#and my ask box have been so pleasant and ever since I came back

[caxde]

yellow | steve harrington x reader

summary you're Dustin's older sister, you used to go out with Steve, but the distance broke you off, you're back in Hopkins, for good, and destiny makes you bump into eachother. (3.9k)

warnings fem!reader, fluff, mutual pining, yearning etc, slowburn exes! to lovers, idiots in love!!!, mentions of alcohol use, english is not my first language so I apologise if there’s some mistakes, not proof read! 

-

“Since when do you own this?” Dustin asked as he pulled a yellow crewneck out of one of the boxes. 

“Oh, uh…” You hadn’t seen it in a while. It fell on your hands as Dustin gave it to you, the softness of the fabric still holds a reminder of his cologne. “It’s not mine, it’s Steve’s.” 

He grew quiet for a second, looking at you intensely. They were still friends, Steve had seen him grow up, and was close to him, almost like a brother, and when you broke things off, you begged him to not leave him. He kept his promise, he always did. 

“Sorry.” He muttered, an apologetic look stayed on his face even when he stopped looking at you, you shook your head. He didn’t need to apologise, not to you anyway. 

“How is he?” The curiosity always took the best of you, and you had left quite some time ago, not really thinking about him. Running away so you wouldn’t have to think about a broken heart. 

“I haven’t told him that you came back home.” Your little brother blurted out, with a grin on his face, letting you know he is really glad that you’re actually back, his way of telling you he’d missed you. “He’s doing good. He’s working, and he went back to studying… He’s happy.” He smiled back at you, seeing how your face was no longer expressing grief or melancholy, but a pleasant smile. 

You were unsure of a lot of things, but one thing that you were certain of, he deserves all of the happiness in the world. 

“That’s nice to know.” Your attention went back to the sweater. The coldness of the night he left it to you seemed to reach your fingertips, and the warmth of the memory reached your gut, butterflies that you thought dead flew for a second. “You should give it back to him.” You added, lifting your head up to look at him. 

“You sure?” Even if he was the youngest, he always treated you in such a delicate manner, it made you softer, you had missed him. 

“Yeah, it’s been long enough.” You chuckled as you said it, and he nodded along. You hadn’t been home in years, hadn’t seen him in two of those. 

“I’m meeting him in a bit, I can give it to him then.” You nod, and he mouths a soft okey before leaving the room. 

You had a moment, for the first time since you had arrived back home, where you were alone. No music, no noise, no one else with you. 

You left so you could go to college, that was your excuse. Then he broke up with you, the distance only exposed other problems, in both of you. When you did break up, he told you that he still loved you, but it wasn’t enough. 

The echo of his words still with you, it isn’t enough, am i not enough? 

The sweetness of his voice shocked with his broken tone, tears fell from his eyes when he said goodbye. That was the last weekend you came down, and you had been avoiding coming back ever since. 

The walls of your room were empty, the new coat of paint now dry, half full boxes of clothes and shoes and memorabilia were scattered around the floor, the bed half done, the cover still having to be put. It seemed like a new beginning, a new chance for yourself. 

Not a lot of people knew you were back. Dustin knew, of course. It had been funny seeing him finally drive, his hands still a bit insecure behind the wheel, but he looked so happy being able to pick his sister from the airport, it had made you beam with happiness when you saw him.

And you had called Eddie as soon as you woke up today. He was ecstatic, begging you to come to a party tonight, telling you that he’d come pick you up as soon as his shift at the garage was done. You knew he’d missed you, even if he’d come often to the city, and vent over everything he had going on. Avoiding to bring him up, even if you did. 

So you laid down on your floor, staring at the same ceiling you did as you grew up in that same house. 

Before you were aware of what you were doing, or why, a pen rested on your hand, scribbling down on a piece of paper. 

Hey, I’m sorry it took this long to give it back, guess I wasn’t ready to let you go. Maybe I’ll never be. I hope you’re happy, and that you have everything you deserve. I’m also sorry if it stinks of me, it has been with me for a while now. Bye. 

PS. Don’t be a stranger. I’m here if you need me. 

You signed it, and folded it one too many times before dropping it inside the little bag that had his sweater in it, the green clashing with the yellow fabric. 

Dustin grabbed it before he left, you smiled when you heard that his car sounded the same. 

-

Loud music, sweaty people and colorful lights. 

Your drink was empty, it had been for a while.

Eddie smiled while he danced and took a sip of his drink, happy that you’re finally back, his head swinging back and forth. His attention was split, between you and an unknown blonde girl that was on the bar. You smiled when you caught her staring. 

“You’ve got a fan Edds.” You chuckled as you teased him. Raising your voice so he could hear you. 

“Who?” 

“The blonde”

“I don’t think that’ll work.” He laughed, his shyness coming in as it always did when the attention was on him. 

“I think it will if you actually go talk to her… buy her a drink?” You shake your head in her direction, he knows you’re actually telling him it’s okay, you can go, i’m okay. 

“Sure?” 

“Yeah, I’ll go to the other bar and get a drink, wait for you there.” He nodded, and you smiled as you saw him blush. 

He looked back at her, he rubbed his chin in a nervous manner, before actually walking over to her. You laughed at him, smiling deeply seeing your friend acting the same he always had. 

As you shook your head to yourself, stifling another laugh you left him on his own, Eddie flirted better when you weren’t around anyway. You started walking to the other bar area, the only problem, you had to find your way through the dance floor before you could reach it. You looked at the people there, all of them dancing mindlessly, some couples that had been formed, kissing or dancing together -it always made you smile, seeing people loving each other, publicly, without fear- and some doing what you were doing, looking around while downing their drink. 

You were halfway through, when you saw him. 

Everything else became fuzzy, the only clear image in your vision was him, wearing the yellow sweater. 

Steve saw you too. 

And time seemed to stop for a moment, and before it started again, there was a few seconds of slow motion. His hair flicking to the beat of the music, as his lips curved upwards at the sight of you, his eyes softening. He’d missed seeing you. He looks the same he did. You thought, though taller, broader, happier. 

Before you knew it, you were face to face. 

You didn’t say anything. You just looked at each other. Years of not seeing him, of avoiding him, it all didn’t matter now. His smile had the same effect on you as it always had, melting you on the spot. He broke the distance, and his arms wrapped around your waist, pulling you in close for a hug, your arms laying behind his neck, your fingers stroking his hair. 

I miss you. 

“Hi.” Steve whispered into your ear. An excited but yet calm tone could be heard in his tone. 

“Hi.” You whispered back, holding on to him for a second longer before pulling back. 

“Dustin told me you came back.” He raised his voice now that your head was no longer close to him. “I didn’t think I’d see you today.”

“I can tell.” You joked, as you grabbed his sweater, and you saw him chuckle in response. 

“D’you wanna go out? And talk?” He pointed at where the exit was. Of course you wanted to, you almost felt like you needed to. Hear his voice for once, not just remember it. 

As soon as you nodded, he started to head out, grabbing your hand as he passed in front of you. The same tingling feeling comes back to you, as if it was the first time you went on a date with him. The excited nervousness, the hopefulness, the wishing. 

Cold air hitted your chest, even if it was an unseasonably warm night, you blamed the alcohol because anything else would be too confusing, and you were really trying to not get too much into your head. Not now, when he was standing against the wall and his pretty brown eyes were fixed deep into yours. 

“So, how have you been?” He broke the silence, and the moment of admiration between the both of you. 

“Good.” You smile shyly to yourself. “I’ve been good.” 

“How did the big city treat you?” 

“Chicago is… Interesting.” You chuckled, as you scratched your forehead. He knew that was your anxious tick, the way you had when you had too many thoughts swimming around inside your mind. “Uh… You’d hate deep dish pizza.” 

He laughed, and the little butterfly hidden in your stomach came alive again. Warmness and goosebumps on your skin. 

“I did hate it.” He recalls, looking up for a moment, the street lights shining on him. He looks like a statue, you thought, unaware of how pretty he is.

“When did you try it?” 

“I was waiting for one of your classes to end, got hungry and saw a little place that was selling them, disgusting.” He shook his head in a funny manner, it made you giggle, so he did it again, wanting to hear you again. 

“I ended up liking it, y’know.” 

“Of course you did.” He teased, a finger poking your cheek, your face leaning into his touch. 

“You get used to it.” You shrugged, your hand reaching for your purse, searching for the pack of Marlboros you knew you had. 

“You’re good at that.” He grinned as his eyes became softer, he couldn’t stop looking you up and down. “You’re good at everything.”

“‘M not.” You laughed as you took a cigarette out, placing it between your lips. “I still can’t cook as good as you can.” 

“You miss my cooking?” He raised his eyebrows as he asked, a cheeky grin on his lips. 

“I dream about those meatballs you made.” You confessed, trying to hide your truthfulness with a giggle, that he saw through. His head tilted back for a moment, as his Adam's apple moved as he sifted a laugh. 

“D’you remember when I tried to teach you how to make Napolitanian pizza from scratch?” You started to laugh at the memory, failing to light your cigarette, hiding your face on the palm of your hand. 

His heart started to beat again, louder, stronger, faster. If you weren’t too busy trying to quiet yours down, you’d hear it.  

“God… I ended up covered in flour.” 

“Your hair was all white.” His tone softented, as did his eyes. His body seemed to be closer to yours, itching for contact. “I missed that laugh.” He finally confessed, even if the thought had been on his mind since he first heard it that night. 

“You did?” 

“Yeah, I missed you too.” 

It happened then. The wave of nervousness, relieved in an instance. 

He missed me. Hemissed me. Hemissedme. 

The excitement that came with it, the realisation that what you felt in some way was reciprocated. And that the complicated feelings were felt by the both of you. 

“Really?” Your voice was full of hope, your eyes shining bright at him. 

“Yeah.” He was blushing now, as he smiled. A wide upside down grin that made your stomach flutter. “Did you?”

“Of course I did.” 

How could you not? He has been the best person that has ever stood by you. Even if things had ended, you could only remember the good times, the fun times, the soft ones. How loved he made you feel every single day. How wanted. How cared for. 

“When we broke things off…” You started to rumble, as smoke escaped through your lips, finally having ignited the cig. “It wasn’t because I didn’t love you anymore.” 

“I know.” He muttered, his tone letting it known that he had a knot in his throat. “I still loved you.” 

“Yeah.” You looked up at him, your hand reaching for his, a needed familiar contact came back. “I needed to be okay.”

“Are you?” You knew he was worried about your answer, in a weird way, Steve never had stopped caring about you. And neither had you. 

“I am.” You nodded, the curve your lips made made him know that you couldn’t be lying. “I don’t have panic attacks every night, I’m fine being on my own. Honestly.” 

“I believe you.” His hand squeezed yours, the soft touch telling you he trusted you, implicitly. You felt yourself falling back into him. “And I’m proud of you, really.” 

“I’m proud of you too.” You finally took a step closer to him, your legs touching and a love sick grin on both of your faces. “Dustin told me you’re studying.” 

“Yeah well… I finally decided, I guess…” 

Even if your attention was on nothing else but him, when the doors opened and people started to come back to the street, smelling of alcohol, smoke and sweat. A chattering invaded the quiet street, and your focus changed. 

“Shit.” Your eyes were scanning the multitude, trying to find Eddie, or the blonde girl, or any of her friends. 

“What?” Steve’s eyebrow furrowed again, not really knowing why the swarm of people had made your demeanor change. Your hand letting his go, your body taking a step back. 

“I came with Edds… Do you see him?” 

“Oh, you’re with him?” You scoffed at the question, rolling your eyes lightheartedly, as you shook your head no. Steve nodded as the smallest grin appeared. A relief appeared in his face, and you chuckled at his question and reaction. 

“He’s a friend.” You still were trying to find him, people kept passing you by, taller, shorter and drunker. “D’you see him?” 

“No.” 

Steve left his hand on your shoulder, asking for your attention, knowing that you were getting into your head, and you were worrying too much too soon. And he also knew that once you felt his touch, your shoulders would relax and drop. Your mind stopped spinning. 

“D’you remember where he parked?” As soon as he speaks you feel grounded. You nodded, and he replicated the movement. “We’ll wait for him there then, come on.” 

You started walking, comfortable silence was one of your favourite things. Just knowing that he was there made you feel better, glancing at him from time to time, catching him staring at you everytime you did so. Making your lips curve everytime you catch him. 

The van wasn’t there. 

“Fuck.” 

“He left?” His tone was a bit agressive now, not at you, if anything he just was protective, so in consequence he seemed pissed that he had left you stranded. Alone. 

“I’m guessing he got lucky with the blonde.” You chuckled out of nervousness. Your hand playing with your hair, placing a strand of it behind your ear, trying to look everywhere but him. “S’fine, I’ll just call a taxi and wake Dustin up.”

“Shut up.” He scoffed, his arms crossing in front of his chest, looking down at you, a look of decision in his eyes. There was no way you were going home alone. “I’ll drive you, c’mon.” 

“I don’t have my keys.” You mumbled. “Dustin has mine. I was supposed to sleep over.”

“Then you’ll sleep over. Let’s go.” His hand reached out, an invitation you weren’t sure you should take, but do anyway. 

-

The car ride had been filled by music, and soft touches. Loving stares, and nervous chuckles. 

It really did feel like old times. 

It didn’t help that his house smelled the same, and time seemed to not move in the Harrington household. 

The only difference was the most noticeable of them all. All of the family pictures had been put down. 

“You changed it up.” You whispered as soon as you walked in, seeing the bare walls, were paint was darker where frames used to be. 

“They don’t live here anymore. So…” You knew he wanted to tell you about it, just as much as you knew he didn’t want to talk about it now, so you just nodded, and he understood what you knew. Words weren’t even necessary. 

“Who does?” You changed the topic, slightly, once you saw a jacket that wasn’t his hanged on the wall. 

“Robin.” He smiled, his face relaxing and becoming brighter. “Her parents didn’t really get the whole… uh… liking girls things.”

“Right, how is she?” You had wanted to reach out to her, but you weren’t sure if she’d wanted to hear from you, you worried, and Steve’s voice echoed in your head you worry too much.

“She missed you.” He confessed with a smile, starting to climb up the stairs, finding his way to his bedroom, you followed him closely. “We all did, I guess.” 

His head hung low for a second, remorse in his voice. Looking back at you for a moment before he turned on his bedroom light, his skin glistened under the moonlight that sneaked through his window. You smiled, seeing him in this light again, with the same background that you had becomed so familiar with once before. 

His walls where still the same colour, and bedsheets were still stripped. It smelled and felt the same as it had always done, and for a moment -however brief- you were back in time. 

You were eighteen again, and you were sneaking into his room for the first time again. 

The orangy bedside table filled the room again, and Steve had his boyish grin that had made you fall in love with him all those years ago. He looked at you, fondly, lovingly, melancholically, as you looked around, noticing the new photos on the wall. 

“Most of them are from Jonathan, some of them are your brother’s” You chuckled as you carefully looked at all of them, seeing what he had been up to. 

Him working at Family Video with Robin, him with his hands on his hips, apron on and full of flour with a rag over his left shoulder. Him asleep on the back of Eddie’s van. 

And your favourite one, Steve laing on your bed, looking straight through the camera, a smile that he was hiding behind his arm still evident by the way his face looks, barely woken up. You took that one, when he came to visit you, before you ended things. 

“You looked really beautiful.” You whisper, a tone of sadness could be noted on your voice. But your body relaxed when you felt him stepping closer to yours. 

“I don’t anymore?” He halved joked, the same lovesick look all over his face, his hair falling messily now that he had took his sweatshirt, hanging it back to you. A gesture that said you’re always cold before sleeping, you can wear it.

“Thanks.” You mutter before taking it, your body feeling his warmth through that piece of clothing. “You do. You always are.” 

He stood there for a second, and you could tell he wanted to say something he didn’t quite have the courage to do so. 

“What?” 

“Nothing.” He answered, his eyebrows furrowed and his lips pressed. You scoffed as you shook your head. He knew that you were saying don’t lie, i know you better than anyone. “Think I’m still drunk.” 

“Maybe.” You admit with a half laugh, as you feel the weight of the alcohol that you did drink, and how it had swapped for tiredness not that the clock was closer to four. “You still have something in your mind.” 

“Yeah.” He stepped closer to you. His voice was softer, quieter, sweeter. And his eyes couldn’t stop looking at yours. Well, that might have been a lie, he did look at your lips once or twice. His hand reached for yours, nervous that you might pull away. But you never did. You never could. “I’m sorry.” 

“What for?” You squeezed his hand tighter, wanting that gesture to make his frown disappear, but you only see his anxiousness shine for a second. 

“I don’t know. Nothing? Everything?” 

“You’re not making that much sense, Stevie.” It had slipped out, the old nickname. You felt a bit embarrassed until you saw him smile. A true deep fond smile. 

“I know, honey.” His didn’t, he chose to say it. The dopiest grin that made your heart skip a beat came back, while his fingers played with yours. You could feel the warmness of your cheeks staying there. “I just… I meant everything I said, when we were together.” 

“What-?” 

He interrupted you, too iger to let you know what he had been thinking since he saw you through the club lights and the sea of drunk people. 

“I told you, you were the one I love. It hasn’t changed. I’ve tried, believe me. I tried to stop loving you, and move on, and be with someone else, anyone, but they never came close to you. Nobody knows me like you do, nobody can read me like you do, and I don’t think I can love anyone else like I have loved you.” 

With every word, with every breath your body came closer to his, excitement and electricity growing with every word that reached your ears, you couldn’t really believe that it was really happening. 

And you weren’t conscious about what you were doing before you did. You just knew that your right hand was tangled with his, and that your left one was cupping his cheek, looking fondly at his eyes before closing the distance between your lips. 

They were as soft as you remembered. And he still tastes the same as he did. 

You enjoyed it, for as long as you could, your heart beating as one, as your breathing synchronized, and his neediness became yours. Your kiss, this gesture, was enough, more than words could even say. 

“I haven’t stopped.” Your voice comes out lower, softer, quieter than you intended to. Your forehead pressed to his. Your eyes still closed, enjoying the way your breathing was mixing with his. 

“Thank god.” He giggled as he pulled you close once again. 

