#but her outfit is so boring here. i hope shes more stylish at other points in the show.

[gorillaxyz]

my adventures with superman. and then shower

[cheriladycl01]

Hiiii could you write about Carlos Sainz that he has a secret relationship with an Arab Muslim girl (she doesn't wear hijab) 24 years old, Y/N and Carlos' little sister her friend because they go to the same university from Madrid and Carlos always bothered her, he was always around Y/N whenever she was talking with a boy Carlos made them run away and that's how they became a couple but secretly it was due to Y/N's religion and Carlos likes to annoy her by teasing her face to face or sharing a message by pinching her side because she is ticklish and she also annoys him.

Thanks youu 💖

Romeo to my Juliet - Carlos x Reader

Plot: After studying at the University of Madrid, and making friends with Blanca Sainz you were constantly around her older brother Carlos who was … obviously obsessed with you!

A/N: Ive done research before writing this on Muslim culture and struggles, however I am not a person of colour, and do not want to cause any offence when writing this! Also the wording of this request did confuse me a little bit so I’m hoping I’ve got everything that you’ve wanted in here!

Carlos and you were two people you wouldn’t pin together. You were quiet and reserved whilst he was loud and expressive. You were shy, whilst he was confident. But it was those differences that actually made you the perfect pair.

Being in a secret relationship with the Carlos Sainz wasn’t easy, and neither is the story that came with it.

It started when you first applied to university. You got into the University of Madrid and your parents couldn’t be more happy as your father had work in Spain taken from the Middle East, so it wasn’t a difficult family move.

You were a very stylish girl despite being shy and with your outfits it wasn’t hard to catch the eyes on campus. And that was how you met Blanca Sainz.

It was a colder day in Madrid, around November and you were in one of your favourite winter time outfits that’s kept you warm and cozy, still not completely used to the cold winters Europe have compared to the Middle East.

You had this Burberry scarf on, a gift from you father and a gust of win caught you, immediately your hands grabbed for your skirt leaving your scarf to fly off from around your neck.

“Oh my gosh” you gasp as you tried to reach out for it but it just flew off into the distance. You started to run after it, until you saw it hit a girl and practically strangle her.

“I’m so so so sorry! The wind … and it just … and oh my gosh I’m so sorry, it hit you!” You gasp at the girl who looks over you before laughing.

“It’s … a scarf I’m fine” she giggled.

That day you guys got coffee on campus before getting to know each other and you’d been fast friends since.

It wasn’t until the end of your second year in university, your mum and dad had moved back home to the Middle East. And you didn’t know what to do about summer break.

Blanca actually invited you to her family trip to Mallorca and to stay with her in her family home.

You felt bad, so you suggest the first few weeks are spent in your family home in Dubai. And she definitely didn’t want to turn that down.

So of course you guys spent the summer, tanning, in your pool playing games with your mum and dad when they were free and going to get ice cream.

“Your house is insane, what the hell does your mum and dad do!” She asked looking around the 6 bedroom Villa your family owned.

“I don’t actually know, but he’s a business owner of some sort” you giggle, always too bored to listen to your father explain his career.

“There’s an aquarium in your kitchen island …” she points at it, mouth open wide.

“Yeah, excessive i know but my dad adores his fish”

“And your house it on the beach! AND there’s a pool? I don’t even know if I want to see the garage!” She exclaims.

“Mmmmmm yeah my dads also a car collector. He actually left some in Spain in the house there” you offer.

“Your like so humble though! I - WHAT?” She asks in shock and you just laugh her off.

You guys definitely enjoyed your time in Dubai and your parents loved her, she was invited back for the Christmas holidays too.

Then when you got to Spain you met the rest of her family.

“Mum dad, this is my friend Y/N” Blanca offers as you enter the home which was a beautiful Spanish Villa.

“Ah Y/N we’ve heard so much about you from Blanca when she calls” her mother smiles. Ana comes running down the stairs immediately pulling her sister into a hug.

“Ah you must be Y/N? Yes, you are gorgeous! Where are you from!” She grins pulling you into an unexpected hug.

“I’m from Dubai!” You smile and that night guy guys all get to know one another through board games.

It got to just after sunset when you realised that it was time to pray for Maghrib. You calmly excused yourself from the family. Blanca at this point knew when you had to pray and was always very respectful and actually intrigued at the way it all worked. She would be with you on campus in the pray room, or in a random corner of a cafe you guys were studying in and offer you her coat to kneel on if you didn’t have one.

She was the sweetest and most understanding friend you’d ever had.

However, this was the time you met her older brother Carlos. You were just finishing up, in Blancas bedroom when someone came into the room.

“Sorry Blanca, I didn’t mean to be long if I was!” You smile turning round only to see a confused man behind you.

“Erm sorry can I help you?” You ask and he still stands there with his big brown chocolate eyes just staring at you.

“A-sorry you must be, Y/N right? Blanca’s friend that she brought home?” He questions and you nod standing up, reaching out to shake his hand.

He looks down at it smirking before lifting it up and placing a gentle kiss on the edge making you gasp and go wide eyed.

“Well, welcome to the Sainz household. Are you excited about Mallorca?” He smiles and you nod, of course you were, you’d be waiting all summer for it.

And it was an unforgettable summer.

Carlos was ALWAYS around. He was like this little lost puppy and the only time you don’t think he was around was when you showered or slept. He bothered you the whole summer, interrupting you and Blanca when you were trying to tan, or would splash you in the pool when you were lounging on a lilo. He was a menace, but there was a certain type of endearment to it.

He was also insanely protective over you. Whenever you all would go out to bars or restaurants or clubs, you got a lot of male attention, which to Carlos wasn’t surprising.

You were the most beautiful person he thinks he’s ever seen, and he wants you all for himself.

“Hey Bonita, why don’t you come downtown with me, and I’ll show you a good time?” A random guy from the island had said to you in a club.

“I’m fine thank you, I’m here with friends” you smile pointing behind you to the table where Carlos Blanca and Ana are sat.

“I’m sure they won’t mind, come on. ¡Vive un poco!” He exclaims looking over you.

“She said she was fine, and I would mind” Carlos said in a gruff voice coming to stand behind you and hand on your shoulder.

The guy swiftly left, seeing who it was. You’d gotten used to the fact that Carlos would be noticed in public, you tried to stay out of it as much as possible. Whenever a fan came over you’d practically glue yourself to Blanca’s side.

But all the guys that came talking to you Carlos had them running away for one reason or another. Whether it was just him, being Carlos Sainz, or the look he gave them or what he whispered to them when you couldn’t here. They always left.

That was how Carlos and you ended up together. You were a modern day Romeo and Juliet. You knew your parents wouldn’t approve of the Spanish race car driver, just based on all the tabloid articles about him.

“We should leave” he said in a huff, he was always like this and a lot of the times that you left was because of Carlos’ changed mood.

“But we didn’t get here long ago!” You offer and he huffs again, getting more frustrated.

“Just, let’s just go home!” He says again, not touching you but giving you a look as if to say, I will drag you out of here.

“We need to get Blanca and Ana, we can’t leave them!” You say as you start to look around the club for the two girls, hoping they would protest to Carlos wanting to get you to leave.

“They’ll be fine, let’s just go. They are pretty preoccupied anyway” he nods towards them with their boyfriends and how they are dancing.

Next thing you know Carlos was dragging you home, poking at your side saying how you broke your good girl demeanour just to leave the club with him.

“I was in a club, I can’t be that good of a girl” you tease him back and he looks over at you with a sparkle in his eyes. Maybe it wasn’t even there and it was just from the street lights, but he looked so happy and content in this moment that you couldn’t help but stare.

After this summer, you and Carlos hide your relationship from everyone, you hated hiding it from Blanca the most as he would often come find you in Madrid after race weekends to keep you company.

And don’t even start about him at family venues. Despite Carlos wanting to keep the relationship as secret as you did because of the media, and your parents, he wasn’t very good at keeping his gestures subtle.

“Carlos, I haven’t seen you for a while. And whose this, a girlfriend?” One of his aunts comes over seeing you together chatting at a family reunion his mother had hosted after his race win.

He pinched your side teasingly as if to say that you guys must look good together. And as you look up at his face you can see that.

“No this is Y/N Blanca’s friend from university” he offers keeping up with the secret. And your look down smiling to yourself. It was fun in a way keeping up a little white lie that you were with Carlos.

“Shame, she’s a dime and you two would look great together” she winks before fluttering off elsewhere in the house.

“See someone else who thinks we look great together” Carlos says leaning down to meet your eye level making you blush.

“Carlos leave Y/N alone, you tease the poor girl enough you’ll give her a heart attack one day. Come on sweetie” his mother guides you away, you turn round to catch Carlos’ eye before poking your tongue out in a childish manner.

He shakes his head with a slight chuckles as he watches his mum pull you away to a different crowd of people and introduces you.

When you and Carlos would admit your relationship was unknown, but you knew you’d never been happier than you were with Carlos Sainz Jr.

Taglist:

@littlesatanicassholebitch @hockey-racing-fubol @laura-naruto-fan1998 @22yuki @simxican @sinofwriting @lewisroscoelove @cmleitora @daemyratwst @lauralarsen @the-untamed-soul @thewulf @itsjustkhaos @purplephantomwolf @chasing-liberosis @summissss @gulphulp @starfusionsworld @jspitwall @sierruhhhh @georgeparisole @youcannotcancelquidditch @tallbrownhairsarcastic @ourteenagetragedy @peachiicherries @formulas-bitch @cherry-piee @spilled-coffee-cup @mehrmonga @blueberry64857959 @eiraethh @curseofhecate @alliwantisadonut @dark-night-sky-99 @i-wish-this-was-me @tallrock35 @butterfly-lover @barnestatic @landossainz @darleneslane @barcelonaloverf1life @r0nnsblog @ilove-tswizzle @laneyspaulding19 @malynn @viennakarma @landosgirlxoxo @marie0v @yourbane @teamnovalak @nikfigueiredo @fionaschicken @0picels0 @tinydeskwriter @ironmaiden1313 @splaterparty0-0 @formula1mount

[cuddlesslut]

Live my Life Ch.1

Kuroo x fem reader

Summary: sometimes life is full of making the wrong choices and not knowing till it’s to late.

A/N: this is chapter one of my new story. I’m still writing the Home series I must really wanted to start this story as well. I hope you guys like this one.

Warning: Angst, Smut, Drunk Sex, Underage drinking, toxic behavior

You found yourself sitting in this dingy bar nursing a drink you weren’t supposed to have. This had become part of your routine. It all started about three weeks ago. Your friend Kana, or well you suppose she could be called a friend she was more of a friend of a friend. She seemed nice enough kind of the free spirit type of girl always into the new big trend, not really what you would describe yourself as, more of what you wanted to be. You weren’t exactly some shy shut in but still your anxieties held you back from charging head first into in life and taking the bull by the horns. That’s why you surprised even yourself when you offered to be Kana’s bar buddy.

Kana is bartender at this whole in the wall bar with dim lighting. It got fairly good business but not enough to warrant more than one bartender at a time. That being the case Kana would often be there by herself well late into the night, the neighborhood wasn’t horrible but it still was unsettling sometimes. So as her bar buddy you would come at some point in her shift and find a free seat at the bar hopefully far enough distance from any other patrons. You’d order some fries or whatever greasy snack food you craved and waited there with her while she worked until she was ready to lock up. It was pretty easy you’d just sit there offering her someone to talk when she was bored or when she need to escape some overbearing customers. She’d make her way over too you and pretend to make you a drink. Although she offered you a drink you usually turn her down for the clear fact that you were underage when it came to drinking. It was perfectly fine for you to sit in the establishment since it also served food but at the age of 18 drinking was still prohibited. Being the laid back girl and bartender she was Kana didn’t care about bending that rule for a friend.

Most nights you’d pull out some school work on your tablet that your carried with you or just read some stories on your phone. Usually trying your best to avoid conversation with the regulars. That didn’t work as well as you hoped and soon enough you were quickly learning all of the local gossip and being included in the group known as the regulars. Which is what you were since you found yourself here four nights out of you week. You didn’t mind spending so much of your time here with Kana it was kind of nice to stray from your comfort zone plus you and Kana were steadily getting closer as friends too. Everything was smooth sailing until you met him.

It was a usual Thursday night you got dressed in your causal but sleek outfit. Wearing a comfortable pair of Jeans that hugged your body nicely not too tight but still showed your curves. You paired it with a black blouse and black ankle boots. You freshened up your make up of the day not needing to try to hard seeing as you weren’t going there to impress anyone. In fact you preferred to not draw any attention. Your brushed through your hair finally heading out of your home and too the dingy bar. Things seemed a little off tonight some felt different but still you took your usual seat as you scanned the bar. It was fairly empty only two other customers sitting all the way at the other end of the counter. Kana wasn’t anywhere to be found, she’s probably just grabbing something back you reasoned. And sure enough you could hear a clang in the back of the establishment that was hidden from the public eye. Although it wasn’t Kana that popped around the corner. Instead stood a tall and extremely handsome guy. He was wild black hair that was strewn in a chaotic fashion but it suited him. You could tell by his physique that he was fit , not too overly muscular but when he reached up to put the box he was carrying on the top shelf you could see a peak of a very well defined v line on his tanned skin. This man was the definition of tall, dark ,and handsome. And that wasn’t even mentioning his intense honey eyes that felt like they pierced your soul with just one look. He wore a black pair of fitted jeans and a red button up with strange print on it. You could inspect the odd design more intensely as he approached you with a smirk plastered on his face. Ah they were little black cats that littered his print. The style screamed I’m stylish but quirky.

“Well hello there sweetheart how can I help you?” You could tell he was using his customer service persona. Ah he goes for the smooth talkng flirt, he probably does very well with middle aged woman, you think.

“Um yeah,” you state giving the room one more look “ do you know where Kana is?” You questioned.

His perked at the mention of your friend. You could see him relax a little as he released some tension rolling his shoulders back. “Ahh you must be YN,” he smiled placing his hands on the bar leaning forward. His voice was a notch higher no longer Using his deep Casanova tone, this one was more natural. You eyes widened at the sound of your name leaving his lips.

“Yeah,” you replied hesitant.

“I’m Kuroo Tetsurou,” he presented his hand offering a firm shake to which you awkwardly accepted. “I’m guessing Kana forgot to inform you that id becoming back to work my usual Thursday shift today did she?” He let out a small chuckle.

Damn it Kana you cursed inside your mind. You could have been cozy in bed right now. “Ha nope she did not,” you let out a sigh. “I didn’t realize she was just covering these last few weeks” you respond.

“She just had my Thursday shift Mondays and Wednesdays are still her regular days.” He grinned “she was nice enough to take my shift while I was out with some family stuff.”

“Ahh I see, well I’ll should probably get out of your hair,” you stated starting to slide off the stool.

“Hey wait you came all the way out here let me get you a drink,” he offered.

You froze in your seat for a moment kind of embarrassed. You felt heat creep to your face as you respond “ oh umm I’m not actually old enough I’m only 18,” your eye locked on the surface in front of you.

He let out a chuckle “let me see your ID.”

Your face scrunched in confusion “but-” you start but he cuts you off.

“Shh just hand it over,” he smiles. You raise your eyebrow as you reach into your handbag fishing out your ID and handing it over. He backs upmholding it as though it was valid. “Well look at that! Sure enough you’re 20,” he gives a cheeky smile “so what can I get you to drink?”

You take back your card placing it back safely in your bag a look of shock present on your youthful features. You lean forward whispering “won’t you get in trouble!” Not wanting to have someone risk their job. He lets out a haughty laugh. “My dads the owner so I’m not too worried.” He stated cockily. “So again what are you drinking sweetheart?” Again he flashed that stupid smirk that sent your stomach doing flips.

After two drinks and some idle chit chat in his free time you decided it probably be best if you headed out. He was quick to stop you. “Ahh come on dont leave so soon I was hoping you’d be my bar buddy too,” he pouted. You rolled your eyes at his teasing. It was enough to keep you there though ordering another drink to nurse. It felt nice chatting and casually flirting with this attractive stranger.

This too became part of your routine. You still went to the bar during Kana’s shift to keep her company but you kept going on Thursday and spending you night talking to Kuroo. The both of you spending most of the night getting to know each other. It was just surface things like school, you found out he was two years older than you going to a university near by studying chemical engineering,and your taste in music which was something you had a lot in common. The conversation focused mainly on you. He always directed the flow of the conversation he was so out going and smooth, always asking questions about your day liked hearing about your day as if being a 3rd year in high school was the most exciting thing. You’d sit there for hours with him trying new drinks sometimes finding yourself leaving the bar at three am as if you didn’t have class in four hours. But you didn’t care it was exhilarating this was the most rebellious thing you had ever done. The flirting was harmless never going to far. And although you wouldn’t admit you were getting a crush on the raven haired bartender.

It was just another Wednesday night but today something inside of you told you to dress up more than you’d usually go for. Tonight you wore a simple black dress with a deep neckline that really showed your figure without being to flashy. Your period had recently finished so knowing you were securely dried up you decided to go for a pair of your fancy red lace panties and a matching bra that always boosted your confidence. Not that anyone would be seeing them. You checked yourself one last time before heading out to the bar and damn did you look hot.

When you entered the bar you were surprised to it was rather busy with customers all over the place, luckily you find a seat at the bar. You noticed that Kenma was also behind the bar. Kenma was the other bartender that worked the shifts opposite of Kana and Kuroo. He was also Kuroo’s best friend. You’ve only met him a couple times when he’d come to the bar to see Kuroo while he was on shift. It must be really busy if they called him in to work the bar with Kana.

Kana gave a sigh of relief and smiled as she saw you sitting at the bar. “Oh my god girl hey,” smiled “do you see how hectic it is?” She laughed. She took a moment to fully look you over her eyes wide.

“Damn girl you look fucking hot!” You felt some pride grow in you hearing your friend complement you. She always looked amazing so hearing that she thought you looked great felt like high praise.

“You want a drink babe?” She asked although it was more a of statement as she was already whipping together a drink before you were finished nodding. She handed you a strong yet sweet drink before she was whisked away by some needy patrons.

You sipped on your drink watching Kana handle the crowd. You and Kenmas eyes would lock every now and then but it’s very short and awkward. You don’t know him very well. Part of your anxieties had you convinced he didn’t like you. But you tried not to read into it to much. Kuroo had told you once that it was just that he wasn’t much of a people person only working at the bar as a favor to Kuroo and his father. You sit there silently observing the world around you not noticing someone taking the seat next to you.

“Boo,” a husky voiced whispered into your ear sending shivers down your spine. Kuroo cackled as you jumped turning around clutching your chest.

“What the hell Kuroo!” You gasped trying to steady your breathing. “They call you in too?” You ask referring to the booming business you sat in.

“Nah it’s my day off and I wanted to come have a drink and bug Kenma,” he rose his hand singling said man for a drink. “But looks like I lucked out now I get to bother you all night,” he smirked.

“Oh really and who said I want to have you around I deal with you enough on Thursdays,” you smiled back with a sly look.

He feigned a look of hurt. “Ouch YN you wound me, I thought we were friends,” giving you look that definitely didn’t come off as just friendly. You just roll your eyes trying to hide your intrigue. “Well it seems I need to prove my friendship to you let me by you a drink.” He rested his hand on yours as he signaled for a refill on your drink.

You should have seen it coming but you acted surprised when after several drinks and a couple rounds of shots you found yourself in the back seat of his car. Your red panties tossed to the side somewhere in the vehicle. You were laying back as he dove under the hem your dress. Kuroo looked up to your face his lips barley an inch away from your heat. He had a devious look on his face as he watched your face flush with need. Your lips were swollen from the heated make out sessions you had outside the bar. He quirked his eyebrow teasingly his heavy breath tickling you. He was waiting. It was almost tortuous but you knew what he wanted.

You pouted your chest rising and falling from your hard breathing. “Please!” You begged. He smiled content with hearing your pleas before diving into you his tongue lapping at your wet folds. Your head fell back in pleasure as he ate you out like a man starved. Your moans filled the car as he worked his skilled tongue in and out of you. He could feel how close you were as he felt you clench around his fingers as he worked you loose. Relief flooded your body as you came on his face. Lust still flooding you as you watched him lick up all your juices. He moved up your body sealing your lips into a searing kiss you could taste your essence on his lips.

Your hands reached down his body grabbing at his bulge. He let out a groan in your ear before picking you up and placing you on his lap. He attacked you neck nippping and sucking harsh purple marks into your skin. He pulled the collar of your dress down pulling your breast out . Moving your bra down he latched his lips around your swollen nipple rolling it between his teeth. You let out a pained moan as you rolled you hips into his lap. He finally hit limit. He lifted you up as he pulled his pants and boxers down before lining his achingly hard length with your wet cunt before pulling you down on it. Both of your groans filled the space as you felt him fill you whole. You hid your face in his neck as you panted while he let you adjust to the intrusion. You could feel his hands roaming your ass pushing the skirt of your dress up. A sudden smack came to your ass. You let out a hiss. He rubbed the mark he left on your soft skin.

“Go ahead sweetheart ride my cock,” he demanded. His dirty words sent shivers over body. You did just as he said starting to move your hips up and down rotating on his dick as it reached deep inside of you. Your body was already on edge from your earlier release so it took no time to have you clenching tightly around him you next orgasm fastly approaching.

“Fuck you’re so god damn tight,” he groaned. Lust took over as he grabbed your hips holding you still as he drilled up into your pliant body. Your moans egged him on as he chased both of your climaxes. He loved the feeling of your pussy clamping down on him. Feeling you milk his cock drained him of his will and of his semen as he came deep into you.

You both sat there for a moment both coming down from your highs. Bodies worn from the intense session you had just had. He groaned throughing his head back, “fuck I didn’t wear a condom,” he cursed.

“I’m on birth control” you breathed moving off his lap. You searched for your panties sliding them on quickly trying to contain the mess between your legs.

“Good, that’s good,” he breathed a sigh of relief he looked around both of you. It seemed no one notice dyour little drunken romp in the parking lot. There was a slight awkward pause neither knowing what to say.

“Well that was great,” he offered, “uhh do you need a ride home?” He questioned.

You shook your head, “no I’ll just grab a quick Uber home,” you respond pulling your phone out to do just that.

He nodded seeming to like that idea not wanting you to walk home. “I’ll probably head back in and sober up a little before heading home. I definitely can’t drive right now. I’m not even sure my legs will get me back inside,” he laughed. You giggled as well. A chime rang from your phone, your ride would be pulling up soon.

“Hey give me your number and message me when you get phone safe.” He said taking the phone to send a message to himself successfully trading numbers. He gave you one more deep kiss before you left to catch your Uber.

That night your body passed out exhausted. You knew you were going to regret drinking so much tomorrow morning when you have to wake up for class.

And damn was your body sore. Your head was ponding from all the alcohol and the rest was sore from the wild sex you had. Still you woke up bright and early making sure to shower off any evidence from your delinquent activities. You made sure to take some Advil before leaving for school opting to skip breakfast since your stomach was still unstable from the liquor. Your morning classes were relatively easy not but extremely boring. You found yourself daydreaming through most of your history class thinking back to your night with Kuroo. Little fantasys of dates, and more long talks at the bar, even some naughty ideas popped into your head. It was almost like you willed him into existence because not two seconds later your phone vibrated. Your heart skipped a beat seeing his name pop up in your notifications. You laughed at the way he saved his number last night. Oh my god he texted me you thought you were so giddy. That was until you read the messages.

Kuroo 🥵: Hey YN.

Kuroo 🥵: Last night was a Mistake. Look I have a girlfriend and I love her so I think it’s best we pretend last night never happened. Sorry.

Ouch. That hurt.

General Taglist: @diesinspanishbcimhispanic @graykageyama

Taglist: @captain-janeway @elianetsantana

[woniepop]

girly girls

Pairing: Kang Taehyun x Fem!Reader

Word Count: 2.3K

Warnings: bullying, cursing

Genre: slice of life; fluff; angst

Summary: Three times a popular girl and a nerd were enemies, and one time where they weren’t

a/n: this fic was inspired by my all time favorite movie, Legally Blonde. I enjoyed writing this fic and I really hope you enjoy reading it :)

Y/N L/N has never been someone who liked to be cast in the shadows. Always being the center of attention, y/n has become one of the, if not the most, popular girls in her town. Homegirl is always dressed like an icon even when doing mundane tasks. Girls like her have never really been into anything “nerdy.” She associates herself with more of the bimbo kind, if you will. It was never really a secret, but she studies incredibly hard to get the chance to go to her dream school and become a great computer scientist. Being in such a large friend group of female fashion icons, there was never really anyone who wanted to talk about topics with math or computer science. 

Kang Taehyun, however, is this awkward and incredibly smart boy. Never really associated with popularity, he’s only had about four friends in his life and absolutely no dating experience. He’d always been one to shy away from attention. At most times, he found himself quietly observing others. All this, and he’s still what you would consider the teacher’s pet. He gets all his assignments done, A’s on every test, and raises his hand for every question. As a computer science enthusiast, he has worked his butt off his entire life, filling his schedule with robotics clubs, different languages of code, and coding camps. Senior year was his year. He had finally got into his dream school, TXT Tech, and had already created a very very detailed plan for the future.

Currently, Y/n’s mother was constantly trying to persuade her about fashion school. Having an incredibly fashionable mom wasn’t always the best for situations like these. TXT Tech results were coming out, and even though Y/n was confident she was getting in, there’s still the chance she might have not. Nervously waiting in front of her laptop, she sits impatiently refreshing the page for her results. Within one sentence she hops up from her chair in awe. Obviously attending the school was going to be a big turning point for her, and she was so excited to have been admitted to TXT Tech. 

As Y/n got settled on campus, she finds no one else that looks like her. Obviously, because she stands out, all attention is drawn to her. She’s confident, stylish, and hot. In a sea of gray and tan business outfits, Y/n wears a nice pink pantsuit. She’s relishing in all the attention, not seeming to mind that it’s not good, because she knew she looked good. 

Her first encounter with Taehyun couldn’t have gone worse. Walking to her class, pink drink in hand, she struts confidently to the lecture hall for her computer engineering class. Not paying attention to where she was going, she bumps into a tall figure. This clearly wasn’t the best way you could go about your first day, but all Y/n could do was apologize. 

“I’m so sorry, sir. I didn’t see where I was going and-” she rambled. Pausing in the middle of looking up, a very handsome and slightly awkward boy stands there, obviously pissed off and very annoyed. He scoffs and continues on his way to his next class.

Her second encounter with Taehyun was not great either. Clicking her high heels against the floor, she walks to her first class of the day. She had to get there early, she always had to sit in the front of the class. Taehyun on the other hand, nose buried deep in his book, walks directly to the middle. Despite loving programming, he could only handle so much attention. The class had started off well for Y/n, reviewing the class syllabus of “Principles of Programming Languages.” Taehyun, however, was pissed. He had not been called on once and was so frustrated. 

“Y/n, can you tell me the five most commonly used languages of code?” the professor asks smugly. Y/n knew what he was doing. She was being set up. She knew he thought she didn’t know and that lit a fire in her. 

“Python, Java, Javascript, C#, and C” she answers confidently. Hearing this, the professor nods his head. He wasn’t expecting that. 

Taehyun saw this as a perfect opportunity. His hand shoots up and he comments, “Sir, that’s actually incorrect. C++ is actually more popular because although C  has served as the foundation for writing languages like Python and Ruby, C++ is a newer language of code and therefore is compatible with more technology.” Taehyun confidently looks down to wear Y/n sits and smirks. Of course she wouldn’t know that. She’s only the popular rich girl that got in with Daddy’s money. She didn’t actually know anything, right?

It had been a few months since school had started, and finals were just about to come around. For this class’ final, they had to submit a partner project and code a simple game. At this point, it had been very blatantly established that Y/n and Taehyun were enemies. They despised each other. Always competing with each other in class, snickering when the other person got annoyed. It was a silent war between the two of them and everyone could feel the tension in the air. Obviously, it was no surprise they always came up at the top of the class, interchanging the first spot every test. What was surprising, however, was seeing their names together on the partner project roster. 

Taehyun was furious. College was supposed to be his bitch, but now he’s acting like Y/n’s bitch. He was so pissed off. Computer science was supposed to be where he had the upper hand. The one place he could feel himself. Where he was finally better than the stupid popular kids. And yet, he’s here, competing with one of them. It wasn’t fair. She was a girly girl, she wore bright colors everyday, she even had a sparkly notebook. How was she so smart? There was no way, it’s just the laws of the universe. You had to choose between looks and intelligence. That’s just what the gods above said. There’s no take backsies. 

It’s no secret that Y/n is a fashionable girl and having a female centric hobby isn’t really something applauded at this university. Knowing of Y/n’s insecurities, let’s talk about Taehyun’s. Having always worn non adventurous, boring, clothing, he’s known from the very beginning that Y/n’s beauty has helped her in life. Life is never fair, and it shows. Taehyun never ever got those advantages, and now here he is competing with someone just as smart as him. 

 As his jealousy grows in the back of his mind, he decides to use this time to take revenge. The next few days are spent typing away in the library, collaborating and researching for hours upon hours. Knowing that this project was worth 40% of their grade, they spent all their time trying to make this game perfect. 

The day of the presentation of their near perfect game rolls around and Y/n was confident. She had spent countless nights coding this with Taehyun and on her own. Starting the presentation off, Taehyun pulls up a game completely different to the one Y/n coded with him. “In this day and age, gaming has become a hobby more popular than it’s ever been. With platforms like twitch and youtube, all different types of games can catch the eyes of a wide audience. With this in mind, I’d like to present to you Jackbox Party Pack 8. Roleplay games have become the genre of choice for many gamers to play, and viewers to watch.” 

This was not the first person shooter Y/n had coded with him. What was he doing? Y/n stood there, not really knowing what to say. Opening and closing her mouth, she couldn’t form any words. She should have known this was a set up. “Ms. L/n, please continue.” The professor says. She couldn’t. She felt like she was frozen. She was so embarrassed and she should’ve seen it coming. With cheeks welling up in her eyes, she runs out of the classroom. 

With a smirk, Taehyun continued on, explaining how the game worked and how he had coded it. He had spent the past few nights coding it by himself and he was incredibly proud. Paying no mind to Y/n, he stood tall and smiled throughout his entire presentation. Obviously, like any normal person, guilt started growing quickly in the back of his mind. He finally realized he had fucked up. 

