen had always been willing to go to bat for you.

The talks went about as well as they could; it was awkward talking about relationships (and mentioning your sex life) with your brother, your brother’s boyfriend, and your boyfriend, but you made it through. Kent had even relented a little and said that you two could sit on the plane together as long as no “funny business” happened (hand-holding was ok though).

And Bords was able to call you “babe” in front of everyone else- “honey” and “sweetheart” got saved for private moments. You didn’t mind though. 

The rest of the team crushed you in hugs when you and Bords announced that you were dating.

The next season, Kent surprised you (and Bords and Owen as well) by saying the four of you should all get a house together. Once you knew he was serious, you ran over and gave him a hug. “Thank you.”

“Of course sis.”

*

Bords had been acting a little off lately; you looked to Owen, who hadn’t been much help. You really didn’t want to, but you finally went to Kent. “Kent? Bords is acting weird, and I don’t know what’s going on. Can you talk to him?”

“I will.” Kent promised (already knowing what was going on; Owen did too- he was keeping the secret as well). “I got your back sis.” 

You finally got your answer the night you won the Big 10 championship. There was a locker room party in full swing when Bords had Matty cut the music. “I know we’re all celebrating hockey, but I think we need to celebrate something personal too.” You barely had any time to react before Bords was on his knee in front of you. “Before you say anything, Kent was fully aware this was going to happen,” he said, causing everyone to chuckle. 

“Yes.” You said, before he could even get out the speech he had planned. “The answer is yes.”

“I had a whole speech.” He laughed. “Do you want to hear it?”

“Not really.” You grinned, “Not in front of everyone anyway.” You smirked, knowing he would be on the same page.

“Oh. And that’s our cue to leave.” He grabbed your hand after sliding the ring on.

“Bords!” Kent’s voice caught the two of you off guard. You both turned around, unsure of what was coming next. When Kent realized he had both of your attention, he said, “Have a good time. Bring her back in one piece in the morning. And for god’s sake, use protection. I am too young to be an uncle!”

“Kent!” You squeaked out, face turning red. You laughed though. “You too. You might not be able to knock each other up, but wrap it before you tap it.” You grinned as Kent turned red like a tomato. Even Owen had a pink flush tinting his cheeks, and the locker room was erupting in laughter. You turned to Bords. “I got that right, didn’t I?”

Bords was laughing so hard he was wheezing. “Yes, you did sweetheart. Perfect delivery too. Come on, let’s go home.” He reached out his hand to you.

Home. You liked the sound of that. Home was wherever Bords was. You took his hand and waved to everyone as you left. 

Later on, when you were tangled in the sheets together, almost asleep, Bords gave you the speech he had planned on giving in the locker room. While it was sweet, you were glad that only you two got to share the moment together.

“I’m so glad you crashed into me at that party.” You said, running your hand through his hair, closing your eyes.

“Me too, mon amour.” Bords said. “Je t’aime.”

“Je t’aime.” You said back. Bords had been teaching you some French. “I love you so much.”

“Je t’aime.” Bords said one more time, giving you a kiss goodnight, and then started running his hand through your hair and speaking French to you, knowing it would put you to sleep.

In the morning when you woke up, there was a bouquet of flowers at the bedside and a note telling you to meet Bords at Yost.

You went there and found the whole team in the locker room, where they threw you and Bords an engagement party (which, Matty told you, was all Kent’s idea).

Owen pulled you aside during the party. “I know you are generally supposed to ask the father for permission, but I think your approval is more important.”

“Oh Owen, of course, yes.” You said, giving Owen a tight hug. “You make my brother happy, which makes me happy.”

You were definitely glad both you and Kent had violated Kent’s “no dating a teammate” rule.

[mylifeisactuallyamess]

Vantalaður Ást

Ivar Lothbrok x F!Reader

Chapter 12 - Chapter 13 - Chapter 14

A/N: So this fic is coming to a close! 17 chapters in total it’s come to. From this moment on btw I didn’t plan any of this shit. It’s just poured out of me and really, I kinda like how it went down. I hope you guys too 😬 Thank you @acrossthesestars for being my personal word and grammar corrector!

