#for the last bit I though about having him bow but I was like nah I still drew that version tho

[icezeebee]

Noticed that submissions were closed so I’ll just post this. The idea and (y/n) design are from @yanderelinkeduniverse , I also just made it for them.

[axelakim]

Broken Pieces

Pairing: Logan Howlett x F!reader (20 ish something)

Genre: angst and angst 

Warning: age gap, not proofread, use of Y/N

Summary: You got a crush on Logan while he is still overshadowed by Jean's death. The love journey between you two gets on a bumpy path.

Xavier school has been busy because of the new entrances. Young, hopeless mutant which Professor X found out through Cerebro. The teachers feel a bit overwhelmed by them. It is kinda hard to control the youngsters to face their fear. Fear of losing control. Ororo, Raven, Hank, Logan, and Professor put so much effort changing the youngsters mindset. Saturday night feels a bit lay low now, the students are partying in Xavier's backyard, including you. The only class five mutant student in the school. telekinesis, energy manipulation, and some form of neuroelectronic interfacing power

all united in the body of an 18 year old girl. 4 years ago Professor accompanied by storm came to your house offering a safe place, you'd call your second home now. What about the parents? they still visit you once in a while. At the beginning you thought they were the one who called Professor to take you out but turned out wrong. Charles who's the one tracked you. They never abandoned their little girl, the reason why your mom and dad let you go is for the reason that you will be able to accept your gifts and harness it for the better use like X-Men did. So here you are now. Being an exemplary student after 4 years of practicing in this gifted school.

Logan is one of your favorite teachers. He teaches history. You two share quite strong bonding whether in usual or defense class. Always has his eye on you, protecting you even though he knows it's just a practice. That's how you develop a crush on him since last year. After Jean's death, Logan has been a different man, he mourns for almost 6 months fully. But when he was told to teach history to fill his days by the professor he got better. That's the moment he met you.

The party is almost done, several of your friends went back to the dorm already. You and Gina and Hector are left behind. Enjoying each other's company till almost midnight. 

When you got back to your room, you saw logan and Ororo chatting in the living room. They didn't hear you coming, you were about to say hi but it stopped your intention when you heard Miss Grey's name in the conversation.

“So how you feeling logan?” ororo asked

“Great, the kids are quite a handful but i always manage it i always do”

“No, not the kids. I mean jean. Still dreamed of her?”

“O-oh yeah still the same. It's always about the wars and her, every night”

“You have to move on logan. That was not your fault. Try to make peace with it. I hate to see my friend suffer” she sighed

“It is what it is storm. At least I get occupied with the kids. Leave me struggling just at night” he answered while sipping the beer

You were still there, knowing it was wrong to eavesdrop on your teacher's conversation. That's all because of Logan, your curiosity increases when it comes to him.

“I see you close with Y/N. You two seem to share a special moment in every class you taught. Would you tell me about that?” 

“Y/N?” he chuckle, “Nah she's a sweet kid but I just care for her as a student”

“Maybe caring for someone can mean something logan. You act differently around her I can see that. Smile more often. She able to dissipate your scowl face instantly and the school is not against it let me tell you”

Little did you know,you smile hearing her chatter

“No storm, she wasn't even near to Jean” logan almost snapped and bowed his head in frustration.

You've heard it all. Heart breaks into pieces knowing he doesn't feel anything for you after all he does the whole damn year. Feeling you shouldn't be there since the beginning, you stupidly stepped back, hand hitting the vase on the table near you. The vase breaks into pieces resembling how your heart feels right now. Logan and Storm are taken aback with what happened. You ran fast but carefully to your room, hoping they would not see you in the first place. 

“What was that?” logan asked

“I don't know. No one's here. The hall is empty too” while looking around

“Maybe the pets did it” she adds

“Yeah maybe. Let's just clear this up” was the last thing you heard from your room.

Crying silently, you want to stop but you just can't. There's agony and rage inside of you.

“Why you feel hurt Y/N? Why? he's just try to be a good teacher, nothing more. Accept it, accept it you stupid pathetic girl. You're not Miss Jean Grey” talking to yourself like a lunatic. 

The crying is getting uncontrollable. You become bad at controlling your power if you were filled with so much negative energy but forcing the dark power inside to not come out is hard. You don't want to wake everyone up. So, you decide to go to the backyard in a hurry. Near the lake u keep trying to hold it all but your body can't lie. Your face is numb, can't feel anything. Body floating in the air and is circled by the red light which is your power. You were struggling, and couldn't catch a breath.

Professor woken up by the energy of yours. He awakened all the teachers and told them to go to your room but you're not there. All of them went directly to the backyard but they found nothing, you were drowning in the lake at that moment. Logan saw a vague red light from the water. He knew it was you, he jumped into the water to save you.

You are all wet and unconscious. Storm doing CPR so that the water you swallowed spat out. You woke up for a moment and saw everyone.

“Jesus kid, are you okay?” he asked, full of worry in his voice. 

“I'm s-sorry i…” said you faintly

Before you could continue you ran out of energy and blacked out. They finally bring you to the lab. Logan was the one carrying you there without you realizing it.

I will make several part of this story. I've rarely seen angst for Logan, so I try to write it myself. Let me know your thoughts about this. Hope you guys enjoy it!

[yesihaveaobsession]

POV: Alastor and Angel Dust decide to play with the reader (you) who was a hunter in their past life

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Angel Dust: (bored) Hey, Al. You ever, like, summon a hunter on the spot?

Alastor: (with a sinister smile) A hunter? My dear Angel, I have conjured all sorts of beings, but a hunter, you say? Why, that sounds delightfully chaotic. Do you have someone in mind?

Angel Dust: (grinning mischievously) Nah, just thought it'd be a fun little experiment. What do ya say? Up for a challenge?

Alastor: (eyes gleaming) Always. But let's make it a bit more... theatrical, shall we?

Angel Dust: (excited) Oh, I love me some theatrics! What do we do?

Alastor: (stands up, adjusting his coat) How about a little light show? Flicker the lights, create a bit of a spectacle. You know, the usual summoning ambiance.

Angel Dust: (giggles) Got it. (starts flickering the lights)

The lights flicker dramatically, casting eerie shadows around the room. Suddenly, a door slams open, and Y/N bursts in, brandishing a handful of salt and looking very annoyed.

Y/N: (breathing heavily, looking around) Who the hell did this?! I swear, I hate everyone in this place!

Angel Dust: (laughs hysterically) Oh my god, it worked! Look at you, all ready to kick some ass!

Y/N: (glares at Angel Dust) You think this is funny? (throws salt at him, making him recoil)

Angel Dust: (yelps, dodging the salt) Hey, watch it!

Alastor: (chuckles) My, my. It seems our little experiment was a success. Welcome, dear. I do hope you won't hold a grudge against us for this minor inconvenience.

Y/N: (crosses her arms, glaring at both of them) I swear, if you two try anything like this again, I'm bringing out the big guns. And Alastor, you know exactly what I'm talking about.

Alastor: (bows slightly) Noted, my dear. Though I must say, your entrance was nothing short of spectacular.

Angel Dust: (grinning) Yeah, you sure know how to make an impression. So, what brings you here, besides our little prank?

Y/N: (sighs) I was trying to relax. But thanks to you two, now I'm on high alert. Great job.

Alastor: (smirking) Well, it's always good to stay vigilant. Especially in a place like this.

Y/N: (rolls her eyes) I hate everyone here. Seriously.

Angel Dust: (teasingly) Aww, you know you love us. Just a little bit?

Y/N: (glares) No. Not even a little bit.

Alastor: (laughs) Well, in that case, we'll be sure to keep things interesting for you. Until next time, my dear hunter.

Y/N: (mutters) Next time, I'm bringing holy water.

Angel Dust: (mockingly afraid) Ooh, scary! Can't wait!

The lights flicker one last time, and Y/N storms out, leaving Angel Dust and Alastor chuckling in her wake.

[horanghaeluvsinniehae]

PRE-DEBUT SKZ X 9TH GN!MEMBER PT.2 Pairing:stray kids x gn!member

Disclaimer: anxiety, bit of negative thoughts, mention of food(ramen and tteokbokki)(if i missed anything please tell me!)

previous/\next

You stared at the last message you got from Chan…you were so excited but very nervous at the same time to meet them all, meet your group.

You know that it’s going to be a bit harder to get used to the boys because they’re already bonded and know each other…but what eases your overthinking is that you’ll be debuting together and will share those memories with each other.

You put your phone down to go get changed out of your practice clothes. After you were in presentable clothes you washed your face. Looked at your phone and realised you had to get going. The last thing you wanted was for your first impression to be that you’re late… After picking up your backpack and ensuring you don't leave anything behind, you made your way to the elevator.

Stepping into the elevator you took a deep breath and pushed the button to take you down to the lobby. Standing in the lift you start overthinking this whole situation and whether it’ll go well or not. You’re so deep in these thoughts that you don’t realise that the lift stopped and other people got on too.

You bow and greet the group, but you don’t look up at them properly. They greet you too and push the same button as you already had pushed.

“Chan hyung, are you not nervous to meet y/n?” Asked one of the taller ones looking at a boy with dirty blonde hair and a soft smile.

You completely froze after you heard your name. Your brain started to figure out what you should do, but your mouth spoke faster than your brain could think of anything appropriate…

“Hi um, I'm y/n…are you Stray Kids? It’s so nice to meet you guys I'm so excited-“ After you realised what you were doing you stopped talking and looked down very embarrassed while mumbling sorry a couple thousand times.

“Oooh y/n! Gosh so nice to meet you!! And yeah we’re Stray Kids! Im Bang Chan, you were texting with me and I'm the leader, it’s so nice to meet you!” Said Chan excitedly while putting his hand out to shake your hand.

You shyly took his hand and bowed again while still very much embarrassed. Luckily for you, the elevator dinged again indicating that you arrived at your original meeting place. You got out and Chan led you all to the sofas in the lobby.

“Okay so kids this is y/n and they’ll be our new member from now on!” Chan said introducing you to the rest. “Y/nah can you say something about yourself please?” Chan looked at you and you nodded at him nervously.

“Um hi, I’m Choi y/n, 16 years old and I trained at Hybe for a year and a half but then got sent away and started as a trainee at Jype! I have two older brothers and they live in Daejeon with my parents. I’m so excited to be in a group with you guys and I hope you don’t mind me joining like this…” You said and looked at your feet anxiously.

“Of course, we don’t mind! By the way Y/n, do you speak any other languages or just Korean?” Chan asks and a small boy with blondish hair perks up at the mention of English.

“I speak English almost fluently and a bit of Japanese but I understand more than I speak though…” You said and the small boy from earlier looked back at Chan with an enthusiastic smile.

“That’s so awesome! Okay so let me introduce my members!” Chan said and started introducing everyone.

You learnt that Chan is from Australia, and so is Felix, the small boy who earlier was looking at Chan very happily while speaking of English. He’s still learning Korean and can only understand Chan properly, but now that you’re here he can talk to someone else too.

Then there’s Minho, Changbin, Hyunjin, Jisung, Felix, Seungmin and Jeonging who’s now the ex maknae because you’re a year younger. Everyone seems so kind and just a bunch of bubbles of energy. You memorised their names pretty quickly and after the small introduction, you walked to the dorms, which is approximately a fifteen-minute walk from the company building.

While you were walking there you tried to get used to the boys and how they behave. Even though you were exhausted from your earlier practice and were anxious to meet them, they were easy to get along with and one by one your worries slowly started to disappear.

You were just walking and observing your new members and how they banter with each other with an amused smile when someone tapped your shoulder.

“Hey, Y/n! I hope you will be able to feel at home in the dorms and with us too!” Said Felix and smiled at you brightly.

You smiled back at him and thanked him for being kind. Couple minutes went by and you arrived at the dorms. It wasn’t anything big, but just enough for the nine of you.

It has four decent sized bedrooms so that means two people per room. Had two bathrooms which is a bit rough as you heard from the boys but it is what it is. Also a big living room and an open kitchen. It looked cozy and you liked it a lot!!

After the dorm tour Minho went into the kitchen to prepare some ramen with tteokboki for lunch for everyone . Jisung went after him to help and the rest of you guys got comfortable on the couch.

“Y/n do you know what position they’re gonna put you as?” Asked Jeongin while looking at you.

“Um if I know right I’ll be lead dancer.” You told him.

“Woaah then get ready because Minho hyung will be strict with you! He’s our main dancer.” Said Felix and giggled next to Jeongin. You smiled too, getting excited at the thought of being a full member now and having the same schedules.

You feel so happy that they’re asking you questions and not pushing you away. They’re very kind and accepting and you already love that.

A/N: hi guys! I hope this satisfied your expectations!! Please tell me your thoughts on it!! Take care of yourselves and be safe please!!

[4wkjun]

daddy sim | sjy

Chapter 01: is this code for gay? ➥ Contains: a little bit of humor, insinuations of homosexuality, mentions of alcohol, and swearing. ➥ Word count: 2.3k

masterlist | next

♡♥︎♡♥︎♡♥︎♡♥︎♡♥︎♡♥︎♡♥︎♡♥︎♡♥︎♡♥︎♡♥︎♡♥︎♡♥︎♡♥︎♡♥︎♡♥︎♡♥︎♡♥︎♡♥︎♡♥︎♡

April 2nd, 2021 Friday

“Wonnie, do you like living with Yunjin?”, you asked sitting down next to your best friend. Chaewon pouted, confused.

“Yeah, why? Does she want to move out and hasn’t told me?”

“Nah”, you scoff. “It’s just a little unbearable to keep my flat right now. I thought maybe we could find a place for the three of us?”, you said, more of a question than a statement of your thoughts.

“Yeah, I think it’ll be fun”, she shrugged and smiled a bit. “Do you want me to talk to her or you’ll do it?”

“I can do it”, you smiled.

“Do what?”, Jay asked dropping his backpack in the chair in front of you.

“Good morning, Mr. Park”, Chaewon mocked.

“Sorry, Ms. Kim. Good morning to y’all!”, he said in a weird tone bowing. “Now, what you’re gonna do, y/n?”

You sighed, rolling your eyes.

“You’re such a gossipy guy, for Christ’s sake”, you chuckled. “I’mma ask Yunjin if I can move in with them.”

“Why would you do that?”, Jay chuckled back, sitting in front of you two.

“It’s getting a little hard to keep my bills around my flat”, you sighed. “I’d be nice to share everything.”

“I have a friend who needs to move out”, Jay said raising his eyebrows, as if he just remembered that. “He hates his dorm, maybe you could see something together.”

“He? As a man?”, you raised one of your eyebrows.

“Yeah, but he’s a good guy. He just really needs to get the fuck outta there and maybe you could be friends, huh?”

“What is your mom gonna think?”, Chaewon mocked again. You laughed, slapping the back of her neck.

“As if I could care more”, you rolled your eyes. “What’s his name?”

“Jake”, Jay responded. “I think you met last year, no? At my birthday party or something?”

You pouted, trying to picture anyone named Jake. You shook your head, not capable of thinking of anyone named that.

“I don’t think so”, you said. “But maybe I could talk to him. I really want to shove my flat keys up my landlord’s ass.”

Jay laughed, searching for his phone inside of his pocket.

“I’ll text him. He’s majoring in physics, I believe he’s already there”, Jay pointed to the window. The block next to yours was the exact sciences block. “What do you think about meeting him after class? Maybe during our break?”

“Sounds good”, you smiled.

“Ugh, just when I thought I was gonna live with my girlfriend”, Chaewon pouted with a fake crying expression. You laughed, hugging her side.

“Don’t worry, I’ll always be your lab partner.”

“You better be!”

“At least you have a partner”, Jay sighed dramatically while staring at the empty seat next to him. The duo-sitting dynamic is really helpful when you’re majoring in biomedicine since it’s always nice to have someone to double-check your work. (Un)luckily for Jay, his partner only showed up three times the last month. You couldn’t help but laugh.

“Hey”, Jay smiled looking behind you. You and Chaewon were sitting across Jay in the cafeteria, along with your journalism friends: Sunghoon and Yunjin. Sunghoon lifted his eyes next to Jay, smiling when he focused on the person behind you.

Oh. That’s Jake.

Now that you saw his face you remembered: he’s one of Jay’s best friends, even though he never hangs out with the rest of you during breaks and after class. You indeed met him at Jay’s party - and if you remember clearly, you developed a quick crush on him. He looked so hot at the party, his (longer at the time) hair falling over his pretty face, a kiss t-shirt and ripped jeans may sound boring, but he managed to make that look good.

