#antony and cleopatra time. heavy sigh.

[marcusagrippa]

[ma1dita]

star crossing

a 'partners in crime' installment - luke castellan x dionysus!reader

words: 4k

summary: (established relationship) The one where both your dreams come to life for a night (crossing the stars for love is easier said than done) (Luke Castellan x fem!Dionysus!reader)

a/n: welcome back trouble!verse :) as always feel free to ask about lore, especially with the dreams they have at the end of the chapter that depict different greek legends. (esp: hero and leander, dionysus and ariadne, cleopatra and antony if you need a quick google search!) enjoy! continuing monster mash and studying tonight

posted: 10/25/24

—

It was most definitely past your bedtime.

Checking the time on your watch and kicking off your boots at the bottom of the stairs, you yawn as exhaustion pulls you up the wooden steps like strings for a marionette. 

1:11 am.

A sidelong glance at the twins’ closed doors and the beautiful, sweet sound of silence greets your swaying form; that’s how you know your day as Camp Half-Blood’s head counselor is finally over. The door to your bedroom is wide open, wood creaking beneath your bare feet as your eyes fall upon the scene before you.

And Luke really, really tried to stay up and wait for you.

“Baby, you still awake?”

The sound of your laughter echoes in the quiet of your bedroom along with the soft twinkle of light that filters in through the linen curtains that dance across your window. To complete the ethereal picture is your love in human form, conked out against the floral bedspread like a chalk outline from a murder scene. You stifle your snorts behind a clenched fist, bending down to his winged shoes that hang off the bed, fluttering a hello to you at the brush of fingertips as you whisper, “Maia.” Even they get to fall asleep before you, closing in on themselves and thudding to the floor when you loosen the laces. 

Luke has his cheek stuck between the pages of your weathered copy of Pride and Prejudice—chapter 60, where Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth talk about how they fell in love. You pluck it from his grasp with nimble fingers as you bookmark his page and toss it onto your nightstand. Even watching him sleep has you bubbling with devotion for this boy, and what better way to admit that than to let him know you’ve come home? He still doesn’t stir, even as your knees bump along the sides of his body when you climb over him, slowly sinking into the soft of your mattress and the firm of his midsection. You’ve mounted him like one does a horse, observing his eyes moving under the delicate skin of his lids. 

Usually, this works wonders for Luke Castellan, hero, yes—but first and foremost a teenage boy who gets excited when you even look at him the wrong way (There is no wrong way).

“Mm. Mr. Darcy…” you tease, leaning over him and pressing a kiss to his jaw, then nudging his scar with your thumb as he smiles against it. There’s no question needed, he knows you by touch alone, down to the star stuff you’re made of—with the way his hands feel cosmic against your skin as they slip under your shirt and pull you down into the only fights you like partaking in, of lips and love. You’re smiling hot against his mouth, the kiss of life reviving him even as your teeth clink together sounding like a symphony against the laughter lining the beats of your hearts—so close but not close enough. 

Never close enough.

“Been waiting for you,” he gruffs, tugging at your bottom lip as he kisses you quickly once more. His voice is heavy with sleep, crackling like an open flame. Luke pushes away the hair that drapes against the shape of your face with one hand, the other resting comfortably around your hip, and you sigh. It’s easier to breathe when he’s near, and the weight of the world feels a little less oppressive as you look down at him—drowsy with sleep and a bit drunk on loving you too much for his own good.

“Sorry, Lu. M’gonna change and then we cuddle?”

He nods, watching your body lift off of him and already missing you as you walk across the room. The sounds that come with your night routine are like ASMR to his sleepy consciousness—hearing the rush of water in the shower, the soft sound of you humming to keep yourself awake. Luke lays there with a small smile, wearing a tie-dye shirt of yours that cuts off at his midriff and boxers that have seen better days. A lot of your relationship is like this—domesticity after hours and mostly away from prying eyes (not if Luke can help it). Some might think it’s boring and there’s only so much to do to entertain yourself hidden deep in the Long Island Sound, but love is in the way he spreads your wet hair over his arm so it doesn’t stick to your back as you lie down. Love is in the gasp you let out when you finally look at the ceiling, glittering and glowing just for you.

“You fixed them!”

And yes, there are stars that dot the night sky outside your window reflecting through the glass but they’ve also come alive on the ceiling of your cabin after all these years. They started peeling a while ago, but you haven't had the chance to fix them yourself. Hand-pressed and fluorescent, Luke restuck them up one by one flying up and around in his shoes while you were off doing night rounds. Even in the dark, he thinks he’d find their faint shine in your eyes, knowing the adoration in your eyes is a sight reserved only for him.

“You like ‘em? I tried to do the constellations but I think I fucked up. There might be two little dippers.”

Your hand slaps his chest and he snorts, breaking out into a grin when you shift against him, “They’re really pretty.” He thinks you’re really pretty—and the ugly face you make when he voices his thoughts still doesn’t change his mind.

Soft fingers trace their way up his abdomen, under the worn fabric of your shirt that he’s stolen and you murmur, “Thank you, baby.” The silence that follows is full—it swells in both of your chests like a balloon about to pop. You always feel like this when you’re with Luke, to be honest. Airy and in a whirlwind, left in the dust after he stirs your insides up to rearrange the mess until everything feels right again.

“I cannot fix on the hour, or the spot, or the look of the words, which laid the foundation. It is too long ago. I was in the middle before I knew that I had begun.”

“Hey!” he jokes, “No spoilers, Trouble. I was getting to the good part.” You roll over, leaning your chin onto his chest. He watches your head move on his body with every breath he takes.

“Luke, that is the good part. You’d know if you didn’t fall asleep.”

“I think I like books better when you explain them to me,” he pouts and he’s so stupidly attractive it makes you giggle. Luke likes the way your laughter surrounds his heart, pounding back against his ribcage as if asking to be let in. “Reading is hard. I don’t know how you do it.”

“I like stories,” you muse, tracing the slope of his nose gently and his eyes flutter shut like a drowsy baby, “Maybe it’s because of my dad but words are so vivid to me. I don’t need to figure out what the letters mean, the pictures play in my head like a movie. Stories are what keep me sane, I think.”

Luke’s hand sifts through your hair, cradling the base of your head. He tugs at it in a fluid motion so that you’re leaning up to look at him double chin and all, “I wish everyone could see the world the way you do, Trouble. I think everything would be a lot more…”

“Chaotic?” 

He laughs. It’s a loud sound that comes from his belly and you smack him, afraid that he’ll wake the twins downstairs.

“I’d say fascinating. I’ve never met someone like you,” he smiles thoughtfully, poking the soft of your cheek. You’re pouting now, albeit playfully as you say,” I sure hope not. You’re stuck with me and no one else.”

“May the gods have mercy on us all,” he groans dramatically, the air getting knocked out of him with an oof! when you flop your head back onto his chest, “Fine, I’ll stop. Tell me a story, Trouble.”

“Like what? I can tell you about… What about…” you hum, playing with his fingers, “Hero and Leander?”

“Mm-mm,” he shakes his head, curls brushing against his forehead with the movement. Your eyes are alight now, your mind racing with the thoughts in your head and any inkling of sleep is washed away.

“Cleopatra and Antony?”

“You told my siblings that one last week.”

“Luke, you were snoring by the time I got to the part with Cleopatra fleeing with her troops…” you chuckle as he tugs your hair in protest. You both have a way with words—his are smooth, and yours send him to sleep. Not in a boring way—he could never be bored of you. Every word that leaves your mouth captivates him, calms him in a way that makes him forget that anything bad has ever happened. And anyway, he ripped your copy of that tale back when you were 16. You didn’t talk to him for a week and he was frightened and felt so bad that he snuck out and permanently borrowed a first edition from a bookstore two towns over. It sits in its shiny dustjacket on the top of your shelf. The story of Orpheus and Eurydice was one he knew like the back of his hand after the production earlier this year (who else would you make the kids run their lines with), so that one was out of the question too.

“What about the one with my dad and step-mom?” Your boyfriend is silent, and you think he’s fallen asleep again until his hot breath reaches your face as he sighs, “Are there any stories you like that…I dunno, aren’t sad? Or end in death?”

“Luke, they’re all love stories. Lots of them are star-crossed. What does it matter?”

He sits up on his forearms, looking down at the picture you make laid against him—hair framing your face like a halo and cheeks kissed by moonlight. The son of Hermes blinks at you, a finger reaching out to boop your nose, "Because they’re all tragedies, pretty girl. Tell me something with a good ending. Something real.” You sit up, opposite from him as you lean your head against your shoulder and roll your eyes, “Love at most times is a tragedy, baby. The greatest ones are—and those are real stories!” Luke doesn’t seem satisfied with your answer. How could it be that the greatest love stories have endings at all?

He doesn’t dare think you two would be the same. 

There is no conceivable end to his love for you. The Fates would just have to accept that, he thinks.

“I can hear you thinking from here. You’re gonna hurt yourself,” you joke, tugging at his arm. “Angelface. Hey. Just because those stories ended like that doesn’t make them bad.” Luke’s playing with the edge of your quilt and not looking into your eyes. He’s uncharacteristically skeptical, but you’re the daughter of the god of storytelling—you would know better than him. Your expression softens; you’ve never had anyone be scared of losing you until him. It’s always been the other way around. So it must be true then that love is a catalyst because everything changes once you fall deep into it. 

“Luke. I’ll tell you a good story.”

“Yeah?” he mumbles, looking up at you like he wasn’t the one who hung the stars up onto your wood-paneled sky. You lean in and kiss him quickly, and he’d think you didn’t mean to if it weren’t for the stupid smile that graces your face afterward, “I like our story the best.”

You two have been in a relationship for almost half a year now, at each other’s wit’s end for four years, and in love…well who knows when that started? It depends on who you ask.

“Really?” 

A smile splits the scar on his face. It’s one of your favorite things about Luke Castellan—perfect even with what most consider his flaws. But you know he wouldn’t be himself without it, not anymore. He takes it wherever he goes, even with the weight that scar presses down on him most nights—the touch of humility it’s given him since his quest.

Plus it would’ve taken you much longer to fall in love with the egotistical little fuck he was before that.

“No notes, no rewrites,” you say, biting the inside of your cheek. Sometimes, you need reminders that life isn’t all that bad at Camp Half-Blood. Even if you’re the daughter of the Camp Director, things could be worse than being in bed and watching stars (both real and fake) with your boyfriend at one in the morning. Your face goes numb at the same time you realize something, “Like Mr. Darcy said. I don’t remember when I fell in love with you. I don’t think I could pinpoint it. I just remember thinking that I didn’t hate you like I thought I did. It shocked me more that I liked you instead of the fact that I was in love with you. Deep down I already knew that.” It was an inexplicable pull—something unspoken between the two of you that no matter what happened next, your futures were sure to be intertwined.

“Hmm. If the greatest love stories are tragedies, then what would ours be?” Luke mumbles, his nose grazing against yours. It tickles with the breath of his question that falls against your lips.

“Well, those are stories with endings, Lu. There’s no end in sight for us. I won’t allow it.”

Smirking at him matter-of-factly, you’re positive there’s no other way. Luke Castellan being in your life is the only thing you’d lay everything on the line for. It’s the only confident assurance you have.

“What are you talking about now?”

“With us, we make anything possible, don’t we? Look. Would Romeo and Juliet be as memorable or good of a story if they lived happily ever after?” He tugs at your necklace, pulling you in with a finger as he whispers, “You’re insane.” And though that’s true, he’s happy about it. 

“Great love stories are tragedies because they have endings. We have so much living to do!” Springing to your feet, you’re jumping up and down as you bounce on the mattress. Luke’s laughter makes a melody with the sounds of the squeaky box spring as he looks at you from below as you whisper-yell, “It’s nowhere near over for us babe! If I’m crazy, and you’re in love with me—then so are you, loser!” You point at him like it’s an accusation, and well, he can’t argue with that, so he hops up to meet you with an earth-shattering grin, “You’re right again.”

The two of you are jumping up and down like idiots in love, the bed squeaking underfoot as you giggle, half spinning, half hugging until Luke murmurs, “But then what happens at the end?”

It’s never been easy, getting to where you two are—trusting each other with the baggage you came to camp with. Always waiting for the other shoe to drop, always wondering when the gods will laugh at your expense. You’re nuzzled against the shirt he stole from your closet, inhaling citrus and the subtle smell of berries. Luke must’ve used your shampoo again—but the fact is clear.

There is no him without you, or you without him.

“There’s no end if we don’t give up. The people in the stories didn’t,” you say indignantly. Staring up into a sea of amber, he’s unblinking. Luke is actually worried about this—you. “Trouble, all your examples of great loves died.”

“Baby…but until whatever end, they were together. Afterlife, or Olympus—it still ended with love. I just think…” You mumble into his chest, “You and me…we’re crazy enough to brave that. Star crossing.... Even if we’re not gods.” He’s deep in thought now. Luke would go the distance every night even if it meant to see you for even a moment. He’d complete any quest if it meant forever with you, jump ship, and leave all his responsibilities if it ensured your safety, even walk through hell to bring you back. And in that moment, the stars seemed like a cakewalk. Because Luke would do it too, for you.

“I know we are,” he chuckles, “I’m sure of it.”

Soon enough, you’re both tucked under the patterned bedspread, eyes slowly fluttering shut in the silence of the shadows and twinkly stars. The last thing Luke Castellan notices as he tucks his nose against your cheek is that everything from your sleepy eyes to the blinking glimmer of the sky is ultraviolet. The stars are within reach, breathing softly against his neck tonight. He thinks he hears you mutter something just as Hypnos takes him from you, “You’re the first person I ever pictured a future with, you know that?” 

As everything fades to black, he knows one thing— you deserve the world. 

He just needs to figure out how to give it to you. 

—

Perhaps it’s the fact that you’re pretty much sleeping on top of each other, or that even in dreams you want each other there, but there’s a dizzying sequence that takes place in the few hours before dawn breaks. Morpheus, the god of dreams, must be laughing wherever he is—even in his domain you two are inseparable. He allows it just this once; two demigods escaping to a different realm together. 

Even gods break the rules if it means for a good story.

—

Winter air blows through the open window of your tower as you wait for your lover to arrive. You cradle the flame in your palm, struggling to relight the lantern through mist and fog and you’re worried he’s lost his way.  Rain patters against the stone walls of your prison, catching onto the tendrils of hair that frame your face. It’s been so long already.

He should be here by now. He promised.

You always worry—if all you can do is anxiously pray for his safe arrival, you’ll do it every time until he’s in your arms again. He calls you his Hero, but the fear that wracks your body as you wait here is not a testament to bravery. Each journey of love he makes is—no matter how many hours, no matter if the sea nymphs drag him by the ankles—he will find a way to your guiding light. Leaning over the windowsill, your eyes squint in the darkness, watching raindrops pelt the Hellespont like bullets instead of water.

Your light will lead him home to you, as it always has.

Even if the weather changes, his devotion does not. Daybreak spreads to the horizon, and Aphrodite answers your solemn prayer—bringing you your love in human form. The sight of him steals your breath away as the goddess has stolen his. He fought his way to your door, curls and clothes covered in seaweed and sand. But your lover never breaks a promise, lifeless eyes reflecting the color of the flame hanging in your window.

Such luck it is to serve the goddess of love and have her take it from you.

The decision to jump is as involuntary as breathing. He’s at the bottom anyway, ready to catch your fall. The air is still cold in the morning light—goosebumps ravage your body as you take your journey to be with him.

You trust that it will feel like summer in his arms again.

—

Another day brings another battle, and the end of the war is near. Octavian will be knocking down your door and everything you’ve worked for has gone to hell. You always knew the best lies to tell—you knew what to say to make him run across the continent to see you. A courtesan meant to be his queen, he’d give up his empire if meant you were alright.

It doesn’t matter now. 

Your love lays in your arms with stagnated breath and his blood is on your hands, yet still he’s yours. He was yours at the height of the empire, and he is yours as you both hide from the rest of the world in this dusty mausoleum. You are his mortal and unending wound, the biggest loss of his career but his heart’s greatest victory. And you’re breathing—that’s what matters to him; nothing else. Everything he touches turns red and by now, the ocean must be sullied by the blood of his troops.

History will remember you both as villains.

But as the poison sinks its fangs into your system, you interlock your bloodied hand with his with not a signle regret.

Love is your undoing, and there is no greater glory than this.

—

The saddest thing about betrayal is that it never comes from your enemies. 

The sand is warm in between his toes and the ship he arrived on is long gone, along with his ex-lover. But in his path to know grief and anger he found you. It was a spiritual awakening in a grove dedicated to your namesake—and from the second he stepped foot into your space, you had to have him.

He’s never encountered a god before, much less one that loved him like you do. You’re made of ichor, sacred, and meant to be untouchable. You believe in him like no other, and he doesn’t think he’s worthy, even if you insist that it’s okay to see eye to eye. Yours are like amethysts on his favorite crown from a home he used to have before Naxos—before he threw it all away for love. 

