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kerie-prince · 4 years ago

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We're Worlds Apart (2)

Draco Malfoy x American No-Maj!reader

series m.list | general m.list | previous chp

warnings: light cursing, mentions of death, angsty Draco

summary: Draco Malfoy is a pureblood wizard. Magic runs through his veins and has been since his birth. You're a Wiccan No-Maj; a non-magical being with ordinary blood through your veins, but practices what you call magick. And this very practice upsets your neighbor.

(gif not mine)

The surrounding neighbors have been very nice; one elderly couple walked up to Draco’s door with an apple pie, quite the American staple, and he seemed to appreciate it. They seemed normal and sweet. Much unlike the feeling he had for his neighbor. Y/N. He hasn't made any attempts in the month that he's lived in the small suburban neighborhood to see her. He avoided her like she was a deadly plague.

Albeit, it was probably harsh and extremely childish. The whole point of him becoming a new person was changing his views he had been taught in adolescence. Or else why did he help Harry Potter all those years ago when he swore he hated him?

It was currently around 3 in the morning, he was standing in his backyard and made sure no one would be awake as he sent his owl to send a letter to his best friend, Blaise. He was the only person who still contacted Draco on a regular basis besides the occasional letter from Theodore. Gregory cut all contact with Draco after the Battle, especially since Vincent had died that night in the fire in the Room of Requirement. Pansy was living her life somewhere, and although the Golden Trio had forgiven Draco for his actions, it didn't start any friendships. But Draco was fine; Blaise and Theo had been there for him in more ways he cares to admit.

He never mentioned a word about Y/N to Blaise until now when he asked what Draco’s American neighbors were like. Majority of the letter contained contents of how work has been, the differences in not only culture but also how things are called, and just his own well being. He did say something short for the elderly couple, but when it came to Y/N he had a lot to say.

These muggles are far different from the ones in England, Blaise. They know things about the magic world but input a fantasy in their heads. They believe they can actually practice witchcraft and wizardry, calling themselves “Wiccan” or whatever rubbish it is. Bloody hell, they even have films and tv programs of them. My neighbor is one of these and she does the most ludacris things in her house. Quite laughable, really. If Salazar was alive today to see this happening, I’d bet he’d curse the whole lot.

She had been lingering in his mind since that day of his discovery. It was annoying him. Every night, he would catch her in her room doing whatever the hell she was doing and he felt as if the universe was mocking him. This is what people think what you really are was the message he got from it all. Draco never thought something like this would make him feel like a freak. But he did. This act of hers was an indirect insult of what he was capable of. And she had no idea.

—

It was a fine autumn morning. The shop was closed today, so you had lots of time at home to catch up with cleaning. You stood over your bathroom sink brushing your teeth and saw from the reflection of your mirror your cat stretching herself before walking into the bathroom to rub herself on your legs. “Good morning, Aurora,” you cooed at her. She purred in response and ran off to her tower in the living room.

After getting changed into some comfortable clothes, you walked up to a closet in the hallway that had collections of crystals, oils, sage bundles and more. “Let’s see, where did I put the angelica root?” you asked out loud to yourself. Going through the shelves, you pulled some sea salt, ground lemon balm, ground angelica root, and a feather. You carried the items outside in a bowl to your backyard and set them at a small garden table. Walking over to your garden, you pulled some elderberry flowers and started your cleansing spell.

You sprinkled the salt onto a censor dish and placed a charcoal dish on it and lit it up. In the bowl you had used to carry the items out, you started mixing the herbs together as you waited for the charcoal to burn red. Once it did, you sprinkled the herbs on top, creating a cleansing incense. You picked it up from the bottom of the censor dish, picked up the feather and made your way steadily to your front door, lightly wafting smoke towards it. Reaching your front door, you drew a pentagram over it with the feather and smoke,

“Be gone negativity,

Here now blessed be.”

You repeat your incantations throughout the house until you have finished and walked back to your living room, drawing one last pentagram. You placed your feather and censor dish on the bare floor, stood up and tapped your foot three times,

“By my will, so shall it be.

Sealed now shall this cleansing be.”

You sat on your couch and turned on the television, waiting for the incense to burn out so you could scatter it around your backyard. After a couple of hours of watching a guilty pleasure of yours, you decided to get some actual cleaning done. First thing was to do some trimming and gardening outside, so you grabbed some gloves and headed out back to your yard.

Before grabbing your garden scissors, you looked up and saw something rather strange. There was an owl in your neighbors yard. In broad daylight. From the backyard, you heard a car pull in and peeked over the fence to see that it was your neighbor coming home. You ran to the front leaving a dirt trail in your house and ran out the front door.

He hadn’t walked in yet, so you started waving your arm, “Hello! I’m Y/N!”

He had just nodded his head and walked a straight line to his door. Not wanting to lose this chance of having a conversation with him, you yelled for him one more time, “There’s an owl in your yard!” His eyes widened and without a word, he ran into his house in a panic. From a distance, you heard him say 'shit' before closing the door.

Building up confidence, you walked up to his door and knocked a few times and patiently waited. You fixed your hair and stood surprised as he hastily opened the door. “H-hi! It’s so nice to meet you, I'm Y/N,” you stretched your hand out to shake his hand. He looked at it and had a displeased look, causing unease within you. Looking at your hand, you noticed you still had your gardening gloves on with dirt on it.

“Oops, sorry!” you chuckled as you took it off and reached out again.

Again, he just looked at you with a straight face for a couple of seconds before finally speaking, “Look, I’m really busy, so if you don't mind.” He shut the door without giving you any chance to say anything back. You stood there in shock, replaying his British voice in your head. And as you stood there, you wondered why it is that he doesn't want to talk to you. The Charles couple across from your house were able to introduce themselves, and even got a smile from him. But for some reason, you could never get the same treatment.

—

Ian had proposed to Draco a housewarming party during lunch. Of course Draco had never been to one, much less hosted one.

“It’s alright, boss. I can fix all the arrangements up. All you gotta do is relax,” Ashley proposed. To say that Draco is extremely happy is an understatement. He had friends that actually enjoyed his company and not his influence. Not that he had much of that anyway.

America was really working out for him; work was great, people were nice, and the area he lived in was peaceful. Yes, he didn't like his neighbor, but she wasn't ruining his life in this new country. He just didn't like what she did.

“Thank you, Ashley. And you know you can just call me ‘Draco’.”

“I know,” she replied. Ashley grabbed her Blackberry phone and started drafting up an email, asking for his address so she could let people know where it would be. “Is this Friday a good time?”

“Yes, that should be fine. I don't have any plans that day.”

“Great, it's sent out to everyone in our department. Now if you'll excuse me, I have an attending to watch over for a surgery. See you guys later!” Draco, Blaine and Ian waved at Ashley as she left.

Blaine left soon after, leaving Ian with Draco. “Alright man, how’s it going on your street? Are you finally settled in?”

“I finally got the last of my things delivered from London yesterday. I was a bit nervous though. That mugg— I mean No-Maj neighbor of mine saw my mum’s owl in my yard. Thankfully, she didn't ask any questions,” Draco said as he cleared his lunch tray.

“Wait, you still use an owl? Ha, I didn’t think people still did,” Ian chuckled. “Well, of course I do. Do you not?”

“No, most wizards here in the States just use the usual ground post that No-Maj’s use. Things are a bit more modern around here. Speaking of your neighbor actually, have you ever spoken to her?”

Draco shrugged nonchalantly and said a simple ‘No’ when he really wanted to scrunch his nose and eyebrows in disgust and say ‘Fuck no.’ Ian, however, is gifted in Legilimens. He heard what Draco really meant but kept to himself. I guess things are different in the UK he thought.

—

“Hello my dear baby, I just wanted to call and give you a heads up; your brother and I are coming for Thanksgiving. He’s bringing Stephanie so do me a favor, please no witchy stuff.”

The voicemail played out loud in the kitchen. Please no witchy stuff. Your mother had repeatedly explained to you that she was okay with ‘it’ all, but growing up you never really got on the same page with her. And you knew it was because of your practice. Your younger brother would say comments every now and then when you grew up, but he always stood up for you when other people called you a ‘satanic freak’. But never once did you regret starting the Craft. You enjoyed it and it made you feel whole.

It had been a week since your encounter with your, now known British, neighbor. It bothered you a lot that he didn’t seem to want to get to know you. You were lost in your thoughts that you almost didn’t notice the doorbell going off. You answered the door and saw your neighbor.

“Hi dear, do you think you could help me and my husband with something?” Mrs. Charles smiled sweetly at you. “Of course, what can I do for you?”

“My grandson is coming in from Vermont, would it be alright if you could give us a ride to the airport? I’d ask Draco but he’s always busy at work and I don’t want to be a bother.”

Draco? “I’m sorry, who’s that?” you had a confused look.

“Our new neighbor, dear. I thought you had met him already. You two are the same age after all,” she informed you. Draco. How unique. You instantly recognized the name from the star constellation. It was nice to finally put a name to a face. Distracted again, Mrs. Charles waited for your answer, “Y/N? Can you do it?”

“O-oh, sorry. Of course I’ll help. Frankie was his name, correct?”

“Yes, it’s Frankie. Thank you so much. His flight comes in on Friday. I’ll see you then,” you wished her a good night and looked out your window to make sure she crossed the street safely. The rest of the night consisted of you and and your cat laying on your couch watching TV, but what was on the screen didn’t have your attention. Draco did. And you had no idea why.

—

“Dude, why do you not have a TV?” Blaine looked around Draco’s house and studied the arrangements he had. It was quite plain, almost minimalistic. Looking around, Draco couldn’t help but think how different it was from the Manor back in London. Instead of grand chandeliers, moving portraits of the Malfoy’s before him, and intricate designs on the walls, he had simple white walls with just one moving picture of him, Blaise and Theo a couple minutes before a Quidditch game against Ravenclaw. He had a bookshelf full of old school books from Hogwarts and some small relics he liked from the Manor.

“I’ve never had one growing up, and once I moved here I just never gave any second thought of it. Besides, what would I even watch?” Draco replied. Despite having one letter off from being the same name as his best friend, Blaine reminded Draco of Theo. They were both funny and outspoken. He would’ve loved for them to have met. They’d probably get on.

A few moments later, Ashley and Ian knocked on Draco’s door. The door was unlocked for them to be able to open the door. They looked around the living room before settling onto the couches. “Okay so I was thinking that we can just have some trays of snacks and desserts with some champagne. Does that sound good to you guys?” Ashley suggested. They just nodded along to whatever she said. She had gone to the store with Blaine to get everything prepared before the party tonight.

Ian looked at the pictures of Draco with his friends and one of his mother that laid on top of a chimney. “Do you still have lots of friends from Hogwarts?”

Draco thought about it, “You know, I actually didn’t have a lot of friends back in school. Back then, I only hung out with probably six people. But now it’s just two.” He sounded a bit sad, but figured that two were better than none.

“Do you think of what happened a lot?” Ian implied about that day at Hogwarts. He had been the only one that Draco trusted enough to tell. “Sometimes,” Draco gave a short reply. The action of opening up was still new to him, but he knew he shouldn’t wallow in it. Plus he’d rather have a friend instead of a doctor to talk about it.

Ian really felt bad for Draco. It must have been really traumatizing for someone to go through something like that at just the age of 17. Sure, Draco wasn’t the best person at the time. Who is he kidding, he was probably the biggest git in the whole school. It didn’t necessarily mean that he had to go through what he did. He lost one of his friends in a fire, and one left him after said friend died. Another left for no apparent reason. And another wanted something different in her life. Those things affected Draco, and probably will for the rest of his life.

He didn’t pity Draco, but was feeling sympathetic. “Well if it makes you feel any better, I don’t have much friends from Ilvermorny. It sucks now, but hey, down the line you get new ones.” Ian held a fisted hand out, waiting for Draco to bump it. It made him laugh as he bumped Ian’s fist.

Outside, Ian looked out to see a certain neighbor walk to her car. “Hey, is that that chick you were talking about?” Draco looked out the window and saw you grab some things out of your trunk and into your house. “Yeah, that’s her.” Ian never really pressed on Draco to explain why he didn’t like his No-Maj neighbor like he did the elderly couple across the street.

“Well, I gotta say. She’s a sight for sore eyes for a weirdo.” She’s a what? Beyond the nightly activities he had caught you doing on occasion in your bedroom, he never really looked at your face. Or really just at you. But now that Ian mentioned something, he started studying you. She’s not so bad looking— wait, what are you thinking?

By accident, Ian snorted at the words Draco thought. “Did… did I say that out loud?” Draco asked with suspicion in his voice. “No, I’m sorry. I don’t really mean to be invading your mind or anything. It runs in my family,” Ian laughed nervously.

“It’s okay. My godfather was also good at Legilimens and Occlumency. I’m pretty sure he’s heard worse during his classes. Come on, I’ll give you a full tour of the place.”

“If the other rooms are anything like the living room, I’m sure I’ve seen the whole place then,” Ian joked.

“Piss off.” As Ian walked towards the bathroom, Draco looked back outside to see you again. He watched as you helped the Charles couple in your car and drove off to Merlin knows where.

—

The party was rather fun. It lasted until almost 1 in the morning. He thanked Ashley for handling everything and spent the night talking and laughing with his colleagues. Once everyone left, he changed into comfortable sweats and a plain black t-shirt. Out on his bedroom window was Blaise’s owl with a sealed letter. He quickly opened the window, grabbed the letter and looked out to make sure no one was watching. Your room was dark and it seemed as the drapes were down. He guided his friends’ owl with his hands to a small, make-shift owl post against the fence that separated your yards. It had food and was enchanted to be at a comfortable temperature. His owl laid on one side of the post, resting as Blaise’s owl joined it.

Draco opened the letter and read its contents to himself.

Well mate, I’m glad you’re having a good time in America. There’s not much going on here in London. I’m just working at Gringotts until something opens up at the Ministry. Not really sure what I want to do, but I’ll figure it out. Anyways, I think you’ll be pleased to hear that Theo and I are going to be joining you for the holidays. Theo got a hold of a couple American muggle films and he figured that if the women there were as fit as the actresses, then you must be living the best life and he wants to join. As for that muggle neighbor of yours, I can’t wait to see her in person. We’ll see you, Malfoy.

From the corner of his eyes, he saw lights turn on in your room and your shadow walk around before turning off once more. Sorry Blaise, but there’s no way in hell you’ll meet her.

—

Frankie’s flight was delayed, causing you to get home so late. You were extremely tired and your feet and back were sore. Usually, you’d take a bath with some salts and oils to relax yourself, but tonight you were really lazy. So lazy that you just shook your shoes off and plopped yourself on the bed.

The second you hit the mattress, you dozed off. Your mind was wandering and found yourself dreaming.

You sat in your backyard in a pretty sundress. There was a slight breeze in the air and you held a cup of coffee in your hands. Someone sat at the chair opposite you and blocked the sun’s light in your face. You looked next to you and saw your friend smiling at you.

Draco.

—

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snaileer · 4 years ago

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Chips & Salsa Chp 5

Lance stared blankly at his team, each caught up in their own worlds. Pidge and Hunk discussing some new gadget. Allura and Coran discussing the castle. Shiro and Keith talking about... training probably. They were all together in the common room, but nobody was talking to anybody else.

He felt fuzzy. Like he was empty, not bad empty. Just.. silence. The world felt muted. It felt like he was watching himself sit there. It was like he was another person, no emotions tethering him. It felt dangerously peaceful, something heavy sat in his stomach telling him it was wrong.

They hadn’t done anything after yesterday, and he hadn’t slept last night, or since he’d been back. The sleep deprivation must be getting to him more than he thought it was.

Lance still watched himself sit there, looking at nothing, seeing nothing. Nothing but haunting, eerie, calm that-

Lance winced harshly and grabbed his ears as he leaned over in pain. The others stopped and glanced over in worry.

“I’m fine, ignore it.” The words felt heavy to get out, like pulling his mind from a fog, though the ringing in his ears had already yanked him away.

The team hesitantly turned back to their conversations. And he pretended not to notice their inability to subtly glance at him.

‘Ignore it.’ What wonderful, fantastic, completely useless advice.

The ringing was barely even the problem, he could deal with this. It was the nothing that was bothering him. Doing nothing, talking about nothing, he was bored.

His leg started bouncing.

He spread his arms out behind him and tapped his fingers on top of the couch backrest.

He looked around at the room, to his teammates. He glanced back and forth between each small group.

Screw this. Lance stood and left the room without a word, easily brushing off the questions that followed him out. He wasn't ‘leaving-leaving’ so they shouldn't get too worried about it. And it’s not like he was participating in any particularly riveting discussions with them.

It’s not like they were even having a moderately boring conversation with him.

It’s not like they were talking to him instead of about him. Or including him in anything.

It’s not like it was any different from when he left in the first place.

Lance ran his hand through his hair, feeling the small scab on his temple from his first moments back in the castle. He sighed,

To the training room it is then. Lance rolled his eyes,

Hooray.

x--x--x

Lance sagged against his bayard, using the barrel of the gun as a staff. He was exhausted, his breath was ragged and his muscles burned from overexertion.

Lance flinched harshly when the doors swished open. He blinked the blurriness out of his vision, and there stood Keith in all his mulleted glory.

“Keith?”

“Oh, hey, Lance, I didn’t know you were in here.” Keith stood there stiffly, his words tight. The tension from yesterday had not disappeared completely yet.

“It’s fine, I just finished.”

“Really?”

“Yes, don't worry Samurai, I won't tell Shiro you’re in here. Train to your heart’s content. Or ‘til you drop. Whichever comes first.”

“Ha ha,” Keith said sarcastically, “I’m better at regulating my training now.” Lance gave him a doubtful eyebrow. “Most of the time,.” Another skeptical look, “Alright, some of the time, but I’ve got it under control.” His voice got defensive.

“Okaay, whatever you say, Keith,” Lance spoke over his shoulder as he started towards the doors.

“Oh! Wait! I was supposed to tell you, we have a team meeting in an hour.”

Right. That.

“No problem. See ya’ there.” An hour was just enough time for a shower and a short face cleanse, finally.

The shower immediately made him feel better. Lance stood under the showerhead for longer than necessary, feeling the water flow over his face and his skin. He missed the water. Missed being clean. He’d hated the dirt and grime of the cells, the terror of every second-

No, don’t think about that. Anything else.

He shut off the faucet with a bit more force than necessary. Stepping out of the steam, Lance stumbled and braced a hand on the wall as a headache bloomed. He really needed to sleep, he could feel the dropoff point of exhaustion creeping up on him. Lance shook it off and wrapped himself in a towel, pointedly avoiding the mirror as he left the room.

He was relieved to find all of his facial supplies were still usable. The space-avocado face wash was a blessing he had longed for in captivity. There were a lot of things he had wished for in-

Nope. Nope. Nope nope nope. Other things. Puppies. And rainbows. Properly cut mullets.

Lance quickly moved his thoughts away, forcibly humming ‘These Are A Few of My Favorite Things’ under his breath as he washed the avocado cream off. He glanced up at the mirror in habit. His eyes caught his own reflection.

His wet hair was still stuck in weird spikes and plastered to his forehead. Before, he might have fussed about it drying like that. Now: he was still annoyed by the mangled haircut, but his eyes focused on the scars.

Lance had managed to protect his face relatively well. There was still a few marks he hadn't managed to avoid.

The scab on his right temple. From Keith’s knife when he got out of the pod. To remind him he was here.

The grooved slash at his hairline. From being thrown across the room by Zarkon. To remind him of his place.

The small nicked mark on his neck. From his first fight. To remind him to survive.

The short rough scar at the bridge of his nose.

From the muzzle.

To remind him of obedience.

Lance’s eyes lingered on that one. He remembered it well, though it was the least noticeable. It was barely there, visible if you looked but easier to feel. Lance ran his finger across it. It was short, probably less than an inch long in total. But it was the implications that gave it weight.

Because it looked exactly like Shiro’s.

Lance finally pulled himself away from the mirror, deciding it was best to ignore his other scars. He got dressed again, just in time to be... very late to the team meeting.

Crap.

Lance was still pulling on his jacket as he ran down the hall. He came to a rolling stop in front of the bridge doorway.

“-still has no punctuality.” He heard Keith’s voice first when the doors opened automatically.

“Sorry I’m late. I did remember it though,” Lance announced as he entered.

“It’s fine, Lance. Keith complains but he was only ten minutes earlier than you.” Shiro said from behind Pidge’s chair.

“Thanks, Shiro.” Lance gave him a grateful smile, Shiro nodding in response.

“Don't tell him that!” Keith burst out at the same time.

“What? It’s true.” Shiro smiled cheekily at his brother.

“Yeah, I know that but-”

“I’ve got it!” Pidge’s exclamation called everybody’s attention to her. Her paladin chair was surrounded by gears and random metal pieces with various pop-up holograms. Hunk among them as well.

The momentary pause as they moved to Pidge made Lance realize he still had the headache from getting out of the shower. The bags under his eyes felt heavier, he would need to rest at some point soon.

“So, yesterday, after, ahem,” Pidge cleared her throat awkwardly, glancing at Lance, “breakfast. I started going over the old missions, including that mission.”

“And why were you looking at that mission?” Shiro’s space-dad came out to scold her.

“Because I was hit by a wave of guilt and decided to indulge my self-destructive tendencies. Why else?”

“Pidge, we’ve talked about-”

“Anyways. I was also looking at the rescue mission and the EMP device we used. And I realized that if I could miniaturize and focus the pulse onto the chip, I might be able to shut it down-.”

“So do it. Let’s get this show on the road.” Lance stepped closer, eager to get this over with. Allura moved to give him space.

“Let me finish, Lance. I could shut it down temporarily. And even then, it’s risky. A high-level electromagnetic pulse aimed directly at your brain? There’s too many possible consequences and too many variables.”

“So why tell us about this at all?” Keith snapped.

“Because it’s still useful.” She barked back, before taking a deep breath, “It could be useful in times we need him asleep. Like in the pod, or when we can get rid of the chip.” She glared at Keith sharply, “I did make something else though. A way to stop the tracker within the chip.”

“Then you can stay, Lance,” Hunk looked at his friend hopefully, “We can be legs again!”

“Can’t wait, bud,” Lance could wait for it, he wanted to. Yes, he loved being a part of Voltron, but he didn’t even know if Blue would still accept him. He was afraid to find out.

“So I was working the design to be small and compact, Hunk helped me with that, and we made it into a bracelet.” Pidge pulled a small box out from among her things, handing it to Lance.