However, now, he looked so cozy. Everything ran across your head way too fast and you almost scrunched your nose at the thought. Cozy? What are you thinking?

“Hi, bro”, the guy – Jake –, smiled before quickly hugging Jay. “My boy!”, he chuckled while walking towards Sunghoon. They weirdly shook their hands and you held a laugh. Boys.

“Take a seat”, Sunghoon said smiling.

“Wow”, Yunjin said. All of you looked at her. “I didn’t know Sunghoon could smile.”

You laughed while Jake sat between his two friends, in front of Chaewon.

“Didn’t you know Jake’s his true love?”, Jay mocked.

Oh, is that what he meant by a “good guy”? Is this code for gay?

“I didn’t, in fact”, Yunjin laughed. Sunghoon frowned, threatening to throw his bread in her head.

“So, why did you need me out of my comfort zone?”, Jake funnily asked Jay, raising his eyebrows quickly.

“Comfort zone? You mean the exact building? That looks like a madhouse”, Jay mocked. “My friend here”, he pointed at you “needs someone as desperate as she is to move out.”

You awkwardly smiled at Jake, not knowing what to say. You thought Jay would be a little less direct to the point.

“Hi”, you said in a weird tone. Your girlfriends laughed. “I’m y/n.”

“I remember you”, Jake smiled softly. “I hope you’re not doing this because Jay told you I’m miserable”, he laughed.

You scoffed, shaking your head.

“Nah, I’m desperate to move out.”

“Good, we could... talk and see if we get along?”, he asked a little shy.

“Sure!”

“Wow, the two of you are so easy going, what the fuck?”, Chaewon laughed.

You shrugged, chuckling a bit. “That’s called necessity, darling.”

March 7th, 2022 Monday

“Jake”, you called knocking on his bedroom door. “Get up, lazy-ass!”

“I’m coming”, he groaned behind the closed door. By his groggy voice, you knew he wasn’t getting up.

With a sigh, you softly pushed the door, staring at Jake through the dim room. His blinds were closed all the way and you had to admit: that bed must be really comfy. You walked towards him, trying to adjust your eyes to the lack of lights.

Jake was lying on his stomach – shirtless, even though it was just the beginning of spring –, his hair falling around his face and pillow. The air conditioner of his room was way too cold for your liking and you wondered why he slept in such a cold room with his blankets on.

“Get up, Jakey”, you said as softly as you could, running your hand across his soft hair. “First day of school, remember? Last year, just two more semesters and we’re done for good.”

“You and I?”, he mumbled.

“Yeah.”

“So you’re breaking up with me?”, he mumbled again, still not opening his eyes.

You laughed, still caressing his scalp.

“How could I break up with the best roomie I ever had?”, you responded, thinking of that whole situation as funny.

Jake lazily opened his eyes, pouting. You took your hand off his head, crossing your arms under your chest. He stretched his body on the bed, trying to get rid of his sleepy state. The movement made his blankets shift on top of him and you could see the hem of his boxers. That’s when you looked up to the ceiling and said:

“Get ready, I’ll cook us breakfast.”

“‘kay”, he moaned. Jake sat up in his bed just in time to watch you move your ass out of his room. He bit his lips at the sight of your pretty ass tightly hugged by the fabric of your jeans. “Not the right time to be a perv, Jake”, he groaned.

Forty minutes later, you and Jake were miserably sat at the bus stop right in front of your apartment building. It was a little late, but you still had plenty of time. Jake would say random shit all of the time, making you laugh while waiting. God, he could die just by looking at your smile.

“Your hair is so long right now”, he said softly.

“I know, right? I haven’t cut it in like... a year?”, you agreed, looking at the ends of your hair. If your eyes weren’t down, you’d see Jake’s eyes shining bright as stars while staring at you. “Do you think I should cut it? Maybe like... shoulder length?”

“I... I think you’re pretty anyway”, he shrugged. You chuckled.

“You’re adorable, Jakey.”

“You’re more adorable”, he mumbled to himself.

“Huh?”, you asked, not being able to hear him.

“Nah, I’m talking to myself”, he sighed. “Look, it’s our bus.”

You looked toward the direction he pointed, nodding. You got up with your backpack along with him. Your dear roommate.

April 23, 2022 Saturday

“I’m glad you came, bro”, Jay told Jake as they sat down next to him. Jake was sitting on the yard bench, looking at the pool. Jay’s house was filled to the brim with his friends - and he had a lot. Well, you can’t turn 25 every year, right? So he had to throw a big-ass party. Drinks, food, pool, loud music... how could you and Jake say no to that invite? Oh, and being best friends with Jay, obviously.

“I wouldn’t miss your birthday for the world, dude”, Jake chuckled. His eyes found you sitting on the edge of the pool, your hair dripping water down your waist and hips after a dive. He took a long sip of his beer, trying not to stare at your pretty breasts covered only by the thin material of your bikini.

Jay’s eyes followed Jake’s, only to laugh when he realized who he was staring at.

“Are you ever gonna confess?”, Jay asked. Jake’s head turned fast with his eyebrows furrowed.

“What?”

“Don’t play dumb, Sim Jaeyun”, Jay scolded playfully and Jake scrunched his nose at the sound of his full “real” name. “It’s been what? Almost a year?”

“That we moved in together?”

“Yeah.”

Jake hummed, looking at his cup half-empty. He felt embarrassed. What kind of guy likes to open his heart to his best buddy during a party? It was almost three p.m., he should be drinking beer out of a hose and having fun. But he couldn’t. Not while you were drinking and having fun. What if some weird guy tried to do something with you? Jake needed to be able to protect you.

“Really, dude. You should tell her.”

“Tell her what?”, Jake asked, looking at you again. You were laughing almost uncontrollably at something weird Yunjin said next to you. He held the urge to smile at your smile.

“Tell her you love her or something”, Jay shrugged. “She’s out there, maybe even looking for fish in the ocean. You could be with her right now. For almost a year.”

“She told you she’s looking for someone?”, Jake asked, staring at Jay again. Jay sighed while rolling his eyes.

“No, I’m just saying. You never know.”

Jake hummed again.

“Go on, talk to her.”

“She’s drunk.”

“Pretend you’re just as drunk. If something goes wrong, blame the alcohol and move on with your life.”

“That’s the shittiest advice you ever gave me”, Jake sighed while standing up.

“Then why are you getting up?”, Jay laughed.

“‘Cause I have no better idea”, he responded before walking away.

Jake carefully walked towards you, trying not to slip into the wet pool edge.

“Hey, y/n”, he called calmly. You looked at him with a smile, your damp hair moving across your shoulder and splashing a little bit of water on his legs.

“Hi, Jakey!”, you chanted. He chuckled.

“Can I talk to you?”, he asked. You nodded.

The silence felt loud.

“... Alone.”

“Oh!”, you said, laughing. “Sure, help me up.”

You turned around, your legs now out of the water. Jake’s feet were damp now since you caused a mini-tsunami with your feet. You reached your hands towards him and he gladly pulled you up.

“Bring her back!”, Chaewon yelled from the inside of the pool. Jake laughed and gave her a thumbs-up while carefully guiding you through the crowd of Jay’s friends.

The two of you found a spot to sit down next to the barbecue, a little far from the pool. It was still loud, but a lot less than next to the pool.

“What’s wrong, my beloved?”, you asked, softly smiling at him. You sat on one of the stools in front of the counter that separated the barbecue area from the eating area. Jake sat next to you, sighing deeply.

“How drunk are you?”

“Enough to have fun”, you winked at him. Jake laughed.

“Uh...”, he mumbled.

“What’s wrong?”, you repeated, still smiling. 

“I’m trying to find the right words”, Jake laughed under his breath. You nodded, weirdly patient for your tipsy-self.

“It’s just me. You can say whatever you want”, you shrugged.

Jake lowered his eyes, trying to avoid yours. The fact that your breasts were between your face and the floor was just a detail.

“I’m afraid this might ruin our friendship, y/n”, Jake mumbled.

“Not possible!”, you responded.

“Alright, close your eyes then”, he said. Without a word, you obeyed. Jake thought it would be easy to say he liked you a lot if you weren’t looking. However, it seemed a lot easier to do something else.

Jake leaned in and captured your lips with his. You were taken aback, so you suddenly opened your eyes and moved away from him.

“Jake...”, you started.

“Shit”, he groaned. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t do this, I was gonna tell you I-”

“Aren’t you gay?”, you asked, confused.

Jake stopped, completely shocked. He stared at your face, looking for signs of a joke.

“What?”

“I thought... You and Sunghoon... No?”, you said, tilting your head.

“Fuck, no!”, he responded, his eyes big now. “He’s my best friend. And that’s all! I’m straight, y/n, for fuck sake!”

You laughed out loud, just as surprised as him.

“Well... In that case...”, you shrugged.

Jake was about to ask what were you gonna do, but this time your lips met his.

[paintyoureyeswithavividmind]

close to home | chapter sixteen

close to home | chapter sixteen

plot: the reader is on the mend when the governor attacks the prison, leaving her found family scattered

series masterlist

Pairing: Eventual Daryl Dixon x f!reader Word Count: 1,742 Warnings: violence, blood, loss A/N: thanks for reading!

Daryl was sitting on the floor of your quarantine cell block when you started to stir. It had been about eight hours since the medicine was administrated into your veins, and he hadn’t left your side during that time, save for when Rick had told him that he’d banished Carol after murdering Karen and David. 

He swallowed his anger and went for a walk but ended up at your cell. He grabbed a few of your personal items, like the book you always said you were reading but never seemed to finish, your water bottle, and even double-backed to grab your bow and arrow because it would make you laugh when you woke up. Then he returned to your quarantine cell and waited for you to wake. 

When he noticed you were starting to wake up, he grabbed the metal chair Hershel had left and sat down next to the cot. Slowly your eyes opened, and he watched you look around before focusing on him. 

“That would’ve been one hell of a way to die,” You croaked out. Your voice was hoarse and full of exhaustion. 

But your first words were a joke, and Daryl shook his head in relief. “Nah, wouldn’ have been cool at all,”

You sighed heavily and tried to look around. “How is everybody?”

“They’re fine… you?” He asked. 

You shrugged your shoulders and pulled the scratchy blanket up. “Tired, but okay.”

“You should sleep some ‘ore. You nearly died last night.” Daryl said, chewing on his thumbnail. The image of you choking to death was still fresh on his mind, and even though he had tried to clean the blood off your face, it still lingered. 

“Normally, I would argue, but I’m so tired,” You said. “Where’s Tora?”

“With Carl in the office building. He got her, don’ you worry.”

You smiled up at Daryl tiredly, “I wasn’t worried,” You took a tired glance around the room and tried to laugh when you saw the bow and arrow in the corner, but it came out in coughs. “You brought my bow,”

“Figured you might miss seein’ it around since you never use it anyway,”

But you were too far gone to respond, and Daryl watched as you started to fall back asleep. Your hand unclenched around the blanket, and your mouth parted, breaths deepening. You were asleep. He sighed happily. Sleeping meant you were healing. Soon you’d be out of the cell block and back home in yours, and things would be okay again. He would make sure something like this never happened again. 

Daryl slowly reached out to you, running his fingers along the curve of your cheek. He had no idea how someone he’s only known for a few months managed to creep her way into his heart. He cared about you deeply; you were his best friend. He honestly didn’t know how much he cared about you. He knew it ran deep, and he didn’t have the words to explain it. 

“Daryl,” 

He jumped at the sound of his name and turned back to see Rick. With flushed cheeks, he followed Rick out of the cell block. They had plans to tell Tyreese about what happened with Carol and how Rick had handled it. Daryl was a bit nervous about how it would go--especially after the last time that they had any type of discussion. 

But when they reached Tyreese, they followed him into the tombs, and he showed them a rabbit pinned to a board and picked apart. Daryl was still trying to understand what happened when a loud explosion happened, and the prison shook. 

***

You didn’t wake up when the first explosion sounded. You were too far gone in your slumber to notice that at all. It wasn’t until your shoulder shook ferociously that you were pulled from sleep and your eyes shot open. 

You could smell the fire in the air, gunshots echoing outside, and the sound of people screaming. You felt like you were in a nightmare. 

“(Y/N), wake up!” 

When you came to, Lizzie was standing above you. Her eyes were frightful, and she was a few seconds away from crying. “What’s going on?” You asked. 

“Someone attacked us. We have to go now.” She said. 

The young girl helped you to your feet, and you looked around the room, grabbing your weapons and layering on them. You paused at the bow and arrow before stringing it over your shoulders. Your hands were shaking as you tried to think where your family was. But with the chaos, they could be anywhere. 

Lizzie grabbed your hand and helped you walk the few steps it took you to balance out, and despite the lingering sickness, you were steady. You led the way out of the cell block and into the courtyard, where a full-on warzone was taking place. 

“Over there!” Lizzie yelled suddenly, pointing to where Mika and a few other children were running. “We followed the plan but I went back for you.” 

You wanted to cry with relief when you saw one of the kids carrying Tora, who looked absolutely frightened. She had been with Judith in the office buildings, and of course, the kids wouldn’t have left them behind.

“Okay, let’s go,” You said, ushering the young girl forward. You took a second to look around, but you couldn’t see anyone. You could hear gunshots, though. They were close. You told the kids to stay where they were and followed the gunshots, watching as a few people cornered Tyreese. You were just about to launch your attack when Lizzie stepped before you, pulling the trigger and killing the people. 

You and Tyreese stared at each other momentarily before Lizzie took off. 

“They have Judith. We need to get them out of here,” You said, looking around. “Have you seen Maggie or Beth? Uncle Hershel?”

Tyreese shook his head, and you didn’t need to exchange other words. You both turned back to where Lizzie and the other kids were, but only Lizzie and Mika were. Both Tora and Judith were still there. You scooped up your cat and shoved her into Lizzie’s arms, taking her gun while Tyreese grabbed the baby. 

“Daryl? Did Daryl get out?” You asked as you and Tyreese led the girls to the other side of the courtyard. 

“We were shooting at them,” Tyreese said, checking back to ensure the girls followed. “I got cornered, and that’s when you came up. I don’t know. Did you see Sasha?”

You shook your head and ran through the broken fence. You weren’t sure how it was broken on this side, but you didn’t question it. You had to get them out of here, and you had to protect them. 

***

The four of you had been walking for what seemed like hours when you finally stopped. With barely any supplies, you knew you needed to regroup. They had managed to grab Judith’s go bag, and at least they didn’t have to worry about her. But it was everyone else you had to worry about. 

Dusk was nearly settled, and it would be dark soon. You were thankful it was still summer, and you wouldn’t have to worry about cold temperatures. 

Lizzie and Mika were exhausted and collapsed as soon as you found a spot to settle in. Tyreese laid out Judith and worked on starting a fire. You checked the area to make sure it was okay and finally took a deep breath. 

“I’m going to go out a little bit. Try and see what I can see,” You told Tyreese, fiddling with the string of your bow. “We barely got any weapons and I wanna see if I can catch us something to eat.”

Tyreese looked at the girls and then you, “Don’t go far. Shouting distance.”

You nodded and then set out, whistling for Tora. You could use her senses in the dark, and hopefully, she’d be able to catch something for you. 

***

An hour later, you were sitting by the fire, eating the last few bites of an owl you managed to bring down. Tora sat between your legs, purring loudly while munching on a few bites. Both the girls were eating with tired eyes, and Tyreese was feeding Judith. 

The fire was getting low, and you both decided to let it die. After having dinner and boiling some water you found at a nearby creak, there was no other use. 

Another twenty minutes later, the girls seemed to have fallen asleep, and you were leaning against a fallen tree, holding a sleeping baby. Tyreese was discarding the animal bones and checking around again. 

You sat in the dark, silent, and watched the last remaining fire embers go out. When they finally did, your breath shook, and you felt tears prick your eyes. You couldn’t stop them from falling, and you bit down on your free hand to keep yourself from sobbing. 

Tyreese came into view and hesitated when he saw you crying. But he walked over and sat down, taking Judith from your arms and bringing you under an arm. “It’ll be okay. We’ll be okay,” He told you quietly. 

That only made you cry harder, and you hid by his side, trying not to wake the girls as you mourned everything you lost. Your mind raced with images of your family, of your friends, and of your precious life. Maggie, Beth, and Uncle Hershel were all lost. You had no idea how even to begin looking for them. The prison was so overrun that you couldn’t look for a roaming body. And Carl, Rick, and Michonne… Carol and Sasha. They were all gone. 