Running after Y/n, Taehyun felt incredibly guilty. He had taken the competition too far, and now he’d made someone innocent fail a required class. After running for what felt like hours, he found Y/n crying under a tree. He knelt down and offered her some tissues. Aggravated, she smacks the tissues away and tells him to leave.

Y/n, on the other hand, felt so angry. How could he do this to her? She hadn’t done anything wrong, and if he didn’t like the way she dressed or the way she conducted herself that was fine. All she needed was her to believe in herself and that got her into TXT Tech. While thinking about all the ways she could end Taehyun, she feels arms wrap around her. They’re 🤮Taehyun’s. Before she can rip his arms off, he speaks up. 

“Look Y/n, I’m really sorry about that whole thing I pulled back there. I’ll talk to the professor and give him the real project. I really took it too far and I’ll do anything to make it up to you.” He begs. 

“Um,, no? I don’t care? That was literally so embarrassing. If you really wanted to make it up to me you’d leave me alone.” Y/n pushes him off her harshly and storms off. How dare he? It probably took his two seconds to come up with that half assed apology. This was unbelievable. 

Y/n started trudging through the grass back to her dorm. All she wanted to do was take a warm shower and cry in her bed. She hated everyone. She wanted him to suffer just as much as she did, but she couldn’t do that. 

After two whole days of sobbing in her bed, she decided she was craving her signature pink drink. She really didn’t feel like going out, but delivering one drink would cost like $15. Y/n throws on a casual pink outfit. It’s very different from what she wore at the beginning of the school year, but the one thing that never changed was the color pink. Even in her depressive mood, she still wanted to dress up. She felt most comfortable wearing stylish clothing, that was her home. 

Stepping into the store, she sees Taehyun sitting at a table alone. You know when you see old people sitting along and you feel so bad for them you start tearing up? Like what if they lost their spouse or something :(((((. So anyway, Taehyun gives her lonely old people energy and regardless of what he did to her, she decides to keep him company. 

“Hey, um, can i sit here?” Y/n asks. Taehyun was so surprised. She wanted to sit with him? But he was so mean to her? He nodded his head and sat quietly. The past two days she could tell Taehyun had done a lot of thinking. She could tell he did it because he felt threatened. That wasn’t enough to forgive him, but at least she was being nice about it. 

Taehyun gets up and leaves. He comes back with a pink drink in hand, maybe as an apology. “I really want to apologize to you again, Y/n. Yesterday I don’t know if you saw, but the professor graded the actual project instead, and I had told him everything and that I’d deserve it if he failed me instead.” Y/n wanted to be happy but she wasn’t. She didn’t want him to fail after helping her code the game with her. Maybe she was so nice to him because she had matured, or maybe because she felt something different in Taehyun. Even so, a little embarrassment, she thought, wasn’t enough to cause a person to fail their whole class. Holding his hand on the table, she nods, a silent way she decided to forgive him. 

“Well, at least we’re not the worst team. I think group 7 coded a Niki Minaj roblox world.” Taehyun jokes. 

She laughs. “That’s so funny, what the heck? I guess we just have some hardcore barbs in this class.” People like Taehyun and people like Y/n were never meant to be friends in the first place, but maybe now they were starting to. Y/n, who was always challenging the term “girly girl.” Who always stressed that you have to believe in yourself when the rest of the world is against you. Y/n who became successful, without changing who she was. Y/n, who was feminine and wanted to show that was never a weakness. And Taehyun, who was always unadventurous. Who was never into fashion but still managed to pull off his nerdy outfits with his cute face. The passionate Taehyun whose only hobby seemed like studying. Gossiping for hours at the cafe, they realized this. They were starting to become friends. No one ever expected them to even be able to hold a friendly conversation, but here Y/n was, challenging everyone again. 

[yungidreamer]

Fragile

Summary: It’s fall in Paris and the jazz club Le Chat Noir is bored immortal vampire Yunho’s favorite hunting grounds. Among the crush of bodies, there to see the show and dance the night away, San takes a seat at his table. Will San get more than he bargained for when he accepts a drink and a dance with the handsome stranger at the hottest place in town?

Wordcount: 5.9k

Content warnings: very much NSFW, vampire bites and blood drinking, references to casual sex with multiple partners, slightly subby San, slightly dom Yunho, oral sex, hand job, the risk of death, and two hedonists seeking pleasure with each other. It is heavily implied that both San and Yunho are bi/pan in orientation.

La Chat Noir, Paris France, 1924

Music flowed through the air of the club, moving languorously as if the smoke in the air slowed its passage. A faint buzzing sound hid behind it thanks to the low light of the new fangled bulbs that were tucked into sconces on the walls that mimicked the old gas lights that had been in use a mere decade or so ago. Such a small amount of time, Yunho sighed. Some days he missed their constant hiss, that sound just felt...calming. Like a constant whisper, telling the secrets of the nightowls and scoundrels who stayed out in the city during those hours that belonged to people like him.

Still, the place was as good a hunting ground as he had ever found. People didn’t change. They were always chasing that moment of pleasure that made their short existence worthwhile. Always drinking, gorging and *ahem* loving their way through life as much as their status and circumstances would allow. So small, so finite, so… fragile. It was sad really. They seemed to struggle, at odds with the desire to live like they only had today while, nearly simultaneously, trying to live those mere 100 years some of them might have. If they were lucky. Though why they would want to live so long as their bodies deteriorated with each passing day was beyond him.

Eternity was bad enough with eternal youth. When you had to age. Yunho shuddered.

Pushing through the crush of youth, Yunho made his way towards the bar. The smell of bodies, sweat and skin, mixed with the tobacco of cigars and thin cigarettes all of the liberated women kept between their manicured fingers as they drank and laughed. Over that drifted the smell of whiskey, wine, and whatever spirits the bartenders were deciding to experiment with tonight.

Perfumes swam by on the air that surrounded their wearers. Musk, ambergris, vetiver, and hints of the sharp floral notes of women who still wore the classic rose or jasmine. With each one that passed Yunho couldn’t help but pause for half a second to see how well it matched the wearer. Was it a scent that accentuated the character of whoever it was on, or was it a mask; something false they put on as they tried to pretend, just for tonight they weren’t some nameless bookkeeper on the third floor of one of the new steel and glass monstrosities that reached vainly for the sky?

In the back of the last room he found a small round table, flicking over the little card that said Reserved as he took his seat. It was his table, it was always his table. From here he could watch the throngs kick and sway on the open dance floor, or the beautiful dancers as they performed their numbers to the music of the band. He absolutely loved their outfits, all silk and beading, showing so much of their delicate skin.

Maybe some things are improving with time, he reflected, sipping his Southside. Little of the taste came through to his taste buds, but the chill of the mint slid down his throat and the sharp tannin of the lime was tacky on his tongue. Plus, his trifles seemed to enjoy the freshness it brought to his lips and who was he to deny them that last… little… pleasure.

On the floor in the glare of the spotlight two sisters danced in unison in their feathers and silk. The rhinestones on their belts and cloche hats glinted as they moved to the music, flashing lushous stretches of their shapely legs. This was their third night performing at the club and word had gotten around. The club had filled just a little more with each passing night with everyone who wanted to catch the appropriately risque performance. Gentlemen brought their friends, and occasionally, the lady they hoped to sway with the low lights, the free music of the jazz, and the sensual movements of the dancers.

The more free spirited women came in small groups, and very occasionally, alone. Finally they were allowed to go out as they pleased, they could have jobs, smoke, and support themselves. The freedom was well deserved, if not always well or wisely used. Then again, who was he, or anyone else frankly, to tell them what to do with that freedom. Over the centuries he had certainly seen plenty of men squander that precious thing called freedom. Perhaps, if fate had changed by just a hair, he would have been one of the poor souls, living and dying in a flash, leaving barely a trace of his existence. But, fate had chosen a different path for him and instead he had seen centuries pass before him, time flowing like a rushing river. It was all much the same even if he could never step into the same stream twice.

“Do you mind if I sit here?” A voice asked, rising just high enough over the hum of the room to reach his ear. Yunho looked up to find a young man with sharp features standing near the back of the chair on the other side of the table. A quirk turned the corner of Yunho’s lips as he gave him an assessing look. It was brave of him to come and ask to share the table; it reeked of a confidence that Yunho liked.

“Please,” Yunho gestured to the chair, sitting up just a shade straighter. The young man nodded, gracefully slipping into the black lacquer chair. He was dressed in a fashionable suit in crisp black and white, perhaps stylish but not rich. Yunho didn’t think he had seen him before; he seemed like the sort he would have remembered. His hair was dark and glossy, almost like the chair he had taken a seat in. It was cut in a clean, modern style that made him look like he belonged in a place like this. His face was lovely, high cheekbones and smooth creamy skin that seemed to shine from the inside out with that warm glow that only health and youth could bestow.

“Are they as good as they have been hyped up to be?” The young man asked, keeping his narrow, dark eyes on the ladies in the spotlight.

“They are good,” Yunho agreed, leaning in so he didn’t have to raise his voice to be heard. He sipped from his glass, held with a blase confidence using only two fingers, eyes staying on his table companion.

“They’re beautiful,” He commented, sparing a glance for Yunho as he too leaned in towards the table.

“They’re pretty enough, and lovely in their shape,” Yunho agreed, though his eyes seemed unwilling to look back at the subjects of whom he spoke.

“The music is quite good as well, isn’t it?” He asked, trying not to look like he had noticed the gaze on him.

“It’s… intoxicating,” Yunho agreed. “Can I ask your name?”

“San,” the young man answered. “Choi San.”

“Hello San,” Yunho extended his free hand over the table to him. “I’m Yunho.”

“Nice to meet you,” San took the extended hand, giving it a firm, confident shake. Yunho held onto the warm hand just a couple of seconds longer than he ought to, enjoying the dry warmth of the other man’s palm in his. San let him, only drawing his hand back when Yunho let go.

“Are you new around here?” Yunho asked, curious about the man across from him for a number of reasons.

“Just moved here a few months ago,” San nodded. “Got my first job as a law clerk. The money is good enough and if I do well enough the prospects for promotion are good.”

“How fortunate you are,” Yunho smiled, tipping his glass to him encouragingly.

“My parents were happy enough,” San gave a small chuckle. “After all they spent on my education, they feel like I owe them nothing less.”

“Such dullards aren’t they,” Yunho commiserated. “Stuck in the past along with all of their ideas and mores.”

“Well, they certainly wouldn’t think a place like this is where I ought to be spending my time or money,” San agreed, happy to have found a comrade in arms.

“What’s the point in youth if you waste it shut in offices and school rooms,” Yunho asked rhetorically, a hand under his chin.

“Exactly,” San gave a single nod. “I work hard. I can spend my free time doing something fun, whatever that may be.”

“Is this your idea of fun?” There was a teasing edge to Yunho’s voice, like the cool touch of a blade as it brushed flesh without cutting it.

“Not sure yet,” San sat forward, giving Yunho an assessing look as he moved his chin to rest on the heel of his hand. “It’s my first time here, but at least the company seems promising.”

“Would you like something; a drink?” Yunho questioned, emptying the last of his drink from his glass.

“I can--” San started to stand before Yunho stopped him, simply raising a hand and, a moment later, almost as if she had been conjured from nothingness, a waitress appeared beside them.

“Two more,” Yunho said, passing her the empty glass. Without a word she nodded and walked away to do as she had been bid. It didn’t take long for their drinks to appear and Yunho picked his up, offering a silent toast to San before taking a sip. San followed suit, bringing the drink to his lips.

“This is quite good,” San said, looking at the drink again, after having had a taste.

“Isn’t it?” Yunho agreed. “Refreshing.”

“Yes,” San nodded, taking another sip as he noticed the light dim as the spotlight was snuffed. As the dancers left the floor he observed, “They were decent but maybe they didn’t quite live up to the hype.”

“Life rarely does,” a jadedness filled Yunho’s tone.

“Do you really find life here so dreary?” San felt a sympathy for him, slightly sad that the other man seemed to feel the world was so dull.

“Often,” Yunho admitted. “But sometimes there is a glimmer of intrigue to things.”

“I hope I won’t find myself so easily bored by the attractions of life here,” San chuckled.

“Don’t worry,” Yunho promised. “I’m a bit of a special case. I have perhaps seen too much to find fascination so easily anymore.” The band struck up again and the lights raised enough to allow people to get up and make their way onto the dance floor. Couples made their way out onto the floor that had been the platform for the performance. The low light and the slow jazz made the room feel small and intimate even as the couples brushed against one another on the dance floor.

“Would you like to dance with me?” Yunho asked, leaning as close as he could to whisper the question.

“Can we?” San’s eyes widened slightly at the suggestion.

“No one judges here,” Yunho assured him. “Look.” He gestured out to the floor and San’s gaze followed. Nestled in among the pairs of men and women were a few pairs of girls, arms clinging as they danced closely, and men swaying in each other's arms. Surprise flickered across San’s face. These things, they just weren’t usually done, and yet…

“Shall we?” Yunho stood up and extended a hand to San. For a beat, he just looked at it. Did he dare? Pressing his lips into a hard line, San stood up and took Yunho’s hand. With a victorious grin, Yunho led San out onto a dim corner of the dance floor.

San hadn’t noticed just how tall Yunho was when he was just sitting across from him. It was only when the other man pulled him more tightly against his body as they squeezed in among the other pairs, that he noticed how Yunho towered over him by a decent amount. San swallowed past his nerves and snaked his arms around the other man’s waist and chest. 

Yunho held him close, pressing the side of his jaw to the other man’s temple and breathing in the smell of him. Everything about San was warm and vibrant including his scent. He wore no cologne, not trying to disguise himself or be anything more than he was. Beneath the faint smell of soap was the scent of him, of his skin. Cedar and sage with notes of grapefruit and lime, and somewhere below that was something warm and masculine… like the old leather of an armchair in a study that had taken on a hint of the cigars that had been smoked there over the years.

Yunho’s mouth practically watered, knowing that San would taste so very good. He would be warm and nourishing, bringing Yunho that little step closer to feeling alive again. It wasn’t that he missed that fragile mortality that he had lost so long ago. Rather he loved that heat. The borrowed, clandestine taste of vitality. He could have both if he chose; immortality and that feel of his heart beating in his chest. Well, for a moment at least.

One song bled into a second and a third as an hour ticked by nearly unnoticed by the pair. The couples around them came and went, getting a little more drunk and a little more boisterous as the time passed.

“Would you like to go somewhere?” Yunho murmured into the shell of San’s ear before pulling back and hooking his finger under San’s chin to bring his eyes up to meet his own. San gave a brief nod and Yunho smiled, leaning down to brush a barely there kiss to the corner of San’s mouth.

“Your place?” Yunho proposed, offering an inviting smile. San nodded again, his gaze falling hungrily to Yunho’s lips. Leading the way through the crowd, Yunho took them both out onto the street, hailing the first passing cab.

Yunho pressed San back against the door to his apartment in the dimly lit hall of his floor. He let out a small moan as he fumbled in his pocket for the key he knew was there. Yunho’s lips on his were insistent even as they moved at a leisurely pace against his own. San had always had wants, desires, but never dared to act on them. Women were pretty, they were attractive, too, but there had always been that part of him that couldn’t help but watch as a confident man walked by. That confident swagger of a guy who knew exactly how sexy he was; it just set something in his stomach tingling.

San pulled away when he finally felt the cool metal in his palm, just enough to work the key in the lock with his slightly shaking hands. The door popped open and Yunho pushed them both inside the small studio that was San’s place. It was dim, only lit at the moment by the shine of the streetlights outside the single window on the wall opposite the door. Clicking the door closed behind them, Yunho pulled San tightly against him. He was hungry for him in more way than one.

San groped for the switch on the wall, reluctant to pull away from the embrace of the other man. He was afraid if he gave them too much space, a second to think at just the wrong moment, whatever was going to happen… wouldn’t. Giving up on the switch, San guided the other man towards the small brass framed bed located towards one side of the room. He pulled him along, guiding him without pulling away until he felt the edge of the frame hit the back of his calves. Dropping to a sitting position on the bed, San started fumbling with the button at the waist of Yunho’s pants.

“There’s no rush,” Yunho chuckled, putting his long elegant fingers over San’s, stilling them.

“Sorry,” San said quietly, thankful for the darkness that would hide his blush, or it would have, to someone other than a vampire. Yunho found it charming, almost quaint, how eager and yet shy he was. This clearly wasn’t a regular thing for him, unlike Yunho. It wasn’t that any warm body was good, but almost any would do and some he felt better about leaving half drained in some dark room than others. He’d try to be careful with San, after all, it might actually be nice to see him again sometime and that couldn’t happen with a body in the morgue.

Yunho took a seat, the springs of the bed creaking under their combined weight. Leaning in, Yunho cupped San’s cheek, guiding his face back to his for another kiss. San gladly leaned in to his slightly chilled lips, something he attributed to the chill of the fall weather outside. 

Yunho’s fingers brushed over his cheek and down to hold the side of his neck, feeling the soft, warm pulse just below. Following the same path as his fingers, Yunho’s lips brushed over the flushed skin until he found the right place. He licked, his teeth gently running over it, testing the other man’s reaction. The last thing he needed was to have him pull away, rip the tender flesh of his own neck open with a careless yank. When San only moaned and tilted his head to give the other man better access, Yunho took that as permission to have just a little taste.

As he sucked in a small bit of San’s flesh into his mouth his hand traveled down over the other man’s chest to tentatively rest on the growing erection still hidden beneath the soft wool of his suit. San sucked in his breath but didn’t pull away. Yunho bit down, feeling the trickle of blood spill into his mouth as he palmed San’s member. He felt it twitch as he fed from him, pleasure slinking through him with each gulping tug of Yunho’s mouth as he drank. He needed just enough for now, enough to warm his skin and fill his aching member to fullness. Tonight he wanted to have everything. With a lick he closed the cuts on San’s neck and pulled back to look at him, still flushed, still beautiful in his youthfulness.

San took a deep breath, the ripples of pleasure still rebounding in him. He couldn’t help but wonder why he had stopped. Had he done something wrong. Feeling inexplicably tired, he had to make an effort to open his eyes and look up into the gaze of the man beside him. Yunho smiled down at him with lips that San would swear looked a little sweeter, a little fuller, a little pinker than they had a few moments ago. It’s the aphrodisiac of the pleasure, it’s all in your head, he told himself.

“Can I touch you?” San asked, his dark eyes searching Yunho’s for signs that he was having second thoughts.

“Please,” Yunho agreed, guiding San’s hand to his now full erection. San went to his knees on the oak parquet that covered the floor of his apartment. His fingers, still feeling a little shaky, went to the warm black bone button that held the waistband of Yunho’s pants closed. It only took a second for him to slip the fastening through the slit in the fine fabric. With his fly open, Yunho lifted his hips to allow San to pull the clothes on the lower half of his body down and off, letting them pool around his ankles as the other man took a moment to gather his courage. Not yet ready to look up as butterflies fluttered in his stomach, San took a moment to gently pull off Yunho’s shoes, socks, and pants, carefully placing them near the foot of the bed on the floor. He turned, finally looking up to see Yunho, his shirt half unbuttoned from his collar down, leaning back casually, his long, hard dick framed by the inverted V from the last button on the placket as it opened down to the lower hem. He had never seen anything so tempting in his life. From the muscled smoothness of his chest and the breadth of his still covered shoulders, to his thick muscular thighs, Yunho was temptation.

“Won’t you taste me?” Yunho asked, running the fingertips of one hand up the inside of his thigh. San nodded, scooting forward and sitting on his heels to bring himself just a little higher between Yunho’s legs. Using one hand for leverage, San wrapped the other around the base of Yunho’s cock and brought it to his lips. He had never tasted another man, but, having been on the other end of such a thing more than once, he had a fair idea of where to start. Taking just the head into his mouth, he swirled his tongue around the tip. Yunho let out the sweetest low, rumbling moan San had ever heard.

The hand on Yunho’s thigh dropped so that San could reach down and stroke himself lightly, needing just a little relief, a little sensation as he strained against his pants. When Yunho’s hand caressed his cheek, San opened his eyes to look at him up the plane of his body. A shock of lust pooled in his stomach and he slid his mouth further down, watching pleasure flow across the features of the other man, lit only in profile from the dim light outside. The dimness and quiet of the room somehow made every sound, every movement just that shade more intense.

“You have a wonderful mouth,” Yunho complemented, a breathlessness suffusing his voice. Part of San wanted to say thank you, but most of him just wanted to show the other man just how good his mouth was. Sinking down until the tip brushed against the back of his throat, San tested his limits. He wanted all of him, he wanted to devour him with pleasure, but Yunho was not small. He wasn’t even average, if San would have taken a guess based on himself and on peeks he had gotten of others. Yunho was big, and even when he had sunk down until he felt him fill his mouth and brush the soft skin at the back of his throat, he had barely taken 2/3rds of him in.

San bobbed up and down a few more times, practicing letting his jaw move loosely over Yunho’s length as he built up a slick of saliva that eased his movements. Trying again, San sunk down to see how far he could go, pushing past that discomfort to feel the head slide down against the back of his throat. A tickle built in his throat and tears pooled in his eyes as he pulled off to cough.

“It’s okay, sweets,” Yunho leaned forward, cradling San’s teary cheeks in his hands. “I know I’m big, it feels good even if you can’t take it all.”

“I—” San started before the tickle built back up and he had to cough again, sniffling as his nose ran slightly from the sensation and his tears. “I know, but I like the feel of you, I like the way you slide into me.”

“Just don’t force yourself,” Yunho agreed, swiping away the tears with the pads of his thumbs. “We have time and those sweet lips feel wonderful wrapped around me.” San nodded, blinking away the blur to his vision a few more times before he parted his lips and took Yunho back in his mouth, a little more cautiously this time.

Sliding his head up and down what he could take of his length, San sucked and licked and tasted the salty treat that was Yunho. As he worked him, he could taste the gooey tang of his pre-cum coating his tongue now and again as his pleasure built. Yunho watched him, eyes hooded as the sight of San throwing himself into what he was doing with near abandon added to the rising tide of pleasure that was flooding him.

San still pushed himself, diving down the length of Yunho until he couldn’t struggle past his length and gagged or had his throat spasm at the invasion. Each time Yunho groaned, often twitching at the sensation of the muscles in San’s throat stroking him. When he managed to slide him particularly far down his throat he was rewarded with the sight of Yunho throwing his head back and letting out a breathless gasp.

“Ahh, fuck,” he panted, one hand gripping the sheets and another fisting in San’s soft hair. “I’m close… I’m so close.” San took this as encouragement, moving faster, then, going as deeply as he could and pausing for as long as his body would let him. It took only a few times of San repeating this to push Yunho over the edge and he was rewarded with the feel of the pulsing gush of the other man coming down his throat. It was warm and slick and moved slowly as it slid down into him, savoring the sensation.

“You’re an angel,” Yunho praised, guiding San off him and bringing his pink, swollen lips to his own for a kiss. He licked away a little of the saliva that glistened on the lower lip of the man still kneeling between his legs. He could still taste a little of himself there as well, an enchanting addition to the sweetness of the other man’s hot lips.

“Can you touch me?” San asked, steadying himself by putting his hands on Yunho’s spread knees.

“Come sit with me,” Yunho coaxed. San nodded, wiping the dampness off his chin and he pulled himself up. He started to move to take a seat beside Yunho on the bed, but, catching him by the wrist, the other man guided him to sit between his spread legs. Yunho’s hands went to San’s chest, pressing him back against him. San relaxed in his arms enjoying just the moment of being held in the other man’s long and lean arms.

“Do you mind if I undress you?” Yunho asked, running his hand down over San’s taught stomach. San nodded, using his own hand to press Yunho’s more firmly against his own body. Yunho chuckled, pressing a kiss to the other man’s temple before he freed his hands to start working on removing the slightly rumpled looking suit. His fingers were quick and efficient with the buttons at the front of his shirt, flicking them open with barely any effort. When the shirt was completely open, Yunho slid it and the jacket off San’s muscular shoulders, bearing his smooth and muscular chest to the room. Yunho hooked them both to the nob of the headboard, letting them hang so they wouldn’t get any more wrinkled than they already were. When that was done, he brought his hands back to San’s smooth body, letting his palms run over the line of his ribs and down to his hips, before making their way forward to the fastening at the front of his pants. Yunho couldn’t stop himself from running a teasing hand over the front of his trousers to feel the tempting length just barely hidden there.

“Lift for me,” Yunho instructed when he had undone San’s pants and hooked his thumbs into the waistband of both his pants and underwear. San eagerly lifted his hips, pushing his weight onto his hands and feet to allow Yunho to slide the fabric down and let his erection spring forth. When he put his weight back down, Yunho pulled him back into the V of his thighs and against his half bared chest as San kicked off the last of his clothes.

“Can… can you take off your shirt?” San asked without turning around, having felt the abrasion of the round buttons against his shoulder blade.

“Of course,” Yunho pressed a kiss to San’s bare shoulder, then leaned back enough to finish opening the last of the buttons before taking his shirt off and tossing it onto one corner of the foot of the bed. With both of them fully naked, Yunho scooted back until he could feel the wall against his back, scooping San into the cradle of his body so that he could resume his exploration of his form.

“Please touch me,” San breathed, leaning his head back against Yunho’s broad shoulder. “It feels like I’ve been waiting so long.” San’s restless hands moved up and down the textured length of Yunho’s hard thighs.

“I will, sweet,” Yunho soothed. “I just want to get to know you.” San could feel the smile that pressed against the side of his face as Yunho spoke. He felt harder than he could ever remember feeling and his body begged for release. Yunho could sense his impatience. It was written into every squirm and the tense line of his body. “Shhhhh,” he soothed, rubbing his nose in the loose locks of San’s hair.

“Just hold me, there,” he pleaded, guiding Yunho’s hand to his length. “You don’t have to move yet, but just touch me.”

“Alright,” Yunho agreed, his hand loosely gripping San’s hot, hard erection. It was soft under his hand, like velvet or suede covered steel. San let out a tense sigh, closing his eyes and enjoying the way Yunho’s slightly cooler hand seemed to envelop him. Keeping his grip light, Yunho moved his hand up and down, letting that first hint of sensation tingle over San’s nerves, half teasing and half relief. His other hand held San to him on his chest, just the tip of one finger moving to abrade the hardened nipple it could reach. Goosebumps rose on San’s skin and he shivered under the combination of sensations. San’s fingers gripped Yunho’s thighs just above the knees with a careless strength that would have left fingermark bruises on anyone else. Luckily Yunho couldn’t bruise, not that easily at least, and he loved the feedback that was telling him he was touching him just right.

“Tilt your head a little,” Yunho coaxed. “I want to reach your neck.”

San gladly tilted his head to the side, his member twitching just at the memory of the sensation of whatever he had done to his neck before. Yunho brushed his lips over the pulse in San’s neck as he began to move his hand a little faster, his grip just a little tighter as he did so. San moaned and shifted impatiently under the touch. Everything felt so good and he wasn’t sure why. It hadn’t been that long since he had been satisfied and by more than just his own hand. And it had been good, she had been good. The faint memory of sucking a soft nipple on the soft mound of a breast fluttered through his mind, as transient and insubstantial as a leaf caught in the draft of a strong gust that dies as quickly as it rose.

The sensation of Yunho running the pad of his thumb over the slick slit of his tip brought him back to the present. San sighed, his toes curling at the sensation. Pleasure washed through him, stealing his breath and stopping his mind from focusing on anything outside of the circle of Yunho’s arms.

Yunho’s lips teased the soft skin just under San’s ear, taking in his scent as he waited for the moment to bite. He wanted to feed at the moment he came, extending that pleasure and sweetening the taste of his blood with the rush of adrenaline and delight. Slowly increasing the pace of his movements, he varied his attention between stroking the whole length and giving the tip special attention, careful to not go to the point of over stimulating it.

“I’m so close,” San brought a hand up to hold the back of Yunho’s head as his lips sucked harder at the skin of his neck. “Please, whatever you did before, I want it again.”

“Patience, sweet,” Yunho hummed against him. “Almost there. Almost.” In a moment the pleasure suddenly crested and San held his breath as that first second of pleasure shocked through him before Yunho bit down. The bite magnified the sensation, making it reverberate through him with the resonance of a pitchfork struck against a hard surface.

Yunho sucked and fed, pulling every ounce of pleasure he could from San as he did so. San seemed frozen under his touch, unable to do more than just feel the power and the delight as it danced along every nerve in his body. It only faded as his limbs grew heavy and black spots began to float in patches in his vision. 

Yunho closed the wounds and pulled away when he felt and heard that tell-tale stutter in the beat of San’s heart. He could continue. He could draw out that pleasure until the thudding stopped. It would be so easy and San was such a willing victim. He would never find it in himself in that moment to utter the word stop. It just felt too good. But Yunho did, he pulled back, holding San as he went limp, losing consciousness and falling into a blackness that was deep and quiet.

His heartbeat was slow but steady and Yunho was relatively certain that he would wake sometime tomorrow, perhaps sore and surprised to feel so hungover when he only had that one drink. Yunho gently laid him down in the bed, drawing the covers up over his beautiful naked body, making sure that he was in something that looked like a comfortable position. As he looked down, in his chest, his heart moved faintly in something that could almost be mistaken for beating. Almost.

Picking up his clothes, he carefully redressed, trying to look his best, despite a few wrinkles and creases that were too stubborn to be pulled or brushed away. He paused at a mirror, smoothing down his hair again, leaving it almost looking untouched by the events of the night. Casting a glance back at the man lying so prettily unconscious in the bed, Yunho couldn’t help but smile.

Going over to the desk, Yunho shuffled through a few drawers before he found a small pad of paper with a page he could rip out to scribble something.

I hope the morning finds you well, he wrote in a flowing hand that belied his age if someone paid enough attention. If you ever feel like a repeat performance, you know where to find me. He signed the bottom of the page with an ornate Y before picking up the page and folding it in half. Taking a moment, he neatly arranged San’s discarded clothes in the hopes it would make his morning just a little bit more pleasant. He pocketed the key taking it from San’s pocket where he had slipped it after letting them in. Taking the note, he slipped it into one of San’s shoes, sure that it would be secure there and not lost in the shuffle of papers that might belong on one of the counters in his home.

