#and if you prefer to remain anonymous I hope that at least my words of joy reach you.

[melpomenelamusa]

OMGGGGG, AAAAAAHHHHHHHKASJDHKASHDKASJD fangirl mode on 💜💜✨💜✨💜💜✨✨💜✨✨ This was AMAZING!!! I never thought I'd read a fic of a story of mine, I feel so honored!!! This has been such a complex story that I've been fascinated and wanting more!!! The first thing I thought was "Noooo, my poor baby Elafi ended up in a zoo!" (which I actually found super interesting); and I'm glad it had a happy ending and he was able to return to Warrick!!! I LOVED the other chimeras!!! Faroon especially was my favorite. I would love to write about an adult chimera, which I haven't been able to do because the plot I have planned hasn't left me the space to do so at the moment, so being able to see this was something that surprised me and I loved so much!!! 😍😍😍 Also, I really liked the detail that the chimeras spoke through ASL, it reminded me of the time when I studied ASL in college. Thank you so much for this wonderful gift!!! And please, tell me if I can add these chimeras as part of my story someday (and if not, that's also okay, no problem 😉). And again, thank you so much!!! 💜💜💜

Happy holidays, @melpomenelamusa!

Elafi groaned, feeling slightly like an idiot.

Warrick wasn’t home. He’d gone to some town for supplies or something- Elafi had been distracted by the fresh autumn rain and hadn’t listened very well. It was ten hours away, and Warrick had taken the pickup truck, and would be back in three or four days. That was yesterday.

Today, Elafi had gone for a walk. He’d found some berries that looked quite similar to the poisonous ones he’d eaten before. Not quite the same though. Confident that he wouldn’t get it wrong twice, and quite hungry, he’d eaten a ton.

Of course, after an hour or two, Elafi felt sick. Very sick. He’d stumbled back to the cabin before remembering that Warrick wasn’t home. Painfully, he’d tried to remember what Warrick had said last time. He’d only had a few then… didn’t Warrick say something about them being deadly in larger amounts? Or was it that they weren’t deadly? His mind had been foggy, and he couldn't remember. Somehow, in his nauseous state, he’d made his way to the hospital in the nearby little town.

Elafi looked around. His skin was still clammy, and his stomach felt weird, but he was definitely feeling better. He was on a rather uncomfortable hospital bed, in a hospital room with the privacy curtains drawn. He fumbled around a bit, looking for the call button, but two guys in white coats walked in before he found it.

“Oh, hi! Uh, can someone explain to me what.. happened, exactly?” Elafi’s excitement quickly dulled as the men entered the space. Something about them felt just slightly off. It was a feeling Elafi had gotten used to when in public, and living in the woods with Warrick had almost made him forget. His ears lay in his neck, and he imperceptibly shifted, slightly away from them. They might not be dangerous, but they probably wouldn’t be pleasant.

The two men exchanged a glance before one spoke, in a slightly condescending voice.

“You arrived here delirious, upsetting the patients, talking about berries. We pumped your stomach and did a quick check-up. Asides from the cut off antler, which seems to be an old injury, you’re in great health. Any other questions?”

Elafi slowly shook his head, indicating no other questions. “I’m dismissed?”

That wasn’t technically a question, right?

The other man, the one who hadn’t said anything yet, spoke up. “We’ve contacted the proper authorities and arranged for transport early tomorrow morning. We’ve also agreed to host you here for the night until the transport guys get here - “

“Transport? What do you mean, transport?”, Elafi hesitantly interrupted.

“There’s a suitable place for people like you. You’ll be transported in the morning. There is a guard outside your door, for your information. That’ll be all.”

Cold shivers fell down his spine as he realised what was said. Before he could process enough to respond or ask more questions, they left. Fuck, not again. Transport? What did that mean? Elafi silently resented the vague wording.

Warrick didn’t know where he was, he realised with a shock. He hadn’t left a note or anything. Would Warrick be able to find him? To get him back? Elafi didn’t wanna be transported anywhere. He wanted to live in the woods with Warrick. He enjoyed living in the woods with Warrick. Why couldn’t everyone else just leave him alone!?

He let himself drop to the bed he was sitting on, ears twitching as he quietly sobbed. Why did he have to eat those berries? He didn’t want this. Why did he have to go to the hospital! Why did he have to forget to leave a note for Warrick!? Wherever they were taking him in the morning, it would be at least a day before Warrick would even know he was taken. The cheerful tune stuck in Elafi’s head only served to increase his desperation.

The next morning, he warily eyed the fellows that had walked in. They were wearing overalls, with grime stuck under their nails, and a build that suggested trying to put up a fight would be futile. Elafi swallowed. He could try to run, or struggle, but… it wouldn’t help. He didn’t know where he was going… he would end up going even if he struggled or tried to run. Maybe it was better not to do something rash that might result in punishment later.

Even as all his instincts screamed at him, Elafi held still as they approached him with the type of disinterest and caution one would show a wild dog.

When they cuffed and collared him, it became much easier to hold still. The flashbacks running through his mind held him quiet and, mostly, compliant. He didn’t notice much of his surroundings, eyes glazed. Then, a sound startled him back into reality. He drew a sharp breath of air and blinked, ears perking up in alarm. A cage had been locked. A cage that he was in, elevated from the ground. Outside? No, he was… he was in the back of a van.

In a cage in the back of a van.

…

Shit.

“Yeah, it was more docile than expected, headed over to y'all's now, we should be there by nightfall.”

The low crackle of a walkie-talkie startled Elafi, and his ears turned to the source before his head did. His antler got caught on the top of the cage, so it took a second before he could turn to look at the man standing beside him, outside of the car. It was one of the guys from before, in overalls. He only got a glimpse before the man shut the back doors of the van with a resounding thwack. Elafi flinched, which once again got his antler stuck in the top of the cage. The back of the van had no windows, and he could barely see. The cage wasn’t very large, but luckily, neither was Elafi. After using his hands to figure out what was wrong with his antler and getting it unstuck, he carefully laid down sideways. He shuffled until his hooves hit the back of the cage on one side, so that his antler would be as far away from the other side as possible. Curled up, he sighed and sniffed, allowing himself a moment of-

The engine started, and a momentum that hadn’t been there before had his hooves pressing uncomfortably into the metal squares of the cage. His arms shot out to the sides of the cage as he yelped involuntarily. The van turned around before starting to drive normally, and Elafi squeezed his eyes shut. Not that it had much of an effect, just trading one pitch black for another, but it let him wish that he were back at home with Warrick. It was gonna be a long… however long he’d be stuck in this small cage.

It had been… hours, probably. Hours of the van driving, speeding up and slowing, even stopping sometimes. Had it been hours? Not days? Not minutes? Elafi couldn’t tell the time much, other than that he was hungry, and that his legs were cramping from being pulled up for so long, and his whole body was aching from lying on the hard wooden plank in the bottom of the cage. He was grateful that it was there, at least. Lying on top of the cage itself would have been worse. It had been hours and hours when finally, someone opened the doors again.

The daylight, all the sudden sensations & sounds, shocked him after hours in the dark with only the pur of an engine. He saw trees, people, a pathway, a phone- a phone, shoved into his face. Held by a hand that was attached to an arm that was attached to a girl, maybe about his age, with an overly cheerful voice and dark blonde hair. She was wearing some kind of green and orange uniform, like an apron but not quite. It had a name tag that he couldn’t read. She was speaking, he could tell, but it took a second for him to hear words instead of sounds. He looked at the other people. A girl and two guys, a bit older than him- early to mid twenties? And another guy, clearly in charge, about double their age from the looks of it. Clearly not their father, they looked too dissimilar. What then?

Suddenly, his eyes fell on the rest of the scenery. They were all decorated with natural elements, and rather large, so he hadn’t noticed them at first. His blood ran cold when he saw the smooth metal that had been left uncovered.

Cages.

The sounds coming out of the mouth of the girl with the phone sounded like words, now, and he tried to pay attention.

“As you can tell, he seems a bit nervous, but no matter! Here at the zoo, we have ways around that! We’d never want a chimera to lash out because it’s scared- TherianPaws42, your input is not appreciated, we do NOT abuse our chimeras. Each chimera has their own spacious plot tailored specifically to it’s environment. Which is why it’s so great that we’re getting a new deer chimera! As most of you probably know, we had our deer chimera die last year after six decades in the zoo. Her cage is still tailored perfectly to a deer chimera’s needs, so this little guy won’t have to wait for us to set up a plot for him! Okay hold on, I’m gonna see if I can coax him out of there…” The girl was animatedly speaking to her phone, holding it up like she was taking a selfie…. Was she live? Was she an influencer or something?

It was then that Elafi realised the cage door had also been opened. The couldn’t get out of the cage fast enough once he realised, worming his way out, cringing as he bumped his antler for the so manieth time in however many hours.

“Oh wow, look how excited he is! Now let’s hope he doesn’t kick up a fuss while we get him to his plot… luckily, D is up pretty high in the alphabet, so it’s fairly close to the entrance. Oh, have I never explained about the alphabet system here at New Jersey Chimera Zoo?” The girl- ‘Luella’, he read the name tag- was looking at her phone in between speaking, responding to things she saw on the screen. Comments, probably.

She continued to talk about how chimeras were assigned plots alphabetically in a U-shape after the entrance of the zoo. Elafi wasn’t listening.

He tried to keep himself from hyperventilating as he looked at the others. They were all, with the exception of the older man, wearing the same uniform as Luella. They each wore a slightly different shirt beneath it, though. The older man wore a casual brown suit, with plain dark jeans instead of… whatever type of pants people normally wear with a suit. The woman, the one that wasn’t Luella, seemed a bit older than he thought at first once he looked at her. Not old yet either, but just… early thirties, maybe? She might’ve been wearing makeup. She looked… kind. Elafi turned his eyes away.

The guy next to her definitely looked young. Maybe even Elafi’s age. He looked a bit… otherworldly. His skin was bronze, and his hair was longer than most mens’. There was a blue bandana in his hair, covering his hairline, that matched his striking eyes almost perfectly. He seemed… Middle Eastern, maybe? He had broad shoulders, and visible relaxed muscle on his thick arms. The glint in his eyes though… predatory, and far too intense. Elafi suppressed the urge to run away, breathing deeply. The fresh dusk air seemed to help.

The last guy wasn’t particularly remarkable. He was tall, and bulky, but he seemed like a relaxed enough guy that he didn't nearly worry Elafi as much as the other one.

It’s only when he instinctively stopped walking, because Luella stopped and he was following her for some reason, that he realised he was in a cage. ‘Plot’. His eyes widened, but he was a fraction of a second too late. Luella had stepped outside, and the gate closed.

The overstimulation reached a peak. Luella was still yapping at her phone, people were breathing, the air in his lungs was too crisp, too fresh and it was making him nauseous. The light had dimmer considerably once he got used to it but even just having vision seemed too much for him right now. He scrunched his eyes shut, reaching up for his antlers when one hand grasped air, and he fell down a hole of hyperventilation.

“Aww, I think the poor thing’s nervous… Don’t worry about him too much, we’ve got qualified zookeepers to calm it down, look- my amazing colleague is already working with it. I’m sure he’ll acclimatize to his new environment very soon! It usually only takes a few days. In fact, why don’t we ask the zoo manager about it? It’s a very rare occasion to find Mr O’Ryan outside of his office, but he came especially today to make sure our newest chimera settles in okay! Mr O’Ryan, you wouldn’t mind answering some questions for my followers, would you sir?”

His senses overworked themselves until they dulled to almost nothing, and Elafi felt like he was floating. It was peaceful, actually. A steady hand on his shoulder broke through the daze. He wanted to see who it belonged to, and whined when he realised he’d opened his eyes.

His ears turned towards a soft, calming shush. Following with his eyes, he found the other woman. The one that looked kind. She had large eyes, almost like him, and with one soft exhale, most of the panic left his body.

“Hi”, she whispered. “I’m Karessa. What’s your name?”

Elafi opened his mouth to respond, and found he couldn’t. Like something was blocking his throat. He realised slowly that the hand on his shoulder belonged to the woman- Karessa. Belonged to Karessa. She flicked her eyes to the rest of the zookeepers, and Elafi did the same. They were judgmentally staring at… him, or Karessa, or both of them. He couldn’t tell.

She nodded at him with those kind eyes, before retracting her arm through the bars and swiftly getting up and going back to the other zookeepers. Except for the older man, he was gone- and so was Luella. Elafi didn’t care much.

With that, all the people that had been staring left. As soon as Karessa had gotten up, Elafi had almost felt sick. He closed his eyes, imagining his little room at Warrick’s place. He focused on his breathing, deep and low. Tried to ground himself. He’d been surprised to feel dirt and earth, supple under his hooves. He brought his hands to his sides, feeling the ground. Wait, when had he sat down? During his panic attack? Had Karessa-

He banished the thoughts, and focused on calming down. He was okay. He had ground beneath him. There was a tree in the far right corner of the large cage, and grass to the left. A plant he didn’t recognise crept across the bars, disguising them. The feeling of being caged in was unavoidable, but the cage seemed pleasant at least. He had been in much worse situations, as little as less than an hour ago even. The vine-covered bars formed a space that was about the size of a small living room or a large bedroom. The cage included bars overhead and to all sides, but not across the ground, luckily. Past the bars, to his right, was another enclosure. Elafi couldn’t see who was in it, but it seemed to have some kind of water and dark sand. The bars of the cages were connected. To his left, beyond the bars…

There were bars, and they connected to another cage, but the cage wasn’t decorated like a habitat. Instead, there was something smooth, cold, transparent… Glass? There was more, but Elafi couldn’t see it. Curious, he eventually got up. He hesitantly made his way over to the left side of his cage, before a voice from behind startled him.

“You talk?”

It was an old voice, slightly raspy, like a well-working zipper that had rusted over the years without losing it’s ability to keep your things in your pockets. Elafi turned towards it, startled. His ears twitched when he forced himself to answer a small “Yes”.

“Well come over here, kid. I don’t bite… What’s your name, then?”

After a second’s contemplation, Elafi decided to temporarily abandon his exploration of the left side of his cage, and made his way over to the right side. In the last light of the evening, he could more clearly see the man that was talking to him. A chimera, with green scaled skin and a thick, fleshy tail. The palms of his hands and his head could almost pass for regular human, if it hadn’t been for the clearly inhuman green eyes with a slit pupil. He had some wrinkles, and bags under his eyes, and streaks of gray scattered through his beard and hair. His face matched his accent, something Arabic or another.

“Elafi”, he hesitantly offered. “You?”

“Faroon.” The man did something with his right hand as he spoke, before stopping. “Right. You still need to learn. I guess that’ll be my task this time.”

“Learn what?”, Elafi hesitantly asked.

Faroon smiled, not unkindly, in a somewhat nostalgic way. “Sign language. It’s how we talk to each other here. Uh, it’s kind of a tradition, I guess, to teach the new ones. Also, never talk out loud in front of humans. And try to limit the signing… you never know who might speak ASL. Although I’m not quite sure how much our sign still looks like modern ASL… one of the original three chimeras of the zoo was Deaf. I guess there’s some stuff for me to teach you, huh? It’s been a while. I’m sure you have questions, though.”

Elafi, overwhelmed with the new information, latched onto the first thing he’d been thinking. “Are you an alligator or a crocodile? I can’t tell. I’ve never really met another chimera.”

Faroon chuckled, crossing his arms. “Crocodile. Or at least, that’s what it says on the information panel outside my plot. If I was an alligator, I’d be closer to the entrance, over by.. heck, in front of Rini and Aleda and them, even. They’ve got the zoo on their weird type of alphabetical system- “

“Rini and Aleda?”

“Oh, some of the other chimeras here. I’ve never had a conversation with them, but we tell each other stories, cage to cage until it passes through the whole zoo. You can talk to the chimeras next to you, maybe even one plot over. And once you learn to sign, you can talk to the ones opposite from you, as long as no one else’s around. Which means sundays, early mornings, and late afternoons. There Isn't enough light to see each other at night. Well, early afternoons won’t be for long either, once the sun starts setting sooner. I think it’s almost wintertime.”

Elafi nodded slowly. “I.. am I stuck here? I mean, I know I’m in a cage… but, like.. has anyone ever..? Or do they… “

Faroon's face fell a little, taking on an empathic expression, like Elafi was discovering something he had already grieved for. He spoke softly, gently. “No, uh.. I’m sorry. This is.. this is your life now. I don’t think anyone’s gotten out, but.. it’s not bad. It can be.. a bit humiliating and stuff, but it’s a better alternative for a lot of people. You and I both know, chimeras don’t last long on the outside. In the zoo, we get to die of old age. It’s… it’s not all bad. It is what it is. Y’know?”

Elafi swallowed down his tears. He looked to the ground and nodded, feeling a little overwhelmed again. Still, he noticed a small shift in Faroon’s stance when the man spoke again, in a slightly enthusiastic tone. “Hey, look, your other neighbor just realised you’re here! Be a bit, uh.. She’s a bit young. Doesn’t really understand the world yet. It’s happened before, so… We’re all just waiting until she’s a tad older to explain things to her. She’s one of the lucky ones, though. Her parents visit, she’s even still in school.”

He quickly looked over to the left side of his cage again. He couldn’t see anything at all. Faroon’s crocodile eyes were probably why he was able to see while Elafi couldn’t. With his ears low, he hesitantly made his way over.

The closer Elafi got, the more he saw. Inside the cage was a huge, square, glass tank. Like for fishes. Behind the glass was a girl.

She looked young, barely a teenager. A bit long for her age. She had long hair, floating around her like a halo in the water. The lower half of her body was a tail, rather than legs. She excitedly waved at him. She made movements- ASL, Elafi realised after a second. He didn’t understand any of it, and it only took the girl a second to realise that.

She swam up, and then Elafi could hear her. “Hi! I’m Naia, what’s your name? You’re a deer chimera! Like Davina! How old are you?”

Despite himself, Elafi smiled softly. It was difficult not to get excited around such an excitable girl. “My name is Elafi, I’m eighteen, how about you?”

“I’m thirteen. And I get to live here all on my own! Did you just move out? My parents can’t get me a tank at home, so I get to live here. I’ve got a large piece of rock in the back though, for when I wanna be out of the water or for when I do school stuff on my tablet. I don’t get to have a phone though, which is so rude. And Arnelle said I can’t talk overday! That’s also rude. Anyways, I’m yapping… “ There was an implication in her silence, prompting Elafi to talk.

“That.. sounds very fun. Who’s Arnelle?”

“Arnelle is my other neighbor! She’s an eagle chimera, which is pretty cool. Although she can’t fly cuz there isn’t enough space. I like her though, she’s kind of like an auntie. I lowkey ship her and Faroon, but they can’t talk to each other directly because I’m in the way… but that’s okay! When I leave, they can talk through the empty plot, like I’ve been talking to Faroon!”

The conversation continued for quite a while, before Naia decided to go to sleep. Elafi didn’t quite know what to think of her. She seemed… happy, almost. There wasn’t a bed in his cage, but the tree in the corner had comfortable enough roots, and Elafi fell into an uneasy sleep soon enough.

The next morning, Elafi was woken up by the insistent shining of sunlight over his eyelids. He frowned, blinking. Overhead, he saw autumn leaves on hefty branches, and green-leafed vines wrapped around metal bars. Hmm. That was decidedly not his room.

The confusion dissipated as he sat up, remembering the events of the past two days. Great. He could see more now, in the morning light, than he had been able to in yesterday’s dusk. Looking to his right, he could see Faroon, still asleep, with the lower half of his body in the shallow pool of water that seemed to take up the middle of his cage, and the upper half of his body laid across the dark, dirt-like sand that took up the rest of it. He seemed at ease, lying on his stomach with his head resting on folded arms. Elafi had more questions, but.. they could wait until Faroon was awake.

To the left, the sunlight filtered through the water of Naia’s tank, leaving pretty patterns in Elafi’s cage. He could see some small fishes darting about, but the girl herself was… asleep. She was vertical in the water, with just the top of her head poking out. How on earth was she breathing? Her hair, floating on the top of the water like it didn’t care much for the head it was attached to, was vibrantly red. He hadn’t been able to tell her hair colour last night. Not that he’d paid attention.

Across from him, Elafi could see slightly larger cages. Some of the chimeras were even awake. The one directly across from him was asleep, curled up on themself. She almost looked like a regular human, if not for the eyes. He stared, watching as she woke up. She waved at him. He waved back. Her eyes darted to something he couldn’t see, and she straightened up, seemingly already haven forgotten about him.

Elafi got up and walked closer to the bars, trying to see what the snake girl had looked at. He couldn’t quite see any- Oh. He gulped. A young couple, with a toddler swinging from their arms, laughing, were walking along the cages. Visitors. Right.

He didn’t realise how erratic his breathing had gotten until something made the bars of the cage vibrate, loudly. Elafi startled back into reality, ears turning down to cover from the sound. To his right, Faroon looked at him with an apologetic expression. “Sorry, kid. It’s… it’s your first day, it’s overwhelming, but if you’re gonna have a breakdown or panic attack like that, don’t do it right in front of the bars. You’ve got a tree, go hide behind it. You can sleep through all of today if you want to. I’ll, uh”, he shot a look at the visitors, swiftly approaching, “I’ll teach you how to spell in ASL tonight, if you want. You’ll be able to talk more overday that way.”

Faroon moved away then, going to lie in his shallow bit of water. Elafi stared nervously at the giggling child and their parents, now in front of Naia’s tank. Naia seemed to have woken up at some point while he wasn’t paying attention, and was doing somersaults underwater, to the great amusement of the small child. And then they were in front of Elafi.

The kid waved at him. This was ridiculous- they were harmless. Elafi had no reason to be in such a flight-or-fight mode, absolutely frozen and feeling like hunted prey. And yet..

More visitors trickled in as the day continued. Most briefly paused in front of Elafi before continuing. Some didn’t look at him at all. Some stayed for a while longer, reading the little sign and taking pictures. Embarrassed as all hell, Elafi hid behind the tree after the first time someone took a picture of him, like Faroon had suggested.

He stayed behind the tree for a while. He couldn’t really tell time. At some point, he realised just how hungry he was. Elafi hadn’t eaten in.. three days, or so? The last time he’d eaten, he’d had his stomach pumped. Everything that had happened had put off his appetite, but.. surely the zoo would give him food? He peeked around the tree into Faroon’s cage.

Faroon was eating a chicken leg off of a plastic tray. Elafi’s breath caught for a second when he saw Faroon’s teeth- sharp like a crocodile’s. The question remained; Where had Faroon gotten food?

He got his answer quickly, when a loud knocking made him flinch. “Chow time!”, yelled an unruly voice. Elafi scrambled to the front of his enclosure, and was met with the sight of the two male zookeepers from yesterday. One had a cart with trays in it, like a flight attendant in a movie. The other- wearing a red bandana this time- was holding one of the trays, standing inside the cage. The door was open. “Hey, deer boy! Ain’t you hungry, newbie? I wouldn’t want this gross shit either.”

Elafi cast a nervous glance over at Faroon, who was sending a death glare at the two zookeepers, but not saying anything. Elafi took that as his cue to stay silent as well.

“Well? We could throw this shit out, yknow.”, he taunted.

Elafi was really hungry. Not knowing what else to do, he reached his hands out for the tray. They’d understand his meaning, right?

The guy laughed with a sneer, and dropped the tray right on the ground. Some things fell off of it, but most of it seemed fine. Elafi did his best to ignore the staring visitors and the way his cheeks heated up as he shuffled over to look at the food. It seemed like the type of mix that’s mass produced for pets, but a specialised version. Oats, all kinds of nuts, dried peas, some chunks of dried apple… Elafi hesitantly ate some. Loud laughter above him caused him to flinch.

“AWH, HAHA, LOOK, IT’S ACTUALLY EATING OFF THE FUCKING GROUND.”, he howled with laughter. Elafi’s ears drooped as he desperately wished for a hole in the earth to swallow him up.

Then, a sharp voice cut through the laughter. “Seth! Ethan! Don’t you guys have better things to do than bully the new chimera? Fuck off, go feed the rest.”

Elafi turned his head to the voice, slightly recognising it. It was the kind woman from yesterday. He’d… he’d forgotten her name. Seth and Ethan- he didn’t know which was which- left, muttering complaints. The woman crouched in front of him, and gave a quick nod to the right. “Faroon.” She acknowledged the crocodile, and Elafi spun his head just in time to see Faroon nod back at her. Bewildered, he looked back at the woman, then back at Faroon. Faroon noticed his confusion, and moved closer to the bars so he could speak quietly.

“Karessa is the only one you can talk to. She’s cool with us. The other two, Seth and Ethan, are assholes. Seth, the one with the hair covering, he’s Kemetic and thinks we’re some blasphemous imitation of his gods. Ethan just kinda goes along with whatever Seth does. Luella just makes videos, she’s pretty harmless.” He had a pained expression as he spoke. “If you’ve got questions you can’t ask me, ask Karessa. She also keeps us supplied with outside knowledge.”

Right, that was her name. “Hi”, he said quietly.

“Hi”, she answered. “Don’t mind Seth and Ethan. They’re idiots. Are you okay?”

No, he wasn’t okay. He was locked in a zoo. He nodded, signaling that he was okay.

Karessa grimaced like she knew what he’d thought. “I know. Crappy situation to be in, but I’ll help you make the best of it. The food, is it okay? It’s what the previous deer chimera ate, but that doesn’t have to mean that it works for you.”

