#anyway i don't have the authority to fire someone but my boss is going to be in at 3 also so I'm gonna have a chat with him

[killerchickadee]

I've been chilling all afternoon and I was just like "ok after my medication alarm goes off at 5:30 I'll get to some painting. Yeah! Finally!"

And then I realized I work at 3am tomorrow which means it's basically bedtime so painting is out.

[ever-eilish]

Could you do Billie Eilish asking r out

A (not so) bad day

billie eilish x fem! reader

a day that is supposed to be horrible takes unexpected turns, after you accidentally bump into a certain singer

author's notes: thank you so much for requesting, I really appreciate it! sorry if this is not what you wanted, I really hope you like it though! once again, english is not my first language so sorry for any mistakes, enjoy❤️

warnings: a bit of cursing, but mostly fluff

Chaotic. That was the only way to define today. You know that saying that 'nothing is so bad that it cant get worse'? So, that saying has proven true today.

I woke up 30 minutes late, spilled the coffee in my white clothes, missed the bus, and now I'm here, standing in front of the bland beige door, waiting for my boss to decide to call me to give me some more of his scolding.

Bad luck. That's the only word that can describe my day, or rather, my week.

Everything that could go wrong, did;

I'm in the midst of a series of catastrophic events ranging from the simplest, like knocking my butter breakfast bread to the floor — with the butter-covered part facing down, of course — to the more serious, like being threatened with losing my job by my annoying, weird boss.

I'm snapped out of my thoughts when I see the door in front of me open and the middle-aged man walk out of the room - which looks more like a chain saddle.

"Well, well, it looks like you've decided to be late again?" the wretch says.

As if I'd choose to miss my bus, spill coffee on my white blouse, and wake up late.

"That way I'll have no option but to fire you," he repeats the same words he's been saying to me for so long.

Son of a bitch.

"Sir, please! I promise it won't happen again, I love my job!" I lied.

"I'm sorry, but you're officially fired," he announces, as if announcing me as an Oscar winner. I take a deep breath, count to a thousand, take another deep breath and, with all the calmness in the world, say: "FUCK YOU!" I throw my badge on the floor, and walk towards the office door, ignoring all the crooked looks directed at me, and leave that musty-smelling place.

I didn't even like it there!

My God, how am I going to pay my bills? Fuck that old cuckold.

Fuck that old-man

Oh my God, I'm going to have to sell my computer.

I hated my. co-workers anyway.

My God, my computer.

All thoughts were running. through my head in a whirlwind when suddenly I bump into someone in front of me and fall to the ground.

THAT'S ALL I NEEDED!

Without even noticing who it was, I quickly stand up muttering something like, 'I'm sorry'; and I offer my hand to the stranger sitting on the floor.

And it is at that moment that, with my hand outstretched, I begin to notice the victim of my lack of attention.

The stranger wore a black blouse with white stripes — or white with black stripes - and black shorts. Her beautiful hair had the roots dyed red, while the rest was dark brown.

I could have sworn I knew her from somewhere.

It's very sudden when I feel her warm touch on my hand - which remained stretched - and I feel the girl partially throw her weight on me to get up.

"Oh, I'm sorry! I should be more careful" she says, with an embarrassed smile.

"I'm the one who apologizes! I've been walking around thinking about nothing and ! ended up bumping into you" I say,

scratching the back of my neck.

"Are you okay? You hit it really hard against the floor" was only when the girl tells me that I notice my throbbing hip.

"I'm great!" I lied knowing full well that the last thing I was in right now was 'great'. "Hm, so, you live here?" the stranger says, acting as if she wants to continue a conversation.

I don't have anything better to do, after all, why not talk?

"No! I live in my house," say, internally cursing myself for the terrible attempt at a joke.

Anyway, she laughed, and I felt my. embarrassment soon go away when I heard the good sound of that laughter.

"Oh got it, you're the funny type, then?"

she asks me, clearly joking.

"That's what they say"

We stare at each other for a while when very quietly, I hear the click of a camera. The girl seems to hear the same thing as I do, when she suddenly grabs my arm and pulls me nto the convenience store next to us.

What the fuck is going on?

She pulls me further into the store and 'hides' behind a food rack.

Holy shit, is she being followed?

My God, could it be that she's a serial killer and I recognized her because of that?

Holy shit, I'm too young to die.

What if...

I am interrupted from my mental breakdown at the sound of his voice.

"Hm, I'm sorry about that. You know how it is, right? Paparazzi are everywhere."

My God, I was right.

She's a serial killer and I'm her next victim. "Are you going to kill me?" my eyes widen as I ask.

"What?" she says to me, visibly confused, "my. name is Billie! I'm a singer."

I let myself take a deep breath when I hear what Billie tells me. Well, at least I won't die today.

"Hey, I really enjoyed talking to you, and I wanted to meet you again" she says, looking deep into my eyes "what do you think about going to a coffee shop with me one of these days?"

Is she asking me out on a date?

"Like a date?"

"Yes!"

"I want to!" I reply promptly, and watch as she rummages through her purse for a pen.

"Here!" She finally finds a blue fine-tipped pen, pulls out my hand, and writes something.

Before I can process what was happening, I feel a small kiss being left on my cheek and watch her walk out of the store with her head down.

When I look into my hand, I read:

"Cafeteria 221B, Baker Street;

03/22, at 9:00 pm.

See ya<3"

Maybe today wasn't such a bad day after all.

[reikurusu]

OMG GURL GO LOOK FOR ANOTHER JOB 😩 sheesh your work sounds a lot. and boss looking for you on a Sunday too?? 🚩🚩🚩

Aww Chromie, that's so sweet of you to send!! <3 T_T

The thing is, I actually really like my job! It's just been stressful lately.

We've had a colleague who's been out for 8 months because of burnout, so it was just me working full-time, a colleague who works part-time and a third colleague who works 4/5 but who's close to retirement so she... doesn't really do anything. Like, the bare minimum and even that's a lot to ask. Like, literally shopping online and booking trips the entire time she's there and it doesn't matter at all if anyone says something about it (and she's not the friendliest person around tbh) -_-

So because of that one colleague's absence, I technically had to work 6 out of 7 days to cover the opening hours of the library I work at (the almost-retiree covering most of the other hours, pretty much the only thing she's good for) + I had to cover the absent colleague's workload because my part-time colleague took on the head of dept tasks and didn't have time to take on even more because she works somewhere else as well. So it's been a lot. But luckily there were days I could leave early or take a day off (my overtime was just building up the entire time). So it sucked and it was tiring but all in all it wasn't too bad. I was alone at the office a lot of the time, so I could manage all of my work without distractions.

But since July, we have a new head librarian and he's... let's call it enthusiastic. In August, the colleague who was absent started again, but part-time for now. So we're almost fully staffed.

The thing is... Our head of dept wants to organize a lot of things. Because we were severely understaffed, we didn't organize any activities for almost a year, which he wants to change. So he organised author readings, wants new things in our collection, wants all classes of the elementary schools in the neighbourhood to be able to visit,... And he all wants it immediately.

He also started right when the part-time colleague had two weeks off, so I had to train him after only being there for like a year and half myself + having spent a large part of that time alone at the office. And I hate training people! So that wasn't fun. And during the times he is/was alone during opening hours and I'm not there (like during the weekend or something) and he has a question, I told him to call me so that I could help, but jfc dude you've been there for like 3 months already! Figure it out and don't call me on my only day off??

My one part-time colleague does a lot, but because she works part-time, she can only do so much. So our new librarian gives her extra work but realizes she can't do it all.

The almost-retiree doesn't get any extra work because she just doesn't care and wouldn't do it anyway (she's been there for 30 years!! She hates the job, literally calls people who read nerds(???), hardly does anything but apparently they can't fire her?? Fcking government jobs and their idiotic rules. I bet she's buddy buddy with the mayor).

And because the colleague who had burnout only works part-time and can't be given too much work because 'what if she can't handle it' or 'isn't healed enough to deal with a big workload', our head librarian has been giving me a lot of extra work because I'm the only other full-time person there.

I have my own work (adult non-fiction books), + still part of workload of the colleague who was absent for months (I have to order dvds, games and comics (+ maybe manga in the near future which is actually cool)) as well as covering shifts during opening hours and what not.

I like having a lot of work, so I always have something to do. But it sucks when someone constantly gives you extra stuff to do on top of your regular work, while not or hardly doing that to the other people there, and then has the audacity to send an e-mail telling you which things you have to prioritize, as well as the order in which to prioritize them. That's just insane to me?? Especially since I have my own to-do list and I know what I have to do and what's more important than other things. I just don't like someone looking over my shoulder like that.

I'm focused more the tasks he's been giving me than my own work! I have a delivery of books and comics that I have to put into the system that's been standing there for over a month because I just don't have the time to do it. I have to go through the old books and see which ones I should write off for our book sale in a month, but I just don't manage to get to it due to all the other stuff I have to do (and I have two weeks off in a week so I just can't do it).

On top of that, I also have to apply for my job! I'm working on a temporary contract right now and they want to keep me on a contract of indefinite duration, but because it's a government job, I have to apply for it and go through the whole process again!! And other people can apply for it as well, so there is a chance someone better comes out of it. So I have some low-key stress for that because I don't want to have to find a new job right now.

And I haven't even mentioned friends who constantly want to meet up and do things like I have nothing else to do on my days off

I hate being a people pleaser. I just can't say no or tell people that it's a lot because I feel like it's expected of me. Which really sucks. I should enter my villain era or something but I'm too much of a goody two shoes to do that aarrrhhhhh!!

Sorry this got so long... I feel like I needed to vent a bit xD Thank you so much for looking out for me, Chromie! It means a lot!! <3 x

[myth-of-light]

\ Wing of Freedom / PART 1 Dark Pit

A Kid Icarus Uprising Analysis of two Angels

Analysis that happened because I looked at Japanese translations.

This is very long. Not ideal for mobile.

Back when I was in this fandom years ago, a common question people are confused by is why Dark Pit is working for Viridi???? Like, he does need someone to make him fly but what happened to "I am Dark Pit, servant to no other than myself"?

At first, I wasn't bugged by it that much, it was something to add to what he was doing post-Uprising. But then I looked at the Japanese translation recently, and I went down a huge rabbit hole. Suddenly, how I viewed Kid Icarus changed. And I get back to how it relates to Viridi at the end.

There is a very common theme, mechanic and story element. That is Pit's ability (or lack thereof) to fly. But to understand its narrative importance I will start with Dark Pit's narrative. (Pit's will be in the next post.) And it's difference in Japanese. Which we'll tie into this flying theme.

From the get-go of Dark Pit's creation, to later events to show the difference between them.

(Dark Pit/Pittoo is English)

(ブラックピット/Burakku Pitto/Burapi is Japanese)

Dark Pit/Burakku Pitto's Creation

Dark Pit is anti-authority. "You're A boss, Pandora. But you're not MY boss." See how he makes a point, calling her by name, that she is indeed a boss, but goes against her anyways. He doesn't like the idea of being told what to do. He has his hand out clenched, making a point, a stance even. He is defying her.

Burakku Pitto is dismissive and independent. When Pandôra demands to know why he isn't fighting Pitto, he replies "That doesn't have anything to do with me. I'll do whatever I want." It's less about going against her because she's a boss telling him what to do but more like he just got here, and he's going to do what he wants. His sprite is running, attacking, more focused on beating her than what she is saying.

It's anti-authority vs independent(?)

Get the idea? This is important for later. Now three more cases of the difference between them, that are vital to understanding Burakku Pitto.

Allies with Medusa?

Start of Chapter 6, Pit accuses Pittoo of working with the Underworld army. He responds with "Don't be ridiculous.". He calls the claim/idea ridiculous, and his pose suggests he is almost offended. He'll then go on to say he doesn't like someone copying his act.

Same time Pitto accuses Burapi of being with the Underworld army. "I have nothing to do with the Underworld army!" He exclaims, yet is more informative. Having his fist out for this claim. He goes on to say he doesn't like the idea of there being another him. (Using the pose that Dark Pit has.)

Dark Pit ridicules the idea while Burakku Pitto gives a straight answer. Once against showing Pittoo's Anti-Authority Stance and Burapi independence. But is that all.

Very Interesting change in dialogue is after Pit/Pitto says he's the copy here. Their response is very interesting.

Dark Pit makes a quip. A Snarky response to make fun of Pit. "Come on now. Think about it." "If I was a copy, why would I kicky my own butt?" He's making fun of Pit, even crossing his arms with a smug look at the end.

But Burakku Pitto fires back. Arguing he's not. "Why do you say that I'm the Copy!? Right now. I'm alive!" He exclaims and then gets angry, "How about it! I'm living!". His pose is offended/angry by the end of it. The idea of him being a copy upsets him and argues that by him existing he isn't, cause his choices are his, and his actions are his, and how dare he accuses him of being a copy! He makes his own choices! And that is what upsets Burakku Pitto, not the idea of authority, but him not being free/his choices not being his.

(Through this phrase definitely is not a one-to-one for English, and may have other meanings).

While he is aware that he is made from Pitto's "Dark thoughts", (as Palutena says in Japanese ver,) he doesn't like the term copy as it suggests his choices are not his own.

Freedom through anti-authority and Freedom through choices (or is it?).

Medusa/Medyūsa offers Assistance.

This is another case where Burakku Pitto isn't necessarily anti-authority.

Eventually, Medusa shows up. In English she calls Pittoo "a real go-getter" and Dark Pit replies "Is that so?"

Medyūsa comments that he's fighting back immediately. Burakku Pitto asks "You mean me?".

Both will offer the doppelgängers assistance in which they both reply with "Don't make me laugh" (though Burapi has a "Heh," before it).

Their response afterwards is very different though.

Dark Pit says "You got me confused with the other guy. THIS Pit is no pawn." Calling Pit a pawn and stating he himself isn't. He's against the idea of being used. He goes on to say he'll fight Medusa.

Burakku Pitto response is VERY biblical. "Those who brandish a the sword of another do not have wings to alight." Which is a phrase that basically means "If I were to fight for another God/religion I will not be allowed into heaven for that betrayal." Usually the person saying this phrase already believes/fight for a God and is refusing to fight for another, believing they will be denied heaven. Of course in this context, Burakku Pitto doesn't have a God, but he does have something he probably respects/worships like one. (Which I'll reveal later). He then states he'll fight Medusa.

Anti-Authority vs Other authority(?)

When talking to Pit about Palutena (and response after his speech)

Their Views on Palutena and Pit/Pitto's Relationship are also interesting.

Dark Pit says "Bring it, puppet!" with an angry/ready-to-fight pose, when referring to Pit. In which Pit himself gets angry. He then goes on to say "Palutena says jump, you jump. She says fight, you fight." That Pit is obeying everything Palutena says. "It sounds like a very satisfying existence. For her, that is." He mocks Pit's choice to serve Palutena and listens to her without a fault, saying his existence is unsatisfying with a smug look. This is almost also a jab at Palutena, for having Pit be so loyal to her. Calling Pit a puppet is saying he doesn't have free choices.

Burakku Pitto instead says "Bring it on! You piece of goddess shit!" (yes he does swear). Not even naming Palutena and is in his running/attacking pose. Then goes on to say "You're always doing whatever the goddess tells you and fighting for her without any questions." Still not naming Palutena and not bringing her directly into the conversation but Pitto's status towards her. Saying Pitto follows her direction without question. But instead of mocking Pitto he then asks, "Don't you have any regrets about that life? Hm?" With his fish clenched. he's asking if Pitto regrets living a life of blind faith, living a life without Freedom. Freedom is established as something Burakku Pitto cares about greatly. And upon seeing Pitto not being free he wants to know if Pitto has any regrets about that.

Dark pit and Pit's conversation is about Pit's loyalty to Palutena.

Burakku Pitto and Pitto's is about Pit's regrets.

And while calling Pit a puppet implies Pit is not free, it's a lot more obvious that was the intention in Japanese.

Both Pit/Pitto say they're happy working for Palutena.

Then the conversation continues.

Dark Pit states confidently (with arms crossed) "The Mirror of Truth doesn't lie. I'm a reflection of your true self." Bringing up that his opinion had to be based on something Pit believes in. He goes on to say "So maybe your faith in her isn't quite so absolute after all." He says, making his point. Saying Pit doesn't have absolute faith in Palutena because he doesn't have faith in her.

Burakku Pitto says (while in his thinking/pondering pose) "It's said that the "magic mirror of truth" shows the real truth." As if reflecting on what he has heard about his existence. He then uses what he knows to come to a conclusion against Pitto by saying "If that's so. my existence itself betrays your true feelings." but his true feelings about what exactly? Palutena, or Pitto's regrets?

Finally, after Pit/Pitto fires back one more time they say their final piece.

Dark Pit doesn't look impressed, "Looks like I touched a nerve. Methinks the puppet doth protest too much." He touched a nerve and mocks Pit for being a puppet once more telling him he shouldn't protest/talk so much. He then relents. "Ok, fine. Do what you want. Or rather, keep doing what she wants." Emphasis on the 'she' since it's her choices Pit is following, not his own. His side of the conversation ends with him smugly looking as he says "But I, for one, refuse to be a puppet. These wings take ME wherever I want to go!" He refuses to be like Pit and blindly follows orders. But what is interesting is that he mentions how his wings take him wherever he wants, as Pit's wings take Pit wherever Palutena wants.

Burakku Pitto looks smug. "They say people get irritated when you hit the mark." Using Pitto's defensiveness against him. He then relents by saying. "Fine. Do what you want." Recognising that Pitto's choice to serve Palutena is his choice. But it doesn't make him free. He ends by stating his perspective, "I absolutely refuse to be someone else's servant. With these wings. I will live freely!" He chooses not to serve anyone, saying that with these wings he can live freely.

What's interesting is that he ties his ability to be free to his wings. Remember that.

What both versions of him have in common is this idea of Freedom, and Pit not being free. Dark Pit sees his Freedom by not serving others and making his own choice, and Burakku Pitto sees Freedom, similarly, with the same values, but there is one main difference:

Freedom through ability to serve yourself vs Freedom through having the ability to serve yourself.

And I'll explain that difference in the final section of this Part.

Dark Pit/Burakku Pitto's Battle Cry

Jumping ahead many chapters we get to the battle cry during Chapter 21: Chaos Vortex. And we'll look at a single line from the cry, how the doppelgängers introduce themselves.

When Dark Pit introduces himself he says the following "And I am Dark Pit, servant to no other but myself!" Whereas Pit serves Palutena he serves himself and his own desires. This line is one of his most establishing character lines (imo). He is independent and makes his own choices, never to serve anyone else.

But in Burakku Pitto's introduction he says "With wings of freedom, I am Black Pit!"

(Note: He is called 'Black Pit' when translated directly from Japanese (Burakku = Black, Pitto = Pit).)

It's a minor change in words but the implications are HUGE. One. He calls his wings "wings of freedom" since he can fly with them, but by extention, he's also calling that flight "freedom". And next, he says "With". When he has these 'Wings of Freedom' he is Burakku Pitto. He is free. But it also implies that he is independent because he has that wings. The main point is that 'with these wings/ability to fly I am free'. The ability to fly is the cause, the effect is that he is free.

Wings to fly with -> Freedom

Remember when I mentioned Burakku Pitto has something he respects/worships? That thing is 'flight' or more accurately 'being able to fly on his own'. He already has previously mentioned that because of his wings, he can live freely, but here, where he's meant to say who/what he serves, he doesn't say himself, he says his wings/flight.

But what does that mean?