Now he has nothing. 

Not a coin in his pocket, just the crown on his head. There is no money or titles here on this island, so he doesn’t understand what about him is so appealing to you. The words that come out of your mouth are insane—though that is your domain, he finds it difficult to believe that you are anything but trouble. You promise him a place with him in the heavens when he’s wasted his life away being left behind by the people he loves and the paths he chose to take. A large part of carving new paths is always having an endpoint. 

So he makes one, leaving everything behind again before you can hurt him like he’s been hurt before.

It seems that every path leads to you. Through insurmountable odds, you show up and revel in the pain—you blossom from it, descending into the Underworld and brushing hellfire off your shoulder to save him, a gentle hand outstretched with a promise of eternity and unimaginable riches. He’s been rich before—he had everything in the palm of his hand once upon a time but forever is a path he’s never traveled. 

You toss his crown into the sky until it shatters into starlight and smile at him. There is all the time in the universe to watch the stars together.

—

All the small details in those dreams will be lost to you by morning—an inkling of something that almost was or could’ve been, only marked by the faintest touch of time. It covers your eyes and fades away when Morpheus lifts the haze by the sound of your morning alarm. Luke blinks slowly, waking up with you in his arms and feeling like he’s traveled through different lifetimes without leaving the bed you share. The son of Hermes looks down at you lovingly, face smooshed against his neck, trying to chase an ending to that dream in case the gods feel nice enough to let you have a few more minutes of shut-eye.

Somewhere, everywhere, there is a tug of fate that transcends lifetimes for you two to meet.

But in this life, compared to others, you can only hold onto the truth with a firm hand; that you were there last night under all of the stars—ones you’ve touched and the ones you reach for, dreaming of a life to live together. 

—

"You and I know each other in our bones." - Kurt Vonnegut

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[riversofmars]

Space wives prompt ideas!

13 runs into river for the first time since regeneration during an adventure with the fam and has a Donna and the doctor reaction like in the adipose episode, after the fam escape unscathed 13 goes back to see river and river takes her out on a date 😊

OR

13/river and ancient Egypt....cleopatra is there possibly?

Thank you for this! I decided to go with your second suggestion as part of the twelve encounters series Big, Vast, Complicated and Ridiculous! Hope you like it! <3

Rating: G

Wordcount: 2000

Read on AO3 or below

Ancient Egypt

The sky was azure blue and it was incredibly hot. Really, the Doctor should have walked right back into the TARDIS and set off again but knowing her trusty space-time-machine, there was probably a reason why she was here. “Alright but only a quick look!“ She jabbed her finger at the blue box and pulled the door shut behind herself. “And then you take me to the right point in time!“ The TARDIS wheezed in response and the Doctor turned to have a look around. She found herself in a market square.

“Ancient Egypt, interesting.“ The Doctor mused as she licked her finger and stuck it in the air. She looked around the square, there were several stalls and all sorts of merchandise being offered. She spotted a jewellery merchant and a grin spread across her features. She would see River again one day, hopefully in the not too distant future… Perhaps a gift wouldn’t be such a bad idea for when the time came. The people in the market square went about their business, not paying much attention to the blue box as she ventured out into the square.

“It couldn’t be that she’s here…“ The Doctor was just leaning over the table of jewellery as a thought struck her. She looked back over to the TARDIS and narrowed her eyes but her musings were rudely interrupted:

“Don’t move!“ The Doctor turned around and found herself faced with spears. Four soldiers had surrounded her. Clearly, she hadn’t been quite as inconspicuous as she’d hoped.

“Ahh, hello, royal guards I presume, I don’t want any trouble.“ The Doctor held her hands up as she looked around. “Just having a little look at some jewellery, what seems to be the problem.“

“You arrived in the blue box, did you not?“ The guard at the front questioned picking up his spear and standing it up next to him.

“Very observant, yes. Is that a problem?“ The Doctor asked.

“The Queen gave orders, should a blue box appear, we are to bring the one the call the Doctor to her.“ He answered and the Doctor raised her eyebrows.

“Ah brilliant, yes, the Queen, Cleopatra, we go way back.“ The Doctor grinned at some fond memories. Ancient Egypt had always been a favourite.

“The Queen will only see the Doctor.“ The guard frowned, clearly feeling misunderstood.

“Yes, that’s me, I am the Doctor.“ The Doctor explained, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

“The Doctor is supposed to be a man.“ The guard countered and the Doctor sighed:

“Well, a lot of people make that mistake, I’m actually not keen on labels, I…“ She started saying but was interrupted.

“Maybe she’s with them.“ Another of the guards suggested as the conversation seemed to be going nowhere.

“Them? Who are they?“ The Doctor asked, growing suspicious.

“Somebody has broken into the temple of Osiris and tried to steal the sacred inscriptions.“ The lead-guard retorted curtly.

“Have they now.“ The Doctor sighed as the penny dropped, she could see where this was going and she didn’t like it. She shot her TARDIS another look which stood silent and unmoving and the Doctor felt she was trying to look particularly innocent.

“You wouldn’t know anything about that, would you?“ They returned their attention to her and the Doctor held up her hands defensively.

“Sadly, not as such, but I’m sure it’s just a misunderstanding and I would be happy to help clear it up. I did arrive in the blue box after all.“ She pointed out.

“Let’s take her to the palace.“ The lead-guard decided. “Let’s go.“

“Is it still this way to the throne room?“ The Doctor asked pleasantly, trying to make conversation but the guards weren’t exactly being talkative. She was being lead through a large arbour into a long hall, pillars to both sides. Anyone else would have been overwhelmed by the sheer scale of it all, the magnificent architectural accomplishments of the antique, but the Doctor’s attention was immediately drawn to the far end of the room.

There, atop an impressive throne, sat the pharaoh of the Egyptian people, Cleopatra, and in front of her stood two people, the thieves, presumably. The queen appeared to just be taking measure of them and so was the Doctor. One of them she recognised immediately and without a doubt. She would have spotted her wife’s impressive hair miles off.

“What’s this?“ Cleopatra looked up as they approached, clearly displeased at the interruption. The thieves, who had been put in heavy chains, looked around as well and a grin spread across River Song’s beautiful features.

“Look what the cat dragged in.“ River smirked at the Doctor who just about managed to force a smile. All sorts of conflicting feelings bubbled up inside her. For a start, she wanted to fling herself at her, pull her into her arms and never let her go.

Then, there was the fact that she apparently recognised her immediately, so this was not the earliest point in River’s timeline that she’d meet her. The Doctor felt a wave of excitement at the thought of more meetings with here.

There was that familiar pain she felt every time she saw younger versions of her wife, reminded of her death and her consequent failure to save her properly. She had not been prepared for their next meeting to happen so soon though she had quickly guessed that the TARDIS had taken her here for this reason. What was she playing at?

And then, of course, there was the worry about what sort of trouble she had gotten herself in to now.

She pushed all feelings aside for the time being, to deal with the situation in front oh her in the best way she knew how.

“River, Dearest, what have you and your… friend… been up to?“ The Doctor looked to the young man next to her wife who looked a bit worse for wear and rather pale… he, perhaps, was not as accustomed to being in chains as River was.

“This is Luke.“ River introduced them pleasantly and the Doctor looked him up and down.

“Not another husband I hope?“ She asked suspiciously and River chuckled:

“My student.“

“Is this really the Doctor.“ Luke looked to River and then to the Doctor appearing rather confused.

“One of my favourite models.“ River answered with a smirk, without taking her eyes of her wife.

“So you have seen this face before?“ The Doctor confirmed her assumption.

“Honey, I see that face whenever I lie in bed at night and…“ River retorted flirtily but she was interrupted by the stern voice of Cleopatra who clearly had enough of being ignored:  

“Doctor?“ She asked curtly as she took the measure of her. “That hardly seems possible.“

“Ah, Cleo, long time no see. Yes quite, and you’ve seen a fair few of my faces to know that’s very much possible…“ The Doctor turned her attention to the Queen of the Nile, realising she had been rather rude to ignore her. She took a little bow. “So I see you’ve met my wife then?“ She just about managed a smile as she clapped her hands together. This was a bit awkward.

“I didn’t realise you had several.“ Cleopatra shot back, displeased, though she couldn’t exactly talk with Mark Antony sitting right beside her. Her husband just looked in between them confused, clearly out of the loop.

“I’d say I’m the main one.“ River jumped in and the Doctor shushed her.

“I’m sure this is all a great misunderstanding.“ The Doctor smiled up to the queen, hoping to mediate. “See, River is a keen archeologist and was surely just having a closer look at the sacred inscriptions, weren’t you, River…“ She elbowed her wife and River just looked at her bewildered.

“Oh, no, I was definitely trying to steal them…“ River admitted with a shrug.

“Riverrr.“ The Doctor groaned.

“So you admit it?“ Cleopatra stood up, placing her hands on her hips. She glared at the three of them at the bottom of the pedestal that lead up to the throne. “Did you know about this, Doctor?“

“No, actually, I did not, she does have her own mind…“ The Doctor gave an awkward smile and shot a look to her wife who didn’t seem bothered.

“Yes, quite right, thank you very much for realising that.“ River huffed.

“If I had been in on it, we wouldn’t have got caught.“ The Doctor couldn’t help but quip. River’s student Luke was just shaking his head to himself, as if to say that he had not signed up for this.

“Perhaps it was part of the plan?“ River shot back and the Doctor crossed her arms in front of her chest.

“Did you have a plan?“ She questioned doubtfully. If she had had one, it clearly hadn’t been a very good one.

“Temples are easy to walk into, palaces not so much, but one surefire way of being taken right into the throne room in reach of the real treasure is…“ River explained, rolling her eyes impatiently.

“Letting yourself get caught committing what could be considered a high crime so you get taken straight to the queen for sentencing.“ The Doctor groaned, annoyed with herself for not realising, as she understood what she was saying.

“It seems as though you keep the wrong company, Doctor.“ Cleopatra pointed out pursing her lips.

“Well, there is always that one spouse that can’t keep their fingers off the silverware…“ The Doctor glared at River. Was this what she was like when she wasn’t around? Like the time she had married King Hydroflax with the intention of killing him for the sake of a really large diamond.

“Then I will be glad to rid you of her.“ Cleopatra decided, giving a wave to the guards who approached with their spears.

“Well, it seems my plan is well and truly ruined now.“ River sighed in obvious disappointment.

“No, hang on, don’t.“ The Doctor held out her hands to the guards and looked up to the queen. “Please, as a favour to me, nothing was taken, no harm no foul…“

“I’m sorry, Doctor, but I can’t let this stand.“ Cleopatra retorted firmly and the guards came closer.

“Don’t worry, Sweetie, I’m just sorry we’re going to have to cut this one short.“ River interrupted airily and as the Doctor looked back around to her, she stepped out of her chains.

“How did you get out of those so quickly.“ The Doctor exclaimed in surprise but River wasn’t really paying attention to her, she was inputting coordinates into the vortex manipulator on her wrist.

“Lots of practice with chains… or don’t you remember?“ River looked up when she was done and gave the Doctor a wink. “Always a pleasure, Sweetie.“ She reached out for Luke’s arm.

“River, don’t you dare.“ The Doctor exclaimed when she realised what she was going to do. She was just going to leave her here to deal with the mess and they had hardly even had a moment together yet.

“Hope to see you soon, Sweetie!“ River blew her wife a kiss and gave a wave to Cleopatra, who looked on in confusion. Next anyone knew, River and Luke disappeared in a fizz of energy.

“No, no, NO!“ The Doctor was upset when she returned to the TARDIS and threw the door shut behind her. She had managed to contain her feelings as she had made her apologies to Cleopatra and negotiated her own release, even as she had made her way back to her TARDIS but now, alone again, she felt like she was falling into a deep hole. To see River again, alive and well, joking, flirting, being trouble… and then having her disappear without even being able to touch her or talk to her for any length of time… In a way she felt worse than before she’d seen her. “That's not fair, that can't have been it.“ The Doctor jabbing her finger at the TARDIS console. “Why did you take me here for just a glimpse?“ The TARDIS hummed in response, an apology of sorts but it didn’t do anything to calm the Doctor. “You find me another one!“ She snapped and pushed down the lever causing the TARDIS to jump into action. The Doctor dropped to her knees, the emotional strain overwhelming her. She turned around and leaned against the console. She buried her face in her hands and rested her head against her knees. It wasn’t fair, to have her so close and taken away so quickly, it wasn’t enough, she needed more.

[mrsbhandari]

May I request a Noah fic where he realizes he's falling in love with MC and freaks out after accidentally telling her?

I smiled....so big when I got this.....Noah is perfection and I will fight for that statement, thank u and good night

this is literally so cute

I can't

also this is gonna be a love confession instead of a falling in love confession because im lame so im sorry uwu

Cleopatra

“Noah...you can stop looking toward the door. Dad isn’t home.” Lina offered him a soft smile as she reached for his hand on the bed and intertwined their fingers, relishing the slight sting of pain from how her fingers had to stretch around his and how his rings bit into her skin. That’s how it was with Noah; the pain that came from being so rough around the edges was only complemented by the pleasure that came from his sweet smile and even sweeter lips.

“I just don’t want him to come in and see--”

“Premarital hand holding?” She squeezed his hand and then tugged him closer until he was just a hair away from her lips. The pages of the textbook between them crinkled, but all he could register was the feeling of her fingers stroking his stubble and tangling themselves in his hair. Blinking, he tried to get over his dizziness before he passed out from the sheer force of his emotions for this gorgeous, intelligent, talented girl that made him forget how to breathe every time she pulled back her lips into a knowing smile. 

“You’re going to get us in trouble,” he rasped, secretly cringing at how his voice cracked. 

“Aren’t you supposed to be the delinquent, Mr. Harris?” Ignoring the strange twinge he felt in his stomach at the formality, he just rolled his eyes and pulled away while trying to hide how hard it really was to ever deny her anything she wanted. 

“And you’re supposed to be the innocent tutor, Miss Price.” Noah smiled at the cute sigh she let out before running his hands over the pages of the book, suddenly coming into focus as he tried to concentrate on studying and not the scent of her perfume that seemed to stick to his skin and completely cloud his mind.  Her finger landed on a picture of Cleopatra right next to Julius Caesar and Marc Antony, all of them stoic. 

“Cleopatra and Julius Caesar were lovers,” she instructed, moving her finger over the page to indicate the connection. “She married her brother while still in love with Caesar, but Egypt allowed polygamy, so she also married Caesar and had a son with him.”

“I don’t think this is going to be--”

“Quiet!” Lina commanded, poking him in the chest and briefly breaking her stern expression to show she was kidding. “This is important information. Now, Cleopatra also married Marc Antony from 32 BC to 30 BC.” 

“Only two years?” Noah looked from the page to her, and she was surprised to see how sad he looked at the thought of a relationship ending so quickly.

“Well, they both died in 30 BC.” Her tone changed to something gentler, softening the blow of the death of two famous figures in history. Noah frowned, and despite the subject, Lina couldn’t fight off the wave of heat that came over her face at how cute he was. 

“I think that’s sad.” He absent-mindedly played with the ring on his pinky finger, spinning it as he looked lost in thought at a random spot on the blanket. “Do you think they loved each other?”

Lina got the distinct feeling they were no longer talking about Cleopatra and Marc Antony, but she wasn’t sure what the topic had changed to so quickly. “Their affair began in 41 BC, and they were pretty famously fond of each other, so yeah...I think they loved each other. It must’ve been nice.” 

“It is nice,” was his answer, so quiet that she took a few seconds to process it. Her eyes widened, but he was still focused on the blanket. 

“What?”

“Hm?” His head snapped up to find her gray eyes boring into his brown ones, searching for an explanation to the vague statement he gave with heavy implications. “What did I--”

“You said it’s nice. To love someone.” She cocked her head, eager for his justification. 

“I did? Oh, well, I just meant...like, hypothetically, you know. Theoretically, love is supposed to be great, I’m guessing, based on, like....movies and shit. You know, marrying someone you love. People would probably give it, uh, ten out of ten. Would recommend,” he rambled, his cheeks burning and heart beating far too fast for comfort. “Like I said, this is all hypothetical, I was just talking out the--”

“Noah!” He realized her hands were now on his shoulders, willing him back to a more stable mindset that finally involved him shutting his mouth. “It’s okay, calm down.” 

She was so close that he felt like he was drowning in her, completely overwhelmed by the way she was looking at him, the feeling of her hands on him, and the sweet smell of coconut that fell off her in waves. She was slightly above him as she stood on her knees, making the light form a halo around her. He usually hated cliche shit, but he finally realized what all those writers were on when they wrote about their loves looking like angels.

She does.

With a start, he realized what his mind told him. “Love,” he said, throat dry. 

“W...what?” 