But somehow, Daryl’s face was the one that kept reappearing in your mind, and it made an unfathomable amount of pain and panic rise in your chest until it bubbled over and strangled the breath out of you. You didn’t know if he was alive or not, and you would never know. You could barely remember the feverish conversation you had with him this morning, and your last memory of them was that look of panic when he realized you were sick. 

Tyreese gripped your shoulder and held you tightly, offering comfort in a way that you so desperately needed. You tried your hardest to stay quiet for the girls. Not that it mattered; too soon, walkers could be heard, and you woke the girls, scooped up Tora, and were on the run again.

[dangerous-disposition]

heyyy <33

33. “I’m not going to stop poking you until you give me some attention.”

From THIS ask game!! Thank you for sending me oooonnnne 💕💕💕

[ NOW ON AO3 ]

Steve squints down at the book in his lap, trying to absorb the sentence he's been trying to read for the last five minutes. The words, obviously, made sense individually and theoretically they made sense all together, but they were not sinking in.

Poke.

Taking a deep breath, Steve shakes the light tap on his shoulder off and refocuses his efforts on reading this dumb nerd book so the kids would get off his back finally. He was making progress, slowly, but he was doing it! Just... normal English was hard enough without throwing in a bunch of fake languages on top.

Poke.

Swatting his hand out, Steve shoos the pest away, refusing to give whoever it was the satisfaction of a bigger reaction.

Poke.

Steve hisses at the sharp jab into his ribs and says a short, "Knock it off."

"I'm not going to stop poking you until you give me some attention." Poke.

Finally Steve lifts his head and smacks Eddie lightly with the book and glaring. It was a lot of work to keep the smile off his face as Eddie dramatically recoiled from the book.

"There, happy? I paid attention to you," Steve huffs as he settles back in to try and read again. Belatedly, he realizes he hadn't marked his page before closing the book and smacking Eddie and sighs.

"Hey, wait, are you reading The Hobbit?" Eddie asks excitedly, and Steve raises an eyebrow at him.

"I was trying but someone kept poking me," he says with a roll of his eyes.

"Well, that was before I knew you were reading my favourite book! Proceed, Sir Harrington, I shall search for entertainment elsewhere," Eddie says as he jumps up off the couch with a dramatic flourish and a deep bow.

"Nah, it's fine. I'm giving up for right now," Steve says, tossing the book onto the coffee table. "The words haven't been sticking for a while and I lost my spot. What'd you wanna do?"

Eddie stares down at Steve with that thoughtful look of his, crossing his arms over his chest. Then he asks, "You like it so far?"

Steve blinks a bit and then shrugs. "Yeah, so far, what I've been able to absorb at least?" he answers, a bit suspicious about where this was going.

Then Eddie's fully-dimpled grin split his face and Steve's stomach flipped at the sight. "Then I shall read it to you!" he says as he sits back down and grabs the book. "No need to thank me, Stevie. It's my absolute pleasure."

"You don't have to do this, Eds," Steve insists, feeling his ears heat up as Eddie swings his legs up and across Steve's lap to keep him sitting on the couch.

"You're right, I don't have to," Eddie replies from behind the book as he pages through it, leaning back against the armrest of the couch. Then he lowers the book enough so that his eyes could peek over it at Steve. "I want to."

"I don't need you to read to me though," Steve pushes, even as he shifts his body a bit to lean against his armrest a bit more comfortably.

"Then fine, I'm not reading it to you. I'm simply reading my favourite book because you're done, and I'm reading it aloud, and you just happen to be sitting here with me," Eddie says, lifting the book higher and disappearing behind it completely. "Now what do you remember reading about last?"

Steve grins at Eddie while he's not looking. Resting a hand on one of Eddie's legs gently, Steve says, "I remember them getting to the bear-dude's house."

"Ah, excellent! Some of the best parts are coming up!" Eddie says excitedly, quickly turning the pages until he reaches the part in question.

And Steve settles in for a quiet afternoon of listening to Eddie read to him, and he's only a little annoyed when, while seeing Eddie out, the metalhead smugly points out that his tactic worked. Steve did pay attention to him.

This was a fun exercise in writing a moment in time without giving too much context. I both loved and hated doing it. THANK YOU. Send me more of these?

Enjoy my writing? Please consider checking out my writing blog! -> @gerrystamour

[ventingfanfics]

an angsty to fluff fic where shuri is a known player in the royal family but the reader is a sweetheart and then shuri falls for her and tried to win her over but reader cannot believe it or is flabbergasted?? happy ending tho pls <3

First of all, many of you are so cute with your little requests. So many of you are creative! Okay, this one is LONG. I hope you enjoy it. Feel free to leave comments. It probably will have a second part.

Don't Wanna be a Player No More

The meeting at the palace finished, but M’Baku stuck around, joining Shuri for lunch. Together they walked into the cafe. 

In time, they had grown closer with the Jabari leader taking on the role of a big brother. He would never replace T’Challa nor was he trying to. He simply cared about Shuri and felt she’d been dealt extremely cruel hands. He wanted to be of support to her. Plus, they found that they enjoyed the other’s company. 

“Bast, I’m starving,” Shuri said, approaching the food court.

“I could eat multiple feasts right now,” M’Baku agreed.

“That’s you on the daily.”

“And what about it? A king has to eat. Do you see my stature? I can’t afford to play small.” Just as he said that, his eyes landed on one of the servers. He offered his best smile. “See, Hadiza here knows just what I’m talking about.”

“Why must you bring Hadiza into it? She’s here to feed your belly not your ego.” Shuri cracked a smile at the pretty worker who softly laughed. 

“I come in peace,” Hadiza said, piling food onto their plates and earning laughter from them. 

“Ah, here’s Riri. Someone with respect,” M’Baku called, seeing the science genius enter the premises. She was not alone. Another woman accompanied her.    You. 

Shuri, who sat her plate down at a table, followed M’Baku’s gaze. 

“Goodness, could you stare any harder?” He said rather than asked Shuri, who nodded in greeting at Riri. 

“For your information, she looks familiar.” As Shuri watched you taking your turn to get your food, she tried to place you, but to no avail. 

“She also looks like your next victim,” M’Baku said, amused by his own joke. 

Shuri threw a crumb at him. “Hush up. I’m a single woman.”

You walked with Riri over to them, feeling a little nervous about meeting Wakanda’s new Queen. You knew this day would come considering your opportunity.

“Hey y’all.” Riri smiled. “Shuri, I’m sure you know Y/N. M’Baku, this is Y/N.”

You wanted to shake Shuri’s hand but it seemed like bad timing with it being lunch and all.

“How are you?” M’Baku cordially greeted you, slyly taking you in. 

“He’s the leader of the Jabari tribe,” Riri explained to you. 

You laughed a bit and nodded because you were well aware. “And this must be Queen Shuri,” You said, successfully making the others laugh. “It’s a pleasure to meet you both.” You bowed.

Riri’s smile faded as she sat down. She had told you it was unnecessary to do that yet it did in fact feel necessary. First impressions were everything and you were raised to respect people and if bowing was a royal custom, so be it.

There was a mysterious small groan that could be heard. 

“You don’t have to do that,” Shuri said, to which M’Baku agreed.

“Told you,” Riri muttered before eating her baked potatoes.

“I’m sorry,” You said, feeling your skin heat up.

Shuri waved it off with a smile. “All good. Just promise me that’ll be the first and last time you do that. Deal?”

“Deal.”

You were relieved that things were going well so far on your first day at the palace. 

“So Y/N, do you work with Riri?” M’Baku asked, making conversation.

“I do, only for two hours, though. I’m mainly here to do outreach work.” You ignored the fact that Shuri was staring at you. Of course she’d be interested in this conversation. It was her business.

“Ah, that’s how I know you,” the Queen said, holding her fork. “Nakia referred you.”

You smiled. “Yes.”

“That’s impressive ‘cause Nakia wouldn’t just send over anyone.”

“Duh,” Riri said, making M’Baku laugh. She grinned at the look Shuri gave her. “Nah, but I just have a good feeling about Y/N being here. She’s dope.”

“Aww, thank you! The feeling is mutual. It’s an honor to be surrounded by greatness,” You said, looking at the three of them. 

“You belong here,” Shuri said to you.

You repeated the statement to yourself, knowing you’d never forget it.

~

You were focused on your data work. It consisted of the different organizations you’d been in contact with. In just your first week, you’d connected with hundreds of individuals. The doors opened, but you remained focused. 

“Hey,” You heard Shuri say, causing you to acknowledge her. “Where’s Riri?”

“I think she’s at the cafe with Kenya,” You answered, referring to the genius scientist’s girlfriend. 

Shuri nodded. “Are you coming with us tonight?”

Some of the team was having an outing this evening. Of course you’d been invited and didn’t mind the idea of attending. You liked your colleagues thus far and wanted to make another good impression by showing up.

“Yep, even though I don’t drink…” 

“Neither do I. And I still know how to have fun.” She shrugged a shoulder and came closer, observing your screen. “I really hope you have fun tonight, you deserve it.”

You smiled. “I’m sure I will. You all seem like a good time.”

“What about you?”

“What about me?”

“Are you a good time?” 

You chuckled at her sheer curiosity, tilting your head to the side thoughtfully. “I mean, I wouldn’t say I’m the life of the party, but I vibe off good energy.” 

Shuri smiled, her beauty on constant display. “I know just what you mean.” She rested her hand on your desk. “I promise I have good energy.” She was staring at you while you were entranced by her tattoo.

“Cool tat.”

She laughed softly. “Thank you! Do you have any tattoos?”

Before you could answer, you both heard Riri come in, declaring, “Alright, we out!”

“Hold on,” Shuri called, turning back to you. “Y/N, are you good to go straight there? Or did you need to stop home first?”

“I think I’m good, I have everything I need.”

“But a ride,” Riri said. “C’mon, Kenya’s waiting.”

“Can she at least use the bathroom first?” Shuri said back, pulling a face at you, as if to say “can you believe this girl?”

“You didn't go already? Never mind, it’s cool. I’ll wait.”

“Or you can ride with me,” Shuri mentioned to you.

Riri smirked at the Queen. 

You lifted your hands in surrender. “Okay, okay, I do need to go to the bathroom, but I won’t be long. Riri, I don’t want to keep you and Kenya waiting, though.”

“Nah, it’s fine. Let me go with you.” She waited for you to grab your stuff. 

Unbeknownst to you, Shuri admired the view of you as you walked towards Riri. 

“Thanks for offering though, I appreciate it,” You called over your shoulder, smiling at Shuri, who quickly brought her eyes back to your face and matched your expression.

Shuri did her nightly check-in of the lab before leaving. When she went to the bathroom, you were exiting it. You held the door open for her with your usual kind smile. 

“Thank you, usana,” the royal said. “That’s a nice dress, by the way.”

~

After debating, Okoye got involved in this heated exchange that consisted of a female letting Shuri have it. “Excuse me, what seems to be the trouble here?” 

The girl’s eyes widened before she glowered and pointed at Shuri. “So you do have a girlfriend!”

Okoye rolled her eyes to the high heavens. 

“Yes, this is my girlfriend,” Shuri deadpanned, and shooting Okoye a look that said “just go with it.” 

Okoye had other plans. “I am the general, thank you very much.” 

“You’re fucking your general?” 

“For Bast’s sake,” Okoye said as Shuri stifled a laugh.

“Walk away,” Shuri said, steering Okoye away from the infuriated young woman. Okoye of course stayed behind to make sure the stranger left. 

Shuri finally released her laugh as Okoye wore the ultimate look of disgust. 

“You have got to be more selective, your highness.”

“Hey, what’d I say about formality after hours?”

Okoye shook her head. “I thought I was going to have to hurt her, but she’s just an idiot. Why can’t you get involved with one girl? Preferably a decent one with a working brain.” 

Shuri smirked as she eyed you across the room. “Funny you say that because I know someone.”

Okoye followed her vision. “Is that the new girl Y/N?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Maybe I should retract my statement. She seems too good for you.”

“I’m sorry, how did you say you know her again?” Shuri narrowed her eyes at her. 

Okoye smirked. “You know I’m right.”

Shuri tuned Okoye out as you and her made eye contact. You both smiled. Shuri made her way towards you as you finished your plastic cup of soda. 

“The vibes must be off,” said Shuri, speaking down into your ear so you could hear her. She could have sworn she saw you shiver. “Are you cold?” She pulled away and unzipped her royal green Adidas Ivy Park tracksuit. 

“Oh, no, no, you don’t have to do that,” You replied, though the royal was now clad in just a tank top that showed off her fit form. You forced your eyes on her face.

“You sure? It’s not a problem, Y/N.”

“I don’t want you to be cold.”

She chuckled inwardly. “You’re so cute. Tell you what, if I do get cold, you can help warm me up.” She studied your reaction, only getting a little laugh. You were very oblivious.

“Is that your way of saying you want to dance?” You asked her.

“Actually, yeah. I’d like that.” She took your hand, leading you to the dance floor. 

It just so happened they were playing one of your new favorite songs. When that song came on, you didn’t care who was around. 

Shuri and others gassed you up as you moved. But when it was all over, you suddenly turned shy. You looked around and saw two chicks staring you down—but bitterly. 

“Well, damn, what did I do?” You thought aloud.

“Hmm?” Shuri looked at you, listening attentively as you cupped your hand around her ear, informing her of the two strange women. Shuri found the culprits and glared daggers at them until they averted their gazes.

“Do you know them?” You asked. “‘Cause I don’t. Never seen ‘em a day in my life.”

“Don’t pay them no mind, they’re just jealous,” Shuri said, pulling your back against her front. She felt warm, soft, and firm all at once. And she smelled divine. She must have wanted to comfort you because she was stroking your arms. 

Clearly you weren’t the only sweet one.

You leaned into her, which made her smile yet again. “Can we keep dancing? You’re so good at it,” she asked. You laughed and nodded, feeling boosted by her compliment. The next grind-inducing song came on causing you to whine your hips. Fueled by the music, you even dropped it low, backing it up against Shuri, who gripped your hips and moved with you. 

“Damn, Y/N! Okay!” You heard Riri say. “She said I’m not a wallflower no more!”

You and Shuri had a good laugh.

The royal noticed you seemed slightly out of it; she deduced it to her jacket and all the dancing and excitement. She gently removed the jacket from you and held it. “Let’s get you some water, party girl.”

She held your hand and you felt protected as you trekked to the bar. 

“I’m getting ready to head out,” Shuri said. She never liked to stay out too long. 

“Oh, okay,” You looked at her nodding. You weren’t quite ready to leave yourself but if Shuri was leaving, you didn’t care to stay either.

“I can give you a ride,” She offered, to which you accepted. 

Shortly after, you said goodbye to everyone. Kenya was the designated driver for Riri. 

“Bye girl, see you Monday!” Riri hugged you. “Bye, Shuri.” The Queen gave her a side-hug and nodded at Kenya before resting her hand on the small of your back, escorting you out of the club with Okoye and Aneka in tow.

Shuri programmed your address into her car. It smelled as good as she did. 

“I hope you don’t mind, but Okoye and Aneka are gonna follow us,” she mentioned to you before starting the car.

“No, I know. It’s cool. That’s their job.” You got comfy in the chair, leaning back.

“Oh, you’re going to sleep on me?” Shuri asked, starting the car. She jokingly sucked her teeth. “Damn, Y/N.”

“Noo, I’mma keep you company.”

She chuckled and turned on her music at a comfortable volume. “Nah, it’s okay. I’ll wake you up when we’re there.” Although you were close to dozing off, you fought to stay up with Shuri. You felt bad about sleeping when she was giving you a ride. 

She was a little worried that you might fall out, so she walked you to your door. 

“Thank you, Shuri. I had fun tonight,” You spoke as you used your keys.

Your words lit her up. “My pleasure, and you most definitely are a good time.”

You could only yawn in response.

Shuri chuckled. “Have a good sleep, okay?”

You gave her a hug and she gladly accepted, squeezing you. “You too. Get home safe.”

“I will, babe.”

Whenever she called you a pet name, it made you feel gooey inside, but you always pushed it out of your head believing it meant little if anything at all. 

All you could think that besides the ones your grandmother gave, that was one of the best hugs you ever had. 

