#and then we have portugal still to pick tonight

[artielotl]

eurovision moots i know eurovision isn't until may but it has been an honour liveblogging this national final season with you. i will miss the saturday evening commentary dearly. even if i haven't messaged you about it and just spam like all your posts, know that i love you and have had so much fun these past few months <3

[joekeeryswife]

ballet recital - m.m

a/n: hello honeys! how cute is this concept! loving the idea of Mason being a girl dad (sorry not sorry lol). i didn’t know how to end it lmfao. if you have any requests send them through!! anyways enjoy reading ����

taglist: @noturbabe22 @luvvtrent @peterparkerbae @masonreds

“are you excited for your ballet recital honey?” you heard Mason’s voice as he spoke to your 5 year old daughter Margot.

“yes daddy i am. are you still coming?” she had been excited for this recital for months and so had Mason.

this was a big deal for all of you and it just so happened that her recital landed on the day after Mason’s football game for England.

The squad had travelled to Portugal for the game and you both hadn’t even realised it at the time. “i’m sorry sweetheart, you know i’m in Portugal for a game but i promise i’ll make it next time”

she pouted and looked defeated but she understood that her dad had to work and nodded. but what she didn’t know was you and Mason had planned for him to fly home the day after early in the morning and surprise her.

“you know i would love to be there angel and i will be there next time. don’t get upset, it hurts my heart” she put on a brave face and showed him a tight lipped smile.

“i know daddy. love you” she handed the phone back to you and ran off to her room, you knew she was upset and that hurt you. “she looked heartbroken. that made me feel awful, you should go check on her” you nodded and smiled softly.

“we will be watching your game tonight. i’ll see you tomorrow yeah?” Mason nodded and smiled back at you “i love you” he said and brushed his hand through his hair.

“i love you too. be safe” with that you ended the phone and made your way to your daughters room. you knocked on her door carefully hoping to not frighten her.

you could hear the cutest voice on the other side say ‘come in’ so you did. she was on her bedroom floor playing with her barbie’s she’d gotten for christmas a couple months before. “are you okay sweetie?” you sat down next to her and ran your hand up and down her back.

she nodded and continued to play with her dolls. “would you like me to face-time daddy whilst you’re preforming?” she shrugged, you could tell she was upset and wanted her dad to be there.

“you’ve got so many people coming to see you remember? you’ve got not your nanny’s, grandads, uncle lewis and auntie jas and your cousins are coming” she looked up at you, her eyes filled with sadness. “it’s not the same” you nodded, agreeing.

“it’s not but daddy wouldn’t want you to be sad would he? he’d want you to be excited about this baby. he’s very proud of you” your hands went to her cheeks and stroked them softly. “do you think he’d want us to facetime him? he wouldn’t get annoyed?” you frowned.

“why would he be annoyed honey? he would love for you to facetime him” you were confused “but he has football and we would be interrupting him” even though Margot was only five she was so smart, one of the smartest in her class.

“absolutely not. your father would not be annoyed at all, i bet you he’d be crying on the phone whilst watching you” you lent in and kissed her forehead. “don’t you go worrying about it sweetheart, we can do whatever you want and if you want me to facetime him whilst you’re preforming then i will” she nodded.

“you are so beautiful Margot, do you know that?” you blushed and nodded again “i love you mama” your heart melted. “i love you more sweet girl”

-♡-

Mason had landed an hour ago and was now on his way to the dance hall, he was messaging you every so often to give you updates on where he was and how long he was going to be and it looked like he was getting there ten minutes before it was Margot’s classes turn to preform.

you met up with your parents, your siblings, Masons parents and his siblings at the front of the dance hall. Margot was dressed in her pink leotard, tutu and ballet shoes. “wow look at you pretty girl” Lewis said as Margot ran up to him.

he picked her up and showered her in kisses, careful to not mess up her bun. “thank you uncle lewis” you were lucky that both of your families were close, everyone got along. “you excited to preform honey? you’re gonna do so good” your mum kissed Margot’s cheek where a deep red blush spread on her cheeks.

“i’m super excited” she squealed “we should go in and find our seats, Margot do you want to go find your teacher?” you asked as Lewis put her down. she nodded. you knelt down in front of her and gave her a kiss on her forehead.

“you’re gonna do so well, you’re beautiful, the best ballerina i’ve ever seen. no nerves, no tears because you are gonna do amazing. and, i’m going to facetime your dad as soon as the show starts okay?” she smiled and nodded. Margot got nervous easily which sometimes made her cry but you knew today she wouldn’t, she was going to do great.

you all entered the dance hall and was greeted by Margot’s teacher who pointed you in the right direction to your seats and took Margot backstage. you were all practically front row and it was shocking as there was so many people here.

you saved a seat for Mason next to you and the hall quickly filled up. it was 5 minutes before the kids got on stage that Mason finally came through the doors to the hall and was searching around for you all. he spotted you and quickly walked to you all and kissed your cheek. “hi honey” he made you jump but nevertheless you knew who it was and quickly turned towards him.

you kissed him and he sat down next to you “i missed you” he said, placing his hand on your thigh. “you were gone for one day, you couldn’t of missed me that much” you rolled your eyes but blushed slightly. “one day too long, i wanted to come home as soon as the game finished. i’m never going away without you both again” you giggled at how precious he was.

the lights in the hall dimmed and the curtains opened to a stage which was decorated beautifully. your eyes focused for your little girl who stepped out with her classmates, they all stood in a line and looked around the room for their parents.

Margot locked eyes with Mason and blushed brightly and waved at him, seeing her on the stage made Mason tear up. his first born was growing up so quickly and this made him realise it. he waved back and blew her a kiss and the music started playing.

the class started preforming their ballet routine and your heart melted. seeing Margot dancing after practicing for months was the cutest thing you’d ever seen. she looked so comfortable as she danced.

you looked over at your mum who was recording the whole thing with the biggest smile on her face. you grabbed Masons hand which was on your leg and squeezed it tightly. you looked at him and he had a few tears rolling down his cheeks which you quickly wiped away and kissed his cheek.

“she looks so cute” he whispered, his eyes never leaving his little girl. “she’s doing amazing. she practiced so hard for this, it’s nice to see the final thing” he nodded as he squeezed your hand. you’d only ever seen Mason cry a handful of times since you’d been together.

nothing to do with the societal view of men crying makes them look weak, he just wasn’t a big crier. you’d only ever seen him cry when he’d watched the notebook with you, the birth or Margot, her first birthday and a couple other times.

the dance recital wasn’t very long, 30 minutes to be exact as there was two classes. after the recital had finished everyone was instructed to wait outside so they could collect their child and you stood waiting with Mason, hand in hand.

Margot was the first one out, running straight toward Mason who accepted her with open arms. “oh my girl you did so well” he picked her up and hugged her tightly. your daughter loved surprises and you knew this one would mean a lot to her.

he kissed her head and everyone awed at the two of them. “you said you weren’t coming” Margot said as she squeezed him tighter like he was going to disappear if she let go. “you really think i’d miss it? no way”

“you did so amazing poppet, you looked so beautiful” Debbie said making her look up from Masons neck. “thank you nanny” she was blushing. “do you think we should go out and celebrate? have some food together?” Mason said making Margot nod.

all of you decided on a food place and celebrated your little girls performance. Margot and Mason had sat next to each other and he had never felt love like this before. surrounded by the people he loved celebrating his daughter.

[clarisse0o]

Camp Wiegman-Part 27

Lucy Bronze x Ona Batlle

Alternative Universe : Military School

Words: 6k

Masterlist

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Thursday, December 24th; 4:30 PM - Home.

Tonight is Christmas Eve, and on this festive day, we decided to help Sam out in the kitchen. Joan came up with the idea, and Mapi and I agreed. It seemed like the best way for us to keep busy and distract ourselves. Sam was skeptical at first, but he couldn't refuse our help considering the mountain of work awaiting him. Surprisingly, we're not doing too badly for people who never cook. The only thing I can claim to make successfully is pasta, and even then, it's debatable. I've always had professionals like Sam to cook for me since I was old enough to be in the kitchen. As for my childhood, my mother wasn't particularly present to bake with me. She was the type to prioritize her job. Today, though, I'm actually enjoying cooking. Sam took charge to make things easier for us. He put Mapi and me in charge of the appetizers and took my little brother under his wing for the dessert. For the appetizers, he planned to make small finger foods and toasts. We started with the finger foods so they could bake in the oven while we prepared the toasts.

"You're seriously stingy! Look at how little cheese you put!"  

"And you look at the mountain of it you've used!" I retorted.  

"Better too much than not enough!"  

"You should check what we still have left to do. Look, it won't be enough!"  

Cooking will always be difficult, especially if I have to team up with Mapi. We can never find a middle ground.  

"Hey girls, that's enough," Sam teases.  

Mapi sticks her tongue out at me. I giggle and shake my head. It's amazing that Sam hasn't gone crazy yet. We've been like this since we started. He must have realized we're just bickering for fun. At least we're no longer playing with the food. I thought he was going to strangle us when he caught us having a mini food fight while prepping the little puff pastries.

"Do you think we could put poison in some of these?" I whispered to Mapi.  

"I heard that, Ona, and it's out of the question!" Sam reprimands me.  

"Is that why you wanted to cook?" she laughs. "I'm sure your uncle Cage would be thrilled."  

"He's not my uncle," I replied curtly.  

"He will be by marriage if your mom ever marries Marcus."  

I pull a face, which doesn't go unnoticed by Mapi, who bursts out laughing. She gives me a sympathetic nudge. I'm glad my mom allowed Mapi to stay with us for the holidays. At least I'll have company among this bunch of idiots. I don't like my "new" family, and I'm not one to be two-faced. At least my mom was kind enough to invite my grandfather from Portugal by getting him a plane ticket. I wouldn't have liked the idea of him being alone for Christmas. He should be arriving soon. Hector left to pick him up at the airport a little while ago.

"Are you almost done?" Sam asks us.  

"Almost," I replied.  

"You're so slow! We're already done!"  

I look at my brother, outraged, as he grins from ear to ear. I get up to catch him before he can escape and torture him with tickles. He laughs and wriggles around, trying to get free. I stop only when I think it's enough. Finally, I pick him up and place him on my lap when I sit back down. He helps us finish the last of the toasts. Sam pitches in as well to wrap things up faster.

"Who would've thought I'd see this one day... My granddaughter cooking."

"Grandpa!"  

"Hey, Grandpa Batlle," Mapi greets him.

I put Joan on my chair and go give him a hug. He gladly accepts my embrace, holding me tightly. I see him so rarely during the year that I cherish every moment with him. Especially since he's not getting any younger. He'll be turning eighty-six this year.

"How are you, my little one?"  

"I'm not that little anymore," I chuckled. "How are you?"  

"I'm always good when I see you," he replies, widening my smile.  

"Come on, I'll show you your room! If Sam allows me, that is..."  

"Go on, get out of here," he laughs.

I thank him profusely. Mapi helps me carry my grandfather's things to the guest room closest to mine. We make sure he's settled in before heading out when we realize the time. It was time to get ready. Mapi is the first to take a shower. I use the time to text Lucy and respond to Alexia. I had texted my roommate this morning but never had the chance to continue the conversation. I found out that she hates family gatherings as much as I do. Since what happened with their mother, her grandparents have been the only ones there for them. The rest of her family barely keeps in touch. I suppose that incident broke something in their family. Since then, she barely sees them. They all live in England, where her grandparents live too. I thought they lived near Manchester, as she had never mentioned it. At least I won't be the only one needing to find a place to stay after New Year's. When I told her about it, she said there would likely be no problem staying with the Leah and Alessia. I'll just need to let them know. She was also thrilled to hear that we'll be celebrating with them in Manchester. She also learned that her girlfriend is spending the evening with friends not far from us. She's already plotting a scheme to include Mapi and me to go join her. According to her: "We just need to make sure Alba doesn't notice we're gone...". Needless to say, it sounds like a mission impossible. Despite my warnings since this morning, she insists on seeing her. On the one hand, I understand. Their chances to see each other are very limited. The wait between each reunion must feel long every time, but this would really cause us trouble. Mapi comes out of the bathroom before I get any replies. I take my shower quickly, given the time. I decided to curl my hair tonight. It was Mapi's idea, and I agreed. I finish curling my hair and exit. Rolling my eyes, I see a dress waiting for me on the bed.

"Are you kidding me? You really want me to wear a dress for this bunch of yokels?"  

"Don't be so rude about your family."  

"First, they're not my family, and second, you know I hate wearing dresses... Making me wear one for them is the last straw."  

"Oh, please," she rolls her eyes. "Make an effort. For me," she argues. "I love seeing you in dresses. They suit you so well."  

"You owe me for this!"  

I grumble as I grab the dress off the bed without much care. I head to the closet to find some underwear. I'm grateful she didn't go through that drawer, even though she's probably the person who knows my underwear collection best. She would have been capable of pulling out the only sexy set I foolishly bought at her urging back in the day. If she's making me wear that now, I dread to think what she might have in mind for New Year's. Whatever I say, she always gets the final word on my outfits, somehow. I come out dressed, making her smile when she sees me.

"Perfect! Now come here so I can do your makeup."

I sit on the bed without complaining, letting her pamper me. It's been our tradition for a long time, and we've never lost it. We finish before our planned time. I sigh as we head downstairs. I feel like I'm waddling like a duck in the heels Mapi forced on me. I much prefer flat shoes, though I admit heels do slim down and highlight my legs. We take advantage of our extra time to help Sam set our appetizers on the coffee table in the living room. I start to get anxious thinking about the people who will soon fill my living room.

My mother, Marcus, and my grandfather join us. Things are still tense between my mother and me. My brother, who is sitting on my lap, livens things up by playing with Mapi next to me. It's only ten minutes later that the living room begins to fill with my grandmother and Marcus's family. Since my parents were both only children, I never had a large family. What I can't stand is that the room is fuller with a family that's not mine. It's as if I don't belong in my own home.

Unlike my parents, Marcus has a sister. She comes to the house regularly for events with their mother, her husband, and their little boy who is Joan's age. I don't have any particular issue with her or their mother. They've always been very kind to me. The person I can't stand is her husband. I find him very arrogant, and we can't tolerate each other. I learned this morning that his father will be joining us. My parents invited him because he just lost his wife and would have spent the evening alone. I hope his son doesn't take after him; otherwise, I won't be able to stand him.

Finally, all the guests are gathered for Christmas Eve. The evening starts calmly for now. Almost everyone has a glass of champagne in hand - myself included - and they're chatting away. As for me, I'm mostly talking with my grandparents and Mapi. My brother abandoned us for little Colton as soon as he arrived. I'm downing glass after glass of champagne while listening to my grandfather's old jokes. When I go to pour myself a fourth glass, Mapi stops me, reminding me that I should stay sober for the upcoming dinner. I reluctantly agree with her and switch to water.

It's finally time to sit down for dinner.

 I sit between my little brother and my grandfather, who are the youngest and oldest at the table, respectively. Across from me is Mapi, who is seated between Colton and my maternal grandmother. Fortunately, my best friend has already attended one of my family gatherings. She knows everyone and how to interact with them. The rest of the table includes Marcus's mother, my mother, and Marcus himself on my side. Across from them are Marc and Cage , along with Marcus's sister. I would've preferred they sat on the other side, sparing me from having to endure their faces for the rest of the evening.

Luckily, I'm distracted by my best friend, but also by Alexia, who continues to text me. I've also received a reply from Lucy, whom I wished happy holidays with her loved ones. She simply replied the same and told me to enjoy myself.

"Ona, Ona!" my little brother calls out, shaking my leg to pull me away from my phone.  

"Hmm? What's up?"  

"Can you draw me a butterfly?" he asks, holding out a piece of paper. "Colton keeps making fun of me," he whines.

I glance over at the little boy, who indeed is laughing at him. I see why when I look at what should be a butterfly on his paper. It's really not very good. I clear my plate and utensils to make space.

"Alright, come here."

He smiles and eagerly climbs onto my lap. As if he knew what I wanted to do, he raises his hand, holding a pencil between his fingers. I smile back, placing my hand over his. He's always loved drawing together like this. He used to tell me that it's the only way he'll ever be able to replicate my drawings. He lets me guide him hand in smooth strokes across the back of his paper, where I take up all the space to draw his butterfly. There's nothing like the radiant smile of my brother when he sees the final result.

"Can I go get some colored pencils?" he asks me excitedly.

"Of course," I say with a smile.

"You have a real talent for art, Ona," comments Marc as she leaves.

I lift my head in his direction, surprised. I didn't expect a comment from this new stranger.

"It's just a butterfly," I reply nonchalantly.

"Sure, but you have a good hand. A portrait by you must be impressive to see."

"I don't draw portraits. I prefer landscapes or whatever comes to mind."

"Ona is modest," Mapi interjects. "You should see her sketchbooks and paintings. They're beautiful!"

I glare at Mapi and kick her under the table. Hasn't she realized I don't want to discuss this here?

"Do you plan to work in this field?" he asks me.

My jaw tightens. Oh no. This is definitely not the topic to talk about here, Marc... Before I can even respond, my mother steps in.

"I steered Ona toward medicine," she says. "I discovered her passion for art very late. Salvador wanted to guide her in that direction, but I found medicine to be more practical for her, not knowing how far this passion would take her."

How dare she bring up my father at a time like this? I didn't even know they had discussed my future together.

"That's a real shame," Marc replies. "Your daughter has a real gift, especially if she's never had formal lessons."

"It was a very tense discussion at the time, but I decided it was better to guide her toward something secure," she continues. "It's hard to break into that field these days."

"You'd be surprised. With a little talent, motivation, and support, she could have every chance of succeeding. It all depends on what she wants."

I listen to this discussion about me without saying a word. Marc glances at me out of the corner of his eye. I'm seething in my chair, having not had a single opportunity to speak. As usual, my mother speaks for me. Marc, however, gives me a chance to express myself by asking a direct question.

"You also need to know people in the field if you want a little extra help. Do you happen to know anyone?" he asks me.

"No, but I could have found some if I had been given the freedom to choose my own future."

"Ona..." my mother tries.

"No, Mom. Stop thinking you know what's best for me!" I finally snap. "If I went into medicine, it was only because Dad convinced me to at the time. If I had known he wanted to encourage me to follow my dreams, I would have started studying in that field a long time ago!"

A hint of surprise crosses my mother's face. She seems to know where I'm heading, given the look on her face.

"What do you mean, you would have studied in that field a long time ago?"

"Oh, don't give me that look," I mock her cruelly. "I've never liked science, and you know it. It's your thing, and you're dead wrong if you think I'm going to follow in your footsteps. I'm old enough now that you can't decide for me anymore. Dad may not be here, but that doesn't stop me from finding support that encourages me just as much as he did to pursue my dreams! These are people who believe in me, unlike you!"

"Ona..."

