#and getting the urge to do things at ungodly hours is so relatable

[kris-mage-fics]

sry for the intrusion

this was an impulse doodle and i randomly thought that i should do a chibi art of Kyrahlise at 2:45am

do hope u have a genuinely great day

Yuki, this is the opposite of an intrusion, it's a like getting a present! I love little chibi Kyrah! She's so cute and precious! Thank you so much! Also, this was my very first ask, so it feels extra special! It really brightened up my day! <3

[miraculouslyfine]

bombed it.

Pairing: Peter Parker x Stark!Reader (Doesn't follow the events of anything, established relationship) Synopsis: Peter is extremely concerned about his girlfriend's safety, she doesn't really share the same sentiment, and they fight, like a lot

Word Count: 10,8k

"You can't be serious”   “I'm sorry, Y/n, but you have to choose”  

~

Peter and Y/n rarely fought.   

They just got each other. They understood each other on a deeper level; their shared traumatic experiences definitely played a part in this mutual understanding. Their love had been tested and tempered, growing stronger with every challenge they faced together. Throw some ever-growing affection and trust into the mix, and there you have it: a happy, healthy relationship.  

Sure, they had their fair share of squabbles and petty arguments, just like any couple, really. But they both valued honesty and communication. They were open about their feelings in any and every given situation, always making sure they see eye to eye, always trying to find middle ground. After all, that's what relationships are for, right? Compromise.   

Peter was willing to give up a lot of things to ensure Y/n's happiness. Nothing mattered to him more than making sure his beautiful girlfriend, his best friend, the love of his life was perfectly contented with how things were between them. Well, almost nothing.  

The one thing Peter would never budge on was Y/n's safety. That was non-negotiable. He felt it was his duty as her boyfriend, as her superhero -superpowered superhero- boyfriend, to protect her, to make sure she never got hurt.  

Now, Y/n Stark was no damsel in distress and by no means a stranger to danger and all kinds of superhero-related adventures and difficulties. Having grown up with the Avengers, her involvement with the team of heroes was inevitable.   

She was –according to the rest of the team, Peter included- a vital part of the Avengers. She took part in missions, though in a less dynamic and active sense, usually helping come up with different strategies and plans (you can never be too careful!). She brought a “much needed unique and fresh perspective to the team", as her dad used to say (“I just overthink a lot, it's not that big of a deal", she would always mutter under her breath, causing Peter to roll his eyes and playfully flick her on the head).  

Even though Tony (mostly Pepper) didn't want his daughter risking her life and getting caught up in the superhero world, he knew that if push came to shove, she needed to be able to protect herself. Plus, he couldn't deny that she had a talent. Her combat skills, ideas, creations, and great planning and thinking ahead skills were more than appreciated within the community. She was trained by the Black Widow herself for god's sake, she knew what she was doing. 

So what could have caused this schism between them, causing Peter to leave the comfort of their bed, deciding to spend the night on the couch instead, away from the feeling of her warm body next to him? 

Peter knew what she was doing. Sneaking out of the house in the middle of the night, right after he'd come back from his own patrol. She thought she was being sly about it, too. Really, Y/n? Now you're just insulting my intelligence. 

It's one thing to play vigilante and another to outright lie about it. And Peter hated lies almost as much as he hated not knowing whether she was safe or not. And these late-night activities of hers were starting to piss him off. They were not good for his heart, either. Every time he heard the soft sound of their bed creaking as she got out of it at ungodly hours, he could feel his chest tightening. He always tried to fight the urge to get up and immediately follow after her, just to make sure she wasn't doing anything reckless. 

He didn't realize right away. She didn't look like she had spent half the night fighting crime, at first. She'd return a couple of hours before he was supposed to wake up. She'd make sure there were no visible injuries and she'd go on with her day. She really thought he'd never find out (or at least not before she felt he was ready to find out). 

After a few days, the lack of sleep was apparent. And no matter how hard she tried denying it, or playing it off, Peter could tell something was up. It didn't take him long to start putting one and one together; her tiredness, some unexplainable scratches here and there, the fact that crime in NYC seemed to have subsided. 

Peter knew. And he didn't like what was happening, not one bit. They had talked about it once, a while back. She had done this before-gone around his back to play hero-, or at least attempted to, before Peter (with a little needed help from her overprotective, over the top father, the little snitch) brought an end to it. He thought she had understood, that she saw how she was being ridiculous and unreasonable. Recklessly throwing herself in danger, all in the name of proving something? That didn't sound like his very intelligent, very MINDFUL girlfriend. 

He tried talking to her again. He gave her the chance to come clean about her activities. She denied everything. 

He was mad. He was hurt. He felt betrayed. Not only did she ignore his warnings and went about it behind his back, she was also lying to his face. 

And they fought. It was bad. It was unlike any previous fight they had. They were screaming at each other, hurtful words flying in the air, the tension in the room palpable. It was getting late, they were both tired, frustrated and upset. 

"Y/n, for the last time. You're being stubborn about this. All I'm saying is there are ways for you to help without being ON the field. Without recklessly risking your life-" 

"For god's sake, Peter. You're acting like I'm some adrenaline junkie, picking up fights with random people at the bar! I am helping you-" 

"Helping me? You think making me stay up all night, worrying if you're gonna make it back in one piece, is helpful? Geez, what would I ever do without you?", he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm  

"No one asked you to stay up. I know what I'm doing. I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself. I'm trained and-" 

"Oh, you're trained? Why didn't you just say so?" 

She sighed heavily and rubbed her temples.

"Are you done? I'm trying to talk here and you're acting like a child!" 

"I'm the one acting like a child? You're acting like an angsty teen, sneaking around, ignoring everything and everyone!", he realized his voice came out a bit higher than intended. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down. 

"Listen, Y/n, this isn't a game. Your life is not a game. You're putting yourself in danger. Hell, you're putting civilians in danger! What do you think you're doing, running around playing hero? Hm? You think you're tough for going out there all on your own? You're not tough, Y/n. You're dumb. You're dumb and reckless. What do you think will happen? You think you'll be lucky every time? That nothing bad will ever happen because you are trained? All it takes is one miscalculation, Y/n, one wrong move on your end, for things to take a really bad turn. Your luck will eventually run out. You could get hurt or..." 

He took a deep breath. He didn't dare finish that sentence. The thought of ever losing her was too much for him to handle. 

"You're not invincible, no matter how hard got try to convince yourself. You don't have healing factor, you don't have super strength, enhanced senses. NOTHING. You're intelligent, yes. You're incredible, you're creative, innovative, truly one of the smartest people I've ever met. You've got heart, I recognize that. But it's not enough. Your gadgets and devices won't save you every time."  

"One bullet", his voice cracked, "one bullet, Y/n, and you're gone. Do you get it now? GONE. DEAD. Do you understand the severity of the situation? You're risking your life. And for what? Five seconds of fame? To prove you're worthy of being your father's child? What are you trying to do?", he shook his head, frustration evident in his mannerisms. 

He took a good look of her. The sight immediately broke his heart. Her gaze sparkled with a delicate brightness, the unshed tears amplifying every flicker of emotion. He felt the need the need to reach out to her, to touch her (whether that was in order to hug or strangle her he didn't know for sure). But he didn't give in. He couldn't back down. Not when her safety was on the line. He needed her to understand, to see where he was coming from. 

The tears in her eyes refused to fall, clinging stubbornly to her lashes as her glare cut through the air like a blade. Who does he think he is? 

"This is what you think I'm doing? Showing off? Trying to prove a point?", a bitter chuckle escaped her. "No, Peter. I'm being helpful. I'm helping you, the cops, the people of New York. Why do you always do this? Why do you have to be like this? Why do you think you get to decide what’s best for me? I’m trying to help you, and you're out here treating me like I'm some kind of criminal, some kind of liability, an inconvenience to you! Do you think I don’t know the risks? Do you think I’m blind to the danger? I know what I’m walking into, but it’s my choice to make, not yours! You act like I’m some fragile thing that needs protecting, but I’m not, so stop acting like it.” 

“I'll stop when you start acting like a responsible adult for once”, he replied bitterly. 

“You're not a little girl anymore, Y/n. Tony won't be always there to save you and -as much as it pains me to say- neither will I” 

“I never-” 

"You never asked me to?", he run his hand through his hair in a frustrated manner. 

“I know. God, Y/n, I know. You're so goddam stubborn. You'd rather die than ask anyone for help. You're always so eager to prove your independence, that you don't need anyone to have your back. Well, news flash! You're not invincible. You're not some kind of god. And you're certainly not a hero. You can't just shrug off a bullet or an explosion or whatever insane thing you decide to get involved in next! You're human, so start acting like it. You're not expendable. Selfish is what you are.”  

"Selfish? You think I'm selfish? For what? For wanting to help people? Don't you see the irony of this coming from you?”, she let out a laugh in incredulity, unable to even fathom how he could ever say that to her. 

“You think this is about me? You think I'm just out here looking for glory or some kind of thrill? I’m doing what needs to be done, and if you can’t see that, then maybe you don’t understand me at all. You’re calling me selfish, but the truth is, you’re the one being selfish here. You’re more concerned with your own fear, your own worries, than you are about the bigger picture. I’m not out there for me. I’m doing what I can, what I have to, because I don’t want to sit back and let things happen when I know I can make a difference.” 

Peter was fuming. 

"God, this is ridiculous. I can't keep doing this, I just can’t! You’re out of control! Every damn time I turn around, you're throwing yourself into some insane situation, thinking you’re some kind of superhero. What do you think this is—some kind of game? You act like nothing can touch you, but that’s bullshit! You’re human, you’re not indestructible, and I’m getting sick of it. 

What do you think happens if you get hurt? Or worse, if you die? Oh, wait, you don’t think, do you? No, you’re too busy basking in the glory of your own self-righteousness to realize the mess you’d leave behind. Because, guess what? I’m the one who’d have to pick up the pieces. Me. The one who’s standing here, constantly worried, because you’re too damn reckless to care about the people who love you.  

You want to help people? Fine, but not at the expense of your own life! You think I’m just supposed to stand here, watching you put yourself in danger, all for some stupid idea of being a hero? Are you kidding me?! What the hell is wrong with you? Why can’t you just be safe for once? Why do you have to go and do these reckless things that make my heart stop every single time? Do you even care about the people who love you?”, his chest rose and fell in sharp, measured movements, a betrayal of the battle raging within. 

She crossed her arms, her fingers digging into her skin as if trying to tether herself to composure 

“I know what I'm doing.”, she spat out. That was... a weak argument, that much she knew. But in her ~slightly~ emotional state, it was all she could over without completely breaking down in tears. 

It seemed like that single comment angered Peter to no end, making him laugh bitterly in return. 

“Do you think growing up in the Avenger's Tower makes you one of them? Here's a reality check: your little stunts don't make you a hero. They make you a liability. And if you keep this up, I don't know how much longer I can deal with it. Because I can't spend my life wondering if the next time you pull this crap will be the last time I ever see you” 

But Peter was on a roll, he couldn't stop there. 

“And you know what’s even worse? You don’t even care. You don’t care that you scare the hell out of me. You don’t care that I am waiting back here, while you do something so unbelievably reckless that might result in me losing you. Because it’s always about you, isn’t it? Your need to prove something, your need to feel important. Never mind the people you leave behind to pick up the pieces!” 

And... silence. Complete and utter silence. 

It wasn’t the kind of silence that comes from comfort; it was loaded with the weight of accusations and defenses that would never be voiced. 

Peter winced. He regretted saying those words as soon as they came out of his mouth. He was getting to her, he could tell. He also knew he was being kind of an ass about the whole thing, but he really needed her to understand how unreasonably stubborn she was being. He needed her to be safe, but it seemed like she didn't value her wellbeing all that much. He couldn't stand that. 

Ouch. That...yeah, that did the trick. It wasn't just what he said, it was mostly how he said it. So... cold and distant, poisonous almost. Like he was taunting her. She could barely recognize the man in front of her. That wasn't her sweet, loving boyfriend, her Pete, her biggest supporter. 

She understood his point of view. She is less experienced than him, especially in the sense of getting personal with the villains. The fact that she doesn't have any powers didn't help her much either. She knew he was worried about her safety, that all his anger was stemming from a place of love (even though it wasn't that evident that particular moment). But she also hoped he'd have more faith in her. After all, she is always careful, with at least three backup plans ready, just in case. She always follows protocol, doesn't make any rush decisions. And she's Iron Man's daughter for fucks sake, she does know what she's doing. 

“A liability, huh?” 

Her eyes were distant, gazing at something far beyond the room, avoiding contact like it might burn. It felt like there was an invisible wall around her, not built to shut others out but to keep herself from crumbling 

He sighed and spoke again, this time in a slightly softer tone. 

“I didn't mean it like that... I'm sorry. Look, Y/n, what I'm trying to say is I’m scared out of my mind, and I can't keep pretending like I’m okay with this. Every time you leave, I’m terrified you won’t come back. Every time you walk out the door, I wonder if I’ll be standing at your grave one day, all because you thought it was some heroic act to put yourself at risk. You think that’s noble? It’s selfish! It’s selfish because you’re not just risking yourself—you’re ripping apart the people who care about you.” 

He took another shaky, deep breath and spoke in a gentle, yet firm tone, his gaze intense. 

“I can't lose you, okay? I won't. And you doing this-this reckless, stupid, selfish thing- is how that's going to happen. If something ever happens to you... I won't forgive you for it.” 

His voice lowered but remained firm, trembling slightly.  

“And I won't forgive myself either”  

Silence settled over them once again. It was thick, like a fog settling over the room, muffling everything but the sound of their breathing. It was the kind of silence that pressed against your chest, making it hard to breathe, as though the room itself disapproved. They sat stiffly, their gazes deliberately avoiding each other, the distance between them more like a chasm than a few feet. 

Peter cleared his throat. 

Things were not looking good for them right now. He didn't like it, not one bit. The room felt suffocating, the once light and warm atmosphere long gone. He truly hated fighting with her. He wished this conversation never happened. They'd be laying on the couch now in each other's arms, with her on top of him, her head on his chest, her arms lazily draped over him as he'd run his fingers through her hair, holding her close. Just talking about their day while some movie played in the background. That's what we should be doing, Peter thought. Instead, here they were, avoiding eye contact like they were about to face Medusa. But this conversation couldn't be held off any longer. 

Soon enough the silence became unbearable. 

“Maybe it's best if we just-”  

“I should-” 

As soon as they heard the other person talking, they both closed their mouths, resulting in yet another moment of awkward silence. So in sync these two, it was almost endearing. 

Peter tilted his head slightly toward her, eyebrows raised in a silent invitation to speak. 

Her eyes closed briefly before they looked up, a flicker of acknowledgment passing over her face as she nodded weakly before speaking in an uncharacteristically quiet tone. 

“Maybe we should take some time alone... to...cool off...you know...?”  

Peter sighed. This conversation hadn't led to anything. Anything other than hurt, frustration and a headache, that is. Hours of an endless emotional back and forth, all for nothing. They hadn't reached an agreement and he was certain they weren't seeing eye to eye. And this wasn't a matter he was willing to back down from, she had to realize that her actions affected him as well. 

He understood where she was coming from, he really did. He understood better than anyone the burning need to help, the desire to make a difference, that deep sense of responsibility to the world. He *is* Spider-Man after all, that's his thing; he cares, he acts. He feels the moral duty to use his abilities to protect others, often at great personal cost. He doesn't mind. Or, at least, he didn't in the past (it is kind of different when you have someone at home waiting for you, you just got to be more careful, you know?). 

But he doesn't want that for her. Never for her. 

Maybe he was the selfish one for getting mad at her. Maybe he was selfish for hating knowing she was out there somewhere, all alone, taking justice into her own hands. But is it really selfish of him not wanting to see her getting hurt over something completely preventable? Why would she be out there risking her life when HE could be doing that instead? Did she not realize how much she meant to him?  

He didn't want them to separate, not like this, not right now. But he really didn't feel like continuing this conversation. He was exhausted, his emotions all over the place, a hint of irritation still lingering. He could tell she was tired too. Plus, he still had today's patrol. 

He reluctantly nodded. 

“Yeah...maybe we should. I have to go anyway. We'll talk about this later, okay?” 

She just nodded in response and retreated to their bedroom. Peter stood there for a moment, contemplating his next move. He hesitantly made his way to the door. He didn’t want to go, not really—but a small, guilty part of him was already savoring the thought of the space he'd have once he left. There was a flicker of regret in his eyes as he turned away, quickly replaced by a soft exhale and a lighter step. He hesitated at the threshold, his hand hovering over the doorknob for a moment longer than necessary before finally turning it. As he stepped out, he paused for a moment, as if expecting Y/n to call him back, but when she didn't, his posture eased, and he moved forward with renewed purpose. This is gonna be fun.

Peter soon disappeared into the night, busying himself by fulfilling Spider-Man's duties. He went about with his usual routine, swinging around the most common areas, the sketchiest ones, the streets most accidents happen on. But it was an uncharacteristically quiet night; no supervillains threatening to wipe out NYC, no petty criminals running around causing chaos, no cats on extremely high trees needing saving. 

Someone asked him for directions, so there was that.  

(A man can't even escape his thoughts in peace, smh) 

Hours passed, and it was getting later and later. Frustration, worry, and exhaustion started to catch up with him. He was tired, his body screaming for rest and his heart begging for an end to this whole ordeal. After a couple of hours of killing time by meaninglessly swinging around, Peter decided it was finally time he returned home- to her.  

Peter returned to the apartment, his body tired and aching, frustration still gnawing at his. On his way back he wondered whether or not he'd find her there. She could've gone to a friend's or at her parents’ house to avoid him. She could’ve completely ignored him and left to play vigilante again. He prayed that wasn't the case. Honestly? He half expected her too, if anything just to spite him. 

He quietly entered, not knowing what to expect, but the place was quiet and empty. He scanned the room and the first thing he noticed was the food on the kitchen counter, a silent gesture from her. 

He grumbled to himself, still somewhat irritated by her behavior. But the mere sight of the food, still warm and waiting for him, softened his frustration just a bit. Despite everything, she still cared enough to think about him. 

He walked over to the counter, his stomach rumbling with hunger. He sat at the table, quietly eating the food, his mind still going over the events of the night. He couldn't stop the frustration from bubbling up, but he also couldn't ignore the fact that he was exhausted. The food tasted good, but it didn't do much to satisfy his frustration. He still wanted answers, he still wanted her to stop this nonsense. 

He let out a quiet sigh, the sound echoing in the empty room. He was tired, both physically and emotionally. He knew he needed to sleep, to rest and recharge. 

Peter opened the door to their bedroom and was immediately hit with a wave of surprise. Y/n was asleep in their bed, looking deceptively peaceful. Peter's eyes narrowed as he watched her.  

He wanted to wake her up, to confront her and put an end to this. But seeing her there, asleep and defenseless, made him pause. Peter grumbled internally, torn between his irritation and the sight of her peacefully sleeping in their bed. He knew he should wake her and confront her, but something about seeing her there, so calm and vulnerable, made his anger soften just a little. Instead of waking her up, he opted to sit on the edge of the bed, his eyes watching her as she slept. The frustration was still there, but there was a hint of worry and care underneath it all.  

“Hey, baby. There's food on the kitchen”. Her voice was soft and muffled, more like a murmur than actual speech, as though weighed down by sleep. 

As Y/n spoke in her sleep, Peter's annoyance melted away just a little more. Her sleepy voice was almost endearing, and her concern for his well-being, even in her half-conscious state, touched a softer part of him. 

He let out a soft sigh and ran a hand through his hair, his irritation fading into the background. Seeing her like this reminded him that beneath all the chaos and recklessness, she was still the girl he cared about.  

He couldn't bring himself to wake her up or to confront her right now, especially not when she was in such a vulnerable state. Instead, he sat there, watching her sleep, his mind swirling with a mix of frustration, care, and a bit of tenderness. 

He still had so many questions, and he was still upset about her antics, but for now, he was content to just sit there, listening to her gentle breathing and feeling a strange sense of peace in the room. Tomorrow would be another day for confrontations and discussions. 

Peter sat there for a few more minutes, just watching her sleep. The silence of the room was soothing, and the frustration he felt earlier was slowly fading away. 

With a deep sigh, he finally decided it was time to get some sleep himself. He carefully got up and made his way out of the room, quietly closing the door behind him. 

As he settled into the couch, he couldn't help but wonder what tomorrow would bring. He knew he'd have to talk to her again, to get answers and hopefully put an end to her vigilante streak. 

This is bad, she thought. 

Peter's presence –or absence- had woken her up from her already somewhat disrupted sleep. She kept replaying today's events in her head, almost as if she were trying to make herself angrier and more anxious. She didn't like fighting with him. Sure, she didn't agree with him in the slightest and his words angered her to no end, she couldn't deny that she missed him terribly, especially now that she had the whole bed to herself, feeling like it'd swallow her whole. 

Since when does he sleep on the couch, anyway? Why did he get to act immaturely and petty? Why didn't he want to sleep in bed with her? He was the one in the wrong, blowing things out of proportion. 

After staring at the ceiling for God knows how long, she decided she'd just go for it. She could be stubborn; she was certainly not above acting petty after a fight. But she missed him. A lot. She yearned for the warmth of his body, the feeling of his arms around her. She decided pettiness (and the talk they're bound to have) would have to wait until tomorrow morning. 

She pushed the covers aside sluggishly, her arms moving as though weighed down by invisible chains. Her feet slid off the bed and onto the floor, landing with a dull thud, her movements slow and deliberate. She sat at the edge of the bed for a moment, hunched over, before finally shuffling to her feet with a soft groan. She shuffled toward the door, each step a reluctant scrape, the sound faint in the stillness of the room. 

She slowly made her way to the living room. Her eyes immediately landed on Peter's sleeping form on the couch. Without giving herself another moment to think this through, she started walking towards him. 

She carefully climbed on the couch and settled in an awkward position on top of him/ against the back of the couch. It was very uncomfortable but she could manage. What she couldn't manage was Peter-less sleep. 

Peter was pulled out of his half-asleep state by the sudden movement on the couch. He blinked a few times, his vision slowly adjusting to the dim light. 

At first, he was confused. Was he dreaming? But then he felt Y/n's weight on top of him, her awkward positioning making him wince a little. 

He felt a surge of irritation bubble up once again. Seriously? She had the whole bed to herself, why was she cramping up the couch like this? He was about to protest, to tell her to go back to the bed where she would be more comfortable, but something held him back. Maybe it was the softness in her half-sleeping gaze, or the warm weight of her body on top of him. But instead of pushing her aside, he found himself pulling her closer, instinctively wanting to hold and comfort her. 

“Are you mad at me?” 

He let out a resigned sigh, his frustration giving way to a mixture of annoyance, care, and a hint of affection. Peter's eyes widened slightly at her unexpected question. He had been caught off guard by her words, and there was a moment of hesitation on his part. 

But her voice, tinged with vulnerability and hesitation, stirred something within him. Maybe it was the softness of her tone, or the genuine concern underneath the question, but the irritation that had been brewing in him suddenly lost some of its sharpness. 

He let out a long, quiet sigh before whispering back, his voice gentle but firm. 

"Yes, I am." 

They drifted into a quiet pause, the air between them tinged with hesitation. That was until she spoke again in an almost hushed tone. 

“Are you very mad at me?” 

Peter paused for a moment, taking a deep breath to steady his emotions. Her quiet plea made his chest tighten, his heart conflicted between the lingering irritation and the instinctive need to comfort her. 

"Yes,", he whispered back, his voice softening a bit, "I am very mad at you." 

She hummed softly, acknowledging his response before speaking up once more. 

"Mad enough not to give me a goodnight kiss?" 

Peter couldn't help but feel a small spark of amusement at Y/n's words. Despite everything, despite his frustration, she still knew just how to disarm him with her playfulness. 

After a moment's hesitation, he relented, his voice still soft but with a hint of a smile. 

"I suppose I can manage a goodnight kiss. But then you need to promise you'll go back to your bed." 

"I don't like sleeping without you" 

Peter's heart skipped a beat. He was taken aback by her raw honesty and the vulnerability in her voice. It softened his frustration a bit more, reminding him of the love they shared beneath their disagreements. He let out a sigh, a mixture of annoyance and affection in his voice.  

"Why? Why can't you just... behave and make things easier for both of us?" 

That was... *not* what she expected to hear. She suddenly felt very awake, like a bucket of freezing cold water was dumped over her. It made sense that Peter wouldn't ignore the problem at hand just to let her cuddle with him in peace. Did she like it? No, not really. But that's Pete for you. Always wanting to do things right and always in proper order. 

But she was really not in the mood for that. Feeling rejected didn't help either. It was a quiet devastation, not loud or dramatic, but a slow, persistent ache she couldn’t ignore. The heat crept up her neck and into her face, her body betraying the humiliation she tried to suppress. Guess she won't be getting that goodnight kiss after all. 

She got off him just as quickly and awkwardly as she had previously climbed on top of him (she may or may not tried to discreetly knee him in the process). 

“You came here because you needed space. I need to respect that. I'll leave you alone", she said quietly as she got up from the couch. 

"Goodnight, Peter", she mumbled without giving him the chance to respond before walking back to their room with her head hung low, her shoulders slumped. 

Peter watched her walk away, her dejected expression pulling at his heartstrings. He wanted to call out to her, to tell her not to go, but another part of him wanted space to think, to process everything. It was all just too much too quickly. 

With a heavy sigh, he leaned back on the couch. The night was still young, and there were so many thoughts swirling in his mind. He needed time to sort through his feelings, to figure out what to say to her when they talked. 

While Peter was busy staring at the ceiling and gathering his thoughts, Y/n was pacing back and forth in their shared room. She was feeling anxious.  

She knew her participation in any superhero related activity -let alone playing hero all on her own, in NYC of all places- wouldn't really appeal to Peter. 

She knew that, yet she did it anyway. She wanted to help, she knew she could help, so she did. Turns out all that training really paid off. She did good, if she said so herself. Criminals were caught, civilians were safe, the press was eating it up. It was a win in her books. 

Despite all that, she couldn't ignore how her actions affected Peter. He seemed pretty pissed off. And him being that mad at her wasn't a common occurrence, like at all. 

She knew she wouldn't be able to sleep. She was too emotional for that right now. Would they bounce back from this? Was he... done? Done with her? With them? She started giving through his closet, trying to find something to wear. She needed comfort, and if Peter wasn't about to provide that, his clothes would have to do. 

In true teenage girl fashion, she put on some sweatpants and one of Peter's hoodies. She put some sad, break up songs -Taylor Swift most likely- playing softly in the background, as she pulled her laptop and played a Star Wars movie, Peter's favorite. She was very well aware of how ridiculous she was being. But she really couldn't find it in herself to care. She was allowed to wallow in self-pity if she wanted to.  

As the movie started, her eyes began to tear up. She started thinking back to the day they first met, when they got together, when they moved into this house, essentially making herself cry more. What if this was their end? 

She didn't know what possessed her to act like this. Maybe it was the crippling fear that he'd break up with her. Maybe he was done with her. Maybe that's what tomorrow's conversation would bring. Because why on Earth would he want to sleep on the couch -without even giving her a goodnight kiss-, if he wasn't planning on breaking up with her? 

She cried even harder. 

Lost in his thoughts, Peter was startled when he heard a soft sniffling sound coming from the room he shared with Y/n (what a great day to have paper-thin walls!). Instantly, his irritation vanished, replaced by a sense of worry and concern. 

Was she crying? Was she upset? He couldn't bear to see her in distress, especially if he was the cause of it. And though part of him was still angry, the other just couldn't stand by and let her suffer. 

Silently, he got up from the couch and made his way to the bedroom door. 

Peter gently opened the door, trying not to make a sound. The sight that greeted him hit him hard. Y/n, dressed in his hoodie and sweatpants, sitting on their bed with her laptop in her lap, the screen lit up by the familiar glow of the original Star Wars trilogy playing. It was both sweet and heartbreaking. 

Tears were streaming down her face, and her small sobs filled the room. Peter could feel his heart cracking, torn between his lingering anger and his overwhelming love for her. He stood there for a moment, frozen, until the sight of her broke the last shred of his resolve. 

Peter moved forward slowly; his steps gentle yet firm. He approached her with care, as though she were made of fragile glass.  

“I could hear you from the living room” 

"Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you up... I'll keep it down” 

"No, no," he murmured, sitting beside her.  

"You don't need to apologize. I just...I just can't stand seeing you upset.", he reached out to brush the tears off her cheeks, his touch gentle and comforting. 

Tears spilled freely down her face as she leaned into his touch, the warmth of his hand against her cheek softening the jagged edges of her emotions. Her shoulders trembled with quiet sobs, each one a wordless apology for the harshness of the argument that still lingered in the air. And yet, she didn’t pull away—instead, she melted into the comfort, clinging to the embrace as if it was the only thing keeping her from breaking completely. The touch was steady, almost forgiving, and despite the ache between them, it felt like a fragile truce beginning to take shape. 

"I don't want us to break up", she blurted out suddenly. 

Peter blinked in surprise. He was taken aback by her sudden outburst. It hadn't even crossed his mind that they would break up.  

"What? No, of course not. Whatever gave you that idea?" 

He pulled her gently into his lap, his arms wrapping around her in a protective embrace. In return, she clung onto him and cried in his shirt. 

