#but hopefully its a nice surprise to whoever sent it!

[dave-me0wstaine]

imagine Dave teasing you on public, like, while u two are sitting on a restaurant or whatever he slides his hand in between your legs and his calloused fingers teasing your panties. UGHH I NEED HIM SO BAD

this is giving early-to-mid-80s dave vibes.. like look at him!!! that's one mischevious fucker and i LOVE IT

i feel like he'd do it all the time because he's young and absolutely feral over you. he'd purposefully ask to pick out your clothes and choose things that he simultaneously knows will get his motor running and give him easy access to your panties.

like omg could you imagine, you're at a bar or something after one of his concerts, and the both of you are so high and drunk. in the corner of a dimly lit bar, he's pushing your panties to the side and is knuckle deep in your cunt <33

or!! he gets handsy when he's jealous. like maybe one of the band members (or even some stranger, really) flirts with you or is staring at you and he just. loses any sense of shame. like he makes it obvious that he's snaked his hand in between your legs, rubbing your clit so fast that it's impossible for you to stay composed. and when you scold him about it all he does is pouts and grumbles '"fucker shouldn't have been lookin' at what's mine, then."

[moralina]

Family reunion | Eddie Munson

Summary: Eddie atends your annual family gathering, and for no ones surprise, he fits right in.

A/N: am i allowed to post a christmas fic a month after christmas? anyway trying to write again for eddie. not sure if i really captured his personality. anyway last time i wrote for him it was a flop, hope this is better

warnings: none, just fluff and reader's family loving eddie. Fem!reader. My english (it's been a while since ive done anything in english).

There was a light breeze flowing around you, coming from the slightly open window to your left. The cold weather of December made itself present in every joint of your body, making it impossible for you to work on your current task.

The sound of the oven clicking brought you back to your senses, your eyes moving from your frozen hands to the - hopefully -  appetizing lasagna, ready to be set on the table and enjoyed by your whole family.

As clockwork, you heard a weak knock at your front door, a smile making itself present on your features as you knew exactly who was at the door.

"I got it!" you screamed at whoever was there to listen - your family was all in the living room enjoying the nice warmth of the fireplace while you were left to freeze in the kitchen.

There was a tradition done every year one week before Christmas. Every member of your family would get together at someone's house, a game would take place, and the loser was assigned to the main course of the night in the following year. It would be a weekend event, and it was just a big excuse for everyone to see each other. Every year, you'd be excited for this one weekend, happy to taste every food on the table and every dessert your body would allow you to eat.

This year, though, you wanted to jump inside the oven and stay there with the lasagna. It was too cold, and you were extremely tired from all the events of the previous week.

One of your colleagues at work chose to quit in one of the most tumultuous weeks of the month so far. You were dreading the days before Christmas, already knowing people would go on a last-hour shopping spree. Every single thing that needed to be done at the store was thrown your way.

"Welcome to my humble abode, young gentleman." You bowed down after opening the door. As you expected, Eddie was standing - rather awkwardly - on the front steps of your house. He looked terrified - and cute, as always.

"Hi, baby. Hi." His voice soft, as if he was scared to speak any louder.

"Where's my kiss?" you asked after a long, silent 30 seconds of just staring at each other. Your voice calm, and smile gentle, trying to give him as much comfort as you could.

"Sorry." He mumbled, a breathy chuckle left his lips before he closed the distance between the two of you. "So?" he asked, arms open while he did a little dance to show off his clothes, "how do I look?"

"Pretty." You kissed his nose, "like you always do, Eds." Your hand grabbed his, pushing him closer to you. Before closing the door, your eyes traveled to the dark sky above you; heavy gray clouds adorned its splendor. "I think it's going to snow." You mumbled more to yourself, but Eddie heard you. With a shine to his eyes and hands going around your figure, he rested his chin on your shoulder before whispering in your ear.

"You do? Maybe we can build a snowman later."

You sighed, your hot breath creating clouds when coming into contact with the chilling weather. Despite his chattering teeth - due to the night’s cool temperature cutting through his clothes, - his heart was warm against his chest. Never in a million years did Eddie Munson think he'd feel so... domestic with someone. So safe and belonging.

"Oh my god, Y/n. Let the boy inside, he's freezing!" your aunt urged you both inside "c'mon honey, we have some hot chocolate waiting for you." She ended her sentence by dragging Eddie to the living room, his eyes wide. Before disappearing into the corner, he looked your way, and you sent him a teasing smirk. You could see his face relax a little, but his big brown eyes were still as wide, as if they were gonna pop out of their sockets. You couldn’t help the amused chuckle that left your mouth.

"Are you coming to our Easter treasure hunt, honey?" You could hear your aunt ask him as you approached the living room, her voice so sweet and tender. Eddie had never felt so welcomed before, especially by adults, - they usually considered him a bad influence on their kids - and these people barely knew him and still, were treating him as a part of their family.

it all felt so weird but so good at the same time.

"um" he didn't really know what to say. You haven’t invited him, and he didn’t want to intrude on your family’s activities. Being here tonight already felt like too much, so in his head, it was better not to overstep. He didn’t want to ruin everything with you by being too clingy. He settled with "I’m not sure." and a shake of his shoulders.

"Oh, don't be silly!" she rolled her eyes at him and waved her hand. "You're definitely invited; maybe with your help, Y/n will be able to win."

"Hey!" you exclaimed, hand on your heart, "I won in ‘82."

"Yes, indeed." she slowly nodded her head. You knew she had more to say. "Because you cheated."

"I didn't cheat!"

"oh! as if i wouldn’t know. You’re the worst liar in the family!" you huffed and crossed your arms in front of your chest like a grumpy child. Eddie could see the small twitch of your lips, definitely holding a smirk back. At that, he had to laugh, and it was quite loud, making everyone turn their attention from you to him. He coughed, trying to hide it as if no one had just heard him.

"Well," she spoke again, "if y/n thinks she’s too good for a partner on the hunt, you can be mine." she stated simply.

"you’d love that wouldn’t you?" you huffed a laugh.

Before sitting down, you glanced at Eddie. His lips turned upward, and he eyed every member of your family with admiration and curiosity. You nodded towards the comfy sofa, and after gripping his hand, you pushed him down to sit with you.

"Sorry for her, she’s a lot sometimes." you whispered to him after your family settled back into their previous conversation.

"Are you kidding me? She's great!" he exclaimed, bright, dark eyes looking at you adoringly.

Like you knew he would, Eddie fitted just perfectly with your family, and after his initial shyness went away, he was able to be himself, his dramatic way of storytelling amusing your relatives, who listened intently to him while he told them about the time you almost hit an old lady while he tried to teach you how to drive.

It was not a funny story to you

"That did not happen like that."

"it definitely did!"

"I’m sure Eddie is telling the truth." your aunt spoke again, making you glare at her while the whole family nodded their heads in agreement. Your younger cousins holding their laughs, but failing miserably.

"you’re all traitors!" you exclaimed, making Tyler, an 8-year-old little devil, smirk and say

"You know, Eddie, i like you" he squinted at you and nodded his head, as if satisfied with his conclusion, "maybe we can trade you for him."

"ha ha, very funny." You stuck your tongue out at him, but before he could respond, your eyes widened, and you stood up abruptly, "Oh my god, the lasagna!" your voice faded as you made your run to the kitchen.

"she’ll definitely not be in charge of the dinner next year."

"Remember me again," your aunt sighed, "why did we let the kid in charge this year?"

A/n: Yeah, idk 😭😭😭

If you enjoyed please consider leaving a like and rebloging, it helps a lot 🤍🤍

[ibijau]

Jin Rusong Lives pt 13 / On AO3

Nie Huaisang investigates

“What do you mean he was taken?” Nie Huaisang snarled, tightening his grip on his disciple’s collar.

“I don't know, I was just on duty at the gate!" the man said. "They arrived and said to warn you right away while they get checked by Nie Zhilan, I don’t know what happened! They just told me he’s gone, and Jin Yixin too.”

Nie Huaisang pushed the man out of the way and ran toward the infirmary. He thought he heard Lan Xichen call his name, but ignored it, filled with terror over Jin Rusong’s fate.

He should never have allowed the child to leave the Unclean Realm, not even under surveillance, not even to a place so close. Jin Guangyao had left too many enemies behind them, and most of those didn’t have Nie Huaisang’s fondness for his son. Why should they? Jin Guangyao had ordered entire sects killed, people had lost sons, daughters, grandchildren, it was only natural they'd want the same to happen to their enemy's child. Nie Huaisang was the last person with a right to blame others for their dreams of revenge, and yet in this case, he could not allow it. 

Jin Rusong was family, just as surely as his brother, or his sect, or even Lan Xichen. They were all his and he would set the world on fire if anything happened to that child.

On the way to the infirmary, Nie Huaisang spotted Nie Funyu on the training ground. His first disciple looked surprised at first, then concerned when Nie Huaisang barked that lessons for the day were cancelled. He was a smart man though, and when his sect leader ordered that the distress signal Wen Ning had left them be used immediately, Nie Funyu asked no question and ran to obey.

There were four men in the infirmary when Nie Huaisang got there, as well as Nie Zhilan who had a severe look on her face. The first thing that came to Nie Huaisang’s mind when he saw those men was that they were not, and by far, the strongest cultivators to be found in the Unclean Realm. They were good, friendly people, and as large as most Nie disciples were, but their skill was nothing spectacular. Of course, it was Nie Huaisang’s own fault if Jin Yixin hadn’t picked anyone more capable to come with her and her student. If he hadn’t been so distracted, he’d have told her exactly who to take with her instead of leaving that to her own judgement. How could she have known who to trust, when she'd mixed so little with others?

Out of those four men, Qian Zhixian was the one in best shape, though he still had a number of bruises, and appeared to have trouble with one elbow. The others were more seriously injured, with one at least having a bleeding gash on his forehead, and another whose leg might have been broken. Qian Zhixian gave an awkward, one handed bow to his sect leader, and dared not meet Nie Huaisang’s eyes.

“Zongzhu, we have failed you.”

“You have. What happened?”

All four men winced at his tone, but Qian Zhixian started explaining. Everything had gone well at first, they’d reached that little field without trouble, and Jin Yixin had started her lesson. At one point, she had asked the four Nie disciples to walk a little further away, so she could explain certain things that pertained to the Jin sect’s particular way of cultivating. They’d done so without question, respecting the need for secrecy in these things, and had spread out in the field so they could continue keeping an eye on every direction.

As far as they could tell, all four of them had been attacked at the same time, though they were not quite sure who, or what, had attacked them, their opponents shrouded in dark mist to hide their identity. The fight had been too hard for them, and they all went down with shameful speed, losing consciousness for a while. Qian Zhixian had been the first to wake up again, since he hadn’t been hit quite as hard, and he’d quickly woken up his companions as well.

“We’d have sent a signal,” Qian Zhixian said when Nie Huaisang’s glare intensified, “but whoever ambushed us took them from us. So we came back as fast as we could, and gave the alert.”

“What about Jin Yixin? Where was she while you were fighting?”

“We don’t know. Since she was gone too, we think maybe she tried to protect the little boy, and whoever took him had to take her too.”

“Hm. When Nie Zhilan is done healing you, report to Nie Funyu for punishment,” Nie Huaisang ordered. “I will not be disappointed again. Did you look around at all for any clues before returning here?”

“We thought it was more important to give the alarm, zongzhu.”

Nie Huaisang cursed. If he’d been there, he would have sent one man to raise the alarm, and asked the others to search their surroundings, in case whoever took Jin Rusong had left some traces of their identity. Not that he thought those four were the sort who would have noticed anything. Good, kind men, but hardly sharp. If he’d been there, if he hadn’t stupidly trusted others…

“I’ll deal with you four later,” Nie Huaisang decided. “If you remember anything of importance, send someone to warn me. I’m going to inspect that field myself.”

Without another look at his disciples, he stormed out of the infirmary.

That was why he’d worked alone all these years. There were good people in his sect, loyal and strong and most of them kind, but they just weren’t cut out for the sort of world that Jin Guangyao had created, the world they were still dealing with. Everyone around him was just too honest, and stupidly assumed that others were as well. Honesty was all nice and well, but Nie Huaisang couldn’t count on people who didn’t even think to…

“Huaisang!” Lan Xichen called, running up to him just as he was about to reach the main gate. He was breathless and pale, as if the news had undone what several weeks of rest had restored of his health.

“He’s disappeared,” Nie Huaisang coldly said when Lan Xichen had reached him. “Jin Yixin too. I’m going to see if I find any clues.”

Lan Xichen startled, but nodded.

“I’m coming too.”

“In your state?” Nie Huaisang sneered. “What good will you be? It’s my fault if this happened, I’ll deal with it. Go rest, I can do this on my own.”

Lan Xichen grew paler yet, but when Nie Huaisang tried to move, Lan Xichen caught him by the wrist with surprising strength for a man looking so exhausted.

“I’m coming too. If you’re responsible, then so am I. If you’re going to look for him, so am I.”

“That’s not…”

“Don’t push me away again,” Lan Xichen pleaded, tightening his grip. “You don’t have to do it alone this time.”

Years of habit screamed in Nie Huaisang’s mind, telling him not to rely on others, not to get anyone involved in his business, least of all Lan Xichen whose honesty and determination to do things properly could only lead to disaster.

But Lan Xichen was right there, just as worried about what had happened to Jin Rusong, eager to help get their little boy back. And he was theirs now, at least for the time being. Their child, in danger.

Of course Nie Huaisang couldn’t do that alone.

“Then let’s go,” Nie Huaisang said, freeing his wrist so he could hold Lan Xichen’s hand and give him support as they left the Unclean Realm. 

-

Just as Nie Huaisang remembered, the field mentioned by Jin Yixin was quite close to the Unclean Realm, and visible from its walls. The attack might have been noticed if patrols had been more frequent, which told him he’d need to do something about that.

In Nie Mingjue’s days, the walls would have been guarded constantly, in all directions. In Nie Mingjue’s days, something like this could never have happened. 

“There are signs of struggle here,” Wen Ning noted quietly. “Not very strong ones, but it's there anyway, look..”

He had joined them as they were walking toward the field, explaining that he’d sent Lan Sizhui to warn Jin Rulan there was a problem as soon as they’d seen the signal. Hopefully, both boys would be there by morning.

It would not be pleasant to explain to Jin Rulan what had happened, nor what Nie Huaisang was starting to suspect about the situation. But he wouldn't throw accusations until he was sure of himself. The last thing they needed after such a mess was a diplomatic incident.

“There are only those weak signs,” Nie Huaisang remarked, coming closer to Wen Ning to look again. “Jin Rusong, no doubt. Whatever happened, he did not wish to go. But as for Jin Yixin…”

There was no sign of serious fighting in the spot where Jin Yixin and Jin Rusong would have stood when the attack occurred. Aside from the grass being slightly flattened in two places, leaving indents too small to have come from anyone but Jin Rusong, nothing was amiss. Odd, when she'd more than proven she was a very strong fighter.

“They might have knocked her unconscious right away,” Lan Xichen suggested, sitting on a rock, the walk to the field having been a little too much for him.

Nie Huaisang threw him a look. Lan Xichen grimaced, and shook his head.

“I also find it unlikely,” he admitted. “Unless they neutralised her in such a manner that she couldn't fight them off at all, and yet didn't fall either… But if she wasn't attacked, then it means she allowed all this to happen, and either ran away on her own or left with the kidnappers. Why would she do that? Didn’t you say that Jin Rulan vouched for her?”

“People’s trust can be misplaced,” Nie Huaisang retorted bitterly. “And I didn’t get to know her well enough to make an opinion regarding her personality. She made no effort to mix with us, and I was too preoccupied by other matters to go against her wishes. I should have seen something was strange! I should have guessed, there must have been signs…”

With some effort, Lan Xichen rose from his improvised seat and went to join the other two.

“I shouldn’t have let them come here today,” Nie Huaisang said while Lan Xichen took his hand. “I should have been more careful. To make a mistake like that…”

“It’s probably not that bad,” Wen Ning said. “They could have killed him, but they just kidnapped him. Whoever took him might just want to use him as a bargaining chip against you or Jin Rulan.”

“That’s not as reassuring as you think,” Nie Huaisang snapped.

“It should be. A hostage can be freed, a corpse can’t be saved,” Wen Ning pointed out. Then, remembering his own situation, he sheepishly added: “Not usually, anyway.”

Nie Huaisang felt Lan Xichen shiver, while he thought he might faint, clutching too hard at each other's hand, both thinking of the last time Jin Rusong had gone missing. 

It had only been a very short while back then, and he'd been in Jinlin Tai with his family, all of his father's sect, as well as some prestigious guests. Nie Huaisang remembered that nobody had been particularly worried when they realised they hadn't seen the little boy in a while and started looking for him. He couldn't have gone very far, they'd all thought, and with so many people present, he'd be spotted soon. 

They'd been right. They'd found his body very quickly, and very near. Nie Huaisang and Lan Xichen had been close by when Qin Su had screamed, and they'd seen that little boy they loved so much, lifeless on the floor of a small room near the hall where they'd been having a banquet. 

They'd all been drinking and laughing, while he died alone. 

Nie Huaisang could not go through that again. It would kill him if it happened again, and under his watch this time. 

"It's getting dark, you two won't be able to do much," Wen Ning remarked. "Go back inside, get some rest. I'll continue looking around in case they left some traces while escaping." 

It was the sensible thing to do, but Nie Huaisang had half a mind to keep looking as well. It just didn't feel right to merely go sleep, not when poor Jin Rusong was among strangers and likely terrified. 

If he had been alone, Nie Huaisang would have continued looking too. But Lan Xichen was there as well, shaken by the shock of that incident, still not fully recovered from his too harsh seclusion. If Nie Huaisang did not care about himself, he worried about Lan Xichen's well-being, and he knew the other man would refuse to return to the Unclean Realm alone. 

That either of them could sleep seemed unlikely, but if they managed to rest they would be of more use, should morning bring any news. 

-

After threats from Nie Zhilan, Lan Xichen reluctantly took some medicine to help him catch some sleep. Nie Zhilan was furious at him for exerting himself beyond what she'd allowed, and equally angry at Nie Huaisang for not preventing it. As Lan Xichen drifted to sleep, in Nie Huaisang’s bed rather than his own so he could be reached quicker if something happened, Nie Zhilan threatened to force feed her sect leader that same medicine as punishment, only dropping the matter when he made it clear he was in no mood for a playful argument. Nie Huaisang even managed to obtain a different medicine to wake Lan Xichen up, in case the first one had not naturally worn off by the time Jin Rulan and Lan Sizhui arrived. 

In the end, it was not necessary. Shortly after Lan Xichen woke up on his own, the two young men were directed to Nie Huaisang's private quarters. 

"You were supposed to look after him!" Jin Rulan exploded as he rushed inside the room. "And now your disciples tell me Rusong's been kidnapped?" 

Coming in after him, Lan Sizhui looked calmer, but equally unhappy. He frowned at the sight of Lan Xichen still laying in Nie Huaisang’s bed, and that hint of judgment, combined with the exhaustion of a sleepless night, and the guilt of failure, got the better of Nie Huaisang. 

"I was supposed to look after him, and Jin zongzhu was supposed to send a trustworthy teacher!" he snapped. "Every sign indicates that Jin Yixin helped his kidnappers, and is probably hiding with them right now." 

"She'd never do that!" Jin Rusong retorted. "Jin Yixin is a well respected elder! Uncle Jiang and me checked her background carefully before selecting her! She's always dedicated herself to teaching, never meddled with politics if she could avoid it. And she had a very good relationship with Qin Su, so she wouldn't hurt her son."

"You'd be surprised what people would do to their friends." 

"They weren't just friends! Jin Yixin and Qin Su are cousins, so she's family, she could never hurt Rusong." 

"I think Jin Guangyao proved well enough that family… wait, cousins ?"

Arms crossed on his chest, Jin Rulan nodded firmly while Nie Huaisang stared, too tired to make sense of that new revelation.

"Something close to that anyway,” Jin Rulan explain. “I think she might actually be Qin Cangye's cousin? But they're related anyway. I'd forgotten about it when we thought of asking her, but she told us she'd be happy to help her family, so obviously she can't have…" 

"Jin Rulan, you're an idiot," Nie Huaisang cut him. "And I'm an imbecile. Qin Cangye! Of course!" 

Lan Xichen slowly sat up on the bed, still groggy from the medicine he’d taken but looking agitated by the news.

"Did anyone warn him about Rusong?" he slurred. 

"I didn't think it concerned him," Jin Rulan said. "Rusong isn't his real grandson, is he? Uncle Jiang agreed, too." 

"You were raised in Lanling, so I'll excuse you for being stupid about family," Nie Huaisang said, starting to pace the room. "But your uncle should have known better, and me as well. Qin Cangye is a proud man, and he’s refused to believe what was revealed about his wife. Of course he’d do something if he learned Rusong is alive!”

Nie Huaisang stopped his pacing, and cursed. That was another reason he’d worked alone all these years. He was too sentimental. Having people he loved close-by made him distracted and stupid. If Jin Rusong hadn’t been living with him, Nie Huaisang would have been less emotional in the instance of a disappearance, and might have guessed right away that the Qin sect could be involved. If Lan Xichen hadn’t been there, he wouldn’t have been so careless. Emotions made him weaker, and impulsive to the point of stupidity.

“Qin Cangye is an honest man,” Lan Xichen softly pointed out. “He rarely visited Jinlin Tai because he had a dislike of Jin Guangyao, but I think he was very fond of his grandson. If he has Rusong, at least we know he’s safe.”

“Qin Cangye is a decent enough man, but we can’t be sure he’s the one who orchestrated this,” Nie Huaisang retorted. “His sons might be less than enthusiastic at the news that Jin Rusong is alive. They'd have preferred to see him dead rather than have a living proof of their mother's shame. And if his grandfather insists on treating him as family, then he’ll get a share of inheritance someday. After such a miracle, he might even get preferential treatment over Qin Cangye’s other grandchildren, just because he had the good luck to survive. The Qin sect can be just as cut-throat as Lanling Jin when there’s money involved.”

“I’m right here!” Jin Ling complained.

Nie Huaisang turned to glare at him.

“You are, and I’m furious at you! You should have told me Jin Yixin was related to the Qin!”

“I didn’t think it mattered.”

“You didn’t think at all!” Nie Huaisang exploded. “You didn’t think when you decided to heal Jin Rusong and revive him! You didn’t think when you let him wake up among strangers, without a single familiar face to comfort him! You didn’t think when you sent him here, and you certainly didn’t think when you trusted that woman! And now Rusong could be in danger, he could come to great harm, he could die again, and I… I can’t… If I have to bury him again…”

A loud sob wracked through his body, leaving him breathless. He could still see Jin Rusong, lifeless and forced to die alone, still see his tomb so small and plain for having died too young. He’d burned incense for that child, and paper toys as well so he wouldn't get bored in the afterlife. He’d pitied Jin Guangyao when he’d thought it impossible to ever do that again, before hating him with renewed passion when he’d thought the man had killed his son. He’d missed Jin Rusong, and if he had to start missing him again…

Nie Huaisang hadn’t even realised that he’d fallen to his knees, not until Lan Xichen came to sit next to him and pulled him in his arms, holding him too tight.

“Nothing will happen to him this time,” Lan Xichen said while Nie Huaisang sobbed against his shoulder. “We’re going to make sure he’s safe, all of us. Do you hear me?” 

Nie Huaisang managed to nod, his tears already calming thanks to Lan Xichen’s soothing presence.

“You and Jin zongzhu are going to Laoling,” Lan Xichen continued. “If I were better, I’d go too, but there’s too much risk that I’ll be unwell and create more problems. So I’ll stay here, and help Nie Funyu if some news reach us, or if Wen Qiongling finds something.”

He paused, and looked at the two young men standing near them.

“Sizhui, how tired are you?”

“I can fly with them to Laoling, zongzhu,” Lan Sizhui immediately replied.

“And if I ask you to go to Yunmeng?” Lan Xichen asked. “I understand that Jiang Wanyin considers himself involved in the wellbeing of Jin Rusong, so he should be told what has happened. If nothing else, his reputation might scare the kidnappers into returning him to us. Everyone knows it is unwise to cross Sandu Shengshou, and he's sure to make a racket once he's aware of this.”

Lan Sizhui sighed at that request, clearly tired by his overnight trip to Lanling, but still nodded and bowed to his sect leader. Calming down at last, Nie Huaisang felt some pity for the young man, and some amount of doubt as well.

"I can send one of my disciples," he offered. “I'm sure I can find a fast flyer.”

"Is there anyone you trust enough for such a mission?" Lan Xichen countered. "Aside from Nie Funyu, who will need to hold the fort while you're gone?" 

"No, I suppose not." 

"I trust Lan Sizhui, and Jiang zongzhu knows him and will listen to him. Can that be enough for you?" 

It wasn't, not quite. Lan Xichen's trust had been misplaced before. But that Lan Sizhui boy was also dear to Lan Wangji, who wouldn't have wasted his affection on someone who wasn't righteous. 

Besides, Nie Huaisang didn't think that Jiang Cheng could be all that helpful, so ultimately it didn't really matter. 

"Fine, send him to Yunmeng," Nie Huaisang agreed, feeling guilty that he wasn't more trusting. But if Lan Xichen noticed his lack of enthusiasm, he said nothing, apparently satisfied that Nie Huaisang would allow this at all. 

With this course of action decided, things moved fast. Nie Funyu was informed of everything, while a light collation was served to everyone. As soon as they were done eating, Jin Rulan and Nie Huaisang left together in direction of Laoling, only taking a pair of Nie disciples with them in case it came to a fight. 

It felt like a longer flight than it was. Nobody would speak, Jin Rulan because he was tired, Nie Huaisang because even something this simple required great focus on his part. 

For once, his low cultivation was on his side. If he'd been able to fly his sabre more easily, Nie Huaisang's thoughts would have drifted to dark memories and pointless worries. Even like that, unwanted images of Jin Rusong's corpse, of the child alone and terrified, still plagued him and threatened to break his concentration more than once. 

