#give me them falling in love in universes when

[lilianne-tarot]

PICK A CARD: How Do People Describe You When You're Not Around? ⋆. 𐙚 ˚

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How to Pick Your Pile: Take a deep breath, clear your mind, and look at the images below. Which one pulls you in the most? Trust your gut! Once you choose the image, The number below your chosen image is your pile. If more than one catches your eye, that just means there’s extra tea for you—go ahead and read both!

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✮⋆˙Pile I

Cards pulled: The Hierophant, Three of Swords, The Empress, and Three of Wands Reversed.

So first off, people definitely talk about you. And not in a “meh, they exist” kind of way, but in a you leave an impression kind of way. The Hierophant and The Empress together? That’s Big Presence Energy. People see you as someone who either knows their sht* or at least acts like they do. You might be the one that friends or coworkers refer to when they’re like, “So-and-so always has their life together, why can’t I be like them?” Meanwhile, you’re probably spiralling over what to eat for dinner, but hey, it’s the ✨aura✨ that counts.😂

But listen, the Three of Swords tells me there’s a little drama when it comes to how people talk about you. Some people have this perception that you’ve been through heartbreak, betrayals, but instead of falling apart, you channeled it into an untouchable Empress-level glow-up. The Hierophant also tells me that you have this kind of moral authority vibe. Not in a preachy way (hopefully), but in a “They always know what’s right” kind of way. So, people either admire that or get hella intimidated by it. But then—plot twist—the Three of Wands reversed enters the chat, and this is where the gossip gets interesting. Some people describe you as the person with big potential who’s holding themselves back. It’s like, they see you as someone who could do literally anything, but maybe you second-guess yourself, or you have too many “what ifs” running around your head. Some might even get frustrated for you. It’s that “I wish they’d just GO FOR IT” energy. Are people hyping you up behind your back more than they do to your face? Absolutely. And for some of you, this card combo screams unfinished business. Some folks might be talking about what could have been—with you, with a project, with a friendship, with a relationship. It’s giving ex-friends still lurking on your Instagram stories. The energy here says, “They’re doing so well, but I wonder if they ever think about the past.” Someone out there is still narrating a personal rom-com in their head with you as the lost love interest.

Now, listen. If people are talking about you like this, it means you are memorable as hell. And not in a "Yeah, they were nice, I guess" way, but in a “That person changed my perspective” way. You have a natural presence that sticks with people, but because of that, you attract opinions And let’s be real, the people with the Three of Swords drama? Some of them kinda want to be you. Not saying they hate you, but they definitely resent the way you just keep growing Meanwhile, the Three of Wands reversed folks? They’re the ones saying “Ugh, I wish they’d believe in themselves as much as I do.” They are basically your personal unpaid hype squad (and yet, they won’t say it to your face because the universe loves irony).

People describe you as someone who’s got wisdom, presence, and a little bit of mystery. Some admire you, some feel a way about you, and some are still watching you like you’re the season finale of a show they can’t quit. You live rent-free in people’s minds—sometimes inspiring them, sometimes haunting them, but never being forgotten.

Moral of the story? Keep thriving. Keep proving the hype squad right and the haters miserable.

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✮⋆˙Pile II

Cards Pulled: Three of Cups Reversed, Justice, Three of Pentacles Reversed, and The Hermit Reversed

The energy is so specific I feel like I just eavesdropped on a conversation about you. SO FIRST OF ALL, people DO have opinions about you. And I don’t mean the generic, “Oh yeah, they’re nice” type of opinions. Nah, you spark discussions. You live in people’s minds in a way that makes them randomly remember you while they��re washing dishes like “Ugh, why are they like that?” OR “Damn, I kinda admire them”. It’s that kind of vibe. We also have Justice, meaning that when people talk about you, they often frame it around fairness, consequences, or karma, maybe some of you even have a career in those fields or studying them. Some see you as someone who always gets what they deserve. Others feel like you have a habit of calling people out—even if you don’t say a word, your existence alone makes people feel like they need to hold themselves accountable.

And then, The Three of Cups Reversed and The Three of Pentacles Reversed? Oof. Some people describe you as someone who doesn’t fully “fit in”—not because you’re not social or likable, but because you either choose to keep a distance or people feel like they don’t really get you. There’s an undertone of “they keep to themselves,” You might be in the group but not of the group, if that makes sense. your vibes are giving mysterious, possibly intimidating, but weirdly magnetic. And The Hermit Reversed? This tells me that people don’t actually know what’s going on in your head—but boy, do they try to figure it out. It’s like you have this aura that makes people wonder, “Do they secretly hate us? Are they judging us? Or are they just really introverted and tired?” And listen, this combination SCREAMS that people project onto you. Some folks describe you as someone who’s too detached or too independent, but the ones who say this? They’re usually the ones who struggle with self-sufficiency themselves. Others describe you as too serious, too deep, too different—but those same people probably lowkey admire that you don’t need to be liked by everyone. Look, babe. You give off main character energy but in a cult classic, not a blockbuster. You know those characters people debate about in online forums? The ones that some people worship and others find frustratingly complex? That’s you. You are not someone who fades into the background. People describe you with a mix of intrigue, respect, and mild frustration because you’re not an easy person to label. Some people think you’re too serious, others think you’re too mysterious, but nobody thinks you’re irrelevant.If you ever feel like people don’t understand you, it’s not because you’re unlikeable—it’s because you don’t shrink yourself down to fit into their comfort zone. And honestly? Good. Let them talk. You’ll still be out here thriving in your own lane.

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✮⋆˙Pile III

Cards Pulled: 7 of Pentacles, The Lovers Reversed, 7 of Cups Reversed, and 4 of Cups Reversed.

First things first: people think you’re a hard person to read. It’s like they know you’ve got depth, they know a lot is going on in that brain of yours, but they can’t always tell where your head is at. Some might even say you come off as detached, hard to impress, or selective about who you truly engage with. They think you’re the type of person who doesn’t waste time on meaningless connections- that drives some people crazy. With The Lovers Reversed it’s like its “complicated relationships.” Some people describe you as someone who used to be close with them, but isn’t anymore, or they feel like they almost got to know the real you but never quite cracked the code. It’s like you go through these phases where you’re all in with certain people, and then one day? Poof. You’re just... not as available. You change. You grow. And some people are pressed about it. And let’s talk about the 7 of Cups Reversed, because this is hilarious. You know those people who overanalyze everything? The ones who create entire narratives in their heads about situations that probably weren’t that deep? Yeah, those people love to talk about you. They describe you as someone who has “so many options” in life—whether that’s in friendships, career, or even relationships. People assume you have more going on than you actually do because you don’t overshare. They confuse your privacy for secrecy—which is so funny because half the time, you’re probably just chilling in bed rewatching your comfort show. Now, 4 of Cups Reversed This tells me that people see you as someone who used to hesitate, used to second-guess, but is now moving differently. Maybe you went through a phase where you were unsure of yourself, or people remember you from a time when you weren’t as confident, and now they’re shook by your growth. They describe you as someone who figured out what they want. It’s giving “you snooze, you lose” energy. Some people are even salty that you don’t give them the same access you used to.

Look, dear. You are the one who got away—even platonically. They’re lowkey haunted by their last interaction with you, whether it was a convo that didn’t go as expected or just the fact that you outgrew them while they stayed the same.i can see that You’re just not easily impressed by shallow things. You are not an open book, and that frustrates people. The funniest part? Some of the people who describe you in a weirdly intense way are people you barely think about. People describe you as someone who is hard to pin down, constantly evolving, and deeply introspective. Some admire it. Some are shook by it. A few might even wish they still had access to you the way they once did. You’re not the type of person people forget—even the ones who act like they don’t care? They care. You make an impact without even trying. And that? That’s power.

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Thank you so much for reading all the way through! I hope my reading resonated with you and that you had a lovely time going through it. If you enjoyed it, please like and reblog—it really means a lot! Let me know which pile you chose; I absolutely love hearing your thoughts and feedback on my readings! If my reading resonated you, you may consider buying my paid reading as it would really help me out financially♡

Note: tarot cards provide guidance and possible insights into what could happen based on current energies, thoughts, and actions. the cards can highlight potential paths or outcomes, but they do not fixedly predict the future. this is a general reading so take what resonates!

[traveler-at-heart]

Doctor's In - Part 14

Summary: The universe (and some people) conspire to reunite you with Wanda.

“Y/N” Wanda says, and your heart beats faster.

“Hey. Hi. How…”

How are you? is such an idiotic question to ask. You clear your throat, running your fingers through your hair.

“What’s up?”

Ok, that’s worse.

“Sorry for bothering you, I wasn’t… I wasn’t thinking clearly. Tommy ran away…”

“Wait, he what? Hold on, I’ll call you when I’m at the airport”

“No, no” Wanda pleads, regretting her choice of words. “He’s safe. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you”

“Ok. Maybe lead with that next time?” you sigh, collapsing in the sofa.

Wanda laughs and it makes your heart swoon. And ache.

“You’re right, I’m so sorry. Like I said… I wondered if he might have been in touch with you or something and that’s why I called. But he’s safe now”

“I haven’t spoken to them since I left” you say in a small voice, and Wanda falls silent for a moment.

“They ask about you all the time”

“I think about them all the time”

And about you.

“Anyways. Sorry for scaring you and interrutpting”

“Just watching a movie” you say, knowing she’s referring to Natasha. Though you don’t owe her an explanation.

You both stay silent and you have to hold back tears.

“Uh, sorry about leaving my stuff. I could get someone to pick them up. I’m not going back to Westview until Carol’s wedding in April” you say.

“No, that’s fine. Don’t worry about it, leave them here and just come over when you’re in town” Wanda says, disappointed to hear that you don’t have any immediate plans to come back to Westview.

“Ok, thanks. I should…”

“I follow Jenny on instagram” Wanda says, clearly ignoring your attempt to end the conversation.

“Really?” you play dumb. “You know I don’t have social media, so we just text”

“She posted a picture of you. And your brother I assume?”

“Zach, yeah. She’s applying to NYU, so we had a weekend there. The usual, Broadway, baseball. It was fun”

“It looked like fun, yeah” Wanda nods, remembering how much joy it brought her to see you again.

You looked fine. A little tired, but the smile was there, maybe because your sister was hugging you close while your brother made a face.

Of course they’d love you, even if you hadn’t been in contact for years. You are amazing.

And Wanda fucked it up. She stares at the ring, still thinking about whether or not to tell you she found it.

“Y/N…”

There’s the distinct sound of a pager and you sigh.

“Great. I’m sorry, I have to go”

“I understand” Wanda says. “You take care of yourself now, ok?”

“Bye, Wanda”

You hang up, because you can’t stand the idea of saying goodbye to her. Is this really how it ends? A stupid phone conversation and you taking back boxes of clothes in a few months.

You wish you could call her back and tell her this is bullshit, she was an ass and so were you, but you can work through it.

But you don’t, because you’re scared of what she has to say.

So you leave for work, thinking about her voice, her laugh, her lips on your skin.

And how the memories are all that’s left of your life together.

—

Wanda stares at the phone. Just when she had gathered the courage to tell you about the ring, you hung up.

Maybe it was for the best.

What would you even say? That you planned on proposing and then Wanda ruined everything? Hurt you, destroyed your relationship beyond repair.

Knowing about the ring didn’t change things, not on your side.

Wanda sat on the porch, holding on to the ring box. She opens it again, amazed at how beautiful and perfect it is. It was obvious you had put so much thought into picking the right ring.

“Señor Scratchy!” Agatha calls for him, around the corner. “Why didn’t Rio give me a freakin fish instead? Hey, Wanda”

“Hi, Agatha. Your bunny again?”

“Yeah, he likes to escape. Heard you have one of those as well” she smiles, referring to Tommy.

“How did you…?”

“Oh, haven’t you heard” the woman keeps chatting as she looks around, hoping to spot the animal. “Your mom and I are besties. I was just with Mrs. Davies”

Of course.

“I think he’s right here” Wanda thinks she spots the bunny, moving forward. She tries to catch him with both hands, but ends up dropping the box, revealing the ring.

“Damn, that’s nice” Agatha whistles, picking it up and examining it. “Family heirloom?”

“No, not exactly” Wanda shakes her head, picking up the bunny and hugging him close to her chest.

Agatha sits next to her, still looking at the ring.

“So, she was proposing. Come on, it doesn’t take a genius to know” she says when Wanda gives her a look.

“God, I screwed up so bad” Wanda shakes her head. “She left for good and I won’t ever be able to fix this”

“Did she really?”

“What?”

“Leave? For good. Don’t you have all her clothes here? If she was done, she would have taken them out, changed her number, thrown the ring into the river” Agatha argues, placing the box down.

“I hurt her too much. She’ll never forgive me”

“Are we talking about the same Y/N? The one that brought medicine to that old lady down the street even if she was a homophobic demon?”

“Agatha, don’t speak ill of the dead” Wanda says, though Mrs. Miller was the worst person she ever met.

“Well, she’s in a warmer place now. But anyway! That’s not the point. You can stay here and cry all day or you can at least try. You’re assuming the worst and that’s what led you here, isn’t it?”

“Well…”

“Get your sorry ass from the floor and do something about it, Maximoff! Get the girl back” Agatha says, shaking Wanda by the shoulders.

“Ok, ok! I’ll think of something”

“Good girl. Now hand me back my bunny. We’re past our bedtime”

—

Darcy’s walking down the hallway when she gets a text from you.

Y/N: Out on a sidequest, call you later. Love ya

“Who does she think she is, deciding when I get to scold her?” she complains. The brunette is so busy typing out a response that she misses the man that almost crashes into her.

“So sorry. I’m looking for Chief Fury”

“Job interview?” she says, arching her eyebrow.

“Yes, for Head of Trauma”

“Right. Well, I’m sorry that no one told you before, but that position’s been taken. Better luck next time…” she dismisses the man, the way she’s been tricking the few people who have been meeting the chief.

Darcy’s always looking for a way to sabotage the interviews, either by lying and saying the position’s closed or by feeding them false information. Like Fury likes to be greeted with two kisses, one on each cheek.

That was a fun day.

The man walks away, and she’s about to reply to you when someone calls her from the corner.

“Psss”

Darcy looks around, her eyes meeting Rio’s. This is gonna be interesting.

“What’s up, girl?”

“I know someone who is looking to form an alliance… to bring Y/N back” she whispers, and then smiles like a psycho. “She wants to speak to you”

“If it’s Wanda…”

“Nope. Do you agree to a meeting? I’ll set it up”

Darcy thinks about it for a second, considering if it’s worth it. She should at least get to know her potential ally.

“Fine. But I’m not meeting them in a dark alley”

“I’ll arrange it”

Darcy is about to change her mind when Chief Fury calls for her. In the split second it takes her to look back at her boss, Rio has completely vanished.