"I'm sorry. I really don't want us to break up. Ever. I hate it when you're mad at me. I don't want to lose you, Peter. You mean so much to me, I don't-" 

Peter held onto her tighter, his heart aching at her outpouring of distress and love. 

"Y/n, angel, listen to me," he said, his voice a calm and gentle assurance in the storm of emotions. "We're not breaking up. Not now, not ever. I love you. Mad, not mad, I love you. Do you understand what I'm saying? This is not a fleeting thing. This is us. Together. Forever." 

"I'm sorry for worrying you. I just wanted to do the right thing. I just wanted to help; I promise that's all I was trying to do. You're so busy and overworked and don't even complain because you're such a great person and I just wanted to help you and do something good for the world, too. I'm so sorry for making you worried. I didn't mean for things to come to this. I'm sorry, Peter. I'm so sorry-" 

She cried even harder in his arms, making Peter's heart shatter at her tear-filled confession. He held her closer, feeling every word as if it weighed a thousand pounds. 

"Shhhhh, shhh," he whispered, trying to soothe her. "You don't have to be sorry for wanting to help, Y/n. That's who you are. That's one of the reasons I fell in love with you. But there are other ways. Safer ways. We'll find them. Together. But I need you to promise, to actually promise me, that you won't do that again, that you won't go out risking your life again." 

She pulled away slightly, just enough to look him in the eyes, her own still filled with tears. 

"Peter..." 

She shook her head. Her tone was quiet and soft, almost a desperate plea.  

Peter's heart clenched tightly in his chest again as she pulled back to face him. Seeing her tear-stricken expression, his resolve nearly faltered. But he steeled himself, knowing this conversation needed to happen.  

"I need to hear you promise, Y/n," he repeated firmly, his tone unwavering, "promise you won't do this again. Promise me right now, or I promise you we're done." 

His words hung heavy in the air, laden with the weight of their love and their future together. Suddenly, she started feeling slightly lightheaded. Did he just-? No, he wouldn't...would he? But he just said- 

"W-what? You can't be serious”  

“I'm sorry, Y/n, but you have to choose” 

As the gravity of what he had just said sunk in, Peter felt a wave of nausea wash over him. Had he really just threatened to end their relationship if she refused to comply? He loved this girl with all his heart, yet here he was, holding their relationship hostage like some sort of bargaining chip. 

He swallowed hard, his eyes never leaving hers. He needed her to know he was serious. But he also needed her to understand this was for their own good. For her safety. For their future. 

"Y/n," he said softly, but firmly, "promise me." 

"But you just- you just said this isn't a fleeting thing. That we are in this together. You just said-", her voice broke and a fresh set of tears ran down her cheeks. 

"And I meant it. I meant every word. But..." Peter paused, his gaze still fixed on her tear-streaked face. "But I can't watch you put yourself in danger like this. I can't stand idly by, watching you risk your life, your future, your everything just to prove a point. I can't promise you my undying love and then stand idly by and watch you throw it away. This isn't some game, Y/n. It's real life. And in real life, people get hurt. People get killed." 

"No. You don't understand. I'm always very careful. I follow protocol. I do everything right-"  

The words came out uneven, trembling as if her emotions were fighting their way through every syllable. Each word seemed to catch in her throat, rasping and shaking as she struggled to speak through the tears. 

"This isn't fair. You can't do this. Peter, you can't-", her own sobs prevented her from speaking. The hesitation in her voice mirrored the vulnerability in her eyes, wavering as though afraid to break completely. 

“No, Y/n, it's not fair!" Peter retorted, his emotions boiling over. "It's not fair that I have to sit here, worrying about you every second of every day. It's not fair that you get to waltz into a dangerous situation, risking everything, and leave me here wondering if I'm ever going you to see you again. That is not fair. But it's the reality of who we are. And I can't watch you do this to yourself, to me, to us." 

After he spoke the room fell silent. All that could be heard was the heaviness of Peter's breathing and Y/n's soft sniffles. 

“Would you do it?” 

“Would I do what?” 

"Would you quit being Spider-Man if I asked you to?", her voice barely above a whisper. 

"Wh-what?" Peter blinked, completely taken aback by Y/n's sudden question. It felt like a punch to the gut, the very thought of giving up being Spider-Man. It was a part of him, just as much as the love he had for her, and he couldn't imagine living a life without it. 

"Why would you-? No, Y/n," he sputtered, the words stumbling out before he could stop himself. "It's not the same. What I do, it's different. I have powers. I have responsibilities-" 

"Okay, then.” 

There was a hint of disappointment and an even bigger hint of finality in the way she said it. That was all she said. Such small and insignificant words, but in that moment, it could potentially signify the end of an era, the end of their era. 

The silence that followed was stifling, the weight of Y/n's words hanging heavily in the air. Peter stared at her, his heart in his throat. This couldn't be it, could it? After everything they had been through, was this really how it would end? 

"No. Y/n, you can't-" Peter's voice broke, his voice hoarse with emotion. "You can't possibly want me to choose between you and my duty as Spider-Man. It's...it's not a fair choice. It's not fair to ask me to give up-" 

“I'm not. I was just... wondering if you'd do the very same thing you're asking me to do”, she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.  

Peter's heart clenched as he watched the tears stream down her cheeks. The realization of what he had done hit him like a ton of bricks. Had he really just demanded she choose between her desire to help and her love for him? Had he really just issued an ultimatum that threatened their entire relationship?  

His shoulders slumped, his resolve suddenly shattered. 

"I...I didn't mean..." He stammered, his voice cracking under the weight of his mistake. "Y/n, I'm so sorry. I never wanted to hurt you. I'm-" 

"At least you won't have to deal with my recklessness anymore", she chuckled bitterly, her tone only half joking. Her voice was quiet and tired as a result of all the crying. 

She really didn't want their relationship to end, especially not like this. Maybe if she took a moment to calm down (if only she could just close her eyes for a minute) she'd see they were both overreacting. They both had their point. Maybe they could even hug it out. That could work, right? It works for kindergarteners; it could work for them, too. But in her emotional and restless state all she could think about was one upping him, making him feel guilty for ever threatening to end things. 

Peter's heart cracked at Y/n's half-hearted attempt at humor. He knew he had a lot of apologizing to do, but right now all he wanted to do was make it right. He didn't want to lose her. He couldn't even begin to imagine a life without her.  

He opened his mouth to speak, but before he could, his Spidey-Sense suddenly flared, causing him to freeze mid-breath. "Hang on," he interrupted, his brow furrowed in concentration, his senses now fully alert. He stood silently, focusing on the signals his Spidey-Sense was sending him. Something was off, something was wrong. 

His eyes darted around the room, his attention flicking to the window. Was that... movement? A shadow? A flicker of something out of the ordinary. Y/n's eyes followed Peter's line of sight on the window behind them, noticing something. Before she had the time to let Peter know, the object she noticed was already on its way to their room.  

Acting purely on instinct, in a fragment of a second, she had pushed Peter off the bed, and fell on top of him, concealing him from whatever was going to burst through the window.  

Peter's Spider-Sense blared again, a split second later than it would have been if he hadn't been so wrapped up in his own emotions. 

The force of the blast sent a wave of debris and smoke swirling through the apartment. Glass shattered around them, raining down like sharp, shiny confetti. 

The rush of adrenaline barely let her register the feeling of glass breaking her skin. Peter's eyes widened as he realized what was happening. Y/n had flung herself on top of him, shielding him from the impending explosion. He tried to push her off him, his strength kicking in, knowing he could withstand the blast. 

But it was too late. The shockwave of the blast hit them, sending them crashing against a nearby wall. Peter instinctively wrapped his arms around Y/n, trying to protect her as much as he could. The explosion was deafening, the pain momentarily blinding.  

Once the dust began to settle, Peter slowly let go of Y/n, trying to catch his bearings. Peter's eyes darted around the destroyed room, trying to assess the damage. The devastation was staggering — shattered windows, smoke filling the room, debris everywhere. But his focus was on Y/n; the only thing that mattered right now. 

He gently grasped her shoulders, pulling her towards him, trying to assess her injuries. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice shaky with worry. "Please, please tell me you're okay." 

She barely noticed the sharp ache on her side or the warmth of blood trickling down her temple as she looked over the charred remains of what had once been their home. Her eyes stayed fixed on the crumbled remains of their house, where years of memories now lay in twisted, blackened ruins. The faint ache in her ribs with each breath was nothing compared to the hollow thud in her chest as she stared at the space that had once been their home.  

Her breathing was shallow, ragged—not from exertion, but from the weight of what she’d lost. Every step sent a jolt of agony through her body, but she ignored it, her focus locked on the blackened timbers and ashes that used to hold their memories, their life. What was a little pain compared to this? 

Peter's grip on her shoulders tightened slightly, his fingers digging into her flesh. "Y/n, look at me," he demanded, his voice firm. "Look at me and tell me you're okay." 

He needed to know she was alright. He couldn't handle the alternative. The thought of losing her was more terrifying than any explosion or villain. 

"Pete, our home. It's... it's gone” 

Her words stumbled out, disjointed and hollow, as if her mind was still scrambling to catch up. ““The picture wall, the stupid chemistry pun posters... they're all... gone.” Her mouth hung slightly open, her voice barely above a whisper, like she couldn’t trust the weight of her own thoughts. Every sentence felt like a question, her tone wavering between incredulity and desperate denial, as if speaking it aloud might somehow undo the reality before them.  

Peter's heart ached at her words. The thought of everything they had built together being destroyed was almost too much to bear. But right now, the only thing that mattered was Y/n. 

He took a deep breath, pushing aside his own emotions.  

"It's just stuff, Y/n. Things. We can get new stuff. None of it matters as long as you're okay." 

“But it won't be *our* stuff” 

Peter's heart broke at her words. She was right. Nothing could replace the sentimental value of their shared belongings — their collective memories and shared experiences. But he had to remain strong for her. He couldn't afford to break down when she needed him. 

"We'll make new memories. Better memories. I promise," he said softly, his hands still on her shoulders. "We'll find a new place, and we'll make it ours. It'll be even better than before. You have to trust me." 

"Trust you? You just broke up with me!”, her tone was almost accusing as tears began running down her face. 

Peter's heart felt like it was tearing in two as the words left Y/n's lips. He hadn't meant it, he *never* would have meant it. He only wanted to protect her, to keep her safe. But he realized his own fear and anxiety had caused him to make a mistake, a terrible mistake. 

"Y/n, baby, please," he pleaded. "It wasn't real. I was scared. I was worried about you going out and putting yourself in danger. I... I panicked. Please, you have to know... I love you." 

"You have a funny way of showing people you love them", she muttered sarcastically under her breath. “Anyway, is that supposed to make me feel better? You gave me an ultimatum, we kinda broke up and an explosive device literally demolishes our home". Angry tears were running down her face. 

"What is going on today? And you were mad because what? Because I risked my life? NEWS FLASH, PETER. THAT'S WHAT YOU DO ALL THE GODDAMN TIME. But I TRUST you and BELIEVE in your need to contribute to the greater good"  

"And I'd never- ah, fuck", she hissed and pressed down on her side 

Peter's eyes widened. Immediately, all other thoughts faded into the background. He quickly moved to her side, lifting up her shirt to assess the damage. His eyes fell on a nasty cut on her side, blood slowly seeping out.  

"You're bleeding," Peter said, his voice trembling with panic. "Why the hell didn't you say something earlier?" 

"Because I was in need of a red shirt- obviously I didn't know!"  

Her tone sounded sarcastic and frustrated; a hint of fear mixed in there as well. 

Peter huffed, feeling an emotional whirlwind. Mainly relief and the tiniest bit of irritation. Of course, she couldn't resist a snarky comment even in a crisis. 

"Right, because bleeding is the current trend," he quipped, trying to match her tone. "Red's not really your color, by the way. You're more of an orange gal." 

He couldn't help but feel a hint of affection towards her, even as he berated her. 

“Parker, I swear to God, if you don't zip it right now, I'll make you regret ever asking me out on that first date” 

Peter paused for a moment, caught off guard by her comment as it reminded him how he just threatened his lovely girlfriend -who he's madly in love with and would literally die for- he'd break up with her if she didn't stop doing something she loves. Her words sent a jolt of guilt through him; he could hear the hurt in her voice, and he knew he was the cause of it. 

He shook his head, pushing the weight of his mistake to the side for now. Y/n was bleeding, and that was his first priority. He would deal with the fallout of his ultimatum later.  

"Hang on," he said softly, gently lifting her up. "We need to stop the bleeding. Then we'll talk." 

He gently wrapped his arm around her waist, supporting her weight as they made their way to what was left of the kitchen. The sink miraculously survived the explosion, and he helped her lean against it. Grabbing a clean cloth, he ran it under the faucet, wetting it.  

"This might hurt," he warned, gently pressing the cloth to her wound. 

“I'm not talking to you”, she said almost right away. 

Peter paused at Melina's response. Her voice was laced with frustration, and he couldn't blame her. He had screwed up, big time. He sighed, running a hand through his hair. She was being stubborn, and he knew she had every right to be. 

"Look, I get it. You don't want to hear from me right now. I messed up, and I know that," he said softly, his gaze fixed on her. "But you're bleeding. I have to help you. Please, let me help you. Then you can go back to giving me the silent treatment if you want, okay? Plus, you don't have to talk. I'll do all the talking. Just let me patch you up, okay?" 

His voice was gentle, the frustration and anger from earlier having faded into the background. He knew that making things right with Y/n was going to take more than just words. It was going to take action. 

"I don't want to hear you talk either", she mumbled childishly. 

Peter raised an eyebrow at her petulant response. He had no doubt she wasn't in the mood to engage in conversation right now, but he refused to let her bleed out on her own floor because she was mad at him. He had to patch her up.  

He exhaled softly, gathering a bundle of supplies from a nearby first-aid kit. 

"You know, you're adorable when you're angry," he commented, unable to help himself. He started carefully cleaning the wound, his hands moving with precision and care. 

"And you're still talking" 

He couldn't help but smile at her stubbornness. He had truly fallen for a strong, independent woman. "Sorry, I just can't resist when my girlfriend's bleeding and fuming. It's a dangerous combination." 

He carefully began stitching up her wound, his hands steady and sure. "Just remember, a little bit of anger and banter make for the best love stories. We might be the next big blockbuster, with how dramatic we are." 

“Ex girlfriend", she corrected with an eye roll at the irony of it all. 

"And no love story for us. You can pursue your romance with the Becky from down the street now", she said grumpily, the thought alone tugging at her heartstrings 

Peter let out a sigh of exasperation at Y/n's correction. He knew he had made a mistake, and it hurt to see her refer to herself as his ex-girlfriend, but for now, her cut had his full attention. He couldn't get sidetracked. 

"You're right, I'm sorry. But you know, we could be the next enemies to lovers, if you play your cards right. A little banter, a little fighting, and then some dramatic make-up scene. The audience will love it." 

He finished stitching up her wound, his touch gentle despite his words. 

She wanted to stay mad at him, she really did. But it was hard to when he was making silly little comments like these. A small smile made its way to her face but she quickly bit down on her lip to stop herself before he saw and got cocky about it. 

Peter's keen Spidey senses picked up on the shift in her demeanor. He caught the subtle smile she tried to hide, and it warmed his heart. 

"Oh, is that a smile I see?" He said in a teasing tone. "I knew my charm would get to you eventually. Just imagine, if you're already smiling after breaking up, what could happen if we make up? The world might just explode from our awesomeness." 

"No one's smiling, you must've hit your head" 

Peter chuckled at her quick defense of her smile. He finished applying an antiseptic to the wound and gently covered it with a clean bandage.  

"Right, of course, I'm just seeing things," he replied with a playful wink. "But hey, if I did hit my head, maybe I'm having a vivid dream where you and I are the star-crossed lovers in the epic love story that is our lives. And you know what that means, right?" 

He leaned in close, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Wake me up with a kiss, Melina." 

"That was the corniest thing I've ever heard. Plus, I have this rule of not kissing ex boyfriends, sorry" 

"You're really gonna play hard to get?", Peter countered, a grin spreading across his face. "Well, I guess I'll just have to win you back then. I've defeated villains and battled super-powered monsters. Winning your heart back can't be much harder, right?" 

He stood up, helping her up as he did so. He couldn't resist pulling her towards him, his hands lightly settling on her hips. "And just so you know, I'm a great kisser." 

"Really? You'd think I would know, considering we spent the last four years of our lives together" 

"Touché. But you know what they say, practice makes perfect. Maybe I should give you a refresher. After all, I can't have you going around thinking I'm a bad kisser, can I?" 

He gently brushed a lock of hair away from her face, his gaze filled with affection. 

"So what do you say? For old time's sake?" 

"Old time being... yesterday?" 

Peter shrugged with a sheepish grin. "Well, technically yes, but you know what I meant. Besides, yesterday was a lifetime ago. We've had an explosion, a break-up, and a reunion. That's a lot more than most couples experience in a lifetime." 

He paused for a moment, a genuine warmth seeping into his voice. 

"In all seriousness, Y/n, I messed up. I've regretted it this entire time. I'm so sorry. Please give me another chance to prove it. To prove that we're... perfect together." 

“ ‘This entire time’ being...what? Thirty minutes?"*she said with a snort of amusement. 

Peter chuckled, his smile widening. "Alright, alright, I get it. We can't all be as patient as you with our ex-boyfriends. But seriously, Y/n, I mean it. I regret what I said. I was scared, and I made a mistake." 

He paused for a moment, his gaze growing serious. "I love you. I want you. And I'm willing to do whatever it takes to win back your trust and heart." 

He took her hand, his fingers intertwining with hers. "Can we... just start over? Please?" 

She pulled her hand away from his and just stood there, watching him for a moment. After a bit she extended her arm towards him and introduced herself. 

"Y/n Stark", she said with the tiniest of smiles evident on her lips. 

“Who's being corny now?”, he rolled his eyes in a playful manner before wrapping his hand around hers, savoring the feel of her skin against his. 

"Y/n Stark," Peter echoed, his voice soft with affection "It's a pleasure to meet you, Y/n Stark. I'm Peter Parker. But you can call me anytime." 

With that, he gently pulled her closer, his free hand reaching up to caress her cheek. He leaned in, his lips gently brushing against hers, sealing their newfound beginning with a tender, heartfelt kiss. She laughed softly against his lips, the pickup line catching her off guard. Peter couldn't ignore the fluttering in his chest as her laughter met his lips. The sound was like music to his ears, and he deepened the kiss, his arms wrapping around her waist. 

Pulling away slightly, he whispered in her ear, "Did that meet your witty standards, Miss Stark?" 

"I'll let it slide", she said with a serious expression, nodding slightly before a smile made its way on her face again. 

Peter grinned, his eyes sparkling with adoration. "Only let it slide? I'll have to step up my game, then. How about this?" 

He leaned in again, his voice a low murmur against her lips. "I swear I'll be your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man if you let me swing by your place every night." 

She snorted in amusement “That was so bad” 

“Was it now?” With that, he captured her lips in a kiss, expressing the depth of his feelings for her with each lingering moment. 

Their lips met softly, tenderly, as if every touch was a gentle reminder of how much they meant to each other. It was unhurried, each moment lingering with the quiet depth of love that words could never capture. There was no urgency, only a profound warmth, a silent apology woven into the way their hands cupped each other’s faces. The kiss held forgiveness, not as a plea, but as a gift, an unspoken promise that they were ready to move forward together. It wasn’t just an expression of love—it was a vow, a renewal of everything they’d shared and everything they still hoped to build. 

After a bit, they pulled away to catch their breath.  

“So, we're together again?”, she asked playfully. 

He looked at her, his eyes sparkling with amusement as before he softly kissed her forehead "Please, we were never not together” 

With that, they fell in silence. 

The silence wrapped around them like a soft blanket, warm and steady, filling the spaces where words weren’t needed. It wasn’t heavy or awkward but gentle, a quiet acknowledgment of shared understanding. The only sounds were the subtle rhythm of their breathing and the faint rustle of the world outside, creating a calm that felt almost sacred. In that stillness, there was no need to explain, no need to fill the air with chatter—it was enough just to be there, side by side, letting the silence speak what their hearts already knew. 

“Are we going to ignore the fact that we're homeless?” 

A small chuckle left Peter's lips as he pulled her closer. 

"You always have to ruin the mood”, he said jokingly, “We'll figure it out, baby. Just you and me. And your dad. We should probably call him and beg him to let us crash because we're kind of screwed otherwise”  

[incorrect-ikevamp-quotes]

Heyyyy! SO as a local comteologist- okay sorry lmao 😂 I was wondering! Could you maybe write about an mc that is very affectionate? Because I am like that and I would give my ALL and just everything for someone I love. So, maybe the guys are pretending to be asleep and they hear mc admitting her undying love for them? I don't want to burden you! So, I think Will, Jean, Leo and Napoleon would be fine :D

I love you! And please take care of your self cuz corona is a hondje- sorry lmao

Have all of my uwus my lovely, I relate HIGHKEY I’m ungodly affectionate irl~

You take care of yourself too! Tyty 💖💖💖 nothing to apologize for I love a good clowning, esp if Theo gets clowned in the process 😂😂

And never apologize for using my esteemed title I will die on this Comte-thirsting hill (☆｀• ω •´)ｂ

I hope these attempts bring you joy! 

William Shookspeare:

Our v creative playwright boy was just vibin’. He had a long day at the (obnoxious thespian voice) theater and while he loves the art with all of his being, the man is t i r e d. MC was late to bed and while he prefers to wait for her to join him no he is not horny perish the thought he just started dozing off from the exhaustion. He’s not sure when the lights go out, but he feels an immeasurable warmth around him. Faintly, he can make out a voice murmured at his ear, a gentle hand running through his hair. (I s2g if this bih says “Puck?” I’m gonna smack him for MC)

“Had a long day, hm?” He’s only just coming to, and can’t muster the energy to reply or open his eyes. “I’m sure this next performance will be the best one yet! You surprise me every day, Will...”

“Try not to work yourself too hard, sweetheart. Your work may one day be the world’s greatest marvel.”

He wasn’t sure what it was about the words that made his lips tremble. Was it the praise that always seemed to flow forth at a moment’s notice, the real kind he was so unaccustomed to? Or was it that unshakeable calm; her faith in him unmoved by any fear or doubt--the kind that made him wonder briefly if she was dull all those years ago. Now he was just thankful it was still here, no matter how undeserving he may be.

“But you will always be my entire world, my greatest marvel. I love you too much to let the world have you.”

Jeanne D’Arc (REEEEEE MY GOODEST BOY OTL):

It was early one morning, frost blossoming in fractals along the transparent surface of the bedside window. An inevitable, biting chill lingers in the room while the sun is fighting to climb past the horizon, its time so limited in these winter months. She watches as the light casts a gentle gray over the bare walls--something she promised to remedy soon--so reminiscent of how he appeared to her at first. Pure and bright, but still fighting off a darkness she knew so little about.

The thought made her draw him to her protectively, careful not to wake him up as she tucked him close to her heart. He was so warm, even despite the frigid weather. A product of his time as a soldier? She was never sure, but she was always touched by how often he used that warmth in service to her. 

She remembered earlier the other day, when she returned home from some grocery shopping with Sebas. Concern was overflowing from his stoic face--it was there if you knew where to look for it; his eyes a little more narrow, the line of his mouth closer to a frown. All at once his hands were reaching for hers, relieving her of whatever she allowed him to carry while walking into the kitchen alongside her. When Sebas stepped out again he took her hands in his, pressing them along his face. She had cried out, knowing her hands were freezing--it had to be painful to warm them in such a way. But he only smiled that beautiful smile to quell her distress, the one that always took her breath away, and insisted he could do no less.

“The same goes for me too, though, Jeanne.” she looked at the fierce mark on his face, so unworthy of someone so gentle. She resisted every urge to soothe her fingers across it, loathe to wake him up. She didn’t notice the fingers that twitched at her hip, his signs of stirring subtle. “Whenever you need me, whenever you can’t think of a good reason to walk out of this room. All you need to do is find me, okay? I love you so, so much.”

Leonardo Da Binchi (no i will not apologize. he deserves to be clowned, glorious moron):

Once again her lover was gloriously strewn across the library floor, arms crossed and fast asleep. An exasperated smile found her face at the sight. Perhaps it would have been a surprise at first, but nowadays she would just roll her eyes and walk past. Sometimes, if she was feeling forlorn or a little reckless, she would climb into his lap just as he was. He seemed to enjoy being woken up that way though, so of course she couldn’t give him the satisfaction every time; a woman likes to change things up. And sometimes she was too busy to spare the time.

Even so, the slowly dimming shadows under his eyes were a relief to see. While the celebration of his birthday could only be a blessing, she knew what a double-edged blade it could be. It invoked so many wounds that hadn’t yet healed. While she wished he would share that burden with her--however heavy it may be--she slapped her own cheeks lightly at the impatient thought. Give him time...

“I know you think you have to carry everything alone. And in some ways, it’s something I admire so much about you--the way you always seem to know just how to move forward. Like nothing can shake you.”

She leaned down close to him, bracing herself against the bookshelf as she pressed a kiss gently against his temple. “But know that whenever you find yourself wavering, or even if you just need a place to rest, I’m right here. I’ll always be right here. I love you so much more than you think, Leonardo...”

She stopped herself before she could finish the thought, knowing it wasn’t what he wanted to hear: “more than my own life.”

Napoleon Bonaparte (oh my little lion man...):

They were spending a nice afternoon in the courtyard, as a lovey-dovey couple do, and they went under the veranda to find some relief from the midday sun. Surprising literally no one, our sweet emperor started to doze after some yummy tea time snackies--drifting asleep against MC’s shoulder. She adjusted a bit to change the angle of the lean, making sure he wasn’t putting too much pressure on his neck. Little puffs of air made her bangs flutter as he breathed low and even, and she smiled.

He’d had a guard jobs back to back recently, which meant precious little time to spend with him. Restless and quieter than usual, she had suggested a little stroll together around the courtyard; admiring the flowers and telling him about the books she’d been reading to fill the silence of those lonely nights. It wasn’t long before he started to smile more, snickering when she gave ludicrous summaries of the characters and plot. 

Early that morning she had taken the time to make perfect tea time sweets, fully anticipating--and hoping--it would encourage him to rest. So often he would be worried about her missing out on things or trying to plan more elaborate dates, but if she were honest she didn’t care much for extravagance or constant excitement. These tender moments where he could trust her (and the mansion’s perimeter) enough to fall fast asleep, no nightmares in sight, was enough to fill her heart with so much joy.

“I know you can’t help but want to do everything you can for the people around you; protecting and serving others is your life. I never want to be a reason you feel you need to stop doing that.” She murmured in the silence, playing with the buttons on his coat with a faint smile. “But even so, remember you always have a home to return to. More than that, no matter how powerful or skilled; you’re also one man. A man I love more than anything else in this world, a man I always want by my side--if he’ll have me, that is.”

She took the hand that was entwined with her own, pressing a gentle kiss to the back of his palm as his lashes trembled. “I love you, Leon. Whether I see you every moment of every day, or only in stolen moments between assignments. That will never change. There will be times where you belong to the whole world, but this” she placed a hand gently over his heart “will always belong to me. Let it lead you home to me, sweetheart.”

And because I can’t help myself, I added Comte, Mozart and Vincent:

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (he’s the melody I can’t get out of my head DON’T LOOK AT ME):

Despite all of his promises to quit his bad habits, she opened the door later that evening to find him fast asleep against the covered keys of the piano. His shock of white hair was nestled comfortably against his arms, piled together as a makeshift pillow. The sight made her think of those long, long nights in college; thinking you’d close your eyes for a minute--only to be adrift in seconds. 

Smiling wryly, she reached into a nearby closet to retrieve a blanket before draping it gently across his shoulders. Torn between waking him up and guiding him to bed or leaving him be, she decided on the latter. She got the feeling that waking him up would only mean “a few more minor edits” to the composition he was working on, leaving sleep an afterthought. While she knew he often couldn’t help himself, she didn’t want him neglecting his health all the same. 

She’d be back with some hot chocolate in a few hours, just how he liked it.

As she was about to slip back out of the room, the hand at his elbow clumsily grasped for hers resting on the covered keys. Heat bloomed across her face, ears burning as he clung to her warmth. 

“Don’t worry, I’m not going anywhere.” She sat down on the piano bench carefully, trying not to jostle him awake. “Your music will never stop being the most beautiful and soulful sound I’ve ever heard. But even a mind as impressive as yours needs plenty of rest--even more so, I’d wager. You work yourself too hard sometimes, Wolfie.” She leaned until her shoulder brushed his, “But I’ll always be here to make sure you don’t overdo it too much. Sweet dreams my only love.”

Vincent van Gogh (he’s babie your honor):

MC was on her laundry rounds, Vincent’s aprons now thoroughly washed and folded for his use once again. She knocked on the door murmuring a greeting--though fully anticipated he might not respond. While he was usually so sweet and attentive, it was almost like he became an entirely different person when painting. Utterly serious, intensely focused; any attempts at speaking to him would require many tries before he came back to himself with a beaming smile. 

She sighed dreamily, easily picturing it. His eyes would always be stunning, a cerulean to rival the calm waters of the Mediterranean Sea. But in the midst of his greatest passion? They burned bright enough to make her forget the rest of the world existed.

