#and also I stole some chocolates from work and put them in a pretty little box :))))

[totopopopo]

Vibrates. I’m seeing one of my bestest and oldest friends tomorrow for the first time in like a calendar year

[slaymitchabernathy]

The Legacy

“Daddy! Daddy look what Mommy did to my hair!”

Coriolanus looks down at his daughter, his heart and soul. His Ceraphina.

Born four years ago on a stormy night, Ceraphina stole his heart and never gave it back. She’s been an absolute light in their lives, always making them laugh and smile.

She looks nearly identical to Soarynn which only furthers his need to protect her, to always keep her safe from any harm that might come her way. It often leads him to wonder what their other children might look like should they have more. Soarynn has spoken about it many times, expanding their family and giving Ceraphina a sibling but only time will tell.

He smiles down at his daughter who proudly shows him the bow that Soarynn has fastened in her wavy blonde hair. Many things can be said for the Snow family and what they’re known for.

Some view him as a dictator rather than a President although most people who think that live in the Districts. They have no love for him or his family. Others see him as a wonderful President who only has the best intentions for his beloved country. Those are the people who he’s gladly welcoming into his home tonight for the Presidential Gala.

He’s just about finished with getting ready but he’ll always have a moment to spare for his darling daughter who gazes up at him with eyes identical to her mother’s. “Well, don’t you look fabulous darling? And this bow? Some of the best work I’ve ever seen. You’re sure to be the center of attention tonight.”

Ceraphina’s eyes dazzle at his words of praise and she smiles, “Thank you, Daddy! I can’t wait to go to the chocolate fountain.” Coriolanus grins because he knows that Ceraphina would spend the rest of her life next to the chocolate fountain if she could. It’s also Soarynn’s favorite part of the dessert table which further proves that Ceraphina is her twin.

“Yes, after you eat all your dinner hmm?” He asks while fixing his tie. He can't afford to look bad tonight, not with the amount of cameras that will be snapping pictures of them. Ceraphina’s small hands grip the marble countertop as she tries to peer at her reflection but she’s still too little to see.

Coriolanus scoops her up and places her on the counter, basking in her giggles when he tickles her. “Tickle monster!” She cries, shrieking with laughter. When Ceraphina was younger, she was terrified of sleeping alone in her bedroom due to her fear of the closet and what lay inside of it when the lights were out.

It got to the point where she’d bawl her eyes out when Soarynn or Coriolanus tried to put her to sleep. It didn’t matter how many books they read or how many songs Soarynn sang, she refused to be left alone. Coriolanus could easily see where the problem was going and how it would lead to Ceraphina sleeping in their bed and he just couldn’t have that.

So, the tickle monster was born.

He told Ceraphina that there was a monster in the closet and that he was very good friends with the monster and sometimes the monster took over and tortured her with tickles. It solved the problem rather quickly which he was glad for, even though Soarynn hated how he got her riled up right before bedtime.

“He’s returned, Coriolanus agrees, sneaking in a few more tickles before ceasing his attack. Ceraphina giggles and turns to look at their reflections, her blue-gray eyes going wide when she sees herself. “Daddy?”

“Yes, my darling?”

“Do I look pretty like Mommy?”

Coriolanus raises his eyebrows at the question and he doesn’t hesitate to answer. “Of course you do darling. Your Mommy is the most beautiful woman in all of Panem and you are the most beautiful girl in all of Panem. No one could ever compare to the two of you.”

Ceraphina smiles and nods at her reflection as if all is right in the world after receiving that answer, “Do I look like Mommy?”

Coriolanus hums and grabs his favorite cologne before liberally applying it to his neck, he can’t afford to smell bad either. “Yes darling, you and Mommy are practically twins. You’re a spitting image of her.” She truly is, with her wavy hair and her startling eyes. Coriolanus is glad that Ceraphina has taken after Soarynn when it comes to looks.

Soarynn who has been so openly praised for her youthful beauty and charming personality, her kind demeanor, and her graceful femininity. Soarynn is perfect which automatically makes Ceraphina perfect since she spends nearly every waking moment with her.

With an entire country to run, Coriolanus doesn’t get to see Ceraphina a lot during the week. Soarynn however, has dedicated her every waking moment to taking care of their daughter and Coriolanus couldn’t be more pleased with her devotion as a mother.

It’s as if her ears are burning because a moment later, Soarynn walks into the bathroom looking gorgeous as always. She’s dressed in a floor-length gown, black to match his own attire it seems. The dress is strapless and clings to her figure in a most flattering way and it has a slit going up her right leg. Her hair is cascading down her back, flawless as always, and her face, her beautiful face.

Coriolanus nearly gets lost looking at it until Ceraphina voices his feelings for him.

“Mommy you look so pretty!”

Soarynn smiles at their daughter who thinks of her mother as the moon and stars and places a loving hand on her cheek, “Thank you my sweet darling. And don’t you look so beautiful in your pink dress? Did you show your father your bow?”

Ceraphina nods proudly, eyeing Coriolanus to confirm that she did in fact show off her hair bow. He chuckles and places a hand on Soarynn’s waist, admiring the stunning creature that is his wife, “She did, in fact, we were just talking about how you two look alike.”

Soarynn’s smile widens as she runs a loving hand through Ceraphina’s hair, “Well if I’m half as kind as you are darling then that’s more than enough for me. Now why don’t you go find nanny so she can help you with your shoes?”

Ceraphina pouts but one stern look from Coriolanus quickly resolves any tantrums and Soarynn carefully helps her down from the counter before she runs off to find her nanny.

Rarely do they ever enlist the help of others, of outsiders, but on nights like this where the drinks are flowing and their attention is pulled every which way, a nanny is more than necessary.

Coriolanus pulls Soarynn against him and she giggles, allowing him to press kisses up and down her neck, “You’re terribly possessive darling,” she purrs, her nails gently scratching up and down the back of his neck, his favorite spot.

Coriolanus places one last kiss before pulling away and staring her in the eyes, nearly losing his breath in the process, “Only with you my love,” he assures her, “only with you.”

Soarynn sighs and rests her head on his shoulder, seemingly content for them to just stay here instead of going downstairs to the Gala that awaits them. “Remind me of anyone important tonight,” she murmurs, her hand instantly finding his.

Coriolanus places a kiss on her temple before answering, “Quintus Heavensbee for starters, also the new Head Game Maker, Arthus Crane, and his wife will be attending.” Soarynn hums and her hand comes to rest on the necklace she almost always wears, a locket with photos of Coriolanus, Ceraphina, and Petunia.

Speaking of Petunia…where is she?

Coriolanus doesn’t mind his wife’s cat for the most part but he does always make sure to keep her tucked away when they have guests over like this.

"Well I'm sure tonight will be wonderful," Soarynn says with a sigh, "I just hope that Ceraphina will go down without a fuss." Ceraphina is a sweet angelic child, however, she often refuses to go to bed during things like this where she feels like she's leaving the party. She eventually gives in but it can be rather tiresome when Soarynn and Coriolanus have guests to entertain.

He gives her an encouraging squeeze, "It'll be perfect darling. I promise."

꧁ ꧂

"Oh, she's just precious."

Coriolanus basks in the compliments that Ceraphina receives while she plays on the grass with her teddy bear. It's normally frowned upon for children to be playing on the dirty ground during a party but Ceraphina, it seems, is the only exception. And besides, the Mansion's grounds are so well kept, not a blade of grass is out of place.

"You'd do well to give her a sibling to play with," Festus Creed says to him, nudging Coriolanus with his elbow. Coriolanus looks over at Soarynn who's standing amongst her own friends, laughing whilst sipping their champagne.

He'd love another child, she'd love another child. Perhaps they should really start trying again. Soarynn never got her implant put back in after giving birth to Ceraphina, but they haven't been keeping track of her cycle to know exactly when to really try.

Perhaps it's time to start back up again.

"I'll work on that," he says teasingly, taking a drink of his whiskey. The Gala is going extremely well, photos have been taken, compliments given and drinks have been flowing.

"Ceraphina darling, it's time for bed," Soarynn calls, approaching their pouting daughter. All the women fawn over how adorable she is when interacting with Soarynn who easily calms their daughters pouting with the promise of Petunia sleeping in her room.

Ceraphina loves Petunia, she’s always chasing her around the house and forcing her to partake in her tea parties. To have Petunia spend the night in her room is a treat as special as any. And that’s seems to do the trick because moments later she’s running over to bid Coriolanus a goodnight.

“Goodnight Daddy! I’ll see you in the morning!”

Despite being the President of Panem, feared by so many and respected by few, Coriolanus doesn’t hesitate to get down on one knee to press a kiss to her cheek, “Goodnight my darling. Have the sweetest dreams.”

Ceraphina nods and runs back over to Soarynn who takes her hand and begins to lead them up the many, many stairs that lead back up to the terrace. Coriolanus watches them once they reach the top where Ceraphina’s nanny is waiting for them.

Soarynn bends down to give Ceraphina a hug and kiss goodnight before she’s entrusted with the nanny for the rest of the night.

“Persephone won’t stop complaining about how much is left to do with the nursery,” Festus groans which pulls Coriolanus back into the conversation, “she’s acting like it’ll be the end of the world if we don’t have the perfect curtains or photographs.”

Coriolanus chuckles, remembering how adamant Soarynn had been on perfecting Ceraphina’s nursery while she was pregnant with her. “Women tend to fuss over these things my friend,” Coriolanus tells him solemnly, “all we can do is foot the bill and let them do whatever they want.”

Soarynn had been an angel all things considered during her pregnancy. Despite some morning nausea and the occasional snippy attitude when she was nearing the end of the grueling nine months, Coriolanus had nothing to complain about.

In the end, she gave him something he could never replace.

His legacy.

꧁ ꧂

There comes a point at every party when the drinks have taken their toll on the guests, including Coriolanus.

His head is slightly buzzing with the amount of alcohol he’s consumed but some of the other guests are much worse than he is. At least he can stand.

“I’ve heard rumors of an uprising in One,” Livia Cardew murmurs to his right which causes his head to snap in her direction. She’s talking to Soarynn, it’s a private conversation but he has no issue butting in where he sees fit. “We have absolutely nothing to worry about in One,” he tells Livia who rolls her eyes in return.

“Why not? Because you said so? We both know how much those people hate us Coriolanus. They’d do anything to get under our skin,” Livia says, looking at Soarynn who simply purses her lips.

Before Coriolanus can say anything, he sees a white blur run across the ballroom floor. He must be drunk because for a moment, he thought he saw Petunia. Which is impossible because Petunia is upstairs, in Ceraphina’s room asleep. They never let her roam around during things like this.

After taking a look at Soarynn’s face however, he begins to wonder if he really did imagine it.

Soarynn breaks away from the conversation without so much as a polite excuse as she walks towards the other end of the ballroom, her husband and good friend long forgotten.

“Where’s so going?” Livia asks and Coriolanus can only shake his head, “I think we both saw something. I’m not quite sure though. Would you excuse me for a moment?”

Coriolanus doesn’t wait for a reply, he just makes his way over to the doors that lead into the dining room where they always eat when they have large gatherings such as this one. Two Peacekeepers are stationed by the doors and both nod at him once they notice his approach, “Have you seen my wife?” He asks, wondering where Soarynn could have gone.

If Petunia was down here then they definitely would have heard about it. All of Soarynn’s friends adore Petunia and always fuss over her to his dismay.

“Yes sir. She just went upstairs a minute ago. She was carrying the cat.”

Petunia was down here.

Why was Petunia down here?

How would Petunia be able to get all the way downstairs if she was in Ceraphina’s room?

Coriolanus frowns while he tries to come up with a reasonable answer as to why Petunia was downstairs when he hears a scream.

Soarynn’s scream.

And he’s running. Running down the great hall. Running up the stairs. Running towards Ceraphina’s room where he finds the doors wide open, Petunia darting out and down the hall.

What he finds inside the room is blood curdling.

Soarynn on her knees, stifling her sobs while staring at Ceraphina’s nanny, dead on the ground.

His eyes dart to the pink canopy bed where Ceraphina sleeps and he finds it empty.

Empty.

Someone took her.

Someone took his daughter. His baby girl.

“Ceraphina?” He calls, looking around to see if maybe she’s hiding somewhere. She loves to hide, to play games like hide-and-seek but this isn’t a game, it’s not funny. “Ceraphina Snow come out here this instant,” he says, his voice wavering despite wanting to sound authoritative.

Soarynn gasps for air and he turns his attention to her, to his beautiful wife sobbing in the floor, “Soarynn? Soarynn darling what happened? Who did this? Are you hurt?”

Soarynn shakes her head, going to wipe her tears but deciding against it at the last moment. She has nothing to hide here. “They took her Coriolanus,” she whispers, “I don’t know who but they took her and killed the nanny.”

The Peacekeepers finally made their way up and there all wide eyed when they take in the sight of Ceraphina’s room in disarray. The bedsheets thrown off the bed, toys scattered, the nanny dead.

“Search the house,” Coriolanus tells them, “search every room, every corner, every hallway. Find my daughter.”

They immediately take off to search the rest of the house and most likely question the guests. Everyone is a suspect now.

Coriolanus crouches down and carefully wraps his arms around Soarynn’s trembling frame, “We'll find her darling, we’ll find her. She’s probably somewhere in the house.”

Soarynn lets out a whimper and his heart breaks even more, he's never seen his wife like this, unable to speak, to cope. A million thoughts race through his mind while he holds Soarynn.

Who did this? How did people get into the Mansion? Was this an inside job?

It's no secret that many people hate Coriolanus Snow and would do anything to hurt him, but taking his child is on another level. There will be hell to pay.

He can hear shouting, the guests are being questioned no doubt. This had to be done by someone they knew, someone they trusted inside of their home.

But who?

Soarynn is in no condition to get off the floor but Coriolanus can't just sit here restless while his daughter is out there somewhere, probably terrified out of her mind. "I'll be back," he says to Soarynn whose eyes have gone vacant, "I'll go find her I promise." He presses a gentle kiss to the side of her head before standing up and leaving the room.

He finds the ballroom in disarray, everyone is shouting while Peacekeepers yell even louder. Festus finds him in the crowd and grabs his arm, "Coriolanus what the hell is going on?" He shouts over the noise. His wife Persephone is right behind him and she looks flushed. The Capitolites aren't used to being pushed around it seems.

"Someone took Ceraphina," Coriolanus says, his voice hollow. Saying it out loud makes it feel so much more real. Like it's the truth. Both Festus and Persephone gasp and Persephone places her hand on her chest, "Oh my...oh my goodness. Have you searched the grounds for her? Perhaps she wanted to go play outside."

Coriolanus feels his eyes light up at the suggestion, maybe she's right, maybe Ceraphina slipped out of bed before her nanny was shot. Coriolanus forges forward towards the terrace doors, ignoring the shouts he gets from his guests asking what's warranted this treatment.

"The President's daughter has been taken!" One of the Peacekeepers shouts, causing a hush to fall over the room. "Until she is found, we will be questioning everyone who attended the Gala tonight. Everyone is a suspect until proven otherwise. If you have any information regarding her disappearance, let us know."

Coriolanus pushes the large doors open and he's hit with the evening air. Just a while ago he was out here watching his daughter play and now she's gone. He can hear and see several other Peacekeepers searching for her outside, shouting her name but he has to look for her himself.

"Ceraphina! Ceraphina where are you darling?"

Coriolanus descends the steps leading down to the grounds with haste as his eyes scan the dark landscape. The only source of light is from the greenhouse which they always lock for events like this. But maybe she slipped inside. Coriolanus begins towards the greenhouse when he steps on something.

He looks down and feels as if he might throw up.

It's her bow.

The bow that Soarynn put in her hair. The bow that Ceraphina so proudly showed him before the Gala.

Coriolanus crouches down to pick it up and feels how soft it is. She was out here, they must've taken her through the grounds, whoever they are.

"President Snow, we found something in the greenhouse!"

꧁ ꧂

'You take our children from us every year, now we took yours. Find us where it all began.'

Coriolanus reads those words over and over again.

The Rebels. People from the Districts took her.

Coriolanus crumples up the note the Peacekeepers found in the greenhouse and lets out a frustrated groan. She's truly in danger now, who knows what those District scum will do to her.

They had broken some of the glass panes of the greenhouse, slipped in, and left the note by the fountain for him to find. How long have they been planning this?

"Put the entire Capitol on lockdown," he says, his voice cold and bitter, "no one in, no one out. Stop all the trains, question anyone working at the border. Search the city street by street."

He doesn't look up from the ground but he hears feet shuffling over broken glass and he hears a few Peacekeepers mumbling, "Madam Snow."

He looks over his shoulder to see Soarynn standing in the doorway. Her eyes are bloodshot, and her hands are still shaking as she takes a slow step into the greenhouse. "Where...where is she?" Soarynn asks him. If only he could tell her.

Coriolanus pinches the bridge of his nose and shakes his head, "I don't know," he admits, "it was the Rebels. They left a note, and...and I found this," he pulls out the bow from his pocket and holds it out to her.

Soarynn gasps at the sight and her lip trembles, "Is she going to die Coriolanus? Are they going to kill our baby girl?"

Coriolanus sets his jaw and his fingers wrap around the bow, nearly crushing it, "No. Not if I have anything to do with it. The city is on lockdown, and there's no way they already made it out. She's here somewhere we just have to know where to look."

Soarynn wipes away a tear and takes in a shaky breath, "What...what did the note say?"

Coriolanus looks back down at the crumpled piece of paper and he's already imagining killing whoever wrote that cryptic piece of shit. "They said to find them where it all began, and that they took her because we take their children."

The Hunger Games are brutal by design, a way to remind the Districts of their failure and to punish those who are seemingly "innocent."

A wave of recognition flashes over Soarynn's face and she steps towards him, "The arena," she whispers, her blue-gray eyes wide with realization, "where it all began. They took her to the old arena where we used to hold the Games, oh Coriolanus she's right under our noses."

It all clicks in his mind a moment later. She's right. They took her to the old arena where the Games were first held. An old arena that's no longer used, filled with corpses and bones no doubt.

Coriolanus gently takes her hand in his, giving it a squeeze, "I'll have every man we can spare surround the arena. I'll go find her Soarynn, I promise. I'll bring her back."

New tears form in Soarynn's eyes and she's swift to blink them away, "So you won't let me go with you?"

He nearly laughs at her question. He'd be a fool to bring his other prized possession with him to the fight. Only a fool would bring his wife to a possible ambush like this one. No, she needs to stay here where she's safe.

If their home is even safe anymore.

"No. I can't lose you too Soarynn. I need you to stay here, stay with the Heavensbees. I'll have my most trusted men watch over you while the rest of the staff is questioned, I'm sure some of them were in on this." It's no secret that the Snows have a wide variety of staff, some originating from the Capitol and a few from the Districts.

Those who are from the Districts are Avoxes but you don't need a tongue to betray your employer. Many will die tonight.

Soarynn nods, staring down at the bow still in his other hand, "Bring her home."

꧁ ꧂

"It's a small group of men. Seven. And she's with them. Unharmed from what I could see. They asked for you specifically, won't say anything to us."

Coriolanus is briefed on the current situation conspiring inside the old arena and he feels himself growing more and more angry as the seconds pass. The old arena's gates have been chained shut for years now but they've been blown wide open by the Peacekeepers who are all positioned outside with trucks and lots and lots of guns.

Anyone who leaves the arena will be shot on sight.

"I'm going inside," Coriolanus tells the Commander who gives him a worried look, "I have to get her back, and I also have to pretend to consider their terms. This isn't just a hostage situation, its a negotiation."

Coriolanus isn't really asking, he's just letting the man know and he seems to recognize that. "Let me get you a vest then, can't have you getting shot." That would not be good.

Coriolanus is prepped with a bulletproof vest, a concealed gun, and a flash-bang grenade. He's dressed like he's going to war, which he would happily do for his daughter.

He watches two medic trucks pull up to the side of the arena, he hopes those won't be needed.

"We'll surround them from above, just keep them talking and once we have a clear shot, we'll take them all down," the Commander assures him as they approach the front entrance of the arena.

When Coriolanus was a little boy, he came to this arena to watch the circus. He always took a different entrance, the entrance for the wealthy. It's fitting that these Rebels took the front entrance meant for poor people.

It's dark in the tunnel but Coriolanus can see a source of light coming from inside the arena. He pushes through the turnstiles and cringes at the loud automated voice.

"Enjoy the show!"

Coriolanus looks back at the army of Peacekeepers watching him guns ready. At least if he's chased, they'll shoot anything that pursues him but that does very little to soothe his nerves.

Coriolanus sucks in a sharp breath as he finally comes into the arena and comes face to face with a group of men and his daughter.

Ceraphina is dressed in her pajamas and is holding one of the men's hands. She seems fine, unharmed like the Commander said. Her eyes light up when she sees him, "Daddy! Daddy, you found me!"

Coriolanus pays the Rebels no mind as he smiles at his daughter who's seemingly unaware of the current situation, and he’d like to keep it that way, "I did sweetheart. I found you."

He’s still walking but one of the Rebels holds up a large gun, pointed right at him, "That's far enough." His District accent clashes with the ones from the Capitol and Coriolanus feels hatred coursing through his veins. "I've come to negotiate," he says calmly.

The men sneer and give each other looks, "We've been trying to negotiate for years, looks like you only care when we have something that belongs to you."

Coriolanus opens his mouth to respond but Ceraphina seems to have an agenda of her own, "Daddy I want Mommy!" Oh, Soarynn. Coriolanus hopes she's alright at home.

The man holding Ceraphina's hand looks down at her and nods, "You'll see your Mommy real soon, as long as your Daddy does what we tell him to do." Ceraphina doesn't seem scared of this man, or any of them for that matter, she simply nods and bounces on her toes, "Okay!"

Coriolanus turns his focus back onto his daughter's kidnappers, "Just name your terms." The ringleader it seems, steps forward with a cocky look on his face, "You're gonna stop the Hunger Games and stop taking our children. In return, we'll let her go and we won't keep showing up in your house. She's not the only one who matters to you is she?"

Now they've brought Soarynn into this, and for that, they'll have to die.

Coriolanus clenches his jaw at the threat so casually thrown at his wife, his darling girl who's worried sick about him and their daughter. "Fine, I’ll agree to your terms, but I want my daughter back first. She has nothing to do with this."

The men break into a fit of laughter as if he just told the funniest joke in the world. "She has everything to do with this! Bet you thought you'd be safe in that Mansion of yours but you aren't. The innocent must be punished."

Coriolanus spots the smallest bit of movement from the stands above them and adrenaline is coursing through his veins. He needs Cerpahina to move away from these men. He can't have her see this, not if he can help it.

“Are we done playing the game now?” Ceraphina asks with a whine, now rocking back and forth on her heels. She’s barefoot which infuriates him even further. They fucking kidnapped his daughter but couldn’t bother to get her some shoes to wear.

She’s given several nasty looks from her captors who clearly hadn’t anticipated her being so fussy but it’s past her bedtime and they’ve dragged her to the most undesirable place in the Capitol. They only have themselves to blame.