Well if his freedom is tied to whether or not he can fly on his own. Then what does that mean when he can't? When he loses his ability to fly? Well, it means in his eyes:

He is no longer free.

That may sound like a stretch but consider it. If you were to play the game and instead of viewing the miracle of flight as being freedom instead of just being able to fly. This flying theme I mentioned at the beginning. What does that change? Well if Dark Pit doesn't see himself as free then he would be more open to working with someone, he is still defiant in nature but he would probably have to put up with it if he believed he lost his freedom. Doesn't help that the only way to get a bit of it back is by serving someone.

But what else does that change narratively?

Well, there is one other character that constantly talks about his wish to fly on his own. A character whose big thing is that they cannot fly but have a desire to do so. A character that Dark Pit got his deep desire/love of flight from but at the same time doesn't see him as free. A character that almost died because he tried to fly longer than he should of and suffered the consequences. Whereas if you viewed this wish for flight as also a wish for freedom it makes things a lot more interesting.

Pit.

('PART TWO - Pit' -coming soon)

SOURCES:

English dialogue - Linkmstr

Japanese dialogue - Ryudou & milkyFlandre

[crisalidaseason]

Thirteenth entry: Don't get on your boss's nerves

If you have a close friendship with your boss, remember to separate things. Friendship is friendship and duty is duty. Unless you got temporarily fired, then you can test your boss all you want…just be mindful of the consequences, specially if he is a grumpy sexually frustrated shadow wielder

****

Liam laughed maliciously as he won another round, taking one of Garrick’s churrams and adding to the other two earned before.

“And here I thought Xaden was the only dirty player” Garrick grumbled.

“I learned from the best” Liam replied.

“Let me shuffle them, you’re too sneaky, Mairi”

Liam rolled his eyes but gave his cards anyway. Garrick was a friend he rarely saw outside of important meetings or during formation. It had been a while since they were able to simply relax or play a game. When Liam entered Xaden’s room just to find him there, they did not let the opportunity go to waste.

“Xaden is later than usual” Liam commented.

“Imogen is in land navigation for the night so no weight room for Sorrengail” Garrick snorted “Gives him more time with his obsession I guess”

“Can’t complain” Liam shrugged “at least he’s spending less time snapping at every living form that crosses him”

“Speak for yourself” Garrick’s face soured “try being his executive officer and also share all classes and missions with him. I thought being on little Sorrengail’s presence more often would finally snap that self control of his and give us all a long awaited peace”

Liam laughed audibly. Xaden’s self control was shit around Violet, he was holding on out of pure spite for himself.

“Liam, I’m being serious, they need to fuck. He can’t focus on shit whenever your squad enters a room. Do you know how many times I have to repeat myself at breakfast? Or how many times I have to stop him from strangling Aetos with his shadows?”

“I’d actually let him strangle Aetos”

Their conversation is quickly interrupted by the devil himself barging through his room. His hair was damp from a recent shower but the coldness of the water must have done nothing for the visible frustration pouring out of his face.

“Not a single word” Xaden snarled upon entering.

Liam and Garrick immediately closed their mouths, going back to their card game as if nothing ever happened. Both watched as a tense-shoulder Riorson neatly arranged his weapons on the shelves of the wooden rack. Garrick caught Liam’s eyes, pulling a face that promised nothing short of warfare.

“Why are you in my room anyway?” Xaden spoke again, turning and crossing his arms “we don’t have meetings this week”

“Reporting” Liam replied.

“Giving Liam the moral support he needs” Garrick simply complemented.

Xaden sighed, his chin falling to his chest. He pointed a finger at Liam before looking at them with renewed annoyance.

“You haven’t been on bodyguard duty for almost a month, Mairi” he said “and you, Tavis, are here solely to make me regret my fucking existence”

“Someone is stressed” Garrick mumbled and Liam suffocated a chuckle “trouble with little miss Sorrengail-”

His brother’s audible huff broke both friends into a fit of laughter, which Xaden retaliated by messing their entire deck of cards with a flick of a shadow - something that only fed their amusement.

“Trouble with little miss Violence” Liam smiled wickedly.

“Oh, of course, Liam” Garrick mocked, raising his hand to his mouth in false shock “how could I forget such a personal nickname?”

If there was a highlight on their busy schedules in that deadly quadrant, it was teasing Xaden Riorson after a training session with the only girl that managed to humble his authority. Seeing such a composed and stoic shadow wielder huff and puff over a small woman was their joy of the night.

“I am going to give you two five seconds to leave my sight” his brother declared “I cannot deal with this nonsense right now”

Garrick let his deck of cards fall to the bed, raising his hands in surrender “Calm down, man. I’m actually here to discuss about our next drop”

Xaden pinched the bridge of his nose and dropped his weight on his desk chair.

“I’m moving the drop for next week, wingleaders are reuniting every fucking early morning and I can’t afford a flight to Athebyne now”

“You kinda voted for early morning meetings, Xaden, this is totally on you” Garrick smiled.

“I didn’t think Nyra would retaliate by making them frequent. Fucking Voldaren!”

“I could always make the drop, an executive officer being late or missing a meeting is way more excusable than a wingleader”

“No” Xaden’s tone was firm “You either fly with me or do not fly at all”

At that point, Liam was regretting joining Garrick for a quick game. It was irritating when both of them argued - and that conversation could only lead to that.

“Be fucking reasonable, Xaden. We can’t have the fliers wait another week. Let me and Bodhi go, we’ll be fine”

Liam quietly grabbed all the cards, Garrick was definitely not interested in playing anymore.

“Garrick’s right-”

Xaden narrowed his eyes at Liam in a way that made him feel like a 14-year-old all over again.

“I can’t handle your voice of reason now, Liam. No drop is happening without me. End of discussion. I can negotiate anything else, but we’re not making this drop any earlier”

With a stubbornness that only rivaled Violet's, Xaden settled the matter. From experience, they would hardly be able to change his mind if he was that unyielding. And as much as Garrick had his own convictions, he was never one to push Xaden like Liam often did.

“Careful” Garrick had a menacing look “Someone might think you’d be eager to see Cat”

Liam could not hold a grimace of his own. Fucking Cat. Xaden’s face soured in a very similar way and a discreet shudder ran over his tall frame. He couldn’t be blamed for that, their interactions were…messy. Liam was very much a Violet apologist, specially in the sense of his brother’s pathetic love life.

“Like I don’t have enough problems without her joining Syrena at every fucking drop”

“Well, you did break the betrothal over a letter to Aiseregh - of all people” Liam commented “It makes sense that the mind fucker would chase you out of inconvenience”

Xaden’s face contorted into utter annoyance and Liam wondered if he would begin to breathe fire.

“Don’t even mention that bastard” Xaden pratically growled “he’s been getting on my fucking nerves about it”

“He’s trying to mend - no pun intended - the mess you caused last time, Xaden. I also have my disagreements with the guy but we can’t blame him for trying to find a solution” Liam continued “besides, he’s just extra nervous about his sister”

What brother wouldn’t be? Liam surely would be a walking anxious creature if every news that came out of Basgiath were how his sister almost died for the millionth time.

“Still doesn’t make it less stressful” Xaden sighed again “Sorrengails are the bane of my miserable existence”

Liam chuckled, almost pitying how tired his brother looked sprawled over a small wooden chair.

“You’re so dramatic” Garrick countered “as if you don’t enjoy a certain Sorrengail getting on your nerves”

A death glare was Xaden’s only reply. He was not in the mood for teasing at all, but it never stopped Garrick from being a nuisance and Liam had much respect for it.

“Which prompts my question and reason for being here” Liam began “could you not steal my friend tomorrow night?”

“Weren’t you the one constantly insisting I train her?” Xaden countered.

“I know, I know” Liam gave Garrick a knowing look “but don’t hog her all for yourself, I know it’s difficult due to your obsession-”

“The two of you. Out!” Xaden said through gritted teeth, sending shadows to pull at their feet.

Liam and Garrick left in a matter of seconds, choking down their laughter on the way out.

***

“Sorrengail” Xaden’s voice echoed through the hall,

His tall frame was leaning on the wall, the wind swept hair and the twin swords strapped to his back indicated he had been on a mission that day. Liam sent him a look of annoyance, which his brother did not acknowledge at all. Yep, seemed like he was too fucking obsessed not to steal her. Or maybe he just did it as payback for all the teasing last night - Xaden was fucking petty like that.

Violet sighed and simply turned around, following Xaden to another training session ���See you later”

They waved her a brief goodbye and resumed their walking to the common room - planning to study for their latest history test.

“Could you tell your scary brother not to steal my girl during study sessions?” Ridoc complained while sitting on their usual table.

“I did ask. You might have a better chance at asking him yourself next time” Liam grimaced “I’ve been getting on his nerves lately”

His three squadmates stared at him curiously, something that still surprised Liam. He sometimes forgot that they were actually invested and interested in knowing him outside of the bodyguard duty - was he still Violet’s bodyguard? Xaden had kind of fired him.

“Just brotherly teasing” he explained.

Teasing was not doing justice to the absolute pestering him and Garrick were putting Xaden through. The man stressed about her daily but would not waste a single second of free time away from her. Liam had gotten what he wanted at the cost of witnessing the utter chaos and pathetic behavior of his foster brother.

“Well, we sure can survive studying without Violet for once” Rhiannon said, pointing at Liam “besides, there is brain to the brawl of our handsome guy here”

He tried not to flush at her comment, but failed miserably. The laughs echoing on their table was pleasant and Liam rejoiced in the ease of it all. Violet was safe under Xaden’s watch, he had a squad who accepted and wanted him around, him and Deigh were getting stronger together. Everything was falling into place and he never felt more at ease in months inside that quadrant. Studying with his squad was a mundane action, but satisfying in many ways.

“Fuck all those names” Sawyer huffed “why is every infantry expedition named? Look at this one! Montserrat; Bryden, K; 11; In; F.”

Liam groaned. He also hated studying nomenclature, it wasn’t difficult but it was too detailed. All of those letter mixed up at some point.

“Scribe shit, I believe” Rhiannon explained “something to do with ease cataloging and archiving. If you want to read on an expedition those names are the only way to find the document faster”

“Alright, enlighten me because I can’t understand shit” Ridoc sighed.

“First is the outpost where the expedition happened: Montserrat. Then comes the expedition leader’s complete surname and first letter of their name, the number 11 is referring to the month of said expedition: November. ‘In’ means it’s not classified - ‘S’ would be classified - and ‘F’ is the expedition status as ‘finalized’ ”

Sawyer looked at her as if she had grown another head and even Liam could not help but stare.

“Damn, Matthias” Ridoc whistled “You might give Vi a run for her money”

“She was the one who taught me that” she shrugged “besides, we all should learn this for life. Who knows when we might need to dig through infantry expeditions in search for information? Specially if we want to reach a leading rank”

“I highly doubt we’ll actually need to read infantry reports” Ridoc scoffed.

“I’m so glad to be a part of the same squad as you and Vi” Sawyer said “it balances the fact Gamlyn here is a lost cause”

Ridoc narrowed his eyes at his squadmate, giving him the middle finger “Fuck you, Henrick”

“You’d love to”

Rhiannon sighed in annoyance and Liam simply smiled at the usual bickering. He could not help but agree with his squadmate, a good understanding of infantry missions directly impacted riders. With that line of thought and her quick learning, Rhiannon would make a great leader next year - way better than Aetos. The only thing that tainted that moment was knowing that she - they - did not know anything about the dangers lurking outside the wards. He felt guilty teaching about old battles while hiding what was relevant - from people who were becoming important in his life. Liam wanted more than anything to have them by his side when the real war began - and he knew they would follow. There was honor in them. In Violet’s sense of justice, Rhiannon’s strength, Sawyer’s perseverance, Ridoc’s bravery.

Liam wanted to fight alongside them just as much as his apostasy comrades.

Previous chapter

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[waffliesinyoface]

Games I Done Played in 2023

Putting this under a readmore because it is Long.

-Scarlet/Violet - on the cusp of 2022/2023 but it sort of counts? Especially with the DLC only just coming out this year. Anyways. its good. Professor Sada my beloved evil milf. RIP to violet players who got Turo instead.

-Atelier Ryza 1 - went in knowing nothing about it! And then i went feral because its a really fucking good game with themes and good characters and a lively town full of people that you care about. One of my favorite moments is when Agatha, head of the town guard, looks at Ryza and goes "geez, where did that knucklehead kid who was always messing around go? you've really grown up, huh Ryza?" ITS SO GOOD. Also Ryza is the ADHD fucking icon we deserve. Cannot focus on things she doesn't care about. Perpetually messy room. Kind of an airhead. Finds one (1) thing that she actually likes (alchemy) and then hyperfocuses on it exclusively.

-Atelier Ryza 2 - this game has the mass effect 2 problem where it's coming off the heels of a really great first story but then very early on you realize the main plot is actually a bit shit. Ryza 1 is a story about the inherent destructive nature of colonialism and how that will come back to bite you in the ass. Ryza 2 is about having a sick cat. They try to do something interesting with the optional backstory for each of the areas but then they don't tie it to the main quest at all? THAT SAID: while the main plot is shit, it does the other thing that ME2 does, in that all of the character sidequests are incredible. Klaudia in Ryza 1 is just like. The kind of casual fanservice gay that pops up in slice-of-life anime, so I brushed it off. Klaudia in Ryza 2 is having sad tearful confessions in the rain. I got fucking yuri brainworms from this game. Her arc culminates in Ryza making her a ""friendship"" necklace made from extremely precious metals. It's basically solid gold and has a heart design. Its beautiful. #JustHeterosexualThingsToDoWithYourBestie

-Atelier Ryza 3 - okay i will be honest i still have not finished this. You know how it is. I like that its more open world but also I dont know that it needed to be open world. The writing seems to be better than 2 but not quite as good as 1. I DO like that the beginning lets you see Ryza in her home town, and she's gone from the local troublemaker to Someone In Authority. She's an important and respected member of the community and a schoolteacher now, and now she can argue with the council that they're being a bunch of dickheads with their heads in the ground and people actually listen to her instead of telling her to shut up. Thats such good character development, I'm so proud of her.

-Fire Emblem Engage: went in expecting it to be awakening, to the point that I explicitly bought a physical copy for the purposes of being able to return it if it was shit. Then after playing for a bit i was like "wait a minute, is this just awakening again but actually good?" and THEN i was like "oh no this game fucking rips ass actually, hell yeah". One of, if not THE best fire emblem game. It would be an excellent choice for new players but it's also an anniversary game and so most of the cool callbacks and stuff kinda fall flat if you're not ALREADY a fan.

-Mahoyo: technically a VN, not a game. Also technically I did not finish. Need to get back to it. Aoko Aozaki is my blorbo and I love her. If you like Nasuverse stuff you owe it to yourself to get it.

-SAO Hollow Realization - its an SAO game so it is bad but it is far less bad than i thought it would be. Relationship mechanic is skeevy and I dislike that you need to do it to upgrade party equipment. I killed a hard boss early on and got a sword that immediately broke the difficulty curve which honestly fits how SAO rolls lmao. The fact that you can customize your character but they're still actually kirito is. weird. Buuut it meant I could make Kirito into a girl, which she deserves, the fucking egg. Also Argo's outfit is a travesty, and I will hunt the character designer for sport.

-Tears of the Kingdom - better than BotW plot wise, but didn't fix enough of the core issues. Please can we have a Ganondorf who even approaches the heights attained by Wind Waker. The character designers put so much work into him and making him imposing yet kingly, and then the writers went "uh, he's evil because he's evil? stop overthinking it, dummies." The bossfights are all peak though. Yes even the stupid octopus who is weak to roombas. Lightning Temple was my favorite because I love ancient egyptian iconography and light puzzles. Also the boss is actually challenging if you go there early.

-Armored Core VI - i literally decided to pre-order it like 5 minutes before it came out. And then I came to the realization that actually giant robots fuck hardcore. This is responsible for me getting really into Gundam. I have like 16 gunpla built with 4 more still in boxes and 3 more preordered for 2024. Yes, it infected me that bad. Also Cinder Carla IS my mom and I love her. Burning the planet and solar system is the good ending because she says so.

-Disgaea 7 - disgaea is BACK babey. ...okay I haven't finished this one either but after the travesty that was 6 im giving this a gold star. I love that the protagonist is an idiot weeb catgirl, and i love that the antagonist is literally just Demon Commodore Perry. Nippon Ichi please bring back the kitsune class from 5 please and thankyou.

-Mice Tea - i literally just got this so i've only done one ending but its fun, and good. Drink tea, become a mouse. Get horny about it. Happens to the best of us.

-Touhou 19 - i THINK the full english translation is done now, so thats good. Ran Yakumo is playable and im so happy. It's a shame the netplay is uh. Um. Non-existent. Because coding netplay is hard.

-Lunar Silver Star Story - once again, i still need to finish this. It's a really really good JRPG!! "What if we used the PS1 disc size to have anime cutscenes for important moments and character introductions" fucking genius and i love you. Listen to Wind's Nocturne right now.

-PARANORMASIGHT: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo - do you like VNs? Do you like mystery novels with horror elements? Do you like creepy things like curses and ghosts? Do you like really fucking good music? If you answered yes to any of those questions, please get this game. There's like one or two puzzles that were really obtuse on release but i think the game's been updated to provide better hints, so that's nice.

-Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life - my favorite harvest moon game as a child with a fresh coat of paint, some really nice QoL updates, and its gay now. You can be gay. I can finally get lesbian married to Nami and we can have an adorable precious daughter who turns me into Maes Hughes whenever Im in the same room as her. I named her Ruby because A: red hair, B: Nami loves cool shit you find in the digsite like precious minerals, and C: Lou (the innkeeper) was named Ruby in the original version of A Wonderful Life, and she's BASICALLY Nami's mom. Wait this review turned into me gushing about my adorable daughter again...

[booksteaandtoomuchtv]

So i just started OUAT and i binged seasons 1 through 6 in like a month. Now i am at season 7 and it feels like it doesn’t belong with the rest. Please tell me i am not the only person in this fandom that feels this way. Lucy & Alice are gonna be my favourites in season 7, i can tell, but like- I'm so angry 😭😭😭 season 7 is like if someone tried to complete jigsaw puzzle with a lego piece. Its like when you are collecting books in a series but the publisher decides to change cover designs and scrap the old covers while you’re in the middle of collecting and now the bloody books on your shelf don't even match. 😭😭😭 Im sorry i know I'm being dramatic but- 🫠 Also season 6, why did they hype up the black fairy to be this GREAT evil, but i feel like they rushed that plot-line, and she was super easy to defeat. I mean, peter pan was more of a challenge, he made rumple and the hero gang go THROUGH IT, but black fairy couldn’t even top that and she's played out to be stronger. The writers basically gave it their all seasons 1 through half of season 6, (until black fairy's plot) and then they went "f**k it." Another issue i have is the hyping of some characters to be these great forces, and they go down faster than an asthmatic with a flu. (Mother superior, Jafar, Ursula, Cruella, The Author.) Especially blue fairy, they hype her like she’s the big boss of the faeries and they go to her with all their problems but she either says “this magic is too powerful for me to counter it.” Or something along those lines or she keeps getting cooked. Girl…. How do you still have your job? Someone needs to fire her blue ass. Granny could take her in a fight and Im willing to put money on it. 😭 Anyway, rant over, if you answer thank you because i really need to be validated and not feel crazy right now, but if you don't answer and my rant gave you a chuckle thats all well and good too. 💗💗💗

Hey Nonnie!!

