#freed justine weekend

[lestink]

the raijinshuu and laxus play roblox or something (pt. 1/?)

[justjokeswithtomhannigan]

Jokes 6/19/2024

Yesterday marked the one-year anniversary of the sinking of the Titan submersible explosion, so it's been one-year since I've been happy.

Protesting Waffle House employees in Atlanta, Georgia won their plea for better work conditions and a pay raise. As any Wafflel House patrons will confirm, the conditions the workers were hoping to improve were "all of them."

Today is Juneteenth, the national holiday commemorating the day the last slaves in the country were freed. In true United States fashion this is celebrated by giving people, primarily white people the day off.

Recent polling in the 2024 election shows President Biden and former President Trump in a close race, showing they're the only two candidates that could possibly lose to one another.

Variety is reporting a sequel to the 1987 Mel Brooks Star Wars parody film, Spaceballs is currently in the works. The film is expected to piss off nerds everywhere no matter what it's about, who's in it, or if it's bad or good.

This weekend, actor Daniel Radcliff, won his first Tony Award for his role in "Merrily We Roll Along", which is a massive achievement for someone who will be called Harry Potter long after he's dead.

This week's top box office earner was Pixar's, Inside Out 2, which features a teenager dealing with anxiety and puberty. So as you can imagine, it was a big weekend for 30-somethings everywhere.

Singer, Justin Timberlake was arrested in the Hamptons for a DWI the other day. This marks a new holiday for die-hard fans of Britney Spears, Janet Jackson, and probably Jessica Biel.

Earlier today, a man was arrested in New York City for throwing objects off a high-rise balcony. If you're thinking to yourself, that doesn't sound like New York crime, it's because it was a man from Florida who may or may not have been on bath salts.

[grandhotelabyss]

Up to like a year ago, I would have said that the secret constituency of nrx was the varyingly mobile part of the middle classes that works with its mind-software engineers, stem types, artists and philosophers of a kind. The pitch I think was that under the silicon god king/AI/supreme board of directors of the technocapitalist polis you’d be compensated for your loss of freedom by being freed from the coercive homogenization mandated by liberalism. In the last year, the Silicon Valley tycoons have revealed that they pretty much want to replace that body with artificial intelligences, which throws something of a wrench into that theory.

Thanks, that makes a lot of sense. I was probably being too cryptic, but my point has long been that NRx isn't much different from "woke" in that both aim to accelerate the total replacement of nature with culture and technology, even if they slightly differ over what kinds of culture and technology. Thus they have basically the same protagonist—i.e., the trans woman—which is why Andrea Long Chu started sputtering about Nazis when the author of the gender accelerationist blackpaper tried to open up communication on Twitter, since the "ideological" distance between them is largely imaginary. But I started thinking about this before Chu hit the scene; I started thinking about it, in fact, when Justine Tunney did. People on "both sides" have gotten upset with me for saying this—some fashy kid on here pronounced my post from the weekend "cringe"—but I don't mean it as a gotcha against anyone. I'm not Mary Harrington—not a reactionary, not a feminist, not a reactionary feminist—though surely even her enemies can agree she's a pretty sharp analyst. Like I said a decade ago, this was all already anticipated in the high modernist literature I love, and if Harold Bloom were still with us he'd say it's just another day in the American Religion. I'm not complaining; I'm just observing. As someone who grew up reading Neil Gaiman, my concession to the woke is that "what is a woman?" (or indeed a man) is now and perhaps always was an imponderable; as someone who grew up reading Ray Bradbury, my concession to NRx is that humanity does belong among the stars.

[freedjustineappreciation]

I didn’t get to host it in November like I was supposed to- so here, with some delay, is the official post for the next

                                 Freed Justine ’Weekend’.

Like the last years this blog will host it and it it will take place on the 23rd & 24th of February this time. Again it’s split up in two parts but your entries do not have to fit the  prompts; you are free to contribute whatever you want to appreciate this amazing character. However, if you’d still like some inspiration, here are some prompts that may or may not strike inspiration:

Weekly Sorcerer

Écriture of Darkness: Darkness

‘Now I can fight to my heart’s content’

Guild Mark

The Man The Legend

Casual Clothes

Fights you wish had happened in the manga

Angry eyebrows

Smirk

Bonds within and outside of the guild

Sense of humor

When this gets posted you know I’m hella looking forward to the episode that’s gonna air on the 26th/27th January hah. At the same time though it brings out the frustration again that he didn’t get involved more after the Battle of Fairy Tail/Tenrou Island. He’s so complex and powerful, he should have gotten more screen time alongside of the other two Raijinshuu babes! But well - that’s what fan content is there for now?? So let’s celebrate and appreciate this man!! (I’m doing that 24/7 and 365 days a year but sssh)

Feel free to message me if there are any questions regarding this event or this blog. The rules have remained the same as last year but make sure to read them again please!

1.) As mentioned above, the prompts are not binding and only possible inspiration. You can submit whatever idea/topic/theme you want for this weekend! 2.) Almost no limits as to what you can post/submit/contribute! Fanart, fanfictions, any sort of edits, colorings, headcanons etc. 3.) No romantic ships! These two days are dedicated to Freed and his amazing character so please keep it about him majorly! The same goes for nsfw stuff - I’m sure no one has something against sexy Freed, by all means post it (wink wink)! But overly nsfw stuff should be avoided. 4.) There are two ways you can contribute: Either you submit your posts to this blog if you are more comfortable like this or you post your contributions for this weekend. If you post them on your blog please make sure to leave at least one of the following tags in the first five tags of your post: freed justine weekend, freedjustineweekend, freedweekend 5.) Have fun and give him all the love he deserves! Anyone who wants to can participate!

I am looking forward to these two days and it would be great if you could spread the word by sharing this post and reblogging it as many times as you like! <3

[eryiss]

Freed Justine Weekend - Day 2

Day Two of the Freed Justine Weekend, hosted by @freedjustineappreciation. As I said in yesterday’s post, these drabbles are going to show the darker side of the charatcer. Becuase of this, there’s some minor body horror and gore. So, if that;s not your thing, maybe give these a miss. But if not, enjoy ^.^

Écriture of Darkness

Burning. All he felt was burning. Throughout every inch of his body, every cell and every synapse, there was nothing but burning pain. His lips were parted by a guttural, agonised roar; though he felt a scream was more appropriate given the torture he was undergoing.

Stay Strong…

His muscles began to mutate, growing larger and stronger at a pace not safe. He was forced to drop to the ground where he stood, his body unable to withstand the sensation of extreme growth that he was enduring. He dug his hands into the dirt below him, his back arching as it expanded and grew at an accelerated rate, the roar growing louder and echoing throughout the forest, disrupting the birds and creatures nearby.

Forcing his eyes open, he could see an ink-like substance crawling up his arms, replacing his skin with light-grey scales. Small feathers began to sprout from the scales, coated in a deep black ink that seemed to ooze across him. Still, he roared.

Stay Strong!

His chest heaved as he tried to catch his breath. Every aspect of his body was overwhelmed, worked harder than it ever had before. He dug his hands further into the dirt, eyes clenching shut in a hopeless attempt to negate the pain. It didn’t work.

Back arching further, he felt his torso expand into a new level of strength. He recognised the sound of tearing clothes, and immediately realised that his clothing wasn’t yet large enough to fit his new strength. The tatters of cloth ripped from his body, and he noted the singes surrounding them as they dropped to the ground, burned.

His roar grew louder and louder, and his head felt as though it had been cut open. He felt the sensation of grown appearing from the side of his head in two places, contorting and manipulating into what he deemed would be horns. A shiver sent across his new flesh, the same shiver that crossed him when the scales appeared across him. The wind that had tickled his new skin vanished immediately, blocked by the scales.

Stay Strong, Dammit!

He felt the skin of his face ice over, and agony accompanied it. The eye containing his magic burned as if combatting this new form, but the scales fought back. His roar grew louder as the skin cracked, tearing apart and leaving small fragments of grey plastered across his face.

All his limbs burned with the magic energy filling them, growing hotter and hotter with every second as his body compensated for the deficit of power needed for his transformation. The burning was getting too much. Too overwhelming. He knew that he could only last so long before the heat would take him, but he needed to see this through.

And then, mercifully, the burning stopped.

Finally!

Every aspect of pain was gone within an instant. It was replaced by power. An abnormal power. A new level of power that crackled beneath the surface of the man’s soul. Instinct accompanied it, telling him how best to harness this magic, to bend his new power to his whim and do whatever he wished with it.

He stood up, standing tall and proud. The difference to his figure was almost unnoticeable as he moved, not affecting his dexterity nor his finesse. Taking a few steps, his feet entered the shallow shore of the lake before him, and he looked as his reflection was cast across the still water.

It was demonic.

The inky black feathers covered his arms, scales covering both his chest, hands and face. Purple horns twisted from his head, framing his elevated hair. His muscles bulges against the remains of his trousers, and his boots had been replaced by an almost armour like coating that he suspected covered his legs also.

Across his chest, an insignia had been etched into his skin. The same insignia he had used to combine the spells that had created this form. The insignia of his transformation: Darkness.

Raising a hand and swiping it to the side, a blade like construct of pure darkness shot out, his hand burning fantastically with the new power. The attack slid across the lake, causing ripple upon ripple of water on the surface before embedding into multiple trees on the other shore. The cut was deep, and the cloud of smoke caused was almighty.