“Looks like your Daddy agreed to our terms,” the ringleader says slowly, tilting his head at Coriolanus as if taunting him, “so I guess the game is over.”

The game?

Coriolanus can only imagine what they’re talking about.

Once given a nod, the man holding onto Ceraphina’s hand lets go and she smiles up at him, “Goodbye!” Coriolanus waits with a bated breath as she slowly walks towards him, he knows she doesn’t understand but he wishes she’d walk faster. The sooner he has her in his arms, the better.

The moment Ceraphina is within reach, Coriolanus grabs her off the ground and wraps both arms around her small body, “Oh sweetheart, we were so worried about you.”

He spots more movement from above. It’s time.

Ceraphina returns his embrace and giggles, “Why were you worried Daddy? They said we were playing hide and seek, and you always find me.”

Coriolanus wishes she could always remain this innocent and naive but with attacks like this happening, he fears it may be impossible.

Coriolanus gives her a tight-lipped smile, “Yes, Daddy always finds you my darling. Now cover your ears and close your eyes very tight for me.” Ceraphina furrows her eyebrows and frowns, "Why? Why can't we play some more?"

Coriolanus can feel his patience thinning as the seconds pass but he can't snap at his darling daughter, not when she's the victim in all of this. "We can play when we get home and see Mommy. Now close your eyes and cover your ears for me sweetheart."

That seems to be enough to convince Ceraphina who squeezes her eyes shut as tightly as she can and places her hands over her ears. Coriolanus turns on his heel and he revels in the sound of guns firing and Rebels crying out as the bullets pierce their skin. Coriolanus rubs Ceraphina's back as he walks back through the tunnel, whispering soothing words even though she can't hear them.

The bullets cease and it's so quiet in the arena. It's wonderful.

And once again, Snow lands on top.

꧁ ꧂

The Mansion is empty when they return.

Guests are gone, music has ceased, the party is over.

Coriolanus quietly pads down the great hall towards one of the many sitting rooms they have, Ceraphina fast asleep in his arms.

He spots Quintus Heavensbee, his most trusted advisor standing in the hall, perking up when he spots the father-daughter duo. "Thank goodness," he whispers, clapping Coriolanius on the shoulder once they reach him, "we were so worried that neither of you would return."

Coriolanus lets out a tired sigh and places a loving hand on the back of Ceraphina's head, cradling her, "We took down the Rebel group, although now I wish we had questioned them first. Who knows how many more were aware of the plan."

Quintus shakes his head fervently, "No need to worry about that my friend. We captured four other Rebels who were in on it working in the Mansion." Coriolanus feels a newfound source of anger bubbling inside of him.

Rebels in the President's Mansion. What a fucking joke.

Quintus takes notice of his concealed anger and pats his shoulder lightly, "Let's talk about this tomorrow morning. Right now your wife and daughter need you more than ever." Ceraphina wakes at the mention of her mother and yawns, rubbing her eyes, "I want Mommy."

Both men smile at her sweet request and Quintus nods towards the doors that lead to the sitting room, "She's in there with my wife and Ms. Trinket." Coriolanus can't help but feel relieved to hear that Eudora Trinket, the woman who plans every second of his life, wasn't in on the Rebel scheme.

She’d been there for all the appointments concerning Soarynn’s pregnancy and she’d held Soarynn’s other hand when she gave birth. To lose Eudora to the Rebels would hit their family hard.

Coriolanus doesn’t waste another moment to push open the large doors revealing his wife sitting on the edge of a sofa, her knee bouncing up and down while she nervously awaits more news about the kidnapping of her daughter.

She looks up at them and gasps, her eyes focusing on Ceraphina as she stands up and crosses the room within seconds. She’s grabbing Ceraphina from his arms, cradling her, kissing her face, assessing her for damage all while trying not to cry.

“Oh my sweet darling,” Soarynn whispers, pressing a kiss to her head, “I was so worried about you. Thank goodness you’re safe.” Coriolanus wraps an arm around Soarynn’s trembling frame and rubs soothing circles on her back, “She’s alright darling, she’s safe now.”

Ceraphina simply basks in the attention she’s given from both her parents and rests a small hand on Soarynn’s cheek, “Mommy my pajamas got dirty.” Soarynn presses a small kiss to her hand and hums, “Mommy will give you a nice bath sweetheart, and then you can sleep in Mommy and Daddy’s room tonight.”

Coriolanus already knows how this will go, the never dissipating fear that will forever live in Soarynn now that she knows what it’s like to have her daughter taken from her. She’ll want Ceraphina with her all day every day.

Ceraphina’s eyes widen at the opportunity to sleep in her parent’s bedroom, something she’s never done before, “Really? Can I bring my bear?” Out of the all the stuffed animals she’s been gifted over the years, her stuffed teddy bear is by far her favorite.

Soarynn nods and runs her fingers through Ceraphina’s hair, “Yes darling, you can bring your bear.” That seems to be more than enough for Ceraphina who buries her face in Soarynn’s neck, seemingly exhausted from tonight’s events.

Soarynn lets out a shaky breath and leans into Coriolanus and his hold, “Thank you,” she whispers, her blue-gray eyes meeting his piercing blue ones, “thank you for finding her and bringing her back to me.”

Coriolanus feels himself getting choked up, their sweet baby girl could’ve died tonight and he refuses to imagine the shell of a person Soarynn would become if that happened.

So he simply holds her a little tighter and kisses her temple, “I’ll always fight to keep you two together my darling, always.”

꧁ ꧂

“Daddy look! Bubbles!”

Ceraphina’s voice is the first thing to greet Coriolanus when he walks into his bathroom. He smiles down at Ceraphina who’s sitting in the tub surrounded by bubbles and floating toys. She’s completely oblivious to what went down tonight and he can’t decide if that’s a good thing or a bad thing.

He watches Ceraphina play for a moment before watching his wife who’s sitting on her knees right next to the tub, watching Ceraphina as if she might disappear and never come back.

She almost did, he reminds himself.

He’s worried for Soarynn. Worried about how this might have affected her.

Despite Quintus and his protests, Coriolanus went over the events that conspired tonight and was able to see the other Rebels who were in on the plan. They had of course been detained but one was a Peacekeeper, two were maids and one was a gardener. He’d have them all executed before the week was over. And to ensure that they hadn’t planted any seeds of a revolution in the rest of his household staff, he’d execute them too.

Better safe than sorry.

He’d tasked a few of the remaining maids to clean up Ceraphina’s bedroom, wipe the blood off the floor. He wondered if her nanny had been in on it. Would Soarynn ever trust anyone else with the care of their daughter?

Probably not.

“Let’s get you dried off darling,” Soarynn says and Coriolanus snaps back into the present and makes his way into the closet to change out of his clothes. Hours ago he was getting dressed for the Gala so unaware of what would happen.

He dresses himself in some pajama pants before he comes back into the bathroom to wash his face and comb through his curls. He hears a meow and looks down to find Petunia watching him, her tail swishing back and forth in the air.

“Thank you,” he quietly says to the cat, “we would’ve never known if you hadn’t come downstairs to warn us.”

Petunia only blinks but it says enough to him.

He can hear Ceraphina giggling from the bedroom, not at all tired now that she’s allowed to sleep in her parent’s room. A moment later he hears her little footsteps approaching him, “Daddy! Daddy can you read me a bedtime story?”

Coriolanus grabs a towel and dries off his face, “Of course I can darling. Why don’t you get into bed and I’ll meet you there in a minute?”

An excited gasp is all he hears before she’s running back into the bedroom and Coriolanus takes a long good look in the mirror.

Will people always try to hurt his family? Will they always target the two good things in his life? Those men mentioned Soarynn, mentioned hurting her to him. Should he send the girls away? Hide them somewhere that no one knows about?

It would break Soarynn’s heart but it’s better than finding her with a bullet in her head.

He’ll talk to her more about his ideas tomorrow. They’re all exhausted from today.

When Coriolanus comes into the bedroom, Soarynn and Ceraphina are already in bed. Soarynn hasn’t changed out of her clothes from tonight but she probably doesn’t want to leave Ceraphina, even for a quick shower. She gives him a tired smile when she notices him, “She’s very excited for your bedtime story.”

Coriolanus grins and carefully slips into bed, his hand smoothing down Ceraphina’s hair that Soarynn braided down her back. She’s squished between her two parents and looks happier than ever.

“What game did you play tonight darling?” He asks her, his curiosity getting the best of him. Soarynn gives him a curious look but she wasn’t there in that arena with those men.

Ceraphina yawns, “We played hide-and-seek and they said we had to wait for you to come and find me.” Soarynn seems to have put the pieces together and she absentmindedly rubs her hand up and down Ceraphina’s back, “Were they nice to you? Did they yell or say mean things to you?”

Did they touch you?

That’s what Soarynn really wants to ask but Coriolanus can already see her holding back tears.

Ceraphina shakes her head and plays with the silk pillow case, “No. No, they didn’t yell Mommy. They said we were playing a game. Then I got scared so one of them let me hold his hand. Can I hear the story now Daddy?”

Coriolanus nods, his mind a thousand miles away from telling a bedtime story but he has to get through this first. “Of course sweetheart. Once upon a time…”

꧁ ꧂

Neither Coriolanus nor Soarynn can take their eyes off of their sleeping daughter. She’s been asleep for over an hour and yet they’re just…watching her.

“I remember when she was so little,” Soarynn whispers, her fingertips ghosting Ceraphina’s cheek, “when she was just a baby I would watch her sleep for hours. I was so terrified she’d stop breathing in her sleep. This was when you were coming home at all hours of the night, so it was really just me and her.”

Soarynn swallows down a sob, “And I would just watch her sleep. And think and pray to whoever was listening, ‘Please don’t take her. Please don’t take my daughter away from me.’ Then tonight I felt like it was some sick joke, like whoever was listening hated me and hated my daughter.”

Tears fall down Soarynn’s cheeks and Coriolanus reaches out for her, careful not to crush their sleeping daughter. “Shhh, shhh it’s alright Soarynn. She’s safe, she’s safe and no one will ever touch her again. Anyone who wanted to hurt her is dead now and they wanted to hurt her because they hated me. No one could ever hate you sweet girl.”

Soarynn shakes her head and wipes her tears, staring up at the ceiling for a moment, “They could’ve killed her Coriolanus. Or touched her or made her take something. I…I kept hoping that instead of hurting our little girl and torturing her, they’d just kill her instead. At least then she wouldn’t have to suffer.”

This attack has shaken the Snows.

They’ll be expected to give a statement to give a warning to those who try and hurt them.

Coriolanus quietly slips out of bed and rounds the other side so that he can properly hold his wife, “She’s alive Soarynn. She’s alive and she’s asleep in our bed. It’s been such a long night darling and we need to get you dressed in something else. Why don’t we go find you something else to wear?”

Soarynn shakes her head, pulling back when he tried to scoop her into his arms, “I won’t leave her Coriolanus. I’m never leaving her again.”

He sighs. His girl has always been stubborn but now she’s cemented in her mind. Surrounded by fear. “Okay,” he whispers, placing a gentle hand on her cheek, “okay then why don’t I go find you something to wear? I’ll be right back darling.”

That seems to sound better to Soarynn who nods and curls back up with Ceraphina, holding her tightly.

Coriolanus feels his hands curling into fists the second he’s out of her sight. Those men may have not touched Soarynn physically, but they did emotionally. They’ve terrified his wife and he’s going to make everyone in the Districts pay for it.

He’ll do anything to protect the ones he loves.

To protect his legacy.

| tumblr oneshot/drabble |

[secretjeon]

hey! hope you're having a great day. i saw that you're taking requests and have a very specific scenario that's been living on my mind rent free with tasm!peter. so basically he is into pottery, he likes to make mugs and cute shit for the gf and one day she asks him to teach her? cute, fluffy, wholesome, his hands on her hands shaping the clay kinda vibe, the lot (can add a bit -or a lot- of spice too iykwim). anyway, hope you like this and feel free to use it or ignore it! xo

Teach Me; Peter Parker

pairing: Andrew!Peter Parker x fem!reader

warnings: fluffff, cursing, a little smutty ;) thigh riding, nipple sucking, praise kink, handjob, cum eating, uses of the nicknames pretty girl, princess, ig it’s kinda messy because they were messing with clay(?) but its never directly stated

this was too fucking cute to not write ty for requesting this 😭 i feel like i accidentally made it more smutty than fluffy im so sorry (also lowkey stole that one scene from ghost) believe it or not, this is the first time i’ve written smut (or close to it) so i hope i did ok and i hope you like it! 😭

Your boyfriend had been into pottery for as long as you can remember. You couldn’t even count how many things you had around the house that had been handmade from Peter himself, mugs, bowls, vases, an adorable teapot that looked like an elephant that you had no idea how he made so perfect. Peter absolutely loved gifting you with items that he made, and you absolutely adored the gifts you got, knowing how proud he was of himself and how long he worked on it, and how they came out looking like absolute masterpieces.

You were currently over at his place, staying for a few nights, admiring him while he was making what he said was gonna be ‘matching mugs with each other’ as you both liked to have coffee or hot chocolate dates often. He was wearing an old band t-shirt he didn’t care about much and some loose pants while you were only wearing one of his shirts, having only panties underneath as you didn’t think any of your clothes were very comfy at the moment. It was quite a sight to look at, how focused he was on making it perfect, the way his fingers moved across the clay so carefully, you were ashamed (not really) that it was turning you on. You also thought it was an amazing art, wishing you could make pottery as beautiful as Peter did, which is when you got an idea.

“Pete,” He looked up at you while still moving his fingers around the clay. “Do you think you could maybe teach me how to make pottery?” He brightened up at the words he had heard, always secretly hoping you’d ask one day. “Of course Y/N, come here.” He gestured with his head downwards, implying for you to come sit on his lap. You got up and went to sit on him, careful for his clay covered hands not to touch your clothes, though you knew they would probably end up dirty anyways.

“Okay, so all you do is put your hands like this,” He put his chin on your shoulder and his hands over yours, carefully guiding them onto the messy blob that would eventually be a mug. “And just move them like this.” Putting his fingers between yours, moving them together and helping you shape the clay. It was more fun than you thought, but you figured a part of it was because you were doing it together. You enjoyed spending time with Pete, and this was definitely something the both of you were having fun with. You were doing pretty well so far, the mug shape coming together a little more, slowly but surely.

“You’re doing so good for me, pretty girl.” You felt yourself get hot, shifting around in his lap, slowly getting wet from his words and the way his fingers were moving with yours. “Well you’re definitely good with your fingers, Peter. This is way worse than how yours look.”

“Come on, you of all people should know I’m good with my fingers, Y/N.” He joked while your eyes widened, realizing what he meant. You pressed your thighs together, trying to cause some relief. He laced his fingers with yours, slowly taking them off of the badly unfinished mug and bringing them to your thighs, forcing them to open.

“Did you really think I wouldn’t notice how wet you were getting, sweetheart?” Fuck, you had forgotten about his spidey senses, and how he could definitely tell when you were aroused, recalling the moments he had known even when he was across the room from you. “Turn around,” he demanded. You shifted on his lap so you were facing him and straddling his thigh, while he was looking at you with darkened eyes, learning that he was now just as turned on as you were.

“Go on pretty girl, use my thigh to get you off.” He grabbed your waist, moving you forward to give you a start. You put your head on his shoulder, beginning to grind on his muscular thigh thanks to his spiderman activities. He started to bounce his leg a little, immediately making you moan from the stimulation. “Fuck Pete,” you whined, your pussy growing wetter by the second. You were glad he was wearing loose pants, teasing your fingers around the waistband before reaching in to take his hard cock out, spreading his precum around to get it slick before beginning to stroke it.

“Fuck princess, just like that,” He moaned. He took his hands off your waist to lift up your shirt, thanking the gods that you weren’t wearing a bra before leaning forward to take your right nipple into his mouth, letting his tongue swirl around the hard pebble before sucking on it, before switching to the other one. You moaned loudly, beginning to ride his thigh faster and jerking his cock harder.

“I’m gonna cum Peter,” You breathed out, feeling the knot in your stomach get tighter. “Yeah, pretty girl?” He took his mouth off your tits to talk. “You gonna cum for me? Cum, then. Make a mess all over me. Fuck, baby.” He moaned out the end as you swirled your thumb around the tip of his cock, bringing him closer to release.

“Cum with me Peter, please, please, please,” you began begging as your thighs started to twitch, your eyes rolling back, cumming all over his thigh. “Fuckkk Y/N,” your reaction bringing him to his own orgasm, hot spurts of cum shooting all over your hand. You sighed as you calmed down from your orgasm, bringing your hand up to lick his cum off. “I love you so fucking much, Y/N.” He kissed you harshly before you got up, getting a little embarrassed at the extremely obvious wet spot you had left on his pants. “Don’t get embarrassed darling,” he noticed your face, “It’s fucking hot. You should go lay down, you’re probably tired.” You smiled at his words before changing your soaked underwear into a clean pair and washing your hands of the clay that still occupied them and went to lay down in his bed, though with as much as you go over, it might as well be your bed too.

He came back with different pants on and clean hands and went to lay behind you, wrapping his arms around your body and pulling you closer. “I love you.” He mumbled into your neck. “I love you too, Peter.” You grabbed one of his hands that was wrapped around you and intertwined it with yours, closing your eyes and falling asleep with your lover by your side.

By the time you woke up, it was morning but Peter was nowhere to be found. You looked at the clock, seeing it was only 8 am when something caught your attention on the nightstand. It was the finished mugs from last night. Sitting side by side, both mugs sporting a sage green and brown with each mug having your names on it and little sunflowers scattered across. You smiled, absolutely loving everything about your life, knowing that with Peter, it would always be perfect.

was this bad? im so sorry i tried

[infinitelytheheartexpands]

the grand santa fe barbiere di siviglia write up:

this show was pure. fucking. GOLD.

i just HAVE to give y’all the play by play because it was pure gold.

so:

-the overture was mostly unstaged. what do i mean by mostly?

well, the opera started with this:

yes, that is a mustache made out of greenery, complete with LED oranges.

about halfway through the overture, an enormous bust of Rossini emerged from beneath the stage and then slid forward until it perfectly matched up with the mustache. the audience loved it, and rightly so.

-the basic conceit of the production was “18th century but with modern touches”, which is often a struggle to pull off but this production (directed by Stephen Barlow) did it incredibly masterfully.

-Fiorello was great and also incredibly cute.

-he was dressed in a classic 18th century look but walked on with a GAP bag, which made the audience lose it.

-the musicians were a full-on mariachi band, which was hilarious especially given that Rossini’s orchestration there does not sound like a mariachi band.

-Almaviva walked on in 18th century costume, took the GAP bag, and quickly changed to look like a student at the “University of Sevilla”.

-one of the mariachi dudes conducted using the little straw thing from a Starbucks coffee cup

-the chorus gave 120%

-they did a fuckin KICKLINE

-Berta took the trash out before Figaro’s entrance, went “Che?”, and then went back into the house

-i should also mention that the house was made out of the bust of Rossini: the front door was where his mouth should be and the eyes were the windows

-“Largo al factotum” was CHEF’S FUCKIN KISS

-for one thing Joshua Hopkins is brilliant

-Figaro had six assistants

-each one of them gave a haircut to a toreador

-the repeated “Figaro” cries were sung individually by the assistants instead of by Figaro, which became hilarious when he started to continue the “Figaro”s but instead turned back to the last assistant and cried “Bravo!”

-also Figaro broke the fourth wall and started conducting for a bit

-at the end, the assistants held up what seemed to be mirrors but when turned around were actually signs that spelled “FIGARO”

-the mustache was a source of much physical comedy, ridiculous attempts at hiding/blending in, etc

-Berta had a heart box of chocolates. Bartolo threw it out but Figaro ate some of the chocolates before deciding he didn’t like them and putting them back with the trash.

-Almaviva offered (and later gave) Figaro an entire suitcase of cash

-Figaro and Almaviva practiced soldier and drunken soldier moves during their duet

-the audience loved them so much that everyone started clapping halfway through their duet

-also Almaviva had golden retriever energy and was fuckin fantastic

-anyway

-they were great

-the house had an elaborate cage like structure with a huge swing on it

-this Rosina SLAYED

-Basilio had an Orange brand computer and cellphone, which was objectively hilarious

-also this Basilio was absolutely fantastic

-INSANE range

-“La calunnia” was essentially “Basilio teaches Bartolo about how modern technology works”

-at one point, Bartolo started trying to write on the laptop with a quill and ink, which was hilarious

-Bartolo learning about (and loving) modern technology was great

-also i have to say this Bartolo just about stole the show

-he was fuckin GOLD

-think the amount of comedy Jonathan Groff produced in Hamilton

-then multiply that by a hundred

-Rosina and Figaro had ultimate BROTP energy, which is EXACTLY as it should be

-their chemistry was perfect

-Bartolo’s aria was fucking PERFECTION INCARNATE

-he got SWEATBANDS and a YOGA MAT and spent most of the aria doing what could only be described as “calisthenics” while delivering perfect patter

-then Berta walked in and gave Rosina some sort of drug to give to Bartolo that caused him to do the bass claw (iykyk) and then have a problem where he could not sit in a chair without sliding out and then Rosina was panicking

-(btw, pretty much NO ONE could sit in a chair correctly…if you know, you know)

-Berta was perfection btw

-had the perfect “wtf???” reaction always

-also she kept chatting with someone into a rotary phone

-while Drunk Soldier Almaviva and Bartolo were talking in the street, a random po-po walked by and they had to act natural, which was hilarious

-Bartolo took Berta’s duster and tried to use it as a weapon against Almaviva, but Almaviva pulled a gun on him

-BASILIO CAME IN WEARING BEATS

-the physical comedy was IMMACULATE

-the “we’re all like statues” scene was fucking HILARIOUS, especially when Figaro decided to use his handkerchief to slowly dust off Bartolo’s legs

-also props to the chorister who fanned (a fainted) Rosina perfectly in time with the music

-the Act I finale was INCREDIBLE.

and then there was intermission and i didn’t think the show could get any funnier.

i.

was.

WRONG.

-the swing was replaced with Rosina in a bubble bath.

-Bartolo just continued to be chef’s kiss.

-this next part just might have been the funniest fucking part of the entire show

-for the music teacher disguise they disguised Almaviva as

-wait for it

-a Mormon missionary music teacher.

-y’know, the way they’re depicted in everything I’ve ever seen about The Book of Mormon.

-same outfit.

-Almaviva walked in with golden retriever energy

-and the entire audience LOST ITS SHIT.

-and then Almaviva proceeded to give Bartolo several copies in increasing size of the Book of Mormon.

