#but yeah it took a unforseen turn

[iliveforyouilongforyouvesuvia]

I would have typed it out but didn't want to risk it being filled up before I finished typing ^^;

The Arcana HCs: When MC hides their natural hair color

~ @fox-daddy thanks for the request friend! I hope I do it justice ^.^ ~

-- for background: MC is insecure about their hair color and covers it up with dye. Due to unforseen circumstances, the potion they need for it runs out of stock and their roots start to grow out! How do the M6 respond? --

Julian

He's surprised, but he's not that surprised

Like yeah, it turns out that you have a different hair color! You learn something new every day!

But you're a magician, right? You're telling him that you don't just close your eyes and mumble something mysterious and then your hair goes "poof!" and it's the color you want it to be?

Assumes it's just a preference thing until you tell him that it's because you're insecure about it

Might ask for a strand of your hair so he can put it under a microscope and study how the stuff you uses changes its properties. Compliments both shades the whole time

Might also try creating his own hair-coloring concoction to tide you over until you can get your usual stuff again

You caught him grinding dried beetles, Nevivon salts, and charcoal together at three AM and applying it to his copious chest hair to test its effectiveness

Has to be told not to tell other people about your hair color

Occasionally asks if he can peek at your roots to remember what the other color is

Asra

Oh, they already knew

In fact, he was the one who remembered the stuff you used to keep around the shop and connected the dots when you came back looking the same except for your hair color

And they were the one who told you that it was an old habit of yours and left it up to you to decide if you wanted to keep it up

Yes, he helped you apply it the first time (and still loves to participate if you invite him)

Yes, they took that as their cue to try out plenty of colors on their own hair

He had the wildest neon tips for a while

Muriel's still getting over the heart attack he had, waking up to see his childhood friend crashing at the hut with glowing rainbow streaks randomly clumped through their curls (and eyebrows! It was creepy!)

When you run out of your supply, he's quick to cast a glamor over it to help with the anxiety before running through his own magic books to see if there's anything useful to try

They like both hair colors on you, but their favorite is the one that makes you comfortable in your own skin

Nadia

She thought she could see a hint of roots here and there, but she never really pursued it because there were more interesting things to talk to you about

So when those roots started growing out to the point that they were very noticeable, she was a bit surprised

Are you changing things up? Are you dying your roots to introduce a new color, or are you growing out an old one?

Would you like any wardrobe additions to complement it?

You don't really need to tell her that you're insecure about it, she's very tuned in to your needs and it only takes a comment or two from her for her to recognize your reaction and change course

Immediately sets up some kind of appointment to get your hair to its normal color while you wait for the stuff you usually use to become available again

Briefly considers dying her own hair and quickly decides against it

Will make back up plans in case this happens again, and does bring up potentially experimenting with other colors as well, if it's just the original color that you dislike

Maybe a nice, deep purple to match hers ...?

Muriel

He already knew and didn't mention it

Seriously, do you know how tall he is? The first glimpse he gets of people is the tops of their heads. You'd have to be dying your hair multiple times a week to hide roots from him

That aside, he's more observant than he lets on. He's seen the stuff you use to color it tucked in the corner of the hut

And he's never brought it up, because if anybody knows what it's like to be insecure about parts of your body that you can't help, it's him. You don't know how quickly he'd shrink if he could

So when you run out, and the roots start to show (from your perspective), and you keep waiting for him to comment on it ...

He doesn't

Not until you bring it up at least. He's just going to assume that you decided to grow it out or stop hiding it

If you do address the elephant in the room, he'll just tell you that he doesn't really care

At least, not about the color. He cares if you're happy, obviously, all the colors look good on you -

Aaand all that mushy talk is all it takes for his face to go up in flames and for him to go for a quick walk to cool down

Portia

She didn't figure out that you were dying your hair because she saw your roots, sweetie, she figured it out as soon as she had the chance to help you wash it

What, you think an expert handmaiden like her doesn't know treated hair when she sees it? Do you know what kind of extensive training she did to help milady with her luscious locks?

She's also completely oblivious to people being insecure about their looks. Especially you. You always look great

So she doesn't even think twice before pointing your roots out to you as soon as they start to show! She's never seen you let this happen before, what's up with that?

Are you trying something new? She can help!

You're insecure about your hair color? What?? Why???

... yeah, she won't force you to talk about it, but if there's any kind of backstory or explanation she will ask you to spill the tea

She'll also pull out all of her own hair care know-how and cobble something together to dye your hair the color you prefer until you get your usual stuff again

Surprised that you don't just magic it to look however you want

Lucio

It took him longer than you expected, to be honest

You already had a few close calls on longer trips, where bathing options were limited to the streams you passed by with whatever toiletries you had packed

And you know he's his own bisexual version of *extra* when it comes to his appearance

His eyeliner application routine is meticulous, finnicky, and a daily source of frustration when he inevitably slips up

This doesn't translate onto you, though, because you're his wonderful, gracious, super cool MC who makes life exciting and new again. He's not paying attention to your roots!

Until they really start to grow out, and he has a mini meltdown about it

You mean to tell him. That you have been regularly setting aside time to pay attention to your physical appearance with something as exciting as hair dye. And you didn't think to invite him?!?

Yeah he doesn't have opinions about the color or a bunch of curiosity about why you dye your hair, he's just mad you left him out

Let him back in, please. The dogs need highlights on their tails

[usmsgutterson]

And you've got your demons and darlin', they all look like me- for this prompt, think bittersweet! Good relationships that ended due to some unforseen circumstance and lead to a very nostalgic and bittersweet reunion. Think the acknowledgement of a past relationship and the bittersweet tug of the heart that comes with looking back at shared memories. This is basically the bittersweet, nostalgic angst prompt, and I encourage that you do with that what you will.

this and nikolaiiii! like being childhood friends but drifting over time and meeting again for some meeting (i dont know) and it isn't awkward, more like a lil stiff but still sweet, if that makes sense..

How've You Been?- N.L x gn! reader

Okay, hi! Apologies for how long this took--I know you mentioned that I should take my time in another ask but the apologies are almost obligatory at this point. Life has happened in the way that life does and this one is coming out when it comes out instead of a little sooner, like I had been hoping for originally.

Fic type- this is fluffy!

Warnings- none

You were grinning as you spoke with one of the generals at what Genya refused to call a ball, a gala, a display of grand riches which the Ravkan crown did not have, when Nikolai noticed you.

The outfitting required for the event had been, per the invites, 'relaxed formal' attire. For Nikolai, that manifested as a suit in the same blue as the Ravkan double eagle, no tie, and even a few buttons undone. It was an event thrown in the support of First and Second military alike, with a few of the richer families of Ravka invited to show their support and donate their funds where possible.

It seemed like you'd known the general, and Nikolai fought the urge to facepalm as he remembered why--of course you'd know him. You'd been in the Ravkan army with Nikolai since you were sixteen, and at twenty four, you'd gone up in the ranks to Lieutenant. You were likely just conversing with your boss, maybe a friend of theirs.

You looked good, for the relaxed formal outfitting requirements--you wore a black pleated skirt with a dark blue long sleeved button down tucked into it, black blazer over your arms and sleek black combat boots on your feet.

You looked like a refined version of you, someone that Nikolai had never expected he would meet; not when the version of you that he'd known had been one who craved apple butter at every tip and turn, not when you had been unafraid to run barefoot in grass clobbered by ticks and had danced with a smile in the mud during a rainstorm.

He'd missed you--he'd grown up with you. You'd been one of his closest friends alongside Dominik, and the three of you had joined the military together in the 22nd regiment.

You'd moved up in the ranks, and your regiment number had likely changed. It had been eight years since you'd last seen one another, so Nikolai naturally had to assume that everything had changed, if he were honest with himself.

Nikolai approached you once your conversation with the general had finished, and from the get-go felt a little idiotic. It was a silly thought to have, really--what, eight years without talking to one another and things would just naturally go back to normal? Thinking that something had to go back to the way it was because of the fact that it was that way once upon a time wasn't a good mode of thought, which Nikolai knew on principle.

Still, when you saw him, you grinned. You hugged him like a person hugs an old friend and Nikolai thought, for a second, maybe it could be easy. Maybe the first conversation you'd had in years could be easy.

"Hi, Nik," you greeted. "It's been a while, hasn't it?"

"Yeah," Nikolai responded. "Are you still working for the military?"

You nodded, proudness coming to your grin. "Yeah. Lieutenant on the way to general Y/N of Second Army Regiment Fifty-Six. I'll be the youngest general the Second Army has ever seen--I'm determined to get there by my twenty-sixth birthday, and I'm sure you've got your hands full running the country."

Nikolai nodded a little. "Yeah--this isn't easy, and sometimes I question how worth it it is."

You laughed. "I think we all ask ourselves that," you said. "I mean--it's not easy, but it's work. For me, it keeps the paychecks steady. For you, well--you keep the country on it's feet. I can't imagine that such a job would entail anything but a plethora of difficult moments."

Nikolai grinned, and the conversation stilted.

It wasn't...awkward with you, to say. It was just that you'd not spoken in more than two thousand days and as such, things weren't how they used to be.

"And you're okay?" You asked. "You're well, your family is well--what of them deserves to be, anyway?"

"Yeah," Nikolai nodded. He'd not spoken to his mother or his father since the Spinning Wheel. He had no intention of speaking to them anytime soon. "I'm all right. How've you been?"

"Well enough," you said.

Nikolai sighed.

It wasn't the best reunion, but he'd also never thought he'd see or hear from you again, so he figured it was a start.

[kimpossibly]

beneath the ice (peter prior)

pairing: peter prior x fem!reader

summary: sometimes following a lead can be a deadly pursuit with unforseen circumstances. especially in ennis.

wc: 4k

warnings: situations of peril (description of a near drowning), swearing, blood, hospitals, peter and kayla r separated and getting a divorce sorryyy, kissing/making out

author's note: HI SORRY I DISAPPEARED FOR FOREVER HI HELLO HOW ARE YOU. i started college last fall so i guess i just got caught up in the swing of things and really lost my game, but here i am! can't promise i won't disappear again as i still do have to finish up the semester (and i may be writing an original novel *winky face*) but i just HAD to come on here and rant because the true detective brainrot is real guys. so so real. i was literally looking for content after the first ep and i was like wait...it doesn't even exist yet which is SO CRAZY because usually i write for/obsess over characters with so much content already out there so like. i guess i gotta make the content this time??? let me know if you want more peter fics because the brainrot is REALLLL. okay, love you! hope you enjoy!

"This is a bad idea."

"Yeah, probably."

Y/N had had it up to here with Peter's complaints. They stood at the edge of the frozen lake, their flashlights beaming over the glassy surface. It was around three o'clock, the sixth day of dark. Y/N still didn't feel fully adjusted to the constant darkness, especially with the case of the Tsalal station in full force. Sleep was a rare commodity nowadays, and she usually relied on that sleep to keep her sense of night and day in check. She wasn't getting any of that now.

"We're not going to be able to see anything from here," she muttered, squinting out at the lake. She took a tentative step off the snowy edge and tested the ice, putting half her weight on it to see if it would hold.

Peter saw what she was thinking before she did it, and he was going to do his damned best not to let it happen. "You're not going out there."

Y/N looked back at him. "I used to be a dancer, remember? I'm light on my feet."

"You were a tap dancer."

"Same difference."

She put one foot on the ice, taking a step forward. There was a little creaking sound as the ice adjusted to her weight, but it held. Peter caught her arm before she could take another. "Y/N."

She pursed her lips. "You can come with me if you want, but it might only hold one of us. Your choice."

"We'll call someone. We'll call Danvers, or—"

"We're here now. We might as well get out there and start looking."

He didn't like this idea. He did not like this plan. But Y/N had, seemingly, set on it. There wasn't much he could do now to stop her. He couldn't beat her, and joining her would probably make things worse. All he could do now was watch her. "Stay close to the edge."

Y/N grinned. "I knew you'd come around."

She turned and aimed her beam of light at the glassy ice, taking a few, slow steps forward. She could see straight through the glass now, to the rocky bottom below. If her lead was right...something would be here. Awena Lake. Something was here.

She traversed farther and farther onto the frozen surface, the wind whipping her hair around her face. She was far. Too far, in Peter's opinion. He was about to call out to her when suddenly she stopped, staring down at a place in the ice.

What he didn't know was that she was staring down at a face.

She whispered something her voice quiet, terrified. Then, a scream. Y/N fell to her knees, punching at the ice, trying to break through.

"Y/N!"

She heard Peter calling her name, but she could only focus on breaking through that ice. Punched and punched and punched until her knuckles split and suddenly the ice below her was getting painted with blood every time she brought a fist down. She was almost in a trance, beating away at the solid glacial matter that just wouldn't break.

But then, of course, it did.

It happened so quick that Peter couldn't missed it if he blinked at the wrong moment. One second he was taking slow, cautious steps onto the ice, heading to get Y/N before she did something really stupid. The next second there was a sound like breaking plaster and a splash, and Y/N disappeared under the ice.

She felt hands grasping at her, trying to pull her down. And a voice—there was definitely a voice. She couldn't quite make it out. She opened her mouth to scream back, and as the cold water rushed into her lungs, her lips formed one question: what happened to you?

Her vision went black before she got an answer.

Music. The first thing she noticed when she woke up was the music. And the fact that she was warm, when the last thing she remembered being was really f-cking cold. Her eyelids stuck together as she slowly blinked open, the dim lighting of the hospital room slowly coming into focus. She tried to flex her fingers and found them stiff as ice (no pun intended). She saw the white bandage wrapped around her hands, purple bruises around her wrist and near the tips of her fingers. Jesus. She'd done some damage on that ice.

The fucking music. It was some oldie—70s, probably. It was playing softly from the corner, and she turned her stiff neck to see Peter slumped in a chair, staring down at his phone. What a loser. She cleared her throat to test her voice.

"If you're on TikTok right now, I'll fucking kill you."

Peter jumped at the sudden sound, his phone clattering to the ground. Y/N laughed, though it quickly turned into a wheezy cough. She sat up, a bandaged hand covering her mouth as she continued to choke. Peter rushed to her side, filling up a paper cup with the water pitcher on the bedside table. He handed it to her and she waited for the coughs to dissipate a bit before taking a gulp of the cold water. She sucked in a breath and found her ribs fighting back against the stretch. Everything was sore. Which, she reminded herself, was her own fault.

"Do you want me to call the doctor?" he asked, dragging the chair closer to sit beside her.

Y/N shook her head. "Nah. M'fine."

He gave her a look, and she clarified, "As fine as I can be."

Peter looked like he wanted to say something for a moment, but held it back. Y/N noticed a manila file on the other side of her and raised an eyebrow, reaching for it. Even leaning over caused her ribs to scream back in pain, but the snatched the folder anyway, flipping it open to see her own medical chart. "Hypothermia, boxer's fracture in both hands, ventricular fibrillation...Jesus. Okay, so I did some damage. My bad."

"What the fuck, Y/N?"

She looked up from her file. Peter had a look on his face she couldn't quite parse. Anger? Pity? Whatever it was, it was heightened by the fact that his under eyes were darker than she'd ever seen them. He stood up, pacing a bit. "Can you stop treating this like it's some fucking joke? You fell through the ice. I had to call Danvers and tell her you almost got yourself killed following some shit lead. You know what she said?"

Y/N stayed silent, fearing that whatever she said would make things worse.

"She asked me why the fuck I didn't stop you."

Y/N wanted to bite back, to yell that it wasn't his responsibility to tell her what to do and what not to do. But, she reminded herself, he probably knew that. It didn't matter. If Danvers said he should've stopped her, he should've stopped her. At least, that's probably how it went in his mind.

She said nothing. Eventually Peter shook his head, muttering something under his breath before going back on his phone. Y/N stared at her own hands, dragging her finger over a little spot of blood that had begun to peek through it. She tried to shift herself a bit and a pain shot through her ankle. She grimaced, hissing lightly at the sting. She pulled her blanket aside and looked down, her stomach twisting when she saw a purple bruise surrounding her right ankle. Almost like a hand.

"Geez. What, did you drag me out by my ankles?" she said to Peter.

"What?" he replied, not looking up, "no, I grabbed your hand."

"Then what the hell is that?"

She pointed, and Peter's eyes followed where she was indicating. "Maybe you kicked something," he offered, "you were trying to swim back up to the surface."

Y/N frowned, something nagging in the back of her mind. "No I wasn't."

"Yes, you did. I saw you."

"No, I was dragged."

Peter shook his head, as if trying to make the words coming out of her mouth form a logical sentence. "What?"

The memory came flooding back to Y/N. The moment just before she started punching at the ice. The face. "I saw her."

"Saw who?"

"Annie."

Peter stilled, his jaw loosening ever so slightly. He looked at Y/N, and for a moment he wondered if the hypothermia had gotten to her brain. "What?"

"Annie K. I saw her under the ice, so I tried to go down and get her."

"Y/N, Annie's-"

"She's fucking dead, I know," she snapped. "But I saw her, alright? I wouldn't start punching solid ice for nothing."

And now Peter was left in a conundrum. On the one hand, Y/N wouldn't lie about something like this. He trusted her that far at the very least. But what she was saying she saw...that went beyond reasonable explanation. He looked at her hands, remembering how they looked just after he pulled her out of the ice. Raw and bloody and bruised. He saw the way she was punching at that ice. It was desperate. No logical person would fuck up their hands like that for a lie. She was really reaching for something. For someone, if that's what she says.

There was still one issue: Danvers wouldn't hear it. They saw how far Trooper Navarro got when she tried to bring Annie's name into the equation. Zero tolerance. They couldn't expect any more grace from the chief.

"You don't have to believe me-"

"I do, Y/N. I do."

She was a little surprised at that. She'd expected Peter to tell her she was crazy. Nevertheless, she could take his belief and run with it. "Then help me," she said, her voice stern. "Follow this lead with me as far as it can go. We don't have to tell Danvers, and if it leads nowhere it leads nowhere. Just don't make me do it on my own."

Conundrum #2: Does he stay on the sidelines or jump through that ice with her?

Fuck it. It's gonna be cold either way.

"Fine."

Y/N's lips turned up into a small smile. Before she could respond, though, one of their co-workers, Lissy, popped her head in the door. "Hey, Prior. You're relieved of L/N duty."

Y/N sat up in bed, giving Peter a look. "L/N duty?"

He gave a sheepish shrug. "Would it help if I said I volunteered?"

"Get out of here. Smartass."

Danvers came eventually to swear at her and ask what the hell she'd been thinking. She gave Danvers the real, honest answer, which was that she wasn't. She'd probably take that better than a lie.

But eventually, of course, she had to.

"And what the hell made you start punchin' that ice?"

Y/N paused. "I thought I saw something, but it was—it wasn't—"

"Well, what?" Danvers snapped. "What was it? Wasn't it?"

"It was nothing, okay? It was a false lead."

That was hard to say, even if it wasn't true.