When at last they approached the home of Laoling Qin, Nie Huaisang suggested that they try to fly over the sect's dwellings to see if they spotted anything unusual. It was a breach of decorum to spy that way, but Nie Huaisang had learned to be polite only when it suited him, and Jin Rulan was easily convinced. In spite of the errors the young man had made in this whole affair, Nie Huaisang found himself thinking that he liked Jin Rulan, if only because they both loved Jin Rusong. 

When they flew over Laoling Qin, Nie Huaisang did not expect to see much. It would have been foolish to kidnap Jin Rusong and let him wander around for all to see. If it had been him doing this, he'd have taken the little boy somewhere secluded, at least for a few days. If it had been him... And yet when Jin Rulan cried out and pointed down at a tiny shape far below them, Nie Huaisang nearly fainted when he too noticed a small dark green shape among all those wearing Qin colours. 

Without thinking, Nie Huaisang angled his sabre down, descending toward the inner courtyard of that house at greater speed than was wise for such a weak flyer. He only barely managed to avoid crashing and stumbled off his sabre without grace, while Jin Rulan landed just behind him with far more control. 

Around them, a number of Qin disciples, after recovering from the surprise of that intrusion, drew their swords, ready for a fight. Nie Huaisang paid them no mind, all his attention on three figures ahead of him. One was a man well into his seventies, though excellent cultivation made him look barely any older than Nie Huaisang, who looked more annoyed than surprised or angry at this invasion. Next to Qin Cangye stood Jin Yixin, who had changed out of the Jin robes she'd worn during her stay in the Unclean Realm, now favouring Qin colours. And half hidden behind her legs was Jin Rusong, an expression of terror on his face. 

Seeing the little boy so scared, Nie Huaisang acted without thinking. He took one step toward the child, determined to scoop him up in his arms and take him home. But seeing him approach, Jin Rusong clung harder to Jin Yixin's legs, and screamed. 

“Don’t!” Jin Rusong cried out. “I don’t want to see you! You’re bad, uncle Nie! You’re bad and you killed mommy and daddy!”

[heliads]

Twinning

Peter Maximoff has just met the most amazing girl on the planet- a mutant with the ability to mimic other people’s faces and powers. However, when a fight ends with Y/N losing her abilities, Peter will have to go after her and convince her to stay.

masterlist

The X-Men have only been here for about ten minutes before Peter Maximoff realizes that things aren’t exactly going to plan. They were dragged out to the middle of nowhere because Professor Xavier was convinced that there was some bedraggled group of mutants that needed saving. He was right, of course, but apparently he didn’t see into enough minds to discover the ambush waiting for them.

Now Peter and his friends are fighting against a large group of soldiers, far larger than they’d anticipated. He dodges a bullet again and again before eventually giving up, speeding over to Jean in the blink of an eye. She startles for a moment when he appears out of nowhere. Peter gives her about half a second to recover from the surprise before yelling something to her over the din of the fight. “Are we supposed to be losing?”

Jean shakes her head. “I don’t think so. I don’t remember a crushing defeat being listed in the key points of the mission.” Suddenly, an eager grin slips across her face, and she shouts something over to Xavier. “Professor, the situation is dire enough. We have to bring her out.” Xavier sighs. “Are you sure about this?” Jean nods, smiling wickedly. “If we wait any longer, she’ll take a visit herself. Tell the Twin that it’s time to play.”

Peter frowns at Jean. “Who’s the Twin?” Jean casts him a beaming look. “One of the best people you’ll ever meet. Here she comes now.” Peter glances around the battlefield, trying to find whoever Jean is talking about, and then he sees her. There’s a figure making her way across the clearing, darting through soldiers as if they’re nothing more than stalks of grass. Anyone else would have been terrified to find themselves in the middle of a large cluster of enemy fighters, but instead she looks positively delighted.

Just as the Twin reaches Jean and Peter, the soldiers start to rain heavy fire upon the building where the other mutants are being held, the ones the X-Men were sent to rescue. The new girl turns to Jean, a sudden intensity burning behind her eyes. “Give me your hand.” Jean doesn’t hesitate for a second, thrusting out her palm. The Twin flings her own hand onto Jean’s, concentrating hard as if attempting a feat of intense difficulty. For a moment, nothing happens.

Then the girl’s eyes open wide, and Peter stares. They’re glowing with a strange energy, an energy that looks almost like Jean’s. As Peter watches, the energy spreads across her entire body, crackling over her veins.  The Twin hovers in the air as she seemingly absorbs the energy, then comes crashing back down to the ground again. Peter reaches out an arm as if to catch her, but the girl has already straightened up once more.

She extends an arm to the sky and a torrent of magical power crashes out of her palm, racing across the battlefield to slam into the enemy guns and take them down. Beside her, Jean continues to use her powers, which look identical to the sudden abilities from the Twin. This girl hasn’t taken Jean’s powers, she just suddenly has the skill to have the exact same abilities. 

Peter chuckles softly. “I think I get why they call you the Twin.” The girl turns to Peter, flashing him a grin almost as bright as the magical energy still pouring from her hands. “Nice to meet you too. I’m Y/N.” The enemy soldiers are scrambling back, desperate for a brief respite to fix their crumbling weaponry, and so Peter, Y/N, and Jean are granted a lull in the fighting.

Peter nods. “I’m Peter.” Y/N’s eyes flash. “So I’ve heard. You’re the fast one, aren’t you?” Peter allows himself a cocky grin. “I like the sound of that.” Jean groans next to him. “You two are bad enough by yourselves, don’t make me listen to you two banter. I’m going to give up and just ask the soldiers to shoot me.” Y/N pretends to pout. “And here I thought we were friends. So mean.”

Jean rolls her eyes, but considers Y/N for a second longer. “Is that a new face?” Y/N nods. “Got bored of the hair and changed the face shape. I’m taller now, too. By the way.” Peter frowns. “A new face?” Y/N fires a warning shot at the soldiers brave enough to attempt a second wave, then turns to face him once more. “The Twin thing doesn’t just extend to my powers. I can also change my appearance at will.”

Peter is fascinated. “Just like that?” “Just like that.” Y/N says, screwing up her face in concentration once more. Before Peter’s eyes, her hair seems to leach of its color, turning silver like a river running bright with rainwater. Peter’s eyes widen. “That’s so cool.” Y/N grins, allowing her hair to turn back to another color. “I know, right?” Peter considers this. “It is cool, but it was better when it was silver.” Peter stays just long enough to see an exasperated look start to form in Jean’s eyes and a slight blush on Y/N’s face before he turns, rejoining the fight faster than anyone else can see.

The battle is over soon after that. Now that Y/N’s taken the stage and there are basically two Jeans along with Peter and the rest of the X-Men, a motley group of soldiers with guns can’t stand a chance. Xavier directs them to stay a little longer, making sure the soldiers won’t try anything else before helping the refugee mutants onto the plane and settling into seats themselves. Peter slides into a seat next to Y/N. If he’s going to be stuck on the plane for the next hour or so, he intends to get to know her.

Y/N looks up with a smile. “If it isn’t my second favorite speedster. How are you?” Peter pretends to look affronted. “Am I not your favorite? Who else is there?” Y/N raises an eyebrow, challenging. “I’ll show you if you give me your hand.” Peter holds out his hand, palm facing upwards. Y/N takes it, snapping her eyes shut as she channels his power. There’s a slight pricking sensation, almost like a needle, and then the same rivers of energy seem to flow over Y/N’s body. This time, however, they don’t glow like Jean’s powers. Instead, they’re a bluish silver, like Peter’s abilities.

When Y/N opens her eyes, Peter notices that they’ve changed color again. This time, they’re a warm hazel, the same shade that Peter sees in the mirror every morning. In fact, in the split second it’s taken Peter to realize that she’s imitating his eyes, the rest of her face has changed. It’s like staring at a reflection of himself- every detail, down to the stitching on his jacket, is replicated perfectly on Y/N.

Peter lets out an incredulous laugh. “You know, I’ve heard they say that imitation is the best form of flattery, so I’m going to take this to mean that you think I’m very, very cool.” Y/N rolls her eyes, letting Peter’s face wash away from her again like the swipe of a cloth. “I’m going to pretend you didn’t say that.” Peter grins. “Why not? You said that this is your favorite speedster, right? That’s technically just me, so all I’m hearing is that you think I’m the best.”

Y/N laughs. “You’re unbelievable, Peter Maximoff.” Peter leans back against the wall of the plane. “Maybe so. What are you going to do about that, Twin?” Y/N thinks about this. “I’m going to go hang out with someone I can stand.” She winks at him, then disappears in a flash. It’s strange seeing his own powers used on someone else, although to be honest, Peter’s not sure that he minds it on her.

Peter must have been staring for a little too long, because Jean takes a seat in the place where Y/N just stood. She raises an eyebrow at him, and Peter has a sudden sensation that he’s a fish about to get eaten by a shark who can sense weakness. “I didn’t think you’d take to Y/N that quickly.” Peter feigns indifference. “It’s a little odd seeing your own face on someone else.” Jean shrugs. “At least she asked you first. She’s never done that with any of the rest of us. We just walk in a room and find out that she’s there because you’re suddenly looking at yourself. It’s nice of her to make a change for you.”

Jean’s looking at him like there’s a second meaning to all that, but Peter is unwilling to look too deeply into it. He just spreads his hands, hoping to come up with some witty retort that will stop Jean from peering at him like she can read his mind. Which she can, he supposes, but that’s not the point. “It’s not your fault, Jean. I’m very endearing to everyone I meet.” Jean scoffs at this, but Peter can sense her backing off on the topic. To be honest, Peter is perfectly fine with that. If he spends any more time thinking about the mutant down the hall named Y/N, he’s fairly sure that Jean might be able to discern some fairly compromising information from his head.

Peter’s known Y/N for about a month when the next attack hits. This time it’s different- the soldiers are back with a vengeance, but they’ve managed to enlist a mutant to turn against Xavier and the rest of the mutants at the school. Peter lines up with the rest of the X-Men to take a stand and defeat the soldiers once and for all. He’s pleasantly surprised to notice Y/N coming to a stop next to him. She’s wearing a different face, one with darker eyes and shorter hair. “What, they’re letting you join the melee early this time?” She grins at him. “Too many risks otherwise. They don’t like the idea of soldiers finding out about me lest they try something like the Sentinel program, but the stakes are high enough that I’m sprung early.”

Peter smiles, casually straightening the collar of her jacket. “Try not to kill anyone unnecessarily. They might send you back.” She rolls her eyes. “It’s always a problem with me.” Peter’s about to laugh and come up with some joking retort, but the rattle of gunfire begins to echo across the field they’re standing in and he turns back to the battle with a sigh. Conversations are over, it’s time to defend the school. Hopefully they can get this wrapped up quickly so he can talk to Y/N again.

Unfortunately, Peter doesn’t see Y/N for the majority of the battle. Xavier sends her over to deal with the rogue mutant, thinking that it would be best if one of his strongest fighters battled what is clearly the crown jewel in the soldiers’ attack plan. He’s not wrong, of course, but Peter wouldn’t mind being able to fight side by side with the Twin. He would most certainly show off, and the only people who can be impressed by that now is Scott. How disappointing.

True to his hopes, the battle ends somewhat quickly. It’s longer than the last one, as they can’t count on Y/N for a Hail Mary to knock out all the soldiers’ guns in one fell swoop while she’s dealing with the enemy mutant, but it’s good enough. Judging by the lack of destruction in the school and the tightly bound, unconscious mutant leaving the premises, Peter assumes that Y/N was able to deal with him easily.

However, when Peter tries to find Y/N and congratulate her on the defeat of the enemy mutant, he can’t find her anywhere. She’s not wandering the battlefield like the rest of them, she’s not in the medical wing, she’s not in any of the rooms. In fact, even hours later, Peter can’t find her at all. Eventually, Peter can’t stand the suspense and he finds Jean, not even bothering to walk at a normal speed in his haste to find Y/N.

Peter skids to a stop in front of Jean. “Have you seen Y/N? I can’t find her anywhere, which is really strange. Do you know where she is?” Belatedly, Peter realizes that she’s not alone but talking to Xavier. Peter moves to step away and let them finish their conversation, but the Professor turns to Peter with a concerned look. “Don’t leave just yet, Peter. You’re right to worry- we can’t find her either. She isn’t on the school grounds.”

Peter stares. “She left the grounds? Is she alright?” Xavier lifts a shoulder. “She is relatively unharmed, yes. No grave danger to her life.” Peter does not feel remotely reassured by this. “But something happened, right? She wouldn’t just leave for no reason.” The Professor shakes his head. “Just before she subdued the rogue mutant, he hit her with a blast of energy. I didn’t know his powers, or I wouldn’t have sent her to deal with him, but- Well, it removed her powers. We think it’s just temporary, but she panicked and fled.”

Peter feels like the roof has come crashing down over his head. “What do you mean, it removed her powers? Is she alright?” Xavier sighs. “I only got a brief glimpse into her head before she left. She was worried, thinking that she was hurt and that’s why she couldn’t use her powers, but she fled the school because she thought we wouldn’t want her there anymore if she wasn’t a mutant.” Peter feels sick. “But that’s not true. Of course we want her!”

The Professor’s voice is chiding. “Yes, we still we want her. The only problem is that Y/N was in a state of intense panic and didn’t believe it herself. We would go after her, but the energy blast removed her powers and made her revert to her original face. No one actually knows what she looks like because she’s been changing her appearance almost every day. We can’t find her because we don’t know who she is anymore.”

Peter stares. “That’s it? You’re not going after her because you can’t remember what she looks like?” Xavier starts to say something, but Peter just shakes his head, something like disgust building up in his throat. “I’m going to go find her.” Jean reaches out an arm, blocking his path. “You don’t know where she is.” Peter looks at her. “Then tell me where you think she is, and I’ll go. I’m not leaving her.” The Professor sighs. “The last time we were able to track her was a brief appearance in the surrounding town. She couldn’t have gotten far, it hasn’t been that long.” Peter nods. “I’ll bring her back. I promise.” Xavier sighs again, although this time something almost like hope is written across his brow. “I know you will.”

Peter dashes away, moving faster than anyone in the school could possibly see. He reaches the surrounding town in a matter of seconds, coming to an abrupt stop in the middle of a street. Now that he’s actually left the school, Peter realizes how daunting this task could be. However, Peter has rarely considered the risks of things in his life, and he certainly isn’t about to start now. Not when Y/N’s out here, alone and feeling hopeless.

Peter ends up running again, checking up and down every street. He doesn’t know what he’s looking for- some sign of Y/N in every person he sees, he guesses. After fruitlessly combing every street, Peter stops again, letting himself pause in the middle of a crowded thoroughfare. Most people around him look at him in surprise, as if noticing he was there for the first time, but one doesn’t. One girl, one absolutely beautiful girl who looks hurriedly away as if pretending she didn’t see him at all. Bingo.

Peter jogs up to her, voice catching in his throat. “Y/N?” The girl turns away again. “I don’t know who you’re talking about.” Peter’s voice is softer now. “Yes, you do. You’re Y/N L/N, and you go to my school.” The girl glances over at him, one eyebrow raised, although she hurriedly looks the other way as if chiding herself for giving him even this brief speck of attention. “That’s a strange way to describe someone.”

Peter, with all the nerves of someone about to take a leap of faith, reaches down and wraps his hand around Y/N’s. She lets her shoulders soften, although when she speaks again her voice is anything but relaxed. “You shouldn’t have come looking for me. I’m useless now.” Peter shakes his head. “You could never be useless. Not now, not ever. You’re more than just your powers, you realize that?” Y/N looks at him, true pain radiating from her eyes. “You can’t say that. Xavier only needs me because I can imitate other people’s powers, and now that I can’t do that anymore he has no need for me.”

Peter grabs her other hand, forcing her to a stop. “And what about me? I need you.” Y/N lets her gaze remain on his. “How did you find me? You don’t know what I look like.” Peter shrugs. “I looked for the cutest girl in town, and I guessed correctly.” Y/N laughs, a slight blush forming on her cheeks. “You’re impossible.” Peter winks at her. “Impossibly charming. Now, are you going to come back with me to the school or do I have to follow you around some more?”

Y/N sighs. “But I don’t-” Peter holds up a hand. “If you’re going to say something about how you don’t have your powers and you shouldn’t return, you’re wrong. Everyone’s worried about you.” Y/N’s gaze seems to cut right through him. “Everyone?” Peter nods. “Everyone. Especially me. Besides, the Professor said that your powers will probably return, and this is just temporary. That being said, I’d want you there, powers or no. I’m here for you, Y/N, not the Twin. You’re way more than that.”

Y/N smiles at him at last. “I suppose so. Okay, I guess I’ll come back.” Peter beams at her. “Excellent. Can I speed up the return journey?” She nods. “Just don’t drop me.” Peter flashes her a grin. “I’d never dream of it.” Moving faster than anyone can see, Peter picks up Y/N in his arms, taking off in the direction of the school. If he presses a kiss to her forehead before he starts to run, well, he’s the only one who would know.

peter maximoff tag list: @awaywiththe​, @amourtentiaa​, @elaineygrace​

[jaesqueso]

The Bachelorette: NCT edition - Ep. 5

The season of love is finally here! An interactive series where you’ll get to choose who goes home each week and ultimately who Y/N chooses in the end!

pairing: nct(ot23) x fem!reader

summary: A week to relax clear things out, but it turns out to be one of the most stressful weeks with big decisions

episode guide

word count: 6,451

warnings: mentions of alcohol (all responsible!)

☽ ・・・・・ ☾

Last week on the Bachelorette:

Y/N challenges the 23 men that decided to join this experience and fight for her heart.

As bachelors are sent home week by week the decisions become harder and harder and a single moment can decide each men’s fate.

9 guys remain on the game to win the bachelorette’s heart, but tonight only 7 will remain.

Who will she choose? Who will she reject?

Find out on the Bachelorette!

-

“Hi all!” Chris Harrison walks into the living room of the guest house and the boys excitedly gather around. “Glad to see you all excited because it’s time we change things up!”

The bachelors look at each other wondering what will be changing and if that can possibility affect their chances with you.

“This week we’ll still have a group date but only 1 one-on-one date.”

The guys widen their eyes, this will decrease their chances of getting that desired alone time with you.

“But don’t worry, there will be a new type of date, a two-on-one date! This means two of you will be going on the date with Y/N.”

Faces brighten up, this actually gives them more chances to spend more time with you.

“But there’s a downside to this date. Only one of the two people will receive a rose and that means the other person will automatically be sent home.”

Right now the men seem really worried, whoever goes on that date will have a face off with the other guy because either they win or they lose, no safes.

“This being said I wish you all luck and I’ll see you in the rose ceremony!”

Chris leaves and the siren is heard, not giving anyone time to take in this new information.

All this decision making week by week is leaving me a bit stressed and I could use some time off.

The guys are confused, what do you mean time off?

I hope you’re in the mood for some relaxing Jaehyun. Don’t bother bringing a lot of clothing!

The guy chuckles at the last sentence.

“Nice one bro!” Johnny shakes Jaehyun’s shoulders as the latter silently thanks him.

“This means you’re safe from that two-on-one date.” Taeyong points out.

“Not that I would mind some competition.” Jaehyun glares but the laughs. “But I’ve been wanting on this date for too long.”

“Same!” Taeyong and Johnny say at the same time and laugh.

“It could be the two of you facing each other though…” Jaehyun teases.

Their laughs quickly come to an end as they look at each other. They sure hope it’s not them.

-

The next day Jaehyun gets ready and gets on his ride, excited to met you and see what’s in store for the two of you today. The car comes to a stop in from of a spa and he’s pleasantly surprised however looking around he’s confused because you’re nowhere to be seen. He decides to go in and look for you inside but he still can’t find you. That’s when a lady from the spa hands him a letter.

Get (un)dressed and come find me.

Y/N

He smiles at your mysteriousness and heads to the locker rooms. He takes off his clothes down to his swimwear, wraps his body in the robe provided and puts on a pair of flip flops. He starts walking around looking for you and stops by the pool area.

Your eyes meet and a smile grows on your face. He watches you swim to the nearest border to where he’s standing and then push yourself outside. To his eyes everything happened in slow motion and he almost had to pull his jaw back up when you walked to him all wet wearing only a bikini.

“Glad you found me.” You smile as you put your robe on.

“I was starting to think you ditched me.” Jaehyun pouts.

“How could I ever?” You wink and he chuckles. “Are you ready to relax?”

“By your side? Always.”

“Good because I signed us up for a couple’s massage.”

“Sounds great to me.”

You take his hand and lead him to the massage room. There are two massage tables and you both take off the robes and settle in each one, stomach down. Right after the masseuses get in and greet you.

They pick up some oils, taking some on their hands and then proceed to massage your backs. You hum in satisfaction and turn your face to look at Jaehyun who’s already looking at you. You bite your lip to hold in any embarrassing sounds as the masseuse touches all the tension places getting rid of all your stress, you really needed this and he seems to enjoy it too judging by the pleased look on his face.

The masseuses then move to the legs and combined with the soothing music in the background and the tranquillising smell in the air you feel like you’re in cloud nine. Jaehyun lets out a low moan when the pair of hands massage his tights and you can’t help grin as your mind drifts off. He mouths an apology and chuckles but you just lightly shake your head letting him know it’s ok.

You turn your bodies around for the second part of the massage and you can’t help let your eyes travel through the lines of his body. Gulping you look back up and he’s smirking at you. Embarrassed of getting caught you turn your head to the ceiling and close your eyes letting out a happy sigh and enjoy the rest of the massage.

Once it’s done, you two thank the masseuses and put your robes back on. You leave the room and walk to a lounge area where a table with some light food and natural juices awaits you.

“Did you like it?” You ask as you two sit down.

“That was amazing.” Jaehyun smiles taking a sip of his juice. “Sorry I got a little carried away.”

“Don’t worry about that.” You fight a giggle as you recall his moan. “I was just glad you were enjoying it.”

“I would’ve enjoyed it more if we were massaging each other.” He gives you a suggestive look and you bite your lip.

“Maybe next time if you’re lucky.” You wink and he sticks his tongue on the inside of his cheek, clearly pleased with the way you’re able to flirt back with him so easily.

-

In the guest house nervousness fills the air.

“Who do you think will be in the double date?” Haechan asks.

“It could literally be anyone…” Jaemin states.

“Hopefully not you because whoever the other person is, they’re going home!” Jeno laughs.

“Why don’t know that.” Jaemin laughs too.

“That’s true though!” Haechan points to Jaemin. “She’d definitely choose you over someone else, you two definitely have something going on.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Jaemin scratches the back of his head. “I’m at the same level as you guys.”

“You’re definitely not, she’s really into you.” Jeno comments.

“I bet you even kissed her already!” Haechan glares at him for not saying anything.

“We definitely did not kiss, I promise.” Jaemin throws his hands in the air.

“I wonder if she has kissed anyone though…” Haechan wonders.

Jeno clears his throat before these questions turn to him not wanting to admit he has kissed you already. Twice in fact.

“What do you think Renjun?” He addresses the boy who always has an opinion but has yet to say a word.

“What?” He gets out of his trance and looks at the others.

“Who do you think will be on the double date?” Jeno repeats the question Haechan did a few minutes ago.

“I don’t know, but I have a bad feeling about it…” Renjun sighs and the other guys look amongst each other before turning their attention to Hendery who was sitting alone possibly lost in the same thoughts.

The awaited siren is heard and everybody gathers around the living room.

It’s a-boat time I take you guys on a trip no?

The guys are intrigued to know if that was a typo or a clue.

Unfortunately I can’t take you all with me so if you don’t see your name in the screen I’ll meet you in the next date!

Everybody takes a deep breath as the names start to come up on the screen. For the first time they’re all wishing to be chosen for the group date.

Johnny | Taeyong | Yuta | Jeno | Haechan | Jaemin

See you tomorrow!

Renjun and Hendery exchange a look before dropping their gaze to the ground. The others tense up but are also relieved that the fight between the two will finally come to an end with one of them leaving. At the same time they’re worried about you as this date could go terribly wrong.

-

After talking for a while you decide to move the conversation with Jaehyun to the hot tub that’s in a private area of the spa. You strip down your robes again and get into the warm water. You sit next to each other as the bachelor doesn’t want to spend any time away from you.

“Thank you for choosing me for this date.” He smiles.

“What can I say? I felt like pampering you a little bit.” You smirk.

“Shouldn’t I be the one pampering you?” He lifts an eyebrow.

“We can pamper each other, how about that?”

“I’m okay with that.” He wraps his arm around your shoulders pulling you closer.

If it wasn’t for the warm water around your bodies you’d be embarrassed of the way your body temperature increased as your almost naked bodies touch.

The conversation keeps its usual teasing tone and before things get even more heated with his eyes piercing through your soul, his face coming closer and closer and he forgets you’re actually in a public place you decide to make a suggestion.

“You know what, how about I give you that massage?” He looks at you in surprise and yet licks his lips. “Just a shoulder one, don’t get all excited.”

Jaehyun chuckles as you turn him around on the hot tub. He lets his arms rest on the borders as you settle behind him placing your hands on his shoulders. Your grasp is soft because you don’t want to hurt him but your thumbs pressed on his muscles. His skin is so smooth, but before your mind starts to drift off again he lets out a groan that startles you for a bit.

“I’m sorry, did I hurt you?” You stop massaging him but keep your hands on his shoulders.

“No no, on the contrary.” He quickly answers. “It feels too good.”

“Maybe I should stop.” You chuckle.

“Oh, please don’t.” He turns his head to the side and places a kiss on your fingers.

All you want his to pull his face closer and put your lips on him but considering the lack of clothing the whole scenario just looks a little too sexual and you don’t want the wrong message to come across. Instead you push yourself back and get out of the tub.

“Come on.” You extend your hand to him. “We should go.”

“Why do we always have to leave at the best part?” He complains but still takes your hand.

You two go back into the locker rooms to get changed and head out for your ride together back to the mansion. Inside the vehicle you make the question he was dying to answer.

“Thank you for making me relax today, you definitely deserve this.” You show him the date rose. “Do you accept it?”

