#and also the cars 2 fandom i hope this reaches the cars 2 fandom

[tootalltech]

no one gets how good the cars 2 soundtrack is. like. mater's the bomb? going to the backup plan? CRANKING UP THE HEAT? all go so hard. i love the sound of cars being murdered or attempted murdered

[sara-scribbles]

Melting the Dragon King's Heart (Part 1)

Fandom: Twisted Wonderland Malleus Draconia/F!Reader Summary: After falling down some stairs, you wake up in the body of a villain from one of Idia's cheesy romance books. Destined to die a fiery death, you have to figure out a way to change your fate. Word Count: 6,974 Notes: I've been reading a lot of isekai lately, which sparked this story. Hope you enjoy! Warnings: Mentions of past physical and emotional abuse, reader uses she/her pronouns

Part 1 Part 2, Part 3

“The person you are trying to call is unavailable. Please leave your message after the beep. After, you may…” Letting out a deep sigh, you wait for the message to finish.

“Hey, Idia, it’s me. I know you’re probably gaming right now, but I wanted to let you know I’ll be dropping by later today.” You pause before darting across the street. You nearly get hit by a car but make it on the sidewalk unscathed.

“Anyways, I finished ‘Melting the Dragon King’s Heart’ and that was the cringiest thing I’ve read! I’ll give you the full review when I come over.”

Ending the call, you shake your head at the phone screen. You head down the stairs to the subway while shooting Idia another text. Not watching where you’re going, your foot misses a step and you're sent careening down the stairs.

“Watch out!” a voice shouts.

---

You black out momentarily before regaining consciousness. Something feels off but you can’t quite place what. Your head pounds and your body aches. You can hear muffled voices.

Eyes opening, unfamiliar faces stare down at you. “Your highness?” someone asks.

Sitting up, you reach for your head but freeze when you realize that isn’t your hand. “Please be careful, your highness.”

Slowly studying the hand, you wave it around. You ignore the whispers and looks. You slowly reach your face, but it doesn’t feel like your face. Looking further down, you notice the clothes you’re wearing are completely different.

“W-what’s going on?” You slap a hand over your mouth. Definitely not your voice.

An elderly man leans down. “You fell off your horse, your highness. Are you feeling okay?”

You stare at him, before pointing to yourself. “A-are you talking to me?”

His brows draw together as he gives a concerned glance behind you. “You took quite a tumble so you might be a little out of sorts.”

He reaches to help you up, but you jerk away. Standing on your own, your head continues to throb painfully. You push past the group of people. You’re not sure where you're going, but your feet seem to know. Your brain is too scrambled to even notice your surroundings. Rushing down hallways and past other people, you enter into a room and lock the door.

Your gaze immediately falls on the full length mirror. As you slowly approach, the reflection in the mirror is not your own. You touch the cold surface and so does the image. Reaching up, you slap your cheeks a few times, the image does too. Your face stings.

“What the hell!?” And then your headache intensifies. You crumble to the floor clutching your head. Memories that aren’t yours flood your mind before you blackout once more.

---

You can’t believe you’re in Idia’s horrible isekai novel. Worse, you’re in the body of the secondary villain! She wasn’t very important to the story besides a vehicle to drive the plot. She didn’t even get a name. The story was from the protagonist's point of view, so you learned very little of the queen. In the end, she and her family died a fiery death after their nefarious plans to control the dragon king, Malleus Draconia, were uncovered by the protagonist.

Based on her memories, her marriage to the dragon king was six months ago. So, you had six more months before the arrival of the protagonist. Which also meant you had half a year before you’d be burned to death. You had no plans on dying. Again.

Crawling out of bed, you head to the connected bath. The maids had drawn a hot bath. Glancing in the bathroom mirror, you get a flash of her back. Old and newer scars crisscross the expanse of skin. The first time you saw them, you were flooded with horrible memories. Memories of a younger version crying while being beaten within an inch of her life. You tried to stay away from mirrors as much as possible.

Being the secondary villain, she isn’t really what you’d call evil. In the story, she came off like an emotionless puppet. The queen has a unique magic that can turn someone’s heart to ice, which allows her to control them. Ironic really. From what you remember from the story, the dragon king is too powerful, so her unique magic didn’t work right away. Over the course of a year, she uses her magic on him everyday. This causes him to become distant and easier to manipulate. When she’s almost successful, the king meets the protagonist, who immediately melts his frozen heart. It’s honestly so cliche, you had a hard time getting to the end. When you read the story, you felt nothing for the villains.

Having the queen’s memories, you feel bad for her. Her entire life was dictated by her parents, the duke and duchess. From what she wore to what she ate to what kind of instrument she played, it was chosen for her. Any sense of rebellion was quickly beaten out of her from a young age. She was molded into the perfect puppet that her parents could control. She had no say in the plan. From what you can tell, she didn’t even have any feelings about the king. Or anything for that matter.

Truly a sad villain.

After being found passed out on the floor, you were put on strict bed rest for a few days. According to the doctors the fall from the horse caused the queen to stop breathing for a few minutes. You wonder if at that time she had died, you had somehow entered her body. It didn’t feel like you’re sharing the body with anyone. The only thing left behind are her memories and lingering emotions.

During the mandatory bedrest, you hatched a plan. You need to get the dragon king to be your ally. Sure he’s technically this body’s - your body now - husband, but at this point in time, he’s become very distant because of her magic. You would stop using the magic on him, and hopefully he would return to normal. Then, when the protagonist shows up, they can take down the real villains. You’d have an amicable divorce and live the rest of your life out in peace.

Taking a deep breath, you steel yourself. Operation save yourself from certain fiery death starts now!

---

“Your highness, are you feeling better?” the old butler, Diablo, from before asks. He sets down a tea tray. Having been with the Draconia family for ages, he’s assigned to watch over the queen.

“Yes, my head doesn’t hurt anymore. The delicious food helps.” If there’s one thing you like about this new life, it’s the food. You could stuff your face with food and never be tired.

The salt-and-pepper haired man pauses but quickly collects himself. He pours another cup of tea while you finish up breakfast. “I’m glad to see you’ve gained a healthy appetite.”

Pausing mid-bite, you remember that the queen only picked at her food. Her memories often depicted a somber scene while she ate by herself. No talking or eye contact was ever made. She never bothered to hide her disinterest.

When you read the book, you didn’t feel too bad for the queen. The author barely wrote about her except when the story needed to continue. Perhaps that’s why you didn’t like the story. The queen was a lackluster villain while her parents were almost cartoonishly evil. The protagonist had been a little better, but still somewhat flat. However, you assumed the appeal was the sweet romance between the two. The romance was actually kind of cute. Speaking of romance, you have yet to see the dragon king in person.

“Your highness?” Diablo brought you from your thoughts.

“Hmm?” You realize your teacup is empty. “Did I drink that?”

He nods. “Yes, your highness. You were deep in thought while taking sips.”

You’re surprised you didn’t dribble any on you. Maybe it’s all due to the rigorous etiquette training the queen had gone through. “Is there anything I have planned today?”

“Not today, your highness.”

Great, you have the whole day to do whatever you want. “Diablo, where is the king?”

“In his study. He’s been up before the crack of dawn,” he informs you.

Thanks to her memories, you know exactly where his study is. You also know she never bothers him until she has to use her magic. However, now that this is your life, you plan to do whatever it takes to save yourself from dying.

“Thank you, Diablo.” Leaving the dining hall, you head to your dear husband’s study. Diablo follows a few paces behind.

“Are you planning to visit his highness?” he inquires.

He’s always with you. “Yes. I thought we could spend some time together.” Glancing behind you, his face is a neutral mask.

He merely nods when he meets your gaze. “An excellent idea, your highness.”

Arriving at the door to his study, you knock. There’s no answer. “Are you sure he’s here?”

“Yes. He rarely leaves his study until lunch time, your highness. Would you like me to check?” He gestures to the door.

“No, that’s okay. I can do it.” Grabbing the handle, you pull the door open. The room is mostly dark due to the curtains being drawn closed. Stepping inside, your eyes adjust to the gloom.

Malleus Draconia is an intimidating figure. Even sitting down he seems to tower over everything. His inky black hair contrasts with his pale skin. His most characteristic trait are the obsidian colored horns on his head. They gleam even in the low light. The lamp on his desk casts shadows on the bookshelf behind him. He’s very fitting for a male lead.

He doesn’t make a move to look up from his work. “Is there something wrong, Diablo?”

The old butler clears his throat. “No, your majesty.”

“I came to see you.” You paste on a smile though it’s a lot more work than you thought. It’s as if this face has never smiled, which wouldn’t be a surprise.

Malleus does look up when you speak. For a brief second his eyes widen before his brows draw together. “Is there something wrong, my queen?” His gaze remains dull. His eyes are like the color of old, dried leaves.

Stepping forward so you’re standing in front of his desk, you shake your head. “Nothing is wrong. Do I need a reason to visit you?”

His expression smooths. He has a cool, detached look. “Of course not. This palace is your home, you are allowed to go wherever you want. Do you need something?”

Clasping your hands together, you lean closer. “I was wondering if we could do something together. Once you’re done with everything, of course.”

He returns back to the paperwork. “I don’t know if I’ll have time. There’s a lot of things I need to do. And the war with the Queendom of Roses takes precedence…”

You blink twice. “War?”

“Yes. Your father had mentioned how the Queendom has been encroaching on his territory. He says they’re looking to take over more and more of Briar Valley. We should act before they even have a chance,” he explains.

Well this is the first you’ve heard of a war. However, if memory serves your right, your parents had invested interest in the land bordering the Queendom of Roses. Your home is a small land squished between two mighty kingdoms. Though not technically royalty, your parents are basically the rulers. They wanted to expand, but couldn’t. Unless…a war breaks out somehow. Compared to the Queendom, Briar Valley is far superior in magical combat. You’re pretty sure all Malleus has to do is wave his hand to annihilate the country off the map if he so wished.

Chewing on your lip, you wonder if there’s anything you can do to prevent this. You’d rather not let your so-called parents win anything. “How about we have lunch in the garden later?”

His hand pauses in writing. “You wish to eat together?” he asks, not looking up.

“Yes, I’d like to.” You’re determined to spend some time with him. Your life is at stake!

“Alright.” He returns back to writing.

Inwardly giving yourself a pat on the back, you flash him a smile even though he can’t see it. “I’ll see then, your majesty.”

Leaving the office, Diablo quietly closes the door. “Where can I find more information about the Queendom of Roses?”

“We can start at the royal library. I’m sure the head librarian can help find what you’re looking for.” Diablo leads the way.

---

You're late for lunch. Getting lost in the research about the Queendom of Roses, you forgot the time. Thankful Diablo came to remind you. Rushing to the gardens with an armful of papers and a few books, you easily navigate your way through the maze of the palace thanks to the former body’s memories.

Arriving, you immediately spy Malleus waiting at the table. Food is set out along with a tea cart. He looks utterly bored. However, he seems to perk up a bit as you come closer. Diablo immediately pulls out the chair for you to sit.

“Sorry I’m late! I got so lost in reading that I didn’t realize the time.” You place the books and papers on the table.

“What’s all this?” he asks, gesturing to the mess.

Trying to make a neater pile, you tap the top of one book. “I’ve been doing some research on the Queendom of Roses. And I don’t think going to war with them would be beneficial.”

“Oh?” He leans back, interest sparking his usual dull green eyes.

Opening one of the books with a map, you point to the page. “The Queendom of Roses is rich in natural resources when it comes to crops. A war would most likely ruin the land, and even magic wouldn’t be able to bring it back to what it once was.”

You rifle through your papers before finding the one you want. Placing it over the book, you continue, “Briar Valley lacks in certain resources when it comes to agriculture. We could make a trade agreement with the Queendom for their crops. It would greatly benefit the people.”

Malleus ponders your words. “And what of them encroaching on your country?”

“They have no need to expand nor do they have the power to do so.” You gesture to another book. “I doubt it’s on purpose.”

He stares at you. “So, are you saying your father lied? Was he trying to spark a fight between us and another country?”

Biting your tongue, you resist the urge to spill the truth. “I’m sure he was overreacting. Being such a small country, father takes the people’s safety as utmost. But I do think a war would be a waste of resources, time, and lives.”

Diablo clears the table of your things before serving lunch. Malleus eyes you curiously. “You’re sure about this?”

“Yes,” you answer firmly without hesitation.

Picking up a fork, he spears a tomato slice. “Alright. We won’t go to war with the Queendom.” He turns to Diablo, “Let Lilia know to stand down. I’ll work on drafting a proposal to the Queendom later.”

The butler bows before leaving. You let out a deep sigh but straighten up when you realize Malleus is watching you. “Thank you, your majesty.” You’re glad he didn’t fight you on this. Though maybe due to the queen’s magic, he’s too apathetic to care.

“Somethings changed about you,” he muses aloud. You stiffen as panic starts to build. “Are you feeling well?” he inquires.

“I’m fine, your majesty.” You try to smile convincingly but it probably looks more like a grimace.

“I heard you fell off your horse a few days ago. No lingering aches or pains?” he probes. Why’s he suddenly interested? He didn’t visit once while you were on bedrest.

You stab a carrot. “I feel fine. I did some thinking and decided I wanted to take a more active role. I am the queen, so I should be doing more.” The lie slips easily off your tongue.

He’s quiet for a moment. “I see…”

---

For the rest of the day, you try your best to read into the current situation of Briar Valley. It seems the queen didn’t bother with anything related to politics. All she seemed to do was sit in her room until she was needed. You had many memories of staring blankly at a wall or something equally mundane.

You know there’s probably rumors of how the queen seems to be a different person. One of the maids had mumbled something about the fall knocking her brain around. You could care less what they said as long as you managed to change your fate. Knowing the situation of the country you supposedly co-ruled is a good start.

At least it doesn’t seem like your parents are causing too much trouble. Beyond trying to instigate a war with the Queendom of Roses, they’ve been quiet. Perhaps they’re waiting for the queen’s magic to take hold before doing anything drastic. If your plan works, they’ll be in jail soon.

You’re curled up in bed with a thick history book about Briar Valley. Having taken out a few books from the royal library, your room is starting to look like a mess with the books all over the place. You know the basics about the country from her lessons, but you want to go more in depth. It’s best to know everything you can.

There’s a knock at the door that links to Malleus’s room. Out of habit you glance around for the digital clock at your bedside. But it’s not there. “Of course…”

During your isolation in the bedroom, you found out from her memories that Malleus and the queen do not share a bed. Instead they each have their own rooms, which are connected by a door. However, the queen keeps her door locked. The only time it’s unlocked is when Malleus comes over for an hour before bed every other week. She had made up some excuse about wanting to spend a little time with him before bed. It’s the dumbest excuse you’ve heard but somehow he bought it.

Maybe he wanted to please the queen? Maybe he really is that naive about what couples do? Whatever the reason for him to agree to this ritual, it had made it easier for the queen to cast her magic.

Slipping out of bed, you unlock the door. Malleus stands there in casual clothes. He doesn’t look ready for sleep, but he does tend to stay up late from what Diablo said. You have to bite back the smile when you notice the black dragon slippers on his feet. Very dignified.

“Uh… hi…” This is certainly awkward. “The room’s a little messy, but the bed’s mostly clear.”

Malleus glances around, his eyes landing on the book you had been reading. “History of Briar Valley?”

You lead him to the bed. He sits at the edge of the bed while you scoot closer to the middle. You draw your legs up to your chest. Without asking, he holds out his hand. “Just some light reading,” you joke as you take his hand.

“...”

“...”

You really can’t just sit there in silence for an hour holding his hand. “Where’d you get those slippers?” you ask suddenly.

He blinks slowly while looking down. “Lilia gave them to me for my birthday last year. He said a king shouldn’t walk around barefoot.”

Very reasonable. “They’re cute.”

“Thank you. Would you like a pair?”

“Um, sure.” His hand is surprisingly comfortable to hold.

He nods. “I will ask Lilia to order once he returns.”

“...”

“...”

You glance at your discarded book. “Do you mind if I read?” You aren’t sure how she was able to sit for an hour staring off into space. This is too weird!

He shakes his head. “Go ahead.”

Grabbing the book with your free hand, you adjust your position and place it on your lap. As you return to reading, you can almost forget Malleus is next to you. Almost. A few times you can feel his intense stare, but when you look back, he’s looking at the far wall.

You’re only a few chapters in when he clears his throat. Looking up, he opens his mouth, but then closes it. “Yes?” You wait patiently for him to gather his words.

“The book mentioned the war with the old fae, but it’s wrong,” he informs you after a pause.

“It is?” You glance down at the date. “This took place almost a thousand years ago. Don’t tell me you were there?” Fae are long lived creatures, but you don’t think Malleus is that old.

He shakes his head. “No. Lilia would sometimes tell me stories from when he was in the army. I remember everything he said clearly. The war did not start the way the book states. Though I assume the author could only speculate since most don’t know the truth.”

“How did it start?” You lean closer, interested to hear what he has to say.

“Well…”

---

“...and then everything went up in flames.”

“No!” Eyes widen as your mouth falls open.

“Unfortunately, yes. I hate to admit it, but my control on my flames was not that good.” He sighs, covering his face with his free hand.

Chuckling, you give his hand an involuntary squeeze. “You were young. It’s not like you meant to set everything on fire.”

“That’s true, but for a long time I wasn’t allowed to do anything related to fire.” His lips quirk upward while you try and fail to cover your laughter.

“I-I’m not laughing at you. I just had an image of a smaller version of you.” Your shoulders shake. “I’d love to see a picture of when you were younger.” You can just see a small Malleus pouting while being told he’s not allowed to use his flames.

“I believe there’s a few portraits that were done when I was younger. They’ve been put away, but they should be in the royal storehouse,” he says thoughtfully.

Having calmed down, you shake your head. “Too bad there’s no candid photos of you…”

“Hmm?” He peers at you. “Is seeing a younger version of myself really that interesting?”

You flash him a quick smile. “Of course. Seeing a mini version of you would be so interesting. I’m sure you were very cute,” you tease.

He doesn’t seem to know how to take your comment. Staring at you blankly, his hold on your hand tightens slightly for a second. “Cute?”

“Well, I mean you look…you look, um, nice now. So it’s easy to assume you’d be a cute kid.” Now you’re starting to feel a bit embarrassed.

“I see… So that means you were also cute as a child,” he says in all seriousness.

Did he just give a compliment? You’re unsure what to say. Eyes darting around the room, you clear your throat. “Right. I think we’ve gone over time.” You immediately release his hand.

Malleus straightens up. “I’m sorry.”

He almost looks hurt. You quickly wave off his worry. “No need to apologize! I shouldn’t keep you.”

Standing, you follow Malleus to the door. You catch a glimpse of his dark room. “Good night, your majesty.”

“Good night…” He glances back as the door closes. You turn the lock in place with a click.

Heading to bed, you lay there surrounded by many pillows. A feeling of loneliness settles deep in your chest. You wonder how Idia and everyone else has taken the news of your death.

---

You let out a cough as dust billows out from the curtains. The once gloomy study at least looks a little better with natural light. The queen has her own study across from Malleus’s, but she never used it. It overlooks the garden below. You decided it would be a good place for you to work. And having so many books in your bedroom is starting to be a little too much.

“I do apologize for the dust, your highness. If you want, I can fetch someone to do a quick clean,” Diablo offers.

Wiping a finger along the desk, you note the layer of dust. “I think that would be for the best. While someone cleans up here, I’m going to gather the materials from my room.” The butler bows before leaving.

Leaving the study door open, you go back to your room. Gathering all the books and papers into a stack, you eye the leaning tower. You could make a few trips to ensure nothing will fall. But the less trips you have to make, the quicker you can get down to business.

Carrying the precarious tower of books while tucking the papers under one arm, you walk slowly down the hall. A few maids stop and offer to help, but you wave them off. You’re fairly certain you can handle this.

You’re nearly there when the papers from under your arm slip out. Narrowing your eyes, you shift the balance of the books to one hand. Slowly squatting, you reach out your free hand to try and pick up the papers while keeping an eye on the stack.

“Come on…” Your fingers brush against the papers. “There!” And the tower of books wobbles dangerously. “Don’t you dare…” Unfortunately the books do not listen and the stack tilts over.

But before they can fall, they start to float. Staring at the sight, the rest fly out of your hand. Realizing now that you’re not alone, you finally notice Malleus standing outside his study. He waves his hands and the books fly over to him. They stack neatly while floating at his side.

He gestures to the books. “It seemed that you needed help.”

Picking up the papers, you sigh. “Thank you. I thought I could make it…”

He follows you into the study. “You’ve decided to use the office,” he mumbles aloud. He sets the books on the now clean desk.

“I thought it would be better than my bedroom. And the view is nice,” you explain with a chuckle. “Since you’re across the way, feel free to visit.”

Malleus takes in the nearly empty room. Since the queen had never used it, there were no personal items. He turns back to you. “Do you want to write up the proposal for the Queendom of Roses?”

You owlishly blink. “M-me?”

“Yes. You are the one who came up with the idea. It would only be appropriate for you to draw up the proposal.”

Sure you had all her memories of how to be a proper queen. But she had never done any of her duties. Instead they were all dumped on Mallues. From her memories, he never said a word. He left the queen alone to do what she wanted.

Nervously licking your lips, you slowly nod. “I’ll try my best…”

“I can look over it once you're done,” he offers.

“Okay… Right, let me just start working on this.” Scrambling around your desk, you start shuffling through the papers. Malleus leaves you to your work.

---

Pouring through books on treaties and negotiations, you attempt to draft up a proposal. Diablo provides you with a few old proposals that were made back in the day. You also try to keep in mind the etiquette the Queendom of Roses has. They have a lot of rules; eight-hundred and ten to be exact.

If you want the proposal to be accepted, you need to ensure you’re following all their rules as well. It’s honestly ridiculous, but you’re determined to get this done right. If you can do this and show Malleus you’re capable, it’s bound to make you more favorable in his eyes. All you need is for him to think of you favorably by the time the protagonist shows up.

You crumble up another sheet of paper and toss it on the floor. The proposal writing isn’t going very well. Letting out a deep, frustrated sigh, you set down your pen. “Diablo, what time is it?”

“It’s nearly five, your highness,” he answers right away. You hear him snap the cover of his pocket watch closed. He comes in and out of your office offering tea and snacks. “Perhaps, it’s time you take a break,” he advises.

Groaning, you stand up. “Fine!” You probably sound like a child, but you wanted to get this done as soon as possible. However, you’ve barely made a dent.

“Might I suggest a walk in the garden to clear your head?” He bows. “The weather is lovely and some sun will do you good, your highness.”

Following his advice, you head out to the garden. It really is a beautiful place. Inhaling deeply, you feel some tension leave your body. “Mhmm! You’re right, Diablo. I needed this.”

The old butler bows. “I’m glad my suggestion is helping.”

You continue your leisurely walk through the gardens. There’s still something bothering you about this marriage. Your country is much smaller and weaker compared to Briar Valley. In regards to value, Briar Valley got the short end of the deal. And based on what you remember in the book, Malleus had no feelings for the queen. His one true love would be the protagonist. So why on earth did he agree to the marriage in the first place? The author never explained it.

“Your highness?” Diablo’s voice brings you out of your thoughts.

“Hmm?” He gestures to Malleus, who had at some point shown up. “Oh! Hello, your majesty.”

Malleus looks surprised to see you. “I did not expect to see you here.”

Right, because the queen usually spent her days locked in her room. “I just needed some air. I’ve been working on the proposal but haven’t had much luck.”

He nods. “I see.” You watch as his eyes dull and his face falls back into a stoic expression. The queen’s unique magic is still in effect. “If you need help, I’m sure there are some old proposals Diablo can find for you to use as samples.”

“He’s already done that. I think I just need more time to wrap my head around it.” You can only hope the unique magic effects will wear off eventually. “What brings you out here?”

Mallues holds up a watering can. “I wanted to tend to the roses.” You realize now that he’s actually dressed down. “I know we have the gardeners to take care of everything, but I do like to tend to the roses once and awhile,” he continues. “I haven’t felt up to the task recently, but today seems like a nice day.”

The image of the regal king of Briar Valley taking care of flowers pops into your head unbidden. It’s actually quite a heart warming image. “I didn’t realize you had a green thumb,” you joke. He really doesn’t seem the type to get down and dirty.

Head tilting slightly, he regards you coolly. “There’s a lot of things I like to do. I guess we just haven’t had much time to learn about each other.” There’s no maliciousness in his words, but it still hurts. And even though you know it’s not your fault, you still feel a bit bad.

“I guess we’ve been busy…” you respond lamely. Sighing, you look over to Diablo, but he’s busy minding his own business. “Do you mind if I…if I help?”

“If you want to.” He hands you the watering can. “I’ll do some pruning over there. You can start watering them over in that area.” He’s all business as he directs you.

Despite not being dressed properly for garden work, you don’t comment. Watering plants is fairly easy compared to pruning. As you silently water the plants, you watch Mallues from the corner of your eye. He’s laser focused as he works quickly and efficiently. He’s obviously done this a lot.

By the time you're done, you're sweating, dirty and exhausted. Your clothes are smeared with dirt from the times you leaned a bit too close. Wiping your forehead with the back of your hand, you can feel the fatigue in your body. The queen never did hard work, and you can tell just by how raw your hands feel. Gripping the watering can so much had caused the skin to blister and break.

“Your highness, I believe it would be best to go inside and rest,” Diablo called. The old butler had hovered around you with concern, but you had waved him off. You were determined to get this done without any help. Anything to get on Malleus’s good side.

