#and now everyone go wish meow a happy birthday!!

[gentlebeard]

How Ed & Stede say I love you

For @blakbonnet 💕 Show: Our Flag Means Death - Season 1 & 2 Music: Nuvole Bianche by Ludovico Einaudi YouTube

Happy Birthday, Meow 💕 What can I even say? How can I put into words how incredible you are? First of all, you’re a fantastic human being and an amazing friend. Your presence here and in my life is something I cherish very much. No matter what, you offer support, you listen to my complaints, you encourage me, you give great advice, you cheer me on, and - most importantly - you tell me when I’m being an idiot haha. And OMG, you’re so insanely talented, there’s nothing you can’t do!! Thank you for being hilarious, and lovely, and kind (and kind of a bitch sometimes lmao). I’m honestly so grateful for you and so thankful we’re friends. I love you!!

[fatuismooches]

Mick Wingert (Dottores VA) is doing signings again!!!!! I got one cuz my birthday is in likr two days (the 7th) YIPPE!!!!! Now I got like 3 dottore signings.... can u tell i'm a normal and functional person in society 💀 I wish I could show pics of my dottore collection but being anon doesn't let you.... 😔 sadge....

On another note... I just came up with a silly lil scenario...

Imagine an experiment going wrong and suddenly reader is a lil cat!!!! (reader meowing NONSTOP at dottore and the segments...) The segments start picking up and playing with cat reader (long cat 2.0), I think the idea of Omega's lil robot eye thing being able to produce a laser is silly so imagine him using that and reader just chasing it around...

reader at some point starts knocking stuff over (they cant help it... they just a silly kitty!!!!) Dottore is NOT amused and WILL be talking to you about that when he finishes a reversal potion...

A few days after reader is human again they start hacking up a hairball.... or is that a puffling? 🤔 - 🐓

AHHH HAPPY BIRTHDAY 🐓 ANON!! (it's like two hours from the 7th here but 🙏❤️) I hope you have a wonderful day!! AND YES I saw about the signings, congrats on yours!! (And don't worry,, it's completely normal to have a lot of merch of your fav :3)

BUT YES... I love the idea of reader accidentally being affected by Dottore's experiments!! (For fluff purposes. Angsty... ☹️) Ahh there would be the comedic explosion and puffs of fog, the segments coughing and waving away the smoke and calling out to you to make sure you're okay but no response... except for a meow...? Actually, many many meows, and then one of the segments feels something clawing at his leg. A cat... that suspiciously has appeared in the place of you. Dottore feels a pounding headache coming out when the segments present him with cat you.

They definitely give you lots of head scratches and tummy rubs! They end up fighting over who gets to have you in their lap... you end up loafing on little Zandy instead. 😭 You think, life as a cat is pretty good... you have zero responsibilities and constant head pats... what more could you want. OMEGA'S EYE MAKING A LASER OH MY GOSH 😭 That is so cute I'm crying but he would be so evil with it... he'd make you run all over the run trying to catch the laser while chuckling at you until you get tired and sleep by his feet... (you playfully punch him for that once you're turned back.)

Silly kitty reader doing zoomies in the lab at 3 am and causing chaos for everyone... you can run now, but once you're turned back, well, there's gonna be no escape from Dottore!! 😭

[rosie-b]

you know how i feel about fantasy royal fairy etc etc etc bull shit so tell me about the prince who is also a cat or cat prince or whatever exactly that title was i would like some deets svp <3

Absolutely! 💕

In this fic, everyone has a magical power of some kind that they 'unlock' when they turn 18. Adrien, as the crown prince, is expected to have some very powerful, flashy, and suitably royal power, like his ancestors, like his father expects him to. Unfortunately, his only power seems to be shapeshifting, not into anything, but only into a little housecat. His father is not happy.

Meanwhile, Marinette is a commoner and recently discovered witch, who's learning how to do a summoning spell for her familiar. There's no way this could go wrong, right?

You got lucky and picked a fic I have a lot written for, so here's a snippet:

They hadn’t told the country what his power was yet. According to the magazines, it was going to be a “big surprise” that would be revealed for the 120th anniversary of the capital city’s founding.

Adrien wondered what his father was plotting to disguise the disgraceful reality of his son’s power with. False telepathy, perhaps. That would be easy to fake, until the first meeting with anyone he didn’t know from the palace. Which was, of course, a lot of people; most of them, in fact.

For now, his father’s plan remained a secret, and Adrien resigned himself to another afternoon of boredom as he sat down with Lady Bourgeois for another lesson in royal fashion.

As she began to ramble on about the key differences between mauve and indigo, Adrien closed his eyes and held back a sigh, taking care not to let his perfect posture slip. Forty more minutes and he would be free from this lesson… and then he’d be delivered into the hands of yet another boring tutor.

I wish I was anywhere but here, he thought, silently bemoaning the fact that he hadn’t been given the gift of teleportation, after all. That would’ve impressed his father and been useful for evading redundant lessons.

Suddenly, the sounds of Lady Bourgeois’ voice faded away, replaced by a thoughtful hum, several awed-sounding murmurs, and a high-pitched squeal.

“A black cat! See, Marinette, I told you you could do it!

Adrien’s eyes shot open. He looked around, taking in the bland-colored room, full of desks and perhaps fifteen people his age. 

Had his wish somehow worked? Had he switched powers and been granted one his father could finally accept?

He took a hesitant step forward, but then Adrien froze. 

The tile floor hadn’t vanished when he touched it, so this wasn’t a dream, but he could’ve sworn he hadn’t had paws just a few seconds ago! If he had the power of teleportation now, then how could he still be able to turn into a cat? And why had he done so without even noticing?

“A black cat for your familiar, how lucky!” a redheaded woman said, stepping forward to examine Adrien, who suddenly felt more on display than he had at his birthday party earlier that year, when everyone had been watching to see what his power was.

Beside the woman who seemed to be the class’s teacher, a girl with dark hair pulled back in pigtails scratched her cheek. 

“Er, do you really think so?” she asked, looking nervous as she glanced back and forth from Adrien to the teacher.

“I knew it, girl!” Adrien recognized that voice from before. He watched as a girl with ombre-colored hair elbowed the nervous one and offered her a grin. “You’re going to be the best witch this country’s ever seen! Only the best witches ever summon a black cat to be their familiar.”

Adrien’s heart momentarily stopped.

“Meow?” he asked, forgetting that no one could understand him in this form.

The girls and boys in the class let out a chorus of awwwws. He was so flustered that he sat down and flattened his ears while he tried to figure out what had happened.

He’d been summoned as a familiar? A witch’s familiar? Despite being not only human, but magic on his own, and the prince, to top it off?

How on earth was this possible?

Thanks for the ask @aidanchaser!

[warsinmyhead]

[Musing] Lowkey Birthday

"Welcome back Felix!" Sam said as he saw the hunter on loan to S.H.I.E.L.D. "Fury said you turned into a cat for a while but our guys figured it out!"

"Yeah, it's nice to be able to talk instead of meowing to communicate," Felix replied with an easy smile. "So, Minho's out on a mission now, right?"

Sam nodded and led Felix to the control room with the information on current missions. He tapped one of the individuals seated and asked for the file with Minho's mission. The agent handed it to Sam and Sam flipped it open to take a look.

"Yup, he's in Egypt trying to intercept some copycat serum going on the black market," Sam noted. "Surprised he didn't petition to take the day off – it's his birthday."

The comment surprised Felix and he raised a brow.

Sam nodded and explained that Minho didn't like to make a big deal out of his birthdays. He checked his watch and added that Minho would be back at headquarters around 7 PM.

"Wait, does Minho know you're not a cat anymore?" Sam asked.

Oh yeah...Minho had bid him goodbye when he was a cat this morning and it was stupidly early. Felix had been a bit grouchy being woken up so early, but he relented when Minho pet his head and put the top blanket over his body.

Shit, did he have time to do something for the spy?

**************

"I'm done with people trying to copy Steve's formula," Minho muttered under his breath. What was so great about trying to be like him? Sure he liked Steve, but he was tired of everyone trying to copy it and obviously causing more trouble than good.

"Welcome back Agent Lee," Sam said. "You should find Felix – they cured him and he's human again!"

Minho lifted his head in surprise and Sam nodded. The former excused himself and began walking quickly to his room in the headquarters. He pushed the door open and blinked when he saw Felix standing in the center of the room with a cake in hands.

"Happy Birthday Minho," Felix murmured. "Make a wish before it melts all over."

Minho put his bag down and leaned forward to blow out the candles. Before Felix could do anything, Minho took the cake and quickly put it down on a nearby counter. He quickly stepped toward Felix and crushed him in a hug.

"I missed you voice, you сволочь."

Felix grinned as he reciprocated the hug.

"Sorry it's just the cake."

"I don't care – I'm glad to have you back."

@sovrumana

[creepy--claws]

[● Everyone wish my cat a happy birthday he's 3 years old today

I feel ancient now because we have had him since he was just a small baby who could fit in our hands, and now he is really scary big. Like this boy is massive for a kitty, he is bigger than his adult mom. I remember when we could fit him on our shoulder, and now it's hard to carry him. I cannot thank him enough for the 3 years he's been present in our lives, and the many years he will continue to be.

Tbh he was also a little shit, he broke shit off counters and jumped our fence more times than we can count and always beat up his mom and tore up anything he felt like, but he's also a big sweetheart <3 He also scares me because I'll be trying to go to bed and then all of a sudden, he.

He will chase me down hallways and scratch on my door (he even tried the doorknob and I could hear him making progress) and he will keep meowing at me until he gives up and leaves to terrorize someone else. I also still have that one photo of him with that conveniently placed shadow on his face

Merry day birth you insane cat]

[xxsycamore]

—𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘢𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘩𝘦

► SYNOPSIS:

Impulsively, Napoleon drinks a potion with the premise that it would turn him into a human.Unfortunately, Wellesley is too late to stop him.

...It doesn't go as said on the label.

▍napoleon x arthur wellesley 1st duke of wellington  ▍rating: G ▍tags: Crack Treated Seriously; Humor; Light Angst; they're fighting :( ; Arguing; Shapeshifting; Making Up; Happy Ending; reference to that one scene at the cliff; Established Relationship; Kissing; Sexual Tension (just a lil bit); Fluff; Naps; also present in the fic are: Sebastian, Arthur, Theo, Vincent, Dazai, Comte ▍wordcount:  1,751

▍masterlist

▍a/n: WOOOHOOO IT'S DEVON ( @batteryrose ) 'S BIRTHDAY!!! I've already extended my greetings but here too I want to wish one of the most special people in my life a Happy Birthday <3 Thank you for being my friend and thank you for everything you create that would undoubtedly never cease to amaze me and so, so many others. Hope you like this fic, I really had fun writing it!! ILY!!! Everyone else too, I hope you enjoy! This fic came to existence because of a little inside joke about napolington cats and Devon is just adorable when he sends catvideos to associate with them ehehehehe >:) I needed to document that somehow for the archives!

"Haven't you given up already? Trying to be human."

Napoleon keeps looking at the glass vial in his hand, the question making him snap out of the trance momentarily, as evident by the slight twitch of his lower lip and by that alone. They're in the garret, Napoleon has his leg propped up, elbow rested on top, vial in hand - the liquid glistening with the shine of morning light coming from the open window. He must really be riddled with the thought of that, as to wake up so early today. Wellesley is getting concerned, and more than that, pissed off.

"Psh. As if this would do anything." He gives the vial a small swing, trying to belittle the belief he puts in its contains, but Wellesley knows better. The blonde turns his head away, a silent declare of I'm done with you.

Napoleon uncorks the vial and lifts it to his lips.

"No!"

Wellesley jumps and in a flash he's on top of him, alas unsuccessful in his attempts to knock it off his hands on time. Napoleon's lips are stained pink from the liquid. And they're emitting a mocking laugh.

"Wellesley, c'mon. We've seen this scenario play out already. It's probably just another aphrodisiac."

Icy blue eyes are furious. He must think this is a game; to get him worried, to risk his own wellbeing in a gamble with his nature - for what? - and to laugh it off as a final at that.

Wellesley grabs a fistful of his stupid half-undone shirt and pulls him in for a kiss. He licks the remaining liquid off his lips, it's sugary and cheap.

In the way Napoleon answers the kiss, Wellesley realizes he's just as mad at him as he is at Napoleon. They just rock with the waves of that emotion, pushing and pulling, waiting for the potion to kick in or whatever.

* Poof! *

Just as Wellesley thought he'd punch his chest (lightly) and announce his leave for the sake of better morning activities, he discovers that he doesn't have the fist to do that. It all happens very fast.

His world shifts and twists and suddenly he's reduced in size - just like that - and in his newly lowered field of vision is this black and white cat, looking as distressed as he does. Is that…?

"Meow?"

Oh no. They've somehow…shapeshifted into cats. This must be the potion's doing.

The reply he receives from the black and white cat is, of course, another Meow.

Wellesley feels a lot of things right now. A lifetime of events and then another one after being reborn, and some things are still just out of his league. He's confused alright. Vampires do exist, alright, he gets that one. But this…

He's confused, alright. But more than that, he's enraged. He didn't ask to be dragged in this.

"MROWWW!"

Not his best battle cry, but Napoleon has to catch these hands now. These paws.

They end up in a ball, biting at each other, letting out a cacophony of noises until one gets the higher ground on the windowsill, the other follows, and it turns into a chase - right off the window and onto the mansion's roof.

The garret is quiet and empty. In a couple of seconds, just barely missing the unusual scene, a man in a butler's clothes enters the garret, eyes scanning every nook and corner.

"My goodness…" He sighs, marking the terrain as cat-clear, allowing the assumption that the strays had somehow climbed through the window and are now gone through the same route. He crosses the room and shuts the window closed, thus sealing the only entrance back home for Napoleon and Wellesley, unknowingly.

* 🐈🐈 *

The two furballs decide to be reasonable for the time being and don't fight on rooftops - moreso, they should concentrate on getting back inside instead, after discovering that they've been locked out. Their scouting for open second floor windows ends up with no results. All they find is Dazai's lunch, thus confirming the mansion's rumor that the eccentric resident doesn't only use windows for his entrance and exit but occasionally hangs out in the roof as well. While he's nowhere to be seen, Napoleon steals his lunch, promising himself that one of these days he'd cook something for the writer to clean his karma. He then shares it with Welley.

It's the first step towards peace, and they eat in content silence. Afterwards, Welleymeow approaches Napocat, making his fur puff up in tension for a second. The other however shows clear signs of being friendly, giving him that long stare slow blink, shortening the distance until..

Bonk.

"Mmrreow."

Pupils dilating, Napoleon gladly accepts the metaphorical reached out hand, returning the gesture and rubbing himself right back on Wellesley. The afternoon sun is nice and pleasant, and they lay down on one of the more flat areas of the roof, beginning to groom each other lovingly after the good lunch. It's also the perfect time for a cat nap. 

* 🐈🐈 *

Sleeping and lazing around the best of the afternoon away, it's about time they come up with a plan.

One strategy is meowing under the other residents' windows. It's a very basic one but it's also all they can agree on while with reduced communication. It fails as soon as they find themselves on the ground underneath Theo's window. Now, Theo is not known for being the biggest cat lover out there, and luckily for him he lives in mansion far away from any streets littered with cats. His reaction to hearing such creature's noises under his window is understandingly negative - a shriek of fear, but then - is that?! Theo actually opens his window, looks down at them, loading them with hope…

They get swore at, in colorful Dutch. And they make a run for it before any flying objects could come down to them, or worse, before King is sent to chase them away.

The sprint around the mansion grounds only ends up separating them as the peace wordlessly snaps. They both know it's for the best they put some distance between each other because likely they'd end up fighting again without the aid of words to work this out among themselves.

* 🐈🐈 *

Napoleon is not sure how much time has passed, but wandering off has been clearing his head successfully at least. He is still mad at Wellesley - first, because it's always the same. A stupid potion or a sleepless night of honest talk, it's like he never truly understands him about the whole vampire and human stuff. The second is, why the fuck didn't he stop him sooner? It was obviously a stupid idea. Ugh.

With every step of his little furry paws forward, he comes to terms with his current life. What if he never transforms back? It's laughable, he ended up being less of a human than ever. 

Maybe this time he could get it right. No more resets needed.

He could get to town, unite with the other strays… lead a revolution against the mutts…

Stupid Wellesley.

* 🐈🐈 *

He strolls close to the riverbank, lost in his own thoughts, until a familiar meowing gets to his ears. They sharpen, head turning to locate better the noise - and then he sees him. The white cat in front of him is undoubtedly Wellesley. He didn’t expect for the two of them to end up on the same place, but here they are. With unfinished business.

It's a quiet glare at first, in the way all street cats would start a fight, and for the lack of better communication possible between the two of them. The precise steps taken by each and an occasional chase and they somehow end up on a top of a boulder overlooking the river.

It's a little too late by the time that it clicks that yes, they've been in that situation before. In a way more different circumstances, but still somewhat the same. Napoleon's claws miss their target and his balance is lost - he tries to claw at the rock to try and climb back up but it's unenviable. The last thing he sees is a mass of white fur following him in his fall. And then comes the splash of water.

* 🐈🐈 *

Of course, this close to the shore, the water level is low - maybe knees high or so. Napoleon can say so, because he actually has knees now.

His ass hurts like hell because apparently he fell on it. Shallow or not, he still managed to get himself drenched and is now getting his wet bangs off his eyes. When he opens his eyes again he sees Wellesley, in the same state as him. Human-bodied and all.