Shuri waited until you were inside with the door shut before taking her leave. You were surprised when you awoke in the morning to see a text from her: Made it home safely. Enjoy your weekend! x

~

“You texting somebody?” 

Shuri’s smile faded. She was responding to your reply about her making it home safely. You had wished her a happy, restful weekend. “Yes, Imani. Why?”

“Just trying to figure out who with that Kool-aid smile. They gave you good news or something?” 

Shuri stared at her and the woman stared back, arching an eyebrow.

“How’s your food?” Shuri changed the subject. She had taken one of her lady friends out for breakfast.

“It’s good,” her companion admitted, flipping her locs over her shoulder. “I’m not done either.”

“I said you could have whatever you want,” Shuri dryly reminded her. 

“I know. Excuse me, waiter? Yes, I would like try your international omelette next.”

“Okay, and for you, miss?” He addressed Shuri.

“I’m good, thank you.” 

After breakfast, Shuri took Imani to the mall. She was losing patience because unlike herself, Imani was no fast shopper. To say she was taking her precious time was an understatement. Shuri knew it was intentional. Imani felt like she was entitled to get under her skin. 

She was about to just tell Imani to call her when she was done and she’d pick her up. Until she saw you. You were looking at dresses. And just like that, Shuri’s irritation melted away. 

She snuck up behind you, covering your eyes. “You didn’t tell me you were coming to the mall.”

A puff of surprise left your throat. “Shuri?” 

“The one and only.”

You turned around, revealing your bright smile. “You didn’t tell me either, miss thang.”

Shuri motioned to the clothes. “I see you’re looking at dresses, what’s the occasion?”

Her eyes bored into you as you shared that you were buying some work attire.

“Ah, I see…you sure none of these are for a date?” 

You chuckled. “I mean, I guess they could be…” The two of you kept your smiles. “So, what brings you here?”

Shuri’s visage dulled. “I’m here with a friend.”

“Oh, that’s cool.”

“What are you doing after this?”

“Well, actually, I was planning to get a tattoo. Remember you asked me if I had any? This will be my first one.”

Shuri was so interested, firing off questions about what and where and when you planned to get the ink. And then someone shouted her name.

You, Shuri, and other patrons whipped their heads to look at Imani.

“I’m ready,” she announced.

“What did I tell you about screaming my name like that?” Shuri asked after a beat.

“You don’t mind it any other time,” Imani shot back. 

You could feel the tension. But what mainly captivated you was the fact that this chick looked awfully familiar. She looked exactly like one of those women who seemed like they wanted to shank you at the club the other night. 

“It’s rude to stare,” Imani said to you.

“That’s funny, weren’t you staring last night?” You blurted. 

Imani pursed her lips smugly but you just walked alway. You didn't want any trouble. And now it was making sense as to why she’d had a problem with you. 

“Looks like your little girlfriend is upset,” Imani commented to Shuri sarcastically.

~

M’Baku watched as you entered the cafe and took your plate before leaving. 

“The first time I see her all week and she disappears,” he said. “Do I even need to ask what happened?” 

“She probably just doesn’t like you,” Shuri said.

He was unamused. “Ha-ha-ha. Shuri, did you do something to that girl?”

“Her name is Y/N, and, no, but I know you love to think that.” She took a long sip from her water jug

“Then why doesn’t she come around anymore? Even with Riri being out sick today, you would think she would feel welcomed to sit with us.”

“She’s been eating as she works.”

The silence was deafening.

Shuri sighed and looked at M’Baku’s knowing expression. “Ever since she found out about Imani, she’s been keeping a distance,” she quietly relayed. 

His eyebrows went up and he nodded. “And why do you think that is?”

Shuri was exasperated. “I don’t know, maybe she liked me?”

“So, you didn’t lead her on?”

“No!” 

M’Baku took Shuri in, but without judgement this time. “Okay, sis.”

Shuri stabbed at her food. “It shouldn’t matter anyway. She’s my employee for Bast’s sake.”

After lunch, Shuri returned to the lab. A week ago you’d worked in pure silence, but now you had taken her invitation to listen to music. It sounded like a movie score that you were listening to. She watched you bob your head as you worked with concentration etched onto your side profile. 

You sensed someone watching you so you turned your back to find the gaze belonged to Shuri. You offered the weakest smile she’d ever seen and redirected your attention to your device. 

Shuri decided to let you be for now. About forty-five minutes later, The Griot alerted there was a visitor on the premises named Zen-daya. Shuri pulled a face in confusion as she saw her information. “I have no idea who this is—“

“It’s for me,” You clarified. 

Shuri noticeably calmed down. “Oh. Who is she?”

You chuckled. “Don’t worry, she’s safe. I told her to meet me here.”

“That doesn’t answer my question.”

“If you must know, she’s my date.”

The room fell silent and thick once more. You packed your things and used the Kimoyo beads you’d been given to confirm with Zen-daya that you were on your way outside. 

As you proceeded to leave, you looked at Shuri—really looked at her for the first time in a week. Although most probably wouldn’t have noticed it, you could tell something was bothering her. You didn’t need to know her long to know she was possibly affected by your obvious detachment. You had gone from warm and engaging to polite and short with her. Although you were doing it for the right reasons, you sympathized with her. 

“Have a good weekend, Shuri,” You said, holding your bag over your shoulder.

She turned her head to eye you. “Y/N.”

You slowed down and faced her with a questioning gaze.

She looked serious. “It won’t take long. I wanted to check-in with you.” You nodded and she continued. 

“If you want to keep things strictly professional between us, I understand. I just hope I haven’t made you uncomfortable.”

You thought of what to say. “You haven’t made me uncomfortable.”

She stood up. “Then why the sudden change? Why don’t you speak anymore?”

“I say good morn—“

“That’s all you say. You stay in here for lunch, avoiding me—even M’Baku has been asking about you. What’s going on? Is everything okay?” 

You were right. She was absolutely affected.

“Is this about Imani—the girl you saw me with at the mall that day?”

A look and feeling of revulsion washed over you at the reminder. The truth was, you’d developed a crush on Shuri following your time at the club together. And you felt foolish when you realized she was involved with someone else—someone she had pretended not to know. Furthermore, Riri had warned you to watch out for Shuri because “she had heartbreaker tendencies.” Overall, keeping things professional seemed for the best.

“No, it’s about me doing what I feel is best.” You mentally high-fived yourself for the mature response. 

Shuri’s frown deepened. She reluctantly nodded and turned away. 

All you could think about was how sad she looked and how you wanted to give her a big hug. But you didn’t dare. 

~

Riri had enough. She pulled Shuri out of the lab. Shuri looked puzzled at Riri’s shrewd countenance. “Yes?”

“Cutting the formalities, you’ve been acting like an ass this whole week, what’s up?” Riri confronted using her hands as she spoke. 

Shuri scoffed.

“No, you have been, ask everyone!” Riri then looked around and lowered her tone, “We can all feel and see how snappy you are.”

Deep down, Shuri knew that for Riri to pull her aside, it was serious. 

“Thank you,” she said, just as earnest. 

Riri softened a tad. “You welcome. Now tell me what’s wrong.”

“Just some personal stuff, it was inappropriate of me to bring it into work. I will apologize.” Without another word, Shuri returned to the lab. She clasped her hands, looking around and soon getting her staff’s attention. “Everyone, a word. This week I’m sure you all noticed a change in my behavior, and for that I sincerely apologize. I have been dealing with some personal matters, but that is not an excuse to mistreat my team. I hope you can forgive me.”

“We know you’re still grieving,” someone called. 

It was time for your shift in the lab. You saw Riri standing just outside the doors, watching what was happening inside. You greeted each other, though you could immediately tell something was off.

“Shuri just apologized to the team,” She filled you in.

“Oh, really? That’s good.”

Riri didn’t react. She looked contemplative. Almost reluctantly, she moved towards you. “Why do I get the feeling some shit went down between you?” She whispered. 

“What do you mean?”

“She hasn’t been the only one acting off. You’ve been strange, too, acting distant.”

“Distant or professional?” You defended. 

Riri  heaved a sigh. “Y/N, just answer the question.”

You checked your surroundings and whispered defensively. “For my own sanity, I had to fall back—you even told me to!” 

Riri just listened. 

“Nothing happened beyond what you saw at the club,” You added. “We didn’t kiss, sleep together, none of that…” 

Suddenly the doors parted, making room for Shuri, and silencing you and Riri. 

“Y’all need to talk,” Riri insisted, eyes darting between you and Shuri. “Let me get back to work.”

“I have to work, too,” You said, shaking your head. “Did you want to talk to me?” You looked at Shuri searchingly, who wore a stoic expression. 

She looked at you for a moment. Then, she shook her head. “No, you can go in.”

~

To make up for her moodiness, Shuri treated her team out that same night. She mingled with her staff—except for you. Though beneath her shades, she kept a watchful eye on you. There was something about you that warranted her protection. She knew how the club and how people could be. 

She was surprised to see you drinking. Though, your reaction to the liquor was comical. You spit it out just as fast as you’d sipped it. This caused you to stain your clothes. Riri was hysterical. Fortunately, as Shuri presumed, Riri accompanied you to the bathroom.

Suddenly, a manicured hand reached for Shuri’s tapered cut but was intercepted by Okoye. 

“Sorry, general, I just wanted to dance with the Queen, is that okay?” The woman responded mildly exasperated. Okoye looked at Shuri, who nodded. Okoye moved back to her position on the side but kept her eye on the woman. 

Shuri’s shielded eyes traveled up the woman’s curvaceous frame. She allowed the woman to wrap her arms around her neck. The intensity of the woman’s perfume practically burned Shuri’s nose. Shuri turned her face, wincing, and gently holding the woman’s waist. 

“I’m sorry,” Shuri told the woman before excusing herself. Okoye and Aneka following her. 

Shuri went to the ladies’ room where you and Riri still were.

“Just take it to the cleaner’s, it’ll be alright,” Riri was saying as you furiously attempted to rid the purple stain from your cream-colored number.

“Hey Shuri,” Riri said in between a chortle. “Do you see this?”

Shuri gave a half-smile. “I don’t know why you were drinking to begin with.”

You looked at her through the mirror. “Because I can.”

Shuri just smirked and you watched as she splashed some cold water on her face.

“Don’t ask,” she said, knowing she had yours and Riri’s attention.

“Oooh, they’re playing my song!” Riri exclaimed. “I’m sorry, Y/N, Shuri is gonna have to take over, I’ve been in here long enough.” She rushed out the door.

“I might as well just suck it up,” You sighed, defeated. 

Shuri removed her leather jacket and held it out to you. Looking at it and then her, you softly declined. 

“Suit yourself,” she said, sniffing into a paper towel.

“What happened to you?” 

Shuri finished with the paper towel, her nose reddening. “This woman, her perfume was overpowering.”

You burst into giggles.

“You’re laughing, but it made my nose hurt,” Shuri said, smiling small. You laughed harder when she started sneezing. 

“Okay, that’s enough,” she said, rolling her eyes playfully after wiping her nose once more. 

“Yeah, you better keep your jacket, girl.”

“Hush.” 

“Make me.” You then chuckled. Shuri cornered you and you quickly grabbed her hands. You held up her tattooed hand and admired it again. “I was supposed to get mine.”

“Oh, you didn’t get it?” You shook your head. “I can take you.”

Shuri was amused and moved by you analyzing and tracing her tattoo. She also secretly enjoyed your touch. “You’re just trying to get out of being tickled,” she said. 

You tightened your hold on her hands even more making her cackle. 

“I love your hands,” You blurted.

For the first time you saw her blush. “Yeah? What do you love about them?”

“They’re strong yet delicate. Just like you.” You smiled. 

“You’re so corny, Y/N.” 

“Yeah, whatever, I told no lies.” You turned away from her. 

Shuri backed you against the counter, making you yelp. She learned it was because you got some water on you. Her mouth was covered by her own hand in shock. You pushed her away from you.

“I am so sorry!”

You grumbled and went towards the door, Shuri fast on your tail. 

“Come on, I have clothes in my car,” she said. 

“Y/N, what happened now?” Riri questioned when Shuri announced that you were leaving. 

“This one got me wet,” You said, sternly pointing at Shuri. 

“In what way?” Riri wriggled her eyebrows.

“Riri, don’t start, I’m embarrassed as it is,” You retorted. “Shuri, let’s go.”

Riri smiled. “I’m just glad to see y’all like this again.”

“How are you getting home?” Shuri asked her. “You should come with us.”

“Kenya is meeting me here.”

“Let’s just wait until she gets here,” Shuri suggested to you, to which you readily agreed. You both went outside and she fetched a pair of basketball shorts and a sports bra for you to change into in the backseat. Shuri, Okoye, and Aneka waited outside.

When you’d already finished, moments later, Shuri opened the car door.  “I just met Kenya at the door. We’re good to go.” She looked you and up and down and smiled. “Don’t you look cute.”

Shuri took you home, but didn’t let you get out of the car just yet. Instead of discussing what she wanted to with you during the ride, she chose to bring it up now. 

“I’m just gonna come right out and say it…I’ve fallen for you. I know it’s only been going on three weeks, but not a day goes by that I don’t think of you and wish I could be right there. It was torture when you pulled back, then to top it off, you were dating that Zen-daya girl. I was miserable, angry, and confused, and taking it out on my team, which wasn’t cool. I never expected to fall for you let alone anyone. Not so fast, not like this. But here I am…not wanting or thinking about anyone but you.” 

Your mouth was ajar. This time you’d gasped albeit quietly. 

“True story,” Shuri confirmed. 

“…I was not expecting that!”

“Hmm.” She smiled to herself. 

You were truly flabbergasted. You had heard that Shuri was a player, plus you were her employee—you didn’t imagine she only wanted you and all to herself.

As if reading your mind, she continued, “I know you’ve heard…bad things about me when it comes to my dating life, and I want you to know I will prove to you that none of this is a game to me.” Her eyes held yours in earnest. After a beat, she laughed some, grasping your chin. “You should really close your mouth before something goes in it.”

“I’m truly flabbergasted…”

Shuri nodded. “This is a lot to take in, so I’ll give you as much time as you need. I promise I’ll be patient.” She leaned over the console and pressed a kiss to your forehead. “Let’s get you inside, yeah?”

Part 2

[srovtl]

Offering A Prayer to the Wandering God Chapter 1

One afternoon.

Me, Figaro, and Arthur who had just finished his official duties, were walking through the bustling central market.

Arthur: Master Sage, Lord Figaro, thank you so much for coming to pick me up at the castle.

Arthur: I was planning to return to the magic manor this afternoon, but I'm glad I got to meet you two early!

Figaro: I'm so glad you're happy. We were just stopping by the wizard's house.

Figaro: Since we've come all the way to the capital, me and the Master Sage talked about coming to pick you up.

Akira: Yes! Arthur, thank you for your hard work. It's been a few days since we last met.

Akira: I invited you to the market to change your mood but... Will it be okay to walk around without disguising yourself?

Arthur: No problem. Lord Figaro cast a spell on me.

Arthur: The people walking down the street should be seeing me differently.

Akira: Great! Then you can stroll around with your head high. Are you hungry?

Arthur: A little... Come to think of it, I left without having lunch.

Figaro: We only had tea and snacks. Shall we have lunch first?

Figaro: We can eat as we walk, or we can decide after looking around.

Akira, Arthur: Yes!

Figaro, with his friendly smile, looked just like a doting relative with his younger cousins.

His tall stature and white coat fluttering in the wind made him stand out in the crowd.

As I followed behind him, Arthur and I looked around.

Saku-chan, who was in my arms like a stuffed animal, was twitching her nose slightly.

Street stall owners: These are high-quality violet sugar sweets! They melt in your mouth and have an exquisite taste!

Street stall owners: How about some fresh fruit candy wrapped in starch syrup? They're fresh and delicious!

Akira: Sugar sweets, sounds nice...

Arthur: Candy is good too... The fruits are big and look like they'll be filling.

Figaro: want to buy some? It feels more like a dessert than a meal though.

Akira: Oh, that's right. With so many, it's hard to choose...

Street stall owners: Hey misters! How about some crispy fried chicken?

Street stall owners: Ours is famous for its extra-large size. Look!

Arthur: True! It's so big that it covers your face.

Akira: It's quite impressive, isn't it? Ah, but the spices smell good...

Figaro: Even so, isn't it a bit too big? How many people can eat one of these...?

Street stall owner: Nah, Young people can eat it all easily. I'm sure you can do it too, mister!