-I FUCKING DIED

-Rosina was dressed like an old Hollywood star for most of Act II and I WANT THAT COSTUME SO BADLY

-“Contro un cor” and all surrounding hijinks RULED

-Bartolo deliberately sang nearly all his song afterwards flat and with plenty of physical comedy

-the crash scene was amazing because immediately after the crash, Figaro walked back onstage holding a box labeled “crash box” and proceeded to shake it until it made crashing noises again

-the other principals wore masks during the scene where they’re gaslighting Basilio into thinking he’s sick

-also they were all giving him doctor examinations in time with the music

-SEVERAL GUYS WITH HAZMAT SUITS CAME TO TAKE BASILIO AWAY ON A STRETCHER

-but first the other principals wheeled him around and gave him grapes and did a little dance number around the stretcher

-Bartolo blew a bunch of shaving cream into the air at one point

-also only half his face got shaved

-Berta’s aria was AWESOME

-about halfway through, four guys in tuxes came on and suddenly we’re in an old Hollywood dance number Rossini-style

-they whipped off her 18th century maid costume in one of the fastest onstage changes i’ve ever seen to reveal a 1930s look, and the audience cheered

-one of the guys threw her a rose bouquet at the end

-the storm featured a guy pretending to get blown away

-also Almaviva and Figaro getting increasingly tall ladders in several quick on-offs

-Figaro got so annoyed with Rosina and Almaviva’s lovey-dovey stuff that he just straight up LEFT

-only to come back in when he realized they were in trouble

-the wedding scene (and Bartolo’s reactions): perfection.

-the mariachi band came back for Almaviva’s last aria and the end

-Rosina got wheeled around on a suitcase cart at the end

-and at the VERY end, the mustache disappeared so the ending looked more or less like this:

-tbh this likely wasn’t even the half of all the SHENANIGANS

-but yeah

-this production was ICONIC

-and of course all the performers were iconic

-Kevin Burdette (Dr. Bartolo) I am officially in love with you

-actually I’m in love with everyone in this

-couldn’t have asked for a better first trip to the santa fe opera ❤️❤️❤️

[reidsmemory]

Daycare

Fandom: Criminal Minds

Pairing: Spencer Reid x Reader

Summary: Y/N is a high school teacher and Hotch’s niece. She meets the BAU one morning and feels a connection with one of the agents. A few weeks later she is involved in a kidnapping and has to get her students to safety. 

Genre: Action with some fluff

Quinn Speaks: Okay so I kinda got off track here and it’s more of a bad ass reader fic but I wrote the bulk of this at like 2 am. I hope you all enjoy and let me know if you want a part 2!!

not my gif!

     Your day started at 3 am. That’s right, 3 am. The buzzing noise of your phone woke you out of your slumber as you picked up the device and brought it up to your face, the blinding white light made your eyes adjust immediately. Uncle Aaron was listed as the caller ID and a picture of him, Jack, and yourself was also shown on the screen. 

     “Hello?” you said in your best ‘you totally didn’t wake me’ voice which really ended up being your ‘I’ve been dead for 5 years and been just revived’ voice instead.

     “Y/N, I’m really sorry, but I need you to come in to BAU. We just caught a case and I can’t a sitter for Jack so he’s here with me and-” the man would have kept rambling about the situation if you hadn’t cut him off.

     “No problem, Uncle Aaron. I’ll be there in 25 minutes.” You threw off your covers and began to walk over to your bathroom. 

     “You’re a lifesaver, thanks Y/N.” You hummed and he promptly hung up the call. You flipped on the light switch and saw that you had indeed looked like you had been dead for 5 years. You sighed and got to work. 

     You usually babysat Jack when Aaron was out of town for a case and your flat had become a second home for Jack. It wasn’t like that hadn’t happened before, him calling you about a case and needing you to watch Jack, no of course not. But he would usually call you a couple hours in advance or it would be during hours of the day when you were actually awake and running around. 

     You finished getting your hair to look quite decent all things considered and your teeth brushed and your face was washed. You decide to just throw a cardigan over your tank top and shorts and you made your way to the front door, grabbing your keys, phone, and some snacks for Jack as well as slipping on your strappy, tan sandals. 

     You locked your door and walked to the elevator on your floor and pressed the parking garage button. The elevator hummed as it went down and you yawned, stretching a bit as well.

     The doors dinged open and you made your way to your car and started to drive off. To keep your eyes awake, you played a classic rock station that was full of guitar solos and drum bangs that would surely keep you up. You pulled into a little drive through and got some coffees for yourself, your uncle, and his team as well as a hot chocolate for Jack.

     “25.96 is your total,” the cashier at the window said as you handed her your card. She was still ringing it up as she turned to you, “so, what’s got you up at 3 am and grabbing a shit load of coffee?”

     You chuckled lightly at her words, “babysitting emergency.” 

     She gave you a grin and handing you your card. “Well, good luck,” she said while handing you the holder for all the drinks as well as the drinks themselves. 

     “Thank you, have a good morning,” you said with a light smile.

     “Ditto.” She closed the windows and smiled as you drove off, you still had about 10 minutes to get to the BAU. Traffic was light which worked in your favor as well as living pretty close to the building. 

     You parked and started to get out with the coffees as you made your way to the entrance. You stepped inside as the security guards scanned you and checked the drinks and you were finally able to make your way up to the designated floor with a visitor pass.

     A woman with black hair came into elevator as well and you both exchanged good mornings and a light smiles. She was no doubt judging the outfit you were wearing, wondering where in the federal government you work that allowed you to come into work wearing your a sleep top and shorts as well as a big cardigan. 

     You both stepped out on the same floor and you made your way through the bullpen and straight to your uncle’s office.

     Emily watched you walk off and she furrowed her eyebrows, she had never seen you at the BAU before and now you were walking into her boss’ office with coffees and in your pj’s. “Do you know who that is?” she asked Spencer as he looked up from some paper work.

     “Who?” he asked as Emily discreetly pointed in your direction. Spencer furrowed his brows as he had never seen you before. He watched you walk up the small amount of stairs to Hotch’s office and noticed that you also had a visitor pass in you hand as well a some coffees. 

     “Spencer?” Emily said as he continued to watch you. “Reid!” she snapped in front of his face as he finally brought his attention back to Emily. He looked at her and quickly stole glances at you when he though she wasn’t watching. 

     She noticed. 

     Emily grinned at the younger man as he turned his attention back to Emily and blushed lightly, deciding to return to the papers in front of him, but not without sneaking another glance at you. 

     Your uncle opened the door and ushered you into his office where Jack was sleeping on the couch. “Thank you for coming,” his voice was quiet and you just smiled as he brought you into a hug. 

     “I got coffees for you and your team; needed one myself and figured you guys would want some too,” you whispered as Hotch smiled lightly and took the carrier from you. “So what happened?”

     “Missing child in Louisiana. He was over at a friends for a sleepover and was nabbed about an hour ago.” You nodded and frowned a bit as did your uncle.

     “Well, good thing they’ve got the best on the job,” you tried to lighten the mood as he held a closed lipped smile. “Don’t worry about us, we’ll be fine.” 

     He nodded his head and grabbed some files from his desk and headed to the door of his office. You smiled at him as he said his goodbyes to Jack, waking him. 

     Hotch closed the door and was met by the stares of his team, “we’ll have to brief on the plane. There’s been a missing child report in Louisiana so wheels up in 10.” The team nodded and started to pack up and get ready. “My niece got us all fresh coffee as well,” he walked down the stairs and put the tray on an empty table. 

     “Y/N’s here?” Morgan asked as Hotch nodded. “She is a lifesaver.”

     “My words exactly,” he said and walked away as the team went to grab the drinks. 

     You put Jack on your hip and started to walk out of the office. You closed the door and turned around as you were greeted by the warm smile of Derek Morgan.

     “Morning, Hotcakes,” he teased as you smiled widely. You walked down the stairs as he pulled you into a side hug seeing as Jack was clinging to your other side. You both pulled away as he started up again, “thanks for the drinks.”

     “Course, I figured you guys would be as tired as me,” you said nonchalantly as he nodded. You saw the other pairs of eyes on you and quickly introduced yourself, “sorry, i’m Y/N. Aaron’s niece.”

     They nodded at your words as Rossi made his way over to you. “Nice to see you again, Kiddo,” he hugged you the same way Morgan had and you smiled at the older man. 

     “Jennifer Jareau, but I go by JJ,” she stuck out her hand as you smiled at her and shook it. 

     “Emily Prentiss.” The raven haired woman did the same as JJ as she shook you hand and smiled.

     “Uh, Spencer Reid,” the taller brunette man told you as you shot him a small smile seeing as he didn’t offer a handshake. “I wasn’t aware that Hotch had a niece,” he said.

     “Oh, yeah. I moved out here a few months ago for Hotch and Jack,” you told them.

     “Where do you work?” JJ asked.

     “I’m a teacher at Philip Moore High School.”

     “Yeah, Miss. Y/N is the best history teacher,” Derek teased a you rolled your eyes with a small smile on your face. 

     “Alright, I better get out of your guys’ hair and get this little one out of here,” you told them as they nodded. “Good luck with the case.” You smiled at them and gave Morgan on last side hug before you were walking through the bullpen and towards the elevator. 

     Spencer watched as you went and felt a clap on his back from Derek. He whipped around and saw the older man smiling. “Somebody got a crush on the teacher?” he singsonged as Spencer’s cheeks flamed pink. 

     “From the minute I pointed her out to him,” Emily recalled as she chuckled a it, “the chatty doctor turns into a gaping teenage boy.” Spencer heard JJ snicker as he felt his cheeks heat up even further. 

     The door of the BAU opened as they all whipped around and saw Hotch standing with his go bag and some files, “lets go.”

***

     It was a few weeks later and the case had gone great from what your uncle told you. They had found the kid and caught the creep who took him within the 24 hour rule they set up. 

     You stood by a yellow school bus and held a roster of names in your hand. “Alright!” you yelled out as mostly all the kids quieted down. “I’m gonna let everyone sit where they want as long as the volume doesn’t get too loud, yeah?”

     There was a mix of yes’ and okay’s in the crowd of 25 or so sophomores. Today you were taking a trip to the nations capital, a tradition for this school. The kids would go see a historical museum and take a tour of the White House, then you all would eat lunch downtown and then the kids go to vote on whether they wanted to go to another museum or go see a historical show. 

     “Lets get going then.” The kids filed onto the bus as you marked the names to the faces. Your co-worker was standing next to you and handing kids their badges and name tags. 

     Once everyone was on the bus, you turned to the slightly older man. “Ready to go?” he asked you as you nodded. Both of you climbed on the bus and the kids quieted down as Mr. Greene opened his mouth, “Alright you all know the drill, no wondering off, no yelling or running, and stick with your partners!” 

     They all nodded and said a variation of yes.

     “I can take the middle if you want the front,” you told him as he nodded and you headed towards one of the benches you had put your bag on. A mix of girls and boys were around it and you were glad that you were on the younger side so that you could somewhat understand what they were talking about. 

     “Miss. Hotchner!” a boy called as you turned to face him. “Do you have any games for the ride?” This got the attention of the kids around you. 

     “Sure,” you started, trying to think of something to keep the teen engaged and interested. “Whoever can spot a red car with the letter q in the licences plate will get ice cream for them and their seat partner. Same thing goes for blue cars with a y.” The kids nodded and started conversing strategies on how they would do this. 

     You knew it was silly, but you would’ve loved if a teacher did this during your school trips. The bus started moving and you were soon pulling away from the school. 

***

     JJ walked into Hotch’s office, “We’ve got a case and need to go now.” He put down his pen and and grabbed his jacket from the back of his chair. 

     “Fill me in,” he said to JJ as he motioned for the rest of the team to get up. 

     “A bus full of high schoolers on their way to a field trip in DC. They never checked in to their morning tour or any other events. Parents can’t get a hold of kids and faculty can’t get in touch with the teachers on the trip.”

     “So it’s local. How long ago did the high school contact us?” he asked.

     “Not even 15 minutes ago,” JJ told him as he nodded. 

     “Let’s take the SUVs and set up at the high school,” he told the team as the nodded and grabbed their things and headed for the doors. They sped to the cars and split up; Hotch, Reid, JJ, and Morgan in one while Rossi, Emily, and Penelope were in the other. 

     “Alright,” JJ set up her phone so it was on speaker and connected to the other car. “26 kids and 2 teachers along with a bus driver were heading out for an annual field trip the school does for sophomores. No one on the bus has been able to be contacted and were supposed to be back at the school 45 minutes ago.”

     “What time did they take off?” Morgan asked.

     “7:15 am and their first activity was at 9:50 am which they never checked in for according to the museum,” JJ explained. 

     “Garcia,” Hotch started, “can you pull up the bus GPS?” 

     “On it, Sir!” she replied. They kept driving to the school and were within 7 minutes of the destination seeing as they had sped all the way there. The team talked more as Garcia was pulling stuff up. Hotch pulled into the school and payed no attention to the sign as they did so. 

     They hopped out of the car and were met with the principal who had a grief stricken face. “Thank you so much for coming,” he spoke, “James Randalf, I’ll take you guys to the room we’re set up in.”

     “SSA Aaron Hotchner,” he said as he stuck out his hand. The man shook it but held a weird look on his face. “What is it?” Hotch asked.

     “You said Hotchner?” he asked as Aaron nodded, “Any relation to Y/N Hotchner?”

     “Yes, she’s my niece. This is Philip Moore High School?” The principal nodded as they walked through the hallway. He opened to door for the team swiftly as he stepped in. 

     “She’s one of the teacher’s that was on the bus.” Hotch paled at the man’s words as the rest of the team did a double take. Spencer had been to immersed in the case file and hadn’t seen the name of the high school as they pulled up or he would’ve at least connected the dots a bit faster. 

     “Get started,” Hotch said as he pulled out his phone rung your number up. The phone stayed ringing and no one picked up as Aaron cursed under his breath. “Garcia I need you to get the GPS of this number,” Hotch read your number and thought to himself that you always kept your GPS on and he urged you to do it one day as you took Jack.

     “Just in case anything happens, alright?”

     “Nothing will happen to us, but okay,” you said with as smile as Jack giggled in your arms.

     “Got the location, Sir,” Garcia said as Hotch snapped out of the trance he was in. 

     “Call for a SWAT car. Morgan, Emily, Reid, Rossi lets go,” Hotch ordered as they all nodded and followed the man out of the building, all hoping to find you and the kids.

***

     “Everyone just stay calm!” the man yelled as he entered the bus with another man behind him. The bus driver reached for his walkie-talkie and the second man shot him right in his forehead. The kids around you were whimpering and crying as you tried to be discreet about your movements.

     You grabbed the pepper spray from you bag and put it down your bra as well as taking your small pocket knife and putting it in your shoe. Students looked to you as you held up a finger to your mouth and nodded at them, gesturing for them to listen and stay quiet.

     “We don’t want to hurt anyone else,” the first man started, “we just want everyone to stay calm and stay quiet. We won’t kill you.”

     “Phones now,” the second said as he came around with a sack as kids put their phones in. You kept your head down and did the same, he didn’t seem to realize you were a teacher. He walked back up the aisle and pointed his gun at Mr. Greene. “Red, up,” he said referring to the color of the man’s shirt. He instructed Greene to move the bus driver out of his seat and onto the side of the road. Once he was finished he stood back up and both men stepped outside and shot him as well as dumping the phones.

     You took this opportunity to turn to the kids next to you. “Only call me by my first name, Y/N,” you told them as they nodded, “pass it on.” They whispered to each other and you were pretty sure that all the students knew what to do now.

     They stepped back on the bus and one of the men got into the driver’s seat while the other stepped to the aisle at the front of the bus. “Everyone is gonna quiet up. You all are a special bunch, parents in high position, rich, and willing to do whatever they can to get back their precious children.” The other man laughed as he started up the bus. “If I see anyone trying to communicate with the outside I will not hesitate to blow your head off. No talking and we wont have a problem.”

     He sat where Mr.Greene did as the other man started to drive off. Some kids kept their heads down and others near you looked to you. You signaled that everything was going to be okay and that you would kept them safe. 

     There had to be a way to warn you uncle where you were going. 

***

     At the sight, the team found two bodies and all of the cellphones. Hotch cursed silently as did the rest of the team. Spencer walked up and down the road as something had caught his eye. He picked up a folded piece of paper and opened it carefully. 

     “Do you have something, Kid?” Morgan asked as he nodded and walked over to the agents. 

     He unfolded the note and showed them as Hotch spoke up, “that’s Y/N’s handwriting.”

     2 men, White. 5′11 & 5′9. 190 and 170 lb. Aggressive and passive. Friends.

     The note had the team smiling as you had been able to give a clue of what they had to look for. “Definitely a Hotchner,” Rossi joked as Aaron smiled lightly at the man’s words. 

     “Lets get this back to Garcia, see if she can get a match.” The team nodded at their section leader’s words. 

     Spencer held the note in his hand and smiled to himself, he had only met you once, but you were proving to be very resourceful as well smart. This made his small crush grow into a full blown one and now he just had to get you back.

***

     They had taken you all to an abandoned barn about 3 hour drive at top speed. They tied you all up and made you all sit as they quickly made their way to a van that was parked in the barn. They had taken the boys to another location and left the the girls in the barn.

     As soon as you heard the car pull away you looked around for any cameras and saw that their were none. Girls whispered to each other as you soon gained their attention, “everyone listen up,” their eyes where on you. “We are going to get out of here alright?” They nodded as you quickly assessed the situation. 

     “What are you going to do, Miss. Hotchner?” one of the girls asked.

     “Get out of these.” You took the pocket knife from your shoe and switched it open. “Here,” you said handing it to one of the girls, “cut these open.” She nodded and did as you told her. Soon the zip ties where off your hands and you took the knife back from her and cut the zip ties around your feet. 

     You quickly did the same to the rest of the girl as you were all free now. “We move together. If they come back I’ll hold them off and the rest of you run and get help. Get my uncle, his name is Aaron Hotchner and he works for the FBI. Take this,” you grabbed the pepper spray and handed it to one of the girls, “use it if you have a good shot and pick up anything you can defend yourself with.”

     They nodded and you lead the way out of the barn. The van was no where in sight and you were good to go. You started going a different path than the main road in as to avoid the men. 

     You were able to walk with the girls for a good couple hours as you soon saw a gas station. You walked in with the girls and told the man behind the counter your predicament, he was about to dial the police as the door opened and a man walked in. One of the men who kidnapped you all. 

     He shot the man behind the counter and the girls froze. “Thought you could get away that easy?” he said as you gripped the knife in you hand behind your back. He came closer and pointed the gun at you all. “Lets go!” he yelled as some of the girls flinched. He got closer as you were able to tackle him the the ground. 

     His gun went off and slid to the side as the girl watched you and him fight.  You were able to flip him on his stomach and grab the keys out of his pocket. You threw them at the girls direction and yelled, “go! Like we talked about! Get to a big city and don’t stop!” He manged to flip you over and push you to the ground as you gritted you teeth and saw the girls run out of the shop and to the van. 

     You kneed him in the sweet spot as he crumbled above you and you got up on your feet and went to the gun but were tackled to the ground as your face slammed down. He turned you over and held down your hands as he delivered a punch to your face.

     This went on for a while; you and him struggling and giving each other bruises that would hurt for days. You were finally able to knock him out, by slamming his head against the hard floor. 

     You stood up and took the gun and knife as you were able to make your way out of the store and to the little car sitting outside. You broke the passengers side window and unlocked the car and made your way over to the drivers side to hot wire the car. You fumbled with wires and finally got the car to start as you heard a chime from the store entrance. The man was coming out as you pulled out as he tried to chase you as you stuck the gun out your window and were able to hit him in the leg as he fell to the ground. All those times training with your uncle had finally paid off. 

     You knew it was stupid, but you couldn’t help but go back to the direction of the barn. You hadn’t seen any structures where they could’ve keep the boys and you had to get them to safety. You had promised them. 

***

     A white van pulled up to the front of the school about 2 hours after the BAU had gotten there. The girls filed out and made their way inside the building as they saw the cars parked out in front and figured their would be someone there. The doors were open and they walked in and were met with shocked faces of the staff. 

     The staff got the agents as they made their way to the front of the school. Aaron watched as the girls look around clearly nervous and distraught. “We need to conduct interviews now.” The team nodded as they each took one of the girls into a classroom. JJ gathered all the parents with daughters and told them the good news. 

     Spencer and Aaron sat with one of the girls. “Start at the beginning.”

     The girl told them about the barn and how you had gotten them out and then the walk to the gas station and how you had fought with the man as you told them to go and get help. “Do any of you know Aaron Hotchner? Miss. Hotchner told us to get him and he would know what to do.”

     “That would be me,” Aaron spoke as she nodded. 

     “She saved us and I feel so bad for just leaving her there, with that man,” she shuddered at the thought. “Do you think he killed her?” she whispered to them as both Spencer and Hotch paled at the thought.

     “I don’t think so,” Spencer spoke honestly, “Miss. Hotchner is very resourceful and you said she had the upper hand, right?” The girl nodded as Spencer smiled. “I’m sure she’s fine and you did just what she told you. You don’t have to feel guilty.” 

     She left the room and was soon reunited with her parents. 

     “We need to get to the gas station,” Hotch said as Spencer nodded. “Half of us will go there and the other half to the barn. We can have Garcia see if the car had GPS and if she can retrace where it’s been.”

     The team regrouped and Garcia was able to get 3 locations in the vicinity. They split up accordingly and headed out to the locations.

***

     You had scoped out a small building. It had no cars in front of it and was the the closest building to the barn you had been in earlier. You knew you could either go in guns a-blazing, but the man inside would have the kids as leverage and you knew you had to take him out as soon as possible or at least injure him. 

     You held the gun in your hand and quickly made your way to the building as you looked into one of the windows and saw the boys all tied up and the man sitting with as concerned look on his face. You devised your plan and figured it would be easier to lure him out. You walked back to the car and put pressure on the horn as it continued to make noise as the heavy stick pressing against it held.

     The man came out as you hid behind a tree and waited for him to have his back to you. Once this happened you fired your gun and hit him in the back of his leg. He dropped to the ground and his gun went forward. You ran over and picked it up as he cried out and started cussing at you. 

     “You stupid bitch! You’re gonna pay for this!” he screamed.

     “Sure, buddy,” you said in an amused voice. You put the guns down as you turned him on his back and took the branch for the car and hit his jaw with it as he passed out. You put it down and checked his pulse, still alive. You opened up the trunk of the car and held him in an army carry as you put him in the small space as you closed and locked the trunk. You jogged over to the building and opened the door to see around 17 teenage boys looking at you with more fear than you had ever seen. 

     “Miss. Hotchner!” one said as you smiled and got out your knife and began getting the zip-ties off of them. 

     “Is everyone okay? Anyone hurt?” They all said no to your question as nodded and finished getting everyone free.

     “What happened to the girls?” one boy asked. 

     “They are hopefully with my uncle and making sure someone comes for us soon,” you told them as they nodded. “You’ll all get the full story when we get out of here, okay?” 

     You lead them out of the small building and told them to stay there. They did as told as you brought the car over and made sure to keep an eye on the man inside if he did manage to escape. 