Wellesley curses under his nose, splashing water at Napoleon and striding in large steps towards the land, leaving the other behind. Napoleon's ass still hurts. He needs to ask for the blonde to turn back and give him a hand. It's embarrassing.

Wellesley just comments that it's what he deserves.

* 🐈🐈 *

The sun has set by the time they reach home. Upon entering the dining room to announce their return, they're not surprised to find the residents seated for dinner.

"I believe you, Theo. I didn't see them personally, but…" Vincent sympathetically places a hand on his brother's arm as the brunette has propped his chin on it, sulking. He must be talking about the cats under his window. Dazai looks as if he is about to mention his missing lunch, connecting the dots, but he is interrupted by the two men's entrance.

"Messieurs! Gods, I've been worried sick! Where have you been all day?" Sebastian eyes them in concern from head to toe as they're quite the sight. Dripping wet clothes and everything.

"It's, uh. Long story."

Arthur motions his fork in the air in Sebastian's direction, gulping down his bite in a haste.

"Leave them be, Sebas. You know how young fellas are when inlove." He finishes it off with a wink.

Seated at the end of the table as the parental figure he is, Comte sighs out the last of his own concern before letting a chuckle, and the others follow.

"We're going to hit the bath and be back in a bit. Excuse us." Welley grabs Napoleon by the collar and drags him out of the dining room before he gets another reason to get angry at the french. And here he hoped they could finally make up once and for all in le termae…

No more potions. Period.

Taglist: @arsnovacadenza @ale-teodora @kimi00twin @otomelady @privilegedpancake @g-kleran  @thehappycat123 @pumpumnnnp @thesirenwashere @theuwuisunreal @ravenarld @kyokirigiri-22 @kimmy-banana @devonares @animeworldsposts @randomanimatedhusbandoseeker @galaxyprison @trishtori @sadshaxk @starshards26 @pro-cat-stination @acethephoenix256 @ikevamp-shrine-2 @nad-zeta @crystal13unny @keen19thcenturygoatsstudent @lordsister @ikemen-banshou  @themysticalbeing @canaria-blackwell @otome-scribbles @rhodolitesrose @fun-ghoul-neela @salty-fed-up-bitch  @coornn @cilokgoang​ @kpop-and-otome @queen-dahlia @kisara-16 @chaosangel767 @ikemenlibrary @queengiuliettafirstlady @aurora-morning @aquagirl1978 ​ @ikemenlover24 @violettduchess @mcofthemansion @tiny-wooden-robot @joy-the-reader @atelieredux @cilokgoang Let me know if you want to be tagged/untagged!

[daydream-believin]

BIRTHDAY BOY HEADCANONS

warnings: swearing, beer

a/n: yoooooo it’s douxie day ✨✨

taglist: @moppetwithamanbun @alovesongshewrote @blixeon @prismarts @transformers-insanity @fantasyiswaybetterthanreality @ukuleles-and-roses @rookiedookspam

douxie’s not too into the significance of his birthday

at this point he’s just kinda meh about the whole thing. he is 900-something after all

well mainly he’s over the “getting older” thing

now having a free pass at being an attention whore? that’s another story

it’s Everyone Has To Be Nice To Hisirdoux Day, how could he not be into that?

tbh his birthday was one of the few times he could get merlin’s full attention for like, at least a few hours. douxie had to milk his birthday for all it was worth back in camelot. now it’s a habit

doux doesn’t ask for much usually, so of course you’re happy to encourage this behavior and indulge him

a warm cuppa with too much sugar thrust into his hands the moment he wakes up, archie rubbing against his legs as he stumbles over to the table, special breakfast of his favorite sweet rolls and orange marmalade, a kiss pressed to his sleepy lips, douxie’s birthday mornings are sweet

he insists on still working, however. douxie’s inherited merlin’s work ethic, helps that the devil never did let douxie off work on his birthday either

you try your best to elevate his workload in the bookstore without him noticing

but but,, birthday kisses

you’ve told doux how it’s tradition to give him as many kisses as he is years old

he’s over 900. you’re never able actually manage to make it to your goal but you can damn well try

tbh it’s just an excuse to give doux as many kisses as he wants

which is a lot. he wants a lot.

give him all the love

***

okay so he loves getting all the love in private. in public? not so much

make a big spectacle about it? he will be embarrassed for days

you and archie think it’s really fun, you cheeky bastards

doux catches you picking up the phone at the counter, archie proudly by your side, both of you looking positively >:3 and it’s all he can do to hide behind a bookshelf to the confusion of his customers as you announce over the intercom,

“good afternoon gdt arcane shoppers, it is my pleasure to announce that it is our dear owner and proprietor mr. douxie casperan’s birthday today. if you see him go ahead and wish him well. meow meow meeoow. thank you for those kind words archie. 🎶 we love you douxie happy birthday douxie 🎶”

he was a tomato. so many customers shook his hand that day. embarrassing

y’all are usually one and done with the pranks however, douxie can relax after it inevitably happens. don’t wanna give him a heart attack after all, he is 900ish

once upon a birthday, his band had taken him out to celebrate

you got up to go to the bathroom. no biggy. douxie thought nothing of it

it was the weekend after his birthday. you had already done the birthday prank. he thought he was safe

now when zoe took out her phone and started pointing it towards him. that’s when he knew

he tried to escape, he really did. but as soon as he started standing up his bandmate to the left of him pushed him right back down into his chair. fuzzbuckets you guys are ganging up on him

the waiters were inching ever so closer to him, cake in hand, menacingly, like a pride of lions. doux chugged his beer

you returned to his side sporting a sly grin. he flashed his own gritted teeth to show you he was Not finding this funny. you just patted his back, the look in your eyes unfeeling, unyielding, evil

the waiters arrived

before doux knew it he had a silly hat on his head, a cake in front of him lighting up his scowl with sparklers, and a crowd singing a terrible bubbly royalty-free song

the video zoe took was posted to the band’s insta, attracting all sorts of well wishes from fans

douxie made a comical effort not to talk to any of you for the rest of the evening, even though this restaurant was only the first stop on the night’s festivities

he only made it a little over half an hour

especially with you. it’s entirely impossible for him to not talk to you

he had a enjoyable rest of the night, despite the mean prank y’all pulled on him

***

now this november 17, you have no pranks planned

or anything planned

after all the excitement he’s had lately with keeping nari safe, doux just wants some quiet

doux decides on movie night with a black and white movie he remembers seeing in a theater on his birthday way back when

cuddled up with the gang on the couch, wearing the scarf you helped nari knit for him even though he’s indoors, doux feels pretty content

maybe this year you’ll get ever so closer to making the kiss goal

doux kissed the top of your head as you lay snuggled against him. that counts right?

[thebiasrekkers]

Call You Mine [MYG]

Plot: "I never regretted the day that I called you mine..." 

A Min Yoongi/Agust D one-shot. 

That's it. That's the summary. I have nothing else to say. 

Happy Birthday Min Yoongi!

Rating: PG // SFW

Genre: fluff | romance | idol romance | one-shot

Pairing: Min Yoongi x Female Reader

Warnings: None

Links: FAQ || BTS Masterlist || Admin E’s AO3 || [ REQUESTS ARE OPEN ]

Word Count: 1,912

AN: Wee. It’s late. I’m late. I’m always late. Who’s surprised? Not me. Happy Birthday Lil Meow Meow! All reblogs, critiques/reviews, comments and affection are accepted! Happy reading!

© thebiasrekkers (Admin E). All rights reserved. Reposting/modifying our work is prohibited. Translations are not allowed. Plagiarism/stealing is not tolerated by any means. Legal action will be taken in instances of theft.

"Who are you?"

"Hm? What do you mean?"

"Your breathing shifted just now."

A low chuckle rumbled through his chest. That was how he always responded when you asked him that. Was it because you knew him so well? Or were you just anxious? Maybe it was a mixture of both. Either way, it was something you didn't want to admit aloud.

Not to yourself. Not to him.

"Does it matter?" he asked. 

Of course it mattered! 

You didn't respond, determined to get your answer first.

He flashed you a mischievous grin, a bit of his silver fringe falling along the bridge of his nose. "Why don't you guess?"

You felt your lips pulling into a pout, mustering what patience you had to not smack his bare chest with all the strength you could manage this late in the night. Even in the low light, he must have seen the disapproving look you were giving him. Lifting one hand up, he lightly poked your forehead and you whined at being teased. You knew he did this to get a rise out of you. He also knew how important it was for him to give you an answer.

It bothered you how much he always dragged his feet on this matter. The more logical side always reminded you to have patience. This was his own personal game that he liked to play with you. Sometimes he would win. Sometimes you did. 

No one was really keeping score anymore.

You didn't want to guess. You didn't feel like playing this game tonight. To showcase your intent, you roughly pulled from his side and flipped over on the bed to turn your back to him. This must have surprised him because he didn't start laughing at your reaction. In fact, the bed was absolutely still - your breaths barely audible in the dark.

Warmth touched the flare of your hip as he placed his hand there. You tried not to relish in his touch, but it was difficult. After everything you'd gone through to get to this moment, it was only self-inflicted pain to ignore him. Part of you knew to stand your ground. The other part was willing to give in to his advances.

Because you loved him so much. Because you loved all of him…so much.

“Hey,” he called softly, reaching over your stomach and pulling you close to his body, “remember when we first met? At that bar in that one town?”

You bit back a scoff. Like you could forget. He never made it easy for you to, even if you wanted to. 

You kept silent, not wanting to cater to his need to hear your voice. To hear how, even now, you found yourself in an endless loop of falling in love with him each and every single day. To him, you were a lifeline for survival. To you, he was the reason you pushed through your tiresome work week.

The bar was crowded that night. It was an average Friday evening. You were out with friends, hitting the town and it was the third bar on the stop of your group’s infamous “bar hops”. Nothing was special about that night. It was just the end of another long work week for you. Another end of being a faceless number down a long hall of cramped cubicles and endless phone calls. A moment’s reprieve from jittering printers and raucous fax machines.

Two days of escape from being a nameless paper pusher in a seemingly endless cycle of meaningless.

He walked through the doors with his entourage - exuding purpose and power. They were celebrating another successful performance and chatter about said performance was the first thing you heard as they burst through the door. You watched him go straight up to the bar and buy it out, saying everyone’s drinks for the rest of the night were on him.

You envied his smile. You envied his “can do” attitude that dripped from every square inch of his body.

But it was his freedom that made you jealous the most.

You weren’t wearing anything particularly fancy that night. A pair of acid washed jeans stuffed in combat boots, a loose sweatshirt that hung off one shoulder. Hell, even your hair was in a messy up-do. After all, you weren’t looking for an easy score that night. Your plans to get laid were the furthest thing from your mind.

Yet there was no mistaking the way he zeroed in on you. Out of all the patrons in the bar, you were the one he decided to nail his focus to. You were the one who somehow managed to get his attention.

So, what should have been a night of blissfully getting toasted with your friends turned into something much different.

Feeling his lips against the nape of your neck, you felt your breath hitch slightly as his mouth moved to speak. “I asked you what you were doing for the rest of your life.”

You couldn’t stop the laugh that burst from your chest, causing you to curl up into a ball as you covered your mouth. It was one of the most absurd questions you’d ever been asked. Who even asked something like that in this day and age? What you were doing tomorrow? Sure. What you were doing next weekend? Of course.

The rest of your life, however, held a different weight altogether.

“I don’t even know what I’m doing tonight,” came your amused reply as you lowered your hands from your face. You still refused to look at him. “That’s what I said.”

The memories were flooding in quickly. His looks. The low dulcet sound of his voice. Even the cute little lisp he had when he spoke excitedly about something. His hair was a different color back then; jet black with an undercut. 

Everything changed in that one conversation. 

Despite his big spending at the bar, you knew he wasn’t well off. Not yet. But he had big dreams. He had drive. Money didn’t grow on trees and his dream would yield fruit if it prospered. Music, however, was such a shaky basket to throw all of your eggs into. But his passion and determination made you believe that he was telling the truth; that nothing would stop him from succeeding. He was determined and there was a small part of you that wished for his success. Somebody needed to grow wings and fly.

But the conversation didn’t take long to reverse back to you. On to your current occupation and your overall distaste with how things were going in your own life. It was a dead end road. You knew this. Somewhere along the way, you even accepted it. Some people were paper pushers and others were the stars that people could admire from afar. You had no place in that world. Your meager complaints and tiny goals could hardly hold a candle to the strength of his burning ambition.

That’s what you believed in the beginning.

You should’ve known better. 

After his friends and yours all got together to finish the bar hop for the night, your groups eventually wound up near the outskirts of town at a park. The drinking, laughter and flirting continued. He was never far from your side and neither were you from his. Sometime in the wee hours of the morning, his hand found its way into yours, holding it close. Your lips touched soon after and it was a magical moment.

That was the beginning of the end for  you.

Days rolled into weeks. Weeks into months. You looked forward to the weekends not to escape the dreary worklife you found yourself trapped in, but to see his performances in underground venues and fringe shows. The energy he exuded from the stage was intoxicating and the cheers from the crowd as he pumped them up was contagious. It only took a few shows and you were screaming and hopping around like an idiot like the rest of them.

Afterward, your groups would meet again to drink and celebrate in the success of the show. It wasn’t embarrassing for you all to run through the streets, screaming and shouting as the thrill of the night cloaked you from head to toe. Bottles of beers in your hands, you ran through crowds and stumbled down stairs in hopes of catching the last train home. You both cuddled in a drunken haze together as everyone talked all over one another - wrapped up in their own conversations.

It was only then that it became apparent that the person you were slowly falling for had two personas. One for the stage and one for when it was just the two of you. Sometimes they bled into one another. Sometimes they were kept far apart from each other.

Agust D and Min Yoongi.

As his success continued to build, your anxiety mounted - worrying about where your place was in his life. More months passed and the venues started to change. You knew there was a chance you wouldn’t be able to go to a performance because it was in the middle of the work week. Or maybe it was too far for you to travel. You couldn’t risk taking off of work for something “trivial” like a concert performance. That’s what your managers would say. They would belittle you for inconveniencing the rest of your co-workers. 

You had an image to maintain.

When he showed up on stage with silver hair, you knew that it was time. Agust D was rising to a level of stardom you wouldn’t be able to compete with. Fans cheered and remained loyal. Fans who were willing to drop any plans they had to hit the road and support their idol. They’d been around far longer than you had; had been cheering for him during a time when you didn’t even know he existed. 

It was the life he’d chosen; one you knew was going to take wing.

How were you supposed to stay close beside him? How were you going to continue to nurture this thing that existed between you both?

Feeling his arms wrap around your bare stomach, he pulled you even closer. You could feel his heartbeat slowly bumping against your shoulder blades. Yoongi pressed a kiss behind your ear, one of your weak spots, before allowing his tongue to glide along the curve of your jaw. You resisted the urge to moan at how he made you feel, both in that moment and every moment before now.

“I never regretted the day that I called you mine…”

You felt tears welling up in your eyes, blurring your vision. Part of you wanted to curse him for his words. For his way with words. But that was how he always was. On the stage or off, it didn’t matter. It was his answer for any worry that threatened to smother you into a dark pit of no return.

Slowly, you turned in his arms. Yoongi’s eyes peered at you, his brows furrowing with concern despite the smirk playing on his lips. 

“Do you know the answer?”

That was the answer to your question. It was always going to be the answer.

Lifting your arms up, you wrapped them around his neck and leaned in, your lips barely touching his. “You’re Min Yoongi…” This time, you could feel your own smile tugging at the corners of your mouth. “...and you’re mine.”

[spidernerdsblog]

Love Is The Biggest Spell

A/N : Chapter three is here. Lingering feelings are getting too strong to handle as the dynamic of some relationships starts changing. Hope you like this chapter. Feedback and suggestions are always welcome.

Pairing : Warlock Tom Holland x half mortal reader

Summary : Witches are forbidden to fall in love with mortals. But what if your long lost love returns to you as a mortal, can you defy your heart? Any spell any magic seems useless in front of the magic of love. Let's join our lovers in their magical conquest beyond life and death as they fight for their love unraveling dark mysteries of the past along their way.

Warnings : 18+,mention of sex, light smut, mature content, language

Mini Playlist : Tick tock by Mabel.

Next day at your college you and Jane were standing in front of your lockers talking about some stuff whilst Tony dropped in. 

"Hey girls what's the tea?" 

"Jane over here was hit by a truck named Harrison yesterday and since then she has been gushing about his icy blue eyes, golden hair, perfect jawline and most probably on point dick game." You explained with a dramatic voice. 

"How can you not? Have you ever looked into his eyes? I just felt like I could drown in those ocean blue eyes." Jane gushed with dreamy eyes. 

"See?" you said proving your point. 

"I really wish I could meet him again." And as soon as those words rolled out of Jane's tongue your eyes were met with those familiar blue orbs with spects across the hall and right back at him you caught a glimpse of that luscious mop of brown hair and honey brown eyes walking right at your direction. Jane followed your gaze and turned around to look at the guy she was fantasizing about a few seconds ago. She thought she might faint, her legs felt wobbly. 

They walked making heads turn. It looked like one of those slow motion college movie scenes where the hero makes an entry and everyone is gaping at the hot and dashing newcomers, boys getting envious and girls going crazy. 

"Is today make a wish day? Then I would really like to be a billionaire." You joked. 

"Hi Jane nice to see you again." Harrison came up to her. Jane was dumbfounded.

"Jane, honey will you speak up?" you teased. 