“You wouldn’t happen to have seen a doctor that was coming for an interview?”

“No, and boy, look at the time, it’s appy hour at Stark Hospital!” she glances at her wrist watch. “See ya around, boss!”

“You can’t keep sending them home, Lewis! We need a new Head of Trauma” Fury says.

“Totally, good luck with that!”

—

“Ready?”

“No” you say, refusing to leave the dressing room. You see Darcy typing but then her text is never sent. She’s probably working.

Which is what you’d rather be doing instead of trying on dresses.

“Come out now” Natasha commands, and her tone leaves little room for argument.

“Fine”

You stumble awkwardly out of the changing room, not used to wearing dresses.

“I look stupid” you complain, and Natasha supresses a laugh. “I’m not going!”

That makes her jump.

“You look fine!”

“It’s not my style. And why are you picking out dresses for me?”

“Because I already have mine, and I know what will match” Natasha explains, handing you another one. “Try this one”

Before you can protest, Yelena jumps out, admiring herself on the mirror.

“My boobs look great in this!”

“Yeah, they do” you nod, which earns you a slap on the arm by Natasha. “Hey, I’m just being supportive. Unlike that bra she’s wearing”

“I’m not wearing a bra. I think it will look better that way” she comments.

“No, you just want to piss off mother” Natasha says, leaning against the wall. She waits until you step out to help pull your zipper up. “See? You clean up nice”

“I still don’t like it” you mutter. “I’m a pants kinda gal through and through”

Yelena has settled on her dress, which makes you feel pressured to pick something. So you just let Natasha decide and walk with her to the register.

“I’m paying for it”

“Nu-uh”

“You’re going as a favor to me”

“It’s an open bar, you will regret inviting me”

You try to reach for her hand and drop her credit card, but she’s faster. And infuriating. The struggle makes you lose your footing, dropping to the floor.

“You’re both idiots” Yelena steps over you to pay for her clothes.

As Natasha helps you up, you look at a shop across the street.

“Wow, those are pretty cool”

“Huh…” Natasha looks you up and down, evaluating the possibilities. “Leave that dress. We’re finding something else”

—

Wanda’s looking at her phone again. Ekaterina and Pietro share a look, knowing something’s up.

Everyone’s home today, even if it’s a school day. Considering everything that happened yesterday, Wanda thought it might be a good idea to let the kids stay, watch movies and have some family time.

Though she still has to go to a meeting with Laura. The book is getting published soon and there are events they have to plan, like readings at bookshops or libraries.

It was Wanda’s favorite part about releasing a new book. And the worst thing is she was looking forward to having you by her side, to share all the things that happen while doing it.

“Gotta go meet Laura. I won’t be long” she announces, and is pleasantly surprised when the twins rush to hug her goodbye. “Let’s all go out for dinner, what do you guys think?”

“Yeah, sounds fun” Tommy says, going back to the couch where he’s playing videogames with Pietro.

Before starting her drive, she breathes deeply and decides to just pull the plug. So, she sents you a message and hopes you’ll answer.

Wanda has to remind herself that you’re probably busy and that’s why there’s no reply when she parks outside of her friend’s office.

“Hey, how are you doing?” Laura goes straight to hug her. “I’m happy Tommy’s ok”

“Yeah, we’re all good. Just hoping things get better soon”

“Of course. Honestly, we don’t have to talk about the promo tour today, you should go home and spend time with them, Wanda”

“No, that’s fine. I could use the distraction” she nods, pulling out her laptop.

For the next hour, they go over the calendar, deciding which events will take priority. It’s a month and a half away, but Wanda knows time flies when you have to meet a deadline.

“There’s one last thing” Laura says, trying to sound normal. “And listen, just give it some thought, ok?”

“What is it?”

“You know Wendy Lawson, right?”

“The legendary author? Of course I do. Who doesn’t?”

“She’s working on a new book, and she asked specifically about you to illustrate it” Laura says, with a very distinct lack of enthusiasm.

“Ok, that’s amazing! That’s every artist’s dream. Why are you making it sound like a bad thing?” Wanda says, confused.

“Well, here’s the thing. She doesn’t want to just do everything over video calls or anything else. Wendy is asking for you to go back and forth to review designs in person. And it’s right before the tour, so… it’s gonna be a hassle”

Wanda realises a second later that Wendy Lawson is currently living in Boston.

“I’ll do it” she says, her mind racing with ideas.

She could go and look for you, try to talk face to face. Fix everything, or at the very least try.

This seems like more than a coincidence.

It’s meant to be.

“Really? What about the kids?”

“Well, it doesn’t look like my mother is planning on leaving anytime soon. And seeing as this is a once in a lifetime opportunity…”

“Yeah, it is. Alright, then let’s set up a meeting with her team. I do think you have to speak with her editor first, but they’ll be happy to fly you to Boston” Laura says, shocked that it took no effort to convince Wanda. This really was a great opportunity, but all things considered, she was expecting a very firm no on her friend’s side.

“Great” Wanda says, putting her things away. “It’s settled then”

She feels very optimistic once she gets in the car.

It’s even better when you finally reply to her text.

The music’s loud as she drives home, but for the first time it isn’t to keep her from thinking about you. It’s just because she’s happy.

—

Darcy’s not sure this is a good idea.

She’s sitting at the diner like Rio told her, with her back to the door.

“Whatever you do, don’t look at the people coming in. They want to remain in the shadows” Rio had said with a somber expression.

Maybe it was all a prank.

But still, she hears the door open and close, and then someone is sitting on the booth behind her, and she’s back to back with her mysterious ally.

“Doctor Darcy Lewis?” a woman says.

“Yes” Darcy frowns. “Who am I speaking to?”

“That is not important, Doctor Lewis. What’s important is that we share a common goal”

“Bring Y/N back”

“With Wanda” the mystery woman adds.

“Now wait a minute!” Darcy snaps, ignoring the warning of not looking at the woman. “Nu-uh. I don’t give a damn if she gets back with Wanda. In fact, I don’t think she deserves her, not after all the shitty things she said to my friend”

“Love is complicated, Doctor”

“Is it now, Mrs. Maximoff?” Darcy glares.

The woman sighs, moving to Darcy’s booth and sitting in front of her.

“How did you know?”

“Gut feeling. Plus you have the same eyes” the brunette crosses her arms, ready to continue arguing. “Like I said, I want my friend back because this is where she belongs. Whatever the deal is between her and Wanda is none of my concern. Especially because she’s the reason Y/N left in the first place”

“And you don’t think they can fix it?” the woman asks. It sounds like she really wants to know, considering Darcy is your best friend and knows you better than anyone.

And truth is, you were really happy with Wanda. It felt like you had found a place in the world, with a family that loved you.

“Maybe. I know Y/N still loves Wanda. That’s why she ran away. She was probably scared to ask Wanda to work it out and have her slam the door in her face”

“Yes, well, my daughter isn’t particularly good at dealing with rejection either” Ekaterina sighs.

“Fine. If it means I get my best friend back I can work with you. But I won’t put in a good word for Wanda unless I’m convinced she’ll do better”

“That’s fair”

“So, let’s get some food. Seems like we have a lot of planning to do” Darcy says, smiling at the other woman.

—

It’s all moving surprisingly fast. As in, Wanda already has a flight booked for Friday, returning early Saturday.

Her mother takes the news surprisingly well.

“Mama, if it’s too much work I’m sure I can get a babysitter…”

“A stranger to look after my boys!” Ekaterina sighs, exasperated. “I’m not that old, malyshka. I can handle it for two days”

“Alright, if you’re sure…”

“Yes. Now I have to take my daily walk. Come, little dog” she calls for Sparky, who is eager to get out of the house.

There’s a reason behind it, though. She needs to call her secret ally and update her on the news.

“Darcy here” the brunette greets. “I know you’re calling to scold me, but I haven’t been able to convince her to come back for Carol’s fake bridal shower”

“That won’t be necessary. Wanda’s going to Boston”

“Damn, you’re good. How did you get her to do it?” Darcy says.

“Oh, the universe works in mysterious ways. It’s actually something about work but it might be a good chance for them to meet. Can you find out what Y/N is doing this week? I’ll try to convince Wanda to meet her”

“Wait, when did you say she was going to Boston?”

“Oh… you heard already” Kate Bishop comes out of nowhere. “I-I’m sorry, I meant to tell you sooner, and it’s only going to be a week, I promise I’ll come back”

“Bishop, what are you babbling about?” Darcy interrupts, frowning. She’s definitely not as patient as you were with the resident.

“I thought you knew about me going to Boston for a few days. Just to observe the kidney transplant. Yelena invited me”

“Ok, hold on. Ekaterina, we have someone on the inside”

“Inside of what? You Americans and your vulgar…”

“Gotta call you back” Darcy hangs up, pulling Kate along. “Ok, tell me everything you’re supposed to do. If you want Y/N back to teaching you, you have to agree to be our doble agent”

“Our?”

“That’s not important” Darcy dismisses her question. “Now speak”

—

Wanda: Do you have a moment to chat?

Y/N: Hey, I’m going to join a surgery. Can call in a few hours.

Y/N: Everything ok?

Wanda has been texting you here and there to ask about small stuff. It’s always something related to things you were in charge of, like Sparky’s vet appointments or her car’s maintenance.

If it makes her life easier, you’re more than happy to help. It’s the least you could do.

Except today. She texted early and you honestly didn’t check your phone. Now calls aren’t coming through either.

“Hey, Kate” you greet at the front desk, still looking at your phone. “Checked my post ops yet? There’s this guy in room 1045 that I need to…”

Wait a damn minute.

You finally look up.

“Hi” your former resident greets with a smile and you finally snap out of it.

This is Boston. Kate doesn’t work here.

“What are you… is Darcy here?” you look around, knowing your friend is capable of kidnapping you if that’s what it takes.

“No, I’m here because Yelena invited me to see the kidney transplant” she rushes to explain. “Also, hi Doctor Y/L/N. It’s good to see you”

“Call me Y/L, I’m not your superior anymore. And yeah, right back at you” you smile at her. You’re about to say goodbye as you have some patients to check still but she speaks again.

“We all miss you. Barnes and Doctor Lewis fight all the time”

“That sounds about right. I miss everyone too” you admit with a sad smile. “Anyway, gotta check on post ops. See you there”

It’s a little freaky, to see Kate in the midde of a hospital that is not Stark. Like you’re having deja vu or something. It almost feels like you’ll run into Darcy next, or get a surprise visit from Wanda to drop off some cookies.

Stop it.

You need to focus. All eyes are on the hospital for the next few days as they’ll perform the second xenotransplant. It’s amazing, really. A genetically-edited pig kidney into a living recipient.

And although you’re not in the surgical team, you are allowed in the OR to observe and help.

“You’ll never believe who I ran into” you say when you spot Natasha. “Kate. She said Yelena invited her”

“Huh. Do you think that she’s also her date to the gala?” Natasha frowns. In that precise moment, Yelena walks by, making you both turn to look at her. Without saying anything, you run after her, Natasha close behind.

You manage to catch up, blocking her path and making sure Natasha doesn’t let her escape either.

“I don’t have time to play games”

“Is it because you’re little girlfriend is already here?” you mock.

“What?”

“Kate Bishop” Natasha clarifies.

“That is not… you don’t even know what… сука! Both of you” Yelena blushes. Natasha and you laugh at her expression, and she uses the distraction to walk around you. She makes sure you get to see her flipping you off before disappearing around the corner.

“Are you ready?” Natasha asks, turning her attention towards you.

“Yeah. I’m just observing, never been to one”

“I meant the gala”

“Oh, that. I’ve never been to one of those either”

“Just eat, drink, laugh” Natasha eases your nerves. “Mother is the only one giving a speech. She wants to let everyone know we’re doing another transplant”

“Wait, but why would she schedule the surgery after the gala? Is it because post op is a lot of work?”

“You know the rejection risk is higher with genetically altered organs” Natasha explains. “If the gala happens before the surgery, she can just mention we are doing it. Now, if it goes wrong, it won’t be part of the speech”

“Oh, ok”

“It’s all politics” she says, understanding you’re career has never been about that.

“Well, I’ll see you in the penthouse? Don’t know if the lovebirds are riding with us”

“Seven thirty” Natasha nods, leaving to check on some patients.

The sound of your phone makes you turn back, but it’s not Wanda.

“Hey, Darcy. Guess who’s in Boston?”

“Hey, pal. Oh, do tell” the brunette asks, curious if Ekaterina convinced Wanda to let you know about her travel plans.

“Kate. Yelena invited her to this gala the Romanoffs are planning. It was so crazy running into her in the front desk. For a moment I thought I went back in time”

“Oh. Yeah, Kate” Darcy sounds disappointed, which is weird. “She took some days off but I had no idea that was her plan” she lies.

“Well, I’m sure she didn’t want anyone to think I was convincing her to leave Stark Hospital”

“So, a gala!” Darcy changes the subject. “Sounds fun. Are you going?”

“Yeah. There’s an open bar”

“And are you bringing a date?”

“Well, I am the date. I’m Natasha’s plus one” you explain, and there’s an awkward pause on the other side of the line. “Uh, Darcy?”

Damn it, damn it.

Darcy already knew about the gala. It was so easy to make Kate crack under the slightest pressure.

But her plan was to make Wanda reach out today and you’d ask her to be your date. You being Natasha’s date is not gonna work out.

“Yeah, I just… so what are you doing the day after the gala?”

“Kidney transplant. I mean, not doing it. But just watching and assisting for a bit”

For fuck’s sake, would you even have a spare moment to meet Wanda?

This might be the only chance she’d get, considering it wouldn’t be certain she’d be getting the job.

“Ok, well. Have fun doing everything. Sounds like you’re booked and busy”

“Yeah. I’ll tell you how it goes. Bye, Darcy”

As soon as you hang up, Darcy calls Wanda’s mother.

“We need to delay the operation contact zero for one day”

“I’ll call my insider” the woman answers criptically.

“You scare me, Ekaterina” Darcy says, questioning if the woman is some sort of retired spy. When she hears the older woman laugh and hang up, she’s 99% convinced that’s the case.

—

“What do you mean, if I can keep her occupied for the entire day? Laura, I’m pregnant!”

“Lily, I know…”

“So pregnant, that if I so much as sneeze, I’m positive this baby will just pop out!”

“That’s not how it works, thankfully. Trust me, I know”

“Laura…” the woman pinches the bridge of her nose.

Should have taken maternity leave sooner.

“Look, I get it. It’s complicated, but I promise you, if you listen to me, Wanda will sign the deal and go back and forth between Boston and Westview”

Thing is, Lily really needs this. If her boss finally finds an illustrator that can live up to her expectations, then she can take her leave and not be bothered by work in the upcoming 12 weeks.