You can feel the sweat clinging to you like a second skin. “I think you’re right…” you huff. The sun continues to shine down rather harshly as you peer up. “I think I need a bath,” you mumble.

Swaying as you walk, you stumble a few times. Diablo is by your side immediately. “Your highness!”

“Damn this body,” you mutter. Your vision is blurry as Diablo’s voice fades in and out. “I need a nap, Diab-” Then everything goes black.

---

When you wake, your body no longer feels like lead. You sit up in bed. Someone had changed you out of your clothes and into something clean. Panic settles in unbidden at the thought of someone seeing your - the queen’s - back. It’s something she wanted to keep hidden from everyone. Even if she’s no longer in the body, her emotions still linger. Some are stronger than others. This particular topic is a sensitive one.

“You’re awake, your highness.” Diablo stands from his seat in the corner of your room. Your head whips around in his direction.

“Who changed me?” you ask, not bothering to beat around the bush.

Standing at your bedside, he bows. “I did.”

The silence stretches on. Then, “Did you…?”

“I did not see anything, your highness,” he responds smoothly.

Your body relaxes. “Okay.”

Standing up straight, he adjusts his jacket. “Your highness, if you ever wish to talk, know that I am here. Whatever you say to me remains confidential. From everyone.”

A small smile forms on your lips. “Thank you, Diablo.”

Diablo nods. “His majesty wanted to know once you woke up. I will get him.” Giving one last bow, he leaves your room. After a few minutes, Malleus sweeps into the room and to your side.

He suddenly drops down on one knee and bows his head. “I’m sorry.”

“Pl-please stand, your majesty!” You wave your hands around uselessly.

Looking up, there’s something different in his gaze. “I should have realized you aren’t used to working outside like that. Instead of watching out for you like a good husband, I ignored you. Please forgive me.”

Reaching over, you try to push his shoulders to stand, but he does not budge. “Your majesty, I am fine. It’s partially my fault as well. I shouldn’t have pushed myself when I knew I needed rest.” Hands falling on your lap, you sigh. “Please stand, Malleus.”

That seems to have an effect. He slowly stands up. “Still, I should have checked in on you. I promise this won’t happen again.”

Patting the bed, you gesture for him to sit. He perches himself precariously on the edge. “I don’t mind helping with the roses. I want to spend more time with you doing things like this,” you tell him. “You’re right that we barely spend time together, so I’d like to remedy that.” You take his hand in your own.

He’s silent as he stares at your connected hands. Then, “I’d like that as well.”

There’s a comfortable silence between you two. Holding his hand feels comfortable. And dear you say his hand feels safe? It’s a strange feeling but not unwelcome. You feel closer to him now.

“What do you want to do?” he asks suddenly.

You manage to pull your gaze from your interlocked hands. “What?”

He runs his thumb over your knuckles absentmindedly. “You said you want to spend more time together. What did you want to do?”

“Right now?” He nods. “Uh…I don’t think my body can do much.” You look around before your eyes fall on a stack of books. “I was planning on reading a few of Briar Valley’s folklores. Do you want to read together?” It’s rather boring but you really don’t want to move.

Malleus gets up to grab the books. You scoot over to make room for him. He hesitates. “Come on. I promise I won’t bite.”

Sitting on the bed while propped up against the headboard, he hands you the books. “Lilia has read these to me before. But it’s been a long time,” he comments.

“It’ll be a refresher for you and something new for me.” Sharing the book between you two, you flip open to the first story. “Once upon a time…”

---

As promised, you spend a little more time with Malleus. You don’t do anything too exciting like little walks through the garden or reading together. The latter he seems to enjoy a lot. Sometimes he would pop into your office just to check-in. He even starts showing up for breakfast and dinner.

Honestly, it felt strange at first seeing him so often, but you quickly got used to it. And it’s nice to be able to talk with someone else besides Diablo.

“Diablo, where is Malleus?” you ask, setting down your pen. Stretching, your body feels stiff from sitting so long.

“He’s on the training grounds.” Taking the proposal in hand, you leave your office. “Master Lilia has returned with knights Silver and Sebek.”

You pause in your walk. Brief, blurry images of these three people emerge from the queen’s memories. It seems that she didn’t have many memories of these three. “Returned from?”

“They went on a mission in regards to the Queendom of Roses,” Diablo explains. “Since a possible war with them has been called off, there is no need for master Lilia to continue. I’m sure Sebek is thrilled to be back at his highness’s side.” Diablo chuckles while shaking his head.

Continuing your walk to the training grounds, you wonder what they’re like. Since the queen didn’t have any interactions with them, you’re going to meet them for the first time. From the brief information she had, the two knights are meant to protect Malleus. Master Lilia was Malleus’s caretaker from when he was a baby.

As you come to the outdoor training grounds, you can hear the murmur of voices. Malleus stands with the three Diablo mentioned. They seem to be having a good time as he even cracks a smile. At least the queen’s magic is weakening.

Sensing your presence, Malleus turns to you. His eyes immediately fall on the paper in your hands. “Have you finished the proposal?”

“Yup. I wanted you to check it.” Holding out the paper, he starts reading. You notice the other three are staring at you. “Hello…”

Silver and Sebek bow. “Your highness,” they say in unison.

Lilia’s gaze darts between you and Malleus. He smiles slyly. “It’s nice to see you two talking and getting along,” he says aloud.

“Hmm…” Malleus makes a noncommittal noise as he finishes reading the proposal. “It’s not bad. There are a few things I believe you can change, but it’s a good proposal overall. I’ll leave the edits in your office tomorrow.”

If there weren’t people around, you would've patted yourself on the back. “Thank you, Malleus!”

“Hrrk?!” Sebek makes a noise in the back of his throat.

You glance over at him as he tries to compose himself. Continuing, “I also think that once we send the proposal, we should do it the way the Queendom of Roses would.”

“That sounds like a good idea.” Malleus nods thoughtfully. “What are their customs?”

Ticking off the rules on your fingers, “We need to send two messengers on white horses. Each messenger should wear a red rose on their lapel. It must be before or after noon time as the queen typically takes tea then.” Your nose scrunches as you recall all the rules you read.

“They’re rules are unusual,” Malleus murmurs. “But I’m sure this will help better our stance with the queen of hearts.”

“That’s what I hope. Anyways, I’m going to finish up some of the other paperwork. I’ll see you for dinner?” You usually don’t ask since he’s been joining you for breakfast and dinner as of late. However, you want him to catch up with everyone.

Smiling, he nods. “Of course.”

Giving him a wave, you and Diablo return to your study. You can feel the other three staring the entire time.

---

Once you disappear Lilia leans in close to Malleus. “It seems that the queen has finally come out of her frozen shell, hmm?”

“Sh-she called you by your first name…” Sebek mutters, bewildered.

“We’ve been getting to know each other,” the dragon king replies. He has a faint smile on his face as he stares off into the direction you went.

The three exchange looks. Silver clears his throat. “I’m glad to see you two are getting closer. And you seem more yourself, your majesty.”

Hand under his chin, he hums thoughtfully. “Now that you mention it, I do feel…lighter.”

“Hoho, to be young~!” Lilia teases.

Shaking his head, Malleus's smile falls into a serious expression. “Did you find anything?” Down to business. His eye flash green as he casts a silencing spell around them.

All three straighten up. Lilia speaks first. “Unfortunately, we do have some bad news about the queen’s parents. It’s too bad seeing as you two are getting along…” He sighs.

“Go on.” Malleus is stone faced as Lilia tells him the news.

[gerec]

could you rec the bests space AU?

The X-Men fandom is absolutely a goldmine for amazing aus, and space aus are some of the best on offer! There are so many great ones that I have to split this into 2 parts, Anon - hope you enjoy:

SPACE AUS - PART 1

Space Jam by Pangea (series)

Prince Charles Xavier is Deputy Commander of the TEF Heartsteel and the newest mission they've been assigned starts out less than desirable and quickly goes downhill from there. It's alright, though, he'll cope.

It doesn't help, though, that he's in unrequited love with his best friend and Commander of the Heartsteel, War-Prince Erik Lehnsherr.

The stars incline us, they do not bind us by ikeracity, Pangea

Intergalactic Federation pilot Lieutenant Charles Xavier is assigned last-minute to a high profile mission: transporting over two thousand prison inmates from an old and overfilled prison complex to a newer, higher-capacity prison stronghold located on the outer reaches of the galaxy. Just as he's settling down for a long and uneventful ride, things take a turn for the worse after the inmates riot and stage a hostile takeover of the ship, leaving Charles to find himself at the complete mercy of cold-blooded killers and facing the chilling prospect that he might not ever make it back home alive.

A Curious Carriage of Crystal and Cold by Etharei

Charles, a miner from a poor village in the countryside, saves the life of Erik Lehnsherr, scion of a successful business family and the richest man on the planet Eisen. Charles is a telepath and somewhat anxious about it, while Erik abstains from relationships because the lights flicker and doors open and electronics vibrate when he gets too excited.

Also featuring a long-suffering sister, a foul-mouthed bodyguard, and a best friend with a heart that is definitely not gold.

In which there are princes, spaceships, long journeys, and old secrets uncovered. (An AU sci-fi fairytale)

The Trouble with Telepaths by endingthemes

“Are you shy about me meeting your family?” Erik asks with a huge smile. “Are you kidding me?”

“It’s not funny,” Charles says, his hands firmly planted on his hips, and it’s honestly hilarious so Erik laughs right in his face.

(Or a Star Trek AU in which Captain Erik Lehnsherr pays a visit to First Officer Charles Xavier's home planet and encounters a few surprises.)

To Rattle the Stars by GQD, Pangea

All his life Charles has chafed at the bonds of gravity that hold him bound to tiny and backwater Montressor, more at home in the sky on his solar surfer than on the ground, where he's stuck working at his stepfather's inn. His heart and soul yearn for the stars, and it's his dream to one day be a spacer and sail across the cosmos on adventure.

The opportunity comes sooner than he ever imagined one night when a ship crash-lands on the inn's front doorstep, carrying a dying pirate with a mysterious map and a dire warning: beware the cyborg.

[A Disney's Treasure Planet AU]

From Rim Space With Love by manic_intent

"Captain Logan! Captain Logan!"

The skinny cadet skitters to a halt next to Logan in the rec room, red-faced and a little out of breath. Logan eyes him with a faint frown, sunk deep into a stimm couch, thumbing up the rim of his captain's hat. He's just come off a torturous fifteen-hour shift, and healing factor or not, Logan's starting to feel it. Warp space is hell on his nerves.

"Settle down, bub. What burned your tail... eh..." Logan concentrates briefly. "Cadet McCoy? Hey. Your blue's showing. Settle down."

McCoy takes in several deep breaths, and the blue fur starting to thread out of his skin sinks back in. "Sir, yes sir. Message from X-Command, sir."

Erik Lehnsherr's Guide to Saving the Universe By Meeting Your Soul-Mate and Falling in Love in Less than 72 Hours by madneto, Pangea

Army Pilot Erik Lehnsherr is just trying to enjoy his day off when a mostly naked person crashes through the roof of his car. Even more alarming, the strange falling naked person—who goes by Charles Xavier when he's not speaking an ancient dead language—brings tidings of the apparent potential end of the world, and begs Erik to help him put a stop to it.

Well. His mother has been nagging at him to go out and meet new people.

Programming by TurtleTotem

Erik is not programmed to feel affection. There's no logical reason for Charles's death to affect him like this. ((Inspired by certain elements of Prometheus, but not a direct crossover.))

Fallen from the Stars by madmalina

Erik’s only purpose in life is to find and kill the man who had his parents executed—Sebastian Shaw, Captain of the Emperor’s fleet. When Erik gets assigned to a job under Shaw’s command—on the spaceship supposed to take the Crown Prince across the galaxy—he’s sure he’s closer to fulfilling his destiny than he has ever been before.

Charles is apprehensively awaiting the day of his twenty-fifth birthday, when he’ll be crowned Emperor, because not only does he have high doubts about his own suitability for the job, he fears the crushing responsibilities it will bring, and ultimately wants nothing more than to live a quiet and peaceful life.

However, the trip across the planets of Charles’ future Empire turns out differently than they both expected, shedding light on intrigues reaching back decades into the past, and forcing both men to put their lives into each other’s hands, even though their differences are seemingly infinite.

 To Catch a Thief by lachatblanche

Charles Xavier, heir to the Xavier Corp billlions, is a wealthy, carefree socialite by day, and a skilled and renowned catburglar by night.

It was, he supposes, inevitable that someday someone would find this out.

fly me to the moon (To Catch a Thief Remix) by ikeracity 

Charles is a wealthy noble who moonlights as notorious intergalactic art thief X in his spare time. Erik is the bounty hunter hot on his tail (who also happens to have a massive crush on him). A fateful encounter on the luxury resort moon Prioria changes things between them forever.

Stardust by JackyJango

When Charles Xavier, Erik's long-suffering-total opposite- best friend gets dumped by his boyfriend, Erik makes a pact with him, that he'll marry Charles if he's still single even after a decade.

I, Charles Francis Xavier, agree to marry Erik Magnus Lehnsherr if I'm not otherwise married or in a committed relationship as of ten years from today, star-dated- 2020:08:007

Nearly a decade later, Erik will do anything to see Charles with a man who's worthy of him.

Some Forgotten Corner of the Universe by Black_Betty

Erik remembers the boy he met on Osiris. Charles is no longer that boy, but that doesn't mean Erik loves him any less...

Ghost in the Shell by MonstrousRegiment

Out in the black of space, where the only creatures whose company you can always count on are violence and death, making a living is a wager. Erik’s crew of mismatched social misfits scrapes by, toeing the line between law and crime. Normally, they prefer to stay out of the Alliance’s way, but when it comes to defending the very freedom they fought for a decade ago, they only follow one principle: when someone tries to kill you, you kill them right back.

The Persistent Traveller by candycandy (telltail_heart) 

Erik is the Chief of Engineering aboard the starship Poseidon, where he’s spent the last 10 years of his life dedicated to his job above all other desires. That is until he receives his newest crew member, Lieutenant Commander Charles Xavier, who proves to be more persistent than a black hole at getting what he wants, which to Erik’s utter confusion appears to be him...

SPACE AUS - PART 2

[she-karev]

The Lucas greys shot was so cute,just curious can you do a part 2 possibly. I love the Lucas Amelia link bond and Lucas and scout cousin cuteness please. Also makes me wonder if he ever told any of his add learning of it. ?

ADHD Reveal (Lucas Adams and Amelia Shepherd ADHD Imagine)

Age Rating: 12+

Chapters: One of One

Fandom: Grey’s Anatomy

Canon Episode: Between Season 19 Episode 17 and 18

AN: Hey guys I know I’m late responding to this request but I’ve been busy with school and other one shots. I learned that October is ADHD awareness month so I thought it would be a perfect time to write this considering the theme. Like and reblog below and let me know what you think.

Summary: Amelia finds out her nephew Lucas has ADHD after accidentally ingesting his medication mistaking it for Aspirin. When she confronts him, he unloads his frustrations on her and their family for missing this.

Words: 5066

April 1st, 2023

“Adams!” Lucas Adams turns to find his chief resident, Amber DeLuca, inside the locker room holding a tablet ready to start the day, “You’re with me and Hunt today in the ER lets go.”

Lucas nods and quickly grabs his aspirin bottle to put inside his lab coat pocket. It’s not for a headache, it’s secretly storing his ADHD medication that he was recently prescribed two weeks ago with Nick Marsh’s help.

Ever since he found out he was neurodivergent Lucas felt everything come into clear focus on why no matter how hard he tries his mind wonders elsewhere. But with it comes a frustration not towards himself but towards his family. In a massive family of doctors how can a kid with clear signs of ADHD be dismissed as a problem child?

“Question Adams is today gonna be a busy or slow day in the ER?”

Lucas snaps out of his dark question to focus on his job that he hopes he can improve on now that he’s taking proper treatment and his focus is becoming more acute.

“Um doesn’t it usually vary?”

“It does.” Amber confirms, “But on April fool’s day the stupidity of the human race reaches heights even TikTok can’t record. Today people pull dangerous and straight up deadly pranks on others and guess who takes care of the damage.”

“First responders?”

“Who take them to us so we can make sure they live to see April 2nd. Now this is a popular prank, The Surfing Challenge, what are the common injuries from a teen riding a car like a surfboard?”

“Fractured pelvis, broken bones, road rash and brain injuries.”

“Correct, you’re with me all day. Any major traumas I have you will be by my side. Now normally I would request either Griffith or Kwan on my service but I personally requested you.”

Lucas looks genuinely shocked at that but knowing his boss thinks it’s a joke, “Is this an April fools prank to psych me for today?”

“Surprisingly no. I’ve noticed your improving work performance the past week, your able to multitask without royally screwing up and making mistakes that only a 1st year med student could make.”

Lucas furrows his eyebrows at that, “That was kind of a back handed compliment but thank you.”

“Don’t thank me yet.” Amber states bluntly, “I’m taking you with me to really test you in a high stress environment. And the ER is the busiest room in this whole building. When patients come in, I am gonna point and yell, it’s how I operate so don’t take it personally.”

“I’ve learned not to at this point.” Lucas says as they head down the hall.

“See that is what I am talking about your finally learning, better late than never. I’m either gonna make or break you today so get your head in the game.”

“Yes Dr. DeLuca.” They enter the ER that is mostly empty this morning. Lucas spots an unopened water bottle at the station. He uncaps his aspirin bottle, pops the pill in his mouth before washing it down with the water.

“Incoming trauma two minutes out, gown and glove now!” Amber yells out to Adams who puts his aspirin bottle behind the station by a desktop before joining in on what will surely be a productive day.

Half an Hour Later

“Now you can see why you shouldn’t eat a spoonful of cinnamon.” Amber tells her teen patient who is breathing through an oxygen mask. He has brown smudges on his shirt and mouth that are from taking the cinnamon challenge. Once they opened his airway and cleared his lungs Amber set him up for oxygen therapy.

Adams looks over the chart for the lung function results, “His lungs are inflamed, should we put him on corticosteroids?”

“Let’s ask him.” Amber turns to the patient, “Simon, are you able to breathe without pain? Can you inhale without the mask? Let’s try.”

Simon takes the mask off and inhales causing him to couch violently, and Amber quickly puts the mask back on calming him down.

“Yep, give him 20 mg’s and call his parents they need to know their kid skipped school to eat cinnamon.”

Adams inserts the drug into the IV before going to the station to call Simon’s parents from the phone when he stops. The station is filled with files, tablets and pens but it’s not what’s on it that stops Lucas dead. His aspirin bottle filled with his Adderall prescription is missing.

Lucas quickly gets behind the desk and looks around the clutter for his bottle. He moves papers, puts tablets on top of the desk, and moves desktops to look in the back. His heart races as the gravity of this hits him, his Adderall is missing possibly in the hands of a doctor or nurse who is unknowingly taking speed.

Amber hears the clutter and looks to find her intern behind the desk moving objects around frantically. She sighs at the sight not expecting Lucas Adams to make a mess so soon after their shifts start. Amber turns to the nurse who looks puzzled by the scene as well.

“Monitor him please, I will be right back.” Amber snaps her gloves off and approaches her intern with a stern face. He doesn’t see her coming as he is on the floor of the station looking around the dirty floor.

“Adams I am almost afraid of what the answer might be but I am going to ask, what are you doing?”

Lucas’s head pops up from under, “Somebody took my aspirin, I need to find it.”

“I had high hopes for you today, Adams, it was a first and now it’s the last.” Amber pinches the bridge of her nose, “Aspirin is a dime a dozen ask a nurse to get you another-”

“No I need that bottle!” Lucas exclaims standing up and seeing his boss narrowing her eyes at him.

“Two things, 1. You do not interrupt me again, 2. You will tell me what is so important about that specific aspirin that warrants you to yell at the woman who can fire you with one call. Go.”

Lucas inhales and exhales to keep his anxiety under control before explaining in a hushed voice, “I was diagnosed with ADHD two weeks ago and the neurologist prescribed Adderall to take. I carry it with me inside a bottle of aspirin that I left at this station, and it’s gone which means someone took it with them by mistake.”

Amber stands there frozen for a moment to process before she laughs scaring Lucas who looks at her in shock. She laughs like it’s the funniest thing for a few moments before forming coherent words.

“Y-You’re pranking me, right?” Amber asks with a wide smile, “This is an April fools’ prank, oh Adams you almost gave me a heart attack, good on you.”

Lucas stands there frozen in place with a remorseful face that Amber sees causing her to gulp as her smile begins to die.

“Why aren’t you laughing? Laugh Adams so I know your messing with me, please!” Lucas looks down at his feet in fear causing Amber to frown as she realizes he’s telling her the truth. The chief resident inhales deeply to keep calm so that they don’t raise suspicion before moving closer to the intern asking in a low voice that sends shivers down Adams spine.

“Are you telling me that a doctor or nurse might be taking your ADHD medication by mistake causing them to be impaired and a danger to patients?”

Lucas stands there scared to give an answer that might have him punched. However, he knows silence will ensure his death so he gives a quick nod causing Amber to groan and turn to Owen Hunt who just entered the pit.

“Hunt!” Owen freezes at that shout that he registers as panic, “I need to attend to an emergency outside the pit and I need Adams with me.”

“DeLuca, we got patients, and they need-”

“Hunt I would never ask this of you unless it was life or death you know that and if you look at my face you will see the sheer panic and anxiety that will grow unless you let me go, now!”

Hunt looks shocked by that but complies knowing the resident well enough to see her fear, “I’ll page Parker and Kwan to cover you for the next hour.”

“Thank you.” Amber turns to her intern who looks panicked as well, “You’re with me so you can watch me clean up your mess. Again.”

Later

“It must be a hell of an aspirin to go through this much trouble.”

Amber rubs her eyes at that statement, “Carl you have no idea, just run the footage at 7:13 AM that’s when we got the paramedics with the patient and when my intern put his bottle at the station. And let’s keep this between the three of us unless something horrific happens and I need to get a lawyer, so I don’t lose income for my family.”

Lucas looks down in shame at that comment knowing it would be his fault if Amber got fired for his mistake. Despite how blunt she is and how much she reprimands him, he knows it’s because it’s her job to make sure he does better next time. But even when his focus becomes clear he still screws up. It makes him more frustrated at himself and everyone else around him.

The security guard goes over the security footage of the pit at Amber’s command. Meanwhile, Amber and Lucas are speaking privately a few feet away from the desk. She speaks to Lucas in a low voice so no one can hear them.

“Why do you keep your Adderall in a bottle of aspirin?” Amber asks sternly, “They already have them in orange pill bottles telling people who they’re for and what they are.”

“I-I didn’t want people to find out. I just got diagnosed I’m trying to find my footing and I’m getting used to my meds.” Lucas replies truthfully, “Everybody already thinks I’m a screwup especially my family I didn’t want to give them an excuse to hammer on me more or reasons that explain why I screwed up so much. But I can see that I didn’t think it through.”

“Gee you think?” Amber asks sarcastically causing Lucas to look up in shame. Remorse falls on the resident who tries to mend her words, “Look I am not shaming you for being neurodivergent. Half of my classmates in med school had ADHD, as long as you are finally working on getting treatment you have my support. But you have to understand that accidentally drugging medical professionals is severely frowned upon and could lead to both of us getting fired. Do you understand now why we keep pills in orange bottles?”

Lucas nods, “Yes I understand now it won’t happen again.”

“See to it that it doesn’t.” Amber sighs looking at the tape, “We just have to hope whoever took your aspirin didn’t take any. There! I see someone reaching over the station! Run it again.”

Amber and Lucas lean forward to get a closer look at the footage. They see a woman in a lab coat rubbing her temple and leaning against the station before grabbing the bottle and taking it with her. The footage stops as her face comes to full view revealing it to be Amelia Shepherd.

Lucas sees this and sighs at this unfortunate turn of events, “And it keeps getting better.”

Later

Amber bursts through the surgical doors searching for the chief of neuro. She darts her eyes around the area hoping that Amelia is prepping and not in an OR high on speed. Amber spots Amelia speed walking to the gowning station looking jittery as she takes a pair of booties before sitting down where her leg is shaking against the floor. The chief resident knows what this means causing her to gingerly approach Shepherd.

“Dr. Shepherd.”

Amelia smiles up at the chief resident before responding at hyper pace, “Hey Amber, let me ask you do you ever have one of those days where you have all this energy in your body and you just want to work out until you get it all out? I hate running so my outlet is surgery which is where I’m headed right now. Aneurism clip it’s nothing to it, just go in and out, it’s like when my college roommate had a guy over oof let me tell you she knew the definition of in and out.”

“Okay I need you to be honest with me right now, did you take aspirin this morning?”

“Yeah it didn’t work I still got the headache and I was excited to crush a stuffed crust pizza for lunch but I wasn’t in the mood.”

Amber nods bitterly, “Yep that tracks. Okay my friend you and I are gonna take a nice walk to the attendings lounge, let’s go.” She links her arm to Amelia’s who follows confused.

“But I have a surgery.”

“No you do not, your nephew will explain in a bit just keep walking and maybe don’t talk so much for all of our sakes.” Amelia keeps quiet allowing Amber to guide her to the attendings lounge where Adams is waiting anxiously.

“I-Is she…?” Lucas asks.

“Oh yeah.” Lucas groans at that confirmation. Amber grabs a water bottle from the fridge and hands it to Amelia who paces back and forth high on speed, “Hydrate now.”

“So bossy.” Amelia sips her water and ends up chugging it empty, “Oh wow I needed that, thanks.”