“I love you.” Slightly amazed at himself for being able to get the words out like he actually had gone to kindergarten, he hardened his resolve for the next sentences he would have to say for an explanation. “I just now realized, but I love you. I love watching your lips purse when you’re trying to solve a hard math problem, and how you text with emojis because you’re afraid you sound mean if you don’t. I love the way you’re strong but still able to talk to people if you need to, and you’re never afraid to pull me out of whatever shit I get myself into. You see me, not some stupid mug shot, and it’s fine if you don’t feel the same, I really understand, but I--”

Another sharp shake to his shoulders stopped his next rant and he became acutely aware of how close she had grown, leaning down towards him and bringing their faces as near as possible without them touching. 

“Noah Harris.” Her breath made his lips tingle and he struggled to contain a smile. 

“Lina Price.” 

“I love you, too.” 

[sergeant-donny-donowitz]

Always (DonnyxReader)

A/N: it's got some supernatural/mythological stuff in it. I haven't written anything like this before, so it may not be your cup of tea, and it may be a heckin disaster XD  

Requested by @redroseedits

@owba-chan @war-obsessed @inglourious-imagines @tealaquinn @struggling-bee @frozenhuntress67 @kwyloz @sodapop182

Let me know if you wanna be added to the IB or OUATIH taglists! :) __________________________________

There was a harsh, red flash of light in the horizon, like a crimson strike of lightning in a dark storm as gloomy clouds began to gather overhead. Donny didn't know if he should trust his eyes anymore. He was hungry, tired, and beaten. There was a bullet hole in his chest.  But he wasn't done fighting. He'd been captured by a patrol of nazis, and was being held by them in the forest.

His eyes lingered on the sky, which looked totally normal now. But, it hadn't been the first time he saw that flash of red. It always seemed to be out of his reach, but beyond the end of the horizon. Sometimes, he reasoned it was nazis lighting fires to stay warm, but...it wasn't logical. Still, that was all he could come up with. No one else seemed to see the red light. He gave up asking if anybody else saw that. He looked around, one of his eyes was swelling up, and blood was dripping down his forehead. That was the least of his concerns. He’d be executed if he didn’t die from that bullet wound.  Still, he had hope in the basterds, and that he could pull through. At least, he still recognized where he was. They were in a part of the woods near the edge, close to a village. It wouldn't be long before the basterds came, Donny was sure of that. He didn't understand a word, but he knew they were jeering at someone (other than him, this time). He managed to look up, and saw the nazis were harrassing a passerby, probably from the town. The passerby was just trying to, well, pass by. Tall, almost bone-thing, and covered in a red, smooth cloak, pleading to be let go of in what sounded like French with an accent Donny, and frankly, anyone else there, couldn't pin point. The harrassing turned into interrogating, as one of the nazis grabbed the figure's arm. Turning, the cloak dropped down, exposing a face. Rotting strips of flesh clinging onto a grinning skull, as red eyes seemed to mock the nazis right back. The nazi that had grabbed the figure fell to his knees, shaking and screaming, as another nazi, their leader, managed to bark orders through his terror, "Töte es!" 'Kill it!' His voice was cracking, trembling seeing that the bullets did not stop the grinning, mocking bones. Donny shut his eyes, knowing it had to be a fever dream. That's all it could be. He heard a cackle. He opened his eyes, and saw that the camp fire was raging out of control, despite heavy rain drops beginning to pour. He felt the heat in his face, and he shut his eyes, collapsing from the pain and blood, listening to the shrieks of horror. The nazis' screams a lullaby to him. ***** When Donny opened his eyes, he was in the same place, but he was alone. He looked down at his chest, where he had been shot. His clothes were bloody, but there was no wound. Just a scar. The ropes around his wrists were cut, and lay just beside him, next to his bat, which had been confiscated days ago. He picked it up, his hand running slowly over the engraved names. Then he remembered. He remembered the skull... He didn't believe it, though. It had to have been delirium, from the wound! But... he couldn't figure out what happened to the nazis....or the wound itself. Still, he knew he had to get back to the basterds. He held his bat over his shoulder, and started to walk away. He took a single step, and felt a sickening, harsh crackle under his boot. Looking down, he saw fragments of a skull, accompanied by a nazi's dog tag. His eyes widened, and he turned around, realizing the campfire was still smouldering, and was surrounded by the remains of the nazis and their tags. Anyone other than a basterd would had run away in fear, but he was mostly perplexed. Maybe he was still dreaming? He just walked away, deciding not to think about it. Still, there was a sly smirk on his face... If it was a dream, it may have been his favorite one. Still, the further he walked into the woods, he couldn't help but realize just how strange things were. He knew this part of the forest like the back of his hand, and somehow, he couldn't recognize a thing. "Where the fuck am I?" "Where, indeed." He turned, and saw you. Perhaps the most beautiful person he'd seen in his life. You seemed innocent enough, though...the accent...Not quite French, or German, not even Swiss, or Italian. Not anything he'd heard so far in the war, and he'd heard a million and one accents at that point. He got closer to you, his head tilted to the side, and suddenly, his breath caught.

You were wearing a soft red cloak. Cunning eyes, seeming to dare him to follow, and a grin playing on your lips. His voice was nearly a whisper, which for Donny Donowitz, was rare. "Who are you?" You simply giggled. The notes of your laugh had the smoothness of the moonlight, and the power of a war cry. It struck him, far more than your accent had, though he needed to know, "Where are you from?" You laughed again, and it unsettled him, "What's your name? Wh...who are you with?" "That's hard to answer, boy." You grinned, as you stepped closer to him. He saw that your skin was as smooth as the cloak, appearing timeless. You seemed to be young, but the way you spoke threw him off. It wasn't just the accent, it was sheer power in your few words. And...why did you call him boy? He was sure he was older than you, you couldn't be any older than Utivich... He raised an eyebrow, "Alright, here's an easy question, how old are you?" You shrugged, as a playful smirk tugged at your lips, "If I knew, I'd tell you, boy." He threw his hands up in frustration, "Oh what? Asking people's ages is rude, that it?" You leaned against a tree, "I'd tell you my age if I knew it, boy. But time itself had no name when I first woke." He narrowed his eyes, "Ok. You're on something, aren't you?" Your lack of answers only made him ask even more.  "Where are you from?" Even that had no definitive answer. "From the soil where the first violent drop of mankind's blood fell. Under the sky that heard the first war cry." "So you wanna play games, huh?" He started walking away, but took no more than three steps before sighing and coming to a stop, "If you're gonna follow me, then at least tell me your name, kid." You laughed again, and he soon started to wonder if you had been behind what happened to the nazis. "What are you?" This time, you didn't laugh. "Your language has no name for what I am." He stared at you, seemingly confused, but not the least bit scared. "I was here when the huns first marched through those trees." "So what, 1940? You been hiding out here for three years? That it?" You shook your head, "I mean the huns. And the visigoths." Donny blinked. "Just what I needed. A crazy kid followin' me around. Fuck's sake." You giggled, and caught up to him, "You humans never change..." "What?" You smirked, and brushed his cheek. His breath caught again, as he looked into your eyes, seeing the depth of a millenia as your voice mellowed his heart, "I was here when Rome rose. I watched from that hill as it fell. I was here when the world beyond the mediterranean was nothing but a myth." "A myth?" "I hear there are seven lands now," You grinned, and he nodded slowly, "C-continents? Sure.... You...feel ok?" You grinned, taking a step forward, looking up at the trees and sky that you called home, "I was here before Napoleon marveled at this land from Corsica. When the vikings first ventured on their ships, when those darling Mark Antony and Cleopatra turned this world upside down. I was by Alexander the Great when he took the horizon. I was there when Sparta fell to ashes. I was there was when Hammurabi's code was first written. I was thousands of years old by then...anything I saw before then, your books have no memory of." "You're saying that you're....a...You're not...." You nodded, "Not human." Again, anyone else would have been terrified, but Donny was more intrigued than anything else....somehow it didn't seem right to pry. "Do you know what year it is?" "1943." Donny was more at ease, grinning himself as he remarked, "So you're not completely insane." "Well, you said 1940 was three years ago. Unless you mortals have gone and changed your dreadful number system," You sneered, and shook your head, remembering the exact moment you knew generations of students would be doomed with those infernal figures, "The year must be 1943." You smiled kindly, as you sat by the roots of an ancient tree you'd known as a sapling, "I'm old, not senile, boy." Donny was overcome with a wave of ease, and felt a need to sit. It would be rude to leave you there, after all. He sat by a tree, across from you. He looked around, still not recognizing where he was. The sun was setting, judging by the dark red tint sifting through the leaves. He leaned his head against the tree, and you sat in silence for some time. As the first distant stars began to emerge, he asked, "That was you, wasn't it?" "What was me?" "The thing that scared the nazis, and burned them." The only response he received was the sound of your laugh, and somehow, that put him at ease as his eyes began to droop with dreams. 

******* When he woke, the sun was beginning to break through the leaves again, and he realized you'd covered him with your cloak. Looking at you, ethereal, like a fleeting daydream. Looking at you was like looking at an ancient statue, or an old painting of a nameless myth. He wrapped your cloak back around you, and began to walk down the forest, hoping to find his way. He'd been walking for an hour or two, and stopped to rest under a tree. Then, he heard your voice, which startled him a little. "You're lost." "... No I'm not." "Which way's north, then?" You grinned, as you emerged from the dense brush up ahead. "...." You sighed, "That way, boy." He got a little defensive. You know, back in Boston, he wasn't the type of guy that like to ask for directions. He crossed his arms, and began to mutter, "My name isn't ‘boy,’." "Well, you never told me your name," You shrugged with a sly smirk, knowing exactly how he'd retort. "You never told me yours." You nodded, "So it would seem." His frown turned into a chuckle, and cheeky grin as he started to walk along with you. You glanced at him through the side of your eye, and grinned. He was chaotic.  A man of vengeance. You knew spirits like his, long before. They were rare, and the ones enemies feared the most. You smiled, when you caught a glimpse of him. You'd long admired him from afar... When you stopped for him to drink water from a creek, you asked, "You're the one these 'huns' are scared of, aren't you?" He chuckled, "That would be me, doll." He froze for a moment, questioning why he'd called you that. He hoped you wouldn't catch on to it, and from the looks of it, you hadn't. But you knew far more than he could ever imagine, and hid a blush and grin expertly. "They say you're a golem." You smirked, "But I don't think you're made of clay..." Donny felt your cool hands running over his shoulders, and he smirked, turning around, taking you in his arms, "So you've been watching me?" You winked, "Always."

He laughed as he let you sift through his hands like sand, "So, what are you made of?" You smirked, knowing he could take it. So you showed him. Your hair was made of fire. Your eyes became the piercing color of midnight. Your grin was the incarnation of chaos. Your clothes were forged into armor, a kind that hadn't been forged in thousand years. "Y...you're a  d-demon...." You shook your head, as the fire died down to an ash, the smoke falling back into place as your (h/c) hair. The darkness in your eyes diluting into the laughing (e/c) pools that eased him. Your armor covered again by clothes of the era and your cloak. Your grin stayed your own. "I'm a trickster, with an allegiance to Themis, Tyr, Justitia...whatever you've named her this time." "Justice?" You nodded, "I'm a spirit of combat, and justice. The Greeks had a name for my sisters and I." He had composed himself by then, eased by your voice, and your promise of justice. "What did they call you?" "The Greeks called us the Hysminai..." You sighed, looking down into the creek, wondering what had become of them. You knew what humans were capable of, so you didn't linger on the thought. "But we're a long way from those empires now, aren't we, boy?"

You spotted your reflection in the water, looking into the forgotten legend, into the very face of combat. You sat by the edge, and in a moment, he followed. "I haven't seen them since..." Donny spoke softly, "Must be lonely..." You didn't want to dwell. "Living a life other than a mortal one? It gets lonely and boring...Especially when mortals are at peace." He chuckled, and looked into the water with you. "You have brothers, don't you, boy?" "Donny." You glanced at him, then smiled softly, just as the water rippled so he wouldn't see. "You have brothers, Donny. Others fighting with you." He nodded, "I don't know where they are." "I'll take you to them." "Thank you...." You looked at him, and told him your name "Y/n..." It had been nearly a thousand years since a human knew your name. You hadn't heard it uttered since then, on a battlefield covered in blood, your hand entangled around the hand of a warrior whose name was forgotten by history, but not by you, as you brought him before victory and vengeance, as he watched a red haze of light, with a grin on his face. You looked at Donny, before he could say anything, and said "You're tired, and unclean." "Hey!" You smiled, "Here, to the riverbank." He raised his eyebrow, definitely lost. There were no rivers near where the basterds were hiding out. You laughed as you walked him to the edge, "It's no wonder your enemies found you. All they had to do was follow your scent." Donny groaned, and splashed some water at you. You giggled, as your hand turned to fire, and turned the water to steam mid air. You turned your back, and waited among the trees. As Donny stepped into the river, his hand rested on his chest, over the scar. He glanced back at you, and didn't even have to ask. It had been you who saved him, he had no doubt.  When he was done washing up, he joined you by the trees, "How did you find me?" "I was never too far from you, soldier," you grinned cunningly, "I'm a spirit of combat and justice. That's what you've wanted all along, isn't it?" He grinned, his hands finding their way to your hips, "Damn right, Y/n..." It had been near a thousand years since you found a soul like his, made from the ashes of revenge, forged in a flame of honor. It had just been so long.... You kissed him. He kissed you... In a moment, his bat and your cloak were left on the ground, shortly followed by the rest of your clothes and armor. *********** Your head was resting on his bare chest, his hand laced into your hair, as his arm snaked around your shoulders. His heartbeat was like the beat of a war drum, music to your ears. You knew a mortal's life was fleeting. Especially that of a good warrior like him. Your cool hand rested over his chest, "Promise to always fight for what's in your heart." You felt him pull you in tighter to his side, as he murmured, "Always." When he woke the next morning, he followed you deeper into the forest, your hand entwined in his, "You must go back to your brothers." "I don't know where the fuck we are. I don't know where they are." You pointed deep into the forest. In the distance was a low, red haze, a dim light calling to Donny. "Follow the light, my soldier boy." He took a reluctant step forward, then looked back at you, "Will I see you again?" You laughed that laugh that echoed like a thundering war cry, and eased him like a lullaby, "You're at war, boy. Don't you remember?" His hand stroked your cheek, "I'll always remember." You smiled, and with a kiss, you sent him away. When he turned to take one last glance at you, you were gone. He followed the dim red light. Once again, it always seemed to be just out of his reach. He was beginning to stagger, tired of wandering for days without a soul to speak to, wondering how you could go on like that for an eternity. Just then, the lights vanished, and somehow, his heart shattered, thinking he was lost forever. "Y/n?" "Donny! Where the hell have you been?! God damn it!"  That accent was unmistakably southern, and unmistakably that of his lieutenant. Donny laughed in relief, "Aldo?!" Aldo emerged from the brush, followed by the rest of the basterds, with a myriad of questions.

"Where have you been?" "Krauts we been getting said they got you!" "What the hell happened out there?!" He simply grinned, knowing if he told them a word, he'd be discharged and locked in an asylum. They'd heard rumors of a nazi patrol being burned alive. "How'd you make it out of all this?!" Donny chuckled, waving his bat over his shoulder, "How do you think?" The basterds laughed, and as they carried on, Aldo said, "Got word there's a kraut patrol fuckin' 'round bout ten miles north from here. You up to it?" Donny looked north, into the horizon, spotting a low red light beginning to glow. He smirked, and spoke softly with a nod, "Always."

[avis-writeshq]

Scorpius Malfoy x Reader: Shine

I AM SO SORRY FOR NOT UPLOADING THIS SOONER! Thanks for the request! This is based on the song ‘Shine’ by PENTAGON. It’s a great song, actually, for all you K-Pop fans. xoxo @justfeelitbboombboom

 Requested: Yes

Pairing: Scorpius Malfoy x Fem!Reader

Other: Reader is in Hufflepuff (Sorry to all the Eagles, Snake and Lions out there…). Slight Yandere Scorpius, but who doesn’t love a good Yandere? Reader and Scorpius are in 5th year.

Summary: Being the son of Draco Malfoy had its perks. Well, unless you were a nerd, a geek, and rumoured to be the son of the Dark Lord himself. So when you’re hopelessly and utterly in love with a girl out of your league, you might as well stay away.

Word count: 1,342

 Things you probably wanna know, for all you ‘x reader’ illiterates:

(Y/N): Your Name

(H/C): Hair Colour / Color

(E/C): Eye Colour / Color

(N/N): Nickname

***

Scorpius Malfoy went through many challenges. For starters, he was doomed to be the most unpopular kid, even before even he knew who he was. In his third year, he went on a rescue mission of Cedric Diggory with his best friend Albus Potter, sending him into different space-time continuums. He was a Drumstrang student in one universe, a ‘Scorpion King’ the next, and his life was literally on the line when Delphi Diggory turned into Delphini LeStrange-Riddle. But still, he managed to surpass all those challenges and, hey, he’s still alive! And yet, there was one thing he still couldn’t do.