He smirked slightly.

Cracked eye glowing, purple wings of runic energy formed behind him and lifted him high into the air. Shadow crackled around his hands like lightening, filling him with exhilaration and adrenaline. He placed his hands together, a large pulsating sphere of shadows forming between them.

Slamming the new attack down into the centre of the lake, an explosion of shadows, wind and magic energy formed. The water shot up like a geyser, the peaks of which reached high above the forest canopy. As stray droplets of water fell back to the ground, and birds flew to safety, the man found himself grinning almost manically as he realised the power he now had at his disposal.

He was a demon. Capable of destruction and carnage whenever needed. Released from the bondage of humanity.

Perfect.

Fight You Wish Happened in Canon

A fist slammed against a fist; a gauntlet against a scaled hand. Freed gritted his teeth as he dug his heals into the ground, pushing against his opponent to block the punch that was aimed towards him. His eye pulsated with a cloudy purple energy and his mouth was contorted into a sneer, a testament to the hatred he felt for his opponent.

For Ivan Dreyar.

The man who tormented one of his closest allies and friends, who tried to manipulate his guild into following his twisted views on power, who had tried to turn allies against each other and ruin Fairy Tail out of petty vengeance. A man Freed hated.

Freed jumped back, making his opponent stumble slightly. The two men stood alone in a dirt track, the location of Ivan’s failed ambush. He had placed a job offer in the guildhall under a false name, requesting a high-level rune-mage’s as a way to lure him into a vulnerable position. He claimed, after showing who he was, that he would get revenge on his son for ‘humiliating’ him during the Grand Magic Game by taking the people closest to him; he then stated that Evergreen and Bickslow would be next.

That was when Freed had pounced.

Ivan was well prepared, his armour being enchanted to stop Freed’s magic from affecting him, but Ivan had underestimated him if he thought that would render him helpless. The swordsman had been unrelenting in his attacks, first using his sword to make as many cracks in the armour as possible. It had worked, to an extent, but one look into the man’s eyes and the rune-mage decided he didn’t need mercy. He hadn’t earned it.

Evidently, despite all his preparation, he wasn’t aware of how Freed treated the people he truly detested. Seeing Ivan’s eyes widen with pure fear through his cracked helmet as he turned into his demonic form was practically orgasmic.

The fight had turned within an instant.

Any bravado or illusions of having an upper hand fell the moment the transformation was completed. Freed was vicious, channelling all the anger he felt for how the man treated his family into a barrage of punches that, to Ivan, were seemingly endless. The armour of his Alexei persona had been all but destroyed, showing how pitiful he really was. A weak little man with the personality and ideals of a rat. A rat that needed to be dealt with.

The contrast between the men was stark. Freed was on an adrenaline high, showing no sign of stopping as he looked down at his opponent, whereas Ivan was clearly moments away from falling unconscious, taking the brunt of the fight. 

He still hadn’t given up yet. It suited Freed fine; it was good to see him struggle.

A wave of Ivan’s shikigami’s started to form, swirling in a large sphere in front of the man. Freed’s eyes narrowed, recognising the attack; Ivan was desperate if he was resulting to using his most draining spells. A moment later, the spell came into effect and a large wave of magic energy burst from the man’s hands.

Freed decided to taunt him, standing strong and taking the full brunt of the attack. It was powerful, admittedly, but not enough to knock the demon off his feet or back any noticeable distance. From Ivan’s perceptive, the spell had done nothing at all.

His eyes widened, and he took a step back.

Advancing, Freed smirked. Ivan’s backtracking was cut short when Freed quick-casted a rune around them both, leaving Ivan no room for escape. As his back hit the constructed wall, lettering wrapped around his arms and legs, keeping him in place. Freed walked towards the now bound man, demonic face contorted with sadism.

Everything this man had done entered his mind. Every cruel act Freed had witnessed, every twisted story he had been told, it was all screaming at him. This man was unforgivable.

Without speaking, he lunged forward. The long claws of his from slammed into Ivan’s partially exposed stomach, breaking the skin. The attack cut through the flesh and left large wounds visible, though hadn’t cut anything vital. Freed couldn’t claim that had been a conscious choice.

“You do not touch my family,” Freed growled, voice distorted by his form.

“Family,” Ivan gasped slightly, the pain evident in his tone. “You bastards act so high and mighty, but you’re not like them. You have power beyond that friendship crap, and if you harnessed it properly, and unleashed it, you would be unstoppable. A perfect weapon for my cause.”

“And you, Ivan Dreyar,” Freed snarled. “Would make a perfect fucking corpse.”

He pushed his claws in deeper, revelling in the scream it caused. The man had caused so much pain to so many people, seeing him enduring some of it himself was more than gratifying.

“My friends and my family are off limits,” He growled, voice dangerously low. “If you hurt them, if you touch them, if you even think about pulling this crap on them, you might not live to regret it. I swear I will make sure every last fraction of my power which you seem to admire is used in bringing hell to you.”

His claws retracted, his from shifted and his boots turned. He let his enemy fall to the ground, slumped over and bleeding. He picked up his sword and walked away, his runes disappearing as he left the man alone. Perhaps someone would find him before he bled out; if so, Freed hoped the person had a strong stomach. But that wasn’t his problem. Ivan was dealt with, and perhaps dealing with the Raijinshuu’s resident demon would finally get the message across.

He was not welcome near Fairy Tail, nor its members, again.

Angry Eyebrows/Smirk

This was torture. Alone with four walls, a small window of metal bars, and his thoughts. It was torture.

The cultist had been an inmate in Fiore’s largest prison for just short of a week, and the reality of it had just settled in. There was no escaping this – after the previous prison’s destruction, this one had been covered in more enchantments than any mage could break through – so these four walls were to be his home until his eyes closed for the final time.

He wouldn’t repent. He wouldn’t feel guilty. His cause was right, it was the destiny of the world and would happen eventually. But the time alone in the near darkness, with nothing to keep his mind occupied, left him with a lot of time to think.

Think about him.

During a ritual, the church that his cult had taken as its base of operation had been stormed. It was a large attack on them, consisting of multiple teams from multiple guilds, and it had been catastrophic for them. The members of their cult were taken, the leaders hauled off with more guards surrounding them than there were links in the chains that held them down. Few had managed to escape, and the encaged cultist had nearly been one of them, until he laid eyes on the man who captured him.

He was engraved onto the cultist’s mind. Every time he closed his eyes, he could see him.

The cultist had retreated into the ritual room, aiming to use the same teleportation rune that he had seen others retreat using. The moment he entered the rune, the door to the room opened and his capture presented himself.

A Fairy Tail mage, with long green hair and a coat the colour of blood covering him. He scanned the room with a single glance, seemingly understanding the complex runes that covered it. He’d removed his sword from a scabbard, tapped it against the floor and cast a spell, a blinding light enveloping the room that forced the cultist to look away.

When the light had died down, all runes in the room had vanished. The teleportation rune, the enchantment holding the unconscious sacrifice lifted above the alter, the barrier that kept the side door locked; all traced of magic in the room had disappeared without a trace. The Fairy-Tail mage claimed that no self-respecting jutsu shiki mage should be without a spell that would instantly cancel all runes in a confined area.

The arrogance of the man was palpable.

Running towards the side door, the cultist found himself desperate. He needed to get away – needed to keep the cause going so that the work they had done was not in vein. But the moment he threw open the old wooden door, he was met with a wall of glowing lettering unlike those cast by the cult leader. They belonged to the Fairy Mage.

Now trapped in the small arching doorway, the cultist could do nothing as the mage walked towards him with his sword extended and his eye glowing with magic. He didn’t say anything, simply swiping his sword across the air and casting a spell.

The same runic lettering flew onto the cultist’s chest. Agony followed a moment later.

Clutching at his chest, trying to cope with the pain he was going through, the cultist slumped to the ground. It felt as though his magic had been weaponised against him, and was burning his insisted upon the other mages command. It was hell, and the cultist couldn’t help but wonder if this was how the successful sacrifices had felt.

That thought quickly died. They were unimportant.

Breathing heavily in an attempt to deal with the pain filling him, he looked towards the caster of the spell. Blinked to counteract his blurred eyes, he was met with an unsympathetic expression from an obviously angered mage. An expression that wouldn’t leave him.

His pupils were dilated, even through the haze of magic and power the cultists could see the hatred that was aimed towards him.

His eyebrows were narrowed, in sharp angles that contorted his face with anger. Anger that had been caused directly by the cultist.

His lips were lifted slightly with a smirk. The cultist felt a chill run down his spine; the mage was enjoying his pain. Relishing in it even.

With a roar, the cultist tried to distract himself from the memories of his capture. He slammed his fist into the stone wall, ignoring the roaring pain that sent through his body because of it. He did it again, and again; a desperate attempt to remove the vivid images from his mind. The attempt did nothing. He could still see the man vividly, his expression taunting his thoughts every time his eyes closed or his mind strayed.

The rest of his life would be like this, haunted by this man. Death couldn’t come soon enough.