Inside the box was a grayish bracelet, it was about 2 inches long, went all the way around and-

“How am I going to get this on my wrist? There’s no gap.” Lance looked from the box back up to Pidge.

“Ooh! That’s the coolest part!” Pidge jumped up from her seat to grap the bracelet from him.

“A bracelet that blocks radio-waves across the galaxy from a magic chip in my head, and that’s the coolest part?” Lance looked at her doubtfully.

“Of course. Watch this,” She tapped an almost invisible button on the bracelet and a piece slid away. She used the newly appeared gap to put it on Lance’s wrist. Then, another tap of the bracelet and it slid closed again. A red light blinked on.

“My, that is pretty cool, number five.” Lance held his arm up for Coran as he leaned in to look.

The weight on his arm felt familiar. And, bonus points for perfectly covering his weird tan lines.

“Any chance we can make it blue?” Pidge glared at him like he’d destroyed her honor, Lance put his hands up, “Yeesh, fine, no blue.” He turned it wrist back and forth, the bracelet really did fit perfectly. “I really like it, Pidge. Thank you.” He gave her a small smile, “And you’re sure it’ll work?”

“Yes, I perfectly calculated it to the chip’s signal, which was crazy hard to say the least. I’ve never seen a signal like that before. It functions like a cell phone call, but both receiving and sending were the same signal. It really shows the advances of alien technology and the push that space travel must have had to be able to communicate over the distance of galaxies. It’s incredible, really!” Pidge smiled in amazement at the technology.

“I’m definitely not as excited as you about this chip. I’m probably gonna melt it to bits the second I get the chance.”

“But what about the tech?! I have to study it!” Pidge pleaded.

“But what about the- no,” He mocked her then dropped his voice at the end, “Fire. Lots of fire. Maybe even a blowtorch. I don’t know. I’ll get creative, have a bit of fun with it.” He gave her a tense smile.

“But the possibilities of-”

“So, bracelet… it works?”

“Yeah, it works,” she grumbled, “All I have to do is turn it on.” Pidge reached over and clicked something on the bracelet. The red light turned green.

“How does it have power? Will it ever run out of charge?” Keith asked as he stepped up to the group.

“Nope, tiny balmeran crystal, right at the heart of it,” Hunk said proudly, “Courtesy of Shay from our last visit.”

“Whoa, when did Shay start giving you gifts? I so don't remember that from last time.” Lance piped in, elbowing Hunk with a smirk. Everyone’s face dropped. “What? What’d I say?”

“Nothing. Just... while you were gone, we had to make a trip to the Balmera. Had to save the whole planet actually. It wasn't easy, especially-.” Hunk looked down, “Especially without the Blue lion.”

“What? What happened? When did-?” Lance stood straighter. The team looked at each other, wondering if they should tell him, “Guys, I’ll be fine. Just tell me what happened. I need to know.”

“It was still pretty soon after you got.. y’know…” Hunk started wringing his hands together, “And uh, we were looking for you when we got a distress call from Shay’s Balmera.” He looked back at Lance, “We almost didn’t go.”

“But you did go, right?” Lance looked at the others, they avoided his gaze, “You did your job, right?” His tone was harsh, “You saved people, like Voltron is supposed to, right? You didn’t sacrifice a planet just to look for me, right?”

“We did go, Lance-,” Shiro tried to reason.

“But by the time we got there… the beast had already destroyed so much.” Keith still felt guilty about it, mostly because he had voted against going at all. He still didn’t know if that was the right choice. Or if he regretted it.

“The beast? What Beast?”

“The robeast we fought before; the one that got encased in crystal by the Balmera,” Keith explained, “It broke free and used the crystals as power sources.”

“And flying shields, which has got to be one of the most infuriating things Voltron’s ever fought,” Pidge chimed in from her chair.

“Wait, Voltron? You guys were able to form Votlron without me?” Lance had heard rumors of a full voltron in the cells, but he’d hoped they were false. That he wasn't as easily replaceable as that. That he did contribute to the team, but if Voltron could form without him-.

“Barely,” Keith scoffed, “Blue was more temperamental than Red about Allura flying her. Even when we did form Voltron, we were hardly at full power. And we fell apart seconds after defeating it.”

“It’s true. Though the Blue Lion is the most friendly, I fear we are not as great a match as I had previously believed.” Allura looked saddened by the prospect.

“So the rumors I heard? About Voltron resurfacing?”

“Only a few times,” Pidge climbed out of her chair to sit on the armrest, “It was so draining that none of us could sustain it for long without serious damage.”

“I wish I had been there. We could have stopped it. Voltron wouldn’t have been late.” Lance could only feel useless at the idea of Shay hurting because he couldn't be there when he was supposed to be.

“It’s alright. There’s nothing we can do about it now.” Shiro was the first to get back up, “We have you back and that’s all that matters, right?”

“No, Shiro! That’s not all that matters! An entire planet was hurt because I couldn’t be there. Because I-” Lance’s voice cracked, “I couldn’t-”

“Exactly, you couldn’t. You would have been there if you could. You would have tried to help any way you could. You always do.” Shiro stepped towards Lance, but he stepped away. He glanced around at the others looking at him with worry.

“Yeah, sorry guys, but uh- I think I’m just gonna hit the hay,” His words shook with the devastation in his eyes, “I’m pretty tired and-” Lance cleared his throat to try and steady his voice, “Thanks for telling me though, I’ll see you at breakfast.” He backed out of the room with a weak wave, dutifully ignoring the lump in his throat.

Lance quickly turned towards his room. He hoped the team would be too awkward to follow him. Lance scrubbed at his eyes, trying to wipe away the tears before they could fall.

Later. Cry later.

“Dang it, Lance,” He mumbled under his breath, “You don’t have time for this now.” He sniffed and tried to take a deep breath, “Yeah, it’s no big deal. Just an entire planet you abandoned.” He stepped into his room, letting the doors swish close behind him.

“Gah! I knew it!” He swung his fist at the wall. The mental dented, but didn’t crush like drywall. “I knew something would happen! God, I’m so stupid! Thinking everything would be okay for just three months!” He paced around the room, throwing his hands in frustration. “But nooo, the world needs Voltron!” Lance dropped onto his mattress with a sigh, “And you don’t even have the guts to tell your own team that you can't-!” His voice lowered, “that you can't even connect to the Blue Lion anymore. That you haven’t heard her since…,”

Since the druids.

“You really screwed it up this time, Lance.” He put his arm over his eyes as he laid on the bed. It felt squishier than he remembered. He’d nearly thrown a fit at how uncomfortable Altean beds were, but still, it felt too soft. Like he was laying on marshmallows, the stuffing swallowing him up.

“And now,” He sighed again and sat up, “You’re so worked up you can’t sleep. Great job on that one.” He was tired from days without sleep, but his brain wouldn’t let him relax, not yet.

Lance considered his options as his eyes flashed around the room. No one would notice if he didn't go to bed right away. They were probably still on the Bridge with Team Punk.

He poked his head out of his door. The hallway was empty.

Good.

Lance dropped his jacket next to the pillow he’d knocked to the floor and then closed the doors. A short run, a couple laps maybe. Just to tire him out. Get rid of the small ringing in his ears and then he could sleep.

Finally.

He jogged off towards the abandoned sections of the ship. Not even Coran had bothered to clean up the whole castle.

The deserted corridors worked well for running laps, and he picked up speed with each round.

You can make it to 25 laps.

50’s not that far from 25, you can do that much.

That’s only half of a hundred, you can do three quarters, go 75.

He kept reasoning away more laps. First in groups of 25, then in tens, fives; just one more.

One more.

Keep going.

Always keep going!

Go!

He paused against the wall, leaning on it for support. His breath harsh and rough in the silence.

His limbs felt like jelly, his mind focused itself on making it back to his room.

His vision zoomed in and out of focus as he walked. He might have, just maybe pushed himself a bit too far. Again.

When he made it to his room, the doors had barely shut before he collapsed to the floor. He curled up against the wall, pulling his jacket over him and bunching up the pillow as the lights dimmed automatically.

His mind was quiet with exhaustion as he fell asleep to the hum of the castle’s machinery.

The hum morphed into a buzz, growing louder and more familiar until it sounded more like,...

Cheering?

Lance looked around, seeing Pidge and Shiro on the floor behind him. They were in a Galra control room. He’d been here before. He knew this room. It was the mission when he’d been-

“It’s the Arena.”

Lance turned to Shiro’s voice. They were looking at a screen. It was footage. A recording of the Arena, his mind told him.

He moved closer, trying to make out the figures fighting.

It was him.

He was there, on the screen. They could see him fighting. No no no no no.

No! I don’t want them to see me! I don’t want them to see this! I don't want to see this.

He looked back up, he was in the Arena now. He wasn’t just watching it. His team could see him, they would hate him.

But then he noticed his opponent.

“Lance! What are you doing!?” Hunk screamed at him. His body moved on its own.

He couldn’t stop it.

“Hunk! Hunk, you have to move! Run! Please!” Hunk dodged, stepping behind him. Lance’s body kept moving, kept attacking his best friend-

No, wait.

It was Pidge. Pidge was behind him when he turned around. And she was crying. No, she was screaming. He couldn’t tell, could barely hear her past his own apologies.

She begged him to stop, but he didn't.

“Why can’t I control myself!? What’s wrong with me?!”

“Nothing’s wrong with you now, Paladin. I fixed you, remember?” Haggar’s voice reached through his mind. He could see her in front of him, standing there. They were in a dark room, she was hurting him. Torturing him-

He swung at her, but his fist hit Coran. He hurt Coran. Coran was trying to help him. He was with the team, not Haggar.

How did he forget that?

“No, no no no, I’m so sorry Coran, I thought you were-” Lance reached for him, but he flinched away from him in fear.

“I thought of you like a son, my boy.”

“Wait, Coran, I didn’t mean-”

“What have you done!?” He turned around to see Allura running at him. Her energy whip in hand. “Why would I ever like you!? You’re not worthy of being a paladin!” She attacked him, his skin burned where her whip hit. He screamed, but now he couldn’t move. He was stuck there, chained, frozen to his spot.

Allura brought down her whip again, and then it was Shiro. It was Shiro’s prosthetic, they were training together. He blocked Shiro’s hit. They were fighting on the castle. But no, no.

Lance was lying to him.

“How could you do that to me, Lance? How could-”

“I didn’t think-!”

“Exactly! You never think! You don't do anything! Voltron doesn’t need you!” Shiro was walking away from him. Leaving him behind.

“Wait, Shiro! I-” He reached for his shoulder, Keith turned around.

“Lance, why are you doing this!?” Keith fell back against the sand of the Arena, his face bloody. Lance did that. He can’t control himself. “Lance! Please stop!”

“You’ll always come back, Paladin.” Lance could hear Haggar, but he couldn’t see her this time, “It always comes back here.”

“Lance!” Keith screamed again.

“I can’t- I can’t control- I don’t know-I’m sorry, I’m sorry” His mind screamed against his body, but he kept attacking. “I don't know how to stop this! I’m sorry! I’m sorry! I’m so-”

“Lance, get up!” Suddenly, Keith had the upper hand. He was losing. No no no.

I can’t lose! I can’t lose in the Arena! If I lose-

“Lance!” Keith was on top of him, he was going to die. He had to fight, he couldn't lose; not now, “You’ve got to wake up!” Lance flipped Keith off of him, expecting the spray of sand as Keith hit the ground.

But the light of the Arena disappeared, it was dark. There was no sand. No blood. No jeering crowd.

Keith was still below him.

He looked terrified.

Lance scrambled away, his back hitting the wall. The cells, he was back in the cells. Why was he- How was-

Lights flicked on, illuminating the room.

His room. On the castle.

Not the cells.

He wasn’t there, he was rescued, safe back on the castle. Which meant-

“Keith,” Lance paused, “I’m so sorry.” He dared a glance at Keith. A bit of tension eased from his shoulders at Keith’s face. Clean, not bloody. He was worried and scared, sure, but at least he wasn’t hurt. Not that Lance could tell at least, “Are you okay?”

Keith finally sat all the way up from the floor, “I should be asking you that, Lance.” He reached a hand towards him, Lance pushed himself farther against the wall.

“Did I hurt you?” Keith’s face saddened but he recovered quickly, covering up the pity as he pulled his hand back.

“Don’t worry about it, I’ve had the wind knocked out of me before. This one’s on me, I shouldn’t have grabbed your arm like that when you were having a nightmare.”

Oh. It was a nightmare. Bits and pieces flashed through his mind. He cringed internally, a bad one too.

“Why were you sleeping on the floor by the way?” Keith motioned to the wrinkled pillow and his jacket laying on the floor.

He glanced at his mattress, “The bed’s uncomfortable.” He looked to Keith, “Why’d you wake me up?”

“What?”

“Why are you in here?” Lance stood up and brushed off his pants, “Why’d you wake me up?”

“Because you were having a nightmare???” Keith twisted a bit as Lance walked past him to get to his jacket.

“God! What is with you people barging into my room because you think I’m having nightmares?”

Keith jumped up angrily, “The hell does that mean!? What; you want us to just let you suffer like that?!”

“YES!” Lance whipped around to face Keith.

“And why would we do that?! You were obviously in a lot of pain, you were screaming!”

“Maybe! But at least I was asleep!” Lance yelled at him, “This is first I’ve slept since I’ve been back, so who cares if I have a nightmare!”

“We care, Lance!”

“But I don't! Feel my heart right now,” Lance yanked Keith’s hand and pressed it against his chest, “My heart is still pounding, and it’s enough to silence the ringing. I literally have to work myself to exhaustion just to sleep at all!”

“We just want to help you!”

“Well you’re not! I had to figure how to deal with this on my own! And I did. I know what works for me and what doesn't!” Lance jammed his finger at Keith, “And you don't.”

“Because you don’t tell us anything, Lance!” Keith shouted, “I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but you’re not exactly including us right now! You leave without saying anything! You brush off our questions and you train for hours on end!”

“Oh, and since when did you become Mr. Team Player all of a sudden! Huh? High and Mighty Lone Wolf Keith! You wouldn’t know teamwork if it slapped you upside the head! And you don't know me, you don't know my reasons for doing things. I don't have to explain myself to you, Kogane.”

“No, you don't, but it would be nice if you at least tried!”

“If you’re gonna force me to change, just take me prisoner and make it official.” Lance’s tone dropped dangerously.

“That wasn't what I-”

Lance shoved past him with his shoulder, “Next time, just don't wake me up.” He stepped out into the hallway, leaving Keith behind as the door closed between them.

Next: https://snaileer.tumblr.com/post/619677648676929536/chips-salsa-chp-6

First: https://snaileer.tumblr.com/post/613092735756402688/chips-and-salsa-chp-1

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catxtopia · 4 years ago

Text

Lips Of a Stranger} Chp. 10

Author: catxtopia

Ship: Billdip ((fluffy))

Characters: Dipper Pines, Mabel Pines, Bill Cipher, Gideon Gleeful

Summary: The Night Vale AU no one asked for.

Author notes: I am back on my bullshit, lets finish this.

Read: ao3

((HOHO Betcha thought you saw the last of me.

Four years late but hey I fricken finished this shit! I sat down literally yesterday after a kind person commented that they still wait for updates on this story (srsly so sorry and you're so sweet holly heck, never say comments don't totally motivate a writer) and finished this. I already had this chapter written many years ago but I didn't wanna post it until I finished the rest (so sorry for my dumb past self). So this one sounds pretty much the same as the rest of the story, however cannot confirm for the rest of the work.

I haven't written in ages, I don't particularly like writing anymore if I am being honest. I am not great at it but I have a lot of ideas lmao. So I just wanna preface that the ending... probably not great lol. I will have a full report on the last chapter, however, on my old ideas for this story and what I thought it could be. There is probably a lot of plot holes and unanswered things but I tried^^;;;

Anyways, I'll upload either every day or every other day depending. But this shall finally be finished lads! (also no beta, we're animals here)))

“You found it!?”

Lying still, yet menacingly, on the kitchen table was a maroon journal with a black number 1 inked firmly in the center. It was larger than an average book and much worse for wear, the red leather was ripped and mystery blotches were smudged in several different locations on the cover. Mabel and Dipper stood around the object that had been of desire for so long. Neither made a move to touch it, treating it like an old relic—which it very well could have been as far as Dipper knew.

“Yeah, it was in this wired compartment in a tree outside.” Dipper scratched lightly at his chin, eyes roaming over the book. His fingers itched with curiosity for he had yet to open and examine the contents inside. He wasn’t sure if he should, waiting for Cipher seemed like the logical option but that required calling the man, followed by seeing him again, and the thought of meeting gold eyes sent his stomach through all kinds of loops. Thus, his phone stayed promptly in his pocket where it felt like it weighed a thousand pounds.

“Compartment in a tree, huh?” Mabel repeated, a confused look crossing her face. She, too, moved her hand to rub lightly at her chin in thought. “How’d you come across that?”

Dipper stiffened ever so slightly, and then casted a glance at his intrigued sister. He cleared his throat and shifted to stuff his hands in his pockets roughly. “I just, ya know, fell against it.” He shrugged, trying his best to remain cool—which was, to say, impossible when it came to Dipper Pines.

“Fell against it, hm?” Mabel’s eyebrow slowly started rising.

“Yes, I fell against it!” Dipper sputtered, looking away towards the book again. “The details of how I found the book aren’t important. What is important is that I found it !”

Mabel stifled her giggles as much as her lips would allow. “Whatever you say, Bro bro.” She mused and leaned over the dusty object, intentionally ignoring the tomato that was now her brother beside her. He’d been through enough teasing this morning, she’d let him off the hook this once. “What do you thinks inside?”

Dipper leaned back against the kitchen counter, crossing his arms over his chest. “No idea.” He quietly thought back to the times he and Cipher were looking for said book. A distant memory of going to the junkyard and the words black magic and demons , danced in the back of his mind but he elected to ignore those warnings. If the book really was dangerous, there was no way Cipher would be looking for it. At least that’s what Dipper told himself.

“Are you going to open it?” Mabel quirked a brow, eyes not leaving the book.

Dipper shifted against the counter. “I don’t know, Mabes. Maybe we should wait for Cipher to open it first.”

Mabel pursed her lips and squinted at the book.

There was a long pause, the only sound being whispers from the TV playing in the other room. Then Mabel, with a big intake of breath, announced loudly: “I am gonna open it.” And quickly flipped the front cover open.

“Mabel!” Dipper yelped, but his words fell on deaf ears as the young girl turned another page, and then another. “Mabes, seriously, be careful with it! We don’t know what it is, it could be super old and crumble at human touch! Who knows what—”

As Dipper rambled on and on, Mabel’s quick movements tentatively began to slow. She flipped only one more page before stopping and taking in a soft gasp, voice riddled with distraught. “Oh my gosh.” She whispered breathlessly. Dipper paused in his ranting, staring at the back of his sister's head since he couldn’t see the book around her. “I can’t believe this.”

“What?” He inquired, a drop of unease plopping into the pits of his stomach. Mabel’s shoulders were tense; body rigged with what Dipper could only assume was fear. She looked as though she was witnessing a demon rise out from the pits of hell, or at the very least like her sweaters were being set aflame. And throughout it all, all Dipper could hear were McGucket’s warnings ringing loud and clear inside his jumbled head. “That books bad news I tell ya! Black magic, raising devils, kinda bad news! Nothin good ever came out of that thing.” Dipper cringed at the voice. “What is it?”

“It’s terrible…” Mabel whispered, leaning further over the book. Her hair draped over the yellowing pages, eyes hidden behind thick bangs. “Cipher, he’s…”

“What? What about Cipher?” Dipper stepped closer. He could feel his heart thump a little faster with each step he took towards his sister.

“He’s a…” The girl moved back, turning swiftly to face her brother. Her face was red and cheeks puffed out, eyes leaking frustrated tears and— “ He’s a giant nerd just like you!” She exclaimed dramatically, throwing one hand towards the opened journal and another over her stomach as she doubled over laughing.

Dipper stared, dumbfounded as his sister flopped onto the tabled to keep from falling onto the floor. She was wheezing and stomped a foot every so often, trying to regain her breathing. He couldn’t believe this. “Mabel.” Dipper squinted hard at the girl. The only answer he got was more laughing and a few arm flails. “Mabel, you jerk.” Dipper sighed, but a small smile was tugging at his lips.

“Oh! Oh!” Mabel giggled, laughter beginning to die out into soft gasps. “Oh my gosh, yo- your face!”

“Yeah, yeah.” Dipper rolled his eyes. “You got me.” Behind his ribs, his heart was still pounding with adrenaline. He willed his limbs to stop their jittery shakes and calm the hell down. There was nothing to worry about, Mabel was just being her usual dork self. He looked towards the open book finally, now being able to get a good view of it. “So what’s in this thing, anyways?”

Having calmed down a bit, Mabel slipped across the kitchen in her fluffy pink socks, clamped onto the fridge handle and yanked it open to retrieve a can of Pit Cola. She juggled it in her hands, closing the door again with her hip. As she snapped the can open she explained lightly, “Looks like a dictionary for supernatural stuff to me. Really wired, it’s all hand written and stuff.” She paused and took a big gulp of her drink.

Dipper nodded and examined the scribbles and notes about different creatures. His eyes widened the further he flipped from page to page, completely entranced with the object sitting before him. It was no wonder Cipher wanted this thing, the stories he could produce with the book would be endless!

“This is amazing.” Dipper breathed. Gnomes, Zombies, Ghosts, this book was like a paranormal junkies Holy Grail.

Mabel hummed and jumped up onto the counter. “It makes sense why Cipher would want this. I am sure he will be happy you found it.” She mused, swinging her legs back and forth to the rhythm of a song stuck in her head. “Now you guys don’t have to go searching anymore! That’ll probably be a big nuisance off his shoulders.”

Dipper hummed absentmindedly as he drew his finger along the edge of the book, a thin layer of dust bunched up and latched onto his finger. He pulled his hand back, pinching the ball of dirt between his thumb and index finger till the grains rolled off his skin. He wondered briefly how long the book had been in that tree for, and for what reason.

“No more long hours trekking through stores and the occasional dumpster. I wonder if this old thing will help him with his work, or if that’s even what he wanted it for.” Mabel muttered against the rim of her soda can.

Dipper’s fingers instantly stilled, entire body freezing like someone had pushed a pause button on the boy’s life. No more long hours trekking through stores and the occasional dumpster . The words bounced around in his head several times and every repeat left a horrible taste in his mouth. He gulped and dropped his hand, brushing it harshly against his faded jeans. “Yeah, don’t know.” He bit out.