“Ok, fine. I’ll figure something out”

“Thank you, I owe you big time”

“Uh-hu. Yeah, you do, Mrs. Barton”

“Oh, and try to keep her away from her phone”

“Anything else? Oh, gotta go”

Wanda Maximoff comes out of the arrival’s section in the airport, looking around. Lily waves her hand, and the redhead walks towards her with a smile.

“Hello, you must be Lily…” she goes to shake her hand, but the other woman pulls her in for a hug.

“Sorry about the baby bump, he wants to say hi as well”

“No, no worries at all. How far along?”

“Well, 39 weeks which means I’m ready to pop any day now! That also means we get a driver to take us anywhere you want. So get in the car and prepare for a very busy day, Wanda”

“Oh, my phone is in my bag…” Wanda says as Lily throws it in the trunk.

“No worries, Laura has my number. If anyone needs to reach you she can text or call” the woman insists, hoping Wanda doesn’t push it.

Of course, she doesn’t as she wants to make a good impression on her potential employers.

“Let’s start with the Paul Revere house, shall we?”

—

You look at yourself in the mirror for the tenth time. When was the last time you dressed fancy?

Even if it’s tailored to perfection, you’re still making sure the red suit is looking fine, adjusting the white shirt underneath the jacket.

Though you don’t know what Natasha’s wearing, she promised you’d match.

And she’s right, because when she knocks on your door and you open it, she’s wearing a black and red sequenced dress. It’s a mermaid cut that favors her figure.

“Shall we get going?” she says when you keep staring.

“Yes, of course. Don’t laugh at me” you add when you spot a faint smile on her face.

“I already told you, it’s fun to see you flustered”

“Mhm. Are the lovebirds joining us?”

“I think they’ll be arriving separately. It’s not like prom where we all ride a limo”

“Well, I didn’t go to prom, and if I had, it certainly wouldn’t have been on a limo” you say, making Natasha laugh.

She drives you to the gala, as you have no idea where it’s all happening. A man approaches to open your door and help you out.

“Fancy” you comment when a valet takes Natasha’s car. “And I’m surprised you let anyone else drive that thing”

“They already know how much it costs” she comments.

If you think a man opening the car door is fancy, then what the hell is the thing waiting inside? There’s a chandelier, a string quartet, servers dressed to the nines and the best part, an open bar with all the things you could dream of drinking.

“Hey, where are you dragging me?”

“We have to say hello first” Natasha says through her teeth. “You’ll get drunk later, trust me”

The woman drags you to a table where Melina is chatting with two men, and they introduce themselves. The names don’t ring any bells, but apparently they are congressmen.

“A pleasure” you say, hoping the small talk can end soon.

“Is this your first gala? I don’t recall seeing you before”

“Yes, I’m working as Head of Trauma at Romanoff Medical Center until they can find someone to stay for good” you explain.

“Why not stay here? Is there somewhere else you might want to go?”

“I’m not sure. Coming to Boston was never in my plans but here I am. I guess I’m just living one day at a time” you say with a fake smile. Natasha picks up on your discomfort, ending the conversation and excusing the both of you.

She goes around the room to introduce you to other people, but when Yelena finally arrives you walk up to meet her.

“Took your sweet time” Natasha scolds her.

“We got caught up… in something” Yelena explains as Kate joins her. You notice she’s wearing an all black suit, which is a stark contrast to Yelena’s golden, low cut dress.

“Oh, looks like you have a hickey there” you point at a spot in Yelena’s neck, her hand flying to cover it.

“I told you not to…” she glares at Kate, and you laugh.

“She didn’t. But now we know you both were getting nasty”

Natasha laughs as well. Yelena is about to curse at you, when her mother interrupts her.

“Behave” she warns. “Hello, I am Yelena’s mother”

“Kate Bishop” the girl introduces herself, and Melina arches an eyebrow.

“Bishop, as in Bishop Security?”

“Yes, that would be correct” Kate says, visibly awkward.

“Well, I’d love to catch up with your mother. Had I known you’d be here, I would have invited her as well. Next time” Melina nods, leaving as someone calls for her a moment later.

“So, am I the only one who isn’t some sort of nepo baby?” you throw the question in the air, making the Romanoffs roll their eyes.

“I’ll find our seats”

Yelena leaves too, but Kate stays behind, sitting next to you at the bar.

“So…”

“Whisky neat” you ask the bartender as he walks by.

“When are you returning to Westview?” Kate says.

“Make it a doble” you add, sighing. The brunette doesn’t take the hint, though.

“You are returning to Westview, right? Doctor Lewis mentioned your contract is only for three months…”

“Yeah, but I quit. And I doubt Fury will want to hire me again. I was a jerk that left without any notice, all because I couldn’t handle my break up” you mutter against the glass, sipping.

But Kate’s always been curious, questioning everything. It’s what makes her a great student, but right now? She’s a pain in your ass.

“So, what are you doing when the contract…?”

“Jesus, Kate. I don’t know. I try not to plan ahead ever since I bought a ring and fucked up my entire relationship. I had expectations about the future and now I can barely leave my bed. So, when my contract’s done I’ll decide what to do next”

“Right, I’m sorry”

“Kate, come sit” Yelena calls for her, her tone gentle. You look up, meeting hazel eyes that are glaring at you. But you decide to ignore Yelena and keep drinking.

The bartender sneaks out to smoke every ten minutes. Though this last break has been longer and you are in desperate need for more alcohol.

Another woman walks up to the bar, looking around.

“Ugh, I’ll do it myself. What can I get you?” you give up, walking behind the bar. You nod as you listen to the woman ask for a gin tonic. Between sips of your own drink, you pour gin over the ice, add tonic water and lime juice.

“Delicious!” the woman says. “Are you a bartender as well?”

“No, I’m a surgeon, which is why that lemon wedge is so perfectly cut” you joke, raising your glass to clink it against hers. “I’m Y/N”

“Valkyrie” the woman introduces herself. “Which hospital?”

“Stark Hospital” you answer out of habit. Then you shake your head, and clear your throat. “Sorry, meant to say I was at Stark, now I’m at RMC”

“So you must know Maria”

“Rambeau? Yeah, she’s great. I’m actually going to be her fiancee’s bridesmaid” you say, smiling.

“Glad to hear they were able to fix things. I was sad to see her go from the program, though, it was great to have such an experienced Peeds surgeon” she sighs.

“Wait. You’re on Doctor’s Without Borders?”

“Yes, I coordinate international programs. Why? You interested?” the woman smiles.

“Well… my contract is temporary. And I’ve always wanted to do that, but never really had the time or means”

After med school, it took a while for you to settle and pay off your student debt, so even participating in something like that felt like a bit of a luxurious career detour that you couldn’t afford.

But now, with all the money you’re earning -and saving on rent- it could very well be the next step in your career.

“You don’t have to answer right away. Here’s my card” Val says. “Remind me your specialty”

“Trauma”

“Never mind, you’re coming on the next flight with me” she jokes and you laugh.

Someone else calls for her and Val raises her glass, grateful for the drink. As you wave goodbye, you notice yours is painfully empty.

“Can I get some tequila, please?” you ask the bartender, who is finally back. However, Natasha comes out of nowhere, speaking over you.

“She’ll have water or coffee”

“Hey! Are you this controlling with all your dates?”

“Only when I find out my mother wants to put you on the spot in the middle of her speech” she whispers, which makes your eyes widen. “You’re too drunk to be coherent, so better sober up, now”

“What does she even want me to say?” you whisper yell as Natasha takes you to the table.

“That we’re a Level 1 Trauma Center and will continue to be one with your work”

“I’m not staying…”

“She’s hoping that putting you on the spot will awaken some sense of duty. Don’t expect it to make sense” Natasha mutters, sitting next to you.

Kate is to your left, chatting with Yelena, tensing when you sit down next to her.

Melina walks up to the small stage, and people clap as she prepares for her speech.

“Hey, about before…” you lean towards Kate, trying to apologize. Yelena shushes you and you glare. “I’m still your boss, Belova”

“Not tonight” she says, pulling Kate by the hand so she turns to the stage, her back to you.

“Evening’s going great” you grumble next to Natasha.

“I see why you only leave the penthouse to go clubbing”

But you can’t say anyhting as Melina begins her speech, thanking every big donor of the Romanoff foundation, NGOs working to bring awareness about certain diseases and the hospital staff, of course.

“It’s an exciting time for us. We are gearing up to do the second xenotransplant of a genetically altered kidney” Melina pauses when people clap again. “We’re also advancing and innovating in the ER, and as some of you may already know, we have a new…”

“I’m gonna throw up” you complain, hating whenever there’s attention drawn to you.

“Just clap and smile along”

“I’m seriously gonna throw up” you say, regretting the amount of alcohol you drank.

And just as Melina is about to say your name and point towards you, a man walks in the room, shouting.

“Is there a doctor here? We have an emergency!”

—

Wanda’s had quite the day. She’s now barely making it to the hotel, Lily waddling next to her.

“Oh, looks like there’s a fancy gala happening” she points out as they walk across the lobby.

Wanda doesn’t pay attention to that, finally able to check her messages.

The last one was of you saying you’d be out for the evening but that Wanda could call anytime if she needed something.

Honestly, she can’t wait to go up to her room and call you.

Unless…

Did you mean you were out on a date?

Wanda’s still trying to figure out the meaning behind the message when Lily, who was speaking to the receptionist to confirm Wanda’s reservation, laughs nervously.

“Well, looks like my water just broke”

“What did you just say?” Wanda snaps out of it, looking at Lily’s feet. “Well, ok, calm down. It’s gonna be fine. Can we get some help here?”

“What’s wrong?” the concierge asks, but catches on a second later when Lily sits on the floor, breathing heavily. “Oh, crap. Let’s just…”

For some weird reason, he runs to the other room where the fancy event is happening, shouting that they need a doctor.

Half the room turns to look at him and at least an entire table stands up.

“What kind of emergency?”

“A woman’s in labor”

“Ok, show me. Excuse me, ER doctor coming through”

Wanda’s so focused on helping Lily breath, that she doesn’t fully notice what’s happening or rather, who kneels beside her until she hears your voice.

“Hi, I’m Doctor Y/L/N. What’s your name?”

You’re completely immersed in your work, removing your jacket and pulling up the sleeves of your shirt to move around freely.

“Lily. I’m 39 weeks pregnant, should I push?”

“No, no! Absolutely not!” you rush to say, “Let’s call an ambulance, please?”

As you look around the room, seeing who will do as you ask, you finally notice someone who is kneeling next to you. Must be a friend of the woman.

You turn to ask if there’s anyone you should call when you meet those beautiful, green eyes. Ones you’d recognise anywhere.

“Wanda?”

“Hey”

Hey? Seriously?

A whole month thinking about you every second of every god damn day and the best Wanda can do is say hey

Are you fucking kidding me, Maximoff.

“Do you need help?”

“I’m here, I’m her resident”

Even if Yelena and Kate are… whatever they are, they’re still going to compete over getting some cases.

“Check her pulse and time contractions, if there are any” you tell them both, standing up and dragging Wanda with you. “I’m very confused right now. Are the kids ok? Why are you here?”

“It’s kind of a long story… and I, that’s why I texted earlier, but then the day got crazy and you told me you were on a date”

“Not a date” Natasha clarifies, appearing behind you. “Ambulance is here, the hospital’s been alerted. You should ride with them, get out of the speech while you can”

“Thanks” you nod, seeing the EMTs pull over. You turn to Wanda. “Are you coming with her?”

“No, Wanda, stay and get some rest, I made you walk around the city all day” Lily pleads.

“Are you crazy? No one should be doing this alone. I’m coming with you until your boyfriend gets to the hospital” Wanda decides, jumping on the back of the ambulance with Lily and you.

Yelena and Kate scramble to their feet, trying to get on the vehicle as well.

“Ok, it’s a little crowded in here, plus this is your family’s gala and Bishop, you are Yelena’s date. No one else goes”

“Fine” they mutter, disappointed.

The ride to the hospital is silent except for the machines monitoring Lily’s blood pressure. You’re keeping an eye on that, while checking on her heartbeat, using a stethoscope that you found in the ambulance.

“I forgot how good you are at that” Wanda says when your eyes meet again.

“At what? Checking a heartbeat?”

“Handling toddlers”

She’s talking about Yelena and Kate, which makes you laugh.

“Well, Billy and Tommy behave a hell of a lot better than those two back there”

“Not lately” Wanda sighs.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to mess everything up so badly, Wanda” you regret, leaning back.

“Am I missing something? You two know each other?” Lily says, pointing at Wanda and then at you. “Is that why Laura asked me to keep you busy this entire day?”

“She what?”

“We dated” you offer as an explanation, smiling at the woman in the stretcher.

“How long ago? Because you are still giving each other some major heart eyes”

It’s clear that the mild sedative is making the woman spill her every thought.

“Until a month ago”

“Well, whichever one of you screwed up, better get their act together because you’re clearly not over each other” Lily says.

“It was my fault” Wanda says at the same time as you. You both look at each other and you give her a small smile.

“I beg to differ, Miss Maximoff. It was me who got it all wrong”

“Not just you. I messed up real bad” Wanda says, leaning forward.

You’re about to say something else when the ambulance stops, and the doors open. You excuse yourself, giving the nurses and doctors a summary of the patient, walking next to Lily’s stretcher.

“I’ll come find you once she’s settled in a room” you promise Wanda.

She nods, taking a moment to gather her thoughts. What are the odds?

Which also brings her back to what Lily said. Why did Laura want her busy for the entire day?

There’s only one way to find out.

“Hey, how did it go today?” her friend picks up the phone, though it sounds like there’s an echo.

“Am I on speaker?”

“Oh, yeah. I’m cooking dinner” Laura lies.

“Are there children around?”

“No, why…”

“Ok, then what the fuck is going on, Laura?”

Somebody else whistles, and Wanda hears Pietro’s voice.

“Looks like you ladies got caught”

“Why are you there? Who else is around? Somebody better tell me what the hell is going on right now…”

“Give that to me” Darcy says, pushing Laura out of the way. “Hi, nice speaking to you, Maximoff. It’s just me, Laura, your mother and Pietro. Listen, we’ve been busting our asses for you to meet at the right time and find a way to make up with Y/N so I get my best friend back. So don’t fuck it up now, ok?”

“You’re not helping!” Laura protests. “Wanda, what do you mean? What happened today?”

“The minute I landed, Lily drove me around the entire city without a break. Did you manipulate a very pregnant woman to keep me busy and away from Y/N for the day?”

“Well, yeah. She was going with Natasha to the gala and I didn’t want you pulling one of your stunts again, not after getting so far along the plan” Darcy bites back.

