#everyone else had each colour cut short

[bookworm-2692]

And here we are everyone! The final update to the Life Tracker with all the chaos at the end! Apologies for the delay here - most of my timing notes were done by Sunday, and then the graphs were complete by the middle of Tuesday, and now it’s Thursday morning. I have no good excuse this time, but here it is!

Previous posts: Session 7, Session 6, Session 5, Session 4. As usual, below the cut is close ups and data and commentary!

There were 37 deaths I counted this session up to Pearl’s permadeath, and then Impulse died twice more before some off-camera life exchanges occurred (Scott showed the first two, so they’re here with their timings, but then after that no one showed when Impulse gained an hour (so got two more kills), Martyn lost an hour (so died once), and Scott gained half an hour (so got a kill), and as you see something doesn’t add up and given that immediately after they get down to their final life I have elected to ignore it and just adjust the time anyway). Then there are the three consensual lava deaths, and then the three final deaths... so there were 45 on camera deaths this session, plus some extra off camera time shuffling.

I actually missed two deaths from Session 7 as well - I had them in my notes so my number of deaths matched what should be, but I somehow forgot to put them in the excel data, so I put them back this week. They were when Impulse fell and Cleo got the kill credit, as when as the Grian double kill on Bdubs and Cleo. I have also removed the 30 minutes I awarded Bdubs for his wolf killing Scar so that he could permadie at the correct time - though I left the 30 minutes Bdubs got for killing Joel in self-defence as a Yellow, as Cleo’s timer shows that she still had this, so I wanted consistency there.

Close up of Sessions 6-8 together

Close up of Sessions 7-8 together

Here you can see all the permadeaths together! It was far harder to label these lines than when players were alive and in a nice orderly line, so I hope this is fairly clear. And a close up of Session 8 alone:

Crazy how Pearl was briefly the one with most time, and Impulse’s habit of keeping his mouth shut about his time served him well - two hours into the session he had 4.5 hours, while Scott and Martyn were both down to 2 hours (and Grian on 1 and Pearl and Etho on half an hour). Scott wasn’t kidding when he said he stole all of Impulse’s time there.

I also decided to acknowledge Martyn’s /kill at the end there, and made him lose the rest of his time there.

Another interesting thing is the fact that Etho and Pearl’s mutual killing of each other, where they both net lost half an hour, didn’t actually effect their final placements. They were on under half an hour when they died, but if they hadn’t killed each other, they still would have been under an hour, and still would have permadied. Grian was definitely on the most time at his permadeath, and BigB got so damn close to it before being saved. If it had taken Mean Gills + TIES even a minute longer to find them and kill them, BigB would have died then (and Pearl may not have lost as much time as quickly as she did).

I do want to acknowledge that Pearl did gain an hour from permakilling Cleo. Because it was PvP, the half hour got automatically added. However, because Cleo permadied, her death message took up the entire screen and completely hid the message telling Pearl she gained 30 minutes, so Pearl then gave herself another 30 minutes. Which means she may have otherwise died when Etho pushed her, but I’m willing to let it slide - Martyn also gained 30 minutes for an unknown reason back between Session 3 and Session 4 that was never acknowledged or removed. He also never fell below two hours until they agreed to equalise, so it probably didn’t effect anything, but I do want both to be acknowledged here.

I also created the graph for the average time per team again, in two forms.

First: where dead people are included in the average

And the Session 6-8 close up of this

And the Session 7-8 close up

And below is the Session 7-8 close up of the version where dead people are removed from the average

I don’t have much to say here other than I think it’s interesting comparing the two. The first one suppresses how much time Impulse has on account of Skizz and Tango both being dead, but the second one shows it loud and clear.

Now is time for the data screenshots! This session was longer than every session except for the first - they had been averaging around two hours, but this time was an hour and a half. Presumably, this is because at the 2 hour mark, there were still 6 people alive, and three of them had an hour or less to live, and 15 minutes later there were only three but at that point you may as well let it play out.

The first 50 minutes of Session 8:

The next hour and 10 minutes of Session 8:

The final 30 minutes of Session 8:

As usual the red and green boxes indicate deaths and kills. The blue boxes is what I’m using for the “time equalisation” the three of them did off camera. I really tried to work out who would have killed who there but something didn’t work and then I decided it didn’t matter lmao. I did do their three lava deaths separately though because I’m still being anal there.

After doing all that, I finally worked out a better way of zooming in on the graphs, by remembering I can actually force the axes to be smaller, which means more detail can actually be seen. So here those are below.

Life Tracker Session 1-4:

I also finally worked out how to rotate the text boxes because it wasn’t working earlier, and I think it looks so much better there!

Life Tracker Session 5-8:

Here unfortunately the text on the left had to be huge for the spacing to work, but then on the right the text had to be much smaller so I could try to space all the names out at the point of death.

Life Tracker Session 6-8:

I actually made the 6-8 one before the 1-4 or 5-8 ones, so before I worked out the angled text, but I think this still works with just the names at the point of death (the start of the name is at the point of death, unless there’s commas in between and then they’re all at the same point)

Life Tracker Session 7-8:

Lots of little details here! We’re close enough that Tango’s death can separate from Scar and Cleo. You can see vertical lines close together rather than overlapping as well which is nice!

Life Tracker Session 8:

This one I did forget to change the title, but you can tell it’s Session 8 only. Tango, Scar, and Cleo died within two minutes of each other, it’s so tight. And Impulse and Scott were within six seconds of each other, so that was always gonna be impossible to separate.

Team Average Time Session 1-4:

Team Average Time Session 5-8:

Team Average Time Session 6-8:

Team Average Time Session 7-8:

Team Average Time Session 8:

I also have a copy of the above four with the dead people excluded, which I can share if people are curious, but this post is maybe getting a bit long right now, and I think the version where dead people are included is the better one to show - more accurate to team strength.

I also made some other graphs while procrastinating this post (because I was procrastinating making a decision about some of Bdubs’s deaths/kills to make the time work), but I will include those in their own post as this one is absolutely far too long right now.

I definitely had fun making these graphs each week, so I hope you guys enjoyed too!!

[theemporium]

golden retriever and black cat dynamic for sirius black x reader please maybe with him flirting with her and she usually never responds or reacts but one time she flirts back and he's just flustered but she walks away giving him a kiss on the lips maybe

thank you for requesting!🖤

part two

.

If there was one thing about Sirius Black, it was that he was utterly and undoubtedly insatiable when it came to you.

You were opposites as far as opposites could go. He was always bouncing around and happy to chat anyone’s ear off, you were happy to bask in the silence. He was a people person, you preferred spending time alone. The whole school knew Sirius Black like they were his best friends, you had a small inner circle you stuck to. He was the ever-loved Gryffindor bad boy with a reputation known by many, you were just the scary Slytherin most people avoided on a daily basis. 

You were an unlikely match in anyone’s eyes and, yet, somehow you had captured the heart of one of the most beloved bachelors in Hogwarts in a way nobody could ever comprehend.

“Did I tell you that you look absolutely gorgeous in those colours today?” 

“They are my house colours, Black,” you deadpanned, not even looking away from your bubbling cauldron.

“You’re right, I didn’t even notice,” he replied and before you could even stop him, he was leaning closer to you until his breath was tickling your cheek. “You’d look a lot better in red and gold though, love.” 

“Over my dead body,” you grumbled and swatted him away as you concentrated on the potion you had been brewing throughout the class.

“Don’t break my heart like that, love,” Sirius responded with a cheeky smile.

To anyone else, the lacklustre responses and short replies would have been more than enough to drop any semblance of a conversation with you. But not with Sirius, never with Sirius. They were like a challenge for him and a lot of the time he enjoyed your witty responses. He liked to think he was wearing you down, starting to at least reach friendship level boundaries with you even if everyone else said he was an idiot for trying. 

But it became like a nice routine for the boy, something he would complete every day and know he got to see you each day as well. It was a comfort he enjoyed. 

“Good morning, darling,” he greeted you as he approached you as you made your way towards the gardens. It had been a Saturday morning tradition of yours, one that Sirius picked up on and always managed to intercept with a charmed thermo of hot coffee ready for you. 

“Morning, Black,” you grumbled in response as you reached for the thermo without any arguments needed from his side. 

Sirius blinked, as if processing your lack of resistance, before he quickly spun on his heel and continued to walk down the path with you. 

“So, uh,” he cleared his throat, his brows furrowed together as he tried to string together a coherent sentence. “I…uh—”

You suddenly stopped and turned to face him. “Are you sick?” 

Sirius frowned. “No.”

“Then why are you acting weird?” you asked him, your eyes narrowing slightly. 

“You just—” but he cut himself off, just shaking head. “Nothing, love, I am completely fine.” 

“Fine enough to go to the Three Broomsticks tonight?” you asked him. 

Sirius only smirked. “As I do every weekend, darling. Didn’t realise you were keeping tabs on me.”

“Good,” you said with a nod of your head. “I’ll see you there at eight. It’s a date.” 

Sirius’ jaw dropped as you walked away, his eyes barely blinking as he let out some pathetic noise that seemed to catch your attention as you turned back to look at him. 

“You better not kiss with your mouth open like that, Black, otherwise this might be our only date,” you called out to him before you continued your walk towards the garden, leaving a slightly confused Sirius standing there with his cheeks burning a shade of red they had never seen before.

.

[taradactyls]

Elizabeth Overestimates her Ability to Tie a Cravat

Prompt for @janeuary-month 2005 Day 8: Cravat

Over the period of their engagement, Elizabeth and Mr Darcy take many long walks. During an unseasonably warm late October day, Mr Darcy loosens his cravat and removes his jacket. Elizabeth finds this a very educational experience. But when it comes time to put them back on, she cannot for the life of her figure out how to knot the cravat properly after insisting she do the honours.

“My dearest, and loveliest, Elizabeth,” he gently began. “You have no idea how to knot a cravat, do you?”

3,421 Words, Rated G, Elizabeth Bennet / Fitzwilliam Darcy

Tags: Fluff, First Kiss, Love, Sickeningly in Love, Canon Compliant, I cannot express how absolutely besotted with each other these two are, The tension is palpable but it goes no further than g-rated touches banter and a few chaste kissies, Sweet, One shot

Read a snippet below the cut, and the entire work on Ao3

Elizabeth Overestimates her Ability to Tie a Cravat

For all her family’s joy at her engagement to Mr Darcy, escaping them at every opportunity was one of Elizabeth’s highest priorities. Thankfully, there were plenty of lanes about in which she may lose her way accompanied by her dear Mr Darcy. They had managed to flee Longbourn today by proposing another long walk, and though initially possessing the companionship of Jane and Mr Bingley the couples had collectively decided, without a word being spoken, to travel different paths.

The harvest was in, the landscape awash in colour, and the sun unseasonably hot. Elizabeth was delighted, and yet she looked at her intended with concern. After studying him a few moments, she asked “What is that furrowed brow for, Mr Darcy?”

“I feel I ought to be sitting with your father in the library,” said he, “but it has been two days since I have been alone with you for any length of time and so I must be selfish.”

“The correct choice, in my completely unbiased opinion,” Elizabeth smiled, nudging his arm lightly with her own to punctuate her point. He responded by capturing her hand, and raising it to give the back of it a kiss.

He did not release it once it was lowered.

Mr Darcy was too deep in thought to notice her blush. “I do not want to appear lax in my duty towards him, nor fail to prove that I deserve the honour of your hand.”

“Oh, you must not trouble your mind about that! The latter is already accomplished, and for the former – well, as sweet as your sentiment is, I assure you my father shall be very pleased to have a day free from respectful sons-in-law. After spending all yesterday with you and Mr Bingley hunting, followed by dinner with the Lucases, there is nothing he wants more than silence and solitude in his library.”

“So long as you are certain he shall not find my avoidance of his company for a whole day selfish.”

“He shall view it as a kindness to himself – and everyone else for that matter.”

“I fail to see how anyone else factors into it?”

Leaning into him with a smile, Elizabeth archly replied “It saves them all from having to endure my forlorn sighs as I stare longingly at you from across the room.”

Mr Darcy gave a short laugh as he looked at her in surprise, the rare sound and the amusement in his face ample reward for Elizabeth’s efforts. Her smile turned softer as she admired him and his own gaze did not stray from her.

For a fleeting moment she wondered if he might finally kiss her, for he had remained entirely proper so far over the fortnight of their engagement.

“Well then,” he said instead, “I shall take that as his tacit approval to wander about the countryside with you for at least another two hours. Even if it does grow hotter every moment.”

“Poor Mr Darcy! Pity there are no lakes here-abouts for you to jump into to cool down.”

Elizabeth was jesting, but within another half an hour it became clear that perhaps such an action would not be fully unwise. She had foregone a sleeved dress that morning but the gentleman was not so fortunate in his coat. “I know I claimed your presence outdoors for the next few hours, but I am afraid, dearest Elizabeth, that I near my limit for exercise in the present circumstances,” he said, tugging at his cravat to allow some air to slip within.

“You are looking a bit flushed – shall we turn back?”

“Not until after I have recovered somewhat. The lack of trees on our return path for the next mile shall only worsen my state.”

Elizabeth frowned at Mr Darcy in consternation. “You are not feeling dizzy, nor any worse symptoms, I hope?”

“No, just uncomfortably hot,” he reassured her. “A break to sit down in the shade shall quite restore me.” Yet despite professing himself mostly fine, he did not at all fight Elizabeth’s insistence on putting her arm around his waist, and draped his own about her shoulders. It was perhaps unnecessary, as he did not lean any of his weight on her, but the feeling of Elizabeth against him made him almost forget the heat for a moment.

Though there may not have been a lake to jump into (the small pond in a cow paddock featuring said animals wading through it to cool down was far too dirty to even contemplate) there was a copse atop a low hill not far from the road. Elizabeth led Mr Darcy to it, pleased to see it was free from grazing animals and other people, and open enough that sitting there with her betrothed could cause no scandal even if they were a little hidden from the road once they found the most sheltered spot. He took a few steps from her, and in some desperation, untied his cravat and ripped it from his neck, seeking the relief of cooler air.

Continue reading here

[saints-helen]

MORE HEADCANONS!! YIPPIE!!

(Except more general ones this time😅)

(May make a part two... In six years or so-)

Smaller headcanons!:

- Human Dream has some sort of skin condition due to being trapped in stone. He doesn't want the public to know of any "weaknesses" of his so he hides it behind layers of makeup and clothing, the former of which often only makes it worse. To help with it he bathes regularly, occasionally using one of the plethora of medicinal bathbombs and soaps that blue buys him (he feels guilty about wasting his money).

- Human Nightmare has long hair, Human Dream has short hair. (we know why the latter is, though, don't we Helen~)

- Human Cross is albino! So is human Epic! Albino besties!!! They bond over it, one red eyed, the other purple.

- Human Epic has long, stark white braided hair, it reaches his ankles and is So pretty when he moves, the top of it is all cut up boyishly, so it looks like the braid is coming out of nowhere.

- Human Ink is intersex, usual ink is Definitely intersex so, why wouldn't human him be, too?

- The dreamtale twins' eyes can also turn to star shapes, much like blue's. They get that from him.

- The twins aren't identical twins. Bone structure wise they are carbon copies (of blue and each other), but appearance wise, especially as humans, they don't look all That alike.

- Dream has joint issues from being stuck in stone, and he loses the ability to properly grip things randomly and has to just wait for it to pass.

- Dust is probably selectively mute.

- Cross definitely has some form of psychosis, you don't see your dad somehow know everything about you and everyone else and be low-key an omnipotent god without developing Some kind of paranoia about being watched (will have a follow up post later... Probably)

- After blue decided to parent adult twins (god knows they need it) he began learning Spanish to better talk to them. Having had no one genuinely care for them for so long, (people always hated nightmare and everyone always wanted something from dream), it shocked both of them.

- Blueberry sans is an outcode, as his entire existence came about solely due to people's misconceptions about blue and he Is very much just a child. The love of the people around him, (the ones there initially when he first popped into existence, aka, his original caretakers. Not the Entire multiverse is affected) is dependent on the fandom's view of him. So if the fandom loves him, he gets doted on. But if the fandom hates him..

Yeah.. as far as he's aware, one day he woke up and everyone hated him and didn't tell him why. It really fucked him up. He's convinced that if he could just Know what it is he messed up, if he could just be Good enough, fix it, everything will go back to normal (it won't) and people won't hate him anymore.

- Both human twins have freckles from being in the sun so much, however nightmare's can't be seen due to being under the corruption, and dream's have faded from being in stone.

- The twins can both sense the emotional intention of man-made things, and the emotions associated with them. If they enter a room, they can tell if it bore positive or negative memories, same with foods, objects, etc.

So when nightmare first ate a homemade meal made by blue, cooked specifically for Him, he nearly choked on the amount of pure Love poured into it.

Love.. for Him.

- Swap sanses tend to be a bit taller than classics, and swap papyri shorter than classic papyri.

- Passive probably got chased by some drunk young mens' hunting dogs once.

- Cross likes and listens to lofi music.

- On cross's bad days, his hands shake in the kitchen because he's getting water without permission.

- Cross has no concept of weekends, as every day is a weekday for him. XGaster didn't even let him Know such a thing existed until he was school age, at which point the man had no choice but to tell him.

- Epic buys multi-coloured bandaids instead of the brown beige ones. It's to add a sense of silliness and whimsy to his life, yes, but it's also to help (force) cross to get back small bits and pieces of the childhood he'd never had.

- Sometimes cross says no to epic asking to kiss him because he doesn't feel like he's earned it that day.

