#and his mom felt terrible and she apologised to me so many times

[necroticghost]

Can I please just stop inconveniencing everyone?

[thethreeeyed-raven]

Hey pooks, hope the brits haven't gotten to your head yet. All that tea ya know? PIP PIP, ELLO!!!

anywho, imma hit you with a daddy Zuko req.

So, him and fem reader are childhood friends. And she was kind of a ball of Anxiety and didn't have many friends. So zuko took her under his wing, and was really protective of her.

So when he is banished, he doesn't take her with him because he think she's safer at home.

She thinks she made him mad somehow, and she thinks Zuko hates her and left her.

After he returns (pretending to have killed Avatar) she kind of avoids him, cause she thinks she did sm wrong.

Zuko thinks he did sm wrong, and thinks that she hates him because of the banishing and him kinda being a murderer.

He finally is like "wth, talk to me. Ily, I missed you sm"

And she's like "I thought u hated me ilyt"

And he's like "pooks, u can't love me I've done terrible things.'

And she's like "bby, ily I know u never hurt me. Idc that u banished and a murderer. U always take care of me pooks."

And they all live happily ever after.

WELP, have a good tea time!!!

return

navigation | warnings : none? | a/n : this was better in my head, must of been the 5 cups of tea i have everyday | zuko playlist | tags : @fangsp1der-2099 , @lost-in-fiction-like-ur-mom , @knight-of-flowerss , @mochminnie

You remembered the day he left.

He didn’t even look back at you.

He just left you there.

But now he had returned.

What were you to do? You hadn’t spoken to him in almost three years.

He was banished, you knew that. But why didn’t he take you with him?

Zuko had felt nervous all day.

Yes, he was scared of what his father would do. But he was more scared of what you would say.

Did you even stay in the fire nation?

When you were feeling down, you usually went to feed the turtle ducks.

Today was one of those days, it was nothing new.

It was quiet and peaceful, until a voice you thought you’d never hear again.

“Hello.”

You whipped your head around and met those enchanting golden eyes.

“Zuko.”

He approached you slowly, then sat down.

The silence was awkward at first. Zuko then had the courage to speak.

“I need to apologise to you.”

You looked at him from your peripheral view.

“When I was banished, I was afraid to take you with me. I didn’t want you to see me that way.”

“And I’m glad I didn’t. I’m glad you didn’t see what I became, what I have become. For that I’m sorry, but I also don’t regret it.”

The hungry turtle ducks were far out of your mind now. Your thoughts were filled with the boy next to you.

“I thought you hated me. You didn’t even look at me when you left.”

All this time, Zuko thought that you had forgotten about him. He never imagined that you would hate him.

“I could never hate you. I didn’t look at you because I felt shameful.”

Both of you didn’t know what to say.

“When you were gone, I was all alone. You remember me having no friends don’t you? Well, no one definitely wanted to be friends with the buddy of the banished Prince.”

“And I’m sorry I’ve been avoiding you.”

Zuko shook his head. “You have the right.”

“I didn’t hate you…because I loved you. I always have.”

You took your hands in his gently. “I’ve always loved you too, and even now, after all you’ve done. I know I can love you.”

His hand softly caressed your face and he brought you closer. “Can I…”

Nodding, you closed the gap and brought your lips together.

Yours were soft against his chapped ones, both of you enjoyed the feeling of the other.

“We can learn to love properly again. I know it.”

[gaias-space]

The Maid and The God

Chapter Four PART TWO

Lokis POV

(Angst, NSFW, sexyal features, violence, spit, 18+)

I watch as the timid girl begins to tear up in front of me. She looks confused and afraid. “Mom why are you?- how?”

"Shhh my love come here mommy's got you" my voice exaclty like her mothers. I pray she doesn’t realise it’s not really her mother. I sit beside her on the bed. I could feel the hurt she was feeling already. ‘Just play the part loki’ I told myself. I wrapped my arms around her tightly. And lay beside her. She instantly relaxed in my arms and it was hard to explain but…I quite liked it. Perhaps I could get some things out of her, understand her some more. "What's been going on sweetheart? Tell me everything" I say stroking her hair. She looks up at me her eyes glistening with fresh tears. Oh. This was a new look. I…I’m not quite sure how I feel about that. She looked so scared, and hurt, and broken. How much pain was this girl holding in? "oh mom it's loki. He's awful! He always has made me feel so out of place and uncomfortable! I-I don't know how to act. I don't understand why he is so intimidating! Or why his parents love him! Who could love such a wretched"- she blurts out gripping her mother’s clothing tightly. Hearing her choke up over…over me? Was I that terrible and persistent to her? I thought she would just get over it the second she walked away.

"Uh uh darling" I place my fingers on her lips I don’t think I can hear much more. I didn’t realise how much she disliked me. I need to diffuse this. I take a second to think, but I needed to think quickly. "There is a lot you don't understand my dear. I know your hurting. I know your scared but-" perhaps trying to let her see from a different perspective could help, but instead she cried harder and louder. Tears rolling down her cheeks now, and little hiccups popping from her trembling lips. “I'm so damn scared mom. I don't know how to do any of this without you. Everything was fine. Then he showed up and he's ruined everything! I fear anything I do will start fights with him...I'm afraid I'm already on his bad side. I’m afraid he will hurt me! And what have I done!? Nothing!” She continued on for some time and I hadn’t realised the impact I had on her. And I couldn’t help the ache in my chest hearing such things. “I don't know what I ever did to him. And now I work for him! And -and" she sniffles into her fist. "I feel so helpless. Why am I here? What am I doing? A servant to a greedy jerk! Everything's so scary without you mom. I’m scared. I’m so alone and out of place here…” she cries more.

My jaw drops hearing her words. Was I really this to her? It can’t possible be me!? I needed to think of something and calm her down. My arms on her tighten and I gently rock her back and forth. Something my mother done to me many times as a child. “Hush now my little dove mommy’s got you. You’re safe.” I humm softly and cradle her until I notice her sobs softening, her eyes getting heavy. I could sense the security she felt being in her mother’s arms again. I can’t help but feel a little sorry for her. She didn’t deserve this. But why am I all the blame? I had lots to think about. Time goes by and I hear soft squeal breathing from her mouth, her grip on my loosened. She was asleep. My heart was hurting. I look up at the ceiling for a moment holding this precious girl. Where do we go from here? What do I do now? Why the fuck am I so cruel to her? Was mother right? I shake my head. I didn’t want to think about that right nowz I can’t. I look down at Y/N, she looked so peaceful… So beautiful almost. I hadn’t paid much attention but tonight I couldn’t stop staring at every detail. How her hair lit up from the moonlight, her pink lips looked so soft and plump. Her perfectly shaped body in that tiny nightgown. Was I attracted to her? No. What the hell was I thinking? I’m just tired. In fact, feel guilty taking advantage like this, pretending to be her mother. But this was for me right? To make me feel less guilty for how I treated her today? Yeah of course I’m only doing this to save my ass. Not because I care or anything. Right?

Loki Began to seriously doubt himself and his intentions. Was he really doing this for himself? Or had he realised that Y/N deserved better? And what deep repressed feeling was he having to treat her this way?

I gently remove myself off the bed, watching for a moment as she sleeps peacefully on her pillow. My work here is done I believe. And I make my way back to my room. And I finally was able to sleep.

It was the next morning and i was up early. I couldn’t stop thinking about last night. It was eating me up inside. I pace around my room until I’m startled by a knock at my door. “Loki open the fucking door” Y/N calls out. I chuckle at her attitude and step towards the door swinging it open. But it wasn’t how I was expecting. Her eyes had dark circles like she barely slept, she looked defeated. She had her casual clothes on, and had little effort to any part of her attires all she had was her cleaning equipment. I couldn’t help but feel a little bit empathetic for her, the poor girl, did just speak with her mother in a ‘dream’ I couldn’t imagine the toll that would’ve taken on her, but I thought it would’ve helped her instead, but she looked the complete opposite. "Can you move. I have work to do like today". She snaps. I can’t help but chuckle and step aside allowing her in. "Well my my, aren't we a grumpy little bird to"- she raises a hand and waves it in my face “Not today Loki. I'm cleaning and I'm gone. You won't even know I was here alright? Save your fighting for literally anyone else". She rolls her eyes and proceeds to do touch ups around the room.

"Gods Y/N, you look like you haven't slept." I say with a time of worry. She turns to me a confused expression in her face. But something in me changes. She noticed my worried expression. She can’t see that. I shake my head and clear my throat. "It's absolutely disgusting and I don't want to see my maid looking this way. Oh and your clothes. Why are you not in your uniform?" I scoff. But I take a second to notice what she was wearing. She wore a tight tank top that left little to the imagination. Was it wrong I was staring at her chest like that? She wore short jeans and sneakers. Plain, simple, but utterly arousing to the male gaze. Fuck what am I thinking? Get your head in it loki! Anger filled me again and frustration, this was painful to do. "Gods your pathetic." I say, my tone aggressive and rude. But I watch as a slight hopeful look on her face drops. And there she was again, that hurt little girl from last night. Shit what did I just do?

She finishes tucking my sheets in and making the already made bed look perfect. "Firstly it's absolutely none of your fucking business. Secondly there's so much I want to respond to that, but your not worth the air loki. Your room is done, my duties are done for the day. I am leaving" she yells and storms away. Her attitude was feisty. The way her body would sway as she walked away. Why was I getting this adrenaline every time she got mad at me? Where was she going? I didn’t want her to go. Not yet. Suddenly without thinking I smack my cup of water off my desk. A loud band and water seeping out on to the tiled floor. She turns around quickly with an annoyed look. And all I could do was chuckle and shrug “oops…guess you missed a spot”.

She sighs loudly and walks back over to me with a cloth. She slowly gets down on her knees and I choke up. She was so close to me. Her little body sitting so close below me. Why was I getting hot? It felt like the room became heated. Her pretty eyes looking up at me. Something primal was taking over. Was I that desperate that the house help was making me needy? Or was she actually attractive? Fuck! Why do I keep thinking this? I can just jerk off later, perhaps Its just been a while. If I get off later I won’t think about her again. She bends down and wipes the floor. Her breasts almost falling out her shirt, and the way she bent her back to stuck out her ass. Fuck. “Oh and one more thing” I say. I watch as she looks me in the eyes and something takes over. Was it pent up feelings of anger? Sexual frustration? I don’t know. I fist her hair and she gasps. I make sure she keeps looking at me. "Remember who the fuck you’re talking to before you come in here with that attitude" her cheeks flush bright red. “Your fucking pathetic!” I yell and spit on her face. Degrading her felt euphoric to me. A rush like no other. “You are just a maid, and nothing more now clean it up!” I yell. I let go off her hair and step back. Feeling quite pleased with myself. I storm off and exit the room. What had gotten into me? I wait in the hall across from me and hear her run out crying. I’d really done it this time havent I? I smack my head against the wall and sigh. “What has gotten into you loki?” I say out loud. I needed to figure out what the hell I was doing, what the fuck I am feeling. Do I hate her? Do I want to hate fuck her? Do I hate myself? I shake the thoughts away and make my way to my room again. Some down time could do me some good perhaps.

I lay in my bed staring at the wall. My mother’s words from the night before play in my head over and over. I spent hours thinking long and hard. And being vulnerable with myself is scary. Because I have to admit things I never wanted to. There’s a lot I am not ready to admit. But I do know I really have hurt Y/N and if there’s any chance we can love civilly I need to talk to her. And I believe I owe Y/N an apology while I’m at it. With an annoyed sigh I get out of bed. It was later now, the sky very dark, everyone had gone to bed again. And this time as myself, I walk to her door once more. I gently knock at her door and creek it open. Better now then never I guess. “Y/N? It’s uh…it’s Loki” I say softly.

[kjhmyg]

not re related but i’ve been having a rough time… this happened almost a year ago but last year in august, it was senior year (i still remember the exact date and time it happened) but two of my best friends cut me off cuz they said i had a lot of problems.. and no joke cried until 3 in the morning. it was so hard seeing them everywhere at school, i literally cried every week bc my heart hurt so bad just from seeing them. even though our friendship lasted 6 months (6 months with one of them, the other 2 years) we talked every day, literally every day, hung out almost every week and had a sleepover every month, so when they cut me off, i felt like a piece of my heart fucking tore in half.

then during the 2nd semester of senior year, i became classmates (not even friends) with the person i knew for 2 years and i admit i was REALLY happy. but a part of me thought she was doing it out of pity, keep in mind i still cried every week because of how bad it hurt. and then on our last day of school, i finally did the thing that hurt me the most and blocked their instas and delete all of our gcs and messages, and all of our photos. 700 photos of them. and i cried for hours on end. it hurt so bad.

and at graduation i saw one of them, and we talked for a bit. but it still hurt so bad. i thought i wouldn’t be so hung up over them but i still am it hurts.. and like the thing is, i thought we’d be a friend group throughout our senior year and maybe even college but it still hurts… and like i want to forget them but i genuinely can’t. :(

ALSO IM SORRY FOR RANTING I JUST NEEDED TO GET IT OFF MY CHEST CUZ MY MOM’S NO HELP AT ALL- like my little cousin asked me what happened between them and i started crying and so she got my mom AND MY MOM TOLD ME TO STOP CRYING, SAYING IT HAPPENED A WHILE AGO. i was just like 😀😀

hi my love! first of all, no need to apologise, we all need a good rant once in a while. i'm so sorry this happened to you :( no one deserves to be abandoned like that! did they ever elaborate on what they meant by problems? because unless those problems were affecting them, it's terrible that they just cut you off like that! especially since you knew one of them for 2 years, and spoke with them everyday.

i think it's the fact that you never got closure that's got you hung up over the whole thing. but now that you've blocked them on ig and deleted the gc, it means you're ready to move on! right?

i had a similar situation with a close friend of mine. we stopped talking (my fault, not hers), but i was hung up over it for YEARS. but because i knew i was in the wrong and i missed her. i did apologise but things didn't go back to the way it was - which is fine, because again, it was my fault.

we were still in each other's close friends list on ig and because i was seeing her every day on ig, it made it difficult for me to move on. like i kept wishing she would reply to my stories or wish me happy birthday. which never happened. so...i muted her. and the less i saw of her, the busier i got with other stuff like work etc, the easier it was to forget! to move on!

out of sight, out of mind.

so if you're ready to let the past go and move on, then im telling you from first hand experience that it will get better! let yourself feel what you feel, grieve your friendship (release all of what could've been), but know that you will feel better one day!

(but if you still want closure, it's a whole different thing so lmk. i got closure in my own way.)

anyway, you're allowed to feel sad about it doesn't matter what people think.

because i do get it, wanting to have a friend group to go through an important part of your life with. with people you have many memories with. unfortunately, not everyone is as lucky :( (me included, i never had that!).

but you'll have more chances in the future! (but also, it's okay even if you don't have that!) (it's okay to be alone) (but i dont want you to feel lonely) (life is complicated).

disclaimer that i'm not a licensed to give advice just a deeply flawed person that cares about you, and i hope that you can find your smile again one day <3

[hoppipolla]

Dong Hee suffered who knows how many years of terrible abuse from his father because he came out to his family. He was basically kicked out of his home because of it hence why he's staying at Ho Tae's house. The Time of Fever's makeup choices really toned down the brutality of his abuse. You can see Dong Hee going to school from what appears to be the very next day with no bruises. That's simply impossible. Perhaps some time passed between the two scenes and Dong Hee skipped school to wait for the bruises to fade?

In addition, Ho Tae's broke his leg in an accident which put an abrupt end to his swimming career. I can only imagine how Dong Hee must have felt responsible for it.

The question "why can't they be together" is much more complex than it may appear. Internalised homophobia, as you've pointed out, plays a huge part in it but Dong Hee's trauma and its scars do too. (Not to mention society's expectations and homophobia.)

Ho Tae's mom was the only one who loved Dong Hee so genuinely as he grew up and wished for his happiness above anything else. She provided the warmth Dong Hee never experienced from his parents (the relationship he has with his mom is a bit unclear but her absence — compared to Ho Tae's mom's — says a lot). He wants to do everything he can to repay the debt he feels he has towards her. So again, as you've pointed, he doesn't want Ho Tae to date him. Because he doesn't want Ho Tae to go through what he had to go through. He wants him to live a carefree life in which he doesn't have to dwell too much on anything.

For Dong Hee, his love for Ho Tae is a curse symbolised by Ho Tae's broken leg. To him, his love can only bring pain and sorrow. No one can blame him for thinking like that because no one has ever told him that the feelings he has were worth it. That he had nothing to be ashamed of.

Him returning to his hometown is quite puzzling and hints at a lot of possible outcomes: did he drop out of med school? why didn't he pursue a career in a hospital? why did he choose to open a café instead? His return may be interpreted as the confirmation that he is more at peace with himself and it shows in his behaviour because he is much more jovial in ULS. But, as you've said, he hasn't changed regarding the way he views his feelings for Ho Tae. Because the scars are still very much present. Because being in Seoul all alone was a constant reminder of why he had chosen to go so far away in the first place. Him returning might have made him think that all of this was in vain although he did gain some peace of mind... Who knows? I feel like Dong Hee has unfinished inner battles to fight and that's why he and Ho Tae are not together even by the end of ULS.

True, most of my lenghty comment is about my take on the characters and is very much my interpretation on both dramas. However since some things were left unexplained, it does feel like an invite to imagine what might have happened between the gaps :)

I apologise for how long this got op. Your post made me want to write something. I hope you don't mind! Dong Hee is quite a tragic character and his story made my heart ache for him.

The Time of Fever should've been called the neverending Time of Mutual Pining xD

And that's why I'm not completely satisfied with the prequel drama - like, it makes sense to end on a happy note because it was a movie and it wraps it all up (but not fully happy and it's not a spoiler if you watched the previously released following series)

But if you then think about Unintentional Love Story, then nothing really changed between them - Hotae still actively pursues Donghee as adult and Donghee gives him the cold shoulder.

And I thought there was something really serious happening between them in the past but it turned out to be a case of internalized homophobia for both and then guilt for still liking the other. And Donghee streasing out even more because of the pressure of being a praised child and guilt of "ruining" his aunt's son potentially, he tried so many time to stop Hotae from ending up gay.

Which is valid, I enjoy this version too, but I'm now thinking those worries should dry away with time, not get stronger like in ULS. I mean, Donghee returned to the hometown so that metaphorically means he's back to his feelings for Donghee, and they are both adults now so Hotae is making more conscious choices having no Donghee influence for years, and he still loves him.

So whyyyyyyyyy? Why they can't be together? Give me post ULS ending when they finally resolve and accept everything, if the director won't think of adding another post ULS spinoff with both couples gettinf happy ending, then the Time of Mutual Pining indeed never ends xD

(although that's also not a bad story, the bittersweet ending suits them but damn, they clearly still choosing each other after all these years 🥲)

I'm thinking of rewatching ULS for a second couple and see if there's any fun way to write fics and make them together xD

[mysticalrambling]

Second Place Part 2 (H.S)

Part 1

My Main Masterlist is here.

Harry Styles Masterlist is here.

Summary: Harry comes back home to reconcile with you but it isn’t going to be easy for him.

Warnings: Angst but it ends with fluff.

._._._._.

The four hour flight back from Houston to Los Angeles seemed like it went on forever. Harry wanted nothing more at the moment than to be with you and his daughter. There were so many questions running through his mind that a pounding headache appeared as soon as he boarded the plane.

Why was it taking so long? 

What if you had already left? 

What if it was too late to make amends?

“‘cuse me. When are we goin’ to land?” Harry spoke up urgently from his seat as soon as he saw an air hostess walking through the aisles.

“We’re going to land in forty minutes, sir.” She replied with a forceful smile because Harry had asked her the same question repeatedly after every ten minutes.

“‘kay. ‘m sorry for bein’ such a pain but I have t’get back to London.”

“It- It’s quite alright, sir.” She became a little flustered when the Grammy winning rockstar apologised to her. Ava has dealt with many celebrities and they were always so self centered that they always ignored her and her feelings. None of them ever apologised for their behavior. Maybe it was true; Harry Styles was different.

As soon as the plane landed, Harry got out of his seat like he was on fire and was the first one out of the plane. Jeff had told a driver to pick him up from the airport and take him to his family. He was never more glad to not be spotted by the paparazzi. There was no time to deal with them or their ridiculous theories.

“Love, we need t’go to nana’s house.”“Change out of your pjs please.”

“Mommy, no.”

“Y’don’t want to change?”

“No!” This word was really getting on your nerves because you didn’t have time for one of her tantrums. There was a chance that you might separate from the love of your life and your world was turning upside down in front of your eyes.

“Let’s just get goin’. Our stuff’s already in the car.”

“Daddy?”

“No, we aren’t going to Daddy. We’re goin’ to nana.”

“No! Daddy!”

People who said that the teenage years of your child’s life are the worst for parents might have never experienced a toddler in its terrible twos. Why was life so hard? You just wanted to get out of this house as soon as possible because the memories were suffocating you. What if this was the end? 

From the past two hours, you have tried to convince Elizabeth to get ready but she wasn’t having none of it. You knew that she still remembered the last conversation she had with her father and she wanted to just be close to him. Abandonment issues were a major problem for you and your daughter. That’s why you hadn’t scolded her yet but you were actually reaching your limit.

“Daddy’ll meet you at nana’s.”

“Promise?” You instantly felt guilty because you never thought that you would lie to your child. In your defence, Harry would come to meet her at your mother’s house, you just didn’t specify the timeframe. 

“Promise, baby.”

You styled her into one of her jumpsuits and white sneakers with a french braid. Harry was the one who always made Lizzie’s hair but you had to make do. You admitted that you teared up slightly while making it but you just pushed all those feelings down.

As you were helping Lizzie with her coat, the sound of jingling keys stopped you dead in your tracks. The only people who had access to your house were you, Harry and both your parents. You knew your mom was waiting for you at her home because you had called her as soon as you had gotten off the phone from Harry. It might be Anne coming to convince you to stay. A part of you hoped that she would persuade you into staying.

Who is it?” You asked from your position in the hallway and stood up.

“It’s me, Harry.” He didn’t expect you to be here but he was really glad that you were. The sooner he could fix it, the better. 

“What are y’doing here?” “Daddy!” The voices of his two favorite girls reached his ears and he just dropped his bags on the doorway to pick up his daughter. Oh, how much he missed her.

“I’m here like I promised.”

“I told y’to not come.”

“And I told you that y’are more important than m’work.”

You were about to give him a piece of your mind when Lizzie interrupted you. “Daddy, no nana?” She was so darn cute but sometimes you really wished she wouldn’t blurt out the first thing on her mind.