“I have no reasons not to.” He smiles brightly as you pin it to his shirt.

Before he has a chance to make a move on you the car stops and you two get out. You say your goodbyes and turn to go to each of your destinations. But after only two steps you turn back around.

“Hey Jaehyun!” You call out.

“Ye-” Before he can finish the word you grab his shirt and pull him in far a quick kiss.

You let out a giggle before finally heading to the mansion.

“Oh Y/N, you’re going to be the death of me.” He takes a hand to his chest, biting his lip and walks to the guest house.

-

The following day the guys get their ride to meet you leaving Jaehyun, Renjun and Hendery at eh guest house. They’re dropped off by the sea and walk along the pier until they see you. You’re wearing a nautical summer dress and some dark sunglasses.

“Hey you guys.” You greet them with a smile. “Ready to go sailing?”

You point to the boat on your right and they cheer with excitement. You all get into the boat and drift off into the sea. It’s a warm sunny day but it’s made better with the damp breeze coming from the waves.

The boat comes to a stop where you can only see the shore far far away. Johnny decides it’s the perfect time to make some cocktails so he gets behind the bar. You decide to join him, taking a seat on a stool as the other guys enjoy the sun.

“What can I get you, beautiful lady?” Johnny asks in his effortless charm.

“Why don’t surprise me, Mr bartender?” You challenge him with a grin.

“Pleasant surprise coming right up!” He winks and starts preparing you a drink.

You attentively follow the movements of his hands with the bottles and the mixer as he tells you all about his passion for cocktails and mixing drinks.

As much as you’re enjoying this hobby of his you can’t help but wonder if this is too much of a bachelor activity, not very family friendly, and you have to think that the objective of this is finding your forever person to build a family with. All your worries and doubts are thrown off the boat when he looks at you flashing his bright smile.

“Hope you like it.” He places your drink in front of you. “I mixed the flavours that remind me of you and a little bit of myself into it too. It should taste like us.”

He winks and you giggle before taking a sip. The explosion of flavours inside your mouth is intense and makes you widen your eyes. You never had a drink like this but from now on this is the only drink you want to have.

“I’ll take that as a good sign?” Johnny says in anticipation of your feedback.

“Johnny, I’m speechless. This is out of this world!” You lick your lips not wanting to waste a drop of it.

He pats himself on the back and you both laugh at is action. You keep talking about other interests as he seats in a stool next to you and you both sip on your cocktails.

“Hey, how about some food with that?” You turn to the side and see Taeyong waking in.

“That actually sounds pretty good.” You get up from the stool.

“I’ll just make a few more cocktails for the guys, you two have fun.” Johnny gets back on his temporary bartender position as you and Taeyong walk to a kitchen area.

You start cutting up some fruits as Taeyong prepares a cheese and crackers boar, something light and fresh for you all to enjoy in this warm day.

“Oh wow, you have to try these grapes!” You tell him as you eat one.

“Shoot me.” He parts his lips wide and you take a successful swing, the grape landing right inside his mouth.

“Yes!” You celebrate as he happily chews.

“Nice aim!” He congrats you. “Ok, my turn.”

He picks up another grape and you get ready to catch it like he did. When he trows it you lean back a bit and manage to get it in your mouth however you lose balance and start falling back. But like in a cliche scene from a drama Taeyong grabs one of your hands and the back of your neck, kneeling down next to you and preventing you from hitting the ground.

“Are you ok?” He worriedly asks.

You gulp with the proximity between the two of you, getting lost in his beautiful eyes.

“I-I’m fine.” You stutter as he helps you up. “Thank you Taeyong.”

“You sure you’re alright?” He eyes you up and down.

“I’m alright, I promise.” You give him a reassuring smile and he smiles back accepting it.

You two finish setting up the food and you glance at him biting your lip. You sure could use someone in your life that takes good care of you as he does to everybody around him.

Once everything is ready you two go outside to meet the other guys that already put on some music and are dancing and having fun. You and Taeyong put down the food you prepared and join them.

A few minutes later your attention shifts to Yuta that is taking off his shirt and getting to the edge of the boat. He looks at you blowing you a kiss before he back flips into the ocean. Your jaw drops and you hurry to check on him. Looking down you see him coming up to the surface and flip his beautiful hair.

“Come on, join me!” He calls you swimming backwards to give you space.

“Isn’t the water too cold?” You giggle.

“It’s perfect, trust me!” Yuta motions for you to join him.

You think for a second before you mutter ‘screw it’ to yourself, after all this is supposed to be a time to relax and have fun so why not? You pull your dress off of you to reveal a tiny bikini that earns you whistles from the guys that are still on the boat. You chuckle before coming close to the border and take a dive.

When you raise to the surface you look around confused because Yuta is nowhere to be seen. Then something wraps around your waist making you squeal.

“Gotcha.” He whispers in your ear and you let out a relieved breath.

“You little…” You start saying while releasing yourself from his grip trowing water on his face.

“Oh game on!” He trows some water back at you initiating a friendly fight.

You two laugh and swim around like two kids on vacation. First in the amusement park and now here in the sea, you love how Yuta brings out the fun side of you and you are able to forget all your worries and focus only on him. You can just imagine what a fun dad he will be someday.

After a while you two decide to hop back on the boat. He helps you up and wraps a towel around you teasingly bringing you closer as he tries to dry you. You giggle at his smooth move.

-

In the guest house the atmosphere is tense.

Renjun and Hendery quietly sit down as they have since they realised one of them will be going home after their date.

Jaehyun on the other hand is over the moon having secured his rose for this week but it feels weird to share his excitement when the other two are gloomy like this, he doesn’t even know what to say to lighten the mood.

A siren is heard and Jaehyun thanks every lord, maybe this message will get them to at least start talking. He almost wishes they’ll fight!

The three bachelors gather around the TV.

Hey guys, I hope you are not feeling defeat already, there’s still time to show me you deserve to be here!

Jaehyun raises his eyebrows. If only you where here to see them.

Bring comfortable clothes and come prepared to align your body and soul.

Jaehyun looks between the boys trying to get a glimpse of a possible reaction but they give him nothing. He sighs and leaves the room.

Hendery and Renjun look at each other and curse under their breaths.

-

You see Jeno sunbathing alone and decide to join him to try to dry off your bikini.

“Can I offer you some company?” He opens his eyes to look up at you and a smile opens up on his face.

“I think I’ve been laying in the sun for too long, I’m seeing an angel.”

“Oh my god Jeno.” You laugh at his cheesy line and lay down next to him.

You two stay In a very comfortable silence until the boy decides to break it.

“Can I ask you a question?”

“Sure.” You simply answer.

“It’s ok if you don’t want to answer.” He continues.

“Now you’re getting me nervous.” You lift up your torso slightly turning to face him. “What is it?”

“Well… Yesterday the guys were talking and they were wondering if you had kissed someone already…”

“And?” You chuckle. “Do you need me to answer that?”

“No.” He laughs lifting his torso to mimic your position. “I was just wondering if there’s more than what I know. I’m sorry, I don’t want to sound jealous, we’re all here for the same thing.”

“So you want to know,” you lean closer with a grin, “if you were my only kiss yet?”

“Only kiss!?” You two turn back hearing a third voice. “So you two already kissed?”

“Haechan were you eavesdropping?” You feel a little annoyed to have your alone time with Jeno interrupted.

“No, I was just passing.” He sounds so upset people back on the land could feel it. “But I guess it’s good to know.”

Haechan goes into the cabin and you look at Jeno unsure of what to do.

“Go talk to him.” He takes your hand giving it a kiss.

You nod apologetically and go after Haechan.

“Haechan wait!” You call him and grab his wrist once you catch onto him. “What the hell was that?”

“What? Am I not allowed to be jealous when we’re all out here trying our best and you just go around giving out kisses?”

“Hey! I won’t tolerate you speaking to me like that!” You start to get really upset.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to.” He lowers his head. “It’s just that… You seem to have made your mind already.”

“Just because me and Jeno kissed, it doesn’t mean I’ve chosen him already.”

“This is just really frustrating, I don’t know what else to do…” He sounds defeated now.

“Well maybe don’t explode like that for the smallest things. I…” You sigh. “I need some time to think.”

“I’m sorry Y/N.” Haechan says but you’re already heading out of the cabin.

You walk to the other edge of the boat where nobody is at. You sit and hold up your knees not knowing what to do. You were definitely not expecting this reaction and you don’t want these men to have the wrong idea about you. This is exactly why you where so hesitant to kiss Jeno that day on the hill, but in the moment it felt right. You trusted that he wouldn’t go around and brag to the others and he didn’t but sooner or later everybody would find out, you just didn’t expect it to be like this, like you two were holding a dark secret.

You were too lost in your thoughts that didn’t even notice a presence sitting down next to you until you heard his voice.

“Are you okay?”

You look up at Jaemin, your eyes glistening from the tears that were forming that you didn’t want to let out. Instead of waiting for your reply he simply threw his arm around your shoulder pulling you into his chest where lately it felt like your safe place.

You stayed like that for a while admiring the view as the boat returned to the pier. You eventually initiated a conversation with him not wanting to talk about the reasons that got you upset. He didn’t ask either, respecting your choice. This is just one of the reasons you are drawn to him, he always respect your boundaries and never forces you to talk if you don’t feel ready for it, but once you do he’s there to listen.

As the shore comes closer and closer you decide to hand him the rose you had for this group date. You spent some good time with the other guys too but this last moment with Jaemin just warmed your heart and honestly today you just want to head back to the mansion because unfortunately this Haechan incident isn’t the only thing keeping your mind busy.

-

The next day Hendery and Renjun exit the guest house, minds set on making the best out of this date so they don’t loose their chances with you. The driver drops them off at a Yoga studio and they glance at each other, not really what they had in mind.

They enter the building and widen their eyes when they find you inside a room stretched out on a yoga mat. When you notice their presence you graciously get up to greet them.

“Hey you two! How are you doing?”

They seem speechless so you just chuckle and point to the yoga mats, one at each side of you.

“Things have been a little bit tense between you two and it’s affecting me and the other guys too so I thought today we could do something relaxing. Can you do this for me?”

A moment of silence follows as you anxiously wait for a reaction.

“Anything for you.” Renjun’s face softens up and he smiles taking a place next to you.

Hendery simply nods taking the spot on your other side.

The instructor comes in and greets the three of you as no one else will be joining this class. You all stretch before starting on the actual exercises.

You have taken a few yoga classes before but never surrounded by two guys that are interested in you. Now you really understand when they say this is a very sensual activity. You try to focus your attention on what the instructor is saying but you can’t help glancing over the guys when they stretch and their shirts go up a bit revealing their lower abdomen, or when they bend and their clothes shamelessly reveal the curve of their butts.

But you’re not the only one peeking. Their eyes also follow the lines of your body and the relaxed expressions on your face that make them gulp and look away before something else starts to show through their clothes.

You all clap and thank the instructor as the class comes to an end.

“Alright guys, do you feel more calm and relaxed?” You face the them.

They both nod in agreement and finally you see a genuine smile on their faces.

“Great! Should we go get something to eat?” You suggest.

“Please, I’m starving!” Renjun agrees.

“Yes, let’s go.” Hendery adds.

You go to the locker rooms to get changed and meet again in front of the studio. You take them to a nice restaurant downtown. You get settled and order some drink to start with.

The conversation goes surprisingly well considering the tension that still exists between the two of them. You notice that they’re making an effort not to ruin this date but you can’t help feel that more from one of them than the other.

As the night and the chat progresses you start to feel nervous for the decision you’ll have to make. In both you can see thing you like and things you don’t but you have to choose what matters the most to you and for the plans you have for the future.

Hendery is someone family driven which you really appreciate because you want to build a family too. He’s also very nice and funny from the little talks you had. But he let the competition get to his head and you can’t help feel that this bickering has shifted his focus from you on his head, and this is definitely taken its toll on him.

Renjun came up a little abruptly, sometimes not understanding the right time to do things and you have felt that certain moments seemed forced between you too. But on the other hand he’s one of the people who makes the most effort to have his time with you and to get to know you no matter what it takes. And unlike the other boy, he doesn’t let this stupid war get on his way.

As you finish the meal you think this is the best time to announce your decision.

“As you know I only have one rose to hand out tonight and that means however doesn’t receive it will be going home.”

They gulp as you take out the rose and hold it in your hands.

“Before I tell you who I choose I just want you to know I really like both of you but I just can’t have you with me at the same time if this will cause trouble.”

You look between the two of them and take a deep breath before you say the name.

“Renjun.” He gasps. “Do you accept this rose?”

“Hell yes.” You pin the rose to his jacket and he can’t take off the smile on his face. “Thank you so much, Y/N.”

You glance over to the other bachelor who’s looking down and shaking his head.

“Hendery,” he lifts his head, “can we talk before you go?”

“Sure.” You two get up leaving Renjun inside.

You stand outside the restaurant as Hendery’s ride arrives.

“I’m sorry it came down to this.” You give him an apologetic look. “I wish I had more time to get to know you better but I feel like I stopped being your focus the moment you two started this fight.”

“I don’t even know what to say…” He almost whispers as tears build up in his eyes.

You have seen him happy and you’ve seen him angry in the past weeks but you’ve never seen him get this emotional.

“I really wish you made a different decision tonight, but I respect it, even though you’re breaking my heart.”

With that he turns around not wanting to cry on camera. As he gets into the car you can’t keep your own tears from rolling down your face. His last words are like a sword to your heart. You knew this would be hard but you never meant to break anyone’s heart because you don’t want the same to happen to you. And with this thought, Doyoung’s last words resound in your head. You tried to ignore it but you need to face everybody and find out the truth.

“Y/N, are you ok?” Renjun joins you outside wrapping his jacket around your shoulders.

“Yeah, thanks.” You wipe your damp cheeks and put on a smile. “Should we go? I’m tired.”

“Of course.”

He holds you in his arms until the car arrives and then helps you in. The ride back was quite as Renjun didn’t want to force you to talk considering your fragile state, even if his heart was bursting from being saved tonight.

-

The boys are already in the living room waiting for you but Chris comes along two. Confusion is in the air as the boys gather in a semi circle.

"Good evening gentleman. You might be wondering why I'm here so early but there's something Y/N wants to address before we start." 

Chris steps back giving you a nod for you to take the lead on the conversation.

"Hi guys. This week has been though for me because there's a piece of information I've been trying to ignore but I can't any longer."

The bachelors seem curious yet scared about what might be going on. 

"Before Doyoung left he told me to be cautious because somebody here is lying." 

Their eyes widen in surprise. 

"I've been trying to not pay attention to this but I'm afraid that I might be sending someone home who is here for me and keeping someone who already has somebody." 

Tears build up in your eyes but you continue. 

"So I'm here asking you all directly. If someone has a girlfriend back home please speak up because I'm here to find someone real and honest and I don't want have my heart broken once again." 

Chris places his hand on your shoulder as your voice starts to crack by the end of your sentence. 

"As you can tell this is something that's really bothering Y/N and we've told you from the beginning, if any of you is not here for the right reasons please speak up." 

"I need to know if this is true or not, I think I deserve to know." 

Silence fills in the room as no men dares to speak up. A tear falls down your cheek and you quickly wipe it not waiting to be this vulnerable right now. 

"Do you think he might have made it up because he was upset you sent him home?" Yuta finally breaks the silence. 

"I don't know, that's why I'm here to clear things up." You take a deep breath. "Please don't lie to me. If you want to leave please do it now before I start developing deep feelings for you." 

Nobody says another word as looks are exchanged between all of them. Chris then decides to end the dreadful moment. 

"Y/N, do you want to proceed with the cocktail party?" 

You look at him and shake your head feeling defeated. 

"Do you want some time to collect your thoughts?" 

You nod and leave the room. Before Chris goes away he gives out a last warning. 

"I ask that you re-think the reasons you are here and know you are free to walk out this house at any time. As you understood tonight we won't have any more time for you to chat with Y/N and we'll be back later for the rose ceremony." 

Chris exits the room and the bachelors seem to have some words for each other now. 

"Guys, if you're not serious here just go, some of us might loose our chances because of this." Taeyong says. 

"Yeah, I was really counting on tonight to talk to Y/N and now I might be going home because somebody here is a coward." Haechan adds. 

"We don't even know if this is true." Renjun comments. "Or it could even be Hendery and he already left." 

"Oh you shut up, you already have your place secured for another week!" Haechan responds. 

Renjun throws his hands in the hair in defeat and the group splits up not to let things escalate further. 

- 

You're already sitting in the decision room on the upper floor of the mansion when Chris joins you. 

"How are you feeling?" 

"Honestly I'm confused." You sigh. "I don't know who to believe." 

"I'm not here to take sides but there is the possibility that Doyoung made this up to steer the game before he left." 

"That's what I'm scared of, that I might be falsely accusing them. But then again this might be true and I don't want to keep someone here for them to later break my heart." 

"As always take your time and trust what your heart tells you, I'm sure you will make the best decision for you." 

"Thank you Chris." 

"I'll be back when you're ready."

Chris leaves the room and you lower your head starting to doubt ever joining this show. You thought you'd come here to find your true love but you might be leaving even more broken. 

-

After an hour, that felt like days for the bachelors downstairs, you and Chris join them. 

"Before we start, does anybody want to say something?" 

Nobody wants to speak. 

"Well then, our Bachelorette has in the bowl 4 roses to hand out tonight. Jaehyun, Jaemin and Renjun already got theirs ont he dates so that means one of you will be leaving. Y/N, whenever you want." 

Chris leaves and you pick up the first rose. You don't have it in you to say anything else tonight so you call out the first name. 

"Yuta." 

He steps forward with a sympathetic smile. 

"Do you accept this rose?" 

"I do. And I promise I'm not here to hurt you." You bite your lip not wanting to cry as you pin the rose to his jacket. "Thank you." 

As he steps back you pick up the nest one. 

"Jeno." 

He walks with his signature smile that warms up your heart. 

"Do you accept this rose?" 

"Of course." You pin it to his jacket and he whispers. "I'm not a violent guy but I'll beat up whoever tries to hurt you." 

You smile as he returns to his place. 

"Taeyong." 

He releases a deep breath he was holding. 

"Do you accept this rose?" 

"Absolutely." You pin the rose. "Thank you so much." 

When he walks back Chris re-enters the room. 

"Y/N, this is the last rose tonight. Have you made your decision?" 

"Yes." 

Chris takes the empty bowl leaving you to announce the next guy you want to keep for another week. Johnny and Haechan look nervous as they expect to hear their names. 

"Johnny." 

He looks relieved and the other boy just looks down in defeat. 

"Do you accept this rose?"

"Definitely." You pin the last rose of the night. "Thank you for trusting me." 

Chris comes back into the living room. 

"Haechan unfortunately you two were not meant to be. You can say your goodbyes to everybody." 

He hugs the guys and then approaches you. 

"I'm sorry Haechan." You hug him. 

"I should be the one apologising." He holds you tight. "I had no right talking to you like that, I hope you can forgive me."

"No hard feelings ok?" You smile. 

"No hard feelings." He assures you. "Good luck with these suckers!" 

He kisses your forehead and leaves while the rest of the group laugh. 

-

In the next episode:

Things are awkward between the bachelors as they try to figure out who can possibly be deceiving you.

“I bet it’s you. Just admit it!”

“If I go home and find out a cheater gets to stay I will be pissed.”

And two more men will be leaving the competition.

“I thought we were building something special.”

“I can’t keep you all here.”

“You gotta make every second count.”

Stay tuned for next weeks episode premiering 18/07.

☽ ・・・・・ ☾

Episode 6

a/n: oh man this week was a true challenge! juggling between lack of motivation and ideas, but I managed to get it out even though I made some scenes smaller than they should be... do give me some feedback please! ❤

taglist: @skrtbabe @yutahoes @yokshi-unbeliebubble @nakamotonudes @n0hyuck @negincho @love-and-other-possibilities @readers-posts @sylviacxt​ @tyongf-sunflower99​

If you’d like to be included in the taglist for the series do let me know ❤︎

[shining-m00nlight]

17 feels like classic nedlyn so i will ask for that as well

17. “I’m cold.” 

Oh yeah a classic Nedlyn trope. Cat is cold and Ned warms her. So lets go. (And I only needed a mouth to write it.)

Catelyn didn't know what to do. She must have had run through the little cabin a hundred times but she still couldn't find anything that could help them. After having searched for what felt like forever she was getting really angry at whoever made the decision not to plan ahead for emergencies in this cabin.

She couldn't find anything to get in contact with anyone. She had looked for an emergency phone or a button or anything that would be helpful in informing people that they needed help. At this point she would have been glad to find some sort of fireworks, so there was at least a little chance someone would notice them up here. But naturally there weren't any.

Not for the first time today she wondered how exactly she had gotten into this mess.  And the answer was, Brandon!

 It had started about a week ago when they were at a family dinner and someone, she couldn't even remember who it was, had made a joking comment about them hopefully  getting married soon. When they had gotten back to Brandon's place a huge fight had broken out between them just because of a silly little comment. 

Brandon had accused her of telling people "this nonsense" about them getting married was true to get his family to put even more pressure on him to finally marry her. She hadn't even known there was pressure from his family. His words had of course infuriated Catelyn for two reasons. First how could he ever think of her as being this manipulative. And second that it was apparently such a terrible thought for him to be marrying her.

"That is not what I meant Cat. You know that right?! It is not about you.", Brandon had yelled at her. Then stopped for a second. "Wait...no...that's not what I meant."

"No, Brandon I understand. It's not about me. Nothing here ever truly is and this is the problem in this relationship. Everything has to be about you! Everything has to work out just the way you want it to. And you don't want to marry me because then you might actually have to grow up or god forbid you have to give up some part of your fun, carefree lifestyle... like your women." 

Brandon had looked shocked at what she had said. She wasn't sure if it was because he had thought she didn't know about his women or because he didn't think she would ever dare to bring it up. She hadn't bothered finding out which one it was. She stormed out and walked back to her own apartment. 

It hadn't been the smartest idea considering it had already been late and her apartment wasn't close to where Brandon lives. When she had finally arrived home it had been four a clock in the morning and she had been frozen through to the bone. Something that happened quite easily to her in contrast to Brandon. He had always told her that Stark didn't get cold. That if they ever did something was really wrong.

So Cat knew something was very wrong! 

After their fight there had been a silent between the couple for days. Cat had decided that she was not gonna call him. She had been tired of always being the one giving in and excusing Brandons shitty behavior towards her. She didn't quite know what she had expected but after four days he had actually called her and had asked if they could go away for the weekend so they would have time to talk without being disturbed or distracted.  

That's how she had gotten here in the first place. Brandon had invited her to the secluded little cabin up the mountains that was owned by his family. The cabin and its surroundings had been beautiful ever since she had seen it for the first time. The first time she had ever seen it was in the summer where the trees would be a wonderful green and the water in the little ponds that surrounded the cabin shimmered in the sun. While the summers were gorgeous the winters were pure magic. Everything was coated in a layer of snow. The only things that weren't white were the red leaves from the weirdwoods trees that shined the brightest this time a year.  

She had agreed to meeting him here. She had been suspicious when Brandon Stark of all people had made the suggestion to take time out of his life to have a mature adult conversation. It shouldn't have surprised her that he never showed up. Not for the first time her lack of surprise at the shitty things Brandon did to her made her wonder if she shouldn't have noticed before how much was wrong in their relationship.

They had planned to meet at the cabin at six pm and to then stay the weekend. It had been two days since they had talked on the phone. She had thought about what she would tell Brandon ever since their call ended. She knew their relationship couldn't go on like this any more. Brandon would have to promise and then show her that something will change otherwise there was no chance that their relationship could ever work again. It was important for them to finally have this talk, that much she knew.

That's why Catelyn had arrived at the exact right time. Brandon hadn't.

She got mad at herself for even thinking he might actually keep his promise, she should have known better. She had tried to call him but he hadn't picked up. After an hour had passed she had wanted to try again but to further her anger her phone had died. The plan had been to stay another hour and then leave but a loud knock had interrupted her thoughts.

When she had opened the door there were three things that surprised her. The first thing was the cold breeze and the snow that hit her in the face. The second thing was that Brandon's brother Eddard Stark was standing in front of her. And the third thing was that he was drenched in water that already started to freeze. He was shaking and tried to say something but before he could Cat had already pulled him into the cabin.

"Oh my god, what happened to you?" she had asked while moving him in front of the heater for him to sit down to then kneel next to him.

It seemed like he wanted to answer her but his teeth were chattering too much. She had stood up to turn up the heater. Suddenly there was a loud crash and everything went dark. She had jumped at the loud sound but it had only taken her a second to figure out what happened.

"What the?…shit", she had yelled: "The power is out!"

She had grabbed a blanket nearby and knelt back down next to the shivering body that was Eddard Stark. 

"Are you ok?" she had asked while trying to wrap the blanket around him.

He had still shivered but this time he could answer: "I got up he...ere to get you. An...nd I forgot about the little ponds. Bran..."

Cat didn't need more of an explanation. Brandon had abandoned her in this damp cabin and then sent his brother to fix his mess, as always. By the time Ned had arrived at the cabin the snowfall had picked up which led to the small ponds being hidden under it and easily overlooked.

"I…Br...randon..."

"It's ok. I understand, don't try to talk too much unnecessarily." she had stopped him. 

For a moment she had thought she could see him smile, just the tiniest bit. Then she had realized why. Properly no one had ever accused him of talking unnecessary or too much. 

Cat had tried to think of what they could do now. From the short view she had gotten from outside when she had opened the door for Eddard, there was no way for them to drive back down the mountain and she had known with the power out they couldn't stay here either.

"Eddard…..Ned? Do you have a phone with you? I could try calling someone. My phone doesn't have any battery left." Trying to talk to him had been a little bit awkward. Besides the fact that Ned was shaking like a leaf, they just didn't really know each other that well. 

It wasn't like they didn't like one another. She actually liked Ned a lot. He was kind and smart and it was easy to talk to him once you broke through his surface a bit but there was always some distance between them. She couldn't put her finger on why but she sometimes got the feeling Ned tried to avoid her until she seeks him out. 