- Ink's body runs so cold your fingers will go numb if you hold his hand for too long.

- Error is the opposite, worst case scenario, cuddling him gives you first degree burns, so layer up, babe.

- Nightmare is cold in the way something that may or may not be wet is cold, it's like, Really confusing for your senses to touch him.

Like slime,,, iykyk.

- Dream in warm like sunlight, just enough to be comforting, Very nice to be felt, to be around.

- Shattered is Hot (ha, we been knew 😏) no but seriously, he's hot in the way magma is hot; Thick like lava and dripping very slowly.

[pearlescent-poppies]

Hello Hello Hello!!!!

And welcome to my 12 Days Of Christmas event!!!

What is this?

Well I’m so glad you asked!

I have four wonderful, incredible, and amazing friends (@theseusmc, @tazzomi, @valeriistars, @starrysilv3rse) I was trying to figure out how to give Christmas gifts seeing as they’re online and I came up with this: For the 12 days leading up to Christmas I’m posting a fic of one of their top three favourite (mcyt, because you know how we do it over here) ships! Each fic also has a “prompt” and they’ll get more and more Christmasy as time goes on!

I felt so smart coming up with this, and honestly I still think it’s brilliant. 12/4=3 after all so really it couldn’t have been more perfect! Whoever said gays can’t do math was clearly wrong (lol).

To my friends: I sincerely hope you all enjoy this, it was so fun for me to create and despite how absolutely suspicious I’ve been I hope you didn’t catch on too much. I’ve been excited to start posting this since right before Halloween when I came up with it on a call! I mean- it only felt right to give you guys a bunch of silly fics since I’ve become a much better writer thanks to your help. And- I know I say it all the time, but I really do love you guys so very much and I hope this silly little thing I put together can further prove just how much I mean it. You all mean the world to me <3

To everyone else: I hope you enjoy the Christmasy fics and the excitement of daily posting which is crazy! So crazy actually! Any support means the world to me and if you did enjoy, I would really appreciate either comments or reblogs on here or on AO3. Share your thoughts with me! I live for that.

Anyways, without further ado I give you:

GemPearl: Snowball Fight

For: @tazzomi

I hope you enjoy this Tazz! And if you don’t, don’t tell me /vsilly

(Fic underneath the cut)

“Pearl, Pearl, Pearl, Pearl!” Gem runs up to her girlfriend excitedly. The Christmas season is getting underway and Hermitcraft has just seen its first snow. Snow has always been the elf’s favourite weather, and she wanted to celebrate the first snowfall with her favourite person in the whole world.

“Yes, Gem?” Pearl giggles. She’s been waiting for Gem to come bug her all morning.

“It snowed! It finally snowed!” she shouts excitedly as she bounces on her heels.

“It did!” She matches Gem’s enthusiasm. Pearl watches lovingly as Gem waves her hands around in her elation. The avian thinks her girlfriend looks especially pretty in this moment, cheeks flushed pink from the cold and bundled up in her green coat. She’d foregone her usual skirt and swapped it for brown trousers, though she looks as beautiful as ever.

The red head takes a deep breath, the air cold in her lungs; when she breathes out it’s with a white puff. “Come celebrate with me?” she asks.

“Of course! I don’t think my base is the place for it though,” Pearl smiles and reaches out to intertwine their hands.

“My base then?”

“Sounds perfect,” Pearl agrees and connects their lips for a chaste moment before they begin their short walk.

———

They had been enjoying the scenery for a while now, hand in hand as they meandered down the paths of Gem’s little kingdom. It’s gorgeous like this in the snow but well- the peace could only last for so long.

Pearl gives her girlfriend an inquisitive look as she lets go of her hand. The taller watches with a small smile as Gem walks off the path and into a much snowier area. When she bends over, back to Pearl, and reaches down, she figures it’s so Gem could feel the snow in her gloved hands.

Colour Pearl surprised when Gem whips around and throws a snowball at her. It hits right in the dead center of her chest just as Gem doubles over in laughter at her shocked expression, “Ha! I got you!” She teases with a shout.

After she recovers, Pearl laughs and darts somewhere opposite Gem, “Oh you’re on,” She starts to make a snowball as fast as she can, but not quick enough before two more hit her in rapid succession.

Then comes Pearl’s first snowball, barely making her mark. It hits the elf’s arm and causes her to squeal. The avian’s wings flutter with her laughter, oh this is so much fun, she thinks; and quickly sets to making more snowballs.

———

They run around pelting snow at each other for a whole half an hour. Smiles never leaving their faces and bright laughter ringing through the area. It’s the best way to spend a day. In the company of their other half, causing chaos, and laughing so much it hurts.

They finally pause, looking at each other with eyes full of adoration as they come down from the rush of the last while.

Though- Pearl does have one last trick up her sleeve. She inches her way steadily towards her girlfriend, trying to will her wings to keep her inconspicuous, as she throws one final snowball with all her might.

Gem doesn’t notice till it’s too late, and the thing is making contact with her face. She falls to the ground, blinking a few times from the impact. It hadn’t been quite hard enough to knock her to the ground, that was the shock more than anything. She’s giggling again soon after though, laying on the ground and letting the cold snow dampen her hair.

“Oh stars! Gem! I’m so sorry!” Pearl shouts and runs over to where the elf is lying on the ground.

As soon as Pearl is close enough Gem pulls her to the ground with her. With Pearl now over top of her and looking more concerned than she should, Gem giggles softly as she cups her face in her hands, “It’s okay! You didn’t mean to. It was fun regardless.”

“But I-” the avian frowns, the tightness of her little headwings giving away just how sorry she is.

“Nuh uh,” Gem says with a fond roll of her eyes. She connects their lips shortly after, a much longer kiss than the one they’d shared over an hour ago. The contact is a warm contrast to the cold surrounding them on all sides. It’s nice, and they both melt into it until it’s broken by too broad smiles and… the trickle of something wet?

Pearl’s mouth forms an o shape as she takes in the sight of blood trickling from Gem’s nose.

“Oh my stars, Gem you’re bleeding,” she whines and wipes at the trail.

“I’m fine! It could’ve been from the cold too, my nose gets dry. You know that!” She brushes it off.

“I think that means it’s time to go inside,” she Pearl sighs and gets off of Gem.

Once they’re both standing and dusted off of snow, Pearl sweeps her into a bridal carry, ignoring Gem’s surprised squeak.

“Pearl! I’m fine!” She laughs even as she wraps her arms around her neck.

“Well what if I just wanna hold my girlfriend then, hm?” She inquires with a raised eyebrow and a partly mischievous grin.

“Guess I can’t complain then,” she sighs and tries not to wipe at her nose, knowing it’ll stain the white gloves she’s wearing.

“Your place?” The brunette asks as she begins walking.

“Mhm, that sounds good. Oh! We can have hot chocolate! Only way to end a snow day y’know,” she hums and lays her head on Pearl’s shoulder. Just because she’s a very strong woman, thank you very much, does not mean she doesn’t want to be carried around by her equally strong girlfriend. That would be silly when Pearl is so warm and comfortable, god she’s gay.

The red head giggles to herself at her own thoughts and winks when Pearl asks her about it. She mutters something along the lines of, ‘Oh just you’, and settles in for the short walk to her castle.

———

Once inside Pearl sets Gem on the couch, then briskly walks to the kitchen. Once there, she fills a kettle with water and sets it on the furnace (which had already been lit) to boil. She also dampens a towel before rejoining Gem who from the looks of it, had just taken off her coat and shoes.

Even with blood running from her poor nose she’s the picture of beauty and elegance. Red curls tied in a braid that falls over her shoulder just right and her off the shoulder shirt that shows off the milky skin of her collarbone and chest area. When she gets closer, she sees the little gold snowflake necklace she’d gifted her girlfriend a while before they’d joined Hermitcraft. She loves her more than words can describe.

“C’mere,” Pearl calls softly, still in the throes of her admiration as she sits down next to Gem. She uses one hand to cup Gem’s face, and one to delicately wipe the blood from her face with the damp towel.

They both sit there in silence, just enjoying the quiet and each other’s presence. Gem’s the one to break first, “Thank you,” she murmurs, “For hanging out with me today and just- well for everything really. I love you Pearlie.”

“I love you too Gemmy, and you don’t need to thank me. I do it because I love you,” she giggles and sets the towel down so she can lean in.

Just as their lips are about to connect again, the kettle starts whistling. Pearl groans dramatically and stands, “We’ll continue this in a second,” she giggles.

After re-entering the kitchen, Pearl expertly takes two matching mugs from a cupboard and pours boiling water in each. Next, she takes chocolate powder mix and stirs both of the drinks together. After topping with marshmallows, they’re good to go!

She takes the mugs in her hands carefully and walks back to where Gem is still sitting. Her girlfriend's eyes light up as she claps excitedly causing Pearl to smile wider. She hands her mug as soon as she’s close enough, and before settling in herself, her mug goes on the coffee table so she can grab a blanket. The fireplace is already burning strong, but the extra fluffy blanket will be a nice layer anyways, especially seeing as they were out in the cold for so long.

Pearl lifts Gem slightly as she sits down. Once her girlfriend is comfortable in her lap, blanket covering both of their legs, and limbs all tangled together, Pearl loosely settles her wings around the both of them. She places a kiss on her cheek and finally takes her own mug in her still cold hands.

Gem hums at the taste of her hot chocolate and melts into Pearl behind her. “This is perfect, I love you,” she says with a smile.

“I love you too, and yeah, it really is.”

They stay like that for the rest of the day, empty cups long discarded in favour of cuddling closer. Warm and safe in the arms of their lover.

[saucyjothoughts]

More on JOAC (Joker Out Animal Crossing) for bedtime

(original thoughts here)

(nothing nsfw under the cut, I just don't wanna spam your feeds with a long post)

Treading water in the ocean with your wetsuit on. The sun is going down but the water is still warm. You stopped looking for new species ages ago and now you're just floating, all peaceful, arms linked with Jure so you don't drift apart, letting the water push you steadily back and forth while you feel perfectly safe. Staring at the shore in the distance but it's almost like time doesn't exist out here. Salt in your hair and on your lips. It's been such a workout that your bodies ache but you don't want to swim back just yet. No one can hear anything you two say out here.

Sitting on the beach with Jan, just reading. You haven't spoken a word in hours (you're pretty sure he fell asleep for a while) but you're comfortable on your beachbeds, keeping hydrated with your coconuts. He's wearing a shirt you designed for him which looks hideous but he insists on wearing it all day. You're a little sunburnt but it's only a short walk to your home (sand, then grass, then your little track under your bare feet) if you need more suncream or a shower. The waves sound nice.

At home with Nace. Maybe you're at his place or maybe he's at yours or maybe you live together. You've just had an extension built and need to go about decorating it, trying out styles and colour schemes. Through the window, there's a view of all the fruit trees you've grown and butterflies on your flowerbeds, then the green slope of the hillside down to the sea. But now it's nighttime and the curtains are drawn and you and Nace can enjoy being close, just the two of you and your cosy home and your pets and the crackle of the fireplace.

Jetsetting with Kris. The airport is so convenient, you try to get away weekly. It's a little private plane that feels so fragile as it gains height, your island looking so small as it stretches below you. He's looking through brochures while you sip your coffee, waiting for landing. When you get there, sometimes he's eager to see the sights and take in the history but mostly it's just nice to get away from everyone else and have some alone time with you. You can take his picture in the interesting landscapes and he'll find a secluded little spot for you to picnic.

Hanging out at the museum with Bojan. It's always so peaceful here and he's so proud of you for all of your discoveries. His favourites are the sea life and he does terrible impressions of all the fish just to make you laugh. You always seem to have the place to yourself and the acoustics are nice in this big old building when he sings to you here. The art is cool. Maybe if you painted each other, the pieces could end up in this exhibit some day.

[dovand]

i am as always thinking about 14 and the nobles... specifically 14 & shaun. CRIMINAL lack of 14 & shaun content . excuse me that is my emotional support deranged lovers-in-law prongs of a queerplatonic throuple V. that is my little scrinkly wet cat and his chill saint bernard friend. that is my symbiotic relationship weirdos who sleep back-to-back to 14 can a) leech his body heat b) cuddle donna c) not fall off the bed. that is my favourite “both wake up early but one of them is being clung to like they are a teddy bear and it is Not Shaun, who is making ‘too bad’ faces at 14 and tiptoeing away” dynamic.

(14 either ends up dozing again after he wakes up early or just lays there curled up thinking—but, either way, when shaun shows up with breakfast in bed every sunday, he is treated to the beautiful sight of the two huge autism creature eyes peering up at him from behind the most bedraggled mop of hair ever seen. whether there are any thoughts behind those eyes depends on whether their owner has been napping or Pondering)

(yes this is all made up in my head!!! yes i am dismayed by there only being FOUR FICS (4!!) using it as a tag and none of them (afaict) doing it in a qpr way. where is my deranged weirdplatonic polycule!!!)

further insanity under the cut pleasseee please please read. please i need to be insane about this with people

(also btw this post is about queerplatonic doctordonna, doctordonna shippers i love you and you are welcome to contribute but it is a Little squicky for me so if tag ur additions (so i have a heads-up) that would be so lovely and i would adore you forever <3)

shaun likes listening to people ramble and 14 likes rambling so it is a regular occurrence to find the two of them like. standing in the kitchen holding cups of tea except one of them is actually drinking the tea and one of them is talking too rapidly about equivalent exchange to remember to blink, let alone have a sip of earl gray that has veered violently past lukewarm and is headed straight for room temperature

if 14 is in a not-wordy mood tho… thru shaun’s expert tutelage he has mastered the art of the Dad Nod. he passes shaun in the hall and gives him a little nod. shaun gives him one back. 0 words are spoken but they understand each other on a deeper level than if there had been.

they go on a Family Outing to a thrift store. rose and donna disappear to the dressier sections. shaun creeps along the racks of trousers, solemnly comparing seemingly identical pairs of jeans. 14 follows him and stares for a while, then silently hands him a loudly patterned pair of shorts. shaun takes them without question and adds them to his basket & sylvia loses her mind just a little bit when she sees him wearing them

(^ this inspired by going thrifting w my friend and looking @ everything and then finding her dad looking thru the racks of shorts comparing two beige ones, and my friend handing him a pair of pink shorts with penguins on and him buying them. because he has some . i think plaid shorts? at home and when he wore them his wife said he looked gay. so he’s trying to do it More) (it's an incredible family dynamic there. i have no idea what is going on)

god jesus. 14 learns how to cook so he can be the housething (as opposed to housewife or househusband. he is just a weirdgenderthing. little creature). someone buys him a nice apron and he wears it with so much delight. chases everyone else out of the kitchen so he can concoct something lovely. runs out into the garden to stick something into an oven in the tardis kitchen because “i am not working with enough ovens, here, people!”. organises the pantry and gets this crazed look if anyone tries to stop him. “how will i know where things a—” “it will be LABELLED.” brandishes a label maker that DEFINITELY is not from modern-day earth given that it seems to take dictation as input and can print in colour and has not needed a refill of paper even though he has extensively labelled EVERY PLASTIC BOX of stuff in the pantry

sometimes he gets into Moods where he needs to solve a problem before it makes his head explode and that used to be a like. tinkering in the tardis thing. where he’d have himself and whatever poor companion he was with just floating in the time vortex for a week while he tries to make this bit of the tardis do what he wants it to. now it’s a day or two spent almost entirely in the kitchen trying to find the scientifically optimal method by which to make meringues. he starts gesturing dramatically with a spatula forgetting it is not a sonic screwdriver. makes a sonic spatula. realises he doesn’t often need to like. scan a pancake for malware. sadly puts the sonic spatula away

he is absolutely a nightmare to watch movies with btw bc a) can’t sit still b) so tall. either he is bouncing his leg and shaking the whole couch or he is stretched out across the entire sofa. no in between. donna buys a thick rug so he can just lay on the floor. the rug is TOO comfortable and he starts just spending time laying on the floor which would be fine if he thought to turn the lights on because people keep almost stepping on him while he’s having 4am Floor Time (on the nights he's not drooling all over donna's pillow)

if anyone else has thoughts about Them PLEASe share i will love you so much and forever. doctor~donna/shaun weirdcule is the only thing in my head

[subtle-as-an-earthquake]

i am finally home and i'm pretty knackered but aaaahhh what a weekend!! ✨✨ so much happened in such a short amount of time, i'm still processing i think (also some personal stuff, that i won't bore you with). but yeah, the shows were absolutely epic, they were such good crowds for london standards. very rowdy but overall the atmosphere was amazing, and tbh that's probably in part because miles just exudes such incredible energy himself, if you ask me

just a little snippet of don't forget who you are from yesterday (night two) to illustrate:

also, a few random things i'm remembering now (which i'll put under the cut because i apparently remembered more than i thought):

miles seemed really really into it both nights, and really centered somehow? he was clearly having a blast and had everyone eating out of the palm of his hand, he's just SUCH an incredible showman. that's nothing new of course, but I was once again struck by just how very special and awe inspiring and just incredibly fun it is to watch him do his thing on stage. no one does it like miles fucking kane, baby

also, there were so many men in the audience who were just really letting go during the show, hugging their mates and singing the lyrics at each other, even full on crying when miles played colour of the trap (not even kidding, actual tears streaming down their faces). i don't think i've ever seen that at another gig to that extent, really. miles and his music seem to have - for want of a better phrase - a sort of liberating effect on a lot of men that's really nice to witness

on night one miles slipped on a spilled drink on stage and took a little tumble, but he recovered like a king and honestly it just made him look even cooler somehow lol

his arms and shoulders......... are sooooooo...... 🔥🔥🔥 dear fucking lord. his shoulders are broader than ever and honestly it was very hard to concentrate on anything else 🫠

after the show, we were chatting to ben for a bit who was just the sweetest and again talked about how he was a fan first (of arctic monkeys and tlsp and miles) and then sort of organically came to be a part of the band, and has just been having the time of his life so far! we were still chatting to him when miles came out after night 1, and when everyone started whooping, ben started screaming 'aaaaaahhh miles!!!' really loudly as a joke, before starting an impromptu chorus of the don't forget who you are 'la la la' that everyone joined in on. it was pretty hilarious

liam was super sweet too, and when he learned that i was dutch he was like 'oh we're playing a show in holland next week!' so i was like 'i know, i'm going!' and then he offered to put me on the guestlist, which was very kind of him even though i already have tickets lmao. he and ben both were very excited for that show for some reason, which made me even more excited as well!!