A minute ago he’d been excited to see Cipher’s reaction to his discovery, because damn it he was proud! And maybe boasting a little in the ego department. Now dread was filling up his core. No more time with Cipher…

Mabel slurped at her drink loudly, oblivious to the way her brother scooped up the book with a hesitant hand. “So, when are you gonna tell him?” She looked up past her wavy bangs, confused to find Dipper retreating towards the stairs at a quick pace. “Dipper?”

.:.:.

Dipper paced along the length of his bedroom, feet scuffing against the hardwood floor. He could practically feel the wood splintering away with each step he took. It was only a matter of time before he’d run a rut in the floor. He could hardly bring himself to care; however, as he gnawed at his thumbnail in a simple attempt to help distract his brain.

This was stupid, Dipper was stupid. He could hardly believe he was even thinking about the train of thought that he was. Not telling Cipher about the book? What kind of nonsense was that? He had to; it was his moral duty to give up the journal to the radio host. Otherwise, everything they’d done together thus far would be for nothing. The whole reason Dipper was being kept around was for the sole purpose of finding the book.

And once you give the book up, you won’t have a reason to be around Cipher anymore , Dipper thought sullenly. He turned once he paced as far as he could towards the door, changing direction to continue shuffling back the route he came towards the triangle window above his bed. It was a vicious cycle, this back and forth, back and forth. All the while he kept his eyes glued on the ground. He paused when his irises caught sight of a neatly folded pile of clothes at the end of his bed. Black jacket, pants, yellow scarf… A flash of blonde hair and the feel of rough bark against his back blurred past his eyes.

There would probably be no more of that once he gave up the book. Dipper lightly drew a finger against his chapped lips. If he thought hard enough he could still feel the pressure Cipher’s smooth lips had left against his own.

“Oh man.” Dipper mumbled aloud. Here he was worrying over some scraps of paper sewn together, while he should be questioning the fluttering in his chest from earlier interactions.

Cipher had kissed him and he’d be lying if he didn’t say he thoroughly enjoyed it. Both Mabel and Pacifica will be delighted to rub it in his face once they find out.

Dipper dropped onto his bed with a frustrated groan. Everything was happening all so suddenly, so fast he couldn’t make left or right of the images flashing before his eyes. And it was all because of that darn radio host with his perfect golden hair and otherworldly eyes. Not to mention his lean body that fit so right against Dipper’s the night before, warm like a blanket and oh so comfortable… Dipper shook his head quickly, expelling any further thoughts of Cipher’s body.

Really, Cipher was too handsome for his own good. It was practically supernatural.

Dipper snorted at the thought and fell back against the bed. He stared up at the ceiling, a soft sigh fluttering past his lips. What to do, what to do. He slid his hands up to rest on his chest and began tapping his fingers against his worn shirt.

“So you tell him.” Dipper muttered to himself. “You tell him about the book. It’ll make him happy, probably further his show somehow and bring in more listeners, which will make his work life better.” His fingers paused in their tapping, then slowly started picking up a rhythm again as he let another thought enter his mind. “Or you don’t tell him, you continue looking for the book as if you haven’t already found it and grow closer. Eventually he’ll forget about the book and move on, which will make his personal life better.”

“You don’t tell him and possibly ruin his career .” A voice that sounded eerily similar to Mabel’s rumbled in the back on his head. Ah, the voice of reason. It was bound to come poking its ugly face in here eventually.

“I don’t necessarily know if it’s for his show.” Dipper grumbled, sinking a little further against his bed. Great now he was talking to himself.

“What else would he need it so badly for?”

“I don’t know, curiosity? For a collection, maybe? His life revolves around the supernatural; it’s not that farfetched to want a journal filled on the subject.”

“So you’d rather keep the object of his desire away from him, in the hopes you become that object for him instead. That’s quite selfish.”

“Well no one asked you.” Dipper huffed and rolled onto his side. He stared aimlessly out the triangular window nearby. The sun had already begun to drip close to the tree line, casting an array of colors throughout his room. It was beautiful, really, all oranges and reds, and the occasional pink glow scattering across the shack's rustic interior. His eyes followed the colorful trail of light right back to the pile of clothes at the end of his bed. He stared at the yellow scarf for a long while before he worked up the strength to reach for it.

The fabric was so soft, softer than anything he’d felt before. It was probably really expensive. Dipper tugged the material fully into his palms and laid back down. He held onto the scarf like a blanket, running the pads of his fingers over the kind stitching. “Maybe he won’t leave once he has the book.” Dipper thought aloud once again. He was starting to make a habit out of talking to himself apparently.

It wasn’t like he wanted to keep information from Cipher, especially news that’d make him happy. The paranoia engraved deep in his soul that the man would eventually forget about him if they had no reason to be around each other was just too overpowering. Even though there was a good chance Cipher liked hanging around Dipper for Dipper and not just for his searching skills. It was a big chance, honestly. You don’t just kiss someone you plan on ditching. Cipher seemed like a better person than that, anyways.

But doubt was always louder than hope.

With a quick glance at the clock—which already read 5:10PM—Dipper decided he’d allow himself to sleep on it. It was already late so there was no use calling up Cipher now; he wouldn’t be able to come by until tomorrow anyways.

Settling on that, Dipper rolled over and closed his eyes. Super wouldn’t be ready for another hour or so and a nap sounded like a pleasant idea in the meantime.

.:.:.

Three days.

It’d been three days since Dipper found the old journal hidden in a tree. The journal, which a certain radio host had yet to know, was within Dipper’s possession. It had been shamefully tucked away in the brunet’s desk under a pile of scrap papers. It wasn’t the greatest hiding spot by any means, but Dipper didn’t feel comfortable leaving the relic under his bed or somewhere in his closet. At least in his desk, the book didn’t face any chances of getting ruined.

He stuck the poor book in the bottom drawer with the intention of returning to it in a week – because a night to sleep on deciding to give the book to Cipher just wasn’t enough. He simply wanted a little more time with the radio host to assure he wouldn’t ditch him. That was reason enough, right? In one week time, the book would be given to the blonde man. Until then, Dipper proclaimed he’d live with the guilt and enjoy some downtime with the host.

And what a glorious three days it had been so far. Cipher had been spending a large majority of the days hanging around Dipper’s work again. They’d continued their little routine, but the silence was filled with a lot more bashful glances and sly smiles. The kiss hadn’t been officially mentioned, but the implication that both of them equally enjoyed it and wouldn’t mind doing it again was pretty clearly expressed.

When Dipper wasn’t shackled to his job at the bookstore – and Cipher by extension – they usually ended up spending time around town or the radio station. Very rarely were they away from each other’s side. Not that either was complaining. However, every so often when Dipper would glance Cipher’s way, he’d feel a ball of guilt nibbling away at the core of his stomach. He couldn’t help thinking about the things he was hiding from the man. It didn’t feel right, but at the same time he couldn’t bring himself to do anything about it.

“Do you like your job?”

Cipher blinked open his eyes and tilted his head a little towards the brunet lying somberly beside him. They’d been lying outside on a patch of drying grass a short ways from the radio station, simply enjoying the last few drops of autumn. The sun was high above them, basking them in a nice enough warmth that they only needed light jackets. Cipher was currently wearing the sweatshirt he had borrowed from Dipper a few days prior, having yet to give it up. Not that Dipper really cared, he felt slightly prideful seeing the radio host wearing something of his.

Cipher shifted his arms, which lay beneath his head. “Yeah, I guess you could say that.” He looked back towards the calm blue sky. “It’s fun, I like being able to talk about whatever the hell I want for a living. I am not the biggest fan of having to hide behind a curtain all the time, but it comes with the job.”

Dipper hummed, mulling over that information. He flicked his fingers against the zipper on his jacket. “Why do you have to be so secretive? I doubt anyone would like… attack you or something if they knew who you were.”

Cipher chuckled and turned on his side, arm bent and hand holding up his head. Dipper moved in a similar fashion so that they both faced each other. “There are a few reasons. Gideon thinks having me be unnamed makes me more mysterious, that not only the show holds secrets but even the host does.” He shrugged. “Plus, I like being able to live my life without interruptions. I would get annoyed pretty quickly if people were stopping me on the streets or spewing nonsense about me in teen magazines.”

Dipper twirled his fingers around a few blades of grass, tugging them lazily as he listened. “And here I thought you liked attention.”

“Oh don’t get me wrong, I do! I would love people bending at my every need, but I have standards. I wouldn’t be able to sit here with you like this if I was open about my identity, and that’s not something I am quite willing to give up.”

“I guess that… makes sense.” Dipper pondered. “So you’re a man full of secrets then?”

“I am a man with many angles and lots of knowledge of various topics, who happens to also like having a private life, so if that makes me secretive then I guess I am. However, since I like you I’ll tell you my secrets,” Cipher leaned forward, lips curving into a seductive smirk. “for a price~”

Dipper’s cheeks flushed a soft pink, “Oh really? And what’s your price, Cipher?” He mused, putting up his best confident front.

“Hmmm,” Cipher’s eyes flickered from Dipper’s eyes to his lips then quickly back again. “I don’t know, it’d probably have to be something really pricey since I’ve got a lot of secrets.”

Dipper snorted and rolled his eyes, “What like my soul?” He joked and playfully wiggled his eyebrows.

If one were to have blinked in that moment they probably would have missed the way Cipher’s eyes widened and sparked with wonder for a fraction of a second. He continued to smirk at his companion before rolling onto his back to stare up at the sky once again. “Something like that.” He hummed pleasantly. “I am sure your soul would be a beauty.”

Dipper scoffed and flopped over onto his stomach, arms crossing beneath his chin. He closed his eyes and snuggled a little deeper in his jacket. “Don’t all souls look the same? Like a smoking white ball.”

“I think you’ve been playing too many video games.” Cipher flicked at the edge of Dipper’s ear, earning a small yelp and glare from the boy. “Souls come in all colors and shapes, kid. The more corrupted the soul, the worse it looks. What the world considers ‘sinners’ usually look black, less smoky, more goopy. Like a ball of hot, bubbling tar. While good people are bright, wispy, and usually emit a color.”

“You seem to know a lot about this.” Dipper mumbled into the curve of his arm.

Cipher chuckled under his breath. “Call it a passion of mine.”

The two fell into a comfortable silence after that, lying happily beside each other with only the whispers of wind and occasional tweet of a bird filling the silence. They lay close enough that their arms brushed and with a little maneuvering their hands slipped into each other without question.

It was nice, being able to be together like this without any distractions. To simply enjoy each other’s company. Dipper really didn’t want to let this go, and yet as he peeked past his bangs at the still figure beside him, he knew that he would.

“Hey, Cipher.” Dipper said just barely above a whisper. He watched the blonde’s eyebrow twitch but his eyes remained closed.

“Hm?”

“I gotta tell you something, it’s kind of important, it’s about the b—”

Just as the words were about to flutter out of his mouth, a shrill ring of a phone smacked Dipper’s train of thought straight from his head. His lips latched shut and eyes looked down at Cipher’s glowing pocket, which the man was quickly moving to reach.

He flicked the device on and squinted at the screen as if it had personally offended him. Whether that was because it had interrupted Dipper or not, the boy wasn’t sure.

“Sorry, just an email.” Cipher’s expression lightened considerably as he turned the screen to face Dipper. “Look at this cat jumping in and out of boxes! Giffy sent it. Cats are so silly!”

True to his word, there was a cat hopping into different sized boxes with a small message from Giffany at the bottom of the screen. Dipper smiled softly at the ridiculous video. Of course Cipher would find cat videos funny, what doesn’t he find funny? Dipper thought for a moment and came to the conclusion that, nope, Cipher could get a kick out of anything.

As he watched the video play through, Dipper couldn’t help his eyes wandering to the corner of the screen where a list of information sat. At the top of the list was a name, one that had Dipper’s heart stalling. “Uh.” The boy muttered very intelligently.

Cipher tilted his head to the side and furrowed his brows at Dipper’s odd expression. “What? Don’t tell me you don’t find cat videos funny. Cause I don’t think this relationship can work if—”

“Bill?”

#it's done bby #two more chaps #shall update tomorrow #billdip #my writing #lips of a stranger #billdip fic #fanfiction #fic

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ronninoir · 5 years ago

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Can I Steal You for a Second? CH15

Summary: Adrien is forced to participate in a new dating show, but becomes more excited when Ladybug says she’ll participate as her civilian self.

AKA: AU where Adrien doesn’t know Marinette, the superheroes are 22 and Gabriel is mean and ruthless but not Hawkmoth.

Read on AO3

Start from the beginning Chp 1 on AO3

Chapter 15

Marinette didn’t surface until well into the afternoon. Between the akuma, the taxing cocktail party and the various amounts of alcohol she had consumed, Marinette was exhausted. She was roused by a gentle knock on her door as Hanna and Juliette slipped in.

“Morning, Marinette!” Hanna said in her chirpy voice. They had brought Marinette some sandwiches, chips, and water and Hanna placed the plate on the bed, before sitting on the edge.

“Well, it’s actually afternoon,” Juliette said with a small laugh, placing the glass of water she was holding on the side table. Marinette sat up and stretched, feeling the ache from the akuma attack in her muscles.

“Well I had a long day yesterday, between the cocktail party and the akuma. So I think I deserve extra sleep,” Marinette said as she reached for a sandwich.

“That was so scary what happened last night. We’re just so glad that you’re okay!” Hanna gushed and Juliette nodded in agreement.

“Yeah the whole house is buzzing about how you got attacked. It’s almost like they forgot about all of the drama that Lila caused last night and are just worried about your well-being.” Juliette said as she took a chip off of the plate.

Marinette playfully swatted Juliette’s hand away with a giggle. “That’s actually not the first time I’ve been targeted by an akuma. I’m kind of used to it now.” Both girls gaped at Marinette and she gave a small laugh before taking a bite of the sandwich.

“What happened? How many have come after you? Have you ever gotten hurt? What’s it like to be chased by some super villain? Will you tell us about them?” Both girls began asking questions all at once. Marinette swallowed and couldn’t help but smile. Living in Paris, it’s easy to forget that not everyone has seen an akuma attack take place. Something that is just a part of Marinette’s life is something exciting and interesting to these two who are from other parts of France.

Marinette, slightly excited to tell these stories for the first time, broke into a grin. “Do you want to hear the one about the akuma that was in love with me or the time that I angered the ice cream man? Or how about the time my Nona got akumatized and tried to turn me into coal?”

Juliette and Hanna looked at each other with awed faces. They turned back to face Marinette and Hanna responded, “All of it!” All three girls broke into giggles and Marinette spent the rest of the afternoon retelling stories of all of the crazy akumas she’d seen, and even some cool fights with Ladybug and Chat Noir that she had “seen.” The girls laughed and ate and Marinette was suddenly struck with how much she honestly loved having these two girls as friends.

By the time it had started to get dark out, the girls had moved into the kitchen for dinner. Almost every girl except for Lila came up and made sure that Marinette was okay after the akuma attack yesterday. She reassured everyone that she was fine, and as 8 o’clock ticked closer, excused herself to her room to sketch.

“Why don’t you stay down here and tell everyone about those other times akumas have come after you? I’m sure the other girls will love the stories!” Hanna asked as Marinette began walking up the stairs.

“Reliving all of those stories with you today made me come up with some different ideas for sketches. If I don’t write them down now, I’ll forget! But I promise I’ll tell everyone whatever story you want me to another day!” Hanna nodded and Marinette dashed up to her room, without anyone following.

She had snagged a couple of cookies for Tikki from the cabinet and placed them on the bedside table for when they came back from patrol. Marinette locked the door, unlatched the balcony door, and quickly transformed, disappearing into the night.

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

As Ladybug swung closer to their meeting spot, she noticed a familiar set of ears sitting on the edge of the building, waiting for her. Once she had landed, she moved closer and sat down next to Chat.

“Sorry, I’m late, I had a hard time sneaking away from the girls tonight.” Ladybug said cheerfully as she sat.

Chat nodded and smiled, “I wasn’t worried.”

“How was your day?”

“It was long. I had to endure a lecture from Father, a lecture from Mini-Natalie, and a lecture from Plagg all about different topics. But your presence and beautiful smile makes it all better.”

Ladybug blushed a little at the compliment, “Woah, what did you do that needed to be lectured on?”

“Mini-Natalie lectured me about how I need to stay in sight the next time an akuma attacks nearby so they can make sure I’m safe. Which of course is illogical since I have to escape to fight the akuma, but they don’t know that. Father lectured me on keeping a girl that he wanted to be gone and not making a big deal about her so-called behavior in front of the other girls.” Ladybug’s heart tightened, knowing that she was the reason he had gotten a lecture from his father. “And lastly, Plagg was upset about the way that I’m dealing with the girls who leave. He thinks that the akuma could have been avoided if I had handled it differently.” Chat let out a sigh, and Ladybug reached out and took his hand, intertwining their fingers together.

“Was the girl Marinette?” Ladybug asked. Chat nodded and she sighed. “I’m sorry your Father didn’t like your choice. For what it’s worth, I’m glad you kept Marinette around.”

Chat gave a small smile and squeezed her hand. “I am too. I knew he would be upset by my decision, but I also knew that I wanted her to stay. It was the one lecture I deserved, but I don’t regret my decision.” A small smile graced Ladybug’s lips. She was worried that Adrien would be upset with her because of the lecture, but the knowledge that he didn’t regret keeping her in the house lifted a weight of worry off of her shoulders that she didn’t realize was there.

“Anyway, we do need to come up with a game plan to make sure another girl isn’t akumatized again because she got sent home.” Ladybug said, giving Chat’s hand a squeeze. “Especially as the numbers get smaller and the girls begin to take the cuts personally.”

“I’m open to suggestions.” Chat said, trying to sound upbeat but failing.

Ladybug pondered for a second and was slightly distracted by Chat rubbing different shapes into the back of her hand with his thumb. “If only there was a way that you could talk with each of them after you cut them, to make them understand why it happened and that there’s no hard feelings between you.” Ladybug thought aloud.

Chat sat up a little straighter, “That’s actually a good idea. I could walk out each girl as they leave so there’s that extra time for us to chat and I can make them understand my thought process.” He started to perk up, sounding more relaxed than before. “Thanks, Bug, you’re a genius.” He leaned over and kissed her cheek, which caused both of them to blush slightly.

“That’s why they gave me the important miraculous.” She said, elbowing him with a sly grin.

Chat looked stricken and placed a hand over his heart, “Meowch, you’ve wounded me, milady.”

She laughed and stood up, offering a hand to Chat so he could stand as well. “Come on, we have a city to patrol.”

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

The next morning Marinette woke up, excitement and nervousness pulsing through her. Another Monday meant another week, which meant another date card, and Marinette was anxiously hoping that she would get the one on one this week. She quickly got ready, put on a presentable outfit, and rushed downstairs to the kitchen.

Alice, who was making omelets for everyone, called to Marinette as she ran into the room, “What do you want in yours Marinette?”

Marinette smiled as she sat on a stool at the bar in between Lucie and Marie. “Give me whatever as long as there are no mushrooms!”

“Wow picky, picky,” Alice teased as she turned back towards the stove. Alice was an expert cook and even was in line to inherit a huge restaurant chain from her parents. Much like Marinette, she grew up running around a kitchen and was put to work very quickly after she could walk. The main difference between the two is that Alice’s parents were loaded and frequently bought other restaurants out. When Alice got old enough, not only would she be a wonderful cook, but she would also be a multi-millionaire. Marinette had a feeling Alice was on Gabriel’s Top 10 list. Marinette dreaded the day that Alice got cut and all of the wonderful food would be taken away.

An omelet was very quickly placed in front of Marinette and she began eating. All of the girls were chatting about who would be on the group date tonight and what they were going to wear and everything in between. Marinette was struck by how calm and friendly everyone was being to each other. It felt like a completely different house compared to a couple of weeks ago, where the tension was thick. It seemed that all of the girls liked each other a lot more as their numbers dwindled.

Soon, they were all being ushered away to the main living room to await a date card. Marinette caught sight of Hanna and Juliette and gently pushed her way towards them. Once everyone was settled, a producer stepped into the room and addressed the girls. “Okay, we’re going to have Lila read the date card for today.”

Marinette stifled an eye-roll as Lila smiled. Once there was a knock on the door, she sauntered to it to grab the date card. She came back, and announced, “I got the date card ladies!” with cheery excitement that made Marinette gag.

She cracked the seal and went to read what it said, but didn’t speak. She looked at the nearest producer and asked, “Why is there only one name on here?” The other girls began nervously chatting and Hanna leaned to whisper to Marinette and Juliette, “What do you think is going on?”

Marinette had time to whisper, “Maybe he’s doing the one-on-one first?” before Victoria stepped forward and the group went silent.

“Ladies, I know this is a little different, but because there are so few of you left, and Adrien wants to truly begin narrowing down his prospects, there will be two one-on-ones and one group date from now on. The first one-on-one will be announced tonight, the group date tomorrow, and then Thursday will announce the last one-on-one. Lila, please reread the date card as you were before.”

Lila cleared her throat and gave everyone a smile that Marinette didn’t believe was real. She reopened up the date card and read, “Alice.” All of the girls started “ooooh”-ing and Alice beamed from where she sat. “I can b-air-ly wait to see you,” Lila finished reading and then placed the card on the coffee table. She then stalked out, quickly followed by her current posse of Camille, Marie, and Lily. Marinette congratulated Alice on her date card and then followed Hanna, Juliette, and Lucie to another living area.

“What should we do today?” Juliette asked as she sat down on a chair.

“I’m so bored of doing absolutely nothing almost every day. It makes me even hate sweet Alice for getting to leave tomorrow.” Lucie said with a sigh.

“I know what you mean! It’s like we do the same thing over and over again. No wonder all the drama ensues when Adrien is around, we are so in need of face-to-face time with someone who doesn’t live in this house or operate a camera.” Marinette added, sitting cross-legged on a rug in the middle of the room, facing the other girls. This was the only living room with a TV, but it only had a DVD player so the girls could watch various movies from the vast collection.

“What if we built a fort?” Hanna asked casually.

Marinette and Lucie both sat up straighter and turned towards Hanna. “That’s brilliant! We can make popcorn and pick out a movie and invite all of the girls to join us!” Lucie said, practically bouncing in her chair.

“Forts are more of an evening activity,” Juliette pointed out. How about we have a pool party instead? Show off those fancy Gabriel swimsuits we all got in our gift baskets the first day.”