The first of the few times Cat had met Eddard she thought she might have done something to offend him but Brandon told her it was just Ned's brooding and distant nature.

With his shaking hands Ned had pulled a phone out of his pocket. It was of course completely wet. Cat had taken the phone to check if there had been anything she could do but the phone had been completely dead. So then she had started running around the little house like a crazy person but still hadn't been able to find anything to help them.

They were stuck in this cabin, that was getting colder by the minute.

After not finding anything useful Cat returned to Ned, who was still sitting in front of the heater which had already started to Iost their heat, wrapped in the blanket that had become just as wet as Ned himself.

"I can't find anything to contact anyone! So I guess we have to wait out the storm. That also means we need to get you warm."

"I'm fine."

"You're not fine. Your teeth are basically giving a concert. You need to get warm again and that quickly. First you need to get out of those clothes." Cat told him.

Ned looked at her so scandalized as if she had asked him to kill his dog.

"I can't take my clothes off in front of you"

"I promise I won't look but you need to get warm and without power that is not gonna work with you sitting here in your wet clothes. I'll go look for some more blankets. You should get into bed and try to warm up."

Ned stood up from the floor. He didn't look too convinced but walked towards the small bedroom. Cat actually found another blanket and some towels which she brought to Ned. 

She was faster then she had expected because when she walked into the bedroom the young Stark was still standing next to the bed. His shirt and pants were off and his back was turned to her. While he was leaner than Brandon his back was still quite muscular and when he moved it looked really nice on him. Suddenly Cat had the urge to touch him, to not just see but feel his muscle move.  

She must have made a sound because he turned around and she immediately felt how the blood rushed into her face. Apparently she wasn't the only one because Cat could have sworn she saw a little bit of color creep up Neds cheeks as well.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to intrude. I found some towels for you." 

She walked to Ned and handed him the towles desperately trying to not stare at his chest. Which turned out to be very hard because she couldn't look him in the eyes either. So her eyes just switched around the room while she tried to control her blush. She handed Ned the towles and he began to wrap them around him. 

"Thank you Catelyn." 

Now that he was out of his wet clothes Neds teeth had stopped shattering but he was still visibly shaking and that worried her.

"You should really get into the bed now Ned. Or you will not get warm again."

 Ned listened and climbed into the bed but she heard him mumble something about "Starks" and "not cold".  After he covered himself with the blanket he looked back up to her. It felt a little bit weird just standing there over him not sure what to do next.

 "What should we do now?" Ned asked the question she was thinking.

"Now, you are going to sleep and hope that the storm stops so we can get home tomorrow without somebody to rescue us. If you need anything I will be on the couch in the next room." she answered.

He looked at her, nodded and after looking at her once more, he closed his eyes. 

"See you in the morning", she whispered while leaving the room. 

Catelyn went back to the couch. The living room was already colder than before. That's why she tried to snuggle into the couch as deep as possible while pulling the blanket close to her. Hopefully Ned was warmer in his bed.

She closed her eyes and tried to fall asleep. It took some time but after a while she finally fell into an uneasy sleep. Last thing she felt was a little breeze around her face and she hoped that that night in the cabin wouldn't become much colder.

 She jolted awake at the sound of the wind blowing against the wooden walls. It definitely had gotten colder since she fell asleep and no matter how close she pulled her blanket it couldn't keep her warm anymore. It wasn't a great feeling but she was going to live and just try to sleep through it at least that what she told herself. 

But when the wind stopped howling for a minute, she heard another sound. One she had heard earlier this night but hoped she wouldn't hear again. Neds shattering teeth. Her wish that Ned would be warmer in his bed than she was on the couch had obviously not come true. His unfortunate meeting with the water probably hadn't been helpful and now he was possibly freezing to death.

Determined she picked herself up from the couch and walked back into the small bedroom. She stood in front of the door for a minute before finding the courage to walk inside.

"Ned? Are you ok? I heard you from outside." she asked in a whispered tone to not scare him should he be sleeping.

"I'm cold. No matter what I do I can't get warm. I can't feel my toes anymore and my hands feel numb." he pressed out. 

"Why didn't you call me? I would have come to help you!"

"You can't do anything… there is no...power here"

In that moment Cat had an idea and made a distinction. She took the steps towards the bed and put the blanket that was skill around her shoulders on top of Ned.

"W...what are you d…doing? You n...eed your blanket."

"Yes! So do you and that's why we are gonna share it. We need to warm eachother with the body heat we have left before it leaves us completely" 

She started talking of her jacket and pulled her hoodie over her head. Even while shivering Ned still looked at her like she lost her mind. Normally it was really hard to read Eddard Stark but in that moment there was no doubt what he was thinking right now.

"It's ok Ned. We need to have skin to skin contact to warm up. I'm afraid you're gonna freeze to death otherwise and I can't explain that to your family. If I understand everything correctly it would be against nature for a Stark to die from the cold. That's why I'm gonna take my clothes off now and then I will get under the covers with you, so we can sleep until the next morning and not die of hypothermia. Are you ok with that?"

Neds stared at her for a few more seconds like he was trying to find something in her face and then nodded. Cat quickly took off her shirt, she had no desire to stand in the cold air any longer than necessary. It was a very awkward moment and she tried to not look at Ned while she peeled her skinny pants down her legs. Why did she have to wear those today? Getting out of them was a pain. 

She almost tripped and fell down which made her look up. Ned stared at the ceiling as if he had to study it to pass an important exam and concentrating on it made him feel bad. 

She debated whether or not she should take off her bra as well. The idea of sleeping in her bra wasn't very comfortable but she probably shouldn’t sleep next to her boyfriend's brother without it. The weird thing was the thought of laying naked next to Ned exited her more than anything else and gave her a funny stomach ache.

What is wrong with you Tully? This is not the appropriate time! Actually this thought is never appropriate, she thought to herself.

In the end she decided to leave her bra on. Ned already looked uncomfortable, she didn't want to add to that. She almost jumped under the covers so there was no heat lost and she had gotten cold too while standing around in the cold air. 

At her sudden appearance next to him, he winced. On instinct she put her hands on his chest to calm him down. 

"Oh my god, sorry Ned I didn't mean to scare you." 

"Everything is fine. You didn't do anything wrong. There is no need to apologize." 

He still seemed kind of tense but it was hard to tell considering he was still shaking like a leave. She stroked over his chest in an attempt to warm him up a bit and to get him to relax. It didn't seem to work. To her Ned still appeared just as tense as before. Maybe distracting him by talking would work better. 

"This will work, Ned. We'll get through this night." 

He actually smiled at that: "Of course we are, Catelyn. You are way more stubborn than this storm." 

Hearing him say that surprised her. She had never heard him making any kind of joke and it seemed hardly the time for them but at least it seemed to relax him.

"How would you know that? And I'm not stubborn, I'm just determined."

"Mmh" Ned mumbled and his lips formed a little smile but closed his eyes again.

"And it's Cat by the way. You don't need to call me Catelyn all the time."

"Cat" he repeated her name and now his smile became wider.

Seeing his smile made her feel good. It was a nice smile and she wished she could see it more often. His lips were quite nice too. She shook her head to get these thoughts out of her brain.

"We should go to sleep now. How should we do this? Maybe I could just...like lay kind of on top of you but still kind of next to you. I think that way we will warm each other best. Are you comfortable with that?" she asked him.

Ned didn't open his eyes and didn't say anything either but then nodded. Cat had the feeling that something was still making him feel uneasy. Maybe it was because of her, she thought. Maybe he hated having her so close to him.

"Are you sure?" she asked again she didn't want to make him feel uncomfortable. 

This time Ned nodded immediately.

Cat carefully moved closer to him. She slung her arm over him and placed her head on his chest and snuggled her body as close as possible to his. Ned's arms were placed awkwardly on the matrance unsure where they should go. Cat touched one of his hands and noticed it was cold as ice. 

She took both of his arms and slung them around her so they would warm up quicker. When his hands touched her back she shivered. He tried to pull them back but she held them in place.

"It's ok Ned, the cold will be gone quickly."

His arms relaxed a bit. She wished he would have said something but he kept quiet.

She twisted her head up to look at his face and whispered: "Sleep well" 

"You too Cat. I hope your sleep will be good." Ned whispered back.

For a second time this night she closed her eyes and tried to fall asleep. She eased a bit more into Neds arms around her. His heart beating next to her ear lulled her into a deep sleep pretty fast. Her last thoughts this time were wondering when was the last time that she felt this safe in Brandons arms?

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

Ups changed up the roles because why do things as expected?

Btw I know there is something weird is going on with the grammar. I hope that can be forgiven.

[amostimprobabledream]

And He Walks With Flames (Dabi x Reader) - Part One

They say humans, in a strange, ironic twist of fate, owe their magic to demons. A thousand years ago, they walked the earth, wreaking destruction and chaos wherever they tread. Humans were no more than meat for the slaughter, or glorified playthings for their amusement. The first generation of humans to fight back against their monstrous oppressors did so by a peculiar, ancient magic. A power that could repel demons and bring hope to all humanity. A terrible war raged for the fate of the world and the humans managed to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. The demons were banished to their land of origin, sealed away in defeat. But seals don't last forever. While historians argue on how literal these legends may be, there is no denying that ancient creature have begun to stir, appearing in our world again with growing frequency. And soon there might- The last paragraph was torn away. "Oh, for god's sake," you tsk. Sunlight pours through the large, high window of your lecture room, dust motes dancing in the golden rays. Though you were engrossed in your book, once you look up, the spell is broken, and the clear sky outside once again has your eyes wandering to it. It seems that you are not the only one getting distracted, either - even the professor keeps tapering off at the promise of an afternoon outside in the gorgeous spring weather. "Well," the professor says, shuffling the papers in front of her. "That's all for today. Please revise over the material and we'll discuss it in further detail next time. You are all free to go." You're only too happy to comply, putting your things away and scrambling to your feet. Everyone else is hurrying to get outside, pouring down the stairs to the doors, chattering to one another as they go. Normally you love going to lectures, but it's just too nice outside to be cooped up indoors. You push open the doors and step outside, a muted sigh of pleasure leaving your mouth. Your university, the Royal Academy of Magic, has the reputation for being tough, but so far, you've been enjoying the work. Learning about the different faces of magic, its uses, and the history of it, it's all so very fascinating to you. You've been able to use magic since you were young, but it's studying it here that will really help you unlock your true potential, and hopefully give you a concrete idea of what to aim for with your career. So far there are so many options a magic-user might do that it's been a little overwhelming trying to decide. As you cross the lawns, grass crunching beneath your feet, you decide to swing by your dorm first to drop off your books - they may contain a lot of knowledge, but damn if they're not heavy - your mother pointed out that you've developed something of a slouch since you started studying here. "I'm back!" you call as you push open the door of your dormitory. "Huh?" Kendou looks up from her bed, where she has a couple of books sprawled out next to her head, notes scribbled in the margins of her notebook as she looks over her textbook. Her red hair spills down her shoulder, coming loose from its signature ponytail. "You're back early!" "Yeah, they let us out sooner than I expected," you reply with a shrug and a small laugh, dropping your bag on your own bed and stretching, wincing as a kink in your shoulder pops. "Oh, well, that's good timing, someone came by earlier with a message for you," Kendou says, pushing herself up into a sitting position, apparently deciding your arrival is a good a reason as any to take a break from studying. "Your mother wants you to go down to the Imperial Research Centre to get your father." "Did she come by here?" you ask in surprise. Normally your mother arranges to meet you after lectures or seminars if she wants to see you during the week, and she's a rather busy woman besides. "No, she left a message at the front desk and someone passed it along," Kendou shrugs. "But she also said you guys are doing something tonight, right?" "Oh, yes, I'd forgotten all about that!" you say, feeling silly that it could

possibly have slipped your mind - you love it when you get to go out for a meal with your parents and often it means one of them has some exciting news to share. "Thanks, Kendou, I'll head over there now." She grins and gives a little wave. “No problem!” You suppose it's fortunate that the Imperial Research Centre is only a short walk from the campus and that you're very familiar with the place, since your father's been working there for so long. Anyway, it's a pleasant walk, the way there is lined with rows of trees that are only a week or two away from growing from dark to light pink and shedding their blossoms. When the street is in full bloom, it's like there's been a wedding. You even find yourself humming as you walk, breathing in the subtle smell of flowers on the breeze, wondering to yourself if the blossom trees were planted before or after the buildings were founded, but either way, whoever was responsible for them made a good call. The Imperial Research Centre is a peculiar building, made of blue stone and with a roof that boasts four conical points, one in each corner, making it resemble a castle from bygone days just plopped in the middle of the city. There's an aura of mystery to it, too, hinting at the all-important, life-changing work that’s always going on inside. If ever cutting-edge technology is released to the public, odds were that the Centre had a hand in making it. The building is cooler on the inside than it is outdoors, powered by a system designed to spread cool or warm air throughout the entire building, depending on the system. You approach the front desk, wishing that you'd thought to bring a jacket, because it’s always cold in here during the warm seasons, and the receptionist glances up on you with a slightly dismissive expression on her face. It's probably because she thinks you're an overeager student or some hapless intern, it's very rare a researcher your age would be able to work here. "May I help you?" the receptionist asks in a cool, professional tone. "Yes, I'm here to see my father," you reply. "He's one of the vice executives here." You give his surname, and the woman pauses. Is that a trace of nervousness you can see? "He's downstairs in Containment Room 1A," she says, checking a sheet of paper on the desk, which is littered with various papers, random pieces of stationary and one of those magitech intercom systems that they use. They have something similar at the Academy too, though of course, the Centre get the most high-tech version of everything. "All right, thanks," you say, turning to head for the elevator. "Wait!" the woman cries out and you glance back, confused. "I'm sorry, but you can't just walk through here, especially to the lower levels! You don't have the clearance and it can be dangerous." You scoff in disbelief. You have visited your father here before, many times, and this has never been a problem for you before. You always just tell them who you are and then get a visitor's pass. You even know some of the codes to the doors, thanks to waiting around for your father to finish work so often. "Well, please can you have someone go fetch him for me?" you ask, going to reluctantly perching on one of the chairs in the waiting area. "Can't it wait?" the receptionist asks impatiently, and maybe it can, but her attitude is starting to piss you off, so you shoot her a frosty smile you've perfected after watching your mother pull a similar face at people who don't meet her standards. "No, it can't." The woman sighs but she dutifully presses a button on the intercom system and speaks quietly into it for a moment or two, while you idly pick at a loose thread on the chair you're sitting on. She then glances back at you, eyebrows raised. "A messenger has been sent down to speak to him. Hopefully he should be upstairs shortly." "Thank you so much." you reply sweetly, the last words with heavy emphasis. After that, the two of you sit in a mutually frosty silence, with the woman sorting through paperwork on her desk and occasionally

directing people who approach her desk to the correct floor (which seems redundant to you - why can't people just read the clearly printed sign on the wall next to her desk ?), while you flick through some glossy magazines without actually taking in a single word. But you're not leaving until you've spoken to your father. Minutes tick by and you start drumming your heel lightly on the floor, leg jiggling with impatience. You wonder if the woman just lied about sending a messenger down to the Containment Room in an effort to pacify you, in the hopes you'll just get bored and leave. You grit your jaw at the thought, ignoring how cold you're getting, sitting here doing nothing. After maybe ten minutes, a man in a lab coat approaches the front desk, leaning over to speak to the woman. "Kino, could you come with me a moment? Hannah can start her shift." "Oh, I'll be right there!" Kino says, flustered, getting out from behind the desk and following the man as he walks briskly down the corridor, without a backwards glance at you. No doubt her replacement will be along any moment - perhaps she's running late? But you don't plan on sticking around. As soon as the receptionist rounds the corner, out of sight, you spring up and walk briskly across the room to the elevators, stabbing the button and stepping through the doors. You don't bother to fight the smile that spreads across your face as the doors slide shut. ~ "Father?" There's always something slightly creepy about the lower floors. The orbs lining the walls that are designed to keep the machinery running in case of a power shortage cast an eerie glow in the corridors, washing everything with a pale blue light that makes it seem far colder than it actually is. It reminds you a bit of walking through a tunnel of ice. Your boots click on the stone floor as you follow the lights to Containment Room A1. Finally, you reach the double doors leading inside, flanked by two windows each side. You can see your father inside, his back to you, so you rap on the windows. Nothing. You try again with more force, hurting your knuckles, but he still doesn't turn around. Perhaps it's soundproofed, so whatever's out here can't disturb whatever's going on in there? You glance at the keypad next to the doors, but you've never been to this particular room before so the code for the doors on the upper level is unlikely to be the same one for down here. Then you see movement, shadows beneath the crack between door and floor, and the doors slide open with a mechanical swish and two scientists in lab coats come out, comparing notes and murmuring together excitedly. You slip inside before they can slam shut again, unwilling to stand outside in the chilly corridor for any longer than necessary. "Father!" you call out as you enter. But then you stop dead in your tracks. Ahead of you, trapped behind some kind of containment field...is a monster. "What-?!" you hear your father say in surprise at his daughter suddenly marching through the doors. "What are you doing in here?!" But you don't answer. You can't look away from what's in front of you, even if you wanted to. You know without being told that this is a demon, but it's certainly not what they looked like in any of your history books. A tall, humanoid being that is undoubtedly male and you can tell from where you’re standing that he’s tall. The demon's huge, black wings arch out from behind him, reminding you of a bat. Two horns jut out from a crown of spiky black hair, but aside from that, you're surprised by how… human he looks. Your cheeks warm up as you notice he is shirtless, peculiar burn marks covering over half of his body and seemingly crudely stitched together like a patchwork doll. Despite that, he's impressively sculpted, sinewy muscles on full display and you know that demons were said to be uncommonly strong. Your eyes drift further down, and you spot a whiplike tail wrapped around one leg, topped with a pointed barb at the end, like a club in a game of cards. His arms are in restraints and so are his

ankles, yet he doesn't seem stressed in any way, leaning against the back wall of his holding cell as though he's waiting for something. "What...is this?" you breathe out, finally turning to your father. "This is our latest research subject," your father replies beside you, also staring at the demon, though his expression is surprisingly somber, considering just how amazing it is that they have been able to capture and contain a demon. You've never seen a live demon before, and something tells you that the one before you certainly isn't any garden variety one. "Director Fuji is very excited about this. It's not every day you see a demon this high ranking." Slowly, the demon stirs, raising his head a little. You're perfectly safe outside the containment field, as well was the multiple other safety measures both inside the cell and out of it, yet the sensation of being watched makes your flesh break out in goosebumps. From beneath spiky fronds of hair, the demon's eyes - so blue they almost don't look real - stare right at you, his gaze alone rooting you to the spot, laying all your defenses bare and leaving you feeling bizarrely naked before that look. Watching you without once blinking or breaking his gaze, his lips part in a sneer to reveal two rows of teeth, the fangs sharp and white as an icicle. You find yourself holding your breath as your father speaks again. "Sweetheart, meet Dabi."

[raysofcrosby]

OMG HII OK SO ITS ME 😵‍💫😵‍💫 IVE BEEN GONE TOO LONG IM SORRY I sent an ask a while ago BUT silly tumblr keeps eating my asks 😔 so a few things

i’m still hoping and praying that the sens game vs the bruins is rescheduled to a date that i can actually go

while i agree with you that owen power is a baby (in response to my last ask) he’s older than me? we’re the same age for approx 20 days out of the year but i do get it what you mean

HOW WAS YOUR DATE?? i hope it was good and whoever you went with was respectful cause i cannot afford a trip to jax to defend your honour✋ lowkey i would make myself afford it though

omg and i got a job! it’s in alberta and i’d be there only for the summer (i live in ontario) but i’m stressing cause i KNOW my family doesn’t want me leaving the province 😩 idk what to do ok

anyways that’s all for now hopefully silly tumblr doesn’t eat this ask🥲❌

-😵‍💫

I WAS WONDERING WHERE YOU WENT 😭

ahh i saw that the nhl scheduled like 90+ games during the time period they saved for the potential olympics before the nhl scratched the idea— so maybe they’ll reschedule during that time? 🥰

haha that’s something i’m always surprised to find out when some players are older/younger than me, especially when they don’t look like it or do look like it. like even some of these young players coming up look like they could be older than me and i’m like “how???”

ahhh the date’s this weekend!!! we’ve been texting a lot and went to lunch last week too! he’s really nice (and literally textbook dream guy written by a woman as the lovely @dembenchboys said. which makes sense bc he’s the only guy in his family 😭) agshfkdl not the trip to jax omg ily 😩

AHHH CONGRATS ON THE JOB!!!! i can understand your family being stressed having you leave the province especially since alberta is wayyy on the other side of canada from ontario but that’ll be a really cool experience to have! especially since it’s a short term kind of thing just for the summer! if it’s you going off on your own to the other side of canada, then maybe the family can plan a trip to visit you at some point? 🥰

[enchantedchocolatebars]

I Found Love On Christmas Eve❤️🎄❄️💋🦇🕷️🕸️💕: A cute, fluffy Stangel holiday fic for @princessrainbowpastel / @stelladelano!

I honestly should have posted this in December, but I got hella distracted by stuff, mainly Tumblr, school, roleplay, and "other things" lol. But here ya go bestie! Enjoy!💋

I had so much fun writing this (I wrote it awhile ago and saved it in the my notepad app), and I would love to thank @ren-c-leyn for double checking and enjoying reading this!🙂 I'm proud of how self-indulegent this is lol!💕 Warning: this is VERY long lol!😁😁😁)

Stella was in her dressing room getting herself ready for her next strip show! Being that it was December, the club she worked at made its female workers all wear sexy santa girl costumes.

As she got ready, the bat couldn't help but think of Mystery Fan (as she liked to call them) and all the wonderful gifts they have been sending her for months. She let out a happy sigh as the thought of them always made her day. Whoever this mysterious admirer was, they had to be the sweetest, kindest, most heartfelt demon in all of Hell. She had to admit - with every gift and letter they had sent, she was falling for them more and more. Stella felt like a school girl finding and receiving gifts and love letters from a shy, secret admirer in her locker.

'The day I meet this person,' Stella thought, putting the finishing touches to her Christmas themed makeup, 'Will be the happiest day of my life!' Little did the scarlet haired cutie know that that day was today.

When the show came to an end, Stella heads back to her dressing room, changes into her regular attire, and begins to pack up. A Christmas party was being thrown at the hotel today and she didn't want to miss it or be late. Once she was packed and ready, Stella heads to her car and starts to drive back to the hotel.

As she drives, she spots happy demon couples on the sidewalk, handing and receiving gifts and letters to and from one another. Their reactions to the items were all the same - cheery and content. Seeing such a sight makes Stella frown slightly as she let out a soft sigh. She really wishes she could receive something from the passionate person who's been on her mind for months now: Mystery Fan. Just the thought of hearing their romantic words being said to her up close and in person made the redhead's heart race.

When Stella arrives at the Hazbin Hotel, she parks her car and steps out of it. The bat saw the exterior of the place and was astound by how it looked. The building was covered head to toe with Christmas decorations and lights!

"Wow, Charlie really went all out this year..." said Stella, amazed and impressed by her friend's work. The bubbly blonde really gave the place the right design for the holidays.

As she enters the hotel, Stella let's out a surprised gasp. The inside looked absolutely gorgeous! Like the exterior, the interior of the place was also nicely covered in Christmas decorations. It was like walking into a Christmas wonderland! In the background, holiday music could be heard playing from the intercom.

At the party, all of Stella's friends were there, having fun and celebrating while wearing ugly Christmas sweaters. Well, almost all her friends. The only person who seemed to be missing was Angel Dust.

Niffty was happily collecting candy canes from the Christmas tree and placing them inside her stocking, Charlie and Vaggie were having a lively conversation together on the lobby sofa as they held cups of hot cocoa in their hands, and at the hotel mini bar, Alastor was seen hanging out at the counter speaking to Husk as he cleaned shot glasses. The grouchy bartender couldn't help but groan and roll his eyes each time the radio demon spoke to him.

While talking to Vaggie, Charlie spots Stella from the corner of her eye. "Stella! You're here!" the Hell-born princess gasped, thrilled to see the other female as she gestures for her to come over.

When she does so, Charlie gives Stella a pure, genuine grin. Now the party could really get started!

A montage of cute Christmas photos begins as "My Secret Santa" plays. The first photo is of Charlie, Vaggie, and Stella with mics in their hands, singing Christmas karaoke songs together. Alastor, Husk, and Niffty are there as well, watching the three girls. Niffty cheers for them, Alastor looks amused by the whole thing, and Husk doesn't seem to care.

The second one is of Charlie and Stella smiling and hugging each other while wearing reindeer antler headbands and light up Rudolph noses.

The third photo is of Stella and Vaggie wearing Christmas tree glasses. In the photo, Stella is grinning while holding up bunny ears with her hand above Vaggie's head, and Vaggie has a cute, calm smile on her face while holding up a peace sign with her hand.

The fourth photo is of Stella and Niffty enjoying candy canes together.

The fifth one is of Stella, Husk, and Alastor. In the photo, Stella has a mischievous and flirty look on her face as she holds up a mistletoe plant for the two males to see. Husk, of course, wants nothing to do with kissing of any kind with her as he has an irritated expression on his face, while Alastor, with a large grin of his face, slightly pushes Husk towards her as if saying "Please, take him, not me." And the sixth and last photo is of Stella and the others taking a group Christmas photo together.

After the montage comes to an end, the gang all decide to play a fun little game of pin the tail on the reindeer! Vaggie was the blindfolded pinner and Alastor, being a deer demon, was decided by everyone to be the reindeer. The moth had a devilish grin on her face, her hair bow reacting the same as it formed onto itself a wicked grin with razor, sharp triangular teeth. She saw this as the perfect opportunity to get back at Alastor for constantly pestering her and getting under her skin. The radio demon saw the look on the hotel manager's face and didn't like where this was going as a nervous sweat droplet appeared on his forehead. Before Stella could record this amazing, hilarious moment on her phone, her stomach slightly growled. She decided that the best thing to do now is to take a quick cake break and come back to the action later. Hopefully, she'd be able to capture at least some of it on her device.