I could have kept going, pouring out all my thoughts to my mother, but the arrival of my brother at the doorway with a terrified expression stops me. I realize, thanks to him, that I stood up in anger. I close my eyes, cursing myself for breaking my promise to him once again. I couldn't stop myself from shouting at my mother. Mapi immediately pulls me into the kitchen. The room is empty since my mother allowed Sam to go home and enjoy the holidays with his family after preparing everything. I growl as I pour myself another glass of champagne without hesitation. Mapi doesn't stop me from downing it in one gulp.

"I can't believe this... Talking about this at Christmas! How could she even dare mention my father!" I roar furiously.

"Calm down."

"How can I calm down?" I snap. "Why does she always feel the need to control and ruin my life? Doesn't she understand that I'm much better off without her?!"

"She only wants what's best for you..." she tries to soften the situation.

"It's not by forcing me to do something I don't like that she's going to make my life better!"

"Alright, that's enough now!"

The words I was about to say in response get stuck in my throat, unable to come out. It's the first time Mapi has raised her voice against me. I look at her for a moment before averting my eyes and sulking in my corner, pouring more champagne into my glass.

"Call Bronze."

"What?" I frown.

"That's what you do when you're upset, right? So call her!"

I open my mouth but close it again, still frowning.

"No. Absolutely not," I shake my head. "I'm not going to call her on Christmas Eve. Even less to talk about my problems."

"Then you'd better calm down right now! Sure, this conversation shouldn't have happened, but that's no reason to ruin the evening for everyone."

I sigh, pinching the bridge of my nose. How did I end up here on Christmas Eve? Everything had started off so well. Even Cage hadn't annoyed me with one of his inappropriate remarks that I hate so much.

"I need to be alone..." I whisper.

"Ona—"

"I won't do anything, I just need to calm down alone... Please."

Seeing that I wouldn't change my mind, she nods briefly. She still comes closer to kiss my cheek before leaving. I take a deep breath, leaning against the counter. I look at my glass, which I didn't have time to fill, and the bottle. I grab it, ready to drink straight from it, but I put it down abruptly, not without groaning in frustration. Alcohol isn't a solution. There's only a little left, but the advice from my supervisor ringing in my head keeps me from finishing it. I hear the door open and close behind me. I was about to scold Mapi, thinking it was her returning, but I'm surprised to find Joan when I turn around. He stays at a distance for a moment, as if to see if I'm still angry, before rushing over to me. I sigh, bending down to pick him up and hug him tightly.

"I'm sorry for losing my temper again," I whisper after a while.

"I don't blame you, Oni," he says, hugging me even tighter.

We stay like that for a few minutes before I set him down. He still doesn't let go of me. I ruffle his hair absentmindedly, then freeze as I realize it's Lucy's gesture. A small smile spreads across my face as I better understand this gesture of affection toward me.

"Did Mapi send you?"

"No."

"And tell the truth?"

"Alright... But you won't tell her I told you, right?" he asks, making me chuckle.

"Promise. She won't know."

I kiss him on the forehead before we return to the dining room. The meal has resumed, and no one comments on our return. My mother and Marcus take the opportunity to bring out the starters, which consist of foie gras accompanied by toast and salad in small dishes. My grandfather tries to make me laugh with his new jokes or stories. I appreciate the effort, even though I already know them all by heart. It's the thought that counts, after all. He's adorable. When the starters arrive, I send a photo to my friends on Snapchat. Surprisingly, Lucy replies. It's the first time, even though I've sent her many photos since yesterday. I think I went overboard, but she never complained about my excess.

From Commandante; 8:11 PM - I'm jealous. A starter like that should be shared!

Her message makes me smile, but I don't respond. It's nine o'clock when we start dinner. Mapi and I helped Joan with his butterfly drawing. We also got caught up in a conversation with my remaining two grandparents. I talked about school, mentioning Lucy a lot, like the time she made me clean the showers on all fours. Let's just say they had a good laugh at my expense. I think that was the punishment that left the biggest impression on me, along with scrubbing toilets. It was a good way to break me in during the first few days. I realize how far I've come since then. I'm nothing like the cheeky kid Lucy talked about.

"Where are you in school, Ona?" asks Cage. "I thought you hadn't studied after your diploma."

"Cage... I don't think this is the right time to talk about that," Marcus intervenes.

"I was sent to a military camp in Manchester," I blurt out.

"I thought it was a school?" comments my grandmother, probably glancing at my mother.

"It is. It's a strict school with instructors outside of classes," I reply. "I later found out it's for young people with certain problems."

"Excuse me? I thought there was no question of sending her there!" my grandmother snaps.

I exchange a wide-eyed look with Mapi. She seems just as surprised as I am by this new debate between my grandmother and my mother. As the conversation goes on, I start to understand that my mother promised to send me to a normal school, not this kind. According to my grandmother, I was perfectly fine and didn't need, I quote, "a disciplinary education." No one dares intervene in this new debate. Mapi signals me to step in as the tension escalates. I glance at Marcus, who looks utterly desperate about the turn the dinner has taken. I try to follow the conversation, where my mother is telling her that she has no right to tell her how

 to raise me. At that moment, I decide to intervene by hitting the table, creating silence in the room.

"Stop, we're not going to start debating about me again!" I growl. "Grandma, I should thank you for defending me, but I assure you everything is fine. Even though I was reluctant and angry at Mom for sending me there, this school is the best thing that could have happened to me. I'm far from home, I've made friends, and most importantly, I'm really listened to there."

"Are you sure, dear?" she asks in a much calmer tone.

"Absolutely. I'm even thinking about staying in Manchester after my year ends. Now that everything's clear, can we finish and enjoy this evening normally?!"

No one dares respond. I take the initiative to pick up my utensils.

"Alright, let's eat now."

Silence is followed by the sound of utensils on plates. I've had my share of family dinners, but this one is the worst I've ever experienced. I eat without paying attention to anyone, even though the conversations gradually resume.

"When were you going to tell me about this idea?"

I look up at Mapi, trying to figure out what she means. I part my lips as I realize and sigh. I haven't talked about my desire to leave with Mapi yet. I've been thinking about it for a while, but Lucy rekindled the idea by suggesting I stay in Manchester. The prospects are much more viable. The weather and temperatures aren't the best, but I'll leave much more behind there than here. Everyone wants to stay in Manchester, including Alexia, who wants to be closer to her girlfriend

- It's nothing very concrete...

- But you're thinking about it.

- I need to leave here, I admitted.

- You could have told me, she grumbled.

- Nothing's certain. I might just stay here until I find other plans. I might end up in Madrid.

- You hate Madrid , she scoffed. You mentioned support... Who are you talking about?

- Bronze, Alexia, Leah, I listed. Pretty much everyone. We all want to stay there, I admitted.

- Doesn't Bronze already live there?

- Probably, I have no idea, I shrugged. She's the one who gave me the idea to stay.

She sighed, making a pouty face. I felt guilty for not telling her sooner. Especially since I hadn't really thought of her when making this decision. She fiddled with her fork, resting her head on her hand. She seemed to be processing the news.

- You're taking me with you then, right? Like, we could be roommates at first, that would be cool, wouldn't it?

I wasn’t expecting that kind of response. I smiled at the thought.

- Of course, if you're ready to leave everything here behind.

She smiled back at me, which eased the tension. When dinner was over, we volunteered to clear the table. We each carried a stack of plates to the kitchen.

- You really need to tell me what makes that city so special that it's made you change so quickly in such a short time. You’ve never cleared a table in your life! Seriously, I’m still upset you didn’t tell me!

- Will you get over it? I teased. For all we know, it might not even happen, so stop being mad at me for it. You know I don't like talking about my plans before they're clear.

- Admit that even if you don’t stay, you'll go back one day.

- Probably, but I really want to go back to Portugal.

- Even worse! she groaned, making me laugh. Well, just know that wherever you go, I’ll follow you. We might not be together anymore, but you're still the most important person to me.

- I’ll try to remember that...

I smiled at her sympathetically. Her words touched me. I knew she wasn’t joking. We put the plates in the dishwasher, then went upstairs. It was almost midnight, the time when we usually opened presents. So, Mapi helped me bring down the ones I had hidden in the closet. We placed them under the tree, where more gifts had already been added. I wasn’t even sure if my mom and Marcus managed to find a Santa Claus, but I hoped they did. After all, there were still two kids who believed in him. When we were done, we were called for dessert. We returned to the table to find a plate filled with little pastries prepared by Samuel. My favorites, no less. There was crème brûlée accompanied by a small chocolate fondant, a fruit salad, a scoop of ice cream, and coffee for those who drank it. Mapi had one, unlike me. She’d managed to acquire a taste for it during her all-nighters studying for important exams. When she told me about it, I had a perfect image of Mapi in front of her books with a huge mug of coffee by her side. Joan kept picking at my plate. He argued that he barely ate his main course. I finally gave him my ice cream because he looked too cute. Midnight arrived faster than I expected. It was a bell that interrupted our meal. Everyone got up, knowing exactly what it meant. I was glad they’d managed to find a Santa. Joan was the first to run to the door with Colton. They were followed by my mom, who went to open it. A stranger with the costume on his shoulders stood at the door. I expected Joan's attitude to be different from previous years, but he got scared when the man asked for a kiss. He ran to me, asking to be held. Mapi teased him, earning a playful slap from me.

- Stop it, Maps.

My smile wasn’t very convincing to her. I then placed my brother on my hip. The poor thing was panicked. He buried his head in my neck to hide. We headed to the living room, where the rest of the family had gathered. I tried to put my sister down once we got there, but it seemed like he had no intention of letting go. So, I kept him with me as I sat on the couch with Mapi. I couldn’t even remember how I reacted at his age, but I found it funny to see him like this when he’d been so excited to meet Santa for days. I managed to convince him to turn around so he could at least see what was happening in the room. The man in costume kept asking him questions. I reassured him and encouraged him to join Colton. He hesitated for a moment until he saw him next to the tree, which was filled with presents. He quickly left my side to join him.

- His fear passed quickly, huh, Mapi whispered with an amused tone.

- It was bound to.

- How about a song before you open the gifts, hmm?

Once again, Mapi tried not to laugh. Against all odds, Joan and Colton started singing after sharing a glance. Apparently, bribery still worked on kids. The festivities began once the singing was over. The stranger—who I discovered was our neighbor—didn’t want to stay very long once the adults started exchanging gifts. He only accepted a glass of champagne that Marcus offered him. I got up to join my brother when I saw that he had spotted my present for him. I just managed to reach him as the first piece of wrapping paper hit the floor. His beaming smile hadn’t left her face since he saw the box. She immediately looked up at me.

- Did you order this for me?

I smiled at his innocence.

- Of course, sweetheart.

He jumped on me, repeatedly thanking me and saying it was the best gift he’d ever received. Thanks to Lucy for him brilliant idea. Without her, I wouldn’t have even noticed it. I sent her a picture as my brother tore off the rest of the wrapping paper. When he finished, he gave me a kiss before rushing to open it. I took advantage of him being occupied to retrieve Mapi's gift from under the tree. I jumped when I turned around and found her already standing in front of me. We both exchanged our gifts.

- Merry Christmas! we said at the same time.

We laughed at our synchronization. Mapi quickly opened her gift, so I did the same. I was surprised to find a jewelry box. Maybe I should have gotten her jewelry after all... I looked at her and was relieved to see that my choice seemed to make her happy. She hugged me before I could even open the box.

- You’re crazy! It’s a new one! I was in the store to smell it. How do you always get it right?

- I didn’t do it on purpose, I chuckled. Bronze helped me choose it.

- What?! You did your Christmas shopping with her? she exclaimed.

- Well, I had to since I was stuck at camp.

- Hmm, she said with a mischievous smile.

- Don’t start, I warned, narrowing my eyes.

- Sorry, I can’t help it, she giggled. Come on, open my gift.

I rolled my eyes before opening the box. I was slightly surprised before laughing. I expected a lot of things, but not this. I slipped my fingers under the necklace to get a better look at it.

- What? Don’t you like it? she asked, sitting beside me.

- We’re twenty, you know?

- So what? she pouted. You’re making lots of friends. At least they’ll know you already have a best friend!

I laughed again, prompting her to playfully hit my arm. I loved the idea, even if I thought it was a bit outdated. I broke the heart-shaped necklace in half, where it was inscribed, and gave her one half after taking it out of the box.

- This is for you, I assume?

- I would hope so! At least when you’re feeling down, you can look at this necklace and think of me. Even though I feel like you don’t need me as much these days.

- Don’t say that. I’ll always need you. Can you put it on me?

Her smile widened when I handed her my necklace. I lifted my hair so she could clasp it. As usual, she took a while because she could never close it. I let my hair down, fixing it, and then grabbed the pendant now hanging around my neck. I smiled when I read "Mapi" followed by a small "BFF" just below. I felt like I was going back many years. The necklace already meant a lot to me because of our friendship. She asked me to fasten hers, which I did gladly. It was the same, with my name on it. We were pulled out of our little bubble by my little brother asking us to play with him. The idea quickly left him mind when Colton showed him his new toys. It was well past midnight, but it was clear that our evening wasn’t going to end anytime soon given how energetic my little Joan was.

[canirove]

My neighbour Rúben | Chapter 9

Previous chapter | Next chapter

Masterlist

It was the day of the Christmas party and Lucy was going crazy trying to make sure everything looked perfect. 

"Do you think the tree is crooked?"

"It looks perfect. Everything does, relax" I said to her.

"It's just... People usually look at every detail during these parties, I've done it myself. But after everything that happened with my ex, I'm sure they'll be paying attention to every single thing. Including if the tree isn't perfectly straight."

"They are gonna be so focused on the food that they won't pay attention to that, trust me." 

A couple of days before the party we had gone to taste the menu she had picked, and it was simply delicious. It was the thing I was looking forward to the most that night. Well, that, and seeing Rúben again after what felt like an eternity.

He had been busy playing for City and Portugal and we hadn’t seen each other since the Christmas market. We had been texting, but it wasn´t the same, and for the party he would also be wearing a suit. Just the thought of it made my cheeks get warm.

"Oh, those must be the first guests!" Lucy said when someone rang the bell. "How do I look?"

"Stunning. Doesn't she, Julia?"

"You both look stunning. We all do!" she said with a big smile.

20 minutes later, the apartment was buzzing with people, everyone eating, drinking and chatting. But Rúben was nowhere to be found.

"Maybe something happened at work and he is running late. Relax" Lucy said.

"I am relaxed."

"Yeah, sure. That's why you are constantly looking at the front door.”

"Whatever. I'm gonna go check on Julia." She was in her room playing with other kids from the building and one of their nanny's, but before I was able to made it there, someone grabbed me by the arm, pulling me towards Lucy's office.

"What the..."

"Merry Christmas, neighbour" Rúben said. He was standing in the middle of the room with his hands behind his back, that smirk on his face, while looking... While looking like the most handsome man the world had ever seen.

And I knew I was staring, opening and closing my mouth like a fish, definitely looking like an idiot. But I didn't care. 

"Aren't you gonna say Merry Christmas too?"

"I... I..." I muttered, still trying to process what I had in front of me. "Yes. Merry Christmas, Rúben. When did you arrive? I didn't see you!"

"I sneaked in. And I got you something" he said, taking a step forward. 

"You didn't have to."

"But I wanted to."

"I didn't get you anything."

"It's ok. Your company tonight will be enough."

"My... You..."

"Here" he said, handing me a little bag. 

"Where did you find this?" I asked. Inside it there was a piano ornament just like the one we were looking for at the market.

"In Portugal when I was away with the national team."

"It's perfect Rúben, I love it."

"You do?" he asked, closing most of the space between us. 

"I do. It is a perfect little copy of the first piano I ever played."

"Really?"

"Yes."

"Rúben!" Julia screamed from the door, running towards him. "Merry early Christmas."

"Merry early Christmas" he chuckled. Julia had been saying that to everyone at the party, correcting them if they didn't say "early". If it wasn't the 24th or the 25th, it was not allowed to say Merry Christmas according to her.

"Are you coming to the party? I'm hungry and the other kids are boring."

"I'm gonna leave this in my room and I'll join you" I said.

"What is that?" she asked.

"Just a little early Christmas present" Rúben said. "C'mon."

━━━━━━❃━━━━━━

"Oh, dear God" Rúben suddenly said. We had been mingling with the other neighbours for a while, he introducing me to most of them. Despite coming into this building almost daily for a few months and now living here, I barely knew anyone. 

"What happened?"

"That woman over there, Mrs. Jones. She's obsessed with me. One time she cornered me on the lift and tried to kiss me."

"I don't blame her." 

"What?" Rúben chuckled.

"What what?" I said, feeling my face about to burst in flames after realising that I had said that aloud. 

"Let's go somewhere else" Rúben said, taking my hand and leading me to the other side of the apartment, away from everyone. "You look beautiful tonight, by the way."

"Thank you. You also look really good."

"Your face kind if of gave it away earlier. I supposed it was because of that and not because you were having a stroke."

"So funny" I replied, rolling my eyes. We had stopped next to the big windows in one of the corridors, the whole city at our feet. He was still holding my hand, and despite the difference of size, they fit perfectly. 

"Oh!" Julia suddenly said next to us, making me jump.

"Where did you come from?" 

"My room" she shrugged. "But look! That´s mitles... Mistel... That Christmas flower that tells you to kiss someone."

"Mistletoe?" Rúben said.

"Yes, that one! You are standing underneath it, so you must kiss" Julia said, pointing at the ornament at the top of the window.

"We... Must?" I said with a nervous laugh.

"Yes, that's how it works."

"Ok" Rúben said, leaning forward and giving me a peck.

"Oh, that's not it! It must be like in the movies!"

"Julia..."

But before I could say anything else, one of Rúben's hands was at the back of my neck, the other on my lower back, turning me around until we were doing that famous pose they do in all romantic movies. And then he kissed me. I can't remember much of what I did, even if I kissed him back. I was too shocked.

"Yes, yes, yes, that was it!" Julia said when Rúben lifted me up again, his eyes fixed on mine. "I'm gonna tell mami!"

"Julia, wait!"

"Let her go" Rúben said. The hand that was behind my neck was now on my face, cupping it. And he was close. Very close.

"But..."

"Did you like the kiss?"

"I... I... " I muttered.

"I think it looked like a movie kiss but didn't feel like it. This one, though..." he said while his thumb caressed my lower lip, making me gasp. "This one will definitely feel like one."

And then he kissed me again. 

Despite the initial shock, this time I kissed him back, my arms finally remembering that they were alive and moving until they were around his neck, pulling him closer to me, making our kiss more intense. He now had both his hands on my lower back, also pulling me closer to him, not letting any space between our bodies. It was the best kiss I had ever had. Not that I had much experience kissing, but...

"Movie worth it?" he asked, his lips brushing against mine. I just nodded, making him smile before he was kissing me again. And not just on the lips. He was kissing my jaw, my neck, my collarbone... My skin was burning wherever his lips had been, weird noises leaving my mouth. And then, I heard Lucy's voice somewhere. 

"The toast."

"Uhm?" Rúben said against my neck.

