#girl this gave me so much muse for zoe

[rockwithu]

ㅤ       ◟      ï๑      ♡       “thank   you,”   zoe   smiled   as   she   took   the   soy   latte   from   sebastian’s   outstretched   hand.   it   had   been   a   terrible   morning—not   in   the   obvious,   disastrous   way   where   everything   went   wrong   at   once.   it's   just...   somewhere   between   a   couple   of   anonymous   submissions   to   the   confession   forum   and   her   friends’   gentle   guidance,   she’d   unwittingly   cracked   open   a   pandora’s   box   of   feelings.   it   was   confusing.   she   hated   it—this   brand   new,   unfamiliar   lens   she   now   viewed   sebastian   through.   it   made   her   hyperaware   of   every   little   thing,   like   the   brush   of   his   fingers   against   hers   when   he   handed   her   the   cup.   god.   “this   has   cinnamon   syrup,   right?”

[naturesapphic]

Pretty please could you do one with billie getting asked who birds of a feather is about and she answers by saying it's about her girlfriend reader etc... (kinda like the one you did with lunch but just a more tame/fluffy version)

Birds of a Feather interview

Billie eilish x fem!reader

Warnings: pure fluff :)

“Who did you write birds of a feather about?” A fan asked excitedly along with everyone who was desperately waiting for Billie to answer. “Oooh! That’s a good one! Thank you for asking babes!” Billie said to the fan and they squealed quietly as they sat back down and waited for Billie to answer. You were in the next room over watching your girlfriend along with her family and Zoe who was by you.

“I wrote birds of a feather for my amazing, talented, beautiful, sexy, smart girlfriend y/n! Which was so weird for me since I don’t usually write lovey dovey songs but I knew I wanted to make one I mean…y/n is my muse and my inspiration for almost anything and I really felt like I needed to write this song and I did and i absolutely love it so much.” Billie gushed out and you felt your cheeks and whole body heat up at her words.

“Y/n is the first ever relationship I had with a girl. So she was pretty much my first everything that you experience while being with a woman and I’m so grateful that it’s with her. She’s my heart and my everything. We are truly meant to stick together.” She said and at the end of her sentence she looked over and winked at me making everyone cheer and aw at us.

It was after Billie’s interview when Billie came jogging over to you and lifting you up in her arms, making you squeal in delight. She spun you around a couple of times and placed you back down on your feet. “Hi babygirl.” She said as she looked down at you with so much love in her eyes. You felt yourself blush and you look down at the floor shyly. Billie lifted your head up with her fingers under your chin to look at her causing you to blush even more.

She leaned down and captured your lips with hers as your arms flew around her neck and her other hand went down around your waist, pulling you closer to her as she could. You were the first to pull away which made Billie pout, making you giggle. “I love you baby but you have another interview in a few minutes.” You said as you two began walking, following behind Maggie, Billie’s managers, and security guards.

Billie still had a big pout on her face as y’all walked towards her next interview. “I promise when you get done with this one, I’ll give you as many kisses as you want okay baby?” You reasoned with her and she accepted, a big smile on her face causing you to smile. “Oh and what you said up there was really fucking cute I forgot to mention to you.” You said to her and she smirked.

“Oh I know princess. I could see you blushing a mile away.” She said teasingly which made you groan and hide your face in your hands to hide your blushing from her. Billie let out a cackle and removed your hands from your face and started leaving kisses all over your face making you giggle loudly. She pulled away when she heard Maggie calling her to get on the stage for the next interview. “I love you y/n.” Billie said as she gave you one final kiss on your lips and went up the stage waving to everyone with a huge smile on her lips.

You sighed happily as you watched your girlfriend answer more questions about the album and some about you. “I love you too billie.” You say under your breath as you waited for the interview to be over so Billie will be in your arms once again.

A/n: sorry this was one so short but I hope the anon and the rest of y’all enjoyed it! Remember to stay hydrated and to rest! I love y’all :)

[jetravenex]

I do wish they could've explored a transition between April and Bonnie. Or that Season 2 gave us a bit more of an intro to April as if I recall correctly she was kind of just there with little explanation or preamble. And was also cut out just as quickly with as little explanation.

I also liked that while Michael was always saving and getting with multiple women, he usually respected Bonnie and April's opinion and also they never just became eye candy. (something KR 08 I felt like really struggled with)

Sorry to drag KR 08 into the discussion, but tbh they definitely played up Sarah and even Zoe's 'oh look how sexy they are' far more often than they showed how capable they were.

In fact I remember Sarah was often undercut so Mike could be shown in a better light (the amount of time early KR 08 spent talking up Mike was exhausting, and don't get me started on that second episode sooo much focus on the male gaze).

Contrast that to the original Knight Rider and while both Bonnie and April could dress up, there was something nice that even when Bonnie first showed up she was in a jumpsuit ready to work. Her scenes in that first episode with her had her working hard. She wasn't a damsel she was a coworker, she was KITT's mechanic, and she would chew out Michael if he caused a circuit to go out of place.

Similarly with April, she was experimented and sure she dressed up (also the girl could rock so many different styles). I agree with Bonnie and April just having different styles and being very fashionable.

But Knight Rider at least the show where the ladies appeared didn't just make them eye candy like it's follower Knight Rider 08 wasn't above sinking too and far earlier. And hey as Sarah said 'she does look good in a bikini' it was undercut by the abundance of Male gaze focus from Mike's scenes in episode 2. (Episode 1 and 2 of KR 08 are two that really just did Sarah dirty in making her there to be ogled rather than seen as capable). Despite her actually being out in the field with Mike.

Kinda sad that the original had more respect for it's core ladies that KR 08 undercut in its first two episodes.

Just wanted to muse about how the supposed 'modern' iteration took a bit of a step back with it's 'Bonnie/April' counterpart at least at first. It felt like they got better with Sarah later on (but gosh those first two episodes were soo bad), so sadly it wasn't just a trend from the 80s it's something that persists today.

It's also hard in general with 'sexism' like I said Sarah rocking it in a bikini and being confident in her own body could be empowering. I've heard some women say as such it feels freeing and empowering to embrace that they are sexy and to feel attractive. Which I think original KR played to. When Bonnie and April dressed up in something different they rocked it, when they were at work they were functional, with varying ways to show their personal styles.

Admittedly Knight Rider did also have the damsels for Michael to rescue and to be pretty eye candy. Not to mention there being other instances of women traipsing around in bikinis (the women on rollerblades in KvK pops into mind as an example).

There were also times Bonnie and April were in need of rescue from Michael (or had guys creep on them, Garthe to April in Goliath returns along with Bonnie having that guy be creeping on her in that halloween episode).

But also the flip to them being treated with more respect, they also didn't often get in on the action. And if they did they often wound up being the damsels. Which at least Sarah had some moments in action, and I guess for a time there was Agent Rivai who rarely was a damsel and more the bad ass (at least until they included her in the cuts the only one I was genuinely sad to see go when they started cleaning out the cast bloat).

Granted I will also say I loved Rivai, Sarahs and Zoe's outfits, just wished the latter two (though Sarah especially, Zoe I think I'm just thinking of her time in that cheerleader costume). So I dunno, I'm also not a fashion expert I just appreciate the women in KR, and recognize how the presentation was definitely pushing it sometimes.

alphadelta227529

April was the fashion icon, not Bonnie, so that’s doubly unfair! Don’t get me wrong, I love her style - especially the shirt and tie combo in Give Me Liberty - but Bonnie’s style was practical, not fashionable. Plus she spent longer wearing a boiler suit that April did.

April and Bonnie both had lovely fashion senses. April’s being far more feminine- with more flares, puffed sleeves, and skin showing. 

You’re right. Bonnie was far more practical with her looks! Practicality, however, doesn’t negate fashion sense. While practically dressed individuals wouldn’t be setting high fashion runways on fire, they would be comfortable. Working in a garage, comfort matters more than gaining the attention of others. After all, it wouldn’t make too much sense to be changing a car’s oil and doing hard work in skirts and dainty outfits. (Although certainly April pulled it off. But she was very much a different entity than Bonnie.)

I tend to think Bonnie really made a statement in her broiler suits. (She made things typically masculine look cool enough that I wanted to own several and I bought a leather jacket modeled off the top of her jumpsuits). But that is definitely my bias. Although, my favorite looks have to be the sequenced pantsuit she wears to a party with Devon and the dresses she wore as Alicia Craven-hall. And you are right! The outfit in Give Me Liberty is just darling!

Honestly, I don’t think either woman really gets a fair shake. Most people focus on their looks and little else. I think too, in their own rights, they were both fashion icons but with very different tastes.  

[supremeinlilac]

Three’s not a crowd, especially when it’s us (1)

Summary: Its just part one idk what to say? oh, its a slow burn :) The idea came to me at 4am and I’ve just ran with it, it was initially going to be like 4 parts, and now its probably more like 10.

Word count: 2546

Warnings: mild language 

You weren’t quite sure how you’d managed to get through 2 months of being at Miss Robichaux's without accidently revealing your true ‘power’ to anyone. You thought that Ms Goode, of all people, would see through your bland lie about setting your families house on fire being the reason you’d ended up at the academy’s front doors. Instead, she’d simply nodded at you with a kind smile and a tour of the house.

You’d met all the witches, heard stories about the house and how this was now one of many schools like it that the Supreme had opened since rising. Some of the other houses were for the young witches and were more discreetly placed to avoid the inevitable hate crimes that witches still faced, while some were for the older women who’d always been taught to hide in the shadows and supress themselves rather than flourish. You’d fallen into the middle, gifted witches that were brought to learn under the Supremes’ close guidance and protection.

Your first night had involved sitting beside the fireplace with Zoe and Queenie, who were asking of your abilities and showing their own with stories of before Cordelia’s reign as supreme. You were awed by Queenies voodoo abilities, laughing at the time she’d stabbed her hand with a fork when Madison was being bitchy. You insisted she show you sometime. Madison was back at this point, you’d yet to meet her as she was off on some trip but Zoe had already advised you to stay clear. They weren’t even sure how she’d got back from hell, normally she would be the first to brag about something like that, but apparently she’d kept relatively quiet about it.

You’d met Ms Venable the next day, after hearing hushed rumours from the other girls about her sharpness and generally how they were all scared of her intimidating grandeur. She’d given you your lesson timetable with a quick flick of her eyes down your body at your state of undress when you’d come to the door, barking about having some decency. Her striking features and the perfect peaks of her red hair had you scrambling for something coherent to babble back to her as she turned and left you, mouth agape and staring after the strike of her cane on the ground.

Although Ms Venable had no magical abilities of her own, she was no less admired and feared among the other witches at the academy, her quick wit and sharp tongue more than compensating and aiding in her looming dominance. She prided herself in teaching the girls practical non-magic skills and subjects that they could put to use in due course when their time within the school’s halls ran out.

The girls had whispered and giggled to you about Ms Cordelia having a thing for Ms Venable, because of how she used to flush and stumble over her words in the presence of the woman. You hadn’t noticed in your brief week at the academy, mainly due to not having seen them together an awful lot in that time.

Over the weeks you found yourself watching their fleeting interactions, mentally noting the way Cordelia would shift under her gaze at the breakfast table. How she would be the first to pick up the fallen cane as it clattered to the ground; never using her telekinesis for it either, she would go out of her way to get up and retrieve it, small smile and glances exchanged as she did so.

You understood why the girls had picked up on Cordelia’s feelings for the redhead, but you were surprised at how they’d missed the obvious way Ms Venable would soften when she looked at Cordelia teaching when she’d walk past the open classroom door, or the way she’d grip her cane until her knuckles whitened when she caught one of the girls imitating the Supreme. You thought it was obvious, maybe it was just you. Maybe it was just that you’d grown rather fond of her and liked to observe the small habits that she’d do when annoyed or relaxed.

It was clear they didn’t just like each other, but that they were together, whether they formally declared it or not, to you at least; the lingering touches and glances when they thought no one was looking.

Over your weeks at the academy, you’d grown to appreciate the time you were able to spend alone with either women. You were always the first to volunteer your time in the greenhouse or to carry files for Ms Venable when she walked past a classroom with papers balanced precariously in one arm.

Cordelia had developed a soft spot for you, as an eager and caring student. You’d laugh and mess around with the plants in the greenhouse and share stories of times when your magic hadn’t quite gone to plan. You’d become infatuated with her laugh on one of these nights, when she’d let down all barriers and just enjoyed herself without worry.

Once, and at the time you’d totally thought yourself to be completely pushing your luck, you’d arranged a dinner for the pair of them out there, hauling Wilhemina’s chair outside from the kitchen so that she would be comfortable. You’d known that they’d both been stressed and hadn’t had much time for themselves away from the hum of the girls. Happy as always to oblige, you’d thought they’d appreciate the small moment to enjoy a meal together in the peace of Cordelia’s safe space.

They did, of course. Although it was only the Supreme who voiced her thanks, squeezing your shoulder tightly while Ms Venable shot you a momentary smile and a nod of approval. Since then, you wanted nothing more than her approval again.

***

At the dinner table, Madison had made some offhand remark about your magic which had sent ripples of barely contained laughter down the table. You’d looked up to Zoe who just gave a sympathetic grimace and a shrug, everyone else just continued sipping at the soup, an occasional slurp breaking the quietness. Everyone was so used to Madisons comments and attitude that they just took to ignoring it in uncomfortable silence.

You were not used to it. You didn’t understand why everyone could just sit and let her berate people as she did, you’d been brought up in kindness and empathy. Pushing your chair back, you emptied the contents of your bowl into the bin before quickly leaving the kitchen, guilty faces watching you leave. Cordelia shifted uncomfortably in her seat, knowing as the headmistress and supreme she shouldn’t stand for the way Madison talked to some of the girls, but she knew that aggravating her further would be a worse idea. Wilhemina’s hand came to settle discreetly on her thigh, squeezing slightly and grounding her in a silent way to tell her that it wasn’t her fault.

You’d slipped out into the greenhouse to let of some steam, moving objects around and letting yourself set random balls of paper on fire safely as an outlet for you to bubble your frustrations out through magic. After having done so, you settled into one of the chairs in the corner, pulling your knees up to your chest and resting your chin on them.

It had been Ms Venable who came through the doors to find you, heaving a sigh as she lowered herself into the chair beside you and balanced her cane against the arm. She sat rigidly, as always, hands clasped in her lap and one leg balanced over the other. Allowing herself to observe you, she took in your slumped shoulders and tired face which you hid in your drawn up knees.

“Cordelia sent me.” She stated, straight to the point as always, and you lifted your head in acknowledgement.

She’d lied, Cordelia hadn’t sent her. The supreme had actually wanted to come herself but Wilhemina had said that she’d go, that she needed to talk to you anyway; but she’d never tell you that of course. She had a stature to uphold.

You sat in uncomfortable silence, neither one knowing what to say to put the other at ease. Wilhemina didn’t really know how to start conversations with anyone apart from Cordelia that didn’t begin with a barked command or condescending jab.

“Ignore Madison. That insolent girl needs to be put in her place.” She quipped; lips drawn into a thin scowl before softening as you looked up at her. “From what I’ve seen and been told, your magic is coming along quite nicely. You should be proud of your progress.” She added quickly, suddenly finding great interest in the hanging plants that Cordelia had been tending to over the past few days: a new addition to the greenhouse.

“No. she was right. I’m not upset about Madison; I’m upset because no one knows me. Not really.” You mused, an appreciating smile gracing your lips for a second at her words. It wasn’t that you were overly affected by Madisons words, it had just served as a reminder to how you were keeping everyone in the dark.

“What do you mean?” She asked softly, as soft as you’ve ever heard her talk, hand reaching to draw your knees out from under your chin so you could uncurl to speak to her properly. You inhaled a shaky breath, fingers digging crescents into your knees as you prepared to tell her the thing you’d been hiding for months.

“Promise you won’t get mad?” You asked hopefully, knowing it wasn’t something she could, or even would want to promise to you. She shook her head shortly, “you know I can’t promise you that.” Pushing it to the back of your mind, you decided to just blurt it out; now or never so to speak.

“I’ve been keeping my natural power a secret. I lied on my first day. I- I didn’t set my house on fire.” You admitted, head hanging shamefully and tears pricking at your vision. You didn’t need to look at Wilhemina to see the scowl that would inevitably be forming to replace the slight smile she’s had, at your stupidity.

“And you didn’t think Ms Goode needed to know of this?” watching you in disbelief, shaking her head and tutting. “You’ve been here long enough to know better, missy.” She scolded, making to get up by bracing her hands firmly against her knees and reaching for her cane.

You scrambled off your seat, frantically holding your hands up in front of you towards her in an attempt to stop her from going. Your hands found purchase on her wrists and you guided her slowly to sit back down, pushing slightly when she protested.

“No, no please- I mean, don’t go.” You pleaded, eyes wide, squatting in front of her so you could fall to a kneel, making sure your face was in her line of vision and she could see how scared the thought of having to tell Cordelia of your dishonesty was making you. Shuffling in place where you knelt, you quietly muttered your thanks when she settled back against the chair.

She scoffed audibly to make you aware of her distaste at the current situation but made no attempt to move your hands from where they now rested near her hands on her knees, or even to suggest that you move them yourself. Accepting that you weren’t going to let her leave until she’d listened, she let her curiosity pique and, raising her brow in question, she asked you shortly.

“What ability is so embarrassing that you decide to keep it from us all for so long? Lord knows it can’t be as bad as being a human gluten detector.”

You appreciated her dry attempt at humour to deflect from the uncomfortable silence you’d fallen into. Fidgeting your fingers against the fabric of her skirt, you remembered a dream you’d had where you’d told Zoe of your power and she’d turned the whole coven against you. Brushing it off, telling yourself that Zoe would never do that, you continued to admit to Ms Venable.

“I’m not even sure of it myself, I can’t find a name for it anywhere. I don’t even know if it has a name.”

“So it’s rare?” Wilhemina seemed to strike an interest then, straitening up and raising her eyebrows as if to prompt you to continue. She did this until she seemed to remember that she’s meant to be uninterested and she forced herself to scoff and reached to tweak her earring deftly between finger and thumb.

“It will have a name. Incompetence is the reason you cannot find it.” She stated coldly, lips pursed in intolerance. “That or your just looking in the wrong place,” she added, noting the way you looked down at your trembling and twitching fingers when she was mean.

You paused, having a momentary realisation of what you were doing before the thought was swiftly pushed to the side of your mind by the familiar pull of your magic at your fingertips.

“C-can I show you?” you blurted, almost clamping your hand over your mouth at your unexpected boldness.

“You most certainly will do no such thing, it’s not me that needs to be aware of your abilities, it is Ms Goode that you need to show.” She barked, defensiveness coming back out at your request. You tried not to take it to heart, knowing that that was just her way. Not that she would ever tell you, but Wilhemina felt a lot more secure talking about magic with Cordelia present, where she knew she wouldn’t be judged for having a less secure knowledge of the field. She liked to always be the most well versed in the room, hated to be spoken at about a topic she was new to.

“I can’t show Ms Goode without you.” You tried to explain, an itch of annoyance bubbling under your skin when she laughed at you again mockingly.

“I can’t show Ms Goode without you.” She mimicked, face pulled into a grimace which made you scowl, and exaggerating the words to a degree that just felt excessive, even for Ms Venables constant condescendence.

Your mouth fell open. You couldn’t believe this woman’s nerve.

Something suddenly snapped in your head at her incessant mocking and the condescending tone she used, and you found yourself moving your hands quickly from her knees to her hands, linking your fingers tightly before she could even react. You watched her eyes raise in surprise and the cocky smirk fall from her lips as she attempt to pull away unsuccessfully.

“What are you- get your hands off me!” She exclaimed; voice higher than normal in surprise as your quick movements caught her off guard.

You closed your eyes, trying to block out the way her hands pulled within yours and the sting of her nails digging into the delicate skin of your palms as she tried to free herself. The heat of your magic burned under your skin, the annoyance you felt only serving as a fuel, directing all your power towards the woman in your grip.

When you felt the snap of your magic release, Wilhemina let out a cry of pain and you almost stopped.

Almost.

***

  Part 2

Just to clarify, your powers do not involve giving people orgasms lmaoo. I will never try to leave anything on a cliffhanger ever again rip.

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[wlw-lovestruck-fiction]

Hi! Long time lurker, big fan of this blog. Can I request either a headcannon or a fic of Viv Tang?

Basically, it goes like this, it's an AU of some sort, where Viv and the Poppy leave MC. MC tried to hate them and forget them especially Viv, but couldn't do it. So out of spite and care, MC creates a whole organisation that revolves around protecting Viv and the others. (Making sure their heists go well, the police/government never finding them, making sure that their old enemies never get to them etc.) They've been doing this in private, but Viv and the others catch on, and that thought bothers them. Enough to make them distracted in their latest heist.

Their heist went down in shambles, leaving MC's crew to step in and made sure they're safe, leaving MC's mark to take the blame.

They were confused ofc, but MC's crew was just giddy and happy that they get to meet their leader's old crew.

Basically, they meet MC, MC makes them make it up to her.

And we know how in the original Viv route, we try really hard to pry her open and get her to trust us, well Viv does the same, trying to get MC to forgive her. And just angst ending with fluff please?

Lots of Love <3

This will contain both HC and story parts.

…

·         After Vivienne leaves MC poisoned in Paris, of course she’s pissed.

·         A talk with Jace (and some stress painting) later, MC feels like she has a pretty good grasp of Vivienne’s decision

“She was scared,” she muses, idly playing with one of her brushes, a thoughtful frown on her face as her mind wanders to the other members. “And they were… willing to give her a way out, I guess? Pretty messed up, considering they got me in this whole thing to begin with…”

Thing is, they hadn’t left her without something. Zoe had made sure MC could return to her normal life ‘after you lay low for a bit, probably two months’, advice left in a letter alongside some cash. Enough to buy a few plane tickets around the world. First class.

Even after their most recent decision, MC could recall how careful and welcoming everyone had been. Vivienne was always a mystery, of course, lingering at the edge while MC got to know Jett and Zoe in the Art Club they had formed, or as MC debated with Remy and Leon about a movie they had been watching. With Nikolai, it was mostly challenges Nikolai loved to issue and MC was too proud to deny. But she was always there, in the background. She had become a rather comforting presence, as MC had formed bonds with everyone.

“This was not the best course of action, but they took it anyway.” Vivienne’s choice had been driven by emotion, raw panic, but MC just couldn’t wrap her mind around Nikolai or Zoe, both logical to the bone, supporting it. “There must have been something else, there.”

·         With the anger slowly cooling off, MC thought she could almost begin to understand their reasons. The Poppy isn’t the sort of group to taint their hands with blood, not unless it’s absolute necessary.

·         Celine had pushed everyone, even if the heist ended on a positive note.

·         ‘I believe you have a place with us’, Nikolai had said. MC remembered the heist and how everything could have gone wrong.

·         Their talent and quick-thinking are the only reason they got out of that situation relatively unharmed.

·         No doubt the rest of their heists carried the same danger.

·         MC thought of Celine, gun aiming at her chest, eyes glinting in Vivienne’s direction and made a split-second decision.

·         There was no way, no way at all, that she was going to let anything happen to them.

…

·         When Vivienne had first noticed the sudden lack of danger in their heists, she was instantly suspicious.

·         She couldn’t afford to brush anything off in her line of work.

·         Zoe finds the source in no time.

·         To say they were confused as an understatement.

“I thought she was back in New York?”

“I don’t understand, why would she choose this?”

“We’re hardly so incompetent as to need a guard.”

“How long has this been happening?”

“Couple months, so maybe they started operating around March?” Zoe throws them a withering look so they’ll shut up, and lets out a long sigh once they do. “Point is, we’ve gained a new stalker, even if it’s her. She got a whole organization going, she’s pretty dedicated.”

“Of course she is, it’s why we choose her in the first place.”

“Technically, Vivienne did.”

“Well, yeah. Still, this is insane. So little time, and yet…”

“MC was always a fighter,” Vivienne says, quietly. “It’s certainly an… interesting choice…”

“She seems to have very good intel,” Zoe continues, eyes glued to her laptop’s screen. “Too good. She knows our every movement.”

“Which means she will be lurking around this heist.” Nikolai drums his fingers against his armchair, a frown firmly in place. “That might be a problem.”

“She’s been doing this for months, but we’ve never caught a glimpse of her. It’s safe to say she won’t approach us, right?”

“We probably shouldn’t, either. Not for now. We need more info on this organization of hers.”

“We’ll proceed as planned.”

·         Except nothing goes as planned.

·         Jett’s bombs don’t go off when they should, providing no distraction and thus no way of escape for Vivienne and Nikolai.

·         No safe way, at any rate.

·         The guards get suspicious of their malfunctioning equipment remarkably quick, moving to search the place.

·         Remy gets found out first, though he stalls as much as he can.

·         It’s enough time for Leon and Nikolai to think for a way out, though Remy is still with the guards.

·         The bombs go off at that moment, and Vivienne is trapped.

·         It’s at that moment that MC’s crew intervene.

·         The guards are the most important issue, and so most of her crew go handle it.

·         MC takes care of Vivienne personally.

“Well, that went great.” MC says, flashing Vivienne a cheeky smile when she finds her. Vivienne looks up at her with wide eyes, brown eyes glinting under the light of the room.

“How did you…”

“Questions later, darling. Can you walk?”

Vivienne blinks, taking a deep breath. The motion helps her get rid of most of her surprise. She knows she doesn’t have time to lose, so she accepts MC hand and follows her out. The trip is quiet, of course. Vivienne keeps a carefully neutral expression on, eyes flickering from the woman in front of her to the rest of their escape route.

It’s hard, trying to compare this woman with the one she had kissed all those months ago. She remembers how her hands grasped at her robe, passionate, truthful, those sweet words MC had muttered against Vivienne’s mouth, before the poison had taken effect.

MC had said she would never hurt Vivienne. Vivienne had poisoned her, afraid she would hurt MC.

It didn’t feel like she could hurt the woman before her, though, standing tall and strong and confident, a leader, someone made out of stone. For a moment, Vivienne had the impression poison wouldn’t even work on her anymore.

·         MC had changed. It was as clear as the water glimmering outside the organization’s HQ.