Muster up the courage to talk to you. Sure, there had been Rose Granger-Weasley who was still ever beautiful, but you… you were different. You weren’t a smart-ass, nor were you rude. But you were… nice? How could anyone be nice to Scorpius Malfoy, rumoured to be the son of Lord Voldemort himself? No one has ever been nice to him or Albus, so it intrigued him.

You were the daughter of Luna and Rolf Scamander and the older sister of Lorcan and Lysander Scamander. Naturally, you were rather skilled in Care of Magical Creatures, thanks to your Great Grandfather Newt Scamander. Sorted into Hufflepuff, you made sure people wouldn’t think you as a pushover. Not only that, but you were a very good student. But you had one thing failing...

“What am I supposed to do with this chair again?” You asked hopelessly, staring at the oak chair in front of you.

“You’re supposed to change it into a stuffed giraffe,” your friend, Ella, said beside you. “It’s easy. Just say ‘mutatio panthera’.”

“The only thing I’m getting is a chair with spots on it,” you grumbled.

“Wait, hold on, (N/N),” the blonde giggled softly. “Don’t turn around, but Scorpius Malfoy is looking at you.”

You looked over your shoulder, catching Scorpius’s gaze for a split second before he looked away, a sly smirk on his lips.

You flushed as Ella nudged your side, a frown on her face. “I told you not to turn around.”

With a roll of your eyes, you turned you attention back to the parchment in front of you. “Shut up…”

“I don’t know why you like him,” she went on saying. “He’s a literal nobody.”

“He’s not a nobody, Ella,” you chastised, gripping your birch wand a little tighter. “He’s a cool person. Sure, he may be a little irrelevant, but he’s nice. People just need to get to know him better.”

***

Albus snickered as his friend turned a shade of scarlet. “Calm down, Scorp.”

“She looked at me, Albus!” The young Malfoy grinned, his grey eyes sparkling. “Do you think she’ll talk to me?”

“Do you need a reality check, Scorpius?” Albus rolled his eyes. “We’re nobodies, remember? She would never talk to you.”

“Gee, thanks,” the platinum blonde huffed, slumping at his desk. “She needs help with transfiguration. Maybe…”

“Don’t even try,” a voice interrupted the two. Both boys craned their heads to look at who decided to cut in their conversation. Lo and behold, it was Mark Butcher, the beefy Slytherin seeker. “I heard she’s going out with Jeremy.”

At the name, Scorpius’s nose scrunched up in disgust, “that idiot? She could do better.”

“Who, you?” Mark rolled his eyes. “You’re never going to win her over. Sure, she has a heart of gold, but no way are you gonna get on her level. Jeremy has it all, remember? Plus, he didn’t go back in time for a stupid mission that was never going to work.”

Albus and Scorpius rolled their eyes, turning back to the front. Even though the blonde knew that no one as incredible as you would ever properly notice him, there was a slight burning in his chest that made him die inside.

***

At the end of the transfiguration lesson, Scorpius ran up to you, a bright grin on his face. “Hey, (Y/N)!”

“Hi, Scorpius,” you smiles softly, turning around to face him. “What’s up?”

“I was just wondering…” he bit his lip, his hands getting clammier by the second. “Do you need help with transfiguration?”

You blinked before nodding frantically. “Yes, that would be great! Do you have any day you are available?”

“How about this Saturday?”

You smile slowly turned into a frown. “I would… but I promised Jeremy I was going to go with him to Hogsmeade…”

Of course Jeremy would ruin his plans. Scorpius scowled inwardly before faking a smile. “I’ll have to see if I’m doing anything later. I am a busy man!”

You giggled, “sure thing, Scorpius. It you ever need, I’ll probably be in the Library or out at the Black Lake. See you later!”

***

Saturday came around and you were surprised to find that Jeremy couldn’t make it last minute. Apparently he didn’t finish his potions essay and he had detention with Slughorn, meaning he couldn’t go. You didn’t argue, however, and went around the grounds to find Scorpius. Sure enough he was in the Library, Albus nowhere in sight.

“Hey, Scorp! Good news; I can study with you now!” A bright smile stretched across your face. “So, how do we begin?”

 Hours later, you had finally managed to turn the oak chair into a stuffed giraffe. “I did it!” You exclaimed, squealing. “Finally! That took hours…” you let out a content sigh while Scorpius chuckled from beside you.

“That was all you. By the way…” he looked at you from the corner of his eye, trying to supress the smirk that was playing at his lips, “word around here says that Jeremy couldn’t make it last minute?”

“Yeah, that was kind of unfortunate… but that doesn’t matter. At least I got to hang out with you today!” You grinned, bumping shoulders with him. “You wanna do this again next time?”

“Absolutely!” Scorpius blurted, blushing immediately after.

You laugh, eyes sparkling with happiness. “It’s settled! I’ll see you around, Scorpius!” With a wave, you exited the library.

***

Months passed and the friendship between you and Scorpius grew. You really didn’t understand the reason as to why people didn’t like him. After all, he made one small mistake in 3rd Year and did his absolute best to fix it. In your opinion, you didn’t think it was right to hold a grudge over something that happened 2 years ago. Either way, as your friendship with Scorpius grew, so did your feelings. If you didn’t have a crush on him then, you sure as hell do now.

You would talk to him as much as you could, all the while Ella trying to make a move on Albus. Through relentless teasing, you managed to put up with her, and her you. You did your best to drop hints to Albus, but being the clueless Potter he was, took each of these hints as an act of friendship. You wanted to scream. Well guess what, Albus? She clearly is not just a friend!

Anyway, a few weeks before Christmas, Scorpius finally managed to blurt out his heavy secret. In the most iconic way possible.

“(Y/N), can I talk to you?” Scorpius asked, a faint pink dusting over his cheeks.

You smiled, “sure thing, Scorp. What’s up?”

“I…” you saw him look behind you, and you raised an eyebrow at his antics. When you turned around, there was nothing there but empty air.

“Are you okay?” You asked softly, concern lacing your tone.

“Yes! I’m fine! Uh…” he exhaled before looking you in the eyes. “(Y/N), I know this might ruin our friendship, but…” he swallowed thickly, twisting his hands with nerves. “I’LL BE YOU ANTONY TO YOUR CLEOPATRA; YOUR ROMEO TO YOUR JULIETTE!”

From behind you, you heard someone whisper, “didn’t they all die?”

You spun around, but still saw nothing. You turned back to Scorpius, whose face seemed to be on fire. You smiled. “If you’re trying to say that you like me, I like you too.”

His blue-grey eyes lit up. “Really?”

You laughed, “really.”

[spoookymuulders]

perchance to dream.

read it on ao3 here word count: 23,507 summary: With two families dead, the BAU is called to Colorado to try and connect the murders. Something about the deaths seems familiar to Reid, but he can’t quite put his finger on it. And when a familiar face shows up, it throws another cog into the machine, complicating things further. warnings: mentions of drowning, cpr, mentions of religion, mentions of death and cemeteries  a quick lil author’s note on this chapter!!  i wanna take a second to thank everyone who's read and commented on this story. it's the first multi-chapter fic i've posted in like.. ten years? probably?? and all of your comments and warm words were SO encouraging. i really really really appreciate all of y'all who read this! like i said at the beginning, this is the final chapter but it's not the end! we've got ten more seasons to get through and i already have a handful of drabbles written/half-written so be on the lookout for more additions to this series!!

chapter six. no place like home.

The summers die, one by one. How soon they fly, on and on. - Musician Herbert Kretzmer

Spencer Reid has never been a religious man. If there is a God, he’s often wondered why they would have let him suffer the way he did as a child? Why would they have let his tormentors harass him the way they did, why would they have let his mother suffer the way she does, when all she’s ever wanted is to put love and light and happiness into the world?

And why the hell would they have taken Parker away from him? Parker, the one ray of sunlight in his life - it’s where he’d gotten her nickname from. His mother had always said she’s like a ray of sunshine, and he’d always agreed. Parker is bright and happy and warm like the sun, and if anything happens to her he swears he’ll lose his mind.

People, religious people, have always told him everything happens for a reason. That’s crap, he thinks, because what reason was there for him to be tied to a goalpost at twelve? What reason was there for his father to leave when he was ten? What reason was there for him to be reunited with Parker, only to have her ripped away from him so viciously again?

Religious people have always told him God’s will must be done; that was Tobias Hankle’s whole thing. God’s will. As Morgan tears down the dirt road in the SUV, Spencer thinks that God’s will is stupid and ridiculous and he’d like to give God a piece of his mind if this is his will.

The SUV screeches to a halt, Hotch throwing the other one into park behind them as everyone hops out, drawing weapons and heading for the house. As they climb the steps, Spencer sees why Parker described it as something out of Pride and Prejudice - it looks like it’s been mostly untouched since that era. They clear the house and Spencer can hear his heart pounding in his ears.

“Where’s that brain, pretty boy, what’re you thinkin’?” Morgan asks.

“Shakespeare’s tragedies. He’s done Othello, Antony and Cleopatra, Julius Caesar, and Macbeth.” Spencer says, pacing slowly. “That leaves Coriolanus, King Lear, Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet - Hamlet.” He stops, his eyes widening, and yanks his phone out of his pocket, dialing Garcia’s number quickly.

“Boy Genius! How can I help?” She asks brightly.

“Is there a - a lake or a river or something near the house where Malloy held Parker?” He asks sharply. Garcia taps away at her keyboard quickly, chewing at her lip as she does so. 

“Yeah, there’s a lake about half a mile south of there, why?”

Spencer doesn’t answer, snapping his phone closed and shoving it into his pocket.

“He took her to the lake.”

He’s moving before anyone else can say a word, his legs pumping faster than he’s ever run. Morgan and Hotch are hot on his heels, along with the rest of the team. As the lake comes into view, Spencer spies movement a hundred or so yards away.

“Over there!” He shouts, pointing in the direction Malloy just took off. Emily and Rossi sprint after Malloy, following the sounds of heavy footfalls and snapping branches. Hotch sends Reid along one side of the lakeshore while he takes the other and Morgan goes straight to the water’s edge.

It’s Morgan who finds her.

****

           Emily doesn’t remember the last time she moved this fast - honestly, she’s not sure she ever has. She catches glimpses of Malloy through the trees as she runs after him with Rossi, her gun at the ready. When they stumble into a clearing and realize Malloy has trapped himself between them and the wall of a cliff, they slow their footsteps and move forward slowly.

           “It’s over, Jacob.” Emily calls, watching him carefully. He looks around, as though he’s looking for a way out. Emily knows he won’t find one. His eyes flick between her and Rossi, a twisted smile touching his lips. “If you come with us now, we can work something out.”

           She sees the look in his eyes - sees the moment that he realizes that there’s only two ways he’s leaving this forest; in handcuffs or in a bodybag. His eyes land on Emily again and he smirks.

           “The rest,” He says, “is silence.”

           With that, he charges at Emily. She wastes no time in firing at him twice, relaxing her stance only when he drops heavily into the grass. Footsteps coming out of the brush catch her attention and she turns, gesturing at Malloy’s body when the locals come hurrying out.

           “Come on.” Rossi says, grabbing her elbow gently and tugging her back in the direction of the lake. “I get the feeling the kid might need us.”

****

           He sees the fabric of her dress first, and he’s launching himself into the water before he has time to think about it. His heart lurches at the sight of Parker floating in the water, the green gown wafting around her delicately as she bobs up and down slowly in the waves. He slides his arms under her knees and her back, scooping her up, and hurries to the water’s edge, screaming for Hotch.

           He lays her down delicately on the rocky beach, vaguely aware of Hotch stopping Reid behind him as Reid lets out a broken noise. He wastes no time in starting CPR, pushing heavily for the chest compressions and blowing air into her mouth. He prays silently as he works, willing God not to take her. Other hurried footsteps on the beach alert him to the presence of the rest of the team, but he keeps working.

           “Come on.” He breathes, pushing against Parker’s chest again. “Come on, sweetheart, don’t do this. Wake up.”

           Behind him, JJ moves to stand beside Hotch and Reid, touching Reid’s arm gently. Prentiss and Rossi stand shoulder-to-shoulder, watching anxiously. Hotch keeps his face stoic and stays silent, keeping his hold on Reid. Morgan won’t believe that Parker is gone. Not after everything she’s been through. After escaping from Malloy once, she doesn’t deserve to go out, not like this. Not here in this shitty forest, in this shitty lake.

           He pushes again, and almost lets out a sob when she coughs suddenly, water spouting out of her mouth. He hurries to turn her onto her side, patting her back and helping her get all the water out. The tension in the air dissipates and Hotch lets his grip on Reid slacken. Reid sprints forward, dropping to his knees beside Parker and brushing her hair back as she lays against the rocks, eyes closed. Her hands curl around his wrists lightly and Morgan sits back, resting his elbows on his knees for a moment and hanging his head.

           Reid helps Parker sit up and clutches her to him when she throws herself into his arms, sobbing. He clings to her like a lifeline, pressing his face to her shoulder, tears of his own adding to the lakewater clinging to her skin. He starts whispering apologies and she shakes her head against his neck, clinging to him tighter and curling her hands in the back of his sweater.

****

           Spencer hovers by the end of the ambulance as the paramedics check Parker over. Aside from the bruising on her wrists and around her throat, she’s unscathed. His heart squeezes painfully as the paramedics step away and he sees her properly, wrapped up in an FBI windbreaker and with a heavy blanket from the paramedics around her shoulders. She’s perched on the back of the ambulance, her damp hair pushed over one shoulder, and she meets his eye and offers a tired smile. He tries to smile back, but he knows it doesn’t work.

           She pats the spot beside her lightly and he pads forward, sitting next to her quietly. They watch the house silently for a few long moments before either of them speaks.

           “I’m so sorry.” He says finally, his voice barely above a whisper. Parker shakes her head instantly.

           “Don’t.” She says, her voice hoarse but firm. Spencer glances at her anxiously. “Don’t even start. This wasn’t your fault, Spencer, it was my own fault.”

           “Parker-” He starts, but she shakes her head again.

           “Spencer, I’m the one who wouldn’t let you come outside with me. If I’d let you come.. Who knows. This might not have happened. Or it might have happened and he might have taken you, too. Or done something worse to you, and I couldn’t-” She says softly, shaking her head and sliding her arm through his gently. Spencer sighs slowly, hanging his head, and Parker leans into him, resting her cheek to his shoulder. “I’m okay. I’m here.”

           Humming softly, Spencer winds an arm around Parker gently, holding her against him tightly and closing his eyes. She scoots closer, tucking her chin to his shoulder and offering a small, tired smile when he turns his head to press a kiss to her temple. They sit in silence, shut away from the chaos of everything around them for a few minutes before Spencer kisses her forehead again and wrinkles his nose.

           “You taste like lakewater.” He says quietly, and Parker scoffs, feigning offense, and smacks his knee gently.

           “I can’t imagine why.” She retorts. Spencer looks down at her, smiling softly, and she returns it easily, winding her arms around his waist and squeezing him tightly for a moment. “D’you think the hospital will mind if I use up all their hot water to take a three-hour shower?”

****

           Two weeks later .

           Parker is still adjusting to life at home. She’s been staying with Jeremy and his family in Vegas - along with her mother and Spencer, neither of whom will let her out of their sight - and realizing that she didn’t miss the heat. She’s been getting to know AJ’s fiance, Alex, and Jeremy’s kids - her niece and nephew. It still blows her mind that she’s an aunt . That her big brother has kids . They’re all out at the park for the day, Parker perched on a bench as PJ and Luke sprint around after AJ and Alex. She smiles tenderly at the scene, then catches Spencer’s eye and jerks her head to the side. He nods and excuses himself from his conversation with Jeremy and Sophia, coming to stand beside Parker as she slides off the bench.

           “You okay?” He asks softly. Parker nods, chewing the inside of her lip.

           “Can we take a walk?” She asks quietly. Spencer nods, his hand settling at the small of Parker’s back gently as they slip away from the rest of their group. Spencer thinks at first that they’re just wandering, but it doesn’t take him long to see that Parker has a destination in mind, and he understands instantly as the gates of the cemetery come into view. She’s been putting this off since they came back to Vegas, but she knows she can’t do that forever.

           They slip through the gates silently, Spencer’s hand lowering from Parker’s back. She slips her hand into his and he brushes his thumb along her knuckles slowly. She feels like she’s on autopilot as she heads for her family’s plot. Fifty or so feet away, she stops. Spencer stops beside her, looking down.

           “D’you want me to come with you?” He asks softly. Parker shakes her head, exhaling quietly, and steps away from him. Spencer perches on a stone bench nearby as she approaches the headstone she’s looking for and sinks into the dry grass. She stares at it for a few long minutes, contemplating what exactly she wants to say. In the end, she settles for simplicity.