[mdelpin]

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Fairy Tail Rating: General Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Freed Justine & Everyone, Freed Justine & Parents Characters: Freed Justine, Mirajane Strauss, Original Characters Additional Tags: Origin Story, Original Character(s), Bonds, Dark Magic, Childhood Memories, Hurt/Comfort Summary:

After his defeat at the hands of Mira's Satan Soul, Freed reminisces on his past and vows to become the man he had once wanted to be.

For @akikonatsuko 

I’m really excited to participate in this event, although I don’t write him often, I really enjoy Freed. I hope you enjoy this!

[furidojasutin]

Happy Freed Justine Appreciation Weekend!

Entry 1 ❤  [2 here]

[impracticaldemon]

Freed Justine Weekend 2017 Tenrou Island ~ gifs by impracticaldemon

[sinnerchrono-blog1]

Freed Justine Weekend Day 2: AU/Samurai

[isupportzaynxliamxziam]

Friday, 6 December 2019 / part II

Liam releases his debut album LP1 through Capitol Records. It's hip hop and R&B-oriëntated, drawing influence from Usher and Justin Timberlake. A number of singles were released ahead of the album including Strip That Down, Get Low, Bedroom Floor and Familiar. For You, Polaroid and the Christmas track All I Want (For Christmas) are also included as bonus tracks. Stack It Up was released as the lead single from the album. Live Forever is also released simultaneously alongside the album

The opener of the album is Stack It Up featuring A Boogie wit a Hoodie, written by Ed Sheeran, Steve McCutcheon, Frederik Gibson and Artist Dubose better known as A Boogie wit a Hoodie. The production's in de hands of Steve Mac

Remember is written by James Abrahart, Jonathan Price, Stefan and Jordan Johnson, as well as Marcus Lomax aka Marc Lo and Oliver Peterhof aka German. The production is done by The Monsters & Strangerz (= production and songwriting team of Alexander "Eskeerdo" Izquierdo, Oliver "German" Peterhof, Stefan and Jordan Johnson) , Jonny Price and Gian Stone

Heart Meet Break is written by Jake Torrey, Michael Matosic and Joseph Spargur, also known as Joe London, who also did the production of the song

Hips Don't Lie is written by Stefan and Jordan Johnson, as well as by Marcus Lomax, Alexander Izquierdo and Oliver Peterhof. The Monsters & Strangerz and Ben Chang aka Bengineer

Tell Your Friends is written by David Brown, Dylan Bauld and Sam Watters. The two last also produced the song

Say It All is the first song on the album Liam co-wrote. Other songwriters on it are Ryan Tedder, Sandy Wilhelm, Mikkel S. Eriksen and Tor Erik Hermansen. Ryan Tedder produced the song with Stargate (= producing and songwriting team of Tor Erik Hermansen and Mikkel S. Eriksen)

Rude Hours is written by James Duval, Rudolph Huggins and Daniel Schofield, who also produced the song as DannyBoyStyles

Live Forever featuring Cheat Codes is written by Samuel Preston, Evan Kidd Bogart and Sylvester "Sly" Sivertsen, while the song's produced by Trevor Dahl and Sly

Weekend is a song written by Liam, with Aaron Zuckerman, Simon Wilcox, Nolan Lambroza and Shaun Frank. Both Aaron Z and sir Bilan produced the song

Both Ways is written by Liam, Ruth-Anne Cunningham, Stephenie Jones, Ian Franzino and Andrew Haas. Afterhrs hàndeld the production

Strip That Down featuring Quavo is written by Liam, Ed Sheeran, Steve McCutcheon and a lot of others, while the production is done by Steve Mac

For You featuring Rita Ora, from Fifty Shades Freed is written by Alexandra Tamposi, Ali Payami and Andrew Wotman. The two last produced the song with Peter Karlsson

Familiar featuring J Balvin is written by Gamal Lewis, Sean Douglas, J Balvin and Michael Sabath, wil also handled the production

Polaroid featuring Jonas Blue and Lennon Stella is written by John Paul Cooper, Samuel Romans, Edward Drewett and Jonas Blue, who also handled the production

Get Low featuring Zedd is written by Charles Hinwhaw Jr, Tristan Landymorr, Fabienne Holloway and Anton Zaslavski als Zedd, wil also did the production

Bedroom Floor is written by Charlie Puth, Jacob Kasher Jr, Steve McCutcheon, Ammar Malik, Noel Zancanella and Aaron Jennings. The production's handled by Steve Mac and Ben Rice

The last song the album is All I Want (For Christmas), written by James Newman, Samuel Preston and Phil Cook. The latter also produced the song

[knoxyourself]

I went for it

Pairing: Wolfstar (Remus Lupin/Sirius Balck)

Words: 2,7k

Warnings: none I think

(english is not my first language so it's not perfect)

The ‘Gryffindor Pride’ party was incredibly loud, as everyone probably expected. They just won the Quidditch Cup third year in a row, it was a good reason for a party. But then again, one could always find a great reason to party with Gryffindors.

Muggle booze, brought by Mary, and Firewhiskey were flowing like waterfalls, which meant that everyone was having a great time. If not, they were few drinks away from it and soon enough it’d be just fine.

It was probably the last party of the year, right before the exams, so in all honesty everyone wanted to loosen up a little.

That’s why two sixth years were handing out bottles of butterbeer to everyone, who passed their ‘station’ at the table. Sirius and James were never ones to give up some fun, although Sirius had decided to stay sober that night. It didn’t stop him from getting James, who was currently laughing at something with Marlene, incredibly pissed.

Remus silently watched their interaction from the other sofa. He was slightly tipsy himself, but not to the point where he’d have a hangover the next morning. He watched James acting like a goofball in front of Lily – that’s when Remus heard the laugh.

His eyes involuntarily fixated on Sirius’s profile. The black-haired boy looked like he was glowing. His silvery eyes were shimmering with joy, bright smile plastered on his incredibly alluring lips. He realized, that he wanted to know what the boy tasted like, he wanted to examine every single part of Sirius’s body with his fingertips, he wanted Sirius, and he wanted Sirius to acknowledge that fact. Merlin, Remus was definitely feeling the impact of alcohol he consumed. Remus knew that he had a silly crush on the dark-haired boy, he fancied Sirius Black and he was somewhat okay with that, he just hadn’t realized, that his desire was that intense. Sirius was his best friend for fucks sake, he wasn’t keen on ruining it. Feeling a bit overwhelmed, Remus slouched in his place, eyes still eagerly absorbing Sirius’s features. He only shifted his gaze when Lily plumped next to him on the couch.

“You look like you’re having fun,” she said, sarcasm present in her voice. “What’s up?”

“I am having fun.” He retorted rolling his eyes. “I think I’m drunk tho.”

Lily laughed loudly, shaking her head with amusement. She definitely drank more than the light-haired boy.

“Drunk?” she mused. “You’ve had like, what, two butterbeers?”

“I don’t do good with alcohol.”

“That’s bullshit and we both know it.” Lily had a pretty good idea why Remus’s mood suddenly changed. She wasn’t stupid, she could see the longing eyes, hidden smiles, Remus’s blushing whenever Sirius came way too close. They were both more obvious than they thought. “Okay, you don’t have to tell me what’s, or rather who’s, on your mind. I think I already know enough.”

“What d’you mean?” Remus felt his ears heating up.

“Nothing,” she smiled sympathetically, patting his back. “But I think you should talk to him. I have a feeling that you won’t regret it.”

With that said, she was gone, jumping back on to the dance floor.

The moment when Remus’s eyes shifted back to Sirius, Queen’s Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy started playing on full volume. It was Lily’s doing, but Remus would never know that part of the story. He let the girls words sink in to his brain. He knew that he’d have to talk to Sirius at some point, but until that, he’d rather avoid the topic.

When he heard the first notes of the song, Sirius felt a pair of eyes staring at him. He didn’t turn around immediately. Sirius noticed Remus’s gaze earlier and he hoped that it was also the light-haired boy this time. It was a weird feeling, being watched by Remus. It always made Sirius’s stomach twist and he felt like he was drowning. But it was a good kind of drowning, he was drowning in his own feelings. The positive ones. Finally, he gave in and locked eyes with his best friend.

Remus’s eyes were smooth, warm. Almost soothing. When Sirius stared into them, he felt like he was home.

They were gazing into each other’s eyes for quite some time. Sirius needed more. He knew that Remus didn’t feel the same, but to wish was not a crime, right? He shook his head and tapped James’s shoulder.

“Prongs, I’m gonna go to Remus, you’ll be okay?” he asked the boy.

James wasn’t anywhere near sober, quite the opposite actually. He was currently arguing with equally pissed Marlene and Mary over the latter’s sexual experiences. He turned to face Sirius when he felt the tap.

“Wha-? Oh, Re-mus, sure.” James slured, sly grin forming on his lips. “Go get ‘em tiger!” He threw fist in the air while both girls laughed their asses off.

Sirius rolled his eyes in amusement, he’s never seen James this drunk.

“Don’t let him touch any more firewhiskey Marls.” Sirius looked pleadingly at the blonde.

“You are notme mother, Black.” James stumbled trying to stand up, and fell face first on the table. That of course caused another fit of laughter from the girls and a pained groan from James.

While Sirius tried to get rid of his drunk company, Remus found himself talking to a sixth year Ravenclaw. Justin Haywood sat next to him on the couch and offered him Remus’s third butterbeer.