“Yeah, I don’t think your gonna feel thankful with what we’re about to tell you.” Amber turns to Adams who has his hands behind his head leaning against the fridge with a worried face, “Tell her. Your aunt, your mess. I’ll be in the pit when you’re done, I’ll call Link and tell him the situation.” Amber leaves the room with Amelia looking at Lucas confused.

Lucas sighs before getting off the fridge and approaching his aunt with guilt etched on his face. Amelia is still pacing in the room, “Um aunt Amelia…that aspirin you took it wasn’t aspirin it was my Adderall for my ADHD.”

Amelia stops pacing and faces Lucas with a wide-eyed expression, “…What?”

“That was my aspirin bottle you took only I don’t keep aspirin in it I keep my Adderall in it. I was diagnosed with ADHD two weeks ago and I’ve been taking it ever since, I am so sorry.”

Amelia’s bliss extinguishes at this and is replaced with shock, “Lucas! Oh my god! I am high right now! I’m six years sober I am a mom I cannot slip especially not now!”

“I-I-I didn’t think anybody was gonna take it.” Lucas explains clumsily.

“Then why did you keep speed in an aspirin bottle to begin with?!” Amelia asks frustrated, “I almost went into surgery strung out of my mind! I am in people’s brains for a living do you know how much focus and steadiness that requires?”

“I didn’t mean to get you high. And it’s not like you knew I mean doesn’t AA make exceptions for this?”

Amelia scoffs, “Recovery means being sober at all times it’s not like cheating on a diet or skimping on chores, it could mean ruined lives! God how is it you got me involved in your mess again?”

“My mess?” Lucas asks clearly triggered, “You think this is all my fault? I tell you I’m taking meds for my neuro disorder, and you somehow turn it around and make me the Black Shepherd again? Are you freaking kidding me?!”

Amelia is startled by his yelling and he continues, “Did you ever stop to wonder why I’m like this? Hyperactivity, lack of attention, inability to focus, irritated easily, I read all of those symptoms online and it all made sense to me so why didn’t it make sense to all of you?! Everybody called me lazy and stupid even my own family and your freaking doctors, neurosurgeons how could you have missed this?!”

Amelia frowns at this as her frustration passes and guilt settles in as her nephew continues ranting, “You know I get mom and dad and even Uncle Derek but you…you know what it’s like to be different to be seen as messed up and yet you took one look at me and thought the same things they did why?! It’s not like ADHD is rare and you go into people’s brains for a living, neurological issues are yours and Uncle Derek’s main language! Maybe if any of you had seen it and caught it early, I could have gotten treatment, I could have gotten this under control, I could have been something. I could have gotten better grades, got into the best colleges like you and Derek. I could have been a better doctor but instead you like everyone else in my life thought I was stupid, why?!”

Amelia is stunned silent by this struggling to respond causing Lucas to scoff, “You know what forget it, I’m going back to the pit. At least there are people there that don’t think I’m just another lazy idiot.” With that Lucas storms out slamming the door behind him leaving Amelia to stew in her guilt.

That Night

“Okay Scout is down.” Link proclaims as he enters his ex-girlfriends living room where she is sitting on the couch looking at the coffee table in torment, “I’m gonna stay here until you feel better and make sure you call your sponsor. How are you feeling? Are the symptoms subsiding?”

“Mostly.” Amelia answers in a numb tone, “I still feel thirsty, and I still got the headache that’s grown with the knowledge that I just broke my sobriety after six agonizing years.”

Link looks at Amelia in sympathy and sits down on the couch next to her, “You thought it was aspirin, something over the counter. You didn’t intend to get high; you didn’t intend to endanger yourself, your patients or our son. It was an accident, and you won’t do it again.”

Amelia darkly chuckles, “Yeah that’s what I said over ten years ago when I accidentally drank champagne at a friend’s wedding thinking it was ginger ale. (Private Practice Season 4 Episode 20) I played it off as an accident, a mistake and I ended up prescribing myself oxy and waking up to my fiancé who OD’d beside me. I fell until I hit rock bottom and it almost killed me.”

“So, you know not to do that again.” Link encourages, “Because you know if you do your son might have to grow up without a mom around. A good mom who is trying her best even when life throws hurdles at her. You stayed sober after Ryan, you stayed sober after Christopher, you stayed sober during a pandemic. You earned those 6 years, don’t let one accident mess up your progress. You know what happens if you do so I know you won’t do that again, you just have to know that too.”

Amelia looks at Link flattered knowing no matter what they will still love each other even if they are not together anymore. She also knows he will be her cheerleader when she feels the weight of the world on her shoulders, and she will forever appreciate it.

“Thank you.” Amelia sips her water bottle.

“How are you feeling otherwise? Are you okay?”

Amelia purses her lips, “Well I feel good about keeping my sobriety, I didn’t intend to get high and I don’t intend to ever. Although I feel guilt and depressed over being the worst aunt in the entire world so that’s not great.”

“You’re not the worst aunt in the entire world.”

“My nephew says otherwise.” Amelia retorts bitterly, “And why shouldn’t he? I like everybody else in my family thought he was a mess. He never followed instructions, he had to do everything his own way, his grades were barely passable, all that time I never thought there was something to explain why he was like that. I never thought he could have a learning disorder, and I am not only a terrible aunt but a horrible doctor as well. I remove inoperable tumors; I paved the way to cure Parkinson’s and yet I couldn’t see that my nephew was suffering from ADHD.”

“You weren’t the only one who didn’t see it.” Link reminds her, “His mom didn’t see it but then again I met her so I’m guessing she had expectations for her kid bordering on perfection.”

“You have no idea.” Amelia confirms with an exasperated tone, “But I know what it’s like to be considered the Black Shepherd so I could have understood his struggles better. I could have helped him; I could have been his safe haven, but I wasn’t because his mother drove me crazy, and I avoided her except on Christmas and birthdays and Lucas was a casualty. I wasn’t around as much as I should have been, and he suffered because of it.”

“Did you get a degree in diagnosing neuro divergent disorders at the drop of a hat?” Link asks causing Amelia to glare at him, “I’m not trying to be a jerk I am just saying this disorder can be missed even by doctors like you. Maybe you could have caught this if you were around more or maybe you couldn’t, we’ll never know. What happened in the past happened and you can’t change that, that’s what they teach you in AA right?”

“Yeah.”

“How does that saying go? Accept the things you can’t change…”

Amelia inhales and exhales before finishing, “Gain the courage to change the things you can and the wisdom to know the difference.”

“Yeah that’s right, you can’t change Lucas getting diagnosed sooner you and I both know that.” Amelia nods solemnly, “But you can change what happens from now on now that he’s been diagnosed. You can give him the help you wanted to give him when he was younger. Maybe when he sees how hard you’re working to make up for your lack of attention he’ll realize he has a pretty cool aunt on his side. And if he doesn’t then it’s his loss, what do you say?”

Amelia looks at Link in thought before her brain comes up with ideas to help her nephew and make up for her mistakes.

Three Days Later

Lucas is in the living room of what used to be his Aunt Meredith’s house and is how his, Griffith’s and Yasuda’s. He is reading from his flashcards that Nick Marsh gave him to help him study for the ABSITE’s.

Marsh told him it helped him pass with flying colors and thought Lucas could benefit from it as well. Lucas finds this to be true as the medical notes are easy to read with examples to help. He knows even if he caught this too late at least someone like Nick can guide him through it unlike his own family.

He hears the door opening and closing but is deep in his notes to look up, “Did you get any Chinese? I’m starving.”

“No but I brought sushi.” The familiar voice makes Lucas look up to find it’s his aunt Amelia holding up a takeout bag with a guilty face, “I thought it would be the first step in the Aunt Amelia apology train.”

Lucas is stumped by this gesture and almost wants to welcome it. However, he is still angry towards Amelia and feels his outburst was warranted. Their relationship has been fraught since he joined the program, but he feels he can’t forgive and forget knowing she like so many others let him down when he needed help the most.

He looks back down on his notes and replies icily, “I’m not hungry.”

Amelia is not mad, she knows it’s gonna take more than Japanese takeout to make up for her short sightedness, “I get it, I would give the cold shoulder too after what I said the other day. I wouldn’t be so cold and silent though I would be belligerent and give a verbal lashing that could rival yours three days ago.”

“What do you want?” Lucas asks impatiently, “Are you here to try to get me to tell your sponsor that I accidentally got you high so there’s only one screw up in the family?”

“Lucas I could be 20 years sober, and I would still be the screw up in the family.” Amelia retorts half amused, “And my sponsor believed me and didn’t change my sobriety date, so I am good on that front. Now I am moving on to making things right with my nephew who gave me an Oscar worthy speech the other day so to start I am sorry. I will elaborate further.”

Lucas holds his hand up to stop her, “Look let’s not do this. No amount of sorry is gonna change what happened and it’s not gonna make 12-year-old me get diagnosed and treated. Now I am sorry for accidentally getting you high, I can see now orange pill bottles exist for a reason and I will use them from now on. I’m working out to combat the symptoms and I’m improving on my work so much that even Amber DeLuca is impressed. We can work together without any more incidents and outbursts. Let’s just…keep things professional from now on okay? I think it’s best for all of us.”

Amelia looks hurt by this for a moment before gaining the courage to work harder on her apology, “You didn’t mean to get me high; I know that and I also know that me saying your ADHD ruined my life was a low blow. I should have handled it better, I should have taken into account why it took so long for you to get treatment. And your right things could have been different if you had gotten this diagnosed as a kid. Maybe I could have seen it if I was around more when your were a kid. College, med school, residency are all time consuming, and sacrifices were made. Also, your mom has made it her life’s mission to remind me of my mistakes every time I come and visit so that kept me away as well. I think you know as well as I do that your mother, while I love her is not the most likable person to be around for long periods of time. She can be snarky, brash, judgmental, hold on to grudges and just an outright bitch on occasion.”  

“Hey!” Lucas snaps looking up with a glare, “Just because I’m mad at her doesn’t mean I’ll stay quiet while you insult her, that’s my mother you’re talking about.”

“And she’s my sister so I get to talk bad behind her back all I want.” Lucas rolls his eyes, “My point is that I can’t change the past short of getting a time machine we can’t diagnose you earlier and support you when you needed it most. The past is in the past and there’s no way to go back and correct all the mistakes we’ve done.”

“You’re really lifting my spirits here.” Lucas remarks sarcastically still reading his notes.

“I can’t change what happened, but I can change what happens moving forward.” Lucas looks up for the first time without venom instead he has curiosity in his eyes, “You say that you could have accomplished more if we caught this earlier, you say that like it’s too late but it’s not. You’re still young, you’re an intern, you’re at the prime of your career where you have so many opportunities to live up to the family name. It’s what you want to do, and I am gonna help you do that because it’s what I would have wanted when I lived in our pedestal family’s shadow.”

Lucas looks at Amelia with tenderness at this offer as she continues, “Now I am working to develop my Parkinsons research and while it’s not nominated maybe it will win me the Catherine Fox award next year. Assisting me on that could pave the path you want and finally show our family screwed up doesn’t mean stupid. What do you say?”

Lucas sighs as his anger begins to subside with this offer. For so long he wanted to be seen as good enough in his family and now his world-class surgeon aunt is offering to help him with that. It makes him want to take her offer, but his loyalty matters more to him.

“I wish I could but I’m already helping Dr. Marsh with his genetically modified pig livers. He’s already nominated, and I hope he wins, it can give people like him and me a role model to look up to.”

Amelia is taken back by this rejection but is oddly pleased with this loyalty from her nephew, “That is very admirable of you. Nick Marsh is a good man, and he helped you when all of us failed you so he more than earned your assistance. He can help you be the surgeon he and I know you can be.”

Lucas nods at this before speaking in comfort, “Well you’re the first person besides Uncle Derek and Nick who said that about me, if that counts for something.”

Amelia grins at this start to a more stable relationship between them before the food calls to her, “Well the offer still stands but until then are you hungry for sushi now? I know it’s not Chinese but I promise I got goodies in here for us both.”

Lucas is enticed by the smell of food as his hunger grows, “What did you get?”

“Yellowtail jalapeno for me, spicy tuna on crispy rice for you and wonton tacos for both of us.”

Lucas salivates at that before putting his notes away, “Okay but I get most of the tacos.”

Amelie chuckles, “You do not want to challenge me on that trust me.” She sits down next to him on the couch taking the food out so they can eat together as a family for what will hopefully be the start of a new and better beginning between them.

[nyxindustries]

After Class | Tony Stark

Fandom: MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe)

Pairing: Tony Stark x Reader, Tony Stark x Female Reader, Young Tony Stark x Reader

Warnings: 18+ Minors Do NOT interact, sexual intercoirse, slight praise kink, slight rough sex kink, first date, fast burn, slight intoxication. Unprotected sex (wrap it before you tap it) Oral Sex, V in P, (Female receiving ) Explicit Content, Explicit Language.

| Part 2 | - This is a request from my old account, that I no longer unfortunately have. Hope whoever requested this gets back to you.-

Staring at the man in front of you, holding a rose as he got soaking wet with the rain pouring down. He held a single rose in his hand, a giant smile, a question you couldn’t bear to understand but your stomach leaped with your heartbeat a thousand times faster.

“T-Tony….what are you asking me?” You ask quietly, staring at your college classmates and lab buddy in and out of class.

“Go on a date with me, tonight. We just finish class and We both live off campus, it’ll be fun.” Tony pleads to you, making you laugh softly.

“Tony, you're getting all wet, and why should I go on a date with you? Seems like you hate me most of the time!” You jokingly say, almost thinking it’s a joke, as you cover him with your umbrella, making him smile a bit.

You’ll confess it, you love Tony with all your heart, but he couldn’t have possibly liked you back, so many girls are on him all day and every day because of his money or his looks.

Not only that, you weren’t like that, you didn’t care for his money or his looks, at first, you didn’t even like him at all because of the way he acted, but then he became your lab partner. You love him.

“I don’t hate you…even if I like teasing you. I don’t. Ms. Y/n I like you a lot, so go on a date with me” he says, and you smile softly, staring at him with a massive smile now.

“Okay! I like you too. Tonight.” You say as you gingerly take the fresh rose that has water droplets dropping, and you smelled it, smelling the freshness of the rose making you smile more.

“I’ll pick you up from your house, we’ll go to dinner and see where the night takes us. How does that sound?” He says, and you agree quickly.

“Great! I’ll see you tonight!” He says as places a gentle kiss on your cheek and then walks away in the rain, leaving you there.

—

Being dressed in a cute black dress and wedges as you waited for Tony. You were pacing around your living room, nervous. You love Tony, and he asked you on a date, oh, the things that can happen on this date.

Ding!Dong!

Your doorbell, sighing of relief as quickly as the negative thoughts came, they left. Opening the door as you smile seeing the young, golden brown hair standing at the door. A classy casual dress, a nice dress shirt, and nice pants with dress shoes.

“Hey, pretty lady! Let’s go!” Tony says as he reaches out his hand, and you grab it with a smile.

“You look handsome tonight!” You say and Tony laughs.

“Don’t I always look handsome?” Tony teased, and you laugh softly

“No” You joke making Tony and yourself laugh, in playfulness.

“Well, I know you look beautiful every single day and especially tonight” Tony compliments you, making you blush red.

“Thank you,” you say as he opens his car door for you, helping you get in.

Arriving at the restaurant as it was packed with customers and also really, really fancy and high-end.

“I made reservations!” Tony says, and you just looked around the glass structure and waterfall that’s in the middle of the room.

“Wow, this is beautiful Tony,” you say, and he just smiled at you as you guys waited to be seated.

“Follow me,” the waiter says, and you nod as all have you begin walking with them as the waiter took to the back of the restaurant, onto a balcony area. Your table is the only table out here.

Smiling as you look around, and it’s such a beautiful view too.

Getting seated as the waiters look at the both of you.

“Red Wine as requested,” the waiter says as he pours two cups, leaving the both of you with menus.

“Oh wow. This is beautiful, Tony! How did you do it?” You ask, and he smiles

“I pulled some strings, some people owe my father a favor,” he says, and you laugh softly

“Of course.” You say as you look through the menu, taking a sip of your wine.

Talking about the menu now as soon the both of you order food to your liking.

Looking at Tony as you smile, “so what made you want to go on a date with me? You ask and Tony chuckled.

“I don’t know, I think you're wonderful,” he says, and your smile.

“I think you're wonderful too”

The food arrived as you still talked to Tony.

Looking at the food as it looked so delicious and the wine getting a bit to the both of you. — Walking out of the restaurant with a smile and holding on to Tony's hand as you walk to his car.

“Hey, it’s still pretty early, want to go back to the place for a movie?” Tony asks and you nod, looking at him.

Maybe, The wine is getting to you because as of right now you want to kiss him. The wine scenario is also unlikely, you only had two glasses, and you had a three-course dinner tonight, plus all the all-you-can-eat bread.

“I want to kiss you,” you say quietly and Tony smirks.

“Me too” Tony whispers and you smile as you lean in kissing him as he kisses you back softly.

“Now I really would like to go to my place.” Tony jokes and you laugh softly.

“Yeah, let’s do it. “ You say and Tony nods

“You sure? I can always drive you home, but I’m letting you call it” He says kindly and non-pressuring which meant a lot to you.

“No, let's do it. Come on!” You say as the valet driver pulled up In Tony's car and Tony follows you quickly as you got into his car with a chuckle as he got in right after you.

—

Arriving at Tony's place as he parks quickly and got out he opens the car door, making you laugh as he helps you get out.

“My love,” he says, making you turn red as he walks up to his house steps and opens the door for you quickly as you walk in.

Walking into the living room of his single townhouse, he loved her because it was closer to the university than going all the way home to his parents.

“Wow this is beautiful Tony”

You say, and he smiles

“Thank you!” He says, as you slowly turn to him, and he helps you take your jacket off to stare at him again.

Tony kisses you softly again, and you kiss back with a lot of passion, causing Tony to deepen the kiss. Your hands go to Tony's face as you pull him in closer, and he groans in response as he grips your thighs and ass.

Making him lift you as he held you against the wall, still kissing you. Tony gets a good grip on you as he carries you upstairs, making you chuckle into the kiss.

Going straight to the bedroom as Tony tossed you onto the bed, making you stare up at him as he quickly lost his tie and shoes, and you quickly lost your shoes too.

Tony towered over you and you could his smirk as you felt his hands on your dress, the next thing you knew it was off of you, and so are your bra and panties.

“It’s all about you tonight, baby. “ Tony says into your making you smile softly

Kissing him once more, your hands went to his belt buckle and quickly undid it with a smirk. Tony gently spread your legs now as he saw your pussy, soaking wet.

Everything he thought and saw rushed down to his cock as he smirks slowly going down as he kissed your clit softly before licking a thick line down and up your pussy making you moan in soft pleasure.

“Tony” You moan out, making him smirk as he lapses his tongue onto your pussy and clit, tasting all of your juices.

Tony shoved his two fingers in you as he started displaying you no mercy, just the way you liked it.

Tony thrusts and curls his fingers in you as he keeps reaching your sweet spot he sucks, licks, and teases your clit harder with each thrust, making you moan more loudly than before.

Glancing down at him in between your legs as you moan, pushing his hair out of your face and pulling him closer into your pussy.

“Fuck, fuck !” You scream out as he begins thrusting and sucking faster as he feels you clench your pussy around his fingers. He looks up at you as he watches your face contort into pleasure, not knowing how much you can take anymore.

“Tony… Tony, I’m gonna~ Ah.” You scream out as you grip the sheets tight on his bed you begin cumming on his fingers as he slowly pulls them out, licking your cum up with his tongue with a sweet smile.

“Mm, baby, taste yourself. You taste so delicious” Tony says

As he pushes his cum covered fingers in your mouth making you lick them up and down, sucking on his fingers. Tony slaps at your oversensitive cunt, making you jump in response as he quickly flips you over onto your stomach, your face meeting a pillow.

Tony pulls his underwear down as he strokes himself slowly and starts putting himself at your entrance rubbing his cock all around your entrance.

“T-Tony please I need it” you moan out quietly making him smirk as he thrusts his cock into you.

“Mhm don’t worry baby girl you're going to get it.” He whispers into his ear, making you smile as he starts thrusting in his cock picking up a persistent pace. Tony knows the way you like it, and you like it rough. That wasn't a secret between the two of you.

Tony thrusts harder as he grabs your hair pulling you back into your knees, as he balances you and thrusts into you.

Becoming a moaning mess as Tony's hands let go of your hair, but you kept your head on his shoulder and saw his one hand go to your breast massaging then his other went to your clit, massaging it fast.

Gasping out at the extra pleasure as Tony flicked and pulled on your nipple. Kissing on the back of your neck, making hickeys in heart shape and any shape he wanted to know you belonged to him.

“F-fuck me harder" You moan out as Tony's hands met yours, and he pinned down the bed, face first. Gentle kissing your shoulder with that, started thrusting faster and harder into you, railing into you now.

The mouth is covered by the pillow you're, and your face is stuffed into, barely covering up your screams as your eyes closed tight in pleasure.

“ Ah! FUCK TONY! Fuck, Fuck!~RIGHT THERE" You scream into the pillow. You felt your hair get pulled, and your head lifted.

“Oh baby, you like that? Let me hear you say it!" Tony mutters into your ear with soft groans.

“F-fuck, please. I love it.” You whine out as he drops you back into the pillow that your saliva and sweat are now on. You're holding on to his bed frame with some mercy and support now.

Tony no longer shows any mercy with his cock as he slams into you, all you could do is moan for more. While Tony called you the dirtiest name, he could think of. The room filled with skin-slapping moans and the bed frame banging against the wall loudly.

“I’m-…. I’m…going to cum!” You scream out,

Tony finds your sweet spot again with his cock, making you moan as he slams into it, making you make noises you never made before, those noises going straight to his cock.

“I’m cumming!” You say it over and over again, not being able to say any other words.

“Me too baby, Where do you want it? Tony grunts out as he does a few more thrusts into you as started cumming all over his cock.

“I don’t care! I’m on the pill anyway!” You moan out, making Tony smirk more as he grabs your waist holding you onto his cock as he cum in you.

Tony slowly pulled over you once you and he rides the high out, making you finally collapse on the bed, Tony next to you.

“Fuck…that was amazing,” you say and giggle out as Tony smiles, looking over at you and seeing your mess, run-down makeup, and your exhausted face now.

Tony, smiling as he pushed your hair out of his face and slowly got up, putting his boxers on.

“Where are you going?” You ask calmly.

“To run you a bath, make you something to drink and eat if you'd like…then we can cuddle,” he says, and you smile softly at him.

“Good,I’m sore already. I’ve never been fucked like that” you say, and he laughs as he walks into his bathroom, starting a warm bath, and grabbing pain relief for you as he walked out, going downstairs and grabbing you juice and water with some fruit he cut up quickly placing them in a bowl for you and him.

Tony came back as he chuckled, seeing you facts asleep and a mess in the bedsheets. Tony places it down, and he gently shakes you, making you groan as Tony picks you up and wakes you.

Your new-found lover slowly takes you to the bathroom as he places you in the tub, and you smile softly at him.

“Here, pain relief and some water.” He says as he hands it to you, and you take the pill with ease with some water.

“Move up.” He says, and you do as you watch him slip his underwear off and get in the tub with you. Tony pulled you close in as you relaxed in the big tub with warm water wrapping around you and him.

“Let’s get you washed up, shall we?” He asks, and you nod slowly as Tony grabs some soap, and he washed you up and down.

Then began washing your hair for you as you relaxed into his arms even more, and you thoroughly enjoyed this as he washes your hair. Sighing out in happiness as Tony wraps you in a warm towel once you and he gets out.

“Oh, here’s your purse just in case, do what you need to do. I’m going to go change the sheets” he says, and you nod as he leaves you in the bathroom to finish anything else.

Changing the sheets and the blankets as he got fresh clean ones and fresh new blankets for the bed and pillows. Tony brings you some of his clean clothes as he smiles at you as you come out of the bathroom.

“Mm just hold me, Tony,” you say tiredly as you get onto the bed and Tony grins as he gets in next to you.

Tony pulls you close as you place your head on his chest to his heartbeat.

“I enjoyed tonight.”You express

“Me too, you did an excellent job” He praises making you smile widely.

“Tony…. I love you and I have loved you since we started being lab partners in school.” You say burying your face into his chest.

Tony laughed as he saw your cute reaction

I love you too Y/n… I feel the same way. Ever since that day too” he says, you beamed back at him making him laugh, holding you back.

“Get some rest. I’ll be here in the morning. My love” he says, and you smile as you and Tony cuddle and carry out a soft conversation aligned with you eating all the fruits and juice he got you as the both of you talk until you went to sleep in Tony's arms as he gave you soft kisses on the lips.

[hyperfixatingmenever]

Today's Nightmare & Tomorrow's Daydreams | Part 2/2 | 8.5 K | Mature

Title: Today's Nightmare & Tomorrow's Daydreams 

Fandom: Triple Frontier  

Pairing: Frankie ‘Catfish’ Morales/ Reader

Rating: Mature 

Word Count: 8.5K

Cross-posted on Ao3 here

A/N: I wrote part 1 (which I'd recommend reading first) for @theassbuttchronicles back in 2021, but I also wrote a dream that didn't make the final cut, which broke my heart because it was actually the first thing I wrote for the fic. BUT three years later, I've finally finished the fic! I hope everyone can enjoy it, but more importantly, experience the emotional turmoil of the dream with me! lol

"Son of a bitch!"