He nodded. “It’s.. I think it’s okay.”

“Alright. I’ll come check on you later. If Seth and Ethan, or any visitors, bother you again, you make sure to tell me, yeah?”

Elafi silently nodded. Karessa set him at ease in an odd way that he hadn’t experienced before. It was nice.

The day passed. And then another one did, and then a few more. Days turned to weeks, and weeks turned into winter, and he stopped being able to tell quite how long he’d been at the zoo. Faroon taught him the ASL alphabet, and after some practice, he could fingerspell. He’d had some small conversations with the snake girl across from him, and learnt that her name was Lini. He’d had short conversations with Naia while she was underwater. He picked up on some small signs. Yes, no, have, I, you, that, thank you. Elafi’s vocabulary grew until he was comfortable with small conversations, still heavily relying on fingerspelling. The grammar came to him surprisingly easily. Naia, Faroon, and Lini told him about the other chimeras. He learnt their names, their stories. Gossip was passed along, chimera to chimera, down the line, like a bad game of ‘broken telephone’. In turn, Elafi told them about his life before the zoo. He told them about Warrick, and the woods. He told them about what happened to his parents, and how he missed his stuffed animals.

Sometimes, Elafi got overwhelmed. Like when there was a school trip at the zoo, or when Luella was filming him. Luckily, Faroon or Karessa, or even Lini, were usually there to calm him down. And he had his tree to hide behind. Half the time, he just took a nap when he didn’t feel like dealing with something. He didn’t really have any responsibilities in the zoo. Seth and Ethan bullied him sometimes, and generally behaved rotten. Karessa was sweet, helping out where she could. Naia’s parents visited her a few times a week. Faroon was gruff, but kind. He kinda reminded Elafi of Warrick.

He wasn’t happy at the zoo, not by a long shot. He wished that he could leave, return to his life before. That Warrick would come rescue him, like he had last time. But the more time passed, the more it felt like that just wasn’t gonna happen. It was a nice daydream, but that was all. Besides… Being a zoo exhibit was humiliating and overwhelming sometimes, but they got fed twice a day, and he had friends, and he was mostly left alone by other people. There were worse places to be. He’d.. kind of accepted it.

Winter was melting away into spring, and Elafi was grateful for the warmer temperatures. It was a monday. He could tell, because the zoo closed on sundays. No zookeepers or visitors yesterday, ergo, it had been a sunday. Which made today a monday. Elafi was wondering if he could keep track of the day for the whole week, vaguely staring ahead, when something quietly startled him.

He’d been staring at the crowd, looking at the people that were looking at him. Then he’d recognised one of their faces. And he’d frozen.

Warrick.

The man mouthed something. It took Elafi a second to realise what it was.

‘I’m getting you out of here.’

Elafi’s mind raced, but his body felt fixed in place. How would Warrick- But what about - but the others? And- How did he- WHERE would they..-

He sucked in a sharp breath. He tilted his head towards Naia, and carefully mouthed ‘what about them’. He saw Warrick’s eyes flit to Naia, then something next to her, then Faroon, before landing back at Elafi. He curtly nodded, and disappeared back into the crowd.

That Elafi was incredibly tense the rest of the day, and then the night. By morning, he started to doubt his memory. Had Warrick really just shown up for less than a minute? That didn’t make much sense. Elafi had already kind of accepted that he’d be at the zoo forever. Maybe he was just processing the loss of his old life with some kind of hallucination? He didn’t bring it up to anyone.

Tuesday passed, and so did Wednesday, and then Elafi lost track of the days again. He’d kind of come to the conclusion that he had somehow hallucinated Warrick. That is, until he was shaken awake at some unholy hour by two, strong hands.

That in and of itself was shocking, seeing as how the closest he’d gotten to human contact in months were the occasional pats or head scratches that Karessa would give him. Still half-asleep, Elafi turned around, only to be met with the sight of Warrick and an open cage door.

“Huh?”, Was the best he could come up with.

“Come on, kid. We haven’t got all too long. Sleep medication doesn’t last forever.”, said the gruff voice that Elafi had sorely missed.

“What? How are you here? How did you open- “

“There’s time for explanations later, kid. Gave the night guards some muffins they’ll be forgetting about. I’ve got the keys to help all of your friends too, but we can’t take them with us. Yeah?”

Instantly, Elafi was as awake as ever. “Alright yeah, hold up, let me… “ Looking around his cage, he realised he didn’t have anything to take with. “Yeah no, let’s go.”

Some had woken up from the ruckus, some had to be woken up. Faroon’s inhuman eyes were wide as he stepped out of his cage, bewildered. Some older chimeras, surprisingly, declined to go with. The zoo was all they’d known from a young age, the last thing they needed was to deal with microaggressions and taxes. Most were overjoyed to come along though.

Naia refused to come along. Warrick had brought a bathtub on wheels for her, and she eyed it suspiciously. Her caged tank was more comfortable.

Elafi hoped for her that, when she grew up and understood what the zoo really was, that she wouldn’t regret her choice too much.

“Tell Karessa.. tell her thank you?”

“I will”, Naia signed.

They all left in the dead of night. It was odd, seeing the chimeras he had heard about. Seeing so many chimeras in one place, many of them being older than most chimeras ever could be… Just, odd.

Warrick was just the best. For finding him, for breaking him out, for breaking out everyone else. Elafi turned to look at the zoo one last time.

He couldn’t wait to sleep in a bed again. It was gonna be weird, knowing a whole new language and not having anyone to sign to anymore. Elafi looked up at Warrick.

Of course he’d found him. He’d gotten him back last time he was taken by someone.

Elafi had been foolish to ever think he would be in the zoo forever.

[justmeinadaze]

Can you write a Steddie x reader where the boys are like super possessive of her and she goes out without telling them and she almost get hurt so they punish her

Idk if this makes any sense but 😭

Here ya go, anonymous angel! I hope I did your request justice :)

Word Count: 1783

Warnings: Jason being a douche, Daddy/Sir Steddie, Punishment (ignoring), Smut

“Y/N, where the fuck are you?”

“When one of us calls you know you’re supposed to answer.”

“I swear to God, little one, if you are at that fucking party.”

“Wow, sweetheart. You have balls.”

“Answer. The. Phone.”

“Fine. Have it your way.”

That last message was sent to your phone 15 minutes ago and you shuddered at the words. It was never a good thing when a threat was followed by silence. 

You just wanted a fun night out and more than anything you wanted it with them but they were so stubborn sometimes. Both boys refused and when you mentioned going alone, they practically forbad it. 

You should have listened to them. You should have stayed home or at least sent them a text telling them you were ok. You’d be lying though if a part of you wasn’t excited at the thought of the punishment you would receive. 

“Hey Y/N. Didn’t think I’d see you here tonight? Where are your attachments?”

You raised you glass at Jason as you shrugged. “No idea. Probably somewhere pouting.”

You bit your lip at the sound of your audacity. You’d never say something like that with them around. What is wrong with me?

“Well shit. Look at you! Do you want to dance?”

You were startled as your phone vibrated in your pocket, quickly unlocking the screen to take a look. Your breath caught in your throat at the image of you and Jason talking to each other as your head swiveled around the room frantically. 

“Don’t do it, little girl. Or else we’ll do more than just pout.”

“Yes or no, Y/N?”

“I-I-I…”

“Baby, any other girl would be dying just to be asked.” Jason slowly began backing you into the wall. “Now, normally, I would have told you to fuck off by now but the fact that you fuck that freak intrigues me. Maybe you need a real man to show you how it’s done.”

As he began his rant, your face cringed but as soon as he insulted Eddie, your demeanor changed entirely into an angry one. 

“I assure you, Jason. Eddie and Steve know exactly how it’s done. All you could do is show me why I prefer them over you, you fucking asshole.”

His eyes went wild as he grabbed your arm, tugging you through the house, and pushing you out his front door onto the gravel. “Then get the fuck out of my house if you’re going to be like that!”

As he turned to go back inside a ring studded hand connected with his face knocking him backwards as he fell to the ground next to you. Steve bent down to collect you in his arms and you promptly locked your own around his neck. 

“Munson! Come on, man.”

Eddie panted as he looked down at the now cowering former jock. “If you ever touch her like that again I swear this will be much worse.” He lightly taps his cheek as he rises to his feet.

#########

The entire car ride home was silent; you knew better than to speak. As soon as they parked, Eddie opened the door for you and lifted you in his arms, carrying you inside and placing you gently on the kitchen counter. As he takes off your shoes, you hear the sound of Steve riffling around in the bathroom before reappearing with a wash rag and a first aid kit. 

When Jason pushed you, you scrapped your knee on the concrete. The metalhead leaned back against the sink as he watched the other man clean you up and take care of you. Even though they were trying to remain calm, you could still feel their anger radiating off them. 

“I’m…I’m sorry. I-I-I just wanted us to-to go out and spend time together.”

“So you went to Jason’s party alone?”, Eddie asked with distain. “How did that work out for you?”

“I begged you guys to come with me!”

“Oh, I see! So, she went alone to punish us. Did you hear that, Steve? Like we belong to her!”

Steve eyes never left you as he leaned back to watch you both fight. It was never a good sign when he was quiet like this when he was upset with you. 

“And see my favorite part is not only did you go, but you ignored us and then had the audacity to mock us openly to an asshole like Jason Carver. What did that have to do with wanting to spend time with us?!”

“I was pissed at you! You’re both so stubborn sometimes!”

Annoyance flashed through Steve’s eyes as Eddie stepped forward, completely prepared to reprimand you before the other man cut him off, placing a hand on his chest and crashing his lips to his own. 

You squeaked in surprise as the metalhead pulled back to glance over his friend’s face before nodding and locking lips with him again. 

Eddie pushed him back against the countertop you were sitting on, his lips trailing down Steve’s neck as he lifted the boy’s shirt. Completely thrown off guard you weren’t sure what you were supposed to be doing. You knew they were mad but… they had begun playing… maybe I…

You reached out to caress Steve’s cheek but instead of kissing the pads of your fingers or leaning over to capture your lips, he turned away from you. 

“D-D-Daddy?”

His mouth opened as he moaned, Eddie unbuckling his belt and pushing his pants to the floor, enveloping Steve’s cock between his lips. 

“F-fuck, Ed. Yes.” He licked his lips as his head fell back against the cabinet, his fingers playing with the metalhead’s hair. “God that feels so fucking good. Mmm… always such a good boy.”

When you try to touch him again, Steve’s hand shoots out, grabbing your wrist and pinning it to the counter. “Such a good fucking boy.”, he repeats. “You always respond when I call. Don’t you, Eddie?”

Eddie’s lips pop off the man in front of him as he rises to his feet, continuing to stroke him as his mouth finds his again. “I do. It’s…it’s polite…Plus…I want to talk to you.”, the metalhead answers between kisses. 

“I want to talk to you both…” You tone comes out meek, hating that they are ignoring you. Even just the smallest glance your way would be enough. 

Steve steps out of his jeans, gripping Eddie’s arms as they dodge around you and head for the bedroom. Usually, one of them would have helped you down and it killed you that they didn’t. 

“Daddy? Sir? Please…” You felt the tears sting your eyes as you carefully hopped down and slowly shuffled to your shared bedroom. Depending on the punishment they delivered sometimes you enjoyed it immensely like the spanking or when they would shove their cocks down your throat while you were tied to the bed. This was different. They were ignoring you completely as if you weren’t even there. 

Now you were the one somewhere pouting…

You found them on the bed, Eddie now completely undressed and under Steve as they passionately kissed each other’s lips. You placed yourself on the corner of the mattress, crossing your legs as you turned towards them. 

“Fuck me, Steve. I need to feel you.”

He wasted no time, lifting Eddie’s legs around his waist as he guided his cock into him. The moan that left them had your pussy clenching but you knew better than to touch yourself. You were in trouble and you didn’t want to make them angrier. This was torture enough. 

“Jesus, Eddie. So—mmm—so fucking tight. It’s…it’s to bad…baby girl isn’t here.”

“Yeah… the party was probably… fuck… probably worth it though.”

“Yeah, she obviously…knows better than…us, right? Mmm—she can take care of herself now.”

Steve reached between them, stroking Eddie’s cock as he thrust into him faster. The metalhead’s face scrunched with pleasure as rope after rope of his seed hit Steve’s stomach above him. The other boy chased his own release for his hips stuttered and he roughly pumped his spend into the man below him. 

After gradually pulling out, Steve got up grabbing another rag as he cleaned himself before taking care of Eddie. When they finally looked at you, your chin was to your chest as tears flowed. You felt the bed under you move and suddenly arms incased themselves around you as you were pulled onto a lap. 

“I’m-I’m s-s-sorry.”, you hiccupped in the littlest voice they had ever heard from you. “I-I-I deserved this.”

Fingers ran through your hair as you cried, your body curling into the chest holding you. 

“You didn’t like being ignored. Did you, baby?”

“No, Daddy. I didn’t like it.”

“Why didn’t you text or call us back? Is it because you knew you weren’t supposed to be there?” You nod your head at his question. “Then, honey, why were you there?”

“I was m-m-mad at you guys. You’ve both been so busy lately with work. I thought it would be fun to go to a party like we used to in school.”

“You’re right, pretty girl. We have been away from the house a lot these past few weeks. The reason we told you no was because it was Jason’s party. Maybe we should have been clearer or come up with an alternative activity.” Eddie leans forward to grip your chin turning you to look at him. “I hope you know it wasn’t because we didn’t want to spend time with you or anything. We miss you to, sweetheart.”

“You do?”

“Of course, Y/N. We love you. I know we can be a bit hardheaded but…Eddie’s right. We should have at least come up with something else we could have done together. Now, that doesn’t excuse you disobeying us and going there.”

“I know, Daddy. I’m sorry. I learned my lesson though!”

Steve’s hand slides under your leg, extending it out so they can look at the bandage on your knee. 

“Bastard is lucky I didn’t fucking kill him.”, Eddie growled. 

“Do you think you’re up for the rest of your punishment?”, Steve asked as he held you closer.

“Rest of!? That wasn’t it?”

They both laugh at your surprised reaction. “Honey, you snuck away, talked back, ignored our calls and texts, and said we were somewhere fucking pouting!”, Steve chuckled. “That last one makes me think you forgot the type of men you belong to. We are more than happy to remind you.”

[megan-loves-surveys]

#17.

Blue Survey

💙 What are three things you like that are blue? : Converse, hair dye and denim.

😱 What are three things that have shocked you? : The price of things these days, wrestling moments and how many other people around still love Five as much as me xD

🥶 What are three of your favorite ways to warm up when you’re freezing cold? : Heater, hoodie and a warm shower.

😰 What is one sad song that you enjoy listening to? : Oh, loads. Blue - Back Someday is a standout example.

🦋 Do you like butterflies? : Yes, especially monarchs, so pretty.

🧢 Do you ever wear baseball caps? : Sometimes, mostly my Mox ones.

🐟 What do you think is a good name for a fish? : A human name like Henry or Fred LOL.

🐠 Have your ever taken swimming lessons? : No, I still can't swim.

🐬 Would you ever want to swim with dolphins? : Not really.

📚 Do you prefer to read fiction or non-fiction? : Fiction.

🚙 Have you ever driven a blue car? : No.

🐳 Name three things you associate with water.: The ocean, tap water and showers.

🥏 Have you ever played frisbee?: Probably.

👥 If you have a significant other, what is his/her name? : His name is Will.

🦕 Do you believe that dinosaurs are extinct, or do you think they actually exist still and teachers/scientists are lying to us? : They're extinct. I loved dinosaurs as a kid, and there is no proof they're still around - this is not Jurassic Park xD

🅿️ What are three things in your room that starts with a “P”? : Pillows, (note)pads and not sure.

🔵 What is your favorite shade of blue? : All of them.

🏃‍���️ Do you like to run? : I like to jog, especially on treadmills.

♿️ Have you ever had to use a wheelchair? : Yes, when I broke my leg.

👖 Do you prefer jeggings or skinny jeans?: Skinny jeans.

👮‍♀️ Have you ever been pulled over by a cop? : No.

🈳 What are three things you have done that you hope to never do again? : Get hit by a car, break bones and have surgery.

👤 Do you like to remain anonymous on the internet? : Depends.

👕 Do you own any polo shirts? : No.

👔 What was the last formal or semi-formal event that you went to? : This dinner for my boyfriend's work, I wore a dress haha.

🥣 When was the last time you ate cereal? : The other day.

🌐 Have you ever been to Disney’s Epcot? : No.

🔹 Name three things that the word “diamond” makes you think of.: Rings, mines and birthstone.

🌀 Do you like to draw swirly symbols?: Sure.

🧞‍♂️ What are three things you would change about your life if you could?: I wish my stomach was flat, I wish I was rich and I wish I could travel more.

🧞‍♂️ What are three things you would change about your body if you could? : Flat stomach, thicker/longer hair and feet one size bigger.

🧵 Have you ever embroidered something?: No.

🔷 What is your least favorite shade of blue? : I like them all.

🎽 Were you ever on a track team, and if so, what was your favorite part of track (sprinting, long distance running, pole vault, long jump, hurdles, etc.)? : No.

📘 What was your favorite subject in elementary school? : English.

🟦 Name someone you know who’s favorite color is blue.: Dunno.

🪣 Do you own a blue bucket? : No.

🫐 Do you like to eat blueberries by themselves, or do you only like them in things (such as blueberry bagels)? : In things, especially pancakes.

🏧 When was the last time you used an ATM machine? : Ages ago, at least a few months.

🛋 What color is your living room couch? : Grey.

🪁 Have you ever flown a kite, and if yes, what did you think of it? : Yes.

🛗 Have you ever been stuck in an elevator? : No.

🖌 What was the last thing you painted? : No idea.

🫂 Who was the last person who gave you a hug?: My boyfriend.

🐋 Do you like to swim? : Yes, but I can't swim.

🚎 What are three things you like about going on vacation? : Sightseeing, shopping and going to events.

🩱 Would you rather swim laps or tread water? : Tread water.

🏳️‍⚧️ Name one person you know who identifies as transgender. : Candy.

🏳️‍⚧️ Have you ever questioned your gender? : No.

👩🏿‍🔧 When was the last time you had to call a mechanic? : Never.

👨‍🎤 Have you ever dyed your hair blue? : Yes! It was my main hair colour between 2020 and 2022, and then in 2023 I started doing it both blue and purple at the same time.

🥿Do you own a pair of blue shoes? : Yes, I have multiple pairs of blue Converse in different shades.

🫃Who’s one person you know who is currently pregnant? : Nobody.

🙆‍♂️ What is one song you like that has motions to it? : Like a dance routine? Atomic Kitten - The Tide Is High lol.

🙋‍♂️ Do/did you often raise your hand in class in school? : Depends.

💇‍♂️Do you need a haircut? : No.

👕 Are you wearing a blue shirt? : No, it's green.

🌎 Have you ever wished you’d been born on another planet? : No.

❄️ What is your favorite thing to do in the snow? : It doesn't snow where I live.

💧Do you drink enough water? : I drink looooads.

💦 Do you enjoy rainy days?: Not really.

🌊 Have you ever swam in the ocean? : Yes.

🧊 Have you ever slipped and fallen on the ice?: I've slipped on wet concrete and broke my leg.

🛝 What were three of your favorite things to do at recess as a kid? : Pretend to be the Spice Girls, play cards and go on the playground.

🎣 Do you like to eat fish? : Yes. Yummy.

⛹️‍♂️ Who’s your favorite basketball star?: No idea.

🎭 What’s your favorite musical? : No idea.

✈️ Where was the last place you flew on a plane? : Melbourne.

💺 Have you ever flown first class? : I wish.

🛸 Do you want to see a flying saucer? : No.

⛴ What cruise ships have you been on? : None.

🗺 What are three countries you don’t really have any interest in visiting? : North Korea, Iraq, Iran.

💎 What pieces of jewelry are you wearing right now? : None.

🧿 Do you like to play Uno? : Sure.

🩻 What was the last x-ray you had? : Shoulder to check if it was healed.

📫 Have you ever watched Blue’s Clues? : Yes.

💤 Do you like to sleep? : Love it.

Ⓜ️ What are three things you like that start with an “M”?: Mox, mac & cheese and mobile phone.

💠 Do you like to make lists? : Love it.

🔠 Did you go to morning or afternoon kindergarten? : Both, but I think more morning.

🆓 What is one thing you’ve gotten for free on your birthday? : Starbucks frappe!

🇬🇷 Have you ever been to Greece? : No.

🇬🇷 Do you like Greek yogurt? : Yes.

And last but not least…did you like this survey? : Sure.

[eyeshields]

☆ All gift assignments should have been sent out to everyone who signed up! Keep an eye out for the check-in on the 16th ☆

It's the most wonderful time of the year ❄ AKA time for the annual Eyeshield 21 Winter Gift Exchange (version 2022). The ES21 Winter Gift Exchange is a Secret-Santa style fandom event where you make art/fic for another fan, remaining anonymous until exchanging gifts on December 21st i.e. Sena's thematically appropriate 21-themed birth date. If that sounds interesting, read on!

A plain-text version of this post (along with copies of the sign-up questions) can be found here on Google Docs.

A quick note to people who participated last year, this year's event has been tweaked slightly so I recommend reading the whole post! (Plus you want to see my graphics, I know you do.)

We're using Google Forms (derogatory) for sign-ups; if you need to change any of your responses post-submission let me know and I'll manually change your info. for you! None of the questions are obligatory since I've had issues with that, but please make sure to respond to any/all questions that are relevant to you!

Read any extra notes on the sign-up questions! If there’s a minimum answer, for instance, please make sure you have at least that minimum. If a question doesn’t apply to you (e.g. you don’t have a preference), feel free to put N/A or just skip the question

Please let me know ahead of time (e.g. before the deadline) if you need to drop out or if you don’t think you can complete your gift. I don’t have to know specifics and there will be absolutely no judgment; I fully understand that life can throw all sorts of stuff at you but prior notice will allow me or another pinch-hitter to complete the gift for you. People who don’t do so will still receive their gifts (since people work hard on these), but will not be able to participate in further events I run

On that note: there is a check-in on December 16th. This will entail me sending you a message that basically asks if you're still alive and still participating in the event. You don't need to be done with your gift at this point, but please respond to this message within ~24 hours so I know you're still good to go and I don't need to fill-in for your gift!

Fics should be around 3k words minimum (feel free to make it longer if you so desire). Feel free to submit to the official event AO3 thread as well as posting to tumblr (if you’ve got an AO3 account, if you don’t you can just stick to tumblr!)

Art should similarly be completed to whatever completed is for you, allowing for stylistic differences (generally fully lined, colored, etc.)

Once you’re posting your gift, make sure to add the event tag #ES2022WGE (or any upper/lower case derivatives of this) so that we have them all in the same place!

At some point please reblog your gift and/or add some nice tags or comments or kudos. Doesn’t need to be right away if you’re away on vacation/celebrating holidays/can’t use the internet except on Tuesdays, but people work hard on these and it’s nice to be validated!

Obligatory: ensure that your work doesn’t perpetuate discriminatory tropes and/or attitudes. On the same note, please research before writing about places and peoples with which you’re only vaguely familiar.

Feel free to send me any questions/comments you might have anytime! Sorry for my characteristically on-brand super long post and weird acronym-y event hashtag.

I hope you decide to join us; this event is my favorite!! ❄❄❄

[marwritesgood]

Just Me | S. Basset

Pairing: Simon x WOC!Reader

Timeframe: Early Season One

Summary: Simon and Y/n had a long history together. So why did it take reading Lady Whistledown’s latest column for her to learn about his blooming relationship with Daphne Bridgerton?

masterlist

A/N: This fic is over 6K words. 

The mere thought of a BIPOC love story set in the 18th Century is enough to make me swoon. So I decided to give it a go and write one myself. There’ll be two more parts after this :)

I also wanted to keep the reader description applicable to any and all women of colour, so it’s a bit vague just to ensure all of us (women of colour) can feel included. Please let me know if there any parts of this fic that don’t do this and I’ll fix it asap! 

If you’re white, this fic is not for you to identify with x

Also, if at any point you find my attempt at mimicking the language used in Bridgerton laughable... you are not the only one lmao. This has been super fun to write and also very challenging, but I am well aware it is farrrr from perfect :)

Nonetheless, I hope it’s a nice read for my WOC readers <3

Simon and Y/n first met when they were children. Her mother was very closely acquainted with Lady Danbury, so naturally, a friendship grew between the two of them- and a strong one at that. 

For years, their interactions had remained within confinements of what was socially acceptable. They bickered. They laughed. They shared inside jokes about the people within their social circle. Their feelings for each other never extended beyond what was befitting of a friendship. 

That was until they grew older.

When marriage and love became more and more ingrained into casual conversations, Simon and Y/n explored their feelings for one another. Questioned the extent to which they cared for each other and whether there was something more beneath the surface.

However, just as Y/n came to realise her love for Simon, he left for London. After a few short weeks, he returned with a new title. A new vow that the Hastings bloodline would end with him. Subsequently, with it, any hope Y/n had of her relationship with him becoming anything more than all it had always been: a friendship.

A year had passed since the sorrowful conversation resulting in Simon and Y/n agreeing to not indulge in the affections they shared. Since then, Y/n struggled to focus on securing a marriage proposal from one of the suitors in her town.