"The toast. Lucy is doing the toast, I must go."

"Why?"

"Because once it is over, I'm playing the piano."

"With this hand?" he asked, lifting it and starting to kiss every finger, my palm, my wrist, my forearm. Dear Lord, who knew being kissed there could feel so damn good?

"Yes, with that one."

"And with this one too?" he said, doing the same on my other hand.

"Rúben, I'm serious. I must go." Though I didn't want to. I wanted to stay there with him, kissing. 

"Ok. But we aren't finished" he said with that smirk of his, grabbing my hand and taking me to the living room.

[steamishot]

downfall - portugal

to continue the theme of crashing and burning, excessive traveling is hitting last (hopefully this is the last thing lol). we got round trip air france business class tickets to lisbon, with a layover in paris. we thought because we’re able to lay flat and pop a benadryl, that we’d be able to get rest and be full functioning for the trip. that was not the case. on the flight there, we were supposed to fall asleep at 6pm-12am EST... they gave us a lot of wine, so we ended up not taking benadryl. i didn’t sleep much at all.

note: there were three major points of this trip where i felt undeserving of what was in front of me. sitting in the new aircraft business seats with white french people serving me was one of those times. i felt guilty, like i didn’t work hard enough for it/didn’t deserve it, and also bad that my travels have become so excessive/extra (considering it goes against the immigrant frugal upbringing). i kept thinking about how my parents/family may never experience something as luxurious as this, and about how I started from echo park and ended up there (started from the bottom now we here lol). 

we arrived at the first hotel around 12pm on wednesday. 3 of the 5 nights were booked using hyatt points so we didn’t pay out of pocket. the remaining two nights were booked via amex FHR so we got a $200 credit. the plane tickets were less than $1000 for the two of us. so, out of pocket, we really didn’t spend too much. just a lot of travel hacking.

we checked into the lumiares hotel. they gave us an incredibly nice room (free upgrade) that had two stories, a kitchenette, and two restrooms. this was the second time that i felt undeserving. like wtf. the best part was that they had free milk! got to check out lisbon a bit: monastery, belem tower, the famous egg tarts (so good), and ride a scooter around the coast. 

the next day (and i couldn’t sleep that night due to jetlag, despite being up for like 24 hours), we took a 3.5 hour high speed train to porto, where we watched sharper. arrived in porto and checked in the yeatman, where they gave us two free room upgrades and we had an amazing panoramic view of the duoro river and the city. the third time I felt undeserving. 

that evening, we had dinner reservations at some kind of special event hosted by the hotel (an invitation was extended to us via amex). all we knew was that it was a dinner and wine pairing type of situation that started at 7:30pm. matt and I arrived around 7:35pm and there were maybe around 15 or so other people mingling about. we were underdressed per usual and in our running shoes (our one shoe of the trip). they started us off with a cocktail and started bringing out hors d'oeuvres. this was probably the first time that I've ever had hors d'oeuvres served to me at an event while waiting for the thing to start lol. we probably had about 6-7 of these and they were all pretty fancy. 

around 8 o’clock or so, they start letting us into the room and it felt very much like “the menu” situation. we were like crap, we’re gonna die tonight. the most memorable thing was the homemade bread that came out piping hot (and served alongside frothed butter) and one particular white wine that was so delicious. all the drinks were basically bottomless. people came around the table to talk about the wines. they had presentations by the CEO of the wine company etc. the whole event lasted for like 4.5 hours and it was toooo long. we snuck out around 11:30pm. 

the next morning, we had to wake up at 7am to be ready for a small group tour to douro valley. I wake up feeling nauseous and threw up. thought it was a normal hangover (vomiting up the alcohol), so then I proceeded to eat breakfast. but then, I still felt nauseous and decided I couldn’t go to the tour. at 10am after getting some rest, we decided to try and still make it to douro valley. we had requested a private car tour as it was the only way... a spiffy gentleman came to pick us up in a blue Mercedes. unfortunately I was mostly sleeping/resting during the ride there, and feeling weak and groggy throughout the whole day. as part of the tour, we got to visit a winery. I was resting on the bench right before our tour started. then, when I got up, I felt nauseous and threw up again. that was my present to the winery lol. thankfully that was my last time of throwing up in the trip. it was rough, and not sure if I regret going, but douro valley was one of the main things I wanted to see so I'm glad I got to see it. we went to sleep at 9pm sharp that night and slept a good 12 hours.

Saturday was probably our most fun/chill day because we took it slow and got enough rest. we got to see a bit of porto, did a couples massage at the hotel with an amazing view of the city, got to utilize their spa/wellness center which was super nice and fun, matt got to swim in their beautiful swimming pool, and we also got Uber Eats delivery from a famous sandwich shop (tried sardine sandwiches). that evening, we had scheduled to go back to Lisbon on the high speed train. however, we learned upon arrival to the train station that the train was cancelled. they put us on the next one a little over an hour after, but it was not a high speed train. we were supposed to get back to Lisbon by 7:30pm but it ended up being 10:30pm :/ such a loooong train ride. 

Sunday was Matt’s turn to get sick. it was almost the same incident on Friday with me, but with him (though he didn’t vomit). we also had a tour scheduled on this day and had to be ready by 8am. we attempted to go, but decided that we couldn’t. matt slept another 2-3 hours and then we decided to take (affordable) Ubers around to sightsee ourselves. we got to see a bit of sintra and cascais. the most impressive view for me was Cabo da roca - it was misty that day so the scenery was sublime, felt like walking into heaven. we got some food delivered to the hotel, and then passed out at 6pm because we had to wake up at 2am for a 5:30am flight. you knew we were tired cuz we’re able to pass out at 6pm. 

monday “morning” we got to the airport around 3am, flew to Paris at 5:30am. then, had a lay flat seat that I actually slept on this time around. the good/bad thing about business class is that you get such nice meals but it takes a longer time to set up/eat it. was supposed to land in nyc around 2pm, but it got delayed because there was a medical emergency on board and we had to fly into Boston first. after we got to nyc, we received news that our luggages missed the flight and will be delayed. I was like gosh, too many mishaps. this is the world’s sign telling us to stop with the traveling. 

i was so excited to come back home to our little quiet studio and get some rest. we ended up knocking out around 10pm or so, and i slept a good 12 hours again. for the first time, i’m sick of traveling lol. my fully WFH lifestyle + matt’s 7on/7off can be a little bit destructive if we’re not careful. 

i realize that i can also be like an energizer bunny and want to gogogo (it’s the both of us). but for the next few weeks (until cape cod glamping), it’s sitting our asses at home. 

[pensat-i-fet]

The Journalist's Footballer- Chapter One (Rúben Dias)

Word count: 1068

Wattpad: https://www.wattpad.com/1243021254-the-journalist%27s-footballer-ii-ruben-dias-chapter

Rúben

“Hey mate, why are you still wearing the team’s clothes? Are you staying at the gym again?”, I hear John ask me when he comes to pick up his bag.

“No, I have to do an interview before leaving”.

“Great fun”, he laughs. “Last time I did one I had to listen to the same dude that we got on our last interview together. He almost put me to sleep”.

“God, I hope it’s someone different”, I say, remembering the interview he’s talking about.

“So, you going out today with that girl you told me about?”, he asks, reminding me of my plans for today. 

“Yes”, I say with a smirk.

“What was her name again?”

“Maria. She’s Portuguese too”, I remind him.

“Yes, and she’s really hot. Lucky you, enjoying the single life with your hot models”.

We both laugh at that. 

“But before that, I gotta go to this interview. See you tomorrow, mate!”, I tell John before I start to make my way to the media area.

“Bye, bro. Have fun tonight!”

“Oh, Rúben. There you are!”, I hear our media boss, Tom, say.

“Am I late?”, I ask looking at my watch. Not late, I’m actually 5 minutes early.

“No, you’re on time. She is just really early and getting bored of waiting, I guess”, he laughs.

“She?”

“The journalist who is interviewing you today. I’ll take you to her. She’s really nice, you’ll like her”.

“Christina”, Tom says, “he’s finally here”.

That makes the journalist, Christina, turn around to face us. I offer her my hand as a hello, but I barely notice her handshake because I’m too focused on looking at how gorgeous she is. Yeah, she’s definitely not one of those boring dudes we get on most of our interviews.

I realise she’s looking at me waiting for me to say something, so I let go of her hand and introduce myself.

“Can you please sit there so we can start the interview in a couple of minutes?”, she asks me. Her smile is gorgeous too. I’ll have to try hard to concentrate on her questions and not just on how pretty she is.

“Of course. Um…how is the interview going to be? Anything I should know?”

“Nothing strange. I’ll ask you about football and then, if we have time, I’ll ask you a couple of questions our viewers sent for you. We try to aim for 20-minute videos so we’ll see how it goes. Is that ok?”

“Perfect!”, I tell her, giving her a big smile that she returns. 

“Ok, you ready?”, she asks the cameraman. “Perfect. Hello everyone! Welcome to another video. Today I’m very happy to be in the company of one of the best players in the league, Portugal and Man City’s defender, Rúben Dias. Hello Ruben, How are you?”

“I’m very good”, I answer. “How are you?”

“Happy to be here with you today”, you and me both, then. “So, let’s start by talking about your time at City, you’ve been here for two years now. What are the expectations for this third season…”

Christina

The interview with Rúben flows really well. He’s super articulate and actually answers the questions properly. If all footballers did the same, my job would be a lot easier. 

Him being so ridiculously handsome doesn’t make the job easier, though. I have to check myself all the time, to make sure I’m not drooling. And he seems really nice too. Ugh, the one time I find a guy who can do both, it’s a footballer I have zero chances with.

“Amazing. Well, this brings us to the end of the interview. Thank you so much for your time and your great answers, Rúben. I’m sure the viewers will love them”.

“No worries”, he says.

“And thank you so much to all of you watching”, I say to the camera. “I hope you enjoy the video. Don’t forget to give it a thumbs up if you liked it, and I’ll see you on the next one”.

“Perfect”, says Rick, my cameraman. “I’ll send this to the team to edit. Great job as always, Chris”.

“Thanks, Rick. Have a good rest of your day!”

When I turn, I’m surprised to see Rúben there. Most players just say a quick bye and run away once the interview is over.

“That was a great interview”, he says, offering his hand so I can shake it.

“Thanks. It’s one of my favourites I’ve done. You’re a natural”, I say, laughing. He really is good in front of the camera.

“Which TV channel is this for?”

“This isn’t for tv. It’s for a fairly small youtube channel where we talk about football. It’s just a bunch of people like me, fresh out of Uni and trying to make it”, I laugh. “Wait, would you mind taking a photo with me?”

“Not at all. Are you a City fan?”, he asks me.

“Oh, no. I’m not actually, I support Spurs. It’s just so we can put it on our social media to promote the interview. If that’s ok with you, of course”.

“Sure”.

We then stand next to each other to take a quick selfie and I notice him putting his arm on my shoulder. The contact makes me stop for a second before I lift my phone to take the photo.

“Perfect. Thank you!”, I tell him, going to get my bags to leave. I need to catch my train soon if I don’t want to get back home really late.

“You leaving?”, he asks. Was he expecting me to stay here all day?

“Yeah, I’m going to the train station. I need to call an Uber, actually”, I say, getting my phone from my pocket.

“Don’t”, he says, making me turn to look at him.

“What?”

“I can drive you to the station if you want. It’s on my way home”, he says. But something in his tone feels odd.

“Oh no, you don’t need to worry”.

“I insist. Just let me grab my bag. We can do it on the way to my car”.

I bite my lip, thinking. Well, this job doesn’t exactly pay well. And rent in London is not cheap so saving the money for the Uber will actually make quite a difference.

“Ok then”, I say, smiling at him. “I’ll let you be my chauffeur for the day, Mr Dias”.

[muchadoaboutbucky]

all the time in the world | oneshot

PAIRING: Bucky Barnes x Native American!Reader WORD COUNT: 3,954 WARNINGS: slow burn, eventual smut, fluff, minor injury NOTE: Imagine if Bucky hadn’t been injured in Civil War and went on the run with everyone else. The reader’s face claim is Crystle Lightning. I also used Sebastian’s “Destroyer” look for inspiration as well. Enjoy!

⭒ become a patron for just $3 ⭒

I do not consent to minors (17-) reading my work.

It’s been six months since Siberia. Six long, rough months of dodging the government and living off the grid. No phones, no computers, no connection to the outside world other than the daily newspapers you manage to pick up. 

Living in close quarters isn’t the easiest. The jet doesn’t have the best sleeping quarters, just five open bunks on the lower level. The other two have become storage, a cluttered mess of papers and empty weapons boxes and ammunition that has yet to be organized. 

It doesn’t help that you and Bucky have become a little more than friends.

He’s become different since you went on the run. He’s quiet, broody, and absolutely merciless when it comes to getting a mission done. To say the sight of the former assassin taking down the bad guys with nothing but a couple weapons and his bare metal hand doesn’t get you all kinds of riled up. 

The five of you have just finished up a weekend in Portugal. A weapons bust had gone almost perfectly to plan, with the small exception of you getting a bullet graze on your thigh from one of the barely-alive arms dealers on your way out the door. You’d hit the ground hard, and before you could say anything or make a move to recover, Bucky scooped you off the ground and took the fire escape all the way up to the roof and into the jet without a second glance back.

Fortunately the medical bay’s been fully restocked, and Nat quickly gets you on the examining table while Sam takes off, the jet’s cloaking technology vanishing instantly into the dark three-am sky.

“Suit off,” Nat directs, reaching into one of the storage cupboards for a prepped cleaning kit. You strip out of your suit, wincing as the fabric grazes your wound. Natasha bends to examine the wound, gently pressing along the edges with a gloved finger.

“No stitches, please,” you mutter.

“Nope, you won’t need those.” Nat grabs an antiseptic wipe. “Just some bandages and you’ll need to take it easy for a couple days.”

You grumble. “Gross.”

“Could be worse.” Nat dabs the antiseptic wipe along the thin red line of your injury, and you wince, trying not to jerk away. “So… you and Barnes, huh?”

You frown, glancing down at the shimmer of her red hair. “What?”

She chuckles. “He carried you outta there like his ass was on fire. You two’ve been dancing around each other for a couple months.”

Your cheeks flush hot. “We just… it’s complicated.”

“How complicated can it be?” She smiles. “Two people like each other, they go out on a couple dates, maybe they fall in love.”

“It’s not like we have a lot in common,” you explain. “It’s just fooling around, right now, at least.”

If ‘fooling around’ counts as the time he pinned you up against the side of the jet and kissed the shit out of you with his thigh between your legs… or the time he’d waited for everyone else to be occupied with organizing the weapons closet before tugging your panties aside and sliding two fingers deep inside—

“You don’t have to bond over all the bad stuff.” She tosses the wipe into the trash and peels the wrapping off a patch of gauze. “Maybe you have small similarities. Maybe you both like chocolate, maybe you used to go to the same park as kids. It’s the little things.”

As slick and smart as she is, Natasha has no idea about the dirty things you and Bucky have done in the dark.

“I’m just not sure it would work.” You peer down when she lays a pair of large Band-Aids over the patch of gauze. “He’s a little more rough around the edges than I am, he’s still adjusting to this whole modern-life thing, I’m not sure saying ‘hey, you wanna be my boyfriend’ in the middle of it would be smart.”

Natasha rolls her eyes. “Oh please, he knows what he wants, he’s just afraid to ask for it. Men are like that.”

The privacy curtain slides back, and you and Natasha look up so fast you both nearly get whiplash. Bucky’s standing there, eyes wide as he takes in the full sight of you sitting on the table, clothed only in a plain black bra and panties. 

“Oh.” He swallows, and his cheeks flush bright red. “Never mind, I was just—”

Natasha grins. “Barnes, if you have something to say—”

The curtain swishes shut, and the heavy tread of his boots fades away. You giggle, raising a hand to cover your mouth. He’s never seen you this degree of undressed before, much less seen a naked woman in the last several decades. 

“Teach him how to knock,” Natasha jokes, sweeping the used kit into the trash and tugging her gloves off. “I’ll grab you some clothes, we don’t need all the men stroking out from seeing a pair of boobs.”

***

You emerge from the medical room dressed in a pair of pajama shorts and a tee shirt. Steve and Sam are settled comfortably in the pilots’ seats, and Natasha herself has changed into flannel pants and a one of the tee shirts she’s stolen from Sam. 

Bucky’s nowhere to be found.

“We’ll find somewhere to land in a couple hours,”  Steve says, glancing back at you. “How’s your leg, kid?”

“Hurts, but I’ve had worse.” You offer a smile before turning to Nat. “Where’s Bucky?” you ask her silently. 

“Downstairs,” she replies, the corner of her mouth turning up into a little smirk. “Alone.”

You roll your eyes, cheeks burning as you head to the descending ladder for the lower level. Bucky’s sitting on the floor, earphones on, eyes closed. He somehow hears you approach, because he opens his eyes and reaches up to pull the scuffed headphones off and pause the old cassette player clutched in his left hand.

You’re so used to him being big and strong and dominant. Now he just seems… weary. A side you don’t see very often.

“Hi.” You slide down to sit next to him. “It’s late, Nat and I are going to bed, you should wash up and get some rest.”

“I’m not tired,” he replies softly. 

“Are you worried about walkin’ in on me half naked?” you ask, reaching up to run your fingers through the longer hair at the top of his head. Since almost shaving it off, it’s grown back, and he almost looks like he used to back in his time.

His cheeks flush. “You were a little more than half naked.”

“It’s not a problem, I didn’t mind.” You rest your head on his shoulder. “You look exhausted, you should really get some rest.”

“I’m not tired.” Bucky sets the cassette player and headphones on the floor next to him. “Been trying to get some alone time with you for a long time, and tonight when you went down… I just got a lot of ‘what if’s’ goin’ on in my head.”

You hum. “I’m fine. My leg hurts and Nat’s gonna kill me if I don’t take it easy, but—”

“I wanna take you somewhere.” He turns to face you. “I hate dancin’ around like this, and I get that it’s risky for us to be… involved, or whatever we’re trying to be, but…” he swipes his tongue over his lower lip, “I think we deserve one night where we aren’t gonna be sleeping in these stupid bunks. Just you and me.”

You wrap your fingers through his warm metal ones. “We do have that tent in the storage cupboard… we could make a camping night of it?”

He sighs. “I want a real bed. In a real… house, or hotel, or whatever, but I wanna be alone with you. We deserve that, we’ve been playing back and forth for the last six months and I’m tired of it.”

Smiling, you press a gentle kiss to his cheek. “What else do you want?”

He lets out a soft breath before tipping his head back against the wall. “I wanna make love to you, and I can’t do that in a stupid little bunk where three other people can see us.”

You stifle a flustered giggle in his chest. “We can still fool around, Bucky.”

He grunts, dissatisfied. “Can’t you pretend your leg is worse than it is and they can drop us off somewhere?”

“I don’t know, they’ve seen me walking just fine.”

“You could be in shock and not know how bad it is.”