With one last caress of the other man’s cheek, Yunho stood up and quietly made his way to the front door. Slipping out into the hall, he clicked the door shut behind him, turning the key in the lock before dropping it back inside though the mail slot. With a fresh vigor and a skip in his step, and with the faint smell of cedar and sage clinging to him, Yunho made his way out of the apartment building and onto the cool, damp streets of Paris in fall. It really had been the best night he’d had in ages. With any luck, someday soon, that sweet, fragile man would step back into Le Chat Noir and back into his life. Until then, he’d have to be satisfied with other passing fancies and the memory of a very lovely night.

Masterlist

[theobxhummingbird]

SLIPPING NOTES. -JJ MAYBANK X READER

Summary: From calling her ugly, to not taking his eyes off; JJ Maybank couldn’t hold back his feelings for Y/N.

A/N: Here’s me and my JJ x reader imagines again. I hope you like this one and please request an imagine. Just click on ask annika and I’ll be more than thrilled to write it for you. 🥰 P.S: Look at those arms dude (sorry I had to 🤤🤤🤤)

It all started with a few words, from the boy she didn’t ever want to hear a word from. Or, at least never hear the words he said to her face. Y/N had never been insecure about her body. She dressed in simple clothes; simple being her style. Sometimes, when she had to go to a birthday party or a kegger; jewelry or bandanas were her touch up. Her hair was, what their friends stated, the most beautiful they’ve ever seen and she really took a good care of it. It was naturally pretty and she had no problem with it. And it all went perfectly fine, until that one boy, known for his chase-tailing girls around Outer Banks and his masters in what type is the hottest or prettiest, had the drunken idea of telling his long time friend that she’s ugly. Yeah...ugly.

From that day on, Y/N never went to keggers again, neither did she attend any public events that involved JJ. He was a handsome guy; blonde hair, blue eyes, tanned body; your known heartthrob. But, Y/N and her little crush on him never really got the same reaction and attention as much as he did.

Her friends hadn’t been hanging out with her lately and they really got concerned of why she preferred being home more, than at the Chateau or the Wreck. Sarah contacted her through texting the group chat her, Kie and Y/N have:

Sarah💅: Y/N love, are you alive in this world?

Kie🐬: Yeah Y/N, we haven’t seen you for weeks now. Are you okay?

Y/N🥰: I’m doing fine guys, don’t worry.

Sarah💅 :Yeah, but we do, when we haven’t seen our best friend for weeks. Can we come over, are you free?

Kie🐬: I need to show you the new clothes I bought earlier asap!!!

Y/N🥰: Of course you can come. I’m waiting for you.

Sarah💅: See you girlie😘

Kie🐬:💋

While she prepared some snacks and drinks for when Kie and Sarah come, Y/N listened to some music. She didn’t put the volume up too much, so she could hear the door. And when she did, the two girls came inside, getting suspicious at why their friend’s wearing baggy clothes in the middle of the summer, but they shrugged it, happy to see her after a long time.

-There’s a kegger tonight, and I’m definitely wearing one of these shirts. -said Kie, putting the stylish clothes she got in the bags.

-Who’s hosting the kegger?

-JJ and John B of course. JJ’s been looking forward to it for a whole week now. He said that there were new girls in town and he was going to get lucky or something. -said Sarah, rolling her eyes.

-Right. Well, have a great time.

-What do you mean?! You’re not coming?

-No, I am not coming.

-Y/N, you’ve been skipping these public gatherings for a long time now and we start to worry, what’s the problem? -Kie placed her elbows on the table.

-Nothing’s the problem----just----I got bored of keggers, that’s all.

-Come, please, we’re going to have so much fun. -pleased Sarah.

She quietly started to think and decide, if this is her night of finally getting a small revenge on JJ’s words: “You are ugly!”

-Okay, I’ll come. -she assured them and drank her water. Sarah and Kie high fived each other and enjoyed Y/N’s company, until they separated to go and get ready for tonight’s party. Y/N told them not to wait for her, because she’ll arrive alone, giving an excuse of helping her mother quickly, before attending the party.

-

She was stood in front of the mirror, observing her put together self. Thigh length, white jeans, a white cropped top and a purple and pink flannel with purple, short heels. Her body was now perfectly curved and her skin was clear from the constant care and sunbathing. Her hair smelled nice and it was wavy. Y/N was definitely ready for this party.

All eyes were on Kie and Sarah that night; everyone looking at their outfits, until they were no longer looking their way, rather now their mouths were split in shock and looking at the entrance. She walked to her two friends like a model and all the boys whistled her way to them. Sarah and Kie still couldn’t make out if it was Y/N or some other girl.

-Are you---Y/N or am I tripping? -said Sarah.

-It’s me. -said Y/N, trying her best not to run home and change into something she’d normally wear to a party.

-You look stunning and in its every meaning. -said Kie, spinning her around.

JJ’s eyes, trailed down her perfect body, getting a bit too lost at a girl he called ugly not too long ago. His skin was sprinkled with goosebumps and his heart rate was faster than ever. He hardly held back himself from not going to her. But when he heard Pope and John B, deciding to approach them, he couldn’t miss the chance.

-Hello, girls. -said John B, throwing an arm around Sarah; Pope doing the same.

-Hi. -Y/N said quickly.

-Dude, -started Pope, -how did you manage to change so quick?

-What do you mean? I just treated myself a new style.-she winked at the boy.

-It looks great though.

-Thank you Pope.

-You literally had the biggest change of your life, but it suits you well. I mean, you can see that, since all eyes are basically on you. -said John B, looking around him to see guys smirking their way.

-I feel uncomfortable. -said Y/N, slightly closing her flannel. JJ didn’t say a word; he was stunned to his very core and all he could do was just admire her.

-

-Jack! -said a guy from behind Y/N with a put out hand.

-Y/N, nice to meet you.

-Are you alone? -he got closer so Y/N could hear him better from the music.

-No, I’m with my friends.

-No, I mean, do you have a boyfriend with you?

-I don’t. My friends and I are a whole group. -she tried to point out how uninterested she was at the moment.

-Do you want me to accompany you?

And these moments really stressed her. She didn’t want him to accompany her, at all, and it was tying her stomach in knots.

-No, I’ll be fine on my own.

-On your own? A hot girl alone at a party. See that really doesn’t sound safe.

-Like I said, I’m not alone, my friends are here.

-Come on babe, we’ll have a lot of fun. -he started to come closer and closer, catching her wrist as Y/N tried to let go off him.

-Get off her man! -yelled someone from behind him. Y/N’s gaze turned to the blonde; his eyes were flickering in anger and it didn’t seem to safe at the moment. He was JJ and fights for him were a daily routine. -I said, get off her.

-What will you do if I don’t?

-I repeat, get off her. -JJ tried to stabilize his slightly drunk self.

-JJ...-Y/N tried to warn him.

-She’s alone dude, and I felt the need to accompany such a lady.

-Get-off-her!

-If it means fighting a grasshopper like you, then sorry my man, I won’t let go. -he now used his strength to pull Y/N away with him. JJ caught his shoulder, spinning him around and punching him right in the nose. Y/N jumped back, trying to stop JJ from fighting, but his eyes were too blinded with jealousy that punches didn’t stop.

-JJ! -Y/N pulled him by his biceps.

-Don’t hold me back, princess. -he yelled and Y/N was finally able to pull him away. Placing a hand on his chest to stabilize his breathing, she intertwined their hands and took him as far from the kegger as possible.

-JJ what the hell is wrong with you? -she said; her voice filled with worry. -Why did you do that? And what for?

-For you, Y/N, I did it for you. -he stated. -No one should treat a girl like that.

-I could’ve solved it myself and no one asked you for help.

-Yeah, I saw how you were solving it. But you know what? I should’ve left you go with him, since I see you dressed to impress, you know, leave you to him.

-Dressed to impress? JJ, I didn’t dress to impress. I for once dressed in something that’ll make me feel free and modern. Plus, I combined my clothes into my style but still appropriate for a kegger. And why am I giving you an explanation; you were the one to call me ugly.

-You’re---not---ugly. -his voice softened.

-Well according to you I am, Maybank. -she said, -I’m going home. It’s enough.

-Wait, why are you leaving when you literally didn’t even have a drink or something?

-I don’t drink JJ, sorry. Bye. -she turned her back and started to walk away from him. His whole face was covered in blood and he couldn’t feel his bruised stomach. JJ thought she would offer to take care of him, but it seemed she was too broken from his side.

-

Her arms were wrapped around her freezing body, as she walked a long way back home. The streets were bare, without any sign of a human form. She tried her best not to turn around the lights that beamed behind her, as a car slowly approached her way.

-Y/N, get in. -said her well-known voice.

-Why did you come after me?

-Because it’s night and you’re not walking home alone.

-Like you care, JJ.

-If I didn’t, would I be here.

He was right. JJ would’ve been at the kegger now, macking on a touron, totally clueless he has another girl in his mind while kissing her. He parked the car and got out, coming face to face with frozen Y/N. His blues stared straight into her eyes, softly glancing to her lips.

-What? -she said, after a long time of just looking at each other in the middle of the road.

-Nothing, I’m just admiring your beautiful face. -he confessed.

-Yeah, after I took a great care of it. Calling me ugly, stayed and will stay with me, Maybank, so sorry, I take this as just a big lie.

-No really, your face is beautiful and was beautiful. I just couldn’t say it so saying the opposite was easier.

-Yeah, yeah, okay I get it JJ. Never mind. -she brushed next to him and started to walk away.

-Now you’ll play hard to get? -he yelled after her.

-For who? For you? Hah, you’ll only see it in your dream, Maybank.

And surprisingly, he really did. When he and John B, returned to the Chateau, he dreamed about Y/N and how she played hard to get and he tried to win her heart back again. The best part though, was that in JJ’s dream, he finally kissed her.

He got out of his bed, hearing someone sing in the kitchen and it wasn’t John B; for else he would’ve recognized that bad singing ability. His feet slowly made their way to the kitchen, surprised to find Sarah and Y/N preparing breakfast. More surprised, she was wearing the same exact clothes like in his dream. Hope was born in his heart. And since she was now alone in the kitchen, just like in his dream, he had the only chance, of making it come reality. Without thinking twice, he spun her around and placed a deep kiss to her lip balm covered lips, getting the taste of it on his own. Y/N didn’t have time to react; she just took in the surprising moment. When they split apart, their faces red as JJ’s cheeks, Y/N avoided any eye contact.

-I’m madly in love with you. -he said and now her eyes were deeply fallen into his. Her mouth split in shock and JJ lifted her chin to close it.

-Wha-ho-why-uh...-she stuttered, rubbing her cheek.

-I should’ve said it a long time ago, but didn’t have the guts to. Guess my dream pushed me into doing it. Or at least, give me some support.

-Your dream? -she furrowed her eyebrows in confusion.

-Yes, I dreamed of kissing you, right here, in this kitchen. -he trapped her on the counter.

-Wow. -was the stupidest thing that came out of her mouth in the moment. JJ licked his lips, glancing once again at hers. Her shy and embarrassed self, placed quick kisses to both of JJ’s cheeks and jogged to the table to serve the breakfast. She sat down and stuffed her mouth with vegetables, so no one can ask her a question.

-So, guys, what do you want to do today? -JJ came right after her, approaching her chair. He placed his thumb on her back, stroking her bare place as she straightened her figure at his touch.

-We can take the HMS Pogue for a ride today, see if we catch anything? -offered John B.

-Perfect. -said JJ, sliding his finger to her waist, then moving the chair next to her and sitting down. She cleared her throat and continued with her breakfast.

-

The Pogues were now on the HMS Pogue, and everyone put sunscreen on. The boys were enjoying their beers while Sarah and Kie jumped in the water. Y/N was sunbathing, getting that extra vitamin D. JJ’s eyes couldn’t leave her view and all he wanted to do, was comfortably flirt with her in front of his friends. And he got the chance to, when everyone decided to get in the water. John B was first, followed by Pope. JJ let Y/N get closer to the edge, lifting her in his arms and jumping together in the water.

-JJ. -she rubbed her eyes, when she was on the surface. -Oh my.

Her eyes stung from the salty water and he swam over to blow at them. The others immediately got suspicious and decided to observe from afar.

-Sorry baby, didn’t mean to hurt you. -he caressed her cheek.

-It’s fine, I didn’t close my eyes myself anyways. -she let out a short, cute laugh.

-Yeah, because I didn’t give you time to think. -he winked at her and placed a kiss to her knuckles.

The others started spraying each other with water and Y/N seemed to somehow find herself trapped in a big fountain of water. JJ saw her and swam over. He engulfed her in a hug to protect her from the amount of waves the other created by diving, jumping, splashing.

-What’s this? -he stroke her red wrist.

-I don’t know, it’s the first time I’m seeing it.

-Did I do this? -he shot up his worried eyes.

-No, I don’t think so. It was Jack definitely.

He placed his wet lips to the place and started to kiss her wrist. -Give me the pain. I’ll take it so you don’t have to go through it.

She was stunned from him, not waiting for him to ever say those words. But he did and she started to slowly push aside her stubbornness.

-I love you. -she almost whispered while looking at JJ with love. His wide eyes shot up to her face now, getting that happy smirk on curved on his lips. She shook off her dazed feeling and looked everywhere except at him. He caught a grip of her hands and telling her that they’ll go underwater, she nodded in assurance. He slowly pulled her with him and attached his, to her lips when they were under.

-

Kie invited them to the Wreck, for a tasty lunch after their fun in the water. They were all sat around the table as it was filled with fries and burgers. JJ was holding Y/N’s hand the whole time, working with only one.

“You are basically, the only thing that keeps me entertained in this place.” -he slipped a note from under the table.

-I’m not even talking that much. -she unnoticeably whispered to him.

-Yeah, but you’re the cutest, ya know? -he winked...and her whole body roamed heat through her brain and finally her cheeks.

“Can we date?” -he slipped another one.

Y/N took the piece of tissue and wrote something, slipping it under the table. - “How could I say no to your handsome face. Of course we can.”

He didn’t plan to have a positive answer from her, rather waiting for her to be stubborn about everything and never forgive him for calling her ugly.

“I’m sorry I called you ugly. Because I didn’t mean it, I promise.”

Y/N send him a reassuring kissy face and it was enough for JJ to know she has forgiven him. They soon announced their relationship to the Pogues, JJ finally getting the chance of calling her his in front of everybody, even getting the chance to cuddle her in front of Jack. Y/N was happy and it was what mattered to him the most.

[popculturebuffet]

The Loud House Reviews: The Boss Maybe/ Family Bonding

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Loud House weekly coverage continues as Leni is pushed into the deep end of responsiblity and taking over Lori’s old role of babysitter while her parents are gone and promptly drowns in a sea of comedy clubs, human body parts both on screen and in the fridge, old men in holes and indoor beach volley ball. 

First things first: Last week I forgot to mention Rusty’s mustache freezing off as god, wether it be the judeo-christian god, Odin, that prick Zeus, the flying spagehtti monster or one of many other gods out there. Perhaps all of them did it at once out of hatred for the little weiner. Maybe one of them finally answered my prayers which in that case, that was nice and all but there are far worse things going on i’d prefer you took care of. Also the “stuff I couldn’t fathom” turned out to be just more loudcest, because of course it did. Loudcest is like David Spade, you think it’s finally gone or isn’t doing as much but then it comes around and makes the wrong missy and you waste 90 minutes of your life thinking i’td be so bad it’s good when it’s really just boring and a waste of it’s main actress talent. I lost track of that metaphor, but Loudcest is like david spade in that people like it for reasons I can’t fathom and it hasn’t quietly faded into the background for reasons I can’t fathom, though at least david spade was funny once. So maybe Loudcest isn’t like david spade. or maybe i’ve been taking too long with this bit. 

But whlie last week was a bit wonky it also had a lot to setup.. but now it’s time to see what the show does with all the setup over, and a lot of new possiblities ahead. PItter Patter!

The Boss Maybe Ah now this is exactly what I was hoping for this season. New situations brought about by the year-up and all the changes it brought, with the same old heart and humor and character progression that drew me back into the show. This is the kind of episode i love and have talked about in the past and dosen’t fall into any of the shows usual pitfalls in the process. Just great. I could end it there but I haven’t shut up before why do it now.  So this episode focuses on Leni who I talked about a bit last week and easily had the best plot and in general tends to have good episodes, both before and after the show became an ensemble piece, and even in episodes without her tends to slide in just fine. She’s always a nice breath of fresh air when she shows up. 

I think that’s due to a number of things. For one it’s how sweet a person she is: She’s genuinely nice, kind and well meaning. While she is dumb as a box of rocks that resemble Pauly Shore, what I like is her stupidity isn’t malicious, or overused for misery. She causes comical injuries from time to time with it but she’s quick to apologize iff she realises it and usualyly has no ill will to anybody unless provoked or fighting Lori over a dress despite them wearing the same clothes all the time. I know standard animation thing but it’s always weird to me when shows with a stock outfit for a character have a fashionista, and prefer when shows have stylish characters actually change outfits like Kim Possible did with it’s title character, Xiaolin Showdown did with Kimiko and of all things LIttlest Petshop did with Blythe. Granted Blythe is a nothing of a character but still, credit where it’s due. But I do get this is also a nick show and they givet hem the budget of 50 cents and a network memo that says “BEG US FOR MORE MONEY” written in blood, so fair enough. 

That aside she’s just plesant to watch. The other factor is Liliana Mumy. If you haven’t heard of her , she’s a vetran voice actress whose been doing this on and off since she was a kid, voicing Panini on chowder as a child and later going on to voice Beth in bravest warriors among other roles. Why she only does work so ocasionaly I have no idea but when she does she’s great. She’s also the son of fellow child actor BIll Mumy, aka the guy who as a kid played Anthony Fremont from the Twilight Zone classic “It’s A Good Life”, which if you haven’t seen it is about a small child who has the power of a god and thus can banish people who are “bad”, i.e. disobey him and thus rules over a small town as a creepy and cruel despot. Oh and he can read minds so if you dare to have a thought he dosen’t like your getting banished, with no telling what that means or where anyone disappeared goes. It’s good stuff. Highly recommend it, Mumy is absolutley terrifing and a brilliant actor even at that age and I wish he’d done more as an adult. I also bring it up because Lily played his daughter when they did a sequel episode during the UPN version of the show, set decades later and showing just what the little terror was like grown up... as well as what happens when his DAUGHTER gets the power. It was also really good and worth a watch after the first one. Good stuff. 

TLDR: Leni is one of my faviorites, so’s her voice actress, i’ve rambled enough about unrelated stuff at this point. 

We open at the mall, where for Leni life begins after schol, that’s when we bend all the rules time to hang with all her friends in the place where she belongs!

I mean technically she’s 17 now, but she was 16 when she started this job and none of them were 16 by the time the show ended so nyeh. This started in season 3 when the show started giving the girls not just their own stories but their own supporting casts., storylines, love intrests etc. Luna and Luaan got their romance plots with Sam and Benny, Lori got her college plot towards the end of the season, Lynn’s friends started showing up in her plots more, Luna’s mortuariy club went from assorted background friends of hers to a full fleged supporting crew, and of course Lincoln’s friend group started to become a recurring part of his plots away from his sisters. 

For Leni, being one of the only three kids that could legally work at the time, another possible plot to dig into, and with Luna having way less incentive to get a 9-5 job with her music to work on and the fact we’ve seen her use said music to make money once in a blue moon, Leni was a good choice. It gave her something she was good at besides fashion, even if it’s fashion adjacent and gave us a new supporting cast for those stories: Her boss Mrs. Redinger, your standard “i’m tough by fair” type, and her new friends Fiona and Miguel, two fellow fashion savy teens played by actors i’d never heard of but who do a damn good job and play off her well, with both being a bit sarcastic but Fiona being a bit more mopey and deadpan and Miguel being a possibly but defintely gay teen. Both play off her well by being more down to earth and more wiling to be negative, but still enjoyable enough to be around you can buy them being friends with Leni and their a stellar addition to the cast. I wish, much like we’ve gotten with Liam lately, we could see more of them outside leni stories. Their a treat. 

But I really like Leni’s work there. Besides the cast it puts Leni in a role of responsiblity she excels at. My only real problem is her boyfriend, maybe I dunno, Chaz, one of the ONLY love intrests from l is for love to get mentioned again and one of the more intresting ones, never shows up despite also working at hte mall and the story potetial of them working for rival stores or the same store. I mean I can’t blame them for not throwing another love intrest on the pile when they had two ongoing romance plots, but now both Luna and Luann are on steady ground with their steadies, it’s time to pull that trigger, get off hte ground and eat that horse. Also let LIncoln have one again will ya? It dosen’t have to be stella but Girl Jordan is right there, i’ve said it before and i’ll say it again.. where is she. And if not her just make one you’ve proven to actually be really good at it. 

Where was I? Ah yes the mall. Leni is doing great at her job, suggesting some gloves to scoots, who ceases being skeptical when a hunky younger man of 30 something compliments her on them them chases off after him. If you don’t remember who scoots was that’s the old lady on a scooter who makes troulbe and appareltly can still get it. Good for her. Granted this is coming from someone who ships eda and stan pines still even though it’s now revealed she’s 30 but... frankly I don’t think age is a concern with her and stan can make this joke, so it evens out. 

I mean he would right? I”m getting off topic even more than usual, point is Leni is doing great and her boss takes her to the break room for cake room... it’s just the one cake but can you imagine a cake room? that’s the life. Just a fridgerated room full of cake. 

Turns out she’s EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH. And she didn’t have to chain squidward to an ancient battle ship to get it or anything. After some confusion, Fiona has to clarify it’s NOT her birthday because of course she does, Leni is proud. Full of cake and pride she tells her mom whose decided to reward her good job at work.. by dumping a bunch of respnosiblity on her.  I kid. Rita is being somewhat resonable here. She asks Leni to take over Lori’s old role of babysitting/making sure the other 10, now 9 kids don’t burn the house down... no really she actually specifies that when leaving in the next scene. Which.. fair enough.. you have 11 kids, all likely to plug in a lot of stuff especially Luna and Lisa, said Lisa is a mad scientest who ends up nearly being the one to do it this time, Lynn has no common sense, and the younger ones who aren’t mad scientst are still reckless and vain and combattive respectivley so the odds of a house fire nearly breaking out on any given night are 1:1. But Leni in a show of self doubt that’s rare for her is scared (Though her revealing that by answering a question of how she’d feel about about babysitting the kids with “Scared” was fucking gold. I swear Lily’s deliveries are always so great. ), and while Rita assures her she’s not sure. But as I said, she is being resonable: While Leni’s not the brightest she’s kind, she’s been shown even before her recent major award she’s responsible, she’s babysat for other people’s kids, and she’s kind. I mean they COULD put Luna or Luaan in charge but while when I first read the preview blurb for this episode I was cuirous why they didn’t think of that or thought they would, this episode does a good job presenting WHY they’d do it, while other episodes fill in the gaps: Luna is a bit reckless and Luaan can get caught up in her bidness and as we know once a week goes through the green door and comes out a gamma monster fuled by the sound of her own laughter, a horrible mixture of the joker and madman.. the leader’s insane brother. I’m a huge nerd, you all know this. Leni is the right choice.

Despite her nerves Leni has little choice but to take it on and Mr. Loud proudly sees her out with ye olde english as he and Rita, with lily in a cute little knight’s helmet in tow, are going to a renisance fair to cater, with Lynn Sr needing the backup. And while you may say “what about his staff”.. their either going with and he just needs an extra pair of hands since it’ll be nuts, or some of them are staying behind to man Lynn’s Table while he’s out on his catering gig. I mean the man has plenty of time for his kids, he’s not at the restraunt 24 hours a day. Someone else has to run it when he’s gone. I asked internally why they didn’t just take them along.. then reminded myself that taking all 11 kids to the faire at once, without anyone to watch them and likely having to call in favors when jsuta s likely, Lynn Sr and Rita can take them all another day with presumibly free passes as part of the catering job as that sounds like the kinda thing he’d do. Also Senior’s into scarf’s now thanks to Leni, which I love. Looks good on him. Hank should give her a call. Ascots may be out but I think he could rock a scarf. I’ve had ventures on the brain.  What follows is naturally Leni having several panic attacks as chaos naturally insues btu without Lori’s lifetime of experince dealing with it. IT’s a nice dynamic: Leni, as we’ve established, has always been sort of Lori’s sidekick, her best friend, her amigo. Sure they fight, siblings do that, but they’ll always be there for each other when it counts. SHe’s never really had to THINK without her or be without her, so throwing her into the deep end of taking care of the kids really leaves her shook. It’s a HARD job, it’s probably why the louds don’t bring in babysitters often: there are 11 kids to look after, 10 now and only 9 tonight but still a LOT of them and most of htem pretty high maintince. It was just easier with Lori because she grew up knowing each of them, knowing each of their weaknesses and putting the fear of her righteous wrath into them. They’ve spent their whole lives looking up to her, literally and figuratvely, as their big sister and respecting her as the biggest authority in the house that’s nto her parents, sometimes bigger. Those aren’t just big shoes to fill , their Galactus size and that combined with her big sister worship leaves Leni understandably scared, lost and frequently paralized with anxiety this episode.  No really multiple times she just freezes and one times she screams. As someone with Anxiety disorder I related to this.. sometimes you either just break down or you just FREEZE from the stress and everything hitting you at once and have no idea how to progress while people are still barking at you to do something. It’s a lot but it was a nice touch that really added to her sympathy.   And her anxiety is also understandable when she’s being hit with 80 problems at once, which i’ll tackle all at once here rather than in order as this episode has a really frentic and good pace: while it follows the formula of “Leni runs into a problem, Leni freezes, then Leni gets help from Lori twice hten mr.grouse, more on that in am inute”, the quick pace and great jokes help keep things from feeling too repetivie. 

Anyways the chaos: Just from the start Lucy puts a possibly human liver in the fridge, Lana eats all the cookies then gets skunked by her pet skun, and Lola and Lynn get into a fight over 5 bucks Lynn found, and since Leni can’t just let one kill the other as nature intended she has to fix all this.. mostly by removing the smell with tomato juice and scaring off the skunk and cutting the dolar bill in half. Money dosen’t work that way as both sisters point out but frankly it’s Lola and Lynn, I don’t care who they feel. 

Meanwhile two of my other faviorties get into a tiff over their room: Luaan turns it into a comedy club and kicks luna out, with Scoots and her new man returning. Again, get it girl, get it, and Leni, under Lori’s advice, pretneding to be a fire marshall.. only for Luna towarsd the end to turn it into her own rock club. Lisa creates a corossive super substance that burns a hole in the floor, Lana continues to grapple with the skunk and finally Lincoln and Clyde.. watch a scary movie despite Lucy’s warnings.. and Lucy does something else.. I think? It was a chaotic episode with a lot of set pieces so forgive me if I forgot one of them. Honestly she’s the most well behaved there.But yeah as per the cliche Lincoln and Clyde, after Leni gets the wifi fixed with Mr. Grouse’s help, they get super scared and freaked. Everyomne is freaking, the house is falling apart and Senior wants permission to wear a pinky ring via thought cloud.. which.. no man no. Scarves yes but no one looks good with a pinky ring. No one. And I say that as amporphous blob covered in hair, sweat and regrets. 

As for how Leni deals with all this she leans on Lori, calling her twice, but at inportune times: during a golf game and at the library where said phone gets taken. Granted, I don’t get why she didn’t have it on silent, as I would in those situations, but then we wouldn’t have an excuse to include her and it feels necessary to show WHY Lori can’t just help all night or reassure her sister and with Lori gone the panic only intensifies. As I said she gets paralized with fear and later just outright screams.. which attracts an irate Mr Grouse, the next door neighbor who I need to watch more of’s episodes. Including 12 louds of leapin.. I know i’m way overdue on that. This december. Promise. 

The old man who yells at Louds helps for a bit, helping get rid of a beach Lynn set up because she’s lynn, she has the consderation of a puppy, but eventually falls in a hole like most great heroes and most elderly people. I mean the ones up the street at the retierment home must fall in once a week. They get out of course because the assitant living mole lets them ride out as it digs into the walls. Or maybe that was just a hallucination.  Eventually though the start at her job comes back as she calls the only people she has left for help: Fiona and Miguel, who are at the mall in chairs because of courser they are, and both are confused why she’s so helpless: She’s fantastic at work, she’s kind, confident and smart.. about certain things, she can do this. Besides helping her confidence with this really sweet moment they also give her a good tool for how to use said confdience from work: just treat her siblings as customers. It’s also a nice call back to how we’ve seen Leni learn way back in season 1 during “Driving Miss Hazy” we’ve seen that she can have troulble grasping things, but when you put it in terms she understands, like fashion, or shopping, or in this case helping customers with their issues, she snaps into it. She learns at her own pace in her own way, it’s why I think sh’es neurotypical, and possibly ont he spectrum like yours truly: while her stupidity isn’t part of that the unqiue way she processes things has me supscious. either way it works. 

So with a new strategy Leni.. literally adresses them like shoppers, which is comedy gold. However it’s a valid strategy:  besides the visualation part by getting them to form a line, instead of trying to handle 2 or 3 problems at once she simply handles them one at a time: She scares the skunk off again, shuts down both competing clubs in the older kids room, uses water to take out lisa’s universal solvant, gives Lola and Lynn 5 bucks instead of just cutting a ten in half this time, and in the sweetest moment of the episode, reads Clyde and Lincoln a childrens book to clam them down. Sure it’s  a bit funny but their genuine relief and all threes adorable expressions really melt the heart. 

Leni finally wins, just as her parents get home and congradulate her, Rita’s faith not misplaced. While Rita probably knew it’d be an adjustment, and frankly should’ve prepped her sooner, she knows her daughter and knows waht sh’es caapable of. Also Senior brought home meet and gives leni a turkey leg who gives it to the old man who now lives in a hole inside their house. That’s his home now. Mr Grouse is just there now. Or I wish he was. But I guess you can’t always get what you want epsecially if it’s an old man living in a hole in the loud’s living room. Someday.  Final thoughts for The Boss Maybe: As you could easily tell I loved this one. Funny with a hell of an emotional core, and with great pacing espeially for a loud house episode, this was a joy to watch and easily one of the best episodes the show has done. Just a funny, breezy watch with a lot of subtext, intetional or not, regarding what we’ve seen of Leni and honestly i’m going to go with intetional. It felt really rooted in who Leni is, her relationship with lori, and her work without hitting you over the head with it. It just all flowed really well and made for a hard one to top for the season this early. I’m impressed and it gives me hope for the rest of the season. 