"Please don't mind, she is a little out of order today." You joked. 

"Y/NN!!" 

"What?! you were the one being numb."

"Sorry I was lost in my thoughts."

"Of yours." You chuckled. Jane elbowed you hard. ''Ow!"

"Hi Y/N nice to see you again too." Tom greeted you with that ever adorable smile. Now it was your turn to get the jitters. 

"Yeah Hi" you said timidly. If you weren't to lie you yourself felt your heart flutter seeing Tom. You know it was wrong, so wrong you have a boyfriend who you love dearly but that smile that damned smile did things to you. 

They walked away to the principal’s office.You all went for your history class. After sometime Tom and Harrison walked in your class escorted by Professor Brown. 

"Students I would like to introduce you to our new transfer students. Tom Holland and Harrison Osterfield." your jaws dropped seeing your new classmates. Tom and Harrison walked past you and took a seat at the back. The class started as Professor Brown made some announcements.

"So class as per your assignments are concerned you are going to work in pairs. And I'll be making the pairs."

"Boris and Lucy.." Mr Brown continued announcing the pairs. 

"Jane and Harrison." You and Jane exchanged glances amused. 

"Damn, you lucky bitch!!" You punched her arm lightly. Jane giggled, turning her head around shyly to glance at Harrison. He raised his eyes from his book and gave her a subtle wink, her face turning red.

"Next is Y/N.." Cole turned back towards you smiling. 

"And Tom." Mr Brown announced shocking you both. You looked at each other puzzled. 

"What?! but Sir we used to do projects together every time." Cole protested.

"Cole this time you do with Tony. Tom and Harrison have joined in the middle of the semester. It will be better if my best students help them through the assignment. Is it okay with you Y/N?"

"Yes sir it's absolutely fine with me." The class ended after sometime.

"Can't believe professor Brown would do that." Cole muttered.

"It's just an assignment, you will be fine. Tony isn't that bad a partner." You rubbed his shoulder comfortingly and then walked to the back where Tom was sitting. 

"So hello new partner! Let's get to work shall we?" Tom shut his notebook turning his attention to you. 

"Yeah sure." You took a seat in front of him. 

''We need to decide on the topic we will be doing our assignment, any suggestions?" 

"How about the witch trials?"

"You want to do the assignment on witch trials?" You were a little taken aback. 

"No, I was just suggesting we can do whatever you want to do." He said nervously. 

"No it's fine I had always wanted to do an assignment on that but unfortunately Cole never agreed upon doing that. Why do you want to do that?" 

"Umm I just feel that those witch trials were barbaric and many innocent women and men were killed." 

"You think that too?! That’s awesome! So what are we waiting for? C'mon let's get started” You pulled him by his hand and dragged him to the library. The mere touch of your hand on his sent electric impulses through his body he just followed you as if he were in a trance. You went to the history section of the library and pulled out the books you needed to take home for research. 

"Okay then we can go to my house. Oh sorry or you want to go to your house?" 

"Your house is fine."

"Here give me some, they seem heavy." Tom extended his hands to take a few books from you. 

"Yeah thanks." While you were walking to your home you tried have a conversation with him because you knew very little about him.

"As far as I remember you said you were done with your studies then what brings you in our history class?" 

"I said I was done studying in London, not completed, my family needed me back here for our business so I had to return."

"Okay."

"So you guys are brothers or something?"

"Oh no Harrison is my best friend, our fathers are business partners you see."

"Who are there in your family?"

"Mum,dad, three younger brothers and my lovely dog Tessa." 

"You have a dog?! Great! I have a cat!" You chirped. 

"Not to be rude but not a fan of cats."

"That's fine nobody's judging you."

"So what about your family?" he asked.

"Mom and dad. I'm their only daughter. My cousin sister and aunt live with us after their husbands passed away. We were the only ones they had as family."

"Sorry to hear that."

"It's okay we are past it.'' 

Reaching your house you rang the doorbell. Your sister opened the door. 

"You are early today." She remarked as she let you in. 

"Yeah have some research to do for an assignment."

"Oi why are you standing out there? come in!" You called out to Tom. Erica turned to see whom you have brought in with you and as she saw Tom a smirk formed on her face. 

"You finally dumped that dumbass?" She teased. You rolled your eyes. 

"Unfortunately no, Cole is still my boyfriend. This is Tom, he is a transfer student and my project partner." 

"And this is my very nosy cousin Erica." You introduced her to Tom. 

"If being concerned about your well being is nosy I have nothing to say. Nice to meet you by the way." She turned to Tom. 

"The pleasure is all mine." 

"Boy you don't know what you have signed up for she is a bit of a crackhead sometimes."

"Erica!!" 

"I think I can handle a little bit of crazy." he looked at you smiling. 

"That's enough for today, if you would excuse us we need to start working on our assignment." You slipped your hand in Tom's arm dragging him up the stairs. 

"Yeah sure unless the topic of the assignment is jumping on his bones."

"You're seriously unbelievable!" you glared at her ushering Tom to your room. 

"Sorry for my sister, she's a bit outspoken." You apologized. 

"It's okay she seems to be a fun person. And she should be in a happy mood at this time. How far is she by the way?"

"Five months can't wait to be an aunt you know."

"Though I really feel bad for them. That poor baby will never get to see his dad."

"What happened if I may ask." 

"Car accident he was returning from work on a rainy night. The car skidded and toppled on the road near the mystic forests; he was severely injured but couldn't make it to the hospital." there was a moment of silence in between you two. 

Your cat meowed at the doorway startling you both. 

"Madeleine, come here baby!" You cooed as she slowly walked to you and started growling as soon as she looked at Tom

"No bad kitty." You scolded her but she continued to pur at Tom. 

"Strange she never does that to anyone." You frowned picking her in your arms.

"I think she doesn't like me" 

"I'm sorry."

"It's ok the feeling is mutual dear." He brushes her fur and Madeleine jumps off your hands.

"Where did you buy this cat? Black cats with red eyes are really rare to find." 

"Oh no I didn't buy her. I found her toiling alone near the forest on my 21st birthday. She seemed a bit weak and hungry, I really felt bad and brought her home with me. And since then she's part of our family." 

"That was very generous of you. 'As always' he said that in his mind. 

"Thank you"

"Okay I'll just go and quickly freshen up you sit here for a while."

"Yeah sure." 

It was the perfect chance he thought to carry out his plan. The whole assignment thing was an excuse. The sole reason he came to your house was something else. He got up and went near your dressing table and stood in front of the mirror. He sucked in his index finger and then traced it on the edges of the mirror. Then he went downstairs and did the same in all the mirrors of your house casting a scrying spell on them. So that he can watch over you anytime. 

Madeleine was hovering in between his legs. He lifted her and she was still hissing at him. 

"I thought you were dead because familiars cannot stay alive without their masters." Madeleine purred again. Tom arched his brows amused. 

"Why am I here? You know it very well why am I here Madeleine." She purred. 

"You also know she doesn't belong here and I'm going to take her back to where she actually belongs, to her home."

He heard the unlocking of the bathroom door as Madeleine jumped from his arms and ran away. 

"Sorry for keeping you waiting" 

"It's okay." You both worked together doing a case study on various journals, articles and books you brought from the library. Tom left in the evening though he didn’t want to leave you but he had no other choice.

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

"The power of persuasion always works doesn't it? Was quite easy to get into that Principal and that dumbass Professor's heads." Harrison remarked cockily. 

"Yeah at least now we can be near them and get our work done." Tom agreed.

"So how was your day?" 

"Quite insightful to be honest. Tom exhaled. 

"She has her familiar." 

"What! Madeleine is alive?" 

"Yup, she had been around her all these years protecting her against all possible threats. And keeping her existence hidden from us." 

"That sly cat!" 

"How was your day?"

"It was quite adventurous for me." 

"Don't tell me you did…" 

"No not yet but Jane is totally smitten by me." Harrison stated proudly.

"See Haz we just need Jane to get close to Y/N that's it. Nothing more than that." 

"Yeah, yeah I know and that is what I'm doing, apparently your lady love is having visions from her past life." 

"What?! really??" 

"Yes that is what Jane told me" he shrugged. 

"Now that's a good head start, now she just needs a little push and our work will be done."

"But Harrison please don't get involved with Jane in such a way that she or you have to regret later." he warned.

"I know but if she keeps throwing herself at me how do you expect me to control myself?" he said cockily. 

"Then try to control, you were the one giving me the lecture on that we shouldn't mingle with the mortals then what is this?" 

"Yeah what's the big deal anyways. I don't love her." he replied nonchalantly. 

"But what if she does Haz?"

"Once Jane finds out the truth she will hate me anyways. Let me have some fun dude."

Tom's phone dinged and his eyes lit up seeing the text. 

Y: Hey it's Y/N.. you reached home? 

He replied instantly. 

T: Just did. 

You didn't know what to say next , should you say goodnight? bye? Or just a smiling emoji with heart? no, no, no not heart. You wrote the text and everytime pressed backspace. 

T: You needed something? You were relieved that he texted something back. 

Y: Yeah actually just thinking of if we got something more than the library books I feel they are quite one sided we need to know both sides' stories to come to a conclusion. 

T: I got some books in my house which might be useful. I'll bring them tomorrow at your house. 

Y: Great! See you tomorrow then. Goodnight. 

T: Goodnight love. 

You blushed a little at the last text. 

Your life went through a smooth transition. You got to see more of Tom and Harrison as they became your regular customers at your cafe. You were spending more time with Tom than Cole. Though you both had your reasons Cole was busy training for the upcoming intercollege basketball tournament and you were busy with the project you took up. But you were happy with Tom. How much ever you wanted to go away something pulled you back towards him. He seemed a mystery to you, a mystery you were dying to solve. He intrigued you in many different ways that you couldn't describe. 

"Where did you even get these books? These are just so full of valuable information.'' you turned the pages.

"My mom is an antique curator she bought these from a woman back then."

"Thanks to your mom we are gonna nail this assignment!" You sat next to him at the table. 

''By the way our varsity basketball tryouts are going to happen tomorrow  you and Harrison can totally give it a shot.''

"I don't think I can. Plus your boyfriend seems to have a special dislike for me."

"Cole is just a little bit reserved around new people he will be fine and anyways our team sucks could use some new talents like you"

"Will you come to cheer for us?" 

"Why?" 

"Then I may give it a thought." 

"Maybe who knows?" you said cockily. Your faces were so close, his breath fanning your face. You zoned out looking into his eyes as your gaze dropped to his lips, it looked so tempting, you wondered how they would taste, feel in your mouth. Tom cleared his throat and you were snapped out of the daze moving away from him averting your gaze. Your cheeks heating up at the inappropriate thoughts you were having. The tension in the room was so thick that it could be cut through a knife.

"Uhh I must get going, it's already quite late." he said awkwardly breaking the silence.

"Yeah right." you agreed. Tom got up and you followed him to see him off. As you were passing by the fireplace something dropped from Tom's hand making a metal clinking sound and jumped right into the fire. 

"Oh shit! My ring!" Tom exclaimed. 

"Let me bring water to put out the fire." You offered. 

"No the ring is antique it will rust with slightest contact with water." That was the lamest reason you have ever heard. 

"then how do you wash your hands?"

"I take it off." You still weren't satisfied with the answer but decided not to argue. Taking a deep breath you looked at him furrowing your eyebrows. 

"Is it really that important to you?" 

"Yeah it's a family heirloom." 

"Okay I'll get that for you. But whatever you are about to see just don't freak out ok?" You bent down near the fireplace and were about to put your hand in the raging fire. 

"Wait! What are you doing?!" 

"Getting your ring dumbo! As we can't use water." you sassed.

"But that's fire you'll get burned."

"Trust me I'll be fine." You assured him and put your hand in the burning wood and retrieved his ring easily without a single burn on your hand. A wide smile spread across Tom's face, you passed the test unharmed. What more does he want? He is ready to look like an idiot in front of you to make you realize your true identity. When you turned around he quickly changed his facial expression, his mouth forming an 'o' pretending to be shocked at what you just did. 

"I know just don't tell anyone ok you will be the first one to know except my family."

"I have a condition" you shrugged 

"I have no sense towards anything hot that means fire. But actually I don't get burned either, which nobody is aware of, not even my mother because she is already so worried about me and I don't want her to get stressed out more. You'll be the first one to know. So your silence will be appreciated."

"My lips are sealed." Tom assured you, he was about to take the ring from you but you moved it away. 

"I wouldn't touch it if I were you. It's still hot I guess" You were inspecting the ring and frowned.

"Hey it's quite similar to the one I have." 

"You also have one?" 

"Yeah, see?" you extended your hand showing him your ring. He held your hand. 

"Where did you get this?!" he exclaimed, clutching on to your hand.

"Uh my mother gave it to me." You looked at him awkwardly. He let go of your hand. 

"Oh sorry!" 

"She brought it from the church, said that it's blessed and I should not take it off. Will kind of protect me from what I don't know." You rolled your eyes. 

"Your mother loves you."

"Yeah I know that is why I'm wearing this or else I wouldn't if anyone else asked me to." 

"I think you are being late, you should get going now."

''Yeah bye see you tomorrow during class." Tom left saying that.

………………… 

''I told you Amber would never do anything without any reason and that enchanted ring on Y/N's hand is the proof." 

"Amber was really way ahead of us. But if Y/N's mother gave her that do you think she knows about who Y/N really is?" 

"I believe Y/N's mother knows something that none of us know, she might also know what exactly happened that night before Amber disappeared."

Tom waved his hand across the mirror in his room and your room became clearly visible on it. He smiled like a child glancing at his ring. 

"Can't believe she's actually wearing our engagement ring."

Suddenly you and Cole stumbled into your room. His hands roaming around your body as you kissed frantically, teeth clashing, sloppy and messy kisses. You fumbled with the buttons of his shirt pushing him onto the bed and got up to straddle him around his hips. He sat up propping on his arms, your lips meeting again for a hot kiss, you kept grinding yourself on his crotch. He moaned in the kiss his hands went under your sweatshirt drawing lazy circles on your skin. You took the hint and pulled off your sweatshirt.

"Oh missed this view so much." Cole gasped. 

"Me too." You said biting your lips breathing heavily.

"Thank god your family is out of town."

"Yeah you should actually thank my uncle who got a heart attack so that is why they went to see him." You both giggled sealing your lips together, you couldn't get enough of each other as you grabbed on to each other. 

Tom clenched his jaws while Harrison had a grin plastered on his face as they saw you through the mirror. 

"Damn she really has a crazy sex drive. I don't remember Amber to be so aggressive." Harrison joked. Tom couldn't take it anymore, fuming from inside.

"A little impotence will not harm I guess.'' Tom mumbled something under his breath gazing at the mirror. 

"Mmmph" Cole pulled away from the kiss

"What happened?" You asked with concern. 

"I don't know but I can't get it up." 

"What??" You had a puzzled look in your eyes. 

"I can't get hard" 

"Oh" you got down his lap sitting beside him. 

"Sorry babe." 

"Hey it's okay, it happens sometimes in old age you know, performance issues. It's gonna be fine don't worry." You burst out laughing putting back your sweatshirt on.

"Seriously Y/N it's not funny." He grimaced. 

"Okay I'm sorry, let's cuddle?" You extended your arms pouting . He took them welcomingly. You both laid down. 

"You may be just tired with all the practise. You need rest."You both snuggled close to each other, he ran his fingers through your hair playing with them.

"Are you coming tomorrow?" 

"How can I not? Who else will cheer for my boyfriend huh?" 

"No you are just so busy these days with your project with Tom. I thought.. " You cradled his face in your hands. 

"Hey nothing is more important than you to me, do you understand?" 

"Yes mam." he placed a soft kiss on your forehead. 

You rested your head over his chest, listening to his strong and steady heart beat lulling you to sleep. 

"Man that was savage! Where did your morales go suddenly? " Harrison chuckled.

"We need to severe her bonds with the mortal world." Tom said coldly gritting his teeth

………………………….. 

You had come to cheer for your boyfriend but your eyes were practically glued to that curly haired brunette the whole time. You were shamelessly staring at his chiseled body, rippling with muscles as sweat dripped off them. Never in your life have you had this strong urge to run your hand through someone's body. As for Harrison he looked no less than a Greek God. His tousled golden hair and perfectly sculpted body can take anyone's breath away. Both of them probably gave a hormonal outburst to each and every ovary present in the room watching the game. 

"You're staring." Jane smirked. 

"So are you." You quipped. 

"I don't have a boyfriend."

"It's-- it's a healthy kind of staring you know just appreciating the piece of art his body is nothing sexual." You clarified.

They gave a tough competition to the college team scoring goals after goals surprising each one of you with their skills. After the game got over you went to Cole who was a little upset and rubbed his shoulder comforting him, occasionally stealing glances of Tom who was surrounded by a swarm of girls which made you feel jealous for no reason. 

Harrison headed for the shower room to freshen up. 

"I'll be back." Jane said and went away.

Harrison was still in shower, when Jane came into the room. She walked into the shower. Her lips parted as she inhaled deeply, the site was a turn on for her. The water dripped down his hair softly. And the drops slowly made their way to his body and the perfect abs he had. The water defined his well, organized and obviously worked out body.

"Darling don't you think you are at the wrong place?" He turned grinning. 