“Yes, darlin’. No nana.”

“Harry, stop makin’ promises.”

Moving closer to you, he tried to take you in his other arm but you took a step back. Him being close to you was always distracting and you needed a clear head. Harry was not going to admit it but your action really hurt him. You have never denied him or his touch even when you were both fighting. Maybe it was too late but he would be damned to go down without fighting.

“Love, I full’ intend t’make do on it.”

“As if y’have a great track record.”

Once you saw the expression on his face, you knew you went a little far. You understood that it was his job and he wasn’t entirely to blame here. You just wanted him to realise that he should have put your family up there with it as well. It was not only him cancelling on his promises but also the fact that he slowly started treating your life as unimportant. He forgot to wish you on your anniversary of first date even though he was the one who celebrated it religiously year after year. He forgot to congratulate your daughter on her first ever drawing and the lost just keeps on going.

“‘m really sorry, darlin’. I’now nothing would ever make up fo’ it but please let me try.”

“Harry, tend t’your daughter and then we’ll talk.” You proceeded towards the kitchen to make yourself a cup of tea. While the water was boiling, you just lent against the counter and listened to your husband talking.

“Really sorry, lovie. You and y’mum will be my first priority from now on. Daddy’s sorry.”

There were some background noises coming from the living room as well so you just assumed that he put on some movie for her to watch while you both could discuss everything. You were about to turn back to your tea when a high pitched wail reached your ears.

“What happened?” You worriedly asked as you walked over to your daughter and kneeled on her play mat.

“Don’t know. I put on nemo and she jus’ started crying.” There was a deep frown on Harry’s face because this has never happened to him. Elizabeth loved her father from the day she entered this world and he was the only one who knew her every needs. She never cried when he was around and her temper tantrums always ended when she saw him. This was a first and he was genuinely worried.

“H, she doesn’t like fish now. They scare ‘er. Told y’that a week ago.” You quickly put Snow White on and she was her bubbly self again. Although, you were sure she would find something else in a matter of minutes to cry about. Terrible twos.

“I-I-“ Harry Styles has never been speechless because he always knew what to say. He was a media trained celebrity after all. But at this exact moment he didn’t know what to say.

He vaguely remembered you complaining about this a week ago but he didn’t pay attention to your story. He was too invested in going back into the room to rejoin the party. A sudden realisation hit him. You were right; he did put his family second. He didn’t know how you would ever forgive him but he just wanted another chance.

“H, what happened?” You were quick to cup his cheeks and wipe the stay tears. Your husband has cried a total of two times since he has been with you. Once when he saw you walking down the aisle and the other when he held Lizzie for the first time. Harry has always been open about his feelings so he has never felt the need to cry. This was truly unsettling for you.

“I’m sorry I’ve been such a shitty husband and father. Please let me make it up to y’both.” His eyes were red at this point and he clung to your hands for some comfort. “Don’t deserve y’ or our princess but please gimme a chance.”

“Harry-“

“Give me anothe’ chance and I won’t disappoint.” He was ready to kneel in front of you if that’s what it was going to take you to forgive him.

“H, it’s okay. Just please don’t do this again.”

“Cross my heart, hope to die.” You quickly pulled him into a kiss because you couldn’t stay away from him. You knew he was truly feeling guilty and he would do his best to make up for it.

“Do you have t’go back tomorrow?”

He rested his head in the crook of your neck and responded in a muffled voice. “Houston show got cancelled so I’ll be stayin’ for a week.”

“That’s great. Love you.”

“Love yeh too, darling. Now, let’s watch this movie with our li’l bug.”

Hope you guys liked it!!

._._._._.

A/N: The much awaited second part is here. This is my first time writing it on my phone so I hope the formatting is all good. I am in love with Harry Styles so I am praying that you guys love this short series. I would love it if you guys send in requests because I need some ideas related to Harry Styles and Chris Evans. And tell me if you want to be added to my tag list. Love you all!!

Tag list: @peculiarpenman @pettinesspersonified @kalopsia-flaneur @manifestrry @sophiaedits @abcdthisisme @pracsstyles

Hope you guys enjoyed it.

[unsupervisedpanda]

Hit

Scott x sister! Reader

You and your brother used to be so close until he got some new friends. Stiles had even started to ignore you. So in a desperate attempt for something to do you stayed after school one day. On this fateful day your ride ditched and you were left stranded at the school. You are injured and Scott makes a promise.

You and your brother had always been close, so to say it hurt when he had started going out and leaving you all alone was an understatement. Even Stiles had stopped hanging out with you.

On top of that you didn't have many friends, your mom was never home, and Mr. Stilinski was always at work.

You had no one. You only had school. You decided to stay after school today to help the librarian and put away books.

You stayed for a few hours before gasping at the dark curtain that had draped over the sky. It was later then you had thought and you lived pretty far from the school.

You had hitched a ride from your mother this morning but she was probably still at work. Lydia and Allison were probably busy so that left you with Stiles or Scott.

Pulling out your phone you hit the phone icon. Scrolling through the contacts you found Stiles. Calling him first seemed like the safer option seeing as he was probably easier to hitch a ride with and would be less annoyed.

Bzzzz! Bzzzz! The person you are try- you hung up.

Obviously he'd send you to voicemail. Scott it is.

Bzzzz! Bzzzz! "Hello?"

"Scott! Hey. Can you come pick me up? I'm at the school but-"

"Really y/n? You called for a ride? I'm a little busy at the moment. I don't have time for this. So no. I can't." Beep!

He hung up. You looked at the phone in shock. You knew your big brother was getting annoyed with even having you on his contact list but you didn't think he'd abandon you like this. Quickly gathering yourself, you shoved your phone in your pocket.

"Walking it is." You felt your voice break slightly.

Walking out of the parking lot you started the journey of walking home. Sadly though, as though your day couldn't get any worse, it had started to rain.

You tripped as your sneakers slipped on the road but you kept walking. You just wanted to get home. Your soaked clothes made you shiver and you tugged your hoodie closer suddenly wishing you listened to your mom about bringing an umbrella. Little did you or anyone else know that was the least of your worries.

The rain wasn't letting up and neither were your tears. You were soaked and cold and just wanted to be home. To lie in your bed and cry yourself to sleep. As you continued walking through the sheet of rain you heard horns blaring and then you saw a pair of bright headlights.

Before you could register anything else you felt pain, and heard your ribs crack. You tasted the blood after that and soon you smelled smoke. It was all so terrible, but the pain was the worst.

You heard someone yell to you and call to you, but you couldn't answer. Your throat felt raw and tight. All you wanted to do was scream, and so you finally did.

The ambulance came quickly and picked you up, rushing you to the hospital. The driver was looked over but was deemed fine. The police would talk to them later.

For now though they were panicking over your body doing all that could to keep you awake. You felt sleepy and were in extreme pain.

"Where's Scott? I want my brother! Scott! Scott! Please I just want my brother!" You cried.

All you wanted was Scott. He always kissed your injuries better. He always made you feel better. Where was he? He promised he'd always be there!

"Scooott!" You screamed until you throat was sore.

"We need to sedate her!" One of the peramedics called over your sobs.

"We can't! She may have a concussion!" A woman yelled.

The original male peramedic growled but understood.

"Listen miss. What's your name? Maybe we can get ahold of this Scott." He threw you a fake and annoyed smile.

"Y/n McCall! My brother is Scott McCall and my mom is Melissa McCall!" You answered.

"Great! Now let's get you taken care of babe. You're okay with me calling you babe right?" A woman asked as she took care of getting the blood off of your head and and arms.

"Y- yea! I just wanna go home." You winced and screamed as the other paramedic set your leg back into place. The leg you didn't even know you broke.

"Emergency! Young teenage girl in car accident. Broken leg, possible concussion as well as a few possible broken ribs, cuts on arms and a gash on her forehead!" The woman yelled as the doctors and nurses took you away.

"Y/n! Oh my God! What happened!?" Melissa gasped as she followed you to the emergency room.

"M-mom? Oh my God mom! I don't know what happened all I was doing was walking home. I was so cold and wet. I tried calling Scott but he got mad. Like really mad. I wanted to call you but you were working. Now I'm here. Surprise?" You winced after explaining as best you could but your focus was not exactly spot on.

"Oh sweetheart let's get you taken care of." You were then taken away and put into your own room. You fell asleep, but not before checking your phone which had surprisingly survived and looking at the wall paper. A picture of you and Scott. Smiling.

Ring! Ring! Ring! "Hello?" Scott picked up the phone.

Stiles was obviously concerned. Not only had it been a few hours since y/n called but she wasn't answering his texts and it was pouring. Sure it was a pack meeting, but he worried for y/n.

"Mom!? What? Y/n? Yea she called earlier?" Scott's eyebrows furrowed.

Then his face turned to one of shock.

"Stiles. Get the car. Now!" He quickly got up and hung up on his mother running out the door and down the front stairs, but not before grabbing his jacket and running to Stiles' Jeep. Stiles followed quickly not knowing where he was going.

"The hospital!" Scott pressed as Stiles drove to the hospital.

Scott was still processing what his mother had told him. Y/n had been in an accident. She hadn't specified but she told him to get his ass there.

They pulled into the parking lot quickly and ran into the hospital asking for y/n McCall's room. Once they found out they ran up the stairs not bothering with the elevator.

"Mom!? What happened!?" Scott whisper yelled. 

Miss McCall did not look happy.

"Y/n came in. She was soaked and cold. Possible hypothermia at this point. That isn't the worst part though. She came in on an ambulance. An ambulance Scott! And what are those used for?" She questioned.

"Major emergencies? I don't know. What does that have to do with anything?" He asked.

"Y/n was hit by a damn car Scott! She almost died. She had cuts and bruises all over. She has three broken ribs, a broken leg, a concussion, need I go on? Your little sister almost died! She called for a ride that would've taken what, 15 minutes? All you had to do was get over yourself and think about her for once. You ignore her calls, and barely answer her anymore. You two used to be so close and you are pushing her away Scott. And now she is in a hospital bed! And do you know what she was yelling when they were on their way here!? No she wasn't yelling for me! Not Stiles! She was yelling for you Scott!" Melissa ranted.

"Now get your ass in there and take care of her and apologise!" She finished, walking away.

Scott felt terrible. He hadn't meant for this to happen. It was true though. He was pushing you away, but only because he didn't want you to get hurt. That's the only reason he answered. To make sure you weren't in danger.

He hadn't thought about the weather.

He hadn't thought of a damn car hitting you.

He hadn't thought walking home would be dangerous.

His last words to you had been so harsh. Now he had almost lost you, and the fact you were now in a hospital bed because of it? It was stupid.

He and Stiles walked into the dark hospital room. You were sleeping soundly. Your h/l h/c hair was wet and sprawled on your pillow.

"Oh y/n!" Scott rushed to your side and kissed your forehead.

Stiles silently cried as he saw your broken form. You looked so small and broken. Fragile. He and Scott felt terrible. Stiles had sent you to voicemail because he was told to, and then Scott hung up on you. Now you're in a hospital bed broken and beat up. All for what? Nothing. All they knew is they weren't ever leaving your side or ignoring you ever again. Scott made a promise to himself to be a better big brother. To be there for you no matter what. All he knew is he couldn't lose you. You were the only little sister he had. He wasn't going to let some stupid pack meeting keep him away from you. He wasn't going to lose you. Ever.

A/n

I hope you enjoyed! Thats it for this one my unsupervised critters! 🐾💞

[imgoingtofreakoutnow]

Emptiness of the Heart

Summary: During a trip in New Orleans you meet Elijah and you feel like you've finally found the one... unfortunately his attentions put you in dangerous situations so, to keep you safe, he decides to wipe your mind from all the memories you had with him... but will that be enough to erase him from your heart?

Pairing: Elijah Mikaelson x reader

Prompt: "I wanted to be better than this"

Warnings: descriptions of drowning in the first part, little talk about amnesia (?), pretty angsty

Words: 1.3k

A/n: I wasn't really planning on joining @hellotvshowtrash 's #April2021PromptChallenge but then I made this moodboard, inspiration hit me and here we are! Hope you like it!💞✨

Tags: @elijahs-wife @elijahswife @dumble-daddy @imaginearyparties @raemikaelson @thedumpster-fire

Water.

It was everywhere.

You couldn't see. You couldn't scream. You couldn't breathe. All you could feel was its deadly cold embrace pulling you deeper in its darkness. A voice, muffled and far away from there, whispered in your ear.

"I wanted to be better than this, Y/n. For you. For us..."

Your lungs were aching, begging for air, begging for you to open your mouth and inhale. And the more the pain grew, the less you were able to think, to move, to hold your breath...

"I destroyed everything again, like all the things I've ever touched"

As you closed your eyes, your conscience leaving your frozen body, you opened your mouth. The cold water became fire sliding down your throat and filling your lungs.

"Forgive me, my love"

You woke up in a mess of hair and covers sticking to your sweaty skin. Coughing and clutching your drumming heart you breathed deeply, welcoming every ounce of oxygen down your lungs. Even though it wasn't real, a phantom pain lingered in your chest to remind you the nightmare you had just escaped.

And behind the fright, behind the invisible pain searing your lungs, there was that senseless feeling of emptiness, of a missing piece that you never had, of a touch that was never yours. Of someone you had forgotten.

Moving your hair from your face, a warm light caressed your skin and your eye. Turning to your window, you noticed a pink sky through the blinds. With a sigh, you stood from your bed with a rustling sound as all the covers fell on the floor, cold as ice under your bare feet.

"I need a shower..."

—

"You need to sleep more, Y/n"

In the chaotic enviroment of the cafe, you gave a quick glance at your mother. Sat at the opposite side of the table, she was menacingly pointing a teaspoon to your face. "The bags under your eyes are darker than your coffee"

"I do sleep, mom" you sighed, rolling your eyes. "It's not my fault if I can't sleep more than four hours per night" you added, taking a sip of coffee. Its bitter taste, however strong, was still not enough to completely shake you from your sleepiness.

"But you never had problems sleeping!" she exclaimed, adding the fifth sugar cube in her tea. You looked at that wincing.

"I think there's enough sugar in that tea" you commented, moving out of her reach the sugar bowl, but she didn't even seem to notice as she kept talking.

"It all started after that trip to New Orleans..." She looked up from her cup and fixed her eyes in yours, her spoon clinking as it hit the light porcelain. "Are you sure that nothing happened while you were there?"

You wanted to genuinely answer that question, you truly did. However all your memories linked to that trip were terribly blurred, as they belonged to a fever dream. Sometimes glimpses of those days came to your mind: the music of a club, lights, the smell of the docks, a strange and welcoming warmth... but there was no clear connection between them.

"No, mom. Nothing" you assured her once again. The last thing she needed was to add amnesia to the many problems you had.

As your gaze wandered around in the cafe, it stopped on the clock hanged on the wall. Half past eight. "I have to go now" you said, drinking the last drop of caffeine left in your mug. "Work starts in thirty minutes and the boss isn't kind to those who arrive late" you explained, searching in your pockets enough money to pay for the drinks.

"Of course" your mother nodded without moving her gaze from her tea. A smile appeared on her face but didn't reach her eyes, lost in the cold liquid left in the cup in front of her.

"Mom." She finally raised her gaze and you smiled. "Thank you for worrying but I'm okay." You moved next to her and left a kiss on her cheek. "I can take care of myself"

"I know, dear" she said, caressing gently your cheek. "Just remember that I'm here if you ever need me"

With one last thankful smile you left her at the table. Avoiding customers and waiters, you dared to check your phone only after the doors of the cafe closed behind you. Not even three steps later, you bumped your shoulder into someone leaning against the wall just outside the shop.

"I'm terribly so–" you didn't finish. You couldn't. Your breath was stuck in your throat, your voice lost somewhere in between your lungs and your tongue, as you watched the man staring back at you with wide eyes.

His coat, his tie, his dark hair felt familiar. He felt familiar; as it was the smell of rainy days in New York, or the melody of your favourite song, or the warmth radiating from a candle. There was a strange pull that drew you towards him and you suddenly felt the need to touch him, to make sure he was standing right in front of you.

"There's no need to apologise". His voice was deep and somehow melodic, but it had a raw note in it, like the blow of a stormy wind through a forest. "I shouldn't have been here in the first place; if you'll excuse me..."

Confused by the irrational feelings that made your skin itch, you moved just enough to let him walk away. You followed him with your gaze but you soon realized that the further he went away, the heavier your heart weighed in your chest.

"Wait!" you shouted, running after him. The surprise was evident on his face when he turned again towards you. "Do you– have we ever met before?"

"I don't think so. I don't live here"

"Maybe somewhere else... New Orleans, perhaps?"

Since you came back from the southern city, you felt like you had been forcefully put in a state of numbness from which there was no way of getting out on your own. Like being drowned in cold, still, infinite water.

Now your blood was finally rushing again in your veins like tides crashing on sand, your heart beating faster than it ever did filling your ears with its rhythm. You were alive again, and all of this because of a stranger that felt like home.

It just couldn't be a coincidence, it could–

"I'm sorry to disappoint but I haven't been there in years, you must've confused me with someone else"

As quickly as it rocketed, your excitement fell, making you spiral back in that numbness, almost like you had never left it.

"You're probably right" you muttered, lowering your gaze and taking a few steps back. "My apologies"

You turned your back to him, quickly putting as much space as you could between you and whatever memory that man awakened. Because, even if you didn't know who he reminded you of —or if this person ever existed— the tears pricking your eyes were real. And they were cold on your skin. And on your heart.

—

The man watched the girl walk away. Even from a distance, he noticed her hand move to her face to wipe her tears. A gesture he had seen too many times to be mistaken.

He took a deep breath when she disappeared around the corner. That was the last time he was going to see her.

Elijah turned around, jaw clenched as his heart turned cold dead again in his chest.

At least she's safe now.

For the first time, that thought didn't make the separation any easier...

[malkumtend]

Their Booth (part 3) - Human Squirrelcrow AU.

Crow has never found making friends easy. That wasn’t so much a problem for him because, until recently, he never really wanted friends. Too much hassle. His mother had a problem with it though. She used to try and set him up with other members of the track team. Pairings in class, setting up group work after school, even study meet ups with other teachers’ kids. Each ended with the same result. The disappointment lined her face like ridges on a mountain, and Crow found it hard to not feel terrible when he saw the look in her eyes.

“I’m doing my bit, Crow.” She’d said once as they’d walked away from a track meeting that had ended with half the team glaring at Crow as he left. “I can introduce you to people, but it’s your job after that.”

“I never asked you to do anything.” It was true, he hadn’t. He couldn’t look at her as he’d said it.

“I wish you would, maybe then you’d put in a little effort.”

Effort? Effort was just standing around people. Effort was pretending you didn’t notice when people looked at your height and rolled their eyes, smirking. Effort was hearing warnings about not talking to you and not ripping into them there and then.

Crow put in enough effort.

“I don’t want to.” Was all he had said.

Ashfoot just sighed and that, strangely, was just enough for Crow’s teeth to start chattering in the summer air. “Fine. Then you’re on your own.”

She didn’t interfere much after that. Not even a question. Crow had made his point.

She must have been hiding her dismay at his attitude for a while, because every time he came home nowadays Ashfoot was practically jumping with questions.

“What was she wearing? Where’d you go? Did she notice your new haircut? Why don’t you invite her here once and a while?”

Crow held up his hands as if he was protecting himself. “Mom!” He tries to walk by her, but she pulls him down excitedly next to her on the couch. “Seriously! Calm down!” He pats himself over but he doesn’t stand back up. It wouldn’t do much; Ashfoot had a good grip.

“Come on! Tell me! Tell me!”

Crow can’t help but laugh. She looks so bright now. “Mom, we were just studying math. It wasn’t like we were seeing the Moonstone monument or anything.”

Ashfoot rolls her eyes knowingly, “Crow, it’s ten, and it’s a Friday night.” She squeezes his arm so he feels a sharp pinch. “I’m a teacher. You were not just studying."

“What can I say? You raised me right.” He wants to leave it there. The TV is on, some nature documentary plays, he fakes being interested in it to ignore her interest in him.

Her hand leaves his shoulder, she sits back, crosses her arms, her eyes go hard. “One. Two. Three-”

“Oh, really? You’re going to do the-”

“Four. Five-”

“Mom, I’m not some kid any-”

“Six. Seven. Don’t make me reach ten.”

“Honestly, we were just-”

“Eight. Nine-”

The panic from childhood authority betrays him. He’s vaguely aware that he’s begun to sweat. “Okay! Okay! Stars above, fine!” He ignores the expectant smirk and the satisfied tilt of her head. “We headed around Highstone Street for a little while. There’s some media store that she likes to check out there. Also,” He’s ashamed when he feels his ears go hot. “She wanted us to visit the museum. She said there was some cool new sports exhibit there.”

“Oh, yeah I heard of that!” Ashfoot perks up, “Was it good?”

Crow can’t lie. “They have Wind Runner’s track shoes from when she won the state finals!”

Ashfoot’s jaw drops, “Are you kidding?”

“No.”

“What colour were they?”

Crow’s grin broadens. It’s amazing to share an interest with a parent. “White with black streaks with grey soles.”

Ashfoot is already on her phone, typing feverishly into notes. “Remind me tomorrow to set up a class trip.”

“Sure.” Crow knows he’ll be recording his mother as she drifts into a fangirl state at the sight of so much sports history. He also knows he’ll be grinning the whole time as his teammates try to configure that the hysterical middle-aged woman is in fact the teacher who could easily take the role of a military drill instructor if asked.

Ashfoot is still typing when she asks, “Did Squirrel enjoy it as well?”

Crow squeezes the sidearm of the couch absently. “I guess.” He shrugs.

“Try to be more convincing.” An octave drop is all it takes to go from cheery to sullen.

He sighs. She probably didn’t enjoy it that much. It was no secret that Squirrel was not a fan of sports. Crow would be surprised if she could even guess where the last Olympics were held. She showed up at his track races, but it was only because they were friends, if they weren’t she wouldn’t set a foot near the field.

“I don’t know.” Crow chuckles. “I don’t really think she enjoyed it, except when we checked out the boxing section.”

“Did she say anything?”

“No. After we saw half the exhibits, I asked her if she wanted to leave. She said no.” Actually, she’d told him to shut up and enjoy himself, and that she wasn’t paying ten dollars to not even see the whole exhibit. Crow kept his mouth shut after that.

Ashfoot sets her phone down, “Well then maybe she enjoyed it. It was her idea, right?”