The highlight of the whole situation was that, at the very least, Y/N's circadian rhythm had gone back to somewhat normal. She looked over files until around eleven o'clock at night when she couldn't keep her eyes open for more than ten seconds at a time. Trying to sleep was a battle for a moment, what with the sore everything and the hands that could barely grasp at the blankets to pull them up to her chin. But eventually exhaustion won out, and she fell asleep to the gentle hum of the hospital's heating system.

And though she never really had in her life, she dreamed.

She dreamed that she was back under the ice, the rocks beneath her feet, crystal clear water swallowing her hole. And there was Annie, beckoning her further and further out. She swam for her until her muscles burned. The further out Annie took her, the darker the water got, and the colder and colder she felt. It got so dark and so cold that she couldn't see Annie at all. It was only when she squinted that she could see her hands in front of her face, and she watched in horror as frost crept over her skin and nipped at her blood.

When Y/N jolted awake, it took her embarrassingly long to realize she was standing on the roof of the hospital. Her bare feet were buried in the snow, the tips of her toes hanging over the edge, five stories above Ennis. A yelp tore out of her mouth before she could stop it, her balance wavering for a single, terrifying moment.

She stepped down from the ledge as soon as she got her bearings, the wind blowing right through her hospital gown and stinging her skin. She stumbled back into the hospital, arms wrapped around herself as she tried to recover from the intense cold, all the while wondering how the hell she got up there.

There was seemingly only one answer: she brought me there.

Peter's kitchen table was littered with crime scene photos. Darwin toddled on the floor, playing with his stuffed elephant, while Peter brewed a fresh pot of coffee. Y/N was so focused that she didn’t notice as Darwin stood and reached his little hand up, grasping for the photos. His fingertips found purchase and he started to pull a particularly bloody photo off the table. Y/N snatched it out of his grasp just before he could be scarred for life and Darwin let out a little giggle.

“Close call, little man,” she said, “that would’ve taken a lot of therapy to unsee.”

Darwin stuck his tongue out at her. She stuck hers out back.

“Kayla should be on her way to come get him. She's trying to beat the storm,” Peter said, scooping Darwin up and carrying him safely away from the photos. They sat down between the couch and the fireplace, and Y/N, suddenly craving a break from the blood and gore, got up to go meet them.

"You guys doing okay?" she asked as she sat cross-legged beside Darwin. "You and Kayla?"

She could tell immediately that she hit a nerve. Peter's eyes darted away from Darwin instantly, his gaze instead setting on the fire. He didn't answer for a moment, and for a moment Y/N thought maybe he was acting like he didn't hear her. "We, uh...we separated."

Y/N frowned. "What?"

"Two months ago. Maybe two and a half."

He picked up the fire poker and stoked the flames—not because they needed to be, but because if he didn't have something to do with his hands he'd go crazy.

Y/N didn't quite know what to say. She remembered when her parents separated, but she was too little to do much about it. Too young to think about comforting them.

"I'm sorry," she said.

Peter just shook his head and shrugged like it was no big deal. "It was coming eventually. We just finally owned up to it."

"Still. It sucks."

"Yeah."

They sat in silence for a moment. Darwin handed the elephant over to Y/N to make way for his sudden interest in picking out the fuzzies in the carpet.

"If it makes you feel any better, I'm becoming increasingly concerned that my ice plunge gave me walking pneumonia."

That didn't make it better, but it did get him to laugh.

They played with Darwin and generally avoided the topic of work until there was a knock at the door. A hush seemed to fall over them, reality setting back in. Peter got up, taking Darwin with him, and Y/N went back to the kitchen table. She made herself busy (or, at the very least, she made herself look busy) with files.

Peter opened the door with Darwin in one arm, Darwin's weekend backpack in the other. Kayla stood there on the other side. She grinned and cooed as she took Darwin, but the grin faded when it became clear that she had to interact with Peter.

Look at the files, Y/N. What's happening at the door is none of your business.

Ugh, but eavesdropping would be so fun.

"What's she doing here?" she heard Kayla say. Both she and Peter looked over to where Y/N was sitting.

Well, at least I don't have to eavesdrop.

Y/N looked up, raising an awkward hand in greeting. "Hi Kayla."

"Hi Y/N," Kayla replied. She wasn't cold, but it was clear that Y/N wasn't her favorite person in the world.

Peter said something about work, but Y/N couldn't decipher it. She went back to work, trying to block out the distant sounds of what seemed to be a heated conversation. Eventually the door closed (not slammed, luckily) and Y/N looked up. Peter stared at the wooden door for a few seconds after it had closed, like he thought it might open again. Y/N rushed to look away as he finally turned and headed in her direction. She tried not to shift as he took a seat on the side of the table closest to her, taking his own stack of files and beginning to sort through them.

After a moment, she spoke. "Aaaaare we gonna talk about that?"

"No we are not."

"Got it, got it."

They studied crime scenes. They looked at the facts. They asked a lot of wrong questions and maybe a few right ones. They got so deep into the case of the Tsalal men that they didn't realize when the clock struck three in the morning just as Peter was about to brew a new pot of coffee.

"Huh," was all Y/N could manage to say when she saw the time.

"Huh," Peter agreed.

She looked outside, which at this time of night was a greyish blur of falling snow moving at too many miles per hour. This was the type of storm Y/N's mother told her to watch out for. People who drove out in these either ended up wrecked or freezing to death before they made it home. "Mind if I stay the night?"

Peter nodded. "'Course."

Ten minutes later, Y/N was curled on the couch with a down comforter draped over her to block out the chill (with the help of three layers of clothes and another blanket on top). The lights were out and all she could hear was the sound of whistling wind as she drifted off to sleep.

And for the second time in years, she dreamed.

She was back under that water, cold seeping into her bones. She saw the surface just a few feet above her head, close enough to touch. She reached up, but before her frozen fingers could make contact with the frozen sheet of ice she could use to pull herself up, a hand seized her ankle and dragged her down. She screamed, but only bubbles escaped her mouth, the sound absorbed by the freezing waters that enveloped her. She rushed to suck in a breath and the water flooded in to meet her screaming lungs.

She was dying.

She looked down at the one who was dragging her, and saw someone she knew to be dead.

"Y/N..."

"Annie?" Y/N said. More bubbles. Annie just looked at her, and somehow she knew: Death was coming.

"Y/N!"

Peter's hand landed roughly on her shoulder, enough to shake her out of the dream and make her realize that she was standing outside in the swirling snow, which was getting worse by the second. She turned, and their faces were so close that their matching frozen, red noses were inches away from touching. 

“What the hell are you doing?”

Y/N made no reply, trekking back towards the house as quickly as her bare feet could take her. Annie’s eyes were still flashing across her mind every few seconds, as if trying to come back to the surface and consume her again. She wouldn’t let that happen.

As soon as the door shut behind her, the wind howling and doing its best to pry it back open again, she collapsed against it, trying to stave off cold and paranoid visions. She vaguely heard Peter mutter No, come here, as he pulled her up from the floor and guided her to the fireplace, which he promptly lit. He draped a blanket around her, then two, then three. She must’ve looked like a floating head with all the fabric covering her from the shoulders down as she curled on the floor, knees drawn up to her chest. He sat down beside her after he was satisfied she had enough to warm her up. She was shivering slightly, but the horrified look in her eyes made him wonder if that was totally from the cold. He didn’t ask. He sat, staring straight at the fire with her. That was all he could do.

“It was Annie,” Y/N said finally, her voice hoarse. “She took me out there.”

Peter didn’t respond—he was sure the explanation she would give, if she gave any, would go entirely over his head.

Y/N swallowed hard before continuing. “She’s involved in all this. I don’t know how, and I don’t know why. But something about Annie is still alive. Because what happened to her? That’s what happens when men get angry. But when women get angry? You end up out in the snow in the middle of the night with no idea how you got there.”

Silence.

“She’s angry. We just have to figure out why.”

Peter looked at her, color starting to bloom in her previously purple lips. She stared intently ahead as she talked, almost as if she were in a trance. When Peter reached out and took a lock of her hair gently between his fingers, she didn’t flinch. She glanced over at him, her eyes illuminated by the fire he’d set.

“Your hair froze,” was his only explanation.

Y/N looked down and saw that he was right. Little ice crystals had formed in patches of her hair. She wondered how long she’d been out there in the cold.

She wasn’t sure who leaned in first, or when the images of Annie disappeared from her mind, but in an instant Peter’s lips were on hers, and all visions of Annie floated away, replaced only by the feeling of his lips and hands.

It was only a moment before he pulled away, his eyes shut in a way that suggested he fucked up. For the second time in a week she’d nearly found herself in a life-threatening situation, and here he was playing with her hair and kissing her like a besotted middle schooler. She would be mad—she had to be.

“Sorry,” he said quietly.

“Don’t be,” Y/N said, pulling him back to her and kissing him again.

That was all the okay Peter needed. He pulled her to him again, this time a bit rougher, but still careful not to accidentally push any blankets off her. It was Y/N who eventually shed them, pulling him onto the couch with her. It was still too cold inside for either of them to remove any more layers they already had on (which they both found extremely unfortunate), but that didn’t stop Y/N from crawling atop him and straddling his waist to better kiss him.

After what felt like hours (but was probably only twenty minutes), they wound up that way, with Y/N laying her head on Peter’s chest, his arms wrapped tightly around her to hold him to her. Her heart rate was just starting to slow down when Peter spoke.

“You know I’ll help you see this through, right?” 

Y/N looked up at him. “Yeah.”

He ran a soft hand through her hair and she laid back down.

“This is a bad idea, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, probably.”

But, funnily enough, neither of them cared.

[that--fish]

『 The Museum 』

✧ Zhongli x y/n

✧ Fluff & a teeny bit of angst

✧ Modern au

It was a Friday night. Just got home from work. I was one of the assistants of the Liyue Qixing. I felt so drowsy that I wanted to sleep for days. Had to work overtime because of a delayed meeting. I probably should take a shower, then go to sleep. Ah, and tomorrow is my 'museum date' with Zhongli. Better set my alarm to 8.30am so that I won't wake up too late.

I went to the bathroom to take a quick shower before going to sleep. I could see the visible dark circles under my eyes. How many days have I gone with such little sleep? I don't remember, I lost track... I had to take many cups of coffee every night I had to work overtime. By the time I was finished, I reached home at about midnight and I had to go to work at 6 and that's all without eating a proper 3 meals a day. Most I get is a half meal. There are no restaurants near my office, very inconvienient. Had to go to places by car. Traffic jam everywhere during lunch hours giving me only less than 15 minutes to eat and that includes ordering food. I usually take the food back to the office with me but I rarely get the chance to finish it all. Work-life balance they said. I often sleep after a supper of instant noodles, my saviour. Its unhealthy, I know, but there wasn't any other option. I turned the water heater on and took a quick shower without washing my hair. After my shower, I got changed into my pajamas. I dragged myself to my room, eyes half lidded. My room was just like a mini library but with a bed, 2 wooden bedside tables and a wardrobe. There was a window beside my left bedside table, giving me the not-so-pleasant view of the dark alleyways. My whole room was decorated to have a library aesthetic like the library in the headquarters of the Knights of Favonius in Mondstadt. I made sure the air conditioning in my room was cool enough, switched off the lights and tucked myself into bed. I closed my eyes and tried to fall asleep. The sound of cars passing by, the subtle whir of the air conditioner fan, was like a lullaby to me. I fell asleep not long after...

--------

I woke up to the buzzing of my phone's alarm. 8.30am. I felt like I wanted to sleep more but I knew I shouldn't. I reluctantly got out of bed and went to wash up. The soft tapping of the rain made me want to sleep for some more but I made sure I didn't. I had to leave at about 9am in order to make it to the museum by 10am. The museum only took 15 minutes to reach on foot but I should arrive early in case there would be some unforseen circumstances.

I went to check my phone on the bedside table. Emails from work, 5000 steps...ah! Zhongli's message!

Today

Unread messages

————————————————

Zhongli:

Hello, y/n. Are you awake?

Sorry to disturb... 😅 8.00am ✓✓

Would you like to have breakfast

at a café nearby the tea house? 8.02am ✓✓

Me:

Hi, Zhongli, sorry for the late reply.

Just woke up. 8.35am ✓✓

reply to Would you....

╰┈➤ Yea, that sounds nice~ 8.35am ✓✓

Zhongli:

There aren't many people at this hour. 8.35am ✓✓

Me:

I should be ready by 9. 8.36am ✓✓

Zhongli:

Do you know the café? I can send the location to you if you need it. 8.36am ✓✓

Me:

Yeah, I've been there before.

Starry Café right? 8.36am✓✓

Zhongli:

See you there then. 8.36am ✓✓

Me:

See you :D 8.37am ✓✓

___________________________________________

My hair still messy, I went to the kitchen to get a glass of warm water. My half opened eyelids squinted to pour the warm water into a small glass. I got changed to the same clothes I wore last week to the tea house. All my other clothes were in the washing. I combed my hair neatly and placed a brown, velvet beret on my head. It was about 8.45 after I got dressed. I headed out of the apartment and went to the café. It wasn't far from here but about 5 to 10 minutes away on foot. I walked past the boutiques, flower shops, restaurants... I could see the café from a few blocks away. I wondered if Zhongli had arrived yet?

I opened the door and heard the subtle ding of the bell amidst the sound of cars passing by. I saw Zhongli at the right end of the café, he waved to me. I walked over to his table. It was a table for two. He was wearing an ivory black turtleneck under a brown trench coat and a pair of black slacks. He hasn't ordered anything yet.

"Here's the menu. What would you like to eat?" He questioned.

"Mmm, I would take a croissant and a cafe latte."

"I will go to the counter and order then."

The food came not long after. I got my awaited croissant and cafe latte. Zhongli got was the cafe's breakfast set. It looked like a lot but he finished it in no time. I took a look at the time on my phone. 9.30am.

"We finished breakfast but it's only 9.30am."

"The walk from here to the museum should be around 15 to 20 minutes."

"Maybe we can have a little chat while we're at it, haha."

We left the café and went to the museum. There were a lot of fancy boutiques in this area but most of the clothes are too expensive for me to afford. There were some autumn trees planted by the curb of the roadside. We walked on the left side of the road. I glanced to my left. Zhongli's coat resembled a billowing cape, the features on his face, angular and sharp. The wind running through his long, amber brown hair like a dragon's tail. The autumn leaves floated in the air as gusts of wind puffed in and out.

"Y/n, is anything the matter?"

Oh shoot, did I look for too long? I could feel my face reddening out of embarrassment. Uh, I should just, brush it off. TOTALLY NOTHING HAPPENED...

"Ah, i-it's nothing..."

I automatically turned away and looked to anywhere but him. How could I make myself calm down. I focused on the museum up ahead. It was very...square. Looked like a giant box of chocolates. We arrived in front of the museum. It's facade of wooden details carved into its walls, fine and intricate. As we entered through the large doors, we were greeted with a towering, bronze statue of Rex Lapis. I looked up in awe. The line for the Ancient Liyue Relics exhibit was nearly empty. We got entry tickets in no time.

When we entered the exhibit, there were many relics from the time of the Archon War and The Great Cataclysm. I was intrigued by the brown, square cup inside one of the glass casings. It was said that Morax used to bring those cups during every reunion of the gods and adepti of Liyue. The geo symbol on the cup looked identical to that of Zhongli's iris.

--------

'Morax, why do you keep bringing those square cups? We already have enough teacups to go around'

'I guess he just likes anything square'

Everyone burst into laughter. Today was one of the reunions among us adepti, and one of the happiest as well. Marchosius brought a lot of food this time. I wasn't sure if we could finish it all. I felt quite full already. Little Ganyu eats a lot. She is so cute and chubby I wish I could just pinch those cheeks! The weather is rather nice, its cooling and a bit cloudy. If only everyday was like this...

--------

Was I an adeptus in a previous life? Wait...that child with horns looked familiar...THAT'S MISS GANYU, ONE OF MY SUPERIORS! Couldn't believe she looked that cute as a child. From hearsay, my colleagues said that she was about 3000 years old. And Zhongli was holding this exact cup. No, this had to be a coincidence.

"Y/n? You look puzzled"

He crossed his arms and leaned against the glass casing, looking at me with curious eyes. I hoped that thing doesn't break.

"Probably because I never seen this before"

I gave out a nervous laughter. Zhongli had an odd resemblance to Morax, the square teacups were similar to that in the exhibit. I turned to my right and saw a painting. An interpretation of the adepti's reunion perhaps? It looked similar to the 'flashback' I received.

"That painting was painted a long time ago. Even the Liyue Qixing have a hard time dating back this painting."

"Ooh, this painting does looks accurate though"

"Accurate? How so?"

"A-Ah, a slip of tongue. I meant amazing, yes. Amazing."

"Oh, I see..."

Zhongli's pov

Y/n is being awfully suspicious. She talked about that painting as if she had seen it in real life. How would she know anything about it? There is very little known information other than myths passed on by elders.

Y/n's pov

I walked past the square cup to see the cleansing bell being kept in the same type of glass casing as well. I could hear a lovely melody play in my head. It sounds better than that of the renowned composers.

--------

"True music is an expression of the soul, not from some mechanism, Guizhong."

"Dear Ping, my cleansing bell is on par to human composers. Some say my cleansing bell is superior."

"Morax, you have to put an end to this petty argument. It has dragged on for far too long."

Morax and Cloud Retainer made a verdict from a hilltop not far from us. He confiscated my cleansing bell. My cleansing bell. He designated it for ceremonial use so that Streetward Rambler and I would stop arguing over some 'petty belief'. I have taken my concentration to a new invention, the Obscuro Vulpes Mechanism!

--------

The Obscuro Vulpes Mechanism looks like the real-life version of the Guizhong Ballista taken straight out from a history textbook. I think I would have a hard time pronouncing that. And the famed Cloud Retainer in human form?! This was too much for me to digest in one sitting.

Zhongli's pov

Y/n looks more confused now. She shook her head multiple times. I wonder what was going on inside that head of hers. She hasn't asked me anything since we entered the exhibit. Her reaction was not quite what I expected. Sigh Looking at these 'relics' reminds me of the good old days... Residing in the Guili Assembly, overlooking a field of glaze lilies with Guizh- Lover's...Oath?

Y/n's pov

I haven't heard this piece before. It sounds comforting and soothing to the ears. But who in their right mind would sneak a guzheng into a museum exhibit? I doubt security didn't notice someone dragging a big wooden thing into a state of the art museum.

"Zhongli, what is this piece? I haven't heard this before."

"It is one of Liyue's classical pieces, also happens to be my favourite one of all."

"I don't think it's from the sound system. Sounds like someone is playing a guzheng. I think it comes from further inside the exhibit."

Out of curiosity, I followed the footsteps of the melodious tune and found an old lady playing the guzheng in front of a painting of a glaze lily field.