A sharp, stinging feeling shot through Frankie's hand; he had sliced it open while working on one of the helos he flew for instructing. The cut on Frankie's hand didn't feel like an emergency, but considering he knew you were working, and he cut it on metal, he thought, two birds, one stone. While holding pressure on his hand, he glanced around, looking for some type of fabric to help with the bleeding. The only thing within reach was his dirty, greasy hand rag. He rolled his eyes, knowing the lecture that was in store for him when you saw him. Accepting his fate, he wrapped his hand and headed over to the base clinic.

As he walked into the ER, he saw you busy working, bouncing between helping patients and other staff. He saw you smile and laugh with a fellow army medic. Your smile could light up his darkest days, and it had before. Without knowing, Frankie started to smile, feeling your warmth from across the room.

Out of his daze, he walked up to the registration desk. The sitting area was nearly empty, with only a couple of people since it was already late in the afternoon.

"Hi, Francisco Morales, 75-585-468."

"Frankie! What are you doing here?"

Picking up his head, he looks into your piercing eyes as you walk towards him. He lifted his hands clasped together, showing his poorly wrapped hand.

"Oh Jesus"

Leaning forward, you tell the nurse at the registration desk to not worry about it, ‘I'll take care of him.’

Blush starts to rise a little in his cheeks, but he looks down and hides his face under his favourite 'standard heating oil' cap.

"Come on, Frankie, follow me," motioning to follow you down the hallway to a more private room.

"Okay, let me take a look at it."

Taking a deep breath, Frankie releases the pressure and shows you his hand.

"Jesus, Frankie, is this a dirty rag?"

"I couldn't find anything else!"

He waited for you to give him shit, but he saw you take a deep breath and say, "I'm just happy you're okay. I worry about you."

As you cleaned out the wound, you also ordered a tetanus shot and eventually gave him a couple of butterfly stitches.

"You know there are mechanics on base. It's literally their job to keep all the machinery running. Why are you doing repairs to your own helo?"

"Because I know more than most of those idiots! I don't want to be in deep water just because one of those hijos de puta tontos forgot to do something. If I'm going to take 33,000 pounds of metal up into the sky, I sure as hell want to know it's up to snuff."

He can feel the crease in between his eyebrows as he starts to get angry, but that soon melts away as you jokingly massage it with your pointer finger.

“Well, look at you! Flying and fixing, how did you become a jack of all trades?" You softly chuckled.

“Well, my Abuelo could fix anything, but he loved fixing cars and planes in particular. With my mom always busy at work, I spent most of my time with him in the garage, or we would drive to a hangar and fix up a plane. I started out by just handing him tools, but eventually, I learned everything he knew, and I started helping him when I got older."

"Awe, I bet baby Frankie was cute! All covered in grease."

"Are you saying I'm not cute now?" Frankie says in a teasing tone, even though some part of him is completely serious. He wanted even a small piece of hope that could show that you cared about him the same way he cared about you.

He sees you roll your eyes as you start to bandage his hand.

"You know I’m not always going to be here to help with your cuts and bruises, right?"

"But I don’t know what I'd do without my favourite medic," Frankie shoots back, giving his go-to smirk — trying to cover up the hurt around the idea of you somehow not being in his life anymore.

The two of you talk as you continue to wrap his hand. Talk about Rebecca and that horrendous date. In the small silence, Frankie lets slip. "She just wasn't the one.”

Honestly, he knew that even before the date because 'the one' for him was carefully bandaging his hand. The one who worried about him. The one who took care of him. The one standing in front of him.

You finally break the silence, showing that you've finished with his hand. He thanked you, and you both walked toward the nurses’ station. Frankie thinks about how easy it would be to hold your hand as your fingers innocently brushed up against each other while walking. Instead, he just keeps walking down the hall as you stop at the nurse's station.

Stopping in his tracks, he remembers movie night and turns back towards you.

"HEY, MI CIELO! Don't forget movie night at my place on Friday!"

Frankie can't help but smile while leaving, thinking about you and your threat of physical violence toward Benny. Man, he couldn't wait for Friday night.

-----

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

"Allison finally agreed to let me take her on a date, but she's only free tonight."

"Wait, who's Allison? Is she the one with red hair or the one who never stops showing pictures of her hikes?"

"Neither"

"Pope, I can't keep up with you," he rubbed his face and groaned as he continued to push the cart with his elbows. "You can't cancel Pope! Will and Benny both canceled this morning! If you don't come, it will just be Cielo and me!"

"Maybe that's for the best'' Santi's playful tone came from the other side of the phone.

"What's that supposed to mean?" He retorts gruffly, already done with his best friend’s shit.

"You and I both know you’ve been dancing around your feelings for her since day one; maybe you should buck up and make a move Hermano."

"I can't! What if she doesn't feel the same way? I can't lose my best friend."

"Best friend? I'm hurt, Hermano. I thought what we had was special."

Frankie can imagine Santi dramatically clutching his heart. "You know what I mean," rolling his eyes at this whole conversion.

"Well, I still can't come. So I hope you two have a good time. I'll talk to you later. Good luck!"

And before Frankie could respond, Santi had hung up on him.

Frankie puts his phone in his back pocket as he continues to wander the aisles. He looked down at his cart full of groceries, snacks, and drinks. Even though it was now just the two of you tonight, the amount of food he got could feed a small army.

As Frankie heads towards the till, he's distracted by the flower section. He couldn't buy you flowers, right? Unless? No. It was already going to be weird, just the two of you; the last thing he wanted to do was ever make you feel uncomfortable. As Frankie lost himself in thought, an older man came up beside him and said, "She must be a special girl."

Tongue-tied, Frankie didn't know what to say. She was a special girl, but she was more than that. She also wasn't his girl. He didn't know what to do.

"My Winifred's favourite was tulips."

He reached down and grabbed a small thing of pink tulips. Giving them a light shake as he took them out of the water.

"It never hurts to surprise them with flowers, make them feel appreciated. They do so much for us, always caring for us."

He was right; even though he and Cielo weren't together, they always took care of each other.

Giving Frankie a small clap on his bicep, "And don't forget to always cherish her."

Frankie gave a small smile and nodded as the old man walked away. Frankie looked at the flowers for another second before picking up some sunflowers and continuing towards the till.

-----

The day slowly progressed; he put everything away and placed the sunflowers in water on the kitchen table. He wouldn't give them to you, but they reminded him of your smile. He made fresh popcorn with butter before running off upstairs to change.

"FRANKIE?"

Hearing you call his name while walking into his house always felt like a dream. He could imagine you walking into the home you shared together, calling his name, declaring your arrival. He would hug you and pepper you with kisses as you came home.

The night that this felt closest to the truth was one random Tuesday. It was the first time you didn't bother knocking; you just walked in… to his home. You walked in, grabbed a beer, and landed on the couch; he eventually brought you a plate of food and shared dumb stories about his students. As you threw your head back laughing, Frankie knew at that exact moment that he wanted to do this for the rest of his life.

But in reality, he never made any of his friends knock. It was well known his door was never locked, and you could just waltz in, but you were different.

"Up here! Coming!" Frankie rushes down the stairs to greet you, still rearranging the clothes on his body.

-----

Surprisingly you hadn't picked 'The Princess Bride,’ which he knew was your favourite movie. He'd never tell anyone this, but when he was having a dark day or missed you, he would watch 'The Princess Bride’ and think of you.

The both of you had watched 'Wonder Woman' and then put on 'Prospect,’ but as the night started to fall, Frankie's eyelids did as well.

-Dream-

Images of Cielo flashed through Frankie's mind. He couldn't help but smile. Cielo was the one good constant in Frankie's life; when things became too much, he always knew you would be there for him. But his lovely, warm memories of you were quickly distorted and changed into what he could only describe as a nightmare.

"Guys, this is Aaron. Aaron, these are the guys, Will, Benny, Santiago, and Frankie."

Aaron’s arm casually around your waist drove Frankie crazy; he could feel his jaw tightening. Thinking that it should be his arm around your waist, his shoulder you lean your tired head against, and finally, you should be leaving in his truck instead of some fucking Prius. Frankie saw a flurry of snapshots and nightmarish memories of Aaron and your life together. Starting with a simple date where Aaron reaches over and squeezes your hand, and you look at him with so much love and potential.

"That should be me she's looking at like that," Frankie thought, but as soon as it started, new images flashed in front of Frankie, Aaron holding you as you cry, movie nights with just Aaron and you. The last one making Frankie physically wince, Aaron rolling off of you, both of you breathless,

"That was incredible," you say while still trying to catch your breath, looking over at Aaron, propping yourself up on one of your elbows before leaning down and mumbling against his lip, "I love you."

Frankie didn't think it could get any worse; he was wrong.

"We're getting married!" You shriek as you wrap your arms around Aaron’s torso. Benny was the first to offer congratulations, hugging you and picking you up off the ground. But while Will was walking towards you to give his congratulations, Frankie was stuck. He didn't understand, how could you be marrying this guy? His eyes unfocused, and stared off into the distance. His head started to race, but before he could completely spiral, he felt a large wack on his shoulder.

Santi leans in and whispers in his ear, "Come on, Hermano, you’ve got to get it together and go congratulate her." Frankie knew he was right; he came out of his daze, walked forward, and wrapped his arms around you. He put his face in the crook of your neck and inhaled your scent like it was the last time.

Pulling back slightly, "Congratulations, Cielo."

Frankie started to feel uneasy; his stomach began to tie in knots. Suddenly, Frankie was in his tactical gear in the middle of the jungle; he didn't know what he was doing here? He was no longer on active duty; his current job was to teach new pilots how to control a helicopter under extreme conditions. It had been years since he was in full tactical.

It felt heavier than usual… without explicitly knowing that there was a picture in his breast pocket, he took it out and realized why he felt heavier. Tears started to well in his eyes; he turned the picture over and read, "30 weeks. Come home safe, Frankie. This baby needs to meet their godfather."

Silently, Frankie started to cry. Crying over the fact that you were pregnant, that the baby wasn't his, but also over the reality of how happy you were. Happy without him. Frankie turned the picture over and started to caress your face and your bump carefully. Frankie loved you with every ounce of himself, and he would choose your happiness over his every single time. He knew there was nothing for him to do; it was too late to confess his love, but he also knew that he wanted to be in your life, and this baby’s, in any capacity he could, and if "godfather" was his role then so be it.

Suddenly there was loud banging in the distance, gunfire? Frankie's breathing hitched, and then, like some sort of glitch, the picture was no longer in his hands but a gun and the photo on the muddy ground. Frankie bent down to pick up the picture of you, but out of nowhere, he was tackled.

"Estúpido hijo de puta! What the hell were you thinking, Frankie? We're being shot at, and you're just standing there like target practice?!" Santi kept his voice quiet, but that didn't mean he wasn't yelling at Frankie.

"What the fuck are we doing here?" Frankie says, completely confused.

"You need to get your head out of the Sky and help me eliminate this last guy shooting at us so we can go home."

Frankie nods; he will do whatever it takes to get back to you.

"Okay, you go left. I’ll go right. They seem to be following us, so maybe we can surprise them from behind."

Frankie follows Pope's instructions and gives a wide berth to the left in hopes of trapping and surprising the person after the two of them. Frankie slowly crept through the jungle, keeping the end of his gun butted against his shoulder and his eyes keeping track of Pope through glimpses in the foliage. Frankie saw the person after them; he stopped and made eye contact with Pope. Pope gave a small nod. Frankie raised his gun and shot twice in center mass. The body crumpled. Frankie and Pope stalked towards the body. Frankie looked around the body for the gun, but there was none?

Frankie turns over the body… shock hits Frankie's entire body like a wave crashing over him. What had he done, what had he done! He dropped to his knees and cradled your body; Frankie’s gloved hand moved some stray hairs from your face. "Mi Cielo, what are you doing here? Baby, why are you here?" He starts to rock your body and cries, "I'm so sorry, so so sorry. I love you. I love you so much. Come back to me". Frankie feels a hand on his shoulder. He looks up as Pope looks down at him. "This is your fault, Frankie, she's here because you never told her." As soon as he hears that, he can't speak, he can't move, everything is heavy, this is his fault. Suddenly BANG!

-End Of Dream-

Frankie jumped up from the couch in a terrible panic, trying to comprehend what was happening. His eyes dart around the room; he sees a broken plate on the floor and sees you step toward him. Scared of hurting you, he takes a step back. You're trying to talk to him, but it's all garbled; he can't make anything out. Violently, he shakes his head, hoping that everything will go back to normal. Finally, your sweet voice comes to him.

"Frankie, everything is okay, you're safe, I'm right here,"

As he looks down at his hand, he can see the blood that was there as he held your lifeless body in the jungle. Words tumble from his mouth. Part of him knows he doesn't make any sense, but all he knows is he has to keep you safe. Keeping you safe is all he cares about, and to keep you safe, he had to get away from you.

"I need you to stay back!"

Frankie ran into the nearest room and locked the door. He can hear you running after him, but as he slides down against the bathroom wall, everything feels like it's closing in on him. He can feel himself starting to hyperventilate, but the more he focuses on his breathing, the more he panics that he can't get it under control. He can feel himself spiraling; he's shaking, crying, hell, he can't even breathe right, but seconds before he feels like he's going to pass out, he hears you humming.

Humming a sweet melody, he doesn't know the song, but it makes him feel safe. You always make him feel safe. As he focuses on your humming, unconsciously, his breathing starts to even out, and he wipes away some tears. Frankie tended to feel nothing or everything after an attack like this. His hands were still shaking a bit, but when he focused on you, he felt better.

“Frankie? I'm going to go clean up the plate. Just call if you need me. I’ll be right back, okay?”

God, her tone was so sweet, which only made this hurt more. This was just supposed to be a typical movie night so she could get her mind off work, but he had to ruin everything, like always. All he wanted to do was go out and act as if nothing had happened, but he couldn't look into your eyes. He didn't want to show you how broken he was.

Frankie was unsure how much time had passed, but then you finally spoke, “You need to let me in, Frankie...please.”

That broke something inside of him. Hearing your plea, realizing how much this was hurting you, he never wanted to hurt you. That’s why he ran. He didn't want to be the reason to hear such hurt in your voice, but as he reached for the doorknob, his mind betrayed him.

“You don't deserve her. You'll always hurt her. She was happier with Aaron. You could never make her happy.”

As if these words caused him physical harm, he winced and pulled his hand back. His head is low as he took a deep breath, trying to hush these thoughts "...I don't want you to see me like this…"

She says something that makes Frankie chuckle, but before she can continue, he reaches for the doorknob again. He stands and slowly opens the door, revealing him behind. You take his non-bandaged hand in yours and, with your other, wipe the tears that still must be rolling down his cheeks. Your hands are so soft; he never wants to forget your touch. Gently, you pulled Frankie into a hug, wrapping his arms around your torso tightly; he stuck his nose in the crook of your neck. Frankie had never felt safer than in your arms, your fingers tangling in his hair as you rubbed circles on his back.

Eventually, Frankie starts to let go but only far enough to rest his forehead on yours; he stares into your eyes; his eyes then fall to your lips. Trying to alleviate any of the tension that was in the air, the first thing Frankie thought of slipped through his lips. "So, is this where we kiss?"

As soon as it leaves his lips, he wants to take it back.

Quickly changing the subject, you ask, “Do you want to talk about it?”

Frankie can’t even begin to explain how much he doesn't want to do that. Honestly would rather do anything because the only thing that could make this night worse was seeing pity in your eyes. “Can we just talk about anything else other than that?”

What Frankie wasn't expecting was your reply. “Sure.”

As you lead him to the couch and sit down, he lays his head on your lap without even thinking, only knowing that he needs to be close to you, touching you. You talk about everything that comes to mind. As you talk, he can feel you play with his hair. He closes his eyes and enjoys as your nails gently brush across his scalp.

"Frankie, why do you call me Mi Cielo? I know it means 'my sky,’ but I don't understand why you would call me that? I asked Santi in the past, but he just laughed and rolled his eyes at me."

Frankie groans. The only thing worse than you asking this question is you asking Santi first. Unable to look you in the eyes, Frankie explains his name for you, making sure to keep out a couple of details.

-Flashback-

“How about Mi Cielo?”

The rest of the guys give each other side glances before all bursting into laughter.

Santi, still laughing, said, “You can call her whatever you want. When it's just the two of you in bed.” Giving you a large smirk, “But we need a name we all can use.”

Frankie throws one of Santi’s many throw pillows that cover his couch at him. “Fuck you! It's not like that!”

Benny was now getting in on the teasing. “Oh, then what is it like?”

“We’re just friends! Just like the rest of us!” Frankie gestures to the three guys sitting around him.

While sipping his beer, Will quietly adds, “Man, I hope you don't look at us like that while our backs are turned.”

Frankie’s head whips towards Will, but Will’s comment has already sent the other two men back into hysterics. Frankie can feel his cheeks starting to get hot, so he gets up and grabs another beer from the fridge. Frankie throws back the bit he has left before opening the new one.

Santi walks in and grabs the new beer out of Frankie’s hand before he can drink it and takes a sip. “You know we’re just kidding, right?

Frankie glares at Santi as he turns around and grabs another beer.

“You're our brother; we’re going to give you shit, It's inevitable, but we do want you to be happy. She makes you happy, and even though you can't see it, you make her happy.”

Frankie waves off his comment as he takes a sip of his new beer.

“I’m serious! I wish you two idiotas could see yourselves. You guys have already wasted what? Seven years? I know you guys weren't in a good place when you first met.”

Pope was alluding to the coke. Frankie was now clean, three years sober. It was still a daily struggle, but there was no part of him that ever wanted you to see him like that again.

“But what I'm getting at is that you both have grown. You lean on each other. Hell, didn't you once meet her family?”

“Yeah…”

“Exactly! Now you've just gotta make a move! Because I don't know how many more barbeques I can take where you’re both looking at each other longingly when the other isn't looking.”

Frankie takes another sip. “I don't know, Hermano. I know I love her.” Frankie realizes this is the first time he has said it out loud, partially wide-eyed. He continues, “I want to be with her, but if she says no...I don't know what I’ll do. Part of me is happy with her just in my life, even just as friends.”

Frankie leans against the island with his elbows and rubs his face with his hands. “I don't know what I’d do without her, Pope.”

Santi claps him on the back. “I know, Hermano.”

There was a few seconds of silence before Benny yelled loud enough for Frankie and Santi to hear in the kitchen. “Maybe I’ll ask her out! How do you say it again? Pre-ci-ooo-sa?” (Frankie didn't even know you could butcher Spanish that badly)

Shaking their heads, Santi and Frankie both simultaneously say, “Maldito gringo”

-End Of Flashback-

When Frankie finished his explanation of your nickname, he saw you start to stare off. Thankfully, you were too preoccupied zoning out and playing with Frankie’s hair to see the red tint that slowly crept up his face. Frankie enjoyed the soft touches of your fingers intertwined within his messy curls, wishing he could stay like this forever. But you somehow caught him stifling a yawn. "Let’s get you to bed.”

Frankie was incredibly thankful you agreed to stay; he didn't know what he'd do if he had another nightmare like before. Hearing your steady heartbeat and even breathing kept him calm, but as he lost himself in the rhythm, that's when he heard — your confession. Frankie doesn't move; he’s got to be dreaming, right? His brain is playing a trick on him. You could never love him; he’s just a broken man. As his brain tries to process your confession, he can feel your breathing get shallower; you’ve fallen asleep. He lifts his head, looks at your peaceful face, and thinks, “I love you too, Mi Celio.” He places his head back on your chest and immediately falls asleep.

-----

This was the best sleep Frankie had had in years; he could imagine the rest of his life sleeping right beside you. In between conscious and unconsciousness, Frankie reaches out for you to pull you back toward his body, but all he feels is empty sheets. His eyes instantly open as he sits up to scan the empty bed and the empty room.

Where could you have gone? Could you have just left him in the middle of the night? Before heartbreak overtakes him, he sees the light coming out from under the bathroom door; he throws off the blankets, runs over to the door, and tosses it open. Your eyes meet as the bathroom door swings open; you’re at the sink washing your hands.

Seeing your eyes makes everything better. You didn't leave; you stayed; it wasn't a dream; you did love him. He leans into your hand, and everything feels better.

Frankie opens his eyes and asks, “Are you hungry?”

-----

“Can we talk about you kissing me?”

He could have been more delicate, but he was thinking hard about what to say. The words just tumbled from his mouth as he looked at you across the kitchen.

Seeing you start to backpedal made a small part of his mind doubt what he knew. But his love for you won out. He knew how you felt, and he knew he loved you, and he told you just that.

“I love you too.”

-----

The next couple of hours felt like a dream. You both confessed your love for each other, he finally got to kiss you (and taste you), and he got to worship your body as you deserved. After he rolled off of you, both of you still breathless, you turned your head towards him and said: "That was incredible… that was beyond incredible."

Frankie gave a goofy smile to himself, proud to have satisfied you better than your imaginary boyfriend he made up. But just like in his dream, you propped yourself up, leaned down, and mumbled against his lip, "I love you."

Frankie took further care of you, wiping you down with a warm face cloth and gently reminding you to pee. As he laid in bed waiting for you, he knew he wanted to take care of you for as long as you'd have him. He wanted this for the rest of his life: you taking care of each other. When you crawl back into bed, he wraps his arms around you, wanting you as close as possible, and the both of you fall peacefully asleep tangled together.

-----

Frankie woke up the best way he could ever imagine, with you leaning over him, slowly kissing his face. A smile on his face grew, and he greeted you, "Good morning." And with your warm smile matching his, you greet him as well. "Morning, Frankie."

He pulled you in with his bandaged hand to continue this kiss. After a minute or two, you pull back, Frankie’s lips pursed forward, wanting more, but you stopped to say something. "Oh, by the way, Santi stopped by and wanted to gossip with you, but I told him you were busy."

"Oh, am I?" Frankie said, completely joking. At this moment, he couldn’t care less about Santi. The only person he cared about at this moment was in his arms with the most addicting lips.

"Yes, extremely busy," her lips attached to Frankies. Their lips fought for dominance, but Frankie won when he flipped the both of you, so he was on top. With a small gasp, your mouth opened, and he used this to his advantage. As Frankie's hands traveled down your body and got to the bottom of your shirt, he realized something was different; this didn't feel like the shirt you had been wearing earlier this morning. He broke the long kiss between you two, both of you already breathless, and he looked down.

"Is that my shirt?”

“Yeah, I borrowed it. Is that okay?” He can tell you're a little nervous.

“Yeah, I…you just look good in it… really fucking good”. Trying to keep his feelings in check. He couldn't tell if he wanted you to only wear his shirts from now on or if he wanted to rip it off your body so he could worship every inch of you all over again.

“You should see how good I look out of it,” you say with a wink.

Option two, he thought, definitely option two.

-----

Frankie woke up with your hair tickling his nose, but this only brought a smile to his face when he realized you were here and he wasn't dreaming. Frankie carefully propped himself up and gazed upon your face. He lightly pushed the stray hairs out of your face, pressing a light kiss on your temple. Then, he caressed your face, neck, and shoulder with the back of his fingers. Still asleep, you shifted your body, rolling on your back, seeking his warmth. Frankie's smile only grew as he watched your naked body search for his. Frankie kisses you once again before covering you up with the rest of the blankets, hoping that would stall your search for his body heat. Pulling on a pair of sweatpants, he makes his way to the kitchen to once again try and cook a meal. However, the terrible mess in the kitchen looked like it was going to take priority. After throwing away the cold starts of avocado toast, Frankie decides on something simple in case he gets interrupted (his stomach growls in agreement). Not that he'd be complaining; the both of you happily ate the cold takeout that you had ordered before falling back to sleep from exhaustion. He would eat cold food the rest of his life if it meant he could enjoy every noise, moan, and pleasure-filled eye roll you made as he worshipped you like it was his last time.

Frankie quickly whipped up some sandwiches, grabbed a bag of chips and a couple cans of pop (deciding it was late enough in the day for pop but not late enough for a beer). Looking at everything before him, he realized he didn't have one of those trays everyone in the movie seemed to have, mentally adding that to a list of things to buy if you were going to be staying over more. He hoped you would be staying over more. Deciding that they would be sharing a plate (one less thing to carry … and potentially drop,) he moves all the sandwiches onto one plate, puts the bag of chips under his arm, and puts a can in each pocket of his sweatpants, which are pulling them dangerously low, but he didn't have to go far. But before leaving the kitchen, Frankie looked over to his table, which seemed to be brighter from the bouquet of sunflowers he bought the day before. With his one free hand, he grabs a single sunflower and heads back to the bedroom. Opening the door slowly, he sees you cuddled up in the pile of blankets he left you in. Frankie walks over to his side of the bed, places everything on the floor, then cuddles into you. He kisses up your jaw, pressing his nose into your soft skin, tickling you with his scruff. He tries to wake you up with a sing-songy voice.

"Come on Mi Cielo. Waaaake up. I've got a suuuuupriiiiise for yooou"

Only groaning your response

"Come on baby, wake up." Really trying to wake you with his scratchy scruff rubbing up against your face.

"Okay, okay, stop it. I'm up!" Grabbing the sides of his face and pushing him away.

Frankie laughs as you groan, sitting up and leaning against his bed frame.

"Okay, what's the surprise?"

"Close your eyes."

You squint your eyes, suspicious of Frankie, but you both know you trust Frankie with your life. Closing your eyes, you wiggle to make yourself more comfortable against the bed frame.

"Okay, open'em!"

Frankie sees the genuine surprise on your face. "It's nothing fancy, but I-"

Covering his mouth with both of your hands, you interrupt him. "Frankie. This is perfect. Thank you." Releasing his lips, you pull him in and kiss him. Both of you break the kiss rather quickly, knowing if you don't stop, it will be another forgotten meal.