Justin was slightly shorter than Sirius but equally good looking. He had a define jawline, deep emerald eyes that were now glossy from all the alcohol, and a blond buzzcut. He, unlike Sirius, played Quidditch so his shoulders were much broader. It suited him well.

Remus knew Justin from his Advanced Charms study group, they got along quite well. With Justin everything was easy, there wasn’t any distracting emotions, he could just talk to him and admire his physical appearance, not like with Sirius. Sirius was complicated, Remus never really knew what the dark-haired boy thought about him.

“I don’t think I understood our last assignment correctly.” Justin sighed relying slightly on Remus’s shoulder. They were going through last Charms lesson, really interesting topic to dig into during a party. “There’s shit-load of theory.”

Justin apparently was much more full-mouthed after couple of drinks. Not that Remus minded, he wasn’t a saint himself.

“I’m sure you got it just fine,” the light-haired boy laughed gingerly. “But I can help you if you’re really that worried.”

At that point Sirius finally left James with the girls. He searched the room for Remus and that’s when he saw it. Justin’s arm around Remus’s shoulders, the Ravenclaw boy leaning slightly on Remus. He came closer so he could listen on their conversation.

“So,” Haywood started with a pleased smile. “Hogsmeade this weekend?”

Unfortunately, form his place Sirius couldn’t see Remus’s face, only his back, which tensed slightly after Justin’s question.

“Oh, I um- I thought we could go over it on the study group meeting?”

Sirius wondered what was this all about, but he didn’t want to expose himself just yet.

“Well, it’s a hell of a work, I think we can meet up one on one, y’know?” Remus nodded his head, still a little tense. “So, Hogsmeade?”

“I’m actually going with James, Sirius and Peter.” Said Remus. “Sorry.”

“Aw, c’mon man!” Justin groaned playfully. “I’m sure Potter and his bitches can manage one day without you.”

Remus laughed stiffly when Justin pulled him even closer to his chest.

That was probably when Sirius lost it. Haywood was way too close to Remus, he didn’t like it. He clenched his fists and shoved them into the pockets of his jean jacket. After little to no thinking he stepped right in front of the two sixth years.

“I’m truly moved Haywood, that you care ‘bout my well being.” He sneered. “Problem is, Hogsmeade is kind of a tradition for us.”

Justin looked up lazily.

“Bullshit, you’ve missed lots of Hogsmeade trips.” He said defiantly.

“Doesn’t change the fact that Moony made plans with us first so you can kindly fuck off.”

Now it was Remus’s turn to grow mildly annoyed. He freed himself from Justin’s embrace and stood up in front of Sirius.

“What the hell Padfoot?! I can speak for myself.” He growled and then turned to face Justin. “I’m sorry Justin, but he’s right. He’s incredibly nosy, but he’s right. I can’t just cancel it, I already promised Peter I’ll go with him to Honydukes while we’re all there.”

Justin looked really disappointed for a moment, but then he just smiled brightly at Remus and also got up from the couch.

“Nah, it’s cool Remmy. We can go next time.” He caressed Remus’s cheek and disappeared in the crowd.

“Moony-“

“Don’t. Say. A. Word.” Remus cut him off sharply. “Why did you feel the need to speak on my behalf?”

Sirius didn’t answer, instead he just followed Remus through the portrait out of the common room.

“Maybe I wanted to go with him.” Remus stated sternly.

“Did you?” Sirius looked up at the boy when he finally caught up to him. “You wanted to go with him?”

Remus wouldn’t dare to say that, no, he didn’t want to go to Hogsmeade with Justin fucking Haywood. He wanted to go with Sirius. So instead of answering the question, Remus pretended not to hear.

“Great,” Sirius sighed annoyed. “Besides, I don’t really appreciate being called James’s bitch. If anything, James would definitely be my bitch.”

“Yeah sure, forgot what a princess you are.” Remus laughed despite himself. “You got any cigarettes on you?”

Sirius did a quick search through his pockets to discover that he did in fact had a pack of cigarettes. He pulled them out in triumph.

“Great. I need one.” Remus started walking up the stairs to Astronomy Tower. “You comin’?”

“You’re not mad anymore?” Sirius asked anxiously. He hated when Remus was mad at him, it always resulted in some nasty sleepless nights.,

Remus sighed heavily when they reached the top.

“I wasn’t mad in the first place.” He said after a while. “I was annoyed.”

“Well either way, I’m sorry.” Sirius handed him a cigarette. “I shouldn’t have eavesdrop or talk like I knew what you wanted.”

The light-haired boy nodded, smiling in Sirius’s direction.

“I think what annoyed me the most, was the fact that you actually knew what I wanted.” He mused. Sirius furrowed his brows questioningly, so Remus continued. “I didn’t want to go to Hogsmeade with Justin Haywood. I’d much rather hang out with my friends.”

“Good to know.” Sirius said, lighting both of their cigarettes. “You should really start going for what you really want. You deserve to be happy, you know?”

They were smoking in silence for several minutes. Sirius was admiring Remus from the corner of his eyes. Everyone knew, that Remus Lupin with a cigarette was a sight you’d want to see. It wasn’t unseen or unheard of, but it was definitely rare. And it was absolutely beautiful. It was bringing out two different, almost conflicted sides of the boy. His soft sweaters would always smell like smoke after, which changed his entire aesthetic immediately. From the soft looking-sweet-well mannered-nerdy guy that everyone knew and adored, Remus was becoming the fourth marauder, troublemaker who only a few people got to see every day. Sirius of course knew, that he was still the same guy, it was just his aura and how other people perceived him was changing, but it still was, truly, remarkable (and it was turning him on quite a bit). The way Lupin’s lips were curling around the rolled paper, almost like the cigarettes were made perfectly for his curved lips. The way smoke fell from his mouth, floating near his chin for a little longer, like it wanted to stay with him. And the smell of burning chocolate, warm and rich. In conclusion – Remus Lupin smoking cigarettes, Sirius’s cigarettes especially, was something that the dark-haired boy would willingly watch till the day he dies.

While smoking, Remus could only think about one thing. Sirius’s reaction was way out of his character. Sure, the boy was chaotic, blunt and incredibly hotheaded, impulsive, but he and Justin seemed to get along just fine before the party, even more, Sirius commented on the Ravenclaw’s Quidditch talent few times, they sometimes chatted in corridors. So what changed? Maybe, just maybe… No, he couldn’t get his hopes too high.

Remus needed answers. That’s why, when their cigarettes were almost finished, he spoke up.

“Why did you do that tho?” he asked, fully turning his body so he’d face Sirius.

“I did what?” Sirius asked visibly confused.

“Reacted that way.” Remus rolled his eyes.

“He was flirting with you, if you didn’t notice.” Sirius mumbled and Remus’s heart skipped a bit. “You were a bit tense, so I stepped in. He deserved it tho, that guy’s a git, you can do better.”

“What do you mean?” Remus asked slightly confused.

“I mean, that you don’t have to limit yourself to just okay guys. And girls. You can date people, that you really like. You just have to start taking what you want. You deserve love, Moony. Don’t settle on guys like Justin just because they show interest in you.”

Remus was so stunned by Sirius’s rant, that he didn’t really know what to say. So he said the first thing that came to his mind. Why was this boy doing it to him?

“I thought you liked Justin.”

“Haywood?” Sirius snorted, he stubbed their cigarettes with his shoe and shifted his attention back to Remus. “He’s a fucking narcissist. And he’s build like a truck.”

“Truck?” Remus laughed, putting his hand on Sirius’s shoulder. He didn’t eve realized they were that close. “I happen to think that he’s quite fit.” He said as he was quite obviously checking Sirius out, love pouring out of his eyes.

“Oh, do you, now?” Sirius’s smile dropped slightly. Remus couldn’t believe that this boy could be so dense. He decided to see, how far he could go with this.

“I do, he’s a really fit bloke.” He took another step closer to Sirius. “Objectively looking, that is.”

“You know any other fit blokes?” Sirius gulped.

That was it, Remus was either fully going for it, or he was running away from his feeling as he always did. He was really close to doing the latter, but then he remembered Lily’s words from earlier. Then there was also Sirius’s behavior. Maybe there was a chance? He had to know.

Fuck it, he thought, I’m going for it.

“Fit? Yeah, but I’d rather call him beautiful.” He tried to make his voice sound as confident as he could. Their chest’s were now only centimeters away. “But I don’t think he’s got the same opinion ‘bout me.”

“Well that’s some bullshit.” Sirius breathed shakily. The dark-haired boy never seemed that nervous, Remus noted. “Everyone thinks you’re stunning.”

“You think so?” Remus whispered, his gaze dropping to Sirius’s lips for barely a second.

“Yeah. I do.” Sirius nodded eagerly. “You should totally go for it, you never know until you try it, right?”

“Right.”

This time Remus’s eyes lingered on the other boy’s lips longer. It wasn’t like in all those tacky romantic books that Lily adored so much. There wasn’t any slow-mo moment, the world didn’t magically disappear or went completely quiet. The opposite actually. Remus was extra aware of everything, every little sound was echoing in his head, he could hear his own heart pounding. Everything was screaming do it!And Sirius looked so fucking beautiful, constellations of stars locked safely in his silver eyes. Before he could register anything else, Remus was kissing Sirius.

Remus was kissing Sirius.