--------

It was the first night of Lantern Rite and people sent lanterns to the sky. The dark sky illuminated with a warm glow. Morax and I were watching from a field of glaze lilies nearby Guili Assembly. We were having a 'picnic' or so called, by mortals. I brought a basket of lotus paste mooncakes to eat. Zhongli brought a freshly brewed pot of osmanthus tea. I could hear a sweet sounding tune coming from the direction of Guili Assembly but I didn't know who played it.

"A toast to a prosperous new year" Zhongli raised his cup.

I raised by cup and took a sip. The osmanthus tea was calming and soothing to the senses. I felt like I could fall asleep there and then. I wish for a prosperous new year as well.

--------

That was... Lantern Rite... What's with me and glaze lilies? That music, it sounds similar to what that old lady is playing. I watched as she rhythmically plucked the strings of the guzheng, it tells a story for itself.

Zhongli's pov

This old tune makes me want to reminisce about her. After all those years, her death still haunts my soul.

-------

"Guizhong, no... no..."

She laid in my arms, knowing that her return to the dust was nearing.

"Morax, promise me this... that you will continue to live a full, prosperous life as the Archon of geo and become a god that the people of Liyue will look up to in the many years to come." She said with tears on the verge of escaping her glass-like eyes.

"I will..."

She gave a soft grin, cupping my face with her frail hands.

"Always remember that wherever I will be...I love-" Her last words got cut off. She turned to stone right before my very eyes... I shook her stone body, hoping she would wake up. Her lifeless body, giving me the most loving smile in all of Teyvat...

"GUIZHONG, WAKE UP! Please...stay with me..." I was in shock that she just died. She was dead. No, this couldn't be happening, no, no....

I hugged her for the last time. The glaze lily I gave her was still in her hair.

"Guizhong...I love you too..." I whispered into her ear as tears flooded my eyes. I cried out to the heavens, hoping they'd bring her back...

I got up in front of Guizhong's lifeless, stone body. Bowing to pay my respects.

"Take the people south, we will set up a new city. It is far too dangerous to stay here."

I held back the last of my tears. I had to lead the people of Liyue to a safer place, where they will prosper for a long time. The remaining adepti and I took the people to the coastline of Liyue, south of Guili Assembly. Guili Assembly is no more. All that is left of it was the ruins of our past and the joyful memories of old.

--------

Someone's pov

I looked up from my guzheng after I finished playing. Morax and Guizhong? Wait...GUIZHONG???

"Guizhong...is that you, perhaps?"

Y/n's pov

Me? Guizhong? Who even is Guizhong? These 'memories' were so confusing. I didn't remember any of these and they didn't look like they were in Liyue Harbour.

"I'm not sure, maam"

"Oh, you remind me greatly of her, haha. Our bickering about opinions of music... the small little things in life might be the ones you appreciate most..."

She spoke with the wisdom of millenias of knowledge. I got another sudden 'flashback'. I didn't know what they were about. It was just so chaotic. Everything happened too fast. I couldn't understand the context of it. A lot of people were crying, then it all fades to black...

"Y/n, are you okay? You seem deep in thought."

"I'm fine...but..."

"'But' what?"

"Who is this 'Guizhong'? I kept getting these weird 'flashbacks' where people kept calling me 'Guizhong'. Zhongli, you were there as well, or some who looks like you." I hesitated to continue. What if he thought I was crazy?

"'Guizhong' hmmm? You said I was there as well..."

"Yeah! There was one where a lot of people stood in a circle around me, crying. You were the one closest to me, you called me 'Guizhong' as well."

"What else do you remember?"

"Mmm, there was one where we sat in a field of glaze lilies watching the lanterns float up during Lantern Rite. You also tucked a glaze lily into my hair, you smile was as sweet as a plate of almond tofu."

"Guizhong passed away many many years ago...but I do miss her."

"Wait...so you're saying that YOU ARE MORAX, THE ARCHON OF GEO?!"

"Hush, no one else should know. The lady that played the guzheng there is a fellow adpeti, Madame Ping, as you might know her."

"Ping? ... The one I argued with about music?"

"After all these years, we meet again, old friend."

"So, who was Guizhong, Zhongli?"

"Guizhong was our friend and fellow adepti also know as Haagentus, Lord of The Dust, ironically. I suppose you do have some recollection of her memories."

"So, basically speaking, I am Guizhong?"

"Her reincarnation probably."

I tried to process this information. That I was a reincarnation of a god. A god. Was it fate that led me to him? Me, a god. How could that be possible? I was still shocked, blankly staring into the painting of glaze lilies. I still couldn't imagine this. Like it all wasn't real yet so realistic. Even if I was a god, I'm no longer one, I'm just a mere human now...

"Was all that hard to digest? You look stunned."

"Maybe we could talk it over a cup of tea." I chuckled. "I still wondered how you managed to sneak in a guzheng almost as tall as you into a museum exhibit, Madame Ping."

"People won't notice an old lady like me, but a someone playing the guzheng in a museum exhibit is truly something out of the ordinary."

"Will I regain all of her memories?"

"Eventually, maybe."

Me. An actual god. I mean a reincarnation of one but close enough. When I was in highschool, I remember that one of the history lessons taught about the Archon War. There was a god that died, I suppose that was me? It didn't give much detail on it, I think I forgot most of it. I wonder how must it have been to live as a god residing in the Guili Assembly. When would I regain all my memories? Maybe I should go somewhere to trigger it? Or look at something like the square cups? How would my parents feel? That their daughter was a reincarnation of a god. Would they be proud of me or disown me as a lunatic? Did the heavens take pity on us and reincarnate me thousands of years later? Was I really a god? Or was I imagining it all? I could tell, really. I would let time show me the rest.

°.✩┈┈∘*┈˃̶୨୧˂̶┈*∘┈┈✩.°

The End

Thanks for reading~

Hope you enjoyed it ;D

[rangerdrabbles]

Destiny

An AU where Virgie is Wes’ long-lost sister. When their father is injured and assumed to be dying, Alex shows up, proving to be alive, and tries to convince Wes that his destiny is to take over Mr. Collins’ company. Unfortunately, Alex doesn’t forsee the presence of Virgie, whose return home was entirely unforseen, and, according to Time Force, not supposed to happen at all.

Ever since their chance reunion due to a yearly round of DNA tests from gold-digging young women insisting they were Wes’ long-lost sister, Virgie had kept mostly to herself. She’d spent enough time with her father to learn about his company, though it was clear she wasn’t any more interested than her brother. Mr. Collins, for his part, actually listened to what Virgie could remember of what she’d been through and what she’d become, though it was apparent he found it repugnant. Still, for all his obsession with his company and profit, he didn’t blame his daughter for it, and tried to be kind in his own way.

Virgie had actually blamed the other rangers-minus her brother and Eric-for getting her father hurt in the first place. After all, wasn’t it their watch that Ransik had escaped under?

So when her brother’s doppleganger, one Alex Drake by name, appeared and started talking to her brother about ‘destiny’, Virgie, who was listening from behind them, flew into a rage. Had her brother seen her, he probably would have mouthed a ‘no’ and motioned with his hands for her to leave things be, but Wes didn’t see her at all-at least until she tackled Alex to the ground in her Psycho Red guise.

“What the-” Alex struggled to fight the raging, pint-sized psycho, whose hands were currently reaching for his neck. They rolled around on the ground for a while, neither one giving the other any ground. Virgie’s transformation was flickering back and forth.

“Virgie, no-” Wes tried to interrupt them. “Fighting him isn’t going to solve-”

“HE DOESN’T KNOW ANYTHING!” Virgie yelled, kicking and punching Alex as hard as she could. The man was lucky her homicidal urges had (mostly) subsided. “WAS IT DESTINY FOR ME TO BE TAKEN AWAY FROM MY FAMILY AND USED AS A TOOL?”

“Well, actually, it was your destiny to remain-” Alex had said the wrong thing and went flying against the wall.

“Virgie! Virgie stop!” Jen had arrived with the other time force rangers by then, but was cut off by a simple blast of lightning that sent them all flying.

“Virgie!” Wes urged. “Virgie stop!”

“They’re not hurt, just stunned,” Virgie said flatly before charging at Alex again. “LISTEN HERE YOU POMPOUS JACKASS, YOU DO NOT GET TO DECIDE ANYONE’S DESTINY! NOT MINE, NOT MY BROTHER’S, NOT ERIC’S, not anyone else’s!”

Eric, meanwhile, had followed the sound of the explosions, and wisely shifted into his Quantum Ranger guise when he heard Virgie yelling. He’d arrived just in time to hear her last remark, and actually appreciated it. It gave him pause to think about both siblings, but he hadn’t come for that. Instead, he strode over to the angry Virgie, leaned down, and whispered something in her ear.

“Really?” Virgie turned around. “So fast?”

Eric nodded. “Yeah. Worked like a charm. Course you know now the old man’s gonna want to market the cure-”

Alex took this opportunity to struggle to his feet, albeit dizzily. “What’s going on?”he mumbled.

“I’d like to know the same thing,” Wes admitted. It wasn’t often that his sister just shut down one of her rages at the drop of a hat-if ever.

“Dad’s going to be just fine.” It was the first time Virgie had referred to him as such in public.

“What?” Wes’ face turned to a mixture of confusion, disbelief, and finally joy. “What-how?”

“One of my many talents is teleportation,” Virgie replied. “Not just all over the city but planet to planet. I landed on Aquitar once and they were pretty nice. When this happened, I teleported over for some medicine to help Dad. They said it would be a little bit before they had the actual cure ready, but they sent me back with something that would help him till then. Eric was just telling me that someone arrived with the proper cure and now he’s fine.”

“That’s great! Now we can-” Wes was cut off by another explosion.

“That’s impossible, he was supposed to-” Alex said at the same time.

“Hey, destiny is whatever you make it,” Virgie replied. “Don’t worry Wes-I didn’t stun them too much. I’m sure they’ll be fine enough to take care of whatever that is.

Wes groaned, and moved to help his teammates.

Alex, meanwhile, shook his head. “I don’t understand any of this.”

“What, you think everything’s supposed to happen the way it says in a history book?” Eric asked. “C’mon Virgie, let’s go see the old man.”

[mae-gi-writes]

Obtuse | Bang Chan (Stray Kids) - PART TWO

Summary ☆ "I don't know. I want to be his friend but then again, I don't. I mean, how can you simply be friends with someone when every time you look at them, you're thinking about how much more you really want?"

Genre ☆ bestfriends to lovers au, angst, slowburn, suggestive themes, college au, fluff, soft Chan x oc (Micha)

Word count ☆ 

. ° ☆ ° .

PART ONE | PART TWO

. ° ☆ ° .

Idiot, Micha kept on replaying the words like the words to her favourite song, Idiot. Idiot. Idiot.

There she sat in the hospital chair beside her mother’s unconscious body, her life hanging by a thread with the help of the machine that beeped obnoxiously in the corner, and all she could think of was of the messed up realization that she was in love with her best friend.

Chan hadn't spoken a word as she'd sobbed and sobbed, even though she wasn't sure what she was crying about exactly. He'd only wrapped his arms around her, pulling her in to rest his head against hers in an embrace so firm and filled with warmth that her heart tugged in pain. He was so close that it pained her, the realization that he was so close yet so far was a blow that left a permanent bruise.

So she'd pushed him away, wiped her tears and gestured him to follow her.

He said nothing as he sat beside her, shifting every now and then as he succumbed to the dreadful silence filling the room.

And she hated it, that he was here as if this was the most normal thing for him to do. Because it wasn't. As if on impulse, Micha couldn't help but glance at his attire that confirmed her suspicions he'd just gotten out of the gym, probably having dropped everything to rush to her side.

"Who told you?" Micha asked. Her voice felt weird, strangled as she spoke.

Chan shifted and she felt his eyes on her face, the warmth of them permeating through her skin, "Felix called."

A stagnant pause ensued. In the silence, Micha forced herself to swallow down the lump of emotion stuck in her throat, forced down the feelings that seemed to have erupted through her every pore like she had just opened up a pandora's box of truths.

Go away, was what Micha's brain screamed. Go away.

But her heart protested. Please don't leave me.

Her brown orbs lifted to his side profile. Please don't leave me.

Even if I love you.

"You should go," is what she murmured out instead, "you're wasting your time."

"Don't say that," he replied, tone firm.

His silent assurance, that made it even harder to push him away. Micha didn't know how to feal with these feelings and though she wished she had stayed blossfully ignorant of them, there was no denying the cold hard truth that now blared atop her head like a red alert sign.

At some point, Micha's eyelids had fluttered closed for the next thing she knew she was squinting, disoriented and cuddled into a warmth that smelt of familiar pine and boy aftershave. Chan.

It was so familiar, laying on his chest and smelling that comforting scent of his, a scent that reminded her of home. She couldn't help but notice how well she fitted against him, the warmth of his hands casual on her waist and his nose nudging her temple and her heart skided to a momentary halt.

This was Chan. Just Chan, her best friend. Nothing else, nothing more.

So it was a relief once the doctor slid through the door, causing her to instantly jostle Chan out of the way. He stated that while her physical injuries would heal in a few weeks, though the one thing that worried him the most was the fact that her mother might not wake up from her vegetative state.

Micha would've fainted if not for Chan's strong hold on the back of her elbow and at some point, her father ushered her out with firm orders that the young man take her home.

"Here," he stuffed a few dollar bills in Chan's hand despite the latter's protests, "get some dinner. I insist."

The next few weeks were a blurry mixture of visiting the hospital while helping her father to run the family restaurant whenever she could. They took turns sleeping and watching over her mother's unconscious form, talked about the happenings of their everyday life in hopes that it would trigger something, anything.

The unforseen circumstances caused Micha to push back her internship by a semester and that so meant that she was permanently home and permanently swamped by none other than her best friend.

"What are you doing here? You’re supposed to have class," Micha asked upon noticing him slide out of the the kitchen with two sets of noodle bowls on a tray. It was no understatement to say that NomNom Noodles Restaurant was bustling with hungry customers as it was a Friday evening. What Micha hadn't expected though, was to see Chan's sloppy smile and sweaty forehead.

He shrugged, "your dad told me you could use the help."

Her heart tugged, partly churning with affection followed by this burning annoyance to get him out of her sight.

And he was helpful; he was a charming waiter that cracked jokes whenever he could, grabbing the dishes from her hands the moment she walked out of the kitchen, wiping tables he wasn't even assigned to. And all that made it harder for Micha to push him away. Oh how she wanted to ignore him, to make him understand that she needed a space, and a lot of it.

But she didn't want to hurt him. Not when he deserved so much better.

"Oi."

Micha was whipped back to reality when she felt Chan's finger poke her forehead, only to be faced with his dimpled grin, "earth to Micha. Customers are waiting."

Heat flushed through the back of her neck. She swatted him away, "don't touch me with your greasy hands."

"Aw shut up you," he made a move towards her, causing her to sidestep with ease, "stop it, Chan--"

She whipped around, almost bumping into one of the chairs as Chan's arms circled around her shoulders to pull her back to hug her close, "Chan!"

"Don't I smell nice? I'm just sharing it with you!"

And as if on cue, the door chimed open, both their heads whipping up with welcoming grins.

Only to face Ayeong's smile.

"Ayeong!" Micha all but shoved Chan away as she noticed the slight, barest slip of the said girl's smile.

Chan whooped and ran up to his girlfriend, cheeks flushed and eyes crinkling into crescents, "baby girl! You came!"

"And I brought company," she allowed him to kiss her cheek just as the door opened to reveal Minho and Seungmin bundled up into their coats.

Swalllowing down the sudden lump of pain, Micha went forward into Ayeong's open arms, "hey, it's been a while."

"I know!" Ayeong hugged her tight, so genuine that tears threatened to fall. Micha squeezed back slightly before quickly diverting her attention to greet the two other boys.

The restaurant was empty by the time their noodles were fresh out of the pot, meaning that they had the restaurant for themselves as they caught up on life and remembered their high school days. Micha learnt that Minho was interning at another restaurant, Seungmin had passed his Design projects with flying colours, and Ayeong had already signed a contract with the business hotel that she had trained with.

"That's amazing,” Micha said to Ayeong, "do you like it?"

"I do," Ayeong beamed, "and my superiors are nice too. They're all a bunch of guys so they aren't complicated."

"Careful Ayeong, one might think that you're gonna change boyfriends," Minho teased and caused the girl to stick out her tongue at him before leaning against Chan's shoulder.

Micha's eyes instantly shot away, swallowing hard at the knot forming in her stomach. She couldn't help it. It was like second nature to hurt herself by catching small glimpses of their entwined hands, of the adoration dripping from their eyes and she wished she could just make all the pain end.

It seemed like Minho noticed her unusual demeanour, for as they were leaving the restaurant after washing up the dishes, he'd stopped by the door to shoot her a concerned look.

"You okay, Micha?"

Surprise flitted through her face for a few seconds, "uh, yeah. Yeah I'm fine."

She saw him glance at Chan's figure before looking back at her with pursed lips, eyebrows knitted together as if deep in thought, and shook her head.

After all, who could deprive Chan of his happiness?

. ° ☆ ° .

It was safe to say that Micha fell into a routine; waking up to visit her mother in the early morning hours, replacing her father at the restaurant when it was his turn to sit at her mother's bedside, avoiding Chan at all costs even though he was practically throwing himself in her way, and locking up at around ten, nine earliest if the restaurant was void of clients.

She would've made a much greater effort at pushing Chan's helping hand away if not for the fact that her mother was mostly occupying the forefront of her mind. The truth was, a small part of her was actually relieved that Chan stayed no matter how angry she seemed, how cold she was to him. He was a big puppy constantly coming back for more no matter how much she kicked at his countenance.

And that made her feel even worse.

"Me and Aejong made pancakes the other day," Chan chatted on one late evening as they were clearing the tables, with Micha responsible for wiping them down while he mopped the floor, "she's a horrible cook. As unbelievable as that sounds."

"Why? Because she's too good at everything?" Micha knew she sounded bitter, but her tongue seemed to have a mind of its own, lashing out without control.

Chan, as oblivious as he was, didn’t seem to catch her sense of mockery, “maybe not everything. But she’s definitely very talented in many ways. I never knew she took piano lessons until she was seventeen. She passed the exams and all.” 

"Good for her.” 

“You know what’s the best thing though? I really like that she never boasts about herself. That, I admire that--”

“Yes Chan, I get it,” Micha finally snapped.

Chan paused in mid-mop, “What? What did I do now?” 

Her teeth sunk onto her lower lip as she kept on wiping down the tables instead of answering his question. 

“Why are you angry with me?”

"I’m not angry with you,” she folded her dishcloth a little too aggressively and turned to the other table. 

“Then why are you talking to me like that?” 

“It’s nothing.” 

“Micha.” 

“I said it’s nothing!” Micha finally whipped around to scowl at him and maybe it was the mixture of saddened pain whenever she thought of her dying mother along with the continuous stab, stab, stabbing of knives that pinched her heart every time she saw Chan so much as utter his lover’s name, a name that wasn’t hers, that brought tears to her eyes despite her not wanting to let him in, not anymore, not when he was one of the sources causing her pain. 