Warnings: I am no expert with how to deal with a drug overdose. We just need to remember this is fiction and I do probably make it lighter than it should be, while still trying to convey it’s not easy at all. Follows on from the previous chapter so hospital mention, nightmares, swearing, Hvitserk needs help, food mention, minor character death mention. Feels.

Word Count: 3721

Tagging: @ivarisms @majesticwren @a-bang-for-your-bucky @youbloodymadgenius @kaybee87 @punkrocknpearls @istorkyou @smears-and-spots @bulmabhadie @southernbe @ironynoticony

Carefully, you braided Hvitserk’s hair as he lay in the hospital bed. The sheets were so white they almost hurt your eyes in the harsh light. You spoke to him the whole time, repeating gossip from the nurses station you'd overheard and telling him how his brothers were doing. You needed him to wake up though. The nurse said they would be reducing his sedatives soon, which felt promising. Looking up at movement by the door, your face broke into a smile.

“Harald,” you said. He twirled his hat in his hands, approaching the bed cautiously, his eyes on Hvitserk.

“How are you doing?” He asked in that gruff voice of his. You got up, fighting a fresh wave of emotion as he embraced you, his arm tightening around your middle in a reassuring squeeze.

“I’m all right,” you finally answered. “It’s been a while since I saw you.”

“Yeah, been busy.” You gripped his hand, grateful that someone from the station had finally come to visit. Sighing, you gave his hand a slight shake before sitting back in your seat and continuing to braid Hvitserk’s hair. “How are the boys at the station? Oh! Can you tell Thora she can come visit, though maybe she should wait now...” you said more to yourself. Because if all went well, Hvitserk would be waking up today.

“Thora?” His voice was strained when he said her name and you wondered if you’d just spilled their secret.

“Oh, maybe I shouldn’t have said anything. Her and Hvitserk are dating,” you finished, ending your sentence with a slight, embarrassed wince.

“Aye, I knew.” You placed a hand on your chest and gave him a wide smile over your shoulder.

“Ok, thank the gods. I thought I’d just ruined everything for them. I just didn’t want her to be put off because I was here all the time. I thought she’d have stopped by, is all.” Segmenting another strand of hair, you waited for Harald to reply, only looking up when the silence stretched unnaturally.

“You don’t know,” he rubbed his hand over his scratchy beard, groaning a bit. He turned away from you and bowed his head. You eyed the rope of his thick braid between his shoulders, trying to keep your heart rate steady and steel yourself for the unknown.

“Harald?” He turned back to you, pulling his lips against his teeth before he spoke.

“That fire.”

“The one the last week? The apartment building?” His shoulders sagged slightly and he nodded, running a nervous hand over the top of his braid.

“Thora lived in that building.” You frowned, sure that wasn’t the reason for the heavy sadness in his eyes.

“Is she ok?”

“No,” was the only reply he gave. He settled a hand on your shoulder as you gazed down at Hvitserk, putting the pieces together in your mind.

“Oh!” Brushing some hair out of his pale face you desperately tried to keep your tears at bay. “Why weren’t we told?” You asked Harald through a clenched jaw.

“I assumed you knew.”

“How did you not notice Hvitserk was missing? He’d been in his apartment festering for what looked like days!”

“I gave him leave. He pulled her from the fire and she died in his arms out on the street. The least I could do was give him time off.” Your mouth opened in a silent cry as pain lanced through your heart, hating yourself for not noticing there was something wrong sooner. For being a shitty best friend and for Harald to not tell you something this momentous.

“And you didn’t think to inform his brothers? Or—or me?” He spread his arms in a defensive gesture, backing up a step as you rose from the bed.

“I thought he was going to tell you! How was I supposed to know?” He cried.

“Look at him!” You hissed, throwing your arm to point at the still figure in the bed. “You did this.” Stepping right up to him, you placed a finger to his temple. “You are responsible for the state that he is in right now and I will never forgive you!” He grunted when you pressed hard, pushing his face away from yours. “I hope you never forget this. He could have died!”

“Ástinvur?” Turning your tear filled gaze to the door you saw Ubbe eyeing the exchange with interest. “What have you done now Harald?” He asked with an air of trying to diffuse the situation.