Crow nods, but he doesn’t believe her words. He’s suddenly worrying: Did he make her go through an hour of boredom? Did she waste her money and time over him? Did she get in trouble with her parents for coming home late? He feels his pulse rocketing and he wets his lips. Should he call her to see if she was okay? Should he apologise for making her act like she was interested.?

“I hope she didn’t mind.” Is all he says.

Ashfoot’s face scrunches up, “Don’t be stupid. She wouldn’t have suggested going if she hated it that much.” She must not like the look on her son’s face. Her arms cross as she leans back in her cushion. “Tell me, how many times have you gone to that media store with her?”

The question catches him off guard. He feels exposed somehow. He thinks for a moment, blowing out air. “Um, three or four times, I guess?” It’s probably more but admitting that feels embarrassing and like he’s backing into a corner.

His mother waves her hand, “And I know that you’re no Leonardo DiCaprio. Did you care when she took you there? Were you annoyed?”

He doesn’t respond. It seems he doesn’t need to as his mother raises an eyebrow. “There you go.” She says, a teacher’s declaration giving her sincere command, but with a lightness only Crow can find some kind of comfort from. “I’m sure she doesn’t care that much. It’s what friends do.” Crow blushes at how it seems his mother needs to explain what friends actually did. “You do things you’re both interested in. It’s not some kind of drama; don’t turn it into one.”

Crow can swear his home life is some kind of soft detention. He knows it’s the teacher in her voice that sounds so convincing. Maybe it’s also that what she’s saying makes sense. There really had been no indication that Squirrel hadn’t enjoyed herself, but there was equally nothing Crow could think of that gave the impression she had.

Maybe his mother was right, that she didn’t need to do either. Perhaps tolerating interests was part of the description.

But he didn’t want her to tolerate these things. He really wanted her to enjoy them. If she didn’t it felt like she was only tolerating him.

He’s silent for too long. He does that when he doesn’t have an answer.

“Oh my stars,” Ashfoot says, her chin digging into her knuckle, “Crow, what’s the worst that could happen? Do you really think she’s going to hate you because she allegedly didn’t like some museum? I haven’t even met her and I know she isn’t that shallow!”

Crow lifts his head an inch. There’s a bitter taste on his tongue. He hates it when people talk to him like he’s an idiot. He hates it more when he truly feels like one. “It isn’t that. I just want her to enjoy herself, that’s all.”

“Again, you’re just thinking that she didn’t.”

“Well, do you know any better?”

His jaw tightens with instant regret. When Ashfoot doesn’t even budge, he feels worse. If she wanted to, she could tear him apart with words. Many students could attest to that. She just sits, thin lipped, a knowing arch over one eye.

He hasn’t shown her any attitude like that for a while now.

It doesn’t take a genius to realise why he’s suddenly defensive.

“Sorry.” Crow mutters.

“God.” Ashfoot crosses her arms, “You do like her, don’t you?”

Crow stiffens up, his heart racing as he turns to his mother. She’s practically convulsing with laughter. The sight of his jaw hanging as well as his burning face must be a hell of a change. There’s no point denying it. He was an open letter to Ashfoot.

“Don’t look like that. You were only ever this happy to have company when Feather was around. And that wasn’t so hard to figure out either.”

A letter that had never been closed to begin with, it seemed.

Crow just resigns, a hand falling over his face while his mother continues to chuckle with a growing delight. “You’re really not helping.” He says grumpily.

“You’re not helping yourself, I think.” She says, remarkably even. “You’re worrying over nothing, I don’t need to say it again. If it bothers you so much, why don’t you just ask her out?”

Now Crow is spluttering, choking, trying to function.

His mother continues to laugh.

“I can’t do that.” Is all he says once he’s managed to keep himself from throwing up.

“Why not? All she can do is say no.”

“Oh, that’s just great! Then we can just forget the whole thing, can’t we?” His voice is poisonous with sarcasm. Enough that his mother’s eyes narrow.

“Watch it.” She warns. “You’re not big enough yet that I can’t treat you like a kid.” Her hand smacks her thigh to prove her point. Crow growls but he sits away with a huff. It feels like he’s going through loops on a rollercoaster. He hadn’t even admitted to Feather that he liked her when he had, not even when he didn’t anymore. He’d wanted too, of course. But just thinking about it was enough of a turn off.

He had always counted himself lucky to even be Feather’s friend. The idea of pushing that luck was like betting your fortunes after winning the lottery. She couldn’t just say no in his eyes. Everything after that would be them forcing themselves to act like it had never happened, that he didn’t feel the way he did. Soon enough, it would be too much for one of them and she wouldn’t even be able to look at him without tensing and turning away.

Those thoughts were a constant thunderstorm. And he didn’t want to risk leaving the safety of his silence.

Those thoughts were no different with Squirrel.

“Look, it would just get in the way. I don’t want to make it awkward between us.”

Crow expects it when Ashfoot rolls her eyes. But it’s smooth and alert instead of tiring. She’s nodding to herself, grunting like she’s heard some old joke for the hundredth time. “Oh, don’t make me hear another story like that.”

“Huh?”

“It’s just what your father said.”

It’s like a wasp’s net has been thrown into the room. Crow can’t keep his mouth shut. He hardly ever hears his mother talk about his Dad. He never brought it up either. He’d always assumed Ashfoot wouldn’t want to talk about him. He couldn’t imagine anyone who wanted to be reminded of their dead husband.

Crow’s never been the one to bring him up either. No one really did unless they were talking about him in general. He was a local hero after all. It would be surprising if there was one person who didn’t know about the great runner who had dragged himself, baton in hand, in the State relay just so Tallstar could win it for the region. Doing that had been what caused his early retirement after all; Crow knew what it was like to run with a strained tenon, nevertheless a snapped one.

That permanent limp had been what gave him his nickname.

A nickname he’d worn like the armour of a local hero.

Crow’s classmates hadn’t even known he was Deadfoot’s son before they found out he was Ashfoot’s.

They never talked about him around Crow. No kid hated him enough to rub salt into that wound.

Truthfully, whenever Crow had heard his father’s name, it wasn’t upsetting for him. It was just… strange. He heard teachers and students praise his father’s name, talking about how loyal he was, about what he liked and what he didn’t, and Crow couldn’t even tell what was the truth and what was a mistake.

The crash had happened only a few months after Ashfoot had become pregnant. Crow had never gotten the chance to meet this ‘credit to the city’. To hear all these things, when Crow would not even know his dad’s eye colour without looking in a picture taken before he was born, it just made him feel odd. Not uncomfortable. Just odd.

He was happy his father was someone respected, and he wished he could have met him. But how could he miss someone he hadn’t even known?

Really, the fact he only heard about Deadfoot from all these stories was just another reason Crow pushed himself in track. It wasn’t that he wanted to make his dad’s memory proud or anything, he just felt like it was something he should do. Besides, he enjoyed running. Whether he was as good as the ghost of a name wasn’t really a major concern.

But he’d always felt it was different for his mother. She’d loved him. She’d lost him. She was the only one who really knew who he was behind the highlights.

Crow didn’t dare bring him up around her. Who’s to say his name wasn’t an atom bomb in her mind?

He made sure to never cross that line.

But she’s sprinted over it so effortlessly.

“W-What?”

Her head rests against the cushion, eyes soft and sweet on her son. “Me and your father had been friends for years, and it was clear as day that he liked me. I made it pretty clear I liked him too. But it took him nearly a whole decade before he even asked me on a date.” A glitter of amusement sparkles over her. “I’ve had students sweat less after doing a circuit ten times.”

Crow doesn’t say anything. He’s so used to only hearing his father associated with terms like ‘legend’ or ‘hero’ that the idea of him being nervous, of thinking of him with emotions, is like being dunked with cold water.

“I said yes, obviously, but I still grilled him on why it took him so damn long. He said that he was worried of ruining what we already had. I could have punched him. We’d liked each other for that long and he wasted time over something stupid like that.”

He searches her face for some kind of regret, but she’s smiling passively, as if recalling an old joke. There doesn’t even seem to be a trace of nostalgia there. Just clarity. Just life. Suddenly, he feels embarrassed again. He must be obvious as his mother places a hand on his shoulder.

“Why didn’t you ask him out?” Crow wonders out loud.

She chuckles warmly, “I did.” She assures, “Multiple times.” She starts counting on her fingers, “Trips to the bar, circuit meet ups, late-night parties, even bloody walks on a night. I think I was clear enough, thank you very much!” Her voice is rough but still on the verge of laughter. “He was lucky I had the patience of a saint.”

For a moment, even Crow is pulled into how much of an idiot his father sounded like. With all the effort Ashfoot says she put in he can’t get how Deadfoot would ever let those chances slip.

Then he remembers who he is. And he knows how his father felt. He understands it all.

They are more alike than he thought. “It isn’t the same.” Crow turns away. “You knew you liked each other.”

“Not at the start.” Ashfoot says, “I had to let him know.”

“And what if I do?” Crow asks, his voice hardening, “If she says no I’ll just look like an idiot.”

Ashfoot doesn’t avert her gaze, her hand remains on his shoulder. Crow can’t help but feel soothed by the touch. “That’s like asking what’s the point of starting a race when there’s a chance you’ll lose.”

The need to laugh out loud overwhelms him. “Really?” He splutters, “That’s your analogy?”

“It’s right, isn’t it? You’re giving up before you even start. That’s the jist of it all!” Her words sink in because she knows what she’s talking about. “You’re worrying over all this stuff Crow, but the truth is that you don’t have a clue that you’re right or not. Squirrel isn’t the one presuming all these disasters Crow, it’s you.”

“So what do you think I should do then, since you’re the expert?” Crow exclaims, his hands folding behind his head as he rests back, trying to not notice her sudden glare.

“Oh no you don’t.” Ashfoot scolds, slapping him on the shoulder like she was swatting a fly. “You’re old enough to drive! You’re not having your mother sort your messes out for you!”

“Thanks for the help.” Crow mutters, glowering to hide his wounded pride.

“Look, whether or not you want her to be your girlfriend is your own issue, Crow.” She explains, her knees rising up to rest on the cushion beneath her. Her body rotates so she’s looking straight at him. When her eyes twist with what Crow recognises as disappointment, his glare cows. “But after all the time you’ve spent with her, if you still think she’ll just abandon you because she doesn’t share one of your interests, I have to say that I don’t think you respect her as much as she deserves.”

If it was anyone else, maybe Crow might have gotten angry. Stormed up demanding how they dare presume that about him. That they don’t know him and don’t have the right to say how he feels about his friends. Maybe he might have reiterated the ways he trusted Squirrel, the ways the did respect her. On a bright day, maybe he may have listed some of the reasons he liked her so much just to clarify how much he does care about her.

But it isn’t anyone else.

Ashfoot knows who he is. She’s a teacher, and a good one, and there are many reasons for that.

She’s also an incredible mother. Especially because she was the one person who can shut him up when he’s acting like a moron.

And he shuts up alright.

He trusts Squirrel, he does. But he understands what his mother really means.

“You don’t need to worry over every little thing, Crow.” Now Ashfoot is tender and Crow allows her to edge closer to him so she can pull him a little nearer. “People aren’t made of glass.”

Squirrel certainly wasn’t. Is she was made of anything it was gold.

He thinks of what Squirrel would think of him. Her reaction to him so hung up over the thought of her not liking something.

He knows she would laugh.

Not to be mean. But because how couldn’t she laugh at such stupidity?

Crow thinks of saying sorry, people have often said that only someone like Ashfoot could raise a kid like Crow, he can see how right they are. Then his shoulder touches his mother’s as her hand squeezes his arm. They sit on the same cushion and it sinks beneath their weight.

Crow is relieved that he doesn’t need to apologise to let his mother know he’s remorseful. She didn’t want to hear that. She just wanted him to listen because that would be the only way she could help him. And despite how many of his problems still exist, he does feel better.

Like a little kid, he feels braver.

He looks at his mother with a kind of wonder. “Is it alright if I invite her here tomorrow?”

Ashfoot gives his shoulder a squeeze, “You don’t need to ask. I’ll be out trying to sort out a trip to the museum anyway. So, she can stay as long as she wants to.”

“I hope she isn’t busy.”

The hand falls off his shoulder and she’s glaring at him again. He smirks, “I’m kidding. I don’t care.” He lies.

She huffs and turns off the TV. “You are so much like your father. He had that kind of way with words too.”

“Is that a good thing or not?” Crow asks as she’s nearly out the room.

She pauses, turns, and shrugs. “Context is key.” She says with a wry smile. “Get her text!” She barks like ordering him to do another lap. Then she’s gone and her steps echo up the stairs like a countdown for him to finally grow some balls.

He finds it surprisingly easy to pull out his phone, and even more surprising when she sends the first text.

Yo.

Okay, maybe that wasn’t anything to be proud of.

The response is almost immediate, the buzz of his phone makes the skin on his neck spark.

Lol Yo birdboy to what do I owe the pleasure?

She doesn’t sound busy. That makes him a little more calm. Crow takes in a deep breath and types, trying not to picture her sniggering at his messages.

You sound unhappy to hear from me lol Are you busy tomorrow?

It’s kind of a stupid question. Nobody is really busy on Saturdays. And the next exams weren’t for another few months. Crow grapples to think that it doesn’t matter. But what did he know? Maybe she had plans with family or with Leaf or with her film team or-

The phone buzzes again.

Apart from struggling being the best undiscovered Hollywood talent, not much. Why?

Another wave of relief. Now’s the time to ask.

Now is hard to comprehend.

He knows the longer he waits, the worse it will be. For a moment he questions why he likes this girl to the point that one of his hands is shaking at the thought of asking her to hang out. He sighs. Maybe he can blame his father for inheriting his lacklustre performance with girls.

And it’s that that makes him calm down a little.

Thinking he’s alike his father, the man he’s heard so many people call a legend, the man he’s found out shook like him for ten years over a girl who he knew liked him. He doesn’t sound like a hero, but maybe that’s Crow’s fault. After all, who’s to say a legend didn’t have their own fears.

And maybe Crow has his father’s fears.

But he can make it so he has his guts as well. If just for when it matters.

Sounds terrible You want to struggle with that over at my place?

It goes quickly after that.

Ohh has Xmas come early?! I was beginning to think you were some hypochondriac!

Ha-inserted sarcasm-ha

;3 Sure that sounds good I don’t know if I’ll be able to get my parents to drop me off tho

Why?

My dads got a meeting over here and my mom is taking Leaf to look round some uni’s

I can pick you up if you want?

Can I drive?

Not a chance in hell

Booooo You’re lucky I’m bored

Is that a yes?

10:30, you show up any later I’ll call the cops and tell them you’re a stalker

Lol noted, I’ll see you then

(not joking) you better, I wanna check out Casa de Crow for myself

Say those three words again and I’ll block you

Casa De Crow

Blocked

XD ttyl

Ttyl

It’s over after two minutes. Crow’s never held a smile for that long before.

…

He makes it five minutes early, but he waits a little just in case. He knows how close to time Squirrel is, she only gets ready for the time she’s set. He wouldn’t be surprised if she wasn’t entirely ready a minute early.

It’s a nice day thankfully, crisp and warm, the sun kisses the street in long yellow rays. Thankfully, he’s able to park his car across the street from her house. The red sandstone gleamed under the summer sky, making it look even better than when Crow first saw it. It wasn’t luxurious or anything, just a two-storey house. But there had been care put into it. Windowpanes painted a glistening white and a garden entranced with flowers Crow couldn’t recognise, it was the effort that made the imagination.

On the drive here, Crow would admit that his head had spun a little. The worst ever possibilities still made up his head like a hornet’s nest. But now he was here, their buzzing had stopped. It might have been the summer air, sleepy and gentle, reminding him of the other days like this where he had hung out with his friend.

He guessed that was it. This was just another day in the end. One that he was looking forward to seeing through.

He didn’t need to bring anything, but he still has his wallet in the glovebox. It was better to be prepared in case of anything. (more than likely the idea that Squirrel hadn’t gotten to breakfast yet) Maybe they could head into the city for a bit before heading over to his. He checked the glovebox again, glad to see it still rested there.

When it gets to 10:28, Crow feels its fair to knock on the door. He exits the car, walking into the mostly empty street, save for one arriving car that Crow stops to let drive past. He crosses, feeling a strange smile on his face as he walks up to the door. He wonders if he should drop her a text to let her know. He decides against it. Probably too weird.

He knocks on the door, gradual but clear and pulls out his phone as he waits. He quickly decides to put it away in case he looked rude if her dad answered the door.

He can’t hear anything, so he knocks again, just in case.

His phone vibrates. There’s a text.

I’ll be down in a minute, just getting some stuff together Hold your horses

The time on his phone is 10:29.

Once again, she’s down to her time. Crow shakes his head, chuckling.

“Hey.”

The voice is soft, but it seems louder on the empty street. Crow raises a brow, turning. The guy stands a few feet away from him. His hands are buried in his brown bomber jacket, and he looks at Crow with a puzzled, but even, unaccusing expression. He’s at least a foot taller than Crow, but he doesn’t look like he’s trying to look big. His chestnut hair is smooth and wavy, and the only aura of threat comes from the broad curve of his shoulders.

Apart from that though, he looks friendly.

Upon seeing Crow, his eyes flare with realisation and what looks like a relieved smile comes over him. “Oh! I remember you! You’re Squirrel’s friend, right?”

His voice isn’t demanding or hostile, just natural and bright.

Crow almost finds it odd himself that he hates the guy.

Then he remembers who he’s talking to.

He doesn’t wait for Crow to respond. He’s come forward, “You might not remember me. It was a while ago.” His hand extends out, eager to shake Crow’s. “I’m Bramble. What was your name?”

“I remember you.” Crow says levelly, restraining the urge to growl. He takes Bramble’s hand and tightly shakes it. “And it’s Crow.”

There’s a unnerved flash in Bramble’s eyes but he keeps his smile level. “You got quite a grip, Crow.” He pulls his hand away and Crow muses on whether he actually tried to hurt the guy. Bramble looks up at the house as the sun fades, lingering over the two of them. “You here to see Squirrel?”

“Yeah.” Crow can’t help himself. “Why?” There’s an edge to his voice.

Now Bramble looks taken aback. His smile thins as he laughs dryly. “Just asking really.”

Crow stares.

“So, how’s she doing anyway? I haven’t had the chance to talk to her recently.”

He says it so casually that Crow wants to knee him where it will hurt. Chances? That was rich. She’d given him chance after chance when he’d broke promise after promise, and he had the gall to act like it wasn’t something he could control. Crow would believe the bastard was taunting him if it wasn’t for that dumb smile.

Crow wants to tell him to mind his own business. He wants him to piss off.

But he wants this day to go smoothly.

He shrugs, “She’s fine.” And he leaves it at that, even as Bramble’s smile twitches, hoping for something else that Crow wouldn’t give him.

To anyone else Crow would probably look like a jerk. Being hostile to such an openly nice boy. But anyone else hadn’t heard how Bramble had betrayed Squirrel’s trust. They hadn’t seen how Squirrel was affected when the one guy she wanted there on the most important night of her life failed to even leave a shoeprint.

Crow doesn’t have the time to worry about idiot’s feelings. He knew enough to know on what side he stood.

The awkward second is enough for Bramble to reach for another chance. “Yeah.” He coughs. “Well, uh, I’m just here to meet with Firestar.” He waits for a response. Crow doesn’t care enough to give him one. As far as he was concerned, this guy didn’t deserve to even speak to him. The taller boy shuffles on his feet, coughing again. “I’m part of the student committee, you see, every now and then we need to meet with the teachers to discuss plans.” He waves his hand. “You know, upcoming events and all that stuff.”

“Really?”

Bramble looks delighted that he’s gained a response. “Yeah.”

“So did you work on the culture festival last term?” Crow throws out the hook.

Bramble’s eyes widen, electrified. “Of course! I mostly worked with setting up the venues on that one.”

Crow’s fist tightens. Why did he expect this idiot to know what he meant? It was clear he hadn’t thought once about what happened that night. “I don’t remember seeing you there.”

His hand goes to his neck as he laughs.  “Yeah, you wouldn’t. I actually had plans that night so I couldn’t turn up.” He grins. “But maybe you went somewhere I helped plan? What did you do?”

There’s consideration for a second in whether Crow thinks he should let this go or not. He didn’t want to make some kind of scene after all. This wasn’t a day he could waste on some moron like this.

Still though.

He wants to see if he’s too thick to understand what he says next.

“I checked out the student films for most of the night.” Crow watches as Bramble’s face slackens. The grin fades to a dry, only a little upturned, line and there isn’t as much life in his eyes anymore. He’s got him. There’s the recognition Crow had to see. Crow cranes his head; he can’t help himself. “You help out there?”

“No.” Bramble says, his voice isn’t weak, but it isn’t strong. “That really wasn’t an area I was a part of.”

Crow could have scoffed. “I see.” He’s playing with fire now, he realises, but the urge is so strong. He’s made some point to the idiot. He couldn’t stop now. “You missed some good stuff. It was a great time.”

“I’ll let the girl who managed it know you had a good time.” The older boy’s voice is different now, like it’s been sharpened with flint. Is he angry? Crow can’t tell, but if the fool even lays a finger on him, Crow’s aiming for the nose.

The thought of Squirrel’s disappointed face that night is enough to tell him he isn’t stepping over a line.

Besides, the guy still hasn’t mentioned the obvious.

But he’ll have to face it now, as Crow can hear the clack of keys spinning in the lock.

The door bursts wide and she’s there. She looks as vibrant as ever. Short orange shirt, bright blue jean shorts, knee high boots, and strangely she’s still wearing her usual green winter jacket despite the strength of the sun.

But Crow doesn’t say anything. He’s just happy to see her. He thinks she looks happy to see him.

“Hey!” She pipes, she pulls her coat tight on her shoulders, springing out the door. She looks ready to burst past him to the car when she sees the other boy on her doorstep. Crow is both unsurprised and scared when he sees the frown take over her expression. She stops right in front of Crow, just catching her feet like she thinks she’d catch something if she took another step. “Oh. Hey.”

Bramble’s an idiot, but even he can catch the way her voice drops. He frowns too. “Hey.”

“I forgot Dad said you were coming over.” She turns away, whipping her hand back to her house. “He’s out in the back garden. Do you want me to tell him you’re here?” Her voice isn’t hostile, but it’s low in a way that Crow knows isn’t her.

“Nah, that’s fine.” He’s beginning to take in the whole scene. His face goes between the two in front of him, his face unreadable. “You guys off somewhere?”

“Nowhere special, really.” Squirrel says quickly. She doesn’t need to explain herself to him. “I was bored and I got an invite to hang out, not gonna let it slide.” She looks back at Crow, and something instantly looks brighter on her face. “You parked nearby, right? I cannot be bothered to walk a long way because of you.”