Street stall owner: It's well pounded and spread out, so it's soft, juicy, and delicious.

Arthur: Gulp… This is the bold food that you don't usually get to eat...

Akira: It'll be so nice to bite into a freshly fried one...

Figaro: Youth's so nice. Well, let Doctor Figaro treat you this time.

Arthur: Yay!

Akira: Thank you!

Figaro: Owner, I want the spice one and.... oh there's also cheese powder flavor. Can I have one of each?

Street stall owners: Thank you!

Arthur: Is it okay, Lord Figaro?

Figaro: I think a whole one would be hard on my stomach. Just one would be enough...

???: Lord Figaro.

A voice crept up on us. And Saku-chan's tail puffed up softly.

I turned around to see a person with a hood pulled down over his eyes, one step behind us, looking down.

Sacrificium: …….!

Figaro: And you are...

Man wearing a hood: Ah... It's been a long time since I last saw you. Since the Walpurgis Night banquet.

Man wearing a hood: It's an honor to meet you. You're still as noble as ever...

As he bows respectfully, the warmth in Figaro's eyes fades away.

Akira: (Could it be...?)

Now, Figaro is a gentle and kind-hearted wizard who works as a doctor in a southern country.

However, he was originally from the northern country. He had a long and renowned life, and was a disciples of the twins alongside Oz.

If one doesn't know his circumstances, they wouldn't have behaved this way.

Figaro: ...Master Sage, Arthur. I'll be off for a bit.

Figaro: Here's some allowance. Use this and buy whatever you like.

Figaro smiles gently again and places some coins in Arthur's hand.

Arthur is also someone who knows his situation. He looks up at Figaro with intelligent eyes and nods obediently.

Arthur: I understand. If you call me, I'll be back right away, so please take your time to talk.

Arthur: Let's go, Master Sage.

Akira: Y-Yes. See you later, Figaro… I'll save the fried chicken for you!

Figaro: Yeah, thank you.

Figaro shakes his shoulders, waves his hand, and lightly taps the man wearing a hood on the shoulder.

Then he disappears into the crowd.

Figaro: Well, around here is okay...

Man wearing a hood: Lord Figaro… My apologies, was I being rude?

Figaro: Let's see. Well, It's rude of you to come out and talk to me in the middle of the city.

Man wearing a hood: I-I'm so sorry! Please forgive me...

Figaro: Oh, you don't have to kneel. I'm glad it was those kids who were with me.

Figaro: So, is there something you need? I've got people waiting, so keep it brief.

Man wearing a hood: Yes, yes... Do you remember Elijah?

Man wearing a hood: An eccentric, stubborn, troublesome guy… A wizard who devoutly worshipped the god of his hometown.

Figaro: Ahh, It's been a while since I heard that name.

Figaro: He's a devout man, so I remember him. He came to visit me on Walpurgis Night a few times in the past.

Figaro: I haven't seen him in about two hundred years... What happened to him?

Man wearing a hood: There are strange rumors going around near his mansion, deep in the eastern forest.

Man wearing a hood: Ever since the Great Calamity struck, eerie shadows and sounds have been lurking at night.

Figaro: The Great Calamity...

Man wearing a hood: Yes. I have heard that Lord Figaro has been chosen to be a sages wizard.

Man wearing a hood: Rumor has it that you are all working together to solve strange happenings in the world...? If so, I think you should keep that in your ears.

Figaro: Indeed, we are currently receiving requests from all over the world to investigate strange phenomenons caused by the moon.

Figaro: Is there a monster or something lurking around... If he isn't chasing it away, does that mean something might have happened to him?

Man wearing a hood: I'm not sure, but Elijah's actions have been getting out of hand for a while now.

Man wearing a hood: he's been going into not just human lands but other wizards' territories without permission, demanding money and valuables, and proposing strange deals...

Man wearing a hood: When asked why he keeps causing so much trouble, he says this.

Man wearing a hood: "Right now, I'm creating a god."

Man wearing a hood: "I need the materials and the technology to do that.”

Figaro: ………

Man wearing a hood: I don't know what Elijah is thinking.

Man wearing a hood: But I think he needs your guidance before he does something strange.

Man wearing a hood: The way you have always guided us at the Walpurgis Night...

Figaro: ...I see, I understand.

Figaro: I haven't seen him in a while, so if I get the chance, I'll visit him. You can go now.

Man wearing a hood: Yes...! I look forward to meeting you again.

Figaro: There are people like that sometimes, people who are so good at groveling.

Figaro: I wonder if we'll hear more reports like this from now on. If they were actually in trouble, they'd send word.

Figaro: It's not easy to live a long life.  it's so annoying I started to understand why Oz wanted to conquer the world.

Stall owner: That's amazing! Congratulations!

Townspeople: He's truly a sages wizard! He's got luck on his side!

Figaro: That's...

Akira: Great job, Bradley!

Arthur: You drew that card immediately,  it was cool!

Sacrificium: ……..

Nero: You did a great job, Bradley-kun.

Bradley: Damn it, You guys are just screwing with me.

Figaro: Hey, everyone. Bradley and Nero, What a coincidence.

Bradley and Nero: Ugh.

Akira: Ah, Figaro! Welcome back.

Arthur:  I saw them shopping by chance, so I watched the game.

Arthur: Apparently, it is a grocery store that gives out free gifts depending on whether you won or lost a card game. Nero said it was his favorite place.

Nero: Well, one of.

Nero: Bradley encouraged the store owner and won a series of games, so we got a lot of good vegetables.

Bradley: Tch... Nero, you tricked me.

Bradley: You said there's a place I'd like where you can get super fresh and tasty stuff at a reasonable price if you win the game.

Bradley: You'd think that was a butcher, wouldn't you? I wasted my time offering to be your baggage carrier.

Nero: You're the one who agreed right away. You said you were killing time and would come with me to do the shopping, so I went along with you.

Nero: Tonight's dinner is a full course meal with lots of vegetables. Make sure you eat well.

Bradley: I don't want it…

Figaro: You're not too bad too, Nero. Playing Bradley like a fiddle isn't something anybody can do.

Nero: No, it's not like that...

Bradley: Exactly. for a mere eastern cook you got some balls.

Bradley: Besides, even you could easily cheat away with a card like that.

Nero: idiot, what're you talking about.

Arthur: Haha. you two get along well.

Bradley, Nero: No we're not.

Figaro: They're in sync.

There's a certain tension, but strangely, the interaction between them is lively.

Akira: (Come to think of it, these four... They all lived in the north.)

Akira: (I don't see them together much, but somehow they seem to be on the same wavelength…)

Bradley: More importantly, Sage. You've got something tasty.

Bradley: It's so big, you can't eat it all by yourself. I will help you, You too, Prince.

Arthur: You mean this fried chicken? This is for Lord Figaro...

Bradley: Oh, the Sage's is spicy. *bite*.

Akira:  Ahh! I was saving the part with lots of spice..…

Figaro: Sure, if you're hungry I'll share. It's Bradley's favorite food after all.

Nero: Still, don't steal it.

Nero: By the way, what are you guys doing? Arthur is disguised with magic, so are you taking a sneaky stroll?

Arthur: Yeah. I haven't had lunch yet, so I wanted to fill my stomach and looked around the area.

Nero: Then the hot sandwiches over there are tasty too.

Nero: It's stuffed full and the bread is thin and crispy. My favorite is the one with scrambled eggs, mustard, and cheese.

Akira, Arthur: Sounds so delicious...

Figaro: You can't go wrong with a chef's recommendation. If you like, can you show us around?

Nero: Sure. I'll buy some eggs nearby too.

Arthur: Yay, thanks!

Arthur: But it'll be hard for just the two of you to go shopping. As a thank you for the hot sandwich, I'll help you out.

Akira: I'll carry the bags too!

Bradley: That'll be a big help. I'll let you carry this big bag of cabbage.

Akira: Wah So heavy...?!

Bradley: Haha! Don't fall down on us.

Figaro: careful, are you okay?

Nero: Hey, don't bully the sage.

Arthur: Master Sage, would you hand it over to me a little... It's really heavy!

Figaro: I wonder if it will be too bulky if I just lighten it with magic. I'll squeeze it tightly to make it smaller.

Figaro snaps his fingers, and the cabbages that were there once were small enough to roll around in the palm of his hand.

While relieved, my cheeks loosen a little at the light-hearted exchange taking place above my head.

Akira: (they're really on the same wavelength.)

Akira: (Even though They're all wizards in different countries now. It's strange how the environment you grow up in affects you.)

directory - next chapter

[sadnightforus]

THE FATED STARS (PJS) | SMAU

020 - THE COFFEE KISS

Park Jongseong harbors the biggest crush on one of the most popular girls on the campus, you. You, being dared by your friend group to tweet and made a boyfriend application, initially started out as a joke, thinking that no one would applied it. Upon the tweet going viral and many applications being sent in, he decided that he would shoot his shot, even if he doesn’t know a single shit about what is the sun, moon, rising in astronomy. 

WARNINGS: joking daddy kink, mentioned of drug's name, typo that i do not bother correct, it adds to the authenticity of the story, also no cuss word

A/N: i know some of you would fold if someone calls you a good girl.. (not me tho stay safe)

TAGLIST: @hoondiors @desistay @who-tf-soddhi @erehkinnie30 @vantxx95

PREVIOUS. | BACK TO MASTERLIST. | NEXT.

WRITTEN STORY BELOW!

WORD COUNT: 884

WARNING: digestive problems mentioning, reader and hoon drink like they're gonna compete against each other in heart failure contest, very light description of the kiss

 This time, you can’t believe that you were the one to initiate the meeting.

 Most of the time, he shows up unexpectedly, or even spontaneously asking you to do something fun. You can’t let your guards down around that time, although it seems like he is always up to offer you something nice and genuine. 

 You sit in your university’s nearby coffee shop instead of going to the cafeteria. The place usually offers a nicer drink with a reasonable price than the one in your university. You’re waiting for Jay, who says that he’ll be getting here soon because right now, he’s finding a parking spot (according to the last text he had sent).

“Sorry I’m late!” He bows, apologizing as he rushes to sit in front of you.

“It’s fine.” You reassure him. “I just got here.” 

 He nods, gazes at you for a moment that you forgot he might just stop blinking all together before he turns his attention to look at the menu on the screen.

“I’d like 5 espresso shots, please.” You tell him, as he slowly turns his head in your direction

“Okay. Wait, what?”

“5 espresso shots.” You deadpan. “I swear I don’t usually drink like that. I just need to finish my assignment tonight.”

 That’s a lie, you usually drink 5 or even more. You couldn’t tell him that, though, unfortunately.

“I thought Hoon being a 3 cup black coffee drinker is bad.” He mutters. 

“Subjectively, I despise black coffee drinkers.” You respond to his hushed muttering.

“You guys are the same person. Sunghoon said he hates those crazy espresso coffee drinkers.” You widen your eyes, why are you unknowingly making a rivalry out of the preferred drink of your choice?

“And what are you drinking?” You shoot him a question and a sharp determined look. 

“Lemon tea.”

“Well…” You trail off. “Isn’t that for people with digestive problems?”

 He bursts out laughing and you join him, laughing along because you couldn’t believe you claim something this ridiculous either.

“Nah. I just like to eat healthy so I won’t get sick.” He reveals the reason and you nod your head in agreement. You too, would eat well if you have the money.

“Wait here a bit. I’ll go and order the drinks.” 

 And he leaves his seat to go near the cashier and places his order as he stands there, waiting for the drinks to be done, even if you text him, insisting that he can absolutely just go back to the table and wait for his number to be called. 

 You admire him from the back, as you let your feelings run wild. One thing you won’t lie, is that he’s very physically attractive. Appearance, you thought he was cute but not someone you could almost fall for immediately. Personality wise, he has everything you ever wanted in a guy. 

 That’s why you keep rejecting yourself from your own happiness.

 You can’t help it, you don’t believe that someone could be that good to you with just pure intentions. You learned that lesson with your ex who’s not only a scumbag but also very neglectful when it comes to your needs.

That’s why guys like Jay surprises you so much.

 You snap out of your thoughts when Jay gently places your deadly espresso shots in front of you. You quickly divert your attention back to him almost immediately.

“Thank you.” You give him a small smile, watching him take a sip of his tea before you’re doing the same.

 The first sip of the espresso sends you a warm fuzzy feeling, right into your heart. Your mood has been instantly lifted when you have your fill, but it makes you so uncoordinated with your thoughts too as a little provocation or anything impulsive, you’re quick to act on it. 

 You observe the way he drinks and you wonder if you could truly fall for him. You can’t stop thinking about him, you think you’re just infatuated because you have been single for a long time. And you also think that you might like him just because for once, he’s willing to put up with all of your complications. 

 You could see yourself liking him. 

 And you wonder how sweet it’ll be to kiss him. 

“Can I sit next to you?” You ask him, trying not to act impulsively on your thoughts right now. You need confirmation if the seating arrangement will change how you see him. 

“Yes.” He nods, giving you a smile that is as lovely as you’ve seen before. 

 And so, you get up and place yourself down next to him, quietly sipping on your drink as you try to distract yourself. 

 But you can’t stop to glance over at his lips.

 Since when did you become this type of person? 

“Can I kiss you?” You blurt out, immediately getting embarrassed. 

“Huh?” Then he recovers from the shock. “Are you sure?” 

“Yes.” You try to gather your confidence. 

“Okay.” He responds. “You smell so good.” Is the last thing he said before he locks lips with you, exchanging the drinks’ taste. 

 And you thank god that you act on impulse because you feel like this is what heaven is. 

 And you certainly long for passion that spills from how he kisses you like this.

[shadowcatzone]

-here's a "crackfic*" *it's not really a fic tho-

Creator: i accidentally revived decarabian.

Venti: HOW DO YOU "ACCIDENTALLY" REVIVE A GOD??????

Creator: i've practiced divine necromancy.

Venti: THAT DOESN'T EVEN MAKE SENSE!!!

Creator, looking down: it wasn't specifically decarabian i just thought his tower was the point with the best overview...

Venti: WHAT IS THAT EVEN- wait. Did you revive everything in old mondstadt?

Creator: ...that was the easiest way to practice-

Venti: OKAY NO TIME!!! I'LL BERATE YOU WHEN WE'RE DONE!!!!

-venti runs off, dragging the creator behind him-

_____

Nameless bard: *confused* ...hhhuh......??

Venti: !! FRIEND!!!!!! *runs up and hugs him*

Nameless bard: *flinches* ??? Who are you? And what the hell is going on...

Venti: *excited* it's me!

Nameless bard: *stares*

Venti:

Nameless bard: ...the elf?

Venti: ...well, my name is Barbatos... but i currently go by Venti...

Nameless bard: oh, i see. Haha, Venti suits you better than barbatos...

Venti: well, what about your name?

Nameless bard: what about my name? ...I guess it suits me?

Venti: no i mean... what's your name?

Nameless bard: *feigning hurt* you don't remember my name?? Didn't i introduce myself as bard?

Venti: *deadpan* those aren't gonna work on me. I'm a bard, too.

Nameless bard: ahahaha, shame. No, my name is Himmel*, i think i told you.

Venti: ...i'm sure you didn't.

Himmel: yes i did! Right after calling you "elf", i introduced myself! ...maybe you don't remember? You were a wisp at the time.

Venti: ...why would you call yourself another word for sky??

Himmel: *chuckles* well... it's the name my parents gave me. Something about, "naming your kids what you wish for the most"! ...by the way, why me...?

Venti: why... what, exactly...?

Himmel: well, you're wearing my face. Kinda.

Venti: oh, uh... umm... i, well, you see- RIGHT right we have to meet the creator right now, let's go!

Himmel: alright, wonderful. On the way there, you can tell me why you look like me, in detail!

Venti: *flinches* ...you're not gonna let this go, are you?

Himmel: well whadd'ya think?

_____

Decarabian: i'm most honored to meet the revered-

Creator: nah man, ya gotta go. *bonks him*

Decarabian: -excuse me?? I don't think i follow- OW

_____

Venti: Creator are you here?

Creator: yyyah

Venti: i want to introduce you to- is that decarabian?

Creator: *bonks the unconscious decarabian* i need a bit more time. *bonks him again*

Himmel: ...that's the person you like so much? ...i already like them.

Creator: *bonks* oh hi. You must be the nameless bard?

Himmel: actually my name's himmel.

Venti: ....how many hp does he have?

Creator: *bonk* 999.550 of 1.000.000

venti: how much dmg do you do...?