           “Hi, daddy.” She says softly, sniffling. She swallows thickly, twisting her lip as she stares at the tiny dash between the dates of birth and death. “I’m home.”

           Spencer watches from his spot on the bench, wondering if he should go sit with her. He decides against it - she needs to do this on her own. He takes in her body language, the way she sits with her legs criss-crossed first, leaning forward and picking at the grass. She talks to the stone for a while - something Spencer has never really understood, but he doesn’t question it - and when she finally sits back and pulls her knees to her chest and wraps her arms around them, Spencer stands and pads over to sit beside her, the grass crunching beneath his feet. She leans into him as he settles, and he wraps an arm around her shoulders, rubbing her arm gently.

           “He’d be proud of you.” He tells her softly.

           “You think so?”

           “I know so.”

****

           Jeremy has a hammock in his backyard, and that’s where Parker spends most of her time. Spencer finds her there now, one leg hanging out, the toe of her sneaker pressing against the tree one end is tied to so she can swing slowly, and an arm thrown over her eyes as she basks in the fading sunlight.

           “Hey.” He says, stopping beside the hammock. She hums in response. “Jeremy says dinner’s just about ready. He wanted me to come let you know.” Parker lowers her arm, squinting at him in the sun, and Spencer raises a brow at her as she wiggles for a moment.

           “Well, get in, dummy.” She says, squirming to adjust the hammock so there’s room for Spencer beside her. He laughs softly and climbs in carefully, draping his arm around Parker as she settles against him. He cards his fingers through her hair slowly, wrapping one of her curls around his index finger gently and admiring the way it catches the light as she rests her cheek to his chest. They swing together in silence for a few minutes before Spencer speaks, his voice just above a whisper so as not to disturb the quiet of the coming evening.

           “Penny for your thoughts.”

           Parker hums in response, brushing her fingers along Spencer’s arm absently.

           “I want everyone to stop treating me like I’m gonna break.” She murmurs finally. Spencer hums curiously, glancing down at her. She looks up at him, lifting her head to rest her chin to his chest and watch him as she speaks. “I mean - I get it. I do. But I’m not.. I’m not a teacup in a china shop. I feel like everyone is panicking about saying something that’ll upset me or whatever, and I - y’know, I’m not fine , but I’m okay. I’m not gonna shatter.”

           “Everyone’s worried.” He tells her, and she sighs softly.

           “I know, and I get it, Spencer, I do. But I just.. I wish everyone would stop treating me like I can’t handle anything anymore.” She says quietly.

           “Parker, you’re the strongest person I’ve ever met.” He says softly, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear gently. “And we know you can handle anything. But you don’t have to. Not alone.”

           “I know that, but.. I want to. I have to be allowed to do stuff on my own.”

           Spencer hums softly, tugging at one of Parker’s curls gently and watching as it springs back into place. “I know how you feel.” He says finally. She glances up at him, resting her chin on his chest gently as he speaks. “There was a case a couple years ago that.. Went south, let’s say. Everyone treated me like broken glass after, like if they said the wrong thing I was gonna shatter into a million pieces. And maybe I would have, who knows? But I got through it - and some of it, I got through alone. But most of it, I got through with the help of the people around me. My family.” Humming thoughtfully, Parker nods.

           “That’s what family is for, right?” Spencer continues, looking down at her. “They’re there by your side through the good stuff, but they’re there for you through the hard stuff, too. And you have - you have your mom, and the boys, and Sophia and the kids. You’ve got me - and the rest of my team, I think Morgan might like you better than he likes me.” Parker giggles at that, shaking her head a little.

           “What am I paying a therapist for when I have you?” She says softly. Spencer grins, pressing a kiss to Parker’s forehead and holding her closer. He closes his eyes as she settles her cheek against his chest again, and as Parker’s breathing evens out, her breaths turning slow and deep, Spencer revels for the hundredth time at how happy - how lucky - he is to have her back. Before long, he’s sound asleep, too, lulled by the lazy swinging of the hammock and the quiet backdrop of crickets and coyotes in the distance, and Parker’s heartbeat against his ribs.

           And as she sleeps, Parker dreams of her family, and her genius, and home .

There’s no place like home. - Author L. Frank Baum

[xaksu]

“And make death proud to take us.” [ let's get a little seriousness up in here. ]

     There is nothing distinctive, nothing remarkable left in the world -- Act 4, Scene 15. Antony and Cleopatra

____________________________________

      Not possible. Simply not. Zack had fought countless monsters and men, the scars he bore were proof, but, nothing this intense. He fell to his knees, out of breath. Sephiroth was also bloody, breath coming in and out heavy but he wasn’t as messed up as Zack. Of course not. What's god to a king-- what’s a first class to a legend? 

      The air was stagnant and his own breathing came ragged. He tried to scream, to tell his comrade to wake up out of his destructive trance but, it came out muted. It wasn’t long before he felt the cold edge of Masamune against his neck. On instinct, he pushed the Buster up against the other’s body. Sephiroth had a smile on his face as his lips moved. “And make death proud to take us.” 

      “ don’t! “ he tried to yell as he felt steel pierce flesh -- pierce his neck, and Sephiroth’s ribs at the same time. 

      Then Zack jolted awake.

      The light on the clock said 4:23 am. “ fuck “He sighed, flopping backwards. This was the third time this week he’d had this dream. Well, he was awake now. He reached for the PHS on his nightstand and flipped it open “ oh right he blocked me “ instead of a text, he pulled up the email system and began typing: 

NEW EMAIL from Zack FairSUBJECT: [ null ]BODY: u up?

       It felt childish but he had to be sure. Something was off and he could feel it. Sephiroth’s last words in the dream were still vivid in his mind. In a last attempt to wake up, he slid the covers off and went to shower, leaving the open PHS on the bed, illuminating the crumpled up sheets. 

[iloveurscratchybeard]

#96 on the angst/ fluff prompt list "Can't you stay a little longer?"

Also combining with the prompt from @viceversawrites (#52 “I wouldn’t change a thing about you.” for the hurt/comfort prompt!) and 3 prompts from @barefootunderthesun (a combo of #1 “I love you, please don’t go.”, #11 “How could you ask me that?” & #26 “Here, let me help you.”)     

*Heavy angst warning* Cancer arc. Tagging @today-in-fic    

The mechanical beeping fills the silence in the room like a spiritless melody, equal and precise, but a beautiful sound nonetheless to Fox Mulder’s ears because it is the rhythm of her heart. A heart that despite cancer ravaging through her body, prevails and continues to beat with her life force. Allowing him another day, another hour, another moment with her.

He holds her hand firmly with both of his, trying to pull all of the warmth, all of the essence, from his own body and infuse it into hers, willing to cut the years off of his life and give them to her. Take it all, I don’t need it. The remainder of my life will be a waste if you go. I won’t survive that.

She stirs for the first time all day, the hollow of her cheeks flexing as she moves her jaw, trying to swallow away the cotton of her throat that is undoubtedly dry after hours of prolonged unconsciousness. He reaches for her glass of water on the side table and directs the straw to her cracked lips so she can swallow it slowly. She blinks several times in appreciation, her eyes darkened and sagging but still the brightest form of blue he knows. He thinks of all the tragic love stories he knows, of Napoleon And Josephine, Cleopatra And Mark Antony, Tristan And Isolde...all fated to die without the one they love by their side. Kept apart from society, or obligation, or their own impetuousness. Destined to die alone.

His face lights up for her, beaming his brightest smile, and he brings her hand up to his lips, kissing her knuckles one at a time. Her skin is dry, her fine bones and veins protruding from the tops of them. He takes the lotion from the tray of her things on the nightstand and begins to rub it in circular motions along the tops of each hand, in between her fingers, and along her palms, tracing her lifeline delicately.

“Thank you. I’m such a mess. I’m so embarrassed- how can you even stand to look at me like this?” Her voice is raspy from disuse, and her eyes glisten with unshed tears.

Mulder shakes his head, brings her hand up against the stubble of his cheek, holding it in place with his own hand cupped over hers. “How could you ask me that? No matter what, you are still beautiful, Scully. I wouldn’t change a thing about you.”

She manages a small smile before her body is overcome with a coughing fit. She struggles to sit up to help clear her lungs. Mulder jumps up from his chair and climbs into bed with her. “Here, let me help you,” he wedges his body in behind hers, sitting propped up against the headboard and pulling her back to his chest. Her coughing subsides and she relaxes into him with a sigh.

“We’ve wasted so much time, Mulder. If I could go back-”

“Don’t say that. I don’t want you to have any regrets. I don’t.” It’s a lie. He would do it all differently too. He would have kissed her on that first case, standing in the rain of the cemetery in a burst of laughter and jubilation, the excitement and spark of something new and exciting floating between them. If he had known then how short their time together would be, he would have cherished every moment of it.

"I already said goodbye to mom and my brothers," she whispers, bringing her hand to his forearm where it rests around her waist. His breath hitches at her words, he feels the lump in his throat burn as it threatens to unravel his careful composure. He bites his lip hard, hoping the pain will direct his focus off of what she is trying to tell him. She's giving up.

"Can't you stay a little longer?" He hears the words, unaware that they have come from his own mouth. He tightens his grip on her frail body, memorizing the feel of her, breathing in the silky sweetness of her hair against his nose.

"Mulder, you need to go on - for me. I want you to get out of the dark of that basement once and awhile. I want you to find the sun. I want you to be happy. Promise me."

His tears are falling in earnest now, a waterfall of sorrow marking their path down his face, rolling along his jawbone, collecting in the crown of her hair like melted snowflakes.

"Mulder, promise-"

He nods his head, unable to verbalize it. He shifts her body slightly so her head now rests in the crook of his arm and she can tilt her face up his. He traces her features lightly with his fingertips, forcing himself to smile through the tears, stamping every detail of her face into his brain for future reference.

“I love you, please don’t go,” he manages to choke out. A final plea. Her head is heavy in his arms, she doesn’t have the strength to say the words back, but her eyes widen briefly at his confession and fill with a new wave of tears. A smile forms on her face and her eyes close like she’s falling into a peaceful sleep, her body heaving up and then down as the last of her breath leaves her body and he feels her spirit break free of the confines of her illness, floating up in a wisp of glowing dawn.

[imaginedilestrade]

Can we have a special Ben X reader fic for his birthday 😊❤️

A/N: okay I don’t usually do this but since it’s Benedict’s birthday I will 😁 so here’s a special birthday Ben X reader ficlet 😊 Happy birthday Benedict! 😄🎉

————————

“He likes you, you know…” You slowly looked up to Amanda who had a Cheshire Cat like grin on her face. You rolled your eyes and playfully jabbed her side and she flinched on the spot laughing.

“No he doesn’t, and anyway we’re friends and he seems happy with that,” you told her in a matter of fact voice. You were standing with her on the set of Sherlock, you had been casted as Mrs Hudson’s granddaughter back in 2010 and had been on a few episodes since then as well as other acting jobs. Amanda loved to tease you by constantly telling you that Ben liked you.

She looked at you with a questioning glare “Are you?” Amanda asked and her question whirled around in your head.

You didn’t have time to answer her as the director shouted “Places!” And you and Amanda rushed to get into character. “Alright everybody! Action!”

You watched Martin and Ben work, their acting was flawless and almost effortless. Well flawless most of the time, as soon as the thought went into your head Ben burst out laughing at ‘Johns’ witty remark.

You couldn’t help but giggle and Ben looked up over to you with a small smile on his face “Alright is everyone ready?” The director asked and Ben nodded, quickly apologising for his outburst before continuing with the scene.

You stood waiting with Rupert at the bottom of the stairs that lead to the flat, ready for the director to shout action. “I’m going to feel like the third wheel,” he lightly chuckled and you furrowed your brow.

“What do you mean? You asked, fixing your costume a little.

Rupert shrugged “Well when you two have a scene together it’s like you both enter a world of your own…” He trailed off and you looked ahead, composing your thoughts. Did that really happen? If it did you didn’t notice it.

“Everybody ready? 3…2…1…action!”

You ran up the stairs with Rupert “Morning Sherlock,” you chirped with a smile “I found Greg on the stairs.”

“Who?” ‘Sherlock’ asked.

You rolled your eyes “Lestrade!” Both you and ‘Greg’ said at the same time. You continued on with the scene perfectly, subconsciously trying to find this ‘world’ Rupert was talking about.

The next scene you were shooting was with Andrew, where ‘Jim’ had kidnapped you and ‘John’ and 'Sherlock’ would have to save you. “A little bird told me that you’ve auditioned to be Cleopatra in the Globe theatres production of 'Antony and Cleopatra’.” Andrew looked at you with a smile on his face, a far cry from his almost petrifying Moriarty expressions.

“Uh yeah I’m waiting to hear back from them. Apparently they might be casting David as Antony.”

“Tennant?” Andrew clarified and you nodded.

“Yeah but I’ll have to wait and see if I get the part first.”

“I know some of the production managers there, I’ll give them a call and sort you out,” Andrew winked and you gasped, instantly bringing him in for a hug.

“Thanks Andrew that would be amazing!” You let go of him and prepared yourself for the scene. You had to wait for 'John’ and 'Sherlock’ to untie you from a chair that was in front of a loaded gun with a timer. You got into character and the scene began. Your character had their eyes shut and you cried some fake tears, your eyes opened when you felt hands fumble with the rope around you.

“Sh-Sherlock?” You sobbed out and watched as Ben avoided looking you in the eye. You wanted to furrow your brows but did your best not to break character. 'Sherlock’ untied you before pushing you to the ground as the gun went off.

“Cut! Perfect take guys!” The director shouted.

You barely heard him though, you were too entranced with Benedict hovering over you. Ben snapped back into reality and out of the trance he was being pulled into with your eyes “So-sorry Y/N…” He stuttered out and helped you up before quickly going to prepare for his next take.

You let out a small sigh and returned to your trailer just as you received a call “Hello?”

“Y/N! You got the part of Cleopatra!”

—-

About a month later Sherlock was wrapping up filming and all the cast and some of the crew gathered around on set to celebrate “So Y/N…” Mark trailed off with a knowing smirk “Or should I call you Queen of Egypt?” You couldn’t help but smile and let out a giggle as the rest of the cast gasped with surprise.

“You got it?!” Louise asked with a delighted squeal before pulling you in for a hug.

“Yeah all thanks to Andrew!” You smiled at the Irish actor.

“Oh nonsense! You got it because you’re the best bloody actor in the country! Come give me a cuddle” you walked over to him and embraced him in a tight hug “Congratulations.”

You stepped back and found yourself looking into Ben’s eyes “Congratulations Y/N,” you wrapped your arms around him tightly, inhaling his goosebump inducing scent.

“Thank you…Sorcerer Supreme…” You teasingly whispered in his ear with a smile before pulling back, only to be still held in his arms. You smiled at his surprised face, he never told anyone, or at least couldn’t remember if he told anyone “A little bird,” you told him and he clicked on. That little bird was always Amanda.

You went back to your trailer for the last time in the series to collect your things when the door opened “Ben! Hey!” You smiled and put down a box of your belongings.

“Hi…” He slowly drawled out “Uh I just wanted to say well done again for getting the part of Cleopatra.”

“Thank you,” you bashfully smiled “Congratulations to you too! Dr Strange?! That’s amazing! I loved those comics. Marvel are very lucky to have you. When do you start filming?” You asked.

“I head out to Nepal tomorrow then Atlanta after that…” He trailed off with a sad tone and you gulped.

“For how long?” You asked in a whisper.

Ben burned his gaze into the ground “Five months.”

You felt your heart shatter, you wouldn’t be able to see him in person for five months. It would be the longest you would have been away from him. “Oh,” was all you could mutter out before you put on a fake smile “Well I’m sure it will be an amazing experience!”

“Yeah,” he sent you a half smile “Who has been cast for Antony?” He asked raising a suspicious brow.

“David Tennant was cast, I’m looking forward to working with him!” You smiled.

“Yeah…lucky sod gets to kiss you…” He mumbled so quietly that you didn’t hear him. “I’ll come and see you before the production finishes, I promise.” He smiled and leaned forward, pressing a chaste kiss on your cheek. It lingered for what felt like hours “Goodbye Y/N.”

“Bye Ben…”

—-

Three months later you found yourself on the stage bowing for the final time as the crowd cheered and gave a standing ovation. You scanned your eyes across the crowd looking for a certain face but he wasn’t there. You tried not to let your disappointment shine through as you smiled and waved whist the curtain closed.

All the Sherlock cast had visited you, all except Ben. You sat in your dressing room that night, still in costume, looking at a photo from way back in 2010 at a young, fresh faced, Sherlock cast. You smiled and traced you fingertips over Benedict’s face with a sad smile. In the photo he had his arm around your shoulders with a large smile on his face. You both looked so young.

Your face had an even bigger smile on in. Sherlock was your first proper acting gig and from that your career propelled. A knock on the door snapped your from your thoughts and you hollered the person on the other side to come in. “Miss Y/L/N?”