You are not alone. I know a lot of the fandom has only watched the seventh season once and that was their first watch-through. A lot of people could not even make it through that season since it was so jarringly disconnected. If you are looking for a bit of history about it - a lot of the contracts expired after season six and with Jennifer Morrison not renewing, the focus shifted from Emma’s story to whatever the main story behind season seven is and it... well...

“It’s like when you are collecting books in a series but the publisher decides to change cover designs and scrap the old covers while you’re in the middle of collecting and now the bloody books on your shelf don't even match.

It is exactly like that.

I, personally, have mixed emotions about the sixth season. We get some very, very good Captain Swan moments that I am a sucker for because I really enjoy established couples having good moments and OUAT did not give screentime to peaceful, calm moments for any pairing. But, we also get that Hook murdered David’s father while he was meant to be in Neverland, but he was actually being a land pirate (notably not a highwayman) in Misthaven. And we get the entire saviour’s curse thing, the evil part of Regina being something that can be and was separated from her rather than a real redemption story for Regina, and the plastic pin villains that you could knock down with a breeze - no bowling ball required!

BUT... having written a few stories with some thrilling baddies and such of my own, I must admit that it is so, so difficult to straddle the line between a good villain that is properly scary and defeating them in a way that doesn’t feel cheap afterwards. I always feel like I let people down once I’ve revealed how the villain is defeated, so I guess I cannot complain too much without being something of a hypocrite.

Granny was such an underutilised hero. She absolutely could have knocked the fairy down a few notches had anyone given her the chance. Maybe someone should tackle a fix-it fic for season six and give us that scene.

Thank you so, so, so much for the ask/rant/thoughts. I adore them so much and hope that you know you are not alone and brought up some very valid thoughts with your very valid emotions.

xoxo

[scoobydoodean]

Sam and Dean have a discussion about Sam's powers prior to facing Samhain.

SAM: So, this demon’s pretty powerful. DEAN: Yeah. SAM: Might take more than the usual weapons. SAM glances at DEAN out of the corner of his eye, and DEAN gets what he is suggesting. DEAN: Sam, no, you’re not using your psychic whatever. Don’t even think about it. Ruby’s knife is enough. SAM: Why? DEAN: Well because the angels said so for one – SAM: I thought you said they were a bunch of fanatics. DEAN: Well they happen to be right about this one. SAM: I don’t know, Dean, it doesn’t seem like they’re right about much. DEAN: Well then forget the angels, okay? You said yourself, these powers, it’s like playing with fire. DEAN picks up the knife and holds out the handle to SAM. DEAN: Please. SAM takes the knife from DEAN but doesn’t say anything.

Two things interest me here.

First: The discussion starts from Sam putting the onus on Dean to give him "permission" to do something Sam said in 4.04 he was going to stop doing for his own personal reasons and that nobody else had any choice about but him:

SAM This blood, it's not in you the way it's in me. It's just something I got to deal with. DEAN Not alone. SAM Anyway, it doesn't matter. These powers... it's playing with fire. I'm done with them. SAM I'm done with everything. DEAN Really? DEAN Well, that's a relief. Thank you. SAM Don't thank me. I'm not doing it for you. Or for the angels or for anybody. This is my choice.

So while on the surface, one would think Sam mentioned using his powers to Dean because he wanted an equitable partnership, where his choice to use his powers is left up to both of them (Dean as his hunting partner), that doesn't gel with his claim from 4.04, and it doesn't gel with him abandoning Dean in the mausoleum. You don't do that to someone you consider your equal partner.

This leads me to conclude that what this scene is actually about is Sam unconsciously setting Dean up as someone with authority over him, and therefore someone who Sam should rebel against.

The thing is, Dean clearly perceives this as a conversation between partners. He uses the word "please" because he knows he doesn't get to choose this for Sam, just like he used "Thank you" in 4.04 because he knew Sam had no obligation to stop just because it scared Dean and the angels were breathing down Dean's neck about it. Dean appeals to another's authority (the angels) but he doesn't believe he can make Sam's choices for him and that’s why he also ends his argument by reminding Sam what Sam said—not what Dean believes. Sam gives the illusion of treating Dean as a partner only to treat him as an overbearing boss when he indicates, yet again (as they both already knew), that he doesn't share Sam's opinions.

Second: How for Sam, this conversation definitely recalls the season 3 finale, where Dean put his foot down about working with Ruby to kill Lilith and insisted he would use the knife and if he went out that way, it would at least preserve his legacy and end the family curse of dooming themselves to save each other.

Here's the thing: It was absolutely unequivocally Dean's right to put his foot down about it, because it was about him and his legacy and how he would be saved. But Sam is pissed, because Dean died, and it sent Sam into an emotional breakdown. He reflects on that period, and thinks to himself, "If Dean had listened to me and Ruby he wouldn't have died". He doesn't realize Ruby was waving a pipe dream over his head. All he can think is that he should have taken the reigns from Dean, without really noticing that what he's talking about is taking the reigns of Dean's life—not his own fucking life. But because Dean's well-being is so deeply tied to Sam's emotional well-being, he conflates the two.

If Sam had simply taken the reigns and gone over Dean's head and used his powers in 3.16 as Ruby said, Sam thinks he would have saved Dean, but Dean did not allow that to happen. Sam wants to be the leader, because he treated Dean as the leader in season 3. He put his trust in Dean even when he doubted Dean was right in 3.16, and Dean's principles got Dean killed from Sam's perspective. From Sam's perspective, all the bad things that happened happened because Dean was scared of Sam's powers, and didn't listen to Sam or Ruby's opinions. So of course Sam doesn't give a damn what Dean thinks. He doesn't trust Dean or care what Dean thinks, because as far as he's concerned, Dean burned them both and Sam was right all of season 3.

So I was thinking about 4.07 "It's The Great Pumpkin, Sam Winchester" and how Sam genuinely tries not to use his powers during the actual fight with Samhain.

He's trading blows with this powerful demon, and the demon blood still in his system gives him immunity to some of Samhain's attacks, but it isn't Sam using his powers. He quickly starts losing the fight though, and then when he's pinned and goes for the knife, it gets knocked away out of reach. If he doesn't use his powers at that point, he's going to die. He's in a situation where he has no choice—and this is what he points out to Uriel when Uriel presses him at the end of the episode.

URIEL: Tomorrow. November 2nd, it’s an anniversary for you. It’s the day Azazel killed your mother, and 22 years later your girlfriend too. It must be difficult to bear, yet you so brazenly use the power he gave you. His profane blood pumping through your veins. SAM: Excuse me? URIEL: You were told not to use your abilities. SAM: And what was I supposed to do? That demon would have killed me, and my brother and everyone. URIEL: You were told not to.

And of course, Uriel simply repeating "You were told not to" does not work for Sam. Telling Sam to simply follow orders doesn't ever work, and as an audience member, it's easy to share in Sam's frustration. Uriel has no actual explanation—just a demand that Sam obey, and it feels like Sam is being pressed about something he genuinely had no choice about.

That said, Sam intentionally put himself in a foolish situation with Samhain. When Sam and Dean entered the mausoleum where Samhain was awakening the dead, Sam saw a bunch of people trapped with zombies, knew Dean could not just abandon them to die, and ordered Dean to help them while he ran off.

SAM: Help them. DEAN: Dude, you’re not going off alone. SAM: Do it!

What makes me insane about little moments like this is that people will completely disregard Sam quite literally barking orders at Dean here and in other places and fixate on Dean being "overbearing" by saying "You're not going off alone". Sam was the one who said Samhain was a BIG deal that Dean needed to take very seriously (i.e., nobody should be facing him alone). Sam is one demanding Dean follow his orders, and he's using a bunch of teenagers as leverage to enforce those orders. In other words, if Dean doesn't obey Sam's orders, people will die.

Sam wants to face Samhain alone. He doesn't want Dean to be there. He's trying to prove that he can do this alone—and he does try to do it without using his powers. After seeing what happened with Jack Montogmery in 4.04 "Metamorphosis", Sam genuinely wavered on continuing to drink demon blood. But then he realized he couldn't do this without his powers, he can't stand up to a demon this powerful alone without them. He's too weak, and in the mental state he's in and has been in since season 3, being weak—being powerless—is the last thing Sam can stand.

[ellienettie]

15. Anti-hero!Mari (Red Robin!Mari) w/ Robin!Tim

Here's Mari being a spiteful little shit <3

______

"I remember when we first met." Red Hood- no. Jason nodded at Tim.

"You and Red Robin?"

"I was concussed, so I wasn't thinking that fine. She spoke to me in french and it's not exactly in my first 10 languages, is it replacement? So I was standing there, watching this tiny french thing talk to me as if I understood shit. She seemed taller then too."

"Oui, cause I was, you dumbass." Marinette drops down beside them, french accent already present and thick on her tongue.

"Oh great, you're alive."

"My exact reaction to you, my favorite boss" back to an all-American accent.

"So I take it that french is one of your top 10 languages?" Tim asked her.

"I AM french."

Tim snorts at her, arms crossed. "And why would you give me a hint to your identity? I don't believe you"

Red Robin smacked his arm. "You Americans, so dumb. If I wasn't so kind, I would pretend that I've never spoke English or learned English in my entire life."

_________

He's staring into the fire, watching it dance, swiping at the air like a whip and going down like a flower shying into itself as the moon rises. It's patterns kept repeating, like it was a dance. A hypnotizing one.

It whipped again, and it reminded hood of a hissing snake, a warning before going for the kill.

"Hood! Tell Robin that what he's saying is a lie!"

"But it's the truth! You *can* sue anyone, there just isn't a big chance that you'll win! The best chance you have is suing someone for an injury!"

Hood ignored the sounds of their voices, focusing on the drip of the candle wax, dropping quicky into the hard bundle of melted wax at the foot of it, about to create another layer as he watched more wax drip from the newly created stem of the candle.

"Hood!"

Inner peace, it's what he needed to control his pit rage. It helps to put all his rage and energy into the details of every small thing he can focus on that doesn't anger him

"Red Hood! Notice me!"

"WHAT." Hood snapped at Marinette.

"Tell Robin he's wrong."

"No. He's probably right anyway."

"Oh, just as right as you when you decided to have me steal one of his robin costumes?"

"That was you?!?" Tim spluttered beside her.

"You have no evidence, I'm not guilty no matter what you say" she hissed at him.

"You literally just said you stole it!"

"Where's your proof!"

'Where's my gun so I can shoot both of these dumb fucks' Hood bitterly thought as he sighed into his hand.

______

"Red Robin! No!" Tim grabbed the match that Marinette held as she looked at him in surprise and confusion.

"Why not! It's just a car! Take it as protest, I'm just making a point for the authority!"

Tim threw the match far away from him and her. "Jesus Christ, what are you, French?"

Red Robin managed to look offended. "Oui! And you, American? Set the car on fire!"

She said in a thick heavy convincing french accent. Tim scoffed and rolled his eyes. "Haha, very convincing. Now, we don't set cars on fire."

"Then, gather a crowd! We shall shake a building, tilt it until all the cars have fallen out! People are so stupid and weak, non? We shall show them true riot! Be the leader to a newer better generation!"

'Wow' Tim thought. 'She's really pushing it with the french thing.' "What, are you saying we should kill the rich next?"

"Oui! We start with them!" And there was a glint to her eye as she took another match out from somewhere.

"Red, no."

Is this what Dick feels taking care of Damian? Tim doesn't want to be an older brother, thanks. Take the thing away he can manage.

[heloisedaphnebrightmore]

Play with me [Billy Russo x Reader] - Requested [15+]

Title: Play with me Pairing: Billy Russo x Female!Reader Word count: 3.3k Published: 13 June 2021 Author: Heloise Daphne Brightmore Notes: There's no smut in it, but it is quite suggestive so I think it deserves the 15+ rating. Warnings: Suggestive phrases, mention of alcohol and drinking Summary: Once again you find yourself dragged to a fancy event as part of your work by none other than Billy himself. Your boss seems to be enjoying your discomfort, finding entertainment in your grimaces and sulking comebacks. That is until you decide to turn his little game against him. Request: [x] Prompts requested by @sunrisefairy for my celebration event.

Billy Russo x Reader Fluff #19 - “It’s not a double date. We’re just third and fourth wheeling.” Spicy #20 - “Are you flirting with me?” Spicy #39 - “I’m a little drunk and a little horny.”

Ben Barnes and Characters Masterlist | Masterlists

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You've never been big on attending all those fancy events your company has been hired to work at, but Billy always said it was a good way to build connections. Not once have you found yourself in a pretty little ballgown, following your boss around with a stone-cold expression, silently trying to suffocate him with your murderous gaze. You were hired to be a security agent not a peacock, but Billy didn't seem to mind the invisible daggers your eyes shot at him, if anything, by the smug grin across his face, he appeared to be enjoying the situation.

Just like many times before, this event was organised by one of his clients as well and he had been invited, along with a plus one to your utter disappointment. Though it sounded like you were supposed to be guests, in the end the man made it clear that he wanted Billy to have his back and his people to be blended in the crowd. Therefore, most of the night, you and Billy have been following around the old man, some no name politician you couldn't even recognise with his wife on his arm, smiling like a wild beast.

"You know, if you think about it, this could be our first date," Billy smirked as his eyes scanned the room. "It's like a grand double date," he smirked, earning an annoyed huff from you.

"It's not a double date, I wouldn't even go out with you if you were the last person on this planet," you groaned. "We are just— third and fourth wheeling for the sole purpose of their security," you nodded towards the couple in front of you.

"If denial makes your sensitive little heart feel better about your attraction towards me, who am I to object," he chuckled. "Though I have to admit, that silk dress on you makes it very hard for me to focus," he scanned your body, his gaze studying every single inch as though he could see through the thin material. His eyes dwelled longer on the high cut design that ran up to the top of your thigh, exposing your bare legs. His intent gaze burned your skin, your ears feeling as though they were on fire before realisation hit you.

"Hold on a minute, are you flirting with me?" You asked incredulously.

"As smart as you are, I'm surprised it took you this long to realise," he replied with his smug grin growing wider.

"Wipe it off," you scoffed at him as he grabbed your arm, rougher than you expected and linked it with his, patting the back of your hand. You walked around the ballroom with him on your side as he shook hands with all kinds of men, each seemingly interested in every breath Billy took, almost as though he was more important than the old man in front of you.

"Why? If it wasn't for your distaste in all these events, you'd be drooling over me by now," he chuckled playfully, offering you a subtle wink, before he turned back to the sea of people with his head held high, his body straightening in an authoritative manner.

"You are delusional," you hissed, teeth gritting in frustration.

"Right, I guess you just love staring at me then. Though I'm not surprised, I'm certainly good to look at," he huffed.

"No and No," you scoffed with a grimace. "And remove that shit-eating grin from your face already," you retorted as Billy clicked his tongue.

"Pretty lips, but such a dirty mouth," he let out a low, throaty laugh as he leaned closer, his lips brushing your ear, his warm breath sending a shiver through your body. "You know, I have a couple of ideas what you could use that mouth for," he replied in a suggestive tone, arching a single brow as he pulled back.

"Oh, do you now?" You offered him a playful smile as your eyes looked him up and down before your gaze met his again. "Unfortunately for you, I'm not interested," you shook your head, trying to act as though his offer didn't affect you, as though his body so close to you didn't force your heart into a dangerous pace. Though mostly you found it easy to ignore his teasing, you had to admit a part of you was indeed inclined to know more about where his mind was wandering off to.

"Ouch," he placed a hand in front of his chest, acting as if he was indeed in pain before he rearranged himself. "Your loss, I guess," he shrugged nonchalantly, earning an annoyed eye roll from you.

As the night went on, you tried to ignore the music in the background and focus on your work. Your eyes scanned the gigantic room as you shimmied through the sea of people dancing in pairs whilst Billy followed right behind you, clearing his throat. Looking back over your shoulder, you realised his eyes weren't on the people surrounding you or establishing eye contact with the rest of the team. His gaze fell lower, lower than you expected.

"Do you like the view?" You asked, arching a brow as he finally stopped staring at your backside and lifted his gaze, running his tongue across his bottom lip.

"What can I say that dress seems to enhance your beauty in all the right places," he smirked, earning a scoff from you. "Hey, can't I compliment you?" He raised his hands innocently, but you didn't fall for it, his proud grin spread wider as he ran his eyes all over you again.

"Pig," you spat as you finally reached the end of the crowd and stole a glass of champagne from a tray one of the servers walked around with.

"You are not supposed to be drinking," he gave you a cold look.

"I can't handle you sober," you chugged the content of the glass in a swift movement, earning a loud huff from him.

"That's not very professional," he replied as he stepped closer and placed a hand on your waist, tugging you closer in his side.

"Well, screw professionalism," you huffed as you felt the alcohol hit you. It was already warm inside, but with the alcohol, you felt your cheeks flush. Your eyes wandered to your side, where his big palm cupped your side, his touch radiating further warmth into your already heated body. "Is it just me—," you asked as you met his gaze, "or your hand seems to wander way too carelessly on my body tonight," you squinted suspiciously.

"I'm just making sure you are safe," he shrugged nonchalantly.

"I'm not the client, you know that, right?" you huffed as you grabbed his hand, took it off your waist and walked towards another room, searching for the old man, before you heard a voice in your earpiece, letting you know about his whereabouts. Heading to his position, you felt Billy's presence right behind you again. You halted your steps and turned around, folding your arms in front of your chest.

"You were not supposed to be drinking," he repeated himself with a stern expression across his face, one that told you this time he wasn't playing around, he was indeed unhappy with you. But instead of apologising or acknowledging his presence for that matter, you simply ignored him and looked around the room. "Do you even realise that I'm your boss?" He frowned, looking at you with a questioning gaze. "I feel like I have been way too lenient with you," he groaned as you stared him down. You caught sight of a waiter heading your way, so you quickly snatched another glass from his tray and gulped down the champagne.

"So? What are you going to do about it?" You asked in a mocking tone, smirking at the man as he chewed on his bottom lip. The words escaped your vocal cords before you could even protest. In normal circumstances you would have never dared to say them out loud, but the alcohol in your system, the two glasses of champagne seemed to do the trick. As you weren't big on drinking and barely had any alcohol, it hit you harder than someone who was used to its strength.

"I could fire you in this instance," he hissed, his tone low and warning. You took a step towards him, barely leaving a couple of inches between you as you looked up at him.

"Then why don't you?" You asked, arching a brow, waiting for a reply. "Come on, why don't you, huh?" You taunted him. "What did you expect? That I'm going to beg you to let me keep my job? Humour me, Russo," you huffed, this time wearing the same shit-eating grin he wore before.

"You are playing with fire," he spoke through gritted teeth as he sneaked an arm around your waist and pulled you flush against his chest, forcing you to lift your head higher to be able to look up at him. "I don't appreciate that tone," he continued in a low, dark voice, one that made your knees buckle, the air stuck in your lungs. "If you want to get my attention, then you can stop, you have had it for a while," he growled as he brushed his lips against your earlobe, his breath fanning the sensitive skin behind your ear. "But if it's for the sole purpose of pissing me off, I advise you to cut the bullshit, because I don't like your stupid little game," he squeezed your side as he pulled back, his jaw clenched.

To be fair, you weren't sure why you were taunting him, but there was something about him when he was frustrated, when you knew he was just a push away from snapping. You never dared to cross that line, nor did you want to do it now, but that borderline dangerous look in his eyes made you feel weak, his strong arm around you rough and warning, still you couldn't stop yourself from poking the sleeping lion. "So, you can play with me, but I can't do the same? Don't you think that's hypocritical?" You scoffed, folding your arms in front of your chest, creating even more space between you. There was a moment of silence as Billy studied your face, trying to decide if you were serious or you had gone completely mental.