Creator: *bonk* i'm not proficient in fighting, so i only do each bonk 1 dmg. *bonk*

Himmel: ...you're gonna be at this for a while....

Venti: i taught you how to use a bow though?

Creator: *bonk* do you see a bow that i missed?

Himmel: that's fair, let me help you~

Venti: -but you also don't use a weap-

Himmel: *bonks decarabian with his lyre* ...2 dmg

Creator: *bonks* 3 dmg per turn! We're gonna be finished within the week! *bonk*

Venti: *stares in abject horror*

Himmel: *bonk*

Creator: *bonk*

Himmel: *bonk*

Venti: ... *charged shot, dealing 22.000 dmg*

Creator: *backing off decarabian* you know what? Why don't you handle this.

Venti: *rolls eyes* ...i'll try, oh revered creator...

Himmel: *stares*

Creator: ...you should take these out by the way.

Himmel: ...what?

Creator: ...the arrows? ...why are these so deep in? Last time i saw you they barely struck your flesh.

Himmel: *looks down* ...i think that may be because Venti hugged me.

Creator: need help with those?

_____

-venti still firing charged shots at decarabian, now down to 600k hp, zhongli storms in-

Zhongli: CREATOR DID YOU- Call... for me...?

Creator: *teary eyed* OH! morax i accidentally revived decarabian! But the director said you were busy...

Venti: wait, you went to Morax first???

Creator: well, yeah...

Zhongli: ...does it physically hurt you people to call me zhongli? ...who's he?

Himmel: hi i'm himmel, ventis friend, i was dead now i'm alive.

Zhongli: Creator. Might i have a word with you.

Creator: no, you have to unalive decarabian.

-venti and zhongli proceeding to beat the crap out of decarabian while himmel braids creators hair-

_____

-*somebody else called him himmel so i did too.

Pls dont bonk me if you dislike it, i have 50Qi hp online. 10 hp in rl

[softquietsteadylove]

For the Ice Queen/Tyrant King AU:

Thena and Gil visit the grave of his mother before the wedding.

An emotional and soft moment between them :)

"I used to come here with Dad and Imo when I was little."

Thena looked at him, curiosity piqued by the first words he'd spoken since getting in the car. She held onto his arm as they walked, his hands in his pockets.

"Dad always used it as an excuse to bitch and moan about shit, especially about how I was the reason she was here in the first place."

Thena frowned, holding onto him just a little bit tighter. She leaned her head against his arm, "hm...I could kill him."

Gil smiled, leaning his head against hers, "nah, it's okay, Sweetness. Success is the only revenge that actually works in this family."

She had asked if this was even a good idea--her coming with him to visit his mother (in a sense of the word). She had worried that it was more of a family affair--even asked his aunt if it would be disrespectful for her to come.

Imo had told her that she was a part of the family, now, so what did that matter? She also told Thena to call her Imo, from now on.

Gil had grinned from ear to ear.

"When did you come here last?" she asked him gently, not letting him sit in silence but not chatting just for the sake of it, either.

"I guess it was with Imo, last time I was home," Gil shrugged beside her as they turned down another walkway. "I come when I can, but I can't really leave business just to visit."

Thena nodded with full understanding; it wasn't safe to, whether his mother was already passed or not.

Gil looked at her with a smile, pulling his hand out of his pocket just to link their fingers together, "I have a lot to tell her this time around."

Thena stopped beside him as they arrived at a particular grave marker and grassy knoll behind it. She bowed with him, offered her prayers and respects with him, in Korean and everything.

"Hey, Ma."

Gil took in a breath. "Sorry it's been a while. It's been a crazy year and some, so I think you'd understand. I got shot!"

"Gilgamesh," Thena scolded beside him. She squeezed his hand, "give your mother a proper explanation."

He smiled; that was his Ice Queen. "So...this is Thena."

"I know I've talked about her before. It was probably as just--oh, we had a meeting today and the Ice Queen is doing well, sort of thing. I was in denial back then, but you probably knew. You would have told me how obvious it was that I was already head over heels for her."

Gil peeked sideways at Thena, who rolled her eyes at what she definitely thought was embellishment on his part. He chuckled.

"You'd love her though, Ma," he continued, smiling at the stone with just a name in Hangul carved into it. He had long become accustomed to speaking with it as if he could picture his mother's face--it was one of the things that pissed his father off the most when they would visit her together.

Imo never minded.

"You'd love her because I do," he raised Thena's hand to his lips, moving his thumb over her ring. "But you'd also love how tough she is. You'd love how she doesn't let anything intimidate her and how smart she is. You'd love that I have her to keep my head on straight over there while I'm doing business."

"You'd love her because she's perfect," Gil whispered, squeezing Thena's hand as he felt his throat tighten. "You'd love how perfect she is for me. She's smooth and calculated, but there's one hell of a heart under that porcelain shell of hers. And I'm lucky that she gave it to me. I...I haven't always been the most careful with it."

Thena finally snuck her eyes over to him, but stayed silent.

"I know, and you and Imo would both kick my ass if you knew the whole story, too," Gil sighed. The look in Thena's eyes when she accused him of lying about loving her; he would never forget it. "But I righted my wrong--I took responsibility, just like you taught me. And you were right; good things come to those who stand for what's right."

"And she's the best damn thing I've ever found," Gil swallowed, blinking a few times. "I'm sure you would just kill Dad if you knew what he had tried to pull with the daughter of that business partner of his. You and Imo always were talking about how he was going to run your hard earned business into the ground. Imo's still got a handle on things, though."

"And hey," Gil sniffed, finding a smile again, "Imo loves her too!"

Thena looked at him again, about to accuse him of exaggerating.

"I've never seen Imo like anyone," Gil chuckled, finally tearing his eyes away from his 'mother' and to the woman beside him. "But I think she took one look at you and knew that you were right for me."

Thena shook her head at him.

"Really," he whispered, looking forward again. "You know how Imo is, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't terrified to find out she was in America to see us. But I was shocked when she accepted that I wanted to stay with Thena instead of coming home. I mean, it was basically giving us her blessing. She even told Thena to call her Imo--that she's part of the family!"

Thena smiled.

"Dad doesn't know yet," Gil said in a quieter voice, his face drawing down again. "And he won't. He's never getting anywhere near the woman I love. I think you'd support me in that."

The grave marker didn't have a reply, but he really got the feeling of agreement.

"He doesn't need to be in my life, he doesn't have to know my business," Gil stated more for himself than anyone else, present or not. He squeezed Thena's hand again, "he doesn't have to meet my wife."

"Gil," Thena squeezed his hand back.

He looked up again, some lightness returning again. "We're not married yet. Well, not officially, I guess. Far as I'm concerned, we've been married since the very first time we-"

"Gil!"

"Sorry, Princess," he chuckled, turning and kissing Thena's warm, pink cheek. "But you already know I've been down bad for you since before then."

She chose to roll her eyes at him again instead of dignifying his claim with a response (whether denial or confirmation).

"But yeah," Gil looked at his mother's grave again, "this is the woman I love, Ma. She wanted to meet you--and I wanted her to meet you, too, even if it meant coming over here. Even if Dad knew we were here, even if our enemies knew we were flying over."

He looked at Thena beside him, in a simple white sundress with her hair loose around her shoulders. She wasn't here as the Ice Queen, just Thena: his fiancee and the woman he loved.

"Some things are worth the risk," he concluded, feeling he had told his mother the most crucial parts he wanted to. He had neglected to discuss the poisoning and the shooting and such, but that was business. They were here for a family matter. He looked at Thena again, "anything you wanna add, sweetheart?"

Thena took a long look at the stone before them before stating very plainly, "I love Gilgamesh."

Concise, his Ice Queen.

"I love your son," she elaborated in a whisper-soft tone. "I certainly hadn't expected to. But I'm sure you knew better than anyone that not loving him is...just impossible."

Gil blinked away a few tears again.

"There isn't much I can promise," Thena confessed in a surprising admission of fragility. "Imo may like me, but I doubt anyone else will. And my family...doesn't exist anymore. I don't have much to offer."

Thena very literally controlled the global diamond market--was one of the riches human beings on the planet (off the record). And only she could see that as 'just business' and set it aside from herself enough to think she had nothing to offer in a marriage.

"But I'll love him," she said with conviction, gripping his hand. She was shaking. "I will love him every second of every minute we have. I already do--I love him so much I can't breathe. It rewrote the world I knew and every cell in my body. But against all odds...I suppose I find it worth the risk."

"I know how special you will always be to Gilgamesh. And I promise that I will take care of him. I will stand by him through every decision and every consequence. I was willing to go through with a ceremony here with your family, actually...not that I had mentioned it."

Gil grinned; he already knew that, but still.

"He worries about me meeting his father," Thena peeked over at him before addressing his mother again. "I am not so fragile as to fear someone as cowardly as someone like him."

Gil held in a laugh. His Dad would shit a brick if he knew this woman - a powerful business mogul whom he had never met - had called him a coward to his late wife.

"I would rather face down his father and his whole empire than have to meet Imo for the first time again," Thena let out a breath at just the thought. She smiled, though, "I can see why Gilgamesh turned out to be such a good man. He had such wonderful women raising him, it was never in question."

Gil's eyes watered again.

"So, I suppose I would like to thank you," Thena mumbled, some shyness coming over her. "I don't remember my own mother, but...I promise I will do my best to honour you all the same."

Gil watched Thena clutch at her lace shawl laid in the crooks of her elbows and dangling around her legs.

"Thank you for having me," Thena bowed again before looking at Gil, holding her hair back against a breeze, "are you okay?"

He nodded, leaning forward to kiss her forehead, "thanks for coming with me, baby."

"Hm," she sufficed to say as they slowly came away from his mother's grave and made their way back to the entrance to the cemetery again. "I did want to meet her."

Gil moved his hand from hers, only to unfold her shawl and pull it over her shoulders so it could drape over her arms, which were only partially covered by billowing linen sleeves attached to her dress. "I don't want you to burn, Ice."

Thena held onto his arm, leaning her head against him again as they made their way back to the car. "It would be worth it."

[beantothemax]

Deep in the woods, surrounded by looming trees long stripped of their leaves, 7 travellers slept soundly.

High above them, birdhouses clacked together and windchimes sang an eerie tune of things to come.

Deep in the woods, a creature prowled, observing the travellers as they dreamt. One caught its attention, and it slipped away with the person’s bag, vials and jars clinking together in a soft melody.

Deep in the forest of dead trees, 7 travellers woke up unexpectedly. They weren’t sure what had stirred them, but all of them were on edge. Agitated. Unsure.

Tressa drew her knees up to her chest, examining the terrain around her. It should have been morning, or at least dawn, but nothing except eerie darkness surrounded them, cloaking them in shadows unwanted.

Primrose sat up, clutching her knife close to her heart. “...What’s going on?” she asked, and Olberic shook his head, reaching for his sword.

“I am unsure, but it can’t be good. It would be wise to stay together for the time being, until we figure out what is happening,” he said.

H’aanit rose to her knees, reaching for her bow and quiver of arrows. Linde stalked over to her, crouched low and ready to hunt. The feline’s tail flicked in agitation.

Above them, the wind slammed together birdhouses strung up in the barren trees, and tossed the brazen windchimes about as though they were no more than silverware. Tressa jumped at the sudden sound, and Cyrus made his way over to her bedroll, hugging her close and murmuring comforts.

Far away, the sound of keening echoed across the dead valley, the cry of something injured reverberating among them all. Alfyn made to grab his satchel, but came up empty.

“What the... Has anyone seen my satchel?” he asked, scanning his bedroll for it. Everyone denied seeing it, and he frowned.

His eyes drifted over to the forest, where he saw his bag laying just beyond the trees. He wandered over to it, and went to pick it up.

As he crouched down, something snarled in victory, pale fingers that were far too long to be human grabbing his ankles, and dragging him into the woods.

He cried out, hands scrambling for purchase but coming up with nothing but bloodied fingers. Tressa screamed and tried to grab him, but fell just short. She shouted Alfyn’s name, and was met with silence. Primrose grabbed her and pulled her away from the woods, and the last thing Alfyn heard before succumbing to the void of the trees was Primrose’s frenzied cry of “no! It’s too dangerous to go after him, you’ll get killed!”

As he was dragged further into the forest, he kicked at his captor. The creature didn’t seem to notice as it continued to lug him through the trees.

As they plunged further and further into the woods, light grew brighter and brighter. Soon, he saw the beast that had captured him in the full glory of the moon’s light.

It was abnormally tall, with pale gaunt skin, jutting bones, messy white hair woven with dead flowers, a sunken face, broad horns like an elk’s, and lanky limbs. Dead-looking green eyes observed him with a primal sort of hunger, finally stopping its journey and dropping Alfyn.

Much to Alfyn’s surprise, the creature shifted into something less terrifying.

The thing- or person- he was now looking at had that same hair, but his face was less sunken, his skin less gaunt, and was now clothed in purple, with an ornate dagger at his side.

To further stun Alfyn, the creature spoke.

“...Are... You Zeph...?” He asked, eyes drifting reluctantly from Alfyn’s face to the bag sitting between them. Zeph’s name was stitched into the side. Alfyn looked up from the bag, and so did the creature. “Nah. My name is Alfyn,” he answered, feeling oddly at ease with the creature. Perhaps it was the effect of its transformation, or perhaps it was because it was more docile now.

“...Therion,” the creature replied, pointing at himself. He seemed a bit unsure of himself, as though he wasn’t certain what his name was.

“Therion, eh? That’s a nice name,” Alfyn said, and Therion wrinkled his nose.

“Medicine Man,” he said derisively, and Alfyn couldn’t help but snort.

“Medicine Man?” He asked incredulously, and Therion pointed at the satchel.

“You have medicine. You are a man. Medicine Man. Simple.”

Alfyn cackled, completely caught off-guard. As he recovered his composure, he saw Therion looking oddly proud of himself.

“...So, Therion, why did you take me?” He asked, and Therion met his gaze with that hungry look.

“You... Are interesting. I’m so hungry... But I will not eat you,” he replied, and Alfyn blinked.

“What...? Interesting...?”

“You wanted to help me. I was the one crying in the woods. I could tell someone wanted to help me. Sensed it. It was you, Alfyn. You wanted to help a poor monster.”

“Monster!?” Alfyn stepped back out of instinct, but froze himself before he could run away. Therion nodded.

“Yes. Do not misunderstand- I did nothing. It was simply a stroke of misfortune that cost me my life as a human.”

“...Wrong place, wrong time,” Alfyn murmured, and Therion grinned, revealing a mouth full of sharp teeth.

“You understand, then.”

Therion turned his gaze to the sky, traces of blood red and golden yellow beginning to leak across the velvet of the night sky.

“I will return you to your camp. Speak nothing of me or my existence,” Therion said, offering a hand to Alfyn, who accepted it.

“I won’t tell anyone a word of what I saw,” he promised, then paused. “...Will I see you again, Therion?”

Therion examined his expression, his own softening. “If that is what you wish,” he replied.

Alfyn smiled.

“If that’s the case, then I’ll be seeing you soon. Now, let’s get back to camp. The others are probably worried out of their minds.”

And they walked, hand in hand, to the edge of the forest, to the bridge between their two worlds that only one of them could cross.

HUH????? WHAHAV???!?!??????? HAH?????????????? PARDON?????????

[shinobirain24]

Kuroyuri Never Fell AU - Renora Week 2022

@renoraweek2022

Li and An Ren watched as their son, Lie Ren, mostly called Ren by his friends. Stood up front as he got ready for the Coming of Age festival. "You've grown so much, Lie. That yukata I wore when your mother and I first met." Li said to him.

Ren stood firmly, trying his best not to express much. Wearing a green yukata his father wore in his coming of age time.

"It is the time I have to be the man I was meant to be, Father. I thank you and Mother for this moment." Ren said. Bowing to his parents, it was his ways to greet them, or to thank them, even if this isn't necessary to them.

The coming of age festival in Kuroyuri was the day in Anima where anybody who turned 17, were considered a young man or woman. Exploring market places. Best of all, meeting a person of their own destiny.

His mother walked over to Ren and gives him a warm embrace. "You'll always be our little boy. But we are very proud of you. Once you get out there to enjoy the festival. You might be able to meet someone." An said, thinking her son might have to chance to find love after all the training Li had him for.

"Mother, we talked about this. It's too fast to find someone. But if I do, just promise me you and father would let me take things slow." Ren gently said to his mother. An nodded, too excited that it felt like it was yesterday to see her son young again.