“Great, so I crashed her date with Natasha with a woman giving birth. What a loser” Wanda massages her temples.

“Did you just say Lily was givig birth?” Laura says. “Oh, my God! Do you think it was my fault?”

“That’s a possibility, I’m not gonna lie to you” Darcy admits, taking the phone back. “Listen. Work it out with Y/N. Talk, fight, have angry sex, whatever it takes. I need my friend back, and you better grovel on the floor to beg for her forgiveness”

“I want to speak to my mother. Privately” Wanda ignores Darcy, knowing who’s really behind all of this.

“Hello, malyshka” Ekaterina greets, removing the speaker and walking away from Wanda’s kitchen, into the living room. Darcy and Laura put their ears against the door, trying to listen.

Pietro just laughs, shaking his head.

“Mama, you had no right…”

“Wanda? Lily’s in a room now” you call for her.

“This conversation isn’t over” she warns her mother, hanging up. “You wouldn’t believe what I just learned…”

Wanda’s looking down at her phone as she walks towards you, that adorable frown that she makes whenever something upsets her.

She keeps talking, but you’re looking at her lips, remembering how much you love kissing her.

Wanda notices, and she stops talking, but leans forward.

Her lips are so close, and then you hear the worst sound in the world.

“Doctor Y/L/N, your patient is… oooh”

To your missfortune, Ed interrupts you in that precise moment.

Of all people, it had to be the circus clown.

“Get lost, will ya?”

Wanda slaps your arm, but she has no idea how annoying the kid can be.

“She was asking for a Wanda, which I believe might be you…” he points to her.

“Come on” you guide her to Lily’s room. As you walk next to Wanda, you place your hands in your pockets, trying to hold back on reaching out to touch her.

You have no idea why she’s here, but at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter, does it? It was all said and done between you two. If you kiss her, you’ll go back to square one.

“Hey!” Lily greets as soon as you open the door for Wanda. There’s another woman standing next to the bed. She has short, grey hair and a kind smile.

“Wanda! Thank you so much for being there for Lily. I told her she should have been on maternity leave sooner”

“I wanted to find you the perfect artist” Lily sighs, adjusting herself on the bed.

“Doctor, thank you so much for helping Lily” the woman says. You have no idea what’s going on, or why she’s so happy to talk to Wanda.

What you do know is that it’s none of your business.

“Just doing my job. OBGYN will take it from here, as it looks like you’ll have to wait a bit before you’re ready to give birth”

“Your boyfriend’s on the way, right?” the woman asks Lily, and she nods. “We’ll keep you company for a bit, and once he’s here, we could go get something to eat. What do you think, Wanda?”

“Oh, I was…”

But when Wanda looks back, you’re already closing the door.

“Everything ok?” Wendy insists.

“Yeah, everything’s fine”

—

Wanda got the job.

It was hers.

Wendy Lawson was way cooler in person, and didn’t have a problem when Wanda was only half present during their conversation over dinner.

She thought the younger woman was just tired.

And now, back in her room, Wanda finally gets to rest and shower. You’re all she can think about.

It’s one thing to see you in an Instagram post, and another one to be right in front of you.

You seem healthy and happy. Even fitter, your hair longer and a bit of a stronger built. You must spend a lot of time at the gym.

But it’s you, the same smile, those kind eyes and the quiet confidence while you treat patients.

Honestly, Wanda’s very disappointed with herself. She was hoping to have a big speech ready, explain why she was in Boston. Grovel and beg for forgiveness, just like Darcy said.

All she got was an ambulance ride and a quick conversation in a hospital hallway.

As she wears one of your hoodies, and changes into a pair of yoga pants, her phone rings.

“I believe we have a pending conversation” her mother says. She’s not afraid of confrontation, never has been.

“Mama, this is my life. You have no right to…”

“Did I tell you I almost didn’t marry your father?” Ekaterina interrupts her daughter. Wanda stays silent, and the woman takes that as a sign to continue. “Your uncle Arvydas told me about a chance to move to England, work as a nanny for an embassador. I’d rather stay in Sokovia and be with your father, but everyone was telling me what to do or what was better for me. And you know what your father said?”

“No”

“He said I want to marry you. I’ll be at the church on the day we planned and I’ll be waiting. The life with you is the one I want. Now you make a choice, but be sure it’s the one you want for yourself, not what others are telling you to do. And whatever that choice is, I will respect it”

“Yeah, that sounds like something Papa would say”

“My darling, you need to follow your heart. At least get some closure if this is really over. But if she’s really the one you want… fight for her”

“I don’t even know where to begin” Wanda sighs.

“Just find her, the rest will come along”

“Give the boys a kiss for me?”

“One for each” her mother promises, hanging up.

It’s not too late, as Wanda saw some people still at the salon.

She walks out of her room, straight to where the gala is happening.

“Excuse me, could I see your invitation?” a man stops her.

“Oh, I… I don’t have any. I just need to talk to someone inside. It will only take a minute”

“I’m afraid I can’t let you…”

“It’s alright” Natasha says, appearing behind Wanda. “She can come inside, I know her”

The man at the door nods, allowing Wanda to pass.

“She’s over there” Natasha points at you, leaning against the bar and drinking from a glass full of whisky. “Will regret those last few drinks tomorrow morning”

“Thank you” Wanda says, nodding towards Natasha. She’s still not sure how she feels about you and the Russian working together.

But it’s none of her business what you do with other people.

“Hey, Y/N”

You do a doble take, wondering if you’re way too drunk and imagining Wanda’s in front of you.

“Hey, hi. How’s Lily?”

“Good. Her boyfriend was there, they were calling family. Preparing for everything”

“Sounds nice”

“Could we talk?” Wanda asks, before she loses her nerve. “Unless you’re busy”

“No, that’s fine” you down the last of your drink and stand up from the stool. “Let’s go”

Wanda decides it would be nice to get a capuccino from a coffee place nearby. You walk with her, noticing she is definitely not wearing the appropriate coat for this weather.

“Here” you offer yours.

“No, I don’t want you getting sick”

“It’s to protect my hoodie, obviously” you joke and she finally accepts it.

“Remember Wendy Lawson?” Wanda asks.

“The author? Yes, the one who went to give a talk to your school and make you consider writing for the first time”

Of course you remember.

“Well, it’s the woman that was standing right there in the middle of Lily’s room. And she offered me a job to illustrate her new book”

“Hey, that’s huge, congratulations” you say as you open the door to the coffee shop, noticing how warmer and nicer it is inside. You order a hot cocoa, while Wanda gets her own coffee.

“I’ll just have to travel back and forth for a bit”

“But the kids…”

“My mother is in town” Wanda clarifies. There’s so much to tell you, but you’re here, walking next to her, offering your coat and smiling at Wanda. Everything’s a mess in her head.

“So that’s why you are not in town” you joke. “I do hope things are better between you two”

“Well, it’s been a whole thing. But listen, that job is not the only reason I came to Boston” Wanda admits once you’re walking back to the hotel. “I wanted to speak to you”

“Oh, right” you say, scared that she’s here to hand over your stuff and make sure you never have to see each other again.

“Y/N, this last month has been… so bad for me. I can’t stop thinking about you, about those horrible things I said. About how I punished you beyond reason for something that wasn’t your fault. I was angry and instead of processing it, I let it out in childish ways to hurt you. Because I thought it was a way to get even”

“Wanda, you weren’t the only one that screwed up. I didn’t set boundaries with Nat. And then made you feel insane when you pointed it out” you sigh, looking at your feet. “I don’t know. Maybe we should have given this a bit of a break after that, instead of rushing back to the same routine, pretending nothing hapened”

“Well, now we had a break. An entire month to think about it, and I thought about it, even when I tried not to. Y/N, I love you. And I want… I want our future together”

You sigh, thinking about it.

Isn’t this exactly what you wanted? Getting Wanda back.

But you made the same mistake last time. You simply said you were sorry and jumped back in.

“Do you ever think we rushed things?”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean we kinda started dating, and I spent every moment in your house because I lived across the street. And then coparenting. I love the kids but I hate myself for hurting them when we broke up”

“So…” Wanda stops outside the hotel, looking at you. She can’t read you right now; all the things you said so far make sense, but they could be arguments to either work on your relationship or call it quits.

“So… let’s date. For a bit” you decide. “Because if we go back to how everything was, and the twins get their hopes up…”

If I get my hopes up.

“That makes sense” Wanda nods.

“But there’s one thing you should know. I work with Natasha and live in the same building as her. I’m not saying we’re best friends or spend every moment together, but we’re in the same room a lot of times”

“I get it. And I appreciate the heads up”

“Alright then. Let's take it slow, then” you nod, walking towards her. “You should head back inside and get some rest”

“What about you?”

“I’ll take a cab home”

“My room’s big enough…”

You interrupt Wanda with a small laugh, walking so close that your lips are inches apart.

“I said slow, Miss Maximoff”

“Since when are you immune to my puppy eyes?” Wanda huffs, crossing her arms.

“I’m not” you shake your head. "Which is why you should really go inside. Now”

Wanda’s eyes travel to your lips and you lean forward, until… you kiss the corner of her mouth.

“Trust me, it will be worth the wait” you smile against her temple.

“Goodnight, Y/N”

“Night, Wands”

[windixie]

feels like apple cider | frat boy! gojo x reader

🎞️ pairing . academic rivals college au. frat boy! gojo x reader

ch . 1/ 🌱

summary . ever since you could remember, gojo was always significantly better than you in anything and everything. given that you have gone throughout grade school to high school, and to eventually college with him. competing through test scores and letter grades, you find yourself hating the white haired man even more. after your friend convinces you to let loose for once and enjoy a frat party, you wind up in the bed of none other than gojo. the bigger problem? you can't remember anything before that but he does. and he's not letting you go anytime soon.

warnings ⓘ 18+, fem! reader, enemies to lovers, academic rivals, smut, fluff, angst, gojo is really mean, sort of slow burn?

taglist . @aldebrana @hyori2 @hanakotateyama

masterlist . link

playlist .

wc : 1.3 k

authors note ! welcome all to the premiere of stuck by you (sby) i really hope you all enjoy this story as much as i will enjoy creating it. have fun reading .

if anyone were to ask you, ‘what is your favorite season ?’ you’d be quick to respond with ‘fall’. you loved everything about it. the pretty vibrant colors the leaves would turn into as the temperature changed , rewatching your favorite shows especially gilmore girls which helped you romanticize school life and get you into that rory gilmore mindset. but most importantly , you adored having apple cider. it’s around this time where the town center in your small and cozy hometown would host its annual fair. there would always be this sweet family that would have their stand next to the other food vendors, selling the best apple cider you could ever have.

that’s what you were looking forward for today. the apple cider that just made your mouth water. only thing holding you back was your human geography class. it seemed as if the universe was just testing your patience, with time moving unbelievably slow.

“you’re in deep thought, baby” you heard a familiar voice behind you. although, you wish it weren’t that familiar. you turned to look up at him — satoru gojo. the tall and muscular man grinned taking his glasses off and placing them on the table before sitting down next to you.

you grimaced at the endearment similarly to when apple cider goes bad making it more sour, like vinegar. “thought i told you not to call me that” satoru chuckled at the way your nose scrunched up. “right. anyways, you prepared for tomorrow? heard the test was thirty questions. not a lot but that means it’s going to be difficult. im sure I won’t have any problems with it” he said, his usual cocky demeanor in full swing.

“wow im sure.” you said, barely able to keep yourself from rolling your eyes at the boy. you looked back down at your study guide highlighting key points to put in your cheat sheet that was allowed by your professor. an 8 x 11 sheet of paper, limited to one side, and handwritten as always. satoru didn’t need one. he never did. he was so full of himself that he was certain that he’d pass any test without the assistance of a cheat sheet.

satoru was always a popular man. effortlessly stealing anyone’s attention with just his looks. you can’t deny that he is attractive, but you would never admit it. not to mention his unshakable personality that makes everyone around him want to be his friend, be him, or be with him. so you weren’t surprised at the quiet whispers. you glanced over taking notice of the group of girls ogling at the boy sitting next to you staring at you in jealousy and judgement that you were the one to sit next to him. satoru noticed as well giving them a smile that made them immediately fangirl.

but as satoru turned to look at you once more, you were already packing your things. ready to head out to the town center to get ahold of the, oh so delicious, apple cider. you were honestly an addict. you even dreamt about it once, tasting the most precious thing to you in the world just to get awoken by your friend who so happened to also be your roommate loudly moaning after bringing in a new boy from whatever party she had just come back from. you cried that night.

“you going somewhere?” satoru asked not looking at you but at the tits of one of the girls that had just walked by. he’d definitely hit that tonight at his party.

“town center” you replied in that sweet voice you had. oh wait no. no sorry not with satoru. you replied with a dull voice as you zipped up your messenger bag and slung it across your body. “alright, I’ll see you at the party tonight? oh that’s right.. you never come out of that cave hm? sorry I forgot !” he teased as you left the classroom.

the fresh breeze of air welcomed you as you stepped outside. the fair wasn’t far from your college. it was actually very close just a ten minute walk that you were taking right now. maybe after grabbing your apple cider, you could head to your dorm and finish season three of gilmore girls as well. you were excited at the thought that you couldn’t help but smile.

you made it safely to the town center watching as people enjoy the rides and spent time with loved ones. your beloved stand wasn’t put up yet so you decided to pass the time by browsing the shops. your eyes scanned around the clothing displayed on the window and they eventually landed onto a mini skirt. the pretty piano design on it immediately caught your eye. you needed that.

you walked in, greeted by a worker before making your way deeper into the store in search of that skirt. as you were searching, your eyes caught a certain brunette . “mari” you called out. the figure turned around to reveal your friend — and your horny roommate. “hey girl! not a surprise to see you here.. let me guess. apple cider?” you chuckled still looking around for that damn skirt. “obviously, you know how much I’ve been craving it? human geography is the lamest class it made so hungry” you whined receiving a giggle from mari.

there it was. the last piano skirt and it was in your size. thank god. you knew the universe couldn’t hate you that much. “ooh that’s cute, you gonna wear it to the party later?” she asked you as she also searched through the racks. you scoffed. “as if I’d ever step foot in one of gojo’s parties.” there was no way through heaven and earth, that you would willingly ever walk into a sweaty fraternity party where people were making out in the couch, pool, or in the rooms. big ew.