·         She wasn’t the same bubbly, hopeful girl Vivienne had taken around Paris, teaching everything she could about thievery.

·         She wasn’t the same passionate, proud artist she had been, brush in hand, smiling in wonder and then frowning in concentration when she tried to capture something beautiful. Somehow, most of the time, the subject of her painting was Vivienne herself.

·         She was steely, snarky, commanding the room with her very presence. All eyes followed her as she went, speaking clear orders for the crew to follow.

·         In the beginning, they had stuck to the Gilded Poppy like glue, curious. No doubt they were trying to see why MC cared about them so much to go through this kind of trouble.

·         One look from MC was enough to get them to disperse.

·         This change… everything it entailed… Vivienne wanted to know more.

“So, how did it feel?” MC had asked her as soon as they got a moment alone. Vivienne shot her a glance, trying to decipher something in her expression.

“How did what feel?”

“Thinking you could force me out of this. You got me in this life.”

“I gave you a way out.”

“But I told you, didn’t I? I wanted this, and you…”

“I’ve lived all my life like this. I didn’t want you to face-”

“Well, maybe you shouldn’t have chosen me, then. Ever think of this little thing called consequences?”

Isadora flashes through her mind, quick, too quick. It leaves a trail of golden hair in the back on her mind, all too real when she closes her eyes. Vivienne presses her lips together, forces herself to focus.

“This organization…”

“Don’t let it get to your head, darling. It’s not you I’m worried about.”

“…The others, then.”

“Yes. Quid pro quo, and all that. I’ll see what I can ask in return later.”

“We didn’t ask you to intervene.”

“You didn’t ask before poisoning me, either. I feel like doing drastic things without asking for permission are common place around here.”

“That doesn’t even-”

“Ah, ah, ah. Did I save your lives, yes or no?”

Jett had said, before they got released from the medical ward, that the plan failing was entirely his fault, after getting too distracted thinking about MC to get his usual formulas right. Vivienne didn’t doubt him – Jett was, after all, very dedicated to his craft. A mistake was unthinkable, unless something of this magnitude managed to get to him.

He felt guilty and weirded out, probably, she thinks bitterly, despite everything being my fault, as per usual.

“…you did.”

The smile that stretches over MC’s face is almost predatory, brown eyes glinting with satisfaction. “That’s what I like to hear.”

[malecsecretsanta]

Merry Christmas, adaline-blooms!

For @adaline-blooms​. Wishing my dear giftee a healthy and happy Christmas, and I hope you enjoy this gift!! <3

Read On AO3

*****

Chapter 1 - When You’re Feeling Weary

Alec is just making sure he’s mixed Magnus’ martini to his very stringent specifications when the man himself, looking entirely too put together to be feeling the supposed exhaustion Izzy’s text just warned him about, makes an entrance that has Alec eye-rolling in the fondest of ways.

Dressed in the all-black outfit with electric-blue accents that has to be Alec’s favourite, Magnus already has his attention, but the sultry neck-roll that he pairs so well with that heaving sigh guarantees it. Only before he can respond to this display of effortless sensuality, Magnus performs a well-timed heel-pivot and flops dramatically down onto the couch, with the limbs flung wide being a particularly nice touch.

Even by Magnus’ usual standards, that was impressive.

“Busy day, huh?” Alec asks, ambling over as he adds the obligatory olive. Trying, but largely failing, to keep a straight face.

“You could say that, Alexander,” comes the weary reply, followed by another sigh.

So adorable.

“Then perhaps this might help?” he enquires, holding out the drink and waiting for the reaction.

One glitter-rimmed eye cranks open. The smile is Alec’s reward.

“Well, it’s certainly a good start,” Magnus replies, eyebrows dancing as he somehow musters the energy to make it to a half-seated position, and swallows it down in one.

Okay.

“Another?”

With a wink, Magnus hands back the glass, and Alec is happy to comply. Grinning to himself as Magnus starts sniffing the air.

“Alexander, I know I may be hallucinating through sheer fatigue, but is that mouth-watering aroma I can smell coming from our kitchen, by any chance?”

More than a little offended but willing to forgive in the circumstances, Alec passes Magnus ‘liquid medicine number two’ and gallantly sees to the removal of his boots and coat.

“I’ll have you know that I’ve been practicing. Hard.”

Magnus still looks unconvinced.

“Fine. Hold onto your drink,” he warns before hoisting his disbelieving husband over his shoulder, ignoring the shriek and the spills, and marches into the kitchen where he’s only marginally more gentle about depositing him on the countertop. “Now do you believe me?”

Shame-faced, Magnus nods. His wide eyes take in the organised chaos of Alec’s dinner preparations, which Alec hopes will produce the best eight-ounce steak Magnus has ever eaten. Well, at the loft, at least.

“My apologies for doubting you, Alexander. It was just, given how-”

Palm raised, Alec halts the unnecessary explanation mid-flow. He did have form in ruining meals, after all. But not this one.

“I get it,” Alec assures him. “But like I said, I’ve been practicing.”

Two strong legs hook around his hips and draw him closer until they’re trapping him against Magnus’ body. Magnus gives him a quizzical look. “How could you possibly have known that I would need exactly this today?”

“My rather concerned sister gave me a heads up about your heroic exploits at Croton Point about an hour before you came home, because she was worried you may be feeling the consequences of having dealt with a particularly stubborn horde of Kuri earlier. Hence why everything to restore your depleted magic is already in hand.”

Alec knows he looks pretty pleased with himself, but seeing how visibly touched that news makes this man in front of him is also a worthwhile cause to be happy, without a doubt.

Raising his half-empty glass, Magnus addresses his gratitude to the ceiling. “Thank you, darling Isabelle.” Then swiftly downs the contents, before winding those equally strong arms around Alec’s neck. “You, however, deserve something altogether different as a sign of my heartfelt thanks.”

Alec couldn’t agree more, gladly accepting the thoroughly gratifying kiss that puts fire in his blood as his due for being thoughtful.

“Consider that the first of many you’ll be receiving tonight,” Magnus promises, as his thumb traces the outline of Alec’s kiss-swollen lips.

It’s Alec’s turn to heave a deep sigh.

A playful Magnus is a powerful thing, but if he wants Magnus brimming with energy to get those kisses, he needs to flex his culinary muscles without delay.

Only when he explains this is he reluctantly released.

Supplying a third martini to a now doubly-thirsty Magnus, Alec then focuses entirely on his cooking. Dodging those grabby limbs isn’t easy though. Mostly because their remarkably-energetic owner is a mischievous little shit who is in the mood for games.

A mood that Alec is hopeless to stop, not that he really wants to, even as he plates up the medium rare triumph and pours another zinger of a cocktail. Mostly thanks to Magnus’ excessive pleasure-noises as he works his razor-sharp jaw to chew, extends that elegant throat to swallow, and uses that wicked tongue to lick his lips.

Who needs actual food when you can provide a feast, Alec muses, chin resting in his palm as he dreamily enjoys the multi-sensory feedback he’s getting from a very aware Magnus. Is there anything better than seeing this man happy? Alec doesn’t think so.

He’s so eager for his second thank you kiss that Magnus has barely had time to put down his knife and fork before Alec’s dragging his chair out so that he can straddle him, their giggles making it harder but neither’s complaining.

“You continue to surprise and energise me, Alexander,” remarks a husky-voiced Magnus when they come up for air. “That was delicious.”

Alec’s about to thank him with a kiss of his own, when he adds, “The steak wasn’t too shabby either,” and they’re off giggling again.

Alec doesn’t think he’ll ever not blush when Magnus compliments him, and trying to hide behind his hands only results in being called “all kinds of cute,” so he sucks up all the embarrassing-but-secretly-pleasing adjectives being thrown at him and tugs his tormentor in the direction of their bathroom for phase three of his recovery.

Once he’s plonked Magnus in a chair and plugged his nonsense with a fifth martini, Alec fills the lavish, claw-foot tub with water, adding the iridescent blend of unknown boosters that he knows has to be used sparingly else Magnus will be on a super-charged magic rush again for days to come.

Alec didn’t think his body, or their bed, could survive that again.

Or could they?

Magnus’ filthy laugh means he’s not the only one thinking dirty thoughts, but Alec hasn’t gone to all this trouble to have both of them wiped out at the end of it.

“Cut that out,” he warns, to no avail, as he pulls the menace to his unsteady feet and begins the ever-enjoyable task of ridding Magnus of his beautiful clothes.

Meanwhile, Magnus is taking every opportunity to derail his efforts with kisses here and caresses there, deaf to Alec’s admittedly half-hearted protestations when he starts to return the favour of undressing him. All of which makes it impossible not to reciprocate with eager touches of his own.

Alec tries one last time to be good, even as he’s stepping into the bubble-filled bath and pulling Magnus down to rest against him. “I’m supposed to be helping you get your energy back, Magnus, not encouraging you to spend more.”

Magnus gives a lazy shrug of his shoulders, even as his hands begin to wander. “Then we’ll just have to take things very, very slowly.”

Oh well. He tried.

Chapter 2 - When You’re Feeling Sad

Alec’s just signing off on what feels like his hundredth mission report of the day when a message from Magnus shows up on his phone.

Mind if we postpone tonight’s plans? Fancy a quiet evening instead

His hesitation is brief, even if he’s surprised Magnus wants to skip on their much-anticipated theatre trip.

Not at all. Everything okay?

This hesitation is longer.

Tell you when you get home x

That’s all the reason Alec needs to clear his desk and inform Underhill that he’s done for the day. He knows Magnus had clients today, but he hadn’t been worried about them. As he heads home, he’s left wondering what could’ve happened since their goodbye kiss after breakfast.

The loft is in near darkness when Alec arrives, save for a sliver of light that spills from the balcony door left ajar, and the mild concern that prompted him to return early is replaced with a heavier sense of foreboding as he makes his way out there.

Hunched over the balcony wall and nursing what looks to be at least a double whiskey, is how Alec finds Magnus, and although his face can’t be seen from this angle, everything about his posture radiates a sadness that worries him.

“Magnus? Are you okay?” he asks softly, somehow still unprepared for the sorrow that’s etched on his husband’s face when he turns around and slowly shakes his head.

In two strides, Alec’s there to gather him up in a comforting hug, giving Magnus all the time he needs to explain what’s made him upset.

“We lost a promising young warlock today,” Magnus begins, barely audible from where he’s burrowed into Alec’s chest. “Her name was Zoe. A girl Clary saved the night I met you, after her father was killed by Valentine.”

“I’m so sorry to hear that, Magnus. I think I remember that name though,” Alec tells him as he presses a kiss to Magnus’ forehead. “Wasn’t she the one you asked Tessa to train at the Spiral Labyrinth?”

Magnus nods, a smile at least present in his voice now. “That’s right. She always had her head in a book, hungry for information. Gifted with an eidetic memory and a talent for learning languages, she really did have a very bright future ahead of her, until....”

Alec waits as Magnus drags in a shaky breath before continuing.

“As Tessa explained it, Zoe had recently added tutoring to her list of accomplishments. Something I was aware of, but I wish now I’d taken the time to ask her about. In lieu of her late father, I’d always felt a certain parental responsibility towards her. Anyway. While she was there, at the home of the family who hired her, she collapsed. No warning, no complaints of feeling unwell. No chance of help.”

Alec’s hands try to soothe but he doesn’t interrupt, preferring to let Magnus work through his emotions.

“I-it’s just such a shock, Alexander. Such a waste. Tessa said they can’t be sure it’s not magic-related yet, but...I’m finding it hard to accept that she’s gone. That I’ll never get to witness everything she undoubtedly would’ve become.”

Untangling himself momentarily, Alec brings him over to the lounger where he plucks the whiskey from Magnus’ hand and sets it down on the nearby table before they move in sync to settle in that age old way of dispensing comfort, with Magnus curled up in Alec’s lap, his fingers combing through Magnus’ hair.

“Magnus, I can only imagine what you and Tessa must be feeling right now. Passing way before her time, and so suddenly? It’s tragic. But I’m here for you. In whatever way helps you the most.” He’d protect him from every loss, every hurt, if he could.

“This is already helping. Truly,” Magnus assures him, head resting against Alec’s chest in order to hear the heartbeat he’s frequently said helps to send him to sleep.

Alec hopes it does now, and allows the long, peaceful minutes to stretch, feeling the tension in Magnus’ body gradually ease. He’s about to suggest they lie down instead, when Magnus speaks.

“I’m sorry about cancelling our plans tonight. I hope you’re not too disappointed?” A hint of amusement colours Magnus’ question and so, Alec takes his cue.

“Me, look forward to a show? Have you met me?”

It makes Magnus chuckle, but it’s a tired one. A state that’s reflected in how long it takes those beautiful eyes, too weary for glamour, to find his, and that elegant hand to cup Alec’s cheek in that way that never fails to make him feel precious.

“I have, and I will never be as grateful for anything else in this life, Alexander.”

The barely-there kiss is so reverential that Magnus finds sleep before Alec’s able to voice words of his own, but he hopes Magnus already knows how thankful he is too.

Closing his eyes, Alec promises to make a point of telling him as soon as they both wake up.

Chapter 3 - When You’re Feeling Overwhelmed

Alec’s not sure what’s initially responsible for disturbing his fathoms-deep slumber, but the muffled stream of expletives he hears in that very familiar voice definitely has his attention now.

Reaching out blindly for Magnus’ side of the bed in the forlorn hope that he’s mistaken, Alec groans when all his fingers encounter is cold silk. Opening his bleary eyes to confirm the distinct lack of Magnus in their bed, he tugs on a t-shirt and stifles a yawn as he sets about finding the errant husband who’d promised he “wouldn’t be much longer” hours ago.

He’s just stumbled into the dimly-lit corridor outside the bedroom when a series of kabooms, followed by what Alec can only assume is a heartfelt curse in some ancient tongue, brings him not only to the half-open doorway of the unusually-chaotic apothecary, but also fully to his senses.

Surrounded by various experiments and too engrossed in the energetic scolding of his own fisted hands to notice Alec’s arrival, is a wildly dishevelled Magnus, whose exhaustion is writ large on his handsomely expressive face.

Alec decides they're both in need of a hug.

Hitching his top over his nose so as not to inhale any of the sulphur-and-spice-scented smoke that’s fogging up the room, Alec ventures cautiously inside.

Doing his best to avoid bumping into the extra tables that are covered in a myriad of mixing bowls and mason jars, and the messy assortment of ingredients that are strewn in between them, Alec inadvertently startles his fragile husband with his sudden appearance, causing him to dislodge a cylinder of liquid that scorches a hole in the priceless Persian rug mere inches from their feet.

At which point, Magnus promptly bursts into tears and collapses in a graceless heap on the floor. Feeling terrible, Alec joins him there and holds him as he whispers abject apologies that barely make it through the racket of frustrated sobs, until finally, in between sniffles, he receives forgiveness in the form of a salt-stained kiss.

“Magnus, what are you doing in here? Whatever it is, surely it can wait until morning?” Alec asks, using the hem of his shirt to wipe the worst of the tear stains from Magnus’ face. Even smudged and saddened, he’s still easily the most beautiful man Alec’s ever seen.

“Loathe as I am to admit it, Alexander,” Magnus replies in between hiccups, “I’ve bitten off more than I can chew with my current list of client orders, and instead of rectifying this sooner, I shall now have to admit to them, and to myself, that my own hubris will result in them either being delayed or cancelled all together.”

Even his gulp is cute, Alec muses, before pondering the best way to go about saving Magnus’ hard-won reputation from the brink of destruction, preferably without the need for any humiliating apologies. Given the time constraints, he can only think of one.

“I’m assuming at least some of those orders need filling by tomorrow if you haven’t been able to sleep yet?”

Sheepishly, Magnus holds up six shaky fingers, and regardless of whether or not the answer had been that or six hundred, Alec was not about to see those orders fail. Not with so much at stake.

Getting to his feet and pulling Magnus up with him, Alec offers his suggestion as his hands make light work of straightening out Magnus’ robe and his hair.

“Here’s what’s going to happen.” A hopeful glint in those warm brown eyes almost distracts him. “I’m going to put some pants on and make us both a generous mug of strong, black coffee while you salvage what you can here, and then,” he chuckles, cupping Magnus’ eager face in his hands, “I will try my best to help prepare the ingredients you need, so you can then concentrate on whatever process is needed for each order.”

Concerned, Magnus grips Alec’s waist and asks, “But it will take at least two hours for all the distilling and blending to be done, and then there’s-”

“Uh-uh, none of that. Positive thoughts only, Mr Lightwood-Bane, you have a humble assistant that needs training, after all,” Alec counters, dropping an encouraging kiss that threatens to flare out of control until Alec takes a firm step backwards.

“We’re supposed to be working,” he warns, wagging his finger at his unrepentant mentor and backing carefully out of the room, much preferring the sound of Magnus’ laughter to the sound of his tears.

With the aid of caffeine to boost their concentration and a near constant supply of cheeky kisses and inappropriate booty grabs, along with a lot of hard graft, dawn finds them bone-tired but relieved that their joint sacrifice has paid off.

Now, with two orders already boxed and ready to go, three in the final stages of resting and one that just requires filtering every half hour, Alec finally feels confident enough in their ability to meet the delivery deadlines to insist that Magnus, a spent force at this stage, catches up on the sleep denied him earlier.

Magnus’ mumbled protests eventually peter out as he’s carried bridal-style to their bed and tucked beneath the sheets, his peaceful expression being all the reward Alec needs to see him through the final hours of his vigil.

Chapter 4 - When You’re Feeling Worried

Having arrived home sooner than expected from his weekend of intensive Portal Enhancement lectures in Stockholm, Magnus can’t deny he’s more than a little disappointed not to be greeted by a strong pair of arms and an enthusiastic pair of lips.

Especially when his reason for curtailing his professional obligations was so he could be here for Alec on the eve of his important meeting with fellow institute heads.

Proud as he is of Alec’s commitment to change, they both know there’ll be many who will try and resist his controversial proposal that they each create their own Downworld Cabinet without delay, in order to deliver on promises made to their counterparts. As he’d said many times, no change worth making was ever easy.

A deep sigh escapes him.

Just for one day, it would be nice to let the mantle of responsibility slip from their shoulders and have nothing but each other’s happiness to worry about, but Magnus will gladly take every day he can get with Alec and cherish it, whatever the challenges may be. And right now, the challenge is to discover the whereabouts of his husband.

Skype catch-ups and hastily-arranged phone sex are no substitute for enjoying the tangible presence of your biggest supporter and primary stress-reliver rolled into one.

Only stopping long enough to make sure his research papers are stored securely in the apothecary’s safe and his case is banished to the bedroom, Magnus portals to Alec’s office where he finds his very own sleeping beauty sprawled awkwardly across the couch, surrounded by pages of scribbled out presentation notes, cartons of barely touched food and a dozen or so coffee cups that have been drained of every drop.

Another deep sigh escapes him.

Heart full at seeing that much-missed face, youthful in its slumber, but feeling guilt over allowing himself to be persuaded that Alec’s preparations were all going well and his smiling reassurances were genuine, Magnus vows to do better in future and prepares to get Alec, and his proposal, back on track.

Shrugging off his coat and folding it over the least cluttered surface he can find, he locks the door behind him with a quiet flourish and soundproofs the room, because as far as Magnus is concerned, only he should be privy to those adorable little snores.

Unable to give into the overwhelming urge to wake Alec up with slow kisses, Magnus settles instead on burying his face in the soft, untidy curls that still smell of sandalwood, as he kneels down to better wrestle Alec’s heavy limbs into a more comfortable position.

Guessing that Alec probably hasn’t slept much in the last twenty-four hours, he decides to leave him be for a little longer and covers him in the cashmere blanket that Magnus insists on being kept here in case of emergency naps, reviving the fire with a flick of his wrist.

Rolling up his sleeves and allowing his gaze to sweep those handsome features one last time, he turns his attention to the task in hand.

In the absence of a conscious Alec to berate, Magnus grumbles his way through the clean up operation, aware most of his annoyance is aimed at himself for not being here to help, but also knowing that sometimes, their work has to come first. He wishes it didn’t.

Decluttering the desk, and lamenting how Alec always manages to look after everyone but himself, Magnus' annoyance at all the unnecessary edits Alec has made to his already-perfect speech evaporates. As he organises them into what he thinks was the original order, it’s too easy to picture how Alec’s self-doubt would’ve made him see flaws in his preparation that just weren’t there.

Oh, Alexander, I wish you’d told me how you were really feeling.

Wrinkling his nose up at the pungent leftovers and the dark circles staining the surface of the desk, he quickly gets rid of the rubbish, replacing the stagnant odours with the mouth-watering smell of baked goods and beverages from their favourite bakery.

If he places it right under Alec’s nose in the hopes it wakes him up, so what? Magnus has been separated from the beautiful man that’s so temptingly draped across the cushions for two very long days and nights, and he’s missed him dreadfully. Surely, Alec has had enough rest by now.

Toeing off his boots and climbing cat-like over Alec to wedge himself against the back of the cosy couch, Magnus carefully adjusts the blanket to cover both of them and snuggles in, breathing in the familiar scent of the man and feeling at home in every sense of the word.

Arms tighten around him on instinct and Magnus can’t suppress his smile when it’s followed by a sleepy, “That’s better.”

“Much better,” Magnus whispers, trailing soft kisses down the side of Alec’s throat that can be reached without disturbing him....too much.

Appreciative noises fill his ears and embolden him to seek out more skin, until Alec is finally roused to wakefulness and greeting Magnus with kisses of his own.

“I must say, this is a very, very nice surprise,” Alec informs him once he has Magnus securely settled on top of him.

“I’m very, very glad to hear it,” Magnus replies, finally content but unwilling to let things he’s worried about slide just yet. “Alec, listen,” he begins earnestly, “you have to tell me when-” before Alec interrupts.

“When things get on top of me? I know, Magnus, and I’ll do better next time. Really,” he sighs, eyes closing briefly before they urge him to believe his words. “I shouldn’t have tried to hide my stress. I should’ve been honest with you about how I was feeling about tomorrow.” Tipping his head towards the cleared space, he adds, ”Preferably, before it got to whatever that was.”

Believing him, Magnus plants a lasting thank you kiss on his cheek. “May I humbly suggest that those unnecessary changes you made to your excellent speech be forgotten?”

“Sure thing,” Alec quips, eager to show Magnus just how much he’s been missed. “It’s like I’ve told you before, I can’t think straight when you’re not around.”

Magnus hums in agreement. “And as I’ve told you before, I can’t do anything without thinking of you.”

Alec’s eyes are dancing with mischief as he quickly flips them over to start working on opening Magnus’ buttons.

“Then it’s clearly in both of our best interests to stay as close to each other as possible.”

“Clearly,” Magnus agrees, following suit.

Then finally, their reunion begins in earnest.

[fanmoose12]

Hi! Are you still taking levihan prompts? If so, I have 2 that you can pick from: 1. Anastasia AU 2. Despicable me AU (mostly from the 2nd movie). Idk why but I can see them in both AU's lol! You don't have to both btw

i decided to go with Anastasia, ‘cause i loved this movie so much as a kid! hope you enjoy my fic as well!

“I’m fucking sick of it.” Levi declared, looking at another ‘Princess’. “Just look at her, Erwin!” he gestured to the woman on stage, who was currently reciting all of Czar’s relatives. “She looks nothing like the Princess Hanna! She’s blonde for fuck’s sake!”

“We can always get her a wig.” Erwin noted with a smile.

“Her eyes are green.” Levi hissed.

Erwin chuckled, rising his hands in placating gesture. “Fine, fine. Maybe, you’re right and she doesn’t look like our Princess, but we can’t just give up.”

“We’ve been doing this for three weeks now! And in all that time we haven’t seen at least one girl, who resembles a Princess.”

“Maybe, I should get you a wig?” Erwin asked, smirking. “You’ll make a great Princess, Levi. I’ve heard that all Princesses are extremely whimsical.”

Levi gave him a flat look. “Very funny, Erwin.”

“Mm, you’re right once again. No one could mistake you for a member of Zoe family. You are too short for that.”

“Continue with those shitty jokes, and I’ll walk out of here, Erwin. And I won’t come back.”

“We both know you’re lying.” Erwin briefly glanced at the woman, who was still standing on a stage. Giving her a charming smile, he dismissed her with a wave of his hand. Then he returned his attention to Levi. “I’m your friend, Levi, and possibly the only person who can tolerate your constant bitching. Besides, if we manage to find a Princess, we’ll be rich! Just think about that!”

“It’s the only reason why I’m still here.” Levi replied, making a face. Sighing, he rose to his feet. “I’ll go and make some dinner. You can continue with your fruitless search, I’m done with it for today.”

Levi walked out of the theater, and headed to the other part of the palace. The palace corridors were icy cold at this time of year, and Levi wrapped his coat tighter around himself. He hated the cold, but it was still better than living on the street. Erwin and he were lucky to find the palace unoccupied.

As he made his way through the halls, Levi heard a strange sound. Someone was talking. Someone, whose voice didn’t sound like Erwin’s.

Levi took out his trusty knife and slowly followed the voice. It sounded closer and closer, until Levi stopped in front of giant doors.

The doors looked dirty, the gorgeous gold color from before now faded. Behind them was a giant ballroom. Levi remembered it as a grant, beautiful place. It was spacious and bright, almost every surface sparkling in the warm candlelight. But now it was grim, dark and covered with cobwebs. Nothing lasts forever, Levi mused before slowly and quietly opening the door.

As he entered, he immediately saw two figures, standing on the other side of the room. They didn’t even notice Levi’s arrival, as they stood with their backs to him, loudly arguing about something.

Well, Levi didn’t care what they were doing here. Or who they were. He lived here, and that meant that they had to leave.

“Oi!” Levi raised his voice to get their attention. “Who the fuck are you?”

The two figures span around, staring at Levi in surprise.

And as Levi studied their faces, as he looked closely at the woman in front of him, his breath hitched in his throat.

She looked so much like her.

That woman resembled Princess Hanna almost uncannily. She was older, of course, and wore a pair of round glasses, but she looked just like the lost member of the royal family. She looked just like the girl Levi had saved all those years ago.

The woman was saying something, as Levi saw her lips move but couldn’t hear what she was saying. His mind was reeling, his thoughts were in frenzy.