The second kiss was longer than the first one, but it still made your heart flutter, and your skin warming up in familiar desire. His free hand found his way to your waist, holding you closely, afraid that if he opens his eyes you might disappear. 

“We can talk about us, tomorrow.” 

“Yeah.” 

You buried his head on his chest, as he pushed you closer to him. A warm hug that you didn’t want to see the end of, a closeness that you’d missed, and that you hoped you didn’t have to miss again. 

The promise that tomorrow you’d wake up next to him again, and his warmth wrapping you up under the sheets let you actually rest for once.

-

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[kamotecue]

her drunken mistake ✮ l. walti

pairing: lia walti x fem!reader

summary: it’s been a while since you transferred to chelsea, what happens if you meet a certain swiss player at an english pub?

part one, two and three

ever since you signed for chelsea, things have been going great. you weren’t a starter like everyone expected you to be, which you were okay with—but you did get the playing time, as a sub.

and when you went on the pitch, the game had changed. there wasn’t a game where you didn’t score a goal, or assisted one. but you hummed, entering the english pub, music and dancing had filled the room. 

your eyes scouted the place, checking if there is anyone who recognized you. but there wasn’t thankfully, you made your way across the room to the bar, ordering yourself a bourbon.

the bartender gave you a flirty smile, as she handed you the drink. you returned it with a polite smile, as you carefully took a sip of the drink, the liquor gave you this pleasant but burning sensation in your throat.

“it’s the first time, i’ve seen you in this pub.” the bartender said, giving you a shy smile as you hummed.

“i’m not much of a drinker.” you replied, the thick spanish accent was heard—as she chuckled at your words, making you a little bit confused. was there something funny that made her laugh?

“you’re not from here, so family or work?” your eyes wandered around, looking at the difference pictures, bottles and basically the overall design of the place.

“work, i believe.”  a hum was heard as the bartender introduced herself, her hand was held out—waiting for you to accept it.

“i’m eloise, and you are?” you held her hand, shaking it before letting go.

“i’m y/n.” you softly said, an hour had passed and you still gave a short response much to elosie’s amusement. in her eyes, it was cute on how shy you were, but you were completely oblivious.

your attention was diverted as you felt someone stumble into you, their filled drink was now empty as you felt your shirt get soaked. 

“lia?” you asked, as the swiss player landed on top of you, you secured your arms around her waist making sure she wouldn’t fall on the ground, or hurt her head.

“are you here alone?” you asked out of the blue, scanning the room to see if she came with her teammates but you didn’t see any.

“alright, there?” eloise asked, as you hummed.

“i’m afraid i need to go.” eloise gave you a nod before writing down something on a piece of paper, as she ripped it giving you—it revealed her number.

“call me, will you.” you gave her a nod, before slowly standing up. you carried her bridal style, as you made your way out of the pub.

carefully placing her in the passenger’s seat, you reached over to put on her seat belt, taking note of how close her breathe was near your neck.

the faint click made you move back, as you analyzed her face—her lips were in a frown as you chuckled at how cute she looked—but your eyes were widened as she lurched forward, her vomit quickly staining your shirt and neck.

a wince escaped your mouth as you should’ve expected it. you weren’t mad really, but you only worried about the mess—considering you have practice tomorrow.

you had entered the passenger seat, deciding that you would deal with this when everything was sorted out. the drive to your apartment wasn’t that long, you carefully made your way up, the swiss player in your arms as you slowly kicked the door open.

the apartment was a mess, the boxes were still unpacked—you only prioritized your bedroom, the kitchen equipment, and the couch.

“you’ll be sleeping in my room for tonight.” you muttered underneath your breath, not wanting her to be uncomfortable. gently placing her on the bed, you pulled the soft blanket over her, preventing her from being cold throughout the night.

you stepped back before analyzing your room, above the headrest only two jerseys had been framed—your sister’s and someone you look up to.

“i need a shower, and to clean the mess.” you swiped a pair of clothes from your closet, heading to the spare shower—trying to not wake your guest up. 

you hummed a song, as you removed your hearing aids—stripping off the clothes before stepping in the shower. 

[harrysmimi]

Still Want You

Synopsis: Harry wants a restart but YN still feels guilty for what happened

More of my work | Based on this ask

I really hope you like this anon. Took me pong enough to write this.

PS. I haven't edited this cuz I am too lazy. I'm sowwyyy :(

Harry was nervous knocking on the door. He tugged on the neckline of his t-shirt as he dripped the small bouquet of red and white roses, a box of chocolate covered almonds and a small pack of cat treats.

He was there to see his favourite girl and his favourite boy ever.

It's been almost a year he has seen YN. He was finally ready to start over and get his life together, since past ten months he's had a great tour, released a new album and was back on a little break.

YN and Harry have been together for well over two years, inseparable and madly in love with one another. Harry loved the fact that she was his little secret that he so selfishly wanted to keep with him. Which unfortunately was one of the reason which drove them apart.

His breath hitched when she opened the door and first thing a white fluffy cat with big green eyes came to greet him. That was Prince, the cat he adopted for her for her birthday, he was (and his) their son. Prince loves Harry deeply to say the least.

"Harry?" Her voice was barely audible but he hear her nerves getting through her just loud enough. She is an anxious person, he knows that.

"YN!" He greeted her with a pleasant yet sad enough smile. She moved aside so he can come in and closed the door when he did.

It was a new place, just three streets away from the place he rented for them to move in together, as a surprise. It was small, just enough for a person and a pet. Everything looked dull and gloomy, there was just a bed with a pillow, and a sofa seperating the room into a living area and a bedroom. It was like her old flat she first moved into, but a little smaller and two rooms less as she shared that one with a roommate, there was a seperate living room at least.

YN got him a glass of water the first thing as he took a seat on the sofa. He could see she had set up her laptop up on the coffee table with a dozen unread emails and half eaten plate of Rice and Daal with a side of raw mango pickle. She sat on the other side of the sofa waiting patiently for him to start the conversation.

"I wanted to see you." He started to which she just smiled. "YN look I am sorry for what happened, but let's start all over again please!"

"I should be the one apologising." She looked at him with the same guilt he saw all those months ago.

It was months ago YN and Harry were starting have little arguments here and there. It was unusual for him. Yes, YN would have her bursts of frustration and anger here and there but Harry always made sure to be the mature one understanding the circumstances of situation. He'd be the one sitting her down and making her talk her mind and heart and share the same when she'd unknowingly hurt his feelings. He's always been patiently wonderful with that.

But they were both particularly bitter about the situations which were coming up one by one. It started with when YN wanted to bring home with her for her Diwali break. Even though her and her family did not celebrate it, they were willing to meet up with him and spend the holidays, even one of her cousin was getting married right after Diwali. It was a huge thing for YN, he knew that. But he had chosen to back down.

A festival and a wedding means there would be people, and where there are people, means there would be countless pictures and with his lifestyle, he prefers to keep his private life private. It means he wouldn't have been able to keep his dreamy little secret, a secret. He wanted to meet her family but in private. While her intentions were never vile, he knew the internet would ruin her mental peace.

But soon after they had to stop going out together on dates, to eat out. She had to stop being seen with him. Which made YN feel hurt.

She wanted to everything with Harry. Yeah, she was willing to endure everything given what came to be with him, hell she was even sceptical for weeks after he asked her out for the first time for the same thing! But once she was all in, she was willing to risk it all. She even put on an armer and spoke to her very strict brown parents about him.

YN was angry at him for months.

All she wanted was share what they had with not having to constantly look over their shoulders. And him protecting her got no where, still to this date she recieves nasty comments online. Even her LinkedIn profile is not safe for her to log into gor work.

Though she feels guilty for what she did. Despite her annoyance and frustration what she did was not right in any sense.

She was out with her colleagues and had kissed her colleague Harry hated the most, to which she came clean after whole three weeks. Just when Harry had cooked her an amazing meal and bought her favourite flowers to apologise for being so overly protective and to ask her to move in with him. She wasn't drunk that day, she has never touched alcohol in her life.

Just as YN was about to say something, her work phone started ringing. He somehow forgot she works from home most of the time and it wasn't a weekend. She excused herself to answer the ohone to ask to person to postpone whatever she had to do.

"I'm sorry about that," she placed the phone face down on the coffee table to look at him. YN still hasn't been able to forgive herself for what she did. She should have been mature and talk to him.

Since their time apart her life had a big down fall, and it's falling down in the blackhole some hell universe. She had switched her job, her family back home was going through hell and she couldn't go back because who would help her family if she went back home. Her grand dad had passed and their family business was crashing each passing day. Her dad and his brother could do so much with handling biggest loss of their life. She was going through a lot in that moment. But that does not justify her actions what so ever!

Harry told her, he needed some time. And by some she never thought it was be more then ten months and few rebounds later. They never officially broke up or even had that conversation. She deserved to see all that, she made herself believe that. She was more upset with herself than she was to be with him when they never actually called off anything. That was that.

"Have taken me long enough to come in and say that I accept your apologies." He spoke as he carefully tried to move closer to her. He doesn't want her to move away. "I was equally responsible for hurting you after the same."

Harry could see her relax a bit but stiffen up again, so he carefully moved closer to her. "Look we can at least be good friends." He softly spoke as he took her hand, still remembering the feeling like it was yesterday. Her hands still held that warmth he never forgot and they still felt tiny against his own.

YN let out a shaky breath. She have been trying. Trying so hard to get over little heartbreak, it was more harder than when she had her heart broken for the first time. She thought about being friends with him and actually trying to reconcile just so she can have a great person like him in her life again.

Alas she is a jealous person, and she can see him with anyone else. She don't want to be that toxic friend to anyone, so she had made up her mind that if Harry didn't wanted to be back with her she'd never ask to be at least his friend. She looked up at him through her lashes as tears filled her eyes.

"I can't." She admitted.

"Hey, come here!" He whispered as he wrapped his arm around her.

YN never thought she'd be so vulnerable after seeing him again. She had been preparing herself to be strong and act like she has grown much mature and not breakdown, but she did. "I am so sorry!" She started chanting in muffled voice, guilt of hurting him stil felt so saw like it happened just a minute ago.

"Hey, hey, you're fine, you're fine." He gently smoothed her hair as he rubbed her back.

"I still, I still can't get that out of my head!" She muffled again his shirt.

"It's gonna take time." He admitted, "but if you give us a chance, we can make it work. I promise will try my best love. It's been so hard to breathe without you."

"I cheated on you. I don't deserve you, you deserve someone so much better than me." She broke from the hug, a little frustrated maybe. At herself to be exact.

"So did I." He admitted too. Maybe it's not right to get together back again but he have seen being get through so much worse together. Maybe, just maybe they can work it out. Yes, they can work it out. "Told you need a break and did the same. Maybe this is wrong, to get back together. But maybe we could make it the best thing ever. I promise I won't try so hard to protect you from every little thing which comes with my profession."

"I still haven't forgiven myself, Harry," corners of her mouth quivered, "I haven't."

"You want some time, take as much time as you need. Still want you, my love. That's all."

She just nodded and they sat in silence for what felt like ages until YN broke the silence with her sniffles, she wiped her tears and looked at him. "You want some daal chawal?" She knows how much he loves that.

He let out a soft shy chuckle, "you know I am not going to say no."

"I'll get you a plate." He nodded and walked to the kitchen.

......................................................................

It was four months later. YN and Harry started to talk more recently and back together officially, giving one another time they need.

It wasn't until just just on Sunday YN agreed to go on a date with him for next weekend, her day off. He was going to take her see Niall at the Wembley. It was Monday and Harry couldn't wait already.

Waiting for Saturday and going to studio like a torture to him for the first time. He haven't got to see YN much since he visited her, she had been busy with her work. Apparently she was getting a promotion, she'd be the youngest senior manager at her firm and the pressure was too much so he did not wanted to be in her way. But they spoke, stayed on phone calls on her lunch break and texted throughout the day as both of them got free time. Late replies did mot seemed so bad after all now.

It was finally Saturday and Harry was there to pick up YN at her flat. He was all stocked up on the water bottles as it was hot, he knew she wanted to stand in the merch line and buy almost every single thing even though she can get everything delivered to her doorstep on her one command. She is a true Niall fan. He still remembers the first time she got to meet Niall, she was freaking out and now they've become best of friends.

"Hello my love." He greeted her as she opened the door.

"I am so sorry, I forgot to send this important file that why I am late." She anxious ran to her bathroom to where he followed her.

"It's alright love, the show doesn't start for next six hours." He assured her. "And knowing Niall, it won't start for next ten, so don't worry about it." She laughed at that comment.

She was wearing a pair of baggy jeans and a large white shirt keeping it simple and cute, should he add. She had her hair in a braid and put on a pair of silver hoops. And they were ready to go. "Oh we're matching!"

"Oh yeah!" He realised.

She rolled her eyes, "when are you going to stop copying me." He just chuckled and walked a step forward to place a soft peck on the back of her head.

"Never." He mumbled taking in the smell of her shampoo."You look very pretty, love when you wear Kajal."

"I am going to look like a panda real quick." She grabbed her glasses off the counter and put them on.

"A gorgeous panda, might I add." He added and recieved a elbow to his rib before they both fell in fit of laugh. She grabbed her sling bag on the way out. But Harry stopped her at the exit of her building.

"Before we walk out, I have to tell you something." He let out a anxious breath. "We are taking Sam with us, just to be safe, okay? Don't want anyone of us getting hurt unknowingly."

"Okay." She nodded. Well that's understandable, if not for her, for him at least. No one knows her there but every fucking one knows him there. Once they walked out of the building, he found he even got a chauffeur for the day.

"Oh yeah, one more thing." He reached the back pocket his jeans and pulled out a tennis bracelet.

It was the Tiffany bracelet he got her one random day just because, and she wore it every single day no matter if it went with her outfit or not since then. He recieved that back when she returned all his stuff back to him with all of his hoodies and the tad bits of gift he gave her.

"You still kept it?" She looked rather surprised.

"Of course I kept it, know how much you cherish this." He gently grabbed her hand and placed the bracelet around her wrist, he tried to approach her with a kiss but she cuddle close to him swiftly dodging the moment. He just needs to give her some time so he settled with placing a gentle peck on her head.

They reached the venue in half an hour, stood in the line to buy the merch and just making it in time for lunch with Niall. YN did not expect Harry to get VIP passes, even though the performer is literally his best friend. She still did not expected to go to a concert with VIP passes. Yes she saw Harry perform multiple times but it was with his family in the privacy box standing by the side of the stage. This was whole knew experience for her. They were going to the VIP tent there with Niall's mum and girlfriend.

"Be careful here." Harry grabbed her hand as he guided her through the metal walkway around the stage to the pit area where the tent was. He knows these things are nasty slippery even through they have little bumps on them which are supposed to be slip resistant.

The whole evening Harry wasn't afraid of how people would treat the girl he loves so much. He wasn't afraid of hold her thinking about all the nasty things people might say. He sang and danced all evening along with her with his best friend performing there. It was when Niall was playing This Town with his guitar trapped on, at the end of the cat walk.

Harry's got his arms around the girl he adore so much to sing along, just so she can hear him. "If the whole world was watching, I'd still dance with you. Drive highways and byways to be there with you, over and over the only truth, everything come back to you." That made her turn her head around to look at him, he couldn't hold back the bright smile as he placed a kiss on the apple of her cheek, "you still make me nervous when you walk in the room, them butterflies they come alive when I'm next to you, over and over the only truth everything comes back to you, hmmm!" YN leaned into him there. She could start crying.

"You wanna take a picture?" He suggested as the song ended.

"Oh yes!" YN pulled out her phone from her bag and the posed for a few selfies and Harry clicked a few pictures of her while Niall was in between set change.

After the show, Harry her took her to her favourite place for dinner. And that was about the night before he drive her back to her place with all the merch she bought.

......................................................................

It was a few more months later.

YN mostly worked from home, she only ever had to go to work if there was a meeting or briefing to be done. It was one of those days for her, but more important somehow. Her day at work ended at three in the afternoon as she was early reporting to work. She had taken in a cab there as her car at the service centre. So Harry decided to go pick her up.

Harry waited for her outside her work building as he couldn't go in because the security won't let him in without an ID. He don't have that obviously, because he is not an employee there and he knew YN was done anyway so he didn't mind waiting for her by his car. He was dressed all comfy in a pair of sweats and puffer with a beanie on his head. It was November already and getting colder already.

YN did not liked Mondays, that's what he knew really. But this particular Monday she was very giddy and got up at six in the morning and reported to work at eight sharp. He wasn't sure what was so special about today but she seemed very ecstatic about it.

"Harry!" He hear his name as she ran out of the door, dressed in a baby pink suit and her black coat on top of it with her laptop bag slung around her right shoulder. The first thing she did was jump in his arms to place a firm kiss on his mouth. Taking Harry by utter shock. It was the first time they kissed, he did not mind it, he rather loved it actually. "I. Got. The promotion!" She squealed stomping like a little toddler. He could see little tears of joy in corner of her eyes.

"Oh my goodness!" He was surprised to hear that too, she has been after this promotion for so long, "I am so proud of you baby!" He pulled her in a warm hug. He had seen her obsess about this project wanting it to be perfect for one of the biggest clients in her firm, followed by which she would happen her promotion.

"You are?" She cooed, sounding like she'd cry.

"Yes baby, I am!" He exclaimed as he squeezed her tighter, "so, so, so proud of you my love!" He carefully pulled apart enough to look at her. "You deserved it." He placed a kiss on her forehead. She just buried her face in his chest.

"I need to call Mumma." She chuckled as she pulled away to wipe her tears.

"Yeah?" He smiled, "give me this, call you mum." He grabbed her laptop bag and proceeded to place it on the back seat as she made her way to the passenger seat calling her mother already.

They had the day planned out already, they were going to go to his place. The new place he got just a month ago in a more gated area with more security for her personal safety.

"You kissed me." Harry said as he closed his front door, she had already taken off her coat. His puffer was already off in the car itself.

"Yes..." YN nodded anxiously, "I am sorry if you didn't wanted me to."