“This is your second season,” Y/n’s mother cried as she paced across the sitting room. Y/n sat in silence, having been interrupted from playing the piano by another one of her panicked outbursts. “Your second season and yet you continue to reject every marriage proposal you receive.”

She couldn’t blame her mother for being frustrated with her. As her only daughter, she needed to find a good match and be married off as soon as possible. Her father was of old age, but even he remained restless that Y/n be married. He much preferred the prospect of dying knowing that the estate would be inherited by Y/n’s husband instead of his nephew.

“I did not reject Mr Graham’s proposal, mama,” Y/n responded, unnervingly calmly considering how distraught her mother was. Mr Graham’s proposal was the latest one she had received that season. “I... simply asked for more time to consider my answer.”

“What on earth is there to consider?” Mrs Y/l/n shrieked. Her frustration only grew when her daughter was unable to answer her question. Y/n turned away from her mother. “He is a good man. He comes from a good, honourable family and will give you a good future- something you will not have if you continue to turn away suitors.”

“Mama, please.” Y/n could not say anything more, for fear that her mother’s anger toward her would only grow if she were to find out the truth. The real reason she could not yet bring herself to accept a marriage proposal.

“Why do you need time to consider, Y/n?” Her daughter had stood up from behind the piano and had her back turned to her mother. That did not stop her from continuing to pry. After so many rejected proposals, she felt she had a right to know why her daughter refused to marry. “I beg of you, tell me- what is there to consider?... What could possibly be keeping you from marrying Mr Graham.”

They stood in silence for a moment before Y/n sighed exasperatedly and turned back to face her mother.

“I do not love him,” Y/n replied in a hushed cry, only just loud enough for Mrs Y/l/n to hear from across the room. “He may be a good man, mama, but I... I do not love him, and I do not believe I ever could.”

She knew from their first encounter that she could never love him. Perhaps it was how he mispronounced her grandmother’s name or the way he possessed the same arrogance as every other suitor Y/n encountered. 

“My dear,” Mrs Y/l/n said, her voice and expression softening entirely. She reached out for her daughter’s hand and took hold of it gently. She knew precisely how Y/n felt, which meant that, unfortunately, she knew there was nothing to be done. “We have talked about this. Women like you and I... we do not have the luxury to make decisions based on our own feelings.”

Y/n was surrounded by women who did not share the same experiences she did. Women who could not empathise with the challenges she faced and being a woman in the 18th Century. Not even if they tried.

Therefore, whenever Y/n found herself hoping for the same things as the white women around her, she had to bring herself back to reality. She had to remember that if life was unkind to white women, it would always be hell for women like her, no matter who married into the royal family.

“I know,” Y/n answered. 

She did. She knew it was incredibly reckless of her to reject all of the proposals she had received. She knew she was naïve for basing her decision based on love. Yet, even so, she could not keep herself from holding out on the hope that she would not end up in a loveless marriage.

“I do not mean to upset you, Y/n,” Mrs Y/l/n said sincerely, as she guided her daughter to the nearest seat. “But I fear that if you continue on, you will have no more proposals to reject, and I... I simply cannot bear the thought... Please, dear, you must-”

Y/n began to close her eyes ready to brace herself for what she feared would inevitably happen- her mother insisting she accepts a proposal. However, just as she did, a maid knocked on the door and promptly brought in the newspaper. When Simon left for London, Y/n requested that any newspaper copy or mail sent to her from London be immediately handed to her. She looked forward to any kind of update on him.

“Thank you,” Y/n said to the maid as she handed her the newspaper. Without hesitation, she immediately turned to Lady Whistledown’s column.

“What does it say?” Her mother asked, giving up on her attempts at convincing Y/n to accept a marriage proposal, at least for the time being. 

Y/n’s blood ran cold as she read the column. She had expected to hear more about the bitter impression Simon was leaving in London. She was going to comment on how typical arrogant white elitists villainising anyone who did not approach them in a way that appeases their ego.

But that was not what she read.

Instead, she read about Simon showing a particular interest in the woman named the ‘Diamond of the Season’ by the Queen herself- Miss Daphne Bridgerton. She read about him courting her and spending a significant amount of time with her. She read about flowers, the expensive kind, and walks through Hyde park, and she was unsure whether to feel betrayed or feel furious.

It was one thing for Simon to begin courting another woman, after explaining to Y/n that he would never marry. It was another for her to have to learn all of this from reading the Lady Whistledown column. 

Without providing her mother with an answer as to what the column wrote, Y/n slammed the newspaper against the table beside her and stood up abruptly. 

Her mother went to reprimand Y/n for slamming the paper so violently against her favourite table. However, Y/n walked hastily into her bedroom. She began to plan what she was to pack when she would leave for London in the morning.

She was adamant on learning the truth in its entirety. And, this time, not from an anonymous publisher but from Simon himself.

***

Y/n had an aunt who lived in London with her husband and their three kids- all much younger than Y/n was. She knew that if she could get away with arriving in London unannounced with intent to stay for longer than a week, her only luck was with her aunt.

After she was escorted inside by one of the workers, Y/n stood and marvelled at her aunt’s husband’s estate. It looked nothing like the sitting room at her home. It looked fancier with much nicer things, leading her to think back to why her mother pushed so hard for her to marry. Mrs Y/l/n had helped her younger sister find a match, and now she lived in a beautiful home in London. 

Perhaps all she wanted was to ensure the same future for her only child.

“Y/n, my dear!” Her aunt came bursting through the doors with arms stretched out. She pulled Y/n into a tight embrace as she always did whenever greeting her niece. Before her three children, she had Y/n. “Oh, how I have missed you!”

“I have missed you too, Aunt Philippa,” Y/n smiled, gently clutching her aunt’s hand as she held her cheek. “Please forgive me for arriving here unannounced. I would have written to you in advanced, but I have an urgent matter to attend to.”

“Do not be silly, my dear,” Philippa laughed, before guiding her niece out of the sitting room and towards the staircase. “You are welcome to stay here for as long as you may need. Though I imagine your mother will be impatiently anticipating your return... how is my dear sister?”

“As restless as ever,” Y/n mumbled. Philippa’s laughter echoed across the halls. Just as she expected, her older sister had not changed. Not one bit. “She is adamant that I am engaged by the end of the season, which is part of the reason I needed to leave home so quickly.”

“I do not blame you, dear,” Philippa murmured. She knew from first-hand experience how relentless Y/n’s mother could be. Even so, she knew it was out of love. Y/n knew as well. “Now... what is the urgent matter you need to attend? I imagine you will need a chaperone... and perhaps a carriage?”

Y/n smiled in relief. Everything she had done leading up to her arrival in London was purely impulsive. She hadn’t even thought of how she would get to Simon or who she would have to escort and chaperone her. 

“You wouldn’t happen to know the whereabouts of... the Duke of Hastings?”

Philippa’s eyes grew twice in size. Whether it was shock or excitement, Y/n could not figure out. It wasn’t until her aunt pulled her into the nearest empty room, checked to see if anyone was listening in, and grinned at her that Y/n concluded it was the latter.

“When I read about the Duke and Miss Bridgerton, all I could think of was you,” Philippa began, speaking in a hushed tone, though unable to contain her excitement. She did not typically indulge in gossip, but she was entirely invested in staying updated to her niece and Simon. “You never did tell me what happened when he returned. Did you confess your feelings?”

Philippa had generously volunteered her afternoons so that her niece could practise what she would say to Simon. She hoped those afternoons had not been spent in vain.

“I did... And then he did too... Before telling me, he would never marry,” Y/n explained, trying to conceal the way her breath hitched and the way tears welled up in her eyes. “Though, after reading Lady Whistledown’s column, it is clear that perhaps he meant that he would never marry me.”

Philippa frowned and lifted her hand up again, holding the side of Y/n’s face and swiping the few tears she couldn’t stop from escaping. As she did so, Y/n inhaled sharply- trying desperately to keep herself from indulging in her sorrow.

“I am sure that is not the case, dearest,” Philippa insisted. 

She refused to believe Simon would do that to her niece. Not after the stories she had heard from Y/n as they grew up. Not to mention all the times she caught one staring at the other across ballrooms and dining tables. 

“We must hurry,” she chirped, dropping her hand so she could grasp her niece’s arm. “I believe the Duke will be in Hyde Park with Lady Danbury. ‘Tis best we leave now if we wish to catch them.”

Y/n smiled. Being with her aunt was a nice change of pace to being with her mother. She would have scolded Y/n had she caught wind of what had happened. 

***

Upon their arrival at Hyde Park, Philippa approached Lady Danbury. Her plan was to make conversation with her, find out more about Simon and Daphne’s relationship. Then, she would ultimately create a segue for Y/n to have a somewhat private conversation with Simon.

However, Y/n had other plans.

When they arrived, she scanned the park in search of Simon. Once she spotted him walking alone on the pavement, she threw caution and decorum to the wind. Before her Aunt Philippa could stop her, Y/n sprinted. 

Once she reached him, she grabbed his shoulder roughly, prompting him to turn around.

“Peach,” Simon whispered, dumbfounded by Y/n’s sudden appearance.

He stopped calling Y/n by her name when they were five. Instead, he called her Peach, for reasons that remained a mystery to Y/n. Despite not knowing the reasoning behind it, she always adored it. She was the only person he had a unique designated name for.

More recently, she wondered if Miss Bridgerton would soon become an exception.

“You owe me an explanation,” Y/n said harshly, not having the patience to beat around the bush. This was primarily because she wanted to know the truth and because she was out of breath from sprinting to Simon.  “Do I really mean so little to you, Simon?”

“Please lower your voice,” Simon begged, subtly grabbing Y/n’s arm and quickening their pace to avoid the crowded area of the park. 

“Do not speak to me as though I am a child,” Y/n growled, yanking her arm away from him and stepping back. 

“Then do not act like one,” Simon retorted.

Y/n scoffed, before dusting off her dress. Simon rolled his eyes to cover his nervousness. He had a habit of concealing it with aggression. Y/n was often able to see through it, but she was guilty of doing the same.

“What changed?” Y/n asked as she looked back at Simon. “You seemed so certain when you told me you would never marry. Now you have extended your stay in London to court Miss Bridgerton?”

“I wish I could give you an answer,” Simon responded honestly. It was perhaps the most honest statement he had made all month. 

His courtship of Daphne was a mere ruse to attract more suitors for her. Truth be told, Simon was incredibly stressed by it, but he was too deep into the lie to give up any time soon. He hadn’t anticipated Y/n would be caught in the middle of it.

“Well, what could be hindering you from doing so?” Y/n cried, confused by how vague and cryptic Simon was acting.

He struggles to find the right words. The last thing he wanted was to hurt Y/n any more than he already had, but he could not give her the answer she wanted. Although he was not actually courting Daphne, he still would not marry. Thus, he could not do what would make her happy, which was the main reason he kept his distance from her in the first place.

“Things are different now,” Simon said apologetically, hoping to deter Y/n from prying. Though he desperately wanted to say more, he knew that doing so was incredibly risky. “We... we are not children anymore.”

Y/n blinked, astonished by Simon’s reaction. It was far from what she had expected. She expected an explanation. She expected assurance. Instead, she has pushed aside as though she and her feelings were disposable. 

This was a familiar feeling to Y/n.

“Is that all you think of me?” She asked angrily. Simon, of all the people in her life, had the most power to hurt her. And he often did so without realising. “A child?... And our relationship? You think it is something as easy to put behind you as your childhood? Is that all this is to you, Simon?”

She went to speak again. To demand what she felt she had a right to. However, before she could get a word out, a woman appeared from behind her. She was fair-skinned and wore a dress that resembled her complexion. 

“Miss Bridgerton,” Simon gasped. He did not know whether to be grateful for her arrival or concerned about how it would affect Y/n. He eventually became both. “May I introduce you to Miss Y/l/n. She is a... very close family friend.”

Y/n had to keep herself from scoffing. She was more to him than just a friend. Y/n knew that well, despite Simon’s denial.

“I am terribly sorry,” Miss Bridgerton cried, averting her attention to Y/n. “I did not mean to intrude.”

“Not at all,” Y/n assured, smiling sincerely at Daphne. Her anger was entirely directed towards Simon. Unlike him, Daphne had no pre-existing history with Y/n to remain considerate of. “I actually must return to my aunt. It was lovely to finally meet you, Miss Bridgerton.”

Before Y/n turned to walk back to her Aunt Philippa, she glanced back at Simon, who was very clearly terrified of how calm Y/n was. He could only imagine the amount of anger she was harbouring. Deterring her would prove to be much more complicated than he expected.

“Your grace,” Y/n snarled through gritted teeth, before forcing a smile as she turned away.

***

It had been a week since Y/n and Simon’s interaction at Hyde Park.

Y/n sat beside her aunt Philippa in a carriage as she read through her mother’s letter. She had made vividly clear, through an eight-paged rant, that she was absolutely livid with her daughter. Y/n’s hands were trembling. 

“I assume she is quite upset?” Philippa asked, though she already knew the answer. 

Y/n had extended her stay to a week just so she could attend a gala at Lady Danbury’s estate. It was her last hope of catching a moment alone with Simon and gaining, at the very least, some form of closure. She hoped it would not come to that, but from their last interaction, Y/n was losing confidence.

“She is furious,” Y/n answered shortly, before folding the letter abruptly and placing it aside. Her mother wrote one demand that sent chills through her bones. “If I am not home within a week, she will come to London and take me back herself. Then, I will have to accept Mr Graham’s proposal.”

Philippa’s stomach dropped. She placed her hand atop her niece’s. Y/n looked down to conceal the tears that began to gather in her eyes. Philippa noticed and wrapped her arm around Y/n, gently squeezing her shoulder. 

“I am sure it will not come to that,” she whispered soothingly, though she struggled to sound sincere. Y/n nodded. She didn’t quite believe her aunt, but she knew there was no point in losing hope entirely. At least not yet.

Once they arrived at the gala, Philippa made conversation with a friend, whileY/n made way to Lady Danbury. The event was held in her courtyard. While others marvelled at her estate, Y/n felt a warm sense of nostalgia. When Lady Danbury brought Simon to her London estate during summers, she would often invite Y/n and her parents. While her parents and the Danburys made conversation in the house, Simon and Y/n would run about freely outside.

“Welcome back, Miss Y/l/n,” Lady Danbury smiled warmly, as Y/n and her aunt approached her.

“It is a pleasure to be here, my lady,” Y/n responded curtly, before laughing out loud as Lady Danbury pulled her into her arms for a tight hug. 

Once she let go, they made small talk. Lady Danbury asked Y/n how her parents were. Y/n asked Lady Danbury how she was and how her fruit orchards were. After they ran out of things to discuss, Y/n could not help but scan the room searching for Simon, who was nowhere to be found.

“I am not completely sure where he is,” Lady Danbury said, startling Y/n who had not realised how far from natural she was acting. “Though, he did complain about how suffocated he was by the throng here... I imagine he has gone to a place where it will be difficult for most to find him.”

Y/n thought for a moment. Lady Danbury was cryptic by nature, and after years of knowing her, she had a knack for figuring out what she meant. Once Y/n knew, she smiled at Lady Danbury, before excusing herself from the gala.

Y/n headed away from the gala and towards the maze area. It was well-lit, which she was grateful for as it meant she could navigate her way around swiftly. It felt like second-nature to her; running about in the Danbury’s London Estate. She forgot how much she enjoyed the thrill of running through and past the hedges.

Once she reached the maze’s centre, she saw Simon standing idle, his back towards where she stood. That was the place they spent most of their time. When they were younger, they would sit there and play games. As they got older, they would sit there and talk. Sometimes he would read while she drew. Sometimes vice versa. But most of the time, they spoke—about everything worth talking about, and then some.

“I remember the first time we played here together,” Y/n began, causing Simon to jump. Once he turned around and saw Y/n his tense posture softened, and a small smile appeared across his face. She felt relieved by it, though she didn’t want to let her guard down entirely. “I got lost, almost immediately, and you found me sitting here, cross-legged, in a puddle of tears. Do you remember?”

Simon chuckled. Of course, he thought. 

“You were inconsolable when I found you,” he mocked, prompting Y/n to reach out and lightly punch his shoulder. His laughter only grew.

“We were five,” Y/n reasoned. She would never admit that she was dramatic. Not even as a child. “I genuinely thought no one would ever find me... and then you did, within a matter of minutes.”

She joined him in laughing. It made for a very entertaining story that they retold relentlessly. While others were sick of hearing it, neither of them were sick of recounting it, for their own reasons.

“I told you I would never leave you behind,” he added, smiling as he thought back to that day. His smile faded quickly when he realised the irony. He frowned and took a step towards Y/n. “Peach, I must apologise-”

“-No... I am the one who must apologise,” she intervened. Simon stood back in confusion. Y/n sighed before clarifying herself. “I did not mean to blindside you so aggressively before. I did not come here to argue with you, Simon, I... I came to ask you if it is true... Are you courting Miss Bridgerton... with the intent of marrying?”

Simon winced. 

He felt conflicted by both his love for Y/n and the promise he made to Daphne to uphold their ruse. He could not in good faith outright admit that he was merely pretending to court Miss Bridgerton. However, he couldn’t bear the thought of breaking Y/n’s heart a second time.

His lips parted, but his mouth ran dry. Before Simon could keep himself from blurting out the wrong thing, he was overcome by a habit he developed over the last month of playing along.

“I am,” he answered.

Just as he did, he lifted his hand to his temple and scrunched his eyebrows. He couldn’t bring himself to look at Y/n. He was still haunted by the look on her face when he told her he would never marry.

“Right,” she sniffled, unsure how to react. Y/n had convinced herself that there was more to the story than what she had read from Lady Whistledown. She regretted how in-denial she allowed herself to become. 

One thing Y/n knew for sure, though, was that she did not want to be near Simon. Although she was on the verge of sobbing, she still turned around and intended to leave him, but Simon grabbed her arm and kept her from doing so.

“Please let me explain,” he begged.

Y/n’s tears halted as she glared at Simon, shocked. She shook her arm out of his grasp and took a step back from him. She had always despised the way men often treated women as though they were disposable and replaceable. She never expected Simon to be one.

“There is no explanation necessary,” she scoffed.

“Y/n, please, you do not understand,” Simon cried. It was rare for him to call her by her name, but Y/n dubbed it as him trying to manipulate her emotions. She would not let that happen. 

“No, of course, you would deceive me,” Y/n spat, unwilling to let Simon get a word in. She was tired of waiting around just to hear from him. This time, she would be the talking. He would be the one listening. “-about not wanting to marry or have children, and of course, I believed your ridiculous lie, like the fool I have always been for you.”

“Ridiculous?” Simon hissed. Y/n’s dismissal of his vow sparked a fit of anger that overcame him before he could realise it had done so. No one had ever called to question or criticised his decision to remain a bachelor for life. No one until Y/n.

“Perhaps not a ridiculous lie,” Y/n sneered. “No, it was more-so childish and nonsensical.”

“And yet, you believed it... What is that to say about you, Miss Y/l/n?” Simon scorned. Y/n flinched. Simon had only ever addressed her in such a way to either tease her or to emphasise his anger. It had been a long while since he had done so for the latter. “It was not a lie, Y/n, I... You could never understand the immense pressure I have been placed under my entire life-”

“- Pressure that significantly decreased with the death of your father,” Y/n argued. Simon acted as though he had a monopoly over her when it came to challenges in life. He could not have been more wrong. “I, on the other hand, am placed under severe pressure and will continue to be, long after my parents pass... That is one of the many things you will never understand.”

“That is not true,” Simon fired back, only for Y/n to continue speaking- this time, with a louder voice.

“We may be the same in one sense, but we are significantly different in another, because you, Simon, are still a man with a title.” Y/n and Simon both shared similar challenges as neither of them were white. However, where Simon inherited certain advantages for being a man, and a Duke, Y/n was only disparaged more. He often forgot that. “You, at the very least, still have the luxury of choice. To choose how you wish to fulfil your future, and whether or not that may include a wife or children.”

Simon lowered his eyes defeatedly. Though he was still angry, there was no denying the shame he felt. 

“I do not. Those choices were made for me the moment I was born a daughter and not a son. So do not act as though you are in a position to empathise with me,” Y/n said. “Especially when you have been the least bit empathetic after I came all the way here, just to confirm the truth about you and Miss Bridgerton.”

“I never told you to come to London,” Simon snapped.

“No, you did not,” Y/n retorted, with just as much, if not more, annoyance in her voice. “You did not tell me anything. I had to find out at the same moment as everyone else in England, as though we are strangers.”

Simon flinched as Y/n progressed from speaking loudly to outright shouting. He had always relied on having her sympathy and her support, even when he was in the wrong. Thankfully, they were far from the gala. However, Simon still feared someone had heard her reprimanding him.

“You claim you are different, now that you are a Duke, but you are the same as you have always been,” Y/n continued. She knew how he had always been. Better than anyone, let alone Miss Bridgerton, that was for sure. “You are still rigid and arrogant. You are still a coward who will never allow himself to feel any kind of joy. And you are still revolving your every decision in life around a man you claim to despise.”

“You do not know a thing,” he whispered, which only confirmed to Y/n that he was scared. He was intimidated. For as long as they had known one another, Y/n rarely confronted his relationship with his father.

“I have watched you go from living only to please him to living only to spite him, even if it means hurting the people who actually care for you,” she cried. She had no more anger within her. Not any more. She had only sadness. “Did it ever occur to you how much it hurt when you rejected me?”

“That was never my intention,” Simon said regretfully. 

It was the truth, though Simon had begun to realise that his wrath against his father blinded him from what he cared about more: her happiness. 

“Peach,” he whispered, inching towards Y/n as he lifted his hand and held the left side of her face. “Please, believe me, I never meant to hurt you.”

Their eyes locked for what felt like an eternity. It had been so long since they had shared a moment like that. An intimate moment shared between no one but them. Where Simon was not the stoic and emotionally detached Duke of Hastings. He was Simon. Dare she say, her Simon.

Despite that, Y/n was the first to turn away. She wanted to indulge. To take advantage of the opportunity to reconcile with him. To enjoy how vulnerable he was, after months of distance. 

But she couldn’t. 

Not when there were still questions burning in her mind. She could not rest until they were dealt with. After all, she was her mother’s child.

“Then what about Miss Bridgerton?” Y/n’s expression remained stagnant, but she could not keep hands from trembling. Simon winced at the mention of Daphne. “You... courting her after rejecting me... You cannot possibly tell me you did not intend to hurt me when you did that.”

Simon opened his mouth to say something, but nothing came out. He had no response to what she had said because there was no justification for what he had done. All he could do was curse quietly to himself for taking so long to realise how foolish he had been.

“I had always expected this to happen,” Y/n began, sniffling as she tried to compose herself enough to explain herself. Simon remained quiet and decided he would until she finished. He figured he owed her as much. “I always knew I would be turned away for someone like Daphne Bridgerton.”

It had been the subject of many of her mother’s lessons. Before she was introduced to society, her mother made it a point to prepare her for rejection. To not hold out hope for any man, until a marriage proposal was made. 

Simon had been Y/n’s only exception to that rule. 

“It’s happened to me my whole life,” Y/n laughed bitterly, as she recalled all the times she had lost to a woman of fairer skin than her. All the times she wept to her Aunt Philippa and to Simon. “I always expected this would happen. But I never expected this would happen with you.”

Simon’s eyebrows furrowed as he watched Y/n struggle to stifle her cries in between her sentences. He had watched her sit in this sorrow many times, just as she had done for him, for this was a pain she shared. But this time was different. This time he was the one responsible. 

He didn’t know pain, so heart-wrenching, was possible. But watching her cry and knowing he could do nothing to fix it. That pain had never felt more real.

“I do not blame you, Simon,” Y/n whimpered, which only made him hurt more. He wanted her to be angry. To berate him some more. It was the least of what he deserved for causing her such sorrow. “She is the ‘Diamond of the Season’ after all, and... I am just me.”

Y/n hated the pity party she was throwing for herself, but she could not help what she felt. After a life of being classed second to white women, who could blame her for internalising this? 

He was dying to say something. To tell Y/n that she had it all wrong. He wanted to reveal that his courtship of Daphne was all a ruse. That he could never bring himself to entertain the idea of marrying anyone but her. But his fear of only making things worse left him paralysed. 

“You have made it abundantly clear that I was a fool forever waiting around for you,” she said to Simon. Unfortunately for him, she had taken his lack of response as confirmation that what she had concluded of the situation was accurate. “I will not make that mistake again.”

“Peach-”

“Goodbye, Simon,” Y/n blurted as she turned away hastily. 

Left in too much shock to reach out and stop her, Simon stood, dumbfounded, and watched as the woman he loved walked away from him and back to the gala. Looking back, he wished he had called out to her. Simon wished he had run after her. But he did not.

When Y/n reached the courtyard where the gala was being held, she couldn’t help the wave of disappointment that rushed over when she realised Simon let her go. This assured her that she was right to leave him, but it did not alleviate the pain in doing so. 

She made her way through the crowd and searched for her aunt. As she did, she felt her cheeks burn and her pace of breath quicken. She had gone through all the effort of coming to London just for what she feared most to be the reality. 

“There you are, my dear!”

Y/n turned around and saw her Aunt approaching her. Philippa smiled brightly as she walked towards her niece. However, when she realised that Y/n’s enthusiasm fell short of matching hers by a significant margin, her smile began to fade.

“Where is Simon?” She inquired, her voice lowered to not draw attention to their conversation. From Y/n expression, Philippa inferred that was the last thing she wanted.