Family Bonding

This one was.. okay. As i’ve learned the hard way from doing Amphibia when an episodes just okay it’s best to breeze through it.. but I can give it this. While it’s mostly a standard loud house episode the ending.. wasn’t predictable. That’s for sure. I mean.. it left me with only one thought really...

But i’m getting ahead of myself. The episode’s plot is standard for the most part: Lincoln’s obessed with a new spy comic book about a james bond expy.. okay so that’s what Sterling Archer did besides physical therapy for the three months between his waking up and Season 11.  Anyways they soon get more exciting news from Lynn. New Neighbors! Before Rita can stop them, the rest of her family tramples over her and goes to make their aqunatince and of course be a bit overbaring with it before Rita rushes in with a spray bottle to spray them like a bad dog because frankly when your dealing with 11 people most of whom are really impuslive, sometimes dog training just works. You try raising eleven kids and see how long before your brain breaks.  Anyways after introductions and the mom turning down cherry pie, you monsters, lincoln sees strange flashing lights and a device and is convinced something is up and unable to convince his family and on a spy kick, recurits clyde. Now why he dosen’t call on Stella and Zach I dunno. And yes I said Zach and not my boy Liam. I have my reasons: Stella, besides being a faviorite of mine, is a tech whiz as shown in one of the comics and in the cookie episode, and Liam is already a paranoid conspiracy nut and as we’ve seen with Dale Gribble, they can be suprisingly useful. I mean Dale is not the best on common sense but he knows goverment bilaws in and out, is skilled with a gun or a bag of pocket sand, and has danny trejo’s octavio, whose basically danny but as hired muscle instead of a master actor, on speed dial. I mean we don’t know if Zach dosen’t have a danny trejo on speed dial or not. We never asked.  As for the other two while I love LIam, spying just dosen’t seem to be in his sizeable skill set and Rusty.. well rusty’s about as subtle as a man covered in screeching cats he glued to himself blowing an airhorn, while screaming the script to a micheal bay movie while doing the explosion noises himself.. which Rusty has probbbly done.  The real thing i’m getting at is I don’t get why, outside of Clyde and LIam, the writers think when LIncoln has an epiosde it either just needs ot be ClyncolnMcCloud or the ENTIRE group, when one or two would do the trick. YOu CAN seperate them out. People do hang out with diffrent friends at diffrent times. I know the show’s grasp on reality is tenous at best, we got to that last week with the whole one teacher for core classes thing with schooled and this week.. again we’ll get to it in a second, but friends DO hang out seperate. We saw each member of the Lincrew, minus stella because she didn’t exist yet, doing their own thing in Racing Hearts. It’s not that complicated. It’s hard to flesht hem out when their used as one solid unit and not unresonable to just use one or two. it’s a lesson I hope the show learns eventually and hope it’s sister show learns too. 

But yeah our dynamic duo spend the episode as youd’ expect; unraveling conspriacies and stalking the new family, though there are some funny bits. Besides Rita squirting her family like a cat or a dog, we have flip getting half his face shaved by a survelince drone and okay maybe just those two things. not bad bits, but the general concept of them roleplaying into mischief.. has been done before. The show’s done the detective bit before and the spy trappings really don’t change that. And you CAN do a good spy takeoff episode, this one just sin’t it and feels like your standard LIncoln and Clyde messaround with tuxedos. Which to be fair are pretty awesome but still. It’s pretty flat.  The climax though? I’ll give it this.. it’s pretty entertainngi if also 100% what exactly the fuck. So our heroes are naturally caught sneaking into the neighbors house and its eems they were wrong, etc etc, exactly what we expected the new kid will hang around.. at least we have a new character. Instead.. LIncoln accidently hits a knob and unveils a panel

So yeah... turns out the new family ARE spies, just for Peach Growers and plan to wipe out all cherries in royal woods. Yup.. look I know this universe is patently insane but even for loud house, even with all of lisa’s super science... even with the slapstick but this is just.. nuts. Like i’m fine with suspending my disbelif, this show is a goofy comedy, but this is a bit much. I LOVE it for being nuts but only in a “what on spagehtti monster’s green earth were you thinking”. I get swinging for the fences but Lincoln getting into a fight with a bunch of spies after playing spy, well beating them with slapsticks and stopping their plot to elmitie cherries..t his isn’t Kids Next Door. This just.. dosen’t work. Jeff Goldblum tell em why, my brains too broken to articulate this anymore

Yeah that. It’s just a weird climax and ends iwth LIncoln vetting the new neighbors.. which does it include girl jordon? Did they just write her out? If so why? Fans liked her, you can have more than one female character in Lincoln’s friend group. Zach is replacable. You can give me whatever the fuck this was, but not an intresting friend for him who has personality already. I get 50% chad but not your decision making. Gah. 

Final Thoughts for .. this. one This one really didn’t work. Besides the ending just not fitting the series specific brand of ludicrous, I mentioned KND for a reason as it made this sort of plot work fine by having it’s whole unvierse be really fucking weird and specific, it’s mostly just okay. We’ve seen this before.. well okay I haven’t watched many of the Lincoln and Clyde messarounds, but the formula’s about the same.  And that dosen’t work. For one you have a HUGE swath of new possiblities: A new school, Chandler coming back, new teachers and faculity, a new principal, and Lynn and LIncoln being in the same school, and you instead just.. retread the same crap. you have 4 of lincoln’s friends other than clyde to use but don’t let them in on the fun. And most agrivating to me you move new neighbors into the neighborhood while neglecting some of your old supporting cast and have them be villians of the week instead of adding someone NEW to the neighborhood. Give one of the other kids a new friend, or give lincoln a new friend to add to his group and replace liam, shake up the dynamic with him and clyde bya dding a third or, most obviously move one of his friends INTO the neighborhood, most obviously stella since you spent so much time building her up then have her addition affect Lincoln and Clyde. Sure we’ve had an episdoe of one of his friends getting in the way of them before, but this would be diffrent. This episode is just.. not great and was a waste of my time, espespcailly after following such a stellar episode. It’s probablyt he first genuinely bad episode i’ve covered on this blog. Now that probably won’t stand, i’ve seen genuiley worse but.. as a wise penguin once said. 

One last note. That Young Dylan graphic is really obnoxiou and obtrusive.  It’s the second most obnoxious thing i’ve seen on this network. 

I”m out for this week. If you want more check out my Amphibia reviews, as I just finished a new one today, my other loud house reviews in the newly minted nickelodeon tab or other stuff on my other tabs, send me an ask for reviews you’d like to see or pay me to review whatver you want for 5 bucks via direct message. And check this blog Monday for the return of weekly Ducktales coverage, and next weekend for the next episode of loud house, and throughotu the week for more reviews.  Until we meet again, GO TEAM VENTURE!. Play us out Mary Kate Wiles. If nothing else this episode let me use this song. 

[therucrap]

RPDR 13 Episode 1 RuCrap

Hello dear internet! I just started a new page for my first ever RPDR RuCrap so please share and follow and I’ll continue if they catch on! Hope you enjoy!

The lucky 13th season of RuPaul’s Trauma Spectacular launches with the promise of “all new surprises” and a brand new twist that will leave you wondering how you ever sat through a boring old premiere with a coherent intro, climax, and conclusion when you could be enduring a dizzying hour and a half of WOW presents Happy Death Day 3: Covid Edition!

We open up on the trusty trauma center - I mean Werk Room - and the first to enter is NYC’s “Dominican Doll” and human drag lingo See ‘N Say Kandy Muse in an elaborate bejeweled patchwork jean mini dress and MATCHING DENIM BOOMBOX and she immediately informs us that we may know her from the now former Haus of Aja which was recently deconstructed like the pair of Wranglers that Kandy is wearing as fingerless gloves. Kandy is no longer alone in VIP because the befeathered Joey Jay arrives and half-heartedly delivers her intro line. “Filler queen!” We discover that Kandy is likely going to provide our Greek chorus confessional this season and all in a soft smoky eye when she informs us uncultured swine that Joey is wearing the cheapest variety of feather - chicken. Kandy didn’t construct an entire outfit from the remnants section of a Joanne Fabrics and not learn a thing or two about quality, sweetie! Joey is determined to beat viewers to the punchline and immediately clucks around branding herself as “basic” and “filler.” Joey is from the city of Phoenix (and possibly the online University as well) but she’s here to rise like a chicken!

Thunder mysteriously rumbles as RuPaul appears on the digitally enhanced Werk room TV but what could this be?! For all you newbies this is one of the several instances in every season where Ru mixes things up and gives us what we really want: a twist that is equal parts confusing, fucks up the natural order of the competition, and is ultimately unfulfilling! Come on season 13, let’s put a bunch of queer people through even more turmoil in a pandemic! Ru has a surprise but they’ll have to head to the mainstage to get the full story that they’ll be recounting to a mental health professional later!

We’re merely four minutes in and here comes Ru down the runway dressed like a glitterdot jellyfish! Our tour guide on Trauma Island introduces us to the main panel of judges for the season - Disco Morticia Addams and the two human Trapper Keepers who are now separated by glass because for the first time in Drag Race herstory we’re in the middle of a international health crisis, mawma!

Now let’s get down to trauma! Ru explains that the queens will be pairing off to lipsync unexpectedly as they enter! What could possibly go wrong? Well if you’re hoping that someone comes in wearing blades on their feet well just stick around because I have quite the treat for you! Our Dungaree Diva and the Chicken Feather Filler hit the Mainstage looking as confused as Shangela researching CDC protocol on her way to Puerto Vallarta last week. The judges interview our test subjects and immediately bring up the Haus of Aja and Kandy clarifies that she’s now an esteemed member of The Doll Haus along with last season’s ever-gorgeous Dahlia Sinn. I personally prefer not to say that Dahlia was eliminated first but instead that she was season 12’s brocco-leading lady! (Writer’s note: if you’re thinking “there’s a drag show called The Doll Haus in my hometown... is it THAT Doll Haus?!” No, there’s a drag show called The Doll Haus in almost every city in America but now, like with the former Sharon Needles, Kim Chis, and Penny Trations of the world, this one’s been on TV and alas, the others must now rename themselves)! Joey also charms the judges with her plucky demeanor and it’s already time to lipsync feather they like it or not!

Gay anthem Call Me Maybe by Canadian legend Carley Rae Jepson begins and Kandy immediately pushes a fake button on her DENIM BOOMBOX to start the party. Honestly... crown her right there on the spot. We will ALWAYS give points for prop work and the Carrot Top of the Bronx does not disappoint. Both are energetic but it’s The Dutchess of Denim who wins by infusing humor and our feathered friend is given “the Porkchop” but before we can even wrap our head around what this means for the state of the competition we snap back to the Werk Room to meet our next unsuspecting victims!

Now dear reader, this is the part where I’m just going to cut the shit. The set-up they’re selling us is that the losers of these premiere lipsyncs will be eliminated from the show but they are obviously not about to Porkchop half of the cast on day one so just stick with me while we suspend disbelief and go on RuPaul’s Totally Twisted Trauma Adventure as she convinces 6 gay people who just spent upwards of $10,000 on clothing, jewelry, and hair and then meticulously packed it into regulation suitcases to travel here during a pandemic after probably not making any money for the last four months (this was filmed in July) that they are going home on day one! This herstory-making twist, like so many before it, exemplifies the show’s worst qualities: a lack of empathy for its contestants, an underestimation of viewer intelligence and ability to decode heavy-handed editing witchery, and its love for completely dismantling its own format every year for the sake of drama. Whatever keeps the Emmy’s coming, baby! When you’re on the other side of one of these twists you usually feel like you just finished your morning coffee only to find out that the barista gave you decaf. Your mind will be blown when it’s happening but the payoff is usually at the expense of the show’s own legitimacy. With that said... this is the punishment we come to gleefully endure every year and we’re not here to complain, we’re here to watch gay people break down, dammit!

It’s deja Ru all over again as we snap back to the Werk Room where Chicago’s Denali walks in on ice skates and immediately ruins any chance of a deposit return for the bumpy, rented roll-out vinyl floors and declares “Let me break the ice!” She’s wearing the expensive feathers that Joey Jay didn’t spring for. Denali might not be the first ice skater on Drag Race but she’s the one I didn’t watch shit on a dick on Twitter last week so let’s give credit where it’s due. Ugh I wish Trinity the Tuck could block THAT from my memory! Next up is Atlanta’s Lala Ri whose white blazer, body suit, and unteased hair is immediately called basic by an icy Denali in confessional. Denali is confident but we know something that she doesn’t and Lala is wearing a sensible dancing ankle boot not two blades on her feet so let’s see how this turns out!

The lipsync song is “When I Grow Up” by Nicole Scherzinger and her assistants who were accidentally given microphones a few times! Denali struggles to conceal her wayward nipples during some ambitious dance moves and all while in skates but Lala gives us a good old fashioned drag performance and a big finale split unbothered by an elaborate costume and ultimately ices Denali who signs off with “Feeling icy, feeling spicy!” Asking these queens to lipsync upon entering is one thing but asking them to improvise their exit lines 10 minutes in is just cruel!

Denali heads backstage devastated where SURPRISE... Joey Jay is sitting alone in a sad room made of plywood walls featuring a bunch of pictures of first eliminated queens, an ominous “Porkchop Loading Dock” sign, and some cocktail tables with no cocktails (how dreadful).

Before we get the full picture and God for bid our bearings on Mr Charles’ Wild Ride let’s leave this plywood hellscape and jump back into the familiar comfort of the Werk Room’s pixelated neon pink faux brick walls where LA’s modelesque Symone stomps in wearing a dress made of tiny Polaroids of herself. She’s stylish, her energy is fresh, and she’s clearly one to watch. Then dear reader life as we know it changes. A breeze comes through the room and God herself blesses us when living legend and matriarch of the Iman dynasty Tamisha Iman from Atlanta arrives in a pointy-shouldered red power suit and proclaims to us simple townsfolk “Holler at me, I know you know me. Holler at me, I know you know me. Tamisha is here!” The sea parts, the crops are replenished, and all war stops on Earth. On stage Tamisha reveals that she’s been doing drag for 30 years (which seems like a long time to us mere mortals) and that she was originally cast last season but was diagnosed with colon cancer two days later and had to stay home for chemo. The lipsync gods wisely choose The Pleasure Principle by Janet Jackson and Tamisha gives us exact Janet arm choreo while Simone is sultry yet commanding as she shakes her Polaroids. The judges determine that Simone was picture perfect and American hero Tamisha Iman is sent to Porkchop’s Shipping Crate of Horrors to join the nest with the fancy feather option and the chicken feather option.

We begrudgingly crawl back onto RuPaul’s ever-circling carousel of doom and plop back into the workroom where accomplished LA celebrity makeup artist GottMik stomps in wearing a wacky toile dress and a full face of white makeup declaring that it’s “Time to crash the system!” GottMik is Drag Race’s first trans man contestant (and first knowingly cast trans contestant at all) for which we cheer excitedly and then immediately look at our watches because that took too long. Next up Minneapolis’s towering Utica wriggles in with a sneeze and declares “She’s sickening!” which is just the pandemic humor I came here for! Contaminate me, mom! This gay scarecrow is wearing a series of crazy patterns and a big strawberry on her head and the two of them appear to be from the same traveling circus. These two Big Comfy Couch characters slink over to the main stage where Utica explains that her cranial statement fruit symbolizes tackling obstacles because she used to be allergic to strawberries as a kid but she grew out of it. In RuPaul’s heavy universe of heart wrenching struggles that contain chronic illness and societal rejection, Utica’s animated world that suffers only of outgrown childhood strawberry problems is a welcome one. These two lanky rag dolls will be lipsyncing to Rumors by her majesty Lady Lohan of Mykonos and the vibe is instantly wacky. I wouldn’t say that either of them are the next Kennedy Davenport but they did complement each other well on the invisible obstacle course they were both miming through. Utica’s hair flops over her eye, there’s galloping and floor humping, GottMik does a split, there’s elbows and knees aplenty, and all that’s missing is dancing poodles. The judges are tickled by the kookiness of both of these human windsocks but Gotmikk snatches the win. Neither of these two are going to win So You Think You Can Dance but luckily this is RuPaul’s So You Think You Can Trauma so we’re in luck!

Our homosexual Groundhog Day continues back in the Werk Room where we meet NYC’s Rosé who gets the Brita treatment where she’s presented as a legendary New York queen and then the editors quickly get to work making her look delusional. She’s accomplished, confident, and Drag Race’s favorite personality type to dismantle and then trick into returning to All-Stars for a redemption only to dismantle again. Rosé’s fresh-faced foil Olivia Lux enters and lights up the place right away in a velvet pink and yellow gown. She’s a humble NYC newby who has competed in shows hosted by the established Rosé and we already know what’s about to happen here. The lipsync is Exes and Oh’s by Elle King which which was a choice. Olivia strips off her gown to reveal a bodysuit so she can really articulate and Rosé does the world’s least exciting split that looked like me trying unsuccessfully separate wooden chopsticks. Olivia triumphs and Rosé fizzles as she heads to the It Didn’t Werk Room aka Porkchop’s sparsely decorated storage closet to be with the other Have Nots.

We’re almost to the finish line and we limp, slightly disoriented, back to the Werk Room where we meet Tina Burner, another NYC theater kid with the confidence of a thousand Patti LuPones who is dressed like a Ronald McDonald firefighter. What she lacks in nuance she makes up for in nonstop fire puns. Next Chicago’s glamorous Kahmora Hall saunters in glowing and is clearly unimpressed with Tina’s constant Joan Rivers impression but maintains a full pageant smile. No choice but to stan. Our final queen is the refreshingly optimistic Elliott with 2 T’s who busts in wearing a bolero jacket, some red pants from the store, and a short pink wig that screams “Sorry I’m late! Here’s my flash drive! I can go on whenever!” Elliott dances in sing-talking her entrance line like the TGIFriday’s server she is: “I’m the queen you want to see. Elliot with two T’s. Okay! Uh uh uh uh uh uh uh uh! Okay!” Elliot is a dancer from Las Vegas and has the unhinged camp counselor energy of someone with snacks in her purse at all times.

On the Mainstage Tina cycles through the last of her introductory fire puns and tells the judges she was in a boy band which honestly tracks. Tina and Rosé share a similar NYC gotta-get-a-gimmick energy but for some reason production has decided to give Rosé the womp womp edit and Tina the superstar edit. The song is Lady Marmalade because we haven’t been though enough and Kahmora serves subdued sexy glamour, Elliott does the splits, and Tina bobs and weaves between the two with full play-to-the-back-row comedy queen energy. Tina extinguishes the dreams of the other two and RuPaul sends the final two losers to the chokey.

The worst is over (we think) and our frazzled cast of hopefuls finally gets to know eachother in their two very different groups. The winning queens in the Werk Room are celebrating and as blissfully unaware of the doom around them as Miss Vanjie and Silky Ganache at a Puerto Vallarta circuit party during a pandemic. Over in Porkchop’s Junk Drawer the camera looms unnecessarily close to the crestfallen losers’ now disheveled wigs and sweat drenched makeup. Ru’s voice bellows over the speaker to tell this motley crew to get out and then as the last bit of light leaves their weary eyes she checks back in to tell them that she wasn’t serious! Oh good! Finally a moment of mercy for these once hopeful queens on their first day of RuPaul’s Wipeout! She then reveals that the full twist is that she is only going to send one home but they have to vote amongst the group of losers to decide who it is! Yes, that’s correct! This group of broken queens who just met and mostly have never seen eachother perform will now be expected to turn on eachother and give up their last bit of dignity to either grovel or just straight up fight with eachother! This must be what the Donner Party’s last night looked like. The queens look around broken and wounded but still hungry, their eyes barely open, their lacefronts only partially attached to their heads, and start deciding which of their own is about to get consumed. Her highness Tamisha Iman reminds them "Well, I'm the only black girl so don't vote me off” and just like that we are TO BE CONTINUED!

Thus concludes our first headspinning episode that despite being reliably frustrating has once again sucked us in and against our better judgement entertained us to the fullest! As for our 13 queens- you can use code HERSTORY on Talkspace while relaying tonite’s events to a sickening liscensed therapist!

[cxhnow]

Chloe x Halle on Sister Style, Working With Beyoncé, and Finding Creativity 

Chloe x Halle’s creativity is thriving, even during the pandemic. The two sisters have just had to think outside of the box in terms of executing the projects they’ve undertaken during lockdown.

The singers released their new album, Ungodly Hour, back in June and have pulled off several amazing at-home performances to go with it. This poolside performance of their single “Do It” is a must-see, and was entirely shot in their backyard in L.A. The duo have also been experimenting with fashion along the way, wearing hot-off-the-runway Balmain looks for their Instagram Live chats, and custom Zana Bayne cage dresses for their part in a virtual YouTube commencement special.

In addition to serving up their new music and performances, Chloe x Halle also became Fendi’s newest campaign stars. They helped creative-direct new images and a video, which pay tribute to the Italian label’s Peekaboo bag. (You guessed it, the campaign, titled #MeAndMyPeekaboo, was shot at their home.) It’s the latest undertaking that proves this duo can truly do it all as a two-woman show, both in front and behind the camera.

The two sisters tell Vogue that navigating these unprecedented times has been an exercise in creativity as artists. If things were “normal,” they would be miles away from each other. Being at home together has allowed them to focus on their work. “My sister and I would have been in two different countries, and we didn’t really know where we were going to put out this album,” says Chloe. “I’m just grateful that we’re at least together in one space, and we can do it together.”

Below, Vogue caught up with Chloe x Halle to discuss their personal style as sisters, what it has been like having Beyoncé as a mentor, and what the rest of their summer looks like (Psst: More performances could be coming).

Tell us about your vision for this new Fendi campaign, which you both helped create.

Halle: “We have always loved Fendi. They’re the perfect mixture between sexy and classy—you can wear Fendi bags with anything, especially the Peekaboo bag. We wanted to incorporate that into our vision. We did [a campaign video] to a song that we have on our new album, Ungodly Hour, called “Busy Boy.” The song has a lot of sass, attitude, and playfulness to it. We did it at home in our backyard.”

Chloe: “We shot it all in one day. It was fun. It was hot outside, but we had fun playing with the clothes.”

What has been inspiring you both in the realm of fashion lately?

Halle: “Something that has really inspired me during lockdown is how creative people are getting with their fashion. Even though there’s not anywhere to go to really show off these cute outfits, I just love how stylish people are getting. They’re not letting it stop them from still having fun with fashion and being playful. It’s all about expressing yourself. That makes me feel good whenever I get to do that, no matter who sees it or not.”

As sisters, how is your style different from each other? How is it the same?

Halle: “Our style has always been different from each other because we both have really different body types. For me, I don’t have as many curves; my beautiful sister has an amazing bum. I always try to wear whatever makes me feel comfortable and brings out my petite little curves. I’m always trying to dress up my body in that way. I feel like my sister is really expressive when it comes to her style.”

Chloe: “For me, it just depends on the day. Some days I want to feel a lot more edgy and sexy, and other days I want to feel flirty, cute, and cuddly. It really depends on my mood. That’s what being a woman is all about, having different layers to yourself and being able to change—being strong yet delicate at the same time.”

Do you guys share clothes a lot?

Halle: “We actually do share a lot. As sisters, we’re always raiding each other’s closets. I’m always looking for some of Chloe’s tops because I feel like all of my tops are a bit boring. If we have something to do or have an interview, I’m always like, ‘Girl, can I just see what you got?’”

Chloe: “I feel the other way! I feel like you have better tops. Now with quarantine and interviews, all you really need is a cute top and then you can wear sweatpants. It’s all about the tops now.”

In addition to your style choices, you both have been creative in terms of approaching your at-home performances too. Has that been an exercise in creativity?

Chloe: “It’s definitely been a way to exercise our creativity. We give all the kudos to our amazing creative director Andrew Makadsi. He really helps our vision come to life; we’ll collaborate and send a bunch of references, and he’ll just take it to another level. It’s really cool how we can articulate our vision while still staying at home, having fun, and keeping it simple. I’m just happy that I can quarantine with my best friend and business partner so that we can do fun stuff like this.”

How have you both managed to stay creative in general during the pandemic?

Halle: “Staying creative in this time is actually really easy. It’s really inspiring when you’re enclosed with the people that you love and your family. That’s what truly makes me happy. Quarantine has allowed me to connect with myself and realize my greater purpose and what I want in life. Just kind of self-reflecting and meditating—that builds up a lot of inspiration. Even though sometimes it may feel uncertain, we’re trying to stay positive and hopeful. Using every inch of happiness and positivity that we can to light our inspiration fire. But also giving ourselves breaks, and realizing it’s okay to just chill and not do anything some days.”

You have both used your platform for activism these past few months, especially around Black Lives Matter. Why is it important to continue doing so?

Chloe: “For my sister and I, it’s something we can’t turn on and turn off because it’s our everyday lives. It’s our livelihood. We have always grown up knowing, because we are Black women. I am very happy and grateful that the world is finally paying attention to this underlying racism that has been going on for years and years, and I’m hopeful that change will finally happen. Just my sister and I going out there and creating in a male-dominated industry, and letting our voices be heard, we’re standing for all Black women and our brothers. Just being ourselves and letting them know that you can do anything you put your mind to. We’re always thinking about that, and how we can uplift our community in any way we possibly can.”

You released your new album, Ungodly Hour, in June. Now that it’s out in the world and you’ve reflected on it, what does it mean to you?

Halle: “Ungodly Hour means everything to us. When we were in the process of making this album, it actually flowed out a lot faster than usual. Our last album, The Kids Are Alright, took us three years to make. For Ungodly Hour, it took eight months. That is a very short amount of time for us, because we’re perfectionists and we always want to get something right. We’ll do it over and over again. For this album, we had so much to say and we knew exactly what was on our hearts, whether it was us talking about our insecurities and figuring out how to love every inch of ourselves, or exploring love and relationships. It’s this whole journey of finding ourselves, but also knowing who we are at this point in our lives. Releasing this album during this year of change has also been an eye opener. I feel like we always release albums when something is happening. We released our last album, The Kids Are Alright, when all the women’s marches were happening in 2018. And now, with our community of Black people, we’ve always been fed up, but other people are realizing it. We just really hope that [the album] has brought some healing and some peace to our community, and to everyone who decides to listen. That’s all we want.”

Beyoncé has been a mentor to both of you. What feedback did she have for this album, and what have been your biggest lessons from her?

Halle: “I feel like Beyoncé collectively teaches everyone who is a fan of her. She’s always been our inspiration since we were younger, so being able to be on this journey with her and have her guide us along as a fairy godmother is really beautiful. Just being on tour with her and watching how hard she works every single night—she gives it 150%. It’s like, wow, somebody can literally be better than a machine, and still be such a humble and beautiful person inside and out. I truly believe the reason why she is where she is today is because she has such a great heart and is just a kind, regular person. Those people get the farthest in life. We’re always being taught things by her. She had very positive feedback for this album. She barely had any critical notes. She was just congratulating us and saying how proud of us she is in this project. We’re really happy to have her support.”

What does the rest of your summer look like?

Chloe: “The sky’s the limit. I hope more people receive the album, even people who’ve never heard of us before, and we keep kicking butt with the visuals and growing every day. We’ll be staying home quarantining because, sadly, the cases are getting worse here in America. We just want to stay safe, but also have fun at the same time. We’ll be chilling in the sun in our backyard.”

[headoverjojo]

1)Hi there! Can I ask for BucciG with a crush that isn't feminine at all when it's about clothes? Like, they have a tomboyish style (Bc why fight in heels/dress?), at first though/harsh but not rude, then they have to go in a mission in a dress and make up and they just 'Transform' they barely recognices them and can't help but fall harder for them, not for the superficial way, but because they look good in anything and there's someone practical but beautiful under the harsh appearance?

Hi there dear! Oooh, sure thing!! (And yes, it was completely understandable :3) So! Here we go! I hope you’ll like it, dear :3

Bruno’s gang with a s/o who usually have a tomboyish style but when she puts on a dress she “transforms”

(Under the cut for length!)

Bruno Bucciarati

Bruno totally gets her reasoning. They’re gangsters, they have to fight and run a lot; wearing heels would be absolutely uncomfortable and it wouldn’t suit her lifestyle in the streets. Even if at first he may be a bit baffled by her harsh, even if not rude, attitude, he understands it too; they can’t be soft, while working. He too isn’t the kindest person around with people he doesn’t know or he doesn’t judge as harmless, so he’s not offended or baffled if she’s, sometimes, harsh with him too. He’s used to harsh attitudes and he knows that she doesn’t mean it in a bad way.

However, sometimes, missions requires not just strength, speed and brain, but also a good adaptability. For that mission, she and Bruno had to infiltrate into a yacht party, to deal with a possible new ally of Passione. He didn’t want to go alone, as, as far as they knew, it could have been a trap, so he asked his s/o to come with him, to have a backup in the worst case. When he turned around, after fixing one last time his tie, and saw his s/o, he was breathless. She was… she was stunning. Her beauty was exalted by light make-up and the wonderful dress she was wearing, her figure was valorized by the heeled shoes… he could just look at her with eyes full of wonder and utter love.

He just stared at her until her voice, powerful as usual, made him snap back to reality. He couldn’t help but to smile, while gently offering her his arm, as the gentleman he was; in a dress or jeans, she was always his G/N… he was happy of this. He was happy to recognize her in every outfit she was wearing, that her heart, her center, the part that he loved the most, was always the same. Who judged her just for her harsh attitude or her clothes didn’t know what they were losing: a strong and wonderful person, both inside and outside, who could stand her ground in sneakers or heels!

Leone Abbacchio

The relationship with his s/o didn’t start all smooth and happy, as she didn’t like his make-up -it wasn’t practical, c’mon!- and he didn’t like her lack of style. In the end, however, they come to a mutual understanding; she came to understand why he put so much care in being ready in the morning, when, after they were already close friends, he revealed her his almost totally sleepless nights, and he came to appreciate her almost tomboyish style when they found themselves to have to run for their life -and she couldn’t have run so fast with heels on-. They’re different, yes, but this doesn’t mean it’s bad!