“I was just leaving,” he mumbled, casting a sideways glance at you. “If there’s anything I can do…”

“Trust me, you’d be the last person I’d call on!” You spat vehemently. He slunk past Ubbe. They gave each other a clap on the shoulder before he disappeared from view.

“Why are you so angry at the Chief?” Ubbe asked.

“Did you know Thora….died?” The tears were sliding down your face as you spoke. “Did you know Harald just let him take time off?” You went to stand next to Hvitserk.

“We knew. I knew, and Björn. But not you or Ivar. You two had enough going on.” Closing your eyes, you tried not to take what Ubbe said to heart. But being shut out like that upset you, regardless of what you had going on. Taking Hvitserk’s limp hand in your own, you were thankful that right now he felt warm and that he was still here. “He must have been devastated, Ubbe, and he just stayed at home, torturing himself. Blaming himself. Oh Hvitserk! Why didn’t you ring me?” You whispered. Ubbe grabbed you in a tight embrace, looking down at his brother as everything you said sank in. “Why didn’t you do more?!” You suddenly demanded, trying to shrug him off but he held onto you refusing to let go. “If you knew…” your words were choked off. Tears for Hvitserk and his pain seeped into the fabric of Ubbe’s jumper. Twisted anger at your own selfishness rose up in you, the blame couldn’t be laid at the brothers feet alone. If only, if only…

“It’s done now. We found him and he’s here. He’ll be alright,” he mumbled through your sobs. “You did what you could.”

“But if I hadn’t been fighting with Ivar…!”

“Hey!” Ubbe held you at arms length, ducking down so his pale blue eyes bored into yours. “You wouldn’t be you and Ivar if you weren’t falling out over something. We can throw the blame around all you like and we’d find we are all at fault. Or,” he cupped your cheek, keeping your eyes on his. “Or we can work together and get Hvitserk back to his normal self. Yes?” Nodding against his hand, you knew he was right, but the pain and guilt you felt was eating away at you. Ubbe pulled you back against his chest, curling a hand up the side of your face. Taking a shuddering breath, you inhaled his familiar scent and closed your eyes for a moment, dreaming you were anywhere else but here.

Hvitserk was coming home. Ubbe and Björn were at the hospital getting ready to bring him back. Sigurd was running the workshop and Ivar…no one knew. After spending the last few days tidying up Hvitserk’s house, you found you had a few hours to spare.

The door to Ivar’s building was unlocked and you took a moment to breathe before pulling it open. Taking another inhale, you stepped over the threshold only to choke on the breath in your lungs.

She stood in the hallway, holding up a small compact mirror and reapplying lipstick. Her bright golden hair was perfect, draping in soft, styled waves over one shoulder. She wore an opulent brown fur coat and heels that clicked when she shifted slightly, puckering her lips as she checked them in the mirror. Her gaze slid to you standing stupidly by the door, a crafty smirk appearing at the corners of her mouth.

“I take it you’re here to see Ivar. Give him a minute to—clean up.” You hated the way her voice was like crushed velvet, her accent soothing and cutting at the same time.

“I’m here to update him on Hvitserk.” You managed to breathe out, still dumbfounded that Freydis of all people was here. Had she been with Ivar?

“Like I said, give him a minute.” The mirror snapped shut, echoing loudly down the corridor. “Our reunion was…mmmm!” She grinned widely, rolling her eyes in exaggerated disbelief. “I have missed him.” You had no idea what to do. It felt like someone had tipped ice water all over your head, the chill seeping to your very bones, freezing in your veins. You could feel your heart beating, but the life in you was gone. Your numb fingers didn't register they were still clutching at the door handle, the metal biting into your skin. You couldn’t feel anything. “Anyway, I best be off. Give my regards to Hvitserk won’t you?” She pouted slightly, batting her long eyelashes at you before almost elbowing you out of the way. You could see Ivar’s door, so close and yet a million miles away.

