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chateautae · 4 years ago

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maybe i do | kth. II

➵ summary : maybe you love each other, maybe you don’t. when a deal between your fathers leaves you forcefully wedding kim taehyung, arguably seoul’s most powerful CEO, you’re prepared for a loveless marriage of eternal regret and unhappiness. but maybe, it doesn’t turn out that way after all.

↳ part of the high-class series!

➵ pairing : taehyung x reader

➵ genre : arranged marriage!au, ceo!tae, s2l!au, eventual smut, fluff, angst

➵ rating : 18+

➵ word count : 10k

➵ warnings : none really, swearing, mainly fluffy and funny interactions, some angst! :o

➵ a/n: and i’m back with chapter two! i really wanted to say thank you for the love and support i received on the first part of maybe i do, it was astounding!! i’m so grateful so many people loved the story and asked to be tagged (all at the bottom <3), it made me feel so motivated to write. if you would also like to be tagged please message me. your feedback is always appreciated!

chapter two : “on my pillow, can’t get me tired”

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Taehyung didn’t remember sleeping anywhere near you last night.

He remembered that even though you willingly agreed to share the same bed, he still opted for caution and slept with the most space between you two as possible.

Though when his eyes fluttered open the next morning, eyeballs burning from the light that bled into the suite, the first thing he realized was that he was not on his side of the bed from last night.

No, he had somehow gravitated towards the center, and as if almost on cue, your slight movement and the sound of your breathing alerted him of your nearby presence.

Peering down at you, Taehyung caught sight of your sleepy head turned towards him and lying on his arm, his other thrown over your torso with you unsuspectingly nuzzled into his side.

Taehyung’s eyes shot open, acknowledging he had succumbed to his habit of hugging something to sleep during the course of the night and he internally panicked. He began retracting his arms slowly, just about drawing himself from you until alarms rang in his head at the sight of you stirring in your sleep.

Taehyung took the golden opportunity to sit up in a flash, having to physically shake his head to rid the image of your tranquil, sleeping face from his brain, crushing the thought that it was kind of cute.

He found himself chanting the same denial from last night, he couldn’t be thinking of such complicated things concerning you when he knew the second he’d step foot inside his home, there’d be a mountain of paperwork ready for him; even more on his work desk.

He had to be thinking about his job, not you.

Even if Taehyung was married now, it wouldn’t lessen the amount of work that plagued his life nor make it any less demanding. If anything, his life would be harder now considering the fact that he had another priority to add to his list, another aspect of his life he had to split his attention between.

He didn’t necessarily hate the idea, just found himself needing to work harder than he already was.

Taehyung sighed heavily at the thought and swung his legs off the bed, rubbing his tired eyes. He took a moment to look back at you, thinking if he observed you a second time he’d be able to piece together how the hell you two ended up in that position, that close.

By evidence of the forgotten blanket half-thrown off you, he could see you were the tossing-and-turning type, maybe the only explanation for your proximity considering he was the same.

He also noticed you slept all curled up, like you were cold and the only warmth you knew was snuggling yourself.

Cute.

There it was again, cute.

Why does that word even exist?

Taehyung discarded the notion altogether and stood to his feet, stretching out his stiff muscles. He made for the bathroom eagerly to begin his day, though not without fixing at least some of the blanket back onto you.

“You don’t have a driver?”

“Not for everywhere I go. I have two hands, I can drive myself.” Taehyung made it a statement to jazz hands at you, showcasing the perfectly capable limbs he was gifted with.

“That’s.. nice, actually. I always see asshole CEO’s getting other people to drive them around.” You relayed as you trailed behind Taehyung, letting him lead you towards the front of the hotel where dozens of expensive cars lined the curb side.

You had no clue which luxury vehicle belonged to Taehyung because quite frankly, he could probably afford every car your eyes caught sight of. It wasn’t until he approached a certain one and retrieved his keys from the valet that your jaw completely dropped, floored.

“This is your car?” You gawked, the sleek design, crispness of its shape and nearly sparkling gloss completely sweeping you off your feet.

“Yeah, think someone like me can’t get a car like this?” Taehyung cocked an eyebrow, gesturing towards himself.

“It’s just-wow. Mercedes CLS?” You inquired without really looking at him, inspecting the car instead as you admired its every curve. Safe to say, you were beyond in love with it. Even if you were always more of a minimalist and preferred the average product, there was just something gorgeous about luxury cars that appealed to you.

“Yeah, actually it is.” Taehyung looked at you impressed, momentarily reminded of just how different you were compared to any other woman he’s chanced upon.

How many of them knew car models?

Taehyung was intrigued by the fact before speaking with one of the hotel workers, confirming if they had loaded his car with both your luggage and some wedding sentiments your parents insisted you keep.

Once receiving affirmation Taehyung made towards your side of the car and pulled the door open. He flashed you a tight-lipped smile as he gestured for you to hop in, drawing you out of your stupor. You thanked him warmly before sliding into your seat.

He let you scramble in comfortably before shutting the door and walking to his side, positioning himself in and clicking on his seatbelt. He watched as your expression lit up once occupying the car, face beaming with excitement as you touched and drank in at the high-end features the vehicle had to offer. Taehyung found himself smiling before he licked his lips and straightened his face, igniting the engine and beginning the smooth drive.

It was easy to settle the debate on where you both would be living. Taehyung was an enormously rich CEO who lived in an expensive, massive home while you lived in a measly apartment. You knew it was useless to live separately, even more useless to have him live with you. And so you agreed without protest to pack your things and relocate, begin your move into the house you’d share with him for a lifetime.

The car ride remained quite silent, you mindlessly bopping your head to whatever mainstream song played on the radio, while Taehyung tapped his fingers against the steering wheel or his lap.

You found your eyes wandering to his slender fingers wrapped around the wheel every so often, sometimes venturing to the other one he placed against his thigh. You began reprimanding yourself once you realized with all the staring, observing and ogling, you most certainly had a thing for his hands already.

Fuck.

They were just so big, bigger than what you’ve seen of the average man and it didn’t help that they looked crafted to perfection.

There was just something about the veins that decorated them, his palm large in size as his fingers seemed deft turning and working the steering wheel. His little accessories like a ring or two, bracelets and his watch did absolutely nothing to deter your interest either.

It only increased once you realized he looked good driving, really good. You knew men had this common attractiveness to them when they drove, watching them all focused and effortlessly working the car somehow sexy; but watching Taehyung drive was another experience entirely.

He looked insanely hot, and you felt like throwing yourself out your window for even thinking such a thing. It was another case of you ogling him without realizing until his deep voice suddenly fished you out of your thoughts, questioning. “Did you like the wedding?”

“Huh?”

“The wedding, did you like it?” Taehyung repeated, glancing at you.

“Does it really matter if I did?” You asked, this one phrase seeming to perfectly sum up the misfortune of your life, provoking an ironic laugh even.

“I think it does. A bride should always enjoy her wedding.”

“Well, I didn’t.” You deadpanned, your expression turning frustrated having to remember that one of, if not the most special night of your life had just been robbed of you, thrown to the wolves while you were only left to accept the sad fact.

“C’mon, you didn’t enjoy a single thing?” Taehyung didn’t mean to flash back to the kiss you two shared, though found himself doing exactly so.

You didn’t enjoy that? he questioned in his head.

“Not really, I just imagined having more choice in the wedding.” You answered honestly, trying not to sulk so much. “It’s not you, I just... thought I’d be able to decide things at my own wedding. I’m grateful your parents did so much, but I didn’t really get to choose anything.” You grew more solemn as your gaze fixated on nothing, watching the world pass you by through the car window.

“My favourite flowers weren’t even there.” You said only despondently to yourself, shoulders drooping, though Taehyung didn’t miss it.

“You don’t like roses?”

Your eyes flashed towards him with furrowed eyebrows, surprised he heard your comment. You straightened up before shrugging back a response. “I like peonies.”

Taehyung looked at your side profile as you turned away, finding the conversation turning more sorrowful than he liked. He allowed some silence to linger as you leaned your chin against your palm, boringly watching the bustling streets.

He decided to change the subject.

“So you don’t think I’m an asshole, huh?”

“What?”

“You said you always see ‘asshole CEO’s’ getting people to drive them around. But I don’t, so I’m not an asshole to you?” Taehyung halved his attention between you and the road, glancing in your direction with one hand working the steering wheel.

You thought the question over, “No, you’re not an asshole.” You said simply, distracted by the thoughts that previously occupied your mind.

“I see.” Taehyung pursed his lips. Another beat of silence passed through the downcast air before Taehyung perked up again.

“Is it just the driving? Or do you have other criteria?” Taehyung asked inquisitively, leaning back into his seat as he observed you.

You could detect from the corner of your eyes the way his stance drew attention to his legs, thighs broad as he sat. “I guess there is.”

“Like what?”

You didn’t really know why Taehyung was so curious. You thought it was common knowledge what the stereotypical asshole CEO was like; they were nearly all jerks with horrible one-percenter mentalities and treated people like gravel.

You scoffed a bit. “They’re usually so full of themselves. They act like they own the place all the time, which makes sense at their own companies but not everywhere else. It’s like the position gets to their heads. Even the way they talk is condescending, belittling, or straight up rude to anyone not on their level. It wouldn’t kill to be nice.” You revealed almost too eagerly, avoiding eye contact with Taehyung as you viewed the traffic on the road ahead, remembering he was a CEO himself.

Long story short, you’ve had your fair share of experiences meeting them as you grew up during the beginnings of your father’s company. They were quick to skew your opinion ever since you watched the way they treated your father all due to having a start-up, for simply being small in name or reputation. They acted like he was less than, some even daring to behave as though his company would simply never make it.

It always boiled your blood, left an extremely distasteful image of CEOs and the business world in your head.

And you were certain it all sucked after that.

“Understandable.” Taehyung nodded agreeably. “But you think I don’t fit any of that?” He rested a hand against his thigh, sitting laxed as he spread his legs apart further. This time it was definitely hard to miss the way they appeared, all laid out and long as your eyes drank him in, following up his thighs all the way to his-

“You don’t. I thought maybe since you’re super successful you’d be full of yourself. But you’re not, really.” You snapped yourself out of whatever the hell you were doing, trying to refocus on the conversation.

“Ah, seems like a stepping stone.”

“Stepping stone? Towards what?”

“Towards you not hating me.” His voice came out with a more solemn timbre than you expected, his jaw tightening for a mere second.

Taehyung only thought such a thing because even if he decided you didn’t harbour negative feelings towards him, there was no way of him determining whether that was true or not without your real input.

“I don’t hate you, Taehyung. I don’t.. think I can.” You claimed with poignancy, his statement causing you to reflect on your own feelings about him.

You don’t hate Taehyung, you couldn’t because he did absolutely nothing wrong in this situation. He was dragged in just like you were. You only despised the unfairness of the arrangement, not him.

There wasn’t much to hate about him.

“So you’re saying you like me then, aren’t you?” Taehyung suddenly teased light-heartedly, all smug as his amused eyes flickered to you.

“Shut up, I never said that.” You turned away, scandalized by his remark.

“I’m kidding. But, why do you think you can’t hate me? I pretty much.. ruined your life.” Taehyung internally felt his chest tighten at the words, remembering the exact thoughts from where he stood no less than 24 hours ago, seconds from lawfully marrying you.

“And I didn’t ruin yours?” This time you turned your gaze towards Taehyung, meaningfully. Your eyes instinctively communicated your emotions as they locked with his for a moment, Taehyung all attentive.

“I took away from you just as much you took away from me. We both ruined each other’s lives, there’s no use in blaming each other. That’s why I can’t hate you.” You finalized, crossing your arms and opting to watch the passing buildings through your window again.

Taehyung absorbed your sudden confession with reason, realizing that in a sense, you two were partners in this unfortunate case. Even if your matrimony constituted a forced partnership neither of you liked, there seemed to be a natural comradery in having to deal with the aftermath of that forced partnership.

Trying to accept it.

“I don’t think I can hate you, either.” Taehyung admitted, ending the more miserable part of the conversation as you fell silent. You thought he was done until he decided to bother you again.

“I think you’re still saying you like me, though.”

You turned to him half-appalled before pointing towards the road, eyes narrowed. “Just drive us home, will you?”

Taehyung laughed at the moment and pressed down on the accelerator, internally grinning at the fact you never said no to his statement.

“This is your house?” You found yourself gawking again at something that belonged to Taehyung, stepping inside a luxury home you’ve only ever dreamed of living in. Sure, you lived with your parents until you were 18, though your father was still starting out with his company for most of those years, not exactly owning anything too luxurious until after you permanently moved out.

So as you stood trying to prop your heels off yourself, your jaw dropped at the sheer elegance and high-status look to the interior of Taehyung’s home. You had already done enough gawking at the exterior, but being inside and processing the fact that you were now to inhabit this home for the rest of your life sent another wave of shock.

You immediately observed Taehyung was the type who decorated his home with only the finest, his taste easily identifiable. Aesthetic, lavish, charming. He seemed like a man of utter simplicity though his home said otherwise, showcasing an artistic, exquisite feel you never really expected from him.

“When will you stop saying that?” He titled his head and smiled through a laugh, removing his shoes and slipping into his indoor slippers.

“Right, sorry.” You were still struggling for normalcy, somehow forgetting almost every hour Taehyung’s wealth and only registering it once you saw something that indicated it.

Taehyung sauntered inside and took a deep breath, enjoying the feel of his abode. He enjoyed nothing more than being home, in the comfort of his own space. Especially for someone who worked so busily, he found pleasure in doing the bare minimum at home. Relishing in the feeling right now, he pressed his lips together in a smile before glancing back at your struggling figure, catching sight of your size.

His eyebrows shot up to the sky. “Woah, you’re short.”

“Huh?”

“I think I’ve only ever seen you in heels.” Taehyung informed. “Now that you’re not wearing them you’re a lot shorter than I thought. You’re tiny.” He pointed out as he eyed you from head to toe, processing the amount of height you lost simply from removing your shoes.

“I mean, that’s kind of what heels do, you know, they add height.” You deadpanned, stating the obvious for him.

“Sorry, it’s just..” Kind of cute, he thought, though fought for another response. “I could probably throw you.”

Nice save.

“Excuse me? It’s not my fault you’re so tall.” You scowled at him. “Besides, you’re all height and no muscle, you probably can’t even carry me.”

“Wanna see me try?” Taehyung was already coming towards you with his arms held out and you sputtered immediately, “No, no, no.” you held your hands up defensively. “Let’s just start the house tour, yeah?” you offered a smile for compromise.

“That’s what I thought.” Taehyung narrowed his eyes coyly and turned on his heel, signaling you to follow him.

What you realized strolling through the home as Taehyung discussed its details was that it emphatically represented him like an open book. Even if Taehyung was predominantly unreadable and seemed to always hide a mystery behind his eyes, you could see nearly all of him reflected in his home.

You often found valuable trinkets or sentiments scattered around the house. It seemed like he cherished a lot of things in his life, namely memories or people. It would also be hard to miss the exquisite selection of paintings and embellishments he draped the walls with, all harbouring their own charm and adding to the overall artistic feel of his home.

There were famous works consisting of Vincent Van Gogh all the way to local Korean artists you’ve never heard of, though admired their work.

It seemed as though he selected the paintings himself.

Another large aspect you couldn’t miss were the many photos he kept, calling to question whether they were of his own work.

“Did you take these?” You approached a shelf in one of his grand hallways on the second floor, hand brushing the wooden frame of a captured photo; six men including Taehyung himself posing comfortably, like they were extremely close, backdrop reflecting what seemed to be a trip.

“I took all of them.” He stated casually, hands tucked into his pockets as he eyed the shelf along with you.

“All?”

He simply nodded and didn’t elaborate further as he watched you admire the photos, yourself impressed by his adeptness for photography.

“You’re really good.” You complimented absentmindedly, enjoying the other photos of not only people but scenery, empty streets, candid shots from what looked to be his own little adventures.

“Thanks.” Was all Taehyung could manage, trying to mask the sheer gratitude he felt hearing the first ever person to admire his work; something that wasn’t related to being a CEO or a businessman.

He also felt slightly embarrassed you’d seen a small part of him he usually hid.

Taehyung continued walking down the hallway until he reached the end, revealing what you could tell was the largest room in the house. You were thrown off by just how unnecessarily large it was. It seriously reminded you of an extravagant hotel suite, more like the grandest one among them.

“This is our room.” Taehyung introduced, gesturing towards its interior.

“Our?”

Taehyung nodded “I should’ve told you earlier but I wanted us to sleep in the same room. If we slept apart our marriage wouldn’t look convincing to my two housekeepers. I trust them but I don’t want any information about us getting out to the public, not over my dead body.” Taehyung stated in earnest as he relayed the information, wandering further into the room.

“You really care that much about publicity?” you genuinely questioned.

Taehyung scoffed. “Not me, I couldn’t care less about what people think.” He denied instantly, almost laughably. “It’s my father. He hates bad press, especially concerning our family or the company.”

“I thought bad press is still press, so it’s good.” You suggested as you followed him further into the room, admiring that though large, his room held a sense of comfort to it. Quite frankly, all of his home felt rather welcoming and cozy, surprising of a CEO who ran such a monstrously successful company.

“My father doesn’t think so. Kim Enterprises has always been generational, each of our CEO positions strictly kept within the family. Our name is our brand and pride, it alone accounts for at least half of our success. We’re extremely well-known for our high status, it’s just plain fact in the upper social circles of Korea. We can’t afford to taint our name with petty things like bad press or corruption, our reputation is too valuable.” Taehyung stated this all nonchalantly as he adjusted his suit jacket in his mirror, like it was something he’s grown accustomed to and has known all his life.

You found your opinion impeding his words.

“So you can never just, escape this life? As long as you’re a Kim you’re bound to this company?” You found the concept wildly restrictive, clearly shackling down any person that would run the business and you felt a disagreeing shiver shoot through your spine.

“Of course, why would you want anything else?” Taehyung tiled his head to the side, eyeing you in genuine questioning and your entire being was trying to bite back the desire to correct him, tell him there’s so much more to life than just some company your family owns. Though you opted for changing the subject instead, unwilling to step on his toes and dictate his life when you knew next to nothing about it.

It wasn’t your place.

“Woah, you have a balcony?!” You exclaimed with a simper, eyes flickering towards the curtains that revealed two ajar French doors leading to an open space.

You made towards it excitedly and stopped just in the middle of the platform, enjoying the breeze of the fresh air.

“It’s my favourite part of the house.” You didn’t even realize Taehyung followed you until his towering figure stood directly behind you, feeling his proximity permeate through your body.

You swallowed.

“Why don’t you look at the view?” Taehyung cocked his head towards the railing of the balcony, though you didn’t move a step.

You weren’t about to tell Taehyung you’re terribly afraid of heights.

“I-I can see from here. Wow, looks beautiful.” You perked up superficially, trying to throw him off and changing the subject again. “By the way, what’s our closet situation gonna look like?”

“Ah, let me show you.” Taehyung strided back into the room towards the sliding double doors you spotted earlier. He almost theatrically glided both dark wooden panels open and your jaw dropped for the 47th time today.

You were welcomed by a ridiculously large walk-in closet, enough to be renovated into its own bedroom. You simply couldn’t normalize its size, especially after registering every suit, tie, watch or accessory Taehyung stored in the gracious space.

You couldn’t even begin to imagine how much money lied in here.

“Oh my God.” Was all you could manage, meandering in sparingly as you viewed each and every expensive piece he owned in the room, no doubt of the highest quality designers, finest of men’s fashion.

“You don’t have to worry about unpacking and moving in here, the housekeepers will do that for you.” Taehyung watched as you looked upon in awe, finding the way your eyes sparkled with emotion very similar to that of Bambi’s.

“How will I fit-”

“I specifically made space for you, there’s enough.” Taehyung stated, leaning against the doorway with his arms crossed. He’d resolved a while ago he really would try to take this marriage seriously, victoriously achieve the work-life balance his father kept preaching.

He saw giving up his closet space as the first step.

It was indeed so because Taehyung thoroughly enjoyed fashion. He genuinely adored every suit, accessory and outfit in his collection, though if he wanted to reach this new goal of balance, successfully add you to his list of priorities, then he had to be willing to cut down.

Even if that meant reallocating a third of his exorbitant wardrobe just for you, he’d try not to mind.

“Are you sure? I could just use another room’s-”

“I want to.” Taehyung finalized as his eyes turned unreadable from across the room, locking his gaze with yours and you were only left to look back impressed, his generosity unforeseen.

“Thank you.” You voiced a little weak, still shy by the suffocating nature of his stare.

“Don’t mention it.” He offered plainly, propping himself off the wall. He looked off to the side eyeing the empty pockets of space he left for you, until your voice called out to him.

“Taehyung.”

“Hm?” He snapped his vision back to you.

You wanted to ask him something, more so a favour and you were unsure how to word the request. “Um.. I didn’t want to ask so openly, but..” You found yourself beating around the bush, timid of what his response would be.

“Go on.”

“Um, so it seemed like there were a lot of empty rooms in this house, and I was just wondering if I could maybe.. transform one of them into an art studio for myself?” You winced at your own request.

“I’m sorry, it’s just I had one at my old place and it really grew on me. I would get most of my work done in that room and gained a lot of inspiration from it. I have a lot of art supplies and designed often in that studio, so I need a home for all my supplies and it would suck getting rid of it all. I’m sorry it means I would have to steal one of your rooms in the house, if you don’t want me to then-”

Taehyung couldn’t help but break out into a small grin as he watched you ramble on, shyly fidget with your fingers, so apprehensive of asking him for something and it reminded him why he was so eager to provide you with anything you wanted.

You spent too long trying to do everything on your own, achieve everything on your own, relying solely on yourself. Taehyung could see this all as plain as day, quite enjoying of how he’s never really met someone like you, and wanted you to know you didn’t always have to be so independent.

Especially with him.

“Y/N.” He called out to you with the same honey-coloured tone from last night, stopping you. Your eyes flickered to his, awaiting his next sentence and Taehyung already found himself having a thing for your doe-eyes.

Fuck.

“Of course you can have a room. You can have anything in this house. It’s yours.” Taehyung stated with a degree of assurance, his eyes locking with yours in earnest.

You both shared a look as your lips curved into a gracious smile, biting your lip to contain it. His stare wasn’t so much intimidating as it was merely.. calm. Gazing at you for the sole purpose of gazing, and you found some heat rushing to your face under his scrutiny.

Taehyung seemed to realize he was staring and immediately cleared his throat, turning a little nervous as he began another conversation. “So um, I’m sorry to say this,” he began with unease, almost apprehensive and you didn’t know what he was so sorry about. “But I have work today.”

You blinked. “What?”

Taehyung internally winced at your reaction, hands finding his pockets. “I took some time off for the wedding, so now I have twice the amount of work left behind. I need to complete it.” He informed straightforwardly.

“Our wedding was just yesterday, though, aren’t you tired?” You were only taken aback because you were slightly concerned for his wellbeing, wasn’t he tired from yesterday? You recalled him knocking out almost immediately upon hitting the pillow of your hotel bed last night, snoozing away.

“Maybe, but I can’t afford to rest. I’ll only have more to complete if I do, so I won’t be spending anymore time with you today.” Taehyung relayed the information, readying himself for the even greater disappointing news he’d be passing on.

“Actually, we won’t be able to go on our honeymoon, either.” Taehyung thought it was best to slip in all the bad news, growing more and more unrelaxed as he was unsure of how you’d react.

Though what you said next had him nearly floored.

“Honeymoon? Taehyung, that’s the least of my concerns, you should at least rest a day before getting back to work. That’s not really healthy.” You chastised him as lightly as possible, still afraid to be stepping on his toes when you didn’t know his life.

Taehyung was certain you’d hate having been stripped of a beautiful vacation where you could’ve relaxed in the sun and tropics of Cancun. Your father had mentioned to him you’ve always longed to visit the breath-taking city in Mexico, its clear waters and tropical air as a means to truly get away from your stifling life.

So when he found you disregarding the trip altogether and instead focusing on him, more precisely his health, he was left damn well speechless.

There you were again paying attention to the littlest things about him he didn’t care much for; he still had that bandage you offered him a month ago tucked into one of his pockets, not wanting to use the adhesive just yet.

“I’ll be fine. I’m just sorry we can’t go on the vacation because of me, it would’ve been nice, you know?” Taehyung apologized, feeling genuinely guilty for having ruined the honeymoon. Even if you two weren’t going to travel as some lovey-dovey couple, you both simply could’ve enjoyed the time off.

“It’s okay, just, at least work from home today. Heading to the office would be too much.” You suggested for the sake of the fatigue you could discern on him.

“Oh, don’t worry, I’m gonna be home for the next few days since everyone thinks we’ll be on our honeymoon.”

“Oh. That’s.. good.” You nodded faintly, half at the idea you two were even faking your honeymoon and half at the blasphemous energy he had to work after yesterday.

The sleep from last night was nearly not enough to recharge from the antics of the wedding, having drained your batteries for the next few days. You were certain his were drained too; he was half the damn couple.

“I should get going. I’ll send Mrs. Choi and Seo up with your things. They’re probably finished with lunch too, you should eat.” Taehyung advised as he stepped out of the walk-in closet, running a hand through his gorgeous hair and you couldn’t help but ogle at the sexy way his strands fell back on him.

“Okay.” You voiced as you followed him out, watching him near the room’s door and just about to vacate the premise before you spoke up. “Taehyung.”

He stopped in his tracks, peering back at you. “Yes?”

“You should eat something, too.”

Taehyung half-smiled at you with a nod “Sure”, before stepping out of the room, leaving you alone.

And you couldn’t help but kind of like the way he smiles.

It was well into the evening now, bordering dinner time as you helped the last of your clothes into Taehyung’s closet, refusing to let the older housekeepers do all the work by themselves considering it was your own luggage.

You also tried to occupy Taehyung’s room as scarcely as you could with your belongings, feeling odd about suddenly moving in with all your might and changing things around. It just didn’t feel appropriate, like you were invading his space and so you opted for scattering only your necessary items.

“That should be the last of it, Mrs. Choi.” You retrieved your last piece of clothing from the rather soft-spoken housekeeper, tucking the blazer away among the rest. You were satisfied to see not only your wardrobe neatly organized now, but fit just about right with Taehyung’s things.

He was right about space, there was enough.

“Mrs. Kim, please rest. You didn't have to move a muscle at all for us.” Mrs. Choi remarked, genuinely concerned for you.

“Yes, please, Mrs. Kim. We can finish up with the little things. I’ve just finished preparing dinner downstairs, you should eat.” Mrs. Seo chimed in as she entered the walk-in closet, gesturing towards the door.

“Are you sure? I can-”

“Mrs. Kim, you’re very kind for offering your help, we’re very grateful you’ve done so. Though we are Mr. Kim’s housekeepers, we are meant to care for his home and his lovely wife. You need not worry about helping us.” Mrs. Choi stated with an earnest tone, speaking respectfully as she addressed you.

You were going to protest again before you considered her words, registering that if you indeed helped them, it would technically negate the entire purpose of their work.

You bit back your reply as a result, crafting a new one.

“I see, I’m sorry, Mrs. Seo, Mrs. Choi. I’m just.. very used to doing things on my own,” you looked towards the ground. “I apologize.” You almost dipped for a bow until Mrs. Choi rapidly cautioned you, scrambling towards your figure.

“Oh dear, Mrs. Kim! You do not need to bow to us, you’re Mr. Kim’s wife, you are the one who is bowed to.”

“Yes, you do not need to apologize either, we appreciate your help, it was very sweet of you.” Mrs. Seo added with a warm smile, bowing to you instead. “Please go for dinner downstairs, I’ve also informed Mr. Kim for dinner, though I’m unsure if he has made his way down yet.” She added on, urging you towards the room's exit and you recognized it was probably better to listen to her.

Even if all this high-class, status stuff had yet to sink in or make sense to you after being away for so long, you understood there was an eventual tolerance you had to build for it. Just as Mrs. Choi said, you’re Kim Taehyung’s wife now, and that came with a hell lot of status you hadn’t even scratched the surface of yet.

You could already tell it was going to be a pain in the ass.

“I suppose I should. I’ll get going, then.” You smiled graciously at both women, appreciative of their kindness and began vacating the closet. You just about pulled the room door open before Mrs. Seo suddenly came to you.

“Oh! Mrs. Kim,” she halted you. “I was informed by Mr. Kim to provide this to you. He would have done so himself though he’s quite busy at the moment.” Mrs. Seo extended her hand and presented a pristine looking card, black and incredibly sleek in design. Your eyebrows furrowed until you noticed the telltale symbols, almost ominously minimal branding indicating a rare card only those with some of the highest networths in Korea could own.

Your eyes widened in horror.

The Black Card.

“P-pardon?” You needed her to reiterate, there was no way Kim Taehyung was giving you a black card, the same card that was limitless on credit and only exclusively owned by the affluent one-percenters of society.

“He’s informed me this belongs to you now, and that you’re to keep it in your possession.” Mrs. Seo elaborated, smiling through the mental whiplash you were currently experiencing.

“Belongs to.. me? This is mine?” You were still having trouble processing, why would Taehyung be gifting you this? Who’s account was it even attached to? Was it yours and he’s decided to graciously pay all the expensive fees, or worse, was it joined with his own account?

Don’t tell me it’s joined with his account.