On the other hand, Abbacchio appreciated her tough and harsh attitude. She wasn’t one who bought time, she always went straight to the main point and was honest to the point to be harsh, but Abbacchio liked it. He preferred a harsh truth than a sweet lie, and he was like this too. She never held back when she had something to say and she was doing so that afternoon too, while she was preparing for the upcoming mission. Abbacchio just grinned at her muttered curses, amused; now he was really curious to see her in something different than a pair of jeans and a t-shirt!

Everything he wanted to say died in his throat when she finally appeared, still fixing her hair and mumbling to herself. She was… radiant. He knew she was beautiful, oh, she was so in the oversized t-shirt she put on to sleep too, but now… now it was something else. She almost seemed another person! Soon, however, her grumbles remembered him that she always was his G/N, not another woman, and he couldn’t help but to huff a small laugh, before going to help her with her hair. With jeans or a dress on, she was always G/N, his strong, stubborn and honest G/N. This, all in all, was reassuring, for him; she was always here with him, no matter what she was wearing and what her appearance was at the moment. It was just a way to enhance her natural beauty!

Guido Mista

Mista never had any problems with his s/o preferring a tomboyish style over a more feminine one. It was her body and life, he had no right to tell her what wearing and what she had not to wear! If she feels more comfortable with jeans and sneakers, so be it. He likes her anyway! And, frankly, it’s better like this, since they have to run around a lot, to chase their targets! Mista’s also not bothered if she’s a bit harsh even with him; he’s not soft to the point to break for a bit harsh attitude! Also, being so strong and tough is, again, useful for the life they’re living, always on a thin line between life and death, so he prefers her to be like this than being too soft!

Mista too isn’t one who likes to be told how to dress, especially if this concerns his hat(s). However, missions are missions and he and his s/o have to adapt to it, as it happened that time too. He was grumbling, while trying to tame his curls, when his s/o, from behind, chuckled and offered to do it for him. He turned around, enthusiastically agreeing, and he just stopped, his eyes widen and full of amazement. She was… she was the most beautiful vision in the world. The smile she had on her lips, however, was the one he loved so much, that unique half grin that made his legs weak. He always found her beautiful, but now she was absolutely breathtaking…

It has absolutely been a wonderful surprise. Now he knows for a fact that she’s not only practical and strong, but that she’s so in every outfit she’s wearing! With sneakers or heels, he knows for a fact that she could kick various asses without batting an eyelash. He wasn’t worried to see a sort of “shift” of personality, but seeing her being always “her” is reassuring! He can’t help but to fall even more in love with her, even if he didn’t think it was possible; he’s so amazed and full of admiration for her, for her stylish strength, for the wonderful class that is just down her harsh attitude!

Narancia Ghirga

Narancia couldn’t care less for how his s/o dressed. A dress? Fine! Jeans? So cool! An oversized sweater? She’s so cute in it! Sneakers, heels… he doesn’t care as much as she’s comfortable! Sure, her harsh attitude almost made them fight a couple of times, but, in time, Narancia came to understand that she didn’t mean to insult him or such; it was just how she behave with everyone! And, well, all in all a harsh attitude was more fitting for their life than a softer one… if her toughness meant that she was a bit more safe, then it was fine!

However, when no one else was available for it, Narancia had to go with Bruno at important meetings, as his seconds and bodyguard -and he hated to go to such boring parties, but for Bruno this and more- and, so, he asked his s/o to come with him too. He was sincerely wondering how she would have looked in a dress and, maybe, heels… he had his answer when she called him, when she was finally ready. He was stunned, his jaw almost dropped! How can she be even more beautiful than how she already was?! She has to physically put up his jaw, chuckling and giving him a kiss, asking him if there’s something wrong. Wrong? Oh, she had no idea that it’s all fine, way more than fine!

For once, he’s really happy to go to this kind of parties, if this means to see his s/o in so pretty dresses! Of course this is not vital; he still likes her in jeans or a sweater, it still doesn’t matter so much! He just… he’s just so amazed, so surprised to see her so beautiful and strong, as she always was, even out of her usual style, when, maybe, she could have been a bit uncomfortable. He admires her so much! And he can’t help to fall in love a bit more with her… she’s so confident and beautiful, even if she comes as harsh! She’s way more than what she seems and he’s so proud and happy to be her boyfriend!

Pannacotta Fugo

Fugo is the last person who could give fashion advices to someone, seen his holed suit. He knows it too and he never pretended to tell his s/o how to dress. She had a tomboyish style, but he quite liked it! She was pretty in it, it was practical, with sneakers she could run faster… in this sense, it was right for their life! Her harsh way to behave was a bit triggering for Fugo, but, in time, he came to know her real character, that she wasn’t just harsh, but also determined, strong… he fell in love with her, with every part of her.

As much as he didn’t pressure her to dress in a certain way, for some occasions, as the Don’s parties for his allies and important members of Passione, it was necessary to dress in a formal way. He was content that she was fine with that -even if she picked the first dress and the first pair of shoes she found-, wondering how she would have looked in a dress and with make up on. It was something he had never seen! And his waiting was worth of it: she was wonderful, stunning, and he felt his throat drying when he saw her.

She was drastically different from the person Fugo always knew. But, in her way to walk and act, he recognized the confidence and the strength of his s/o. She was always here, just in a different dress, but this didn’t tarnish her true self. He was happy to see it, to see that she was true to herself no matter what; he couldn’t help but to fall harder for her, for her strength, her beauty, her honesty. She was his strong and beautiful G/N and he was so proud and happy to be able to be at her side and take a bit of her strength!

Giorno Giovanna

Giorno, per se, doesn’t care a lot about what his s/o likes to wear. If they’re comfortable in jeans and sneakers, who’s he to force them to dress in another way? However, as Don, he has a certain power to maintain and it goes also through style. His subordinates will respect more a person who emanates power also through clothes than one dressed lazily; it’s a matter of fact. Sometimes he just wishes to be able to go around just in comfy clothes, as his s/o! And, also, to be able to be as harsh and honest as her; again, as Don he can’t be so, or it’d be a total war. Still, he appreciates her almost brutal honesty, her harsh way to behave… it’s true, it’s honest, and it’s not meant to hurt him. It’s a gust of fresh wind.

However, at least for special occasions, such as parties he has to host for his allies and important members of Passione, to enforce bonds and alliances, his s/o too has to dress in a formal way. Even if she grumbles about it, she knows that Giorno wouldn’t ask her for it if it wouldn’t really necessary, so she accomplishes, wearing the dress and the shoes she has chosen with Trish for the occasion and putting on a light make up. Giorno’s braiding his hair, when she comes out of their room, fully dressed and ready. Turning around, Giorno can’t help but to open wide his eyes and stare at her in total awe. She’s even more beautiful than what he thought…

Even if she seemed almost another woman, her way to walk, to talk, to approach others is the same as always. She’s still harsh, she’s still honest, she’s still, basically, his G/N, just in a nice dress and heels. Giorno, even if he doesn’t say it, is relieved to see it; his s/o is one of the few stable things that make him feel at ease, and loosing her would have been devastating. He’s amused and proud to see her so confident and honest while walking around on her heels, like she’s still wearing her sneakers; she truly is a force of nature. And he can’t help but to feel his heart swelling to make space for new love for her… how can he not fall even more in love with such a strong and beautiful woman?

[invisibleanonymousmonsters]

Black Serpent

Pairing: Mobster!Bucky x Fem!Reader

Summary: James Buchanan Barnes was the most notorious mobster of New York City. He was rich. He was powerful. He was feared. But something – or rather someone – made him realize his life meant so little to him. 

Word Count: 10,010 - One Shot

Warnings: Violence, Mentions of sex trafficking 

Bucky stared down at the fingernail on his right thumb. Despite just getting out of the shower, he recognized the red tint to the dirt underneath it. But it wasn’t dirt. It was dried blood. Blood that was not his. Not even a scolding hot shower could rinse away his sins.

He finally dug it out somehow and pushed the act to the back of his mind.

When he walked back into his bedroom, with only a towel around his waist, he was relieved to see his bed empty.

But then he heard the movement around his kitchen.

Bucky smirked as he threw a pair of sweats on and didn’t bother with a shirt.

He entered the kitchen to find Steve rummaging through his fridge for food.

“Coffee should be ready soon,” the man said without turning away away from the refrigerator. Bucky couldn’t sneak up on his best friend if his life depended on it.

“How do you get rid of them so fast?” Bucky asked him.

Steve finally turned around to smirk at him. “I’m nice to them.”

Bucky scoffed and mumbled something under his breath about always being nice to his flings.

Steve shoved a plate of breakfast in front of Bucky.

“Peg says you’re getting thin. She was close to hiring you a live-in chef to make sure you actually ate 3 meals a day.”

Bucky rolled his eyes, but dug into the food. “Can you call the boys and tell ‘em to meet at the office?”

Steve’s brow furrowed. “What for?”

“There’s rumblings going around the city about this Black Serpent,” Bucky answered casually.

“Isn’t your worrying a little premature? We’ve been hearing these rumors for years. And how do we know they’re based in anything real?” Steve challenged.

Bucky pointed his fork at Steve. “My worrying is what’s kept you alive all these years, punk,” he retorted with a mouth full of food.

“All we know about this ‘Black Serpent’” Steve said with finger quotes, “is that no one even knows what they look like. And they’re trying to shut down Pierce’s sex clubs.”

“Yeah, and what happens when he gets bored with Hydra’s mob, huh? He’ll come for us next.”

“We deal in money laundering, Buck. Sex clubs aren’t really a gateway crime to that.” Steve teased.

“Stop bugging me and just call the damn crew, Steve.” Bucky snapped. ————-

“Why doesn’t anyone know a damn thing about this schmuck?” Bucky asked as his men sat around a table.

Clint shrugged his shoulders. “He’s well-protected, I guess.”

Bucky ground his teeth together. “There’s not so much of a picture of this guy. How is that even possible? It’s 2018.”

The group started shifting their weight and sharing looks with each other as they saw Bucky’s irritation rising.

Steve put a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “I wasn’t teasing you when I said I don’t think we need to worry about this quite yet. This Black Serpent hasn’t made a move against us. So until that happens, let’s not lose any sleep over it.”

“Someone’s making threats in my city, I’m not ignoring it.” Bucky muttered dangerously.

The mobster stood up quickly and buttoned his suit jacket. He gave a warning look and pointed to Clint, “Get me a picture of this asshole.”

Clint nodded, knowing he couldn’t let his boss down.

————-

It had been weeks since Bucky ordered his crew to find out anything they could about the Black Serpent and his gang. But they still had their jobs to do.

Steve walked into his office to find Bucky washing his hands in the sink of the bathroom. The water below was tinted pink from the blood.

Steve sighed and sat in the seat across the Bucky’s desk, “Well… I think you broke his nose and fractured both his cheekbones.”

“He’s lucky I didn’t kill him,” Bucky mumbled as he sat across from Steve, behind his desk.

Steve eyes the bruise that now filtered across Bucky’s knuckles. Some of the skin even split and was still bleeding slightly.

“Why do you still stick around, Steve?” Bucky asked with surprising gentleness.

Steve blinked. “What?”

“You have a perfect wife and life outside of this. Why risk ruining all of that by staying at my side?”

“You’re my best friend, Buck. Where else would I go?”

“Home,” he answered harshly.

Steve didn’t know how to respond to that.

Bucky stood up abruptly and threw his suit jacket on.

“Where you going?” Steve asked quickly.

“The bar.”

Steve stood up. “Want me to come with?”

“No,” Bucky answered harshly. “Go home, Steve.”

—————

It was a nice bar. Every drink cost at least $15. Bucky was sort of a regular. He liked it because no one bothered him. He could sit by himself and be left to his devices. It was quite amazing how he managed to be alone in a crowded and fancy cocktail bar.

Bucky listened to the music playing in the speakers. It didn’t overwhelm him and it wasn’t the shitty modern stuff all over the radio.

“Another?” The bartender asked him casually, knowing better than to judge the king mobster and his alcohol intake.

Bucky just nodded at the bartender and made him another Old-Fashioned.

Suddenly the hair on Bucky’s arms and the back of his neck stood on end. He sensed someone walking in his direction. But somehow he knew they weren’t a threat. They sat to the right of him at the bar.

Bucky didn’t look over, but saw the bartender’s reaction and knew they were a woman. But not just any woman, he could tell she was beautiful by how the bartender seemed slightly flustered by her arrival.

“Vodka Martini, please. Extra dirty.” The voice cooed politely.

Bucky subtly looked over as soon as she made her order.

She was wearing a sleek and sexy jumpsuit that left very little to the imagination. The front plummeted almost all the way down to her naval. Yet somehow she made the outfit look effortlessly classy and stylish. Her makeup was clean and impeccable.

“Put it on my tab,” Bucky orders the bartender.

The woman eyed him. “No, thank you,” she refused politely, before handing over a matte black credit card to the bartender.

Bucky, not offended in the slightest, smirked at her. “Doll, I don’t think you picked that seat if you didn’t plan on me buying you a drink.”

She raised a brow. “I am perfectly capable of buying my own drinks. Thank you. I chose this seat because it looks like you’re having a rough day. And I hoped that would be enough for me to sit here and not be bothered by you.”

Bucky whistled lowly, "You are something else.” Then he chuckled. “What makes you think I’m having a rough day?”

She sighed, not planning on answering the question. But then her gaze landed on his bloodied and bruised knuckles. “Hope the other guy’s still breathing.”

“You don’t know the fool. How are you so sure he didn’t deserve it?”

She smirked at his retort.

The bartender placed her martini down and gave her a wink.

Bucky didn’t miss it. But the young woman seemed to mostly ignore the gesture.

Bucky then lifted his glass to her, offering to clink glasses.

She eyed him suspiciously, but raised her martini to him.

“Can I know the name of the beautiful woman I’m cheersing with?” Bucky asked suavely.

“Y/N,” she said with a tilt of her head.

“Y/N,” he repeated back like it was his saving grace.

But she didn’t miss his cocky grin. Like getting her name meant he could get anything from her.

She took a heavy sip. “This isn’t going to go how you expect,” she suddenly warned.

Bucky smiled. “Is that so?”

Y/N nodded. “You shouldn’t waste your time on me.” Then she eyed something over Bucky’s shoulder. He turned around to see a group of beautiful women. They were eyeing him too and Bucky quickly turn back around to face Y/N.

“You should go talk to them,” she urged.

“I don’t want to talk to them. I want to talk to you, doll.” Bucky answered with a smile.

Y/N sighed and then leaned toward him. “Listen to me when I say that I’m not the girl for you.”

Bucky chuckled. “How can you be so sure?”

Y/N just watched him.

He could tell by her y/e/c eyes that there was something intense going on in her mind. Like she was trying to decide to be sincere or keep playing games.

Bucky swore her gaze softened and the mischievousness in her gaze disappeared.

Y/N propped her elbow onto the bar and leaned her head into her knuckle.

“You want a beautiful woman, one that looks good on your arm. A woman who will play along with the game, fall for your charm, go home with you, and give you that short reprieve of surface-level intimacy.”

Bucky wasn’t expecting to be read like a book. But he kept his look composed, still appearing amused by her words.

“And you can’t be that woman?”

“No.” She gave him a warning look as well. “Because you don’t want to be challenged. You wouldn’t know what to do with a woman that didn’t accept your unhealthy habit of compartmentalizing your affections.”

Y/N took another sip of her drink. “You aren’t the first man to navigate relationships that way and you surely won’t be the last. You’ve got good company. But casual relationships equals a casual life. So don’t be surprised when you wake up one day and it finally hits you.”

Bucky raised a brow. “And what will finally hit me, doll?”

“That you don’t know how to love just as much as you don’t know how it feels to be loved.”

Bucky stared at her for second before throwing back his entire drink. “Jesus Christ,” he chuckled.

“You asked,” Y/N replied with a shrug and simper.

Bucky leaned toward her and lowered his voice, “You really think you’ve got me all figured out, don’t you?” Then he leaned back. “You just met me.”

Y/N grinned at him, like he mentioned an inside joke of theirs. She finished her martini and stood up from her seat. “Oh, I know more about you than I think you’d be comfortable with, James.”

It wasn’t until she reached the door that Bucky realized he had never told her his name. He jumped to his feet and hurried out the door. His eyes raced around the area, trying to find the beautiful woman.

But she was nowhere to be found.

Bucky tried to convince himself he was angry and a little distressed that he was so transparent to this stranger. But he knew he wasn’t truly, for he had a subtle grin on his lips as he shook his head and walked back into the bar.

It wasn’t unusual for people to know who he was. After all, James Buchanan Barnes was the mob boss of Brooklyn and most of New York City. Bucky had gained quite the reputation. Most of it caused people to fear him. But if Y/N really knew who he was, she had shown no concern for his dangerous notoriety.

—————

Bucky was reading the papers in front of him when there was a knock on his door.

Steve walked in with a weary look.

“What is it?” The mobster asked.

“Clint tracked down the Black Serpent,” Steve told him slowly.

“And?” Bucky was irritated by the rising tension.

“They want to meet with you.”

Bucky’s brow furrowed, “What?”

“Word travels fast. They found out you’ve been looking for them,” Steve clarified.

Then he watched Bucky go deep into thought.

“You’re not actually considering doing this,” Steve asked in slight panic.

“Why wouldn’t I consider it?” Bucky challenged.

“Okay. All these years, you’ve kept my dumb ass from getting killed and did your best to keep me out of trouble. Now it’s finally my turn to do the same for you,” Steve huffed. “Do not go to that meeting. We don’t know a god damn thing about this guy. How do we know he’s not going to shoot you the second you walk through the door?”

“We don’t,” Bucky shrugged.

“Do you have a death sentence?”

Bucky rolled his eyes, “No, Steve. I want to make a deal. I want to do my job. This is what I’m good at. This is how we got where we are. And that didn’t happen from me playing it safe.”

Steve ground his teeth together and crossed his arms. “Fine. But I’m going with you.”

Bucky scoffed. “Like hell you are.”

“Bucky!”

But he cut Steve off. “You have a wife and the kids to worry about. I’m not risking it. If something ever happened to you, Peg would never forgive me. You’re staying behind on this one. That’s final.” “But what about you, Buck?” Steve’s voice was so quiet and filled with worry.

“I’ll be fine,” he brushed aside his friend’s concern. “Always am.”

—————

The day of the meeting, Bucky made sure none of his men entered the building.

Clint and Sam waited in the car. Neither of them liked seeing their boss walk in alone and vulnerable. But they did what he asked.

From the outside, the place looked like an abandoned building. But Bucky was quickly proven wrong when he walked in to see the place was completely refinished and updated. It was a good hideout. No one would ever suspect it.

Bucky wondered if knowing of its existence was one of the many reasons they would kill him on the spot. He just hoped Sam and Clint would get away unharmed if that happened.

Everyone eyed him wearily, fully aware of exactly who he was.

Someone stepped forward then and gave Bucky a respectful nod, holding out his hand for the mob boss to shake. “Right this way, Mr. Barnes.”

The man led him through a maze of halls until he opened a door and gestured for Bucky to walk in. He didn’t follow, closing the door behind him.

It was an empty office. The infamous Black Serpent was nowhere to be found.

Bucky smirked. It was a power move. Make the prey wait and start to get anxious. It reminds prey who is in control, because it’s not them.

There was a door behind the desk, proving there was another entrance to the office.

Bucky’s posture straightened as he heard the handle start to twist.

He didn’t know what he expected the Black Serpent to look like. Some tall and dark man? Perhaps he was handsome and sly? How does someone get a name like that without it correlating to their physicality?

But anything Bucky had imagined could not have been more wrong. For the person that walked through the door was no man. The Black Serpent was a woman. Not just a woman, but a inanely beautiful one.

But Bucky swore his heart stopped when he recognized her.

The Black Serpent was the woman who enchanted him at the bar. The Black Serpent was Y/N.

She wore an all black outfit one again. It was a velvet suit. She looked professional, like a CEO of a international company that could own the world. But it was her black lipstick staining her lips that ruined that image and hinted she was dangerous. Bucky found himself mesmerized by it. Not many women could pull off the look. But she did it effortlessly.

Y/N smirked as she saw the recognition covering Bucky’s features.

“Please sit down, Mr. Barnes.”

Bucky tried not show how shocked he was, but it seemed like a failure already.

“You tricked me,” Bucky said smugly as he sat down.

“Is tricked the right word?” Y/N cooed. “I heard you had been looking for me. I decided I wanted to see what all the fuss was about before I even flirted with the idea of calling a meeting.”

“You knew who I was the whole time,” Bucky sighed.

Y/N smiled. “I did. But unlike me, you don’t really put much of an effort into hiding.”

Bucky leaned forward. “How have you managed to remain so invisible?”

“This all belonged to my father at one point. He wanted to keep me safe. No one knew he was married or had a daughter. When I took it over, it was easy to remain a secret.”

Then Bucky had the realization that she was welcoming him into this secret. Him, a rival mobster. He could easily sell this information to her enemies or the feds.

“But now you’ve shown yourself to me…” Bucky said carefully.

“You are not my enemy, James.” Y/N stated confidently. “Your business is not my competition. Nor will it ever be.”

“But Pierce is,” he thought aloud.

Y/N nodded.

“You trying to get into the sex industry, doll.” Bucky teased.

“Do not insult me,” Y/N almost hissed.

It was the first sign of her mobster tendencies that he had witnessed.

“He’s not selling prostitution or a sex club. He’s selling women. Pierce has a sex ring. He’s a trafficker.” Y/N added with poison in her tone.

Bucky suddenly put it together. “You’re not trying to take over Pierce’s business. You’re trying to kill the business altogether and take him down with it,” he muttered slowly in realization.

Y/N didn’t deny it, proving that he was right.

“I said you weren’t my enemy and now you know I meant it.” She finally said after a moment of silence filled the room.

“You want my help,” Bucky alluded.

Y/N instantly shook her head. “No. I don’t need your help.” She crossed her arms. “When I heard how aggressive you were about finding me, I decided it was best to call a meeting with you. I can’t fight a war with one mob while another is trying to start a new one me as well. I hoped to clear the air before that could happen.” “You trusted me enough to give away your identity,” Bucky pointed out.

“Don’t go getting sentimental on me, James.”

“Do you trust me?” He asked quietly.

“I don’t trust anyone.” Y/N retorted.

“I’m not going to tell anyone about this meeting or who you actually are.” Bucky didn’t know why he felt like promising it. But his words were sincere. Bucky may be many things, but he would always be a man of his word.

“We’ll see about that.” Y/N sighed.

Bucky sensed that this was the end of their meeting. He stood up and buttoned his suit jacket.

“Why did you find me that night?” He had to ask before he left.

Y/N eyed him, having an internal battle of what she wanted to share with him.

“I told you, I wanted to see for myself what kind of man you were,” she admitted.

“Let me take you out to dinner,” Bucky blurted out. His boyish charm just couldn’t be hindered. He took his shot.

Y/N raised her eyebrows, genuinely taken aback by the offer.

“I can’t be seen with one of the biggest mob bosses in New York City. It would blow my cover.” Y/N chided.

“You’re seen with me and nobody will touch you, doll. I’ll make damn sure of that.”

Y/N scoffed. “I don’t need your protection, James. I’ve done well by myself all this time. I can handle my safety on my own.”

“Then why won’t you go out with me?” Bucky asked with a smile.

“Didn’t you hear a word I said to you that night? I’m not the girl for you.”

Bucky couldn’t help but chuckle. “You won’t even give me a chance, doll.” Y/N stood up and walked to the door to open it. “Get out of here James. Before I changed my mind about letting you walk out of her alive.” “You wouldn’t.” Bucky teased like she wasn’t talking about murdering him.

“You don’t know me now, do you? So how would you know what I would and wouldn’t do?” Y/N countered with a dangerous gaze.

Bucky decided to be bold and slowly walked up to her, not stopping until their faces were mere inches apart.

“I don’t give up that easily, doll.” Bucky said to her with a smirk.

“Goodnight, Mr. Barnes.” Y/N answered coldly before ushering him out the door.

It would take more than that to discourage Bucky.

He left Y/N in her office and remembered the route back to the entrance of the warehouse. He was just about to reach the door when someone called his name.

Bucky turned around to find Nick Fury walking toward him. The man had a reputation and there weren’t many mobsters repping an eye patch and a look that could kill. He was easy to identify.

“Fury,” Bucky greeted coldly. “Didn’t know you ran with the Black Serpent.”

“Y/N’s father was my best friend,” the older man explained. Then he gave him a warning look. “I tried to talk Y/N out of this meeting with you about a dozen times.”

Bucky frowned at the direction the conversation was going.

“I promised her dad I would look after her when she took on this world,” Fury continued. “You do anything to compromise her identity or hurt her…and you’ll wish you’d never been born. Do you understand me?”

Bucky’s gaze darkened. “Are you really threatening me right now?”

“Absolutely.”

“It’s unnecessary,” Bucky said with annoyance. “If anything, I want to help her. But you won’t believe that no matter what I tell you.”

“You say that now. But if anyone finds out you know the Black Serpent, there could come a day when someone gives you an offer you can’t refuse.”

Bucky had nothing else to say to the man and left the warehouse.

As soon as Sam and Clint spotted him inside their faces both dropped into relief. They half expected to be carrying their boss’ corpse out of that warehouse.

“What did he look like?” Clint asked a half a second before Bucky even managed to close his car door.

“Was he ugly?” "Did he look like an actual snake?”

“Does he kill his enemies with poison?”

Bucky gave them both a death glare. “Enough.”

That was all he needed to say to get both of them to shut up.

They took the hint and didn’t say anything for the rest of the car ride.

—————

Bucky didn’t have the desire to go home. He had been sitting in his office for God knows how long, just staring at the wall. All of his men had already gone home. Or so he thought.

“What’re you still doing here?” Steve made him jump.

“Christ, what’re you doing, waltzing in here like that?” Bucky growled, hating being snuck up on.

“I saw your light on underneath the door. Why aren’t you at home, Buck?” Steve asked carefully.

Bucky just shrugged his shoulders.

Steve moved to sit on the edge of his desk and looked down at his friend. “Buck, you’ve been out of it since that meeting? What happened in that room?”

Bucky was silent for a moment before turning to meet Steve’s gaze. “If I asked you to keep a secret, something you couldn’t even tell Peg, could you do it?”

Steve would’ve been insulted by the fact that Bucky even felt the need to ask if he weren’t so worried about his friend. “Of course, Bucky. I’d die before giving away your secrets. I’m with you ‘till the end of the line, punk.”

Bucky nodded his head slowly. He wasn’t surprised by the sincerity in Steve’s voice. “Remember the girl I told you about a few weeks ago?”

Steve nodded and smirked, “The one that put you in your place and talked circles around you?” Then his brow furrowed as eat thought, “What was her name…Y/N?”

“It’s her, Steve.” Bucky told him. “Y/N’s the Black Serpent.”

Realization hit Steve’s face. But then he stayed quiet, not really sure how to navigate through the conversation after Bucky’s little confession.

“I thought I couldn’t stop thinking about her after that night, but once I found out her secret… I don’t know… It’s like – it’s like she’s consumed my every thought.”

Steve chuckled, “Well, that’s a first.”

Bucky glared at his best friend. “Shut it, Steve.”

But Steve matched his glare. “I’m being serious. It’s about time you stopped messing around with these floozies that only want your name and your money.”

Bucky shook his head, “She’s too good for me, Steve. And she fucking knows it.”

“Yeah, probably. So get your shit together.”

Then Bucky got a dazed look in his eye. “She fucking terrifies me,” the mobster admitted.

Any sense of playfulness disappeared from Steve. All his time knowing Bucky, not once could he remember a moment when he even appeared scared. To hear the most dangerous mobster in New York City admit fear, it was the most shocking thing Steve had witnessed in their friendship.

“She looked me up and down… and in seconds, she read me like a book.”

Steve gave him a sympathetic look. “Go home, Buck.”

“To what, Steve? An empty penthouse? An empty life? I worked my ass off for this business, for this gang… and for what? So I can be stupid rich? To be known and feared by this entire city?”

“Alright. That’s it. You’re coming home with me for dinner.”

Bucky sighed and stood up. “No, I’m fine.” He put on his trench coat and then walked over to his friend. He patted him on the shoulder. “Go home to your wife and kids, Steve.”

He walked swiftly out of his office, leaving no room for Steve to argue.

—————

Bucky walked into another one of his regular cocktail spots. The bar was on the second floor with an open concept that let bar-goers look down at the restaurant area below and subtly watch the diners.

His eyes lazily scanned below, only half interested in the crowd.

But then his gaze landed on someone familiar.

Y/N.

She was eating dinner with a couple of girlfriends.

Looking at her now, it was hard to imagine she was the threat that New York City feared so much. Her eyes were bright with amusement and happiness, and she threw her head back as she laughed so genuinely at the jokes her friends told.

Bucky couldn’t tear his eyes away from the sight.

But when he finally managed, he waved over the bartender. And when the girls tried to pay for their dinner and leave, their faces turned confused when their waiter told them it had already been taken care of.

It didn’t take Y/N long to put together what happened. Bucky guessed she must’ve known he was watching her for awhile, because her eyes immediately drew upward and met his. She looked unamused.

Bucky could tell her friends were asking who he was. He read her lips as she replied, “Nobody.”

They got up to leave and Bucky purposely moved to go downstairs and timed it perfectly so he’d meet them at the door.

Her friends eyed him, but kept walking out, letting Y/N handle the situation.

Bucky had a playful twinkle in his eyes as he met Y/N’s glare.

“You just don’t learn, do you? I’m perfectly capable of paying for dinner with friends,” she warned him lowly.

“And I’m perfectly aware of it. But that doesn’t mean you can’t accept the gesture without being threatened by it.” Bucky smirked.

She sighed. And for the first time since he’d known her, Y/N looked tired.

“Don’t start this game, James.”

“It’s not a game,” he answered seriously.

“You might not think so. But it is,” she countered. “You don’t actually like me, James.”

“Like hell I don’t.”

“You like the chase. You think I’m playing hard to get, but that’s not what I’m doing.”

“Then what are you doing?” He challenged.

“Saving both of us time and effort.”

Bucky rolled his eyes. “Why do you have to make this so difficult?”

“You don’t know anything about me. You think you’re attracted to me…but you’ve just a projected a woman onto me that you want. And I never will be here…so you’re just going to be disappointed when you eventually realize it.”