“Bucky.” You slide onto his lap and cup his face. “I’ve been in shock before, several times, and I’m not in shock.”

He smiles lazily, skimming his hands up your sides. “Really? You look a little cold.”

“Because we’re at fifteen-thousand feet,” you kiss him softly, wincing when your bandage pulls, “and Sam’s slacking on fixing the temperature regulator.”

“Maybe I should take you somewhere with a fireplace.” He peers at you through the dim light. “I could do a lot with that.”

“Oh yeah?” You run a finger over his cheek. “Like what?”

He grins wolfishly. “Put some blankets out in front of the fire… get you all warm and toasty before I make love to you.”

You bite your lip, shifting on his lap. “Bucky…”

“Hmm?”

“Hearing you talk about making love to me isn’t making the fact that I really want that right now any better.”

He chuckles. “I can be quick, you know that.”

“I’m not having our first time on the jet floor.” You stand up, pulling on his metal arm. “Come on, let’s get some sleep.”

He stands obediently, eyes raking up your bare thighs and the bandage on as he rises. “You know, you look really hot with a bandage on your thigh.”

“Oh, so you’re glad I got shot?”

“I didn’t say that.” He wraps his arms around your waist. “I mean I like seein’ you with things on your thighs. Holsters… those thigh-high socks you wore a month ago, that made me…” he shivers and digs his fingers into your hips.

“Freak,” you giggle. “Bucky, if you don’ let me go...”

He raises an eyebrow. “Yeah?”

“Mmm.” You slip a teasing finger into his belt.

He grins, slowly backing you up until your shoulders press against the steel wall. In a playful attempt to duck away, you try to slip just to his left, and warm metal wraps around your arm, pinning you firmly in place. 

“Hold on,” he mutters, “you think you can just do that and walk away?”

You let out a long, soft moan when he presses his lips to yours, stepping up so close you can feel the firm heat of his body. Your fingers twist in his shirt, and he slots a knee between your thighs, careful to avoid your injured one as flesh fingers twist into your hair. He hums when you give an instinctual push of your hips against the rough fabric of his pants, and you 

“Better rest up, then, honey.”

You giggle when he lands a firm swat on your ass and scamper up the ladder, heaving yourself onto the upper level with Bucky close behind you. The grin on Bucky’s face earns you a quizzical look from Sam, but you roll your eyes and head down to your bunk, making sure that nobody can see before stretching up on your toes and giving Bucky a goodnight kiss. 

***

The jolt of the jet landing just over four hours later wakes you. You sit up, almost banging your head on the top of your bunk, and curse Sam for winning Rock Paper Scissors for the top one. You emerge blearily, shoving your privacy curtain aside with a grimace as a ray of sunlight smacks you in the face.

“Ow,” you mutter as Sam drops down from the bunk above you, “what time is it?”

“It’s late morning,” Steve replies, emerging from the cockpit. “We’re in Austria. Found us a place to lay low for a couple days. We’re gonna have to do a little bit of hiking and wear disguises when we check in, but the jet’s on stealth mode. Town’s about a twenty-minute walk away.”

Town. Thank God.

The four of you stumble around, stuffing things into your bags and checking your nanomasks before stepping off the jet. It’s a brisk morning, and you tug a jacket over your shoulders as you take in your surroundings. 

Steve’s touched down in a large field of flowers. The jet’s invisible to your eye when the hatch closes, and you set off to the East, keeping your heads low as you head into a more-populated area and onto busy streets. There’s a market across from the closest hotel, and you make a note to sneak out and get some of the pretty fruits and breads on display.

When you get up to the counter, Steve shoves a wad of cash from his duffel bag at the attendant and asks for two rooms, which you get with a three-night guarantee.

“Okay,” Sam murmurs once you’re in the elevator heading up to your floor, “who shares with who? I’m not havin’ Barnes hogging all the covers again.”

“Mmm, you won’t.” Natasha slips you a sly look. “Barnes and Y/N together, I’ll share with Steve, so you, Sam, can have all the covers you want.”

You cast a quick glance at Bucky and find his cheeks stained bright pink. “That’s fine,” you cover when he fails to respond, “we’re gonna get some rest anyway.”

Nat smirks when the elevator doors slide open, and you roll your eyes before accepting the key card Steve offers you. “Sure, sure,” she replies, “make sure it’s a good rest.”

You give her a playful glare as she follows Steve and Sam into their room and closes the door, leaving you and Bucky to slip into your room across the hall with burning faces.

It’s definitely not the biggest—or best—room that you’ve ever stayed in, but it’ll do the trick. The bed is king-sized, with several lumpy-looking pillows stacked on a thin white comforter. You set your bag down on the floor and toe off your boots, stretching your arms over your head while Bucky goes to inspect the bathroom. 

“It’s not bad,” he calls out, “just a shower stall, no tub.”

“That’s good enough for me.” You tug a fresh set of clothes out of your duffel and snag your almost-empty toiletries from the front pocket. “You wanna go first, or…”

“Nah, you.” He runs a hand up your back and leans in to press his lips against yours. “I’m gonna try and get some shut-eye. I never sleep well on the jet.”

You hum against his mouth, grateful for the sudden solitude. “I’ll be out in fifteen. Knock if you need anything, ‘kay?”

He smiles and slumps down on the bed, watching you slip into the bathroom and leave the door slightly ajar. 

The water pressure isn’t too bad. It’s been a few days since you’ve been able to properly clean up, and your hair gets washed thoroughly, pits get shaved, well… everything that isn’t permanently done gets shaved, and you emerge from the steam-filled shower dressed in panties and a tee shirt, towel held to the now-exposed wound on your thigh. Bucky’s stretched out on the bed, a pillow tucked under his head, eyes closed. The medical kit’s in his bag, and you tug it free and watch one crystal-blue eye open as you perch on the edge of the bed.

“How’s that?” His eyes rake over the bare skin of your thigh as you pull it away to inspect the slowly-scabbing graze. 

“Healing.” You gently poke at the angry bruise along the side and wince. “I still need to bandage it.”

Bucky sighs, watching you tug out a roll of gauze and tape. “Want some help with that?”

You smile gladly in return. “Please?”

“You got it.” He slides off the bed and reaches for the paper-wrapped supplies. Nimble fingers tear open the packets, and you lean back as he kneels on the carpet, flesh hand gently splayed out against your knee as he gently lowers a folded strip of cause to cover the exposed flesh. Medical tape snaps off between his teeth, and you watch him lay four strips, one on each side until he’s satisfied that your injury is sufficiently protected. 

“Thanks.” You reach over and rub the top of his head. “So walking in on me in just my bra and panties didn’t… that didn’t bother you?”

He chuckles. “No, it didn’t bother me. Just surprised me.”

You giggle. “Really? ‘Cause you looked like a total virgin.”

“Shush.” He kisses your knee and gazes up at you, eyes wide and almost deceivingly innocent. “Not a virgin, honey, just… you look hot in that suit, and seeing you out of it was… a shock. Good shock.”

***

The rest of the day passes slowly, with you and Bucky dozing in and out of naps until Sam knocks on the door, asking if Bucky wants to go to the market outside. You watch him leave, donning his nanomask and swiping a couple bills from the plastic bag he keeps in his duffel before slipping out the door. 

He’s back in an hour, carrying a large paper bag full of what looks like bread and fruit and all kinds of goodies. You eat slowly, sneaking kisses between bites of fresh, juicy watermelon for a mock-dessert. 

Around six, Natasha comes by, inviting you to the other room for a much better dinner of pizza and drinks… which, as it turns out, hasn’t even been delivered yet. You and Bucky spend the first ten minutes enduring innuendo from Natasha, which Steve is quick to defend, although he snorts at one comment about peaches that makes Bucky choke on his bottle of ale.

The pizza finally arrives, three boxes to cater to two supersoldier appetites, and you’re able to unwind, laughing and joking and teasing each other until it’s late and Sam starts to yawn incessantly. You and Bucky make an excuse for being tired as well, and Natasha watches you leave with a glimmer in her eye as the door swings shut.

The moment you and Bucky are safely tucked in the seclusion of your room, he pulls you into his arms and plants a warm, sweet kiss on your lips.

“Baby,” he breathes, “we only got three nights here and I… I wanna take you, tonight…”

You giggle. “Bucky, we’re not in your time anymore. You can tell me what you want.”

He swallows, metal fingers slipping under the hem of your shirt. “I wanna make love with you.”

You roll your eyes and wind your arms around his neck. “Is that all?”

He grumbles. “Baby, you’re making it harder than it needs to be.”

“Sorry.” You stretch up on your toes and kiss him again, hips rubbing deliciously against his. “Only thing I need to be hard is this… and looks like you’re way ‘head of me.”

Bucky groans, breaking away to tug your shirt over your head. “If you keep doing that, you’re not gonna feel it for a while.”

You bite your lip, watching him strip his own shirt and toss it to the ground. Before you can do anything else, he lifts you up, careful to avoid your injured thigh, and lays you out on the bed, reaching for your pajama shorts and tugging them down to leave you in just a plain pair of panties. 

Now he’s nervous, you can see it in his eyes. He’s had you open before, got his fingers wet inside your pussy, and kissed the shit out of you until you could barely breathe, but he’s never had you completely naked and exposed.

“Hey.” You reach for his hand, guiding it to the little blue bow between your hips. “It’s okay, baby.”

He chuckles, easing his fingers beneath the elastic and watching with held breath as he teases them down, letting them fall off the edge of the bed with a soft pat. His palms smooth down the insides of your thighs, spreading you open, and when he trails the pad of his thumb over your clit and you press your hips up to get closer, he lets out a strangled groan and curls over you, completely helpless. 

Your hands push at his sweats, and you giggle when he clumsily kicks them down over his feet, leaving himself completely bare for you as well. When your fingers drift to wrap around his thick, heavy shaft, he stops, gritting his teeth against the side of your neck.

“Baby…” he clears his throat, raising his head to look at you. “We’re not movin’ too fast, right?”

“Don’t get soft on me,” you reply, “we’re good, Bucky, I’m happy, I wanna feel you…”

He nods, pressing a quick kiss to your lips. “Good, it’s just… it’s been a long time and—”

“Shhh.” You rub your hands over his hips. “I don’t care, I just want you.”

Bucky’s eyes darken, and he reaches down to grab himself, experimentally running the swollen tip of his cock through yout pussy until he finds your opening, and you grab on tight, a cry of pleasure dying in your throat as he pumps his hips forward and sinks in. 

“Ahh, fuck—” he grunts quietly against your lips when your nails dig into his ass, “baby…”

You can’t even find the words to reply. He’s so deep, thick and hot and pulsing inside where your body grips him tight. All you can do is give a little tug, trying to urge him on, and he gives you what you want without question. 

All sense of awkwardness or anxiety melts away as he props himself up on both arms, watching your body roll and move under his as he searches a rhythm, inexperience getting the better of him when his hips stutter and slide. He finds it, a steady, rough beat back and forth that makes your clit rub against the skin above his cock and high-pitched sighs and whimpers to rattle in your throat.

“C’mere,” he pants, hooking his flesh arm under your shoulders to keep you close, and you brace yourself as his thrusts grow hard enough for your bodies to slap together. It’s been so long since you’ve been able to feel this good that when his lips find one nipple and latch on, your body decides to follow its own path. 

All it takes for you to cum is a few quick rolls of your clit under your fingers, and Bucky lets out a choked gasp when he feels the rapid contractions, burying his face in the crook of your neck and matching your moans with his own, panting harder and louder as he stutters, pushes in as far and hard as he can, and cums with a growl that resonates deep in your soul as you wrap your legs tight around his waist.

You come back to reality slowly, sweaty bodies sticking as he drops down over you, pressing a lazy kiss to your lips. 

“That was fast,” he murmurs, “sorry, baby, I couldn’t—”

“It’s okay.” You run your fingers through his hair. “It’s been a long time for me too, it was… that was good.”

“Good.” He chuckles and pulls away, watching the first dribble of white slide from your core. “We got three more days to make it longer, huh?”

“Yeah.” You reach for his hand, fingers intertwining with his. “Right now, we have all the time in the world.”

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[jandjmoor]

Othello day 32 - Manteigas to the Douro Valley

Happy Easter! We awoke to a beautiful sunrise. An early start today as it was one of our longest rides. I set off early given my gimpy state, the first 10km we retraced our route from two days ago which meant a little bit of a climb and then a descent. The whole descent went for about 35km and it was a beautiful descent.

The roads were in good condition and very quiet except for a few other cyclists. It wasn’t too cold and you could see low lying clouds in the valley. After that we started a pinchy climb with lots of cobbles. Thankfully coffee came about half way through the climb and that’s where I ended the first part of my ride.

The climb got steeper from there and still more cobbles but through lovely villages. I wasn’t however sorry to be in the van.

Our last picnic lunch today. The weather today was spectacular again so it was nice to have a picnic lunch. We set up just outside the town of Lapa. It would have been nice to set up in the square but there seemed to be a market and lots of activity as we drove through so we opted for a park just outside the main part of town.

After lunch I hopped back on the bike for the last 51 km to our accommodation. In total today I rode 96km and had about 1000m of elevation but also descended about 1800m. Jose and I were really keen to ride into the Douro Valley together as we know how spectacular it is having been here 3 years ago.

Before we descended into the Douro Valley we passed heaps of apple orchards and the trees were in full bloom, beautiful. As the afternoon wore on the wind was picking up, but that it was consistent rather than gusty and pretty much on the nose most of the time.

Something I keep forgetting to mention, bizarre as this may seem, from the moment we crossed the border into Portugal we’ve had heaps of bugs. That first day within minutes they were stuck to my arm warmers. Since then I’ve had heaps fly into or bounce off my helmet, spat a few out and had them crawling over my sunglasses 😖

Tonight we are staying in a vineyard - Quinta da Pacheca. It is a beautiful spot, surrounded by vines and our accommodation is very quirky, made to look like a wine barrel and everything is fitted precisely inside, tiny homes style. Fun for a night but I like space.

We arrived and watched the highlights of Paris Roubaix before a quick shower then out for our winery tour and tasting. You can tell we’re at the end of the trip as I think we all bought some port. Dinner tonight was also at our accommodation and so now after a good meal and lots of wine and port it’s time to sleep 😴

[e8luhs]

SPACEMAN.

i looked down at my hands and saw myself splitting apart.

LISTEN ON SPOTIFY.

a playlist for mavis chavez, tracklist & annotations under the cut

I. MR BLUE SKY / ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA

the sun is shining in the sky there ain’t a cloud in sight it’s stopped raining, everybody’s in the play and don’t you know, it’s a beautiful new day, hey!

II. LET’S GET THIS OVER WITH / THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS

and when you wake up you can feel your hair grow crawl out of your cave and you can watch your shadow creep across the ground until the day is done all the while the planet circles ‘round the sun everybody knows how this goes so let’s get over it and let’s get this over with

III. SCRAWNY / WALLOWS

used to be level with all my friends still wear the same shoes i did back then i don’t think they’ve ever been untied i can’t regret the things i don’t try i'd switch it up, but i don't like change only content if things stay the same don't care to watch the story unfold hate feeling like I'm not in control

IV. CREEP IN A T-SHIRT / PORTUGAL. THE MAN

you don't get it (get it, get it, get it) is it the world i'm living in? you don't get it (get it, get it, get it) i'm just a creep in a t-shirt, jeans, i don't fucking care

V. THIS HEAD I HOLD / ELECTRIC GUEST

they call me a little grown-up see, i’m upset because i’ve always been stuck but i don’t know what it is i’m without guess i’m in love with always feeling down

VI. BEIRD / JACK STAUBER

fine i’ll adapt to it now all i need to find is how be bold to choose something i could lose

VII. SIGNS OF LIFE / ARCADE FIRE

those cool kids stuck in the past apartments of cigarette ash wait outside until it begins won't be the first ones in spend your life waiting in line you find it hard to define but you do it every time then you do it again

VIII. HARD TO EXPLAIN / THE STROKES

i missed the last bus, i'll take the next train i'll try, but you see, it's hard to explain i say the right thing but act the wrong way i like it right here, but i cannot stay i'm watching TV, forget what i'm told well, i am too young and they are too old the joke is on you, this place is a zoo you're right, it's true

IX. LOSING MY EDGE / LCD SOUNDSYSTEM

i was there i was the first guy playing daft punk to the rock kids i played it at CBGB's everybody thought i was crazy we all know i was there

X. FALLING FOR THE FIRST TIME / BARENAKED LADIES

anyone perfect must be lying, anything easy has its cost anyone plain can be lovely, anyone loved can be lost what if i lost my direction? what if i lost sense of time? what if i nursed this infection? maybe the worst is behind it feels just like i'm falling for the first time

XI. DRAW A CROWD / BEN FOLDS

i was gruntled when it was just feet on gravel to have come apart, i must have once been raveled mow when pretty phrases don't mean nothing and I wanna sell 'em, i sing the line again so smooth you can hear the beard, so smooth you can hear the beard, three times is poetry so smooth you can hear the beard!

XII. GOTTA GET UP / HARRY NILSSON

gotta get up, gotta get out gotta get home before the morning comes what if i'm late, got a big day gotta get home before the sun comes up up and away, got a big day, sorry can't stay i gotta run run, yeah gotta get home, pick up the phone gotta let the people know i'm gonna be late

XIII. ONCE IN A LIFETIME / TALKING HEADS

letting the days go by, let the water hold me down letting the days go by, water flowing underground into the blue again after the money's gone once in a lifetime, water flowing underground

XIV. TONITE / LCD SOUNDSYSTEM

and all the hits are saying the same thing: there’s only tonight, tonight, tonight, tonight, tonight, tonight and life is finite! but shit, it feels like forever it feels like forever

XV. DO YOU WANT IT ALL? / TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB

do you want it, do you want it, do you want it all?

XVI. CREATURE COMFORT / ARCADE FIRE

it goes on and on, i don't know what i want on and on, i don't know if i want it on and on, i don't know what i want on and on, i don't know if i want it

XVII. GET INNOCUOUS / LCD SOUNDSYSTEM

home, home in the late night and away, away in the half light except today, crushed by the boring until played and plagued by the tourists again

XVIII. TWINKLING STARS / ETIQUETTE

in my dreams i reach to the other world clear erotic with a band of heroes no one to say you are a zero the spirit i can feel close to the other world but not far enough to reach

XIX. EVERY WINDOW IS A MIRROR / JOYWAVE

basking in the blue glow all the copy, pasted housing in a row when everything is airtight and energy efficient, up to code

XX. BREAKING AWAY / RATATAT

[instrumental]

XXI. I’VE GOT SOME FALLING TO DO / LEMON DEMON

this is boring, yes i’m falling but it’s taking quite a while my destination is impending might as well go out in style i put my arms out to the skies whistle a tune and close my eyes trying to briefly realize perpetual motion

XXII. SATELLITE / TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB

set the reaction, oh ticket to ride, oh reckless abandon, oh time on your side, oh into the future, oh the water is fine, oh we’re goin’ places, you’re comin’ with us!