You turned around seeing it was a backstage assistant “Um everyone has gone home but there is a person waiting for you on stage.” They smiled and left you utterly confused.

You walked to the stage, still in costume, and found no one there. That was until you heard a voice echoing through the empty theatre “I am dying, Egypt, dying; onlyI here importune death awhile, untilOf many thousand kisses the poor lastI lay up thy lips.”

You flawlessly began to recite your lines as Cleopatra, quickly getting into character with a smile hearing his voice. “I dare not, dear,–Dear my lord, pardon,–I dare not,Lest I be taken: not the imperious showOf the full-fortuned Caesar ever shallBe brooch’d with me; if knife, drugs,serpents, haveEdge, sting, or operation, I am safe:Your wife Octavia, with her modest eyesAnd still conclusion, shall acquire no honourDemuring upon me. But come, come, Antony,–Help me, my women,–we must draw thee up:Assist, good friends.”

“O, quick, or I am gone.” You saw Benedict stepping out of the shadows in the most bizarre costume, quoting Antony. You couldn’t help but laugh at his attire and perfectly designed facial hair.

“What are you wearing?!” You laughed, clutching your stomach.

Ben smiled “Stay in character!” He told you and you managed to calm your giggles.

“It’s going to be hard when you look like that,” you waved your hand up and down in front of him as he joined you on stage “But alright.” You cleared your throat and composed yourself before continuing with your lines “Here’s sport indeed! How heavy weighs my lord!Our strength is all gone into heaviness,That makes the weight: had I great Juno’s power,The strong-wing’d Mercury should fetch thee up,And set thee by Jove’s side. Yet come a little,–Wishes were ever fools,–O, come, come, come;” Your breath hitch feeling Benedict’s hands soothingly rub up and down your forearms. You continued speaking with a trembling voice as the strangely dressed actor in front of you made your mind spiral out of control with nerves. “And welcome, welcome! die where thou hast lived:Quicken with kissing: had my lips that power,Thus would I wear them out…”

Your voice was nothing but a whisper as you finished your line “You came…” You trailed off.

“I tried to come sooner, I wanted to see you. We’re filming in London for a few days, I’m sorry I broke my promise.” Ben’s gaze fell to the ground and you were quick to place a finger under his chin, drawing his attention back to you.

“You’re here now,” you smiled “Dr Strange…” You teasingly smirked and ran your fingers over his costume.

Benedict let out a bashful chuckle “Yeah…” He drew out “I came straight from filming. I arrived in London yesterday and we started filming straight away. I’m so sorry Y/N.”

You smiled and propped yourself up on your tiptoes to kiss his cheek “You’re here now, that’s all that matters…and you got a private show.” Ben felt his cheeks burn when your lips left his skin and especially when you winked at him after the words 'private show’ left your mouth.

“You look beautiful,” he whispered and moved closer to you.

You look down to your outfit and shrugged, lacing the delicate fabric between your fingers. “We have very talented costume desig-”

“No,” Ben cut you off “You look beautiful…” He trailed off and cupped your face with his scared hands, which you knew was special effect makeup. “Always…” He leaned forward and passionately crashed his mouth to yours. You couldn’t help but moan as he intertwined his fingers with your hair. He pulled back leaving your lips slightly swollen and tingling “How was that kiss?” He asked with a small smirk, pressing his forehead to yours.

“Amazing…I’ve wanted that for so long,” you softly whispered and peppered your lips across his own.

“Better than kissing David Tennant?” He asked, standing up straight with a serious look on his face.

“Much better,” you hummed.

“Good,” Benedict sent you a half smirk “I may have lightly threatened him not to kiss you that good.”

“Ben!” You burst out laughing and playfully slapped his chest. He laughed along with you and wrapped his arms around you.

“Do you want to come back to mine for dinner?” He asked with eyes full of hope.

“I’d love that.”

—-

“Benedict! Y/N! Benedict! Over here!” A hoard of paparazzi and press kept calling your name.

“They’re going to have a field day with us…” You gritted out with a smile directed in the direction of the cameras.

“I know,” Ben spoke to you in the same fashion “Spend five minutes with them then I’ll get you back to the hotel to get that dress off you…” He seductively trailed off.

“Ben…” You warned with a smirk.

It had been a few years since Ben kissed you back in the globe theatre and since then you both had been inseparable. You talked to a few journalists while Ben stood next to you, talking to others. “Firstly Y/N congratulations on your Olivier award for your role as Cleopatra in Antony and Cleopatra, secondly how are you enjoying the D23 Expo?”

You smiled and answered “Thank you so much! It’s absolutely amazing being here! I’ve loved meeting everyone and of course watching the Infinity War trailer. I’ve asked Ben countless of times for spoilers but he never tells me!” You laughed.

“You’re a big fan of Doctor Strange aren’t you?” The interviewer asked and you nodded “What other roles did you enjoy Benedict in?”

“Oh The Hobbit and obviously Sherlock. I love watching him work, it’s such an honour.” You smiled adoringly at the blue eyed man by your side.

“Does he attempt to deduce things when he’s not playing Sherlock?”

You let out a laugh and Ben glanced over to you with a gushing smile. “No!” You replied “Thankfully not! I mean he can barely say the word penguin so-”

“Hey!” He cut you off and placed both hands on your side making you jump “You said you’d never bring that up…” He sent a fake pout in your direction, one that you couldn’t help but laugh at.

“Sorry!” You defensively held your hands up “Sorry darling!”

The interviewer laughed “So are you planning on making Y/N Mrs Cumberbatch anytime soon?” The interviewer pressed.

You and Ben both let out nervous chuckles before you were both cut off by a voice “No! She’s becoming Mrs Robert Downey Jr!” Robert called from behind the both of you and you all burst out laughing.

“No she’s not!” Chris hollered “She’s going to be called Mrs Evans and we’ve already agreed to adopt Tom Holland!”

“No we haven’t! Plus I think Ben wants to adopt him!” You shouted back with a laugh. You felt Ben’s hand come around and gently brush across your stomach.

“I don’t think we’d have the space, love.” You smiled hearing the soft, whispering tone that lingered around your ear. “Sorry folks!” Ben waved “we’ve got to go!��

You walked off with him to a car “How long do you think it will take them to figure out we married in secret Mr Cumberbatch?”

“I’d give it a few months,” he let out a snort of laughter and pressed a kiss to your temple “Mrs Cumberbatch.”

[nalu-week]

Just Beautiful

NaLu Week Bonus Day- Gothic

Up till now, all she had experienced in life was unhappiness from behind a gilded cage because her father had kept her sequestered, no tv, no cell phone, and limited internet access.  Studying and prepping her for the rigors of the business world was all he cared about because to him, she was just a means to continue the family company.  But now he wasn’t around to monitor what she did so like an animal being released from its cage, all that repression channeled into a rebellious attitude and style that was far removed from the pink Princess good girl image he had tried to groom.               

She and the company was left in the care of his father’s main partner Capricorn along with her maid Virgo to prepare her to one day take over as CEO.  But by the time she turned 16, they had watched as Lucy’s whole being changed and turned inward.  Most of her days were spent glued to dark internet chatrooms and blogs where teenagers like her could vent about their lives.  Streaks of dark purple weaved through her beautiful golden hair… Her clothing choices grow darker; black leather, corsets, straps, boots… A choke chain around her neck…  dark colored nails… Heavy lipstick, eyeliner and shadow…  Music blares through the walls of her room, sounds they can’t even understand; screaming, ominous, foreboding melodies.    

The pretty little emo goth…  

Whenever her guardians tried to talk to her about going out, making friends; she just wants to be left alone she’d always scream at them.  But they know they can’t do that for her sake… 

“Miss Lucy, you’ve only known the walls of this house, you’ve no friends to talk to and I don’t count the people online, maybe experiencing life as a regular teenager will be good for you.”

“Capricorn, does it look like I want to do anything of the sort!”

“Well we’ve already enrolled you at Magnolia High.  It’s a couple of cities away where no one will know who you are.  A house is set up for us there and you’ll be starting next school year.”

“I can’t believe you did that Virgo!  Who told you it would be okay?!!”

“As your guardian’s it is our duty to do what is best for you until you turn 18 whether you like it or not.”

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

“Class we have a new student joining us,” Lucy stands frowning next to Mrs. Connell, “Her name is Lucy Ashley, please make her feel welcomed.”  “Lucy I’d like you to sit next to Natsu, he’ll be your partner for the year.”  She points at an open chair next to a pink haired boy.

“Ugh, great.”  She plods over and drops onto the open chair immediately putting her head down.  She has no desire to be here, and even less willingness to interact with anyone let alone a boy. 

Natsu rolls his eyes, ‘how the hell could Mrs. Connell be so cruel!’  His friend Gray snickers at him to which he responds with a classic finger wave.  Other students around the room whisper amongst themselves, especially the girls.  Natsu is a popular guy and to be stuck with the weird goth girl; to them it was so, so wrong.

For the rest of the period, Lucy doesn’t say anything to anyone.  Burying her nose in the textbook, she does her work and as soon as the bell rings, grabs her stuff and walks out.  She finds a picnic table in the quad area and opens her book; reading has been the one comfort in her life where she could run away from her reality and into somewhere make believe. 

“Mrs. Connell got you good huh, sticking you with that girl.”  The two friends walk through campus.

“Ugh, I know; that friggin’ witch.”

“I have to say under all that black she’d be pretty.”

“Why don’t you take her as your partner then?”

“Nope, Juvia would kill me if I did or her.”

“Tch.”  They keep walking.  “Look… It’s her.”  Natsu points to the picnic tables.  Virgo had dressed her that morning after a fight and some concessions.  The final outcome; a dark red corset top, black cropped jacket with bell sleeves, matching skirt, and black 4inch heeled ankle boots.  Her shoulder length hair is half up in two spikey buns with some long bangs framing the sides of her face.  Dark red lipstick and nails.  ‘I do like the color she’s wearing.…’ he thinks to himself. 

Gray pushes his friend from behind, “Go talk to her.”

But Natsu plants his feet and pushes back, “What makes you think she’d want to be bothered?  She didn’t say jack to me in class.”

“Man, she’s new, don’t know anybody, don’t know you yet.”  He stops pushing and punches his friends shoulder.  “What’d she got to talk about unless you give her something”

“I don’t know…”

“She’s a challenge to crack and I’ve never seen you back down from a challenge.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Just sayin, that girl obviously needs a friend; you’re stuck with her at least in English class for the year, so you might as well try to make the best of it.”

After just a couple of days of silence Natsu can’t take it anymore and tries to strike up conversations with the quiet goth.  Mostly he gets yes or no with a few short answers in between.  But she did ask him one question, why does he wear a scarf when it’s not winter time.  He’s surprised to find out this Lucy girl is only a Sophomore but is in their Junior English because well, she’s pretty smart.  On the other hand, English is the one subject he absolutely hates so apparently, Mrs. Connell had put them together for a reason. 

Two weeks into the school year, it’s Monday again and for once her outfit is almost semi-normal; maybe because the weather was a little warmer that day.  A red and black plaid sundress with black leather straps and her hair is left down; but her make up is still the same, dark red lipstick and a heavy shadow. 

“I hope you’re ready for this class, it’s your first major assignment.” Mrs. Connell walks around the classroom handing out papers to the groans of several students.  “Along with your partners you are to collaborate on a research paper that will be due two weeks from today.” Finished handing out the papers, she walks back to the front of the class.  “The main topic may come from any period between ancient history till the middle ages.”  She writes two words on the board and points to it, “Famous Couple.  Your research paper should answer the questions I’ve listed on the assignment sheet.  Any questions?”

“Does it matter if the couple is real or not?”

“Yes, they should be real, historical figures, no couples from fairytales.  Any other questions?”  Silence from the room.  “Take the rest of the class period to decide on your topic and plan your work out.” 

Natsu sits back in his chair, “This sucks.  Why a paper so soon in the year!” he whines.  “Ugh, I was warned she’s a tough teacher; I bet she was an outlaw in her former life.”

“It’s not that bad,” Lucy whispers, “Look…”  He leans over and reads as she writes out the basic steps.  ‘Pick your topic, research the topic, write outline, rough draft, final draft’  “…See, easy.  First thing is we need to pick a couple to write about.”

He looks at her, “Yeah, easy for you maybe.  I don’t even know of any couples to choose from.”

“Well,” she taps her chin, “There’s Marcus Antony and Cleopatra.  Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn…”

“Ooh, what about Romeo and Juliet…”

“They aren’t real.”

“Oh.  Bummer.”

“There’s Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal…”

“Who?”

“Have you heard of the Taj Mahal?”

“The place in India.”

“Um yeah, Shah Jahan was the ruler and he built that for his wife.  Or how about Akhenaten and Nefertiti?”

“Okay, at least I’ve heard of them before from movies.”

She sighs, “Let’s stick with them.”  As she scribbles their names on the paper.

“Hey Luce?”  he leans in closer to her.  “Know what?”

“My name is Lucy.”

“I know, but I like Luce better.  So, do you realize something?”

“What’s that?”

“You’re being nice to me.” He grins, “And I think this is the most I’ve heard you talk, like ever.”

“I’m not trying to be mean… I just don’t like getting close to people.”

“That’s sad…”

“If I don’t get close to anyone, I can’t get hurt when they eventually leave.”

He just stares at her.  There’s likely a reason she feels that way but he doubts she’d tell him, so to break the awkward silence, he changes the subject.  “How about you come over to my house after school and we can start working on this stuff.”

She pauses, “I don’t know if I’d be comfortable with that…”

“We need to work together on this, and we only have a couple weeks to get it done.  My parents will probably be working but my sister will be home if that helps.”

“You have a sister?”

“Yeah,” he gives her a big smile.  “A little sister named Wendy.  She’s in middle school.”

“I guess it’ll be okay…”

“Great!  Give me your number and I’ll text you the address.”  She scribbles her number on a piece of paper and hands it to him.  He takes out his phone and sends her his address.  “If it’s easier, I could just meet you at the front of the school and we could walk to my house.”

“That would probably be better.”  The bell rings. 

Gathering up their belongings, “Okay, remember, afterschool.”  She nods at him.

On the way to his house, Natsu’s in a good mood now that he’s finally making some progress with the mysterious girl.  “I don’t mean to pry Luce, but why do you think people will eventually leave you?”

“Because they do.  People die, relationships break up…”

“Did something happen to you?”

She looks away, “my mom died when I was little, and my dad died last year.”

He stops walking, “I’m sorry.  I didn’t think…”

She waves her hand, “Don’t trouble yourself.  I only have vague memories of my mother and my dad, well let’s just say we weren’t close.” 

“Still, I feel like kind of an ass for even asking.”

“It’s not your fault.”

As soon as they reach the modest Dragneel home, a blue ball of fur comes running from the kitchen.  “What’s that?”  Lucy asks

“A cat,” he looks at her strangely, “for a smart girl, how do you not know what a cat is?”

“I know what a cat is but it’s blue?  Isn’t that kind of weird?”

He picks up the purring feline, “Says the girl with purple in her hair… right Happy?”

She’s about to respond when a girls’ voice calls out from another room.  “Natsu?  Is that you?”

“Yeah Wendy, it’s me.”

A pretty young girl with long blue hair walks around the corner of the hallway.  “Natsu…  Oh hi, I didn’t know he had company.”

“Wendy, this is my friend Lucy.  Luce, this is the little sister I told you about.”

Wendy- “You’re girlfriend?”

Both Natsu and Lucy blush.  “N-no” he responds, “She’s my English partner.”

Lucy- “We have to work on a research paper.”

“Oh” Wendy giggles, “Sorry I just got excited that maybe he finally managed to get a girlfriend.”

“Ugh!” he puts the cat down and grabs his sister. “What do you mean finally!” he starts tickling her.  “I can get a girlfriend if I want to!”

Wendy’s giggles turn shrieks fill the room, “Stop!  Please!” she’s laughing so hard her stomach starts to tighten, “I was just teasing!”

He stops his torture, “You just wait till you have a boyfriend, I’m gonna have so much fun getting you back!”

“Better not!” cries Wendy

“You know I will!” he laughs.  “But as much as I could keep messing with ya, we need to start studying.  Will you be okay by yourself Wendy?”

“I’m not a little kid anymore.” She crosses her arms. 

He pats her head, “To me you’ll always be a little kid.  Come on Luce, my rooms this way.” He grabs her hand and pulls her down the hall.  After seeing how he is with his sister she thinks, maybe he’s not such a bad guy…

They start off just staring at Natsu’s laptop to research their topic but it quickly becomes apparent to Lucy that he won’t be of much help unless she makes him work so she hands him her Macbook Pro, “I’ll do the leg work, you type out the notes I tell you.”

“Do I have to?” he whines. 

“That cute face isn’t going to work on me.”

He grins, “You think I’m cute?”