All of the girls were on their feet now and they were buzzing with excitement. “We can play volleyball and races, and we can have a diving contest, and we can eat lunch outside once we all get hungry.” Hanna squealed.

“And once we all get tired, we can come back in and make a fort in this living room!” Marinette added. The girls nodded in agreement, and without talking about it, rushed for the stairs to tell everyone of the exciting day that they had planned.

Within 30 minutes, all of the girls were at the poolside except for Alice and Constance, who were planning out Alice’s outfits for her date tomorrow, but promised they’d join once they were done. Even Lila was there, tanning and enjoying the sunshine. She was ignoring Marinette, which was fine by her, and it helped that none of the other girls noticed.

They didn’t actually leave the mansion, but it felt like they had, with a change of scenery and outfits. The girls were all laughing and smiling and chatting. Marinette, Juliette and Hanna were the first in the water, solely because Lucie and Gabrielle pushed them in. By the time lunch came, all of the girls were wet but happy.

They stayed outside until the sun began setting, reluctantly making their way inside to rinse off and change. Some of the girls completely redid their make-up, but Marinette’s main focus was to put on her fluffiest pajamas.

“You seem like you’re having so much fun today!” Tikki chirped as she flitted around Marinette, who was pulling a brush through her hair.

“Today has been one of the best days in the mansion.” Marinette responded, almost dreamily. “The only thing that could make it better would be if Alya was here to enjoy it all with me.”

“At least you have friends who are there for you like Alya is here.”

“Seriously though, Tikki. If I didn’t have Hanna and Juliette, I would be lost and upset. I probably would have cried more in the shower than I have.”

“You’ve been crying in the shower?!” Tikki asked, alarmed, flying up to look at Marinette at eye level.

“Well, that’s the only place to cry, unless you want to be filmed. Sometimes you just need to cry. I cried after the akuma and the rose ceremony on Saturday, just because it was so much all at one time. I promise you, Tik, if I’m truly upset, I’ll tell you.”

Tikki softened a little at that. “Good. You know I care about you no matter what.”

“I know, Tikki,” Marinette said softly, grabbing her kwami and pulling her in for a hug.

A loud banging came on Marinette’s door and Tikki squealed and flitted away.

It was Juliette. “Marinette! We are building this fort with or without you. I repeat we are building the fort with or without you!”

“Coming!” Marinette called as she rushed to finish changing. “Come one Tikki! You can hide in my pocket and I’ll sneak you cookies throughout the movie!”

Tikki gave an excited squeal and zoomed into Marinette’s pocket. “What are we waiting for! Let’s go!”

Marinette laughed and skipped down the stairs to join the fun.

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

The next morning all of the girls were chatting excitedly while eating the croissants that Marinette had prepared the night before. They had stayed up late chatting and watching Disney movies and just having a great time. Marinette was dragging this morning, but she was awake enough to bake the croissants and know that another date card was being read this morning.

Once they were gathered in the “Date Card Room,” the girls wished Alice a good time as she left for her one-on-one and were asked some questions about the date card today.

“I’m getting restless. I would love more than anything for some alone time with Adrien that lasts more than 5 minutes.” Marinette nodded and sighed with Juliette as Sasha continued. “I hope my name isn’t on that date card, that would make my day.”

Hanna went and answered the knock on the door, reappearing with the card, and for once, all of the girls held their breath, hoping that their name wasn’t on the paper.

Hanna cracked open the paper and began reading off the names. With each name, a girl sighed and pretended to be happy, while the rest grew more tense. “Camille... Zoe... Lucie... Lila... Kagami... Hanna,” She gave a little half curtsy when she said her own name before continuing. “Sasha... Constance... Marie... Gabrielle... Lily,” Marinette quickly scanned the room and realized that only she and Juliette were left.

They grabbed each other’s hands as Hanna read off the last name, “Marinette.”

Lila looked ready to kill, but the rest were showing happy faces. Marinette hugged Juliette who was shaking she was so excited.

“Let’s get our act together,” Hanna read from the card, before placing it on the table. She quickly came and joined Marinette as Juliette had been snagged for an interview about her one-on-one.

“Looks like we’re going on a date tomorrow,” Hanna said with a smile.

“Looks like we are,” Marinette responded, giving her a hug.

“Where do you think we’re going?”

“As long as it’s out of this mansion, we’ll be okay,” Marinette winked and Hanna laughed right as Juliette ran up to them.

“Come on! We have to figure out what you two are going to wear tomorrow!” Juliette pulled the two laughing girls up the stairs and they disappeared into a mess of clothes.

Not a lot of action in this chapter, but it sets up the next chapter really well (and the next one should be SUPER long to make up for it!) We getting into the meat of the story and we are almost half way done!

Let me know if you wanna be added to the tag list

@momor3202

@legendaryneckjudgestudent

@discoveringmiraculouswriters

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wishingupontheskyandstars · 4 years ago

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Our Secret This Holiday ❄️ Chp. 7

Fic Summary: As the Holidays approach, Arya and Gendry are a new couple spending a lot of time together before they reveal to everyone else that they are dating and what better day to reveal that than on Christmas…

AO3 Link Here | Rated M

Chapter 7: Home

It was near evening when Arya and Gendry were driving on the main road in the town of Winterfell. There were shops with colorful holiday displays in front windows. People walked on the sidewalk with shopping bags in hand, passing by the shops, going in, and coming out of them. Festive lights were decorated around trees all along the road, leading to the large Christmas tree in the main square, near the town's largest theater.

"Hey, let's take a quick picture in front of the tree," Arya said with genuine excitement. She had already taken many pictures on their road trip.

"I don't know—It's pretty chilly, and it looks like it's going to snow," Gendry said as he parked the car in an empty spot in front of the theater.

Arya scoffed. "Oh come on—it was also like this, earlier today when we fuc—"

"Okay, okay." He gave in as he followed Arya to the large decorated tree.

Arya wore a gray scarf along with her teal sweater and jeans. She took one end of the scarf, and once Gendry was at her side, she wrapped that end around him. She stretched her hand, holding her phone, and as she continued to press the button to take pictures, she leaned in and kissed Gendry's cheek. He turned, and with no space between them, he kissed her hard. Arya stopped taking pictures and wrapped her arms around his neck. She kissed him in front of the bright Christmas tree as the snow started to trickle down on them and all of Winterfell.

Half a block away, Jon and his girlfriend, Ygritte, came out of a sweets shop, holding hands. She was in a spirited mood, noticing the drizzle of snow in the air. She stuck out her tongue, catching a snowflake instantly.

"You know, you look cute doing that," he said, squeezing her hand gently.

With her eyes still closed, feeling the beauty of snow on her face, she said, "You know nothing, Jon Snow." She grinned, opening one eye and saw her man chuckle at her nickname for him.

He brought her close and gave her a sweet kiss on the lips. She kissed him back, feeling the snow rain on them.

As they continued to walk down the road, past a few shops, Ygritte looked over at the Christmas tree and then stopped.

"What is it?" Jon asked with brows raised.

Startled but with a grin on her face, she nodded her head toward the tree. "There's Arya."

"Where?" Jon looked around anywhere but at the tree.

She scoffed. "Near the tree."

Jon looked over, and his eyes enlarged as he indeed saw his younger cousin kiss some guy in a leather jacket. "I can't see who's with her." Jon started to walk their way when Ygritte pulled him back.

"Oh no, you don't."

Jon was surprised. "What?—Why?"

She rolled her eyes. "We're going to see her at the house in a little bit. Let her have some quality time with her man—whomever he is."

"I didn't know she had a boyfriend or that she's dating!"

Ygritte gave him an obvious look. "She's twenty-one. What do you expect?"

"I don't know, I—"

"Come on, Jon Snow," Ygritte said as she grabbed his hand and walked away from the couple kissing in front of the tree.

"My parents are usually in bed before midnight, so I say we wait until a quarter past."

"Wait—what?" Gendry said with an incredulous expression as he drove and turned on to the road that lead to the Stark Residence. He quickly looked over at Arya and saw her wink at him.

"It will be fine—trust me," she said.

"I don't know, Arya. If they catch me leaving your room in the morn—."

"They won't—My room is literally on the other side of the house. You're just a few doors over, much closer than they are."

Gendry sighed, hoping she was right. Before he said anything else, the house came into view, full of different colored Christmas lights. It was overwhelming yet beautiful, he thought.

"There's my dad," Arya said with a smile. Ned Stark, in his bulky coat, was putting more lights on the Weirwood tree as Gendry parked nearby. Arya opened the door and sprinted into her father's arms, knocking down the lights.

"Arya!" Ned was surprised as he held his youngest daughter in his arms. He smiled, hugging her tightly. "I missed you, my little wolf," he whispered.

It had only been a few weeks since she last saw him, but for some reason, it felt longer to her. "I missed you too," she whispered back.

"Ah—Gendry, how are you, son?" Ned said with a genuine grin as Arya pulled back.

"Doing well, thank you," he said, shaking Ned's hand.

"And the restaurant?"

Gendry rubbed the back of his neck. "It's great—You and Mrs. Stark need to visit sometime."

"There is some delicious food there, dad," Arya added in, with a smile towards Gendry and a wink, which made Gendry cough.

Ned rubbed his chin in thought. "Maybe once business at the ski resort has settled down—Perhaps in the spring." He shrugged.

Gendry nodded. "Sounds fine," he said as he looked down at the lights in the snow. "Let me help you with those."

"Thanks, Gendry," Ned said. He looked at his daughter and said, "You should take your luggage inside. Dinner will be—"

"At seven," she finished. She hugged her dad again before leaving him and Gendry.

The Stark's dining room was richly decorated with Christmas wreaths hanging on the walls, with lights sparkling above their wooden chandelier. A fresh mistletoe was hanging from the doorway, like almost every other room in the home.

At the dinner table, there was a couple of different conversations occurring. Arya and Gendry sat at one end of the table, near her father. Across from them was Sansa and her boyfriend, Theon Greyjoy.

Sansa pulled back her long auburn hair as she grabbed a lemon cake from a platter.

"Still your favorite food?" Arya teased with a grin.

Sansa nodded as she finished her cake. Theon smiled towards her as he said, "San—you have..." He pointed near the corner of his mouth.

"Oh!" Sansa wiped the corner of her mouth with a napkin, then leaned toward Theon and kissed him on the lips as she whispered, "Thanks, love.

Arya looked at her sister and Theon with an almost sad expression, wishing she could be affectionate with Gendry in front of them all. She took a sip of water as her other hand slid down and reached for his underneath the table.

Gendry gulped, not looking in her direction as he finished his salad. He felt hot even though he removed his leather jacket earlier. He still felt her hand on top of his. He squeezed her hand in response, circling his thumb over her skin.

Arya looked at her sister with a smile forming, feeling Gendry's warmth.

Next to Gendry was Jon. He whispered to Ygritte, "I should at least ask her."

She shook her head as she used her knife and fork to cut into her steak. "Nope," she said.

At the other end of the table was Catelyn Stark. Her youngest son, Rickon, was seated near her and next to Theon.

"I'll miss Bran this Christmas," he said with a sad face, using his fork to push his vegetables aside.

"I will too, but he told me he sent everybody's presents, including yours yesterday in the mail, so it should be here before Christmas Eve."

"Really?!" The young boy’s face was ecstatic.

“Yes and please eat your greens, Rickon.”

He gave her an anguished expression as he started to eat his vegetables.

Catelyn Stark drank from her wine goblet before her eyes diverted to her youngest daughter. Oblivious to the conversations occurring, she said, "Arya, I'm glad you made it up here at all—I didn't think you got any of my messages." She gave her daughter a sharp look.

The table quieted down as Arya said, "I got all six of them." She smiled at her mother as she ate a piece of boiled potato. She felt Gendry's shoe next to hers as if reminding her to cool down.

Catelyn smiled in return. "Good—I thought perhaps you lost your phone like you lost track of your days."

"Cat," Ned said with a tone of urgency.

Arya put her fork down and looked at her mother without emotion, "I'm sorry I wasn't here yesterday. Let me know how I can make it up to you," she said convincingly.

"I'm glad you said that. We're all busy with the resort and getting ready for the family gathering on Christmas Eve. If you were here yest—" She shook her head. "Anyway, I have a list of Christmas presents for you to purchase for everyone, from your father and me. You'll go to the mall tomorrow."

Arya dropped her fork and heard it clatter against the metal plate. "What?! You know I hate—" She looked across the table at Sansa, who was looking at her with raised eyebrows. "Why can't Sansa go—she loves to shop!"

Sansa raised her brows and said, "Mom, I can go with—"

"I need Sansa at the resort tomorrow, Arya," her mother said calmly. "You did just say to let you know how you can make your mistake up to me, well, here it is."

Arya sighed and felt Gendry's hand over hers, underneath the table. She was going to reply when she heard a snort from Jon. She rolled her eyes and said, "Shut up, Jon!" She looked just in time to see Ygritte, one of her favorite people, shove his arm with hers. There were more chuckles from the table as Arya met her mother's eye, stabbing her fork in another potato, and said with a forced half-smile, "I can't wait for tomorrow."

#gendrya #arya x gendry #ao3 #fanfic #multi chapter fic #inspired by Tumblr prompt #Holidays #Christmas #my fanfic

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jack-andthestalk · 6 years ago

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Our Son, Arc II, Obligations, Chp 5.

So almost 3000 words.

My heart literally hurt yesterday to see that the beautiful @kalendraashtar felt she couldn't continue writing because of horrible anons. It is 100% jealousy, and they are pathetic bitter individuals, who hide behind anonymity. Anyway I want to dedicate this chapter to her because if it wasn't for her her inspiring work I would never have typed a word of fanfic. I don't have an ounce of her gift but I will keep writing anway!I

Anyways thank you for your comments and asks, it fuels the fire guys! I want to thank @balfeheughlywed and @ladyviolethummingbird who got me to move the first section of this chapter to a later one and they were so right because I am so much happier with the flow. There is reference to NSFW language below the cut.

Brian patted my hand, a tight smile swept across his face. “There ye are Jamie lad, I was just about to tell ye that I found Claire!” his tone overly light, nervous almost.

Jamie nodded, arms folded defensively keeping his eyes locked on me. “Aye,” he said plainly.

Brian sensing the tension, made one final attempt at smoothing the waters, “Son I have told Claire that this is not our wish for ye, I ken that might not help yer explanations but…I”

Before Brian could finish his sentence, Jamie’s face grew grim. “This is bullshit” he snarled, “I am damned if I do and damned if I don’t”, pointing one finger at his father “you absolving yourself of my decisions isna going to make things any better, so dinna bother trying that judicious bullshit with me!” he spat.

Brian visibly flinched at his words, but he walked towards Jamie calmly, eyes full of sympathy. “I am sorry son. I ken this is very difficult on ye.”

Before we could speak another word, Willie came bounding energetically into the stables, and we all made a conscious effort to take a step back.

“Ma” Willie shouted excitedly “Me and Da have been looking for ye all morning!”, he jumped up into my arms “Where have ye been?” his brows creased together questioningly. “Oh well” I replied, infusing a brightness in my tone that I didn’t feel, “I have been out walking and helping Grandda.”

Willie nodded acceptingly. “How many friends can I invite to the wedding?” he blurted out, his mind running onto his next plan.

“The what?” I asked my addled brain failing to follow Willie’s quick turnaround.

“yer and Da’s wedding,” Willie explained rolling his eyes. “I wanna invite my new friends from School.”

Jamie stepped forward, taking Willie from my arms. “As many as ye like son”, ignoring my half opened mouth he smiled reassuringly at Willie.

Brian cleared his throat and started shuffling towards the stable door. “Come with me a bhalaich” Brian beckoned; Willie duly leapt from Jamie’s arms to follow his grandfather.

“Don’t do that” I hissed as soon as Willie was out of earshot.

“Claire,” Jamie said ignoring my temper. “Will ya let me explain” his hands outstretched pleadingly.

“your father has explained it all” I said and stormed off.

_________________

If my dress had sleeves, they would be wrung within my fingers nervously. "Fuck", I muttered to myself "I am too soft that's my problem".

The three swift brandies I had downed before arriving had numbed my yapping stomach but done nothing to quench the anxiety roaring around my body.

I had no one to blame for my attendance at this farce but myself, given that my first thought this morning was to board a plane to Boston. My resolve had weakened under Jenny's pleading words.

"Ya ken mam willna ask it of ye, but she has invited everybody and their mother to this party, if ye dinna show with Jamie, she will would be shamed", seeing my expression she held her hand up haltingly, " I ken right now yer not too concerned of shaming Jamie, but I know ye willna shame mam."

My answer was quick and wounding "I will do it for Ellen." I said sharply, stamping out the flash of hope that flickered across Jamie’s face.

Jamie's soft knock on the bedroom door came sometime later, "Are ye ready Sassenach?" his anger from earlier had dissipated somewhat, and instead his eyes held a sadness, the sight was like an invisible hand churning my gut. Part of me longed to pull him to me, missing the solid feel of him but I was still too sore to bridge the gap.

To occupy my mind and avoid Jamie, I had spent more than the average amount of time readying myself for a party. If I dressed as if going to battle, it might conjure up bravery I didn't own, and to hide the utter devastation that I felt inside. I would be damned if the Dunsany's would know what they cost me.

Jamie's face when I opened the door, fortified me with just enough courage to face them. "Ye are stunning," he said simply.

__________________

"I dinna want the Dunsany's in my home either" Ellen whispered as we entered through the kitchen door, "but they will be gone tomorrow, and for now we will hold our heads high, aye?"

I heard her message and greeted each guest as warmly as I could.

Yielding to Jamie's warm hand on the small of my back, just as much an act of compromise as need.

The Fraser's neighbours and friends eyed me with a mixture of curiosity and something like compassion. I was a stranger, the Sassenach pet name Jamie called me was somewhat different on their tongues.

To most of them, Jamie's engagement came entirely out of the blue, and they weren't even aware that we were dating, which technically we weren't.

The flow of congratulations, followed with "sure it will be lovely for Willie" spoke volumes. Our engagement perceived as a necessity, an arrangement almost. Just a girl Jamie had got pregnant, and now he was doing the decent thing by marrying her.

Everything coloured by the move to Hellwater, I couldn't see our story anymore. Focusing only on the bare facts of mine and Jamie's history, I saw myself from their eyes. A mistake.

Panic and humiliation were fighting each other for dominance in my mind.

My status as an obligation was driven home when I heard an elderly neighbour of the Fraser's bend to Jamie's ear. His ruddy cheeks wobbling in merriment "Ye got caught son" he said nudging Jamie playfully in the ribs, "happens to the best of us...our Ann was six months gone when I married her, ye did well to escape the ould ball and chain for four years."

Jamie's head snapped instantly to me first and then he lent to the man again, muttering something between gritted teeth and stormed away leaving me alone with strangers.

Hours seemed to pass since I lost Jamie's presence by my side. I listened to stories I had no part in or knowledge of. I was ignoring the stares and curious looks and raging silently with him for leaving me.

I pressed my lips together to try and still the scream that threatened to fall from my mouth.

“Claire?” Jenny's concerned face was peering at me.

I moved across the room, away from her searching for an exit I bumped straight into Jamie. Geneva Dunsany trailing behind him, "where are ye going?"

He was leaning over me, not helping the circulation of air I so desperately needed. “It doesn't matter, I can’t do this”, I swallowed hard and took a deep breath, I glanced over his shoulder at Geneva and Jamie followed my stare, he turned back to me quickly to say something but before he had uttered a word a cold hand reached for my forearm.

Geneva Dunsany's concerned eyes watching me "Claire are you ok? You've gone a terrible shade."

"Fine," I said smiling tightly.

Her blue eyes gazed at me sympathetically this coinciding with Jamie's equally concerned expression made me want to slap something, was he with her when he left me alone? "Look I am sure none of this is easy," she said mildly, "newly engaged and about to be separated."

Jamie moved a step closer to me as if anticipating my propensity to turn violent. "I just want you to know that we will take excellent care of him" she smiled sweetly.

"I dinna need your family's care Geneva, I am there under coercion. let us be clear, aye?."

Suddenly it was too much, Geneva's wounded face, Jamie's defensive words. They were all involved in this mess, and I no longer wanted to be.

Bolting for the nearest door, I breathed apologies while squeezing myself between guests as I left.

_______

It was an hour later when Jamie snuck into the stables behind me. "I thought ye went home," he said quietly, tentatively edging closer to me as if approaching a spooked horse.

"Home?" I snorted sarcastically "and where would that be?"

Jamie took a moment to consider "I would like to say yer home is with me, but I dinna think ye see it that way anymore?"

I was at a loss for how to answer him. "Do you have any idea how it felt in that room? I have never felt so alone... so... " searching for a word to sum up how I felt, "so far from home" I finished, hoping that he couldn't hear the break in my voice.

When his hand snuck around to pull me close, I shrank from his touch.

"I am so sorry Claire" he held on firmly, ignoring the attempt to sever myself from him.

"Sorry?" I asked disbelievingly "sorry doesn't come close, Jamie."

His face fell, and his hand rose to cup my cheek. Eyes brimming with tears, I could see the exhaustion weighing down his shoulders.

Fixing my eyes on a vacant point on the floor, I bit my bottom lip, it hurt to look at him.

"Do ye think it is easy for me Claire? It's like ripping my heart out and living without it" his voice falling to a whisper at the final word. Swallowing hard and blinking rapidly, he moved towards me.

“Do ye not think I am fucking broken at the thoughts of leaving ye?” he persisted.

My mouth curled up in a sneer, "and here you are still only thinking of how this affects you, Jesus Jamie" I snapped.

His hands reached out and held me firm by my forearms. There was no sound but a ragged drawing of breath. He stood staring at me, eyes searching up and down my face.

"What would you have me do? Let them leave my parents without a home, a business? Throw away everything they have worked for?"

"What I would have had you do is not put all that at jeopardy without getting fucking advice first" I spat.

Something flickered in his eyes before he roared "fuck" and kicked an upturned bucket halfway across the stable. Running his hand through his hair he turned from me, his head thrown back.

I wasn't done.

"No matter how I look at it, I can't get past that we are not your priority, we weren't your priority when Willie was born, and we aren't your priority now," I said flatly.

“Claire” Jamie breathed, “That couldna be further from the truth” he shook his head incredulously.

"This is pointless" I retorted rolling my eyes, "you can't even see what your actions mean Jamie?"

His bewildered glare told me he didn't have a clue.

"Look," I said feigning reason. "Our circumstances have changed. It's like you proposed a lifetime ago. I am not naive enough to think that Willie and I may have seen like an obligation."