Frankie saw you look at the sunflower on the plate's rim before delicately picking it up and gently tracing the petals with your finger. Internally, Frankie debated whether to tell you the meaning behind the sunflower, but as he saw your soft smile only grow, he simply couldn't hold it in any longer.

“It reminds me of your smile!”

Both you and Frankie are suddenly startled by Frankie's unusually loud declaration. Cocking your eyebrow in confusion, you look at Frankie in hopes of an explanation.

“I - uh, when I was at the grocery store getting food for movie night, I walked past the flower section, and when I saw the sunflower, I couldn't help but think of you… and your smile.” Frankie didn't think he had anything else to say, but he just couldn't stop. “I met this old man, and he told me about his wife and how she liked tulips, and all I could think about was us at that age. What we'd be like. But then I saw this sadness in his eyes, and even though he didn't say anything, I could tell how much he missed her. And all I could think of was how much more I'd miss you if we were that age, and I still hadn't told you how I felt.

As Frankie finished, he felt out of breath, like he had released all he had been holding on to for seven years. It took all of Frankie's conviction and confidence not to hide his eyes from your all-encompassing gaze.

There was a long silence as the two of you stared at each other. This was only broken when Frankie saw your eyes turn partially glassy, and panic flooded his body, but before he could apologize for anything and everything that possibly could have made you cry, he felt your arms be thrown around his neck, and with a tight squeeze he knew everything was going to be alright.

—--

The next two days, neither of you spent more than a couple minutes out of bed and almost always in arm's reach of each other. Contact became practically a necessity, Frankie constantly wrapping his arms around your waist and kissing your neck. Your hands traced each scar, cut, and bruise that littered his body. Neither of you wanted this to end, but Frankie was the first to declare a solution.

"Why don't we both call in sick?"

"We can't just call in sick, Frankie."

"Why not?"

"The both of us calling in sick? That's suspicious. Someone is bound to figure it out."

"We work in two completely different sections, no one would ever know." Frankie knew you. He knew you wanted this; it just might take a little extra convincing. But for a couple extra days with you in this bubble, it was worth it.

"I don't know, Frankie." Frankie saw you hang your head, and he knew this was his moment

"Come on Mi Cielo, play hooky with me." Giving his signature smirk before leaning down, kissing your temple, and whispering in your ear, "I'll make it worth your while."

Frankie pulled back to gauge your reaction. And when he saw your smile, he knew he had you.

"Oh, is that right, Mr. Morales?"

Hearing 'Mr. Morales' come from your lips made him give a low moan before biting his lip, trying to contain it.

"Si mi amour"

Frankie barely answered before dragging you back to the bedroom.

-----

Slowly, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday passed. Frankie and you found a rhythm in your rose-tinted bubble. Nothing appeared to be able to burst it, that was, until an unexpected guest.

Frankie was washing dishes from supper the night before as you dried and put them away. This felt like the most natural thing, sure you had washed dishes together in the past, but now, as Frankie looked over at you, everything was different. You were wearing an old shirt of his and an even older pair of boxers. You shook your hips and swayed to the music that played throughout the kitchen. From time to time, touching his waist as you move past him to put something away, often followed by a kiss on the cheek or behind the ear.

This time, however, Frankie saw you coming and turned to catch your lips; he could feel you react at first but, in an instant, melt into him. Not caring about anything, he turns, making sure not to break the kiss, and pulls you into him with his wet soapy hands, one on your back and one gripping your ass. You gasp in surprise, which Frankie takes advantage of, deepening the kiss. The smell of you fills his nostrils, and the sweet taste of you starts to fog his mind, but before he can do anything else, he hears, "Ahem."

Pulling back, Frankie turns to look at Pope, giving the two of you a shit-eating grin.

Frankie's head falls to your shoulder, and without looking at him, Frankie asks, "What do you want, Pope?"

"Oh well, when I heard my best friend was out sick, I went to see if our licensed medical professional knew anything. But to my surprise, she was out sick too!" Sarcasm dripped from Pope's statement.

Frankie feels a whack on his shoulder. "I told you someone would figure it out!"

Frankie lifted his head and rolled his eyes. "Pope doesn't count as someone."

Looking directly at Pope now, Frankie asks, "Again, what do you want, Pope?"

"Like I said, I wanted to check in on my best friend!"

Frankie cocks his eyebrow, knowing nothing is simple with Pope.

"I've given you guys four days together. Isn't that enough?"

Frankie, already incredibly annoyed by his best friend, matter-of-factly says “No.” before quickly pulling you in and passionately finishing the kiss Pope had so rudely interrupted. Frankie can feel you initially melt into him, but feeling Pope's eyes on you, you quickly come to your senses and push away from Frankie. He can practically feel the heat coming from your cheeks as you look down, making sure to not make eye contact with Pope before quickly excusing yourself to get dressed.

Watching you walk up the stairs to his room, he couldn't comprehend how lucky he was, but his fantasy was quickly dismissed when Pope declared, “Enough about you two, let me tell you about my date!”

Turning his neck, Frankie gave Pope one of the coldest stares he could muster this early in the morning. Either completely missing or ignoring the stare, Pope went into his story about his date with Allison “Okay, so I picked her up and took her to that hot new restaurant I told you about, and then we-” It was then when Frankie tuned Santi out and continued with the dishes, only occasionally adding in a helpful nod and ‘uh huh’ as the story continued.

By the time the story was wrapping up, Frankie heard you coming down the stairs, and he couldn't help but turn to you and smile. Like it was second nature, Frankie opened his arms, welcoming you into his embrace, but before you could Santi had to ruin the moment. “Wipe that goofy smile off your face. She was gone for like ten minutes.”

Santi and Frankie couldn't help but roll their eyes at each other, which only made Cielo giggle as she secured herself in Frankie's embrace.

“So what is this? Are you guys together? Or just fucking?”

Instantaneously, both Frankie and you shout, “Santi!” but Santi brushes this off with a shrug.

Frankie suddenly panicked. These days of playing hooky had let him imagine a life with you. In a perfect world, he'd propose to you right now, and you'd be married, moved in (and hopefully pregnant) by the end of the week.

But maybe that's not what you wanted? Maybe you wanted to just enjoy these days of playing hooky, and once it ended, never speak of it again.

Before fully spiraling, Frankie felt your hand on his chest, grounding him. He looked at you, and even though you were glaring at Santi (much like a sibling would), he knew that this was in no way, as Santi put it, just fucking.

"Santi, I love you like a brother. And because of that, I'm going to politely ask you to leave before I start throwing things. Particularly at your head." The smile on your face was radiant, but Frankie knew the look was dead serious.

Santi barely started, "But I-"

Still with the brightest smile spread across her face, Cielo picked up a plate and stared at Santi.

Santi squints, “You wouldn’t?”

You pull your back, ready to throw. “Try me, pretty boy.”

Seeing she means business, Santi lifts his hands up in surrender and makes his way out of the house.

Before the door closes, you yell out, “Bye, Santi!”

Frankie chuckled and turned to her, “Were you actually going to throw it?” to which she only answered with a shrug before continuing with the dishes. Frankie couldn't help but let out a booming laugh, with tears of laughter.

Once the laughter ends, there's a calm silence around them; the only noise is the sloshing of water from washing dishes and the clinking of plates as they're put away. Frankie knows what he wants, and part of him believes he knows what Cielo wants… but the voice of doubt still lingers in his head. Once again, Frankie is unable to keep his thoughts from spilling out.

“You want this right? You want us…” There's another pause, but this one feels less calm. In the silence, all Frankie can hear is his own heartbeat, slowly starting to rise. He puts the cup he was holding down on the counter, worrying that his sudden clammy hands will fumble it. Frankie sees you stare at your reflection within the sink. As he stares at you, waiting for a response, he sees a tear drop roll down your cheek and hit the water in the sink, making a small ripple.

Without even thinking, Frankie's hands are on your cheeks, wiping the silent tears with his thumbs and turning you to face him. Your brilliant eyes, which he loves so much, are glassy and red from the tears. Frankie sees your throat bob as you swallow hard. Frankie's voice can't help but come out as a beg, “Mi amor, ¿qué es?”

Cielo takes a very shaky, deep breath, and you responds barely higher than a whisper. “I'm scared.”

Another shaky breath was taken before she continued, “I'm scared we're moving too fast. I'm scared that we’ll ruin our friendship. I'm scared you'll fall out of love with me. Im - Im -I'm scared I’ll lose you!” You couldn't help but sob at the last statement, and your knees finally gave way.

Frankie immediately scoops you so he's on his knees, and you're clinging to his chest. He doesn't care that your hands are wet and soapy from the sink, he doesn't care that his shirt is wet from your tears, he doesn’t even care that he landed on his knees so hard he’d probably be sore for weeks. All he cares about is you. Taking care of you. Being there for you. Whatever you need. All that he did was for you.

Unconsciously, Frankie starts to rock you in his arms, whispering “I love you’s” in Spanish and English. The snobs eventually turn into much smaller cries. Frankie is still rocking but now humming a song that he didn't know the words to. Cielo finally looks up at Frankie, and he wipes your tears. “You’re humming my dad's song. He'd sing it to me when I was little.”

“It's also what you sang to me after my nightmare.”

“...I just wanted to help.”

Frankie nuzzles his nose against her cheek, “I know.”

This silence now felt like home. He could only hear their heartbeats, their synchronised breathing, and the song he continued to hum.

“I know you're scared, but being with you is all I’ve ever wanted. And I'm never changing my mind. I want everything with you, big or small,”

Frankie cradles your cheek in his hand and looks into your eyes. “I want to get married and have kids, but I also want to hold your hand when we walk side by side. I want to buy you flowers whenever I think of your smile. I want to have a picture of you in my cap. I want to hold you when we watch Princess Bride.” Taking a breath, he continues, “I want to wake up beside you every day for the rest of my life.”

Frankie leans down to kiss you, and the kiss contains multitudes. Frankie kissed you with a promise of your future together. As he pulled away, he rested his forehead against yours. “I promise. Nothing could ever take me from you.”

As You looked at Frankie, he knew, in his heart, they would be together for the rest of their lives.

-The Next Last Friday of the Month-

“Hey, Fish were here!”

“Hey guys! We’re in the kitchen!”

As Santi, Benny, and Will enter the kitchen with armloads of beer and chips, they are greeted by both you and Frankie, who are making popcorn and grabbing cold beer from the fridge.

Benny hugs you, lifting you up off your feet. “Oh my god! You're here first? You never beat us!”

“Oh, you know they let me off early today because it was so quiet.” You have a small smirk when Frankie catches your eyes, which he can't help but return. You actually arrived first because you and Frankie had been driving to work together for the past month.

Frankie glances at Santi to see if he's kept his word and not gossiped with the boys about the two of you. The two of you swore him to secrecy because they wanted to tell them together, which he begrudgingly agreed to.

As the five of them head to the living room, you and Benny continue to argue.

“It's Fish’s turn to pick! Those are the rules!”

“But no one showed up last month! All you fucks canceled!”

“It was your pick last month, and Fish’s pick this month. ‘thems the rules!” Benny shrugs nonchalantly.

You land in the middle of the couch with an indignant “Ugh!” as you cross your arms. “This is so not fair.”

All the boys chuckle, Will sits beside you, Benny sits in the armchair, Santi spreads himself over the loveseat, and Frankie goes to the DVD shelf to pick a movie.

Since Benny never knows when to call it quits, whispers under his voice as he takes a sip of beer, “Everyone cancelled because we couldn't stand to watch The Princess Bride again.”

Frankie can hear you gasping behind him, and then he hears what he can only imagine as pillows being pelted at Benny. Everyone starts to laugh again.

Benny starts to scream in defeat. “I'm Kidding! I'm kidding! I'm kidding!”

Frankie puts the movie in the player and turns to see you standing over Benny, who is on the ground trying to dodge punches, pokes, and tickles. Frankie chuckles and sits down on the other end of the couch to Will and presses play to the movie.

“Admit defeat Miller! And I’ll take mercy on you!”

“Uncle! Uncle!”

“Say it!”

“The Princess Bride is the best movie ever!”

Satisfied, you stand and take the middle seat between Will and Frankie.

Out of breath, Benny crawls back into the armchair before asking Frankie, “So what are we watching, Fish?”

“The best movie ever.”

You look at Frankie with a touch of shock and he can't help but smile. Benny lifts his eyebrow in confusion until the movie tile screen comes up.

Benny groans and everyone laughs. You kiss Frankie on the cheek and cuddle beside him. Frankie kisses you on the top of the head. “Cualquier cosa por ti mi amor”

There's approximately 1 minute of silence before Will speaks up. “What the fuck?”

Benny is still staring at the two of them with a blank face of confusion.

Will once again, “Are we missing something?”

You shush Will “ssssshhhhh the movies starting!”

Benny, this time, stands up and blocks the TV. “No, no, no, explain.”

Frankie glances at Cielo to which she answers with a shrug. “Fine if it gets us to watch this movie quicker. Fish and I are together” Benny goes to interrupt but she stops him “Uhp! Uhp! Uhp! We've been together for a month, we are happy, and we will be taking nobody else's opinions.”

Benny and Will finally look at Santi, who has been playing on his phone the entire time.

Santi turns his head, “What?”

“Do you have anything you want to add?”

Santi thinks for a moment before throwing some popcorn in his mouth. “We should all start knocking because I walked in on them basically having sex in the kitchen.

This made both Frankie and you yell, “Santi!” and for good measure, you threw another pillow, adding, “We were just kissing!”

Hearing giggles from the Miller brothers behind you, you whip around “Anything else?”

Almost immediately, they leaned back in their seats like nothing had happened.

Frankie pressed play, and they started watching The Princess Bride when Benny quietly whispered, “It's about goddamn time.”

To which they all can't help but laugh.

[a-araiguma-a]

Prologue. Between the serving and Her smile.

Chapter 5. Your legacy

Fandom: Harry Potter Pairing: in the future Oliver Wood x fem!reader Warning: - a/n: The prologue is over, I'm very happy about it. But why didn't you like the previous part? Please put a like, I think my Tumblr is broken, I want to see if it is.

Start - Prolog (Episode 1 - Episode 2 - Episode 3 - Episode 4 - Episode 5) - Chapter 1 - Chapter 2 - Chapter 3 - Chapter 4

The road was long and winding, stretching through dense forests and hills. Inside the car, there was silence. Margaret stared out the window, pondering what awaited her ahead. She had already said goodbye to the home where she grew up and to the people who had become her family. Now, a new home awaited her, a new world full of magic and unknown mysteries.

When the car finally approached Shadowpeak Keep, or "Peak Hidden in Shadows," Margaret's heart skipped a beat. The castle, perched on the slope of a high hill, was majestic and mysterious, just like the tales Miranda used to tell her.

The grand castle towered over the surroundings, its dark stone walls rising high into the sky, as if trying to reach the clouds. Its gray stone walls were covered with creeping plants that seemed to embrace it, adding to its mystery and charm. The windows, tall and narrow, overlooked the surrounding area, enclosed by massive walls. It seemed that the castle was a living, breathing entity, hidden from prying eyes by magic.

Ornate towers, adorned with Gothic elements, stood out against the backdrop of the dense forest that framed the castle on all sides. The vast grounds around the castle were well-maintained and beautifully landscaped. At the forefront were massive gates, carved and decorated with the Fairchild family crest, through which Margaret passed, accompanied by the soft crunch of gravel under the wheels. Beyond that, garden paths lined with shrubs and flower beds in every shade of the rainbow stretched out. Tall trees cast long shadows, creating a sense of seclusion and tranquility. In the depths of the garden, carefully laid pathways led to ponds and gazebos, where one could enjoy the peace and quiet.

Margaret thought she could smell roses and jasmine in the air, mingling with the light scent of pine and fresh greenery.

Noticing how her granddaughter was looking at the castle, Mrs. Fairchild smiled and began to tell the story of this place.

“Shadowpeak Keep is our ancestral castle,” she began. “It was built many centuries ago by one of our ancestors. The name is tied to its location—it’s always shrouded in the shadows of the mountains and forests, making it invisible to outsiders. Muggles can’t find it, even if they come close. The castle is hidden from view by ancient spells that protect our family and guard our secrets, so no one without magic can see it, let alone find the way here.”

Margaret gazed at the castle in awe, imagining how it was hidden from the world, like some mystical fortress. Her childhood dreams of castles and magical lands suddenly came to life before her eyes.

“It’s... incredible,” she finally whispered, still not quite believing her eyes.

“There are many secrets here,” Mr. Fairchild continued. “This castle is not just a home; it has a life of its own. It will help you but also test your strength. Don’t be surprised if the walls start whispering or doors open on their own. In Shadowpeak Keep, you’ll feel that this place is a part of you.”

Margaret listened intently to every word. When the car stopped in front of the huge carved doors, Margaret took a deep breath. Her heart was beating faster, but her excitement was mixed with a sense of anticipation. She knew her journey was just beginning, and whatever awaited her ahead, she was ready to face the challenge.

“Welcome home, Margaret,” Mrs. Fairchild said softly, taking her hand. “This place is your inheritance. I hope you find here what you’ve been looking for.”

Margaret nodded and, gathering her courage, took her first step toward her new life, full of magic, history, and unexplored adventures.

As Margaret stepped over the threshold of the castle, she immediately felt the air around her was thick with history and magic. The interior halls of Shadowpeak Keep were just as impressive as the castle’s exterior. High vaulted ceilings, adorned with dark wood, created a sense of space, while the walls, decorated with ancient tapestries and paintings, spoke of the long history of the family.

The marble floor was cool under her bare feet, but its patterned tiles gave the home a sense of elegance and grandeur. In the center of the grand hall stood a wide staircase leading to the second floor. The staircase was made of dark wood, with intricately carved railings entwined with ivy and magical creatures. The staircase spiraled upward, splitting into two wings leading to different parts of the castle.

At the top of the staircase hung a large painting. Margaret stopped, unable to take her eyes off the canvas. The painting depicted a family dressed in rich but tasteful clothing. The faces of the people were stern yet noble. But her attention was drawn to the girl who stood at the center of the painting.

The girl was extraordinarily beautiful, with light hair flowing over her shoulders, and blue eyes smiling subtly at the viewer. In her features, Margaret saw something familiar, something dear. Her heart skipped a beat when she realized who it was. She had seen those eyes, that smile—on the old photographs she had looked at with her father. It was her mother, Charlotte, immortalized on the canvas.

“That’s... Mom,” Margaret whispered, not taking her eyes off the painting.

Mrs. Fairchild gently placed a hand on her shoulder and stood with her granddaughter, gazing at the painting as if seeing it for the first time.

“Yes, dear,” Enola quietly confirmed, her voice full of tenderness and quiet pride. “That’s your mother, Charlotte. She was a true lady, full of grace and kindness. This painting was made when she had just finished Hogwarts. She returned home, and we decided to immortalize that moment.”

Margaret couldn’t take her eyes off her mother’s face, her heart brimming with emotions.

“She was beautiful,” Mrs. Fairchild continued, her eyes also fixed on the painting. “We were so proud of her, and when she decided to marry your father, we knew she had made the right choice. She loved him with all her heart, and you are the product of that love, Margaret.”

Mr. Fairchild stood a little behind, his face as stern as ever, but a softness could be seen in his eyes, a rare sight. He looked at his granddaughter, seeing in her the continuation of someone he had once loved so dearly.

“Charlotte was special,” he added quietly. “And so are you. You are her legacy, and it’s in your hands to preserve it. She would be proud of you.”

Margaret remained silent, feeling tears welling up in her eyes. Seeing her mother in this painting, she felt a true connection with her for the first time, a connection she had never felt before. This painting was more than just an image; it was a living reminder that her mother would always be with her, even if she didn’t realize it.

She didn’t know yet that paintings in the magical world weren’t just things hanging on walls. She didn’t know that they could move, speak, and preserve memories. But standing here, before this image, she suddenly felt something subtle yet important stir within her.

“We’re here to help you, Margaret,” Mrs. Fairchild said softly, sensing her granddaughter’s need for support. “This castle will be your home, and all its secrets are now yours. We’ll be here so you can learn everything you need to know.”

Margaret nodded, still unable to take her eyes off the painting. This was the first step in her new journey, and she knew that many more discoveries awaited her. But now, standing before her mother’s image, she felt that this journey would be special and that somewhere deep inside her, a strength was already beginning to awaken, one that would help her overcome all challenges.

Mrs. Fairchild gently took Margaret’s hand, leading her closer to the painting.

“I’m sure she’s proud of you, just as we are,” she said, holding back tears. “And I know you’ll find your place here, just as she once did.”

Margaret felt tears welling up in her eyes. This place, this castle, this painting—all of it was connected to her mother, and now she too had become part of this world.

“Thank you, Grandma, Grandpa,” she said quietly. “I’ll do my best to live up to your expectations.”

After a long day filled with new impressions and emotions, Margaret finally found herself in her new room. Mrs. Fairchild led her to the second floor of the castle, down a long corridor with walls adorned with ancient tapestries and paintings. When she opened the door, Margaret held her breath.

The room was large, spacious, and bright, despite the massive walls of the castle. The ceiling was high, with decorative beams, which added even more air and space to the room. The light pastel tones in which the room was decorated immediately created an atmosphere of coziness and tranquility. The walls were a soft cream color, and the floors were covered with a plush beige carpet.

Near the window stood a neat wooden desk with a few books on magic, meant for beginner wizards. Next to it was a comfortable chair with soft upholstery. A small wardrobe against the wall was already partially filled with her clothes, neatly arranged by house elves. In the corner of the room stood a bed, also in light tones, covered with a fluffy blanket. The bed looked very cozy, and Margaret eagerly anticipated the moment she could lie down on it.

On the shelves next to the desk were study materials prepared for her upcoming time at Hogwarts: parchment, an inkwell, quills, and a few books. Margaret walked over to the shelf and ran her fingers over the spines of the books, feeling herself sinking deeper into this new world with each passing moment.

When Margaret had unpacked her things, Mrs. Fairchild returned to the room, smiling.

“I hope you’ll be comfortable here, dear,” she said, glancing around the room. “If you need anything, you can always ask the house elves. They’re always here to help.”

“House elves?” Margaret asked curiously, hearing about such creatures for the first time.

“Yes,” Mrs. Fairchild nodded. “They’re small creatures that help around the house. They are very hardworking and loyal to their masters. They’re usually small in stature, with large ears that resemble bat wings. They may seem strange at first, but don’t worry, they’re very kind and always happy to help.”

“I see,” Margaret replied, feeling a slight thrill at the thought of soon meeting such creatures.

Mr. Fairchild, who had joined them, also looked at his granddaughter.

“We’ll need to go to the shop to get you a wand,” he said. “Without it, it will be difficult for you to practice magic. It’s one of the most important things every wizard should have.”

Margaret nodded, understanding that many new and unusual things awaited her. She felt a bit lost, but at the same time, she was determined to learn everything she could about the magical world.

After dinner, where the whole family gathered around a large wooden table in the spacious dining room, Margaret felt the fatigue slowly creeping up on her. The evening passed in quiet conversation, where everyone tried to support each other. For her, it was a new but pleasant feeling—to be part of something bigger, something familial.

When Margaret retired to her room, she looked around it once more, enjoying the peace and quiet. Walking lightly around the room, she finally lay down on the soft bed, feeling all her worries and fears gradually fade away.

Closing her eyes, she imagined the amazing world full of magic and adventures that awaited her. She couldn’t know for sure what would happen next, but her heart was filled with the feeling that everything would be alright.

And that evening, under the soft light of the moon shining through the castle windows, Margaret drifted into wonderful magical dreams, full of magic, mysteries, and new discoveries.

Several days had passed since Margaret settled into Shadowpeak Keep. During this time, she managed to explore every corner of the castle, from the ancient libraries to the secret passageways, and gradually began to get used to her new home. She enjoyed finding secluded spots where she could hide away with a book and breathe in the scent of old volumes steeped in magic. Her room had become a true sanctuary for her, but there was one task her grandfather had long spoken of that she still needed to do.

One morning, Mr. Fairchild decided that it was time to go to London to buy Margaret her first wand.

“It’s time to visit Diagon Alley,” he said over breakfast, setting his newspaper aside. “You need to choose a wand before you can begin your real magical practice. This is a very important step for every young wizard.”

Margaret felt a slight thrill at the thought of the upcoming trip. She had already heard from her grandfather and grandmother that Diagon Alley was a place where you could find everything necessary for magical life. But what excited her most was the idea of choosing a wand—the very one that would accompany her on all her adventures.

Soon, they arrived in London and, passing through a narrow alleyway between two buildings, entered the bustling and lively Diagon Alley. Margaret couldn’t help but be amazed as she looked at the many shops selling cauldrons, robes, books, potion ingredients, and much more. But their destination was the most famous wand shop—Ollivanders.

Entering the shop, they found themselves in a cozy room filled with the scent of wood and old paper. The entire shop was lined with narrow boxes stacked to the ceiling. The atmosphere was one of mystery and ancient wisdom.

Ollivander, an elderly man with gray hair and piercing eyes, appeared from behind the counter, greeting them.

“Welcome to my shop,” he said, bowing his head slightly. “I believe we’re looking for a wand for the young lady?”

“Yes,” Mr. Fairchild replied, introducing his granddaughter to Ollivander. “This is my granddaughter, Margaret. She needs a wand to begin her studies at Hogwarts.”

Ollivander looked closely at Margaret, studying her with curiosity.

“Excellent,” he said, nodding slowly. “The wand chooses the wizard. Let’s see which one is right for you.”

He began pulling wands from their boxes, trying one after another. For a while, nothing happened, but suddenly, when Margaret took a certain wand in her hand, the shop was filled with a soft light emanating from its tip.