“Yes, Mrs. Kim. It’s yours.” Mrs. Seo held it out more outwardly, nudging it in your direction.

Your mouth fell agape for another second before you mentally collected yourself, quickly grabbing the card and thanking her as you made your exit, marching through the house for Taehyung’s unbelievable ass.

Taehyung could not be providing you with this card. It was irrational, simply had to have been a decision he made with at least two bottles of soju in him, right? You didn’t care what his reasoning would be, you were denying and returning this. There was no way in hell you’d accept this card, especially if he linked his own personal account to it.

You tried loosely recalling where Taehyung mentioned his study, logically assuming he was working there. You inspected majority of the second floor, working your way through the halls until you finally caught sight of the familiar wooden doors with glass panels, slightly ajar, light bleeding through.

You made for the room quickly and stormed in without a care, attempting to steady your breathing from all the rushing around. You caught Taehyung completely off guard, having shredded his suit jacket to instead sport the rolled up sleeves of his dress shirt, adorning black-rimmed, designer glasses.

He looked 100x hotter than he should’ve.

Taehyung suddenly propped up from the leaned-back position he’d assumed on his chair, expression caught by surprise. “Y/N?” He questioned, eyebrows furrowing.

You held up the card and addressed him immediately. “Taehyung, what’s this? Why are you giving this to me?” You huffed, looking at him incredulously.

“The card? For you to use..?” Taehyung responded cooperatively, confused as to why you seemed so frazzled.

“But why, Taehyung? This is a black card, the annual fees on this are insane and I can’t pay-”

“You’re not paying for them, I am.” Taehyung cut in, shutting the binder he was holding and placing it on his desk.

“What? No, no way. If it’s my account then I should be the one-”

“It’s not your account, either, it’s mine.” Taehyung brought his elbows to his desk, hands clasped together in front of his lips. It was now he gave you that same intimidating stare he did back when you first met him, calculative and devoid of expression.

It seemed he did this when he got serious.

“Your account? But-Taehyung, this is your money, I can’t just have it. Please, take this back.” You stepped towards his desk to return the card eagerly, but Taehyung’s firm tone stopped you.

“No, it’s yours. I gave it to you to keep.” His words held this underlying sense of authority, scratch that, dominance when he spoke seriously, resolute. You could instantly tell he possessed a natural sense of alpha male characteristics, enough that even though he wasn’t being harsh or looming, his words and the tone he coated them with held more power than you could manifest.

You almost cowered, but remained adamant on returning the card. It was worse with the card attached to his account, you couldn’t just keep Taehyung’s money like it was your own, it simply wasn’t. Your money sat ordinarily in a separate account on a separate card, which you were happy enough to use. You weren’t going to mooch off of him, it went against every principle that made up your very being.

“This is your money, Taehyung. I have no right to use it.”

“You’re my wife. You have every right in the world to use it.” Taehyung countered with no emotion, or at least any you could discern, uncertain what was running through his mind with only his eyes as a guide towards the answer.

And you knew his eyes didn’t tell.

“Taehyung, this doesn’t feel right to me. This isn’t my money and I can’t use it.” You emphasized more strongly, drawing closer to his desk though halting your actions once he spoke again.

“My money is your money, you can always use it.” You knew he was relaxed, appearing practically unbothered as he leaned onto his desk and eyed you. Though with the intense look in his eyes, his aura screaming for anyone within the vicinity to submit to him, he could easily seem frustrated with the situation, namely you.

And it made you want to crawl into a hole.

“No, it isn’t. I’ve already intruded your home, taken your closet, your room and even an extra one just for myself. I will not take your money either. Please, take this back.” You held out the card more prominently, desperate to have him understand you.

Taehyung wasn’t necessarily frustrated by you, no, he was slightly pissed you kept referring to everything as just his and not yours, that he was the only one considering you two as a married couple now while you still viewed each other separately.

Did you not see him as your husband yet?

He also disliked the fact that you seemed scared of him, or unable to trust him like last night. He could see you fighting back the urge to cower away, genuinely upsetting him you still held a degree of fear and unsureness in your eyes.

Why are you so afraid of me?

“Y/N, everything isn’t just mine anymore, it’s yours, too. We’re a married couple, husband and wife. What’s mine is yours.” Taehyung tried to reason, loosening himself up more to seem less intimidating, more approachable.

“But money, Taehyung-it’s different. I didn’t even want to take my own father’s money, there’s no way I’ll take yours, please.” Pleading leaked into your tone as you lips started doing that thing where they just about pout, emphasizing their plushiness and Taehyung couldn’t help but notice it again.

He started growing frustrated as he removed his glasses, placing them on his desk and pinching the bridge of his nose. It seemed like he was digesting the situation, searching for the best approach.

“Y/N, look. I know the kind of situation you had with your father, but I’m not him. Didn’t you hear what Mrs. Choi and Seo addressed you as?”

You thought it over, unknowing of where he was taking this. “They.. called me Mrs. Kim.”

“Exactly. Even my last name is yours, everything I have is yours. I’m your husband, I’m always going to provide you with things from now on. That card is just one of many.” Taehyung offered his best explanation, making sure his tone wasn’t as serious to sidetrack any fear you still had.

“I understand. But this is a black card, Taehyung, and it’s your hard-earned money, not mine. It feels wrong even just having it.” You couldn’t fight your inner turmoil, you genuinely believed this to be wrong. After spending almost a decade trying to work for yourself, pay for yourself, seldom seeking the help of another, this just left a disagreeing feeling to churn in your stomach.

Taehyung sighed heavily before pushing his chair back, rising from his seat. He made his way over to you where you grew unintentionally defensive, retracting from him slightly as he neared you. He noticed it and pursed his lips, reaching out for your upper arms and taking them warmly, tenderly, waiting for your eyes to meet his before he spoke to you.

“Y/N, do you remember what I said before I kissed you yesterday?”

Your eyes widened having been reminded of the intimate moment, nodding at him innocently. Taehyung witnessed you trying to avoid eye contact and found himself softening.

“I didn’t say that without reason. I meant it when I said I would take care of you. Your father is a different story, if you don’t want to use his money, I respect that. But I’m your husband, and I want to be a good one. I want to give you things.. do things for you simply because I want to.” Taehyung reasoned, gripping you lightly. “I want you to use my money, you’re allowed to use it.” He tried voicing with sincerity, earnestly, hoping he could change your mind.

He saw you still hesitating to accept the offer, however, deciding on a compromise.

“Look, you don’t have to use it all the time. You can still use your own card, but you can use mine here and there. Seriously, Y/N, using it won’t even make a dent on me. I’m the CEO of a multi-billion dollar company, use it at your discretion.” Taehyung could practically see your gears shifting, searching for your eyes as he wished you’d understand him.

He saw this as a second step towards work-life balance, only feeling the responsibility and genuine desire to be the good husband in spite of the unfortunate nature of your marriage. He didn’t want any doubt concerning his ability to be a good husband, either.

After all, when Taehyung did something, he always did the best he possibly could.

“Okay, I guess you’re right. But I do have my own money, and I’ll be using that 100x more often than yours.” You relaxed and oddly let him hold you, looking down at the black card that rested in your hand and clutching it to your palm.

Taehyung realized he was still holding you and let go, retiring to fluff his hair instead. You caught a glimpse of his bicep underneath his rolled up sleeve as he did so, and you truly hated you chose a time like this to find him stunningly attractive.

“You should come downstairs, Mrs. Seo prepared dinner.” You ignored your thoughts.

“You go first, I’ll be down in a second.”

You nodded agreeably and turned away, leaving his study. You took a second look at the card in your hand, then glanced around the house as you strolled through it, trying to embed what Taehyung said into the crevices of your resistant thinking.

Everything I have is yours, you reiterated, registering that Taehyung had in fact grown accustomed to the idea of you two as a couple already. He’s accepted it, embraced it, even enforced it now with his earlier declarations and this black card. You automatically felt behind, like you were the tortoise in the race and needed to pick up your pace.

If Taehyung had already come to terms with your marriage, it was only a matter of time before you did as well. Marriage is a two-way street, and if you wanted to make this easier on both yourself and Taehyung, you would compromise with him, accept the true sense of partnership that entailed your status as husband and wife.

Thus was the exact mantra that played in your head as you fiddled with the card, remembering the way his big hands held you.

Warm.

It was night.

You could say it was like any other ordinary night, though that would be a gargantuan lie.

This night was the first time Taehyung and yourself were going to sleep in the same bed.

In your own home.

The hotel suite left you both with your own space and privacy since it was a random, public room with no personality or attachment to it whatsoever, making it easier and comfortable to sleep with him.

So when you emerged from your walk-in closet in a thin camisole, loose pajama shorts and without a bra, you were cursing yourself. God damn you for needing to sleep in minimal clothing for comfort. You’d slept in a loose t-shirt and bottoms at the suite last night since it was a public room, and long story short, it left you tossing and turning more than you liked.

You had no clue prior to arriving here that you’d be sharing a room with Taehyung. You’d expected to sleep in a different one, in the privacy of your own room where you could prance around as you wished and as a result packed your usual sleepwear.

But now that you were left having to slumber with Taehyung, clothes on the more revealing side, there was no turning back.

And what there was truly no turning back from, was when you opened the closet door and your eyes landed on Taehyung’s shirtless, wet self drying his hair after a shower.

You immediately malfunctioned.

Your eyes fell to his bare back, ruffling his wet hair as his plaid pajama pants hung loosely at his hips. You immediately exclaimed and clamped a hand over your mouth, trying to shut yourself up.

You did not expect at all for Taehyung to have such honey-coloured skin. It was like it naturally glowed, a healthy tone that made him appear all the more delectable. It certainly didn’t help that his shoulders were broader than you first observed, sincerely an other-worldly experience when he wasn’t wearing clothes.

You also got an all-access view of his trap muscles, adding to the width of his shoulders overall and when Taehyung turned around to the sound of the closet door opening, gaze locking with yours, you could confirm his neck, chest and collarbones were indeed crafted to perfection.

Taehyung’s eyes widened momentarily drinking you in, not expecting your light sleepwear when just last night he witnessed you in a full pajama set. Not to mention, and he hated that he could tell, but you weren't wearing a bra.

And the camisole did nothing to hide that.

Taehyung straightened himself up realizing you two were practically gawking at each other, resting the towel around his neck as he cleared his throat. “That’s what you sleep in?”

“That’s what you sleep in?” You retorted, arms over your chest.

“Guys usually sleep shirtless, this is normal.” Taehyung gestured towards his own body and you had half a mind to floor yourself. It’s like Taehyung knew but also didn’t know he was hot, knew the effect he had on people though never grew cocky or proud enough to purposefully parade it around.

And it frustrated you even more; he was fairly humble about being a sexy Greek God.

“Girls sleep like this too, this is normal.” You copied him, looking off to the side.

“I was kidding, I only sleep shirtless sometimes. Just get in bed.” Taehyung narrowed his eyes as he gestured towards the sheets, returning to his palace of a bathroom to toss his towel in the hamper and pull a t-shirt over his head.

You wanted to move, feet just about ready to carry you but you never abandoned your spot. Instead, you pressed your lips into a thin line contemplating that sharing a bed with Taehyung, in clothes like this and in such proximity, all held a degree of intimacy you didn’t know you two shared yet.

It’s only been a day.

So when Taehyung returned to your unmoving figure, arms holding your chest and avoiding eye contact with him, he was quick to get the message.

“Um.. if you really don’t want to sleep here, I can give you another room.” Taehyung offered, figuring himself this may be too soon.

“No, it’s okay, that’d be kind of a hassle.” You waved him off. “Besides, your bed looks comfy.”

You were honestly trying to live up to your acceptance that Taehyung was the man you’d spend your life with now, so you’d better start getting use to him. You’d sleep next to him for numerous nights, spend endless days together and share a multitude of things; this would simply just be a first of many first times.

So you paddled over to the bed and removed the covers to snuggle yourself in, the bed’s coolness sending a shiver through you before you hugged the blanket to yourself. Taehyung stood with a smile before crawling in himself, adjusting the covers to his liking.

He felt at peace in a matter of seconds, the feeling of his own bed lulling him into a state of slumber already. He reached his arm out to shut off the lamp on his bedside table, leaving the room pitch dark and only his digital clock and balcony as a light source.

You began to cower a bit in the darkness, thankful for the sheer curtains that allowed the moonlight to spill into the room.

You felt another shiver run through your body when you shifted, realizing you were cold even under the sheets. You tried warming up on your own by shimmying the blanket around more comfortably, but it didn't do much.

You were left lying on the bed trying to think warm thoughts, unintentionally breathing in the constant scent of Taehyung from his bed; his cologne, his aftershave, his body wash all filling your nostrils.

It was intoxicating, absolutely distracting and sleep began to slip your mind. It didn’t help that you were still cold too, moving around and turning onto your side where you now faced Taehyung.

He seemed to have already dozed off, face tranquil as he slept soundlessly on his back. You couldn't help but admire his side-profile, the sparse moonlight illuminating his features. It was hard to not stretch your hand out and nearly run a touch along his cheek, like he was a rare work of art that naturally called for admiration.

You realized turning towards him that he radiated a wave of warmth from his body, remembering boys were pretty much furnaces while girls usually froze.

How wonderful it is to be a woman.

You desired some of that heat and shuffled just a little closer to Taehyung, nearing the center of the bed. You discerned he was indeed warm and maneuvered slightly closer, just about stopping at the center of the bed. You fought back the urge to shimmy any closer, leaving a mindful gap between you two.

You were seconds from catching a peace of mind until Taehyung unexpectedly spoke in the silence of the night, startling you.

“You can come closer, I don’t bite.” The smirk in his voice was obvious, making you scrunch your nose and snap back at him.

“Shut up, I’m not getting closer to you.”

“You should, I’m really warm, and I can tell you’re cold.” There he was again teasing, his tone coy as he kept his eyes shut, unbothered.

“Over my dead body.” You mocked him from earlier, turning away from him abruptly and pulling the covers over your head.

Coffee was probably your favourite thing life had to offer. One of the couple things you’d fight someone over; coffee and your independence, if you wanted to be specific.

So it made you genuinely happy Taehyung had such a wide selection of coffee to choose from, ranging from all kinds of beans to instant coffee, cappuccinos, lattes, mochas, you name it. It took no time for you to craft a cup to your liking, shuffle into a seat on the island and begin picking at the breakfast the housekeepers had whipped up earlier this morning.

You’d woken up early today keeping in mind the day you had planned. You decided this to be another move-in day as part of your studio setup project you’ve entertained for the last week. The granted time off due to your odd honeymoon farce with Taehyung proved to actually come in handy, thankfully.

It had been another peaceful morning for you, having woken up with sunlight gracing the walls, certain you could hear birds chirping as if you were in a Disney film and little mice would come out to start sewing the gown you’d wear as a princess.

It had been a peaceful morning indeed, but when you stretched out to loosen your stiff muscles, the chaos that met you was anything but peaceful. Even if it’s occurred at least 5 times now, you kept forgetting that you shared a bed with someone else now, and that said someone had somehow always founds a way to gravitate towards you during the night, even daringly cast an arm over you sometimes.

It left you in a state of panic registering that Taehyung’s, dare you say warm and cozy body would be just behind you, his chest mere centimeters from your back. You would stay still for some time, calculating the optimal way to remove yourself from his hold until he eventually stirred enough to loosen his grip, darting right out of bed.

Other times, he’d wake earlier than you and you wondered what would cross his mind once he registered your oddly proximal bodies.

Did it ever bother him?

Nonetheless, it brought a mischievous smile to your face thinking about the fact that Taehyung had such a perfectly human habit like cuddling. He was always so serious, so put together and a near machine at everything he did, seeming as though he wouldn’t give anything romantic the time of day.

But it was hard to forget the fluffy feeling that blossomed in your chest when you would sense his proximity, maybe inviting a liking to it. You had always slept alone, only yourself and the darkness to keep you company in your lonely bed, in your lonely home.

So sleeping next to someone, namely Kim Taehyung left an impression on you you couldn’t quite shake. It was difficult to erase the image of his calm, sleeping face after the handful of times witnessing it. Long eyelashes delicately pressed to the skin under his eyes, lips plush as he seemed to naturally pout in his sleep. The sunlight only accentuated his honey-coloured skin, adding a glow to his features that made him appear prettier than he already was.

It was nice to think you’d wake up to that every morning.

You found your mind still playing around with the idea until you snapped yourself out of it, questioning why the hell you always ventured off whenever you thought about him.

Weird.

You were scolding yourself until your eyes caught Taehyung strolling into the kitchen with his phone in is hand. He’d foregone a jacket today, black shirt sleeves folded to mid-forearm paired with black slacks.

You were normal until you almost spat your coffee seeing he wasn’t wearing a tie but instead had the first few buttons of his shirt open, revealing a generous view of his neck and the beginnings of his chest.

Fucking hell.

You were staring stupidly until Taehyung peeked up at you, smiling “Morning.”

“M-morning.” you stuttered.

He seemed unsuspecting as he returned his attention to his phone, proceeding to the kitchen counter and retrieving a cup to fix himself a drink. He appeared to be reading something conscientiously on his device, never taking his eyes off and you quickly became bored, ready to use the weapon you’d acquired.

“So.. you’re a cuddler, huh?”

Taehyung nearly dropped his cup.

“I’m sorry, what?”

“You’re a cuddler when you sleep. Cute.” You rested your chin in your palm, playful smile on your face.

“I think you’re mistaken, I am not a cuddler. And I’m not cute.” Taehyung denied as he only focused on the cup, his back to you. You then watched him reach for his selection of tea and purposefully evade the coffee, your eyes lighting up with mischief.

“Wait, you’re a cuddler and you drink tea instead of coffee? Very cute.” You pulled on his leg, chuckling as you brought your mug to your lips

This was going to be fun.

“Shut up, I don’t like the taste and tea is healthier.” Taehyung practically sneered back, harshly ripping the packet of his tea bag.

“Doesn’t take away from the fact that you’re a cuddler.” You sipped on your coffee, unbothered as you swung your legs back and fourth.

“Doesn’t take away from the fact that you like it.”

You nearly spat your drink.

“What?”

“I remember a certain someone that shuffles closer to me for warmth, no?” Taehyung snapped back as he returned to his phone and popped his tea into the microwave, his shoulders high to the sky. You could imagine his smug face proud of his remark while searching for your own, realizing that Taehyung was damn good at arguing and you’d really have to upgrade your comeback game to counter him.

He was unfortunately your match.

“Even if I were one, which I’m not, It’s not like I’m committing a crime.” Taehyung suddenly finalized with a snippy tone, and you realized you may have hurt his ego.

Men.

“I never said it was a bad thing.” You commented under your breath and looked away, popping a raspberry into your mouth.

Taehyung bit back a smirk as he retrieved his cup of tea, taking a sip as he returned to his phone and took a seat across from you. He began compiling his plate of breakfast as he worked his device, typing away with one hand as if he was drafting the Magna Carta.

You became bored again.

“Why do you have so much coffee if you don’t like it?” You genuinely felt like inquiring, if he didn’t like the taste why would he have so much?

“For my housekeepers, they drink it.” He took a sip of his tea, all attention on his phone.

You nodded understandingly. “Why do you have two housekeepers, by the way? Isn’t one enough?”

“So they can keep each other company.” He answered absentmindedly, eyes still glued to his phone as he bit a piece of his toast. You really hated that he wasn’t actively interacting with you because it only left room to stare at him, and that was never any good.

He looked illegally attractive with the unbuttoned part of his shirt, your mind profusely bugging out over the exposed bit of his chest. You were reminded of the full view from last night, and began pondering how long you’d survive having to see that for the rest of your life.

“O-oh, that’s nice.” You stuttered back a reply, squashing your previous thought.

You were actually quite impressed by the kindness Taehyung showed behind that decision, noticing he had these small moments where he was caring, considerate, all hidden behind his unreadable face and seriousness when it came to business.

It was quite interesting.

You were mindlessly eating until Taehyung spoke up, eyes flickering towards you. “What are you going to do today?”

You swallowed your fruit. “I was planning on moving more stuff in again, start finishing my studio setup. Thank you again for the room, by the way.” You expressed your gratitude once more, forking some eggs into your mouth.

“Don’t mention it.”

“What are you doing today?” you echoed his question, taking another swig of coffee.

“I’m working again. If you need anything I’ll be in my study.” Taehyung sent you a half-smile before snatching up his plate, bringing his phone to his ear as he stepped out of the kitchen.

You sighed heavily only being left to think about your day, which would be majorly spent unpacking and arranging things. You had a plethora of art supplies, design tools and canvases to set up in your studio, leaving you constantly thinking of how to even begin.

It would be a mission alone to sort through everything you had left, knowing you didn’t exactly label out of sheer laziness and would have to individually unbox and organize everything .

It was this exact task that took up most of your day, time having slipped by in the blink of an eye. It wasn’t easy when you had to be rummaging through your belongings and situating them where you thought appropriate, also trying to envision a new look for your studio.

You hadn’t realized 3 hours had passed until the ring of the front doorbell caused you to check your phone, curious as to who would be visiting your home in the middle of the day. You assumed it be one of the housekeepers and abandoned your work, cascading down the staircase and striding towards the grand entrance.

You drew towards the monitor Taehyung had showed you just yesterday, explaining it to be your home security system. Taehyung detailed it had a camera for your front porch that detected movement and the doorbell alike, so you peered at the monitor to see the stranger outside your home.

Your eyebrows furrowed registering a woman, her back turned towards the door as she fidgeted nervously with her purse in her hand.

Sheer curiosity took you over and you paddled towards the door, unlocking it. You wore a smile on your face as you swung the door open, though it was immediately wiped off taking in the last person on earth you ever wanted to see.

“Mother?”

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tags : @thedarkwinterrose @ayujaded @couldbeyourlast @ladyarmanto @anpanman-sonyeondan @apollukee @blueevelvt @taesluttt @scalubera @laurynne5 @dreamsindreamss @thequeen-kat @awsome-small-k @wrecklesssly @kweenhu @jalexad @staerify @bangforever @dyriddle @aianloveseven @waves-and-woods @hoefortaeshands @veronawrites @nightapple4jk @wataemelonz @aomi-nabi

#thebtswritersclub #bangtanhq #kwritersworldnet #ksmutclub #thetruthuntoldnet #taehyung x reader #taehyung smut #taehyung angst #taehyung fluff #kim taehyung x reader #bts smut #bts angst #bts fluff #taehyung scenario #taehyung fanfiction #taehyung arranged marriage au #kim taehyung

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dreamkidddream · 4 years ago

Note

I absolutely loved the doll! mc one with the brothers and diavolo. Could I ask for the same idea with the rest of the undateables and luke? If it isn't too much though. Thank you very much, don't forget to take care of yourself and stay hydrated!

I’m glad you enjoyed the first part!! I hope you’re staying safe through this pandemic and that you’re drinking plenty of water. I’m so happy that people liked the Doll!MC scenario so much (it even became one of my top posts and I was NEVER expecting that to happen 😳 click here to read it with the Bros and Diavolo). I got an UR card for Barbatos today and immediately thought back to this scenario cause I was just imagining the different situations with Doll!MC. Hope you enjoy!

Also, Luke’s part is strictly platonic, just FYI!

The Undateables (Minus Diavolo) with Doll!MC

Barbatos

Let me just say, you make this man’s day so much better

Your presence is just so calming for him. You could just be standing there (which is heavily enforced in the kitchen), not doing anything, and he would still be fully relaxed

Definitely loves you being in the kitchen with him, and will find ways to invite you so that you guys can spend time together

“MC, the young master has a tea party planned for this afternoon, and I’m afraid I may need your assistance to help prepare.”

“But Barb, I thought you didn’t want me touching anything-”

“I don’t want you touching anything that can cause you harm. I can easily handle the labor, but I do have a task for you...”

Cue to you sitting perfectly still and taste testing his sweets

“Barb, are you sure that I’m helping you like this? I don’t want to be useless to you!”

“Nonsense, MC. This is perfect. I needed someone with an exceptional palette, and you’re just the right person for me.”

Just you and him, and his sweet creations. What more could he ask for?

Maybe being in a relationship with you, but he is very sure that it’s going to be happening in the near future...and he didn’t even have to use his powers to know that

He stares at you a lot. He can’t help it, he loves to just admire you!

Barbatos is the type of guy where he doesn’t have to rely on words to express his love. His love language is acts of service: packing you lunch and extra sweets every week, giving you recipes that he wouldn’t even share with Luke, and gifting you mini accessories that you can wear with your outfits!

He gave you this adorable three-legged crow holding a cupcake hairpin and you’ve been wearing it ever since

He tries to hide his blush everytime he sees you and now he has to work even harder because of the pin lmao

HAVING YOUR OWN TEA PARTIES WEEKLY

You both have a designated day and time where you don’t plan anything in order to have your own tea parties

No Diavolo, no noisy demon brothers, no other exchange students (sorry Luke). Just you and him, enjoying each other’s company and him basking in your glow

If someone did try to harm you, he would already know of it and properly disposes of the problem. Lord Diavolo can’t afford to have any issues interfering with the exchange program, and he can’t afford to have anything happen to you so...no harm no foul, right?

Please continue to do what you’re doing MC. Stare at him with your bright, doe eyes and give him that lively smile everytime. It makes his day go by much easier, especially since he knows that you’ll still be there, waiting for him with your own desserts and that smile reserved just for him

Simeon

Was convinced that you were an angel

Lowkey still convinced that you’re an angel

Really, you just look so...angelic

Wasn’t upset when you revealed that you were in fact human; he was happy because this meant that he could show you around the Celestial Realm!

Speaking of Celestial Realm, be prepared for Simeon to be your very own personal tour guide everytime. This could be your 50th time up there and he’ll still try to point new things out

“And over here is-”

“Michael’s favorite resting place, since the lilies always seem to bloom whenever he’s around,” you giggled. “I remember Simeon, you tell me this everytime we visit!”

He’s a tad embarrassed

“Forgive me, MC. It seems that I get so elated over the fact that you’re here with me, I tend to repeat some things over.”

“That’s okay! I still have fun with you everytime!”

Oh MC, you’re too adorable!

Which causes him to worry over you. While he knows that the brothers and Diavolo (along with Barbatos) wouldn’t dare cause you any distress, the same couldn’t be said for the other demons lurking around, both in and out of RAD

But not to fear, Simeon your friendly guardian angel is here!

I am so sorry for the rhyme lmao

He may not have been personally assigned to you, but that doesn’t mean he can just let anything happen to you! He’s only doing his heavenly duties in protecting you! He’s also being a good friend by watching over you too, his little lamb

He wouldn’t attack anyone, but if he made a complaint or a very serious concern to the right person (Lucifer or Diavolo), consider the problem handled

You have your own tea time as well, and Luke would join you sometimes. But, every now and then, Luke would have to finish some homework or study, or Barbatos would miraculously call for him at the castle, or if it was just too late and Luke just had to go to sleep, then it would just be you two. Sitting by the fireplace, discussing matters ranging from RAD to your life in the human world, drinking tea that you would take turns preparing

Not to mention the downright dainty little cakes you would bring. One time you brought him angel cakes and he found so lighthearted and precious that he requested you bring them everytime, just for him

May or may not base a character in his new story around you

Simeon wants to shield you from the horrors that are surrounding you both. You’re so pure, he just wants you safe. From the way that you would dress to the way that your eyes would just look so amazed and innocent at him, he just knows that he needs to watch over you, always. The brothers do get a little wary when they see how much time you do spend at Purgatory Hall, but they know that Simeon couldn’t possibly have feelings for you, and you were always so giddy after leaving there, they couldn’t bring themselves to say anything

And Simeon knew that he was starting to feel more than he should. He couldn’t profess his love for you now in risk of falling, but he can wait until you get your wings. Just imagining you in your cute little Ceslestial Realm outfit (which he hopes still mimicked your current style) with your very own beaming halo was enough to keep him waiting and to make sure that you stayed on the right path

He deemed that you were worth the wait

Luke

BFFs! BFFs!

When he first saw you he could just cry

Someone innocent like you got sent down here with these monsters?! He had to keep you safe!!!

Simeon thought you were angel and then realized that you were not; Luke thought you were an angel and refused to believe that you weren’t

You didn’t have it in you to burst his bubble so soon, so you just let him run with it until Simon broke the news

It was like telling a kid that Santa Claus wasn’t real; you can only imagine how Luke took the revelation

Not well from what Solomon told you. Simeon kept saying he just needs some time to process things, and you just felt so awful about the whole thing

Which lead to you bringing him so much sweets that it made Beel jealous and very upset

But we all know how Beel can be around food, so it wasn’t a huge surprise. He chased you around all day and you had to use your pact to get him to stop!

And you promised to make him double the sweets in he forgave you so all is well

Luke was still obviously sad, but he wasn’t going to stay sad forever. Especially not after you brought this many sweets just for him!

Lucifer was not a happy demon when Simeon arrived at the HoL’s doorstep with you groaning and clutching your stomach. And Solomon took so many pictures of Luke while he passed out from his sugar high that he dedicated a whole album in his phone to it

Favorite activity to do together: Baking! (Obviously)

Trading recipes, shopping for ingredients together, baking things for each other to try (where really it was just to have double the desserts)

When you two are in the kitchen together, no one else is allowed (except for Simeon, but only if he’s looking and not touching). It’s now MC and Luke time, everybody else is gonna have to wait!