XXIII. SPACEMAN / THE KILLERS

it started with a low light next thing i knew, they ripped me from my bed and then they took my blood type it left a strange impression in my head you know that i was hoping that i could leave this star-crossed world behind but when they cut me open, i guess i changed my mind

XXIV. TONGUES / JOYWAVE

the palms are down, i’m welcomed back to town sometimes i feel like they don’t understand me i hear their mouths making foreign sounds sometimes, i think they’re all just speaking tongues

XXV. UPSIDE DOWN & INSIDE OUT / OK GO

looks like it’s time to decide are you here? are you now? is this it? all of those selves that you tried wasn’t one of 'em good enough?

XXVI. AM I AWAKE? / THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS

these are not the clothes i had on when i went to bed and something else besides my hair is growing from my head and when i close my eyes it looks the same as when i open them again

XXVII. GETTYSBURG / RATATAT

[instrumental]

XXVIII. ZERO / YEAH YEAH YEAHS

you’re a zero! what’s your name? no one’s gonna ask you better find out where they want you to go try and hit the spot get to know it in the dark get to know it whether you’re a crime, crime, crime of love can you climb, climb, climb higher?

XXIX. NEVER EVER / STRFKR

all my friends all my enemies all wrapped up down in front of me all red white all so good to be free from every desire

XXX. A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO DESTROYING THE MOON / FOSTER THE PEOPLE

and now i’m staring at the moon wondering why the bottom fell out been searching for answers and there’s questions i’ve found open your eyes and share this burden somehow are you ready to drink or are you waiting to drown?

XXXI. PIZZA BOY / EVERYTHING EVERYTHING

i'll have a coke, i'll have a pepsi now you are afraid that you're a pizza boy is it fun on your own? just you and your mobile phone? are you coming to life? do you want me to look inside?

XXXII. SQUARE THINGS / JONATHAN COULTON

inside the cube you're spinning colors slide into place just when you think you're winning mix up a different face and you wish for bigger fish or just some other thing so you cast her in your disaster yes it hurts but only when you sing!

XXXIII. DOUBT / JOYWAVE

i fill myself with doubt, i feel like i sold out i feel like i am down, i’m down without a doubt i feel like i let down, everyone around i feel like nothing counts, i’m down without a doubt i’ve filled myself with doubt

XXXIV. CAN’T DO / EVERYTHING EVERYTHING

it’s up to me, it’s up to me, it’s up to me i’ve gotta try it again it’s up to me, it’s up to me, it’s up to me i’ve gotta figure it out it’s up to me, it’s up to me, it’s up to me i said, i said

XXXV. ORDINARY MAN / JONATHAN COULTON

start to think maybe they’re right about you maybe it’s over now, maybe it’s true and you know you’re never gonna stand up be who you’re supposed to be just like me

XXXVI. IT’S A TRIP! / JOYWAVE

when you’ve gotten what you want (maybe i should start over) there’s nothing left to want (up and at 'em again) you don’t know what you want (yeah, i’m thinking it over) just tell me what to want

XXXVII. SPACEMAN THE VULNERABLE / DISASTERPEACE

[instrumental]

XXXVIII. STANDING ON GHOSTS / TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB

when i found that the ice was going to melt the seagulls kept on rotting on the ground would you answer all the questions i had? will it all become clear? will it all become clear now?

XXXIX. FINAL FORM / EVERYTHING EVERYTHING

i wish the cesspit would open like a bible i wish the rotten would blossom with the tidal and i've never been able to divide us i'm gonna wrestle and wrangle until my legs become unreal i'm gonna stumble and scramble my way to lactic ecstasy

XL. SYNTHETICA / METRIC

hey, i'm not synthetica i'll keep the life that i've got so hard, hard to resist synthetica no drug is stronger than me synthetica

[gallivantingheart]

Me, a Princess? Shut Up!

masterlist | previous | next

⏮️ chapter 6: mulan ⏭️

who?: jihoon/woozi x (f)reader

word count: 1717

genre/s: fluff, humour, social media!au

warnings: mild coarse language

synopsis: Life’s pretty good for y/n. Easy, even. Until someone claiming to be her grandmother says she is the queen of a small island country - and y/n, a princess.

a/n: i have no reason as to the TWO WEEK wait, but i still hope it’s okay. Also, I know nothing of international politics or table etiquette, don’t @ me

**please ignore the timestamps - they are not accurate**

TAGLIST: @strykiss, @karrotkarrotkarrot, @3sriracha​, @minkwans​, @annakemi​, @chaseyui​, 

don’t hesitate to send an ask or dm to be added!

Soonhee follows you with eagle eyes as you circle the dining room, elaborate table setting laid out along with decorative lemon themed table centrepieces.

“And who sits next to France?”

You rush to answer, not facing her. “Belgium. Like on the map, because France and Germany don’t get along politically.”

“And across from Germany?” She calls, idly adjusting forks and spoons.

“Thai - uh, Spain, sorry. Thailand is next to Spain, before myself. Then Soonyoung and yourself at the head of the table, north.”

You pause to turn and wait for Soonhee to assess your answer. She’s dressed in a silky champagne two piece blazer and skirt, her blouse designed with a high neckline and thin necktie. The click of her heels are a constant, reminding you of a metronome - just to torment you a little more. She nods, finally.

“I didn’t quite ask for all of that, but yes. You are correct. Have you had your final fitting? You must be presentable before the attendees. Reputation and first impressions are vital.”

You bite the bottom of your lip, nodding. “I had it the day before last. Everything is as ready as can be.”

“Hmmm. You are dismissed. I suggest you study on the conversation topics from last week and compose yourself before tomorrow. Please be here at 1pm, sharp. Antoni insists on natural light and I wish to be ready as early as possible.” Soonhee still doesn’t look at you when she speaks.

As much as it makes your blood boil from the aloof and disparaging manner in which she speaks to you - and only you, it seems - you push down any unpleasant urges against her. She’s a queen; a ruler of a country. No doubt not used to her opinion being challenged, much less by someone your age. There are better things to utilise your energy on rather than fighting the brick wall that is your grandmother.

“Yes, grandma.” You’ll still push the envelope and call ther that though, something a little less formal for the times. “See you tomorrow.”

You instantly turn out the room, pulling your phone out of your back pocket. Those dreadful heels click hastily after you.

“And no socialising tonight! We can’t afford any bad press or late nights for anyone.”

Her voice has never been loud but it carries remarkably well. You huff and jam your phone away, a chicken and drinks session with the boys off the cards. Mingyu is out of town on another holiday with family, so it would have been Minghao and Jun, your fellow foodies.

Despite the early bedtime, you can’t seem to sleep, tossing and turning, tangling yourself in your sheets. You hope Antoni is as good at hiding sleepless nights as he is at shaping eyebrows.

The dress is beautiful, of course. (You had the wine gang help you choose over text. Secretly, of course.)

And while you’re still sceptical of Antoni after the debacle he caused concerning your identity, he blathers on and on in apologies as he pins and fiddles with your hair so you don’t mind too much by the end of it all. Soonhee seems to think he’s redeemed himself - the queen’s word is law. Soonyoung looks super chic in his blazer and turtleneck. You pout at him in his fashionable attire no one else in their stuffy suits appears to bat an eye at.

“Soonie you look great.” You say from the bottom step of the main staircase - grand entrance and all.

He can’t help but preen. “Thanks, as do you, Boss.”

“Gross. But I look like a glitzed up puffball. If I had known that it could have been more casual I-”

The queen cuts off your whining as she glides over in a gauzy ivory gown, crown glittering with every light fixture. “Y/N. Very appropriate. Soonyoung, handsome as always. Are you sure you don’t have my genes?”

What? A - A joke? Where? You have to forcibly shut your mouth from the conversation in front of you. Soonyoung has a steady dancers’ posture - or maybe just a royal one. Straight spine, relaxed held back shoulders and a level gaze. You twist your fist in the many layers of your skirt, to both hide and release the frustrating tension radiating through you. The ambassador laughs, fluffing shyly at his bleach blonde fringe.

“Oh, ahaha. Your Majesty, no. No, I do not.” He mumbles.

You dip yourself in a short bow before dodging the pair in order to attempt to mingle. Droning conversation topics flick through your mind, like forcing the pages of a book. Finally, you set your sights on the Swedish ambassador, if only to talk about Eurovision - the one fun subject allowed to be discussed with you.

You find though, that most of the conversations you attend cycle through the same process. The notice of your presence and an introduction between you all - ministers, ambassadors and their companions. Then a resuming of the current conversation, you being too afraid of looking stupid to add any effective input. You have to bite back a sigh of relief when dinner is announced.

Soonyoung is right. You need a spoon for the cool soup served. He flicks the edge of the one you are supposed to use and you kick his ankle in thanks. The conversations from the foyer are carried into the dining space and you lose India to Thailand. Soonyoung is chatting avidly with Scotland across from him, his hands gesturing from their place on the table cloth. Despite this, main course goes swimmingly, a chicken lemon dish on rice with a hint of garlic and herbs. You hesitate on your chopsticks before picking up a knife and fork like most of the other dignitaries. You feel eyes on you and glance over to see Soonhee evaluating you from the head of the table. She still manages to look severe to you, even with the amicable situation - but maybe you’re just imagining things.

It’s when dessert is around the corner that it falls apart. Spain’s representative, a lovely man named Eduardo is discussing the lemon market of Amaide with you, something you are luckily very proficient with. As you speak, you demonstrate the incline of the market, you tip your water glass over. The elder man, easily in his fifties, smiles warmly and lets you fix it up with an apology to him and the waiter on hand to clean it up. Thailand’s eyes squint at you dubiously and you bow back to them. You describe the style of orchard the royal lemon ceremony is held in, gesturing over your shoulder at the Queen Mother, and the critical breeding of the trees that grow all over the country. A stray hand wave collides with the melting ice bucket with a clang, tipping it sideways… all over Eduardo. Now the pleasant man is drenched from head to toe, Portugal catching the spray and flying bottle of champagne. Thailand is awash as well, nowhere near as bad, but he seems to seize up in panic, dabbing and pressing at his shoulders and sleeves. The dining room is in a commotion now as you bite your lips and frown, grabbing your own napkin to dry down the man next to you. Your hair is damp, slowly going fluffy and frizzy from the water. People are standing up, including yourself and Soonhee.

“I-I-I’m so sorry. I’m not usually this clumsy! Are-are you okay, Eduardo?” You protest.

He shoots you a severe look, only tempered by the reputation of every single person in the room. Obviously not. You chew harshly at your lip as the waiters fuss and someone talks quietly about offering a change of clothes.

You look around the dying chaos - even Soonhee is amongst it, joining in on the many dabbing gingerly at the spanish ambassador’s suit with a napkin. Soonyoung catches your eye as you slink backwards towards the ajar french doors, leaning over to the waiter.

“If anyone asks, I’ve gone to the power room, okay? I-I, uh, shouldn't be too long.” You murmur out the corner of your mouth.

He glances at you, nodding. Soonyoung frowns, gesturing with a discreet finger back to his side. You shake your head, signalling a time-out. You hike up your skirts the moment you turn the corner, clacking down the dim hallway as fast as you can to pick up your purse from the cloak room. Making a detour, you go for the east bathroom, in favour of the north one closer to the dining room.

Slamming the door behind you and locking it, you turn the toilet lid down to sit on it for a moment. A time which gets longer and longer the more you worry your lips to oblivion, thinking on your next move. There is no salvaging what you just did. Humiliating yourself, your victims and the Queen Mother - and by extension, your entire country. No. Surely you couldn’t stay. But how to get out of the embassy without causing more of a fuss? You check the time. Only forty minutes left of the dinner anyway. They couldn’t miss you while still cleaning up. Your stomach turns and lurches heavily, so you turn to press your face into the cool tiled wall.

So, leave. But to where?

No one was in the city, having gone away for the break. Certainly not just home. You wanted just a moment away from everything. You peek your head out into the empty hallway. There is an employee exit next to the kitchens - only the cctv would see you then. But where to? Jihoon? Would he still be around? Would he be okay with seeing you?

You set up a ride for the university before making a break for it, gasping as you lose a bracelet, snagged on the curled handle of the door. Punching in the default entry code, you power walk over the concrete and gravel out to the side street as a little green bug of a car pulls up.

The window winds down to show a man in his early 30’s. “Ride for Y/n?”

“That’s me. Thanks.”

You glance back over your shoulder, through the wrought iron gates to the deadly still building. Jumping in, you tug your long, fluffy skirt in after you.

Bonus

[sweetcathedral]

Note: The reblogged continuations looked weird on phone format, so here’s a cleaner one with a link for Part 1. Link for Part 3 will be updated here tomorrow!

⚠️: Reader’s discretion is advised. This chapter contains forms of dubious consent and explores the theme of sex being used as self-harm.

They sat together in comforting silence, thinking of nothing but the serenity of having each other by their sides.

“Hey, Tsukki.”

“Mm?”

“Just message me next time you feel like sleeping around.”

Contemplating silence. Maybe what he said was stupid, or Tsukki had fallen asleep, or he’ll be met with another cold—

“Okay.”

Suna blinked, taken back by surprise. “What?”

“I said okay.”

“Oh.”

“What do you mean ‘oh’?”

“No, I just—I thought you’d be opposed to it.”

“They’re not as … good … as you,” Tsukki mumbled.

Suna grabs his face tilting it up.

“Assho—!”

“Say that again.”

“No!” Tsukki shakes his head out of his hand, so that he could turn around and face him properly. “Just because I’m sleeping with you doesn’t mean I like you, okay? Pleasure. We’re only using each other for pleasure, okay?”

Suna knows.

“I know. But I couldn’t quite catch what you said before, you put water in my ears.”

“I said, they’re not as good as you.”

“Not as good as me in—?” He baited Tsukki to fill in the blank.

“Oh, for fuck’s sake!”

“Say it, or I’ll drown you,” Suna said over Tsukki’s voice.

“They’re—” Tsukki’s ears were turning red again, “they’re not … they’re not as good as you in bed! There I said it!”

Suna burst out laughing. Tsukki kept splashing him to calm him down, but he was having too much fun poking at Tsukki after he had admitted how good Suna was compared to the other guys.

They finished up their bath in silence, Tsukki fell asleep while they were in the tub, so Suna finished cleaning him up first. After dressing Tsukki in clean clothes and putting him to bed in the spare bedroom, he went back to the bathroom to finish his bath with a quick shower.

Finally alone, he let out a loud sigh. “Fuck,” he mutterd under his breath.

Suna knows. He knows what he’s in denial of, he knows that Tsukki likes Kuroo, he knows that Tsukki would never choose him, that he’s just a rebound to pass time as Tsukki gets his shit together. I know, I know, I know I know I know I know I know. I. Know. But this relationship was better than nothing. He didn’t care what he had to sacrifice, as long as it kept Tsukki from spiraling out of control. And if it costs him to break a relationship to make Tsukki happy, he’d do it in a heartbeat, because that’s all he wanted Tsukki to be. To be happy.

“Oi, Suna!”

Tsukki waved his hand over his face. “What are you dozing off for?”

“Nothing, just thinking about what to have for dinner later on.”

“Hinata, Kenma and Atsumu are trying to invite us for korean bbq tonight. You coming?”

“Sure, I’m free.”

A couple of weeks have passed since he dropped by Kenma’s place to hand Atsumu a package Osamu needed to get to him urgently. He had planned to give it to Tsumu as soon as he saw him, but everytime he did, the package wasn’t with him in person. Osamu kept reminding him to the point of pestering paranoia that he ended up at Kenma’s place in the middle of the night, so that he could finally sleep in peace and not have nightmares of Osamu killing him for not delivering the package in a timely manner. Thank God Kenma allowed him to stay over. According to Atsumu, the package wasn’t even a big deal as Osamu made it out to be. Again, Suna got caught in the twins’ antics and bickering over the phone. The package in question wasn’t physically that big (looking at it from the outside), but when he caught Atsumu opening it and holding it in his hand the physical appearance didn’t matter anymore. Suna had delivered an engagement ring to Atsumu on behalf of Osamu, not knowing the story behind it and not caring to know it. Not a big deal my ass.

Once Suna’s paranoia disappeared, he was finally able to resume back to his daily life routines. Except, this day also wasn’t part of his routine.

“Where are you taking us?” he questioned Tsukki to remind him again.

“Shopping for new shoes.”

“Couldn’t you do that alone?”

“Yeah, but then I won’t have an excuse to get out of conversations with fans that I bump into. I’ve been bumping into them almost everyday thanks to Kenma’s Portugal vlog with Hinata, and his fans have been asking me to do another one with Kenma too.”

Tsukki grimaced, while looking at the maps app on his phone, leading the way to the store he wanted to checkout.

It’s true Kenma’s fans go overboard about wanting to know what goes on with everyone that appears in his videos, but as long as they don’t force themselves onto them, then it’s fine.

“Hey, could you guys be Tsukishima Kei and Suna Rintarou? Volleyball players, right?” A cheery woman walked up to them, coupled by two of her friends waiting close by to confirm their curiosity.

“Yeah, you watch our games?” Suna replied with a smile, covering for Tsukki. “Sorry, he’s a bit shy.”

“Oh that’s okay, we didn’t mean to take up your time,” she clarified hurriedly, “we just wanted to know if it was okay to get a picture with you guys?” She timidly asked, perked with anticipation.

“We don’t mind,” Suna kicked Tsukki’s foot, still keeping his facade on. “We have a bit of time to spare for you guys, right Tsukki?”

A harmless response, yet calculative in a polite way to let their fans know that they’re only free for the picture and nothing more.

Tsukki fidgets behind Suna then reluctantly steps out, properly greeting his fans.

One of the girls tried holding the phone in an angle that could get them all together, but Tsukki and Suna were too tall.

“Here, how ‘bout I hold it for us,” Suna offered, winking at the woman, which sent her into a flustered expression. “Okay! Ready, one, two—”

“Three!” They ended the chant in unison.

Once they confirmed their satisfaction with the picture, they bowed their goodbyes to each other.

“What’d you do to make her friend blush like that?”

“Fan service.”

“Not scared that you could’ve turned her into a stalker?”

“Don’t need to be scared. Stalkers start their day stalking, she started the day with her friends not knowing they’d bump into us.”

“That’s some deduction.”

“I’ve dealt with a few stalkers before, so it’s only natural to know so I could avoid it in the future.”

“Scary.”

“Is it around here?” Suna looked around for the shoe store Tsukki had on his phone, swiftly changing a conversation he didn’t want to get into details about.

The thought of it sent a shiver down his spine.

“Ah, over—here.”

“Tsukki?”

“You guys are here too?”

Just as they spotted the store, Suna and Tsukki bumped into Hinata, Kageyama and the woman Suna saw in the gossip articles, Kuroo’s girlfriend.

“Tsukishima, Suna … what the hell?” Kageyama narrowed his eyes in annoyance.

“I could ask you the same thing.”