“Erwin!” Levi suddenly shouted.

The woman and the man, who stood beside her, stared at Levi with wide eyes. But he didn’t say anything, waiting to hear the sounds of Erwin’s heavy and hurried steps.

A moment later he walked in, coming to stand next to Levi.

“We have guests?” Erwin asked with a surprised smile.

“Erwin,” Levi tugged at his sleeve. “Look at her.”

And without saying anything else, Erwin did. Levi watched, how Erwin’s eyes focused on the woman’s face and then quickly darted behind her, to the portrait of a royal family.

“Oh,” Erwin breathed out. “Oh.” He repeated, still shocked.

He recovered almost immediately, as he took a step closer, a charming smile appearing on his lips.

“Good evening, my lady,” he took the woman by the hand, kissing her palm. “May I know your name?”

“Hange…” the woman said slowly, eyeing both Levi and Erwin with suspicion.

“Just Hange?”

The woman scratched her head, looking away. “I don’t know my last name.”

“Interesting,” Erwin rubbed his chin. “Well, my name is Erwin Smith, and that is my friend, Levi Ackerman.”

“What the fuck are you doing here?” Levi asked, glaring furiously at the newcomers.

“We were just passing by!” Hange hurried to explain, her eyes darting nervously from Erwin’s sweet smile to Levi’s hard face. “My friend Moblit and I,” she gestured to the man with chestnut hair, who was standing behind her. “We’ve heard that there lives a man, who knows how to forge documents.” She smiled a little sheepishly. “And we need them to go to Paris.”

“Paris?” Erwin’s smile became a lot wider. “What a coincidence! My friend and I are planning to go there as well. If you wish, we can accompany you.”

“I…” Hange looked at her friend, and they seemed to have a silent conversation. “What will it cost us?”

Erwin’s eyes glinted almost wickedly. “Before I answer your question, will you answer mine, please?”

“Alright…” Hange nodded, looking even more wary than before.

“This may sound weird, but do you know your family?”

“My family died.” Hange replied in a strange, detached voice. “Or they left me. I don’t really know. All I have is this thing,” she showed Erwin and Levi her necklace. “It says ‘together in Paris’. I don’t know what exactly this means, but I’m determined to find out.”

Erwin nodded and came to stand next to Hange, wrapping his hands around her shoulders and spinning her around.

“Do you see this girl, Hange?” he gestured to the smallest member of Zoe family. “Don’t you think she looks just like you?”

“You’re joking.” Hange scoffed, although her eyes didn’t leave the portrait and her hand was clutching the necklace tightly.

“I am not,” Erwin assured her in a calm, deep voice. “It is known that Princess Hanna was the only one of Zoe family, who managed to escape from the revolutionaries. And if you don’t remember your parents, you might as well be the long lost Princess. Princess’ grandmother, Empress Olga, lives in Paris now, why don’t you come with us and pay her a visit? It may be your chance to find out about your past.”

“To find out about my past…” Hange whispered in daze. “I always wanted to do that.”

She continued to stare at the portrait for another moment, and then she turned around, looking intently at Erwin and Levi.

“Do you really think it’s possible that I can be Princess Hanna?”

“I’m sure of it.” Erwin gave her another smile.

“And you?” Hange came to stand in front of Levi, her eyes boring into his. “Do you also think I’m a Princess?”

“You look like a dirty tramp and you reek like a wet dog.” Levi told her, crossing his hands on his chest. Erwin elbowed him in the side, whispering him to shut up, but Levi paid him no mind, keeping the entirety of his attention on the woman in front of him. “But I’ve seen hundreds of Russian girls, who have claimed to be a Princess. And no one resembled Princess Hanna like you do.”

Hange stared at Levi for a long moment. To his surprise, she didn’t seem to be offended by his words. On the contrary, her lips curved into a small, but amused smile.

“Alright then,” Hange declared, still gazing at Levi. “I’ll come with you.”

“Excellent!” Erwin straightened out, giving Hange another brilliant smile. “Then pack your suitcases, Princess. Paris is waiting for us!”

***

As he sat next to her on the train, Levi couldn’t stop glaring at Hange. The speck of dirt on her left cheek irritated him. His hands twitched with desire to tell her to wipe that shit off her face, but he promised Erwin he’d behave around her.

Still, the more he looked at it, the angrier Levi became. 

Another ten minutes passed by with Levi’s gaze still focused on Hange. Erwin and Princess’ friend Moblit began to give Levi weird looks, but Levi ignored them. In return, Hange ignored him. She either didn’t notice his intense stare, or just didn’t care about it.

Another ten minutes, and Levi had enough.

He swiftly took the handkerchief out of his pocket and threw it at Hange. It landed right on her face.

She slowly lifted the white cloth and gave Levi a questioning look.

“Your face is fucking dirty, four-eyes,” Levi growled. He instantly wanted to smack himself – he promised to be polite and considerate around Hange, so she would get used to her role as a Princess. But her sloppiness pissed Levi off so much!

Another thing that pissed off Levi was her constant carelessness and her inability to take anything, and especially him, seriously. Even now she was giggling at Levi’s annoyed face, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

“And clean your glasses, for fuck’s sake,” he added, looking at her with disgust.

“Yes, sir!” Hange stuck her tongue at him and then burst out laughing.

Levi’s eye began to twitch. “Can you stop behaving like a child for at least a moment? And can you stop slouching in your sit? Princesses don’t sit like that!”

“And you know a lot about Princesses?” Hange asked. The stupid amused expression was still plastered on her face.

“More than you do.”

“But you do believe that I am a Princess, right?�� Hange’s eyes glinted with mischief.

“Of course.”

“Then stop bossing me around!” she exclaimed.

In the sit across from Levi, Erwin chuckled. When Levi turned his gaze to Moblit, he saw that he too was hiding a smile behind his palm.

Fucking assholes.

Levi swiftly rose to his feet, heading out of the train cabin. He needed to get some fresh air. And get away from Hange. The smug grin on her lips made Levi’s blood boil.

***

Levi slowly made his way through the train. Almost everyone he passed through was busy checking their documents, making sure that the Inspector wouldn’t find anything suspicious.

Levi briefly glanced at the passengers’ passports. They were red. But as he walked out of the cabin, he was sure that Erwin held blue passports in his hands.

Shit!

Levi returned to their cabin as swiftly as he could without raising any suspicions.

“Erwin!” Levi said breathlessly, as he tumbled inside the cabin. “Everyone has red passports!”

Erwin looked at the passport in his hand and then back at Levi. “Shit.” He said quietly, but with feeling. Levi couldn’t agree more.

“Is something wrong?” Hange asked, fixing the glasses on her face. Levi was relieved to see that she had cleaned them. Small mercies and all that shit. “I thought you were good at forging documents.”

Erwin gave her a tight-lipped smile. “We are, but we mostly specialize on Russian documents. French passports are, sadly, not my area of expertise.”

“We need to run.” Levi urged, getting his suitcase. “If the Inspector sees us…”

“Yeah, I know,” Erwin nervously ran a hand through his hair. “Take Hange and go, Levi. Moblit and I will follow you.”

“Roger.” Levi nodded, grabbing Hange’s hand and yanking her up. “Let’s go, four-eyes. We need to hurry.”

“And where exactly are we going? Where are we going to hide?”

“There isn’t a place on this train, where Inspector wouldn’t look for us. So we have to get off this train.”

“Get off?” Hange’s eyes widened and her brows furrowed. “Do you mean—”

“Yes, we’ll jump off the train,” Levi said impatiently, leading Hange to the most secluded area of the train.

“Jump?!” Hange shrieked. “We can die!”

“Don’t tell me you’re scared, four-eyes.” Levi smirked. “C’mon, get ready.”

He let go of her palm and put his hands on the big metal door. To Hange’s surprise, Levi opened it without much of hassle. He was so short, but his back was wide and his arms were evidently strong.

“On the count of three?” he asked Hange, as he stood on the edge.

“On the count of three.” she agreed. She took a deep breath and then grabbed Levi by the hand.

Levi glanced at their joined hands in surprise, but then nodded, squeezing Hange’s palm.

“Three.” He whispered, jumping and dragging Hange after him.

While they were falling, Levi managed to maneuver himself in a different position. Still holding Hange’s hand, his other arm grabbed her waist, pressing her closer to him. As a result, when they landed, Hange fell on top of him.

“That was awesome!” she exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear. Hange’s eyes were practically sparkling with excitement.

All Levi could do was to slightly node. Hange was close, so very close to him, and all thoughts seemed to leave Levi’s head.

“Hange!” Moblit shouted, as soon as he and Erwin landed not far from Levi and Hange. “Are you alright?”

“Of course!” Hange’s voice was loud and cheerful. She briefly glanced back at Levi. “Thanks for being a cushion for me!” she patted his shoulder and winked. 

Then she got up and went to Moblit, who continued to fret over her. Levi didn’t know if he should be disappointed or relieved at the loss of warmth Hange’s body was giving him.

Of course, Hange’s clothes were dirty, and she herself was disgusting, but to Levi’s surprise, she didn’t smell as bad as he expected. She actually smelled kind of nice…

Still lying in the snow, Levi shook his head, he was slowly going crazy. Hange’s craziness was probably contagious.

“You seem kind of shaken,” Erwin stood above him, outstretching his hand towards him.

“Hit my head during the fall.” Levi lied, taking the offered hand and hoisting himself up.

Dusting off his snow-covered coat, he looked at the horizon. The train had almost disappeared from the view, leaving a cloud of dust after it.

“What are we going to do next?” Levi asked ignoring Hange’s excited blabbering behind him.

Erwin sighed, rubbing his face tiredly. “If my estimates are correct, we are somewhere in Poland. I guess we can get aboard the ship in Germany.”

“And how will we get there?”

“We can catch a bus in Strasburg. But the road there will be a long one.”

Levi glanced back. Moblit was holding Hange’s face in his hands, inspecting it for signs of injury. Noticing Levi’s stare, Hange stuck her tongue at him again.

Levi sighed, turning to face Erwin again. “Yeah,” he grunted. “The road will be long.”

***

“So?” Levi asked as soon as Erwin walked out of the postman’s office.

Erwin nodded, looking pleased. “It’s all set. Mike is waiting for us and he promised that Nanaba will talk with Empress.”

“What is set?” Hange suddenly appeared behind Levi’s shoulder. “Who is Mike and why is he waiting for us? Who is Nanaba and why does she have to talk with Empress?”

“Mike is my old friend,” Erwin explained with a smile. “His wife Nanaba is Empress’ distant relative. She’ll talk with her and persuade her to see you.”

“Persuade?” Hange’s eyebrows were furrowed in confusion. “But I thought that Empress was already waiting for me?”

Erwin’s warm smile became nervous. He stared at Hange in slight panic, not knowing what to say.

Levi decided to come to his rescue. “Empress doesn’t know about you yet.” He said in his usual bored voice. “But once you convince her that you’re the real Princess Hanna–”

“Convince?” Hange cried out, looking at Erwin and Levi in shock. “Convince?!” she repeated even more outraged. “No one told me I had to convince anyone! I didn’t agree to this!”

“Hange, please—” Erwin tried, but Hange silenced him with one furious look.

“No.” she said sternly, her eyes burning with cold fury. “No, I’m not going to do it.”

She turned around, but Levi grabbed her by the hand. “What the fuck?” he hissed, holding her wrist tightly. “We went so far and now you just want to quit? What the fuck happened?”

“You both lied to me, that’s what happened. I just wanted to find my family, I don’t want to lie to anyone!”

“But that’s not a lie! You’re Princess Hanna!”

Hange let out a merciless laugh. “And who is going to believe me?” she said, spreading her hands out. “You are the one, who always tells me how dirty and messy I am! Empress would never believe that I am a Princess!”

Hange jerkily freed her hand out of Levi’s grasp and started to walk away. And Levi just stared at her retreating back, not knowing what to say or what to do. What Hange just said was true, he did treat her like shit, always calling her names and scolding her. It was his fault that Hange was losing her confidence.

“C’mon, Moblit,” Hange took her friend by the hand, grabbing their suitcase. “We can find some other way to Paris.”

Hange was walking further and further away, but Levi stood still. Erwin moved passed him, giving him a pointed look and hurrying after Hange.

Levi watched how Erwin caught up with Hange and Moblit. He felt like the biggest asshole in the world. But surprisingly he didn’t care about their scheme right now. He wasn’t worried that Hange would walk away and he would lose his money. Instead he felt anger and regret. He was angry at himself for always running his mouth, for never thinking how his cruel words affected other people. He was regretting all the stupid things he had said to upset Hange.

***

“Wait, Hange, please!” breathlessly, Erwin took Hange by the elbow. “Let’s talk.” Erwin tried to use his most charming smile, but Hange wasn’t fazed.

“Are you going to ask me to continue our journey?”

“I’m not.” Erwin promised her seriously. The smile disappeared from his face, and he looked at Hange earnestly. “I just want to tell you something, that’s all. If after our conversation, you still decide to leave, then I’ll accept it.”

Hange gave him a long, critical look. Then she sighed. “Fine, let’s talk.”

“Thank you,” Erwin nodded and linked his hands with Hange. “We won’t be long,” he promised Moblit and started to lead Hange away.

They walked in silence for some time, and Hange was starting to get impatient.

“I thought you wanted to talk,” she reminded when they reached the small bridge.

Erwin gave her an enigmatic smile and came to stand next to the railing. “Come here,” he softly urged.

Hange huffed, annoyed by his strange behavior, but obeyed his request. She stared into the blue water of the lake beneath the bridge, watching her reflection.

“What do you see?” Erwin asked.

“I see you,” Hange grumbled. “And me.”

“Right, but what exactly do you see?”

Hange stared at the surface of the lake. Her expression stared back. Looking at her messy hair, big glasses and dirty clothes, Hange felt anger stir inside her. Levi’s words echoed in her head, as though mocking her.

“I see stupid and naïve girl,” she crossed hands on her chest, glaring at the water. “I see someone without past. And without future.”

Erwin softly chuckled. “Not to agree with Levi, but maybe you really should clean your glasses, Hange. Because I see something different.” he hugged Hange by her shoulders. His reflection in the lake was smiling gently. “I see a woman, whose bravery and kindness can only rival with her intelligence. I see a good, noble person.”

As Hange gave Erwin a sidelong glance, she saw that even though the smile was still present on his lips, his gaze was becoming distant and melancholy.

“You know that I grew up in the palace?” he began slowly. “My parents were a part of the court, and I’ve spent my childhood alongside other nobles. I’ve never met you, of course, I was a bit older after all. But I do remember tales about an insufferable little girl, who was running around the palace and hiding from her nannies.”

Hange didn’t remember that, all she could remember from her childhood was the cold, uncomfortable beds and angry shouts from the governesses in the orphanage. But she could picture what Erwin was talking about quite clearly. And she liked that image. A small, involuntarily smile appeared on her face, as she continued listening to Erwin.

“What I wanted to tell you Hange, was this - I met a lot of nobles in my life, I was surrounded by them, and well,” Erwin shrugged. “Most of them were terrible people. They were cruel and greedy, and they didn’t respect anyone, who was beneath them. But you Hange… you are different. I can see how bright you are, how sympathetic. It might be foolish of me, but when I look at you, I feel like you’re the only true noble I’ve ever met. Maybe you don’t look like a Princess, but it doesn’t matter. I’m sure that once Empress sees you, once she looks into your fierce and clever eyes, she will know that you’re her granddaughter.”

Hange stared at Erwin for a long moment, thinking over everything he just told her. Slowly, a grin appeared on her face.

She slightly nudged Erwin in the side. “You know, with the way you talk, I’m sure you can probably convince Empress that you’re Princess Hanna.” Hange paused, her eyes focusing on her reflection once more. Then she sighed, straightening her shoulders and turning to look Erwin in the eyes. “Alright, you won. Let’s continue our journey.”

“That’s it?” Levi’s voice suddenly came from behind them “Your tantrum is over?”

“No thanks to you,” Erwin pointed out, giving Levi a disappointed glare.

Levi huffed, and Hange could swear that his cheeks had slightly reddened. “I was an asshole.” He said, looking Hange in the eyes. Even though he was embarrassed, he didn’t look away. He wanted Hange to believe in his sincerity.

“Yeah, you were,” Hange easily agreed and Levi was shocked to see a grin on her lips. “But I’m already used to that.” She patted his shoulder, walking past him. “I guess that’s just how you are. So I’m not upset, don’t worry.”

“As if I would worry about something stupid like that,” Levi grumbled. The amused expressions on Erwin and Hange’s faces told him that they could see right through him.

Damn it, Levi cursed, both of them were annoyingly perceptive.

“Alright!” Hange exclaimed, making a wide gesture with her hands. “Gentlemen! Teach me how to be a Princess!”

***

“We are lucky that you’re better at remembering names of Czar’s family then at playing chess,” Erwin chuckled after winning another game with Hange.

She huffed, crossing her hands on her chest. “That’s unfair! I’ve learned the rules just yesterday, of course I’ll bad at it!”

“Believe me, four-eyes,” Levi came to stand beside her. “You can spend years playing chess and you still won’t be able to win against Erwin. He is insanely and annoyingly good at this game.”

Erwin shrugged, grinning slightly. “Do you want to try your luck, Levi?” he gestured at the chess board.

“No thanks,” Levi made a face. “I don’t want to be humiliated.” Then he turned to Hange, passing her a wrapped package. “Besides, I came to give Hange this.”

Hange’s greedy hands immediately began tearing off the wrappings. Finished with them, she took out what was inside and gave it a confused look.

“What’s this?” she asked, cocking her head to the side.

Instead of answering, Levi came closer and snatched the glasses of her face. He directed them to the light, inspecting them. Then he huffed. “Your glasses are surprisingly clean, Hange. Have your eyesight became even shittier? Or have you never seen a dress before?”

“Of course, I have!” Hange protested, pressing the dress to her chest. “But I’ve never wore one.” She whispered, hanging her head.

“Well, what are you waiting for? Hurry up and put it on.”

When Hange lifted her face, there was a big smile on her lips. She shot up to her feet, briefly hugging Levi. “Thank you!” she shouted right into his ear. She swiftly kissed his cheek and then sprinted off to her cabin.

Levi gingerly touched the place, where Hange had kissed him. The skin there was warm, and even warmer feeling spread across his chest.

Standing with his hand on his cheek and a dumb-struck expression on his face, Levi was sure that he looked like an idiot. “Shut up,” he grumbled, seeing the smirk on Erwin’s face. He sat down heavily next to him. “Let’s play your stupid game.” He added, putting figures in their places.

Hopefully, a chess match with Erwin would give him something else to focus onto and he would forget about Hange’s dumb happy smile or her stupid pretty eyes.

***

Half an hour later, Hange appeared on the deck of a ship, accompanied by Moblit. Levi’s eyes widened as he looked at her.

She was wearing a dress Levi had given her and she let her hair down, the brown locks reached to her shoulders and framed her flushed face. She came to stand in front of Levi and Erwin, nervously smiling at them.

“What do you think?” she asked, tucking a loose lock of her hair behind her ear. “Do I look… acceptable?”

“You look gorgeous.” Erwin replied, standing up and taking Hange by the hand.

Levi couldn’t agree more. When he was a child and lived in a palace with his mother, he oftentimes sneaked into the ballrooms to gawk at all the ladies in beautiful gowns. Their dresses were expansive, their hair was put into complicated hairstyles, and their carefully applied make-up hid every imperfection they had.

Hange looked nothing like them. Standing in her simple purple dress, slightly blushing and shyly smiling, she looked more beautiful than all the ladies, duchesses and princesses Levi had ever seen.

In the meantime, Erwin span Hange around. “You are ready for the ball, Princess.” Erwin said, smiling softly at her.

The blush on Hange’s cheeks intensified. She casted her eyes down, her fingers were fidgeting with the hem of her dress. “Truth be told, I don’t know how to dance…”

“Ah, it’s a problem that can be easily solved.” Still holding Hange’s hand in his, Erwin laid his other arm on Levi’s shoulder. “Because our Levi just so happens to be an incredible dancer! He will teach you everything you need to know!” finished, Erwin let go of them and took a step back.

Hange still looked a bit shy, but she was the first one to make a move. She laid her left hand on Levi’s waist, while her right one took his palm.

Beside them, Erwin chuckled. “While, I agree that the taller person should be the one to lead,” he began, earning a fierce glare from Levi. “But for your first time, I think you should let Levi lead, Hange.”

“Oh,” Hange slowly blinked, changing the position of her hands. “That’s how I should do it?”

Erwin nodded with a smile, and in the next moment, Levi started to slowly move Hange around the deck.

“Relax and follow my lead,” he whispered to Hange, squeezing her hand. “There’s nothing complicated about it.”

Hange nodded slightly, her eyes focused on her toes. Levi tsked.

“I know my face is ugly, but you have to look your partner in the eyes.”

“You’re not ugly!” Hange argued immediately, lifting her face and glaring at Levi. “Maybe, you scowl too much, but it doesn’t make you unpleasant to look at! On the contrary, I like looking at your face.” Hange’s eyes widened as she realized what she had said. “I mean— not that I’m looking at you all the time or something! I just—” Hange’s hand twitched in Levi’s hold, as she wanted to run a hand through her hair. Levi didn’t let her go.

He was sure that his face was as red as Hange’s, but still he tried to keep a straight expression, continuing their dance. “Even with your stupid glasses, I like looking at your face as well.”

Levi cursed at himself, wondering what had possessed him to say those stupid words. However… the smile that appeared on Hange’s face afterwards was kind of worth it. Even if Levi felt like a fucking idiot.

“Thank you for the dress,” Hange whispered. She was still following Levi’s request and looked him straight in the eyes. And Levi stared back, unable to turn away from those warm brown eyes.

“You’re welcome.” Levi whispered back.

“I feel lightheaded,” Hange admitted after Levi had spun her around.

“And your heart is beating fast?” Levi asked.

“Too fast.” Hange agreed.

“I feel the same.” Levi said. He stopped moving, but didn’t let go of Hange and didn’t look away from her face.

“It’s probably from all that dancing,” Hange forced a grin on her face.

Levi nodded. “Maybe, we should stop.”

“But Levi,” Hange looked at him in surprise. “We already did.”

“Hange…” Levi began, staring at her almost desperately. “Hange… I—” he almost did it, almost said those words, almost told Hange how she made him feel. But Levi stopped himself, shaking his head.

What the fuck was he thinking? Hange was a Princess, and a few days later he would get her to Paris and then never see her again. Whatever he thought he was feeling couldn’t be real. He was just being foolish.

“There is nothing I can teach you anymore,” Levi finished, patting Hange’s hand before letting her go. “You won’t look like an idiot on your first ball, so my job is done. I… I need to go.”

And then he left, his heart pounding in his chest. He walked back to his cabin, not even once turning around to look at Hange. He knew that if he looked into her eyes again, he wouldn’t be able to stop himself from spilling out the truth about his feelings.

***

Levi motionlessly lay in his bed, staring with unseeing eyes at the ceiling. The evening’s events kept replaying in his head, over and over. He just… he couldn’t understand.

He couldn’t understand what was happening to him, didn’t know what he was feeling and why he was feeling it. Levi had never felt like that, no one had ever made him feel like that. But whenever he was with Hange, something awoke in him. Something that made him feel at ease, that made him almost happy. Something that made him feel alive.

Levi didn’t know the name of this feeling. Or maybe, he did but was afraid to put a name on it. Surely, it couldn’t be that, he couldn’t be in love with Hange. They knew each other for a little more than a week, Levi barely knew her! But he wanted to know more – wanted to know her quirks and habits, her fears and dreams, her thoughts and feelings. Everything. He wanted to know everything about Hange.  

And that scared Levi. More than he was willing to admit.

Because Levi didn’t believe in love. His life was full of sorrows and losses, there was no place for feelings and other foolish things. But looking at Hange, staring at her big smile or getting lost in her bright eyes, Levi felt something that dangerously resembled hope, blooming inside his chest.

Hange made him feel… she made him feel, she always managed to elicit some kind of reaction and emotion out of usually stoic Levi. She irritated him with her endless teasing, she amused him with her stupid jokes, and she amazed him with her kindness.

She made him feel other emotions, too. When Levi saw, how Erwin touched her shoulder or held her hand, when he watched, how Hange kissed Moblit on a cheek and hugged him tightly to her chest, a weird, angry feeling arose in Levi. His fists clenched and his mouth formed a hard line.

And whenever Hange touched him, whenever she laid her hand on his shoulder, when she was laughing too hard, or whenever she pressed herself against his side, leaning on him, Levi’s heart began to drum erratically, his breath hitched in his throat, as something warm settled in his chest.

Levi cursed, running a hand through his hair. He was so fucked. Because no matter what he felt for Hange, if it was love or some other dumb shit, the end of their story was near. Hange would go to Paris and she would become a Princess. She would wear fancy dresses and she would attend balls. She would be adored by everyone around her, and men would throw themselves at her feet, asking for a minute of her attention.

There was no place in this world for a scum like Levi. There was no place for him in Hange’s life.

***

Levi woke up with a start. He didn’t notice how he fell asleep, too engrossed in his solemn thoughts.

At first, he couldn’t understand what had woken him up. But then, a moment later, he heard it again – a quiet, muffled sound. Levi instantly became alarmed. He was sure that he was in the room alone, Hange, Moblit and Erwin had decided to join the ship’s crew for a round of drinks. Had they already returned?

The same sound came again, and Levi rose from his bed, trying to look around the dark room. As his eyes adjusted, he saw that the bed on the other side of the cabin was occupied by Hange.

She tossed and turned, sobbing quietly. Levi froze, his eyes wide as he stared at her. Hange was probably having a nightmare, and despite the fact that he frequently suffered from them as well, Levi didn’t know how to help. He looked around the room once more, but there was no sign of Moblit or Erwin. Levi cursed. If Moblit was here, he would know what to do. And Erwin would definitely find the right words to calm Hange down. But they were absent, and that meant that Levi was the one, who had to help Hange.

He slowly approached her, kneeling beside her bed. He looked at her and his heart caught in his throat. Hange’s face was contorted in pain, her cheeks stained with tears.

Levi outstretched his hand, tentatively laying it on Hange’s shoulder. “Oi, Hange,” he slightly shook her. “C’mon, wake up.”