Luke only wants you to do the the activities that he sees as harmless: which is everything that doesn’t include sharp items and anything else that can hurt you

“MC get away from that! That can seriously hurt you! Let me get it for you instead!

“Luke, honey, it’s just an oven it’s not my first time using one-”

Too late, he already took it out of your hands into his own, mitts already on

Speaking of oven mitts

You guys have matching aprons and mitts!!

Barbatos may be a little bit jealous, but he likes the bond that you two have. And he knows that Luke won’t be a romantic rival so he’s alright lol

Luke is your deemed protector/bodyguard, and he proudly wears the title since no one bothers you because of him (or so he thinks). Everyone makes fun of him calling him a chihuahua, but jokes on him, when Luke complains, he complains

Won’t take long for Simeon or even one of the brothers to pick up on his whines complaints if he thinks someone is bothering you

Luke believes that while he’s small, he can protect you and try to keep you free from danger. He may be young, but he sees himself as the older brother out of you both (even though it’s really you being the older sibling and him being the baby). Always looking out for you especially since you’re too fragile to be left alone!

You’re one of the only people that genuinely likes him and don’t make fun of him. You’re dear to him MC, please don’t ever change!

Also, he definitely talks to Michael about you all the time so excitedly and sends him sweets that you both made together. Michael is a proud dad at this point

Solomon

Knew you wasn’t a doll but loved to tease you about being one anyway

Was there a spell that can really turn you into a doll? You wouldn’t mind if he tried it out on you, right MC?

Don’t tempt him please because he WILL do it

“Tell me, MC. Hypothetically speaking, if I were to purchase-”

“No Solomon, you can’t shrink me down to fit me into a dollhouse, no matter how nice it sounds. Besides, I can’t bake in a dollhouse, the oven wouldn’t work!”

“I can fix that.”

You’re very amusing to him for some reason. Was it because of how doll-like you are? The fairytale way that you dressed? How you were still human and was able to live with seven of the most powerful demons and not die? Maybe it’s the way that you still radiated such positivity despite being in literal Hell?

Honestly all of the above

TEACHING HIM HOW TO COOK/BAKE

Poor Solomon doesn’t realize that his cooking isn’t...the best

And you took the best approach in helping him atleast cook something that looks edible

You didn’t say his cooking was disgusting like some people (literally everyone else), so he took that you giving him lessons was a date of sorts

He wasn’t complaining. Your time spent in the kitchen was scenes straight of a romcom (no matter how cheesy it sounds); his arms wrapped around your waist and dotting icing on your pretty nose

May or may not have licked some icing off of you at one point, will definitely do it again

Solomon is a very confident man, borderline arrogant (Oh who am I kidding he IS arrogant). So yes, while people may see you as an easy target, he’s here to remind them that you’re not. And that if they want to try, chances are they won’t be walking away in one piece

He’s powerful, too powerful in fact. He may not be the strongest physically, but if even the entire student council recognizes his knowledge and what he’s capable of, no one should be dumb enough to test him (keyword: try)

But he wouldn’t mind showing off if it’s for you

You’re one of the only beings to ever peak Solomon’s interest genuinely. Yes, he loved to tease and bug you whenever he pleased, but you also made him want to come around you more and more. He was drawn to you, and that doesn’t happen a lot with him (at least without ulterior motives)

*coughcough* making pacts *coughcough*

You were the only thing that made Solomon feel weak, but that wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. Don’t get him wrong, he’s still The Greatest Sorcerer, but he couldn’t help but feel himself get weak in the knees when you gazed at him with so much sincerity. He loves it and loves you

Once your back in the human world, he’s going to be so selfish with you. I mean, he already kinda was now, but this time there won’t be any interruptions or distractions around to take your attention

Us humans have to stick together, and what better way to stick together than to be together, wouldn’t you say MC?

#obey me x reader #obey me reader insert #obey me undateables #undateables x reader #obey me #obey me swd #obey me shall we date #obey me one master to rule them all #barbatos x reader #barbatos x mc #obey me barbatos #obey me solomon #solomon x reader #solomon x mc #simeon x reader #simeon x mc #obey me simeon #obey me luke #luke is baby

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checkmatein3moves · 3 years ago

Note

I was thinking… maybe festival + windo?

😎 — windo

“My dear darling favourite person ever, have you come across my summer sunglasses? The pink and red ones?” Windo calls, his voice carrying from the ensuite.

“Nope. I only see your spring pair,” you reply, a brief scope of the room only revealing the green cat-eye pair with painted daisies sitting on his desk.

You hear nothing back until he appears in the doorway haloed by his bright bathroom light, hair pushed back by a flannel headband. “I suppose…that means I should look for them. Somewhere in all this. But once I start working on the mess, I know I won’t be able to stop.”

When Windo had suggested you come over to help him pack for Horizon Festival with the addendum of ‘my room’s pretty cluttered though,’ there was no way you could’ve been prepared for the catastrophic level of disarray he’d somehow gotten the place into. Among the chaos of clothes and containers and accessories, you‘ve managed to pick out a wax kit wearing a sparkly hat, at least five different travel bags that Windo deemed too small, and a single leg from a pair of jeans thrown over the back of his recliner.

“You’re only this disorganised when you’re really stressed about something,” you say, clocking the look on his face; bottom lip sucked in and blankness behind the eyes, a subconscious threat of impending shutdown.

He trudges into the bedroom and sags down on the bed, barely making a noise as he sinks into the island of dress shirts. “I have no idea how I’m gonna enjoy Horizon this year. Not when all I can think about is whether I can afford to take three days off from studying. I know it’s gonna rattle my focus. I’m just…dreading it. It’s never been this bad before.”

You can tell. You’ve been kneeling in front of his open suitcase, holding up articles of clothing and watching him give you his signature outfit despair expression (a semi-apologetic pout, eyebrows drawing in, slight head shake) to at least one of every four garments. You move to sit beside him on the bed and he reaches for your hand, twining your fingers together in your lap. His palm is soft. Always soft, moisturised, the perfect hands for pockets and holding alike.

“You know I could never bring myself to ask too much of you, right?” he says quietly, with a tinge of guilt. “But now I feel like I’m offloading the consequences of my time management failure on you.”

It’s hard to comfort him. When he’s focused on something it’s almost like there’s nothing else in the world, but you press his hand to remind him that you’re both as real as his worries. “I’m here for my best friend,” you say. “Some clothes aren’t scaring me away.”

Letting go, he wriggles his way up to sit opposite you and take both of your hands instead. He loops his fingers loosely around your wrists and skims your skin as he gradually makes his way higher, finding the hold he likes best. His thumbs hook around yours and his fingers fold into your palms like a hand-hug, content that he has your touch mapped out. Easier to pull you closer if I need to, he always says.

“That’s kind of what this is all about. In a way. Not really directly.” He shakes his head and scoffs at himself, eyes on your hands. “I love you. A lot. But I can’t stop thinking about what things are gonna be like when I get into my advanced program. I already feel like I’m only seeing you in between whirlwinds of meetings and classes and seminars and — you get the point. If I keep going like this, you’ll forget me and I won’t even blame you. I’d like time to stop now.”

“Oh, Windo…” You lean in and rest your forehead against his lowered brow, making his breath hitch. You fold your fingers over his. He squeezes the knuckles of your thumbs in response.

Then he pulls away, stands up, and presses a kiss to the top of your head. “I’ll just wear my spring pair. That’ll fix it for now."

#windo #drabbles #hiii alive #this is gonna be a recurring theme thru his route #time o__o

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olivia-anderson-fanfic · 4 years ago

Text

Satisfied, Part 8

First

Updating tonight because I have a test at my normal update time tomorrow and I’m a grandma who doesn’t understand how the schedule option works <3

~~~

Marinette stared at her blank paper. She’d taken too much time to get her drink and sit down, and now all she had was the vague idea of ‘flowers’. Not particularly helpful.

She drummed her fingers against the side of her cup absently, squinting out the window.

The stranger looked up after a while and rested his head on his hand, definitely annoyed by her incessant tapping. “You’re new here?”

She pulled her glare away, that poor building hadn’t done anything to deserve that. Her eyes found their way to the stranger. They had a very unhealthy look to them. Dark eyebags were prominent against nearly transparent skin. His hair had the look of someone who hadn’t properly washed it in ages, hanging limply around his face and ears.

“Do you come here that often? Know all the regulars?” She teased.

“Not how I knew,” he said. No denial of going often, though. “No one orders that size unless it’s their first time.”

She raised her eyebrows and looked down at her drink. It was a big cup, yes, but she drinks about that amount consistently anyways, just in different cups to make it feel less awful.

“I think I can handle it,” she said calmly, bringing the straw to her lips and beginning to drink.

He looked vaguely amused, rolling his eyes. “Sure. Can I have the rest when you’re done?”

She narrowed her eyes. The poor guy had no idea how big a mistake he’d made.

Marinette stared him down, removing the lid from her cup and starting to chug. The stranger seemed amused for the first few seconds, but his expression began to morph into fear the redder her face got. It was becoming more and more apparent that she wasn’t going to stop until she drowned, threw up, and/or choked.

And, the way things were going, none of those ideas would have been all that far-fetched.

“H-hey!” He sputtered. “I was kidding! You can stop now!”

She did stop, but not of her own volition.

He lunged across the table and yanked her hand away from her face. Coffee splattered everywhere, coating her skin and clothes.

His eyes widened as he stared at the mess he’d made. There was a beat where no one said anything. She could vaguely feel the other café-goers staring at them. The barista looked like she was about to commit a murder.

Then, the stranger seemed to finally process it. His face, somehow, went paler. “Oh! Sh-crap! I’ll get some napkins! And a new drink!”

He ran to the front and reordered her drink and then started trying to pull out napkins from the box they’d been tightly packed in.

She sipped at the remains of her drink, looking outside while she waited. Her eyes found their way back to the flowered ivy stretching up the walls, smiling to herself, when her brain finally managed to click back to her original train of thought.

She wiped her hands on the little dry area of her clothes (they were already ruined, it was a good thing they weren’t expensive or, god forbid, originals) and picked up her pencil and sketchbook.

She started with a vague outline of the dress: a simple, 50s circle dress. From there she started adding details, little, black, embroidered flowers that encircled the bottom and then converged. They climbed up the front, up to the waist, where she started to mold them together into a black stripe that encircled the stomach like a belt. In the center, where a buckle would have been, a red flower would be attached. From there up, the black embroidery would morph into tiny, red flowers that would extend from the dress, coating the upper half with the red.

Not her most complicated design, but she liked it.

It was just as she was finishing with the last flower that she realized she was being watched.

She whipped around, her hand swinging around, only for the person to dodge.

Oh. The guy was back with napkins. And her drink. For once, she was glad she had missed. She didn’t want to get coffee spilled on her for the second time that day.

“Sorry!” She cried.

The man shook his head quickly, holding up his hands placatingly. “No, no, it’s my fault for just standing there. That was creepy.”

She didn’t answer, and he carefully handed over the napkins, clearly wary of her after that. She didn’t blame him.

She began drying herself off. He set her drink down and sat back down.

She saw his eyes find their way to her design. She didn’t mind, he clearly wasn’t from the industry (it’s just something you can tell), and he seemed to like it, so that was good. At least her design held up, even if it was to the untrained eye.

She finished cleaning herself off and took her seat again, sipping at her drink as she looked at her design. She was mostly done, but she still needed to think on accessories...

“Is that your job?”

She looked up, surprised he had said anything. The first time he’d spoken up it was clearly just to get her to stop tapping, but this time she hadn’t been doing anything. He just wanted conversation.

She nodded. “Yep. I’m the new hire, so this dress is really important.”

“Well, if it means anything, I think it’s pretty good.”

Marinette shrugged. “Not really, but thank you.” She glanced at his computer. “Why are you here instead of at your... office.”

He grimaced. “I got banned.”

“From the office? But you still work there?”

“No, from the coffee machine.”

She gasped. “That’s horrible! How’re you supposed to live?”

“That’s what I said!” His lips twitched into a grin. “Jokes on them, though, I’m drinking more coffee here than I did there.”

“That’s good, at least.”

She smiled to herself as they fell into a comfortable silence, save for the clicking of his keyboard and the occasional scratch of her pencil. They felt like old friends, not like people who didn’t even know each other’s name. But, time went by, and eventually she had to start patrol soon.

She gathered her things and gave one last wave before turning around--.

“Wait!” She whipped back around and the stranger pushed themselves out of their chair. “Are you coming back?”

Marinette smiled, tipping her head to the side. “Don’t know, it’s kind of expensive here...”

He gave a shrug. “I’ll pay again. That’s why you did the whole coffee stunt in the first place, wasn’t it? So you could get extra?”

The way her eyes went wide gave her away.

He chuckled. “I knew, I just don’t mind.”

She opened her mind to protest. A one-time thing was one thing, but multiple times...

“Don’t worry, I can afford it.” He held out a hand to shake.

She smiled as she gripped his hand in hers. Her first handshake! Wait, what was she supposed to do now?

“I’m Tim, by the way.”

Ah. Introductions. Her head tipped to the side. “And I’m Marinette.”

With that, she left, with a promise that she’d be back sometime soon.

The barista looked like she wanted to cry.

~~~

Taglist~

@comet-kun @thatonecroc @trippingovermyfeet @swiftie-miraculer13 @nickristus-dreamer @moongoddesskiana @i-am-ironic @indecisive-mess-named-me @thebooki3h @insane-fangirl-of-everything @deepestobservationwombat @theymakeupfairies @fatimaabbasrizvi

#man i struggled like hell with that dress design #did i know what i wanted it to look like? yes #did i know how to communicate that? not at all #it took so long to write out #and i dont even know if i succeeded #timinette #timari #marinette dupain cheng #ladybug #tim drake #red robin #maribat #satisfied

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drariellevalentine · 4 years ago

Text

Medically Inevitable

Chapter 4- Radical Revelations

Characters:- Arielle Valentine, Sienna Trinh, Bryce Lahela, Landry Olsen, Elijah Greene, Jackie Varma, Rafael Aveiro, Ethan Ramsey, Harper Emery

Pairing:- Arielle Valentine x Ethan Ramsey

Warnings:- None

Arielle’s PoV:-

Completely exhausted from the day’s events, you head into the locker room and take a nice but quick hot shower. Drying off, you quickly change into a cute pearl silk tied top with a comfy pair of ripped jeans. Taking out the bun in your hair, you decide to let your hair down, parting deep to the left, caressing your revealed shoulders.

You enter Donahue’s to find it completely packed. You try to squeeze inside apologising every now and then and look around to spot your friends.

You finally find them sitting in a table at the furthest corner of the bar.

"Long day?" Si asks as soon as I slump into the seat next to her.

“You have no idea, according an 18 year old, I look younger than him, so apparently I not eligible to be a doctor cause I look too cute!," I sigh dramatically and she giggles.

"Careful please," Bryce says before placing a tray of shots in our table.

Jackie scoffs, " Why are you even buying us drinks, meathead?"

"He's being nice, Jackie.”, Sienna smiles.

"Yeah, and also you think you could afford to buy that tonight?" I add.

"Sure," she rolls her eyes, "Thank youu," she says sarcastically.

Bryce laughs. "Think of it as a good luck drink guys. You are going to need a lot of luck to get into the diagnostics team."

"Wrong meathead. What we need is brains and hard work. Duh!"

"And luck," Bryce adds smirking, ‘lots of luck’. He emphasizes on the word "luck".

After minutes of bickering in between Bryce and Jackie, Bryce leaves to join his fellow surgeons. But my friends are still talking over the fellowship.

"I can't still believe they'll be taking an intern in the team!" I hear Landry say, his voice filled with excitement. "Never in my wildest dreams did I think that they'll even consider giving an intern a spot in the team let alone train them."

"Cheers on that," Jackie says forwarding a glass.

"Let's have a toast guys," Elijah forwards his glass. "To having a marvelous fellowship."

As we all toast to it I say, "Honestly guys, good luck. I won't be joining the fellowship but I wish the best of luck to you all." I smile. Everyone stares at me like I just refused a million dollars.

"You won't be joining the competition?!" Jackie asks shocked. "But why?"

"Not everyone wants to join the diagnostics team, Jackie," Landry states.

"Maybe not everyone, but Arielle does. The diagnostics team is the very thing that made Arielle apply here, in Edenbrook. That's one of the many things she said to me the day we met." Jackie turns to me then giving me a look that says "I want an answer".

"I know. The diagnostics team is what made me apply here on the first place, but I changed my mind. I got through my first week because of you guys. I don't think I could have done it if you guys were not there to support me," Sienna places a hand on my shoulder, giving me an understanding look.

"I don't want to ruin our friendship by competing with you guys. I need you guys by my side not against me."

"Idiotic choice but your call," Jackie rolls her eyes. And I smile as Sienna hugs me. A while later, you all head home for the day.

General PoV:-

Harsh sunlight streams through the open curtains of Arielle’s magazine cover worthy bedroom. Arielle turns around in her bed to grab her phone from her nightstand. The alarm clock catches her eye ‘9:15 a.m.’ She bolts right up in bed, rushing to her closet while ranting a ton of expletives. Hearing the commotion, Elijah and Sienna rush inside to see Arielle on the floor half-naked tangled in a bunch of clothes. Sienna stares at her in confusion while Elijah understands what’s going on and bursts out laughing.

“What’s so funny?”, Arielle asks.

“You forgot today’s our day off, didn’t you?”, Elijah asks knowingly.

“It is? Oh shit! I completely forgot!”

They help Arielle out of the tangle of clothes. “Anyways, we were thinking of going to a baseball game so...I bought everyone matching t-shirts but they only come in two sizes you’ll have to adjust yours. Only then Arielle notices their shirts. Sienna hands her an red oversized t-shirt. “We’re leaving in an hour, get ready!”

Arielle’s PoV:-

You shower and slip on a robe after drying yourself off. “There’s no way in hell I’m wearing this!”, you exclaim holding up the red,baggy, oversized shirt. If there’s one thing you care about, it’s your style. You grab a pair of fabric shears and crop the oversized shirt folding the hem to create a neat finish using fabric glue, then cinch the extra fabric on the slides and secure it in place with a few stitches. You hold up the newly altered shirt and look to your mirror. “Much better!” Pairing it with a pair of studded white jeggings, white heel sandals and a couple of accessories, you sit down on your vanity’s stool. You take out your braid from last night, leaving thick curls in its place. You carefully clip your hair out of place and decide to brush on a little extra makeup. After finishing with your usual moisturiser, concealer and primer, you accentuate your almond eyes with a jet black eyeliner and brush out your brows. Knowing that you won’t need any help in the blush department, you move on to your lips. You decide on your favourite red transfer-proof lipstick ‘Bold Beauty’. You grab a crossbody purse and place your wallet, keys, phone and other essentials and head to the living room.

“What do you think? Is it too much?”, you ask uncertainly.

“Hot damn!”, says Jackie.

“You look gorgeous.”, Sienna says.

“Woah! You look good!”, says Landry.

“Someone call the fire department cause it’s getting hot in here!”, exclaims Elijah.

You blush furiously. “Thanks guys, I’ll drive us there.

You pile in the car as Elijah rides shotgun and gives you directions. You reach there at 10:30. “Ok, 10 minutes till game starts. Everyone split up and stand in a different line and get one of everything. I’ll get the drinks.” Sienna tells everyone where the seats are and everyone splits up. You get a drink tray full of sodas, beers and a lemonade for you, everything packed with ice, and head down to the first row where you find everyone holding snacks.

“Great seats Elijah!”, says Sienna.

“Have to be close to fully appreciate the bloodbath, these teams loathe each other.”

Landry and Elijah start geeking out as you, Jackie and Sienna are talking.

“So...I may or may have not seen you get into Dr. Ramsey’s car yesterday.”, Sienna slyly says.

“Crap!”, you think.

“Tell us everything!”, says Sienna.

“Seriously?”, Jackie asks.

You slowly confide in them about yesterday’s events and what you confessed about your personal life.

“Oh my god, Ari! I’m so sorry!” Sienna pulls you into a hug.

“It’s okay, I’m fine now.”

“Now I feel really bad for judging you, also very surprised and impressed that you managed to get away with sleeping on Dr. Terminator’s shoulder.”, says Jackie.

“It isn’t that big of a deal!”, you counter. Both of them give you a look. “Ok, fine, it is. He was actually really sweet, he even tried to console me.”, you confess. Sienna smiles wide at the mention of this.

“Anyways, you both have to promise not to say a word about this.”, you give them a pleading pout. Jackie’s about to ask about something else when you realise some kind of commotion is going on.

"Oh no, did he faint?" Si says and I look forward to see Jake Sandburg, one of the players lying on the floor.

The other players rush to his side trying to wake him up.

"Uh, coach, he's in real bad shape," another player says leaning down beside him.

Their team manager hurries out," Damn our team physician quit on us just before the game."

"Is there any doctor here?" The manager asks and on instinct all of our hands goes up.

The manager looks clearly shocked to see five doctors in a front row but doesn't express it as we move towards the field asking the other players to help us move Jake inside.

We follow the other Nighthawker players into their locker as they carry Jake on a stretcher.

"Have you called 911?" I ask their manager.

"Yeah, the paramedics are on their way," the manager sighs, " Poor kid."

"Lay him here," I hear Jackie instruct them as they follow.

"He's got a pulse, but his breathing is shallow," Sienna says in a low and shaky voice. This sudden situation is clearly affecting her.

Landry pulls a stethoscope from his bag and places it against his chest.

"Sounds like fluid build up. We have to solve it fast or else he could be in trouble," Landry announces.

As the others take his vitals, Elijah and I go to ask his teammates some questions, which we think might help us to crack the case.

"Is there anything we can do to help?" One of the player asks as we approach them.

"You can help us by answering some questions. Has this ever happened before?"

"Not as far as we know," he looks at his other teammates. " Also he had to pass a physical test just recently."

"He was called up from the minor league just a few weeks ago," the manager adds.

"Did he complain about any pain recently?" Elijah asks.

"No, he was pretty quite, kept to himself. I think he was worried," the player says. "About what?"

The player shares a look with his manager as soon as I ask that.

"Look, he's been struggling in the majors. I was in discussions with ownership to send him back down to the minors," the manager answers, a pained expression plastered across his face.

"Did he know about it?" Elijah asks in between.

" You know, the guys talk. Rumors."

"He was kinda freaking out about it, he kept sweating, hyperventilating," the manager adds and I make a mental note of it.

"Hyperventilating... How often?"

"I only saw it a couple of times," the managers states.

"Well, it could've been panic attacks," I conclude thoughtfully.

"He always seemed tired too. Yawing in the meetings, like he didn't get any sleep at all," the player from before says.

"Have you seen any changes in his behavior recently?" Elijah asks.

"Uh, I guess he's been hitting the ice bath a lot recently. Probably because of feeling sore," the guys answers. "But he'd do it even in the days when he wasn't playing," the guys adds after a moment.

"Thanks you for the help. Was he on any medications?" I ask before moving towards the table

"No. The team doctor left all the prescriptions and Sandburg wasn't prescribed anything," the manager says going through the charts.

"Thank you that'll be it," I say and look forward to find a player from the opposite team sneaking in.

"Hey! You aren’t allowed here," I motion the others towards him as the player who was helping us moves towards him. But then to my surprise he hugs him and the other one whispers words of encouragement in his ears.

"Wait, weren't you two fighting in the field?" I ask shocked.

" Yeah, but that's only on the field. Ray and I grew up playing together in the streets of Miami. We are basically family," The Nighthawker player concludes.

“It’s that easy?”, you ask.

“When we’re in a game, our minds are focused on the game. But the minute it’s over, we’re brothers again. Iron sharpening iron, you know.”, he says but your mind is somewhere else.

“Iron sharpening iron. Competing makes them stronger...” You run back towards the patient.

I think it's a drug interaction. His medicines are amplifying each other out," I announce reaching them. "Two medications perfectly fine on their own, cauting each other to have an outsized affect."

"Oh, that could be it!" Sienna says, a sudden excitement hinting in her voice.

" But the team manager said that their previous doctor didn't prescribe him anything," Elijah says confused.

"Sandburg was already worried about being cut. If the team knew he had a medical condition, they'd be oven less likely to keep him around," I reply.

"So you think he kept him situation quiet to keep his job? Wouldn't be the first time someone's done that," Jackie shrugs .

"What do you think he was taking?" Landry asks.

"Well, maybe something for his panic attacks. Let's say fluoxetine," I reply to him

" That could be it. Getting a prescription for that isn't really hard..."

"Okay, maybe you are right. But what was reacting with it. What else was he taking?" Jackie cuts in between.

"Something for his soreness. His team members said he'd be sore even the days he was not pitching," I answer remembering what the player said.

"It could have been arthritic inflammation," Sienna states.

"Right? He's male in his twenties..." I try to think what it could be.

"Ankylosing Spondylitis!" Landry says.

"He could've been taking N.S.A.I.D for it, like - celecoxib," I say while checking his locker, " Here they are." I say taking out the medicines proving what we said is right.

" It could be doing irreparable damage to his kidneys! We gotta take him to the hospital as soon as possible," Elijah says.

The sound of helicopter blades cut through the commotion in the locker.

" The paramedics are here!" Sienna exclaims happily.

Soon the paramedics enter and you see Rafael running towards you. We explain him about the situation.

"Would you like to have a ride on the choper? My shift will end in five minutes. So after dropping Jake to the hospital we could maybe roam around the city," Raf says nervously once we are out of the locker. The other paramedics get Jake in the chopper.

"I would love that," I give him an assuring smile which he returns.

"Great!" He says making his way towards the chopper after asking me to follow him.

"Any certain place you have in mind where you'd like to go?" He asks smiling broadly getting back to the choper after we've successfully admitted Jake.

"Not really," I give him a silly smile.

"We'll have a tour over the whole city then, more fun," he winks and I giggle.

I am really enjoying the birds eye view. The city looks more beautiful from up here. Capturing the breathtaking city from above, I put it on my Instagram story.

The next picture I take is ours, I smile towards the front and Raf's is a candid, he's looking forward flying the chopper but smiling.

I post it on my Instagram feed, tagging Raf and captioning it "Soaring high with @raveirotheemt.”

You notice you have over 250 likes already. Perks of being famous.

"What do you see?" Raf asks and I look down.

"Edenbrook!" I squeak happily. " The first day in there, the hospital looked so enormous but now it looks so tiny!"

"Everything comes into perspective up here. It's one of the reasons I like it so much."

" How'd you learn to fly?"

"My uncle was a pilot in the Marines. He started teaching me to fly when I was still in high school."

"That was so young!"

"I just saw it as a fun thing to do on the weekends, you know. It was a great way to spend time with a great man," he smiles recalling the memories.

"Are you guys still close?" I ask

"He... He died two years ago."

"I'm so sorry Raf."

"He was really active in our community. When he wasn't flying, he'd organize food drives and buses for anyone struggling," he smiles sadly remembering those days," He's the one who inspired me to be an paramedic. I wanted to help people the way he did."

I nod at him understanding.

"Buckle up. We're ready to land," he tries to say it as normally as possible, smiling. But I know it is just an effort to not let people show his broken side.

“Hey, Jake and many other lives have had a chance to live because of you.”, I assure him.

He relaxes. “You too, Arielle.”

“You both land on Edenbrook’s helicopter pad as staff takes Jake away. You inform them of his condition.

“So... are you ready for the tour?

At first I thought that Beacon Hills were the most beautiful thing I saw today. But when we were taking a turn over Cape Cod Bay, my opinion changed. Nothing can be more beautiful than this. The breathtaking view of the glimmering ways merging with the bright golden sun creating a golden hue in the clear ocean water. The scenery is just breathtaking.

"It is beautiful," I say softly, still looking at the ocean.

"It's the best thing you can see in the city," Raf smiles.

"Can't disagree with that."

"And as much as I would hate for this to end," he smiles sadly, "But I need to return the chopper to the hospital now."

"It's cool Raf, we've been out here on it for a while," I smile.

Within minutes, he manages to fly back to the stadium and drops me off.

You return to your friends and show them the wonderful pics and views that you took.

“Of course!” After some time, you and Si head to the food court for a refill on food and drinks.

Ethan’s PoV:-

You’re stuck closing off an important deal with Banner Health alone, as Harper was called in for an emergency. You’re walking towards the bar in need of a stiff drink when a familiar waft of vanilla and cinnamon hits you. There she is, her beautiful jet black curled tresses falling below her waist, standing near you ordering something. She doesn’t seem to notice you. You turn your head the other way and ask for a club sandwich. A few minutes later, you receive a tray full of cheeseburgers. Somebody calls you.

“Excuse me sir, but it seems our orders got mixed up.” You turn around to find none other than Arielle. Her violet eyes widen in realisation.

“Dr. Ramsey! Hi, guess the world really is small!”, she responds enthusiastically.

“Some would say too small.” A petite intern who often you see beside her comes and doesn’t notice me.

“Hey Ari! I’ll take these down. You coming? In a minute, Sienna.” The intern leaves.

“I wouldn’t have pegged you for a baseball type of guy.”

“And you pegged me just right. I’m here to close a deal with Banner reps. They have me in the box suite, trying to butter me up with lobster and wine.”

“That doesn’t sound so bad...”

“I know it might surprise you, but I’m not one for schmoozing.”