"You are drunk, you are not making any sense," he scoffed as he got hold of your arm and started dragging you towards a closed door. As he opened it, you found yourself in some sort of a lounge with a sofa on the opposite wall of the room, an armchair on each side and a small coffee table right in front of it. The dim light and empty room created a rather welcoming feeling after the loud ballroom. "Sit down and take a minute for yourself, I will be back in a second. Hopefully by then you will make more sense," he threw the words at you as he left and closed the door behind himself.

You didn't attempt to take a seat and lounge around, you didn't want to sit down and do nothing, though the slight dizziness you felt urged you to do so. For a second you debated if you should listen to your instincts and indeed rest your tired limbs, but you shook yourself out of the thought and instead wandered around the room, looking at the paintings on the wall. Each art was of the same man— the one you were supposed to be protecting— wearing the finest of clothing you have ever seen. Rich folks, you scoffed at the thought, but before you could have dwelled on them any longer, the door opened. Without looking over your shoulder, Billy's cologne filled your nostrils. "Did you come back to police me?" You said without turning to look at him.

"It seems I didn't give you enough time to clear your head," he mused.

"My head is completely clear," you shot back at him, stumbling a bit as you felt slightly lightheaded. He stood in front of the closed door, hands tucked in the pockets of his trousers as he casually leaned against the wooden panels.

"I can see that," he scoffed, this time with a tiny smile in the corner of his mouth, running his eyes up and down on your body, his gaze darkening.

"I'm not drunk," you pointed at his chest as you walked up to him in haste, halting your steps right in front of him, leaving a barely visible gap between the two of you, feeling the heat radiate from his body.

"And I believe that," he replied in a mocking tone. "Though it leaves me with a question. It seemed you had some difficulty standing on your own two feet just a minute ago. What was that about that then?" His smug grin grew wider, knowing he was right. Indeed, there were some side effects to the alcohol you have consumed.

"Fine," you replied, jaw clenched in anger, teeth gritting as you held yourself back. "I'm— I might be— a little drunk," you cleared your throat as though admitting it caused you physical pain.

"Okay, now we are getting somewhere," he said as he lifted his hand and brushed his fingertips along the curve of your shoulder, slowly following the path down to your wrist. "So, why did you drink then?" He asked, with a slight amount of curiosity.

"You pissed me off," you shrugged nonchalantly, earning a chuckle from Billy as he kept repeating his movements, running his fingers along your arm, causing goosebumps to appear on your skin, which he did not miss.

"That's not very professional, is it?" He asked, teasing you as his strokes moved from your shoulder to your collarbone, forcing your breath to turn shallow. He lifted his eyes, meeting your lustful gaze, only to caress his ego further. "If I didn't know you better, I'd say you are not only drunk, but that smart little head of yours might just be filled with some very— very dirty thoughts," he chuckled as you swallowed nervously, his palm cupping your face, running his thumb along your lip.

He wasn't wrong though. There were thoughts that you wished never to voice, thoughts that had him standing in front of you naked, completely exposed, your hands running across his toned chest, his mouth nipping at the soft skin of your neck. You licked across your lips as the thought became even more vivid, his grumbling tone forcing you to draw your thighs together, needing some sort of a friction. He arched a brow at the movement, a cocky grin spreading across his face. "It seems I'm right once again and you are not even trying to deny it," he breathed as he planted his other hand on your waist and drew you closer. "Tell me, where is that pretty head of yours wondering to?" He let out a low chuckle, but you didn't answer, you didn't dare to say it. "Let me guess," he leaned down to your ear, tickling your neck with his beard, causing a knot to appear in the pit of your stomach, your breathing turning ragged, "are you horny?" He let out a low chuckle as he bit your neck, earning a silent squeaking sound from you, his actions 'almost' sobering you up. 'Almost', because within seconds you find yourself leaning into his touch.

"I—," you tried to reply, but your throat seemed too dry, your heart was beating so heavily, you could hear the drumming of your own pulse in your ears. "I maybe— just maybe a little horny," you breathed as he ran his lips along the curve of your neck, forcing your eyes to flutter shut. Before you realised your own actions, you cupped his cheeks and pulled him away from your neck, pressing your lips to his, stunning him for a mere moment, before he returned your advances. The kiss was hungry, teeth tugging at lips, tongues fighting for dominance, but that was what you needed. You pressed your body against his, closing any remaining gap between the two of you, earning a low growl from Billy. He grabbed your hips, holding onto you as though he was trying to ground himself, keeping himself sober in the haste of that heated kiss.

"I think we should stop," he breathed as he finally found his strength to leave your lips. A deep frown spread across your brow as you studied him.

"Why?" You asked in confusion, knowing— feeling his body's reaction to you.

"Think whatever you want of me, I can be a lot of things, but I like to think that touching someone without their consent is wrong. I believe we have already done more than we were supposed to," he cleared his throat as he tried to push you back gently, but rather firmly and you obliged.

"I'm giving you consent, Russo," you replied in disbelief.

"You are drunk, so I'm not sure you are," he shook his head. A loud huff left your lungs as you walked up to the sofa and sat down, placing one leg over the other, crossing them as you sunk deeper into the cushions.

"Okay," you scoffed. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but I said I was a little drunk. You see little is the key word here," you tilted your head, hoping he would understand where you were going with this. "As you can see, I'm capable of talking, walking, thinking and I'm certainly not crawling on the floor, am I?" You arched a brow, watching his expression turn contemplating. "I will make this easy for you, Russo," you continued, your tone inviting. You lifted your leg from the other and spread them just enough, so the opening of your dress fell between your legs, the high cut design revealing your bare thighs. Seemingly it was enough of an encouragement for Billy to tense up and swallow visibly. "So, what's it going to be?" You asked as a mischievous smile grew wider across your face just as you slowly started closing your legs. Before he could even stop himself, he pounced on you, kneeling between your legs, stopping you from closing the gap as he pressed his lips against yours, ready to take you up on your offer.

His mouth attached to yours hungrily, grabbing your thighs as he pushed you further into the sofa. You busied yourself with his clothes and started untying his tie and unbuttoning his shirt, impatiently trying to pull the material out of his trousers. You threw his tie on the floor, soon followed by his shirt, before you pushed him down beside you and crawled into his lap, earning a groan from him. "You little beast," he grinned at you as he grabbed the back of your neck and pulled you down to meet him halfway in a heated kiss, his hands grabbing your ass, pulling you further down onto his lap, his kisses trailing down to your neck, leaving you panting, whispering his name in your half-clear state of mind.

"Just so you know, I still hate you," you breathed against the crook of his neck as you returned the satisfying attention he was giving you, nipping on the sensitive skin, earning you a throaty groan from him.

"Yeah, I can feel it," he chuckled as he bucked his hips, causing a gasp to erupt from your lungs. "Let's discuss that after you stop screaming my name in pleasure," he replied through gritted teeth as grabbed your hips and with a swift movement changed your position, throwing you on your back, hovering above you. He studied your dishevelled look with a smug grin across his face, before he pressed his lips to yours again, his hands exploring every part of your body that he didn't have the chance to before, forgetting about everything and anything about the ball on the other side of the safely locked door.

Notes: If you enjoyed reading this little piece, please don’t forget to leave a like, comment and reblog. Your opinion matters and gives us motivation. Thank you ^^

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Taglist is in a reblog from now on.

[everyhowlmarksthedead]

CALI COAST.

Filip “Chibs” Telford x Reader

Anon asked: Hiya, love your writing!! I’d like to request a chibs Imagine about a him falling for a female mechanic at TM. Thank you 😊

Word Count: 3.6k

Thanks to my lovely beta reader @chibsytelford 💘

Author comments: I hope you all enjoy. Gif credits to the author.

Tag list: @starrynite7114 ​ @chibsytelford ​ @dazzledamazon ​ @mara-mpou ​ @sammskellington ​ @gemini0410 ​ @1-800-imagines ​ @briana-mishell24 ​ @sassymox @whyisgmora @aquamento @sadeyesgf @viviansafizada ✨ (if you wanna be tagged, send me a message!)

Driving the car crane, carrying a blue sedan that you were trying to seize for three days, but the owner was such a dickhead till he finally pissed you off and you had to point him with a gun. Tig told you to do it, even if you've never fired one. His face was worth the risk of being reprimanded by Hale. Danny claps at you, when getting off of the crane, you point your new acquisition with both hands and a huge smile on the corner of your lips.

“Tada!” You say with a melodic voice, jumping one time.

“Good job, rookie”. He says urging you to high-five, giving you the ‘seized’ sticker. 

Very proud of your work, you take it to stick it on the front glass, crossing your arms after it to admire your piece of art.

“Ok, let's pull down this big guy”. Danny palms your back, ready to drop the tow and park the car with the rest.

“Ya’, man, who's that lass?” Chibs steps slow down, some meters away from you, hitting Tig's chest with his palm, actually hurting him.

“What the fuck?!” He yells rubbing himself over the kutt.

“She's (Y/N), the new Teller-Morrow mechanic”. Happy comes from nowhere, scaring both men, with no gesture in his face. “She's like a Pop Tart. Sweet and crunchy”.

“Did you already fuck her?” Tig sighs staring at him.

“No”.

“Then, how 'you know she's crunchy?”

“She broke Juice's nose yesterday”.

The men break in laughter, now understanding why his face looks like shit.

“Wha' happened?” Chibs tries to talk, starting to cough because of the loud laughs.

“She just got scared, 'cause he was behind her in silence”. Happy turns at them, narrowing on of his shoulder, making a move with his head to follow him.

The SOA president has been out of Charming for two weeks, taking care of the gun's business at southern Cali. For you, he was just traveling. The guys talked about him a lot in his absence of the club and you were pretty excited to meet him. At least, he's also your boss. So, when Tig shouts your new nickname making you turn, you go immediately with the same smile on your face.

“What's'ap, boss?” You say placing your hands behind your back, covered by the green jumpsuit of the workshop.

“The president”. He says pushing the man into you, with a singsong voice, making the scottish clicks his tongue.

“Just Chibs”. He adds, offering you a hand in somewhat formal greeting.

“Finally!” You say excited narrowing it, actually feeling a little nervous. “I'm (Y/N), but they call me ‘rookie’”.

“Rooke'”?

“Yeah, like a prospect for the club”. You explain then, getting back your hand with the own other.

“And she likes whisky”. Happy puts a forearm on one of the president's shoulder, taking off the toothbrush of his lips. 

“Really? Ya' wan' one? So ya' can tell me where did ya' come from”. The man offers then, turning an arm to the club entrance, and you obviously can't say ‘no’ even if it's ten am and you just finished the first coffee of the day. You nod in silence. 

Tig and Happy continue their way to the workshop, whilst you're walking by the scottish side with the nerves running through your whole anatomy. Everybody knows the Sons of Anarchy, everybody knows what they do even if they didn't see it. You know you don't have to be afraid, nor scared, but you can't help feeling it anyway. In a gentle gesture, the president holds the door for you, smiling slightly coming in. The club is empty, not even music is being played and it's kinda strange. Maybe they prepared before this meeting, so no one could bother you. 

Even if you have been working for the last two weeks, if Filip decides to fire you 'cause you're not what he was looking for Teller-Morrow, he can do it without needing the support of anyone. You like your job and they pay you quite well, having a very flexible schedule, and treating you like another one of the family. So losing it, it's not an option.

You can see the man turning around towards the bar, grabbing two glasses to serve a whisky from an old bottle. You can recognize it. An special edition of Blue Label of Johnnie Walker. You have never tasted before, but you heard about it. Honey and vanilla are the first nuances you can taste having a sip. Chibs is staring at you with a raised eyebrow, waiting for an opinion. Snapping 

“It's sweet, but bitter because of the citrics”.

“Dammet', lass!” He yells excited, hitting the bar, provoking you a chill. “Its true ya' like wheske'”.

“Yea', I... do”. You nod with pursed lips, seeing him walk towards the sofa.

Sitting there, you doubt for a second carrying a chair next to him and leaving your drink on the table, looking around for a second expecting what he wants to know.

“So tel'me. Where 'ya from, where ya' worken'... All thes' thengs'”. Chibs finally says, placing his whisky above the table, leaning towards you with his forearm supported on his lap.

“I'm from Los Angeles, my father had a workshop too, so it's family business”. You explain yourself, not sure what more you can say about your life. “When he died thr—”.

“'Am sorre'bout that”. The president holds your right hand for a while, narrowing it.

“Yea', life's things, I guess”. His touch is firm, looking at both hands sideway, before continue. “Well, ah... It was three years ago. He left me the workshop, but I was alone and I couldn't do it without help, so I had to sell it. I was working with my uncle, till I decided to move on. And... a friend told me about yours and I said... Why not? So, here I am”.

“Hm...” Chibs nods thoughtful resting his back on the sofa, moving his gaze from one side to another in nowhere.

“Listen, ah... I know it took me three days to seize that sedan, and I have no excuses, but I really like this job. I mean, work here”. You look desperate licking your lips and gesticulating more than necessary, not trying to give pity, but asking for another chance.

“Relax, rooke', I'm not gonna keck'yar ass”. His loud laughter, shaking his chin, infects you chuckling. Not sure if because you want, or because you're doing it to please him. “The bike in the backyard, is yars'?”

“It was my father's. He used to run Cali with it, till he couldn't do it anymore. But it's not working. I have to fix it”.

“You wan'me to help ye'?”

The question takes you by surprise, twisting your neck as a dog would do when he's confused. Until now, you have been doing it by yourself, even though you can take her to a workshop and not worry about it. But someone offering himself to help you it's something new. Not actually ‘someone’, but the Sons of Anarchy president. And your boss.

“Yes, yes... I mean, sure. If you have time”.

“Aye! 'Course, lass. Wha' ya' have is a fuckin' gem! Wha'bout tonigh'?”

You don't say anything, but it sounds like a date. And it doesn't surprised you by the way he had to greeting you, when you two met minutes ago. His fingers were a little shaky and you can swear that even his hand was somewhat sweaty. Finally, you nod before he could start to think that you're kinda dumb, having a sip of your whiskey.

“Ya ken'? I had one simila' when I was younga'”. He comments, seeming like the man wants to continue your talk, but doesn't knows how to do it. “I toured Scotlan' whet'et'”.

“I've never been there, but I saw it in photographs. It's an amazing country”. 

“Aye! Et'e—

Some yells outside call your attention, and you recognize the voice by heart, 'cause you have been hearing it for the last three days. Rolling your eyes and getting up, down by the scottish's gaze following you, you walk towards the workshop with a serious gesture on your face and your arms crossed above your chest. The sedan' owner is there, with Hale by his side. You're fucked. 

“She was! She was!” The blonde man is pointing at you accusatory, seeing how the sheriff rubs his eyes. “That bitch pointed me with a gun!”

“Did you?” Hale asks you with a hand resting in the butt of his own gun, hanging from his belt, and the other hanging by a side of his body.

“No, sir. I did—”.

“You, fucking liar!” The man practically jumps to you, being blocked by the SOA president, hitting him straight to his face.

Everything goes so fast that you can't even react. But the scottish is putting you behind his body, after punch the sedan' owner, with a hand thrown back slightly touching your abdomen. Hale is handcuffing him, growling and cursing at you lying on the ground by the sheriff.

“If you say anything else, I'm gonna accuse you of obstruction, do you hear me?” The cop says putting him down, starting to walk next to the car so his co-worker can sit him inside the car. “Do you want to file a complaint?”

This time is coming back towards you, with a sigh on his lips rolling his eyes. You shake your head, hiding out from Chib's back, frowning at the blonde man.

“Don' worry, sir, it's ok”. You say then.

“Tel'im fi' me that he won't get his car back”.

And without saying anything else, he turns at you placing an arm on your shoulders to urge you start to walking back to the workshop.

┅┅ ┅ ┅ ┅┅

When your turn is already finish, you drive back home the enough time to have a shower and changing your clothes for something more comfy taking into account the plan you are going to have. You're also trying to not think that it's a date, even if it was like it sounded. And you can't help but feeling nervous parking by a side of the yard, frowning missed when you notice the fact that there's only a bike. So, your suspicions get confirmed. Actually it's not something that bothers you, after all you've heard about him. Loyalty, strength, sincerity, self-confidence, kind and polite. And an accent pretty funny. So, why not? 

“Wha' ya' thenken'?” Chibs comes from nowhere, scaring you and making you scream. 

The man starts to laugh loud, while your face becomes rude with pursed lips and a hand on your chest trying to calm your heart beat.

“Jesus Christ...”

“Dammet, rooke', it's true ya're ease' to scare!” You sigh rolling your eyes because of his words. “Com'ere, I've alrede' brought yar' bike”.

“DaMmEt, RoOkE”. You joke on him with a high-pitched tone, whilst he's laughing louder.

“Ya' amaze me, lassie. Dinnae' know you talk scottesh'”.

“What the...?” You find yourself laughing too in a relaxed way after a long time, shaking your head with a sigh, going to the workshop illuminated by some lights.

Turning over your steps you notice that the place is practically empty, guessing that Juice took off all the cars by Chibs' petition, playing fool when you find with your gaze two cardboard boxes from your favorite burger joint. Hiding your curiosity and moving your feet next to the old Harley Davidson, you let your fingers travel over the metallic handlebar. Memories crowd your head, one on top of the other, until you collapse. You still haven't driven it, because your father kept it for almost eight years on his garage, till he left. And it doesn't need a lot of fixes, but you haven't been able to get started before. You couldn't, 'cause it's the only thing you have of him.

“When was the... fers' time ya' ride't?”

Turning to the man, finding him supporting his back against the wall with a big cup of coke in his left hand, sipping from the straw. You shrugs your shoulders, taking the other drink to imitate him with your gaze on the matt black motorbike.

“I didn', yet. Alone, I mean... But by my father's back”. You say almost in a whisper. “I was five years old. We toured Cali coast”.

“Cali coast amaze me, et's a good ferst' ride”. He says then, after some seconds in silence. “Ded'ya by night?”

“Dawn, actually”. You answer with a goofy smile on your lips and your eyes on the drink between your hands, playing with the straw. “I... remember that... my father came to my room, to wake me up saying ‘let's go, bunny, adventure time’! He was very excited”.

It's the first time in years that you're talking about him and Chibs looks pretty curious about it, but you're trying not to break your voice. Smiling sideways, you stare at the scottish man, shrugging your shoulders again, not knowing how continue.

“Why ‘bunny’?”

“I like velocity”.

“Oh, realle'? Wha' bike ded'ya have before et'?”

Your cheeks turning red and your lips pursuing second by second, containing a laugh, makes him raises both eyebrows with curiosity.

“A Vespa...?” You mutters biting the straw, while Chibs laughs again. You're starting to love his laugh, no regrets. “Ah, ah, but...! I have a Mustang, so, boom!”

Your left hand imitates the typical gesture of dropping a mic, getting up from the wall to walk towards the food with innocent air, opening one of the bags with your forefinger and having a quickly look.

“Ya'hungre?” He asks then, following your steps to grab boths bags, twisting his neck in a soft gesture to tell you without words about to have a seat.

So you do, on one of the cair placed on the front yard, next to a corner.

“So, what et' needs?”

“Brakes. I need to change them. Now it has ones that are obsolete and I was thinking to put an ABS”. Leaving your drink between your feet, you take the burger Chibs is offering you to unwrap it on your lap.