“cmon haven’t you known satoru since you were kids?” she asked tilting her head. “doesn’t mean I like him.” you mumbled making your way to the check out. “y/n seriously, you gotta go out more. this is a great opportunity. look ill even promise you that I’ll stick with you the whole time we’re there” you? go to satoru gojo’s party? the same boy you’ve been competing since diapers over toys, clothes, grades, relationships — which you lost because to this day you’ve never had a boyfriend — grades, friendships, and did I mention grades?

you thanked the lady as she handed your skirt in a bag after placing the receipt in there as well. “I dunno mari..” you said which only received a sigh from her. “just go this once. if you don’t like it, you won’t have to come again, promise” you thought about it. you were a sophomore in college and you haven’t been to a party till now, might as well enjoy your time here. but gilmore girls…

“fine. I’ll go.” you gave in. “yes ! okay this is so exciting. im gonna go now to start getting ready, you should to” she squealed as she held onto your arm. “i will, after getting my apple cider” you reminded her . “okay okay hurry ! ill see you back at the dorms !”

you watched her walk away before looking down at your watch. 6:30. shit wait what time does the stand get put up? you rushed to where the food was glancing up at the posters before you saw the familiar apple sign. you made your way over before getting your heart absolutely broken. there was none left.

the lady that was in charge took notice of you. “oh sweetheart you’re late, I just sold my last one.” seriously? you’ve been looking forward to this all day ! you can’t blame the woman though, she’s just doing her job. as you let out a sigh you glanced to see him. satoru. with the same girl who gave you a dirty look earlier. apple ciders in both their hands.

gojo smirked seeing the wheels turn in your head. “sorry, looks like I got the last one” the universe really does hate you.

a/n : I hope you all enjoyed it ahh this is my first time writing such a long fic :,p I hope to be able to write ch 2 soon !

[benz12313]

🥺👉👈 ridoc who falls head over heels in love with violets twin who is autistic and he's an absolute sweetheart to her, and helps her when she needs something and protects her.

Also their dragons are mated and aotrom is very over protective of her.

I had so much fun writing this. I hope this was written well. As a parent of an autistic child (diagnosed) and as someone who suspects herself and her other child are AuDHD but in the process of getting diagnosed, I really tried to represent this well. I also think in the Fourth Wing universe, at least in Basgaith, many mental differences are shunned or looked down upon, so I went that angle with this fic. Please give me feedback on how I did with this request. I also have some ideas for a part two so let me know if you'd like that! Thank you for your request though! I had a lot of fun working on it. :)

Own Worst Enemy - Ridoc x Sorrengail!Reader

Warnings: violence, death, dragon mate possessive behaviour

Word Count: 4,274

I sat quietly next to Violet, as she interacted with her- our friends. As much as they assured me that I was just as included as her, I’d never really felt that way. I wasn’t like her. I didn’t know what to say, what to do? Always feeling a little bit lost when the group was together, like I was one step behind, too busy analyzing everyone to add my own input into conversations. Sometimes it felt like they only put up with me because I was Violet’s twin, and not nearly as breakable as her. 

I was good with schoolwork and okay with challenges, at least good enough to hold my own and take minimal injuries; and my joints are stronger than hers, not popping and breaking under pressure. Perks of being a fraternal twin I guess. Our DNA isn’t identical. No, something else in me feels broken. Something deeper. More substantial. Something I never talked about with anyone, ever. 

Violet has asked before, in my moments of weakness, when everything is too much and I can’t hide. But I always am able to reign it back in then, hide it all behind a smile and recite lines I know will appease her worry. After all, the mask I wear protects me, especially growing up in a family where weakness isn’t tolerated. Even Dad, who saw straight through me. He expected me to reign it in too. Taught me in his own ways how to know what to say, how to make people look away, how to breathe when it was too much. Yet he still expected me to conform, to act like everything was okay. Like I wasn’t broken and weak minded. 

I was a good actress at least. Everyone just thought I was quiet and reserved. And they never looked too hard at me, letting me fall into the background. I preferred it that way, it was much easier.

Everyone, except Ridoc Gamlyn, of course. He was always right there. In my space, but somehow, I never minded it. Maybe because with Ridoc, it didn’t matter what I said, he just accepted it. When I missed an unwritten social rule, he just smiled and responded, somehow getting what I was trying to say instead of harping on how I said it. He was annoying at times, always a bit loud, but he could say or do whatever he felt like with no reservations, easily breaking through my walls like no other could. Not even my own sister. I was honestly a bit jealous. 

Ridoc wouldn’t let me fade either, prodding me to talk with him while the others were occupied in their own conversations. His voice usually quieter in those moments when he was trying to get me to reconnect, asking the oddest questions about whatever I was working on. It worked though, making my mind settle as I answered whatever he’d asked me, the casual back and forth grounding me, easing my anxiety over messing up. 

He could see me. Really see me, like nobody ever had. It didn’t take me long to understand though, as I quickly became interested in trying to figure him out. Nobody really saw him either. Seeing what he wanted them to see. The loud, boisterous, sexually overconfident man he let everyone see wasn’t all of him. He didn’t let them see his worry over schoolwork, or over whatever current obstacle we were being thrown as new riders (currently the gauntlet) or his disappointment when a night of fun never became anything more, even if his conquest came back, it was never more than for another round. It was such a carefully crafted act that nobody thought to ask questions, nobody seeing that there was even an act to catch. 

Nobody could see. But I could. And he knew I could, giving me a knowing smile in his moments of weakness, but I never knew what to say to make it better. I don’t really think he wanted any sympathy, hence the mask that mirrored my own. He interested me though, so completely different than the others. Even though that’s what he wanted, I could never truly look away. Not when he’d become my biggest source of safety in this death college. 

Always pushing me on the mat, giving me pointers on how to improve. Walking with me when I needed a moment, my body feeling restless. Talk about my books, even the smutty ones, maybe especially the smutty ones. He’d grin and let me talk for hours, sitting on his bed in the men’s dormitory as we talked quietly. He’d glare at any of the other men who looked at us too long, daring them to say something. To make one move towards me. None ever did. And he always listened, asking questions that actually made me think, or that would lead me to another tangent.

Ridoc Gamlyn was an enigma I could barely understand, so I too hung around. Maybe it was the same for him. Maybe we were both just trying to figure the other out, never quite getting there. Never quite understanding. But accepting. Always accepting. 

“I think, maybe you could bounce back and forth up the chimney. Your joints aren’t as weak as Violet’s so if you get enough speed and momentum…” He trailed off, as he watched me nudge my sausage across my plate. “Y/N?”

I met his warm brown eyes for a moment before my eyes quickly returned to my plate, torturing my sausage again. “I get what you’re saying. It’s worth a try.” It was presentation day, and this was my last try after all. Violet had told me her plan, but it wouldn’t work for me. If both of us pushed the rules like that, then one of us would definitely be disqualified. It was her plan, so I told her I’d already found another way. Lied through my teeth, but she’d let it go so it must’ve been convincing enough. 

“C’mon, you’ll make it.” He assured, like there was no possibility I wouldn’t. “After all, my best friend isn’t a weakling.”

The twisting in my gut wasn’t unfamiliar, it happened every time he mentioned us as being friends. Why? I wasn’t quite sure, and it was one of the few things I refused to ruminate on. I refused any negative emotion when it came to Ridoc, too afraid to let anything take hold and then let the emotions push away my only solace in this place. 

“Yeah.” I sighed. Then forced a smile as I met his gaze again, holding it this time. “Just want it to be over with.” 

He smiled, moving some hair out of my face, the annoying strand of hair that always refused to stay in my crown of braids. “I know you do. And you’re gonna kick ass, and then in two days, we’re gonna get dragons and be certified badasses.” He sent me a big grin and I sighed, looking away to hide the smile blooming on my lips. I speared the sausage on my fork and plopped it in my mouth, finishing my breakfast. 

“Yeah, yeah. Can’t get rid of me that easy.” I joked and with a quick glance from the corner of my gaze I saw his smile widen. 

“Exactly Sorrengail. You’re stuck with me. Forever.” I laughed, before standing, Ridoc quickly following me. “Besides, I haven’t heard about the end of that dark romance you’ve been reading. It’s just started getting good. And I won’t have the patience to read it myself if you go and die on me.”

“Glad to see I have some use.” I snorted at him, my body relaxing the moment we’d gotten to the hall. The noise of the cafeteria fading the further we got from it. Finally, I could actually hear myself think now. 

“Oh don’t be like that! You’re smarter than Violet, and that’s saying something.” He said and I rolled my eyes. 

“No, I just watch more than she does. It’s easier to put things together when I don’t have to worry about holding a conversation at the same time.” I countered and he chuckled, pinching my side and making me squirm away. I still giggled against my will though. “Plus the photographic memory helps.” I snorted out another laugh when he poked me again. “Stop that!” 

“Okay. Okay.” He relented, giving me a goofy grin and shoving his hands in his pockets. I knew that was the only way he’d be able to not touch me as he tried to honor my wishes. Ridoc never really could seem to keep his hands to himself when he was near me. Especially when he was nervous. “Don’t discount yourself though. You’re brilliant. Own it.”

“Shut it Gamlyn. I’ve got enough to worry about.” I sighed, taking in his expression before bumping his shoulder with my own. “Don’t need to worry about me okay? I won’t die today.” 

The anxiety in his eyes faded, replaced with all consuming warmth as I was stuck in his gaze. He opened the door ahead of us, not saying a thing. 

Ridoc’s POV

I held the door for her, warmth pulling at me as her gaze never faltered. I believed her, after all, it wasn’t often that she lied to me. In fact, she was usually unabashedly honest with me. A fact I was grateful for. She hid herself from the rest of our friends, her sister, but couldn’t hide from me. 

Her brilliant mind fascinated me, she was amazing in her own unique ways. How the others couldn’t see it was beyond me. She was definitely the strongest, and smartest of us. I just wish they could see that, that she could see that, just once. She finally rolled her eyes, moving through the door as her cheeks went pink and my chest swelled with pride. 

She was beautiful, in every way, and I'd been hopelessly pining after her since that first night when we’d been assigned to the same squad. When she’d finally met my gaze with those pretty y/e/c eyes of hers, catching me in a trance as she looked through me. Past my confident facade, straight to my core, past all the bullshit I wore like armor. But then she didn’t call me out like most would have, just cocked an eyebrow at me, and looked away. Like it was some secret that she was electing to keep for me. 

I’d been practically begging for her attention since, especially after I’d figured out that she was pretending too. That she hid herself, afraid of the inevitable rejection too. But she didn’t play pranks, pretend to be stupid and refuse any feelings too painful to address. No she refused everyone, never letting anybody too close to be able to hurt her. Only letting the rest of our friends close enough to see what she deemed the useful parts of herself, but never close enough for them to really see her. But she let me. And I knew it was because she saw our similarities. 

I was broken from my thoughts when we made it to the gauntlet, and fear seized my heart. As quickly as it’d taken over, it was gone because Y/N shoved my shoulder with hers again, sending me a bright smile. 

“We’ve got this Ridoc.” It was simple, yet wholly convincing. 

“We’ve got this.” I repeated, squeezing my hands into fists in my pockets to keep them still. To keep them from pulling her into my arms, and never letting go. 

Y/N’s POV

I made it. I fucking made it! Shock seized me as Ridoc’s bellows rang in my ears, not quite hearing it even though his words echoed through me. His arms were wrapped tightly around me, spinning me around as he held me in a bone crushing grip. He set me back on the ground but didn’t let go, burying his head in my shoulder. 

“You made it.” He whispered, and I nodded, tears pricking in the corner of my eyes as emotion flooded through me. Everything was suddenly too much as I hid my face in his chest. Breathe in. Out. In. Out. In. Out.

“I made it.” I whispered back, squeezing him from where my arms were wrapped around his neck. 

We made it through presentation as well. Though several of the less savory of our squad couldn’t say the same for themselves. None of the dragons really stood out to me, a hollow feeling in my chest as I walked off the flight field. I won’t be chosen. I knew none of those dragons would choose me, deep in my soul. I didn’t say anything though, not until I was sitting criss-cross with my back leaning on his pillows and headboard as I watched him sharpening his sword, talking about needing to be ready for threshing. 

“Did you-“ I paused when he quieted and glanced up at me, “Did you feel any of their approval?” I asked, voice barely above a whisper. 

“The dragons?” He asked, putting down the stone in his hand and setting the sword to the side. Damn him, he must’ve noticed my shift in mood, deciding to focus on me completely now. I nodded. He thought a moment, his face shifting into contemplation, a look I couldn’t help but find so handsome. “Not really. There was those greens that crowded your sister. But I was terrified of them. Maybe that brown one, towards the end, that was annoying the others? Rolling all around them. He was funny. But I don’t know, none of them really jumped out at me.”

He hadn’t been able to take his eyes off that brown. I remember following behind him, watching him as he had softly chuckled at the dragons antics. For him to have brought it up again…maybe he was just lying to me, or himself, but he’d definitely had a connection to that dragon. My heart dropped. 

He must’ve seen it too because he sighed, before crawling over and wrapping his arms around me as he pulled me into his side, and I leaned my head on his chest. “You are gonna get a dragon tomorrow. I just know it. Maybe your dragon just isn’t sure about you yet.”

“Comforting.” I snorted, voice devoid of emotion.

“Look, I know I haven’t convinced you, and you’ll be thinking some awful things about yourself now.” He paused, sighing and looking unsure of himself as he tried to find the right words to soothe me. Failing, but he’s cute, trying like that. “Just trust that I know, more than I’ve known anything that you will get a dragon tomorrow. If any of us deserves one, it’s you.”

The raw honesty in his voice made my heart race, and despite myself, his words gave me an inkling of hope. Hope that he was right. That there really was a dragon out there who could accept me, despite my shortcomings. Hope that a dragon would find me worthy. 

“Thanks Ridoc.” I mumbled, and hoped that he’d hold me just a little longer as I worked to pull myself back together. 

He did. 

Ridoc’s POV

I wandered the woods, my mind occupied with Y/N and her show of weakness last night. She never let the facade fall that completely before, she was scared. More scared than she’d been for the gauntlet. Afraid a dragon wouldn’t want her. I frowned as I hid behind a tree as a red passed by. I knew that one wasn’t mine, but luckily it either hadn’t noticed me or decided to spare me instead. 

I’d felt a tug all afternoon as I wandered the forest, coaxing me further and further inwards, where I knew that brown was waiting. I’d meant what I said last night, it’d only been once I’d left my friends that I felt the tug. But Y/N had caught what I hadn’t last night, in that way that only she does, already knowing the brown had intended on choosing me. 

I finally started moving again, lost thinking about Y/N. Too lost to notice the forest shifting in front of me, until a deep male voice rang through my head, ‘Oh come on! You didn’t even notice me!” 

I jumped back two feet, suddenly seeing two large golden eyes staring at me from a large brown swordtail that was hanging from a particularly large tree. A tree that still looked like it was about to buckle under the weight of him. 

“S-sorry.” I stuttered out. 