But the young man’s frustrated expression gave way to instant worry the moment he caught her eye. He made a move towards her. 

And that was when she burst into a fit of angry, heart-wrenching sobs. 

It was as though all the pain and the pent-up emotion that she’d stuffed at the back of her heart like an unused closet she could throw away the key suddenly burst open without warning, for once she started crying, Micha found that she couldn’t stop. Her tears only heightened upon feeling the warmth of her best friend’s embrace, pulling her closer and allowing her to sob her way through the tides of pain and worry and sadness that seemed to have taken over her countenance. 

Cheek pressed against the side of her head and hands softly rubbing comforting circles along her back, Micha just allowed herself to feel sorry for her state, if only for this one night where she thought that everything was slipping through her fingers; her mother, Chan. Her career. Her future. 

Once Micha had cried all the tears from her body so that there were none left, she could only rest against Chan as he rocked her from side to side, the only comfort that was holding her broken pieces together at this point. She hated it, loathed it. His kindness, his genuine concern for her. 

It made it so much harder to push him away. 

“How long have you been holding this in?” came his softened murmur against her hairline. She shivered unconsciously, hating the way her heart seemed to beat a little faster merely for his alto. Or maybe it was the closeness, the intimacy of his touch, especially in the dim lights of the restaurant with only the soft distant sounds of traffic in the distance to keep them company. 

“It’s not about how long,” Micha’s fingers unconsciously gripped the back of his hoodie, hoping to extend this moment for a little longer. Just for tonight. She continued in a mumble, “everything is...everything is just so overwhelming.”

"Want to talk about it?” 

Micha’s lips pressed into a thin line. When she spoke after her slight bout of hesitation, her voice trembled, “it’s like I’m not even in my life anymore. I feel like I’m in a nightmare-- and I can’t wake up.”

He hummed in reply, hugged her just a little tighter and kept rocking from side to side. That was all the encouragement she needed. 

“I mean, my mom’s a vegetable and she’s--dying,” a small sob echoed through her throat, “I know how these patients end up. I see no other solution. She’s going to wither away in that bed and I can’t do any fucking thing about it. And then there’s my degree which I’m not completing because we obviously need the money for mom so I don’t know what’s going to happen to me, to my life and to my career and just, I just can’t breathe Chan and it scares me, it scares me so damn much--”

“Hey hey,” he pulled back just enough to see another path of tears dribbling down her face, thumb reaching up to brush it away, “it’s okay, shh. Enough crying, hm? You know I hate it when you cry.” 

That only incited her to cry some more and Chan made a noise of protest before he cupped her cheek, gently wiping them away as they fell, “I know that everything sucks right now. I--I can’t even imagine how impossible everything must be for you, and I can’t tell you that things will sort themselves out because we never know what might happen.”

“But,” he continued with a gentle squeeze to her hip then and she tensed slightly at the intimacy of his gesture, “I swear it gets better. I swear it on my heart. And if you want to cry then cry, I’ll be here. If you need to shout, to scream, to punch someone, I’ll be there Micha,” tilting her chin up so that she had no choice but to gaze at him, he cracked the softest of smiles that left her all giddy inside, “I’m not going to let you go through this alone, that I can promise you.”

Swallowing thickly, it was hard not to squirm underneath the soft glimmer of his soft maroon-eyed stare. So she dropped her eyes while mumbling out a soft, “I’m sorry.”

“For what?” he whispered back.

“You don’t deserve to be here, you-- you’ve done so much for me and I don’t even know how I’m supposed to repay that--”

“There is nothing,” he cut her off firmly while his hold tightened unconsciously, “to be sorry for.” 

Still, Micha’s eyes suddenly found interest in the patterns of her best friend’s shirt, knowing that there was no possibility of eye-contact now, not if she wanted to keep her self-control in check. Maybe it meant nothing for Chan to hold her so casually in his arms, but there was no denying the fact that anyone looking through their restaurant window could mistake them for a couple, and the thought caused Micha to reel back in self-disgust. 

As if sensing her inner turmoil, her best friend’s hand went up against the back of her head before he nudged her to his shoulder. And while Micha’s brain was shaking in disapproval, she couldn’t find the strength to fight against what her own body yearned for, returning back into his arms and telling herself that it was just for tonight. Tonight, she would push everything at the back of her mind and just for now, would enjoy the mere warmth and comfort that came with Chan’s arms.

Burrowing her face into the crook of his neck and taking in his scent, Micha allowed her eyes to slip closed for a moment, trying her best to engrave this into memory. 

Just for tonight, she promised herself inwardly. Just for tonight, she would be selfish. 

Just for tonight, she would imagine that Chan was hers. And no one else’s. 

. ° ☆ ° .

"Do I have to be there?"

Micha caught Minho's eye as he helped her hand through her coat sleeve. The said young man's eyebrow rose at her question as if she'd never asked a thing so dumb, "yes you do."

"But why?" She stomped her feet while whining, "I don't even like to drink. Or dance."

"It's my birthday. I call the shots."

"I hate you."

"Aw, me too," he pinched her cheek with aggressive fondness and Micha batted him away with her hands, scowling and muttering a string of curses under her breath as she trailed after him towards his car.

Minho's birthday was to be special as he was turning twenty-two, the perfect excuse to go out and drown themselves in alcohol. Felix, Changbin and Jisung had even rode all the way from their campus to stay over for the long weekend, taking advantage of the public holiday to party the night away.

"Hey, can I ask you something?" Minho asked as he slowed to a stop at a red light.

Micha turned to him, "yeah?"

He hesitated for a few seconds. Then, "do you like Chan?"

It was so sudden, like ice running down her back and making her go tense, fingers curling onto the material of her dark pants. Micha gazed out at the stop light until it went blurry, not knowing what to say to make it sound truthful.

"No--"

"I know he doesn't see you," Minho spoke up hurriedly, "but I see the way you look at him. I couldn't help but ask."

It wasn't like she had planned to let her secret out so soon. But he'd caught her red-handed. Her shoulders slumped, followed by the softest of sighs escaping her lips.

"You caught me," was the only thing she said.

Another pause that allowed the words to settle between them, before the light turned green and the car moved forward. A good distraction against the awkwardness sticking to Micha's heart like sweat.

"Do you..." Minho paused, "do you think you should tell him?"

"No."

"Don't you think he needs to know?" Minho turned his car down a street lined with pubs. They were slowly approaching their destination, “It’s not fair to him.” 

She kept her gaze out of the window, partly too embarrassed to face him and partly to keep herself from crying, "what good would it do?"

She was glad that they had reached the parking lot of the restaurant bar at that point, for she had no intentions of continuing a conversation that led to nowhere and, ignoring Minho’s call for her name, quickly jumped out of the vehicle and strode right up to the doors of Seniora’s. 

The restaurant was already full and she was glad that they had at least booked a private VIP spot in advance, thanks to Seungmin’s amazing organization skills. Micha weaved her way through in the dim spotlights shining atop dark mahogany tables that blended in with the darkness, trying to find their respective table among the throng of pretty, made-up girls in too-short dresses and guys who had no problem puffing out their cigarettes right into her face. 

“Guys!” Felix’s voice boomed through the jazz notes floating through the air, and Micha turned towards his voice to see him waving frantically, a huge grin on his childish face, ‘over here!”

His excitement was contagious as it caused her own lips to stretch into a mirroring grin. She bounded into his arms without hesitation, “Felix! You made it! You said you had an assignment to finish.”

“You know how convincing Minho hyung gets once he sets his mind to it,” the freckled man gave her a once over before he whistled, “don’t you look--”

“--Fucking gorgeous, Micha,” the pair turned towards the voice, seeing Changbin with open arms while she squirmed at his compliment. He was being too kind, though her sleek black jumpsuit that clung to her curves was definitely a contrast to her usual sweater and jeans. Behind him stood Jisung and Seungmin, as well as a few other of their classmates, girls and boys included.

Her eyes suddenly locked onto a familiar pair of dark orbs. Chan. 

“Hello! Hug, please?!” Changbin’s hand brought her attention back as he waved before her, scowling in mock annoyance. Micha grinned, wrapping her arms around his neck, “come here you big baby.” 

“Careful Mi, he might have wandering hands now that he sees you’re more than just a replacement for Chan,” Seungmin commented while giving her shoulder a squeeze. 

That earned the latter a glare from the said muscled man, “what? I’m just stating how beautiful she looks.” 

Micha made her rounds of greeting -- did Minho’s friend group triple by tenfold since she was gone?-- and was exhausted by the time she finally stumbled before Chan.

“Hey, look at you,” Chan offered her a dimpled grin and she swore she wanted to coo at how cute he was. Stop that, Micha gave herself a mental slap as he continued, “all I’m gonna say is, stay away from Changbin tonight.”

“He’s not going to do anything,” she rolled her eyes, “I’ve known him long enough. I’m basically his brother.” 

Her best friend said nothing, only gazed at her in that undecipherable way of his, like he was trying to solve a puzzle that couldn’t be solved.

“What?” she asked. 

“Uh--nothing,” he dropped his gaze, looked away just in time for their attention to be diverted by Minho calling for a round of shots, “alright alright everyone! I’ll open up the party, shall we?”

Before she knew it, Micha had been tugged along by none other than Felix only to be dragged to the counter where a row of shots were being filled to the brim. She didn’t have to ask, knew instantly by smell that this was definitely not water. Her nose burned at the sting of vodka permeating her nostrils and she cursed under her breath as Minho handed her one with a teasing, yet sympathetic grin.

“I think you’ll need it tonight,” Micha couldn’t stop herself from scowling at the underlying meaning in his words. She swore at him, “dick.” 

Micha hadn’t realized how monotonous, how boringly routine, her life had become ever since she flew back to her motherland. What with her mother’s situation in hospital and her running around trying to cover up all of her father’s blind spots, Micha had forgotten how it actually felt to be young, to be as carefree as she usually would be during university in-between her constant flow of assignments, how she used to get into this ‘fuck-it’ mood and hit up the arcade with the rest of the boys before winding up at one of the local bars, beers in their hands as they competed on who could chug down their drinks faster. 

So she took advantage of Minho’s birthday to let herself relax and actually pay attention to what was happening to her, around her. Just in this moment. Nowhere else. And it felt good. It felt...alive. Free.

She danced along to the music, chatted with the other girls who she now realized were quite cool and sassy in their own flirtatious ways, drank shot after shot every time another one of her friends dragged her back to the bar without realizing that maybe she should’ve kept count.

Until it was all too late. The alcohol didn’t have any effect. Until it hit her like a tow truck.

And maybe this sudden rebellious streak had manifested itself the moment her eyes lingered over the familiar pair of figures on the dance floor, chest clenching and heart crumbling at the sweetest brush of Chan’s fingers against Ayeong’s forehead. Micha turned away just in time to halt the tears burning through the corners of her eyes and she impulsively made a grab for Changbin’s arm before pulling him along with her, “let’s get another drink.” 

“Are you sure Mi? You kinda look tipsy already--”

“It’s on me. Now stop being a wuss and come on.”

Seniora’s was filled to the brim now that it was almost past midnight and the sea of bodies aided to calm the storm threatening to split her heart into. It made it easier to breathe, easier to push back the thought at the back of her mind as the alcohol paved its way through her blood and thrummed against her veins. 

It felt good. Too good. And Micha wanted this numbness to last forever.

. ° ☆ ° .

Unfortunately, it didn't.

"It's alright, you're alright," Changbin's soothing alto comforted her as she kept on throwing up the contents of her dinner, continuously dragging her hair back to hold it up and out of the way.

"Oh god--" Micha's stomach lurched "I'm sorry--" she couldn't stop herself from vomiting once more and boy, was she glad that Changbin had dragged her out of Seniora's just in time.

"So?" Felix called from the corner of the small street in which they were hiding from curious eyes. No point in giving people something to talk about, "how is she?"

"Holding up," Micha called back despite the sour taste in her mouth. When it felt like she wasn't going to pass out anymore, she slowly dragged herself upwards, throwing Changbin's concerned expression a weak smile.

To which he replied, "you look like shit."

"Thanks Changbin. That's exactly what I need to hear," Micha rolled her eyes, feeling his strong arm wrap itself around her waist. She allowed herself to lean into him just this once, fearing that she might trip over her feet and fall flat on her face if she wasn't careful.

They stumbled over to Felix who, upon giving Micha a once-over, stated that she was to be sent home at once.

"I'm fineeee guyssss," Micha whined through slurred words, "pluss, I really wanna...dance y'know?"

She swayed a little for good measure, only to stumble and she would've landed flat on the sidewalk if not for Changbin's arm holding her upright.

"I'm bringing you home," Changbin's tone was firm.

"Nooo, I don't want to go home yet!"

"Micha, you and I both know that you're too drunk to make those decisions right now."

"But Changbinnieeee I just--I really want to--" and as soon as the picture of Chan's face flashed before her eyes, she felt her resolve crumbling into the form of tears, "I want to...forget about him--"

It hurt too much. She couldn't keep it together. It was like she was forcing herself to hold in the pain burning through her loins and no sooner had had she tilted up to meet Changbin’s eyes that she burst into wretched sobs.

She felt him still for a moment, arm hesitantly tugging her closer, hand wrapping around her head in comfort, “h-hey,” he peered into her face, slightly panicked at her outburst, “what--what’s the matter?” 

“Mi?” Felix’s voice joined in. Warmth swept over her side, “Mi, what’s wrong? Do you not feel good? Do you want to go home?” 

Micha nodded, and felt herself getting tugged to Changbin’s chest. That made her cry even harder, for while his scent was nothing short of comforting, it wasn’t the warmth she was looking for.

All she wanted was for Chan.

But he wasn’t hers. And he never will be.

“I got her,” she heard Changbin’s words over the raging storm tossing her heart aside. Warmth circled her shoulders -- his leather jacket, no doubt -- and she allowed his hands to steer her away from the loud bass beats of the restaurant bar and she had to give that to him. No matter how much of a bad boy he was, no one could possibly deny him of his heart of gold. That Micha was pretty sure of.

They were halfway up the street with Changbin flailing for a cab when a familiar car pulled up their street. Its window rolled down, causing Micha’s breath to halt in her throat.

“Need a ride?” Chan’s eyebrow was raised in amusement, only to drop in concern upon noticing her pale composure, “what the--Micha?!” 

“No,” Micha quickly stuffed her face into Changbin’s shoulder, “Changbin, please...” 

The latter, as confused as ever, nudged her towards the car, “come on Mi. Chan’ll take you home.” 

“Nooooo.” 

"Not the time, Micha. Seriously, get in the car.” 

“I said noooo--”

Too late, for Changbin simply whipped her up in his hold, walked right around to the passenger door while ignoring her trying to sock him one, before plopping her into the seat. He slammed the door in her face and waved goodbye, “see you tomorrow, loser!”

Great. That was exactly what she needed. To be alone with Chan.

“Well someone drank a little too much tonight,” was the first thing he said the moment he pulled onto the street, a little smirk sent in her direction. Micha only sighed heavily, before leaning away to look out of the window pane. 

This was painful, sitting here with Chan with all those unresolved feelings burning her loins while he sat, totally oblivious and charming and just so breathtaking that it physically hurt her fingers from stopping any attempts to hold his hand, just touch his skin, just-- feel him. 

“Where’s...Ayeong?” she mumbled against the glass.

Just the name caused her chest to tighten. 

“I dropped her off with the other girls. They’re having a sleepover or something.” 

“She’s not spending the night with you?” 

“No.” 

“Ohh how dumb of her,” the words rolled off her tongue so easily now that there was alcohol swimming through her veins. It actually felt good to know that Ayeong was not to be with Chan that night, “it’s her-- it’s her lossss.” 

“Oh you are so drunk.” 

“I am...” she hiccuped and threw him a scowl, “not drunk!” 

Chan chuckled, reaching over to ruffle her hair playfully and that simple act merely got her heart racing, “I’ll see if I have some extra aspirin to give you for your headache tomorrow--” 

"Chan, can I--can I tell you something?” 

He stopped at the red light and as his head turned, eyes finding hers in the darkness of the morning hours, a surge of courage suddenly overtook her.

She wanted to blame it on the alcohol even though deep down Micha was certain a small part of her had always wanted to let her best friend in on the most deepest, darkest secret she wished she could carry to her grave.

But this secret that had been eating her from the inside out, was something that was making her heart to burst at the seams. And while she never even imagined of hurting Chan that way, she knew that this was inevitable. It had to be done, for her to move on from it. Because she’d realized then and there, that it would be impossible for her to just bury those feelings away, no matter how hard she tried.

So that left her with no other choice.

“I think that,” her hand rose up as if on instinct to poke his cheek then, eyes drooping with sleep, “I think I....might be in love with you.” 

-----

Tagging: @allyg-onz​ @elysianxshepherd​ @rindomo​ @freckledquokka​ @maedesculpaeusoubi​ @missskzbiased​ @seungoclock​

[ravenclaw-reblogs]

I have a prompt for wolfstar!!!

Like maybe a truth or dare fic, and then they get dared to do something together (i don't mind what as long as it's suitably embarrassing) and then yeah they expose themselves and then yeah :D

But like, overly fluffy for no reason<3

No pressure though! You're a great writer :D

It was almost 1am on the first day of the Christmas holidays, and nearly all of the seventh year Gryffindors had opted to spend their last christmas as Hogwarts students together in the castle. James, Lily, Sirius, Remus, Peter, Mary, Marlene and Dorcas were the only ones left in the common room, where the fire still crackled as it cast a warm orange glow over the circle of teenagers.

James and Lily were as lovesick as ever, Sirius noted with glee as he thought of how he's certain to be every bit as publically smitten as James. You see, Sirius had asked Remus out a week earlier and they'd shared their first kiss the previous evening. At Remus' request, James was still unawares, although that's not to say he wasn't suspicious. He knew how Sirius felt about Remus, but wasn't aware that Sirius had made a move a whole week ago, and Sirius really was a terrible liar.

Finally, with Remus' blessing, Sirius had devised a plan. He'd insisted that they play truth and dare, and instructed Remus on exactly what dare he was to give Sirius once the bottle landed correctly. An unforseen side effect of truth and dare was the sheer amount of snogging that had gone on between Lily and James, and well as Marlene and Dorcas, which delayed the plan until the present late hour. Why did they always have to pick those dares?!

Eventually the plan fell into place once Remus span the bottle and it landed perfectly on Sirius, definitely by chance and not at all by a sneaky charm that escaped the notice of the other tipsy teenagers.

Grinning, Remus initiated the plan; "Padfoot, truth or dare?"

Sirius smirked as, after a moment of faux hesitation, he answered; "dare."

"I dare you to..." Remus hummed as he feigned contemplation, "kiss whomever in this room you find the most attractive!" A flush dusted Remus' cheeks at the implication; the same one as when Sirius initially told him the dare

James straightened up and mimed applying lipgloss, but Remus couldn't help but notice that several pairs of eyes had already drifted over to him, although Sirius had barely even stood up.