     After waiting for a hour or so in the dark, a black SUV pulled up along with a swat car. 

     “Everyone put you hands up, it’s alright,” you told them as you placed down the gun and knife and put you hands above your head. The boys followed in suit and you soon saw your uncle get out of the car.

     “Guns down! It’s just the kids!” he made his way over to you as you hugged him tightly. You groaned lightly as he pulled away. “Are you alright?” You nodded and gestured towards the kids as your uncle understood. 

     Spencer came over to you as smiled lightly at him. Your face was littered with cuts and bruises and even a bit of blood that was dried on your face. “Hey, Spencer,” you said as he smiled lightly. “There’s one of the douche bags in the trunk.” You pointed as he nodded at you words.

     “Can I get some cuffs and a guy over here!” he yelled out as he made his way over to the trunk. A SWAT guy had his gun up as you unlocked the trunk and the man tumbled out. 

     He immediately started yelling, “where is that bitch!” he lunged at you from the ground as the SWAT cuffed him and brought him into custody. You closed the trunk and swiftly sat atop it. You winced slightly as Spencer was quick to come by your side. 

     “You’re hurt,” he said frowning as you nodded at his word. 

     “Got thrown around a bit,” you joked. He quickly went over to the SUV and got back to you as he was now holding a first-aid kit. He set it down on the trunk and quickly got to work on your face. 

     You cuts had stopped bleeding by now, but they were still open and Spencer delicately wiped them down and placed a few bandages on your face. You swore he was blushing, but it was too hard to tell in the dark. 

     He finished cleaning up your face and Hotch quickly thanked him. You got into the stolen car as 3 of the boys got in with you as well as Spencer and he started to drive off to the school.

***

     Spencer pulled up to the school as you all got out of the car. Parents were waiting outside the car and the boys rushed to them as they all let out cries. You smiled at the sight and had also asked Spencer about the fate of the girls earlier and were grateful for that as well. You made your way over to a paramedic and she checked you out and quickly realized that you had in fact a minor dislocated your shoulder. 

     “Seriously?” you asked as she nodded.

     “It was probably the adrenaline that allowed you body to over look it. That with the other bruises all over your body, your mind probably thought it was just one of those,” she explained. “I’ll have to pop it back in place.” You grimaced and nodded as she made her way over to your side. 

     Hotch was by your side as you stuck out your hand and he took it. Some of the students were watching, worried for you. 

     “Big breath in,” she told you as you followed her instructions and she quickly popped it back into place. You shoulder cracked loudly and you yelped a bit and turned some heads. “Alright, you’ll have to treat it with care and it might swell, but you are good to go Miss. Hotchner.”

     “Thank you,” you told her with a light smile and you hopped of the back of the ambulance. Your uncle rubbed you back as you looked to him. “How’s Jack?” you asked as he smiled at your question. 

     “He’s fine. Will, JJ’s husband, is watching him.” You nodded at his response and made your way to the school as he still had to pack up some stuff. “I’m driving you home and don’t even think about coming into work tomorrow.” You laughed as he smiled at you. 

     “Miss. Hotchner!” Your name was called you looked to your uncle and quickly departed to got talk to the families. 

     “Is everything alright?” you asked the father as he nodded. 

     “We,” he gestured towards all the parents, “wanted to thank you for saving our kids and keeping them safe.” A few mothers and fathers were crying and kids were smiling at you lightly.

     “Of course, i’m just glad that everyone is okay,” you told them truthfully. A girl came up to you and hugged you tightly as more kids came up and eventually the whole class was in a big group hug as some of them cried a bit, you surely teared up. They pulled away when your uncle came out and you bid the adieu and goodnight as you made your way over to Hotch. 

     “Ready?” he asked as you walked to your car. 

     You bit your lip. “One moment.” You made your way over to the young doctor and tapped him on the shoulder as he whipped around.  “Spencer,” you spoke softly as he looked at you and paused on working on your face. “Would you want to get dinner on Friday?”

     Spencer looked at you with wide eyes and couldn’t help but smile widely at your question.         

     “It’s just, I almost died a few time today and I don’t want to do anything that  would regret, which would include not asking you out. I know it’s bad timing and it’s totally fine if you don’t want to and-”

     You would’ve kept rambling, but Spencer cut you off, “I would love to have dinner on Friday with you.” You smiled at the man as he smiled back and now you were sure of the blush on his cheeks. 

     “Cool, um, do you have a pen?” you asked as he nodded and fumbled to get a pen from his bag. You smiled at him and took his palm as you wrote out your phone number and handed it back to him. “See you on Friday.” You smiled brightly as he nodded. You pecked his cheek and turned around quickly and was met with a surprised look on your uncles’ face.

     Spencer blushed brightly and brought a hand up to his face to check if that had actually happened. Derek came up behind him and smiled widely as he clapped him on the back. 

     “Finally got the girl! Good job man!” Derek told him as he smiled widely and was met with happy smiles from the rest of the team.

     “Dinner on Friday!” he gushed as they cheered and clapped a bit. All happy that the man had gotten some good new for once. 

      Dinner on Friday.

[terezis]

family matters

"Fitzroy, Argo, Master Firbolg," Rainer says, smiling serenely, her hands clasped loosely in her lap like benediction, "I'd like to introduce you to my father, The Undying Lord!"

"Oh, jeez, are people still calling me that?" the man - Rainer's father - says, one hand at the back of his neck. As if vanquishing the last remaining cults of Hadar from this earthly realm were something to be embarrassed about!

The man before them is, in a word, nondescript. The man before them is the poster child for white bread. If you opened up a dictionary and looked up the word "suburbia," you would find a portrait of this dude, posing with a beer in front of a perfectly trimmed lawn and a freshly painted white picket fence. This man is the platonic ideal of a PTA dad. He looks like he might have very passionate beliefs about grilling with propane. 

He certainly doesn't look like the scourge of a hundred planar systems, the dread Lord that Death forgot, the Crimson Nightmare, given flesh - that's for damn sure.

Fitzroy says all of this out loud.

"Well, it's been a while since my partying days," Barry Bluejeans tells them, quite reasonably. "I don't get out as much as I used to."

"Work keeps him pretty busy," Rainer says. "How's mom?"

"She sends her love," Barry says. "Oh! Also, cookies." He traces some invisible pattern in the air; Argo startles as a rift in space appears. Rainer is thoroughly unphased. Her father shoves his arm into the gaping maw before them and fishes around in it for a long moment before coming up with a plastic container filled with... yes, those are cookies. Rainer pops the lid and the sweet smell of chocolate wafts through the common room.

"My favorite! You shouldn't have," she says. "Tell her I said thanks." She offers the container to Fitzroy, Argo, and the Firbolg all in turn. Fitzroy takes one and sniffs at it suspiciously. Argo shoves two into his pockets when he thinks nobody’s looking, and then another, wholesale, into his mouth.

"S'good!" he says.

"Yeah, mom's a great cook," Rainer says. "Anyways, Dad, these are my friends from school. We were hoping you could help us out with a little... problem we've been having."

"Of course, sweetie," Barry says. The savior of the multiverse takes off his glasses and wipes them clean on his polo shirt. "You guys need help with a school project? Rainer said you were making some, uh - some cool glasses? It's been a hot minute since I've done any artificing, but -"

"No, no - the, the glasses are taken are of," Fitzroy says. "Thank you. Our little issue is... well, it's more of a -"

"- iiinterpersonal conflicts in the workplace are best mediated by a neutral party," says the Firbolg. "Humanoid re-sour-ces."

Argo frowns. "Well, yes, but I don't really think this is a - it's not like he stole our lunch from the breakroom." 

"No, that would be unforgivable," Fitzroy says with a huff. "Listen - mister Barold, sir, if I may call you that - "

"Bold choice!" says Rainer.

"Look, we need to defeat a very powerful new foe. We are... how should I put this," he says, "We have been tasked with... dispatching our headmaster, who, as it turns out, isn't actually our headmaster? He turned our headmaster into a dog, and now he wants to go to war. With me, Sir Fitzroy Maplecourt, knight in absentia to the realm of Goodcastle." A pause. "Boy's got some beef."

"What m'boy Fitz is trying to say is, well, you're a very powerful necromancer, aye?" Argo laughs a bit nervously. "Figured you might be as good an ally as any. D'you know anything about demon princes?"

Fitzroy says, "How many skeletons are in your undead armies, and can I convince you to cover them up with stylish capes?"

Barry stares.

After a long moment he pulls a Stone of Farspeech from his back pocket and says, "Okay, yeah, I'm calling your uncle."

Rainer groans.

"No! Uncle Tee is still mad I chose Wiggenstaff's. When Uncle Kravitz tells him about this he's going to be insufferable."

"Are any of your uncles also lich kings with several platoons of zombies on retainer?" Fitzroy asks hopefully.

"Doooes this, Kravitz, know anything about... compromise aaaaand, peaceful conflict resolution," the Firbolg says.

"No," Rainer says. "He's the Grim Reaper. Didn't I mention that?"

[cinnabun-faerie]

Cinna's brothers thoughts on her partners & her relationships

A/N: My Miqo'te WOL Cinna has a big family (Six brothers) so I just imagine how that would go with her love interests/boyfriends...

Warning: Possible game spoilers

Note: Normally I would have written these out in Alphabetical order, but I think it would make much more sense to put them in order of when they had their first romantic interaction with Cinna.

———Urianger———

The first love 

Status: Complicated/doomed 

Cinna: 🤤 Sebastian: Cin, stop it. You're drooling. Noah: Is she alright? Thomas: She's attracted to Shakespeare over there Max: Who’s Shakespeare? I only see a young Santa Clause

The brothers really did like how Urianger interacted with Cinna

Two bookworm-peas in a pod 

Until he broke her heart 

Then he truly didn’t deserve her 

Instead he deserved a swift kick in the ass for being stupid 

Siah knew that this would only end in disaster 

But he wanted it to work, truly 

They are very sweet together 

But he knew that he was still holding onto feelings for Moenbryda

For some reason, Thomas calls him Idiot Shakespeare 

he doesn't think his sister should be crying over him when surely there were other people better than him

Sebastian & Seth learned all that they could from him. Regardless of him being their teacher/mentor, they wouldn’t let this slide

Max doesn’t understand why Cinna would want to date a young Santa Clause

Would this make her Mrs. Clause? 

It now makes sense that she’s the one always making and giving gifts

Jack was only a year old when he and his family were brought to Eorzea

it's funny because he actually looks like a perfect mix of Cinna & Urianger in features (minus being an Elezen & having white hair like Urianger)

he actually considered Urianger his father until he went away

Jack refuses to accept him as anything less than cruel after seeing the long term effects of her heartbreak 

Seth & Finny tried to help him when he decided to get his shit together while in the first

and for the most part, Cinna & Urianger's relationship is on the mend

Sebastian & Thancred have to physically hold back Charlie from kicking his ass after he brushes Cinna aside after reuniting with Moenbryda's parents

they watch him fall apart on the ship when Cin is among those who comes back nearly dead

Charlie, ever the protective brother, is there to straighten him out. He tells him to smarten up or get lost as he he can't tolerate his sister's heart repeatedly being broken by the same man whom she has high faith in

———Haurchefant———

The handsome hot chocolate fellow that stole all their hearts

Status: Happily in love (ongoing)

finally a man who wanted to devote his life to their sister

honestly if she didn't date him, Charlie would have supported Siah with Haurchefant

As Siah was an avid player of ffxiv, he knew all about Haurchefant

He has a lot of love & respect for him

So honestly upon meeting him, he's be really happy

But he'd also play the overprotective big brother because he knows what might happen in the future and he doesn't want his sister's heart to break.

The other siblings on the other hand have no clue who this dude is

He's an elf/elezen man who the older boys notice has major "bedroom eyes" for their sister

that's kinda gross dude, do it on your own time

most of the siblings would just accept him cause clearly Siah has no issue with the guy

Max would be a little suspicious of him though especially after CIn's heartbreak with Santa Clause (Urianger)

Thomas knows that Siah & Cinna have both cried over Haurchefant when they were home (playing the game)

tbh he was quite the stand-up guy from what Siah said

Finny is buddies with Haurchefant 

Felix and Finny would go on to be Haurchefant’s apprentices 

Thomas found him to be pretty cool

until the incident

he hated Haurchefant's guts after Siah died in his place while trying to protect him

Noah followed suit, not liking Haurchefant after this 

None are surprised when Cinna bares his children

In fact, they adore Rémi & Maple 

The brothers were happy that he actually was alive & in his kids’ life 

Not to mention Haurchefant got extra brownie points when he treated Jack & R’owen like his own sons 

———G’raha Tia/The Exarch———

The Soulmate

Status: Finally Reunited (as of ShB/EW, ongoing)

Siah told Cinna not to get attached as the two know the future events

Cinna ends up falling for G'raha anyways (and he for her)

The brothers are happy to see Cin happy when they see how the two seem to gravitate towards each other upon meeting 

Not to mention that they’re both quite mischievous 

And short 

well Max is actually quite heartbroken to find out that short boy G’raha is indeed taller than him

Finny could appreciate someone who loved the thrill of adventure

They just can’t dislike him nor can they really find a reason 

He only has eyes for her 

And he seems much better than that other fellow, Urianger 

They had how sad & depressed she got after he sealed himself in the tower

After his concealment, a little miracle comes along

The brothers adore their nephew

They just wish that G'raha wasn't in the Crystal Tower so that way he could see his son R'owen growing up

Siah knows that all will be right with the world come the events of Shadowbringers 

Thomas thinks that his sister made a mistake by even getting with him as she knew what would happen

He believes that she broke her own heart and deserved this pain

When the brothers (Charlie, Sebastian, Seth, Finny & Max) were summoned to the first with their sister & the Scions they were shocked with how happy Cinna was when she encountered him

Max is fascinated by the Exarch’s blue arm 

When the Exarch was revealed to be G’raha, the brothers rejoiced & had teamed up with the Scions (not Urianger tho) to get them together again 

Max is shocked to learn that the Exarch/G’raha doesn’t have a blue arm anymore 

Even without knowing who the Exarch was, R’owen knew there was a connection

Not to mention that Cinna crafted him a wind-up doll of G’raha for R’owen to have to keep his father close to him (Ro would name this wind-up “Rae” when he was old enough to speak) 

When he officially met his father, he cried because he had always wondered why his brothers & sister were all Elezen except him

Jack met him briefly as an infant but wouldn't meet him again until he was 8 years old

when they reunite, he's extremely happy with how he seems to only have eyes for his mom

———Aymeric———

The Handsome Commander

Status: Fairy Tale Romance (ongoing)

Heartbreaker, coming through

None of them could deny that he was very handsome 

Younger brothers collectively decide that this is the guy to worry about

He's just too charming

Siah is not surprised in the slightest when he sees the instant attraction between Aymeric & his sister

Siah knows that Aymeric is one of the men that his sister is absolutely in love with

he just worries that he will become too busy for her

Yet again, the younger brothers accept him only cause Siah does 

Thomas & Noah later hate him because of Siah's death. If they hadn't have gone to the vault to help him, he might still be alive

———Estinien———

The knight in shining armour

Status: Romance-in-progress (as of EW/NFA, ongoing)

Noah: "Did you hear what he said? His blood sings for her." Max: "That sounds cheesy." Seth: "I wanna hear him say it again. What? It was smooth." Charlie: "Not to mention it worked on her. She's hooked." Siah: "She was hooked before we even came here."

Thomas, Noah & Max find him to be so cool

Siah, Charlie, Sebastian & Finny doesn't like the way that Estinien spoke to her when they teamed up to

The brothers want Cinna to date him 

He looks so cool in his armor and he carries himself pretty well 

Max calls Estinien the handsome tin man 

He’s also shocked to find out that tin man-Estinien 

Jack has been calling Estinien "papa" since he met him

when Jack first sees his face, he is so happy because he was an Elezen with white hair, just like him

honestly the brothers are so invested in Estinien & Cinna's relationships

they literally watched the two of them unknowingly fall stupidly in love with each other

the brothers are just passing the popcorn back and forth as they enjoy the show

Estinien is a true hero in their books

especially after he swoops in to save her after the battle against their cousin Zenos (pre-ShB)

honestly they were happy cause Estinien was there to comfort her after Urianger brushes her to the side once again (EW)

They all gather like a flock of seagulls to a french-fry when Thancred tells them that Estinien & Cinna have been adventuring together

they get the surprise & best present of their lives when Estinien & Cinna come back in a relationship

[haveyouseenthisskeleton]

HEADCANNON ASK! Food has been disappearing, and S/O is suspected to be the culprit. A few weeks after the food started disappearing, S/O was revealed to actually be the cause. Reactions?

Undertale Sans - He's looking at you with the worst betrayed face ever. So you were the one stealing his baby ketchup bottles from him. How could you do this to him ? There's no way he's trusting you near the fridge ever again. Everytime you open the door, you can feel a threatening aura behind you. Sans is watching you. It's even worse than the resets.

Undertale Papyrus - OMG. So you was the one who eat all these spaghettis in secret ? Why would you have to hide this from him ? He is so happy he's ready to make more. You don't have the heart to said that the only place his 2016's famous blue-green spaghettis that were in the fridge for six years have gone is in the bin. You want to cry.

Underswap Sans - That's easy. To dissuade you to do this again, he did the same thing he did with Honey years ago. He sets traps all over the kitchen. You have a good surprise when you find yourself suddenly hugging by the feet in front of the fridge, while Blue is screaming "AH-AH ! I KNEW IT" right at your face. It's the end of your criminal carreer. He'll never let you do that again.

Underswap Papyrus - Well that's akward. Asgore made that very nice chocolate cake, and one big part had been saved for later. Since you were scared Honey steal it, you woke up early. He had the same idea than you. You are looking in each other eyes a passive-agressive way. No one will let go the cake. It's a death battle you just started.

Underfell Sans - He really doesn't care. He spend his all life doing this, so it's not much. HOWEVER. Don't. Touch. His. Food. That's the only rule. If he finds out you touch, the next time you open the fridge, you are welcomed by a angry growling and drooling dragon skeleton protecting his treasure. He protect, but he can also attack, so don't put your fingers too close.

Underfell Papyrus - Welp. Busted. It's in the middle of the night, Edge has concombers falling from his eyes sockets and he's looking at you with nothing but disappointment. He's taking the things in your hands and go put them back in the fridge. He's looking at you all the time he's doing this. "SIT." He's pointing the chair. You execute yourself. You're in for a 40-min lecturing speech about stealing food in the fridge. "Well, shit." Oops. You didn't mean to say that outloud. Right ?

Horrortale Sans and Papyrus - They're horrifying. Not because of the food stealing, damn, that would be pretty hypocritical, but because you felt like you don't have enough food in their house. That's an idea they can't bear. Now, during night time, you get jumpscare by the brothers. They're leaving snacks in your room. Like not just some candys or stuff. No. Steaks, cakes, sandwiches, all in XXXL size. There's no way you said again you are hungry in their house. No one die of famine on their sight. It's a little extreme, but, well, it works ?

Horrorfell Sans - Oh boy. When he realised you stole his food, it's not getting good. He's a nice guy, but this is one of his most triggered thing. "Don't do this again or I'll kill you in your sleep". You can't tell if he's serious or not, you're so terrified you're never doing it again.

Horrorfell Papyrus - He's surprisingly fine with it and acts like he saw nothing at all. But sometimes, when you're waking up, you can find little cakes and pastries on your bed table. He prefers you doing that with him than with Copper's food.

Swapfell Sans and Papyrus - So, there's these cupcakes Nox' baked and hide above the higher cupboard of the kitchen. Rus and you noticed and made a plan to get them during the night. What you didn't plan is Nox waking up to get some water, finding you sitting on Rus' shoulders next to his cupcakes. Of course Rus would be there. Rus is always here when you need to be chaotic. Nox on the other hand is not pleased. At all. He's so pissed than, since you are so hungry, he forced the both of you to bake cupcakes until morning, but you can't eat them. More sadisticly, Nox is watching you, eating the cupcakes that brought you here in the first place. You desserved it.

Outertale Sans and Papyrus - You have planed to steal biscuits with Sun during the night. Sun loves biscuits, but he can't have too much because his brother thinks it's unhealthy. But what did you found when you enter the kitchen ? Mister Moon, flying, the mouth full of biscuits. You are looking at each other in shock. Well, what a twist.

Dancetale Sans and Papyrus - For several days, Salsa screamed after Rambo because the food was disapearing. No one suspects you. Until Rambo finds you the head in the fridge. He's doing the Pikachu face. You try to explain, but it's too late, he took a picture and teleports to tell his brother. You're going to be lectured to death, and Rambo will enjoy every minute of it with a sadistic smile.

Dancefell Sans - Rumba is actually a sleepwalker. So yeah, you got pretty scared when he pops right next to you to steal in the fridge you were stealing yourself. Oh well. You're filming him. If he's accusing you, you're showing him this. That way, you can keep stealing in the fridge without everything accusing your boyfriend. Such an evil plan.

Dancefell Papyrus - Bad pick. Tango's fridge is very precisely organise, since he's following a strict diet to stay in shape. So he noticed right away something was missing. You couldn't even defend yourself, you had chocolate on the mouth. Shame on you. Shame on your cow. Now go buy what you stole from him, you thief.

Farmtale Sans and Papyrus - You managed to persuade Sam that rats were doing this. But what he don't know is that his little brother and you are actually the culprits. You're doing Netflix nights, so you need popcorn. And there's literally corn fields behind the house. If Sam didn't protect his crops this hard, he wouldn't have noticed. And Ben wouldn't have ended with his hand in a mousetrap. Things are happening. When Sam asked about the mark, you panic answered you bit his brother. Now he thinks Ben and you are having a BDSM-type of relationship and the atmosphere is very akward at home. Nice job.

Ink Sans - You think he didn't notice you stealing all the apple juice until he replaced it with paint. You're welcome. He's going to tease you for weeks after that.

Error Sans - He's too nice to destroy you for stealing his chocolate. Instead, he's going in a random AU and destroys everything in it just to make a fuss out of it. Congratulations, you provoked a genocide because you stole chocolate.

Disbelief!Papyrus - You had to confess it was you because he said Sans' ghost was doing that and he was freaking out about it. Now he's traumatised about the fact his brother is actually not resting in peace and he's going to have nightmares about it for several months. Everyone will remember that. You can feel people judge you when you're walking in the streets. Monster.

Dustale Sans - Since you like his food so much, he's letting small gift in the fridge so you can appreciate it more. Ah, peanut butter sandwich with a mouse head in the middle. Such a nice meal. You decide to never touch his food again. It's a serious public health risk you got in there. Urk.

[sparktls]

The Whereabouts of Stolen Love | Bradley SSR Translation

ty anon for the request and ty to my mom for the raws! translation under the cut.

- What He Skillfully Stole (1) -

Bradley: As expected for the wedding of a lord’s son. The food looks real good.

Snow: Hohoho. All in this town are celebrating the arrival of this day.

White: It is all because of your hard work during this mission. Sage, you too should enjoy this to your heart’s content.