Crow chuckles, pointing to the other side of the street. “Your lucky day then?”

“See, you can use your brain when you want to!” The inflection in her voice is so sugary it’s contagious. It’s also isolating to a select few. “Well, onward then!” She pipes at him before striding forward. When she passes the hard-faced boy, she mutters, “Have a good time.”

There was no way he could miss any of this.

Crow is split.

One possibility is that he’s happy. Happy because the way she avoids him, the way she has made her problem with him clear, it could be a signal that she is truly over him. That maybe she could move on when she was ready.

But the other, is one that makes Crow tremble. The idea that she’s making a point. Because seeing how he looks when he’s ignored, it’s clear that she truly has Bramble’s attention now. And maybe that was what she wanted. Maybe Crow was just a way for her to get back at him.

That thought doesn’t last long.

They hung out before Crow even knew he existed, it would be like saying that their whole group was made just to spite the idiot. Squirrel isn’t like that. They’d become friends because it was what they wanted.

Crow has to trust her.

He’s ready to follow her when Bramble speaks up.

“Squirrel!” He calls, some kind of desperation in his voice.

Squirrel stops, and turns back, she looks annoyed. The street goes silent again. This time it doesn’t feel natural.

Bramble sighs, he looks wrung out and caught. He meets the fiery gaze with a low stare. “I get that you’re angry at me. And I get that I deserve it. I was an idiot, okay? I know how hard you worked on your film, and I did want to see it.” He looks down and up like he’s searching for a rope. “I didn’t mean to get side-tracked.”

Squirrel looks uncomfortable, like this is the last thing she wants to talk about. “It doesn’t matter.”

“No, it does! I’m sorry, all right?”

Crow can’t deny that he’s a little impressed. The guy didn’t try to twist it and make out like he wasn’t to blame. He could admit that he messed up. He stays quiet as he waits for Squirrrel’s reaction. It was up to her to forgive him or not.

She ducks her head as she looks away, her fingers tap over her crossed arms.

Bramble repeats himself, “I really am sorry. And I still really want to see your project. Could I?”

Squirrel shrugs, “Sure. Dad burned out tons of copies for his friends. He was probably going to offer you one.”

That’s more than likely not the way Bramble wanted that to be answered. He doesn’t look relieved. He rubs his eyes with a tight breath. “Okay, great. But, um, I was also thinking, do you want me to help out with your studies again?”

Crow flinches. He doesn’t want to panic at that, but he does. Because he knows that Bramble isn’t a head of committee for nothing, he knows more than him, he could help Squirrel more than he can.

Squirrel shakes her head. “Nah. I’m doing okay now, thanks. You don’t need to trouble yourself.”

There is deep relief in Crow’s gut. Not just that Squirrel preferred him, but that she didn’t mention he was the one who was helping her. He wasn’t some leverage she needed to get something over the guy.

“It wouldn’t be any trouble.” Bramble says dryly, his face twisting. “I’m not that busy or anything.”

“I said it’s fine.” And now Squirrel is bursting back to grab Crow’s arm. She gives him a sharp look. “Are you trying to look like some emo garden gnome, come on!” She exclaims, pulling Crow away from her house.

It’s only for a moment but Crow can see the look of bewilderment on the boy’s face as they stroll past. Like he can’t believe that he’s the one being dismissed. Crow isn’t sure how long he watches after them as Squirrel drags him to his car.

“Are we going to go or not? Open open open!” She chants. She doesn’t even glance back at her house.

Crow thinks this means he shouldn’t either. They get into the car, and Crow watches her shuffle around in the seat, pulling it forward and back deliriously as she tries to get comfy. “Heh! You must have used air spray in here just for me!” She jibes. She doesn’t look phased at all.

Still Crow can’t help but ask, “Are you alright?”

She inhales to say something that looks angry, then she closes her mouth, inhales again and beams at him. “Of course, I am! Don’t worry about him! I’ve got thicker skin than that, Crow!”

“That wasn’t really what I meant.”

Crow falls silent beside her. They don’t speak for a moment. Crow looks aside and sees her porch clear now. The front door closed.

Squirrel seizes the silence. “Crow, you don’t need to worry about me.” She says, her voice soft, but sparking. “I appreciate it but, honestly, I’m fine. Okay?” Her tone implies that she really wants to sweep this brief encounter under the rug. Crow wants to as well. He can’t help but feel like he shouldn’t though.

“Are you sure?” He says, just to be safe. He watches her face closely.

Her smile broadens, “I always am!” With that decided, she swings her hands behind her head and she meets Crow’s eyes. “Now can we get going! I’m want to see if it’s the lighting in your house that makes your hair so dark!”

He lets it go now.

Because there’s a safety in her eyes, a relief, a happiness that she can let the bullshit go here. A happiness to see him and be in his company.

The idea that she can enjoy herself with him.

Crow’s chest warms and he smiles back at her, his muscles finally relax for the first time that day. “Alright then.”

Squirrel beams, but before she can open her mouth to say something else, a deep rumbling fills the car.

Crow grins and Squirrel blushes when they recognise where it’s coming from.

“No breakfast, huh?” Crow teases. A punch lands on his arm.

“Shut up! I was in a hurry this morning!”

“And who’s fault is that?”

She only mutters an angry, embarrassed reply.

Crow shakes his head, but he’s happy that he didn’t take his wallet for nothing. “So… pancakes?”

Squirrel nods behind her blush. “Please.”

...

[emletish-fish]

7. what is you favorite sentence/paragraph? read it to us! (asker can choose what fic) (x)

I chose three! One from each of my 'big fics'. No Zombies, Worst Prisoners and Good Boys under the cut:

NO ZOMBIES:

No Zombies was a delight to write. I had pretty much the whole idea from the get-go, (of a returned style AU with Hector coming to spend time with the family in the modern world). I finished it quick - and it's not too long (side-eyeing Good Boy and Worst Prisoner). It was the first fic where I felt like I really "stuck" the landing. I was quite flexible with my original outline, but I still knew where the journey ended. It ended exactly how I wanted it too - happily but with a bitter-sweet note.

The emotional core of this story is how Elena, family matriach, who is so gruff and no-nonsense, who despises Hector in the films, and who has such a warm heart under such a grumpy exterior would slowly soften and come to love Hector, (and how she grows as a person because of this and becomes more comfortable showing love/emotions to her family). It was like a platonic slow-burn as she learns to understand Hector better - which is why this bit is my favourite because it's where she starts to really feel fond of him for the first time:

“Well, I'm just glad I'm a better teacher for him than watching old Ernesto De La Cruz movies.” Héctor had replied with a wry smile. “It's probably because I'm so much more handsome than that butt-chinned, over-the-top ham.”

“Because you're a pointy-chinned, over-the-top ham?” Elena replied, feeling surprising witty. She never made teasing jokes like this normally, but it was so easy with Héctor.

He looked mock-offended. “I'll have you know, my chin is wonderful and I've given it to several of your grandchildren, so there.”

If Elena was a different person, she probably would have pulled Héctor into a warm, laughing hug then. She might have told him seriously that Miguel had always been difficult for her. He felt things so strongly and got so upset and emotional – she'd always struggled with how to help him, how to calm him. Miguel was so happy now. She knew that was because of Héctor.

She might have told Héctor that he was at least six thousand times the musician, eight thousand times the teacher, and ten thousand times the man that Ernesto De La Cruz was.

But Elena was who she was.

Instead she said “Idiot,” and ruffled his stupidly messy hair rather fondly.

She told herself she wasn't warming to the fool musician, but she knew it was a lie.

GOOD BOY:

My current work. It's another platonic slow-burn, but this time set in the Cobra Kai universe with son and father pair - Robby Keene and Johnny Lawrence. In the show, these two characters have such a dysfunctional relationship that is so full of miscommunications and missed chances, and they genuinely want a better relationship (and it would be so healing for both of them! Do not get me started!) I lean much more into the magical realism in this story, as I turned Robby into a dog (Animal transformation - PIXAR's Brave style), so that he could immediately get the cuddles and easy affection he so clearly needs.... because I have never seen a more touch/affection-starved character aside from Zuko in ATLA.

This also gave Robby a chance to really understand, not only his father, but the other people in his cicrcle. He discovered he had a support network. He got to know he was loved by many. he got to witness the actions people would take as they searched for human-him (not knowing that he'd been turned into a dog). And it gave Johnny a chance to learn how to take care of something, feel needed, and express his love for his son without the weight of their complicated history/his own trauma hanging over him. It was hard to pick a favourite, but I will say the Johnny-stream-of-conciousness chapters are definitely the easiest/most fun to write. One of my favourite bits is in the first one, The queen of ice-cream runaway when Johnny tells Robby about when Laura (his grandmother) found out Shannon was pregnant and she was going to be a grandmother.

It's the first inkling Robby gets that while his father wasn't there for him and he was neglected a lot, Johnny did his best to keep the bad shit from his own childhood away from Robby as his own way of showing care. It hints at the deep and damaging abuse Johnny endured. When he finally had a say with his own kid, he would have done anything to protect Robby from feeling the same. I'd say here is where Robby really begins to warm to his Dad;

Then I told her our chosen name and she said I was a dumbass and Swayze was a terrible middle name, and we had to change it to some shit like Alastair or something. She thought he should have a rich sounding middle name. And I say Mom, Alastair sounds like some lame-ass insurance broker who upskirts his secretary and then cries as he jerks off to the pictures, what else you got? She thought Sebastian, and that was worse! What a pussy name.  Sebastian is going to be sitting in the little french patisserie cafe drinking the tiny-ass coffee for dolls and eating the éclair with his prissy finger tips. I already want to kick Sebastian's ass. Who wouldn’t? I’m not going to give my kid a name that is going to get his ass kicked.

And she couldn't talk, cause she named me after Johnny Cash, just cause she liked his music. And she couldn't think of a middle name at the time, so I didn't get one. Thank goodness. I could have ended up Johnny Alastair and had to kick my own ass.

So Swayze stayed.

Then she mentions how she and Sid can help out, so I didn't need to do the two jobs, stupidly long hours thing. And we need the money. I know we need the money. But my whole body froze and I just went No. None of that for little Robby Swayze. ...

... She’s going on about spending Sid’s money on Robby and I just...I can’t. I can't allow it. Cause I knew how he would be, and the way he would treat that kid. So I tell her, no thank you. Not a fucking cent mom.  Sid’s not getting to feel like he owns a hair on Robby’s head. That motherfucker can go jump. You thought we needed Sid’s money when I was a kid. You decided it was better for me, and that was your choice. I did not get a vote in that. But this is my kid, and this time it is my call, and I am choosing no. I’m not going to have Sid make my kid feel like he has to apologise for existing every day. I'm not going to have Sid treat my kid the way he treated me. I will never need money that badly. I will never put my kid through that. I'll work myself to the bone doing 20 hour days before that. I'll work on the 40th floor without a harness before that.  I will sell my fucking organs before it comes to that. Not a cent mom.

WORST PRISONER:

My 'what if Zuko made friends with the Gaang early on?" AU that then turned into a three-book long saga (and I will return to it, Worst Prisoner readers - Thank you for you patience). It does have evenutal Zutara, but the focus is really on the Gaang + Zuko as a whole, and all the interpersonal relationships. I'd say there is more gen-shipping around Zuko as a central character, as Iroh & Zuko, and Sokka & Zuko are both given equal prominence. in fact, all the friendships and familial relationships were equally important to me. (the book 3 Zuko & Azula stuff is so interesting, but it is ...less funny I guess.)

This fic is such a joy to write, and I really try and balance the humour with the bittersweet/sad parts, and one of the main sources of humor was the Sokka-Aang-Zuko -Katara qudrangle of dumbassery. I love the four of them together in book 1, and so many of their interactions were a hoot to write. But if I'd have to pick a favourite moment, it would be the moment in the deserter chapter in book 1, where they all decide to 'officially' be friends:

“Well, you can figure that out and find someone while I'm up in the Northern Water Tribe. Then when we finish up there, we'll come find you,” Aang offered.

“Really?” Zuko’s eyes were shining optimistically. It was a strange expression for him. Aang was so used to seeing him with a grumpy face.

“Really, I promise,” Aang said, feeling so glad that he could help Zuko go home.

“Yeah, I second that. If this means we won’t have to put up with you chasing us, I am in!” Sokka said. “Sheesh, you could have just asked ages ago!”

“You know, this means I was right,” Aang started to say, feeling very vindicated. The others looked at him curiously. “If we had just talked about friendship in the forest, we could have sorted this out weeks ago!”

“Boo, forest friendship!” Sokka said.

“Don't boo him,” Katara admonished, elbowing her brother.

“I agree with Sokka. There's no way I would have appreciated that speech weeks ago, Aang,” Zuko said.

Sokka smiled at Zuko for saying he agreed with him. It actually wasn't that rare of an occurrence, but it still seemed to surprise Sokka every time.

“See, Aang, forest friendship is bullshit,” Sokka said.

“I didn't say that!” Zuko cut in. “I just meant, maybe … I had to be dragged all over the Earth Kingdom by you guys ... and shot ... and taken to nonsense fortune tellers ... and I had to be forced to eat Sokka's truly terrible and disgusting cooking—”

“Oi!”

“—and I had listen to Aang lecture me about friendship and vegetarianism in the forest just so I could come here.” He looked around at the deserters’ camp site. “I dunno, maybe it was meant to be this way.”

“What are you saying? You want to be forest friends with Aang now?” Sokka asked accusingly.

“I mean, sure. If Aang will have me, we can be friends,” Zuko said, and looked uncertain.

“Yay! I knew you'd want to be my friend,” Aang said, feeling delighted.

He was so happy he had a Fire Nation friend again. Kuzon had been an amazing friend, even though he'd gotten Aang into so many sticky situations. He had already thought Zuko was his friend, but it was nice to make it official. Aang always knew the Fire Nation had good people in it too, and now he had been proven right. He jumped up and gave Zuko a huge hug.

[jamilelucato]

Best Teacher, Part 1 || Fred Weasley

Pairing: Fred Weasley x Slytherin!reader

Summary: y/N is a pureblood Slytherin best friends with Harry Potter, but not yet that close to the Weasleys until she’s invited to spend Christmas with them.

PART 2 HERE

PART 3 HERE

A/N: So yeah, we’re not even close to Christmas, but this idea popped in my mind and I had to write. Yes, out of nowhere I got into this Harry Potter vibe, who can explain?

*gif below not mine

Being friends with Harry Potter had always been something you were proud to have achieved. Harry was not only a nice guy and great friend, but he was also very famous, so having his friendship gave you some kind of popularity that being a Slytherin you would not have achieved on your own.

You couldn’t exactly point a finger to when your friendship began, but it was around your second year. Now, that you are a fourth-year student, your friendship is really solid. You care deeply for Harry, proving your loyalty to him many times by now. 

He had other friends, but you hadn't talked to most of them yet. Hermione was kind of cool, she didn't bother with the fact that you were a pureblood and a Slytherin since you never showed any kind of prejudice against who she was — a muggle-born. 

Ron Weasley, on the other hand, was somewhat of a problem. He ignored you most of the time you were with them, avoiding talking to you. He never actually said a bad thing about you — that you had proved of — but you believed he did behind your back since any of the Weasley talked to either. They never even tried. 

Percy was too old for you to even have anything in common to say, besides, by now, he's no longer a Hogwarts student. The only Weasleys left were the Twins and Ginny. Ginny was too busy to have time for you, although you had the impression that she didn't like you simply because of your friendship with Harry.

The Twins, George and Fred, were kind of mystery in this matter of "do they like me or not". They were always playing jokes against the Slytherin house, so more times than often, you were a victim of their pranks. Although you didn't think it was their purpose to hit you, they never apologised. George had spoken to you, one or two words, generally, to make fun of the situation you and Harry were involved, but Fred never said a thing.

Even when he had to study a year next to you during Snape's classes (the Professor got angry because Fred and George never shut up, and made them split), he never talked to you. Staring, though, he did a lot. You couldn't help but do the same. He was beautiful — in your opinion, the most beautiful of the Weasley, maybe being a tie when it came to George — and, since he always started the stares, you didn't felt the guilt of looking back. 

It wasn't like he was disgusted by you, it felt like he was just curious. Sometimes, when you got wrong with the potions, he looked scared. You couldn't blame him, because you were a real nightmare when you got some lesson wrong.

"So, what are you doing for Christmas, Harry?" you asked your friend once you met him on the corridor, after a long period of staring Fred during one of Snape's class.

Being an orphan and living with a terrible family, Harry hated going back home for the holidays, so, most of the time, he stayed in Hogwarts. You felt so bad, that you used to insist on him to come to spend the holiday with you and your family. Maybe they weren't the happiest family during the season, but you were sure your parents would try to impress Potter since they had him in a very high status.

"I'm going the Burrow" he answered, holding his books closer to his chest. By now, you already knew the Burrow was the residence of the Weasleys, and listening to that info made you involuntarily sigh. "What's wrong?" your friend looked at you, confused.

"Nothing. I was just expecting you to finally come to spend the holiday with me and maybe I wouldn't feel so sad" you explained, making sure your puppy face was out, trying to change his mind by being too cute.

He only smiled, kinda relieved. "Well, you could always come with me. I'm sure Mrs Weasley wouldn't mind, she even said I could bring someone with me"

You showed your teeth, frowning. You were sure Mrs Weasley was a nice person, you knew how well she treated Harry, but you were no Gryffindor orphan friends with her kids.

Would be nice to be around such a happy family for Christmas though.

"Thanks, Harry, but I guess I'll have to say no to that. The Weasley didn't really invite me so..." you were saying but got interrupted.

"You surely should come. I'm a Weasley, consider yourself invited" Ginny showed up out of nowhere, accompanying you two in your walk to the Great Hall.

You looked surprised. "Still, I..."

"Come, 'cause I will warn my mom and if you aren't there, she'll find you herself," she remarked, making Harry shake his head in agreement.

"Okay, maybe I'll turn up" you finally agreed, slowly bowing your head, scared of what you just said yes to.

"Now, can I steal Harry from you for a second?" she asked, already escorting him away from you.

"Sure" you answered, but they both couldn't be seen anymore.

***

When the day to leave Hogwarts came, Harry waited for you in front of the Slytherin common room. He got some stares, but he didn't seem to care, smiling when he finally saw me.

"Harry, what are you doing here?"

"Ginny asked me to make sure you'd come. She said her mom was anxious to meet you" he answered, getting his bags from the floor.

"Still don't get it. Why would Ginny want me there? We're not really friends" you pointed out, walking down the corridor.

"I suppose she knows how much would it mean to me to have my friends around during this dark time" he answered, giving real thought to it "Shes a nice lad, Ginny"

"Yeah, I know" you commented, elbowing him, just to mess around, He blushed. "But I'm glad to be going. My parents don't believe in celebrations, so we generally just stay home, and eat dinner earlier during Christmas"

"So this will be different for you. The Weasleys stay up until late" Potter explained.

We had finally arrived inside the train.

"I think I'll like the change," you said, before settling down with Harry, Ron and Hermione in one cabin.

Ron was mostly quiet during the whole trip, but Hermione filled the silence with a bunch of random information. She was said she could not spend the holiday with the Weasleys but she didn't want you to forget to write to her everything that happened during your time there.

"Including me?" you asked, confused if she wanted you to write her as well.

"Well, of course! I need a female opinion about what happened as well" she replied, with a smile, hugging you not too tight.

You smiled back, happy with the request.

"Hermione, it's ‘what might happen’ ". It'll probably be another boring week" Ron finally spoke, shocking me to hear his voice. Remarkably because he was correcting Hermione, which is, again, a shock.

"Ha! As if Fred and George wouldn't prank anyone!" she claimed, and we all just laugh, because it was certain that they had something planned for the holiday. You just had to wait to see.

Bags in hand, you all didn't have to wait long to see Mr and Mrs Weasley in the crowd. They waved, making Ginny run in their direction. Ron walked behind her, not as happy to see his parents. Harry was next in line, leaving you with Fred and George because you were having some trouble with how heavy your bags were. It didn't occur to you that you wouldn't need as many clothes as you planned for just one week away.

One of the twins nudged the other, who then showed up right next to you. "Need any help?" the nudged one offered, throwing his only bag on his shoulder and offering you a helping hand.

It was only when you faced the twin that you realized it was Fred. He had a small freckle next to his chin that George hadn't. 

The help made you confuse if you should accept or not, but George added over his shoulder. "If you don't accept, mom will be angry at us and then I'll be angry at you"

You sighted. "Okay, I'll take your help" you agreed, giving Fred one of your bags "Thanks, Fred" you added, making he amazed with the fact that you differed him from his brother.

"Always here for you" he answered, attempting to be funny, but sounding more serious than he should.

You both walked a bit faster, trying to catch up to the rest of the group. Mrs Weasley, a short warm lady was still hugging Harry in a very, very tight hug when you and Fred finally got there.

She let Harry Potter go when she caught your face. "Oh! You must be the one Ginny told me about! y/N, isn't it?" she asked, walking closer to you.

"Prepare yourself" Fred tilted his head in your direction, whispering advice. You only had time to look at his direction before being sucked into a tight hug from Mrs Weasley.

"Nice meeting you, Mrs Weasley," you said once she loosened the embrace, allowing you not just to talk but also to breath. Fred hid a smile at your side.

"Please, call me Molly" she entreated. You smiled at her, in a way of showing that you'd do as asked. She held your hand to show you where to go.

Mr Weasley only had the chance to wave at you, since Mrs Weasley was leading you surprisingly fast for such a small person, still, you managed to wave back, without dropping your bag. While walking, you could hear the laughs around you, swearing you were recognizing Fred's, because it was probably the loudest.

Harry caught up to you two, walking next to you when he commented: "I said you'd be welcomed".

***

Lastly inside the Burrow, Ginny guided you to her room, where you'd be sleeping. Fred followed you, dropping carefully your bag on the floor, just before leaving to his room.

The house was way smaller than yours, however, that wasn't a problem for you. It did feel very welcoming, with a warmth that was very welcomed in such cold weather. Ginny had a mattress on the floor for you, which was more than you could have asked, showing up like that, practically uninvited.

"I feel like I haven't thanked you properly for allowing me here, Ginny. Feels good to be around a big happy family for the holiday" you said to her when you both were going back to downstairs.

"Hey, y/N, no worries. I don't bother with a full house, and I need another girl around to handle these many boys" she retorted, making me laugh.

"Just out of curiosity, did you tell your mom everything about me?"

"Everything?" she repeated, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah, like, I'm Slytherin and all" you explained. 