“There it is,” Ollivander smiled, pleased with the result. “The wand has chosen you.”

“What kind of wand is it?” Margaret asked, looking in surprise at the glowing object in her hand.

Ollivander examined it, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

“Red oak, with a core of jackalope antler. Rigid, 13⅓ inches,” he explained. “It’s a very interesting combination. This wand is unusual, just like its owner.”

He looked at Margaret intently and continued:

“You may excel at Quidditch, but your strength lies not in playing the game but in your ability to form and lead a team to victory. You are skilled in potion-making, but you’re more interested in teaching others than in your own achievements. For you, leadership and overcoming challenges are more important than the victory itself. It’s a rare combination of qualities, where a person can be energetic, cautious, rational, and even ruthless at the same time.”

Margaret listened to him, not taking her eyes off the wand she was holding. Every word Ollivander said resonated with her inner feelings.

“This wand was drawn to you by your charisma and charm. It stands out among others and loves to take on challenges,” Ollivander continued. “But its core, the jackalope antler, is somewhat selfish. This may make you more stubborn and authoritative. Therefore, you’ll need to learn to control your emotions and express your feelings. But know this: this wand will definitely help you cast spells more effectively.”

Margaret felt her excitement mix with a sense of satisfaction. She knew that this wand truly suited her, that it would be her faithful companion on her journey to mastering magic.

“Thank you,” she said quietly, looking at Ollivander. “I’ll do my best not to let it down.”

Ollivander smiled, sensing the sincerity in her words.

“Good luck to you, miss,” he replied. “And may your wand always remain loyal to you.”

They said their goodbyes to Ollivander and stepped out onto the street. Margaret held the wand, feeling its gentle yet confident warmth in her hand. She knew this was only the beginning of her journey, but with this wand, she felt ready for any challenges that might come her way.

When they returned to the castle, Margaret laid out her belongings and the wand on the table in her room. During dinner, she recounted her experience of choosing the wand to her grandparents, and they listened with interest and pride.

Later, lying in her cozy bed, Margaret thought about the future that awaited her at Hogwarts. The dreams that came to her that night were filled with magic, adventures, and new discoveries. She felt that with each passing day, her life was becoming brighter and more exciting, and now, with a new wand in hand, she was ready for whatever the magical world had in store for her.

The remaining days before the start of her studies at Hogwarts flew by for Margaret in a blur. She immersed herself completely in the world of magic, trying to grasp at least the basics before arriving at the school. From morning to night, her days were meticulously planned: practical lessons with her wand, reading books on magic and history, studying the structure of Hogwarts and its centuries-old traditions. Each new piece of knowledge added to her confidence, but also filled her with awe about the upcoming school year.

One of the first lessons she decided to master was simple but important—levitation. Using the spell *Wingardium Leviosa*, Margaret tried to make a feather rise into the air. At first, nothing happened, but with each passing day, her wand responded better. Finally, after numerous attempts, the feather gently floated into the air. Thrilled with her success, Margaret smiled, feeling the magic beginning to flow through her veins.

During the day, she spent hours poring over the books Mr. and Mrs. Fairchild had left for her on the shelves. Books on the history of magic, ancient spells and potions, legends of great wizards of the past—all of these became her guides to a new, mysterious world. She enjoyed learning about the history of Hogwarts, about the four founders of the school, about ancient traditions, and the amazing creatures that inhabited the castle grounds.

One day, her grandfather, noticing her interest in a book about Quidditch, suggested she try her hand at flying on a broomstick. At first, Margaret was nervous, but as soon as she took off, her fear gave way to excitement. Flying was just as exhilarating as she had imagined. Though she still needed to learn how to control the broom properly, she had taken her first steps, and that was what mattered.

Every evening, before going to bed, Margaret wrote letters to Miranda. She told her about how her days were going, how her grandmother cared for her, how her grandfather, who seemed constantly occupied with reading newspapers or books in his library, still kept an eye on her progress and guided her when necessary. In her letters, she shared her thoughts, describing her new discoveries, her successes, and her challenges. She wrote about how she had managed to make the feather levitate, how she flew on a broom for the first time, how she read books about the great wizarding battles of the past with fascination.

“Grandma and Grandpa are very caring,” she wrote in one of her letters. “Grandma is always nearby, ready to help when I don’t understand something, and she tells me about our family. Grandpa, though he seems strict, closely monitors my progress and is always ready to offer advice. It’s very nice here, but I still miss home.”

Time flew by unnoticed. Roderick and Enola reassured Margaret, telling her that in her first year, she would have simple lessons, and that Hogwarts had professionals who would teach her everything. But despite these words, Margaret couldn’t resist peeking into her textbooks and trying to understand what lay ahead. Some terms were unfamiliar to her, and complex spells seemed almost incomprehensible. But this didn’t discourage her—on the contrary, it made her even more determined to keep studying, dreaming of the day when she would become a true witch.

“I know there are many challenges ahead,” she wrote in another letter to Miranda, “but I really want to learn everything. I want to become a real witch, with a broom and maybe even a black cat, just like in the stories you used to tell me. It feels like here, in this castle, my dreams are starting to come true.”

Every morning, as she woke up in her new room, Margaret felt her heart fill with joy and anticipation. The magical world was opening up before her, and with each passing day, she felt her life changing more and more.

[nuttytani]

My manager is a total grandpa but he can kick some ass?

Fandom: Genshin Impact

Pairing: Tartaglia | Childe x Zhongli

Premise: Ajax is a popular idol named Tartaglia and is known to be a bratty prince and hard to work with, or so they say. His agency has hired him a new manager, since his previous one quit, yet again!

Fic can also be read here on my ao3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/51099172/chapters/129105334

chapter 2 link

Chapter 3

Ajax wakes up feeling fine, just fine. He feels perfect. Totally not like his muscles were screaming at him and were threatening to collapse, and definitely not like his eyes were burning red– he was absolutely not putting any effort into keeping his eyes open. 

Lies! He’s hundred and one percent fucked. Royally fucked. 

“What will I do?” he groans while dragging his hands down his face. 

There is a concert scheduled today, later in the morning and getting sick was not part of his schedule. Out of all the days, why did he need to get sick now? He has been feeling a little strange this week but chalked it up to exhaustion… He should have known better, especially last night when he was feeling extremely down and lethargic after he had to do a little bit of rehearsal for the concert, even though it was his day off. 

Guess he’ll just brave through it by popping some painkillers and call it a day. After all, the concert is only two hours long. 

He should manage. It will be fine. It should be fine, Ajax thinks to himself. 

.

There’s a notification on his work phone, followed by a call. Ajax struggles to pick it up as he’s pulling on the pants of his outfit. It’s really tight, and he’s scared that the seams of it might rip off– but nevermind, he successfully closes the zip and breathes out in relief. He turns to his phone and checks that it was a missed call from Zhongli. 

He redials it and waits until a deep voice answers, “Ajax, I have arrived. Please come down to the parking lot.” 

“Got it, hold on, I’ll be right there. Give me five minutes,” he replies and hits the end call while trying to figure out how to lock the leather thigh strap. 

“Aha!” he cries as the strap finally clicks. Now he’s just left with the ripped white t-shirt and the white jacket. His stage outfit may be a little strange this time, but his stylist team knows what they’re doing, so there’s nothing to worry about. Ajax throws the shirt and jacket on, uncaring of how it messed up his hair. After grabbing his keys, he makes his way to the entryway and puts on his sneakers. 

It’s already 5 AM as Ajax leaves the apartment and makes a run to the parking lot. He didn’t even run that much or climb down that many stairs, yet just from a few steps, his heart beats like a boombox and his lungs struggle to grab for air. 

Not a good sign, he thinks. Hopefully, the painkillers will kick into his system sometime soon.

Once he spotted Zhongli’s black car, Ajax waved a little before making his way inside.

“Sorry, hope I didn’t take too long.”

“Not at all. There’s a lunchbox on the seat. Have it now while I drive. I am well aware you’ve skipped your meal once again.” Zhongli looks at him pointedly from the rearview mirror. 

Ajax replies with a nervous laugh, “...Right. Thanks, and good morning, by the way.”

“Hmm.” 

He grabs the paper bag next to him and takes the lunchbox out. It’s blue with tiny narwhals drawn all over with cartoony ocean waves. It’s cute. He didn’t know Zhongli was a connoisseur of cute items. Ajax stores it in his mental list of ‘things about his manager’. He opens the lid to find a fluffy bed of egg fried rice and some juicy looking chicken. He takes a bite of the rice (thankfully, a spoon was provided this time), and the flavours burst into his mouth. A wide smile grew on Ajax’s face as he savoured his breakfast.

It isn’t long till they reach the venue’s parking lot and Ajax is helped out of the car. 

His manager frowns when he takes hold of his hand. Zhongli’s eyes focused sharply from behind his glasses. “You’re heating up. Are you unwell?” 

Ajax realised his mistake and quickly pulled his hand away. “I’m fine! You’re thinking too much, your hands are too cold because of the air conditioning,” he says with a reassuring smile and a small pat on his manager’s shoulder. With that, Ajax is almost speedrunning to the entrance of the venue. 

It’s as if the other wasn’t quite convinced but nodded anyway. “Alright. I’ll be here if you need me,” Zhongli says loud enough to be heard out of earshot. 

.

The venue may be empty at the moment, besides Ajax and the event staff, but the place is massive. The stage is square and is in the centre of the concert hall. Multiple seats surround the square stage in circles. There’s also a screen situated right above the stage so that people who are far away from him can see him. 

“Good morning,” Ajax greets everyone as he walks past them. Each staff member responded to him with a smile and quickly returned to what they were doing. They’re all busy doing some last minute checks for the concert; sound system, lighting, camera angles, his mic and set of earphones. 

It isn’t long before one of the makeup staff, Chiori, comes up to Ajax and requests him to follow her to the makeup station. Ajax is instructed to take a seat and Chiori starts working her magic on him. She puts on a cat eared headband on him and starts to work on his skin. 

“Geez, why do you suddenly have such dark under eyes? You look like a raccoon. Please try to take care of your skin before events… You’re lucky to have me here, you know?” Chiori huffs as she dabs concealer under his eyes and on some of his freckles. She goes ahead and lightly adds a bit of foundation on him and blends it out with her brush. 

Ajax might’ve mistaken Chiori for a porcupine if she wasn’t quite literally speaking with him right now. Though the thought makes him want to laugh, but he restrains himself by biting his lips– 

“Stop that!” she scolds him and he immediately lets go of his lips. 

“I know you’re fond of biting your lips when you’re nervous and all but please, you’ll break your skin like that.” Chiori grabs another brush to lightly dust his cheeks pink and swipes a finger on one of the pallets in her hand, “close your eyes,” she orders and he does as told. She dabs her finger on his eyelids and allows him to open his eyes once she’s done. 

Chiori looks pleased with herself as she finally whips out a light cherry toned lipstick and drags it on his lips. She then takes his headband off and fixes his unruly hair, somehow manages to tame it at last. 

“Voilà! You’re all done. Hmm! You look pretty.” She nods to herself. 

“All thanks to your skills, Chiori.” He sends her a dazzling smile. As if embarrassed, she smacks his shoulder and turns around to put stuff back into her bag.

Truly, she has done a marvellous job. His skin looks glowy and full of life compared to before. It gives him a bit of energy, looking at his transformation in the mirror. Chiori went for the “cute neighbour next door” type of look by using more peachy and pink tones. One might think that the colours might clash with his white and blue attire, but it contrasted quite well. His styling and makeup really work in marvellous ways.

Ajax takes one last look at himself in the mirror with a smile and stands up. Things felt dizzy and his body felt like it was swaying. He tried to still himself by grabbing hold of anything nearby. 

Chiori was already shuffling towards him with a concerned look and placed a hand on Ajax’s shoulder. “Are you okay?” she asks. 

“Fine! Just fine.” He brushed her off and walked away, leaving behind a perplexed Chiori and a few more staff who eyed him with doubt. They seemed to be whispering something amongst themselves, but he couldn’t hear. 

.

Somehow it feels more suffocating than usual, so Ajax fiddles with the collar of his outfit, in hopes of relieving his discomfort. It’s been a couple of hours since he took some painkillers, but he isn’t feeling any better. It was hard to breathe through his nose now and he wanted to desperately scratch the inside of his throat, and in less than a few minutes, he would be up on stage. 

Breathe in, breathe out.

He keeps chanting that in his mind. 

Though it’s been more than two years since he debuted, Ajax still can’t get used to the jittery nervousness that he would experience right before performing. It’ll be fine, like always, he’ll do fine. There’s never been a single concert where he messed up. He has always done his best, for his fans, his family and his agency. 

Closing his eyes, he takes another deep breath to calm down. 

A soft voice speaks up from behind him, “Here, drink.” Zhongli taps on him and hands him a bottle. 

Ajax quirks his head a little and accepts it. “Thanks,” he says after taking a sip. He didn’t even realise that his mouth was dry. 

“You’re welcome.” His manager gives a short nod and hesitates before opening his mouth. “Are you sure you’re feeling well?”

“Of course I am. Why wouldn’t I be?” Ajax asks. 

There is a pause of silence and Zhongli simply stares at him, well more like examines him with such intensity, as if a mother would check her son for any injuries.

“You say that, but more than half of the staff have noticed you looking exhausted. Even Miss Chiori informed me of you fainting–”

“I didn’t! That’s an exaggeration,” Ajax protests. 

Zhongli shoots him a deadpan expression, and Ajax mutters under his breath that he may have almost fated. Almost being the keyword. At last, Zhongli sighs and offers once more, “If you say so. But do tell me if you’re unwell anytime soon.” 

“Yeah, don’t worry. I will.”

Soon enough, Ajax’s earpiece rang, and that was his signal to go up on stage. His fans cheered as soon as the spotlight was on and followed his movements to the centre of the stage. The entire venue was filled with a sea of colourful lightsticks, all alternating colours from blue, white and purple. Some fans held banners saying “TARTAGLIA” or “YOUR LITTLE STARS” All of his fans looked at him with adoration in their eyes and continued to cheer in excitement. 

He squeezed his eyes shut and took deep breaths, forcing down the nauseous sensation deep in his stomach. With another low breath, he opened his eyes, flashed his iconic toothy smile to the crowd in front and waved enthusiastically. 

The crowd cheered even more and shook their lightsticks even faster. 

“Well then, my little stars! Let’s get this show started!” He bowed with a flourish and winked. 

.

As soon as he got off stage, his staff were all over him. Not that he minds usually, but he would very much prefer some peace and quiet. 

“Awesome work out there.” 

“Good job!”

A bottle of electrolyte is pushed at Ajax’s face. “Here, drink this.”

“Do you want eyedrops?” another staff member offers him.

“Oh, come on, he just finished a show… Let him breathe!” A familiar voice speaks from the crowd. 

“Ah ah! That’s an excuse for you to have alone time with our hotshot idol. I know an excuse when I hear one, Vlad.” 

The man in question frowns at the accusation and tries to deny it. Saying something along the lines of doing his job as a bodyguard. 

He really appreciates everyone in his team, he really does, but at the moment, Ajax really needed some space so he thanked everyone for looking after him as well as for their hard work, and made a beeline to the washroom. 

.

The running water felt refreshing and cooling against his warm face. But he still couldn’t do anything about his nauseous feeling or his pounding head, at least on the bright side he managed to finish his concert. Though Ajax has no idea how he managed to hold on for two hours of everything. That excludes the entire prep work for today, from waking up to everything till the actual concert. 

Well, he still has a dinner get-together with all the staff for today’s hard work. He should be able to manage. He thinks he can. 

“One good shot of firewhiskey with everyone and I’ll be on my way,” he convinces himself. With one last splash of water on his face, Ajax grabs a tissue and pats his face dry. Fixes up a few stray hairs or any cowlicks that were going out of control before walking out of the washroom. 

He had a few hours on hand before the staff get-together party; it seemed that way as everyone was still busy packing up stuff and cleaning the venue. They all looked completely exhausted and walked around like zombies would do. That included Vlad and Nadia, who were swaying around thinking no one noticed them. They both stood upright as soon as Ajax walked towards them. 

“So,” Ajax started, and clasped the duo’s shoulders, “You guys seem excited.”

Nadia and Vlad both groan in unison. 

“I just wanna go home. I absolutely hate these drinking parties,” Nadia says, to which Vlad nods. 

Ajax feels them and relates to them even, but tradition is tradition. After every concert in his agency, everyone takes their staff out for drinks after any event. Maybe it’s because the heads of his agency are drunkards and made this tradition for selfish reasons, well whatever it may be, every single person must attend the get-together. Or not. It’s not like you get killed for not attending. It’s just for morale boosting, of sorts. 

“It’ll be for a short while, just a couple of drinks and you’re free to go, ay?” He tries to cheer them up. 

“Boss, it’s never just a few shots,” Vlad deadpans. 

“Exactly. Who are you kidding?” Nadia sighs and brushes her hair back. “The last time you said that, we all went home after thoroughly chugging down multiple bottles. Oh, and that reminds me, isn’t that how you lost your…what number was it… 6th manager? He got piss drunk and forgot to pick you up for something the next day and almost caused a road accident while driving you.” 

Vlad snaps his finger. “That’s right! What was his name, though? Bob? Bobby? Can’t remember. But, yeah, better look out for Zhongli. You don’t wanna lose another one. I don’t think he’ll leave you, but he looks like a lightweight, so look after him.” 

“First off, he doesn’t look like the drinking type. Second, I already told Mr. Zhongli could go home after the concert.” Ajax waggled his brows. 

Nadia and Vlad blinked at him for a while.

“Why are you calling him ‘Mr. Zhongli’, he’s not even old?” Vlad says, looking offended on Zhongli’s behalf. 

“Good question. Anyway, look at the time! I have places to be and things to do,” Ajax replies while tapping at his wrist which is bare of any watch. 

Nadia makes a certain face and beckons Vlad closer to whisper in his ear. He gasps as if scandalised and exclaims, “He is not a grandpa!” 

“I can hear you… Loud and clear.”

“That’s the point, boss.” 

“Shut it–”

“No.”

. 

Shot glasses were clinking, and drinks were sloshed, spilling everywhere. Every staff were chattering, laughing or crying. No in between. Except for one, Ajax thought, while sipping his strong firewater and glancing at his manager. He did not expect Zhongli to come along, especially since he was excused. But the man was stubborn and insisted that he would drive Ajax home safe and sound. 

His manager sat stiffly between the rowdy staff. It was such a funny contrast to observe. Eventually, one of the drunk staff, out of many other drunks, pointed his beer mug (which should have been for beer but was filled with firewhiskey instead), at Zhongli. 

“Hey now, yer people almost forgot to celebrate our Ajax’s new manager!”

“Oh yes, Zhongli, come! Drink!”

“Welcome to the party. We may be rough, but we don’t bite.”

“To idol Tartaglia’s 12th manager!”

“May he last long!”

“And may he survive our fussy Childe—”

“I’m not fussy….”

Shot glasses and a beer mug clicked for the nth time and, once again, alcohol spilled everywhere. Zhongli was offered a shot, but he turned it down, “I appreciate the enthusiasm and I’d love to join you all, but someone has to be sober.”

“Awe, look at the fellow… He’s so sweet.”

“And so responsible!”

“Well, how about some grape juice instead, hmm? Let me see if the bartender here has any– Oi! Sir! You got any juice? Oh yeah, thanks!”

Immediately, Zhongli was offered some grape juice, which he accepted with a small thanks and a smile. It was on the house, according to the red-headed bartender, who is actually the owner of the bar. The owner simply nodded at Ajax’s way and went back to make other drinks. He and his team frequent this particular bar a lot. It’s a great place when you want to hangout while making some noise but also have a separate space from the other customers. The best part is that it is celebrity-proof, meaning every celebrity can enjoy some drinks without the worry of being photographed by paparazzi. 

.

“Be careful on your way home,” Ajax says while waving at his team. A small van from the agency was parked in front of the bar to drop everyone home. 

“Yessir–”

He closed the car door and turned to put his seatbelt on. Next to him, Zhongli checked the cameras and all his mirrors before zooming away from the bar. 

It was silent. A bit too silent. Feeling awkward, Ajax turned on the radio. 

A piece of fun pop music played for a beat before Mondstadt’s iconic idol’s voice started singing, “–ettos and fishnets, If that’s what you like–”. Too poppy for midnight. 

So he switched the song again and “–I’ll chew you up and I’ll spit you out ‘cause that’s what young lov–”. 

No, he wasn’t in the mood for cheeky songs right now, so he switched the song again “–living soul in the fray, striving for their own safe place. Life is too long to end at grave–”. 

Speechlessly, Ajax ends up turning off the radio. And the car is filled with deafening silence once again. He tapped restlessly on his thighs before looking at Zhongli, who was concentrating hard on the road. His brown hair, which was usually tied up in a smooth low ponytail, was loose, and a few long strands had come out of place. He never noticed before but, Zhongli’s hair had a few strands ending in amber. How interesting– speaking of amber. His eyes were such an unusual colour. Ajax had never seen such striking eyes before… At least not as pretty as Zhongli’s. It was a pity that they didn’t shine as brightly from behind his granny glasses. Not that Zhongli looks bad in his granny glasses, it actually frames his face quite well. 

Hold on, what is he thinking? Maybe the firewater has done him in. Yeah, that must be it, or it’s the fever. Maybe both. That makes sense. 

He is snapped out of his thoughts as the man in question taps his shoulder. “Ajax, we have arrived. Are you alright? You look a bit dazed,” Zhongli says, tilting his head.

“H-huh? Oh…right. Yeah, might be all the firewhiskey, but I only had 3..… Anyways, thanks for driving me, Mr. Zhongli. Get home safely and good night!” Ajax replies in haste and fumbles with his seatbelt, which is unfortunately stuck. Out of all the times.

Zhongli hums and leans over to Ajax’s side. “Bare with me for a moment.” 

Ajax remained motionless as Zhongli struggled to unbuckle his seatbelt. He was so close, too close, uncomfortably so, Ajax even caught a whiff of apricot and osmanthus from Zhongli’s hair. He could even feel his manager’s warm breath– “There we go, I suppose some lubrication is in order.”

“Y-yeah. Guess so,” Ajax clears his throat and continues, “Anyways…I’ll get going now, and good night!”

Zhongli’s eyes crinkle, they almost look like the crescent moon. A small smile plays on the man’s lips before he replies, “Yes, good night. Your schedule for tomorrow is clear, so please get some well needed rest.” 

He throws a thumbs up and says bye, and at last, Zhongli drives away into the dimly lit road. Before he knows it, Ajax is running up the stairs to his apartment. Yes, there is an elevator, which he could use right now, but his apartment is only on the second floor, and it’s a good exercise. He always prefers to take the stairs instead of the elevator. Feeling up for the keys in his jeans, Ajax snatches them out and fumbles with the door lock. He forgot to leave the light outside his apartment on, and now he’s suffering. With a click, the door finally unlocks and he flings it open. 

As if on clockwork, he takes his shoes off and places them neatly in their designated area, before going about his nightly routine. Which is very short; a hot shower, brushing teeth, a little bit of skincare, and voila. The skincare part is generally optional because 1) he finds the multiple steps lazy and 2) he keeps forgetting about it. So his skincare is just soap, water and moisturiser (sunscreen included if it’s morning). The only reason Ajax had remembered to follow through with his skincare is because of Chiori scolding him for looking like a raccoon. Wait, did Chiori indirectly call him trash? That can’t be right, he thinks to himself while getting cozied up in his bed. 

Nah, she probably just meant my undereyes.

With that, he closes his eyes and lets sleep take over his body.

.

Ajax wakes up to the annoying sound of his phone. It’s been ringing so loudly for a while. He flings his hand out of his warm blanket and feels for his phone to turn the alarm off. But it wasn’t working. After many failed tries, he finally grabs his phone and brings it up to his face. 

Oh. Rosaline was calling him, and he didn’t even know for how long.

“Hell–”

“I’ve been calling you for the past half an hour. What have you been up to?” Rosaline’s loud voice almost makes a drill through his eardrums. 

“Sleeping. Which you have disturbed. Today’s my day off,” he retorts back sharply, although softened by his groggy morning voice. 

“Hmph. Anyways, don’t go check your social media today and lay low.”

He remains silent for a few seconds. “Why?”

Rosaline replies, “The usual, anti fans. So don’t do anything stupid. You know the drill. I knew something was wrong when things were so quiet recently.”

That wasn’t new news. Sadly. He has been an easy target for the anti fans recently. He isn’t even sure why Rosaline keeps warning him every time the hate comments rise up, but he appreciates it nevertheless. “Welcome to the entertainment industry. When is it ever quiet?” 

“Touché.”

.

xoxo . @somethingfizz

Isn’t it funny that Tarta*lia’s fans paid so much for his concert tickets, only for him to dance like a chicken. Like hello ??? Put in some effort ??? Your fans paid for you to perform ?? At least do the bare minimum. Dude looked like he woke up from sleep and thought we wouldn’t notice. 

| koutaro . @linzcrowd 

Replying to @somethingfizz 

passed by the venue. sucker sounded like a malfunctioning roomba. bet my roomba can sing better tho. actually, columbina is so much better than tarta*lia. her latest single wasn’t bad. at least better than chicken man. 

| #1 barbara’s biggest fan . @albert_heart_barbara 

Replying to @linzcrowd

why y’all censoring names while hating don’t be a coward and say the full name :))) bitches. this is why yall anti fans suck. 

| xoxo . @somethingfizz

Replying to @albert_heart_barbara 

Obviously so that his agency doesn’t sue us. Use your braincells. 