Bucky tilted his head in thought for a moment. It seemed to bother Y/N that she couldn’t read his thoughts right in that moment. He slowly stepped into her space. It was obvious that she didn’t like his close proximity.

“Did you ever think that maybe you’re just scared that I will get to know the real you? That you won’t be able to hide behind that mask of yours?” He offered, his eyes slowly lowering down to her lips. “It’s not about the chase, Y/N. But I will say, you make it thrilling.”

If looks could kill, Bucky would be in hell right then.

“Goodnight, James.” Y/N muttered with boredom before shoving past him.

——————

Bucky jolted awake in bed at the sound of someone breaking into his penthouse.

The mafia boss slept with a gun under his pillow every night, half a dozen more were scattered and hidden around his bedroom.

On instinct alone, he sat up in bed with the gun cocked, loaded, and pointed at the door.

But it immediately dropped to his side when he recognized Steve’s silhouette.

“I almost shot your fucking head off, Steve. What the hell are you doing in my house?” Bucky growled, voice raw with sleep.

“Something’s going on with Y/N and Pierce’s crew…” Steve breathed.

Suddenly Bucky put together that his friend had sprinted here, for he was trying to catch his breath as though his life depended on it.

“Is she okay?” Bucky whispered.

“I don’t know. Pierce’s club went under fire. That’s all I’ve been told. She might not have been there. But one of our guys was listening to the radio like usual and caught wind of it. It sounds bad, Buck. A dozen men or so have already been declared dead. Don’t know from what side…”

Bucky whipped the covers off the bed and started getting dressed.

In 15 minutes, the tires of his car were screeching to a halt in front of the warehouse where he had first learned the true identity of the Black Serpent.

Despite his arguing, Bucky couldn’t manage to convince Steve to stay home. His best friend insisted on going with him to the warehouse.

Steve was hot his heels as he marched into the warehouse, unannounced.

But Bucky’s panic dissipated completely at the sight before him.

Women of all ages, even children, were huddled into groups on the floor. Their eyes were wide in fear and most of them were barely clothed. Some of them were lucky enough to have blankets covering their shoulders. They tried sharing them with those close.

“What the…?” He heard Steve whisper beside him as they both looked around.

“What the fuck are you doing here?” The voice was came out of nowhere and was so filled with fury that it made Steve jump.

But Bucky’s reaction was substituted with relief, for it belong to Y/N.

She was wearing an all black outfit, baggy t-shirt and jeans tucked into black combat boots. It was unlike her usual high-heeled and feminine ensembles.

“I came to check on you,” Bucky told her quietly.

Y/N seemed utterly taken aback by such a gesture that she simply mumbled, “I’m fine.”

But that was when Bucky spotted her right arm, dripping slowly with blood.

“You’re bleeding,” he stepped forward.

“What?” Y/N muttered and then followed his gaze down to her shoulder. “Oh, that… a bullet grazed my arm. I’m fine.”

“You’re not fine, Y/N. You need this stitched.” Bucky reprimanded as he carefully and gently grabbed her arm to take a closer look.

Y/N slowly removed her arm from his grasp. “Look… thank you for making sure I’m okay. But I have to look after these girls.” Without giving him a chance to answer, Y/N was grabbing more blankets for the girls and then making sure they had enough food and water.

Bucky, in awe of watching Y/N in her element, didn’t know what to do and started helping. Steve followed suit.

Next thing they knew, three hours had passed and all the survivors were sleeping on cots or sleeping bags in the warehouse.

Bucky and Steve were exhausted, but they knew it was nothing near the exhaustion and torture these women had gone through.

Bucky was looking around now. Without taking his eyes away from his search, he found Steve’s shoulder and gripped it. “Go home, Steve. I’ll be okay here.”

No one seemed to stop Bucky as he searched the giant warehouse for Y/N. By some miracle, he remembered the route to her personal office.

She was sitting at her desk, slumped over with her face in her hands as her elbows were propped on the desk. It appeared the events of the night were finally catching up to her. She looked exhausted and, quite frankly, a little heartbroken.

But she decided to hide it by ripping into Bucky.

“What are you still doing here?” She asked him roughly.

Her attitude had no effect on him. He simply shrugged his shoulders and said, “They’re all taken care of, Y/N. Now let someone take care of you.”

“How many times do I have to tell you? I’m fine, James.” She snapped back rudely.

“You don’t have to prove how strong you are, Y/N. I already know.” Bucky told her with a heavy sigh.

She scoffed at him as she started to wrap gauze around her wound with one hand. “I’m not trying to prove shit…” she mumbled under her breath.

“You’re wrapping that too tight, doll,” Bucky warned and took a quick step forward. “We’re gonna have to amputate your arm after you accidentally tourniquet yourself.”

Y/N let out an exasperated sigh and held up her hands in surrender. “Fine. You do it.”

Bucky bit his lip trying to stop himself from laughing. He found her resentment and annoyance adorable. He was careful as he undid her poor wrap job.

He spotted antibiotic ointment in the first aid kit she had opened up and carefully dabbed it on the cut. Thankfully it wasn’t deep enough for her to need stitches. But he was being extra careful.

“You know… you’d think being one of the most dangerous mobsters in New York, who’d know how to tend to wounds a bit better…” Bucky teased.

She gave him a glare. “I guess I’m not as bad at my job as you are. I’m the one hurting people, not getting hurt. Maybe if you weren’t so reckless, you wouldn’t be so well-versed in nursing.”

Bucky couldn’t hold back the chuckle. “Is that what you’ve heard about me? That I’m reckless?”

“I’ve heard a lot about you,” Y/N muttered dully without looking at him.  

“Oh, yeah? Care to share?” He asked, utterly amused.

“James Buchanan Barnes. He’ll charm the wits out of you until the very moment he murders you.” Y/N recited from memory with a caricature of a voice. Then she sighed and thought of what other rumors she’s heard. “But if you need to clean your money, your the guy. Hmm… You sleep with any pretty thing that has enough of a brain to form sentences. You aren’t scared to get your hands dirty…to a point where people have started thinking you might have a case of blood lust.”

Bucky’s amusement faded at the descriptions she shared. “I guess I’m some sort of sociopath, huh?”

Y/N eyed him for a moment, trying to figure out if she wanted to comfort him at all. “I don’t think a sociopath would’ve stuck around to help a bunch of victims like you did tonight.”

But Bucky shook his head. “One good deed doesn’t make up for a lifetime of sin, Y/N.”

He had finished wrapping her wound and looked up at her. But she was already staring down at him. “I guess we’re both lost causes then.”

Bucky wanted to say that there was no way she was a lost cause. But he didn’t think it was the time or place. So he just replied with, “Guess we are.”

“While, this has been fun. It’s time for me to get home. There’s a giant bed waiting for me.” Y/N said casually as she stood up. Then she eyed him. “That wasn’t an invitation.”

Bucky held his hands up in surrender. “I’m no fool. I can take the hint when a gal hates my guts.”

Y/N wanted to say she could never hate his guts. But she didn’t want to encourage him. She was supposed to be doing the opposite.

“Are you gonna be okay getting home?” He asked her softly.

The caring tone caught her off guard. “Yeah, my driver’s waiting outside. I’ll be fine.”

Bucky nodded slowly. He had hoped he could offer to drive her home himself. But that was obviously stupidly optimistic of him. Of course she had a driver. She probably would have 3 of her men tailing her back as well.

“I meant to ask,” He started. “Pierce…did you kill him?”

Y/N’s face fell. “No, the bastard got away.” She told him with disappointment.

Then Bucky’s entire body tensed. “Y/N, did he see you? Did anyone that survived the raid and shootout see you?”

“No, of course not.” She quickly answered. “There’s a reason I’ve stayed hidden all this time. Don’t insult me my abilities.”

Bucky nodded again. “Goodnight, Y/N.” His voice was filled with exhaustion. He didn’t expect her to say anything as he made his leave.

So his body froze when he heard her practically whisper, “Thank you, James.”

He quickly turned around and looked at her, half believing that he had imagined hearing it. “You know… you can call me Bucky. All of my friends do.”

“But we’re not friends,” she replied just as quietly.

His lips tightened into a line. Out of all the things she’d said to him, that was the one that seemed to bother him the most. “Right,” he muttered before leaving her office.

—————

A new fire was lit inside Bucky. He started giving his men tasks that caused them to share confused looks with one another. Of course they didn’t question the mob boss’ orders. But that didn’t mean they understood them.

“Get me every record we have of Hydra’s accounts,” was the general statement Bucky told his men.

He wasn’t proud of it, but his gang had been the ones to launder all of Pierce’s money. At the time they’d come to that agreement, Bucky was oblivious to the true nature of Hydra’s underground and illegal business. He thought it was a way to keep peace between two gangs, to keep Pierce’s nose out his business and keep his men out of his way.

But now that Bucky knew where the money really came from, he felt sick to his stomach with the realization that he helped in a twisted way.

“Buck, what are you up to?” Steve finally asked Bucky after weeks of men digging up their dirt against Pierce and Hydra.

“What do you mean?” Bucky asked casually.

“You haven’t slept in God knows how long. You have all our guys pulling up any paperwork that Hydra’s so much as touched. What are you up to?”

Bucky shook his head. “That night… made me realize I need to make some changes. Everything I’ve done in my life…it’s all be based in selfishness. After I saw those women, those little girls… I can’t believe that’s been going on in my city, right under my nose. And I had a fucking hand in it.”

“Bucky, how could any of us know that’s what was really going on?” Steve tried to comfort him.

“We’re not idiots, Steve. There were signs everywhere. If we just looked outside of our greed for once in our God damn lives, we would’ve known something was off. What’s more fucked up is that I don’t even know if I would’ve tried to stop it if I figured it out.”

Steve was silent, unable to find the right words to say.

“So I’m taking it down. Pierce and his gang won’t deal in my city a second longer.”

“You’re going to start a war, Bucky.” Steve’s eyes had never been more serious. “You sure you understand the weight of what you’re about to do?”

Bucky’s face darkened. “You can’t start a war with a dead man.”

—————

Y/N was walking around the farmer’s market. It was finally feeling like autumn in New York City. She’d had enough of the sweltering summer and the cool breeze now felt so refreshing against her skin.

It was one of the few times she was out of the uniform of her alter ego. Now she was wearing boyfriend jeans, a t-shirt, and sneakers. She still had her messy bed head from waking up and she didn’t bother putting in her contacts.

Her face wasn’t wearing an ounce of makeup. There wasn’t even any left over from the last night.

She was grabbing a batch of apples as she heard someone call her name.

To Y/N surprise and slight horror, she turned around to find the infamous Bucky Barnes just a few feet away from her.

Y/N had been dressed scantily and with little skin covered every time she faced him before. Yet she never felt more exposed and vulnerable than she did now.

“Hi,” she said awkwardly.

He had a warm smile at her quiet greeting.

Y/N shifted her weight and looked around uncomfortably. “Uhh…what are you doing here?”

Bucky gestured behind him with his thumb. “I live around the block.

Her brows raised. “You do? How have I never seen you here before?”

He chuckled. “I don’t do a lot of cooking and therefore I don’t do a lot of grocery shopping. I’m trying to be better about it. Hence my presence today.”

Then he noticed that Y/N was shifting her weight because she was trying to carry three heavy paper bags in two hands.

“Here. Let me help you,” Bucky offered, rushing forward.

“Oh! You really don’t have to do that.”

But he was already grabbing the two heaviest bags from her grasp.

“Where to?” He asked her, ignoring her refusal.

Y/N eyed him, wanting to tell him to go away, but not finding the courage to be mean to him when he was being nothing but nice in return.

The short walk to her apartment was silent. Bucky didn’t bother trying to make small talk.

She guided him to a classic, yet restored building. She lead him to the elevator and clicked the penthouse button.

When they finally reached her apartment, Bucky was in awe of the place.

It was nothing like he had imagined. No one would ever guess the city’s scariest and most mysterious criminal lived here. It was warm and cozy. There were plants taking up any free space. The exposed and distressed brick only added character, instead of making it look scrappy.

Y/N watched Bucky take in her home. She had to admit, it made her rather anxious.

“What? What is it?” She finally asked, unable to take his silence any longer.  

He gave her a shy smile and shrugged before putting her bags on the kitchen counter. “Nothing. It’s just not what I expected.”

Y/N kept shifting her weight and avoiding his gaze.

Bucky realized she was nervous having him there. That’s when he understood that he was seeing a part of her life and a part of her that so few were lucky enough to see. She didn’t want him there because it showed him the real Y/N, not the notorious and anonymous gangster of New York City.

It wasn’t just her apartment. It was her outfit: her messy hair, her makeup-less face. How many men were able to see Y/N in her raw and purest form?

“I should go…” Bucky stated awkwardly. Where was the suave man that could wrap any beautiful woman around his finger in minutes? How did she always do this to him?

“Thank you,” Y/N blurted out before he could leave, “for helping me.”

“You’re not used to people doing things for you, are you?” He gave her a sad smirk.

Y/N shrugged and scratched her arm. “I don’t want to depend on anyone.”

Bucky laughed dryly and shook his head, “Sometimes people want to do nice things for the people they care about. Doesn’t mean that person has to lose their independence or feel like they owe something in return.”

She tried to ignore the part where he basically admitted to caring about her. Mostly because she didn’t believe it. “Like trying to take down Pierce for me?” Y/N challenged.

Bucky’s eyes darkened. “How the hell did you hear about that?”

“It doesn’t matter. Do you know how reckless your being? If I can find out, what’s stopping Pierce and his gang from finding out? You don’t have a cover to hide behind, James. What happens when he comes after you?”

“I can handle it,” Bucky retorted.

“But what if you can’t?” She kept challenging.

He remained quiet.

“I didn’t ask for your help,” Y/N spat.

“That’s exactly the point I’m trying to make, Y/N!” Bucky’s voice rose.

She finally snapped. “What if you get hurt?” Y/N yelled.

It caught Bucky off guard. He blinked, shocked at her intrinsically confessing she was concerned for his wellbeing.

Bucky sighed and ran a hand through his hair. He didn’t want to argue with her.

“I should go,” he muttered, mostly to the floor.

When he glanced up, Y/N’s expression was unreadable.

Bucky started walking out, but paused with the door half open and looked back at her.

“You look really beautiful, Y/N.” His voice was quiet, but confident.

She couldn’t find a response. So she just watched him walk out of her apartment

—————

Bucky kept his distance from Y/N. A couple months passed. He put all his energy into his work. Steve got more and more worried as he watched his friend look more and more exhausted. It just inspired him to find Pierce and kill the man himself so Bucky would finally relax and move on.

So when Steve got a call from Sam, he couldn’t be more relieved.

He marched into Bucky’s office. “We got him.”

“What?”

“Sam just called. We have Pierce.”

Bucky quickly moved to his feet.

Next thing he knew, his men were driving him to a warehouse at the edge of the city. When he walked in, Sam and a dozen of his men were surrounding Pierce, who was already bloodied up and tied to a metal chair.

“Took you long enough,” Pierce spat a mouthful of blood on the cement floor.

“You’re pretty cocky for a dead man,” Bucky cooed as he grabbed another chair spun in around and placed it in front of Pierce, sitting on it backwards as he leaned his forearms on the back of it.

“Dead man, huh?” Pierce smirked.

Bucky didn’t say anything.

“All these years, you never gave a damn about my business. In fact, you laundered the money I made off of it. What’s made you a new enemy of mine?” Pierce questioned.

“I didn’t know what I was helping with,” Bucky replied darkly.

“Oh, so now you’re some saint?” Pierce challenged. “You’re no different than me, Barnes. You think your hands are clean? Then you’re delusional.”

Bucky’s jaw tensed, already knowing there was some truth to the man’s words.

“No, I don’t think your new path to goodness has you after me.” Pierce sighed and thought aloud. “No…No… I think it has to do with you falling for the Black Serpent.”

Without meaning to, Bucky’s gaze flickered over to Steve. His best friend instantly saw the panic in his eyes. But he managed to hide it from his enemy.

“You don’t think I know about your little infatuation?” Pierce chuckled. “Why else would you have a sudden change of heart toward me?”

Bucky had enough of his taunting. In one swift movement, he unsheathed a switchblade from his pocket, flipped it open, and stabbed it into Pierce’s thigh.

Pierce howled in pain.

“No. You’re absolutely right: I am no saint. And that’s exactly why I’m enjoying causing you so much pain. I don’t think for one fucking second that I’m a good person. But I know one thing for sure: I’m a better man than you. That’s why your death will be the only one that a higher power excuses. I’m going to hell, but you will not be the reason I’m there.”

Pierce’s wasn’t so cocky anymore.

“Not so talkative now, are you?” Bucky gave him the most evil smirk.

Pierce suddenly turned into a man who knew his life had come to an end. “I know you’re going to kill me. But I have one last thing to say before you do it.”

Bucky leaned back on his heels and crossed his arms tightly, waiting.

“The moment I go missing, my men were ordered to kill her.”

Bucky narrowed his gaze. “You’re bluffing.”

“Am I?” Pierce smiled. “Y/F/N Y/L/N… it really is a beautiful name.”

Hearing her name come out of his mouth made Bucky’s vision turn red and the beast within him was unleashed. In half a second, he had pulled his gun out from the waistband in the back of his pants.

He had it cocked and pressed to Pierce’s forehead in another half second.

“Say her name again, I dare you.”

Pierce chuckled. It was a sound that sent chills down everyone’s spine.

“Y/N – ”

But Pierce barely said the first syllable before Bucky pulled the trigger and a bullet was sent through his skull.

The blood splattered in little dots across Bucky’s face. He didn’t blink at the feeling or the sound. His jaw was clenched so hard, it was a miracle he didn’t crack his teeth.

Bucky barely processed the murder. He was already marching out of the warehouse and heading to the nearest car.

Steve and Sam were racing after him.

They didn’t need to ask to know that he was going after Y/N. Pierce could’ve been bluffing, but Bucky wasn’t taking any chances.

He remembered the address of Y/N’s apartment. As he drove, he had his phone at his ear, desperately trying to get in contact with Fury to warn him of Y/N being in danger and to see if he could tell him that she was safe.

But there was no answer.

“Fuck,” Bucky hissed as he tossed his phone to the car floor and slammed his foot on the gas.

If there were people stationed outside of Y/N’s building to guard her, they had been told to leave Bucky alone, for no one stopped the mobster from entering the building.

Without even bothering to knock, Bucky slammed his shoulder into Y/N’s door.

To his surprise, Y/N was standing in her kitchen, an oversized and distressed t-shirt hanging off her shoulder and nothing covering her bottom except a pair of underwear.

She’d already had a gun raised and pointed at him from the intrusion.

“James? What the fuck are doing?” She gasped, lowering the weapon. Then she was looking over his shoulder at Steve and Sam, who were politely trying to not look at her intimate state.

He rushed forward and wrapped her in his arms. Her body froze, still processing what the hell he was doing breaking into her home like that.

“He said they’d come for you,” Bucky gasped into her hair.

“What? Who?” She pulled back to look at him.

“Pierce.”

Then Y/N’s whole body froze. Her mind was working, figuring everything out.

That’s when Bucky realized his mistake. Pierce’s men didn’t know how to find Y/N. But they knew he did. So they gave him an empty threat and waited for him to lead them right to her.

Before he could vocalize the terrible mistake he’d made. Gun shots were breaking through the glass.

Bucky yanked Y/N to the ground and shielded her body with his own.

Glass and debris fell around them as gunshots continued firing.

Bucky cupped Y/N’s face to the crook of her neck, praying to a God he didn’t believe in that his body was enough to protect her.

He managed to hear Sam and Steve screaming into a phone, telling their men of the attack and called for backup.

Time felt like it was both slowing down and speeding up simultaneously.

Bucky couldn’t figure out how long they lay there when the gunshots finally stopped.

He pulled away and lifted himself off of Y/N’s body. She blinked up at him. On instinct alone, he cupped her check. “You okay?” She nodded.

“Buck, you alright?” Steve called from the other side of the room.

“Yep. You guys good?” He called back. Not taking his eyes off Y/N.

“Pretty much. Sam’s head got grazed.” Steve called back.

“Bucky,” Y/N gasped. “You got shot.”

But he ignored what she said. He was too caught off guard by hearing her call him Bucky. She’d never done that before.

Then he suddenly felt the pain. It all came flooding to his nerves at once. He looked down to see that his left shoulder was covered in blood. He could feel it, the bullet lodged in his shoulder. He stumbled back at the lightheadedness.

“Steve, he got hit in the shoulder!” Y/N cried out as she rushed forward to steady him.

—————

Bucky glared at Steve from across the hospital room, “This is ridiculous.”

“You passed out from the shock and blood loss, punk. Stop acting like you didn’t get shot.” Steve fired back with annoyance. He sat in a visitor’s chair as he flipped through another magazine with boredom.

“This place smells like death and the food sucks,” Bucky mumbled.

“Maybe it smells like death because you almost died.”

Bucky rolled his eyes.

Then his mind wandered as he stared out the window.

“Y/N… is she…”

“Fury came with her men. They took her to a secure safe house. She’s fine, Buck. I promise. Whatever’s left of Pierce’s crew, they’re too worried about their own skins to follow through with their dead boss’ wishes.”

Bucky nodded slowly, trying to convince himself that Y/N was okay.

Steve watched his best friend carefully. “You know, she practically ripped her arm out of its socket trying to get to you as Fury pulled her away.”

Bucky’s eyes flickered back to his friend and narrowed. “I highly doubt that.”

“She cares about you,” Steve confirmed. “I would go as far as to say she might damn well love you, Buck.”

But the mobster ignored him.

—————

Months went by. Word passed on the street that Pierce had been murdered and his gang disbanded, and the Black Serpent was responsible. That’s why no one had heard anything about the mysterious mob boss for so long. They were keeping a low profile.

Bucky and his men were the only ones that knew the truth.

But they had all been sworn to secrecy.

Things slowly turned back to normal.

Now that Pierce’s industry had been ruined, Bucky picked up the broken pieces and rebuilt. He owned strip clubs now. But there were no underground sex clubs, no prostitutes, no sex trafficking. Everything was clean. The girls were taken care of and protected. They felt safe and they made their living.

Bucky was taking a day off, something he can’t remember doing in years. He was drinking a glass of scotch and watching the game when there was a knock on his door.

He wasn’t expecting company and no unwanted visitors got past his guards alive.

His brow furrowed as he grabbed a hidden gun and slowly made his way to the door.

He looked through the peephole and was shocked to see what was on the other side.

Bucky whipped open the door to see Y/N waiting patiently. “Sam let me up,” she answered his unspoken question. “Can I come in?”

He nodded and opened the door wider for her. His head dipped out and looked both ways down the hallway. His guards gave a slight nod to him before he closed his door again.

When he turned around in his apartment, he was able to take Y/N in as she observed his home. She was dressed in an outfit that was in between her professional persona and her true self. It was something Bucky had never seen before.

Then Bucky looked at his apartment too. It was so different to hers. It was cold and luxurious. But it lacked identity or anything that would give a hint to his personality.

“I didn’t know you were back in town…” Bucky spoke carefully.

She nodded. “Can’t seem to stay away from this godforsaken city for long.”

“What are you doing here?” He asked then.

“Just wanted to check on you.” She admitted.

“No need. I’m good.”

Y/N shook her head. “OK. Fine. I wanted to see you.”

Bucky swore his heart stopped at the confession.

“Why didn’t you come find me?” She quickly added, leaving him no time to respond to her confession.

“I didn’t think you wanted me to…” Bucky admitted.

“You got shot trying to protect me. I saw you pass out, covered in your own blood. That’s the last time I saw you,” her eyes clouded over as she remembered the image.

“I only had to protect you because I was the one who put you in danger,” Bucky pointed out. “You were right. You can take care of yourself. I made a mess of things. I thought it was best that I stay away.”

“I wish you hadn’t.” She whispered.

Bucky blinked, convinced this was some sort of dream. There was no way Y/N was standing in his apartment and saying such things to him.

“You’re too good for me, Y/N.” He whispered back.

Y/N laughed at the ridiculousness. “And what, you just started thinking this?”

Bucky shook his head, “No, I’ve always known that. I knew it the moment I met you.”

“Well…” Y/N sighed. “If you’re so convinced I’m too good for you, why did you stick around all that time? Why’d you keep asking me out?”

Bucky didn’t say anything.

“You put yourself and your men in danger trying to help my cause.” Y/N added aggressively. “You risked your life protecting me.”

Bucky gained a sad smile and looked at the ground. “Here’s the thing, doll. I don’t think there’s a man on this earth who’s good enough for you. I thought – I just thought I’d rather you end up with one that realizes that and does everything in his power to become worthy of you.”

“Then fight for me.” Y/N gasped.

Bucky watched her for a moment.

“Fight for me, Bucky.” She repeated.

He couldn’t help himself anymore. He rushed forward and pulled her to him, crashing his lips against hers. Y/N welcomed the aggression and yearning. Then she matched it.

Bucky pulled away and pressed his forehead to hers. “I’m never going to stop fighting for you.” He promised.

And she believed, with every fiber of his being, that he would.

Black Serpent - Drabbles & Headcanons I don’t know why I bother trying to write one-shots. They just end up being full-blown fucking fics. 🙄

Anyways, thanks for reading. Tell me what you thought.  I’ve considered writing drabbles based on this 

AU/universe, that take place after this one-shot. Let me know if you have any suggestions. Key Word: DRABBLES. NOT other one-shots. 

[tweenw]

Han and Leia-(Stiles Stilinski)

Characters: Pretty much the whole pack, Stiles Stilinski and (Y/N)

Pairing: Eventual Stiles Stilinski x Reader

Word Count: 1990

Warnings: None

Summary: Stiles and (Y/N) coincidentally match their Halloween costumes.

"Alright, listen up guys. We have two days to turn this somewhat boring yet stylish environment into a spooky house of horrors." I announce as I stride into Lydia’s library, interrupting the pack at geeking out over her house. Isaac's reading one of the many books while Stiles's playing around with a sword he found in a glass case in his room. I'm not even surprised, to be honest. This perfectly describes the two.

The pack stops and looks at me in shock, while Derek just looks like I told him I'm pregnant. He never has been one for parties. I roll my eyes at their expressions and stand aside in the doorway, making space for everyone to pile out. And I think that's when they snap out of their daze. Immediately, a few of them start talking over each other. But Stile’s voice is the loudest, as per usual.

"Whoa whoa whoa. What's this I hear about a party, (Y/N)?" Stiles sets his sword down. Well, that's what I said, right? God I swear sometimes he’s the most dense pack member.

"We're hosting a Halloween party and we can't cancel because I already sent out the invites" Lydia smiles, knowing that there's no way in Hell they'd let her do this unless they didn’t know about it in the first place.

"Who did you invite anyway?" Erica asks, a twinge of excitement in her voice. Ever since she’s been turned, her outlook on parties and social events has made a 180 degree turn. 

"She invited just about half of the school. And Scott, you're gonna be the one hanging up cobwebs in high places. Go stretch." I glare at the poor guy and point at him while Stiles smirks in amusement a little. 

"Now, get your keys Derek and Stiles, because we're going shopping for food and decorations. Oh! And costumes." Lydia explains and watches as terror slowly seeps into their eyes. This is the highlight of my week. This is what I live for.

I see Derek about to complain, but I give him one of my best bitchfaces which I've learned from him. "Derek, no. Think of all the nights I whined and complained because we either do research or sulk around all the time. I want this party and we are going to have this party, thanks to Lydia. I don't want anyone complaining, or so god help me." I growl at them, making sure I look as threatening as possible. But I'm as intimidating as a pink butterfly on a cupcake so I guess this might not be my best tactic. Although by the looks of it, it's working just fine.

"Now, guys get the cars running because we're turning this house spooky." Lydia grin as defeat engraves itself on their faces.

~Time about 3 hours~

"No way, (Y/N)." Derek exclaims, looking at the funny and ironic costume. What? It's pretty funny and awesome in my opinion. I throw the costume at him, basically forcing him to catch it. Next to him, Erica and Isaac cough to hide their laughs.

"Yes way, Derek. C'mon. Just once." I plead with him, watching as he has a mental debate with himself. And by the looks of it, I've won. He looks at me in defeat and puts the werewolf costume into the trolley alongside tons of decorations and food. Now, let's check on Stiles.

Speaking of the devil, Stiles appears next to me with a smirk and holds up a Han Solo costume. 

"Well, I'll be sticking with this baby. Now, what's up next?" He asks as he sets his costume on top of Isaac’s police officer one with a chuckle. I think he's a little bit excited for this.

"Well, we still need to buy some alcohol, so Derek get on that one. Scott and Allison, take care of the snacks. I'll go and get some led lights. Meet at the checkouts in a few." I explain and turn around with the shopping cart to go and get my items.

~Time skip to the party so like... 45 hours?~

The two unimpressed boys and the half of the now-excited pack look up as Lydia and I enter the library in our costumes. Isaac winks at me, looking me up and down while Stiles’s face lights up as if he just realised who I was supposed to be dressed like. Scott even jokingly catcalls Lydia, who looks amazing in her mermaid costume.

 "Wow (Y/N), I didn't think you'd have it in you. I know what you'll have in you by the end of the night though." Isaac calls out, muttering the last part so I barely hear it. Oh but I do. I glare at him and turn around heading towards the door. Over time, these comments have become harmless and only slightly annoying.

Any minute now the guests should be arriving. Lydia told them to bring alcohol and dress up in a Halloween costume, and I can't wait to see them look as ridiculous as Scott. I mean, c'mon. He’s is wearing a fireman's costume. And I guess there's never enough alcohol. I'll try and stay as sober as possible though so I can remember all the embarrassing actions these guys do and tease them about it later.

"Well, (Y/N), you certainly are living up to Leia. I bet you and Stiles will look cute when he comes." Erica comments, making me smile a little bit that she thinks that. I wouldn't have thought she'd seen Star Wars.

As soon as I reach Lydia’s door, there's a knock. Well, time to get it on. And not in the way Isaac always suggests. I open the door and see that it's Malia and Peter. But they're wearing costumes, which are pretty thoughtful to be honest.

Malia is wearing a nurse costume with blood and guts smeared across it. I hope they're fake. It's even topped with a little Red Cross hat and a scalpel. The dress is barely covering her backside and shows a lot of cleavage. Lucky night for Stiles, I guess, as much as it hurts me. She also has a small bag which looks like it contains alcohol.