Y/n’s lip quivered as she tried desperately to answer her aunt’s question. When she failed to do so, she hung her head- too embarrassed to face her aunt. Philippa frowned. A line appeared between her brows as she reached out to her distraught niece.

Though she was dying to know, the details of Simon and Y/n’s conversation were the least of her concerns. All she cared for was her niece and helping her in any way she needed. 

“I will call for our carriage,” she whispered, before guiding Y/n out of the courtyard. 

Once their carriage arrived, Philippa sat opposite her niece and watched worriedly as she refused to make eye contact, let alone speak.

“Is there anything I can do?”

Y/n took a long moment to respond. She stared at her gloved hands as she thought about what to do next. She regretted all the proposals she had turned down, and all the ways she put her life on hold for Simon. She felt ashamed that she had allowed herself to be in the situation she was in. 

Then she realised the only thing she could do to fix it.

“May you organise a carriage to take me home tomorrow?” Y/n asked. Her aunt’s eyes widened. Returning home to face her mother was the last thing Philippa expected Y/n to want to do. 

She watched her niece closely, trying to figure out what her plan moving forward was. Y/n finally looked up and met her aunt’s gaze. To Philippa’s surprise, her niece had a prominent sense of confidence in her expression. 

“Why, my dear?” Philippa quizzed, her eyebrows still knitted in confusion as well as fear. The way her niece was suddenly overcome with confidence after being on the verge of tears was concerning. She couldn’t imagine it would lead to anything good.

Y/n inhaled sharply, pursing her lips as she did so. She knew her aunt would disagree with what she planned to do. But she also knew that, given the circumstance, Philippa would reluctantly do as she asked. Before she answered, Y/n momentarily glanced down at her hands and turned back to her aunt.

“I have a proposal to accept.”

NEXT PART

[bigwriterenergy]

JOJO VILLAIN HAREM

anonymous asked: “I also sent the sugar daddy headcanons for the main Jojo villains and that you want more requests for harem scenarios, can I request a reverse harem headcanons for the main Jojo villains as well? Hope doing these requests won’t be too much!”

hi!! i still have that in my inbox haha, i’ll get around to doing it eventually!!! but ty for the request!! i would love to write this :) i had to debate whether or not to use dio from part 1 or part 3,,,,, i decided to go with part 3

kars

the jealous type.

you’re his human. why in the hell did everyone think they could have even a fraction of your time?

but he’ll never disclose his more intense possessiveness over you to your face. 

it was obvious to all the other men that kars was proprietorial towards you but you were none the wiser. kars hides this by mostly bringing down the others; often, he states that you could do far better things with your time.

“your reasoning for entertaining those fools is beyond me. you shouldn’t waste your breath.”  

oddly, one of the more romantic men. sometimes you’ll wake up to the sight of expensive jewelry or beautiful flowers. he’ll dismiss your appreciation with a huff.

there's something so sensual and mysterious about his, you assume, aloofness. 

kars will never vocally exclaim proclamations of adorations, but rather, admittances of weakness.

“don’t leave just yet -- i would prefer if you spent the remainder of your night in my company.”

very observant. some of the other men who fawn after you are somewhat ignorant to the other’s attempts, or rather, chose to ignore their tactics. kars sees all and isn’t afraid to show his dominance. though it is very rare.

diavolo is probably the one he can appreciate the most. 

they are both very similar. he respects that the gang leader doesn’t seem too interested. 

“you never notice how others stare, do you? .. you never notice how often i stare.”

 least favorite rival: DIO/diego. both dios are some of the only other men who will call kars out on his “protective” nature. though, both bumbling idiots are quick to label it as obsessed, much to his dismay. kars also finds DIO’S exaggerated sensuality and diego’s patronizing masculinity incredibly annoying. perhaps you didn’t notice the perversion of both of their charm, but he knew all too well the disgusting end-goal of their infatuation with you.

DIO

admittedly, it’s more-so physical attraction. at least in the beginning.

DIO will not hesitate to make advances on you or pull you close. his scent is overwhelmingly beautiful and sensuality completely encapsulates his attractive figure.

“why do you continue to deny me, (y/n)? you’re far too modest.”

in the beginning, expect superficial gifts, such as flowers or expensive jewelry. odd enough, it’s nowhere comparable to the thoughtfulness of kars’ gifts. for some reason, you know his actions lack genuineness. 

as you resist him and perhaps feign obliviousness to his words of candor, DIO will notice that you are beginning to fill his mind.

he’ll awake at night and reminisce of his dreams containing your company. 

while reading a story of foolish lovers, he’ll compare one to you. though, a fictional character really couldn’t hold a candle to your beauty.

it’s all very human. DIO subconsciously welcomes it.

from there on, expect comments and conversations containing of more substance: questions of books or questions of morality. DIO is an intellectual, after all.

“tell me, do you believe in gravity?”

monopolizes nearly all of your time. 

if you have to finally depart after spending hours socializing with the blond, he’ll compel you to stay.

maybe bringing up a book or a story. he somehow always gets you to remain just a little while longer.

will often poke fun at yoshikage, often bringing childish insults.

all-in-all, you amuse him. having never really had close companionship, you offered him what he craved. and offered it with kindness and understanding. 

in the end, he understands: how could he have not fallen in love with you?

“humor me: do you think these other men deserve your company? of course you don’t.”

least favorite rival: diego. you’d think that DIO would adore someone so similar to him, but in actuality, diego poses the biggest threat to his plans to make you succumb. heightened narcissism leads him to believe that the only person who could steal you away from him is another brando.

yoshikage kira

“it wouldn’t be right of me not to offer dinner to such a beautiful woman.”

surprisingly also very romantic, but instead of expensive gifts, kira is very verbal with his admiration. 

not nearly as sensual with his talks as DIO, but more so poetic and without much shame.

“you truly are gorgeous. no need to be so shy around me, (y/n).”

but kira isn’t a fool. he knows his obsession with your hands isn’t exactly orthodox. 

it’d actually take quite a bit for him to disclose his sexual desires. but you could push him over the edge very quickly.

it’s very odd for him. to actually want the woman behind the hand. and admittedly, yours weren’t exactly the most beautiful he had seen. so why did he still want to be in your company?

you were so complex and mythical. your very being was like a puzzle he wanted to complete.

the perfect gentleman. almost too perfect.

honestly, you might think he was a little boring. he would show you a very stereotypical, modest attitude.

it isn’t until you maybe disclose some interest that he’d finally show you a little more character. maybe a particularly sarcastic comment or some snide.

“well, aren’t you the little genius? honestly, i cannot believe you thought you could defeat me in chess.”

honestly, for some reason, i could imagine him and doppio getting along pretty well. doppio’s skin is so soft,,,, why was it so soft? they’re like complete opposites but somehow, kira could tolerate his presence the most out of everyone.

most of the other rivals don’t notice his attraction. eventually, they pick up on the few hints he unconsciously provides.

they’d have to note the way his eyes would linger to your knuckles when you held a glass or waved goodbye.

“ahh -- you would like me to hold your hand? -- .. irk .. i don’t think that’s a good idea,”

least favorite rival: kars. kira is a very superstitious person. i could definitely imagine him just not liking someone from no other provocation. maybe because his hair was too long, or maybe because he was too tall -- kira couldn’t exactly pinpoint it, but kars proved the most awful nuisance.

diavolo

very, very, VERY secretive with his attraction.

in fact, i think that the only rival who would know of diavolo’s intentions would be doppio and even then, he wouldn’t know the full extent of his attraction.

i was debating on who would be the most stalker-type amongst the villains. honestly, all of them seem to be really like -- “watchful” guys, who will make sure you’re okay by like, showing up to your shift after work and escorting you home

but diavolo seems to take this a step further. you’ll never know he’s there.

he’ll watch you from afar mostly and only really make an appearance when you’re maybe around doppio or invite him out personally.

this is a failsafe, almost. maybe he can distance himself before it’s too late, but deep down -- he knows it’s already over. 

“doppio insisted i accompany you two. i would prefer you to speak to me if only necessary.”

doppio almost never invites him. diavolo convinces himself that the kid wanted him to tag along.

diavolo couldn’t believe it. you’re nothing special, after all, right? 

was it because of doppio that he was so enamored with you? i mean, that’s the only time he really saw you. 

but you treated doppio with such kindness -- that was just innate with you, wasn’t it? to be kind? .. diavolo could only wonder how such a soul was left untainted by the horrors of this world.

you may have thought that diavolo hated you. he’d often ignore your greetings and dismissively wave away any attempts at conversations.

you never noticed the way his eyes lingered, just as kars had warned you.

doesn’t really care about the other rivals.

you’d probably have to confess to him first.

“ .. you want to spend more time with me? -- tch. what do you think the answer is going to be?”

the answer is, of course, yes.

least favorite rival: DIO. DIO’S eccentric personality really doesn’t mesh well with his own. he keeps a somewhat civil relationship with the man (by civil, i mean he doesn’t mean-mug him or kill the bastard) for your sake. your presence actually makes diavolo reconsider his actions, but for DIO? he’s almost willing to ruin the friendship to kill that stupid, flamboyant, son-of-a-bitch.

vinegar doppio 

if there’s anyone who treats you like you two are already dating, it’d probably be a tie between diego and him.

expect chocolates and flowers and jewelry.

many calls when he’s away. he’s a very good listener and enjoys hearing you talk about your day.

he seems so out of place among the rest of the men who seek you. doppio is incredibly loyal and kind. 

you’ll see him interact with children or older folks. he genuinely is just a sweet individual.

oblivious to almost every rival except diego. but that’s only because diego puts his hands on you as well.

he may think that diavolo is interested, but only because he’s interested to see why doppio likes you so much.

“it’s been so long since i’ve seen you! i’m sorry for not being around all the time.”

despite his somewhat lanky figure, the hugs he gives are addicting.

they’re tight and powerful, despite the almost weak nature to his posture. wrapping around your waist and convincing you that he’s here to stay.

he smells very natural, perhaps a light cologne here and there. nothing expensive.

all the other rivals’ are conflicted about doppio. he’s the second most hated for every single rival, but only because he’s the only one that will present you with affection.

they also all think they could take him in a fight. if he steps out of line, every single one of them think that they could put him back.

diavolo imposes himself onto doppio whenever he invites you out. doppio would prefer if his boss didn’t accompany him, but he can’t say no ..

“ahh, it is hot out! you know, i would love to buy you a drink.”

soft smiles accompany doppio every time you link eyes with him. there’s something within them that catch your attention every time.

maybe, after he finishes the whole mafia thing, he believes he can have you all to himself.

“if you could ever love someone like me ... i think i’d be the happiest man alive.”

least favorite rival: diego. diego seems to only want you for your looks! and diego is his least favorite rival because he thinks that’s his only rival. he’ll notice the way that bastard will wrap his arms around you and pull you close with that shit-eating smirk. it takes all of his power not to plough a shovel through that guy’s skull.

diego brando

surprisingly similar to doppio in the whole affection department.

he won’t flat out hug you, but expect possessive arms around your shoulders or waist.

“don’t look so nervous. i’m not going to bite you or anything -- you look like i’m killing you.”

very crass. will make many attempts to flatter you and soften you before he makes a move.

probably one of the only rivals who will attempt to sleep with you before admitting how in love with you he is.

“how can i resist you? you make it so hard.”

after he gets over the “wow i really want to bang this broad,” expect a softer diego.

one that will offer you rides or take you out to quiet lunches.

“i don’t like this frilly shit. did we really have to eat at this restaurant?”

you are one of his only friends. he confides in you a lot. tender admittances of failures and aspirations.

convinced that he needs to look after you and make sure nobody messes with you.

your kindness needs to be preserved, after all. the world will eat you up and chew you out. that is clearly evident with all these men chasing after you.

very, VERY jealous. he isn’t afraid to call out any of the other men.

“oi, doppio -- get your fucking slimy mitts off of her, you dog.”

if anyone was to get killed over you, it’d most likely be diego lmao. he’s very quick to the tongue and hardly thinks about anything he says when he goes into protection mode.

his stand makes him very in tune with your mood and your pheromones. i feel like he’d probably be one of the best to gauge your attitude.

“y - you .. you love me? -- god, i was wondering how long it’d take for you to finally say it.”

least favorite rival: yoshikage kira. there’s something he just doesn’t like about kira. maybe it’s his instinct with scary monsters, but every time he saw yoshikage, chills would trickle down his spine. he couldn’t believe someone as kind as you could even spend a second with that fucking psychopath.

[snelbz]

Life As We Know It {Chapter 21}

Summary: After the sudden deaths of Nesta’s sister and Cassian’s best friend, they gain guardianship of their nephew, Nyx.

Based on Life As We Know It (2010) and a prompt sent in by anonymous for our Nessian fanfic contest. This is a modern au.

Instead of doing a tag list for this story, we have decided to have a set posting schedule. Chapters will be posted weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Occasional surprise chapters could be posted at miscellaneous times. Chapters will be posted on both my and Tara’s blogs! >> @tacmc.​

Life As We Know It Masterlist

Shelby’s Masterlist

Tara’s Masterlist

Before Nesta even opened her eyes, she knew that she’d gotten some of the best sleep she’d had in months. She knew it was early, since Nyx hadn’t even woken them up for his morning bottle yet. Sighing comfortably, she settled deeper into her pillows, the weight of a heavy arm slung over her waist, pulling her in close.

With sudden clarity, she remembered the events of the night before. She remembered the damn kiss that had started it all. She remembered the orgasms Cassian had given her over and over. She remembered seeing something shining in his eyes that had nothing to do with lust or sex.

She was sure it was reflected in her own, but couldn’t work up the nerve to let herself think about what they’d done last night, what it may have implied. What lines they may have crossed.

And the fact that she really didn’t give a damn.

Nesta couldn’t remember the last time she was this happy, and as much as she tried to pretend it wasn’t thanks to the man sleeping soundly behind her, in her bed, she couldn’t lie to herself.

So she gently rolled over, careful not to wake him, and took in his sleeping face.

It was kind of funny.

Nesta had known Cassian for a while, for five years, and before that in passing, considering Feyre and Rhysand’s relationship. She had watched him age, had watched him grow from a young man into the man that had taken her the night before, but looking at him now…

There was an innocence about him when he slept.

He snored, quietly, completely unaware that she was awake, that she was watching him.

He was cute.

So, so cute.

If he awoke at that very moment and saw her watching him sleep, she would have surely been mortified, but she couldn’t bring herself to care, she couldn’t look away.

Memories from the night before flashed through her mind, and it only made her that much happier. She couldn’t remember the last time she had fallen asleep in a man’s arms, but with Cassian, she had fallen asleep peacefully, nearly instantly, and slept amazingly.

There was something about Cassian that she couldn’t quite put her finger on, but she knew that she liked it.

She dared to gently brush a kiss over his cheek, before carefully climbing out of bed, his heavy arm making that a much harder endeavor than she was expecting. But he slept on soundly, not even stirring as she slipped from beneath the sheets and hurried into her closet. She wasn’t embarrassed by her nakedness, not after everything that had happened last night, but she knew that if he caught her naked, they were likely to take far longer getting downstairs to start their morning.

Not that she would have minded, but she was pretty sure neglecting Nyx was not a good enough reason for sex.

No, she’d enjoy him again later, as thoroughly as he’d enjoyed her last night, if he was willing. And she had no doubt that he would be.

Tying her robe around her waist, Nesta slipped from the closet into her room, glancing to make sure Cassian was still fast asleep. His snore confirmed he was.

Her chuckle was quiet as she entered the hall, sneaking down a few doors and opening Nyx’s. He was still asleep, as well, and with a smile, Nesta cracked his door and quietly padded down the stairs.

The kitchen was still a mess, his half-smashed cake on the counter and their clothes strewn around the room. Blushing, she picked them up one by one and tossed them into the laundry room, before making Nyx a bottle and starting on some scrambled eggs for his breakfast.

She could hardly focus. She was constantly thinking about the man upstairs, still sleeping soundly in her bed. Mixing a little cheese into the eggs, she stirred the eggs up in the pan before dumping them directly onto Nyx’s high chair tray.

Last time they’d slept together, Cassian had made her breakfast and then they’d both agreed it would never happen again. Regardless of the fact that it very much had happened again, Nesta didn’t like the sinking feeling she felt in her heart when she thought about having to agree to that once more.

Staring at the ingredients she’d pulled out of the fridge, Nesta sighed and braced her hands on the counter in front of her.

She wasn’t sure when it had happened, but she couldn’t ignore the fact that she had feelings for Cassian anymore. At some point, he’d gone from being a pain in her ass to the favorite part of her day. And that terrified her.

Letting him continue to sleep, she crept upstairs and gently woke Nyx up before he could start screaming, and carried him down to the kitchen, his sleepy head resting on her shoulder. He rubbed his eyes as she put him in his high chair, handing him the bottle, and she started working on their breakfast.

The entire time he ate, Nyx watched Nesta curiously, as if he knew something was up.

Maybe it was just her paranoia. Then again, he was Feyre and Rhysand’s kid and they were always snooping into Cassian and Nesta’s business.

Feyre and Rhysand.

Nesta bet they were pretty damn proud of themselves at the moment.

She heard him moving around upstairs and her heart began to beat a little bit faster. This was it, the moment of truth.

She cursed, all the while Nyx kept watching her as he stuffed his mouth with scrambled eggs.

Making herself busy at the stove, she quickly dropped some bacon into the hot skillet, sizzling filling the kitchen. Within seconds, a few pieces of bread were in the toaster, and she was rummaging through the refrigerator for the blackberry jam she knew he preferred.

Nyx’s babbling announced his arrival, and she turned to find Cassian standing behind his high chair, wearing nothing but a pair of sweatpants slung low on his hips. He picked up a small clump of eggs and popped it into his mouth, and Nyx angrily began talking at him, though the made up words were unintelligible.

“He doesn’t like to share,” she said, closing the fridge door with a hip.

Cassian grinned. “Desperate times call for desperate measures. I worked up an appetite last night.”

Nesta’s cheeks turned a soft shade of pink. “Is that so?”

Cassian nodded and walked toward her, slowly. Nesta remained still until he was standing just in front of her. “I have to confess that I was hoping you’d be there when I woke up this morning.”

Nesta stepped closer to him. “Breakfast and the baby called.”

Cassian scoffed and muttered, “Priorities.”

Nesta laughed quietly, but the sound was muffled by Cassian’s lips against hers.

It was almost instinct to lean into him, to smile against his lips. When she pulled back just a hair, his hazel eyes were bright. She whispered, “Good morning.”

“Morning,” he breathed, his mouth still so close to hers.

She blushed, even though she couldn’t figure out why and turned to the stove. “I…wasn’t sure what to expect this morning.”

Cassian hesitated. “What did you think I’d do?”

Nesta sighed, scratching her head. “I don’t know. I thought you might act like it never happened. Or, you’d say it was only a one time thing like last time.”

Cassian cocked his head to the side. “Last time I didn’t sleep in your bed.”

“And that changes things?” Nesta asked, quietly.

“Last night changed things,” Cassian replied, brushing her hair back out of her face. “At least, for me it did.”

“Me too,” Nesta replied, without any hesitation.

Cassian’s eyes softened. “Nesta, I-.”

“NANANANANANANANA!”

They both spun around, where Nyx was watching them with the most precious of pissed off expressions. His tray was empty, practically licked clean, and Nyx was not having it.

Cassian chuckled as he took a banana out of the fruit basket and peeled it before cutting it up into slices. “He’s awfully full of it this morning, isn’t he?”

“I think he knows,” she said, rolling her eyes as she flipped the bacon. “Not specifically what happened, but he knows something is…different between us.”

He paused his cutting and turned back to her, pausing with a hip resting on the counter. “Good different or bad different?”

“Good different,” she said, smiling. She cracked a few eggs into a bowl and mixed them up with some milk. “Definitely good different.”

For a moment, Cassian didn’t say anything, but when she turned he was grinning. “Really good different?”

Nesta rolled her eyes. “Shut up.” She turned back around. “But yes.”

“Good,” he breathed, coming up behind her and wrapping his arms around her waist. “What’ve you got going on today?”

“Work,” she said. “Seeing how the bar renovation is going. Looks like you’ll have to hire your replacement soon with how quickly everything is moving.”

Cassian groaned. “That’s the part I’m looking towards the least. I hate interviews. I hate being in them, I hate giving them, they’re awful.”

“But the sooner you give them, the sooner you leave that bar and come work at mine,” she crooned.

“Yours?” he repeated, offended.

Nesta snorted. “Ours.”

He and Kallias had both given their notice to the owner of the dive bar they worked in. He wasn’t thrilled, but he had always been a gruff bastard. He’d informed Cassian he wasn’t going anywhere until he’d hired not only his replacement, but Kal’s, as well.

“Speaking of,” he sighed, glancing at the clock. “I’ve got one scheduled for eleven-thirty. What time are you going to the restaurant?”

She poured the egg mixture into the skillet she’d cooked the crispy bacon in moments before and began laying the bacon on the toast she’d made. “Whenever,” she shrugged. “Helion is opening today. What time can Viviane be here?”

“Ten. I’m not working a shift today, so after the interview I can either come back here and give her the rest of the day off, or I can come to the restaurant.”

Nesta chewed slowly as she thought about it. “I wouldn’t mind if you came to the restaurant.”

“Then that’s what I’ll do,” Cassian said, placing the cut-up banana in front of a cranky Nyx. “And you, little man, better be good for Viv today. Because you’re grumpy.”

In response, Nyx spit out the piece of banana he had put in his mouth and smushed up the rest on his tray.

After scarfing down the breakfast that Nesta had made, and making a show of thanking her for it, Cassian was cleaning up the kitchen then hurrying upstairs to shower. Nesta was left cleaning up a fussy, banana-covered Nyx.

“I don’t even think you wanted to eat the banana, kiddo,” she muttered, cleaning off his tray, before wiping him down with an ungodly amount of baby wipes. “I think it was just to play in.”

He had plenty to say about that, just nothing Nesta could understand.

A few minutes later, freshly showered and dressed Cassian came downstairs, where Nyx was playing on the living room floor. She was up the stairs a minute later, hurrying to take her own shower. After an hour, she returned, purse and keys in hand. “I’m going to go ahead and head to the restaurant. I’ll see you in a little while?”

He nodded and as she made for the door, Cassian stood, catching her by the elbow and tugging her back to him. She stumbled a step, but he crushed her to his chest and pressed a kiss to her lips. When he pulled back, they were both grinning like fools. “I’ll see you in a little while,” he repeated.

“Okay.” She was backing towards the door, that smile looking like it was a permanent fixture on her face, before slipping out and leaving he and Nyx alone.

Who was watching him again, looking so much like Rhysand with that little eyebrow raised.

Cassian couldn’t help but snort and say, “This is your fault you know.”

A few hours later, right after Nyx had gone down for his mid- morning nap, Cassian heard a knock on the front door. Opening the door, Viviane rushed in. “I’m so sorry I’m late,” she said, shaking her head.

Cass glanced at the clock on the mantle. “It’s barely ten-fifteen,” he chuckled. “No big deal, you’re fine.”

She nodded. “Sorry, just— It’s been a crazy morning.”

“Everything okay?” Cassian asked. Viv was usually steady, so sure of everything she did or said.

“Yeah,” she replied, waving off his question. “I’m fine. Ran into my ex at the coffee shop and— Ugh, ignore me. Don’t worry about it. Is Nyx down for his nap?”

“Yeah, he’s been out for about fifteen minutes. He had a pretty big breakfast, so I doubt he’ll be too hungry when he wakes up.” Cassian gnawed on his lip for a second debating on whether he should ask what was on his mind. After considering how well throwing caution to this wind has worked for him last night, he decided why the hell not. “Does that mean you’re single? Since you bumped into your ex?”

Viviane froze and blinked. “Yes, but I don’t date my employers—”

“No, no,” he quickly said, holding his hands out in placation. “It’s not me. It’s a friend of mine and I think you two might hit it off.”

Viviane raised a brow. “A friend, huh?”

“Guy I’ve worked with for years,” Cassian went on. “Great guy, in fact. You’ll enjoy yourself, guaranteed.”

“Guaranteed?” Viviane chuckled. “Well, I can’t say no to that, can I?”

Cassian grinned. “No, you can’t, and neither can he. Tomorrow night, you free?”

“I suppose I am, if my boss is giving me the night off,” she laughed.

“He is, and it’ll be great, we’ll all go out,” Cassian said. “You and Kal, and me and Nesta.”

“Kal,” she said, the shortened name rolling off her tongue. “Yeah, alright. That sounds fun.”

“Perfect,” Cassian said, patting her on the shoulder as he swept past her. “I’ve got to get going, but we should be home around five or so. Call if you need anything.”

Viviane chuckled. “You say that every time, and have I ever called?”

“It’s a habit!” he called, as he hurried out the door.

When he got to the bar, Kallias had everything under control, which meant Cassian was taking a table in the far corner, waiting for his interviewee to arrive.

Sadly, this wasn’t the interview to replace his own job. That was proving to be far more tedious than he was expecting. But an hour later, after shaking the young man’s hand, Cassian let out a sigh of relief as he left.

“And how’d that go?” Kallias asked, wiping down a few glasses that were drying atop the bar.

“Well, your position is officially filled,” he replied, sitting across from him at the bar. “So congratulations.”

“Cheers,” he chuckled, raising the empty glass towards Cassian. “When are we celebrating?”