—

stawberry n cupcakes . @naruchyann 

trashtaglia fans logic: maybe if i share pro trashtaglia posts then they wont hate him anymore. 

NO!!!! It makes us hate him even MORE. lol. 

—

TARTAGLIA IS FLOP . @anti-tartar

Ajax Turov, you’re so ugly, not even makeup can help you. It looks so cakey, not even flies would wanna hover over you. Idk who decided to make you the face of your agency. If you have even a smidge of shame, get fucking lost from the ent industry and kys <3 thanks in advance. 

| taru chan <3 . @ceo_of_tartaglia

Replying to @anti-tartar

stop talking and look into the mirror first, you waste of air. 

| TARTAGLIA IS FLOP . @anti-tartar

Replying to @ceo_of_tartaglia

Boohoo :(( hurt your feelings? I’m only telling the truth. It’s even confirmed that he fucked his way up. No wonder he has 0 skills. Nepo baby. 

| 100% married to tartaglia . @bbylinx 

Replying to @anti-tartar 

Aweee :((( why don’t you look into the mirror first before talking? At least he’s making big money unlike you. You’re just a poor, unfortunate and jealous soul. 

—

Help me . @ imackhtually 

We should let Tartaglia fans have their own planet 

| tommy . @ freshavacadoo 

Replying to @ imackhtually

and then nuke it, along with the carrot man 

| kayden biased . @ idkbroinsertsmth

Replying to @ freshavacadoo

lol that’s right. then we can observe it 

are you interested in getting notified of my fic updates? well i have a taglist if that interests you!

[valentinerose529]

New Fanfiction: Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress

Did you ever wonder what might have happened if Ikoma hadn't gotten back on the Koutetsujou after he was thrown off? Are you interested in a Robinson Crusoe AU starring our favorite green-haired mad engineer? Have you often wondered how Ikoma would have learned about the new abilities and requirements of his kabaneri body without Mumei's guidance? Then, my friend, this is absolutely the fanfiction for you! Presenting...

Phoenix From The Ashes

I describe this as my most self-indulgent fanfic out of all my self-indulgent fanfics. All my Koutetsujou no Kabaneri projects are self-indulgent, but this one especially is! It features the first KOTIF oc I ever made, and the only one who became a character in her own right rather than just semi-headcanoned supporting cast like everything else I write. She's my baby (grown woman) and I hope I did her justice.

Now, if a prominent, non-love-interest OC hasn't turned you away, let me get into the nitty-gritty details I'm sure you need:

Phoenix From the Ashes (5073 words) by ValentineRose529 Chapters: 2/5 Fandom: 甲鉄城のカバネリ | Koutetsujou no Kabaneri | Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress (Anime) Rating: Mature Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence Relationships: Ikoma & Kajika & Takumi (Koutetsujou no Kabaneri), Ikoma & Original Character(s) (Koutetsujou no Kabaneri) Characters: Ikoma (Koutetsujou no Kabaneri), Original Female Character(s) Additional Tags: Canon-Typical Violence, Implied/Referenced Character Death, Canon-Typical Discussions of Suicide, Blood, Canon-Typical Blood Drinking, Angst with a Happy Ending, Aragane Station (Koutetsujou no Kabaneri), Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Takumi Lives (Koutetsujou no Kabaneri), Inspired by Robinson Crusoe, Post-Zombie Infection, Infected Survivor, Beta Read Summary: “Grab on, Ikoma!” Takumi yelled, throwing a cable from the back of the last car. But Ikoma only curled into a ball, every wound alight with agony, and wept into his hands. The end of the cable bounced past him, before the hayajiro’s departure dragged it away. Takumi reached over the railing, shouting, as men dragged him back. No girl in pink jumped out to drag him unwillingly aboard; not one of Takumi’s cries seemed to pierce Ikoma’s sobs, or perhaps he was already beyond hearing. The Koutetsujou chugged out of the railyard, leaving behind its final savior in the burning wreckage of his home. And on the far side of town, one other heart still stubbornly beat in survival. ────── Against all odds, Ikoma doesn’t stay down. When Aragane Station falls, so does he, but he picks himself up from the rubble and keeps moving out of sheer determination.

The Update Schedule: this fanfiction is fully written, and will post daily every day this week until it is complete!

And of course, an eternal thanks to my beta reader, @eldritchpiper, who agreed to beta read for me despite not being in the KOTIF fandom! She deserves all the love ever, and also more cat pictures.

[annabellemainacc]

Ep.6 part.2

Like I used to do with Cole

Made up scenario

This is NOT a ship. It's a father-son relationship!!!

⚠️WARNING ⚠️ PET LOSS, DEPRESSION, PANIC ATTACKS, AND DISTRESSING THEMES

Fandom : DBH

Relationship : Hank & Connor

Character's : Hank, Connor & Gavin Reed, Jeffery Fowler

Summary : Hank regrets his actions on Connor. But Connor doesn't forgive him right away. He is very careful about everything he does in fear that Hank might snap again. Hank notices this and tries to make it right. Connor shuts down again, going back into his state of depression. It's not just his boss who finds out about why Hank and Connor were off work.

Word count : 3.0k

Hank watched as Connor cried helplessly in a ball on the couch. His LED was flashing red, and his stress levels were through the roof. It read 97%, and a warning sounded, letting him know that it was critically high. It kept beeping and beeping continuously. Behind all this noise was Hank trying his best to calm him down, which just resulted in more noise that piled on top of it all.

"Connor, listen to me. Just calm down, son."

Connor felt a roaring ache that echoed throughout his head. He reached up and grabbed hold of his ears, hoping it would help. The rain's pitter patter turned into a thump for every droplet that landed on the window. Hank was frantically trying to calm Connor, but it didn't help.

"Connor, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have shouted at you like that."

Connor's hyperventilating brought Hank into a trance.

*Hank's flashback*

He struggled to breathe as the seatbelt was suffocating him. The car was flipped upside-down in a ditch. All Hank could hear was sirens and see blue and red flashing light pull up to him. He clicked the seatbelt that dropped him on his head on top of glass that cut into his skin like knives. He broke the window with his foot and crawled out covered in blood.

"COLE!" Hank screamed as loud as he could with ripped vocal cords.

He heard Cole's loud breathing and ocasional cough cough. He limped his messed-up leg around to the other side of the car where Cole lay contorted. His arms and legs were broken and bloody. He dropped down and listened to the sound of his struggling breath for one final time.

"HELP!" Hank screamed as he held his son.

Android paramedics rushed over as Hank was confused as to why there were no real people.

*end of Hank's flashback*

The sound of Connor slamming his bedroom door was enough to bring Hank back. He sat there hopeless and waited for the hours to tick by.

*6:21am 1 week later*

Hank woke up by a sound coming from the kitchen. It sounded like a glass had shattered, followed by a panicked curse. He put his red dressing gown over him and opened his bedroom door. Connor froze as he saw Hank peer round the corner. There was a smashed glass that had scattered across the floor.

"The fuck happened?"

Hank walked towards Connor but keeping enough of a distance to not stand on any glass. Connor didn't speak.

"Am I talking to myself? WHAT THE FUCK HAPPENED?" Hank said louder this time clearly agitated.

Connor couldn't get his words out. He just stood and watched Hank glare at him.

"I don't know."

"Of corse you don't know you're JUST A GODDAMN ANDROID!" Hank slamed another empty beer bottle on the table.

Connor stood and stared at the beer bottle. He didn't want to move because of the glass, but he also wanted to run out the door and leave. But he knew that would make Hank angry, so he just stayed put. He put his hand in his pocket and felt the cold touch of the coin. He didn't want to flip it because he knew once again that it would agitate Hank. He watched Hank sweep up the glass from the floor. When a clear section had been cleaned up, he stapped past it carefully and walked down the hallway to his room.

"So you're just gonna walk away?"

Connor pulled his hood up over his head.

"You just going to go back into shutdown mode? Fucking android depression."

Connor turned off his skin relvealing his model as he looked back at Hank before shutting the door.

Moments later, Connor found himself in the closet with the coor shut because Hank was cursing and shouting. The whole house echoed of his drunken self. The only other occasional noise was Connor's coin.

*9:37pm the next night*

Connor had been in the closet all night and all day. He suspected that Hank had gone to the bar because he came home so late. Connor had a looming dread of what Hank might come home to be.

"I'm back Con. Sorry I worked over."

Connor thought it was Hank just saying that he wasn't drunk to make him come out of the closet. He listened to the sound of his jacket rustling as he tood it off along with his shoes. He heard him hang his keys by the door and walk to the kitchen supposedly to get something to eat. It once again started thunderstorming outside. Rain dripped down the windows in a pitter patter motion. Connor created a rhythm that kept him at ease. That was before he heard his bedroom door open.

"Connor?"

Hank's footsteps went towards the bathroom. Noticing that Connor wasn't there. He looked at the closet. Hank gave a sigh. He sat Connor's bed and waited a few minutes. He listened to Connor's breathing.

"Connor, I know you are in there."

Connor felt shivers up his back. He didn't want to have to encounter Hank so drunk again. He felt afraid. Not afraid of what he was doing to himself, but he was afraid of Hank. He felt unnerved whenever he was around. This past week especially. He had never felt that way around Him before. He knocked on the closet a couple of times, making Connor flinch.

"Connor. Please come out. I just want to speak with you." Hank sounded surprisingly calm.

Yet again, yesterday night, Hank came in and saw Connor, and he was calm. But then he turned in the matter of seconds. What if he were to do that again. Hank slowly opened the closet door. He peered in to find Connor showing his model with his hood up while holding his coin. He looked terrified. Hank held his hand out to him. Connor just looked at it.

"Shit.. Connor I.." Hank began but paused.

He waited a few seconds before sitting down by the outside of the closet.

"Con."

He turned his head to look at him. Realising what he had done in such little time. He realised that he didn't even try to fix it, and all he had been worried about was himself. He didn't even care to comfort Connor when he was upset. He just thought about Cole. He knew that Cole was gone, but he would just think about him. Connor was the one that should have mattered to him in those moments. Not Cole.

"Fuck. Connor, I'm so sorry. I was drinking, and i know i shouldn't have been."

He waited for a reply but didn't get one.

"Con. Be honest with me."

Connor didn't look up, but he listened.

"Are you afraid of me?"

Hank's lip quivered slightly as he waited nervously for an answer. Hank looked at Connor, who began to nod his head.

"Fuck what did I fucking do."

Hank held his head in his hands. He took a deep inhale before shuffling closer to Connor, who scooched away from him. He turned his head to look at the fearful android.

"Con, son. I don't want you to be scared of me. I was going through another of my episodes. I didn't mean to make you this way. I was selfish, and i didn't check up on you when you needed me. I can understand that you didn't want to see if I was okay. I mean, I wasn't, but.."

Hank looked over at Connor once more. He opened his arm out for him. Connor didn't move. He just sat there playing with his coin. Hank looked at the coin as he tossed it back and forth. Connor saw this, and he held it out for him to confiscate. His hand was a little shakey. Instead of taking the coin, Hank pushed it back into his hand. He held on to his hand that was his model. He held it still. With the other hand, he placed at the back of his neck.

"Son. I will never ever be like that again."

Hank rubbed Connor's back, showing him that it would be ok. Connor looked up at him. Hank could still see that his LED was red. Hank sighed. Connor changed back from his model after a while of wearing it. Hank saw him change and lop-sidedly smiled at him. It wasn't a full smile. It was a subtle smile. Like he was about to reassure him. Connor was about to move closer to Hank when it started to thunder again. The weather hadn't been very good that past week. It had either snowed or thunderstormed.

Connor moved back to the corner, letting go of Hank's warmth.

"You know. Cole didn't like thunderstorms very much either. He would come and hide in here, I would sit with him until it passed. A few times, I ended up falling asleep with him in here because he wouldn't want to leave." Hank chuckled.

He looked back over to Connor. He scooched next to him in the corner of the closet. He put his arm around his back and the other he held on to his hand. Connor rested his head on Hank's shoulder for a while. There was a flash of lightning, and Hank held Connor's head close to his chest and covered his ear.

"I used to do this with Cole. He was autistic so he stuggled a lot." Hank layed back his head.

He looked down at Connor.

"Son, look at me." Hank calmly said.

Connor looked up at Hank and saw him smiling at him.

"I'm sorry about saying those things. I didn't want to say that, but I was just so out of it. I said that you didn't have emotions and that you were just an android, but that isn't true, and you know that. So don't feel hurt from something I said that you know isn't true."

Connor hugged Hank tigher than before.

"Do you forgive me?" Hank waited for a reply.

A few seconds of silence passed before he replied.

"Yes." In a quiet tone.

*7:24 am*

Connor caught the toast that popped out the top of the toaster. He placed it down quickly as it was really hot. He spread butter on both of the slices, watching it melt into the top. Hank struggled to get his boots on as it was snowing outside. He put on his thick jacket and scarf along with his woollen hat.

"You sure you want to go back into work just yet? You still don't seem like you're full of yourself." Hank's speech was slightly slurred because of his scarf.

"I'm sure. There's work to be done." Connor put the butter back in the fridge and picked up the slices of buttered toast. He walked over to the front door and held a slice out for Hank to eat.

"I'm good, thanks."

Connor insisted.

"Hank. Eat."

Hank rolled his eyes before taking the slice of toast and taking a bite out of it.

"Happy?"

"Yes." Connor smiled proudly.

Connor turned his body sideways to get past Hank and the doorframe that Hank hand held the door open for him. Hank scoffed.

"So easily pleased."

Hank shut the door and locked it. Connor opened the car door on the passenger side and sat into the car. Hank did the same, but when he lifted his foot up to get into the car, his other foot slipped on the ice. He fell backwards onto his butt.

"Fuck." Hank said after a couple seconds of silence.

"Hank!" Connor lept out of the car and ran around to Hank.

It also causes his foot to slip, making him fall onto Hank that cushioned his fall.

"Shit, Connor, are you alright." Hank put his hands on Connor's shoulders.

Connor looked up and began to laugh. Hank waited a few seconds to make sure he was okay before following Connor, along with laughter. Connor had not heard Hank laugh like that for a long time. Let alone Hank had never heard Connor properly laugh since he met him. They started to die down from the laugher.

"I'm fine, Hank. Are you? It was a nasty fall." Hank tried to keep a straight face while saying it before bursting out into more heaps of laughter.

"Okay, okay, Connor, I'm sure it wasn't that funny."

Hank pulled himself up on the car door handle. He grabbed Connor's hand and pulled him up off the ground.

"Carefully make your way round to the other side Con. I don't want another broken bone as well as a dead android." Hank scoffed, sitting carefully back into the car.

*At Detroit station*

They pulled up to the parking lot in their car. Hank pulled the brakes handle up to keep the car from moving anywhere. As Connor was about to exit the car. Hank put his hand on Connor's shoulder. He turned round.

"Yes, Hank?" Connor looked at him confused.

"Listen. I think it's best if you stay near me today. I know that Gavin is a pain in my ass and has become a pain in yours, too. I don't want him to do anything to you, so I would appreciate it if you stayed near me today, Connor."

Hank opens the car door and steps back, before, closing it. He watches Hank walk up to the entrance. Connor gets out the car and locks it with the keys that Hank gave him. He jogged up to Hank and started walking at his speed. They both entered the building before scanning their cards on the gate. Hank slumped into his chair as Connor sat down with good posture. Hank logged on to his computer and looked at the case they were previously looking on. Hank looked surprised.

"Hey Con, look at this."

Connor stood up and walked round to Hank's side of the desk and moved a couple of items before sitting on it.

"You were right. It was Eugene who bought the android to replace his son. Eugene had no intention of hurting his son, but it was the android who turned on both him and his son. He was found dead a couple of days after questioning."

Connor smiled as he was proud that he had solved it beforehand.

"Well done." Hank patted Connor's knee.

He walked back round to his side of the desk before the door to Fowler's office opened.

"Hank. Could I have a word." Fowler stood in the doorway of his office.

Hank stood up and ushered Connor to follow him.

"Alone Hank. Leave the android there." He said with a stern look on his face.

Hank looked back at Connor.

"I'll be back in a minute. Just work on some files till then."

Gavin, who was standing in the doorway of the cafe once again, smirked as Hank walked off, leaving him vulnerable. Connor sat back down at his desk and opened the separate laptop that was on his desk in a black case. He wrote down some information from the file that he had opened from the separate monitor. A group of deviants that had attacked 8 civilians critically injuring 5 of them and the other 3 were found dead. Connor's laptop was forced closed. He looked up to see Gavin staring at him with a smirk.

"It's the plastic detective. Come back from your little break? Heard your precious puppy died." Gavin mocked him.

"Please go away, Gavin. I don't really want to focus on that subject right now. I don't feel that I would like to think about it."

Connor looked at the picture that was to the left of his desk. It was a picture of Hank, him, and Sumo. Gavin snatched it off the desk and turned it to be able to see it properly.

"Gavin, give that back." Connor stood up and stared at him.

He scoffed. "Didn't know you would care seen as you are a piece of metal. I mean, I don't really care how you feel anyway."

Gavin held the framed picture by the corner and broke the frame. He pulled the picture out and looked at it. Connor tried to grab it back, but Gavin moved it away from him.

"I do hope that you are frcovering fine from the incident. I will, at some point, send you your paycheck because of your couple of weeks off." Fowler was understanding towards Hank.

Hank turned to look out the glass and saw Gavin stood near Connor. He started to feel his blood boil.

"Hank?" Fowler looked at him confused.

"Gavin gibe that back. It's the only picture I have of us three all together." Connor held his hand out, expecting Gavin to hand it back.

"Let me think about it. Wait. I don't need to." Gavin took the picture by the middle and ripped it, tearing Sumo away from both Hank and Connor. He dropped it on the desk.

"Bastard." Hank said as he swung the door open.

He stormed down the stairs and walked up to Gavin angrily.

"Come on, man, it was just a-.."

Hank stormed up to him before he could finish his sentence and swung at Gavin. His fist hit Gavin's jaw, causing him to fall to the ground. Gavin looked up with a bloody nose. He spat on the ground before standing up and taking a swing at Hank. He fell backwards, hitting his back on the step.

"FUCK!" Hank shouted in pain.

Connor's LED turned from blue to read instantly. He jumped over his desk and tackled Gavin to the ground. He punched his face multiple times without stopping.

"Connor, stop!" shouted Hank as he grabbed hold of his wrist.

But Connor just pushed him back.

End of ep.6 part.2

ep.7 Part.3 coming soon

[beautifulpersonpeach]

Do you think jimin’s debut will be affected by the many projects happening right now? The fandom is already overwhelmed and (broke lol). Why does if feel like as fans we have to pick which member we have to support because a lot of us can’t support them all at the same time! And i mean financially before anyone jumps me

***

Hi Anon,

Of course, Jimin’s project will be affected by all the releases around March 24th. Fall Out Boy, Lana Del Ray, Morgan Wallen etc all releasing music around the same time, will be a nuisance on the charts since they have more support. ARMYs will just need to do what they do and hope for the best.

But that’s not really what you’re asking. To answer your actual question:

It’s possible Namjoon’s collab project impacts some of the gun powder in the fandom for Jimin’s solo project. But even if this happened, the impact would be negligible. In my opinion.

Personally, I don’t fully understand the worry around multiple projects dropping around the same time. To me this honestly is the sort of thing someone who either spends time in solo-stan adjacent spaces would say (or else they’d notice the same complaint coming from six other quarters), or someone who doesn’t think all that highly of the fandom’s effort when it comes to specific members, relative to that person’s expectations.

It’s true that everyone’s financial situation is different and so not everyone can multiply their k-pop spending by 7 (and even more than that if we count collabs). But the fandom is huge enough that there’s a wide variance in spending power and ultimately, the boys’ efforts will be supported. As a couple of examples: ARMYs raised $100,000 in 24 hours on a whim to support MeganTheeStallion during her fight with her label in 2021 (also for charity). ARMYs have sold out car models before, in between back-to-back tours. In my case, I work hard for my money, have always been the sort of music fan who puts her money where her mouth is, and I actually like all seven members and so I have no problem spending on them if I like the music. And I’m certainly not the only ARMY like this. If your concern is financial support, then I honestly don’t understand why you’d be worried.

With one exception:

It’s true that Chapter 2 has allowed those more inclined to like only one or two members, to detach more from the rest of the group. I’m talking the sorts of people who while BTS were in Chapter 1 as a group, mostly tuned in for their favourite member(s), and now that those people are not required to support BTS as a group, they will only focus on the select members they like. These people wouldn’t think of themselves as solo stans, and in fact many of them have enough awareness to usually avoid the more poisonous behaviours of akgaes, but they essentially function like solo stans and will be less inclined to support other members in the band. And really, that’s all good and fine. We all like what we like, after all.

What I’ve observed though is those people happen to be the same ones sensitive to seeing other people like them, who happen to not support their favourite member(s). It’s ironic, but predictable. And yes the fandom has certainly fractured more in Chapter 2, leaving a smaller core of OT7 ARMYs to consistently support every member even as they are still figuring out how to replicate BTS-scale success targets 7 times over. But these are growing pains necessary for the fandom to mature. In my humble opinion. So while some see it as the fandom getting burned out, I see it as the core of the fandom reaching a more realistic equilibrium. These are real changes happening in the fandom that I think your ask alludes to and it’s fair to acknowledge it.

But that aside,

I doubt there’s the expectation for every ARMY to spend beyond their means to support BTS. If you can’t afford it, don’t sweat it because financial contribution through music/merch purchases is only one of several ways to support BTS and any of the members. Streaming/listening to their music, recommending it to friends and family, requesting it on radio, making fake make-up line ads on TikTok, hosting parties with their music, making fan-art, etc, are all ways to support that aren’t financially cantered but still mean a whole lot.

Jimin’s album release will do well, and I think almost just as well as if Joon’s release never happened. Since I’m nearly certain that’s why you’re asking. At the end of the day, so long as you’re actively listening to their music, enjoying it, and encouraging the people around you to do the same, this might sound cliche, but what I’ve observed with BTS and ARMYs is that those things ultimately mean more and eventually lead to positive financial returns to the guys.

Rest assured Jimin will be getting laid paid in 2023. The fandom will make sure of it.

[cozypancakes]

I'm the lengthy anon from yesterday. I'm so glad you didn't mind me rambling in your inbox. I have no one to talk to about this show. There is no real fandom, and my friends haven't watched it yet. :/

But yeah, if I think too much about Peter's and Jim's relationship, I want to cry. Obviously, from Peter's point of view, Jim writing the article was utter betrayal. Peter idolized his dad, and Jim was so right when he said Peter hasn't even gotten to know his dad or see his flaws. I would personally also cut ends with him. He was the only adult figure left in Peter's life, and just like his dad, he betrayed him, not even privately, but he dragged his family in public.

But I can't fault Jim too much for it, his best friend did something terrible and he tried to cope with that in the only way he knew, by writing this article. I don't think he regretted it in the beginning. He probably thought Peter would come around later, but after years passed by, I do believe he would have done it differently. I think he also reached out to Peter after the Metro Bombing. He wouldn't have his number, but he would have sent a card at least.

What I find the saddest part is that both of them believe Peter Sr dying in a car crash that could have been a suicide attempt. I don't doubt Jim was angry at his best friend taking the easy way out. He was already convinced Pete was guilty. And now his best friend's son was all alone. They only had each other in that time, and then bam, the rift happened because both of them are too stubborn to see the situation from the other's perspective.

When Travers revealed that it was an assassination, you could see it on Peter's face that he had a moment where he was relieved, I guess. Despite strongly believing in his fathers innocence, there was probably doubt in his mind, and that doubt got louder and louder over the years. Him getting the closure his dad didn't just leave him alone because he was guilty. It must have been such a relief. I know Travers told him that the fate of his father will never reach the public, but with Jim back in his life, sorta, I want to believe he told him about it. Jim deserves this closure as well, despite him telling Peter his father's actions don't matter when it comes to Peter, but that was his best friend.

I also think Peter's blind idolization is the reason he became a night agent in the end, despite not really wanting to. After getting the confirmation his dad wasn't the bad guy, Peter felt like he had to continue his legacy. Making his dad proud, continue what he started. His dad was the reason he joined the FBI, and he's the reason he's a night agent. I just hope he won't face the same fate as him. (Sorry, this was even longer than yesterday)

OH MY GOD! I love you and all these night agent thoughts anon!!! I feel the exact same way about not having anyone to nerd out about this show with. Please, either keep the anon messages coming or reach out in DMs. I'd love to discuss more.

You are so right about Jim having a lot to process. I'd need to go back in the show, but it sounds like Jim became Peter's guardian after his father died. And if the article came out when Peter was about to go off to college, that would put them at 2-3 years of having lived together when Jim published that article. Like, yeah, I'd be a pretty pissed at Pete too, especially if he suspected it was a suicide. Not only is your best friend gone but now you're solely responsible for taking care of this teenager who had already lost his mom. I'm sure Jim started off investigating with the desperate hope that he would find proof that Pete was innocent, as much for Peter as for himself. But then he found the exact opposite and felt duty bound to report it. Like, hello Peter, you're both so honor/duty bound to your profession or your own idea of justice and don't even realize it!

(oh god, oh god, super sad, random thought but...no one was there to see Peter graduate college...I mean, Jim probably went and watched from afar but for all Peter knew, he was all alone that day).

I agree that Peter must have felt a little relief knowing it at least wasn't a suicide. Even knowing that it wasn't a random chance accident. Like there's a clear bad guy in this story now. Someone Peter can channel all his anger towards and take down.