after night two ben and liam shared a massive hug outside and they both seemed really emotional, which was very sweet to see 🥺

nathan is the loveliest man alive. he said this tour was definitely the best one yet because the energy's just been amazing! he also asked us what are favourite album and song of the night was (his own fave was never taking me alive) and when I mentioned i just loved the bassline in coup de grace so much, he said it was as fun to play as it sounds, and that on the album it was actually miles who played it (that's probably common knowledge, but i didn't know!)

he also said that the band really is very close and they're all equals, and miles always says "we", and that he really is as kind and lovely as he seems 🥺 i mean, we knew that, but it was still really lovely to hear!

and of course, miles was once again just the most wonderful, gracious man ever with his fans, chatting to as many people as he could and taking pics with them and cooing at turtle paraphernalia, all while looking and smelling absolutely diviiiiine. he did seemed pretty knackered though, especially after night two, but that makes sense i think. and yet he still came out! truly a hero

as for my own chat with him, i for some reason went up to him like 'hiiiiiiiiiiiii' with my hands held out to him (idk man), and he just reciprocated my enthusiasm and took my hands and then held them and looked me in the eye while i rambled at him about how incredible i thought the show and he himself were, and he was just completely lovely, as always 🥺 such an angel

oh and finally, maxie is apparently staying with miles's mum while miles is on tour 🥺

i'm sure i'm forgetting things but this is already long enough 🙈 going to catch some zzz's now, i need them after this weekend

[theothernads]

°❀⋆ :･ ᶜʰᵃᵖᵗᵉʳ ⁵: 𝐏𝐀𝐘 𝐔𝐏 || YJW

☰ ❛❛ 𝖮𝗉𝗉𝗈𝗌𝗂𝗍𝖾𝗌❞ Y.JW.

𝘚𝘺𝘯𝘰𝘱𝘴𝘪𝘴: 𐙚 ⋆ ｡ ˚:

Yn believed in logic. Jungwon believed in understanding his emotions. Their friends knew they would get into petty arguments. All in all, they desire a successful university life, away from their past and families. However, when murders appear in the premises of their own school, and the past comes back to meet them, they find a link and team up with their logic and emotions to find out the culprit and resume their normal lives. But, no one guaranteed their safety and their feelings for each other.

ᯓᡣ𐭩𝖸𝖺𝗇𝗀 𝖩𝗎𝗇𝗀𝗐𝗈𝗇 × 𝖿𝖾𝗆𝖺𝗅𝖾!𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽𝖾𝗋 ౨ৎ. ｡˚

☰ TAGS: college au, enhypen smau, jungwon+reader, thriller, yandere themes, crime, slow-burn, angst 𐙚

╰┈➤𝚃𝚊𝚐𝚕𝚒𝚜𝚝: 𝚘𝚙𝚎𝚗 (comment or give an ask <3)

౨ৎ ⋆｡˚Full warnings on m.list page

╰➤ [ REBLOGS and COMMENTS are appreciated]

W.c: 4.9k

< m.list >

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YOU SHUT OFF YOUR PHONE AS YOU AND YUNJIN MADE IT TO CAMPUS.

As the next week came, tickets had started to sell and the fundraiser or festival increased in multitudes in emails and posters. The school was shoving the upcoming events in your face, and honestly, you wanted to bury all of the bombarding information into the dirt.

The stalls and booths for each club was being nicely set up even though everything was scarce with colours since nothing was complete yet.

Soon enough, you and Yunjin greeted Jay, Jungwon, Sunoo and someone else. Upon realising the new figure, your eyes cast over him: he was tall, grey frame of glasses to shield his brown eyes and plump lips with his black hair cut to perfection. Two moles were engraved in his skin, and he was nothing short of a giant.

Sunoo waved to you as he leaned back against a wooden table with benches, arms crossed as he gave a lambent smile. Jay and Jungwon glanced from their phones where the twitter conversation just happened.

And so, you cast your gaze to the unknown figure standing by Sunoo, your questions arising.

"So... uh- who's this?" You glanced to Sunoo curiously to which everyone else also looked at him.

He gave a sheepish smile as he looked at you. "Ah- right. He's one of my old friends, Park Sunghoon."

The dude named *Sunghoon stepped to you, his dead eyes boring right into yours with an outstretched hand to shake. No smile, no nothing.

"I'm Park Sunghoon," he said again to pretty much everyone. His voice was deep, a subtle tone of ice underneath. Yunjin didn't shake his hand, so for courtesy, you shook his hand and smiled a little.

"I'm Yn..."

Still no smile, and you shrunk back next to Yunjin who also introduced herself. Well, he was certainly a social butterfly.

"I'm a computer science major," he said, standing back next to Sunoo. You and everyone else fell into an uncomfortable silence and Jay cleared his throat.

"Well, anyway. Me and Yunjin are planning to do a dance number with some other people," Jay commented, shifting the conversation through. Which, you were glad because Sunghoon was burning holes into you right now.

Sitting down on the benches, you got your phone out again, tapping on twitter to the link Jungwon provided. It led to an article simply saying the CEO - Moon Minseok - was climbing the ladder for success quite swiftly.

He was advancing quickly to build a new division for his company but the new sector was unknown and was yet to be disclosed to the public. Probably for suspense and attention.

It tickled your brain in a familiar way. Whilst everyone kept discussing the festival, you repeated 'GoMin' under your breath, as if a fleeting cue would stop by and give you a push in the right direction to a memory.

Though, every hit and attempt missed the target and you couldn't get anymore than a ghost of the name you were relaying.

"GoMin..." you repeated again, catching Yunjin's attention. She perched her chin on her palm, eyes focusing on you, confused.

Noticing her gaze, you shook your head into focus and glanced back at her bewildered face.

"You good?"

"Yes. It just feels awfully similiar. I don't know," you replied, flicking through the article and she chuckled.

"Are you sure it's not because the school has mentioned it a hundred times?" She joked, but seeing your disgruntled shrug, she stopped and nudged you.

"Why? Where do you remember it from?" Yunjin turned her body to face you even more.

That's the thing - you wish you could answer her, but you couldn't quite grab at the roots and find the source. It was as if you were grabbing air at this point.

Sighing, you turned off your phone and shook your head. "It's probably nothing."

Yunjin didn't completely believe you, but she left it at that before turning back to the boys discussing their plans for the fundraiser. Sunoo sat down next to Jungwon slowly and started speaking.

"Actually, I think one of my younger friends are coming to the festival. His name is Riki, in his senior year of high school." Sunoo nodded along as he spoke.

You sent a warm smile, deciding to gravitate away from the 'GoMin' company and to your social circle. "Is he going to come with you?"

Another timid smile crept up Sunoo's lips as he shook his head, causing everyone to give him a quizzical look.

"Why not? It's makes sense if he comes with you," Jay commented, and he said something that everyone was thinking at that moment.

"With the whole internship thing, I didn't get to sign up to anything and I'm busy catching up," Sunoo replied. It made sense, but you realised he was always missing out on certain events.

It was like you barely saw him anymore except a few study sessions at the café.

"I'm sure you can take a break," you interjected hopefully, leaning your elbows on the table. Besides, he was a part of your friend group but it seemed like he was a ghost in your presence.

Unyielding, Sunoo rejected and shook his hand and head. "I really can't."

Knowing he wasn't going to move his decision, you gave up on it and turned away. Jay chuckled a little, poking his head out to see Sunoo.

"This company is really caging you there huh?" Jay teased as everyone chuckled a little. Sunoo gave a tight smile and Sunghoon stood there on his phone like an iceberg.

"I mean, it is a little dodgy that they're not even being lenient on a university student." Yunjin shrugged, wondering how far they're willing to push a simple student.

Jungwon hummed and turned to Sunoo nonchalantly "Did you even ask them to give you a break?"

His voice was a little monotone, and nothing short of a scoff. Considering what Sunoo asked you last week, you gave a short glare to Jungwon, who didn't even notice it.

The others might not notice, but you felt the awkward cloud hovering over the table. You had to turn away again to breathe.

Sunoo mumbled before turning away from Jungwon. "They're already aware. But, it's nothing i can't handle."

With a little furrowed of Jungwon's brows, he casually glanced at Sunoo, giving the face that looked a little unbothered. You wished you could shut Jungwon up, knowing that there was already some doubts rooted in Sunoo's mind.

"Oh, so I guess you kind of landed yourself into that one," Jungwon remarked to Sunoo. The air kind of fell into a terse silence again until Jay cleared his throat.

"Well, it seems like they are a busy," he said, swerving the conversation to a lighter atmosphere. You're glad.

"I just hope they're not overworking you. You said it's unpaid, no?" You glanced to a blank Sunoo, who snapped out of it once you asked.

He gave a slight nod. "Yeah. But it's great experience. And they would give me a great reference."

"Just make sure they're not dodgy," Yunjin said, half-serious and half-joking. Sunoo just chuckled lightly, though it didn't reach his eyes.

"Hey, guys, I work there. I'll be fine." Sunoo drummed his fingers on the wooden table, sensing that everyone was a tiny bit worried for him, but he maintained his placid behaviour.

Everyone left it at that when the phones came out and everyone went back to their respective clouds of solitude. Sunoo took the chance to leave with Sunghoon, not before waving to you and Yunjin, to which you gave a respectful hand back.

After a good 5 minutes, Jungwon grumbled under his breath, letting him phone clatter to the table, alerting everyone of his little raincloud over his head. He soon ran a hand through his hair.

Jay glanced to him with a little side-eye. "You good there?"

Jungwon's brows dug deep into his head, a little frown tugging as always. You couldn't help but smirk at his continued rainfall of grimace that fell over him.

His head jerked to his phone, as if something horrible came upon it.

"Stupid film project." He pinched the bridge of his nose before glancing at his phone. Jay chuckled as he gave an are-you-serious look to his dear friend.

"You complained about this last time. Get a grip, Wonie, you're going to get projects."

"But do you even know the 'theme' or whatever?" Jungwon remarked with disbelief, as if thinking about it caused him internal pain. You rolled your eyes playfully, whilst Yunjin and Jay chuckled to themselves.

For Jungwon, it was a serious dilemma. "Individuality and warmth - what kind of shit is that?"

Amused, Jay decided to poke some more fun at Jungwon's strop.

"I think your teacher hates you," Jay said with another laugh under his breath. He knew Jungwon was the embodiment of ice- curt and hard to stay around if they were a complete stranger to him.

Yunjin joined in on the teasing. "Yeah, I think your teacher is out for you."

"He took one look at you and said, 'I'm going to make Yang Jungwon quit film'." You laughed under your hand, to which Jungwon narrowed his eyes at you and crossed his arms.

"Thanks for the support, guys," he grumbled, frowning at all of you guys with a voice deprived of joy, his cat eyes glaring at everyone.

"Even when thanking us you have to be sarcastic," Jay said, nudging Jungwon with a soft elbow. It only earned a peeved glower from the younger one, but you were thoroughly enjoying this.

"Yeah, you're totally going to fail this."

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Balancing 100 small gift bags in your arms was supposed to be time-efficient but you did look ridiculous. You doubted you were going to make it outside to the gardening booth without dropping some.

The seniors were already outside setting up the kiosk and putting the informative banners up. All you had to do was get the paper things outside.

Easy enough.

Jungwon said he would join you, but after waiting for him in the gardening room for 5 minutes, your patience ran thin and you decided to bundle a bunch in your arms.

So, here you were, walking down the halls of Yoreun, some people staring; you have no idea if it's from how ludicrous you look or if the past, nefarious news hadn't shaken off your figure.

Whatever it was, you were determined to finish quick, so you sauntered in a not-so-straight line. You blew air into your bangs as you walked, gasping when one nearly fell off the surface of your arms.

Though, you managed to balance it, and relief swept through you.

The outside area was so close, and you picked up the pace, not seeing anything else but the doors leading to the readying activities.

Before you knew it, a figure harshly knocked into your shoulder, sending a few dozen bags onto the floor. You yelped and glanced to see who carelessly stepped in your way.

And you scowled.

"Minhee..."

She gave an innocent look, a fake pout sent your way before she glanced down at your paper bags. A spark of anger ignited in your chest, but you forced yourself to freeze the emotion whilst she stepped away.

"Oh gosh. I'm so sorry," she uttered, tucking an annoying strand of her brunette lock behind her ear and gazing at your feet.

Without speaking, you crouched down to pick them up, but it only caused more gift bags to tumble from your arms, making you curse from embarrassment andl scathing anger.

"Oh, yn, I feel terrible. I would help, but I have class in 5 minutes," Minhee said with a dastardly tone. You could only look up at her with a clenched jaw.

She gave you a little smile before departing, and you were about to stand and yank her back by the arm, when a hand gripped your own shoulder, making you halt and breathe a little easier.

Glancing back, Jungwon stood behind you, boba eyes searching for your attention. You sighed and blinked at him, your lips etched with a sour look. Jungwon noticed and turned you back fully.

"You know you shouldn't give a reaction, right?" He chimed, momentarily gazing at the bags before crouching down and starting to collect them. His hair fell over his eyes and you clicked your tongue before following suit.

"I know, but she's so damn... annoying." You picked up the bags with an agitated snatch, frowning. Jungwon hummed, voice smooth, continuing.

"She is. But you know she's just jobless," Jungwon interjected, giving you a flick of his brown eyes.

Gosh, you know. But, it was like dealing with those popular and snobby kids in school a few years ago. They think they're on the high hill, and everyone was their doormat.

You thought by the time you arrived to uni, those people would disappear, or at least see you as nothing more than a ghost in the hallways. But no - Minhee was a thorn sticking into your side.

"Should I just let her then? Let her bully me?" You scoffed bitterly as you picked up about 30 bags hastily.

That earned a weary sigh from Jungwon as he followed suit. "Not what I said. I'm just saying that you can't let her get to you."

"Thanks so much for the advice..."

Jungwon snapped his eyes to you again at your sarcasm before standing with about 50 bags.

"I'm serious. People like her don't have a life. Now stop complaining and let's go. It's not worth it," Jungwon said as he jerked his head to the doors you were aiming for.

Not saying anything more, you picked up the remaining fifty bags and followed behind him, still trying to stitch your composure back together after Minhee tore it apart.

The breeze was soft, but icy as you and Jungwon made the route to the booth containing Danielle and another girl. They were crouched next to a brown box, conversing. They were interrupted when Jungwon gently placed the bags down into a little crate.

You were waiting to do the same, but he was taking so damn long that you ended up swerving around him impatiently. Not to mention that some of his bags tumbled out the crate, quivering because of the wind.

You huffed and nudged his elbow with yours, to which he looked at you with furrowed brows.

"What?"

"You're not even putting it in right. They're all flying away," you explained, gesturing to his shaky, paper bags. A scoff escaped his lips as he gripped them.

"How am I supposed to do it then?" Jungwon said with a snide as he turned his scrutinising gaze to you. To demonstrate, you moved him aside a little to access the crate on the surface of the booth.

Then, you let the bags hung on your wrist of one arm to strategically stand in the container to show him exactly how to do it. Jungwon watched, but his eyes showed no spark of realisation.

It was more of indifference.

"See?" You snapped your eyes to Jungwon in a matter-of-fact tone. He shook his head, rolling his eyes and proceeded to shove the bags into the crate.

"Does it matter? Just place it in efficiently. There's about 200 more gift bags to get." Jungwon continued to nonchalantly sort what he needed.

You stared incredulously, and scoffed. "But you might ruin it though-."

"You know what, just give me your remaining bags," he interjected when his hands were empty. Refusing to do so, you stepped back when he stepped forward swiftly.

You believed you could do it yourself and could do so efficiently. Which is why you held his arm with your free hand and glared at him.

"I can do it perfectly fine, Jungwon," You said, defending your strategy. Despite the hand on his arm, he moved forward and his fingers shot out to grab your remaining bags.

"Hey-."

Immediately, you stepped back and bumped into the pole of the booth as he came forward and he may have done it a little harshly because the next thing you know, gravity is pulling you backwards and your fingers dug into the wooden surface of the kiosk in an attempt to keep yourself upright.

With a yelp, you fell backwards when he basically pushed you, and landed on your butt. An immediate ache washed up your back, but there was also a tingle of pain in one of your fingers. Your forefinger to be exact.

Jungwon stared as you fell on your back, successfully gaining some of your bags, whilst the others remained crumpled around your wrist.

Guilt flashed across him as he saw your pained expression and glare, but he just stood there as you stared at your pastel green nails.