“Tomorrow night, actually,” Cassian said, crossing his arms over his chest.

Kal snorted. “Seriously? I was kidding.”

“I’m not,” Cassian replied, shrugging. “We’re going out tomorrow night. You, me, Nesta, and Viviane.”

Kallias blinked. “The hot nanny?”

Cassian grinned. “Yeah.”

Kallias looked at Cassian suspiciously. “I thought you were kidding when you said you were setting us up.”

“Oh, I never kid about love,” Cassian said, winking.

Kallias raised a brow. “Love? Who the hell are you?”

Cassian filled his glass and took a gulp of beer. “Just meet us at Rita’s at eight tomorrow.”

Kallilas continued to stare at him for a long while. “You slept with her again, didn’t you?”

Cassian’s grin widened. “Tomorrow. Rita’s. Eight.”

And with that, he chugged his beer and left.

*

The next night, Cassian and Nesta dropped Nyx off at Elain’s before making their way to Rita’s.

“Our first date,” Cassian crooned, reaching his hand across the car to Nesta’s.

She took it fondly. “Our first date? After all we’ve been through, do we even qualify for a first date?”

“Why?” Cassian scoffed. “Just because we’ve been sleeping together and living with each other and raising a kid together?” He snorted. “Of course, we deserve a first date.”

Nesta rolled her eyes but did not protest.

Cassian had slept in her bed last night after another night of lovemaking. Even though it didn’t seem possible, it got better with each time. The more they got to know each other’s bodies, the more familiar with one another they became, the more they became one in intimacy, the more amazing it was.

“You look amazing tonight,” Cassian said, quietly. “In case I haven’t told you that yet tonight.”

He had.

Multiple times.

But, Nesta couldn’t blame him. She did look amazing in her navy blue dress and her blush heels. She looked over at Cassian, in his jeans and button down shirt.

Coincidentally, it wasn’t much different than what he had worn on their actual first date five years before. She chuckled, and he looked over at her, brow raised.

“This is actually our second date,” she said.

Cassian shook his head, amused, before looking back out the window as he turned into the parking lot. “Well, hopefully this date goes better than that one did.”

Nesta agreed.

As soon as Cassian opened Nesta’s door, they spotted Viviane pulling into the parking lot. They knew she was a pretty girl, but she usually showed up to work with a ponytail, jeans, and a t-shirt. Now, she had really dressed to impress.

Cassian whistled as she got out of her car and Vivane blushed as Nesta’ jabbed him in the ribs.

“You look beautiful,” Nesta told Vivane.

“Thanks,” she said, and Nesta could tell the nanny was a little nervous, a little uncomfortable.

“I see Kal’s truck,” Cassian said, gesturing for the women to follow. “I guess he’s already inside.”

Indeed he was and he’d already gotten a table for the four of them and was working on a pitcher of a beer.

“Hey, man,” Cassian greeted him as Kallias stood and shook his hand. “This is Nesta,” he said, placing a hand on her back.

“It’s nice to finally meet you,” she said, reaching for his hand as well. They shook hands and Kallias smiled.

“You, too,” he replied. “I guess I should call you boss now, huh?”

“No, no, no,” she laughed, shaking her head. “Please don’t.”

“And this,” Cassian interrupted, rolling his eyes at the two of them, “is Viviane.”

As if he somehow hadn’t noticed the blond beauty behind Cassian until this moment, Kallias looked up at her and blinked. He was about to make some sort of hot nanny joke when Kallias breathed, “Viv?”

She was looking at him with the same dumbfounded look Kallias had on his face. “Kallias… Hey.”

Cassian and Nesta looked between the two, then at each other, and after a moment, Nesta asked, “You two know each other?”

Kallias still looked like he was trying to figure out what planet he was on, so Viviane answered, “We were…childhood friends. But my family moved to Velaris when I started middle school.” She shook her head, but she had been looking at Kallias the whole time. “I had no idea you were in Velaris.”

He finally remembered to speak, though Cassian was beginning to wonder if he’d need to answer for him. “I came out here for college. Loved the city and decided to stay.”

“College?” Viviane repeated. “You’re telling me that you’ve been here since your freshman year, and you’ve never called?”

Kallias chuckled. “I didn’t even know you still lived here!”

“Hmm,” Viviane said, taking a seat across from him. “Well, what a small world, hmm?”

“Yeah,” Kallias repeated, “small world.”

Cassian took a seat by Kallias and Nesta sat across from them as they went a little bit more in depth into their long lost friendship. Apparently they had grown up in the same neighborhood and had always gone to the same elementary school. Kallias was a year older than Viviane, but when he went into the seventh grade and Viviane was going into sixth, her family moved to Velaris for her father’s work.

They had never talked again after that. Their friendship was nothing more than a simple, joyful memory.

Seeing them now, Nesta thought, she just knew the two of them had gotten into trouble when they were little. Between their jokes and sly looks at one another, and the obvious chemistry, they had surely been up to no good and gave both sets of parents a run for their money.

“I’m going to the bar,” Cassian announced, looking at Nesta. “Care to join?”

Nesta had a feeling that it was less about going to the bar and more about giving the newfound couple beside them a few minutes alone. She nodded, and took his hand as they walked toward the bar on the other side of the room.

“They’re cute together,” Nesta said, sitting on a barstool.

Cassian sat on the one next to her. “Oh, I know. You know, I’ve gotta say, I feel pretty damn accomplished right now. I definitely made this happen.”

Nesta couldn’t help but roll her eyes at him, even as she leaned into his embrace. She wanted nothing more than to poke fun at him, to mess with him about his unexpected matchmaking skills, but as she looked at the two happy people laughing at the table across the bar, she couldn’t help but wonder if that’s the gift that Rhysand and Feyre had tried to give them all those years ago.

Even now, Nesta’s chest tightened as she smiled, so thankful for her meddling, baby sister.

[loverhymeswith]

The Morning After | Altered Carbon

Pairing: Takeshi Kovacs x Female Reader

Summary: You are the daughter of an important Meth. Your family has been receiving anonymous death threats, so your father decides to hire Takeshi Kovacs as his new, albeit reluctant, head of security.

Word Count: 807

Warnings: A hint of sexual tension

A/N: Just testing the water with this little Kovacs piece. Please do let me know what you think! The title is based on a couple of spicier parts I have planned if you like this.

You sense his presence, even before he reaches your room. The envoy has a way of sneaking up on you, but you’re beginning to learn his tells.

“What are you doing here, Kovacs?” Your eyes remain glued to the pages in your lap, even if you’re no longer registering the words. It seems a better option than having to look at his disapproving gaze.

“I came to talk to you.”

Your eyes widen but you resist the urge to roll them. “My father sent you.”

It’s the obvious explanation; the only reason why he would be here late at night, lurking in the doorway to your bedroom. Kovacs doesn’t talk to anyone, least of all you. Your father’s recently hired head of security prefers to brood in the corner, silently judging your family, and no doubt plotting how to get himself out of this foolish arrangement.

Your fingers tighten on the book in your hands, creasing the delicate paper. Why does his animosity bother you so much?

“Does it matter?” His words are laced with impatience, but not their usual venom.

You cock your head up and find him lounging against the doorway, arms folded. The cuts and bruises across his face, sustained from some recent altercation, are starting to heal.

“I didn’t realise that you do everything my father tells you.”

“I don’t.” He bristles with a flash of teeth. “But on this occasion, I may have felt that he had a point.”

“Which was?”

“It’s not safe for you to leave the house alone. It’s definitely not safe for you to be wandering around the city…”

“Since when do you really care about my safety?” You snap, before he can continue his lecture. “You hate my family and everything we stand for. You’re only doing this because my father’s paying you a ridiculous amount of money.”

His arms unfold and his thick fingers grip the door frame tightly, betraying the cool façade painted on his handsome features. “I don’t hate you, Y/N. You’re not like the others.”

He nods towards the book in your hands, as if to say case in point. Your family don’t understand why you waste your time with such relics. Why you would want to be surrounded by books when everything you could possibly need is at the touch of your ONI.

You scoff, tossing the book onto the bed. “You’re a bad liar, Kovacs. Did they not teach you better than that in envoy training?”

“Well you’re a pain in my ass”, he growls pushing himself off the door frame and taking a few steps into your room.

Once he’s over the threshold, the temperature in the room seems to rise by several degrees.

“How am I supposed to do my job properly when I don’t know where you are from one minute to the next?”

“Not my problem.” You shrug, rising from the bed.

You’ve argued with your father already this evening about your night-time excursions; you’re not in the mood for a second-round, courtesy of his lackey.

“Now if you don’t mind, I think I’d like to go to sleep.”

You don’t miss the way Kovacs’ eyes skim over your bare legs as you stand.

Interesting.

Conscious of his hazel gaze fixed firmly on your body, you slip out of your robe and saunter past him to drape it on the back of your chair. It’s a risky move, but you’re hoping the action will make him uncomfortable enough that he leaves.

The satin night gown you’re wearing underneath is modest enough, but as you return to the edge of your bed and pull back the covers you can feel the weight of his attention between your shoulder blades.

Before you can climb into bed you feel his hand shoot out and grip your arm firmly, pulling you back around to face him.

“What?” you demand, your voice wavering as you begin to regret your little stunt.

You feel incredibly exposed right now and maybe just a bit juvenile as he glares down at you; he's so tall you have to crane your neck up to meet his eye.

Kovacs grumbles. “Just do me a favour and stop sneaking out.” He releases your arm and turns to leave.

You find yourself momentarily mesmerised, watching the broad expanse of his shoulders disappear through your doorway, but you regain your senses enough to call after him. “Shut the door on your way out.”

[drarrily-we-row-along]

Day 15: Wings

Harry was not a big fan of parties.

In fact, Harry downright hated parties because he hated all of the unwanted attention. Fortunately, this masquerade gala allowed him to remain anonymous.

After all, who would expect Harry Potter to arrive in a pirate costume with skintight breeches, a billowy white shirt that exposed his chest (and the fake anchor tattoo), and thigh high boots? The black mask that covered much of his face and the pirate hat with a huge, gaudy feather helped, too.

He'd happily avoided anyone and everyone on his way to the snack table and had just stuffed a tiny, flaky, savory pastry in his mouth when he looked up to the top of the staircase that led into the room and promptly choked. There, standing at the top and looking down at all of them, was a literal angel.

The man had gorgeous white and gold wings magically attached to his back, Harry's fingers twitched as though reaching for the soft feathers as they fluttered in the breeze drifting through the open door behind him. Gold sandals graced his feet, and golden straps wrapped up his legs, stopping mid thigh. Silky white fabric was artfully draped around his hips, protecting his modesty, but only just. He wore a golden corset with a delicate structure that emphasized the narrowness of his waist and the broadness of his bare shoulders. Gold was dusted lightly across his skin, making him shine even more radiantly. His mask was also gold, hiding everything but his sharp chin, strong jawline, and his lovely lips. To finish everything off, a golden laurel wreath graced his pink hair.

He was gorgeous, ethereal. And Harry's gut told him that he had to meet him. His gut was hardly ever wrong.

(Read more below the cut)

Without stopping to think, Harry set off toward the other man, but was beat to him by a man dressed in a muggle constable uniform. As Harry approached, he heard the constable berating the angel and he felt his metaphorical hackles rise.

"Oy!" he said as the constable shoved the man's shoulder. "Back off. What's the matter with you?"

The constable spluttered at him and placed his hands on his hips in indignation. "Well I don't think a costume like that is appropriate."

And suddenly, Harry recognized that voice, recognized posture and his puffed out chest. "Well, first, Auror Hibbards," he said, "It's not your place to enforce a dress code. And second, I don't think the business you conduct with your secretary after hours is appropriate but no one's confronted you or your wife about that. Perhaps you'd like me to go and have a conversation with her about what I find inappropriate?"

He followed the other man's panicked gaze across the room to two women who were standing together talking, and tried to remember what Laura Hibbards had looked like when he'd met her a few years ago.

"She's the one in the striking medi-nurse costume isn't she?" he asked. "Laura, right?"

Hibbards took a step back and his arms fell to his sides, "Who are you?" he asked.

"It doesn't matter," Harry replied. "You mind your business and I'll mind mine."

Without another word Hibbards turned and fled across the room.

He turned to look at the angel standing next to him, "Are you alright?" he asked.

"Yes, I'm fine," the man replied, voice warm and a smile tugging at his lips. "I daresay you arrived in the wrong costume."

Harry looked down at his pirate apparel. "Sorry?" he asked, looking up at him.

"I think you ought to have come as a knight dressed in shining armor," he teased.

"Hardly," Harry replied, rolling his eyes.

The other man's eyes traveled up and down Harry's body, "So, let me guess, you're an auror? I would say that maybe you just work in the auror department but it was clever of you to get him to look at his wife so you could deduce who she was."

"Clever, hmm?" Harry teased. "I wouldn't go that far, but you're not entirely wrong. I've recently left the Ministry and I was an auror."

"What made you leave?" he asked, sounding genuinely curious.

Harry lifted one shoulder, "I got fed up with the bullshit and the hypocrisy; I felt like I was slowly becoming someone I didn't want to be, so I left."

"And what do you do now?"

He laughed, "Do you want the truth?'

"Always."

"I work part time at a muggle coffee shop," he replied.

"Ah, so you're independently wealthy then."

Harry shook his head, "And you said I'm the clever one. What do you do?"

"I'm a solicitor," he replied.

He laughed, "So you really didn't need my help dealing with Hibbards then. I'm sure you could have talked circles around him."

"No, I probably didn't," he conceded. "But it was nice, just the same. A man who spends all of his time fighting on behalf of others appreciates someone fighting on his behalf every so often."

Harry smiled, "Are you here with anyone?" he asked, "Or can I get you a drink?"

"A drink would be great," the angel replied.

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

Harry couldn't remember the last time he'd enjoyed a night as much as he had this one. His angel was quick-witted with a dry sense of humor, he was smart and sexy, and Harry genuinely enjoyed his company. They'd danced, and talked, and enjoyed the food and drinks available; and Harry found himself wishing that the night would never end.

When the clock stuck eleven, surprising both of them, they looked around to see that many people had already left. "Salazar, is that the time?"

Harry nodded, "Seems to be."

"I've an early morning tomorrow," the angel told him, "As much as I've enjoyed this, I should probably be on my way."

"Can I see you again?" Harry blurted.

"I'm not sure that's a good idea," the other man replied slowly. "This was meant to be a bit like Cinderella at the ball for me."

"Are you going to leave me your sandal, then? Expect me to come and find you?" Harry teased, really hoping that the other man would give in or at least give him something to go on. He was good a puzzles, good at pulling at loose ends until he'd unraveled the mystery.

"No, no, nothing like that," he said quickly. "I just wanted one night where I didn't have to be me. One night that I didn't have to walk around with my face and all of the baggage that goes along with it. This was never meant to be more than that."

"I hear you," Harry said, emphatically, "I really do. I find it difficult," he confessed, "connecting with people. People can't seem to see past their preconceived notions of who I am, but you..." Harry trailed off and shrugged helplessly, "it was easy. To be with you, to talk to you. I'd really like to get to know you better."

The angel rubbed the back of his neck, "I would like that, too," the other man replied softly. "Truly. But once you know who I am, you're going to change your mind."

"But isn't it worth to find out?" he asked, pleaded. "Even if you're right and I never want to see you again, that's the outcome you've assigned without even knowing."

"Maybe I'd prefer for you to remember this night fondly," the other man suggested.

"Maybe I'd prefer to have many more fond memories with you," Harry countered.

"You were a Griffyndor weren't you?"

"Guilty as charged," Harry replied with a grin. Then he grew serious, "Look, if you enjoyed tonight even half as much as I did, please just give it a chance. You might take one look at me and think this was a mistake, but at least we'll know and we won't have to spend the rest of our lives wondering what could have been."

The angel blew out a breath and Harry fought the nerves that had risen up in his chest. "Fine," he conceded, "but don't say that I didn't try to warn you."

"Okay," Harry said, giving him a big smile.

"Before we do this," he said, "I want you to know that I had a really nice time tonight. Thank you for everything."

"Stop sounding like you're saying goodbye!" Harry protested.

The angel gave him a sad little smile, "Ready, then?"

"On the count of three?" Harry asked. When he received a nod in return, he reached up and said, "One, two, three," as he pulled of his mask.

A slap to the face would have been less of a surprise than the person he saw standing before him.

"Potter?"

"Malfoy?" he splutted. "What? How?"

"This explains so much, actually," Malfoy said, his mouth twisting in a displeased little grimace. "You got to come sailing in like the hero you are to rescue a damsel in distress-"

"That's not fair," Harry replied, still reeling. "I didn't even know it was you."

"No," Malfoy agreed. "It certainly would have changed your reaction if you had." He shook his head, "Well, this has been fun. I do so love being proven right."

"It's still better to know that this was not worth losing sleep over, don't you think?" Harry replied.

"Right," Malfoy clipped. "I'm off. The pirate costume seems a bit like false advertising, by the way," he said as he started to walk away without a backward glance.

"What?" Harry asked incredulously, "And the angel costume wasn't false advertising?"

"It's a Victoria's Secret Costume, Potter. Honestly."

Before Harry could make sense of that statement, Malfoy was up the stairs and out of the door, leaving Harry staring after him with a mixture of irritation, and confusion, and oddly a bit of attraction.

"Oh, Mr. Potter!" a voice called from beside him, "How lovely to see you!"

Harry turned to see Laura Hibbards standing next to him. "Your husband is cheating on you," Harry informed her.

"Excuse me?" she asked, her right hand fluttering up to cover her heart.

"With his secretary. I should have said something a long time ago, I'm sorry," he added, because he was. No one deserved to be cheated on.

Then he walked away, leaving her floundering, and headed out the same door Malfoy had moments before.

When he got outside he looked around, hoping to see wings or a flash of pink hair, but the road was empty. Was he really lonely and desperate enough that he was thinking that he and Malfoy might be a good fit?

Harry gave it up, he didn't even know what he would have said if he had seen him. It wasn't worth losing sleep over, he reminded himself before appartating home.

Whiskers was waiting for him when he arrived and he scooped her up and nuzzled his nose into her fluffy white fur. "You love me, don't you?" he asked her. Her sweet, little meow confirmed it and he kissed her head before going in to get ready for bed. It wasn't worth losing sleep over he reminded himself again.

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

Harry had, in fact, lost quite a bit of sleep. He'd spent the night tossing and turning, grumbling to himself, and hating himself every time his mind replayed a part of the evening and butterflies took flight in his stomach.

By the time the sun was illuminating the sky, turning it bright pinks and reds, Harry only knew one thing: he couldn't get Malfoy out of his head.

He got out of bed and he started to do some digging on the other man. It took half the morning but he discovered Malfoy had made a bit of a name for himself. He worked for a wizarding law firm and he'd made a habit of only taking clients who were desperately in need of help that they couldn't afford. Harry had a hard time learning anything else about his personal life, it seemed like he didn't really have one, but it didn't take long for him to find an address.

From there, the planning was a bit shoddy. Harry hadn't ever really been good at making plans and sticking to them so he just showed up outside of Draco's office at 5:00pm and waited.

And waited.

And then he waited some more. He waited until 6:30, wondering if he'd missed the other man somehow and as he was about to leave and return tomorrow, the door opened and out stepped Malfoy. His hair was blonde and he was wearing a well-tailored suit but he looked just as breathtaking as he had the night before.

He froze when he caught sight of Harry, looking stricken for just a moment before smoothing his features. "What are you doing here?"

Harry opened his mouth, "I'm sorry." They weren't quite the words he was meaning to say but it was too late to take them back now.

"Whatever for?"

"I had a brilliant time with you last night," Harry said.

Malfoy rolled his eyes, "Right up until you realized it was me."

"That's what I'm sorry for," Harry said. "Malfoy," he started, then he changed tracks, "Draco, you made me feel like I was just a person. Just a guy flirting with another person, enjoying life, free of all expectations."

"Yes, we established that last night," he replied as he stepped down the stairs and stood on the pavement in front of Harry. "That was the point of the masks and the costumes."

"Right, but I don't think it was just the masks and costumes. The person I was last night," he licked his lower lip but forced himself to continue, "That's who I really am. Without the weight of being Harry Potter. And I would be willing to bet my vault at Gringotts that the person you were last night is who you really are without the weight of being Draco Malfoy."

"Can you afford to bet your vault at Gringotts?" he asked. "Aren't you a barista? What if you're wrong?"

"Shut up," Harry said, "I'm trying to say something profound here."

"Apologies," Malfoy said, taking one step closer to him as his mouth tilted up at the corner.

"When who we both really are seems to be so compatible, doesn't it seem silly to throw that away on a childhood rivalry?"

"What exactly are you proposing?"

Harry took a breath, "Dinner? Or coffee if dinner is too much. I'd like the chance to get to know you better."

"You would?" Draco asked softly, looking open and vulnerable, and Harry's heart expanded in his chest until he couldn't breathe properly.

"I really would," he said, reaching out to take Draco's hand.

"Alright. Dinner," he agreed. "But don't blame me if this doesn't work out."

Harry grinned at him, "Feel free to blame me when it does."

Day 14: Louder, So Everyone Can Hear | Day 16: Tulips

[inevitably-johnlocked]

Pining John Pt. 2

Please if you have any pining!John fics (like Sherlock accidentally hurts him like he did molly with the Christmas gift) I would absolutely love that!! Thank you so much😊(submitted by @thediamondwoman)

Anonymous said to inevitably-johnlocked: hi! New Johnlocker here, this is a fic rec ask, but do you have any fics where John is pining/suppressing/ignoring his feelings for Sherlock? Preferably after TRF, and without Mary in the way, and a slow burn one (sorry for all the preferences just one with pining John would be fine) and thank you for being a blog currently reading all your metas and they are amazing <3333

@i-love-books-and-so-do-you asked: hullo!! *waves* i’m in the mood for some pining john, so i was wondering if you have any good ones? preferably with a happy ending

and may i just say your blog is GORGEOUS like all your fic recs *chef’s kiss* thank you for the literal best johnlock content <33

——-

Hi Lovelies!!!

First of all, thank you for your love for my lists! LOL! These asks just keep coming in, so it looks like I’m overdue for another pining John list!!

That said I do actually have pining John fics, and enough to start a second list! As I re-read fics, I’m able to keep adding all the old ones I didn’t tag ages ago to lists, so that’s fun, hahah. Hope you guys don’t mind me just combining all the pining into one list, hahaah. I get more fics that way LOL!

Enjoy, and feel free to add your own, friends!

See also:

Pining John

Pining Sherlock || [MOBILE FRIENDLY VERSION]

Mutual Pining

Mutual Pining Pt 2

John’s Away (and Sherlock’s Not Okay)

Caffeine and Adaptive Programming by DemonicSymphony (E, 5,540 w., 1 Ch. || Androids AU / Bond Fusion || Android Sherlock, Coffee Shop AU, Pining John Hinted Bond / Q, Toplock) – Sherlock is a coffee shop android slowly falling for a regular customer. But he's not supposed to be able to feel emotions.

London Gods by a_different_equation (E, 11,092 w., 5 Ch. || American Gods Fusion || Magical Realism, Sex Magic, True Love, PTSD John, First Kiss/Time, Marathon Sex, Sensuality, Genie Sherlock, Human John, Internalized Homophobia, Star-Crossed Lovers, Soul Mates) – Sherlock Holmes is a jinn who does not grant wishes. However, when Dr. John H. Watson, recently returned from the war in Afghanistan, gets into his cab by "accident", it might not even need magic to grant both men their deepest wish: love.

There's So Much Labour Just in Breathing Lately by Susan (E, 12,708 w., 1 Ch. || Post-TRF / Mentions of S3 Events, Romance, Angst, Grief/Mourning, Grieving John, Mutual Pining, Meddling Mycroft, Therapy, Ambiguous Hopeful Ending, Infidelity) – The dreams he hated most – the ones that left him a sweating, shaking mess when he woke – were the ones in which Sherlock was just Sherlock. Laughing or drinking tea. Sitting across the table from him at Angelo’s eating pasta. Trailing his open hand behind him on the way to the bedroom. “C’mon, John. I’m about to have my way with you.”

On The Fence by BeautifulFiction (T, 13,770 w., 1 Ch. || Fencing, Case Fic, First Kiss, Insecure John, Pining John, Hug, Greg Finds Out) – The murder of the King's College fencing champion leads to revelations about Sherlock's past. Will it be the point that tips them from friends to lovers, or will they remain on the fence?

The Invocation of Saint Margaret by Ewebie (E, 15,831 w., 1 Ch. || POV John,  Crossing Timelines, Light Angst, Fluff, Series 3 John / Series 1 Sherlock, The Matchbox, Mushy Romance, First Time, Bisexual John, Pining John, Bottomlock, Love Confessions, Sensuality, Emotional Love Making, Snippets of Time) – When Sherlock Holmes opens the matchbox from The Sign of Three and John finds himself years in the past, back to that first dinner at Angelo's with a much younger Sherlock Holmes. Is he dreaming?

Division by MrsNoggin (E, 19,542 w., 11 Ch. || Coffee Shop AU || First Kiss/Time, Fluff, Barista Sherlock, Clingy Sherlock, POV John, John’s Limp, Bed Sharing, Fluff, Sleepy Cuddles, Sensuality, Touching, Virgin Sherlock, Insecure John) – John likes mysteries. And every morning he dips into the local independent coffee bar with his newspaper and ponders another... one Sherlock Holmes.