“Nooooo... I don’t believe it. The great Ethan Ramsey doesn’t like it when someone butters him up!”, she feigns shock.

“Would you like to join me?, the words slip out before you can react.

Arielle’s PoV:-

You’re surprised. You’d never thought that your medical hero would need your help. He notices your expression and starts explaining, more like rambling.

“You know I’m not much good at speaking to other people, much less idiots but this is a very important deal for Edenbrook. Harper was taking the reins but she was called in for an emergency. One of your traits is that you’re quite persuasive, I was hoping that would help.”, he says.

“Of course.” You follow him to the private entrance which is blocked by a guard.

“Ah, Dr. Ramsey. The Banner Health execs are waiting.” He gestures for you to follow. The guard stops you.

“I’m afraid I’ll need to see some ID, Miss. Alcoholic beverages are being served.” Dr. Ramsey gets irritated.

“I can assure you she’s older than 21.”, he says. The guard insists. Sighing, you pull out your ID. His eyes flash with recognisation.

“I’m extremely sorry miss, but I have to follow protocol.”

“It’s quite alright.” Dr. Ramsey leads you into the private box, where you see a crowd of ‘business’ dressed people lounging on the posh sofas. He picks up two glasses of Malbec and hands one to you.

“Thank you. To deals, negotiations and whatnot!” He rolls his eyes. “To negotiations.”, he toasts.

“This is quite nice.”

“It is, don’t get used to it. I knew many great doctors, all who swore never to make it about the money but did. Don’t let it become about the money.”

“Ha! If only he knew I had millions of dollars in my name and still live like this.”, you think.

“You’re right. It never should become about the money.”, you say truthfully. Two reps saunter up and start sucking up to him. You roll your eyes internally.

“I’m sure there are many opportunities. By the way, let me introduce you to Dr. Arielle Valentine, one of Edenbrook’s newest interns, and one who shows much promise.”, he says.

Your lawyer/advocate instincts kick into action, which includes an amazing first impression.

“Hello, I’m Dr. Valentine but no formalities between us. I have already been impressed upon the very invaluable and precious bond of Banner Health and Edenbrook and hope today will also add on to that. I’m looking forward to the other ways that you have suggested for this partnership, all to help our patients.”, you say.

“Oh my, if this is who Edenbrook is recruiting these days, our partnership is very sure to exceed high expectations.”, they say. Dr. Ramsey nods in approval. They all start negotiating deals, which end in their favour and not-so-good for Edenbrook. Dr. Ramsey looks to you for help.

“Okay, time to pull out all the stops!”, you mentally prepare yourself. You launch into a very persuasive but subtle argument slowly shifting the deal in Edenbrook’s favour. By the time you’re done, the execs have given their consent and you just got them to add a lot of benefits starting from loans to better rates on different services including neurological and cardiac.

“Thank you, Ethan and Arielle for the pleasure. Perhaps we could meet for a round of golf next week to hammer out the fine points.

“Oh hell no!”, you think.

“Oh! Dr. Ramsey is busy next week but how about later tonight?”, you say. They’re about to agree when you drop the bombshell. “Dr. Ramsey and I have an appointment later this week at the shooting range and self-defence center downtown. Don’t worry, I have quite a few guns to be spared, but be warned, I’m quite experienced.”, you say trying not to burst out laughing seeing their shocked faces. You catch Dr. Ramsey which a not-so-well hidden smirk on his face.

“That’s quite alright, we both have made many commitments later this week.”, say frantically say.

“That’s alright, another time then.” A few minutes later, they both leave claiming they had to go. As soon as they leave, you burst out laughing.

“That was quite an act you put on there.”

“Who said it was an act?” He gives you an incredulous look.

“Anyways, it was quite impressive how you shifted the deal in favour to Edenbrook.”, he says questioningly.

You sigh. “Pretty much everyone in my family are lawyers, different areas though. I picked up a lot of skills when watching their hearings.”

“You’re quite good at it. May I ask why you didn’t follow their path.”

“...My godfather was also a doctor. He would tell me stories of how he was able to save lives, make a difference, experience all the love, pain, loss, heartbreak. And I fell in love with it over time. My father wasn’t supportive of it though. I don’t know what went wrong. When I was a child, we had an unbreakable bond. Over time, he buried himself in his cases, that bond slowly evaporating. My brother always knew that I would work in the medical field and was very supportive. When I announced that I had gotten into Johns Hopkins for med school, my father was angry and didn’t support me. He claimed that I had led his hopes up and shattered them, when all along I always was hinting about my dream to become a doctor. We both said hurtful things that a father nor daughter should ever say, that night. After that, I cut off all contact with him.”, you carefully say making sure not to give any clues that Dr. Banerji is your godfather.

Ethan’s PoV:-

You’re shocked. Utterly shocked. You’d never guess that this bright, cheerful, kind intern had such a rough childhood. Especially when your’s made you turn out like this.

“I believe you made the right choice.”, you assure her.

“That means a lot to me.(more than you could ever know)”, she says and whispers.

You both relax and lounge on the comfy sofa, watching the game.

You notice the sun setting as the game ends. “It’s quite late, how will you get home?”

“My friends and I came here by my car, but I told them to take my car when they said they were leaving early. I spent all my money on food so I’ll take a train or something.”

“I’ll drive you home, it’s the least I can do.”

“Are you sure? I don’t want to impose.”

“It’s alright. Let’s go.” You lead Arielle to your car, at the same time kicking yourself. “Dear god Ramsey, what the hell is wrong with you? Offering a ride!” You convince yourself that it’s just a thank you but you know it’s because you want to make sure that she gets home safe.

Both of you are exiting the stadium and stop when you see Harper.

“Ethan! Thank god you’re still here. I just received the terms of agreement of our deal with Banner. What did you do?” She notices Arielle.

“Dr. Valentine, what are you doing here?”

“She was here with her friends when I saw and asked for help with negotiating. She was the one who turned the deal into our favour.”, I quickly reply.

“Very impressive Dr. Valentine, but do know that this doesn’t make a difference in the fellowship rankings.”, Harper says.

“I know Chief Emery, anyways I haven’t entered the competition. But thank you though.”, she replies. You’re surprised. You thought she had entered, but you never checked the list of participants. You tell her to wait at the car.

“You’re dropping her off?”, she asks.

“She literally just scored us a very big deal. I’m just thanking her.

“Hmm... Well I’ll see you later. Goodbye, Ethan.” You nod and get in your car. Turning on the engine, you drive.

“Where do you live?”, you ask.

She pulls up a location 20 minutes from here on her phone.

“Why didn’t you enter the fellowship?”

“Did you want me to?”, she asks. You don’t answer.

“My first week was hard enough, with a competition that would jeopardise our friendship, I decided it wasn’t worth the risk. Especially when they were the ones who got me through the first week.”

“I understand. A lot of friendships of mine were severed during my residency due to the competitiveness.” You both talk about leisure topics until you reach a tall apartment complex.

“This is me. Thanks for the ride, Dr. Ramsey.”, with that, she swiftly exits out of the car. You reverse the car and drive to your apartment.

Arielle’s PoV:-

You walk up to the entrance of your building, taking the elevator to your floor. You pull out your keys when Jackie opens the door and lets you in.

“I was wondering when you’d be back.” You smile, taking off your shoes and head into the living room.”

“Hey Ari! Join us for a drink!”, says Elijah.

“Nah, I don’t want a drink. But yes for the company.”

“You all better kiss that fellowship goodbye, cause I just solved that case in record time.”, Landry says.

“You do realise that Arielle was the one who did most of it and we all helped.”, Jackie says.

“Exactly, I looked at the clues and diagnosed the problem!”

You laugh with your friends as they playfully egg each other on. You’re going over today’s events, thinking about all the crazy events, when you realise that you haven’t been true to yourself. “Competing makes them stronger.”, you remember saying. You’ve given advice to other people but you aren’t following your own. You bolt up from the sofa, grabbing your purse and keys and head towards the door.

“What are you doing, Ari?”, Sienna asks.

“You smile replying, “Something I should have done way before.” Your roommates give you a knowing smile as you head towards Edenbrook.

You park your car, rushing through the atrium and up the stairs towards Dr. Ramsey’s office. You a minute to compose yourself and knock.

“Come in.”, his professional but baritone voice replies.

You enter his office to see a minimally decorated desk, covered with papers and patient files. He files them away neatly as you enter. “Rookie. To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“I want in.”

“I made it clear that the cutoff was midnight.” Your eyes follow his gaze to the wall clock. ‘12:02’

“What makes you think that you’re an exception?”

You steady yourself. “I know I can be a good doctor. I know that I can make a difference in people’s lives, like you do. It just took me a little longer to realise it.” You gulp, wondering if you’ve blown your chance.

He smirks and pull out a long list of names, adding yours at the bottom. “You had me worried there. What changed your mind?”

“I always advised other people to follow their dreams, never give up, to take a leap of faith. I realised I needed to take my own advice.” He nods with approval.

“Good Night, Dr. Valentine.”

“Good Morning, Dr. Ramsey.”, you say, pointing at the same clock ‘12:08’. He shakes his head with amusement.

You head out to your car, the cool autumn breeze in your hair, and drive into the night.

“Bring it on.”

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llendrinall · 4 years ago

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Hi endrina, I'm a huge fan. And I love all your fics 🧡 I have a question, that may not be that interesting, but we'll let's see. I have a huge fascination about Pansy Parkinson, I think she is this kind of character that is so little developed in the books that we can shape for our own purposes. So I was wondering, do you have any plot ideas for Miss Pansy Parkinson? Or light a headcanon or anything that you would like to share about your thoughts on this character? Much love, tai.

Pansy is sharp in all senses of the word. She is clever. She doesn’t excel academically like Hermione or Draco, but she is clever like Harry is. And she is sharp because she cuts, because she is practical and ruthless when she has to be.

During the Battle of Hogwarts when Voldemort gives them an hour of reprieve and asks them to hand over Harry, she is the one to say “he is there, just grab him”. And then of course all the good little students point their wands at her, but the thing is that she had a point. Of course it could be argued that they could not trust Voldemort’s word, but I don’t think she was wrong in wanting to put a stop to the battle quickly. They are all children in the middle of a fight that should never had been theirs and it seems like Pansy is the only one to realize it.

After the war, Pansy suffers a lot of anxiety. Like, a lot. The world has changed and with it the answers to many social questions. Before, Pansy knew what it took to succeed in life: blood pedigree, a cute face, magical talent, the right friends. Now the right friends are the wrong ones and Neville Longbottom is heading a committee of international cooperation. O_____o She doesn’t know what she has to do and she hates it. She cries a lot and it takes her five years to realize that she cried because freedom hurts, because making your own choices is scary, because when you are in a bad place you can’t afford the energy for crying. You only cry when you arrive home.

At some point, I like to imagine that she is in muggle London overwhelmed by all the people moving around her with a purpose, hating that there are so many familiar things and even more different marvelous things (Pansy is obsessed with Claire’s which for those who don’t know it’s a chain shop of jewelry and beauty accessories for teenagers. Wizards, or actually, witches have jewelry shops, but nothing like this, with packs of seven different colours of lip gloss. Pansy loves it). She is in central London and she overhears a couple of films students (not that she knows what films are or that there are people studying them) quote “everything must change so that everything can remain the same” and Pansy has a freaking realization and every Claire’s shop in a 10 kilometers radius starts shining with different colours, not that many of the customers notice.

She joins the SPEW much to Hermione Granger’s horror. This has the dual benefit of showing to the world that Pansy is a modern witch who has broken with the binds of the past and generating the already mentioned Granger horror. She even comes to care about house-elf welfare. Pansy still uses house-elf labour but her two house-elves have livery so it is obvious at first glance that 1) they are free 2) they are also exceedingly well paid and well treated since Pansy had put actual gold embroidery in their cuffs. Granger has a fit over it but the design proves popular and Pansy becomes something of a fashion trend setter. People buy her designs. Narcissa Malfoy commissions a matching set of fall dresses and livery and is the lady of the season.

Sometimes I see Pansy as a lesbian and in that case she gets with a muggle catholic girl from Norther Ireland who has her own painful experiences about war and rejection and making your own way in the world. Other times I just see Pansy somewhere in the asexual spectrum and not very interested in exploring it. Pansy arrives to adulthood exhausted and she finds people too tiring. She has two cats, befriends Hermione Granger despite herself because they both like cats and is the only person who ever says the naked true to Draco’s face, something that he doesn’t enjoy but he appreciates.

#asks #harry potter #pansy parkinson #teacup-tai

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jamielea81 · 5 years ago

Text

Just a Simple Lie

Chapter 4

Description: Having worked on small independent films for the better part of a decade, your friend tells you about an opening for a script supervisor with a large studio. Wanting to advance your career, you apply and get an interview. The only downside, they prefer to hire crew who are married. It’s just a simple lie, right?

Pairing: Chris Evans x Reader

Warnings: Cursing and drinking

A/N: This fic is simply for fun. I know nothing about the personal lives of the two actors in this series and mean no harm. I am also totally guessing regarding the studio talk. Comments, reblogs, and likes are always welcome.

Catch up with Chapter 3

Tomorrow was the start of a short break before the whole production moved to Vancouver for filming. You had been to Canada for work before, but that had always fallen in the summer or early fall. This would be your first time there during the winter months, but you weren’t worried. You were from the Midwest. You even had your own winter coat since you often went home for the holidays. It was already in your suitcase ready to go. Not that anything else was packed, but technically, you had almost two weeks to get it done.

Chris hadn’t come by since the day of the love scene with Maggie. Or rather the day he practiced his moves on you. Okay, so it had been one day, but still, he didn’t come by with your afternoon treat yesterday and you were a tad disappointed. During treat time as you dubbed it, the two of you would talk. It was nice. You had to admit, he was smooth and you pretty much had a full fledge crush on him at this point. But nothing could happen there. You were “engaged” and would be for the foreseeable future. Besides, he has such a charming presence, there was no doubt in your mind that he didn’t come off as flirty to everyone else as well.

It was nearing four and most people had closed up shop at the studio. Offices were cleaned up and you were told the soundstage was a well. Everything that was needed was packed in large crates bound for Vancouver. You had spent the majority of your day going over notes and polaroids of costumes. Any costumes that were shot in the interior scenes that also were being shot outdoors had to be accounted for. That’s when your meticulous notes came in handy. It was always the accessories that got left behind, but you were on hand to make sure that didn’t happen.

You had popped into your office to grab Mr. Fern, your laptop, and your bag because you were finally on your way home. Just as you were about to shut the lights off, your phone dings with a text. Setting everything back on your desk, you dig out your phone and see you have a text from Chris.

Chris: Are you still at the studio?

You sat down in your chair and quickly replied.

Y/N: Just leaving. What’s up?

Chris: I’m going to stop by. Don’t leave.

Y/N: That sounds like a threat Evans.

Chris: …

Your fired off a text to Joanna to let her know you might be a few minutes late. The two of you were having a good old fashion sleep over to kick off your “winter break” as she liked to call it. Ian would still be home, but apparently, he was banished to the basement for the evening.

“Knock. Knock,” Chris says as he actually knocks on your open door.

“Hey you,” you answer.

He’s got one hand behind his back as he enters, but doesn’t sit.

“I, uh, got you something special.”

He seems nervous because he’s not exactly making eye contact and he’s fidgety. This is a strange turn of events because generally you’re the one that’s nervous around him.

“Oh, yeah?” you ask, leaning back further in your chair, clearly enjoying this side of Chris.

His arm moves from behind his back. Resting on a napkin is a snowman shaped sugar cookie with white frosting, black dots for eyes, and a blue hat.

You break out in a huge grin as he places the cookie in your open palm, before taking a seat in your other chair.

“Took me three bakeries before I found that. Sure, everyone has sugar cookies, but not frosted ones.” He seems to relax a little, rubbing his hands on his thighs before taking in your grin.

“Thank you. Really. This is such a nice surprise.” You place the cookie on your desk and then look back at Chris. “Is it bad I want to eat it right now?” you ask.

Chris shakes his head and laughs. “Please do.” Crossing his arms and looks at you pointedly.

You take a large bite and set the remaining cookie back on the napkin. It’s surgery and sweet with just a little bit of crunch. Shutting your eyes appreciation.

“Right for the head I see,” he says with a smirk.

You throw him a wink and lick your lips. “This.” You gesture to the cookie. “Is perfect.”

“Glad I could finally follow through on your demands,” he jokes.

You sit forward in your chair and lightly slap his knee with the back of your hand. “Demands,” you mutter shaking your head.

He chuckles but then straightens up.

“Can I talk to you about something?” he asks. He’s all serious all of a sudden.

“Sure. What’s up?” you asked.

“I just wanted to apologize for the other day,” he started. Your brow furrowed; the confusion evident on your face. “When you were helping me with that scene. I think I crossed a line. I know I crossed a line.” He looks down at his hands for a moment before looking up to meet your eyes. “Shouldn’t of point my hands on you. You’re engaged and it wasn’t right for me to hold you like that. You’re not an actress, so it’s different. I’m sorry.”

Apparently being shocked into silence was a real thing. How do you respond to that? It doesn’t help that he’s looking at you with sad eyes.

“Chris, honestly I didn’t think anything of it. We were working and sometimes actor need that hands on if you will, visual to understand what is needed. Travis works in the industry, it’s not a big deal,” you explained.

He gave you a soft smile but remained quiet. You slapped his knee again and then leaned back in your chair.

“Quit being weird,” you said.

He faked a scoff which had you rolling your eyes. “Not being weird,” he pouted.

“We’re friends, right? At least I like to think of us as friends.”

Chris grabbed your hand and squeezed it. “We are,” he nodded his head.

Despite being told Ian would be banished to the basement, he spent most of the night with you and Jo. She was still in the very early stages of her pregnancy, but that didn’t stop Ian from waiting on her hand and foot. You also took advantage of this new found man servant by asking for a fresh drink and snacks anytime he got up.

“You’re a stinker. You know, he’s going to get you back for this when he realizes I can get my own water,” Joanna said.

“Oh, I’m sure. I’ll just buy him a beer and all will be forgiven.”

“You know him too well.”

Shrugging your shoulders, you grabbed the remote from her lap and changed the channel until you found the Food Network channel.

“If we keep watching crap like this, I’m going to be as big as a house before I even officially start showing,” Joanna snarked.

“It’s either this or Bravo and I know you hate that more. Pick your poison babe,” you said.

The short winter break from filming included lots of sleeping in, cleaning, and shopping. It also found you with your hair back to its normal shade. Visiting the mall for the third time this week wasn’t part of the plan, but you needed a few cozy sweaters for those long days on set. Luckily you were able find plenty of options, even in California. Along with the sweaters, you purchased a pair of cute but warm winter boots and a few pairs of warm socks. Somehow it all fit in your suitcase and carryon bag. Nothing like waiting last minute to pack. Your flight was in the morning and you were feeling unprepared. All your bills were set to auto withdrawal from your account and Mr. Fern was dropped at Joanna and Ian’s yesterday. You just couldn’t shake that feeling that you were forgetting something.

The studio set everyone up in a total of two hotels. Monica was your roommate which you were fine with. The two of you were kind of friends. Neither of you had hung out outside of the job but you got along and had similar working styles. Work friends. The two of you were work friends. You had heard but didn’t know for sure that Keanu and Chris had both elected to rent houses for the duration of filming.

Filming was expected to wrap in two months, maybe a bit more. You knew you’d be in Vancouver for a month and a half. David was convinced it would be two months. Those with families or extra cash flow would go home when there were three day breaks which was set to happen twice during your time there, but you would be sticking it out. Not that you couldn’t afford to fly home, but rather you wanted to enjoy a new city, even if it was covered in snow.

After dropping your bags in your room for the next six weeks or so, you took a shower, dug out your boots and gloves and decided to find somewhere to eat. Monica hadn’t arrived yet so you were heading out on your own. The first meeting wasn’t until the next afternoon, so she decided to fly out later in the day.

Stopping at the front desk, they handed you a map of the area and circled a few restaurants they recommended that were in walking distance. You decided on a coffee shop that served hot panini sandwiches as well as wine and beer.

The coffee shop was rather large, definitely larger than it looked from the outside. Several small two-seater tables sat side by side with a mix of chairs that did not go together, but somehow worked. The shop had rows of windows on two sides of the large room. Both sides were lined with bench seating littered with colorful throw pillows and a large bookcase next to the door. You would keep this place in mind for when you needed an escape from the confines of the hotel.

Deciding on a turkey with swiss along with a local brew, you waited by the pickup window for your name to be called. It only took a few minutes for your order to be up, so you didn’t have to wait too long. The sandwich was good as well as the beer, so you know you would be back. Your meal came with a bag of kettle chips that you stuck in your purse to snack on later. Waving goodbye to the staff you decided to head back to the hotel to unpack.

Opening the door to your room you were surprised to see Maggie rather than Monica.

“Crap. Did they give me the wrong room number?” you asked.

She stifled a laugh and shook her head, getting up from the wingback chair in the corner. “No, I’m just waiting for Monica to get out of the bathroom. We’re heading to dinner,” Maggie said.

Oh. Apparently, you’re not the only one to make friends with the talent.

A second later Monica came out of the bathroom with her makeup bag in hand.

“Oh hey,” she said.

“Welcome to Canada,” you said with a smile.

Yeah, this wasn’t awkward at all.

“We’re going to grab something for dinner. Do you want to come with?” she asked.

“I just ate. Thanks though. You two go have fun,” you replied.

“Are you sure?” she asked.

“Yeah, I’m totally stuffed.”

Maggie waved goodbye as she opened the door while her and Monica slipped out.

This is what you wanted though. It was part of your rules to get that fulltime contract with the studio. You’re not here to make friends. Chris didn’t count. It wasn’t like the two of you were hanging out outside of work. Your office didn’t count as a true hangout, so he totally got a pass. Besides, you wouldn’t see him again once filming wrapped. So, Monica and Maggie can be friends, that just takes the pressure off of you. Yep, you are totally okay with this.

After the large meeting where everyone was required to attend, all you wanted to do was find your office, or cubical rather, and get organized. David had other plans. After setting your notebooks and pens on your desk, David was at your cubical wall. The not having an actual door was going to take getting used to. Technically it was nicer than an office cubical, it was twice the size and they were spaced out with large potted plants in between for “privacy”.

“Alright, grab your bag, we are out of here!” David says, arms crossed, leaning on your cubical wall.

You gave him a questioning look, not budging from your chair. “I’m sorry, what now?”

“We are going out for drinks. I suppose we’ll eat too.”

Now you were really intrigued.

“Does your wife know you’re taking me out?” you say with a raised brow.

He laughs nervously and then clears his throat. “Let me rephrase that. You and I will be joining others for drinks. Now, lets go,” he says clapping his hands together.

“David, I’m tired and I just want to get settled before tomorrow.”

“We all have a late call time, you’ll have plenty of time tomorrow to get set up and settled. We’re here for the long haul kid,” he said.

“Kid, pfft,” you echoed.

“The car’s waiting. Chop. Chop,” he says with a smile.

Three drinks later, you were plenty relaxed. The group at the bar was larger than you anticipated. Besides you and David, there were couple of writers, a few from wardrobe, a couple of the camera operators, and Monica, who brought Maggie. The person you weren’t expecting to see when you were at the bar grabbing round four for you and David was Chris and his PA Tyler. He walked in with a hooded sweatshirt and Bruins ballcap down low, but he was still easy to spot.

You shuffled your way back to the table, two beers in hand.

“That for me?” Chris asked.

“Shouldn’t you be buying me a drink Evans?” you sassed.

He squeezed in across from you, others scooting down to make room. He takes off his hat, dropping it on the table and then runs his hands through his hair.

“How about I get next round?” he asked.

Nodding your head, you gave him a wink.

Maybe you shouldn’t have taken Chris up on that fifth round because you were soundly very talkative. At least you weren’t a grumpy drunk, but learning to sit quietly and let others talk would probably aid you in the long wrong.

Monica was talking about the last guy she dated. Something about how he had to see her every single night. It appeared to be a funny story because everyone was laughing and she apparently had no shame about her love life. And at that point, you lost your damn mind.

“Ughhh,” you groaned. “I haven’t gotten laid in so long.”

Did you just die? Is that your body floating from above you right now? It has to be.

You look up from your drink to see all eyes are on you. Maggie giggles and David lets out a low whistle. Chris’ eyebrows are raised and his mouth is hanging open.

Oh fuck. Oh fuck. Oh fuck. Oh fuck.

“Aren’t you engaged?” Monica questions. She says it quietly, but everyone is looking at you, so you know they heard.

“Yeahhhh,” your drunk self spits out. “I just meant that he was working when we were on break, so we never saw each other.” You shrug your shoulders and grab you glass taking a long drink. In reality it’s been more than eight months, so it does feel like forever.

Monica laughs and pushes on your shoulder. “Oh no, you haven’t had sex for two weeks. That’s such a long time,” she rolls her eyes.

You catch the giggles at that point but it seems to do the trick as conversations pick up. You can’t help but avoid Chris’ eyes for the remainder of the night.

Here you are on day two in Vancouver breaking all your rules. Drinking with co-workers and getting too personal. You really needed to rein it in.

Tag List: If you are crossed off, Tumblr won’t let me tag you @tanelle83 @pinknerdpanda @allaboutthebooz @estillion14 @panicfob @patzammit @heartislubbingdubbing @collinsstanharbour @twittytelly @thefandomzoneisdangerous @linki-locks11 @mywinterwolf @ab-baybay @rda1989 @impalaimages @jesseswartzwelder @rainbowkisses31 @chrisevansforever @southerngracela @chrisevansfanfic @zsuzstyina @peach-acid @grtchn @hista-girl @trynnabemultifandom @symonlyjen5 @mrshiddleston @tfandtws @xxloki81xx @heyyouwiththeassbutt @denisemarieangelina @evanlys19 @cheeseburgersstuff @linki-locks11 @evemej @whymalu

#chris evans #chris evans x reader #chris evans x y/n #chris evans reader insert #chris evans x you #chris evans fanfiction #chris evans fan fiction #chris evans fan fic #chris evans au #chris evans imagine #just a simple lie

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findingbxlance · 5 years ago

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I love The Sims.

Which is why I will never stop being disappointed in TS4.

Lets do some math, and I’m going to keep this mainly between TS3 & TS4. While I did play TS2, there isn’t a lot of information readily available on what the games themselves cost at the time of release. I have some information on that, but I’m not sure if it’s 100% accurate as I was baby when they came out and my mom had to buy them for me. I’ll release it later if anyone is curious.

TS3 launched with a base game priced at $49.99, and throughout it’s lifetime accrued nine stuff packs at $19.99 each, and eleven expansion packs priced at $39.99 a pop. This comes to a total of $669.79.

TS4 launched with a base game price of $59.99 (that price soon dropped to $49.99 because the backlash was immediate), and introduced the new game pack. In total (as of 4/15/2020), TS4 has sixteen stuff packs at $9.99 each, eight expansion packs at $39.99, and eight game packs at $19.99. That comes to a total of $699.67.

That’s not a huge price difference. All in all, it’s about $30 if you want to get the whole, complete collection, so why do I dislike TS4 so vehemently?

Quality.

Let’s compare a few expansion packs just to get a feel for what the difference is.

TS3 launched the “Late Night” expansion at $39.99, and it included:

A new world (Bridgeport) with 82 lots

Fame & reputation systems

Bars & night clubs

Apartments with penthouse suites

Subways

Elevators

Breast & muscle sliders in CAS*

Zodiac signs

A fountain tool*

Height adjustment for wall objects

Groups & bands

Butlers

Vampires!

The mixology skill

2 new traits (shy & star quality)

TS4 launched the “Get Famous” expansion at $39.99, and it included:

A new world (Del Sol Valley) with 11 lots

Fame & reputation systems

Active acting career

Multiple ways to become famous

Music, video station, etc.

And that’s about it.

Now I’ll be the first person to admit that TS3 wasn’t perfect. Although it was a very full game, it struggled in areas of performance. With such large, open worlds, and detailed customization systems, it was pretty buggy for a lot of people, but we’ll talk on that more later.

But what I want to focus on is the disparity between these two packs, as they’re supposed to be mirrors of one another. “Get Famous” is the TS4 version of “Late Night”, so where did all the stuff go?

Well, EA broke it into 3 packs.

To get the full experience of “Late Night” in TS4, or at least something similar, you would need to purchase, “Get Famous”, “City Living”, and “Vampires”. That’s 2 expansion packs, and 1 game pack. So, to replicate the experience of “Late Night” you would need to spend $99.97.

That’s almost $100.

So, for an experience we paid $39.99 previously in the last installment, we’re now being asked to pay $100 for.

Is that fair?

Lets do another expansion pack comparison:

TS3 launched “Ambitions” at $39.99, and it included:

A new world (Twinbrook) with 82 lots

5 new active jobs that take you all around the world your sims inhabit

Firefighter, investigator, ghost hunter, stylist, and architectural designer

Self-employment

Sculptors, inventors, painters, writers, gardeners, and so on can all profit from at home work

Laundry

Tattooing career

New traits (eco-friendly, good observer, weirdo, etc.)