“Kageyama wanted to improve his foreign language skills with her, but we also planned to buy shoes afterwards, so we met at Kuroo’s place and now we’re finishing the day off with shoes.” Hinata rambled, explaining their day to Tsukki.

“No, I wasn’t—I didn’t mean it literally.”

“Dumbass,” Kageyama snickered.

“Huh? But you asked.”

“That’s,” Tsukki sighed in defeat, “nevermind.” He shook his head, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Oh, by the way, this is Kuroo’s girlfriend.” He introduced you to Suna.

“Hello,” Suna bowed.

You bowed in return.

For someone who’s usually sneering at almost everyone, Tsukki was composed, unable to look anyone in the eye.

“We can come back later on if you want,” Suna spoke to him in a low voice.

“Why? We’re already here.”

Suna and Tsukki followed behind the trio into the store.

What Suna could tell from Tsukki wasn’t anger, jealousy or sadness, he was uncomfortable and awkward—withdrawn—maybe because everyone else seemed to get along with her and Tsukki didn’t know how. The one thing they had in common was their feelings towards Kuroo, from what Suna can presume.

“Are you gonna shop for shoes too?” You asked, trying to strike up a conversation.

“Nah, I only came ‘cause of Tsukki.”

Out of the five of them, you and Suna stood by waiting for the three to pick their shoes as they made snarky remarks at each other.

“Are you finding the stay okay?” Suna picked the conversation up.

“Yeah, it’s okay,” your feet fidget. “I’m finally able to take a well needed vacation after working non-stop for a year.”

“What do you work as?”

A question not asked out of curiosity, only to keep the conversation from dying in awkward silence.

“Artist, specifically a painter.”

“Nice. I never thought of Kuroo as the artsy type, so how’d you guys meet?”

“Through Kenma,” your eyes softened. “We were able to meet thanks to him.”

Kenma? “Oh, you knew Kenma first?”

“Yeah, although I only met Kuroo in person after a few years of being friends with Kenma,” you nervously laughed.

A few years? Suna thought back to what he knew from the articles, but he never thought about the extent of your relationship with Kenma. Your connection with him only surfaced when the rumours between you and Kuroo were making headlines. You also never appeared in any of his videos, nor were you ever mentioned by Kenma himself. So who were you to Kenma?

“Did you meet Kenma as a fan?”

“No, I actually didn’t know he was a pro gamer until afterwards.”

“Oh?”

“We met at E3, and I guess Kenma came as a shareholder instead of what he’s known for.”

“So you game at the side too.”

“No, not as seriously as Kenma. I went as a shareholder as well.”

“Hey! You guys wanna head to the bbq place now?” Hinata interrupted.

Kageyama and Tsukki trailed behind him, looking satisfied with their new purchases.

“Oh, I’m heading back for the day. I still haven’t prepared Kuroo’s dinner and he’s working overtime today,” you politely declined.

“Aw, boo,” Hinata pouted.

“Sorry, maybe another time. I still have a few more months before I leave.”

Hinata continued making excuses for Kuroo to starve, so that you could join them for the bbq, but you seemed to purposefully be avoiding hanging out with them.

“Do you not like us?!”

“That’s not what I’m saying!” You yelled back at Hinata. “I’m saying that I’ll look like a whore if I’m the only girl there!”

“Then I’ll be a whore with you!”

“That’s not how it works!”

“Oi, if she said no it’s no! And that’s Kuroo’s girlfriend you’re trying to ask out!” Kageyama smacked him upside the head.

After Tsukki broke the fight off, they decided to drop you off at the station. Suna felt disappointed at the thought of not getting to know you better, there were still questions he wanted to ask, but at least he got to see how the others were around you. Although, Tsukki had different reasons for being the way he was.

Hinata and Kageyama didn’t even talk about you behind your back, once you were gone. Kageyama was excitedly going over his new phrases and vocabulary with Hinata, and talked about how easy it was to learn from you, like a kindergartener talking about their first day of school. On the other hand, Hinata was still annoyed that you weren’t able to come, but he was already planning where and whom to hangout with next. Their excitement expressed how comfortable and happy they are to be around you, except for Tsukki.

Tsukki neither expressed his like or dislike of you, not that Suna knew anything about you, yet. He barely got to know you, except for the fleeting, but daunting, mention of Kenma. A thought he’ll overthink before he sleeps in the nights to come.

They arrived at the korean bbq place and found Kenma and Atsumu at their reserved table at the back corner of the restaurant, right by the washroom.

“Took you guys long enough,” Atsumu scooted over, making room for the rest.

“Hinata was begging her to join us and wouldn’t let go until we dropped her off at the station,” Kageyama exasperated.

Kenma turned to Hinata, putting his phone in his pocket. “Someone’s attached.”

“But she’s fun to be around and it’s not like she’ll be here for long,” Hinata sulked.

“You can see her another time. It’s not like she’s gone forever.”

“You can see her any time. I don’t have that much money like you to be saying it that easily.”

It’s true. Out of everyone seated at the table, Kenma was the only one rich enough to say he could travel easily, despite them being pro athletes. Must be nice to be that free.

Time flew by fast as they got lost in their conversations and topics, blissfully filling their stomachs with good food and light beer.

Suna couldn’t help but overthink about the way your name sounded coming from Kenma’s mouth, but they had suddenly stopped mentioning you after a quick change of topic, thanks to Atsumu. There was no mention about the ring Osamu had been pestering Suna to give to him, so he had assumed that it could be fake, although the conversation the twins had over the phone sounded serious.

Tsukki was seated across from him, intently listening in to Atsumu and Hinata rambling on about their sponsorships and what to do in their upcoming fans meeting, while scrolling through his phone. Placid as usual, but nothing out of the ordinary … though he can feel Tsukki brushing his foot up his ankle under the table in a discreet manner. He glances up to Tsukki, nonchalantly keeping a poker face, blending in with the right reactions to the conversation. Suna knows he was the one who proposed this type of relationship first, but his intentions weren’t the same as what Tsukki is probably thinking of.

Suna gets up from the table, naturally Atsumu and Kageyama adjust themselves to make room for Suna to get out with ease. “I’ll be back,” he tells them.

He takes a trip to the washroom and heads out the back door of the restaurant for a smoke. And of course, after a while, Tsukki followed him outside.

“You free tonight?” Tsukki asked in a mellow tone, lightly tapping Suna’s feet with his.

“Again?”

“So you’re not free?”

Everything clicked in Suna’s head. It all made sense now, and he was right to keep Tsukki close to him by proposing this type of relationship. Whenever Suna turned him down to fuck, it’s not that Tsukki agreed with his answer, he just found another way to get what he wanted by calling someone else. The options Tsukki keeps in his phone is just his last resort, if things didn’t go the way he wanted them to. The only time Tsukki wants to fuck is when something related to Kuroo comes up; the point where he wants to forget the most. How could Suna not notice after all this time they spent together? Tsukki never talked about how he really felt about anything. This whole time Suna thought that Tsukki was getting better, but he had actually gotten worse. Maybe this relationship wasn’t a good idea in the first place, but Suna didn’t want to risk going back to how it was in the past, especially with how their relationship is now.

[...]

[Part 3]

[stardancerluv]

Being a Good Friend

Part 14

Summary: Alex knows what he has to do...

Warning: none

Alex, had been eyeing the time. Twelve fifteen, the time blinked at him from his laptop. He idly chewed on his pen.

He began typing again. To whom it may concern, I wish to let it be known that I am writing this with a clear mind, a clear conscious.

He stretched in his seat, he shifted. He took out his phone. He dialed your number, his heart sank when it went to voicemail, so he hung up.

He looked over what he wrote, he shook his head. Popping his pen back into his mouth he bit down.

To who ever finds this, I want it known that I am writing this with a clear mind, a clear conscious.

Better, he mused. He glanced at the time, twelve twenty-three. Not soon, enough. He sighed.

His phone, vibrated to life. He looked down, it was you. He answered it.

“Hi baby.” He smiled.

“Hi.” Your soft voice, lightened his mood. He saved what he wrote and closed the file. “Why didn’t you leave a message?”

“I got distracted by a story.”

“Oh! A good one?”

“We’ll see.”

“So why did you call?”

“I need a reason?”

As you giggled, he smiled. “No.” You giggled again. “I am done by five.”

“Not soon enough. Alright, see you then baby.”

“Bye.”

A bigger smile spread across his face when he saw that he could finally leave for lunch.

*****

Alex, looked over the posted wall. It was covered with dream destinations.

“Warmer or colder?” The man in the blue jacket shrugged.

Alex, rolled his eyes. “Warmer.” He looked up. “How about Rio?” Alex, remembered laying in bed with you one night, your arm around his middle, you’d squeeze gently when you reached exciting bits about how you found it so exotic and different!

You really would love to go to carnival, but with their budgets they’d never get to go. Maybe if they were luckily they could when they were both in their retirement years. That was a joke, Alex mused bitterly. Old and stodgy, great time to go anywhere. He wanted the money so he could have freedom. And taking you there would be.

“Let’s see. From here, British Airways Heathrow direct London to Rio Janeiro is seven hundred and sixty-five pounds.”

“Yeah, that’s sounds fine.” He took the envelop from his back pocket.

“Aw, from here to Portugal then onto Rio Janeiro is about five and forty-five pounds, with no catering. Do you need catering?” He looked at him as if he didn’t hear him about the other flight.

“What?.”

“We could also do from here to New York and a straight shot down but since that has a New York, lay over its Nine hundred and twelve pounds.”

“The first one was fine.” His exasperation was reaching its peak.

“Fine. How will you be paying?”

*****

Parking, he got out and wait leaned against it as he took out a cigarette. He lit it and took a deep pull on it. He glanced around, in a few short weeks you and him would be elsewhere.

It felt kind of bittersweet, but it was needed. You two needed to disappear for awhile. They could always come back one day.

He still had to tell you about the dinner with the others. He wasn’t exactly thrilled by the idea but David was still pretty shaken.

Taking a final pull on his cigarette he flicked it away. Tilting, his head back he exhaled towards the sky.

“Alex!” You squealed.

A smirked played on his lips as he spread out his arms. Moments, later he loved how you leapt into his arms. He held you close, burying his face into your throat. You were so soft and you smelled so good. He sighing, inhaling you deeply. “It is so good so see you.”

“You saw me this morning.”

He pulled back, “I know but it felt like ages ago.”

You cupped his cheek. “What’s the matter?”

“I did something today.” He pulled your hand to his lips and kissed your palm. “Let’s drive to the park and I’ll tell you.”

*****

The sun was setting making the forest look mysterious. Alex, undid his seat belt. Stretching, he drummed his fingers on the steering wheel. “Lovely isn’t it?”

“It’s not too shabby.” Unbuckling your seat belt, you turned to him. “Alex, what’s going on?” You laid a hand on his arm.

He reached into his leather jacket and took out the tickets. “Here you go.” He handed them to you.

You looked down, you smiled. “Alex, what??” He could hear the excitement filling your voice. “That’s where we’re going?” You peaked at the date.

“In a few short weeks we’ll be free, baby.” He whispered.

You, put the tickets on the dashboard and with a sound of pure excitement you wrapped your arms tightly around him. His heart calmed as he felt your arms wrap around him.

Looked down into your warm eyes, he tucked some hair behind your ear. “Now we can both go to carnival together.”

“Oh, Alex you are so wonderful.”

“I promise to put a flower in your hair.”

“You better.” You smiled brightly as you nestled close to him. “You will be the hot new reporter on the block down there!” You smiled up at him.

“I can only hope.”

“It will be so much fun.” You moved and kissed his chin. “You will be! And I will save all your news clippings.

“It will be great.” He whispered as he felt you nestling closing and he rested his chin on the top of your head. “Though until then, there is somethings we have to do.” He pulled back. “Like tonight.” He said flatly.

“Oh, what?” You raised an eyebrow.

“We have to dinner with them tonight.”

Your brow wrinkled. “At least we can suffer through it together.”

He laughed, he really laughed and it from his stomach. He pulled you close, the best he could. “There’s an upside.”

“I get to poison, Juliet.”

He tapped your nose. “We’re not that lucky, but I will be doing some of the cooking.”

“Well, then that is a definitely a win.”

****

“Where do you want me?” You asked Alex, sweetly once you both were in the kitchen. You enjoyed the sight of watching him slipping on the apron, it didn’t look half bad on him. He came over, easily picking you up he set you on the counter. “Right here.” He smiled.

Soon, you saw him chopping things up for the sauce. Eventually, Juliet came out of her room with Rose in tow. You both shared a quick smile as she went and sat at the table.

Juliet, actually helped Alex, you noticed there was no hostility. David arrived home like a sudden rainstorm. Though tonight, he did not slam any doors. He went and sat down with the paper beside Rose, and the two of them began looking at the business then the entertainment section together. He seemed pleasant enough to her, why not me, you thought feeling a little miffed. Alex and Juliet, continued cooking. You loved how focused he looked as he did.

At one point, you heard her whisper to Alex about David not eating that much. You always had thought he ate much like how he looked, an angry bird.

“Excited for dinner, baby?” Alex, asked when he came over to grab some plates. You nodded. He put a hand on either side of you. “Want me to prepare a plate for you?” He leaned in.

“I would love you too.” You gave him a quick kiss.

“You two.” Juliet, rolled her eyes as she grabbed three plates.

Rose got up, and came over grabbing a plate from Juliet. “I can make my own plate.”

You and Alex shared a look, smiled and rolled your eyes. It actually felt like a good night. Days like this had not happened since the arrival and departure of Hugo.

*******

Once at the table you, squeezed Alex’s thigh under the table. “This all looks so good.” You smiled at him and then Juliet.”

“We’ve always worked good in the kitchen.” She gave Alex a smile.

@rentskenobi @mac-n-cheesie @dance-like-russia-isnt-watching @rosionis @theblackmaskclub @brookisbi @johallzy @darling-i-read-it @professionalclown @chogisss @obiwankenobiness @i-love-scott-mccall

[elseaa]

I’ll get my revenge(part one)

Here’s my work about the prompt REVENGE FIFATALIA for the @hetaliamondaychallenge

Pairings: Nedport

 Timeline: Human AU 

 Words: 995

Enjoy your reading ! 

The large school’s football field was empty, all the students were already home, Joao was alone in the middle of it. The only thing that kept him busy was running with his ball, throwing it into the goal and starting over and over again. Joao had moved to the Netherlands in the last days of August, only a few weeks earlier due to his mother's transfer because of her company. Having been forced to enroll in a school for his last year, he did not understand much in the course despite the Dutch lessons his mother gave him and the one he went to three times a week with a bad mood.

Suddenly, a tall blond was walking towards him.

-I can play with you ?

Joao turned to the voice that seemed to call him, unable to understand what the blond stranger was saying, though he suspected he was probably asking about his game.

-Yes OK. He answered stammering, unsure of himself.

-Why are you playing alone?

This time, Joao got the question, he kicked the ball to send it into the goal but Abel caught it easily with his hands.

-I have no friends. Explained the Portuguese.

-Where are you from ? Abel asked him throwing the ball back to him.

This time again, Joao didn’t understand, he just returned the ball, going with force, Abel had more trouble but managed to catch him again, which seemed to annoy Joao, the frustration visible on his face. Abel kept the ball at his foot.

-What country are you from ? He insisted.

What a country… Those were the only words Joao understood, guessing his opponent's question.

-Portugal, I lived in Lisbon.

Abel came forward with the ball towards him and threw him, the Portuguese caught him directly and could realize how tall he was, like many people in this country, unlike him, finally came in front of him, he questioned him again.

-You don't understand Dutch?

-I have language lessons, the language is complicated. said Joao.

-And if you don't have friends, it will be even harder to learn. Abel asserted.

Joao lowered his head, feeling bad that he hadn't understood the sentence again except for some words. Everything had gone so fast for him that he hadn't even had time to discover the city he had just moved to. Suddenly, Abel took the ball away from him and started running with it.

-Catch me if you can! He called out.

Joao didn't let him go, he chased him, trying to get his ball back, after arguing for a while, Joao finally had the ball at his feet, a smile on his face, probably the first since a long time. Abel didn't try to catch him, he had just pulled out his phone.

-Sorry, I'll have to go home. Said Abel.

He apologizes ? I still haven't figured out, I'm sick of it, what's the point of my classes if I can't even hold a conversation. Joao thought, looking at Abel questioningly, betraying his incomprehension.

_-I go back home! Do you understand english? _Abel asked him in english.

-Yes,a bit I'm going to my house too. He manages to say in Dutch.

Abel had already been searched for his bag, Joao's was right next to them, they walked together towards the exit of the school as their way separated, Joao turned to him, having something to say to him.

-We can play again tomorrow… Together at football. The Portuguese asked timidly.

-Nice ! I'll see if I can bring some friends and... I need a revenge. Said Abel with a smirk.

Abel then opened his phone and presented his number.

-Take my number and give me yours.

Joao wasn't expecting that at all, for a simple guy who had come to keep him company.

-Okay! Joao mumbled.

He then recorded the Dutch's number then showed him his so that he could do the same, after that, they waved to each other from afar, Joao took the path to return home, nothing easy, he had still managed to make a mistake tram, went to the wrong street and finally used the gps of his phone. While he knew Lisbon like his pocket, despite his good sense of direction, he found it harder to find his way around Amsterdam. Finally in front of his house, after many adventures.

He opened the door, took off his shoes to put on his slippers, noticing very quickly that his mother was staring at him wickedly.

-Can I know why you came home so late? His mother asked.

-I was… playing with a friend. He replied worriedly.

-Ah well, do you have a friend? That’s hard to believe you.

-I'm not lying, I'll see him again tomorrow to play football.

-Think about replying to my messages next time, I was wondering where my son had been and why you wasn’t at home ! So, come home earlier from your lessons, I prefer that, understood?

-Okay…

-UNDERSTOOD ? She insisted raising her tone

-Yes, understood! He exclaimed quickly.

Joao immediately goes up to his room and puts his backpack against his desk and lay down in his bed, could he consider this boy as friend?

-I don't even know his name ...

Suddenly his phone rang, it grabbed it quickly.

Abel had sent him a message.

                     Abel: Goedenavond, it's Abel. my friends knowing a better                   football field to play, are you interested in coming?

What's he saying ? Play, come? I think I understood but I might as well check an online translator. He thought. Joao Responded after finally figuring out all of the message he had received.

                                         Joao: Yes, I will come                   

                     Abel: Nice ! We will go together after school

Although Joao was happy enough to have had a friend, he was still anxious, still unable to understand him except for a few simple words and sentences. He turned to face his nightstand to pick up the Dutch book his mother had given him to help his learning.

-Maybe if I study tonight, maybe i’ll be able to speak better with others ?

[alostsock]

Ficlet part 2

Posted and immediately realized where I wanted to go so here is a part two.