She pulled her bright red hair back before answering. "Well, no. Not that it would matter. She would need only to look at you" 

"What do you mean?" you were confused by what she had said, scared that you could have an evil face or something like that.

"You shine with power, y/N. That Sorting hat would be a scam if it hadn't put you in Slytherin" she explained, avoiding looking at you.

You were about to ask what she had meant with that when Mrs Weasley appeared in front of you. "Ginny, come, I need your help" 

The girl followed her mom with a frowny face, not very happy with losing free time with Molly.

Without anyone to talk, you went outside the Burrow, just to stare at the sky, not knowing exactly what to do. You planned on finding Potter, but he wasn't outside once you got there.

"And Hermione thought I'd have something to tell" you mumbled, not to anyone, in particular, getting surprised when you noticed you had been heard.

"What did you just say?" a masculine voice asked, making you turn your face to look back.

Fred and George were walking in your direction, both with a smirk on their faces. With their faces a little away you couldn't differ each from the other, especially because they changed their shirts to red sweaters.

"Me? Nothing" you said, looking away from them.

"I heard something, didn't you too, brother?" one of them asked, in a mocking tone.

"I did, Freddie," George asked, sitting next to me on the grass "So what was it?"

"It what?" you replied, trying to mock as well.

Fred sat on your other side and look at you. "What did you complain, darling?"

The "darling" was like a weak spot for you, almost forcing you to confess. "Hermione asked me to write to her everything that happens during my time in here" you explained, a little angry at yourself for spilling the tea.

"Your complaint is because you hate writing?" George asked, looking at you confused.

"Definitely not, brother, she writes a lot more than necessary" Fred was the one that answered, smirking lightly.

You stared back at Fred, with a mix of feeling because of what he had said. Happy because he noticed, but interested in why he noticed.

"I do?" you asked, raising an eyebrow at him.

He swallowed hard before answering. "I, for instance, don't write a thing during Snape's class, but you can't keep your hand down".

You smiled. "Well, of course! I need to write down the things he says, otherwise, I get everything wrong. You just don't care about getting everything wrong."

"Potion's classes are only cool when there are explosions" Fred affirmed, closing his eyes for a second. You took the moment to contemplate his lovely face in the sunlight.

"Agreed, brother" George said on your side, stopping you from keeping with the stare. "So, y/N, what's your problem with writing to Hermione then?"

You pressed your lips together, embarrassed to answer. "It's just... I don't know any of you enough to have stories to tell her."

Fred and George exchanged a suspicious look before facing me again. George even replaced himself in the grass, so he could face me better.

"That's something we can resolve," Fred said, smiling while shaking his head up and down, nonstop.

"We can make you have tons of things to tell Hermione" George added.

"I bet she'll be happy to hear about everything the Weasley's Twins have been doing" Fred commented, making his brother laugh and making you worried.

"Why do I feel like I'm gonna regret this?"

"Oh, y/N, because you will" answered Fred, smiling so bright that all his teeth were showing.

***

Since you had arrived on a Saturday and Christmas was only on Friday, you, Fred and George had not many events to attend as such exchanging presents or singing carols.

The Twins planned to steal you to a bunch of activities, that, according to Fred, had all been schedule so every day you'd have a new prank to assist. Yeah, assist. They were not only making you their accomplice but also their partner. 

It was late in the night, yet on Saturday, that your first task happened. You were sleeping on the floor of Ginny's room when you heard the slight knock on the door. Not used with sleeping in a crowded house, you were able to wake fast, visibly scared.

You ran your finger through your hair, attempting to look better even though you were with a sleep face in your nightclothes. You tried to open the door without waking Ginny up, but, by the looks of her, she would need a loud hard-core rock playing to wake.

"Fred? George? What are you guys doing here at... what time is it?" you asked, walking out of the room and closing the door behind you. 

"It's almost five A.M. but that's not the point" one of them answered, but the darkness didn't allow you to distinguish which.

"Five A.M?" you repeated, a little louder than you planned, just to get a "shhh!" from the twins.

"Follow us, come on" one of them instructed, getting down by the stairs.

You followed, although scared of what were they planning. One of them said "Lumos" to get a little light on your way, which you were thankful, because you practically couldn't see a thing since the sun wasn't out yet.

When you arrived in the kitchen, they finally stopped walking.

"We decided that our first prank should be a breakfast one," one of them said, and you recognized it was Fred because of his pyjamas, it had an "F" in front of his jumper.

"What is breakfast prank?"

"y/N, you do know nothing about pranks, do you?" George asked, laughing a bit. 

You nodded, ashamed. You were only close to Harry, and he wasn't much of a prankster. You had other Slytherin friends, but you used to only talk to them about your house points and to ask for help to study; therefore, besides not having someone to teach you how to fool everybody, you also didn't have someone to fool.

"George and I thought of a food colouring spell" Fred explained the plan to you, ignoring the fact that you had never pranked anybody before.

"Is there such a thing?" you questioned. You were not the smartest witch, but you had never heard of such spell before.

"I came up with it" Fred revealed, pressing his lips together, a mix of ashamed and proud.

You looked at him, amazed. The Twins didn't have the best grades in Hogwarts, but that was just because they didn't want to be good at academics. They were good at what they wanted to be good.

"It will turn everything mom cooks black like she burned it" George continued, going toward the stove.

He and Fred got their wands and cast the words, but you were still analysing the impact of such a prank.

"Doesn't seem like such a nightmare" you pointed out, once they had finished and were laughing a bit louder than they should.

They both froze at your words, turning their faces in your direction like you had just said you-know-who's name.

"What?" you didn't understand their shock.

"Did you just say we made a bad prank?" Fred asked, without relaxing his face.

"It's not bad, it's just simple" you corrected, much for their surprise, making they gasp with your words.

"A too simple prank? Did you hear that, Fred?" George faced his brother, not moving his body.

Oh, Merlin, what had you done.

"I heard that. I feel like she's challenging us" he answered, arching an eyebrow.

"We should not run from a challenge, though" George pointed out, squinting.

"And she should participate as well since she doubted us" Fred added, looking back at you.

"I thought I was already your partner in crime," you said, holding your laugh.

"Go back to bed, dear y/N. And be prepared" Fred advised, trying to make a mysterious face but failing.

"We'll find you when we're ready" George added, copying his brother's face.

You no longer could hold your laugh, letting it out but trying to make it not as loud as it usually was. Shaking your head, unable to conform with what you were hearing, you headed back to the stairs, to go to Ginny's room.

"She's mocking us, brother" you heard when you were going up the stairs.

"Indeed she is" the other twin agreed.

***

On Sunday morning, a black breakfast awaited you, one you could only smile at, trying to pretend you knew nothing about.

Ginny didn't seem confused though.

Sitting on the table, Fred and George laughed hard, listening to their mother's complaint.

"Do you boys know how many eggs I threw away before I realised you've cast a spell on my stove? Do you think the Ministery will be happy to hear you've been performing magic outside of school?" their mother snapped.

"Who said it was us, mom?" George questioned.

You were again able to differ him from his brother because of his jumper. This time, a green one, where Twin #2 could be read. You knew it had to be George since he was the second born, as pointed out by Hermione once.

" 'Who said it was us' " his mom repeated, in a mocking tone, using a newspaper to hit them in the back of their heads.

You laughed hard of the scene, almost ashamed of the doing until Harry and Ginny started laughing with you, which only made you wanna laugh more.

You sat down on the only left chair available, in the middle of Fred and Ginny. The 'Twin #1' fastly moved his head in your direction.

"We have planned the biggest prank ever" he whispered so only you could hear.

You smirked. "Do you guys ever chill?"

"Never" he answered, smiling back at you.

"Percy is coming by Wednesday but Bill and Charlie won't be able to come" Mrs Weasley informed while putting a fried egg at the plate in front of you.

"Thanks, Mrs Weasley, you didn't have to," you said but was glad by her act since you were hungry. Even though the egg was pitch black, it still smelled genuinely good.

"Molly, dear" she corrected you.

The boys next to you sighted.

"Are you kidding me? The worst of us is coming but the cool ones no?" Fred asked, frowning his forehead.

Molly hit him in the head again. "More respect with your older brother," she demanded, but he rapidly ignored, rolling his eyes followed by his twin and Ron.

You had no idea what to expect from Percy since he didn't have much fame in his household. You remembered his appearance, redhaired just like the others, but you never talked to him, so you had no idea if he was all that bad.

After breakfast, the family got outside to play quidditch, and you, not knowing how to play, stayed sitting on the grass, just observing the game. Mr Weasley stood next to you, not sitting, but facing you still.

"Not gonna play, y/N?" he asked. "They surely are missing one"

"Oh, no, Mr Weasley. I have no idea how to" you answered, embarrassed when he acknowledge your words.

"Are you serious?" he questioned. "I can't believe the boys haven't taught you yet"

"I don't think they know" you replied, looking back at them, while they were sorting their teams.

"Hey, boys!" Mr Weasley called, making your friends face in your direction. You could feel your cheeks going red. "Can you guys teach y/N how to play quidditch? She doesn't know"

"What?!" you heard and assumed it came from Fred because he was trotting in your direction. "You actually don't know how to play?"

You shook your head a 'no'.

"Well, then, you have to learn!" George urged, following his brother.

"Come on, we'll teach you". Fred, now closer to you, reached for your hand, and strongly pulled you up.

"No, guys, it doesn’t bother me not knowing..." you started but Fred interrupted.

"You have the chance to learn with the best, y/N, let's go" he bagged, distorting his face so his eyes looked bigger. "Please"

You sniffed. "Ok, fine" you surrendered, making Fred smile. He pulled you closer to him, passing one of his arms around your shoulders. When you two passed through George, he followed you, embracing you from the other side, copying his brother.

"She's on my team!" Fred shouted to the rest of the players, causing Ron to roll his eyes, Harry to laugh, and Ginny to clap fervently, jumping with happiness.

You could now, more them before, feel the red on your cheeks, and you could only imagine it was redder than the Weasleys' hair.

"Get ready to become the best at quidditch, y/N" Fred whispered on your ear when his brother let you go.

"Oh, yeah?" you faked confusion.

"After all, you have the best teacher for yourself" he explained, which caused you to burst out laughing.

___

Part 2

[chibbybish]

Scream (Kozik x Reader)

TW: blood, violence

Part 4 (Final Part)

[requested by: @hermankopusortizorsumshite]

[word count: 1013]

[reading time: 00:08:06]

When you are impatient every road feels longer that it actually is. Seconds pass slowly, minutes carry eternity, hours are stubborn.

That's what happened to me, for the first time after years.

Tara looked at me. I could see the fear in her eyes, but she still took my hand in hers as she patiently waited for Jax to pick up his phone.

"Hey." She said, almost whispering. "No, I'm okay. Y/n is with me, we came looking for Kozik." She closed her eyes, letting a few years escape. She put the phone back into her pocket.

"They're coming." She said.

I didn't know what to say at that moment. I just waited, looking at the huge building in front of me.

"Im really sorry, Tara." I said, realising that I put her into an uncomfortable position. She didn't have to help me, she didn't have to call Jax, but she did. To help me.

"There is no need to apologise, y/n. We are friends, I love you. I'd do anything for you." She exhaled.

After a few seconds of total silence, we finally entered the building.

The same yellow walls, and the rusty pipes I had seen before were all there. I remembered I saw blood all around.

And suddenly, we heard a scream. I would recognize that voice anywhere, between a thousand other voices.

"It's him.." was the only thing I said. And out of nowhere, I started to tremble. Tara was no better at all.

"Go outside." I told her.

"Are you crazy? I'm staying."

-No you're not. You don't deserve this. I insisted we came here, you don't have to stay. It's dangerous.

-Y/N, it's dangerous for you too.

-I am the one responsible for this madness. You just followed me. But you don't have to stay in this place.

We heard bikes outside. They were already here.

"Tara, please, go and tell them to stay outside. Putting you all on danger will forever haunt me anyways, I don't want anyone to get hurt." I begged my friend.

"For gods sake!" Tara exclaimed and got out of the building.

As I walked deeper and deeper inside the building, I could hear someone talking.

I entered a long hallway with several broken doors left and right.

I kept trying to figure out where the talking was coming from, but several doors wouldn't even open.

And that's when I heard the most terrifying scream I had heard in my life. It came from the end of the hallway.

My blood froze. My heart stopped. My body felt heavier than usual. That voice.. I could recognise that voice among a million others.

I started running towards the end of the hallway and when I reached the last door, my mind went blank.

I pushed the heavy burden in front of me and found myself in a clean room. The walls weren't yellowish, but the pipes were still rusty.

"Y/N?" Someone called my name. I turned to look and saw Kozik, sitting on a chair, shirtless, with blood everywhere on him.

"Kozik?" I felt my legs weak, as I sighed with relief.

I ran towards him but something or someone grabbed my hair and threw me on the cold ground.

"Shit, y/n, no!" Kozik yelled.

"Where do you think you're going?" A tall man, with a Mayans vest pulled a gun out and aimed it to my head.

"No, please, don't hurt her!" Kozik screamed.

"Who the hell told you to speak?" The guy laughed. "If your boss doesn't give us the guns, then you two are lost." He added.

"Who said that?" I saw Jax hitting the guy with something big, but everything after that is too blurry to be remembered.

I woke up the next day in the same hospital bed as before.

I looked around in fear, as I remembered everything that had happened the night before. 

"Tara!" I yelled in panic.

She came running into the room, holding a few papers.

"What happened? Are you okay?" She asked. For a few seconds I thought that everything that had happened last night was a dream.

Until I saw him entering the room.

"Kozik!" I exclaimed.

"Oh no way, mister, if you keep roaming the hallways like that you're gonna faint!" Tara lectured him, but he wouldn't listen.

He looked terrible. Several bandages were covering his body, blood was still on his hands, but the smile on his face made everything better.

"God, I missed you." He sat on a white chair next to me and took my hand in his.

"I missed you too. I don't know what would have happened if-" but before I could finish what I was saying, he place a trembling finger on my lips.

"I'm here now. God, I'm so glad I'm here now." A few tears escaped his eyes. "I was so scared I would never see you again. I was so scared. The thought of you was the only thing that helped me stay strong. And when I heard about the baby... God, I'm so sorry, y/n. I'm so freaking sorry."

-It's not your fault, Kozik.

-Yes it is. I shouldn't have let you come with us. You could have been a great mom.

I held his hand, as he cried and went on talking about how everything was his fault. I decided that after everything he went through, he needed to cry a little bit about everything. I could only imagine what they did to him.

"I love you so much. We're gonna have so many babies and we're gonna be a big family, and I'm gonna be an amazing dad and you're gonna be an amazing mom. I want to make you happy, I want to make you smile every single day." He kissed the back of my hand. "Will you marry me?" His question shocked me, but in the best kind of way.

I stared at him for a good minute, as I felt my heart beating faster and faster with every second that passed.

"Yes!" I yelled. "Hell yes!"

[verobatto]

Destiel Chronicles

Vol. LXXIV

It was a love story from the very beginning

You Are (Part III)

(11x23)

Hi! We reached the last meta from season 11! Yay!

As I disclaimed in my last meta, this is a Destiel centered series of analysis, so the rest of the topics could be taken superficially.

Hope you enjoy! Let's start!

[[MORE]]

You are back

Çhuck, God himself, was agonizing on the floor, the event most important on the entire Universe, but even so, Dean ordered Sam to go to check on him, because Dean wanted to check on his angel, his own personal universe.

Gif credit @mad-as-a-box-of-frogs

So the relived and slight one side ways smile he showed when he realized his Cas was back, it was priceless.

So, okay, the world was about to end, but Dean has Cas back, so... 🤣🤣

And later, when Cas made a innocent appreciation about Dog's breakfast, Dean just feels so proud of him. Throwing to his brother "Cas is back."

But I know we are not here for this little scenes ... But the nefarious car talk... Okay, let's suffer now.

I for We. And you are a brother to Us

We all know there was plenty alcohol in that bunker when Dean decided not to die sober.

The camera showed us deliberately, when the hunter opens the fridge, we had beers there.

So the 'let's go to a ride to buy some beers before the world ends' was just an excuse.

He invited Sam to covered his intentions, knowing Sam would reject him for sure.

So, when Sam said no, as he was expecting, he calls for his angel.

Once in the road, the conversation wet from one point, to another. But the way it ended it wasn't pleasent.

DEAN: How you doing? You good? I mean, you know, the whole Lucifer thing.

So, this is what happens with Dean: he can openly talk about his feelings or other people's feelings with Sam or Jody, but he lost track of his own words when Cas is in front of him. So here, by this, he wanted to know about why Cas said yes, or... What was happening with him. Because he didn't see that coming. But he simplifies this whole ideas that haunting him for so many days and night without sleeping, saying 'the whole Lucifer thing'. The whole Lucifer thing means all of this, including his own deception of Cas rejecting to be saved by him. To come back to him. So there this wall between Dean's true feelings and Dean's words towards Cas. He is protecting himself from that pain, the rejection. So he is deeply concerned, but he needs to act cool.

CAS: I was just... so stupid.

Cas is still sad and feeling not usefulness.

DEAN: No, no, no. It wasn't stupid. You were right. You were right to let Lucifer ride shotgun.

Me and Sam wouldn't have done that.

By saying this, Dean is trying to convince Cas he was useful, and brave. Because he did something not Sam not him would do. Dean is trying to support him and comfort him, as a real friend would do. He could be yelling at him, and saying he did a stupid thing, as he uses to do when Cas takes this kind of decision, but this time is different, because he recognizes Cas said yes to Lucifer because he was feeling sad, and bad. And Dean didn't see that.

CAS: Well, it didn't work.

DEAN: No, but it was our best shot, and you stepped up.

CAS: I was just trying to help.

DEAN: Well, and you do help, Cas.

Dean repeats to Cas that what he did was useful, was very helpful, he is important in the fight. Now that he settled that point, is time to let the angel know he's not just important for the fight, but for him. Because he was terribly worried about him, not sleeping, imagine he could lost him forever... But his fears to rejection played Dean again.

DEAN: You know, l— You know, sometimes me and Sam have got so much going on that...we forget about everyone else.

He backtracked, but he tried, he tried to apologise because he didn't see what was happening with Cas. So he look for a shield. Sam. If he uses Sam, he won't be alone in his feelings... Because Sam loves Cas a a brother, a real friend. But not Dean. Dean is in love with Cas, so, Sam is the shield. Those feelings: BROTHERHOOD, FRIENDSHIP. Yes. Dean can handle that. But his true feelings? The first person talk? The L word?, He just can't right now... that's why he transforms I into WE/US/SAM AND ME. We didn't see you sad. We weren't aware of your depression.

CAS: Well, you do live exciting lives.

DEAN: [Chuckles] Yeah, that's one word for it.

But you're always there, you know?

With this Dean is trying to say another thing it was haunting his mind this whole time for sure. Cas always come when they call. Cas is always there for them. Cas takes care of him, all the time. He failed to Cas.

[Dean looks over at Cas]

DEAN: You're the best friend we've ever had.

Dean is feeling the cowardice all over him, using the shield, the safe WE and covering his own true emotions and feelings, to deliver a message to Cas: YOU ARE IMPORTANT, best friend, is wonderful privilege, a great place. But Cas is more than just that, even for Sam, so he adds...

You're our brother, Cas. I want you to know that.

Dean places Cas in Sam's spot: BROTHERHOOD that's the maximum place for a friend. So for sure, Sam considers Cas his brother. But is not the place Dean gave Cas in his heart. But is a safe word: BROTHER, there's not danger on that. Not feelings exposure. Not rejection.

Gif credit @mad-as-a-box-of-frogs👇

Cas' sad and disappointed expression when he hears Dean saying this is so painful to see. That's not the place he wants with Dean. So is more pain for his angelic heart. Dean, heartbroken as he was for being rejected when he tried to save him, is heartbreaking Castiel now. Misscomunication, that will take a huge place in Dabb's era.

Jealous Cas

Just a few words about this, because I'm addition to the new rejection our angel had felt in Dean's hands, when they were planing the soul bomb, they needed someone to get close to Amara. And Cas, who had witnessed the way Dean and Amara interacted, that... Bond, he gave his own opinion about the plan...

CAS: We need somebody to get close to her, someone with a... personal connection.

Cas made a face here, not a good one hehe. He knew about this, about their connection.

Goodbye

Dean said goodbye to his mom the grave ( as a foreshadow of her resurrection), to his brother, and then, it was time for Cas...

Gif credit @spnsmile 👇

The hug is tender, and Dean looks sad at the end. But then Cas throws to him his quote ...

CAS: I could go with you.

DEAN: No, no, no. No, I got to do this alone.

Castiel is always willing to die for Dean, so let him go alone to a certain death is not something he is able to handle, but because Dean is requesting him this, and then he even gave Cas a mission: to take care of Sam. That's why Cas stays. He has a new mission, to protect Sam and comfort him.

Finally, when the world was saved, the camera shows us Cas asking for Dean. Because his thoughts were with him the whole time. Just like Dean's thoughts when he wanted to get his angel back, or when they were planning to defeat Amara, and Dean asked what Cas thought about the plan, and Lucy mocked him, of course.

Gif credit @mad-as-a-box-of-frogs 👇

Need vs Want

The writers presented to us the topic we will explore in season 12/13 and even 14. What do you want, Dean?

Want is not need. The quote I NEED YOU. It was used by Dean Winchester in the crypt scene, as a shield too, to avoid the fact that he needs Cas because he loves him.

But here we have Amara

AMARA: Dean, you gave me what I needed most. I want to do the same for you.

And she wasn't wrong, she needed her brother to be in peace, and after a visit to the bunker, finding that pic with Mary and Dean on it, she perceived Dean needed his mom the most. So Dean will need his mother to finally find what he really wants. It will be the start of his self knowledge, self acceptance and self love that will lead him to finally express his true feelings for Castiel, that we all are waiting to happen in season 15.

I hope you enjoyed this!! See you in the next meta! Season 12!

To Conclude:

Last episode from this season showed us an attempt of Dean Winchester to put into words all the things that he was struggling with. But using Sam and changing the I for We/Us is a symptom of Dean's fears of being rejected. He is not ready to express his feelings which is translated into a new deception and rejection for Cas. Misscomunication.

Ending with the Need vs Want, preparing the self knowledge path Dean will have in season 14.