The brown jumped from the tree, landing on the ground and sending me staggering from the shockwaves. ‘I suppose I’ll forgive you. Only cause you’re so worried about her. Call me Aotrom, I’ll give you my full name later. You’re mine now.’ He sniffed at me as he circled me, before settling in front of me again, looking proud of himself. 

“You mean Sorrengail? Y/N?” I specified, remembering Violet was out here too. 

The dragon made a sound, that sounded suspiciously like a snort. ‘Who else? Your mate of course.’ 

My body froze as my mouth fell open in shock. “She’s not! We’re not-“ I shook my head. “She’s my friend.”

He tilted his head, looking confused. ‘Oh? I thought…’ He sounded confused too, thinking, before his face lit up again, tail wagging back and forth. ‘I see! Eve did say she thought you two hadn’t acted on it yet when I shared my memories with her. I guess she’s right!’

My mind was swimming. This-my dragon, Aotrom, was unlike any other dragon we’d learned about. That was for sure. And he thought me and Y/N were mates??? “Who’s Eve?” I finally let the words out and the dragon puffed his chest out as he straightened with obvious pride. 

‘My mate of course.’

Y/N POV

I kept a hand over my mouth as an orange slinked by, sniffing the air. I willed my traitorous heart to slow, afraid that the nasty looking dragon would hear my heartbeats and try to eat me. Eventually he slinked out of view, and I let out a small breath as I continued on my way.

I still felt that hollowness. No pull anywhere as I wandered around aimlessly. I’d run into a dozen different dragons now, and felt nothing from any of them. 

I silently wondered if Ridoc had found that brown swordtail. I wondered if Rhi and Violet had found theirs too. If Sawyer would finally get his own. If I would be forced to repeat the year as well, and start over next year. 

I paused when I heard a rustling in the bushes, but before I could hide, one of the other cadets strode out. It was one that hung by Barlow, not in his inner circle but itching to move his way in and appease the cruel man. He was tall and fit, definitely a foot taller than me. I palmed my daggers as he stared at me, cruel grin forming as he looked me up and down. 

“The quiet Sorrengail twin.” He hissed and I glared. 

“Won’t earn you any points with Barlow killing me.” By sheer will my voice was strong. 

“Oh, but it will weaken her, and Barlow will approve of that if he hasn’t killed her by the end of the day.” My heart raced at his words as I steeled myself for the fight ahead of me. He wasn’t backing down now. 

He ran four steps raising his sword and was about to swing when air rushed around me, and then suddenly he was lifted off the ground, a giant scorpion tail sticking out his back and through his chest. With a flick of the tail his body flew behind me. 

But I was frozen in fear. Standing in front of me was a dragon, with navy blue scales and bright green eyes narrowed on me, assessing. Waiting for what my response would be. It’s tail moved slowly now, curling around its body, which gave me some hope that this dragon didn’t plan on killing me. Yet at least. 

“Thank you.” I whispered, lowering my gaze as my thoughts went wild. There weren’t supposed to be any blues out here today. 

‘I came because my mate wished to take a rider, that’s all.’ Her voice was majestic, beautiful and commanding, filling my head and making my eyes snap back to hers. She was talking to me…but that meant… ‘Yes, Strategist, I agree with my mate’s assessment. You are worthy of being mine, despite your worries. He may have been selfish, having chosen his own already, but he had assured me that you would do me proud young warrior. Now, climb on, before I change my mind.’

She chuffed out a puff of air in my face and I chose not to argue and climb atop the small blue dragon. She wasn’t the smallest of the ones we’d seen during presentation, but she definitely wasn’t the largest, I noted as I climbed on top of her. 

She grumbled. ‘I am only 21!’ She hissed out the words irritated with my…thoughts. Great she can read my mind. ‘I will grow with time! I’ll be bigger than Aunt Sgaeyl even! Just you watch!’

So don’t mention her size. Noted. Wait, Sgaeyl? Riorson’s dragon??? 

‘My name is Eventhasil, but you may refer to me as Eve.” Then she was launching into the air not a second after I had thoroughly settled into the seat, ignoring my mental question of her lineage. I gripped her tightly with my thighs, hanging on for dear life. Once she leveled out, not jostling me at all anymore, I was able to actually enjoy the wind flowing through my hair. Joy flooded me and tears welled up again. I was actually chosen. 

‘That is a habit we will have to kill with prejudice. Your doubt in yourself is sickening.’ Though her words were harsh, I think that was supposed to be encouraging. 

‘What about your mate?’ I asked, changing the subject. ‘What’s he like? Who has he chosen?’ It would be nice to know exactly which cadet I’m now tied to for the rest of my life.

‘He approaches.’ She says simply, her voice going quiet as she speeds up, forcing me to hold tighter as a brown tried to catch up. Were they…racing? ‘Yes, and if Aotrom wins he’ll be insufferable. Hold tight.’ Determination laced her tone as she tightened her movements racing towards the flight field at top speed, easily outflying the brown as she flung her wings out at the last minute, landing quickly. I was nearly flung from my seat with the maneuver, but with luck and my muscles locking, I was able to hold on. The brown landed thirty seconds later, towering over Eve as he snapped at her face playfully. She snapped back at him, narrowly missing his neck as her tail swung behind us. 

But then another dragon landed on her other side and the brown lurched forward, growling low in his throat as he eyed the other male, his swordtail curling around Eve protectively.

She, however, sat calmly amidst his display of possessiveness. Almost…bored? 

‘Overpossessive male.’ She explained, irritation lacing her tone. ‘Male dragons are known to be volatile towards any potential threats in the first few years of establishing a mate bond. And Aotrom is very…determined to keep me as his.’ An obvious affection was laced in her last words. The other male backed away, submitting to Aotrom’s dominance and claim, eyes and head down as he moved out of range. Only when the male had moved a sufficient distance away and Aotrom relaxed, turning to his mate again did I see his rider. Ridoc. Holy shit! Ridoc!

Happiness bubbled within me. There was no one better to be tied to! Holy shit. And he looked unharmed, thank the gods. 

‘Go speak with him.’ Eve somehow sounded…teasing? ‘He’s relieved that Aotrom had told the truth when he told him that you were safe. As if I’d ever let harm come to what’s mine.’ She snorted at the last sentence and I laughed. 

‘I’m glad he’s okay too.’ I sent her way as I climbed down. 

The moment my feet hit the ground they lifted again, as Ridoc’s arms wrapped around me and swung me around. “We both got dragons! We’re both riders!” His voice was full of joy as he put me on my feet again. “We made it Y/N! We made it!” His hands moved to my cheeks, and I was frozen as euphoria took over his gaze, and then in a split second, his mouth was on mine. 

Moving, kissing, me. I slowly moved back holding onto the moment as my heart burst. My crush was kissing me. Tongue slipping into my mouth as he pulled me to him, pine and male and Ridoc taking over my senses completely as I lost myself in him. 

This moment was perfection. 

And then it was ruined, by Sawyer calling our names, obviously not able to really see us yet. Ridoc jumped back, looking panicked and my heart lurched. Did he not mean to do that? His eyes scanned mine as he backed up. 

“Talk later?” He asked, and I froze. He froze too, hands hovering over my waist. “Y/N? Talk later yeah?” 

I nodded, words catching in my throat as Eve growled in my mind. But she said nothing. 

“Yeah.” I whispered, putting on a smile as our friend greeted us. 

~ I'm taking requests as well, just submit them to my inbox and I'll get to them when I have time.

~ Want to be added to the tag list? Just comment or message me! :)

@xadenswhore @littlemissmelodie @jobroho @worldsanna @uneducatedraccoon @nicksolemnlyswears @binksbrewcrew

[allertonhoe]

A1 + A19 with rafe! I don’t know if these go together but I feel like they kinda do, some angst that turns into like realization and fear and fluff cuz they’re friends! You can just use one or the other or both whatever you come up with will be amazing because you write so well! Your writing is so good and I loved the other prompts you wrote recently. I’m glad you started writing again because I love your work! Congrats on 500 💕

oooh no they totally work!!! it's not super fluffy (the end kinda is lolol) but i kinda made it an indirect sequel to this request 👀 you totally don't have to read it to understand what's going on tho!

& thank you so much!!! i'm so glad you're liking it!!! 🙈 thank you for the request, i hope you enjoy!! ☺️

prompts: "We’re not just friends and you fucking know it." + "I think I’m in love with you, and that scares the crap out of me"

content warnings: 18+ MDNI, original afab!reader, obx!universe, smoking weed

500 follower celebration!

With summer in full swing, another kegger was taking place at the beach tonight. The sky was painted in a mixture of light blues, purples, and pinks as the sun disappeared into the Atlantic Ocean. A bonfire placed in the middle of the sand, standing tall and blazing fiercely.

You were sitting with Sarah and her group of friends, scattered into a circle and casually passing around a joint. You weren't as close with them like you were with Sarah, but there was no bad blood between any of you. Plus you weren't one to turn down free weed.

While you tried your best not to give him your attention, you could feel Rafe's heated glare towards you from where he stood with his own friends across the beach. Watching your every move like he had any actual authority over you. You refused to give him the reaction he wanted so nobody, especially his sister who was only a few feet away from you, got any wrong ideas that weren't actually too far off.

The one time you'd hooked up during a rager at Tannyhill didn't turn out to only be one time. In fact, it became a bit of a habit when you and Rafe would find yourselves alone with each other. Which now was happening more often than not.

And despite the two of you being on the same page sexually, it was still the total opposite in every other aspect of your relationship. Hence the reason he was shooting you daggers, although his distaste for the Pogues didn't help much either.

You stumbled slightly as you decided to get up from your spot, the cocktail of substances hitting you hard. Reaching out to the first thing, or in this case person, you were able to grab to stabilize your balance. Pope instinctively snatching your waist and stopping you from falling flat on your face.

"You good over there?" He chuckled at your misstep.

"Yeah," you affirm. "Just a little buzzed."

"A little? That's some great weed. How damn spoiled are you Kooks?" JJ feigns dramatically, Sarah giving him a playful shove.

"Where are you going anyways?" Your friend asks curiously.

"Gonna find a bathroom," you inform them.

"It's getting dark. Do you want me to come with?" Pope kindly extends to you.

"I'll be fine, but thanks," you ensure the group, shooting them another reassuring smile as you made your exit.

You walked down the beach, eventually turning into the woods to find a more secluded area. But as the music faded into the distance, you started hearing what you could swear were footsteps. You made sure to stay vigilant of your surroundings, stopping a few times to properly assess the area before continuing further.

It was like you were in some eerie fairytale, the sounds echoing through the dark forest unnerving you more than you honestly expected. Kinda wishing you'd taken Pope up on his offer, but boiling it down to your anxiety just getting the best of you.

You knew you weren't exaggerating though when you heard a branch snap behind you. You took out your phone and turned on the flashlight, calling out a frightened 'hello' like you'd actually get a response. Panicking when you realized you had nothing to help you defend yourself, and that you weren't really in the right mindset to do so either.

"Hey, it's just me." A familiar voice announces nearby, Rafe revealing himself from behind a couple of trees with his hands up in surrender.

"Jesus Christ, are you fucking kidding me, Rafe?" You scold breathlessly. "I thought I was about to get mauled by a bear. What the hell? Warn a girl."

"What? Heyward couldn't have protected you?" he grills.

"Are you fucking serious?" you remark, mirroring his sour attitude. "You're jealous I was sitting next to Pope?"

"I'm not jealous because you were sitting next to him," he denies immediately, as if you were out of line for even suggesting it. "You two were all cuddly and flirting. I saw the way he had his hands on you."

"I almost fell on my ass. He was being a gentleman," you justify.

"A gentleman? I'm sorry. I didn't realize you wanted a fucking knight in shining armor." He scoffs sarcastically.

"I seriously don't know what your issue is right now. We just fuck around, we're barely friends..." You dispute, Rafe looking at you resentfully as you finished the sentiment.

"Don't do that," he growled. "We're not just friends, and you fucking know it."

"Are you high? What are you talking about?" You investigate in confusion. You were used to his possessiveness, but this was something he'd never actually communicated before.

"I... Fuck, never mind," he dismisses, noticeably frustrated that he couldn't articulate what he wanted at that moment.

"No. You literally followed me out here to make me feel like shit for no reason. Say it with your chest," you taunt.

That's when he stops himself, a wary look crossing his features. If you knew any better, you'd think he was actually hesitant over expressing himself. But this was Rafe Cameron, the most daunting guy on the island. The chances of that happening were basically the same as him admitting...

"I think I'm in love with you, and that scares the crap out of me."

His voice is quiet and hesitant instead of packing its usual punch. His hands shoved in his pocket and eyes sheepishly avoiding yours instead of the unapologetic demeanor you were used to; that he was aggravating you with minutes ago on the beach. You just stared at him for a minute, waiting to see if he corrected himself or took back the declaration, but it didn't happen.

"That's not funny..." You finally manage to get out, your reply just as vulnerable as his was.

"Trust me, I'm not trying to be funny..." He mutters.

"Rafe, what are you-"

"Can I just..." He interjects, his words faltering just as quickly as they came out.

A few seconds passed as you waited for him to make his case. He brushed a hand through his hair as he contemplated what he said next, like he was trying to make sure it wasn’t wrong thing. The gravity of his confession actually hitting you, bringing forward emotions you'd always avoided when it came to Rafe.

"I get why you wouldn't believe me or think this is some sick joke on my end. But have I really not made it obvious? He surveys, only capable of shaking your head to respond. "Wow, okay. You're really making me put it all out there..." He stalls even further.

"I, uh... I've always been into you. Ever since Sarah brought you over the first time. You've never been intimidated by me, no matter what I said or did. And fuck, I haven't been able to stop thinking about anything else since we started fucking around. I've never felt like this? And I don't know if that's love or whatever, but something just snapped when I saw you and Heyward like that. More than usual." He rambled, completely unfamiliar with this side of Rafe.

You couldn't muster up an answer for him. You didn't know where to even begin. As unpredictable and impulsive as you've known him to be, this was totally out of left field. There was no denying your physical attraction to him; you wouldn't be giving him a second look if it were just based off his normally hostile personality.

"Fuck, please say something," he pleaded weakly.

"I don't know what to say," you contend, meeting his gaze apprehensively. "I've barely accepted the idea that I'm hooking up with one of my closest friend's brothers. This is a lot..."

"You know me. You know I wouldn't just throw this all out there to mock you," he maintains.

The tension between you could be cut with a knife, Rafe laying everything on the table. He'd never expressed much in terms of affection when you were together, his approach with you typically impassive and a bit rough. So you couldn't help but let out a small giggle as it all swirled through your head.

"What?" He frowns, anticipating the worst.