Insanity in the Middle by DotyTakeThisDown (E, 28,010 w., 8 Ch. || Equestrian Sports AU || Alternate First Meeting, POV John, Pining John, Bottomlock, Clueless Sherlock, First Kiss/Time, Passionate Kisses, Hand Holding, Caught Making Out, Bed Sharing, Spooning, Blow Job) – John is a world-class eventing rider with a gold medal and several four-star wins to his credit, but he's never won at Rolex. Sherlock is an up-and-coming rider taking the sport by storm.

Deck the Halls by itsalwaysyou_jw (T, 31,018 w., 24 Ch. || Advent Fic / Multiple One-Shots, Assorted Tags) – One Johnlock ficlet for every day leading up to Christmas. Who is ready for pining, first kisses, established Johnlock, and everything in between? This collection of stand-alone ficlets will have it all.

The Case of the Vanishing Pants by SwissMiss (E, 44,025 w., 6 Ch. || Five and Ones, Post-TRF, Case Fic, UST, Homophobia, Friends to Lovers, Pining John, Showering Together, Couple for a Case, Sherlock’s Bum, Fantasies, Jealous Sherlock) – Five times John and Sherlock lost their pants in the course of a case.

Only To Be With You by SinceWhenDoYouCallMe_John (M, 40,768 w., 4 Ch. || Black Mirror / Future AU || Character Death, Future Technology, Sickness/Cancer/Illness, Heavy Angst with Happy Ending, First Person POV John, Pining John, Heart-Wrenching Angst) – I tell myself that next time I’ll come near this same place again. Wait around for the mysterious stranger in his coat to dash past me, hot on the heels of a new criminal in black. I think this all the way back to my Exit, planning where I’ll wait and what I’ll say when I see him. Scheming on how to get his name. It’s only once I reach the Exit Point door that I realize two hours and forty-five minutes have passed, and I realize that this won’t be the last time I Visit. It won’t be the last time at all.

Inscrutable to the Last by DiscordantWords (M, 48,842 w., 6 Ch. || Post-TRF, Alternate S3, John’s Blog/S3 is a Story By John, Divorce, Marital Difficulties, John is a Mess, Emotional Reunion, Implied/Referenced Suicide, Grief / Mourning, Pining John, First Kiss, Adorably Clueless Sherlock, Nostalgia, Love Confessions, Eventual Happy Ending) – He wasn't Sherlock, he couldn't work miracles. All he'd ever been able to do was write about them.

The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse by SilentAuror (E, 50,635 w., 1 Ch. || Post-S4/S4 Divergence, Case Fic, For a Case / Reverse Fake-Relationship, Conferences, Marriage Equality, Travelling / New York, Pride, Homophobia, Bottomlock, Marriage Proposal, John POV, Sexuality, Love Confessions, Emotional Love Making, Public Hand Jobs, Blow Jobs, Passionate Kissing, Needy/Clingy Sherlock, Virgin Sherlock, Touching / Hand Holding, Bed Sharing, Little Spoon Sherlock, Intense Orgasms) – John and Sherlock go to New York to attend a conference run by the National Defence of Traditional Marriage Coalition in order to investigate the potential bombing of the annual Manhattan Pride parade. As the conference unfolds, John finds himself repulsed by the toxic ideology being presented, which becomes relevent to his own unacknowledged issues and his friendship with Sherlock...

Isosceles by SilentAuror (E, 56,609 w., 7 Ch. || Post-S4, POV John, Original Male Character / Sherlock Dates Another Man, Love Triangle, Jealous John, Virgin Sherlock, Sexual Coaching, Angst, Romance, Domesticity, Unrequited Feelings, Miscommunication, First Kiss/Time, For a Case, Friends With Benefits, Bottomlock, Love Confessions, Spooning) – After solving a case for a major celebrity, Sherlock gets himself asked out. When John asks, he discovers that Sherlock has no intention of going, at least not until John agrees to coach him through whatever he might need to know for his date...

White Knight by DiscordantWords (M, 69,840 w., 13 Ch. || S4 Compliant/Post S4, Marriage For a Case, Jealous John, Pining John, Janine / Sherlock Fake Relationship, Serial Killers, Case Fic, Undercover as a Couple, Weddings, John is a Mess, Misunderstandings, Wedding Planning, Jealousy, Drunkenness, Love Confessions, Angst with Happy Ending) – Green. The word green was used to convey a great many things. Illness. Envy. Inexperience. Standing there amidst Janine's chattering bridesmaids, watching Sherlock furrow his brow and study fabric swatches, watching him smile and simper and flirt, John thought it a remarkably apt colour choice. Because he felt quite sick to his stomach, he feared the source of said sickness might very well be jealousy, and he had absolutely no idea at all what to do about it. Or: Sherlock needs to fake a relationship for a case. He doesn't ask John.

Thermocline by J_Baillier (M, 83,557 w., 14 Ch. || Scuba Diving AU || Adventure, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Marine Archaeology, Asexual Sherlock, Horny John, Relationship Drama, Technical/Scuba/Wreck Diving, Slow Burn, Underwater /  Medical Peril, Doctor John, Hurt Sherlock, Anxious Sherlock, John POV, Protective John, Body Appreciation) – John "Five Oceans" Watson — technical dive instructor, dive accident analyst and weapon of mass seduction — meets recluse professor of maritime archaeology Holmes. As they head out to a remote archipelago off the coast of Guatemala to study and film its shipwrecks for a documentary, will sparks fly or fizzle out?

The Bang and the Clatter by earlgreytea68 (M, 137,049 w., 37 Ch. || PODFIC AVAILABLE || Baseball AU || Slow Burn / Dev. Rel., Possessive/Obsessive Sherlock, Jealous Sherlock, Mutual Pining, Body Appreciation, Depression, Closeted Sexuality, Family, Sherlock’s Mind Palace, Ogling Each Other, Anxious Sherlock, Panic Attack, Drunkenness, Talk of Forever, Big Feelings™) – Sherlock Holmes is a pitcher and John Watson is a catcher. No, no, no, it's a baseball AU. Part 1 of Baseball

Proving A Point by elldotsee & J_Baillier (E, 186,270 w., 28 Ch. || Me Before You Fusion || Medical Realism, Insecure John, Depression, Romance, Angst, POV John, Sherlock Whump, Serious Illness, Doctor John, Injury Recovery, Assisted Suicide, Sherlock’s Violin, Awkward Sexual Situations, Alcoholism, Drugs, Idiots in Love, Slow Burn, Body Image, Friends to Lovers, Hurt / Comfort, Pain, Big Brother Mycroft, Intimacy, Anxiety, PTSD, Family Issues, Psychological Trauma, John Whump, Case Fics, Loneliness, Pain) – Invalided home from Afghanistan, running out of funds and convinced that his surgical career is over, John Watson accepts a mysterious job offer to provide care and companionship for a disabled person. Little does he know how much hangs in the balance of his performance as he settles into his new life at Musgrave Court.

[my-robot-heart]

@fictober-event 2021 | Fandom: the blacklist - lizzington

Day 3: "I've waited for this." | Rating: T | Warnings: none

Late at night, Lizzie thought about him.

When she couldn't fall asleep, she would let her mind replay over and over the interactions they'd had. The ones where he'd slung an arm just casually enough so as to remain inauspicious across the back of a seat they'd both shared. Or when he'd lingered just seconds too long when clasping her hand, or placing a guiding hand on her back. The ones where he'd said things like, we're gonna make a great team, or just pretend you're my girlfriend from Ann Arbor.

The scenes would replay in her mind, and she'd let herself imagine them playing out differently: stopping his hand before it could leave hers, or leaning back into the arm that was slung across the back of the seat. Replying yes, sure, that sounds like fun to his challenge, and showing him that she, too, knew how to be mischievous.

Late at night, she thought about these things, and wished things were different. And knew that, if they ever were to be, it was up to her to do something. Anything.

But when the sun rose, and brought with it a new day, full of possibility, Lizzie found herself unable to conceive of what she would do if something went wrong. If she reached out to him, and he refused. In that case, she was better to just let things remain status quo; at least then she could be certain of their friendship. At least then, she knew she wouldn't have to face the what ifs.

Their next assignment was supposed to be easy. Posing as a couple on an undercover mission at a museum gala, while waiting to pounce on their Blacklister: a Renaissance art thief.

It was supposed to be easy, but from the moment she stepped out her door and into the waiting car, accepting Red's proffered hand lightly as she did so, Lizzie knew it would be anything but.

Red slid into the backseat beside her, waving to Dembe to start driving, and as he buckled his seatbelt he gave her a look that warmed her even more than the sunlight coming in through the window and playing on her skin.

"Lizzie."

"Red."

"You look... dazzling," he said, and before she could react he finished with, "the perfect foil for our plan tonight. All eyes will be on you rather than me, which means we shouldn't have to worry about my being recognized."

Typical, she thought. Undo her with a compliment and then follow it with business talk. It was maddening, because it meant she was never quite sure whether she was interpreting him correctly, or just reading into things. That they were business associates was a fact, but whether there was the possibility for something more...? Perplexing.

"You look very dapper as well," she returned. "As expected."

"Agents Mojtabai and Navabi should be there already," he commented, fiddling with one of his shirt cuffs. "We'll tap into their communication system as soon as we arrive."

Lizzie glanced over at what he was doing with his cuffs, noticing that a button had come undone and he was attempting to refasten it with his non-dominant hand. And failing quite badly, she saw.

Reaching over, she gently took his arm and made quick work of the button, tucking his cuff back into the tuxedo jacket as she did so.

Was it her imagination, or did he let out a quiet huff of breath when she let go of his arm? It was almost as if he'd been holding his breath while she fixed his cuff. She watched his expression for a sign that he was unsteady in some way, and found none.

Nevermind, Liz, she told herself sternly. Just focus on the task at hand. But, as usual in cases that involved working closely with Raymond Reddington, just focusing on the task at hand was never as easy as that.

This situation in particular: pretending to be a couple, this was going to be tough. Because it's what she was doing, what she had been doing, wasn't it? But now, now she had to both pretend to be his girlfriend and pretend that she hadn't thought about that very situation over and over until it became as familiar to her as her real life. That was the real challenge.

They arrived at the museum, and Red came around to give Lizzie a hand out of the car, easefully letting his arm slide round her waist when she stood beside him.

We're a couple. She reminded herself. He's doing this as part of the job.

Giving him a smile she hoped was bright and not wary, she walked with him into the gala.

They were immediately handed glasses of champagne. Lizzie sipped hers quickly, hoping for some fortification.

Red, maddeningly, appeared perfectly at home. The nerve of him, being able to fall into character like that every damn time.

They found themselves standing near a large triptych, and Lizzie decided they should at least appear to show interest in the artwork, so she leaned in to take a closer look.

Red leaned in as well, keeping an arm around her waist. This proved so distracting that when she noticed he had asked her a question, it was already too late, and she had to ask him to repeat himself, embarrassedly.

"I said, are you a Renaissance art fan, Lizzie?"

"It's Caroline," she whispered back, giving him the alias she was supposed to be using tonight. Just then she heard a crackling from her earpiece. Aram was listening.

"Hello Aram," she said in a low voice, wriggling free from Red's arm for a moment.

"Yes, we're in place. Okay. I'll keep watching for our guy."

"So sorry, Caroline," Red said. "Are you a Renaissance art fan, then."

"No, not really. Are you?"

"I prefer the Surrealist period, myself," he replied.

Of course he would.

The evening passed uneventfully and with no sign of their Blacklister. Lizzie was beginning to wonder if the entire thing would turn out to be a bust, when she heard Aram in her ear again.

"On your right, two o'clock."

She turned slowly, hopefully inconspicuously, in that direction. A tall man was eyeing one of the paintings. That was their guy.

She tried to nudge Red, but he was deep in conversation with another couple, regaling them with some story of his own invention.

"Ahem." She tried clearing her throat. He didn't notice.

Damn it, she would have to interrupt.

Walking right up to his side, she took Red's outstretched arm and gave him a pointed look.

"So sorry to interrupt, but-"

"Ah! Perfect timing, Caroline. May I introduce you to my enchanting girlfriend, Caroline. She's the light of my life," he announced proudly, causing Lizzie to raise an eyebrow in surprise before falling into character as best she could.

"What a pleasure to meet you all," she said with a smile. "Sorry to interrupt, but I need to speak to you, alone."

Red caught the emphasis and smiled at his new friends before excusing himself. He followed Lizzie to a secluded corner.

"It's our guy. Over there by the da Vinci sketches." Her eyes flicked towards him.

Red nodded.

"Yes, I know."

"You know? What do you mean, you know. We're here to apprehend him, aren't we?"

"Apprehend? Oh heavens no. We're just here to have a quick chat. And while you were grabbing a refill on your champagne, I did exactly that."

A beat passed.

"Exactly what."

"Had a quick chat. Made my negotiations, as it were. So, we're free to either leave, or spend the rest of the evening here, in pleasant company and with wonderful food. The choice is yours, Lizzie."

She stared at him.

"Alright. Let's stay."

To her delight, he looked surprised.

"What?"

"You said we can leave, or spend the rest of the evening here. And I said, let's stay. The food is good, I've drank a few glasses of very nice champagne, and the night is young." She grabbed her earpiece and threw it into a nearby potted plant. "Let's stay."

It was a challenge, and he knew it.

Giving her an appreciative glance, he tilted his head in agreement.

"Alright."

He led her away from the secluded corner, and, with a very charming look, suggested that they dance.

"Dance?"

"Yes. Everyone's doing it," he noted, gesturing to the many couples who had filled the centre of the room.

"Okay," she agreed, wondering if it was the champagne, or if her lightheadedness was due to some other reason.

One hand taking hers, Red placed his other hand on the small of her back and pulled her what felt like very close, but was in fact a perfectly normal distance away.

They started moving slowly with the music, and soon Lizzie felt her cheek gently come to rest on his lapel. It felt easy, and she wasn't going to question it if he didn't.

"I've waited for this," she heard him say, or did she? That seemed oddly out of character. Pulling away from his jacket slightly so that she could see his eyes, she couldn't find anything in them to confirm either way.

"What did you say?" she asked, figuring if he'd said something else at least she should know what it was.

"I said, I've been waiting for this, Lizzie," he repeated, and she felt her cheeks warm once again.

"Waiting for what?" her voice was a whisper. He couldn't possibly mean what she was thinking.

Momentarily, he stopped dancing and looked her in the eyes.

"This. All of it. With you."

She definitely felt lightheaded now, and it wasn't just the champagne.

"All of-?" she repeated, and he cut her off, his mouth covering hers and reminding her that, although they were in full view of everyone in the room, they were anonymous here, and so the kiss could take place without any implications, or complications that came from their regular lives.

Leaning into the kiss, she returned it with the pent up energy from months of thinking about just this moment.

"Oh," she exclaimed when they finally broke apart. There didn't seem to be any words for what had just happened.

Red was looking at her with concern, perhaps wondering if she'd gone mad for a moment and suddenly regained her faculty of thought.

"Are you..." he began, but this time she cut him off with another kiss.

In a minute, she managed to pull away long enough to whisper, "I've waited for this, too, you know."

The look of realization in his face was enough to confirm for her then that she hadn't been the only one wanting this to happen.

As they continued to dance, Lizzie knew that the circumstances would immediately change as soon as this evening was over, and they had to return to their lives. But for now, at least, they had this chance. And they were both eager to seize it.

[casuallyimagining]

Jealousy Headcanons - OT7

Anonymous asked: Hello! Could you please do a jealousy headcanon for yoongi? Thank you!!

I’ll do you one better, anon. I’ll do jealousy headcanons for all of them. This strayed from headcanons into reactions/preferences very quickly, so if you’d prefer I write some dedicated headcanons, I’ll gladly do that.. (also I’ve combined it with an idea I’ve been tossing around in my head for the past day or so. I’m sorry if Taehyung’s isn’t good—I know the least about him.) Hope you enjoy!!

Jin

He knew you were friends with his bandmates, but he couldn’t help but think you were a little closer with Hobi than the rest.

He hated to admit that his stomach would drop when you laughed at one of Hobi’s bad jokes. He hated that it made him angry when you would go to Hobi with a problem and not him. He wanted to be happy that you were such good friends with one of his closest friends, but every time Jin sees the two of you together, he just ends up upset.

It comes to a head when Jin is walking down the hall one day at the dance studio and hears you laughing. He hears Hobi mumble “Worldwide Handsome” as Jin enters the room and you burst into a fit of giggles, and it makes his blood boil.

As much as he wants to yell and scream at Hobi—at you—not for making fun of him, but to make fun of him to his own girlfriend, and then to hear her laugh at Hobi in a way that she doesn’t laugh with Jin… he wants to badly to fly off the handle.

But at the same time, the rational part of his brain won’t let him. He loves you too much to let something like this get in the way of your relationship. He knows Hobi too well to know the joke was only in good fun, and he knows you too well to know that you would never laugh if it was mean-spirited. Jin doesn’t know if that makes it sting more or less.

So instead of yelling, he spins on his heel and walks right back out the door of the dance studio. He hears Hobi call his name, but he’s too far down the hall to care. He doesn’t hear the door latch, though, and the soft footsteps behind him alert him to the fact that he’s being followed.

The only reason you were even at the dance studio that day was because Jin had asked you out to dinner that evening, and while they were a little late finishing up, the two of you could still get takeout from your favorite spot on the way back to your apartment.

So Jin isn’t surprised that you catch up to him by the elevator, your hand slipping into his as easily as if it were meant to be there. You quirk an eyebrow at him silently, and he hangs his head.

“I’m sorry, jagi,” he mumbles, his thumb ghosting along your knuckles as you wait for the elevator. “He just knows how to push my buttons. Even when I’m not there.”

You hum in response, squeezing his hand. “You don’t have to be jealous of him, you know. I love Hobi, but I’m in love with you, Jin.”

The elevator comes then, and he’s glad that pressing the button gives him an excuse to turn away from you so you can’t see the blush or the shit-eating grin that’s plastered on his face.

Yoongi

Yoongi feels like a third wheel when the two of you hang out with Namjoon. You and the Bangtan leader always end up talking poetry, or books, or film, or music in such an intellectual way that Yoongi ends up not being able to follow. So he always ends up sitting silently at the restaurant or in the living room as one of his closest friends monopolizes his girlfriend.

He hates the way you hang on Namjoon’s every word, hates the way that you nod in thought, your eyes focused solely on Namjoon as he says something that Yoongi can only assume is the most brilliant thing in the world.

Yoongi loves Namjoon, thinks of him like a brother, but sometimes he really, really wants to just tell the guy to shut the fuck up.

He finally builds up the courage to tell Namjoon off when the Bangtan leader’s phone rings and he gets up to answer it, leaving you and Yoongi alone in the shared living room of the BTS dorms.

“What do you think of the movie so far, Yoongi?” you question, turning your whole body to face him. You reach out and pull him closer so your legs are touching as you sit on the couch.

It’s then that he realizes that he can’t stay mad at you, not really. Namjoon is charismatic, and you’re friends, and Yoongi wants nothing more than to see you happy. And if that means putting up with you not paying attention to him when Namjoon is around, then so be it.

“I’d like to be able to hear it,” Yoongi jokes, pushing your shoulder lightly and giving you a wide smile. You laugh and promise that you’ll shut up so he can enjoy the rest of the movie.

You turn back to the screen after that, the remote in your hands waiting for Namjoon to return so you can press ‘play.’ Your back rests against Yoongi’s chest, and he slings an arm around your waist to pull you tighter to him.

“You know it’s harmless, right? Me talking with Namjoon?” Yoongi hums in response, but he can feel his face heating up, having been caught. “I really respect his analyses and knowledge. But he’s just a friend.”

Yoongi rests his chin on your shoulder just as Namjoon walks back into the room. You press play on the movie, and true to your promise, you don’t talk nearly as much with Namjoon as the rest of the film plays out.

Yoongi can’t help but smile when you take his hand and lace your fingers together. You might enjoy talking to Namjoon about intellectual stuff, but it’s the love you show Yoongi in the silence that makes him feel like he’s enough.

Hoseok

It was hard for Hoseok to watch you shamelessly flirt with Jin. He knows that’s just your personality—you’re friendly and affectionate with your close friends—it’s part of the reason he fell for you.

But holy shit, watching you and Jin cook together, watching the two of you come up with cheeky dance moves and sing along to the songs blasting through your phone, it really gets to him.

Hoseok is the jokester of the group, and normally, he’d come up behind you and make some sort of wisecrack, but today, he’s not particularly into it. He just feels sad.

Sad that you’re paying more attention to Jin than you are to him. Sad that you hadn’t even noticed him walk through the door. Sad that there’s a hole in your life that Jin seems to fit perfectly into.

He knows that you’re just friends. Hoseok knows that you love him, not Jin. He trusts you to remain faithful. But a small part of him is insecure in your relationship still. And it screams at him that maybe the two of you aren’t on the same page when it comes to how your relationship is developing.

But then you finally notice that he’s home, and your eyes light up in that way that they only do when you lay eyes on him. And Hoseok can’t help the goofy grin that spreads across his face.

“Jagiya! You have to come try this,” you call, waving him into the kitchen. “Jin was just showing me how to make this and I think you’d love it.”

You grab something out of the pot with a pair of chopsticks and offer it to him, your hand under it so it doesn’t drip. He hums in response. Whatever it was, you were right. It was good.

You smile and wipe a bit of sauce off his face with your thumb, and just like that, his insecurities are gone.

Namjoon

Namjoon knows he shouldn’t feel like this. He knows that the strangling sensation in his heart is just irrational jealousy. He knows that however close your friendship with Jungkook becomes, you would never leave him. But does he?

He walks in late one night after a long meeting with Big Hit and an even longer rehearsal with Hobi and Jimin to find you and Jungkook curled up on the couch fast asleep. Jungkook has his head in your lap, and one of your hands is in his hair, the other resting between his shoulder blades. Your laptop is plugged in and sitting open on the coffee table in front of you. Watching a movie, he surmises.

Namjoon can’t help the exasperated sigh he lets out, can’t help rolling his eyes in frustration. It’s times like this when the youngest Bangtan’s pretty face really gets under Namjoon’s skin.

Silently, Namjoon sets his jaw and goes about his nightly routine, washing his face and changing into his pajamas before deciding what to do about you and Jungkook on the couch.

He appreciates your friendship with Jungkook, truly, he does. But it’s nights like this—when he finds the two of you being overly affectionate, or when you seem to confide in Jungkook more than you do him, or when the two of you feed off each other’s competitiveness and end up in some ridiculous competition that only adds fuel to your friendship—nights like this where his insecurities seep through and he doubts himself.

He can’t bring himself to blame you for this. You’re far too amazing, and he knows that you care about him deeply. No, he tends more to reflect inwards when he feels like this, because he knows it’s his problem to sort out. If he caught you asleep on the couch with any other member of the group, Namjoon didn’t think he’d feel nearly as jealous. So what was it about Jungkook, then?

Of course, Jungkook is kind. And he’s energetic. And your personalities match in ways that Namjoon had never thought possible. It didn’t hurt that Jungkook was handsome. And there it is, Namjoon thinks as he steps back into the living room to check on the two of you. That old insecurity flaring its head again.

He considers leaving the two of you on the couch for the rest of the night. It’s late, and he really doesn’t want to wake either of you if you’re truly resting. But then he sees the odd angle that your head is resting at, and he takes pity on you. So ever so gently, he shakes your shoulder.

It doesn’t take long for you to wake up, stretching when you do. Namjoon hears your shoulder pop, and you rub it, a scowl on your face. Then, you see him, and you shoot him a tired grin, your eyes lighting up,

“Hey handsome,” you whisper, making grabby hands at him, beckoning him closer. Namjoon smiles, and he knows that he would believe anything you said, so long as you say it with as much conviction as you just spoke with. He believes you when you kiss him, soft and tender and full of love. He believes you when you chuckle softly at Jungkook snoring softly in your lap, the look on your face saying everything he needed it to. And he believes you when you tell him that you cleared your schedule for his next day off, promising to devote yourself solely to him.

Sure, he might have to deal with feeling jealous of Jungkook every once in a while, but he wouldn’t give you up for the world.

Jimin

Jimin prides himself on keeping a cool head when it comes to you. The two of you have never seriously argued before—he likes to think that he’s good at communicating his needs.

Except for one: your friendship with Taehyung can be a bit much. Jimin knows he should be grateful—he and Tae are close, so it should be a blessing that you fit right into the fold. But he just couldn’t help it.

He gets frustrated that Tae knows your go-to order at coffee shops by heart, and that he always gets food to share with you when he orders out. Jimin knows he shouldn’t get frustrated by that—Tae knows his orders, too—but for whatever reason, it just gets under his skin. Especially when you shoot Tae a smile, or you ruffle his hair.

That is, until one day when Tae, Jimin, and you are hanging out one afternoon and Tae offers to buy dinner that night. You smile warmly at Tae and ruffle his hair, and for a moment, Jimin’s heart sinks again. But then he hears you hum in response.

His heart soars when you cheerfully decline. “Jiminie and I were going to hang out tonight. Next time for sure, though.”

Tae accepts it with a laugh, and a joke about how the two of you are lovebirds, but Jimin doesn’t pay attention. His heart is pounding in in his ears, and he can feel his face flush. He can’t help it—he’s just so happy to hear you choose him.