TW: skipped meals (not discussed in depth)/disordered eating, allusions to depression

When Joe comes back downstairs over an hour later, one plate empty and the other barely picked at, Andy looks up at him from where she is sitting on the couch, reading (or not reading, really - Nile hasn’t seen her turn the page in at least twenty minutes). He shakes his head briefly at her, a pained look in his eyes. Andy scrubs a hand down her face before pushing herself off the couch as she and Joe start discussing something in hushed tones, in a language Nile doesn’t recognize.

“Is Nicky okay?” Nile can’t help but blurt out.

They both whip around to face her. Andy opens and closes her mouth without saying anything. Joe’s eyes take on a distant glaze just as his mouth pulls into what Nile assumes is meant to be a comforting smile.

“He’s fine, Nile. Don’t worry. We’ve just been discussing a... a holiday.”

Nile frowns. “A holiday? From this seaside town in Portugal where we’ve done nothing for weeks?”

Joe nods. He hesitates for a moment before he continues, “Nicky and I are going to visit one of our old properties, get some sun, you know...” He gives her a tentative smile. She turns to look at Andy.

“And us?”

Andy runs her hand through her hair. “Uh, we... we... will be going somewhere else. Got some surveillance to do for Copley. Just a two person thing, no need to bring everybody.”

Nile stares blankly back. They’ve been adamantly refusing to split up since they left Booker by the Thames, insisting that they were safest together even during downtime. Now they want to split up for a job. “Where, exactly, are we going?”

“They’re heading to Malta, we’ll head north.”

North. That’s not vague at all. Nile’s frown deepens. Joe presses a kiss to Andy’s cheek, his hands still full with their dishes, before heading to the kitchen, presumably to clean up. Andy watches him go before turning back to Nile, her face unreadable. “Pack your stuff, I have to call Copley.”

Nile has a sneaking suspicion that Copley isn’t actually aware that he needs them to do surveillance, but she says nothing and heads to her room to pack. When she comes back to the kitchen, Joe is sitting at the table nursing a cup of tea.

“Where’s Andy?” she asks as she starts making her own cup. Joe gives her a smile as she sits down across from him.

“With Nicky - just wanted to discuss a few things before we part ways.”

“Are you leaving tonight?”

Joe shakes his head. “Tomorrow. You should try to go to sleep soon, Andy will want to get started horrendously early. You’re going to Brussels.” Nile nods. She hasn’t been there yet. “I’ll send you a list of our favourite places. Belgium is lovely.” Nile nods again, taking a sip of her tea.

“I’d appreciate that.”

---

The next morning (really horrendously early, just as Joe had said), Nicky gives Nile a gentle hug and a smile that Nile can only describe as wan before Joe leads Nile out to their rented car, carrying Andy’s bag. He loads it into the trunk before reaching for Nile’s. After putting hers in as well he shuts the door, turning around and leaning it. He slings an arm around her.

“Take care of yourself, okay?” he presses a kiss to her hair, “and take care of the boss too.” Nile nods, leaning her head against his shoulder. His arm is a comforting weight as he starts talking about their favourite places to eat in Brussels, but Nile isn’t really paying attention.

Her eyes are on the open door to the house, through which she can see Andy pulling Nicky into a tight hug. His face is pressed into her shoulder, and she runs her hand through his hair a few times before pulling back slightly and putting her fingers on his chin, tilting his head to look at her directly. Nile can’t hear what she’s saying, but she talks to him intently, her eyes on his and her other arm still around him. His eyes look suspiciously bright, even from a distance, and when Andy brings up a thumb to swipe at his cheek she thinks he must be crying.

She doesn’t see anything else though, as at that moment Joe clears his throat, patting her on the shoulder before leading her around to the passenger seat of the car. As she settles herself in her seat he leans against the car door, grinning at her.

“You’ll have a great time!”

His smile doesn’t quite reach his eyes, which keep flitting to the doorway where Andy is still hovering close to Nicky. Nile takes his hand in hers, giving it a quick squeeze, wishing she knew what was wrong (because something definitely was). Just as she opens her mouth to ask, though, Andy is pulling Joe away for a hug before getting into the driver’s seat and pulling her door shut. Nile takes that as her cue, closing hers as well as Andy starts the car.

“They’ll get through it,” Andy murmurs almost to herself before pulling the car out into the street. She then settles into a silence so stony that Nile doesn’t dare ask what she means.

---

When they’re reunited over a month later in a hotel room in Libya, Nicky greets her with a bright grin and a tight hug before leading her over to the table where’s he’s laid out dinner and wine. Joe chatters brightly about a cat named Scoiattolo, Andy relays information that they had gathered during their time apart, and talks about a possible upcoming job.

Nicky is quiet, but when Nile turns to look at him he catches her eyes, sending her a reassuring smile before offering her another helping of tajin mahshi and topping off her glass of wine. He looks happier than he had when they parted ways. She thinks his cheeks might look a little fuller too.

He looks so well, in fact, that any questions Nile had been holding onto about what had been going on lately fade away. She is afraid to bring the distant look back to his face, and the tension back to Joe’s shoulders. Even Andy had been visibly relieved when she saw the two of them with her own eyes.

Nile is suddenly very, very sure that she isn’t going to ask about it (whatever it was), and, looking at them as they revel in each others’ company, she is just as sure that they aren’t going to talk about it either.

What she isn’t sure of is whether everything is actually okay again, or if the walls have just been rebuilt higher than before.

[lia-jones]

Growing Stronger - Chapter Thirty-Five - The Gift that Keeps on Giving

The sun was setting when we finally left the florist, where we had met with the wedding planner. Miraculously, I managed to not laugh at the mention of peonies, and the afternoon turned out to be quite productive. The flower arrangements we had picked were beautiful, and Victor was in a good mood. The day was going extremely well.

“I can’t believe we just ordered 500 flower arrangements. That’s crazy.” I commented. It was beginning to dawn on me just how big of a wedding I was having.

“Four hundred people.” Victor explained. “Forty-two tables, plus the arrangements on the floor and ceiling. That is for the reception venue alone. Then the wedding venue, decorating the gazebo, the chairs, the bar, the road that leads to the farm, the gates and the wall…”

“Yeah. Four hundred guests. And the media. And God knows who else.” I pouted. All of that still bothered me to some extent, but the recent fight with Victor had really put things in perspective. And the truth was, it didn’t matter how I got married, wearing jeans or a designer dress, in front of an Elvis impersonator or the cream of the crop in Loveland. What mattered was who I was getting married to.

“You were the one that wanted my father to be involved.” Victor complained. “And make no mistake, I know your intentions were good. However, that’s how he does things, it’s all for the public eye. Everything must be grand, whatever he considers a public scandal must be hidden. Even my aunt Terry has to hide her relationship with Susan.”

I was flabbergasted.

“Terry has to hide her what with who!?”

“You never noticed?” Victor frowned at me. “You are usually so in tune with these things.”

“No! Why didn’t you tell me?” My mind was reeling with all the implications of this new information. “We didn’t invite Susan to the wedding! God, how rude was that?”

“I honestly thought you noticed it, Susan is always there.” Victor retorted. “Besides, it’s not really my business to talk about other people’s private lives.”

“I thought she was her assistant! She has some serious Goldman vibes.” I shrugged.

“What is that supposed to mean?” Victor glared at me.

“Oh please, Goldman is your work wife and you know it.” I teased. “You spend more time with him than with me.”

“I’m going to pretend you didn’t just say that.” He scolded, and I laughed. “Do we really need to go home for that flash drive?” He changed the subject. “Couldn’t it wait? We are already running late as it is.”

“It’ll be quick, I promise.” I gave him a reassuring look. “Olive will keep nagging me if I don’t give it to her as soon as possible.”

The apartment was dark when we arrived, and Victor had to fumble for the light switch in the hallway.

“I must tell the housekeeper not to pull all the blinds down.” He commented as he checked if the pet lobster had food. “Where is the flash drive?”

“I think I left it in the living room.” I walked towards the darkness again, but Victor stopped me.

“I don’t like you walking in the dark alone. You may stumble on something and hurt yourself.” He warned. “I’ll go with you.”

Victor held my hand protectively as we walked into the living room. On a normal day, I would have laughed it off, called him an idiot for once, saying that I was perfectly capable of going by myself. Except this time his protective ways were working to my advantage, so I obediently followed him, waiting for him to find the light switch and turn it on. The coming of light was accompanied by a loud roar that echoed through the entire penthouse.

“SURPRISE! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!”

Greatly startled, Victor jumped, quickly and quite forcefully pulling me behind his back, holding my arms tight, his senses high and alert to an impending attack. His heart was beating so hard I could feel it on his back, as he pulled me closer behind him. I placed my hand gently on his shoulder, letting him know everything was alright.

“Surprise, handsome.” I said in a soft tone, and his grip on me slackened, allowing me to move to his front.

I looked at him carefully. Victor was pale, his grey eyes dark, as his pupils enlarged, like a cat ready to jump. It was obvious we gave him the scare of a lifetime.

“Victor, man, don’t pass out, ok?” My brother Joshua came to him, shaking his hand.

Still dumbfounded, Victor was able to return the shake and offer a weak smile, gulping, blinking, trying to recover from the fright. He quickly scanned the room, probably trying to figure out who was there. In our large living room stood my parents, Joshua, Cristina and Ana, Goldman and Diana. I had invited several members of his family, his father included, but only Terry and Mina had shown up.

“What are you all doing here?” He managed to say.

“Celebrating your birth, Hummingbird.” Mina came to him, hugging him. “Happy Birthday.”

“Thank you.” He was able to get himself together, starting to greet everyone. But I could see he was still a bit unsettled with the surprise, emotional even, speaking very little, his arm never leaving my waist.

“Ok, birthday boy.” My mother took Victor by the arm, leading him to the dining area. “We prepared a feast for you. All your favorite dishes, including the Portuguese ones.”

“When did you arrive?” Victor asked, probably still not believing what he was seeing. “You came all this way for my birthday?

“Yes, of course.” My father chimed in. “Besides, I wouldn’t miss a chance to see your cellar.”

“Absolutely.” Victor raised his glass to my father. “I hope Andrea arranged for you all to stay here with us, and not in some hotel.”

“You don’t need to worry about us.” My mother retorted. “We are far too many, there’s the baby, we don’t want to disturb your peace.”

“Nonsense. I insist.” Victor replied as he held Ana, who was playfully pulling his tie, giving him a wide smile. “And my jet will take you back to Portugal anytime you want to. Ana shouldn’t be taking commercial flights, it must be exhausting for her.”

We all sat down to begin our feast, talking and drinking. Eventually, Victor relaxed, a happy smile creeping in, enjoying the presence of everyone. Maybe it was a good thing his family hadn’t shown up, apart from the two people I knew were very important to him. It was clear to me, as I had observed at the engagement party, that affection didn’t run very deep in his family. More than that, there was a strange friction between all the members, and that seemed to affect Victor more than the others. He had been uncomfortable all night, seeking solace in me whenever he could, pretending to belong to a tight family for the sake of appearances, his father only showing up to parade one of us off.

With my family, however, Victor behaved like himself, the Victor I knew and had learned to love. He was extroverted, witty, sweet, and it was blatant that here he felt welcomed and loved. This was the side of him I wanted to see, always. That dreadful night in his father’s mansion, I promised myself I wouldn’t force Victor to forge any kind of relationship with that self-absorbed man, as it brought him more pain than comfort.

After singing Happy Birthday to a very bashful Victor, we ate the amazing chocolate cake Mina insisted on baking and drank some champagne. Joshua rose from his seat to make a toast.

“I’d like to make a toast to Victor, our baby business mogul here.” Victor shook his head chuckling. “May we celebrate many of your birthdays, and may you always take the check.”

Everybody laughed, including Victor. Josh continued.

“Now, if you don’t mind, as your best man and future brother-in-law, I would like to present you your gift.” Josh continued, very formal. “It’s not something you want but it’s definitely something you need. Tonight, my brother, you say goodbye to your life as a singleton. We are having a bachelor party!”

All the men cheered, except for Victor, that shook his head in disapproval.

“Josh, we said no bachelor or bachelorette parties!” I intervened. “It’s not something we enjoy doing.”

“I’m sorry, Andy, you are my sister and I love you, but Diane and I both agree, you two are behaving like an old couple!” Josh argued. “You are staying here with the girls and having some fun. Me and the guys are taking Victor out for drinks and pool and I promise you I will bring him ready for bed.”

“Oh no, Josh, you are not bringing him home drunk.” I already knew my brother, and what he was capable of. I was sure Josh would get Victor completely sloshed. It was like his superpower.

“I’m not coming home drunk.” Victor practically rolled his eyes at him. “When have you ever seen me drunk?”

“Oh no, you don’t know my brother!” I warned him. “He is very compelling when he wants to be! I swear to God, Victor, if you come home stumbling…”

“He won’t be stumbling, I will carry him like the sweet prince he is.” Joshua joked, getting up from his seat. “Come on, guys, let’s get this bachelor party started!”

“I just need a moment, I’ll meet you outside.” Victor got up from his seat and took my hand, taking me to our room. When we got there, he spun in my direction, his hands lovingly resting on my shoulders.

“I mean it, Victor, be careful with my brother. He’s vicious.” I warned again, worried to see Victor so confident. In my eyes, he was a sitting duck. “You should see what he did to Cristina’s dad at his bachelor party.”

“Who do you think you are talking to?” He chuckled. “He’s not going to get me drunk. I promise.” He smiled at me, and I relaxed to see him happy. “Now come here.”

His arm snaked around the small of my back, his other hand holding the back of my head, fingers entwined in my curls. He kissed me softly, gently, lovingly. Loving me. I loved him back.

“Thank you.” He gave me a knowing look.

“I was afraid you were going to hate it.” I confessed.

“It was very thoughtful. I enjoyed it very much.” He pecked me one last time on the lips before turning to leave. “I will return in three hours, and I will show you how much I’ve enjoyed it.” He pointed a playful finger at me. “Sober.”

I returned to the living room, a pitcher of margaritas already waiting for me.

“Here comes the sexy bride!” Diane screamed the moment she saw me. I couldn’t help but chuckle at her enthusiasm.

“Let’s get you served…” My mom filled me a glass. “Diane won’t drink, will you?” She turned to Diane with a knowing smile.

“Diane won’t drink?” I snorted. “Yeah, right.”

Diane smiled, her face bright red.

“Actually, I can’t drink… Not for a little while.” She confessed.

“I knew it.” My mother snapped her fingers in satisfaction. “My radar is never wrong.”

I blinked. The room was suddenly very quiet, everybody staring at me.

“You’re pregnant?” I asked quietly. She nodded.

I know, I’m petty. I know I should be happy for my friend. And the truth was, a part of me was exhilarated for her. There was nothing I wanted more in this world than to hold her child, and spoil her like a good aunt should. I never had this feeling when Cristina announced her pregnancy, or when Ana was born, but then again, I wasn’t starting a life with anyone either.

But my heart sank low, so low I thought I wouldn’t be able to pick it up. Victor surely knew about this and didn’t tell me anything to spare me from the hurt. He probably considered asking Goldman not to tell me until we were married, but figured that was something he couldn’t possibly ask. I wondered if he also felt his heart sink, knowing he wouldn’t have the same joy. I wouldn’t come home with a positive pregnancy test, he wouldn’t post on Moments that we were going to be three. We wouldn’t have doctors appointments and ultrasounds, and weird food cravings, and large hands on a very swollen stomach, or kicks. No gender reveals, no people cooing over a newborn, stating she looked like Victor or me, although we both would know at that point she looked like nobody. I was robbing him of those moments, with a lousy legacy my ex had left me. My heart sank lower.

My introspection lasted barely a second. I put on the happiest face I could muster. Diane deserved it.

“Oh my God, Diane!” I shouted, wrapping my arms around her, pretending the tears I was letting out were happy ones. “Congratulations! I’m so happy for you!” That wasn’t a lie.

Diane immediately started crying.

“Oh Andy, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you before, I wasn’t sure if I was going to hurt you, I’m sorry. I’m so happy to see you are happy!” She hugged me again.

“Are you kidding?” I smiled as widely as I could. “It’s wonderful news!”

I beelined into the kitchen, with the excuse of coming back with another jar of margaritas. Well, it was half an excuse. I felt like I needed all the alcohol I could get. Victor would come home completely sloshed, I could do the same. But of course. Dr. Mariana wouldn’t let me. She had to psychomom me.

“Everything alright?” She asked softly from the door.

“Mom, I beg you, not today!” I threw my head back in frustration, as I got some ice from the freezer. “I can be happy for other people, you know! Just because I can’t have kids-”

“That is not what I was asking.” She interrupted me. “How are things between you and Victor?”

Ugh . She noticed something. I did not feel like spilling the beans though. Nothing I could say would make me look good in that particular picture.

“Things have been stressful, as I’m sure it happens to all couples before a wedding. Lots to do, not enough time.” I threw all the excuses I could think of as I threw ingredients into the blender. “Nothing unusual.”

“I see.” She came closer, as if she was ready to play her card. “Is that why you look like you're on the verge of collapsing? I can tell, you know. You’re my daughter.”

And just like that, she had me cornered, showing me that no matter what I said, she would read into it. Fine.

“Please don’t make a big deal out of this, ok?” I looked her in the eyes. “We did have a fight. It wasn’t pretty.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. Are things better now?”

“Yes, we are getting there.” I sighed. “Not what I would want before the wedding, but at least I got to understand what’s bothering him. I think he’s afraid I may leave him.”

“It’s pretty clear to me that Victor, despite his detached, independent stance, can be very insecure sometimes.” My mother offered. “Judging by the absence of his father at his own son’s birthday festivities, I think it’s safe to say that he might have abandonment issues.”

“Victor doesn’t really have a relationship with him. It’s messy.” I shook my head, remembering the time Gregory stormed into Victor’s hospital room, more worried about not getting a call than his own son.

“And still you invited him?” My mother frowned. “Andrea, we do not fabricate a relationship like that. If Victor can’t have a healthy relationship with his father, you have to accept it. It’s his thing, he has his reasons.”

“I know.” I hung my head. “It’s useless anyway, he couldn’t find the time to come to his son's birthday. I bet he didn’t even call.”

“Something tells me from his reaction, Victor’s not used to being the center of attention. At least not in a loving way.” Right to the point, as my mom always was. “Maybe it won’t be easy to get him to fully trust you; he’s probably been let down so many times. But do try and show him, to the best of your ability, that he matters to you. That’s what will make your marriage work. You already have a good dynamic, all you need is to make sure he doesn’t shut down.”

“Right.” I frowned. “How exactly do I do that?”

“The way you’ve been doing it until now. You love him, you show him you are there.” She took my hand lovingly. “That’s all he needs.”

“Right.” I nodded, the pep talk making me feel more grounded. “I will, thank you.”

We resumed our drinking in the living room, bantering about married life and other subjects. Diane had prepared some games to play, but we didn’t care. All girls, including Mina, who wasn’t drinking but was chiming in with wise words now and again, were basking on that moment of female bonding, sharing experiences, and laughter, and love. Who needed strippers? We had friendship.