The dread was thick, dragging at your thoughts and fuelling all the scenarios you had hoped would never happen to you. A logical part of you knew that Freydis was lying, there was no way Ivar would put himself through her shit ever again. But still…

You knocked. Probably harder than you needed to. The door was yanked open and the fury on Ivar’s face melted away into a blank expression at the sight of you. He didn’t say a word, his eyes frosty at best, a slight tilt to his head as he regarded you coolly. He didn’t move aside and you didn't want to go in, your eyes captivated by the lipstick smeared at the corner of his mouth.

“Just wanted to let you know that Hvitserk is coming home. Soon. Hours in fact.” It was there, so red, like blood. Just a dab marking the corner of those lips you’d kissed. Still, he didn’t speak and you felt yourself drowning without a lifeline to hold onto. “I’ll be moving in with him. He’s going to need all of our support to process Thora and…everything else,” you swallowed harshly and tried to ignore the heat that gathered behind your eyes. “So I saw Freydis.” You couldn’t help it. You had to say something, anything, to get a reaction out of him but his eyes just flicked away from yours and focussed on a point over your shoulder. “She looks good. I see she left her mark on you. That's not your colour, Ivar.” He scowled, just his brow tugging down, but you didn’t wait for a reply, turning away and leaving the building before he could even take a breath in for a scathing retort.

You waited until you rounded the corner before allowing yourself to break. The wall was rough as you slid to the ground, not caring at the pain that radiated up your body. It didn’t even compare to the ache in your chest. Pain like you’d never experienced before eviscerated your insides, tearing you to pieces. Your heart shattered into painful shards, each one stabbing and shredding and creating more hurt that you could barely breathe through. Your lips quivered, pulled back in a silent cry as tears fell from your eyes. Out of all the ways you thought Ivar would break you, this one had never made it onto the list.

You were aware of how it must look with you sitting sobbing on the dirty ground and you made yourself get up. You had to push this to one side. Today was about Hvitserk. Ivar was done with you, that much was clear.

“Sit here!” You plumped the pillow and then helped to rearrange it after Hvitserk sat down. He slapped your hand away gently, a soft groan falling from him.

“I don’t need all this fuss!” He exclaimed but you pretended you didn’t hear him. Ubbe and Björn milled about in the living room. The pair of them far too large to be in here together. Sigurd took his brother's bag upstairs and you went out to the kitchen to put the kettle on.

“You ok? Did you get hold of Ivar?” Ubbe asked and you plastered on a bright smile.

“Oh yeah, I told him. He was a little preoccupied though.” Ubbe scowled, watching as you filled the kettle at the sink.

“With?”

“Freydis, of course.” You shrugged like it was no big deal. Ubbe didn’t say anything, standing there in quiet contemplation as he watched Björn and Hvitserk through the doorway. You could hear Sigurd coming down the stairs, all the noise of their laughter weighing on you.

Hitching up that smile again you served them all coffee, keeping yourself busy sorting a load of laundry, and cleaned up the cups as soon as they’d finished while they all lounged around, spending time with their brother, who could barely keep his eyes open. You tapped Ubbe on the shoulder and pointed with your thumb as Hvitserk’s head fell forwards onto his chest. Björn clapped Hvitserk on the shoulder, announcing he was leaving loudly and you inwardly groaned. Ubbe gave you a kiss on the head, Björn squeezed you in a tight hug and Sigurd stood awkwardly before you for a split second until he decided to grab you in a rough hug that you accepted. Finally the door shut and Hvitserk looked at you with a quizzical expression.

“Are you my babysitter?” He asked with a smirk.

“Well if you do stupid stuff, Hvitserk…” you could see the pain behind his smile. The ache that settled inside him when he remembered what had happened. “Do you want to talk?”

“No.” Nodding you accepted the rebuttal, it was too soon. “I am tired though.”

“I made up your bed and cleared the spare room so one of us could sleep in there.” He eased himself off the sofa and you refrained from rushing to help him. Eventually he straightened, rolling his shoulders and cracking his neck so hard it made you cringe.

“Come up with me?” He asked quietly.

“Yeah, sure.” You followed just behind, matching his slow pace and pausing at the top of the stairs as he glanced between the bedrooms.

“I’ll take the spare,” he mumbled. You couldn’t blame him because you didn’t want to sleep in his room either, probably for similar reasons.

“Yeah. Ok.”