Taehyung

Tae hates how you and Jimin connect on what seems like the molecular level. The two of you can carry on a conversation about literally anything. Fashion, pop culture, the universe. You and Jimin could talk at length about anything.

When you hang out with Tae, though, the two of you end up sitting in silence. Where you and Jimin could watch a movie and talk the whole time about your favorite characters or what you think will happen next, you and Tae watch in silence, only making comments to each other once in a while.

He knows that Jimin is his best friend, and that he would never intentionally do anything to hurt him. But there are only so many play arguments and deep, meaningful conversations Tae can walk in on before it starts to affect him.

He knows deep down that you love him, and he knows you wouldn’t leave him, especially for Jimin—he knows in his heart that you aren’t actually in love with him, despite his insecurities—but he just loves you so much, and the amount of attention you pay to Jimin makes him feel like he doesn’t make enough of an effort to connect with you.

You tend to notice when Tae is feeling jealous. He doesn’t particularly try to hide it. So when you notice him start to draw into himself, when he starts to get tenser around Jimin, you make sure to pay him extra attention.

Tae never talks about his jealousy, and you don’t want to push him, so you don’t bring it up. You know that someday, you’ll have to address it, but for now, you’re happy to dote on your grumpy boyfriend when he’s feeling this way.

Jungkook

Jungkook’s competitive side doesn’t really play well with his jealousy. He can’t help but see you hanging out with Yoongi as a challenge for him to be a better boyfriend.

He notices that you spend a lot of time with Yoongi, especially when the days are long and hard and when Jungkook can’t spend much time with you. He notices the quiet conversations the two of you share over coffee in the mornings, and the silent looks the two of you send each other before busting out into smiles and giggles.

Jungkook likes to see you happy, but it stings a lot that he isn’t the one making you smile.

When you’re hanging out with Yoongi, he does everything in his power to try to pull your attention away. And yeah, Jungkook knows he’s probably being annoying, but he rarely gets your undivided attention. It upsets him that you try to push him away to continue to pay attention to Yoongi.

You confront him about it one morning after Jungkook successfully manages to chase Yoongi from the shared living room of the dorms. Your ‘what’s your problem?’ is venomous, and Jungkook can’t help but feel like a child being scolded.

He’s silent for a long while, and you let him be. He tries to speak several times, but no matter what he wants to say, it isn’t the right thing. He knows he can be an ass, but he just wants you to love him.

Finally, after what seems like an eternity of silence, you silently wrap your arms around him, and you can feel all of the tension in Jungkook’s body disappear. “You don’t have to be jealous of Yoongi,” you mumble into his chest. “He’s just a friend. Sometimes, we both need quiet, y’know?”

And he does know. He knows how sometimes, crowds exhaust you. He can only imagine how the band’s whirlwind schedule affects you.

You kiss him gently then, cupping his cheek in your hands and playfully squishing his cheeks together. “Not all of us can be an endless source of energy, my love.”

He smiles, your hands still pressing his cheeks together, and you can’t help but crack up at the sight. He promises himself then that no matter what, he’ll do better at hiding his jealousy. You love him. That’s what matters most.

[lovemesomesurveys]

**Blue Survey**

💙 What are three things you like that are blue? : The ocean, blue raspberry slushies, blueberries in muffins or waffles.

😱 What are three things that have shocked you? : What I’ve been through this past month is a big one… hard to compare that right now.

🥶 What are three of your favorite ways to warm up when you're freezing cold? : Coffee, my electric blanket, a cozy fire.

😰 What is one sad song that you enjoy listening to? : I was an emo kid, forever will be. I like a lot of sad songs.

🦋 Do you like butterflies? : Nooo. I’m scared off all bugs.

🧢 Do you ever wear baseball caps? : Yeah.

🐟 What do you think is a good name for a fish? : Depends on their look.

🐠 Have your ever taken swimming lessons? : No.

🐬 Would you ever want to swim with dolphins? : No. I can’t swim for one and I’m a scaredy-cat.

📚 Do you prefer to read fiction or non-fiction? : Fiction.

🚙 Have you ever driven a blue car? : No. I don’t drive at all.

🐳 Name three things you associate with water.: Hydration, ocean, rain.

🥏 Have you ever played frisbee?: Yeah.

👥 If you have a significant other, what is his/her name? : I don’t.

🦕 Do you believe that dinosaurs are extinct, or do you think they actually exist still and teachers/scientists are lying to us? : I think they’re definitely extinct.

🅿️ What are three things in your room that starts with a "P"? : Pens, pillows, plugs.

🔵 What is your favorite shade of blue? : Various shades

🏃‍♀️ Do you like to run? : No.

♿️ Have you ever had to use a wheelchair? : I do use a wheelchair. I’m a paraplegic.

👖 Do you prefer jeggings or skinny jeans?: Leggings over both

👮‍♀️ Have you ever been pulled over by a cop? : No.

🈳 What are three things you have done that you hope to never do again? : Ignore and neglect things I shouldn’t have and should have taken care of long ago but let my fear and stubbornness get in my way…, be in this situation, not take certain things for granted.

👤 Do you like to remain anonymous on the internet? : No, but of course I don’t share certain things for personal and safety reasons.

👕 Do you own any polo shirts? : Nope.

👔 What was the last formal or semi-formal event that you went to? : A wedding about 5 years ago.

🥣 When was the last time you ate cereal? : It’s been awhile.

🌐 Have you ever been to Disney's Epcot? : No, but I’d love to.

🔹 Name three things that the word "diamond" makes you think of.: Shiny, sparkly, jewels.

🌀 Do you like to draw swirly symbols?: Those were usually part of my random doodles.

🧞‍♂️ What are three things you would change about your life if you could?: I feel like I’ve answered this.

🧞‍♂️ What are three things you would change about your body if you could? : It would be healthy, I wouldn’t be so underweight. That’s all I care about.

🧵 Have you ever embroidered something?: Yeah.

🔷 What is your least favorite shade of blue? : I don’t have one.

🎽 Were you ever on a track team, and if so, what was your favorite part of track (sprinting, long distance running, pole vault, long jump, hurdles, etc.)? : No.

📘 What was your favorite subject in elementary school? : English.

🟦 Name someone you know who's favorite color is blue.: My mom. Well, one of her favorite colors.

🪣 Do you own a blue bucket? : No.

🫐 Do you like to eat blueberries by themselves, or do you only like them in things (such as blueberry bagels)? : Only mixed with things or flavored.

🏧 When was the last time you used an ATM machine? : It’s been yearssss.

🛋 What color is your living room couch? : Gray.

🪁 Have you ever flown a kite, and if yes, what did you think of it? : Not successfully. And I was over it pretty quickly anyway.

🛗 Have you ever been stuck in an elevator? : Nooo, thankfully. That’s a fear of mine.

🖌 What was the last thing you painted? : This cute little ceramic thing I bought for Easter decor.

🫂 Who was the last person who gave you a hug?: My mom.

🐋 Do you like to swim? : I can’t swim.

🚎 What are three things you like about going on vacation? : Going somewhere new and different and just checking it out. Chillin and relaxing, too.

🩱 Would you rather swim laps or tread water? : I can’t do either one.

🏳️‍⚧️ Name one person you know who identifies as transgender. : No one that I know of.

🏳️‍⚧️ Have you ever questioned your gender? : No.

👩🏿‍🔧 When was the last time you had to call a mechanic? : I never have.

👨‍🎤 Have you ever dyed your hair blue? : Nope.

🥿Do you own a pair of blue shoes? : I do not.

🫃Who's one person you know who is currently pregnant? : A family friend’s girlfriend.

🙆‍♂️ What is one song you like that has motions to it? : Uhhh.

🙋‍♂️ Do/did you often raise your hand in class in school? : I avoided it as much as possible.

💇‍♂️Do you need a haircut? : Uh, no. My hair is already really short.

👕 Are you wearing a blue shirt? : A blue gown.

🌎 Have you ever wished you'd been born on another planet? : Nah.

❄️ What is your favorite thing to do in the snow? : I don’t have much snow experience, sadly. I wish I could see it more. But it was nice the few times I have.

💧Do you drink enough water? : No, definitely not.

💦 Do you enjoy rainy days?: Love ‘em.

🌊 Have you ever swam in the ocean? : Nooo. I love being NEAR the ocean, not IN it. That sounds terrifying for someone who can’t swim and has a fear of deep water.

🧊 Have you ever slipped and fallen on the ice?: I’ve never been on the ice.

🛝 What were three of your favorite things to do at recess as a kid? : 4-square, hang with friends, eat my snacks lol.

🎣 Do you like to eat fish? : Ew, no.

⛹️‍♂️ Who's your favorite basketball star?: I don’t have one, not a sports fan at all.

🎭 What's your favorite musical? : Sweeny Todd.

✈️ Where was the last place you flew on a plane? : Disneyland.

💺 Have you ever flown first class? : No.

🛸 Do you want to see a flying saucer? : Uhh, I’m good.

⛴ What cruise ships have you been on? : None.

🗺 What are three countries you don't really have any interest in visiting? : Hmm.

💎 What pieces of jewelry are you wearing right now? : None.

🧿 Do you like to play Uno? : Yes. I’ve actually been thinking about that and wanting to play.

🩻 What was the last x-ray you had? : Just had one earlier on my lungs.

📫 Have you ever watched Blue's Clues? : Yeah.

💤 Do you like to sleep? : Yes. Especially these days.

Ⓜ️ What are three things you like that start with an "M"?: M&M’s, movies, Marvel.

💠 Do you like to make lists? : I do.

🔠 Did you go to morning or afternoon kindergarten? : Morning.

🆓 What is one thing you've gotten for free on your birthday? : Coffee, food.

🇬🇷 Have you ever been to Greece? : No, I wish.

🇬🇷 Do you like Greek yogurt? : Not a yogurt fan.

And last but not least...did you like this survey? : Sure.

💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙

I hope you have a magnificent day! 😇

[classic80sand90smovieloves2]

Full metal jacket preference~ The boys with an s/o who has an ex that stalks them

(A combination of my gifs and other peoples)(Requested by anonymous)

(Hope you enjoy the blogs first preference post! <3)

Joker~

When you first tell James about the situation with your ex, he sort of thinks you’re joking. It certainly wouldn’t be out of place in your relationship. He figures its an “oh, yeah, my ex is stalking me” as in he’s still got a thing for you and is trying to strategically find himself at the right place in the right time in hopes that you’ll talk to him. 

Once he can see that you’re completely serious, his smile somewhat drops as well. For a while, he’ll remain humorous (i.e. trying to cheer you up and make you smile while you deal with the mess) but understanding; not wanting to freak you out even more by making it a whole big thing. He tells you to give him a call whenever you want him to stay over and that he’ll handle things as soon as he can. The next time he has the chance, he’ll have a little conversation with your ex.

James certainly has no problem standing up to or for people, and on top of that, he’s completely willing to use violence or his smart mouth to scare them off so expect an altercation of some sort when he finally spots the dickhead who’s been making your life difficult.

You’ll either wait for him to be finished or gratefully pull him away yourself before he has the chance to really mess the guy up. Once he’s calmed himself down, he’ll make a joke about being your knight in shining armor with a smile, chuckling as you roll your eyes and pull him in for a kiss.

Just Beware, from that day forward, he’ll get almost smug any time he see’s your ex in public. 

Cowboy~

Robert is; more or less, a bit more logical/mature with his attempts at diffusing the situation although it does depend on the extent of which this guy is bothering you and the responses you get. He’s more patient, giving the police a chance to do something before he takes matters into his own hands, though he certainly stays close to your side during that time.

He definitely goes full handy man on your ass and installs extra locks and alarms on your house and out of all the guys, he’s one of the most comforting. He’a a hugger so the instant you seem frightened, he’ll pull you close and assure you everything’s alright.

If the authorities™ aren’t going to do anything about it then you bet your ass he will. He’s a proud Texan and has that “if you fuck with my stuff, I will blow you away” type of mentality that most; conservative, gun owning southerners have.

He won’t go out to hunt your ex but he’ll wait for him to come to the two of you and make a good show of sitting on your porch with a sawed off shotgun in hand and a scowl on his face.

Animal mother~

Animal Mother is borderline feral when it comes to his “territory”. The instant he hears about someone bothering you, he’s fully prepared to teach them a very painful, possibly lethal lesson. There’s not even any waiting until they come around themselves; he’s going to go out and find them. 

He doesn’t find it funny at all; not on the inside at least. He might act like your ex amuses him; most likely to his face to show that he isn't scared of him, but in actuality he’s pissed. He’s two seconds away from throwing a punch at any given moment so if you don’t want that to be the outcome of their confrontation, you’ll have to try very hard to pull him away. He’s definitely the guy who scares off your ex the quickest and most effectively. 

He’ll never admit to it, but a part of him is almost proud of the predicament. He certainly isn’t happy that this guy is harassing you but he feels proud over the fact that he’s the one who has you; the girl that's so desperately sought after by this guy that he’d go to such great lengths to get close to you again. 

Though I should warn you, depending on the situation and how you explain it, the whole ordeal may make him a bit suspicious of you; at least at first. He’ll wonder why this guy isn’t leaving you alone and if you could possibly be trying to play him for a fool. We know Animal Mother isn’t the brightest or most sensitive of the bunch so don’t hold it too much against him. Once he sees how much the mans stalking is bothering you, he’ll drop those ugly thoughts and trust you completely. 

Eightball~

Alice has got a surprisingly short temper, especially when he’s being personally insulted. And when someone messes with you, he takes that as a personal attack on him. If he has the chance to confront your ex then he’ll do it, most likely scaring him off with his brutal words before he even throws a punch. 

He insists on being your escort, driving you to work, staying at your place when you want him to or when he feels like there's a need. He’ll magically seem to show up at the right place at the right time, a snarky somewhat nonchalant comment leaving his lips as he intercepts your ex and gets you behind him. He’ll try and play it cool but if the guy isn’t standing down, he’ll drop the smile and use some intimidation. 

He’ll make it very clear that you’ve moved on and if he doesn’t too, he’ll be missing a few teeth the next time he comes around you. He’s sorta cocky as your ex stalks off but you can’t bring yourself to be annoyed by his smug smile, not after he just scared off the bane of your existence. 

Crazy Earl~

Earl has the ability to remain oddly calm no matter what’s going on around him. So when you tell him that your ex is stalking you, he listens carefully, nodding along before asking you what you’d like him to do in the most earnest voice you’ve ever heard. He’s willing to do whatever you want him to, all you have to do is ask. 

Another important thing about Earl: he’s sorta strange. He thinks violence is fun and dark subjects like stalking interest him. He’s a weird guy so if your ex and him ever had an actual conversation, the guy would probably leave you alone on account of you dating a lunatic. 

On that note, he’s more than happy to talk to your ex for you. He’ll confront him and; at first, try to be levelheaded albeit in his own strange way. He’s sort of just weirdly intimidating in general so even though he’s trying to talk to the guy like a normal person, he’s probably giving off serious serial killer vibes the entire time.

If things go south, or if he feels his message isn’t coming across clear enough, he’ll get violent …but in a calm way. He’ll beat your ex boyfriends ass but it’s as though he’s an outsider in the situation and isn’t personally invested in it. …Like I said, he’s strange.

Once he’s finished “talking”, he’ll return to your side and give you a kiss on the head, silently assuring you that you’re not going to be bothered again. 

Rafterman~

Although Rafterman likes to think of himself as a tough guy who isn’t scared by any man, he really isn’t very confrontational. If it really came down to it then he could certainly hold his own or get physical but he tries his best to avoid that. Instead, he’ll go with you to get a restraining order, install locks and alarms at your place or have you stay with him so that you feel more safe, but he isn’t really eager to go out and fight your ex.

He’ll make it very clear that you’re together when you’re out in public and walk you wherever you need to go so that he doesn’t have as many chances as getting close to you. If he’s forced to or he’s had enough then he’ll talk to the guy himself, telling him that he’s freaking you out and that he needs to leave you alone. 

Once he’s finished threatening the guy, he’ll come back to you sort of jittery though the kiss you give him calms his nerves and fills him with pride. He tries to act like he wasn’t nervous but you know he was and find it both cute and sweet. 

Sgt Gunnery~

Oh he’ll handle it. Handle it with a beer and shotgun pointed at the maggots face. 

It’s quite literally Gunnery’s job to put people in their place so obviously he’ll be quite efficient in his attempts at getting the boy to leave you alone. In fact, it’s very likely that the instant your ex see’s him, he’ll just book it the other way. Everyone in your town knows about the man and what he does for a living so it’s very rare that anyone messes with him; at least not on purpose. 

If your ex doesn’t immediately run away with his tail between his legs then it’s probably because he doesn’t know who he is. And when I tell you he learns fast, he learns fast. It takes all of two second for your darling drill instructor to land a blow to the boys stomach and verbally tear him in two. Obviously, after that, your ex boyfriend won’t be too keen on getting close to you anymore. 

Overall, Gunnery takes the situation very seriously and assures you that he won’t let anything happen to you. He’ll most likely teach you some self defense as well, or at the very least get you a can of mace and tell you to give him a call if anything happens, no matter how small. 

Pyle~

Leonard's a lover, not a fighter. To be entirely honest, he’s sort of useless in this situation. The only thing Leonard can really do is scare him off with his size/looks alone and get him to back off since it’s obvious that you’ve found someone else.  

I suppose that if it really came down to it, he could fight but merely because he could use his weight to his advantage. He’s not particularly well spoken or coordinated but he could throw a mean right hook if need be.

Mostly, Leonard's good for comfort. If you’re scared or upset than he’s a shoulder to cry and and arms to be held by. He may not be able to get your ex to stop but he’ll still be able to make you feel more safe and less alone. 

[snelbz]

Life As We Know It {Chapter One}

Summary: After the sudden deaths of Nesta’s sister and Cassian’s best friend, they gain guardianship of their nephew, Nyx.

Based on Life As We Know It (2010) and a prompt sent in by anonymous for our Nessian fanfic contest. This is a modern au.

Instead of doing a tag list for this story, we have decided to have a set posting schedule. Chapters will be posted weekly on Mondays and Thursdays. Chapters will be posted on both my and Tara's blogs! >> @tacmc.

Life As We Know It Masterlist

Shelby's Masterlist

Tara's Masterlist

5 years later….

Nyx looked at his birthday cake and the lone candle that was lit atop the icing before looking up at Feyre with a confused expression on his beautiful, little face.

His mother laughed, quietly, before leaning forward and taking out the candle. She had just blown out the flame when Rhys barely pushed the cake closer to Nyx, who put his chubby, little hands smack-dab in the middle of the icing and dug in.

Everyone had come to celebrate, and even Nesta couldn’t stop her smile from showing. At least, she let it show when she was on the opposite end of the house from the one and only, and massively self-centered, Cassian Nazari.

Of course, he would be at Nyx’s first birthday party. He was Nyx’s uncle - maybe not by blood, not that blood mattered when it came to Cassian, Rhysand, and their other lifelong friend, Azriel.

He, too, stood across the kitchen, watching as Elain snapped picture after picture of the jubilant baby, the mess atop his high chair the largest Nesta had ever seen. She knew Elain was taking notes for their own daughter’s birthday party, though she was barely three months old.

Rhysand’s smile was as big as Feyre’s as they watched their son, listening as his giggles filled the kitchen. Nyx realized quickly that the cake was for him alone and after smashing it for a few moments, he lifted a large handful to his chubby face and took a bite. His eyes lit up and that started the giggling anew.

Nesta loved her nephew and niece, had loved him since the day they were born, but she didn’t envy her sisters and their happy families. Unlike them, she had remained perfectly content on her own, especially after the endless string of disaster dates she had been forced to sit through throughout the years.

And children? It wasn’t that Nesta disliked kids. Not all kids, at least. She loved her nephew and niece, anyway. Having one of her own, though? Having to be around one every day? Every night? Having to constantly try and make a tiny person content?

No, thank you. That was a challenge she had little interest in.

A deep rumbling laugh came from across the house and Nesta looked up to find Cassian entering the kitchen, still chuckling at something Mor had said.

As hard as she tried, she couldn’t keep her lip from curling slightly as she looked at him. It only infuriated her more when he caught sight of her as he raised his beer to his lips and winked.

He was absolutely insufferable.

After their catastrophe of a date years ago, which Nesta had made Feyre promise was a stunt she’d never pull again, she had only been forced to be around Cassian Nazari a handful of times.

One of which was during Feyre and Rhysand’s wedding, only months after their date.

“You only have to walk with him for thirty seconds,” Feyre had sighed, while Mor continued to pin and curl her hair into place. “You don’t have to be happy about it.”

“Good,” Nesta said, draining the glass of champagne in her hand. “Because I’m not.”

As Feyre’s maid-of-honor, it was customary that she was supposed to walk out of the wedding arm in arm with Rhysand’s best man. She wished that he’d picked Azriel, but since it seemed the Cauldron hated her, it had to be Cassian.

Elain, who was harboring the world’s most obvious crush on Azriel at the time, was thrilled with how they’d be exiting the wedding. Nevertheless, she said to Nesta, “I think you two got off on the wrong foot. He’s a really good guy, Nes.”

Nesta shot her youngest sister a look of pure annoyance through the mirror’s reflection. “Have any of you ever been on a date with the guy? And not only a date, but the worst date of your life?”

Feyre snorted, fully aware of where this conversation was headed. “No.”

“Then you have no room to talk,” Nesta snapped, admiring herself in the mirror. “Mother’s tits, Feyre, he wore jeans to the nicest restaurant in Velaris!”

“At least he didn’t wear his boots,” Mor muttered, then she caught Nesta’s glare in the mirror. “Really? He wore his boots?”

“He was dressed for an all-night, summer bonfire,” Nesta said, shaking her head. “And he’s completely full of himself. And, he forgot his wallet!”

“Not like you can’t afford dinner,” Feyre said, and Nesta’s lips snapped shut. She was fully aware that the conversation had somehow become a let’s-pick-on-Nesta session.

Feyre added, “You have to walk back down the aisle with him, share an entire table during dinner, and that’s it. No one is asking you to dance with him, but be nice.” Nesta met Feyre’s eyes, her jaw set. Feyre sighed, “Fine, be civil.”

She scoffed, but nodded. “Fine.”

The ceremony itself went off without a hitch. It was beautiful and elegant and the perfect wedding Rhys and Feyre had always wanted.

She ignored Cassian’s unending looks the whole night, managed to give her maid-of-honor speech without snarling at him, and after that, took advantage of the open bar her sister and new brother had so kindly provided.

She was coming out of the bathroom, a glass of wine still clutched in her hand, doing her best not to trip over her own feet when she walked into a wall.

A wall of solid muscle that turned out to be Cassian’s back.

When he turned around and she looked up at him, his eyes were nearly as glazed as hers.

“Hello, Nes,” he said, smirking down at her.

She bit out, “Don’t call me that.”

“That was a pretty, little speech you gave,” he said, leaning against the wall. “I know true love exists cause I’ve seen it first hand. Poetic.”

Nesta scoffed, brushing off the skirt of her dress as if he had tainted it. “Don’t flatter yourself. I wasn’t referring to you. I was talking about Feyre and Rhys, in case you thought otherwise.”

“Oh, I didn’t,” he promised. “Honestly, I didn’t think you were talking about anyone. Just some fluffy shit that sounded sweet. Unless it’s that guy that showed up at the restaurant and ruined our date. Oh, wait,” he began, tapping his chin as if in deep thought, “You dumped him though, right? Poor bastard.”

“You’re a prick,” Nesta bit out. She refrained from saying that Tomas hadn’t ruined their date. It was sad that seeing her ex was one the bright points of her night, rather than seeing the Greek god standing before her. The pretentious, cocky asshole of a Greek god.

He only grinned. “But am I a liar?”

Nesta’s jaw locked. She eyed his tux. “I’m just glad you decided to clean up for your own brother’s wedding. No jeans?”

He scoffed. “Is that the worst you’ve got?”

“Do you prefer me to give you my worst?” she asked, brows furrowing. “If so, you may want to be careful what you wish for.”

Cassian said nothing, just lifted the beer she hadn’t noticed in his hands to his lips.

Nesta rolled her eyes, brushing past him, and made a move to head back into the reception.

His voice called out behind her, “You don’t have to be such a miserable bitch, you know?”

She froze, looking back at him. He was no longer smirking at her. Instead, his eyes were intense. “Excuse you?”

“You’re so miserable that you won’t allow anyone else to have any fun, won’t allow yourself to either,” he said, still leaning against that damn wall. He crossed his arms over his muscular chest, his dress shirt tight and loose in all the right places. “You want everyone else to suffer, just because you’re forcing yourself to, for whatever reason.”

“You don’t know a damn thing about me,” she bit out, stalking back over to him. She was so close she had to look up into his face.

“I don’t,” he said, words clipped. “I tried, but you didn’t seem very inclined to let me get to know you during our date. You were more concerned with my attire and your ex than you were with me. You thought all I wanted to do was fuck you.” His eyes, still glassy and glazed, dragged down her body and back up again. “Besides, you’ve got that damn stick shoved so far up your ass, there wouldn’t have been room for my cock even if I’d really even tried.”

A blink was Nesta’s only reaction. Then her hand was moving of its own accord, splashing her full glass of wine directly in his face and all over that pretty, white shirt.

“Go fuck yourself,” was all she’d said before she walked back into the ceremony, leaving him there to drip on the venue’s fancy carpet.

“Nesta!”