After a few hours, the doorbell rang. It was Goldman asking for paper towels.

“He threw up all over the upholstery.” He complained. “I’m going to help take him out of the car, I’ll be right back. Get ready to leave, Di.”

My heart froze. I knew it.

“That bad?” I grimaced. I was going to kill Josh. All I needed was a good place to bury the body.

“Completely wasted.” Goldman shook his head. “Let me help them.”

I went to the bedroom, to prepare the bed. I grabbed a pair of his pajamas and clean underwear. I would probably have to give him a shower and put him in bed. How I would do that to a very drunk and very tall Victor, I had no idea.

I returned to the door and opened it, expectant. Starting to get furious. The ding announced the elevator door opening.

And I couldn’t believe my eyes. Victor stepped out, fresh as a daisy, a smug smile on his face, carrying a nearly passed out Josh, with the help of my dad.

“I’m so proud to have you in the family, man.” My brother slurred to Victor, who chuckled. “You are a top-notch guy. I love you, man. I love you so fucking much.”

“You already said that, son. Victor knows.” My father answered with a sigh. “Let’s get you in bed, preferably without waking up your daughter.”

Victor left Josh with Cristina and my dad, taking off his vomit drenched suit jacket with a frown.

“Oh no, there were casualties…” I joked, amused to see Victor immune to my brother’s charms. “You got him drunk instead.” I smiled widely. “Genius.”

“Ye of little faith.” He grabbed me by the waist, kissing me softly on the lips. “What did I tell you?”

“Indeed.” I stroke his cheek softly, going down to his chest. “I see you are worthy of your present.”

“If it involves nudity, I will need a shower first. My jacket wasn’t the only casualty.” Victor frowned again.

“Wait, before you do that, Let me show you your other present.” I beamed at him. “This one does not involve nudity.”

Sitting in our bed, Victor carefully unwrapped his gift.

“It feels like a book.” He said, opening the paper to reveal his gift. It was a customized planner, with a leather cover, words engraved in gold spelling Victor . “A planner?”

“Open it.” I urged. As he skimmed through the pages, he could see several pictures of us, transparent in the background of the pages. “I made one for myself too, want to see?” I got up and took mine out of one of the dressing drawers. “Here. So you know that even if sometimes I may be busy, I will always be thinking of you. And you’ll be thinking of me too.”

“What’s the flash drive stuck in the cover for?” He picked it up, examining it closely.

“I know you like to use your planner on your computer and your phone, so I had it made in digital format too.” I smiled at him, aching for a reaction. “Do you like it?”

“So we did have a flash drive to pick up after all.” He wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me closer. “Thank you, I love it. You were very thoughtful.” He pecked me on the lips. “Now let me get a shower so we can go to the… second? no, third part of my present.” He smiled.

“Hmmm, how about if I join you and we make it a four-part birthday present?” I started unbuttoning his shirt, and he promptly started pecking my neck.

“Miss Jones…” His voice rumbled in my ear. “I do like the way you think.”

[blade-king-luze]

“Tiny Lights of Hope”

OOC: First of all, I would love to thank the Anon who put an Ask message about this! Little do you all know, I have been thinking of doing a story concept of this one day. And now this Anon has greatly motivated me.

I hope you all will enjoy! And again, Thank you, lovely! I will try to get in more stories written qq and Art things for Luze/Luka!

(OOC: A story that takes place in Luka’s perspective when both Luka and Luze were around 7 to 8 human years old. Or maybe 10. Depending on what you guys might think from reading this. 

Fun fact that I might be so wrong about.  Their names apparently means “Light” in different languages. Luka means Light in Latin. Luze might come from Luz, a word that also means Light in Portugal (Spanish??).

So, hence the title. Did their mother think that they were the lights of her life?) Feat. Luze Crosszeria

🎵 - (Music to read through this)

The Crosszeria family has been labeled as traitors among Duras and Demons alike, creating a harsh life style for those who live by the crosses embedded on their left arm. Such a cruel fate can’t be escaped especially those young innocent victims that are born unto the world of Infernus.

Amongst those young victims are Luka and Luze Crosszeria. As they began to grow older within their small age, the more they realize what their lives are like.  Cold, isolated, and restricted.

When little Luze began to understand bits and pieces about his family line, he was downtrodded and heartbroken. Fragile as he was compared to his older twin when they were really young, he began to break down in tears. Luka, being the older sibling between the two, sensed something was amiss and approached Luze. He manages to calm him down, but he also realizes and reassures him that they were the only things they had: Each other. 

Venture on through the tiny perspectives that children have to offer through Luka’s journey to take care of his young twin. There are always ways where even being stuck in a cage brings out curiosity and longing for adventure. This is just one possible way to display their closeness like a calm before a storm.

The storm raged on outside of Infernus. It wasn’t that bad of a weather to look at. I am just glad that it wasn’t raining outside, or else the windows that were opened in my room would already be shut closed. I am not planning on having my room wet ...

I just love looking at the white lines that stretched in the skies. I wondered if the sky would crack and fall, creating a different colored view rather than the deep blood red we have every day in Infernus. What would the sky look like if it was a different color? I stretched out my hand as my palm faced upward. I sighed. It made me wonder.

I crossed my arm on the window sill and rest my head on top of them. The breeze gently flew as the flash continued. I closed my eyes for just a few moments. I felt like I was going to be drifted away from the wind blowing against me.

Suddenly, my heart felt a little uneasy. I turned around just to see what was behind me. Nothing but the dark room. But it wasn’t totally dark. Through the crack of the door that is slightly opened, I saw a dim light. Could it be coming from the room next door to me?

Did something happened to Luze? I pushed myself from the window sill and made my way out of the room to his room. As I stepped in the middle of the hallway, I heard small whimpering.

My steps picked up the pace as I walked a little faster, worried. I went in front of his room and reached my hand to his door.  I pushed the door slowly and gently so he doesn’t get scared. The whimpering grew louder. Then it turned into soft sobs. I took a peek as the door made a low creak.

“Luze?” I said softly. I opened the door more slowly and more wider. The first thing that I saw that made my heart sink was seeing Luze on top of his bed, sitting but curled up as he burrowed his head on his knees. I walked towards him as I saw his body tremble from each sob that came out. I gently placed a hand on his shoulder.

He was caught by surprised as he gasped a little. His face was streaming down with tears as his eyes looked a frightened. “Nii-san.” “It’s okay. It’s me.” I said. I sat on the side of the bed and looked at him concerned. “Are you okay? I heard you in the middle of the hallway.”

Luze shook his little head and looked down in front of him. He sniffed as he tried to wipe his tears away. “I don’t know ... I don’t know what to feel anymore ...” “What do you mean?” I rubbed his back slowly. Luze tried to hold many tears back but I can tell that he wanted to cry some more. “Take your time. I’m here.”

Luze looked up to me and calmed down a bit. But then he looked away once again. The same sorrowful eyes. “Nii-san ... Why do people hate us?”

I gazed at him surprised. It was a question I couldn’t answer but just look sad at him.  I didn’t want to say the obvious answer to him: It’s because we’re Crosszeria. Our family has been put to shame for about years now. I’ve lost track. But I heard from my mom that someone in our family broke the rules and so the burden came to all of us. And burdens are a heavy thing to deal with, or so I hear. 

“... People look at me weird.” Luze began to say. “Every time I would go outside, there are people on the outer walls that stare at me ... It’s as if ...” He started sniff again and tears built up. “I did something wrong.” His hands curled into fists and covered his eyes as he tried to block his tears. He sobbed once more. “It’s sometimes scary ... I don’t know why it hurts to see them stare at us like that ...” I felt helpless as he sat there, broken and fragile. I had swore I felt tears built up from my own eyes. But I held them back as he continued to cry. “Why does everyone hate us? Do they really hate us?”

“Luze ...” I said as I whispered. “Please don’t cry ...”  I couldn’t help as tears began to build up but they didn’t fall. My eyes began to be blurry as I climbed on top of his bed and sat next to him. I pulled him into a hug as I felt his body shaking. I laid his head on top of my neck. I felt his arms wrap around me as he continued to cry. The thunder outside covered his cries as the night continued. 

I wish there was a way to tell him ... I really do. I couldn’t stand seeing my little twin brother feeling this way. Even though we are twins, he is still little at heart. I want him to be happy. I didn’t want him to be upset.  I want both of us to be happy. 

And that’s where an idea hit me.

As I continued to embrace him, I rubbed his back to calm him down. His cries began to slowly calm down into sobs. It grew quieter and quieter until all I heard were small hiccups. “Is it true though ...?” Luze asked again quietly. “... No. I don’t think so.” I answered back. “I don’t know either. I sometimes think it’s scary too. But ... I think it’s best that we try to ignore them. We can always look away from them and pay attention to what we have, right?” I looked to him as his head was still against me. “We don’t need them. Right?” I felt his head slowly nod on my neck. I held him tighter and closed my eyes.  “It’s okay, Luze. I’m here.”

I opened my teary eyes and gazed at the window outside. I wondered for a little bit as the skies outside seem to taunt our lives. Maybe ... Just maybe there is a way for our freedom. Not for all of our family. But maybe ... For just the both of us. If there is a way, then I will find a way.

“N-Nii-san.” Luze said quietly in the middle of his hiccups. He gently pushed himself off of me and wiped his tears with one curled hand. “Y-you don’t mind if you sleep with me tonight? ... I’m tired ...” I shook my head and smiled. I put my hand on his head and petted him. “Of course I don’t mind. We’re brothers, aren’t we?” It was at that moment that he quickly recovered and looked at me with gleeful eyes. The eyes that I want to see from this mess. He nodded happily and smiled back with his left over teary eyes.

The night went on as the storm died down in the distance. There was no flash.  When we started to lay down and sleep, Luze was already down and out resting on top of my arm. He slept sound asleep with soft snores. I looked at him and can’t help but brushed his bangs away from his forehead. He was the better sleeper than me and sometimes it makes me jealous. 

I looked to the window once more as the wind outside began to howl. The noise made me drift off to sleep as it sang through the cracks in the window. My eyes slowly close shut and I felt my body going into a full sleep. 

Tomorrow, I have an idea to cheer Luze up from all of this. And I hope he doesn’t mind going a little far from our home.

---

I think it has been a couple or more hours or so. But I started to feel my eyes open by itself. I really hate when it happens. I just want to have a peaceful sleep.  But I guess it’s too late. I was probably excited about my idea. 

What time was it? It feels like it’s midnight. I looked around the room with my tired eyes.  I tried to move my arm that Luze was sleeping on only to find out that my arm probably fell asleep. It felt weird as I try to curl my hand into a fist, but my fingers can’t move. I wanted to wake him up but I don’t want to interrupt his sleeping.

But maybe now is the time because everyone else inside the keep might all be sleeping at this time. Or so I hope they all are.

I look to Luze as he continued to sleep. I began to nudge him a little then a little more to wake him up. “Luze. Hey.” He was still knocked out. I began to poke at his cheek. “Luze.” I swore I heard him moan a little as he turned away but thankfully my arm was free. But it felt more weirder as it felt tingly.  I tried to put myself upright with my numb arm but instead I laid my other arm over him to the point where most of my body was fully on top of him like a blanket. “Luze!” I whispered loudly. “... You’re heavy.” He tiredly said still with his eyes closed.

“Oh, sorry.” I said as I barely lifted myself up away from him. Am I really that heavy compared to him? I thought we were the same size. Luze lifted himself and sat up as he rubbed his eyes with one hand. His voice was a little sleepy as he yawned. “Did something happen?” I rubbed his head with my hand and he perked up, surprised. I smiled beaming at him. “I want to show you something. And it’s from outside, outside.” “Eh?” Luze blinked twice. “Isn’t it late? Outside too?” “I know. But just follow me.” I quickly crawled out of bed and made my way to the door. “Nii-san! Wait! Why outside? It’s too dark!” As I reached halfway to the door, I peeked halfway inside his room and hurriedly beckoned him with my hand. “Come on!”

Luze was hesitant as he couldn’t decide on what to do. I have already disappeared from his view. He looked back and forth as if someone inside his room would give an answer. But within a few moments, he decided to crawl out of bed and hurriedly dash out of his room to keep up with me. “W-Wait for me!”

He knew it was the wrong decision, but he was also the curious one than me. And I am glad he chose to follow me because of it.

---

Lesser Duras howled in the night within the black forest. The trees were thankfully tall enough to block most of the view from our keep so that no one can see us. We continued in front of us and the unseen road seem to swallow us deeper in its blackness. I felt my arm being held tighter by Luze as he followed closely behind clinging to me. 

He looked around nervously. “N-Nii-san ... I am not sure about this ...” I looked to him halfway as we kept walking. “You’re the one that followed me.” “Well that’s because you told me to!” Another howl from a Lesser Duras came. He winced and quickly held onto me again. I wanted to laugh at his reaction but I knew how he was so I held back. 

“Where are we going, by the way?” “Trust me.” We had reached to a good spot where everything seem to be almost completely black and in the middle of everything. “Okay. I want you to stay here while I come back. Okay?” “Wait, w-what?” Luze sound frightened.   I put my finger into a hush position near my lips. “Just sit tight. I will be right back. I promise.” I put my hand on his shoulder and Luze lowered down near the trees and sat by it. I backed up a bit and smiled a little then went inside the forest to gather what I want to show him.

Time passed by. Seconds after seconds. I wasn’t anywhere to be seen.  Seconds then to minutes.  Thankfully, not even an hour passes as it was still minutes. How long will you say it has been?

Luze began to become worried. He sat up to his knees and tried to look deep where I had ran into. I haven’t come back in awhile. I felt bad being gone for so long, but there was just something that made it difficult to make me come back as fast as I could. “Nii-san?” He stood up slowly. “Where are you?” Luze took a few steps forward. It was dead quiet. “If you’re still there, this isn’t funny! We should go back! W-What if mom finds out that we aren’t in the room?”

Silence.

“LUKA!!” He shouted as he closed his eyes tightly. 

Just then, Luze heard rustling in the grass right in front of him. He was about to cry a little until he saw me coming faintly from the distance. My hands were curled in front of me as I huffed and ran to him.  Luze didn’t know if he should feel mad or glad to see me again. But whatever he was feeling, he was running to meet me with a worried expression. “What were you doing? You were gone for a long time!”

I tried to catch my breath as I stopped in front of him “I know, I know. I’m sorry about that. But at least I’m here right now, right?” Luze was about to puff his face in anger until he saw that my hands were still in front of me, still curled up. “Did something happen to your hand?” he said.

I shook my head. “This is something I want to show you. Ready?” Luze paused for a moment and stared at me. He leaned closer and eyed my clasped hands inches and inches closer. As I put both of my hands in front of him, I slowly began to open them. Something glowed brighter as my hands released.

A handful of pyreflies escaped my hands and flew upward. Luze backed up a little bit but was surprised and amazed at the same time. He gasped a little as the little lights almost passed his face as they floated. I looked at his face and smiled a little. He beamed brightly as he tried to reach for them, arms stretched high and jumping a little to catch them. “Whoa! What are they?” Luze said as he gazed upwards to them. I looked up. “They’re pyreflies. They are the ones that lead people to them. But you have to be extra careful.” I warned him and he looked back at me. “They can also lead you to nowhere and maybe even get you lost.”

Luze looked worried but at the same time, he seem interested. “How do you know so much about them? I’ve never seen them before.” “Let’s just say I have been here a couple of times when you fell asleep. I asked mom about them too.” “Oh.” He blinked twice. “Wait. You went out here by yourself and told mom about them?” I rubbed the back of my head as I stared away from Luze. “Don’t ... Tell mom about this, please.” As usual, he was always worried about me since I am always up to no good. But he agreed and nodded his head. 

He looked to the sky once more as the pyreflies were almost gone from our sight. I stared up too for a little bit then back to Luze. He was too focused to notice I was looking at him.  Then, a small smirk came across my face. “Hey, Luze.” “Huh?” He looked back at me. “Think fast!” 

I quickly tackled at him and pushed both of us to the ground. He yelped a little bit as we both hit the ground. I held him tight as he was struggling to get out of my tight hold. I couldn’t help but laugh out loud. Luze began to laugh right after I did and we both wrestled each other on top of the soft grass. 

It wasn’t a moment too soon that I let go of him and we both were left facing upward towards the darkened red sky now turned black. We laughed for quite awhile until we started to calm down a bit. Luze turned around to lay his stomach on the ground. I put my arms underneath my head and gazed up as the white pyreflies now looked like stars above with the rest of the red stars.  “Did you know? Our names means ‘Light’?” I said suddenly. “Does it?” Luze wondered.  “Yeah. I think mom told me. She even said because of that, we were the ‘lights of her life’.” “What does that mean?” “She said it means that we were ‘special’.”

Luze began to think. “Special ...” He rested his chin on top of his crossed arm laying flat on the grass. “Are we really that special though ...?” I shrugged a little bit. “I think about that too. But if it makes mom happy, I don’t mind being called special. Whatever that means.” I giggled a little. He looked at me then back down. He smiled a little and giggled at the same time. “You’re right.”

We both started to lay down on top of the grass and tried to take a nap. I was thinking for a little bit and gave out a sigh. Luze laid down with his back towards the sky, the soft grass making him comfortable. The breeze blew gently passed us as the leaves from the trees rustled. It seems like the Lesser Duras that howled began to sleep. It was really quiet.

“Hey, Luze.” I said as I broke the silence. “Hmm?” He opened his eyes. “... Let’s escape. From Infernus. Just you and I.”

“Huh?” He lifted himself up a little to look at me surprised. “What do you mean?” “I want to leave this place. There has to be another world out there that I keep hearing about too. The Surface, was it?” I reached my hand to the sky as I did when the storm happened way earlier. “I want to see if there is a different colored sky. Maybe it’s brighter and more colorful. You know? But also ...” I clenched my hand into a fist as if I caught something and put it down gently. “I don’t want to be trapped anymore with sadness. I want to be a different person. Not a Crosszeria. And I want to be able to do that if we can get a chance to escape and runaway from all of this. I want both of us to be happy.”

Luze stared at me for a little bit and started to wonder as he looked to the grass in front of him. He looked at me again but with a wry little smile, confused. “How are we going to do that though? Aren’t we stuck here forever?” I turned myself around to the same position as he was, laying down on my front side on the grass. “We might be for now. But not forever. I’ll find us a way out. And maybe ... I will find a way to let every one of us be happy.”

He looked at me with doubt. I understood his expression as he looked away from me all sad once again. He was unsure about all of this even though he was the one that got upset from the beginning. I didn’t want anything like that to happen to us again.  Moments passed as he looked at me again but this time, he seemed a little determined. Even though he might be unsure about my idea and it might be really hard than saying it out loud, but he knew right away to trust me.

I will make sure that both of us will get out of here for good. No more anger, no more sadness.

“Is that a promise?” Luze said. He reached his hand out through the grass to me. “I want everyone to be free and happy too.” I looked to him and nodded. I reached my hand out and laid it on top of his.

“That’s a promise ...”