"You like me," you assert plainly, like you were schoolchildren. Your lighthearted tone immediately causing his body to relax and rolling his eyes at your teasing.

"I know, I can't believe it either," he retorts sarcastically, a sly smirk poking through.

"Hey! See how far being a smartass gets you," You threaten playfully.

"You know, you're really keeping me on my toes here..." he complains, pointing out that you hadn't really given him any reassurance since his confession.

"Sorry, am I making the big, bad Rafe Cameron nervous?" You gasp, sauntering up to him and wrapping your hands around his neck.

"Stop saying it like that," he grumbles, only making you more enthused.

"Well I'm not just gonna fall at your feet," you indicate cheekily. "You need to woo me a little bit,"

"I haven't wooed you yet?" He bantered back. "Wouldn't expect anything different than you giving me a hard time,"

His hands grazed up and down your sides, as if you were the most delicate thing in the world. The previously unsettling sounds of nature now calming, hearing crickets chirp around you. Rafe's features were washed in the moonlight, somehow making him look even better than he usually did.

"I know this is definitely the opposite way we're supposed to do things," he establishes. "But can we just take things slow and see where it goes?"

"Do you really think it's gonna work between us?" You interrogate timidly, a nagging insecurity present knowing your standard dynamic.

"I honestly don't know," he acknowledges. "But I'd really like to try."

That was as long as you could hold yourself back, getting onto your tiptoes and kissing him. You could barely recognize the version of Rafe standing in front of you—well composed, sentimental, genuinely charming. But you could tell he was being earnest and for some reason, no matter how much he did get on your nerves sometimes, it made you want to try too.

[alotofpockets]

Every scar has a story | Lucy Bronze x Reader

5k celebration prompt: “Your scars don’t make you weak, they show you how strong you are.”

Woso masterlist | Words: 700

-----

You had known Lucy since you were kids, the two of you instantly becoming friends in school. Lucy had been your closest friend from the very start, and even a year on the other side of the world to study in the U.S. couldn’t change that.When Lucy returned to England and joined you at Leeds University, your friendship deepened in ways you hadn’t expected.

At Leeds University your friendship with Lucy turned into a relationship. Despite countless people telling you that your relationship from such a young age wouldn’t last, the two of you have been going strong for over ten years now.

You had both grown a lot since your university days, but were always able to grow together and adjust where necessary.

The growth you've seen Lucy go through with her career has been incredible. You watched her play with the boys back home, and join her first all girl’s team. You watched her go pro. Win with both club and country. Earning more trophies than could possibly fit in your apartment, or the new one when you’d move when she joined a new club.

But you've also watched her get injured more times that you'd like. Minor muscle injuries, but also hamstring injuries, and her worst enemy, knee injuries. Over the years, she had more surgeries than you could count on one hand. 

Lucy was a tough one though. Of course she was, tough was literally in her name. Even during her many recovery periods, she kept a smile on her face for the most part.

But you also knew that beneath all that toughness, she struggled sometimes. Whether it was physically or mentally, no injury really went without struggles. By now you had learned what she needed when she was struggling with her injuries, and you could always be the person she needed in those moments.

She could have been doing well for months and then out of nowhere she’d have a night where she was struggling again. 

Tonight was one of those nights.

Lucy said she was going to change and be right back, but she had been upstairs for almost thirty minutes now. You went up to check on her and found her sitting on the edge of the bed. Her eyes were unfocussed, and her finger was absentmindedly moving over the scars on her knee. She didn’t look up when you entered the room, but she knew you were there.

 “Sometimes I hate looking at them,” She spoke barely above a whisper. “They make me feel weak.”

Hearing her say that broke your heart a little. She was the strongest person you knew, and she thought she looked weak?

You crouch down in front of her, placing your hand over hers, stopping the tracing she was doing. “Your scars don’t make you weak, Luce. They show you how strong you are.”

You give her hand a soft squeeze. “Every single one of them has a story. A story that shows the proof that you fought, healed and came back even stronger.”

Lucy searched your eyes, trying to figure out if you were just saying that to make her feel better, or if you actually meant it. So you kept going. “You’ve overcome so much, and you’re still out there playing at top level. You’re still winning. Luce, you are the strongest person I know.”

The only thing she could find in your eyes was sincerity. She stayed silent for a moment until her lips curled up slightly. She pulled you closer and pressed a kiss to your forehead. “You always know what to say, don’t you?”

You chuckled, “Part of the job description, remember?”

Lucy let out a soft chuckle. “Right, I forgot I was talking to my personal therapist. How much for the session?” She jokes.

You pretended to calculate in your head. “I think a kiss and a cuddle should cover today’s session.” She smiled and kissed your lips. Then she pulled you in even closer and let the both of you fall back onto the bed. 

“Thank you.” She said into the otherwise silent room. You pressed a loving kiss to her cheek. “No need to thank me, I’ll always be here for you.”

-----

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[gotta-winwin]

(🍓) 218 | vernon x reader x seokmin

cw/tw: angst, based on the song the waiting room by phoebe bridgers wc: 1.5k

a/n: another angsty birthday celebration...don't come for me <33

tysm to ally @lovetaroandtaemin and haneul @chanranghaeys for beta reading <33

There was something irrevocably beautiful about the way Vernon and Seokmin stared at you. Your classmates would often call it the effect of the sun: the two boys were just planets, worshiping the ground you walked on, happy to orbit the sun. 

When people called them ‘down bad’ and ‘simps,’ Seokmin would smile and take the title with pride, while Vernon quietly shook his head in the background, embarrassed but with no evidence to refute the name.

They were down bad and simps for you— even the most blind could tell, yet you seemed completely unaware of it all. 

“Let’s just give up,.” Vernon mumbled, after the hundredth attempt of getting your attention. “She’s never going to like the both of us anyways.”

Seokmin was less easily dissuaded. “So, you’re just going to give up?”

“We tried your method all throughout high school.” Vernon recalled their elaborate plan, a plan that eighth grade Seokmin had deemed ‘fool proof’ and ‘ingenious.’ 

Seokmin and Vernon’s plan to get the girl: 

Step 1: Sign up for theatre and band. (why? Because she’s in both clubs, duh.)

Step 2: Casually mention the fact that we watched Hamilton 5 times together (it’s her favourite musical)

Step 3: Offer to help her rehearse for her lines (and if we get a part together that’s even better)

Step 4: Ask her to hang out after clubs (and pray she says yes)

Step 5: Tell her you really, really like her. 

“And it didn’t work, it only got us into the friend zone.” 

Seokmin sighed because Vernon was right. “We can’t just give up, though.”

“We’re graduating university in two months, Seok.” Vernon spoke out the truth they had both been sitting on, too afraid to speak it into existence. They both knew they didn’t have enough luck to keep you here with them after graduation. 

“She wants to see the world.” Vernon continued. “She wants to visit Paris and Greece, and to sing in the Amphitheatre, write stories from all four corners of the world. She isn’t going to stay.” 

Seokmin hated it when Vernon was right. “Shut up.” He mumbled, finally setting down the bouquet of lilies he had been holding onto. 

“Hey.” Vernon picked a single lily and held it up to the light. “It’s not like I want to be right, you know. I love her too.”

“Yeah. I know.” 

Seokmin knew Vernon would eventually move on. His planet would enter some other orbit and start spinning happily for another sun. But Seokmin just wasn’t like that. When he loved, he loved with every piece of him: the past, the present, the future. 

You would be both their first loves, but you’d be Seokmin’s last. 

“I love you.” The words came tumbling out of his mouth before he could even register them. 

“Vernon,” is all you said back. “We’ve been over this.”

“I know. I know.” Vernon knew the idea of the two of you was impossible, but he couldn’t help but be selfish. “But what if—”

You cut him off with a tiny shake of your head, pieces of your hair falling from where you’d clipped it. “The what-ifs will kill you, Nonnie.” 

Vernon knew that too. “I hate it when you’re right.” He mumbles, gently removing the clip from your hair and watching as you shake it out. 

“Me too.” Your lips pursed and Vernon fights the urge to kiss them. “But we can’t hurt Seok.” 

Vernon wanted to scream, cry, and throw something. “We can’t hurt Seok.” He agreed, bitterness hidden deep beneath his tight smile. 

“I love you too.” You said, squeezing his hand. “But—”

His chest clenched. “Yeah. I know.”

Sometimes, Vernon wished he had gotten to you first. 

Seokmin knew it was for the better, as he watched you walk across the stage at graduation. You held your head up high as you accepted your diploma, a bright smile across your face. He knew you were already thinking about your flight tomorrow, a plane that would take you out of the town you hated so much. 

He knew it was for the better, but it stung either way. 

“I can’t believe our schooling is just over.” You yell into his ear, trying to be heard above all the loud cheers and conversations after the ceremony. 

He shoots you a grin. “No more school sounds perfect to me.” 

You laugh, and the bitter sting shoots further, deeper. 

“I love you.” 

“What?” You yell it over the deafening cries of celebrating students. “What did you say?”

“Nothing.” He yells back, throwing an arm around your shoulder, ignoring how the words had sounded so perfect being said towards you. Ignoring how a part of him had expected you to reply. I love you too. 

He knew it was for the better. Your heart was set on brand new adventures that would leave him in the dust. Your dreams were too big, too grand for him—Seokmin had always known that. After all, goddesses were for admiring and not marriage. 

He knew it was for the better. 

“Don’t leave.” 

Vernon’s eyes beg at yours as he clutches onto your hand, feet away from the airport doors. “I love you.” 

“That doesn’t mean anything, and you know that.” 

Vernon fucking hated it when you were right. The both of you could love each other a hundred times over and still not have it work out. 

“I can’t stay.” You tell him, and a sense of deja vu washes over him. “And—”

“Seokmin.” He finishes your sentence. 

“Yeah.” 

“What if I said I didn’t care?” The words were brash and unthoughtful but he said them anyway.

You could always see through him like panes of glass. “You do care. He’s your best friend.” 

“But I love you. I’ll be the best you’ve ever had if you’d just let me.” 

He holds his breath when you pause at his words. Please. 

“I want to leave, Vernon.” The blunt words crash heavily against his heart. “You want to stay, and I want to leave.” 

“But you love me.” 

“I—” You shoot him a look he cannot decipher and you begin to walk away. “I’ll text you when I land.” 

But Vernon’s phone stays silent. 

Four years pass until the next time you see Vernon and Seokmin. They look older now, more put together and confident in their own skin. Seokmin shoots you his signature smile and Vernon nods in your direction. 

“Happy birthday.” You clink your glass gently against Vernon’s, ignoring how his eyes roamed across your face and your dress. “Thanks for inviting me.” 

“Of course.” He opens his mouth to say more but Seokmin slides up from behind him. 

“Y/N!” His eyes danced with mirth and the wobble in his step betrayed how tipsy he was. “You’re here!”

“Happy birthday, Minnie.” 

Vernon watches as Seokmin loops his arm into yours, dragging you onto the dance floor and into the crowd. He leans against the side of the bar, swirling his drink and watching as it spirals in his cup. 

He swears he’s doing his best, trying to think about you in a casual, friendship-like way, but Vernon can’t help but see you and immediately think about everything you could’ve had together. His mind spelt out I love you without any hesitation and it took everything in him to swallow the words back down. 

Seokmin had once told him that he would get over her faster than he could. “You’ll find someone else,” Seokmin had said. “You’ll fall in love many times over but she’ll always be the only one for me.” 

Vernon had believed him then, but he knew Seokmin was wrong now. 

After all, he could wish all that he wanted and it wouldn’t bring you any closer to him. 

So Vernon would invite you to all his birthday parties, if only as an excuse to keep you within arms reach. 

Seokmin still remembers the day he first laid eyes on you. He could recall it like that one recurring dream. 

“I’m Y/N.” You had yelled at him, over the loud speakers of the karaoke booth at him and Vernon’s 12th birthday party.

He had glanced down at your painted nails when the two of you shook hands, liking how the maroon red complimented your skin. 

“I’m Seokmin. It’s nice to meet you.” He yelled back, laughing when Vernon’s voice cracked while singing in the background. “You should come sing with us!” 

You glowed under the disco lights as he pulled you up on stage, handing you the second microphone and bumping up against Vernon. 

The two of them watched you belt out a messy rendition of Lady Gaga’s Poker Face and Seokmin knew he was in love. 

“I should go.” You peel yourself out of Seokmin’s arms on the sweaty dance floor. “Happy birthday. Tell Vernon I’m sorry I have to leave.” 

Seokmin nods. He’s used to it by now. Sometimes he thinks he sees more of your back, walking away from him than he sees your face. 

Seokmin watches you walk away, all the while repeating to himself that it’s all for the better. 

Vernon watches Seokmin watch you walk away, a bitter storm raging in the pits of his stomach, yet he pushes it down in the name of ‘it’s all for the better.’ 

And you walk away, slowly, your steps deliberate, pretending like you don’t feel their eyes watching you leave. You know it’s for the better.

After all, who are you to wish for more?

[silverskye13]

Hello! I was just wondering but what would happen if Tanguish died for the last time/was running out of time right in front of Helsnight?

Good afternoon! You seem possessed of the desire for heartbreak! This made my hands shake to write, so thank you for that! If you need me I will be pretending it's the coffee jitters!

Helsknight has seen this before. It's been awhile since he's felt it so closely, though. The fainting. The listlessness. The lost time. He's seen it all before. Dead eyed paladins wandering like sleepwalkers through their tasks. The strong made weak by the jaws of the universe as they're eaten away. The long sleep. The watch for waking. The hopeless vigil. The waiting, waiting, waiting, for inevitability. The knowledge that soon, inexorably, like the setting sun, night was falling.

The sun would never rise again, and there would be no stars.

To be swallowed whole by something that doesn't care, that doesn't notice, what it's taking.

Tanguish sleeps more than he wakes now. He looks deceptively peaceful, laying there in bed. Helsknight moved him from the couch weeks ago. He deserves comfort. He deserves peace, and warmth. He deserves... Well. He deserves better. Helsknight can't give him better. Even if he knew what to give, he couldn't bring himself to leave Tanguish's side. Not anymore.

"I would fight the Universe for you if I could," Helsknight tells him, kneeling beside the bed during one more of those long, silent, lonely vigils. He has Tanguish's hand cupped in both of his, the scarred knuckles pressed to his lips. Helsknight doesn't cry. He never cries in front of Tanguish. It feels rude. Disrespectful. This isn't about him. If anything he is just a helpless bystander. He is not to be comforted. "I would pry back the jaws of the Universe if I could reach them in a way that mattered. You know I would."