After all this time of hopelessly dreaming about it, he was finally doing it. He was kissing the Sirius Black.

And Sirius was actually kissing him back.

It wasn’t perfect, there was no fireworks, no orchestra playing in the background. It was rather messy, chaotic and rushed. Just two teenage boys kissing at the top of a tower in the middle of the night. But it was the best feeling in the world.

But like everything, it had to stop at some point.

Sirius gently pushed him back. Not far tho, just so he could rest his forhead against Remus’s.

“What was that?” he asked in a weak, happy voice.

Remus didn’t even had to think twice about the answer.

“I went for it.”

[superthiccthighssavelives]

Give Me a Try Chapter 14

Surprise, surprise, Next chapter already! I made you all wait so long, I figured I would just post as I go along.instead of waiting at set times. Please enjoy.

@linseykalynn @alyss–in–wonderland @primaba11erina @autumnslovex

Chapter 14 - Excuses

I realize I was being irrational, crazy even. I mean, who has a fit over ice cream? I don’t know why he affects me so much, or why I keep running into him. It’s some weird, sick joke. Like I need another distraction, I need to focus. Yeah yeah yeah, I keep saying that don’t I?

I didn’t even look to see what I grabbed before I rushed off and threw my childish tantrum. Now I’m stuck with raspberry ripple, and goddamnit, I hate raspberry. I need to get this article finished, so I can get him off my mind, for good. And I did just that. The article, not the latter. Unfortunately.

I spent a few days busy at work, as usual, I asserted myself for once, and had a meeting with Noreen and Justin. I wanted them to know I appreciated everything they’ve done for me, and I am happy to continue, but I need to know that there’s room for me to grow. I ranted, raved, and pleaded my case for more meaty work. I knew being an intern, there wasn’t much of a guarantee in anything. They talked to Melanie, and she agreed to a meeting with me. Again, I went over everything, I practiced everything I wanted to say so many times in the mirror, I knew it by heart. 

Melanie seemed impressed, she deemed my article regarding the play, and the interview, worthy of being published, and assigned me a probationary column, about art, lifestyle, small events. I could not have been more excited. It not only gave me a chance to show off my writing, but to be able to get out more and enjoy the culture and happenings around my neighborhood. 

My weekends were finally a bit more relaxing. I took a walk down the street, to a cafe I’ve passed many times, it looked cozy enough to relax and get some work done, and scribble down some ideas and plan out some events to hit up. 

I was enjoying some music filling up my ears, eating a bagel, scouring facebook and the local lifestyle paper for goings-on, jotting them down in my calendar, when my eyes met with his. Seriously? Is he stalking me? I thought maybe he came to find me about the article, but that isn’t out until next month, closer to the opening of the play. 

I guess I should be glad he hasn’t come talk to me. I wonder why. I mean, I don’t know what I mean. His smile was distracting me, even if it wasn’t directed at me, but some fluttery girl babbling on to him. I got nosy, and had to take a pass by. She was asking him out. I tried to seem oblivious, still with my earbuds in, but the music had stopped. I felt a painful twist in my stomach hearing her speak and seeing the smile plastered on his face. I’m chalking it up to the cream cheese on the bagel. Or the coffee. Coffee never agreed with me. 

I felt strange. I just wanted to bolt. I couldn’t be there. I made a detour back to my table and escaped as fast as I could. I didn’t want to stick around for the outcome. 

My Saturday afternoon seemed a wash. I went home, and just sat on my futon staring at the wall. I don’t know why I feel like this. Yes I do. I just don’t want to admit it. I fought it with every single molecule inside me. I made excuses to myself, I’m probably going crazy. I needed some social interaction. I took a nap instead.

 I felt slightly better when I woke up, I made myself a real meal, I took a shower, and without even thinking I was getting dressed for a night out. My neglected eyeshadow palettes were put to use. I almost didn’t recognize myself, I don’t know if that was a good or bad thing. I remembered a band with a cult following was playing tonight a few blocks away, besides enjoying some music, I could collect some article info. A few drinks wouldn’t hurt either. 

The band was decent, typical alt-rock, nothing to write home about. I never considered myself a music snob, but I tended to sway toward the more obscure and unique. I threw back a couple drinks, jotted down my thoughts, and felt a strange loneliness. I looked at my phone, but realized I didn’t really have any friends here, or anywhere really. My friend in the states was so busy, we barely spoke. I don’t know if I could consider my work colleagues friends? Maybe. But I don’t think I could text them just to gossip. 

I did chat with a few of the band’s fans, getting their thoughts and what they liked so much about them. They were sweet, and after a few minutes, I decided I'd hit my threshold for the night and carried myself back home. 

I was hoping I’d be tired enough to sleep, but no dice. I picked up my abandoned sketch book and hoped for inspiration. The last thing I had attempted were hands. His hands. Sigh. 

I spent the rest of the weekend watching old black and white movies, and eating too many snacks. 

Having a column was pretty awesome, I’m not gonna lie, even if I haven’t had anything published yet. I was given enough freedom and time to get things together, so the lesser time making phone calls and yelling at people, the better.  But that also freed up time to think more. Not so sure that was a good idea. 

I ventured to a bookstore to see about finding some inspiration for my sketching. That would at least curb the thinking/feeling nonsense going on. All the books I needed were, of course, on the highest top shelf. I wasn’t tall by any means, and there was no ladder in sight, nor anyone to ask for help. I took it upon myself to do a little climbing, only the bottom shelf, standing on the very tips of my toes, my arm stretched as far as it would go, my short fingers trying to just reach a corner to pull it down. 

I felt my legs start to shake, I was extending myself too much, I tried to clutch onto anything in my grasp. Before I could hit the floor, something, or someone, had caught me. 

“Oh god, thank....” I shouldn’t be surprised, really. He must be stalking me.

“You.” 

“Me.”

“Are you stalking me?” 

He chuckled, shaking his head, obviously amused. 

“Sweetheart, don’t flatter yourself.”

“Funny, I see you everywhere I go.”

“How do I know you’re not stalking me?”

My eyes rolled involuntarily. His smile was starting to get on my nerves.

“Sure, I have absolutely nothing better to do than follow a…” I didn’t want to finish the sentence, because I really had nothing to say. My annoyance had no reason, not really. His presence just gets to me, and he totally knows it. He’s so, so, so...UGH!

His eyebrows were raised, an expectant look on his face, waiting. “A what?”

I shook my head. My mouth was closed, my eyes just boring into his. 

His gaze didn’t break either. It seemed like an eternity. The book I was so desperately reaching for was in his hands, tightly gripped.

“Can I please have that book?” I tried to use my most calm voice, even though inside I wanted to yet again, throw another tantrum.

“Only if you tell me what I apparently am, I am dying to know, come on then, out with it” He was definitely still entertained, his sly, irksome, stupid smile still spread across his face.

“Ugh! You’re so infuriating!” I couldn’t do this anymore, these feelings were getting stronger, and I wasn’t entirely sure if I wanted to choke him or throw myself at him. Maybe a little of both. The kiss flashed in my mind, and my eyes moved to his lips. I felt hot. I needed air. I couldn’t look away. My mouth watered. If I didn’t force myself out of here, this situation...I have to go.

I turned on my heel, attempting to just leave. I was caught by his hand gripping my arm. It set me on fire. Just that small touch. Fuck. 

I turned, facing him again, unsure of what was about to happen. 

He handed me the book, nodded and walked away.

Why did I feel so disappointed?

Chapter 1 - The London Underground

Chapter 2 - Theater

Chapter 3 - The Agenda

Chapter 4 - The Shoot

Chapter 5 - Back to Business

Chapter 5 ½ - Sketchy

Chapter 6 - Tired

Chapter 7 - Drinks

Chapter 8 - Temptation

Chapter 9 - Close®

Chapter 10 - The Interview

Chapter 11 - Strange Birds

Chapter 12 - Exhaustion

Chapter 13 - Mint Chocolate Chip

[splendidlyimperfect]

It’s been thirteen years since Natsu and Gray met in a program for troubled youth - since they both fell apart and helped put each other back together. Now they’re married and happy, loving each other and the shared family they found. But the past doesn’t always stay past, and when the things that broke them come back into their lives, Natsu and Gray have difficult decisions to make - ones that could change their lives forever.

Chapter Summary: Sting needs help with Noah, and it gives Natsu the distraction he needs to stop thinking about his upcoming meeting with his dad.

Chapters (10/?): 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 Rating: Mature Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Natsu Dragneel/Gray Fullbuster, Rogue Cheney/Sting Eucliffe, Laxus Dreyar/Freed Justine, Cana Alberona/Lucy Heartfilia, Chelia Blendy/Wendy Marvell Characters: Natsu Dragneel, Gray Fullbuster, Rogue Cheney, Sting Eucliffe, Freed Justine, Laxus Dreyar, Wendy Marvell, Chelia Blendy, Ultear Milkovich, Lyon Vastia, Lucy Heartfilia, Cana Alberona Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Aged-Up Character(s), Hurt/Comfort, Angst, Fluff and Angst, Married Couple, Established Relationship, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Past Child Abuse, Implied/Referenced Self-Harm, Drug Addiction, Mental Health Issues, Foster Care, Family Issues, Tumblr: FTLGBTales, Grief/Mourning, Childhood Trauma, Bipolar Disorder, Adoption, Families of Choice, Nonbinary Character, Trans Character, Genderfluid Character, Forgiveness, Absent Parents, they’re really in love but are sometimes dumb, Natsu is a stubborn shit Series: Part 14 of the only hope for me is you, Part 3 of if you jump i’ll break your fall

-----

[July 26]

Neelan Langdree [14:45] Do you want to meet?