Jamie's eyes widened, and he put his hands up haltingly, moving in small steps to stand in front of me.

"Obligation?" he asked incredulously. I didn't answer, the whispers and swirls of gossip still circulating in my mind from the party.

"Claire" he breathed, one side of his mouth turning up in a smile. "When I asked ye to marry me, I meant every word, it doesna matter what happens around us Sassenach, what it is between us doesna change."

His imploring eyes and soft intake of breath made me want to fall into his arms, but Jamie's reluctance to admit the enormous problem our future faced grated on me.

“Oh ok, so when do you think we should get married then? Where do you think we should live?

When he opened his mouth and failed to say something. My lips curled up into a sly smile. "The truth is, the day you agreed to move to Hellwater, you ended any future you and I could have."

Jamie's mouth dropped open, but something close to recognition passed over his face.

I raised my hand halting the start of his protests, and my voice trembled slightly when I said "it's not just because we will be separated, your actions speak volumes, Jamie. I gave up everything to come to you, and yet again, Willie and I are down the pegging order."

His eyes flashed angrily, and he loomed over me "Do – ye – not – think – I – regret –it" he said through gritted teeth.

"I don't fucking know; maybe it is what you want? Running the show at Hellwater, everyone thinking you're some sort of fucking demigod come horse whisperer, maybe you get your kicks out of that, hmm?"

Jamie's eyes went as wide as stalks, his hands bunching into fists at his sides before he sent one pounding against the wooden frame behind me. I was reasonably sure I had never witnessed Jamie so furious. I revelled in it, matching his glare with gusto.

“Are ye crazy?” he asked incredulously. Part of my brain was begging me to stop this before Jamie’s head blew clean of his shoulders, the other half wanted me to provoke him until he said something he couldn’t take back and I would have justification for my loathing.

Jamie grabbed the top of the gate of the horse stall directly behind me, my eyes followed his hand, and I could see the whites of his knuckles as he gripped it. He was boxing me in, leaning over me to demonstrate his power, it irked me considerably.

I cleared my throat and gave him a smile that didn't quite meet my eyes. My voice was like honey now.

"Look you'll be fine I am sure…those Dunsany sisters will be certain to make you feel welcome, I think one of them might even want to fuck you too…so your bed will be warm", the cold gaze that I gave him under my lashes was the perfect accompaniment to the utter filth I was suddenly capable of spouting.

Jamie grabbed me roughly “What the hell has gotten into ye?” he growled. “Oh come on” I persisted. “You’re pretending it’s a death sentence…when I am sure the Lady Geneva will make it an altogether more enjoyable affair”, my disused British accent now slanted, mocking.

A rumble came from Jamie’s chest that I knew was going to exit his mouth as a roar.

“Ye think I want to fuck somebody else, is that it Claire, ye think I want to leave you and Willie so I can fuck Geneva Dunsany?”

I turned my face away, staring at nothing on the wall. "Answer me!!" Jamie roared.

Turning completely, back to his face I breathing deeply trying to calm myself.

Jamie's warm breath came fast against my ear. A spiteful tone to his words.

“Well more fool me because you are the only woman I want to fuck even when yer out of your mind!”

He pulled me back against him, his fingers pressing into my hips until my bottom met his cock. Hard, aching.

"Can ye feel that" he hissed against my neck.

"Even - now," he said haltingly. "I want ye when ye canna even look at me."

He was rousing something in me that I wasn't sure what to do with.

Heat spread through every inch of me at his touch.

Another breath.

"I only want you” he whispered.

II craved him, anger be damned, intense pleasure clawed up my spine and I rotated my hips against him. Teasing.

"Can ye no look at me then?" teeth snaking into my neck, his chin heavy on my shoulder.

"No," I said hoarsely "I can't".

"Do ye want me?"

"Jamie" I pleaded. "This won't help" My body sending a different message as I slipped my hand back and ran it over his arousal, which earned me an eager groan and a breathy "fuck".

Slow and steady Jamie's hand crept up the hem of my dress, sure fingers gliding up my thigh until he reached between my legs and felt the wetness there. "Ye do want me," he said while biting and licking the soft skin below my ear.

Jamie's hand journeyed down my arm and he entwined our fingers where my hand rested above the gate. One knee shoving my legs apart he continued to move his fingers inside of me, teasing the wetness there. I could barely breathe around the need.

Moaning loudly I thrust my bottom against him, and Jamie drew in a sharp breath.

I wasn't aware of one other coherent thought, but the sound of the metal clang of his belt buckle hitting the floor as he dropped his pants, and his fist driving himself inside of me. Losing all heed for where we were or who might see.

Over and over we punished each other every time Jamie thrust into me, I pushed back.

Frantic breaths and screams were barely audible over the pelting wind and rain outside. Furious coiling, in my belly, when Jamie slid his hand down to our joining I bowed over at the waist, his soft cries of "Jesus Sassenach" as he stilled and came inside, was just low enough that I wouldn't hear his voice break.

He slumped over me and grasped me to him. We stood like that not moving and buried deep until Jamie's voice came back against my ear, he pressed a wet cheek against my neck.

"Are ye going to leave me, Claire?"

#outlander fanfic #ourson

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foxboymyles · 6 years ago

Text

Pardon My Imprudence [Chp 3]

Note: This chapter is quite long. Hope you guys don’t mind! ^_^

The next day, Luffy hurried downstairs and ate his breakfast 2 times faster than usual.

Shanks looked at him in shock and slowly passed him a bottle of water. He thumbed at Luffy to Sabo.

“Is he ok?”

Ace interrupted before Sabo could speak. “He’s just going freaky over this new boyfriend he’s got.” Sabo went silent and nodded.

“Oh, gosh. That’s what’s been going on?” Shanks said, drinking his coffee. “Well, I’m not gonna stand around and let you do your own thing this time, Luff. I need to make sure this guy is good.”

Luffy nodded.”Yeah, I’ll invite him for dinner today!” Luffy was gonna run out the door when Shanks tossed him another bottle of water.

“What’s his name, by the way?”

“Roronoa Zoro!” Luffy said, rushing out the door.

Shanks paused for a second.”Eh?!? He’s Mihawk’s son! Wait, Luffy!”

…

Luffy spotted Zoro, after dashing through the gates where they meet. He hugged Zoro tightly and gave him another bottle of water.

“Here!”

“Oh, that’s fine. My sister started getting her own water.” Zoro said, in a warm voice.

Luffy’s interpretation of Zoro’s voice was always warm and mellow ever since that last night when he called him. It was then when Zoro moved closer to Luffy’s lips. He lifted Luffy’s chin with his hand and turning his head slightly. Luffy dropped his water and closed his eyes. Their lips met, slowly but surely, feeling like a mixture of soft skin and warm breath. Luffy’s reflex was to relax his body weight on Zoro, feeling secure to put his arms around Zoro’s neck. Their lips parted, but Luffy’s chest was still against Zoro’s. His cheeks were flushed, as he met lips with Zoro again. If he was just a little more out of space, he wouldn’t have heard Usopp calling out his name.

“Luffy! What the heck are ya doing?” Usopp said, a little surprised.

Nami was behind him, grinning and giggling at the scene.

Luffy chuckled and put his head against Zoro’s chest.

“Hi guys!”

“I knew he was gay! You owe me 20 dollars!” Nami said, putting out her hand to Usopp.

Usopp backed away.”What?!? I don’t remember making any bets!”

The bell rang, and all of them made their way to the stairs. Usopp got a dollar from his pocket.

“This is all I have right now. Heracle is giving me my allowance tomorrow.” Usopp said.

“How much you getting?” Nami said, grabbing the dollar.

“Uh, 15,” Usopp said shortly.

Nami smirked.”Great! I’ll get 50% of that! Which is 7 dollars and 50 cents.”

“I guess that’s ok,” Usopp said, out of relief.

“So I have to give you that amount for a few weeks?” He continued.

“Yup! Until I get my 20 dollars!” Nami said cheerfully.

She then grabbed his hand and ran off to their class.

Zoro put his arm around Luffy’s shoulder and got to his classroom. He said a short goodbye and maybe an ‘I love you’ from what Luffy’s ears could tell. He kissed Luffy’s forehead and went to his English class. As for Luffy, he had Math. Once he got to his seat, his friend Vivi greeted him. He told her the news about him and Zoro, and she gleamed. She explained that she’d known Zoro and that he seemed really lonely as a person, and that he had a good heart. Luffy smiled at her comments and said that he’d promise he’d take good care of Zoro. The teacher, Silvers Rayleigh came in. He had a silver-colored beard and long, slightly wavy hair. He always had a button up shirt on and dark pants.

“Alright class, get to page 398 in your textbook. You’ll be doing warm-ups from what we did yesterday.” Rayleigh said, pointing to the board which read the instructions.

Chopper was the student helper. He had taken this math class before for 2 months until he was moved to more advanced classes. Now it’s an extra class that he volunteers to be in. Chopper smiled and wrote the numbers of the problems on the board. Luffy was opening up his book until he felt something hit his back gently. He turned around and saw, of course, Eustass Kid.

“Hey, Straw-dork. How’s it going?” He said, a little vicious but friendly enough.

Luffy nodded.”It’s going good. How’s Law doing?

“He’s doin’ great. Still working on motorcycles, things like that. I heard you knocked Bellamy in the head good. Deserves it, that shit head.”

Luffy didn’t respond, but the girl in the back did.

“He was getting in the way anyways,” Rebecca said, ironically in a soft, polite voice.

She has shiny light pink hair that looked like sweet cotton candy. Her eyes were chocolate brown, and her skin was warm. It smelt of fresh flowers when you turned her way.

Kid raised his eyebrows and smiled.”Oh? Didn’t know a pretty lady like you was here. You’re awfully quiet.”

“Yeah, sure. I was hearing something off the announcements, though. Would you like to hear?” Rebecca asked.

“Go ahead.”

“Apparently our principal Marshall D. Teach is getting replaced,” Rebecca said in a lower tone.

Luffy and Vivi were listening and smile slightly. Kid nodded his head in approval. No one liked their Principal, Mr.Teach. He made it to where they were free, but a little too free. There’s been many fights and Luffy’s seen their friend Sanji smoke inside the school freely without getting caught. Luffy liked the idea, but he knew it’d cause disorder in the school, and that it upsets many people.

“The bad news is Sir Crocodile is running to be principal,” Rebecca said, unsettled.

Vivi bit her lip nervously.”I know him. He was the principal of my middle school. He ended up causing a lot of misery for some students and framed them for doing things they didn’t do. But the school never found out. They never believed anything anyone said against him.”

Luffy’s eyes slightly widened. “Really?” Kid and Rebecca listened and she continued.

“Yeah. He was gonna go after me because I was generous with money at the time. Fortunately, he went to another school to teach.”

Rebecca gulped.”That’s really bad news-”

Rayleigh cleared his throat and looked at the 4 that were murmuring.

“Is there anything you want to share with the class?”

Luffy raised his hand, as Rayleigh sighed and accepted his comment.

“This guy is gonna try to be principal here and he’s really mean. He tricks students and gets them into trouble and steals their parents’ money. The school board hasn’t found out and they won’t believe kids when they say he’s bad.” Luffy grinned as Vivi slapped him against the head.

“You weren’t supposed to say that!” Vivi exclaimed.

The rest of the class mumbled to each other as Rayleigh quieted them down.

“I assure you, Luffy, that this school will never let in people such as him. Now, class. May we continue?” The rest of the class agreed.

…

It was lunch period. Zoro had just gotten out of PE and Luffy was out of History with his favorite teacher, Ms.Nico. She had taught him a few life lessons and was generally very calm. Ms.Nico was easy to follow and you could learn so much without hassle.

Luffy spotted Zoro and held his hand. “Hey, Zoro!”

“Hi, Luff.” He replied back.

“I heard some news about a guy trying to be the new principal. Apparently, he's a real bad guy.” Luffy explained.

“Of course. The school board is stupid with things like that.” Zoro said, putting his other hand in his pocket.

“Oh, by the way. My dad wants you to hang out with us for dinner tonight.” Luffy said, smiling.

Zoro nodded. “I can do that.”

“How’s your sister?”

“Bratty, like always. She’s tolerable sometimes. Don’t invite her.” Zoro warned.

Luffy laughed and accepted Zoro’s request. Kid signaled for Luffy to sit at his table. Luffy sat and Zoro told him he’d get both of their lunches. Sanji sat at the table subtly, looking through his phone.

“What’s moss head doing?” Sanji asked dryly.

“He’s just getting lunch.”

“Why’re you still here, then?” Sanji said, unwrapping a gum wrapper.

“He’s getting my lunch for me,” Luffy replied.

Sanji started to chuckle at the thought.

“So he’s seeing you?” Sanji asked.

Kid didn’t want to tune in to the conversation and took out his phone.

“Mhm,” Luffy said.

Zoro came back with Luffy’s tray and set it by him. He put his tray down and began eating after Luffy said a short thanks.

“How was confessing to him like? Did you pussy out on the first try?” Sanji asked with a ridiculous smile on his face.

Zoro glared. “I was cut off by his brother the first time. The second time Ace called me himself and I could only explain it as a rant directed at me.”

Sanji laughed hysterically. “It doesn’t matter what circumstances, you always get bad luck somehow! What a dumbass!”

Zoro pulled him by his shirt. “You wanna say that again?”

“Dumbass,” Sanji repeated in a drawl.

Kid groaned. “Will you ladies shut up? I’m watching a porno here.”

Usopp and Nami came over and sat down.

“What’re you guys going on about now?” Nami asked.

“Moss boy here is getting offended,” Sanji said, smirking.

“Fuck off.” Zoro mumbled, grabbing one of Luffy’s chicken tenders, then heard him yell ‘hey!’

Luffy turned Zoro around and growled. “Give it back!”

Zoro smiled and mumbled with his mouth full. “Make me.”

“I know where this is going, so here. Spare my life.” Usopp said as he grabbed 3 of his nuggets and gave them to Luffy.

Luffy smiled brightly and gobbled the nuggets up. “Usopp is my favorite friend!”

“Wow, what an unhealthy dynamic you have there, Zoro,” Sanji replied.

“Yeah, yeah. I was just teasing him, idiot.” Zoro said.

“I bet you do that a lot,” Sanji said, snickering. Usopp’s eyes widened and coughed.

“Yeah, and you can’t get at least one chick in your bed out of your whole lifespan,” Zoro replied.

Kid made a sizzling sound with his mouth while staring at his phone.”Wow, that’s gotta hurt.”

Sanji grunted. “Yeah, yeah. The gay guy giving me advice about women.”

Zoro smiled. “Huh. What about that huge party I gave you the wrong address to. And you ended up in a homosexual org-”

“We don’t talk about that!” Sanji said, his face red.

“Oh, that’s hot.” Kid said, intentionally referring to the graphic images on his phone. But, Nami and Usopp didn’t see it that way. They stared at him awkwardly. “What?” Kid said, stuffing his mouth with pizza.

The bell rang as everyone went back to their classes. The rest of the day was normal.

As soon as the final bell rang, Luffy went to Zoro’s class. He was packing his stuff and talking to Ms.Nico.

“Hi, Ms.Nico!” Luffy said.

Ms.Nico Robin had long jet black hair. Her skin was fairly pale and she had beautiful light blue eyes.

“Hello, Luffy. What can I do for you?” She smiled politely.

“Oh, I’m just waiting for Zoro. He’s gonna come over for dinner tonight!”

“That’s delightful. He told me about your acquaintance with him as well.” Robin said, giggling.

Zoro blushed and continued to put his things in his backpack. Robin and Luffy had a conversation until Zoro stood up with his backpack and grabbed Luffy’s hand.

“Thank you for explaining that part in history, Ms.Nico. I’ll do good on that test, I promise.” Zoro said as she waved goodbye.

…

Zoro got to the le roux house and sat on the couch. Sabo sat by him and welcomed him.

“Where’s Ace?” Zoro asked.

Sabo shrugged. “He said he was getting Luffy his favorite snack and a couple other things. I hope he’s not out too long. I’m making homemade lasagna.”

Zoro nodded. “Do you have a job as a caterer or do you just like to cook a lot?”

“Oh, I’m not a caterer. I do have a job, though. I’m a freelance writer. I enter cooking competitions on the side.” Sabo said, excited to answer.

“How about Ace?”

“He’s a lifeguard in the summer. He also does some music and plays the acoustic guitar.” Sabo said.

“Ace is really talented! He can play a bunch of songs.” Luffy added.

They chatted for a while until Shanks opened the front door. Zoro stood up and shook his hand.

“Hi! You’re Zoro, correct?”

“Yeah. It’s nice to meet you, Shanks.” Zoro said.

Sabo put a hot turkey on the table and sides like mashed potatoes and peas. He placed a pitcher of water and another of homemade orange juice. Luffy sat by Zoro and on the other side was Ace, Sabo, and Shanks.

Zoro ate a piece of turkey and smiled. “You’re really great at cooking, Sabo.”

“Thank you! I have to cook a lot of food usually. Luffy tends to eat a lot.” Sabo said.

Shanks got the water pitcher and filled up his cup.

“So, I was surprised to hear Luffy was dating you because I’ve talked to your father and he’s mentioned your name.”

“He’s a really successful man, but he’s very strict,” Zoro explained, cutting his chunk of turkey again.

“That’s true. Do you work anywhere?” Shanks said. He took a sip from his cup and placed it down.

Zoro nodded. “I’m a waiter at Blue Creek. Our friend is a cook there.”

Luffy smiled. “Sanji’s a great cook like Sabo!”

Sabo blushed slightly and grinned, his hand scratched the back of his head. “You think so?”

Ace rolled his eyes at Sabo’s flustered-ness.

Zoro gave his leftovers to Luffy, who thanked him with a sloppy kiss on the cheek. Ace turned away, but Sabo laughed at how comfortable they were. Zoro didn’t react differently and ruffled Luffy’s hair.

Shanks jumped up, as he suddenly remembered something he was going to say.

“Luffy did a great job teaching that Bellamy kid a lesson, I heard!” Shanks said cheerfully.

“I’ve only known recently that he was that strong,” Zoro said.

“You’ll be learning a lot more about what he can do. It’s incredible how well he can get back on his feet. Remember when I tell you that.” Shanks informed Zoro.

“I’ll be aware of that,” Zoro remarked.

“Zoro fights too! He does heavy lifting and trains with katanas!” Luffy exclaimed, trying to show off his boyfriend.

Shanks chuckled. “Now that’s gonna be a duo no one will mess with.”

“Except Garp.” Ace mumbled.

Sabo’s eyes widened and he began hacking, nudging Ace in the side. Shanks turned his attention to them in curiosity.

“What about Garp?” Shanks asked.

“Remember? Garp is trying to take Luffy away to become a marine. His co-workers hate us.” Ace said aloud.

Shanks sighed. “I don’t think that was necessary, Ace.”

“I think he needed to know.” Ace said, as he stood up and put his plate away.

Sabo stood up and attempted to get him from going back into his room, but he quickly got up the steps and shut the door abruptly. Sabo sat back down and looked at Zoro. He still somehow looked calm. From that quarrel, he would have expected a little bit of a tense appearance. But alas, he looked the same as before. The only difference is that Zoro looked like he was going through deja vu. Somehow…

“I’m sorry that happened, Zoro. He’s a little personal about, you know, what’s going on with you and Luffy. I promise that he’ll get used to it! He does this very often.” Sabo said, reassuringly.

“He’s always like this. What made him split again anyways?” Shanks asked.

“I guess the mention of Zoro and Luffy being a duo? Also, Garp called Ace the other day. Same thing, about being a marine…”

“I’m sorry to leave you out,” Shanks said to Zoro. “Garp is Luffy’s biological grandfather. I’m a stepfather to all three of these kids. Ace had no parents and both Sabo and Luffy’s fathers didn’t want them. On top of that, Luffy and Ace had no mother. So I decided I would help them.”

Zoro nodded. “I understand. Luffy told me you've been his adoptive parent since he was 7.”

“Garp is obsessed with the fact of all three of them becoming marines, and they refuse. But he always tries to convince them to. As for his co-workers, they think we’re criminal’s because Luffy’s biological father was an infamous criminal.” Shanks explained.

Zoro’s eyebrows slightly went up.”Criminal?”

Luffy continued eating.

Shanks murmured for Sabo to get the wine and turned back to Zoro. “Yes, he’s rebelling against what would be the world government right now. It’s not helping any of their images, really.”

Sabo put the wine on the table and unscrewed the top. Shanks grabbed the bottle, and lightly tipped it, as the red sparkling liquid filled his wine glass.

Zoro looked at Luffy who was wiping out his mouth and smiling generously.

“Thank you for the meal, Sabo!” Luffy said.

“Anytime,” Sabo said.

Zoro looked up at Shanks, looking a little unsure.

“Should I go up there and talk to him?” Zoro asked.

“If you want to get yelled at,” Shanks said, sipping his wine.

Zoro stood up and went upstairs, as Luffy stayed in his seat.

Sabo frowned. “Why didn’t you stop him, Luffy? Ace is not gon-”

“Zoro knows what he’s doing,” Luffy said, smiling.

Luffy kept a conversation with Sabo, as Zoro knocked on Ace’s door. He heard a muffled ‘who is it’ from Ace.

“It’s Zoro.” He replied back.

Zoro could hear a soft sigh, as the other opened with a creek. Ace had an acoustic guitar strapped onto his body, and a small pick was in his right hand. He signaled for Zoro to sit down.

“I’m sorry about the public affection. I-”

“No, it’s fine. You don’t need to worry about doing that- I’m just a little protective over Luffy. So if I say anything crude don’t take it seriously. Just controls me a lot.” Ace explained, striking some chords.

“So, what’s with your grandfather? He doesn’t seem like much fun.” Zoro said.

Ace put his guitar down and threw his pick on the bed. He shrugged hopelessly and laid his head on his hands.

“I don’t know. He’s really stern on us being marines, but somehow I think he already knows we’ll never do that. But he keeps on trying.” Ace said.

“Either way, Luffy must handle it great,” Zoro said.

Ace smiled. “Of course, like everything. I’ve always wondered where he got his strong will from.”

There was silence. And then, Ace stood up. He grabbed a 20 dollar bill from his pocket and gave it to Zoro.

“Go out and get some ice cream with him, will you? Keep the rest, that’s all the money I have on me right now.” Ace said sternly.

Zoro smiled and grabbed the bill. He stopped.

“You’re not as bad as you make yourself out to be. It’s been nice meeting you.” Zoro said, grinning.

And so Zoro went down the steps. Ace’s eyes widened temporarily, then he smiled.