“Sounds good. Do ya' have them?”

“Yea', I bought them in LA. And I think could be good change the tires, the oil and the handlebar grips, they're a little worn”.

“Tha's'ease fo' ya'”.

“Yeah, but... I didn't want to fix it, actually?”

“Why?”

“I'm scared to have an accident or something, and destroy it. I don' have anything of my father, but his bike”. Having a bite with your gaze on him, you cover your mouth to keep talking. “So, I just... was telling... myself that I didn't have time... to fix it”.

“But we're gonna do 'et!” Chibs exclaim excitedly, opening his arms for a second and holding the burger and the beer in each hand. “I know yar' father prefers to fac'ap his bike, than keep'et in a garage with dust on 'et”.

“Yea', I think so...”.

━━━━━━ ﹅ ━━━━━━

First, knocks on your door. Then your bell ringing. Palming the mattress till you find your phone to watch the clock, you read all the notifications in the locked screen. There are almost eleven lost calls from Chibs and a lot of messages. And it in silence. You practically jump off of your bed, running as never before to the main door, opening it.

“Finally! Jesus Christ, I thought ya' were dead!” 

“What happened? It's everything ok? Sorry, I just fell asleep an—”. You're talking so fast that your tongue ends up making a mess.

Chibs enraptured looking at you from top to down with a goofy smile on his lips, very interested in the Black Sabbath' shirt you're wearing. Clearing his throat, while your gaze travels to the dark van parked in front of your house. Tig and Juice are taking off of it your motorbike. Pushing him away from you, with your left hand on his chest, you take some steps barefoot above the cesped. You're face shows surprise and confusion, believing for a while that you're dreaming or something like that. 

One of his hands wrap your left wrist, urging you to look at him. You're legs shaking for a second. 

“Ya're prette' with messy hair and tha' shirt, but I wanna ride with ya'”. He says then, trying to hide his excitement.

And you want to hide yours, but you can't. You hug him, but not with a normal one. You're rousing and thankful, surrounding his neck with yours arms leaning on your toes. You know he wasn't expecting by the “oh” he mutters kinda surprised, taking some seconds till he finally is able to wrap your back and your waist pushing you closer into him, resting his forehead on your shoulder. Then, Chibs understands why Happy said like you're like a Pop Tart. He knows it tooks you just one second to make him fall in love with you and that the fact of worrying about your favorite take away restaurant, it wasn't only 'cause you're ‘the rookie’. 

The scottish have a deep breathe from your hair, starting to wish he hadn't, because he's falling a little more. And he can't watch his mouth.

“Ya' smell really good”. He tells you with a husky tone on his voice that bristles the skin of your arms.

“Honey and vanilla”. You mutter with pursed lips, before the man making you a gesture to come in your house.

You nod in a hurry, running back to your room looking for the perfect clothes to drive. A comfy pair of jeans, a vaporous shirt, your boots and a leather jacket. Keeping your principal stuff in a bag and grabbing your helmet, you walk towards the main door sooner as you can. The van isn't there anymore but your bike and Chib's one, close to yours, are parked on the sidewalk. He's already waiting sitting on his, turning on the engine when you're wearing the black helmet before keep the bag under the seat, the scottish stares at you with a hug smile and a dearly gesture on his face.

It has been eight years since you heard your father's Harley roaring, and feeling how your body vibrates on it it's simply amazing. You can't even describe how you feel right now, looking at Chibs with that gesture mixing incredulity and surprise. Pressing the brake, but also the gas, the back wheel squeaks without caring if you wake up your neighbors. 

“Let's go, lass!” 

You release the brake, letting your motorbike rolls above the road with a hoarse growl flying off from the engine, being followed by the scottish. He didn't tell you where you're going, but after five days talking about your childhood in Cali, it's pretty clear that he wants to ride the coast with you after seeing the emotions that provokes you the memories doing it with your father. You know well he wants to be part of it, part of your routine and part of your life. And you're letting him come in 'cause, why not?

You know the road by heart, touring it with the fresh dawn's air hitting your face, till it turns with a salty smell after some hours driving in silence, enjoying the landscape views. You're closer to the ocean and you can feel it inside your lungs, closing your eyes for second. Time enough to make you fly back to your childhood. The sound of the engine, the seagull, the waves breaking. Everything is the same as you remember. But you're not a child anymore, you're ridding California with Filip Telford by your side, who can say that? Only you. And it's not because who he is, but because of who you want him to be for you.

It's sunrising. In the horizon, the sky is mixed with blue, orange and soft pink. It's your favorite part of the day, but now it's different. You're /living/ it, breathing it, enjoying it totally relaxed as never before, with Chibs' eyes on you for a ephemeral instant, fully spellbound. And that's what makes it special this time.

“Don'ya thenk' it's time fo' a coffee?” He asks loud enough for you to hear him. You nod laughing, 'cause you really need it after sleeping for just four hours.

Some mills away, you finally stop in a rest area on top of a small cliff. Taking off your helmet, you walk towards the wooden railings looking down. You're too close of the sea that almost some salty drops splash your face interspersed with the sea breeze. You couldn't get tired of a place like that. The smell of hot coffee pushes you into reality, turning to Chibs so you can hold the metallic mug.

“Maybe I put some Cardhu in'et”.

“Maybe?” You break in laugh, leaning your nose over it.

“When I say ‘maybe’, et's because I alrede' ded'et”.

“So... the other night, at the workshop, maybe it was a date?”

“Maybe”. He nods, blowing his drink, before taking a drink. “Maybe that's the second one”.

“Maybe you already won me, fixing my bike and bringing me here”. Giving him your most smooth smile, you drink too, turning to the ocean while he puts an arm on your shoulders letting you rest your cheek on his. “Maybe you put a lot of Cardhu”.

“Yea', maybe”. 

[hotchley]

i saw your reblog of the Spencer giving Aaron a father's day card thing and i can't stop thinking about how Aaron is the father figure to the entire team now.

(yes I'm also especially thinking about that one scene of Spencer and Derek stuck in the malfunctioning lift shrieking for Aaron just because. 🥴 dad!Hotch ftw!!!!!)

i know this concept has probably been done hundreds of times already but imagine: (SORRY THIS IS GOING TO BE A REALLY LONG ASK, I deeply apologise in advance)

[tw food/eating habits, some references to murder cases because you know this is Criminal Minds, some slight spoilers for people who haven't really watched the show and also reference & mention of autism & a character on the autism spectrum -> just a heads up, a disclaimer, I'm in no way diagnosed with autism, so if i have misrepresented autism, or made any mistakes, i apologise, it wasn't my intention, and i welcome all feedback & criticism — i genuinely want to learn]

a year after Spencer joins the BAU, Aaron notices & becomes very concerned over Spencer's (super bad) eating habits aka him only drinking coffee and forgetting to eat actual proper food when he gets absorbed in cases or research or reading etc -> which results in Aaron absolutely being like "hey Spencer let's grab lunch together" almost everyday just so Spencer eats (healthy, full meals)

(also Spencer picking up on this after Aaron "casually" gets him lunch/treats him to dinner/invites him over for meals for almost every day of the week and he was initially almost irritated/offended until he realised he could use Aaron's habit to make Aaron himself eat properly too because this hypocritical bastard doesn't eat properly himself either so every alternate day you can see Spencer purposely not going for lunch breaks while sneaking glances at Aaron's office just waiting for him to notice and drag them both to lunch together 😌)

also I really think Spencer is on the autistic spectrum (high functioning, imo, but I'm not really sure how this works, and I'd have to do more research) so I'd like to imagine Aaron knows that too because he's noticed Spencer's behaviors + Spencer got an official diagnosis and told him about it maybe 6-7 months into joining the BAU so I really think Aaron lets Spencer stim (physically, his hand gestures) on their lunch break because he knows that Spencer can't really do that in front of the others, so even when they're on cases, he would take Spencer out either for a private lunch or dinner or something, just the two of them, and he'd let Spencer stim & talk about any subject of his fancy as much as he wants to (I'm pretty sure someone wrote a fic like this and I absolutely can't remember the name or the author but I really LOVED the idea too)

initially Spencer was really taken aback too, because you know, this isn't something you do with your boss, of all people, but Hotch had always meant what he says and his facial expression and body language suggested that he was being absolutely sincere and serious about this, so Spencer tentatively started talking, and as their meal progressed, he eventually got comfortable enough to just go on, and not once did Aaron cut him off rudely, until the end of their meal, when Aaron couldn't continue to pretend to drink his soup because he'd finished it somehow with those incredibly small spoonfuls, and he'd had to gently tell Spencer that they had to go back, but Spencer wasn't upset, because he'd just got over an hour to talk about this recent seminar about the connection of ancient Greek mythology to the developments of the society in ancient Greece which no one had ever done for him before and he's full, satisfied and beyond elated because Hotch really didn't have to do this, but he did anyways

at first it was just something between them but eventually Derek noticed & like in the end I think it's a kind of open secret between Aaron, Spencer & Derek and now when Derek notices Aaron doing it he gives Aaron a small nod and he wards off & deals with the questions that the others have when they inevitably notices the private meals Aaron & Spencer has

speaking of Derek, Aaron definitely has 1 on 1 time with Derek too, but doing different things. Derek's thing is sports & home renovations, and he repairs/maintains cars & bikes when he can, and I like to imagine Aaron knowing about his hobbies and casually asking Derek about the home renovation he's working on one time (before or early S1) Derek came into his office to submit a case file, and Derek being kind of shocked/caught by surprised initially (because he knows Hotch has a soft spot for the kid because he's much younger and much, much more inexperienced but Derek's older and should know better, so Hotch won't do the whole private lunch thing with him, right?) but then he grins and starts telling Aaron about how "I got that place absolutely shining right now, man" and then he invites Aaron over to take a look at the place out of courtesy/habit (his mama raised him as a good, polite young man, and no way Hotch would even say yes right?) and to his surprise once again, Aaron does accept his invitation

after that one time, Aaron begins casually asking him about his projects and even starts offering to help him do some of the painting and decorating (to be fair, it calms Aaron too, to have a getaway from Haley and initially from the crying baby, because while he absolutely loved Haley and Jack with all his heart, some days, some days he just couldn't take it, all the stress from Strauss and from trying to be a good father unlike his own, and he had to take some time off to himself, and painting walls is calming and therapeutic to him in some sense) & Derek and Aaron start bonding over hotdogs while sitting out on the front porch of some halfway remodelled house, talking about the latest sports news (they support different baseball teams but that's okay, because Derek gets to grin at Hotch and ask him to pay up when Hotch's team loses to his, and Aaron gets to raise his eyebrows with that small knowing smirk of his and ask Derek to "complete this by the next weekend, will you" when Derek's team loses to his)

when Aaron recruits Penelope, he's read her file, or what little the FBI's cyberteam got on her anyways. he knows the Black Queen's reputation, and he knows that the cyberteam really don't trust her and recommended high levels of surveillance, but the moment he saw her through the glass of the interrogation room and her resume & application on pink paper, he knew that she's not just what the file said she is. initially, she sticks to the "bureau regulated office attire" because you know, Penelope knows she's lucky, she should've been jailed for what she did, she was jailed, until this Aaron Hotchner guy decided, somehow, that she was deserving to be on his team, even after looking at her resume, which she had written on pink paper out of pure spite (because nothing in the FBI rulebooks said anything about submitting your application on specialized coloured paper anyways) but she was moody and unhappy because she's stuck in this tiny office having to answer the phone whenever agents called to ask for details on icky, gruesome murders and disgusting, vile murderers so she decides that hey, since no one ever comes in here anyways, she might as well do some re-decorating right? so she starts bringing in her own soft toys and figurines and starts amassing a whole collection of soft, plushy, and colourful toys in because it's her office and if she has to deal with all these yucky stuff on a daily basis she's going to make it at least bearable to be in here

one day, some tall, stern looking guy just comes into her office with this Tupperware in his hands saying "hey, Garcia right? my wife made some extra cupcakes for the team, you want some?" and she asks "do i know you?" and he blinks, stands there for one, two seconds before- "sorry, i forgot we haven't actually met. Special Supervisory Agent Aaron Hotchner, assistant unit chief of BAU Team 1, nice to meet you," [i like to headcannon that before Boston & all, Hotch was Gideon's assistant, some kind of assistant unit chief probably, but while he wasn't yet the unit chief he was definitely taking care of most, if not all of the administration matters i.e. hiring new agents etc already because let's be real Gideon is caring & capable but really hands off sometimes (also in S1E1 Derek referred to Gideon as their Unit Chief so I assumed Hotch took over the position full time, officially somewhere between S1E1 and S1E2 or 3)]

and then Garcia's brain kind of short-circuits because holy shit this is her BOSS, aka the guy who somehow, crazily looked at her resume and decided to HIRE her and she just asked him if she knew him OH GOD ALL THOSE FIGURINES- and she tries to explain because she really didn't mean to break any rules with them and they aren't, are they? and she can remove them but just, please, she can't go back to prison.

but then Agent Hotchner just goes "hey, hey, Penelope. it's fine. I understand. this is your office, and you have the right to decorate it. I'm not going to fire you over.... My Little Ponies? and uh, some unicorns?" and Penelope can't help but laugh because he genuinely looks baffled by her collection on her desk, and did he just call her Penelope?

and after that, once, after a bad case that Aaron knew affected Penelope (it involved murdered parents & their only child left orphaned and it just hit too close to home for Penelope), he stopped by a local toy shop and bought the brightest, most sparkly, most colourful thing he could find in there (it ended up being a small figurine of a princess on a small, detachable throne that could light up and play some really funky pop music. Aaron cringed internally as he brought it over to the counter, and awkwardly nodded as the cashier asked, "buying this for your daughter, sir? she's going to love it, it's the latest in a collectable series" and he pretended to not see the questioning eyebrow that Derek gave him after seeing the package) and when he presented it to Penelope when they got back, he got the biggest and most bone crushing hug ever from Penelope because "aw that's so sweet, thank you! and you got me the latest in the collection! it's limited edition!" and it just ended up becoming a tradition — Penelope always looks forward to the end of a case now, not only because that means her people are coming home, safe, in one piece (sometimes debatable but still, they're coming home, to her) but it also means that Hotch has brought her yet another tiny figurine or souvenir to add to her collection and she can't wait to see what it is, and Hotch always, always, finds the time after they've wrapped up the case, before the jet leaves, to pop by a local toy shop to get both Penelope and later, when he's older, Jack some toys or souvenir from wherever state he's in, because he wants both of them to know, that despite all the bad out there, there is still good in the world, and they should never forget that

OKAY this ask is SUPER LONG already i apologise skfjsk i have ideas for JJ & Emily but idk if you'd even wanna continue reading them... (maybe.... give me a sign and I'll send another ask and write it? 🥴)

anyways this was just something that came up and i had to write it out 🥺 sorry for spamming you, i hope you're having a great day/night ahead.

- 🌙

Hi so I'm putting everything below the cut for scrolling purposes x

He is!!

Oh my god, I love that scene. It came up in a TikTok about ships, because Person A and Person B are both very smart when they're alone, but put them together and it cancels out, and it made me laugh.

I also love Dad Hotch. Like I love him as much as I love "fighting to keep his emotions in check because he needs to be a leader, but you can tell from the slight change in tone, or the slight glaze of his eyes that he's seconds away from crying" Hotch. Which is saying something.

DON'T APOLOGISE FOR LONG ASKS!! That's what the keep reading on posts is for :))

Oh I love how much Hotch cares about Reid, and of course Reid uses it to his advantage to get Hotch to do the same, because they're similar in that way. Also, he would definitely start grinning when Hotch looks down at his empty plate like: oh. Platonic Hotchreid is everything to me, because it's these two people that have been caretakers their entire life trying to look after another person that wouldn't let anyone do that and it's just... the HOTCH ANGST POTENTIAL THAT IS SO UNTAPPED!!!

Also, not a criticism of you, but from what I've heard from people is that functioning labels are harmful and shouldn't be used because it misrepresents the situation!

I love that idea though!! And Derek being protective over them so he's just like: no, you won't interrupt them, and I will take control of the situation for a few hours AAH!!

OH I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT MORGAN AND HOTCH BONDING!! It's so perfect!! I love the idea of Morgan teaching Hotch to do things, and Hotch realising how relaxing he finds it to do these things.

And because we can't have nice things: he refuses to go after Foyet breaks into his apartment because he doesn't deserve peace, but then Morgan just uses his key, drags him out, takes him to a house and presses a brush into his hand because he's not going to let his friend self destruct like this.

EVERYTHING ABOUT GARCIA!! OH MY GOD!! I need to get some work done, so I'm going to finish up there, but seriously!! Amazing!! I love the idea of Hotch getting her little figurines and stuff <33

(shameless self promo, she does the same for him in "and he will come back home" hehe)

I would love to hear the Emily and JJ ones!! I hope that's the sign you need :)

Don't apologise for spamming I was having a dull day, and I hope you have a good day too!

[fandom-collective-writers]

Title: "Till Death do us Part"

Characters: Soryu Oh

A/N: This is my first KBTBB fic. I'd like to thank @voltage-vixen for encouraging me to write it. @soryuwifeyxx, I hope you like this .

Written by @rikumorimachisgirl

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

You sat by the window of your bedroom in the Employees Dormitory of the Tres Spades, watching the rain as it drenched the earth in the early hours of the day. Your gaze shifted from the window to the calendar on the wall, and you felt your chest tighten when you read the date today.

You sighed and silently cursed yourself for letting this affect you. But then, how could it not - it was a year ago today that you took his last name and became one. 

'Come to think of it, it rained last year, too, ' you quietly mused, as you heard the pitter-patter of raindrops on your window. With a bittersweet smile on your face, you allowed yourself to think back to your wedding, and the vows he once made.

"I join my life with yours…"

It was a wedding befitting Mafia royalty, and 

despite the rain, all the people that mattered to the two of you came to celebrate your special day. Everything from the lavish venue that was decked out with thousands of white roses, the two-meter high wedding cake to your bespoke designer wedding dress and five-carat diamond wedding ring had nobility written all over it. 

This day couldn't be more perfect - you exchanged vows with Soryu in a traditional ceremony, and your apprehension about the guests not mixing well vanished when you saw your family being entertained by no less than your husband's best friends, and the Ice Dragons socializing with your friends.

'I'm really Soryu's wife now, ' you beamed silently, as guests started addressing you as Mrs. Oh, and wishing you'd start a family as soon as possible. The thought of having babies made you blush, and you sipped your wine to hide your embarrassment. 

"Someone's spacing out." Your husband's voice shook you from your daydream, and soon you felt his hand close over yours. "Are you okay, baby?"

You turned your attention to the handsome man beside you. Dressed in a long black silk Changshan over his dress pants, with his hair slicked back, Soryu looked even more handsome than you had ever thought possible. As you continued to thank your lucky stars at having married such a wonderful man, he leaned closer and stole a kiss from you. 

"You looked like you were waiting for a kiss, " he whispered and you felt your face flush. "Am I wrong?"

"No, but we're in public -"

"Ah, that's right. We're at a wedding - our wedding - so that means I get to kiss you whenever I want to." He smirked and leaned closer once more to capture your lips. 

You blushed furiously and attempted to escape, but the tinkling of glasses resounded across the reception hall. At the corner of your eye, you could see Ota and Baba leading the crowd in requesting to see the couple kiss. 

Soryu shrugged and looked at you. "We can't disappoint our guests, can we?"