"Are you kidding me? I've been dying to kiss you my love!" He took a big step towards her as he grabbed her by her waist to place a gentle kiss on her mouth. "Oh I've missed this!" He place another feathery kiss on corner of her mouth, he could feel her melt in his arms there as her knees almost gave in. With his arm on her back and behind her knees he picked her up as he spun her around.

......................................................................

It was another day of celebration for YN as she was able get another big project in to the firm just a year after her promotion, her superior arranged a little dinner party for her. It was a very formal event, with the CEO and all the vice presidents present there. Of course she took Harry with him.

Harry had drove YN back to her place his place as they planned last minute on spending the weekend in at his. They both changed into some comfy clothes.  Luckily Harry kept all of her clothes as they were.

They both got comfy on the sofa. "Need some water." Harry got up from his place and walked in the kitchen. The kitchen at his new was surprised put of sight from living room and it was weirdly quite at his, except Prince snoring next to her. Harry was watching him for the day while YN was at work. He had a blast the three hours Harry was at the dinner with her, running around the house that he passed out on the sofa there.

Harry came back, acting a bit fiddly. He watched as YN flipped through Netflix. He knew he have to do this. He wants to do this.

He placed a kiss on her mouth before he got on both his knees with her hands in his, their laced finger layed on her lap. He had to resist himself from giving her get another kiss or he would forget to say what he is going to say.

"What happened?" She asked looking at him confused.

"I've got say something." He started with a bright smile and flushed cheeks. "Rather I've got something to ask you."

"If you're asking me to move in, then not until—"

"We get married, I know." He interrupted her, "I actually wanted to ask you, will you marry me? You don't have to answer now, take as much time as possible. As long as it takes, I still want you." He could feel his heart thumping in his ears.

"You are serious with this?" She asked in a low voice, not believing what is happening, as her eyes welled up with tears. "You want to get married?"

"Yes, I am damn serious about this." He announced. "I want to get married."

"Yes, I will marry you Harry!" She exclaimed as pulled him in for a hug. Suddenly there were claps heard from the kitchen as her family and Harry's family walked out. "What the—" she hid her face in Harry's shirt as she knew her kajal was all messed up already, Gemma was recording this. Harry laughed as he looked at her face and helped her fix her face, wiping her tears with the sleeve of white shirt he wore.

"It's okay, your cute panda face is just for me to see." He whispered to her making her chuckle.

"It's official now!" YN's mum announced. It was just their immediate family. Harry's parents and his sister, her parents and her brothers. And they knew there was going to be a proper engagement ceremony done, not today but someday.

Harry wanted to give YN a heads up, given the fact how their relationship took a turn and how hard it was mend things and beat the odds. He didn't expected her to say yes then and there but he was prepared with a ring. Anne handed him the ring he had custom made just for his girl.

"Want to make it official, official." He opened the box to reveals a beautiful ring, which he took time in sliding onto her finger.

"Even we have a surprise for you." YN's brother announced as he handed his sister a box too. It was a platinum band in there. Just a cultural thing where it is permissible for men to wear gold or jewels, Harry respects that. He knows they are going to have a proper engagement ceremony planned out in future all abiding by her cultural rituals. This was just for family and their eyes only.

She slid the ring on his finger too. And they were officially, officially engaged now.

This wasn't something Harry imagined would ever happen.

......................................................................

N O T E :

Well... Had this in my inbox for a while while now. I am so so so sorry this took forever to post! 🤧 Hope you liked it. Ik I'm a bit rusty that I haven't wrote anything since like January.

I love you xx

[galaxyshine24-7]

Red Wine 🍷

Silver Bullet Chapter Four Red Wine

TW: Gangs, violence, explosions, drinking

“Woah so they really came in there trying to order Riddle around?!” Ace exclaims as he sits up on the couch. He is able to move around a bit more now that his wounds are healing. It’s been a few days since the encounter with Riddle and Ace still doesn’t believe Yuu no matter how many times they tell him the story. 

“Yeah, and I think he torched the guy right in the middle of my bar.” Yuu rubs their temple. Ace frowns at their expression, he can’t imagine it was a pleasant experience. 

“So did you grow up around NRC?” Ace tried his best to change the subject.

“Yeah, I grew up in an orphanage until I got picked up.” Yuu takes a bite out of their eggs. 

“Oh, I see what were your parents like?” Ace rubs his neck. 

“I can’t remember.” Yuu is glad Ace doesn’t ask any more questions as they need to get ready for the morning. 

Much like Riddle promised the bar looked good as new. The evidence from last night's fight is all but gone. Yuu at least had more time to prepare to open for the day. Grim and Ace come down as well. Ace wants to help now that he feels better, and Grim wants to eat his food in a dish Yuu placed downstairs. At least today should be quiet, the ding of the door chime catches their attention as a familiar green and orange-haired men greet them. 

“Hi, Yuu!” Cater waves. “Good morning Yuu and Ace.” Grim jumps up on the counter as Trey sets down a nicely decorated box. Cater goes over to Ace slinging an arm around his shoulders and and taking a few pictures with him. 

“Hey, Acey glad to see you’re okay, how about a few nice pictures for Riddle.” Cater’s phone flashes as he takes pictures from many angles with an annoyed Ace. 

“Good morning Trey, what can I get you?” Yuu leans against the counter as Trey pushes the box in front of them. 

“Nothing for today, I just wanted to bring you one of my pastries to apologize for last night.” Trey rubs the back of his neck. 

“I see.” Yuu takes the box as Grim sniffs the contents. “Thank you, It's not necessary though.” Yuu is pretty cautious of what could be inside. It's not every day Yuu gets a baked good from a mafia member. Yuu carefully opens up the box to at least see the treat. In all honesty, it looks delicious, it's a warm and fluffy cinnamon bun with the gooiest icing Yuu has ever seen. If they were going to die at least it's by the hands of a sweet mistress. They sniff the bun before taking a small bite. 

“It's so good, thank you, Trey.” Their eyes widen as they take another bite. 

“I’m glad you like it, I didn’t know what you would have liked.” He chuckles.

“Trey bakes the absolute best cakes you should come and try some Yuu, Riddle holds these Unbirthday parties and the food is always to die for.” Cater comes over to the counter. 

“Speaking of parties.” Trey takes out an envelope from his coat handing it to Yuu. “Riddle wanted to know if you could bartend for an upcoming party?” Now Yuu sees what this visit is all about. 

“Trey I know you're just the messenger, but I don’t want any part of the mafia.” Yuu sighs pushing the letter away.  

“Come on Yuu it will be fun and I promise last night’s fiasco won’t happen. The other mafia leaders are all more behaved.” Cater waves off their concern. 

“Cater-” Trey pinches the bridge of his nose. 

“Well if the other mafia leaders of there then I certainly will not be a part of it.” Yuu finishes their bun throwing away the box. “Now I need to open the bar, and unless you need to order anything I prefer you don’t loiter.” Yuu start to put on their work apron. The two men share a look with each other, they then look over at Ace holding a broom. He crosses his arms at them, not going along with whatever they are trying to convey. 

“Please Yuu it would really lighten Riddle’s mood, and help out our members from his anger.” Cater looks them in the eye now. “Plus it will help younger members like Ace.” 

“Cater-” Trey starts.

“You know Riddle is going to want him home soon.” Cater traces his finger along the counter. “I know you have your reservations about us, but we are honest with our word and we do care for our members. You bartending can help keep the Queen at bay and Ace and Deuce will have an easier time.” Cater smiles. 

“Cater don’t-” Ace storms up to grab the other by the shoulder. 

“I’ll do it.” Silence cuts through the room. “But you guys better pay me handsomely.”

Trey nods handing them the letter as they open it. 

Its safe to say Ace is not happy about this arrangement neither is Deuce when he learns about what happened that day at the bar. The two tried for serval days to persuade Yuu against it, but their mind was already made up. Curse their sweet and tender heart, their teachers always said it would be the death of them. Now standing at the center of the lion’s den it couldn’t feel more true. 

The party takes place in the Heartslaybul district in its town hall. It's an old but charming building with a beautiful ballroom done up to the nines with very Heartslaybul-centered decor. Yuu stands behind a sleek bar watching the people come and go. On the surface, it seems like a classy party, but the place is filled with mafia members from all the different gangs around NRC. It's a good thing Yuu always paid attention to Crewel and Trein’s lessons. They are able to pick out different leaders from their descriptions alone. 

First, is Riddle wearing a pristine suit with a long flowing red cape. He has his own throne in the back of the hall with Trey and Cater at his sides. Then there is Leona Kingschalor lounging on a plush couch on the sidelines. The ruthless leader of Savanaclaw looks more like a lazy housecat from this light. His members are the ones that frequent the bar. His clan is mostly beastmen who seem to be a little restless having to be put into stuffy suits. 

Close by is Azul Ashegrotto, owner of the Mostro Lounge and leader of Octavinelle, mingling with any benefactors that are in the facility with the infamous Leech twins at his side. Kalim Al-sim and Jamil Viper leaders of Scarabia stick to themselves, more so Jamil than Kamil. Vil Schoenheit leader of Pomefiore and owner of several entertainment lines appears fashionably late gaining most of the attention from the passerby. Idia Shroud heir to Ignihyde Surveillance Corp. is nowhere to be seen only a tablet following around a robot boy marks his presence. Lastly, there are the members of Diasomnia their leader nowhere to be seen.

Yuu, wouldn’t really care about all these details, but Crewel was insistent on Yuu learning about the world of NRC. It could be a difference between life and death he would always say, but it just seemed dramatic. To think these people are the most feared people in all the district. They all seem to take themselves way too seriously in Yuu’s eyes.

“Hey, I want another drink!” A patron slams their hand on the counter trying their best to stay upright. Cleary drunk and the party just started, Riddle probably won’t be very happy that the partygoers are already getting drunk.  

“I’m going to have to cut you off,” Yuu replies cooly passing them a glass of water instead.

“Bullshit get me another shot!-” A large hand slams the patron's head to the counter. Yuu looks up to see a built young man with spikey white hair and wolf ears scowling down at the rude patron. 

“You’ve had enough now go back to your post before Leona catches you.” The young man growls letting go of the patron that Yuu realizes is from SavannaClaw. Their black and glow armband is placed rather sloppily on their suit. The patron curses under his breath holding his forehead as he walks away. The wolfman sits down in the now vacant seat facing Yuu. 

“Sorry about that.” The man rubs the back of his neck rather sheepishly. His eyes not looking at Yuu directly. 

“It's alright, I’ve had worse. Thank you for stepping in.” Yuu gives him a sincere smile going to pick up a glass. 

“Can I get you anything?”

“Uh no, water is just fine. I’m underage.” 

Huh? He’s not trying to trick Yuu as other teens would do. He seems like a very straight-laced guy, which is a bit weird seeing him in a gang. Yuu fills the glass with ice water handing it to the wolf man who jugs it down. 

“Thanks.” He wipes any loose drops away from his mouth. 

“No problem, what’s your name by the way?” 

“Jack, Jack Howl, and yours?” 

“Yuu, just Yuu.” 

He nods at their answer looking around at the crowd. 

“Do you work for Heartslabyul?” 

“No, I’m just catering for the night.” Yuu starts to clean off an empty glass.   

“Really? They usually only hire their own people for stuff like this.” He raises a brow. 

“Well, I’m a special case I guess.” Yuu sighs. 

“Yuu!” A yell comes from an afar as Ace drapes himself on the counter. “I’ve been standing around for hours I need some nourishment! Please make me a special drink.” He whines as Deuce comes up behind him. 

“Ace if you want nourishment there’s a food table,” Yuu states.

“Like I’m going around any food after the tart incident!” He gets up angrily. “Please you are the only one I can trust!” He dramatically holds Yuu’s hand as they just roll their eyes. “Fine, do you want one too Deuce?” Yuu looks over at him as he gives a sheepish nod. 

“Yes please.” He takes a seat with Ace as Yuu gets to work. As the three of them start to talk to each other. 

“Oh, you Jack Howl right?” Deuce perks up. 

“Yes, I am.” 

“I heard a lot about you, this is your first year doing all this stuff like us right?” Ace adds. 

“Yes, I was chosen to Savanaclaw this year.” Jack takes another sip of his drink. 

“We are the same but got chosen for Heartslabyul.” Deuce puffs out his chest. 

Of course, Yuu gives them non-alcoholic drinks each matching the theme the two Heartslaybul members seem to sport. Deuce got a nice mock Blue Lagoon, while Ace gets a refreshing mock strawberry daiquiri. They don’t waste time sipping on the drinks very satisfied with the results.

“When you say chosen? What do you mean?” Yuu is a little curious about their choice of words. Don’t you choose what gang you want to be in? 

“Well, basically there’s like this whole series of tests you have to take before being accepted to even join the top gangs. It takes place every year.” Ace explains. It did ring some sort of bell. 

“Then you get chosen by the magic mirror like they had back at Night Raven before the place blew up.” Deuce adds. “Then you get sorted in what used to be the dorms of the college, but nowadays it's used to sort people into gangs.” 

“Something about tradition and all that jazz.” Ace waves his hand. 

“I see.” Yuu goes to give someone another drink as the party continues. 

The three boys hang out around the bar chatting with Yuu and trying to stay out of everyone’s way. Thankfully the party went on smoothly and now it was time for the dinner portion. An adjacent room is set up with fine cutlery and pristine white tablecloths. Jack, Ace, and Deuce had to leave at that point so did Yuu as they brought out ingredients to make a large patch of drinks for the partygoers. Riddle gave them many instructions on what to serve and had to taste test all the options Yuu had suggested. Yuu would go around filling up everyone’s cups and serve them any drinks that they so chose as the night went on. The dorm leaders all sat at a table in front of the room having a deep discussion. Yuu takes a deep breath knowing at some point they had to go around the table to get orders. They walk over filling Riddle’s cup first with the drink he liked out of all the options for the party. 

“It seems like RSA needs another reminder to stay in their own territory.” Riddle takes a sip of the glass Yuu just poured, smiling at the taste. 

“I’ve seen many of their noisy brats in my territory as of late, they’re probably plotting something.” Leona sighs taking a bite out of his steak. Yuu fills his cup with a fruity, but altogether heavy alcoholic drink. Leona stares Yuu down as they fill his glass. His eyes drilling holes in their head. Yuu know when they're being examined, it's like a predator looking down on its prey. With a tsk, Leona turns his head back to the conversation letting Yuu continue on to the next person. 

“Honsetly I see no problem with it. RSA people have been coming a lot more often to my businesses allowing the overall raise of NRC’s profits so I see no reason to make such a fuss for now.” Azul adjust his glasses. He turns to give Yuu a smile as they pour him some water. 

“Thank you, dear, Azul Ashengrotto if you ever need anything.” He takes out his business card to hand to Yuu. With a small smile, Yuu takes the card and puts it in their back pocket. They know better then getting involved with Ashengrotto’s shady business practice. They have enough to deal with as it is. 

“Excuse me can I please have that drink?” Kalim points to a yellow and orange drink on Yuu’s tray. 

“Of course,” Yuu replies softly pouring the drink for Kalim. 

“Thank you so much,” Kalim takes a sip at the drink lighting up with a smile. “This is amazing did you make this? I have to invite you to come serve drinks like this at my parties.” 

“Kamil let me try it first, and pay attention.” Jamil shakes Kalim’s shoulder getting him to calm down. Jamil waves off Yuu not wanting a drink of any kind as he tastes Kalim’s. 

“Of course, you would only think about money Ashengrotto.” Vil snaps their fingers to get Yuu’s attention. Very irritating, but Yuu gives Vil a public service smile.

“I want your best champagne.” He orders as Yuu gets out the Champagne bottle from the ice bucket pouring it for Vil. He takes a delicate sip his face soon turning into a scowl. 

“Urgh disgusting give me water.” Yuu pours Vil some water instead as he waves them off. 

Next is the robot boy who tells Yuu they don’t need food or drink. 

“Servanillce of RSA has been pretty normal from my point of view.” The tablet in the robot boy's arms speaks. Then lastly is a strange-looking man with pink and black hair in a weird haircut. 

“Could Malleus not come tonight Lilia?” Azul asks from across the table. 

“He is busy tonight, so I’m here in his stead.” Lilia smiles turning to Yuu. “I’ll have the signature drink of tonight please.” 

Yuu pours Lilia his drink as he hums in delight at the taste.     

“Marvelous, I have to tell Sliver and Sebek about this.” He gives Yuu a playful smile as they go back to standing by the wall. 

“Of all the times to not come even when he was invited.” Leona snarks taking a sip of his drink.

“He is deeply sorry and will make it up next time.” Lilia gives Leona a smile that doesn’t reach his eyes. “But anyway thank you for the invitation Riddle your parties are always the best.” 

“It's simply my duty to uphold the Queen of Hearts teachings. It's a responsibility I hold dear.” Riddle states raising his glass for Yuu to come to refill it. Yuu does so quickly giving him a good amount before he sets the glass back down. 

“Well it's satisfactory, to say the least, but you could do better with your Champagne collection.” Vil crosses their arms. 

Riddle’s eye twitches at that as Trey and Cater give each other worried looks. 

“But the drink I got is amazing.” Kamil beams. 

“Yes the mixed drinks are very good Vil, you should try some,” Lilia suggests. 

“No, thank you I don’t know what was put in those things.” Vil scuffs. 

“It’s your loss,” Leona smirks jugging the rest of his drink. He leans back in his seat his eyes glancing up at Yuu. 

“Yo, herbivore!” He calls motioning Yuu over to the table. 

Yuu does so by standing by Riddle.

“What’s your name?” 

“Yuu.”

“Did you make this?” 

“Yes, I did.” 

“I don’t remember you getting new members Roshearts.” Leona glares at Riddle. 

“They are simply here to cater, I had a wonderful experience at their establishment.” Riddle smiles giving Yuu a knowing look. 

“Where do they work I would love to visit.” Kamil perks up. 

“The Silver Bullet, a bar downtown in the neutral territory.” Riddle answers sipping his drink. 

“That old place? It’s been closed for years.” Leona chuckles. 

“Well it seems it is open now, such a shame I was hoping to buy that part of downtown for a new business venture.” Azul sighs, glaring at Yuu. 