Akira: Of course! I think I just might go for all this food first.

We were taking part in the festivities for the Lakeside Town’s lord’s son’s wedding after having completed our mission here.

I excitedly eye some delicious-looking meat dishes. As I reach out to put some on my own plate, a large hand swoops in and takes the entire platter.

Akira: Hey…!

Bradley: If ya’ don’t hurry up, someone else is gonna take it. Oh, this looks like some nice meat - this is worth eating.

Bradley: ‘Ey, Sage. I’ll give ya’ this. And this. And this… Also this.

Akira: (It’s all vegetables that were used as garnish…)

Snow: Hohoho. Bradley is being a good boy today. It fills my heart with joy.

Snow: Bradley dear, since you’re such a good boy today, go bring me those meat dishes.

White: I want the fish!

Bradley: Cut the cute act. I refuse.

Snow & White: Aw, Bradley, so selfish!

Akira: Ahaha, do you want me to get some food for you, Snow, White? …Bradley, behind you!

Bradley: What?

Little Girl: …!

Unable to point it out to him in time, I watch as a little girl runs right into Bradley’s leg. Her shoulders tense as Bradley instantly turns around to look at her.

Bradley: …Whaddya’ want, shorty.

Little Girl: I-I… I’m sorry! …Eek!

She tries to flee as she apologizes, and in her haste to get away, she nearly trips over her own feet. Bradley grabs her arm to keep her stable.

Bradley: That was dangerous, lil’ miss. If ya’ don’t wanna get hurt, look where you’re going.

Little Girl: …T-thank you…

Snow: White, did you see? Her face was so red!

White: I did! Bradley’s a real ladykiller, don’t you think, Sage? He’s even charming little girls!

Akira: Uhm…

Bradley: Shut up, won’t ya? I just know I’d never hear the end of it from ya’ two if I let some kid get hurt.

- What He Skillfully Stole (2) -

After enjoying a great deal of the savory dishes, we made our way to the table loaded with dessert.

Snow: Sage, this mousse is very nice - sweet and sour.

White: Sage. Can you get me the one on top of the third tier?

Akira: Of course, here you go. Bradley, do you want anything?

Akira: Huh, that’s weird. Where’s Bradley…?

Snow: He is over there, drinking by himself.

White: Even though there are so many sweets… What a waste.

Akira: I’ll go talk to him.

—————————

Akira: Bradley. Would you like something sweet?

Bradley: Dark chocolate and dried fruits, huh. You’re pretty thoughtful, aren’t ya’.

Akira: Actually, Snow and White picked it out for me. I don’t know much about what goes with certain drinks and whatnot.

Bradley: Those geezers? They’ll take a sip of booze and start falling asleep.

Akira: They are regulars at Shylock’s bar, though. …Huh?

I see someone sneaking glances at us from the shadows. It was the little girl who had bumped into Bradley.

Akira: That person there, she’s…

Bradley: It’s that lil’ kid from before. She keeps followin’ me.

Bradley: I’ll go talk to her and finish this real quick.

Akira: Huh!? Y-you’re not going to threaten a child, are you?

Ignoring my question, Bradley quickly walks up to the girl.

Bradley: Hey there, lil’ miss.

Little Girl: …!

As I watch the two nervously, Bradley squats down to match the girl’s height.

Bradley: Ya’ wanna tell me something, don’tcha?

Little Girl: Um…

The little girl slowly shows him what she had hiding behind her back.

It was a cute bouquet of wildflowers.

Little Girl: …I wanted to give it to you as thanks for saving me. But the flowers started drooping while I was holding them…

Little Girl: And I couldn’t tie the ribbon right, so it looks bad. So…

Bradley: So what? C’mon, hurry up and tell me.

Little Girl: …But…

Akira: (She doesn’t want to give it to him because the bouquet’s wilted…)

Bradley sighs at the sight of the girl, head stooped as low as her flowers. He snaps his fingers.

- What He Skillfully Stole (3) -

Akira & Little Girl: …!

After Bradley snaps his fingers, the wilted flowers become healthier and stand straight before our very eyes.

By the time the sparkling fragments of magic surrounding the flowers disappear, a fresh bouquet was left in the girl’s hands.

Little Girl: Woah, that’s so cool! You’re so cool!

Bradley: Nothing to be amazed about. Any wizard can do that.

Bradley: Anyways, whatcha’ gonna do with those flowers?

Little Girl: …

Little Girl: Uhm! Thank you for saving me earlier. Please take this as thanks!

Bradley: Sure thing.

Little Girl: Hehe… And, um, I know the flowers aren’t wilted now, but sorry about the ribbon.

Bradley: Don’tcha be thinking that only good quality things are worth anythin’. If ya’ made it for me, then be proud while givin’ it to me.

Bradley: No matter what it is, if I decide it’s treasure, then it’s treasure.

Bradley holds up the bouquet and the girl flushes red and smiles.

Little Girl: Mhm, thank you…!

—————————

Akira: I’m so glad that the little girl was happy in the end! Bradley, you were so cool!

Bradley: Oh, so you’ve finally realized how good of a man I am, huh.

Bradley: I would have taken it even if it was wilted, but there’s no use getting somethin’ from someone who doesn’t want to give ya’ it.

Bradley: Ya’ see, good men don’t deny any act of kindness, whether it be from a woman, man, or animal.

Bradley jerks his chin up and smiles down at me. It’s in no way polite, but it looks cool nonetheless.

Akira: Wow, you’re a heart-stealer, Bradley… You really are a master thief.

Bradley: ‘Course I am! Who do ya’ think you’re talking to? I’m the great Bradley, the best bandit in the world.

Bradley: I’ll steal anything and everything. And…

Akira: Aah!?

Bradley roughly snakes a hand around my back and holds it there. His smile is a paradox - both quiet and bold - and it is as if he’s about to teach me about some bad thing.

Bradley: And if ya’ want to give me treasures, always feel free.

Bradley: But don’t lose your sense of self tryna’ please me.

- Card Episode: Once Every One Hundred Years -

Akira: Bradley, you were the boss of bandits, right? Did you ever have people offer you things?

Bradley: Hmph, if there’s something I want, then I’ll steal it.

Bradley: But in the towns and cities that I was sort of protectin’, there were some people who tried to give me things so I would trade with ‘em.

Akira: Like…

Bradley: Mostly gold, silver, tons o’ treasure. There were some that tried to give me mansions or music from rare instruments, though.

Bradley: …Oh, and there was the flower from the ice tree.

Akira: Flower from the ice tree?

Bradley: It’s a flower in the North that only blooms once every one hundred years. It’s not somethin’ ya’ can get whenever ya’ want.

Bradley: It’s this transparent flower that looks like ice. It’s ridiculously good in booze… I still can’t forget how good it tasted.

Akira: Wow…! It must be really valuable then, if you can only enjoy it once every one hundred years.

Bradley: Oh, I think that it should be ready for harvest this year or somethin’.

Bradley: Hey, Sage, come with me. You’re taggin’ along with me to the Northern Country. Now.

Akira: What?

Bradley: We’re gonna go look around the ice tree. Now that I’ve talked about it, I wanna have some booze with those flowers.

Bradley: If you’re with me, then I won’t need to deal with those twins droning on and on at me. It might be a lil’ dangerous, but I’ll make sure ya’ don’t die.

Akira: Uhm, what do you mean by dangerous…

Bradley: Who knows? We’ll figure it out when we get there. I’ll give ya’ a part of the spoils if ya’ make it back safe.

- Home Screen Voice Line -

If I decide that someone is the only one for me, I’ll offer to ‘em words more precious and valuable than any treasure out there. It’s once-in-a-lifetime, after all.

[multimetaverse]

HSMTMTS 2x06 Review

Yes, And was a messy ep that brings us to the halfway point of the season. Let’s dig in!

Tonight took some big steps towards the Rini breakup. The conflict isn’t quite earned as they did too much too quickly in making Ricky overbearing; to go from Ricky supporting Nini going to YAC and them singing love songs to each other just 3 eps ago to Ricky now accusing Nini of changing because she didn’t get pineapple on her pizza just doesn’t work. Largely that’s because it’s clear that the writers are working backwards from an outline that requires Rini to be broken up before the finale.

The Rose song is great and Olivia’s vocals are wonderful as always but again it’s not quite earned. The lyrics make it seem like Nini thinks Ricky is holding her on a pedestal and holding her back when that’s not what we’ve seen on screen. Ricky and Nini went through a lot as they were finding their way back to each other and they learned not to see each other through rose coloured glasses and while Ricky was sad that Nini went to YAC he was supportive and respected her wishes, notably the only time he admitted how much he wanted Nini to come back to Salt Lake was after Nini had already made up her mind to return.

Rini was always going to break up both because writers struggle with writing happy or stable couples and because Tim became enamoured of Rina after writing 1x05 and will want to explore them at some point. Tim’s claimed that he has future seasons all planned out but I’m skeptical that he’s really thought out how to keep Ricky and Nini and Gina on goodish terms with each other for the remaining 2 seasons of the show while also not completely closing the door on the Rini endgame the show’s been aiming towards since the pilot.

It’s clear that Ricky has unresolved issues from his mom effectively abandoning him which are impairing all his relationships. And while it’s true he could try calling Lynne it’s the parents job to reach out and she is obviously fine living her life without Ricky. Not sure how much closure we can get with Lynne when she comes back in 2x09 but I hope we at least get an apology on her part.

Yet another ep of Gina going through it. That flashback to Gina tearfully telling Ricky that she wouldn’t have ‘’given up on us’’ if she hadn’t moved certainly paints Ricky’s behaviour this season in a worse light. I do hope the show doesn’t take the cowards way out and have Ricky being too stupid to realize that Gina had romantic feelings for him. Though again we run into the problem that these emotions aren’t fitting the story. There really wasn’t an ‘us’ for Gina to fight for, she and Ricky had only been hanging from 1x05-1x08 and never actually dated or went on dates. Also by this point Gina should be questioning her feelings for Ricky and whether he’s worth it; it’s not like he’s done anything nice for her this season like getting her chocolates for Valentine’s Day. 

Still Gina did make some strides tonight. She finally opened up to Ashlyn which seems to have lifted a weight off of her shoulders and makes the decision to stay in Salt Lake. She also brushes off Ricky wanting to be improv partners which leads to her accepting EJ’s offer which led to a sweet callback to them being wonderstudies. I’m glad she’s not going to Louisiana but it does mean we were robbed of a HSMTMTS/Secrets of Sulphur Springs crossover. 

Kourtney and Howie are finally together. I’m glad they didn’t waste time dragging this out. Kourtney’s confession was very in character and I liked the earlier hufflepuff dragging. As an aside I wonder if say 10 years in the future, shows will still be making light hearted unqualified references to Harry Potter or will J.K. Terfling have completely destroyed the goodwill the series has by then.

Lily continues to act as if she’s in Glee working for Sue Sylvester to take down the One Directions and honestly I’m here for it. I especially liked that she stole some of the condiments on her way out of Salt Lake Slices. Antoine seems alright, the espionage bit was funny. Seems like Salt Lake City would be a pretty shitty place for a French student to study.

EJ remains underused especially since this is his last semester as a student. His Gaston answer was surprisingly thoughtful and hinted at him getting over Nini with Gina as he sat down next to her. His may I have this exercise was just the right amount of smooth and goofy. 

Ashlyn had a good ep, she killed Home, Julia has a great voice. And she stood her ground with Gina but was also there for her and managed to help her decide to stay. Loved her line that she was still part Caswell.

Mike Bowen is sweet, thoughtful, and rocking that beard? Must have been hard for Miss. Jenn to let him go but ultimately she made the right decision as it would just be too messy to date the parent of one of your students.

Lots of funny little moments this ep; the camera panning to the exit sign during Gina’s confessional, the group chat with Miss. Jenn and the real group chat without her, Seb hula-hooping with wild abandon. 

Looking Ahead:

Well we’re now at the official halfway mark of the season. It’s been an uneven first half, lots of pacing issues, and clear signs of the covid pandemic impacting production. Disney + has announced that future seasons of Disney + originals will be released on Wednesdays from now on so we have that to look forward to for S3 and S4.

Carlos uploading the Rose song will inevitably lead to disaster. Nini is very right to tell Kourtney not to let Ricky know, the lyrics paint him in a very bad light. The song gives us more context for why Lily said to Ricky that his gf needed some space in the trailer. I suspect Lily will end up being the party crasher that Ricky re-evaluates in 2x12, I don’t think Tim is going to keep Lily as a one dimensional antagonist this entire season. 

Ricky said in 2x01 that he’s never breaking up with Nini again and I think that’s true because Nini will break up with him. I think it comes before 2x12, maybe them exploring an old haunt in 2x08 is where it happens though the description for 2x11 also sounds like it could be hinting at a Rini breakup.

Well we now know what one of the secrets rising between Gina and Nini will be in 2x10, Nini was already jealous of Gina and Ricky in S1 and I doubt she’ll enjoy hearing that Gina confessed to Ricky in 1x10. Since Gina has already confessed to Ricky it makes it less likely that her speaking her truth in 2x12 is related to her and Ricky. 

EJ and Gina doing the morning announcements starts next ep, that should be fun. Especially since Mazzara is aware of EJ’s feelings for Gina. There’s a pretty clear path to end the season with Portwell or at least set it up for S3. EJ already likes Gina, the announcements help bring them closer, Gina starts getting over Ricky and realizes that EJ puts her first,  maybe Mazzara helps one or both of them at the cast party, and Gina shares her truth and confesses to EJ. So far the show hasn’t done anything it can’t pull back from but sooner or later the writing will have to commit one way or the other. One thing I’ll say is that it’s already clear that making EJ a senior was a big mistake and I expect it to cause a lot more problems for the show in the remaining two seasons.

There’s also a path for Ricky and Gina to get together but that seems less likely given the clear mess Ricky is right now. Seeing his mom in 2x09 probably helps a bit but it’s hard to see how any relationship Ricky gets into won’t swiftly crash and burn. There’s also the matter of when exactly Rini break up, if it’s too late in the season then there wouldn’t be time to jump right into Rina. There’s also the matter of the unexpected facetime call he gets in 2x10 and the party crasher he re-evaluates in 2x12. Even if they’re not linked it does suggest there will be some curveballs in Ricky’s story and at least the party crasher info suggests there’s some non Rini or Rina related twist being planned for Ricky in 2x12. 

Until next week Wildcats

[miridiums-writing]

Hm, how about a... Thranduil dating headcanon? Pretty please.

Woohoo I love Thranduil, I bet he is a total softy and I will happily die on that hill.

Im just assuming your an elf too, dont wanna deal with the sad reality of him dating a human

I believe wholeheartedly this man is a drama queen

Anyone who even so much as mentions your name gets a legit list from him about everything he loves about you

He cannot keep his mouth shut when it comes to you

His advisers and him were gonna have a meeting strategizing to get rid of the spiders for good

Someone stupidly asked where you were and the meeting went on for three hours because he was busy talking about you

The people of Mirkwood KNOW you make him soft

So you get extra protection

Even walking through the streets of Mirkwood some of the common folk would walk beside you keeping you safe

It was rather endearing

So you can probably tell he is really overprotective

If he isn't with you he was guards to go with you

The guards are pretty good company though

Just talk to them, y'all become friends

Then its just three friends hanging out

:) 👍

After every day without fail

After he's finished all the work and is read to wind down

He comes up to the room, kisses your forehead and wraps his arms around your waist

If your sitting he'll just pull you onto his lap

If your standing he'll just pull you to a seat so your on his lap

He will have you in his lap

He doesn't care about weight

Doesn't faze him

He's a fucking elf, why would your weight be a problem

For the people insecure about their weight out there, HE DOESN'T CARE

Then you both will sit and cuddle while you both speak about your day, until you both realize the time and go to get read for bed

You are always little spoon

No matter what you are little spoon

He likes feeling likes he's protecting you

It just helps him sleep at night

Plus being little spoon is awesome because cuddle

I may or may not have made this headcanon because im always big spoon even though im 5"1 and I just want someone to cuddle me. Im sad

He will kiss you at least another 15 times before he falls asleep

He is a legit simp for you

Holds doors open for you

Helps you up the stairs

Is no joke at your beck and call

You could whisper his name in your room and 30 seconds later he's at your side asking what wrong, what he can do to help

He's just really receptive to your voice

He is not afraid of PDA

He will always pull you onto his lap on his throne during long meetings

It helps him stay calm

He also enjoys playing with your hair during this time

Cause he's soft

He does get jealous but is pretty good at hiding it

Just slyly comes over and puts his arm around your waist

Kisses your cheek and asks who this was

If you've dated him for a while you will know what's going on

He seems to always have a hand on you

Always.

He never wants to let you go

Never gonna give you up

Never gonna let you down

Never gonna run around or desert you

HAHA RICK ROLLED

Whenever you are ill he has only the hest treat you

Doesn't matter if its just a wee cold

Or whatever is similar since your supposed to be an elf

Then he just fusses over you

As if he didn't already

He would clear out his schedule to make sure he can take care of you for the day

If he is sick

Even more clingy

Only lets you go if you need the toilet or something

Other than that you in his arms till he feels better

Most likely gets you sick too

Then the cycle continues 😂

IF YOU HAVE PERIODS

He happily cleans up the sheets

Gives yoy lots of cuddles if you get bad cramps

Tbh doesn't this even if you don't

Gets you that weird sandwich your suddenly craving

This man is just a simp

So he will do ANYTHING for you

Even allows you to yell at him if you have mood swings and suddenly decide your mad at him

He just looks you in the eye and takes the insults

He's kinda demeaning when he doesn't this and makes you feel like a bit of a bratty child but he doesn't mean to

THE END OF THAT, Y'ALL CAN CONTINUE

If your touch starved

Your not.

Full stop

Period

How can you be touch starved with him?!!

Impossible

He has hugs, kisses, cuddles, sweet words galore

No he doesn't care who is watching

If you have any skeletons in the closet or things you've bottled up over the years he would be honoured if you told him

Tell him about that time you stole a chocolate bar from the candy shop because you didn't have money when you were ten

He's just glad you trust him so much

He will be apprehensive to showing you his large scar

But he will do it if you ask

Simp

Loves if you kiss it and call him pretty

Who

Ego boost

You are his queen and he is your king

This is such a sweet relationship

I wish I wasn't so alone 😂

[comfortwriting]

I Prefer You - F.W

Fred Weasley x Fem reader 

Masterlist , Request Rules , Writing Prompts

About: The reader is best friends with the Weasley twins, whilst studying with them, Cedric Diggory shows up and confesses his love for her. Little does the reader know, Fred is also in love with her. She finds herself having to deal with Fred and Cedric competing for her love and in the end she has to choose one.

Warnings: love triangle, major fluff! 

“I wish he’d stop staring at you” Fred huffed, staring at the popular Hufflepuff student who couldn’t take his eyes off you.

George looked over his shoulder, making eye contact with Cedric, turning back around and tapping the book you were reading. 

“He’s been at it since you bloody walked in.” George spoke up, trying his best to not notify the whole library. 

You smirked and stopped focusing on your DADA homework, looking up you caught Cedric’s glance, his pearly white teeth twinkling as he smiled, his grey eyes radiating love towards you. You smiled back and waved at him, looking back down at your work and chuckling.

Fred didn’t like the way you looked at Cedric, in fact he hated it, he hated that Cedric had to be staring at you and not his handful of fangirls that constantly flocked around him everywhere he went. 

“Oh do give over” Fred huffed again, looking at you “you can’t be seriously entertaining that air head.” 

You looked up from your work again and looked at Fred, his facial expression hardened and you could tell that he was in no mood to joke around, you opened your mouth to ask what his problem was but Cedric had already walked over to you, practicing his lines. 

“Y/N, may I have a word?” Cedric asked politely, his soft voice almost putting you in a trance. 

“Whatever you’ve got to say just spit it out, Ced.” Fred interrupted, fidgeting in his chair.

George smirked “Yeah, Ced. What's the big deal?”

Cedric pursed his lips trying not to laugh, he knew the twins were doing this on purpose but he wouldn't allow them to get in the way of what he wanted, even if they had more influence over you than he did.

Cedric looked at Fred and George and nodded “Alright then” he cleared his throat and looked back at you “Y/N, I was wondering if you would like to accompany me to Hogsmeade this weekend on a date.” 

The four of you went silent for a moment, Fred’s heart rate elevated and he felt like jumping out of his chair and battering Cedric for making a move on his girl - but then Fred realised that he had never told you how he felt, he always assumed the two of you would have a moment but it never happened and it certainly wouldn't now thanks to Cedric. 

George stared at his brother, preparing himself to hold him back if he tried to go for Cedric, and you - you were sat in your chair feeling flattered that someone had asked such a thing, that someone saw something in you for the first time. After all, you were hoping Fred would gain feelings for you like you did for him, but in your mind, Fred wasn’t interested in being anything more than best friends. 

You blushed and nodded “I would love to” you smiled back at Cedric, cracking Fred’s heart.

Cedric chuckled and licked his lips, nodding his head, looking incredibly proud with himself “I’ll see you Saturday” he replied, walking away. 

“And in class!” you reminded him, shaking your head and closing your book. 

Five days, you had five days until your big date with Cedric and funnily enough, Fred was more nervous than you were. 

“Are you actually going with him?” Fred asked, stabbing his slice of chicken breast with his fork. 

You could tell Fred was irritated, annoyed, but you couldn’t understand why. You thought after all the other people you had brought up he would finally approve of the student who went ahead and made a move on you. 

You looked at Fred and swallowed a mouthful of pumpkin juice, you placed your Goblet back down on the table. “I said yes didn’t I? Why are you so bothered about it, Fred?” 

George nudged Fred and whispered in his ear “just tell her, Freddie.”

You looked at Fred and started to slice your own chicken breast into strips “tell me what?” you shoved a strip into your mouth and started to chew.

Fred sighed and gave in, looking at George before focusing on you. “I fancy you alright, I’ve been after you since third year and as soon as that plonker shows up you’re all giggly.”

You inhaled a few dry strings of skin from the chicken breast, causing you to choke, you grabbed your goblet and downed some more juice, washing down the bits that got stuck in your throat. 

“why didn’t you tell me sooner?” you hissed at Fred “I fancy you too!” 

You didn’t mean to let that last part slip but it was already too late. 

Fred’s face turned into a massive grin, he put down his knife and fork “do you really?” 

You nodded your head and continued to eat your breakfast. 

“Brilliant, cancel your date with Cedric and we’ll go instead.” Fred looked over at the Hufflepuff table and laughed at Cedric gently buttering his toast.

You shook your head and grinned back at Fred, your plate almost empty. “No” you replied “if you want me you’ve got to prove it.” 

From Monday onwards Fred and Cedric went head to head with one another, constantly trying to one up each other and increasing how much love they were showering over you. Cedric didn’t give up all because Fred entered the picture and Fred didn’t give up as Saturday got closer.