You straightened up and took a deep breath. "I suppose we can't, " you responded and closed your eyes, anticipating his kiss.

Smiling, he admired you for a bit. He's always found you beautiful - in fact, it was your quiet beauty that beckoned him to bid for you on the night you were auctioned off at the Tres Spades - but today, you were as bright as the Sun, and he simply couldn't look away. Just before he brushed your lips with his, he whispered, "I promise you that I'll make you the happiest woman in the world."

"Wherever you will go, I will go. Whatever you will face, I will face…"

You straighten up the life-size wedding portrait that the photographer delivered to your home yesterday. It's been three months since the wedding, and immediately after that, Soryu had been called upon to help win over a rogue Italian Mafia group, whose leader recently passed away. 

You sighed, as the memory of how your brief honeymoon in Ibiza was cut short after that call he received from the Ice Dragons faction in Sicily. 

'This won't take long, baby. I'll be home soon, ' he promised, as he sent you off to Japan. Since then, you'd devoted your time in making his condominium unit look and feel like home. Days turned into weeks, and his calls had become less frequent and shorter. 

'But I chose this life, ' you reminded yourself, as you went about cleaning, making an extra effort to ensuring that it smells fresh. Today was a special day - today's the day he was coming home. 

The doorbell rang, and you made a mad dash for the door. You paused briefly to smooth out your dress. 'This is it! He's finally home! ' you thought silently, as you felt a flurry in your tummy. You realized you missed him more than you thought, and you wanted nothing more than to fly into his arms. Flashing a bright smile, you turned the handle and opened the door excitedly.

"Ryosuke?"

"Princess!" Soryu's faithful henchman greeted with a warm smile on his face. 

"Come in, come in, " you said, stepping aside to make way for the young man to enter your house carrying what looked like an expensive package.

"What brings you here?" 

"Princess, " he said, tentatively. "Boss sent me here to tell you in person that he's a little caught up in the negotiations between the Ice Dragons, Crimson Swords, and La Squadra…"

"Oh."

Your husband's henchman started to fidget. Perhaps that came out sadder than you let on, so you immediately gave him a smile. "Those negotiations sure take up a lot of time, huh?"

Those words may have worked wonders because you noticed Ryosuke relax a bit. "Yes. Right now, both groups still don't trust each other so we're not even allowed to bring phones inside the neutral territory. Anyway, the Boss wanted to make sure you were alright and he wanted me to give this to you, too."

You stared at the paper bag he held in front of you, wishing it was Soryu offering it to you instead. 

"Princess?"

"Oh, sorry, " you said, as soon as you returned to your senses, and took the bag from him. "Are you going back to Italy?"

"Yeah, I leave in an hour. I just flew in to give you this, and to tell you that Boss said he'll fly to you as soon as this is over."

"Please tell Soryu to take care of himself, Ryosuke, " you said before he left. 

"I will, Princess."

Sighing, you opened the paper bag and took out a box with a note attached to it. 

'I'm sorry this is taking a while, but I'll be home soon. I'd like you to pick our most beautiful wedding picture and put it on this frame. Keep it by your bedside, so you won't forget. I love you, baby. Thank you for marrying me.'

You traced his lovely calligraphy with your finger. You saw that one of the words had blotted, followed by another and yet another. Suddenly, your vision was clouded, and you simply allowed your tears to fall. 

"For good or ill, in happiness and in sadness, come riches or poverty…"

You quickly made your way through the crowd at the Emergency Room of the prestigious Medical Center in Milan, scouring the area for Ota, Eisuke, or anyone who could point you to where your husband was. They were staying at the Tres Spades in London when they received the fateful call from Ryosuke and made their way to Italy right away. 

"Hey, over here."

You spun around as soon as you heard Ota's voice and you felt someone tug your arm. "Come with me, " he said, as he held your hand and led you to the VIP Emergency Section, where Eisuke, Baba, Mamoru, and Luke were waiting. 

"Lovely Bones, I'm so glad you're here, " Luke greeted you as soon as you arrived. 

You nodded solemnly at the English doctor and then turned to Eisuke. "Thank you for sending your private jet."

The businessman shrugged. "Soryu's in stable condition now. I had to authorize his surgery, otherwise he -"

"Now, now, Boss, " Baba cut in. "She's just arrived and here you are scaring her."

"Sor's in stable condition now. Eisuke made sure of that, " Luke said, reassuringly. "Come, he's in this room."

It was the first time you're seeing him after six months of being away, and this was not the reunion you had in mind. You steeled yourself, as Luke gestured for you to follow him, but nothing prepared you for what you were about to see. In a spacious room laid your husband, surrounded by machines and tubes of all sorts. Your heart pounded with each step you took towards him. 

"Soryu, " you whispered, as you run your fingers through his hair. 

"One of the Squadra henchmen attacked before Soryu and their interim leader signed the agreement." You heard Eisuke speak from behind. "He was said to have been opposed to forming an alliance with the Ice Dragons from the start, so he open-fired. Their leader was killed on the spot, and Jin is in critical condition as we speak."

You tried to block the images of the bloodshed in what was supposed to be neutral territory for all the Mafia groups worldwide. Leaning forward, you planted a kiss on Soryu's forehead. "I'm so glad you're alive, my love, " you said quietly to your still unconscious husband before you turned your attention to his childhood friend. "Thank you for making sure he gets treated right away, Eisuke."

"He's not gonna be happy you're here - at least, that's what he's going to say, " Eisuke casually said. 

"I know. He's gonna say I'm exposing myself to danger, " you mused, as you twined your fingers with Soryu's. "But it's a risk I'm willing to take because this is the life I chose."

From where he was standing, you could see him smirk. "I see you've grown much braver. Now, you sound like the wife of a Mafia Boss."

"That's because I am the wife of a Mafia Boss, " you retorted, before turning your attention back to your husband, whispering promises you hoped he would hear.

"I take you as my life partner, and will give myself to no other…"

He sent you back to Japan a week after he was discharged from the hospital. It's been a month since you saw him. Back in the comfort of your lifeless condominium, you sat by your lonesome and poured yourself a drink. 'He only has my best interest in mind, ' you said to yourself as you took a sip of your wine. 

You heard the doorbell and wondered who would visit you past midnight. Nonetheless, you walked to the door to check.

"Ota?"

"Hey, I was in the area, and I thought I'd check on you."

You rolled your eyes in disbelief, almost sure that Soryu put him through this. "Well, mission accomplished. Tell my husband I'm doing okay, " you said, a lot harsher than you intended, and made to close the door. 

"Woah, Woah… wait just a minute there, " the handsome blond said smoothly, as he blocked the door and snuck in. "You don't exactly sound okay. Have you been drinking?"

"Just leave me be, Ota. You know your way out," you dismissed, walking away from him. 

"On the contrary, maybe I'll join you."

"Suit yourself."

He followed you to the makeshift bar, and you poured him a drink, silently wishing the time would pass quickly. Three bottles of wine later, you had moved from the bar to the couch, where you were currently resting your head on his lap while he gently combed it with his fingers. 

The grandfather clock struck six times, and you both trained your eyes on it. "It's six in the morning?"

"Damn, we stayed up all night, " he said before letting out a yawn. "I guess I better go."

He stopped combing your hair to help you sit up, and you immediately miss the warmth of his touch. Sensing your sudden mood change, Ota cupped your face with his hands and looked into your eyes. "Hey, wipe that frown from your face."

The sound of a gun cocking tore through the living room, and you both jumped apart. Standing by the entrance was a confused Ryosuke, and beside him was your husband. 

"Soryu!"

He kept his eyes and his gun trained at Ota, so you turned to face him and took a step to block Ota from his line of sight. "Soryu, please -"

"I was just comforting her, Sor -"

"Is that what you call it these days?" Soryu mocked, as he stepped closer. 

You continued to block Ota, even as your husband circled around you to get a better aim. "This is not what you think it is, Soryu. Stop threatening to shoot Ota -"

"Oh? Were you expecting another kind of reaction after seeing your wife with another man?"

"I already told you that it's not what you think. Ota came by last night to check on me because he probably thought I could use some company, " you started, not breaking eye contact with the intimidating Ice Dragon Boss you married. "And you know what, I didn't realize just how lonely I was until last night."

Your cutting words made him waver. He lowered his gun slowly but kept his gaze shot at the man behind you. "Inui, " he called out to his loyal henchman without looking over his shoulder. "Take Ota to the Tres Spades and proceed to headquarters after. My wife and I have things to discuss."

You held your breath, as you watched Ryosuke escort a weary-looking Ota away from you. As soon as the door closed, you felt your inhibitions slip away. 

"You were lonely?"

"You expected otherwise?"

"But I called you whenever I can -"

You sighed and rolled your eyes. "That's it?" We're married, Soryu - we've been married for seven months, for goodness sakes - but do you know how much time we've actually spent together? About twenty days - half of which you were unconscious."

His face was devoid of any emotion, as he stood in silence, watching your outburst. You've seen this face so many times in the years you've been together - it was the face he wore when he was unsure of what to say. But that wasn't what you needed. Right now, you wanted to argue - you needed him to talk to you, to counter what you say or challenge your opinion.

"You knew what you were getting into when you married me, " he said, and you took a sharp breath. 

He may as well shoot you without warning, you thought as you felt your tears dampen your cheeks. As images of how you spent your days by your lonesome filled your head, you started to accept that you will never take the top spot in his life - and that this is not the life you want to choose. 

"I'm sorry, " he said, as he held your arms tenderly. 

"No. I'm sorry, " you said, as you broke away from his hold and took a step back. Taking a deep breath, you removed your wedding band and placed it in his hand. "I can't do this anymore, " you told him, as you closed your hand over his. "I need someone who will choose me over everything else, and clearly, that person isn't you."

You forced a smile on your face as you stared into his eyes, burning his image in your mind one last time. "I'm sorry I couldn't stay with you after all. I won't care to pack my things since you bought most of it for me anyway. We can ask our lawyers to talk about our divorce." 

As you started to turn, you felt him grip your wrist tightly. "Baby, I love you. Please don't go, he pleaded as you struggled to break free. "Please don't walk out the door -"

He sobbed unabashedly behind you, and you felt your heart pounding wildly. You wanted to throw yourself in his arms, but you knew that wouldn't change anything. You and his Mafia family were equals, and you will never win over them. 

Taking a deep breath, you turned the knob open and stepped out the door. 

"Till death do us part."

It's been five months since you last saw him. He made no move to see you or respond to your divorce letter. When you were offered your old job at the Tres Spades, you made sure of two things - that he wasn't made aware and that you do not run into him - conditions that Eisuke and Mr. Kenzaki had no problems complying with, and you spent your days cleaning guest rooms and banquet halls to pass the time. On some days it was easy to forget you were ever married, and some days are harder than others.

Today was one of them. You sighed wearily and allowed yourself to think of what would have been. Just this once. 

You would have been married for a year today, you mused as you fix your eyes on your left ring finger. Today, he would have probably brought you to the Louvre or made arrangements to close Versailles for a day just for the two of you and make love to you in every room in the palace. 

You wiped your tears and took a few deep breaths to calm yourself down. Outside, you saw the rain continued to pour, as though consoling you for your loss. 

'It's over. We're over, ' you said, as you wrapped your arms around yourself.

A rap on your door distracted you from your thoughts. You frowned and strained to listen to the sound you heard, wondering if someone just bumped against your door. 

But there it was again - knock, knock - and you rose from your bed to see who it was. 

You opened the door and gasped. Standing outside was Soryu, in his usual grey suit, with his hair slicked back. He cradled the biggest bouquet of Ecuadorian roses you've ever seen, and you pinched yourself to check if you were dreaming or not. 

"You're really here, " you heard him say. 

"That's my line, " you retorted as you watched him walk inside your room. "What are you doing here?"

"I needed to see you, " he said casually, before showing you the bouquet he was holding. "And I wanted you to have these." 

"Why?"

"Because it's our one-year anniversary."

"But we're over -" 

"Oh? I don't remember signing my consent to the divorce. In fact, I just thought you needed a little time to cool off from our first big fight."

You rolled your eyes and held the bouquet close to you. "A little time? What's so little about five months?"

"I was scared because I've never seen you so upset before because of me, " he said. "But when I saw the divorce papers, I was devastated. I knew I had to talk about it and win you back, but I didn't know where to find you."

"How did you find me? Eisuke and Mr. Kenzaki promised…"

"Ota may have slipped me a note or two, " he confessed, as he reached out to hold your hand and peered into your face. "Baby, I love you. I can't live without you."

"I missed you, Soryu, " you start to sob and he pulled you in for a hug. "I really thought you'd given upon us."

"I wouldn't do that, " he said, his voice cracking. "I hadn't made good on all my promises, except for one. And I intend to continue keeping that promise."

"What promise is that?" 

"Did you really forget?" He asked as he pulled away. The confusion on your face didn't go amiss, as you watched him fish something out of his pocket. Your eyes widen when you'd caught sight of the ring you'd given back to him. 

"I love you, baby, " he said solemnly, as he slipped the gold band onto your finger just like he did a year ago. "Til death do us part."

The end. 

[atruththatyoudeny]

Monthly Reads | August 2019

Oh, look, it's the 28th again! Celebrating the launch of Gucci's new fragrance and the fantastic new pics I had to reread Landslide. Other than that there are 21 fics in this list - and like always: so many thanks go out to all the amazing authors in this fandom who share their stories with us! ♥

Landslide | aimmyarrowshigh , spibsy (lucy_and_ramona) | historical - 1970s - cults - undercover - psychological drama - racism - period typical attitudes - internalized homophobia - PTSD - and more...please read all the tags carefully - 143k The year is 1976. In November, Jimmy Carter will take control of the White House. Americans are meeting Laverne & Shirley at their apartment in Milwaukee. Hotel California diverges from the reign of Kool & the Gang. And the FBI is still reeling from the repercussions of Watergate, the tragedy at Wounded Knee, Operation Family Secrets, and the strategic terrors of the anti-cult movement. That's what Special Agent Harry Styles has been told is the basis of his mission to an abandoned farmhouse in rural New Hampshire. With his hair grown out long and his shirt untucked, he's going undercover to do reconnaissance on suspected cult leader Louis Tomlinson, who has led a group of people out into the middle of nowhere, leaving no record of the life he'd had before. All Harry knows is what the agency gave him: Tomlinson's name, and instructions to figure out what he's doing with the eleven people he brought with him. In the year that Harry spends undercover and under Louis Tomlinson's wing, he learns more than he ever expected.

I Drove All Night (To Get To You) | lovelarry10 | famous/not famous - strangers to lovers - pining - fluff - 23k Harry’s job as a chauffeur for the rich and famous was not as flashy as he’d thought. Late nights having to listen to the ridiculous demands and whims of these high profile clients leaves him disheartened with the world he thought was all glitz and glamour. One night his boss asks him a favour. To collect one last client before he clocks off. Only problem is when that client gets into the car it’s Louis Tomlinson. As in Harry’s all time crush. As in future husband and father of all his children Louis Tomlinson. He can be cool and professional, right?

Live Like You Were Dying | YesIsAWorld | car accidents - love confessions - self discovery - 2k I’m in love with you. The phone fell from his hand, and the world went black.

Calling Clifford | noellehenry | fluff - humor - 10k The summer AU where Clifford has his own peculiar ways of matchmaking.

Home Remedies | kingsofeverything (FullOnLarrie) | friends to lovers - smut - 4k Louis’ hiccups just won’t stop. Harry, his roommate and best friend, is willing to do anything to help.

Traffic Light | dinosaursmate | Traffic Light Party - smut - friends with benefits - 7k Harry, a university student fresh out of a relationship, attends a Traffic Light Party. He knew all about the red, yellow and green cups, but the blue one confuses him. What does DTF mean, anyway?

Down On the Farm | kingsofeverything (FullOnLarrie) | bonfires - farm/ranch - smut - 5k Every Friday night there's a steady cloud of dust That leads back to a field filled with pickup trucks Got old Hank crankin', way up loud Got coolers in the back, tailgates down There's a big fire burnin' but don't be alarmed It's just country boys and girls gettin' down on the farm — “Down On the Farm” by Tim McGraw

Driving On The Wrong Side, Thinking Of You | dinosaursmate | Marcel AU - implied/ referenced homophobia - High School AU - friends to lovers - promiscuity - 25k Louis is the most popular guy in sixth form. Don't get the wrong idea, he's a good guy, and he absolutely won't stand for his friends teasing his neighbour, Marcel.

Restless Lane | jaerie | a/b/o - secret identity - childhood friends - secrets - friends to lovers - angst - 14k Louis had grown used to his boring life back in Mississippi as a stand-in father figure to his siblings. He never expected his childhood friend to show up on his lawn with the heat of summer or that he would remind Louis how much of himself he'd tucked away and neglected. He also never expected to find himself caught up in a tangled web of feelings or secrets that just might break him. Maybe he had never known Harry at all.

Waiting for the tides to meet | nauticalleeds (metamorphosis) | soulmates - pining - miscommunication - angst - fluff - friends to lovers - slow burn - 60k Soulmate AU. Everyone is born with heterochromia — one eye is their own eye colour, while the other is the colour of their soulmate's. It's only when they meet their soulmate for the first time that their own eyes match properly. After a hazy night at a frat party, Louis wakes up to blue eyes and the shocking realization that he had met his soulmate, without any sober recollection. Seven years pass where Louis comes to terms with the fact that he'll never know who his soulmate is. Then one fated summer, a beautiful green-eyed photographer arrives at Louis' workplace, with promises of endless laughter and a familiar feeling in Louis' heart. Featuring a lovely cup of OT5, a road trip down the coast, and a scene where Harry eats a whole head of lettuce. Don't ask why.

If I Stay | Rearviewdreamer | Walk In The Clouds AU - fake/pretend relationship - mpreg - slow burn - 37k Harry and Louis agree to a temporary arrangement that Harry can't seem to walk away from no matter how many times he tries.

Mirror Touch | pinky_heaven19 | Synesthesia - hurt/comfort - fluff - pining - strangers to lovers - 58k The one where Harry owns a second-hand clothing store, and Louis is a radio host. Louis has mirror-touch synesthesia, which makes him experience what people around him feel. He feels a lot around Harry.

In Your Black Heart (Is Where You'll Find Me) | graceling_in_a_suit | a/b/o - omega/omega - pirates - historical - 36k Louis Tomlinson has been lying for five years. His crew sees him as a pirate, a Captain, and an alpha; only two of those are the truth. He was content to let the illusion go on forever, but an omega named Harry Styles just had to join his crew and get his warm-vanilla stink all over Louis' best laid plans. Or: the story of The Captain and The Carpenter.

Supposed to Be | kikikryslee | High School - stereotypes - enemies to friends to lovers - slow burn - hate to love - 26k The Geek Charming AU where Harry's a film geek, Louis' a popular jock, and they both need each other to get what they want.

Meet me where the tulips grow | tempolarriefics | study abroad - fluff - 19k The one where Harry studies abroad and falls in love with both the city of Amsterdam and the boy he explores it with.

When i'm set alight | mixedfandomfics | teacher AU - hate to love - misunderstandings - 14k Louis and Harry hate each other. Always have, always will. No one is quite sure how they will handle it when their favorite students ask them to lead a new LGBT club at their school.

Breathe In, Breathe Out | dinosaursmate | friends to lovers - pining - 12k Louis Tomlinson begins visiting a new pub on his lunch break, mostly because he really fancies Harry, the cute, curly-haired barman. As Louis gears up to ask him out, he doesn't realise that there is a huge stumbling block in his way: Harry is taken, and by someone rather familiar.