If the conversation could change the subject that would be great for Yuu’s frantic heart. 

“What’s so great about drinks anyway, let's just finish this I have a busy schedule.” The voice from the tablet, who Yuu guesses is Idia lets out an exacerbated sigh.

“Playing games is not really busy work.” Azul shakes his head. 

“As I was saying we need to respond to RSA actions.” Riddle ahems the group. Yuu could already see a vein starting to pop out of his head. 

“Unless RSA is directly trying to start conflict we best leave it alone. Any direct action could cause a misunderstanding. Besides I don’t need worry lines.” Vil crosses his arms. 

“I agree RSA is a pain to deal with on the regular unless we have more reason to deal with them I recommend not getting involved,” Azul adds.

“ As long as they don't cross the line, we won't either.” Leona leans back in the chair. 

Riddle lets out a sigh at their answers seeing that it was enough for now. 

Yuu thinks for a minute about the information. RSA or Royal Sword Academy is the other side of the coin from NRC. All be it the more shiny and safe side, RSA is the other half of the Grim Court known for its astonishing academy and its resources. Yuu has thought about someday moving to the countryside of RSA and buying a cottage to live out the rest of their days, it just feels right. 

It is common knowledge that the RSA and NRC  do not get along, the feud between them has been going on since the great seven days. The RSA police force and the NRC gangs have been at each other's throats for a long time, however, the conflict has not broken out since the fall of Night Raven College. Since then it's been a few scraps and territory disputes from what Trein would tell them. As long as it didn’t affect Yuu’s daily life it wasn’t their problem, though it did irk them a bit at the consistent fighting its like a bunch of children fighting over toys. At the end of the day, it’s the civilians that suffer.

Since the conversation starts to get heavy at the leader’s table Yuu goes around the room to see who needs drinks. A hand catches their attention as a boy with lavender locks and baby-blue eyes sits at a table with a flamboyant blonde man. Yuu pulls their tray over seeing the boy look away when they make eye contact.

“Excuse me can I please have?-” They whisper in Yuu’s ear very soft and sweet. 

“Of course.” Yuu gets to work making a non-acholic apple martini. Crewel and Sam as taught them many tricks to get extra tips as they showcased them for the table. The blonde man claps each time Yuu finishes a trick until the drink is done. 

“Here you go, sir.” Yuu sets the drink on the table. 

“You can just call me Epel.” He downs the drink letting out a deep sigh. “Thank you that helped a lot.” 

“Beaute! 100 points!” The man yells making the two jump.

“Rook, geez don’t do that.” The boy glares.

“Sorry Monsieur Crabapple, I just couldn't help it. Monsieur Trickster is truly remarkable.” He sings. 

Now Yuu gets a weird nickname? Great, hopefully, they never see this man again. Epel thanks Yuu for the drink as they push the cart to another part of the room.

“Human over here!” Yuu turns to the sound of the voice as does everyone else in the vicinity. A man with bright green hair and an intense stare stands up from his table. Yuu rushes over to him so he doesn’t cause a scene. Next to him is another man, but with silver hair and a sleepy expression.

“Sebek don’t yell it's rude.” The sleepy man yawns. 

“Don’t boss me around Silver! I need to be attentive to Master Lilia’s needs, unlike some people.” He glares, his sharp teeth showing through his scowl. “Human!” He shouts at Yuu again. 

“Y-yes?” 

“I need my glass of water refilled with haste!” He shows Yuu the empty glass holding it out to them. 

“Oh okay.” Yuu fills his glass to the top. 

“Thank you. You may leave now!” He sits back down. 

Yuu walks away quickly glad this party is about to end.

As the night went on the crowd decreased in number until the hall was ready to be cleaned for the night. Yuu washes the bar’s glasses and counters, letting out a stretch at a job well done.

“Hey, Yuu.” Deuce jogs over to the bar letting out deep pants. “I’m ready to take you home.” He rests on the counter’s edge. 

“Thank you again, Deuce.” Deuce is how Yuu got to the venue in the first place. He has a magic wheel he built himself, and it's pretty fast to get around the districts. Yuu makes sure they have their things as they follow Deuce to the parking lot. Yuu couldn’t help but yawn when they stepped out into the cool night air. 

“Tired?” Deuce takes out his keys. 

“Yeah extremely, that was exhausting.” Yuu hops on the backseat of the bike as Deuce gets situated in the front. 

“Thank you for coming, again I don’t think it would have gone smoothly without you.” He starts the vehicle up. 

“No problem-” Yuu gets jerked back as Deuce takes off. Once they get time to settle the ride is rather peaceful as they make it back to the bar safe and sound. 

“Home sweet home.” Yuu sighs getting off the magic wheel. “Thank you, Deuce, have a good night.” Yuu wraps the man in a tight embrace before heading inside. 

“B-bye Yuu…” Deuce stutters.

Yuu doesn’t notice how red Deuce gets as he drives away in a hurry. 

Yuu is greeted by a dark bar and then an apartment when they head upstairs. Grim sleeps soundly on the couch with his food bowl in the kitchen licked clean. With heavy eyelids and sore arms, Yuu takes a quick shower flopping into bed soon after, listening to the sounds of the city.

The ground shakes under Yuu as they jolt awake to the sound of screams and glass falling on the ground. They fall out of their bed hearing the sound of Grim yowling as they scramble to the front room to see the poor kitty hunched in fear. Yuu dashes across the room grabbing Grim under their arm as they hide under the coffee table curling into a fetal position. Grim cries loudly with each shake as it sounds like the world is falling around them. The explosions go on for what feels like hours until it stops. The sound of car alarms and people screaming are all that remain. Yuu sticks their head out from under the table looking around to see if the coast is clear. 

“Grim!” The cat had enough of getting hugged in a tight grip as he escapes from Yuu’s hold. Yuu makes their way out from under the table to follow the feline finding him hiding under their bed. That’s when they look out the window in shock pulling it open to see the towers of smoke rising all across NRC. 

Inspire by Jackplushie's Silver Bullet AU, thanks for reading

[unpredictable-probabilities]

Azul Ashengrotto of Royal Sword Academy || Chapter 14: Birds of a Feather

Summary:

After shopping for Halloween decorations, Jamil meets up with Azul for a promised trip to the aviary, where he slowly builds up the courage to ask him out.

Word Count: 4,593

The Prefect meeting about the upcoming Halloween Week just ended, and Jamil is preparing to leave for town to get some decorations.

It's when Jamil is walking to his room, noticing the distinct lack of traps laying around, that his phone buzzes and he checks the message.

It's a text from Azul.

Jamil's mood instantly perks up. Right, the aviary!

Azul replies almost immediately.

It is? If he had known it was so close, he'd have visited more often.

Almost an hour later, Jamil has just gotten out of the store where he was supposed to pick up the decorations.

Apparently since there was a high demand for carved pumpkins and floating lanterns, the store had run out of stock. They're waiting on new stocks arriving today, and Jamil was told that they'd just deliver the items to NRC.

Normally he'd be annoyed, but he has plans here in town today, anyway.

Jamil easily finds his way to the cat café. He wonders if he should go in or if he should wait for Azul out here on the street.

Then he hears a playful voice.

"Hello, Viper."

He looks to see that Azul is approaching, wearing his purple hoodie.

"Hey, Ash. You're definitely dressed for a nice and comfy day today." Jamil remarks. He, too, is wearing a thicker hoodie than normal on account of the colder season coming in. He walks over to him, smiling. "By the way, you really went and had the nerve to change things up around Scarabia after just one visit, huh? Not only are there less traps these days but last night, I got ambushed by my dorm members just so they could talk my ear off with their opinions of me."

"Oh?" Azul says in pleasant surprise. "How did that go? What did they say?"

Jamil pauses and scrunches up his face. "You can't expect me to recite what they told me. I'm sure they already told you those sentiments first. Point is, the new stuff that's been going around the dorm… I guess it's not so bad. I just still find it wild that you managed to change all that in the span of one day."

Azul shakes his head. "I didn't do much, your residents have already been wanting to tell you those things, they just needed a little encouragement and a nudge in the right direction. What did you tell them?" he smiles at Jamil.

Jamil scratches the back of his head. "I… Well, I didn't know what to say, so I just said whatever came to me in the moment. It looks like it made them happy, so whatever works. Now the only trap I really gotta worry about is a sudden party in the middle of a study night." He sighs, but there's clearly no real bite to it. "Anyway… dorm matters aside, how have things been at RSA? Did you give Kalim that package I sent you?"

Azul nods, smiling. "I did. He teared up and hugged me. You really made him happy with that. And he asked me to give you this," he pulls out a small box from the pocket of his hoodie.

It looks like a small thermal lunchbox, similar to those he used to pack for Kalim's lunches in middle school.

Jamil's eyebrows raised in surprise. He did not expect to get anything in return.

He gingerly takes the lunchbox and opens it up to check the contents.

He sees the dark orange color of the dish and the smell of curry hits him.

"He cooked it himself," Azul says proudly. "He said that he had been practicing that recipe ever since he joined the Cooking Club. He told me to tell you that he hasn't perfected it yet but he hopes that you enjoy it, nonetheless."

Jamil sees a note stuck to the inside of the lid of the box.

You were always cooking for me, I wanted to try cooking for you, too! I hope you like it! ^_^ - Kalim

"Whoa..." Jamil widens his eyes in wonder before he closes the box and carefully puts it in his backback. "I can hardly believe it... I didn't think he'd ever touch this type of food again."

Azul nods. "He told me the story. I'm surprised you still like to eat that dish after what happened."

Jamil shrugs.

"What can I say? It's curry."

Azul smiles. "Indeed. Well, then. Shall we go see some parrots?" he nods to the direction away from the café.

"I still can't believe you went out of your way to search for parrots for my sake," Jamil laughs. "Let's."

"Seems like there's a lot of things you can't believe about me," Azul says playfully as they walk along the street. "It just makes me want to surprise you more."

"Hmm… I don't think I mind such an intimidating prospect." Jamil pleasantly hums, before he falls a little serious. "Have you heard from Rielle since we last talked?"

Azul’s expression sombers. "He messaged this morning, but it's more of the same thing. He just keeps insisting that he's fine. I'd been considering making an appointment at the palace so that I could visit him. I had brought it up to the king, and he said that I'm allowed to visit as soon as tomorrow, when Rielle gets back from his diplomatic trip to the next city."

Jamil grows concerned. "You're heading off? Will this be until the end of Rielle's tasks with his kingdom?"

"I don't know yet,” Azul says. "The king always expects Rielle to accomplish his tasks, but I'm not sure how long that particular one will take. The best we can hope for is a compromise, perhaps the king would lessen Rielle's responsibilities for the diplomatic gathering if he sees that Rielle is having a particularly difficult time handling them. I'm hoping I can convince the king of that, at least."

"Oh, so you're gonna be the diplomat to decrease Rielle's responsibilities as a diplomat," Jamil observes. "You think the king's gonna listen to reason?"

"I certainly hope so," Azul says quietly. Then he turns to Jamil. "I'm not sure how long I'll be gone when I go to the Coral Sea, that's also why I wanted to spend time with you today," he smiles shyly. "I can give your number to Rahzel if you like, so he can send his updates about Kalim to you directly. He'll be messaging me today about it, I can bring it up to him then."

Jamil falls quiet for a moment, but he nods, understanding Azul's plight. "Take care of yourself when you do get there, okay? Let's make this day count, then."

Azul smiles. "Of course."

A few minutes later, they reach an open gate with a colorful sign above its arched top, Abu's Aviary.

"Ah, here we are," Azul says as they walk in. "Have you ever been to such a place before?"

"Not at all," Jamil shakes his head, eyeing the security booth and the visitors milling around. "I think I passed this place once or twice but I never really had the time to look and visit."

Azul nods, then he goes to the ticket booth–which fortunately had no line–and gets two tickets for him and Jamil.

"Do you want to see the parrots now, or look at other birds first?" Azul asks as he hands Jamil his ticket.

"Hm. Might as well save the best for last.” Jamil pockets the ticket. “Besides, I'm curious to see what sort of birds they're keeping around here."

"Let's see the first exhibit, then.”

They entered a garden populated by small birds of different colors; shades of blue, yellow, red, green, brown.

The garden is filled with the sounds of wings flapping and soft chirping as the birds fly around from one plant to another. Some of them flew near the guests, blinking at them curiously before flying away.

There's a sign on one wall showing that this is the finches section, and indicating what types of finches are in here.

Jamil watches the birds fly by, enjoying the sights and sounds as he starts to recall the memory. "This reminds me of how Kalim seems to attract all sorts of animals to him. I bet if he were here, we'd be surrounded somehow."

"Then we must take him here someday," Azul smiles. "Does he attract bugs as well?" he asks playfully.

Jamil visibly shudders. "Fortunately, no. But it definitely won't stop him from befriending them..."

They pass through the finches section and go to the next one, the sign indicating that this area houses nightingales.

They hear a guide telling a group of children that the nightingales frequently sing during the spring and summer seasons, so they're quieter around this time of the year.

A few of the birds perched nearby are twittering in a variety of different sounds.

Azul turns to the pictures and illustrations of nightingales on the wall.

"Adorable," he smiles. "They look like babies who are constantly singing, screaming, or hungry."

Then he reads the text detailing the characteristics of a nightingale.

"They have impressive eyesight." He turns to Jamil. "How's your eyesight? You don't wear glasses so I assume you don't need them."

"My eyesight's always been fine," Jamil casually brags. "It pays to be attentive when you're guarding people. How about you? Have you always needed glasses? Do merfolk usually even wear glasses?"

"My eyesight is excellent underwater, but on land I need glasses. I think it's because my hometown is always in darkness, so the bright light on land does funny things to my vision. It's not the same for all merfolk, though. Rielle doesn't need glasses, and as you know neither does Jade nor Floyd. Maybe cecaelia eyes work differently. My eyes do look different than theirs, after all. In my merform, I mean."

A nightingale with blue feathers on its chest lands on Azul's shoulder, making him stay still in surprise. It chirps and nips at Azul's ear, then flies away again. Azul chuckles as he watches it fly.

"My, it must've thought you were seafood for a moment," Jamil jokes, watching the bird fly away. "Are you telling me that your eyes do those horizontal slits like octopi do?"

Azul nods. "Yes, my pupils are horizontal. And my irises are a brighter shade of blue than this," he slightly raises his eyebrows and he blinks to indicate his eyes.

They approach the next section, the sign indicating that it houses lovebirds.

Based on the amount of birds flying together in pairs or feeding each other with seeds via their beaks, the section is certainly appropriately named.

"Man, if any species needs to learn to get a room, it'll be these guys," Jamil mutters.

Azul laughs. "Ah, let them be happy. Besides, this is their room. We're the ones intruding," he says playfully.

Like in the other sections, there are pictures here of the different types of lovebirds, and a group of kids are reading their names and trying to find them among the flying birds in the area.

One bird with red feathers catches Jamil's attention. It flies onto a low branch next to a bird with purple feathers and snuggles against its neck.

Then they lean against each other, reminding Jamil of him and Azul on one of the rooftops in Scarabia just yesterday.

Jamil stutters to a halt and finds himself staring at the pair.

Wordlessly, he brings out his phone to take a quiet picture.

"Oh, they're beautiful," he hears Azul say softly behind him. "Can you send me that photo?"

Jamil glances up to hold Azul's gaze, aware of the colors they share in resemblance to the birds.

"... Sure. I can send it to you later,” he nods, looking a little shy all of a sudden as he turns away and continues walking like he saw nothing.

Azul falls in step beside him and they stop to let a group of kids in uniform pass by in front of them. They must be in the middle of their field trip.

One of the kids, a little boy, looks at them, then looks at the branch above them, and smiles widely. He turns to his friend and says something, then points to the branch then at Jamil and Azul. Then both kids are staring and smiling at them in fascination.

Jamil looks up and realizes that the kids are staring at them and the lovebirds above them in similar colors.

He immediately knew what they were ogling at. He glares at them and shakes his head.

They just nod at him in defiance.

Sighing, he leans to Azul and whispers, "Little children seem to think that we're the human incarnations of those birds up there."

Azul looks at the children, then at the branch above them, and he chuckles.

He smiles at the children and puts an arm around Jamil's waist, pulling him close.

"Wh—" Jamil was about to exclaim, but he freezes as Azul rests his head against his.

The children gasp and their smiles grow brighter.

Their teacher calls them from in front, telling them to follow and not separate from the group.

They both wave enthusiastically at Azul and Jamil before hurrying after their classmates.

Azul lets go of Jamil and stands up properly again.

He stumbles a little once he was let go and he stares at the other in bewilderment. "What was THAT all about?"

"They seemed so happy, I thought I might give them a little more wonder," Azul is smiling, then he looks uncertainly at Jamil. "Did it make you uncomfortable?"

"I... well…" Jamil can feel his cheeks reddening. "I guess I didn't mind, but you owe me for that."

Azul looks relieved. "Of course. Just let me know how I can return the favor.”

"You'll have to wait for it. I want to make this favor worth your sudden gesture," Jamil teases as they proceed to exit the lovebirds section.

Azul raises an eyebrow at him. "I don't think I mind such an intimidating prospect," he smiles playfully, mimicking what Jamil had said earlier.

Eventually, their trip around the aviary ended with them entering the parrot enclosure.

Squawks and fluttering of wings greet them as they step into a botanical garden.

Jamil gazes around, clearly taken by the sight of the birds.

Their colorful feathers are even brighter than he had expected.

Hues of red, green, blue, and yellow all swirl around them. There seem to be more variations even compared to the pictures on the wall.

Jamil can't decide where to look, there are so many things catching his attention; he ends up spinning around to take in the view.

He eventually decides to approach a bright red parrot with blue, black, and white patterns in its feathers, watching it preen itself.

"So cool…" he mutters under his breath.

The parrot flies away, and Jamil turns to follow it with his eyes. Then he sees Azul, looking at him with the softest smile.

Azul's eyes twinkle when he catches Jamil's gaze. Then he looks around as well. "I don't think I've ever seen this much bright colors before, they remind me of the bioluminescent fish in my hometown."

"... How do you feel about the Sea Witch, Ash?" Jamil asks out of the blue, curious.