Once she steps inside the kitchen, she sees the delicious looking Gingerbread Cheesecake sitting on the countertop, making her mouth water. She happily cuts herself a piece, sits down at the table, and partakes in the rich, sweet dessert. As she was eating, she began to think about Angel Dust. She hoped that the spider was doing okay (especially around this time of year).

In her mind, she wondered why he didn't show up at the party yet. Was he just really busy at the studio and couldn't arrive, or was the arachnid secretly upset with her about something and was trying to avoid her to the best of his abilities? As all these thoughts about where her best friend could be and why he wasn't at the party yet clouded her mind, Stella's stomach began to feel weird and somehow, to her, the cake that she was eating began to taste less and less sweet. She slowly stopped eating, puts her fork down, and utters out a small, tired sigh as she sadly rests her head on the table.

Charlie, entering the kitchen, sees a glum Stella at the table with her head down. Being the kind friend she is, the princess instantly becomes concerned over the bat's well being as she quickly heads over to take a seat next to her.

"What's wrong, Stel? Is everything alright?" Charlie asked, putting a comforting hand on Stella's shoulder. Stella slightly lifts her head up to look at Charlie before sighing. "Oh, it's nothing." she replied before putting her head back down. Now, Charlie obviously knew that that wasn't the case, but, before she could say anything, she suddenly remembered why she came into the kitchen in the first place.

"Oh yeah, I almost forgot!" She pulls out a small present and shows it off to Stella. "Someone wanted me to give this to you." she smiled. "Huh?" This got Stella's attention as she raises her head up to look at Charlie and the gift.

"The person decided that it would be best to stay anonymous...for now..." Charlie continued, handing the unknown gift to Stella as she gave her a small wink. What did Charlie mean by that? Stella's scarlet colored eyes slowly examined the present box that was in her hands. She saw that it was beautifully wrapped and had a cute bow on top that was tied perfectly. The bat brought the box close to her ear and shook it slightly to figure out what was inside. Whatever it was, it didn't weigh much. She takes a look at the tag and reads it. "To Stella from..." Stella lets out a surprised gasp as she got to the last word "#1 fan!" She couldn't believe it! So not only was this mystery demon a common patron at the strip club she worked at, but they also knew where she lived and was in cahoots with Charlie.

"Wait, Charlie, you know about my #1 fan and who they are?!" Stella asked, hoping to get some sort of explanation. Charlie let out a hum. "You could say that..." she giggled, not spilling the beans. "Well, who are they!? They've been sending me stuff for months now, and i've been dying to know who they are!" Stella at this point craved any answer.

The princess, letting out another girlish giggle, replies with, "Well, they didn't want me telling you who they were buuut," She gave Stella a sincere smile. "Let's just say they're someone who cares and...I'm really proud of them for doing this." Charlie gives Stella another wink before leaving. She soon comes to the realization that Mystery Fan is someone in the hotel.

Alone in the kitchen, Stella began to carefully unwrap her present. As she tears off the the last remaining piece of wrapping paper, she sees that the gift inside is a teddy bear, wearing a Santa hat and has an envelope with a heart stamp taped to its right hand. Stella removes the envelope from the stuffed teddy's hand and opens it.

The bat sees a letter inside and starts reading. When she got to the last sentence, the redhead smiled softly as her cheeks change to a light pink color. She felt a warmness like no other in her heart. It was official; Stella Taylor Delano was in love with Mystery Fan.

Out of all the cards and letters they had send her, this one had to be most heartfelt.

The letter read:

“Stella Taylor Delano,

You truly are the only woman who can make me happy. Simply seeing your smile makes me realize that life in this literal Hell hole is worth living. My love grows for you each and everyday. I guess you could say that i'm addicted to you, and you are the only drug that keeps me functioning. When I look into your eyes, I see the real me, a person that lives for a goal and a purpose now...and that's being with you. This will be my last and final letter as I want to come out of my shell and reveal who I am. Meet me on the hotel rooftop at 10. See you soon~

Love, Your #1 Fan xoxo”

Stella was feeling extremely excited, as well as anxious, but still remained touched by the love letter written to her. She was finally going to meet Mystery Fan face to face! But who could they be, she wondered. Looks like she'll find out at 10. The bat makes a mental note to get herself ready at around 9:30 and head up to the roof at 9:55. Once she does, she leaves the kitchen and makes her way back to the others.

Stella hopes that they're still playing pin the tail on the reindeer so that she could record a bit of funny footage on her phone of a terrified Alastor running away from a vengeance seeking Vaggie with a pin.

Once the party came to an end, everyone decided to hit the hay for tonight. Well, almost everyone. Stella had to get ready for her meet up "date" with Mystery Fan.

Being that she was meeting this unknown, romantic stranger for the first time, she wanted to look her absolute best with the right outfit. The only problem is, Stella had so many good outfits in her closet. Which one would be perfect for Mystery Fan? This calls for a fashion montage.

In her room, Stella sets down on her bed a variety of her favorite winter sweaters and skirts to try on. She first tries on a pink sweater that had little, mini red hearts on them that she found to be cute, but the sweater wasn't the right cut unfortunately.

The next thing she puts on is a sweater / skirt combo that she thought made her look smoking hot, but at the same time she felt it wasn't quite right.

The red and white sweater? Too fluffy. The black skirt with stockings? No way. The yellow bikini she wore to the beach last year? Wait, how did THAT even get in her pile?! Doesn't matter, it was too much anyways and wasn't right for the weather, so she tosses the swimwear aside.

The bat was pickier than normal, tossing away beloved outfits in her hunt for perfection. Finally, after casting away so many outfit choices, Stella let's out a small, surprised gasp as the last outfit remaining on her bed was one to her liking.

It was a white sweater; long, dark gray sweatshirt; light plaid scarf; black knit gloves; a whitish, light pink knit beanie; black sheer tights; dark gray, and knee-high, suede boots. She found it to be absolutely adorable as she tried it on and modeled in it in front of her mirror. Yup, this outfit was the one!

After adding a bit of makeup to her features, Stella was set and ready to go! At around 9:55, almost 9:56, Stella double checks herself in the mirror to ensure that she looked good for her little "date".

After doing so, Stella hurries out of her room and heads to the rooftop stairs. When she arrives on the roof, Stella's scarlet eyes widden in shock as the bat was beyond surprised by the demon she's met with. It was Alastor!

The deer demon was at ease as he fed the large, demon birds who were with him bloody chopped up demon parts from a small, brown sack that was dripping in blood. When he notices a figure near of the corner of his eye, he turns to see a perplexed Stella gazing at him.

Alastor is the first to break the silence. "Surprised to see you here, my dear," he said, giving the red head one of his typical dark and brooding grins. "I knew it~" Stella gave the radio host a flirty smirk. "So all that pretending not to be interested was all an act, huh? Heh. It's always the ones you least expect. I had a feeling you couldn't resist all this~" she purred, signaling at her curves.

"I really liked those letters and gifts you've been sending me for the past few months. Who knew a powerful Overlord such as yourself had such a big heart~" She gave him a playful smile and wink. Hearing these words caused Alastor to blink for a bit before tilting his head slightly in confusion. "Pardon me?" he asked, wondering what Stella could be talking about.

Stella was a bit thrown off by Alastor's reaction. "That letter you wrote to me; it said that you wanted the two of us to meet here tonight at 10 because you were my #Fan 1, and...you also told me...that...you loved me..." Just thinking about all the stuff written from that recent letter caused Stella to flush, smiling at herself.

Alastor, now processing Stella's words, merely chuckled. "Me? A fan of yours? Not only that, but ME...love...YOU? Hahaha! My dear, don't be ridiculous. That's absolute nonsense! I'm only here because feeding these filthy, disgusting scavengers just so happens to be a favorite past time of mine." He smiled, being extremely uncompromisingly forthright with his rather rude remark.

"O-Oh..." Stella looked down as her shoulders slumped and her cheeks reddened in embarrassment, trying her best to blink back any tears. Alastor tossed the last remaining body part from the sack to the birds who fought and squawked over it. Devouring it quickly, the birds look to Alastor for more. "Sorry, but it looks like i'm all out," he told them as he threw down the empty sack to prove it.

The birds, seeing that there was nothing left, soon depart to the skies. Alastor waves a small good bye to them as looks to a heartbroken Stella who continued to look down. "Well, it's rather late, so I think i'll be heading inside. I'll be seeing you. Hopefully, whoever you're suppose to meet here shows up. Though, with how behind time they seem to be, I don't think they will." And with that, Alastor was gone. Stella sadly sighed to herself as she took out her phone to look at the time. It was 10:15. Mystery Fan, whoever and wherever they were, was late.

A sad, heavy sigh escaped Angel's lips as he was in is dressing room, sitting in front of his vanity mirror, getting himself ready for his next shoot. He felt absolutely awful about everything. He had wrote to Stella a confessional letter about his true feelings for her and how much the scarlet haired beauty meant to him. He remembered that in said letter he had mentioned that he would meet her at the Happy Hotel rooftop at 10, and right now it was 10:20.

His original plan was to leave work at around 9:45 to get to her, but he knew that Val would practically lose his shit again if he found out his favorite star skipped work.

Angel sighed for a second time. He really hoped that Stella would still be at the roof by the time he got to her. As Angel thought about what to do, the spider soon came to a realization that Stella, the girl who he loved with all his heart, was much more important than the feelings of his abuse boss, no matter how much he feared him. He had to find a way to sneek out without Valentino noticing. But how, he thought.

As the arachnid looked around the room in search of something that could help him in his escape plan, his eyes came to the body pillow of himself dressed in a school girl uniform that was laying up in the corner. This gave him an idea.

An irritated Valentino was seen at the studio's indoor film set, sitting in his director's chair as he waited for Angel to be in the next scene for his latest flick.

As the mothman waits, he taps on the side of his chair repeatedly with his index finger, clearly angry. Eventually, his patients wears thin as the fury that was bottled up inside him explodes as he storms out in search for his favorite money maker.

When he arrives at Angel's dressing room door, he bursts it open with all his might, nearly breaking it. He sees "Angel" sitting there in front of his mirror and marches on over to him.

"Angelcakes, you seem to be taking your sweet time in here. Don't you know I have a business to run and money to make?" he growled, now behind the spider. "Angel" said nothing as he continued to sit still in his chair. Valentino took this as his employee ignoring him, which he found extremely disrespectful and a huge insult to his ego. The pimp pulled out his pistol and pointed it behind "Angel's" head as he formed a wicked smirk.

"The silent treatment, huh? Well, let's see how silent you are when I blow your--" Suddenly, "Angel" fell to the ground. This reveals that "Angel" was really just Angel's body pillow dressed in his clothing and wearing one on his drag wigs.

Val was a bit stunned by this, but once the hamster on a wheel in his brian began to run and he slowly puts the pieces together, he figures out that the actual Angel Dust had skipped work...AGAIN. This caused an already vexed Val to turn red with rage. "ANGEL!!!" he angrily yelled at the top of his lungs, loud enough that his shouting echoed across the large building. As the real Angel Dust was running down a hall with a panic-stricken look on his face, he heard his boss's echo, which made him pick up the pace and run faster.

The speedy spider hightailed it out of the studio door as he made a run for it down the streets. He would have the deal with the consequences of leaving work later, but right now, he had to get to Stella, and fast.

Millie and Moxxie were happily walking home together down the downtown streets on a chilly, Christmas Eve night hand in hand after their little trip from the store, where they bought a Christmas themed cake for tommorrow.

"You excited for tomorrow, Mill?" Moxxie asked his wife sweetly. Millie smiles as she cuddles closer to her husband.

"I sure am, sweetie," she replies. Their peaceful walk is soon interrupted when they hear the sound of running footsteps coming towards them. Moxxie rasies a suspicious eyebrow at this, and Millie, concerned, hugs her hubby's arm tightly. The running demon is revealed to be Angel Dust, who's practically speeding towards them in a hurry.

"Outta the way! I'm late!" he shouts at the couple. When Angel sprints past Moxxie and Millie, his speed causes the two of them to spin around uncontrollably.

The cake flies out of Moxxie's hand and into the air. When the couple stop spinning, they both fall down bottom first to the ground, completely dizzy.

Moxxie, first to regain a bit of his balance, gets up as he shakes his head. He soon helps Millie up.

"Are you okay?" he asks, worried that she might have gotten hurt. "I'm fine, hun, don't worry." Millie gives him a reassuring smile.

The female imp quickly notices that something is missing and looks left and right for it. "Where's the cake?!" The minute Millie asks this, the cake, now out of its plastic container, comes falling to the ground in a splat.

"Oh no!" she gasps, holding a hand over her mouth in shock. Moxxie, angry beyond belief at this, waves a fist at Angel Dust who was long gone.

"Hey buddy, maybe watch where you're going next time!!!" He takes a few deep breaths to calm himself down before turning to Millie and the cake. "Great," he sighed, slightly vexed.

"Look what that guy made us do. Where are we going to get another cake at this time of night, hun? I'm sure the supermarket is closed by now, and tommorrow's Christmas. You know how packed supermarkets can get on that day."

Millie put a reassuring hand on Moxxie's shoulder as she gave the male imp a peck on the cheek "Aw, sweetie, don't worry. I think we have some cake ingredients at home. We'll just have to make our own cake this year. How does that sound?" Moxxie, now at ease thanks to his wife, smiles warmly at her. "Sounds fine to me."

Blitzo was walking down the street with a huge grin of his face. In his arms was a glass jar that was filled to the brim with marbles. "Loonie's gonna love her present this year! A bunch of marbles! I mean, who doesn't love marbles? I know I d--" The jar nearly slips out of his hand, causing the imp boss to stop mid-sentence.

He let's out a relieved sigh when it doesn't. "Ha, you know, more a minute there I thought--"

Just then, Angel runs past Blitzo, bumping into him slighty as he loses hold of the jar and drops it. When it hits the ground, marbles and shattered glass pieces go everywhere. "Oh shit!" he cried out. "I lost my marbles...literally!"

As Millie and Moxxie continue their little stroll home, they hear the sound of someone crying up ahead. The voice sounds quite familiar to them. When they got closer, they see that the weeping belonged to none other than their boss, who was on his knees with dramatic tears in his eyes.

"Oh cry! Oh sob! Oh weep! Oh other noises that show complete and utter sadness!" Blitzo cried, putting a hand over his face and slightly peeking out to see if anyone would feel sympathy for his unfortunate predicament.

"Oh no," Millie quietly gasped, putting both hands over her mouth. Seeing her boss in such a state instantly brought her bubbly mood down.

Meanwhile, Moxxie just rolled his eyes. "Oh please," he huffed, not buying his boss's "sorrowful" behavior at all. "Come on, Moxx. Let's go see what's wrong with Blitzo." she grabbed her husband's hand and dragged him over with her to their boss. Moxxie let out a groan, not wanting to deal with Blitzo on the day before Christmas.

"Blitzo, what's wrong? Is everything alright?" Millie asked as she and Moxxie arrived to him, a mix of concern and worry in her voice.

The red imp brought his hand down from his face when he heard Millie, and looked to see his two workers. The minute he saw them, the waterworks really came on. Blitzo gives to Millie an overdramatic hug, as he cried in her arms.

"NO, MILLS! EVERYTHING IS NOT ALRIGHT! I'VE LOST THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TONIGHT...MY MARBLES!" he then proceeds to cry more as Millie gives him reassuring head rubs.

"Shh! Shh! Shh! It's okay, sir. We all do sometimes." "At least he's finally admitted it," Moxxie whispers in his wife's ear, a slight chuckle in his voice. "Moxx!" Millie whispers back, lightly scolding him. "He's our boss. We've got to help him. Plus, it's near the holidays. No would deserves to feel sad during this time."

She then puts her on focus back on Blitzo. "Sir, I know the perfect activity that'll help regain your marbles! How about we all watch Christmas movies and--" "How the hell is watching Christmas movies going to help me get my marbles back? They're on the ground, Millie."

Blitzo shakes his head and rolls his eyes. He swears, Mills could be such an airhead sometimes. "Huh?" Millie and Moxxie both look on the ground to see that Blitzo was right. A small number marbles were on the ground as well as a few pieces of glass.

"I had them all in a jar, but I dropped the stupid thing and it broke. Hell, some of them even rolled away," Blitzo explains, teary-eyed.

As Millie thinks on what to do to help her boss, she gets an idea, a light bulb quickly appearing above her head. "I know! Me and Moxxie can help you pick the marbles up! Sure, we won't be able to get every one, but it's better than getting nothing!" she said, beaming brightly.

Hearing this somehow made Blitzo feel instantly better, his "sad" demeanor quickly fading away as he stood tall. "You're right, Millie! Wow, what an excellent idea I came up with! You two are the best employees a guy could ask for! I'm definitely giving you both a raise for this!"

Moxxie's jaw nearly dropped hearing this. "A-A-A raise?! Wait, you really mean it sir?!" Blitzo gives Moxxie a hearty smile. "Of course not! Now come on! Let's get to marble pickin'!" This made Millie smile while Moxxie glared at his boss, mumbling something about him under his breath.

Angel, now speeding up the hotel rooftop stairs like a madman, nearly breaks the door down when he bursts it open. "Stella I--!!" the spider stopped mid sentence when he sees that no one, expect for him, was there, causing his heart to sink.

"Oh no..." He takes out his phone from his suit pocket to see what time it was. 11:15. He breaths out a sigh of defeat as he put his device away and goes over to the end of the roof to look at the city.

Feeling beyond disappointed in himself and the situation, Angel uses his hands to cover his face. If only he'd have arrived on time, Stella would still be there. He honestly doesn't blame her for leaving. Suddenly, he hears someone call his name. "Angel?" Surprised by the voice, he turns around and sees Stella at the door.

"What are you doing up here?" she asks, concern laced in her voice due to how late it was. "Heh. I should be askin' you the same thing," Angel chuckles, a soft smile planted on his face at Stella.

God, she was absolutely beautiful to him. Stella bubbles out a giggle at the spider's playful demeanor.

"Well, I came here for my glove. I noticed that it wasn't in my pocket and figured i'd must have dropped it when I left. I was up here before. I was waiting for someone to show but..." Stella stops when she hears her voice slighty crack at "but" and quickly pulls herself together, not wanting to let out any tears like before.

"Well...let's just say...they didn't show up. They've been constantly sending me letters, telling me how much they cared, but...I guess they don't. Which is fine, haha! I'll be fine! I'll be...fine." The bat clearly wasn't fine with the heartbroken look on her face, and honestly just wanted today to be over.

Before she left again, Angel decided that now would be a good time to speak up.

"Stel, wait!" he called out to her. The minute she heard her name, the redhead turned back around to Angel, giving the spider her full attention. "Yes?" Angel clears his voice and nervously scratches the back of his head while looking down at the ground, cheeks flushed. He's usually the cocky, confident type, so seeing himself in such a state confused even him.

Shyly looking up to Stella, a blush still apparent on his face as his fingers started to fidget, Angel began to speak. "W-Well, about those, um, letters you've been getting...I, uh, you see, um, I wanted to say..." The spider stopped talking after "say", his nervousness not allowing him to get his full words out.

Stella's eyes soften at him, having a feeling that she knew exactly what Angel was going to say. "Yeah?" The spider took a deep breath, stopped his fidgeting, looked Stella in the eyes and gave the bat the most sincere smile.

"I wanted to say, Stel, that I met every word in all of them. Ever since the day we meant, I started gaining these feelings fer ya, and I thought that sooner or later the feelings would just, ya know, just go away. But...they haven't. In fact, they've gotten stronger. I started fallin' fer ya more and more each time we hung out. I couldn't get ya out of my head. You and I are best friends, so it all felt weird." He let's out a sigh. "Stella Taylor Delano, I know this might sound crazy, maybe even insane for me to say but...I love you. I didn't think I would ever have to say those words to a girl before, but it's true. You mean the world to me and make life in the afterlife more fun and worth living. Stel, I love you, and it would mean the absolute world to mean if ya loved me back." The spider awaited for the red head's response.

Stella's grey cheeks blushed crimson as touched tears began to course down her cheeks. She wiped her face a bit with her coat sleeve, but the salty liquid continued to fall as she walked towards him.

"A-Angel," she began, a sniffling mess. "Y-You really mean it?" The spider gave her a playful, but caring grin. "You know it, toots~!"

"A-Angel?"

"Yeah? What is it, babe?"

Once Stella was in front of him, she softly cupped his face and smiled in his direction. "I have something that I wanna confess that might sound crazy too."

"Y-You do?" he stuttered, his face turning as red as Stella's. "Well, what is it?"

As Stella started to talk to him, her smile still stayed on her face. "Angel Dust...I feel the same way. I love you too."

"Really?" he asked, his face getting close to her. "Really," she replied, her face getting close as well.

Their faces were now inches away from each other. They could feel each other's hot breath on their lips as the two's hearts were beating like drums. With just one movement, Stella and Angel locked lips.

As they shared their sweet kiss, flakes of snow began to fall from the sky as "I Found Love" started to play in the background.

"Oh, Moxxie! Just look at it! It looks absolutely gorgeous!" gasped Millie. The female imp and her hubby were in their kitchen putting the finishing touches to the Christmas cake that they baked together.

"It just needs one more thing..." Moxxie said as he looked on the counter for any decorations that would complete the cake.

"Ah ha!" he picked up the Christmas star cake decoration and placed it on top. "A star!" he smiled as he put his hand on his wife's waist and brought her close to him for a cheek kiss.

A giggle emerged from her lips as she smiled back at him. "Oh Moxx, this has to be the best Christmas ever," Millie sighed contently as she rested her head on his shoulder.

"Oh, Loonie~!" Blitzo cooed as he arrived to Loona who was waiting for him at the end of the snowy sidewalk. The imp was carrying with him a plastic baggie that was barely filled with marbles as he shows them off for her to see.

"Gotcha a little Christmas Eve gift~ I had a jar for these, but it broke. Wasn't my fault though, some asshole ran into me. So, what do you think?"

Loona facepalms herself as she groans in annoyance at her dad's boss's lame ass "gift".

Back on the rooftop, we see our main couple still sweetly smooching. At the roof door, Niffty suddenly pops her head out and spots the two making out and giggles madly in fangirl victory, pulling out a notepad and pencil and doodling the cinematic masterpiece she's witnessing.

"MY OTP IS CANON, MY OTP IS CANON, MY OTP IS FREAKIN' CANON!" she quietly streaks, not wanting the lovebirds to hear or see her.

"Perfect!" she says as she takes a look at her finished work.

The drawling is a cute animu like doodle of Stella and Angel kissing. She then takes out her cellphone, turns off her camera flash, and quickly snaps a photo of the two before giggling to herself again and silently slipping away. Boy, her Stangel fanfiction is gonna be awesome with all this official content she's gotten!

Once Stella and Angel slowly pull away, they both hold each other's gaze as their eyes sparkle in wonderment. The kiss felt like something straight out of a fairytale. The two soon realize that they've been staring at one another for too long as they both apologize in unison and quickly look away, blushing like crazy.

While they continue their lack of eye contact, Stella feels a snowflake land on her nose as she looks up to see that it's snowing. As the snow continues to fall, bits of it gets in Stella's hair. Angel looks back to her and notices this.

A soft, genuine look appears on his features as he brushes some of the snow off of her head and lifts her hoodie up.

"There," he smiled warmly to the bat.

Stella returns the warm look and smiles back. "Thanks," she says, her heart melting.

"Soooo, uh," Angel cleared his throat as he started to blush, shyly looking away yet again as he scratches the back of his head.

"Does this mean we're, like, a thing now?" he asked, a bit worried about Stella's reply. The red head giggled at his shy state as she hummed out, "It seems so," she gently grabbed his upper hand, squeezing it a bit.

The spider chuckled as he grinned at Stella. "Good. I'm glad." The now official couple held hands as they walked back inside. This was definitely the start of a cute, beautiful relationship.

[laws-yellow-submarine]

Together With Fruit Ch. 9 (Snippet)

Omgomgomg I actually finished something omg

Obviously this is not the full chapter, but it’s a pretty major chunk of it, and because I’m just so proud of myself and happy that I actually got something I set out to write forever ago FINISHED, I am posting this snippet here as a one-shot (it’s...more than a snippet really, it’s like 4000+ words, and it’s mostly unedited so...ye’ve been warned lol)

Word Count: 4199 (yikes)

Enjoy! Hopefully I’ll have the rest of the chapter finished within the next week or so!

“We’re finally nearing the Grand Line…” Nami muttered, pointing at a spot on the map. “It looks like the only way into it is through Reverse Mountain here.”

“Reverse Mountain?” Hazel murmured, peering over the girl’s shoulder at the point where the seas intersect.

“What a pain. Can’t we just sail straight through it?” Zoro groaned, glaring from where he sat leaning against the rail. Sanji shook his head.

“Nope, from what the geezer told me, that’s the only way boats can enter.”

“How come?” Usopp asked.

“Cause it’s supposedly dangerous.”

“But how come?!”

“I don’t know any more than that!” Sanji yelled, glaring at the sniper. 

“Boys, please…” Hazel scolded, trying to stop any fights before they could occur.

“The reason for that is-”

“Alright! I got it!” Luffy interrupted Nami, pointing at the map. “Then let’s head straight into it!”

“Are you even paying attention?!”

“But it sounds fun!” Luffy insisted, grin never wavering. “Plus it’d feel way better going straight into it!”

“Fun or not, I’d like to actually make it to the Grand Line before we die,” Hazel told him, side-eyeing her brother’s enthusiasm. Nami shared the sentiment.

“Talking to you makes me feel like I’m gonna go crazy…” the navigator whined, palm to her forehead in exasperation. Luffy soldiered on, ignoring the women’s concerns.

“Anyways, let’s stop at an island first and get meat! Meat! Meat!” Nami reached a finger out to point at a spot on the map, and Luffy and Hazel both peered closer at the paper.

“There’s a famous city on this island...Loguetown.”

“Loguetown?” Luffy asked, puzzled look on his face as he tried to think. “What? Is it famous for its meat?”

“Also known as the city of the beginning and the end…” Zoro chimed in, thoughtful look on his face. “I’m pretty sure I’ve heard that before.”