Four Days

Walking over to you bed your jaw dropped, bouquet's of flowers littered your quilt covers and rested against your pillows, you were surrounded by sunflowers and  yellow roses, all of which were from Cedric - the yellow notes representing his house. 

As much as you loved the sentiment, flowers weren't really your thing - sure they were gorgeous and they brought you light when you looked at them but it didn’t make you double over in laughter like Fred did and everything he did for you. Instead of flowers and detailed love letters, Fred didn’t gift you anything except his biggest and most comfy jumper that his mother knitted, he also gave you his time and effort. 

You walked into the great hall wearing Fred’s jumper, his ego boosting and Cedric’s crumbling. 

“You look stunning in my clothes” Fred smirked, taking a bite out of his toast.

You blushed and sat next to him “I want more than just your jumper.”

Three Days

As much as Cedric wanted to, he didn’t have as much time as Fred - well he did - but he spent that time studying, going to extra classes and entertaining his fanbase. The only time you got with Cedric was in Herbology, he tried getting to know you better, asking you about your interests but he couldn’t make you laugh, he didn’t understand your humour. 

“I don’t understand” Cedric replied “is that supposed to be funny?”

You sighed and shook your head “it doesn’t matter, don’t sweat it Ced.”

Two Days

You and Fred bunked a few classes and went off to Hogsmeade, going crazy in Honey Dukes and even cuddling up together and sharing a Butterbeer to keep yourselves warm. The two of you stayed up all night, winding up Mr Filch and Mrs Norris, you even went into Snape’s personal stores and stole the ingredients to make a Poly Juice potion, transforming yourselves into Draco and Pansy to get them into more trouble. 

“On second thoughts, I don’t think you’re that pretty.” Fred grimaced at you.

You stared at him and walked over to him, pulling out one of his platinum blonde hairs “could say the same thing about you” you joked, both of you waiting for the potion to wear off.

One Day

“You looking forward to tomorrow then?” Fred smirked, seeing you groan in pain.

You shook your head “it’s going to be unbearable, he’s can’t make me laugh, he’s too soft, can’t take joke. I feel like he gets scared and takes things a bit too literally.”

Fred grinned and licked his lips “well I make you laugh all the time, wouldn’t be surprised if you’ve wet yourself because of me.” 

Rolling your eyes you looked over at the Hufflepuff table again, Cedric talking with his fanbase. 

“He’s got more than enough options, the majority of them girls are better suited for him than me.” 

You turned your focus back to your food and took a bite out of your sandwich.

“Aright then, if you’ve got it all figured out go and tell him.” Fred encouraged you, his ego shinning through, George just wanting the two of you to shut up and be together already. 

You knew Fred was testing you again and you didn’t want to back down, after Cedric’s offer, you and Fred were finally heading where you always wanted, you felt yourself itching for him, hungry for him, you wanted him - the more you wanted him, the less you wanted Cedric, the less the popular Hufflepuff lad stood out to you. 

“Okay then, watch me.” 

Standing up, you left your table and walked over to Cedric, his fangirls instantly looking appalled to be in your presence. You tapped him on the shoulder, Cedric turned around and smiled searching your face. 

“Y/N” his face fell when he noticed you were still wearing Fred’s jumper.

“Ced - Cedric, I’m sorry but I’ve changed my mind about tomorrow.”

The infatuated girls around him started to smile, suddenly enjoying you being around. Cedric looked upset but then again you couldn’t read into him like you could Fred, you realised that you barely knew Cedric at all - he was sending love letters and flowers to a girl he didn’t know at all.

“She’s taking her bloody time isn’t she?” George spoke up watching you.

“Shut up” Fred shushed him “wait for it”

You smiled slightly and looked at Cho for a moment who was sitting with her friends “you should ask Cho, I know she sees something in you.”

“She’s done it” Fred smirked “she’s actually done it.”

Saturday

“I still can’t believe you nearly ended up with that toss-pot.” Fred laughed, grabbing some black pepper imps. 

You grabbed some Chocolate Frogs “it’s a good job that I prefer you” holding his free hand the two of you shared a moment.

The overcrowded sweet shop suddenly felt empty, as if it were only you and Fred inside. Getting on your tiptoes and leaned in and Fred accepted, the two of you sharing the first kiss of many. 

Pulling away from the kiss, Fred grinned and licked his lips, bringing his hand up to your face and stroking your cheek with his thumb.

“I feel like such an idiot for not telling you sooner” Fred shook his head “I can’t believe you didn’t say anything either”

“I was sort of just waiting for it to happen, I suppose we’ve got Cedric to thank for that.”

Taglist: @reeophidian , @amourtentiaa

[bothcreativitybois]

Schedules

This is a fic I wrote as a gift for @star-crossed-shipper I don’t usually write analogical stuff so I hope this pleases you all.  Wordcount: 5633 Ship: Analogical TWs: Swearing, panic attacks, sexual refrences, hyperfocusing, isolating.   Taglist (ask to be added): @crazydemigod666 @newtnotfound 

Everything was running like clockwork. Wake up at seven am, personal grooming until seven twenty, head downstairs to make coffee, give Patton his muffin and hot chocolate at seven thirty three, make two eggs and a slice of toast with Crofters at seven thirty five, Roman’s grand entrance at seven forty, eat breakfast at seven forty five. It was now seven fifty, he had another three minutes to finish his breakfast. Then two minutes to rinse his plate. Everything had it’s time, everything fit into his neat little schedule. “Good morning, Pierce The Virge.” Roman announced from the kitchen as he mixed his tea. Logan swerved in his stool. Nearly everything fit in his schedule. “To what do we owe the pleasure of your face before noon?” Virgil was never awake this early. Then again Virgil had no schedule. Everyone else had one, even if they didn’t realise, and Logan had mapped them to fit his own. But Virgil just… did things. Virgil grumbled something and stole the toast off of Logan’s plate. “Hey!” Logan protested. “Your brother’s being loud in my room.” Virgil answered Roman. Logan noticed Virgil wasn’t wearing his usual jacket. Maybe Virgil was who he had heard in the laundry last night? Virgil took a bite of the toast. Logan stood up with his plate and walked around the counter to the kitchen. “That would be because I vanquished him from Patton’s room.” Roman said. He and Virgil were blocking the sink. He needed to rinse his plate but they were talking in his way. It would be rude to interrupt their conversation. Logan put a hand on the small of Virgil’s back to try and communicate that he needed to get past. Virgil jumped at the sudden touch and looked back. He caught Logan’s eyes and his face flushed. Logan wasn’t usually the touchy type. “Excuse me.” Logan said. His voice was still tired and a little rough, it made Virgil’s heart skip a little and his mind raced. Logan noticed the edge of Virgil’s make-up began to sparkle. “Hey! Wheezer! You paying attention?” Roman said, snapping Virgil back to reality. Roman pulled Virgil out of the way so Logan could get past. “Thank you, Roman.” Logan said. His head felt weird, it was lighter. Almost dizzy. Was he dehydrated? Virgil dropped his stolen toast and ran from the room. “Virgil?” Patton tried as Virgil ran. He didn’t stop. Logan ignored what happened and rinsed his plate like he intended. Roman and Patton looked at him in disbelief. “That wasn’t very nice, Logan.” Patton said. Logan put down the plate and checked his watch. “I don’t believe I did anything rude.” Logan replied. “They were talking and I needed to get past so I used a non-verbal gesture so as to not interrupt.” Roman rolled his eyes, Patton sighed. “Yes but people may not like you touching them without warning. Especially Virgil since he has a crush-” Roman jumped across the counter and put a hand over Patton’s mouth. “Crushing amount of social anxiety!” Roman finished. Patton looked at Roman and nodded furiously. That was unusual. “Yes well I thought it would be more rude to interrupt the conversation to tell him he was in the way. I believe I did what was most socially acceptable.” Logan said. “Besides his make-up sparkled which usually only happens when he is excited so it couldn’t have been too intrusive.” Roman and Patton looked at eachother flatly. Logan was so smart yet so damn clueless. Patton gently removed Roman’s hand from his face. “Still it may be best to apologise.” Patton suggested. “You know, for good measure?” Logan gazed up at the stairs, there was a tingling sensation in his stomach. He was sure he’d cooked the eggs thoroughly. Was this connected to the dizziness? He looked back down at his watch. The minute ticked over. “I cannot.” Logan said and began walking out of the kitchen. Roman and Patton began whispering to each other. “Why?” Roman asked as Logan began climbing the stairs. “I have a schedule to keep.”

After being startled Virgil had run back to his room out of habit. He slammed the door shut and sat against it, holding his head. He mumbled incoherently to himself. Unfortunately he’d forgotten the mustached menace in the room. “Really I’m giving you my best here but you’re scared when you leave the room?” Remus pouted. Virgil looked up in shock. Remus knew that look. “A panic attack? I really have been bested.” Virgil looked back down. “Not now, Remus.” He mumbled. Remus slinked over curiously. “Who was it?” Remus asked. Virgil tried to push him away weakly but couldn’t. “Was it my brother? No he’s way too weak.” “Go away!” Virgil curled up tighter. “It obviously wasn’t Daddy Patty.” Remus continued. “It could’ve been Janny but I doubt he’s out of the bath yet. Did you see Scales’ big ol’ trouser snake?” Remus lifted Virgil's head to get a reaction. “Get lost, Crap Face!” Virgil yelled as he pulled out of Remus’ grasp. That insult was weak even for Virgil. “Well then it must’ve been Dirty Nerdy.” Virgil’s head shot up, giving Remus his answer. “Ooh it was. Tell me what did he do? Did he tell you about the sun exploding? The chances of the earth being hit by an apocalyptic sized meteor?” Remus pressed. Virgil buried his head and tried to ignore him. Then Remus caught a glimpse of sparkle under Virgil’s eye. He smiled knowingly. “Or maybe he tried to kiss ya?”   “Stop!” Virgil’s voice echoed loudly. Remus knew he’d hit something with that. “So you wanna bone the teacher? I mean I guess I get it… if you’re into the nerdy emotionally cut off but goes off like a rocket in bed type.” Virgil began picturing it, he didn’t want to but he did. Why did Remus have to know just how to get to him? “No!” Virgil yelled. “Oh so I’m wrong? You don’t want him to kiss your neck? Or see his glasses fog up when you’re pinned to his wall?” Remus kept going. Virgil kept unwillingly picturing everything he said. “Go! Away!” Virgil struggled loudly. “Is it because you want to be in charge? You want to throw him on your bed. You want to pull him down by his tie so his face is between-” “Please stop!” Why was Virgil so embarrassed? “You want him on all fours begging for-” Out of everyone Remus was the least likely to judge him. “Fuck off!” It may be his chance to actually talk about it. “You want to bend him over your leg and-” Maybe it was best to let Remus win. “You’re right, Remus!” Virgil snapped finally. That was probably the first time anyone had ever said that. “I think Logan is hot! I want to kiss him! I want to cuddle! I even want to do… that too! I want Logan!” Remus smiled smugly. Virgil took a few deep breaths. “See? Was it really that hard to admit?” Remus teased. Virgil leaned his head back against the door. “Yes.” Virgil replied. “Logan doesn’t have feelings, or at least not the same way we do. And even if he did there’s no way he’d actually like me back. I’m… me.” Virgil felt hopeless. For pete's sake he was talking to Remus. “You aren’t completely unfuckable.” Remus said. It was actually kind of reassuring. “You definitely have the kinky ‘step on me goth boy’ appeal.” Well by Remus standards at least. Virgil smiled a little. “Thanks.” He replied genuinely. “Well I feel wanted here which means it’s my cue to leave.” Remus said standing. He opened the door, hitting Virgil. “Whatever.” Virgil stood and trodded over to his bed and flopped down. Remus looked back at Virgil. “Hey?” Remus said to get Virgil’s attention. He looked up slightly. “You think if Logan gets some he wouldn’t be such a stick up my ass anymore?”  Virgil threw a pillow at the door as Remus shut it.

Logan heard Remus in the hall as he worked. Maybe Remus would be able to help him with this. While he was messy and unproductive, this was a topic he’d sure like. Logan walked across the room and opened his door. “Remus.” Logan greeted leaning out the door. Remus turned quickly. “I haven’t even done anything yet. I’m just walking.” Remus replied. Logan rolled his eyes. “I believe your insight might be helpful to a problem I am trying to figure out.” Logan clarified. Remus groaned. “Do I have to?” Remus asked. “You don’t. But the problem is about illnesses and their symptoms so I figu-” Logan was nearly floored by the green blur rushing into his room. He looked in to see Remus sitting on his bed. Logan straightened his glasses and closed the door. “So who’s dying and how?” Remus asked. Logan took out a whiteboard and put it on a stand. He separated it into two sides. On the left he wrote ‘symptoms’ and the right ‘possible causes’. “Hopefully no one.” Logan began. “I believe I may have contracted something after our experiments last week in the imagination.” Logan wrote two symptoms on the board. Dizziness and unsettled stomach. Remus summoned a pair of thick fake glasses and slipped them on his face. He scratched his chin. “These seem pretty unexciting.” Remus said. “Anything else?” Logan took out a journal and flicked through the pages. He examined the logs from the days between when he and Remus experimented and now. “Yes.” Logan answered. Remus took the marker and got ready to write. “Five cases of tingling sensation in extremities. Each one seemingly isolated.” Remus added the list on the whiteboard. “Which parts?” Remus asked. Logan looked down then back up. “Be honest.” “Fingers, hands and toes.” Logan answered. Remus wrote one extra place. “Remus!” “If you won’t be honest I will!” Remus defended. Logan leaned over and wiped the crude word off. “I’ve also experienced temperature fluctuation.” Logan added. Remus wrote it and stepped back. “So far not really adding together.” Remus said. Logan looked over too. “Yes, I can’t see any connections either.” Logan commented then looked down again. “Well, are you sure that’s everything?” Remus tried to snatch away the book but Logan dodged. “I mean there’s some tachycardia I’ve been tracking but that’s been going on for longer than the figurative window. Same with some regular shortness of breath.” Logan added. Remus wrote that in the possible causes section. “That would only explain the dizziness and tingling. Maybe the fevers but that’s a long shot.” Remus nawed the marker, getting ink on his teeth. “But if you’ve been having those for longer than our experiment then it may be an underlying condition that’s only just rearing up.” Logan was actually impressed. He’d put the tachycardia and weak lungs down to stress and being generally unfit. “You… may have a point.” Logan admitted. “Maybe there’s something you missed further back? How long has this been going on?” Remus was suddenly serious. Logan thought that was impossible. He flipped through his logs. “The first time for the heart palpitations was a few months ago, I remember because it was the day when I got this new tie.” Logan explained. “What was happening when you got them?” Remus asked, tapping on the board slightly. “I don’t see how this is relevant?” Logan dodged the question. “Just indulge me.” Remus said. Logan sighed. “Uhm… it was while we were in a meeting with Thomas. Virgil had just shown us his new jacket.” Logan said. Remus lit up. He took off the glasses he was wearing and chewed on the arm. “And the shortness of breath?” Remus pressed. “Every morning before I walk down the stairs.” Logan informed. “And whose room is right there?” Remus quizzed.  Logan began to catch on too. “Virgil’s room.” They’d found the common factor. “The tingling?” Remus pressed. “When I’ve been handing or taking things from Virgil!” Logan was getting excited. So was Remus. They’d figured it out. Remus threw his glasses across the room. “You know what this means?!” Remus asked. “Yes!” Logan answered. “I’m allergic to whatever Virgil’s hooded jacket is made of.” “Yes! Wait no…” Remus dissaggreed. Clearly they’d come to very different conclusions. “There’s only one way to find out.” Logan said before sinking out. Remus stood there for a second. “Oh this is gonna be a disaster…” Remus laughed.

Logan rose back up in the laundry room. Virgil wasn’t wearing his jacket earlier and Logan had heard someone in there last night. Given that it was past the time everyone else went to sleep, and Remus is allergic to soap and therefore hates that room, there was only one person it could’ve been. Logan looked at his watch. He had time, Patton doesn’t do laundry for another fifteen minutes. He opened the dryer, thankfully Virgil hadn’t taken his stuff yet. He pulled out the mass of black clothes and threw them around looking for the jacket. He found it and pulled it out. “Ah ha!” Logan said to himself. He held the jacket at arms length, carefully. If his hypothesis was true then this was the cause of his problems. He looked at the jacket, hoping it would cause something to happen. Nothing did. He slowly pulled the jacket closer. “Come on…” he waited but still nothing. Surely this had to be close enough. He wasn’t getting much closer than this to Virgil. There was a catch in his throat with that thought. His eyes went wide. It was working. Logan brought the jacket to his face. This would surely get a result. He sniffed the jacket deeply. “What the hell?” A voice came from behind Logan. He pulled the jacket away and turned around, Virgil was in the doorway. Why couldn’t Virgil just run on a schedule? Logan’s face flushed and his breath stopped. He felt his head get dizzy. “It worked!” Logan announced. He shook the jacket. Virgil wasn’t sure what he’d just walked into. His clothes were all over the floor and Logan was excited about sniffing his hoodie? “What…?” Virgil managed. Logan shook the clothes off his feet and rushed over to Virgil. He grabbed Virgil’s shoulders. Virgil blushed. “I’ve been feeling weird and I went over my symptoms with Remus and we figured out I am allergic to your jacket!” Logan explained. He noticed Virgil’s pale cheeks had gone red. “Wait a minute.” Logan leaned forward, inspecting Virgil’s face. If Virgil was also allergic then maybe they all were. Maybe Thomas was. Virgil wasn’t sure what to do, Logan was so close. His whole chest was full of butterflies, some fluttering into his throat. Instincts took over, but this time it wasn’t flight. Virgil quickly leaned forward and pressed a kiss on Logan’s lips. Just a quick peck, but it was enough to make them both leap back. Like they’d been shocked by electricity. Logan dropped the jacket. Neither moved. Neither spoke. Virgil’s mind was running with anxiety and doubts, Logan was going over the symptoms again. He was feeling them all at once. It wasn’t the jacket. Suddenly a figurative lightbulb lit up. Fast heartbeat, raised temperature, short breath, lightheadedness, tingling, these were things Roman’s songs were about. This was… attraction. Virgil couldn’t believe he’d just done that, he didn’t even ask first. He was embarrassed. He was a terrible person. He’d pushed his feelings on to Logan selfishly. Virgil took off down the hall, covering his face. Logan was frozen for a moment then went after him. “Whoa watch it, Kiddo!” Patton shouted as Virgil pushed past him. Patton with his laundry, like clockwork. Patton looked forward to see Logan also barreling toward him. “Wha slow down!” Logan skidded to a stop in front of Patton. “Apologies.” Logan said breathlessly. Patton looked up at Logan then down the hall where Virgil had just run. “What happened?” Patton asked. Logan wasn’t sure how to answer. He wasn’t sure if he was allowed to answer. He knew nothing about attraction. Or romance. He was clueless and he hated it. He looked down and saw Patton’s cat onesie hanging out of the washing basket. It gave him an idea. “Research….” Logan mumbled before running off. Patton was more confused than before.

Logan’s room was dark, a sign of just how focused he was. It was almost like the rest of the room didn’t exist. The only light was the bright double monitors illuminating Logan’s face harshly. Three books laid open against the screens. “That lighting is not flattering, dear.” Roman said to announce his presence. Logan didn’t look away from the screens. Roman took a few steps closer, he could see a few empty mugs and countless papers cluttering Logan’s desk. Logan himself was hunched deeply over his desk, scribbling furiously into a book. Roman put a cautious hand on Logan’s shoulder. “Hey Logan, you doing okay?” Logan’s head snapped backwards, only just realising Roman was in the room. “Perfect perfect Roman you are perfect.” Logan muttered at a nearly incoherent speed. Logan’s eyes were wide and tired, it scared Roman. He pulled himself away from them to examine what was on the screens. “Is that Crazy Rich Asians and… Eat, Pray, Love?” Roman asked. The movies were going fast, playing at double the speed. “Yes.” Logan answered hurriedly. “Well that can’t be a melodic mix- Wait you hate romantic movies.” Roman was confused. Everything about this situation was out of character for Logan. “I came to tell you Patton made breakfast but I fear I stumbled upon something worrying.” “It’s morning?” Logan asked quickly. Roman nodded. Logan thought for a moment. “I should raise it to 2.5 speed…” Logan grabbed his mouse and began adjusting the movies. Roman backed up slightly. “I don’t have a clue what is happening so I’m just gonna leave you to-” Roman began but Logan stood hurriedly and grabbed his arm. “No no no you’re just the person I need!” Logan said, pulling Roman back over. He picked up his notebook and shoved it towards Roman. “I have been isolating the root of romance. I am looking through every romantic book and movie and recording any recurring themes.” Roman couldn’t read the notes, both from the darkness and how messy they were. He looked past Logan back at the screens. “Is that my copy of Boyfriend Material?” Roman pushed past Logan and took the book off the desk. “Yes. And your copy of Fifty Shades Of Grey.” Logan added. Roman blushed. “Uh no… I uh that’s Remus’ clearly.” Roman stammered. “What was this about isolation and themes?” Logan handed the notebook to Roman and wiped his whiteboard clean. He drew a three circle venn diagram. “I have isolated three elements to a successful romantic coupling.” Logan began. He wrote the first element, vulnerability. “Vulnerability. I’ve noticed most courting at some point or another has someone, usually the male, do something embarrassing or risky. I believe this is what you refer to as ‘grand romantic gestures’, correct?” Logan waited for a response. “Well… I guess?” Roman answered. “But what is the poin-'' Logan wasn’t listening. “Second, sacrifice.” Logan wrote the word down in another bubble. “The relationship does not start until one or more people give something up. Usually something that causes figurative friction between them and the other person.” Roman had an objection. “That is a rather cynical way to-” Logan still wasn’t listening. “And finally.” Logan wrote the final element. “Desire. Shared attraction is key to the relationship becoming romantic. If it’s one-sided then everything will fail and the attracted subject will be subject to embarrassment and sadness. If there is no desire then… I mean they just don’t become romantic partners.” Logan finished by writing one final word in the overlapping sections, Romance.  Roman looked over the diagram closely. “May I ask a question?” Roman finally had the chance to speak. Logan made a gesture for him to continue. “Why the sudden interest in how romance works past, and I quote, ‘an uncontrollable and unfortunate chemical reaction’?” Logan’s face flushed although Roman couldn’t tell in the darkness. “I uh… Well I just think… You see…” Logan couldn’t find a way to answer. Roman rolled his eyes, Logan struggled with emotions and abstracts. He tried to rephrase. “Are you planning on being romantic with someone?” Roman gave a simple yes or no. Logan nodded. Now they were getting somewhere. “Has anything happened between you and this guy yet?” Roman was trying to figure out what exactly was happening. “Be more specific.” Logan said. “Has anything that you would classify as romantic happened between you and this guy?” Roman tried again. Logan’s face burned as he recalled the kiss. This time it was enough for Roman to see. He smiled. “Yes…” Logan answered. “Okay well may I suggest one change to your approach?” Roman asked. Logan held out the marker for him. Roman stepped forward and began rubbing off the diagram with his sleeve. Logan panicked and pulled him away. “Whoa wait what was that?” Logan asked, shocked. “Logan, listen to me.” Roman said and grabbed Logan’s arms. “You’re doing this wrong, and I bet you know it.” Logan pushed Roman off. “I don’t know what you mean.” Logan said. Why would he do this if he didn’t think it’d work? Roman clapped his hands and Logan’s lights turned on. “Look around.” Roman demanded, taking Logan’s shoulders again. In the light it looked so much worse. He could see every crumpled note, every coffee stain, every hastily scribbled note, every smudge on his glasses. “Does this look efficient or healthy?” Logan looked across at a mirror. He had dark bags under his eyes and his hair was akin to a bird's nest. “No…” Logan admitted. “But why else would I do this?” Logan’s voice was weak. Roman sat him down on his bed. “You’re confused would be my guess. You’re not used to strong emotions like this so you’re trying to turn them into statistics and formulas.” Logan held his head in his hands. He didn’t like this. Roman looked down softly. “And maybe you’re holding yourself up in your room to avoid Virgil.” Logan reeled back. He didn’t remember telling Roman who he was having romantic feelings for. “How…” Logan tried. “Virgil is also hiding, which isn’t unusual for him but it doesn’t take a genius to put two and two together.” Roman explained, sitting next to the other man. Logan fell onto his back. Roman was right, he was confused. This wasn’t his area of expertise, hell that was probably an understatement. “Roman… please help me.” Logan finally asked quietly. “You are the expert. In everything I’ve researched it’s shown as a natural instinct or a happy daze but… I’m not used to emotions I can’t control. It’s overwhelming. I can’t do anything about it.” Roman brought his legs up on the bed to face Logan. “Tell me exactly what happened.” Roman said. Logan covered his face and sighed. He wasn’t quite sure how to explain it. “I was looking at his face for symptoms of allergies and he kissed me then ran away.” Logan summarised. Roman ignored the first part about allergies, he wasn’t even going to ask. “Heh, I’m surprised he had the guts to make the move. I owe Patton five bucks.” Roman joked. Logan shot a hard glare. “Did you talk to Virgil about it?” Logan sat up with a huff. “No, we haven’t talked since that happened.” Logan clarified. Roman put a hand over his heart dramatically. “Honestly, what did I expect from you two?” Roman sighed. “Can you be serious please?” Logan begged. Roman put up his hands in surrender. “Listen, the solution is simple. Virgil kissed you because he has romantic feelings for you. And you have romantic feelings for him, correct?” Roman already knew the answer but waited for Logan to nod to continue. “So go tell him. Talk to him and be honest about how you feel and what you want.” Roman advised. He really had to explain the basics, huh? Logan looked over confused. “I don’t need flowers or like… fairy lights on a boat in front of the statue of liberty?” Logan asked genuinely. Roman laughed. “Romance isn’t as complicated as you’ve made yourself think it is. As long as you’re open and honest with him you’ll do fine.” Roman looked over Logan once more. “A nap and shower wouldn’t hurt your chances either…”  Roman stood up and collected the mugs from Logan’s desk. Logan began to lay down. “Thank you.” Logan said as Roman reached the door. Roman smiled back and flicked off the light. “For what it’s worth, I believe in you.” Roman said as he shut the door. Logan laid on his back, staring at the roof. His tired brain began planning the script for the coming conversation.