I know the show will probably go down the patriotic, propaganda line of "no, it's just a few corrupt people. The institution is great. USA rules!" But, realistically imo, being a full night agent would just bring Peter face to face with more of the US's shady business and inhumane actions across the world. I really hope at the least S2 makes Peter confront his instinct to obey orders blindly with his need to do good and be good.

[jurassicsickfics]

Someone getting sick from smoking too much or too fast

Or vice versa

Someone getting nauseous from nicotine withdrawal (definitely not speaking from first hand experience)

No preference for Fandom or characters <3

Ooh, I like this idea. Pardon me if my interpretation of smoking induced sickness is inaccurate, I've never smoked nor do I know much about it but I'll certainly try my best! I decided to use Halloween as smoking is something that the characters did several times so it seemed fitting. I hope you enjoy!

Laurie and Annie sat in the front seat of the car, taking a late evening drive around Haddonfield. Laurie decided to join Annie so she could get some quiet time; she'd been babysitting every night this week and she needed an evening with someone her own age, and she always loved quality time with Annie. Annie had been the one to suggest the idea, for the same reason as Laurie, but, also, because she wanted an opportunity to do some smoking without getting caught.

Laurie had taken a few puffs that Annie had offered her, but, frankly, she didn't see the hype. The stuff smelled awful and didn't taste much better, and it always sent her into a coughing fit. But, Annie liked it for some reason, maybe a little too much. Laurie glanced over at Annie from her seat behind the steering wheel. "Annie, haven't you had enough?" She asked. Not in a judgmental way, her tone leaned more towards concern. Annie chuckled. "I'm fine, Laurie. I've got a tolerance for the stuff. I'll be ok." She replied.

Laurie sighed. "Ok, if you say so." She replied, her eyes still on the road. Annie stared out the window, as relaxed as a person can be. The suburban streets were illuminated in a golden light of the setting sun, and the last rays of sunlight acted as spotlights on Annie's face and hair. Highlighting her big brown eyes and smooth skin, and making her hair sparkle. Laurie smiled softly as she stared at her friend at a stop sign. Annie really was beautiful.

"You don't give yourself enough credit for how pretty you are." Laurie said, breaking the silence in the car. Annie turned to her. "Huh?"

"Yeah. Annie, you're beautiful and you act like you aren't. "

Annie's cheeks bloomed pink and she smiled softly. "Aww...thanks, Laurie. You're beautiful too."

Laurie returned the soft smile as she started driving again.

About an hour later, it was nearly dark. Laurie realized that Annie had been smoking...alot. She'd finished 4 of the things in the 2 hours they'd been out. She was watching her for any signs of distress. She didn't seem very high, to Laurie's shock, but, she did notice that her once rosy cheeks were now a bit pale.

"You ok, Annie?" The blond asked. Annie groaned. "I...I think maybe you were right...about the fact that I'd had enough..."

Laurie gave her a concerned look. "What do you mean? What's wrong?"

Annie sighed. "My stomach feels...not good." The brunette replied.

Laurie gave her a sympathetic look. "Oh man, I'm sorry. Is there anything I can do?"

Annie shrugged. "I dunno...Oh crap, Laurie...what am I gonna say to my parents? They're gonna wonder why I'm sick..."

Laurie sighed. "Just say you've got a stomach bug. That's going around at school. "

Annie coughed, barely holding back a gag. "Laurie...help.." she said, her voice taking on a whiny edge.

"Are you gonna throw up?" Laurie asked, reaching over to rub Annie's back.

Annie nodded, and Laurie, thankful they were now on a more secluded road, quickly pulled over and got out of the car, going over to Annie's side of the car and helping the slightly loopy teenager out of the car. Annie was quick to double over and puke into the ditch, as Laurie kept her arms around the smaller girl's belly, to offer her not only balance, but comfort.

Annie burst into tears as soon as the last of it was out, and Laurie pulled her into a tight, protective sort of hug. The brunette coughed and sobbed into Laurie's chest, tears streaming down her cheeks.

"It's ok Annie...breathe, I've got you..." Laurie consoled her, her voice soft and comforting, as it always was when Annie was upset.

"I-I'm sorry...I should've listened to you..." Annie choked, wiping her nose against her friend's shirt.

"It's ok...typical Annie, gotta learn the hard way, huh?" Laurie joked, an amused but sympathetic smirk on her face.

Annie managed a weak laugh through the remainder of her sobs. "Y-yeah...that's me. Stubborn as a mule."

As Annie settled down, Laurie helped her back into the car, gently wiping down her face with a tissue from her purse. "You ok to go home now?"

Annie nodded. "Yeah, I think so. I feel better now..."

Laurie smiled. "Great. You gonna listen to me next time?"

Annie chuckled. "Definitely. I don't think I'm ever gonna smoke again."

[alexandrite-dragoness]

P3 Gekkoukan!Strega AU: Preventing One's Doom (Part 1 of 2)

Taking place in 2005 in my timeline! (So Takaya is 15, Jin's 13 and Chidori's 11 in this one, more-or-less)

I've been on and off writing this one regarding how Jin would awaken to Moros in my AU :V tho for this one it's gonna be a 'before' sequence, while part 2 (which I haven't written yet) will be an 'after' event, cuz I kindaaaa don't really have a thorough idea how things would turn out, unlike how I had things planned with Takaya's awakening arc. But at the same time?? I think this would explain itself rather well. I'm just glad I'm getting some of this done, honestly. After that I'll get around to working on Chidori's, which would be more thorough than this one for sure.

Fandom: Persona 3 | Characters: Jin, Chidori, Takaya, Ikutsuki | Word Count: 3,658 | Relationships: Jin-Chidori (brother-sister), Jin-Takaya (brothers; brief)

It's late at night, and Ikutsuki is trying to get home as soon as possible as he drives down the road to his house. It's dark out, and as much as he wants to race home and get some sleep, he'd rather be careful at this time of night. He always gets home before the Dark Hour would arise, otherwise he would be stuck in the middle of the road and in potential danger, leaving his children at home worried sick. That's the last thing he would want to be in, situation-wise. With the children at home safe from any potential danger themselves, at least he knows they'll be just fine in case anything happens during that time. Regardless, he always tries whatever possible to get home at a reasonable time after pulling overtime like this.

He finally makes it to his parking garage, turning off the car and getting out to head inside. He's tired, and yet he wastes no time walking to the door and unlocking it before getting inside the house. He hopes to finally relax, get himself some shut eye, but first— check on his sons and daughter to see how they're doing. Of course, he may not want to disturb them if they're already in bed. As they should be.

Today happens to be one of those days that they aren't, however. By the time he comes into the house and ruffles his coat, he can see the kitchen lights are on. Curious, he slowly walks over to see who's occupying the space, hearing two different voices coming from the area.

“C'mon Jin, hurry up already…!” A teenager with an almost-deep voice rushes the younger one as they're trying to get something in the kitchen. His hair is only shoulder-length and yet very messy, like he hasn’t brushed it in days.

“I'm trying, I'm trying!” The younger teen exclaims with a more pitchy voice, showing to be in the midst of puberty as is. His hair displays a side fringe type of style, with somewhat unkempt bangs that are brow-skimming above his eyes. “Ugh, dammit I can't reach it.”

“That's because you're too short. Here, just move out of the way!” He retorts with a tease, angering the younger brother.

“No, you!”

“Just move it already!”

“Stop it!”

The two bicker with hushed voices like if trying not to disturb anyone nearby, unaware that their father came home already. Ikutsuki then manages to peek around the corner to see the commotion going on. He then spots his two sons, one trying to push and climb up on the other, reaching high up with a chair as their stool to get whatever they're looking for in the cabinets. While he gasps at the potential danger they're putting themselves in, he also can't help but be incredibly upset just knowing how late it is. They should be tucked in bed while getting their sleep for school tomorrow. But instead, they're causing mischief as if their father would have no idea.

Ikutsuki however decided to break his silence. “And just what you think you two are doing!?”

The sudden question spooked the two kids as the one on top almost lost his balance. If they were anymore careless he would've landed on the kitchen floor by now. Jin just cursed under his breath. “Shit, you scared us…!”

“Oh, hey pops…!” Takaya awkwardly greeted their father with a forced smile. It quickly fades away, however, given Ikutsuki doesn't look so pleased in return. “I swear, this is not what it looks like.”

The Chairman then slowly crosses his arms in doubt, with a raised brow and a scowl. “Oh sure it isn't. Then what exactly does it look like? Hm? You know it's way past your bedtime.”

While the boys try to explain themselves, the father then taps his foot hoping this better be good. Just what were they up to, exactly? Looking for snacks? In the medicine cabinet? Surely they're smarter than that.

“Look, you see father—!” Takaya starts before being cut off by Ikutsuki at the same time.

“Now I don't want any excuses!” The man shook his head before snapping his fingers and pointing towards the staircase. He's really tired right now, and doesn't want to deal with this at the moment. “C'mon, get down from there! We'll discuss this in the morning.”

“But pops—!”

“And no ‘buts’ about it.”

It's back and forth between Takaya and Ikutsuki as it can turn into an argument. Before things can heat up within the conversation, or until they leave the kitchen, Jin comes in to break off that communication to get their real reason in.

“But Chidori’s sick!”

“... Sick?” Ikutsuki surely didn't expect to hear that.

It's hard to tell whether or not he should believe him, given the first thing he sees coming home is them shuffling through the cabinets in search of something. But, he's all ears…

Jin nods, giving his honesty. “She hasn't been feeling too well lately, so we were trying to find some medicine for her. You know the brand of the one we used?”

“I uh…” Ikutsuki ponders on that for a moment. “I think it was something like 'Pine Eve'… but I don't think we have any more. But: There should be some winter radishes in the fridge! We can use that to make our own cold medicine.”

He smiles and therefore opens the fridge to look for it. “Surely I made it for you kids before! Just that with a bit of honey and… oh no...”

Unfortunately he can't find them anywhere, as they were most likely already used up for their meals not too long ago. That or it got spoiled, and therefore thrown out.

He closes the fridge door in disappointment and sighs. He only glances down at his watch to check the time. It's almost a quarter before midnight, which leaves him very little chance to go anywhere far to pick up some meds for his daughter. “Well, shucks. Why didn't you call me about this on my way home? How long did you know about this?”

“Just a couple hours ago, and I tried calling you then!” Jin answered through a sigh as if annoyed. “You just never picked up.”

Their father then checks his flip phone, seeing a short list of missed calls from his son as explained. Even a voicemail. He didn’t recall it going off at all, which is unfortunate. He sighs even louder. “Oh dear. H-How bad is it? Surely if we wait til morning she may get better.”

Jin didn't answer right away, like he's afraid to. He crossed his arms with a sign of concern. “Her temperature was forty degrees celsius last I checked. It's… kind of bad, the first time I checked it was only a little less. I just don't know what to do…”

Ikutsuki takes a sharp breath before making a small sigh in distress. He assumes the worst, as he wouldn't want to risk any of his children if they have a fever that high. The first thing he thought of is taking her to the emergency— but at that point the Dark Hour will emerge, and there'd be no one to help them by then. His next best move would be the most convenient option possible, as he then adjusts his jacket that he hasn't bothered taking off yet. Shortly afterwards he then glances at the clock. “My apologies children, but right now I need to head to the market while I still can. If we don't get anything for her now I'm not sure how much she'll manage during the… y-you know. Uh, anything else we need to get while I'm there?”

He shows this sign of weariness the others are familiar with, or what the children like to call it, 'papa-panic' mode. Of course his reactions are definitely reasonable when it comes to having a sick child in bed that needs to get better, and soon! He doesn't want to risk waiting it out if it means Chidori could be getting worse. He was about to grab his keys he left on the counter when one of his sons called out to his question.

“Oh oh, can I come with you?” Takaya asks eagerly while waving his hand up for attention, like if they are going on a trip together. Jin gives an unamusing reaction to it.

“Takaya, this is serious! I'm not going out to dilly-dally while the Dark Hour is just around the corner.” While Ikutsuki gives his share of an unamusing expression at his careless son, he can’t help but see the excitement in Takaya as he pleads to tag along. Sometimes, he just has a hard time saying no, especially now. “You can come along— but as long as we don't waste any time.”

“Yes!” Regardless of Ikutsuki’s warning, the young Takaya cheered anyway and went upstairs to grab an article of clothing or two to wear. Meanwhile Jin goes to pout since obviously that means he is left alone with his sick sister, while he believes he is better fit to go with their father and make sure they get everything they need in a relative time. He has nothing against staying at home, of course, he just knows how Takaya can be when it comes to wasting time doing duties when necessary. They're on a time-sensitive mission now.

Even the father sees the frustration on Jin’s face, which he finds rather amusing. “Don’t worry Jin. We’ll be back in a moment before you know it. Meanwhile you can keep me up to date on how Chidori is doing…”

Meanwhile Ikutsuki waits for Takaya to come back downstairs and fix up his jacket while heading out the door, turning around slightly to ask his eldest son with a quiet tone. “Do you have your evoker on you, just in case?”

“Well yeah, of course.” As relative the question can be, Takaya just rolls his eyes before smirking and following his lead out the door.

They exchange a few more words between them before the door is entirely shut, the father locking the door before getting to the car. Jin happens to be standing next to the unoccupied furniture before he walks over and sits down. He rubs his eyes and then his head in frustration, still feeling a bit bitter about earlier. It’s quiet in the room, as to be expected. The clock on the wall quietly ticks at every second that passes. The outside world through the windows is still pitch black, the white crescent moon shining modestly in the starry sky. Jin knows they’ll be back soon. From what he can tell they’re just heading down to the gas station that’s a ten minute walk from where they live.

Even knowing that, they’re rather short on time, making their short journey a last-minute mission. Knowing that on top of Takaya’s carefree nature and making things take longer than it needs to be, that puts another layer of nervousness on Jin. “Dammit Takaya. Why did you feel the need to tag along…?”

“Papa…?”

Jin heard a familiar voice and therefore stood up from the couch to look up at the staircase behind him. The young girl took a few mere steps down to see if their father was here, wanting to personally welcome him home knowing how late it is. She must’ve heard him from her bedroom when he got home, but unfortunately she just missed him by a hair, and she hasn’t gotten much sleep lately. Between her words the eleven-year-old makes a cough to her fist, which comes up short yet rough through her throat. Her cheeks are flushed red, and she has been feeling and odd sort of chills lately. Jin only hesitantly takes a step back just to make sure she doesn’t cough his way.

“Chidori!” Jin makes a hushed voice, despite having no reason to do so other than mere politeness. “What are you doing out of bed? You should be resting!”

The girl makes another cough. “But I heard papa. Where is he? Did he come home yet?”

It only took him a moment to notice why she’s been seeking anyone as of now. She’s probably having a hard time being alone while Ikutsuki is away. If he were to be annoyed by this he would wonder why she can’t stay where she’s at and be fine without their dad around. However, being her brother for about five years now; he can’t honestly blame her. She can feel vulnerable when feeling under the weather like this, and this is where he usually steps in.

“They’re out to get some medicine for ya. Here— just lie down.” He pats on the arm of the couch for her to sit in so she can rest while having Jin nearby. She does so without question, as she drags a rather small blanket behind her and uses that to cover herself up. While she is perfectly fine with it, Jin however knows she’ll need more than that if she wants to stay warm. He goes to get a heavy blanket that was in the closet nearby  and brings it over to her, throwing it on top of her in one swoop.

Chidori only grumbles under the blanket in annoyance. “Ugh! Jin— why are you giving me this?”

He continues to tuck her in with the blanket regardless, making sure the thick material is nice and tugged from one side to another. He pulls the top part of the blanket down just enough for her head to poke out of, being able to see her surroundings rather than being swamped from the material head-to-toe. As much as Jin despises being near someone who’s sick (and therefore contagious), he still hovers over her, just inches above her face while pushing and folding the edges of the blanket around the sister, like making her into a cocoon. Even after being close to done, Chidori already started showing signs of discomfort by wiggling underneath the thick cloth.

“But Jiiiin. It’s too hot in here!”

“Good.” He exclaims under his breath, not making much eye contact with her as he finishes folding the edges in. “That’s the point. If you want to break your fever you'll have to keep yourself wrapped up and warm. Otherwise you’re just going to get the shivers nonstop.”

He straightens back up just to see if he tucked her in right, seeing she’s comfortable and wrapped up as much as possible. Now hopefully she doesn’t move from that spot…

He goes to the kitchen to grab a glass of water along with a damp cloth for her before making his way back to where she is in the living room. He puts the glass next to her where she’s able to reach it, placing the cloth on her forehead in hopes that’ll do. He paces around slowly, seeing if that is all he could do for the time being. He would rather make himself at least somewhat useful rather than watching his sister suffer and move around the house with aches and pains. He makes a quick trip back to her just to check her forehead with his wrist, finding that to be a more accurate way to feel her temperature.

“Hmm… you’re not feeling too much better either. Just sit tight and they should be back soon.”

Chidori certainly doesn’t have the energy to argue. She glances up at the clock to see the time while wondering when they’ll be back. She surely didn’t realize how late it was… how long she’s been up as she was trying to go to sleep. But this fever has been bothering her for what it feels like so long, yet it only started a couple hours ago. She hates feeling sick, although it’s a good excuse to stay home and draw in her bed when she doesn’t need to go to school. Jin takes the initiative to sit on the edge of the couch close to her feet, glancing over at her before staring down at the floor and tapping his foot on the carpet rug. It was then eleven forty-five when their father left to go to the market. Eleven fifty. Now eleven fifty-five. Just the two kids sitting down quietly and patiently, playing the waiting game of how long they’re going to take to get back home. Maybe Ikutsuki needed to get some gas too while they’re there, or maybe Takaya is trying to pick out a snack at one of the food aisles in the corner market. Whatever the reason, they should be on their way back soon. They’re usually good at getting home and staying home before midnight strikes, but this might be an exceptional case tonight— and that is what makes this so suspenseful and worrisome for them.

Even Chidori is starting to get worried, with her feet shuffling beneath the tucked in blanket. “They’ll be home soon, right?”

Jin doesn’t answer her right away, but he shows his acknowledgement towards her question. “Yeah. They should be…”

The clock continues ticking, and the two would glance up every once in a while with an uneasy feeling of their own. They try not to think too hard on this— as in the ‘what if’ scenarios. It was only a matter of time before Jin stood back up from the couch and made another pace around the carpet, looking up at the clock again. “Ugh, what’s holding them up?”

“Hmm…” Chidori hums in thought while furrowing her eyebrows over the idea. “I hope they’re alright.”

She turns her head towards him, while trying not to sound very self deprecating through her words on the matter. “Do you think it may not be worth it? I don’t want them to go through all the trouble just for me.”

“Hey now, don’t say it like that.” He goes and kneels on one leg to make eye-level contact with the sister, making sure she looks right back at him. “They’ll be just fine, so don’t you worry about it. None of this is on you. You know that.”

“Right… I know,” She figures as much. She slumps farther into the couch to get herself more comfortable, though it may be a matter of time before she would have to go back upstairs into her own room. However, she doesn’t want to move until they both know they get home in time. Jin, with having a similar idea in mind, kneels back up from the floor and checks the clock on the wall again. Eleven fifty-seven. He makes a quick look out of the window in case he would be able to spot their car, however there’s still no sign of them.

He then sighs in distress, scratching the back of his head. “Well shit, now I don’t know. I’ll give him or Takaya a call before the Dark Hour starts, just to see if they’re okay.”

The girl nods in agreement, seeing this as a decent idea. Before he makes the chance when pulling out his flip phone, Chidori goes to ask. “Brother did bring his evoker with him, did he? I hope he came prepared.”

Jin then glances up, recalling the same question that their father asked Takaya before they left the house. “Yeah, he said he has it on him. And you know how Shuji wouldn’t let him keep it in his room anyway, so usually it’s out on the—!”

He takes a look at the table in the middle of the room where he would usually see the evoker, realizing that it’s actually still laying right there; out in the open. “Shit!”

Chidori only manages to pull herself up higher on the couch to see what he’s looking at, noticing the same evoker on the table. “But wait, isn’t that his?”

Eleven fifty-eight. Without another question to spare, the thirteen-year-old went to grab the evoker right away, seeing how careless Takaya can be with his belongings. Especially something so vital. He grips onto it tightly, looking around the room before heading towards the door to open it. Chidori then quickly moves into a sitting position to call out to Jin on what he’s about to do. “Jin, wait! Where do you think you’re going!?”

“Outside, obviously!” Jin quickly unlocks the door and opens it to look outside. He still doesn’t see them or their car at all, which makes it all the more reason to go after them if they’re going to be stuck in the middle of the road. There’s only less than a minute left now, and he can’t say for sure if he should go out there and look for them or wait until he sees them coming back. He can’t think clearly anymore, and he isn’t about to stay at home and do nothing about it. He quickly turns towards the sister. “I’ll be back soon! Just stay inside until any of us comes back!”

“No, Jin!”

By the time she forcefully got up from the couch and undoing the blanket upon herself, he was already out the door, closing it behind him. She runs towards the door, only stopping to cover her brutal cough. Now she’s scared, and alone. Not for herself, but for her brothers and father who may get stranded out there at the worst hour. He should’ve called him first. He should’ve checked up on them to see where they’re at before running off like that! She starts breathing heavily, starting to feel an ominous shiver throughout her body. She gasps, and her stomach feels sick to the core.

“J-Jin!” She coughs again, along with another cough after, taking one step at a time before kneeling down onto the floor. She can’t manage to move much afterwards, mainly out of fear rather than her sickness. Her voice then cracked. “Jin! Wait! Come back! Please!!”

[eurydicees]

2, 7, 17, 22, & 48 for the fic writers ask game? (hope these aren't too many!)

not too many at all!! i'm so happy to answer these. more q's here for anyone else as well :P

2. Where do you get your fic ideas?

idk man. dreams and soothsayers 

7. Post a snippet from a wip.

this is from a post-timeskip iwaoi fic i started writing based on a bunch of poetry prompts! idk if i’ll ever go back to it bc i got kind bored, but it was fun while i was in the zone with it lol 

When July ends, Oikawa packs his things—a single duffel bag, because he was never coming here to stay—and finds Iwaizumi waiting for him by the car. He shoves his bag into the backseat of his father’s car, and then closes the door, leaving him looking at Iwaizumi looking back at him.  “I don’t—” Iwaizumi stops, clears his throat. He closes his eyes, and Oikawa wonders. “I can’t let you leave without—without saying it. That I’m going to miss you.”  Oikawa reaches over, squeezes his hand. Then he drops it. “I’m going to miss you too. No need to get all worked up about saying it, Iwa.”  Iwaizumi shakes his head and opens his eyes. There’s something tired and resigned in them. Oikawa can see the reflection of that night on the rooftop in the irises. “No, I—that’s not all it is. I can’t…Oikawa, I’m just so in love with you, and I don’t expect anything from you and I don’t—” Oikawa kisses him.  He tastes like moonlight. Moonlight, and something bittersweet.

17. Do you have a writing routine?

not really??? i just kinda. get an idea and sit down and go ham. i tend to get a lot of writing done during classes not gonna lie to you. i have one lecture where i swear i get minimum 1k words written during every class. i always end every writing session with tallying up word count and putting it in my little tracker though. it’s a little obsessive but i enjoy it. 

22. Do you title your fics before, during, or after the writing process? How do you come up with titles?

oooooh it depends!! a lot of fics i get the title ideas for before or during the writing process, which i’ve been told is strange but w/e it works for me. if i leave titling for after i finish the fic i always end up struggling with it and hate it. same thing with summaries—i’ll figure it out while writing or before writing and if i don’t, i get majorly stuck at the end when i’m trying to post. 

48. Who is your favorite character to write for? Has this changed since you’ve started writing for that fandom? 

hmm i reaaaallyyyy love writing iwaizumi. he’s so much fun to play with. idk if my characterization of him is really that solid yet, but i’m working through it. that being said, kuroo def used to be my favorite for haikyuu and while i still love writing for him, i don’t do it nearly as much anymore, so that’s been a major change. 

also i still love writing kyoya. that has not changed. and let’s be real. that probably will never change. 

[undeniablyares]

*slaps roof of car* This baby can fit so much raunchy, delicious smut in it! 

As a way of saying thank you to all my lovely, dedicated readers, I give you Of Fireworks and Flame, a collection of romantic and/or smutty Akaren/Renkaza oneshots that I’ll be updating periodically with random ideas. Since this is for you guys, I do take a lot of guidance on what sorts of topics and scenes I write about. You can follow me here or on Twitter (both @undeniablyares) to see my polls and questions so that you can voice your ideas that you really want to see me write. 

Chapter 1 is a Table of Contents, because I wanted a way to showcase what you’re clicking on and going into before you get there, as most of these fics are for mature audiences only and some of them come with trigger warnings for potentially sensitive content. I’d hate to accidentally upset someone like that because I’m dumb and didn’t tag this appropriately. Here you’ll find chapter titles for each oneshot, brief descriptions, and the relevant tags and trigger warnings for the chapter. 

https://archiveofourown.org/works/41976033/chapters/105378921

Chapter 2 is the first of this collection’s oneshots that was dedicated to all of you who were so invested in Accidentally an Oiran with me. That’s my baby, my big project that really helped me develop my voice within this fandom, and to see it reach 10k hits (along with all the other incredible comments and kudos you all left for me) brings me so much pride and joy. Posted the poll for this on Twitter and the most-wanted smut scene was switch AkaRenkaza with ABO dynamics. Both were portrayed as alphas, per the most desired request. 

https://archiveofourown.org/works/41976033/chapters/105379152

I hope you guys enjoy and also come out of this oneshot with several new kinks. For those of you who were into all of it from the get go...call me. ;) 

Thanks again for all the love and support, y’all. <3