You gave out a disgruntled gasp, your eyes widening when you saw the abomination that just happened. With a swift turn of your head, you faced Jungwon, who flinched a little.

"You asshole!" You exclaimed in an exasperated tone, shoving your hand in his face. He was so glad the seniors weren't around to witness your yell.

"What did I do-?"

He was about to flare back in the same way, but he saw your finger, tip of the nail broken off haphazardly from the effort you exerted on the surface of the wooden table.

Jungwon froze and didn't know whether to laugh or be scared. From the glare you gave whilst standing up, he did feel a hint of apprehension.

With a slam of your hands, the bags were roughly placed on the table before you whirled around to meet Jungwon.

A look of amusement and anxiety twinkled in his eye before it quickly dispersed at your scowl. You invaded his space with your broken nail, a frown etched on your lips.

"Do you find this funny?" You accused Jungwon, stepping towards his taller figure. He didn't give an answer, but his shoulders hunched as if he was guiding the truth away from you- he found this funny.

Outraged, you nudged his chest softly, and he flinched, hiding the slight smirk of mirth. "Yang Jungwon, I'm actually going to kill you!"

He put up hands of surrender, brown eyes narrowed at you in defence.

"I didn't do shit," Jungwon asserted as he glanced down at you, remnants of amusement left in the slight crevices of his expression. You scoffed and cradled your poor nail with a desolate pout.

"You broke it," you whined to him. Your perfectly green pastel nail was now chipped off and somewhere in the dirt.

And gosh, did it tingle greatly with pain.

Upon hearing your cry, you saw Jay and Yunjin meander over whilst you mourned your nail, a flicker of annoyance immersing your whole being. Jungwon looked at them with a hand running through his silk strands.

The other two, seeing your distress, already knew what was coming. When they came over, Yunjin suppressed a chuckle when she saw your dramatic hug of your hand. Smirking, she crossed her arms whilst Jay rolled his eyes and hands tucked into his pockets.

"Want to explain why you're screeching like that?" She asked with a tease in her tone, mischievous eyes fluttering at you and Jungwon.

Though, you weren't in the mood for her cheeky comments and showed her your finger instead, showing the atrocity that was chipped on your nail. It took her a few seconds before she realised and made an 'ohhhh' gesture.

On the other hand, Jay couldn't help but smirk at the fact your green nails were ruined, and Jungwon stood there with a hint of remorse but more amusement than anything.

"Do you see this? He broke my nail. What am I supposed to do about this?" You asked tersely, your tone tense.

"Jungwon broke your nail?" Yunjin repeated, tilting her head and flickering her gaze to Jungwon. By the look on the younger one's face and the averted gaze, she guessed you weren't lying.

"Yes, he did. Do you think I would have ruined it?" You muttered back to Yunjin, examining your finger.

Jungwon glanced to you and your dramatic state. "I'm sorry, but I was just trying to get the bags."

"Asshole, I said I would put them down?"

"Yeah, in slow motion. I was trying to be time-efficient. We have more supplies to get," Jungwon retorted with furrowed brows, his body turned to you and a sassy hands on his hips.

His audacity, you thought. "And how did that work out?"

"Look, I said I'm sorry!" Jungwon threw his hands in the air in an exaggerated manner, his tone growing annoyed. You pouted whilst Jay and Yunjin giggled.

You're so glad you're the source of their little chuckles, but what were you supposed to do about this horror? You kept staring at your nail until Jay smirked and looked at Jungwon suspiciously.

"Why doesn't Jungwon just pay to get your nails done again?" Jay suggested. At that, it was as if your tingling nail disappeared from your thoughts. You slowly turned your gaze to Jungwon, who had a dropped frown.

And Jay's idea didn't seem bad at all. Your gaze melted into mischief and Jungwon looked at you as if he knew you would follow Jay's route.

"What a perfect idea!" You exclaimed, dropping the remaining bags into the crate and turning to Jay with a sweet smile. "Thank you, Jay."

Jay gave a mock salute, clicking his tongue as he did so. "You're welcome. Drain his card."

Jungwon scoffed in betrayal. "Are you kidding me?"

Shrugging, Jay ignored Jungwon's clear display of anguish and smiled at you. You were ecstatic and you honestly were due to change your nails anyway.

Heck, you wanted a different colour, charms, and obviously nail care because Jungwon obliterated your poor nail.

That's how you found yourself sitting in the nail salon at 4.30 pm, Jungwon to your left, and your right hand held by an older lady. The hum of the bright lights immersed the room in serenity, and Jungwon looked mildly bewildered.

It was as if he was a creature to a new environment, eyes focused intently on your hand that was being scoured by the technician, practically peeling off your old pastel green coat on your nails.

You noticed his curious eyes from the corner of your gaze, and looked up from your phone with a raised eyebrow.

"Did something catch your attention?" You asked, looking back at your phone and trying to find a nail design to enrapture your attention. Jungwon snapped out it, his focus leaving the curve of your hands and fingers.

"No, I'm just... confused. This is what you pay for every month?" He inquired, almost addled at the thought of paying so much for some... nails.

You sent a small smile to him as you shook your head in feign disappointment. "Why not? I'm pretty with it."

"You need nails to feel pretty?" Jungwon said with a deadpan look, eyes boring into yours as he leaned on the counter. You scoffed and shot your eyes to him.

"That's not what I mean. I like nails, and I want to do them for myself." You turned away to your phone on yesterday flat surface, scrolling through an endless list of designs in Pinterest.

He didn't react, but it seemed as up he still didn't understand. Deciding not to drag it on, he glanced at the screen, seeing your finger hover a few pictures of nails. From that, Jungwon concluded it must be inspiration. Except, you were incredibly indecisive and you couldn't choose a single idea to replicate.

Sighing in exasperation, you slid the phone into his view and pointed to it with determination.

"Choose one."

Jungwon shot an incredulous look as his face scrunched up into a scowl. "You want me to choose?"

Enthusiastic, you nodded silently in the chilled air of the salon. For Jungwon, a wave of uncertainty washed over him, and all he said was: " I don't know."

Of course he didn't. You frowned and grumbled under your breath as you scrolled more and more on the Pinterest page.

"You're actually useless," you mumbled, which earned a sharp look from him. Then, you added: "But since you're paying, I'll let you off."

You saw him turn away to gaze at the selection of nail polishes behind the technician, the array sending him into more confusion. He decided not to comment much. "Just don't drain my card."

"Thanks for giving me the idea," you said with a little smile full of mischief. Jungwon groaned and swiped the phone over to himself, scrolling.

When you whined and tried to get it back, he had selected a simple photo, one with the most simple French tips and a gloss coated over the nails. You weren't a simple girl - so this was unacceptable.

"Here. This one is nice," Jungwon interjected as he tilted the phone to your view. Shaking your head, a scoff escaped your lips.

"You didn't choose before and you don't get to choose now either. Give me," you chimed, batting your eyes at him with mock sweetness before snatching back your phone. He ran a hand through his raven hair and pouted a little from your clear rejection.

To be fair, he didn't choose them randomly. He genuinely thought the simple looks suited you, but how could he forget about your colourful personality.

Once the nails were cleaned, cut and filed, you finally chose a design and the technician went on her way to fulfill your vision. For a moment, all was silent, tranquil. A comfortable silence swayed between you and Jungwon, his brown eyes focused on your nails.

You couldn't help but think of him as a curious cat his head tilted, unblinking as he gazed at the operation on your fingers.

You noticed the way he didn't have any hostility in his face, no annoyance in his brows. He actually seemed peaceful, his chin leaned on his palm, hooded eyes sauntering over the curve of your hands.

When the technician pulled out the box of charms and twinkling gems, he snapped out of it and raised an eyebrow at the display, face inching closer.

"What are those?" Jungwon asked, addled. His tone just made you laugh as you turned to him, eyes turning to crescents.

"Charms?" You said, also mirroring his raised eyebrows. You don't understand why he was so confused, and it only gave you a realisation that he must be living under a rock.

He gave a little nod, leaning on his palm again, eyes never leaving your fingers.

"How much are they?"

"About 35,000 won?"

As soon as he heard that, Jungwon's balance on his palm practically faltered as he looked at you with a snap of his eyes. Shock swept over his face as he saw you completely unbothered.

"What!?"

About half an hour in, Jungwon yawned as he stared at your nails again, and then stared back at his. You also turned to Jungwon, seeing his tanned hands, the veins running down his arms, and you looked away.

Like before, an unfamiliar heat crept up your neck, and you became increasingly cautious of your gaze. To distract yourself, you started to speak.

"Why don't you get your nails cleaned. They're kind of crusty."

A scoff almost escaped Jungwon, brown eyes narrowing at you as if he was gripped by disbelief. "That's a new one."

Waving him off dismissively, you continued your ongoing pursuit of trying to get him to waste his money more but also make his nails look pretty.

"I'm just saying that even a guy can get his mails cleaned." You smiled a little, an underlying mischief buried in your tone. Jungwon shook his head, tilting his head at you again.

"My nails are just fine-."

Though Jungwon found himself giving his hand to another nail technician, his left hand was filed and cleaned by another lady.

A smile broke out on your lips the whole time, enjoying the slight burrow in his brows, the concentration and genuine curiosity of how the lady did it. Another serene silence immersed the air, comforting you.

With your first hand done, you sighed and perked up as you showed Jungwon your right hand with excitement. It made him turn to see the nude colour, the gems diligently engraved into your nail and an elegant gloss over the coated colour.

Absentmindedly, Jungwon clutched your hand with his free one, bringing it closer to himself, causing your breaths to catch in your throat, eyes unblinking. His hands were warm, and you swear, you felt a tingle run up your arm.

Maybe it was the fact you never had the touch of a man, but you kept your breaths calm, your words unspoken; though, to be so alarmed by Jungwon holding your hand made you feel pathetic, a heat running up your cheeks.

To you, it didn't seem like he noticed your flustered state because he was way too engrossed in seeing what was worth 35,000 won. Well, not until the silence was broken by the technician asking for his other hand.

Jungwon blinked and let go of your hand gently before giving his right hand underneath the glass. Only then did he realise that he held your hand so intently, and he cursed internally.

Even you didn't say anything, way too nestled by the thought of your cheeks heating up at the small contact of his warm hand.

─────────────────────────────────

A/n: Lmao, I'm back <3 still planning chapter 31 and onwards, and I realised how much violence is in this...😀 thx for reading <3 also, I'm sorry if some of the quality of the pics are BAD. Idk why💀

---✄┈┈┈┈

Taglist: @ilovejungwonandhaechan

[yellowcry]

Every Tudor rose has its thorns

No matter how little attention people had paid to the fact roses weren't inly beautiful flowers but also the sharp thorns ready for attack the said thorn would never go away

@encantober-official prompt - Rose

Isabela was perfect. Her life was coloured, decarated with the finest flowers. Elegant petals rose whenever whe went. Leaving a trail. Beautiful and elegant. Her hair wouldn't have a single strand wrong, always brushed until there's no even the smallest bunch that's messed. Her dress was flowing over her, elegant airy sleeves gently curled over her skin. Each stitch of her dress was perfect. Being created by Encanto's best seamstresses, decorated by the greatest embroiderers. Not a single seam would ever go wrong. Not a single snitch could fall off. It was perfect, just like Isabela.

Flowers were pretty. Isabela spent her days pleasing everyone's eye. Elegant pose, flowing movements. Like the sea waters, ruffling the algas leaves. Soft and delicate, what everyone wanted her to be. World best actress never needed a stage for her performance. Because the act didn't wither. No matter if her stomach clutched in disgust at the very thought of marrying Mariano. This wasn't about her. It was for the family. Abuela would be so upset if Isabela didn't do as she told. And Isabela was a good girl. Good girls didn't upset anyone.

Isabela trained herself. So she never took a wrong step. Always gracious. Perfect like an angel. Petals falling behind her, sweet smell attracting bees. Good thing the didn't get stings allergy from their dad like Luisa did. It would look imperfect if Isabela had huge swellings over her body. And it wasn't like Isabela could go heal during the day. She didn't want to stain her airy dress with an accidental crumb falling on it.

Even if sometimes she snapped. When vile inside was boiling, unwillingly spreading out before Isabela could even think of it. Hitting what she could, twisting it between the sharp thorns of her tongue. If anyone dared to say a wrong word, make a wrong look, the anger was rising inside her chest with each breath. Ready to attack before anyone else got a chance. Agression prinkled from her skin, sharp and ready to hit. Not exactly a proper lady behavior. But, no matter how much Isabela bit her tongue, trying to swallow this feeling deeper, sometimes it broke out. And Isabela bit.

She never knew why she acted this way. Anger just took a hold of her. Pushing and boiling under the surface. Until her veins were withered. And bile pushed her all the way until Isabela couldn't breathe. It was wrong. Alma wanted her to be like a rose. Not some cactus that would lash out on anyone.

But... roses have thorns, don't they?

It was a bitter irony. With the pretty flower, so often people forgot that their thick green stems had sharp claws. Snarling onto whoever came near it. Isabela was the same. Only that you couldn't cut hers out. It wasn't physical to see. But pulsated withing her. Sharpened for some, at then pushed deeper for others. No matter how much Isabela tried to keep them inside. The thorns were a part of the flower. Stronger than Luisa, they broke every scissors that tried to cut them off.

Everyone always overlooked the drawning bloor stems for the nicest smell and the gentlest cups growing over it. They forgot how such pretty flowers weren't pushovers. And Isabela was no different. She fought, attacked no matter how much they forgot it. Sharp tongue, sharp temper. Short and so hot. A burning lava flowing inside her veins. It was ready to burst out like an unstoppable vulcano. Whenever something was out of control, when Isabela was so done she couldn't hold it in.

She wanted to be perfect, to keep everyone happy and hold her comprosure. But the thorns attacked whenever anyone tried to push her too far. Angry. Too snappy to be accepted as normal. Isabela had long learnt it wasn't about what she wanted. It was about the family. SHe had to be perfect so bad parts of their lives would't get discovered. Blossom making sure nobody pays attention to where it grows or what was happening around it.

It hurt. Always holding everything back. Trying to stop sharp greenery but being unable to do so at all. She wanted to be good, she had spent hours trying tomake sure the edges of her smile wouldn't falter. Days when Isabela embellished those graceful poses into her mind with the pain and tears. Isabela knew her act couldn't falter. Sweet in natute. But with the spite rooting deep within her.

Even if Isabela knew it wasn't a proper, 'ladylike' behavior, she couldn't stop it. Regardless of how many times her mind tried to knock into her head that she couldn't upset anyone. And she was for sertain sure she did. No matter how painful the thorns were hitting whoever was close the moment anything got out of control. Painful, leaving Isabela's fingers stained in blood which was invisible to anyone but her. Because they never took rose thorns into account.

[gumnut-logic]

Sweetapple Slice 18

Sweetapple series | Sweetapple Slices

It ended up at 1,884 words :D

I will admit to rereading a pile of Sweetapple today as I was down with the after effects of a migraine. I ran out of fic and wanted more...so, drat it, I had to write more :D

Oh, and I hope I haven't messed with any timeline in this series - I don't think this bit has been encountered yet, but if I mess something up, I apologise. My memory is generally poor.

Many thanks to the amazing @onereyofstarlight for sacrificing her last minutes before bed to read though this goop fest. You are so kind to me.

Kudos to the Sweetapplettes @idontknowreallywhy, @womble1 @sailing-on-a-puddle, @sofasurf, @thundergeek59 @katblu42 @pareidoliaonthemove @weirdburketeer and everyone else keeping this universe alive. You guys are amazing.

This one is definitely full of lovely goop and very m/m so if that isn't your thing, this isn't your fic.

I hope you enjoy :D

-o-o-o-

Alex settled back against the soft lounger and closed his eyes. Virgil had left him there beside the pool to ‘gather some supplies’. Alex smiled and let the ocean breeze wash over him as it rattled the palm trees above. It was mid-afternoon and their shade was crucial for comfort.

It had been a few weeks since his concussion but every now and again he would relapse a little and today was proving to be one of those days.

It started out perfect - waking to the scent of his favourite coffee, delivered to his bedside by his favourite man. Quiet talk over breakfast - they were still getting to know each other - food preferences, school stories, college anecdotes, favourite colours…Alex took so many mental notes.

They continued their discussion with a walk. Alex enjoyed wandering along the beach as much as Virgil confessed he did. The fact that this particular beach was on Tracy Island and he was walking with the kindest and strongest man on the planet were enough to send his mind spinning.

Which is what he thought was the source of the problem, particularly when they sat down beneath a huge pōhutukawa and started exploring each other more than the environment around them.

Kissing Virgil was heaven itself. The way his fingers brushed through Alex’s hair, his hand settling on the nape of his neck, pulling Alex closer. The touch of his warm lips. Taut muscle under anywhere Alex’s hands landed.

God, it was swoon-worthy.

But in no world Alex could understand would it cause the headache that eventually made itself known.

He ignored it for as long as he could, much more interested in Virgil’s company and conversation than acknowledging he wasn’t feeling great. But Virgil had some kind of medical radar and picked up that something wasn’t quite right.

And there was no way Alex was going to lie to Virgil.

So their afternoon was cut short, Virgil walking him back up to the villa and deploying that yellow-flashing scanner again.

Alex really wished he wasn’t the source of the frown that crumpled up those gorgeous eyebrows.

Rest was the recommendation. Virgil immediately suggested Alex return to his rooms, but Alex protested, determined not to give up on the day. He could rest by the pool, in the shade. He would be fine.

And they could continue their ‘discussion’.