Butterflies swirled in Remus' stomach as his boyfriend began meandering his way around the outside of the circle until he reached Remus' spot next to James. Remus turned to watch James seemingly assume that Sirius was going along with the joke and heading for him as he bent down.

Sirius grinned as he leaned towards James, who realised what was happening just before it did as Sirius made a swift change of direction and planted his lips firmly on Remus'.

The cheer that arose from the others sounded like a distant echo as Remus raised himself into his knees while Sirius lowered himself onto his own and they smiled into each other's mouths. As Remus' arms crept around his boyfriend's neck, Sirius took it one step further and allowed his hands to creep their way down just below the small of Remus' back. He took the smirk against his lips as permission enough to let his hands grope lower, eliciting wild hollers from their friends.

As they parted, Sirius' hands still on Remus' arse, their eyes met. Remus looked towards their friends and chuckled along with Lily, his cheeks rosy with bashfulness and laughter, and Sirius couldn't remember ever feeling as happy as he did right then.

I made this more of a 'coming out' rather than an 'exposure', I hope that was alright. I really enjoyed this one and I think it's one of my faves. Thank you! 🥰💙

[staticscreenwriting]

I don’t love you // Chapter 1

Chapter One - Bluebird 

Synopsis: Jess is over Rory, only he’s not. Olivia is tired of trying to find the one piece missing from her life, only she’s not. A wedding, a bus ride, a lost notebook and an unforseen offer bring these two together and spark the idea that maybe the best people do enter your life in the most unexpected ways. A/N: I’ve uploaded parts of this story before on a blog specifically dedicated to it but I want most of my writing in one place so here’s a reupload. This is NOT a literati fic! 

" There's a bluebird in my heart that wants to get out but I'm too tough for him,I say, stay in there,

I'm not going to let anybody see you. "

- Bluebird (Charles Bukowski)

There was an ice cold beer clutched in his hand, half empty already, and a lady to his right that had been trying to engage in a conversation about the weather for the last 15 minutes. None of that really mattered, none of that he really acknowledged.

There was only her. Her dancing and laughing and singing along to the cheesy pop songs he knew she'd never admit to liking but secretly sang along to at home when she thought no one was watching. Her and the way her hair that had been perfectly pinned back earlier was now slowly coming undone, strands framing her perfect face that had changed so much and yet so little in all this time.

Her and her all consuming, breathtaking, heart shattering beauty. Her and all the memories of all the feelings that had ever been there and would always be there.

God, he was so screwed.

This was the "I love you" all over again, the Yale visit, the open house. He had honestly thought he had left this part of his past behind. That he was over her. He had tried over and over and it never ended with a happily ever after for him, not with her. Maybe they just weren't meant to be.

He had really thought he'd learned his lesson and yet here he was staring at her and wondering if he'd ever completely get over her or if he might be doomed to forever be in love with Rory Gilmore.

" You know if you keep staring at her any longer it's gonna change from kinda cute to downright creepy, right ?! " he heard his younger cousin's voice speak up as she plopped down in the seat to his right, the weather lady had apparently gotten the hint that he was not interested in a conversation with her and had wandered off at some point.

" What do you know ? Aren't you busy being edgy, smoking, finding yourself ? " he replied and gave April little smirk and a friendly shove with his shoulder. She was a peculiar one his cousin, had been since the first time he'd met her but she'd done a lot of growing up over the years and had turned from a strange kid into quite the smart and witty adult, pseudo hippy phase and all.

" Haha, aren't you funny, Jess. Seriously though, what's up with the longing looks ? "

" Ah you know, just figuring out that I'm still in love with the girl I dated when I was in high school. The girl that made me change into the person I am today. The girl that is the sole reason I became a better person. " Is what he thought but there was no way in hell Jess would ever talk about his feelings. Ever. " Don't know what you're talking about. "

" Sure you don't. Just sayin' you could go over there and actually talk to her instead of glaring a hole through her head."

That he could do, but what would he say ?

"Hey Rory, sorry to interrupt but I just realized that part of me is still madly in love with you. " ?

" Oh hi there Rory, been watching you all night wondering if we ever stood a chance, wondering if we still might stand one. Wondering if this could ever be us, getting married and all that. " ?

Those were the things that were ghosting through his head but he'd be damned if he ever told those to anyone, especially Rory. He'd tried that before, multiple times, and look how that turned out. To be fair one of those times he ran off, but that was only that one time.

No, there really wasn't anything he could tell her that would change anything about this situation. She had enough on her plate as it was, she was writing a book for god's sake and if anyone knew how stressful and chaotic that time is, it was Jess. The last thing she'd need was him bringing up old feelings and confusion.

" There's nothing to talk about. "

" Okay, James Dean. I know that whole repressing your emotions deal runs in the family and works well with the grumpy mysterious guy image you're trying to maintain but that needs to stop. You're clearly still into this girl and I'm not gonna sit here and watch you throw away what might be your last shot at your epic love story. "

" Oh Jesus when did you start getting so corny. Does Lorelei make you watch 80s romcoms when you're over at their place ? Does Luke know she's doing this to you ? "

" Jess, I'm serious. Sometimes you gotta fight for the things you want. "

For the first time in a while Jess left his gaze drift from Rory and turned towards his cousin.

" I'm 33 years old, April. I'm done fighting over girls, fighting for girls. Things either work out or they don't and they obviously didn't for me and her. "

" But what if you're her Luke ? "

" What if I'm not ? What if I don't want to be ? I don't want her to settle for me after years and years of trying. I want to be a conscious decision. For once in my life I want someone to chose me. Not because of a feeling of guilt or nostalgia or comfort or because they feel like they owe me or because they feel responsible. I'm done with this. I can't do it all over again. "

A silence settled upon them as neither of them really knew where those words had suddenly come from. If there was one thing you didn't except from Jess Mariano it was as sudden outburst of honest emotions.

" Okay. "

" Okay ? "

" Okay, I get it. I didn't mean to push you to do something you don't want to do. I just wanted to help. I want you to be happy. "

" I am happy. "

" Are you ? "

Was he ? Yeah. Sure. Truncheon was going well, he liked his job, liked his coworkers, his friends. He had his own little apartment & his own car. He was in the process of coming up with ideas for a second book. He wasn't particularly phased by the fact that he'd been single for a while now either. Whenever he felt like it Jess had no problem sweet talking a girl at a bar. Girls, he had found out a while ago, were totally into the broody writer persona.

Was he truly happy though ? He didn't know.

" Yeah. "

" Okay. "

" Look, April. You know I'm not big on the whole family reunion stuff, especially here in Stars Hollow where half the population still holds a grudge against me. I came for Luke but he and Lorelei ran off a while ago so there's really no harm in me leaving too, right ? "

It was the truth, Jess wasn't particularly thrilled about returning to the Connecticut town he'd spend some time in as a teenager, but there was no way in hell he could've said no to Luke. The man had done more for him than anyone in his entire life, his mom included. He'd been one of the few who'd believed in him when even Jess himself had almost lost hope that he'd ever amount to something. He owed Luke so much and showing up to his wedding was the least he could do.

" You've been drinking. "

" Last bus is leaving in 20 minutes. "

" To Philly ? That's a long ass drive, Jess. Are you sure you don't wanna crash at the apartment above Luke's and leave tomorrow ? "

" I got a book with me, it'll be fine. No offense April, but if I don't leave now I'm just getting sucked back into things that I should've left behind a long time ago."

" What about your car ? "

" I was thinking, maybe my favorite cousin would like to come visit me in Philadelphia before she goes back home, and maybe she could bring my car with her? " April stared at him for a moment and Jess could see the gears turning in her head, trying to come up with an idea to get him to stay. His mind was made up though, if he'd stay he'd have to get drunk and if there was one place Jess Mariano didn't want be drunk at, it was the town center of Stars Hollow with his ex girlfriend in close proximity.

" Alright " April said and let out a defeated sigh " Be careful and don't talk to any sleazy looking guys. "

" Yeah okay, mom. " Jess replied and took a last sip on his now empty bottle of beer.

As he got up off the chair, Jess' glance wandered back over to Rory. He could go after her, fight for her, show her the man he was today and how this was all for her. He could. But he didn't. Because he was scared ? Maybe. But also because he was just tired. Tired of running after the same girl over and over again. Always failing.

" Just so you know, I don't think you're doing the right thing. Just running from your emotions. " April spoke up. " Well cousin, I don't think you're doing the right thing getting your nose pierced and acting like a pothead when they could probably sell you oregano without you noticing. Yet here I am, accepting your decisions. "

" You're an ass. " April responded as a small smirk tugged at the corners of her lips.

" That's family. Thought you'd be used to that by now. Seriously though, don't worry about me kid. "

" That's family, Jess. We always worry. Thought you'd be used to that by now " She replied with a smile before walking away, back into the sea of Stars Hollow residents that were singing and dancing to some obscure 90s popsong.

This family, his family, was quite honestly a mess. It was a family though, something he hadn't had for the longest time. And no matter how strange or broken over overly intrusive or annoying they were, they meant the world to him. Because they were his people and to them, to Luke and April he was a conscious decision. It was their decision to care and to worry and Sometimes you gotta admit defeat.

With one last look towards Rory, the girl that changed it all, Jess turned his back towards the gazebo covered in dozens of fairy lights and the quirky town that surrounded it and took on the walk towards the bus stop. Maybe April was right and he was just running from his emotions and his crippling fear of rejection. But so what ? Sometimes you gotta let yourself be scared to save yourself from pain.

Sometimes you gotta run.

[lover-of-skellies]

I don't think I've seen any writing for Betta yet. Can you do one with her, maybe Face reality or World of Grey?

Absolutely :P just like the last prompt I did, this also required a bit of thought, since I wasn't sure how to start it off. I think I got it though, so hopefully this is at least satisfactory!

This is set up like an "x reader/reader insert", and the reader ends up making the decision to kiss her a rather stupid decision, really, but here we are

-

You couldn't remember what could've possibly motivated you to come to the lake, especially at a time like this. Despite it only going on 7:30pm, the sky was already growing dark, and you sighed, pushing your tackle box aside. Fumbling with a couple plastic latches, you opened the box, and with a heavy heart, you turned your attention to the water and began to reel in the line you'd cast. Once it was reeled all the way in, you slipped the bait off the hook, tossing it carelessly back into the murky depths. Removing the bobber from your fishing line, you tucked it away, into it's own little space in the tackle box. Laying your fishing pole down beside yourself on your raft, you turned, intent on snatching the rope that kept your craft tethered to the dock, but to your shock and disbelief, the line had been cut.

Meaning that unless you climbed off the raft and swam back to the shore, you were stuck.

You glanced down at the water and frowned; you couldn't tell how deep it was, and you really weren't ready to jump in. Your mind began to spin with thoughts, and much like most other points in your life, you had no idea what to do. Flopping down onto your back, you let out a deep sigh, pinching the bridge of your nose. This was just perfect... definitely what you needed.

From your left, a soft voice broke the silence, "Hard day today?" You were about to pass it off as your mind playing tricks on you due to stress, but when you realized that you'd never heard that voice before, your eyes snapped open and you sat up, letting out a startled yelp as you noticed a pair of eyes... eye sockets, actually, peering at you from over the side of your raft.

The figure frowned, lifting themselves up out of the water just enough to prop themselves up on the side of the raft. Absentmindedly folding their arms in front of them, they frowned, their faintly glowing eye lights focused solely on you, "Oh shit, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to scare you or anything!" Placing a hand on your chest, you let out a shaky breath, sighing again, "No, no, it's alright. It's what I get for not paying better attention to my surroundings." The figure... a skeleton, from the looks of it, tilted her head, still frowning, "Yeah well, I should've said something and let you know I was here, too." You hummed in agreement, pulling your knees to your chest and hugging them, "Yeah... that would've been good, not gonna lie." You paused, raising an eyebrow as you watched her curiously, "Anyway... Who are you? What are you doing out here?" The skeleton seemed to perk up at your sudden interest in her and she offered you a shy smile, "My name's Betta... the lake's actually my home."

You blinked, the realization suddenly dawning on you, "Oh crap. This is your home? I didn't mean to intrude or anything, I just had no idea anyone lived out here." Betta waved off your concern, her disposition completely at ease, "Nah, don't worry about it. Though I think I have the right to ask you what you're doing out here, too. Fishing, I'd assume, but why? Humans don't really do much of that anymore." You shrugged, rubbing the back of your neck, "It's been one hell of a day. Guess I thought I could come here to catch a break and relax a little."

Betta listened intently, her attention gradually drifting to the cut rope that was hanging off of your raft. Nodding toward it, she asked, "I see. And I take it that's the reason you haven't actually left yet?" You offered her a sheepish smile, "Truthfully... yeah, yeah it is." She hummed in consideration, seeming to briefly examine your raft and glance over the fishing gear that sat beside you, arching a single brow bone, "Well... this raft might be a little too big for me to pull by myself, but I could help you get to the dock, then come back and get your things for you, if you'd like." Clearly surprised, you stared at her in disbelief, "You'd really wanna do that?"

She offered you a grin, playfully winking at you, "You're a cutie, so... yeah, I wouldn't mind doing that for ya." Your cheeks flushed a soft shade of pink and she giggled, only furthering your embarrassment. Smiling sheepishly and glancing away from her, you cleared your throat, "As long as that wouldn't be an issue or anything, that'd be really cool of you." Playfully flicking what appeared to be a purple tongue at you, she shook her head, still smiling, "Nope, it wouldn't be a problem, trust me. The water's kinda deep, and I wouldn't want you to drown or anything, is all." Momentarily stunned and confused at the sight of the her tongue, you blinked. Last time you checked, skeletons weren't supposed to have those.

You wanted to ask about it, but thought better of popping such a question. That would've been weird, and you weren't about to make everything awkward again. Processing her words, you scooted a small bit closer to her and she watched you, her head tilted in a way that almost made her appear... oddly cute. She reached out to lightly poke your leg, a playful grin on her face, "Before you think about getting in the water, I require payment for my services." You eyed her cautiously, visibly confused, "What kind of payment?... I only have like... 3 dollars on me right now, so I can't give you much money."

Betta's eye lights shifted, becoming small violet hearts as her expression softened and a faint purple blush dusted across her cheekbones, "I... wouldn't normally ask for something like this, but from you, all I want is a kiss. Just one." Your blush visibly darkened and your eyes widened slightly in surprise, "You want me to kiss you?... Why though?" Her own blush darkened a couple shades and her smile turned sheepish, "I already told you. It's because you're cute, and you seem really nice. I've never really kissed a human before though, but I really want to, and if it's not too much to ask, I'd really like you to be that human."

You took a moment to consider your options: you weren't the best swimmer, plus you had a bunch of ridiculously overpriced gear you needed to take back home with you. There's no way you'd be able to swim, not with all the gear weighing you down. Monsters were supposed to be much stronger than humans, and there was a really cute monster right here, completely willing to help you. You didn't even have to pay her either. All she wanted was a single kiss. That... actually seemed doable, and it was the best choice you could make right now.

Trying to fight past your ever growing embarrassment, you tried not to look at her, your voice a mumble, "I guess I could do that, yeah. I don't normally kiss random people though, so consider yourself special, Betta." As she watched you and processed your acceptance, a wide grin slowly spread across her face and she let out a squeal, excitedly fidgeting as you moved a bit closer to her, "Thank you, human! Really!" One look at her face told you she was sincere, and you couldn't help but smile bashfully, beginning to slowly lean down toward her, "Yeah... no problem."

She began to pull herself a bit further onto the raft, trying to be closer to you as she also started to close the distance between both of you. You chose to ignore how strange it was that, as a skeleton, she was able to close her eye sockets, and instead, you focused on how purely happy she looked. Closing your eyes, you gently pressed your lips to her teeth, momentarily surprised as she eagerly returned the kiss. You'd meant for this one kiss to be short and simple, but as her jaw opened a small bit and that same purple tongue from earlier slipped out, demanding that the kiss be deepened, you found yourself beginning to lose all coherent thought.

You'd stopped just short of making out with her as she pulled away, her face stained with a darker blush as she let you catch your breath. Just as your coherent thoughts were beginning to return, she reached up with both hands, delicately cupping your face and tugging you toward herself to kiss you again, and in her sudden embrace, you could almost feel some unforseen need behind her actions. You kissed her back, slowly losing yourself in the feeling, and allowing her to very slowly tug you down with her, closer to the surface of the water.

She'd had you practically hanging over the side of your raft when she parted from you again, her face just barely beneath the water's surface. As you slowly opened your eyes to look at her, you took a moment to really admire how truly beautiful and sweet she was, and you let out a shaky breath, your mind clouded by desire. Her grip on your face suddenly turned to one of iron, and she dug her fingertips into your skin. You winced, and as you gently touched one of her hands to ask her to ease up, her sockets snapped open, now completely white. As they fixed their attention on you, she offered you an uncomfortably wide smile, her mouth now full of sharp, serrated teeth. Teeth that looked sharp enough to take off your fingers with ease, should they go anywhere near her mouth. You screamed in shock, jerking yourself backward and letting out a pained yelp as her grip on you tightened further.

As she rose up and her face broke through the water's surface, she giggled at the look of sheer terror you wore, just before tilting her head and purring, "What's the matter, human? Didn't your parents ever teach you not to talk to strangers?" You were frozen now, unable to form any words, and upon realizing this, she sighed, giving you another toothy grin, "Wake up. This is your reality. You're a human. Humans shouldn't trust each other, and they especially shouldn't trust monsters." You tried to blink back tears, and she continued, visibly amused, "If you think I'M scary, you haven't seen anything yet. My dad should be here anytime... just wait 'til you meet him."

[worangetraveler-multiverseguide]

So lunch break so more SHY

Chapter 2

Huh, starting where we left off...

So is Spirits being liter--

SPAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

Justice League satellite?

Huh... alien queen... princess shrimp... eyeless protoss... yeah I dunno how to call the boss of the heroes

How do you know a best character is best character? You dont but Spirits is great and knowledgment of the easy pun endears her to me

okay beyond sounding cutesy/weird why does “Unnie” give such weird reaction?

Interesting... not in how generic it sounds mind you but in how Teru thinks about it “so unrealistic” ... YOU’RE A HERO!!! But also it probably feels overwhelming SPECIALLY considering she still doesnt think much of herself

“A transfer student is this a manga or something“ I mean if it were a manga it would be a shocking rev-- its the girl from the rollercoaster isnt?

Teru: slowly coming to terms with failing to save someone (though she still save her no matter what she thinks) The universe: AND THEN THEY WERE CLASSMATES!

Teru’s smile while greeting Iko is basically the smile of someone that just wants to scream in terror at what they’re witnesing

An interesting question... I mean I presume Teru keeps her SHY identity a secret so going and talk to her would be weird but... yeah I dunno where to go from here

Feeling pain but trying to tough it out there Iko... mmm... makes sense since she IS a very caring person, after all she asked to be the last person to be saved at the rollercoaster...