But Hange didn’t seem to hear him, her breath getting more erratic and her sobs becoming louder. “No,” she whispered, furiously shaking her head. “No, no, please don’t leave me!”

Levi’s heart ached, as he watched her struggles. Wrapping his hands around her shoulders, he shook her again, more forceful this time. But still, Hange was unresponsive.

And so Levi decided to try a different approach. With his hands still around her, Levi pressed Hange close to his chest. One of his hands came to rest atop of Hange’s head, as he soothingly patted her hair.

“It’s just a nightmare, Hange,” Levi whispered in the softest voice he could muster. He pressed a gentle kiss on Hange’s sweaty temple. “None of it is real, none of it can really hurt you.”

And, surprisingly, it seemed to work. Soon, Hange’s sobs ceased and Levi felt how her hands fisted in his shirt. She breathed heavily, her whole body moving with excursion.

Finally she raised her head. “Levi?” her eyes were wide as she looked at him. Without her glasses, Hange seemed so young, so innocent and vulnerable.

“You had a nightmare.” Levi answered her unasked question. He still held her in his arms.

“Oh, I’m so sorry,” Hange whispered, bowing her head in shame.

“Don’t be.” Levi said rather forcefully. “It happens to anyone, and I’m glad that I managed to help you.”

“Thank you,” Hange softly smiled, and Levi’s heart melted. She was smiling at him, he made her smile like that. “But aren’t you angry? My tears ruined your shirt.”

“It’s fine,” Levi waved his hand, finally letting Hange go. A strange look appeared in her eyes, something that looked a lot like disappointment, but it was gone before Levi could inspect it more closely. “As I said, I was glad to help. You’re a Princess, after all. It’s my duty to help you.”

And now Levi was sure that Hange’s eyes were sad. “Is that everything I am to you?” she whispered. “Just a Princess?”

“It’s everything you should be to me.” Levi retorted, looking away from Hange. Her gaze was making him uncomfortable, it almost made him regret his words. “Go to sleep, Hange.” He sighed, getting to his feet. “Tomorrow is an important day.”

Tomorrow, they would finally arrive to Paris, Levi thought bitterly. Soon he would have to say goodbye to Hange.

***

The next day, Levi, Hange, Erwin and Moblit got off the ship. They stepped on the land and were immediately approached by a man and a woman.

The woman was lean and tall. With her stylish blue dress and short blonde hair, she was unmistakably Parisian. However, the man next to her, a big and wide guy with blonde thick hair and even thicker moustache, was undeniably Russian.

“Oh, god!” the woman exclaimed, as she ran up to Hange. “You look so much like her! You really are Princess Hanna!”

Hange awkwardly scratched her head, shrugging. “Everyone keeps telling me that.” She said with a lopsided grin.

“And they are correct, my dear,” the woman wore a bright smile. She took Hange's hands in hers, squeezing them tightly. “I’m so glad to meet you! And I’m sure Empress will be incredibly happy to see you. She missed you terribly, Hanna.”

Hange smiled at the woman. It looked more than a little forced. “I prefer to be called Hange.”

Even if the woman was taken aback by her words, she didn’t show it. “As you wish. But you need to at least get used to your title. Everyone will call you Princess now.”

Hange’s eyes immediately turned to Levi. She avoided his eyes as soon as their gazes met, but Levi didn’t miss the same hurtful look from yesterday.

“Ah, where are my manners!” the woman clasped her hands together and then outstretched her right one to Hange for a handshake. “I’m Nanaba. And that is my husband Mike.”

Hange smiled, and this time it was sincere. “I’m Hange, and this is my friend Moblit.” She gestured to him.

“Charmed,” Nanaba nodded, shaking Hange’s and Moblit’s hands.

And while Hange shook hands with Mike, Nanaba came to stand next to Erwin.

She grabbed his face and kissed both of his cheeks, smiling from ear to ear. “It’s good to see you again.”

Erwin shared her sentiment, looking just as happy. “I’m glad to be here as well, Nanaba. You look more beautiful with each day.”

Nanaba shook her head, chuckling. “You never change, Erwin.”

Then she turned to Levi, although she didn’t greet him the way she did Erwin. “It’s nice to see you, too, Levi.”

Levi nodded slightly. “I’m glad to know you’re doing alright.”

A moment later, Mike walked up to Erwin. He enveloped him in a tight, suffocating hug. “It’s been too long, my friend.” he said with feeling.

Erwin chuckled, hugging Mike just as tightly. “I missed you, too.”

As he let Erwin go, a big smile curved Mike’s lips. It disappeared as soon as he laid his eyes on Levi. “Ackerman.” He said. All the warmth in his voice was gone.

“Zacharius.” Levi replied in the same manner.

“Are they going to fight?” Hange asked Erwin, watching the scene with great interest.

“They did, a few times.” Hange was surprised by Erwin’s nonchalant tone. Her eyes widened as she saw that Mike’s face broke into a wide grin. He ruffled Levi’s hair, laughing heartily. “I see you still haven’t grown up.”

“Shut up, you ugly giant,” Levi made a face. “And get your dirty hands off me!”

Mike started to laugh even harder, and soon everyone joined him. Everyone, except Levi, who was glaring at them.

“So…” Hange began uncertainly with her hands behind her back. “When I will meet Empress?”

“This evening,” Nanaba promised. “She will attend a play in the theater and I’ll introduce you to each other. Before that, we need to get you a dress. This one is pretty,” she nodded at Hange’s purple dress. “But you need something fancier.”

“Oh, alright. Of course.”

“Great!” Nanaba smiled once more, linking her hands with Hange. “Then let’s go shopping!”

***

Hange threw the curtain open, revealing yet another outfit to her audience. She grinned, spinning around to give them a better look. However, as she stopped, she was surprised to find out that almost everyone was gone. Only Levi remained in his seat.

“Eh?” her brows furrowed in confusion. “Where are the others?”

“They went to grab a lunch,” Levi said as he came up to Hange. “I have a more pressing question, though. Where the fuck have you found this monstrosity?” he stared displeasingly at Hange’s bright dress. “This thing looks like someone had eaten the rainbow and then vomited it all over the fabric.”

Levi’s colorful description sent Hange into a fit of giggles. She clutched her stomach, laughing even harder. Levi tsked, although his eyes were full of amusement, as he gazed at Hange.

“C’mon,” he softly shoved her back into the dressing room. “Take off this ugly dress, I’ll look for something… more presentable.”

Still chuckling, Hange nodded and disappeared behind the curtain. She was angry at Levi before, and more than angry, she was hurt, but their easy banter made her forget about yesterday’s conversation.  She could almost pretend that everything was fine. That Levi and her were friends.

Five minutes later, Levi touched the side of the curtain. “Here,” he passed her a dress. “Try this.”

Hange looked at the dress in her hands. A smile appeared on her face, as she admired its bright yellow color. Her favorite.

She swiftly put it on and walked out of the dressing room, looking a bit shy. She still felt uncomfortable while wearing a dress.

“Yes,” Levi said in a strange, almost breathless voice. “We should take this one.”

Hange turned to the mirror, studying her reflection. The dress wasn’t long, reaching to her knees and showing off her long and slender legs, it wasn’t tight either, but it followed every curve of her body, accentuating her slim waist. The bright yellow color contrasted with Hange’s tan skin.

“Do I look pretty?” Hange grinned, looking at Levi in the mirror.

“You look beautiful.” Levi told her seriously, staring right into her reflection’s eyes. Hange felt her cheeks reddened, but she couldn’t look away from Levi’s eyes, which looked at her so intently.

“Alright,” she said, shaking her head and looking away. “Let’s take this one then.”

“Get changed and let’s meet with the others. They’re waiting for us at the café.”

***

“Hange, this dress is marvelous!” Nanaba admired the fabric in her hands. “You have an excellent taste!”

“Ah, I wasn’t the one who chose it. Levi did,” Hange said, grinning at him.

“Really?” Mike raised his eyebrow. “Levi, I didn’t know you like fashion so much.”

“This is your last warning, Mike,” Levi growled. “Shut the fuck up.”

Unfortunately, Mike didn’t seem intimidated. He just chuckled, sharing a long and knowing look with Erwin.

“Hange,” Nanaba called, unexpectedly serious. She took Hange’s hand in hers. “I need to ask you something. I believe you really are Princess Hanna, but I just want to make sure.”

“Of course.” Hange smiled, trying to hide her nervousness.

“Do you… do you remember the night of the attack?”

“I remember a ball,” Hange slowly began, staring into her cup of coffee. Nanaba slightly nodded – everyone knew that revolutionaries attacked the Winter Palace during a noble’s festivities. “I remember there were screams and sounds of gunshots, people running in every direction. Then there was a secret door, but I… I couldn’t open it. But this boy…” Hange raised her head, briefly glancing in Levi’s direction. Levi’s heart skipped a beat, as he stared at Hange back. Could she remember him? “He pushed the door open for me, he… well, I guess he saved me.” Hange shrugged, grinning crookedly. “Sorry, but I don’t remember much.”

Tears gathered in the corners of Nanaba’s eyes, as Hange finished. She pressed her close to her chest. “You remember about secret door! It’s really you! Ah, I’m so happy we finally found you.” She whispered in her shoulder.

Hange patted her on the shoulder. “And I’m happy to be found.”

***

Hange stood in front of a grand, gorgeous theater. Her hands trembled, and looking at all the people around her – beautiful women in fancy dresses and handsome men in rich suits, she felt completely out of place.

Hange had half a mind to run away. To turn around and flee, as fast as she could. She almost took a step back, when Levi came to stand beside her.

“Nervous?” he asked, giving her a side glance.

“Of course not!” Hange exclaimed, trying to sound far more cheerful than she felt.

Levi silently raised his eyebrow. Hange huffed and lowered her head. “Fine, you’re right. Maybe, I feel a little nervous.”

“You’ve been dreaming about this moment your whole life, right? Of course, you’ll be nervous.” Levi replied in a strangely soft voice. He took Hange’s hand in his, giving her palm a squeeze. “I’ll be there, if you need me.” He promised.

Hange instantly felt better. She relaxed slightly, as all of her panic seemed to leave her body. Levi’s presence gave her a weird sense of comfort. With him by her side, she felt like she could do anything.

Still holding his hand, she entered the theater.

***

Hange fidgeted in her seat, picking at her dress. She tried to focus her attention on the stage, where an undoubtedly spectacular play was in motion, but her eyes had been glued to the old woman in the next balcony. Could it really be her? Her grandmother? Her family? Looking at her, Hange tried to feel something, some connection, but she felt nothing but panic.

Erwin and Levi left a couple of minutes ago, telling Hange they needed to discuss something with Nanaba. And Hange had been panicking ever since.

“Calm down,” Moblit whispered, leaning to her. “There is nothing to worry about.”

“Nothing to worry about?!” Hange hissed. “What if she doesn’t recognize me? What if she does recognize me?”

Moblit smiled, taking Hange’s hand in his. “If she doesn’t recognize you, then we move forward, continuing to look for your family. And if she does recognize you, then you’ll become a Princess.”

“But what if… what if I’m not sure if I want to become a Princess?” Hange whispered, suddenly vulnerable.

Moblit shrugged. “You’ll figure it out. We can always run away, you know, travel to some other place.”

“You’ll run away with me? You won’t leave me?”

“Of course, I won’t. Hange, I followed you from Russia to Paris. We’ve known each other, since we were kids. I’m not leaving you alone.”

Moblit’s earnest words and his unyielding loyalty warmed Hange’s heart. She moved closer and circled her hands around him, hugging him tightly. “Thank you, Moblit. You are a far better friend, than I deserve.” Holding Moblit in her embrace, all panic seemed to leave Hange’s body. She relaxed in his arms and enjoyed the warmth his body was giving to her.

“Oi,” suddenly came Levi’s displeasing voice. “Stop your lovey-dovey shit. We need to go.”

Hange giggled, letting go of Moblit and getting to her feet. “There is no need to get jealous, Levi. I can give you a hug, too, if you want.”

“Yeah, I think I’ll pass.” Levi grumbled. “Hurry up, four-eyes. Erwin is already waiting for us.”

And just like that, Hange’s worry returned. She nodded shakily, tightening her hands into fists to prevent them from shaking.

She followed Levi into the corridor. He led her to a big oak door and stopped. Erwin was already there, smiling encouragingly at Hange.

“Are you ready?”

“Let’s do this.” Hange replied. She grinned, remembering Moblit’s words. He was right, there was nothing to be afraid of.

Levi briefly squeezed her hand. “Wait here. We need to announce your arrival first.” His hand touched the handle, ready to open the door.

“Wait!” Hange stopped him. “I need… I need to tell you something.” It was on Hange’s mind for a while. What she felt for Levi… maybe, it was her last chance to say it. “I feel… I feel…”

“Yes?” Levi moved closer, staring at Hange intently. “What do you feel, Hange?” his voice was no louder than a whisper.

“I feel like…” And Hange did it, she almost said those words, but… “I feel like I should thank you. For everything you’ve done for me.” No, now was not the time for that. She had to meet her family. She could deal with her feelings for Levi later.

“Oh.” Levi’s face was as neutral as usual. But his gaze seemed disappointed. Hange tried not to think about it. His hand reached to the handle again, he almost turned it and opened the door, but suddenly he turned around. “Hange,” he called, laying his arm on her elbow. “Hange, I wanted to tell you—”

“Y-yes?”

Levi stared at Hange hopelessly, his mouth almost formed the needed words, but then he shook his head. “I wanted to wish you good luck.” Levi finished, shaking Hange’s hand. He cringed at his awkwardness, but he knew it was a right decision. He couldn’t let Hange know about his feelings – not now, not ever.

With one last look at Hange, Levi turned around and opened the door.

“Maybe, you should have confessed?” Erwin whispered in his ear, as they walked into the room.

“No,” Levi shook his head. “She’s a Princess, and I’m the servant’s son. We’re not meant to be.”

Erwin obviously wanted to disagree, but Levi silenced him with look and pointed to Nanaba, who was waiting for them. “We have more pressing matters now.”

Nanaba walked up to them, shaking her head sadly. “She refuses to see you. Or Hange.”

“Why?” Erwin’s thick brows furrowed.

Nanaba shrugged. “She’s an old woman. And her heart was broken for a very long time.”

“What a load of bullshit.” Levi growled, moving past Nanaba and heading towards Empress.

“Levi, wait!” Erwin tried to stop him, but Levi didn’t even turn around. Erwin gave Nanaba an apologizing look and then hurried after him.

“What are you doing?” Erwin hissed, as he caught up with him.

“I don’t care what this old woman wants. Hange is waiting for her, desperate to meet her family. I can’t let her down.”

“No,” Empress Olga said, as soon as Erwin and Levi stood before her. “I told Nanaba already that I don’t want to see you, and especially I don’t want to see another one of those ‘Princesses’.”

“But, your majesty, please listen to us!” Erwin begged, reaching to her.

Empress made a face of distain. “Do you have any respect towards me?”

“Of course!” Erwin was quick to assure her.

“Then respect my wish. I’m an old woman, I’m tired and weary. Do you know how many girls I’ve seen who had claimed to be my dear Hanna? I do not wish to see another imposter, my weak heart won’t be able to take it.”

Erwin stared at her, and for the first time in his life he didn’t know what to say, what words to use to persuade Empress.

Beside him, Levi took a step forward, his grey eyes narrowed as he glared at Empress. “Behind that door stands a young woman. She lost her family, and all she wants to do is to find it again. She traveled from Russia to here, just so she could meet you in hopes that you will turn out to be her grandmother. And you don’t want to waste one minute of your precious time just to see her?”

Empress was silent for a long moment, staring at Levi and Erwin in deep thought. It looked like she was actually considering to change her decision, but then her mouth formed a hard line, as an arrogant look returned to her eyes.

“I think I know you, gentlemen,” her sharp eyes looked at Levi and Erwin with utmost precision. “Erwin Smith and Levi Ackerman, am I right? Your reputation precedes you. The tales of your frauds reached even Paris.” Empress rose from her seat, sneering at the two men. “And I’ve heard about your little audition. You’ve been looking for Princess Hanna’s lookalike for a long time, haven’t you? So don’t come to me, crying about some lonely girl! When all you want is to take my money! You don’t care about me, or that girl, all you care for is money! Guards!” Empress called loudly. “Take those bastards away, and make sure they don’t come back!”

Instantly, two pairs of strong arms grabbed Levi’s shoulders and started to drag him away. He kicked and pushed, trying to free himself but his struggles were in vain. He got thrown on the floor and the door closed behind him.

And as Levi looked up, he saw Hange’s beautiful eyes. They were full of anger and hurt. And Levi realized – she had heard everything.

Levi hopelessly stared at her, his eyes wide.

“Hange!” Erwin tried, reaching to her, but one furious look from her and he took a step back.

“No.” She said, her voice deadly calm. “I do not want to hear anything from you two. You were lying to me, this whole fucking time, you’ve been lying to me!”

As she started to walk away, Levi finally recovered. He ran up to Hange, grabbing her hand. Hange recoiled, as though she was burned.

“Don’t you ever touch me.” Her voice was cold and angry, so unlike the Hange Levi was used to.

“Hange, listen to me, please!” Levi asked, desperate to explain himself, to make Hange understand.

“Are you going to tell me another lie? I trusted you, Levi, I thought we were friends! But you and Erwin were just using me! You didn’t care about me, you cared about money! And I was so foolish! I believed you were helping me out of the kindness of your hearts! I thought I meant something to you, Levi.” She said bitterly. “I thought I was in l— Ah! It doesn’t matter anymore! Just go away, Levi,” Hange sighed, so wearily and tiredly. Levi’s heart clenched. “I don’t want to see you anymore.”

And then Hange started to walk away, and all Levi could was to stare after her, feeling his heart shutter into million pieces.

***

“I’m so sorry, Levi,” Erwin laid a comforting hand on his shoulder. “I didn’t know this would result in such a disaster.”

“All of it is my fault,” Levi replied bitterly. “I shouldn’t have gotten… attached.”

He sighed and hanged his head. He kept seeing the hurt expression on Hange’s face and he shook his head, trying to get it out of his mind. Suddenly, out of the corner of his eyes, he saw Empress. She was walking out of the theater, and looking around, Levi noticed a car she was heading to. Without another thought, he rushed to that car. He opened the door and threw the driver out.

“Sorry,” Levi told him, as he took his place in the driver’s seat. “I’ll return the car later.”

In the next moment, Empress sat down in the car, completely unaware that her driver was missing. Levi started the engine and began driving.

“Andrey, slow down a little,” she asked, staring out of the window.

“I’m not Andrey, Empress,” Levi looked at her face in the rear window.

The woman gasped, clutching her chest. “You! What are you doing here? Stop this car immediately!”

Levi shook his head. “Can’t do, Empress. I won’t stop until you agree to meet with your granddaughter.”

“I can throw you in jail for this, do you understand?”

“I do. But I don’t care.”              

Empress sighed. “You’re an incredibly stubborn man, messier Ackerman. Fine, let’s meet with this girl of yours. I very much hope she’s worth it.”

“She is.” Levi promised her fiercely. “You don’t know it yet, your majesty, but your granddaughter is one of the most amazing people I’ve ever met. She’s fearless, kind, strong and unbelievingly smart.” 

Empress’ eyes were studying Levi’s reflection in the mirror. “You love her.” She didn’t ask, just stated it as a fact.

Levi averted his eyes from Empress’ knowing gaze. “It doesn’t matter. I know my place, your majesty. Street rats and princesses don’t belong together.”

Empress said nothing, just continued to stare at Levi.

Soon he stopped the car. They arrived to the hotel, where Hange was staying.

“She’s there, your majesty,” he told Empress, as he opened the door for her. “On the third floor, room number five. Be kind to her, and try to understand her.”

“You’re not coming with me?”

Levi sadly shook his head. “She doesn’t wish to see me anymore.”

“I was wrong about you, messier Ackerman. You’re a better man than I expected.” Empress didn’t smile, but her eyes were softer than moments ago. Then she got out of the car and slowly made her way inside. When she disappeared inside the building, Levi lifted his head. The light in Hange’s window was on, and he could see her silhouette, as she walked around the room. He stood there for a long moment, watching her. Then he sighed, and got back into the car, driving as far from Hange, as he could.

***

Hange was hurriedly packing her belongings in a small suitcase, when she heard a knock on the door of her room. Her treacherous heart skipped beat at the thought that it could be Levi. As she began thinking about him, the pain in her chest returned with a renowned vigor. She still couldn’t believe that Erwin and Levi had done this to her.

“I’ll answer the door.” Moblit said, squeezing her shoulder briefly.

“If that’s any of those assholes, don’t hesitate to throw them out.” Yes, she was hurt, but more than that she was angry. Angry at Levi and Erwin for using her and lying to her, angry at herself for believing them, for starting to care about them, for falling in love with one of them.

Hange’s solemn thoughts were interrupted by a sound of heavy, unhurried footsteps. Moblit didn’t walk like that. Hange raised her eyes and gasped, as she saw Empress, standing in front of her.

“My dear!” Empress came closer, laying her hand on Hange’s elbow. “You really do look like her. You’re almost a copy of my beloved Hanna.” Empress kept looking at Hange, when suddenly her eyes widened.

“This necklace!” Empress exclaimed, taking it in her hands and opening. Her eyes filled with tears, as she read the familiar words. “Together in Paris…” she whispered, holding the necklace in her trembling palms. “It’s really you, isn’t it? My dear Hanna, you’ve really returned home?”

“I hope so.” Hange shrugged and grinned unsurely.

“Oh my dear!” Empress threw herself at Hange, nearly suffocating her in tight embrace. She was crying loudly in her shoulder, and Hange awkwardly held the old woman in her arms. She didn’t know her, didn’t really remember her, but this woman clearly cared about Hange. It was nice. It was good to know that there were people who cared about her. People, who considered her a part of their family.

When Empess, calmed down, she took Hange’s face in her hands and studied it. “Look at you!” she exclaimed, smiling happily. “You’re so pretty, Hanna! We have to announce your return! Ah, yes, I should organize the ball. Everyone will love you!”

Hange smiled in return, and hoped it didn’t look too forced. She was happy, really happy to meet with her grandmother, it was her lifetime dream, but she felt uncomfortable, thinking about the ball. And she still wasn’t used to be called Hanna. She was Hange her whole life…

“Grandmother, I’m so sorry,” Hange touched the older woman’s hand. “But can we talk about this tomorrow? I had a rather stressful evening.”

“Of course, my dear, I’ll send a coach for you in the morning.” Empress rose to her feet. She looked around the hotel room, her face filling with distain. “And you should take all your belongings to my manor. An heir to Russian throne can’t sleep in a place like these! And by the way,” Empress leaned in, lowering her voice to a whisper. “Who is that man who answered the door? Is he your lover?”

“No!” Hange protested, waving her hands around. “It’s Moblit, he’s my friend! We grew up together, he’s like a brother to me.”

Empress hummed, still looking displeased. “Anyway, you shouldn’t sleep in the same room as him. It’s very improper.”

When the door after Empress closed and Moblit came back into the room, Hange breathed out, willing herself to relax.

She had never thought that meeting her relatives would be so hard.

***

“Come in,” Empress said, staring out of the window.

“Good day, your majesty. You’ve sent for us?”

Empress turned around. Messieurs Erwin Smith and Levi Ackerman were standing in front of her, looking uneasy.

“I did,” Empress said, taking a step closer to them. “It wasn’t easy to find you, messieurs. I can’t help but wonder why. Don’t you want your reward?”

“We didn’t expect you t—” Erwin began, but Levi cut him off.

“We don’t want it.” He said seriously. Then, glancing at Erwin, he hastily added. “I don’t want it. You should give all money to Erwin.”

“No, Levi’s right.” Erwin smiled, although it didn’t seem to work on Empress. “We wronged your granddaughter, your majesty. We’ve wronged her and we’ve hurt her. We don’t deserve a reward for that.”

“Huh, it seems like even criminals have honor. But are you sure, messieurs? You’ve returned my granddaughter to me, and I wish to repay you for that. Is there anything I can do for you? Maybe, there is something else you desire?”

“With all due respect, your majesty,” Levi began. “But you cannot give me what I desire.”

“Well, if that’s your decision,” Empress shrugged. “Do tell me one last thing, though – are you going to stay in Paris?”

“No, your majesty, we’ll continue to travel.” Erwin said. “Maybe, visit England, look for some job there.”

“Then I wish you luck.” Empress nodded, dismissing them.

***

Hange was trying yet another one of a dozen dresses her grandmother had bought for her. She studied her reflection in the mirror skeptically, while servants around her cheered and complimented her. She paid no mind to them, she had learnt already that their words and praises meant nothing. They would say anything, just to make her happy.

Suddenly, she heard footsteps on the stairwell behind her. She turned around. Her eyes widened as she saw who was descending.

Erwin and Levi.

Hange wanted to turn around, to ignore them, but they’ve already noticed her.

“Good day, Hange,” Erwin said warmly. “I see you are slowly getting used to your life.”

Hange nodded, and her eyes involuntarily darted to Levi. He was staring right at her, his eyes unreadable. 

“Hange…” he whispered, his hands twitching with desire to touch her. “Hange, I’m s—”

“You can’t address a Princess like that!” one of the servants interrupted. “You have to call her ‘your highness’! And her name is not Hange!”

“It’s fine,” Hange smiled gently at the servant, dismissing him. “You don’t have to—”

“No, he is right,” Levi’s voice was completely devoid of emotion. “My apologies, your highness. I shouldn’t have forgotten my place. I hope you’re happy with your new life.”

Hange nodded once more, and even though her heart was breaking again, even though seeing Levi’s calm face and hearing his cold voice, calling her by that stupid title she was starting to loathe so much made the pain inside her chest intensify tenfold, she put on a smile. “And I hope you are happy with your reward, messier.” Swiftly turning around, she hurried away from that stairwell. She didn’t wish to see Erwin’s sad face or Levi’s impassive one.

And as Hange walked away, she didn’t see the pain that was inside Levi’s gaze, as his eyes followed her retreating figure.

***

“You look marvelous my dear!” Hange’s grandmother cooed. “Everyone will adore you! You’ll be the talk of all Paris!”