"I'm one hundred percent sure that I'm at the right place." Jane said with a sultry voice. His eyes darkened with lust as he pushed her inside the shower. Her back hitting the cold wall. His lips brush her. Not innocently, like a tease but hot, fiery, passionate and demanding. In this minty moment, her senses have been seduced and she could no longer think straight. “Jane” he whispers slowly, prolonging each letter as if to savor them. She smiles, her heart fluttering at his voice as she clasps her hands on either side of his face. Never before has her name ever felt so wonderful, she thinks, as she leans in for another… In an instant she pulled away and arched up into his broad chest, moaning in the contact of body heat against my own, before she drew back into his lips. 

"Are you sure about this?" Harrison asked rather breathlessly. Jane hummed in response.

"Words darling."

"Yes Haz I need you."

The next thing she knew, he had slammed his lips to hers and nearly knocked all wind from her lungs.

Jane hardly had a moment to react before he pressed his tongue to the seam of her lips and, at her grant of access, delved inside her mouth. It was a very sloppy kiss, her arms reached up and tangled around his thick, strong neck. As water trickled down their bodies the dress Jane was wearing sticking to her body Harrison bunched up her dress his fingers went down to rubbing her clothed core eliciting a moan out of her, his other hand gently massaging her boobs. Harrison was already naked and Jane could feel his hard on brushing against her thigh. Harrison lifted her up as she wrapped her legs around his waist, her hands grasping onto his shoulders. 

Something raw, primal was in that moment as their senses were clouded with lust and desire. Their bodies craving for each other everything just felt so good. For a brief moment of time Tom's words buzzed in his mind but he couldn't care less. He knew it was wrong he had hated mortals all his life but when it comes to your carnal desires you can't think straight and being a satanic witch amplifies these feelings to another level. Her heart was pure filled with love for him but his was sinful full of darkness. He knows he is eventually going to break Jane's heart once Tom gets you back, he doesn't have to though but some things are better to be forbidden. It makes it more thrilling when you can't have something for a lifetime. 

"I love you." Jane said panting whilst Harrison put her down slowly. 

"Me too." he gave a tight lipped smile and then kissed her softly for one last time. 

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

You were discussing something with Tony and Cole as Jane dropped in after sometime. 

"Hey guys what's up?" 

"Nothing, we are just planning to go clubbing tonight. It has been a long time since we went, need to loosen up a bit." 

"Great! Can Haz  join us?" 

"Haz?" You quirked your eyebrow and suddenly frowned, examining her up and down. 

''Why is your hair wet? And what happened to the dress you were wear…'' Jane gulped, your eyes shifted to Harrison, his hair was wet as well and a cocky grin on his face, you connected the dots immediately as you coughed, clearing your throat awkwardly. 

"Yeah Haz can totally join us, the more the merrier."

“And you too Tom, will be really happy if you come with us.

"Who am I to say no to you, love." Tom quipped.

'Love' never have you ever thought in your life that a single word can be such a turn on for you. Everytime a pet name rolled out of his tongue for you in that ridiculously seductive British accent it sent shivers down your spine. You just wished he keeps on calling you that again and again. Your eyes were fixated at him. You were feeling guilty and annoyed at the current predicament you have got yourself into. One side is your longtime boyfriend whom you were falling out of love slowly on the other side is a man whom you barely know but he has started to live in your mind rent free, he makes your mind go haywire. You felt a certain connection with him. You were startled out of your thoughts when Cole pulled you aside. 

"Why did you invite Tom?" he seethed.

"What is with you and Tom? He's a really good guy Cole, just relax."

"Seriously Y/N how can you be so naive? Don't you see? he's trying to woo you." 

"Am I sensing some male rivalry." You narrowed your eyes mischievously. Cole scoffed, rolling his eyes. 

"You know what life's gotten really boring for me with just one man in my life for the past 15 years. It will be fun to watch two men fighting for me. So best of luck" you joked.

Later in the evening you all met at the local club of the town. As you entered the club Jane pointed out.

"Seriously you have to wear that necklace with everything? It just kills the look girl." Jane remarked pointing to the antique necklace with an amber colored stone pendant on your neck. 

"What choice do I have?" You scoff. "My mom will kill me if I take this off and I've been wearing this since I was 5." You tucked the necklace inside the seam of your dress. 

Harrison and Tom joined in after sometime. 

“Hi darling” Harrison pecked Jane’s cheek.

“Hi babe.” The boys went away to order their drinks.

"Two bourbon neat." You ordered the bartender taking a seat at the bar. 

"So you guys are a thing now?" you quirked your eyebrow. 

"Mind telling me what were two upto today?'' 

"A lady never kisses and tells Y/N."

"Oh I see now things are like that huh?" you smirked.

“Hey no! It’s nothing like that. I’ll tell you everything later.”

"No need I'm not interested in your little sexcapade in the shower rooms anyways" you shrugged having a little sip of your drink. 

“So how’s it been with you and Cole lately?”

“We are good, just a little caught with personal stuff.” your eyes wandered off to Tom checking him out through the rim of the glass.

'' I know you and Cole have been together for all these years but are you really together?"

“What- what makes you say that?!”

“Honey you and Cole claim to be together but you both are so far from each other with no emotional attachment. You really don’t have any problem when he is flirting with other girls.” Jane pointed at his direction.

“Because I’m not a clingy or an over possessive girlfriend we are not engaged or married so let him live his life.” you reasoned.

"Then why aren’t you living yours? You know it's okay if you have started to have feelings for someone else. Y/N the more you try to resist it the more you'll get pulled towards it." you understood whom Jane was referring to and you were baffled at the confrontation. You can’t admit it, not yet because you yourself were confused with your lingering feelings towards Tom.

"You know what you're totally drunk, that is why you are blabbering all this bluff. I'm very happy with Cole and I'm gonna go and dance with my boyfriend." you finished your drink before making your way to the dancefloor. Jane tsked, shaking her head seeing your denial towards your true feelings. You danced to the song playing and smirked when you felt a familiar pair of hands around your waist. Cole turned you around, your hands went on to hold on to his shoulders. You were looking around the club when your eyes went to Tom staring at you. Tom was quite amused at your free spirited nature. You were a totally different person to him right now. A contrasting image of yourself with less inhibitions and raw emotions. Who didn't care much of the world. 

You winked at him, smiling mischievously. He averted his gaze from you flustered. You laughed internally.

Tick Tock starts playing… 

I don't need no other, I'm satisfied

Doing it on my own

Only takes one lover to change your vibe

Ain't that the way it go

"Hey Cole!" Some of his friends called out. 

"Come here man!"

"Yeah coming! Gotta go babe." He pecked your cheeks and left. You huffed on the way he ditched you. 

I don't need nobody, but you on replay

Caught in the memory

When you touch my body and you say my name

Giving me what I need (tick tock, tick tock, tick tock)

You felt a light tap on your shoulder.

"You know if you want I can fill in for your boyfriend. I'm not that bad a dancer."

"Wouldn’t be that bad I guess.” you looked at him with flirty eyes.

Every minute, so lost in it

Like you're in my bed

Every hour, give you power

I'm losing mine instead (tick tock, tick tock)

"You sure your boyfriend will not mind?" you looked at him occupied with some other girls annoying you. 

"Screw him." You said and pulled Tom dangerously close taking his hands and placing them on your waist. You rested your palms on his chest lightly holding on to his jacket. 

24/7 got you on my mind

Think about you all the time

My body wants you night and day

But my head is screaming, "go away" (tick tock, tick tock, tick tock)

You gazed in his hazel brown eyes the purple lights dancing on his face highlighting his features,the alcohol kicking in as you swayed to the beat. Your hands creeping up to his broad shoulders  as you nuzzled your head in the crook of his neck inhaling the intoxicating smell of his cologne. Your head was reeling as you felt so good a warmth creeping inside your heart. You didn't want to let go of him caring less of the fact that Cole is right there in the club with his friends. You felt like you were under some kind of spell. Tom held you close to him placing his hands on your back. Both of you lovedrunk. 

24/7 got you on my mind

Darling, I don't have the time

My body wants you night and day

I'm losing all control of me 

Song continues………. 

………………………… 

"Good for nothing you all are!" Agatha Layman yelled. Zendaya, Laura and Angourie flinched in fear.

"The only job you had was to keep an eye on Thomas that too you couldn't do!" 

"But mother I did everything you asked me to do." Zendaya stated.

"If you did what I had asked you to do then why am I getting to know now that Amber is alive!" 

"What!? That's not possible." Zendaya frowned in disbelief. 

"Yes my dear. She has returned in the form of a human though she has no recollection of her past life nor she has her powers."

"If she has returned and if Tom knows about her then he will do anything to bring her back here." Laura remarked. 

"No, no, no this can't happen. All these years of planning, plotting can't go to waste!'' Agatha paced across the room panicking. 

"The only dream I had was to see you as the high priestess of the coven. And take over this coven and lead the way according to the Dark lord's wishes." She cupped Zendaya's face. 

"Amber has to die and if you girls can't do that then I'll do it myself!"

"Mother, give us one last  chance we will not disappoint you this time." 

"Go then I want that half breed dead." Agatha ordered with a deep menacing voice.

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

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Taglist:To be added send me an ask or message I’ll be happy to add you in the following chapters.

[arse-crack-thistle]

rwrb winterfest - day 18 - music

@rwrb-fests​ 

in which my dear princess bea needs a little comfort at christmastime (ace rep)

Bea always has a hard time around Christmas. 

Part of it has to do with her father. She seems to find new pieces of him to miss every day. Today, it’s his laugh—the deep chuckle he lets out when David jumps on his lap and licks his face or when he’s had a little too much brandy and Bea says something sarcastic and rude about her grandmother. 

She misses how the family used to gather around a table in one of the sitting rooms in Kensington and play gin rummy at Christmastime. The tree would stand tall in the corner. Their father insisted they decorate it themselves, despite Philip’s disapproval. It looked sloppy covered in tinsel and an assortment of colorful lights and ornaments. The star at the top tilted towards the left, but at least the tree filled the room with a delicate pine scent. The fire burned at a soft glow, and everyone around the table laughed and wore paper crowns from their Christmas crackers. It didn’t matter who they were, they were just a normal family.

Now, the room feels cold, even though the fire cracks across from her. In the corner, the bare tree sags. She hasn’t had the energy to decorate it herself since Henry’s been in New York, and while she and Philip have reconciled their differences, he’s never really liked this part of their family’s traditions. Her mother works a ton since stepping up as the heir apparent, so Bea didn’t want to bother her either. Her cat meows next to her on the couch.

Christ, she wants a hit. She wants something to wipe her memory and just let her be. She just might reach for the brandy on the liquor cart. Why did she convince Henry she could handle it being here? Or that she could handle him leaving?

No, he needs to live his life without her, even if she misses him. The hardest part about being ace is watching her people find their person.

She’s happy for Henry and she loves Alex, but she’s lonely when they’re gone. And with loneliness comes dark thoughts. And the chance she will relapse multiplies. 

Bea should call her sponsor. Or Henry. Or literally anyone. She knows they’ll answer. She knows she’s loved. But the only person she wants to hold her and make Christmas special again can’t.

She really misses her father.

Bea leaves the room. She puts as much space between her and the brandy as she can. When her fingers itch for something, she must fill them, and the best remedy is music.

Her favorite room in this place looks exactly how she left it the day before. The piano sits, awaiting Henry. The mismatch of rugs were her idea—benders with musicians in Galway inspired her, or what she remembered of them did. The cat finds her way to her spot on the brown settee. 

Before picking up a guitar, Bea passes tchotchkes from their travels on an antique side table. Nesting dolls from Russia. A Statue of Liberty figurine from their first trip to the U.S. A toorstag from Henry’s month in Mongolia. A coconut bra from Bea’s drunk cruise in the Caribbean. She’s since become a more sensitive and culturally-minded traveler. 

She sits with the instrument on the floor, her back against the settee. This particular guitar was a gift from her father on her fourteenth birthday. It was handmade for her, and her initials sit just below the artisan’s label under the sound hole. The koa wood has a rich, dark finish; Bea likes to drag her finger across the wood grain when she’s deciding what to play next or when she’s lost in her thoughts in between songs. When her father first gave it to her, the sound was bright and lively, but in the time since, it’s become mellow and warm. Perfect for fingerpicking.

She plays a few chords as she tunes it. Her cat purrs behind her ear. Crystal from the chandelier above her twinkles. She settles in the quiet moment and plays.

But there’s no heart in it.

Bea thought if she changed her scenery, if she gave herself something to do, she’d get out of this riptide. But every song, every passing minute, pulls her further and further out.

If no one’s around to hear her play, is it really music?

Is this her safe space if no one’s here to create its harmony with her?

She’s so lonely.

And the tune is as frozen as she feels.

It’s times like these she wishes she wanted her grandmother’s happily ever after—marry a man, pop out a couple of kids, and be a dutiful royal. But she can’t. The thought of marrying someone, of making and raising children, of being a mindless princess puppet actually nauseates her.

If only she had her own community of people like her, she might be able to rely on Henry less. Her other married friends wouldn’t feel so bad for her. She could just go on ignoring her grandmother and Philip, when he gets to be too much. Her mother wouldn’t worry as much.

And not that she wouldn’t miss her father less, but maybe she wouldn’t feel so empty without him here.

Maybe the soul could find its way back into her music.

So Bea snaps herself out of it just enough to text Pez and ask for his Instagram login. She has a plan that her handler—and her grandmother, for that matter—would definitely disapprove of.

But fuck the crown.

Bea needs to take her life in her own hands and demand more for herself. She needs help to feel better, but she has to be the one to initiate. If Henry could do it, so could she. 

Part of the AA mantra is to have the courage to change the things she can. 

She’s got it, and she can do it.

Pez responds quickly and without question, of course. She sets her guitar to the side and downloads the app. After she logs in, she leans forward and rests the phone against the floor pouf in front of her.

Bea takes a deep breath and starts a livestream, and the viewer count immediately skyrockets. Her grandmother is really going to hate this.

“Um, hello,” she says. “I’m sure you all weren’t expecting to see me, but our friend, Percy, was kind enough to lend me his account for a short while. I hope that’s all right.”

She shifts a little uncomfortably. She never minded the spotlight as long as she could control it, but even now, she feels more venerable than ever. Last year’s Christmas pajamas hang loosely on her. Surely, her reindeer bottoms will go viral, as she sits with her legs crisscrossed in full view of the camera. Her cat mews.

“Yes, thank you for that, darling,” She says to her and then looks to the camera.

“I just wanted to come on here to talk to you all. See, as we’re in the holiday season, it’s all a bit overwhelming, isn’t it? And in all of this hustle and bustle, one finds they get a bit lost along the way.

“I’ve noticed this in myself every year, but this time it’s more frustrating. I’ve just been feeling rather lonely lately, as one can during this chilly time, so I thought maybe you lot have experienced that as well. I wanted to connect with people like me. I don’t mean, like, I want to wallow in my problems—or that I have especially difficult problems—I mean I know I’m very fortunate—I just—um. Let me—let me straighten this out.”

She sighs. This could be a disaster. She could come off entitled and whiny if she doesn’t focus more on her words.

“It seems the people in my life all have a partner, and I am so happy for them, truly. But I don’t want a partner or a relationship of any nature other than friendship. And so during this time of year—and, I suppose, other times as well—I find myself the odd woman out.

“For example, here I am, alone in this place, with only my cat, with whom you’ve already become acquainted. Now, I know I’m very lucky to have this, but it’s empty houses that can lead people down a dark path, isn’t it?”

Bea needs to say the words. She needs to make it very clear. She watches the screen flood with comments and hearts. Hundreds of thousands of people are watching, and tomorrow she’s going to be on every media outlet.

“I’m aromantic and asexual, if that wasn’t clear. I can’t and don’t want to fall in love, and not that it’s anyone’s business, I’m not even faintly interested in sex. And that may be confusing for some of you, but for me, it makes my life, my mind, make sense.”

She’s slowly but surely finding her way back to shore now.

“For years, I thought there was something wrong with me, but there’s not. I thought the only way I could be happy was to be in a relationship, but it’s not. And if you yourself are ace as well, I want you to know you’re not alone.

“This is the real reason why I did all of this. I was lonely and sad tonight, and I wanted you all to know that if you feel that too, it’s okay. I hope I can learn about and grow in the ace community—not to replace my happily coupled friends, but to explore new friendships with people who can understand what I and some of you are going though.

“We’ve been taught that there’s one way to be happy, and I just don’t think that’s true. And I’m willing to prove it if you’ll help me. Starting now.”

Bea reaches for her guitar and places it in her lap. She finds the first chord of “Horchata” by Vampire Weekend. A text notification from Henry pops down.

HOLY SHIT I LOVE YOU!!!!!!

A smile creeps up her cheeks.

“Something I love to do when I’m down is to pick out a little tune. If it’s all right with you, I thought I’d play a round for us. Maybe answer a few questions if you’ve got any.”

Bea picks the first note, and the tone is perfect.

She feels warmth grow in her chest and travel around her arms and down her back.

Like her father hugging her from behind, arms crossed over her shoulders.

Just like he used to do many Christmases ago.

[megs-readstoomuch]

Newest installment in my “Shadowhunters: Parenthood Edition” stories. The rest can be found on AO3 HERE!!!

Happy Birthday Reesa!

Jace woke up earlier than usual. He stretched and immediately turned his head to check on Clary, as he always did when he awakened. She was still asleep, red hair fanned out on her pillow and the quietest of snores coming from her mouth. Jace grinned. She never believed him when he said she snored, but honestly, he found it adorable, so he didn’t complain that much. He pressed a soft kiss to her forehead, lingering for a moment to breathe her in. He smiled and gave her one more quick, light kiss.