Virgil’s dark eyes were considering, but Alex was daring enough to brush his fingers across Virgil’s cheek and lean in to gently kiss him. “Please? I want to spend my time with you.” Even in these few short weeks together, International Rescue had taken so much of Virgil’s time, Alex did not want to lose today. Not for some measly headache.

Worry flickered through those eyes, but a longing overtook it. Virgil reached up and brushed Alex’s hair out of his eyes. “Promise you will rest.”

“I will.”

And Virgil was kissing him again. Soft, warm, oh god, the headache can bugger off, this is the ultimate distraction.

But Virgil pulled away, a soft smirk on his lips. “Rest, Alex.”

“Oh, that’s just evil.”

The smirk turned into a grin and Virgil wrapped an arm around his waist, leading him out onto the pool deck. “C’mon, we can use the squishy lounges and laze by the pool.”

So Alex found himself laid up on a lounger that was definitely ‘squishy’ with a soft mattress and pillow that was just perfect to relax into, and Virgil dashed off to get ‘supplies’.

Perhaps it was Virgil’s plan for Alex to fall asleep on that lounger as it was very soporific when combined with the Island’s ambience, but just as he was about to drop off…

“M-max, I don’t need to go outside. R-really M-max, this is not part of your prog-ramming. Max, stop!”

A dark-haired man stumbled out onto the pool deck, chased by a mechanical…something…beeping urgently.

Alex just stared as the creature chased the man around the pool. In one of its many arms? (Legs?) it was holding a fire extinguisher.

Which on examination proved legitimate when Alex saw smoke curling up from the running man’s jacket.

A moment later there was flame.

Alex leapt up from his lounger and dove for the man, intending on smothering the fire.

Of course, being Alexander Sweetapple, both he and the now yelping man ended up in the pool.

A rush of cool bubbles up his nose, Alex gasped, struggling to get his feet under him in the sudden surprisingly deep water. A tangle of limbs did not help, the man he was trying to save as uncoordinated as he was.

But then there were more people in the water and Alex was pulled upright and away by strong arms. His head broke the surface and he coughed in air.

On the other side of the pool, a soaking wet Gordon Tracy was pulling the now doused man out of the water.

“Are you okay?” Virgil’s worried breath was hot against his ear.

Alex opened his mouth to answer but only coughed, his sore head rattling.

A strong stroke or two and Virgil was lifting Alex out of the pool. Alex grabbed onto the warm concrete and rolled himself away from the edge, coughing again and hating every second as it hurt his head.

Virgil was out of the pool and helping him to sit up.

“He was on fire.” Alex managed get the words out just as the mechanical creature, now on the other side of the pool with Gordon, shot the half-drowned man with the fire extinguisher.

Both men ended up covered in foam.

“Max, what the hell?!” Gordon wasn’t impressed, apparently.

Alex finally sorted out his breathing and sat staring as now Gordon started chasing the Max creature around the pool.

Foam drifted off his hair.

“What is that?”

“That is M.A.X. - Mechanical Assistant (Experimental). He’s Brains’ assistant.”

Alex blinked water out of his eyes, staring at the man wiping extinguisher foam off his face on the other side of the deck. “That’s Brains?” The wizard behind the Thunderbirds?

“Uh-huh. Max must have chased him out of his lab.” Virgil was rubbing circles on Alex’s back. It was nice.

But the breeze was now colder and Alex shivered.

“Okay, let’s get you dried off and into some clean clothes.” Virgil climbed to his feet and offered Alex a hand up.

Looking up at Virgil, Alex got an eyeful of wet t-shirt, heavy lifting man and the whole half-drowned incident was suddenly worth every moment.

Virgil’s fingers twitched and he blushed a little pink.

Alex clasped his hand and climbed to his feet. If Virgil was pulled a little closer than was absolutely necessary, well, Alex was known to fumble in stressful situations.

“Thank you for saving me.”

“Anytime.”

“M-max! Leave Gordon alone!”

The robot creature squealed to a halt and beeped a protest at its creator.

“Yes, yes, I know he’s Gordon. But he was p-pulling me out of the water. He w-was helping.”

Another impertinent beep.

“This time he was. L-let him b-be.” Brains had stumbled to his feet and wiped most of the foam off his face. A puffy lump was still stuck in his hair and wobbled as he moved.

It was only then that Alex realised exactly what he had done. “Oh, god.”

“Alex?” Virgil frowned at him.

“I almost drowned the inventor of the Thunderbirds!”

“He was on fire-“

“I didn’t mean to throw him in the pool. It was supposed to be a drop and roll!”

“Alex-“

“Oh, god.” He had been looking forward to meeting Brains. The man was brilliant and Alex wanted to ask him about some theories, hopefully get to know him, maybe a friend of Virgil’s could also be his friend. There were so many things they could talk about!

But now…

“Alex, it’s okay.” Virgil nudged his head to catch his eyes. “It’s okay, I promise. You’re not the first person to throw Brains in the pool.” His lips curled into a smile and he tilted his head a little. “The man has a habit of setting himself on fire. It is the reason Max exists.”

Alex blinked and stared. “What?”

Virgil glanced over at Gordon now discussing something at length with Brains and an attentive Max, and shrugged. “He’s a genius but sometimes he gets distracted.” Virgil smiled up at Alex. “Reminds me a little of someone I know.”

Alex had the urge to ask who, but Virgil’s smile had him blushing…and he was a little lightheaded from…well…everything.

“C’mon, I’ll introduce you.” A hand at the small of his back and Alex found himself being walked around the pool, leaving a trail of evaporating wet footprints behind him.

“Virgil-“

“I think you two will get on well.”

“Virg-“

“Brains, this is Alex. Alex meet Dr Hiram Hackenbacker.”

The engineer’s face lit up underneath the remnants of foam and pool water. “Mr Sweetapple!” Alex found his hand clasped hurriedly and excitedly. “I am s-so hhappy to finally meet you! V-Virgil has told m-me so much about y-your theories. I’m particularly interested in your ion exchange ratios in the siliwrap solidification process. How did you work it out? It is a fascinating chemical sequence.”

“Uh. The polymer is more flexible than it appears.”

The man paused a second, his eyes a little distant. Water dripped from his hair.

“Oh, my goodness, you are right. How did you manage to get it to differentiate between organic and inorganic matter?”

“Oh, that was the challenge at the heart of the process. We haven’t quite managed to fine tune it as much as I would like, but I’m positive we are on the right track.”

“You have a detection system?”

“No, it’s in the formula itself. We are attempting to chemically force a bind only with inorganic matter. Specialist chelate formation.”

“So, you’re disabling the ability itself. Defaulting to necessary molecular bonds only?”

“Essentially, yes, better to prevent rather than tertiary detect.”

“Admirable. I would l-love to see your work.”

Virgil was rubbing circles on his back again.

“Certainly, sir. Whenever you have time.”

Virgil’s hand slipped to his waist and tugged at him gently. “Let’s get you out of those wet clothes.”

Beside him Gordon opened his mouth.

Virgil clapped him up the back of his head before he could say anything but, “Ow! Hey!”

“Get your mind out of the gutter, Fish.”

“I didn’t say anything.”

“You didn’t have to.” He turned to Brains. “How about we get together after dinner tonight?”

“Certainly.” Brains looked up at Alex. “N-nice to m-meet you, M-mr Sweetapple.”

“It’s Alex and same.” Alex found himself smiling.

Virgil did get him back to Alex’s rooms after that, though Alex was the one who changed his clothes…by himself…not thinking of Virgil on the other side of the door at all.

Nope.

Not at all.

Yeah, Alex’s mind was quite happily in the gutter with Gordon’s.

But rest was required and once Virgil had changed into dry clothes, they curled up on Virgil’s huge bed to watch a movie.

Ultimately the headache won out and Alex fell asleep not long after the title sequence of the movie. Probably the heart of Virgil’s plan.

But sleeping in those wonderfully warm and strong arms… made everything better.

-o-o-o-

[the-fiction-witch]

Dad

Media - The Queens Gambit Character - Benny Watts Couple - Benny X Reader Reader - Y/n Watts Rating - Adorable + Sad Word Count - 3290

Warning - Suicide / Self Harm

I stood shivering, my body drenched to the bone, every inch of me felt the bite of the cold. The rain fell gently, casting a soft grey hue over the freshly trimmed grass and the vibrant flowers, now appearing muted in colour. Despite the discomfort, I kept my gaze fixed on the dull grass determined not to let a single tear escape. As I struggled to maintain my composure, I counted each breath, acutely aware of the overwhelming emotions that threatened to consume me. It was difficult to fathom the reality of the situation.

I heard steps coming closer but I ignored them likely just another person here to say the same old thing.

"Dad?" Her voice spoke up, and I felt a little weight lift from me, As I lifted my gaze, I was met with the sight of her standing before me. She was adorned in a pretty black dress, her hair elegantly braided and cascading over her shoulder. Tear stains adorned her cheeks, "You Okay?" She asked,

"I'm alright Lina. I'm alright." I lied, as I got to my feet ran my hands up and down her upper arms to try and soothe her goosebumps from the cold, I gave her forehead a soft kiss and held her as tightly as I could barely even imagine letting her out of my sight. "How are you feeling?"

She nodded, "Okay," she lied too, she trembled just as much as me.

"It's okay... It'll all be okay... Its... it's just you and me now." I whispered into her hair, But I froze up when I saw him standing across the way.

He stood by the metal gate dressed in his suit with a black umbrella in hand, watching from afar where almost everyone else had headed inside, "What the hell is he doing here..." I muttered,

"Dad don't," Lina told me, "Not today, for mom."

"You're right Lina," I sighed, "Sorry."

"It's okay, come on.. run inside before you get a running nose." She smiled,

I chuckled a little at her saying that, just what her mother used to say every time, "I'm coming Lina, you go on I'll be there in a second," I told her,

She nodded and headed off to so see everyone else.

As I stood there, my gaze lingered on the smooth marble stone, the letters carved into it with such precision. Each letter seemed to hold a weight of its own, especially the name "Y/n Watts." It was a name that brought a flood of emotions, making me feel as though I might break down at any moment. The reality of seeing her name etched in stone was something I never fathomed I would have to face. I always thought that if anyone, it would be me in the ground first, not her.

The thought of being the one standing by her grave, the one who outlived her, was a heavy burden to bear. I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of loss and regret for the life that was cut short.

With a heavy heart, I leaned forward and pressed a small kiss to my fingertips, then gently tapped it against the top of the stone, as if sending a message to the one who lay beneath.

"Love you, Y/n," I muttered before I turned to head inside, unfortunately having to walk past him.

"I am sorry Benny," he spoke up,

I tried to just keep going but I couldn't, "You have a hell of a nerve Danny," I glared,

"I came to pay my respects," he said, "As I do to all my cases,"

"Hardly call it your case! With how little work you did."

"I did what I had to do..."

"Yes, you did. The bare minimum! Choked it up to suicide and nothing else. Ignored everything that didn't line up with your preset opinion,"

"And you ignored everything that didn't line up with your preset opinion!" he yelled back,

But we stood in silence for a moment, "I am sorry Benny. I am. I can't imagine how hard this is-"

"I don't need your sympathies,"

"The report is done. The case is closed. Her her rest."

"...She can't rest until I find out the truth,"

"What truth!"

"She was murdered!"

"Oh for- Benny-"

"No. No. I will not listen to you and your stupid excuses! She was murdered!"

"She killed herself Benny!" he yelled back his voice echoed for a moment which silenced us both, "I am sorry Benny. But there is no case, there is no murder, she killed herself... Y/n hadn't been well for a long time,"

"What the hell do you know about how well she was." I said through gritted teeth, "Y/n would not have done this... I know it."

"It's hard sometimes to accept but-"

"No. I know Y/n better than anyone in this world, I know she would never have done this."

"Okay... Okay..." he sighed, "You believe what you want to believe,"

"I will. You can go."

"I'd still like to pay my respects,"

"You've said your piece about your case."

"To my sister-in-law then." He glared, "... She still is as much as you like to deny it... and you are still my brother Benny,"

"No. You set that ship ablaze a long time ago."

He nodded, "If you and Lina need anything-"

"You stay the hell away from me." I warn him, "And don't you dare come anywhere near my daughter..."

"The offer still stands," he said before he walked away,

"Dad?" Lina spoke up as she came out to get me,

"I'm coming Lina, don't worry about it," I nodded heading inside with her.

I sat alone at the sturdy oak dining table, the same table that used to be cluttered with chess boards and books, now adorned with a disarray of scattered papers and opened letters. With a cigarette delicately held between my fingers, I brought it to my lips, the wisps of smoke gracefully curling and disappearing into the air. Each appeal to reopen her case had been met with deafening silence, each rejection bearing the signature of the man responsible. It felt like I was stuck in an endless loop, but I refused to succumb to despair.

I knew in my heart that it couldn't be true. Y/n had struggled with some issues in the past, but she had been actively attending therapy, and we had been working through everything together. For over two years, she hadn't been unwell. The idea that she had taken her own life just didn't add up. I was certain of it. None of the signs that the books talk about, the signs that are supposed to indicate someone is considering suicide, were present in her behaviour. We had made plans together, plans that she was genuinely excited about. None of this made any sense. Even during the times when she was unwell, the thought of ending her life rarely crossed her mind. And if it did, she always expressed that she wouldn't have chosen to do it in that way. I know for a fact that she wouldn't have.

So many little things just... didn't make sense about that night. So much ignored.

"Hey Dad," Lina spoke up,

"Hey, what are you doing out of bed?" I smiled at her,

"I couldn't sleep..."

"Yeah... me either," I lied, in truth I just hadn't realized how late it was,

She came over sitting at the table with me with a book in her hand,

"What are you reading?"

"Nothing just..."

"what is it, Lina?"

"Just been flipping through old albums before bed. Helps me sleep."

As she placed the album on the table, I nodded in anticipation. Slowly, she opened it, revealing a treasure trove of sweet pictures capturing the moments shared by Y/n and me before we tied the knot. The images brought a smile to my face, evoking memories of our happiness. Together, Lina and I savoured the experience, lingering over each photo, reminiscing and sharing stories about the captured moments.

"She looked so beautiful," She cooed looking at a photo from the wedding,

"She did, most beautiful I've ever seen her I think..." I nodded, "You're in these too you know,"

"Yeah later in the book,"

"No, no. You're right there." I smiled tapping Y/n's stomach on the picture, "We didn't know but... you were there." I smiled,

As we flipped through the photo album, we were overcome with emotion. It was heartwarming to see Y/n cradling Lina on the day she was born, our first holidays together, and all the precious moments captured of us as a family. Each photo brought back a flood of memories and emotions, reminding us of the love and joy we have shared.

Lina teared up when we reached a picture, of our last trip as a family. I had been invited to London for a chess tournament so of course, we went on a family trip, the three of us stood on a beautiful bridge cuddled up in the rain. Only two months before Y/n died... we looked so happy. I pulled Lina into my arms letting her cry into my chest.

"I miss her so so much..."

"I know, I miss her too." I cooed doing my best to comfort her, "I know it's hard now, but we just have to remind ourselves of all the joy we had with her."

"Will the pain ever stop?"

"... I don't know, I've never lost anyone that I loved as much as I love your mother. I'm sure we will always miss her, always love her, but... I think the pain will fade in time sweet girl." I told her, "Go on, up to bed you have school tomorrow."

She nodded and took the album to put it back on the shelf but she stopped at the stairs, "Dad?"

"Yes, Lina?"

"... This. This is how I wanna remember Mom." She said squeezing the album,

"I know," I nodded,

"This is how I wanna remember her. and... I think this is how you should remember her too." she said, "Dad don't linger on how she died... you know Mom wouldn't want you to spend all your time worrying over the little details of how she died. Not when we have so much of her life to remember,"

"...I know Lina, I'm sorry I just... Finding it hard to let her go and this... all this..." I said looking at my papers, "Let me feel like I still have something of hers, something to do, something to fix, I... this is my last bit of her. I will let her go... I will... I'm... I'm just... not ready yet."

"You'll always have some piece of her, the memories, the photos, the little things of hers, she won't ever really be gone if you let her go. You have to let Mom go someday Dad,"

"I know. Just not yet."

She nodded and headed up the stairs, leaving me once again alone.

I heard a knock on the door while I was making my coffee, for a moment I had to shake my head out of my routine as I still tried to make tea as well as my coffee. I always made Y/n tea and I still try every morning. But I went to the door pulling it open and the moment I saw Danny I grimaced.

"I thought I told you I didn't want to see you,"

"I know, but some friends and I got together and wanted to help out a little-"

"I don't want anything from you. or your friends."

"Benny, It's just a little something." He offered an envelope from his pocket,

"No. I don't care. We're fine. Don't need your pity."

"For Lina then." he said offering it again, "over a year of her dance classes in there. Just take it, Benny."

"There a catch?"

"You let me in. for a cup of coffee so I can check in on my brother and my niece."

I sighed taking the envelope and letting him in, "Coffee's just been made, cream in the fridge, sugar in the canister you can figure it out." I told him as I set the envelope on the table and sat with my coffee. He slipped off his coat and sat down across from me.

"How are you?"

"My wife is dead. How do you think I am?"

"Alright," he nodded, "Where's Lina?"

"Sleepover at her friends last night,"

"One of her dance class friends?"

"Yeah, Ellis her name is. Nice girl... two different colour tyes."

"Ohh..."

"Yeah, it's cool. Easy to remember her."

"I'm surprised you let her go, figured you'd never want her out of your sight?"