“It’s where Gold Roger, the former Pirate King, was born,” Hazel supplied, appearing somber, “and where he was executed.”

“The town where the King of the Pirates died...” Even Luffy’s voice was tame, contemplation clear in his eyes. Nami swung her gaze to meet his, sly smile finding its way across her cheeks.

“Wanna go?”

“Yeah! I wanna see it!” As he spoke, his voice grew more excited, though it never lost its reverence. “I wanna see the town where the man who got the One Piece - everything this world has to offer - was born and then died!” Luffy stood up, grin fixed firmly back in place. “Nami! Set sail for Loguetown!”

As the crew scrambled to set their course, Hazel smiled at her brother’s excitement, though she didn’t share the enthusiasm. She didn’t really harbor any opinions on the former Pirate King, good or bad; there just wasn’t enough information available on who the man truly was. She had asked her grandfather once, considering what she knew about his connection to Ace, but after hours of pestering the only thing he’d told her was “don’t believe everything you hear”. Other than that cryptic statement, she knew about as much as anyone else: he was born in Loguetown, he circumnavigated the entire world, then turned himself in (to her grandfather, no less), and was executed in his hometown. For someone who was so famous, you’d think there’d be more to know about him.

Hazel looked down at the notebook in her hand, blank since Shells Town except for the notes she’d taken. She wasn’t going to let Luffy fall into that same level of anonymity. Sure, the boy couldn’t care less about the fame; his views on being the Pirate King weren’t shared by most other pirates, though she found his ideals to be more admirable. What she really didn’t want to happen, though, was for her baby brother’s name to be smeared by the media, with nothing to counteract it.

Which meant she had a lot of work to do.

“Well, before we get to Loguetown, I have to get to work. Which means I’m shutting myself in my room until I’ve finished writing about our adventure so far!” Hazel stated for all to hear. She ignored the odd looks sent her way. “So no one bug me, ok?” When she’d received satisfactory nods, Hazel made her way to the girls’ room, shut the door, and plopped herself down at the writing desk. She ripped out her pages of notes so she could refer to them easily as she wrote, then opened to a blank page, her pencil hovering above the paper.

An hour later and the page was still blank.

Hazel’s pencil had moved, at least. It’d been set on the desk, balanced on her nose (a failure on her part, but no one could see it so she wasn’t too pressed), twirled between her fingers, tucked behind her ear as she stretched in her chair (and changed position at least three times; currently she had her feet on the back of the chair with her head leaning on the desk). She’d doodled little pictures on her note pages; tiny flowers and crude renditions of her crewmates (note to self: hide these so Nami doesn’t see). There’s a reason she hadn’t decided to illustrate this book.

Another hour later and her legs hurt from how much she’d been bouncing them. The page remained blank, her mind void of ideas, and her eyes were fixed on the picture frame hanging on the far wall. Maybe some food would help? She didn’t think she ate much at breakfast…

As Hazel made her way on deck, she couldn’t help but smile at the sight that greeted her. Nami was lounging in the sun on the top deck, being served some fancy drink from their newest member. Zoro was, surprise, napping beneath the mast, his swords propped in his lap. Luffy sat on the other side of the ship, watching Usopp practice with his slingshot. Oh, that could be fun!

“Whatcha guys doin’?” Hazel asked, sneaking up behind the sniper, causing Luffy to laugh at the boy’s frightful shriek. “Oops! Sorry, Usopp!” He just glared at her in return.

“Usopp’s practicing his slingshot! See? We set up some targets against the other side of the deck, he’s really good!”

“Well, you see Luffy, I’ve been using a slingshot for at least 25 years,” Usopp boasted, ignoring the fact that he was only 17. “Which of course makes me an expert sniper!”

“25 years, huh?” Hazel snarked. “Well, mister “expert”, whaddaya say to a little contest? The closer to a bullseye gets you more points. Whoever gets the most points wins.”

“Uhh, ok, Hazel. But where are you gonna get a slingshot?” Hazel just pointed to Luffy. Specifically his arms. “Hey, now, wait a minute! You can’t use him!”

“Why not?” Hazel and Luffy asked, both with blank looks on their faces. The sniper spluttered.

“Because-! He’s not-! And you-!”

“Ok, look - we’re not going for power here, just accuracy, so it’ll still be a fair contest. And we’ll use the same ammo, ok?” She left no room for him to argue back, immediately grabbing one of the pellets from his hand and positioning her brother. Usopp rolled his eyes behind her, but sidled up next to the two, aiming his own slingshot at the first target.

“Ready...aim...fire!” Usopp let the pellet fly, smacking the target right in the center.

“Hey, nice job Usopp! But I’m gonna tie it up right here!” Hazel ribbed, tying Luffy’s fingers together to form a sling. She pulled them back, tongue poking out between her teeth as she aimed carefully. When she felt confident in her position she nodded, waiting for Usopp to give the signal, and then let go.

The target shattered to pieces.

“Oh fuck-!”

“WHAT ARE YOU THREE DOING?!” Nami’s shrill voice called, causing all three to wince.

“Luffy did it!” Hazel immediately yelled while Usopp checked the ship for damage.

“No I didn’t!”

“Now, Luffy, you know you shouldn’t lie.”

“I’m not-!”

“ENOUGH!” Nami yelled again, interrupting the siblings. “I don’t care who did it, you’re just lucky the ship didn’t get damaged! You and you-” she pointed to Usopp and Luffy “-clean this up! And you!” Nami pointed at Hazel, making the older woman feel suddenly small. “You’re supposed to be writing right now! Not breaking things!”

“Well...you see...the thing is…” Hazel trailed off as Nami continued to glare at her. Huh. She didn’t like being on the receiving end of this. “I was hungry…?”

“Then ask Sanji-kun for a snack and get back to work. You told us not to bother you and we’re listening, take advantage of that!” At Hazel’s huff Nami smiled. “If you’d like, you can sit in the tangerine grove. I find it very relaxing when I need to focus.”

“Hmm...a change of scenery may be helpful. Thanks, Nami,” Hazel smiled, rolling her neck. “I better go bug Sanji.” But Nami held up a hand to stop her.

“Nope! You go sit, I’ll get it. I don’t want you to get distracted again.” The orange-haired girl walked away without another word, and Hazel was forced at that point to just listen to her. She made her way to the upper deck, finding a nice spot under the trees to nestle in. She reopened her notebook to the still blank page, and tapped her pencil against her chin as she tried to focus. The breeze up here was nice, as well as the sounds of her crewmates (Luffy and Usopp had made a game out of cleaning up her mess). The smell of tangerines wafted over her, muddying her senses. One of her curls was tickling her forehead.

She’d made zero headway by the time Sanji appeared with a snack. 

“Hazel-chwan!~ I’ve brought you a plate of delicious sandwiches, and a fresh glass of cabernet sauvignon,” the man said, brandishing a platter on one hand and a glass of deep red liquid in the other. She looked to the glass curiously. Despite having practically lived in a bar half her life, she’d never actually tried wine. Her alcohol tended to be of a rougher variety.

“Oh, yeah, alcohol. That’ll help,” Hazel muttered, hoping Sanji didn’t think her rude. For all she knew, it would get the creative juices flowing, so to speak. “Thank you, Sanji.” She smiled at the cook, his feet practically floating off the ground in happiness. He turned to leave her, and Hazel tentatively took a sip of the wine...only to immediately cringe when the bitter liquid hit her tongue. She glanced around in panic, hoping the blond didn’t see, and snuck the glass behind her back, hidden under the trees. “Ooh! Sanji, wait up!” she called, wine forgotten as she grabbed her plate and ran after him.

“Yes, my love?” Sanji asked, twirling around to gaze at her through heart-shaped eyes.

“I just realized that I never asked about what happened at the Baratie! After we left?” The cook’s expression had switched to confusion at her question. “In fact,” she continued, following him into the galley, “I don’t actually know that much about you. Tell me, what’s your dream? Your motivation? Your tragic backstory? Spare me no detail!”

For the first time since they’d met, Sanji wasn’t looking at her with adoration. In fact, he almost looked a little scared. His eyes darted around for half a second while she pulled out her best pout, gray eyes shining like a puppy begging for table scraps. Later, she’d chide herself for being so mean. After all, she used to practically torture Ace with that expression. But for now, she needed answers.

“Well…” Sanji started, pulling himself together before all the blood rushed out of his nose. “I am merely a humble sea cook, mademoiselle. I fought valiantly for my former home, and for the chance to gaze upon your lovely visage once again.” He flourished into a low bow.

“Uh huh,” Hazel chuckled, an amused smile on her face as she raised a brow. “Definitely humble.” Sanji rose back to standing, an easy grin in place at their shared humor. “Come on, lover boy. Sit with me awhile and tell me a story.”

The two sat and talked for a time, Hazel’s pencil scratching across the pages of her notebook as Sanji divulged all the details he felt comfortable sharing: how Luffy had bartered with Zeff for his freedom, the way he’d swatted projectiles with a single kick. She had a feeling he may’ve been embellishing his actions a bit, but having seen the way he’d toppled part of a building at Arlong Park, she knew it wasn’t all bluster.

He told her of Pearl, the man who’d covered himself in armor, only to lose his mind (and catch fire, apparently) at the first drop of blood. How Gin, the man he’d helped, had taken the old man hostage, and how he’d been willing to die to save his mentor’s dream. Hazel filed away that note for later, planning to ask about the clear devotion Sanji had for the old man, even if the blond tried to hide it behind snark.

She tried not to laugh when Sanji told her Luffy destroyed part of the ship. From what he was telling her, it was actually a brilliant stroke on Luffy’s part, and definitely contributed to Sanji’s outlook on the situation; but the way the blond’s curly brow furrowed over his eyes at the memory was, in her opinion, hilarious. 

“So, wait,” Hazel started, pausing Sanji’s tale of his fight with Gin. “How did you come to the Baratie in the first place? Zeff isn’t your father, is he? Why so devoted to preserving his dream?”

Discomfort crossed the cook’s face, as it had earlier, but whether it was his dedication to please the woman in front of him, or because he’d already come this far, he gifted her with the reason. “He saved my life,” was the simple answer. The follow-up nearly brought tears to her eyes. 

Hazel reached across the table, covering his hand with her own, and she sent him a soft smile. A light blush dusted his cheeks, and she allowed him to turn away to light a cigarette; she even grabbed the ashtray off the back shelf for him.

Just as they were about to continue, the door to the galley swung open, a rubbery body bouncing its way inside. “Sanji!! Food!” Luffy yelled, head turning frantically before his eyes finally settled on the cook.

“You just ate, you damn animal!” The cook scolded, and the somber mood was broken as Hazel burst into laughter.

“But I’m hungry! Food!”

“I’m busy!” Hazel took that moment to step in.

“It’s alright, Sanji. I can get the rest from you later. If you don’t start dinner soon, we may not have a ship to sail on anymore,” she laughed, drawing Luffy’s attention. The boy leaped onto the bench in front of her, taking Sanji’s place, and glancing at the notebook for a second without reading.

“Whatcha talkin’ about? Whaddaya need Sanji for?”

“He was telling me about your fight with Don Krieg, since I missed it.”

“Oh! I can tell you! There was a boom! And a woosh! And then I went ‘Gum-Gum Bazooka’! And then there was poison gas, but we’re fine, and then everything went boom boom boom boom! And then I got poked a lot! And then-” Hazel tuned out as her brother continued telling her all about the fight with as little detail as possible. Sanji shot her a confounded look over their captain’s shoulder, and the girl replied with a nonchalant shrug. When Luffy finally finished, he looked to his sister expectantly, proud grin wide across his face.

“Thanks Luffy, I’ll make sure to write that down.” The boy nodded, then looked back at her notes from Sanji’s story.

“Looks like you’ve gotten a lot done!” Hazel flinched, grimacing into her palm.

“Yes and no…” Luffy just looked at her, confusion in his eyes, and Hazel gave a heavy sigh. “To be honest, Luff...I don’t really know where to start.”

“At the beginning. Duh.”

“Wow, I never thought about that,” Hazel deadpanned. “And get your finger out of your nose!” As Luffy stuck his tongue out at her, something struck her. Hazel’s eyes widened, an invisible energy urging her hand to move across the paper. “Actually, Luffy, you’re a genius! Thank you!”

She vaguely heard him say something in agreement, but her mind was too focused on the idea it had. Start at the beginning...she was surprised the thought hadn’t occurred to her earlier; after all, she’d only just told the story a week ago.

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

Foosha Village had always been a peaceful town. Even when pirates had settled their sails at its docks the year previous, the villagers had yet to deal with much past the occasional bandit or two. Our lives had been much the same, short as they were; filled with fun and laughter and play. Then one day, the stuff of legends became real, and peace would be known no more.

The sun had shown brightly that morning, though my brother and I had already been up for hours. We always had trouble sleeping the closer to Shanks’ departure. In only a short time, the red-headed man had wormed his way into our lives, and our hearts, and my brother especially was determined to join him this time.

So it was that we stood on the deck of the Red-Hair Pirate’s ship, the hustle and bustle of supplies and crates being loaded around us. A few of the men were singing songs - definitely inappropriate considering the children in their company - but we’d already spent the last seven years in a bar. There was nothing in those songs we hadn’t heard before.

I had been listening to Benn Beckman’s tale of their last voyage when Shanks’ voice had called our attention to the figurehead. Standing atop the dragon’s maw, my brother Luffy stood glaring down at our pirate friends. Unfortunately, none of us had taken his declaration of strength seriously. Not until he drove the knife beneath his eye.

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

The paragraphs flew quickly out of her hand, the day in question clear in her mind. Hazel took a moment to shake out her wrist, feeling stiff as she read over her work so far. She liked it, she really did. Now to keep up this momentum.

The door opened once again, and Usopp and Nami wandered in, talking about something she couldn’t hear. Hazel was still glaring at the page, chewing her cheek as she thought about how to word her next sentence. She heard Sanji mention dinner would be ready soon, Luffy’s excitement sounding through the room, then Usopp’s hiss for him to be quiet.

“Don’t distract her! She’s scary when she’s mad!” the boy whimpered out, much to Luffy’s amusement.

“No she’s not!” he laughed, drawing the sniper’s ire.

“You didn’t think that when she made you take a bath!” Hazel stifled a snort.

“Speaking of which,” Nami chimed in, holding a hand to her nose. “How long ago was that?”

“Actually, Luffy, you are due for one. Zoro too,” Hazel said, looking up at her surprised crewmates. What, did they think she couldn’t hear them at all? “Why don’t you go wash up before dinner. Please?” Luffy groaned, glaring at the navigator, but dutifully made his way to the bathroom. Despite what he said, he didn’t want to push his sister. Again.

Hazel took that moment to stand up, stretching her back with a loud pop, grabbed her notebook, and made her way outside to tell their grungy swordsman his bath was after dinner. She couldn’t see him at first when she stepped outside, but after glancing around for a moment, she finally spotted him. She blinked when she saw his bare back, mesmerized for a moment at the way the muscles rippled as he did push-up after push-up. A second later, she blinked the distraction away, and walked down the steps to the grass-haired man.

“Hey, your turn for a bath after dinner,” she told him, practically hearing him grit his teeth at the notion. “Dinner’s actually almost done, by the way, so you may wanna wrap it up here.”

“Not done,” he grunted, prompting her to raise a brow in his direction.

“Well find a way to be done. We’re hungry, and you’re sweaty.”

“If I’m gonna get stronger, I can’t cut training short. I need more weight.” His gray eyes swung up to hers, and Hazel got the distinct sense he was sizing her up.

“What do you want me to do about that?” She regretted asking the instant she said it. Zoro gestured to his back. His extremely sweaty back.

“Climb on.”

“Excuse me? What are you insinuating here?” She crossed her arms, trying to decide if she needed to hit him for calling her fat or not. She caught him rolling his eyes.

“You’re all muscle, it’s heavier. Climb on.” Hazel chewed her lip, weighing the pros and cons. Then, deciding she had nothing to lose except her hygiene (and really, she could do with a bath herself), she stepped closer to him, cautiously sitting down when he paused for her. He reached his arm around, causing a startled squeak as he adjusted her position, then he resumed his training, a new strain in his breath.

While he worked, Hazel puzzled once again over her notebook. Disappointment flowed through her as she stared at the four lone paragraphs, the struggle for where to take the story next staying her hand. She’d gotten nothing done today, and it was difficult not to take it to heart.

“What are you sighing about up there?” her cushion grunted below her. Hazel rolled her eyes, but decided to humor him by answering anyway.

“I’ve been working on this all day, and somehow I have nothing to show for it.” Zoro was silent except for his heavy breathing, but for some reason she pushed on. “What kind of record-keeper am I? What kind of storyteller can’t tell a damn story? I don’t even have to make it all up, it’s all stuff that happened…” A puff of air escaped her as her eyes began to sting. “Maybe I’m not cut out for this…”

She hadn’t meant to say it, at least not out loud, and was startled when her chair suddenly stood up. She cried out as she fell, but before she could hit the floor, Zoro’s arms came out to steady her. She looked up at him in shock, affronted at the small glare he sent her way. “Read it out loud,” he said, pointing to the little book in her hands.

“Eh?!” Hazel shrieked, appalled at the very notion of any living being actually hearing her work out loud.

“Read it out loud,” Zoro said again, shrugging his shirt back on. “Then I can tell you if it’s shitty.”

“No way! It’s not ready for human consumption yet!” she yelled, glaring as he sat below the mast. “Besides, who are you to tell me if it’s shit? You wouldn’t know good literature if it waved a sword at you and said ‘boy, speak your name’!” Zoro rolled his eyes at the reference, but leveled her with a steady gaze as it dawned on her the trick he was trying to pull. “Stop it, it’s mine. Why should I share it with you?”

“Because I like the way you tell stories.” He said it so simply, like it didn’t carry nearly the weight for him that it did for her. Hazel felt the blood rush to her cheeks, but she didn’t look away. Something held her gaze on his, something she couldn’t possibly name.

“So how does me reading it aloud help me write it?” Her voice was so quiet, she was surprised he could even hear it.

“Just write it how you’d say it,” he answered, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. And when he said it like that, it did seem obvious, and Hazel could kick herself for not thinking of it sooner. Before she knew it, she felt herself nodding, sitting beside him beneath the sail.

“Foosha Village had always been a peaceful town….” she began, reading from the beginning, and surprising herself when her voice continued past the last paragraph. He’d heard the story before, but still Zoro sat, listening with rapt attention. Her voice slowed as she wrote, not allowing herself to forget what she’d said, what phrases she used that flowed from her mouth like water.

At one point Hazel glanced beside her, surprised to see the swordsman’s eyes shut. She let out a sigh, finishing her sentence, but not continuing on. She found herself rolling her eyes at the sleeping swordsman, irked that he apparently found her so boring.

“You stuck again?”

Hazel turned to him again, meeting his gaze through half-lidded eyes. She let out a half chuckle, shaking her head in amusement, before diving into the next paragraph.

It was only Luffy’s call of “Dinner!!” that finally drew the two inside.

[scary-lasagna]

Hey, could I have headcanons about how the boys became interested in they’re s/o? I’ve always wondered what set them “apart” or how they meet them. I hope you have a good day and that quarantine isnt driving you bonkers!

I would’ve totally done Masky and Hoodie/any others but I’ve already written too much lmao

Jeff

When out of his usual Friday night killing spree, he was caught off guard by a scream from outside rather than inside where he was currently doing the stabbing motions.

He was intrigued to say the least.

Jeff ventured outside, and upon seeing your frightened face, he knew he just had to make you scream a little bit more before landing a final blow.

He chased after you down the city streets, desperately trying to corner you like a cat chasing a mouse.

And then he saw how frail, how weak you looked as you cowered against the brick wall of the alley.

He wanted to toy with you before he killed you, so he dragged you home with him.

He was surprised, nonetheless impressed, with how quickly you found a way to stab him without a weapon.

You still ended up being dragged home by the killer.

He just couldn't bring himself to hurt you. You looked so beautiful b how your skin glowed, and the way your eyes sparkle in the sunlight.

And whenever he managed to get a smile from you proved his mood better for the rest of the day.

And instead of toying around and scaring you, y'all just kind of lived as roommates until you eventually grew feelings for him.

Ben

When Ben is bored, he likes sifting through webcam and security cameras from his hometown.

Or at least what he believes to be his hometown. He doesn't exactly remember, but some of the faces look familiar.

But everyone w sleeping at 3am, so there wasn't much entertainment for the elf.

And then there was you, a new resident who was raiding your fridge for yogurt, pudding, chocolate, Doritos, and whatever else you could find in the middle of the night.

Ben found himself watching you more than usual, contemplating if he wants to strike you as his newest victim or not.

But the Majora cartridge somehow found it's way onto your living room couch, along with a battered down N64.

You thought it was just one of your friends who put it there, a few of your close friends/family has a house key in case you ever get locked out.

What a nice house warming gift.

But what was not a nice house warming gift was the blonde fucker that climbed out of your television screen.

He found your reactions cute and funny, so he lingered around for a bit. He was a ghost, it's not like you could attack him or anything.

But honestly?

You felt yourself vibing with him, and you found yourself becoming good friends, and eventually more than that.

Eyeless Jack

What Jack thought to be a midnight snack was actually a start to his random act of kindness for the day.

You wore a necklace to bed that night, something you thought would never make you cross paths with Death himself.

It got caught on your Smartwatch, tangling and twisting around the face until you woke up gasping for empty breaths of air.

Jack hopped through the window just in time.

As if it were his instinct, he was quick to break the necklace and rip it off of your neck.

By this time you were fading out of consciousness.

A pair of hands held the back of your neck, and a gaze of darkness inspected your breathing.

You awoke to a very rough jostling, a metallic smelling finger going as far as opening one of your eyelids.

When you start coughing the stranger steps back silently, cocking his head to the side as he watches you recover.

Why this man was in your room you had no idea, but you were very grateful that he was here when he was.

The silence between the both of you was thick. His prying eyes were observing you, and it sent goosebumps along your skin despite the sweat clinging to your skin.

And then he took out a knife, or was it a surgical tool? You had no time to double-check because you were already chasing him out with a tennis racket that you KNEW how to use.

He came back though, perched on your windowsill like an unwanted cat.

"Do you want to come in?" The man in black slowly nodded.

"Do you want to hurt me?" A hesitation, but nonetheless he shook his head side to side.

He observed you once you allowed him entry, not really making effort to talk except, "You smell nice." Which made you sweat nervously.

With more interaction, you noticed that he's not /too/ weird, and he's very intelligent with a side of sarcasm.

You started to grow fond of the way his body loomed over yours, and the way his teeth poked over his lips with he smirked.

Toby

Toby was severely injured in the woods, practically left there to die by whoever was deemed to be his attacker.

But lucky you, you stumbled upon the serial killer when on your way home from work.

You thought the glowing eyes reflecting off of your headlights were those of a wounded animal, but it was worse than that.

This boy was absolutely covered in blood. There's no way he'd survive out here alone, taking that he's already passed out from blood loss.

You drag him to your car, not caring about the blood on your seats. You patch him up to the best of your ability until you can find a hospital.

But a gasp from the backseat says otherwise, frantically pleading to stop the car.

" I-I-I can'- I can't go to the doc-doctor! Please!!"

"Dude, you're bleeding everywhere, you need help."

"Not all of it is my blood."

That made your tires screech, nearly sending Toby into a panic attack. Flashbacks of a certain car crash keep trying to wiggle its way to the front of his mind.

And then he passes out again.

You don't want to be involved in any type of murder, plus you have no idea what this dude's story is. He could've been helping people that got injured? Hopefully?

It's not like you can just leave him on the side of the road somewhere.

You brought him home and nursed him back to health to the best of your abilities (and google).

He didn't have any interest in you at first, he was more focused on returning home. Toby even debated killing you a few times, and right when he had the hatchet raised, "Toby are you covered up? It's getting chilly."

Toby lolls his head back, letting his forearms meet his forehead and still limply hold onto the hatchet.

Every time he attempts murder, you always seem to have something nice to say. And eventually, you start to remind Toby of his late sister.

You cared about him, which is not something that happens often to the ticing brunette.

After catching feelings, you're not able to get rid of him unless you kick him out of the car like a lost puppy.

So, he'll just have to stick around for a little while longer, cuddling on the couch as you watch Disney films.

[pop-culturereference]

as long as i’m reflecting you

Summary: “I can’t believe you haven’t figured it out yet. I'm you, Hawks."

@hawksweek2020 day 1: Cliché

If you’d rather read on ao3 (or if you want to read my long rant in the chapter notes): https://archiveofourown.org/works/27203351

Fandom: My Hero Academia

Pairing: Gen

Rating: G

Characters: Hawks, Dabi

Dabi towers over Hawks as he lies there, helpless, blue flame licking greedily at his face and wings. He can feel himself shriveling under the heat, but perhaps the worst part is this:

Takami Keigo.

Dabi knows his name. Dabi knew all along what Hawks was doing there, knows more than even his friends do—his name.

Hawks panics at the sound of Dabi’s boots crunching on the broken shards of his visor—He can’t die here! The battle is far from over, and he’s the only hero ready and equipped to deal with the aftermath. There’s not much Hawks can do, at this point, but he does have one option. Dabi needs time between using his quirk in order to recover. Use conversation, distract him, draw him in. In Hawks’s experience, villains never pass up a chance to gloat and throw their self-righteousness in everyone’s face. Get a villain talking about themself, and they won’t shut up. Even closed-off Dabi will likely blab his life story, thinking Hawks is about to die. It’s worth a shot.

“The only members of the League I found nothing on were you and Shigaraki. I found everyone else’s background, their families—but for you, I couldn’t even find a name. Who are you?”

Dabi sets a foot on Hawks’s back, leans his weight into it. Hawks pushes himself up with his hands as much as he can to prevent his ribs from snapping. He’s miscalculated. Dabi will keep his secrets over his ego. Hawks accepts his death even as he fights and pushes against it; he can’t die, but he’s going to, and there’s nothing he can do about it. He’s expecting Dabi to burn him to death right there, and he’s already bracing himself and gritting his teeth against the heat. He is <em>not</em> expecting Dabi to crouch down, one foot still on Hawks’s back, and whisper:

“I can’t believe you haven’t figured it out yet.” There’s a warm huff of laughter on his ear that has Hawks cringing away, then— “I’m you, Hawks.”