Jace slid quietly from the bed and went about his morning routine of shaving and dressing. As he sat to put his socks and boots on, he heard her. She was humming the lullaby Jace had played her last night before bed, as he did every night. The song his Mom had sang to him and his siblings when they were young. With a smile, Jace went into the nursery and found his daughter standing in her crib, the morning sun slowly turning the room a warm gold. Reesa’s strawberry blond curls were wild from her night’s sleep and stood out like a cloud around her head. She had a thumb in her mouth and was still humming their song, but broke into a smile when she saw Jace.

“Hi Dada!” She waved her hand excitedly as if they were seeing each other again after a long journey. Jace lifted her from the crib, kissing each cheek. She laughed and patted his face.

“How is my girl?” Jace said as he proceeded to change her sleeper. He picked out one of the bright, colorful rompers Magnus and Clary kept her closet filled with and started dressing her. She wiggled as she waited on him to finish the snaps and buttons. “Guess what Reesa?”

The little girl blinked at him in response, as he tried to tame her curls a little with the tiny hair clips Clary bought. “Today is your first birthday. It is a big day. You’ve been here with Mama and Daddy a whole year. You are one.” He surveyed his work. Dang, he was getting good at this hair thing.

“I’m one.” Reesa said, watching as he proceeded to put her shoes on. He let her fasten the Velcro tabs herself. “All done!” She held her hands out.

“Excellent work.” Jace complimented her, lifting her down off the changing table and stood her on the floor.

“Where Mama?” Reesa asked as Jace careful put her favorite old stele of his in the pocket of her romper.

“Mama is sleeping. It’s just you and me this morning.” Jace answered her. “Shall we have breakfast?” He held out his hand. She slipped a tiny soft hand into his callused, scarred one and Jace felt his heart swell again with joy over having this little girl in his life.

“Mama sleeping.” Reesa said. “Ssssh.” She twisted her face into a comical shush and pressed a finger to her lips. Jace grinned at her.

“Exactly.”

———

There were only a handful of people in the dining hall this early, as it was barely 5 o’clock. Jace liked it this way though. Mostly those present were coming in late off of patrol, bleary eyed and exhausted. But despite that, each one perked up a little at the sight of the toddler in her bright pink romper, with the butterfly clips in her hair. She always waved at everyone as she and Jace moved through to find a table to sit at.

Reesa refused a high chair on the grounds she was “nota baby”, instead kneeling in the chair next to Jace, happily eating her bacon. Jace nursed his cup of coffee and just watched her. He couldn’t believe it had been a year since she arrived. He still remembered it, he had never been so scared and happy. And now look at her. One year old.

He pushed away the ever present worry about her “Angel gifts” as the family called them. She was just one, but she functioned more like a 2yo. She was quick and smart, speaking in small sentences already. She could jump and run faster than your average child, quick with all her reflexes and motor skills too. She was also taller than average. Aside from all this and a predilection for being found constantly leaping off of the top of Jace’s baby grand and landing perfectly every time, she had yet to exhibit any other manifestations of her pure Angel blood inheritance. Jace still wondered if she would have any of Clary’s gifts. Tessa often hinted that there would be more to Reesa than she had shown them so far.

“More please.” A tiny voice cut into Jace’s thoughts. Reesa had finished her bacon and eggs and was looking expectantly at Jace. “More bacon.”

“Alright, but just two more, ok?” Jace answered her, raising up from his chair.

“Okey doke,” she said, picking her orange juice up with both hands. He chuckled.

———

Clary found them in the office after she had woken and had her own breakfast. Jace at his desk and Reesa on his lap, as usual. He was flicking through night patrol reports on his tablet and Reesa was concentrating on drawing runes on a notepad, her tiny tongue stuck out in concentration.

“Hi Mama!” Reesa cried, wiggling off of Jace’s knee to run around the desk and into Clary’s arms.

“Hi, my baby,” Clary kissed her on the cheek and then blew a raspberry against the soft skin. Reesa giggled. “Happy Birthday!”

“I’m one!” Reesa held up one finger proudly.

“Yes, you are! And we are going to have a party for you,” Clary kissed the outstretched index finger.

“A party?” Reesa crinkled her forehead in confusion.

“A party?” Jace made the same face.

Clary smiled at the resemblance. “Uncle Magnus is planning a party for your birthday. With cake!”

The one year old’s eye lit up. “CAKE!” She yelled, wiggling to be put down so she could run around her mother in a happy gallop while continuing to yell about cake.

“It will be at 5 this evening,” Clary told Jace over Reesa’s yells. “I already asked Underhill to cover your patrol so the whole family can be there.” Jace frowned a little. He hated to ask favors of the other Shadowhunters, even if he was the Co-Head of the Institute. Clary walked around the desk and sat on the arm of his chair. “It’s for Reesa’s birthday. Underhill was happy to do it. And you can cover his next patrol to make up for it, he said.”

Jace’s brow smoothed out. “Well, that does seems more fair.” Clary kissed his cheek and then leaned against him as they watched their daughter dance happily around the room.

———

“I think Magnus made the apartment bigger to fit everyone,” Alec whispered to Jace as they walked into the living room from the kitchen.

“You think? Because I don’t remember there being two bathrooms in the hallway,” Jace pointed out. “Or that hatrack. Tell me that’s not anyone we know, by the way.”

“Dang it, you’re right,” Alec agreed, ignoring the query about the hatrack and sipping from his plastic cup. He made a face. “What is this?”

“Something called punch,” Jace eyed his own pink drink warily. He didn’t like pink drinks in general . “Jocelyn insisted it is what mundanes drink at birthday parties.”

“By the Angel, why?” Alec muttered, quickly dumping the rest of the drink in the ficus behind him (that he was pretty sure hadn’t been there this morning).

“No idea,” Jace said, tossing back the last dredges in his cup and swallowing.

“You still drank it?”

Jace raised an eyebrow. “Have you ever known me to reject food or drink?”

“Fair enough,” Alec said.

Clary came over with two bottles in hand. “Here. Have some water. That punch is as gosh-awful as it was when I was kid.” The two men gratefully accepted the drinks.

A crash came from the kids’ room. The parents all turned, waiting for any cries of distress.

“Everything’s fine!”shouted Rafe. Alec raised an eyebrow.

“I think I’ll check anyway,” he shook his head and went down the now extra long hall to his sons’ room where Rafe and Max were “fighting demins”, according to Max.

Clary slid her arms around Jace’s waist and he dropped a kiss on the top of her head. They looked around the room.

Jocelyn, Kadir, and Maryse were chatting in the corner, the every present dried paint visible on the back of Jocelyn’s hand and around her nails as she made a gesture in the air. Maryse nodded to whatever was being said and politely sipped from her cup, making no face but Jace knew his mother enough to see in her eyes what she thought of “punch”. He bit his lip to keep from smiling. Kadir was very focused on Jocelyn’s story, his own hands suspiciously empty.

Luke and Simon bookended the sofa, a 4-month pregnant Isabelle with the start of a baby bump sitting between them. All three were discussing a new weapon the Iron Sisters had sent to the Institute this week. Simon was particularly excited, waving his hands about. Isabelle rubbed her bump and watched him in amusement.

Tess and Jem were sitting on the loveseat, Reesa sitting on Tessa’s lap and talking with them. She was making some of the same gestures with her hands that Jocelyn was making and Tessa nodded encouragingly at her. Mina was sitting in the floor, leaning against her father’s legs with a surprisingly content Chairman Meow on her lap, bedazzling his fur with sparks of magic from her fingers.

Magnus was busily waltzing around the dining room, flashes of magic visible as he finished placing copious amounts of purple, pink, and blue streamers and balloons around a banner that said, “Happy Birthday Baby Biscuit”. Alec had gently pointed out no one else called Reesa that but Magnus had merely kissed him firmly and said, “I make the party rules.” Alec had said nothing more and left him to his decorating.

“You know,” Jace mused. “I never had family around for birthdays until I my 11th. And that wasn’t even my birthday, as we now know. And really by the time you get your first rune, it’s downplayed. Shadowhunters don’t do parties much. Just a cake if everyone is around. But the Institute was always empty. And of course I didn’t have anyone else...before. I got a gift or a wish as you know, but it wasn’t the same as this. I like this. Except maybe the punch.”

“I do too. I like birthdays. I had my first kiss on my 16th birthday, you know,” Clary gave him a saucy grin. Jace shot her a look that made her stomach flip. He leaned down to whisper in her ear.

“You better stop, Mrs. Herondale. I’m not a well-behaved man.” Clary giggled.

“Alright you two, stop it,” Alec rolled his eyes at them, coming down the hall with his son’s following behind him like baby ducks, each carrying a fake weapon of some sort, the two boys in their miniature gear jackets that they played in. Both their cheeks were red from their “battle” but they looked pleased with themselves.

“And the crash?” Clary asked.

“Bookshelf. Magnus will have to sort it,” Alec shook his head. Rafe and Max looked properly contrite, although Clary knew them enough to know they weren’t really. She winked at them.

“Time for cake!” Magnus announced and everyone gathered in the dining room. Reesa was given the seat of honor and a rounding chorus of “Happy Birthday” was sang. She sang along, much to everyone’s amusement.

She carefully blew out her candle, and Max relit it so he could blow it out too. Reesa found this hilarious, so Max and Mina kept relighting it until everyone had blown out the candle and Magnus finally had to remove the stub from the cake before a second round of candle blowing was started.

The cake was, of course, delicious. Magnus hinted strongly that it had came from France.

“I left money in the till,” He hastened to add before anyone said anything. “But our babies have to have the best cake.”

Clary watched as Reesa picked up her plate and licked the frosting off. “I think you chose well,” she said. Jocelyn shook her head in amusement and cleaned the chocolate off of Reesa’s nose and eyebrows.

“Bapak! Present time! Present time!” Max was bouncing in excitement as Rafe carried in the gift.

Magnus placed the brightly wrapped present in front of a wide-eyes Reesa who looked at him expectantly. “Magic?” She asked.

With a smile, Magnus snapped his fingers and the paper and ribbon unfurled to reveal a tiny gear jacket of her own. Reesa squealed. “On! Now!” She demanded.

Clary complied, slipping it over her bright pink romper and zipping it up. Reesa rubbed her hands over the jacket in amazement. Jace squatted next to her chair and adjusted the collar.

“Can you say thank you to everyone?” He prompted her gently.

“Thank you Unca Alec and Unca Magnus,” she whispered, still in awe. “And Nana and Papa and Gran’ma and Kad and Unca Simon and Ant Izzy and Max and Rafe and Jem and Nonna Tessa and Mina.” The adult all smiled as the little girl listed her whole family.

Alec smiled and knelt next to Jace. “Look,” he showed the little girl the pocket for her stele, tucking it in for her.

“You’re ready to fight now, Baby Biscuit,” Magnus said.

Max and Rafe bounced around her. “Yeah, we are all ready now!”

“Me too,” Mina cried, sending golden sparks through the air as she jumped down to dance with the boys.

“Well then, how about you all go train outside,” Magnus directed, snapping his fingers to cover every surface of the spacious balcony with large soft training mats, a low balance beam, and wooden swords. Reesa gave a suspiciously high jump off her chair and landed next to Rafe. He grabbed her hand and the four children ran outside.

———

The grownups sat down to enjoy decent, less sugary food (courtesy of Simon’s sister Rebecca’s restaurant, which Magnus used as often as he could) and watch the kids through the large windows. The punch had mysteriously disappeared (Jace wasn’t going to point fingers, but he suspected his mother had instigated a punch-removal directive to Kadir), so Magnus produced “adult drinks”.

Jace stood next to the window, watching the children play. Reesa was observing Rafe, who was showing Mina how to balance on the balance beam while holding her hand. When they were done, Reesa tried too, but refused assistance. She managed to walk it as easily as if she were on the ground and even did a large jump at the end.

“She’s good.” Jem had come up beside him, his eyes on his daughter who was comparing magic colors with Max. They were shooting little sparks in the air, and Reesa was laughing as they landed on her hair and arms.

“She is,” Jace said, a mix of pride and worry in his voice.

“Having a child with a gift you can’t exactly understand, it’s not easy,” Jem admitted. Jace looked at him, realizing Jem was a former Shadowhunter, with a half shadowhunter-half warlock wife and a child with an odd mix of warlock and shadowhunter blood.

“I don’t care about her gifts so much anymore, I just want her to be happy,” Jace said quietly. “I wasn’t, as a child. I want her to be more than just her gifts.”

“I remember you,” Jem mused. “You were the quietest, most composed, well-trained, and polite 10 year old I had ever met.”

“The ship. The attack by the werewolves on that ship the night I came to live with the Lightwoods.” Jace looked surprised. “I had forgotten, that was the first time we met, wasn’t it? I used your staff. The one with WH carved on it.”

“Yes. Your gifts were very visible that day, I just didn’t see them clearly. I’m sorry you weren’t happy, though.”

“I was later. I found part of my happiness with the Lightwoods. And the rest,” Jace’s eyes searched out Clary, laughing with Tessa and her mother near the fireplace. “The rest with Clary. And now with Reesa.”

“I understand,” Jem replied. And he did. He knew the fulfillment of happiness that came with love. With Will, with Tessa, with Mina and Kit. He saw that same completion in Jace now, what had been missing all those years ago when he had been the solemn and determined child with those golden eyes and that Herondale recklessness that had reminded Jem of Will even then.

The two men watched as Mina and Reesa joined hands to run away from Max and for a moment, it seemed like Reesa’s eyes glimmered and Mina’s fingers sparked a brighter gold and they seemed to be moving faster than they should have been. He blinked and it was gone. Jace’s brow was slightly furrowed , as if he had seen something as well.

“I think...those two may be trouble together,” Jem said.

“A Herondale and a Carstairs? Definitely. I’ve heard the stories from Tessa.” Jace laughed and Jem joined him.

“Oh yes. Will and I.” Jem smiled at the memories. “Will and Tessa’s daughter Lucie, her parabatai was also a Carstairs. Their son’s was a Fairchild.”

“Herondales, Carstairs, Lightwoods, and Fairchilds. Chaos and mayhem since the beginning, is what you’re saying?” Jace queried.

“Yes,” Jem confirmed. The two men stood in silence for a moment, watching the children play.

“Mundanes have gifted children too, you know.” Jem murmured. “But I think it means they are better at things like math and reading.” Jace looked bemused at this. Reesa turned and saw him watching her. She waved. He waved back.

“I can’t wait to see what they do,” Jace said softly. Jem nodded in agreement.

“I think,” Jem paused as Reesa and Mina joined hands again, their black and golden-red heads bent together to listen to Rafe and Max. “I think they’ll change the world.”

[osakaso5]

Torao Mido Twelve Hits! Rabbit TV Part 1: Twelve Hits! 

Part 2 | Part 3

Haruka Isumi: "RADIO STATION Twelve Hits"?

Torao Mido: Ah... Isn't that the radio show IDOLiSH7 was on last year?

Minami Natsume: TRIGGER and Re:vale also participated in it.

Toma Inumaru: That's right! And we're gonna be on Twelve Hits! this year!

Torao Mido: Hmm.

Toma Inumaru: Why dont you look more interested!?

Torao Mido: It's not like we haven't done a bunch of radio shows before, right? If anything, you're a little too excited.

Toma Inumaru: Hold on... This is Twelve Hits! we're talking about! The famous radio  show practically everyone in Japan’s  heard of!

Toma Inumaru: It's been on air ever since we were kids, so you've got to have listened to it at least once, right?

Haruka Isumi: Nope. I like RabbiTube better, anyway.

Torao Mido: Haha, you're such a modern kid. Not that I've listened to it, either.

Toma Inumaru: You've gotta be kidding me!

Minami Natsume: I've listened to it. It's a monthly broadcast that has a new host each time.

Minami Natsume: I even appeared in it once when I was still a child actor.

Toma Inumaru: Seriously, Mina..!? That's awesome..!

Toma Inumaru: I've sent a couple messages to it, but they never got read on air. ...So you've already been on it, huh..!

Minami Natsume: Oh dear. If you open your eyes so wide, they'll fall out.

Minami Natsume: Though I must say, I like being gazed at so intensely that it might result in your loss of sight.

Haruka Isumi: Eek... Don't say scary stuff like that..!

Torao Mido: I see. In other words, this radio show is amazing enough that some people would even sacrifice their precious eyes for it.

Toma Inumaru: ...Ahem. In any case, we've got a really cool job ahead of us!

Toma Inumaru: The shows from last year were a lot of fun, too!

Torao Mido: You listened to them?

Minami Natsume: So, you listened to them.

Haruka Isumi: You did?

Toma Inumaru: S-should I not  have..? Why are you all looking at me like that!?

Torao Mido: No reason.

Haruka Isumi: No reason?

Minami Natsume: No reason in particular.

Toma Inumaru: You three always work together perfectly at times like these...

Minami Natsume: I was simply commending you for having a genuine interest in even the hosts   who weren't your friend, Nanase-san, without so  much as gathering intel on them. 

Torao Mido: Hmph. Nothing we could've done about that. Toma wants to be friends with those guys. Probably because he's not satisfied with us.

Haruka Isumi: Torao, stop sulking like  a little kid. He's not gonna understand that  you want him to pay more attention to you  unless you tell him. 

Torao Mido: I'm not sulking. I was just pointing out that he goes on and on about people other than us. 

Toma Inumaru: ...I just thought it looked fun, the way they were giving each other requests for the show... I kinda wanted to try it, too...

Toma Inumaru: Listening to them made me think about how fun it'd be to do that with you guys!