"Hm?" Azul blinks at him. "She's known to be a benevolent mage, according to my hometown's legend. I grew up hearing a lot of stories around her, and I had actually gotten the idea of my magic contracts from the stories. She used contracts as well, right? And the fact that she was a cecaelia inspired me. She's part-octopus, and everyone respected her. I thought that if I granted wishes like she did, I might earn that same respect," he gives a small smile. "Why do you ask?"

Jamil turns his gaze upward. "That's sort of how I feel about the Sorcerer of the Sands, too. He was in a servant's position, just like me, but he climbed his way to the top through patience and sheer wit. He got the position—the acknowledgement—that he deserved and I grew up wanting to end up like him one day."

He blushes. "It's... kinda silly when you think about it. Even more so when he's why I started wanting a parrot. He was said to have one that served as his trusted companion through thick and thin… And one that apparently talked coherent sentences. I looked into it, though, and found that parrots nowadays can't achieve that same level of intelligence, but I suppose that that only goes to show how advanced the Sorcerer was."

Azul steps closer to him. "I don't think it's silly at all. And if the Sorcerer is here now, he'd be proud of all you've achieved…" he looks up at a branch and smiles. "... Jamil Viper," he says in a voice louder than normal.

A squawk sounds from behind Jamil, and there's a flap of wings as a parrot lands on his shoulder.

"Jamil Viper!" the bird says in its squawking voice. "Hello, Jamil Viper!"

Azul grins, then pulls out some bird seeds from his pocket and holds out his open palm to the parrot, who eagerly pecks at the seeds.

"Whoa, hey there, lil' fella..." Jamil greets after jumping a little from the sudden weight against his shoulder. He watches Azul feed the parrot. "Since when did you get bird seeds?"

"I bought some earlier before I met you at the café," he says, brushing off the crumbs from his hand after the parrot finishes eating. "It's his favorite brand," he pats the parrot on the head.

Jamil looks at him in surprise. "Favorite brand? Huh? Wait, you two know each other?"

Azul smiles. "I'd been coming here every other day since last week, teaching three parrots to react to your name and say hello. They allow you to do that here, just ask the staff to help you, since civilians aren't allowed to train birds on their own. I picked three because it's more likely that at least one of them would be within earshot when we come here. And this guy here is our first responder." He holds up the packet of bird seeds. "Do you want to feed him?"

Jamil stares at him with his mouth slightly agape. Then slowly, he blinks himself back to conscious thought and holds his hand out to receive the packet and feed it to the parrot on his shoulder.

"I… I don't know what to say. Why would you go through all that trouble?"

"I don't know… I had a lot of free time," Azul chuckles at his own joke. "He likes you," he says fondly as the bird eats the seeds from Jamil's palm and gives him a few affectionate nips on his braid.

A smile slowly appears on Jamil's face. "Ash, this officially makes you one of the coolest people I know.”

The parrot squawks, as if in agreement. "He likes you!" it mimics Azul.

Azul chuckles at the parrot, petting it again. The bird ruffles its feathers affectionately. "I'm really glad you like it," he smiles, gazing into Jamil's eyes.

"Ash!" the parrot squawks, trying to nip at Azul's hand as he pulls it away. "Ash! Ash!" Then he nips at Jamil's ear. "Ash… likes you! Likes you!"

"Well, I certainly hope so," Jamil jokes, though there's an undeniable grin on his face from the parrot's words. "With everything he knows about me, it'd be terrible if he's secretly gunning for my downfall this whole time."

"I told you that in confidence!" Azul feigns a scolding tone, staring wide-eyed at the parrot. Then he looks at Jamil and shakes his head in mock disappointment. "This one is a snitch."

"Oh yeah?" Jamil raises an eyebrow, turning his attention back to the parrot. "What else did Ash tell you in confidence? It'll be a secret just between you and me."

"Secret! Secret!" the parrot squawks, and just blinks at the both of them, tilting its head side to side curiously.

"Ah, a shred of loyalty remains in the bird's heart," Azul says dramatically. Then he smiles at Jamil. "We can go here whenever we want, they're open everyday. Oh, and you don't need to have me with you if you wanna see this guy or the other two who'll react to your name. Just say your name loud enough and if any of them are within earshot, they'll come to you."

"Fantastic..." Jamil breathlessly utters, still completely blown away by this arrangement. "What's his name?"

"Al," Azul says.

At that, the parrot perks up and ruffles its feathers. "Al! Me! Al!"

Azul smiles. "Oh yeah, he reacts to his name quite loudly as well. So if you ever want to find him, you can call his name."

"Well, it's very nice to meet you, Al. You're a really smart parrot, aren't you?"

"Al! Me!" The parrot screeches, bobbing its head up and down like its nodding.

It flies off of Jamil's soldier and lands clumsily on top of Azul's head, leaning forward to stare at Azul upside-down. "He! Likes you!"

"Do you just say that to everyone?" Azul asks playfully, looking at the parrot.

The bird begins to walk in place on Azul's head, earning a surprised "Ow!" from the merman, though he doesn't seem to be hurt.

"Jamil Viper!" Al squawks, blinking at Jamil. "Jamil Viper!" he leans forward to stare at Azul upside-down again. "Likes you! Ash! Ash!"

"Well now, he's snitching on the both of us," Jamil playfully retorts, walking over to lightly wave the bird away. Al soars up with an indignant squawk and flies off to a nearby branch.

Azul chuckles. "So, I take it you enjoyed the aviary?" he proudly gestures around the place like he owns it.

"As long as these birds are enjoying it, then absolutely," Jamil grins. He reaches over and brushes off some crumbs in Azul's hair from Al's earlier perch. "... This place would not have been as cool as it is if you hadn't shown me around today, though. Thank you."

Azul tenses up in surprise for a moment at Jamil's touch, then he relaxes and smiles. "It's my pleasure, Vi. I had a lot of fun with you today. We really did make this day count," he gazes into Jamil's eyes.

From this close, Jamil can see the tinge of red on Azul's fair cheeks.

…

Jamil recalls Al's words, and his conversation with Rielle back at the Autumn Dance.

He likes Azul, and Azul likes him back... At this point, there really is no doubt to be had, is there?

He takes a breath and begins to speak. "... Ash, I—"

A phone rings.

They both get startled at the sound; Azul blinks and smiles sheepishly at Jamil before stepping back to take out his phone. "I'm sorry, I have to take this," he says as he looks at the screen. “It's Rahzel

Probably an update about Kalim." He answers the call. "Hello?"

"Huh? Oh…" Jamil snaps out of his daze, trying not to look disappointed. "No problem."

Al makes a sad trumpet sound up on a branch.

Jamil narrows his eyes at the bird. How could a parrot even make that sound?

"Kalim's Blot Levels are fine," Azul smiles at Jamil while still on the phone. Then his smile slowly disappears as he listens some more. "What?" he asks Rahzel. "Lower than Rielle's– Rielle had elevated Blot levels? When? You're only telling me about this now?" his voice is rising and he's starting to sound angry. "No, he didn't tell me, Rahzel. Why–" He cuts himself off and closes his eyes, taking a breath. "I'm sorry," he says quietly. "Thank you, Rahzel." He hangs up and puts his phone in his pocket. Then he puts his hands on his hips and takes deep breaths, his jaw clenched.

Jamil turns his attention away from a mental stare-off with Al to Azul, bewildered. "Wait… Elevated Blot levels? Rielle's developing Blot, too?" He should've expected this, given that he and Azul are both facing the same stressful circumstances. "When did they pick up on that?"

"Apparently Rielle had gone to the infirmary the day before he left for the Coral Sea," Azul says in an evenly measured voice. "Rahzel doesn't know why, but he had himself checked for Blot. His had spiked more than Kalim's did. No one at the infirmary told me because they had assumed that Rielle would. I had assumed that as well…" he closes his eyes for a moment and massages his forehead. "I have to check on him," he says decisively. "Now. Especially with how he's been disappearing lately."

"What?" Jamil says in surprise. "How? Don't tell me you're planning on swimming all the way to the Coral Sea."

Azul looks at Jamil apologetically. "I'm sorry that I have to cut this day short, I'll make it up to you when I get back, I promise. There's a mirror portal at RSA that leads directly to the Coral Sea, but RSA is farther…" he trails off, then looks at Jamil. "I'm sorry to ask you this, but can we fly to NRC? It's nearer here compared to RSA, and Jade told me that Octavinelle has a mirror portal that leads to the Coral Sea. There's a broom rental right outside this aviary." Azul is trying so hard to be calm, but Jamil can see the worry in his eyes.

"..." Jamil nods, taking the role of the calm and composed in a situation of duress. "First, deep breaths, Azul. I know this is concerning news, but you won't be able to help Rielle in such a panicked state. I'll help you get to NRC, but for now, breathe…" He demonstrates, before gently taking Azul's hand and leading the way out and over to a small building for broom rentals.

Azul laces his fingers through Jamil's and grips his hand tightly, mimicking his breathing.

Seeing that Azul seems too frazzled to pilot a broom on his own all the way to NRC, Jamil had asked the clerk to rent them only one.

He gets on and gestures for Azul to do the same. Then he kicks off the ground, keeping the ride as smooth as possible as they head for the cliff towering above them.

Azul has one arm wrapped around Jamil's waist, and with his other hand he takes his phone out of his pocket. "Jade. I don't have time to explain, but I need access to Octavinelle's portal to the Coral Sea. It's about Rielle."

There's a moment of silence before Azul speaks again.

"Thank you. I'll meet you in the Hall of Mirrors in 15 minutes at most. And Jade… Remember that potion we brewed together…? I'd like to buy a bottle from you today."

Another beat of silence.

"Yes, I'm sure," Azul says, sounding like he's trying to convince himself.

Jamil doesn't ask. He knows that Azul is too mentally preoccupied to tell him much of anything right now.

He gets them to land right by the front gate. With the broom being seen as a foreign substance, they'd just fly right into the invisible barrier.

Jamil is automatically identified as a student and, because he's holding Azul's hand, whatever magic regulations are used here seem to recognize him as a guest.

The broom was left behind. They run all the way to the Hall of Mirrors.

<- Chapter 13

Chapter 15 ->

(Masterlist)

[greentrickster]

Okay y'all, listen up, because this evening I went on an Odysseus-style odyssey, in that what was meant to be a quick jaunt with minimal difficulties turned into a multi-hour trip where I was thwarted every step of the way.

As all good disasters do, it started off well enough. My mom informed me that a local, extremely large booksale is on today and I decided to go, because yay, books!

Then my dad, who was in the same room at the time, generously pulled out his wallet, handed me some cash, and told me to go buy myself a book! So even better, free book(s) and no requirement to return the change! Jackpot! I drive to the booksale in high spirits! Arrive! Enter the building!

...

What the heck, why are there so few tables?! What has happened to this booksale, it's in an area the size of a full-sized basketball court and usually it's full of tables covered in books! There's maybe an eighth of that! It doesn't even have a sci-fi/fantasy section. It's, quite possibly, the most tragic I've ever seen this booksale look, and I'm unable to find anything to my taste there.

However, like Odysseus before me, I don't assume failure at the first hurdle - I was told to buy myself a book, but I was never told where I had to buy it! To the local bargain outlet, which has all sorts of delights to offer, including books, and I've found some good ones there before! Not tonight, apparently, but, like. It's happened.

So that's... less than fun.

Also, I'm starving at this point, because I left at five-ish and haven't had supper yet. So, since this place sells food, I grab a box of soft strawberry granola bars for $2, because my money tonight is for literature, not sustenance, and I'm not out yet! There's still Barnes & Noble, the local mega-chain bookstore, which I have mixed feelings about! But it's my last option at this point and, hey, graphic novels! Manga! All sorts of exciting new releases! I was just there a week or two ago and even wrote some titles down while I was there!

My friends, I walked all over that store and perused books for two hours, and I found nothing that sparked enough joy to accompany me home. I did find a couple with minor potential, and one that gave me heart palpitations and made me regret the choices that had led to this point in my life, but nothing I felt the desire to own, you know?

My feet hurt, because I wore the cheap sandals that are only good for short expeditions. It was late. I wanted to go home and get a mom hug to help with the trauma that came with the heart palpitations.

But I had no book.

I had not fulfilled my mission.

A state of events that was simply unacceptable.

Unfortunately, as I mentioned, it was also about eight at night and everywhere around me other than a few grocery stores tend to start rolling up the carpets within an hour or two. So, in an act that would make Odysseus proud, I rearranged my strategy! I would use the cash to buy the Christmas gift I've been meaning to get for my dad (I get my holiday shopping done early), then go home and buy a couple books I'd been eyeing on Amazon!

Books would be purchased!

Triumph would be had!

I got home and discovered, as Odysseus did, that not all was the pleasant peace I had left it in! Except instead of a bunch of entitled suitors trying to marry my wife and steal my throne, the internet had gone down five minutes before I opened the door.

I chose to do the mature thing in order to gain Athena's favour by screaming into a pillow. About twenty minutes later, the internet turned back on! Success!

I discover Amazon has upped the amount you need to spend to get free shipping from $25 to $35 as of September 8th, because they are an evil mega-corporation and not my friend! Rage!

However, still rich with Athena's blessing, and in dire need to prove that if Odysseus can do this then so can I, I made one last-ditch effort... and went and asked to use my parents' Prime account to get free shipping for my order.

And thus my books were finally ordered, and, like Odysseus, I am at last triumphant, but boy golly, that was 90% more effort than it needed to be, what the heck, what sort of sick, dystopian future am I living in that I finally have my own money to get books but can't guarantee the bookstore will have anything I want to buy?!?

[uenodivision]

Night had long since set on the division of Ueno, and it was reaching the end of a certain Catholic nun’s birthday. Shisuta Heisha was sitting comfortably in her living room, reading a novel and enjoying the peacefulness of her home. Suddenly, she was brought out of her book by a knock at the door. Setting her to the side, Shisuta lifted herself off the couch, walked towards the door, and opened it.  To her pleasant surprise, Ayumu Hayami was standing at her doorstep dressed up in his paramedic uniform. 

“Forgive me for coming so late, Shisuta-san, but they put me on a double shift today, so I'm using my break right now to visit. I even brought you a few gifts.”  Ayumu paused, walking inside an embarrassed smile forming on his face. Pulling out something from behind his back, Ayumu handed it to Shisuta. “Happy Birthday, Shisuta-san.” 

In Shisuta’s hand was now a pink camellias in a metal tin. However, just before Shisuta could thank him, Ayumu brought out another gift box. 

“I have one more thing, too. This is from Sara. Sweet girl would’ve delivered it herself, but again I’ve been on double duty today.” Ayumu handed Shisuta the gift box. 

Inside the box was a small white cake with little lavenders decorated on it along with a small jar of cherry blossom tea blend. 

“The tea blend is my mother’s suggestion; she thinks you’ll enjoy it. The cake Sara made with my mother and she hopes you like it. You really are one of her favorite people in the world. Thank you for that.” Ayumu gratefully said. Looking at his watch, Ayumu noticed the time and knew he only had a few moments left before he had to leave. 

“Happy Birthday again, Shisuta-san.” Ayumu gently smiled at the nun. “Now I’m afraid my break is about to end, so I need to head back to the station. But ah, forgive me if this is being too bold.” Then, to Shisuta’s shock, Ayumu gently placed a kiss on her cheek. “See you soon, I hope.” 

As Shisuta looked up at Ayumu and his gifts, a bright smile was placed on her face. ...Which soon turned to shock as she felt a pair of lips upon her cheek, making her gasp as she tried to comprehend what just happened. It felt like an eternity had passed, as if she was in a world of light, where time and space had no concept or meaning. She had only felt like this at least one other time, and that was when she was still engaged to her ex-husband, Saito.

She had fallen in love with him when they had first met, and that love continued, at least for a while, even after they had divorced. It was only after she had gone through her 'crisis of faith' did she wonder just what about that man did she even really like or love about him? To this day, she still did not have a definite answer. But one thing was for certain: Shisuta was sure that she would never have that feeling ever again.

...Until now when Shisuta finally felt the lips of the man she had cared for dearly finally removed from her cheek. Looking at him as he finally came back into view, the nun only heard him bid her farewell, still not comprehending exactly what just happened. It was only a few minutes after she left that she returned back to earth, red on her cheeks and a smile in her face. A smile that continued for days straight.

Few days later...

"Uhh... Mom," Aranai called out to her surrogate mother, who was busy cooking breakfast early in the morning.

"Yes, Aranai-chan?" Shisuta answered, still smiling in a joyful mood.

"Uhh... are you feeling okay?" The daughter asked, raising an eyebrow.

"And why would I not feel okay, Aranai-chan?"

"Uhh... no reason, but..."

"I assure you I'm fine, Aranai-chan. I've just been appreciating some of life's more simple pursuits, is all."

"Uhh... okay, if you say so."

[mcltiples]

IT'S ALASTOR'S BIRTHDAY || accepting

@countlessrealities sent; So, as it had turned out, Alastor celebrated his birthday. It was a piece of information Vox had never been given until the two of them had abruptly gotten engaged, even if he had had some suspicions in that sense back when they were friends. Now that he knew for sure, however, it meant one thing. He had to get his fiancé a present.

Had they been strictly friends as they had once used to, the task would have been much easier. He could have gone with something classic, like a bottle of very expensive vintage or liquor, or perhaps an LP record holding a collection of jazz music. They were decent good ideas, but neither screamed "romance". He had to do better than that.

Eventually, his wandering had landed him in Cannibal Town. Since Rosie had learnt that he and the Radio Demon would be tying the knot, he had once again become a welcome presence, which made his visits much easier and pleasant. The place had been buzzing with preparations for Halloween, so most store windows showed stuff relating to the holiday.

After what had felt like hours, right when he had been ready to give up, his eyes had by chance landed on an an antiques shop and he had seen it. Exactly what he was looking for.

As confident in his purchase as he was, though, when the moment came for him to present the slick black box decorated with a blood read bow to Alastor, Vox was nervous. Perhaps he was being dramatic, but he couldn't stop thinking that, if his fiancé hadn't liked the gift, it would have been a disaster.