Consignment stores

Inventing

Sculpting

TS4 launched “Get to Work” at $39.99, and it included:

A new world (Magnolia Promenade) with 4 lots

3 new active jobs that take place in one location

Detective, doctor, scientist

Baking & photography skills

Retail lots

Illnesses for sims

Aliens

There’s definitely more crossover here, but “Get to Work” still falls short. $39.99 for a full game and all we get is a world with 4 lots? Even in TS2 “Open for Business” we had more to do.

And, that isn’t to mention the fact that “Get to Work” launched separately from the TS4 “Laundry Day Stuff” pack. So, to get a similar experience to TS3′s “Ambitions” you would need to purchase both “Get to Work” and “Laundry Day Stuff” at a total of $49.98.

One more comparison for good measure.

TS3 launched “Island Paradise” at $39.99, and it included:

A new world (Isla Paradiso) with 118 lots, the most of ANY TS3 expansion

Houseboats that can move anywhere around the island

Resorts that you can either visit, or own, manage & edit

New transportation modes

Boating, skiing, and windsurfing

3 new careers

Lifeguard, resort manager, scuba diver

Diving into fully realized underwater scenes

Sims could also catch fish, explore underwater caves & find sunken treasure

Shark & kraken attacks

Mermaids!

Missions to discover and unlock new islands

Blueprint templates*

TS4 launched “Island Living” at $39.99, and it included:

A new world (Sulani) with 11 lots

Docks & new foundation types

4 new careers

Conservationist, diving, fishing, and lifeguard

Mermaids!

Boats

Missions to clean up the island

2 new traits

In the case of “Island Paradise” vs. “Island Living” there are a quite a few similarities, but the disparity remains. Thankfully, this time around EA didn’t break “Island Living” into multiple packs, but imagine if in a few months we get a resort style pack? Honestly, I wouldn’t put it past EA.

In these pack comparisons, I hope I’ve highlighted some of the issues between what should have been pretty similar packs.

And, to clarify, I’m not saying that EA should have just copy pasted TS3 packs into the TS4 style, but for the amount of money they’re asking, the quality should remain the same. There should be a similar amount of features between each pack, but there isn’t.

With each expansion, it feels like EA is spending less and less time working on the unique gameplay features, and pouring more time into the general aesthetics of the packs. So, while TS4 is the prettiest of all The Sims titles, it’s also the emptiest.

Despite the shiny veneer of a good game with solid graphics, TS4 ultimately lacks depth. It doesn’t feel like a game, but rather a character creator. I spend more time building sims and their homes than I do actually playing out their lives.

All in all, I find that the “life simulation” part of TS4 is severely lacking. It mostly comes down to the little things, which is exemplified whenever I go back and replay TS2. Sims would cuddle their partner in their sleep, burglars were a real and present danger, raccoons would topple your trash can at any given chance, and friends would call all the time to ask if you wanted to go downtown.

It’s been 6 years since TS4 came out, and, from what the dev’s have said, they aren’t planning on pushing out TS5 anytime soon, but let’s dream a little bit about what could be.

In my perfect game, TS5 would include aspects of TS3 and TS2. The open worlds were great, but not many people’s computers were beefy enough to run them. The one thing I will applaud about TS4, is that its made with everyone in mind. We can’t all afford big, gaming computers, a lot of simmers play on their laptops, and we should all be able to play regardless of what type of machine we’re working with.

So, instead of fully open works with 90+ lots, I would like to see open neighborhoods. If we take the open concept of TS3, and combine it with the neighborhood style of TS4, we’d get an open world of about 15-20 lots. That’s nowhere near as big as TS3, but would allow for more fun neighbor interactions, and remove the constant load screens.

I’d also like to see a return of the color wheel. This is also a point of contention, where I understand that excessive customization really dragged down TS3 and made it unplayable for a lot of people. So instead of full customization, relegate it to just colors (instead of different materials like fabric, metal, wood, etc.,) and just CAS.

I think a lot of what gummed up TS4 was the fact that you could customize everything. Hair color, eye color, makeup, clothes, accessories, wallpaper, paint, tiles, flooring, chairs, sofas, decorations, and on and on. Restricting it just to CAS, and in a simple color wheel would give us so much more freedom.

A color wheel in CAS would also solve EA’s issue of diversity. While they’ve given us the ability to create trans and nonbinary sims (which is fantastic!), they’ve been really slow on any progress when it comes to skin tones. A color wheel would allow us to create sims of all colors, and give power to the players to create more realistic and diverse representations of their lives as sims.

The last thing I would really love to see is a return to the little details. Give us more randomness. Genies, walking skeletons, ruins we can explore that aren’t just rabbit holes, more active careers, more opportunities. Don’t be afraid to give us the weird things, we love the weird things! But don’t forget about the little things. Sims sitting in the grass together and chatting, sims leaving flowers at your door after a really great date, sims scooting together to cuddle while watching a movie together on the couch.

Overall, TS5 should just include more more, if that makes sense.

Leave your comments & thoughts below! I’d love to talk to ya’ll about this, its really been brewing for awhile.

*Features included in TS4 base game.

#the sims #ts4 #sims #sims 4 #simblr

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jimclassicstoycollection · 4 years ago

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Diamond Select’s

The Real Ghostbusters

Egon Spengler

by Diamond Select

I picked this up back in October, I think in 2019 from my local comic book store. I’d been eying it for a while and finally decided to pick him up.

Egon:

Egon Spengler is the brains of the Ghostbusters. He’s usually conducting experiments, or is researching something paranormal, or just not comprehending a joke...

The toy stands about 7 inches tall and is based on ‘The Real Ghostbusters’ cartoon version, however Diamond Select attempted to marry the cartoon design with a more realistic sculpting.

I gotta be honest here, as well made as this toy is, I don’t have a lot to say about Egon.

The sculpting o the jump suit is really nice, and you can see all sorts of wrinkles and details such as pockets and zippers, and all the paint deco is clean.

You see a lot of cool, cartoony gizmos hanging off of Egon’s belt. His elbow pads have to occasionally be re adjusted on his arm because the they move from sied to side every so often.

This toy is very articulated:

-Ball jointed head, universal shoulders, double elbow joints, universal hinges at the wrists, ball joint at the torso, waist rotation, universal hips, outward hinge at the hips, thigh swivel, double bend at the knees, ankle point and tilt.

However in spite of the fact that Egon is so well articulated standing is sometimes an issue. Maybe it’s because of the proton pack, or maybe his feet could afford to be a little larger, but sometimes pose Egon into an action pose can be tricky.

Though the sculpting of Egon is more realistic and life like than the animation model, however the proton pack on his back doesn’t look all that different from the cartoon at all.

The paint deco is simple. It’s mostly a muted blue, with some red, yellow, and some silver paint. It’s simple...but it gets the point across.

The neutrino wand is connected to the pack by a thin yellow plastic cord and is still using the muted blue as its base color, along with the silver and some light browns in areas.

The pack itself is mostly simple geometric shapes with some sculpted tubes and wires, but it’s not too overwhelming. There’s even a painted dial which...well, it looks cartoony.

Egon is wearing the pack with shoulder straps and a belt around his waist. I couldn’t find any way to remove the proton pack, so I guess even though it’s a separate piece from Egon, but it’s on him permanently.

There’s a small rectangular plastic tab which sticks out on the side of the proton pack, and I tried to place the ghost trap there, and much to my surprise it held on pretty well.

Though the cord did whatever it felt like doing...

Let’s focus on Egon’s head sculpt for a moment.

It’s good. I think it’s really good, it’s just weird seeing a cartoon character with more realistic detailing. Egon’s got a lot of nice hair sculpting, and I think the glasses are a separate object to the rest of his face.

He even has the peculiar look on his face, as if Egon’s about to speak, or he’s just fascinated with whatever it is he’s looking at...

You can even see his upper teeth, and they’re painted well too.

Still, an extra head would have been nice.

Accessories:

Diamond Select Egon comes with a decent amount of accessories, including a plastic stand, which is meant to connect with the other three Real Ghostbusters figures, to create a false front of the firehouse.

Egon comes with three pairs of swap-able hands:

-Bare hands, semi grip (doesn’t really hold the neutrino wand all too well)

-Gloved hands (similar poses as the bare hands)

-Gloved hands (holding position)

All three hands pop on and off without a problem, however just be aware that the both pairs of gloved hands comes in tow parts; the hands themselves, and the flared cuffs are a separate piece of soft plastic. Be sure not to lose them.

The PK E meter is what the Ghostbusters often use to track down ghost, and this is pretty much what it looked like in the cartoon.

It looks really good, however the antennae (the whole thing in fact is made of a soft plastic) and it’s so thin that warping is inevitable and it just looks bad.

The paint details looks fantastic though.

The ghost trap is what the Ghostbuster use to...well, trap ghosts. again, much like the PK E meter it looks really good, and has a lot of nice painted detail; I have less to complain about the trap than I did the meter. If I were to voice one issue with it is that the length of the cord is just too short.

And it would be nice if the cord was made out of wire, so you adjust it instead of it being made out of plastic which is more difficult to manipulate.

The proton stream and the clear plastic connector is where I have the biggest issue with Egon’s accessories.

For starters I prefer my blast effects to be clear plastic; I think clear plastic effects give off a more iridescent look to them and they they also tend to be made out of a softer plastic.

The stream here is made out of a very rigid plastic, and I’m confident that under the slightest bit of strain that it will break one of these days.

In order to have the proton stream appear to be firing out of the neutrino want this clear plastic connector is the only thing which allows that to happen, and that is problematic...

The connector fits well enough onto the tip of the wand, however the stream doesn’t fit too well on the tiny end of the connector; it’s much smaller than the connector, and is likely to fall out unless the toy is holding the wand up a bit.

What Diamond Select should have done was make the wand connector the bright light at the base of the stream. It would have made the stream and connector one object, and probably would have given it a more cohesive look.

Final Thoughts:

This is a really nice toy. I have a lot of fond memories of ‘The Real Ghostbusters’ cartoon (and in my opinion it still holds up today)

The figure really solid, well sculpted, and for the most part it stands well. It’s weird though...Real Ghostbusters Egon looks good, trying to be realistic and yet also trying to maintain the aesthetic of the cartoon. I can dig it though.

Where the toy lacks is in the accessories. I’m not a fan of the particle stream and the small, clear plastic connector. The stream is too solid, and the clear connector can be easily lost. I’ve already lost it once already, then found it, and will probably lose it again.

I’m not sure if I’ll pick up the other three Diamond Select Real Ghostbusters toys, especially since Hasbro has launched there new 6in Plasma Series Ghostbusters toys, AND the retro Kenner reproduction Real Ghostbusters toy (I haven’t seen any of them in the stores yet, but I’m looking out for them).

So I may just stick with this version of Egon and focus on the Hasbro toys instead.

Now enjoy the pictures.

#toys #action figures #the real ghostbusters #ghostbusters #egon #egon spengler #diamond Select

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mydearsaddiary · 5 years ago

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Speakeasy Tonight Neil Season 3 Fanfic

Neil Season 3- Chapter 3

Hello! For those of you who don’t know Im writing a fanfic on how I’d imagine Neil Season 3 to go! This is chapter 3, here’s a link with all the chapters: https://mydearsaddiary.tumblr.com/NeilSeason3Fanfic

Little Curiosity notes: Because this chapter is all about the high society of BAHS-ton, there’s some currency involved! I put the amount in 1926 dollars, in parenthesis I adjusted it according to inflation on how much it’s cost today!

WARNING: LOTS OF ANGST AND DRAMA. LIKE SO MUCH DRAMA.

Chapter 3- Ghosts Are Alive in a Haunted Night

1926

The way to Boston was long. The anticipation built was driving me over the edge. I’ve been around the upper crust of Chicago, but even so most of them seemed like new money. Extravagant women who just got their hands on dough and bought everything they could. The upper crusts I met in Chicago weren’t elegant, they just had money in their hands. Even so I felt like an imposter amongst them.

I had a perception Neil’s family would be different. They were the true high society. Money was in their roots and they’ve never lived without it. For generations and generations I imagined most of them never worked, but increased their riches by letting others do the work for them.

I noticed when Lucille wrote to Neil, she always signed “Lucille Dresner of Boston”. Only the wealthy referred to themselves with their hometown attached to their name like “The Dresners of Boston”. They measured each other by how prominent of a family they were. For the first time I didn’t think of Neil as just Neil. I imagined him as “Cornelius Dresner of Boston” or “Cornelius of the house Dresner from Boston” or some fancy Jane Austen society title I could never imagine myself belonging to.

I knew Neil was living in an apartment in Chicago, living the same economic life as I did right now by choice, but that didn’t change where he was from or who his family was. For the first time I also realized that you could notice the high class in Neil in his personality.

There was just something in him that distanced him from people like Cliff or Vince who’d come from nothing or even me, who came from some but not as much. I thought of the elegancy, the way he never let himself look like a fool, the fact that he was highly educated, enjoyed chess like no other, the fact that it was easy to look at him and respect him. He had the air of being classier than most. He had his troubles and he wasn’t some snob who thinks he is better than everyone, but something in me said I needed to step up to the gentry, who breathed old money and who would judge me as middle class.

I looked down at the dress I chose for the trip. It was a delicate red. I always thought it was a good color on me, but it wasn’t the best dress (or the best shoes) I could be wearing

I looked at Neil who looked so calm he could have no idea of the internal battle that was happening in my mind. However, I felt guilty for struggling so much. Neil hadn’t seen his family in years, they’d probably be talking and paying so much attention to him that they wouldn’t even have time to look at what I was wearing

Nevertheless when we stepped out of the train in Boston I felt trapped. When I first got to Chicago, it seemed like the city was bursting, it was like my world had expanded and there was no seeing its end. In Boston I got a different feeling. The elegancy, tall buildings and the cold air engulfed you in its atmosphere and urged you to climb the social ladder. It seemed to tell you if you didn’t, you were bound to fail

-Hey…-It was the first time I said something in at least half an hour- I’ve been dying to see the fashion stores in Boston. Whaddya say you take me to see one, just to look around the city for a bit before we go?-I held his arm firmly

-Is the calm and steady Miss Granger nervous to meet my parents?- He got back at me from what I said in Columbus

-Alright, alright, this point goes to you!- I giggled nervously more than playful- I am, alright. Nothing calms my nerves better than shopping for a new outfit

-There’s a store nearby Lucille loved when she was younger. Can’t make any promises it’s still open.

-Doesn’t hurt to try!-I followed him around

It took a little while for Neil to remember the exact spot of the store and kept saying “It’s somewhere along this street”. While I followed him I looked around with interest. The city was full of cars and people. Constructions happened all around and every building was glued to the next one. Two words to describe it were: Completely packed. It seemed like the whole New England lived there. People were moved fast like all of them were in a hurry and it contrasted Columbus in a way it did make me feel like I came from the middle of nowhere. Among the cars there was a policemen on horseback flying by, it struck me as one more thing engulfed by the modernization and craziness that I found myself in. Chicago’s population surpassed Boston’s by a lot, but it was funny how I felt lost in that new city in front of me. Maybe I’d gotten used to Chicago so it didn’t seem that big anymore

And I thought I was ready for Boston

-Was Boston always this full?- I walked holding him tightly, afraid I could lose him in the crowd.

-Full of buildings and people? Yeah, it always was. Although before the war there used to be less cars, floor-length dresses and high hats- He pulled me in into a building, inside it was revealed a store as huge as Menken’s- Here it is, still open

The store was cream-colored with eccentric chandeliers around. I could see at least two floors. I never managed to bring Neil shopping with me before, so I might as well enjoy it.

I took a look around at different dresses. Something had gotten to me though. Look at the price of those dresses! I could buy at least ten dresses at Menken’s for the price of some of these!

If it was Lucille’s favorite store, at least before, then of course everything would be expensive. I swear I found a dress that was $300 (~$4300)! You could buy a new car nowadays with that kind of money. However, my expression remained calm. I looked at Neil sometimes but he didn’t even mention anything about the prices. I felt myself in the obligation to act like it was all normal to me

I remembered some conversations me and Neil had in the past: “Act like you’re entitled to the world”, “You positively grow with middle-class respectability”, “You’re not gonna wear sables and diamonds and be rude to the help, are you?”, “They’ll know you’re not one of them. But you’ll never notice when they’re looking down on you, that’s how people in high society treat people like you and Charlie”. I sighed in despair

-What is it? Nothing matches your photoplay dream?-He said sarcastically behind me and I noticed I had been staring at a dress for too long, lost in my own anxiety- I thought you said shopping lifted your spirits.

-Oh, nothing!-I looked at him- I was just thinking about the Ice Box that’s all, I was worried that-

-MC, I know you’re deeply infatuated with your illegal activities, but there’s nothing you can do from Boston

-I know- I let it go, it was just an excuse anyway. I was excited about the vacation and I couldn’t let the whole pressure just make me crumble. I had to prove to Neil that I was able to deal with whatever life threw my way. We were going to work this out together

-Say, why don’t you keep shopping? I’ll wait outside, all this glitter is hurting my eyes

-Alright, yea, I shouldn’t take long- I gave him a quick peck before he went out, I could see him grabbing a cigarette before turning my attention to the dresses

Alright, MC, you need to choose something classy enough but that won’t burn your pockets. Now, where do I find something that’s doesn’t cost more than $15 (~200)? I could spare that, it’s a special occasion.

Wishing I could have some gin in me right this second I went through the embarrassment of asking if they had anything around the price range I wanted. My luck was that there was a dress that was worth $100 (~1450) that was about to be thrown away because the zipper was broken. When I looked at the dress I didn’t understand why they’d throw it in the can.

It was beautiful. It was this pale pink color with a V-neck. The sleeved has the same gold details as the dress, but otherwise it was transparent. The details on the pale pink went down in waves until right below the knees. I smiled at it, it was perfect for the event of meeting Neil’s parents, and I’ve never worn anything like that.

I asked her if I could have it and she shrugged in a manner like she didn’t understand why I was even there. I couldn’t blame her, I didn’t know either. I got the dress for $20 (~280), it was more than I could at the moment, but I was just happy to have found something I could afford and still look ritzy in

Due to the extra money spent I couldn’t really go looking for shoes or accessories, but I wasn’t worried. What I had would work for this.

-Alright!- I caught Neil outside- I’m ready, first impressions are everything! Now I just need somewhere to put this stuff on!

Yes… Like the back of a rental car in a dark alley…

-It’s so convenient nowadays, you know, they started renting cars and everything right- I said huffing and puffing like the big bad wolf in the back seat getting my dress off and the new one on- So you can change in the middle of the road too

-I thought this way we could go places without having to use one of my family’s cars- Neil waited in the driver’s seat

-What’s wrong with your family’s cars, huh? Not ritzy enough for ya?-I put on the dress to realize it didn’t close in the back. Shoot! I forgot to ask what happened to the zipper. Think, think, think!

-It’s the contrary- Neil responded- If I remember well from back then, I always felt like I was in a circus truck, doubt they changed the way they do things- He seemed to hear me struggling- Do you need help back there?

-No! Nope! I am just fine- I said putting a pin on the zipper so this way it wasn’t broken anymore. It closed all the way up! The only thing was the pin showing a little bit on the top, which looked a little tacky, but with all the details in the dress it could be overlooked

-Let’s hurry then, I told them we should be there for lunch. With your little shopping going on, we’re late

-Sorry!- I put on my rhinestone tiara and went through my bag to find my golden pair of heels that matched the details on the dress, then I hurried up to the front seat- I’m ready, let’s scram!

Neil started to drive, I could feel him a little tense as he drove. I put on my hand on his leg squeezing it- Are you excited?

-When I left Boston I was twenty-four. I haven’t been back since

-Neil- I calmed my voice- They’ll be happy to see you, they’ll be thrilled. Especially Lucille, I really can’t wait to meet her. How old is she?

-We’re about ten years apart, she’s the youngest. So she should be about twenty-two right now. Damn…-He went quiet for a few seconds- When I left she was fourteen, now she’s a woman, married and is about to have a baby.

-Oh, little Cornelia- I smiled thinking about it

-Don’t remind me, I still feel for the kid

-Can it, Neil! It’s sweet. I can’t imagine how she must have felt when she got a letter in the mail from you

-I can’t believe I let you convince me to go through with this-He shook his head

-Hey, pal, I didn’t say anything! You wrote the letter to her yourself

Neil smiled, as if there was something in his thoughts he didn’t want to say out loud- I know.

We pulled up to a narrow street full of four stories apartments- I didn’t know they lived in a flat- I said, a little confused. I expected it-

-They’re not flats-Neil responded- They’re houses

My eyes widened looking again at the row of houses with my new perspective. It was pure Boston Brahmin. The houses were glued to one another, only separated by color, each of them were massive once I understood the four stories were for each family. Rows of fancy cars were parked in front of each designated house and U.S. flags stood in front of each one.

Neil parked in front of an elegant brick house, it was full of organized windows and one big wooden door stood right in the middle of the ground floor.

-Is this where you grew up?- I opened the car door on my side

-No, this is just the city house. I’d spend a lot of time here, but usually we’d be down by the estate

-Estate?- I turned to him, wondering if my ears heard right- Your family owns a estate?

-About 15 miles out of the city- He said like it was the most normal thing in the world.

I focused on my breathing not to let myself get too nervous. “Act like I’m entitled to the world” is what I kept playing in my head. I went around to meet Neil and then I noticed his look was distant

-Neil?-I shook him a little bit and he looked down at me, his face was not upset, but the usual mask wasn’t there either- What’s the matter?

He hesitated a little bit. Being back here must be hard. It’s still not easy for him to open up, so I appreciate it even more when he does- That house right there- he pointed. I looked back at the white magnificence across the road, just as beautiful as the one that belonged to Neil’s family. It had a black door instead of a wooden-colored one. No cars were in front of it, so it looked solemn, distant and different from the rest- It’s the Hasting house.

I looked back at him squeezing his hand- Alton…

-Yeah… Alton- He replied

I didn’t know what to say, I never knew what to say when Neil mentioned his past. But he said all he needed me to do was listen. I gave him a kiss on his cheek, hoping to comfort him. I was glad to see it got a smile out of him- Ready?

He breathed profoundly, turning his head back to the wooden door- Yes, I’m ready- He knocked on the door

----

It creaked as it opened, it was like seconds got transformed into hours. Once it was open a servant smiled. Some kind of butler? Gee, this is something else. However that only added to the moment. He positioned himself by the door, looking into an area in front of him I could only imagine it was the living room. He stuffed his chest like it was the most important thing he was going to say in his life to the ones who waited

-Cornelius Dresner is home

I nodded to Neil, letting him walk in first. He took his hat off as he walked, each step seemed to hold anticipation in them. I walked in right after, but staying away from him. I understood this was a precious moment, so my eyes turned to watch instead.

The silence was so expansive you could hear if cotton balls fell on the ground. When Neil stood there, a second set of steps started. My eyes turned to a very visibly pregnant woman, who could be due anytime soon. She had bright icy blue eyes, her blonde bob fell elegantly on her face. She had the posture of a porcelain doll and her face resembled Neil’s.

She stopped right in front of him looking up at his face, like she was examining every detail, her serious face was beautiful in that light. I assumed that was Lucille, the one who never gave up on him. They now held this very serious starting contest, I almost thought no one was going to say anything

-You got old- Her melodic voice let out and Neil burst into laughter at the same time she did. He hugged her carefully but tightly

-And you grew big, in more ways than one- He joked with her but then turned serious- Lucille, I’m sorry…

-Oh, forget that! You’re here now…

Others walked up to them, I counted them in my head and assumed mother, father, Maude and Warren. I let them have their moment. It was so intimate I stepped back not wanting to hear much. It was like Neil had gone off to a war, survived and now was home once more. In a way, that’s what had happened. Neil had won, or at least started to win, his internal battles and now he had made it back there. I smiled watching the scene. He didn’t reserve any smiles and his family seemed to be everything but mad at him. They relented.

I couldn’t help but think how proud I was of him

A few minutes passed, they started pulling him to the living room to “sit, relax and update them on everything that’s been going on”, then he looked at me and stopped them in their tracks

-Wait- He walked over to me and then looked at them. This was the first time they noticed I was there. I didn’t blame them, Neil had all their attention- This is Mary

The older woman, I’m assuming Neil’s mother walked over and I felt the chills down my spine. She had cold eyes but a warm face. You could watch her and feel that she was judging you and it made you wonder if she considered you worthy of her time. She was the image of classiness, the peak of the upper class. She was one of those wealthy people you see walking by and wonder how they must live. She walked like she had books piled up on top of her head. More charm than Vera Peters, that was for sure, but I felt bad that her aura reminded me of the former mayor’s wife. After all, I wanted to attribute her to someone nice

-Of course- She smiled- Miss Granger, right?

-That’s me! - I smiled- It’s a pleasure to meet you ma’am- I was going to say something about how beautiful her house are and introduce myself to the others, but she turned her eyes somewhere else

-Please collect their bags, you can put Neil’s in his room-She said to the servant- And Miss Granger’s bags can take to the spare room downstairs

-Mother- Neil interrupted her- I’d like Mary to stay in the guest room upstairs- He said in an imposing a tone. If there was a guest room upstairs, I got a weird feeling about her asking for me to sleep downstairs in what I could safely assume was an underground floor.

-Fine, yes. Take hers to one of the guest rooms- She said and the servant started moving according to orders

When I turned around, Lucille was walking up to me and Neil. She in turn had kinder eyes, and I could see them a little wet. The pregnancy probably added to the emotion of her beloved brother coming home

-Miss Granger, it’s a pleasure to meet you. My brother spoke highly of you in his letter- I didn’t know whether to pay attention to her eyes or the diamonds she wore

-He must have flattered me too much- I said shyly. She wasn’t much older than me, but she spoke clearly and no slangs were in sight

-I only speak the truth- He said behind me

-I’m sure- she replied- I understand it’s you I must thank for having him write me

-I may have pushed him a little bit- I squeezed his hand- But he made the decision on his own

Neil introduced me to rest of his family. His father seemed a tad quiet just like him, his other younger siblings greeted me well, and he reintroduced me to his mother who was next to talk again

-It’s so nice of you to wear something so simple to come see us. I did hope you felt at home- She mentioned I could feel my face getting hot- Why don’t we all sit down, there’s much to talk about!

I was more nervous now than when I first walked, but I didn’t want to let on everything was getting to me.

The living room was mainly white, so white it was like staring at snow in the sun. The couches were the most comfortable seat I had ever felt. In this place where comfort was displayed all around, I felt all the eyes and social pressure of high society that made me feel like it was the most uncomfortable place in the world. What calmed me was Neil sitting next to me and his hand on my waist.

-How’s life in Chicago?- Lucille asked- I tried asking Drummond when you wouldn’t reply but he always told me you weren’t working for him anymore

-Yes, I only worked with him for a few years- He continued, and I was sure he was going to give them the clean version of the story- Turns out we didn’t get along so well. I moved to this neighborhood where I met this man called Charles Granger. He in very involved with the city’s anti-saloon league and involved in the politics and he takes care of the neighborhood he lives in, it turns out they were in need of a doctor. So he offered me a job and I accepted, worked with him ever since. He helped me get settled, I do owe him a lot

-Well, we’ll be sure to send Mr. Granger our regards for taking care of you- His mom gave a forced smile. I’m sure she had questions but it was noticeable she was trying to be on Neil’s good side, afraid he might escape again

-So my life was settled there. A few years later he announced to me and his associates that his niece was coming from Ohio to live with him. She helps him out at work and that’s how we met, through Charlie

-And now you’re seeing each other- His mother continued

He smiled softly- MC and I are engaged, mother. I mentioned in the letters

-Oh yes, Lucille told us the news- Her tone seemed like… Disappointment? No, I’m just reading too much into it

I had to do something to break the ice- We were planning for it to happen in late April, early May, wait until the cold passes by

-Yes, it’s smart to wait a while-She smiled at me- A lot can happen in those months, things might end up different

I held my breath, I couldn’t pretend to be dumb to myself. She was definitely unhappy with Neil’s choice. For the first time I felt a sting in my chest. It wasn’t embarrassment or anxiety. It was… Insecurity. I usually never lacked confidence and I was sure that I could take everything and anyone. However, being on the receiving side of the looks from Neil’s mother made me feel like a pin in a haystack. Tiny and lost.

-We weren’t planning on waiting too long- Neil said. Even he acted different around his family, but his tone was firmer. I knew it was him sticking up for me in the ritziest way there was. So I appreciated in silence.

-I hope you don’t mind that we organized a ball for your return- She said excited, changing the subject- We invited the Hastings, the neighbors, just close people to spend the night with us

-Oh mother, you know I always loved the balls you gave- He said in a sarcastic tone but she ignored it, Lucille did giggle though

-Get up and get ready-She said- Do you need me to send the valet upstairs?

-No! No... I can manage myself- He said walking towards the stairs and taking me with him

She then spoke to me before we left- Oh dear, you’ll want to wear something a little bit more elegant for tonight

Once we were in the second floor I couldn’t help but look around. There was a piano room and then a corridor of doors, I assumed they were bedrooms. It seemed kind of oddly placed, surely nobody would like to sleep while the piano is being played right outside their doors. However, everything inside was so white the black piano was a welcoming contrast.