Hange restricted herself from making a face. Her grandmother was a good person, and she treated Hange with so much kindness, but the woman in the mirror wasn’t her. That woman in rich and beautiful dress with silk gloves and high heels, with crimson red lips and dark eyeshadow, with hair put into a tight bun instead of a messy ponytail, it wasn’t Hange. She could barely recognize herself.

“Had something happened?” Empress asked. “You look a little distant, Hanna.”

Hange slightly flinched. She didn’t want to be called that name either, she still preferred Hange, but she didn’t know how to say this to her grandmother without hurting her feelings.

“I’m fine, grandma,” Hange forced a smile.

But her grandmother was more perceptive than that. Her hard eyes studied Hange’s face. “I hope it’s not because of that fool, messier Ackerman.”

At the mention of Levi, Hange’s heart skipped a beat. She turned her face away from Empress, hiding her emotions. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, grandma. Levi and Erwin were nothing, but a way to get into Paris. And once they’ve done their job, we’ve parted ways.”

“They refused to take my money, you know?” Empress said nonchalantly. Her lips curved into a slight smirk, as she watched how her granddaughter’s eyes widened in surprise. “They told me that they’ve hurt you and they felt sorry for that. Messier Ackerman seemed especially troubled.”

Hange shook her head vehemently, refusing to even think about such possibility. “You’ve surely misunderstood something, grandma. Levi didn’t care for me at all.”

Empress hummed, knowing that nothing couldn’t further from the truth. “Maybe, you’re right. I don’t know them as much as you do. Anyway, I’m glad to hear that you don’t think about them anymore. It’s time for you to start a new chapter of your life. And speaking of that, hurry up! Your guests are waiting for you!”

“Of course, grandmother,” Hange sighed, preparing herself to go downstairs.

***

Hange breathed out in relief as soon as she left the ballroom. The room was big and spacious, but Hange was suffocating. Her tight corset and the never-ending stream of nobles, who wanted to great her, made Hange’s head spin.

Entering a chilly garden, she willed herself to relax. She walked to the nearest bench and sat down heavily. She couldn’t stop thinking about Levi. Why didn’t he take the reward? Was he actually guilty for using Hange? Could he really care for her?

Ugh, Hange wanted to see him so bad! She wanted to stare into his stupidly beautiful grey eyes and ask him what the fuck did he mean by his actions. Was it Hange’s wistful thinking or did he really feel something for her? Hange wanted to snatch out her own hair, that man was so insufferable! Even from afar he managed to frustrate and confuse her!

Hange was suddenly broken out of her thoughts by a warm hand that settled on her shoulders. She glanced aside and saw Moblit who sat down by her side.

“Why did you escape? Did you not enjoy the party?”

Hange groaned in reply. Because she had been thinking about that for a while as well. As much as she dreamed of meeting her own family, she didn’t like her new life. Truth be told, she loathed it. She hated having to wear fancy dresses, or chat with stupid nobles, or flirt with rich men. She hoped that by finding her family, she would be able to find herself, to finally realize who she was. But instead, she felt like slowly losing herself. She wasn’t meant for this life, she couldn’t feign politeness and she didn’t want to follow stupid rules and useless etiquette. Her grandmother was a good, kind woman, and Hange liked her! But she didn’t feel any connection, she didn’t feel like they were family.

And Hange suddenly realized – she didn’t feel like Empress Olga was her family, because she had already found her own family. She had found it in Moblit’s calm and constant presence, in quiet and engaging conversations with Erwin, and in an amusing banter with Levi.

“Moblit!” Hange put her hands on his arm, her eyes burning almost feverishly. “Moblit, do you know where Erwin and Levi are?”

If Moblit was surprised by her question, he didn’t show it. He just nodded and checked his watch. “They planned to get board a ship that will get them to England. It leaves in about an hour.”

 “Do you want to run away with me?” she asked him with a big grin on her face.

“Of course.” Moblit replied without hesitation. He smiled at Hange in return. It was so long, since he had seen that crazy grin of hers.

Hange jumped to her feet. “Then let’s hurry! We have to catch up with Erwin and Levi!”

“Alright,” Moblit kneeled in front of her. Ignoring Hange’s confused gaze, he took her dress in his hands and then tore the fabric, tying two ends just a little over her knees. Then he raised to his feet and put his hands in Hange’s hair, freeing her hair out of a tight bun. “There,” he whispered fondly. “Now you look like your usual self.”

Hange’s eyes almost watered. She truly didn’t deserve such an amazing and loyal friend. But they had to hurry. So grabbing Moblit by the hand, she started running.

***

“We’ve been standing here for a fucking hour,” Levi grumbled, scowling furiously. “Why the fuck they aren’t letting us in?”

Erwin shrugged, listening to his friend’s complaints with a smile. “They probably are rechecking their equipment. And what’s the hurry? Are you so eager to leave Paris?”

“I’m sick of this city.” Levi muttered, hiding his face. He wanted to leave Paris as fast possible. And more than that he wanted to leave all the painful memories it brought him.

Suddenly Erwin and Levi heard a sound of hurried and loud footsteps. They turned around, and Levi’s breath hitched in his throat. He watched with wide eyes, not believing that it was actually real.

Hange was running towards them, dragging Moblit with her.

“Were you really just using me?” she asked breathlessly, as soon as she reached them. “Or do you also consider me a friend?”

“We’ve hurt you, Hange. And I cannot possibly apologize enough for that. But we do care about you,” Erwin’s lips curved into a warm and gentle smile. “In that short time, I’ve grown to care about you a great deal.”

Hange answered him with an almost crazy grin. Her hair was even messier than usual, her make-up was all smudged, her glasses were askew and her dress was torn in half. She looked absolutely wild.

And she gave Levi and Erwin no warning, as she launched herself at them, putting her hands around their necks. “You fucking assholes,” she laughed merrily. “I missed you so much.” Then without missing a beat, she asked. “Do you have a room for Moblit and me at your ship?”

Erwin chuckled. “Of course, we do.”

“Excellent!” Hange let go of them, still grinning from ear to ear. “Then let’s get aboard!”

“Wait,” Levi stopped her with his hand on her elbow. “What the fuck does all of it mean, four-eyes? Did you run away?”

“Yeah, I did.” She announced rather proudly. “Right from the ball.”

Levi huffed. “You’re insane.” He muttered with a small smile on his face.

Hange couldn’t stop staring at him. She grabbed his arm and started to drag him away to a more secluded area. “We need to talk.”

Despite his racing heart, Levi managed to keep a straight face. “What do you want to talk about?”

“How did you recognize me?” Hange asked suddenly. “I know you did, from the very first moment that you’ve seen me. So. How did you do it?”

“I… I saw your portrait.”

“Bullshit.” Hange replied with a grin. “You were that boy, right? The one, who saved me?”

Levi’s eyes widened. “How did you—”

“I didn’t remember you, not at first. But then, some pieces started to come back to me.” She chuckled. “You really believed I was a Princess, huh?”

“Of course, I did.” Levi crossed his hands on his chest, trying to appeal nonchalant.

All of his attempts were rudely destroyed, when Hange unexpectedly leaned in and gave Levi a peck on his lips. “W-what was that for?!” Levi spurted. “For saving your life?”

“Of course not, dummy,” Hange’s eyes gazed at him with a mix of amusement and fondness. “That was for being the most insufferable short grump I’ve ever met!”

“Oh?” Levi raised his eyebrow, putting his hands on Hange’s waist. Standing on his tiptoes, he kissed Hange again. “Then that was for being such a four-eyed weirdo, who literally never stops talking.”

Hange’s smirk grew wider. She tangled her hands in Levi’s hair, pressing closer to him. “That’s for always hiding your feelings and never showing how kind and caring you truly are!” She put her lips on his, and this time the kiss was much longer and deeper, leaving both of them breathless. Pressing her forehead against Levi’s, Hange grinned like an idiot.

Levi’s hand touched her cheek, gently caressing it. He waited until his breath was under control, before whispering right in Hange’s lips. “And that’s for being so incredibly smart and irritatingly amazing. And also for making me fall in love with you.”

His lips almost touched Hange’s, but suddenly they both heard a polite cough. Turning around (with their hands still around each other), they saw Erwin. He was standing beside them with a smug grin on his face.

“While I am very happy for you both,” he began, trying to stop himself from laughing out loud. He had never thought that he would get to see Levi looking like this – with red, swollen lips and messy hair. “But you can always continue this some other place. The ship is sailing soon. Moblit is already aboard,” Erwin added, answering Hange’s unasked question.

“Then let’s go!” she shouted, wrapping her hands around Erwin’s and Levi’s shoulder.

With her friends beside her, and a bright future ahead, Hange felt happier than she did in years.

[szamsson]

Can you write about Britt spotting Sobbe at a party (similar to the one in S4 opening). The couple is all 🥰, complete with Robbe lovingly feeding Sander cake. Britt’s trying to move on but the sight of them still hurts. She leaves but Noor goes after her since she’s been in the exact same position. Pls no hints of NoorxBritt, just female friendship with platonic comfort. Just the exes finding the strength to move on from the boys they had strong feelings for

The girls were getting ready at the flatshare, Zoe doing Ambers make up, whilst Luca and Kato chat next to them, flicking through instagram, Luca taking shots all on her lonesome. Zoe put the final touches on Amber’s lipstick and sat back to admire her work. 

“There!” She said with a triumphant grin. Amber looked at herself in the mirror and her face lit up at her reflection. 

“I look hot!” She exclaimed pouting her lips and turning her head from side to side. All the other girls let out words of agreement as they looked at Ambers face. 

“Aaron is going to get hard just looking at you.” Luca exclaimed, taking another shot and screwing up her face. 

“Luca!” Amber gasped scandalized, however she soon broke out into giggles as her cheeks turned red. 

“Oh my gosh look at this.” Luca spun her phone around so the girls could she the picture she was holding up. In the picture Jens had just posted to instagram, him and Moyo were pointing and laughing at a stunned Aaron who had beer poured down the front of him, making it look like he’d wet his pants. The caption read, “You should never let the broerrrs hang out all together without a babysitter.”

Amber groaned as the other girls grabbed their stomachs in laughter. 

“He better change those pant’s before we get there” She mumbled. 

Kato stared closer at the photo, “Where’s Robbe?” she mused, wondering where the smallest little broerrr was while this was all going down. 

“Probably getting laid in the other room,” Luca said with a snort. Kato just looked at her puzzled. 

“Right,” she answered the look, “You haven’t met Sander yet.”

“Who is Sander?” Kato asked, confused again, trying to piece all the mismatched information together. 

“Robbe’s boyfriend.” Zoe said with a small smile. 

Oh. Well that took Kato by surprise. Not that she had any opinion on the boys sexuality whatsoever, she just hadn’t even thought of Robbe being in a relationship. Or any of the broerrrs for that matter, except Amber.

“Yeah and they are grossly in love, especially when you get a few drinks in Robbe. He turns into a literal Koala bear. You’ll see at the party.” Luca said with a grin. 

“Yeah just maybe don’t mention it if--” Zoe was cut off by a knock at the door and two heads of short hair peering around the corner. 

“Hello!” Noor said cheerfully as her and Britt entered the room, already ready to go, grasping bottles of wine in their hands. 

“What are we talking about?” Britt said, sitting down close to Kato’s side, pouring herself a glass. 

Before anyone could stop her, Kato said with confidence, “They were just letting me know that I’ll be meeting Robbe’s boyfriend tonight and to prepare myself for them to be all over each other.” She laughed but silenced as she realised no one else in the room was laughing. Her eyes darted around as Zoe cleared her throat awkwardly. 

“What..” Kato said. 

“Nothing,” Britt said, a sudden mask coming over her face as she gulped some wine, “I’m Sander’s ex and Noor is Robbe’s, can you imagine how they met and ‘fell in love’“ she said in a mocking tone, rolling her eyes. 

Oh shit. Kato could put two and two together and mentally face palmed herself at being so oblivious. 

“Anyway,” Noor said, seeming not as bothered as Britt, “Are we ready to go?” 

Britt and Noor walked in the door together, eyes scanning the crowd. She saw a fair few familiar faces as they broke off from the rest of the girls to say hello to everyone. She watched as Aaron made a beeline for Amber, jaw dropping as he took in how beautiful she looked. Her eyes followed his path and saw Jens and Moyo, both seemed to be hitting on girls and desperately flirting, at which Britt rolled her eyes. 

Noor grabbed her hand and pulled her into a couple of chairs against the wall. A couple of cute guys from Noor’s school came up to them and they all started chatting amicably. However, her eyes caught over one of the guys shoulder as she saw a bleach blonde head of hair against the wall not too far from where they were sitting. 

She’d seen Robbe and Sander at parties before, of course she had. And she knew that when Robbe had a couple of drinks he became quite clingy. She also knew Sander loved this. However tonight, it seemed as though they were lost in their own little world, and for some reason her heart pinched. 

Robbe was leaning with his back against the wall, smiling up at Sander with glazed eyes and a lopsided grin as Sander dipped his head down and whispered something in his ear. This made the smaller boy laugh and blush, shoving at his shoulder half heartedly. She then saw Robbe’s mouth go slack as Sander started kissing down his jaw and into the crook of his neck. She didn’t need to look down to know that Sander had shoved a knee between Robbe’s legs and things were heating up pretty fast. 

She was over Sander. Kind of. But she knew the feeling. She knew how he could make you feel like the only person in the room. The way he muttered cheesy love lyrics in you ear and held you close like he wanted to protect you for ever. And she knew that even though she had all these things when they were dating. Seeing how much more connected Sander and Robbe were made her heart break a little. 

Jens then walked behind the boys and slurred something along the lines of “Let’s keep this PG hey,” pulling at Sanders shoulder. Sander simply shoved him off and playfully gave him the finger. Even that hurt, both her exes being connected and friendly while she sat on the outside. 

Sander looked back at Robbe and could clearly make out the ways his lips moved as her said “I love you.” 

Robbe whispered it back and leaned in for a kiss, just as Britt watched Sander wrap his arms low around Robbe’s waist and lift him up, carrying him to the stairs as Robbe squealed and flailed in Sanders strong arms. That was it, she couldn’t watch anymore. 

She quickly excused herself and ran out of the party, power walking down the street. Not long after she started walking, she felt Noor’s arm on her shoulder. 

“What’s wrong?” Noor said concerned. And Britt couldn’t help it and started to cry a little. 

“He was never that happy with me.” She said pitifully. 

Noor sighed and hooked an arm around her shoulder. “C’mon, let’s go get some ice cream and more wine and just have a girls night in.”

“No, no,” Britt said, “I don’t want to keep you from the party.”

“Won’t be as fun without my best friend there.” 

[yungimmortals]

cheers to forty years | jaime & cleo

date: february 14, 2021

summary: brunch, bitch!

Cleo was late. Only by five or ten minutes, which was... pretty good for "Cleo time". Upon spotting Jaime from behind sitting outside at the cafe, Cleo resisted the urge to toss her arms around him, instead she just held her hands in front of his eyes, suppressing a small laugh. “Here alone, hot stuff?” She smiled and rested her cheek against the top of his head. “Such a shame for someone to be alone on Valentine’s Day.” She did let out a small laugh at this, then moved so she could kiss the side of his head.

Jaime stirred his coffee, inhaling through his nose and smiling contentedly as he exhaled. When hands covered his eyes, he jumped ever so slightly, letting out a laugh when he heard Cleo's voice. "I was, and I was feeling rather down in the dumps. But now that you're here, everything's better." He angled his head when Cleo kissed the top of it, smiling brightly at her before brandishing a small bouquet of flowers that had been resting on his lap, hidden from view. "For you."

Cleo had the emotional stability of a woman in a Russian novel, and the flowers were almost enough to send her over the edge. She willed the tears back from her eyes, determined not to cry this Valentine’s day, and hugged Jaime from behind. “You’re so wonderful.” She took the flowers with a watery smile and moved to sit across from him, digging through her bag for a moment before she handed him a small jar full of pink salt and rose petals. “For you,” she repeated back to him. “Now neither of us are down in the dumps.” She cradled the bouquet carefully before setting it down to look at the menu. “Do you know what you’re getting? And have you ordered us a round of mimosas yet?”

Jaime gave Cleo's arms a squeeze as she wrapped them around his middle, already sensing she was feeling a bit on the sappy side. "So are you," he responded, cheerfully, giving his coffee another stir as she sat down. His eyes widened in surprise as Cleo handed him a jar and he accepted it with a smile, playfully teasing, "What's this? A little spell?" When Cleo picked up a menu, Jaime tapped the edge of his coffee cup with his fingers. "You're right, today will be fantastic. I do, I took a peek at the menu while I was waiting for my coffee to come down from scald-the-roof-of-my-mouth hot...though I did learn that the hard way." He nodded, pretending to look wounded at the idea he would have forgotten. "Of course I did, they should be here shortly." As if on cue, a server walked their way, brandishing a tray of two mimosas and a pitcher in one hand, and a notebook in the other. Jaime asked them for another minute to give Cleo time to look over the menu and when they left, he nudged one mimosa towards himself. "How was that for timing?"

“Spell jar! You don’t need to do anything with it, just put it in your room or next to a mirror or... by your bed.” Cleo laughed. “Complain to the owner! Waiter, my coffee wasn’t the perfect temperature, please bring it back, I will accept my apology in writing only.” She pressed her mouth into her shoulder to keep from making eye contact with the server she’d just been making a joke about, and leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand as she looked at Jaime, face pink. “Perfect timing.” She took her mimosa and grinned at Jaime, her eyes shining. “This is so perfect and amazing, thank you.” She blinked quickly and held her glass out towards him. “To Jaime Culpepper, my wonderful husband of forty years.”

"A spell jar? I love it. It'll get a place of honor on my nightstand." Jaime smiled as Cleo laughed, adding to her joke. "A formal apology in writing, delivered by raven. The only way to apologize." He too had to stifle laughter, waiting until the server left to chuckle. Circling his fingers around the stem of the glass, he lifted it, tapping the edge to Cleo's and enjoying the light clink of the glass. "Anything for my lovely wife, dammit," Jaime gave her an affectionate smile. "I can't believe it's be forty years already. It seems like just yesterday that we first met."

Cleo beamed at Jaime's words, filled to the brim with affection for her friend. She took a sip of her drink and then pressed her fingertips into the skin beneath her eyes to keep herself stable. "Stop, you're being too cute." She laughed and took another sip of her drink, obviously having no inhibitions drinking in the morning if it was Valentine's day. "Not to be sappy, but I'm really glad I met you." She blinked quickly. "And I'm really glad to be having brunch with you today." She tilted her head back as her voice cracked, keeping the tears back through the force of gravity.

Jaime took a sip of his mimosa, setting the glass down to return Cleo's bright smile. He laughed as she held her face, and shook his head, trying to make her laugh as he added, "Forty years and forty more! You'll see. Our marriage will outlast Zoe and Brett, and they've been together for eons." A wave of sentimentality swept over Jaime at Cleo's words and he reached his hand over the table to give hers a light squeeze. "I'm really glad I met you too. And please, be as sappy as you like! Every day and today especially. It's your favorite holiday," Jaime withdrew his hand to pick up his glass, tipping it in Cleo's direction before he spoke again. "I'm honored to be your brunch buddy. You're one of my best friends, you know." As she tipped her head back, he knew she was trying not to cry and worried his words had been too much for his favorite Pisces.

Cleo shook her head, still grinning. "Absolutely not! I will not have it. We will both last forever, because a world without Zoe and Brett is one I don't want to see." As Jaime took her hand, Cleo pulled it towards her so that she could rest her cheek against it, squeezing her eyes shut. "It is my favourite holiday," she said quietly as she dropped his hand, somehow feeling so good and bad at the same time. She reached up to press finger into the skin around her eyes again, but there were too many tears to keep contained. "You're one of my best friends too!" She dipped her head forward and picked up her napkin, blotting her eyes. "Okay, I promise I'm gonna stop this right now." She sniffed and picked up her glass to take another sip of her mimosa.

"I'll drink to that," Jaime smiled, thinking about their friends and their love. The thought made him feel warm and fuzzy; Cleo pulling his hand up to her cheek only exacerbated that feeling. He took a sip of his mimosa, setting it down just as tears began to run down his friend's face. "Oh, Cleo," he said fondly, shaking his head as he offered Cleo a napkin. "It's okay! Let it out if you need to. Is everything okay?"

Cleo took the napkin gratefully and dabbed at her face, careful not to mess up the makeup she'd worn for the occasion. "Yeah." She sniffled and topped her half-empty glass up, swiping below her eyes as she took a quick breath in to compose herself a bit. "I just have a bad habit of getting my hopes up."

Watching Cleo fill her glass, Jaime nodded but didn't press the subject. "You have a big heart and you're very in tune with your feelings." He was about to say something else equally encouraging when the waiter approached their table again. Jaime placed an order of vegan french toast with fresh fruit on top and looked to Cleo for her order.

Cleo managed to stop crying and smiled ruefully as she shook her head. “Ugh,” she pronounced. “It’s because I like men, Jaime.” The waiter seemed rather uncomfortable as they caught the end of their conversation out of context. She looked up at them and ordered, then waited for them to leave before she looked back to Jaime. She leaned in conspiratorially. “Oh my gods, they totally think we’re a couple fighting on Valentine’s day. When they come back, I’ll give back the ring. You throw the rest of your mimosa in my face.” She was smiling once more. “Give ‘em a whole show.”

"You and I both," Jaime said solemnly, fighting to hide a smile before the waiter walked away. "It's our fatal flaw. Men? Psh." He waved his hand, dismissing the topic, smiling at Cleo's devious idea. "Oh, I couldn't. You look so cute, it would ruin your makeup, your outfit," Jaime laughed. "But...if you wanted the thrill of throwing your drink on someone? I will gladly take the fall. I've never had a drink dumped on me, you know. First time for everything."

Cleo took Jaime’s hand with both of hers. “Aw, I could never do that to you. At brunch,” she added after a moment. She sighed and rested her cheek on his hand again. “What if I go full lesbian? Will you help me find a girl?” She finished her drink and then took a sip of her water, dropping his hand. “I’m sure plenty have tried to adopt you. Get a few numbers for me.”

He smiled, placing his other hand atop Cleo's as he joked, "Are you sure? Offer's open. If you catch me by surprise, the act will be all the more believable." Jaime chuckled. "You could," he mused. "I'd absolutely be your wingman. Girls love me. Give me a week, I'll see what I can do." He reached for his water this time, pausing with the glass halfway to his lips as he had an idea. "Not to change the subject completely," Jaime laughed. "But...depending on your plans for the day, would you want to help me with—" He tugged at the front of his hair, where the tips were dyed a forest-y green. "I'm thinking of going full green. Maybe make the tips a little lighter, or yellow. I don't know. Thoughts?"

"Now that you've put that idea in my head, I'm not sure I can resist." Cleo grinned at Jaime, then groaned. "Ugh, we do love you, Jaime!" She reached up a hand to rest her chin on and smiled more at him. "Oooo, full green, yeah! Let's do limey for the tips? It'll probably turn yellow soon." She tugged at a strand of pink hair. "I think I'm already tired of the pink. Maybe I'll do blue next? And maybe... I'm tired of my hair looking like this."

"Lime it is!" Jaime beamed at Cleo as her smile grew. "I give you full creative control of my new and improved hairdo." He tilted his head, eyeing her hair. "Blue would be so pretty on you! It would bring out your eyes too, I think. If you're tired of it, change it up. I can give you a haircut," he teased, trusting Cleo to know that he would never do such a thing. "What are you thinking?"

Cleo laughed. “Okay, but don’t expect what’s happening in my mind’s eye to also happen on your head, because I’m just following Youtube tutorials.” She batted her eyelids at the mention of blue bringing out her eyes, and rested both hands on her cheeks and her elbows on the table. “I think... that’s what I want, actually. A haircut.”

"We'll make an offering to the YouTube gods for good luck." He waved his hand, nonchalant as he smiled. "A haircut! I support this. How short? Like mine? Or like, here?" Jaime held his hand just below his chin, mimicking a bob.

Cleo laughed. “Or the gods of hair? Aphrodite, for beauty?” She smiled at Jaime, thankful and assured by his enthusiasm that this was not an emotional decision. She held her hand up to just above her shoulders. “Here?”

Jaime lightly smacked his forehead. "Aphrodite, of course. Can't let her think I've forgotten her, I'll set aside some of my brunch to her." Seeing the length Cleo was going for, he nodded with enthusiasm. "Yes! That would look so good. I love it. Do you— Do you want to do this today? Or plan a day this week? We can take over the bathroom in my apartment, I'll give Xavier a head's up so he knows."

“You should,” Cleo said, completely serious even if Jaime was joking. She blushed at the idea of cutting her hair, but it was so appealing, and she felt that she was in need for a change. “Um, any time works. Today, tomorrow... You’re the virgo! You tell me what works for you. If there were scissors here right now I’d chop it.”

“I will,” Jaime confirmed with a nod, knowing better than to falsely claim to make an offering and fail to do so. He rested a hand on his chin, leaning his elbow on the table. “Let’s do...later today! Are you still hanging out with Zo? I know she’s your real Valentine,” he laughed. “You can come over whenever you feel like it. After we’re done here, I can pick up some hair dye and whatever other supplies we need.”

“Of course I’m still hanging out with Zo. What kind of wife would I be if I only hung out with one of my spouses?” Cleo laughed and reached across the table with both hands for Jaime’s. “Ugh, perfect, let’s do it. Don’t tell anyone. I might blurt it out to Zoe but I want it to mostly be a surprise. We’re gonna look so cute.”

Jaime laced his fingers through Cleo's, amused to think that onlookers would assume they had made up. He laughed, "You're right. A loving and beautiful wife, who spends holidays with both her partners." Nodding, Jaime let go of one of her hands to mime locking his lips and tossing away the key with a smile. "Your secret is safe with me."

[bunnibai]

Round 2 But It Actually Works

Wow imagine getting your round done – characters featured in order of appearance: Tokachi Ameko, Sugiyama Tsuki, Inoue Hiraku, Grigori Vai, Takakutou Shakou, Spellman, Lyrimon (mentioned), Hiyasu Shimokizu (mentioned), Funkee, Zeke, Otsuka Aimi (mentioned), Fuji Hotaru, Seishin Tamashi, Yukino Zoe, Tokei Yameru (mentioned), Gakusa Oh, Fujinuma Ozen (mentioned), Ogura Svetlana (mentioned)

“This is Hop To It, reporting in.” 