Trying not to embarrass herself on unsteady feet, she opened the door cautiously to find his easel abandoned. Shocked, she scanned the rest of the room until she found him strewn across the couch; a blanket haphazard in its provision of cover. With a gentle smile she stored away the fresh aprons in the dresser before she approached him, kneeling close to the couch so that she could tuck him in properly.

He let out a pleased little huff before shifting slightly in his sleep, body angled in her direction. There was a faint smile on his lips, evidence of what was likely a pleasant dream or peaceful rest. She traced the outline of his ear cuff with insatiable fingers, eyes glistening a little when he nuzzled into the faint touch--trapping her between his cheek and his arm. 

“You’re more precious to me than anything else in this world, Vince,” the murmur was barely audible, he didn’t stir. “I can’t imagine my life without you, and if I’m honest--no part of me really wants to imagine it. This warmth is the greatest gift I’ve ever known; thank you for choosing to share it with me. I love you so much, sweetheart.”

Le Comte de Saint Germain (SAN GERUMAN HAKKSHAKKU):

Every day is a long ass day when you have 10+ children (yes, Leonardo, you are in that child count I hope you’re happy >:| ). For all his half-hearted complaints about the exhaustion and noisiness though, he loves his bubs, and wouldn’t have things any other way.

Even so, it doesn’t stop the delighted giggling that shakes her shoulders when she finds him fast asleep in his favorite armchair. His tie is undone and askew, head lolling to the side--any attempt at his usual poise long forgotten. While she most often found him to be charming and delightful, she loved it even more when he felt comfortable sharing these parts of himself too. 

She set aside the tea she would always have prepared at this hour and reached for the coat he had draped across the opposite chair, settling it carefully over his form. Resisting every urge to join him--Sebas would need her help preparing dinner--she carded a hand through his hair, tucking it behind his ear so it wouldn’t tickle him while he was asleep.

He was so lovely like this, face unmarred by the weight of several lifetimes that found him when he was awake. No matter how early she rose when they were together, she rarely ever got the privilege of seeing him a little drowsy, lost to rest as he was now. She brushed light kisses to his eyelids, smiling when he half-sighed her name.

“Tuckered yourself out did you? You big worrywart.” She resisted the urge to find his hand and entwine it with hers. “I promise to watch over them, so rest easy, my dearest love.” She played with the collar, tucking him in further. “I know everyone here is precious to you. But remember that you’re the most important person in my life too,” she leaned her forehead gently against his. “While I love to see everyone get along, I love to see you happy and well-rested even more. You’ll always be the only one for me, [insert Comte’s real name].” 

Bonus continuation because I still can’t help myself apparently, somebody please take my laptop away from me:

Arms like steel bands enclosed her in his embrace, a sleepy exhale washing over her ear as she shivered a little at the sudden warmth.

“Mm, ma cherie, surely you didn’t think you’d get away with that kind of teasing...”

“But I wasn’t teasing you! I was completely serious.”

Laughter shook his chest and hers too, making her melt at the undisguised affection in the hands that settled her close to his heart.

“Then you must be punished for such foul play. To think you would ruthlessly attack me while asleep, bien-aime.”

“And how might I atone for this egregious indiscretion?”

She could feel him smile against her shoulder, the rascal. “Stay here a little while longer with me.” As if he had any intention of letting her go. Not that she minded, honestly.

“Threaten me with a good time.” she mumbled, stroking a hand soothingly along his back as they closed their eyes for a while.

A few more minutes couldn’t do any harm, could it?

[moon-lixie]

Yes, he had been aware that it was the literal end of the world, but to hear that he only had so little time left made everything appear clearer in front of his now blurry sight.

word count: 3.699k

warnings: mentions of riots and guns.

genre: apocalyptic AU, slight enemies to lovers, fluff.

song: moya- Godspeed You! Black Emperor

The sound of the tv in the background didn’t allow Seungmin to concentrate on the only thing that seemed to matter to him at that moment, you.

What met his wide eyes was the familiar cream white walls that he could only associate with his home, because that’s exactly where he was, in his childhood house while you were away, not awfully so but still not close enough for him to reach out to you in the way he wanted.

If he had learnt something from this situation it was that he didn’t have many instances he would like to go back and fix, and that he had always seen you in the wrong way. Either because he liked living in denial or because —without noticing— he had become the most dense person to have ever existed.

And it was infuriating that he had only noticed now, having had plenty of time before he had only come to the realisation because of the end of—

The volume of the tv became louder and he had to bite back his urge to belligerently ask his parents to turn it down when he heard what was being said on the news.

‘Specialists have estimated that we have only 48 hours left before it becomes impossible to leave our houses due to the radiation. People have apparently taken this ultimatum just as predicted by many as unprecedentedly violent riots have started breaking out all across the globe,’ the woman on the news channel said, wearing a cool expression that he wished he could also keep in a situation like this.

On the screen various photos and videos of chaos flashed in an instance, flooding the small living room with an orange glimmer that came from the flames he saw as mere pixels.

Seungmin’s blood ran completely cold; yes, he had been aware that it was the literal end of the world, but to hear that he only had so little time left made everything appear clearer in front of his now blurry sight.

The first tear travelled down his left cheek and impacted against the wooden floor right when the barking of what sounded like all the dogs of the neighbourhood started resonating with force and alarm.

Hell was breaking loose not only all across the world but in his chest too, he felt too many and yet so little at the same time. His body began moving on an impulse as he took long strides towards the white entrance door. Feeling excessively heavy he let his weight fall to the ground as he sat and put his shoes on, taking special care of making a double knot on the shoelaces of the black converse he had been wearing the night before when he arrived.

It was hard but he still managed to stand up and open the door hastily; ignoring the questioning voice of his mother he began sprinting towards the sidewalk where some of the people he had grown up seeing greet him with vibrant smiles now wearing cold expressions and getting inside their cars with a definite goal in mind.

He couldn’t care less about getting his hands on material objects; just as before, he felt pleased with his life and the things he had, that sentiment wouldn't change just because his life was close to reaching its end.

The night before he had fallen asleep in his parent's room as they had all cried their eyes out and confessed the love they were already aware of. But now he needed to make one last confession, and that’s why he had to reach your side before it was too late. That’s the only reason why he ran.

The pavement punched his soles as his steps increased its pace, every step resonated against every centimetre of his body as he tried to move faster. His heart was beating on his throat and he knew it wasn’t because he was exhausted, he had just begun running after all, it had all to do with the words he had never wanted to say until today.

Desperately he wanted to figure out when had this feeling on his chest begun, when and how? And the current situation suddenly felt like the best way to figure it out, because as he felt the air hit against his face and knew the world was slowly crumbling around him, he felt like he was not only rushing to you but through memories as well.

He knew for sure that his feelings had nothing to do with that evening in the park back when you were both kids. Your hands wrapped tight around the handles of the mint green bike he had pointed out was hideous just because you seemed to love it so much, eyes soaked with innocence wavering with nervousness and little white sneakers sitting on the pedals.

The memory was quite vivid, how you had taken various deep breaths before your hesitant glare turned to one of determination and you voiced out that you were in fact ready to try on your own.

Your father let go of your bike and you began pedalling, screaming out in joy as you managed to move forward the first two meters completely unscratched before you fell. The consequences of your bravery were a scraped knee and tears that dried fast as you refused to keep crying when he started making fun of your fall.

Neither did it seem to be related with all of those petty fights that had taken place at school back when you felt like you were on top of the world with a perfect score on the chemistry test everyone else had flunked.

All of those instances in which he had gotten to erase a smug smirk from your lips came rushing back, specifically on those midterm tests where he had managed to get an almost perfect score on every single subject after having spent the prior three nights staying up until ungodly hours just to study. Because he wanted to win.

No, he wanted you to see him, even if it meant you were mad at him because he had outperformed you, he wanted to have your undivided attention if only for a couple of minutes and he cursed himself for not knowing better than to annoy you in order to get it.

The feeling constricting his chest had a lot to do with that evening in the eighth grade where the moon shone with a special glimmer. The park that had witnessed the both of you bicker and tease each other endlessly was then completely quiet while it cradled two teenagers sitting on the swings.

It had been around the time where you both seemed to come to terms with your stupid rivarly and accepted that it was just the way you two functioned. And so the late night meetings and the sitting together at lunch with your other mutual friends had become so usual that many times you had both taken it for granted.

“I kissed Felix, well, he kissed me,” you confessed, wearing a dumb grin on your lips, your eyes holding every star that had previously been on the sky that faced the unpleasant feeling harboring on his chest.

He was sure it had a lot to do with the bitter taste that congratulating you for it had left at the back of his mouth, and the annoyance he felt for the following weeks when he faced his freckled friend, because Felix had been your first kiss and not him.

A loud shattering sound interrupted his thoughts, he looked towards his right side without stopping for a second, being met with the image of one of his middle school classmates breaking the window of one of the establishments that were near your favourite ice cream spot downtown.

He hadn’t realized how far he had come while running, not even his ragged breath had done much to bring him out of his daze as opposed to the chaos that was turning his hometown into something that must look like hell.

Completely mortified was an understatement to explain how he felt about the situation, but he at least had the comfort of knowing that both you and his parents were far away from this mayhem, even if that meant he still had a considerable way to go before reaching you.

Nothing could stop him or at least that is what he thought before a flying tv crossed his eyesight, he stopped immediately, almost not being able to dodge the shoe that was thrown into someone else’s direction right after.

He would’ve laughed at the absurdity of both objects crossing his eyesight if it hadn’t been for a loud crash that made reality wash over him once and for all. Turning around he witnessed a blue pickup truck being consumed by greedy flames that threatened not to leave anything behind for the owner of the vehicle.

Right after, he became aware of the hysterical screams of everyone around him and just how many people were there running without a destination and taking as many things as they could hold in their hands.

Deep inside he wished there was a way to make all of this stop but he soon regretted that wish when a gunshot rippled over the loud voices. The world came to a stop for a second as some threw themselves to the floor and covered their heads —Seungmin included— and some others froze in place.

The chaos resumed soon after when the people still standing began running once again without direction, pushing each other and trying to pick up things others allowed to fall from their arms as they tried to escape.

He was trembling on the floor, eyes wide open and trying to take in every last detail he could. The person who had shot was standing on top of a black car, holding a handgun he definitely shouldn’t have. Their eyes were closed as he aimed somewhere else and he shot again.

Another wave of screams filled the city and he choked back a sob as he began crawling on the cold pavement. The sleeves of his jacket were picking up all the dirt of the floor and becoming stained perhaps forever, but that was the least of his worries.

His current goal was reaching the other sidewalk where some small houses were spread in order to keep himself alive, at least he thought that was his best shot for now.

The world seemed to want to prove him wrong, a blaring shriek uncovered that his crawling plan wasn’t fool proof. Beside him a car had barely managed to stop on time not to impact against him.

For what felt like a couple of minutes all he could see were the blinding yellow lights, his body completely frozen and unwilling to react even when his mind screamed that he needed to move.

“Are you alright?” asked a robust man that had stepped outside of the car and kneeled in front of him. And the answer was no, he wasn’t alright, nobody was, hell was consuming every inch of that place and he had no time to spare, not even 48 hours because he might just not make it through another one.

He should thank the man for taking its time to check on him even when Seungmin himself wouldn’t have stepped down from the car if he saw such atrocities taking place, but all he could do was stand up and run with all of his might.

One blue fence looked like the best place to hide behind, not that much as he tried to climb it and ended up falling to the floor where plush grass met his back and elbows. Thankfully he hadn’t hit his head.

A deep sigh escaped his lips as he allowed his head to rest back atop the grass. In front of his eyes the sky had begun turning grey, the warning of yet another inconvenience waiting around the corner.

The unsuccessful attempt at climbing the fence had reminded him of that time he had tried to sneak to your house along with Jisung and Felix, who had planned to climb the fence of your backyard and then come inside from the back door that you would be waiting by.

Of course he had fallen to the floor just like now, grunting more loudly than he should’ve if your parents were asleep and unaware of their presence there —which they weren’t.

You had run towards him with a mocking grin on your face and told him, “you need to stop trying to be interesting because this is all you get from it. Just stick to your books and stay away from any physical activity.”

“Shut up,” he had scowled while sitting up, “I’m more athletic than you.”

“I apologize if I hurt your ego, mister star of the baseball team. But I’m pretty sure the fence did a better job at that than I could.” And he hated that you were right as much as he hated you and your stupidly pretty smile that would appear whenever you were amused.

Taking a deep breath he stood up with more determination than he had when he was in the middle of the main street. He had to make it there and tell you how he felt, even if it was the literal last thing that he managed to do.

He circled the small house and got out through the back door of the yard, taking special care of locking it afterwards, thinking of it as a favour he could do for the people that surely were inside that house facing the horror of the collective hysteria.

There was no time to waste, that was the only certainty that humankind had been given and so he resumed his running, pushing his tired legs to make the most of all of those years of being on the baseball team because that had to be worth something, right?

While running he had always allowed his mind to drift to wherever it pleased, especially back in high school on the early trainings where his coach would send them to run three laps around the school.

Right then and there his mind went back in time once again, this time to a similar instance to the one he underwent. It was in the middle of training when he had heard you had injured yourself and Jisung had taken you to the infirmary.

Of course the worried Felix forgot to mention that you had only twisted your ankle while going down the stairs, nothing more and nothing else. The days that followed he found himself wondering if he would have ran with such desperation if he had been aware of that detail or if he perhaps would’ve experienced the same need of having to see you.

He ran and ran, up the stairs and through the hallways where he had previously scolded people for doing so, but he didn’t care. He wouldn’t slow down until he saw you were alright; and when he finally made sure of it, it was his heart that would refuse to slow down.

After making sure you were okay he had waited by your side, cracking light hearted jokes and making fun of you for being so clumsy when in reality all that he wanted was to hold your hand and sigh loudly in relief. He was such a big idiot for not realising it sooner.

He had always been too scared, of you and especially of the things you made him feel that he couldn’t quite put into words; never knowing exactly how to act around you he had acted like an idiot on many occasions. Not that he was the only one at fault, you could be pretty rude too when you put your mind to it.

Just like at that party in your senior year of high school in which everyone had agreed to the genius idea of playing spin the bottle, which had ultimately resulted in the both of you cramped inside Jisung’s messy closet.

“We don’t have to do anything, in fact, I won’t even touch you so you don’t have to be worried,” he had told you, trying to avoid looking directly at your eyes that were too close for comfort.

“Just say that you’re a coward and stop trying to pretend you’re not doing anything to be a gentleman.” The tone of your voice was outright mocking and it made his blood boil with annoyance.

“I’m not a coward,” he retorted almost right away, “as a matter of fact I could kiss you right here and now but I won’t because you’re going to make a fuss just like you always do.”

What was it about the presence of the other that always made the both of you turn into childish idiots and take stupid decisions? He sincerely had no idea but it happened again after you spoke next. “You don’t have the guts to do it.”

“Watch me.”

The skin of your cheeks felt searing against his palms; your loud friends outside seemed to go silent as if they had a way of knowing he was leaning ever so slowly towards you.

Once he could feel your breath fanning over his lips he looked at your eyes, asking for permission despite his initial impulse of just proving you wrong. You nodded softly before closing your eyes and he finally did it, he kissed you like he had wanted to do since god knows when.

Your lips moved softly against his, warming up his chest and the now rosy skin of his cheeks. He wanted to stay there forever and kiss you until he had robbed you of every breath you could have but you pushed away before he had the chance to.

Confusion had been painted clearly on his face but you didn’t even seem to notice or you simply didn’t care as you pushed open the doors of the closet and loudly declared that the idea was so stupid that you wouldn’t go throught wiht it, that you didn’t want to kiss him not for seven minutes or seven seconds when all he wanted then was to kiss you forever.

Stupid Seungmin, stupid. He chanted in his head as he saw the building of your apartment come closer with every single one of his steps.

He should’ve kissed you more, asked you to prom, he should’ve insisted on hugging you a bit longer the last time you both saw each other, he should’ve told you he loved you, he needed to.

Upon entering the building on the outside of the city where you had decided to settle a year ago, he looked around only to find an eerie silence greeting him. The place wasn’t particularly lively, but this was a contrast that made him shiver.

He looked towards the elevator and quickly discarded that idea, he still remembered how he had to carry box after box up the stairs when you moved here because the elevator was “temporarily” out of order; what the landlord had forgotten to mention was that temporarily meant always for him.

You lived on the fifth floor which usually didn’t present much of an inconvenience but having run across the whole city he felt like his knees were about to give up and no amount of determination could push them to function any better. Nevertheless you were so close already that he couldn’t even think of giving up.

Kim Seungmin had never been one to quit easily nor one to let anxiety persuade him from going after he wanted, and so, mind set on staying true to himself and being well aware that he had nothing else to lose, he knocked on your door three times, just like he always used to.

A couple of minutes passed by until he heard a loud gasp behind the door before he saw you step outside into the hallway with a confused expression painting your beautiful face different from what he remembered.

Was it silly that he just wanted to see you smile?

“What are you doing h—” Your sentence was cut short by the sobs that escaped from in between his lips once he hugged you close to his chest.

He had made a recount of every moment he had spent with you, about every touch and every word you had ever exchanged and used it as a fuel to run away from the chaos that could’ve killed him and all he wanted was you.

Despite all the chaos, hysteria, despite the end of the world, he had run all the way there just because of you.

“I love you,” he said once he had calmed down and you had pulled him inside your apartment, “I love you so much and I was the biggest idiot in the world for not noticing sooner.”

With him your gaze was rarely as soft and comforting as the one you gave him now, with him things had always been complicated because both decided to play dumb, he knew that now.

Your hand travelled to brush his hair away from his face and ultimately to cup the left side of his face where a small scratch had slipped its way on his face on his way there. He melted into the touch and closed his eyes feeling a foreign pain begin taking over his chest.

“The world is ending and you ran all the way here?” you asked seemingly amused, though he couldn’t ignore the slightly worried undertone to your comment.

“I don’t care, I love you,” he whispered back, like a broken record, he believed himself only capable of repeating those three words over and over again.

“You’ve always been an idiot.” Your eyes were filled with tears as you hugged him and brought his head to rest on your shoulder. “But I love you too.”

He began crying once again, because he was terrified and amazingly regretful of not telling you before. But despite of the world falling apart, he finally had you.

[rouiyan]

𝘖𝘝𝘌𝘙𝘊𝘈𝘚𝘛 𝘚𝘒𝘐𝘌𝘚 𝘈𝘕𝘋 𝘛𝘏𝘖𝘚𝘌 𝘞𝘏𝘖 𝘋𝘐𝘌 [ 𝘭.𝘫𝘯 ]

⧏ the second volume of rouiyan’s debut series, till death do us part ⧐

synopsis: “i will keep you,” he says softly, as sweet as black tea, “and i will keep you warm.” (Catherynne M. Valente, Deathless)

✧ prince!lee jeno x crown princess!reader ✧ royalty au

✧ genres : fluff, angst ✧ word count : 5.0k ✧ disclaimers : brief descriptions of nudity (nothing sexual), allusions to sex (nothing explicit), malintent

read volume one here: of the heart.

when the moon, in all her glory, begins to set, Mother Nature begins each new day by inhaling the misfortunes of the day before and blowing out frigid breaths in their stead. this morning is no exception for nothing is so clear as the wisps of fog that lie just beyond the horizon, a velarium of sorts, over the forest canopy. the sun is a little early today, but it is for naught, since its rays are caught between the tendrils of fog right as they begin to show. perhaps Mother Nature woke up in a bit of a fit today, seeing as the skies are already oozing the grays before the blues have yet to surface. Her fingers gently stir the clouds to ensure that they collide right where the earth most needs it and She's joyful in the sense that Her work can be admired from far down below. after all, the paintings She conjures in the skies are nothing short of masterpieces.

like a ceiling folding in with the pressure of water leakage, the clouds from down below give off an air of distress. the air itself is heavily encumbered with a clarity found only after the rainiest of days. and if not for the sake of the story, the author could spend hours droning on about Mother Nature's tour de force, she really would, but instead she will insert a few lines from a symphony: 

The autumn mist drifts blue over the lake,

The blades of grass stand covered with frost,

The flowers' sweet scent is gone,

An icy wind bends down their stems,

My heart is weary.

Der Einsame im Herbst (The lonely one in autumn), from Mahler’s Das Lied von der Erde

in the exact opposite sense that Mother Nature loves her leaves, with tender fondness and a forgiving hand, prince jeno's father has never loved his second son more, with an impassioned sneer and a bagful of riches in mind. at least, that is exactly what prince jeno himself thinks as he skims through yet another letter, this time from his father. 

son,

never did i think i would enjoy the prospect of a winter ceremony as much as i would this, perhaps you would also like to see an early coronation. i've made the necessary arrangements, i assure that you will not be suspected in the least but keep caution and wariness by your side, our family name is already a great deal tainted. thought not for long, i'll be sending a carriage to retrieve you for your rounds back home, we've ought to get going on them. the damsel is a sight for sore eyes, i presume, i'd hate for her to foil our ambitions; she is much in your hands to attend to now. i'll see you by the throne soon, my lad. 

king of the southern mines, your father.

the prince's vision narrows upon the words 'coronation, arrangements, suspected, foil, throne,' and he is already a sight of frustration, fingers gripping the paper with such force that his short nails are digging into his palms through it. seething, he tears his eyes from the script before him but instead, they land on the previous letter sat atop the open escritoire. the one from his mother. the stamped edge of the paper lifts with the wind that filters through the window just above it and he has the sudden urge to let it be carried away wholly. jeno crosses the room in four steps. 

with both the pages collected in his hands, jeno crouches by the mantle, the roar of a fire licking up before him. his face is drawn in concentration, jaw stiff and clenched. the lines of his brows are met with a furrow in between, set above the meek lines of his eyelids. his pupils dilate, albeit out of habitual need, in the reflection of the inferno before him. he's ever-so-aware of the distinct scent of burning coals that siphon and sharpen his reminiscence of home. it's sentient, the feelings of familiarity that overcome his senses, halting his movements, his fingers clutching the papers in a way that almost tells of longing. longing of a seemingly different world entirely, one that he has only ever known until a few weeks prior. being washed anew in distant lands and over the course of a single lunation, jeno finds that he's never felt more mismatched from himself, disconnected from the people who raised him in contrast to the people who have brought out the better in him. but the embers are not the only thing he smells, not the only he sees, or heeds to.

the pearly carrara marble of the mantle tells stories in the grayed lines that trail across its posh surface. his eyes rove over the white, the faith and purity of your heraldry binded with the emblem of your family. the white of angels, of untainted relations, sterility in empowerment, the inviolable you. the white tells stories that the black never could.

so jeno finds a warm pleasure in the way the flames overwhelm the papers with eager enthusiasm, the damned words of his parents receding into mere ash. prince jeno thinks he could forever part with the world if it asked him to feast his eyes on this very sight until the end of time. 

despite arousing before the sun, you are disappointed when it starts to chase your wakefulness. there is something edging the growing unease in your mind, as if time is trickling down the drain of the past, too fast and too unforgiving. as if time is berating at your senses, telling you there is much more than what meets the eye but for the life of you, you cannot pinpoint what. for now though, you tend to the pressing matters at hand, jeno has been called home for his rounds, rather abruptly.

"perhaps i should go with you, rounds don't always have to be made by one per-”

jeno cuts you off effectively, "they are very much a one person duty," he assures pointedly. your nose scrunches, the light inconveniences starting to rub off on your exasperation. in a tired voice you mumble, "we could always change it up a bit, i'm sure." jeno chuckles heartily at that, his hand coming up from his side to rub out the lines of stress in your forehead.

"little miss princess, you're saying that as if you do not have rounds to complete of your own. i'm almost certain you host are a far greater amount of people that wish to be invited to the ceremony than i have-"

it's your turn to cut him off now, "why don't you stay with me then?" in attempts to enhance the force of your resolve, you uncover a hand of your own from under the sheets to comb through his locks. the way his eyes instantly close to relish in your touch paired with the little purr he gives is almost telltale of your victory. almost.

jeno pauses, his eyes flicker back open, and a soft knowing smile runs along the features of his face as he shakes his head, in knowledge of your artful tactics to wear him down. "and neglect my kingdom and their desires?"

you've left the feelings of frustration behind, instead deciding to fool around with the boy, to see what you can get out of him for good fun, "but we've yet to decide what flowers to use as centerpieces. and whether we're throwing a private or public ball. wedding preparations are surely more important than handing out personal invites…we can cut corners one some niceties." jeno knows better than to let his guard down. the jeno around y/n isn't to be trusted as easily. he settles for words of comfort instead, "i'll write."

"well, that's of course. silly of you to voice something as unequivocal as that."

a pause and his resolve is slipping, "maybe a few short visits back wouldn't hurt." you lick your lips in good-natured fun, another pause, "i'm sure my father wouldn't half mind if we cut it a week short." your eyes look hazy to him, though in reality they are simply amused, and drawing words from him he isn't even sure he's saying. "or- or maybe i could convince him, or try to at least…," he trails on and on.

your satisfied a certain amount and, suppressing a smile from giving away your plotted schemes, you mutter quietly, mostly for your own pondering, "i'm thinking alliums would make a statement, blue alliums." jeno gives a noise of confusion, unsure of how you've suddenly come to talk of flowers. "the centerpieces, i mean." jeno's silence only urges you on, "alliums, or blue alliums at that, are symbols of unity and good fortune. i think that'd make a nice combination with a base of milkweed, dignity and freedom, if my memory serves me right."

the prince has found his voice, "what of the rounds?" but he's met with a small chortle, "nothing, a month is a month, i'm sure we'll work around it."

"but, i- i'm not sure i understand. you were adamant enough a millisecond ago, and now-"

"and now i'm telling you i was toying with you, dear sir. such fun it is when you let on more than you'd like."

jeno's cheeks flush, the warm color dusting the bridge of his nose, apples of his cheeks, tips of his ears. your warm smile and benign banter bring him the simplest of joys. he's not sure he's ever felt this way before. familiarity. and, not the familiarity that comes from his assigned butler since birth, or the old lady at the apothecary he's been to all his life that's paid to tend to his wounds. not the familiarity that comes with blood and playing house, the type of sickened familiarity he feels with his brother, doyoung, that every second spent with him is forced. the familiarity he feels with you is by choice, by genuine and sincere desire. you want to wake up in the mornings with him by your side. you want to spend breakfast pushing each other's toes away underneath the table. you want to hold his hand when he walks you to your carriage. you want to make love with him in the most ungodly hours of the day. which is exactly what happens that morning.

a day is barely enough to do all the things you've penned in your journal. things to be done before you were to be married, with the one you were to be married to. the list had been written, curated, and refined by nine-year-old you, who you must say, had some very good ideas, though verily a romanticist. 

jeno is departing tomorrow morning, as early as the sun will permit, and suddenly you wish that it would never rise again. whatever the case, you set out first thing this morning, hand tugging along a very tired prince, for the bathing pool. nine-year-old you must have misinterpreted the meaning of 'skinny dipping' for swimming but you thank nine-year-old you because things seem to have worked out in your favor either way. jeno is jolted awake by the gelid water, the seasons now mark three-quarters into fall. 

"go in first," you state simply, hands on your hips and eyes drawn down into the water. the single toe you had dipped in to test the waters is frigid and frozen. jeno, who has yet to finish undressing himself, nodded at your words. if he were looking in your direction he would've noticed the smirk on your face. he stands straight, boxers on the ground behind him as he takes place by your side, "cold?"

"not at all, surprisingly," he's looking at you now and your countenance can't help but decompose in front of him, a small, unsuspecting smile adorning your lips. "oh really, can you attest for that?"

the smile is now blossoming unto your cheeks, "are you telling me to go in first?" the prince nods at that, fully aware of your schematics, "yes, i would like to see you enter the warm water."

"you agreed to go in first just a few seconds ago, don't tell me you've backed out on your word," a feeble matter against the boy but he defends himself by saying, "devious little princess, as if this wasn't your idea."

you're equally defensive when you point out, "not me, directly, but rather me as a child-" he pushes you in. lee jeno, second prince of the esteemed southern kingdom pushes you into the subzero degree bathing pool.

assuredly though, he dives in a few seconds after he's had time to relish in your shocked expression and piercing screams. he's coming up for air, his hands have found your bare hips to make sure that you resurface together. or drown together, you think, because it seems his foot is caught in the crevices between two rocks and since he's writhing like a madman, you're writhing with him too. it's a strange sight, two very beautiful individuals, absolutely in love but absolutely inane, for if jeno had thought to let go of his grip on you, you might've been able to unlodge his foot altogether if he had not been set on wrangling both your bodies about.

it's four minutes later that the two of you are on the leveled bronze rock, now, absolutely loosing it over jeno's lack of common sense. both of you are having trouble breathing, spurts of water still occasionally gushing past his lips. he thinks you're most beautiful in your bare skin, with nothing to define you but yourself. he's running his fingers up and down your torso, lips connecting with the surface of your neck. he appreciates that you kiss him with such avidity, you always do. jeno loves that you make it known to him, that what you say, you mean. and that even if you were never to utter a word again, he would still understand the sheer vehemence with which you love him.

you cross off paragliding, building a snowman, and studying together for a test. not because they've been completed but because there simply is no plausible way to get them done with the deadline closing in fast. the next activity you present to jeno has his eyebrows raised in intrigue. he's quick to reply when you ask him. 