"She's a teenager, and the last thing she wants is to be cooped up at home with her dad, ... she needs a routine to go out and have fun, Ellis lost her mom too so... I kinda hoped she'd help her through this... and besides I don't want her wallowing here."

"With you?"

"I'm a grown-ass man I can wallow if I want."

"True," he sighed, "Maybe I'll come by and see her another time then?"

"No. I don't want you near Lina,"

"I'm her uncle, why not?"

"You know why not."

"You're still on that,"

"Yeah. I am." I sighed, "And you're not her uncle 'cause you're not my brother."

"Half brother. Close enough." He said, "And yes I had to do my job... but that doesn't mean I don't care."

"Sure seems like you don't care when you pawn off my wife's investigation and deny any attempts for appeal,"

"What are you appealing? It was a suicide. And yes that might be horrible to accept Benny but that's what it was, case closed."

"You never even listened to me. Maybe if you had you'd be a better cop. or a better brother."

"Fine..." he sighed, "Go on. All ears."

"Don't take the piss-"

"I mean it, as an officer and as a brother I am listening,"

"Fine... I think she was murdered..." I began, "In the report, it was said she committed suicide with a six-inch chef's knife, cut her wrists and neck in the bathtub and bled out. All while I picked Lina up from her dance classes. Case closed. But so much didn't make any sense, The dance studio Lina goes she walks too when school is over, and it's only a five-minute drive from our house. That hardly gave her time to run a whole bath and be dead by the time we got home. The bathroom door wasn't locked, and Y/n locks our bathroom door even when she just goes to pee in the middle of the night, it's just her habit she closes the door and locks it absentmindedly on instinct after so long. Even if we weren't here she would have locked the door, and surely if she wanted to commit and was concerned over time she would have locked the door in case I got back and went to stop her. We don't even own a knife like that never have. The front door was unlocked when I got home, I know I locked it and she wouldn't have unlocked it before going for a bath.

I know in my heart someone did this to her, someone broke in, killed her and left her body to look like a suicide."

"As compelling as that sounds, it is all so easily explained. You forgot the lock the door as you left you were only going to pick up Lina. Y/n forgot about the door lock maybe in a catatonic state she didn't even think about it. Maybe she knew she was planning this and bought the knife at some point hiding it from you. And in water, she would have bled out so much faster in five minutes and it would all be over."

"It doesn't make sense..."

"What's the alternative? Someone came in, and opened your front door without damaging it, brought a knife in with them, killed Y/n, cut her throat without leaving any mess, dragged her bleeding body to the bathtub, ran her a bath, let her bleed out, set it up like a suicide, left without any trace and just happened to forget to lock the bathroom door on their way out?"

I began to tremble... "You know people who could do that."

Silence sat between us for a good while,

"I do know people who... could do that."

"I know you know people who HAVE done that." I began to sit up,

"...I do but-"

"I know you know people who HAVE done that AND GOT AWAY WITH IT" My rage began to boil as it all became so clear as I rose from my sear,

"I- I-"

"I know you know people who have done that and got away with it, and they got away with it becuase you made sure they did!"

"Benny-"

"You did this. You did this!" I screamed, "You did this! You killed her!"

"Fine, I did!" He got up from his seat,

My heart fell to my feet, "You did this... you killed her... You killed Y/n..."

"Fine... I did."

"Why? For fuck sake why!"

"Cause Dad wants you back."

"He can fuck off!"

"I know. I didn't want to do it... but he wants you to come home."

"No. he wants me to come back to the business."

"Both. He wants you to come home and be safe Lina too." He said, "He got some of the guys to do it. Disposal experts. set her up to make it look like a suicide and have me fast-pass the paperwork as usual and clear everything suspicious. it wasn't malicious,"

"Malicious! You had my wife killed! You ignored the bullshit for him! You let him kill my wife! the love of my life! One of the only good things I have in my life and will ever have! And you killed her!"

"He thought the loss would bring us close, let me bring you back, bring Lina in too where she's safe."

"No! No! Don't you dare think for a second any of that excuses what you've done! I never want to see you again! I never want to hear from you again!"

"Then what do I tell him?"

"The same thing I've been telling him for the last thirty years. GO FUCK YOURSELF!" I screamed forcing him out the door and letting him fall down the stoop steps, "He has always been dead to me. Now you are too. I will never forgive either of you for this... and if I see you come around here anymore or go anywhere near Lina I will skin you bollocks to brains!" I screamed before slamming the door closed.

I knew something was wrong about her death but I never imagined it was this, I never thought it could ever be this. But I know I can't go to the police with the truth, Danny will block it and I can't imagine what would happen to me and Lina. I walked up the stairs and my hand shook as I pushed open the bathroom door still closed after the cleaning crew came, I pushed it open and sat on the floor leant against the bathtub, flashes in my mind of coming home and cradling Y/n in my arms as she laid dead. And for the first time since the night she died... I let the tears flow.

And I cried.

I cried like I had never cried in my life, all the days since she had been gone, I just let all of it out, the endless grief and sorrow crying until my breath gave out and even then I couldn't stop the tears as I gasped for breath.

I don't know how long I cried for, but Lina found me when she got home. I pulled her into my arms and we shared our tears.

"I love you so much, Lina,"

"I love you to dad," She nodded,

I kissed her head and held her tight knowing now had to keep her safe, everything I had failed to do for Y/n.

I had to protect Lina, as she's the last bit of Y/n I have left in this world. 

[flowercrowncrip]

Here's some things I found useful while house/bedbound for @crengarrion and anyone else who might find it useful. Being house/bedbound is incredibly shit, these are things that helped me, but they didn't by any stretch make it easy.I want to point out that this is just what helped me, so may not be good for everyone. Anyone with experience is very welcome to add on things that have helped them.

hobbies I especially found creative hobbies were the best for me. I used to keep an art journal in an old Filofax that would have bits of writing, collages and paintings about different things I was feeling, experiencing, or wanting to experience. It wasn't technically amazing, but it was very personal and satisfying to make as well as being an outlet for all the shit feelings that come with being stuck in bed/at home. Other things I've done are fibre arts, colouring and writing (bad) poems.

Learning new things the Libby app is my friend here for getting e-books and audiobooks, and there's also YouTube and documentaries. BBC sounds has some good audio documentaries and podcasts, I also find language learning good for engaging my brain in different ways.

Find a community this one is especially challenging when you're stuck at home. But online communities are great, and there are various online social groups that use things like zoom or discord. I have an online queer group group I go to when I can't get out, there's also lots of disability specific ones if you look around online.

Life having something alive can make a huge difference, whether it's a houseplant, a pet (or your friends pet that can come in for short visits) or cut flowers have all made noticeable difference to my mood when stuck in the same place. If you're lucky enough to live somewhere where there is a view out the window, do what you can to make sure this is accessible (before I moved I had a mirror hanging so that I could see out the window while in bed)

Routine it can be really hard to have a routine when you can't go out. Things like eating at the same time, changing from day clothes to night clothes (even if both are pyjamas), trying to shower a set number of times a week, or always having a cup of tea in the evenings… Basically anything that gave structure to my days and my weeks was good. Having a TV show or podcast that comes out on the same day each week can give you something to look forward to. This was probably the thing I struggled with the most.

As for practical stuff, having the right equipment makes a world of difference. Some of it can be hard to access/expensive depending on what support you are eligible for or even exists where you live. If you're bedbound, having way to sit up comfortably in bed (if you're able to sit) makes a huge difference. If you are able to get a profiling bed I would 100% recommend it, but those are expensive if you have to fund it yourself. An alternative is that there are loads of specialist cushions or wedges you can get online at various prices. An over bed table will properly make your life a lot easier as well if you can get one.

If anyone else wants to add anything, please do!

[nskiyuriz]

tag writing game!! thanks @bueris <3

uhm uhmmmm brief excerpt from an upcoming nagireo fic in my drafts !!!!!!! it's very much a wip and will not see the light of day for a while but enjoy nonetheless ..

Football was a confusing sport. This is something Nagi realised mere days after being dragged into it by Reo. There was very little point to it and it was incredibly dramatic for what it was. It suited Reo in a way, not because he was over dramatic or anything, but the sport had a certain energy to it that perfectly encompassed everything that Reo was - the boldness, the enthusiasm, the confident aura the sport exuded, it was all Reo. And so, if football was Reo, then Nagi would have no choice but to stick with it. Really, it was no wonder Reo enjoyed the sport so much, he fit right into the scene as though he had always belonged there. Nagi, on the other hand, looked a bit out of place. Not once did Nagi actually understand what was going on when he played football with Reo. It was all just meaningless words and fast-paced movements that left Nagi’s head reeling. At least Nagi could follow Reo’s instructions in the game, telling him exactly where to go and what to do. That was easy enough. Scoring goals that way was easy enough. Football with Reo was easy enough. Despite how easy it was, Reo remained equally impressed each time Nagi managed to score a goal. He was all bright smiles and excited yells as he would run up to Nagi, springing up onto his back or slinging an arm over his shoulder. The fleeting touches were strange, unfamiliar to Nagi, but not unwelcome. His skin burned where Reo’s had come into contact with it, but somehow, for whatever reason, Nagi felt as though he could withstand the burn if it was Reo. And so, he withstood it. The fleeting touches lingered and lingered, bleeding into the rest of Nagi’s monochrome life, splashes of colour amongst the shades of grey. The warmth and vibrance was something Nagi had never experienced before, so gentle and yet so dangerous - addictive. Reo was addictive, really, every part of him. Nagi was beginning to understand what everyone else saw in him, just why he was so popular. Although he suspected not many other people saw Reo in the way he did, in the quiet moments where it was just the two of them. The true, genuine smiles that reached the depths of enchanting violet eyes, a sight that only Nagi was able to witness. It was magical, having Reo all to himself in moments like that, something he could never have imagined, not even in his dreams. A few weeks had passed since their first meeting, something Reo had described eloquently as a fateful encounter that was destined to occur. Nagi didn’t really see it the same way, but he couldn’t deny how glad he was that they had met. Reo had gone and changed his life in the mere weeks they had known each other for, completely flipping Nagi’s dull little world on its axis. His presence had been overwhelming at first, a constant buzzing noise always following him around like a very persistent fly, but Nagi found himself acclimatising to it very quickly. Arguably, Nagi would find it weirder if Reo wasn’t by his side now, he’d gotten way too used to Reo being with him.

thanks for theeee taggggg uuuauhvvbbbbbvvhgvbb this is likeeee a really short part of the fic bc the entire thing is kinda connected .. so i wasn't sure where to cut it off for this but uhhhhh yeah i write sometimes !

unnamed nagireo fic coming to ao3 soon ! (it is NOT soon, i have literally written NOTHING.... it's currently 3k words of prose and a dream.... no plot .. nothing.. 😭😭😭)

my ao3, for those interested!

[fandomnsfw]

My Blushing Red Head - Ronald Weasley x Reader

Pairing: Ronald Weasley x Malfoy!Reader

Prompt: My love for Ron and the lack of Ron fics.

Warnings: SMUT, fist fights, swearing etc. my names fandomNSFW for a reason 🤣

Description: You transfer to Hogwarts in your 6th year but as a Malfoy people have expectations ones that you have no intention of filling. Especially when a certain red head catches your eye.

Beta is my lovely @lets-imagine-fanfics she edited two fics last night so a big thank you to her ❤️

ENJOY!!

**********

The tall red head ran around the corner coming in at an alarming rate, straight for the dining hall. A few people turned to stare at him as he finally skidded to a stop in front of his two friends panting like a mad man. Hermione raised her brow at him as he was trying to splutter out a sentence that didn’t make a lick of sense. Harry chuckled a little as he observed his best friends face which was as red as his hair. 

“W-We have a transfer!” Ron stuttered still trying to catch his breath. 

“I didn’t think that ever happened?” Harry frowned as his eyes flickered to Hermione who just shrugged like she hadn’t heard of it either. 

“They're a Malfoy!” Ron whisper yelled at his friend making their eyes widen. 

“Oh great. Just what we need, another Malfoy. Did you see them? What year?” Hermione asked curiously.

“Our year. Nah didn’t see ‘em, Snape found me eves dropping.” Ron huffed with a pout as he started shovelling food into his mouth.

Hermione rolled her eyes at the red-haired boy as he blatantly ignored her look of disgust. Harry turned towards the halls giant doors with wide eyes suddenly, nudging Ron harshly making him glare at the other boy before taking in his wide eyes and following his line of sight.

Ron’s eyes widened to match his friends as he finally saw what he was looking at. There stood a H/C haired girl dressed in a cropped white shirt, a short black pleated skirt, with over the knee socks. Her hair was curled and pinned half back out her face and she wore heeled black loafers that made her legs look long and way more sexy than anyone should look in a Hogwarts uniform, in Ron’s opinion at least.

The biggest shock was the fact that she was covered in Gryffindor colours. Her black socks had red and yellow stripes at the top as well as a little Gryffindor badge on the side of each sock, she wore the red and yellow satin tie that was cut a lot shorter than everyone else’s and when she finally turned her head Ron saw a cute little Gryffindor bow at the back of her pinned back hair.

“Blimey.” Ron muttered his face turning the same colour as his hair.

“She’s a Malfoy?” Harry asked in shock a his jaw dropped.

Just then Draco stood up from his place at the Slytherin table and made his way over to his apparent family member. Everyone watched intently as a sneer made its way to her face. Draco scoffed at something she said before giving her a shove and before anyone knew what was happening Ron was out his seat.

However, before Ron could intervene she picked up her heeled foot and slammed it down on Draco’s shiny shoe covered foot. He let out a massive scream of pain as he hopped up and down on his uninjured foot while at holding his potentially broken one. Ron burst out laugh as he finally took the courage to approach the girl.

Your P.O.V

“That was bloody brilliant. Ron Weasley.” A voice said behind you causing you to spin around to face a rather handsome red head. His hand was held out to you it greeting.

“Y/N Malfoy. I’ve heard of you, Harry Potter, Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger. The tales of your adventures and battles are very popular amongst other witch and wizards schools.” You chuckled making Rons eyes widen as you took his hand and gave it a soft shake.

“They didn’t tell me how handsome you were though.” You added with a smug smirk on your face as Ron’s face turned bright red matching his gorgeous hair, his hand slipping from yours.

He opened his mouth to speak however nothing came out as he seemed to splutter for any kind of vocabulary. He chose to point at himself, looking mildly confused which made you grin from ear to ear. Adorable. That was the word floating around in your head as you giggle behind the sleeve of your robe.

“Cute.” You mumbled behind your raised hand.

“You’ll have to excuse Ron he appears to loose the ability to speak around any outspoken confident females.” A female voice snorted behind Ron making you glance around to see a petite girl with mousy brown hair in curls. She was smartly dressed but you instantly felt like she’d been the kind of girl you wanted as a friend.

“Hermione Granger, and this is Harry Potter.” Hermione added making you smile happily.

“It’s so nice to meet you.” You giggled as you glanced at Ron again, who had still yet to move.

“I apologise, it’s seems I broke him.” You added making Harry burst out laughing.

“Ron snap out of it man. What could she have possibly said that shocked you this much?” Harry snorted quietly to Ron but you heard it anyway.

“S-She called me handsome.” Ron whispered into Harry’s ear as you had began busying yourself with a conversation with your fellow witch.

“Snap out of it man. If a beautiful girl tells you that, you need to return the sentiment. Or ask her out for a butterbeer or something.” He huffed with an eye roll as he finally turned back towards you.

Your eyes flickered to him see him finally move his eyes meet yours getting momentarily lost in them until Harry jabbed his elbow into the side of his ribs. You rolled your lips in an attempt to suppress your smile. You rarely spoke to boys in general, when you were at Castelobruxo in Brazil you hated most of the boys there. And you were definitely never that confident but being near someone so shy and stuttering made you gain confidence you never thought you had. 

“I-I can show you around if you’d like…Or walk you to y-your first class. If you’d like me to, obviously. If not that’s okay too. Oh god stop talking Weasley.” He muttered that last part to himself, but you heard which caused you to giggle as you approached him with your head held high.

You stood directly next to him before gripping onto his bicep and looking up at him. He looked at you then his friends with wide eyes before looking back towards you with a dopey smile that made your heart skip a little. He’s so cute.

Instead of being a typical egotistical boy who puts his hands in his pockets, as if having you hanging there was just an accessory, he bent his arm and used his other hand to place it over yours. It was something you’d seen your grandmother and grandfather still do when they went for a walk.

“I’ll catch you later guys.” Ron mumbled as he shyly glanced down at you. 

“Okay lover boy.” Hermione snorted with a dramatic eye roll as she dragged a Harry back to the dining table.

Ron led you out the hall ignoring everyone who was staring at the bizarre sight of Ron with an unknown girl. Ron imagines most of them are likely wondering how he had the hot new girls attention already. He didn’t care though because your hand was so small and soft and it sent flutters spiralling in his abdomen making him flush a little.

“I-I’m sorry for being so inarticulate. You shocked me a little, when I think Malfoy I think Draco and Lucias. Plus, your absolutely far too attractive to be out in public.” He joked, clearly trying to attempt an air of confidence.

“Hmm, no, I hate both of them. Their evil bloody arseholes. So, what do you suggest then Mr Weasley? Would you lock me away and keep me all to yourself?” You giggled making him flush once again.

“Sounds like the best course of action.” He replied with a cheeky grin on his face.

“How forward. Maybe take a girl to dinner first, Mr Weasley.” You joked back making his cheeks flush again.