“Now You See Me Now You Don’t, reporting in.”

“Key Lime, Reporting in.” 

“B - bondage-san, reporting in.” 

“This is Takakutou--” 

“I’m sorry, who?” 

“Now You See Me Now You Don’t is right, we have to use the code names!!”

There was a silence on the other end, followed by a heavy sigh. 

“...Holey Cow, reporting in.”

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

A week before, Ameko had been sitting in homeroom with the rest of 1A. It was a little energetic in the classroom, which had intimidated Ameko at first, but the careful excitement of 1A was quickly starting to grow on her. She appreciated the way that Lyrie-chan had a habit of lowering her volume when it got too loud for Ameko, and how it was becoming second nature for the person closest to Hiyasu-chan to put their arm around her when she seemed too cold. 

Ameko leaned against Lyrie-chan as the class chatted, feeling the warmth of her part-horse body taking over the coolness of Hiyasu-chan beside her. 

“Hey, guys!” 

Ameko’s voice carried over the others, and they all looked over at her, finishing up conversations and turning over in their spots; in a chair, or sitting on a desk, or enjoying the giant cuddle-pile that had collected around Ameko. 

“What’s up, Tokachi-kun?”

Inoue-chan raised an eyebrow and rested his chin on his hand. Ameko straightened in her spot, letting her hands flitt around her as she spoke. 

“We should have a secret comuni-ni-nation device!” Ameko declared. Inoue-chan paused for a second, before clarifying in a smooth, calm voice, “Communication device?” 

“Yes! That!” 

“How would we even do something like that?” Takakutou-chan snorted, rolling her eyes. It was, of course, to be expected of the grumpy girl who never seemed to care much for being a team player. The entire class gave each other a knowing, amused glance. 

“Like - like a walkie-talkie or something!” Ameko continued, “For when we’re doing training stuff.” 

“That’s actually not a bad idea.” Inoue-chan mused. “If we had the knowledge to do something like that, anyway.” 

“We probably could,” Spoke up a boy in the back. He was a transfer student, and had arrived that day in the train station alongside another late arrival, Otsuka-chan. 

“We can?” Ameko lit up. 

“Yeah. I could make some headsets and connect the transmission to some AM radio waves; if we all hit the same channel, we can talk to each other. They won’t hit a terribly long distance, and anyone with another radio can listen in, but they’ll work.” 

Ameko hopped up, her hair bouncing with her and a grin on her face. “You’re so super smart! Haaah, what’s your name again?”

“Funkee, Zeke.” 

Ameko blinked a few times. 

“Fu… foon-kee…?” She scrunched up her nose. 

“You can call me Zeke, if it’s easier for you.”

Ameko blushed, shaking her head. “That’d be really embarrassing. I could--” Her voice lowered, “--do you mind being called Kisai-kun?”

“Talented? Why?” 

“Because - because you’re making the radios!” Ameko bounced on her heels, feeling her quirk threatening to burst. “And if we have radios, we gotta have codenames!” 

There was a bubbling excitement in the class as they all huddled together, paper in hand… 

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

Fast forward to a week later, and their first hero lesson had started. Ameko quickly learned her field was connected to Inoue-chan, Gigi-san, Takakutou-chan, and the newest transfer, Sugiyama-chan. She had caught her just before they split up, handing her a headset and collecting a code name. 

She stood on the edge of a dilapidated city, looking at the aged buildings and the almost peaceful atmosphere. It would have been just Ameko, if her ears couldn’t pick up the faint chatter of her classmates. The overhead speaker boomed an excited set of instructions from Kyokkou-sensei, interrupted every so often by a mildly-irritated Kuzu-sensei. 

“Ready!”

Ameko crouched down, letting her foot skid slightly on the ground, gripping the concrete under her. 

“Set!”

Her hand brushed the dust-covered surface. Breath in. Breath out. 

“Go!”

The dust stirred as Ameko took off, and the familiar feeling of jumping high, so high, gave her a quick rush of excitement. When she was hopping, it almost felt like flying. Ameko felt like she was making good progress when -- 

“Shit!”

Ameko skidded to a stop when she saw one of her other classmates, Gigi-san, sprinting towards the goal. Behind them, an empty trash can that had sprout legs -- their quirk, Ameko knew -- was running along at a frankly impressive pace. A glob of lava flung out at the trash can, melting it and leaving the orb rolling away. 

Right at Ameko. 

“Bondage-san--” Ameko blushed as she spoke into the headset. “--how fast can you run?” 

“Pretty fast,” They replied, “Why?”

“I can kick the ball towards the goal, but you gotta catch it before it goes over.” 

“I have an idea.” Gigi-san sprinted towards the sidewalk, finding a bench and touching it. Their quirk made it come to life, and like an animal, pranced anxiously as Gigi-san climbed on. “Go.” 

Ameko kicked the ball, and Gigi-san hurtled after it, their opponent struggling to catch up. Without much hesitation, Ameko kept hopping towards her goal, and after a few minutes the radio crackled to life with a relieved, “Thanks, Hop To It.” 

Ameko spotted the shining from a window a few buildings ahead, and slowed down, slipping into the doorway with quiet focus. The building was run down, but maybe not as much as some of the others, because it was clearly sturdy. Dust coated the floor in a very thin layer, and the air had a heaviness that made Ameko’s breath hitch the wrong way. There were a lot of floors; Ameko figured at least five. With the winding rooms and nooks and crannies, it felt like hours (although in actuality, she had only been searching maybe five minutes) as she shifted boxes and climbed staircases. 

She tried to listen for her opponent, but she heard nothing. 

Although it would be lying to say that Ameko knew all of the kids in 1B well -- She had classes with them, but besides the people that she had gotten close with, she was much more focused with the familiar, family-like feeling of her own class. But Ameko had run into quite a few, and she could recognize a lot of them. 

Ameko had known Seisei-chan since the exam, and she had a pretty solid grasp on his quirk. She had gotten used to the way that he popped out of existence when he was startled, the way his heartbeat was a bit too slow whenever she went in to hug him. She knew that Seisei-chan was slow; maybe not to the average person, but definitely to someone who’s quirk was good with speed. 

Ameko really liked Seisei-chan. Some might even say that she loved him; that, of course, would depend on whether you believed love could even be accomplished after two weeks of school. But Ameko was also here for a reason. She was here to grow, to be a good hero, and Seisei-chan was too. 

If she didn’t try her best, even though she liked him, then she wasn’t being nice to either of them. 

“Hop To It, this is Now You See Me Now You Don’t, reporting in.” 

“What’s up?” Ameko whispered, opening one of the doors and poking her head in. 

“You’re fighting the purple ghost kid, right?”

“Yeah?” Nothing. Close the door, rush down the hallway, look in another door.

“He’s running towards the goal with the orb.” 

Ameko stopped. For a split second, she’s confused. She would have definitely heard someone come in; footsteps, breathing, little huffs and puffs and bumping around that, although not much, was enough for someone with sensitive ears. 

Unless, of course, he was invisible. And he couldn’t be touched -- or touch the things around him.

Ameko cursed a soft, “Sweets and sugar,” as she opened the window and launched herself out. “Where?”

“I’m bad with directions,” Sugiyama-chan admitted on the other end. After a beat of silence, Yukino-chan piped up, “You’re looking for Seishin-kun, right, Hop To It?”

“Yeah, I am.” 

“He’s nearby!” Yukino-chan assured. “Go three blocks East and two South, and he’ll be there.” 

This was, of course, something that the class had considered before the match; because of Yukino-chan’s quirk being like a person detector, she could easily direct people towards any targets. In preparation, they had all made sure to have compasses on hand. Ameko had to thank Tokei-kun for that idea. 

“Thanks a ton!” Ameko called out, and started sprinting in the direction. 

Seisei-chan was floating, fast but not as fast as Ameko. He saw her coming, and when she went to tackle him, he floated up and out of her grasp. 

Ameko rolled on the ground and popped back up, her feet skidding on the ground. Seisei-chan floated further down, eyeing her with apprehension. 

“Sorry, Tokachi-chan.” 

Ameko lurched forward again, and again, he flew back. Ameko quickly realized that this wasn’t going to work. 

Ameko had remembered the days afterschool in her backyard, in the makeshift training ground, trying to knock Gakutori-nii off of his feet. She’d try the same lunge. She remembered his slightly amused tone when he told her that it wasn’t a good idea -- Ameko would get tired a lot quicker than Gakutori-nii would. She bit the inside of her cheek and thought. 

Ameko’s quirk buzzed with energy waiting to be used. When Seisei-chan took a floating step towards his side of the goal, Ameko knew what she was going to do. 

When Ameko was little, she used hopscotch to try and control her quirk. She tried to stay in the squares by doing little jumps, because otherwise, she could hurt herself. Her quirk was one that she loved, but it was dangerous, too. 

Patience. Self control. Ameko tapped her foot on the ground and lunged, aiming higher. This was no problem for Seisei-chan; he ducked lower, instead. 

That was his mistake. 

She shifted her attack to kick his side, and he cried out in alarm, the ball rolling out of his arms and down the street. Ameko was fast; she scrambled, grabbing the orb and breaking into a run towards her goal. Seisei-chan floated after her at a speed that was actually a little startling for Ameko; she was faster, but if she made one wrong move, he’d catch up in no time. 

Ameko heard it before it was going to happen. She could hear most of her classmates’ fights from the headset, but Takakutou-chan’s boisterous, “We’ll see how you like this building, Tall Girl.” 

A building. 

“Holey Cow, this is Hop To It, reporting in. Did you say you’re going to bring a building down?” 

“I sure as hell am! Why do you care, Bunny Girl?” Takakutou-chan spat into the mic, followed by a grunt from what Ameko assumed was her battle. 

“Where are you? What’s your 20? I need to slow my opponent down.” Ameko ducked into an alleyway to her left, ran, then hopped a street over. The orb was cradled in her hands like a child. 

Takakutou-chan laughed haughtily. “Saving your ass, am I? I’m on the building on the corner -- it’s the one next to the burger shop.” 

Ameko clicked her tongue, and on her next hop, spotted it a few minutes away. “I need you to hold off on that building. Can you do that?” 

“Of course I can! What, you think I’m in trouble? I’m already winning the--” Takakutou-chan shrieked, and there was a crash, “--I’ve got Tall Girl under control!” 

“Great.” Ameko waited, and once she passed the building, she shouted a loud, “Now!” 

A lot of things happened at once. Behind Ameko, there was a rumbling, and the building Takakutou-chan described started toppling in on itself without the weight of the chunk she punched out. Ameko looked back, but kept going, and stumbled over the finish line orb in hand. Her chest heaved, and she slumped against a tree, the orb rolling at her feet. 

Ameko heard the call of, “Tokachi Ameko wins!”, but she was more focused on the sweet, satisfying taste of her candy. 

After the exercise and a shower, the bed Ameko rested on wasn’t her own. She closed her eyes, soaking in the quiet of a soundproofed room and the vibes -- the cool breeze of a fall night, brushing your cheeks and enveloping you in a refreshing embrace. She could feel the slow, steady rise and fall of breathing from the person she was laying on. 

Underneath her, Lana-chan let out a gruff oof as Gakutori-nii flopped on top of the two girls. “So, 1-A had radios, eh? Who’s idea wassit -- Bird knock-off?”

Ameko grunted as she went to twist, looking up at her best friend and his dumb, smug smile. She stuck her tongue out in return, blowing a raspberry. 

“It was my idea!” She bragged. 

He snorted, ruffling her hair roughly. “Not too bad, Amenee.”

Ameko couldn’t help the smile that infected her entire being.

[jukeboxjulian]

( TOM HOLLAND / CIS MALE / TWENTY FOUR / HE/HIM/HIS ) i always seem to run into JULIAN EVANS at jukebox records. i’ve heard that if the REGULAR CUSTOMER had to choose one go-to record, it’d be SAVES THE WORLD by MUNA and that they can be CARING but also kind of SHY. for some reason, they always make me think of FINGERS CALLUSED FROM GUITAR STRINGS, TOO MANY SCARS TO COUNT, and THE TOO GOOD TOO PURE FOR THIS WORLD CINNAMON ROLL MEME. — ( alyssa, 27, pst, she/her/hers )

hi everyone!! I’m alyssa and I am super super new to tumblr rp... as in, this is my first time ever roleplaying on here in a group (eek)! I’ve been roleplaying for over 15 years now (seriously) and am usually used to forums and 1x1, so I’m excited to try something new :) I tend to write a LOT - as in if you don’t shut me up, I will give you thousands and thousands of words for replies hehe. anywho, julian is one of my favorite muses ever and I’m so excited to bring him here!! without further ado, here is my sweet baby angel precious baby panda, julian!

TW: child abuse, domestic violence, and alcoholism.

background | past & present

julian was born julian tyler evans on march 28, 1996, in santa barbara, california, to claire evans and dylan porter. if you ask him, he’ll tell you he has one parent - his biggest inspiration and his role model, claire. julian inherited all his best traits from claire: his kindness, his determination, his passion, and his ability to care for everyone and anyone. as a pediatric nurse, claire worked long hours throughout the majority of julian’s childhood, but still managed to stay exceptionally present in her son’s life and parent him through a tumultuous relationship.

dylan is out of the picture. julian has a few happy memories with his dad prior to the age of six, but the majority of their relationship is mired in trauma. dylan always had problems with alcohol, even prior to having julian, but those issues worsened when he lost his job in the early 2000s. seemingly overnight, the dad that julian once knew vanished. what started as a loving father-son relationship turned into a twisted game of cat and mouse, and julian found himself walking on eggshells in his own home. more often than not, julian spent his nights covering the bruises and scratches dylan gave him earlier in the day. julian and claire quickly became ER regulars, and he learned to sew his own stitches before his fourteenth birthday.

the abuse julian endured forced him to turn his pain and doubts inward. the overly happy and energetic child version of julian disappeared, replaced by a cautious and quiet boy who didn’t dare rock the boat for fear of retaliation. throughout his difficult childhood, julian found solace in one thing - music. as the son of two musicians, julian learned guitar and piano before he learned to form proper sentences. a natural knack for the craft led julian to pick up bass, drums, and production at an early age (though guitar and piano are still his first loves). the majority of julian’s high school years were spent locked in his room, perfecting one beat for several hours or layering vocals late into the night.

his best friend, danny, is perhaps the only thing that kept julian’s head above water throughout his childhood. julian and danny met in the orchestra room in middle school when neither of them had friends to sit with at lunch. the two boys became best friends instantly and helped each other through their childhood struggles - danny helped julian survive his dad’s abuse and julian provided danny with a safe space after coming out to his homophobic parents.

julian and danny moved to san francisco for college. it was there that they met zoe and kevin through an on-campus a cappella group. the four bonded immediately through a cappella and now play together in a band (and live together as roommates). you can catch them playing gigs around town, and you’ll probably catch julian outside the venue two hours later having in-depth conversations with every person who showed up for their show. the stage is the one place where julian comes alive - he’s a natural performer and sheds his shy persona easily when he’s in his element.

outside of the band, julian works as a second grade teacher, and occasionally works in the stacks at the local library during the summers to make extra money. he adores children and spends most of his free time coming up with lesson plans and songs to teach his kids in an engaging way. adorable elementary school teacher by day, hot musician by night: the julian evans story.

personality

julian is the definition of the “beautiful cinnamon roll, too good, too pure for this world” meme. he cares deeply and intensely about the people he loves, and he’s the most loyal friend you’ll ever have. julian is the friend who will hold your hair back while you puke. he leaves granola bars in his roommates’ cars when he knows they’re not eating enough. he goes out of his way to care for everyone he meets without expecting anything in return.

with that being said, julian is a bit of a doormat. this largely stems from his history of abuse - he’s used to thinking that things are his fault, and that it’s easiest to accept the blame and not rock the boat, even when he’s in the right. he’s the guy who won’t mention that the waiter got his order wrong at a restaurant because he doesn’t want to make them uncomfortable. you could shoot julian in the heart and he would apologize for bleeding on your clothes.

julian prefers lyrics to discussions. he’s a producer and a songwriter above all else, and he finds it much easier to express his feelings through music than through conversation. when his back’s against the wall - when he’s experiencing intense ptsd or anxiety or sadness or anger - he locks himself in his room and writes music.

as someone who craves deep, lasting connections, he isn’t one to have lots of acquaintances or fair-weather friends. he can count the number of close friends he has on one hand and he likes it that way. it’s hard for julian to open up to people initially, but once you get through his quiet exterior, he’ll let his guard down and stick with you no matter what.

in terms of romantic relationships, julian is tragically heterosexual. like in his friendships, julian is the type of person who wants a long-term, stable relationship. since his childhood, julian has always been a hopeless romantic, constantly searching for the girl who will finally make him understand the love songs he’s listened to his whole life. he’s painfully shy, which means he has a hard time approaching girls he’s interested in, and most girls don’t take the time to crack through his quiet exterior. with that being said, the girl who does end up with him for the long haul is in for a very loving relationship.

headcanons

around his friends, julian is the quintessential chaotic aries. he WILL set the kitchen on fire because he moves too quickly while cooking and will try to do backflips in the living room just to prove he can.

julian is a fantastic cook and a terrible baker, because he gets too distracted to properly follow directions. he’s also been a vegetarian since he was 13. his favorite food is his mom’s eggplant parmesan.

he has a small garden on the balcony of his apartment, where he’s trying to grow vegetables and flowers. he says hi to the bees that show up every morning and has names for all of them, even though he can’t tell them apart.

julian loves his music more than anything and tries to form deep, lasting connections with the fans of his band. he remembers every person he’s met and always tries to connect with people, even though it’s a bit draining for him as an introvert. he’s terrible at social media and has no idea how to work instagram live, but tries to do it anyway to connect with the fans.

julian will listen to anything and everything - kpop, death metal, folk, rap, the works. he drives his roommates up the wall by blaring music at all hours of the day.

he has a pit bull named belle that he adopted from the shelter. she’s his best friend. he also has four aunts, and was basically raised in an intersectionally feminist sex-positive witch coven. yep.

producing is julian’s biggest passion, followed closely by songwriting. he produces all of his band’s songs and enjoys collaborating with others on production. it’s the one area where he feels confident enough to be himself.

for someone so shy, julian is super comfortable with his sexuality and won’t stand for toxic masculinity. he and danny used to do drag, but he hasn’t had a ton of time for it recently. he is also very confident in the bedroom, which surprises a lot of people. hehe.

julian is a boxer. what stemmed from a need to defend himself turned into a genuine passion - it’s easy for him to turn his brain off and focus when he’s working out. that being said, you’ll only find him at the gym in the wee hours of the morning, when he doesn’t have to be around too many people. he is an introvert, after all :)

julian is dyslexic and has pretty terrible vision, so he needs glasses. he usually wears contacts, but the first girl to tell him she thinks he looks cute in his glasses will steal his heart.

[sugadrms]

01111001 01101111 01110101 00100000 01101011 01101110 01101111 01110111 (i know)

Pairing: Yoongi x Jimin Rating: E Genre: angst, comedy, android au, ai au, summer au Word count: 4,507 Summary: yoongi is like the blur of a dream jimin can’t grasp – pretty, enigmatic and an android

FOR @btssmutclub Summer x Smut Project!! 

Masterlist | Group 6: Down by the lake 

A/N: Thank you fellow group members, it has been such a ride! @ironicarmy @jiminniethemarshmallow @jhspetitegf ! shout out also to @jhspetitegf for your wonderful banners and masterlist x Our universes are linked so i urged you guys to read all fics too, because why the heck not.  leave kudos on ao3!

                                                                ✩

DOWNLOADING FINAL UPDATE.

ALL FUNCTIONS: ON.

LOVE FUNCTION — TURN ON?

DROID MIN-YOON-GI IS READY.

                                                             ✩

Jimin is running. He’s running for his fucking life, the harsh pants like fire in his chest, the weight of his shoulders sinking into the ground. The air is hazy and the skies are gray and yet he feels shadows chasing after him like vines on a fence. He steps on a puddle, and dirty, murky black water sloshes and stains his calves, white shoes, and blue pants. He feels the grime on his skin and the race in his chest, and the fear the gripes him but Jimin doesn’t slow down, can’t slow down, runs and runs and fucking runs—

“Jimin!” Taehyung shakes him awake, drool running down his chin, dotting at the neckline of his shirt.

Jimin rubs fatigue away from his eyes and stares blankly at his friend.

“We’re here, Jin’s lakehouse. Look at the waters!” Taehyung points excitedly at the calm, blue waters, and then he sees the grandeur of the lakehouse, a pretty exquisite building slightly far off beside it. The car rounds up another corner before turning in, looping, and Jimin promptly forgets about his dream that almost got his heart out half his chest.

They get off the car and wait for Jungkook as he pulls over. Hoseok spills out of the car, lanky limbs and loud presence. Jimin watches him and when their eyes meet, they both grin, his mind firing up and remembering of the plan everyone devised for Taehyung (bless his stupid, stubborn ass) and waits for chaos. Jin talks about sorting roommates and Jimin hollers the same time Hoseok cries for Jimin’s name. The look Taehyung gives Jimin makes him double back a laugh, throwing his head back.

“I don’t want to room with Faye!” Taehyung murmurs under his breath.

Jimin just throws a smirk and shrugs.

“Y’all just gonna stand there and fuss or help me with the bags?” comes Zoe’s voice from the boot of the car. Everyone rushes over, laughter melding with the summer air.

                                                             ✩

Hoseok snaps his fingers and Jimin returns to the present, sitting on the bed with his bags by the side on the floor. His feet hang by the edge of the bed.

“What are you thinking about?” Hoseok’s warm smile melts away Jimin’s worries even for a bit.

“Nothing much,” He returns a smile. If Hoseok sees through the cracks he doesn’t point it out. Jimin is grateful for it. That’s the whole point of this summer trip isn’t it? Leave all your damn worries and burdens behind, bury your head in the sand and just burn your youth away for a few days.

“I’m gonna head down now, you coming?” Hoseok stands by the door.

“Just a bit. You go ahead first.” Jimin replies.

“Don’t take too long! I think Jin wants to show us something—” Hoseok’s voice trails off as he heads down the stairs.

                                                              ✩

When Jimin sees Yoongi he hates to think of it cliche, but he feels his breath knocked out of his chest and his brain short-circuiting a little. Attraction is such a funny little thing.

He finally finds the rest of them by the dining area and rejoins the group, pulling a chair beside Hoseok.

“Hyung I probably saw the man of my dreams.” Jimin says dramatically.

Hoseok laughs.

                                                               ✩

He learns the name of the stranger with dark but pretty eyes – Yoongi – when Faye calls out to him for some help. Is he a helper here? Must be earning some big bucks helping out in Jin’s family.

                                                               ✩  

“Are you going for movie night later?” Taehyung asks Jimin as they explore the area a bit.

“Of course! Why you’d even ask?” Jimin slurps noisily on the fruit juice Yoongi prepared. He cut each fruit into precise little cubes before blending them together. Jimin knows because he was by the kitchen island staring at another man preparing drinks. It really isn’t creepy. It’s for future references.

“Oh I don’t know your ass can’t seem to leave Yoongi’s alone.” Taehyung teases.

Jimin rolls his eyes. “Am just curious is all.”

“And you know what they say?” Taehyung takes a dramatic pause as he sips his drink.

Jimin waits.

“Curiosity killed the cat.” Taehyung grins as he heads into the gazebo.

✩

Yoongi walks in and out carrying food and drinks to the tables outside and Jin helps. Namjoon and Hoseok argues about what movie to watch in the background.

“Shut up, you’re beautiful,” Jungkook suddenly shouts out of nowhere. Sooyun looks like a deer caught in headlights as the meat she grills probably grows charred.

Faye tells her the food is burning and she scrambles to get rid off it and Jimin cackles.

“Shut up, you’re beautiful.” He mimics with a stupid face. Taehyung guffaws.

“Oh baby, stop.” Taehyung fake gushes. Jimin makes kissy faces and glances back at Jungkook every other second. His face grows both ten shades redder and darker and the duo doesn’t stop shitting on him.

“God the two of you.” Jimin spits out as his laughter eventually dies down.

“Shut the fuck up.” Jungkook seethes.

“Tell me I’m beautiful first.” Jimin puffs his chest out.

Jungkook whacks him instead.

                                                              ✩

Jimin doesn’t really know what he’s trying to accomplish whenever he sees Yoongi by himself (which is ninety percent of the time), and takes every opportunity to speak—flirt—with him. Yoongi seems entirely unfazed, or at least pretends to (how nice, but Jimin doesn’t want nice, he’s trying to push his buttons) and tries his best to answer to every of Jimin’s ridiculous questions.

He’s by the lake with Namjoon and Hoseok, who brought unicorn floats out and are lazing in the calming waters.

“You know what would be nice right now?” Hoseok says lazily, his shades sliding slightly down his nose.

“What?” Jimin humours him when Namjoon doesn’t.

“Some iced cold beers. I’m gonna tell Yoongi to bring some.”

“Oh I can call him for you—” Jimin brandishes Hoseok’s phone, being the only one still on land, waiting for Taehyung and Jungkook to show up before heading in for a swim.

“Oh it’s fine! I beeped him already.”

“Beeped?”

“Yeah you know, Jin gave us all a wristwatch to call for Yoongi whenever.”

“What watch?”

“Babe, he wasn’t there.” Namjoon quips after a beat.

Hoseok looks at his boyfriend then leans back. He laughs.

“What the fuck are you talking about?”

Within minutes Yoongi arrives with two buckets of beers. He places them besides Jimin.

“Throw one to me please dearie.” Hoseok cooes.

Yoongi throws, a perfect swing, and Hoseok catches easily.

“Just twist the cap, it comes off easily.” Hoseok does as told and flicks the cap bottle back. Yoongi doesn’t miss.

Taehyung and Jungkook eventually joins, loud brash energy pouring in. They spot the beers and cheer, each taking one. Jimin uncaps his as well.

“Anyone seen Jin and Zoe anywhere?” Taehyung asks, squinting his eyes. Nobody responses. Jungkook shrugs, a smug grin on his face.