"My dearest," he greeted with his best charming grin, feeling bold enough to take one of the Radio Demon's hands so he could brush a kiss on the inside of his wrist. "I wasn't sure of what plans you had for the day, but...I got you something."

The gift would turn out to be a peculiar music box, shaped like an anatomical heart, down to the smallest detail. It was painted in the most realistic way, to the point that you would have expected to feel the blood and the muscle upon touching it. When opened, it played a slow lullaby, dark and creepy, a horror story written with musical notes.

[[ Bday ask for Alastor from Vox !! ]]

Not that Alastor would ever admit it, but he was expecting to see his fiancé today. Easily slipping out of plans all day from other people. Just so he could have all his time spent around the one person he currently found himself wrapped around like a coiling snake with their prey.

And when he finally came face to face with Vox, the first thing his eyes landed on was the black box. He took it in between his hands. Well, one hand, since the other was held and given affection. Something that he's come to long for and even expect by now.

He managed to wriggle his hand free, softly touching one corner of Vox's screen, a caress in the most delicate way. A gesture of appreciation.

Turning his focus back onto the box, he began to open it. Red eyes gazed down at the gorey music box. "Oh my," He let out, eyes flashing to black for a few seconds.

Carefully, he took it out of the box and held it in his hands. He opened it up to hear the tune that came with it. Oddly enough, for other's at least, it sounded soothing and calm to him. This would definitely lull him to sleep.

"Such a unique gift, I must say, I truly admire the craftmanship of this odd little knick-knack," He allowed himself to set it down for the moment. Instead, slipping his fingers in between his fiancé's, holding both of those hands and bringing them up to his chest. "You certainly know how to woo me sometimes, my beloved, though, I shouldn't be too surprised now,"

He leaned forward, head tilted at an eerie angle. "Thank you, now, as for plans, they're whatever you want them to be, it's my day and I've chosen to do whatever you want to do, so make it good."

And before he could earn a protest at that, he pushed himself forward to deliver a tender kiss to that screen. Closing his eyes, lips lingering and softly moving in something he's come to known as romantic affection. Who knew that he would be spending his birthday with his fiancé. If someone told him that years ago, he would be laughing hysterically. Yet, here he was. And he couldn't have been more pleased with that fact.

[virdemption]

hiii do you have any w-meemee headcanons you havent shared? :3c

i'm so obsessed with how you came in with the w-meemee icon out of nowhere and casually ask about w-meemee it made me burst out in laughter this is my first thought seeing this ask:

but yeah i don't think i have a headcanons list of her yet. some of this is definitely repeats lols.

W-Meemee Headcanons Time

She can play piano very well!

She's not a very huge fan of other girls in her academy since they're WAY too casually interested in curses and love potions. Especially the love potion aspect; she hates the thought of anyone being forced into loving someone they wouldn't want to otherwise (I do not like her trying to charm Aiai into noticing her I'm fully rejecting that forevers).

Big spoon :)

Whenever he returns, she will buy treasures from C-Aiai that can be used in potions and magic. She's tried to buy from Palette before but she usually declines.

She gave F-Gongon the button on its coat and that's his most treasured possession ever.

She can sew! But she only ever uses this skill to put F-Gongon back together.

The scent of her wand when casting a spell changes depending on her mood. It can be either pleasant or pungent.

Her favorite food is the cookies from Sweet Fountain with the sticky banana as her runner up. She's been trying to replicate the cookies at home forever. Baking is another hobby of her, but she's not very good at it.

F-Gongon has a key to her apartment, but he doesn't often visit since she's roommates with Kenrai. He is always going to visit on days when she comes back from school for breaks to make her boxed red velvet cake.

Oh and here's an old post about her and F-Gongon lols

[lwyrsdghtr]

TWO BIRDS ON A WIRE. a drabble on jimmy and jade (and chuck). cw death, drug use, overdose.

a twenty-two year old jimmy mcgill walks into a bar one night and in the crowd, he spots a twenty-four year old elena maldonado. after a futile attempt or two at buying her a drink, she gives in and allows it. it’s been too long since she’s felt another persons warmth, or had any really pleasant interactions with someone. jimmy, (the sweet-talker, the charmer) manages to get her into his bed. a month later he sees her again, but away from the dim lights of the bar, and without the comforting burn of whiskey within them — things are very different. on a cicero street outside a diner, she’s frantic, ‘i’m pregnant. yes i’m sure. yes it’s yours. i don’t have the money for a kid! what are we gonna do?’ in the moment jimmy does his best to deescalate the scene. to reassure her for the time being because he doesn’t want anyone to see her screaming at him. but he’s woefully unprepared, too, and he will never be equipped with what it takes to be a good father. for a while he tries, elena is scared and alone and her insistence is just enough to get an attempt at normalcy out of him. but after he follows her back to her hometown of east saint louis he realizes he barely knows her. he’s slippin’ jimmy, flying by the seat of his pants. does he even want to know her? they don’t get along well. is he prepared to become a provider? to be someone like his father before him? the moment he envisions himself in his fathers shoes, he knows he’s got to leave. elena is only a few months along. it didn’t come as a shock to her, he always felt like he was looking for a way out of it. he was young. he was scared. he didn’t want a kid. she wasn’t stupid. but he never got a shred of grace. and she barely ever spoke of him. 

his absence during jade’s childhood was palpable. birthdays came and went, she grew out of secondhand clothes. the few strings of christmas lights mom left in the box behind the tv went up and came down, eventually dimming so much only half of them didn’t blink. in the beginning she would always ask ‘where’s my dad?’. he was alive and around, that much she knew. it only made her more curious. when her mother was at work she spent days glued to their ancient tv set, watching stories about all kinds of fathers. she wondered desperately, what kind would he have been? 

but then mom would come home, and she would tuck her curiosity to the back of her mind because she learned after some time that asking only hurt elena. their relationship was almost enough to satiate her need for some kind of answer about him. until mom got sick, at least. her sickness, like so many others, came without warning and tore them apart. elena wasn’t in a position to take care of herself. between the health system, her busy work schedule, and the eight year old relying on her, she thought she’d be lucky to live a year or two. jade doesn’t like to think about that last year with her mother. she doesn’t like to think about the last time she saw her, living or dead. but her death opened a door that has previously been boarded up and bolted shut. 

chuck thought that he was taking on enough when he brought jimmy back to albuquerque with him. but when news of jades existence fell into his lap nearly a year later, he figured this is another one of jimmy's famous punchlines. the joke? chuck thinking trying to get jimmy to do better was going to be anything less than chaos. jimmy is unfit to raise her, that much the system deduces. he’s been incarcerated, then in the mail room and living in a hotel. so, chuck has a choice. take jade in, or leave her in the system. when their mother finds out about her, the choice is all but made for him. 

when she heard albuquerque being called ‘the land of enchantment’ she expected something a little different. it was a strange thing, to be in a world that looked so different to the one she had known. meeting her father was even stranger. the day it happened, she’d already been moved into chucks house. even given the previously unknown feeling of having her own room, which she used to cry and cry until she couldn’t anymore. she asked chuck almost immediately where her dad was once she arrived, and he explained that jimmy wouldn’t live there with them, but they could visit whenever they wanted. after giving her a day or two to settle in, she sat at the dining table beside him. she examined every aspect of his face, trying to discern features they might have in common. she came up short. he seemed stiff, awkward at first. he asked her questions most adults did. did she like school? what subjects did she like? and on and on. she finished answering the same round of questions from chuck just hours before. jade began to feel something different at that table. no longer was there curiosity, there was resentment rearing its head. and a palpable fear. resentment because he left, fear because maybe she was the reason. maybe he just couldn’t love her like dads loved their daughters. maybe she just didn’t deserve it. but, as the night went on, they settled into each other’s presence ever so slightly. jimmy had her doing things she hadn’t done since her mom died. smile, laugh. it was like someone somewhere had flipped a light on. he made silly jokes she was only just young enough to laugh at. they talked about movies. they talked about their favorite things. she realized that she hadn’t inherited his features, but instead his interests, his humor, his love for old films. whatever negative emotions had bubbled up were gone within the hour. for the moment, she was content with being dazzled by her dad, who worked at the mailroom, who made good jokes, who didn’t always show up to visit — but when he did she felt a peace that made the loss of her mother just a little easier. when they were alone, he would tell her captivating stories about his days in cicero. the scams he pulled, money he made, laws he broke. 

time always comes to change things. they were no exception. by thirteen, she loved her dad. but chuck was the one who helped with homework, who gave her advice, who guided her. all while drawing a very clear line between right and wrong. jimmy was good for a laugh, good for a ride to the video store, good for keeping a secret. she decided by then that singing was all she wanted to do with her life. the choice, influenced by rebecca, was only solidified when she learned that she really did have a good voice. she had been in the school musical a few times. jimmy didn’t come to see her in any of them. he must have just been busy, she told herself. but the 8th grade talent show was something different altogether. she practiced for weeks. she made chuck, rebecca, and jimmy promise they would be there. the night came. jade did well, up until she spotted chuck and rebecca sitting in the crowd with an empty chair beside them. dad hadn’t come. one thing she learned he wasn’t good for, keeping promises. things weren’t the same after that. she didn’t want to sing anymore. she found a new group of friends who spent most of their time skipping classes. she tried drugs for the first time. she got detention more often than she should have. her grades started to slip. jimmy never seemed concerned. chuck, on the other hand, was seeing too many signs of jimmy’s ways starting to grow within jade. she lied with ease. she chose the easy way out. she talked her way out of every failed test and call from a teacher. by the time jade was sixteen chuck could no longer leave the house. it made lying to him much easier, much more successful. her grades were better now, she wasn’t hanging around any bad influences anymore, she wanted to be a lawyer. just like them. none of it was true. and jimmy knew this, but he never looked far enough into it. why worry himself? she seemed fine. and he never told chuck out of a lack of necessity. they were as thick as thieves. although that feeling had been growing, the one that made her believe he never really cared, she decided having a dad who was like this was cool. who needed discipline? she could take care of herself. dad saw that, she was sure. she knew when to stop partying, when to stop lying, didn’t she? 

jimmy and chuck begin to implode. suddenly, whatever semblance of stability jade had is crumbling beneath her feet. there’s a clear choice to make here: dad or chuck. unbeknownst to her, she’s being used as a pawn in their games. chuck has never been so attentive, so eager to support her idea of going to law school. she chooses him. jimmy tries to warn her, all while attempting his own manipulations. by then, she’s eighteen, and she’s accepted that he will never make much room in his heart for her. it’s a revelation that crushed her slowly throughout her teenage years. but chuck? uncle chuck is different. she knows this. he cares. he wants me to do good things. maybe my dad really is just a bad person. i’m not going to be like him.

then, without warning, jimmy tells all. all about her dishonesty. all in an attempt at bringing chuck down to his level, uncaring of how it will affect her, preaching the importance of truth. chuck admits a terrible thing that will haunt jade well into her adult life. he never cared. he never wanted her to succeed out of the goodness of his heart. he only ever took her in to please their mother, and for the sake of a moral high ground. in only a few sentences, everything jade thought she knew is no longer true. she swears never to talk to chuck again. she spirals out of control in a rebellious tantrum. then, on an evening that she never forgets, she shows up to his house to grab some of her old things (secretly hoping he'll see her and take it all back) and it's burning to the ground. jade is there for most of the ordeal. she’s howling like a wounded animal, all grief and sorrow. this night is another dividing line in her life, and things will never be quite the same.

in all of her guilt and grief, she looks for her dad, wanting something to anchor her to the waking world and keep her from falling deeper into her hole. but he’s nowhere to be found, not interested in helping her mourn or being a shoulder to cry on. she’s alone. the ground beneath her becomes slippery and she falls into chaos. she attempts half-heartedly to go to college, pre-law. to see if somehow being that version of what chuck wanted her to be would feel good. but it doesn’t last long, there’s no solace in the attempt at healing through positive action — and slowly the chaos consumes her. her days are a blur of drugs, alcohol, a toxic relationship. in a drug fueled rage, jade tells jimmy of her feelings for the first time. they hadn’t seen each other in months, she clawed at his door like a starved animal, when she got her chance she went for the kill. jimmy could hardly make out any of it, she was so high it sounded almost like gibberish between the different versions of ‘you abandoned me’ and the ‘i hate you’. his reaction was less than desirable. he feigned, for a time, caring about her issues. but he wanted nothing more to run from what he saw in front of him. he knew deep down, jade was good, kind, pure. and all of his dirty traits had pulled her down into an abyss. his disregard had created a sick, desperate person who stood across from him screaming expletives. someone who believed maybe she was just unlovable. once she stopped he got her to a hotel and paid for a night. when she surrendered to sleep he thought briefly about staying. about finally being something akin to a caretaker. he was gone by morning.

everyone has to hit rock bottom sometime, and jade hit hers on the floor of a public bathroom. jimmy is her emergency contact, so when her overdose earns her a stay in the hospital, he was who they called. by then he was barely jimmy anymore. saul goodman was plastered all over town on billboards and park benches. he had more than enough money to send her to the best rehab program money could buy, which conveniently was in another state. out of sight out of mind. but this didn’t last long. one evening jimmy receives a package from her facility. it’s from jade. they haven’t spoken in over a year. first there’s a note, ‘listen.’ scrawled on a small post-it. then as he inspects further he finds an old record, it’s a single. todd rundgren’s hello it’s me. he laughs. not exactly his taste. but he’s compelled to play it anyway, on the comically lavish music set up he’s got in his comically lavish house. something stirs in him as the clear message comes through. the message she couldn’t deliver through a phone call for a lack of strength. she wants back in his life. she needs him. finally, he reaches out. they don’t talk about what she’s said to him, or what he did to her. the chit chat. he jokes with her. pretending nothing happened isn’t so bad, jade thinks.

when she finally finishes her stay in rehab, he sends a car to bring her back to albuquerque. upon arriving she’s got mo money, nowhere to live, and nothing more than a high school education and a year of college to help her forward. upon seeing his new lifestyle, she decides asking him for help is more than fair. his dirty money pays for an apartment, a new car, and anything else she might want. it does enough to quell his guilt and make her presence bareable. he offers a job begrudgingly, which she takes because she doesn’t want to live off of his money forever. this is only temporary, she’s going to make something for herself. she just has to figure out what that might be. they fall into a strange rhythm. they don’t talk about chuck, or elena, or her drug use. they don’t talk about anything serious. their mutual pretending can be enjoyable, and at times jade feels like she can almost believe that they’re okay. but she has to remind herself, it’s all just pretend.

she’s not sure who he is anymore. who they are together. who they ever were. whatever any of it was, they’re both running from it. and she wonders where all of this running will take them.

[girltomboy]

Having a pretty sweet and relaxing time at my parents' house. Taking some time off to visit them was a good idea. Their new house looks and feels lovely, although the yard/fence/general exterior are not yet totally finished (obviously the interior was a priority so they can move in lol) which was a bit disappointing because I expected to spend a lot of time sitting outside in the sun 😭 but those are just my own selfish delusions, the weather is gloomy anyway so the best option is to sit inside and revel in the comfort and safety of the house. I thrifted a cute Sailor Moon hoodie (I've never watched Sailor Moon lmao) and a sweatshirt in the exact shade of blue I've been looking for. I also got a pretty & comfy wind jacket in a sky blue shade, a Minolta vintage film camera that only cost me 6 euros, and some modelling clay (been wanting to make a little hamster for my coworker 😁). I miss hanging out with my boyfriend for hours - lack of privacy is preventing me from doing that, but I'm having a nice time with my parents too.

I've been having these super weird dreams ever since I got here, literally every night. And not to sound weird, but hear me out: I think it's because of the mirror that's facing the bed in my parents' new extra bedroom. Like, I did read a lot about room arrangement and how the mirror placement will influence the mood of the room, but that didn't really apply to me much, because there was also a mirror hanging on the wall facing my bed in my childhood bedroom, AND one "behind" the bed, and that hasn't caused me any weird sleep experiences. Maybe the two mirrors facing each other and sandwiching the bed cancel out the bad feng shui? BUT I also have a mirror facing my bed at my apartment, and generally I'm fine, save for a few weird dreams every now and then. That's just me and my brain. But here my dreams have been wild and weird ever since I arrived lol. And a lot of them are related to the things I see and read during the day - unusual for me. Normally my dreams are super random.

Anyway, enough about sleep and dreams. Today in my waking hours I will be reading, maybe doodling a bit, rummaging through some boxes and bags for my old college stuff - books, notebooks, and other objects, and also going outside to chill. I realized I barely went outside ever since I got here (the absence of a fence will do that) and I briefly walked to the back of my parents' yard this morning while on a call with my bf, and it was pretty pleasant, especially thanks to the walnut tree that shed a lot of leaves and basically created this bed of leaves curtained by the bare branches hanging low. It was so cozy and fresh.

Btw my parents went to church and returned saying my aunt asked about me, so I told them she should come over (no one came to visit ever since they finished the house, which is bizarre; apparently my stepdad's brother and his wife - my aunt - were taken aback by how similar it looks to their own house, which is true to an extent, but it feels like such a petty reason to refuse a visit to your BROTHER'S NEW HOUSE, considering you are supposedly on good terms no beef? 💀) and my parents were like "No, you should come to church this afternoon". I reminded them that I don't have any "nice" (AKA acceptable by the church's unspoken & unwritten superficial standards 😛) clothes here, to which they (my mom) replied "then wear your jeans"??? Lmao I mean in any other context this would be reasonable, I've seen people come to church in casual clothing and it's a normal thing for someone who just wants to go to church, it should be common practice. But unfortunately the people in this church turn attendance into a fashion show & contest, gossip fuel, and ego stroking party. And I really don't want to gather like any attention whatsoever from anyone there tbh. And there's also this tiny detail called ummm I don't want to go 👁️👄👁️ so yeah terrible idea. I told them I don't feel comfortable with that suggestion, so they dropped it for now. So I'm just gonna go about my day.

[pheita]

Since I am re-wrting my pirate WIP and just renamed it, here a fitting piece of "Sea of Memories, Sea of Chances" under the cut I would still count this as SFW but well, there is some skin showing.