Virgil didn’t know just how long he’d been locked away, curled up in the heaviest fluffiest blanket he had. Loud music blasted through his headphones. His world was crumbling around him but he was paralyzed and couldn’t do anything to stop it. He knew that reasonably he could just walk down the hall and talk to Logan, but his fear had tied him to his bed. Every worst case scenario danced around his room for him to watch helplessly. He wasn’t sure what he was going to do. Maybe the Others would take him back? Maybe he could just disappear into the imagination? He could probably convince one of the twins to conjure him a nice replica of Sally's tower from Nightmare Before Christmas. A loud knock managed to just get through Virgil’s headphones. “Not now!” Virgil shouted weakly. He was too busy having a crisis to talk to anyone.Whoever it was knocked again. Virgil took off his headphones. “Go away!” He shouted with a bit more strength. “Virgil, it’s Logan.” The knocker announced. Virgil nearly fell off the bed, his chest which had felt hollow seconds before exploded with activity. He couldn’t speak. “We should talk.” Logan said after a minute. Possibilities rushed around quick enough to crack Virgil’s skull. He stood slowly and took a small step towards the door, still silent. “Virgil please, we should both have a chance to be honest about our feelings.” Logan’s stoic voice cracked. Virgil walked up to the door. He knew Logan was persistent, he wouldn’t give up. Virgil rested his head against the door. “I’m scared…” Virgil couldn’t manage any more than that. The doorknob turned and Virgil took a step back. Logan didn’t enter the room, just standing in the doorway. “I think I’m scared too…” Logan said weakly. Virgil looked across the room at his clock. “It’s four pm, shouldn’t you be reading?” Virgil said to try and lighten the mood, it worked as Logan laughed slightly. “Well I never really could fit you into my schedule...” Logan joked. “May I please enter?” Virgil took a step away, signalling for Logan to come in. Stepping across the threshold made it feel real, Logan realised just what he was about to do. Virgil shut the door and stood there awkwardly. Logan turned to face him. “I’m guessing this is about… y’know…” Virgil tried to avoid the word. Logan nodded. “You kissed me…” Logan finished. Virgil bristled at the bluntness. Neither knew what to do, they just stood there. “I’m sorry.” Virgil apologised. He wasn’t sure if it was for the kiss, or the awkwardness. Logan looked over at Virgil’s bed. “Perhaps it would be better if we made ourselves comfortable?” Logan said. Virgil nodded. They both awkwardly walked over, sitting down on opposite sides of the bed. They both stared at the wall across from them, scared to look at the other. Neither could speak. What were they meant to say? Thoughts and fears wrapped around Virgil’s brain, squeezing his brain to say something but nothing came out. Logan looked at Virgil and saw how scared he looked. He had to say something. “Do you think I’m attractive?” Logan asked quickly. Virgil’s head snapped to Logan, his face glowing red. How was he meant to answer that? Why was Logan so calm? Did Logan hate him? Logan hated him. He had ruined everything. He was a terrible person. Logan noticed Virgil’s breaths quicken, his eyes faded in and out of focus. Virgil rocked back and forth slightly, his thoughts couldn’t stop. Logan moved closer as Virgil began pulling at his bangs. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry.” Virgil repeated weakly. Logan put a hand on Virgil’s shoulder, Virgil didn’t even notice the touch. “It’s okay.” Logan tried to reassure. “Focus on breathing.” Virgil couldn’t hear Logan, his thoughts were too loud. They were blocking out everything, he couldn’t escape. They curled around his throat and blocked out the air. They blocked his eyes in the form of hot stinging tears. They blocked his ears so he could only hear the darkness of his own mind. “I ruined everything. I’m sorry. Fuck.” Virgil kept muttering weakly. Logan got closer again. He pulled Virgil’s hand away from his head so he wasn’t pulling his hair. He put the hand against his chest. “Virgil, you didn’t ruin anything.” Logan tried to reason with Virgil but could barely scratch at his swirling thoughts. “Please try and breathe with me.” He just needed to get through. Virgil began scratching at his collarbone with the hand Logan wasn’t holding. Logan knelt in front of Virgil and grabbed his other hand, trying to stop any damage. “No no please no.” Virgil kept muttering through heavy breaths. Logan tried to get close enough for Virgil to see but not hit his head. “Virgil you can breathe, just breathe please.” Logan begged. Virgil shook his head. He couldn’t. He couldn’t do anything. He couldn’t. Virgil began shaking his head more violently. Logan’s hands were already taken up. He let go of Virgil’s hands and opted to pull him down into a full embrace, pressing Virgil’s head against his shoulder with one hand and rubbing his back gently with the other. Virgil's arms stuck out weirdly for a moment before grabbing Logan’s shirt. He pulled at the fabric desperately. Not to try and escape but just to get hold of something. Virgil felt the gentle strokes on his back, the only thing that broke through the darkness. He tried to breathe with them. He had to. Logan noticed Virgil’s breaths become a little deeper, he realised he’d somehow gotten through. “Virgil, you're doing great. Keep going, please.” Logan’s voice was a little panicked even though he tried to stay stoic. Virgil kept timing the breaths with the strokes on his back. Slowly they became deeper, then less shaky. Slowly the darkness gave way to a light dizzy feeling from the lack of air. He stopped tugging at Logan’s shirt which was fully untucked at the back now. “I’m sorry…”  Virgil managed weakly, this time less of a worried mumble and more a real apology. “You have nothing to be sorry for.” Logan said. Virgil pulled away from Logan, their legs stil knotted together but leaning instead on the bed so he could see Logan. His breaths still laboured. Logan grabbed Virgil’s hand. “I want us to be honest, please. Can you do that?” Logan asked. Virgil nodded slightly. “I will.” Virgil agreed. “But please don’t be mad at me.” Logan pushed some damp hair off Virgil’s face and nodded. Virgil nodded back. Logan thought carefully on what to say. “Can you tell me why you kissed me?” Logan asked. He wanted to know. Virgil did too. He looked away. “I don’t know.” Virgil answered after a beat. “You were close and I got flustered because… I really like you…” Virgil had finally admitted it. Logan’s heart felt weird. “You can ask me something.” Logan said. They both had things they wanted to know, it would be more efficient to take turns. Virgil thought for a moment. “Are you mad at me?” Virgil asked. Logan laughed lightly, he squeezed Virgil’s hand. “Not at all.” Logan reassured. “Did you enjoy kissing me?” Virgil squirmed. “I felt bad for not asking, and I was scared you would hate me.” Virgil answered. “Did you enjoy it?” Logan thought for a moment. It was a very quick kiss, but thinking about it made him smile. “I think I did.” Logan said. “It made me realise I have romantic feelings for you.” Virgil smiled slightly before covering his face with his arm, his chin resting on his knee. Logan felt himself blush. “Can I kiss you again?” Virgil asked quietly. Logan laughed. “I think it was my turn for a question…” Logan joked. He moved Virgil’s arm out of the way and rested his chin on Virgil’s knee too. Their noses touching and their eyes looking deeply into each other's. “Can you kiss me again?” Virgil closed the gap and pressed another quick kiss against Logan’s lips. Another sweet and light peck. They both smiled, absolutely giddy. Virgil put a hand on the back of Logan’s neck, making small circles with his thumb. “Do you want to be my boyfriend?” Virgil asked. Logan answered by leaning into another kiss, deeper than the last two. More hurried and warm. They stayed there until they were breathless. “I think I can fit that in my schedule.” Logan breathed happily as they pulled away. “You know I’m not going to stick to it.” Virgil said as he grabbed Logan’s tie, pulling him into another kiss. The world melted away around them, minutes ticked by carelessly. Maybe he didn’t need to schedule everything.

[fatiguing-thoughts]

“Natural” - Chapter Two - Embry Call x Reader

Day of Normalcy

I went home a little more awake then when I left. I helped my dad unpack some more stuff while I had some energy. We talked about my day with the guys as we set up the house. 

“I’m glad that you’re so happy again. It’s like the real (Y/N) is back.” He smiled at me.

“It feels like it, too. I’m so happy to be back. It almost feels like we never left.” I smile back at him. 

“It looks to be that way.”

I look over at the clock, it’s a little past three in the morning. 

“I think we should call it quits for tonight. It’s pretty much done, because the movers doing a lot of the work.” I yawn. 

“Of course. Goodnight, hun.” 

We both retreated to our rooms. 

I plopped down on my bed, looking at the ceiling, wondering about tomorrow.

What’s it going to be like to see Embry for the first time in person in years? 

My mind races for a few minutes, thinking of every possibility. I look at my phone, I got a message from Embry a few hours ago. 

I open the message, it was a link to a new song he wanted me to listen to. I smiled to myself, pressing play. As the song played, I fell into a deep slumber. 

I woke up to the smell of pancakes coming from downstairs. I followed the aroma into the kitchen. 

“Thanks, dad.” I grab a plate and sit down at the table next to him. “You got it, kid.” He looks up from the newspaper. 

“What’s your plan for the day?” I ask. 

“Well, I’m going to see Billy and Harry today. I think we might go fishing.” 

“Oh, nice. That’s fun.” 

“What about you?” He sips his coffee. 

“I’m going to surprise Embry. Probably hang out with all the guys.” 

“Oh, Embry, huh?” He looks at me with a knowing face.

“Dad, please.” I beg. 

“Fine, fine. I’ll stop teasing you about your crush.” He says, putting his hands up in the air, false surrendering.

“Dad!” I exclaim, blushing like a maniac. 

He smiles before putting his dishes in the dishwasher, walking upstairs to go get ready for his guys day. 

I followed suit, I had to get ready to see everyone. 

I walked upstairs to find a missed call from Jake. I called him back as I started looking for something to wear. 

“Hey, (Y/N). You should come to my house at 11:30. We’re gonna be playing video games. Just walk into the house.” He says over the phone. 

“Alright, sounds like a plan.” I hang up the phone. 

It was daunting to figure out what to wear, I worried about seeing Embry. I dug through all my clothes. 

By the end of it, I decided on some jeans, a pair of vans, and a moderately flattering black t-shirt. 

Yeah, I knew this would happen. Searching through clothes to only pick out the most casual and boring outfit ever. I grab a hoodie, just in case I stay out later with them and it gets cold. 

I look at the clock, it’s only 11. I had a few more minutes to kill before the twenty minute drive so I decided to stop at a little convenience store and grab some of our favorite snacks. 

I pull into the lot and walk into the little store. I grab a few bags of chips, including two bags of blue doritos as they reign supreme, and regular potato chips for Quil-- because he’s weird. 

I put the bags into my passenger seat and begin the exciting, yet agonizing drive. I decided to listen to Embry and I’s shared playlist, hoping it would calm my nerves. 

I pull in front of Jake’s house once again, nerves returning into my stomach. I approach the front door and hear a few screaming boys. I easily recognized Embry’s from the last time we spoke on the phone, and it was even better in person. 

I push the door open, walking in casually and putting the bags of chips on the table. 

Only Jacob tore his eyes from the screen, smiling at me. 

“Wow, you guys are pretty distracted, huh?” I joke. 

Quil and Embry’s heads snap up in my direction. Quil was smiling at me, looking back to Embry to see a reaction. 

Embry’s face flashed through so many emotions. Confusion, surprise, happiness, and then what I could only describe as a state of shock. His mouth slightly agape, eyebrows slightly raised. Our eyes refused to break away from each other. He dropped the controller in his hands. I felt a force pushing all around me, almost suffocating me. Though, I felt no pain. I felt serene, this was a positive feeling. I dropped the bags of chips that were once in my arms. 

“We called it.” Quil says aloud, snapping me out of it. 

“Hey.” I smile to Embry.

“(Y/N). Hi.” Embry says, getting up from his spot to hug me. 

He hugs me, and it felt so different than any other hug I’ve ever received. While it felt to reunite and hug Jake and Quil, it didn’t compare to how hugging Embry felt. Though, he too felt like he was burning hot. 

I guess my feelings weren’t gone, nor were they planning to leave any time soon. I was overwhelmed with my feelings towards Embry, I could only hope he had felt at least a fraction of what I felt. 

After what felt like forever, he let me go after hearing Quil and Jake mumbling about something back on the couch. 

“What?” I ask them, looking behind Embry.

“Nothing.” Jake winks at me, the blushing returned to my cheeks. 

“How are you?” Embry asks me.

“I’m really happy to be back. How are you?” I ask him, looking into his deep, chocolate brown eyes. 

“I’m great. I’m so happy you’re back. You’re back for good, right?” He asks, eyes pleading with mine.

“Yes, I’m back for good.” I smile at him. 

“You got really tall, too. What the hell did I miss?” I ask, wondering how everyone I knew suddenly turned into giants. 

“I did get tall. It seems like you’re the only one who missed the memo, bean.” Embry lightly laughs at me. 

I blushed at the nickname. The one he gave me years ago, when he hit his first growth spurt at 15, making fun of me who didn’t grow past 5’2”, when he hit 5’10. 

Now the kid’s gotta be 6’4”. Quil was a few inches shorter than Embry, but Jacob still had some  inches on Embry. Embry looked way more muscular than the last time I had seen him, but still more of a lean build than Jake and Quil. It would take some time to swallow how different they all look, now. They weren’t the scrawny kids I remember. 

“So, can I have some of those chips?” Quil asks, breaking the tension in the air. 

“Oh shit, sorry. Yeah.” I bend down, picking up the bags of chips off the floor. 

Embry looked at Quil, eyes narrowing at him. Quil smiles back at him, like a kid who stole candy from a baby. 

I walk his plain old potato chips over to him, earning a thank you and appreciative fist bump. 

“You wanna get destroyed in smash bros?” Jacob offers me a controller. 

“I’d love to destroy you all in smash bros, yes.” I smirk, taking the controller from his hands. Embry puts the bags of blue doritos on the table, taking one for himself. 

Jake and I start playing, I glance over at the bag of doritos, before turning my attention back to the screen-- determined to beat Jacob. 

“You want a chip?” Embry offers.

“Yes please.” I smile. 

“Okay, open.” He puts the chip into my mouth, causing me to blush from shyness. 

I see him smirking at my blushing out of the corner of my eye. 

I focus my attention on the game once more, killing Jacob’s character for the third time-- winning the game.

“Hah!” I exclaim, jumping out of my seat in excitement. 

“Cheater.” He grumbles. 

“You wish, Jake.” I laugh. 

Jake’s phone begins to ring on the table. Bella’s name flashing on the screen. 

I begin to wonder if he still had his crush on her, or if they were together now. Though, I think that he would have mentioned it. 

“Oh shit. What time is it?” He asks, getting ready to pick up his phone. 

“Only like noon.” I tell him.

“Hello? Yeah I’m still good for one. That works. I’ll see you soon.” He hangs up the phone.

“Gonna torture yourself some more, bud?” Quil teases. 

Ouch. That’s gotta hurt.

“Shut up, Quil.” Jacob snaps. 

“What’s going on with her? You still have a crush on her, right?” I ask him with comforting eyes. 

“You could also call it, hopelessly head over heels in love with Bella, actually.” Quil snarkily remarks. 

“Shut it.” Jacob snaps. 

I look at Jake, hoping for him to talk to me. 

“Uh yeah, things are complicated.” His voice lingering with sorrow and disappointment, his eyes moving from mine to his feet.

I looked over to Embry, who wore the same sad, empathetic face as me. Our eyes connected in grief for our friend suffering with the girl he loves. 

“I’m sure you’ll figure it out, Jake. You always do. What’s going on?” I ask, placing my hand on his shoulder. 

“She’s dating Edward Cullen. That’s the issue here. He’s got his cold hands wrapped so tight around her.” He says angrily. 

“I don’t know who that is, but I am sure he’s not like you. Maybe she’ll come around one day, if he’s so bad she’ll probably see that eventually.” I try supporting him. 

“No, believe me. If she hasn’t left yet, she never will. There’s a lot going on there.” Quil says. 

Jacob’s face growing more upset by the minute made me sick. I hated to see someone I considered my best friend to be so upset. A pit in my stomach began to form. 

“Well, then there’s someone better for you out there. Don’t hold out on someone who doesn’t appreciate your true value.” I rub his back a bit, trying to ease him. 

I see Embry grow a bit uncomfortable for a second, until I look at him and he smiles at me. 

“I know, it’s just easier said than done.” He says, still not looking up from the ground. 

“I know, I understand. You deserve more than this. You’re so young, you have so much time to find someone. You’re sweet, handsome, caring, tall, and one of the funniest guys I know. Anyone would be lucky to have you, Jake. Don’t let one girl kill your self-esteem.” I wrap my arm around his shoulder now, as I watch a single tear fall from his face. 

“It just hurts.” He says, leaning into me. His large head almost feels like it’s bruising my shoulder, but if it helps him, it helps. 

“I know, bud. I know.” I tell him. 

He rubs his face with his hands, standing up and walking to the door.

“Wanna go throw the football?” He invites us all.

“Yeah.” We all respond in unison. 

I get up, Embry following close behind me; seemingly watching my every move. 

I could get used to this.

Quil comes out last, shutting the door. Jacob grabs the football and throws it to Embry, very hard. I make a mental note to not let Jacob throw me the ball. 

Embry turns to me, throwing it swiftly, seemingly softer than Jacob’s throw but still enough to make me wince. 

A look of guilt and apologeticness flooded his facial features. 

“Sorry!” He yells, running over to me.

“It’s ok, I’m fine.” I throw the ball to Quil as hard as I can, not even getting a fraction of the force the boys had with their throws. How did they throw like that? 

“Are you sure? Are you okay, bean?” He asks me, almost frantic. 

I blushed at the nickname once again, as it brought chills to my spine. 

“Yeah, Em. I’ll be okay.” I smile at him. 

“Bean, you’re already bruising.” He said, looking sadly at the new spot forming on your arm, holding it delicately in his hands. 

“Em, I have always bruised like a peach. I’m sure it could have happened from anything.” I look up into his pleading eyes, watching his worries melt away. 

What was going on? Does he feel the same way? I wonder. 

“Okay sap fest, we were trying to throw around the football to have fun. Not to make me sick!” Quil interrupts, making fake puking noises. 

Jacob smiles slightly, almost laughing. It made me happy to see him feeling a little better after how he was in the house not too long ago. 

They continued to throw the ball around, throwing it way more intense than I thought possible. I decided to sit out after noticing how rough they all were, more how they don’t seem to notice how rough they got with each other-- how it doesn’t seem to even hurt them at all. 

We all talked about stupid nonsense, like debating on which cartoon characters would win in a fight, cars, and other time eating subjects. 

Soon after, I heard an old truck pulling up to Jacob’s house. Bella Swan got out of the driver’s seat, walking over to us. 

“Hey everyone.” She says shyly, hands in her pockets. 

All the guys gave her a hello in unison.

“Hey Bella, how’ve you been?” I ask her. 

“Oh wow, (Y/N). You’re back? No way. I’m good, how are you?” She asks, walking over to give me a hug. 

I hug her back for a few seconds before pulling away. 

“I’m doing great, I’m happy to be back. It’s nice to see you again, it’s been like what, almost ten years?” I ask, trying to make polite conversation as the guys would not do that simple notion out of awkward feelings. 

“Yeah, that’s nuts. I can’t believe that.” She says shaking her head in disbelief. 

“Are you ready to go?” Jake asks her, smiling at the both of us. 

“Yeah, sure.” She looked over at him, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. 

“Great. I’ll see you guys soon.” He waves back at us. 

“Bye everyone. It was good to see you, (Y/N).” She smiles softly at me. 

“You too.” I smile before turning and walking back over to Quil and Embry. 

“So what now?” I ask them, ready for almost anything. 

“Well, we could go cliff diving.” Quil suggests. 