-So… I’m guessing balls are a normal thing in the upper class

-It’s traditional, not my thing if you ask me- He lowered his voice to say the last part

-I’d imagine not

I didn’t have much time to admire the guest room, even though I did notice that its grandiosity made it hard to imagine that it was a room that didn’t belong to anyone. I sat on the bed stressed, wondering how I was going to find something in my bag that would fit the expectations of Momma Dresner. The fanciest dress I could find didn’t impress her, and now I had to step up my game for an official “welcome home Neil” ball

In the middle of my mind’s perturbations, a knock on the door got my attention. When I opened the door, Lucille was standing there smiling

-Mrs. Branford!- I started

-Lucille is fine, if I can call you Mary

-MC- I stepped out of the way to let her in- What can I do for you?

-My mother, she is… Traditional- She sat on the loveseat by the window- I’m not going to lie. People like her, they are not easily impressed by… People like you

-People like me, you mean middle-class

She nodded- Yes, it’s in her ways. The Dresners, they come from very old money. Me, Neil and our siblings, we’re more used to the ways things are nowadays. But our mother never really spent much time with people who didn’t have as much money as she did. So she always looks down on them- She looked back at me- And she always expected Neil to marry an indoor, wealthy girl if you know what I mean

I must’ve made a face, because the look of sympathy rested on her eyes- She doesn’t think I’m worthy of Neil

-Yes, MC, but you must understand it’s old thinking. She thinks that solely based on money. Besides, it’s a little tougher on Neil because he is the oldest of us. That makes him have to marry the perfect woman in her eyes.

I looked at her- The oldest… So…

-Neil is the heir of our estate. Of our parents fortune.

My eyes went wide. It must’ve been obvious, but I just realized that- I never thought of it that way.

-Listen, MC. When Neil left Boston, after Alton passed away… He was not just unhappy. He was lost, his eyes were haunted. He was cold and it seemed like all life from him was just gone. He had this hard edge, and he estranged himself from all of us- She looked at nothing, but I could see pain in her eyes- When he came back from France I convinced myself I would never see the Neil I use to know before the war again, I knew some of his troubles. Then a few years after he left I started to convince myself I’d never see him again- She turned her eyes to me- And then a few months after knowing you he writes back, and then he comes home. On top of it, although there’s still a hard edge on him, I can see it in his eyes that you make him happy. I can see the old Neil in him. That’s why I know you’re more than worthy to be with my brother, you brought him back from the darkness he lived in

Wow. I was so caught up in what she said. It was nice knowing she was on my side- Lucille, I didn’t really do much… I

-No humbleness. Just take some credit for it. I can see you care for him very much

I nodded exaggeratedly- I love Neil.

-And you can see it in his eyes he loves you-She got up this time, going to a dresser in the room- My brother will be happy with you, and I’m so excited to have you as my new sister. However, convincing my parents require a different approach- She pulled out a dress. A beautiful and obviously expensive dress

It was a salmon color, a soft V-neck that was more of an U and graceful short sleeves. While the looseness of the dress was there, it’d flatter whoever’s waist it was on with a slight inward curve, going down in a soft A-line. The dress ended right below the knees. The pattern on it was two colors. One the color of the dress, only visible if you really paid attention to it, the other was white and in the shape of leaves, like a garden going around and forming a heart around the chest area, small flower-like drawings of the same color elegantly finished the dress.

-Oh Lucille, it’s beautiful, but I couldn’t-

-Yes, you can. It doesn’t fit me anymore and it’d help you impress everybody, plus I’m sure Neil would love to see you in it. C’mon, put it on

I hesitantly did so, and once I saw myself in the mirror with it, it made it a lot easier to accept it. I loved it- Thank you, Lucille

-We’re not done. It’s not just the dress- She said pulling some accessories out. First she fixed my curls, like she watched people doing hers enough times to know how. Then she placed a white headband on my head. It had a details on the side, I didn’t dare ask if they were diamonds or something else. A pearl necklace was put around my neck, I asked myself if they were real pearls. Lastly she brought in beautiful heels. They were white as well, clasped in the middle of my feet, and closed in a salmon bow.

When I finished putting them on I looked myself in the mirror again. Oh boy, Momma would pass out if she saw me like this. Poppa would finally consider me his pride. I was all dolled-up. That sensation that I was an imposter grew in me, but then I was only human. I felt confident again- What do you think? - I asked her

-I think you’re ready to face them. Now, I have to go get dressed myself

-For sure, yes- I smiled to her- Thank you Lucille, really

-You brought my brother home back to us… It’s the least I could’ve done- She hugged me tight- Remind me to properly introduce you to Michael at the ball

I agreed laughing lowly and feeling a lot better

A little while after I heard another knock on my door, when I opened it, I was more than happy to see it was Neil. He seemed surprised at my get-up at first, then he smiled

-I see you’ve had some help

-Well, your sister came in and-

-You look beautiful- he offered me his hand and I took it. I was going to say something smart, but the look in his eyes was so sincere I didn’t want to ruin the moment

-Thanks- I said instead- Did everyone already leave?

-Well, lucky for me, I’m the reason of this party- He said it in a sarcastic tone- So I get to come in late and be the center of attention, I’m hoping their curiosity about you takes some of it away from me.

-Neil Dresner is back home, and he brought a low-class girl with him and he’s saying he’s gonna marry her?-I raised my voice to sound like upper-crust gossip- My oh my, Doctor Dresner, quite a scandal

He gave me that warm smile that went all the way up to his eyes. The one that always makes me feel the jitters in a good way

However I wasn’t done- They’ll probably think you’ve gone crazy and send you to a psych ward or think you’ve knocked me up and now you’re stuck with me- I pretended to hold a fan imitating the rich older women- Disgraceful, truly disgraceful

This time he let out a laugh, a harsh laugh, but a long one that sounded like melody to me. For a second I thought he wouldn’t stop laughing, and then I started up laughing too. We walked all the way to the car like that

-People will think I’ve gone soft if I spend too much time with you- He said

-You agreed to spend the rest of your life with me. You’ll be the biggest softie the United States has ever seen

He let out a harsh chuckle this time, as if he told me he wouldn’t ever let that happen. Then the servant from before opened the back door of a fancy car, it had a long hood and it was half black and half white, a wheel sat on its side. I could also see a chauffeur in the front

-Wow, you’re getting the whole ritzy treatment today- I said getting into the car and we were on our way

-You get used to this kind of stuff- He mentioned and then turned to me- You will…- Before I could ask what he meant, he kept going- You know, during these balls we were required to attend, me and Alton would usually spend the entire time together. He didn’t use to be a fan of it either. Having him there… It always made it feel better, it always made it fun somehow- Then he turned to look at me- Having you there, it’s going to make it feel better

I smiled, filled with emotion, but I had to say something- You’re definitely turning soft on me

He rolled his eyes-I should’ve known better than being nice with you, Granger

Our verbal sparring continued until we stopped in front of a big house, the doors were open to reveal a ball room at the bottom of the stairs. I’ve done this before. They’ll announce us and we’ll go down and I’ll act like I’m entitled to the world

So we did just that. The servant opened the car door and Neil took my hand to help me out of the car. Then, I took his arm and we walked in to the top of the stars. People there looked at Neil like he was a rare diamond, like the king of England just walked in. I could feel his tenseness with the looks, but the preparedness for it in his eyes, he whispered to the announcer and then held my arm tighter

-Mr. Cornelius Dresner of Boston and his fiancée Miss Granger

-C’mon- I said lowly and he followed, so we both went down the stairs.

At the bottom of it his family came over again, and soon I could see people looking and gossiping. It was a good hour of walking around and talking to his family and everyone Neil once used to know and introducing me. I felt like I was in one of those old periods of time when the upper crust used to announce engagements.

After a while I was talking to Lucille while Neil talked to some of the other men. Then she looked behind me and got closer to whisper something- Look, Momma just took Neil to talk to Lillie and left them alone

I looked around feeling my heart jump, at first I felt was surprised. I remember who Lillie was, Lucille’s best friend and… Neil’s ex-fiancée. I remember feeling pity for her because Neil left her, but the pangs of jealousy struck me once I saw her.

She was the most beautiful woman I have ever seen, for the second time that day I felt insecurity, but this made me feel much tinier. Because I knew Neil’s mother approved of her, because she was part of the high society and she grew up in it. Her pale skin, her green eyes, her dark smooth hair. She was tall and charming, she was the figure of elegancy. I also knew Neil found her attractive, that he was romantically involved with her once. If he used to love her, how can I be sure all those feelings are gone? No… It’s just the atmosphere and everything, it’s just all throwing me off.

I must’ve been so shaken up I felt paralyzed. Lucille shook me- Hey… Hey! They walked outside. We can spy on them from over in that room- She said pulling me along, I wasn’t even paying attention until I was already there. It was a dark room, looked like an office? Lucille brought us to a window, the drapes were almost closed so you couldn’t see us, but we could spy on them

-I have missed you, Neil- She looked up to him, and her eyes were shining. I knew what that look was… She was still in love with him- I haven’t courted anyone else- She showed him her hand- I’m still wearing the ring you picked out for me.

-I didn’t really pick it out, Lillie it was…

-Yeah, your grandmother’s. You told me remember? You got it when you were fourteen. It was to keep it to the woman you loved the most, to the woman you wished to spend the rest of your life with, whom you’ll always love and that woman shall always love you- She held his hands this time and I felt my stomach sink- You told me that you would always love me if I always loved you back-She got closer to him, this time placing her hand on his face- Here I am, still loving you. Can you say everything was washed away?

He took a few steps back, his confusion could be seen on his face. I wondered what he had to be confused about- Nothing is ever just washed away, Lillie. You of all people should know that.

My heart hurt, what did he mean by that, did he mean his feelings for her were still there?

She smiled softly-Neil… You never gave me closure. You never ended our engagement. One day you were just gone. People kept telling me that you were gone for good-She looked away at the stars, it was a well moonlit light. It was perfectly romantic, but that didn’t fit me one bit in that moment. I hated the romanticism of the stars and the shine that it gave on her face. I hated that it made her look more beautiful- But me and Lucille we knew you’d come back to us. That you’d come back to me. And you were so troubled when you left…

-Lillie…-He looked at the stars now too- I’m sorry for what I’ve done in the past. There’s a lot of stuff I’ve done that I can’t fix and I have to live with it. But I got a second chance to make things better. I’m not the same man who proposed to you back then

-Then how is it I look in your eyes and I see him? I see my Neil

I don’t know if I was feeling anger, sadness or disbelief. It could’ve been all of those together. Lillie knows Neil is engaged to me, she must know, we were announced together. You’d think she’d have some respect

-You see what you want to see, Lillie. You think you love me but you don’t

-I went after you! I went to Chicago-He looked at her with interest, she was caught up in her emotions, crying now- Mr. Drummond told me how you were troubled, lost in… Morphine, was it? I looked for you all around the city, and I couldn’t find you. I’m fighting for you Neil. I can’t give up on us

He breathed funny- Lillie-

Before he could say anything else she hugged him, and he hugged her back for my surprise. When was it that Neil hugged any girl like that?

-Seemed you two form quite the spies- A voice behind us said- Me and Lillie jumped. It was Neil’s mother, and she seemed satisfied from what she saw outside, seeing as she was the facilitator in the situation- You see, Miss Granger. Neil belongs back here, in Boston. And you belong is whatever infested middle-class house you came from with your people. You will never be worthy of my son, and of course it only took the right girl to pull him back into his senses.

-Mother…!- Lucille started

-I’ve had enough of it, Lucille! The little gal needs to know her place. Did you think you could ever make your way into OUR family?

I didn’t say anything. This was so far away from my reality at the Ice Box, my family or everything that I’d ever done before. I couldn’t… I can’t handle this.

-I have to go- It was the only thing I could say before flying out of there. I got back in the car asking for the driver to take me back to the town house, once I was in I couldn’t stop my racing thoughts until I was in the guest room, packing my bags.

But then I stopped. Neil… I can’t just leave him like this. I was so mad at him, I was so mad at all of this, I… I want to go back to Chicago. I looked in the mirror again, all dressed up in fancy things, this isn’t who I am. I surprised myself by ripping it all out of me, putting on my favorite green dress and hat, the ones I wore all the time. Once I was back in clothes that made me recognize myself I swore I’d never again try to be somebody I wasn’t. C’mon MC, you always knew you didn’t have to prove anything to anybody.

But I let my stupid wandering thoughts continue. Neil knelt down in front of Lillie once and asked her to marry him. He asked her to marry him, not me. She had a ring on her finger, not me.

I don’t know how much time had passed by when I heard people in the house.

-MC!- I heard Neil’s voice from downstairs- MC!- He didn’t knock on my door, just walked in- Lucille, she told me you listened to me and Lillie talk

-Yeah, I heard it, alright

-I…-He was going to say something when he saw the bag I started to pack, then he looked at me, visibly mad- You were leaving? Without me?

-No! Not without you. I was gonna wait for you- I walked until him- Let’s go back to Chicago

-We’ve only been here a day

-I can’t be here anymore, Neil. Please, let’s leave

-I haven’t been back in years. You convince me to write to my sister, convince me to come over here, we’re here less than 24 hours and you want me to leave? I just got the courage to be here

-Neil, today has been the most stressful day of my life! I have been dressing up like a paper doll, I have been trying to impress your mother and all I’ve been hearing is how much I’m not worthy, how I won’t fit in, how I’m way in over my head! I have been feeling nothing but insecure, down and I’ve been trying to do everything for you, but I can’t- I was rambling on and tears had begun falling from my eyes, but I didn’t even care- I’ve been keeping a stone face all day trying to make you happy because I know this is huge, but it’s tiring! It’s tiring feeling so out of place, and then hearing your mother say all those things, and then I walked out there to the ball and you go in a secluded area with your beautiful ex-fiancée to exchange words of love under the moonlight?!

-I didn’t say any words of love!- He raised his voice, more than I’ve ever heard him raise it before- I was feeling bad for Lillie, I left her and never came back after promising her a married life! I gave her time because I was trying to fix what I did wrong in the past, with everyone!

I didn’t know what to say or think- Neil, let’s just please, go!

-Yes, I think it’s time you went back to Chicago, if you’re going to behave like this the whole trip you should go!

I looked back at him wide-eyed- You don’t mean…!

-I thought I saw a woman, MC. But how could I, you’re nineteen! I’m thirty-two. You’re the same kid I saw the first night you came to Chicago.

I looked right at him as I wiped my tears off my face, then I grabbed my bag I had packed. Neil called Lillie a ghost back in Chicago, but he was wrong. Lillie wasn’t a ghost, nothing back in Boston or his past life had anything to go with ghosts, ghosts terrify you, but he seemed just fine where he was. Maybe this is where Neil belongs after all. But it’s sure not where I belong.

That night for me was the true ghostly aura. A memory that’d haunt me forever. I left Boston, alone, under the beautiful moonlight that would have enchanted me otherwise. I left with only one certainty: I’ll be dead before somebody ever mentions the name Neil Dresner to me ever again!

1933

-Alright, ready?- I asked and the kids all agreed. Neil wasn’t one to make a big deal out of his birthday, but after a few ones together he knew there was no point in fighting against it. I’d always want it to make it a special day, so we settled on a cake and some candles. Just me, him and the kids- One, two, three!

The kids along with me started our little choir, for that man that was so special to all of us- Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear daddy! Happy birthday to you!

-Do we really need to do this every year?-He asked, cynically, but with a little smile on his face

-Alright, mister doom and gloom! We have this discussion every year!- I kissed him in the cheek

We all had our piece of cake. After putting the kids to bed, I walked outside, the moon was shining in the sky and it was a cold January night. Neil soon joined me- One more year close to death- He said raising his glass, then proceeding to drink the bourbon inside it

-You always know how to lighten up the mood-I pulled him in for a hug and along with it a long kiss

-You’re something else, MC, you know that?

-I’ve been told-I smiled up to him, mischievously

-You can never have any idea of how much I love you- He played with my hair, moving it out of my face

-I have some

He chuckled very softly, almost inaudibly- I just ask one thing of you, MC Granger… Never change who you are

----

Little curiosities: DRAAAAAMA. I thought they deserved a little fight and angst. Well, next chapter we’ll be back in Chicago and it’s time for the Ice Box to shine again! Woo Woo, Prohibition stuuuff!

Thanks so much for reading this chapter, guys! Hope you enjoyed it!

Chapter 4 is already on its way!

-Candy, My Dear Diary (5/24/2020)

#voltage usa #speakeasy tonight #voltage inc #voltage amemix #voltage games #voltage #neil dresner #lovestruck #lovestruck voltage #vince moretti

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amzyspinkarch · 5 years ago

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Cut Style- Cavendish x Plus Size Reader

You have been taking calls, sending and responding to emails all day, tracking down clients or important people whom your supervisor wish to speak with. Packing boxes and having packages sent out to call for a messenger service, including taking your supervisor's dog for a walk and getting her lunch and coffee.

To say it's been a stressful day would be an understatement. One would think three months in the internship, you would be used to the chaos and bizarre yet normal in this industry's eyes, errands. You look to your list for the next upcoming phone calls to be made. A sigh escapes as you lean your head onto the chair, closing your eyes for a moment of peace.

That peace did not last very long as 'everyone's favourite blonde' as you like to call him, graced you with his presence. You sigh picking up his scent from his very expensive perfume.

''I bring you both my presence and coffee and this is the lacklustre reaction I get?'' he pauses waiting for a response, yet none came

''Y/n!'' he snapped. You involuntarily flinched before collecting yourself, lazily opening one of your eyes. A dark brown iris meets his pools of sky blue.

''Hi" you lazily greet your co-worker and sit up to give him the attention he so loves. Your eyes roll on the thought ''What do you want cabbage?'' you ask rudely with a smirk knowing the nickname always gets on his nerves. It works best when you want him to get out of your space. Though, it's not too hard to when the other females here flock to him granting you an escape.

He puts the coffee down on the desk giving you an annoyed look. You squint at the beverages not trusting this sneaky son a bitch one bit after the last stunt he pulled. A memory from your earlier time here at Marie Clare plays.

The first time you are introduced to everyone, you felt a swarm of butterflies in your stomach as your nerves almost got the best of you. You were only able to nod, smile and shake hands of your new co-workers who were all smiles. Your day went on being given a tour, introducing you to your supervisor and shadowing.

During the upcoming months, you've taken on every task given to you without complaint and executing each with the standard required. Day in and day out you prove yourself to your supervisor and the magazine. There were days where you missed lunch and had a lousy dinner while handling more business before crashing and waking the next to repeat.

An entire day was filled with taking calls, running small errands, dressing the models and fetching accessories and providing the staff with snacks and beverages. You catch sight of Cavendish busy styling one of the models. The pair seemed to be flirting with each other or having a fun conversation judging by the smiles on each's face. For some reason, you couldn't help but feel a bit self-conscious. Why? You started your journey of self-love and acceptance so why break that for a couple of strangers? 'Are you strangers though?' your mind asks. You shake your head getting it back into the game. This is not what you worked your ass off for, to seek the attention of a guy.

Your impeccable ability to style, dressing mannequins, selecting and coordinating outfits, colours and accessories for display, draping and pinning fabric, your work discipline has started becoming the talk of the workplace reaching the ears of a certain blonde. Your talent being compared to his were the wrong words to hear. The fact that you are good and becoming the centre of attention was eating him up inside and he didn't like it.

You were busy between waiting for a call back from a client and styling a mannequin that you hadn't realized Cavendish coming your way with two coffees in his hand.

''Hi there'' he chirped you startled again from his presence and whipped around to face him. The first thing he noticed were your nude ombre glossed lips before your 90's inspired outfit adorning your body and beautiful dark skin. Alas, though you are a sight to see, that wasn't enough to soothe the bruises to the ego.

''You have to stop scaring me like that man. Seriously'' he gives a fake apologetic smile and hands you your coffee.

''I just wanted to come see about the girl who's the talk of the office. Your work has been...nice. It's nowhere as great as mine but.. .'

You accept the coffee raising an eyebrow ''is that so?''

''Qui. My style’s... c'est magnifique. Your work is decent though.''

''Thanks for the coffee, we should do this again next time.'' You give a blank face looking at up at the tall male. He chuckles and walks backwards with his hands raised.

''It was nice meeting you y/n'' he dismisses himself leaving you to huff at the audacity of him. You go back to work and forgot about the coffee for a minute before picking it up absentmindedly. While working on the mannequin, you take frequent sips of the liquid before your stomach started having a queasy feeling along with trips to the bathroom.

This was not good; you had a list of daily tasks to be completed. All essential for the magazine and failure to stay on top of your work could be disastrous for the magazine and you. You barely made it through the day completing tasks and to your apartment bathroom.

Having a break from releasing your bowels for a minute, you think about the events from the day. Your mind went to your moment with Cavendish as you became upset at the memory when it hit you. The assailant caused you to become both horrified and see red.

After you've overcome your sickness, you marched into work looking for the blonde finding him working on piece. It looked amazing what he had so far you admitted. Nevertheless, you had a mission. He was sitting at his desk hovering over a sketch lost in thought. You slammed your hands down on his desk gaining his attention as he looks up with the same sickening charming smile. How could he live with himself? You leaned towards him.

''You poisoned me with no care for consequence. What kind of sick person stoops that low? I'm not going to have you fired for this but a word of advice, if you want to take out your competition, do so with some class and not repulsive tricks like this. I worked my butt off for this internship; I'll succeed at getting this job full ti.-''

''I will personally make sure that you never get this job. You're not'' he pauses to look at your full figure ''fit'' you dryly chuckle

''Listen to me. I will not let some lacklustre, shallow, self-centred, my little pony looking ass bitch drive me out of the place which will become my future job. Cavendish...sweeties...you can go fuck yourself'' you straighten yourself before turning your back and walking out with grace.

You straighten yourself in your chair looking to Cavendish and give a closed-mouth smile. `"I'll pass on your death drinks Cavendish. Thank you.''

''That was a long time ag-'

''Don't...don't do that. Don't act like it was nothing big. You poisoned me and I should've reported you but I wasn't going to get you fired for being a jealous prissy pants.'' The blonde stares at you still surprised at how blunt you can be

''Do you ever listen to what you say?''

''My words are as blunt as both your words and actions. Don't act fazed, what I say is the truth. Anyways what did you want I'm busy'' he scoffs before leaning closer and your fingers kiss.

The attraction for each other is undeniable yet neither will be the first to start...anything. You already decided distractions aren't a luxury you could afford and any would be detrimental to all the hard work and time you've been putting in. You remind yourself that you are but an intern, desperately needing this job after college. You have no time to play house with someone who's foot is already in the door. Cavendish takes a moment briefly taking in your features and attire, appreciating everything before breaking up the moment.

''I came to give you some good news. I'm going to style a certain celebrity and I came to bring you coffee so you can celebrate with me before I go down to my fans..'' he says dreamily. You all but laugh at the male.

''Congratulations''

''You didn't let me finish''

''Oh there's more'' you say uninterested.

''Honestly, you are so brash. I also wished to let you know I have decided I'd let you shadow me. Or be my little helper. Amanda said that would be great for you and I. You learn from a great teacher and I, well... I show you what it's like being around greatness. Even now you are a witness as we converse.''

Your lips purse before you speak, words dripping with sarcasm ''Woow, really! Me? Oh, Cabbage I'm so honoured that you chose me to be one of your followers! I hope I can..make you proud'' you wink

''My gosh woman! Honestly y/n I'm trying to be nice here''

''You're being self-centred that's what but, that's very nice of you. I appreciate it. I would like to learn from you.''

"Thank you. See, you're already getting better at gratitude''

''Whatever little knowledge I need to know''

''I hope you fall down the stairs'' he says taking the coffees off your desk going to turn around

''Ha-ha I'm sorry Cavendish. Come back, I am grateful and thank you for the opportunity. I'm just not sure why you picked me?'' he releases a breath before turning to you again, his voluminous hair bounces with the movement.

''If you must know...I didn't entirely agree to this but I thought you'd actually need the opportunity. Plus, they've done this before with past interns. I was more so assigned with you really but I reluctantly agreed.'' You give him a face

''I said I agreed still didn't I?'' you shake your head chuckling involuntarily

''Fine Cavendish, I would actually love to learn from you as you have more experience than I and I'd need all the experience I can get. Just...can you promise not to sabotage me? No poisoning or anything'' you say looking at him pointedly as he rolls his eyes

''Fine y/n'' you firmly nod and put your hand out. He looks at it then into your dark brown eyes bemused. Nonetheless, he takes your hand and you shake once. You've surprised him more than he'd like to admit these past months. He's taken an interest in you even if he still despises the shared spotlight.

''Truce?'' you ask.

''Truce.'' He picks up the drinks up teasing you

''You get no coffee though''

''I didn't want that shit anyway. You probably wanted to poison me again you psycho.''

Without peeling his gaze, he takes a sip from the cup meant for you feeling the warm liquid wash down his throat, warming his insides. He licks his lips.

''Mm mocha.''

''Get the fuck out''

#one piece #op fanfic #one piece cavendish #one shot #black oc #black reader #one piece one shot #masterlist

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idkxwriting · 6 years ago

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Devil’s Backbone - Chapter 9

Author: idkhaylijah

Pairing: Elijah Mikaelson x Reader

A/N: alright guys, I think there’s one more chapter after this, but it’s starting to wrap up. Thank you so much for reading and sorry this doesn’t have any smut lol hopefully you’ve stuck with the story though and enjoyed it! Also apparently the breaks/formatting doesn’t work in mobile so sorry if it seems like a lot of random jumping, but uhhh yea there’s breaks in it.

Taglist: @evyiione @bcfangirlthatswhy @skyewardolicitycloisdelena91 @katie1109 @rissyrapp20 @mar-trash-vel @mschellehitt @exquisitley-obsessed @xdontxcare @captiveword @darthdeziewok @wolf-lover-bookdragon @simonsaysyasss @luiza-4-ever @complicatedharry @teenwolfbitches2 @itsyaboi-uhhh-skinnypenis @fandomrulesall

“I can’t afford this,” Y/N hissed as she looked at the price tag on the dress she was wearing.

Rebekah rolled her eyes, dismissing the issue with a wave of her hand. “Turn.”.

Y/N did as she was asked, taking in her appearance in the full length mirror. “And look at this slit,” she complained. “I can’t pull this off…”

Rebekah tilted her head. “Don’t be foolish. You’re gorgeous. Elijah will lose it when he sees you in this.”

Y/N blushed. She looked at the dress, gold - a color she didn’t usually wear. It was off the shoulder, with a slit on one side that ran up to her thigh showing off her legs. She was definitely out of her comfort zone as she took in the beaded bodice and open back.

Rebekah wasn’t wrong though, she looked amazing.

“It’s too much.”

“Nonsense.” Rebekah moved to stand behind her. We are getting the dress, I have spectacular taste,” she pulled Y/N’s hair up into a makeshift updo to see see the neckline better and noticed the mark Elijah had left. “Bloody hell, Y/N.”

Y/N moved away, letting her hair drop to the side once more and Rebekah pushed her into the dressing room. “You can’t walk around advertising to the entire Quarter that you’re a blood bag,” she hissed.

Y/N took off the dress, changing back into her clothes, her back to Rebekah. “I’m not a blood bag,” she argued.

She sighed. “Whatever you do in private with my brother is your business, quite frankly I hope I never have to hear it again...but a little subtly goes a long way.” She bit the palm of her hand and held it out to Y/N.

“I’m fine,” she pushed her offered hand aside and tried to exit the dressing room, but was stopped by Rebekah.

“Drink,” she demanded.

Y/N sighed. “I already told Elijah-“

Rebekah walked her back into the wall. “I don’t care what you told my brother, you will be in a room full of vampires tonight, the majority of which want your head on a platter. Let’s not tempt them anymore than we have to,” she said as she forced her hand over Y/N’s mouth until she had no choice but to swallow a bit of her blood.

Rebekah released her. “There,” she said checking her neck once more. “All better. Now grab your dress, and meet me at the front.”

They spent the rest of the morning searching for accessories, none of which lived up to Rebekah’s standards, which Y/N was realizing were quite high. When it was lunchtime, Rebekah claimed shopping made her ravenous, and when Y/N suggested a burger joint she knew, the vampire smiled. “I need a real meal,” she clarified before dismissing herself.

Y/N was down the street from her apartment when her phone buzzed. She smiled at the screen, Elijah’s name appearing.

“Hey,” she answered.

“Hi,” his smooth voice came through the receiver, making her grin even more. “How was your morning with Rebekah?”

Y/N sighed. “I don’t think I’ve ever tried on so many dresses in one day before, I’m exhausted.”

“I trust you found something suitable for this evening?”

She looked at the garment bag in her hand. “It’s a little much,” she began.

Elijah chuckled. “Rebekah has excellent taste. Besides,” he continued. “I’m confident that no matter what you wear, you will without a doubt be the most beautiful woman in the room.”

Y/N’s cheeks heated at his compliment. “You’re not so bad yourself, Mikaelson.”

“Where are you now? Perhaps I should swing by, maybe get a preview of this dress…”

Y/N laughed. “I’m walking into my apartment building right now,” she tucked the phone with her chin and shoulder, and opened the door to her building to find Emily sitting in the hall. “...And I’ll have to take a raincheck on that visit, but I’ll see you tonight?”

“Is everything okay?”

“Yea, I’ll see you tonight, fancy dress and all.”

Elijah’s voice softened. “I look forward to it.”

Elijah hung up the phone, staring at the screen, his thoughts lost in what Y/N might be up to. She had only been gone a few hours and he had missed her. He glanced at the clock; the party wasn’t for another five hours. He sighed.