Li then places a hand on his shoulder and gave his son a smile. "Taking action may be necessary, but sometimes you need to enjoy life. Go out there and have fun. You deserve it, Lie." Ren nodded and gave his father a hug. Though his father was more serious, he returns this embrace.

As Ren walked out of the house with his parents watching remaining in the house. Ren had silent thoughts about what he should do by the time he went to Beacon.

His parents, and Kuroyuri, it was everything to him. But was it okay for him to enjoy life, even if it never last? Of course, Ren cannot seem to take those thoughts of. Then he bumped into someone. A girl, who accidently dropped her floral accessories.

"I'm sorry. I didn't see you there!" The girl apologized. But Ren remained silent and just picked up the pin the girl dropped. He looked at her and smiled. When he looked at her, she has short hair and pink kimono, and cyan eyes. A bit cute. But something in her aura shines bright.

He then places the accessories back onto the side of her hair. "Please, don't apologize. I wasn't watching where I was going." Ren admits.

"Nah, it's okay. You're heading for the festival as well?" Asked the girl. "I like your yukata." She said.

"Thanks, it was a gift from my father. Yours is very nice as well." Said Ren. The girl blushed. Then giggled.

"Your too cute! I mean, the way you smile!"

"Um...thank?" Ren said nervously.

"I'm Nora Valkyrie." Nora held out her hand. Then Ren grasped onto her hand and shakes it. "Lie Ren. But you can simply call me Ren." Said Ren.

"Mind if I join you for the rest of the festival?" Asked Nora. Ren felt the nostalgia on her eyes as she asked this. He could tell Nora does not have any friends. But knew she could use one. And he will be her friend of it means to feel his life fulfilled for who knows what will come next. As his father had said, sometimes anyone has to enjoy life.

"Of course." Ren said. Nora got excited and grabbed his hand. To which Ren does not seem to mind. And the two bought candy apples. Then came across a blonde young man, the feeling as if they were in a parallel universe. He also has blue eyes, then there is a red-haired girl next to him, holding hands.

He wasn't sure why the girl also felt familiar to him, as if he woke up from a dream. Whoever she is, he decided to get to know her more.

[absolutesort]

FRANKIE & MILES — NIGHT THIRTY-SIX.

location :   bedroom. 

time :   milkie talk abt where their heads are at post-recoupling.

featuring :  miles /  @heatwayve

miles o'sullivan

his speech for frankie had felt right in the moment, a sort of public admission that he was ready to be all in for her – at least, whatever that means in the context of the show. the recoupling had been a weird, out-of-body experience for him, something he’d seen before on tv, like a massive cultural phenomena at this point, but he’d never been part of it. felt so surreal to get that text, and he’d sort of just . . . blacked out and said things, not really feel like a person again until frankie was sat back at his side around the firepit. but now he’s not sure – after their fight, it might’ve been, like, too much? not enough? well, nothing he can do about it now. “hi,” voice soft and low as he turns to his side in their bed, arm snaking around her waist to pull her close to him. he’s got no problem with making it a long night in the bedroom, but he wouldn’t have minded being the ones to score the living room. but they might as well try this ‘talking’ thing out. “how’re you feeling? about tonight. you’re not pissed that eden foster didn’t choose you, are ya?” he asks, a bit of a smirk lifting the corners of his lips. "can do a great impression of an australian accent to make up for it." no, he can't.

𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐚 𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨.

sliding into bed beside him, frankie turns to look over her shoulder in an emphasised bit, before clicking. “oh! that hi is to me?” just checking he’s not looking over her shoulder for charlene. “hi,” she says back, flinching with a cold little shiver when his hand meets her skin, but gripping his wrist and sliding it up her side anyway. tonight’s not a sexy pyjama night — she’s too exhausted to faff about with lacing and clipping herself into something just to take it off — instead she’s wearing his american footballer crop top, had stuffed it away under her pillow before the props team gathered up all the costumes, kept like a serial killer’s keepsake from their latest victim. her leg slides between both of his and hooks behind his knee, knotting their limbs together in an irish-american pretzel of body parts. eyes roll, smirk pinching in the left hand corner of her mouth as she bites back a grin. “i’m actually pissed she didn’t pick you. i was so excited to finally couple up with dante.” the statement is too laughable for him to take it at face value. frankie could probably scrawl everything she knew about that guy across her pinkie finger with a biro and still have empty space. “yeah? you been taking classes since the last time you tried? is there a love island improv group i don’t know about?” her finger slides over the dip of his cupid’s bow, tracing the outline of his mouth. “your speech was cute.” cute enough that thinking about it now has her cheeks heating up ; she’s thankful for the dark even if means his face is half in shadow. “bit intense, though. that bit where you said you’re all about me…? um... talk about lovebombing.” she tries to keep her face serious, but only manages a few seconds before she’s peeling into laughter, mouth finding his in the dark to stifle it. “i’m joking,” she clarifies between kisses, not wanting to allow any room for missed communication. “i liked it.”

miles o'sullivan

"yeah, i knew it. it's the accent, isn't it? i can't beat it," he sighs like he's defeated, leaning back on the pillow. but other than that, his hands don't leave her, legs getting tangled up with hers. he's pulling her on top of him a bit by the waist, trying to eliminate the space between them – despite the fact that sort of thing has proven to be terribly distracting any time the two of them attempt to have a serious conversation about anything. "yes, and?" he jokes, a kiss pressed to the tip of her finger as she traces the outline of his lips. "nah, can you imagine if we had an improv troupe? we're already insufferable, right? they'd literally cancel the program." he knows that she's joking about his speech, but his heart pitches at the sentiment. he'd gathered from their conversation on the gym that she was ready for it if he wanted to be full on, that it was what she actually wanted – for him to stop chatting to other girls. he doesn't hate the idea either, of course, when her lips find his in the dark, one arm snaking around her waist to hug her closer, the other on the back of her neck, deepening the kiss until he feels dizzy and breathless, glad that they're laying and not standing. "i know," he laughs, too, teeth nipping at her lower lip. "that you were joking. that you liked it . . . i'm only just picking up on that." his hand cups her cheek, thumb gently tracing at her skin, wanting to feel the way her smile pinches at her cheeks. "honestly, i fucking hate the idea of you like this with anyone else. and i don't think i could be like this with anyone else either."

𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐚 𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨.

“shut the fuck up. your accent is way sexier than his.” frankie assures him, low in her throat as her mouth travels up along his jaw, teeth pulling at the lobe of his ear. “i love it when you start talking about something and don’t stop. it’s hot. talk to me about the offside rule or something.” frankie’s more than happy to follow miles’ lead when he pulls her on top of him, swinging her leg over to straddle his hips, knees tucking in against his waist until their bodies are flush as sardines in a tin, her chin resting against his collarbone. “what colour do you wear when you play? i’ll have to get the kit. make a big foam hand to wave every time you’ve got possession of the ball, or like, a giant sign of amos diggory when he’s crying that’s my boy. but hopefully you won’t be dead.” she might be half-joking, but there’s the subtle reassurance there that she’s picturing this, the two of them, existing outside of the context they’ve become accustomed with, her van parked up in a field outside his family’s cottage, surrounded by sheep, despite the fact that she knows he lives in the city. as if ireland has cities. good for you, girl! fuck the british. “i don’t find you insufferable.” maybe together they are, with their constant displays of affection, but she can’t think of a reason why anyone would think of miles as anything short of charmingly likable. “and if you are, then i’d gladly suffer you.” his kiss nullifies everything else, the hand on the back of her neck drawing her closer, body melting into his with a groan, until they're tangled as a girl scout's reef knot. he’s so easy to get lost in, presence addictive enough that when she’s in his company, she forgets anything else, forgets even to eat, like he’s her latest hyperfixation only the novelty isn’t wearing off.

“no, totally. me too!” she’s shifting with the excitement of feeling understood, though the friction of it catches, a pang of heat tearing through her. “i think that’s why i got so fuckin’ defensive and angry about you talking to other people. because honestly, it’s not that big a deal. if it’s just talking.” or at least it shouldn’t feel like a big deal. but considering he’d been solely focused on frankie from the start, his sudden desire to try new things out felt like something was missing for them, like this wasn’t enough. “but the thought of you like this with someone else?” forehead pressed to his, her thumb rolls over the hollow of his throat as she swallows down something that tastes like bile. “i get goosebumps, not in a good way. like i’m already imagining the logistics of it, and i’m jealous of a relationship that doesn’t fuckin’ exist, which is crazy. i’m so fuckin’ selfish when it comes to you.”

miles o'sullivan

frankie always surprises him in little ways – like, maybe he should be finding her voice sexiest, or her lips on his neck, teeth on his earlobe. sure, that’s sexy on its own, but it’s the words that she says that get to him, and the fact that she’s brought up football in whatever attempt to try and seduce him. “see, you say that like you already know what it is,” he laughs, “and it’s really not all that interesting, you see it all the time. just means that we’ve got to keep ourselves in front of the last defender when we get the ball. free kick when the other guys fuck it up.” though his lips pull into a smirk when she swings her leg over to climb on top of him, his hands on her hips as his thumbs find the divots on the inside of her waist to trace the shape of her hipbone. “though you’re really not acting like you’re wanting me to do all that much talking, y’know? like, this,” he sighs, pressing his lips against hers in a kiss that’s intense, lingering, almost completely gets him off track from his point, “is very distracting.” his arms wrap around her, adjusting her weight on top of him as he kisses the top of her forehead affectionately. if he had to pinpoint it, his love language has probably always been physical touch, the guy to greet all his mates with a hug, swinging an arm around someone, reaching for a hand. when he likes someone, it’s tenfold, whether he’s grabbing them by the waist, lifting them up, kissing them everywhere, reaching out to smack their ass. it’s annoyed people he’s been with before, but frankie seems keenly in tune with his language, speaking it right back with every affectionate or antagonistic touch. any excuse for it. miles loves it. “ blue and black, ” he says, “ you’d look good in those. but don’t be fucking ridiculous, i’ll get whatever you want for you. ” he is also hopeful he won’t be dead, though the amount of sun he’s gotten from a couple weeks on love island is surely going to give him early skin cancer. 

he could call the conversation here, honestly, get lost in the tangle of sheets with her for the night – it’s a conversation-ending kiss, really, though all of them are. frankie always kisses with everything in her, no holding back, almost like she’s got something to prove, and miles loves to rise to the challenge, no hesitation in his intensity, hands wandering without so much as a second thought. it just feels right when they’re together, though practically improbably, that this girl from america – from florida – who lives her life so transiently, always on the road or at sea, could be made of the same stuff as some guy who plays footie for a club in ireland. though it’s always painfully obvious and extremely exciting that neither of them have a plan. but this is a place that pushes things like plans and choices on you, and where the conversation gravitates in spite of them and who they are. “really?” he blinks, surprised at how easily frankie plays it off now after how upset she’d seemed in the gym. “okay, fine. yeah, it can just be talking. though i don’t want . . .” miles hesitates. what does ‘just talking’ mean? “like of course we’re gonna talk to people, it’s a small villa, but say some new bombshell comes in tomorrow, hits you up the same way eden did. is your answer different?” his brow furrows slightly, hips shifting against hers. miles has never been good at the what are we? of it all, tends to get tripped up and confused, especially when it’s like this – future unknown. doesn’t help that her forehead’s against his, frankie’s breath warm on his lips, hand on his throat, and he wants to be fucking selfish with her, too, and not in a way that pertains the ‘relationship’ word.

𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐚 𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨.

fingers walk their way over his skin in little scissoring motions as he speaks, tip-toeing over his abdomen to trail the line of hair between stomach and waistband. truth be told, she does already know what the offside rule is. frankie’s got four brothers after all — four sports kits to peg out on the washing line on sundays, four sweaters used as goal posts in the clearing down by the junkyard, where the creek meets the marshland, and the little girl went missing the summer she turned fourteen — their own little five-a-side team, frankie alway demoted to goalie. but there’s something about his way of explaining things that makes even dull concepts seem fresh and exciting, and frankly she’d let him talk until the cows came home ( and the sheep… and the pigs… ) about anything and everything if it meant having him to herself like this. “yeah, no, you’re right, it’s boring as fuck, but when you talk about stuff i’m interested. i feel like you’re like that, too. like i could read you a bus timetable and you’d be like, yeah, babe, sure that’s good craic.” their interest in one another feels evenly-matched that way, the novelty of this new, precarious, vibrant thing still unsteady like a newborn chick in the palm of her hand. “shut up, i want you to talk!” frankie fires back, the irony of her juxtaposition lost on her as her hand smacks lightly against his chest in the same moment that he draws her in for another kiss, skin sliding over skin to tug herself closer, fingers rooting in the hair at the back of his scalp. “mm-hm, i would look good in blue and black. and i’d get your number on the back and everything.” it’s weird how she can picture this, despite living on the opposite side of the world, despite not even knowing the rules of european football, she can see herself, hands cupped around her mouth, hooting and hollering every miles has got possession of the ball, in a football kit with his name on. 

it’s fucking rude of miles to ask her this shit when his hips are shifting against hers, body tightening like a coil, a soft sigh on her lips as she feels herself slipping. it’s like meeting her scott pilgrim nega-self, a sharp, zingy spoonful of her own medicine, always broaching the topic of conversations she’d rather avoid when a partner is horny enough to tell her what she wants to hear. still, she’s trying to communicate better, speak her truth rather than what she wishes were the truth, and if she comes on too strong, she’ll deal with the consequences. “i mean, no? no. even if it was like… alysha newman or olivier giroud. it’s probably not gonna change. for me, at least.” because the truth is, she can fantasize about connecting with a celebrity crush, but it probably wouldn’t match what she’s already got, so why bother missing out on what’s in front of her. whether miles is talking to other people or not, she wants her priority to be him, wants him to feel like he's her priority, too. fingers lock around his wrists, tug them up over his head, and pin them between the pillow and the headboard. “maybe i’d be nicer about it. tell them we can still talk and stuff, see if there’s a vibe, but right now i’m not looking to complicate crap. like, for me personally… i’ve already got way more than i came for.” hesitating, she struggles for the balance between directness and coming on too strong, when the whole premise they’d built this on was keeping things light. “i'm not saying let's close this shit off, i'm just not interested in window-shopping. i don’t expect you to feel the same. you’ve had less time.” shrugging, frankie reaches for the duvet, pulling it over her head on it’s journey to tug it over them. “do i look like E.T.?” frankie asks, a half-hearted attempt to steer them away from the subject of what this is and back to the comfortable realm of silliness. she stretches out her index finger to place it against his forehead. “i’ll… be… right… here…”

miles o'sullivan

he’s about to protest such a thing, that there’s no way he makes shit like that sound that fascinating to her – she’s just putting him on. but she turns it around on him (in a way that compliments herself, of course, characteristically frankie) in a way that he can’t really argue with. “you have a point,” he says this slowly, a smile working its way onto his face, “but i think part of the reason i like you is that you don’t talk about stuff like that, like if you were reading me a bus timetable you’d have some sort of commentary, some story about one of the places on a roster or some interesting bit you read somewhere. it’s not just about you reading the bus timetable.” he pauses, “not that i’d ever underestimate a well-planned schedule.” he kisses the top of her head lightly, arms wrapping around her as he squeezes her briefly, muscles taut. he loves how she’s a mess of limbs, all over the place like she’s held together with rubber bands, slingshotting around rooms and hallways and lawns. feels good to have her in one place, too. “i like when you say it like that, though. craic,” he replies, tone playful. it’s funny to think of them in a real-life scenario, feels like a fantasy or a daydream even still. miles thinks that keeps it fun, though, not being bogged down by future plans and all. “if you keep talking about yourself in my kit, we’re gonna have to cut this conversation short,” he admits, voice low and somewhat husky as he presses his lips to hers in a lingering kiss. 

“not even? shut the fuck up. you’d better dump me for giroud, sexy bastard,” if he’s got to fight france’s top scorer of all time for frankie, does he even want to win? miles would respectfully take that L. “though that’s wicked cute of you to say,” he adds, kissing the tip of frankie’s nose. cute and frankie might seem like concepts incongruent to each other to some people, but to miles, they’re in tandem. and he’s absolutely going down on her in a minute for a comment like that. “okay, i can roll with that,” though part of miles is a little confused. it’s not like he wants frankie to order him to be shut off, but he can’t help but wonder if she’s just saying it because she thinks she should, or that it’s because he wants to hear it. he didn’t expect her to basically say that it’s cool if he leaves the door wide open. “well, i’m not exactly window-shopping either. i’ve also already got way more than i expected out of this whole thing, like, from the moment we first kissed,” he admits, fingertips lightly trailing down her back. they’ve had so much fun in here, he doesn’t wanna do anything that’s going to put an end to that right now. “yeah, actually,” he laughs, rolling her tighter into the duvet, “we’re gonna have to ship this alien mug back home asap.”