Hehehehe... Iko is quite perseptive, I like her. 

And Iko is definitely right. SHY DID her best, sadly your best sometimes isnt good enough OR there’s totally unforseen circunstances that can be a problem. Teru unfourtunately for now just focuses in how it was “her fault” forgetting that before that she had saved EVERYONE on the rollercoaster... is like a thing I read once where people focuses more on the ONE MISTAKE over the 99 correct answers

The pain is back and...

Oh.. hello there... am I going to hate you?

Yeaaaaaaah I’m gonna hate you

So yeah... this just took a turn

Okay Xeanort or however you’re called... you’re bullshit but the series just started so will take a while to drive that point home so anyway... what now

Iko is now an Akumatized Heartless Possessed Technical name pending for next chapter I suposse girl... oh boy.

Chapter 2 is a nice bridge, but it waited virtually no time to give us something to think, worry and fear. Poor Iko for getting grabbed here and poor Teru cause she gonna HATE that she has to fight Iko now... we shall see how it goes later, FIRST LUNCH

Also opinions on Xeasnort’s bullshit “The true form of their hearts”? Would elaborate but hope the manga does it for me next chapter.

[iwouldratherprocrastinate]

Troy x Reader/Borderlands 3 Rewrite Pt 2

After being told that we had to find the Atlas operative, we digistructed my favorite vehicle. It was my outrunner that was pastel with skags painted on it. It only seated two however so we all had to take multiple vehicles. Luckily, FL4K was in mine, he drove while I got in the gunner seat. Our skags got into the back compartment. Driving down the streets in Promethea was exhilarating, the wind blowing through my hair as we sped to the location. All was well until I heard familiar voices coming through our Echos.

"So what do you think of our new corporate sponsors? So far, selling out is awesome!" I groaned hearing Tyreen's voice followed by Troy's.

"We gave Maliwan an unlimited supply of screaming war-meat, a.k.a. our followers. And they gave us a bunch of crazy high-tech guns." I rolled my eyes, mumbling, "Maliwan is garbage anyway.. Waste of lives.." I heard a chuckle come from Troy as if they could hear me and Tyreen cheerfully kept going. "And once they take the planet, they get Atlas, and we get the Vault. So, you're left playing with... whatever you got down there! Just keep doin' you! Ha!"

I growled, 'They are awful..' Lorelai informed us that the operative is aiming at a weapons depot. I fist pumped at the thought of new weapons, Atlas and Jakobs are my absolute favorite. The squad all jumped out of the car when we hit a road block and starting strategizing on how we are gonna take out the enemies in our way. I climbed onto one of the platform stairs while Monty charged off after the Maliwan men. Looking down my sights, I tried my best to cover Amara and Moze mostly as they are our front line. I hummed one of Tina's old songs about bombs as we slowly advanced and made our way through.

Lorelai came through on the comms just as I finished the last guy in our space and we started moving forward, "That weapons depot's a juicy target, but they've got an inpenetrable security force-field surrounding it. If you somehow crack it open, you're gonna find some quality firepower in there." I charged forward to find a new spot to snipe having a rush of energy at the thought of new guns. "Let's go guys! Guns aren't gonna loot themselves!" They all chuckled at my antics and rushed forward to cover me.

After all the men were taken out, we all jogged to the end and my face broke into a grin when I saw who it was. "Zer0!" After he super badass took out those security bots, I ran and tackle hugged him. "I missed you!" He chuckled as much as a robot ninja can and turned to the others after releasing me. "Hello, Vault Hunters. / Let's ruin Maliwan's day. / Our mission begins." I tried to act cool on the outside, meanwhile I was geeking on the inside at the idea of getting to fight along side Zer0.

He led us to a plaza and the fight immediately began. Zer0 kept me close to him, he probably still saw me as the young girl who followed him and Roland around. Zer0 and Maya were my favorites of the new Vault Hunters, Maya usually could only see me in private due to her trying to help me with my powers so the one I was always seen following around Sanctuary was Zer0. I resorted to mostly using my melee as I hadn't thought to bring anything besides my sniper with me. I was too excited about having room for new weapons. Soon enough all the bots and unforseen human enemies had been defeated and we made our way into the depot. After searching through all the weapons, to my dissapointment there were no pistols, shotguns, or snipers better than what I already had at home. 'Bummer..' I did find the sword powerup that Zer0 needed.

I ran it over to him excitedly and he seemed pleased, however he shook his head. "Let me trade for it. / Woudln't be fair. / To just take it." He held out a sniper, it didn't look like it was made by Maliwan. When I exchanged the powerup for it and began examining it, it was made by Jakobs and it was wayyy better than my current one. I thought for a moment and realized there was no way he found it here, "Where did you get this from Zer0?" He simply did a smile emoji on his head and started attaching the powerup to his sword. "Look at this. / Monomolecular edge. / Translation? Cool sword." I giggled at his antics and moved to equip my new sniper and attach the other one to the back of my hips.

My good mood soon got spoiled however when a spoiled twat came up on a nearby screen. I groaned and shook my head, 'Of course, I can't go more than an hour without hearing from idiots..' His smug voice started talking, "Hey, it's Rhys' best friend Zer0, stealing my tech. What's wrong? Atlas not "cutting it" anymore? My offer still stands. It's not too late to come work for Maliwan." He turned his gaze towards the team, "And YOU must be the Vault Hunters Tyreen warned me about. You know what, I don't even have time for you. I'll let my superior forces do the talking." His gaze turned to me now, "You however, I was told nothing about. Don't get in my way unless you want the same fate as your friends." I glared as the screen went black, "Dick.." Zane started laughing, "I would love to see you drunk. Everything would piss you off."

Zer0 interupted "That's Katagawa. / Head of Maliwan Mergers. / And Acquisitions." He made a goofy emoji face, "That guy is a douche. / And he's way obsessed with Rhys. / It's kind of creepy." He walked over to the shield blocking us in and made a happy emoji face, "With this new upgrade. / I can cut Maliwan shields. / Stand back and watch this."

I stood back and watched in awe as the shield slowly got annhialated by the sword. Zer0 seemed excited by this as I prepped the Catch-A-Ride to get my vehicle ready. "Walls cannot hold us. / Now to take down Gigamind. / That is our mission." Amara got hyped and rushed up to Zer0, "Is this Gigamind something I can punch?" Zer0 nodded, "Maliwan AI. / All their secrets in one place. / A juicy target."

Amara seemed confused, "So we break Gigamind into tiny bits and then sift through them for info?" A gleeful emoji popped up, "Precisely the plan. / Meet at Halcyon Spaceport. / Now the hunt is on." He dissapeared in true Zer0 fashion as we all loaded up into our vehicles again, this time instead of being greeted by the lovely sound of Calypso twins, my Echo started broadcasting Katagawa. I facepalmed my head into the gun in front of me resulting in it firing and accidentally hitting a security bot.

"This takeover won't be hostile for long. Atlas and Maliwan, we're hashing things out the corporate way. Rhys doesn't get it yet, but when this is over we'll all be one titanic happy family. You're small stuff, Vault Hunter. Not worth my time. Mess with my Gigamind, though, and that'll change. You keep playing under the feet of giants, you're gonna get stepped on." I grumble to myself and take my annoyance out on some random bots, 'I'll be the one doing the stepping. Mess with my friends..' We arrived at the location Zer0 marked on our maps, when a tv nearby suddenly started playing stupid music. I went closer to inspect it and saw a really slapstick comedy thing of Lilith getting her powers taken. Being the easy to upset person that I am, I prepped my brass knuckles and punched the screen out of the tv.

As soon as it went out, I heard a familiar voice in ym Echo, but no one elses. "Now that wasn't very nice, my brother worked hard on that clip." A feminine laugh came through, I growled in response, "How did you get my personal Echo code??" She laughed again, "You really think we don't know all of your codes? We always know where you are Super Fan." My only response was shocked silence. "Hey? Super Fan? Did you die of shock? That would save me some trouble, would upset Troy though." I raised a brow, "Why? He seemed to enjoy kicking the shit out of my mom." Everyone was getting supisicious of who I was talking to, "Listen Super Fan, I'm gonna need you to stop getting into the fights. Seriously. If you die, it would mean annoying issues for me." I scoffed and growled out, "I will stop fighting when you get the shit kicked out of you like Lilith had." After that I try to ignore her and act like I don't hear an annoying Calypso in my ear. Soon enough, we get near Gigamind and I hear the other one, 'Fucking great.'

Trying to tune them out, I hum and focus on sniping the men dropping in to defend it. Nailing one in the head, I pump my fist, "Fuck yeah. Best gun ever." I hear two chuckles in my ear and groan, "Why are you still in my Echo? Leave. I am ignoring you." Tyreen laughs loud, "Good job ignoring us, now you gotta start over." I hear Troy chuckle, they are basically children. "Why are you even fighting? They seem like they can handle this. You are just a girl." My blue eyes roll, "Even if I was just a girl, I would still fight. They are family now. You always fight for family." Tyreen groans at that, "Of course you are one of those types. Family is most important." She whined the last part.

I kept sniping and ignoring them, I assume Tyreen got bored and left the call as when we finished the fight I only heard one voice. It was humming and working on something metal if I am hearing properly. Maybe his arm, we all made it back to Sanctuary and I went into my room without talking to anyone while he still hummed and sang to himself. I hated myself, but I was mesmirized by it. I took my sweater off once I had my door locked. My yellow Siren tattoos glowed in the dim light, they extended across both my arms and slightly on my back and chest. I relaxed on my bed reading a book about Sirens that Maya had given me a while back. Pulling my stuffed bunny closer, I hummed along to the song that Troy was singing without thinking.

I read my book until I realized the singing had stopped, "How's it going angel? You like my singing?" I blushed and shook my head, "Nope. Not at all. I just know that song.." He smirked and laughed, it almost didn't sound smug or fake like usual. I kinda liked it, "I feel like you did like it, I heard you humming earlier, it was cute." I blushed harder and my tattoos glowed even brighter as I closed my book and glared at nothing in particular, "You have no right to call me cute. You kicked the shit out of my adopted mother." Hearing that made his go silent and still, after a few moments of silence he spoke up. "I'm sorry for that. Ty just gets carried away and we have an image to uphold to reahc our goals. I will leave you alone now though. Goodnight angel." I froze in shock, 'Did Troy Calypso just apologize to me??'

[mrs-dragneel-stark-solo]

Unforseen Chasm (Part 70)

Part 70 of Unforseen Chasm

Prompt: Two sisters fall for men that are absolute enemies. The love they have could tear all of them apart, or it could bring them together. Word Count: 2610 Warnings: Wedding day! fluff, Banner babies, emotional day, heart to heart, fluff all around,  Song for this part: I Love you Always Forever- Betty Who Note: This is by far the longest thing I’ve ever written (including my other fic series). first major Collab with my best friend @thorne93 what was first a simple “what if” moment turned into a two year writing session and I’ve never been more prouder of myself than when i started my first series. goes through most of the MCU plots there are some changes to accommodate for what we wanted and there is a bit of a crossover between the MCU and other characters. I hope you guys enjoy reading this just as much as I enjoyed writing it.

___________________

“Do we have everything?” you asked, nervousness alive in your voice. 

“Yes, for the last time, Y/N, everything is perfect,” Shannon replied. 

You were looking in the mirror, clad in your gorgeous veil, stunning dress, and breathtaking shoes. Shannon stood to your left, just behind you, her baby bump gone. She had a healthy boy and girl just a few weeks ago. You specifically planned the wedding so that she could be all healed in order to stand with you. 

“Well that’s everything, Y/N.” She did minor fixes to your hair and the veil. “Aww, my sister off to get married. Oh gosh I said I wouldn’t cry but here come the waterworks.” She sniffled. “You have no idea how happy I am for you right now.”

“Aww. Thank you, Shannon. I had no idea you’d get this choked up over me marrying Loki.” 

“I just want you to know that no matter where this new chapter takes you, I’m always going to be there for you.” She smiled and fixed her makeup. “Now have you decided on taking the offer that Tony gave you about building a home on our land or if you have chosen a specific place in mind to help you guys get it built?” 

“Actually,” you responded, “I think Loki and I are gonna try it out here, on New Asgard. I’d like to get to know the community better, for real, you know? I really appreciate the offer. Maybe a little after the honeymoon?”

“Yeah of course.  You let us know when you’re ready after the honeymoon.” She held your hands. “I’m getting choked up because you're finally getting your happily ever after that you so deserve.” She teared up again.

You laughed. “You’re crying more than I am,” you teased. You pulled her into a tight hug. “I love you and I don’t know what I did to deserve a sister like you but I wish I knew. You are the biggest and best gift and miracle to my life that I’ve ever gotten.” 

“Okay no more crying I swear,” she laughed. “I love you so much, Y/N. We’ve come so far from where we were twelve years ago and through it all we did it together. I know your parents would be so proud of you.” 

For the first time today, tears sprang to your eyes. “Damn it, Shan, your crying is contagious.” You laughed through the tears, trying to delicately wipe your eyes without smudging your makeup. “I hope they’re proud. I wish I knew them, or knew how any of my life turned out.”

“I’m sure they know how it’s been and are more than proud.” She helped you with your makeup. “Well, it’s time,” she announced as she glanced to the clock on the wall. “We’ll see you out there, okay?” 

You nodded, taking a deep breath. 

Here we go. 

Shannon picked up her bouquet and left the room gracefully. In swept Tom and Clint, who both approached you with a grin. 

“Hey, kid. Congratulations,” Clint said sweetly as he approached. 

“Thank you,” you said lightly. 

“You ready?” Tom asked. 

“I’ve never been more ready for anything,” you breathed. 

You put your arm through each of theirs as they offered, and the doors to the little suite opened. 

When they did, perfect rays of sunshine and warmth flooded around you. Shannon was working a little to make sure the air wasn’t too cold, or the clouds didn’t threaten to rain, to make your day perfect. The sand on the beach was warm and inviting. 

You were on the shores of New Asagard, a beautiful island with amazing beaches. It was an easy choice for you and Loki when you saw it. 

The quartet played the Asgardian lullaby that Frigga had sung to you all as children for the bridal party to walk down the aisle. As you approached, Strange put a spell on you that would hide you from everyone’s view. Meanwhile a stunning white french doorway stood where the bridal party couldn’t be seen until it was time. 

Wanda and Tony stepped forward from opposite sides of the aisle, linked arms, and walked down the aisle to the tune. Followed by Shannon and Thor. Once the bridal party was situated on the “altar”, Peter walked down the aisle with the ring pillow. It was emerald and gold for Loki. Just behind him, Morgan skipped down the aisle throwing orchid petals, until finally -- the wedding march began playing. 

A few small steps up to the entry of the archway, and you, Clint, and Tom were ready to walk down. Stephen lifted the spell, and as everyone stood, they gasped in awe. 

Your eyes hit Loki in his all black tuxedo and you weren’t sure whether to weep at his beauty and the beauty of the moment, or to run headlong down the aisle into his arms. He stared at you as if he was seeing an angel for the first time. Thor gave him a pat on the shoulder as Shannon shot you two thumbs up and a big grin.

As you moved forward down the aisle, you gave a smile of love to the face of every friend and family that you passed, but all Loki could look at was you. 

Finally, you reached him, your breath halting at his stunning gorgeousness.

How had you gotten so lucky? 

The preacher asked who gave you away, and Clint and Tom both gave short answers. Clint patted your shoulder as Tom kissed your cheek. Tom went to sit beside Diane, and Clint went to the second row with his family. 

You took Loki’s hands and you felt a sense of life flow through you once more. Loki stared at you. 

“I love you,” you mouthed and he smiled at you. 

You were trying to listen to the preacher, but honestly, you just wanted this man as your husband as quickly as possible. He finally got to the point of the vows and you gave a smile before starting yours. 

“Loki, I’ve loved you for all of my life. My life, our lives, have been anything but conventional. I spent most of my life wishing I had a home, some place I belonged. I always felt out of step with this world. So when I went back to Asgard, I thought that I’d found my home, that's where I found my strength and belonging, but it was never Asgard - it was you. Wherever you are, you’re my home. I know what it’s like to live without you, twice, and I don’t ever want to do it again. You’re my world, you’re my partner, your my life, you’re my home, you’re my everything. I’ve been through Hell and back just to find you, but I’d do it all again, a million times if I had to, if it meant you came back to me.”

When you finished, you could hear a few sniffles and saw some people wiping their eyes. 

Loki gave you a small, sweet smile, the one he reserved for being coy and loving. He began his vows after the preacher prompted him with a small gesture. 

“Y/N, we’ve fought battles and wars together. We endured torture to protect each other. You selflessly jumped off a perfectly good bridge, just to be with me. You’ve seen me at my very worst times and never looked away. You loved me, embraced me, and supported me through every hellish thing we had to endure. Thank you for never giving up on me.  When you fell into the abyss with me, not knowing what would happen, you said, ‘I need you in my life more than you may know. I’ll go wherever you are’ and I have the same sentiments, my dear. When you first arrived at Asgard, some of your first words to me were that we would navigate our pasts together, and I feel we’ve done that exceptionally well, yet, now I can’t wait to explore our futures together. I love you more than I ever thought was possible to love another person, but for once in my life, I was wrong.” He shot you a grin and you couldn’t help but laugh as happy tears streaked down your face. 

After the vows, the preacher announced the exchanging of the rings, then he said, “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.” 

Loki eagerly grabbed you, his slender fingers running through your styled hair as he pulled you close. You wrapped your arms around him, gripping him tight. In seconds, cheers and whistles erupted from the crowd. 

The two of you eventually let go of each other before you turned and faced everyone. 

“Everyone, I am pleased to present, Loki Odinson and Y/N Odinson!” the preacher called happily and everyone jumped up, shouting, cheering, hooray-ing. 

You two walked down the aisle as the photographers took several pictures before leading you to the area to get the portraits taken. Moments later, the bridal party was there to join you. After an hour of photos, you joined your guests at a quant area you’d had set up on the beach. The sun was still over the horizon, giving you plenty of time with everyone. 

There was a dancefloor put in, with the dining tables surrounding it, as fantastic food was being served. The band announced your arrival with Loki, and said you’d be doing your first dance now.

The two of you danced to a song you’d heard on one of your dates. Then Tony, Bruce, Shannon, and several others joined you on the dancefloor. All of you danced for several hours. You shared a dance with several men you cared for, some of them were Clint Thor, Tom, Stephen, Tony, and Steve. Remy even cut in at one point, causing you to feel a mingling of happiness, relief, and guilt. He assured you he was having a good time, that you looked the most beautiful he’d ever seen, and he was happy to see you happy. 

Thor and Shannon gave speeches, prompting both laughter and happy tears to go throughout the audience. Eventually, you threw your bouquet, to which Jean Grey caught it. 