“No we can’t.” Embry said quickly. 

“Why not?” Quil exclaims. 

“She can’t do that. She’ll get hurt. Or drown. And she’s afraid of heights, remember?” Embry looked at Quil like he had five heads. 

“Oh shit, yeah. Almost forgot.” Quil had a look of realization on his face. 

He remembers I’m afraid of heights. 

“Where do you guys go cliff diving?” I ask.

“We can show you, but we’re not doing it.” Embry tells me. 

“Well, that works I guess. We can include that in our day.” I shrug.

“Oh, that reminds me. I should go help Sam.” Quil says. 

“You guys still didn’t fix that pipe?” I ask him. 

“Pipe?” Embry asks. 

“Yeah, Embry. The pipe that was leaking yesterday. You and Paul tried to fix it, but couldn’t. Then Jacob and I went and fixed it after last night.” He looks at him with stern eyes. 

“Oh yeah. That pipe. It’s been a long week for me.” Embry laughs. 

I look between the both of them, wondering what was wrong with them. 

“Yeah. So Paul came and got you. Did you guys fix it or is it still leaking?” I ask again. 

“No we fixed it. I just told him I would help him clean and fix everything else up from the leak.” Quil said. 

“Ah I see.” I raise my eyebrows at him. 

“You saw Paul last night?” Embry questions. 

“Yeah after you guys left Sam’s.” I tell him. 

He nods his head, seemingly like the gears are starting to turn in his head. 

“Okay, well when you guys are done lying to me about all of this, let me know what’s actually going on.” I snicker. 

“I gotta go.” Quil runs away into the treeline of the woods, assumingly off to Sam’s house. 

I watch him go, before turning my attention to Embry, who is seemingly looking at anything except for me. He keeps looking around between the trees, the ground, and the clouds. 

“Em?” I ask.

“Yeah?” 

“What’s going on?” 

“Please, not yet.” 

“Not yet?” 

“Just, please. Trust that I will tell you soon. When the time is right. You just got back and I don’t wanna lose you.” 

“Em, why would you lose me? You could never lose me.” I say, walking closer to him. 

“I don’t know, it’s… it’s a lot. I’m really happy to have you back. Let’s just hang out, spend some time together. Maybe later, please?” 

His eyes were begging me to just agree, and I couldn’t say no. 

“Okay, yeah. That’s fine. Just please, don’t leave me in the dark too long. I already feel like I was for two years. Now that I’m back I want it all to be transparent with everyone again. I don’t wanna feel like I’m left in the dark again, Em.” I look up to his chocolate brown eyes, feeling like I could see his soul. 

“I won’t, I promise. I just… I want to see you, bean. I want the way you see me now to stay, I don’t want to see you lose the light in your eyes when you look at me.

“Embry, I don’t think that’s even possible. You have such a special place in my heart, you have a soul like no other.” I smile up at him. 

He pulled me into another rib-crushing hug, as comforting as it was painful. 

“Em, you’re kinda hurting me.” I whimper out. 

“Shit, sorry. I’ll be better with that.” He looks at me apologetically. 

“It’s okay. But we should probably leave Jake’s backyard and find something to do, or somewhere else to go.” I suggest, realizing how we’re just standing in the yard alone. 

“Yeah, you’re right. Let’s go to the cliff. And then I wanna bring you somewhere else, but that’s a surprise.” His smile gleamed vibrantly. 

“Okay, sounds like a plan.” I blush at the thought of a surprise. 

We begin walking to my car before he speaks up again. 

“It almost feels like we were never apart. I know we talked a lot on the phone, but it feels like you never left. Ya know, being with you feels just as comfortable; just the same.” He smiles at me, as he opens my car door for me. 

“I know, it’s a nice feeling. It feels… right.” I look at his beautiful face, beaming with happiness. 

He directed me to the cliff where they would jump from. As we walked out onto it, my jaw almost hit the floor. 

“Embry, you jump from up here?” I ask, almost dying of shock. 

“Yeah. Most others jump from the lower level. We dive from up here, though.” He looks at me, smiling awkwardly. 

“How do you not… die? I see what you meant now. I probably would die.” I say, cautiously peeking over the edge of the cliff. 

Embry grabs ahold of my waist gently, steadying both my balance and my nerves. 

“It’ll all make sense soon. You wouldn’t die going down with one of us though. If we went down together, you’d be fine, bean.” He smiled sweetly at me.

“How? I’m going to need an explanation sooner rather than later because nothing makes sense anymore.” I chuckled, looking down at my feet. 

“Well, I’d be able to swim against the rough water, I can get us back up to the surface quickly, and most of all-- I’m just that great.” He said with his cheeky grin. 

“Oh I keep forgetting about how great you are.” I mock lightly. 

“(Y/N), I promise I’ll explain to you tonight. I just want a day of normalcy with you. Then I’ll answer any question you have.” His eyes looked deep into mine, digging into my soul.

“Okay, Em. Let’s have some fun. Let’s go to your surprise place.” I smiled at him. 

“Okay.” He grabbed my hand, pulling me to the car. The way his massive hands held mine, felt like two pieces of a puzzle finally coming together. I never wanted him to let go, Embry’s touch was intoxicating. 

 __________________________________

Word Count: 3459

I hope you guys enjoy this series I’m doing. It happened after I spun off of something else I was writing. I hope you enjoy, please give some feedback!

 I  II  III  IV  V  VI  VII  VIII  VIIII  X  XIR XIE  XII  XIII  XIV  XV XVI  XVII  XVIII  XIIII

[bill-y]

INURE

Peeta Mellark x male reader

[ We all know who Katniss Everdeen is, but what if Primrose hadn’t been chosen but another boy from another unfortunate family? YOUR family. ]

Info: This is basically a reader insert and I’ve changed a few rules, not ground breaking though. The reader is a bit bland for now but I plan for his actions to be different. Because he has different moral grounds from Katniss and such. Would appreciate feedback! FEEL FREE TO POINT OUT TYPOS. GRAMMARLY SOMETIMES DOESN’T DO MY DYSLEXIC ASS JUSTICE

Part five: Click here, butters, elpacho, last meheecan.

Part six: You're here, dumb!

Part seven: Finally here!

Wattpad account: L0calxDumbass

Peeta and I end up helping Haymitch to his compartment, the reek of vomit and alcohol wasn't exactly pleasant.  Since we couldn't set him down the bed, we ended up hauling him to the bathtub, setting the shower on him. 

Peeta gave me an odd look when I laughed awhile ago; there was no humour in the situation after all. Forming a good impression wasn't really on my agenda. "It's alright; I can take it from here," he said.

I nodded, "Okay," I nodded, putting my lips together. "Do you—need me to call those Capitol people?" I asked, stumbling over my words. My confidence seemed to have been drained at some point.

He shook his head "No, I don't want them," he responded. I nod for the last time and head to my own room, relieved that I don't have to wash putrid vomit off Haymitch's chest hair, or something. Though it would be the perfect "revenge" for the people working here, I get why he doesn't want to see them. 

I wonder, why does he want to help such a wreck? Was he simply kind like the time he gave me bread? Or was he using this to gain Haymitch's favour? A feeling of nervousness bubbled up within me, a kind Peeta Mellark was way more dangerous than an unkind one. Not everyone in the district can afford to be kind, so kind people make such a mark on me.

I looked at the packet of cookies at the table beside the fancy bed—a lump formed in my throat. Kindness would've been nice, but not in this situation. I sighed, taking my attention to the window instead. 

There stood a lonely yellow flower, a dandelion. It took me back to the schoolyard, all those years ago. My eyes had just left Peeta's bruised face when I saw that dandelion; hope rose within me that moment, I plucked it gently from the ground and hurried home. I grabbed a small, broken bucket and grabbed Nal's hand and headed to a meadow. It was filled with the same flowers.

It was the first moment where Nal smiled after our Father's death. He loved the way the flowers smelled and looked. However, he was quite upset because we had to eat them, with the rest of the bakery bread. My father loved his plants, maybe a bit too much. 

I remember countless hours we spent in the woods looking for a specific type of plant, whether for eating or for medicine. He had me memorize them by heart, which took a couple of years because I got distracted halfway through. 

The next day, we were off to school. I hung around the edge of the meadow after, contemplating whether I should jump the fence. My mother couldn't get a job, well, she didn't want to. She thought the whole District would shame her the moment she stepped out of our crumbling home. It made no sense to me; we had nothing to lose anymore.

Which is exactly why I went under the fence, retrieved the old, leather-bound daggers my father made from scraps and wood. It was pretty frail, but if you handle it carefully and throw it properly, it won't break—most of the time.

I didn't go beyond twenty yards that day; I didn't feel confident enough to go deeper, fearing I'd get lost in the forest. I took home a small rabbit that day, we hadn't had meat for months, so it honestly looked like a full course meal, like the one we were served in the tribute train.

My mother isn't the greatest cook, so she burnt a couple of bits, mainly the thighs. But it still filled us. The woods became my second home, escaping the sad atmosphere my mother gave off and the pressure the Peacekeepers would regularly make us feel. 

The hunting started slow, but each time I went under, I went deeper. I stole eggs from nests, jumped from tree to tree and managed to shoot a squirrel or two down. I struggled with the fish; my father would always throw his dagger to the fish with little to no effort. Whenever I'd throw mine, it would miss. It took me a couple of times to figure out the water distorts my vision.

The plants were no effort; I knew which one to pick, which ones were poisonous. The signs of danger used to terrify me back to the fence until I gathered enough courage to climb the tall trees, then I stuck with it, not liking the feeling of being chased. The wild dogs would always leave me alone after a while.

On July 15th, I finally signed up for the tesserae, carrying the first batch of grains and oils in the same broken bucket I used to gather those dandelions. I patched it up with some scrap bark. On the 15th of every month, I would put my name once again. I still had to hunt; grains weren't enough. We still needed soap, milk, thread and many more things we used to have. I began to trade in the hob, learning how to hold my tongue in the process. My father used to trade there as well; he used to do all the talking while I watched, stayed silent. 

And so I simply tossed the game I had to their tables. They caught on fairly quick; I'd only speak up when it came to bargaining or when I'd change what'd I'd buy. Or when I would insult wild dog soup. My father was a charismatic man, always able to persuade people to buy whatever. Not me, though, I was like a sore thumb. Painful, to talk to at least.

My mother wasn't very enthralled with the fact that I had been hunting, too much like my father, she said. That's when we argued, "Don't be stupid like your father!" she shouted. I remember my face contorting to anger, how my fists clenched as she continued to scream. 

I finally exploded, "Why don't you go out and get a job if you don't want me hunting, then? You'd rather we starve?!" I said, slamming the table. "I won't die, I won't end up like father! I won't be Capitol's pig, neither was he!" 

"But if you do die?" She argued back, tears flowing down her cheeks as she gripped both my shoulders. "I'm only thinking of you, Y/n!"

I scoffed, glaring at her, "If you're thinking of us so much, then why aren't you helping us?! If I don't die being accused of rebellion, then I'll die because of those stupid games because of you!"

"Don't blame me for this! It was your father's fault for being brash—" She reasoned, but I cut her off by pushing her off me. I stared at her as if she grew three heads. "They asked you," I whispered, "All you did was nod, you could've lied."

Her green eyes shook at my words, "Lie to the Peacekeepers? The Capitol? And get us killed as well?! I only what your father wanted," 

"They didn't have anything on father! It was your voice that gave it away! It's your fault that he's dead, now we're over here starving because you can't get over yourself—"

Then there was a sting on my cheek. She had slapped me. My eyes landed on a crying Kunal; guilt surged through me, so I ran. I ran to the woods and slept on top of a tree, humming a soft tune to the mockingjays next to me. They listened and sung back. I fell asleep to their lullaby, surprisingly, not falling off.

I found my hand on the same cheek my mother slapped that day. I was going to die the same way I said, how ironic. I won't be able to apologize or tell my mother I loved her anymore. A sigh left my lips as I continued to stare out the window. 

I clenched my fists, punching the wall as my breath hitched. I let out a groan, holding the stinging part of my hand. I glared at the wall, grumbling under my breath before I decided to fall asleep, not wanting to think of my regrets and what I could've done. As I closed my eyes, I only hoped my dreams would be pleasant. 

"Up! Up! Up! It's a big big day!"

Effie Trinket's voice awoke me from my dreamless slumber. I groaned, muttering profanities as she left my compartment. I tried to imagine what it was like in that stupid wig--- well--- head of hers, it made my head hurt.

I had fallen asleep in the green shirt, causing it to become wrinkled, the. Not that I cared, there will be some stylist stripping me anyways. I shuddered at the thought of Capitol people touching me, what a nightmare. My eyes landed on the packet of cookies on my bedside table. I decided to grab it.

I entered the dining compartment, still half-lidded and yawning. Effie Trinket brushes me with a cup of black coffee. She was muttering obscenities, probably because of Haymitch. Peeta held a roll, looking somewhat embarrassed  "Sit down! Sit down!" Haymitch said.

Peeta flashed me a smile, amused by how dishevelled I look. To be fair, I wasn't a morning person, I find waking up to be a tiring task. I rubbed my eyes, the packet of cookies still in my hands as I slid down the chair.

They served an enormous platter of food. I'd hate to admit it, but I was starving. So for the first time, I decided to stab it with the fork, not sure what to do with the cookies so I pocketed them. I figured I'd eat them much. . . much later.

I chewed slowly, glare on my face as my eyes struggled to remain open. I didn't even notice the orange juice next to me because of it. Peeta nudged me, handing me a cup of brown, rich liquid. It was quite warm. "They call it hot chocolate," he said. "It's quite good,"

My green eyes moved from him to the cup, then back to him. As if asking for permission. I sniffed, muttering a "thank you," before I took the cup from him. The moment the hot chocolate touched my lips I felt awake.

Not only was it hot, but it was also amazing. I've never tasted anything like this before. Coffee was a luxury, this I cannot even fathom. After I've drained my cup, I put it down and muster a sheepish smile. "Is there more?" I asked, my voice hoarse.

Effie seemed to be excited by my sudden interest. "Glad you're finally appreciating the finer things," she quipped as another cup was passed to me. "Right," I responded, gripping the cup tightly.

I stopped eating when I felt somewhat full, only asking for more hot chocolate. Peeta is still eating, breaking off bits of roll and dipping them in his hot chocolate.

Haymitch hasn’t paid much attention to his platter, but he’s knocking back a glass of red juice that he keeps thinning with a clear liquid from a bottle. Judging by the fumes, it’s some kind of spirit. I don’t know Haymitch, but I’ve seen him often enough in the Hob, tossing handfuls of money on the counter of the woman who sells white liquor. He’ll be a mess again by the time we reach the Capitol.

"So, you're supposed to give us advice," I said, taking a sip of the hot liquid. He grinned, "Here's some advice, stay alive," then he burst out laughing.

My brows furrowed, "Ha. Ha." I let out, unamused. I glanced to Peeta, surprised to see Hardness in his eyes. Usually, he looked mild. "That's very funny," he said as if adding to my remark. He suddenly lashed out at the glass in Haymitch's hands. It shattered, spilling the blood-red liquid on the floor. "Only not to us,"

Haymitch took this opportunity to punch Peeta straight in the jaw, knocking the boy out of his chair before turning around to reach for more spirits. I stopped him, driving a knife into the table, between his hand and the bottle, barely missing his fingers.

I expected some sort of retaliation, but that didn't come. "Oh, well what is this?" he said. "Did I actually get a pair of fighters this year?"

Peeta rose from the floor and scoops up a handful of ice from under the fruit tureen. He started to raise it to the red mark on his jaw.

"No," Haymitch stopped him. "Let the bruise show. The audience will think you’ve mixed it up with another tribute before you’ve even made it to the arena."

"That’s against the rules," said Peeta. "Only if they catch you. That bruise will say you fought, you weren’t caught, even better," said Haymitch. He turns to me. “Can you hit anything other than the table?"

I shrugged, pulling the knife off the table. "Your head or. . ." I said, before tossing the knife in between the seams of two panels. If I was confident at one thing, it's my aim. But not so much with a bow.

"Stand over here. Both of you," ordered Haymitch, nodding to the middle of the room. We obey and he circles us, prodding us like animals at times, checking our muscles, examining our faces. “Well, you’re not entirely hopeless. Seem fit. And once the stylists get hold of you, you’ll be attractive enough.”

Peeta and I don’t question this. The Hunger Games aren’t a beauty contest, but the best-looking tributes always seem to pull more sponsors. Though I do enjoy the fact that the stylists are likely going to have a hard time styling me.

"All right, I’ll make a deal with you. You don’t interfere with my drinking, and I’ll stay sober enough to help you," said Haymitch. "But you have to do everything I say,"

Of course, there's a catch. "Fine," Peeta said while I shrugged carelessly, sipping on my hot chocolate. "In a few minutes, we’ll be pulling into the station. You’ll be put in the hands of your stylists. You’re not going to like what they do to you. But no matter what it is, don’t resist," Instructed Haymitch

Oh, well there goes my plan on being a general nuisance. Damn you, Haymitch.

He takes the bottle of spirits from the table and leaves the car. As the door swings shut behind him, the car goes dark. There are still a few lights inside, but outside it’s as if night has fallen again. I realize we must be in the tunnel that runs up through the mountains into the Capitol. The mountains form a natural barrier between the Capitol and the eastern districts. It is almost impossible to enter from the east except through the tunnels. This geographical advantage was a major factor in the districts losing the war that led to my being a tribute today. Since the rebels had to scale the mountains made them easy targets for the Capitol's air forces.

Peeta and I stood in silence. My finger raised, mouth opening but I decided it wasn't worth it and awkwardly shuffled to one of the windows. He seemed to have caught on, however. "Nice view, isn't it?" he joked.

"I guess if you're blind," I answered dryly, raising the warm cup to my lips. "Sophisticated darkness, my favourite type," I finished.

He chuckled, walking next to me, the train slowing on cue. My muscles tensed as the sunlight entered the compartment. It was blinding. After my eyes adjusted I finally saw the Capitol.

I would be lying if I said it wasn't beautiful. Rainbow hued buildings that tower to the sky, possibly beyond. Shiny cars rolling on the fancy, clean pavement streets. The cameras failed to capture its beauty. It would've been perfect if not for the fact that the oddly dressed colours, wearing blizzard wigs and painted faces exist.

They looked painfully artificial. I much prefer the natural tones of district 12. "Eugh, how do they look at themselves?" I muttered, catching the attention of Peeta, who chuckled at my comment.

Huh, I forgot that he was there.

The same disgusting people began to point at us, enthralled. I was sickened, they couldn't wait to watch us kill each other like wild wolves. I suppose that's better than ending up at soup.

I stepped back, a scowl on my face. No longer able to stand the obnoxious attires and the mocking smiles of scums. Peeta held his ground, smiling and waving at them.

He only stopped when the train stopped at the station, blocking up from their view. "Who knows?" he said. "Some of them may be rich."

My body seemed to freeze as I took one last sip of the now-luke warm hot chocolate. That's when I realized, I had misjudged him. Not that I can read people well.

Which made sense, if I could I would've known that his father visiting me, offering to help Haymitch only to challenge him and now, waving and smiling at those slugs. He had a plan in mind.

He hasn't accepted his death yet. Peeta Mellark, the boy who gave me bread was fighting hard.

And that terrified me.

word count: 2.8k

Hey guys! sorry for the long wait! Had to take a break!

tags;

@nin3s

[kazs-new-hat]

the s&b weirdos and what i think their favorite ice cream flavors are

cw // food

i actually did one for our beloved murder of crows and u can check it out here !

my boredom has PEAKED you guys omg okay here we go-

our ball of literal sunshine alina as : cheese

OKAY LISTEN STICK WITH ME HERE

if you disagree with me, and you've never had cheese ice cream before the door is there -> 🚪

just like alina's character, nobody really expects much from cheese flavored ice cream but guess what? when you have it a fair chance, it is AMAZING, UNIQUE, and POWERFUL. it might be a little strange to some, but it works in it's own way. do you see where i'm getting at here

also it's yellow and i associate yellow with alina bc sun summoner duh

i can see her discovering it when she and mal had to stay in novyi zem that one time and absolutely falling in love with it;; she probably has a plan to recreate a ravkan version sometime

everybody's favorite edgy dark lord as : butter pecan or something with nuts it's cookie dough

i like thinking of this ominous deceiving brooding guy liking something like cookie dough ice cream to contrast all the edge

a perfect balance you know?

but if asked, he'd say something with nuts just because nobody likes ice cream with nuts and he just wants to irk them

but secretly really loves cookie dough ice cream with choco chips. also i bet he's the typa kid to lick the spoon after making cookies or brownies

but he probably never eats dessert unless he absolutely has to

animal whisperer mal as : vanilla

classic, absolute classic

it's versatile;; you can eat it with pretty much anything. apple pie? whop a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of that. you can eat it with fruits. put it in a a banana split. in a milkshake. amazing.

as a kid he probably stole whole tubs of it from the coolers with alina and he would eat it with peaches and whipped cream or something

also as a common flavor so if he wishes, he could get it from anywhere

also dont @ me because i never tried making vanilla ice cream but i think it's also the easiest to make so

pirate privateer-prince nikolai as : mint chocolate

i can hear the mint choco haters screaming

i don't know why he just seems like a mint-choco kind of person

he probably chooses this specific flavor for his birthday dinners and so everyone else has to also eat this flavor because he especially chose it. he just likes watching people wrinkle their nose in disgust while he enjoys his own helping happily

i have this random-ass headcanon that he did not like this flavor at first, but after being in a certain circumstance that left mint chocolate ice cream as the only desert option, he grew to like it so much and now it's a found memory of his days as a shipwright's apprentice

the person we all want to be friends with as : rum & raisin

in case you didn't know i'm talking about genya safin if you dont want to be friends with her stop reading

she def has a sweet tooth and also she likes to be FANCY therefore this is perfect for her

there really isn't any actual whole raisins in the desert (because who likes raisins?) but she likes the flavor of it

would probably also really enjoy eating it with like waffers or something

i also see her liking salted caramel or butterscotch or cotton candy--like the REALLY sweet ones you know what i mean? but rum & raisin is her all-time fav

our OP stormwitch zoya as : frozen yoghurt

probably not much of an ice cream person,,, she prefers the tartiness of a good cup of plain froyo

either tops it with very simple garnishes or the most extravagant and random ones depending on her mood. like there's no in between.

also likes it because you can top it with a lot more things and it'll work;;; it's hard to ruin froyo

usually has the plain one and tops it with a bunch of berrires or maybe marshmallows or choco chips if she's feeling particularly spontaneous

absolute mad genius and the purest person ever david as : mocha

for the uncultured: mocha is NOT the same as coffee, because mocha has chocolate

the absolute perfect blend of coffee and chocolate into ice cream form

very particular about the ratio of each, has probably even scribbled a plan somewhere in his notes about how to make the perfect ratio for mocha ice cream

also someone who doesn't eat desert that often, but absolutely loves the flavor and would not pass up a chance to eat it, like, ever