[cryptid-killjoy]

orleans-jester​:

Figaro would take it - with a lot of questioning about whether this means that they have a big nose. It might become a thing. Painting it rainbow because WILLEM THINKS I HAVE A BEAK. Teasing, it’s necessary. Willem was probably lucky that the inner comedian wasn’t going anywhere, even in times of distress. They spoke what came into their mind instead of just suppressing it down because it might sound weird. Or might be offensive. If you don’t want to be offended, don’t be so easy to offend, that was Figaro’s thought on the little snowflakes of the world.

“Yeah, I give kudos to dad on that - and a bit to you,” They said, giving him a little bow, complete with a flourish spin of the arm like they were a butler inviting in a special guest. “I’ll see if I can make it look like Sonic. There’s gotta be a way to color shit blue around here.”

As for Livvy, well, poor girl was stranded in New Zealand. Only she was the sole one, except for maybe her parents, who saw her as a poor girl. She wouldn’t go up to the ship itself but she waited near enough to it, sitting on a bench hoping to see Willem’s return, so they could talk. Or rather, so she could try to talk her way back into their relationship. Nadda. He was off having fun with Figaro, Scout and Go-Go. Three girls. She would have been livid (or Livv-ed) if she knew but she didn’t see them. She got money from her parents for a flight back - a VERY long flight while terrified of heights, and ended up back with them somewhere in the States, far from Louisiana where the death was, still mourning her daughter which some people didn’t think she had a right to do. Alas. Good riddence.

Livvy wasn’t gonna be crossing Figaro’s mind much at all. Didn’t feel sorry for her. Nah. She made her own bed, she could lie in it. The first time that they ever talked at school, Fig was wearing a full on David Bowie catsuit, and she thought that was someone that would just stop being friends with Willem because he got a girlfriend? Please. Catsuits mean loyal as hell in fashion language, which Figaro totally didn’t just make up.

If Willem ever did bring up feelings, Figaro might just say they were married already. They slept in the same bed without any awkwardness, at least on their part. If there was morning wood, they thought it was funny and threatened to call Mr Punch to come get his bat back, but maybe that wasn’t as funny to Will. They watched horror movies. Cooked together. Took care of the old man and the dolls, so they already had a family. Figaro also had no shame about farting in front of him so that was definitely some marriage shit right there. Just without the kissing and the smexytimes, which Will was more than free to do elsewhere.

They didn’t get that it wasn’t just companionship that Willem was after in his life. That was the height of what they wanted right there, what they’d ever want.

That tally chart was incoming, as long as Nutmeg was around. Watching Willem flounder was one of the enjoyments of life, especially since he usually seemed to be extremely charming. Could get any gal that he wanted. He was up against another spitfire. Things were going to get spicy.

–

Periwinkle. That was the color that Mads and Bas liked wasn’t it? It always had a funny name. “Perry…winkle…” Figaro said, like they just learned a new and interesting word. “Ever call her winky?” They snorted.

Mercury’s look was one that Figaro was very used to over the years. They didn’t like her any less for it. Actually, she was probably Figaro’s favorite so far. She wasn’t as cold as Nutmeg, so that was bonus points.

–

Yeah, the adrenaline wasn’t actually easy to get, or to get through to Pan. But they were thinking about it as a last resort though. After all, they did know a doctor. And a wannabe doctor. And hospitals were all empty right now and medications and tools were just … lying there for the taken. It was an idea that would be bouncing around their head. If Victor or Maddy didn’t go and pick up important things, they were just wasting away there. They’d look into it … eventually.

But unfortunately, that didn’t help with the Peter Pan situation. It was a human solution to a magical problem and even though sometimes that might work, it probably wouldn’t in this case. They weren’t giving up though. “Should have kidnapped Ells, she’d be able to burn all the snow away for a start.”

—

Figaro was prepared this time for Nutmeg’s arrival. They made a little tally chart on their phone’s notes. They hadn’t actually tried calling out or anything since it didn’t seem that important but they could still use apps that didn’t use the internet, that was cool. They didn’t try to hide it either.

But oh fuck. It was quickly forgotten.

Willem had an aunt that he didn’t know about, and no one thought to tell him about? Like that should have been one of the first things that he was told once he got here. Well good goddamn, not the most braincells in this place either.

And Willem caught on too. This wasn’t Figaro’s family, but it might as well have been. They volunteered of their own volition to come out here, no matter what the outcome was, and didn’t turn back once, even when the blizzard nearly froze their nose off. They were all in. And now they were pissed on Willem’s behalf. They had to plop themselves on the floor and literally sit on their hands to avoid going the route of violence. They thought about shaking Nutmeg like a dog shakes a chewtoy.

But that didn’t stop them from muttering commentary.

“Didn’t ask - didn’t ask? All those years of being alive, all of those ancestors, all of the time, and it trickles down to this. To you didn’t ask. That’s bull. There’s more fakery here than there is in all of the LA plastic surgeons office. These people need to be like zombies and go get a brain.”

And then up and away. They went willingly enough, even if they did have to clutch on a bit, hugging Will close to avoid feeling like they were going to be falling down into the ground. “Sick,” They said, tucking their head into his neck once things started to feel even colder than before. “I get to ride the dude missile.”

Hiking. Legs raised up to get through the snow. It had been a novelty at first, this real winter. But now, it was getting pretty old. Jack Frost - Winter of 83 - Dead Snow - The Shining - damn you snow. It felt evil.

And then they had some white haired guy coming up looking like he was George Clooney or Richard Gere or something. “Yeah, we got mouths Targaryen,” They backed up Will.

They followed, but hung back a couple of steps for the conversation. For new family. If Nutmeg tried to come through and interfere, they would plant themselves in the ground, arms spread out to try to prevent her from getting through. “I know you’re the guide and you think you can use your cute little nose and those glorious eyebrows that I’m jealous of to distract my boy in there, but they’re vibing, and I’m not letting your toxins in.”

But obviously they were all listening in. How could they not? This was better than a soap opera. This was better than HBO. This was honest to goodness family perhaps coming together and that was enough to make a cryptid weep, as long as things went well. It didn’t sound like it. Even if nobody was looking at them, they did throw a Judd-Nelson type fist in the air to agree - Hook was toys in the attic kinda crazy but that was his charm, so amen to that.

Body guarding. Nelly was there for the emotional support right now, flying and fluttering to keep Willem grounded, while Figaro pretended to be the Playboy Mansion Bouncer they always thought that they were on the inside and made sure no one came close to interrupt them. If there were any animals around, it might have been more intimidating. They were pretty good at charming them, explaining to them situations and how they can help - even animals like to feel useful. But for now it was just them and mean mugging.

It was insight more into Willem’s life. And Tink’s. They never questioned why a gone mother was so important, they got it in their own way. They had their different ways of clinging close to the one parent that they had, whether it was taking care of them whenever they weren’t at school, or trying to impress him and prove himself. Oh, poor Tink. Damn it Pan, was it so hard to give a kiss? A pucker up? If he woke up, no when he woke up, he was gonna be finding something heading right towards his kisser, that’s for sure.

They looked over their shoulder when Will started jumping up and down, as evidenced by the crush of the snow underneath his boots. A plan! A sparkle in the eye. They had a fucking plan. It’s about damn time they figured something out. And then Periwinkle almost ruined it. “Have you ever seen Law and Order SVU?” Figaro asked Periwinkle. “It’s never easy to just leave. Even I know that,” They scoffed.

Body guarding wasn’t fairy chasing though and even though they did make a couple of steps towards Periwinkle to try to nab those little feet, they weere too late. They were left alone again. “It’s not your fault that they’re chickens to the point where I feel like I’m getting salmonella,” They said, putting an arm around Willem so they could walk closer together for warmth. “You shook things up by showing up, Willem Da Brave. I’m like … B minus percent sure that she’ll be thinking about this and come around.”

Willem so agreed. Easily offended snowflakes could move over. But fuck no he’d never bring up feelings, at least not sober, or on purpose. Then again Willem is the one that says never say never and he’s been known to partake. But, really he’d honestly not see the point. What good would come of pointing out his own flaws? If them being different creates a wall of such difference that the claim is Figaro can’t understand the difference Willem is speaking of, why would he torture himself with that? Acceptance is the only peace. Pointing out his feelings, to him, only shows the flaw in him, that he’s not completely accepted a part of them, and he refuses to ever say that. Just refuses. He loves them too much. Plus, he’d never want it twisted into something worse like Figaro believing he thought there was something deficient in her because that just was so not so. The weakness was his own. 

Plus, he had this theory it’d go away if he found “the true” person he’s suppose to be with that checked all the boxes. He wasn’t completely sure about that. He still held the other theory that he might be completely happy with Figaro’s companionship and fucking synthetics like Parrish did or whoever else on the side. He wasn’t sure. He was young. He was still figuring out his life. He’d work it out. 

It’d be nice to get close to someone, even friend wise to talk about these things though, but everyone was so surface. Iain was never going to be that guy even before. He dated his ex for one, but even still, Willem seemed to be having the Valerie problem in general in this town. It was like most people he met had a certain degree of what Valerie calls millennial distancing. This whole the “I’m sorry you’re going through that” group that basically says nothing else as the stock bullshit answer for the lack of communication era.  They call it listening but it’s disconnected. Valerie could call out the difference because she was older and knew how it used to be. Willem was younger and just had no clue why he couldn’t connect to people. 

He thought it was him. He just needed a talk from Valerie telling him they were literally teaching people how to not have human connection anymore and calling it listening. It was a sad as fuck loss for humans having mutual exchange. He wanted real conversation that went both ways. He was having trouble meeting people that could actually communicate real exchanges of any depth. The saddest part was he learned to do it back because others would shy away if he spoke of anything real as if it’s invasive. Eww scary personal talk. Anything but that. Wouldn’t want to get to know people or anything. Willem was tired of surface people so why not stay in the walls? He didn’t feel like he could get any girls he wanted. He felt like he could get any “stupid girl” like in one of Pink’s songs. Stupid girls. He could get all of those but those weren’t the ones he wanted. 

Willem did like talking to Maddy now though. That had grown. She talked to him the deepest without making fun of him. He sort of needed a friend like that in his life. Talking about Figaro was probably the one line cross he wouldn’t go to though. It was probably because they really were like partners. You just don’t go talking behind your partner’s back. It’s not what you do. So maybe it was like they were married already? Go figure. 

As for Livvy, Willem thought about her still, off and on. He couldn’t help it. It was still semi-fresh. It wasn’t just that. It was the shelves. When they came back to Feral he found her house and finished the promise. He couldn’t know those dolls were boxed up in that closet no matter how the buildings changed on the outside. The fact they still stood at all, and many old buildings did not, but these did, made sure he couldn’t resist. He build shelves for all her dolls and set them up neatly so they wouldn’t be lonely. He even took a couple pics. 

A small part of him wanted to send them to her, but he knew that had the potential to start something he didn’t have the ability to finish if she didn’t have him blocked. He thought she might. He got pretty mean at the end. His nice side felt guilty about it. He firmly believed if he didn’t try to be super mean he didn’t have a chance at her leaving him alone and he finally got fed up. He learned a lot about his own limits. He saw they weren’t a good match, but he still firmly believes she’s so much more than everyone gives her credit for and she’s not at all what she tells herself she is. She just wasn’t meant for him, that’s all.

 As hurt and angry as he was, and as much as he gives those smiles when people give the crazy jokes, he’s still the guy inside hoping she’ll find someone to see her for all she’s worth. He’ll say he survived the man-eater because he loves a good story and he’ll smile on it fondly. Willem’s always going to hold a little spot in his heart for that fish tale. If he had to pick who survived, it’d be Livvy every time. He likes knowing she’s out there. Somewhere. Hell, even not knowing if she did helps the mystery of the story. The siren of the seas could pop up anywhere and getcha! If he ever learns of her demise he would take his hat off to her and bow his head. He’d give that Tizzy a 21 cannon salute god damn it. Fuck yeah he would. 

“No.” No was the answer Figaro got about calling Periwinkle Winky, but Willem hardly believed that. 

“Lost op.” 

Perwinkle had even SV-whated Figaro. She must not have been a fan. 

But, by the time the whole scene went down and he was left standing there with no guides, no fairy from either side of the hollow, he just looked defeated. Like really? 

Willem DaBrave. 

He still had Figaro. They hadn’t left. Nelly flitted up. She hadn’t left. 

“Thanks Smalls. I mean, otherwise we came a long way for nothing.” 

Then he cocked his head. “Well, not for nothing. It was still an adventure. A wacked up adventure, but an adventure.” 

Willem did love going on his journeys wherever the wind may blow. Come what may. 

Nelly said, “You did find out you had family.” 

“Yeah, I guess so.” 

He started to trek back and on the way back he said, “I still feel like the answer is all sort of right there somehow, right in front of our faces. Healing powers. Tink bonds. Pan. Special unorthodox magic. Hook and Pan. I don’t know. Maybe I’m still missing something.” 

There was not much to do but sleep on it while he had no guides willing to speak to him at the moment. He thought about seeking advice from the queen but fuck that. He felt like she’d just say trust the process. 

He’d end up calling Maddy, but she must have been busy with the kid, or dogs, or Bastien because it went to voicemail. So, he would find out the phones did actually work all tiny. What he wouldn’t know was his voice wouldn’t sound like a chipmunk on the other end of the line. While he was small like that he’d sound like a bell. All she’d hear was little tinkling sounds on the other end. He had no idea that while he’d been converted down to that size he’d also been speaking fairy language and the mortals couldn’t hear him. This wouldn’t be the same for Figaro or Nelly because they weren’t fairies. If Figaro tried it she might really sound like chipmunk. Nelly was a doll and would only sound as such too. Willem however had enough fae in him to get the full effect of the enchantment. 

So, he’d call back a little a later and whenever she did answer he’d hear her talking and saying hello but she’d not hear anything but tinkle bells. Eventually Willem would hang up thinking they had a bad connection in Pixie Hollow since she didn’t seem to be able to hear him. He’d text her ��Call you another time. We’re safe.” But that’s it. He just really wanted a friendly ear, like a real person who understood girls. She was his go-to, but it wasn’t going to work out this time. Maddy had met Livvy and knew the Iain situation. He couldn’t text this whole thing. He just couldn’t. There was no digital conversation that was going to make someone understand. He needed his drama tone thank you very much. There was no amount of caps or upside smiley faces that were going send the right distress call out for this. He just wanted to fucking talk. 

Family. Family. Hook and Pan. Periwinkle. Smalls. Nelly. 

Wait. 

He stood at the edge of the glass coffin in the cold thinking when it hit him he didn’t know if Hook knew anything about Periwinkle or if he withheld this from him. Would it make a difference? 

Hmmm. 

His thoughts kept going round in circles and unsure if it was leading anywhere. He was tiny. He couldn’t hike his boot up on the ledge of the coffin like he’d done when he first got there. He started to look around and take in the view all over again from a pixie’s angle. 

Pan. Tink. Him. He’s the Tink. There’s the Pan. Nutmeg’s words were echoing again about Winky not caring about him, Pan, Hook. Hook. Hook was missing from this picture. Was he the pirate or the Tink? What if Pan needed both? Could he really be both parts? Willem didn’t think so. 

Oh Lawdy. 

“Oh thimbleshanks and acorn hats. Smalls. I think I might be in a Mando episode.” 

Okay so maybe he’d also been listening to the nature fae slang a little much already. 

“Why do I feel like this is about to be like when Grogu had to pick between being a Jedi and being with Mando?” 

He took a deep breath. 

“I think the Nevers might need my dad.”

Nelly flew up with a questionable look and a dagger at arms.  “You can’t fight the great war between Hook and Pan as a pirate if you’re the Tink.” 

“I know Nelly. I know. If we can’t get Periwinkle to play, someone’s going to have to do it.” 

Nelly dropped her jaw. That means going against Hook. 

“I think the Horned King’s war might just have screwed up the great war that never ends and keeps the Nevers alive.”