"a moon, a quartered moon." the knowing smile that grows on your face tells him he's chosen correctly.

jeno gives a squeeze to your hand as the needle comes in contact with your clean skin. the first few minutes are highlighted by the sensation of a million bee stings, racking through your brain, but the rest is relatively smooth sailing. yours comes out just as good as jeno's, a small moon, a quartered moon, tattooed into the skin just behind the left ear. there specifically, so that it's known by each other and each other only. 

there will be months passed before the moon becomes a sort of unspoken but affirmative communication instrument. when jeno loves you a little too much, he rubs the inked skin softly. his sleepless nights are cured with the pad of your finger upon the spot. between the many general meetings you're required to oversee in a day, jeno waits outside the conference room for you to exit, his fingers stroking the moon for the duration of the few seconds allotted to him before you're whisked away again. the symbol of night is translated into accounts of bonding, the smallest of things giving way to happiness. 

you would say the uses of the 'lovemark' are amplified as the sun retreats and the mascot of your relationship shines brighter than ever. it's evident in the look on jeno's face, especially, a few feet below you, peering up your skirt with a dumbstruck look on his face. 

"jeno, dear, now is really not the time." the boy clears his throat and looks away, baffled at how you'd caught him anyways. your position is so frightfully awkward, one foot on the top end of your chamber's windowsill, another bent and hoisted onto the flat ledge of your roof. "come on up now, and get those dirty thoughts out of your mind. for heaven's sake, we're here to watch the sunset and stargaze, not to pound into each other."

the prince laughs at your offhanded remarks, arriving himself on the platform. the view is expansive in the way that you can see the forest from here, the ocean if you squint, the hills set in the far distance, and the sky has never felt closer to the earth while the things you've always known to be near appear smaller and more distant than ever. even the gregarious tree stalks of the forest rise to what could be measured as an only inch from this outlook. 

"nine-year-old y/n seems to have known nothing but fun days." jeno muses, leaning his weight back upon his hands. your eyes are glazed in an omniscient mist, "i'd expect so, she was born and raised with everything." the prince picks up on the tone of distaste with which you'd spoken your words. he turns to you and studies the hairs that fall in your eyes, "hardly fair."

you reply not a beat after, "not at all fair. if i were to accomplish one thing during my run as queen, i'd give the children opportunities of a lifetime." the thoughts tumble out of your mind, as if you'd known of this conviction of yours since you were but a child. your drive as a ruler, firm and headstrong to implement your values and beliefs on your subjects has been the sole idea that's grounded you in the castle for your entire time being.

"and what if you cannot?"

your first reply is dealt with in humble humor, "at the very least, i'd like it to be engraved on my tombstone that i tried." the second, is laden with a sorrowful undertone, "housing, schooling, meals and warmth in the winter. we have it the worst here up north. if they are without school, they are left with nothing." jeno's head turns to yours, he sees the slip of a tear and he wipes it away, only to be met with another. your voice cracks in despair, "there are no mining jobs to take up, no farms to harvest, aqueducts to run. i dread that one day i must rule a kingdom of arts."

jeno tries, he really does, to gather you in his arms but your sobs rack your body with such force that he is left to comfort your desolations with words and a hand on your back, "what is there to dread? are the arts so difficult to maintain?"

bitterness forms at the tip of your tongue, "no, jeno. i regress in the face that art is invaluable. but the world seeks to attach a price to every viable thing, to label the passion of others. and now, now the arts are for the rich, only for the rich. have you ever heard of a hungry man paint instead of seeking shelter from the rain? a woman who writes prose instead of feeding her dying children? there is no one who can live solely on art but the heavens have sent me to rule a horde of those very people."

the prince knows you need to voice the thoughts weighing down your mind, so he gives them a platform, a nudge, "a kingdom of arts would be blessed to house a queen with intentions such as yourself, surely there are others who hold the same principles as you." 

"no doubt," your eyes cast on the forming stars, "but as much as i would love to trail a path of meliorism and say that with a tide of willingness, there will be change, i must not forget the real nature of the world we live in."

"and what is this nature that you speak of?"

"the drive of greed and sadism, in exchange for the feeblest of pleasures."

the world comes to a still in this very moment. the moon begins her ascent. the stars unsheath their full luminance. the whites of their gleam reflecting on the rooftop on which the two of you are sat. time and space shrivel in the potency of untainted humanity.

"we will bring change, you and i."

you feel your heart calm as your rambling ceases. jeno looks over at you and smiles.

prince jeno is scheduled to return in twenty seven days time. there is something that feels wrong about him leaving. a feeling that if he leaves, all hell with turn loose and you will be unleashed unto the dogs for ravaging. there is a coated and unspoken thought that splutters in your mind whenever you even dare so much as to begin to think of it. the possibility that with jeno's leave, you'll be left with the realization that it was all a phase of infatuation. that when you see him again, all the feelings that you'd built up over the course of a month and a few days was just a glamourized dream. that he was never real; the real that you needed.

"i'll be forever thinking of those lips on mine, maybe even missing them," you let, comically. jeno eyes you conspicuously, "and i'll be forever thinking of you, as a whole, not just the lips unlike you. a little fixated you sounded there, mind you." his little sniggers are given in response to your hands pushing his chest in frisky response. the prince pulls you closer into a final embrace, the coachman of his black carriage is awaiting his departure. 

he parts from you and you can't help but trail behind him down the paved path. he's over his shoulder now as you let loose a sliver of your deepest worries, meekly, "i hope we never change, jeno."

the prince halts at the bottom steps that curl into the palace. he sees you, feels you, knows you, for he quotes, “i will keep you,” he says softly, as sweet as black tea, “and i will keep you warm.” (Catherynne M. Valente, Deathless)

jeno can hear the light pellets of raindrops hit the roof of his carriage. the gray skies are darkening by the second, it's telling him something that he's sure he doesn't want to hear. his fingers fiddle with the cuffs of his tailored suit jacket, something you'd requested be made for him when his stay was first prolonged. the prince is entirely clad in white and he knows enough to imagine the face his mother will make when she first sees him home. lee jeno doesn't remember a time when he's donned a color other than black, but somehow, the white doesn't feel too far from home. 

with the white, his mind flashes with the events of the past month or so spent in your noble abode. you, on the other hand, rarely ever wore a color other than white, the most differing shade being a cream or beige. but even with all the lights, you never seemed to mind when they were dirtied. almost always, a day in the fields or by the bathing pool would drench a good six inches of your skirts in mud and the unfurled hems of your frocks or crinkled fronts of those sweaters you so often adorned were always beyond your notice. you were free in that way, never stopping to fuss over the little things you deemed unimportant. jeno thinks if he could live that way too and though he isn't sure if he can, he knows he wants to.

jeno can hear the spindles of the carriage gyrating with added resistance against the now watered-down mud of the trodden roads. his eyes are caught in the sky that looks as if it's to detonate at any given second. he predicts the thunder before it rings loud in his ears and he hears the coachman slash a whip to a trepid horse, an echo of the natural phenomenon. he wonders what it would feel like to be the coachman, out in the clamorring downpour, or perhaps the horse, blindlessly running to the crack of a whip, or the trees even, awoken by the threat of a fire. he wonders if he has any desire to be the lightning itself, to jab at the delicate foliage as he'd like, to set fire to that of which he doesn't like, to wield destructive power. he wonders, but he knows he doesn't want to.

lee jeno is in his carriage when he realizes what it means to be free, but not in the hindrance of others. he realizes what it means, not to rule but rather to guide without the oppression of others. lee jeno is also in his carriage when the skies turn black and a deluge of rain is unleashed upon the castle of white. 

a man a few inches brief to the prince, but of higher rank in swordsmanship, is propped on the limestone trellis that holds the awning in place, his two feet hooked between the vertical balusters of stone and fingers clung onto the ridge of the balustrade. he finds it ludicrous that every individual of importance he has ever met, is so caught up in their own belief that they are untouchable, where in reality they are the most vulnerable of all. he thinks this, specifically, as he upturns himself over the railing and onto the landing, only to see that the king's door are left wide open, the only shield of protection being the pristine white curtains glinting a sheen of blue in the moonlight. 

renjun is humored when, upon drawing the curtains back, the king himself is simply laying there on the ground, unconscious as he was informed he'd be. the knight presses two fingers to the inner wrist of the withered man and finds that he still has a job to finish. brandishing a blade from the underside of his calf, he deems the inscription on the handle fit for the deed. he drives it into the gut but makes quick work of it, the sputters of blood that erupt from the now-awakened royal something he wishes the guards just outside not to hear. renjun makes further assurance that the blade is firmly put in place, the stout palladium shaft protruding from the king's abdomen like the ring of a windup toy. 

a black body bag is used to sheath the quickly-paling bag of bones. it is left under the light of the moon, through a skylight rounded in the dead center of the palace. around the malefaction, stairs wind in all directions from the ground up and if there were even one maid to have crossed the landing once in the night, she would have been met with what looked to be an unassuming trash bag. but fate had it so the sun would rise before your dead father was stumbled upon, an inscribed shank planted between his internal organs reading, this star-like solitude (Giuseppe Ungaretti, from Last Choruses for the Promised Land: XVI (tr. by Patrick Creagh)).

the blood that seeps from the measly opening in the bag is not silver, nor is it gold. it is blood red. the red of a brazen senex that perhaps preceded and proceeded his times, entangled in the intricacies of the new age, the new game of politics he simply had no means to play at. akin to the webs of an arachnid, the string of fate hung around his neck, thin and unnoticeable, cinching with each passing second until Mother Nature deemed his time up. the blood that seeps writhes in the rays of the sun, twines like the veins in the marble beneath it. it seeps until the figure in the sack is drained and the clumping skin of human remains is the same shade as the white tiling. red against white, white against black, the black of a crying sky.

read volume three: dearly departed.

copyright © 2020 rouiyan all rights reserved.

✧ end note — i had such a hard time trying to pull this outta my ass in a way that captures everything i wanted to say. so thank you for reading this piece. it’s one of my most favorite things i have ever written, undoubtedly.

[keiths3dart]

Max in The Black Lodge: a Life is Strange / Twin Peaks Crossover.

Part 3.

The thing most casual viewers don't realise about Chloe Price is just how vulnerable she is. For years she's projected this rebellious, 'Hella Gay, Fuck You’ attitude. Drink, drugs, sex, familial discord, flunking school, limited social circle, Chloe embraced the lot. Every self destructive impulse leapt upon with gusto.

It was all a front, Chloe's big secret was the fact that she's a sweet, funny, loving, and decent girl living to be loved. Whose father was taken from her. Whose best friend moved away and indeed moved on. Whose first love cheated on her (and with a man of all things!), then left. Who basically circled the emotional wagons and held the world at bay with a snarl and a defiant middle finger. Her demeanour, borne of feelings of abandonment and loneliness becoming a self fulfilling and self sustaining state of permanent friction and conflict in her life.

Well that was until Max came back into it. Until Max saved it. Numerous times. At a horrendous hidden psychological cost Max had still to face the bill for. Until Max peeled back the layers of hurt Chloe had padded her bruised heart with, letting the real Chloe shine back through, something Chloe had never allowed to happen, not since Rachel. Maybe not even with Rachel, maybe she'd even played up those traits since it seemed to be received positively by the volatile blonde.

And now Chloe finds herself in a remote woodland clearing looking down at Max's shoulder bag, abandoned on the ground next to the final forlorn dying embers of a small campfire.

She knows exactly how it feels.

Chloe was drained of everything, she felt like an empty shell just standing there in the clearing, unable to think. Her every fibre felt like it was plummeting into an infinitely dark abyss, dragging her thoughts with her.

Max had gone again. The love she had let back into her heart felt like it had been torn straight out of her chest. She felt so, just So. Fucking. Alone. Again.

As Chloe stood in the clearing trembling in dismay, Deputy Bobby Briggs scouted around the fringes of the clearing, looking for any signs of where Max had exited the clearing and what direction she had gone. His companion, the big Nez-Pence tribesman Deputy Hawk was poking about in the fire. His weathered face was grave.

Hawk was concerned. He knew this clearing. This place was known in his tribal legend, this had been the destination Agent Dale Cooper uncovered in his investigations into the greater mysteries unearthed by the Laura Palmer case. Cooper had disappeared at this very spot and had later returned. Different. Then, abruptly, he had left and no-one knew where. Even his superiors at the FBI had no idea. They'd been in Twin Peaks several years ago asking questions about Cooper, Gordon Cole and the other one, that insufferable little shit Albert Rosenthal.

Hawk looked at his partner with sadness. Poor Bobby, his father Major Briggs had disappeared too a few years later. Again on this very spot. Bobby continued to comb the perimeter but Hawk knew he would not find an exit trail. The darkening shadow on his heart told him that Max too had departed this earth for… The Other Place. Whatever the hell that was. The question was, would Max return like Cooper had? Or would her friend Chloe have to live with the loss and uncertainty of Max remaining missing. Hawk had seen how it had affected Bobby, and Bobby had not had the best of relations with his father. Hawk looked to Chloe now, his experienced eye could see she was on the verge of emotional collapse. Perhaps she too felt that sinking dread that seeped from the very ground of this supernatural place.

This was going to be a difficult conversation. Hawk knew he needed to talk to Chloe. Needed to say Something at least. But all his years of police experience couldn't provide more than a number of carefully nuanced platitudes he knew Chloe would see through in a second. Then go in to complete meltdown.

What could he do though? The truth of the matter, absolutely preposterous though it seemed was: that her friend Max had been taken from this place to, some other world/reality/dimension by persons/beings unknown for the purposes of fuck only knows and may / may not return at some undisclosed point in the future and may / may not be a barking mad murderous psychopath when they do.

“Fuck that” thought Hawk and Opted instead to use the hollow platitudes from the Crisis Response Management course Harry had sent him on when he made Deputy Chief.

“Chloe…” he began before he sensed something. A change in the air like static electricity or…

The whole of space and time exploded at once, spinning off in an infinite number of directions at once, the whole of creation in one spiralling maelstrom of light, sound, and sensation. Right in front of deputy Hawk.

But it was the sudden knee to the face that took the big man down.

Max was feeling dreamy, she'd lost herself in the soporific rhythm of the gentle shuffle beat for a moment. Or had it been hours?

This thought brought Max back to her senses. Her environment had been acting on her like a drug, lowering her alertness, subtly sedating her mind.

“That Food-Eater Jefferson must love it in here” Max thought venomously.

Almost on cue, like he'd been summoned by the very thought of his name, the head of Mark Jefferson turned to face Max.

“OLLEH XAM!” he said in that eerie style the inhabitants of this room used.

Max felt like recoiling from that gaze. Bad memories. But Max had grown to be made of sterner stuff. She would NOT let that scumbag have power over her. So she held the gaze, pouring all of her rage and loathing into that gaze. A gaze that would have reduced Chloe to ashes, would have sent Chuck Norris fleeing in panic to the florist to get something to apologize with, fell in vain upon the impassive face of Mark Jefferson as he now began to rise from his seat.

“I DLUOC ERUTPAC UOY NI A TNEMOM” he intoned, framing Max with his hands, like an imaginary camera.

Max had heard this particular speech before, and she began to edge away from Jefferson and the little man who now sat next to him, watching the whole exchange with amusement.

Suddenly the air was rend by a piercing scream. Max span round to see Rachel Amber, leaning forward in her chair, her face contorted in rage letting out this ungodly screech.

It stopped Mark Jefferson in his tracks.

“ON! OUY T’NOD TEG OT EVAH REH.” Rachel's voice sounded harsh and bitter and Max watched on as Rachel thrust forward her right hand towards a suddenly terrified Jefferson.

“”ESAELP, ON” he whined.

“ERIF! KLAW HTIW EM!” Rachel spat, as Jefferson, chair and all was consumed by a pillar of fire.

The little Man began to laugh and clap his hands again.

That was it for Max. Wherever she was, it was time to leave. And Rachel was coming with her.

“Rachel, let's get out of here” she said, grabbing Rachel by the arm.

Rachel looked up at her uncertainly.

“EREHT SI ON YAW TUO” the little man said solemnly.

“Mm m Max?” It was Rachel. Her voice hesitant but normal.

“Come on, we need to get back to Chloe” Max urged, pulling the bewildered blonde to her feet.

“Chloe? Yes. Chloe. Must get back to Chloe” Rachel mumbled, still appearing dazed and lost. Like someone abruptly woken from a very deep sleep.

“EREHT SI ON YAW TUO” the little man repeated. He looked to the two girls, a look of almost pity in his big eyes. “M’I YRROS”.

But still they ran. Through red draped, tile floored corridor after red draped, tile floored corridor. Every single one the same, every single one emerging back into the same room. The little man still sat. Watching on sadly.

Eventually Max collapsed to her knees in defeat. The little man was right. There was no way out. She was stuck here. Forever. Never to see her Chloe again. She wished she'd never come to this place. She'd managed to find Rachel only to share her fate. She wished she'd never… A desperate idea came to Max, she'd kept items with her when she'd rewound before, would it work with a human being? Was there any other option?

“Rachel, hold me tight and don't let go”.

“Jesus Max, is now the time?”

“You know what I mean” Max said, grabbing Rachel around the waist. “Now to rewind as far as possible, and please God get us both back to the woods and Chloe" Max thought as she reached forward to channel her strange power.

Suddenly, the little man jumped up in alarm, his eyes wide with fear.

“T’NOD ESU TAHT EREH!!!” He cried almost hysterically but it was too late.

Max had never thought there could be pain like the pain she felt. Searing up her arm and into her chest. And her head, her head felt like molten metal was being poured into it. Max was almost delirious with pain, everything was a strobing kaleidoscope of colour, she could no longer see the red Room. She couldn't see when she was going and she couldn't stop. But she could feel the weight of Rachel clutching at her, until the moment it all went black. The moment Max couldn't feel Rachel anymore. The moment Max couldn't feel anything anymore. There was only the black.

And then not even that.

The sudden change in the air had brought Chloe back to her senses. She looked up just in time to see it. The thing she could never describe. The thing deputy Hawk would never forget.

And then the two bodies came, flung out of the light as though they'd been spat out like used chewing gum. Rachel Amber and Max Caulfield. Rachel's knee catching the poor deputy chief square in the face knocking him down. Rachel was awake and trying to get up, holding her knee in pain.

Max lay still in a crumpled pile, like a discarded marionette.

Chloe didn't know what to do. She was so shocked by a succession of things that had just happened she just stood there wide eyed with shock.

Deputy Briggs had been caught unsighted by the whole thing, having been scanning the ground for traces of footprints. Suddenly the ground was lit as bright as day and there was a sharp crack followed by some dull thuds. He span round, automatically drawing his service revolver.

Rachel hit the ground in a heap, her knee throbbing having struck something on the way down. She felt like hammered shit and could barely adapt to the gloom after so long in the Red Room. She could just make out the fuzzy outline of Max lying in front of her and made to crawl towards her.

Max lay in a foetal position, her breathing was shallow, her chest barely moving, eyes closed. She might almost be asleep.

Hawk raised himself up into a sitting position, the right side of his face beginning to swell after the impact with Rachel's knee but the reason Hawk's head was spinning was due to the intense visions he'd seen when the gateway between worlds opened in front of him.

Chloe could see Rachel leaning over Max and it galvanized her into action. She dropped to her knees beside her two friends, joining Rachel in checking on the inert Max.

“Max? Max?” Chloe quavered, gently shaking her to no avail.

“She's breathing” Rachel was able to confirm.

No response from Max, she remained unconscious though reassuringly still alive. Rachel rolled to her side and tried to clear her head. Her vision was still fuzzy.

Chloe knelt, Max's head cradled in her lap, gently stroking her face. Tears dropped from her cheek and splashed onto Max's face. Chloe wiped them away with concern

“Shit, sorry Max”.

Bobby had holstered his weapon and checked on Hawk, the big man seemed a bit shook up but otherwise ok. Now he had to take charge of the situation, it looked like one of the girls was hurt. They'd need to get back out of the woods quickly. Time was of the essence, and the hospital in Twin Peaks was a long hike and a bumpy ride away.

“We need to get her back to town” he said, placing a hand on Chloe's shoulder. “Are you ok? Can you walk?” He added towards Rachel.

Rachel simply nodded in affirmative and unsteadily began to get to her feet. Bobby moved to help Chloe with Max.

“No, leave her. I've got her” Chloe sobbed, recoiling from Bobby.

Deputy Hawk had made it to his feet and was on the radio to the sheriff. An ambulance had been summoned and would meet them at the road end.

Chloe lifted Max out of the nest of pine needles. She felt so light, so fragile. How could something so fundamentally central to her life feel so insubstantial in her arms?

And thus the procession made their way down from the Ghost wood. Bobby took the lead followed by the still woozy Hawk. Chloe came next with Max and Rachel Amber brought up the rear, her head rapidly clearing, now just feeling bone tired.

“Don't worry my love, everything is going to be fine” Chloe cooed to the unconscious Max.

Behind them, a strange flicker danced in the eyes of Rachel for a moment before it was gone.

[babylooneytoonz]

Blood Trails [ Pt. 4 ]

Chapter Summary: Being locked up at the HYDRA cell with Sasha makes you have a slight change of heart. Is it just an innocent change of heart or is it your heart's way of trying to remind you what your brain cannot remember?

Warnings: Violence, Implied Child Abuse, Non Con Sex Reference , Implied non descriptive torture tactics

Word Count : 3000+ (I K R ?)

Blood Trails Masterlist link -> here.

Bucky was able to miraculously pull out the magnet from the top of the car that ended up freeing him. He swam up until he was on the surface, and he hopelessly looked around, but he didn’t see anything remotely related to HYDRA or his daughter. His anguish was so much, he fell to his knees, on the middle of the road, and screamed; his eyes writhing in rage and venomous hatred. He was going to hunt you down, hunt each of you down, and send you back to hell. With rage filled eyes, his outfit soaked from top to bottom, he somehow walked all the way to the Avengers facility; and of course, Sam, Wanda, Clint and Tony surrounded him, as he told him what had happened.

“Get the fucking Quinjet ready.” He commanded, as he practically pushed his body into his tactical wear.

Tony raised a curious eyebrow, eyeing the man with the metal arm from the corner of his eye, “I don’t want to put a full stop to your momentum there Barnes, but where exactly are you going to look for Sasha? She may be anywhere in this goddamn world, in any continent or any country.”

“He is right you know –“ Sam began, but then his eyes widened as though a thought had just hit him, “Unless he knows something and already has a lead.”

All heads turned towards him, almost drilling a hole into the man with the metal arm who had just finished fixing his gun holster with his guns. He then turned towards them and murmured, in a loud voice, “I’m going to Hungary, because that’s where Vasili Dreznov operates from.”

“Okay, did I miss something over here?” Tony crossed his arms over his chest, causing Bucky’s jaw to clench as he shot him a dangerous glare.

“That woman got a call.. she said the name Vasili. The only Vasili I know is a HYDRA handler, Vasili Dreznov. The last I heard, he was at the Hungarian base.”

“Well, atleast we’ve got a lead.” Wanda chimed in, as the rest of the team started dispersing and getting ready for their mission; rescue Winter Soldier’s daughter.

╞═════𖠁𐂃𖠁═════╡

Your boots crashed against the concrete metal flooring of the underground HYDRA base in Hungary as you walked through the maze like hallways, that was illuminated by a single LED light in each hallway. You were walking in the middle, with Vasili walking directly behind you. In front of your eyes, Sasha Barnes was chained up, thick metal cuffs adorning her tiny wrists as the HYDRA guards dragged her down the hallway. You craned your neck slightly to turn slightly towards your handler, and your eyes narrowed, your voice hissing in a low voice, “Неужели нам нужно связыв��ть ее, Vasili?” (Do we really need to chain her up, Vasili?)

Your handler didn’t answer, and instead, he just used his arm to push you forward, so you kept on walking, causing your eyebrows to twitch as a sudden surge of frustration filled you up, and only a whisper came out of your lips as she was pushed into one of the cells, and the door was slammed shut on your face, “Она всего лишь ребенок.” (She is just a kid.)

“Похоже, ваше лечение прекращается. Я чувствую в тебе слабость, птичка, и думаю, слабость здесь – действительно опасная вещь.” (Looks like your treatment is coming off. I can smell weakness on you, little bird, and guess what, weakness in here is a really dangerous thing.)

“I’m not getting weak, Vas –“

Arms grabbed you suddenly, and instinctively you let out a loud cry, “No, VASILI PLEASE DON’T…IM ..IM NOT GETTING WEAK.. I JUST… PLEASE NO..” that was soon muffled when something tasting bitter was stuffed into your mouth. Tears streamed across your face and your eyes widened in a sudden fright. Reflexively, you started struggling and squirming, trying to break free from the clutches of the HYDRA guards, who only laughed at the state of pure agony that you were in.

“Looks like наш маленький солдат is getting her memories back, and that is something we will never want, eh?” Vasili made a motion with his hands; a motion you well understood and instinctively, you used stopped walking and with all the force in your body, you jumped where you were standing, the force of which caused the HYDRA guard who was holding you to loosen his grip in order to steady himself from falling and getting disbalanced. You took the moment to hurl yourself to face him, your eyes glaring death into the guard’s eyes as your hands latched to his throat, and you snapped his neck into two, like a twig.

Your eyes widened, when you felt the familiar taser prick against your neck, and you fell to your knees, as pain shot through your body, like shards of glass pricking against your skin.

“N..No..Pl…please..” was all you could cry out as your eyelids started getting heavy, and you felt someone grab your foot and start dragging you against the cold metal floor, the course surface burning against your skin as your body was dragged into the lab, where you were shoved into the electric chair, and the helmet was fixed against your head.

╞═════𖠁𐂃𖠁═════╡

“Come on, Vasili’s not even banged you yet, and you’re not able to fucking walk.. what you gonna do when all of us take you and your tight little cunt one by one ..”

“Прекрати, Alexei, this one’s a fucked up bitch.. leave her alone.. rumour has it..she bites..” Another guard’s voice sounded through your ears but you were in no position to listen; you could concentrate on nothing but pain..whatever you thought, whenever you tried to breathe, only one thing was what you could feel and that was pain.. blinding, deafening and bone chilling pain.

The guards unlocked the heavily barricaded steel door and the minute it opened, you were pushed into your cell, the force being enough for you to land on your knees, only your hands held out in front of you to save you from a disgraceful fall. You kept laying there, resting your head against the cold floor, just breathing when a soft feminine voice reached your ears, “Больно?” (Does it hurt?)

You fluttered your eyes open, and you pushed yourself up in a sitting position as your palm wiped off the dried up blood on the corner of your lips, where a new gash had now formed. You looked up at the girl who was sitting on your bed and was looking down at you, her eyes widened in fear, yet childlike inquisitiveness.

You didn’t reply, but instead, gripping the corners of your bed, you tried lifting yourself up, slowly, but for some reason, your body seemed to be giving up and you only fell back against the floor with a curse escaping your lips. You let the five year old help you, as she threw out her arm towards you and took it, coiling your fingers against her soft ones as she pulled you up; half of it being your own effort and the other half her super soldier strength.

You fixed yourself on bed next to her and the two of you awkwardly sat next to each other for a few seconds in silence, the things she had said to you now all forgotten and out of your head again.

“Сделают ли они это и со мной?” (Will they do this to me too?) Her voice was soft, her blue eyes fixed on yours as you gave her a ghost of a smile before laying down against the rock like pillow, choosing not to answer her. What were you supposed to say to her? That she was going to be tortured beyond her wits soon and turned into a cold killing machine?

You fluttered your eyes shut, fighting the urge to let your tears flow out of your eyes when you felt her pull the cotton sheet over your broken body. You didn’t know what it was about her that made you feel human again, alive again, like you had a heart and you had feelings again; but worse than that, it caused you to fear in the back of your mind, that she was making you weak.

╞═════𖠁𐂃𖠁═════╡

Your eyes flung open at an ungodly hour, when you heard a voice somewhere in your cell. Propping yourself up on your elbow, you looked up to see Vasili casually seated on a couch not far from where you were laying, with Sasha propped up on his lap, his fingers stroking the girl’s cheeks. You didn’t fail to notice the fright in her eyes and the way she beckoned you with her eyes to call her to yourself, away from him. And you didn’t fail to notice the way the evil man eyed the little girl; reminding you of the hours that you had just let him treat you and your body like a vessel that was only made to please him when he wanted. You couldn’t hide the sliver of disgust that crept up inside you, a sudden instinct that you felt to suddenly protect her, it being ironical that you were the one responsible for her being here in the first place.

"Sasha, can you come over here? Now please?"

You didn't know where you got that courage from, or that spark in your eye, for immediately, the little girl was standing next to you, while the two of you kept looking at the evil smirk your handler had on his face.

You grabbed Sasha's hands, pulling her tiny body behind you as you stood up, your legs still shaking from the aftermath of the torture you went through yesterday.

"She is a five year old kid, Vasili. Leave her out of this. I've never said no to you, but please, leave her out of this."

The thin-faced man only gave a wry, devilish laugh. He slowly stood up, his lips puckered slightly, as though he was trying to suppress an incoming smirk from creasing over his lips. You kept towering over Sasha, your eyes flashing dark, distilled rage as he meandered his way over to you and suddenly grabbed your arm, pulling you towards him.

"Если у меня не будет ее, я заставлю ее смотреть." (If I cant have her, I will make her watch.)

Your eyes clenched shut in disgust, and when you opened them again, your eyes were red and bloodshot.

"You're a disgusting, vile bastard, Vasili."