Tagging @magnificent-winged-beast @emblue-sparks @weird-dorky-little-deana @michyribeiro @whyjm @legendary-destiel @a-bit-of-influence @thatwitchydestielfan @misha-moose-dean-burger-lover @lykanyouko @evvvissticante @savannadarkbaby @dea-stiel @poorreputation @bre95611 @thewolfathedoor @charlottemanchmal @neii3n @deathswaywardson @followyourenergy @dean-is-bi-till-i-die @hekatelilith-blog @avidbkwrm @anarchiana @dickpuncher365 @vampyrosa @authorsararayne @anonymoustitans @mybonsai1976 @love-neve-dies @dustythewind @wayward-winchester67 @angelwithashotgunandtrenchcoat @trashblackrainbow @deeutdutdutdoh @destiel-shipper-11 @larrem88 @charmedbycastiel @ran-savant @little-crazy-misha-minion @samoosetheshipper

@shadows-and-padlocked-hearts @mishtho @dancingtuesdaymorning @nerditoutwithbooks @mikennacac73 @justmeand-myinsight @idontwantpeopletoknowmyname @teddybeardoctor @pepevons @helevetica @isthisdestiel @dizzypinwheel @jawnlockwinchester @horsez2 @qanelyytha

@imjustkipping @destielle @agusvedder @spnsmile @shippsblog @robot-feels @superlock-in-the-tardis @superduckbatrebel

If you want to be added or removed from this list, just let me know.

If you want to read the previous metas from season 11, here you have the links.

Vol. LXII, LXIII, LXIV, LXV, LXVI, LXVII, LXVIII, LXIX, LXX, LXXI, LXXII, LXXIII.

Buenos Aires, August 11th 2020 5:30 PM

[mrs-i-have-too-many-biases]

Lee Minho// How to win over the Ice Prince

Stray Kids Christmas Series

Scenario: Every year, a big Christmas party was hosted at the palace of the Lee Family. But this year, a special guest seemed to attracted the cold-hearted prince’s eye. Genre: Fluff/ slight angst Tropes: Strangers to lovers | Royal!AU Pairing: Prince!Lee Minho X Lady!Reader (Knight’s daughter) Word count: 10,3K Warning: This little guide will be divided in 10 steps and a fanfic story.

“Y/n, c’mon. We’re invited to that party! Besides, I thought you and prince Jisung were friends?” Your father sighed as he tried to hand over your ball gown. “He is, but we’re always attending these posh parties. They are getting old.” You whined. “And so am I, you should find yourself a nice young man and get settled.” “Dad, we’ve talked about this. I’m not looking for a relationship.” You sighed whilst looking at your father sadly.

It’s been almost five years, since your mother had passed away. It was on the twenty-third of December, which made Christmas time quite hard for you. She had caught a terrible illness that made her skin lose all of its pigment, her eyes would visibly be unfocused and her throat eventually got so swollen that it made her suffocate in her sleep. Your father and you were devastated, especially since your father’s work finally had worked out for the family and he had became a knight. He had saved a village from a rival kingdom. He had saved many lives and sadly your mother wasn’t there to enjoy the wealth that your father had earned.

You didn’t live a luxurious life before your father became a knight. You lived in a small hut in the middle of the woods. You were home-schooled by your mother who was a teacher before she had you. They gave you everything, since you were their only child and they cherished your dearly.

You felt bad for your father at times. He was lonely and getting older and you obviously weren’t always going to be there for him and be able to care for him. That would be one of the reasons why you weren’t with anyone and besides that, guys weren’t that attracted to you since you were very fierce and independent. Many guys you knew wanted a girl who played damsel in distress and you know that wasn’t you.

Your father had always taught you how to survive on your own, even when you are terrible low on supplies.

And now here you were, because your dad’s a hero, you had to attend these stupid, meaningless parties. The elite had nothing better to do with their live, other than spending their money on things, was something you’ve noticed through time as you had gone to multiple of these parties.

Hours later you had arrived at the palace of the Han family. When you met Jisung for the first time your dad had just saved the village and you were still very knew to the fact that you were living in the spotlight. Jisung was kind enough to welcome you into this new world. He showed you around the palace, he wanted a new friend and that’s what you became eventually. The Han family were the one’s who made your father a knight and he was happy to serve them since they were very good to you. They gave you a big piece of land with a great house where you two could live comfortably.

You were very thankful for him and you repaid him with your friendship. He told you that he was well quite lonely, yes, he did have a brother and his animals. But his brother was always off to do crown prince duties and his animals weren’t always having Jisung’s shit. Jisung found it a little challenging at the beginning of your friendship, but it quickly turned out to be a great one when the two of you got out of your shells.

Jisung also had this friend Minho, he was the crown prince of the Lee family’s kingdom. They were one of the most powerful kingdoms besides the Bang family’s and the Kim’s family. Minho was an only child, just like you and it kind of showed. He was antisocial, didn’t know how to share or how to interact to other people. Jisung didn’t know how he got Minho to open up to him, but he did. Minho was known as a coldheartedly prince who rejected almost everyone who tried to get close to him. His past girlfriends tried to loosen him up and melt his heart, but it didn’t seem to work. They told everyone that he was a problematic know-it-all, who didn’t seemed like he cared about anything.

You met Minho a couple of times and you gladly believed his past girlfriends. When you were introduced to him, you hoped that he would open up eventually like Jisung did, but when it came to Minho, he didn’t. He didn’t even bother to look you in the eye when you politely bowed to him. You saw him roll his eyes before passing you. “Trust me, he’s kinder that he seems.” Jisung tried to convince you at first, you wanted to see it for yourself, but Minho didn’t seem to be any different from how his ex-girlfriends made him look like.

Step one: Don’t let him walk over you

You were talking with Jisung when the guards had announced that the Lee family had arrived. Minho had his head held up high as he made his way through the room. Your father quickly went to your side as you were introduced as usual to the family. His parents nodded kindly after you bowed, Minho on the other hand just scoffed and rolled his eyes. “Don’t think that you’re special.” He muttered under his breath, but you heard him “I don’t care what you think of me, but my father is a hard-working man if you aren’t able to see that or acknowledge that, you must be blind or simply not very bright.” Your harsh tone and words horrified your father who quickly apologises to the Lee family. You in the mean time had walked off, leaving Jisung chuckling and Minho speechless, as well as his parents. You left an impression and he didn’t know what to do with it. He had seen you around, he had seen you talk and laugh with Jisung at parties, but that would be it. He wasn’t going to lie when he thought that you seemed like a gold digger, someone who wanted to live higher up. But you standing up for your father like that against a royal family without hesitation gave of a powerful vibe that you held.

Minho had his eyes on you for the rest of the night. You thought he did so he could plan his revenge on you for humiliating him in public, so you decided to avoid him at all costs and stay close to Jisung. Since they were friends too and he could protect you from Minho, who fortunately for you had a soft spot for the squirrel-like boy.

You were laughing and messing around with Jisung as you judged people’s outfits. “That woman looks like a walking bird.” You whispered to your friend as a woman with a feathered dress walked pass. “Shut up she’ll hear you!” Jisung laughed. “The swans are quaking.” You laughed. “More like quacking.” Jisung whispered, making you wheeze. “Jisung stop-“ “’Where the frick is that bitch who got my clothes- there she is what’s up ducker!’” Jisung and you were now laughing your asses off, receiving a weird look form the swan lady, making the two of you laugh even harder.

All of the sudden Minho was stood in front of the two of you. You sighed at the fact that your fun moment with Jisung was now ruined and you excused yourself from the two before walking off. “What’s up with her?” Minho asked his good friend as he gave him a drink. “Nothing much, why?” “Well, she doesn’t seem to really like me.” “That doesn’t really surprise me, you aren’t the nicest to her.” Jisung tried to explain. “What do you mean?” Minho says in confusion. “Oh my God you don’t even see it.” Jisung laughed feeling dumbfounded.

Minho laughed along, but still feeling confused. “What is it?” He asked Jisung. “You’re just a dick to her, she also doesn’t know why. We’ve known each other now for years. She thought that you would open up after a while.” “You know how I am with new people.” “I know, but c’mon Minho. Five years, you’ve known her for five years. Also, what makes you so interested in her all of the sudden?” Jisung smirked whilst wiggling his eyebrows.

“Nothing special, she just left an impression?” “What? Her putting you in your place did?” Jisung laughed, receiving a punch in his arm from his friend. “Shut up. I was planning on inviting her to our annual Christmas party.” Minho admitted. “Oh, I don’t think that would be the greatest idea.” Jisung said. “Why so.” “You really need to listen when she’s talking bro.” Jisung sighed before explaining to Minho that you had lost someone dear around Christmas time and that celebrating it was very difficult for you. “I could be good for them? I don’t know, you will be there.” “Why are you so interested in her? Are you starting to crush on her or something?” “What no, I don’t- my mom’s calling me. See you later.” Minho stuttered before walking off.

You were at home, a few days after the party, your father was decorating the Christmas tree whilst you were working in the garden to get some fresh vegetables for supper. You suddenly heard your father call for you and when you got back inside you heard someone ride away on a horse and your father was holding an envelope. It looked like an invite, but you didn’t recognise the wax stamp.

Your father did and opened the letter excitedly. ‘… you are invited to the annual Christmas ball at the palace of the royal Lee family.” You looked at your dad in shock. “Why would they invite us?” You ask your dad in shock and confusion. “I don’t know, especially since you insulted the young prince.” “He was the one who insulted you dad, you didn’t deserve to be disrespected like that. You’ve worked too hard for that. Which is why I’m not going.” “Don’t be crazy. You are supposed to come with me. It literally says our names.” He laughed, making you smile slightly. “It’s a Christmas party though dad.” You muttered. He sighed softly before walking closer to you.

He hugged you tightly as he spoke. “I know this time of the year is hard for you. It is for the both of us. But your mother loved Christmas and I think that she would want us to still celebrate it with her still living in our hearts.” “I get it dad, but it’s hard and I miss her. It will take me some time.” “I know sweety.” “But if you really want to go, then I will come with you.” You said, making your dad smile brightly. “Will you hold yourself back at the Christmas party for me?” “If Minho will act normal than maybe.” “We can work with that.”

In the meantime was Jisung at Minho’s place. He came over because he was bored and because he wanted to hang out, instead he was stuck with Minho and his little fashion show “I thought we were going for a ride.” “Sorry Sung, I have to fit my Christmas outfit. You know how my parents can be when they aren’t in control of every little thing, I do in my fucking life.” “Sir-“ “I’m not even sorry.” He said bluntly to the maid. “C’mon we usually ditch out for stuff like this.” Jisung groans as he laid back on Minho’s bed. “I know, I just feel different about all of this now.” “Why, because Y/n is coming?”

Minho didn’t respond to Jisung’s remark, making him gasp loudly. “Ladies can you come back later, I have to talk to Jisung.” Minho ordered sternly, making them bow politely before rushing out of the room. “It is about Y/n, isn’t it?” Jisung gasped once again. “Listen, I don’t know why I’m being like this, okay?” “Oh my God, you’re in love with her. This is so sad!” Jisung cried dramatically. “W-why- how- wait.” “This is a one-sided love-“ “Will you quit it already you doofus! I’m not in love with her!” Minho groans. “Then why are you making this such a big deal then?” “You’re the one who’s literally making a big deal out of this!” Minho scoffed. “Just tell me are you in love-“ “Let’s go for a ride!” Minho cut off his friend before grabbing him by the arm and dragging him outside.

The two went on a ride with their horses and went to the beach, which was covered in snow since it was the middle of winter. Minho had brought some food and drinks along with them as the two of them sat on a stump.

“Do you think she would like the party?” Minho asked his friend carefully. “You really are worried, aren’t you?” Jisung chuckled. “I honestly am. I don’t know why, after all I don’t know her that well. I mean you do, but she already hates me.” “You want her to not hate you?” Jisung questioned. “I mean, I guess it would be nice to know a girl who doesn’t talk shit about you.” Minho spat bitterly. “Just try to be nicer to her, she’s really great.” “If she’s so great then why won’t you date her?” Minho said in a mocking tone. “Are you jealous now? I would never steal your crush from you.” Jisung joked, before ending up in the snow because Minho pushed him off the stump.

“Just help me please.” Minho groans. “Alright, I will then. Just begin with being nice to her. Like at the party, begin from then on.” “I’ll try.”

Step two: talk back

It was a few weeks before the Christmas party, but there was a gathering where you father needed to be. There was a meeting about the security of the kingdom and about the new strategies they had come up with for the army.

That left Minho, Jisung and you alone in the living room of his place. The air was tense and the looks that exchanged between the three of you were awkward. You had a book in your hands whilst Minho and Jisung were chatting away. “Y/n, why don’t you join us, you’re so boring.” Minho teased. You looked up from your book and raised your eyebrow, unamused obviously. Whilst rolling your eyes you focussed your attention back on your book. “C’mon Y/n, don’t be such a stuck up.” Minho added with a smirk. “You literally have all year to be a jerk, why don’t you take today off?” “Pardon?” “What? Got a trouble with someone telling you the truth.” “Listen up vile woman, you know nothing. Why don’t you take your average looks outside and leave us alone.” “Look, your face might be good-looking, but we really should put a bag over your personality, because let me tell you something. It isn’t pretty.” You sneered, throwing the book on the side table and standing up.

“Did your mother teach you to speak with such a foul mouth.” You shot back around and stormed your way back to Minho. He had realised what he just said, he forgot that he couldn’t make such jokes with you and he knew he was going to pay for it. “Listen up you bastard. I don’t care who you are or who the fuck you think you are. You do not talk about my mother in any way. You have no right, understood? Never mention her again. So you better Shut your mouth or I’ll kick your teeth down your throat and I’ll shut it for you.” You threatened as you gripped Minho by the collar and pulled him up to your level as you stared deadly into his eyes. The guards saw the whole scene happen and finally realised that they should help the crown prince. “Lady Y/n, I think it’s time to go.” One of the guards say as he was about to escort you out. “I think so too.” You shot a glare at Jisung who kept quite the entire time, not even trying to defend you or whatever. You thought he was better than that, but you guessed you thought wrong. Minho was his best friend after all so you didn’t blame him.

Jisung sighed after you had left the room and groaned. Minho felt guilty already. “I thought you liked her?” Jisung whisper yelled as Minho ran his hand through his hair. “I-I don’t know why I am like this.” “You really need some help man.” Jisung sighed. “That’s why you need to help me.” “She literally hates me right now. I should’ve stood up for her, but I was too shocked by your dumb action. This won’t make her like you, you know?” “I am well aware of that, thank you very much.” Minho sighed as he dropped himself back on the sofa.

“The reason why she snapped this badly at you and why she doesn’t like Christmas anymore, is because her mother passed away on the twenty-third of December, this year it would be five years ago.” Minho hid his face in his hands and groaned at how stupid he had been. He felt like absolute shit and he wanted nothing more than to step into a hole and be buried into the ground. “You didn’t know-“ “I should’ve! You did! I need to stop joking around like this.” He sighed.

Minho started to grow a soft spot for you, something he hadn’t done in a long time. Not because he pitied you, but because you were so strong and stood up for the people who you loved when they couldn’t do it for themselves. He could admire that and he wanted to make it up to you. He also doesn’t know how deep he was when it came to falling for you, but he felt like he was already in deep.

After that mortifying day, he couldn’t stop thinking about you. He had people gathering information, in a non-creepy way, about the things that you liked and what your hobbies were. He would try to inform himself about the hobbies and make sure that your favourite things were at the party. He wanted nothing more than to make it up to you. He felt like he wanted to begin a relationship with you. He didn’t care if you would end up being just his friend, you were different and he liked that. You stood up for what you believed and he could respect that. He just felt like an idiot for realising that too late.

Step three: Show him your worth

Days had gone by rather quickly and you hadn’t bothered to speak to Jisung. You really were upset with him. It was the day of the Christmas party and your father had convinced you once again to join him to the party. “Are you really going to leave your old man alone at a party, with way too many people?” You hated it when he played this card with you, he knew that you cared way too much for him. You always wanted to make sure that he was alright, so you went with him.

You wore a beautiful ball gown that your father had bought for you with the money he had saved up in a month of hard working. He did some extra jobs to get extra money to buy you a brand-new dress in such a short time. You didn’t wanted him to spend this much money on you and insisted on paying at least half of the gown.

The colour of your dress matched the Christmas spirit, the rich Bordeaux colour popped lovely on your skin tone and the glitter that was processed into the dress was glistering beautifully in the lights that the chandeliers provided. You had never been at the palace of the Lee family. You were quite nervous and you wished Jisung was here to guide you through it. Even though some time had passed, you just wanted Jisung to make the first step to apologise.

You head your head high that night. You looked absolutely stunning and you knew it. And so did the guests at the party. When you walked were announced with your dad on your side, looking almost as handsome as he did on his wedding day with your mother, you walked down with a pokerfaced. You felt proud when the guard listed off the great things your father had accomplished whilst rescuing the village and the rest of his servings to the royal family. Not bothering to look at Jisung or Minho when bowed for his parents. His eyes wouldn’t leave your figure as you walked by with glory. His heart was beating fast and his mind was blurry, he felt like the only thing he could see and think about was you.

He looked at Jisung, he could read off Minho’s face the panic and nervousness. Jisung felt nervous as well, you were a great friend of his and he didn’t wanted this to end, because Minho had fucked up. He sighed and tried to calm himself down, the party literally just begun and he hadn’t even spoken to you yet. The music had started and your father had left you for a second to catch up with some people. You were in the mean time looking around at the people as they were dancing, chatting and having a good time.

Jisung was gathering his courage to talk to you, he knew you wouldn’t hesitate to cut him off and pretend you had never known him. You didn’t care who he was or what kind of a status he had and you proved that with dissing Minho in public. You could’ve gotten thrown into jail and it surprised you that you weren’t yet.

Jisung had found his way through the crowd to you. You sipped on your drink as you ignored him when he said hi. After a while he noticed that his plan wasn’t working so he just dragged you outside. “You look pretty.” He complimented. “I know.” You responded. Jisung started to rant about how much of a bad friend he was for not standing up for you as you just stared and listened to him. It was a little vile to let him feel bad when you were pretty much over this whole thing already.

You told him that it was fine and gave the poor distressed boy a hug. He was relieved that you forgave him, but he questioned how you felt about Minho after all. “Well, he fucked up. He could’ve had me around, his loss not mine.” You shrugged before going back inside, because well it was freezing.

At the rest of that moment Minho started to try and get your attention, by sending you drinks that his guard would deliver. He would try and get people to talk to you who would then try to bring you to himself. You wouldn’t fall for it, making Minho groan a little in frustration as he sat on his throne beside his parents. “Minho, why aren’t you looking for a partner at this lovely party. You’re twenty and you still single. You know you will be taking over the crown soon.” His mother states, making Minho roll his eyes as he was still focussed on you. He didn’t notice his mother standing up and walking up to greet some people. His dad tried to have the same conversation with his son, but Minho decided to stand up and make his way to Jisung. “They’re starting again huh?” Jisung chuckles as he offered Minho a drink. Minho hummed in responds whilst taking the drink gladly. “So, how is Y/n doing?” Minho asked carefully. “Well, she’s doing great. She forgave me.” Jisung said. “She didn’t forgave me, did she?” “Nope.”

Minho got it though. He looked at you once again and saw how beautiful you looked. You were laughing and talking to different people and it made him a little envious of them. He just wished that he hadn’t been such a dick to you, things could’ve been different. Maybe you would’ve liked him and the two of you would be together.

“Ladies and gentlemen, the king and queen would like to announce something.” The announcer called through the room as the music stopped abruptly. Minho looked at his parents in confusion, which quickly turned into shock when they announced that they had found a possible bride for him. He didn’t sign up for this. “…we think that miss Gwynn Hayden would be the best candidate for this. Therefore, we invite her to live with us to get to know our son better and begin a relationship that will unite our kingdoms together in the end.” Minho almost spit out his drink and handed his glass to Jisung who looked at his friend in shock. Minho made his way to his parents, when he tried to talk his father stopped him from doing so.

“Don’t stop this Minho, there’s nothing you can do.” He said to his son. “Yes I can. This is about my life.” “This is about our kingdom, stop being selfish.” Minho felt distressed and like he couldn’t breathe. He looked at the people who were staring at him, you made eye contact with him and you saw the overwhelming of emotions washing over him and you felt bad. As Minho looked you into the eye, he had an idea. He stepped in front of his mother and started to speak, even though he was told to  be quite by both of his parents. “I will go through with the idea of princess Hayden staying and living with us, but I want lady Y/n to be there as well.” Minho said, shocking the whole room. This time making you almost spit out your drink.

“Excuse me, what for?” “I heard that miss Y/n has great life teachings and I would love to learn more about them.” You knew what he was doing and so was Minho of course.

‘Little shit.’ You thought to yourself before walking outside. Fresh air was something you needed right now to clear your mind.

Step 4: talk to him

You had been living in the Lee family’s palace for a day now and you tried your hardest to avoid Minho. “Please just let me talk to you.” Minho almost begged as he followed you around. You kept silent as you made your way to the garden where you just wanted to enjoy your tea in quite and peace whilst enjoying the snow. “Y/n.” He repeated your name like a little child who wanted attention from his parent. You put your tea down and sighed as you looked at him. “What do you want Minho?” “I want to apologise.” His words caught you of guard, but not really. You thought that he was going to make a stupid comment like he did the other day, you wanted to see where this was going. “I genuinely wanted to apologise for acting like a fool the other day. Jisung had told me about you and your family, he didn’t say anything bad I promise, I wanted to get to know you better and I know I should’ve talked to you when it’s about you, but I was dumb. I can’t reason why I am so dumb, but I really want to change- why are you laughing.” “I enjoy you calling yourself dumb.” You grinned in amusement. “I am very dumb, I’m glad you’re laughing, but I feel like shit.” Minho pouted. You smiled at him and turned to him. “You indeed are dumb and it really hurt what you said to me the other day. I forgive you though, since I’ve heard that you usually never apologise to people, so I kind of feel special.” You grinned.

‘Am I going soft for him?’ You asked yourself.

‘Maybe.’

Did you mind?

Apparently not.

“Does that mean we’re friends now?” “Hold your horses icy, I didn’t even know you at first. Let’s just say that we’re good right now.” “Good.” “May I ask you something?” You said in a serious matter. “Yes?” “Why did you really ask me to stay at the palace with you?” “Well, honestly. I wanted to talk to you and this seemed like a good and right now the only way, so I took the chance and seized it.” He laughed, making you wheeze slightly.

“Well you’ve talked to me, so now what?” “My parents want me to get cute and close to this girl who I don’t even know and expect me to marry her. I wasn’t even thinking about marriage yet. I didn’t even know they were going to announce that shit at the party as well. And tonight we’re supposed to have a dinner date and I’m not looking forward to it. I just want to sneak out and I don’t know do anything else.” “Have your parents always been like this?” You asked him. “As long as I can remember.” He sighed.