Peter is dressed up as Charlie Chaplin as far as I can tell, and he's rocking it alright. He has a glass of wine in his hand which I'm not even surprised about and a pleasant smile on his face.

"Thanks for making it all the way here, just head down stairs. Others will arrive shortly." I say with a smile and open the doors further, letting them in and notice them check out the decorations in awe. Well, Malia is the one looking around in awe. She probably hasn’t celebrated Halloween before.

As if on cue, Allison, Aiden, Stiles and Liam appear in front of the door looking rather good, might I add.

Aiden is looking pretty amusing. He's like Isaac’s exact twin. From the worn sweater to the pink scarf, its like he fell out of his ass.

Aiden is sporting a Dracula costume, complete with a cape and fangs drenched in blood. I don't even want to know if it's fake or real. But ironic costume of choice, nonetheless, which I appreciate.

Allison has the striped yellow suit of the Bride from Kill Bill on. And let me tell you something. She's went all out on his outfit. It's pretty detailed, and I like it.

But what makes me chuckle the most is Stiles’s costume. He's wearing the Han Solo costume he bought a few days ago and that makes me laugh. Exactly the perfect match for my costume. He looks at me impressed. "I do believe this is a coincidence, (Y/N). Or maybe it's the universe trying to tell us something." Stiles smirks as the other three walk past, noticing how well in character he already is

I hear Aiden murmur. "Yeah, to suck it up and get a room" I'm not even surprised at his reaction. He just realised there's one less girl to hook up with. Not that I'm planning on doing such a thing with Stiles. Strictly friends.Just Stiles, my best friend who I’ve been crushing on for years.

Him coming dressed as Han Solo and me being dressed as Princess Leia is amusing. Time to see if he's a fake fan or if he'll stay true to his character.

"Well, do come in, scoundrel." I grin a little, almost as if I was trying out the waters. Well, in the movies Leia and Han have a lot of chemistry yet there’s merciless insults. Let’s see if he’s down to... Roleplay I guess?

If it were possible, his smile gets wider as he grabs a hold of my hand and starts kissing it. "You know playing hard to get will only delay the inevitable." An involuntary shiver runs down my spine as his lips connect with my skin. This is so unlike Stiles. I like it though. I start to laugh.

"Alright you two weirdos, the party's down here!" Erica yells from the library. I can sort of sense that she's already started downing our alcohol, even if it won’t do much to her. Oh, right. I pull away from Stiles unwillingly and let out a laugh as I walk into the room full of dancing people and the awkward Malia doing the 'white dad at a barbecue' dance. I leave the door open for others to just come in. This one will be worth staying sober for, even if it is just for a few minutes.

"Well, care to dance, Princess?" Stiles asks, not waiting for a response before he pulls my hand and drags me onto the 'dance floor', not once breaking any physical contact with me. Well, this night is weird so far. And we barely even started yet.

He spins me around in a few circles, not once breaking contact. “I love the costume by the way, nice job.” 

I grin at him, my heart skipping a beat. He likes it.

“Why thank you. Yours isn’t half bad either, Solo.” I chuckle, and briefly pull away from him to grab a nearby bottle of some liqueur, before taking a few long gulps. Liquid courage, as Lydia calls it. I pass it to Stiles, who does the same, and then hands it to a passing by Allison.

His hands rest on my hips as a slower song comes on, the pack and a now more busy room pairing off to dance with their significant other. In this case, I’m dancing with my costume significant other. 

For a few minutes, it’s just us swaying, before I feel the dull presence of alcohol, and let out a giggle. Without really questioning it, Stiles joins me, before we’re a giggling mess. I guess we’re loud to the point Erica and Derek stop next to us, her expression one of amusement and his of defeat, probably having been roped into the dance by his Beta.

“You know, it’s not really Han and Leia without the kiss.” She smirks, Derek rolling his eyes and pulling her away before she has a chance to say anything more. 

Stiles looks uncertain, almost as if he’s having an inner battle with himself. I, on the other hand, seeing double, take a hold of my best friends face and pull him down for a deep kiss. 

His lips feel soft against mine, hesitant at first, but then more eager than perhaps mine. I feel his arms wrap around my waist and pull me in a little closer, which I don’t object to. For a few brief seconds, it feels like it’s just the two of us. No pack members, no other high-schoolers and Derek’s old friends. Just my best friend and I.

All too soon he pulls away, but rests his forehead on mine, and his sweet breath fans my face.

“You have no idea how much I’ve wanted to do that for the past year.” He grins, his hands holding my face. My lips mirror his, a smile now present on my face.

“Well, Solo, I’m glad you got what you wanted.”

[write-mywayout]

You asked for fic prompts and if you would, the Umbrella Academy kids picking names and Klaus getting his from the "A Series of Unfortunate Events" novels would be great. Or anything fluffy and Klaus related, honestly. (Have a nice trip)

here you go!! hope you enjoy it, please send me more prompts!!

~

The lives of the Hargreeves children were less than normal. Everyone circumstance beginning from their birth had left the seven siblings vulnerable to imaginable amounts of grief, pain, and danger. Each one of them had their way of escaping, if only for a time, from the grim reality that was their lives. Number One found that running drills and sprinting miles helped to clear his head, channeling the emotional exhaustion into a physical one. Number Two liked to sit and watch Grace cross-stitch, the threading of the needle in constant and precise movements serving almost as a type of hypnosis. Number Three enjoyed painting, everything from a canvas to her fingernails to the makeup on her face; she liked the feeling that she could create something out of nothing and had the power to change it whenever she pleased. Number Four loved to design clothes. He would never be able to make or wear any of them considering his forced profession and uniform (not to mention the fact that sewing was not an activity approved for boys), but that didn’t stop him from filling sketchpad after sketch pad with drawings that would rival the runways in Milan. Number Five found solace in cooking, whether this was convincing Grace to let him help with her preparation of meals when he wasn’t training, or simply standing beside her and watching (this happened more often than not since trainings left him generally fatigued). Number Six was an avid reader, he found a kinship in tales of sorrow and monsters, allowing himself to momentarily project into a world where these horrors were not his own but someone else’s. Number Seven drowned herself in music. Once she picked up her father’s old violin, her fingertips itched for new pieces to learn and songs to play.

It is no surprise that these great escape artists would cross paths in their endeavors. Number Seven would bake cookies with Grace while the others were on missions, getting tips from Number Five on how to make the edges crispy while keeping the inside gooey. On their rare days off, Number Four would dress up Number Three in daring outfits, playing music on Number One’s record player and having her strut down the hall to show the others the costumes he had put together for their little fashion show—at the end of which Number Four would come out and bow, giving a small wave with fingernails freshly painted by his runway model. Number Two liked the quiet serenity that followed Number Six when he was tucked away in the corner of the library, enthralled in his latest novel, and would often come and just sit and share the silent peace.

Most of the children eventually followed suit in regards to this specific activity. While Number Two and Number Six still shared their private, hushed reading time, the others gradually began to gravitate toward the calm presence that surrounded Number Six when he was reading. This led to a Sunday night tradition amongst the kids, in which they would all drag pillows from their rooms and curl up next to the fire place in the library after dinner to listen to Number Six read books aloud. It was unspoken that no one talked during this time, unless to ask for clarification or for a part to be repeated. It was a sanctuary away from competition and petty disputes, granting each child the escape that it was.

They tore through every genre. Number Three and Number Four thought Crime and Punishment was a little dense, Number One loved Catch 22 in all it’s confusing wartime glory, Number Five enjoyed the wit and sarcasm of Hamlet, and Number Seven reveled in anything written by Vonnegut (she used to say that “he writes the way music would sound if it were made of words”). The fan favorites, however, were the Series of Unfortunate Events books. To no one’s surprise, all the children felt a connection to the trials and tribulations faced by the Baudelaire orphans. They commiserated the loss of parents and a normal home life, the presence of overbearing and wicked adults who refused to listen, and the overall feeling that their life was indeed the result of a series of terribly lamentable factors.

They were gearing up to finish the third book in the series the night their father announced at dinner that they would be allowed to choose their own names, per approval from Grace. They were allotted twenty four hours to decide. While they all habitually gathered around Number Six near the fire that Sunday night, story time was recklessly abandoned with the excitement and approaching deadline regarding the choosing of their names.

“Should we try to do some sort of theme?” suggested Number Seven.

“Are you kidding? I have waited way too long for this to not make my own, very individual decision,” Number Three said, twisting her curls into a large bun that sat on top of her head.

“I don’t get why we have to be the ones to choose,” grumbled Number One. “I’m just gonna let Grace pick mine, she’ll know what Dad prefers anyway.”

“Sounds about right. Why think for yourself when you could have someone else do it for you?” Number Two mocked.

“Hey! No arguing during story time! You guys know the rules,” Number Four interjected with a disapproving wave of his hands in their direction, subtly scooting himself between the two to act as a physical barrier.

“Six isn’t even reading anything,” Number Five pointed out.

“Well it’s the principle.”

“Ben,” Number Six said softly.

“What?” Number Two asked.

“I think I like the name Ben.”

“That’s so boring,” Number Three laughed. Ben just shrugged.

“I think it suits you,” Number Seven offered with a small smile. Ben returned it with a shy grin of his own.

“Thanks.”

“Anyway, if we’re getting to choose our own names I’m gonna do something cool. Like Storm or Panther or Rocket,” Number Two said excitedly.

“You do realize that all those names just sound like the ones the magazines already give us?” Ben pointed out.

“So what? They give them to us because they think we’re cool.”

“They think I’m cool, but definitely not you,” Number Three teased. Number Two stuck his tongue out in her direction.

“Alright your majesty, so what’s your name gonna be?”

“Hmm, I was thinking something stylish but not too outlandish. Like classy, in an elegant kind of way.”

“Maybe Charlotte?” Number Seven suggested.

“Nah, I don’t want people calling me Charlie. I am so not a Charlie.”

“While you workshop that, I will be naming myself Klaus,” announced Number Four.

“Klaus?” Number One questioned with a subtle look of condemnation.

“Yeah! It’s different, it’s memorable, and it’s…” Number Four mumbled the last part.

“It’s what?” asked Number Five.

“It’s the name of my favorite book character ok?” Number Four said, eyes fixated on the fireplace as his cheeks burned red. Ben smiled next to him.

“Really? Klaus is your favorite character? I would’ve thought you resonated more with Count Olaf. I mean, you do have a similar taste in fashion and flare for the dramatic,” Number Three jabbed.

“Hey! I am not Count Olaf! And his outfits are way tacky, I am honestly offended that you would compare the two of us,” Number Four feigned hurt. “And I like Klaus he’s… smart. He uses knowledge to figure things out and create stuff. And he doesn’t get scared, because he knows he can always find a way to escape, and that he has his family to help him out if he can’t.”

Number Four didn’t want to say it out loud but Klaus was kind of his hero. He dreamt of being as smart as he was, desperate to offer some sort of offensive skill to their team. He knew what the others thought about him sometimes when they went on missions. Sure he was no Number Seven, he did have certified powers after all, but his abilities didn’t really serve in stopping bank robbers or rescuing civilians. And secretly, Number Four always admired Number Six, or Ben now it seemed, for his intelligence. Sometimes he would ask questions while he was reading just to hear him explain the intricacies of some military term or seventeenth century city he didn’t care about simply because he liked to hear someone who knew things talk about them. And, unbeknownst to the others, the two of them would sometimes sneak into each others rooms at night and go under the covers with flashlights to read ahead in their story time books. It never bothered Number Four to hear the chapters again on Sunday, and Ben didn’t seem to mind telling them for a second time.

The rest of the group sat silently for a moment taking in his words. It wasn’t often that Number Four seemed to think something through this thoroughly and then decide to share it. As loud and outgoing as he could be, he never really talked about things of substance. They all knew that he dealt with issues they didn’t—it’s hard not to hear him scream in his nightmares when it reverberates through a silent mansion in the dead of night—but that part of Number Four is always tucked very far away from the sunlight and from the others. Whether that was by choice or necessity, no one was really sure.

“I think it’s perfect… Klaus,” Number Seven encouraged, placing her hand lightly over his and giving it a squeeze.

“Thank you! You can be my Violet Seven,” Klaus smiled and squeezed her hand back. The gesture, both physical and metaphorical with the naming of her as his partner in crime, lit Number Seven’s face with joy.

“Maybe I will be Violet,” she agreed, almost in a whisper.

“Whatever. I’m going to be named Rocket,” Number Two boasted.

~

Number Two was not named Rocket.

Grace met with each of them the next day before dinner to discuss the choices they had come up with and to make sure that they would be Reginald approved, as they were to announce them at the close of the evening’s meal.

Because Number One arrived bearing no opinion on the matter, he picked a name at random from a pre-approved list that their father had drawn up. He felt smug, knowing that this would likely please his father since he was sure that none of his other siblings would dare give up the chance to not let their father decide something. His name, second row and third from the bottom, would be Luther.

Number Two was not happy when all of his name choices were shot down by Grace. He argued that she should be on his side and say screw it to what their father wanted, to which she replied that there were no sides and that he should not use “screw” in that context. He refused to pick from the pre-approved list, so the two of them workshopped a few choices before landing on something Number Two felt was cool enough and that Grace thought Reginald would sign off on. Number Two’s name would be Diego.

Number Three had spent all night going back and forth between names. She was flipping through a magazine when she landed on a photo of a smiling girl, teeth white and head thrown back in laughter, with a quote about how much fun she was having with her friends at this summer’s newest water park attraction. Her fingers stalled on the page, locking eyes with the girl in the photo and wishing that she could trade places with her. She couldn’t help herself from choosing the name scribbled across the model’s photo in bright pink, and so Number Three would be Allison.

To his surprise, Number Four’s name choice was approved without much debate. Grace felt the name was robust and reasonable, which would make Reginald happy, and that it was just as unique as Number Four himself. Without much fuss, Number Four was granted his request and would be Klaus.

Number Six faired similarly to Number Four. His choice in name didn’t spark much concern from Grace, other than the modification that his name must be officially documented in its full version. And so, Number Six would be Ben (officially Benjamin).

Although Number Seven proposed the name Violet to Grace, she was shot down as their father had apparently ruled against the use of colors as names. After seeing her disappoint, Grace compromised by agreeing to let her keep a V name. Number Seven had always loved languages, her favorite being Russian, so Grace decided to choose a name to match. Number Seven would be Vanya.

Number Five would disappear that night during the dinner at which they were all to announce their names. When he didn’t return by the meal’s end, Reginald decided to proceed without him. The children all presented their names, Vanya having to prompt Ben as he had left a customary place for Five to speak in between him and Klaus. When Number Five failed to return late into that night, the kids all snuck into the library one by one, each finding the others waiting for them in a mutual state of insomnia, feeling the need to return to a place of solace and escape. They lit a dim fire and huddled close together, leaning in to hear Ben as he read the book in a whispered tone. Their day of happiness had been overtaken by one of fear and loss, and as each child revelled in their new names they couldn’t help but feel guilty, knowing that somewhere out there, Number Five was still just a number.

[lydiaandarry]

{The Murder of Alternative Character Design}

Hello there!

    My name is Arabella, but you can call me Arry if easier. You may be looking at the title and feeling a bit confused by it. “The Murder of Alternative Character Design” may be quite a confusing title and leave others wondering what the hell it even means. But that is why I am here to spread awareness about this horrible phenomenon that is going on in recent pop culture. Especially with superheroes. ‘Alternative Character Design’ to me is when a character (usually a superhero) looks different from the traditional standard of the type of character they represent. I can name quite a couple of alternatively dressed superheroes who get made into more traditional wear or boring wear in their live-action debut. So let’s invade the topic!

(The poor costume design recently...)

    I don’t know if you have noticed but the quality of costume design and the importance of comic accuracy has lowered in demand. It seems now like live-action adaptations of a comic book character just throw whatever they can to seem “different” or “out there”. Yet it murders the costume design to begin with. Recently in “Birds of Prey”, one of my favorite DC female characters ‘Black Canary’ has had her main outfit leaked on set. And there are no fishnets to be seen or a bodysuit or anything that represents the character in the comics. I personally love Black Canary for that reason with how different she looks and how she isn’t afraid to wear leather, fishnets and reveal skin, things that could be seen as hooker-ish. She rocks and makes it look stylish and badass. Yet in Birds of Prey, it seems like they went for a more ‘preppy’ approach where nothing about her screams ‘Black Canary’ but perhaps the colors. Even then, black and yellow in DC and especially to non-comic book readers just screams Batman. Netflix recently released a show called “The Umbrella Academy” and I don’t really know much about the comics except that it was created by My Chemical Romance babe Gerard Way who I grew up listening to his music. Even after they broke up. It saddened me to see the complete difference from the comics to the actual live-action adaptation. The art is nearly killed with the inaccuracy as Allison Hargreeves doesn’t have her awesome purple-blue hair. Klaus didn't have his awesome skull shirt, ouija pendant necklace and signature bright orange hair. Diego’s long, blond hair is completely disregarded despite the lack of longer hair on dudes in superhero shows. All of this is disregarded for a more preppy, modern and “up to date” look that kills the character design that made the comics look so different in the first place. And it’s Gerard Way’s creation for crying out loud! He was part of an alternative group! They didn't look nearly as normal as the people in the show look. Even Klaus looks normal compared to how these people used to look. It’s changed for diversity and relatability to other characters but where’s my representation? Where’s my second personality’s representation? And this isn’t just on DC’s end. Marvel does this as well with my favorite X-Men character, Kurt Wagner, a.k.a Nightcrawler. Who seriously wore a Thriller jacket in X-Men Apocalypse. It was the worse outfit I have ever seen on Nightcrawler. Nightcrawler in the comics is basically Gothic. He wears dark clothes, looks kind of scary to the point where people fear him on a daily basis, and has hints of red here and there. The usage of color in Kurt’s design is usually creative and done justice. Now I could understand if they were going for a more X-Men Evolution Kurt but even then, the outfit was better and Kurt is rarely seen as blue in that outfit because when he is blue, it is shown to hardly work with being blue.The colors don’t go well with his skin. Also, his personality is a lot different to X-Men Apocalypse’s but we are talking about character design not writing. And can someone please show Legion FX how to dress punk people? Don’t say David Haller is punk when you hardly dress him as punk.

(Why is this an issue?)

     So, why is this an issue? You may ask me when reading this post. They’re characters, Arry. They aren’t always going to be comic-book accurate. Why are you so upset over all of this? As an artist, to me, character design and clothing choices is just as important as personality. Appearance is the first thing you see of anyone and it can say a lot. You express yourself through your appearance more than you think. When creating a character, I always make sure that I have the character design down pack. It’s my favorite thing to do. I am not against preppier clothing or modernizing things. I understand that this is something that has to be taken into consideration when taking a character and placing them in live-action. There are some things that are too difficult to carry over. But why make a live-action adaptation of something if you are not going to use the version that everyone who reads the comics is familiar with? What’s wrong with having abnormally colored hair? I get that diversity is a hot topic right now and it’s amazing that everyone is getting representation in one way or another. But diversity goes deeper than just skin tone. I have never seen a true alternative like character outside of cartoons that was done right. And I have tons of favorite goth girls in cartoons (Gwen & Crimson from Total Drama, Sam Manson from Danny Phantom, Mandy from The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy, Triana Orpheus from Venture Bros, Jinx & Raven from Teen Titans, The Hex Girls from Scooby Doo, Rogue from X-Men Evolution, Joan of Arc from Clone High, Marceline from Adventure Time, Marie from Ed, Edd, and Eddy.) the list goes on. These aren’t characters you see in live-action though. These aren’t female characters that are even considered in live-action or even superheroes for that matter. And comic books are incredible for the reason that you don’t have to conform to normality. You can make any character you want. That’s why we have such unique characters in comic books and even in cartoons. Justice Friends has a colorful witch named Miss Spell and Valhallen is a metalhead. This is one of the many reasons why Neil Gaiman has been picky and harsh over making his Sandman comics into live-action because Sandman features so many subgenres of styles. Goth and punk, mostly. These characters aren’t represented in live-action adaptations. They are forgotten about or normalized. Kurt Wagner is a background character and they still couldn’t dress him how he is in the comics. The Umbrella Academy normalized its characters a lot in clothing choices. And it’s sad. There are people who dress like this and should be able to see themselves in at least one superhero. Kurt Wagner teaches us that not all goths are gloomy and depressed or dangerous. He’s a goth with a pure soul and good heart. Sandman comics make Death and Dream and Delirium seem normal, like they don’t have to change to be liked or good-hearted. They are who they are. The Umbrella Academy basically showed that you could wear abnormal costumes, have colored hair, have longer hair for a dude and still be an awesome superhero. X-Men has tons of abnormally colored hair characters that rarely make it onto the big screen, they are usually brought to small screen like Blink and Polaris in The Gifted. And in Legion FX, the most evil and villainous character is a punk. David Haller is not a good person on Legion nor can he be considered an anti-hero anymore. He is a despicable being with a god complex. Punks already get the bad rep of being dangerous, angry, and mean-spirited. Do we really need a character in mainstream media to be punk while also had killed multiple people and raped his girlfriend? That’s not progressive, that’s moving backwards. Superboy doesn’t even have his leather jacket, leather gloves and black circle sunglasses anymore with his undercut. He’s just narrowed down to a tee shirt and jeans most of the time.

(How can we change this issue?)

     I am not exactly sure. I know it seems kind of lame to like… bring up an issue and then not offer a solution. I feel like the best way to fix this problem is to hopefully notify costume designers that the world is in need of different styles. Their designs are not “out there” or “different”, as the comic book characters designs were already out there and they completely changed them. I am a huge judge when it comes to costume and character designs in live-action adaptations and I may make a post on why that is. I feel like we need to open our eyes to newer looks. To give some representation to those who dress differently from others. The issues that I brought up are already done and over with. Bad representation for punks as evil and villainous. The Umbrella Academy normalized every character, even Klaus. And hopefully Marvel can give us the Nightcrawler that we deserve as Fox no longer has the rights. All we can do is hope that this comic inaccuracy is a pasting phase and that creators will soon give the outcasts a voice and a chance for better representation. To stop being the villains or bad guys.

     This was a short rant that I felt had to be done and I had to explain some issues. I hope you enjoyed my post and agree with some points that I made. If you have any questions on the matter, feel free to message me. If you like this post and want to see more like this, feel free to follow our Tumblr! And if you liked the post, feel free to reblog and like. I post every Wednesday and Saturday! I will see you on Wednesday. Peace out!

[chiefhiccstrid]

Moira | Chapter 3

A Princess Diaries AU. 

Summary: Hiccup Haddock always thought he knew where his life was heading. That was until his father showed up after twenty-one years to tell him he is the heir to the small country of Berk. And figuring out how to be a prince is hard enough without having to deal with the developing feelings he has for Lady Astrid Hofferson, who is also trying to steal the throne out from under him.

A/N: Chapter 3 is done! Finally! It took a lot longer than I expected and is also a lot longer than I thought it was going to be. This chapter has a mix of silly and serious, but NEXT chapter is the one you and I have been waiting for. I really hope you all are enjoying this so far because I’m starting to think I’m doing a horrible job on it, but I promise it’s about to get much better. Hope you all enjoy chapter 3! 

Also, thanks to @drchee5e for helping me get through this. I got stuck some and she helped me brainstorm and push through! So thankful to be collaborating on this with you. You all should check out her fics as well cause she is crazy talented. 

Previous Chapter | (Just finding out about this fic? Read Chapter 1 here.)

Read on AO3

Chapter 3 - Into the Great Beyond

When Hiccup walked into his father’s place that afternoon, he was happy. He was in a good mood not because he was having to sit through another boring lesson, but because he had just taken his fundamentals of engineering exam and he felt good about it. It was also his very last exam and now all he had to do was wait for final grades and walk across that stage.

He decided to ignore the other thing he had to do for the time being, which was making the decision on whether to be Prince of Berk or not.

He expected his father to have another ridiculous lesson planned, so he was surprised when he walked in and was greeted by a man and woman who were both wearing the same stylish black outfits that hung all the way to the ground.

The blonde woman immediately started touching his cheeks and the red-headed man began pulling at the ends of his hair, “What’s going on?” Hiccup asked, frozen in his spot in the middle of the grand entryway.

Gobber and Stoick walked in and chuckled at the frightened look on the boy's face, “This is Mala and Throk, two of the best stylists back on Berk.”

Throk stuck out his hand, “Nice to meet you, Henry Haddock,” Hiccup took the man’s hand, nodded his head in greeting, and turned back to his father.

“Stylists?” the king’s son asked.

“A prince’s look is one of the most important parts. Even if you aren’t able to act the part that well, if you look the part then people will forgive you for a lot of things,” his father explained while stroking his long red beard.

“There is a very cute face underneath the bushy eyebrows and oversized hair,” Mala spoke.

“Oversized hair?” Hiccup touched his auburn locks and scrunched his supposedly very hairy eyebrows in thought. He didn’t think his hair was oversized.

“Henry Haddock, follow me,” Mala grabbed his hand and pulled him towards the back of the home where she sat him down in a swivel seat that you’d see in a hair salon. They quickly snapped two photos of him and then Throk pulled out a notepad.

Hiccup was a little frightened because these two people that were about to get close to him with scissors seemed to take their job very seriously. He was scared that he was going to end up looking like something out of one of the Star Wars films.

Mala walked around him and then placed her hands on his face, pulling at his skin in a way it should not be pulled, “Complexion is good, freckles are cute. Eyebrows need major trimming,” Mala picked up one of his hands and inspected his dirty fingernails, “You also need a manicure.”

Hiccup’s eyes widened at the word manicure. She was not coming near his fingernails with a color of any kind, “No manicure. Absolutely not.”

Mala ignored him, but Throk answered, “By manicure, she just means cutting and cleaning them, sir.”

“As long as you don’t plan on coming near my fingers with some ridiculous color. And don’t call me sir. Henry or Hiccup will do just fine.”

Throk looked confused at the last name he mentioned, “Hiccup?”

“It’s a nickname I’ve had for years…” Hiccup was about to explain the story behind it when Mala cut him off.

“Work now. Talk later. We have to shave this scruff. This nice chiseled jawline should not be hidden behind hair of any kind. And speaking of hair, we have to cut this,” she ran her hands through his hair and grabbed a chunk of it between her fingers. Throk was scribbling all of it down quickly.

“Ouch…” Hiccup winced when she tugged a little too hard.

Gobber walked in then and sat in one of the other chairs in the room. Hiccup looked at him curiously, “I wasn’t about to miss this.”

“I’m glad you find this amusing,” Hiccup rolled his eyes. “Are you really going to let them cut my hair? I’m actually quite fond of it.”

Throk let out a loud guffaw, “You like this mess?” Hiccup ignored him.

“Sorry, lad. My hands are tied,” Gobber chuckled.

Hiccup was about to share an unkind thought with his father’s assistant when Mala pulled his glasses off his face, “Henry Haddock, do you own contacts?”

“Well...yeah, I do, but I don’t like to wear -” Hiccup started, but his sentence was cut short when Mala snapped his glasses in half and dropped them in the trash can beside her.

“Now you have to wear them,” Mala said and spun his chair away from the mirror so he could no longer see his reflection. It didn’t matter though because everything was blurry now.

“I can’t believe you broke my glasses.”

“I can’t believe you’d hide those beautiful green eyes behind them,” Mala said.

Throk began combing his hair while Mala began plucking his eyebrows. Hiccup would flinch every time he felt a hair pull free from his skin and it left a horrible burning sensation behind.

It took the rest of the afternoon for the stylists to work their magic, he had heard Throk say at one point.

When Stoick walked into the room, the stylists had two of the photos they took earlier placed in front of his face.

“Sir, this is what your son looked like before, just an ordinary boy. Now, I give you...a prince,” the two removed the photos to reveal a clean shaven and newly trimmed Hiccup. Stoick nodded in approvement and Gobber’s mouth hung open.

Hiccup had yet to see this new look and hoped he still looked at least somewhat the same. When Mala and Throk walked over to the king is when Hiccup took the chance to swivel his chair around and take a look in the mirror.

He didn’t think he looked horrible. In fact, he actually thought he looked good. His hair had been trimmed enough so that it no longer hung over his eyes or made his head look bigger than it was, but it was still on the longer side. His eyebrows were no longer bushy and the green in his eyes was now more noticeable. His clean-shaven face made him look younger. And his nails weren’t covered in a ridiculous color.

It wasn’t a drastic change, but it was enough for someone who knew him well to notice.

“You two did a great job. Thank you,” his father shook both of their hands. They walked out of the room looking proud of their accomplishment.

His father strolled over to him and placed a hand on his shoulder, “You like it?”

“It’s actually not that bad,” Hiccup admitted and stood up from the chair causing his father’s hand to fall off his shoulder.

“I had Eret put a box in the car that is filled with new clothes. Nice button up shirts, nice pants, some new shoes, and a couple of suits,” Stoick explained.

“So, you’re dressing me now?” Hiccup asked his father.

“Henry, you cannot wear what you are wearing now out in public. It’s fine when you’re just around the home, but it is not acceptable in public,” Stoick gestured to his wrinkly graphic t-shirt, jeans with a hole over the knee, and his muddy Converse. It was all he ever wore. “If you decide to come back to Berk with me, everyone will know who you are and as ridiculous as it is, a lot of people focus on what we’re wearing.”

Hiccup let out a long sigh, “Is there anything about me that you do like?”

“What are you talking about?”

“I’m saying, you’ve changed everything about me. How I stand, how I walk, how I eat, how I look, and now how I dress. Is there anything you wouldn’t change?”

Stoick stood there staring at his son who was waiting for an answer, but Stoick couldn’t think of one. The king wasn’t sure if he didn’t have an answer because he was taken by surprise with his son’s question or if it was because even after three weeks, he still didn’t know his son at all.

The silence was Hiccup’s answer, “Thought so,” he said and walked past his frozen father.

Hiccup wasn’t mad, he was...disappointed. He walked past Gobber who looked up from the papers in front of him, “Leaving so soon?”

Hiccup didn’t slow down, “Yeah, Gobber. I have to get out of here,” he walked out the front door and when it shut behind him he finished what he was saying even though Gobber could no longer hear him, “I have a lot to think about.”

Stoick watched the door shut, “There’s no way he’ll agree to be the prince after that,” he placed his fingers on the bridge of his nose. He felt a headache coming on and closed his eyes.