The only sound that filled your cell after that was the sound of his evil, raucous laughter, as your muffled cries of pain and disgust.

A few hours later,

"Wake up, Sasha."

You nudged the little girl awake.

She rubbed her eyes and slowly fluttered them open. You had no idea what time of the night it was, but from a tiny round grilled window in your room, you could see that the sun wasn't out yet. You gave her your hand as she sat up in bed, and looked at you.

"Now listen to me, very carefully. I am going to try and get you out of here. Okay? But I'm gonna need you to play along with me. Can you do that?"

You gave her weak smile, bringing your palm up to the top of her head as you quickly ruffled it up before you pushed her away, so she fell back against the cold gravel, taken aback.

"Почему бы тебе не держаться от меня подальше? Просто держись от меня подальше. Кто угодно! Убери ее отсюда к черту! Посадите ее в другую чертову камеру! Кто угодно!" (Why dont you stay the hell away from me? Just stay away from me. Anyone! Get her the fuck out of here! Put her in another goddamn cell! Anyone! )

You slammed your fists hard against the back of the door, and repeatedly banged on it, until there was another bang on the door from the outside, followed by a few curses, and then a voice, "Заткнись, солдат." (Shut the fuck up, Soldier.)

╞═════𖠁𐂃𖠁═════╡

The Quinjet wasn't crowded today, as Natasha and Bruce were on a classified mission someplace in Afghanistan. This left Bucky, Sam, Tony and Clint; for even Wanda and Vision were out on another mission.

"I hope everyone knows the drill," Bucky muttered, in a low voice, his arms crossed over his chest, as he eyed the team, "We're gonna land in approximately five. There is no scope of failure."

Within the next few minutes, Bucky and the rest of the Avengers, had jumped off the Quinjet; and were already making their way towards the base, slinking through the shadows until the heavily guarded base was in sight.

"Well, to the count of, oh well, what the fuck ?" Bucky growled into the comms, when he saw that Sam was already out, and was running towards the guards in full swing, ready to take his flight, along with Tony Stark all suited up and ready to kick some HYDRA asses. "I thought I said wait for instructions." He growled again into the Comms, as he effortlessly deflected a bullet using his metal hand, and at the same time, that deflected bullet pierced into the stomach of another HYDRA guard that was in close proximity.

A loud thump on your door alerted you and Sasha. Your index finger flew up to your lips and you threw up your palm to keep her where she was as you stood up and with slow, unsteady steps, made your way to the door, when at the exact same time, the door jostled open with a loud noise, and two HYDRA guard's entered; with Vasili on their trail.

They tossed your combat uniform to the floor, and it landed against the concrete with a crash and you looked up at them quizzically.

"Get dressed. We have a situation. And we need you to be armed and ready to break a few necks," he mumbled in a rich Russian accent.

"What's happening?"

"That Avenger scum.. they're here. Now hurry up, моя машина-убийца."

The door slammed shut again, but this time, you did not hear the sound of them locking your cell from the outside. Once you were sure that they had left, you hurriedly bent and grabbed your uniform, taking off the torn rags that you were wearing and started sliding into it, your eyes fixed on the now excited girl.

"Now listen to me, княжна, I will get you to them, and once you are there, you will not look back. You will leave. Is that clear?"

You knelt down in front of her so you were now face level with her. You didn't understand why you were doing this for her, what was the pull that was binding the two of you together, but you knew that this was a chance that she could escape; from meeting the same fate that you had met, and from Vasili's evil eyes. You almost gasped, when suddenly, out of the blue, when you had least expected it, the little girl placed her palms on either side of your cheek, all her fear of you now forgotten.

"А что насчет тебя? Пожалуйста, пойдем со мной.." (What about you? Please come with me..)

You bit your lip hard; but it was more in an attempt to force yourself to not cry as you smiled, shaking your head.

"Я дома, а тебя нет." (I'm home but you are not.)

You stood up, before she could reply because you didn't want her to. For some reason, this little devil of a child managed to bring out a different side in you, a side that made you want to fight the monsters that you were swimming in, but you also knew how powerful they were. You couldn't fight them alone, even if you wanted to. Shaking these depressing thoughts away, you grabbed your gun with one hand, when she smiled at you and slowly slid her hand through your other hand.

"Now trust me, I am going to get you to your superheroes, but you need to start pretending now. We can't let the guards know.. what we have planned, and what we are planning to do. Okay, Sasha?"

"Yes... mama."

"I'm.. I'm.. not your mother.."

You immediately forced yourself to look away, but her words seemed to be radiating like static through your mind. You could hear the sound of a baby crying, somewhere in the distance, but just as soon as you heard it, a sudden jolt of a pain in your head caused that voice to fade away. You gasped suddenly, your palm flying to your throat, as sweat pooled over your forehead and you looked down at her. Before you could react though, a series of bangs and gunshots started ringing outside, somewhere in the facility.

"You're Black Widow's daughter," You whispered, grabbing the girl as you tossed her over your shoulder, holding her there using your free hand, while with the other, you pulled open the door, and aimed your gun, just in case you needed to shoot.

You didn't need to shoot them, you only had to answer them; that you were taking her to safe place, so they couldn't get to her. No one suspected, for they were too busy running towards the area where the fight had ensued.

"Listen, Sasha.. I want you to scream for help, as loud as you can when you see any of your friends, okay?" You nudged her, as you ran towards the source of the commotion, and she just shouted back a yes, her tiny hands pressed against her ears as the gunshots ringing all around the base were too loud.

After what felt like running for an eternity, you finally saw a glimpse of what the Avengers fighting together looked like. It was a madhouse, as though hell was raining down on the HYDRA guards from all directions. Your eyes, however, fell on the glistening, shining metal as it deflected a bullet with such precision, you were almost awestruck, only to be pulled back from your sudden trance by Sasha's sudden screaming, which you know was because she wanted to capture his attention; the Winter Soldier.

He suddenly snapped his head in your direction, his eyes meeting your sharp ones; the only thing that was visible on your face due to your face mask. And slowly, his eyes travelled to the girl that was on your shoulder, a dangerous throaty growl erupting from his mouth, before he started pushing his way through the HYDRA soldiers, right towards you.

You blinked, almost squinting your eyes, as you waited a few seconds, for him to get closer. And once he was almost two inches away you turned your tail and started running, back the way you had come from. You knew what you were doing, you were trying to pull him away from the crowd, from where the fighting was, for you couldn't hand Sasha to him right where the fight was going on.

Bucky was fast, and you could feel his heavy footsteps behind you, as he was almost reaching you, his arms drawn out so he could grab you; or Sasha. But instead of grabbing her, he slowly lifted his gun, aiming it towards your foot and his finger flew to the trigger, when Sasha's cries filled his ears.

"DADDY, PLEASE DON'T SHOOT HER."

A look of confusion washed over his face, and he didn't understand. Nevertheless, he dropped his gun weilding hand to his side, and that was your cue to finally stop running, and lower Sasha to her feet, so she could run to him.

"Sasha, off you go." You pushed her towards Bucky, who caught the little girl in his arms. "I don't understand," Bucky began speaking, but the force with which Sasha crashed against him, he lifted her up in his arms, clutching her against his chest. He kissed the side of her face, and then the two of them turned towards you; both with reasons entirely different from each others, but you were long gone, as though disappeared into thin air.

Permanent Bucky Barnes Taglist :

@really-dont-forget-it @thepeakygurl @all-art-is-quite-useless @baumarvel @janajjj @chipilerendi @nyotamalfoy @skittychat @allidoiswritewritewrite @jessyballet @x0xchristine @evansgirl7 @laisbeltrans @thegayseance @marie1115 @supraveng

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[taetaespeaches]

favorite albums of twenty-twenty:

I’m indecisive, so disclaimer lol. But I wanted to be self-indulgent for a moment and share my very favorite albums of 2020. In a year where I felt both alone and lonely, music was massively important to me. I tried to limit this to my top ten but I’m too indecisive and a lot of amazing music came out this year so there’s eighteen albums lol. Why not. So yeah, enjoy or ignore, I just had the urge to do this. (This isn’t in order except BE, D-2, Maria, and Map of the Soul: 7 are all definitely in the top five.)

Also, if you see this and want to do your own, tag me! I’d love to see your top albums <3 

↬ BE — BTS

⟶ Top tracks: Telepathy, Blue & Grey, Fly To My Room, Disease, Life Goes On

I mean come on. This was the pandemic album we all needed and I will forever be grateful for this masterpiece. I think this is an album that will grow with me and will kind of act as a companion throughout my life. The musicality, the lyrics, the variety, all of it, it’s just perfection. It feels like a friend who gives you comfort but also makes you confront your emotions, and that was everything I needed this year. I will forever be obsessed with this one. BE is my friend. 

↬ D-2 — Agust D

⟶ Top Tracks: People, Moonlight, Daechwita, What do you think?, Dear my friend

Agust D came back and he fucking owned it. The amount of pure talent and passion in this mixtape is un-fucking-real. Yoongi is just unbelievably talented and this album perfectly displays that. Plus, these songs have been my ride or die since May, like, there isn’t a week that goes by that I don’t listen to this album in full at least once. Just incredible. 

↬ María — Hwasa

⟶ Top Tracks: LMM, Maria, Intro: Nobody Else, WHY, I’m bad too

This album is so connected to my fucking soul. I swear, Ahn Hyejin and I’s emotions are so similar and the way we process them is soooo similar, this album just honestly means the world to me. Plus, it’s amazing. Every song is a masterpiece. Obsessed. Much like D-2, I listen to this album at least once a week. And the number of times I have cried listening to it is unreal. Intro: Nobody Else is very much how I felt this year and LMM has made me cry more times than I care to admit. This album makes me feel what I’m feeling, gives me comfort, and helps me pick myself back up again. Another one that will grow with me. This year through the loneliness and in times that I felt I had no one, this was my companion.  

↬ MAP OF THE SOUL: 7 — BTS

⟶ Top tracks: Black Swan, Interlude : Shadow, My Time, ON, Friends, Moon, We are Bulletproof: the Eternal, Outro : Ego

Come onnnnnn. Perfection!!!! Quite literally the album that has been there with me through every step of this pandemic. I still cry watching the Ego mv. Why? No clue, just makes me sob tears of happiness. Black Swan? Possibly one of my very favorite songs EVER. OF ALL TIME. My Time? Relatable as fuck. Friends? The cutest thing I’ve ever heard. Moon? I’m sobbing again, that’s my emotional support Seokjinnie. Just, the album is a goddamn masterpiece, I don’t care who disagrees, my opinion is fact on this one.

↬ love is not dying — Jeremy Zucker

⟶ Top tracks: full stop, oh, mexico, hell or flying, lakehouse

Jeremy is another one that I just feel emotionally related too. Like I just get what he says and means and it hits me right in the heart and mind and gut. Another companion album. I think full stop is one of the most relatable songs I’ve ever heard- lyrically and the way it builds and becomes a bit chaotic… like whoah. I feel that in my chest. Also, oh, mexico is another song I related to so hard this year. This album has just made a massive impact on me and I love it.

↬ folklore — Taylor Swift

⟶ Top tracks: seven, peace, the lakes, the 1

So Taylor surprised everyone with an album. What the fuck, ma’am? This is my second favorite Taylor album to date, second to only her second surprise album of the year. Like what? I’ve cried listening to this album and absolutely sobbed listening to seven. She just really popped off with this one and I don’t think I need to explain to you all why this album is so good. If you’ve heard it, you know.

↬ evermore — Taylor Swift

⟶ Top tracks: ivy, cowboy like me, long story short, coney island, gold rush

Oh here we have another surprise album, and now my favorite album by Taylor. I think this album perfectly displays Taylor’s insane lyricism better than any of her works. This album just hit really different for me, every song was my favorite on first listen and I still have the hardest time picking favorite tracks. It’s just beautiful and it’s great and I love it a lot.

↬ SAWAYAMA — Rina Sawayama

⟶ Top tracks: Fuck This World (Interlude), Tokyo Love Hotel, Bad Friend, Comme Des Garçons (Like The Boys)

Have you heard it? If so, you know why it’s on this list. Pop perfection. Rina is a goddess. That’s that. It’s just amazing. Rina is a visionary and this album displays that perfectly. Comme Des Garçons was the first song of hers I ever heard and I was immediately obsessed. Next level, this woman. A queen.

↬ Petals For Armor — Hayley Williams

⟶ Top tracks: Crystal Clear, Why We Ever, Over Yet

Wow. Just, bless Hayley for this. Crystal Clear has quickly become one of my very favorite songs ever and Why We Ever is a little too relatable. And I distinctly remember hearing Over Yet for the first time in May and feeling joy for the first time since the pandemic started. This album is one to listen to when you’re mad, sad, when you need comfort, or when you’re ready to heal. Honestly, another companion.

↬ Nectar — Joji

⟶ Top tracks: Like You Do, Your Man, Sanctuary, MODUS, Run, Mr. Hollywood

I could honestly list nearly every song on this as a top song. Holy shit. Joji is another visionary. He’s insane and I’m obsessed with this album. I swear, every time I listen a new song jumps out as a favorite. Like You Do is a song that just means so much to me. A masterpiece. This album is my go to when I’m looking to get into my feels. Also Daylight isn’t listed in the top tracks but what a fucking bop. I’m just in love with this album. For real, obsessed.

↬ Plastic Hearts — Miley Cyrus

⟶ Top tracks: Angels Like You, High, WTF Do I Know, Midnight Sky, Never Be Me, Plastic Hearts

I’ve never been like an avid listener of Miley, just a few tracks, but this year I got more into her. And this album, goddamn. Every song is a contender for top track. How does that happen? Midnight Sky? Huge for me this year. Like I cannot tell you how massive of an impact this song made on me. Angels Like You is such a perfect song. High is a little too relatable. Just seriously, wow. Kind of speechless, I just adore this album.

↬ Positions — Ariana Grande

⟶ Top tracks: pov, obvious, 34+35

The way I cried my first time hearing pov. Ari what are you doing to me? That song is just such a beautiful way to look at love and this whole album is just so healing. A happy spot on this whole year. 34+35 is a thot anthem and I’m obsessed. This album is just another example of Ariana’s talent and we were all blessed to be able to hear it.

↬ CALM — 5 Seconds of Summer

⟶ Top tracks: Wildflower, Lover of Mine, Best Years, Teeth, High

I don’t care if y’all think it’s cool to like 5sos or not, this album is so fucking good. It far exceeded my expectations. Some of these songs are some of my favorites for the year. Wildflower is a fucking happy pill and Best Years makes me fucking cry. High is too relatable, and Teeth may as well have been written about me. And Lover of Mine perfectly relates to the most important relationship of my entire life. I’m gonna say it, Luke Hemmings is such an underappreciated lyricist. The man is good. I love this album a lot. 

↬ Manic — Halsey

⟶ Top tracks: Finally // beautiful stranger, SUGA’s Interlude, Forever … (is a long time), 3am

I never really listen to Halsey so it took me a long time to give this album a try and wow I’m so glad I finally did. It became an instant fav. Honesty, anything Yoongi touches is a favorite for me so obviously that song would be in my tops, but Forever … (is a long time) is so relatable and just so fucking good. And Finally // beautiful stranger is honestly my favorite Halsey song ever. It’s stunning. This album is amazing. Period.

↬ Future Nostalgia — Dua Lipa

⟶ Top tracks: Pretty Please, Cool, Don’t Start Now

This album is just disco pop perfection and I’ve been obsessed all year. It’s the perfect album to listen to when you just wanna fucking dance and forget about all the shit that 2020 gave us. The perfect escape and it’s so so fun and the songs are just bops. I’ve probably listened to this album a hundred times because it’s just the perfect escape. If I wanna let go for a bit, this is my go to.

↬ Punisher — Phoebe Bridgers

⟶ Top tracks: I Know The End, Chinese Satellite, Garden Song

This album makes me feel some shit. Like holy hell we are in our feels. Phoebe’s songwriting is superb and these songs just hit. I honestly only listen to this album when I really need to get in touch with myself because it literally doesn’t allow me to avoid my feelings. But it’s pretty much perfection and I think it’s going to grow with me throughout the years. I just love it. I remember being blown away on my first listen, it’s just unbelievably good.

↬ Ungodly Hour — Chloe and Halle

⟶ Top tracks: Tipsy, Baby girl, Ungodly Hour

I don’t even know how to explain how good this album is. Like, have you heard it? You get it. These girls went the fuck off and all we can do is thank them for it. Thank you for your service ladies. This album is just a vibe from start to finish. And Ungodly Hour is one of the best title tracks of the year. That’s just that on that. Give them all the awards.

↬ IS ANYBODY OUT THERE? — DPR LIVE

⟶ Top tracks: OH GIRL, NO RESCUE NEEDED, KISS ME

This album isn’t just an album, it’s an experience. This man takes you on a musical journey. It’s a story. It’s flawless. I adore it. DPR LIVE is so underrated and I can’t wait for him to get the hype he deserves. This was the most surprising find this year and I’m so thankful I found it. Just so god. From start to finish, you just get sucked in and then it ends and you’re just left like, whoah. Amazing. 

[minichedders]

scar 0.1

pirate!bucky barnes x reader

You head straight, gaze forward on the black, dark night; sailing away from you. The remains of your ship sunk into the deep depths of the black ocean swallowed whole like a starved man with his first meal.

The dark-haired pirate captain growled and grabbed your hair, pulling your head back, lips pressed against the cold shell of your ear.

“Or maybe I’ll just start with your crew. Make you watch as one by one, they walk the plank each time you don't give me what I want. What do you think hmm?”

“You’ll have to kill me and my crew before I ever tell you anything.”

The pirate smiled, “I wonder if your crew feel the same way,”

He turned you around, his fist still holding tight to your hair. You faced your crew- kneeling on the damp deck, hands tied behind their backs and mouths full of dirty, greasy rags the other crew probably used to wash the floors with. “Which one of you boys would mind if i blow the pretty girls brains? hmm?” the pirate sneered, showing you off to your crew as they all looked at you with pleading eyes. You were all trapped, his crew outnumbered yours, and with no weapons, no tricks, no upper hand you were screwed. You hope had died the minute you saw the black sails; legends reeked the ocean of their death and dread. Captain Bucky Barnes. The Reaper himself has come to collect his awaiting souls.

Whilst faced with the burning question, your crew all hopelessly looked at each other, not a murmur was to be heard. Not that you minded, you knew they had no say. However, you were shocked to see your right-hand man, Thomas struggle to stand up, his leg bleeding and his face half swollen. He stood tall, back straight and his head held high, and even with a gag in his mouth he still managed to shout ‘aye’. 

Tear brimmed your eyes as you shared eye contact, he was your brother of the sea, your counterpart and much-loved friend. Barnes turned his head towards you again, replacing his lips by your ear as you broke eye contact with Tom, shutting them and trying your best to turn away from the pirate holding you. The sensation of the pirates smirking lips against your skin made you heave, you could feel every breath, every movement and every thought, as you knew what he would do next. 

A single shot was heard, then seconds later, a loud thump. You opened your eyes, trying your best to look unaffected to the pirate as possible, but he had already seen your trembling lip and fluttering eyes.

“Goodbye boyfriend, aye?” He chuckled, pulling you even more tightly to his chest, running his silver gun up and down your bare arm; you could feel the hot sensation of the previous fire it had taken.

You whimpered, looking down. You couldn't bear the shame that you felt. With all your anger and all your might, you sent the biggest blow you could muster into the captain's stomach, turning and aiming your knee into his lower regions. Whilst the captain was curled over in pain, you took the opportunity to take the ready to fire gun from his hands and aimed it at him. One bullet, straight to the head. that's all it would take.

You listened closely to the click of the safety, taking your aim and putting your finger on the trigger. One shot and you had won, you would take this ship, have his crew, the legacy of the great sea captain who took down the infamous Bucky Barnes. 

But before you could imagine all the glory and treasure, a cold steal was pressed to your throat, pinching your skin and drawing blood to the surface. A tear left your eye. You could still do it; you would die but you would win.

Alas, Bucky tore the gun from your now shaking hands before you could blink. He took the knife that was wielded by the man behind you, and pointed it straight to your heart, pressing in. His piercing blue eyes look straight into yours, as he spoke- “kill them. kill them all,”

He roughly grabbed your arm, the knife now pressing into your back as he leads you off the deck and down into the quarters. You couldn't hear the screams of your crew, just gunshots and silence.

You reached a dark red door, with intricate carvings on, covered in old grime and dirt when it opened, it revealed the captain's chamber; decorated with the same dark red and black, messy but not quite dirty, smelling of ocean spray and sandalwood. It was nice. For a murderer.

“Now, little girl, you aren't going anywhere until you tell me where captain Rogers is,” Bucky said, locking the door behind him, making his way over to the liquor cabinet where he dropped his knife and replaced it with a glass.

“I-I can't,” You said, already scanning the room for a weapon, a way out, anything. You could use the liquor bottles - but oh what a waste that would be, you couldn't jump out the tiny oval window, the knife was free, but that meant getting closer to the pirate. 

He took a sip of the dark golden liquid and hummed, a smile falling on his lips as he tutted and shook his head, “ and why can't you,” he asked.

“I saw him more than two months ago, he could be anywhere by now. If you would've just listened to me before murdering my crew,” You argued, trying not to raise your voice and show any weakness in front of him. One thing you weren't willing to admit was that you were vulnerable. 

“Then I'm sure it won't harm you to tell me, as you say I could not find him,” he trailed, moving away from the cabinet, and the knife, and walking over to the large king-sized bed. You made note of the now free knife, and also of the dark silk bedsheets that you could almost feel against your bare skin. You slowly began to pace, back and forth between the door and the knife, Bucky watched you with careful eyes.

“And why would I help you? You've just sunk my ship, killed my crew, threatened my life and not even offered me a drink,” you said, your mind moving a hundred mile an hour as your eyes scanned the liquor cabinet, and then the glistening metal of the knife. Bucky sighed and waved his hand in the air, turning around.

“By all means help yourself to a drink,”

You smiled and turned around, grabbing a glass and a bottle, filling it to the brim and just as quickly pouring the contents down your throat. You filled the glass up again and left it on the top, next to the knife. Your hand rested upon its leather handle, the feel of its grip in your palms felt like freedom. It passed with a fleeting moment as you heard the click of Bucky’s gun.

“I've heard about you know. A women captain. Must have been hard to get all that respect and attention, i know what you've done to earn your title, your reputation. I know that men think you are an enchantress, a sea witch, a mermaid. But standing right here in front of me and not even being able to sneak a knife, i must say, I'm a little disappointed.” Bucky spoke, moving closer with every word until he was right behind you. He spun you around to look at him, leaving the knife on the table behind you and keeping the gun pointed forward into your stomach. You face was red with fury and your breathing was hard and heavy, your hands were shaking with the ungodly urge to strangle the man in front of you and claim back your title as a worthy women captain.

“Now, i also know that you and Rogers have, let's say, intimate relations. So i don't believe that he would go more than two months without coming back for a fuck,” He said, he was rough and domineering; his words made you blush and a frown formed your face as you looked downwards. What you had said was true, you hadn't seen Steve Rogers for two months; you were tired of him using you and degrading you because you were a women captain, but you still missed the companionship of it all.

Bucky noticed your frown and moved the tip of his gun to your chin, pointing it up so you looked directly at him; he studied your eyes for a moment, watching you watch him as if he was reading you. He sighed and moved back, dropping the gun to his side and returning it into his pocket.

“Well, you tell me where he last was and ill let you stay on this boat,” he spoke, after a few minutes of silence.

“And you think that's a good deal?” 

“Its either that or I kill you, little girl.”

---

[avarkriss]

Homecoming

✭・.・✫ 

Francisco “Catfish” Morales x Female Reader (no y/n, use of she/her) 

Rated: A for All, minimal warnings apply 

Word Count: 975

Summary: Frankie and you are distraught while he is away on the mission; all he wants to do is get home 

Shout out to @pedropascalito for naming the baby :)

From the 200 Follower Prompt list! 

From @wickedfrsgrl: Just wondering if you could write Frankie, possibly with prompts 16 (Hey, look at me)  & 19 (I’ve never been more scared of anything in my life). Fluffy angst would be perfect. Extreme soft spot for Frankie and not nearly enough stories about him. Thank you in advance.

Warnings: angst, cursing, Triple Frontier spoilers; this is Emotional

Author’s Note: Surprise! Second Frankie drabble of the night because I couldn’t help myself. I blatantly reject any TF canon that states Frankie touched cocaine, it never happened and it’s propaganda the end. Could this be related to Anniversary? It SURE IT! This poor sweet man…he just needs to rest. Enjoy, share what you can, and be well ~

The helicopter was falling out of the sky, and the only thing Frankie could think about was you and Rebecca. He was trying to land safely, just to have a fighting chance at getting back to you. To hold you and tell you how much he loved you, how much he loved the daughter you had together. He wanted nothing more than to wrap his arms around you and never let you go, ever again. 

He was piloting a helicopter that was doomed from the start. They promised they would listen.

They promised it would be worth it. 

*****

You were pacing the kitchen floor, bouncing the screaming baby on your hip. Rebecca was almost six months old and teething furiously, completely inconsolable. Frankie was the only one that could settle her when she got like this, and he was who knows where right now. Your mind raced with the possibility that this mission could go wrong. 

You had clung to him before he left, tears welling in your eyes as you begged him not to leave. He promised you it was for the best, that he could change your life, and his, and Rebecca’s, all for the better. You reluctantly let him go, and you regretted it the instant he got into Pope’s car. You and the baby cried together that night as you tried to calm her, singing to her gently while you rocked her back and forth. 

You hated waiting around like this.

*****

Frankie saw himself when Redfly got shot. Redfly wasn’t going to see his family again, but he was going to see you. He mourned his friend, lamented the greed that ultimately got in the way. And now there was a dead kid too, on top of the dead villagers. This whole thing fucking sucked.

He was days away from you and only minutes away from breaking. 

It definitely wasn’t worth it. 

*****

Frankie promised to come home. But he was late to call you. He had told you as much as he could while shrouding all the other details; it was better that you didn’t know exactly what he had to do. You were playing with Rebecca, making funny faces at her, trying to distract yourself. 

It wasn’t until his call was two days late that panic began to fill your chest and you clung to Rebecca the entire day. You had no family of your own, it was just the three of you. And now the terror of it just being the two of you was starting to become very real. 

You didn’t sleep that night. 

*****

“I’m going to start fucking killing people if that boat isn’t there!”

Frankie was screaming in the truck. The mission ran over and he couldn’t care less about the stupid fucking money. He needed to get back to you. To Rebecca. He would swim back to the States if he had to, if it was only to tell you he was sorry for ever leaving. 

He might kill Pope after this.

That might be worth it. 

*****

Your phone rang at some ungodly hour of the morning and you sprang out of bed to answer it, hands shaking as an unfamiliar number flashed across your screen. You steeled yourself for the worst: Frankie was dead, and he wasn’t coming home.

“H-hello?” you choked out, voice laden with sleep and fear. 

“Baby,” he breathed into the line, and you couldn’t control the sobs that wracked your body.

“Shhh, it’s okay, I’m so sorry I’m late.”

He tried to console you, but your heart was doing backflips; elated to hear his voice, enraged that he had worried you... relieved that he was coming home. 

He was coming home, right? 

“You have 24 hours to get home before I track you down and strangle you,” you half laughed, half cried into the phone. 

“I’ll be there in less than 18. I love you.” 

When the line went dead you dried your tears with his shirt, the one you had slept in every night since he left. You quietly walked to Rebecca’s room and saw her sleeping soundly; it was going to be okay. It was finally over. 

*****

You were pacing around the house again, snuggling the baby to your body. You were wearing another one of Frankie’s shirts, your own wardrobe abandoned in his absence. The lights in the driveway caught your attention and you ran to the front door, watching Frankie get out of a cab. 

He saw you in the door and he ran, straight up the driveway and through the hedge, the walkway simply being too far from where his girls were waiting. He threw the door open and gathered you into his arms, covering your face in kisses before taking Rebecca in his arms, kissing her as well. 

He carefully took her to the pack-n-play, setting her inside so he could hold you close again, crushing you into his body. You were sobbing, burying your face in his neck.

“Hey, look at me,” he urged, peeling you away so he could hold your face in his hands, kissing you so softly you could hardly breathe. 

“I thought you were dead Frankie.”

Your voice was wavering, raspy from days of crying.

“I’ve never been more scared of anything in my life.”

His eyes were full of tears too as he looked at you, pulling you securely against his chest.

“I thought I would never see you again. I would have swam home if I had to-” his voice was breaking; it was his turn to be inconsolable. 

You held him tight as you cried together, the fear falling away to be replaced by relief. 

“I swear,” Frankie spoke into your ear as he held you, “I will always come home to you.”

You and his daughter - you were worth the world to him. 

And there was nothing he would do to change what was right in front of him. 

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

Previous Part

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

Full Masterlist // Retired Masterlist

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

Tag List: @pedropascalito @pascalisthepunkest @little-ms-fandom @seawhisperer @whiskeyxinxaxteacup @tarrevizslas @rzrcrst @huliabitch @quin-ta-sential @opheliaelysia @cable-kenobi @talesfromtheguild @exrebelshocktrooper

Tags - Tumble has a tag limit and we’ve exceeded it (which is so cool I can’t believe that many of you are interesting in reading my work!) so we’ll be switching to comment tags, this should also mean that everyone’s tags will work for once!!