#zolu #anime #pairing #fanfiction #writing #otp #one piece #luffy #zoro

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snowthunder · 6 years ago

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Salty Kisses - A Klance Beach AU - Chp 5 UPDATE 2.0

GUYS WE ARE SO FUCKING SORRY OMG So long story short, Liv (@thetolkiengeek) and I did a lot of story development and wound up completely rewriting chapter 5??? hahahaha it’s fine we’re fine it’ll all be fine 🙃

ANYWAYS. Because we’re making you wait so long, we’ve decided to share another snippet! Hopefully we’ll have chp 5 in all it’s beachey, angsty glory to you soon but, until then, here’s just a taste to hold you over.

Thank you for being patient ^_^ we’re working hard to get you the content you all deserve! As always, feel free to hit us up with questions or comments over on Ao3. We love hearing from you <333

~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~

Keith wasn’t exactly sure why he had his hands full of used plastic cups and paper plates, but he suspected it had something to do the long-limbed boy wiping down a folding table in front of him. Which was odd, considering the fact that said boy had essentially just turned him down not fifteen minutes ago.

What made matters worse was that Keith hadn’t even been the one to make a move.

I really want to kiss you right now.

God, why had Lance said that? And why did it still make Keith’s heart race to think about it?

Keith shoved the trash he held into a plastic bag and peeked over to where Lance was now disassembling the clean table into a flat rectangle.

Part of him wanted to regret the whole thing--regret opening up about his past, regret becoming attached to the people in this sleepy little tourist town, regret ever agreeing to come down and see his brother in the first place.

And yet…

And yet, for the first time in a good long while, Keith could feel the sparks of potential creeping into his life again. The chance to really know someone and be known in return.

In that moment by the water, when he’d had his feet buried in the wet sand, talking about that little yellow camera with the faded sharpie still clinging to the bottom, something had shifted beneath Keith. He hadn’t expected Lance to say anything in response, hadn’t expected the relief of reciprocation, had only wanted to let Lance know that he understood what it felt like to hold the past tightly around your heart like a levy against a storm. But then Lance had offered something of himself in return, had given Keith a glimpse of an iceberg that had been hiding just beneath the surface.

I really want to kiss you right now.

Had Lance said that yesterday, hell, even just three hours ago, things might have turned out very differently. They would have still occupied the realm of attracted strangers, an easily escapable construct of vague familiarity and brevity, quickly started and quickly left behind. As it was, Keith was suddenly struck by how little he actually knew Lance. Had he actually meant those words? Or were they another drink-inspired slip-of-the-tongue? Did Lance feel the same magnetic pull towards Keith that he felt towards Lance? Who was this boy really?

Keith grunted and dug into the sand a little harder than necessary, spraying it across the dying embers of the fire.

“What’re you still doing here?” Lance asked from behind him, clearly surprised to find that Keith hadn’t left with the others.

“Helping.” Keith swept another hand-full of dirt across the remnants of the fire.

“Why?”

“Because that’s what friends do, isn’t it?” He tried not to notice the sting of the word friends as it left his lips.

Keith could hear Lance’s feet shuffling in the sand as he replied. “Right. Friends. Thanks, man.”

Repressing a sigh, Keith turned from the doused fire and set about helping Lance clean up the rest of the party, adamantly refusing to allow himself to think about Lance’s oddly stilted answer.

They worked efficiently, packing away blankets and leftovers into boxes before hauling it all into their arms and out to the parking lot. With everything locked away into Hunk’s van, the two returned to the beach to begin the trek back to Altea and Shiro’s villa.

The beach was good and truly dark without the bright glow of the fire, and Keith would readily admit that he was completely turned around. A warm hand touched briefly at Keith’s elbow, startling him.

Lance pulled his hand back quickly. “Sorry,” he murmured, as if the new darkness demanded quiet. He pointed into the inky night, and started walking. “It’s this way.”

Keith followed after him, keeping just a step shy of Lance’s longer stride, feet trudging through the powder-fine sand. They walked in silence, which suited Keith just fine as his mind was still awash in a hectic frenzy of thoughts. He kept getting caught on the shape of Lance’s lips, how they teased and pulled at dimples and smile lines whenever he spoke. On the way his bronze skin glowed in the bright moonlight, and how his eyes mirrored the dark blue of the ocean.

Yet, with all these thoughts, there was the reminder that no matter how much Keith wanted to find out if Lance’s lips tasted like tequila, or if his hair was as soft as it looked, Lance had made his boundaries clear.

Friends.

“Hey!”

Keith’s head snapped up, eyes picking out traces of Lance’s annoyed face in the darkness.

“Easy on the stomping over there, Bigfoot. You’re getting sand all over my legs.”

“Oh, sorry,” Keith muttered, trying to make his steps just a little lighter.

Even just a couple of hours ago, Keith probably would have pushed back a little bit, maybe made a joke about how flattering it was to be compared to Bigfoot, or even stomping just a little bit harder. He still wanted to do those things, felt compelled to push back against Lance’s teasing, but the word friends floated around and clouded his thoughts.

What did being friends with Lance even mean? Keith hadn’t really considered it before, which probably should have tipped him off even more to the fact that he didn’t really know Lance much at all.

But that moment by the water, where they had decided to open up to each other, that changed everything. Suddenly, Keith wanted more than a simple flirtation, more than a pretty face and a bright smile. He wanted to know more about the Lance hidden beneath the layers of masks he wore. Keith wanted to know how the quiet boy by the water, the boisterous teammate, the caring friend, the flirtatious resort worker, and the man who still cried about his dad all fit together.

Keith had never been one for puzzles, never had the patience required to finish them, but surprisingly he found that he was willing to spend the time necessary to piece Lance together.

“Keith?”

Lance’s soft voice cut through the haze of thoughts and rolling waves. Keith looked up to see that Lance had stopped just before him, the much closer lights of Altea lighting the tips of his hair like a halo.

He worried at his lip, the rosy skin caught between his teeth, and Keith couldn’t tear his eyes away.

I really want to kiss you right now.

The thought came unbidden to his mind again, betraying just how badly Keith had wanted that to happen.

Lance dug a toe into the sand, a sheepish look on his face. “Look, I, uh--I guess I want to apologize?”

Keith felt like he had been doused in cold water. Was he trying to take back what he had said? “Apologize?”

“Well, I feel like I sort of dumped all this stuff on you before, and I didn’t mean to burden you with all my weird baggage, and--”

Keith placed a hand on his hip. “Lance, I literally told you about my tragically deceased parents and a decades old disposable camera. It’s fine.”

“Yeah, but still… Sorry.”

“We’ve been through this,” Keith huffed, though honestly he was feeling more relieved than annoyed. He’d been so hung up on the almost-kiss that he had nearly forgotten how vulnerable Lance must have felt. “How many times are you going to feel guilty over things you shouldn’t?”

Lance held Keith’s gaze, a small, true smile ghosting across his face. “Thanks, Keith. So, we’re good then?”

Keith tilted his head. “Were we ever not?”

“You gonna keep answering my questions with questions, Kogane?”

“You gonna stop asking stupid questions, Sanchez?”

They both paused a moment, staring each other down with deadly serious expressions. But then Lance’s mouth quirked and Keith couldn’t help it when his did the same, and both boys let out soft peels of laughter. Keith’s chest grew lighter with the sound, a little more weight washing away with every laugh, and he thought that maybe this is what friends could feel like with Lance. This easy way of playful antagonism, their comfortable silences, and the warmth Keith felt whenever Lance was near. Maybe this would be enough.

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jortsaaaaaaart · 7 years ago

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Change, Free! x Reader, chp 2

You woke up late the next day. Maybe it was the jet lag, maybe it was the depression. But you didn't have anywhere to go except the grocery store. . . Was it too much to ask for a Wal-Mart here? You sighed and pried yourself out of bed and into some comfy clothes. Grabbing your phone and wallet you hesitated as you headed out the door, eyes drawn to the garment laid out on the kitchen table.

“I almost forgot I put my uniform down here, good thing I saw it. . . Though that mini skirt looks pretty. . . Mini.” you mused, silently lamenting the fact Iwatobi high had a uniform at all. You'd need it though for the orientation tomorrow so you made a metal note to remember where it was.

The closest grocery store to your house was small but had a surprisingly good selection. You grabbed enough food to last you a little while before wandering over to their seafood section. This was an ocean town after all, the amount of fresh fish was much more than you'd seen in any market back home. You eyed the fillets hungrily as you thought of all the different recipes you could make. Reaching for a particularly thick piece of mackerel you were a bit surprised when another hand beat you to it.

You looked up to find dark blue eyes staring down at you. “Sorry,” He said. “Did you want this?” The boy held up the fish, offering it to you.

“No I'm fine, thanks though. I'm probably better at cooking salmon anyways.” you laugh. The boy looked a bit relieved at that, you could tell he really wanted to keep that fish.

“Salmon is good, but nothing can compare to mackerel. Here.” He insisted, grabbing another slice and holding it out to you.

“O-oh! I'm okay, really.” You babbled. “Besides I've never actually cooked mackerel before so I should probably stick with what I know. . .” You trailed off, eyes glued to the shocked expression on his face. Apparently mackerel was something very important to him.

“You've. . . Never had mackerel?” He asked, more to himself then to you.

“No?” You responded timidly. The boy dropped both packages into his basket before grabbing your hand, a fierce light in his eyes.

“I'm going to make you mackerel.” he said with certainty as he began to pull you away. You followed blindly for a few seconds before reality came crashing back.

“Hey! Wait I can't just go with a stranger to cook fish! Besides I haven't paid for my groceries!” You cried. The boy paused before parading on, saying that you'd check out together on the way out. You groaned as he dragged you with him. To be fair he didn't seem like the type of person who'd hurt you. But you could never be sure.

The two of you got all the way to the checkout lanes before a deep voice stopped you. “Hey, Haru, I've been looking all over for- O-oh! Hello there.” A tall brunette ran up to the two of you stopping his scolding when his green eyes landed on you. He looked down, noticing Haru’s grip on your hand. “What are you doing, Haru?”

“Makoto,” Haru started, his voice strong and passionate. “She's never had mackerel.” Makoto stared at him, wide eyed, before bursting into laughter. You glanced away, feeling your face heat up, his laugh was way too cute.

“You can't just kidnap people because they haven't had mackerel, Haru!” Makoto berated.

“I'm not kidnapping her, she wants to try it,” Haru squeezed your hand and you found yourself caught in his gaze. “Right?” Damn those blue eyes. As soon as he turned those babies towards you it was all over.

“. . . Yeah,” You caved. Haru’s face lit up at your agreement and he turned to Makoto again.

“See?” Makoto shrugged, giving you a tired smile when Haru started putting his groceries on the counter. You returned the smile, a bit nervously, and somehow you felt like he knew you were just going along for Haru’s sake.

The three of you finished up and followed Haru out of the store. While you walked Makoto tried his best to make up for Haru’s silence.

“So are you new here, or just visiting?” He asked.

“New, just moved in yesterday.” You explained. Makoto grinned at you, it had been a long time since anyone new had moved to Iwatobi and they usually weren't around his age.

“That's great! Welcome, where'd you move here from? Er, if you don't mind me asking. . .” Makoto inquired.

You couldn't keep the smile off your face as you looked up at the brunettes shy grin. “It's fine, I moved here from (home town) in America.” Makoto was definitely giving you a better welcome than Rin, or Matsuoka-Senpai, had last night. You were definitely glad not all the people in Iwatobi were as rude as him.

“Wow that's far! And you speak Japanese so well, I would have never guessed you were from America!” He praised.

“Thanks, I guess.” You laughed, blushing at his compliment. “But I still need to work on a few things. I can read print fine but handwriting still messes me up. And the honorific system is a nightmare.” You sighed and ran a hand through your (H/C) hair. You had never really had to use them with your dad or grandparents so now you were trying desperately to learn them again. “Oh, but! You guys are Makoto and Haru, right? What should I call you?” Makoto blinked, his face heating up as you stared at him nervously.Your eyebrows were furrowed, mouth pulled downwards in a soft pout, and your big (E/C) eyes shone with nervousness. Even Haru found the sight of your vulnerable face a bit too much to take as he turned away from you again, ears tinged red.

“It's fine with me if you call me Makoto, really.” he reassured you. “It's hard to learn a new language, my English is terrible so I know how you feel.”

Haru shrugged, not bothering to look at you. “Haru is fine with me. But, what was your name again?”

Makoto gaped at his friend. “You didn't ask her who she was before you dragged her along!?” Haru shrugged again and you began to realise that he must always be like this ‘The silent brooding type hmm?’ You let your mind wander as the three of you finished up your trip.

“This is it,” Haru said shortly, bringing you out of your thoughts. However when you looked up you were met with the familiar facade of your own home. Haru and Makoto were standing a few feet away on a different doorstep. A doorstep connected to the house right next to yours.

“No way. . .”

#wolfsbane #xreader #matsuoka rin #rinxreader #rin x reader #rin matsuoka #rin matsuoka x reader #free x reader #free! iwatobi swim club #iwatobi swimming club #free! iwatobi swim team #haruka nanase #haru free #haru x reader #makoto tachinaba #Makoto x reader #reader insert #x reader fanfic

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fortheloveofpearlet · 7 years ago

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Wilting Flowers - Chp.15

Chapter 15

/// Jerick Hoffer - New York, 2014

I couldn't sleep, I usually couldn't but this was for other reasons than just pure fear. I'm not sure if Violet thinks he's being quiet but he isn't. I can hear the soft moans leaving his mouth as Adore worked him under the covers. I can't blame him entirely, I'd always thought Adore's lips would probably feel fucking amazing around my dick but that didn't mean I'd be willing to find out. I'm not sure how they did it after what we went though. I mean sure I haven't actually come in a really long time and maybe the release would be nice but still. Sharon and Alaska had been the same before Sharon was taken away. It sounds horrible but in a way I was kind of relieved, at least now I don't have to be kept awake listening to them having sex. I just hoped this Adore and Violet thing would be a one off. But I supposed we all just had our own ways of coping. Alaska and Sharon had each other. Myself and Manila smoked weed, Trixie was always popping pills but judging by the amount he slept I think they are probably just zolpidem and Jaidynn drinks a lot. Violet and Adore do heroin, wasn't that enough? Did they need to add sex to the list too?

It's not like I hadn't thought about the other guys in that way; when you spent so much time with people it was bound to cross your mind. Admittedly I'd never really had a type and to be honest if we were on the outside I would probably sleep with a few of these men. Violet looked like he kind of guy I could dominate and one thing that was consistent with the men I liked was that I liked them skinny. Adore was gorgeous, beyond gorgeous really and if I saw him in a bar I would be all over him. But there was one person in particular who caught my eye more than most. He was currently curled up under his blanket facing the wall, clearly trying to ignore Violet moaning. I still thought about the night when he'd kissed me on the cheek even though it was a while ago now. Manila had barely said two words to me since but that was nothing new. Sometimes I thought I might like to just crawl into bed with him but I knew that wouldn't go down very well. There was something about him that had me drawn to him since the day I met him but I don't know what it was. I wanted to know more about him; I wanted to know everything about him. But he had his guards up higher than most, probably because he'd been here so long. I got a sense that beneath it all he was very vulnerable but I also got a sense that he didn't let that side of him show, probably not even before all this. I wanted to be the one to crack Manila. I don't know why but I did. And maybe I wouldn't mind him doing to me what Adore was doing to Violet right now. I was snapped out of my thoughts by Violet's deep moan as he came and it made me cringe a little. I watched Adore reappear from under the covers.

'You can make it up to me sometime.’ He told Violet who looked a little confused by what had just happened. Then things got a little weird. Violet grabbed Adore by the collar of his shirt and kissed him. I saw Adore frown.

'Ok, too far.’ He shook his head and then got up and flopped back down on his bed. I hadn't realised anyone else had seen or that Manila was even awake until I heard him laughing.

'Nice one newbie.’ He scoffed. I looked between Manila and Violet. Violet blushed and bit his lip and then rolled away from Manila. My eyes went back to Manila and he was staring at me. We just stared at each other for several long minutes before his facial expression softened and he gave me the smallest of smiles. Then he laid back down and it was as if it never happened.

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/// Present Day - Wednesday, 12.47 pm

'Right finally the bimbo on the front desk managed to get me in touch with her manager.' Brian told Jake running his fingers through his hair.

'Yeah?'

'Yeah so they have some fold out beds we can use, they'll set us up somewhere later.'

'What about work wise? Did you speak to Serge?'

'Yeah he just said to get on with things as best we can and the manager said we could set up in their conference room.'

'My laptops in the car.' Jake groaned.

'Mine too.'

They both looked towards the door. The rain was coming down in sheets. They'd had to deactivate the automatic doors too because the wind was so bad it kept making them open.

'I'll flip you for it.' Brian said pulling a coin from his pocket. 'Heads you go and get them, tails I do.'

'Sure.' Jake sighed. Brian flipped the coin, caught it and covered it with his hand.

'Ready?' He asked Jake.

'The suspense is killing me.' Jake rolled his eyes sarcastically. Brian tried to ignore it, he was only trying to make the best of a bad situation. He uncovered his hand.

'Heads. Sorry bud.' Brian shrugged and pocketed the coin before sinking back into the chair.

'Great.' Jake moaned standing up. 'Keys?'

Brian got out his car key and tossed it at Jake.

'Good luck.' Brian smirked.

'Don't take too much pleasure in this will you?' Jake rolled his eyes again and reluctantly headed towards the door. Their cars were right outside, how wet could he get? Very probably.

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The bar tender eyed him up. Thank god it was a different one from last night. Jason stared at him.

'Did you not hear me?' He asked him.

'Yeah I heard you, but don't you think it's a little early for vodka?'

'Do you get paid to question my life decisions?' Jason raised his eyebrow.

'No.'

'What is it you get paid for?'

'Making drinks.'

'Well then. How about a little less judgy judgy and a little more drinky drinky.' Jason told him sternly. The bar tender looked like he might say something but he didn't and he finally went to get Jason's drink. This was probably a new low even for him; sure he drank a lot recently but never before lunch time. But what the hell else was he supposed to do? Matt had taken over the room and he sure as hell wasn’t just going to sit in there while he slept. Matt had never been so demanding before, was it weird that that had kind of turned Jason on a little? Probably, that ship had well and truly sailed now anyway. The bar tender brought back his drink and Jason smiled smugly at him.

'You can charge that to my room along with all the drinks we had last night.' Jason felt proud himself. Matt wouldn't be so smug about paying for the room when he saw this bill.

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Jake was dripping wet when he made it back to the lobby with their laptops. He got a towel from the front desk and snarled at Brian as the older man tried not to laugh.

'You look like you've been swimming.' Brian bit his lip.

'Glad you find this so funny.' Jake grumbled drying his hair. 'I should have made you go anyway, you owed me.'

'What the hell did I owe you for?' Brian inspected his wet laptop case and hoped to God the laptop inside was ok.

'Having me go to Dardo's room. Don't try and pretend that was an accident.'

'I didn't do it deliberately if that's what you're insinuating.' Brian frowned at him.

'Really?' Jake raised his eyebrow.

'Really. I just gave you a floor at random. Please don't tell me you said something dumb to him.' Brian sighed. Jake sat back down.

'I might have told him that Matt has his diary.' Jake smiled to himself. Brian looked at him wide eyed.

'What the fuck? Why would you do that?'

'Shits and giggles.' Jake shrugged. Brian put his hand to his face and shook his head.

'Or was it a ploy to make Jason mad at him so they don't get back together?'

'What? As if.' Jake scoffed like it was the stupidest thing he'd ever heard.

'Wouldn't be the first time. You already admitted to breaking Matt and Max up and writing his parents that letter outing him.'

'And this is why I never told you. You're never going to let that go are you?'

'You did what?' A voice came from behind them. They both turned to see Jason stood staring down at them. 'Oh my god, wait until Matt hears this.' Jason shook his head and took off towards the elevator.

'Dardo you cannot tell Matt!' Jake took off after him and grabbed his shoulder roughly to stop him.

'Oh yeah and what are you going to do about it?' Jason folded his arms. 'Let me guess you'll arrest me.' He chuckled dryly.

'You can't tell him.'

'Did you arrest Matt to keep him away from me? So we wouldn't get back together. I was right earlier wasn't I? You do like him.' Jason laughed more and unfolded his arms.

'As if.' Jake shook his head.

'I can't believe you would go to such great lengths just to have him all to yourself. When I tell him this he's never going to speak to you again.' Jason turned and pressed the call button for the elevator but Jake grabbed him again.

'You are not going to fucking tell him.' He shoved Jason back into the wall. Brian suddenly jumped up, thinking it might be time to intervene.

'Hey now, stop this guys.' Brian pulled Jake backwards.

'Fucking asshole.' Jason spat at Jake.

'Ignore him.' Brian told Jason. 'But you can't tell Matt that stuff.'

'I can't believe you knew and didn't tell him! What kind of friends are you?'

'I only found out yesterday. But telling Matt after all these years isn't going to help anything Jason. It's only going to upset him or piss him off. Do you really want that?' Brian tried to reason with him. Jason pulled a face.

'What do I care if he's upset? He broke my fucking heart.' Jason scoffed as the elevator door slid open.

'He still loves you. He'll always love you. Talk to him. But I really think you should think twice about telling him about this.' Brian told him just as he was stepping in the elevator. 'You might not know this but Matt is a lot more fragile than he lets on. He won't handle this well.' Brian just managed to tell him before the elevator doors closed and Jason was gone. He turned back to Jake and rolled his eyes.

'You're an idiot.' He told him before walking away.

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As the elevator started its ascent Jason mulled over Brian's words. Matt is a lot more fragile than he lets on. Could that be true? Could it be possible that their entire relationship Jason had been so wrapped up in his own misery to realise that Matt was in just as much need of Jason's help as Jason was of his? Maybe they were more alike than Jason realised. Maybe they had both been too stubborn to admit that they'd really needed each other. As the elevator doors opened on Jason's floor a thought hit him. A memory from a little while ago. Things started to click into place. Maybe Jason had been too blind to see it. Maybe he should have opened his eyes sooner.

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/// Jason Dardo - Atlanta, Early 2016

I'd just got home from work and Matt was nowhere to be found. Usually I'd come home and he'd be here, sometimes cooking, sometimes watching TV. I took my coat and scarf off and looked around. It wasn't like Matt to not make it home before me. Just as I was about to reach for my cell phone and call him I heard a sniffing sound coming from the bedroom. I frowned and crept down the hallway. Our bedroom door was slightly ajar and I saw Matt sitting cross legged in the middle of the bed. He had tear stains on his cheeks and he was holding what looked like a photograph in his hand. He ran his fingers over it and sniffed heavily again before wiping the back of his hoody over his face.