“Goodnight, litla systir.” You held back the comment that it was only 5pm and you bid him good night anyway. The door to his room was open and you paused on the threshold. Echoes of your screams, the feel of how lifeless he was, all came rushing back and you sucked in a breath. You’d sleep on the sofa.

It felt like you’d been asleep for moments, a few silent bliss filled moments, when a shout woke you so abruptly that you rolled off the sofa with a thud. The blanket entangled your legs, seeming to get tighter in your desperation to be free. The shouting grew louder, the pain in Hvitserk’s voice made your heart race and you climbed up the stairs on all fours, the blanket still trying to keep you from him.

“Vinsamlegast ekki taka hana!” He cried out hoarsely.

“Hvitserk!” Bursting into his room, you found he was sitting up. His eyes red and sore where he’d been crying, the stain of tears on his cheeks glinted in the low light. He was reaching out to something you couldn’t see and you did the first thing you could think of. Grabbing his hand tightly, you tried to talk to him out of the throes of his nightmare.

“Ástin mínn!” He choked, holding onto you so tightly you almost couldn’t breathe.

“I’m here. It’s me, sæta.” You tenderly wiped the wetness off his cheeks seeing him blink to consciousness. “Hvitserk…”

“Don’t leave me. Please.” He sounded so small, and hurt, his throat raw with emotion. You nodded, holding back your own tears.

“Ok. I’ll stay,” you whispered.

“You promise?”

“Yes. Yes, I promise. I’m not going anywhere.” You made him lie down, whispering all the while to let him know you weren’t going anywhere and stroking his hair out of his face with your free hand, because he had the other clutched tightly in his grasp. You anchored him, made him feel safe and right now he needed you more than anyone else. You lay next to him and watched until his breathing grew even and his death grip on your hand eased. But you didn’t pull it free. Your eyes traced over him in the low light and you knew a rough ride was ahead of you all.

When morning dawned neither of you said a word. He went for a shower and you yawned in the kitchen, waiting for the kettle to boil. You shot off some texts to the others, just letting them know you'd made it through the first night. Kat was the only one to enquire after you, but you managed to appease her with a smiley. You weren’t sure how long that was going to last.

Hvitserk appeared behind you, his hair long and loose, but he was clean shaven and looked better than he did last night.

“Want me to braid it?” You asked and he nodded. Silently you drifted into the living room. He settled on the cushion and you spread your legs on either side of him, smiling a little as he wrapped his arms around your leg. He put something on tv, possibly to do with tree frogs. You weren’t sure but he was engrossed. Your mind was elsewhere, trapped in reliving that moment with Freydis and then last night all circling back to that moment you found your best friend almost dead in his own bed.

The spiral was fierce, you hadn’t realised how deep you’d sunk until you absently wiped at the wetness trickling down your cheeks. Quickly you used your sleeve to wipe away your tears as Hvitserk shifted to look at you over his shoulder. There was a shadow in his gaze and you knew perfectly well what was haunting him.

He got up and went into the kitchen and you heard the fridge door open. The cupboards opened and slammed shut. He even tried the back door and your heart fell when you realised what he was looking for.

“Hvitserk…” you called.

“I’m hungry.”

“I could make toast…”

“I don’t want toast…I don’t—want fucking…” You saw the loaf of bread fly across the kitchen, the sound of cutlery scattering as he emptied the drawer. You got up, watching him empty more and more things, cereal and rice skitting across the tiles. Packets splitting, tins denting as they fell, but he had to see for himself there was nothing here.

“Hvitserk…” It broke you to see him like this. His expression was angry but desperate tears filled his eyes as he swept every corner of every cupboard, finding them devoid of everything he’d stashed. You’d made sure of that. He slumped amongst the mess of the kitchen, snivelling sobs fell from him and you crouched in the doorway. “I’m sorry…”

“No you’re not,” the venom in his tone took you aback slightly. “I don’t want you here!” He snarled.

“You need me.”

“I don’t need you or Ivar or anyone!” He stood up, kicking food out of his way, making the mess worse.

“Hvitserk…” the force of his fury focussed on you. Grabbing the front of your top he pressed you heavily against the wall, the air pushed from your lungs. You tried to tell him he was hurting you, to let you go. But he wasn't even looking at you.