Tony walked up to you two. “Hey Y/N, I’m gonna steal your groom for a moment if you don’t mind?” Tony smiled sweetly at you. “I promise he’ll be back shortly”

“Bring him back in one piece, Tony,” you requested. 

“Like I would harm a hair on my new brother-in-law’s head.” He winked.

The two men walked away to a quiet spot that overlooks the water and stood in silence before Tony spoke.

“Listen, Reindeer Gam--Loki, I just wanted us to start new,” he paused. “Like water under the bridge and to welcome you with open arms to this family.”

He made a face of suspicion. “I would actually like that. I appreciate it. I know how much Y/N loves Shannon and you, and I know it’d be easier on all of us if you and I could… Well, let the past stay in the past.”

“Yeah I think that would be best, especially with the kids who love you guys to death already.” He smiled, thinking of his two kids. “I’m not sure if Y/N’s told you this but I made a promise to her that I would do whatever it took to bring you back, She’s really important to Shannon and I know just now important you are to Y/N.” He pats Loki’s shoulder. “And believe me when I say this, it’s good to have you back man.”

“It’s extremely good to be back. You’ve raised some exceptional children. I look forward to getting to know them. Thank you for helping to get me back and keeping an eye on Y/N for me. I think I’ve had you pegged wrong for quite some time.” He patted Tony’s back. “By the way, I never got a chance to say I’m sorry about New York. Brainwashing and all that. It was never personal, you know that, right?” 

“To be fair neither of us knew what the outcome would be for that, I never took it against you.” He looked over at his Brother-in-law. “Yeah people tend to do that often they think there isn't much else to me besides billionaire playboy genius, I would do anything for the ones I love much like you have.”

“Could’ve fooled me with the not taking it against me, seeing as you had me housed in your basement for two years,” Loki joked with a half grin. 

Tony laughed remembering that. “It would’ve gone way worse if Shannon hadn't stepped in for you two. Those two years would have been in complete darkness away from Y/N’s side.” He got serious. “I know how much that would have affected you both.” He sighed.

Loki nodded. “You and Shannon are both… very kind people, and I am truly blessed to know you both and call you family. Thank you, for everything you’ve both done for me and Y/N, despite our pasts. I’m not sure how I’ll ever repay you.”

“No matter how bad things get for someone and whatever they had done it doesn’t change the fact that family is family. I’ve come to learn that myself through my life and we love you guys too”

The moment got interrupted when Peter ran up to his uncle, showing him some sparklers.

“Uncle Loki, look! I’m Doctor Strange!” He flailed his arms around.

Loki absolutely lost his mind seeing his nephew imitate the other man. He pulled out his phone, recording the boy and sent it to his former employer with a simple caption: “This is you”.Strange immediately received the message and just shook his head and continued to enjoy the festivity.

Tony knew in that moment that his son and his Uncle would get along great and would likely cause mischief together. Things were turning out better than he had imagined, never did the Tony Stark think he’d get married let alone settle down somewhere and have a family with the chaos that is his life. Even after everything that’s happened this was the least he deserved for risking his life to save everyone else.

Just before you and Loki were going to be sent off, Thor pulled you two aside, away from the partying. The three of you walked down the shore for a moment, before Thor finally said why he’d pulled you two aside.

“I have a wedding present for you, but I can’t give it to you just yet. You’ll have to wait until you get back from your honeymoon.”

“Mysterious,” you mused. “Have you taken a page from Loki’s book?” you teased, nudging Thor with your shoulder. 

“Perhaps I have.”

“Thank you, Thor. I’m sure whatever it is, is most kind,” Loki sweetly said. 

“It is, brother, thank you for noticing,” Thor replied and you rolled your eyes before linking arms with them to walk a little more.

Eventually, you three returned from your stroll, and at the end of the night the two of you were being sent off. Some people threw flower petals, others lit sparklers, the sorcerers you invited cast magical sparks your way. You and Loki ran under the send off, straight into a car that Tony had rented for the two of you. 

You rolled down the window, blew a kiss to everyone, thanked them for coming, told them you loved having them there, then that was it. The car was in motion.

Off you went, on your honeymoon. 

___________________

Unforseen Chasm Tag list- @reigningqueenofwords @oldfreakything @adefectivedetective @dontbetooobvious

Tag list- @cas-you-assbutt-dean-needs-you @winchester-writes @winchesterenthusiast @deansdirtylittlesecretsblog   @sammysbuttcheek @misz-adrii @sandlee44 @womanxofletters​ @natsuccs​ @childishhoebinoo​ @expecteddifferent​ @girl-next-door-writes​ @fanaticfanfiction​ @dakotapaigelove​ @sassy-spn-knight-of-hell​ @reigningqueenofwords​ @oldfreakything​

Marvel: @reigningqueenofwords​ @flowerbunbunny​ @zelda2248​ @misz-adrii​

Second Note: I just want to thank every single person who has followed along with us through out this entire series! seeing all of you enjoying this series has really brought my spirits up throughout this shitty time. a special thanks to my Best friend @thorne93 for putting up with my antics and procrastination throughout the writing time. by far the best time I've ever had writing with someone else. stay tuned in for the next cowritten series by us! 

[sweetdreamspootypie]

the unforseen consequences of peeing on the zucchini

so on the one hand I’m trying to practice some restraint with sharing stories of private family conflict. but on the other hand, this is hilarious so how can I not.

First, three facts:

Fact 1: My bedroom is a caravan parked out in the garden because it’s better for my mental health to feel more connected to fresh air and the stars and whatnot

Fact 2: the house itself is surrounded by a gravel border so walking on it is loud, to prevent sneaking

Fact 3: my zucchini plants are dying. I’m pretty bummed about this because I haven’t been able to get a marrow to mature enough to collect seeds from yet (it’s mid autumn here in New Zealand). The leaves are all turning yellow and it’s looking generally pathetic.

My friend suggested the veg patch was lacking nitrogen, which is likely because I pulled up all the clover that used to be there because it was smothering everything. Friend suggested that an instant remedy is to pee on the veg patch more (i.e. more than not at all).

I laughed and ignored them and intended to make a fertilizer tea out of pulled clover at some later date.

But then it was night time and I couldn’t sleep and I needed to get up to go to the bathroom, walking to the house under the glorious star studded night sky. And I just thought.... we’re rural, it’s dark, there are no street lights, I’m wearing a great big dressing gown..... why /not/ pee on the veg patch? it’s not like I’d actually get around to making proper fertiliser before the zucchini died....

So I did. 

In doing so I had to take 3 steps on the gravel house surround to get to the veg patch path, and saw that the light was on in the house bathroom, so someone was still awake, but no lights were on in the rooms facing the garden so I was free to sneak.

Washed my hands using the garden hose tap and happily went back to bed and fell asleep.

I wake up in the morning and see a message on my phone from my sister asking if I’d locked my door because “mother was worried because of reasons”.

I go inside to fetch breakfast and find mother in a Mood. I ask what was up and she says “so last night daddy came and told me he heard what sounded like human footsteps outside...

and I immediately interrupt “oh yeah, that was me. I went to pee on the zucchini.”

which sent us into hysterics because of what an unexpected sentence that is to say or hear.

she finishes explaining and apparently dad didn’t tell her about hearing sneaking until he came out the bathroom a while later, so they got into an argument about if it was worth trying to investigate what he heard, and what you would even do to investigate it anyway.

he insisted it wasn’t worth it because so much time had passed and it’s silly to suggest it. She took offense because how can it be silly when I (me) am outside in the caravan so it’s important to know there aren’t ghosties about or whatever.

So now they aren’t talking to each other.

which is, as I said

the unforseen consequence of peeing on the zucchini

[rogue-bard]

Do you smell hellfire in the flight-deck? (Or: When Anthony J. Crowley met Douglas Richardson)

„For Go- for someone's sake, what’s a demon got to do to get something to drink around here?“

„Uh, chaps?,“ Arthur's voice and the head associated with it poked hesitantly through the door. “One of the passengers asked for something to drink again.”

Martin took a moment to let go of the controls with one hand to quickly pinch his nose. “Yes, Arthur, thank god we have a steward on board whose entire job description is to deal with sudden and unforseen situations like these.”

“Yeah, but Skip! He also called himself a demon. Again.”

“Ah,” Douglas made sagely from his reclined seat beside Martin, without even so much as acknowledging Arthur's presence by turning his head or moving in any way from where he was making up for some sleep lost in favour for a poker game he had with three customs officers last night in Tel Aviv. He shifted his hat-turned-sleep-mask slightly and decided that he deserved some rest. Literally. He had won it in a bet with Martin, twenty minutes ago. “And of course now you are concerned that we have an actual spawn of hell demanding some liquid worldly pleasures in lieu of your immortal soul on this petrol fueled, flying bus from London to Paris.”

“You mean, demons wouldn't do that...?”, Arthur ventured to interpret Douglas' apathy in the subject.

“Oh no, they would definitely do that,” the first officer corrected him without so much as batting an eye. “Public transport down there is getting so terribly expensive and the trains' air conditioning is god-awful at keeping the hell-fire at bay.”

Martin sounded a little sour when he amended: “Yeah, well, he's not so far off, I suspect pretty frequently that we might have a demon on this plane.”

“True.” Barely suppressing a yawn, Douglas finally shifted in his seat and decided that catching some shut-eye was now definitely out of the question – what, with Arthur here. “But she's on a date with Herc today.”

“I wasn't talking-” Martin started to defend himself, probably by mentioning Mr. Birling or the-smoker-in-the-loo-who-shall-not-be-named, but Douglas interrupted him by addressing the original problem:

“Why don't you just serve Mr. Lucifer something and save your innocent soul for otterly heaven, Arthur?”

“Ah well. Mum hasn't restocked the galley yet and my access to the drinks cupboard was revoked after the strawberry-liquor-incident.”

That was Douglas' cue to start grinning like a shark (or rather, like Carolyn) at their poor steward: “What lucky coincidence that I happen to have some-”

“Don't say 'Talisker', Douglas, I beg of you,” Martin groaned and felt the urge to permanently attach his fingers to the bridge of his nose. Taking them away from pinching away his headache was a waste of effort, the way things were progressing.

“-bottles of Mr. Birling's favourite choice in poison, which, by special request, shall remain unnamed,” Douglas continued without missing a beat and produced a bottle of what looked suspiciously like nail varnish (again?) from thin air; all while his 'supreme commander' debated locking them all in the flight deck, just so he could prevent the horrible destiny that always seemed to befall him whenever this particular brand of thirty year old whiskey crossed his path.

“Brilliant! Now I can-” Arthur was already reaching out to take the bottle of booze from the ex-alcoholic. Unfortunately, it was whisked out of reach.

“Ah, but wait, you forget the ever-present law of supply and demand,” Douglas reminded him (not too) gently. “We have, currently, a demand of greater than or equal to one and a supply of exactly one. Which means the supplier gets to dictate the recommended retail price.”

“I don't recommend a retail at all,” Arthur advised. “Because then we wouldn't have anything to give to our passengers right now.”

“He's saying he wants them to pay for it, Arthur,” Martin was gracious enough to translate for him. “After they've already practically been robbed by Carolyn, I assume.”

“Oh, okay.” He might have been unhappy about it, but the steward knew better than to argue with their second-in-command. “How much?”

“Oh, let's see.” It was the first time in their conversation that Douglas really seemed to take a moment to think about anything that was coming out of his mouth. “One of them is wearing clothes from last century – bit worn down, probably collector's items; high enough in quality to make him seem quirky but wealthy. And the other one is pressed, head-to-toe, in hand-tailored designer chique in a desperate attempt to look as suave and careless about it as possible.”

“Yeah, the sunglasses are a bit much,” Martin couldn't help but agree.

“I'd say 150 quid is a fair offer.”

Poor Arthur seemed unsure before he ducked out of the flight deck again. “Alright, Douglas. If you say so...”

It took approximately ten seconds until the ruckus in the cabin started: “You want WHOT?” - “Crowley, dear, please sit down, you need to keep your seatbelt fastened...” - “Actually, yeah, he's right, we just can't turn that one on because it makes the cabin smell of fish.”

…a ruckus that sounded like it now left the cabin, was stalking through the galley and coming to...: “I wanna talk to who ever is in charge of this flying piece of scrapmetal!” - “Hey! Don't talk like that about Gerti! We just bought her back from the scrapmetal dealer!” - “If I have to listen to this idiot one more second...” - “Crowley, WAIT!” - “Mister, you can't go-”

As soon as the door, Arthur had left unlocked, creaked open, Martin all but screamed: “Sir, as the CAPTAIN of this vessel, I must command you to leave the flight deck IMMEDIATELY.”

“Oi, you there, Captain,” Mr. sunglasses, completely unfazed, turned to Douglas.

“I LITERALLY just said that I'm the captain,” Martin screeched, if possible, even more hysterically than he had just a moment ago.

“Indeed, I'm afraid you have me mistaken,” Douglas by contrast managed to smile his best sky-god smile. “I am not the captain as much as I like to see myself as a... supplier of scarce goods. I heard you would like to make a purchase...”

_________________________________________________

So I saw this post and I just had to...

Unfortunately, Aziraphale didn’t have as much screentime as Crowley, which someone should amend. Anyone?

P.S.: in case it wasn't clear why they've chartered a plane to Paris... Crêpes. Of course the reason is crêpes.

[maladaptive-ninja-returns]

J.B.B. (13)

Bucky x Reader

Content: Who am I kidding. It’s all hurt, pain and the worst here.

Warnings: Please do not read it if you have a weak heart as I am sensitive bitch who cries and wants to watch others cry in the name of a good story.

Word Count: I’m sorry.

A/N: @lokis-lady-death as you can see this was inspired by the theme you followed. I cried so you have to cry. Those are the rules.

MASTERLIST

^J.B.B., ^Part 2, ^Part 3, ^Part 4, ^Part 5, ^Part 6, *Part 7, !Part 8, ^Part 9, ^Part 10, !Part 11, ^Part 12, Part 13

"How you been Buck?" "Not bad for the end of the world." Steve took him for his word. Clearly seeing the light in his eyes brighter than the day they'd first arrived in Wakanda; clearer than the daze he'd seen in his best friend's being when he had met him for the first and the last time here. Steve could see that something had changed about Bucky. There was his old friend from Brooklyn with a hint of something new. Steve couldn't really place a finger on it till he saw a familiar face walk towards him from behind Bucky. "Hey there, Captain." You greeted the man who had gone full nomad with his beard and suit.