Torao Mido: Oh..?

Haruka Isumi: Hmm..?

Minami Natsume: So, you want us to complete requests for you.

Toma Inumaru: That's right! Some of them could get pretty crazy and extreme, but it just seemed like something members of the same group do together!

Haruka Isumi: Yeah... I guess Tenn Kujo seemed pretty happy when he got a request from his little brother.

Toma Inumaru: Yep. So you did listen to it, after all!

Haruka Isumi: Huh? Ah..!

Haruka Isumi: N-no I didn't! I just happened to hear it from a car radio on my way somehwere.

Toma Inumaru: If you already know what the show's like, then that makes things easier! Apparently we'll also get  requests from the listeners.

Toma Inumaru: Make sure to come up with good ones!

Minami Natsume: Very well. You'll answer anything, won't you?

Torao Mido: Feels nice to be on the asking end of a relationship for once.

Haruka Isumi: Let's rebel like we always do, even on radio! 

- - - -

Toma Inumaru: Okay, we're all here! Let's start coming up with   requests.

Toma Inumaru: Tora, I'm really glad to see you here right on time today! You must be pretty hyped for this.

Torao Mido: Yeah, I didn't have to stay up late last night.

Haruka Isumi: What's that supposed to mean?

Torao Mido: I wasn't with a woman, that's what.

Toma Inumaru: You of all people weren't with a woman..!? Did you quit sleeping around for our sake!?

Minami Natsume: It really is unbelievable... Though we may never know when he gets back into the habit...

Haruka Isumi: Lame... You got dumped by a girl! If you're free, then let's play games together. I can teach you how this one works.

Torao Mido: It wasn't for you, and I definitely wasn't dumped!

Minami Natsume: ...Let's forget about Mido-san's nightlife and cut to the chase, shall we. In accordance with our birthdays, he will be first in line.

Toma Inumaru: Yeah! Let's think of something we want Tora to do.

Torao Mido: I'll grant your wishes just this once. For my birthday.

Toma Inumaru: Hehe! Thanks!

Haruka Isumi: No takebacks.

Minami Natsume: The thought of you reluctantly fulfilling my request makes my heart throb.

Torao Mido: What exactly do you have in store for me?

Minami Natsume: Hee hee, I have a most fascinating and thrilling request ready for you.

Haruka Isumi: Ugh... I'm getting kinda scared of my own turn now...

Toma Inumaru: W-what kinda request is it..?

Minami Natsume: Could you let me try my hand at hypnotizing you?

Haruka, Toma, & Torao: Hypnotizing!?

Haruka Isumi: Hypnotizing as in the "You feel sleepy~" kinda stuff? You can do that, on top of your fortune-telling?

Minami Natsume: No, I just saw it on TV the other day. I was curious to see if I could do it, myself.

Torao Mido: ...Hey. You're not planning to use me as your guinea pig, are you?

Minami Natsume: Why, I'd never. I was only trying to come up with a way to spice up your show.

Haruka Isumi: Honestly, that sounds like a lot of fun, but wouldn't it be hard to do over radio?

Minami Natsume: Don't worry. I will prepare a hypnotism video for him to watch during the broadcast.

Torao Mido: That's a little much... What kind of hypnotism would I be under?

Minami Natsume: When I snap my fingers, you would meow like a cat, or talk in a high-pitched voice.

Toma Inumaru: Pfft..! Tora, meowing like a cat..!

Haruka Isumi: It fits, since he's a tiger! ...Ah! I've got a good one.

Haruka Isumi: You should also try making him only speak in musical notes.

Minami Natsume: Oh, that would be wonderfully glamorous.

Torao Mido: Hold on a second. Do you guys really want to see me like that..?

Minami, Haruka, & Toma: We do.

Torao Mido: No thanks. Come up with something else.

Minami Natsume: I'm afraid you'll just have to cope. We seem to be working under the rule of "no takebacks".

Torao Mido: Urk...

Torao Mido: ...Whatever, on to the next request.

Toma Inumaru: Oh! Can I go?

Torao Mido: Give me something proper.

Toma Inumaru: Say 100 things you like about ŹOOĻ!

Torao Mido: 100? That's too many.

Toma Inumaru: I thought I'd take this chance to hear lots of your thoughts.

Torao Mido: My rule is to only say passionate words and sweet nothings in the bedroom, though.

Haruka Isumi: Should I bring a comforter to the recording booth with you?

Torao Mido: That's not the issue here.

Toma Inumaru: ...Fine! I'll get you a pillow, too!

Minami Natsume: Does this mean I'm in charge of bringing the mattress..?  It'll be tough to carry something so heavy.

Torao Mido: ...I guess we'll be doing my show without any requests.

Haruka Isumi: You're not getting out of this. Mine's gonna be a good one.

Torao Mido: Let's hear it.

Haruka Isumi: I'll write you a letter, and you have to read it on air.

Torao Mido: A letter? ...You'd go out of your way to do that for me?

Haruka Isumi: Yeah. The kind they have in TV that always make you cry. 

Minami Natsume: My, how earnest.

Torao Mido: A thank you letter for everything I've done, huh. Not bad.

Toma Inumaru: That's a great request, Haru!

Haruka Isumi: I know, right. I've got a lot to say to Torao.

Haruka Isumi: Like that he needs to stop flirting with female staff during  work, or that he needs to stop keeping  in touch with my grandma. 

Toma Inumaru: ...Wait, so you're just trying to call him out!? Tora, why  are you talking to his grandma?

Torao Mido: No reason in particular. The other day, I asked her what Haruka was like when he was little.

Haruka Isumi: You're seriously the worst..!

Torao Mido: Haha. Make sure to put some of my plus sides into that letter, too.

Haruka Isumi: ...Hmph. I guess you can be surprisingly gutsy, and your dancing's improved pretty quickly. I'll write that much.

Torao Mido: Highlight those parts in red, so I can only read them.

Minami Natsume: We turned out to have very diverse requests.

Toma Inumaru: The listeners will be sending requests in too, so you might not get ours, but it'll still be fun to see what you end up with!

Torao Mido: You better listen to my show with rapt attention. 

End of Part 1.

[crazy-moko]

Ken ga Toki - Otomaru: Special Birthday Story

IT’S 7th SEPTEMBER!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, OTOMARU!!!!

Proofreaders: Ran

Translator’s Note:

**This is not an official translation and I’m just doing this as a hobby.** If you can somewhat read Japanese, please do play the game.

Please do not repost and please buy this story in your own account to support the developers. (it only costs 2 USD)

Protagonist Name:

Himari (Official)

Other Chapters:

Archive

↓ ↓ TRANSLATION UNDER CUT ↓ ↓

Himari Today is Otomaru-kun's birthday! With that in mind......

Kakyo Otomaru My wish for today is to see everyone give their all to be the cutest♪

Himari So, we will be holding a "Who will become the Cutest?!" competition!

Shichidayu Chounou "Who will become the Cutest!?"...... competition? Care to explain......?

Tama That sounds like a lot of work, meow......

Shiou I've always been the cutest, so there's no need for me to participate.

Kakyo Otomaru Shio-shio! It means you get to be cut~er than usual!!

Shiou Ugh...... *Sigh*...... So? What should I do?

Himari Please collect anything you find cute and bring them to the headquarters.

Shiou "Anything" you say......? Aren't you just leaving all the decision-making to us?

Tama Um, that sounds hard.

Kakyo Otomaru It's going to be fine, no worries~♪ Let's meet up at the banquet hall later! When you come back, make sure to wear the cute item you found, okay?

Shichidayu Chounou Something cute, I see. I don't normally think of such things but I should think about it since today is Otomaru's birthday. I'll do my best not to bring shame upon the Shichidayu name. Well then, Tama and Shiou, shall we be off?

Tama Well, it's better than running errands for Tan'yuu-sama. Let's go.

Shiou Kay. (This person, Shichidayu may not look like it but he's quite a hot-head)

Shichidayu Chounou Have a safe trip~♪

Tama Something cute, something cute, meow...... Meow, meowmeowmeow! You, butterfly! How dare you fly around me-ow! Ei! Caught you! Now how should I play with you, meow...... I got it, meow!

Shiou Something that can make me cuter, huh. What could it be? Maybe a flower? But the flowers that can be found blooming everywhere would be boring. Since I'll be presenting the flower anyways...... I've got it! *Chuckle*. Otomaru will be very surprised. Then he'll have no choice but to admit that I'm the cutest.

Shichidayu Chounou Since I was often told that my dance is "beautiful" or "pretty", I've never thought about what is defined as cute. If I am I able to incorporate cuteness into my dance, I may be able to improve the quality of my dances...... A cute dance...... Should it be like this? Or this? ............

Kakyo Otomaru Everyone~♪ Did you guys manage to find anything cute?

Tama Well for me-ow, I brought this. Here, take a look.

As Tama opened the box, countless butterflies left the box and fluttered about.

Kakyo Otomaru Wow, Tama-chi is surrounded by lots of fluttering butterflies! It's super duper cute~♪

Tama I've always thought these butterflies were bothering my afternoon nap-meow. But Otomaru-chan, you like these type of fluttery and pale-coloured things, right?

Kakyo Otomaru Yup yup! As expected of you, Tama-chi~♪ You knew what cute stuff to find.

Himari As expected of Tama-chan to catch this many butterflies.

Kakyo Otomaru Then, next, next! We have Shio-shio! What did you bring?

Shiou For me, I didnt bring it.

Kakyo Otomaru Eeh~, what do you mean?

Shiou Otomaru, that a good look at your kimono pattern. Here we go~.

The floral pattern on Otomaru's kimono emerged and real flowers appeared one after another.

Kakyo Otomaru The flowers emerged! How wondrous and mysterious!

Shiou *Chuckle*. Well just picking flowers is dull after all.

Kakyo Otomaru It's so awesome. Look at all these cute flowers that appeared! It's like Ao-sense's magic trick.

Shiou Eh! That's not it, I came up with this myself.

Kakyo Otomaru You're right, it's super cute and lovely~♪

Shiou (That surprised me. He almost found out that it was Seiichirou that taught me) Well, now I'm the cutest, right? Now you know.

Kakyo Otomaru Nope, not yet~♪ We haven't seen Shicchi's yet!

Shichidayu Chounou Otomaru, I thank you for giving me a wonderful opportunity. I will be expressing the cuteness through my dance. Please have a look.

Shichidayu showed us a lighter dance which is different from usual.

Kakyo Otomaru Shicchi, that dance. Is it......

Shichidayu Chounou Yes, I tried to incorporate your usual dance at the headquarters into this choreography.

Kakyo Otomaru *Sobs*, Otomaru is so happy~! To think that our cute Shicchi incorporated the cute Otomaru's dance!

Shichidayu Chounou *Chuckle*. I'm glad that you're happy with it.

Himari With this, everyone finished showing their cuteness. In that case, Otomaru-kun, we should choose the winner of "Who will become the Cutest?!" competition

Kakyo Otomaru *Chuckles*, about that. Otomaru already decided!

Tama I'm getting excited. No hard feelings for whoever wins meow.

Shichidayu Chounou Yes, everyone's cuteness were wonderful to watch as well.

Shiou I'm definitely the cutest, of course.

Himari In that case, Otomaru-kun! Please reveal the winner!

Kakyo Otomaru Ok, okay! -- And the winner is......

Tama, Shichidayu Chounou & Shiou The winner is--?

Kakyo Otomaru The winner is Otomaru!

Tama, Shichidayu Chounou & Shiou Eh--!?

Kakyo Otomaru Everyone collected all these cute stuff and showed it to Otomaru which makes Otomaru even cuter~♪ That's why the winner is Otomaru~♪

Tama In the end, it turned out like this meow......

Shichidayu Chounou It can't be helped. Today is his birthday after all. It's great that he's enjoying it to the fullest.

Shiou Even though I'm clearly the cuter one......

Kakyo Otomaru Being cute, is a really happy thing~♪ Everyone, thank you very much~♪ For bringing all those cute things and making Otomaru cuter~♪

--The next day.

Himari This is...... A letter from Otomaru-kun?

"Princess, thank you for accompany Otomaru on Otomaru's cute birthday. It was really fun becoming cuter with Shicchi, Tama-chi and Shio-shio~♪"

Himari *Giggle*. I'm glad that Otomaru-kun was happy with it. Hmm? There's something in the envelope......

Another piece of paper fell out of the envelope.

Himari What is this?

Himari Wow, such a cute painting! *Giggle*. It'll be great if we can celebrate Otomaru-kun's birthday again.

~~Fin~~ ————————————————————————————————-

Notes:

I took my time with this one this time since me and friends that help me proofread are all busy and dying from real life stuff. Fortunately managed to make it on time.

I didn’t buy his story last year since I forgot oops. But here it is.

I find it funny when Otomaru and Shiou are interacting since both are voiced by the same voice actor.

[everlarkficexchange]

Operation: BREAD (Bring Revenge on Everdeen to Avenge Dad)

Written by: @alliswell21

Prompt 23: Rumor: MrEverdeen crossed fence dividing Town and Seam, kidnapped Mrs Everdeen making her his common law wife. Years later, Mellark sons plan to avenge their father by raiding Seam and kidnapping one of Everdeen’s daughters for one of them to take as a wife! Does Katniss “volunteer,” does she escape, how do the 3 brothers decide what to do with her since they didn’t plan it all out well? [submitted by @567inpanem]

Rated: T for now, for language.

Author’s Note: So, I resigned myself that this prompt won’t be completed by the new dateline of May 10th, because believe it not, quarantining with the husband and children at home makes for a very busy day… everyday. I haven’t been able to write anything for days at a time, and everytime I come back, I reread what I’ve written so far, and find faults that need fixing and what I hoped to be a short story is turning into a long one shot because I’m incapable of keep things simple… and now I’m ranting about everything instead of thanking everyone— from the EFE administrators, to @567inpanem for the prompt, and y’all dear readers— and wishing all moms a happy Mother’s Day, even if you celebrate it on a different date in your country… and I a belated happy birthday to Katniss Everdeen and Also a happy Mother’s Day to her, because she deserves it… anywho…

Here’s is the very first part of this story, that can’t make up its mind on what it wants to be (it’s leaning into romcom territory right now), I’ll post all my submissions soonish (hopefully finished), and I apologize for any formatting defects since I’m posting from my cell phone, otherwise I’ll forget to post it at all.

Sorry this is messy! I love y’all! Stay healthy.

————

“Quiet, you morons!” Bannock… whispers?

Is that the right descriptor for the harsh, low sounds that comes from his mouth? I’m not quite sure, but I look at him sheepishly, since I was the one to trip on air this time around and nearly knock down a clothesline, poles and all.

“S-sorry…” I stutter drunkenly.

Rye shrugs, uncaring. Asshole!

Bannock glares at us with his bloodshot, angry blue eyes before turning around and creeping forward.

It’s a chilly night out, with no stars and just a sliver of moon casting minimal light over us, ideal to maraud and raid… if we lived any place else, that is.

If we were to find ourselves face to face with the flashlight of a Peacekeeper patrolling the streets, things could go anywhere from awkward to deadly, and I really hope we don’t have to find out how it’ll truly go. We’re wasted, outside our house after curfew, and facing our mother’s wrath would probably be as terrible as any punishment the peacekeepers would inflict on us.

The later option has me swallowing thickly.

I’m no coward by any stretch of the word… but I do enjoy being alive, so… yeah.

“Don’t mess around, no more!” Bannock chides.

As soon as Bann turns around, Rye mouths his words back, mockingly, and I wonder— not for the first time— how can my brothers be so immature? Bannock just turned 25, while Rye has the mind of a 13 year old trapped in the muscular body of a 24 year old man; leaving sweet, little me, the 21 year old baby sibling, to bring the rear.

Rye burps, mostly quietly, earning another warning glare from Bann. All things considered, I’m a little impressed at how stealthily we’ve been moving so far, being as enebriated as we are and all. But who knows? Maybe we really aren’t as slick as my alcohol soaked brain thinks we are, and I’m just too skunked to know any better.

“D’you think we’ll be back before father wakes to take care of the ovens?” Rye slurs a little, squinting his eyes at a cat trotting across the alley in front of him. A second later he’s frowning down at the cat, shushing it obnoxiously, as if it’s soft paws are the ones making the stopping sounds coming from his own boots.

Bannock shrugs, “Who cares!”

I’m about to raise my hand and respond that I do, I care, but Rye starts laughing like an idiot, already distracted by something else. We turn to catch him picking up a stick and throwing it at the poor, unsuspecting cat. As soon as the stick hits it’s side, the animal loses its balance, making it fall into a trash can, with a terrified cry.

It’s awful. And loud.

“Knock it off!” Bannock growls as quietly as he can. “You’re gonna wake up the whole town, asshole!”

The cat meows indignantly, climbing out of the trash. He jumps to the other side and it’s gone in the next moment.

I sigh, rubbing one hand over my face. “Guys, I think we should go back. I don’t think Father will approve of this.”

“Shut up, Peeta!”

“Yeah! Shut it, runt!”

I grunt in aggravation under my breath. “I’m serious. We shouldn’t be out here… at all!” I insist.

“Why did you come then?” Bann hisses.

“You dragged me out with you, jackass!” I counter, pointedly. Plus, I’m the least drunk out of the three of us, and I figured I should keep an eye on them two, make sure they don’t get hurt in this idiotic quest… but I don’t say that out aloud. “I still don’t understand why, are we stumbling across town in the middle of the night, risking getting caught outside after curfew.”