“I want Thora,” he sobbed. “Not you!” Covering his face, his grip loosened on your top and you were able to gasp some air down through the pain in your chest. Slumping to his knees he leaned into your stomach, seeking comfort, and you automatically wrapped your arms around him. Not able to hold back your own tears as he wept into you, hands fisting in your clothes trying to grasp some sort of solace at the feel of you. “I’m sorry!” He moaned.

“It’s ok. You’re hurting,” you told him thickly.

“I just need more sleep,” he whispered. The only movement you made was to sit on the floor and heave Hvitserk in your lap. Stroking his hair and lulling him back to sleep right there. An enormous sense of exhaustion washed over you and it wasn’t until the front door opened and Ubbe came in that you realised how much of the day had slipped by without you realising.

He crouched beside you both, his fingers reaching out to ghost over Hvitserk’s hair before glancing up at you with those bright blue eyes.

“You ok?”

“I am, but the kitchens not,” you whispered back. He looked around with disbelief all over his face, hanging onto the doorframe to keep his balance.

“Are you ok with him? I can stay…”

“No, honestly. I’m fine with him.” Ubbe studied you closer.

“You look tired, ástvinur.”

“If you can make it to the kettle, I’d like a coffee.” He raised an eyebrow and you smiled. Reaching to nudge your chin he gave you a lopsided one back.

“Coffee coming up.”

Ubbe tidied and cleaned the whole kitchen, saving what he could and putting it back in the cupboards. Your legs had gone numb a long time ago with Hvitserk spread eagled all over you like dead weight. You’d almost finished your cup of coffee when he finally stirred, disorientated by being on the floor and you gasped as blood flow returned to your limbs.

“How long was I out?” He asked gruffly, peering into the kitchen and acknowledging Ubbe with a brief nod.

“I don’t even know,” you groaned, manipulating your legs and rubbing away the pins and needles.

“Gods, I’m starving,” he said with a slight grin. Just an echo of Hvitserk was shining through in that moment but it was enough to lift your spirits. Maybe, just maybe, you’d all get through this.

[parkerliciouspeter]

Can u do a bucky fluff where bucky thinks the reader likes steve bc he hears her talking to someone about a super soldier not realizing they’re taling about bucky? If u c an thx bestieee😊🦋

Somebody Else

Bucky Barnes x Avenger!Reader

requests are open!

word count: 1126

warnings: none :)

a/n reader is genderneutral :) if i explicitly used gender-specific pronouns (she/her/he/him) then please let me know!

masterlist!

“C’mon, Y/N. Spill.” Natasha was poking your arm, trying to get you to tell her who was the guy you liked. You had slipped up earlier, accidentally hinting that you liked someone here in the compound, and now your friend was teasing you to no end.

After shaking you a few more times, you groaned. “Fine, fine! It’s… the super-soldier…”

Unbeknownst to the both of you, another person walked into the kitchen and heard your revelation.

“Oh my god,” Natasha lowered her voice, so Bucky couldn’t hear her “Which one?”

You bit your lip and whispered. “B-Bucky…”

Natasha giggled and you hit her arm. “Hey, shut up!”

“Ok, ok!” She wiped a tear from her eye and sighed, holding your hand. “Oh, Y/N, your taste in men is weird.”

You snorted in response and picked up your freshly brewed tea. “That’s rich, coming from someone who hasn’t dated anyone. Ever.”

She smacked you with her magazine as she chased you to your room, laughing.

Letting out a sigh, Bucky went back to the direction he came from. Who could you have been talking about? Well, it’s obvious, isn’t it? The little voice in his head whispered. Steve’s the perfect guy, and all you are is an ex-hydra killing machine. There was no way that they liked you back.

The next morning, you found Bucky beating the punching bag in the gym, and it looked like he had been here for hours.

”Early morning, James?” You were the only person he would allow to call him that since it was no secret that he had a soft spot for you.

He gave you a feeble nod, and continued to hit the bag.

”D’you wanna spar? A real person would be much better than poor Kevin, here.” It was pretty well known in the compound that the worst-looking and most beat-up punching bag was named Kevin. Sam even drew a stupid face on it.