Tagging @ashen-crest @dragonhoardingwips

The next morning Killian woke up with a dry mouth, but that was something he had not known differently for the greater part of his life as a pirate. He was more confused about the fact that he was only wearing underwear and Becca was lying next to him, dressed only in a silk robe. She lay there snuggled against his chest, making it impossible for Killian to leave without being noticed.

Cautiously, he looked around the room. Boots, pants, and shirts lay scattered everywhere. On the table was a small barrel that he remembered had contained wine. The empty cups lay right next to it. On top of the barrel was a small box.

It took him a few moments to remember that it had contained chocolate from the Netherlands, which Becca had inhaled like a starving woman.

Killian winced as she moved in her sleep and her hand slid from his chest down to his ribs, along the still pink scar that was a reminder of his last run-in with Commodore Bright. A mixture of grumbles and grumbles came from Becca. Part of Killian hoped he could leave now without waking her or being seen by anyone.

His memories of last night were foggy, if you wanted to put it that nicely. To be honest, he had been so drunk that he had no memories of the night after Becca made him try chocolate, and it was embarrassing as hell, even if he had to admit waking up next to a pretty woman was something pleasant.

With his eyes fixed firmly on her, Killian slowly tried to shift his position. The next moment, she grabbed him by the ribs and made a displeased noise.

"You're not trying to steal away like a thief, are you?" she was still muttering in a sleepily low voice. "I'm trying to save our reputation." She giggled against his body. Her robe slid down her arm, revealing a tattoo along with a perfect view of her cleavage. "We're pirates. Do we have anything like a reputation?" "Depends on who you ask," he replied slowly, as if hypnotized. "Aye," she sat up, not bothering to push back her robe.

With a charming smile, Killian tried to take her hand away from his ribs, but she just dropped down on him with a wicked smile. "We won't be able to sail today if we don't get up," he reminded with the faint hope it would mask how uncomfortable he was with the situation. "We won't be sailing today anyway, as drunk as the crew is," she purred in his ear. "Did you plan this?" "No, but a convenient state of affairs."

Again, Killian tried to extricate himself without touching her inappropriately. "You don't remember last night, do you?" giggled Becca, looking at him innocently from below. "Not much," he admitted awkwardly. "Aye, I thought so."

Her giggles grew worse. "What's so funny about that?" "Shouldn't ish hurry to leave to preserve my dignity?" "I'm not trying to preserve my dignity. I'm trying to keep things uncomplicated," Killian explained. "Things have already been complicated since your friend stole your ship." "Aye… But we should try to…" "Keep our pants on? Too late, mon chèr," Becca curled her lips to suppress the smile.

He snorted in amusement and turned on his side with his head propped on his hand. "You know, said friend said nothing good ever comes of enjoying female company." "Sounds like a bitter man." "I think cautious is more like it. He keeps predicting that a woman will one day be my downfall." "Does he? What a strange friend," she frowned.

"Aye, he's odd, but he's also a damn good skipper. Funny thing is, if I had to pick a woman to be my downfall, I'd pick you." "That's romantic in a quirky way," Becca smiled.

She gathered her hair and pulled it to the right side before lying on her stomach facing Killian. "You think?" "Aye, I'll tell you why. It's romantic because it means you've already fallen for me." "I think I have," he said with satisfaction, moving his free arm to the other side.

For a moment, the arm hovered over her. The scent of the perfumed bedding tickled his nose as he slowly lowered his arm. "I think we're still wearing too many clothes," Becca suggested in a sensual tone.

"Aye…" whispered Killian in her ear. Unexpectedly, she jumped up with a grin. "Time for a nice hot bath." "What?"

The confusion was literally written all over his face. "A hot bath. I have been looking forward to it for weeks. Oh, and lest you wonder further. We were both too drunk for anything yesterday. It was just another awkward stumble into bed." Her grin grew even wider as she pulled her robe neatly back around her and headed for the door.

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[watchmegetobsessed]

BLESSING

WORD COUNT: 1.3k

SUMMARY: Harry finally decides to propose to you. But before that, he wants to ask for Nan's blessing.

MORE FROM THE NAN&HARRY UNIVERSE

When Nan hears the knock on her front door she thinks it must be Dolores from down the street, bringing another batch of her cookies, but it’s a pleasant surprise when she sees Harry standing on her doormat with a bright smile.

“Oh my God! I didn’t even know you were home!” she cheers, hugging him tight and he wraps his arms around her as well.

“Just got back yesterday,” Harry tells her as she pulls him inside.

“C’mon, I was just about to make some tea, you came at the right time!”

Harry follows her into the dining room and puts the package he’s been holding in a paper bag down as Nan disappears in the kitchen to put the kettle on and get some snacks for Harry. When she returns she has some biscuits and apple slices on a plate that she places in front of him.

“And what do I owe the surprise visit?” she smiles from behind her glasses as Harry snatches an apple slice for himself.

“I have something to show you and ask your opinion about,” he explains, mouth full of apple as he reaches for the bag and pulls out a cardboard box. “You know I have this beauty brand, right?”

“Oh, of course! Elizabeth has been nagging me forever to get her at least a coupon for it!” she chuckles as Harry pops the lid of the box open.

“I’ll send them a PR package,” he smirks. “Well, I have a few new colors and I thought I would ask your opinion about them.”

He lines up a few nail polishes, they lack the usual Pleasing styled appearance just yet, but seeing the colors Nan gasps in joy. There are three testers, a lavender, a soft blue and a bright yellow; all of Nan’s favorite colors.

“Oh my! These look beautiful!”

“Do you want to try them?” Harry asks and Nan nods eagerly.

She quickly finishes the tea and then they open Harry’s temporary beauty salon in the dining room while catching up with everything that has happened since your niece’s birthday party a few weeks ago. Though Harry would have come to visit without any reason, today he has something else to ask Nan too. 

“So, I have a question for you,” Harry hums while painting her pinky with the yellow color. He is not a nail technician, but he’s trying his best to make it as even as possible.

“I’m listening.”

“You’ve been nagging me about proposing to Y/N for so long and I have also been planning it too, but there were a few things I wanted to do before that,” he starts and Nan’s eyebrows rise at the mentioning of the proposal. “I knew I wanted to ask for not just her dad’s blessing, but also for yours, because you’re such an important person in her life.”

He screws the polish closed, putting it to the side before reaching into the paper bag and pulling out something small that could fit into his hand. 

“Harry!” she gasps, fully aware of what’s about to happen while Harry just smirks.

“I was at her parents’ yesterday and got both her mum’s and dad’s blessing, so there’s only one person left.” He opens his hand and reveals a tiny jewelry box and popping the lid open he shows her an engagement ring. “So, I came here today to ask for your blessing, because I want to marry your granddaughter.”

“Oh my God!” she exclaims, clapping her hands together before throwing her arms around his neck and pulling him into the tightest hug they’ve ever exchanged. “Of course! There’s nothing I want to see more than that! Well, maybe there is, a grandbaby would be amazing, but it’s wonderful too!” she chuckles, tears dwelling in her eyes as she lets go of him, still in awe and shock Harry finally decided to take this step.

“One step at a time, Nan,” he laughs.

“I know, I know! You have my blessing, son. You had it from the first day!”

“Thank you, Nan,” he smiles, and pulls her into another hug, that’s a bit more tender this time. 

“How are you planning to ask her?” she questions excitedly as she sits back.

“I’m planning to recreate our very first date. I’ll take her to the same restaurant and then we’ll take a walk and bring her up to the roof of her old building she used to live in. That’s where we had our first kiss so that’s where I’m gonna ask her. I’ll decorate it with lights and everything, do you think she’ll like it?”

“I think she’ll absolutely adore it! She told me how special your first date felt, so I’m sure it’ll be nice to do it all over again,” she nods eagerly, relief taking over Harry knowing Nan finds his idea good enough. He’s been stressing over it for a while now, he had a few different ideas, but then always came back to wanting to relive such a special moment the two of you shared.

Harry leaves Nan’s place filled with joy and excitement and she feels the same way. When the weekend rolls around Harry takes you out on a date night and you’re completely unaware of what he has planned. You realize how similar the evening is to your first date, but that doesn’t make you think he is planning to propose. So when he gets down on one knee on the rooftop where he kissed you for the very first time, you’re in total shock, you can barely answer his question without sobbing and your hands are shaking crazily as he puts the ring on your finger.

On Sunday you drop by Nan’s place for a chat, obviously you want to tell her the good news that Harry has finally proposed, but you have no idea Nan already knew what was gonna happen. Sitting on the back porch you’re having a nice cuppa when you decide to finally break her the news.

“Nan, you’ve been nagging Harry about doing something for a while now and I’m glad to tell you that he finally got down on one knee,” you announce, as excited as a kid on Christmas Day, holding up your hand with the massive diamond ring on your finger.

You expected Nan to be over the Moon at the right of the engagement ring, even cry maybe, but even though she is undeniably happy, the shock and surprise is missing from her expression.

“Oh Hun, congratulations!” she laughs clapping her hands together.

“Wait a minute, you don’t seem shocked at all,” you say, narrowing your eyes at your grandma. You catch her exchanging a look with Harry and now you’re sure there’s something they haven’t told you about.

“Nan already knew about my plans, because I asked for her blessing as well as for your parents’.” Harry explains to you and it breaks the dam in your eyes in an instant.

You weren’t even sure Harry is the kind who asks for the parents’ blessing, but he even went out of his way and made sure to get Nan’s approval as well, knowing how important she is in your life. It’s confirming that you made the right decision when you said yes.

“Aw, baby, please don’t cry,” Harry chuckles as he curls an arm around your shoulders and pulls you against him, kissing the top of your head as you try to stop your sobbing.

“I’m sorry, it’s just so sweet! You guys are literally best friends and it’s all I ever wished for!” you tell them.

“I’m so happy you found your partner, Sweetie,” Nan sighs as she reaches over and squeezes your hand gently. “I knew from the first moment that Harry is the one for you.”

“Stop, you’re making his head grow even bigger,” you joke, wiping your cheeks from your salty tears as you look at your fiancé. “He knows already how perfect he is, we don’t need to feed his ego even more,” you grin at him.

“But it’s always nice to hear how great I am from pretty ladies like you or Nan,” he shrugs with that typical smug smirk stretched across his handsome face. 

“Oh, and he is such a smooth talker!” Nan chuckles, shaking her head at your charmer future husband.

Thank you for reading, please like and reblog if you enjoyed and buy me a coffee if you want to support me!

[quotemenevervore]

Here’s some fluff for that angst too:

Part 7!

Warnings: slight fear, character shrinking, no vore this time, but mentions of it!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

He doesn’t think he’d ever walked on such fragile eggshells before.

Since the trio had played that stupid chasing game, George has avoided anything that could potentially wind up with him being shrunk, and still had problems speaking to Sapnap face to face. It made working together in their country difficult, and Karl caught on pretty quickly. Despite all his attempts to get answers, Sapnap refused to give any, only puzzling out how he was going to fix this mess.

It had been a week, and he finally settled on one thing. It wouldn’t do much, but maybe it would help ease the worry George still felt upon seeing him. All he had to do was get it ready and have Karl help him.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” Sapnap groaned, dragging his hand down his face. “What will, Karl? He’s fucking scared of me still.” “I don’t even know what happened between you all that scared him so much! I can’t really help you if I don’t know.” The brunette stayed firm on his refusal, and Sapnap bit back another groan. He knew they were gonna find out eventually anyway, he just didn’t want it to be like this. Quackity wasn’t even home yet, still in his country.

“A couple weeks ago, Dream came up with a new game. He and George shrank and ran and I hunted them. If I caught them, I’d get to store them, but me and Dream did a shitty job of explaining that it was a game to George before jumping into it. I scared him really badly, and even though he says he’s forgiven us he still won’t look me in the eyes.” He looked down, not wanting to see his fiancés reaction to the truth. He didn’t trust himself to not get upset if the other did. He heard a sigh, then shuffling as he came closer to the ravenette. “…Do you really think this will help?” “I can’t think of anything else that would. I can’t offer to store him again, it would scare him. He refuses to shrink right now for any reason.” He finally looked up to the other, met with a kind smile he felt he didn’t deserve. “Well, it’s worth a shot then. How do you wanna do this?”

~ ~ ~

Sapnap sat very still in the box that Karl was carrying. He’d taken a shrinking potion that morning, which confused their third lover, and with a promise of an explanation when they came home, the two were off to help with Kinoko Kingdom’s affairs as a country. Except today would be different, as Sapnap wouldn’t be able to help too much.

He knew George wouldn’t try to eat him, he knew he couldn’t safely do so. What he was really hoping for was that the other would be able to work past his fear of him if he was small enough to fit in his hand. In case things went south, Karl had already set up brewing stands in his office and was carrying a splash potion of growth on him in case Sapnap has to call the plan off early. For now, he simply closed his eyes, letting the gentle movement of the box fill his mind and tried to ignore his nerves. He didn’t shrink often, and his first time shrinking in general hadn’t been a pleasant experience (at first. Once Quackity came back to them, it was better, but he hasn’t really shrunk since. He hasn’t been asked to).

“Hey George!” His thoughts were interrupted by his fiancé greeting their friend. “Why are you carrying a box around?” “It’s for you.” “For me? What’s in it?” He almost fell over when the box was changed to different hands, though he could tell both had tried to be gentle about the exchange. Without knowing what was inside, George probably would treat the box like it had a glass item in it, which Sapnap was thankful for. “You have to wait until you’re in your office to open it. See ya!” “Wait, wha-“ he could hear the telltale sound of shoes quickly going down the hallway, then heard his friend sigh. “Guess I’ll go to my office, then. Thought Sapnap would have been here by now.” The statement made the other wary. What would George have done if he’d come in normal size? …What would George do to him once he finds him at this size? He debated grabbing his communicator and calling it off immediately, but forced himself not to. He knew his friend. George wouldn’t hurt him.

The box was gently set on a surface, and soon afterwards the flaps at the top were opened, making the shrunken man wince and shut his eyes from the sudden light. They snapped back open at the shocked voice of the other. “What the…” Sapnap looked up with an uneasy grin. “Hey George!” “What are you doing?” He suppressed a flinch at the sudden accusatory tone of the brunette. “Just thought I’d say hi. You don’t really talk to me normally anymore.” “And who’s fault is that.” He winced, looking down. “I know. I’m just tired of you acting like I’m a threat to you, so I thought I’d try doing this? Make myself less of one, at least.” The other’s look was not amused, and he was beyond the point of nervousness. Finally, the larger male closed his eyes with a sigh and reached into the box to pull him out, eyes snapping back open before he’d even begun to lift him out.

He tried not to flinch, and he thought he’d done a good job but the movements around him faltering proved him wrong. “..Sapnap?” “Yeah?” He forced himself to make eye contact, only making himself feel bad at the sad look he got. “Your heart’s beating really fast..” huh. So it was. The giant hand pulled away from him, and he found it easier to breathe. Every breath just led to more guilt in his stomach.

You couldn’t even pull this off without messing it up. This wasn’t supposed to be about you.

“I’ve said it already,” he started, cutting off whatever the other had been getting ready to say. “But I’m sorry. I didn’t want to make you scared of me. I didn’t want you to start feeling uncomfortable around me. I thought if I made myself tiny compared to you, it would help ease your fear of me.” George contemplated his apology before giving a response. “But all you did was make yourself uncomfortable. I didn’t want that, either.” “It’s not your fault. My first time shrinking wasn’t ideal. It’s nothing against you.” That sad look was back on the other’s face. “What happened?” “Quackity went feral.” “…Oh.” “He didn’t hurt me. But he got really panicked and slipped into complete instincts, and he needed the reassurance that me and Karl were with him and safe before he would calm down. He wasn’t calming down with us being normal sized, but he did after I shrunk.” He left out the part that Quackity had stored him, not knowing for certain that George or Dream knew that about him.

“Can I pick you up?” “Yea. Just not really fast, okay? I don’t know how you and Dream are so used to this.” “It’s jarring every time.” George reassured, setting his hand into the box so the other could climb on at his own pace. He placed a hand to the others, and when it didn’t move, pulled himself onto the palm awaiting him. He heard his friend pull in a sharp breath, and very slowly, he was pulled out of the box. “What now?” “I don’t know, up to you I guess.” Just don’t hurt me. “Do you want to go back to normal? Do you have a way to go back to normal?” The other asked the second question hastily, as if the thought that Sapnap was stuck at this size suddenly struck him. “Karl has a splash growing potion on him. And, I don’t know. If I grow, are you going to be okay?” The brunette was already pulling his communicator out, and he knew he was texting Karl. “I’ll be fine.” Then a sigh, and he moved the other towards his chest in a makeshift hug. “Thank you for doing this. I’ve been trying to stop acting nervous around you, but I think this really helped. I still don’t like that you had to make yourself uncomfortable to do it, though.” “Nothing I haven’t dealt with before. Quackity’s more than made it up to me anyway.”

The two enjoyed the quiet afterwards, the silence peaceful once more and no longer stressful or tense. They stayed like that, George holding the other to his chest and enjoying his company again, when a soft knock came to the door. “Karl?” “Yeah?” The other responded from the other side. “Okay, come in.” The other brunette walked in, a strange and amused look on his face. “We’re calling our names through the door now?” “Just until you got here. Didn’t want anyone else to see him like this.” Only then did he pull the fireborn away from his chest, frowning at the whine he gave being pulled away from the source of heat. Karl gently took him from George’s hands, and smiled at him. “Floor or desk?” “Floor’s fine.” Sapnap responded, and the other pressed a quick kiss to the side of his head before lowering him to the ground. He shut his eyes, readying himself for the loud crash that would come soon after.

He flinched at the sound of glass breaking so close to him, willing himself to relax as he felt his body heat up due to the potion. When he opened them, that warm feeling was gone, and he was sitting on the floor at his normal height. Looking up, he caught Karl’s eyes first, then George’s. “Wow, I never knew cuties like you just came from the ground.” He huffed a laugh as his fiancé began giggling, George rolling his eyes behind his glasses. “Keep making jokes like that and I’m kicking you both out of my office.” “Upset cause Dream doesn’t flirt with you like that?” Karl snarked back. “Okay, get out. You’ve had your fun.” He made a ‘shoo’ motion with his hands, and Sapnap rose to his feet to join his fiancé outside the office door. “Sapnap?” “Yea?” For the first time in weeks, George smiled at him without a trace of nervousness. “See you around.” “Yeah. You too.” He grinned back, relief flooding his veins as he realized they would be okay.