“You know why, Peeta! We’ve gone over it to death,” snaps Bann, twisting his whole body to face me and almost walking into a potted plant sitting by somebody’s back door. “Father doesn’t know how to take care of himself, let alone how to defend his honor!”

“Our hands have been forced, runt. We need to pick up the slack, that’s why!”

I roll my eyes at my brothers.

It’s true though. For the last 26 years, our father has been both the butt of every joke said in the streets of district 12, and the victim of a tragic cautionary tale, people somehow feel the sadistic inclination to bring up to us, Mellark boys, as if we needed the reminder.

“Geez… save it for Everdeen, Bann. Let the runt keep his head instead of chewing it off him!”

Bannock frowns. It’s not everyday Rye comes to my defense, which means he really must be hammered.

Cool! I love brotherly affection… even if given under the influence.

“Whatever.” Bannock mutters under his breath. “We’re here anyway.” He signals to the fence dividing our district into two unequal sections: the merchant quarter, where we live, and the Seam (our destination), the largest— yet poorest— side of 12.

It’s unclear why the government erected the fence running right through the district in the first place, but the effect of having a literal barrier separating everyone in our small district, couldn’t be any clearer: we have a huge social divide amongst our people, very distinct and hard to overcome. Both sides distrusting the other, despite there never being a tangible reason why.

Personally, I think the most logical explanation for the creation of the internal fence, was just sheer desire to create hostility and antagonism between the citizens of 12… maybe it’s easier for the Capitol’s long arm to control a podunk place like here, when there’s an unbridgeable social chasm between our own denizens; how can we band together to demand better treatment and fair representation from the mighty Capitol, when we’re fighting with each other?

Of course, I keep my opinion to myself, because speaking of such things is just a sure way to find oneself in prison, facing charges of public agitation and whatnot.

Bann cuts through my musings, “Alright… let’s find a spot to cross over.” He says determined and still very intoxicated.

The worst kept secret in District 12, is how some sections of the fence are too close to the houses in the merchant side. If one really wants to cross into the other side over the fence, one only needs to look for a low wall adjacent to the top links of the fence to climb on, and after that, it’s all a matter of gravity pulling you down. Its been done before too…

Everyone speculates that’s what happened the day our father fell into disgrace: A man from the Seam found a weak spot to exploit… and the rest is history. Never mind the fact that jumping the fence is a common enough hooligan deed; how else can teenage couples reach the Slag Heap at the edge of the old coal mines to engage in their secret affairs?

It only takes us a few minutes to find a brick wall circling the backyard of a random house, just two feet shy of the fence.

We climb it with all the grace of a pig crawling up a greased pole, but after much huffing and puffing, we manage— with great effort— to drag ourselves over the barrier. We’re sweating and swearing, but who could blame us for that? We Mellark boys are just too broad and heavy with muscle, add to the mix the fact that we’ve drank our body weight in white liquor right before Bann had the brilliant idea of dragging us out here, and you have an uncoordinated— mostly clumsy— sad excuse, trio of vandals.

Rye goes first, then I go; finally, Bannock splatters down like a bullfrog, falling on his ass. He’s disgruntled and I suspect in dire need of a nap.

“Come on!” He commands, dusting his behind sloppily.

We’ve been walking aimlessly through unfamiliar dirt roads and dark unpaved alleys. The place is littered with produce crates set upside down in neat circles every other road… I vaguely wonder if that’s what passes as a socializing hot spot here in the Seam, like the square with its concrete benches is for us in town?

Sometimes I forget how things can be so shitty on this side of the District. It makes my stomach twist unpleasantly with guilt, realizing I take certain privileges for granted.

About five minutes into our stupid intrusion into Seam territory, Rye speaks up.

“Dude… do you know where they live?”

Bannock’s head snaps up, clearly annoyed. “How hard can it be to find the Seam’s apothecary?”

Very, actually.

First of all, The Seam consists of row after row of seemingly identical shacks, in varying states of shabbiness, arranged in a huge matrix of sorts. Each row is made of three to five houses with a slim road in between the next set of homes.

For what I gather in my limited liquor-addled brain, each horizontal row has a designated letter, and the vertical street goes by number. Other than that, there are no other distinguishing signs, telling us where we are or how to find the ‘Seam apothecary’ as Bann inarticulately dubbed it.

Rye groans in annoyance, seeming ready to overrule Bannock and call the whole thing off, himself; but my drunk ass is too stupid to keep my big mouth shut.

“They live close to the electric fence. Right before the meadow. They probably have a fence-in yard, too.”

I wince, regretting my words right away. I shouldn’t have said anything, but like an idiot, I couldn’t help spilling out the small bursts of information I’ve gathered over the years on the Everdeens.

I’m ashamed to admit it, but the Everdeens are a bit of an obsession to me… for all of us Mellarks, really. Given our entangled past with them, it shouldn’t be so much of a revelation, but this thing between our families has been a nuisance ever since I can remember and while my brothers and mother use it as a focal point of hatred and animosity. For me, is a curiosity driven thirst for knowledge on everything Everdeen. Anything that could shed light on our sordid past, I would gobble up, trying to answer why something that has virtually nothing to do with me and my brothers, still haunt us everywhere we go.

Rye frowns. “Fence-in yard?” He looks around the houses we are passing, realizing none of those have fences.

“Goat.” Bannock grunts, nodding thoughtfully. “Good catch, runt.”

“Huh?” Rye is scratching his head, confused.

“The blonde girl,” Bann says with mild irritation.

People from the Seam have a very specific look to them: dark— usually straight— hair, gray eyes, olive skin… ‘blonde’, blue eyed and pale, is more of a descriptor for people from the merchant class, like us… like Mrs. Everdeen.

The poor woman must stick out like a sore thumb in here; probably the same goes to her merchant-looking daughter, Primrose.

“What about the blonde?”

“She makes goat cheese.” Bann huffs as explanation, but since Rye still looks like the concept is too hard to fathom, Bannock grunts, expanding. “She trades the cheese in town. Mainly with Father. Which means, Everdeen has to keep at least one goat for the girl to have access to milk.”

“M’kay… goat, fences, meadow.” Rye lists clumsily on his fingers, following after Bann. “Got it!”

We quickened our steps in the direction of the electric fence. I’m still kicking myself for saying anything when we reach the last row of houses before the meadow.

I really hope I’m wrong about them having a goat, although I find it hard to believe Primrose steals milk from other people for her cheeses. She looks so sweet and innocent.

Alas, I’m too clever for my own good sometimes.

The very first house in the row at the edge of the meadow, has a pen connected to the house on the strip of backyard allotted to them. A tiny but sturdy shed stands against the back wall of the house, and if my eyes don’t deceive me, I can barely make out the snout of a goat, peeking out of the narrow opening of the shed.

“This is it!” Rye crows excitedly, rubbing his hands together and licking his chops like a hungry, humanoid wolf.

“Yeah. Finally!” Grunts Bann, “keep your voice down, doofus.” his reaction, both frenzied and anxious.

“Let’s do this!” Rye’s smile is deranged.

“Great!” I hiccup with fake enthusiasm. “What are we doing?” I deadpan, staring at my siblings with all the aggravation I can muster.

My brothers speak excitedly at the same time:

“Taking one of the girls back home with us!”/“Beating the shit out of Everdeen!”

My brothers look at each other, perplexed, and go, “”What?!” At the same time.

“Fuck!” I groan to the skies, noting its near dawn. “You better be joking! We came all the way out here, and you idiots didn’t plan what you were going to do once we arrived?”

“No… I mean, yes! No. it’s simple,” Slurs Rye trying to stare me in the eye and failing miserably, “We’re dragging Everdeen out here. Then, we’ll beat the snot out of the bastard, and have you doodle the whole thing out for Father… you’ll finally use that art talent of yours for something we’ll all enjoy… not just you,”

“No, no, no, no!” Snaps Bannock. “We’re taking one of Everdeen’s daughters, bring her back home with us, and avenge father.”

“What? Why?” Rye whines much too loud and even I shush him. “I thought we were just gonna jump the bastard and rearrange his face a little,” Rye sounds disappointed.

Bannock answers right away, sounding like our mother when she’s chiding us for some thing or another. “Dude… the guy stole Dad’s girl! You know what they say about repaying a slight with the same coin and all that shit. It stands to reason, the course of action here is to take one of the girls home with us, sleep with her, and get her pregnant or something, then she can’t come back to her daddy.”

I throw my hands up in the air, “That’s it! I’m out!” My brain practically short circuits with the outrageous shit my brothers are spewing out of their mouths.

Sure, beating the lights out of an unsuspecting man in front of his house in the middle of the night is already crazy, but Bann’s idea to take a girl away from her home, it’s beyond preposterous!

Instead of lashing out, I turn around and stalk away as fast as my legs can carry me. I’m still tipsy, so I stumble a little, but I’m determined to leave.

“Hey! Where are ya going?!”

I get grabbed by the bíceps and pulled back to ‘hide’ behind a scraggly bush overlooking the house we assume is Everdeen’s. My brothers push me down by the shoulders roughly, until I’m sitting on my ass.

“The hell is wrong with you two?” I snarl, trying to punch and kick either one of them.

“Shut up, runt! They’re gonna hear you!”

“Good! Then someone will call the Peacekeepers over.”

“Wha— No! Why would you want that?” Rye whines.

“I didn’t sign up for any of this crazy shit!” I spit enraged.

“Dude, you can’t bail on operation BREAD,” Rye scrunches up his face.

“Operation Bread? What in the hell, is operation Bread?” I wrench my arms free from them at last, glowering up at both.

“Bring Revenge on Everdeen to Avenge Dad!” Rye says proudly, a lopsided smile brightens his face, and all I want to do is punch his nose.

“You’re insane!” I sputter.

“No… I’m cle-ver!” Rye grins, tapping a finger to his temple.

“Come on, Peeta. You know this needs to be done!” Bann cuts in.

“No! It doesn’t!” I argue. I still feel woozy from alcohol though, so it’s costing me too much effort trying to get up. “This is just insane, Bannock! What you’re proposing is just… heinous!” I hiss.

Bannock’s face hardens, “Nobody will see it like that.” He assures, “An eye for an eye, baby brother.”

“So what? We’re gonna kidnap and rape an innocent girl in revenge, and you think that’ll fix anything? Will it bring peace? It’ll help you get Madelynn’s parents to back off and let her marry you?” I’m so pissed off, I’m pretty sure spittle is flying out of my mouth. “It won’t do anyone any good! Not us, nor father, and especially not Katniss or Primrose!”

“Shut the fuck up!” Bannock flies at me, and all I have to do is lift my arms to shield my head.

Rye is an equal opportunity asshole most of the time, but in this moment, he’s the one stopping Bannock from breaking my face in two, and I’m very grateful for my middle brother manhandling our eldest for me.

“Rape is a strong word, runt.” Rye gasps with the effort of keeping Bannock from kicking my ass. But if the wrinkling of his nose is any indication, I think maybe my words are chipping away some of his complicitness in this mess. “Maybe, what Bann meant, was, one of us will… you know… spend time with the girl, and then… make her his common law wife or something?” Rye looks at Bann expectantly.

Bannock nods. Rye lets go of him.

We all stay silent, breathing heavily for a moment.

“Same coin. Simple as that.”

If the stories are to be believed, Sorrel Everdeen crossed the fence dividing the merchant quarter and the seam, kidnapped my father’s betrothed— Lily— and made her his common law wife, despite being common knowledge, that the woman in question was engaged to our father since they were very young.

It’s an old rumor, really, with no real way to fact-check the events that led to this moment in time, but there’s always been some nasty whispering churning around town; tales varying in height and perjury, sometimes scandalous, others depraved, always with add-ons and full of conjectures flavored by the speaker in turn, but never the whole truth.

The worst thing is that the stories die down for a while when something juicer comes up, but then resurface, like a persistent oily stain on cement… It’s been 26 years since the real events leading to the Everdeens controversial marriage took place, yet the old gossip mill in District 12 has waxed over and rewritten the sordid story through the lense of judgemental people over and over again, until even our mother has started to repeat the outlandish tales, as if she wasn’t an active participant of the story herself.

Still… “I just can’t!” I say both exasperated and grossed out. “We should just go home—“

I get cut off when the door of the Everdeen house opens spilling faint candlelight into the almost blackened-out street.

My brothers rush to huddle around me, crowding on top of me like a pair of boulders… or worse: a pair of sweaty, heavy, alcohol doused men. Disgusting!

The door of the shack closes softly and to our shock, a very angry looking Katniss Everdeen stomps in the direction of the sad excuse for a bush we’re hiding in.

“Hmm… guys… I think she sees us.” I mumble calmly, yet terrified. Katniss Everdeen, eldest daughter of Sorrel and Lily, is coming our way with fire in her eyes.

TBC on AO3…

[paintingraves]

A purr-fect day

Went to OPT prompts and received a prompt about Percival being swarmed by a pack of kittens so here - have this very soft thing ❤️

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

It’s Percival Graves’ birthday. 

The man himself doesn’t seem to care, but  every single one of his Aurors know about it. So does Newt, who's been living in a rented flat in New York for a few months now, working in an official capacity as a consultant for the MACUSA. They are trying to reform some of their laws about magical creatures: it is a long, tedious process -- one that sets back the publication of his second book by months -- but it’s important and Newt really feels like he is making a difference. 

His routine these days is usually the same. Newt wakes up at the crack of dawn and tends to his creatures; then he gets dressed and drops by Jacob’s bakery on his way to work in order to grab coffee and a delicious pastry. His favourite at the moment is a croissant-like delicacy filled with warm chocolate.  Newt always wolfs it down like he hasn’t eaten in three days and licks his fingers clean afterwards, unashamed. 

He steps into MACUSA through the magical revolving door and heads to the Aurors’ bullpen, where his office and work await him. They chatter amicably between colleagues until 8 am, at which point Director Percival Graves makes his grand entrance -- cup of bitter black coffee in his hand and dark circles under his eyes. He gives them a debriefing as he sips his drink. When he's done they get to work, and Graves heads down to his own office. He always passes by Newt when he does, and Newt always gets to appreciate the heady smell of his cologne on the way. 

(He… may or may not have a bit of a thing for Percival Graves. So what? Almost everyone here does, apparently, because their director is just that striking. Newt is no different.) 

But today is a special day, and things take a different turn. 

Newt stills drops by Jacob’s bakery, but he’s earlier than usual. Instead of buying only one pastry, he buys an assortment of them, trying to pick ones he thinks Percival would like. 

All his colleagues are present at the office as early as 7 am. Newt steps into the room as they’re starting to clear the tables free of paperwork, ink, quills, books and other bulky things to rearrange them in a sort of semi-circle to serve as a buffet. 

Madeleine uses her wand to unfold a large white tablecloth and everyone helps set the table: there's pots of coffee, warm chocolate and tea; Newt brought pastries, John’s baked an apple pie, and Esther made a fruit salad. Soon enough, with everyone’s contributions, the table is full of food and drink aplenty. Diana is blowing up balloons while Geralt hangs a large ‘happy birthday’ banner across the room. 

There's one table reserved for gifts. Newt can guess what most people could have bought: perhaps a new tie or a book, a good bottle of wine, etc. Newt himself has gotten Percival an exotic plant, whose flowers release a calming scent that has the same effect on humans as a cat purring. He hopes Percival will like it. 

It’s nearly 8. They're all a bit nervous; truth be told they have no idea how Graves will react to the display. He certainly isn’t expecting it, that's for sure. Geralt said he's never known Percival to mention his birthday, much less celebrate it. But today also marks the first year the man's been back at work despite his ordeal at the hands of Grindelwald, and that deserves to be remembered. They’re just hoping he’ll be touched by the attention, and happy. 

When Percival walks into the room at 8 precisely, he freezes on the doorstep. His eyes widen in surprise and alarm. He takes in the redecorated room, his hand shaking slightly around his cup of coffee. “... What is this?” 

“Happy birthday, sir,” his Aurors say all at once, smiling. 

Percival’s eyes widen even more. “Oh shit,” he says, coming to a realization. “It is my birthday, isn’t it? I’m… Fuck. I don’t know what to say. This… is a surprise, but...” 

“You deserve it,” Diana says simply, and they all nod in agreement. “I’ll put on some music. I hope you like jazz!” 

“Get you anything to drink, sir? Or eat? We got a ton of stuff here, including but not limited to John’s famous apple pie!” 

“A - a slice of apple pie sounds perfect, thank you,” Percival says, still bewildered. He looks almost timid, so wrong-footed. “And coffee, please. I’m sure it’ll taste better than this brew I have.” 

“Let me take your coat,” Newt offers, stepping forward. “And make yourself comfortable.” 

"There’s work to do,” Percival says, even as he takes off his cream-coloured trench coat and his hat. Underneath, he wears one of his usual three-piece suits, complete with dark blue pants, a white shirt and an assorted waistcoat and tie. Everything is tailored to perfection, as per usual. Newt will honestly never get over how attractive the older man is. It doesn't help that Percival rolls up his sleeves to his elbows. "I can't stay long, but I really appreciate this, thank you…"

His words get drowned in the soft jazz music that starts playing. Everyone relaxes and starts to eat and drink, standing up, or sitting on chairs around the room; they're all happy that Percival hasn’t reacted negatively (and why would he?) 

The director seems to have gotten over his shock now; he is clearly embarrassed (the tips of his ears blushing red) as well as deeply flattered, but he’s not mad. 

At one point there's the opening of presents. 