The Kings assistant walked towards him, “May I say something?”

Stoick opened one eye to glare at his friend, “You’re going to say it anyway, so why ask for permission?”

“Good point. You have to stop focusing on Henry the Prince so much and focus on your son. You have this chance to finally be a father and you’re spending all your time worrying about whether or not he’s going to be a good prince or if he will even decide to be one at all,” Gobber placed his hand on the kings shoulder, “So, just for once put that all aside and be the boy’s father.”

***

When Eret pulled up the driveway to the ranch, Hiccup noticed a familiar car in the driveway and even though his vision was blurry he could still tell who was standing next to it. Fishlegs. His childhood friend.

“Where would you like me to put the box?” Eret asked after he parked the car.

Hiccup already had the door open, “Just put it on the porch. I’ll get it.”

“It’s pretty heavy,” Eret commented.

“I’m stronger than I look,” Hiccup tried puffing his chest out, but it did no good.

Eret tried to hide his smile but nodded and did as he was told anyway.

Hiccup walked up to his friend who was leaning against his car, “Hey,” he extended his hand, ready to perform their secret handshake, but Fishlegs just stared at it with his arms crossed.

“Where have you been? I haven’t seen you in three weeks. And I just thought you were busy with finals like the rest of us, but then when you didn’t show up at our usual post-finals celebration spot I knew something else was up,” Fishlegs explained.

“My dad’s in town,” Hiccup reminded him.

“I can tell you’re hiding something else from me,” his stocky friend narrowed his eyes at him.

“Let’s talk inside, okay?” Hiccup began walking to the front door and Fishlegs followed him. The boys stepped over the box of clothes, not even bothering to carry it inside.

Valka was in the kitchen washing dishes and she smiled at the two friends, “Hello, Fishlegs.”

“Hi, Ms. Haddock,” he greeted.

Valka put the dishes down and looked at her son, something was different, “I’m guessing Mala and Throk got ahold of you?”

Hiccup paused in the kitchen, “You know them?”

“I met them once before. They are very interesting people.”

Hiccup nodded in agreement.

“You look good,” Valka smiled gently at her son.

“Thanks,” he returned the smile.

Things were finally getting back to normal between Hiccup and his mother. He could never really stay mad at his mother for too long. She was the one person he loved most in the world and after a couple of days of the silent treatment, he missed her. The two apologized to one another and the tension in the home was finally gone.

Fishlegs walked in front of his skinny friend and looked at him closely, “I knew something about you looked different.”

His stocky friend scrunched his nose, a thing he did when he wasn’t too fond of something,  “What are you thinking?” Hiccup asked.

“I’m wondering what happened to my best friend. You know the one who used to laugh with me at the people who looked like you do now?”

“And how do I look?”

“Like someone who gets up early to comb their hair and put on cologne,” Fishlegs crossed his arms. One of his favorite things about Hiccup was that he didn’t care about what he looked like. He could roll out of bed and go anywhere sporting his messy bed head without a care in the world.

“And that’s a bad thing?” Hiccup asked.

“It’s not you.”

Hiccup looked into his friend's eyes for a moment before walking around him and towards his bedroom. Fishlegs followed his friend and shut the door behind him. Hiccup moved his rolls of blueprints off the chair so his friend would have a place to sit. Hiccup remained standing.

“My dad showed up three weeks ago,” Hiccup began.

“I knew that already.”

“Well, he came with some pretty unbelievable news…” Hiccup started, “And you can’t tell anyone, okay?”

“Who am I going to tell, Hiccup? You’re the only person I hang out with. Just spit it out already.”

“Right. Well, my father is the king of the country Berk. And since he’s the king, well...now I’m the next in line after he retires.”

“You’re kidding,” his friend said.

Hiccup shook his head.

“Shut up! Dude, this is so cool. Have you known about this your whole life? I can’t believe you haven’t told me about this. This is huge.”

“I didn't know. I knew nothing about it until my father showed up.”

“So, does this make you a prince?”

“It technically does, but I haven’t agreed to anything yet. That’s why I’ve been gone. My father has been giving me these prince lessons probably hoping I’ll fall in love with royal life and agree to it. But I have to decide by graduation if I’m going back with him or not. I have a lot to think about,” Hiccup explained and sat down on his bed.

“What is there to think about?”

“There’s so much. First, I would have to leave Melody and move to Berk. And then what about becoming an engineer? All my hard work would just be for nothing. I would have to leave my whole life behind,” Hiccup said.

“I seem to remember you telling me that the second you were given the chance to leave this small and boring town, you would do it. So, why is this any different? There’s nothing and no one tying you down here. So, here’s your chance,” Fishlegs reminded him.

His friend was right, there were so many times he would dream about leaving his hometown and traveling the world because this small and hot place never really felt like home to him.

“This is different. I feel like I’m being forced to do this by a man who wasn’t there for me in the first place. Why would I give up my whole life for him?” he asked both his friend and himself.

“You just told me they are leaving the choice up to you, so are you really being forced?” Fishlegs mentioned.

His friend also had a point there too, but a part of him still didn’t feel like giving his father the satisfaction of agreeing.

And then as if Fishlegs heard his friends thoughts, he said, “And if you won’t do it for your father then find something or someone else to do it for. Do it for yourself, maybe?”

Hiccup looked at his friend, “Elaborate?”

“I mean, you have this opportunity to get out of here and do something with your life that most people will only ever get to dream about.”

“But this isn't just a summer vacation, Fishlegs. This is my whole life we’re talking about here. I agree to this and my whole life is planned out for me,” Hiccup said.

“Your whole life is planned out for you here too,” Fishlegs reminded him and Hiccup looked at him questioningly, “You’re going to graduate, get a job, probably get married, have a kid or two, and then die.”

“Wow, you’re just a cup of cheer, aren’t you?” Hiccup added, sarcastically.

“I’m just telling you like I see it. You can either choose to stay here and get a job that will probably be boring to you in a year. Or you can agree to it and have a job that is not only going to be different and throw crazy challenges at you, but that also makes a difference in people’s lives at the same time.”

Fishlegs stood up and walked over to sit next to his friend on his bed, then placed his large hand on his small shoulder, “It’s the great beyond and it’s calling your name, Hiccup.” Fishlegs used his free hand to gesture to the world out in front of them.

Hiccup turned his head and smiled at his friend. He knew he was right and going into the great beyond made him excited, but there was still a part of him that didn’t want to do it. And maybe it was the fear of change that was holding him back or maybe it was the distaste he still felt for his father. Either way, those really were selfish reasons to not agree.

***

Hiccup was in the middle of his last lesson with his father when Gobber interrupted saying someone from Berk was on the phone asking about things for the ball next week. His father left to deal with the incompetence of his staff, as he muttered on his way out, which left him and his father’s assistant alone in the room.

“Excited about graduation tomorrow?” Gobber asked, breaking the awkward silence that was hanging over the both of them.

Hiccup shrugged, “I guess so.”

Gobber could see the uncertainty and stress written all over the boy’s face, “Still not sure what you’re gonna tell your father, huh?”

Hiccup took a deep breath before answering, “I keep making this pros and cons list in my head, but it’s not helping because I keep asking myself if I really will make a good prince. I’m no leader. I never have been. Just thinking about public speaking makes me hyperventilate.”

Gobber chuckled and Hiccup looked at him curiously, “Sorry, lad. I’m not laughing at you, but it’s funny because I remember having this exact conversation with your father when he was unsure about becoming king or not.”

This got Hiccup’s full attention, “He didn’t want to be king?”

“He knew if he decided to be king he would also have to give up a lot of other things he wanted to do.”

“What changed his mind?”

“I told him to stop thinking about himself so much and start thinking about others. The people of Berk needed him to become king and giving it up would’ve been selfish of him,” Gobber explained.

“Is that what you would tell me?” Hiccup asked, curiously.

Gobber shook his head, “One thing I already know about you is that you are not your father, which is why I won’t tell you the same thing that I told him all those years ago. I would tell you that if you won’t do it for your father, do it for someone else.”

Gobber was the second person to tell him that and Hiccup didn’t ignore that fact.

“Like your mother, do it for her,” Gobber finished.

Hiccup scrunched his eyebrows in confusion, “My mother? She hates all this stuff.”

“Well, I heard about your all’s financial troubles and how she was going to have to probably sell the ranch…” Gobber trailed off when he noticed the confusion upon Hiccup’s face.

“What?”

“I’m - I’m sorry, lad. I...I thought you knew,” Gobber apologized.

Hiccup felt many things in that moment.

Sadness. He was sad because he grew up on that ranch. It was where he rode Toothless for the first time. Where he chased a bunch of chickens in the fields when he was a child. It was where he lost his leg. It was where he went when he was upset and even when he was happy. It was where he spent most of his time.

Anger. He was mad because his mother didn’t tell him. She hid it from him. It was just another important thing that she lied about and hid from him.

Fear. He was scared because the ranch was all his mother had. What would she do now? Where would she go?

Then Stoick walked into the room and saw the look on his son’s and his assistant’s face, “What happened?”

Hiccup came out of his thoughts and back to reality, “Did you know about mom having to sell the ranch?” he asked his father who was still standing in the entryway.

Stoick nodded, “She called and told me yesterday.”

“Well? Are you going to help her? Help us?” Hiccup harshly asked his father.

“I offered. She wouldn’t let me. She’s stubborn, and she always has been,” the king answered.

Hiccup stood up from his chair, “I’m going home. I need to go home.”

Stoick was about to protest because he wasn’t done with his lesson yet, but he took one quick look over at Gobber and was reminded of their conversation from the other day. Stoick had to stop thinking of Hiccup as just another person who worked for him and start thinking of him as his son.

“Okay,” Stoick nodded, “Gobber, go get Eret.”

The short man got up quickly and called over his walkie-talkie, “Eret! Get the car ready,” before he hopped around the corner, leaving father and son alone in the large room.

Hiccup began to follow the direction Gobber went when his father placed a hand on his shoulder, “I tried to help her. I really did.”

Hiccup looked up at his father for a split second before brushing his large hand off his shoulder and walking out of the room. The king had been looked at that way once before, more than twenty years ago. Eyes full of heartbreak and betrayal staring back at him. It still hurt just as much as it did back then.

***

Hiccup walked into the front door. He spotted his mother sitting over a bunch of books at the dining room table. A glass of red wine sat next to her and her fingers were tangled in her hair.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Hiccup said. The quietness of the room made him sound a lot louder than he actually was.

Valka turned around quickly, startled by her son’s presence. She looked at the watch on her wrist, “Hiccup! I didn’t think you’d be home so soon.”

“Why didn’t you tell me you were having money problems?” Hiccup asked again, his eyes narrowing at his mother.

“How did you….your father,” she sighed and looked down at her lap.

Hiccup clenched his fists, “How much more are you hiding from me, huh? You lie about who my father is, who I am, and now you hide something like this from me?” Valka stood up from her chair and walked towards her son, but Hiccup took a step back, “I thought we told each other everything, mom. I never kept anything from you. Not ever.”

“I know. I just thought I was protecting you.”

“I’m not a kid anymore.”

Valka nodded and looked down at her bare feet, not able to look her son in his eyes, but she could still feel him staring at her. It was burning a hole in the top of her head, “I know that….I’m sorry,” her voice cracked.

“So, it’s true? You’re having to sell the ranch?”

Valka nodded, not able to reply. Her throat was growing tighter by the second and she knew the second she spoke, the tears that prickled behind her eyes would begin to flow. She always tried to never cry in front of her son. She never wanted him to see her cry.

“What are you going to do?” Hiccup asked.

She shook her head but still remained silent.

“Why won’t you answer me?”

Valka looked at her son now, silent tears flowing down her cheeks.

Hiccup’s heart broke. He had only seen his mother cry once before and that was the day he woke up in the hospital. They were happy tears then. These tears, however, were full of pain, sorrow, and shame.

He closed the distance between them and pulled his mother into his arms, holding her close as the tears continued to spill over her cheeks.

“I’m going to fix this, mom,” Hiccup promised. “I won’t let anyone take this place away from you.”

Valka broke free of her son’s hold and looked up at him. She wiped away the tears that were still falling, “I can fix this. Don’t worry. I can fix it…” she kept repeating.

Hiccup shook his head, “Mom. You’ve done everything for me. You’ve always made sure I had what I needed. You were always there for me. Now, let me return the favor. Let me help you.”

Valka looked at her son, who now stood taller than her. He wasn’t the little boy that used to run through the forest looking for trolls anymore, he was all grown up. And she was so proud of him.

Her stubbornness and need to fix everything herself dissolved away the second she saw his determination, “What are you going to do?”

Hiccup took a deep breath. He knew exactly what he had to do.

***

Graduation was boring. God, was it boring. Hiccup sat in the small and uncomfortable chair in the midst of hundreds of other students he didn’t know watching them cross the stage and receive a piece of paper. A piece of paper that defined four years of hard work.

The second his name was called, however, Gobber blew one of those obnoxious noisemakers that drew all the attention to him. His father came too and he stood from his seat as his son walked across the stage and shook the president of Melody University's hand.

His mother wrapped in a large hug the second they all reunited after the ceremony, “I’m so proud of you.”

“Thanks, mom.”

Gobber crushed the skinny boy into a hug that lifted him off the ground, “Gobber...can’t...breathe…”

The man laughed and set the boy down gently, “Sorry, lad. Did you hear me cheer for you?”

“Gobber, I’m pretty sure all of Melody, Georgia heard. The next county over probably heard you too,” he said and saw his father chuckle out of the corner of his eye.

“That was my plan,” Gobber looked very proud of his accomplishment.

Stoick walked over to him now and patted him on the back as gently as he could, but Hiccup already felt a bruise forming between his shoulder blades, “Proud of you, son.”

Hiccup smiled up at his large father, “Thanks.”

They all went back to Stoick’s place for drinks and a celebratory dinner. During dinner, Hiccup could feel his father’s eyes on him, making sure his dining etiquette was correct. He ignored his father though and tried to act like he couldn’t hear his father clearing his throat whenever he’d pick up the wrong spoon or slouched too much in his seat.

There was an awkward silence after dinner and everyone sat wondering the same thing, what was Hiccup’s answer going to be.

Gobber, as always, was the one to bring up the subject first, “So, what’s next for you, lad?”

Hiccup looked over at his father’s assistant, then his mother, and then finally made eye contact with his father, who for probably once in his life looked nervous.

Hiccup made his decision last night but had kept to himself until this very moment, “I’m going back to Berk with you,” Stoick breathed a sigh of relief, “But on one condition, Toothless comes with me.”

“Toothless? Your horse?” Stoick asked.

“Yes. My horse comes with me or the deal is off,” Hiccup crossed his arms and leaned back in the chair, enjoying the look of horror on his father’s face.

“And how in the hell do you expect me to get a horse all the way to Berk?” Stoick asked his stubborn son.

“That one’s on you,” Hiccup grinned mischievously and then turned to his mother, “Will you come with me?”

Valka reached across the table and held out her hand, Hiccup placed his hand in hers and she squeezed it gently, “I’m going to stay here. You know I can’t leave Cloudjumper and this is where I belong. This is home for me.”

Hiccup nodded and frowned, “Are you sure?”

Valka smiled, “I’m sure. I found where I belong and now it’s your turn.”

Hiccup nodded, understanding, “How many days until we leave?”

“We need to be on the plane in two days,” Stoick replied and then looked at his assistant, “So, you have two days to figure out to get a horse from here to Berk and I suggest you get started.”

Gobber’s eyes grew three sizes and he quickly stood up from the table, knocking his water glass over in the process, “I’ll get right on that,” the man looked at Hiccup and smiled, “I’m really glad you agreed to come back with us. You’re going to love Berk.”

Hiccup replied with a smile.

“Yes, thank you, son,” Stoick said and raised his glass.

“Oh, I’m not doing it for you,” Hiccup raised his glass in the air and then finished the last of the champagne in his glass.

[perditaalottachocolate-blog]

The Mistletoe Ball - ML Winter Week Day 6

Let me wish you all a very happy holiday period and only the best things coming your way in year 2018!

It's been a little over a year since I've discovered Miraculous Ladybug, and a bit less since I've stumbled into this fandom. During this year I've met some fantastic people here and for that I am very grateful. @their-destinys-writer  @freedom-shamrock  @seasonofthegeek   @youcancallmecirce  @enberlight , Remasa, to name just a few, and thank you my wonderful followers - you really make my day, my week, my month!

Thank you all for being so amazing! Treat this story as my gift to you :)

The Mistletoe Ball

Summary: December weather doesn’t make things easier for Chat, as he wants to spend some time with his Lady. Marinette finds snowballs falling all around her, courtesy of a certain feline hero. It’s a busy time for Adrien because of an upcoming charity event and Ladybug has her own ideas of how to contribute. Who will Marinette meet at the ball, standing under the mistletoe? Four drabbles on four sides of the love square.

Read it on AO3 / fanfiction.net

Chat knew it had been a bad decision even before he slipped. The rooftops of Paris were covered in a thin coat of ice from the freezing rain. The rain itself was the reason they came up with the idea of the tag game in the first place. Otherwise they were risking some serious butt frostbite.

That's why the feline hero was chasing the wet red blur ahead of him in the rising darkness of December afternoon. His hectic schedule barely made it possible to get some well deserved time for personal enjoyment. So really, patrols were the only time he could spare and he'd be damned if he wasted it because of a bit of drizzle. Well, more of a sleet right now, but he chose to ignore it in favor of the pleasant flutter of his heart as he ran after Ladybug.

The city was slowly lighting up with bright decorations prepared for the festive period. He always loved those lights and was thrilled to get to watch them this way - leaping over the roofs and admiring the subtle pattern from high up, like no one else could.

He should have minded where he put his feet instead of watching the lights. His boot caught up in a loose tile and lost traction. The other leg wasn't ready to compensate and Chat suddenly found himself free-falling. He was already prepared for a rough impact when Ladybug slammed into him, her momentum sending them to the side, rather than down. They still ended up tumbling over the street like two wet bowling balls, but it was definitely less painful than a direct meeting with the ground after a horizontal flight.

Ladybug slowed down and gracefully finished the roll by leaping to her feet. Chat wasn't that lucky. There was an open truck loaded with evergreens and mistletoe down the road and of course Chat rolled into it and got buried under hollies to the tips of his cat ears. His landing was anything but soft. Some of those twigs had very pointy needles.

'Ow, ow, ow, ow-' he complained trying to break free from the green trap.

Somewhere above him he heard the melodious laughter of the love of his life.

'Hand,' she demanded and he blindly obeyed, raising his clawed arm up. He felt fingers closing over his wrist and in a blink he was pulled out and deposited on the ground.

Chat kept his eyes closed, partly out of embarrassment and partly for protection, as he began to shake himself from the needles and twigs to Ladybug's amused chuckle. It was quickly replaced with a gasp and then silence.

The feline hero decided to open his eyes only to find her sapphires boring into him mere inches from his face. Now it was his turn to gasp in surprise, but Ladybug took care of it by grabbing him by the bell and pressing a heated kiss to his lips.

To say Chat was dumbfounded was to say the half of it. His eyes opened wide, pupils dilated and he would have inhaled sharply if his mouth hadn't been occupied. When his brain finally restarted and supplied his limbs with instructions how to reciprocate it was already over. Ladybug giggled once again, a delicious coat of pink adorning her cheeks. With a subtle wave and a whispered 'See you next patrol' she was gone.

Chat stared for a moment after her, trying to determine if it was a dream or if he hurt his head in the fall after all. He raised a hand to his hair to scratch an annoying itch and he felt a sprig tangled there. Carefully he patted his head in a few other places and came up with more twigs.

Ow. Getting rid of this mess would take a while, he thought absentmindedly pulling more random pieces out of his hair. It turned out to be a sprig of mistletoe. He pulled another one, and another. His hands quickly filled with more sprigs and he ended up with a mistletoe bouquet.

Green eyes flared at the sight and his trademark grin found its way to his face. He could work with that.

*******

Marinette wrapped herself tighter in the shawls she threw over her winter coat. The sleet from the previous evening was replaced with snow sometime during the night and now Paris was covered in a white blanket, unusually thick this early in December, but no one complained. It would be nice to have a truly white Christmas for once.

The girl quickened her pace. The air was pleasantly crispy, but still cold. She was thankful the delivery didn't take much time and she was already on her way to the comfortable warmth of her house. That was when she heard the quiet creaking of feet on snow. The pavements were clear so the sound must have been coming from the park she was walking by. Plenty of people there. Marinette shrugged. It was probably some kid enjoying the fluffy whiteness. She resumed her stroll towards home but the creaking steps followed her. Something was up.

A snowball landed a few meters ahead of her, but she ignored it. Then a second one hit the pavement less than a few steps from her. A third one followed, hitting even closer. Either someone had an extremely bad aim or they were trying to catch her attention.

Marinette huffed and turned around to see what was going on and she instantly got a face full of snow.

'Oh, god, Princess!' she heard Chat's terrified squeal. 'I'm so so so so sorry! I didn't think you'd turn around!'

The girl wiped the fluffy cold slush from her eyes and cheeks. It was a loose snow ball, and it had fallen apart at the impact, so she wasn't really hurt, just a bit wet. Nevertheless she shot her attacker a murderous glare. 'What do you want, Chat?'

Seeing that she was mostly okay, Chat put on his easy grin and strutted nonchalantly her way with the swagger of a very tipsy sailor in a storm. It didn't even take Marinette's acquaintance with him to see he was up to no good.

'Nuffin,' he murmured nearing her. His teeth were now fully visible with the width of his grin.

'So you just felt like throwing snow at me?' She raised a brow in disbelief.

'Ah, I may have wanted to show you something,' he replied slyly, invading her personal space. At her questioning gaze he only pointed a clawed finger up, above their heads.

Marinette automatically followed it to where a bunch of mistletoe sprigs dangled from the end of Chat's own tail. Before she even understood what she was looking at, she felt his lips brushing her cheek.

The girl gasped and spluttered but all she was left with was Chat's snicker echoing in her ears as the feline hero was already leaping to the rooftop. Once safely above her, he turned around and shot her a brief salute. 'See ya, Princess!' he yelled and disappeared among the chimneys.

Marinette felt the blush creeping its way to her cheeks. Her scowl dissolved into a tender smile as soon as he turned around. She giggled happily, her hand tracing the slightly damp patch of smooched skin. When she reached to her pocket for her mittens, she found an envelope loosely tucked in there. The sneaky mangy tomcat!

The girl opened the envelope. Inside, she found a tiny sprig of mistletoe tied with pink ribbon and a heavy piece of handmade paper. Her jaw dropped immediately as she read the stylish, round letters of the invitation.

************

Adrien was having another one of those days when everything that could go wrong, did go wrong. At the moment he was stepping from one foot to the other and rubbing his hands together in vain attempt to warm himself up as he waited for his father to get to the set. The photoshoot for the Mistletoe Ball advertisements was scheduled to be over an hour ago but it didn't look like they'd be finished any time soon. The boy sighed. Chat was supposed to be meeting Ladybug for patrol around this time. It was clear that wouldn't happen today. He was hoping his partner wouldn't worry too much.

The idea was to get some tasteful picture of the two Agrestes, as the hosts of the first Mistletoe Ball, a charity event Adrien convinced his father to throw just before Christmas. The idea was supposed to be sound and simple. What Adrien forgot to take into consideration, was that nothing was simple in case of Gabriel Agreste. First, the man showed up late because of an unexpected crisis that needed his attention. Then he criticized the outfits prepared for them and demanded substantial changes. While they waited for the new clothes to be delivered he inspected the decorative arc made of hollies that was supposed to be their background, and discovered the lack of their theme plant. Finding no mistletoe he barked another order and Nathalie rushed to organize some fresh sprigs. And finally when everything was ready, he got attacked by a pigeon, the poor creature possibly thinking he was some sort of huge candy cane, and the man's hair got severely ruffled. A hairdresser had to be called as Gabriel didn't trust the stylist present on the set enough to let him touch his precious hair.

Adrien shivered under the heavy blanket wrapped around his shoulders. He was wearing a smart suit underneath, coupled with a white and green striped tie, to match his father's favorite white and red one. By no means a winter outfit. Left to himself he wandered over to the decorative arc where he could be alone for a while. He nearly missed the characteristic swoosh of a yoyo and light steps approaching him from behind the hollies.

The boy turned around just in time to see Ladybug marching up to him with a mischievous smirk. Her eyes gleamed and her lips sparkled, as red as the berries on the branches of the hollies.

'Hey, handsome,' she practically purred, halting to a stop in front of him and effectively rendering him speechless. 'I'm glad to be at the right place at the right time,' she chuckled, casting a quick glance to the top of the arc where an impressive bunch of mistletoe sprigs spinned happily in the wind. Then without further ado she grabbed his face and pressed her red lips to his cheek. The heroine quickly pulled out and shot him a saucy wink while the crew caught onto her presence and started cheering and hooting at the sight of the two of them.

Ladybug silently pointed to the mistletoe as if explaining her prank, and then with a self satisfied smirk she was gone, leaving the stunned blond model behind. Adrien felt the blush blooming on his cheeks and slowly crawling up to his ears. He wasn't sure if the thick layer of foundation would be enough to conceal it.

Gabriel chose that moment to appear on the set again and to Adrien's utmost horror got instantly not only briefed with the heroine's occurrence, but also presented with visual evidence, as the photographer turned out to be quick with his cell phone. A mysterious smile danced across the designer's lips as he watched the viciously red imprint of Ladybug's lips on Adrien's cheek bone. And if Adrien thought he couldn't be more embarrassed, he clearly underestimated his father once again, as Gabriel insisted on leaving the imprint for the session as a clear addition to their theme plant.

**********

Marinette arrived at the Mistletoe Ball fashionably late. Of course she never intended it this way. Faithful to her style she just fell asleep in the afternoon after pulling a few all-nighters to get the dress ready. Now she was standing at the foyer, waiting for the official part to be over. From behind the heavy doors to the ballroom she could hear strong voices of Gabriel and Adrien, making their welcome speech and answering journalists' questions. Nothing really interesting in that part, she just needed it to be over so that she could slip inside.

The girl inspected her reflection in a large gold-framed mirror. The evening dress turned out really nicely - the deep magenta an unorthodox choice of color for a Christmas themed ball, but it complemented her hair and skin tone perfectly. A tight bodice nicely hugged her figure, leading down to where the skirt flared from her waist. For a festive sparkle Marinette added some Swarovski crystals along the boat neckline and in an asymmetric triangle inset on the skirt, giving the garment a princessy vibe, without making it overwhelming.

The speeches dragged on, so the girl moved to look at the posters for the gala, displayed prominently on the stands down the corridor. A small smile appeared on her face as she admired her alter ego's lipwork on Adrien's cheek, captured for posterity in the pictures from the eventful photoshoot. She had to hand it to the boy; he was a professional. She could spot the embarrassment in his eyes only because she knew it was there. For everyone else he looked every bit the confident host of the Mistletoe Ball he should be. Next to him, Gabriel Agreste was wearing a shameless smirk and not even trying to hide his amusement. The result was one of the funniest photos of the Agrestes, and it did a marvelous job in advertising the event. It was already obvious that Adrien's first initiative resulted in great success and there were rumors spreading of turning it into an annual thing.

Marinette hadn't noticed when the monotonous oration turned into delicate music and the susurrations of the party getting started. She realized it just as strong hands snaked their way around her waist and closed over her tummy. She felt the characteristic cool of the silver ring on her skin, even through the layers of her dress. Light breath warmed her earlobe.

'You look gorgeous in this dress, my Lady,' Marinette heard a whisper by her ear and felt Adrien nuzzling the hair at the base of her neck, where a few strands slipped from the high bun. She hummed happily and turned around only to snort when she saw an impressive sprig of mistletoe tucked behind his ear, decorated with a green bow.

'What?' he asked feigning confusion.

Marinette gave the sprig a playful tug. 'I guess now I have to kiss you, Minou,' she sighed in mock complain.

'Not if I kiss you first,' Adrien murmured closing the distance between them and claiming her lips. The kiss was lazy and gentle, with just a hint of spice that sent a pleasant shiver down her spine to where his hands rested at the small of her back. Marinette could hear the purr starting deep in his throat and she gave in to the temptation to set it free. Just as she ran her tongue over the seam of his lips as a signal to deepen the kiss, she heard someone clearing their throat.

The pair slowly broke from the kiss and turned to the source of the sound.

Gabriel Agreste was standing at the now closed door to the ballroom, a tall blonde woman wrapped in a dazzling blue gown at his side. Her green eyes warmed as she nodded to Marinette.

The man shook his head in disbelief, composing his features into a mild frown. 'Adrien, do you really need a social cue to kiss your own girlfriend?' he asked, eyeing the mistletoe behind his son's ear. He kept his voice stern, although there was a mirthful lilt to it.

Adrien shrugged and winked at the girl. 'No, not really. Just, you know, a little inside joke.'

'Then you better take it off, dear,' Madame Agreste smiled wickedly, 'I think I saw Chloe heading this way, and you know how she is when she sees mistletoe.'

As Adrien tried to untagle the sprig from his hair, Marinette wondered if the look of pure horror and disgust in his eyes matched her own. She felt her facial muscles stiffened at the reminder of the last time Queen Bee assaulted her under the mistletoe. The girl made a mental note to avoid their friend and mistletoe traps. Speaking of traps…

'Funny you should say that, Madame Agreste,' Marinette giggled and pointed over the woman's head.

Gabriel and Emilie raised their eyes to the ceiling and they chuckled when they saw a generous bunch of mistletoe hanging there, covered in golden ribbons. They both pursed their lips to keep the outburst of laughter inside, but then the man's eyes darkened and a delicate pink brushed his wife's cheeks. Gabriel lifted his hand to Emilie's face and tenderly stroked his thumb over the blush. She took a step closer and splayed her palms on his chest. His icy blue eyes softened when they locked onto the warm green fringed with long dark lashes. They gazed at each other for a moment and then gave in to the mistletoe call.

Whoops, I guess I forgot to mention this is post-reveal and established relationship? My bad :D

If you are one of those people who need to know what is Mrs. Agreste doing there, and how come they are all on such good terms, I suggest you read a possible scenario that could lead to this. It's a story by my miraculous friend Remasa: "No One Mourns a Villain" posted on fanfiction.net .

Once again, Merry Christmas!