Her cheeks turn pink, “I-I didn’t say you were cute!” she stammers.  “I meant the act you’re putting on!”

“It’s okay if you think I’m cute,” he smirks, “cause I think I’m quite adorable!”

She rolls her eyes, “Oh brother.  Then Mr. Adorable,” she shoves the tablet in his hand, “get to work.”

“Fine.” He pouts while opening the screen, “I’ll win you over one of these days.”

“Uh-huh…” she mutters, fingers already whizzing through websites.  ‘he is kind of adorable…’        

~~Tuesday~~

The next day at lunch, she’s reading again in the quad when two guys walk up to her. 

Rogue- “Excuse me, Lucy?”

She looks up at the dark-haired male, “Yes?”

“Hey, um.  My friend and I were wondering if we could sit and hang out.”

“Why?”

Sting- “What he means to say is he thinks your cute and can he talk to you.”

She closes her book, “Come again?” she looks first at the blonde with one earring and then turns back to the first male.

“I’m Rogue, this is my friend Sting.” They sit across from her.  “Don’t mind Sting, his mouth doesn’t come with a filter.”

“Look, I’m not really interested…”

Rogue- “I think we have some things in common.”

“Such as?”

Sting- “Goth.  Just look at him, he’s into the music, the clothes… just like you.”

“Well actually, I wouldn’t call myself a goth.”

Rogue- “Neither would I.  We just happen to like the darker side of things, right?”

“And what about you,” she looks at Sting, “You into the goth scene?”

“Nah, I’m just here for moral support.  You see Rogue, he’s kinda shy with ladies but I looove talkin’ with them!”

“Look I’m not interested in any relationships right now.”

Rogue- “Neither am I,” he lies, “I just thought you could use a friend, one that might understand you more than other students here.”

Sting stands up, “Oh look, my girlfriend.” he lies.  “Rogue, I’ll see you later.  Nice meeting ya Blondie.”

“Lucy.”

“Whatever,” he waves as he runs off.

“So, what are you reading?”

“Prince Lestant.”

“Anne Rice huh; I haven’t had a chance to read this one yet but I heard he has a son in it?”

“Yeah, they were able to figure out a way for vampires to produce offspring.”

“I think Blackwood Farm was my favorite, though I like all of her stuff.”

“Really…”

That afternoon she’s back at Natsu’s to do more research and her conversation with Rogue has put her in a decent mood. 

“Good day today?”

“Yes actually, I made a new friend.”

“Oh… Who’s that?” expecting a girl’s name

“Rogue Cheney.”

Annoyance in his tone. “Sting’s friend?!”

“Um, yeah, that’s him.  Why?”

“It’s nothing.” He mutters and turns back to what he’s working on.

She looks at him curiously, ‘Is it me or does he sound irritated?’  “Then why are you quiet all of a sudden?” 

“It’s nothing.  He’s an okay guy.  I’ve known them both for a few years.” He responds without looking up.

“We have similar interests, that’s all…  You know, if I didn’t know better, you sound a little bitter that I was talking to a guy.”

“Me?  No…  W-why would I be, you can talk to whoever you want to.”  She continues to stare at him.  His eyebrows are furrowed and a frown still on his face.  “What is it Luce, I’m trying to concentrate.”

‘He’s lying to me…’  “Alright, well he wants to hang out sometime…” She sees Natsu’s mouth open as if he is gonna speak.  “…but I told him I’m busy so I’ll just see him around in school.”  He lowers his head further to hide it but she can see a smile form… 

~~Wednesday~~

The following day Sting corners Natsu outside of their English class.  “Hey pinky, I heard Lucy’s been at your house every night this week.”

“And, so what Playboy, we’ve got this damn research paper to work on.”

“Are you guys hooking up?”

Natsu narrows his eyes, “Why do you care Sting?”

“That wasn’t a no.”

“That wasn’t a yes either.”

“Look my friend likes her and I just wanna know if he’s got competition.”  Sting sees Natsu’s eye twitch.

“Lucy doesn’t want a boyfriend right now so Rogue might as well give up before he starts.”

Sting probes. “And how do you know that?”

“I just get that vibe from her.”

 “Are you sure you’re not just sayin’ that,” Sting taps his finger on Natsu’s chest, “cause maybe you’ve got the hots for her?”

“When have you seen me interested in goth girls?”

“Dude, I’ve never seen you with any girl.”

“That’s because I’d rather wait for someone special.  Now if you don’t mind, class is gonna start.”  Natsu walks pushes past.  Sting just smirks.  ‘He does have a crush on her!’

That afternoon, Lucy is on Natsu’s bed working on the outline for the paper while he just sits watching over her shoulder.  He’s so close she can feel every breath that he takes, the warm air tickling the back of her neck.

“Natsu, personal space; ever heard of it?”

“Yeah, you’re in my personal space, it’s my room remember?”

Sigh, “that’s not what I meant.”

“I know,” he leans back against the wall chuckling.  “I’m just messin with ya.”   “So, um Luce, I was wondering, if you’re willing to share, how did your mom pass away?”

She stops typing and looks at him, “She died of cancer.”

“What about your dad?”

“Heart attack.”

He’s a little taken aback by her bluntness.  “Well, did I ever tell you I’m adopted?”

A surprised tone in her voice, “No, you’ve never mentioned it before.”

“My sister is too.”

“What happened to your birth parents?”

“No clue.  The adoption agency wouldn’t tell us much, only that she died in child birth and my father I guess couldn’t cope with it all.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

“Don’t be, I’ve got awesome adoptive parents and a sister; I couldn’t be happier.” He smiles.  “Well…” a blush forming, “I could be happier…” he gazes intently at her. 

She stares back for a second before turning away, her cheeks are warming up.  “Why are you looking at me like that?”

“I appreciate beautiful things…”

“I’m not beautiful.” She can feel her heart speeding up

“You’re right…”

“I am?”  She looks up

“You’re gorgeous.”  Now she’s really blushing

“Y-you’re just trying to charm me.”

He smirks, “Is it working?”

‘Maybe…’   “No!”  He pouts and she quickly turns her head again when she feels her cheeks flushing brighter, ‘Damn it, he needs to stop doing adorable shit!’ 

“Then why are you blushing, Luce?” he teases her

Sigh, “Why are you trying so hard Natsu?  I’m sure you could get any girl you wanted in that school…”

“I don’t want just any girl.  I’m looking for the right girl…  Isn’t that what we all want in life?”

“Perfection doesn’t exist.”

“You don’t need to be perfect, that’s quite frankly boring.”

She smiles in her head…. 

~~~~

Thursday’s weather is gloomy so she goes to the library on her lunch break to read instead of the open quad.    

“That’s a good story.”

“I’m sorry?”  Lucy turns around to find a blue haired girl smiling at her.  “Are you talking to me?”

The girl nods, “I’m Levy.  Pleased to meet you.”  She offers a hand to shake.

“Lucy.”  Reciprocating the gesture.

“I like Anne Rice too, I love how she humanizes the vampires in her stories, makes them characters anyone can relate to.”

“Yeah,” Lucy half smiles.  “I agree. 

“Do you have a favorite character?”

“Um, Maharet.  I identify with how she’s been through so much in her life…”

“Yet she still managed to hang onto her sanity.  My favorite is Marius, I guess because he’s in a way scholarly.”  Lucy chuckles at the girl.  Levy sits down next to her, “Rumor has it you and Natsu are an item, is that true?”

“W-what!?  He’s just my partner in English class.”

“Yeah but people are talking about how you’re at his house every night.”

“To work on a research paper…”

“Hey look, I really don’t care… but I should warn you…” She looks around to make sure no one is eavesdropping.  “…There’s this girl, Lisanna.  She’s had the hots for Natsu for years but he always turns her down.  She can be a real bitch so just be careful.”

“Thanks… I guess.”

A rather large guy covered in metal piercings walks up, “Oi, Pipsqueak, let’s go, I’m hungry.” 

“Hold on Gajeel, I’m talking to someone.”

“Who’s he?”

“My boyfriend.  Don’t mind him, he acts tough,” Levy leans in closer, “But he’s really a big teddy bear.” she whispers

Crossing his arms, “I heard that.”

Lucy’s taken aback at the odd pair, the girl looks like a bookworm and he belongs in a heavy metal band.  “Um, okay…”

“Anyways, if you’d ever like to hang out, talk about books or something give me a call.”  She hands Lucy her number.

“Thanks, I’ll remember that.”

“It was nice meeting you Lucy.”

“Like wise, Levy.”

~~~~

Friday is finally here and just 8 more hours of school.  This week has had its up’s; she’s made two new friends, and her assignment with Natsu is going well.  In a good mood that morning, she’s thrown on a cuter outfit than usual, a Kei Jrock Japanese black and rose red skort, fitted black tube top with a long sleeve frilled jacket that matches the skirt.  She’s got her hair half up in pigtails and her bangs are left down to frame her face; Oshare kei.  Even her make up is a little brighter than usual.

Second period Chemistry, Natsu walks in with a smile and sits down next to his best friend Gray.

Gray- “Hey, you’ve been in a good mood lately.”

“What’s the big deal?”

“Does it have anything to do with that Lucy chick?”

“No.  What makes you say that?”

“She’s been over your house every day, anything, interesting happen…”

Natsu’s cheeks flush, “Not what you’re implying, we just work on the assignment.”

“Uh-huh, you tellin’ me you haven’t tried anything?”

“Look man, she’s very guarded about her life, doesn’t like getting close to people.  She lost her mom to cancer when she was a little kid and her dad died last year; that’s pretty tough to deal with.”

“It sure sounds like you two are growing closer.”

“Well she talks more, if that’s what you mean.”

“You know, rumors are starting to spread that you two are hooking up.”

“Let the gossip mill run, it doesn’t bother me.”

“What about her?  Some of the girls are calling her a slut.”

“What!” he almost shouts.  “She’s nothing like that!”

“Look, I’m just tellin’ ya what’s being said okay.  You know girls how they talk, they get jealous and say stupid things.”

“It’s not my fault or hers that I’ve never been interested in any of them.  But I don’t know what it is about Luce that makes me want to be around her.  She’s had a sad upbringing and… like I just wanna make her happy again, I wanna protect her.”

“Luce?  Oh man!  You’ve already got a nickname for her!” he slaps his friend in the back.  “You’re fallin’ for this one aren’t ya?”

“I don’t know… Maybe…”

Last period of the day for Lucy, she sighs as she walks into Art class and takes her seat in the middle.  Midway through the lesson she hears two girls talking behind her; Sherry Blendy and Jenny Realight; two of the most popular girls in school.  ‘Ugh!’ she laments in her head.  Most days she just ignores them but today’s conversation is meaner than usual.

“I know right, just look at what she’s wearing.” 

“Looks like something you buy at Kmart.”  Snickering.  “Stupid punk girl, she should just find another school to go to.”

“Yeah, she’s doesn’t fit in here.  Have you heard, she’s been spotted at Natsu’s house!”

“How the hell did she land him after he’s turned all of us down!  Wow, Lisanna’s gonna be pissed.”

“Maybe she’s some kind of witch and he’s under her spell.”

“Must be, I mean look at her and look at us, she’s not even in his league.”

“Or maybe she’s just a whore.” More snickering

“I’d say slut cause I’ve seen her with Rogue too.”

“Damn she gets around.  Minerva’s not gonna like that.  Double trouble!”  they giggle

Lucy can’t believe what she’s hearing.  Being teased about her clothes or looks is one thing but to be called a whore, a slut, a witch!… She wants to run out of the room but that would only give them the satisfaction of hurting her.  She holds back the tears but as soon as the bell rings she walks out and texts Natsu.

“IDK if I can study today.”

“Y not?”

“Don’t wanna talk bout it” the tears are starting to build.

“Something happen??”

She’s trying to rush to the front door.  “just don’t wanna…”  someone grabs her shoulder, she whips around.

“Luce, are you okay?”  It’s Natsu and he can see the glassiness to her eyes. 

“It’s nothing.”  She tries to walk away but he stays in step with her.

“You’re not okay.  I can see it in your face.”

“I just want to get out of here!”  A single tear trickles down her cheek, she speeds up her pace but he’s not gonna let her go that easily. 

By the time they reach the sidewalk fronting the school he manages to grab her arm to stop her.  “Luce, please just talk to me!”

“I don’t want to…”  She looks around at some students that have stopped to gawk at them.  “…not around these people.”   

“That’s fine, we can go somewhere private.  Just don’t shut me out.”

“Natsu why are you being so nice to me?”

“Because you’re my friend and I don’t like seeing my friends in pain.” 

She looks at him surprised. “You consider me a friend?”

“Of course!” he smiles his cheeky grin.  “There’s an ice cream stand in South Gate Park and you look like you could use a cone.”

Sigh, “Alright Natsu….”

He throws an arm around her shoulder and leads the way.

After getting two cones, they walk to his house talking along the way about minor things but he doesn’t broach the subject that upset her until they are safely in his room.  “So… are you gonna tell me what happened today?”

Sigh, “If I don’t tell you, are you gonna keep asking?”

“Yes.”  The serious tone in his voice surprises her in a good way.

Sigh, “Two girls were talking about me in art class,” Tears are welling up again.  “They often make fun of my clothes or makeup but today they were really mean, sayin’ I must be a witch and I’ve got you under a sp-spell.”  She weeps openly.  “They don’t under-under-s-stand w-why you’re ha-hanging with me but they a-also saw me with Rogue a-and I’m a wh-whore and-and-and a slut!”  Her chest is heaving from the heavy sobs.  “That I’m n-not in your league and…”

She stiffens when he pulls her onto his lap and into a tight hug but he doesn’t care cause she needs it.  “Luce don’t listen to those girls, they’re just jealous, heartless bitches who are mad cause I’ve turned them all down.”

“It still… hu-hurts…”  After several minutes of just letting her sob onto his shoulder her tears finally start to slow down and she has relaxed in his arms.  He looks down to see if she’d fallen asleep but her eyes are open, staring forward as if she’s thinking about something.  “I know people think I’m weird…” she sniffles.  “They look at how I dress or at my makeup…  But I just wanted to be different from my old self…”

He softens his tone, “What do you mean?”

“My mother would always dress me up like some kind of princess, and my father only allowed me to wear preppy, proper, boring clothes that he hand-picked himself.  So, after his death, I guess I just wanted to rebel against everything and everyone.”

“It’s okay to be different Luce, it’s what makes us all unique.” He tightens his embrace.  “And I know that what’s happening right now; you being here with me has caused some rumors to start going around but we know the truth, right?” 

“Yeah…”  she yawns.

“We’re just trying to write this paper for English class…” 

“Mmhm…”     

“We know there’s nothing going on between us……”  he pauses.  “…cause… you don’t have any interest in me… right?”  She stays quiet.   “Right?”  She still doesn’t say a word.  “Luce?”  he looks down and chuckles.  She fell asleep.

Two hours later a light mumbling sound causes her to stir… ‘Luce… stay…’ tightening feeling around her waist… ‘like y…’  Her eyes pop open in a slight panic; the room is dark now except from the moonlight.  ‘Did I fall asleep at Natsu’s?’  There is light snoring behind her and an arm around her waist holding her tightly.  She lifts her head to see a glimpse of pink hair.  ‘Shit! I did, was that him mumbling?’

Feeling her moving, he starts to wake up. “Luce?” he responds groggily.

She crawls out from under his arm and stands up.  “You were talking in your sleep… and why were you holding me like that?!” 

He sits up, “Talking?  Holding you like what?”

“Y-you had your arm around me, like-like…”

“A boyfriend?”

“Yes!  Like that.”

“I don’t know,” he scratches his head and yawns, “After you fell asleep I laid you down on the bed, and then I guess I fell asleep too.”

“That doesn’t explain you holding me.”

“I must have done that in my sleep.” He lies.  “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to overstep any boundaries.”

She sighs and sits on the edge of the bed, “It’s okay.  I think I’m just over reacting, especially after the comments from today…”

“Are you sure you’re okay…”

“Yeah.  Natsu… Um, I think you were saying ‘Luce stay’ and something about ‘like’ but I couldn’t understand the rest.” 

‘Oh crap I was talking about her!’  His cheeks turn red but luckily for him she can’t see it in the darkened room.  “I don’t remember, I must have been dreaming.”

She raises an eyebrow, she knows he was talking about her but didn’t hear enough to make sense of it.  “Well it’s getting late, I better call my ride.”  Standing up.  “Natsu.  Thanks for today.”

“You’re welcome.”  She grabs her school bag and is about to walk out.  “Wait Luce?”  She stops and turns.  “Do you have plans tomorrow?”

“No why?”

“Would you, um, wanna maybe…”

“Spit it out already.”

“Hang out with me at the mall?”

“The mall?”

“Yeah.  I need to, um, pick up some stuff, but the company would be nice.”

“I don’t know…”

“Please???”

“Alright.”

“Really?”

“What time?”