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[capricities]

Part 3 C:

(Here’s the masterlist! Happy Reading!)

Yuu knocked furiously on her grandfather’s room, completely ignoring the fact that it was such an ungodly hour to even be up, especially for someone as old as his Sobo, but what he witnessed would certainly be engraved in his head for the rest of his days. As Yuu continued his furious knocking, the lingering thought of bothering Hatsuko instead came to mind. 

After all, who needed beauty sleep when Yuu probably witnessed one of the most life-changing earth-shattering moments of his life.

As he thought of retreating and running to his sister’s room, the sudden realisation that he’d have to pass his father’s office room halted that train of thought completely. He now felt even more panicked. Did his father see him? Did that person see him? Yuu felt tears well in his eyes as his hands tightly scrunched the hem of the sweater he was wearing.

He gritted his teeth as he sniffled sadly, his eyes trailed on the door. He never expected that. He heard rumours, he heard people bad-mouthing his father, but he never thought that those rumours could be true. 

Did his mother know? It was a horrific question that had dawned upon the Eshima, and he really didn’t want to follow that train of thought. Was that why she always looked so miserable? Did his dad seriously know what type of damage he’s caused?

Did Yuu even want to call the man he saw in that room his father?

He sat down, curling into himself as he leaned on his grandfather’s door,. Crying as tears spilt from his eyes. He sometimes wished magic could do more than just parlour tricks.

Yuu woke up in a tufted sofa bed, curled into a pillow. He was aware that he fell asleep ––he actually collapsed due to shock–– outside his grandfather’s room...which was why his current disposition puzzled him. He slowly sat up, yawning as he looked around. Was this a loft? No, this isn’t a loft this was-

“Ah, you’re awake èr bǎo,” Sofu said as he sat down on the ottoman beside the couch, placing the tray of pancakes and hot chocolate on the table. “I suppose you know what room this is?” He asked as he faced his grandson, a melancholic smile on his face.

“It’s Sobo’s study room…” Yuu trailed as his sights set on the tray of food beside him. 

“I made sure to keep it clean, it’s a great place when you want to sort out your thoughts.” He said, his voiced laced with melancholy as he sat on the ottoman beside the couch.. Yuu kept his head down, his hands on his lap.

The study was still the same as always. A large bookshelf that spanned from floor to ceiling, a beautiful chandelier that wasn’t obnoxiously oversized, a large bay window that gave a view of the beautiful bustling city from the comfort of the Eshima estate. It was humbling to know that Sobo didn’t use any overly expensive furniture in this room, nor did she waste her time decorating her private rooms with priceless items, and other useless objects. 

It really showed how simple she lived, and her rather clear pursuit for knowledge.

His Sofu smiled at him, urging his grandson to eat up. “I won’t ask why you decided to knock at my door at such an ungodly hour, considering how dishevelled you were when I saw you. You can say it in due time.” Yuu sheepishly looked up, taking the food from the tray and started eating. He enjoyed the silence his Sofu was giving him, it helped him sort out his thoughts. 

Yesterday... was haunting. It felt scarier than the moment they found out about Sobo’s illness, it filled him with more anxiety than the time he and Kalim rode on the magic carpet ––which was an actual national treasure–– and it filled him with all sorts of emotions ranging from rage to disappointment. He was glad he knew the things that were happening around him but, at the same time, ignorance was bliss. He knew that from Kalim, who was awfully oblivious to things at times.

His father’s absence in his life was rather prevalent. He wasn’t neglecting him per se. He was always present during things that came to him and his sister, but Yuu could remember clearly how his mother waited for his father to come home during their wedding anniversary, having prepared something for him.

He didn’t come home until a week after, with a lacklustre excuse that anyone with an eye and half a brain could see through. 

Yuu awkwardly cleared his throat as he turned to face his grandfather.  “Sofu...did fùqīn ever tell you why he wasn’t at Sobo’s funeral?” He asked his grandfather, who had set the book he had down on the table. 

“I never asked, though, I think I know why.” He answered with chagrin, his smile faltering as his eyebrows creased ever so slightly. 

Yuu froze as he set his fork back down on his plate. He met the somber gaze of his grandfather, who was looking rather abashed, mortified, though not in the same way as he did when he saw his father yesterday. “What do you mean?” He whispered.

His Sobo exhaled a sigh. “You’ve heard of arranged marriages, haven’t you?” Yuu nodded, already dreading the rest of Sobo’s words, already forseeing the only way it could end. 

“Your father and mother were great friends, a bond thicker than blood, so when the topic of marriage was brought up, it seemed natural to just, place them together. Your mother could follow your father to the ends of the earth and vice versa.” He paused, shakily inhaling.  “But I'm afraid that I, both as his father and the head of the clan, made the wrong move. A move that damaged whatever they already had.” 

Yuu stared at his grandfather. He wasn’t aware that his parent’s marriage was an arranged one, and it seems neither his father nor mother had any say in it too. Not even the right to object to it. He was also aware of the very customs the clan had. An arranged marriage just wasn’t the way to go, never had their been an arranged marriage ever since the horrible death of Sakusa over 10 generations ago. Marriage wasn’t a thing to be arrayed with, so why?

Sobo was already well aware of the question’s going through Yuu’s head. “Your father came out to me when he was 17, he told me he was bicurios and demiromantic. This family has a history of homosexuality, and as much as we keep patriarchy, the family has grown to respect it. However, as the son and the direct descendant of the clan head, he had to at least try to provide children who were related to him by blood. And he still hadn’t found someone by the time he was 27...” He trailed, clearly ashamed of himself.

Yuu didn’t need the rest of the story for everything to be pieced together in his mind. “So...the marriage never had any love in it?” He finished, his voice slightly laced with venom and rancor. 

“I’d like to say there was, but I’d be lying. Maybe your mother loved your father, she was smiling during their wedding after all. And she really tried her best to give both you and your sister a healthy family experience.” He answered with a sad smile on his face. His eyes were crinkled in a way Yuu had never seen before.

Yuu bit his lip, letting all this new information sink in. For nine years, he didn’t know about his real family situationfor nine years. It sunk into him that the tears his mother shed, and the constant absence of his father in his life, was the result of a decision way beyond their control. And the man who did have control, disregarded the possible doom that could come with this risky decision.

It was...a hard slap to the face. A wake up call of sorts.

A deafening silence befell the two. His grandfather, who’s sights were set on the picture that hung on the wall adjacent the large shelf. Sobo looked on the verge of tears as his eyes fell on the framed family photo. It looked so unbelievably fabricated. “I’ve never regretted something more in my life.”

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

“So now your brother knows, Hatsuko.” Ryoichi stated as he stared at the papers on his desk. A few more contracts, a leave request, and a few charts and graphs with the company’s progress.

“Yeah, it was bound to happen with how much you’ve been sneaking off. It’ll be harder for me to out him on a leash now,” Hatsuko said as she tapped her foot on the floor.

“I really do think that you shouldn’t do this. You still get huge shares once he takes over, you’ll even be controlling a good portion of the company. You and your brother can live in peace, without the need for your interferance.” He stated as he glared at his daughter. He was severely disappointed with the actions she was willing to take. It was all so..desperate. The again, he couldn’t judge her he had made many mistakes himself.

“May I remind you that I have blackmail on you?” She stated.

“May I remind you that I’m still your father? At least treat me with an ounce of respect.” He retorted, signing his name on the renewal contract with the Shrouds.

Hatsuko rolled her eyes. “I don’t respect men who can’t keep their word.”

“Then perhaps you should humble yourself, because you’re being a hypocrite.” He responded to her. Venom laced in his words. He didn’t know how deep her utter desperation ran for, but it wasn’t healthy.

Hatsuko chuckled, bemused. “Learn how to hide your hickeys better then, Fùqīn.” She smiled at him, though it was evident how it didn’t reach her eyes. 

“Learn how to hide your motives better, Achi.”

I hope you all had time to spend the holidays with the people you love, whether they were present physically, or bonded with them over the phone. I posted this a day before the new years so I can say to myself that I managed to finish it before this hellhole of a year ended. Just because we’re finally leaving 2020 doesn’t mean it will automatically revert and go back to normal. For now, let’s just hope 2021′s a better year! Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

[queen-of-my-goofball-army]

O Tannenbaum

Hi everyone!!! I have a Christmas DuckTales fic for everybody. My OC Sabrina Duck has been one of my favorite original characters that I have come up with. I have been a fan of Ludwig Von Drake since I was really little. He’s always been my favorite member of the Duck family other than Donald. I love kooky Ludwig Von Drake and this has been one of my favorite fluff fics. I wish all of you a happy, healthy and safe Christmas!! 

I put the last bow on the present that I had gotten for Louie yesterday with Mrs. Beckley, the new gaming system that he had wanted. I had spent months working hard in order to be able to afford it and I knew that my brother was just going to love it. Christmastime was a rare occasion for my family. It was the one time that we ever got spoiled. Uncle Donald spent most of the year other than our birthdays saving up for it. As I tied the green ribbon around the green paper I wrote Louie’s name across it.

“Lass? What are you still doing up?” I heard my uncle’s voice coming from the front of the room and he sat down on the couch.

“I’m wrapping Louie’s present. You might have noticed that he’s a bit of a present hound. If I get anything for him every year he finds it.” I joked and my uncle just chuckled at me as I pushed the present underneath the tree.

“Figured that you’d be fast asleep by now. You have to make another trip tomorrow don’t you?” I nodded my head watching the snow outside with a small smile. Another great thing about the holidays was spending them with uncle Ludwig. I had been doing it since I was really little. I would open presents on the boat and then go off to his mansion.

“It’s one of my favorite parts of the holidays. I always spend New Years Eve with him as well but that was before…” I felt the carpet beneath my fingers smiling softly looking outside. I still had two more of Louie’s presents that I wanted to wrap before I eventually went to bed and now I had company.

“Before what lass?” I laughed at him grabbing the green wrapping paper. We always had color coordinated our wrapping paper so that we would know who had what.

“Well before we moved here with you Uncle Scrooge. I might not do it this year.” I carefully measured out the wrapping paper so that I could make it perfect. Uncle Ludwig had helped teach me how to do it to look more professional last year.

“I don’t want you to go changing your schedule around for me Brina. That’s not what the holidays are for. I know that you’ve been spending less time with Ludwig since you moved in here with me. You really only see him for school now and that isn’t how it used to be right?” I nodded my head faintly, my headband slipping a little bit. 

“I would spend every other weekend with him just for fun. That was when he taught me how to play violin and piano. Back when we lived on the boat things were really cramped and that was my time to get away. Now that I live here it’s a lot less crowded so I’m able to be alone a lot more.” I mentioned to my uncle and he just smiled softly at me as I put a little ribbon across one of Louie’s games.

“He can take this counsel on adventures with us; it's one of the reasons why he wanted it so badly.” Uncle Scrooge just smiled softly at me and patted the seat next to him on the couch where he was sitting.

“I know that this year has been… challenging for you. You got your mom back and I know how happy that made you but at the same time you haven’t seen one of your favorite people as much as you used to. It’s been an adjustment having people living in my mansion that weren’t me. I never thought that Donald would actually come back, nor that he would bring you four rascals with him.” I smiled softly at my uncle taking the wrapping paper and carefully wrapping the last of my brother’s presents.

“At first it was… really hard for me. I spent most of my life not having a mom and uncle Donald never talked about her. I figured that it would be too difficult for him to. I’m the only one of the four of us that was the general translator. Louie joked for years that I should write them a dictionary so that they would understand him too. Having a mom now it’s great. It took me probably the longest to get used to it. But then again I’m me and a bit of an oddball.” My uncle chuckled at me adjusting my headband.

“That’s Dewey talking not you lass, I thought that you two were getting along better?” I sighed running a hand through my fur with a small smile.

“We are, thanks to you mostly. To him I’ll probably always be the kooky sister he just doesn’t call me that much around other people. I don’t really mind that nickname so much because it reminds me of uncle Ludwig.” Uncle Scrooge just sighed a little bit and I could tell that what I was saying did hurt him in some way.

“Sometimes the kookiest people are the best people like you and your uncle. There’s a difference between that and being actually crazy. I mean remember your cousin's Fethery?” I shuddered at the memory violently. That had not been a fun adventure; it had been a lot of me and Dewey bickering.

“Don’t remind me of that please, that was not a fun time for me. I missed out a school session that day because of that wild goose chase. Uncle Donald was right, he's kind of coo coo bananas.” I joked and we shared a good laugh about the antics of our wacky family. It didn’t mean that I loved them any less.

“I’m still sorry that you missed your schooling for that day. Not like you need it though you are a little genius.” I rolled my eyes with a small smile tucking my webbed feet into my body with a small smile.

“I am not a genius, just somebody that was taught really well. I didn’t do well in regular school. It was too crowded and I couldn’t think straight during classes. It wasn’t until I was sat down and taught by uncle Ludwig that I became actually intelligent. I think I just needed to be taught in a different way from most people.” Uncle Scrooge smiled softly at me putting his arm around my shoulders.

“I’ve got something for you lass…” He handed me a wrapped package and I was about to protest.

“But uncle Scrooge-” He shook his head at me with a mischievous smile on his face before he handed me the package.

“I think you’re really going to like it. I wanted to get you something special that I knew you would enjoy. I also wanted to give you it before your pesky brother’s got up.” I unwrapped it carefully and saw that he had gotten me a new violin. My old one was on the boat and that had wound up being very bad for me. When the boat blew up due to Magica De Spell uncle Ludwig had promised that he would buy me another one but I kept it at his house.

“You didn’t need to get me a new violin…” I protested and my uncle just laughed at me heartily shaking his head.

“Yes I did. I know that your other uncle already got you one but you don’t have it here. I’ve never even heard you play in front of me. Ludwig has sent me videos of you playing once I told the old loon you were officially staying here with me he just wouldn’t stop.” I laughed a little bit at the fact that my teacher and mentor had been sending videos of my performances.

“I’m sorry about him, we’re just really super close that’s all.” I apologized and uncle Scrooge just laughed a little bit as I got a better look at my new instrument.

“It’s beautiful… thank you so much for this uncle Scrooge!!” I thanked him, scrambling to give him a hug and he just smiled softly at me. 

“It’s no trouble lass, I wanted to find ye something that you would love. And don’t apologize for the antics of my brother in-law. I’ve been related to him for far too long so I’m used to it.” I smiled softly at my uncle looking down at my violin and seeing that it was one in the morning.

“I should really be getting to bed. It’s late or rather early in the morning. Sometimes it’s like I’m the parent. I’m used to staying up past an ungodly hour to wrap Louie’s presents on Christmas Eve.” I told him as I yawned and sat down for a second just looking at the beautiful tree in front of me.

“Go and get a few hours of sleep lass you look like you are just about dead on your feet right now.”  I nodded my head rubbing my eyes and I went back upstairs and curled up in a little ball against my sheets grabbing my favorite stuffed octopus.

“Did you just come to bed sis?” I heard Huey ask me from the bunk below mine and I looked down leaning my head into his bunk.

“Yes and if you were a good twin you would go right to sleep yourself Huebert.” I threatened lovingly and he just rolled his eyes at me.

“Look who's talking, it's one in the morning Brina. Then again I’m too excited to sleep.” I laughed a little bit at my brother’s surprisingly childish nature.

“Just close your eyes and try to get some sleep Huey. I know that we’ve got a lot of presents out there but that’s no reason to not sleep. Uncle Scrooge got me a home violin. He just gave it to me.” I told him taking off my holly headband with a small smile on my face. I leaned my head back against my pillows and instantly fell asleep. Despite everything when I heard Dewey singing about Christmas only six hours later I still felt well rested.

“It’s Christmas, gotta open up some presents, it’s Christmas gonna spend some time with my family, it’s Christmaaaasss!!” I sighed holding back the urge to jokingly throw my pillow at my younger brother.

“Dewey I love you, I really do but please put a sock in it…” Huey muttered from underneath my bed and I laughed genuinely at him. I put back on my headband from yesterday grabbing my Christmas clothes that I would wear over to uncle Ludwig’s after breakfast and presents. It had Nutcrackers on it and I had gotten it last year on Christmas Eve from uncle Donald.

“Alright I’m coming, Louie get up it’s Christmas that means… present time!!” I waved my hands around animatedly and he shot up out of bed trying to race us to the tree. 

“Oh no you don’t, come on Huey we can’t let the greedy Gus get to our presents first we have to beat him.” I told my brother as he put on his shirt and cap and ran after me for the presents. I skidded to a halt seeing Webby looking around our tree. I looked around the tree for the purple wrapped paper that I had put there a few days ago.

“Merry Christmas Webby!! I hope you like it, I wasn’t really sure what to do for you but you’re one of my best friends.” I gave her the sweater that I had made for her that I hoped that she would like. 

“This is beautiful… You didn’t need to do this for me Sabrina.” I shook my head with a small smile gesturing to my dress.

“Obviously I’m a huge fan of the holidays. I have always been since I was small so everybody gets a present from me that’s how the holiday works.” I reminded her and she held up her purple let it snow sweater that I made for her.

“But you hand knitted this didn’t you? I didn’t even know that you could do that!!” I rubbed the back of my neck a little bit.

“Another teaching of uncle Ludwig’s and it’s one of my favorite hobbies. I made my ugly sweater that I was wearing yesterday. It’s just a little hobby that I have I knit usually before bed. It calms down my anxiety putting on soft music and just feeling the tension of the day go away.” My mom came into the room and I ran to give her a hug. She easily hugged me back, tying the bow a little bit better in the back of my dress. 

“Merry Christmas baby.” I smiled softly at her as she pushed my headband back just a little bit. I showed her the violin case that uncle Scrooge had given to me yesterday.

“Oh wow, this is beautiful!! Did you get this for her uncle Scrooge?” He nodded his head, still looking half asleep but happy.

“I did the lass was out here until one in the morning wrapping presents for her brothers.” My mom turned to me with a quirked up eyebrow.

“In my defense Louie is the literal present hound. He always tries to open his presents before Christmas so I have to wrap his the night before.” My mom looked over at Louie who was shaking one of the green presents and I gestured with my hand in a see motion. 

“Alright sweetheart I see your point. Why don’t you give him a present then.” I nodded my head, grabbing one of Uncle Donald’s presents for him.

“Merry Christmas everyone!!” Uncle Donald came through the room and I took one of the mugs of hot chocolate that he was carrying. 

“Merry Christmas uncle Donald!!” I gave my uncle a tight hug with a bright smile on my face. Webby came back wearing her new sweater over her usual colored shirt.

“Merry Christmas Sabrina, which of the boys wants to go first?” I gestured to Louie who had already started to open his already.

“Ugh clothes!!” He made an exaggerated face and I laughed a little bit and I sat down next to him on the floor.

“Come on Lou at least be nice.” I told him and he smiled softly at me handing me his present for me and I shook it gently.

“Don’t turn into me Brina just open your presents.” He said jokingly and I laughed a little bit at him opening the present and finding that he had gotten me the illustrated version of my favorite book series.

“Lou why did you get this for me? You always make fun of me for reading them…” He gently nudged my shoulder with a laugh.

“I make fun of you because you are my big sister and that’s my job.You’re my best friend in the entire world and I love you that’s why I tease you.” I rolled my eyes at my “younger” brother for his gentle teasing and I flipped through the book seeing the beautiful drawings of dragons.

“Hey!! I loved that book when I was your age!!” My mom encouraged me and I looked up at her with a small sad smile on my face.

“Uncle Scrooge already told me about that. Do you want to look at it mom?” I asked her and she nodded her head enthusiastically. 

“Look at this one Sabrina!!” My mom enthusiastically showed me and I took the book from her looking at the sketch that she was showing to me.

“That’s so awesome wow!!” I looked at the beauty of this book and hugged my younger brother tightly.

“Thank you Lou…” I thanked my little brother and he hugged me tightly back with a small smile before lightly pushing me away.

“Alright that’s enough of the snuggles, get away from me clingy.” I rolled my eyes at him and I went against the other side of the couch.

“Fine, you don’t want my love, that's fine with me…” I protested and I took my book from my mom as she handed it back to me.

“Hey Hue I got something for you!!” Our mom got up and handed my brother his wrapped red present. My brother opened it passionately and found that it was a Sr Woodchuck Guidebook for his new set of badges he was going to earn. He had graduated back in June of this year and I knew that he was excited about the new year for that. 

“This one is yours from me Sabrina!!” My mom told me handing me a book wrapped up in pink paper and I took off the corner of it.

“Learning German, a workbook. Thank you mom… this.. This means a lot to me. I’ve wanted to learn the language for so long but have been too scared to ask uncle Ludwig. I want to surprise him.” I teared up looking at my mom. This present was more than just a workbook. It felt like she was accepting that part of my life. I hugged her tightly and she dried my tears with a small smile on her face.

“Don’t cry sweetie. I know what he means to you and I know that you are going to change the world due to his influence on your life.” I nodded my head with a bright smile on my face finding my present for Dewey.

“Merry Christmas Turbo.” I joked and he just laughed at me while muttering still bitter about that. He opened his present and saw that I had drawn a framed sketch of Darkwing Duck and had Drake sign it the last time that we were in St. Canard.

“Thanks Brina this is… beautiful.” He hugged me tightly and I just smiled softly at my younger brother. We really had come a long way since we had moved here earlier this year. 

“You’re welcome Dew. I know that we haven’t always gotten along and that I can be a bit of an oddball.” He gently shoved at my shoulder showing the rest of the family what I had made for him. 

“I know that I’ve been a jerk to you and I’m sorry for that. You’re not a kook in training and I’m sorry that I made you feel that way sis.” I smiled softly at him lightly kicking his foot with mine. I went through the pile finding a box for Uncle Donald and I gave it to my ultimate favorite uncle.

“You didn’t need to get me anything Brina…” I shook my head with a small smile bouncing on the heels of my webbed feet.

“I knew that but it’s Christmas so just take your present. I have one for Launchpad too but he’s not here…” Our local pilot had gone to St. Conard to help Drake officially adopt one of my newer friends Gosalyn.

“He’ll get your present tomorrow when he comes back. Do you have anything for me?” My mom asked me jokingly and I nodded my head with a small smile going underneath the tree and found the spaceship wrapping paper that I had used. 

“It might be a bit cheesy…” I played with my fingers a little bit and she opened the present showing off a blue sweater that said World’s Number One Adventurer\Mom.

“Oh sweetheart, I just love it. This is the best gift that I could have ever gotten and you know why?” I shook my head and she hugged me tightly to her. I hugged her back. It had taken me so long to become adjusted to having a mom in my life. 

“Because it came from you and from your beautiful heart. You have the heart of an adventurer and the stubbornness of one. You got that from me sorry about that.” I smiled softly at her adjusting the skirt of my dress.

“Huey, I’ve got your present right here!!” I handed my brother the wrapped gift that I hoped that he would like. Out of my brothers he was the hardest one to either shop or make things for. Until I got this idea this year, an organized planner using the Junior Woodchuck sash.

“You… when did you do this?” I laughed a little bit, putting up a finger to my lips and sitting down next to my brother.

“A gift giver never tells her secrets.” I teased and he hugged me tightly. I was just happy that he liked his present. I had finally gotten him to genuinely like something that I had made for him.

“Thanks Brina this is amazing!! I can plan accordingly now!!” He cheered and I couldn’t help but smile softly at him as I waved for uncle Donald to open his.

“To my favorite uncle, wishing you another year filled with adventure and stories to tell.” He read the card that I had put on the present. I always left my biggest ones for last. Those all had cards with meaningful words that I typed out.

“Oh Sabrina this is beautiful…” He held up the sweater that I had knitted from last year’s family Christmas photo. I knew that to my uncle nothing was more important than the happiness of my brothers and I.

“You’re not out of the woods yet uncle Scrooge!! This one is yours.” I found his maroon colored wrapping paper that I had put underneath the tree. 

“To the duck who brought our family together and helped me come out of my shyness.” I smiled softly at the tears in his eyes as he opened his present and saw the gold sweater that I had made for him with silver number one dimes on it. “Thank you lass this the sweetest thing that anybody has ever done for me.” He thanked me and I grinned over at the man that had helped me out so much.

“Alright, I think that the gift giver now needs to open one of her presents again before we all start crying.” Louie snarked from over at his spot and I found one of the magenta colored ones testing the weight of it.

“That one is from me.” Uncle Donald told me and I saw the card on the side of the wrapped up box.

“To Sabrina, my niece who collectively is the most stubborn and independent young duck that I have ever met aside from her own mother. You have grown so much out of your shell this last year able to make friends of your own aside from Louie and Huey. Hoping that this new year brings you all the joy and near heart attacks that it has given me.” I opened the present seeing that it was a picture of me when I was a little duckling. I was in the arms of my uncle Ludwig and he was showing me a map that had all the colors of the rainbow.

“I kept that photograph on the boat in a secret spot knowing that one day I would give it to you. You have always been so captivated by the world around you. It’s something that made you unique Sabrina. I am so proud of everything that you have become during these last few months.” I felt tears fall down my cheeks as I took a picture of it and sent it to my uncle. He instantly got back to me.

“What did he say?” Dewey asked me and I let out a watery laugh drying my tears as I smiled down at the picture. 

“He said that I was always his most captive audience. I love that so much oh my god thank you uncle Donald this is so special to me.” I thanked him and he opened his arms to me while I put the picture next to me.

“Don’t thank me my darling, you’ve always been the best of my children.” I stuck my tongue out at my brothers. I got down and found my other present, this one from Dewey. It had a card on it that just said from Dewey on it but it was a new stuffed animal. My favorite sweet treat had been strawberry milkshakes for as long as I could remember. He had gotten me a stuffed strawberry milkshake.

“Aww it’s adorable thank you Dewey!!” I thanked him smiling softly when he just gave me a thumbs up. He also pushed me a French fry set as well.

“No problem alright, alright who’s the big green one for…” He hummed jokingly as he pushed the gaming console and games towards my green brother.

“It’s for me but this wasn’t here yesterday so it must be from Brina…” He trailed off finding the card and smiling softly.

“To the best friend and brother that a duck could have ever wished for. I hope that this brings you as much joy as you bring me everyday.” I smiled softly at my brother as he opened the gift and gaped at me.

“You didn’t?!” I nodded my head as he tore off the wrapping paper finding that I had indeed gotten him just what he wanted.

“You really are the best sibling in the entire world!!” He cheered and I pushed the two video games toward him that he tore open already booting up his new console. 

“Well we won’t hear anymore out of him today.” I joked and he just lightly kicked his webbed foot in my general direction. Huey handed me a neatly wrapped up pink box. 

“It’s not as heartfelt as you gave me but this is for you Brina.” I smiled softly at my brother as I unwrapped his present seeing that it was a scrapbook from over the years.

“I got most of them from the house, read the inscription.” He told me and I flipped to the front page.

“To Sabrina, a sister that taught me that being brave doesn’t always mean that you go looking for trouble but that you know just the right way to get out of it properly. You are the bravest person I know who is always ten steps ahead of whatever enemy she’s facing. Through learning with uncle Ludwig he has taught you to solve problems not just by looking at things straight but also sideways and backwards. Your brother, Huey.” I teared up reading the emotional inscription that he had obviously put a lot of time and effort into. When I flipped through the pages and saw all the different pictures that he had put in there including a replica in the frame that he must have copied. 

“Thank you Huebert this is everything that I could have ever wanted.” I thanked my brother and he just hugged me tightly to him.

“Don’t thank me sis you’ve worked hard enough. Not just on this Christmas but every single one of them before. Even when we were scraping for cash you still made the right gifts that would make everybody have a happy holiday.” I smiled brightly at my brother seeing one last present under the tree with magenta paper. I picked it up and saw that it was from Gosalyn.

“Oh from your girlfriend?” I shoved my Louie hard in the arm and he tilted but thankfully caught himself. 

“She is NOT my girlfriend.” I protested and he stuck his tongue out at me as I grabbed the card at the front of the package.

“Maybe not yet but she will be one of these days.” Dewey commented from the sidelines and Webby came back from the kitchen carrying waffles for everybody.

“Who’s who’s girlfriend?” Huey rolled his eyes coming to sit next to me and he grabbed the last of his presents from uncle Scrooge.

“On three…” I counted down with my brother keeping the card to read a bit later in the car on the way to uncle Ludwig’s. I opened the box to see another stuffed animal, a Build A Bear this time around this one a cute little reindeer that was white and sparkly.

“Ooo that’s really pretty!!” My mom exclaimed from over on the couch and I nodded my head hugging it tightly. 

“Watch her start sleeping with that instead of the jellyfish.” Louie shot back at me and I flushed a bright pink.

“You-why-you-” Dewey laughed heartily at my brother and I looked around for any other presents for somebody.

“Why lass, what’s there up in the tree?” Uncle Scrooge asked me and I looked around seeing that there was an envelope stuck in the tree.

“It’s tickets to St. Conard for New Years!!” I cheered and Dewey looked over my shoulder with a small smile.

“New Years was never really a huge deal for us anyways, we were way more Christmas fans.” I noticed that there was one more present with magenta paper and Gosalyn’s tag on it and I opened it seeing that it was a stuffed fox.

“She got you two?!” My mom asked me and I nodded my head with a bright smile on my face instantly becoming attached to the fox.