“Where are the girls?” Namjoon asks.

“They say they’ll join in a bit.” Taehyung supplies.

“Shall we, comrades?” Taehyung gestures to both Jungkook and Jimin. Jimin takes another swig of his beer and he’s near two gulps left.

Jungkook gives a dramatic ah before finishing his beer then shredding his clothes off. Taehyung follows suit. Jimin starts stripping too. They leave their boxers and jumps into the waters causing big splashes, deliberately getting Namjoon and Hoseok wet, much to their chagrin.

“What do you expect, losers!” Jimin shouts, laughing, brushing his hair back.

“Are you coming in hyung?” He diverts his attention to Yoongi, who watches.

“Wait, can he be in contact of water?” Jungkook muses.

“I think so? I remember Jin hyung mentioning Yoongi is made with some sort of premium skin.” Taehyung replies.

“Premium skin? Skin that doesn’t prune perhaps.” Jimin jokes.

“It’s true. My skin doesn’t prune.” Yoongi confirms.

He lingers at the waters before snapping his gaze up again. “As much as I’d like to join, I have some other matters to attend to.” He smiles before leaving.

“What the fuck?” Jimin says.

“Stop, you guys are terrible.” Comes Sooyun’s voice.

“What?” Jimin looks around. The boys start snickering to themselves.

“Yoongi is a droid Jiminie.” Zoe supplies. “He’s custom-made by Jin’s dad and he’s stationed at the lakehouse to help out.”

Jimin takes a moment, before he cracks a laugh. Everyone joins him.

“Got me good guys, you fuckers.” He jokes. Then submerges himself underwater, holding his breath, to drown the voices out.

                                                            ✩

Day turns into night faster and Jimin dreads the end of this vacation. He doesn’t want to think about school and real life problems like moving out of the orphanage, away from his family. He’s already made peace at twelve he’d probably never have a foster family, so he made a home at where he was. Aunt Megs has become the mother in his life, Joan sometimes acting like a dad, and every other unwanted kid his brother and sister. But when you turn eighteen you’re supposed to move out and get an apartment of your own. Megs been pushing it as long as she can with the papers and authority but Jimin has this niggling feeling he can’t fucking shake off.

“Hey, sorry we didn't tell you Yoongi was a droid.” Taehyung snaps him back to the present, back to the bonfire, and hands him a beer.

“Nah.” Jimin shrugs.

“Thought it was quite a joke at first.” Taehyung says.

“I mean I’d do the same so.” Jimin says.

“Then you tailed him everywhere like a puppy.” Taehyung laughs.

“What can I say, he’s beautiful.” Jimin declares.

“What’s going on up here?” Taehyung taps the beer bottle at Jimin’s temple.

Jimin laughs and shrugs it off. “Nothing much.”

“You know you can tell me anything, right?” Tae says, his eyes shining. And Jimin trusts him, with his fucking life. But it’s a vacation and he doesn’t want things to grow somber.

“Yeah I know.” Jimin smiles.

                                                              ✩

“You know Tae actually really likes you,” Jimin word vomits it out later during the bonfire. He feels like he said something he probably shouldn’t have, judging from the incredulous look  on Faye’s face.

“What?” She says.

“S’true.” He slurs. Shit, he probably drank too much, he can feel the heavy pound on his head, the alcohol running in his blood and sudden burst of mirth in his chest. Jimin giggles.

“Well I think you’re entirely misinformed.” Faye declares.

“No he does, he really likes you.” Jimin waggles his brows and jabs a finger in the air.

Faye grows silent, before she bites back, “Well then who do you like?”

And Jimin really doesn’t want to, but his mind wanders off to a blur of a pretty face with a sharp gaze.

                                                              ✩

Friends do stupid stuff together. Best friends do fucking stupid stuff together. He doesn’t know how and why the fuck he got dragged into this ridiculous plan of a mess Taehyung came up with: to string him and Faye together so they can talk— fuck— it out. All he knows is that he’s in the middle of the damn woods and he’s gone sober as fuck and he really really needs water. He may have lost his voice at this point.

“Tae!” Jimin whisper-shouts.

“What?” He whisper-shouts back.

“I really need to drink water so I’m heading back first.”

“Noo I need my comrade with me—“

“And listen to you both fuck the angst out of each other? No thanks.”

Jimin loves Tae to bits he does, but right now he loves his bed more.

                                                               ✩

Jimin feels the pull of of his muscles and the sores at his shoulders as he trudges back to his room. When enters the room, he doesn’t expect to see Yoongi splayed so prettily on all fours, ass up in the fucking air, hands and legs bounded with ribbons. Where the hell did he get even get those from?

He hears Jimin enters and turns, head in a funny angle, hair in a mess. Sin is on Jimin’s mind and Yoongi wears innocence on his face.

“Is this what you meant by I want you bounded on all fours Jimin? I did extensive research online and replicated the most common imagery that kept cropping up.” Yoongi says.

“Jesus, hyung,” Jimin breathes. He quickly shuts the door and paces towards Yoongi.

What the hell is he to do, on one hand the sight is making him feel some type of way, fuck, on another hand he feels like he’s cheating Yoongi into something.

“Hyung,” Jimin calls.

“Hyung,” Yoongi repeats, his head facing the pillow and his ass still in the air (and Jimin can’t stop staring at his skin, he wants to touch, fuck). Yoongi doesn’t turn back, just mumbles to himself where Jimin can’t see him.

“Hyung.” Jimin presses.

“Are you displeased? Shall I change—” Yoongi shifts, tries to sit up – a feat any other human might have failed hilariously but he does it with such poise and ease, turns and sits his ass on his heels and has the bounds on his arms undone. Yoongi’s cock is curved up, red and thick against his tummy. This is entirely unfair. Just how advanced are these damn droids?

“No I am very pleased, actually.” Jimin starts. Yoongi watches him, with curious eyes, unabashed. Jimin takes in all of Yoongi: the curved ends of his fringe, the slant of his eyes, the slope of his nose. How he takes in a breath and his chest actually expands, his shoulders heave, his collarbones jut. Yoongi stares back just as Jimin watches him. The only difference is Yoongi doesn’t blink. He usually does, Jimin remembers. But he doesn’t question, just watches, tries to piece him apart just as much as how Yoongi is probably memorising him.

Jimin wonders what’s it like to have accurate eternal memory.

“Jimin?” Yoongi asks.

“Shh,” Jimin takes his hand and gently swipes his thumb over Yoongi’s lips. He can feel Yoongi’s breath against his skin. Yoongi will have eternal memory of this night. Jimin will remember how his heart slammed against his chest.

“Do you feel love hyung?” Jimin asks, softly. His rubs his finger gently, tries to commit to memory the plush of Yoongi’s lower lip. Yoongi parts them slightly.

“I have a love function, if that’s what you mean.” Yoongi answers.

“I can have it turned on for you, if you’d like.” Yoongi offers.

Jimin smiles.

“No it’s okay hyung. I like you like this. Whatever it is.” Jimin gets up on the bed slowly, his knee dipping the mattress, Yoongi staying rooted to his position, his arms crossed over his stomach shyly.

“I just want you to relax? To feel good?” Jimin breathes, mere inches apart from Yoongi.

“Feel good,” Yoongi repeats. Jimin leans in close, smelling the sweet scent of musk and presses chapped lips against soft ones. His heart jackrabbits in his ribs and Yoongi kisses him back gently first, tentative. Jimin wonders how are droids programmed to feel this real like human, yet not.

“I can do that.” Yoongi thinks aloud.

It’s the sweet taste on his tongue that gets Jimin wanting more, roaming hands against milky, white skin, and he inches to reach every expanse. He wants to leave marks, he wants to ruin this perfect picture.

Yoongi moans into the kiss and Jimin pulls him back and they both fall onto the bed, drinking each other up as if parched.

He’s hard, Jimin can feel his cock throbbing in his pants, can feel it curve and it bulges uncomfortably, and he kisses harder, scratches at Yoongi’s back, for purchase, for comfort, for release.

He doesn’t expect, but Yoongi grinds against him, ruts in slow, circular motion, and Jimin’s jaw go slack. Yoongi kisses him, trails wet sloppy ones (aren’t they build for perfection?) along his jaw, down his neck, licks a stripe of skin against his collarbone. Jimin sucks in a breath.

Yoongi easily removes Jimin’s pants and tosses it aside and Jimin watches with lidded eyes as it hooks swiftly onto the doorknob. He leans back again, feels his head meld into the fabric (darn this memory foam mattress shit Jin has), feels his skin on fire and his heart at his throat. Yoongi starts fisting at his cock, his hands slick and already wet but Jimin is too goddamn lost in his head to comprehend shit. Yoongi grips tightly, hard, squeezes even at one point and strokes his cock slowly, so sweet of a friction that drives half Jimin into a frenzy, writhing under the sheets, pretty dirty noises spilling from his lips.

“Yoongi,” Jimin breathes.

Yoongi flicks his wrist and thumbs at the underside of his head. “I’m guessing from the way your heart rate is hitting 127 beats per minute, I am doing this correctly?” Yoongi slurs at the shell of Jimin’s ear.

“Wow yes, talk dirty to me hyung,” Jimin almost cracks a laugh.

Yoongi stops and hovers above Jimin, and he doesn’t want to, but Jimin eventually looks into his eyes. Yoongi smiles sweetly, his eyes like stars glistening back and Jimin feels his heart skip two beats. Yoongi leans in to kiss him, tenderly and slowly and Jimin licks into the roof of his mouth. Jimin pushes Yoongi up, who gets the hint, and brings Jimin up with ease until they sit on the bed once again. They don’t break their kiss as Jimin guides Yoongi into straddling him, Jimin’s hand sliding down Yoongi’s back, gripping at his waist and eventually cupping his ass sitting it nicely on his wet cock.

“Shit, hyung, Yoongi,” Jimin groans, voice wrecked and they had barely done shit.

Yoongi looks at him, and there’s a glint in his eyes, black and wild. The sheets are a wrinkled, wet mess, and both pay no mind to it. Yoongi jerks up and slams his ass down again, wet and slippery along Jimin’s cock.

Jimin is actually fucking proud he hasn’t come right there and then, at what his peak youth of age but he’s going to explode soon at this rate.

“Hyung, need your ass. Can I fuck you?” He splurts.

Yoongi says nothing and strips Jimin’s shirt away. His kisses grow hungry, and Jimin swears Yoongi might leave a bruise from the way he kisses.

“You can do anything you want to me,” comes his breathy reply. And it’s moments like these that Jimin entirely forgets what Yoongi is, and feels what comes from his heart. After tonight, he’s finding who developed and pieced Yoongi together and sending them a fucking nobel prize.

“Lube, condoms, drawers—”

“We don’t need condoms.” Yoongi reminds him. Jimin almost feels stupid.

“Lube? I like it when it’s really wet,” Jimin confesses shyly, in between soft kisses. Yoongi stops grinding into Jimin and places his hands at Jimin’s shoulders. He thumbs at Jimin’s collarbone, and Jimin exhales a breath. You’re so pretty. I wish you were real. (But I am real?)

“I have a self-lubricant function. I’m made for this.” Yoongi says.

I’m made for this rings at Jimin’s ear and he lets Yoongi line himself up along Jimin’s cock, the mattress dipping low at his side.

Right before Yoongi sinks into Jimin’s aching cock, he looks up into him and asks, “Shall I turn my settings up so it’s tighter for you?” He almost smiles.

“No,” Jimin holds his wrist.

“I like you like this. Whatever it is.”

Yoongi looks away as he sinks his ass into Jimin’s cock and Jimin half loses his mind. It’s so tight and it feels so fucking amazing. Yoongi shifts, slowly until his balls deep and Jimin sucks in a breath.

“Fuck.” It’s shaky and chipped at the edges Jimin barely recognizes his own voice.

“Fuck me?” Yoongi stares into Jimin’s brown orbs.

Jimin rocks them slowly first, his thighs clenching, his whole body clenching, his breathing heaved and Yoongi starts grinding down, riding him, and they find a heated rhythm, the sound of skin slapping against skin and wet, slick noises the only thing reverberating across the room.

“Yoongi,” Jimin gasps when the android whines at one point, when Jimin snaps his hips up and Yoongi slams his ass down, his lips parting and his eyes tightly shut. Yoongi has his head lolled back and his neck exposed, his adam apple bopping as he swallows. Jimin sucks at skin there hard enough to bruise.

He doesn’t remember exactly who finds who, but they meet in the middle, and Jimin finds their hands interlocked as he fucks into Yoongi, fucks him into oblivion, and he loses his self.

                                                            ✩

Androids sex are a thing. It’s a commonality in the world they now live in. It’s in fact very popular, in different districts and there are shit ton of kinks, settings and demand for droid sex because they aren’t human. They do things no human can and people like that shit. They crave it. People can fall in love with droids too; they fall in love with them all the time. Jimin doesn’t know if droids can actually fall in love, but he’s heard of cases, where droids had to be overwritten of their motherboards, or entirely re-coded because they supposedly fell in love. Most of the time with their makers since they probably spend the longest periods with. Other times with their owners. Jimin doesn’t really remember the news reported much about AI, frankly.

He wonders why the news doesn’t report or research on shit like how droids sleep (charging?), how peaceful and serene they can look sleeping. He sees the marks littered across Yoongi’s body and wonders if they fade over time like how his will. Or he can easily have them removed in a blink of an eye. Or do they actually stay on, permanently?

Yoongi sleeps on quietly, the lull of the aircon the only noise in the background. Jimin leans in and presses a soft kiss on his forehead, dresses up and leaves. He doesn’t like the way his heart squeezes.

“Oh Jiminie hyung,” He hears Jungkook call him from behind. He turns and smiles.

“Wild night?” Jungkook expression changes when he spots something at Jimin’s neck.

“Wilder than yours could ever be.” Jimin smirks. Jungkook coughs then heads off.

Jimin ends up running around the lakehouse for the next hour.

                                                            ✩

Everyone’s all packed and ready to leave but Jimin’s the last because after his run he decided to walk by the woods, taking in the freshness of the air and the calmness of the space. He fell asleep on the grass with the sun shining gently on his face. Taehyung found him and half carried him back to the lakehouse.

Jimin places his last item in his luggage and ignores Jungkook who honks every two minutes. He hears laughter and shouts from his window. When he gets up and reaches for his duffel bag he sees Zoe by the door. She looks at him intently. Jimin grins at her – what a sight to see her without Jin for once, a tease ready at the tip on his tongue, but she beats him to it.

“Got everything Jimin?”

“Yeah.” He smiles, pulling his luggage along. They meet by the doorway and she doesn’t move just yet. Holds his his wrist and asks, “You okay?”

It feels like a punch to the gut because it’s unfair how easy he’s read open like a book. Or maybe Zoe’s just really good at pulling apart frayed seams.

“Yeah I’m great.” Jimin beams brighter than usual. Zoe doesn’t prod and releases her grasp.

“Well, Yoongi is looking for you. He’s down by the lake.”

“Jungkook⁠—”

“He’ll wait⁠.” Zoe sing-songs then pats at Jimin’s arm before whistling down the stairs.

                                                           ✩

The droid stands by the pier, hands in his pockets, the wind ruffling at his hair.

“Zoe said you were looking for me?” Jimin clears his throat. Yoongi turns, and it’s odd seeing him in simple casual wear like an oversized shirt and basketball shorts. It’s odd how natural he blends in.

“Yes I wanted to say goodbye. And give you a hug.” He adds awkwardly. Something tugs at Jimin’s heartstrings.

“Oh. Sure. Well, I’m leaving now.” Jimin laughs nervously.

Yoongi walks towards him, and wraps his arms around his neck. The hug is tight and last longer than usual (Jimin doesn’t mind) and for a moment, he thought he almost felt Yoongi’s heartbeat through his thin black cotton.

“Thank you for last night. I have it favorited and stored under your folder.” Yoongi informs. His eyes curves into crescent and his lips curl upwards into a small smile. He thinks Yoongi looks so pretty like this.

“My folder—”

“Yeah you know—”

“—I know.” Jimin cuts him off. He has always been a curious kid, blazing into the world like fire through a barren forest. He burns like the summer’s air and cut like December’s frost. Yet when it comes to Yoongi, there’s a shake in his heart and he’s off-kilter and Jimin doesn’t like how it feels. Maybe he’s better off computing, storing, like Yoongi.

“Bye Yoongi.” Jimin smiles.

“Goodbye Jimin.”

Jimin never did well with farewells. That’s why he avoids it altogether.

“See you when I see you.” He laughs, when the air got a bit heavy and his eyes stung a little.

Yoongi just grinned. Jimin turns and half-runs back to the cars, lest he decides he never wants to fucking leave this place.

                                                                ✩

Yoongi watches, as the cars drove off, leaving smoke in the trails, melting into the summer air and the clouds decide it’s time for the sun to come out again.

There’s an automatic update Yoongi senses coming on and he doesn’t bother heading back into the house, in the shade. It’s not like he can feel the sunrays. He senses the heat, as he’s wired to, coded, to be as life-like as possible but he doesn’t perspire and his skin doesn’t actually prickle so he just stands there, by the road.

When the update finishes Yoongi roars back to life, and he...feels different. He accesses his drive and finds Jimin’s folder tucked in an entirely different independent drive, one he’s never known before. Yoongi frowns, and heads back to the house, his call sensor beeping from Jin’s dad, many miles away from here.

Yoongi writes a short message as he walks and sends it to his maker. Perhaps he would schedule an appointment with her, and asks about the independent drive.

He dreams of Jimin that night.

                                                               ✩

INPUT NEW: LOADING. . .

WAITING. . .

GENERATING. . .

NEW INPUT GENERATED

ADDED INTO ‘JIMINIE’

FAVOURITED.

01001001 00100000 01101100 01101001 01101011 01100101 00100000 01111001 01101111 01110101 00100000 01101100 01101001 01101011 01100101 00100000 01110100 01101000 01101001 01110011 00101110 00100000 01010111 01101000 01100001 01110100 01100101 01110110 01100101 01110010 00100000 01101001 01110100 00100000 01101001 01110011 00101110

                                                              ✩

END

[sincerelybluevase]

My Favourite Reads of 2019

What are my favourite books I have read in 2019? As I write this, I have read 130 books this year according to Goodreads. Now, the year has not ended, and I shall most certainly read some more books, but one has to find time to write posts such as these, so I am writing mine a little early (should I happen to read something absolutely amazing, I shall simply add it to this post). The rules are simple: I am going to split this into fiction and non-fiction, and the books that go on this list must have been read in 2019 for the first time (alas, my darling Rebecca, I have read you many a time over the years, and so you shan’t go on this list). I have also tried to limit this list to no more than 15 books; that’s roughly 10% of what I have read, and should be enough. Let’s go!

Fiction

Her Body and Other Parties by Carmen Maria Machado A collection of dark, fabulist short stories. This book won all sorts of prestigious prizes, and it is easy to see why. It may not be for everyone, but it sure as hell ticked a lot of boxes for me.

The Last Nude by Ellis Avery The story behind a famous painting. Rafaela becomes the muse of a painter who will garner ever-lasting fame with the paintings she makes of Rafaela. Apart from painting, there is also  plenty of lesbian love, deceit, and historical detail. A heart-ripper of a book.

Twee Vrouwen (Two Women) by Harry Mulisch Speaking of a heart-ripper of a book: Twee Vrouwen probably takes the cake this year. Before Portrait of a Lady on Fire took the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice as a point of departure for a lesbian love story, there was Twee Vrouwen, the love story between Laura and Sylvia. A sad ending if there ever was one, but so beautifully told.

The Dressmaker by Rosalie Ham I saw the film before I saw the book, and loved it for its quirkiness, dark humour, and of course for the killer fashion. The book most certainly lived up to the film. Myrtle, a successful fashion designer, returns to her home town in Australia in 1951 where she left when she was still a child under tragic circumstances. She finds that most town folk have not altered their opinion of her, and probably never will. I’m incredibly impressed with the amount of characters Ham vividly brings to life in such a short novel.

Once Upon A River by Diane Setterfield I confess I skipped parts of this book; it was unbearably suspenseful, and I simply had to know! Also I knew parts were going to HURT and so I wanted to minimise the pain. Once Upon a River tells the story of a small English town and its inhabitants. The status quo is challenged when the body of a small girl is found in the river. Initially thought to be a corpse, the child comes to live again, which seems to be nothing short of a miracle. Soon, three different parties lay claim to the child.

The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt I’m late to the party, I confess. The Goldfinch is about Theo Decker, who survives a terrorist attack on a museum. During this attack, he loses his mother, but gains the world-famous painting of the goldfinch. I think no one but Donna Tartt could have written this story. The middle was a little long, but the ending was incredibly suspenseful, and the writing lush.

The Assassination of Margaret Thatcher by Hilary Mantel A collection of short stories that I could not help but love. This book was my introduction to Hilary Mantel; my sister had read the first two books of her Wolf Hall trilogy, but those massive books simply don’t appeal to me. Her short stories most definitely did. Dark, a little scary, sometimes funny; just a great collection that will stay with me for a long time.

Fludd, also by Hilary Mantel The story of a dull, mean, Catholic English village in the 1950s which gets shaken up by the sudden arrival of Fludd, who may be a Catholic priest, the devil himself, or a mystical alchemist from medieval times. This novel is extremely strange, but just like her short story collection The Assassination of Margaret Thatcher, I found this one dark and funny and interesting.

The Scapegoat by Daphne du Maurier An Englishman travelling through France finds his doppelganger. After a night of heavy drinking, he wakes to find that his doppelganger Jean has taken his clothes and other possessions, leaving John no choice but to take over Jean’s life. As the title leads us to suspect, John becomes the scapegoat for Jean’s sins, and tries to right them. A strange, slightly outrageous premise for a novel perhaps, but Du Maurier makes it utterly believable.

Folk by Zoe Gilbert A collection of short stories which all take place on an island imbued with magic. These stories work perfectly well on their own, but what makes this novel extra interesting is that they are all connected. The writing style was charming, the magic original, and the characters convincing.

Pure by Andrew Miller A French engineer called Jean is tasked with the breaking down of the Paris cemetery of Les Innocents, which is stuffed to bursting with corpses. His tackling of this momentous task is the red thread throughout this charming novel, which is about far more than the moving about of bones. This book gave me pure writing envy; I wish I could bring characters to life with just a handful of words as convincingly as Miller!

The Wicked Cometh by Laura Carlin An extremely suspenseful novel set in Victorian England, in which the protagonist comes to work for the somewhat eccentric lady Rebekah. Together, they set out to solve a string of kidnappings and cases of people mysteriously disappearing. Also, there’s lesbianism AND a happy ending, so what’s not to love?

Non-Fiction

The Complete Maus by Art Spiegelman This graphic novel explores the life of Art Spiegelman’s father, a holocaust survivor. The art style is a bit simplistic at time, but the story is incredibly powerful. One of the main things I loved about this book was that Spiegelman did not shy away from portraying his complicated relationship with his father; the man was controlling and domineering and sometimes impossible to live with, but the deeper we dig into his past, the more we come to understand how much he has been shaped by the trauma of the war.

The Anatomical Venus by Joanna Ebenstein This book explores the phenomenon of the anatomical Venus, a series of waxwork models of beautiful women who can be dissected. They were first made in the late eighteenth century as an alternative to autopsy of human corpses. Ebenstein places these models in their historical context whilst also exploring why modern-day audiences have such a strong response of horror and disgust for these objects that were once considered the perfect combination of art, religion, and science.

How to Create the Perfect Wife by Wendy Moore In this novel, Moore investigates Thomas Day, an eighteenth-century British writer and radical. This guy did a whole lot of things, but nowadays he is probably remembered mostly for his abolitionism and his wife-rearing project. After being hurt in love a couple of times, Day decided that if he could not find the perfect wife, he would create one. To this purpose, he took two foundling girls out of the orphanage and groomed them. The novel explores the historical context in which this happened, as well as Day’s life, the two girls whom he selected, and the lives of several of his close friends.

On to more great novels in 2020!

[such-fun]

Fic: You Should See Me In A Crown (Michael Langdon x Reader) Part Two.

You Should See Me In A Crown

Fandom: American Horror Story

Pairing: Michael Langdon x Reader

Summary: You can see the future, but you didn’t see this coming.

Notes: In this story, Queenie never got trapped in the Cortez.

Tags: @sweetcredence

2: 

You stared at Cordelia, willing her to wake up.

 The warlocks had gathered around her prone body after the Supreme fainted rather dramatically. Not that she didn’t have good reason to; it wasn’t every day a dead student came strolling back into your lives.

 And Michael—that was his name, Michael Langdon. He looked so…pleased.

 John Henry helped carry Cordelia back inside. For a moment in the elevator everyone stood silent.

 “How?”

 “I wanted to get your attention,” Michael stated boldly when Myrtle finally managed to find the words.

 He succeeded.

 The men had left you all to your reunion, unable to hide their enthusiasm at Michael’s display of power. Only John Henry showed some reservation. The others were too consumed by the very thought that the Alpha had arisen. That true power was nearly in their grasp.

 You let out a sharp breath of relief when you saw Cordelia’s eyes begin to flutter. Myrtle continued to stroke her hair as Zoe hovered nervously and Madison stared impatiently.

 Cordelia came awake with a gasp and upon seeing Madison she murmured, “It wasn’t a dream.”

 Before any of you could react, she stood, pulling Madison into a tight hug.

 “Maybe you forgot,” Madison croaked, “I’m not much of a hugger.”

 “You’re alive,” Cordelia whispered, voice watery from unshed tears.

 She pulled back, stroking the young girl’s face reverently.

 “The boy,” Cordelia began, causing you to tense and Myrtle to grimace.

 “He is with those presumptuous charlatans,” Myrtle sniffed.

 “I need to see him,” she declared, much to the redhead’s dismay.

 “Cordelia—”

 “I had a vision,” she stopped all of your protests.

 Her eyes fell on you and your breath came quick and shaky.

 “For months our sister has dreamt of our destruction,” she revealed as Zoe turned to you in concern. “And now I have seen it myself. It is no dream.” Cordelia looked to Myrtle, “I must see the boy.”