“Do you wanna meet here first and we can walk over?”

“Why don’t I just have my driver pick you up?”

“You have a driver?”

“Err, I mean my guardian… We can pick you up.”

“Sure, I’ll just have to take my pills but I should be okay; how about 10 am.”’

“Pills?”

“For motion sickness.  I don’t do well in moving vehicles.”

“Oh.  Ok, Well I’ll see you tomorrow Natsu.” She gives a slight wave and walks out.

“Bye Luce.”

~~Saturday~~

By 8 am Lucy’s up and nervous.  ‘Why’d I agree to go to the mall with him!’  She screams at herself.  ‘What do I wear?  Should I dress like I normally do?  Then I’d run the risk of being harassed…  But if I don’t then am I being true to myself?  Ugh, lately who I am has been a big question mark anyways!  Sigh.’  As she throws outfit after outfit around her Virgo walks in. 

“Princess, are you having a problem?”

“Could you stop calling me that??”

“Mistress, what are you doing?  Why are there clothes all over the floor?”

“Because I don’t know what I should wear!” she stomps her feet

“For once you’re considering dressing normal aren’t you?”

“Maybe…  Ugh, are you gonna just smirk or help me?!”

“Well you burned or threw away most of your old clothes.” Virgo starts searching the closet.  “How about these, it’s simple…”  she holds up a regular pair of flared leg blue jeans and a red tube top.    

“I guess that’ll have to do.”

After getting ready, Lucy pulls her hair into a single high ponytail and puts on black 3inch ankle boots.  Her customary red lipstick, but more of a strawberry color instead of the darker burgundies she normal sports, pink eye shadow and just a light black eyeliner for definition.  Frankly she looked like a different girl.  Sigh, as she stares at the mirror, ‘hopefully I’ll just blend in like this…’  

Natsu is already running down the sidewalk as the car pulls up.  Reaching over, Lucy opens the door for him from the inside and he hops in.  “Hey Lu…” He smiles before realizing… “Whoa, you look so different!” 

“Geez, hi to you too.”

“No, I mean it in a good way!”

“I just don’t wanna be harassed today that’s all… and I know how I normally dress attracts attention.”

He shrugs his shoulders, “I’m used to it.  You look pretty to me either way.”  Virgo smirks from the driver’s seat, she knows their plan is finally panning out.  She drops the two teens off in front of the mall and tells them to call her when they are ready to leave. 

“Okay Natsu, what was it you needed to do here?”

“Oh…” he cups the back of his neck.  “About that… I kinda just blurted out mall cause I couldn’t think of anywhere else in that moment.”

“Seriously?”

“I just wanted to hang out with you some more…”

Sigh, “What do we do here?  I’ve never just hung out at a mall before.”

“Seriously?  Well, um we could go window shopping, see a movie, there’s the food court…”  he grabs her hand.  “Let’s just walk around for now, maybe something will catch your eye.”

“You can let go of my hand though.”

“Wouldn’t want to lose you in the crowd.” He grins.  “Just have some fun Luce!”

The first store he drags her into is a GameStop where he’s jabbering about some new video game called Breath of the Wild she has no interest in.  After that they take turns.  She pulls him into a bookstore, the last place he’d ever shop at so he forces her into a Zumiez to check out their snowboard gear.  Having fun with this cat and mouse game she gets him back by dragging him to a Victoria Secret. 

“N-no way!  I’m not going in there with you!”  he crosses his arms.

“Why not…” she pouts

“It’s lingerie!”

“What’s the big deal, even guys wear underwear.”

“That’s not the same thing.  This is like lacy, frilly stuff.”  She laughs and pouts.  “Nope, Sorry, that cute face is not gonna work on me.”

Standing in front of him she runs a finger along the middle of his chest.  “Come on,” she leans close, “I know there’s stuff in there you’d love to see on me…”

He turns bright red, “Lucy, a-are you flirting with me?!”

“If I am, then you better take advantage before I change my mind.”

He drops his head, “If I get caught in there, the guys are never gonna let it slide.  But.  Since I like seeing you smile, I’ll do it.”

She takes his hand and pulls him into the store heading straight for reds and lacy cause she knows it’s his favorite color.  As she grabs some items to try on, holding the clothing against her body, she’d ask along the way, “Does this look nice?  How about this one?”  He’d give her short answers because he was trying not to look in the first place or rather imagine them on her.  But after choosing several she does exactly what he feared.  “I’m gonna try these on.”  Grabbing his hand again she leads him towards the dressing rooms.

“You are crazy, I can’t go in there!” he whispers.

“Yes, you can, I need you to tell me if they look okay or not.”

“No.”

A clerk walks up.  “Ah Ms. Lucy, I’m surprised to see you here during business hours.” 

“Oh hey Trevor, yeah I’m just shopping with a friend.”

“Shall I show you to the private rooms?”

“Yes please.”  Trevor leads the way

“Come on Natsu.” She pulls him along, “Please…”  She whines, “Don’t cause a scene.”

“Of all the times to…” as he shuffles his feet, “Luce are you trying to kill me?” he whispers but she just smiles.  Trevor opens one of the separate rooms reserved for specialty guests and she pushes Natsu in.  The man just chuckles at the pair and walks away. 

She gives him a sweet smile.  “You’ve never seen a naked girl before have you?” He blushes.  “Thought so.”

“How come you know that guy and why’d he say during business hours?  Do you come here after the store is closed?  And this room, it’s not one of the normal dressing rooms is it”

“Oh um… I know the owner of the store, o-old family friend…”  he can tell she’s lying but decides not to push.

“Just sit there, close your eyes if you want to.” and that’s exactly what he does.  Lucy starts to hum a little as she undresses and changes into the first bra and panties.  “Okay open your eyes now.”

“No.”

She leans down in front of him and forces his eyelids open.  “Holy shit!”  He has to quickly grip the chair to keep from falling off when the first vision that he sees is large breasts in his face. 

“What?!”     

“Don’t do that!”

“Do what?!”

“Stick your chest in my face when I’m not expecting it.”

“Oh,” she giggles, “Sorry I was just trying to open your eyes.  So?”  She stands straight and models for him, “How does it look?”

His eyes widen as something in his pants starts growing.  ‘Shit!!!!’  He snaps his eyes shut, “Looks great, buy it, let’s get out of here!”

“But I still have 2 more to try on.”

He sighs, “Luce I-I can’t do this, it was funny at first, embarrassing but funny, but now…  You…”  Exhale.  “…You’re a pretty girl and I’m a guy who likes..; don’t you realize how much of a turn on this is?”

She stares at the red-faced boy blinking.  All this time she thought he was just being charming, even the comments about being beautiful; she never took it seriously that he might have real feelings for her.  “I’m sorry Natsu, I didn’t realize you looked at me in that way.”

“Why wouldn’t I?”

“No one else does.  Everyone thinks I’m just the weird girl.”

He opens his eyes but quickly slams them shut again, “But no one else has gotten to know you like I have.”  Exhale.  “I’m glad that you can come out of your shell around me, I really do.  I love seeing what is probably the real you, but unless you have feelings for me too, this is just torture.”

Without saying another word and feeling like a total idiot she turns around and immediately changes back to her regular clothes.  Leaving the items on the go back rack, they leave the store without a purchase.

She looks down as she walks, “Maybe I should just go home.”

“Why?”

“I feel like a witch for putting you through that.”

“Luce don’t.  I’m fine.” He grabs her hand, “Let’s go do something else.  How about lunch?  Are you hungry yet?”

“Not really…”

“Hey.” He stops her and lifts her chin, “I didn’t mean to make you sad, and torture was too a strong of a word.” He squeezes her hand, “Please, stop worrying…” he searches her eyes. “…will you do that for me?”  His green eyes are hypnotizing her; she nods her head.  He smiles and puts his arm around her shoulder.  “How about Arby’s?”

~~Sunday~~

Sigh, ‘Girl what is going on in your head?!’  She lies in her bed trying to listen to music but despite the noise, her own thoughts are drowning it out.  ‘I think Natsu likes me…  No way, he’d probably get turned on by any naked girl standing in front of him.  I shouldn’t get my hopes up, I mean what about me would a guy like him want anyways?  Right, he’s better matched to one of the popular girls like Jenny… But he said he doesn’t like them, called them bitches.  Ugh!  It’s for his own good to leave me alone.  I mean he must be getting teased just for hanging out with me…  Except for English I think it’d be better for the two of to stop talking…’

He’s been lying in bed all morning without being able to get the images out his mind.  ‘Fuck!!!  Her body was just….Wow!’  He puts his arms above his head.  ‘I can’t believe she did that!…’  A new determination strikes him, ‘I’ve gotta make her mine!’

~~Monday~~

Mrs. Connell had given them their daily assignment to read the chapter about Romeo & Juliet and answer a few questions in the text book before she stepped out of the classroom.  “Come on; just give me one smile Luce.” He whispers to her.

“Why?”  She tries to keep reading

“Cause it’s pretty and you know I like to see beautiful things.”

Looking at him now, “Is that supposed to be a pickup line?”

“Worked on you before,” he grins.  “Come on, I’m being genuine here, Scouts honor” he puts up two fingers

She cocks her head, “What’s scouts honor?”

“Um, Boy Scouts…” she shakes her head, “you’ve never heard of it?” she shakes her head again

“No…. I was sheltered remember.” 

“Right.  Back to the smile then.”

Sigh, she puts her book down and props up her head with her hand looking at him.  “You just aren’t gonna give up are you?”

“Nope.”  He gives her the best puppy dog cutesy face he can muster.  “Pleeeeeasssse!”

She panics and covers his mouth, “Ugh fine!  If it’ll stop you from embarrassing me.” and gives him a fake half smile. 

His face grows serious, “No way, a genuine one.”

“Hey” she shouts before catching herself, “you didn’t set terms!”

“Then I guess I’ll need to change my tactics.”  She looks at the grinning boy confused but that quickly changes to shock when he grabs her left hand.  Leaning in closer to the side of her face he starts to softly whisper…  “I see past the façade you paint, the dark clothes upon your skin for beneath it all is a smart, beautiful woman waiting to be released…” his thumb rubs gently against her hand “…if only you’d see, what I can see…” a slight blush is developing on her cheeks “…a young woman who has been through something that causes her to hide.  But even if you lose everything, something remains and what I see is a star…” He moves his face so he can look directly into her now glassy eyes “…that when she is ready will burn brighter than any other star in the heavens…” the genuine blushing smile now on her face makes him smile “See, I told you… beautiful…” he caresses her cheek. 

They continue to gaze into each other’s eyes as if a spell had been placed upon them; almost forgetting they were in the middle of English class.  But the sudden realization of how quiet their classmates had become… too quiet, sets in for them both; they look around to see everyone gawking at them.  Quickly they turn back to their textbooks, both blushing and acting like nothing was happening.  But snickers and whispers and even a few snide remarks bounce around until the teacher walked back in.  The pair avoids any further contact for the rest of the period.

At the end of school that day, Lucy walks to her locker to grab a few things before heading home.  As soon as she closes it two girls stand ready to confront her, Lisanna and Minerva.  “Getting pretty cozy with Natsu and Rogue huh,” the dark-haired girl sneers.  “You best stay away from Rogue or else…”

“And I guess no one warned you that I’ve deemed Natsu off limits.”  The white-haired girl slams Lucy up against the locker.  “So here is your warning.  Stay away from him!”

“Kinda hard if we’re partners, you stupid cow!”  Lucy screams at them calling attention from other students.  “And Rogue and I are just friends!”

“Don’t call my friend a cow, friggin weirdo!”  Minerva slaps her in the face.  At this point Lucy is crying but still indignant.

“How about Bitch then, is that better!” she retorts.

“Why you little!”  Lisanna hauls back her fist to strike the sobbing blonde when her arm is grabbed from behind.

“Lis!  What the hell do you think you’re doing!”

“Natsu…  I um…” he pushes her away hard and stands in front of Lucy.

“And you Minerva!”  Rogue pulls her away.  “Leave her alone!”

Lisanna starts yelling and pointing, “She started it!  I heard all about what happened in English class today from Minerva and I know you two have been seen together outside of school!”

“I didn’t start anything!  You crazy, jealous bitch!”  Lucy screams back.

Lisanna tries to attack again, “Witch!” but this time her brother Elfman grabs her and holds her back. 

“I don’t know what you’re thinking Lis but I have absolutely no interest in you.  You can’t keep telling girls to stay away from me.”

“But Natsu…” he cuts her off.

“Leave Lucy alone!  And Don’t make me turn you in to Principal Makarov again.”  The girl hangs her head sobbing.  Natsu then turns back to the blonde.  He picks up her school bag that had been dropped next to her feet and gently takes hold of her hand.  “Let me walk you home Luce.”  Too shocked by everything that has just transpired she forgets all about her plan to stop talking to Natsu and just nods.

“Thank you.”  She mutters as soon as they’re out of the building and away from the crowds.

“For what?” 

She hesitates then squeezes his hand, “Everything…”

“You’re very welcome.” He smiles at her.  “So, um, where do you live?”

“Why?”

He chuckles, “Duh, So I can walk you home.”

There’s a brief sparkle to her eyes as she starts to laugh, surprising him, “Right, I um live on…  Oh, I’m not supposed to let anyone see where I live.”

“Is it like run down or something?”

“Err,” she bites her bottom lip, “actually the opposite.”

‘She looks so adorable right now!’  “No problem, I won’t pry.  How about we get a bite to eat instead, I’m kinda hungry.”

“That would be really nice; I haven’t been eating lunch.”

“Great, there’s a café in the mall called Fairytail I like to go to”

“Fairytail?”

He shrugs his shoulders, “The original owner I guess liked fairies.”

Lucy murmurs, “Do fairies have tails, do fairies even exist; nobody knows for sure.  An eternal mystery, an eternal adventure…”

“Hey that’s a quote they have hanging in the café!”

“It’s a line in my favorite book.”  She holds up her right hand and shows him her tattoo.

“Huh!  That’s the symbol in the bar too!  I never realized that.” He squeezes her hand grinning.  “Your favorite book, my favorite hangout spot.  What a coincidence…”

“Yeah…  coincidence…”

After being seated, Lucy excuses herself to go to the restroom and locks the door.  Sigh ‘What am I doing?  I was supposed to stay away from him…’  She leans on the counter and just stares at her reflection in the mirror.  ‘But he makes me feel so different that I don’t know who I am anymore…’  The dark eyed girl looking back at her really was a stranger, one she created to hide the pain that the real Lucy was running from, and more a stranger now than just a month ago.  ‘No, sigh, he makes me feel like the real me I’ve just forgotten…’  She unclips the choker from her neck and tosses it into the trash.  ‘I see past the façade… if only you’d see, what I can see’ Sigh ‘he hit it right on the head…’  She opens her purse and pulls out the makeup remover…

When she returns to their table, Natsu does a double take.  The girl who sits back down is still wearing the same clothes as Lucy but gone is all the makeup; he smiles, “Wow…” his voice breathy, “I think you’re more beautiful just natural like this.”  He reaches out to caress her cheek and for the first time, she doesn’t flinch from his touch but instead leans into it.

She blushes.  Exhale, “You’ve been so nice to me Natsu that I’d like to start over, with the truth.”  He looks at her confused.  She leans in and whispers, “My real name is Lucy Heartfillia, but you can’t tell anyone yet.”

His eyes widen as he remembers his parents talking about that name, ‘Heartfillia Corp… wife died maybe 12 years ago, the CEO died 1 year ago, 1 child orphaned but no description given.’    She repeats what he said to her in class, “even if you lose everything, something remains…  You made me realize, this isn’t the girl my mom would be proud of… and I wanna make her proud” she smiles.

He grins, “Now some things make more sense, like the private dressing rooms at the store, having a driver, designer clothing; yeah I know those girls didn’t catch on but I snuck a peak at a couple of the labels on your clothes and these are pricey stuff!  Like this outfit, what it cost you, $200?”

A little taken aback that he’d been putting the pieces together like this, “More like $800 for the whole outfit, $1000 counting the shos.”  His jaw drops making her chuckle.

Grinning, “Well I’m glad I could help you Luce.”

“Oh, don’t worry, I’ll need more help carrying all the shopping bags.”

He looks confused again.  “Shopping bags?”

She just smiles and pulls out her cell phone.  With the speaker phone on, “Cancer, it’s an emergency.”

“Ebi, what do you need?”

“A complete make over.”

“Just text me when you get to the salon…”

~~~~~~~~

The next day in class, a stunning girl with golden blonde hair walks in on Natsu’s arm.  Gone are the purple streaks, the punk clothes, the dark makeup…  She looks like she just stepped out of a glamor magazine.

Sting- “Whoa, who’s the babe with Natsu?!”

Gray slaps him, “That’s her stupid, that’s that Lucy chick!”

Everyone in the room- “No way!!”

“I told you…”  He grins at her smiling face, “…just beautiful.”