I am mad all about you | godslut | med students - coffe shop - 5k Harry is a pre-med student trying to quit coffee. louis pretends to be spider-man to make kids laugh.

Welcome Back From The Friend Zone | 2tiedships2 | a/b/o - friends to lovers - fake/pretend relationship - mutual pining - 32k The one where an idea to create a fake wedding with the sole intent to receive gifts from billionaires took a turn no one, but also everyone, saw coming.

A Life That's Good (series) | lovelarry10 | fluff - kid fic - adoption - light angst - 66k Harry and Louis were married young, but always knew that they wanted a family together. Soon, through adoption, Hope came into their lives, and was later joined by her younger brother Oscar. Join the Tomlinsons on their journey in family life. ①  You're My Only Hope Harry and Louis have been hoping to start a family for a while, but it hasn't happened for them just yet. With the surprise arrival of a newborn baby on the doorstep at work, are their family dreams about to become reality? ②  Tiny Dancer It's Hope's first ballet recital, and Harry and Louis are more than excited to watch their four year old daughter perform for the first time. ③  Who You Are Things are going wonderfully for Harry and Louis. Their family has never been stronger. When a connection to their son’s past appears out of nowhere, it makes them wonder what lies ahead for the future of their family. ④  We Got Love Harry and Louis thought their family was complete. They were wrong. ⑤  Follow Your Arrow Hope has a crush, but she’s scared to tell her parents, especially Louis. Harry helps her figure out how to break the news to her other dad, who is ultimately nothing but wonderful. ⑥  Summer Love The Tomlinsons are off on a summer holiday before it’s time for everything to change...

Night Changes | colourexplosion | soulmates - supernatural elements - werewolves - light angst - 40k Louis and Harry are soulmates. (With a twist.)

From The Heart | jacaranda_bloom | coffee shop AU - 25k Every Tuesday, Louis spends his day off holed up in his favorite coffee-come-bookshop, writing his little stories as part of the WordPlay challenge while daydreaming about the resident barista, Harry. Each week a new word prompt is revealed and Louis adds to his series of short stories about Henry, the owner of a B&B in the Cotswolds who has curly hair and dimples, Lewis, his long term guest who just happens to be a writer, and Tigger, Henry’s cat. As Louis and Harry’s friendship develops, could his fantasy world spill out into real life? And how does that reader who leaves the lovely comments with the teacup emoji seem to be able to read Louis’ mind? ①  Henry and Lewis Louis hangs out in his local coffee shop to work on his weekly WordPlay Prompt, speaks to his beloved muse aka Harry the gorgeous barista, embarrasses himself in front of said muse, and receives a comment on AO3 from his favourite reader. ②  Smuturday Louis struggles with this week's WordPlay prompt before finding inspiration, and a date, in an unexpected place, and could there be more going on with his favourite reader than he originally thought. ③  Tea For Two Louis grapples with what to do about his new found suspicions over his favourite readers real-life identity. ④  Life Imitating Art Louis is taken on a very real journey through his fic back catalogue - life has never imitated art so salaciously. ⑤  Entertain Me All good things must come to an end, including the WordPlay challenge. But while Louis has mixed emotions about its end, and struggling to make sense of the final prompt, he is relishing every aspect of his newly revitalised personal life.

[etlunainmorte]

🏝 I See My Future Before Me 🏝

***

"Ahem!" Patty cleared her throat, making the two of you look at her. "Get a room, whatever?"

V chuckled as he let you go for a while. With a sheepish smile, he, then helped you sit and wrapped his arms around you once more. He was really glad with how things turned out. He couldn't explain it, himself, but, who cares about it now?! What's important was that -

All of a sudden, you heard some strange noises just outside the door.

V let you go and nodded at Patty as he stood up, his eyes darting cautiously on the door. He slowly walked towards it, grabbed the brass door knob, and flung open the door - !

"WHAT THE F - ?!"

You heard a voice as V drew back, wide - eyed, from the door.

And lo and behold, Nico, and a strange - looking boy with sharp features came scrambling on the floor at the poet's feet!

"Who are you, people?!" Patty demanded, unable to believe that some strangers managed to infiltrate the villa, yet again. Well, V was one thing but, these people?

"I can explain,... everything!" Nico retorted as she stood up, rubbing her hip. "Oh, and I was definitely not listening,..." She, then, looked at the mystery boy, who was still on the floor, and practically smacked him on the head with much force. "Hey! About time you get up!"

"WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT FOR?!" The boy screamed as he scrambled to his feet and hid behind V, completely frightened of the crazy Artisan. "I can't believe this woman, V! She dragged me and the housecat out of the house all of a sudden! She even blackmailed that pimple kid Nero and the others to come with her here!"

"Nero,... and the others?" The poet asked, and even before he, or the strange boy, could say or do anything else, all of you heard an impatient tapping on the glass door. All of you turned and saw none other than Nero, himself, wearing nothing but his navy - blue swimming trunks. He was carrying a surf board, and gesturing something really weird at you. Other than that, he looked really annoyed, or pissed, that you almost felt relieved that you couldn't hear him or understand what he's saying through that thick glass door.

"Where is the bathroom here, anyway? This place is humongous!" You heard a distinct and familiar voice from the doorway, and, surely enough, when you turned back, you saw the Legendary Devil Hunter wandering about the hallway like he was lost. And what's more, he was carrying a huge hiking bag on his back and at least two bulky luggage on each hand, like he was going on a vacation or something.

"DANTE?!" Patty practically screamed at the top of her lungs as she angrily strode towards him. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE AFTER GHOSTING ON ME FOR THREE MONTHS?! I INVITED YOU FOR MY BIRTHDAY PARTY BUT, YOU DIDN'T COME! AND NOW, YOU HAVE THE GUTS TO SHOW UP HERE?! WHAT THE HELL, DANTE?!"

"WHOA! WHOA! WHOA! Wait a second here, señorita!" Dante drew back in terror upon witnessing the girl's pure and utter rage. "I can explain! A lot of things happened, and - "

"SHUT UP! YOU'RE IN MY HOUSE! YOU'RE NOT ALLOWED TO SPEAK UNTIL I SAY SO! AARRGGHH!"

You were trying to suppress your laughter at Patty's outrage ( no one could blame her, after all, he did ditch her on her birthday party ) when something suddenly threw itself at you and hugged you tightly. You looked down and to your surprise, you saw a pale, little girl with long, black hair that seemed sentient. She was even giving you a weird look with her pair of huge, red eyes, like a lost child who just found her mother.

"Oh, ah,... hello!" You awkwardly greeted but, she didn't say anything. She just went on staring at you with those huge eyes of hers, and that weird, and yet funny, expression that made her look like she has committed some kind of unspeakable crime.

You looked up at V and noticed his features clearly contorting with stress due to the sudden visitors around him. And who could blame him? You totally had no idea how much he wanted to be by your side. He wanted to be alone with you for a change! And if he's being honest with himself, he wanted to do more than just talk with you!

But, now, it seemed that his plans, and his patience, were really getting pushed to their utmost limit,...

You gulped nervously as you saw the poet knitting his eyebrows in suppressed anger, bowing down low and reaching for his nose bridge to pinch it.

***

♡♡♡

***

" ... it was like I was dreaming. Like, I was drowning, and suddenly, someone took my hand and pulled me out of the water!"

" ... uhu,..."

"And when I was back on the surface, I heard his voice. He said, my love."

" ... yeah, and,... ?"

"You see, I thought Dracula was playing on the background, so I answered, and my life, always! And when I opened my eyes, I saw him! And he's looking down at me!"

" ... okay."

"And when we kissed and embraced, I felt this kind of energy surging throughout my body! It's like,... AARRGGHH! It's really hard to explain! Like, I was this,... are you even listening to me?!"

"GOD, SWEET PEA! CAN'T YOU SEE I'M TRYIN' TO COOK THIS THING?!" Griffon howled as he pointed at the raw chicken on the grill before him. "I'VE BEEN STARIN' AT THIS CHICKEN FOR THIRTY FUCKIN' MINUTES, AND NOTHIN'S HAPPENIN', AT ALL!"

"Stupid!" Nico, who was already wearing a yellow two - piece bikini, mocked as she placed her hands on her hips. "Ye're supposed to set the charcoal on fire! And fan the flames! God!"

And with a shrug of her shoulders and a shake of her head, the Artisan walked away from them and joined the others for a game of beach volleyball.

You stared at the familiar, whose bald head began sweating hard, if it's even possible.

"Err, is that right? Y - ya set the charcoal on fire?" He stuttered as he stared at the weird cooking device.

"Well, yeah." You answered as the side of your lips went up in a visible smirk. "You know, you might be bipedal right now, but - "

"DON'T ya dare say I'm still a fuckin' BIRD BRAIN!" The familiar yelled at your face as he accidentally burned and almost reduced the raw chicken to ashes with the power of electricity that came out of his fingers. Startled and shocked upon realizing and seeing what he's done to the whole crew's lunch, he quickly took the grill grates, threw the burnt chicken, and buried it beneath the sand underneath his feet. He slowly and nervously looked at you with huge eyes and raised eyebrows. Then, he gulped. "Umm,... you didn't see anythin', 'kay?"

You covered your mouth to suppress the laughter.

Ever since waking up in V's arms three days ago, you've been thrown to such unexpected experiences that you honestly never imagined yourself being a part of. For one, you were so surprised upon seeing Griffon's new and cleansed form ( according to him ) after his supposed demise at Shadow's hands. You even had to admit to yourself that you're still having a hard time adjusting to him looking as normal as any human can be. You also found out that, during those three days of adjustment, his wings occasionally sprout from his back from time to time, and his striking golden eyes looked clearly sharper than ever before when he was still a demonic bird, not to mention those pointed ears that caught your attention the moment he finally re - introduced himself to you. But, what caught your attention the most was the fact that you were, somehow, no longer contracted to him in any way, shape, or form. It must be because you no longer hold the authority to command the Sisters of Fate, thus, making you a simple and ordinary human being without the power to command a demonic familiar.

You could say the same thing for Shadow. Well, who could blame you, anyway? Not now when she looked like someone's adorable little sister. That very obvious fact aside, those familiar streaks of red light still manifested on her skin when she's startled. That long, dark hair of hers took on a life of its own when someone angered her. She even hissed at anyone who made the huge mistake of taking away her toys ( the Elmo plushie in particular ). Other than that, she still hasn't outgrown her habit of purring and rubbing against you occasionally. You found this very endearing, actually, despite the fact that this female familiar gave you a lot of problems three months ago. She was, in fact, very guilty and apologetic and sweet that you forgave her quite easily. Well, she did nothing wrong in the first place. She only did those horrible things because she was only commanded to do so. She has nothing to apologize for in the first place. And now, Shadow refused to leave your side, she even has this habit of climbing on the bed with you in the middle of the night for some snuggles.

Those two familiars aside, you were very surprised upon hearing the good news from Nero, himself. Who would've guessed that he and his lady love, Kyrie, were eagerly awaiting their own bundle of joy? Nico was the same as ever. If anything, she bullied Griffon even more now that the familiar has turned into a human. She dotes on Shadow a lot, she even provided the familiar a closet - full of clothes for her to wear. She was also spoiling her rotten with treats. And Dante? Seriously, the poor guy, you decided, was a real masochist, letting himself be completely bossed around by both Lady and Trish, who made him carry their things around the beach. You were not sure whether this was the result of him being deeply indebted to these two ladies but, the sight of him going after them like a scruffy - looking butler in red leather really put a smile on your face.

All of these changes and familiar faces you embraced so well. However, there was one particular face that changed a lot within those three months of your absence.

Jet black hair now as white as snow, dark, swirling demonic contract tattoos now barely visible on pale skin, and soft, emerald eyes gentler than ever before, you never expected V to look so,... changed,... after those past three months that you didn't see him. It was like,... he went through a lot, suffering, trials, growth,...

But, whatever happened to him during those days, it surely changed him a lot as a person. He has,... somehow become even more thoughtful, and careful,... he has become even more caring and protective towards you if that's even possible. The way he moved changed a lot, as well. Before, nothing could make him move even a single finger unless he has deduced it was safe to do so. Now, he seemed more,... careless,... towards you and only you. Open, even. Like, he was totally letting his guard down for you to let you in on his thoughts, and his heart.

And not only that. He seemed,... closer,... towards you. Like, not even a few feet away. He was really close. You sit, he will sit. You stand, he will stand. You walk, he will most definitely walk, too. There were even times when you accidentally bumped into him when you turned too quickly. When you wake up in the morning, you would find yourself completely surprised to see not only Shadow sleeping next to you but, the poet, as well. Heck, you even have a hard time shooing the guy off whenever you need to go to the bathroom! He always seemed to follow you wherever you go. And him being so attached to you like that? Of course, you honestly felt both shy, confused, and really bashful at the same time!

And that,... was only two days ago.

Because now, V seemed,... different. Well, not the scary or the off type of different, no. It seemed like there was a sense of,... urgency,... with the way he moved. The way he looked at you, the way he reached for your hand, the way he touched you, the way he whispered to your ear, not to mention that spine - tingling effect his low and deep voice has on you,...

You knew he was up to something! You knew,... you felt it. And honestly? You felt a mixture of both fright and excitement with the way he's acting towards you lately. You were fully aware of where you stand with regards to things such as intimacy in a relationship. And you being, well,... you? You couldn't help but be both scared and giddy. A lot of things were going through your mind: how would it feel like? Would it hurt? Would there be a lot of blood, like what they said? Would you get sick the next day? But most important of all, would he really be gentle towards you?

These thoughts were still on your mind when you walked out of the villa to join the others on the beach, and when he saw you, he almost immediately dropped whatever he's doing to rush over to your side, only to be stopped by both Dante and Nero.

"Hey, man, we need another one for the team." Dante told him, grabbing the poor poet by the shoulder.

"Come on, V. They're gonna destroy us!" Nero pleaded as he pointed at the three women, Nico, Lady, and Trish, all in their swim suits, waiting for the men to join them for another round of beach volleyball.

You smiled and nodded at V, who glanced helplessly at you as the men dragged him. You were about to watch the spectacle when someone tapped you on the shoulder. You turned around and noticed it was Patty, together with Kyrie, who chose to stay out of the beach due to her delicate state. And both women were smiling mischievously at you.

V and the others were still playing ( albeit it with much difficulty on the poet's part ) a few moments later when you, Patty, and Kyrie came out of the house. And when V saw you, he -

"V, WATCH OUT!" The warning from Nero and Dante came too late as the ball that was hit by Lady came speeding towards him and hit him in the face.

"Youch! That must really hurt!" Griffon, who was still roasting another batch of almost burnt chicken for lunch, flinched as he watched you run towards V, now with a bleeding nose.

Everything went peaceful for a while after that: Shadow, who was really not fond of swimming or getting wet entirely, minding her own business as she built her own sand castle, Kyrie and Nero playing with the orphans on the shore, Nico appraising Griffon's grilled chicken with a keen eye, Griffon hiding several burnt chicken on the sand beneath his feet with a nervous smile, Trish, Lady, and now Patty, bullying Dante to buy ice cream for them,...

... and you taking care of V as you two sat on a towel he borrowed from Patty a while ago.

"You should have been more careful." You told him as you gently wiped the blood off his face.

"I'm fine." He answered quietly as he let himself be pampered by you. "Don't think too much about it."

"Are you sure nothing's broken?"

"I' am perfectly sure."

V glanced at you with such gentle and thoughtful eyes.

For three days since being back together again, V has tried multiple ways of getting close to you, with each attempt ending in miserable failure due to the interference of the people around him. And it has led to him feeling both annoyed and frustrated. While you were absolutely correct that he, indeed, wanted to be intimate with you, he also had another, more vital, reason behind his actions for the last few days. He has found out the reason you were brought back ( or, one might even argue that you really didn't die back then ), and that was partly due to you finally accepting that you need him, and mostly because V practically, and unknowingly, shared his energy, or life force, with you. He couldn't really explain how this happened ( or maybe Cassandra or Andromeda knew, he just didn't bother to ask any of them ), but when he touched, embraced, and kissed you ( albeit briefly due to those interfering people ), he knew that some form of power left his body, surging through every fiber, every nerve, and every vein in his body, and made its way towards you, giving you strength, health, vitality,...

... giving you life.

He was fully aware of what he has done to you in the past - of robbing you of your only life source - that has led to him regaining what he almost lost - life. And him giving back to you that power of life and vitality in some other form or way by being as close to you as he can,...

... it was the ultimate equivalent exchange.

He wanted to share every last bit, every last drop, and every last ounce of this unknown and unexplored power with you by being close, by always being there for you, and by always being with you in every sense of the word.

And he's more than willing to do this for the rest of his life.

And now, as his gaze landed once more on the scars on your stomach and on your thighs, he couldn't help but feel guilty and hurt all over again. You noticed how this made him uneasy and immediately zipped the pink hoodie ( that was given to you by Sister Christina for your birthday ) close so that he would not be able to see the scars, even by accident.

"Patty and Kyrie thought I would look, ah, you know, hot, by wearing this two - piece bikini they lent me but," You lamely made an excuse as you laughed nervously, hoping to get the poet's attention away from your ugly scars. " ... I look dreadful in it, after all. I mean! My feet aren't the only things that are ugly in me. Now, I look like an overused pin cushion, or some - "

"Don't!" V cut you off as both of his hands flew to your face to gently cup your cheeks. And right then and there, he immediately felt that same power leaving his fingers and making its way towards your skin, giving you a noticeable glow that made his heart do multiple flips. "Say such things, my love. You are beautiful, and perfect."

You smiled nervously as you felt your skin getting warmer and warmer by the second under his loving gaze. It really did feel both scary and exciting being with him in this kind of situation.

And then, you felt it: your breathing getting heavier and heavier with his caress, your heartbeat frantically rising with the way he looked at you, and your thighs instinctively rubbing against each other as you felt the warmth of his skin.

For a few seconds, you remained like this, looking into each other's eyes as if nothing else in the world mattered. And when his face inched closer to yours, feeling his hot breath fan your already radiant and sensitive skin, you -

"Hey, want some?"

You were sure you heard V let out a curse in utter frustration as he slowly looked at Dante, who was offering the two of you some strawberry - flavored popsicles. Your eyes widened in fear as you noticed the poet clearly giving Dante a glare that sent shivers down your spine.

"Oh! Thanks, Dante, but - " you stuttered as you tried to break through the tense atmosphere but, you were interrupted as Patty, who seemingly appeared out of nowhere, practically jumped at the tall Devil Hunter, hugging him from behind and startling him, effectively breaking the already heavy situation between the two men.

"Dante!" Patty literally screamed at him, looking very excited.

"Damn, woman!" Dante turned, still unable to believe that the once little girl, who used to pester him only a few years ago, has now fully grown into a very matured and attractive lady. "What is it now? I have bought you your ice cream already, didn't I?"

"Hey! We're still celebrating my birthday!"

"Am I still not forgiven?"

"Of course, not! Unless,..."

"Unless what?"

Patty let go of Dante as she gave him a truly mischievous smirk, one that made you smile inwardly. She truly is making her move,...

"Unless you go on an overnight cruise with me."

"Are you joking?! Only the two of us?!" Dante panicked, clearly picking up on what he thought Patty was planning. And he was definitely not ready and not up for that. "Are you out of - ?!"

"Are you silly?! Of course, the others are invited!" Patty laughed as she turned and waved at Nero, Kyrie, and the orphans, who were excitedly boarding the yacht she rented for the special overnight cruise.