********

“I think I’m in love, mate.” Ron sighed with a dazed look on his face as he watched you stir the potions carefully as Hermione added another ingredient to the cauldron. 

“She’s not even been here a week, Ronald, you’re such a sap.” Harry snorted making Ron pout as he leaned on his hand still staring at you dreamily.

“She’s gorgeous. If I don’t make my move now, she’ll be snatched up before her first weeks over.” Ron argued with a dopey grin on his face.

“Well how did it go the other day?” Harry asked absently as he read through the recipe.

After Ron had explained everything that had happened Harry stared at him with wide eyes before they flickered over to the girl they were discussing, who funnily enough was looking at Ron with her own loved up look.

“It’s sounds to me like the feelings mutual, mate.” Harry laughs as he flicks his head in your direction causing Ron to look over at you again. 

He instantly caught you staring at him which caused your cheeks to flush, which Ron could see even across the room. He shot you a panty melting grin before turning to Harry with a smug smirk on his face.

“Go over there and ask to borrow fairy wings. We need another one anyway since you disintegrated ours while at staring at Y/N.” Harry huffed with an amused smirk on his face.

Ron nodded in response before wandering over towards you and Hermione. You looked up at Ron with a soft smile as Hermione ignored him, concentrating on her potion. You, however, gave Ron your full attention.

“Do you have spare fairy wings, love?” He asked sweetly his husky voice making you flush again as you fluttered your lashes at him.

“Hmm that depends what do I get in return?” You flirted shamelessly as you stepped a little closer to the tall boy.

“Name your price, poppet.” He teased with grin on his face as he dipped down so he was at your eye level.

You glanced over to the front of the class to see Professor Slughorn busy helping another student so you quickly turn back to the red head and planted a soft kiss on his cheeks lingering there for a second before pulling away to see his brightly flushed face. 

“Here you go, darling.” You giggled as you passed him the jar with the leftover fairy wings in.

“Th-Thanks.” He stuttered before running back towards Harry.

You looked back at Hermione who was staring at you with a raised brow and her arms crossed. You gave her a sheepish grin before you went back to stirring the cauldron silently. Though she clearly wasn’t going to just let it go. 

“I can’t tell if you’ve got nerves of steel to go after someone you fancy so easily or you just enjoy teasing him.” She chuckled making you grin brightly.

“Can’t it be both? He’s cute when he gets all flustered. And he’s handsome all the time.” You replied easily making Hermione roll her eyes.

“Just don’t break his heart. Or I’ll hex you.” Hermione states rather seriously making you nod in understanding. 

The rest of potions classes went off without a hitch, occasionally you and Ron would meet eyes and send each other smiles but apart from that nothing else occurred. However, as you made your way out the class your dreadful cousin stopped you in your tracks his smug little face making you wish you could have any other last name. 

“I saw you cosying up to Weasel-bee in class. I thought even you’d have better taste as a Malfoy, Y/N.” Draco scoffed with his usual sneer on his face, making you narrow your eyes. 

“I'd much rather be a Weasley than a Malfoy.” You spat just as Hermione, Harry and Ron came up behind you. 

“You are a disgrace to the family name!” Draco snarled as he stepped closer toward you in a rather threatening manner. 

“So is your receding hair line, Draco, but let's not be rude hmm?” You hissed, a grin making it way to your face when you heard the friend group behind you laugh. 

“At least I’m not throwing myself on the first bloke to show you an ounce of attention. Sla-”

“Don’t finish that sentence, Malfoy!” Ron snapped as he stepped in front of you and pushed Draco away. 

“Oh no, let him finish Ron honestly, I dare him to call me a slag! Go on Draco.” You challenged as you moved around Ron clenching your fists.

“Slag.” Draco whispered with a smirk on his face. 

You immediately slapped him round the face with as much force as you could muster making your cousins head flick to the side at the impact. His eyes widened a little before they narrowed into a glare and he tried to return he sentiment. Ron saw it coming and grabbed Draco by the collar hoisting him off the ground and slamming him against the brick wall. 

A few students had begun to gather around making you roll your eyes. Vultures the lot of them, always looking for a fight to watch and cheer on. You grabbed Rons bicep and tried to pry him away but he was having none of it. 

“Stay away from her. You hear me, Malfoy?” Ron snarled as you stood on your tip toes to whisper into his ear. 

“It's okay, love. Let's go before you get in trouble. Please?” You whispered soothingly in his ear his attention instantly back on you as he released Malfoy letting him fall to the floor. 

You urged him to run as you saw Professor McGonagall looking over at the crowd with a suspicious gaze. He let you lead him all the way to the Gryffindor common room, Harry and Hermione following closely behind. Hermione muttered something about meeting Neville for herbology homework and Harry said he had a date with Ginny so both of them disappeared pretty quickly after that, leaving you and Ron alone in the common room. 

“I have something for you.” You state as you take out the iPod you’d been carrying all day.

You passed him the contraption taking in his confused face with a soft grin on your own. You showed him the earbuds placing one of them on his ear and the other in yours as he stared in amazement as music started playing into his ear. Atlas by Shannon Saunders began playing into both yours and Ron’s ear. He listened intently clearly trying to take in the lyrics as you tried to fight the urge to dance. You loved dancing it felt like you could easily lose yourself in music ignoring everything in a room. 

“Why are you giving me this?” He asked with a soft grin on his face. 

“Muggle music is one of my favourite things, their lyrics are quite relatable sometimes. I thought you might like to try it I have another iPod back home.” You chuckled as you swayed a little in your seat. 

“And is this song relatable for you?” He asked with a raised brow making you flush a little. 

“Hmm it may or may not remind me of someone I recently met.” You mumbled shyly making him grin down at you. 

“There's one difference though.” He stated seriously as he stared into your eyes intently. 

“What's that?” You asked curiously with furrowed brows. 

“I do see you.” He whispered as his eyes flickered to your lips. 

Suddenly Ron’s lips were pressed to yours in the softest yet most passionate kiss you’d ever experienced. His hands came up to cup your jaw as he tilted his head to the side to deepen the kiss, is tongue brushing against your bottom lip. You whimpered against his mouth as you happily opened your mouth to allow his tongue to intertwine with yours. You barely even registered the song change as Ron's hand slid under the edge of your cropped school shirt, brushing against your bare rib cage.  

You moved to straddle Ron’s lap, his lips never left yours as you situated yourself on his upper thighs, ripping out the earbuds from both your ears and throwing them somewhere on the couch. Your hand thread into his gorgeous shaggy red hair gripping it softly as you continued to kiss him with all the pent-up tension that had been building for the last few days. When he let out a husky moan the sound made you grind down on Ron’s member causing his hands to fly straight to your ass gripping it over your pleated skirt.

Then there was a cough behind the couch making you both freeze as you slowly pulled away from each others lips. You looked over Ron’s shoulder to see the twins stood there with matching smirks on their faces. Ron didn’t know who it was yet as his head was now buried in your neck, the tips of his ears peaking from under his hair were bright red. You giggled a little making Ron look up at you, his bright red face making you clench your thighs around his hips. 

“Having fun little brother?” George snickered making Ron groan now realising who it was.

“Bloody hell.” Ron mumbled as he proceeded to lift you off his lap like you weighed nothing before turn to his brother and throwing a pillow from the couch at them. 

“This is the common room, Ronald, hardly the place to be shagging your girlfriend.” Fred smirked making me roll my eyes. 

“Last I checked you two didn’t even go to school here anymore.” You sassed as you grabbed Ron’s hand and began pulling him behind you towards the boy’s  dormitory. 

“Feisty.” George chuckled as you ignored them in favour of smiling at Ron who seemed to forget his brother's presence as he stared into your eyes with a dopey grin. 

“Use protection!” Fred screamed making Ron snap out of his dazed expression once again. 

You ignored the boys and dragged him upstairs the second you closed the door to Ron’s, Harry’s, Neville’s, Seamus and Deans room you grabbed his tie pulling him with you as you backed up to your bed. He shocked you however by leaning down and grabbing the back of your thighs hoisting you up so your legs could wrap against his waist. 

You let out a girlish squeal as he threw you on the bed, quickly following after you whilst his hand slid up your bare thigh, placing a kiss just above your over the knee sock. You gasped at the feeling as you looked down at him with half lid eyes. 

“You’re so beautiful, love.” He mumbled against the inside of your thigh making you whine in need. 

“Ron.” You moaned as he nipped at the skin there.

“Sound so pretty when you say my name.” He groaned as his hand hovered over the side zip on your skirt.

“You sure? I don’t want you to feel like we have to. I’d be happy to wait, princess, maybe take you on a date or two first.” He whispered softly as he came up to look you in the eyes. The new nickname made your heart flutter in your chest as you pulled him in for another kiss. 

You moved your hands to his tie, quickly loosening it and dropping it at the side of your bed before you began working on his buttons. You took off your own tie as well throwing both his shirt and your tie off the bed where you had thrown his tie. This boy was the sweetest and that’s exactly the reason you had no problem giving him this part of yourself. Yes, you wanted to give your virginity to someone you loved deeply however you would rather it be with someone you trust to take care of you. Just because you weren’t in love with Ron didn’t mean you wouldn’t be one day. Right now, you knew you needed him and you’d never wanted to do this with anyone else. 

“I want to do this with you. I trust you.” You whispered against his lips before pulling away to see his reaction. 

“G’na take care of you, love.” Ron promised as his lips met yours once again in a heated kiss, his tongue caressing yours as he began unzipping your skirt. He pulled away from your lips to rid your body of the material before looking up at you as he began unbuttoning your shirt. His eyes looked in your as if searching for any regrets as you were finally left exposed. 

You had a dark red lace lingerie set on that you were internally grateful that you wore today. He glanced at the frilly lace with hooded eyes before meeting your eyes again. You bit down on your lower lip as he traced his index finger down the centre of your abdomen before gripping the waist line of your panties. He slowly pulled them down giving you yet another chance to back out but you just flushed shyly as he finally rid you of the red frills covering your wet heat. When he glanced down to see just how wet you were he let out a groan his fingers immediately dipping down to tease your clit. 

“R-Ron, please.” You begged as he teased near your soaking entrance with his finger.

“Okay, love.” He whispered soothingly as he finally gave you what you want. 

The second his finger pushes inside of you, you let out a quiet gasp pushing against him desperate for more friction. He quickly added a second finger and began thrust them inside of you at an agonisingly slow pace. You grabbed Ron’s other hand and brought it up to your mouth before speaking. 

“Don’t have to be so gentle, Ron.” You moaned as you took two fingers into your mouth and began licking and sucking on them causing his eyes to darken. 

“I don’t wanna hurt you, princess.” Ron growled as if he was trying to hold himself back. 

“I can fit 3 of mine in.” You giggled which quickly turned into a moan when he curled his fingers upwards making you see stars. 

“For the love of Merlin, Y/N, can’t tell me you touch yourself while I’m trying to take this slow.” Ron moaned with a flushed face as he buried his head in your lace covered breasts. 

“I did it this morning while thinking of you.” You whispered into his ear seductively. 

“Fuckin’ hell.” He moaned against your breasts as he began scissoring his finger to stretch you out a little more. 

Your moans filled the room as you felt yourself getting closer which seemed to spur Ron on, his other hand came down to massage your clit as he began fucking you roughly with his fingers. His lips leaving kisses and bites wherever he could. You whined and moaned his name over and over again as you finally tumbled over the edge. 

“M’Cummin’.” You moaned loudly as you clenched around his fingers. 

He watched your face in amazement as your whole body shook from pleasure. When your body twitched from slight sensitivity he finally pulled away and palmed himself through his boxers. You stared up at him slightly dazed as you pulled him down for dirty kiss. You reached down to move his hand and pull his hardened member out his boxers.

“Need you inside me.” You pleaded as you began pumping his cock up and down in your hand. Ron leaned over to his bedside draw and pulled out protection opening the packet and slid it on his member. 

You guided him between your legs and lined him up with your entrance as he looked into your eyes as if asking one last time if you were sure. Instead on a verbal response you grabbed his hips and pulled him forward causing his tip to push inside. He instantly groaned at the tightness of your heat, gripping your hips as he slowly pushed his length inside. 

When he reached your barrier, he cupped your face with one hand, his other supporting himself, and stared into your eyes making you feel like you were the most precious girl in the world. He finally pushed through the barrier causing you to gasp at the pain. 

“Shhh it’s okay, I got you, princess.” He whispered against your cheek as he placed kisses along your jawline and the corner of your lips. He happily waited whispering sweet words against your skin until you finally felt the pain fade enough for him to move. 

You experimentally bucked your hips up causing him to brush against your g-spot making you moan loudly. He let go of your cheek, his hand flying down to your hip as he began slowly thrusting in and out of your heat. You felt so full of him that you weren’t making coherent sentences, so instead you ran your hands down his bare back, your nails digging into the flesh softly which seemed to turn Ron on more than you’d of thought it would because he began fucking into you slightly faster and deeper. 

“F-Fuck. You feel so good, love.” He moaned brokenly as he brought you in for another heated kiss. 

“Harder, baby.” You whined against his lips before your tongue tangled with his. 

The new nickname made his cock pulse inside you and you knew to file that away for another day as he answered your request happily. He began pounding into you as his free hand leaving your hip so he could reach between you two, rubbing circles on your clit. You didn’t think you’d get to cum twice on your first time, but Ron didn’t seem to be letting up as he kept thrusting inside of you. 

He moved a little repositioning as he ramped straight into your g-spot repeatedly making your eyes roll back as you dug your nails into his back again, rather harshly this time. You couldn’t bring yourself to care as you felt another orgasm making its way to the surface. Fuck, he knew exactly what to do he stayed in that position as he circled your clit faster making you clench your thighs around his waist.  

“R-Ron.” You screamed as you finally felt yourself unravel once again. 

“That’s it princess, cum on my cock.” Ron groaned his uncharacteristic words made your orgasm more intense as your heat quivered around his cock. He immediately followed you growling your name before he sunk his teeth into the skin on your shoulder, his thrusts slowed down until they finally stopped. 

 You both lay there holding one another, panting heavily until Ron finally pulled back enough to look at you. His eyes were still half lidded but more because he was drained, you caressed his face gently as you placed a chaste kiss on his lips. You nudged your nose against his sweetly as he finally pulled out of you. He quickly tied the condom and threw it away before pulling up his boxers and passing you your panties. 

You picked up his shirt and threw it on over your lingerie as he laid down next to you pulling you into his arms, your head resting on his bare chest. His hands absently played with your hair as he stared at the ceiling quietly. 

“W-Was that okay?” He stuttered the confidence from before gone as the shy Ron you liked so much was back. 

“It was perfect, Ron. Not many girls get to cum their first time, let alone twice.” You giggled as you propped yourself up to look down at him. 

“Really?” He asked with a frown.

“Really. I’m guessing that wasn’t your first time.” You chuckled softly making his eyes widen. 

“I-It was.” Ron muttered with a red face. Your eyes widened as you tried to compose yourself letting out an awkward cough.  

“H-How?” You stuttered out as your jaw dropped. 

“I-I just paid attention to your reactions, I guess. Surprising cos Hermione thinks I’m the most clueless bastard there ever was.” He mumbled shyly with a small laugh making you chuckle a little. 

“You are one of a kind, Ronald Weasley. I’d be really happy if you’d be mine?” You asked nervously as you avoided his eyes, fearful he’d reject you even after you’d had sex. 

He cupped your cheek and made you look him in the eye his face serious suddenly, as his eyes flickered all over your face as if searching for something. After a few seconds he seemed to of found whatever he was looking for as his eyes widened in amazement. 

“Did you think I’d say no?” Ron asked softly as he placed a kiss on your forehead. 

“You’re bloody beautiful, smart, kind, confident and for some reason you seem to find ME fit and worth ya’ time. Of course, I wanna be your boyfriend, love.” He added sweetly making me flush a little. 

“You are fit. You've got these broad shoulders that make my knees weak, I could stare into your eyes forever they’re so gorgeous. Your hair is beyond sexy and I could run my hands through it all day, even when your angry you’re hot as hell. Then sometimes there these moments where you gain this confidence you rarely have and it's such a turn on.” You rambled his eyes widening to a comical size.

“Grab another condom.” Ron instructed shyly as he glanced down at his member which was once again hard. 

“You’re insatiable, Mr Weasley.” You giggled as you reached into his bedside draw to out another condom. 

********

 You could here some commotion downstairs that had your eyes fluttering open in an attempt to figure out what all the fuss was about. You finally fully opened them and glanced around the room realising you’d fell asleep in Ron’s bed. 

“You know where she is don’t you?” Hermione voice screamed from the boys staircase making you frown a little.

“She’s fine.” Harry stated but you could hear Hermione shuffling around until Harry yelped in pain.

Suddenly the boy was pulled into his bedroom by Hermione who was happily dragging him by his ear. You glanced down at Ron who was still sleeping as you stood up out of the bed his shirt falling to past your ass.

She glanced at you with a raised brow as someone else came running up the stairs. You gave Hermione a smirk as Ginny came into view, that said you were happy with your current whereabouts.

“Oh my merlin! Ew!” Ginny screamed as she seemed to register you’d had sex with her brother.

“It was definitely not ew.” You smirked making Ginny gag as she left the room dragging Harry with her mumbling something about taking the memory out her head.

“Just get up! It’s almost breakfast and next time leave a note or something.” Hermione scolded making you nod in agreement before she left the room.

You crawled onto the bed with a mischievous grin as you began placing kisses on his chest. Ron immediately opened his eyes his face slightly red which let you know he’d been awake a while likely too shy to face all his friends. 