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

Hawks wakes up to the horrible smell of antiseptic solution and the annoying tug of compression sleeves on his leg hair. Then, of course, the swoop of vertigo that speaks of some Pretty Heavy Anaesthesia. He tries to cough the smell out of his mouth, but is met with a sore throat—more than sore, actually. It’s like someone’s taken literal sandpaper and dragged it down his entire esophagus. He gags, tries to sit up, is hit off balance by the vertigo, and promptly throws up over the side of the bed.

He leans back against his pillows and wallows in the agony his stomach acid has raked over his poor, abused, sandpapered throat.

“Can I get you anything?” asks a nurse holding a bucket. Oh, good. He’d vomited into a bucket and not all over the hospital floor.

Hawks gestures frantically to his throat with a plea in his eyes that the nurse hopefully interprets as “water,” or “cough drop,” or even, “please just slit my throat and put me out of my misery.”

The nurse hands him both water and cough drops. Hawks’s eyes water with gratitude. Well, either that or pain. Maybe both.

“Sorry, man,” says the nurse as he reaches to adjust Hawks’s blanket. “They had to do surgery on your wings, and you had a breathing tube.”

Hawks croaks in horror. “Wings!?”

“They’ll be all right. You also had some skin grafts for the burns.”

Burns. Dabi. I’m you, Hawks.

“Phone,” he demands urgently.

With his miraculously only-slightly-singed phone in his hands, Hawks shoos the nurse away and starts tapping and typing with frenzied vigor.

His google search shows him an article spotlight on him, featuring an interview with Tokoyami, who apparently saved him. Good kid, that Tokoyami. It also shows him that there were minimal casualties and that apparently the UA students were spearheading the clean-up and rebuilding of the battleground. Okay. Okay. Good, good. All of it good. 

Now, what he <em>really</em> wants to know: Dabi.

To: VP HPSC: 

get me every pic i ever sent u of dabi highest res possible asap

also the cam footage of lov hideout

To the number he’d found on Google for the news network he saw at the raid:

Hi, this is Hawks. I saw your news logo at the fight in Reika. I was wondering if you could send me any footage you managed to get of the villains. Thank you. Here’s a selfie for proof it’s me.

To: Dabi (Villain):

hey ik its a bit of a long shot but like i would love an explanation thanks xoxo <3

He knows Dabi’s claim is ridiculous. He knows, all right? What he’s actually hoping to find is some connection to Endeavor. There’s definitely <em>something</em> familiar about Dabi, and that, paired with the fire quirk, could explain it. 

The first replies he gets are the pictures and footage from the Commission. Hawks zooms in and examines Dabi’s hair. He always knew it was dyed.The roots come in a lighter color, which would make his hair look perpetually greasy if it laid flat; but instead, it makes his spiky hair look just the slightest bit detached from his head. As he looks at the pictures, he’s surprised to realize that he was already biased toward his Endeavor explanation in his head: he was thinking Dabi’s hair was white, like the color of Todoroki Shouto’s ice side, from whoever was Endeavor’s wife. Closer scrutiny shows that it’s actually a dark blond, like Hawks’s own hair. 

That doesn’t mean anything, though.

Dabi’s aesthetically stapled under-eye bags are right in the spot where Hawks has his natural eye markings.

The one picture he managed to find of Dabi shirtless (It’s okay, Hawks reminds himself. I’m a creep with a noble cause. It was for the intel) shows that the stapled purple skin covers the part of his back where Hawks has his wings. If Dabi had wings and they were removed, purple skin grafts or whatever those were would cover up the evidence quite nicely.

And… what Hawks learned during the raid. Dabi’s weakness is his own quirk. Fire. That’s Hawks’s own biggest weakness. That’s almost too much to be a coincidence…what if…?

As he’s looking over the Commission’s images, he almost drops his phone in surprise because Dabi (Villain) texts him back. 

Every intelligent thought in his head evacuates in favor of wtfwtfwtfwtf.

It’s a selfie—a close-up of Dabi’s face, right behind a hand that’s flipping him off. It’s just the puzzle piece that he needs, because the small gleam of light catches on the telltale glint of a contact lens, and Hawks can see where the edge of the blue goes lighter where it’s not covering the colorful iris underneath—Dabi’s eyes aren’t actually blue. And, what Hawks has always thought of as edgy eyeliner looks suspiciously similar to his other eye markings.

Another quick text to: Pres HPSC, VP HPSC:

i dont have any sort of long lost twin brother right??? or like an evil clone or smth??

Almost instantly, he receives a No.

It should be a relief, but his mind’s still going haywire. Dabi…is him? He is Dabi? Dabi is Hawks? Does Hawks is Dabi who? Shut up, brain, you didn’t connect shit. It Dabi, Takami Keigo Dabi Hawks… if Hawks? Who Takami Dabi… he…   

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

Maybe I shouldn’t try thinking when I’m high on painkillers, he thinks when he wakes up. 

As he looks around, he realizes he’s been moved to a more long-term room. Instead of curtains, it has a door, and there’s a TV and a nightstand. His phone is dead and he’s not about to call the nurse to come plug it in for him, so he switches on the TV instead, not sure how much he can trust his conclusions on the outcome of the raid if he convinced himself that he was somehow Dabi in the same 10-minute timespan.

The first thing that shows up on the news channel is a report about Hawks, and he’s greeted with the atrocious selfie he took to prove his identity to the news channel. His hair is a devastated battleground and missing completely on his burned side, he’s covered in gauze and medical tape, and his smile looks half-crazed. What was he thinking?

“Hawks is recovering in an unknown hospital, but he looks to be well. The real question is, will the Number Two Hero still be able to charm without half of his famous wind-swept hair?”

“I don’t know, Motome-san. Let’s look at some footage of the battle. I’m sure any lady—or gentleman—would be charmed by someone willing to go so far to protect them.”

Hawks rolls his eyes and scowls, but doesn’t turn off the TV. If they show his fight with Dabi—if he could get a quick glimpse of him—he could turn off the idiot switch in his brain that won’t shut up. 

Instead, what he sees is a streak of red that flies into Dabi’s hand. That’s one of his feathers. Dabi controlled one of his feathers. Dabi has control of Hawks’s Fierce Wings.

To hell with his pride! Hawks repeatedly jams the help button on the side of his bed, and a nurse arrives soon after, out of breath. Hawks feels a little bad for scaring the poor man, but he needs to charge his phone. As soon as it turns back on, he sends out the text to almost every single one of his contacts.

Hi all, this is Hawks. I’ve figured out the identity of the villain Dabi. It should help you lure him out and take him down. DABI IS ME. Text me with any questions. Go after him with fire, if you can.

Within three minutes, Hawks has rejected 7 calls. Text me with any questions, he said. Not call. He won’t be speaking with his sandpaper throat for at least the next month if he has anything to say about it. 

Someone with enough manners finally texts instead of calls. It reads: omw to kill you right now. should have finished the job last time.

Oh, shit. Did he really send that message to Dabi? 

Yeah. He did.

SOS this is not a joke, he sends to the HPSC. Dabi just texted me says he’s going to kill me right now. i’m in the hospital, can’t fight. PLEASE send someone

He answers the next call from Pres HPSC. “Can’t talk,” he rasps and tastes blood on his tongue. The president talks to him and he gives one tap for yes, two taps for no.

“Do you really want us to send someone?”

One tap.

The president sighs. “Hawks, as soon as you can speak, I expect the most thorough, detailed, in-depth report you’ve ever given in your life.”

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

With Hawks’s warning, they capture Dabi easily enough. He shows up at the hospital directly and comes face-to-face with Endeavor, who, knowing about his weakness to fire, easily takes him down.

When Hawks visits Tartarus a month later to interrogate Dabi, he wonders how he ever missed it. Without the dye and the contacts, there’s no denying that Dabi is Hawks. He’s left wondering, though.

“Why did you text me at the hospital that you were on your way to kill me? I immediately got Endeavor there. I thought you were a little smarter than that.”

Dabi just shrugs, his newly-regenerated red feathers rustling with the movement. “Obviously not. I am you, after all.”

[shineonyoucrazyyandere]

Yandere Pesci with a s/o who likes to go on walks and spend time with him but can't due to a chronic illness? (Need me some pesci love ;-;/ )

Pesci is loved on this account, no ifs, ands or buts. He really deserves more poor guy. He’s a nervous boi sometimes.

Anywho it might not be exactly what you wanted, I kind of went my own way with it a little bit. Plus I always imagine Prosciutto helps with the more intense yan stuff, like don’t lose your target, get their location down, kidnap them if need be, charm them if you can, etc. etc. Overall Pesci is a more down to earth yandere, can’t say that for the rest of La Squadra (as they tend to pressure him to be a bit more intense and forward).

  Being an utterly nervous wreck had its disadvantages, especially for an assassin like Pesci was supposed to be. It certainly didn’t help when it came to falling hard for someone. He was like a lost puppy of sorts, clingy and shaking not wanting to lose something that made his heart flutter.

 Prosciutto caught on very quickly to his deep crush, and of course he wanted to instill wisdom just like he had in his line of work.

 “Tell me how long have you had a thing for them?” The blond inquired 

“J-just a few months now” 

““I see so that’s where some of your paycheck went, gifts...” he muttered more as an astute observance rather than something directed towards the man he looked over in assassinations.  “Have you approached them?” Prosciutto pried further 

 He shook his head at this question, and there was a soft tsk from his teammate’s lips. Though the man’s blue eyes quickly hastened to a somewhat more serious demeanor. His bro was always pretty quick witted when putting two and two together when it came to habits of other people. His own staying out late to sneak a peak at your home and drop of gifts was likely already on his more seasoned companion’s mind.  “You’re passionate about whoever this person is and hiding around a corner won’t do you any good, you need to be bold in your pursuit” His hands were now lying on Pesci’s own shoulders.

  “I’m certain you wouldn’t want another man or woman wedging themselves in between you and them correct?” He added on

 “Yeah, I’d uh hate that” Pesci nodded along, that was certainly true he’d be massively jealous of the stranger who approached such a sweet person like you. 

 “Well then, try and get them to yourself directly, without following them around all day”  the blond told him. “If you have to just delve into their vulnerabilities”

 “Otherwise more drastic measures might have to be taken”

   All of that Pesci remembered clear as day, be clear and concise. He just had to attempt to approach you and garner your attention. Of course he didn’t expect it to go down like it had. The area he had bumped into you at the time was pretty inconspicuous and somewhere you seemed to go to when you could.    You just dropped an item that you had purchased from a nearby shop. Of course he was all to eager to pick it up. Cause who knows what kind of person would’ve taken something you bought and would’ve handed it off for a quick grab of cash.

  “Oh you found this? Thank you!” You had given him a genuine smile 

He could barely contain the nervous joy that lied beneath his chest. Even more so he could only stutter out a your welcome.

  Apparently that had amused you to his surprise, usually people would scoff at his appearance and maybe make a snide remark behind his back. He knew he had fallen for the right person, this must be it.

  “Here, it’s the least I could give for you genuinely looking out for me” You had dug out some bills from your bag and were now holding it out towards the man.

 He anxiously took the money from you, as if waiting for an impending negative reaction. He innately knew for some reason you wouldn’t do such a thing but it was something just instilled in him honestly. Though for powering through his hesitance he felt good finally getting to see you face to face.

  Eventually he found himself strategizing of how to bump into you that wasn’t suspicious in nature. Keeping his composure probably helped too but Pesci couldn’t help but melt with every little kind smile you sent his way. You probably caught on to him seeing you often on a few of the same streets. But the way he was going about seeing you would hopefully be impressive to Prosciutto.

  “I don’t get out much honestly due to my condition” You told him one day

“So I don’t get to chat much with others, so it’s nice seeing someone come right to me for once”    He stared at you with fascination and adoration, maybe he wasn’t reading you right but it felt like there was some loneliness laced in your tone. Without hesitation he listened to every word that escaped your lips. You had friends sure but they lived some distance away, and you understood they couldn’t visit often because of that. Of course Pesci took this as a personal advantage, to his admittedly selfish desires.

   “And then I’m left gifts, mainly snacks of all things from who knows where...and I’m not sure whether to eat them or throw them out” You shrug with uncertainty.

  ““Most people...would uhm...say throw it out anyway right?” Pesci piped up nervously

“I suppose so...but I can tell they’re not resealed or anything....so I kind of feel bad” You sigh. “Call it naive or stupid even, but some of those I can’t help but keep around since a few of those treats are my favorites”

  He stared at you with deep interest, you actually liked what he bought you. Of course he er...eavesdropped and may have snuck into your apartment at one point. “Well uh if you don’t trust those, I could always buy you some” He meekly suggested. “Mmm...maybe some other time on another little walk of ours” You smiled 

“For now your company is all I really need”

[wildlyminiaturesandwich]

🏠 Tiny Living Stuff Pack Review 🏠

Thank you to the EA Game Changer Program for providing me with the opportunity to play with Tiny Living Stuff early!

I didn’t have a lot of time to play around with this pack because I had some real life obligations during the early access time frame and the embargo time was once again at a ridiculous hour of the morning for me (don’t get me started on that mess), but here’s what I did learn about the new Tiny Living Stuff Pack.

I feel like I need to say straight away that this is my favourite stuff pack so far. The reason I feel the need to say that is because when I sat down to go through the notes I’d made during early access and type up this review, the more I got into it, the more it started to sound... aggressively ranty 😬

I was going to try to tone it down a bit, but honestly there are already so many reviews out there that gloss over the glaring bugs that I figured I might as well just leave it. It’s my honest opinion of the pack, and what’s the point of doing a review if I’m not giving my honest opinion, no matter how ranty? lol

I’m gonna put this under a cut, because spoilers.

— What I loved —

🏠 Create-a-Sim:

I’ve been saying for a long time we need more comfy casual clothing for our sims and with this pack we finally got some! LOOK AT THOSE JAMMIES!

To be honest, I wasn’t expecting any CAS items with this pack, but we got some amazing clothing that I will no doubt use on literally every sim I make lol

The hairs are good too, and more options are always appreciated, however I honestly feel like we already have different variations of most of them.

The best part about the hairs is that every single one of them has been made available for kids and toddlers! Apparently one of the gurus found a quick and cost effective way to convert hairs, so hopefully we’ll see this happen more and more with each future pack!

🏠  Buy Mode:

The Buy Mode objects are 100% the star of this pack for me. I don’t think there is a single thing in the buy catalogue of this pack that I didn’t absolutely adore! Some of the objects have issues — and I’ll get into that in a bit — but overall I love, love, LOVE the general concept of everything.

[click for larger]

The objects in this pack were based off the Scandinavian concept of Hygge and I really think they hit the nail on the head! Everything feels so cozy and comfy, with a little hint of Ikea to the furniture and I just... I can’t even really put into words how much I love it all. I honestly can’t remember a single previous pack (expansion, game or stuff) where I have loved every item in the buy catalogue, there’s usually always something that’s like “Meh” or “I don’t like this at all” to me, but the objects in this pack are 10/10.

I also love that they combined so many things. Like the murphy bed with the couch on the front (though I do wish we were also given that couch as a separate couch as well) and the TV unit that’s also a bookcase AND a stereo. And I really appreciate that they went back and redid some of the old book ends to make them functional bookcases. 

— What I didn’t love —

🏠 Create-A-Sim:

I say it with every pack and I’m going to continue to say it even if no one is listening...

WHERE ARE THE KIDS, TODDLERS AND ELDERS CAS ITEMS!?

I know the kids and toddlers got some hairs but that doesn’t make up for the serious lack of CAS content that every age range besides young adults has and it’s getting really hard to make unique sims when there isn’t enough content to choose from.

🏠 Build Mode:

For a pack dedicated to Tiny Living, I was really disappointed to see literally only one door in the build catalogue. ONE. I was expecting some small windows, maybe some sliding doors, but nope; just one door. Hell I would have even been happy to have less CAS stuff in exchange for some build stuff!

I get why they haven’t added bunk beds and spiral stairs yet, those are a lot of work and I’m ok with waiting until they perfect them BUT this would have been the perfect pack to add ladders. We already have ladders in game that are fully animated (pool and island living ladders) it really wouldn’t take that much work to make ladders work between floors. I HATE the idea of having to put stairs outside in tiny builds and ladders are the ultimate in space saving “technology"; I feel like the team really dropped the ball on that one.

🏠 Murphy Beds:

Listen, I love the concept of the murphy beds and the design of them looks really cool but I can’t see myself using them at all as they are currently.

I was almost immediately disappointed with them when I realised they were remote controlled. I know that it makes it easier for the Sims Team so they don’t have to work so hard to animate them, but I really wanted sims to pull them down by hand. The reason I wanted murphy beds in the game was because they would fit better with small apartments and homes of sims who don’t have a lot of money, and to me a remote controlled murphy bed sounds incredibly expensive. 

Oh but don’t worry, because apparently the remote control is invisible?

Now, the version of the game that the Gurus were using for the stream didn’t have invisible remotes BUT they use a dev build of the game that isn’t the same as ours, and many other Game Changers are also saying its invisible for them too, so I dunno what happened but that’s just one of the things that needs to be fixed.

The other issue, which is the biggest deal breaker for me, is that the damn things constantly break! And I do mean CONSTANTLY. You know how when you buy a cheap stereo or sink it’ll last a few days/uses before it breaks? Yeh, not the case for the murphy beds. They break instantly, and they break often.

I was REALLY looking forward to murphy beds being added to the game and I thought if there’s one thing I need to do above all else with this pack, it’s test out those glorious murphy beds! Well... I managed to play for roughly three sim days and here’s what happened during that time:

Bed 1 (never used before) got stuck on first use and squashed Sim 1

Bed 1 got stuck on second attempt and killed Sim 1

Bed 1 got stuck on third attempt and squashed Sim 2

Bought brand new bed

Bed 2 pulled down without issue for Sim 2

Bed 2 broke at 11pm while Sim 2 was sleeping and squashed Sim 2

Sim 2 refused to sleep for 3 hours out of fear while Sim 3 was able to sleep in broken, sparking bed for that time without issue because they weren’t in it when it squashed Sim 2

Sim 2 repaired bed while Sim 3 continued to sleep

After 3 hours Sim 2 went back to sleep and Bed 2 broke again almost immediately

Bought brand new bed. Again.

Bed 3 got stuck on first attempt and squashed Sim 2

Bed 3 got stuck on second attempt and squashed Sim 3

Bed 3 pulled down without issue on third attempt for Sim 3

Sims 2 and 3 slept for another 2 hours before Bed 3 started sparking again but didn’t squash them

Woke Sim 2 up to repair bed and immediately sent Sim 2 back to bed (the fear moodlet only happens if they get squashed but the bed can break without squashing them apparently?)

Bed 3 broke again 3.5 hours later and squashed both Sim 2 and 3

I rage quit.

For the so-called “Hero” object of this pack, this is just unacceptable. The percentage for breakage REALLY needs to be turned down because in my opinion they’re not usable as they are.

And even if it weren’t for all the bugs, I probably still wouldn’t use them in tiny homes because I don’t think they’re space saving at all. They take up exactly the same amount of space as normal beds do; 6 tiles. You can’t put anything in front of them or around them if you want them to be functional on both sides, and you can’t even put dangling lights above them because I guess, realistically, the bed would hit them on the way down?

It’s especially annoying with the murphy bed that has the couch attached. It would have been really nice to add a small coffee table or ottoman in front of it but you can’t because then your sims won’t be able to use the bed. I really wish they had have made at least the little round coffee table and the ottoman from this pack inventory-able. Sims could have them out during the day, and throw them in their inventory when they need to use the bed at night, then place them back down in the morning when they wake up.

I think it’s this aspect — not being able to put things around/in front of the murphy beds — that actually annoys the most; the bugs will probably be fixed eventually but I can’t see this ever changing. I spent most of the three days we had for early access trying to work out how to fit a murphy bed into a 32 tile micro home without having it just sitting in the middle of an empty room and let me tell you, it’s not worth the frustration.

— The Verdict —

🏠 7/10 Would go Tiny again

As I said, this is my favourite stuff pack so far and I will get a lot of use out of the CAS and Buy stuff, but because of all the things I mentioned above I can’t give it a 10/10.

I do love the content of this pack, but right now I’m getting kind of fed up with the issues that keep happening with every pack lately. It’s all stuff that should have been caught by QA testing, stuff that is glaringly obvious to the average player, and stuff that would have only taken two minutes of gameplay to find out was a problem. I don’t know who tests these packs, but whoever it is needs to step up their game in a big way.

Overall I really do love the pack, but some major aspects fell a little flat for me. And the fact that that’s not at all a surprise, and that this feeling of “I like it, but...” has become the norm with new packs is really quite sad.

If you have questions about Tiny Living Stuff, feel free to drop an ask in my box, anon will be on right up until the release 😊

[disneydreamlights]

Across the Stars: Chapter 2

AO3 | FFN

[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9]

Summary: Tensions between the Separatists and the Republic are climbing as the Senate debates whether there is need for an army. Anakin Skywalker, Senator of Tatooine, has recently returned to Coruscant to speak against its formation, resulting in an assassination attempt that forces him to reunite with long time friends Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi and the newly knighted Padme Naberrie for his own protection. [Anidala]

(Or, an Attack of the Clones Roleswap AU)

The elevator ride up to the senator's apartment couldn't be over sooner, in Padmé's opinion, yet if it never ended she would have been thrilled. She looked out the window, trying to ignore the impossibly bright presence at the top of the building as they got closer and closer to the top floor of the building.

"Are you alright?" Obi-Wan pulled her attention away from the window she was gazing out of, and onto the ride up. The truth was, she wasn't sure. The elevator ride up to the senator's apartment felt impossibly long as it came nearer to the top floor of the building. "You're not normally this nervous, my Padawan."

Padmé laughed and gave a smile, hoping to seem more at ease. "I'm not your Padawan anymore." She had recently completed her trials, which probably helped explain her nerves. It was the first mission the council had deemed to give her since she'd been knighted, a matter of pride to her and Obi-Wan, and it was expected for her to be a little nervous. Though the nature of the mission, and who they were protecting, were more the cause than her new promotion.

An assassination attempt had been made on the Senator of Tatooine, Anakin Skywalker, and so she and Obi-Wan, by request of both the Chancellor and the council, had been assigned guard duty to the young man. To make sure no other attempts were made on his life. It was a compromise, she was sure, but Anakin knew them best after all. It was only natural they'd be sent to help.

Obi-Wan smiled at her. "So I keep forgetting." It was clear he hadn't, he'd been there when she was knighted after all. "But I'm sure it doesn't make things less nerve-wracking, I remember my first mission after being knighted wasn't much easier."

She couldn't imagine it would have been, he'd had a Padawan following him for the entire mission after all. "It was probably harder, you had to watch out for me too."

"So I did, though I'm sure that's probably not all that's plaguing you." Obi-Wan indicated her to express her worries. "So what else is wrong?"

"Not wrong, not necessarily." At this, Padmé couldn't help but keep the smile off her face. "I'm worried about Senator Skywalker, of course, but I'm also excited to get the chance to see him. It's been too long since we've seen him." Five years had passed since their last trip to Tatooine, and Padmé still remembered the young fourteen year old.

"That it has. Hopefully Anakin's been taking care of himself." They knew he had to have been, to some degree. He was a senator right now, and one didn't become a senator overnight with no hard work involved.

"I'm sure." She smiled. The elevator opened up, and Padmé and Obi-Wan walked into the apartment, watching the senator's advisors and Anakin himself discussing what they would need to do for the next meeting of the Senate.

It wasn't long before they were noticed. "Padmé, Obi-Wan." Before Anakin could even greet them, Shmi had come over, giving both Padmé and her Master a hug. "It's good to see you."

"Good to see you as well, Shmi." Obi-Wan bowed to the woman after being released from the quick hug. Padmé hugged the woman back, happy to see her again as well. She was a compassionate woman, and Padmé couldn't deny a bit of excitement at seeing her alongside her son. "How has retirement from the Senate been serving you."

"I'm glad I'm not in it right now. The stress Ani has to deal with to stop this bill…" Shmi gave them a tired smile. Admittedly, Padmé hadn't been able to follow Coruscant's politics with her preparation for the trials, so for once she had little idea what Shmi was talking about. "You'll protect him, right?"

"We'll do our best." Padmé gave the woman a smile. That was what they were here for.

"Mom, what are you–" From the kitchen, Anakin's voice stopped as he looked at the two Jedi, a smile forming on his face. Padmé couldn't stop one from forming on hers as well.

In the five years since they had last seen each other, Anakin had grown up from the gangly young teen into an adult. His blond hair had grown longer, but darker, likely due to him having spent less time under the twin suns on Tatooine. He'd also grown considerably more attractive, and Padmé felt her face warm up several degrees. She tried not to think about it. "Ani?"

"Hello Knight Naberrie," so he knew she was no longer a Padawan, "Obi-Wan. It's nice to see you both. I'm surprised you two didn't try to stop by sooner."

"We've been off world on missions, with the Separatist unrest stirring, it's been difficult to find a moment of rest for any Jedi." Obi-Wan gave an exhausted smile to Anakin. "Not to mention, Padmé had to study for her trials."

"I heard." Anakin smirked. "I've been keeping an ear in the Jedi Temple's business to see what I could hear about you two." That surprised Padmé, at least a little bit. She knew they had parted as friends, but she hadn't expected he'd be able to keep tabs on them. "Congrats, Padmé. I knew you'd be able to do it. I'm sure you'll make a fine Jedi."

"Thank you, Anakin." She was flattered for sure. "I only with you could share this moment with me. I know how much you wanted to be a Jedi too." The little slave boy from Tatooine who'd been so eager to learn how to use a lightsaber when she'd shown him hers as an initiate was a far cry from the man sitting in front of her now.