Step 5: Show him a different aspect of things

“Maybe they just want the best for you?” “If they really want that, shouldn’t they let me decide my own life choices.” “They should, but I bet they have great intentions-“ “I really don’t want to talk about this right now.” He sighs. “I’m sorry.” You whispered as you saw how uncomfortable he suddenly got.

“No, no. It’s not you. It’s just a sensitive subject for me to talk about. Let’s go do something. I want my mind to focus on different stuff. Got anything in mind?” “Well, there is this winter market in the Highbreach village-“ “Let’s go there, I have horses. Let’s go right now!” “But you’re buffet-“ “I have to get changed first, c’mon!”

“Wait what-“ You were cut off once again by Minho dragging you with him to his room, you were panicked because you didn’t know what he was up to. When the both of you entered his room you were greeted by three little cats. You started to coo at them immediately as they came up to check you, the stranger, out. Minho looked at you shocked, making you look at him back in confusion. “What?” You asked. “They like you?” “Yeah, I guess?” You laughed as you continued to pet the cats who purred in delight. “They don’t like anybody, except me I guess.” “Wow, I feel honoured.” You cooed to the cats as you scratched them behind their ears, making Minho laugh. He quickly remembered that he needed to change. When he came back you looked at him funny, he wore a blouse with a thick jacket over it, making him look like a regular person. He looked handsome as usual and you were happy that you got to see a different side of him. It was quite unusual to see a prince in regular, everyday clothes.

“Shall we go?” “Yes.”

At the winter market, that was about forty minutes away, well ten minutes away from your house, but Minho’s palace was in a whole different kingdom, so the ride was a little longer that you thought. “We didn’t had to come here you know? You’re going to miss-“ “I don’t mind. It’s boring anyway, besides I would have to sit there with a princess who I don’t even know, being expected to fall in love with her just like that.” Minho sighed. “I don’t even like Christmas dinners, they are usually filled with people who are bragging about their lives and achievements. Telling others how much wealth they had and well you get it, rich people talk basically. There always had to be someone better than the other, I’m not into that you know.” He added.

You looked at him and simply took his hand as you led him to the market. He was quite as he enjoyed the moment of affection. When you stopped walking, he looked at around in awe. There were tables spread out on the streets. Lanterns and fires were made for warmth. The people of the village sat together, sharing food and stories. You looked up to him and smiled.

“What is this?” He whispered, still adoring the view in front of him. “This is my Christmas.” You responded, receiving a surprised look from Minho. “Years ago, when my mother was still alive, I was a little girl at the time, since our family was small and she loved having people over, she came up with this idea of spending Christmas with the entire village. Ever since, it has been a kind of tradition. There aren’t really presents involved, but there is good food and live music. We would all dance together and sing along with one another, it’s one of the reasons why my mother loved Christmas so much. And it was one of the reasons why my father loves my mother so much, she wanted to spread joy and kindness with others and well it worked out. See it for yourself.” Minho had a small smile resting on his face as he looked at you. You were talking about your family with so much love, it was really heart-warming to him.

Suddenly he was standing alone and looked around where you had headed to, he saw you running towards an adult man, who happened to be your father. “Y/n! My child! What are you doing here?” He sang cheerfully at the sight of you. “Minho wanted to sneak out, so we went here.” You explained, before looking to Minho and signing to him to walk over to where they were. “Good day sir.” Minho said politely. “Your Majesty-“ “Please call me Minho. I’m a little undercover.” Minho quickly explained in a soft voice. Your dad understood and bowed slightly as a form of respect. “Sit down, there’s enough for everyone.” You father offered, which you and Minho gladly accepted.

“I hope the food tastes good, it’s probably not as great as the food you have at home, isn’t it Minho?” Your father chuckled nervously as Minho ate a bite from the beef and the mashed potatoes that were brought in front of him. “It’s delicious.” Minho assured him with a smile.

The evening went on and Minho enjoyed every second of being in your home village. After eating you went to the market part of the village, where you could buy almost everything. The two of you came across costumes for pets and you decided to buy some for his cats, since you didn’t had a pet of your own. “You don’t have to do that right?” “I know, but I want to. They would look adorable on them.” You giggled after you had paid for them.

Minho couldn’t take his eyes of you that night. He saw how much you had lighten up around these people, compared to how you were at royal parties where he often saw you. But he understood why, the same reason why he didn’t wanted to go to his family Christmas buffet. People at those kinds of parties were always up to something else. Minho had learned that in this village, things go different. There wasn’t a competition in between people, they weren’t striving for being better than the other. Here they were there for each other and Minho admired that.

It was getting late and the two of you were about to head home to the palace. Before that, you went to your father to say goodbye to him. You hugged him tightly and exchanged some sweet words as you said your goodbyes. “Your mother would be so proud of you.” He whispered, before kissing the top of your head and waving you goodbye as you started your journey back with Minho by your side.

After the two of you had arrived back at the palace, you sneaked through a secret passage, Minho had found, back to his room without anybody noticing. You would dress the cats in the little costumes and coo at their cuteness.

The night ended quickly and you were tired, so you said goodnight to Minho. “Thank you by the way. If it wasn’t for you, I couldn’t have spend Christmas with my dad.” You admitted softly before heading out. “It was my pleasure.” Minho muttered back as he watched you leave.

When you had left, he fell back on his bed and sighed deeply. The day was great and he couldn’t be happier, but he still felt sad somehow. A scene popped into his mind as he had closed his eyes for a second, where you were smiling brightly to him as the two of you were having dinner at your village. He smiled at the scene that now was a memory. He felt sad that that moment now was a memory, he wished he could be in that moment forever. He had never felt such joy. It made him wish that he never was born a prince, but born as a regular boy, who wasn’t expected to live up to certain expectations.

He almost jumped out of his skin when his door was slammed open, scaring the cats as well, making them run around in stress. “Where have you been.” His father’s voice boomed through the room whilst he stomped through it. “Somewhere-“ “You know we had a family buffet, right?” “Yes-“ “And that we had been looking all over the place for you?” “Probably-“ “Don’t get fucking smart with me young man.” “You’re the one who’s asking the dumb questions.” Minho whispered under his breath. “Excuse me?” His father snapped. “Nothing-“ “Where were you?” His father asked again.

Minho sighed and sat up to face his dad who looked absolutely stressed out. “If you will stop cutting me off, I’ll tell you where I was.” His father sighed and crossed his arms whilst looking at his son with a rather irritated look on his face. “I was outside.” Minho simply said. He wasn’t lying though. “Listen here. I know you sneaked out. The horses were gone smart ass. Were you with miss Y/n perhaps? She was gone as well all day, just like you. Must be a coincident, right?” His father said sarcastically. Minho gulped loudly, he was dragging you into his mess and that wasn’t supposed to happen.

His father could ruin everything for you and Minho knew how hard you and your father had worked to live a decent life. Before he could speak up again, he was cut off by his father’s ranting for the umpteenth time that night. “… and the princess had been waiting for you all night! She had dressed up and made herself look beautiful for you…” ‘Y/n, would never do that.’ Minho thought to himself. And you wouldn’t. You weren’t looking for people to like you by you acting pretty. Yes, you were looking for a reaction the other day at the Christmas party yesterday, but that was because Minho had been an arse and you wanted to show him what he was missing. And well he took the hint and went for it to make it up to you.

“…she looked bored out of her mind and you weren’t there to entertain her-“ “Hold up, I’m not someone’s babysitter. She’s a grown woman, right? Can’t she entertain herself and talk to other people?” Minho scoffed at the ridiculous statement his father had dropped into the conversation. “You need to know what to focus on, this isn’t a game Minho. You need to focus all of your attention, well what’s left of it on the princess, who you are going to marry. Get to know her and build a relationship so you two can become a good pair to rule the kingdom-“ “I don’t want to marry her. I never did! You and mother didn’t even ask me about my opinion about this-“ “Because you don’t have a say into this! And that’s period!” The king was furious at this point and left the room with the door crashing against its frame, scaring yet again Minho and his cats. The prince sighed and laid himself down again, he closed his eyes and wanted to remember the happier moments of that day.

And those moments were you.

In the meantime you were in your guest room, getting changed with the help of a maid who helped you setting up a bath. “How was your day lady Y/n?” She asked. “It was fun! Call me Y/n by the way, I’m nothing more than a regular girl with a blessed life.” You smiled kindly. “I get why the prince is very fond of you.” The maid chuckled as she helped you cleaning up your clothes. “How come?” You asked her curiously. “Well, you may have heard that our prince is usually known for being cold hearted, to be a heartbreaker or even very icy. Ever since you have been in the picture he seems to have changed.” She explains. “Please tell me more.” You asked again, making her laugh slightly. “At parties, he seemed livelier and more excited when he knows that you will be there, he always asks for the guest list to every party his family attends. He never liked parties, but suddenly he cared about his appearances for these parties, that’s when we started to notice that little changes about him.” “We?” You asked her, whilst she helped you with your nightdress. “The other maids and I, even the guards-“ She was cut off by a loud knocking, that was more like pounding, on the door.

“Miss Y/n, you are expected at the king’s office immediately.” The guard calls from the other side of the door. You and the maid shared a confused look, before you grabbed a robe and made your way to the office with the guard walking in front of you.

“You were expecting me?” You say quietly with a bow as you stood in front of the king. “I don’t know it you know what you’re doing, but you need to stop this little game immediately.” The king almost hissed harshly. “Excuse me?” You frowned in confusion. “Don’t play your little mind games with me, miss Y/n. I know what you’ve done with my son and I won’t risk you having playing those tricks on other members of the palace.” He scoffed, not even looking to you. “Sire, I really don’t know what you’re talking about-“ “You know Minho is about to be engaged to princess Hayden, right?” “Yes, but-“ “Then you know enough. You should not interfere into royal businesses miss Y/n, you could get yourself in trouble and I bet that you and your father wouldn’t want that.”

You wanted to talk back to him, but right now the king was the one with the power and you knew better than to let your mouth run at this moment. “No, we would not sire.” “Good, then I expect you to leave, first thing in the morning and to not return to this palace. Am I understood?” “Yes sire.” You said before bowing and leaving the room immediately, leaving the king smiling in satisfaction because once again he got his way, at least he thought.

When you had arrived back at your room Minho was waiting in front of it and it looked like he was about to walk away so you quietly called out for him. He turned around in shock and smiled when he saw you. “What are you doing out here? I thought you were asleep?” He chirps. “I-I was getting a drink from the kitchen.” You lied. “Why wouldn’t you call the maids, they could’ve brought it for you.” “No, I wouldn’t bother them with such a small thing, besides I’m capable of walking myself, aren’t I?” You joked, playing the whole situation off.

“What are you doing out here anyway? It’s late.” You asked him. “I was bored and you’re the least boring person here, so seems pretty logical to me to come to you for entertainment.” He wiggles his eyebrows as he said that. “Don’t try anything pretty boy, nothing is going to happen in there.” You chuckled before giving him a friendly push as you two entered your bedroom.

After some time together, once again, you noticed Minho being a little gloomier than earlier today. He seemed a little like his old self and you didn’t like seeing him off and uncomfortable. You were definitely not going to tell him about the kings words towards you.

In the mean time Minho thought the same thing. He wasn’t going to tell you the harsh things his father had said about you behind your back. He just wanted to spend some time with you and feel happy, even if it was just a moment.

Step 6: Use playful words

You teased him later that night for being kind of like a cat mom, which he laughed loudly at. “I would rather be a cat mom and adopt twenty cats than marry someone I barely know.” He joked, but it has a sense of truth and the both of you knew it. Minho had been resting his head on your thighs as he laid down. You didn’t mind, you enjoyed the moment as much as he did and you didn’t wanted it to end.

He was doing something to you, but you couldn’t describe what it was, but after spending hours together you for sure knew that you wanted more. And before the two of you knew it, it was already five in the morning. The sun would be rising at six and Minho offered to go and wait for the sunrise. You contemplated his request, but eventually agreed to it and walked with Minho to a place where the two of you could watch it together.

Step 7: show him the good in people

Even though the two of you had stayed up all night, you didn’t felt tired. At least not around him. You came across an old man who lived in a cabin in the woods, he had trouble with carrying the wood back inside, making him fall onto his knees. You rushed to his side and helped him up without hesitation, especially since Minho was around as well.

“Are you okay sir?” You asked as the man tried to get back on his feet. “I am, but I need to get this wood back inside, my wife is sick and the fire is about to go out.” He sighs tiredly. “Let us help you sir, we can relight the fire quicker if we help.” Minho also rushed your way to help carrying the wood inside.

After quickly helping the couple, they offered you a piece of cake, which was everything they had. You couldn’t accept it and told them that it was no problem. The man insisted to and you couldn’t refuse the second time, you accepted the gift and said goodbye to them before the pair of you kept walking again to the place that Minho wanted to show you.

You were just in time when you arrived at a cliff that viewed out onto the kingdom. The sun peaked out from the mountain tops as it rose. As you watched the sunrise, the two of you sat on a tree stomp together, his arm subtly behind you as you two enjoyed the moment together. Little did Minho know that this would be one of the last moments together. You had planned in your head, as soon as Minho was back in his room, you would quickly pack your stuff and go home.

“Thank you for showing a different side of humanity that I didn’t believe actually existed.” He told you with a smile.

After the sky turned from pink to blue the two of you decided that it was time to go back home. Minho looked at you as you stood up first to stretch, but you tripped and stumbled almost towards the edge clumsily. Minho’s reflexes quickly kicked in and grabbed your wrist and pulled you harshly towards him, causing the two of you to collide and fall onto the ground. He held you tightly as you laid in the snow, the both of you breathing unsteadily and quickly as your heart raced. You thanked him as you held him even tighter, making Minho gulp loudly and hoping that you couldn’t feel his heart pounding for you.

When you two arrived back at the palace, Minho said his goodbye to you, not knowing that you would be leaving before you rushed to you guestroom. You dumped everything into your bag and hurried out the door. You hesitated at a moment, you wanted to see Minho for one last time, but you couldn’t risk the king ruining your dad’s and your life.

Step 8: Accept fate

So, you left just like that.

Minho woke up hours later, caused by the maid who was the one who woke him up. She told him that he needed to get ready for his date with the princess. He groaned and got up to wash up. He was still tired from staying up all night, but it was all worth it to him.

When he got back, dressed up and clean, he asked the maid if you were awake yet. She looked at him in shock.” “Majesty, don’t you know? She’s gone?” She says carefully. “What do you mean she’s gone?” Minho blurt out. “She left the palace this morning majesty, didn’t you know?”

Minho’s head was spinning. How could you leave without saying goodbye? He thought you two were having a great time. It all felt surreal and he didn’t really know what to do. He felt like he was malfunctioning and it was all because you weren’t present around him. The prince stormed out of his bedroom and went on the search for his father. When he finally found him after storming through the palace for a good twenty minutes he lashed out on his father. “What have you told Y/n!” Minho yelled. The king simply sighed and went on with whatever he was doing. Minho shoved the papers off his father’s desk and placed his hands harshly onto it. “Tell me!” He yelled once again. “You don’t have to worry about her, you should focus on the princess remember.”

“I don’t care about that stupid girl, I want to know what you told Y/n and where she is!”

*Hours before*

The king followed you outside and stopped your tracks for a moment. “Remember, you don’t belong in this life. Minho is and will never be yours. You’re simply not good enough to be royalty material. I’m glad that you listened to my words and leave miss Y/n, I had expected something different. My guards will make sure you arrive home safely and not return, like we agreed, right?”

You had simply nodded and bowed, trying to hold back your tears as you were escorted out. “Can you take me to the palace of the Han family?” You asked the guard sadly. “Miss, I’m sorry I was ordered to bring you home.” “I live in their kingdom and I really want to see my friend.” Your voice cracked whilst talking. “Miss-“ “Please?” You cried softly, he looked at you with pity and sighing before agreeing.

*Present time*

Minho and his father had continued to argue. Minho voiced once again that it was unfair how his life had been decided for him without him having a say in it, causing it to end up in a screaming match and Minho barging out of the room. He slammed the door shut of his bedroom and locked it. He childishly put his dresser in front of the door, so no one could come in.

He sighed and started to cry. The only time he felt actual happiness, caused by a person, it was taken away from him. He felt like it was just unfair.

Minho went on his date later that night with princes Hayden. Not because he felt like it had to be done, but because he was actually forced to do it. The date was boring and the poor girl wasn’t very talkative. Minho understood why, she also was forced into this. Maybe she wanted this, or not, but Minho surely didn’t.

Step nine: Fight back

The next thing happened so fast, Minho had little time to process it, but before he knew it, he was on his way to you. He remembered the way vaguely. He had hurried his way to you as fast as he could. He was looked frantically around in hopes to spot you. Minho wasn’t going to give up on you so fast. You weren’t like the other girls he had dated, or well was or wasn’t forced to date in hope for his parents that their son would finally marry.

He wanted you, that was for sure now. He had fallen for you hard and you needed to fix him. He wanted to be around you and be loved by you. He didn’t even know if you loved him back, but he was sure that you cared about him. The connection the two of you had was prove for it.

Minho finally spotted your house that you had shown him on Christmas day. He hurried his way to the door and knocked on it frantically. Your dad had opened the door and was surprised to see the young man in front of him again. He noticed that the young prince was still in his royal clothes and that he was panting heavily. “Where is Y/n?” Minho manages to say in between breaths. “She’s not here, she went outside to get some vegetables in our garden on the other side of our land-“ Your father couldn’t even finish his sentence before Minho had sprinted off again. He saw you kneeling down from the distance, digging something out from the ground in the middle of the snow. There weren’t many vegetables left and it seemed like you were gathering up the last ones from your old harvest.

You heard footsteps hurry your way and you looked up to your surprise to see Minho. You were panicked and got quickly onto your own feet. Before you knew it, you were swept off your feet and twirled around as Minho held you tightly. “Why did you leave? Why did you go without saying goodbye?” Minho cried. You wiped away his tears and just rested your head against his as his tears fell down. “It was my father, wasn’t it?” “Minho-“ “No! I will not stand this! I will not let him win this toxic game! I love you and only you! I want to be with you! I’m not letting them take away my only source of happiness!” Minho exclaimed in distress. You were shocked by his words and now just started at him, speechless. “I love you, I love how good you are to people. I love how you showed me the best of people when I had no fate left in them. I loved how you warmed my heart with your acts of kindness and bright smiles. You changed me, even though we don’t know each other for that long. I already know that I love you. I’m not letting you go. I will go against my parents if I have to-“ “You shouldn’t. They are your parents.” You whispered.

“See! Even when they are the most unfair people in the world you still see a reason of goodness in them.” Minho whispered. “We’ll get through this.” You assured him. “Are we?” “Yes.” You assured him. “How do you know that?” “Because I love you too.” You admitted softly. Minho looked at you in shock, which quickly turned into a bright smile before he leaned down to connect his lips onto yours. His lips were cold and soft against your warm ones.

Minho had taken you on the back of his horse to his palace. You were nervous to say at least. The king had told you importunately that you should not return to the palace. So you stopped Minho when you were about to enter the gates. Minho simply held you hand, he looked back at you and squeezed your hand in assurance. He had no idea how much it helped, but it caused you to straighten your posture and gain back your confidence you were known for.

You were greeted by the guards as soon as you stepped of Minho’s horse and you were already told that you weren’t allowed on the palace grounds. “She’s not a prisoner! Nor did she do something wrong!” Minho defended. “Majesty, we-“ “I don’t care who ordered you! I order you as the prince to let us go through! We have a meeting to attend.” Minho sneered as he held you closely whilst leading you through the crowd of guards who quickly made room for you two to pass.

You and Minho took a deep breath before walking into the dining room where Minho already had expected his parents to be. “Y/n! You’re still here! I though you had left!” His mother said cheerfully, obviously uninformed about the situation. “Mother father I have to confess something-“ “How dare you to come back here! I thought we had an agreement!” The king suddenly shouted, shocking his wife. “Dear, why are you-“ “Minho, you have a princess as your future fiancé, waiting for you. I don’t understand why you’re still hanging around with this girl.” The king says with loathing laid on his tone.   “Because I love her!” Minho stated loud and clearly, causing the room to gasp.

His father was speechless but his mother squealed happily. “That’s great my love!” She chirped, taking you and Minho by surprise. “Wait what?” He exclaimed. “Honey, I thought that Minho was supposed to marry Gwynn?” His father said to his wife. “He was, if he wasn’t able to find love by himself.” “Wait hold up, I don’t get it.” Minho says confused, letting go of your hand to run his hands through his hair.

“Honey, your father and I made an agreement. If you weren’t able to find love by yourself, we would help you. If you would be twenty, the age of taking over the crown from us, we would arrange you a marriage, but you found someone you clearly love so I don’t think that would be necessary.” “So, you’re telling me that you were okay with me liking Y/n?” He asked his mother, still trying to process everything. “Of course I was. Why wouldn’t I be?” She asked. “Well, dad wasn’t so, I assumed-“ “You should talk to me more often, you know your father is quite hot headed. “Well, I wasn’t expecting this. I had this whole rant ready and now I don’t know what to do with the build up anger.” Minho chuckled awkwardly, making you laugh as well.

“I’m sorry son, the fact that you had to take over the throne soon, made me stressed and I guess I reacted it out on you.” “So you’re fine with me being with Y/n as well?” “I am, Y/n is such a sweet girl. I’m terribly sorry for what I’ve said to you. You’re a great girl. I heard from the maids that you made our son smile brightly again and trust us, we haven’t seen that kind of smile in a long time.” The king said whilst pointing to his son who smiled at you like an idiot. “I smile brightly, because I get to be with him. Thank you for accepting me.” You said politely as you bowed respectfully to them.

“No thank you dear for giving us our cheerful son back. We missed him.”

Days went by and it was now New Year’s Eve, only minutes away from it to be a brand-new year, which you got to spend with the one you loved dearly. Jisung was relieved that you and Minho ended up together after such an emotional rollercoaster. His heart was broken when you arrived at his palace with tear stained cheeks and puffy eyes.

You had cried your heart out of him as you spilled everything to him, but it turned out for the better. Right now you were talking with Jisung, until you heard people count down. You started to yell along with them until you were grabbed by your writs and turned around, causing to bump into someone’s chest. You were about to apologise, but your lips were sealed when a familiar pair of lips were connected to yours.

You heard people cheer and fireworks were being shot into the dark sky, lightening it up in process with bright colours as you and Minho pretended like you were the only two persons on the planet. “I love you.” He whispered against your lips. “I love you too.” You whispered back.