 [July 28]

Natsu Dubois-Tremblay [18:54] Yeah. Does this weekend work for you?

Neelan Langdree [18:57] Sure.

~

“Hey, buddy.”

Natsu crouched down a few feet away from the tree in the back yard of Sting and Ryos’ house. Noah sat there, knees pulled up to his chest, gaze vacant as he stared across the lawn. When he saw Natsu, his face brightened a little, but he didn’t uncurl from his position.

“Your dad said you’re having a rough day,” Natsu said gently. “Can I come sit with you? Or do you wanna be by yourself?”

Continue reading on AO3

Noah considered the question, eventually nodding and pointing to a spot a little way away from him. Natsu settled down with his legs crossed, then held out a cookie for Noah.

“I stole it from the pantry,” Natsu whispered conspiratorially. “Don’t tell Dad.”

A tiny smile crossed Noah’s face and he reached out, taking the cookie and then withdrawing to the tree again. He nibbled on it slowly, staring at Natsu the whole time. Natsu didn’t say anything else, just lay down in the grass with his arms behind his head and closed his eyes, letting the sun play across his face.

Nearly half an hour later, he felt a weight on his arm, and when he opened his eyes, Noah was curled up next to him. Natsu smiled, shifting so that Noah could lean on his chest.

“Story?” Noah asked, looking at Natsu. His eyes were the same bright, clear blue as Sting’s, and sometimes it was hard to believe that he was adopted.

“What kind of story?” Natsu asked. The sun had moved now and was casting dappled shadows through the tree. A ladybug made its way across Natsu’s chest, and Noah stared at it in fascination until it flew away. The only sound around them was the fountain bubbling, and someone mowing their lawn several houses away.

“Mm.” Noah shrugged, and Natsu raised an eyebrow at him.

“How about... ‘once upon a time there was a little boy named Noah who was kind of a turd but apologized to his dad for throwing his iPad?’”

Noah scowled at Natsu, sitting up and gently shoving him in the chest. Natsu laughed at the indignant expression on the five-year-old’s face.

“Pretty bad story, hey?”

“Bad,” Noah agreed. “Is ... th-the...” He huffed in frustration. When Noah was calm, speaking in simple sentences was easy for him, but as soon as he got upset, the words got lost.

Natsu sat up slowly, crossing his legs and tapping the back of Noah’s hand. “Show me with your hands,” he said. “I can’t read your mind, little man. I’m not Professor X.”

A small smile tugged at the corner of Noah’s mouth. Freed’s suggestion of teaching Noah to sign had made a huge impact on his communication. One of the people Freed worked with at the Pride Centre was Deaf and had started coming to the house once a week to teach everyone – Gray and Natsu included.

“Can you give me a feeling word?” Natsu asked. “Do you want to show me the picture or can you sign it?” He had an app on his phone with different pictures of expressions that Noah used occasionally, but today he shook his head.

Sad, Noah signed. He looked like he might elaborate, then shrugged.

“Yeah?” Natsu sighed, digging his fingers into the grass and looking up at the sky again. “Me too.”

Noah looked at him, surprised. “Why?”

Natsu didn’t say anything for a minute, trying to figure out how much to share with Noah. He was smarter than most people gave him credit for, and if Natsu made something up, Noah would see through it.

“I’m gonna see my dad soon,” Natsu said eventually. “I haven’t seen him in a really long time.”

Noah scooted closer to Natsu until their knees were touching. “Why’s sad?” he asked. Natsu tipped his head back and forth, then sighed.

“I’m scared,” he said eventually. “I know he’s my dad, but I don’t really know him. And I’m afraid that he might not like me.”

“I like you,” Noah said. He picked a dandelion and leaned forward to tuck it into Natsu’s hair.

“I like you too, bud,” Natsu said, smiling as Noah sat back and started picking more dandelions.

Noah spent the next few minutes piling up the yellow flowers in Natsu’s lap, then picking out the best ones and putting them in Natsu’s hair. Eventually he seemed satisfied and poked at Natsu’s hands.

Sad and angry because K, he signed. Natsu recognized it as his sign for Kylie, his biological mother. Tomorrow.

“You don’t wanna visit her?” Natsu asked gently. Noah shook his head, crossing his arms over his chest. “Do you wanna talk about it?”

Noah huffed, then looked back over at the house. Stay with dad and papa, he said. And you. Not before.

‘Before’ was a complicated word for Noah. He had trouble differentiating between seeing Kylie now and living with her when he was younger, and he refused to call her ‘mom.’ It had been over a month since he’d called Natsu in the middle of the night, upset about seeing her for the first time in two years, and Sting and Ryos were still uncertain about them interacting. They’d tentatively agreed to let her spend the afternoon with him tomorrow – supervised by both Sting and the social worker.

“She don’t, won’t... won’t, um...” Noah scrunched up his face, then signed, don’t know. Don’t want before. Natsu’s heart ached at the uncomfortable expression on Noah’s face. Frustrated, Noah added.

“That’s a good word,” Natsu said, smiling at Noah. “Sounds like you’ve got a of feelings, huh?” Noah nodded sullenly. “It’s okay, my feelings get mixed-up sometimes too, and we can’t control that. You can feel however you wanna feel.” Noah looked up at Natsu hesitantly. “What you can’t do,” Natsu added, “is throw your iPad at your dad.”

Noah sighed, looking over at the house.

“I know you’re trying, buddy,” Natsu said gently. “I know words are hard, and that sucks. But your dads love you a lot and they just want you to be happy.” He tugged on a loose thread of his jeans, then added, “Grown-ups make mistakes too. I yelled at Uncle Gray last week.”

Noah’s eyes widened as he stared at Natsu. “Why?”

Natsu chewed on his lip, trying to figure out the best way to explain it to Noah. “Because I was scared,” he said eventually. “I made a mistake – I didn’t tell Uncle Gray something that I should have, and it hurt his feelings.”

“Lied?”

Natsu winced, then nodded. “Yeah, bud.”

“Not good.” Noah reached out and took Natsu’s hand, holding it loosely between his.

“I know,” Natsu said. Guilt still sat heavy in his chest every time he looked at Gray. “I shouldn’t have lied, and I shouldn’t have yelled – that just made it worse.”

“Uncle Gray is sad?” Noah asked quietly.

“Yeah,” Natsu said softly, “he was.”

“You said sorry?”

Natsu nodded. “I did, lots of times.” He squeezed Noah’s hand. “Do you think you can come inside with me now and say sorry to dad?”

Noah chewed his lip for a minute, then nodded and stood up with Natsu.

“Flowers stay,” he said, grinning at the mess in Natsu’s hair. “It’s pretty.”

“I’m keeping these in forever,” Natsu replied, taking Noah’s hand and leading him back to the house.

Sting was in the kitchen over the stove, but as soon as they came in the back door, he made his way over and crouched down in front of Noah.

Sorry, Noah signed, looking at Sting dejectedly.

“It’s okay, bumblebee,” Sting said, brushing Noah’s hair out of his face and looking up at Natsu gratefully. “We’re gonna use words or signs or pictures next time, right?”

Noah nodded, then pointed to the fridge where a picture of Kylie was held up with a magnet shaped like a duck. He shook his head and made an angry face.

Sting sighed, kissing Noah’s forehead and nodding. “Okay, you don’t have to go,” he said gently.

Noah’s face brightened and he gave Sting a small smile. “Love dad,” he said, wrapping his arms around Sting’s neck. Sting pressed his face into Noah’s hair, hugging him tightly before Noah let go and darted away to his room.

“Thank you,” Sting said, pushing himself up and reaching out to squeeze Natsu’s hand. “I can usually handle it, but with Ryos gone, it’s just...”

“Anytime,” Natsu said, shaking his head and ushering Sting back toward the kitchen. “Kids are tough without all the extra stuff.”

Sting nodded, grabbing the pasta from the stove and pouring it through the strainer in the sink. “Sometimes it feels like all we do is go to appointments,” he said, looking at the calendar on the fridge. “We had the speech pathologist yesterday, and Kylie tomorrow, and then Aspen’s coming for the signing on Sunday...”

“About that,” Natsu said, moving out of the way for Sting to mix the spaghetti back into the sauce on the stove. “Gray and I can’t make it this week.” Sting looked at Natsu with a raised eyebrow, and Natsu hesitated before saying, “I’m meeting my dad.”  

Sting didn’t say anything for a minute – Natsu knew that Sting was still upset about being complicit in Natsu’s lie to Gray. A familiar ache was nestled next to the guilt Natsu felt, a quiet whisper of, all you ever do is hurt the people you love.

“Is Gray going with you?” Sting asked eventually.

Natsu nodded. “Yeah. We’re going to Victoria – we’ll stay for a couple days. I…” He sighed, rubbing his face. “I feel like shit about all of it, and I know I said I was sorry before, but I just… and now I’m scared, and it feels like an excuse but I’m—I haven’t been feeling good, and Gray knew but I didn’t listen to him, and…”

“Hey.” Sting set the pot down in the sink and reached out for Natsu, pulling him close. “It’s okay.”