[ray-ray-writings]

A Dedicated Pig-Technoblade

#3 and 47 from this prompt list! Check out my masterlist here! This is in the DreamSMP Au. I

This is a Technoblade x GN reader! 

So in this AU I am making it so that your cannon lives are shown on your left wrist. And if someone types something in chat or if someone joins the server, it appears as text on your right arm until you dismiss it! If you are confused feel free to ask me any questions!

Part Two! Part Three! Part Four!

Y/N finally meets the one that everyone has been walking on eggshells over.

Y/N’s POV

I will never forget the gasps, murmurs, and then tense silence that followed the notification that everyone received on their right arm. Technoblade had joined the SMP. I didn’t understand why it was such a big deal though. Of course I had heard the stories. The horrors that he had done. The fights he picked and won. The amount of blood that had been shed at his hands had earned him the title of “The Blood God”. But when push comes to shove, he’s just another mortal man.

Everyone was a little freaked out and on edge because of the new addition to the server. I mean, Schlatt had just banished Techno’s family, his two brothers, from the nation that they created and fought for. Everyone knew that family was everything to Techno and if there was one thing Techno would do anything for it was his family. He would literally go to hell and back if it meant that his brothers and his father were safe. 

Finally after a few minutes of everyone holding their breath, I scoffed, rolled my eyes, and went on with my work, cleaning up the election decorations. All eyes turned to me “Y/N” Niki hissed, “Do you not understand what just happened? He could be anywhere” I let out a joyless laugh as I looked at my best friend, “You really think he’s going to come here right away? With nothing on him? With his brothers on the run? You think he’s going to worry about coming here, where it would be a 1 vs…” My eyes scanned the crowd doing a quick mental count, “15 plus? Come on Niki, think with that big brain of yours.” I claimed, a little annoyed, as I took down a banner. 

Niki let out a shaky sigh but nodded and continued helping me. “You’re right,” I chuckled at her response and bumped her shoulder, “You know I always am”. Soon, everyone went back to their own tasks, forgetting the news we all had just received. ‘See Mr. Pig Man Blood God’ I silently thought to myself, ‘You’re not as scary as you may think’. 

*Time skip*

A week and a half had gone by since Technoblade had joined the server and no one had seen him. Like I had predicted, he immediately had searched and met up with his brothers and had stayed clear of the main part of the server. That being said, I should have known that he would rear his pink head at some point…

When I first joined the server, I had made myself a small farm for food. Well of course everyone found out about it and wanted a part of it. So my small farm grew and grew. When Niki built her bakery, she needed a steady supply of well… supplies. Sugar, wheat, eggs, milk, and all that. I had plenty and I was more than happy to give her what she needed in exchange for baked goods. So once a week I would haul boxes of supplies across the SMP from my farm to her bakery. 

Everyone was aware of this and so on these days everyone would stay out of my way. Which is why I was so surprised to slam into someone while carrying a box of eggs to the bakery. 

I let out a huge gasp as the sound of eggs cracking filled my ears as I slammed into someone. The box fell out of my hands as raw egg covered my hands and body. “What the hell!” I cried out, looking up to yell at whoever had just crashed into me. I was momentarily stunned. There in the flesh, right in front of me, stood the Blood God himself, Technoblade. My surprise  didn’t last long as I remembered why I was angry in the first place. 

“What the hell are you doing here? It’s bakery day, sure you didn’t know that, but you should have taken the hint not to be here when you didn’t see anyone walking this part of the Prime path!” I shouted at the pink haired man. Techno’s brown eyes widened as I verbally attacked him. “And now I’m covered in raw egg! This is not pleasant! It’s gross and sticky and cold and I do not enjoy it! You are sooooo lucky I have a change of clothes at the farm and that my chickens laid a lot of extra eggs this week or else you would have had to explain to dear sweet Niki why she wouldn’t be able to open her cute bakery this week.” I hissed out. 

“I’m sorry,” Techno began with a raised eyebrow, “Do you not know who you’re talking to?” He questioned with a deep voice. I let out a loud scoff at the audacity of his question, “Of course I know who you are, Mr. Blood God,” I mocked. “So. You do know who I am and what I am capable of.” I scoffed at his smug words. “I said I did, didn’t I? And frankly I couldn’t care less about you and your reputation. You’re just a guy. A guy that has ruined my day because I now have egg all over me!” I complained, wiping my hands on my pants. 

I reached down and began picking up the box and the eggs and egg shells that had fallen on the ground.“You know, I could kill you with no hesitation?” Techno claimed as he crouched down, moving his face close to mine. “I’ve done it before to many others. They blink and my sword has entered their chest. I’ve probably slaughtered more people than you’ve ever met in your life,” Techno mused, a smug smirk tugging on his lips. 

I looked up from my box with a blank expression on my face, “Am I supposed to be scared of you? Is that supposed to scare me? Make me shake in my boots?” I questioned, my eyebrow raised. Techno’s smirk slowly slipped off his face. He quickly stood up and stared at me in shock, “Didn’t you hear me? I could kill you!” He explained. I rolled my eyes and also stood up. “So could another human. Literally anyone else. So could a fall from a huge height. So could a dedicated chicken. You’re not special.” I stated, turning on my heel and began walking back toward my farm. 

“So you’re really not scared of me?” I heard Techno question as he began to jog to catch up to me. “Haven’t I made that clear? You may have scary stories and legends surrounding you, but when it comes right down to it, you’re a man. Well, part pig, part man, but a man and mortal all the same.” Techno let out a scoff, “Technoblade never dies,” he claimed. “But you could. You have three cannon lives just like the rest of us.” I concluded. 

Techno silently followed me as I moved through the barn, replacing the eggs that had cracked when we collided. After I filled the box once more, I set it down before stepping into the bathroom I had built. “I’ll be right out. Don’t touch anything.” I commanded. Techno gave me a mock salute before looking around the barn once more. I closed the door and quickly cleaned up. I took off my egg covered clothes, washed my hands and body before putting on the clean clothes I kept here. 

I found Techno where I left him. “You ready to go?” I questioned softly. His eyes trailed from my horses back to me as he gently nodded. I made my way back to the boxes before picking the egg box back up. “Is this going to?” Techno asked. I looked over and found him pointing at the last box needing to go to the bakery. “Yeah, but you don’t have to-” I was cut off by Techno picking up the box. “Let’s go” He said walking out the door. I let out a laugh before following him, being sure to close the door behind me. 

The two of us made small talk about anything and everything on our way to the bakery. Techno told me all about Wilbur and Tommy’s constant squabbles and I told him all about everyone’s wariness ever since he joined the server. Techno helped me put everything away, which caused me to be done a lot sooner than I usually get done. The two of us left the bakery and made our way back outside. We began strolling the prime path and subconsciously came to a stop where the two of us met. 

Our conversation died down and the two of us stood there for a moment, just staring at each other. I finally cleared my throat, “Thank you for helping me today. I really appreciate it.” I thanked, running a hand through my hair. Techno mirrored my actions with a shy smile on his face, “No problem. It’s the least I could do.” There was a slight pause before he spoke again, “Hey. Listen. I’m sorry for threatening you earlier. It’s just… Everyone I’ve ever met has been terrified of me and when you weren't… It really threw me for a loop. So… thanks. Thank you for giving me a chance.” I let out a giggle at his vulnerability, “It’s no problem…. Maybe when this is all over and you and your brothers are welcome back into L’Manberg, we could hang out more.” I offered. Techno gave me a soft smile and a gentle nod, “Yeah. I’d like that. A lot.” 

“Techno!” A voice whisper shouted. The two of us jumped at the sudden interruption and turned to look at who had called the pink haired man’s name. It was Wilbur. “There you are! Where have you been?!” He questioned, marching up to the two of us. Techno made a gesture to me. Wilbur’s eyes shifted to me. I gave him a smile and a wave. “Hey Wilbur. It’s great to see you” Wilbur’s eyes softened as he gave me a smile, “Hey Y/N. It’s so good to see you too. We’ve got to go. Techno was supposed to be on a spy mission, but I see he got distracted…” I laughed at his words and nodded. “Something like that,” Techno claimed, rubbing the back of his head a blush. 

“Well it was great to see you Wilbur. Tell Tommy I miss him and that I say to stop trying to decorate with things that aren’t his, yeah?” Wilbur gave me another soft smile and nod, “Will do Y/N. Tell Niki I miss her?” I returned his smile and nod. I then turned to Technoblade and gave him a smile as well, “It was lovely to meet you. I really hope this is over soon so I can show you my weapons collection.” Techno’s eyes lit up and he nodded. “It was amazing to meet you too Y/N. And I would love that. So much.” I giggled at his response and nodded. “I knew you would. Bye guys.” I gave them both one last smile before turning and headed back to my farm. 

As I was leaving I overheard the next part of Techno and Wilbur’s conversation. “So… Y/N huh?” “Shut up.” “Who knows, when this thing is all over maybe you’ll get together and have pink haired, Y/E/C babies… Oh I would be the best uncle and-” “I’ll give you a five second headstart.” “Oh come on Techno-” “Five” “Please” “Four” “Tech-” “Three” “You know it’s-” “Two” “Oh come on” “One” “OH GOD! RUNNING!” 

I let myself look over my shoulder at the two. Sure enough Wilbur was sprinting down the prime path as fast as he could, but Techno was right behind him. “Get over here!” Techno shouted after Wilbur. “NO!” I let myself giggle at the two’s antics. My eyes focused on the two for as long as I could, but soon enough the two were out of my view and my ear shot. Oh I can’t wait until this is all over. 

There you go! I hope you enjoyed! And I hope I did the anon that requested this justice! If you did enjoy, be sure to leave a like! And maybe even a reblog or reply telling me what you liked about it! Until next time!

[majestyeverlasting]

Hi!! Could you write for Bucky prompts 4 and 26??

♡ Hi, Anon!! I love this prompt pairing so much! Thank you for requesting this, and for waiting on me to get around to it! In this one, Bucky and the reader visit a park in Brooklyn that stirs up some nostalgic memories. But what he doesn't know is that, later that night, he'll learn that he's going to be a father. There's some pretty fall imagery and lots of sweet moments. I hope you like it! (Note: this isn’t canon regarding Bucky’s true age)

♡ Prompt 4: "Remember we used to come here when we were kids?"

♡ Prompt 26: “I’m not reading this thing wrong, am I? You’re really pregnant?”

All I Ever Wanted

There was a crispness to the evening air as the beginnings of fall settled within Brooklyn. The trees of Prospect Park, once green, were slowly transitioning into rich shades of orange and red. As you and Bucky walked along one of the pathways, leaves crunching beneath your shoes, there was an absence of car engines and horns—it was peaceful. All there was to be heard was chirping birds, the soft chatter of other park-goers, and the occasional whir of a cyclist’s wheels whenever one passed by.

Upon reaching a wooden bridge, the gentle sound of flowing water emerged as well. Beneath it, was a slender waterfall that fed into a small pond with dead leaves floating on the surface. Bucky wrapped an arm around your waist as the two of you admired it from over the railing. Somehow the whole day, including that moment itself, had managed to feel like a dream.

The two of you hadn’t been to Prospect Park in what felt like forever. Life had a way of sweeping you up in winds of responsibility that kept you from enjoying moments of stillness. But those winds had since drifted elsewhere, leaving the two of you with the freedom to simply be. Venturing out into nature and away from the noise had been Bucky’s suggestion earlier that morning. There was no place like the outdoors that was capable of soothing the soul.

“Look, doll,” he said eventually. Your eyes followed where his free hand pointed.

On one of the big rocks peeking out of the water below, a yellow butterfly had perched itself on a rock. “Yeah, I see it. It’s so pretty.” You smiled when he gave you a gentle squeeze.

“You know what butterflies symbolize?” You met his gaze, willing for him to continue. “Life and new beginnings,” he said, pressing a kiss to your temple.

For a fraction of a second, you froze. You’d managed to keep yourself collected for the entirety of the day, but hearing those words quickened your heartbeat. Enough so that you became all the more reminded of what he didn’t know—not yet.

That morning, as he spoke to you through the bathroom door about going to Prospect Park, you’d been staring at a positive pregnancy test. You barely had enough breath to agree to the outing. And when he’d asked if you were okay, you told him you were fine, but left out the fact that your lives would be changing forever in the months to come.

The two lines on the stick explained weeks worth of your body trying to communicate to you. It explained that deep sense of knowing that refused to go away. To say that you wanted to merely tell Bucky would’ve been the largest understatement of your lifetime. With all the emotions that stirred within you, you wanted to scream, cry, and jump at the same time.

A voice within you encouraged you to make the moment you told Bucky really special and intimate. Especially considering every turn that his life had taken over the years. So you vowed to wait until the two of you arrived home from your evening at the park.

“Life and new beginnings,” you repeated. You were already aware that such was associated with butterflies, but hearing him say it in that moment carried a certain magnitude. “I love the sound of that.”

Later, after walking further, you found yourselves nestled on one of the benches overlooking the lake. The water sparkled in the warm light of the sun as it prepared to set. A couple men stood peppered along the bank fishing. Children giggled as they chased after each other. Paired with the fall trees and colors all around, it was nothing short of a beautiful scene.

You let your head rest on Bucky’s shoulder, and took his real hand in yours to play with his fingers. There was a time, years ago, when the two of you would play along that same lake—throughout the whole park, actually.

You were the first to speak after a while, “Remember we used to come here when we were kids?” You straightened up from his shoulder to look at him.

“Of course I do,” he said, a smile starting on his face. “Especially during the summer. We’d always try to find open fire hydrants to play in after we left. And if we were lucky, our mom’s would let us get ice cream or shaved ice,” he recounted, chuckling. “Those were the days.”

You shook your head. “I know. Now look at us.” About to have a child of our own, you thought.

“Yup. Time flies when you’re having fun,” he said, casting out a brief look around at the serenic evening. Then he focused back on you, his tone shifting, “Are you okay?”

“Yeah...” you tried not to answer too fast. “Why?”

Bucky narrowed his eyes a bit and gave a shrug. “I don’t know, I can just tell that something’s on your mind—ever since this morning,” he noted. “But you have yet to tell me what that something is, pretty girl.”

It took everything not to tell him right then and there, as you sat under a blue and orange sky in the park you knew like the back of your hand.

You offered him half a smile. “I’m that easy to read?”

He lifted a shoulder. “Not necessarily. I’ve been reading you for a long time so it’s easy.” You allowed yourself to chuckle when he playfully quirked his brows. “So am I gonna have to work really hard to coax it out of you?”

You shook your head earnestly. “I promise I'll tell you when we get home… I have something to show you.”

On your way out of the park, there was a mama duck waddling under a tree with her ducklings trailing behind her.

It wasn’t until after you and Bucky made it back to your apartment, and had changed into something comfortable, that you told him you were ready. He sat on the edge of the bed as you went to retrieve the small gift box holding the pregnancy test. It was a miracle that you had had enough supplies left over from birthdays and holidays to be able to make it look as presentable as it did.

You extended it to him from a couple feet away. So much anticipation had built within you that you felt light, and as though you were buzzing.

Bucky accepted the box, and looked up at you. There was a sparkle in his blue eyes. “Why are you standing a mile away from me? C’mere.” You inched closer, and laughed when he pulled you to stand more so between his spread legs.

As he began to undo the white ribbon on the box, your lower lip was secured between your teeth. It seemed as though he was moving entirely too slow and fast at the same time.

As soon as he popped the lid off to reveal the pregnancy test sitting on top of little strips of crinkled, beige paper strips, your heartbeat sped up. Bucky’s attention lingered on the test. When he finally looked up, his gaze attested to the influx of thoughts that had been sparked into motion within his mind.

“I’m not reading this thing wrong, am I?” He briefly looked back down to stick again. Two lines. “You’re really pregnant?”

A smile broke across your face. With the news out, it felt as though you were uncaging a group of birds that had been longing for freedom for way too long. Before you could say anything else, Bucky set the box aside and stood to press his lips to yours. You stumbled back at the intentness in which he gripped your waist. It was a kiss that you felt every part of him through; his love, his passion, his warmth. And an intoxicating mix of joy and expectation.

He pulled away just enough to speak. “We’re gonna be parents?” His breath fanned over your lips. Then he leaned back in to kiss you once more, a soft peck. “You’re carrying our child?”

Bucky’s hands slipped under your shirt, and the feeling of palms against your skin was pleasant in the best way. One was cooler than the other, but they were both gentle and reverent.

“Yes,” you breathed. “I found out this morning.”

He scratched gently at your stomach, sending a shiver through you. “You managed to keep it to yourself the whole day. That’s what was on your mind?” He kissed you again.

“You have no idea how bad I wanted to tell you. No idea.” You brought your hands up to his cheeks, the budding stubble scratchy against your palms. “But I wanted to wait until we came back from Prospect.”

Bucky released a breath after a few beats of silence. “I don’t even know what to say,” he said, voice low. “This is so crazy—a good crazy.”

“I know. I’m happy and terrified at the same time,” you admitted. “I’ve never felt this way in my entire life, but it feels….”

“Good,” he finished.

A laugh escaped you. “Yeah.”

Seconds later, he was getting down onto his knees to be level with your stomach. It wasn’t until he lifted your shirt to press a kiss to your stomach that the reality of the moment set in. For the first time since learning about your pregnancy, tears slipped down your cheeks.

Bucky heard you sniffle, and stood back up to take your hands in his. “This is all I ever wanted, you know that, doll?” A few tears had come to the waterline of his eyes. “A beautiful wife, a family. This is all something I thought I’d never have.”

You sniffled again, nodding. “You deserve everything,” you murmured.

“I have my everything right in front of me.”

Without waiting another moment, you wrapped your arms around his waist and squeezed him tighter than you had in a while. Parents. The two of you were going to be parents.

-

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