 “So be it,” Myrtle said in resignation. “To the lion’s den,” she murmured as she took Madison’s arm, then Zoe’s, and led them out of the study.

 “Cordelia—,” you stopped the blonde with a hand on her elbow. She gazed down at you sympathetically.

 “I’m sorry,” she offered graciously, “I should have known. The Sight would not be so fickle as to bend to imagination. He is real—the white-faced demon.”

 You swallowed nervously.

 “You saw him too?” You gnawed on your bottom lip fearfully.

 “I saw him gleefully destroy us all,” she admitted, eyes glazed as she mentally revisited the scene in her mind.

 “I will not see you girls hurt,” Cordelia was resolved as she gripped your arms reassuringly.

 “My inaction has kept us on this path,” the guilt clear in her voice. “But I am not my mother. I will not allow my own selfishness get in the way of your safety.

 “I…I am losing strength,” she confessed, and it felt like a physical blow to your stomach. “The Sight…I am not enough to stop what’s coming. I know that now. But if there’s a chance, if Ariel is right, if Michael is the new Supreme—”

 “No,” you interrupted her sharply. “Michael, he can’t—he’s not the one to lead us. He’s not you. I, when I saw him just now,” your babbling got Cordelia’s attention and her hands rubbed soothingly up and down your arms to calm you.

 “I felt,” you struggled to put your feelings into words. “Something inside me is drawn to him. My power—everything, it reacts to him. Like there is something inside me, demanding to be heard. It’s not right, it’s not—natural,” you pled.

 Cordelia smiled sadly, leaning forward and resting her forehead against yours. “That kind of response,” she considered solemnly, “it is wholly natural but unbelievably rare. Oh my girls,” she crooned sweetly, “you all have so much to learn.”

 You were all confusion as she took a small step back.

 “There are times when two souls are bound so tightly together that they recognize each other before our selves do. Michael is…extraordinarily gifted. And you,” she confided, “your power is growing every day. Your visions are more powerful than my own. It is possible that you are—connected.”

 Cordelia frowned, “I haven’t experienced anything like you describe. I don’t know if I’d even wish to. People think of it as Soulmates. Such a trite word. But feelings are just that—feelings. You need never act upon them.

 “You will see,” she grinned in determination, “we will not simply succumb to fate. Our destiny is ours to create. You’ve seen it, so have I, what fate has in store for our coven. I will see that it never comes to pass.

 “Whatever your connection to Michael, you are free to make your own decisions. As am I.” Cordelia’s smile faded as she forced herself to stand tall, her gaze shifting to the closed door and the men waiting beyond it.

 The Supreme strode past you, not looking for a moment as if her power was fading, and you found yourself following in her shadow. You only hoped to portray a mere hint of the confidence that she exuded.

  You rejoined the members of your coven who looked rather dour in the face of the smug faces of the warlocks.

 Michael stood beside Ariel, appearing deceptively innocent and far too happy with himself.

 His eyes flicked to you but you kept yours locked on Cordelia. Whatever this supposed connection was, Cordelia has assured you it was entirely your decision whether or not to acknowledge it. And in this moment, as your Supreme stood weakened and the end drew near, the last thing you cared to think about was some cosmic link to a mysterious boy.

 Eventually Michael gave up, turning his attention to her as well.

 She gifted him with a genuine smile and he practically preened.

 “I want to thank you for bringing her back.” Ariel patted Michael on the back, all the while wearing a shit-eating grin. Michael ducked his head in appreciation.

 “I’ve been presented with something,” she continued, “A vision.”

 Her hand reached out blindly, finding Zoe’s and holding it tight.

 “I believe I saw the future. A terrifying future.” Michael remained stoic at such a revelation, but John Henry fidgeted anxiously. “Cataclysm. Fire. Death. I saw a man, but not a man. A white face. Demonic. He was laughing. Our academy, sisters, I saw it reduced to cinders.”

 Myrtle looked ill at the thought.

 “A warning.” Cordelia closed her eyes for a moment, steeling herself. “But something in my blood is telling me that the only hope we have of surviving depends on what I do next.”

 Michael perked up, and you watched closely as his muscles bunched slightly in anticipation.

 “In two weeks time, at the rise of the Blood Moon, you will take the test of the Seven Wonders.”

 The shouting was instantaneous, from both sides.

 Ariel, Baldwin, and Behold were unable to hide their elation. Michael appeared studiously humble. Myrtle, on the other hand, was furious.

 “Cordelia, this isn’t done!” she cried, but the Supreme merely shook her head.

 “I’ve made up my mind.”

 And that was that. There was no swaying her. It was shortly after that you left Hawthorne’s, and the rather intense gaze of Michael Langdon.

 Myrtle tried her best to reason with Cordelia on the car ride to the airport, on the plane, even as you all walked into the house in Louisiana. But there was no changing course.

 Cordelia was determined to alter the course of the future. You hoped she was doing the right thing. Still, you dreaded the thought of sleep that night and what things you might see.

 But Cordelia was the Supreme, you tried to comfort yourself, and it didn’t do well to dwell on dreams.

   As the girls settled into bed, night had only just begun in California.

 It wasn’t difficult for Michael to sneak out of Hawthorne’s. His teachers were too busy congratulating themselves on their supposed victory over Cordelia Goode to even notice he was gone.

 John Henry and his determination to find proof of Michael’s nefarious intentions was only a minor bump in the road. And one that had hopefully been handled.

 Looking off into the tree line, he beamed when he saw her waiting in the shadows. He took off running, letting out a delighted giggle when she was finally close enough to pull into a big hug.

 “Oh, my dear boy,” Miriam Mead cooed as she smothered him in a motherly embrace.

 “Oh! Oh, look at you. You're skin and bones,” she tsked, standing back to take in the sight of him. “You're wasting away. Don't these people feed you?”

 “I'm fine,” Michael assured her, basking in her presence before his mood shifted. “Just tell me you took care of the problem.”

 “The problem,” she smirked, “is now a stack of overcooked country barbecue. They can bury him in a shoebox.”

 “Good,” he was relieved. John Henry was a potential roadblock that had needed to be dealt with. She was the only person he truly had faith in to accomplish the task. “These people are the only ones who could pose a threat to me. Once I become Supreme, I can destroy them from within, eliminate their whole fucking coven. Then the road will be clear for me to do what I was born to do.”

 “So stop worrying,” Mead chided. “Look how easy it was for you to win their trust, to get into their school. They may be wizards, but they're not exactly wizzes. Everything is going beautifully.”

 “I still have to pass the Seven Wonders,” he reminded her, and she rolled her eyes. He envied the faith she had in him. There were days when doubt plagued him, but Ms. Mead was relentlessly optimistic. In her eyes, he could do no wrong.

 “You will own the Seven Wonders, and then all of their covens, and then the world.” Michael smiled from ear to ear at her unwavering certainty.

 His mind strayed for a moment and then he graced her with a thoroughly pleased half smile.

 “I saw her today,” he mused. “With the other witches. She wanted to come to me, I could feel it, but she fought the instinct.”

 Miriam clapped her hands in delight. “Give it time,” she reminded him. “She’s spent too much time with that Supreme of hers. She doesn’t know her place. At your side,” she declared proudly, smoothing down the collar of his shirt. It was only a matter of time until he found her. The one who would help him usher in a new age and a new world made in his father’s image. The girl didn’t know how special she was, the honor that had been bestowed on her. But it was only a matter of time. Michael would become Supreme and all would fall into place.

 “What would I do without you?” he sighed contentedly, wishing he shared her complete conviction.

 Mead pinched his cheek teasingly, the happiest she had ever been. “Now that’s something you’ll never have to worry about.”

[epithethq]

        to start things off, we as a whole would like to say thank you so much to everyone who took the time out of their busy lives to show interest in our little baby here. we would also like to say thank you to everyone who decided to post in the talk tag as well, it was really fun reading what you guys had responded to our questionnaire along with seeing all the amazing aesthetics that were being post ! this last week has been really heartwarming for us both, seeing all these apps rolling in & what not really made things really exciting for us. however, we want to address the fact that even though we can’t accept every single person who applied, we want to say thank you. we do really appreciate every application that we got. 

please note that there were a few characters we accepted for alternate skeletons. if you weren’t accepted for the skeleton you applied for, please check to make sure you weren’t accepted elsewhere !! to those who were not accepted, please know that we loved your applications. but we only could pick one between the multiple applications that we had received. if anyone has any questions as to why they were not accepted, please shoot us a quick message & we will gladly answer whatever question you might have. also please don’t hesitate to reapply in the future.

and for our big ending, we would like to congratulate everyone that has been accepted into EPITHETHQ. we are beyond excited to start writing with you all & seeing your muses come to life on the dash ! please make sure to send in your accounts within the next twenty four hours, or send a message to the main if you need a little bit more time. with that being said, under the cut you will find those who have been accepted.

CONGRATULATIONS SOF, YOU’VE BEEN ACCEPTED AS THE AMARANTH. WELCOME TO EPITHETHQ.

i just want to start off by mentioning how much i loved how detailed your application was. especially the parts where you talked about lukas’ family. that’s what really had me going, i really enjoyed reading everything you had to put in your application. i also want to mention the aesthetics & pinterest board you made because ... it was SO cute. thank you for applying & we can’t wait to see lukas on the dash !

CONGRATULATIONS TATI, YOU’VE BEEN ACCEPTED AS THE BON VIVANT. WELCOME TO EPITHETHQ.

can i just start off by mentioning the fact that i love how much madelaine petsch ? i seriously think she’s a perfect fit for the bon vivant ! but what i really want to talk about is how you went about your application. we both really loved the fact that you did a completely different take on the bon vivant & that’s what really had me hooked. i can’t wait to learn more about scarlett !

CONGRATULATIONS ALI, YOU’VE BEEN ACCEPTED AS THE CAVALIER. WELCOME TO EPITHETHQ.

look, i just want to talk about how much i love that you brought brinley back to life. i also want to mention how much i love how detailed your application is. everything you wrote just had me hooked from the start & i honestly cannot wait to see what type of things brinley will bring to the dash !

CONGRATULATIONS ZOE, YOU’VE BEEN ACCEPTED AS THE DIRTBAG. WELCOME TO EPITHETHQ.

as soon as i clicked on the pinterest board you left in your application, i was already in love with stasia. but when i started reading your application that’s when i just knew that anastasia was the perfect fit for the dirtbag. everything that happened to her in her past literally ... tugged at my heart strings. so i honestly cant wait to see what things she brings to our dash !

CONGRATULATIONS FERB, YOU’VE BEEN ACCEPTED AS THE EBULLIENT. WELCOME TO EPITHETHQ.

i was actually really excited when i came on & seen that someone had applied for the ebullient ! it was one of my favorite skeletons to work on & your application really put a good picture in my head on how you envisioned them as well. i really loved your application & can’t wait to see what ace’s sparkling personality brings to the dash.

CONGRATULATIONS DANA, YOU’VE BEEN ACCEPTED AS THE FRAUDULENT. WELCOME TO EPITHETHQ.

i am .. actually .. in love with theo. everything from his pinterest board, his stats page & my god i don’t even want to start on about his bio. i really loved how everything was written & i love how you went into so much detail when you were explaining his background in your application. i really think that theo is a great fit for the fraudulent & can’t wait to see him on the dash !

CONGRATULATIONS FERB, YOU’VE BEEN ACCEPTED AS THE GREGARIOUS. WELCOME TO EPITHETHQ.

the part in your app when you were talking about helene & haley’s relationship i was so in love with their connection. it was such a good thing to read about & then ... that happened & my heart stopped because all i could think about was ?? dAMN why did she have to leave like that ? your app seriously had me going, i can’t wait to see what other things you bring on the dash with helene !

CONGRATULATIONS TALLY, YOU’VE BEEN ACCEPTED AS THE IMPECUNIOUS. WELCOME TO EPITHETHQ.

i honestly started laughing when i first started reading your application because i just started thinking about ways i, myself, would love to start calling charlie by their other names. but overall i really loved the aesthetics you wrote, the pinterest board & just the way you brought the impecunious to life ! can’t wait to see what charlie brings to the dash. 

CONGRATULATIONS NORA, YOU’VE BEEN ACCEPTED AS THE KALEIDOSCOPIC. WELCOME TO EPITHETHQ.

rosie rosie rosie, what am i going to do with you ? that’s what i was thinking when i was reading your application because it really had me in my feels. rosie i think is a perfect fit for the kaleidoscopic. we can’t wait to see what things you bring to the dash because from your pinterest, it just gets me really excited to see what things rosie will bring to the dash.

CONGRATULATIONS KAYLA, YOU’VE BEEN ACCEPTED AS THE MELANCHOLIC. WELCOME TO EPITHETHQ.

oh my god kayla, i just want to start off by saying how much i love you & your application. i want to start off with talking about your pinterest board, because that was the first thing you linked in your app & honestly i love looking through them all together. but i really felt like you really took what was given & just ... really brought this skeleton to life. also i loved that you named your skeleton romeo. next i want to mention how much i loved reading about romeo. after reading everything in your application i just really can’t wait to see what romeo brings to our dash. thank you so much for applying !

CONGRATULATIONS BEX, YOU’VE BEEN ACCEPTED AS THE NEOPHYTE. WELCOME TO EPITHETHQ.

ezra ??  we love him. bex ?? we love them !! you get a gold star for doing your best. 

CONGRATULATIONS BEA, YOU’VE BEEN ACCEPTED AS THE PHILOPHOBE. WELCOME TO EPITHETHQ.

from the first line of your biography, i was caught !! bea, seren is something special & i am so, so excited to see you bring her to life on our dash. i think she has so much to strive for & so many reasons to be scared & frightened but she has so much to gain by taking her life as her own. i’m so excited to see her grow & flower without the weight of her father’s control holding her down.

CONGRATULATIONS LEX, YOU’VE BEEN ACCEPTED AS THE PRESTIGIOUS. WELCOME TO EPITHETHQ.

wow wow wow. syre is something special & i can’t properly express how glad we are to have him here. you added so much characterization & detail & the both of us were simply stunned by your app !! having him be a salinger is such a cool take & i think he’ll bring a cool personality to the dash. “ instead it landed him in paris ” -- that bit hit hard and all i could think to myself was damn. we cannot wait to see what you do with him & we’re so excited to have you and him here !!

CONGRATULATIONS BRENDA, YOU’VE BEEN ACCEPTED AS THE PRISTINE. WELCOME TO EPITHETHQ.

my heart aches for josie & i genuinely think that she is the perfect fit for our pristine !! i can’t wait to see her become the person she has always meant to be. i want her to grow to be more than her insecurities and fears. i love your aesthetic you wrote for her,and i love your pinterest board even more. i can’t wait to love our pretty-in-pink girl even more !!

CONGRATULATIONS CAS, YOU’VE BEEN ACCEPTED AS THE QUIXOTIC. WELCOME TO EPITHETHQ.

whoa. that’s really all i can say. i am so excited for you to bring the quixotic to life because i was really struck !! i loved how you started us off with an aesthetic for callie, and i love how you started with an overview of her character traits. we really got to dive right in to see callie !! continuing to read, i was so sad reading about her time in high school, & reading about her & her brother, luke. i think i am just as heartbroken as she is ?? you really gave us so many little details that made her feel real & i think she is spectacular. 

CONGRATULATIONS IRENE, YOU’VE BEEN ACCEPTED AS THE ROGUE. WELCOME TO EPITHETHQ.

maybe being in paris will give rome the wake-up call he needs, but until then we are both so excited to have him as our rogue in paris !! i think that his recklessness and view of the world make him unique & something different than a lot of the characters on the dash. i am so, so excited to see how he grows & changes with the plots & events we’ll have to throw at him.

CONGRATULATIONS GI, YOU’VE BEEN ACCEPTED AS THE SPITFIRE. WELCOME TO EPITHETHQ.

wow. vesna is just ... wow !! your writing & in-depth section is beautiful & i was just so taken with her. i feel so deeply for her & the tragedy of her past is something that makes her so haunting. i love how you want to make her “ rise from the ashes ” & i cannot wait to see you do that !! she deserves the world & i hope she gets it. you have so many things and ideas for her & i am so excited to see her come alive in your hands as our spitfire.

CONGRATULATIONS KRIS, YOU’VE BEEN ACCEPTED AS THE SYBARITIC. WELCOME TO EPITHETHQ.

i don’t know how to say this, but both nina & i were so caught up in this app. it was honestly so great for us to read !! i love the traits you gave her & was in love from the beginning. i really love how you write. your word choice was stunning & it was all so beautiful. i am so excited for cecilia & her duality of girlish joy & machiavellian deceit. i think she is very strong-willed & bold & she’s honestly something unlike the rest of our characters. we loved all of your details & we are so excited to see you & her here !!

[jpat82]

Bad Plan

CHAPTER 2

“So let me get this straight, you volunteered me to cook a bbq, two days from now. On my day off, and I should do this why?" She raised an eye brow.

“Because you like throwing bbq's and having people over." I replied recalling the many times we had had people over for dinner.

“Yes, but not people who are used to away higher cooking skill." She sounded annoyed.

“Look, they don't want fancy food. They want just an old fashion backyard bbq's. Where they sit down and just relax like everyone else. Plus I thought you'd be alittle excited getting to meet them all."

“Fine, but your buying everything and being my help. Which means.."

“I cater to you. Deal."

******

Friday I went and bought everything, while getting texts from excited people asking what they should bring. Saturday morning was helping prep the food. I was just excited to have everyone come over. Plus waiting to see the look on my twins face when she met Tom.

There was knock, I ran to go get it as my sister was outside grilling.

“Hey kid," ah, that amazing smile. "Brought some beer."

“Nice, and your like an hour early." I smiled, gesturing for him follow. Showed him the quick down stairs tour of the house.

“Utterly gorgeous. I love old houses, they just don't have the same character in homes today." We walked out back, our patio was huge. With a fire pit in the middle, benches built in to the side of the deck. White lights were strung up, to be honest the patio costed us a fortune but it was well worth every penny.

“Completely agree with you, we jumped when it went up for sale. Got it for a steal cause it had so many issues. But, we knew some people."

“Hey Karl. You found the place okay?" My sister asked. "Can be hard to find."

“Yep, can't see looming up from the street since its on the top of hill or anything." He joked back.

“Well, the drive way can be a pain sometimes. Somebody hasn't trimmed the hedges out front."

“Oh my gosh, they arnt that bad."

“Renee, you can't find the mail box." She pointed the flipper at me.

“Fine I'll go cut them back real quick." I hurried off, stopping by the shed to grab the cutters. I was just about done when two more cars pulled up.

“Hey, up that way?" Zoe asked pointing up the drive.

“Yeah, I'll be up in a minute. Karl's already here." She pulled in, Simon and Tom in her car, Chris waved as he followed her, Zach riding shot gun. I felt a wave of anxiety, and steeled myself before trekking up the drive.

I introduced my sister to our guests. Except one, Tom. You see my sister had been giving me grief about this cook out since I told her about it. I devised an evil plan to get back at her. I knew my wonderful dear twin needed more burgers. I was already carrying side dishes so I asked Tom to snag the burgers and take them to her.

I love her I really do, but I knew how much of crush she had on this man. I would never get to do something like this to her again. I watched as he walked out.

“Excuse me, miss, your sister asked me to bring you this." He said walking up beside the unsuspecting woman. I watched as her entire body went rigid, no doubt completely recognizing that British voice. She turned rather slowly, looking at him and blinked hard a couple of times. I watched as her face paled, then slowly turn pink.

“Uh, thank you." She stammered and turned back to the grill. I walked over to the table where all guests were and put the sides down.

“God, you two have a slice of heaven back here." Zoe exclaimed, taking everything in.

“In all seriousness, this is a pretty sweet patio." Chris stated, taking a swig of his beer. "I mean you got the recessed fire pit, some falls with a koi pond in the corner. Beautiful trees surrounding it. You can't even hear the street down there."

“Thanks, Ros and I spend a lot of time out here during the summer and fall." My phone vibrated, I pulled it out. All it said 'I'm killing you after they leave!'

Once the food was done we all sat and chatted, enjoying the evening. Rosalyn having an in depth conversation with Tom and Simon about England. Zach and Zoe were arguing about how certain words were properly pronounced, in Klingon.

“So Renee, you going to tell us about some of your writings?" Chris inquired, sitting on the back railing.

“It's not much." I replied, trying to dismiss it. I felt odd talking about my own work.

“Come on, just tell us about one of them. Karl said you auditioned to get to ready to send them publishers which means you have at least one ready. " this time I flushed up.

“Well, I have one that deals with a young woman who has the ability to do magic in present time and has manage to catch the attention of an angry psychotic Greek deity." I explained the best I could.

“Sounds interesting. What kind of format is written in? First person? Third person?" Chris looked excited.

“It's in first person."

“You said you also wrote some screen plays." Karl asked, a twinkle in his eye. Or maybe it was just the lighting.

“Yes. That ones a little bit harder to describe." To be honest that one made me uncomfortable talking about. I grabbed the dirty dishes and went into the kitchen to catch a break. My anxiety was raising talking about my work. They were my babies and wasn't sure if I was ready for the world to read them.

“Hey, you okay?" Chris had followed me this time. I was not expecting that.

“Yeah, I'm fine. Why?" I looked over my should at him.

“You just made a quick exit when we were asking about your writing, that's all." He walked up behind me, his finger tips just barely touched the back of my arms. I wasn't sure what was going on but it was making me feel very uncomfortable. Not in a bad way but it wasn't something I was used to.

“I'm just not used to talking about it that's all." I turned around, facing him. He gave me a lopsided smile. "If you'll excuse me, I'm going to go back outside."

He stepped to the side and allowed me to pass him. I was shaking lightly, I was not used to being that close to someone. I took a deep breath once outside and rejoined the conversations taking place.

The evening winded down, and everyone was leaving. Zoe hijacked the rest of the potato and macaroni salad. She begged Rosalyn to text her the rescipe, my sister conceded.

“So, kid, I'll see you on set Monday?" Karl asked as I walked him to his rental.

“Of course. Where else would be at 5am?" I smiled back at him.

“Rosalyn, amazing dinner." He remarked climbing in his car. She gave him thumbs up, as i walked back to our front porch.

“He likes you." She stated through her smile as we watched him leave.

“Whatever." We walked back in.

“You just couldn't tell me about Tom?"

“Try working with him, and not being able to tell you because you said no spoilers. And he's a spoiler." I point at her snickering.

“Yeah, still going to kill you for that." She made herself some tea.

“How's next weekend sound? I'm booked full this week." I replied, grabbing some water.

“Busy next weekend. Have your people contact my people."

**

5am came early, I dragged myself into the make up trailer feeling more tired then normal. It was a cold morning, causing my ankles it hurt painfully. I had fractured them both when I was younger, I dreaded winter every year.

“Morning kid!" Karl sat in the chair next to mine. I glanced over, he held out a coffee.

“You are a life saver." I announced, taking it from him.

“Noticed your sister was shooting you daggers most the evening the other day. What was that about?" He questioned in between sips of his coffee. "Hopefully we weren't a burden to her."

“No, not at all." I chuckled. "She just has the biggest crush on Tom, hence why I had him take the burgers out. I knew I'd never get another opportunity to do that to her again." He laughed hard in reply.

“So you ran with it? Aren't you sneaky, kid?" He laughed again, I chuckled watching him.

“Trust me, she deserves it." I watched as he recomposed himself. "She is my sister and with the teasing she's been putting me through nightly."

“Well, I happen to know he's single." He mused as we walked over to wardrobe.

“Really?" I chuckled as he held the door open. "And what are you implying, kind sir?"

“What I'm implying is we set them up. Cause I heard a little a birdy ranting and raving about your twin."

“Ooo, you have me intrigued." I giggled.

“What am I missing?" Chris popped out from one of the booths in wardrobe. A broad smile shot out when his eyes landed on me. "Morning Renee."

“How we are setting up Rosalyn and Tom." Karl replied getting into the booth.

“Count me in. Sounds like fun." Chris replied crossing his arms over his captains uniform.

“You two are worse then teenage girls." I jested. Going into the other booth.

**

The day ended with me in the gym, going through yet another fighting scene. Mike wasn't there, his wife had finally had her baby. So I was just going through the moves. Throwing kicks and dodging the invisible air persons punch. I had no idea how long Karl stood leaning up against the wall watching me. His arms crossed, a small smile across his face.

I caught him out of the corner of my eye. I kept going, feeling awkward. I had thrown some other moves that I thought worked and was running it out smoothly to show Mike in hopes of changing the Choreography. It looked cooler then the original choreography. I finally got done running that set and walked back to my starting point to run it again.

“You changed it kid." He pushed himself off the wall.

“Yeah, I thought it'd look better and it runs smoother. Not that I'm a choreographer." I stated as I started throwing punches. He took his shirt off and jogged over to me. He ducked my kick and relieved the invisible mans place.

“I would have to agree it looks better." He said racking my legs out from under me. I fell back and rolled out as he stomped down. It was odd dance, but none the less we moved like dancers. We hit the spot I had changed and I started calling out shots as we sparred.

It ended with him holding me down. Both of us breathing heavy drenched in sweat. I must admit there wasn't any where I'd rather be. Our eyes were locked, and for a breif moment there was complete silence. My heart pounded in my chest. A slow clap startled both of us.

“That was badass you guys." Pine's voice echoed in the room. Karl smiled, he stood puling me up off the ground. "I don't remember that fight scene though."

“Well that's cause she redid it and you should of recognized the first half of it. It's your fight."

“It is?"

“Yeah." I breathed hard trying to regain my breath. "I was working on it. The second half of it felt chunky, like it just didn't flow."

“Actually Chris, you should take a run with her on it." My head snapped over to

Karl. Sure I knew I was going to eventually have to work with Pine but I wasn't ready.

“You're right." He smirked taking slow confident steps to me. "Ready?"

Can I please say no? I thought to myself as I walked back to other end of the mat. Chris walking close behind me. I took a deep breath before I turned around to face him.

I threw the first punch full force, he ducked. And so began this awkward dance. I may have landed a punch or a kick but he didn't let on. When it came to the changed part I started calling out the shots like I had with Karl. It ended just like Karl and I had, me being pinned to the floor by Pine.

He stood quickly and walked back to the starting place.

@kitkatkl @octobermermaid @ajosieface