"It's the past." He waved her off, though she detected a small wave of irritation in the Force at the reminder. "Besides, I can do just as much good for the world without one. That's why I'm a Senator now." He indicated for the two of them to follow him to another room. "Mom, can you discuss the plan for dealing with the Military Creation Act? I need to discuss security with Padmé and Obi-Wan."

"Of course." Shmi nodded, her voice turning slightly more serious. The reminder of why they had reunited was a slight damper on the mood. It should have been under much better circumstances. All of them agreed on that. "I'll keep everybody occupied." She returned to the Tatooine senatorial delegation as Anakin entered into the kitchen, grabbing a seat with the Force for Padmé and Obi-Wan to sit down on.

"Somebody's still been practicing." Obi-Wan noted, watching as Anakin looked away.

"I didn't want the training you both gave me to go to waste. I try not to use it around others. You both warned me to keep it a secret for a reason, after all." Anakin's position likely meant the Force wasn't useful for much, but Padmé didn't blame him for keeping up with it. She likely would've done the same in his position. "Which means I think we can rule out the whole extremely powerful Force sensitive thing as the reason I'm being targeted, though I'm pretty sure it's the only reason I've survived so far."

"I agree." Obi-Wan nodded. "Not that we're here to help you solve the mystery of whoever's trying to kill you. We're merely here to serve as your protection."

Anakin frowned. "What do you mean you're not here to help me figure it out. That's the most important thing. Bail and I both agreed I need to be there to help deal with the Military Creation Act. I can't do that if I'm being hunted down by assassins."

"It's not our mandate." Padmé explained, almost feeling bad for Anakin as she felt a wave of irritation come from him in the Force. "The Jedi Council didn't assign us to solve the mystery of the attempts, just to guard you from them until they stop."

"And? That doesn't help any of us." Anakin wasn't wrong with that sentiment. "If you're here, you can't help deal with the Separatists and try to pacify them like the Jedi are supposed to do, and so long as I'm under threat I'm not supposed to be making anymore public appearances."

"Anakin–"

"No Obi-Wan, I'm not going to pretend that you should 'just' be protecting me." Anakin crossed his arms in irritation, clearly unhappy with Obi-Wan's attempt at an argument. "A part of protecting me is stopping who's doing this. My bodyguards and Force sensitivity would've been enough if that wasn't the case."

Neither Jedi knew what to say to argue against that, because technically, Anakin wasn't wrong. He was perfectly capable of taking care of himself. "We understand Anakin, we'll do our best, we just can't go out of the way to find them." Padmé smiled, trying to placate the senator. It seemed to work, as the moment she gave the explanation, he seemed to calm down just a bit. "But if we learn anything while serving as part of your security, we'll make sure to look into it."

Anakin smiled. "Right, I knew I could count on you guys. So, shall we discuss plans for my protection? I have an idea."

"An idea? I'm not sure I want to know given how infamous some of your ideas are." Despite having not run into him in their visits to the Senate, both Padmé and Obi-Wan knew of just some of the insanity Anakin was known to get into. The borderline fights with other Senators just to prove that he was right and that they should follow his ideas and policies. Still, Obi-Wan indicated for Anakin to continue. "But I'm willing to hear them out."

"Use me as bait."

"Use you as what?" Padmé stared at Anakin as though she couldn't believe what the Senator was saying.

"It's the best way to lure out my assassin. If he thinks my defenses have minimally increased, then he'll attack again. The Force can give me warnings, but if not then you two can sense what's going on too and keep me safe." Anakin leaned back in his chair. Padmé had to admit, the idea had merit. If they lured them out, at minimum they could kill whoever was targeting him, or perhaps even learn why. Either way, it was an idea that held promise.

"Absolutely not." Obi-Wan crossed his arms, denying the idea before Padmé could voice her opinion on it. "Anakin you can't play with your life like that. You're far too important." He didn't object, merely listened and looked to Padmé, waiting for her answer.

"Obi-Wan is right." In spite of the fact that she wanted to solve the mystery for Anakin, she knew her Master was right. "Your life is the first priority here Senator. We can't leave your life to chance."

Anakin sighed, relenting far too quickly on the matter. "Right then, if you're both decided, Padmé, would you mind coming with me. I'd like to discuss some extra security details with you. Alone." Obi-Wan raised an eyebrow, waiting for him to explain. So Anakin did. "I want her watching the security feeds."

"Anakin are you sure?" She saw why Obi-Wan was unsure, she was unsure herself why the Senator felt more comfortable with her watching him sleep over Obi-Wan.

"I trust Knight Naberrie with the task. She'll be faster to alert the team, she's not as old as you." There was a teasing note to Anakin's voice, and Padmé started to laugh as she watched her master start sputtering, clearly taken off guard.

"I'm not that old."

"Aren't you pushing thirty-five, Master?" Padmé smiled, joining Anakin on his teasing. "That's old in my books."

"Yours aren't the only ones that matter, my Padawan." Obi-Wan sighed. "I can see when I'm not wanted. I'll discuss with the rest of your team about where they think I might be of most use."

"Thank you, Obi-Wan." Anakin watched the Jedi Knight walk out of the room. "Padmé, if you'll follow me." He led the way, leading her into a room with dozens of monitors and a single blue Astromech droid, plugged into the main console to watch the feed.

"Artoo?" Padmé looked at the droid in surprise. "Artoo's on your security team?" She remembered the eccentric droid. He'd stayed behind back when Padmé and Obi-Wan had returned to Tatooine to inform Anakin that they wouldn't be training him, but she still couldn't imagine him doing so much for him.

"I trust Artoo to keep an eye on any intruders, he's pretty good at keeping an eye on everything." He put his hand on the Astromech's dome with a smile, and the droid let out a series of beeps in return. But if R2D2 was going to be keeping an eye on everything, then…

"Anakin, why did you want me here if you have Artoo covering security?" She wasn't necessary for the job. The droid would be able to activate the system instantly so long as he was watching.

"Because, I know you don't agree with Obi-Wan's or the council's mandate just to stay here and guard me." Anakin looked to her, waiting for her to deny what he said. When she didn't, he continued. "You want to get down to the bottom of this just as much as I do."

"Of course I do, but Ani, I can't just go around the command I'm supposed to follow by putting you in more danger." He was right, she wanted to investigate and put an end to the threat, but not by putting him at risk.

Anakin laughed. "Don't worry, I'll be fine. I'm not the little kid from Tatooine anymore. Artoo here will alert you the moment something goes wrong, and between the three of us we should have enough Force powers to recognize when something's going to go wrong."

It took Padmé a lot of effort to respond. "What if we don't?"

"If I die, then we can use it as proof that people are targeting senators opposing the Military Creation Act. Maybe then the Senate will listen to people saying it's a bad idea." Was that the bill Anakin was working so hard against?

"Anakin, your life isn't something you can just throw away like that." She needed him to see reason.

"This bill is wrong. If it takes my life to stop it, then it's a life I'm willing to give. I'm willing to die to stop something I don't believe in."

"You're that against creating a military?" That was...unlike Anakin, to say the least. He wasn't afraid of conflict, at least with what she'd seen. He was the one who freed all the slaves on Tatooine when he was still so young. She wasn't for the creation of one, of course, but it surprised her to hear that he wasn't either.

"Don't get me wrong, a lot of times a fight is the easiest way to handle things, but it's not that simple, not this time." Anakin pulled his data pad, letting Padmé scroll through the files to see the data the Senators had gathered. "A war would take the attention off of what needs fixing in the galaxy, take funds from where they're needed, and most importantly, it won't cause the Separatists to fold back into the Republic. Not fast enough to make it worth forcing thousands of sentients to fight in a war they don't believe in."

Padmé smiled, it made all too much sense that the boy from Tatooine would be against an army formed by a draft. The way he'd thought out his position to come to the conclusion that violence wasn't the answer was a far cry from the boy he had been as well. "You really have grown up, haven't you?"

She noticed Anakin's cheeks turn red, as though he was embarrassed by her comment. "I have. I wanted to become somebody you'd be proud of. Y-you and my mom, of course."

Padmé smiled, and she noticed Anakin's face had turned redder. If she didn't know any better, she'd assume it was the same puppy crush he'd had on her all those years ago. She decided better than to dwell on that, instead returning to the topic at hand. "You have, but that doesn't mean I want you throwing your life away for a cause."

Anakin was snapped out of his embarrassed state. "I won't be. I trust you." He looked at her with the same intense, blue eyes that hadn't changed a bit, and she met his gaze. He believed in her, the least she could do was believe in him and his plan too.

"We'll do it." Padmé relented, and Anakin's face broke into a grin.

"Thank you, Padmé. I knew you'd help me."

What had she signed herself up for.

-x-

"You spent an awful lot of time with the Senator." Padmé stepped out of the security room a couple hours later, having listened in on Anakin's plan as best as she could. "Was everything alright?"

"Anakin had...a lot of details to go over." She sat down next to him, hoping Obi-Wan wouldn't ask too much about just what those details entailed.

"I see...so what plan has he come up with this time." So she wouldn't be able to hide the change of plans from Obi-Wan. "I can't imagine it was more dangerous than his last one."

"It's...slightly better." She grimaced at the hesitation in her words, but it was true. Slightly better really was the only way to describe it. "Anakin has Artoo serving as the one in charge of monitoring the cameras, we both figured it'd be a better idea than having somebody watching that the assassin could see."

"Artoo?" Obi-Wan stopped for a moment. "Is he really sure an Astromech, us, and a couple of his normal bodyguards will be enough to deter whoever's after him." She didn't answer, causing Obi-Wan to prod her again. "Padmé?"

"Anakin's insisting that we use him as bait," she admitted to her indulging the Senator in what was a terrible idea. "He wouldn't listen to me when I asked otherwise."

Obi-Wan sighed. "Of course he wouldn't, Anakin is far too impulsive and willing to take risks. I suppose judging by the way you're talking, you agree?"

"The best way to protect him is to ensure that the assassin can't return. We won't be able to get them to make another attempt if they know that the security around him is tighter. It solves the case faster, so we can help try to get peace with the Separatists." She took a deep breath, feeling slightly ill at ease, awaiting the reprimands from Obi-Wan.

Obi-Wan, however, simply nodded. "Very well, though I'm disappointed in you for trying to work around our orders, I accept your judgement."

Wait, what? "Master?"

"Padmé, you're a Jedi Knight now. You should be making your own decisions by now, rather than relying on mine. Whether it's the right or wrong one, it's too late to do anything about it now. You have to stay firm in the belief that you chose right" He stood up, walking over to the window to check to see if anything was out of the ordinary. "We can only hope Anakin knows what he's doing."

"I think he does. Otherwise he wouldn't have asked us to do it." She watched Obi-Wan's behavior as he paced around, seemingly anxious. "Everything alright?"

"I'm not sure, something–" They both felt it from Anakin's room. Something different. Something wrong. "Padmé."

"Right!" She ran into the room, shortly after followed by Obi-Wan to see two worm like creatures and a probe droid. Without another thought, she sliced through the worms, unwilling to let them come close to harming the Senator.

"Obi-Wan, Padmé?" Anakin looked at the two of them. But before either of them could say anything, Obi-Wan took matters into his own hands, and jumped right out the window onto the droid just outside, likely the culprit in letting the worms into his room. "What the kriff?"

Padmé sighed. "You were right when you said they'd make another move tonight." She gave him a slightly embarrassed smile. "You wouldn't happen to have a speeder I can borrow, would you?"

"I've got something better."

-x-

Better, as it turned out, was Padmé clinging to the seat of a four person speeder as Anakin zoomed through the Coruscanti skies at a speed that had to have been downright illegal for your average person to be going at. "Anakin! I could've driven myself."

"Where's the fun in that?" Anakin gave her a smile, clearly in his element. Despite that, Padmé clung her hands onto the seat. "Besides, you need to keep up with Obi-Wan. I'm the better driver."

"You don't know that?"

"You didn't win a podrace when you were nine." Anakin swerved out of the way of an incoming speeder, keeping an eye on the droid above them and the dangling Obi-Wan. "Somebody fast has to keep up with the droid."

"Somebody safe could have kept up with it too." She wanted Anakin to stop for literally one minute, but she did know he was right. If they didn't keep up, Obi-Wan would fall a lot farther than even a Jedi using the Force could survive. Loathe as she was to admit it, Anakin's help was probably for the best. "Or somebody who doesn't have an assassin after him."

"I'll be fine. The assassin will be too busy running from Obi-Wan to attempt to take me out." Anakin positioned himself underneath Obi-Wan in preparation for the knight to fall. "So, when did Obi-Wan get such a reckless streak?"

"You're one to talk." Padmé huffed, but Anakin just laughed. After a moment, she answered. "Always. He follows the rules, but he's not afraid to take a risk or two if it gets what he needs. But only if it's his own life at stake." If Padmé had decided to jump out of a window attached to a droid, she'd be murdered as soon as she was back on the ground. But Obi-Wan could do it without so much of a reprimand.

She was going to have to lecture her Master on safety, that was for sure.

As though her concern had been enough to will the worst case scenario into existence, the droid Obi-Wan had been clinging to was shot at and destroyed, and he landed in the speeder's back seat. He sat up moments later. "Nice catch Pad-Anakin?"

"Hey Obi-Wan." Anakin waved to him, but didn't look back, thankfully keeping his eyes in front of him. "Hope you don't mind."

Obi-Wan gave Padmé a look, almost as though saying that she should have stopped this. To which she gave a helpless shrug. "Never mind, we'll discuss this later. After that speeder." He pointed to a green speeder ahead of them, likely where the shot that destroyed the droid had come from.

Anakin nodded, and if anything started to move faster, causing both Padmé and Obi-Wan to grip the seats beneath them. "Has anybody ever told you to learn how to fly properly."

"What's wrong with the way I fly?"

"It's not flying, it's suicide." But there was no room for arguing further as Anakin cut around a building, noting the green speeder moving almost constantly at the same speed as him, no matter how much he pushed the speeder.

As if in response, Anakin made a sharp right turn. "Anakin, what are you planning?" Padmé asked. "He's going that way."

"Short cut, don't worry." He grinned at Padmé, and she couldn't help but wonder just how often Anakin had raced around the streets of Coruscant since Tatooine got the seat on the Senate. How much chaos he had caused that had to be cleaned up. "I know what I'm doing..." She heard under his breath a mumbled "I think" as Anakin weaved in and out of the buildings, having a few close calls that she was pretty sure she and Obi-Wan would need therapy for before stopping just outside of an intersection.

"Short cut…" Obi-Wan rolled his eyes, though was clearly relieved to not be moving for a moment. "We've lost the assassin."

Anakin had the humility to look embarrassed at least, even if it was clear to anybody with any skill in the Force that he wasn't bothered at all, but before he could say anything, the green speeder had plunged down, going into one of the lower levels of Coruscant's underbelly. "You were saying, Obi-Wan?"

"Anakin. We need to go after him!" Padmé pointed down, and Anakin flew down with them, angling towards the ground and pulling up to a club, several hundred floors lower than the apartment in which they had started their evening.

The two Jedi jumped out, holding their lightsabers in their hands in case they had to stop any more attacks. Anakin jumped out with them, and went to follow, but Padmé stopped him. "No, Anakin. The assassin's after you. You need to stay in the speeder."

"Wouldn't I be safer with my two Jedi protectors than alone?" If he'd hoped that would win them over, he was definitely mistaken.

"In a bar like this, doubtful." Obi-Wan frowned, clearly full of distaste for the location they'd need to enter. "It's more likely we'd be separated. At least here, we know where you are."

Obi-Wan's denial must have gotten through to him, because although Anakin had frowned, he didn't try anything, instead sitting in the driver's seat. "If they escape, I'll try to track them down. Good luck."

With Anakin, for now, deciding not to follow, Padmé and Obi-Wan slipped into the club. Obi-Wan went to the bar while she slipped in with the other patrons, closing her eyes as she attempted to feel for any presence out of place. Something that might have indicated the assassin that had attempted to kill Anakin. She remembered vaguely what they looked like. Feminine in form, and from what little she'd managed to sense their Force presence, they'd felt slippery. Not somebody she'd want to run into without a method to protect herself.

Her eyes opened. In the corner, edging towards the front door. She'd felt their presence. They had to have noticed Anakin. "Obi-Wan!" He looked up at her and nodded, and the two activated their lightsabers, letting the blue plasma beams ignite.

The assassin must have noticed them, for they bolted out the door. "Official Jedi Business, nothing to see here." Obi-Wan covered for them as they ran outside. Obi-Wan reached the assassin, knocking them to the floor before they could make another attack on Anakin, and Padmé fell in behind him.

"Let go of me!" The assassin attempted to fight them off, but Obi-Wan held her down, unwilling to let her up. "It was just a job."

Ah, a bounty hunter. Somebody must have really wanted Anakin dead if they were willing to pay off a bounty hunter to do it. "Do you have any idea who you were trying to kill?"

"Tatooine Senator. Look I'm serious, he was paying me, it's just business.."

Padmé and Obi-Wan shared a look. "What was his name?" Obi-Wan asked. Before the bounty hunter could answer, something flew through the air and hit them, causing the hunter to go slack, their face transforming into that of another, greener face. A species with the ability to shapeshift. Obi-Wan reached into their neck, pulling out a dart before turning to Padmé.

"Looks like we have another mystery to solve." Several, if Padmé could give her opinion based on the events that had just occurred.

Anakin wasn't going to like this.

[Next Part]

[drkcnry67]

quidditch, confession, press conference

A/N: ah day 16, @obxmermaid​ this is another confession. this time we find the minister of magic and some of his council appear to the school for the annual christmas quidditch match. but when you and draco are invited to speak with fudge after the match things get spoken that should have stayed secret... this takes place the end of christmas break.

Pairing: Draco Malfoy x reader

prompt: telling those who teach and guide you (ministry of magic)

mentioning @sweetness47​

25 days of hogwarts

yours and draco’s rivalry was obsolete in the eyes of the school, but in the eyes of the ministry was still very much alive. you and draco had kept up the ruse, at the behest of the professors who wanted you and draco to stay safe till it was time to let the ministry know. 

well that day was much closer than you all knew. today is the annual christmas quidditch match. slytherin and ravenclaw were to play in this tournament it was a great honor when your house gets chosen to play this tournament. 

getting into your gear you had spelled the tent so no one would be able to hear your thoughts. 

YN (to self): get a grip girl, the minister of magic is arriving for the match and you need to go into this with a nice clear head. hopefully we get through this day without any hiccups.

just as you finished speaking those words the tent opened. you felt your heart leap... 

YN: are they almost ready for us?

Draco: relax love, they know it takes time to prepare for such an event. your trembling, are you sure you want to do this?

YN: do we have a choice. everyone has turned out to see this match. 

Draco: then lets put on the show of our lives. 

Draco smiled as he walked over to mount his broom as you stood there as well mounting your broom both of you listening to fudge announce your entrance.

Fudge: welcome each and every one of you student, teachers and family alike to the annual Christmas quidditch match. This year the rival houses of ravenclaw and slytherin will face off in a treacherous game. The team players are on the field the Captain's of these 2 teams and their famous rivalry are Yn for ravenclaw, and Draco malfoy for slytherin!

That was your cue both of you flew out onto the court... You took your position, Draco took his. The scowling looks both of you gave was the stuff talked of in legends, but non the less it was only an act...

The game went strikingly along till you and Draco were face to face with the defence, but everyone was watching the look exchanges between you and Draco.

Numerous dignitaries had their eyes focused on you and Draco for the entire game, you goaled, Draco got a point. it volleyed back and forth for a while then you were going in for the final goal.

YN: come on love take this goal away from me

Draco: are you sure

Yn: yes your turn to win. Take this victory for your house. We still have to meet with fudge. And it's been almost 3 hours of this game. Lets end this once and for all.

Draco: talking about the game or telling fudge about us

Yn: both

That was all you had to say Draco knocked himself into your side and stole the ball out of your hand, you looked shocked of course when he did to play the game still.

Draco scored the final goal for slytherin. The crowd cheered, your team gathered round you as they all watched as you and Draco made the central congratulations from one captain to the other, cameras flashed, people cheered, you then led your ravenclaws back to the tent and made plans for a next practice after christmas break. 

you then left your ravenclaws and went to the captains tent. you knew draco would be busy for a while and you needed to clear your head...you went behind the change cover for the ravenclaw side and got out of your quidditch outfit, and into your relaxed ravenclaw uniform. 

you came out from behind the cover and saw a figure outside the tent.. you drew your wand under defencive purpose. 

YN: whoever is outside the tent, i should warn you, im armed with defensive magic right now and i will not hesitate to blast your butt. 

thats when the figure outside spoke,.

Draco: love its me... please unspell the tent... 

you forgot you had spelled the tent so you could change in peace... you lifted the spell and draco walked in he spun you around and gave you a kiss. he let go of you so he could go behind the cover and get changed while you finished writing out the practice schedule for your ravenclaws. 

Draco: are you seriously writing out your practice schedule already babe?

YN: of course i am... does this really surprise you?

Draco: no it doesnt... i love how dedicated you are... your ravenclaws worked really hard out there... it seems like they are finally coming to terms with your relationship with me... 

YN: yeah i had a talk with my ravens... they all agreed to support me and be happy for my new found happiness... it was easy for them to see it as they only have 2 more years with me as their house prefect. plus it helped that they all were just pretending to be angry with me for hiding us from them to appease the other students. 

Draco: well i guess that would help. the slytherins were accomodating as ever... i mean its slytherin its full of a bunch of grumpy butts. they all know how to be kill joys at a party but it didnt matter cause they all knew my secret and speaking of which are you ready to tell Fudge about us... 

YN: no but it needs to be done. you almost ready love?

Draco comes out of the cover a few moments later and stands beside you in the mirror.

Draco: one day hopefully soon we will be able to be a normal couple, living normal lives, being as one in a normal way in public with our future looking bright. now lets go to see the minister... 

you and draco left the captains tent casually chatting but were stopped by the press... who were all asking tons of questions bout the match and how you both were getting along... 

after being hounded, answering questions and posing for photos, you both headed to the  transfiguration classroom, where you were both told to meet the minister there for a private meet and greet.

You both walked into the room and stood still until both of you heard your names called.

Cornelius: approach children for there is nothing to fear.

You both approached. Draco choose to stand still while you sat on a nearby table.

Cornielius: I am very impressed by that match today... I love a good quidditch match in the morning, very well played.

Yn: thank you Minister.

Cornielius: I sense some tension... Please speak freely children for its with an open heart that I have come here today.

Draco moved to stand behind you before he spoke.

Draco: sir, almost 2 years ago, I fell in love with this girl right here. We kept our relationship a secret and we felt our love grow we had to get it out in the open. My parents found out and tried to kill us. Yn's parents know and accept us. Her extended family tried to crucify us last week. And our fellow students and friends have accepted our happiness all we are missing is the blessing of the ministry. The professors of hogwarts can back this up with their own testimonies of how much we have not let this forbidden relationship affect our school work, our daily lives or anything we just have the need for the blessing of the ministry so we can continue to make plans for our future.

Yn: we accept any punishment you deem worthy for this crime. But if it's a crime to love then we surely are guilty to death, cause I love this man, what he says is true, I love him more than my own life... I would die for him as surely he would die for me. I can't imagine my life without him.

The look on the ministers face made you and Draco move close but not too close for the fact that the minister hadn't spoken yet.

Cornielius took his wand and wrote out a fire message and sent it off. Before another word could be spoken the door to the classroom opened welcoming McGonagall, flitwick, Dumbledore and Snape into the room.

Cornielius: these children have told me they confessed to the 4 of you and more people that they are in a relationship, outside of the rules is this true.

Dumbledore: cornielius, what these children have said is true... Yes they were punished by us accordingly as well as some resentment from their fellow classmates, their houses and friends. But they understood that was the consequences of their actions. In the end of things I was the one who gave final judgement and saw that they are just 2 people who against all rules and laws fell in love. They didn't commit any crime except that of love, which if I'm not mistaken is a 100% human emotion and its a good thing to have some change. Which is why at hogwarts as of a week ago I implemented a open inter house relationship policy. Draco and Yn signed this document and all its missing to be released to the public is the signature of the minister. Please take a look at it and sign it if you agree.

Fudge sat down at the desk as Dumbledore placed the document in front of him, everyone in the room stood still and quiet as the wait for the ministers decision was killing you and Draco inside and out.

Draco: I know this isn't the best time to say this but Yn I am so sorry, being with you has only put you in trouble. I don't regret being with you at all. These years have brought trials to us that just made me love you more than my own self. I love you so much and I am happy now to say this out loud. When my parents attacked yours in the restaurant in London, you stood vigilant and radiant to my own whim. It's made me the happiest to spend little moments of my day with you every day for the last 2 years.

Upon hearing this the minister cleared his throat, before you could say your response, cornielius spoke.

Cornielius: I cornielius fudge minister of magic now having witnessed the love between these 2 students do so sign this document of peace in a new order of open romantic relations between the 4 houses of hogwarts. In other starters, no punishment needed for these 2 children have done nothing wrong. They instead were trying to pull for a change without even knowing it. The love these 2 have is unbreakble and to not sign this would make these times that we live in alot worse. people should be free to love who they want to love.

you and draco now standing beside eachother...

YN: wait wait so does this mean draco and i can be anywhere in the wizarding community and be together publicly happily as a couple. free to marry when we are old enough.

Cornielius: yes thats what it means. and as minister of magic i would be happy to bestow my blessing to your marriage when the time comes.

draco picked you up and spun you round. it was the highlight of your christmas break. well the end of it anyway. draco placed you back on your feet and kissed you. the professors all chatting and happy for you both made you smile.

YN: thank you all of you, the support and respect is overwhelming and we can't thank you enough for this... if there is ever anything we can do to repay your kindness minister please let us know.

cornielius simply walked right up to you an draco and smiled.

Cornielius: keep winning hogwarts those quidditch games and make us the best. make us good enougn to compete in the world cup, make us good enough to win the cup.

with that the room was cleared, the 4 professors all left as well, that was when you and draco went to stand on the balcony. the fresh snow starting to fall, make the perfect scene for you both to share in a moment of passion.

~with that a new legacy begins but there is more to this story stay tuned.~