“It’s not,” Natsu argued, but he leaned into the embrace anyway. “I’m not trying to make excuses, I just…” He bit the inside of his cheek, trying not to cry. “I’m scared.”

“Of meeting your dad?” Sting pulled back, squeezing Natsu’s arm and leaning against the counter.

“Yeah. I…” He sighed. “I want to know why he left.”

Sting and Ryos knew about Natsu’s past and his parents – part of the reason that they’d decided to foster and adopt Noah was because of how similar his situation had been to Natsu’s childhood.

Sting was quiet for a moment, and Natsu kept his gaze on a mark in the hardwood.

“I know I might not get the answers I want,” he said quietly. “Gray and I already talked about it. I just… now that I know he’s alive, and he’s just—I’ve been to Victoria so many times. I could have walked past him and…”

“It’s a lot,” Sting said gently. “I’m glad you told Gray and that he’s coming with you.”

“Me too,” Natsu mumbled, rubbing his face. An uncertain silence hung between them for a moment.  

“C’mon,” Sting said eventually, nudging Natsu’s arm and handing him a stack of plates. “Help me set the table.” 

~

The doorbell rang ten minutes later, and Natsu could hear the pounding of Noah’s feet on the stairs as he ran to answer it. When he giggled and shouted Gray’s name, the anxiety that had started to thrum through Natsu subsided a bit. Even with everything – the fight, the tears, the uncertainty about Lyon – Gray was Natsu’s favorite person, and he always felt like home.

“Hey, you,” Natsu said as Noah dragged Gray into the kitchen by his hand. Noah pulled Gray right up to Natsu, then put both hands on his hips and gave Natsu a serious look.

“Sorry,” he said.

Natsu frowned. “Why are you sorry?”

Noah rolled his eyes, pushing at Natsu’s legs. “You sorry,” he clarified.

It took Natsu a second to realize what he was talking about, and he burst out laughing, looking up at Gray and reaching out for his hand.

“We talked about apologies earlier,” he explained.

“Sorry,” Noah said again, looking up at Gray. He tapped his arm, a mirror of where Gray’s snowflake tattoos were, as his sign for ‘Uncle Gray.’ “Sad,” he said to Natsu. “No yelling. Sorry.”

Gray’s expression softened and he crouched down, holding his arms out and waiting. Noah looked at him for a second, then leaned in for a quick hug.

“I already forgave Uncle Natsu,” he said gently. “And he forgave me, too.”

“You yelled too?”

Gray sighed. “Yeah.” He gave Noah a fond look. “We were both wrong, and we both said sorry, and everything is okay now.”

Noah thought about it for a second. “Grown ups mistake,” he said seriously, then leaned in and kissed Gray’s cheek before running off to the patio table on the back deck.

“Well, then,” Gray said, laughing as Natsu reached down and helped him to his feet. “Sounds like whatever you said to him stuck.”

“Mm.” Natsu pulled Gray close, pressing his face into the crook of Gray’s neck as Gray kissed his temple. “How was your meeting with Claire?”

Gray sighed, wrapping his arms around Natsu’s shoulders and resting his chin on Natsu’s head. “I dunno,” he said. “The hearing is in two weeks.”

“That soon?”

“Yeah.” Gray ran his fingers up Natsu’s back, tracing an absent pattern up his spine.

Natsu sighed at the sensation, then tipped his head back and searched Gray’s face. The tightness in his jaw and the way he didn’t meet Natsu’s eyes was telling. “You okay, Snowflake?”

Gray shook his head and Natsu made a sad sound as he saw tears start to pool in the corner of Gray’s eyes. “No,” Gray said roughly as he swallowed and tipped his head up, trying to blink away the tears. “I’m just… feeling a lot of different things, and my stomach hurts, and I feel like I’m going either throw up or cry.”

Natsu gently tucked Gray’s hair behind his ear. “You wanna go home?” he asked softly. “I can explain to Noah.”

Gray shook his head. “No, I wanna stay,” he insisted, pulling off his glasses and wiping at his eyes with the sleeve of his hoodie. “I don’t want to think about it right now.”

“Okay,” Natsu said, leaning in and kissing Gray’s cheek. “Je t’aime.”

“Je t’aime aussi, mon couer,” Gray murmured, letting out a shaky sigh and then giving Natsu an uncertain smile. “C’mon,” he said, nodding toward the porch. “Noah’s waiting.”

[raijinshuuappreciation]

FINALLY! It’s the fourth time this blog will host the week dedicated to three of the most badass people in FT and I am excited to announce the next official

                                           Raijinshuu Week

even if it’s a month delayed this year because of personal issues. I apologize for this again! Next year it’s gonna get hosted in May again! As usual I’ll give a few prompts for possible inspiration but you by no means have to create something that’s entirely fitting for it. These three badass dorks deserve all the appreciation, so I hope that many people will participate! Please spread this post as often as possible!

Day 1 (June 17th): Freed Justine - Two steps from Hell

Day 2 (June 18th): Bickslow - Welcome to the Circus

Day 3 (June 19th): Evergreen - Madam Medusa

Day 4 (June 20th): Weekly Sorcerer

Day 5 (June 21st): Rock band Raijinshuu

Day 6 (June 22nd): Shared apartment

Day 7 (June 23rd): Partners in crime

Fairy Tail’s strongest three member and probably most feared team hasn’t gotten enough screen time in the manga anymore after the antagonis-turned-good syndrom hit them (like the Oracion Seis too e.g.) let alone fights that do their immense power justice. Plus, there’s not a lot of creator content in the fandom either, which is sad, so I’m looking forward to this week dedicated to them and hope for many participants! If you have the time to participate, please do! <3 Feel free to message me if there are any questions. Now of course there are a couple of rules which need to be mentioned for this work:

1.) Anyone who wants to can participate! 2.) Almost no limits as to what you can post/submit/contribute! Fanart, fanfictions, headcanons, any sort of edits, colorings, etc. 3.) No shippy stuff (brotps are fine, or very subtly hinted romantic relationships)! This is a weekend dedicated to this team, their nice dynamic and their amazing characters so please keep it about these three only! The same goes for nsfw stuff, I’m sure nobody has something against sexy Thunder God Tribe individuals but as all three of them are gorgeous - but overly nsfw stuff should be avoided. 4.) There are two ways you can contribute: Either you submit your posts to this blog if you are more comfortable like this or you post your contributions for this week. If you post them on your blog please make sure to leave at least one of the following tags in the first five tags of your post: raijinshuu appreciation, raijinshuuappreciation, raijinshuuweek, raijinshuu week. 5.) Have fun and give these amazing characters all the love they deserve!

I am looking forward to this event and hope to see many amazing contributions and it would be great if you could spread the word/reblog this post, even if you won’t/can’t participate!

                                     WORSHIP THE GODS OF THUNDER!

[freedjustineappreciation]

HAPPY FREED JUSTINE WEEKEND!

If you wish to participate make sure to read the official post on this blog! Let's all appreciate this amazing man together!

Every day is Freed day but y'know

Have fun! :)

[eryiss]

Freed Justine Weekend - Day 1

So, it’s Freed Justine Weekend again. I couldnt think of anything to write for a full one-shot, so instead i decided to write some drabbles based on the prompts by @freedjustineappreciation on the announcment post. 

I’ll upload half today and half tomrrow. Today’s will be more lighthearted, while tomorrow’s will be a little darker and have more Freed-The-Dark moments. 

Guild Mark

Surrounded by a circle of runes, the magic energy around him creating a wind that filled the cathedral, Freed found himself pushed to his limited. The barrier surrounding Magnolia was strong, designed to withstand any attack that was put against it, and maintaining such a powerful, unbreakable enchantment was draining Freed’s magic faster than he had expected.

He could hold out, but not indefinitely. His knowledge of his opponent was limited, but he knew they were strong enough to attack again. Freed needed to keep his enchantment up until a time where that risk was gone. Releasing the barrier for even a second could give their enemies their opening.

The safety of everyone in Magnolia rested with him.

With a hardened expression, he cast his eyes to the cold floor and flowed as much magic as he could into the casting circle. He closed his eyes, not allowing anything to distract himf from maintaining his enchantment. His right iris burned as he shifted the magic usually used for his Dark Écriture into Jutsu Shiki.

Releasing a breath, he allowed his eyes to open as he tried to keep a consistent stream of magic flowing into the runes. It was getting harder and harder to maintain. He was getting weaker and weaker, and found his resilience failing.

His gaze settled on his right hand.

Across it laid the mark of his guild. The curving shape that personified the ideals of Fairy Tail. The morals that stated you should never give up, that you should never judge those without first giving them hope, that you should always forgive those who are worthy. The small mark that perfectly encapsulated his family, his life and his existence.

But to him the mark was more than that. It was a promise.

A constant reminder of what he was now. All his power, all his strength, was to be accredited to Fairy Tail. They had raised him, helped him, and had forgiven him for his past tresspasses. The mark on his hand maintained his morality, reminded him of the kindness showed to him by his family. By keeping this mark on his hand, he was promising to reciprocate the mercy he had been shown.

His guild was in danger, and he was the main line of defence. If he needed to burn through every last scarp of magical energy to keep them safe, then he would do so. He knew they would do the same for him.