“They have those buy one get another for half off deals all the time if you get them without clothes. You’ve never really liked the clothes huh sis?” Louie asked me and I nodded my head standing up and hugging my uncle tightly.

“Thank you for the tickets to St. Conard uncle Scrooge.” I thanked him and he hugged me back with a small smile.

“No need to thank me lass. Why don’t you do me one favor though instead of a thank you?” I laughed a little bit grabbing my new violin and maneuvering my way around wrapping paper strewn across the floor that Huey was picking up. 

“Anybody have any specific request?” I asked and Dewey looked over at me with a small smile as he played with his new electric train that uncle Donald had gotten for him on the floor.

“What’s that Christmas song that uncle Ludwig really loves? O something?” I smiled softly putting the violin on my left shoulder. I gripped it with my left hand and started to play the beautiful Christmas song with my right hand. This had always been a favorite of mine to play. It just simply made me really happy.

“That was beautiful Sabrina sweetheart!!” My mom encouraged me and I did a mock bow in front of my family.

“That was the first time that she’s ever played for the rest of us…” Louie mentioned looking up at me in sheer awe.

“That’s true!! We used to have to sneak peeks of what she was playing because she was too shy to have an audience. You really have grown a lot this year sis.” Huey reminded me and I looked down at my tights.

“We should be getting you to uncle Ludwig’s, he’ll bring you back here. He’s coming to family dinner this year.” My mom told me and my eyes widened turning to my uncle Scrooge who sighed and adjusted his spectacles.

“I thought that it was high time that I stopped avoiding family. I always had a soft spot for my brother in-law anyways as kooky as he can be.” I cheered with a bright smile on my face. I grabbed my boots and coat, lacing them up.

“Are you ready to go Sabrina?” Uncle Donald asked me and I laughed a little bit at him as I turned around in a small circle.

“I’m ready uncle Donald!!” I cheered and he opened the front door for me and I got my new stuffed animal. I hugged my new fox and grabbed my reindeer as well to take them with me.

“Alright, I’ll be back in a little while family!!” He opened the front door for me and I sat down on my side of the front door. Uncle Donald drove me the short distance to my third uncle’s house and I instantly saw him get up excitedly and open the door for me.

“Mein starchen, happy Christmas!!” I hugged him tightly and he picked me up and hugged me back.

“Happy Christmas uncle Ludwig!!” Uncle Donald handed me the present that I had made for my teacher.

“I’ll see you in a few hours okay Sabrina?” I nodded my head while uncle Donald kissed my forehead driving away.

“Come along starchen it’s cold out here you’ll catch ze sick.” I laughed a little bit at my kooky uncle. I grabbed my stuffed animals and the sweater that I knitted for him.

“Did you get those stuffies for ze holiday?” I nodded my head and I softly felt the ear of my fox. He brought me into his study where I saw three carefully wrapped presents sitting on my work desk.

“My best friend sent them to me!! I told you about Gosalyn. She just got adopted by her foster dad a few days ago.” My uncle smiled softly at me as he scooted his chair over so that he could sit next to me.

“Well that was very sweet of her to do something like that. Did you send her something?” I nodded my head, getting out my phone and showing him the Darkwing Duck ugly sweater that I made for her.

“I knitted her this, I’ve gotten a lot better at knitting words over the last couple of Christmases.” My uncle looked at the picture in awe that I had made something of that caliber.

“Do you remember why I taught you knitting?” I shook my head and he just smiled at me taking one of my wings in his.

“When I was a little duckling much like you, I was an anxious little ball of trouble. My granny sat me down and taught me knitting. At ze time when I taught it to you I thought that it might help. I was never very good at it myself. I would always get too frustrated but I am so happy that you’ve stuck with it. Even though it was hard sometimes.” I smiled lovingly at my uncle who had taken me under his wing and made me his protege.

“I think of it as playing the violin. Yes it’s difficult and sometimes I want to throw the needle and thread across the room while telling it to simply do what I want it to. But then I just remember that you can’t rush knitting. It taught me to be more patient because sometimes even when you really want something done a specific way and it just won’t work you need to work through it.” I told him and I handed him his present that he ripped off like he was my age which caused me to laugh at him. He held it up with two wings and tears in his eyes. He had taught me about checklists when I was really little and I had combined that with my recent passion of knitting ugly sweaters.

“Starchen this is so sweet of you, I-I’m at a loss for words…” I laughed at my uncle unbuttoning my coat and draping it over the sides of my chair and taking off my boots.

“There’s a first time for everything.” I teased and he made the oh hush you motion with his hands. He turned the sweater around so that I could see the dark blue sweater that I made. It had a little checklist that I thought of for a design of four boxes, multiple PHD’s, incredible inventor, kooky uncle and best teacher. Every one of them I had double checked along with the percentages of 25. 

“I’m going to wear this, I’ll be right back. Don’t you dare open up those presents while I’m gone.” He told me and I put my hands up in complete surrender as my phone buzzed and I saw the familiar picture of my best friend. Gos: I LOVE THIS SO MUCH!! Thanks Brina it’s super cute and just my style. She thanked me and I smiled softly at the selfie that she had taken of her wearing the Darkwing Duck sweater that I had knitted for her using black fabric. 

Me: Hey no problem!! I had a great time making it besides it’s kind of something that I make all the time. I prefer giving presents to getting them during the holidays (thanks for the Fox by the way I am naming him Ferdinand and the reindeer is Rosanna.) I’m at my uncle Ludwig’s right now. Did your dad tell you that I was coming for New Years?? My uncle came back with a bright smile showing me that his sweater fit perfectly.

“I love this starchen. I’m not taking it off for the next twenty four hours.” He told me and I smiled softly at my educator.

“I’m just really happy that you love it so much. I wasn’t really sure if you would or not but knowing that you do it just… makes me really happy.” My uncle ruffled my hair softly and sat down next to me.

“Did you already name these new stuffies of yours?” I nodded my head gesturing with my wing to Ferdinand and Rosanna.

“This one is Ferdinand and this one is Rosanna. Gos sent me a selfie in her new ugly Christmas sweater that I made for her.” I showed him a picture of what my best friend looked like and she messaged me back.

Gos: He did tell me!! I’m really excited since you didn’t really stay long enough to do some of the touristy stuff with me. We’ll have to do that when you come up for New Years. I thought that you spent New Years with your uncle though? The one that is your teacher?

“You should spend some time with yer friend, we spent a lot of free time together this year too. I knew when Scrooge offered you to stay in his mansion that I would see you less. I expected it so it’s fine that you want to go to visit your friend for ze holiday.” I smiled softly at my uncle giving him a tight hug. His sweater was soft and I instantly melted into the hug.

“Are you sure uncle?” He nodded his head and dried the tears that were there while I smiled softly at him.

“Look at us eh, couple of crying fools.” I laughed at my uncle taking Ferdinand and looking at him. 

“Are you going to knit them some clothes Starchen?” I nodded my head with a small smile. I couldn’t stand the actual Build A Bear clothes; they were far too itchy and scratchy. 

“Probably knit them some ugly sweaters of their own!! I’ll think of something my hands are a little tired from all the knitting that I had to do these last four months.” I went back to my own chair and he just smiled softly at me.

“Well starchen pick a present any present.” He told me like it was a gameshow and I went for the smallest one first. I unwrapped it seeing that it was a new necklace. I opened it and saw that it was a family portrait with my brothers and I last Christmas.

“Oh this is super cute!! Look at Louie’s little hat!!” I laughed a little bit at the memory remembering how much he hated wearing it. We had all worn Santa hats last year in our colors for Christmas photos. This year would have everybody there including Miss Daisy.

“So my nephew is bringing his girlfriend?” I nodded my head with a small smile on my face. I was just happy that uncle Donald had found somebody who would love him for who he was. 

“He is actually!! It’s the first Christmas that he is bringing Miss Daisy with him. I just hope that everything goes alright between them. I love uncle Donald but sometimes things just don’t go his way. Daisy is really nice though she liked my knitting the last time that I saw her I was wearing my GIR sweater.” My uncle laughed softly at my interactions as I tried to tie my necklace around my neck.

“Let me help you with that starchen  before you hurt yourself.” He warned half heartedly and I saw the snow start outside. It was beautiful and I always loved watching the snow. It was something that I had treasured ever since I was really little.

“I was really surprised when Scrooge invited me over for Christmas dinner. It has been a long time since we’ve last truly talked.” I smiled sympathetically at the man that had taught me everything I knew.

“I think I’ve helped him just as much as he has helped me. He got me a new violin for home even though you already replaced my old one and kept it here. I performed in front of my brothers…” My uncle gazed at me a little bit surprised since I had always been terrified of performing in front of somebody that wasn’t him.

“And how did that go?” He asked me carefully and I smiled softly nodding my head looking down at my dress. 

“It went really well surprisingly. I didn’t get nervous really at all. It’s not that I don’t love playing, it's that I get performance anxiety when everybody is looking at me expectantly. Like they expect me to do something and when I don’t… I fear that I’ll get rejected.” My uncle put his arm around my shoulders with a small smile on his face.

“But that won’t happen. They are your family and whether or not you get along with all of your brothers is up for debate. You are working hard to repair your relationship with Dewbert and I know that has been hard for you at times. But you’ve always worked through it and I am so proud of you for that. What did you play for them?” I smiled softly looking down at my necklace and seeing the goofy photo that we had all taken together.

“O Tannenbaum at Dewey's request. I was surprised when that was the song that he told me he wanted to hear. He didn’t know the full name but the point was that he remembered that I would always play it this time of year on the boat because it’s your favorite.” My uncle smiled softly at me adjusting my headband.

“Your siblings love you, I know that especially Louie does. Without you he wouldn’t ever do anything most likely but ze fact that you are there he does everything for you.” I smiled a little bit thinking about my younger quadruplet.

“I got him the gaming system that he really wanted. The cool thing is that it’s portable so he can take it on adventures!! He always whines about having nothing to do during the actual adventuring and getting to the place. So I thought that he would appreciate that. He got me the illustrated version of Earthsea. I’ll show it to you when you come back to the mansion.” I told him and he leaned his head on top of mine.

“I look forward to it starchen. How was Christmas with your mother? Was it everything that you wanted it to be?” I nodded my head with a small smile on my face thinking about the German workbook that she had gotten for me. 

“It really was!! I made her a sweater that said number one adventurer\mom on it.” He smiled softly at me and I reached for the medium sized present seeing that it was a chemistry set of my very own. I had only ever used his before during school sessions but I loved science and especially chemistry because that was the kind of thing that you could catalogue. He had taught me all the names for the elements through song.

“Thank you uncle Ludwig!! I love it so much!!” I thanked him and he just chuckled a little bit at me as I started to take it out of the box. I looked at all the different mechanics and put them together to make the full set. 

“That’s my niece, using that big brain of hers to put that together in… three minutes flat!!” He encouraged me and I laughed a little bit at him as I looked at all the different elements that were in front of me.

“Well I had a pretty fantastic teacher!!” I reminded him and he just laughed a little bit at me that typical ho, ho, ho laugh that I had grown up loving.

“You were an even better student, you just needed to be taught in an unconventional way. It makes sense since I am a highly unconventional type of person.” He reasoned and I smiled softly at him looking at all the chemicals that I had. I couldn’t wait to start experimenting with this once I got back home.

“I just needed a song about all the chemicals on the table set to a song. I love music and you used that to your advantage.” I added onto that and put all the items back into the box looking at the last one.

“What could it possibly be, I don’t really know…” I gently nudged him while laughing at his typical antics. I took off the wrapping paper and saw that he had gotten me another box. I opened it hearing a soft meow.

“You didn’t….” He nodded his head and I took out the cat carefully seeing that it was this tiny ball of fur.

“I already cleared it with Scrooge and you can keep ze little guy. What do you want to name him?” I hummed in thought before an idea occurred to me while petting his soft little head.

“Jiji? Do you like that name?” The kitten meowed in affirmation and approval and my heart simply melted at the cuteness.

“I say that he does like it quite a lot!! That’s all the presents that I have for you this year. I wanted to get you another stuffed animal but figured that you had plenty of those from the others. So I wanted to get you a real life friend.” I smiled softly at my caring uncle giving him a tight hug. 

“Thank you uncle Ludwig this is the best thing that could have ever given to me.” I thanked him and he just shot me back his signature kooky smile. “There is no need to thank me starchen. Simply seeing you happy is the thing that I wish for every year.” He reminded me and I smiled softly at my new kitten that I had just gotten as I petted his head and scratched behind his ears and he purred back at me.

“Well that’s funny because every year I wish you the exact same thing so it must come true.” I joked and he just smiled at me. Jiji came to sit in my lap and I felt him paw around until he found a comfortable spot.

“How is he already so attached to me?” I asked him and he gestured to the box which I sniffed and smelt the lemon and citrus shampoo that I used.

“I made it into a perfume if you want the rest of it, it's right here. I wanted him to get adjusted to the way that you smelled. I thought that if I made a perfume with that scent it would work and it would be a success!!” He cheered and I laughed a little bit at him hearing the soft purrs of Jiji against my lap.

“I love him uncle Ludwig thank you so much, he’s so cute…” I thanked him again, kissing his forehead and he pressed closer to me.

“There is no need to thank me Sabrina. I knew that he would make you happy. If he gets unattached maybe we could build a snowman in ze front yard?” I nodded my head enthusiastically since that was one of my favorite yearly traditions. 

“Yes!! Of course we’re doing that again, I love building the yearly snowman.” I cheered and I smiled softly taking a picture of Jiji and sending it to the family group chat.

Me: Uncle Ludwig got me a kitten!! Welcome to the family Jiji!! I got a series of gasping emojis from Huey along with a response that he would go out and get a cat tree for him to put in our room. I saw Jiji get up off of my lap and go wander around the mansion for a little while.

“Come on starchen it’ll get dark before you know it and I promised Scrooge that we would be back by four.” My uncle reminded me offering a wing up and I buttoned up my coat and put my shoes back on.

“Here take this scarf and hat. I don’t want you to get sick out there.” He reminded me lovingly and I took the items from him that were magenta colored. I tied up my snow boots and looked out at all the snow.

“Alright time to ze best snowman on ze block!!” He encouraged me and I nodded my head helping him to roll out the base. I got a really mischievous idea when I rolled up a ball of snow and launched it at him. I couldn’t help but laugh at the expression on my uncle’s face. He just looked so dejected and almost hurt for a moment before I saw the determination.

“Oh so it’s going to be like that is it young lady?” He asked with his hands on his hips arming himself with another snowball as I sprinted around his front yard.

“Gotta find a place to hide…” I muttered to myself and I found the big tree on his side yard running over there dodging snowballs.

“So that’s your strategy, you strike first and zen you run away?” I snickered to myself finding another snowball and gagging where his voice was coming from before throwing it.

“Oof!!!” I heard a sputter and a fall over and I couldn’t help but cackle with laughter at the fact that I had made a perfect bullseye shot.

“I grew up with three brothers, uncle Ludwig, in snowball your best bet is to find a place to hide and then build your ammunition. I’m sorry if I hurt you.” I apologized and offered him a hand up only for him to find the first pile of snow and lightly shove me into it. 

“Hey!!” I laughed a little bit when I hit the ground since the snow was not that deep and watched as his eyes widened. 

“Are you okay starchen?! Oh noes what was I thinking, I should have checked that snow pile.” He quickly offered me a hand up and I dusted off the back of my dress a little bit. I was fine. It did hurt a little bit but I was tougher than I looked.

“I’m fine uncle Ludwig, it did hurt but I’ll survive. It was more of a surprised hey than anything else.” I hugged him tightly and I felt him hug me back tentatively. I sighed a little bit since I knew that I had worried my teacher.

“Why don’t we go and finish the snowman? I promise no more snowball fights.” I held my hands up in surrender and he just smiled softly at me.

“You’re so strong starchen, I’m still so sorry that I did that. I wasn’t thinking.” I smiled softly at my uncle kissing his cheek gently.

“I’m okay uncle, come on this snowman isn’t going to build himself!! Ooo that would be a fun invention to try out an automatic snowman builder.” I thought to myself and my uncle did his bright laugh that I always moved hearing.

“It would save us ze trouble of having to freeze our tookies off every year!!” He added onto my thought and I laughed a little bit knowing that next year he just might have made the Von Drake automatic snowman builder. Whether or not invention would work was entirely up to chance. 

“Exactly!! But for now a snowman needs to be built. And a snow niece.” I reminded him helping him to build the perfect snowman while I got to work on my snow niece next to him. I went inside and grabbed the carrots and coal that we used every year and decorated them.

“Ze perfect snowmen!! Great job starchen we still have a while before we need to go. Come along let’s get you thawed out.” He put his arm around my shoulders and led me back inside. He lit his fireplace and brought out his latest invention.

“I call it the Von Drake automatic homemade hot chocolate maker!! Have you ever wanted a cup of freshly made hot chocolate and not wanted to use ze sometimes nasty but all together fine instant things from the microwave but the homemade was too much of a hassle for you?” I nodded my head because he did have a good point.

“Well no longer because this will make you a cup of hot chocolate that is homemade faster than the ones from ze microwave!! All I have to do is press this button.” He showed me putting a mug under the machine as I watched it fill with homemade hot chocolate.

“Don’t forget ze marshmallows!!” He encouraged me and I took a handful taking a picture of the hot drink and sending it to Gosalyn. 

Me: My uncle made a machine that makes automatic hot chocolate that is homemade!! Let’s see how it tastes and I’ll give you the verdict. I took a gentle sip and my eyes widened. He was right!! This did taste like homemade hot chocolate and it was made with no fuss, no mess that usually went along with the dessert.

“And what is ze verdict?” I put my mug down and gave him two thumbs up with a bright smile on my face.

“It’s amazing!! It really is, it tastes just like homemade hot cocoa but it’s without having to dirty up the big pot in order to do so.” He cheered with his laugh and filled up a mug for himself grabbing the marshmallows.

“It does work!! This could be my next big project, it would definitely bring in ze big bucks.” He thought to himself and I laughed at him.

“You don’t have to in fact I’d prefer if you didn’t. Have it be our little thing.” I clinked my mug with his and I sent my best friend starry eyed thumbs up emojis.

“It also just makes warm milk for ze kitties…” I looked down and saw Jiji come into the room and uncle Ludwig got a small bowl.

“But uncle Ludwig most cats are lactose intolerant!!” I reminded him and he held up one finger before showing me that he had made it with a cat milk option.

“And only be given it in moderation. Don’t worry, starchen I did my research.” Jiji carefully lapped at the milk that was offered to him and my heart warmed.

“Thank you uncle Ludwig again for him, he's so beautiful.” I thanked my uncle and he just laughed at me sitting down next to me on the couch.

“Tis no problem I wanted to bring you ze happy feels this holiday.” I smiled softly at him and the warmth of the drink brought the cold out of my body.

“Just spending the holiday with you makes me happy uncle. You didn’t need to do anything in particular to make it that way. But building the snowman is always my favorite part of the holiday.” I mentioned to him and I snuggled into his side as Jiji hopped up next to me on the couch curling up behind me.

“It’s my favorite too starchen. It makes me so grateful that you are so kind hearted to your kooky uncle.” I rolled my eyes at my uncle settling against him. I had never liked when he called himself kooky since even though he never really cared about the insult it still made me want to yell at anybody who had ever called him that.

“I don’t think that it’s right that people make fun of you uncle Ludwig…” I trailed off and he just smiled softly at me.

“They just don’t really understand me, tis them that is kooky not me. Besides I’m sorry too. I think that from hanging around me so much you got the gene too.” He apologized and my heart broke for my teacher.

“That’s not true!! I mean it did make me a bit… odd but I love the way that I am. You taught me that there is no straight answer or right way to answer anything. That there is always another way to analyze a problem. That methodology helped me to become a better problem solving adventurer because I knew that whatever bind I got into that there was always another way. It also helps that I got my optimistic attitude from you.” I joked and my uncle laughed a little bit at me.

“You always know just what to say to make me feel better starchen. I was only happy to help you. I knew that your schooling wasn’t helping you and that you needed a more eccentric way of getting the message across.” I smiled softly at my uncle drinking from my cup of now cooling but still warm enough to soothe the coldness in body hot chocolate.

“I made another machine for you to keep at ze mansion so that you can have it whenever you want to.” I cheered since that would make the colder mornings a lot easier for me to handle. I preferred his more grounded in reality inventions. There was one time when I was younger that he made an apple chopper that went haywire that scared me from eating apples for a year.

“Thank you for that uncle Ludwig. Really this is one of the best inventions that you have ever thought up. What made you change from being overselies with them to being more grounded in reality?” He sighed adjusting his spectacles with a small remembering smile on his face. Jiji pressed his body a little bit closer to my leg.

“It was you Sabrina. You made me rethink the way that I was inventing things after the apple slicer incident. I was only trying to make you happy. In doing that you had your first ever sensory overload. It was my fault. I know that you told me it wasn’t but I often felt bad about it. That’s when I knew. I had to stop the crazy gizmos and gadgets and make things that were more practical for people. Things that would save people time or bring people together like this one.” He mentioned to me and I smiled softly at my favorite teacher. He had done so much for me and I wanted to bring just a little bit more happiness to him.

“I love you uncle Ludwig…” I didn’t really know what to say to that whole speech. It would probably take me a bit more time to process but when he kissed my forehead gently I knew that he knew what I was trying to say. “Finish your cocoa and then we should probably get on our way starchen.” He reminded me and I drank the last of my mug and he took it over to his sink to wash later.

“Did you get your stuffies?” I nodded my head gesturing to where they were in my arms and Jiji walked beside me.

“He’s an outdoor and indoor cat but I would keep him indoors if I was you. Don’t want him running away now.” I nodded my head as Jiji looked down at the snow and then up at me as if to ask me mommy what is this sorcery.

“I got you little one.” My uncle picked him up and Jiji looked around at the atmosphere around him curiously. He stuck his pink tongue out at the snowflakes and caught one on his tongue.

“Good boy Jiji, we’re almost in the car.” My uncle had made his first car into an electric one a few years ago to try and save the environment.

“Alright starchen off to Scroogie’s house!!” He cheered and I cheered along with him as Jiji climbed into my lap to watch the world go by out the window. It was a beautiful snowy Christmas night and I loved the look of everything right now. Before I knew it we were at the mansion and I found my brothers playing outside with new sleds.

“Hey!!” Dewey cheered and I rushed to hug my younger brother and Jiji looked around outside the car.

“Hey Dew, what’s going on?” I asked him and he smiled showing me the igloos that they had made while I was gone.

“We all got new wooden sleds and we were giving them a test run. Also you missed a snowball fight but we’ll make up for it tomorrow. Is that him?” I nodded my head with an apprehensive smile but Huey was already rushing towards our uncle.

“Hi I’m Huey, it’s great to finally meet her teacher.” My brother introduced himself to our inventing uncle who just gave his laugh.

“I already knew which one you were actually Huey. She described all three of you to me since she was very little. Where is Louie?” My brother gestured to the inside where I assumed my brother had been most of the day. 

“Playing his new system he got cold about an hour ago which makes sense. I’m Dewey. You probably hate me and I’m sorry for all the stuff that she probably has already told you. I can kinda be a jerk to her sometimes.” My blue brother apologized and our uncle got down on his level.

“I won’t say that your words didn’t hurt me because seeing starchen cry is like a dagger in me. I do however understand that siblings can’t always get along. I commend you for being honest and upfront about your flaws. That is a very hard thing to say. I think ze ego gets in ze way of that.” My uncle reasoned and he took my wing in his wrapping it around his. He looked at the igloos that my brothers had built in awe.

“We build them every year as our team's secret bases for snowball fights. It’s every man for himself so it usually results in all out warfare. Is Miss Daisy already here?” Huey nodded his head with a bright smile on his face.

“She got here just a little bit before you did!! Is this Jiji? I got a place for you to live little buddy.” My brother bent to pick him up and Jiji gently sniffed his hand before deeming Huey trustworthy.

“So he really does say the as ze?” I nodded my head with a laugh a little bit as Huey was already asking him how he came up with the chemistry song.

“I love his laugh too, when he does it you’ll know it’s the ho, ho, ho laugh.” I did a bastardized interpretation of it.

“You are also both hand talkers I see.” I nodded my head since I had inherited that from spending all that time around him.

“Oh yeah he taught me a lot with the hand movements. Starchen is German for star by the way.” I mentioned off handedly to my brother and he just listened to me while I talked about the person who meant more to me than anything else in the world.

“Louie loves his game by the way he was playing it for hours after you left. He didn’t even come outside at first when me and Huey were. Uncle Scrooge had to make me drag him.” I laughed a little bit at the idea of Huey kicking and screaming just wanting to play his game. Huey opened the heavy door to the mansion and I heard Louie in the living room with our mom.

“Die monsters!! Die!!” I cackled with laughter hearing my mom’s overly enthusiastic video gaming style. 

“Ludwig…” I heard uncle Scrooge from the front hall as he walked briskly down the hallway. I couldn’t help but smile since I could see how happy he was. 

“Scroogie…” My uncle’s hugged tightly and I couldn’t help but want to commit this moment to memory.

“I’ve missed you, you old mad scientist you.” I laughed at uncle Scrooge and I knew how important this reunion must have been for both of them.

“I missed you too, my brother in-law. Not really doing much of ze mad scientist thing these days. I’m more moved onto teacher and and mentor now. Look what mien starchen made me!!” He exclaimed, showing him the ugly sweater and I saw that Scrooge was wearing his as well. My family was really the best family in the whole wide world. It was at times like Christmas in particular that reminded me of that. 

[mybiasisexo]

Show You 🎙

@erin78 asks: I’m requesting 6 with chanyeol too 😊

a/n: so... this is way longer than a drabble should be, but I thought, what the heck, its what Chanyeol deserves!!! hope you like itttt~!

MASTERLIST

gif credit

Your school’s local radio’s best program was Leoy Radio at 6pm. It was undoubtedly the only thing keeping the station running at this point. The DJ, Loey, had a very deep calming voice that many of the girls on campus couldn’t help but fall for and he played the best most diverse music. There was always something for everyone and he made it a point to try to expand everyone’s music catalogues. The way he interacted with other students was precious. He gave the most insightful advice and even if he didn’t agree with the caller, he gave them their platform and was always polite and understanding. He sometimes would go on long winded talks about relatable topics, shining his thoughts about issues that were relatable, deep, and intellectual.

He was like the perfect guy.

You, just like most of the campus, were enamored by him. Making a point to never miss his show, going as far as playing it through the speakers at the café you worked at if it was during a shift. There was something so intoxicating about him, something so alluring, and you couldn’t help but wonder who the mysterious Leoy was. He obviously went to your school, but he made a point to never reveal anything too personal about himself, other than his voice, liking the veil of secrecy he possessed.

It first happened on a Thursday. It was during your shift when the song Spf by Magic City Hippies played. You were pleasantly surprised, because you had listened to it earlier that day.

It happened the next day.

UN Villiage was the song of the day for you, and what did you know, Loey ended up playing it that day.

This happened every day for two weeks.

Whenever you so happened to listen to a certain song, like clockwork, Loey would magically play it later that day.

It was eerie. You didn’t know if you held a psychic connection or if he was somehow stalking you. You didn’t have the slightest idea and it was lowkey freaking you out.

You shared your concern to your best friend, Chanyeol, but he simply laughed at your accusation.

“You must really like this Loey guy if you think he’s somehow stalking you.”

“But isn’t it a bit bizarre?”

“I mean,” Chanyeol scratched the back of his head. “It does sound kind of creepy now that you put it that way. But maybe it’s just coincidence.”

You gave him a look before sighing. “Fine, call me crazy. You want your usual?”

“Please and thank you!”

The following day, you were in the passenger seat of Chanyeol’s massive SUV as he took you both to a local diner for a late lunch. Chanyeol was the best friend anyone could ask for. He was patient and talented and sweet. Funny and handsome. You both just got on really well and you were happy to call the goofball your friend.

He handed you the aux cord. “Play something for me. Something different.”

You do as he asked. One thing that bonded you both was your love for music. You both loved to share new artists and songs with each other, analyzing every chord, string, and lyric it had to offer.

There was one song that you had been listening to for a while and didn’t think Chanyeol knew the artist, so you picked it.

“Holy….” He was almost in a daze within the first few seconds. “This is sick! What is this?”

“It’s called Show You by Baby Rose. It’s about really liking someone and wanting to show that person how much they do without using words.”

He grew quiet at the explanation, getting lost in the song.

Even throughout lunch, he wasn’t as talkative as usual. You ended up being the one to push conversation as you both stuffed overly greasy burgers down your throats.

After lunch, he dropped you off. He worked late shifts on campus during the weekdays, so you waved him goodbye before doing some housework while you waited for 6pm to come, wondering what familiar song Loey would play today.

You were in the middle of doing the dishes when Loey’s smooth voice graced your ears. “I know I don’t tend to dive into my personal life on here often, because I like to keep that stuff private, but lately I’ve been having the urge to talk to you all about something that’s been on my mind.”

Your ears perked up at that. Loey revealing something about himself? He had your undivided attention.

He laughed nervously before talking again. “I have a crush on someone close to me. They are easily, the best thing to ever happen to me. They mirror me perfectly. It’s crazy, it’s as if we’re in sync. I’m addicted to every word, every thought, and I find myself up at ungodly hours wondering if they feel the same way as I do, because, god, I really want them to. A friend of mine showed me this song and it just hit me. The singer is saying everything I’ve been thinking when it comes to this person. It’s funny, because I know they are listening, and as much as I want them to, I also don’t. What if they realize who I actually am? What if they find out how I feel about them, but don’t reciprocate? Ah…. Anyways, here’s Show You by Baby Rose.”