She blinked, Feyre’s voice drawing Nesta out of her memories, looking over at her sister. She stood next to Rhys and Elain, who had her camera in her hands, and Cassian stood behind Nyx’s high chair.

“I want a picture of him with his godparents, come here,” she beamed and Nesta tried not to cringe.

She had been so proud, her heart feeling like it would burst when Feyre and Rhys had asked her to be Nyx’s godmother. There was no hesitation when she said yes, tears lining her eyes as she’d hugged both her sister and brother-in-law.

She tried not to think about the fact that when they’d told her Cassian was his godfather, she nearly asked them to give the distinction to Elain.

But she hadn’t, wouldn’t. Despite what others, especially Cassian, thought of her… Nesta loved her nephew.

She loved her family.

With a sigh, Nesta meandered over to Nyx’s high chair. “Alright.”

“Closer,” Feyre ordered, gesturing Nesta to move in closer beside Cassian behind the high chair.

Nesta’s lips pursed but she took another step toward the boys for her sister’s sake.

“I’m not poisonous, Nesta,” Cassian muttered, smiling at the camera as he spoke. “You won’t burst into flames if we brush arms.”

“You’d be so lucky to brush arms with me,” she muttered back, hoping the smile she was giving her sister was convincing - and knowing full well that it wasn’t.

Without another word, Cassian tossed his arm around Nesta and said, “Cheeeeese!”

Nyx was giggling, looking up at his godparents behind him. There was so much joy and adoration in those big, beautiful eyes that Nesta didn’t have the heart to storm off, leaving Cassian in her dust, no matter how much she wanted to.

The camera’s flash went off and Nesta pushed Cassian’s arm off her shoulder.

The rest of the party was perfect. Feyre took Nyx up to the bathroom to clean him off, while Rhysand, Azriel, and Cassian hauled his many gifts out into the living room. Feyre opened them one by one, despite everyone knowing Nyx had no clue what was going on, though he did clap his chubby little hands and giggle at a few particular items. Nesta stood off to the side with Elain, holding a milk-drunk, sleepy Seph in her arms.

Azriel and Elain’s little girl had been a surprise, neither of them planning on Elain getting pregnant so soon after they got married. They both fell into the role of parents so seamlessly though, that Nesta knew another baby would be in their near future. They adored the baby girl, and she was the most perfect baby Nesta had ever seen.

Persephone hardly cried, only doing so when she was hungry or needed to be changed, and once whatever wrong was taken care of, she became a happy, smiley baby again.

Nyx, on the other hand, had been a hellion as a baby.

Which was to be expected, considering who his father was. Although responsible when necessary, Rhysand was just as much of a madman as Cassian...especially when infused with alcohol.

“You look good with a baby,” Elain crooned from beside her sister.

Nesta rolled her eyes. “You can keep trying to push me down the marriage-baby road, but I just won’t take it. Wasting your time.”

Elain sighed, dramatically, with that little grin remaining on her soft pink lips. “As long as you stay such a good auntie, I suppose I can’t complain.”

Nesta looked down at the sweet, sleeping infant in her arms. She didn’t mind those little snuggles.

She did mind the diaper blowouts, constant spit-ups, and loud crying, though. That’s usually when she gave Seph back to her parents and blissfully enjoyed her independent life.

Feyre gasped and Nesta looked up. She was holding a little guitar that had Nyx’s name and the night sky engraved into the dark-stained wood.

Nesta’s eyes snapped to Cassian.

Cassian smiled, fondly, at Feyre. “I know he won’t be able to start messing with it for another few years, but I couldn't help myself.”

“He made that himself, you know.” Nesta’s eyes shot to Elain, who was watching the scene before them. She whispered again, “He doesn’t do it for a living, of course, but it’s a hobby of his, making guitars. He’s really good.”

She blinked, the information catching her off guard for whatever reason. But all she said was, “That’s nice.”

She spent the rest of the afternoon, ignoring the man as much as she could, as she always did. But as the guests began to dwindle, as Nyx and Seph went down for their naps, the three sisters gathered in the living room, while Rhys, Azriel, and Cassian went out back to inspect the small jungle gym Rhys was building for Nyx. Again, he was too young to use most of it, but the tiny swing and slide would be hours of fun for the little man.

Feyre brought two cups of coffee out to her sisters before collapsing next to Elain on the couch. “That could not have gone better if we tried.”

Nesta leveled her a look and raised an eyebrow.. “If we tried? You had a minute-by-minute itinerary for a one-year-old’s birthday.”

“Everything was perfect,” Elain smiled, cutting off Nesta, blowing on her coffee gently. “Nyx had a good time, neither he nor Seph had a blow-up, Cassian and Nesta managed to be in the same room without stabbing each other. All in all, a good day.”

Nesta rolled her eyes before throwing a vulgar gesture towards her sisters, who were both laughing.

“Fine, new subject,” Feyre grinned. “Oh! Before I forget, Rhys and I are going out of town for our anniversary in a few weeks. I was hoping you could watch Nyx for a few days.”

It took Nesta a moment to realize that Feyre was talking to her. She froze, having been blowing on her own hot coffee. “I’m sorry, what?”

Feyre laughed, quietly. “I was hoping that you could watch Nyx while Rhys and I go away for a long weekend. We’re going to the mountains for our anniversary. To his family’s cabin.”

“Oh, that sounds nice,” Elain said, looking at Nesta.

Who blinked, having only unfrozen to set her coffee down on the table between them. “You want me…to watch Nyx…for the weekend? Alone? By myself? Just me and him?”

“That’s what I was hoping for, yeah,” Feyre said, nodding as she sipped from her cup. “You can come here, where all of his stuff is in one place, and make yourself at home.” She shrugged. “I’ll leave money for takeout and the key to the wine cabinet.”

Nesta hesitated. “I’ve only babysat Nyx a couple of times…all for, like, an hour each.”

“It will be fine,” she said, a genuine smile on her face. “It will only be three nights, really. We’ll leave after work on Thursday and be home Sunday evening.”

Nesta stammered and shook her head. “I have to work on Friday, the restaurant-.”

“I’ll keep him during the day on Friday,” Elain offered. “I don’t have any shoots that day, so he can spend the day with me and Seph.”

“You could keep him the whole weekend,” Nesta tried, looking at her younger sister hopefully.

“Seph is enough of a handful,” she chuckled, glancing at Feyre, who was nodding as well. “I don’t think I can handle two at once for an entire weekend.”

“Please, Nes,” Feyre said, drawing her eldest sister’s eyes to her. “I know you can do it and it would be nice for you to spend some time together, just you two.”

“And you can call me, if you need anything,” Elain added.

Nesta looked from Feyre to Elain. “You two already planned this.” They at least had the wherewithal to look guilty. She sighed, closing her eyes and shaking her head. “Fine. But I’ll probably end up calling both of you every thirty seconds.”

“I can work with that,” Feyre said, just as Elain said, “Then it’s settled!”

“Yeah, yeah,” Nesta snorted, shaking her head. “But, I hope you know that I wouldn’t do this for anybody else.”

“Oh, I know,” Feyre grinned, “which is what makes you such a wonderful, wonderful big sister.”

“I am pretty damn wonderful,” Nesta agreed, grinning as she sipped from her mug.

As she drank, she peeked out the window, where the boys were putting together the playset. Once she did, only one thing caught her eye.

Cassian was already watching her.

And when he caught her gaze, that stupid little, cocky-ass grin appeared.

She hated that grin, hated it with every ounce of her being.

And she wouldn’t feel bad for it, no matter how much her sisters adored the guy.

She hated him, hated Cassian Nazari.

And she always would.

[etoileholland]

don’t leave me waiting here

Anonymous asked: The reader is trying to comfort peter after he failed a mission. peter’s injuries and headache cause him to lash out at the reader. 🥺

Pairing: Peter Parker and reader

Warnings: angst but fluff at the end, mentions of injuries but no details of how it looks I promise

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, but some of the ‘medical statements’ I wrote in here are just what I’ve learned from personal experience from growing up in hospital/doctors settings. 

Word count: 3.9k (wow look who finally got inspired to actually write something longer than 2k)

A/N: I know it’s been a while since I’ve posted but my life has been pretty hectic recently, and as a result I lost motivation to write. Requests are open so please send something in! (Preferably for Peter Parker right now because I feel like I have a lot of motivation to write for him. If you’ve sent in a Tom request I’ll probably get around to it, but idk when so sorry in advance) 

Peter had trudged back home, but stopped in his tracks right as he made his way to his apartment door. He knew that if he went home looking tattered and as disheveled as he did, May would be concerned, and when she’s concerned it makes him concerned. He didn’t want to talk about how he had his ass beat by a few bad guys, and because of this, Tony put him on probation until “he can get his shit together and prove himself to be worthy.” His words, not mine. 

Knowing full well that he didn’t want to talk about it, he turned on his heels to make his way to your residence. You lived only a few blocks away from him, and it seemed that he was at your place more than his own. Walking slowly, it took him longer than usual to reach your apartment complex, but the solemn walk was almost comforting.

Shoulders slumped, he rang the bell to your apartment and waited for you to buzz him into the door. He waited a few seconds before impatiently ringing the bell again and again until you finally answered after the sixth time.

“Damn, who is it? What in the world do you want?” You were clearly annoyed, and the person on the other end of the intercom remained silent. 

Peter didn’t realise that it hurt him to speak, but it would make sense due to the fact that one of the bad guys punched him square in the throat. He opened his mouth but nothing but a squeak came out. 

“If this is a sick joke, or a prank, I suggest you leave immediately before I call the cops.”

“It’s not,” he whispered up to the speaker, “a joke.” He took a sharp inhale in before saying, “‘S Peter.”

“Peter?” You asked, “Why are you whispering?”

He didn’t have the strength to reply, that alone hurt too much to say. 

When he didn’t respond, you ran over to the living room window that overlooked the city street, one that also overlooked the front gate. You could recognise Peter anywhere, but his demeanour seemed, well, different. You skipped back over to the speaker and pushed the button for him to be able to enter the building. Usually he ran up the stairs and would be at your door in an instant, but today it took him about three minutes to trudge up the stairs while he practically dragged himself to your door.

You opened the door before he could knock, gasping at the sight of him. He had a black eye, a few cuts on his face, and his clothes looked as though they were put through a shredder; cuts and scrapes visible underneath the tattered clothes. He didn’t even tilt his head up to meet your gaze, all he did was take a step forward into your outstretched arms. You led him into your apartment and locked the door.

“Pete?” You whispered, “are you okay?” 

He shook his head no and let out a small sob. “Do I look okay?” He quietly asked.

“No, come here angel.” You held onto him tighter and put your hand on the back of his neck and stroked the little curls on the nape of his neck. He sobbed again and held you tighter, not wanting to let go. 

“Would you wanna talk about it?” You asked but he shook his head no again. 

“It hurts to talk, was punched in throat. And head.” He whispered back and let go from your embrace. He walked over to your couch to lay down on it, already knowing what was going to come next. You went into the bathroom and grabbed some gauze, medical tape, hydrogen peroxide and some Neosporin. Supplies in hand, you walked back over to Peter who had his eyes closed with his head tilted slightly back. 

“Is your throat okay?” You set the supplies down on the coffee table and shook your head. “What kind of question is that, of course it’s not okay. I should take you to the hospital asap.” 

“Don’t.” He croaked out, “Don’t you dare.” 

“Fine.” You didn’t want to start an argument, but if you saw anything more unusual than the usual bruises and cuts, then a trip to the ER would be necessary. First, you assessed to see if his pupils dilated under a flashlight, which would indicate a sign of a concussion, but surprisingly it seemed he didn’t have one. 

“My head hurts.” He added, his voice sounding more normal than before.

“Where, specifically?” 

With a wince and a groan, he lifted his arm to point to where there was a large bump on his forehead. When it comes to head injuries, like a bump on the head, it’s better to see the damage externally, which usually signified that the head was alright internally. 

“Let me get you some ice.” You got up and swiftly walked over to the freezer and pulled out a bag of frozen peas. A few seconds later you were back by Peter’s side, holding the bag of ice to his head.

About twenty minutes and a lot of gauze later, Peter was finally patched up like new. His voice came back and although he said it still hurt, at least he was able to talk again. 

“Now would you want to tell me what happened? Also from the looks of it, it doesn’t seem like you were wearing your suit, why not?” 

“I said I don’t want to talk about it, Y/N. Now drop it.”

“Peter, if you didn’t want me to know about it then you would’ve just gone back home and-”

“I only came because I knew you would be the only one who would fix me up, okay? I didn’t come to be interrogated, and I sure as hell didn’t come here to feel ridiculed, do you understand?” He seethed, eyes glaring at you. 

“Well maybe if you would at least tell me what happened I-”

“I don’t want to talk! I don’t care what happened, and now I’m regretting showing up here.” Peter attempted to sit up but groaned and fell back onto the couch in his original position. “I wish I hadn’t come round.”

You let his words hang in the air for a minute until you decided to speak. “I didn’t know you only saw me as a medic, and not your friend. At least I now know how you really see me.” You exhaled audibly and stood up. “And when you’re able, please leave and never come back.” You left Peter alone and walked into your bedroom door, slamming it shut.

He covered his eyes with his hands, wincing at the pain and letting out a sigh. He didn’t see you only as his medic, or even just his best friend. No, he saw you more than that. He was in love with you, which was why he always would come around to be fixed when he needed it. He loved how you treated him with care and made him feel safe when all he felt was scared and afraid. You always took away the pain, and he loved how close you would be to him, how your touch always felt so nice and loving. 

When you said that you wanted him to leave and never come back, he knew that you had finally washed your hands of the situation. You were never one to walk away from people, but once you finally had enough, there was almost no convincing you otherwise. He was hit with the revelation that maybe, just maybe, you’ll really never wanna see him again. A thought so depressing that all he could do was cry. 

He felt the tears stream down his cheeks and felt them roll off his face and onto the pillow that his head was resting on. He gasped for air but winced when it felt like he couldn’t breathe, probably due to him being kicked in the side. More tears rolled down his cheeks until he felt like he may just drown in them. He eventually cried himself to sleep, hoping that sleeping would somehow make the situation better.

—

Peter awoke a few hours later, a conclusion he came to because when he fell asleep, it was dusk, and now the curtains were drawn in the living room and a lamp in the far corner illuminated the room. He carefully sat up and noticed that his head seemed to feel a bit better, even though he didn’t remember you giving him any medicine for it. He stood up and steadied himself against the edge of the couch while slowly walked towards the bathroom. Your room was a door down from the bathroom, and he saw that it was still closed. He couldn’t hear any little sounds coming from your room indicating you were inside, and he wondered if you decided to go as far as leave him by himself in your apartment. Your parents were away for the weekend anyway, so it wouldn’t really matter if you were gone too for the night until he went home.

After freshening up in the bathroom, he decided to knock on your door and see if you were even home. There was no reply from the other side of the door, but Peter decided to see if the door was unlocked. Surprisingly it was, to which he quietly opened the door and stepped into your room. You were laying in your bed with your laptop on your lap, earbuds placed in your ears. When your gaze met his, you averted your gaze back to your laptop.

“Y/N, can we please talk?” He asked, voice hushed as if to not anger you further. He awaited your response, but you ignored his question. “Please?”

“Oh, so now you want to talk.” You remarked and slammed your laptop shut. “That’s funny, when I wanted to talk to you, you shut me down and ridiculed me and made me feel inferior, but now that you want to talk, I’m just supposed to be okay with that.” You huffed out an angry laugh.  

“I-”

“Listen to what I’m going to say, hmm? I don’t care about what happened to you earlier today, and I won’t care about what happens after this. I just need you to leave me alone and I meant it when I said it.” You got up and took a step closer to Peter. “Now you know what it feels like when you want to speak to someone but they just keep shutting you down.” 

Peter stood there speechless for this was a side of you that he had never seen before. One that was cold, vindictive.

“Aren’t you going to leave?” You questioned, but Peter felt like he was frozen. “Well, aren’t you?” Your voice quivered, and a tear escaped your eye. He physically couldn’t move, and when he tried to open his mouth, no words came out. He was in shock, all he could do was stand there while watching the situation unfold.

Defeated, you took a step back and crawled back into your bed. Opening your laptop, you placed your earbuds back in, ignoring Peter as if he didn’t exist. 

Peter took a step back until he was standing in the hallway. He wiped away a tear that he didn’t know had escaped his eye, and walked out of your apartment. 

—

A week had passed since the incident with Peter, and he was nowhere to be found. Rumours circulated that he moved schools, or that he dropped out of school entirely. The curiosity coursed through your veins, and you had to know if he was okay. You shuddered at the words that replayed in your head, when you told Peter that you no longer cared about him. It was definitely untrue, and the worry was consuming you whole. 

At lunch, you saw MJ and Ned sitting together. They both looked exhausted and the looks on their faces proved that the worry was eating them alive too. Peter never missed school--he’s had perfect attendance since kindergarten, so for him to miss a whole week was a big deal.

Hesitantly, you placed your hands in your, well, Peter’s sweatshirt pocket and walked over to where MJ and Ned were sitting. They shot you a disapproving gaze, which made you wonder if Peter told them what happened between you two. 

“Hey,” You said while looking at them both. MJ downright ignored you, but at least Ned acknowledged your presence. 

“Hey.” He replied curtly.

MJ looked past you, and so to not waste anyone’s time, you decided to get to the point.

“So, um, is Peter alright? I noticed that he wasn’t in school and-”

“So you care now?” MJ asked, voice laced with a bit of hostility and sadness.

“I’ve always cared, I-”

“Well that’s not what Peter said.” Ned chimed in. “We went round his place yesterday, and I don’t know what you said to him but he’s beyond devastated. He knows he screwed up with you, and he’s sorry about that.”

“There’s probably a lot you don’t know, and-”

“That’s for sure.” MJ stated.

“God, will one of you at least let me finish a sentence? I swear, you and Peter both won’t let me get a word in.”

“Fine.” Ned replied.

“Good. I was going to say that there’s a lot to this situation, and without going into too many details, he said he only sees me as a medic and not even a friend.”

“Oh.” They said in unison.

“Yeah. So I think I had every reason to get mad at him when he didn’t tell me what was going on.”

“I think so.” Ned responded, and MJ looked at you sympathetically. 

“You know, there’s also a lot you don’t know either Y/N.” MJ hinted and when she saw the confused look on your face, she continued. “Peter hasn’t always been honest with you, which is why he’s beating himself up now and staying home from school. He can’t stand to see you hate him, which is why he isn’t here.” She stood up from her seat and Ned followed suit. “Now if you'll excuse us, we have an acadeca practice to go to.”

And with that, they left you standing in the middle of the cafeteria absolutely dumbfounded.

—

Another painstakingly slow week had passed and you were studying in your room, preparing for midterms. You could hardly focus in school anymore, and as a result your grades had been slipping. Luckily your parents were gone again at another business conference, and they wouldn’t be home for a few weeks, which gave you plenty of time to sort your grades out before they came home. 

You were so concentrated on studying US history that you nearly failed to hear the ring from the intercom. It took about six rings until it had registered that someone was at the front door, so you scrambled to answer it.

“I’m sorry, I was busy and I didn’t hear the bell ring. May I ask who’s there?” You asked in your ‘receptionist’ voice, hoping that whoever rang was still there. You were met with silence so you looked out the living room window to see if the person was still down there. 

You looked down and saw a man standing there, head tilted down looking at the pavement, holding a bouquet of flowers in his left hand. You didn’t recognize who he was but you didn’t get the feeling that he was dangerous, so you opened the window and called out to him. 

“Did you need something sir?” You inquired and nearly fell out the window when you saw that it was Peter looking up at you. He looked so different than what you were used to; his hair was long and he wore baggy sweats and a black hoodie. 

“Y/N, please just give me a minute to explain and I promise I’ll leave you alone after this.” He hollered to you, to which you closed your window and locked it. 

Peter sighed and was about to head home when he heard that the front gate was unlocked. He ran to open the door and sprinted up the stairs to your apartment. 

He was about to knock on the door when you opened it before he could knock. “You have precisely one minute.” You held open the door for him to come inside. 

Peter cleared his throat and said, “these are for you. I remembered that you once mentioned that the prettiest flowers you had ever seen in New York were from a corner florist in Manhattan, so I went there and got you these myself.” He held them out to you, which you graciously took from him. They really were the most beautiful flowers you had ever seen, and the nice gesture made what little anger you had left towards him dissipate completely. 

“Can I sit down?” He motioned to the couch, to which you nodded your head yes. You sat in the armchair across from the couch and Peter took a second to compose himself. He had a whole speech planned out on what he would say, but once he saw you he forgot everything. 

“Y/N, I’m sorry. I know it won’t cut it now and I had a whole speech memorised but now I’m flustered and I can’t remember it. I didn’t mean anything that I said that day. You mean so much to me and I was just in a bad mood because I found out that Mr. Stark was fighting some bad guys and I was in the area so I went to help him. I didn’t have my suit but I figured I’d be okay, but I had my ass beat by them and Mr. Stark saved me from them, but he was also injured in the process. He’s fine, by the way, but it would’ve been better if I didn’t intervene. The bad guys got away and he was so mad at me that he put me on probation until I can get my act together.” 

He caught his breath and looked at you to make sure you were still listening. You signaled for him to continue so he did. “He told me I was reckless and that I should’ve minded my own business. So I came to you all broken and injured, not because I see you as a medic, but because you make me feel better. I love that you can fix me up and make me feel safe and loved, and I’m sorry I said I only see you as someone who can repair me, because that’s not true.” 

“Is that all?” You asked, but Peter shook his head no. 

“There’s more. Ned and MJ told me that you spoke to them at lunch one day, and they said you were concerned. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you that I was okay, I just figured that what you said was true, that you really don’t care about me anymore. That day when we fought and you told me you never wanted to see me again, it broke my heart because I’ve never seen you that cold and calculating before. So I know that I messed up royally, which is why I avoided you and ultimately ditched school for a week. I didn’t want to see you that way and so I did what I thought was best, which was to leave you alone. But they said I should come talk to you since you didn’t seem mad anymore, so here I am. I wish I could go back in time to that day and tell you that you mean so much to me, and I’m sorry I made you feel inferior. You don’t have to forgive me, but I just thought you should know all of that.”

He stood up from the couch, pausing before saying, “I promised that if you listened to me, I would leave you alone. So thank you for your time, and I’ll get going now.” He tried to walk past you but you put your hand on his chest to stop him. 

“I need to say something too Peter. I shouldn’t have tried to force you to tell me what happened. It wasn’t right of me to pry and I’m also sorry that I said I didn’t care about you, because that’s so far from the truth. I care about you so much and it’s always so hard to see you hurt. This time the wounds seemed worse than usual, which would make sense because you didn’t have your suit to protect you. I was just really worried about you, that’s all.” You admitted.

“You don’t have to be sorry, it really was all my fault. I shouldn’t have snapped at you because I know you care about me, but I promise that if anything happens next time I’ll tell you and be honest and upfront.” 

“Well, I hope you won’t get injured again.” You placed your hand on his chest and he put his hand on top of yours. 

“Sadly I will, it’s a part of the job. But I promise I’ll try to be safer.”

“Good, because I don’t want to lose you.” You pulled your hand away but Peter held onto it. 

“I don’t want to lose you either.” Peter now let go of your hand, as he took a step towards your door. 

“Wait Peter, can I ask you something? 

“Of course.” 

“MJ said that you haven’t always been completely honest with me, what did she mean by that?” 

Peter’s face turned red, his cheeks burning up.“Oh, well, I guess now’s a good time to say it, I suppose. I don’t see you only as a f-friend.” He stammered. 

“How do you see me then, Peter?” You asked, and his face became redder. 

“More than a friend, Y/N. I’m in love with you, which is why I always come around because you make me feel safe and loved.”

“You’re in love with me?”

“I always have been, and I’m sorry I didn’t say anything soon-.” 

You cut him off by crashing your lips on his, and at first he was stunned, but he eventually kissed you back and deepened it. His lips glided against yours and he wrapped his arms around your waist to pull you closer to him. You wrapped your arms around his neck, reaching for and running your fingers through the curls on the back of his head. A minute later, you pulled away, but not before Peter lightly placed another kiss on your lips. “I love you, and I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner.”

“‘S okay, Pete. I love you too.”  You kissed his cheek and rested your forehead against his. 

“Do you forgive me for lashing out?” He inquired, and in confirmation you kissed his lips lightly. 

“Yes, I know you didn’t really mean it.”

“I didn’t.” He grabbed your hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “I missed you.”

You gently squeezed his hand and held it up to your lips, giving his hand a light kiss. “I missed you too Peter.” You tried your pull away but he pulled you closer to him. “Hey, while you’re here, would you wanna watch a movie or something?”

He didn’t answer your question but instead picked you up and began walking towards your bedroom. He wrapped his arm around your waist and peppered kisses on your cheek, causing you to giggle. “I can think of something else I’d rather do.” He grinned before kissing your lips and closing your bedroom door. 

—

Additional note: can you tell I love using Beatles lyrics as titles? They’re just so good. If you have any requests for Peter please send them my way. Anyway please let me know if you’d like to be added to the taglist :)

mes anges (taglist): @scarletxwidow​ @sunflowerhollands​ @fangirlwithasweettooth​ @taciturnspidey​ @musicalkeys​ @harrysleftchelseaboot​ @quaksonhehe​ @halfblood-princess-505-deactiva​