Percival stays sitting in his chair as they bring the wrapped gifts over to him. He thanks each Auror warmly, saying he never expected to be this spoiled, and that they shouldn't have. He makes jokes about getting old. Percival receives a brand new watch (courtesy of three of the Aurors, who put together some savings to afford it) as well as a silver hoop earring -- much to his delight and surprise. He raises an eyebrow as Geralt explains sheepishly that he’s noticed Percival’s ear was pierced, yet that he never wore such jewelry, promoting Percival to regal them with a few tales of his rebellious youth. He puts the earring on. It looks incredibly dashing, giving him a bit of a more roguish air. It's terribly, terribly attractive. 

There's also a funny tie with little ducklings printed on it which Percival promises to wear the next day at work; two Sherlock Holmes books; a shiny pocket knife (for Percival never goes anywhere unarmed) and finally Newt’s plant. Newt monologues about its healing properties, as he’s wont to do, and Percival thanks him with a warm smile, telling Newt it is incredibly thoughtful. He is so polite. So sincere. So composed. Ugh. Newt wants this man quite badly. He doesn’t know how much longer he can handle this sweet torture... 

The last gift Percival receives is… different. He is laughing, and he's never looked this happy in the months Newt has known him. It makes his heart swell painfully inside his chest. He wants Percival to keep smiling like that, everyday, and he wants to be the reason behind his joyous smile. 

“Alright, what is this?” Percival asks as Madeleine give him a large square box. They managed to convince him to wear one of those pointy colorful birthday hat, and it is slightly askew on his head. A strand of dark hair falls into his face. Percival looks more ruffled and relaxed than they’ve ever seen him, and Newt wonders whether one of the aurors spiked his coffee with whiskey or something, because this is quite the contrast compared to the austere, severe, put together man they’re used to seeing daily. 

“Open it!” Madeleine says, and Percival does - only for everyone to gasp in sheer joy at the sight of what’s inside of the box. 

Kittens! 

“Oh my god!” Esther squeals happily, slapping a hand over her mouth. 

“So one of my cats had babies recently, and I figured this was a nice gift! Here they are!” 

“I…” Percival says, at a loss as to what to do. Madeleine grins and, gently, she takes each kitten from the box and puts them in Percival’s lap, then takes the box away. 

The kittens (four in total) immediately meow for attention and begin to explore their new surroundings: one of them tries to climb on Percival’s chest, digging its claws into the expensive fabric of his waistcoat; another nearly falls off Percival’s thigh except the man catches him, and the kitten fits in his big hand. Percival says ‘Hello little guy, hello’ and strokes his head with a finger so very gently. 

Percival Graves and kittens. Newt thinks this might be heaven. 

“They’re so tiny,” Percival murmurs in awe. “Oh no no no, where are you going? Ow, not the claws, hey, not the claws --” 

Percival Graves swarmed by a pack of kittens is definitely the cutest thing Newt has ever seen. He can’t stop smiling. 

Neither can Percival, apparently - his cheeks are glowing with happiness, his eyes wrinkling attractively at the corners, his face and posture open and serene. He helps one of the kittens climb up his shoulder, where it sniffs Percival’s collar curiously, and gathers the other three together in his lap, petting them. Noticing Newt’s staring, he holds one of the kittens up. “Take him.” 

Esther kneels next to Percival, who gives her one of the kittens too, and she looks about to cry as she holds the tiny animal in her hands. She folds her arm and the kitten curls up in the crook of her elbow, seemingly having found a nice corner to nap in, and purrs as she scratches it behind the ears gently. 

“They’re up for adoption,” Madeleine informs them, beaming. “We already have three cats, and I got a friend who adopted one from this litter, but these four are looking for a new home!” 

“I’ll take one,” Esther says immediately. “My husband’s allergic but we’ll find a way to make it work. I've always wanted a cat.” 

“... I can take one too,” Geralt says hesitantly. “They’re rather cute.” 

“They’re adorable.” 

“Percival? Ahem, sir?” 

Percival had been busy making heart eyes at the kitten in his lap. “Hmm? Oh, I wish I could, but…” He sighs. “I wouldn’t have time to care for him. They deserve better than that.” 

“Newt?” 

Newt shakes his head. Same as Percival, he’s already got a lot of creatures to care for. 

“I’ll keep asking around then,” Madeleine concludes. 

Geralt takes one of the kittens. Percival gets up from his chair, his last tiny friend still perched on his shoulder like a very fluffy parrot. He brushes cat hair from his pants with little success, and walks up to Newt, who’s busy cooing at his own kitten. He’s already given it a name and everything. Oh, and she’s a female. 

“This is Kiara,” he says, showing the kitten to Percival, who smiles warmly. 

“Seems like she’s adopted you, uh.” 

“I do so wish I could take her in,” Newt says mournfully. 

“Hmm. You’ve already got a lot on your shoulders, haven't you, but I understand the sentiment.” 

“You look happy,” Newt remarks. 

Graves laughs. “You say that as if it’s the second coming of christ. Am I that sour and grumpy all the time?" 

“Well...” Newt ducks his head and avoids the question, though he knows Graves is just teasing him. “I’m really glad you liked our little surprise party here.” 

“Whose idea was it?” 

“Everyone’s, really. We figured you ought to know how much we all appreciate you. You’re a very good leader, Percival, and a good man, and a good friend.”

“...Thank you,” Percival says quietly. "I do try."

“I mean that,” Newt insists. “Met a lot of politicians in my life, after all, I know what I'm talking about." 

"Ah ah. While I can’t say I’ve met a lot of magizoologists in my life, I also really like working with you, Newton. You've very knowledgeable, and you are able to think outside the box. I really like that.” 

Newt swallows at the compliment, his heart picking up pace, heat rising to his face. “Thanks,” he mumbles, forcing himself to look straight at the other man. Percival meets his gaze. There’s a heavy moment of silence. Time slows down as Newt’s eyes flit from Percival’s own down to his lips, and he is overcome with the urge to simply kiss the other man. Percival wets his lips too, looking up at him underneath his dark eyelashes, and he leans imperceptibly closer and Newt thinks oh fuck -- and then Madeleine steps into their intimate circle with a plate of cake to offer them some. The moment is shattered. 

But… Newt didn’t dream it, right? Right? 

For a moment there he saw desire reflected back in Percival’s eyes… right? 

He refuses another helping of cake, but Percival does take an apple fritter and bites into it, smearing sugar across his lips. He licks them clean. 

Newt wants to kiss him so badly. Again. 

After an hour or so of festivities it’s time to clean up and get back to work, however reluctant they are to do so. 

For the rest of the day, the balloons still hang on the walls of the aurors’ room and kittens roam free in the office. They play with bits of string or red dots that the aurors make appear on the floor with the tip of their wand. 

Percival goes back to his office and keeps the pointy hat. It’s not a very productive day, work-wise, but it’s one that leaves everybody in high spirits when the evening comes, and certainly strengthens the bonds between colleagues. 

Around 8, Newt prepares to leave the bullpen as well. He tidies things up on his desk and takes his suitcase, turning off the lights as he leaves. He knocks on Percival’s door and hears a rumbling ‘yes, come in’. 

“Leaving for the day,” Newt says. Percival nods his assent, nose deep in paperwork. “Good night, sir.” 

“Good night, Newton,” Graves says absently. He dips his quill into ink and scribbles something down. Newt sighs. 

“Sir?” 

“Hmm?” 

“Would you - that is, would you like to grab a drink with me sometime?” 

Percival pauses, looking up at him above the rim of his tortoise shell glasses. “Why?” 

“B - because…” Oh bugger, he read this all wrong. A stab of fear lances through him.  “Err. No, nevermind, forget I asked. I’ll just - go. I'm leaving. Yes.” 

“Newt.”

“Yes?” Newt looks back at him, his palms sweating, only to be struck dumb. 

Graves is smirking. He’s never seen such an expression on his face and oh, that must be what Graves looks like when he’s really flirting. Newt feels weak in the knees. 

“It’d be my pleasure,” Percival purrs, and Newt makes a sound not unlike that of a startled mouse. He flushes and haltingly steps back, fiddling with the handle of his briefcase, butterflies fluttering in his stomach. 

“Oh. Oh that’s. That’s good then. Great. Brilliant. Hm. Is… after work tomorrow okay for you?” 

“It’s good,” Percival agrees. “Have a good evening. And Newt?” 

“Y - yes?”

“Remember to breathe.” And there’s that infuriating, smug smirk again. 

Newt vows to kiss it off the man’s face one day until Graves is the one struggling to remember how to breathe. He shall make Percival lose his carefully constructed composure. 

“Tomorrow it is,” he repeats, straightening up. “I look forward to it.” 

Graves shakes his head, as though he can’t believe he’s really doing this, but he’s still smiling. 

Newt makes his way out MACUSA and back to his flat with a spring in his step, happiness and hope bubbling inside his chest. 

He did it! 

And Percival agreed! Holy shit. This. Is. Amazing! By Merlin - tomorrow can’t come fast enough!

[anhed-nia]

BLOGTOBER 10/17/2020: SPOOKIES

What do we watch, when we watch movies? This question was sparked by my SOV experience with the very different, and differently interesting BLOODY MUSCLE BODYBUILDER FROM HELL and HORROR HOUSE ON HIGHWAY 5. Within the Shot On Video category, one can find inventive homemade features that are driven entirely by blood, sweat, and the creators' feeling of personal satisfaction. The results are sometimes fascinating, in their total alienation from the conventions and techniques of mainstream filmmaking, and after all, one rarely sees anything whose primary motivation is passion, here in the late stages of capitalism. But, all this talk about what goes on behind the camera points to a discrepancy in how we consume different kinds of production. The typical mode of consumption is internal to the movie: What happens in it? Do you relate to the characters? Are you able to suspend your disbelief, to experience the story on a vicarious level? One hardly needs to come up with examples of films that invite this style of viewing. Alternatively, we can experience the movie as a record of a time and place in which real people defied conventions and sometimes broke laws in order to produce a work of art. SOV production is usually viewed through this lens, where the primary interest is not the illusory content, but the filmmakers' sheer determination to create. We find some overlap in movies like EVIL DEAD, which simultaneously presents a terrifying narrative, and evidence of what a truly driven team can create without the aid of a studio, or any real money to speak of. See also, Larry Cohen's New York City-based horror films, in which a compelling drama with great acting can exist side by side with phony but beautiful effects, and exciting stories of stolen footage that would be dangerous or impossible to attempt today. I'm thinking about these different modes of consumption now because I just watched SPOOKIES, a legitimately cursed-seeming film whose harrowing production history has superseded whatever people think about what it shows on the screen. The lovingly composed blu-ray from Vinegar Syndrome includes a feature-length documentary that attempts to explain the making of the film--which is accompanied by its own feature length commentary track by documentarists Michael Gingold and Glen Baisley. The very existence of this artifact suggests a lot about the nature of this movie, in and of itself. The truth behind its existence is as funny as it is tragic.

I'm not going to do a whole breakdown of the tortured origins of SPOOKIES, which is much better told by the aforementioned documentary. To summarize: Once upon a time in the mid 1980s, filmmakers Brendan Faulkner, Thomas Doran and Frank Farel conspired to make a fun, flamboyant rubber monsterpiece called TWISTED SOULS. It was wild, ridiculous, and transparently fake-looking, but it was loved by its hard-working creators; as a viewer, that soulful sense of joy can rescue many a "bad" movie from its various foibles. Then, inevitably, sleazoid producer Michael Lee stepped in--a man who thought you could cut random frames out of the middle of scenes to improve a movie's pace--and ruined it with extreme prejudice. Carefully crafted special effects sequences were cut, relatively functional scenes were re-edited into oblivion, and the seeds of hatred were sown between the filmmakers and the producer. Ultimately, everyone who once cared for TWISTED SOULS was forced to abandon ship, and first time director Eugenie Joseph stepped in to help mutilate the picture beyond all recognition. Thus SPOOKIES was born, a mangled, unloved mutation that would curse many of its original parents to unemployability. For the audience, it is intriguingly insane, often insulting, and hard to tear your eyes off of--but in spite of whatever actually wound up on the screen, it's impossible to forget its horrifying origin story as it unspools.

As far as what's on the screen goes: A group of "friends", including a middle-aged businessman and his wife, a vinyl-clad punk rock bully and his moll, two new wave-y in-betweeners, and...a guy with a hand puppet are somehow all leaving the same party, and all ready to break into a vacant funeral home for their afterparty. Well, this happens after a 13 year old runaway inexplicably wanders in to a "birthday party" in there, that looks like it was thrown for him by Pennywise, and he has the nerve to act surprised when he is attacked by a severed head and a piratey-looking cat-man who straight up purrs and meows throughout the picture. Anyway, separately of that, which is unrelated to anything, the island of misfit friends finds a nearly unrecognizable "ouija board" in the old dark house. Actually this thing is kind of fun-looking, having been made by one of the fun-havers on the production before the day that fun died, and I wonder if anyone has considered trying to make a real board game out of it...but I digress. Naturally, the board unleashes evil forces, including a zombie uprising in the cemetery outside, a plague of Ghoulie-like ankle-biters, an evil asian spider-lady (accompanied by kyoto flutes), muck-men that fart prodigiously until they melt in a puddle of wine (?), and uh...I know I'm forgetting stuff. One of the reasons I'm forgetting is because of this whole side story about a tuxedo-wearing vampire in the basement (or somewhere?) who has entrapped a beautiful young bride by cursing her with immortality. That part is a little confusing, not only because it doesn't intersect with the rest of the movie, but because sometimes it seems contemporary--as the bride struggles to survive the zombie plague--and sometimes it seems like a flashback, as our heroes find what looks like the mummified corpse of the dracula guy, complete with his signet ring. So, I don't know what to tell you really. Those are just some of the things that happen in the movie.

Some people like this a lot, and have supported its ascendance to cult status, which is a huge relief when you know what everyone went through to make this movie, only to have it ripped away from them and used against them. I found SPOOKIES a little hard to take, for all the reasons that the cast and crew express in the documentary. It holds a certain amount of visual fascination, whatever you think of it; something of its original creativity remains evident in the movie's colorful, exaggerated look, and its steady parade of unconvincing but inventive creature effects. But then, you have to deal with the farting muck-men. What was once a scene of terror starring REGULAR muck-men, that sounded incredibly laborious to pull off, became a scene of confusing "comedy" when producer Michael Lee insisted that the creatures be accompanied by a barrage of scatalogical noises. Apparently this was Lee's dream come true, as a guy who insisted everyone pull his finger all the time, and who once tried to call the movie "BOWEL ERUPTOR". But, of all the deformations SPOOKIES endured, the fart sounds dealt a mortal injury to the filmmakers' feelings, and even without knowing that, it's hard to enjoy yourself while that's happening.

Actually, all the farts forced me to ask myself: Is this...a comedy? Like for real, as its main thing? As the movie slogged on, I had to decide that it wasn't, but I was distracted by the notion for around 40 minutes. I was only released from this nagging suspicion when the bride makes her long marathon run through throngs of slavering zombies who swarm her, grope her, and tear off her clothes, before she narrowly escapes to an even worse fate. The lengthy scene is strangely gripping, and sleazy for a movie that sometimes feels like low rent children's entertainment. Part of the sequence’s success lies in its simplicity; it is unburdened by the convoluted complications of the rest of the movie, whose esoteric parts never fall together, so it seems to take on a sustained, intensifying focus. The action itself is unnerving, as the delicate and frankly gorgeous Maria Pechuka is molested and stripped nearly-bare by her undead bachelors, running from one drooling mob to another as the horde nearly engulfs her time and again. Actually, it feels a lot like a certain genre of SOV production in which, for the right price, any old creepy nerd can pay a small crew-for-hire to tape a version of his private fantasy, whether it's women being consumed by slime, or women being consumed by quicksand, or...generally, women being consumed by something. I wish I could describe this form of production in more specific or official terms, because I genuinely think it's wonderful that people do this. Anyway, Pechuka's interminable zombie run feels a little like that, and a little like a grim italian gutmuncher, and a little like an actual nightmare. Perhaps it only stands out against its dubious surroundings, but I kind of love it--and I'm happy to love it, because apparently the late Ms. Pechuka truly loved making SPOOKIES, and wanted other people to love it, too.

Which brings me to the uncomfortable place where I land with this movie. On the one hand...I think it's bad. It's so incoherent, and so insists on its impoverished form of comedy, that it's hard to be as charmed by it as I am by plenty of FX-heavy, no-budget oddities. Perhaps the lingering odor of misery drowns out the sweet joy that the crew once felt in the early days of creation--which is still evident, somehow, in its zany special effects, created by the likes of Gabe Bartalos and other folks whose work you definitely already know and love. But I feel ambivalent, about all of this. On the one hand, I can be a snob, and shit on people for failing to make a movie that meets conventional standards of success. On the other hand, I can be a DIFFERENT kind of snob--a more voyeuristic or even sadistic one--and celebrate the painful failures that produced a movie that is most interesting for its tormented history and its amusing ineptitude. I'm not really sure where I would prefer to settle with SPOOKIES, and movies like it. (As if anything is really "like" SPOOKIES) With all that said, I was left with one soothing thought by castmember Anthony Valbiro in the documentary. At some point, he tells us how ROSEMARY'S BABY is his personal cinematic comfort food; he can put it on at night, after an exhausting day, and drift to sleep, enveloped in its warm, glowing aura. He then says that he hopes there are people out there for whom his movie serves that same purpose, that some of us can have our "milk and cookies moment" with SPOOKIES. Honestly, I choke up just thinking about that.