“Brother,” Klaus greeted from the doorway. Elijah put his phone back in his pocket. Klaus stepped into the room, his face stern. “She deserves more than this life, you know.” Elijah said nothing, keeping his eyes fixed ahead, so Klaus continued. “Freya will fix this,” he said with confidence.

Elijah nodded.

“And when she does, Y/N will have no part in this life.”

Elijah turned then, squaring his shoulders off to Klaus. “Is that a threat, Niklaus?”

Klaus placed his hand on his shoulder. “I have no need, after all, you always do the right thing, Elijah. My noble brother,” he took his exit, leaving Elijah alone with his thoughts.

Freya paced back and forth. She hadn’t slept in days, doing everything she could to help Y/N. She clutched her pendant in her hand, chanting quietly to herself.

“Freya?” Hayley stepped cautiously into the room. “You okay?”

Freya paused just a moment, her eyes shooting to Hayley, before she went back to pacing and chanting.

Hayley moved into the room and sat on the couch. “I want to put a stop to this curse just as much as you do, but you need to eat something, get some sleep...you have to take care of yourself.”

The witch continued to chant until she threw her head back. Hayley shot up and steadied her, but Freya calmed quickly, rushing to the coffee table, drawing a circle onto some blank pages and lighting a candle. “If I link Y/N’s lifeline to Elijah, I think I can destroy the curse.”

Hayley furrowed her brow. “I don’t understand.”

“The hunter’s curse is trying to take over her body, it will destroy her soul. If I link her to Elijah, someone she cares about, she has an anchor. Something for her soul to grip onto - which means if we can fully wake the hunter and destroy it, Y/N’s soul remains intact, the hunter dies, and Y/N can wake - in her body - when we wake Elijah.”

“What do you mean, ‘when we wake Elijah’?”

Freya’s gaze met Hayley’s. “I have to dagger my brother.”

“Great, let’s just tell him we promise to wake him up, and we are good to go.”

Freya shook her head. “No, we can’t tell him.”

Hayley was confused. “Elijah would do anything for Y/N…”

“He would never risk her life. There’s a good chance this won’t work and if this doesn’t work, she’ll die.”

Hayley swallowed. If Y/N died, Elijah would never forgive them for their part in her death. But Hayley needed to protect her pack. Surely Elijah of all people would understand the need to protect family. “What do we have to do?”

Elijah placed his phone back in his pocket, checking the clock for the fifth time in as many minutes.

“Calm down, Elijah, she’ll be here,” Rebekah slid up to him looking flawless in a sleek red gown.

Elijah nodded.

“And when she arrives, you’ll see she was worth the wait.” She placed her hand on his forearm, squeezing gently.

He appreciated his sister’s reassurance. Y/N had texted that she was running late after a long afternoon of consoling her friend. She had asked Klaus to stop by and compel Emily, and though he tried not to read too much into it, he wondered why she hadn’t come to him. He shook off his worries, clenching his jaw and observing the packed courtyard below. Each faction - the humans, werewolves, vampires and witches - were represented and a temporary peace was acknowledged.

A peace Elijah would feel once Y/N was in his sight. He made his way to the bar, pouring his second bourbon of the evening. He pressed the glass to his lips and let the liquid burn down his throat and calm his nerves.

He sensed her before he saw her, acutely aware of her particular heartbeat, the sweet scent of her blood pumping through her veins. His eyes roamed the room and stopped at the doorway, taking in her appearance.

She was a goddess.

Y/N glanced around the room, looking for Elijah. Before she could find him, Klaus stepped into her vision.

“You look beautiful, love.”

Y/N cast her eyes to the floor. “Thanks. Hey, have you seen your brother?”

Klaus shrugged nonchalantly and offered his arm to her. “I’m sure he’ll find you shortly. Until then, may I have this dance?”

She smiled softly at him. She preferred this with Klaus - being friends again, repairing what they had lost. She took his arm and he led her onto the dance floor, spinning her around as she laughed gently.

Elijah observed them for a moment, his breath catching as he watched her move. Beautiful was an understatement. She was achingly gorgeous. He thought once more to his brother’s earlier words. Once Freya had gotten rid of the curse, Y/N would have the opportunity to lead a normal life, far away from the dangers Elijah’s mere existence would bring her. Klaus was right, Elijah would have to do the right thing eventually, and his heart clenched in his chest.

Klaus spun her once more, this time, Elijah was there to catch her. She jumped before a grin overtook her face. “May I cut in?” He asked politely, not waiting for Klaus’ answer and taking her hands in his own. He danced her away from his brother.

They danced to the music for a few moments in silence, Elijah intertwining their hands and looking her over, leaving her feeling naked. He pressed his lips to her temple. “You’re incredible,” he whispered sweetly. He breathed her in, the nerves he felt all day subsiding.

She pressed her body into him. “I missed you today.”

“Mmm,” he spun her out and pulled her back in. “I think you should never leave my sight again, I’ll just keep you here, in my room,” he teased.

She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively. “A girl could get used to that,” she laughed.

He pulled her into him, so her head rested on his shoulder. She shut her eyes for a moment, letting the smell of his aftershave and the feel of his body pressed against hers wash over her. When she opened her eyes she caught a glimpse of a familiar face across the room. She separated from Elijah then.

“Is everything okay?” He asked, concern etched on his features.

“I think I just saw Emily…” Her gaze trailed after her and she moved to follow.

She turned the corner, following her down a hallway, Elijah behind her. “Emily?” She called out.

Her friend turn, a smile of recognition on her face. “Oh my god, Y/N? Hey! What are you doing here?”

Y/N glanced at Elijah over her shoulder and back to Emily. “What are you doing here?”

“Looking for the bathroom, actually. Chris invited me.” She looked Elijah up and down, a knowing smile playing on her lips.

“Elijah,” Klaus’ voice called from the other end of the hallway. “A word, brother?”

Elijah looked between the two girls, and Y/N nodded. “Go, I got this.”

He hesitated just for a moment before following Klaus into a room.

“We have a problem,” the hybrid hissed. “In 1612 I turned a young man by the name of Christian. You and I were estranged, I was bored and murdered his entire family, he swore revenge, blah, blah, blah.”

“Get to the point, Niklaus.”

“He’s been plotting his revenge for centuries and he’s here.”

Elijah placed his hand in his pocket. “So end it.”

“He has a witch,” he stated.

“So end her, too, what’s the problem?”

Klaus swallowed, his jaw tightening. “She has Cami.”

Elijah pinched the bridge of his nose.

“Marcel has Davina doing a locator spell, but it’s taking too long. I need to find her,” Klaus clenched his fist.

Elijah understood his brothers anguish.

“I’ll go,” Rebekah interrupted.

Klaus looked at her gratefully and Elijah nodded.

“I won’t let any harm come to her, Nic.” She was gone in an instant.

Y/N pushed Emily into the bathroom, her nerves on edge. “You should go home, get some rest, you’ve had a long day…”

Emily looked at her like she was crazy. “I literally did nothing all day...besides, I’ve been dying for Chris to ask me out and I’m not about to bail now.”

Y/N sighed and poked her head outside as Emily stepped into the hall. “Marcel!”

The vampire turned at his name as he was walking briskly past the doorway.

“Right? That’s your name? Your friends with Klaus and Elijah?”

Marcel grinned. “Sure, you can say that...today…”

Y/N stepped outside of the bathroom. “I’m Y/N,” she said, holding out her hand.

Marcel nodded and took her hand in his own, shaking it politely. “I know who you are.”

“Great. Listen, I need a favor.”

After convincing Marcel to compel Emily to leave the party and forget about her date with Chris, he agreed to take her home while Y/N went off to find Chris and make sure he went home, too. The last thing she had needed was her human friends ending up in this mess.

Elijah stepped into the hall with every intention of finding Y/N again when a thump followed by a blood curdling scream came from the center of the party. He rushed to find a corpse, one of the wolves, in the center of the dance floor. He had been dropped from the roof of the open courtyard, his bones shattered. The music had stopped, guests silently murmuring as the Originals approached the body.

“This was Christian’s doing,” Klaus hissed quietly as Elijah knelt by the body. There was a gaping hole in his chest where his heart once was.

Just then Y/N came rushing into the courtyard, and all eyes turned toward her.

“It was her!” A voice in the crowd accused.

One of the crescent wolves stepped forward and Elijah moved in front of Y/N instantly. “You’re protecting a hunter!” He shouted angrily. “Meanwhile our people are dying, your people.”

Murmurs of agreeance passed through the crowd.

Klaus took his stance in front of Elijah and Y/N. “By all means, wolf, if you have a death wish, go through me.” His eyes shifted yellow and the wolf stepped back, the crowd surrounding them. “That goes for all of you! Even if you manage to get to her, I will end all of you!”

Y/N buried herself into Elijah’s back, gripping his arm. She slammed her eyes shut, trying to hold onto herself as she felt the hunter’s curse move within her. “Elijah,” her voice was full of warning.

Elijah whipped around, holding her face in his hands. “You heard what Freya said,” he whispered urgently. “Just focus on me.”

She nodded and concentrated on the feel of him, his smell, the sound of his breathing...anything she could grip onto, but she wasn’t sure how long she could hold on. She felt herself begin to panic.

“This was not the work of a hunter’s curse, this was the work of a traitor!” Klaus continued, holding the crowd’s attention. “Christian!” His voice was laced with venom.

The crowd looked around, no one coming forward, whispers of his name passing from their lips.

“Christian!” He shouted once more. “Come forward, your coward!” Klaus looked around slowly, until the crowd parted and Christian stepped forward, clapping his hands together slowly.

“Well done, Klaus,” he was amused.

Y/N snapped her eyes open at his voice. “Chris?”

Chris peeked around, taking a glance at Y/N. “Hey Y/N, nice to see you again.”

She furrowed her brows. “I don’t understand. Ben was your friend…”

He shrugged his shoulders dismissively. “He was your friend, too, until you killed him,” he countered.

“He attacked me!”

Chris smiled eerily. “Ben was collateral damage. Waking you up has been my goal the whole time. I wasn’t counting on you entangling yourself with the Mikaelson’s, but here we are.”

Klaus moved, grabbing him by the throat, lifting him so the tips of his toes scraped the ground. “This is your traitor!” He shouted.

Elijah stepped forward slowly, addressing the crowd. “It seems this evenings little event has come to a close,” he stated calmly. “I suggest you take your leave now.” The majority of the crowd dispersed, not wanting to get involved in Mikaelson business, but a few remained, demanding answers, not willing to let the hunter go so easily. No matter, Elijah would handle them if need be.

Freya had been on the outskirts, watching the events unfold. She glanced down at her screen, waiting for Rebekah’s text.

“Freya,” Hayley whispered from over her shoulder. “We have to do something.”

The phone buzzed and Freya sighed in relief. “Rebekah’s located Cami, we have one shot at this…”

Hayley nodded in understanding, and rushed towards Y/N. “I’m so sorry,” she stated as she grabbed Y/N’s arm, slicing the palm of her hand with the dagger. Elijah turned on her, shock and betrayal on his face.

The vampires in the room shifted upon smelling her blood. Elijah reached out for Y/N, whose eyes began glazing over. She blinked rapidly, holding on as tightly as she could. “Y/N, focus on me,” he said before turning on Hayley. “What have you done?”

Hayley looked at him apologetically, the bloodied dagger in her hand, and Freya began chanting. A circle of flame erupted, pushing Y/N away from Elijah. He tried to get to her, but found himself encircled as well and he couldn’t cross the barrier. “Freya?”

Freya continued her chanting.

“What is the meaning of this?” Klaus demanded, loosening his grip on Christian.

A circle of flame went up around Klaus and his foe, and Klaus dropped him to his feet, slamming against the invisible barrier to get to Freya.

“Elijah, what’s happening?” Y/N backed away from the flames that surrounded her, the heat licking her skin.

“Freya stop this!” He shouted.

Freya’s chanting stopped abruptly. “Now,” she commanded.

The flames around Elijah dropped, releasing him from his temporary prison. As he charged towards his sister, Hayley cut him off, shoving the dagger into his chest. He dropped to his knees.

“Elijah!” Y/N shouted, frustrated that she couldn’t get to him.

Freya cradled her brother, helping him down to the ground slowly. “Forgive me, brother.”

Chris laughed, his voice carrying over the small crowd that stood in shock and confusion. “Turns out I don’t have to ruin a Mikaelson at all, they ruin themselves.”

Freya glared at him before smiling sweetly. “Rebekah found Cami,” she said quietly, Chris’ face draining of color as he realized he had no leverage. “His witch is dead.”

Klaus rounded on him, grabbing him by the throat once more. “You are pathetic,” he spat. “I offered you immortality, and you wasted it.” His hand ripped into his chest, seizing his heart, and pulling it out quickly - Chris’ lifeless corpse dropping to the ground.

Y/N screamed repeatedly, her voice hoarse and tiring. She dropped to her knees, tears streaming down her face.

Hayley looked from her to Elijah. “Did it work?”

Freya watched as death crawled up Elijah’s body, his eyes shutting peacefully. She laid him down and Y/N’s screaming stopped. When Freya met her eyes, the hunter’s curse stared back. She nodded. “It’s done.” The flames dropped, releasing Klaus and Y/N.

Klaus moved towards Freya, but she anticipated his rage and she dropped him, clutching his head in pain.

Y/N stood, her stance threatening. One of the vampires foolishly charged forward, wanting his revenge and unable to resist the smell of her blood any longer, and Y/N spun so she was behind him, snapping his neck. She ran to the stairs, kicking out one of the metal posts in the banister and turned, throwing it with force into the chest of one of the werewolves. The remaining crowd began scattering, the human faction fighting their way through the doors as quickly as possible.

Hayley rushed in front of the wolves. “Go,” she commanded. “Now.” They shuffled hesitantly, not wanting to leave Hayley behind. “I’ve got this.” They obeyed their alpha and left.

Y/N was taking out anyone who entered her field of vision, leaving a path of blood and destruction behind her.

Klaus screamed in pain, clutching his head, but moved forward ever so slowly. Freya continued to keep him down, but he crawled towards Elijah’s body, gripping the dagger and yanking it out. “You will pay for this,” he hissed at his sister before dropping and gasping for breath.

“You’ll thank me later,” she muttered. “Hayley!” She shouted. “It’s now or never!”

Hayley nodded and rushed toward Y/N from behind, but she turned, kicking the hybrid away. Hayley crashed into a stone pillar and fell to the floor with a thud. She stood, shaking herself off and blowing her hair out of her face. “Alright, we’ll do this the hard way,” she grumbled before charging once more.

They clashed, Y/N countering all of Hayley’s assaults. Hayley was relentless though, and changed the pace, a tactic she had learned from Elijah, and came from behind Y/N, snapping her neck.

Y/N dropped to the ground and Klaus shouted. Freya released him, slumping next to Elijah’s body in exhaustion.

Klaus knelt at Y/N’s side, cradling her in his arms. “What did you do?” He shouted. He pulled her into his chest, clutching her lifeless body to him tightly and rocking softly. He vaguely heard Freya’s voice, but couldn’t make out the words in his heartache and quiet rage, so he just continued to hold her, wondering what would become of Elijah once he woke.

He wasn’t sure how long he sat like that, but he snapped out of it when Elijah knelt quietly in front of him, his eyes begging for an explanation. “What happened?” His voice was broken and full of disbelief.

“Ask our sister,” Klaus spoke, not meeting Elijah’s eyes. “Y/N’s gone, brother.”

Elijah pulled her from Klaus’ arms into his own, brushing her hair from her face and burying his head into her chest before the sobs overtook him.

“Where is Camille?” Klaus asked quietly, his need to see her overwhelming him.

“She’s on her way here with Rebekah. She’s safe.”

Something in Klaus snapped upon hearing Freya’s voice clearly. He walked up to her, his face an inch from hers, eerily quiet as his gaze hardened. Freya held her hands up. “Let me explain,” she backed away, but Klaus moved forward. “I linked her to Elijah!”

Klaus took a step back, and Elijah stood, placing Y/N’s body on a nearby table carefully. “You have exactly sixty seconds to explain what happened, before I end all of you,” Elijah’s voice was stern.

“I linked her to you,” Freya spoke quickly. “It was the only way, we took her blood on the dagger, and when the blade entered your heart I linked you - your body died, and so did hers, her soul anchored onto you, giving us the chance to kill her body while the curse had taken over, and if it works it undid everything and Y/N will wake up in her own body.” She took a deep breath, steadying herself.

“If it works?” Klaus asked.

Hayley stepped forward. “It was our only chance,” she began nervously. Both men looked at her, Klaus’ eyes filled with betrayal, Elijah’s showing nothing but anger. “Elijah, my people, my family…”

“Don’t,” he snapped.

Hayley jumped at his voice, startled, casting her eyes to the ground. “We should have told you…”

“What’s going on?” Rebekah walked in, Cami running to Klaus as he wrapped his arms around her desperately, relief flooding him. Rebekah looked around the room, taking in the destruction and bodies, before her eyes fell on Y/N. She approached the table slowly, reaching out to hold her hand.

“She’ll be fine,” Freya sighed, muttering a ‘hopefully’ under her breath. “I linked her temporarily to Elijah so I could kill her body while the hunter’s curse was active.”

Rebekah turned, worry taking over her features. “Oh no,” she whispered. “Elijah…”

“What is it?”

“This morning, I...I gave her my blood.”

Before anyone in the room could process what that meant, Y/N’s eyes snapped open and she gasped.

#Elijah mikaelson x reader #elijah mikaelson #elijah mikaelson imagine #elijah mikaelson x you #the originals #the originals imagine #the originals x reader #reader insert #the originals reader insert #elijah #Klaus mikaelson #freya mikaelson #Rebekah mikaelson #Klaus x reader #Rebekah x reader

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themostcleverandwittyname · 5 years ago

Text

There’s Power in Pain

CH1 CH2 CH3 CH4 CH5 CH6 CH7 CH8 CH9 CH10

CH11

Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

(LinkxOC)

Summary:

A farmer with a troubled past had found a fallen hero on a riverside and makes the decision to take him in. With Ganondorf gathering power by the minute, there is no time to delay in his defeat however there is a time and place for everything as well as a lesson to learn. Link will have to do the hardest thing he has ever done and that is wait until he is ready to defeat Ganondorf.

But will Link ever truly be ready to rely on help to do the impossible? To accept that even heroes need support even from the most unlikely of people?

Meanwhile, a group of thieves organize to steal the sacred sword of the Hero of Destiny for themselves.

Chapter 5: It’s real

Chapter 5 on AO3

Two days had passed since Link had brought the beehive down and he had managed to keep himself from reopening his wounds for that long. His progress was remarkable, the scabs had shrunken far faster than Annette had anticipated. He was able to move around and bend more without as much pain, but no progress was made for his left arm, which Annette was surprised to learn was his dominant arm.

Still, feeling that she had proven enough that his sword was not the Master Sword by handling it herself twice so far, a final piece of evidence would be the only one that she would need. Link was currently outside with his horse, Epona. He said he felt up to brushing her and Annette didn’t argue too much, thinking maybe now it would be okay for him to move around more and stretch his legs. It was also a get time to get him out of the house because she wanted to put the final test of evidence to pass and she had the distinct impression that he didn’t want her touching the sword with how he reacted two days ago.

She grabbed the bound notebook that she fished from her brother’s room and brought it into the living room, where the sword rested on the mantle. She composed herself and her fingers trembled as she opened the book, flipping carefully past pages of drawings and paragraphs all in her brother’s handwriting. Finally, she got to the page she was looking for and her breath was taken away. On the page was what was the accurate depiction of the Master Sword, the drawing had been copied for generations from traveler to explorer to thief. It was detailed to every detail and if this matched the sword in front of her, then this was either the Master Sword or a very close replica, which no one had ever attempted before.

She looked at the diagram and felt familiar with every curve of the graphite, it all looked the same. Placing the book down, the brunette picked up the sword and studied every inch, her realization that there was no variation between the drawing and the sword she held in her hands dawning on her. She stared, dumbfounded and uncertain. She looked at the book and read the passage beside the drawing.

“ None that attempt to wield this weapon shall succeed unless they are a goddess’s chosen hero. Those of tainted heart cannot touch this sword as the goddess Din’s flames endued it the power to vanquish and lift evil, for those unworthy shall surely perish or have their soul forever trapped.”

Surely, she would perish if this one was real… but it did not specify if that was true of the scabbard or the blade. It didn’t matter, she had touched both proving it wasn’t real… or was there a way? Link had only seemed antsy about her reaching for the unsheathed blade, not the scabbard. She had a mental roundabout, wondering if it could be real until she took a deep breath and came to a conclusion.

She was not a goddess’s chosen.

She was not pure of heart.

She was not affected by touching it.

This sword was not the real sword, it was only a replica. She tried to convince herself and did a fine job but she just couldn’t shake the doubt. The sound of approaching footsteps sounded from the kitchen and she didn’t have much time to react or to place the sword back. She didn’t know why, but she didn’t want to be caught with the sword and this book open. Given no choice and little time to do anything about it, she held it parallel to her body behind her back, hoping that it would go unnoticed.

Just in the nick of time, she had gotten it hidden behind her as the swordsman walked in and was startled by Annette’s stiff and awkward stance. She gave him a sheepish and awkward smile, mentally kicking herself for being so obvious.

“So, how was your horse? It’s hot out there, you didn’t overheat?” She asked, trying to distract him. He shook his head and looked towards the spare bedroom.

“The breeze is nice…” He trailed off and scratched the back of his neck, a nervous habit of his she had noticed. “Um, Annette? Have you still got my green tunic?” he asked the question, and it was something she hadn’t thought about.

“Um, yes I do. It’s in bad shape and ripped in places but the chainmail that was under it is totally fine. The um… fun hat is good too as well as the other accessories like bracers and your boots. Why do you ask?” she wondered, perplexed as to why he was wondering about this all of a sudden.

“I think it’s time for me to go. I have to find some things and it’s eating me up not knowing where those things are. Thank you for helping me but I can’t afford to stay here any longer.” he said, looking away.

“I would say “good luck” and “see ya” if you were in any state to pack up and leave but you’re still… Hey, I can’t keep you here, but it’s suicide to go out like that right now, Link.” She began and the blonde took a sharp inhale of breath, his eyebrows pinching forward.

“You don’t understand, I have things that I am responsible for and have to do as soon as I can. I need those items and I’m wasting precious time. I know I’m not up to do it but I don’t care if it’s “suicide”. It’s my duty.” his voice came out strained.

“Ruining your body and putting yourself in life-threatening danger is part of no man’s duty. If it’s that important, rest up and heal and then go find your stuff. That should be your duty. I’ve seen too many good men die for their duty and it’s never worth it, Link. Trust me.” She argued. Link stared back at her, conflicted.

“I- It is my duty because my duty is special. You don’t even know.” His voice was harsher and it was the second time that he had begun to get cross with her.

“What don’t I know? Are you invincible? Obviously not, look at your state! You might not be lucky next time and I don’t want to let a man die if I can stop it, okay?” She tapped her foot, all she could do with both her hands behind her back.

“I’m not invincible but I’m more inclined to succeed than the average person because…” he stopped in his tracks and took a breath to proceed “Because I have been chosen for this and it’s my responsibility.” he interjected. Annette perked at the word “chosen” and she decided to pry.

“Chosen? What do you mean?” she asked, tilting her head.

“I don’t like to mention this but…” and without a word, he lifted his left hand from the sling and closed his eyes. To her amazement and horror, in the dim light of the living room a glowing, radiant light gleamed from the top of the man’s hand, the light traced along a triangle, smaller triangles appeared revealing the mark of the Triforce. She had to be dreaming or hallucinating. Zania couldn’t have been right. This was all… fake. She had convinced herself that magical, chosen heroes were all just legend. Just a story to make someone feel hopeful.

She had been holding her breath for several seconds. This was… impossible.

“So you see… I have to go, for the sake of Hyrule.” He concluded, his voice soft and the triforce faded away leaving only his skin. Annette shook her head.

“No, that’s not… that’s not possible. It’s not...” she trailed off defeated, unable to make any argument, yet still having trouble accepting that a triforce holder stood in her living room.

“And that’s why my sword and those other items are so important to me. That sword is-” he was cut off.

“The sword, it’s fake. It’s a replica. It’s not real.” she said. His puzzled expression only proved it’s realness to her more but she denied it. She couldn’t accept this. “It’s not the Master Sword. It’s fake. It’s not…” she choked out. Link looked over her shoulder to find that the sword was not on the mantle behind her. He then noticed the open book, the diagram of the Master Sword clear on its pages. He connected the dots in an instant. Fear sparked in his widened eyes.

“It’s not real, I can prove it.” Annette said defiantly.

“Annette, do not unsheathe that sword. Hand it to me carefully.” he instructed, speaking slow and clear. She pulled the sword out from behind her back and placed her hand on the grip, wrapping her fingers around it in defiance. Before she could move, Link had closed the short distance between them in a bound, grabbing both of her wrists before she could pull it from its scabbard. His grip was surprisingly strong, his movement no doubt hurting his broken arm and straining it. She was breathless, surprised at his tight grip and his speed. He had never been this close to her and he towered over her.

They held each other’s gaze for a while and Annette still challenged his grip.

“It’s not real, Link. You have to find the real one if you’re chosen.” she repeated, certain of her words. She had to be.

“I can assure you it’s real. If you unsheath this, you will-” in his moment of speaking, he had let his grip lessen and Annette took the opportunity to prove to him that she was right.

Pulling the sword from its scabbard, Link yelled in surprise and horror at his mistake in lessening his grip. Yet, nothing happened and the brunette pulled the sword in its entirety from the scabbard. Link jumped back in anticipation, his horror and shock carved in his wild eyes. Annette held the sword dumbly and Link let out a deep, forceful breath, coming to grips with the fact that nothing had happened, his amazement was the final answer.

Was it really real? Could it actually be the real thing or was Link wrong because one thing was for certain and that was that the swordsman believed it was authentic. The fear in his eyes and relief after he realized nothing happened couldn’t be faked.

“Fake...it’s...not real.” she breathed out, sheathing the sword and holding it back towards the man, who looked too shaken to take it back and perhaps even feeling the consequences of using his broken arm.

“Annette, you-”

“If you are… chosen then you need to find the real one. Since you can wield it, you shouldn’t have to carry around a fake like this.” she squeezed her eyes shut and tried to process what had happened, that her brother was right and that the Triforce was real. There was no faking that mark and Annette knew it. She didn’t want to admit it, but she had been wrong and the proof was in front of her. It all made sense now, why Link was so anxious to leave.

Link gave her an incredulous look, reaching out for the sword with hesitance, his movements slow. He took it back and swallowed, still pale. He opened his mouth and his words fell from his tongue.

“You don’t believe this sword is real?” was all he managed, his words hesitant. Was this perhaps the first time he had met a cynic? Annette was silent, unable to put into words exactly what she meant but still managing to let something spill from her mouth.

“I think you’re real, I mean, your triforce mark but that sword is not authentic. I wasn’t sure if a sword like that even existed but considering that you are real, then it would be silly to claim that the real sword is not out there somewhere.” she jabbered on, not making much sense to herself and mourning for Link who had to listen to her pathetic excuse for a proper explanation. Link laid the sword down on the couch and looked towards the open book, sizing up the document.

“Do you mind if I-?” He began and Annette immediately nodded. He leaned over and swiped the book up from the table, taking a long, studying glance at the drawing. After a moment of his blue eyes scanning the page, he looked up smiling to himself.

“Why do you think the sword is not the real one? You were going off this diagram and it’s exact to my sword.” he inquired, his point hidden behind his question. What was he getting at?

“It is accurate but it can’t be real. I know you don’t have to look at the passage to know that anyone who unsheathes the sword will die, as proof, my red wrists.” she joked, presenting both her wrists where he had grabbed her so roughly. He flushed, embarrassed by his damage. “So that being known, I am obviously not dead so ergo, fake sword. The real one must be out there somewhere and I might know where.” she explained, motioning toward the book in his hand. Her words held uncertainty because the location of the sword was only speculation from the mouths of thieves and her own brother, whose book was dedicated to the legends.

Link gave a knowing smile and placed the book on the table, keeping the pages facing upward.

“Is the place you’re thinking of in Faron Woods?” Link asked, his voice coy. She narrowed her eyes at him, knowing for sure that the location wasn’t on that page.

“...yes in a-” He cut her off for the first time since she had known him and she was surprised that he had.

“In a sacred grove that is hidden in a place that no one can find in a wood that time stands still.” he paused and she had no words. He must be familiar with the legend.

“I know, I was there and this is that sword. This is the Master Sword.” his words rang and for once she didn’t question his truthfulness, the authenticity, the possibility. She was silent, speechless. What did this mean for her? It had to be a mistake. It had to. She knew better than anyone that she wasn’t worthy of a sword like that. If that were the real sword, it must be a mistake or just chance. Was the magic waning over time?

“Annette,” Link began and she realized she had just been lost in her thoughts, staring off. “Sometimes it’s hard to believe in yourself and even harder to accept that you’re good, but being able to hold this sword means that you’re a really good person and I believe it. You’ve been nice to me and you haven’t asked for anything back since taking me in.” he paused and Annette still said nothing. She couldn’t find any words because while she wanted to believe his words, she knew it had to be a mistake. There had to be another explanation for this and a good heart wasn’t it.