"Y/N," Steve smiled up to his eyes as he hugged you tight, "So good to see you." "You too, Steve," you responded, your screaming nerves already feeling a little better, engulfed in his towering stature. Steve's here. Almost everyone's here. We should be good. "Come on, now you two. We're standing here too." Natasha appeared from behind him. "My favourite assassin," you gushed as you hugged her firmly. "My biggest fangirl." "Hey," Bucky quipped beside you, "I thought I was your favourite," his features clearly hurt at your declaration but you knew him too well by now to know what lied behind that humour. "Get over it, old man," Natasha teased him. "I'm surprised you're still here," Sam hugged you back, making you chuckle. "This country has good health insurance and pay benefits for teachers and science students. I'm surprised no one's moved here by now." "Who is she?" you heard a deep voice filled with unsurity whisper from behind the Falcon. "Right," Sam brought his face closer to yours to whisper, "don't be surprised," before turning aside and allowing your eyes to go wide at the figure of Bruce Banner and James Rupert Rhodes. __________ "I. Am. The. Worst," you grumbled. "Take it easy, tiger," Sam chuckled, "Banner has seen worse today. I bet you nearly squealing was actually a welcoming site for him." You scrunched up your nose at Sam while placing your comms in position, standing between him and Bucky, discussing the new threat that was out to get the earth. "How's Wanda doing?" Sam looked at you and you knew within a second it was the worst for her and Vision at the moment. "I wish I could help them up there in some way." You were clearly feeling useless right now. Shuri had taken the reigns and you knew for a fact she could help vision all on her own. "So," Sam raised his voice a bit, breaking your worrying thoughts as his eyes continued scanning the perimeter, "what's up with you two?" "Sup?" you asked Sam, not clear what exactly he was looking for. "You guys having something serious now or are you still trying to work stuff out." You inhaled the question and turned to Bucky, whose eyes mimicked your movements. The heat in your cheeks was rising by the second. "We..." you trailed off trying to calm the tremble in your voice before continuing, "have been living together for some time now." You eyed Bucky for some sort of visual confirmation and he nodded at Sam, who was elated at the news. "Nice. Cool." "Hey, Y/N," Rhodey called for you as he came back outside in his war machine battle armour, "the General says to remind you of something about the berries?" You groaned, your hand reflexively going towards your stomach as the mind revisited distressing nausea from this morning. "Berries? Is he talking about those berries?" Of course, Bucky was quick to catch on to it. We are at the verge of an alien invasion. How are we still discussing the berries? You took in one lungful of air. "I got sick this morning because of those berries." Bucky's entire body turned towards you to comprehend the words he'd just heard. "Again." You added, making his face feel a tiny jolt. "I'm fine now, really," you added before Bucky could say anything, "I wouldn't be geared up for battle if Okoye hadn't given me an all clear." Bucky shifted his weight to give you a sarcastic stare with his brows. "You are not going anywhere near the battlefield, doll. Not today," he announced. "I can only manage one crazy with no sense of self-preservation at a time," he grumbled not taking his eyes off you. "Wow. You two are cute." Rhodey stood beside you, making you squirm with his presence. The War Machine was friends with your friends who themselves were a bunch of superheros. What lifetime am I living? Is this real? Of course it's real. You've been living in a utopia for more than a year now...doll. Your boyfriend- who just asked you to marry him- is the softest supersoldier you've ever met. This is as real as it gets. Your lips involuntarily stretched into a smile. It is real. The breathing eased as you looked up, thanking the forces for this; all of this. All the pain you'd suffered were now bumps on the road that had always led to this. The clear blue sky sparkled. A tiny ray reflecting the golden you thought was from the sun. It was the smile on your face that disappeared first. "Guys," your voice bearly even a whisper, trying to bring the soldiers' attention-who were still bickering about the berries- towards the sky. "Guys!" You voice grew louder with urgency, bringing their focus to the direction you were looking in. "Cap, we got a situation here." Sam announced into the comms right the second his eyes caught anomaly. A dark solid structure burning up in the earth's atmosphere was headed straight for the capital. Right before its impact with the buildings, it blew up in the sky by the highly reactive forcefield that engulfed the city, sending the destroyed spaceship fracturing into every direction after the explosion. "God, I love this place," Bucky breathed. "Yeah, don't start celebrating yet guys," Rhodey voiced, "We got more incoming outside the dome," he declared for everyone to hear as a shower of similar golden specks went by towards the grasslands. The ominous alien pyramids landed with considerable impact outside the forcefield's perimeter one after another, destroying all the flora and fauna within the radius of their brunt, sending their vicinity in flames and dust that stopped at the edges of the protected borders. You activated your comms and adjusted the frequency to know what was going on inside the lab. "-need to destroy the stone now," Vision's voice crackled in your ear, making your nerves light up in the worst ways. Natasha was having none of it while T'Challa confirmed they will hold them off. "Wanda, as soon as that stone's out of his head, you blow it to hell." Steve's voice echoed through your ears, making you turn towards Sam and Bucky. Wanda was supposed to destroy the stone? "Steve," you whispered with the weight of the one question building up like an anthill creeping with the worst scenario inside your head. "I will," Wanda's voice showed no sign of hesitation. __________ "What do you mean I can't go?" "You are going to stay here with Shuri and protect her." It was getting really hard keeping pace with Okoye, especially after her unforseen decision of keeping you off the battlefield. "Does Bucky have something to do with this? Okoye!" She hit her staff on the ground, making you stand still opposite her. "Oh, he most definitely has something to do with this but right now we have enough mettle on the battlefield. I need someone to stay by Shuri's side who isn't present there just for exploiting my princess's knowledge. She could really use a friend right now." You felt like a moron for her having to explain the situation to you. "Have I made myself clear?" "Yes, general." "Good." Following her, you met Bucky outside where everyone was boarding the carriers. "Hey," Bucky stepped away from Sam, coming towards your direction. "I'm staying with Shuri." "Good." You hated it but the ease dripping in Bucky's poise made the sparks of rage bury themselves back in the core behind your eyes. You took his face in your tiny hands, making his pupils dilate at the gesture. "James Buchanan Barnes," you announced as you kissed him before the hidden ambers inside you ignited the sparks in his, "Give them hell." A smirk washed over his heated lips. "I'll tell them you send your regards." __________ The glass walls showed the carriers sending away platoons of warriors to the plane grasslands, near the edge of the border where the enemy waited. Dr Banner was suited up in the hulk buster because his green friend did not feel like it today and it was evident, from where you stood, that the scientist was having a hard time adjusting to it. The Jabari had already arrived on the plains, their cries being heard twice- through the comms as well as the tensed air surrounding you- while the rest of the forces filed themselves up. "Tell me if you need any help, okay?" you uttered to Shuri, who was gearing up the controls, calibrating them to function carefully and precisely around Vision's neuron threads. Shuri simply nodded, all her focus on the task at hand. "Can I get you two anything before she starts?" You asked, turning towards Wanda and Vision. "No, we're good. Thanks." Wanda didn't even make eye contact, which you probably thought was the best thing right now. But just as you walked away from the window, passing her, you heard her whisper, "And congratulations," into your ear, smiling through her bloodshot eyes. It took you a moment before you remembered what her powers were. She already knew about the proposal? Of course she did! She can read freaking minds when she's not controlling them, remember? "Oh! Thanks. We haven't told anyone yet," you kept your voice as low as possible, out of earshot from Shuri. Wanda's brows contricted a bit. "But wouldn't they already know, considering the reason that you're here ri-" War cries resonated through your earpiece, making you turn back towards the scene unfolding outside. "It's beginning." Bucky's voice cursed at the army unleashed outside the perimeter. They were all muddy dots from where you stood but their numbers were incredible. The perimeter lit up right where those dots tried to infilrate through but were evidently having a hard time. Shots were being fired at the ones who somehow made it inside from both the ground as well as air. A few from the cluster of muddy dots were moving right at edge of the perimeter but instead of breaching it they were running around it. "Cap, if these things circle the perimeter and get in behind us, there is nothing between them and vision." Apparently the world renowned scientist was smart when it came to a battlefield as well. His words made your grip harden on your staff as you did not take your eyes off the dots getting bigger and closer to you. "On my signal," T'Challa's voice came, "open North-Weat Section seventeen." Containment. WIth the final warcry in the name of Wakanda, the battalions charged forward towards the masses of aliens running haywire over the land before the barrier was opened on the king's word. You could see two dark figures from the Wakandan battalions running past the army, charging right into the wild aliens without hesitation. "Oh, heavens," you muttered. It was one thing to hear about Steve and T'Challa's incredibly thoughtless methods of charging into a fight but it was a whole different experience to watch them do it from your own eyes. So, that's what you go through, Okoye, Bucky. "How much longer, Shuri?" T'Challa's voice called out through the comms. "I've barely begun brother," Shuri stated, her hands and eyes steady on the structural neurons hologram she was recircuiting as the precision lasers did the physical work for her. "You might want to pick up the pace." And there it was again. The unsettling slither raising the hairs on your skin. You picked up a pair of binoculars and moved closer to the glass. Dr Banner was doing a decent job of taking out the mindless aliens hungry for death and destruction. Rhodey was manning the entrance, thinning out the numbers where they were clustered the most. Steve and T'Challa were beating the hell out of any beast that approached them. Bucky was not missing any shot until an alien punched him, forcing him to lose his handle on the gun. You cursed as you watched the ugly thing tower over him as Bucky's knife went through the alien's skin. But that was not the only site that froze your fast pacing heart. Rhodey was shot out of the air, Steve and T'challa were overpowered by the growing number attacking them while the hulk buster was thrown into the sand as the alien claws tried to scratch their way through the metal. Your insides screamed at the sight of your friends being dragged through the dust one by one. Stop this madness, your inner voice tried to scream. If you're listening right now, please, do something. For a second it felt like a dream, the burst of light that came down right in the middle of the battle field. Was it another enemy attack? You zoomed in to ground zero to confirm the suspicions eating you right now. But what raised your confusion was the unidentified object that came out of the blinding streak of light, sparkling with electricity as it zoomed about, taking down all the aliens in its way. "Oh, God." you didn't realise you were blurting out loud right now. "What is it? Did something happen?" voices called from behind you. It was either Wanda or Shuri but you were too dazed to even notice the difference. "No," your senses tried to find balance, "no. I meant...there is an actual God on the battlefield. It's Thor. And..." you felt the daze coming back at the sight of his companions, "a...uhh...tree and a raccon." You moved the binoculars away from your eyes for a moment. "I swear I'm not high. That's just what they are." "Bucky, the raccoon! On your six!" You announced as you saw the little animal throw curses like greetings at the hoard of aliens approaching him. Bucky turned in time to pick the talking animal and out of their while aiming for their heads. You would be lying if said you weren't internally smiling at the scene unfolding you. "Careful babe, there are laws here against animal cruelty," you smirked. "That thing just asked me the price of my arm. And I don't think the raccoon will be the one pressing charges," he grunted. "By the way, I think the tree just made a new friend." "Let me guess," Bucky responded, clearly hearing your controlled but lightly elated whisper, "Steve Rogers." Before you could say more, a heavy rumble vibrated through the lab, making Shuri stop for a moment as Wanda moved towards the glass walls beside you. A line of greenery toppled down in a clean row till the perimeter where the ground swell up and gave way to connected weaponised wheels ten times the size of a human. And there wasn't just one of them. You turned towards Wanda, whose eyes faced away from the chaos unfolding in front of you. "Wanda," you whispered, placing your hand on her arm. Her eyes locked on to yours and you had no idea how you could see the volume of her pain through them. "Take care of him till I come back." It was more of a request. You tried your best to fight back the urge to accompany her. "I will." The next thing you knew, this woman was taking down the wheels and the alien hounds over the battlefield in numbers unmatched. The sounds of crunching bones and shrieks brought you back inside the lab. "Shuri!" You heard your voice call out for your friend, whose body flew down the platform as the figure of the assaulter came into display. The pale skin of the alien emanating malice shrouded in black was ready to jump down the platform. Before you could get yourself in position a force sent you off into the wall. "I'm sorry Y/N," you heard Vision's breathless voice whisper close to you as everything around you started going blurry, "but you are in no position to be fighting right now." Niether are you, you moron, you wanted to say, but the words never came. You could see outlines of Vision moving towards the enemy finding the table empty, grabbing him and taking him out and down through the glass. You wanted to get up but your head pounded with immense pain. It had been the one to take all the impact after vision had so treacherously moved you out of harms way. Your mind wanted to check on Shuri and call out for Bucky but nothing was moving and everything was turning into a colourful mess before lights went out. __________ The sharp ringing inside your ear didn't stop till you opened your eyes. Your mind took in the familiar surroundings of the lab, the table, the chandelier, the equipment, Shuri. "Shuri," your weak voice called out for her as your throbbing limbs tried their best to get up. The caught up breath in your lungs was released once you were sure she was breathing. You picked her up and laid her in the section hidden away from the rest of the lab, covering her with a blanket. "I'll be back," you assured the princess as your disoriented self walked out of there. "Vision? Does anyone have eyes on Vision?" Static. "Steve? Do you have eyes on Vision?" Silence. Your heart picked up the speed what your steps weren't able to do yet. Picking up a staff lying closest to you you made your way to the elevator. "Nat? Sam? Can anyone hear me?" The silence brought in a tide of fear. Your back felt the cold sweat run down your spine, not wanting your worst thoughts to come true. "Bucky?" your voice gave away. Silence. The cold sweats grew as the nausea came back. Tears ran down your cheeks, nothing stopping the shaking of every cell in your body. "Y/N?" Bucky's voice made a light scream escape your throat. You were already running out of the elevator and through the doors down towards the ground. "Bucky! Are you-" "My lady," a wakandan soldier approached you from the open, "you should stay inside. General's ord-" He stopped speaking and turned to look at his hand holding the staff whither away slowly into ashes, taking the rest of him with it, making the staff land with a loud clunk reverberating through your brain. "Steve?" Bucky's voice came again with a hint of unsurity hanging in his tone. You dashed towards the treeline where you had seen Vision fall in, trying to press away the nausea and pain building up in your stomach all the while pressing away the dark thoughts. "Bucky?" Silence. Your pace accelarated but dropped as the raccoon and the tree coming into view, the latter disintegrating right in front of your eyes. Your eyes wildly went around the forest, catching Steve leaning down into someone's ashes. "Bucky?" a crack called out in your throat as Steve looked up in your direction, not able to gather what just happened. "Bucky," you whispered, making him get up and move away from the spot. You shook your head as your body moved towards the remains. "Buck." Your limbs gave way under you, bringing you down to your knees. Hey, come on, now. Wake up. Bucky's first words of this morning echoed through you in his soothing voice. Okoye's cries for her king and Rhodey's call for Sam dropped in the background. Don't you have work to do today? Natasha came running towards the now lifeless body of Vision being turned by Steve while Bruce, Thor and Rhodey watched from afar. Goodmorning, sleepyhead. Rocket sat defeated near Groot's ashes. So did you, near Bucky's. As much as I’d love to, doll, I would not last a minute under Okoye’s stare of death. Your fingers traced the fragile remains under their skin. "What is this? What the hell is happening?" Rhodey called out. It's never going to be over. The place in your chest where you heart supposedly was splintered into a thousand peices, the force driving the wind out of your lungs. They need me. Steve needs me. It's the end of the world for all we know. Steve finally sat down, dejected. "Oh, God." How are you so calm right now? Your aching body no longer registered the changes occuring inside you into your head. I’m so glad I ran into you when I did. Parts inside you were falling to pieces. I love you, Y/N. Soft thump of the hulk buster's feet coming closer behind you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. "Jesus christ," Bruce's voice marveled. No, silly. I mean I want to marry you. Your breathing slowed down, the ache in your limbs increasing with every passing second, telling your numb mind to stop it. "Nat," Bruce softly called out for her, his eyes never leaving you. "Nat." I have you. The cold sweats made you shiver, the words adding to the lack of warmth inside you. Nat came in your direction, not yet over the shock of vision's lifeless body, looking at Bruce with half the interest. "Nat," Bruce's voice broke, his breathing growing heavy, "I think she's bleeding." Jesus, you’ve gained weight. Your hands rested on your thighs, half open towards the sky, purposeless. Nat looked at your armour, confused at the sight of no open wounds until her eyes went down. "No," she came by your side within seconds, her breathing fast, her heartbeat faster. You are here. "I'm here," your voice barely a whisper. Nat picked up your unresponsive limbs, Steve coming behind her to help. "She's in shock." Nat shook her head at Steve's words. "Steve, this is worse." "I'm here," the inaudible whisper escaped again. It didn't take long for it to dawn on him, all the last breaths leaving his tired lungs. "No." He looked at your lackluster eyes still stuck on the sight of the ashes. "No, God, no." His arms wrapped your shivering body into themselves, his hands stroking your hair. "Captain," Okoye’s trembling voice called from behind him, her tears from losing her king and friend still not dry, "we have to take her inside. Now." "I'm here," the words mechanically escaping one last time before Steve's arms carried you away, from where Bucky's remains rested, all the colours around you mixing into complete darkness. I'm here. Where are you? 

^J.B.B., ^Part 2, ^Part 3, ^Part 4, ^Part 5, ^Part 6, *Part 7, !Part 8, ^Part 9, ^Part 10, !Part 11, ^Part 12, Part 13 ...

(Yes, I am the worst person right now, probably. But it isn’t over yet. This is definitely going to get a happy ending but for that we will have to wait for Avengers 4. So...I suggest you enjoy some of my fics which are far less torture and more fluff. Or not. PS- J.B.B. readers, I am going to start Steve Rogers fic soon so if you’d like to be tagged do let me know. No, we wouldn’t have to wait for a happy ending in that one so you can enjoy that one. I can only write heartbreak when it is served to me on a platter.)

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[lombax-lombardi]

Aftermath~

Summary: Finally the trio were reunited with their very close friend. Who had been with them since the start but unforseen circumstances drove her from the rest of them, now she is with the people she loves.

Genre: Fluff!

When she opened that door she expected who would be there, she didn’t expect him to find her straight away. Perhaps his heart sensed hers somehow but that didn’t matter.

Aerith let out a squeak as she watched the taller brunette wrap his arms around her friend who to be frank was shorter then him, she could feel tears prickle her eyes.

Maddi had been waiting for this for so long and it was finally happening.

They stood there in silence. Comfortable silence after many long years apart.

“....You go by Direheart now?....” she heard him whisper, the sound so close to ear it almost frightened her, she nods. 

“Yes. Allow me to explain...please..” she broke from the hug, gesturing to herself. “I don’t normally look like this. The reason is because of this ruby...” she points to the item in question.

Terra tilted his head in slight thought. While a part of him was inside his armor, when she visited him that one time it was like he could see her, only some of her.

That red thing on her chest was one thing he could see, the rest of her was like a mist to him while in that state. She then went to explain that she is like a guardian of sorts to others like her.

It turns out there were many who shared her name and face and according to her, it was her job to protect them because they stemmed from her. 

“If I die.....They all die.” she stated, looking down at her hands as if she could see splashes of red on them as if she is being shown a vision. Shaking her head she turned away from him, trying to hide her tears as well. “I’m not going to stay this way forever...I’m going to revert back to my hair being white and my eyes cloudy blue. I technically-”

Before she could say anymore she was brought back into his grasp, feeling something soft brush against her lips. Was that heat blooming fourth on her cheeks? 

“I know...Don’t worry about it....You’re still Maddi to me. And I am going to keep calling you that, despite your other name...” the somewhat tiny distance between them was about to be closed when Maddi remembered something. “Oh uhh Aerith..c-could you..?”

The other brunette in the room, wearing a playful smile on her face. “Of course. I will leave you two alone. You have a lot of catching up to do” With a slight bow she took her leave, closing the door behind her.

“How am I going to explain to Merlin that two lovers are inside his house...”

But that was yesterday.

This is today.

After the slight commotion caused by Tifa loudly proclaiming about the bruise on her neck, Direheart made sure it was well hidden, considering she had company this time, her friend Seven.

“Are you sure you can be away from your world for this long Seven?” The now solid spirit asked, her hair was slowly changing from brown to white, the robot nodded in confirmation. “Yes. Besides I want to share a hypothesis with that blonde girl who saved my life after we defended Radiant Garden together”

Same Seven.

Still using her processors to learn.

“Anything interesting?” Direheart asked, Seven turned her head her eyes wide with slight surprise, the little holographic line connecting her antenna seemed to spike into jagged lines.

“Well, I have a friend in another world...whose life partner was..created by a scientist, kinda like me~ But! He was the result of an experiment meant to be a cure for an..incurable disease. He himself is the cure. So regarding that information, I want to bring to her attention that there could be-” she stopped when they reached a locked gate leading into..well something that looked like a palace kinda.

“Oh we are here? We were still in the plaza when I started speaking!” Seven looked about confused, earning some slight glares from the guards stationed in front.

Direheart raised her hand. “Hello you pair. I am bringing my friend her to see Ansem the Wise. She has a mind to help with a certain project. May we proceed in?’

The guards, who looked strikingly familiar to her, but she for the life of her could not remember their names, allowed her and her friend to proceed, gently pushing Seven along with her.

“Now, Ansem the Wise should be down further in the hall. The girl you are looking for, named Esper, should be there as well. Just be polite, kind and most of all, don’t get too excited”

The robot rolled her eyes. “Yes ‘Mum’.” She gave her a wave and headed off to find this girl, her metal feet didn’t even make such a loud sound. Direheart let out a short breath, hopefully Seven won’t cause any damages she whispered to herself as she went back outside.

She took a walk around the Garden, obviously enjoying the new peace that was brought to it.

That’s when she heard footsteps behind her. Blinking, she turned her head to see the ever hopefully eyes of Ven staring right back at her.

It took a moment.

A single moment.

“Ven..?”

“M-Maddi? Maddi! Finally!” He rushed over and threw his arms around her, she of course returning the favour. Ven was like a little brother to her and to see him again after so long.

“Oh Ven...I missed you so much~”

“Yeah...I missed you too...” He mumbled into her shoulder, quieting the tears that were threatening to spill over. The last time he saw her, she got blasted somewhere else, a keyblade through her front.

He thought she died.

But no she was alive.

“You dummy! You were asleep for over a decade!” Direheart punched him in the shoulder, he mumbled and rubbed his now sore shoulder.

“Yeah well look at you! You..look different...don’t worry I know” he said with a smile. She looked confused, how did he know?

“I bumped into Terra earlier. He told me everything. About your..condition...” she rubbed the back of her neck. 

“You aren’t...”

“Freaked? No of course not! You’re Maddi! Regardless of your new name you are still Maddi to us!” There was that bright smile. 

“Hold on Aqua should be right behind me so stay right here!” he got up and ran off to find the big sister of the trio, Maddi watched him leave once again.

She absently ran her fingers through her now white hair. Soon she shall be back to her natural self.

She looked up at the sky, finally she was with those she loves. Tears rolled their way down her cheeks. Years and years of pent up emotions finally had a way out, she couldn’t stop them.

In her tears she could not see another pair of arms find themselves around her. Startled by the sudden movement she squeaked in surprise and was ready to fight back when a familiar voice stopped her.

“I know you were a bit of a cry baby...but look at you now. I am so proud of you” That’s when her tears stopped, that familiar warm voice brought her back to her sense.

“....I missed you Maddi...”

The smaller girl returned the hug as if her life depended on it.

“I missed you too Aqua....”