“Come on before Hermione comes back up to drag me out here in my undies.” You giggled softly as he nuzzled into your neck dragging you into his lap.

“Not bloody likely. No other boy’s are seeing you like this.” He grumbled with an angry pout on his face.

“Hate to break it to you but Harry just did.” You snorted as you climbed off his lap and began dressing in your uniform from yesterday.

“I’m wiping his memory.” Ron deadpanned making you laugh as you leant over the bed now full dressed and pulled him in for a quick kiss.

“Meet me downstairs.” You called as you ran downstairs.

You hurried to your room to dress in your weekend clothing which consisted of a plain white tank top, a pair of leggings and a pair of plain white nikes. You ran downstairs to see Ron already stood there in a maroon knitted jumper with an ‘R’ on the front and a pair of black jeans. He saw you and instantly frowned before taking off his jumper, leaving him in a long sleeved plain grey top, passing the jumper to you silently. You raised an eyebrow but took the offered clothing item looking at it in confusion. 

“It’s cold out there.” He muttered with slightly flushed cheeks. 

“What about you?” You pouted making him smile softly. 

“I’ll be fine my tops at least long sleeved.” He stated softly as you finally pulled the top over your head. It was massive on you, easily reaching your mid thighs, the arms falling past your fingertips as you looked at Ron, he looked rather please at you wearing his clothes.

“You look cute.” He chuckled as he slung his arm over your shoulder pulling you closer so he could press a kiss on your head. 

You both walked down to the great hall in silence just happy to be with one another. As you entered the giant room a few people looked at you and Ron, causing him to drop his arm which made you frown up at him with a sad gaze, making him instantly regret pulling away. He quickly pulled you back placing another kiss on your head as you both walked over to your friends.  However, before you got there you heard Draco and his friend snicker making you stop in your tracks. 

“Just leave it love, he’s not worth it.” Ron muttered softly as he pulled you away but as Ron turned away he must’ve heard Draco mutter something under his breath because he released you and dragged your cousin straight out his seat throwing him on the floor.

“What did you just say?” Ron screamed as he pointed down at Draco. 

“I said your girlfriend is a no good whor-”

Ron didn’t even let him finish his sentence as his fist came straight down across Draco’s face. Your eyes widened in shock as Harry ran over to try dragging Ron off the other boy, he wasn’t budging thought as he landed hit after hit on him, Draco not even having chance to fight back. You squat down next to Ron and grabbed his arm before speaking. 

“He’s had enough, baby.” You muttered softly making him look up at you as he finally dropped Draco. 

“Ronald Weasley, explain yourself this instant!” You heard Snape shout as he came striding into the great hall with an angry face. 

“It was my fault.” You stated instantly making Ron frown. 

“No, it wasn’t, it was his. He called Y/N a no-good whore, he deserved every bloody punch.” Ron huffed angrily as he took your hand in his, stroking the back of it with his thumb.

“Detention for a week. You too Mr Malfoy. You’re lucky you’re not getting expelled, Weasley.” Snape stated as he turned to you. 

“Thank you, Severus.” You chuckle making him look around awkwardly before exiting the hall. 

“He knows my mum. Mum claims he always had a soft spot for her in school.” You whispered to Ron making his eyes widen. 

“I didn’t even know Snape had friends. Let alone feelings.” He laughed as you both made you way to sit down. 

Well this first week had been eventful, you slapped your cousin, lost your virginity, got a boyfriend and then he beat up your cousin in your honour. I wonder what the rest of the year will hold. 

[the-girl-who-walks-with-mutants]

Uncanny Icon Chapter 3: Second Genesis

Kurt Wagner x Original Female Character (Adrian Grey)

Rating: M

Chapter Summary:

The Professor has collected the team and now, it's time to meet everyone!

This is our first proper Giant Size X-Men 1 chapter, part two will be out next week! Not much else to say this week, so dive right in and enjoy Adrian finally meeting all her new teammates, including a very adorable, fuzzy blue elf.

[this is chapter is extra special thanks to MORE fantastic art by @lazywrites of our Indelible Icon!]

Adrian stares at herself in the mirror, rubbing her temples to try and tune out the growing hustle and bustle of the mansion below. When she was little, she picked out one of the two attic rooms for a reason, to give herself enough distance from the main areas of the house and let herself rest without constant emotional outpour entering her mind from her fellow students. But so many new sounds and minds, so much excitement, nerve, and anticipation… it was impossible to block out.

The new team has been arriving the past few hours, greeted one-by-one by the Professor, shown to temporary rooms and given their uniforms. Unstable molecule suits, that’s what the Professor called them. Apparently, they were a gift from Reed Richards, the same material used in the Fantastic Four suits. They were certainly an upgrade from the little uniforms that Adrian grew up in. Those still hang in her closet, unused. The black and yellow training uniform was a classic, a bit of nostalgia to look at and remember how small she used to be, how young. The other is a thing of nightmares. When each of the X-Men had to pick their own designs, Adrian was the last to get a colour scheme. As a result, she was stuck in an ugly yellow and pink number, perhaps to show everyone that she was still a girl despite the pants and the short hair she wore, compared to her sister’s green mini-dress. No matter what, Adrian despises it, happy to let it rot in the dark corners of her closet.

Looking back at the mirror, the sounds of her teammates’ emotions slowly beginning to dull as they were called one-by-one to the living room for the mission debrief, Adrian knows that she’s going to choose a costume that is simply and unequivocally her. Adrian Grey, the Icon.

She thinks of what she wants, watching the molecules begin to react to her desires, shaping themselves to her specifications. A sleeveless bodysuit, starting with yellow to match her powers. A bit boring, she thinks, and a red section is added to the chest, from the neckline and descending down into a point by her navel. Turning, she adds the same shape to end at the small of her back. Then red, thigh-high boots, the tops ending in a point as well. Looking down at the shoes, she keeps the heel low and comfortable, but adds a little curve to the tip of the toes.

Almost there…

Two red belts across her hips, angled to form an X, red fingerless gloves attached to gold bangles around her wrists. Finally, she adjusts the knot of a long red scarf around her neck, letting it hang behind her down her back. Doing a little spin, she shakes out her hair. It was far too long for her tastes, now reaching past her collarbones, but that isn’t something that can be adjusted by unstable molecules. Maybe after all this, she’ll cut it again. Maybe to her chin, maybe ear, maybe shorter.

‘Icon, to the living room please,’ the Professor’s telepathic voice calls to her mind. She gives an affirmative thought back. Despite years of not enjoying leadership, avoiding the boring, administrative parts of heroism, all of it is now thrown in her lap. Icon, co-leader of the X-Men.

With that, she walks out of the room.

XXX

‘You will tell us why you have dragged us here, Professor!’ a voice snaps from the living room as Adrian approaches. ‘I, for one, am swiftly losing my patience!’

Stepping just beyond the doorway, she can hear the Professor answer calmly, never one to raise his voice in the face of conflict, ‘Sunfire, I assure you, it is not my intention to waste your time. I merely wanted to wait until all our members were present before beginning.’

Adrian feels the push in her mind, giving her the cue to enter the room as the Professor continues, ‘My friends, allow me to introduce Adrian Grey, the psychic Icon. She will be co-commander on this mission.’

Before she can answer, wanting to give some sort of quip to show herself as both experienced but still humble or something of that nature, there’s a sudden BAMF! sound, the smell of smoke and brimstone filling the room. In a blink, she feels her hand grabbed and a soft kiss placed on the back of it. Her eyes snap down to see the blue, demon-looking mutant – Kurt Wagner, a.k.a. Nightcrawler. From the photo in his file, she recognises the black curls, golden eyes, the hand which has only three digits instead of five.

He's giving her a little bow, saying in a soft, lilted tone, perhaps a bit lower in pitch than she expected, ‘It is a pleasure to have such a beautiful Fräulein as a commander, Meine Dame.’

Adrian is flustered, a small blush forming on her cheeks. She clears her throat, trying to look away from those eyes, ‘Oh, well, aren’t you the sweetest little thing...’

‘Hey, furball, leave the lady alone,’ a gruff voice barks out from further in the room. Wolverine. It makes Adrian suddenly all too aware that there are seven pairs of eyes watching this scene. Nightcrawler smiles at her once more with his elongated canines, pressing a second kiss to her hand before teleporting away back to his original spot across the room. Adrian clears her throat once more, saying with a much more serious tone, ‘I’m only second-in-command on this mission, I’m not the one who will be giving orders, that would be –’

‘That would be me.’

Heads turn to see Scott enter, his ruby quartz glasses traded for a visor made of the same material which gives him total control over his powers.  The Professor gestures to Scott, saying ‘And may I present Scott Summers, known as Cyclops. Now that we are all here, he will fill you in on the details of your mission.’

This is the point where Adrian stops listening. She knows the score, she knows the plan. Before the arrival of the new team, Scott asked Adrian to watch the mutants during his speech, to give him feedback on any members that may be cause for concern or any particularly suited for heroism. She leans back against the wall next to him, her eyes scanning over the seven faces, a unique cast of characters to be sure. All so different and yet all so open. The original team began to learn how to close off their minds, to leave some of their deeper emotions hidden from Adrian’s subconscious readings. But these minds and hearts were open to her.

Her eyes are first drawn back to Nightcrawler, crouched up on the coffee table, tail swaying gently. She can feel his dedication, and a genuine kindness in him, though there is a fading sadness, something that happened before he arrived, something terrible…

But then her mind is drawn sharply away, overpowered by an extreme passion from the big Russian, Colossus. Despite how intimidating his physical form is, his face is sweet, his heart good, and his motives pure.

The rest are a bit more difficult to get a particular read on. While she can hear everything, empathic telepathy is not quite as straightforward as its thought-based cousin. Humans are complicated creatures, mutants more so. And that’s maybe why Adrian prefers to be around mutants, as that complexity makes it easier to tune out the emotions as white noise. Her powers aren’t based on precision. She can’t hear exact words or ideas, but the themes, the pressures, the heat and chill and neutrality that is unique to each emotional trigger and output.

Of the others, they each have a trend to them that she can key in on relatively easily. Storm presents herself as a mightier-than-thou being, truly believing herself the goddess she is known as. Banshee is tired, blasé about the idea of heroism but having enough loyalty to the Professor to come back for one last ride. Both Sunfire and Thunderbird seem displeased, but for very different reasons. Sunfire is angry at the idea of being forced to help those he doesn’t know and thinks a mission like this is the commodification of his abilities.

The anger that bristles around Thunderbird catches her attention for a moment and she initially thinks that maybe he is like Sunfire. And yet… she can feel pain. Its hidden, buried deep in him, beneath the anger, beneath the displeasure, beneath everything. She would be tempted to think that he didn’t even know that it was there if not for the steady beat of it like a drum, timed to his own heart, panging with each move, each breath. Adrian knows what trauma feels like, she knows the knots that are formed trying to piece yourself back together, the ties that continue to unwind each time you think you’re fixing things, letting more and more slip through the cracks. She has to look away as the pain begins to gnaw at her too, joining the two together for a moment so brief that he doesn’t even notice… but Adrian, now more than ever, regrets her initial dissatisfaction at his inclusion.

And Wolverine?

Adrian has never encountered a mind like his before. It feels… hollow, in some way, like a book bored through with holes by bookworms. The pieces are all there but the words, the meanings, the plot… were missing. Even with focus, digging deeper, she can’t fit the pieces together, can’t fill the gaps. She has no idea how intensely she’s been staring, the worry marked by a wrinkle between her brows, until her gaze is confronted by a pair of eyes hidden behind a spiked mask. The emotion was clear. Get the fuck out of my head, Red.

He then turns to Scott, who has finished up his story of the missing X-Men. ‘Buncha kids missing, now what?’

‘Simple,’ Cyclops answers, ‘we go back to Krakoa to find the original X-Men and the mutant that defeated us in the first place.’

Adrian feels the fire of anger even before Sunfire pipes up, surging into her mind like throwing gasoline on a blaze. ‘You may return to Krakoa as you wish, Cyclops, but not I. I will take no part in this fool’s errand.’

That makes her engage in the conversation, resting her forearm on Scott’s shoulder to lean forward, her eyes narrowing. ‘That sounds like you’ve come thousands of miles for jack-shit then, Shiro Yoshida. Not interested in an opportunity to finally help your fellow mutants?’

Sunfire’s starfish-like red mask glowers down at her, the heat continuing to rise as he crosses his arms across his chest. ‘I have no allegiance to my fellow mutants, little Icon. And I will not risk my life to help them merely because you, Cyclops, or the Professor ask me to.’ With that, he storms off, though there is no particular destination in his mind.

She turns back to the new team, shifting her weight onto one leg, her hip jutting out. ‘Anyone else wanna leave? No?’ Her eyes scan each mutant, daring them to move. When none do, she smiles broadly, dimples on her cheeks. ‘Well, then on that note, we’ve got a job to do. Welcome to the X-Men, you lot. I hope you survive the experience.’

XXX

The Blackbird is a model of modern technology, a marvel that most governments could not yet dream of… it’s just a shame that Adrian could not give a damn about planes. She sits in the co-pilot’s seat, her feet up on the dash, glancing over at Scott once in a while to see if he needs help with take-off. Of course he doesn’t. He’s done this a thousand times before. His nerves are placed on the mission ahead, not the act of piloting a plane. Adrian doesn’t have that same level of emotional foresight.

‘If Sunfire’s outburst is anything to go on, I do not believe I like what one would call mutant camaraderie.’ The voice is deep and rich, ageless and warm, like honey to soothe the throat. Adrian turns her head, realizing that it is Ororo Monroe. Of course her voice is just as powerful as her mutation.

‘I promise,’ Adrian responds, trying to quell the internal murmurings of disquiet, ‘it’s not always like this.’

But even she isn’t convinced by her statement.

John Proudstar leans forward, his arm on the headrest of Adrian’s seat, ‘Well, it ain’t like we’re here to be a mutant appreciation society. We’ve all got our stupid reasons for being involved in this fiasco… an’ patting each other on the back ain’t gonna be one of them, Ginge.’

Adrian frowns until John moves once more, pointing out the window for Scott. ‘Hey, One-Eye, we got somethin’ followin’ us!’

‘Icon, open the hatch!’ Scott orders and Adrian leaps into action, dropping the hatch with a push of a button, getting out of her seat to greet… Sunfire!

‘Well, I’ll be damned, look who decided to join us!’ She says with a clap of her hands as Shiro lands in the plane, the hatch closing once more. ‘You decided you want to help your kind after all?’

He looks unimpressed, answering only ‘My reasons shall remain my business and mine alone, little Icon. Best to remember that.’

But they both know better.

No matter what Shiro says, he has a deep sense of duty. He’d never have actually let them go off without him, but perhaps his own ego needed to make a show of it. Either way, she lets him sit and returns to her own place at the front of the plane.

‘We have two hours ‘til arrival,’ Scott tells the team.

‘That’s team leader speak for talk amongst yourselves,’ Adrian adds with a smile, ‘Mingle and make friends.’

‘Icon, don’t disrespect my leadership.’

She glances at Scott, hearing his thoughts. The ability to psychically communicate isn’t something Adrian is naturally good at, but comes with a certain level of familiarity with the mind. She huffs. ‘What part about that was disrespectful, exactly?’

‘You’re making jokes. Now isn’t the time.’

‘I’m trying to make sure people don’t turn into dour little pessimists. You want them to work together, they actually have to like each other at least a little bit.’

She sees his shoulders tense out of the corner of her eye.

‘Any intel from the meeting?’

Adrian is almost tempted to share her insights about Wolverine or John, but it feels too personal to tell Scott. So she shrugs. ‘Everyone checks out. Good little boys and girls ready to be thrown into war, just like Xavier expected.’

‘Good.’

The two look at each other for a moment, almost daring one another to say something else. But they are quickly interrupted by the sounds of the team beginning to mingle. Adrian grins, knowing she won the unspoken argument.

‘Icon, I would like to speak to you.’

Adrian turns to see Ororo standing over her. She gives a smile. ‘Of course, what’d you need?’

The taller woman sits in one of the closer seats as Adrian spins hers around. She holds herself with such a grace, a precision, it makes Adrian feel like a tomboy rolling in mud by comparison. But Ororo doesn’t look down on her, at least not any more than she does the others. ‘You said that it is not always like this, I would like you to elaborate for me.’

Adrian blinks, thrown off-guard a bit by the directness, but appreciating it at the same time. ‘Oh, well, I’ve been doing this sort of thing since I was thirteen with the other team, so its… different.’ She realizes that she’s probably sounding like an idiot, so decides to approach the question the way she knows best, with emotion. She leans forward in her seat towards the other woman. ‘Finding out you’re a mutant is one thing, but finding out how many of us there are is another. The X-Men seem disjointed right now, but we’re a family. That’s the beauty of this whole thing, we’re not just here to fight and work together, its… its special.’

‘What a load of bull.’

Adrian’s head whips around towards Wolverine. ‘I wasn’t aware you were listening.’

‘Yeah, seems to be a lot of people listening when they shouldn’t.’ He counters, clearly knowing that she had been in his head earlier.

Adrian goes to respond, but Ororo puts a hand on her own, drawing her attention back. ‘I appreciate your honestly, Icon, and I hope that you are right. It is a dream I would enjoy seeing to fruition.’

[see the rest and to stay on top of new updates, as well as fun facts about references and comic book lore here at my AO3! AO3 gets early access, so make sure to follow the story there as well!]