"Come on, Dante! We'll have so much fun!" Patty lured the Devil Hunter once more.

"Y - you don't understand! You and I - "

"Are what?" Trish, who also seemingly came out of nowhere, cut him off as she grabbed his arm and began leading him towards the yacht. "Are you thinking something dirty in there, Dante?"

"How inappropriate!" Lady butted in as she also took the man's arm. "How naughty could you really get, hmm?"

You stifled your laughter as you watched the three women drag the unwilling Dante towards the yacht like a human sacrifice of some sort. Then, you noticed Lady as she turned towards you for the last time before leaving, mouthing something like, good luck, cherry pie with a wink and a wide smile. Patty also turned, but she didn't look at you. She deliberately looked at V and gave him a wink and a thumbs up for a reason you still don’t know.

"How annoyingly human is that?" Griffon, who somehow made his way towards you without being seen or heard, spoke upon watching the said humans get on the yacht. "Hey, V, why don't we - ?”

"Didn't ya hear what the girls said?!" Nico, who was pulling along Shadow, who clearly looked annoyed for being disturbed, interrupted. She, then, took Griffon's arm and started dragging him towards the yacht. "Move yer ass!"

V couldn't help but smirk as he watched Griffon being helplessly dragged by the woman, leaving only the two of you alone on the beach.

Leaving you two alone until the next morning,...

Did Patty read his mind? After all, it was she who made a move to basically get rid of the others for him,...

If so, then,...

"They're just leaving us here?" V heard you next to him.

"Seems like it." He answered, listening to Griffon and Dante's screams in the distance until he could no longer hear them.

"Where are they going?"

"I,... don’t know."

"Oh."

"Hmm."

You two looked at each other, both realizing what the others' absence meant for the two of you.

"Want to go for a dive?" V politely and graciously offered.

"Not really,..." you hesitated, feeling hot, excited and nervous all at the same time at the prospect of spending time alone with your lover. V smiled. Of course, he knew you wouldn't agree to - "O - on second thought, sure! Why not?" You stuttered awkwardly as you finally agreed, making the poet’s lips curl up in a smile.

It could simply be described as the most relaxing day you've had in many years. You and him diving in the ocean and swimming towards that beautiful rock formation, the two of you walking hand in hand as you picked up pretty sea shells in the sand along the way, you describing the lovely things you've seen in your travels, and him tenderly telling you that he wanted to see such things with you,...

It was,... so beautiful, and perfect. In fact, the two of enjoyed this alone time too much that you didn't even notice the setting sun. It was then that he suggested to take a rest for a while and watch the breathtaking sunset with you, making sure you still have that towel to sit on for later. And as you watched the soft glow of the twilight sky with him, you couldn't help but sigh in relief and contentment. The poet raised an eyebrow, urging you to tell him whatever made you react in such a way. You smiled and simply shook your head.

"Thank you so much, V." You whispered, making the poet hum in question. "You were giving me life, weren't you?"

V smiled as he wrapped an arm around your waist and kissed your temple. "And what made you say that, my love?"

"It's exactly that. Your gentle touch, your tender kisses, your warm embrace. Every time you do this, I feel this strange kind of power coming from you, and this gives me energy, somehow. Like, ah, how do I even explain this? Hmm,..."

"Like,... this?" V whispered in that low, almost moan - like, voice as he held you even closer, wrapping both of his arms around you, giving you no chance to think of a proper explanation. You were drowned in his overwhelming presence even more as he began kissing you, letting his lips move against yours in an intoxicating manner, letting your own passion guide you as you shyly reciprocated,...

... and even before you could go any further, he broke the kiss, smiling bashfully as he heard you whimper with disappointment.

"Tell me, darling," V whispered once more, sending your senses straight to Heaven. " ... did you feel,... something?"

You pouted, feeling a bit embarrassed that he was teasing you now of all times when you suddenly realized that you desperately needed him now. But, yes! You did feel something!

You nodded, simply because you couldn't trust your own voice. This scenery, the atmosphere, the man you loved above all else,...

Everything was just too perfect, and you were afraid that this was only like one of those vivid dreams you don't want to wake up from,...

"But, you're not dreaming. I'm here. With you."

You bit your lip, realizing that you've said your thoughts out loud, and looked up at him, only to see tenderness, and warmth, and something else in those beautiful green eyes of his.

"And I want to give you more." He said as his face went down close to yours again. "I need to give you more. More and everything you deserved. I need you,..." You closed your eyes, feeling his lips descend upon yours once more,...

***

🏝 A huge surprise is coming your way, courtesy of @bettybattaglia and @la-vita . Please, look forward to it. 🏝

🏝 @micaelagua , @vergils-daughter , @shadowrosess , @gothghoulfrend , @beyond-the-mirror , @cantcopewithlosingv , @lessy86 , @ceruleanworld , @yepps , @heaven-on-a-landslide , and @krazy06 . 🏝

***

🏝🏝🏝

***

[paolaofthewatertribe]

young k - did i mention? part one

«and i would give my kingdom for

just one kiss»

Once upon a time, during the 20th century, in the beautiful lands of The Lemore Kingdom, the King and Queen welcomed a little girl into the world. They named her Elle, which meant light. Meaning she would light up the kingdom and bring it joy.

Growing up, she fell in love with Kang Jinhyun, a boy who worked at the royal stables. She loved how tender he was with animals, and he loved how her smile lit up the world whenever she was around.

The kingdom wasn't in a good financial state, and so her parents wanted her to marry someone of royal descendance.

She refused. Jinhyun and her loved each other, and she wouldn't marry someone who wasn't him. Her parents prohibited her from seeing him, and they also fired him.

But, every night, without anyone knowing, they would meet in the skirts of town. They talked about the stars, about life, about having a family together, even about leaving. Jinhyun told her that he was going to get a better job, so he could provide for the both of them if that moment came.

He didn't give up. Every morning he would go to the castle and try and talk to the King, telling him how he would do anything for Elle.

A couple of months later, the King and the Queen finally realized they were wrong the whole time. The happiness of their daughter was more important than some financial problems, at least for now.

Jinhyun and Elle became rulers of the Lemore Kingdom, after her parents decided to retire. And from there, everything went uphill.

They closed deals with nearby countries, solving the kingdom's financial problems. The Lemore Kingdom was doing better than ever.

Three years after stepping into the throne, Jinhyun and Elle became parents to a little boy named Younghyun, Kang Younghyun.

Every person in the Lemore Kingdom knew this amazing love story, including [y/n]. She loved it. It was just straight out of a fairytale, and that made it one of her favorite stories.

Her parents used to tell her the story every night before she went to sleep. And she couldn't help but fantasize about it.

She would imagine marrying a prince and having the same love story as Queen Elle and King Jinhyun. But sadly, something like that happens once in a lifetime. And [y/n] was sure it wouldn't happen to her.

– We're here! – her mother's voice woke her up from her fantasies.

As they exited the car, a small building came to view. It wasn't the prettiest one, but it was something.

[y/n] had been accepted to Lewis Lemore University, one of the most prestigious colleges in Northern Europe and named after the first King of the Lemore Kingdom. She worked really hard during her whole school career, doing extracurricular activities, studying day and night just to get into it. And she made it.

The bad part about it was leaving home. Her family lived in Alevine, a small city in the south of The Lemore Kingdom, which was three hours away by car. That meant she had to move all the way to Lundale, the capital, and start living alone.

She was half excited half nervous. She couldn't wait to experience living alone, but what if she wasn't made for it?

After a couple hours, her little apartment looked more like home. She would probably be living here for a long time so she needed to make it feel hers.

– It looks so pretty [y/n]! – said her mom while hugging her.

– Let's see how long you survive living alone – joked her father, making them laugh.

– I'm going to miss you so much. I'll try to visit as much as I can, I promise.

[y/n] had tears in her eyes. She didn't have any siblings, so she was practically leaving her parents alone, after 20 years of raising her.

– We're gonna miss you too honey. Remember to close the door every night, don't open it to strangers and take care of yourself, alright? I love you.

– And stay healthy! – said her father while they were leaving –. Oh, and no boys!

The first day of college. Now, [y/n] was officially a student of the Lewis Lemore University. And she couldn't be more excited.

The first week was supposed to be an introductory week, where you get to know new people, and also go to parties.

She was studying journalism, since she loved to write. She wrote diaries, blogs, she even was the main writer of the newspaper at her school. So yeah, journalism was her thing.

After her classes, she headed towards the library. She knew she would spend a lot of time there in the future, so why not check it out now? She also needed some books for some of her classes so she could kill two birds with one stone.

There weren't a lot of people there, which was normal, considering the semester had just started. [y/n] greeted the librarian and showed her the names of the books she needed. She was kind enough to accompany her to the right section.

She looked through the shelves and found the books she needed. But she kinda wanted to look for another books. She decided to look for her favorite childhood books, the Percy Jackson series, and read them again.

And so she headed to the fantasy section. She was so mesmerized about the selection of books available, she kept taking books out and reading the summary on the back.

She found one written by Rick Riordan, the same author of Percy Jackson, called Heroes of Olymp. And she realized it was a sequel. Her smile reached her eyes while reading the summary. She would definitely take it home.

She looked through the pages and saw there were more than one main character, there were Jason, Leo, Percy, and a lot more.

She was so into the book, she didn't realize someone was watching her from the other side of the shelf. She looked up after she felt it and then her eyes met another pair. And it was the one and only Kang Younghyun, also known as Prince Brian.

[y/n] was mesmerized by his beauty, he looked straight out of a fairytale. He smiled at her, sweetly. And she couldn't help but smile back. But then, panicking, she left, breaking the moment.

She used her student ID to lend the books and then quickly exited the library. Prince Brian, on the other hand, kept thinking about how pretty her smile was. But he told himself he would probably never see her again, so why get his hopes up?

Little did he know...

– You cannot do that! What about me? Are you just leaving me alone?

[y/n] couldn't help but laugh at Dowoon's reaction to her going back home during the holidays. He was the Duke of Islurgh, a small town near Lundale, and they met at one of her classes. He was 24, but he had just finished his first career and wanted to do another one, one that he found more interesting. He also knew Prince Brian, so he would tease y/n about having a crush on him all the time.

– I'm sorry that I miss my parents and want to see them, maybe you should visit yours too?

– I will, but not over the whole two weeks!

– You wouldn't understand. I'm also going there to work, since I'm a broke student, not like you, Mr. Duke of Islurgh.

– I can give you money, just stay! – she laughed again, he really was a baby.

– Stop whining! You can hang out with Wonpil, or Jae.

– If it's necessary I will. But I'll miss you.

– I'll miss you too. But it's only two weeks. I'll be back as soon as you can say "I'm drum" - he looked at her like saying "are you serious" and she laughed –. Oh, the train is here, bye!

They hugged and she prepared herself for a very long ride home.

Days passed and [y/n] had a great time with her parents. She had missed them a lot, so they spent a lot of time together. They went to the aquarium, to the cinema, and they also went to the town's annual carnival. She had so much fun, feeling like a kid again, and forgetting about her adult problems for a while.

Her parents owned a small coffee shop that was situated in the center of town. She was working there during the holidays to make a bit of money, and also spend time with her parents.

It was Sunday evening. Her parents weren't working today so she was the only one in the shop. It was about to be closing time, and there was only one client left. It was Mrs. Love, an old woman that lived in Alevine her whole life.

– Thank you for the coffee, [y/n]. It's nice having you here – she thanked after standing up and heading for the door.

– It's always a pleasure Mrs. Love, see you next time! And get home safe! – she waved her goodbye and turned to clean the table.

But then she heard a male voice and turned towards the door. A young male was holding the door for Mrs. Love, and they exchanged a few words she couldn't hear since she was at the front. He also smiled sweetly at her, and at that moment y/n knew who he was. She would recognize that smile everywhere.

Prince Brian was there, in Alevine. At her parents' coffee shop. She let a deep breath out and kept doing her job. Even though it was hard having her crush there, she supposed Brian wanted to have a normal evening and she was going to give him that.

Anyway, she found it quite funny how he was wearing a cap and sunglasses in the middle of autumn, and at 6pm. He kept looking at a menu he took from a nearby table, didn't really knowing what to order, which, for whatever reason, she found adorable.

Truth is, Brian was in Alevine to deal with some some royal businesses. But he really wanted to spend some time as a normal person, alone and not with his bodyguards around. Thankfully, he had Sungjin. They were the same age, but he was kind of like his main bodyguard. He knew how Brian enjoyed having some time for himself, and he wasn't gonna stop him from doing it. So he offered him help, for him to get a whole evening for himself, without anyone bossing him around. He had to be back at the hotel by midnight at the latest, but he wouldn't complain. He was really lucky of having such a good friend by his side.

Brian didn't want anyone recognizing him, so he opted for a cap and some sunglasses. Sungjin laughed at how ridiculous he looked, but he didn't care.

He really wanted to get some coffee first, so he entered the first coffee shop that he found. On the door he was met with a lovely old woman, who recognized him and wished him a great evening, making him smile. He noticed he was the only client in the shop, and that there was only one employee left. He felt kinda bad for making her work more when she could be closing up to go home.

After staring at the menu for way too long, he finally made his way to the counter, facing the employee. He recognized her from somewhere, he was sure about that, but he couldn't seem to remember.

– Excuse me... –he started –. I don't really know what to order, what would you recommend? – she looked at him deeply, which make him nervous.

– Looking at you, I'd say an Iced Americano. You look like someone who would enjoy it, even in this weather.

– Well then, I'll have an Iced Americano, please - she smiled and turned around to make his drink.

He couldn't shake the fact that they had already met. He then remembered she was the girl with the pretty smile from the library. What were the odds of meeting her here, in Alevine? The fact that it was her made him even more nervous than he already was, but he wasn't going to show it.

– Here you go – she placed the drink on the counter –. That would be 2,95€.

At the mention of these words, Brian froze. He was so used to not having to pay for anything that he forgot to take money with him. Now, that would definitely make him look like a douche.

– Ehm... I don't have money with me – he touched his neck, embarrassed. [y/n], on the other hand, found it cute. She already saw it coming.

– Don't worry, it's okay – she smiled at him –. I'll pay for it.

– No! I can't let you do that! – what would his parents say if they found out he was going to let someone pay for his drink? They didn't raise him like that.

– It's fine, really – she reassured him. Brian found the small gesture cute, and smiled at her, making [y/n]'s cheeks turn red.

He took a sip of his drink and smiled. She took the right decision. He loved it.

– Thank you for the drink, it's amazing – he smiled –. By the way, I'm really sorry for making you pay for my drink, and I'm also very sorry for coming 10 minutes before closing.

– You don't need to be sorry about anything, really.

She went quickly to the back to get the stuff she needed to start cleaning and then came back. Brian didn't know what to do, he was probably annoying her, but he wasn't going to leave. Something inside him wanted to spend time with her, get to know her. And he was going to follow those feelings.

[y/n] found it a bit embarrassing to be cleaning in front of him, but on the other side she was happy he decided to stick around. It warmed her heart.

She was done after some minutes. She went to the back again to get changed. She took her stuff and when she came out, Brian was next to the door, drink empty, waiting for her.

He opened the door for her, and she smiled. She liked chivalry in guys. She turned off the lights and then the two of them went outside. She make sure the door was closed and then turned to face Brian.

They stood there for some seconds, both staring at the ground. Brian was struggling. He didn't know if he should tell her that he was the prince. It could change the way she treated him, but he wanted to be honest with her.

– I'm the prince – [y/n] looked up at him. He took of his sunglasses to show her. He was expecting to see a surprised look on her face, but she just smiled.

– I know – she laughed –. I didn't want to say anything because I thought you'd like to be a normal person, at least for once. It was an honor to help you, Your Highness – she bowed slightly.

– No! – he was surprised about her recognizing him straight away, but also relieved –. Like you said, I'm trying to enjoy a day as a non-royal, so please call me Brian.

– As you wish. So, Brian, what are your plans for tonight?

– Honestly? I have no idea – both laughed –. Do you recommend anything?

– Let me think... Oh yes! This week is the town's annual carnival and it's beautiful. I was there yesterday with my parents, we usually go every year and it's always an amazing experience – her eyes lit up talking about it, and Brian couldn't help but smile –. You should check it out, I'm sure you'll love it!

– If you're saying you love it, then I'll have to check it out.

The sun had already set down, so they stood there under the light of the street lamps. Brian didn't know why, but he wanted to ask her to accompany him, to show him around town. He just wanted to spend more time with her. And so did she. But she knew it wouldn't be right.

– I'll be going home. Have a nice evening, Brian – she curtsied and turned around to start her way home.

Brian watched her leave, but then something inside him snapped.

– Wait! – [y/n] turned to face him –. What's your name?

– [y/n].

– Well, [y/n], would you like to show me around? – he smiled playfully at her, and her heart jumped at that gesture.

– It'd be an honor.

– So you just eat it with your hands?

[y/n] had just bought two crepes for them to eat, and let's say Brian was struggling to eat it.

– Yes! Look, like this – she took a big bite out of hers and Brian just stared at her –. Hmm, it's so good.

He mimicked her and took a big bite. The flavor of the crepe and the Nutella together was so heavenly he went straight for another bite, making [y/n] laugh.

– Oh my god this is so good! I'm telling my parents to add this to the menu like as soon as possible – [y/n] noticed he had a little bit of chocolate on his cheek and let a small chuckle.

– Brian, your cheek – he frowned and touched his cheek, but he only spread it even more, making her laugh really hard.

– Stop, you're making it worse! Stay still – she took a napkin and put one hand on his neck and used the other to clean his face.

Having her so close made Brian nervous. He held his breath during the whole moment. [y/n], on the other side, couldn't help but look at his lips. Those were thin and had a very soft pink tint. Once she was done, she looked at him and smiled before distancing herself from him. He let out the breath he was holding and smiled back.

– Thank you.

It was getting colder and of course [y/n] didn't have a jacket with her. Her house was not far away from the coffee shop so she never had a jacket with her, since it was a very short walk home. Brian noticed it and his instant response was to take his jacket off and put it over her shoulders. She was surprised and wanted to object, but his jacket felt so warm she just couldn't do it.

They walked around the carnival for a while, talking about their lives. She told him she lived there her whole life and that she was studying journalism. He told her he studied business management and graduated last year. He also told her some funny stories about him, wanting to hear her laugh.

It was getting really late, and so it was time for Brian to go to the hotel. He was really dreading it. He was having so much fun with [y/n], talking about common hobbies and laughing at stupid jokes. But he promised Sungjin he'll be back by midnight and he wouldn't break that promise. And also, [y/n] was getting really tired.

– Do you still know where your hotel is? – she asked, and he smiled embarrassed –. I guess you don't. Tell me the name and I'll walk you there.

He did and after a couple of minutes they arrived. Sungjin was waiting for him outside, and it really surprised him to see Brian with someone, especially a girl. He was going to scold him later for blowing his cover.

– Thank you for everything today [y/n], I really felt like a normal guy – "going on a date with the girl he likes", whispered a voice in his mind –. And I'm really sorry you had to pay for everything, I promise I'll make it up to you soon – he bowed, took her hand, and kissed it softly, before turning around and entering the hotel with Sungjin.

[y/n] bit her lip. She hadn't felt happier and more alive in her entire life. She walked home with a big smile plastered on her face, and only once she was there she noticed she still had Brian's jacket. She didn't know if return it to him, but she decided to keep it. Just to remember and cherish this amazing night with him.