“Not really,” He mumbled, so quietly that you almost didn't hear him.

“You sure?”

He nodded again, and proceeded to sit down on the bleachers and re-wrap his bandages around his flesh hand. Weird, you thought. Usually, Bucky liked sparring with you.

Unfortunately, this is how it went for a few more days.

Every time you asked him to do something with you, he’d make up some lousy excuse so he didn’t have to do it.

“I have to go feed my goats, sorry.”

“Sorry, Y/N, but Sam and I are gonna go throw rocks at birds.”

You were, needless to say, annoyed.

It was like he was avoiding you.

On a particular stingy morning (where Bucky went out early in the morning to buy some plums), you headed to the living room where you found Steve watching TV.

“Hey Y/N, do you know David Blaine? He’s a freakin’ god, he stabbed his hand with an ice pick!” You smiled and sat down on the couch beside him. “Yeah, he’s great.”

His smile faded when he noticed the glum expression on your face. “Something wrong?”

“I think Bucky’s been avoiding me,” You whined, running your fingers through your hair.

Steve laughs in response. “Well, that’s hard to believe. Buck thinks the world of you, y’know?”

“Then why,” You look him dead in the eyes, making him gulp. “Did he turn down my invitation to watch a movie with the excuse, ‘I’m sorry, I have to go walk my fish,’ Steve? That makes no fuckin’ sense.”

“Hey, language! That doesn’t sound like Buck to me, Y/N, maybe you should just talk to him?”

The corners of your mouth tugged up slightly. You sighed, it was worth a shot. “Thanks for the advice Steve,” you pull him into a hug. After a while you hear the padding of feet from the corridor behind you. You pull away from Steve to see Bucky, holding a plastic bag full of plums. “Oh, hi, James!”

He throws the bag on the counter and stomps away to his room.

“Jeez, what’s got him all angry?”

“I don’t know, Steve, I’ll go check on him.” You head in the direction of his room and knock on the door. “James?” No response. “It’s me, can you open the door?” You hear shuffling and the door clicks open.

You cautiously open the door to see Bucky lying down on his bed, staring at the ceiling. “Hi.”

“Hey, Buck, you okay?”

“Doin’ just peachy.”

You sigh and sit down on the foot of his bed. “I know that look, you’re not okay.

“Well, then why’d you even ask?” He snaps, startling you. He never raised his voice at you, even when you would do something stupid.

“I- I’m sorry, I just thought I’d ask.“

He sits up, letting out a low breath. “Y/N, please don’t pretend.”

“Pretend? What do you mean, ‘pretend?’”

He fiddled with the blanket, looking down. “I heard you talking about Steve with Nat the other day…” He confessed, voice shaking slightly.

“Oh, Buck.” You sighed and wrapped your fingers around his. “Buck, I said ‘super soldier.’ There’s two of you guys, why’d you think I was talking about Steve?”

He stared at the bed for a while until what you said hit him like a truck. His eyes lit up and he looked at you like a confused puppy. “You mean…”

You beamed at his confusion. “Yes, I was talking about you. What… what made you think it was Steve?”

He hung his head down low and shrugged. “Jus’ didn’t think you liked me...”

“James, I’ve been asking you to hang out with me for the past 3 days,” You laughed at his obliviousness, making his cheeks tint a bright pink. “If anything, I’d think you didn’t like me.”

Silence followed, and Bucky continued to stare at the bed. “M’sorry, Y/N. I’m sorry for being an idiot.”

“Hey, it’s alright,” Pulling him close, you rubbed circles on his back, making him wince slightly.

He pulls away and looks at you, his hair hanging in ringlets over his face. There’s something different about his eyes, they’re no longer the dark and stormy blue you used to see. It’s much softer, much more inviting;

Before you knew it, his lips met yours, a familiar warmth engulfing your body. His tongue slipped in between your lips, electing a surprised moan from you.

You pulled away with a smack, both of your foreheads touching. “I really like you, James.”

There was no response, both of your deep breaths were the only sound you could hear. “I- I really like you too.”

And so, the two of you spent the rest of the morning cuddled up under the blankets, catching Bucky up with some of your favorite movies.