And as the distorted guitar rift floated through your apartment, you found yourself completely frozen besides your mind, which was running at a million miles an hour. Loey’s words, which was spoken from a voice now too familiar, felt like puzzle pieces that you were now trying to put together, so that you could see the big picture. It wasn’t until the song was nearly over that you got the final piece in and you gasped, dropping the plate in your hand. The sound of it breaking brought you back and you nearly cried from being so stunned.

You cleaned up the mess before turning off the radio, not wanting to hear anything else Loey had to say.

You zoned out for a while. You weren’t sure for how long, but the urgent knocks at your door brought you back.

When you checked the time, it was close to ten. You wondered briefly who would be here at this time, but don’t bother asking as you yanked the door open, being met face to face with Chanyeol.

“I’ve been texting and calling for twenty minutes, but you haven’t answered! I got worried so I came to check on you.” He could probably tell something was off. Your eyes were glazed over, as if you weren’t really looking at him. Sheepishly, he stuffed his hands in his pant pockets. “Can I come in? I have something to tell you.”

You mutely allowed him in and now he was really concerned. You hadn’t said a word as you sat on the couch, him taking the chair beside it.

“So, um, I have something to confess,” he revealed, scanning every inch of the room but you. “I know you’ll probably be mad at me, for keeping it to myself for so long. Truth is, I’m actually L—”

“Loey?” You finally uttered. He blinked at you, ears red as your haze seemed to clear up. “You’re Loey, aren’t you?”

He hesitated before giving you an affirmative nod.

“Chanyeol…. The songs…. You were leaving me clues, huh?”

“Well,” he scratched the back of his head. “I wanted to tell you who I was from the beginning, but was too nervous to admit it. Especially when you told me you had a crush on Loey. I thought you would be disappointed, finding out it was me all along, so I decided to keep it to myself. I admit, I got a bit careless, a bit carried away. I guess, deep down, I wanted you to know. I wanted you to see that it was actually me that you liked, so…yeah.”

“You just needed to show me, right?” You chuckled at that and he relaxed a bit. If you were making jokes than maybe…? “I can’t believe I walked right into your trap.”

“So, what do you think?” He asked, biting his lip nervously. “Can you like Chanyeol as much as you like Loey? Or are you mad and never want to speak to me again?”

“I’ll admit that once I figured it out, I was shocked. You really lied to me and made me out to be crazy about the song thing! But then I felt dumb. I mean, who else has a voice that deep? Also Yeol...Loey.... Was I really that blind? But, Chanyeol, I’m not mad at you for not telling me, although I am a bit upset you didn’t confess earlier, because I’ve liked you for a while also.”

His face brightened. “You have?”

“I have, Chanyeol. I like you very much.”

“Oh, thank god!” His big frame was engulfing you immediately. His large sweater soft and warm as he wrapped his arms around your shoulders, bringing you in close. You both rocked for a bit before pulling away just far enough to look at each other’s faces.

“I need to show you one last thing,” he admitted quietly.

“What is that?” You asked.

He answered by leaning in, kissing you gently, and you fell into it easily. You found yourself on cloud nine, not only did you find out Loey’s true identity, but now you had him all to yourself.

[gottagobuycheese]

Tag Thingy

Thanks @silent--sonata for indulging my terrible sleeping habits XD

(fyi this will probably be unnecessarily long and rambly, so it’s going under a cut (EDIT: whelp the song list got a little out of hand, I’d apologize if I were even remotely sorry)) 

Rules: Answer 17 questions & tag 17 people you want to get to know better  

Nickname: Cheese (or Lactose Wedge, or Dairy Product of Unspecified Origin and Purpose)

Zodiac Sign: Gemini! 

Height: 160.5 cm/5′3″ (Bubbles I refuse to believe you’re actually that much taller than me) 

Hogwarts house: Somewhere between Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff allegedly, both of which I’d be honored to get sorted into, but honestly I’d just be stoked to get sorted at all 

Last thing I googled: I think it was something along the lines of “how to speed up audio playback in GarageBand,” but but my train of thought was derailed before I actually looked at any of the results so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ (and on a related note, thanks again for the magical audio editing @imperiousheiress!)

Song stuck in my head: The end credits to Legacy of the Wizard (which is SUCH a jam, thank you for enlightening me @jessicafish) Following and followers: 227 (goodness just looking at that number is stress-inducing) and...104?! When the HECK did you all get here??? I think just last summer I was happily floating about in the 50′s. Anyways, to anyone I have not said hello, hello! Hope you enjoy your stay, and I am sincerely sorry if you expected Quality Original Content, or even just regularly scheduled other people’s content. Sadly, neither of these things tend to happen here. 

Amount I sleep: During the school year it’s usually anywhere between 30 minutes and 6 hours (DON’T EVEN START BUBBLES YOU HAVE NO RIGHT), usually landing in the 3/4 hour ranges if I’m smart about it, but now that I am on Unofficial Break, it’s usually at least around 6 hours (except today was 3 because Avatar is an excellent show and the weirdos in this house have regularly scheduled breakfast at 9-something every morning). Sadly my sleep schedule can only be forced to tolerate normalcy for so long before careening back in the other direction, so we’ll see if this is just a blip or if we’re back to normal mid-Atlantic Ocean hours!

Lucky number(s): I wouldn’t say these are necessarily favorite numbers, but I do like 2 and 9. But come to think of it, second attempts at Official Things do tend to go better for me than first attempts, so maybe there’s some merit there after all! Dream Job: Don’t think I’m really cut out for dreaming anymore, haha (unless you are a theoretical future employer in which case I am Extremely Full of Ambition and Passion). The bed-adjacent metaphor has been made, and not to brag, but I can sleep on pretty much any surface. Currently studying my Not Favorite aspect of STEM (was there ever a favorite or did I just like being good at things sometimes) and learning how to People™ properly (and also learning a gazillion convoluted drug names like what the heck dude, did you just fall asleep on your typewriter coming up with these), so I’ll take whatever place hires me and pays me enough not to depend on my parents for everything, I suppose. In an ideal world, that would entail a job where I could make friends, and even more importantly, a job where my shortcomings would not cause Massive and Irreparable Harm, but I don’t think this line of work really meshes with that last one, so I guess I’ll either have to get my shit together™ extremely soon or fake my death, adopt an alias, and flee to a completely new place with no ties whatsoever before trying to get another, less high stakes job. 

(Though I guess, less cynically, I like helping people well enough? And stories are fun! Maybe there could’ve been something with that. Not that there still can’t be, mind, but there’s still a long way to go between Here and There)

Wearing: Black shorts. Navy t-shirt. Brown some-specific-kind-of-jacket-I-forgot-the-name-of jacket. Is it summer? Is it fall? Am I in middle school? Who can say, but they are COMFY so sadly I have no cares to give

Favourite song(s): way way WAY too many to list here, and I do not have them all organized in a handy playlist separately, but to name a few (and these are not necessarily the MOST favorite okay, it doesn’t mean I don’t love stuff not on this list, it means you can’t force me to pick between my children and I am going to find at least one quick thing from a few things I like before I need to hit post and go back to looking like I’m being studious, and also things I think you should listen to right now, but for everything I’ve linked assuming I mean the whole OST), here’s a spam of links in no particular order: 

LoZ Wind Waker - The Great Sea (aka the epitome of optimism) 

Undertale - NGAHHH!! (I was about to link more but then I realized it’d be the whole soundtrack lol) 

LoZ Breath of the Wild - Hateno Village (Night) 

A:tLA - Peace (bad call BAD CALL NOW I HAVE EMOTIONS) 

Legend of Korra - Final Scene/Ending Theme (MISTAKES WERE MADE MISTAKES WERE MADE) 

Kung Fu Panda - Oogway Ascends (I feel like I’m taking you on a whole little album journey now XD) 

PMD: Explorers of Sky - Dialga’s Fight to the Finish (aka the Gotta Shower Fast song) 

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Pursuit ~ Cornered (aka the HURRY UP AND PACK UR SHIT YOUR FLIGHT LEAVES IN THREE HOURS song) 

Apollo Justice: A New Trial Is In Session (very underrated soundtrack imo) and also Apollo Justice: Telling the Truth (because these two are very closely associated in my head and it’s getting harder and harder to narrow things down so maybe I should stop lol) 

Your Name: Katawaredoki (in which I am forcibly thrown heart first into the bedroom of my second apartment at approximately 12-something A.M.) 

Digimon Adventure 01: Butterfly (MASSIVE 90′s childhood anime feels, and also Last Summer Before Everything Went to Shit feels (on a general scale I mean, not personal)) 

Pokémon: Lugia’s Song multitrack cover by Jordan Moore (would that I could have a talent of that musical talent) 

Pokémon the First Movie: Tears of Life (great now I’m on a Pokémon music spiral GUESS IT’S CHILDHOOD NOSTALGIA HOURS NOW) 

PMD: Blue Rescue Team - Farewell and Run Away/Fugitives (you CANNOT make me choose between these guys okay, my brain WILL explode, and whoops now I want to link the whole ost) 

Palette by A Dear Friend (wink wonk) 

Pokémon: Alpha Sapphire - Fortree City (wow talk about mood whiplash)

Detective Conan: Main Theme (I can’t find the specific version since there are so many, but it’s a Good Theme)��

Super Smash Bros.: Brawl - Opening Theme 

Pokémon Colosseum - Relic Forest 

Song for Lindsay by Andrew Boysen Jr. (oh great now it’s time for marching band feelings I guess)

Mt. Everest by Rossano Galante 

Deltarune - Field of Hopes and Dreams and A Town Called Hometown (orchestrated) (aka the Lots of Work To Do song) and You Can Always Come Home and Don’t Forget (hey guess what I wrote a bunch of fake extra verses for) (also it looks my pathetic attempts at narrowing things down are getting even more pathetic so I’ll wrap up soon XD) 

 Guild Wars 2 - Fear Not This Night (never actually played this myself but my friend got me addicted to the music) 

Lord of the Rings - May It Be (Enya) (aaaand now I miss choir, THANKS BUBBLES) 

Lion King - Can You Feel the Love Tonight (Multilingual) by Travys Kim (aka how I remembered how fun these things are) 

Original Song by Anonymous  

(The urge to add all the other songs I’m not adding is so strong but I’ve got so much work to do so just assume I mean all Nintendo music from any game I’ve played, all Ghibli movie music, every musical I’ve ever heard, and even more) 

Random fact:

Apparently as early as the 17th century, you could guess that a child would have a shortened life span if their foreheads tasted salty. Yes, there is a specific reason, and yes, you may already know what it is, and thankfully no, that life span projection no longer holds true, assuming access to Modern Medicine! 

Favourite Authors: Okay I have not read enough various books of enough various authors to be able to answer this, so I’m just gonna go with a few books instead. They are not necessarily all-time favorites, but I enjoyed reading them very much at the time and more often than not go back to them for comfort reads: The Martian, any of first three Harry Potter books, and The Rise of Kiyoshi. (That last one’s not really a comfort read but I am drowning in Loving Kiyoshi juice so here we are)

Favourite Animal Noises: Certain kinds of birds (UNLESS it’s some ungodly hour of the morning and you’re trying to sleep)? Ooh, and crickets! 

Aesthetic: A slob, but like...a comfy slob. An incredibly disorganized hermit who is happy to mill about in the uncontrolled entropy. (Are we talking about what aesthetic I give off, or what I like to look at, visually? Because I like space, and water, and mountains, and forests, and forests ON mountains, OOH and forests on mountains at night where you can see space, perhaps reflected in a body of water. Or just water, idk. Different things are pretty to look at at different times)

WELL THAT ONLY TOOK FOREVER SORRY FOR THE OBSCENE LENGTH 

@pachelbelsheadcanon @averybritishbumblebee @shingeki-no-korra @sailorlock @yeswevegotavideo @soultheta @queenerdloser @ifeelbetterer @rogueofdragons @peppervl @amadness2method @mutalune and anybody else who wants to do this! This isn’t seventeen, and I don’t know if any of you have already done it/been tagged, but I hear people moving around upstairs so that means this break is over XD. And ABSOLUTELY no pressure to actually do this, this is pretty much just me wishing you well! (and YOU of course, my dear reader! I hope everything’s going all right, or if it’s not, that it does soon)

[yandere-daydreams]

A Yandere!Oc/Oc commission for a lovely anonymous user. I had to keep reminding myself that Lucifer was, in fact, not a fallen angel and that I probably shouldn’t write him as such.

Word Count: ~2000

She didn’t like being so exposed.

Lucia never felt comfortable, but she could normally find somewhere to hide until the feeling of eyes burning into her passed. It was embarrassing, irritating, wrong, but it was something she could live with. However, her methods didn’t work when she was outside, sitting across from her sister in an overly-ornate cafe, trying to look like she wasn’t on the verge of a panic attack. It was a strained effort, though, only adding to her stress.

And, of course, Elvina noticed. Big Sister Intuition, she guessed. “Hey, are you still listening?” She asked, her voice soft but firm. With some hesitation, Lucia nodded, and Elvina pursed her lips. She didn’t believe the younger girl. To be fair, Lucia didn’t believe herself, either. “We don’t have to do this, you know. I could always call things off, tell him there was an emergency.” Elvina paused, doing her best to look sympathetic. “The last thing I want to do is make you uncomfortable.”

“I know…” Lucia trailed off, considering the idea of just running and finding somewhere safe. It would be easier, better. But, she couldn’t keep doing the same thing forever. It was why she’d let Elvina drag her out this far. “What’s your friend like? I can’t say I have high expectations for someone named… what was it? Lucifer?”

“Trust me, neither did I,” Elvina laughed, stirring one of the drinks in front of her. They’d been sitting there long enough for lemonades and teas to start building up. “But, he’s nice. A bit odd, but relaxed. Just try not to let the staring freak you out.” Lucia moved to ask what she meant, but Elvina glanced over her shoulder before she could, waving towards one of the approaching strangers. “Oh, and don’t let the… don’t let him intimidate you.”

Again, Lucia raised an eyebrow, trying to regain her sister’s attention. “Hold on, what do you-”

Before she could ask the question properly, a hand clamped itself down on her shoulder, cold skin meeting her own. It took most of her self-restraint not to scream, or to rip the stranger’s hand away from her, or to get up and march out of that restaurant while she still had the chance. With a shallow, shaky breath, she twisted around to meet their eyes, a greeting catching in her throat.

Lucifer was exactly like Elvina had described him. Tall, glowering, eyes scanning over her smaller form with a measured apathy. She’d expected a fake smile, some form of acknowledgment. But, he stayed silent, just moving sit in the empty seat next to Elvina, who’d managed to keep up a warm grin.

“Thanks for waiting, class ran long. New projects and shit, you know how it is.” Lucifer gestured to the camera-bad hanging from his shoulder, his voice as flat as Lucia’d expected. Sensing the tension, Elvina drove her elbow into Lucifer’s side, nodding towards Lucia. Lucifer didn’t respond quickly, his eyes only narrowing as he met Lucia’s. “Who the fuck are you?”

Lucia had to bite her lip to keep from frowning, an insult fighting against an apology in her mind. “I’m her sister, Lucia. Remind me, which pit of hell did you crawl out of?”

Finally, finally, his neutral expression broke, the faintest hint of a smirk ghosting over his lips. Slowly, he extended a hand, and Lucia just crossed her arms. Lucifer shrugged it off easily, his expression softening ever so slightly. “It’s nice to meet you, then.”

~

Someone was watching her. That, Lucia knew.

As someone who hated being out in public as much as she did, she’d gotten used to telling when someone was staring in her direction. It never faded. That unique, burning sensation that came with a stranger’s attention. If she’d been out during the day, she might’ve brushed it off. But when she was a poorly put-together mess, just trying to get some emergency supplies from a local grocery store at some ungodly hour of the morning, the feeling was harder to shake.

Reluctantly, she glanced down the narrow aisle, looking for any obvious creeps or zoned-out wanderers. There were a few people scattered around, a couple in the same situation as her and a shop clerk who seemed to be too far into his shift to care about much of anything, but the only person who didn’t seem preoccupied was a taller man, the very definition of suspicion. Black hoodie and all. Still, Lucia managed to relax once she saw the familiar camera bag slung over his shoulder.

For a moment, she looked towards the door, wondering if she could just abandon the few items in her arms and leave. It was a very, very tempting idea, one that she’d have easily carried through if she wasn’t running on less than an hour of sleep. But, the deprivation gave her a sense of confidence. Enough to tell herself that this would be good for her, and enough to do something dumb. Like approaching a near-stranger in a nearly empty store, only a few hours before sunrise.

She waited until Lucifer looked toward her again, before turning to face him. The sudden assertion seemed to catch him off guard, letting Lucia approach without any sarcastic comment or odd looks. Her smile was a little forced, but she hoped the lightness in her voice made up for it. “Were you staring at me?”

“Well… kinda, yeah,” He mumbled, rubbing the back of his neck. It was an uncharacteristically sheepish gesture, one she wasn’t sure she trusted. His eyes fell to the phone clutched in his hand, its camera still visible open. “I might’ve gotten carried away.”

Lucia, once again, tried to evaluate how much time it’d take to sprint to the door. “And that’s supposed to mean…”

“I was taking pictures of you, obviously.” The words were said too casually, too comfortably. Like following someone around and taking candid shots was just something people did on a regular basis. “I tend to document people, usually the ones I like,” He explained, still acting like nothing was wrong. “I saw you walking around, and... well, one thing led to another. I could delete them, if it bothers you.”

Despite herself, Lucia blushed, accusations playing on her tongue before fizzling out. It wasn’t a compliment, but it was the closest thing she’d gotten to one in a while. With her eyes focused to on the ground, she nodded, fighting back the urge to have faith in her sister’s choice of friends. “It does. Just get rid of them, and I won’t tell Elvina about this.”

“Wouldn’t want to get another one of her lectures,” Lucifer chuckled, his eyes never leaving his phone. Lucia would absolutely be telling Elvina about this, but he didn’t need to know that. And right now, she just wanted to get as far away from the blonde as humanly possible. Without another word, she took her leave, rushing to just get out of the store and go home.

Meanwhile, Lucifer waited in the same spot, taking a deep breath and trying frantically not to look like deleting those blurry, out of focus shots bothered him. He never liked it, people telling him what to do. And he liked having to get rid of his possessions even less. He wasn’t mad, just… frustrated. He was going to have to have to find her tomorrow, if only to regain what he’d lost. It’d be a waste of an hour, if he was lucky. It’d be a waste of a day, if he wasn’t.

The sound of automatic doors opening drew him out of his thoughts, and he briefly caught a glace of long, brown hair turning the corner onto a darker sidestreet. One without lamposts, and other people. If he could get the lighting right…

Reluctantly, Lucifer dropped the empty basket in his left hand, walking out of the store as nonchalantly as he could. Maybe, he wouldn’t have to wait until the next morning for something he earned.

~

While his actions didn’t feel right, they didn’t necessarily feel wrong, either. Maybe it was just how easy all of this was, or maybe Lucifer had over-estimated the sway of his own moral compass.

He went undetected while following Lucia, and even if she did see him, she didn’t seem to think much of it. Lucia never remembered to lock the windows on the rare occasion when she left the house, allowing Lucifer to slip in and out without troubling himself with making a spare key (not that he would need to, since Elvina already kept one under her welcome mat). It was all so easy, too easy. But, that’s what Lucifer liked about it. It was peaceful, quiet, tranquil. Lucifer didn’t have to think about why he finally smiled while taking picture after picture of his favorite muse, nor did he have to mull over the reasons why he seemed to like her so much.

He liked her. The thought itself was foreign, strange. Lucifer put it out of his mind as quickly as he could.

There was her shyness, too. He’d had a handful of opportunities to go through countless journals of hers, and all of them centered around one thing. How alone she felt, how isolated she was despite being surrounded by people. Both of them struggled with communication, so that wasn’t a surprise. That’d never bothered Lucifer, but he could still help her, relate to her. He was alone too! But, if they just got an opportunity to talk to each other, he knew she’d feel the same way.

It was something that made Lucifer’s heart speed up, taking his mind away from the mess of wires and nearly microscopic chips in his hand. It hadn’t been surprising to find out that the sisters had a mess of security cameras in every corner of their small home, but it only made things more convenient.  He’d always had to be so careful to avoid them, but if this worked out as well as he hoped it would, breaking-in wouldn’t be necessary. All he’d have to do is click a few buttons, and he’d have just as much access to the feed as Lucia or Elvina did. 

And, if this didn’t work, he’d be arrested.

Still, the thought of a real, live recording made up for it. Just the thought that he’d be able to see Lucia, regardless of how safe she thought she was, thrilled him, more than it should have. There wouldn’t be any boundaries between them, no fear, no limits. It wasn’t real contact. but it was the best he’d get, for now.

Lucifer let out a short laugh, snapping the last panel back into place. Lucia would get home in a little over an hour, so he had time to spare. Another visit to her room couldn’t hurt, could it?

~

He wanted more, it was undeniable.

Watching from a distance was great, but it wasn’t enough. He wanted to feel someone next to him, to see Lucia, and talk to her, and see if he could ever feel the same way. He knew that it was a strange progression... from a fixation, to an itch, to a real, genuine need, but... that’s what love is supposed to be like, isn’t it? 

Fast-paced, and overwhelming, and so, so one-sided. Beautiful, in a way that nearly stopped his heart. Just like how his parents loved each other, at least before he stopped being allowed to see his mother...

But, this would be an improvement! For both of them! They’d care of each other, and they would be so, so perfect together.

Of course, Lucifer knew he’d have to give her some time to come around. His family had a ‘summer cabin’, a practically abandoned building not-too-far from the city where they’d be able to stay until Lucia got comfortable around him. It’d be temporary, and once she understood, he knew they’d get along perfectly! It wasn’t like he would ever hurt something he took so much comfort in, and she had to appreciate that level of restraint.

Maybe he’d even get a few pictures of her smiling. He’d always liked her smile.

[areyoureadyforsomemeatballz]

Firebug (4)

Summary: After opening a bakery a little over a year ago the reader gets a new regular customer and maybe something more.

Pairing: Firefighter!Bucky x Baker!Reader

Word Count: 1500

Warnings: Swearing. Bucky has body image issues, related to an accident he was in. A touch of angst.

A/N: Here it is guys! As always, let me know what you think.

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee greets Bucky as he throws open the door of the bakery. His eyes dart around the room wildly, searching for you behind the counter. The search comes up empty, and he glances toward the hallway that leads to the kitchen.

The brunette near the register gives him a quick once-over. “Can I help you, buddy?” She says politely, though her eyebrow is raised skeptically.

Bucky’s eyes shoot back to her, realizing he must look insane. “I- I’m sorry,” he pants out. “Sorry to burst in here like that. I just- I ran here- I don’t even know if I should be here-”

“Dude slow down. The folks down here on earth, meaning me, are lost. You high on something?” She questions as she pulls out her phone.

“No! Sorry, I’m sorry. I just came to see if Y/N was here, but she’s not so I’ll be leaving,” Bucky says as he walks backwards toward the door. He stumbles over a table as he retreats, sending its contents to the ground.

“Oh, you must be Bucky,” The girl all but shouts. “You’re just like she described, super-hot and occasionally a stuttering mess. I’m Darcy; I work for Y/N. She’s out at the moment.”

Bucky pauses in picking up the mess on the ground when he hears his name. “She said that I was hot?”

“Something along those lines, I probably should have kept that to myself, though. You going to wait here until she gets back?”

He shakes his head. “I wish that I could, but I have to get back to work. Can I just get a couple of coffees and brownies to go I guess?”

As his purchase is being bagged up; there is a loud commotion from the back room. Bucky is just able to make out your muffled shout. “Fucking hell, Darce I told you not to mess with the mixer!”

Darcy has the sense to look sorry. “Sorry boss, I just wanted to try that lavender icing that you made earlier,” She calls back to you. “There’s also someone here for you.”

You round the corner of the back hallway with coated in pale purple frosting. “You moved the bowl and when I set down the flour it went flying at me,” You whine. “Who’s her- Bucky?”

“Hi, I um came to see if you- if we could um-” Bucky struggles to get out the words, mentally cursing himself.

“Spit it out, hotshot,” Darcy sniggers. You glare at her and nod towards the back. “Got it boss-lady I’ll go clean up the mess.”

The interaction gives Bucky a chance to gather his thoughts. “Y/N, I have to get back to the station; but I wanted to- pick up some coffee.”

Your face falls at this. “Sure thing, Buck,” you murmur as you hand him the drink tray and bag of goodies.

He takes them from you and retreats toward the street. You turn to the display case and straighten the already immaculate raspberry-coco truffle cupcakes and try to bury your disappointment. You were so sure there had been a spark with Bucky the night before.

The bell above the door rings a few minutes later. You turn to greet the customer with a fake smile plastered on your face, but his voice reaches you before you can.

“Hey, doll. I just need to-”

“Did Darcy forget something? She knows the ungodly amount of sugar Sam puts in his coffee; but she always forgets to put the packets in the bag,” You cut Bucky off reaching for the sugar packets.

“She didn’t forget anything. I just needed to say something, and it’s hard to get it out because I’m so goddamned awful at this. I mean I’m truly terrible. It’s just- you make me nervous; not that it’s your fault! You’re just so perfect and I’m- I can’t even get a sentence out-” Bucky cuts himself off this time.

You give him a questioning look and lower your hand away from the assortment of sugar. “For the record, I’m not perfect, Buck,” your tone is light and urges him to continue.

“Fuck it. I- I came down here to ask if you would want to go out with me so that I can maybe explain myself. Hopefully more coherently than I am right now,” he says forcing himself to keep his eyes on you.

“Does this have to do with you getting weird last night? Because if I did something that made you uncomfortable, you don’t have to explain. I mean, I know I say off the wall stuff and I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

“No! You were fine, I’m just dealing with shit and I froze up. It had nothing to do with you. I uh- I’ll explain everything I just have to get back to the station.”

“Okay, I’d love to then,” you say. “Bring the bike, Firebug. I loved it last night.”

He puts his hand to his head, saluting you. “Yes, ma’am. I’ll meet you at Tony’s tonight.”

Bucky was a ball of nerves as he walked out the door. He pulled his phone out and dialed Natasha’s number. “Hey Nat, I know I said I would cover twelve hours for you today, but is there any chance you can relieve me at seven?”

“Sure thing, Barnes. You got a hot date with the baker?” Bucky can practically hear her smirk through the phone.

“Goddammit! I am so sick of Wilson and his inability to keep his mouth shut!”

You had left Darcy to run the shop and close up a few hours after Bucky left. Having her and Wanda working for you was a godsend, you trusted them with everything that you had. After getting ready your nerves got the better of you. What could Bucky possibly have to tell you? You had only known the man for a few days. Maybe he wasn’t looking for anything serious, and you had read things wrong.  He could be an ax murderer, and he was on his way here to kill you.

A knock at your door startles you out of your line of dark thoughts. You spring off Tony’s plush sectional and pull the door open. Bucky is leaning against the frame, looking as if he stepped off the pages of a magazine. He’s wearing a dark button up under the leather jacket that he had loaned you last night.  

“Hi,” you stutter out. “Come on in and we can talk.”

Bucky nods his head and follows you to the couch. When he sits he leaves quite a bit of distance between the two of you.

Bucky takes a deep breath and fidgets with his hands. “Sorry if I scared you earlier, doll,” his voice is rough with disuse. “I just need to get this out before this goes any further. You may not want to see me anymore, and it’ll be better if we get it out of the way now.”

“This?” you say motioning to both of you with a smile.

He nods and starts to stand up. “It’ll be easier if I just show you to start, but I swear I’ll explain if you’ll let me.” He slips off his jacket, and his fingers pause on the buttons of his shirt, waiting for your approval.

Although you were confused you nodded, allowing him to continue. He removes the shirt, leaving him in a white undershirt. You tear your eyes from his perfect physique and notice thick rope-like scars covering his left arm and shoulder.

“Bucky, I don’t understand what this has to do with anything?” you say softly.

His eyes widen a bit at your lack of reaction. He knew the burn scars weren’t pretty. People either usually looked away in disgust or worse looked at him with pity after seeing them. Steve had been right, though. Your reaction was completely different.

He takes in a shuddering breath. “Usually people treat me different after they know. But, that’s just surface level, Y/N. After it happened I was kind of messed up, nightmares and all that,” Bucky’s voice is barely a whisper as he forced himself to continue. “My uh- my fiancée left me after the accident because she didn’t like the way they looked and decided my fucked up brain was too much of a lost cause.”

You immediately pull Bucky back onto the couch and into your arms. “She did what?” you seethe as you run your fingers through his thick hair.

Bucky closes his eyes in relief. “It’s okay, doll. It was a long time ago. There’s more to tell you if you still want to hear it.”

You lean down and press a soft kiss to Bucky’s scarred shoulder. “You don’t have to tell me now, it doesn’t change anything. You don’t have to force yourself, Bucky.”

He stares at you in awe. “I want to. I want you to know this, to know me.”

Bucky leans back into you and takes a moment to prepare himself to tell you about the worst day of his life and the subsequent shit storm that followed it.

Part 3 ----------- Part 5