'Knock it off Lent, this is pathetic.' He spoke to himself. I felt bad for spying on him so I gently tapped on the door and walked in the room.

'Hey babe, what's up?' I asked him cautiously. His eyes darted up to meet mine. He looked lost and confused.

'Nothing, allergies.' He tried to laugh and wiped his face again. I didn't believe him. I came over to the bed and sat down next to him. I took my eyes off him for maybe a second but when I looked back whatever he'd been holding was now gone.

'What's wrong?' I tried again, putting my hand on his leg.

'Nothing.' He laughed. 'I'm fine silly.' He pulled me close and his lips attacked mine. I tried to pull away and press him on the matter but suddenly he'd pulled me down on top of him and he was already getting me out of my shirt. I should have pressed him but I was already too far gone. My mind became a blank soon after that and all I could think of was how magical Matt's lips and hands felt on me.

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/// Matt Lent - Atlanta, Early 2016

I sat on the bed with my legs crossed staring at the photograph. It was the only reminder of my former life I'd allowed myself to keep. We all looked so happy in that photo, where had it all gone wrong? I was around three being held in my dad's arms with a large smile across my face. My mom had one arm wrapped around my dad’s shoulder and the other was holding my small hand. I ran my fingers over the photo as my tears rolled down my cheeks. Jake had been back in Florida for a few days visiting his family and he called me earlier to tell me he'd run into my parents. They'd never liked him so they tried to get away from his as quickly as possible. Apparently Jake had lost it and shouted after them, don't worry your sons ok. Not that you ever cared. He said they'd clearly heard him but they'd just carried on walking. I'd been gone nearly five years and they didn't care. They didn't even care to stop and ask how I was. My worst fears had been confirmed. They never cared about me, I meant nothing to them. Was the happiness in this picture just a lie? Or had they once cared? Maybe before I'd become everything they hated: a filthy fucking gay. A part of me would do anything to go back and just keep pretending I was straight. I did miss them, I still loved them despite everything. It killed me to know that my running away had probably been the happiest day of their lives. They'd gotten rid of me; they didn't have to keep me a secret anymore. God it killed me, it really fucking killed me.

I was startled out of my thoughts by a gentle tap at the door. It startled me, I didn't realise it had gotten so late. How long had I been sat here? The door opened and Jason walked in slowly.

'Hey babe, what's up?'

I looked up at him and I knew he could tell I'd been crying. I hated that, I didn't want him to see me like this.

'Nothing, allergies.' I tried to laugh and I wiped my face to try and get rid of the tears. I don't think he believed me, I would have. He came over to the bed and sat down next to me. When he looked away briefly I stuffed the photograph under the mattress. I didn't want to have to talk about this. I'd never told Jason the full extent of the shitty relationship I had with my parents. He didn't even know I'd run away. A relationship didn't need two vulnerable people.

'What's wrong?' He tried again, putting his hand on my leg.

'Nothing.' I lied trying to laugh again. 'I'm fine silly.' I had to distract him so he'd drop this and I only knew one way to do that. I pulled him close and kissed him hard. I think he tried to pull away but I held him tightly and pulled him down on top of me. I started getting Jason out of his shirt. I knew once I started working Jason up enough he would forget all about what he saw. Also, a part of me thought he was probably happy for the distraction. I don't think Jason knew how to be the comforting one. He knew how to be comforted, he knew how to be the vulnerable one. But I don't think he'd know what to do with me if I sat here and spilled my guts to him. In the nicest possible way, and really I don't want to sound horrible, but Jason is in essence a very selfish and self-involved human being. I love him, god I love him so much but if I could change one thing about him that would be it. That maybe once he would ask me how my day was. Maybe for a change he could ask me what my life had been like before we met. I knew practically everything about him but he'd never asked me about my life. Most of the time I didn't even really think about it. But sometimes, like now, when I could really use with someone to talk to it bothered me. But I tried to ignore it. Our clothes got fewer and soon we were both naked and our hard dicks rubbed against each other's. Jason was a complete mess already and that had been my plan. I may be useless in most aspects of my life but I am damn fucking good at making this man turn to jelly by barely doing anything. I flipped us over so I was on top and I straddled him, running my fingers through his long, soft hair.

'Matty, are you sure you're-'

'Shush pumpkin.' I placed my finger to his lips. 'I'm gonna make you feel so good.' I had to work harder, he was clearly still thinking about it. I kissed my way down his body, the body I knew every of inch of by now. His track marks had cleared up long ago thankfully but his scars remained and I always took great care kissing over the sensitive skin. I ran my fingers over his torso as I kissed the tip of his dick and he hissed a little. I tugged as his nipple ring as I got lower still and Jason's fingers found their way to my hair. I parted his legs gently and lapped my tongue over his entrance. He groaned and grasped my hair tighter as I began opening him up with my tongue. Yeah so I was playing dirty, I knew how much Jason loved it when I did this and I knew it would wipe his mind clean of what he'd seen earlier. I used one hand to pump his dick as I let my tongue glide in and out of him. He was tugging my hair a little but I knew that meant he was enjoying this. I didn't spend too much time on the foreplay, if I'm honest I was starting to forget all about my misery now and I just needed to fuck him. I hurriedly grabbed a condom and some lube and then flipped us over once more so Jason was straddling me. He bit his lip and threw his hair over his shoulder as I rolled the condom over my erection. Jason grabbed the bottle of lube and poured some on his hand before he started pumping my sheathed dick. I gasped and my hands found his ass. His smirked at me and bowed his head for a kiss. He knelt over my dick and slowly lowered himself down, so painfully slowly it was killing me. Once I was all the way in I couldn't take it slow anymore and I started thrusting my hips as Jason started to bounce up and down on me. I think he could sense my desperation as I continued to thrust harder and harder, arching my back so I could get inside him as deeply as humanly possible. He took hold of his shaft in one hand and started to pump himself, attempting to match my thrusts.

'Someone's desperate.' He mumbled as a small moan escaped his lips.

'I need...this.' I panted. I'd almost said I needed to feel better. I'm glad I hadn't let that one slip. He smirked at me and started bouncing harder and pumping himself faster. He threw his head back and I let one hand trail up his torso and my fingers danced along the soft flesh of his neck. I wrapped my fingers around his neck maybe a bit rougher than I'd meant to and pulled him down so our lips could meet in a messy kiss.

'Gonna come.' I spoke into his lips. He smirked again and placed his hands flat on my chest before he started bouncing harder. I groaned loudly as I felt my orgasm consume me, Jason's eyes never leaving mine. Once I'd expelled my load he sat back but stayed on my dick as he started pumping himself again. I couldn't take my eyes off of him as his hand seemed to so gracefully move around his shaft. His eyes fluttered closed and I knew what that meant. Seconds later he moaned and I felt his hot come spilling onto my stomach. Once Jason caught his breath he fell down to the bed next to me and I got rid of the condom.

'Weren't we talking about something?' He asked me stifling a yawn. I'd just managed to forget about that through my orgasm. I swallowed and grabbed some tissue from the bedside table to wipe the come from my stomach.

'Dinner?' That was another sure fire way to distract Jason: mention food.

'Oh god yeah I'm starving. Take out?'

'Sure.' I leant over and kissed his forehead. 'I'll grab the menus.' I got out of bed and slipped my boxers back on before leaving the room. It probably says a lot about our relationship that I would go to these lengths to get out of talking about my feelings. Maybe if I thought about it for long enough I would realise that a relationship in which you didn't want to open up in was probably not a very good relationship. But I chose to ignore it. Just like in some ways I think Jason was ignoring that I was in trouble.

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/// Present Day - Wednesday, 1.19 pm

'Oh sweet Jesus Christ that feels good.' Chris moaned a little, literally feeling all his problems melt away.

'I told you you'd enjoy it mi amor.' Kenya rolled her head to the side with a smile laying on her lips. 'You never know until you give it a go.' She winked at him.

'You have magical hands.' He sighed in content.

'Not the first time I've heard that.' Ronaldo chuckled, kneading his hands into Chris' shoulder blades. Chris let out another soft moan. He had to admit, when Kenya had suggested they make use of the hotel spa and get massages and spend the day pampering themselves he'd been sceptical. But the way Ronaldo's hands were working his back, he wondered why he'd put up such a fight. He hadn't felt this relaxed in years.

When their massages were over they thanked their masseurs and Chris felt the weight lifted from his shoulders.

'They have a...uhm...how do you call it?' Kenya scratched the back of her head. 'The room that is hot with the wood and the steam.'

'A steam room.' Chris laughed. 'Lead the way pretty mama.'

Kenya smiled and briefly squeezed Chris' hand.

'It's so nice to see your beautiful smile.'

'It feels nice too.' Chris agreed. They headed down to the steam room in their towels. As they stepped in and the steam cleared they saw they weren't alone. The man sat in the corner with a towel around his waist and he looked a little sad as he smiled at them.

'Hey Bri.' Chris greeted him. 'This is my best friend Kenya.'

'Hola, es bueno conocerte.' Kenya smiled and took a seat. Bri looked at Chris and frowned in confusion.

'She said it's nice to meet you.' Chris chuckled as he sat down next to Kenya.

'Oh sorry. I don't know Spanish. It's nice to meet you too.' He told Kenya.

'It's ok, I'm used to people not understanding.' She smiled.

'Is everything ok?' Chris asked Bri, sensing his mood. It was probably a stupid question under the circumstances.

'Not really.' He sighed. 'I think I have to break up with my boyfriend.'

'The cop?' Chris gasped a little. 'Why?'

'This is all so much harder than I thought it would be. I just don't think it's fair for him to have to stay with me when I don't think I'm ever going to feel any better. I think it's for the best.' Bri felt tears behind his eyes. He didn't want to lose Brian but Brian could do better.

'Cuando el mundo dice renunciar, la Esperanza dice intenta una vez más.' Kenya told him. Once again Brian looked at Chris with a frown.

'Sorry, what?'

Chris smiled, that was something he'd heard Kenya say quite a lot over the years, it was nice to not be directed at him for a change.

'When the world says give up, hope says try one more time.' Chris informed him. Bri but his lip.

'The thing is, I don't have a lot of hope anymore.' He sighed again.

'You love this man?' Kenya asked him.

'Yeah. A lot.'

'With love comes hope.' She smiled at him.

'She's like a walking talking greetings card.' Chris laughed a little squeezing Kenya's hand. 'She's right though.'

'Maybe.' Bri shrugged. 'I just don't know, I'm so confused right now.'

'Just be lucky you have someone ok? It's more than some of us have.' Chris smiled softly at Bri and Bri nodded.

'Yeah I suppose. I'll see I guess.' He pushed himself up from the bench. 'See you later. And thank you.' Bri said as he reached the door.

'De nada mi amor.'

'I understood that one.' He smiled at little at Kenya and then he left the steam room knowing he had a lot to think about. His whole future could be on the line.

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Jason had wandered his floor for a little while before going back to the room. His mind kept whirring over Brian's words and all the times that Jason had ignored Matt's cries for help. He didn't think he'd meant to, maybe Matt didn't see it that way though.

He finally forced himself to go back to the room because he knew getting drunk at this time of day wasn't a good idea. As he walked in Matt rolled over in the bed and rubbed his eyes.

'Hey.' Jason whispered. 'Feel better?'

'Not really.' Matt croaked. 'I swear I could sleep for a week.' He sat up and pulled the duvet up to cover his bare torso.

'Drama queen.' Jason said under his breath but Matt heard him. He'd probably meant for Matt to hear him too.

'You try being arrested!'

'I would never be arrested because I'm not as dumb as you.' Jason spat before he'd meant to. He hadn't come back here to argue with Matt, he wanted them to talk, properly talk. Probably for the first time ever.

'Now you've slept do you think we can talk?' Jason softened sitting down next to Matt.

'I'd really like to sleep some more.' Matt grumbled.

'There are things we need to talk about Matt, please?'

'Seriously does it have to be now? I'm sooo tired.' He whined a little.

'You are impossible!' Jason got back up. 'How did I put up with two years of this?' 'This? Yeah because I'm the difficult one.' Matt rolled his eyes. Jason stared at him for what felt like a lifetime but was probably only a few seconds.

'Why did you never tell me?' He finally spoke, his voice barely above a whisper. 'Tell you what? That you're difficult? Well maybe because-

'Not that.' Jason cut him off. He exhaled heavily, running his fingers through his hair. 'My diary. Why didn't you tell me you have it?'

Matt's eyes widened. How the hell did Jason know about that? How long had he known? Matt felt blindsided. He never expected Jason to find out.

'Uhm...what? I don't know what you're talking-'

'Cut the crap.' Jason scoffed. 'Jake told me.'

Son of a bitch.

'What the fuck is his problem at the moment?' Matt said more to himself than to Jason. 'Seriously is he trying to completely fuck up my life?'

'Why didn't you tell me?' Jason repeated trying to get Matt back on track. Matt sighed and swung his legs out the bed so he could sit on the edge.

'I don't know.' He ran his fingers through his hair. 'I guess at first I was worried it would be too raw. I only planned on keeping it a secret for a little while. But then you were bad for a really long time and I didn't want to do anything to make it worse. And when you started getting better, when you were actually happy and things were great between us I didn't want to mess that up. I guess the longer I kept it hidden the harder it was to come clean.' Matt hadn't wanted this to come out like this; he didn't really ever want it to come out. But he would have rather been able to tell Jason himself than have Jake stick his big nose in.

'You should have told me.' Jason said but he didn't sound angry which surprised Matt. 'The second we are back in Atlanta I want to see it. The second!'

Matt frowned a little in confusion. Had Jason completely ignored the fact Matt had said he was moving back to New York? He decided to ignore that for now.

'I can't give it to you when we get back to Atlanta.'

'Why not?' Jason raised his voice a little now. 'I swear to god Matt you will not keep it from me! It's my diary, I have every right-' Jason trailed off when Matt got up from the bed and headed to his suitcase. Matt unzipped it and rummaged inside, almost forgetting he was half naked.

'You can't have it in Atlanta, because it's not in Atlanta.' He stood back up and he was holding the slightly battered diary Jason remembered so well in his hands. Jason's heart skipped a beat.

'Why...why do you uhm...' he stuttered, falling over his words. He hadn't expected this.

'I thought they might need it for the trial or something but apparently they took copies of it or something before they gave it to me.' He held it towards Jason. Jason stepped a little closer and his hands were shaking as he reached for it. He didn't take it, he just ran his fingers over the cover.

'Have you read it?' Jason asked Matt softly and quietly. Matt bit his lip.

'A few times.' He confessed. He saw Jason briefly close his eyes.

'So all those times I told you stuff about what happened to me, you already knew?'

'Yeah.'

'Wow.' Jason finally took the diary from his hands and fell back to the bed. He continued to run his fingers over the cover.

'You don't have to read it Jason. Not now.' Matt sat next to him.

'Don't tell me what to do.' Jason replied stubbornly. He settled into the pillows and swung his legs onto the bed. 'Are you just going to sit there staring at me while I read it?' Jason asked him without looking up.

'I can go if you want?'

Jason looked up at Matt now and his eyes were filled with fear.

'Please don't.' He whispered. Matt half-smiled and settled into the pillows next to him. He found himself putting his arm around Jason's shoulders but Jason was quick to push him away. 'Doesn't mean I need you comforting me.' Jason's demeanour suddenly changed. 'Go sit over there.'

Matt sighed, it seemed even though they weren't together anymore he still couldn't do anything right. He got up and threw some clothes on and sat in the chair on the far side of the room. Jason took a few deep breaths before finally opening the cover and turning to the first page.

When I stepped off that Greyhound bus, I inhaled deeply, breathing in my new surroundings. It honestly felt like the first time I’d breathed properly in my entire life. My first unstifled breath. I was so full of hope, excitement pulsed through my veins. I’d made it. New York City; my new home. I had one suitcase stuffed with my belongings, a few hundred dollars in my bank account and a dream. I was wide eyed in awe as I walked through the Grand Central bus station that day. I was just so excited to be on my own, I’d taken the first step towards carving my own future. My parents couldn’t hold me back anymore, I was free. In hindsight, staying with my parents wouldn’t have been such a bad thing. They might have supressed me, but being supressed is better than being a prisoner. I shouldn’t have been so naive, when I bumped into that tall, skinny bald man at Grand Central I should have apologised and been on my way. I shouldn’t have let him help pick up my belongings that had fallen out of my suitcase. I should have walked away when he handed me back my beautiful black lace front wig that I took from him with shaking hands. I wish I hadn’t engaged him when we stood back up and he spoke to me.

‘You look a little lost.'

I wish I’d just smiled and said I was fine and left. When he reached out to shake my hand, introducing himself with a large smile as Santino, I shouldn’t have told him my name. And when he said 'I can help you’ that definitely should have been my cue to leave. But I didn’t. I shouldn’t have followed him into his car and I certainly shouldn’t have told him about my budding drag career, how I’d come to New York to be a star. If I’d just walked away I might not be here now. I wouldn’t have found myself in this dark, dingy basement surrounded by several other men who at one time had been just as dumb and naive as me. We had all trusted Santino. We had all just wanted to believe there was some kindness in the world. But I don’t believe there is or ever was and I bet none of these other men do either.

So if no one comes for me, if I’m never found; this is my story. This is the story of how a young, innocent Atlanta teenager ended up here. If you’re reading this, I didn’t make it. If you’ve found this then the man with the sparkling blue eyes and septum ring broke his promise. He didn’t save me. I’m gone. But hopefully this will help find who did this to me, and make sure they can never do it to anyone ever again. My name is Jason Dardo, and this is my story.

#pearlet #pearl liaison #violet chachki #katya zamolodchikova #jake ludwig #Jaidynn Diore Fierce #kenya michaels #trixie mattel

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cooperjones2020 · 7 years ago

Text

Second City, chp. 3

Summary: Sometimes she worries she’s settling — for a smaller job, a smaller city, a smaller life than she’d promised herself — but that was before she found out Jughead Jones lives in Chicago. That was before she found out the final secret of Jason Blossom’s murder.

A/N: As Juggie says, this chapter is a little bit meta. And pretty nerdy. I just have a lot of feelings about books, okay. Also I fudged with canon a little re: Jug’s writing style. So sue me.

ao3-->http://archiveofourown.org/works/11409360/chapters/25755798

Second City one / two

Nobodies Nobody Knows one / two (ao3)

In which Betty Cooper and Jughead Jones drink tequila

When the uber drops her off outside the bar Jughead selected, she buys herself some time by checking her email. She’s already spotted him inside but doesn’t know if he’s seen her, so the email-checking is a precautionary measure.

Though she wouldn’t be surprised if she had any last minutes notes from her boss.

The week thus far has not been kind to her. Cynthia found out she’d twisted the truth about her and Jug’s shared history. Turns out she once dated his agent. Cynthia also loves the idea that she’s the inspiration for Jughead’s heroine and is all over the plaster-Betty’s-picture-on-the-side-of-a-bus idea train.

Betty’s feeling that particularly potent mixture of nauseous because she’s disappointed someone, nervous about seeing Jughead, and migraine-y because she’s been staring at a computer screen all day. The farther the cab had gotten from the Loop, though, the more the nerves had emerged as the heavy favorite for emotion of the night.

She forces herself not to pace as she stares at her phone screen. Public spaces. She feels more comfortable about being around him in public spaces. They’d emailed about maybe doing the interview in either of their apartments, for sake of ease. She’s not ready to see his apartment. Being on the back of his motorcycle had been overwhelming enough. She isn’t ready to saturate herself with even more of him.

The prospect of her apartment is even more terrifying. She is afraid of what he would make of her life, what details and detritus he would weave into a narrative she couldn’t control.

A public space means no home field advantage. And it means an escape hatch, if she needs it.

She can see him inside, sitting in the far corner where the bar top meets the wall. He has his laptop out and a cup of coffee at his elbow, beanie covering his hair but for the one stray curl. If not for the wall of liquor she can see to the right of him, he could be in his booth at Pop’s.

Who drinks coffee at a bar at 8 pm?

Get a hold of yourself, Cooper. If you can’t feel brave, you can at least act like you do.

She goes in.

“Hey — sorry I’m late.”

He arches an eyebrow. “You’re not. And you know it.” Well she’s not early, which is the same thing. She busies herself setting her bag down and getting arranged on the bar stool while she keeps talking.

“How was Riverdale?”

“Great. Weird. They put my book in a special display in the library at Riverdale High. No matter that I didn’t graduate from there.”

“Well, I guess the story does take place there.”

“Yeah. Anyway, JB graduated and no one cried, so gold star for the weekend. I read your piece yesterday.”

His sudden change of topic gives her whiplash, but a sudden puff of warmth smokes in her stomach at his words.

“Oh thanks, you didn’t have to.”

“You know, I actually read it before I saw the byline and I wondered why the voice was so familiar. So which one was your favorite?”

She’s a little bit dazed by the compliment and doesn’t immediately put two and two together for the question.

“Favorite what?”

“Favorite bookstore.”

“Oh, right, duh. Um, Myopic, I think. Though Bookman’s Corner was a close second.”

His eyes crinkle when he smiles. “Good choices. Myopic is one of my favorites too. Did you go into the occult section? They have an armchair in the window in that room on the second floor that overlooks Milwaukee Ave. I wrote a good forty percent of the new book from that spot.”

“No I didn’t see it, I’ll have to go back.”

“You will.” She breaks eye contact when he doesn’t, and turns to the glass of water in front of her.

“Hey, Betts.” He reaches out and touches her hand briefly before retreating. “How about a drink?”

It is by far the least professional thing she’s ever done, but she truly, completely, 100% cross-her-heart-and-hope-to-die does not believe she will make it through this evening without alcohol. As if by magic, or the power of positive thinking, the bartender sets before her something bedecked with cherries and way too colorful to taste like anything other than cough syrup.

She looks at Jughead, wondering if he’d ordered something for her before she came in. But he’s frowning at the glass. The bartender nods to a table past the bar.

“Courtesy a that guy.” They both turn to look, and a man on the far side of room is raising his glass to her. She returns the gesture and, as usual, blushes, before turning her body more fully towards Jughead and crossing her legs. He puts a hand on the back of her chair.

“What a dick. Like he can’t see we’re together. Want me to go talk to him?”

“No, I’m a big girl. I can do it myself.”