“If you’re that good of a person, then I’ll stay and heal and I’ll try not to bother you. Besides, it’s something that I need to do anyway.” he trailed off, something like sorrow in his voice. His words were kind, but his honesty spoke volumes. It was easy to tell that he had felt the way she does now if maybe only a bit. They held each other’s gaze and Annette pushed her lips together, feeling guilty. He didn’t know how wrong he was to believe she was a kind person.

The man in front of her was a legend come true, the very personification of what she dreamed about when she was a child and he was nothing like she imagined. He was real, he was an ordinary person who wasn’t invincible. He was a hero and she had no clue what he was up against, what had injured him, or what his duty was. This whole time she had assumed he was stupid for being hasty, for being impatient and stubborn. Yes, he was injured, but she now realized that he was also a goddess’s chosen.

Where did the line between a tool of fate and an injured man who had basic human needs to be accounted for start and end? She had helped him for a reason, she now understood. She knew when she drug him to her home and dressed his wounds that she would have to make sure he left in one piece. She thought it was just making sure he was rested and his wounds healed but she realized that it was more. Helping him was perhaps the least she could do to right the wrongs that she had done in her past.

Annette knew what she had to do.

The silence had hung for so long that Link had held his breath, waiting for her to respond.

“Thank you, Link. I’m glad you are going to be patient and rest up. It’s for the best, but you’re right. Duty comes second to health.” she stated and took a deep breath, her mind now set on what she was going to help him with. He gave her a look and watched as she scrambled over to the book, flipping through the pages for anything useful.

“What triforce piece do you hold? Is it power or wisdom or…?” she trailed off to let him respond in her absence of words.

“Courage, I think.” he responded, his cooperation continued despite him not knowing what she was getting at.

“Okay, courage…” she began, thinking to herself how to begin. She set down the book and looked around frantically for a notebook or something to write on. She found a small journal on the surface of the bookcase that sat in the corner of the room, toward the primarily unused front door. She snatched it up and without explanation motioned for Link to find a place on the couch in front of the small table. She pulled the pen that clipped to the side of the book out and plopped down next to the swordsman, her shoulder bumping into his injured arm. She muttered a short apology and slapped the notebook onto the tabletop. The brunette looked over his injured arm wondered if he could write in that state.

“Can you write, with your arm like that?” She asked, leaning back, ready to offer up the pen. He stared at her for a moment, processing her words as he bit his lip. He nodded and she handed him the pen. He looked at the paper in front of him and took the cue to get into writing position, which for him and his arm being in a sling meant leaning close to the table and resting his weight on his other arm so that he could refrain from pulling his arm from the sling. Once he was ready, he looked up expecting some kind of answer as to why he had to write something.

“So Link, I want you to write down a list of everything that you lost and need back. Can you remember everything?” She asked, rubbing her temples. She felt a headache begin to form. The blonde nodded and stared at the paper for a moment to gather his thoughts before starting with his list. There was nothing but the sound of pen on paper and Annette watched over his shoulders as the letters formed a list. At the top was written “Gale Boomerang” and she felt that the words were familiar.

Link looked up to notice that she had been watching and he stopped writing. Had she been making him nervous? Awkwardly, she reached for her brother’s journal and thumbed through the pages.

Just as she had expected, there was a page with a short note scribbled at the bottom. It detailed the myth of a boomerang that could alter the wind but no one knew how. Annette looked up and before she could share the small passage with Link, he had set the pen down, concluding his list. He picked the list up and offered it to her.

“Trade?” she remarked, handing the journal to him in exchange for the list. Her eyes skimmed over it and some of the things were unheard of and obscure. One of the most perplexing to her was iron boots. Iron Boots? Like armored boots or boots made of iron? She let herself imagine what iron boots would be like to walk in and all she could come up with was broken ankles.

“Where did you get this book?” he asked in a lowered voice. She realized he had flipped through the pages and was looking at a crude diagram of what she remembered to be some important mirror.

“My brother was a fanatic. He was so obsessed and intrigued by legend that he would spend months looking for information about one tiny thing. He searched libraries, talked to travelers and scholars. He even explored dangerous places and temples to try and find something more. He would almost get killed every time, but he never learned his lesson until he…” she trailed off, looking with spite towards the Master Sword, “His obsession killed him and all he had to show for his research is that book.” she finished, Link gave her a sympathetic look. His grip on the journal immediately lessened and he handled it with more care. He almost looked as if he wanted to hand it back to her.

“Oh.” was all that the swordsman managed, gazing down at the pages.

“Hey, don’t feel bad for me. It happens eventually, his was just much sooner. He would have wanted me to help you.” She said, deflecting any sympathy or pity. She was sick of it. “So, you rest and I’ll try and get everything on this list back, okay? I have friends who can help and I will look myself.” She revealed, not wanting to look at the blonde for fear of seeing opposition.

“You’d do that for me? That's very dangerous and-” Link began, lowering the book in surprise.

“Oh, so it’s not dangerous if you do it? I can handle myself, believe it or not.” Annette snickered, used to being underestimated.

Link opened his mouth but words escaped him. That’s what she thought.

“First, I’m going to check in the river where I found you and then maybe Lake Hylia because some things may have washed into the lake. I can see if I can get help from a Zora to get anything out if there is something in the deep water. You stay here and get some rest and I should be back before dusk.” She said, folding the list up and pulling open a drawer on the lower half of the bookshelf. She pulled out a long, curved dagger, it’s scabbard black and silver. She looped her belt through the loop on the scabbard and buckled it secure.

The blonde was shaking his head when she looked back at him.

“Please, just let me go with you. Besides, you need me to confirm that whatever you find is truly mine.” He pleaded. Snap, she hadn’t thought of that. She couldn’t do this entirely alone. She didn’t know what anything looked like and not all of these items were in the journal, let alone with diagrams. She took a breath and thought about it for a moment. Link had been cooped up and surely a short horseback ride wouldn’t be too tiring for him in his state? He had been antsy for the past few days and with his willingness to cooperate and rest up, taking a few hours to look around wouldn’t hurt anything.

She hadn’t seen any bokoblins or bublins around that area in months so maybe it would be completely safe? She could hold her own against thieves surely, but she knew Link wouldn’t be able to right now.

Deciding it was worth the risk, she bit the inside of her cheek and sighed.

“Fine, but please don’t over-exert yourself. If you start feeling tired or you start hurting, let me know so we can come back. And for the love of the goddess, don’t rip your wounds open again. They’re almost healed.” she nagged on, really feeling like a mom, much as Zania had joked a few days prior.

Link smiled in triumph, and grabbed his sword up with his right hand. The awkwardness was visible and his left-handed disposition meant that swinging that sword around would not be easy. He still managed to surprise her by throwing that sword through a beehive, so that could be the least he could do in his state. Still impressive, but still worrying.

She shook her head and resorted to going out and saddling up the two horses for their small but hopefully meaningful journey.

CH1 CH2 CH3 CH4 CH5 CH6 CH7 CH8 CH9 CH10

CH11

#legend of zelda #legend of zelda fanfiction #legend of zelda tp #legend of zelda link #loz link #link x reader #twilight princess #link #loz tp #loz fanfic #loz #link x oc

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pendulum-sonata · 6 years ago

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Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Shoujo Kakumei Utena | Revolutionary Girl Utena Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Characters: Kiryuu Nanami, Shinohara Wakaba Additional Tags: Character Study, Post-Canon, Introspection, Memory Alteration, Repressed Memories, Utena Future Zine, This is basically my take, on how Nanami's life would have been, after graduating Ohtori, I swear I love Nanami, I'm not trying to make her suffer, Just for the hell of it, Sexual Harassment Summary:

The outside world has left Nanami en enbittered woman, down on her luck and with little hope. A chance encounter with an old classmate helps her get back on her feet.

This is my work for the @utenafuturezine Now available for download here!

‘I don’t want to get up, I don’t want to get up, I don’t…’

But the music on the radio got louder and louder and she knew the moment the annoying voice of the conductor came in she would be unable to go back to sleep, what time was it anyway? Without removing the covers her hand fished for her cellphone.

7:05 am.

She had an interview at 9:00 am.

‘Uugh... I will count until ten, and then I’ll wake up...”

One, two, three, four...

“Damn it!” Nanami kicked the bed covers and got up, feeling her messy hair falling around her shoulders, she had to blink a few times and scroll down her phone to finally wake up and start for the day.

There, perched on the bathroom room were the clothes she prepared for today, somehow... they looked better last night, she didn’t like how the dark blue looked a little too ...dark, as if she was going to a funeral rather than (hopefully) to work.

She didn’t have time to go through her clothes again.

That was what she kept telling herself as she opened her closet, pulling out shirts and pants... or maybe a skirt would do? Nanami shook her head, skirts made you look juvenile and they were not professional; but none of the combinations made her feel satisfied.

But then a pale yellow shirt from way below all her stuff peeked at her, in her mind she already knew the color would be perfect; even though it was obvious the shirt was old for her not to remember when she bought it, it didn’t look worn off, the color wasn’t too vibrant that it stung your eye, in fact it was the perfect shade to compliment her hair...

Of course the universe loved to bait her, because when she lifted it to her eyes there it was: the garish logo of a restaurant, the one where she had first worked as a waitress for almost a year.

‘Why do I even still have this?’ She wondered and for a full minute she could only remember the embarrassment of it, all the shifts, the rude and lechery customers and the miserable pay... when she opened her eyes the shirt was crumpled in her hands with such force that it felt like she could have teared it apart piece by piece...

She couldn’t afford to throw away a perfectly good shirt though.

And with the perfect accessories, vest and jacket, nobody would be able to look at the logo in the shirt (Why did it have to be printed? if it only was sewn in...).

Nanami resigned herself and went to make herself a quick breakfast, a quick make over, a quick hairdo and quickly started to gather everything she would need; train ticket? Check, money? Check, keys? Check, phone? Check!

‘Best of luck to myself!’

ᴥ

“Watch were you’re going!” She got up to her feet before anyone noticed she had fallen, wincing when she felt a pang in her knee.

Fortunately her pants had not sustained any damage or stain, but she still looked around, ready to yell at the guilty person who crashed into her-

“Oh god! I’m so sorry! Are you alright?” The woman in question didn’t seem to notice how angry Nanami was, there was nothing remarkable about her: medium height, brown hair and average complexion, the most noteworthy thing about her was her shrilling voice that made her want to get away as soon as possible.

Nanami was not in the mood for this. She tried to walk past her, but the woman quickly stood on her way.

“Move! I’m gonna lose my train or do you want me to be late too?” She practically growled.

“Oh, sorry you’re right! Let me pay you for a cab then!” The woman said again and when Nanami saw her reach for her purse she lost it.

“Who the hell do you think I am!? I don’t need for your charity!” Once she said this, Nanami stormed out without even waiting for an answer, she didn’t need to arrive in a cab, she didn’t want to, and she most definitely didn’t want to own some random woman in the street a favor so she just kept walking to her station.

Dread filled her every time she saw the train cart full of people almost squished against the windows, when some people came out of she realized that she needed to be quick, otherwise she would have to take the next train, she was quick to walk past all the people next to her and secure her place.

Commuting using the train was a living nightmare.

Unfortunately it was also the cheapest and faster, so it wasn’t like she had lots of options, meaning that here she was, squished between dozens upon dozens of employees, both men and women, she looked with envy to the ones that wore their casual clothes and comfortable shoes, no, not because they have super nice clothes – they were all cheap common clothes anyway – but because it meant that they already had a job and their office uniform waiting for them.

She teared her eyes away from the sight, her station was the last one in the route anyway so by the time she made it, and the train would most likely be empty anyway.

ᴥ

It was packed.

The place where they would all be waiting for their interviews was packed, and she hated herself for admitting this – only in her thoughts, never out loud – but they all resembled her: wearing their best clothes, their hair done modestly but still professional...

She didn’t want to think about it anymore and just walked to the receptionist, gave her name and her papers and sat, far away from the other girls chatting away in purpose.

It was a long time, or at least it felt like a really long time, even the games and apps she had in her phone didn’t do much to distract her, her shoes tapped fast onto the floors and looked around the place looking for something, anything to focus on that wasn’t the clock on the wall, but there was nothing.

“Kiryuu Nanami?” She perked up immediately when she heard her name and entered the office the lady at the desk signaled for.

Inside there was an old man, his wrinkles and glasses made Nanami think vaguely of a grandpa, but she already knew companies put their best ‘face’ for these things, so she had to be careful with what she said.

“Miss Kiryuu? Please take a seat?” Ugh, even his voice sounded gentle and soft, no doubt this guy was a professional.

“Pleased to meet you.” Nanami put on her best smile and used her perfect posture – one that allowed her to make use of her best assets without looking unprofessional – and answered his questions, most of them were the usual: her age, experience, career, how did she find out about the position, etc.

“Excellent Miss, now, everything seems to be in order, but may I ask when can we expect your family registry? It’s not an optional requisite.”

And just like that Nanami knew it was a lost cause.

ᴥ

It was just another day; tomorrow would be another.

Nanami put these words on repeat while she waited for the train back home, but the fact that she had lost not just the morning but the entire day in that office and that she was starting to see a lot of people who were coming back from work didn’t really help her mood, so she got ready to squish herself once more for the sake of arriving to her apartment and forget this entire day had happened.

Once inside the train, trapped between a woman who had her case in front of her which dug painfully into her shoulder and a guy whose breaths were hitting her right in the face, the world decided once more play her for a fool.

Because she felt a hand – a grown man’s hand – going from her back then to her butt.

For a full minute her mind went blank because she couldn’t believe on top of everything this had happened to her now, the moment it finally dawned on her what was happened she tried to squirm to get away from the groping but it only resulted on the people throwing dirty looks at her, and her arms were now twisted in weird angle that would probably result on more pain later on.

She was trapped.

During the entire trip until the next station she tried to think of the things she needed to buy for the week, tried to make the budget too, tried to remember the lyrics of that one song in the radio she really liked it, anything to not think about the hand on her.

‘Only a bit more Nanami, only a little more, hang in there, then you can unleash all your fury onto them and…’

*ARRIVING TO THE STATION, PLESE CLEAR UP THE ENTRANCE.*

What?!

The thought got stuck on her head when she was almost barreled by a group of people all hurrying past here, she was sure she might have given a few turns in between people and maybe earned a couple of bruises from the things people were carrying and scrapping her in the meantime.

After she was able to focus again she realized the car was almost empty again except for a couple of old ladies.

“You got to be kidding me!” Her heels stomped on the floor and she stormed out of the cart, maybe if she hurried she would be able to-

Nothing, there were too many people on the platform and most of them were dressed the same.

“You pervert!!!” The yelling doesn’t come from her but from behind her where a security guard is standing in front of a woman and another man who looks like wants to get away, especially because the yelling starts to attract attention from everyone else.

He can’t of course because a lithe as looks the woman has an iron grip on his wrist, when she tries to get close, she can see the guard is not taking seriously anything the woman says, if anything he looks bored and other people are doing nothing but whisper around them.

“I know what I saw!!” The woman suddenly looks around her and fixes her eyes on Nanami and she just froze in place. “Nanami you tell them! He groped you! I saw him!!”

It’s in that moment that she realizes is the same woman from this morning, the one who made her trip and apparently decided she looked pitiful enough to offer her a ride! Nanami had half her mind to disagree with her – she still felt her teeth grind at the thought – and embarrass her, but when she looked at the guy who was doing his best to look as if he was completely innocent.

She had no way of knowing if had been the pervert who grabbed her butt, it had been impossible for her to see anything about the man, but the shifty way he looked when Nanami tried to look into his eyes made her realize that even if he didn’t grab her, he had definitely done that to someone else.

Or maybe not, in true Nanami was just tired of being a cosmic plaything for the day, let someone else take the brunt for her.

So, she summoned her best laugh and pointed at the man with all her might.

“You pervert!” She yelled. “You took advantage of me! I could see your dirty face when you grabbed me! In. my. Ass. And now you’re trying to get away with it!! Like hell I will let you do it!” She grabbed her phone and snapped a shot from the guy, who was now so scared that he looked blue in the face. “And you!” She pointed to the guard now who flinched when she pointed at him. “Isn’t your job to attend to all security matters in the platform? Aren’t you supposed to make people feel safe? Well, I can tell I didn’t feel safe, I’m disgusted by this man, but I’m more disgusted by you! Who don’t even bother to take their job seriously and allow scum like him to get away with things?” She snapped another shot of him, making sure his plaque and name were visible on her picture – she knew the camera with 10 megapixels had been worth it – and she showed it to him. “Just so you know if you don’t process this complain, I’m not gonna bother with your bosses, I’m going to post these on the internet and you will be ruined along with these man’s reputation!”

“Well, you heard her? Is that what you want?” The woman who had been looking shocked while she was yelling was now standing next to her looking proud. “You know nowadays, news fly right?”

Both men shared a dismayed look specially when other people were pulling out their phones too, some of them taking pictures others were probably tweeting about it and the guard finally escorted Nanami to his office.

ᴥ

After filling out some papers and giving out her information, and also gotten the information from the man, who had to be detained until actual police arrive from the looks of it, she excused herself, she didn’t want to make more of a deal than it already was, and at the very least she still had the pictures in case she found the same idiot again.

Nanami doubted anything would come out of the whole thing, but at the very least it had improved her mood a lot.

“That was so cool Nanami!” She almost screeched when she chirpy voice of the same woman caught her off guard. “I can’t believe what you actually threatened that guy!”

Wait… how did this broad even knew her name, even before when she called it, Nanami had been a little to swept into getting some well-deserved retribution to think about it too hard, but she had no idea who this woman was, she knew her name and this was the second time in a row that she conveniently found her…

Oh dear, was she dealing with a stalker?

“I can’t believe I found you here! It’s been so long since we were both in Ohtori Academy right?”

Or maybe not… was she a classmate? She looked around the same age as her, although it was hard to tell, she couldn’t have been one of her friends or popular people because she was sure she would remember that, but she was talking to her so casually, there was no other alternative.

“Y-yes! I suppose it has!” And she didn’t feel like making a fool out of herself for a second time in a single day.

“We have so much to catch up to! Oh, I know!” How could a grown woman look this excited and skip like that and not break her heel? It was a mystery for her. “Let’s have dinner together!”

In any other time Nanami would have been freaked out about having someone’s face so close to hers, but this time she took the chance to get a good look at her, to see if any feature struck a chord with her.

…Nothing, just like this morning her appearance was completely normal and that meant completely unremarkable and forgettable too. She did have a very large forehead though, still, she had her hair styled in a way that it complemented her features rather than call attention to it, Nanami would give her that much.

“Dinner? Uh…” She was actually very hungry, because she had spent the entire day at the office waiting for her interview, Nanami had not gotten any lunch, breakfast had been her only meal… but it’s already the second half of the month and she can’t afford to eat out, she has a bunch of cup ramen waiting for her at theapartment. “I don’t know, it’s pretty late and…”

“Oh come on!” The woman took her hand this time and got the most ridiculous face on her, teary eyes and pouting almost resembling a puppy. “I’m inviting you so dinner it’s on me!”

From all the things that could bait her, those were the ones she couldn’t refute.

And her belly decided to answer in her place.

ᴥ

She didn’t have a bad taste in restaurants, Nanami decided.

Even if it wasn’t anything too fancy – and really those types of restaurants where for romantic dates, not for friendly outings – the place had a warm and welcoming atmosphere, it also had the added bonus of having booths so they could have some privacy even if they were only two people, and the food smelled delicious, she hadn’t had lots of filling meals in a while now.

It was funny really, years ago she wouldn’t have even thought about putting a foot inside one of these… family restaurants.

Once they were seated and the waitress gave them a couple of menus, the woman kept chatting about their days back at school and despite herself Nanami tried not to let the guilt gnaw at her gut, because she really couldn’t be making out stuff on the spot and the fact she was buying her a meal… people did not do that for strangers they met for five minutes during middle school.

“…Anyway, that was quite a graduation ceremony! Some of my college buddies still tell the story whenever we get together and I think from that moment on, the rules on formal clothing were much more specific!” She laughed when she finished saying this and Nanami tried not to make herself sound too fake, lost in her musing she had not heard a word of what she said.

The waitress bringing them their drinks bought her some time.

“That sounds like quite a story, mmmh, how about in middle school though? We had some pretty weird stories right?” That’s right maybe if she shared a story she might remember! Or at least pretend until the food came and the bill was paid.

The woman looked like she was thinking for a long moment, she looked straight at her, not a hard stare or judging in anyway, but Nanami still felt as if she was being examined.

“Say…” She paused to take a sip of her drink. “…you don’t really know who I am right?”

Time stopped and it was hard to breath because she was busy sputtering the water, her nose burned because she had asked it to be ice cold and godammit, this woman did it on purpose because this was the most ridiculous thing that could happen to her. She also felt someone patting her back and putting a napkin close to her mouth.

“Wakaba, what happened?” It was probably the waitress.

“Sorry, sorry, that was my fault.”

Wakaba…

‘Utena, aren’t you going to give a present to your best friend in the entire world?’

Who was the person who kept saying that? In her mind Nanami saw a girl, she couldn’t see her face clearly, the only thing she remembered was that she was a tomboy, countless of memories of this girl playing rowdy sports, wearing boy’s clothes, talking like a boy and with overall unladylike manners, the girl annoys her to no end, of that she is sure because she feels a vein in her head throb at the mere sight of her. There is also another girl, this one doesn’t annoy her, she wishes she would only annoy her, but no, the knot on her stomach and the chills running down her back whenever that girl was concerned were real and always made her feel like she entered a lion’s den.

Next to her, the tomboy girl’s oddness was welcome.

And of course she thinks she remembers another girl, she’s always there too, always following the other two around as if she was a puppy, she’s not annoying or scary like the them, she doesn’t remember anything about her, only her trailing behind the other two girls.

“Nanami? Are you alright? Can you see me? How many fingers am I holding?”

“I’m fine!!!” She yelled to whoever was holding three fingers right into her face, of course that attracted the attention of the other customers and Nanami wished she could sink into her seat.

“Sorry, you weren’t reacting and I was afraid you had choked or something.” She sounded genuinely sorry and that alone made her back down, also because she still felt her throat sore.

“I’m sorry Miss, was the water too cold? I can bring you more.” The waitress while weel-intentioned, looked less concerned for Nanami and more for being written up by her manager.

She couldn’t say she blamed her.

“Another glass is fine, thank you.”

“Right away Miss, oh Wakaba are you on shift tonight?” The waitress was talking to Wakaba now.

“No, I asked the day off.” Said Wakaba denying with her head.

The fell into an awkward silence after that, how could they not? How was she supposed to talk to her now that she outed herself as not really knowing her? They didn’t have any shared interest or hobbies and didn’t even seem to frequent the same circles as to ask about that either.

Then again it wasn’t like Nanami had kept in touch with her old classmates.

“So… you work here?” She has no trouble picturing Wakaba in the role of a waitress, she was tact, patient and give off was friendly enough to make small talk to customers, all things she herself absolutely failed at. “You don’t look like one to work on night shift though.”

She realized too soon that she had spoked the last thing out loud, Wakaba seemed to realize too and giggled a little.

“All my shifts are at night Nanami, I’m a bartender.” She pointed to the bar where right now there was another older guy mixing and serving drinks. “Mr. Kobayashi is going to retire soon, and he’s teaching me all he knows before that, so I guess you could say I’m like an apprentice.”

Nanami didn’t even knew women were permitted to become bartenders and she stopped herself right in time, that would have probably been rude and she had already called her a goody-two-shoes before, but what did she even knew about Wakaba to know if this was expected from her? She didn’t even remember her 5 minutes ago and what she remembered was so small that she could laugh at herself.

“So, Nanami what have you been up to? I noticed this morning that you were going to the corporate district.” Wakaba’s enthusiasm and self-contented smile was contagious and she found herself smiling too, wishing to have something exciting to share, something worth of her attention.

‘Not much, I was going to an interview, after finishing college, a gig as an intern I have been between jobs for the past year.’ Hmph, didn’t that sound pathetic?

While she thought about this, the waitress had finally brought their food, but Nanami had lost her apetite.

“Sorry, sorry, it’s okay if you don’t want to talk about it,” Wakaba apologized, even thought she was only making small talk, she was definitely nicer than herself. “I can only imagine how it has been for you and your brother.”

If a bull had entered the restaurant, trashed everything around just to take Nanami on its back to a faraway island, she would feel less shocked than she felt now and of course the shock gave way to embarrassment, the way Wakaba used her hand to cover half of her face was enough confirmation that she knew and that she was aware that she wasn’t supposed to know.

Ugh, her day couldn’t possibly suck anymore so she may as well get on with it.

“What else there is to say? That as it turned out neither me or Touga were our parents’ real children?” Back in school Nanami had thought that was the worst thing that had happened her, now she wished that was the only secret. “And not only that, we weren’t actually adopted, we were bought off, kept and groomed only to fulfill their wishes and ambitions, and that when Touga and I refused to do what they demanded from us – I was eighteen when they wanted me married off to a business partner who was old enough to be my grandfather – we were thrown out from the house and disowned?” Disown was such a proper word because they had been nothing but property to these people. “So go ahead and pity me, laugh in my face like I did to you and your friends so long ago.”

Nanami doesn’t want to look up to see Wakaba’s eyes, filling with disdain or pity.

“I… don’t want to do that.” Is the only thing Wakaba said, “I just thought I could cheer you up because you look so… tired”

Tired? Yes, that was the perfect word to describe how she had been feeling for quite a while now, not physically tired, but mentally and emotionally tired and done with everything around her.

“Do you ever wish things would have gone different? To just… give in to what people wanted from you?” It was a good question one that she herself had asked herself many times.

“There are… many things that I regret, sometimes I like telling to myself that if I could go back, knowing what I know now, I would do things different, better…” What she kept to herself though, was that another part of her knew she wouldn't do anything to change. “… And I do wish someone would have told me how hard it was to simply live by, how expensive it is, how many basic skills you need and I never learned until I had no one to lean onto than my equally incompetent brother.” There had been many times when she had become tempted to run back and beg for forgiveness and promise to be a good girl this time but… “No, I still wouldn’t do it.”

How could she? After a particularly nasty fight with Touga about it which had led to a very unceremonious reveal of what exactly their so-called parents had ‘requested’ from him, what they had took from him right under her nose.

“How do you know?” Nanami asked, she knew that it couldn't be Touga, he had nothing to gain from a girl like Wakaba.

“I don’t know if I should tell you, you would probably go hunt him down.” Wakaba laughed a little but it was obvious she wasn’t entirely kidding on the last sentence.

And there was only another person close enough to either of them to know the full story, and yes, Nanami could feel her fists balling at her sides and her mind was relishing into some payback fantasies.

“Idiot, as if I have time to waste on doing any of that.” After all, she knew he and Touga were still in contact, if she had wanted she would have no troubles contacting him, he had been the first one to reach out to them and had acted so sickly concerned that it was disgusting, her bruised pride had not let her think anything else back then.

“You know? At first I thought that you had not changed at all, but that was silly of me to think right? Everyone changes, you, your brother, even Saionji.” The blush that crept to Nanami’s face was not unwelcomed, it made her feel giddy even.

“I guess…” She picked the fork and started to play a little with her food, not knowing what to say in exchange, she had no frame of reference to know if Wakaba had changed… she did remember one thing though. “Well, feel proud of yourself, without his annoying fanclub around, you can finally have Saionli for yourself right?”

After all, if he had confided Wakaba with such sensitive information that meant they were in more than just speaking terms.

She didn’t expect the laughter that came from Wakaba.

“Oh I hardly doubt it, I’m not his type, and he’s no longer mine either.” Had that been because they both changed or because now adulthood gave them new perspectives, more options? “You know?” She doubted for a second and her voice got quitter. “Back then, he practically begged me to talk to the manager about getting you a job.”

That was when Nanami finally noticed the name of the place on the cups and the napkins: it was the same name as the place she started her life as a working girl, the same name printed on the shirt she had so carefully hidden.

“Is not the same, I doubt your memory is that bad.” She laughed again. “the owner has a couple places all over the city and the prefecture….”

The only reason Nanami is not banging her head against the table is because she wants to think she still has a minimum of manners, she just started eating her meal, which had already gotten cold, but beggars can’t be choosers, they both ate in silence for quite a while, the only sounds coming from them were the cutlery scrapping against the plates.

“Hey Nanami…” Wakaba started. “You think we could hang out again? It’s nice to have someone from school to talk to.” She was smiling again, and Nanami could now see why people – even people like Saoinji – wanted to keep talking to her: it was easy, she didn’t have any grandiose expectations of people or even herself and life, it was… normal, comfortable.

“I… guess I can make a place on my schedule.” She exchanged phones with her without many words, and when she checked it, she couldn’t help notice there was another number she added.

“I don’t want to meddle, but maybe you too could call Saionji every once in a while?” Wakaba didn’t say that he too worried about her, but the sentiment was there nonetheless.

Nanami didn’t know what to say, all this new information didn’t let her think clearly and now she felt like she really had to re-acquaintance herself with the guy, only to see if he really was not an idiot anymore.

“Maybe.” She immediately took another bite, she had a lot of things to think about.

#revolutionary girl utena #shoujo kakumei utena #sku #rgu #my fics #My first utena fic ever #and my first collaboration for a zine as writer!#see ao3 for more notes on the story #long post #under cut #read more

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