Placing both hands on the cold floor of Magnolia Cathedral – the stage of his previous betrayal of his guild – he channelled every bit of magic he could into his runes. The barrier, which has shrunk slightly in his doubt, grew out and managed to cover every inch of his hometown. The barrier was immovable, impenetrable, and was going to keep them safe.

Then came the next attack. It was vicious.

The barrage of opposing magic fought against his shied, making his grit his teeth as the small dents made were replaced by more of his energy. He looked to the ground, keeping his gaze on his guild mark so that he could be reminded of his promise.

Through gritted teeth, he fought through the onslaught and managed to keep his enchantment strong. He was panting heavily as he tried to recover from the sudden loss of magic energy. His head dropped and his grip on the stone floor lessened slightly, allowing himself a slight respite as he knew that, if another attack was coming, it would at least take the enemy mage some time to recuperate.

After he felt his magic coming back to him, a determined expression crossed his face. He sent a pulse of energy into the runes, widening the coverage of the barrier and making it slightly thicker for better protection.

He knew that the enemy would be watching from their ship. He expected that they would see the advancement of the barrier. He hoped the meaning of the action was clear.

Not my fucking family.

Bonds Within The guild

“Wendy, may I speak with you for a moment.”

The fourteen-year-old girl looked up at the mention of her name, seeing Freed standing by the table she was sitting at. A small, cone-shaped hat was attached to her head, and the remanence of wrapping paper scattered across the table. Her birthday party was nearing its end, with the large cake all but eaten on the bar top, both guildmates and friends talking to one another, and a large stack of presents waiting beside the door.

She nodded, excusing herself from the table and slowly following Freed throughout the guildhall. Faltering a little at the spiral staircase that lead to the S-Class only balcony, the small smile from the rune gave her the confidence to follow him. She silently noted how different the guildhall looked form above.

Freed guided her towards a table at the edge of the balcony, which was usually reserved for Laxus and The Raijinshuu. Today, however, it was empty. After Freed motioned for Wendy to take a seat, she did so. Freed followed suit, sitting opposite her.

“Is something wrong, Freed?” She asked, a little concerned as to why he wanted to speak to her.

“Not at all,” Freed assured, smiling. “I just wanted some privacy so that I could give you your gift from the Raijinshuu, nothing more.”

Wendy frowned a little. She had already gotten gifts from Freed, Evergreen and Bickslow individually. Good gifts, too. Freed had gifted her a first edition of a book she had loved when she lived in Cait Shelter. She had seen the very same edition over half a year ago when she was on a mission with Freed and Laxus, and had only mentioned her fondness for it in passing. He must have returned to the store, brought it despite the high price, and kept it hidden until her birthday.

“You don’t need to do that,” She assured him. “What you’ve already given me is more than enough.”

“Please, I insist,” Freed smiled, pulling a small piece of paper from his coat pocket. “Although, I feel I should clarify, this is more of an offer than a gift, really.”

After Freed placed the paper on the table, Wendy pulled it towards herself and looked over it. It was a contract, similar to the one that she had signed when she had entered the guild, only a little different. She frowned, pausing a little when she sure what the contract was called: Additional Team Member Request Form.

“You-you want me to join your team?” She asked, a little shocked.

It wasn’t a ridiculous notion. She had gravitated towards the Raijinshuu almost naturally. After going on missions with Freed and Bickslow which had both gone well, Makarov suggested that she try and go on a mission with the team as a whole. He had claimed that it would help her as she could try harder missions, which would push her, and it would also help in making The Raijinshuu more social in the guild; looking back, they really could be anti-social at times.

After the first mission had gone well, she went on another. Then another. It got to the point where most missions they went on, Wendy was given the option to come with them. When Laxus had returned from an S-Class mission that had taken him from the guild for an extended period of time, he didn’t seem to care about her joining on their missions without being part of the team. He then revealed that he did the same thing.

So, although it was an odd fit, it was natural. It was now common knowledge that Wendy went on missions with The Raijinshuu sometimes. Nobody cared, that was just the way things had turned out.

“As I said, it’s an offer so don’t feel forced into it,” Freed smiled. “But you’ve joined the Raijinshuu on many missions over the last year or two, and you work very well with us. And, to be candid, we are all very fond of you, and would love it if you would consider being a permanent member of the team.”

“A-are you sure?” She asked, still looking at the contract. Freed’s team had known each other for a long time, she didn’t want to impose.

“We wouldn’t offer if we weren’t,” Freed assured, making Wendy relax a little. “And don’t worry, we know you’re close with more people in the guild than just us, and you don’t exclusive do missions with us. That certainly wont have to change, and we’ll never insist you cut ties with people on our account. And of course, Carla will also join if you so wish.”

Wendy waited for a moment. “You really want me in your team?”

“it would be an honour, Ms Marvell.”

The sound of a chair being pushed back and falling against the railing made some members of the guild look up. They were given the sight of Wendy rushing around the table, wrapping her arms around Freed’s torso in a hug and burying her face in his shoulder.

“Thank you,” She mumbled, her voice quivering a little.

“No thanks are needed,” Freed smiled, patting her head somewhat awkwardly. “Welcome to the team.”

Sense of Humour

It was possible that this entire situation was getting out of hand.

Somehow, a conversation about the laughs of guildmembers had arisen. It had become apparent that nobody could remember quite what Freed’s voice actually sounded like; vague ideas were tossed about, but nothing solid. To quell their confusion, the group of mages had spent the next hour trying to make the rune-mage laugh, but to no avail. A regular person would have given up there, but Fairy Tail mages were not regular people.

So, two days after the realisation Freed’s laughter was a mystery to most of the guild, a comedy night had been arranged in the guildhall; nobody was quite sure how. Almost every mage knew the real purpose, to do something that would make Freed laugh, revealing both what the laugh sounded like and what could cause it.

But the night was nearly over. He had not yet laughed.

Many people had tried and failed, and it had become more of a competition as to who could achieve this seemingly unattainable goal. Anybodybut his team, Laxus and other people he was close to were allowed to participate; they knew him too well for it to be fair.

Currently Natsu was standing on the small stage, performing a totally kick-ass comedy routine where he was revealing the blackmail he had on Gray to the guild – a hilarious routine despite the average at best reception. He was the last act and, as Freed had yet to do any more than a light chuckle, it was all up to him. The only problem was, a picture perfect description of Gray falling down a hill and landing face first in a particularly dirty lake wasn’t funny to Freed.

He was too good for slapstick, apparently.

The dragon slayer was getting desperate now, resulting to making up stories – ignoring the shouts from Gray about their falseness – and still getting nowhere. The five minutes of stage time he was permitted was quickly close to ending, and he would be damned if he lost. So he did the first thing that came to mind.

Grabbed a tankard of beer and threw it over himself… for some reason.

Not his best plan really.

The gathered crowd of mages looked at Natsu with confusion, an awkward silence crossing them all. Nobody seemed to understand what the fire-mage thought would happen; the evening had clearly proven that stories of slapstick weren’t Freed’s preferred form of comedy, so why he thought that a live version of it – and a pretty crappy one at that – would work didn’t make any sense. Natsu blushed a little at the eyes on him.

And then somebody laughed. A deep, somewhat velvety laugh that echoed throughout the guildhall, coming from a table at the back. All eyes slowly turned to the source, not quite believing their ears until they saw it. Freed was laughing. At Natsu. Who had just drenched himself in beer.

“Are you kidding me?” Cana eventually broke the silence. “That’s what gets you? Seriously?”

More members of the crowd joined in, claiming that they had put time into their own comedy routine and that they were much funnier than Natsu; to which Natsu yelled back and said that they were all just jealous because he had done the impossible and they hadn’t. This simply made Freed laugh louder and harder.

“I’m afraid it’s not you making me laugh, Natsu,” Freed chuckled a little, his laughter dying down. “Did you honestly think I didn’t know what you were all doing?”

Again, the room fell to silence. Honestly, the thought of Freed knowing what was happening hadn’t occurred to anyone. They had been sure not to discuss the comedy night’s true purpose when he was around, and had thought that they had gotten away with it easily. Looking towards Freed, with the smugness radiating from the man practically filling the room, it was obvious that their confidence was misplaced.

“This guild is filed with gossips, constant yelling and people with enhanced hearing. You honestly thought I wouldn’t find out?” Freed continued to chuckle.

“So, all night, you’ve just been forcing yourself not to laugh, so we’d make idiots of ourselves?” Gray asked.

“Yes; for the shows I enjoyed at least,” Freed smirked, standing up with a grin. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I believe your acts are completed. Thank you for a wonderful night.”

Everyone watched as Freed slowly walked to the door, realising that they had clearly been played by the rune mage. Some people were annoyed – particularly Gray, who’s secrets wouldn’t have been revealed by Natsu if this didn’t happen – while some people found the entire situation equal parts funny and ridiculous.

Just as Freed placed a hand on the door, he looked back to see most of the guild were still watching him intently. He smirked a little at his audience, deciding he could have a little more fun with them. He turned around fully and addressed his guildmates.

“I should say, one of you really did get me. I had to put a rune on myself to stop the laughter,” He informed. “I’ll let you figure out who it was.”

And with that, he left. A chorus of shouting, claiming ownership of the laughter and all around chaos followed him.