“But—”

“No, Jug. I’m not going to let the two of you grunt over me like neanderthals arguing over a piece of meat. If you go over there, he’ll think you’re my boyfriend and that’s why he’ll back off. I don’t want it to be like that. I want him to back off because I say I’m not interested, not because you say so.”

She notices him exhale forcefully.

“Besides, what if he’s my one true love. If I don’t talk to him, I’ll never find out and then I’ll die alone surrounded by cats.”

“Why, Betty Cooper, are you being sarcastic?” An impish sort of mirth springs to his eyes and it makes something ache inside her.

“It’s not like you have the market cornered. I’ll be right back.” She takes her purse to the bathroom, with a pit stop to thank the man, and manages to get away without giving him her number. She’s not sure why—he is cute—but it feels like a betrayal somehow.

When she gets back, the bartender has replaced the frou frou drink with a shot of something clear. Tequila, she thinks, because it’s accompanied by a salt shaker and a wedge of lime resting on a napkin.

“You want to do tequila shots?”

“Liquid courage, Betts,” he says, in an echo of her thoughts from earlier. For a moment she feels guilty, but she’s glad he’s nervous too.

She squints at him and takes the shot, before delicately setting the lime rind back on the napkin. When she turns back, his grin could split his face.

“You’re a bad influence, Jones.”

“Always.”

When the bartender has cleared away the shot glasses in favor of a Goose Island for him and a glass of wine for her, he says, “So we should probably get started?”

“Yeah, that sounds good.” She sets up the recorder, thankful it’s a Wednesday and the bar is quiet. He hits the ground running. More verbose that she remembers. Charmingly articulate. She almost wishes they were doing a podcast instead of an article.

“The sequel came as a bit of a surprise. At the end of The Final Fissure, you revealed the murderer. What story is left to tell?”

“I don’t really think of Sweetwater Subtext—that’s the title by the way, nailed down for sure today—Anyway, I don’t think of Sweetwater Subtext as a sequel, though technically it is because some of it takes place later than Final Fissure. I think of them more as companions, separated by genre but connected by story. The Final Fissure is more plot-driven—definitely commercial fiction. Sweetwater Subtext explores more of the motivations of the characters, I’d say it’s more literary.”

“Does that mean it will alienate some of your original readership?”

“I hope not. I don’t think the genre should have anything to do with whether a story is compelling, enjoyable. I think writers—well, more likely critics—tend to underestimate readers. Preferring genre fiction like crime or romance or sci-fi doesn’t say anything about a reader’s abilities, only their interests. Readers have already developed a relationship with these characters, hopefully they care enough about them to want to know more.”

“I was surprised when I first picked up Final Fissure and saw the genre. You gave up on your Philip Marlowe fantasies.”

“Yeah, well, I don’t know how much hard boiled crime fiction you’ve read, but it usually doesn’t turn out well for the women. You get to college and take one theory course, and all of a sudden all you can see is the male gaze and the forced dichotomy between the ingenue and the femme fatale.

“Besides, you took over the story pretty early on and your voice—sorry, Betsy’s voice—was pretty insistent.”

Her mouth screws up at the mention of her fictional alter ego. “You just had to pick Betsy, didn’t you? Do you remember our third grade teacher called me that all year, no matter how many times me, or you, or Archie corrected her?”

“Yeah, sorry about that. I tried to call her every variation of Elizabeth there is. Eliza stuck for a while but I kept writing ‘Betts’ in spite of myself so calling her Betsy saved me a ton of rewriting and annoyed calls from my editor. Though she found other things to latch onto. She thought ‘Betsy’ was ‘too mid-century, not enough millennial.’”

Betty laughs at his air quotes. “I’ve thought that myself more than once. But you withstood the pressure?”

“Never let it be said that I don’t suffer for my art.”

He pops the toothpick that previously held her frou frou drink cherries into his mouth, and she tries hard not to fixate on the tip of his tongue as it rolls the piece of wood from tooth to tooth. Focus, Cooper. What’s next in her notes?

“One of the big changes this time around must be your relationship to your readers. Have you felt the pressure of people waiting for this story, of what they might want to happen next? Has it affected you, either in your work or in your life?”

“Obviously the story starts in your head. But as soon as it’s printed, readers make it their own. It’s a dialogue in which they define the story—and me as the author, by default—as much as by who they are as by who I am. In the case of The Final Fissure, I was just trying to tell the story. Writing it was as much an act of therapy for me as it was a work of literature for everyone else. I wrote it as a teenager and then sat on it for many years, before I had the emotional distance I needed to edit it into a shape that would hold some broader appeal. This time around, it’s a little bit meta. Sweetwater Subtext is the same narrator coming back to a defining event of his life, trying to understand how it’s shaped him. Final Fissure was for me, but Sweetwater Subtext I did write with a specific audience in mind.”

“Not the audience who’s bought and loved it?”

“No, something a bit narrower than that.”

She doesn’t quite know how to follow-up without asking him who the audience is, but that feels too intimate. So she switches gears.

“If you wrote The Final Fissure in high school, and Sweetwater Subtext in the last couple of years, what did you do in the meantime?”

“I wrote a lot of short fiction. Creative writing at a university pretty much runs on the short story workshop.”

“So should we be looking for a short story collection next?”

“Haha, no. I think I subjected my workshop-mates to enough of the torture that was my short fiction. And it definitely overlapped with the world of The Final Fissure and Sweetwater Subtext. Some of it got recycled into the two books. Maybe the story of Jason Blossom’s murder is the only story I have in me. Maybe I’ll be writing about it, who I was—who we were—then, for the rest of my life, in one way or another.”

Betty’s afraid to touch the subtext of that statement with a ten-foot pole. She presses the tip of her tongue against the back of her front teeth and wills herself not to flush. Or, if she does, hopes Jug will attribute it to the alcohol.

“Okay��so if the story is basically the same, how else was the writing experience different this time around?”

“In some ways, I think Sweetwater Subtext might have been harder to write — I’ve read The Final Fissure so many times but I also lived it. I’m not sure how to separate fact from fiction, I’m not sure if I know the difference. Sweetwater Subtext is much more internal, there’s much more room for error, interpretation.”

“Did your routine change? Anything in the physical process of how you wrote?”

“Definitely. Being an established author has conveyed a huge privilege on me. The Final Fissure was written in spare time at school or late nights at the diner. I’m still a nighttime writer. I still can’t write at home, I need people around me to observe. But writing gets to be the focus of my day now. I’ve also gotten better at letting other people see my writing. As a teenager, I was obsessive about making it perfect first.”

“Oh I remember.” They’re both facing ahead, so the recorder has a better angle, but she can see him smiling at her out of the corners of her eyes.

“But now, sometimes it’s just get it on the page and send it off, especially if I’m under a deadline. Still, though, I like some feedback if only to reaffirm my own conviction that I’m headed in the right direction. Actually, Archie looked at a few chapters of Sweetwater Subtext pretty early on.”

“Really? I can’t see him as a particularly dedicated editor.”

Jughead’s laugh is big, his head is thrown back and his shoulders shake. “No, definitely not. But it was more feedback on the content I was looking for, than the style. Whether I was crossing a line with anything.”

“Well, color me intrigued.”

“Good.”

She takes a risk. “I’m surprised Archie didn’t tell you I was moving here.”

“Yeah, well, we don’t exactly talk about you.”

It hurts. She knows it shouldn’t. She knows it makes sense. But it does. Because it sounds like ‘I don’t think about you.’

“Right, obviously. That was stupid of me.” Way to ruin it, Betty. “On a related note, what do you owe to the real people upon whom you base your characters?”

“That’s a question I’ve been wrestling with. The best answer I’ve been able to come up with, insufficient as it is, is honesty.”

#bughead fanfiction #riverdale fanfiction #bughead #betty cooper #jughead jones #riverdale #mine #second city

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maylovexhs · 4 years ago

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everytime - GOLDEN HOUR (Chp. 26)

Author’s Note: I would like to thank miss Kacey Musgraves. That’s it. That’s all I have to say. (This is my new favorite chapter. And it’s a tear jerker) - May.

Catch up on everytime here

August 26th, 2019.

*HARRY'S POV*

"Sam's son just got engaged" My mother said.

"Jack?" Gemma asked. "The youngest one?"

My mother nodded.

"Mhmm" She said. "Sam said he proposed on his girlfriend's birthday a few days ago"

A bee closely flew next to my face. I flinched, waving my hand at it away. My sister smirked at my response. Why did we choose to have breakfast in the backyard again?

"Did he?" I asked. "Didn't they just get together?"

"Yes but they have been friends since university" My mother said. "They already set a wedding date?"

"Which is?" Gemma asked.

"June 28th" My mother said.

"Next year?" I asked. "They want to wait a year?"

"Are they going to be moving in first?" Gemma asked.

"I don't know" My mother said. "You have to ask them"

My phone vibrated on the table.

"But a year?" Gemma asked. "Most people get marry months after they get engaged"

I picked my phone up from the table, looking at the screen. I smiled.

"Who's that?" Gemma asked.

I looked to Gemma.

"Just Y/N" I said, setting my phone down on the table.

"Aren't you going to answer?" My mother asked me.

"Not at breakfast" I said.

"Oh, you sound ridiculous" Gemma said to me. "Just answer her already"

I looked to my mom, giving me an approving look. I picked up my phone again, answering Y/N's facetime.

"Hi" I said. "What's up?"

"Just returning your call from yesterday. I was busy with a photoshoot" Y/N said. "Anyways, what's going on with you?"

"We're having a family day" I told her, showing Gemma and my mother to her.

"Hi Anne!" Y/N said, waving to her. "Hey Gemma"

"Hi darling!" My mother said to her. "What are you up to?"

"Oh, nothing really" Y/N said. "Just writing little pieces of songs in my hotel room. Nothing else"

"That doesn't sound like nothing" I commented.

"Ooh!" My mother said, excited. "You should come out to dinner with us later. Gemma wants to go to an Italian place. What is it called again?"

"It's Italian" Gemma said. "Doesn't matter the name"

My mother rolled her eyes at Gemma.

"What do you say, Y/N?" My mother asked her. "Us and Italian?"

I looked to Y/N, who seemed hesitant.

"I would love to" Y/N said. "But I don't want to come if that means I ruin your family day"

"Oh, nonsense!" My mother said. "We all love you. You're already family to us"

"Come on" I begged Y/N. "You want to spend the rest of the day in your hotel room?"

Y/N bit her lip, tempted. She sighed, giving in.

"Alright, I'll come" She said. "Where's the place?"

"I'll send you it later" I told her.

"Tell her to wear white" Gemma said. "Can't have her breaking the rule"

"And Gemma says to wear white" I passed on to Y/N.

"Wear white" Y/N said, nodding. "Got it"

"We'll see you soon" My mother said to her.

"Okay" Y/N said. "See you soon. Bye!"

Y/N hung up the call on me. I set my phone down on the table. Gemma and my mother looked to each other, smirking.

"What's that look for?" I asked them.

Gemma sipped on her cup of tea. My mom turned to me.

"Do you ever think of getting back with Y/N?" My mother asked me.

I raised my eyebrows at her, confused and repulsed.

"No, no" I said, shaking my head. "We tried that for a month and that went nowhere"

"Dating for three weeks isn't a relationship" Gemma said. "It's a fling"

"We both agreed we are better off as friends" I said. "And Y/N really isn't what I'm looking for in a person"

"She was when you dated her" Gemma commented.

I crossed my arms at her.

"Honey, we're just saying Y/N seems good for you" My mom said. "You seem so happy when she's around. We just want to see you happy"

"I am happy" I told her. "But I don't love Y/N, not in that way."

Gemma and my mother looked to each other. My mother sighed, letting this conversation be over. My mother looked to Gemma.

"How's Michal's new job?" My mother asked her.

"It's been alright so far" Gemma said. "Not complaining yet"

I took a sip of tea from my cup.

Y/N . . . nope. Never again.

Later. 5 PM.

"And cheese!" My mother said.

I smiled at my mother as she took the picture. She looked at her phone.

"Aww" She blushed. "My babies"

I removed my arm around Gemma. I took my phone out of my pocket, going to my messages.

"No word yet?" Gemma asked me.

"Nope" I said. "Sent her a text fifteen minutes before. Nothing yet"

"Shall we just go in then?" Gemma asked Mum. "She'll probably come when we are ordering"

"Let me give her a call again" I said.

I tapped on Y/N's name on my screen. I pressed my phone to my ear, hearing it ring. I looked in the distance, the phone ringing another few seconds. I squinted my eyes, seeing a woman looking similar to Y/N walk down the block towards me. I hung the phone up, seeing Y/N more clearer as she walked over to us. Her hair was up in a bun, her bangs shining and covering her forehead. She was wearing a white button down shirt with matching white shorts. Didn't expect her to wear converse though but at least they were white.

"Oh, Y/N!" My mother blushed. "You look absolutely beautiful. I forgot when was the last time I saw you"

"Definitely more than a year ago" Y/N answered, hugging her. "How long have you been waiting for me?"

"Oh, not long" My mother said as they separated from each other. I smirked, seeing Gemma roll her eyes.

"I've missed you" My mother said to Y/N. "All Harry does is talk about you. Doesn't care to bring you over though"

"Well, I don't blame him" Y/N said. "I've been busy but I've missed you too"

Y/N looked to Gemma, smiling. She had her arms open, ready to hug my sister.

"How are you, Gemma?" Y/N asked. "How's your sunglasses going?"

My sister and Y/N shared a quick hug.

"Quite alright." Gemma said. "More of a writer now"

"Really?" Y/N asked her, excitement in her voice. "You have to tell me about it inside"

Y/N looked to me, smirking as she knew what I was going to say.

"My phone is on five percent" She said. "Didn't want to risk it"

"Couldn't send a text?" I asked.

Y/N shook her head.

"Well, shall we go in?" My mother asked.

Gemma entered the restaurant, holding the door for my mother. I caught the door before it shut, holding it open for Y/N.

"After you" I said to her.

"Thank you" Y/N said, walking inside.

"Mhmm" I nodded, walking after her.

An Hour Later.

Dinner was going alright. Alright as it could ever be going. Y/N and my mother caught up. She told Y/N about our not-so-new cat Evie. Gemma told Y/N about Michal. Y/N was just beginning to tell them about her documantary.

"It's only of the European shows and some interviews" Y/N said. "We're aiming for a Christmas release"

"Christmas?" My mother asked.

"Uh, huh" Y/N said. "Lisa and I think that's the best timing. You know, with the Christmas marketing?"

"We get it" Gemma said. "H's releasing his album around that time too"

"You are?" Y/N asked, turning to me. "I thought you said September"

I shook my head.

"December 13" I said. "The official date"

Y/N smirked at me.

“Can’t wait you own a copy” Y/N said.

“I’ll send you one” I offered her.

Y/N nodded. I looked to my mother and Gemma, both sharing the same look before in the morning when I was on the phone with Y/N.

“Well, we will try to watch your movie when it comes out” My mother said. “It’s always busy at Christmas. Everyone comes over”

“As Harry told me” Y/N said.

“That reminds me,” My mother said, an idea striking her. “Why don’t you come over for Christmas?”

“Mom-“ I said, trying to stop her as I knew what was coming.

“Harry told me you’re not close with your parents” She said. “I can’t imagine spending the holidays alone”

Y/N blushed. I didn’t know if it was from flattery or awkwardness.

“I think it’s too early to make plans for Christmas, Mom” Gemma said to her.

“I’m just offering” My mother said. “But it’s your choice, Y/N. When Christmas comes around and if you want some company . . . we’re here. You’re always welcomed”

Y/N smiled at my mother.

“Thank you, Anne” Y/N said. “That’s very sweet of you but I always spend the holidays with my sister or my friends. But I’ll keep the invitation in mind if anything changes”

My mother smiled to herself, sitting back. Gemma’s phone started to ring. She took a quick peek of who was calling.

“It’s Chloe” Gemma said.

“Go ahead and take it” My mother said to her.

I nodded at Gemma, giving her my approval. Gemma got up from the table, taking the call and walking out the restaurant. My mother’s attention returned back to Y/N.

“When do end tour again?” My mother asked her. “Next year, right?”

“Uh, yeah” Y/N said. “Next year, October. But I got breaks between each leg so I’m taking it day by day.”

“When’s your next break then?” My mother asked.

“Halloween” Y/N and I said at the same time.

Y/N smiled at me and then looked back to my mother.

“Actually, now you mentioned it . . .you should come to one of my shows” Y/N said. “I’m only here for tomorrow and the day after”

“I would love to come” My mother said. “I have dinner with a friend tomorrow but I’m free the day after”

“So, Harry and you” Y/N said. “Gemma could come too”

“I’ll ask her for you” I said.

Gemma walked back into the restaurant, frustrated.

“Sad to call it quits early but Chloe needs me” Gemma said. “She got locked out of her apartment and she needs somewhere to spend the night at”

Y/N and I looked to each other. Locked out?

“Oh, no” My mother said. “You’re going to pick her up? She could stay at our house”

“I think she would be fine spending it by mine’s” Gemma said. “Do you want to leave with me now or pick you up later?”

“You only brought one car?” Y/N asked us.

“We came together” I said. “Didn’t plan on this happening”

My mother looked to us and then to Gemma, debating what to do.

“I really don’t want to leave you two alone” My mother said to Y/N and I. “I wanted to spend more time with you” She said to Y/N.

“There’s plenty of time to catch up at my show” Y/N said. “And it’s no big deal. Harry and I are fine on our own”

“Go with Gemma” I told my mother. “It’s only a few blocks from my house. I’ll take care of the bill”

My mother smiled at me.

“Take good care of her, will you?” She asked me.

“He will” Y/N said, answering for me. “Always does”

My mother nodded. Gemma and her quickly left, leaving Y/N and I alone. We talked for a bit before finishing eating. I paid for tonight. I asked Y/N if she wanted to walk home with me. She said yes.

“Did I tell you about that time Tom’s daughter almost vomited into my mouth?” I asked Y/N as we walked.

“No” Y/N said. “But you told me once that Lux did”

“I did?” I asked, not remembering when I told her that.

“Uh huh” Y/N said.

“Well, then” I said. “Did I tell you another baby almost vomiting on me?”

Y/N let out a little laugh, her smile quickly fading away. I stared at her, feeling something was wrong with her. I suddenly remembered my mother’s suggestion about her spending Christmas with us.

“I’m sorry about my mom earlier” I said to Y/N. “I swear I only told her years ago you weren’t close to your parents. I didn’t think she would-“

“It’s alright” Y/N said, stopping me. “I found it sweet that your mother invited me. Don’t get many invites these days to Christmas parties”

“It’s August” I said. “Not supposed to this time”

Y/N chuckled, her smile fading quickly more than before.

“Are you okay?” I asked her. “You look like something is wrong”

“It’s nothing” Y/N said. “Don’t want to bother you with you”

“Why would I be bothered?” I asked her. “Wait, it’s my mother, isn’t it? You don’t have to lie-“

“No, no, it’s not that” Y/N said, shaking her head. “It’s just Felix. He called me yesterday in the middle of my photoshoot”

"He did?" I asked her. "About what?"

"He's been dating someone" Y/N said. "They've been dating for almost a year. And he got her pregnant . . ."

"Oh" I said, feeling sympathy immediately for Y/N. "Do you want to talk about it?"

"No, no" Y/N said. "I cried in front of Lisa and Adrian after he told me and I don't want to cry in front of you now-"

"Why?" I asked her. "You cried in front of me before"

"But I don't want to deal with it 'all that' now" Y/N said. "Not yet"

I nodded, understanding her. She still wasn't healed from her miscarriage, or from Felix of that matter.

"Were you writing earlier about him?" I asked Y/N.

"Yeah" Y/N said. "It's just . . . fuck him"

I chuckled at her response.

"Like, fuck him" Y/N said. "How is he so happy about having another baby when we lost ours? It took me a damn year to process it and another year to date again and he just moves on like that"

"You're angry at him" I said. "It's okay to feel that way"

"I know it is, H" Y/N said. "But it's all . . ."

Y/N stopped walking and sighed. I stopped walking and looked to her. Her eyes were tearing up.

"That should be me" Y/N said. "I know I sound jealous but sometimes I think if I didn't have a miscarriage, Felix and I would be so happy together. Felix and I would have never broke up if it wasn't for the baby"

I stared at Y/N, feeling her pain. She had the right to be angry. How could she not be? She was happy, about to have everything she wanted with someone she loved and loved her back. Then, life happened and took her joy away. She was healing from it still. She was healing all alone when she shouldn't be. No one should be alone in pain.

"Now, he gets to have that life with someone else" Y/N said. "He gets to be happy while-"

I hugged Y/N, wrapping my arms around her body tightly.

"I know" I told her. "It isn't fair. You don't deserve to be in pain. Not alone"

I felt Y/N shift in my arms. I loosened my grip on her, thinking she would want to pull away. Instead, she gripped onto my shirt, holding onto me tightly as she cried. I rested my forehead on the top of her head while rubbing her back. Some people passed us, looking intrigued and confused.

"You don't have to go through this alone" I said to her. "You shouldn't. No one should. I'm here for you. I'm always here for you"

Y/n didn't say anything to me. I figured I shouldn't say anything either. It was best for her to say something first, or at least get herself together first. We stood there, quietly holding each other for a moment. Y/N gently pulled back from me.

"It isn't fair" Y/N said, wiping her cheeks of tears. "But it still hurts"

Some of Y/N's mascara was smeared. Her cheeks were splotchy, red mostly with spots of pink and white from the crying but that didn't matter. I was just happy she was feeling better.

"I'm sorry I ruined your shirt" Y/N said, looking at my shirt. "I got mascara on you"

I looked down at my shirt. She did get mascara on me. That didn't matter either.

I looked back up to Y/N.

"I mean it, Y/N" I told her. "You don't have to go through this alone"

A beam of sunlight perfectly landed on Y/N's face, casting light on her eyes. Y/N smiled at me with her eyes sparkling, having a gleam in them. I felt my heart jolt. Y/N smiled at me hundreds of times before but this one - this one felt different.

"Thank you, Harry" Y/N said. "For always being there for me"

Y/N wrapped her arms around me, gently hugging me. I smiled, embracing her. I felt my heart gave another jolt.

My heart. Wait.

Y/N pulled away from me, still smiling. I stared at her.

Oh.

#hs imagines #hs imagine #harry styles imagine #harry styles imagines #harry styles fanfiction #harry styles fanfic #fanfic #everytime HS #everytime chapters

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superblyjovialtheorist-blog · 6 years ago

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