The two of you obviously didn’t get married right there and then, but people had a feeling that you would be celebrating next December for different reasons other than Christmas and New Year’s Eve. This gave you enough time to carry out the last step on ‘how to win over the ice prince’:

Step ten: Fall even harder for him

Gif isn’t mine.

[mysticalrambling]

Missing You (T.H)

Tom Holland Fan fiction (Fan fiction Masterlist)

Summary: Tom is away for shooting and he is missing his daughter’s first easter. You and Sophia miss him terribly and he feels terrible for missing it. Sophia gets hurt during the egg hunt and Tom flies back to be with his family.

Warnings: Angst and some fluff.

._._._._.

“Daddy?” You had been folding your laundry because it was a therapeutic chore. The maid always left it for you by the end of the day because she knew that you enjoyed doing it. Your moment was interrupted by your one year old daughter barging into your room with only one question on her mind.

She had recently started walking and you were silently thankful because your over protective husband wouldn’t let her touch the ground in the fear that she would hurt herself. It even came to the point that Sophia started becoming agitated whenever he interrupted her progress. She would scream Bloody Mary when she saw him approaching with his arms outstretched. You sat him down one day and gently explained to him that we have to let her explore the world. If she falls and gets hurt, then it was our job to take care of her but we could not protect her from everything in advance.

The moment she took her first steps, they were towards Tom. You were there to record the moment and you guys were so glad that Tom had backed off a little bit. He would be there for his little princess every step of the way. If she wanted to leap, she could and he will be there to catch her if she started to fall. Sophia was the most important person in his life after you.

“Daddy is going to be here before your first Easter, bunny. Hopefully.” The last word was more of a mumble for yourself because you really hoped that he would be here. Sophia was born a few weeks after Easter so this was her first one.

“Daddy?”

Sighing, you said, “Let’s just get ready and see how cute you look in your new costume.”

“Bunny!” She ran off to her room to put her name on the and you opened your phone. Your husband told you that he would drop a text at approximately this time if he was going to make it back before the party. Disappointed, you just put the phone back on the side table.

“Okay, you need to sit tightly so that I can make your braids.” She was a hyper ball after she found the candies on the coffee table that you were going to give it to her at the party. Allergies to nuts was one of the many things that she had inherited from Tom and you never liked to take chances regarding their health. “No more sweets for you today, miss.”

“Nooooooo. Daddy!” Sophia’s voice trembled in the end because she knew that her dad would defend her. He was her knight in shining armor.

“Daddy is not here so let’s stop screaming now.” You were already in a sour mood as your husband was not with you on an important milestone. And Sophia was not making things easy for you either.

“No!”

“You are ready. I am going to give you your coloring books while I go get ready.” You did not listen to her small sniffles and went to take a shower while keeping the door open so you could keep an eye on her. When you got out, your phone was ringing and it was Tom.

“Hi. I am so sorry I can’t make it today. I tried my very best to get done with filming but it was not possible. So sorry, darling.” There was a crack in his voice that let you know that he was devastated about it.

“It’s okay, baby. There will be other Easters and you will be there for all of them. Don’t be sad, please.” You  tried cheering him up but it was not working.

Tom was always big on firsts; your first date, your first I love you’s, Sophia’s first kick, Sophia’s first tooth. He kept a record of all the moments and he was incredibly sad that he did not get to witness his child’s first Easter. Acting was something that he really enjoyed but he hated it right now. It was keeping him away from his family. He had planned everything out from where to hide all the eggs to where to buy the small bunny cupcakes that he would give to his little girl at the end of the day. This was not right but he was helpless. He could not do anything because he had an obligation to his fans as well.

“Is she wearing the costume that I ordered her?” When you mumbled out a yes, he asked, “Can you please send me a picture?”

“Soph, come and stand here. Pose for daddy.” When you sent him the picture, there was no response from his side. Seeing the picture, Tom choked back a sob. His little bunny looked incredibly cute with a white dress and a bunny ear headband. A pink tint graced her cheeks which meant that she had some candies and she had a toothy smile. Before he could say anything, the director called him back to shooting. “We will talk to daddy later. He might be busy right now.”

Tom’s mom had planned a party at her house and the whole garden was prepared for the egg hunt. You both wanted to host the party this year but Tom had to go to Cardiff last minute because of his shooting. Your siblings and nieces and nephews were all going to be there. You were happy that you got to spend this occasion with your family but you were miserable right now. Tom was not here.

“Hi. Who is this little rabbit here?” Nikki leaned in front of the toddler and squished Sophia in one of her famous bear hugs.

“Sophia Anne Holland!” There was a proud undertone to her voice because she could speak her whole name now.

“You are the cutest bunny ever.”

“I know.” You all chuckled at her haughty admission and watched as she skipped towards her cousins.

“Tom isn’t going to make it today?”

“Um no. He could not get away from work and he said to apologise on his behalf.” It was like something was missing and you didn’t want to indulge in that feeling.

“I am sorry, darling but he will make it up to you and Sophie.” You wanted to divert the topic so you started to talk about the guests and the decorations.

Pretty soon, you started mingling with the people and they always asked about Tom. You either replied to them or politely redirected the conversation. It felt weird being at a gathering without Tom. You haven’t done that from the past five years and you realised you didn’t much enjoy it now. Keeping an eye on Sophia was hard because it was usually Tom who performed that duty. You were given a free pass at parties from all the responsibilities and were allowed to enjoy every moment. He was always considerate towards you and that is why you loved him to death.

“Sophia, you can not go near the pool.” You caught her in your arms before she could fall in.

“Dada swimm- swimming.” Tommy was the one who was teaching her to swim because it was a hobby that he wanted his daughter to adopt from him. When she saw the water, she thought that her dad will be there to teach her.

“When dad comes back, you can go swimming.” Sophia still kept looking around for her father because this is the longest she has been away from him. Her toddler mind thinks that if she goes to do things that they do together, he will come to her. You couldn’t even get angry at her for wandering around the house without anyone. Hugging her, you tried to distract her, “Now, granny is having an egg hunt and we need to win it, okay bubs?”

“Win!!” You took her in your arms and went towards the garden where all the people were.

“Look, Tom. (Y/N) is here.” A phone was shoved in to your face by Sam and you saw Tom’s face on the screen.

“Hi. I was calling you and you didn’t pick up. I wanted to see Sophie on the egg hunt.” There was a look of longing on his face.

“I was busy with your daughter. She was running near the swimming pool and wanted to get in because she thought that you would be there to teach her.”

“Is she alright? Let me see her.” You angled the phone towards your shoulder where she was leaning on him. “Hey, baby.”

“Hi. Back?” Tom wanted nothing more than to hold his daughter in his arms and his heart broke when his daughter asked him that question. It meant that he was away too long because she never asked that question before. She didn’t need to.

“I’ll be back in no time and then we will go swimming. Promise.”

“Yes.” She hopped down from your arms and went to the start line of the race.

“How have you been?”

“Just missing you a lot and handling Soph is getting harder by the day.” You moved to a more secluded place on the ground so you could talk to your husband.

“I am sorry, darling. When I come back, you can have the whole weekend off.”

“Just come back. I want to spend sometime with my husband.”

“That is a tempting offer but I have to stay here a little longer. But when I come back, we will do more than spend sometime together.”

“I will look forward to it. The game is starting so I have to go.” You were about to end the call but he stopped you.

“I want to see her and I have a break for another twenty minutes.”

“Okay.”

The race soon started and among all her cousins, Sophia was the youngest and the most hyper. You cheered her on with her grandparents and Tom. She was about to win the race and you were more excited than her. Tommy wanted to be there to witness her first victory but he settled down for seeing it on the phone. However, she stumbled on some rocks that were on the trail and she fell hard.

“Oh my god! Go to her, (Y/N).” Tom’s voice broke you out of your horrified trance and you went in to autopilot. When you reached near her, you gave the phone to someone behind you and kneeled in front of your daughter. She was crying really loudly and her arms was bent to an odd angle. Cuddling her in your arms, you picked her up and went towards your car. “What is happening? Mum, tell me!”

“I think Sophie’s arm is broken. (Y/N) is taking her to the hospital right now. I will keep you updated.” Nikki was moving quickly towards her car while she gripped the phone in her hands.

“Mum, I want to talk to my daughter right now.” He didn’t even realise that he was pacing and his hair was all messed up because he ran his hands through it several times.

“Tommy, I will keep you updated. Right now, she is a lot of pain and she is scared.”

“Please keep me informed.” This was one of the worst moment in his life because he wasn’t there for his girls. You both needed him right now and he wasn’t there. He decided then and there that he was going back to London.

Meanwhile, you reached the hospital with Sophia wailing in your arms and Sam driving like a cray man. You were sure that he would have multiple speeding tickets waiting for him when he gets home. The E.R was busy at this time of the day and you just laid your daughter on one of the beds while Nikki went to go get a doctor.

“Honey, it’s going to be okay. Please be strong, baby girl.” There were tears in your eyes as your daughter’s face turned red with all the crying and screaming. The little girl was in too much pain.

“Daddy, plea- please. Hurts a lot.” Hiccuping in the middle of the sentence, you looked at your brother in law helplessly. She wanted Tom and he wasn’t here right now.

“We will talk to daddy after the nice doctor here checks you out, baby.” She wouldn’t let anyone near her or her arm and kept asking for her father, She was inconsolable.

Sitting in front of the bed, the doctor asked, “Hi, I am Dr Ana. What happened to this little bunny here?”

“She, uh, she fell during the race and I think she broke her arm.” You stood on the foot of the bed as you shakily explained the whole situation. “Soph, let her check your boo boo please.”

“Daddy, please.”

“Okay, let me call your dad and you can talk to him.” Nikki interjected when she saw that the conversation was not reaching any end point.

“Okay.” You wiped her snot with your sleeves as she clutched her broken arm in pain.

“Tom, talk to Sophia. She is not letting the doctors treat her.” Putting the phone on speaker, Tom’s voice filtered through the phone.

“Hey bubs. You need to let the doctor check you and make the boo boo alright.” His soothing voice brought tears to your eyes as you wanted nothing more than to hold his hand right now.

“It hurts. Back please?”

“I am coming back right now so you need to let the doctor check your arm. I will be there in no time.”

“Okay.” The moment the doctor started examining her arm, you took the phone from your mother in law.

“It’s going to be okay. You don’t have to come back.” You sniffled a little as the doctor got a portable x-ray to check up on Sophia’s arm. She held on to your hand tightly as even the little movement hurt her.

“I am. In fact, my flight is already confirmed. I will be there in four hours, tops.”

Tom declined the call as his manager called him downstairs. Getting in to the car, he just prayed to God that his little girl would be okay. He swore mentally that he would never let Sophia run. He should have been there and he was going to never leave his family’s side ever again.

“I have given her some pain meds for her pain so she should be settling down now.” Sophia was moved to a pediatric room and now she was calming down a little bit. “What color cast do you want, Miss Holland?”

“Pink.” She stated as a matter of fact and you lightly laughed. Nikki and Sam were in the room as well and they were staying till Tom got here. The pain medication slowly started working and Soph drifted off to sleep with Mr Fluffs in her arms.

“We are going to get coffee and then we can get you a change of clothes. Do you want something else?” Whispering, Nikki placed a hand on your shoulder.

“I am fine. I just need the clothes and can you please bring some for Tom as well. I know he would come straight here from the airport.”

“Okay, darling. Take care and call us if something happens.”

“Okay, thank you.” You put your head on the bed and drifted off to sleep.

Tom entered the hospital and the receptionist guided him towards Sophia’s room. Quietly steeping in there, he saw his two girls sleeping. Sophia looked so tiny in that patient bed and he never wanted to see her there. When he got close, he saw dried tears on his little girl’s cheek and his heart broke when he thought about the pain that she was in. The pink cast was set on her right arm and he want to her side and gently kissed it.

“I am so sorry baby, I wasn’t here. I won’t ever leave you again, I promise.”

“You are back.” The commotion in the room woke you up and you saw your husband right in front of you.

“Just got in.” Tom’s eyes never left the tiny human being laying underneath the sheets. “(Y/N), she is never running again.”

“Honey, children get hurt all the time. She will recover in no time.”

“But-”

“Dadda!” Your baby jumped in to his arms before any of you realised what was happening. Her cast bumped on to the iron rod of the bed and she let out a blood curling scream.

“Call the doctor. It’s okay, bubs. You are going to be okay.” Kissing her cast, he tried to calm down the crying toddler. Meantime, you went to call Dr Anna so that she could check Sophia’s arm.

“It is all fine. You just need to be really careful with that arm. We are going to keep her here for one day and then you both can take your little girl home.”

You took Sophia from your husband and told him to go change in to comfortable clothes. When he came back, you both settled on the small bed and your daughter told him all about the injury and the pain. You both signed her pink cast and Tom also drew some rainbows and birds on it. Soon, it was time for her to take her medicines and you had to bribe her with chocolates, She always got her way.

“I love you, baby. Go to sleep now.” He wrapped the blanket around her and switched off all the lights.

“Love you. Be here?”

“Yes, I will be here darling. Now, sleep.” Sophia soon drifted off to sleep and Tom sat beside you on the couch.

“I missed you, Tommy.”

“I missed you too and I am never leaving you both for this long. Now, let’s go to sleep. It has been a tiring day.” Pecking him on the lips, you both laid down and just basked in each other’s warmth. Contented, you drifted off to sleep with your husband and child in the same room. Everything was going to be okay.

Hope you guys enjoyed it!!

._._._._.

A/N: I loved to write about Tom Holland as a family man. Tell me how you guys feel about it and I am open to requests regarding dad Tom. If you want to be added to my tag list, comment down below.

Like, comment and reblog.

._._._._.

[hatsukeii]

So I was talking with @trashcanweeb right

Talking thirsting over fluffy dom daddy Tsukishima

And I was just mentioning how I was gonna do soft Tsukishima

And she was craving for post-breakup Tsukki

👀👀👀

I think you know which one I chose to do

Let me channel all my pain into this

I might actually end up crying while writing this:D

I apologise in advance

Three months // Tsukishima Kei x reader

Word count: 1600+

Warnings: Angst??? Is that even a warning at this point lmao learn to expect it from me at the worst times

Summary: Tsukishima can’t deal with change, at least not in this form.

“They say the emotion that breaks your heart is the very one that heals it.” Three months ago, Tsukishima would’ve never even thought about the possibility that this shitty, cringy, fake deep quote that he poked fun at so much with you, would somehow become relatable. Three months ago, he would’ve still had a tattered, but intact heart. It wasn’t as if you didn’t know how much even the tiniest betrayal could impact him. You knew fully well, which only added to his misery. Trust? Every little shred of that is long gone. Three months ago, he trusted one person. Now, he can’t trust anyone. No. He simply won’t anymore. Not a day has passed by where he didn’t stare at you hopelessly. Whether it be in class, or from across the hall. He should be mad. Pissed. You were an absolute asshole. Calling you an animatronic dick equipped with balls that was bought off of an eighty year old man in an alley would still be an understatement. Regret, resentment, the bitter disgust of being absolutely played and fooled whilst everyone watched, and yet, he still can’t find a way to stop loving you, even if it’s slowly draining him from inside. Tsukishima never gave much thought to heartbreak, nor did he care. He was good with his emotions, it couldn’t be that bad. Three months ago, the possibility would’ve ceased to unnerve him. However, that isn’t so certain now. He’s terrified. How long will this constant, mental, hell, last for? A few more months? Maybe a year? Only time will tell, and that doesn’t sit right with him. What upset him the most, was how you didn’t even make an effort to explain yourself. How the hell did you expect him to react when he overheard your friends pitying him? Unaffected? How could you even have had the audacity, to ask Yamaguchi why he looked “depressed and suicidal”? How did he manage to fall in love with someone like you?

“Tsukishima! Eyes on the game! Stay focused!” Daichi’s voice resonates through the sports hall, catching everyone’s attention but Tsukishima’s. His eyes are glued to the stands, scanning every single face that was present. The sound of the volleyball slamming into the ground fills the court, cheers from the opposite team booming through the large area as the crowd cheers together. Golden eyes frantically dart from stand to stand. Although he knows what reality is, his mind simply refuses to accept and give in. He still wants something, anything, that can show that you were there, like usual. His mind was empty, your name rerunning like a shitty mixtape as his eyes droop in the familiar disappointment. “Oi, Tsukishima, that’s the third block you’ve missed in a row-” “Daichi, don’t.” The third year freezes, feeling an icy cold hand on his shoulder as he turns to meet the blond’s best friend. Yamaguchi’s eyes show the sympathy he has for his friend, desperately trying to get the captain to lay off. Even the freckled teen can’t understand the middle blocker now, despite being the closest to him. The past three months were gruelling, with Tsukishima being completely depressed and out of it. He stopped waiting for Yamaguchi at the school gates, ignored everyone’s texts, never picked up his phone, and most importantly, stopped trying in practice. When you went up to ask about Tsukishima looking “depressed and suicidal”, Yamaguchi was tempted to strangle you on the spot. However, he didn’t want to waste his boba tea. “Are you serious right now? You’re one to ask, when you’ve been nothing but fake to him for almost half a year! No shit he’s depressed right now! You’re an absolute bitch. You don’t deserve to apologise to him.” You were taken aback, easing your hands out in an attempt to calm the green haired boy down. “Dammit, I know I screwed up Yamaguchi. Just...” Your eyes darted to the sky for a moment, trying to form the next sentence. “Just don’t be mad at Hinata. Tell Tsukishima not to be mad at Hinata. Please.” Now this. This was exactly what made Yamaguchi pop a vein, and hurl the entire plastic cup at you, letting it bounce off your torso and spill everywhere. “Shut up. Tsukki isn’t as shallow as you are. You’re terrible.” And with that, he stormed away, leaving you shocked and humiliated as other students approached you, curious about the commotion that was caused.

Another loss for the Karasuno team. They haven’t won anything in three months. Daichi was gradually getting anxious, as were the rest of the team. No one seemed to pay much attention to Tsukishima, of course, except Hinata and Yamaguchi. Hinata has been feeling terrible, despite none of this being his fault. He doesn’t reciprocate any of your feelings. He only found out through Yamaguchi a few weeks ago, and he hasn’t said anything to the blond since. His usually stupid insults were silenced, anything even the slightest bit offensive to Tsukishima being muted out by himself. Tsukishima was never mad at him, oh no. Hinata was not, and still isn’t at fault. He thinks it’s stupid how the ginger is still apologetic, despite all the times he’s told him not to worry. Time and time again, Yamaguchi and Hinata would convince the third years to understand how Tsukishima “isn’t in a good place right now”. So far, the only person that has figured it out is Sugawara. His mom instincts are far too strong to not sense it. Since then, he’s joined the two first years in helping Daichi cool off whenever he got agitated by the middle blocker’s “less than ideal” performance. 

For three whole ass months, all Tsukishima would do is go through everything that marked your relationship. From old text messages, to the selfies that he tried so hard to delete. Everything that you were a part of felt... fake. As if it never happened at all. All the “omg ilysm”, “you’re amazing”, “Kei, sweetie” texts still made his heart bounce around his ribcage like a hare on crack. It was both painful, and heartwarming. When a hare jumps around your ribcage, expect the bones to break too. He would regularly trace his finger around the selfies, trying to reimagine all the times you two spent together. One of his favourites, is the one of you in his jersey after a game. Were you faking then? Were you even cheering for him? He couldn’t hear any cheers, or maybe he was just too busy breaking his fingers in the court. Who’s to say she wasn’t cheering for the ginger haired spiker, who she ended up infatuated with? Were any of those dates genuine? Was her mind even on himself? How pathetic of Tsukishima. To think that trusting someone would ever lead to something good was the biggest mistake he’s ever made. He trusted his brother. He looked up to him. Look what that led to. Then he trusted a girl. He gave her everything he could. He spilled his feelings, teased her, comforted her, reassured her when times got rough, pulled his heart out and let her handle it because he couldn’t do it himself, and what did he get in return? Betrayal. Yet another betrayal. How many more people are planning to turn on him? Hm? Maybe Yamaguchi? Perhaps his mother would reveal that he was adopted? Those two are the only people he thinks he trusts at this point, and that trust is slowly fading as well. He never understood the difficulty in pressing a delete button until three months ago. His finger hovers above the trash can icon like he’s done so many times before, tempted to press it. Erase the memories, regardless of whether they were fake or not. It’s as if an invisible force pulls his hand back at the last second, making him rethink everything all over again. Is he really ready to trash these photos? Would he really be able to manage himself without you? Why were you the only good thing that has happened in his despair filled life? Night and night again he would imagine you saying the things you text him. You might not have meant it, but it never hurt to imagine. His tears get caught in his eyes every time he does that, but he does it anyway. He doesn’t care if it hurts anymore. Everything hurts. Might as well get hurt by love over and over again, at least that’s somewhat interesting. 

Tsukishima knows that there’s eventually going to be a time where none of this matters anymore. It’s going to take a while, but he simply can’t stay in this depressive loop forever. He knows it’ll get better. Everyone that knows about this has been trying to reach out to him in some way, but to no avail. They should definitely be more concerned than they already are. Tsukishima is not good at emotions. He has no idea what he’s doing as he takes one of his mom’s beers from the fridge and gulps it all down, almost throwing it all back up at the disgusting bitterness. He hasn’t been sleeping at all, thoughts constantly clouding his mind. He’s been terrifyingly hard on himself, making deprecating comments about his personality, his looks, his skills, all to make him feel bad. Maybe he deserves it. Maybe he just wasn’t good enough. That might’ve explained why you went to another person without even giving it a second thought. Despite all this shit piled up on him, he still manages to say one thing to himself every single night. He might be crying, he might be drunk, he might have just shattered something. But without fail, he will say this. 

“Please, three more months only.”

Why is this so shit I don’t understand-

Idek anymore I just made myself depressed writing this

I hate it yaaaaaas

It’s SO BAD I CANNOT WHAT IS THIS???

Tags: @trashcanweeb @sunshines-and-tatertots @izzyphantomgamer @emsvegetables @inlwlevi @just-another-bored-writer @burnt-tomato @justachillgirl @eleiaisagoodgirliswear @kaylacinderella @random-fandomlover @for-ests @bokutokoutarou @poppirocks @tiger1719 @thirstyvolleyballhoe @sakusasgarbage @animebsposts @tiredgr3mlin @mariechan123 @itmekisuu @iwaigroomi @talks-a-lot-of-stuff @agentvicinity​ @ewfilthymundane​ @macaronnv​ @artsamber @sneezefiction @xonfusedsoul