Tanguish doesn't respond. He's been asleep for a long, long time. Helsknight knows the pattern. The ebb and flow. The drowning slip. Last time it took Tanguish days to wake. He doesn't think this time there will be a waking, but he waits for it anyway. All he has left now is the hope, however fleeting, to see those eyes flutter open, the tired smile and soft voice. Tanguish saying reasonably, as though Helsknight were making a big deal about nothing, "Why are you still here? I'm alright, Helsknight. You don't have to wait for me."

They talked about it, in that rare glimmer when Tanguish was lucid. Helsknight had explained what he knew of what was happening, what he'd seen. He explained the sleep would last longer. That if Tanguish didn't get himself killed, the Universe would simply take him one day, quietly, in his sleep. Tanguish had seemed relieved. He didn't want to die painfully. This was the best possible scenerio for someone who feared hurt and wounding. To slip away, unnoticed, uncaring. It had been a soft conversation, and it had taken all of Helsknight's strength not to be angry. Not to rage in the face of fear and loss. He wanted to be kind for Tanguish. He wanted his friend to leave thinking everything would be okay. He wanted him to feel loved, and looked after, and like the world would mourn his passing but not be broken by it.

This time, there will not be a waking. Helsknight can feel it in his bones. It makes his heart sick. He feels like, if he convulsed hard enough, his soul might vomit, riot out the tangle of emotions he has long grown weary of feeling, that stick in his ribs like claws.

This time, there will not be a waking.

[Tanguish always hated being a burden.]

Helsknight was broken. He sighed a lot. There was something wrong with his stomach and chest, like if he exhaled deeply, smoke and despair would come spooling out of his lungs. He wished he could purge the empty ache buried inside him, calm the nervousness of mourning. There was a little animal inside him that wanted to run, which felt his pain and fear and said something fatal must be happening, and fight or flight should move him to self preservation.

He couldn't bring himself to leave the house. Every moment they had left felt stolen.

Besides, he could run for the rest of his life and never outrun this. He could slay every god and saint in hels and it wouldn't change a thing. Impotence was a poison in his soul.

He felt sick.

"I'm sorry I couldn't fix it," Helsknight whispered, kissing Tanguish's hand gently. "I would have tried harder. You know I would have."

Tanguish had asked him, in one of those rare, lucid moments, not to bother Tango. Just let it happen, he'd said, brushing strands of hair out of Helsknight's face. It's okay, I'm not afraid.

Helsknight didn't know what time it was. He stopped caring about things like that awhile ago.

He kissed Tanguish's knuckles again, and wished he could pour his own life through his skin. Tanguish's hand was warm in his, he'd been holding it so long. It felt stupid, but he spent a lot of time washing his hands now. His hands and his hair. He put on lotion, and honey-scented oils, because Tanguish told him once his sealing wax made him feel safe, and this was the closest smell to it that he had ready. Every time Tanguish woke, he wanted him to be held in kind, gentle hands. To card his fingers through clean, soft hair. To smell safety and comfort. Helsknight kissed Tanguish's knuckles again. It was all he could do. It was all he could do.

Time crawled by like a wounded animal. Helsknight sat very still. He kissed Tanguish's hand when it seemed necessary, the gentle brush of lips against fingers that never moved. Sometimes he would press his thumb to Tanguish's pulse just to remind himself he was still alive, only sleeping. He didn't cry. He said only kind things; whispered poetry, soft platitudes. When his helpless anger abated and left him hollow, in the ebbs and tides it lived in, he prayed. They were hopeless, stupid prayers. He didn't know what to pray for anyway. Only the repeated mantra please, please, please, begging for his Saint to listen to... Something. Please save Tanguish. Please end the waiting soon. Please don't make Helsknight suffer the waiting alone. Please, if he must suffer this, take the feelings away. Take the pain away. Make it stop. Make it stop...

Helsknight knew he fell asleep only because he woke up hours later, and when he woke, he was alone. The bed was empty, blankets barely disheveled. Still, Helsknight was filled with the half-mad thought that Tanguish had woken and crept past him, leaving him to sleep. Helsknight got to his feet, joints protesting after so long waiting in stillness.

"Tanguish?" Helsknight called into the empty room, searching every corner, as though he would be hiding. "Tanguish you shouldn't be up by yourself. Where--?"

Helsknight rubbed sore eyes and walked into the living room. He felt disoriented, not all there, like he'd woken from a bad dream. His mind dragged behind his body, thoughts tilting haphazardly through sleep and stress. He was exhausted. Had he not been sleeping lately? Gods. It was hard to remember.

Helsknight looked quietly around the living room, suddenly confused as to why he'd come in here. He was looking for something... right? Something important. His hands were shaking. He felt sick. Something very, very important. His stomach twisted in knots. His chest hurt. Was he having a panic attack? Why in hels was he having a panic attack?

"I need to lay down," Helsknight said to no one, because no one else was here. When had he gotten into the habit of talking to himself? His chest hurt. He felt sick. He wanted to cry. What the fuck was wrong with him?

[Lost something. Lost something.]

Helsknight stumbled back into his room, his mind a hazy mess. His bed was an oasis of calm in a storm. He needed to lay down. He felt raw and wounded, like someone had reached hands inside him and started pulling out entrails. It was a despair so thick he wanted to vomit. He placed his hands on the bed, steadying himself, trying to convince himself if he could just crawl in--

The bed was cold. Colder than was normal. A tear rolled down his cheek. He could cry now. He was allowed to cry now. No one was here to see.

Why would someone be here? Why would he even need to cry? Helsknight rubbed at his face, and he searched his bed, his nightstand, for anything that made sense.

A little black stone, obsidian, hard to carve and harder to break. There was a name carved there that wasn't his. Memories that had been floating away like fading dreams, fast into the jaws of the void, slammed back into him so hard he staggered. It was a blow that should have killed him. He'd felt gentler wounds from blades in the Colosseum.

Helsknight's reaction was immediate. His breath left him, half gasp, half groan. And he was sobbing, great, wracking, gasping sobs that were halfway screams. Helsknight grabbed the little stone, carved with Tanguish's name, and clasped it to his chest. He clung to it like it could somehow pull Tanguish back to him, like it could tether his soul, already gone. Then Helsknight did scream, because his chest hurt, his soul hurt, and he was powerless, powerless, powerless to do anything about it.

"I didn't mean to forget," he sobbed, his whole body bent in apology, like a sinner at an altar. "I d-didn't mean to forget. I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I--"

The night was long.

The world was dark.

Somewhere, a bright, bright star dimmed and died, and no one seemed to notice.

And the Universe said, I do not love you, for I did not make you

And the Universe said, You were never meant to exist, so you do not

And the Universe said, All is right with the world.

Isn't it?

[abiatackerman]

Hey!! I was wondering if you could write a one shot where the reader sings to Levi? I thought of it when I watched the scene in Peaky Blinders were Grace sings to Tommy, and I think similar dialogue from the scene would be a really nice touch. Thanks so much lovely!

Oh my god, yes! I have just started to watch "Peaky Blinders" and I love Tommy and Grace, haha! Also making a Oneshot where the reader (I mean me lol) singing for Levi makes my heart warm! Thanks for requesting!

This is the song I used for the Oneshot! This is a beautiful song and I think it relates to Levi! I hope you'll love it!

Where nightmares end

⚔️Levi Ackerman x Female Reader⚔️

Canon universe! Captain Levi Ackerman x Reader! Fluff and comfort! Nightmares! Wholesome! Fluffy romance! 1.3k words!

Summary: After waking from another nightmare, Levi finds solace in your arms. As you hold him close, you offer to sing him a song, a lullaby to quiet his restless mind.

Tags: @theremainsof @spouseofleviackerman @levisbrat25 @itsnathateasy @violentvaleska @dreamerofthewest @meowmewow7 @mikabella7 @satorella @sugacor3 @darkstarlight82 @derealizationns @genyas-gun01

🩷If you wanna be tagged let me know🩷

✨Masterlist✨

🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷

The night is thick with silence, save for the occasional rustling of leaves outside the window. The candle on the bedside table flickers weakly, casting trembling shadows across the stone walls. The air is cool, yet sweat clings to Levi’s skin as he tosses and turns, trapped in the grip of another nightmare. His breath comes in sharp, ragged bursts, his fingers twitching as if reaching for a blade that isn’t there.

Then, suddenly—he jolts awake.

His chest rises and falls unevenly, silver eyes wide with the ghost of whatever horror had clawed through his dreams. His body is rigid, years of war training his muscles to snap into action at the slightest disturbance. His trembling hand instinctively reaches for the knife under his pillow—only to meet warmth instead.

You.

"Hey… you okay?"

Your voice is soft, barely above a whisper, thick with sleep as your fingers find his arm, tracing soothing circles. Your eyes are groggy, but concern flickers in them like the dying candlelight.

Levi doesn't answer right away. His breath is still uneven, his heartbeat hammering beneath his ribs. You've seen him like this before—felt the way his body tenses after a nightmare, how his shoulders lock up as if bracing for an enemy that isn't there. You know it isn't the first time, and it won't be the last.

Without hesitation, you reach for him, wrapping your arms around his neck and pulling him against you. His forehead presses against the soft fabric of your nightshirt, his damp hair tickling your collarbone. He resists for only a second before giving in, letting you hold him.

"You're safe, love," you whisper, pressing a soft kiss to his hair. "I'm here. I know I'm much weaker than you, but at least I can save you from your nightmares, right?"

A heavy sigh escapes him, his body sinking into yours, his arms hesitantly circling your waist. His grip isn't tight—Levi has never been one to hold on too firmly, even when he needs to—but you feel it, the way his fingers curl against your back like he's afraid to let go.

You bury your face in his hair, inhaling his calming scent. Your eyes flutter closed, the weight of exhaustion creeping back in, but you don't let sleep take you just yet. You want to stay like this a little longer, comforting him while he's in this vulnerable state. You're happy to be here, to be the one grounding him.

Levi lets out another quiet sigh as his fingers stroke absently over your arm. The horrors of his nightmare begin to fade, replaced by the steady rhythm of your heartbeat. But guilt lingers at the edges of his mind.

"Sorry for waking you up," he murmurs, his voice low and rough.

You sigh, your face still buried in his hair, your fingers caressing his cheek. "You know what my mentality is, Levi. Stop saying nonsense."

Squeezing his cheek gently, you pout, your touch playful despite the exhaustion weighing on your limbs.

Levi snorts, the smallest of smirks tugging at his lips. "Yeah. You're an angel, I forgot."

His sarcasm makes you smile. You shift, tightening your hold around him, and he adjusts as well, resting his head more comfortably against your chest. His ear is right over your heart now, and you know he's listening to its steady beat.

Minutes pass in silence, both of you wrapped in each other's warmth. But then, a thought crosses your mind.

"Hey, Levi?" You comb your fingers through his hair, your voice soft.

He hums in acknowledgment, his eyes closed.

"Can I sing for you?"

Levi's brows furrow slightly as he lifts his head just enough to look at you. "Sing?"

You smile, brushing a stray strand of hair from his forehead. "It might help you sleep."

He studies you for a long moment, as if weighing the idea in his mind. Then, with a quiet sigh, he buries his face in your chest again. "Do whatever you want."

Your smile widens as you cradle his head gently. "Tragic or romantic?"

A ghost of a sarcastic smirk flickers across his lips, though it doesn't quite reach his eyes. "Tragic."

You huff a small laugh, your fingers stroking through his hair. "Be careful," you whisper. "That might break you."

Then quietly, shaking his head , he murmurs, "Already broken."

The way he says it—so effortlessly, like it's just a fact, like it’s not even worth debating—makes your chest ache. You know that's true and it breaks your heart every time.

So instead, you shift, cupping his face as you meet his gaze. Then, you take his hand, lacing your fingers through his, and begin to sing.

"Oh, I'm obsessed

With the way your head is layin' on my chest

How you love the things I hate about myself

And no one knows, but with you, I see hope again."

Levi stills.

His grip on your hand tightens slightly, his thumb brushing over your knuckles absentmindedly. His silver eyes, always sharp, always guarded, soften as he listens.

"Oh, I'm a mess

When I overthink the little things in my head

You seem to always help me catch my breath

But then I lose it again

When I look at you, that's the end."

You feel it in the way his breath hitches, in the way his fingers twitch ever so slightly. He isn't just listening—he's feeling.

You press your forehead against his and keep singing.

"And why do I get so nervous when I look into your eyes?

Butterflies can't stop me falling for you

And darling, this is more than anything I felt before

You're everything that I want, but I didn't think I'd find

Someone who is worth the wait of all the years of my heartbreak

But I know now I've found the one I love."

Levi closes his eyes, his jaw tightening for a second before he exhales, slow and controlled. When he opens them again, something raw flickers in their depths. He stares at you, searching for something—an answer, a reason why your voice feels like home, why the words feel like they were carved from his own soul.

"You…" His voice is hoarse, barely a whisper. He swallows hard before speaking again. "That song."

You tilt your head, smiling softly. "What about it?"

His fingers curl slightly around yours. "It… it sounds like me." His gaze drops to your intertwined hands, his grip firm but careful. "I'm a mess. I… never thought I’d find someone like you." His thumb brushes over your skin again, slower this time. "But I did."

Warmth floods your chest, spreading like wildfire. You knew he might relate himself to the song, but when he said that... It made your heart flutter.

You squeeze his hand gently. "You're not a mess, Levi. You're a clean freak."

He lets out a soft, almost bitter chuckle. "You're the only one who'd say that."

You shift closer, your free hand brushing against his cheek. "Because I see you. Not just the Captain. Not just the soldier. You."

Levi inhales sharply, silver eyes locking onto yours. And for once, he doesn't look away.

Silence stretches between you, thick with unspoken words. Then, finally, he murmurs, "Sing it again."

Your lips part slightly, surprised. "You want me to—"

"Please." His voice is quiet, but firm.

You smile, heart full, as you begin to sing once more, your fingers still tangled with his.

And this time, when Levi closes his eyes, he isn't lost in nightmares—but in the sound of your voice, in the warmth of your touch, and in the quiet realization that maybe, just maybe, he isn't broken, because he's with you after all.

[dazaih]

wingman - luke skywalker x reader

chapter one, chapter two, chapter three, chapter four

chapter five -> the apartment

your university roommate han solo finds a rival (and love interest) in student council president leia skywalker, but both of them are too stubborn to admit that they have feelings for each other. luckily, you and her twin brother, luke, devise a plan to get the two of them to spend more time together. challenges arise, however, when you start to develop a crush on him.

chapter warnings: sexual humor, alcohol mentioned, injuries and violence mentioned

a/n: anidala cameo to make up for the angst in the last chapter hehe

Their apartment was, of course, luxurious. Pristine floors, large windows, and sleek, modern appliances—it was the total opposite of the outdated home you shared with Han and Chewie. There was even a balcony with a hot tub. You were speechless. Still, it was small enough to feel cozy, which you’re sure their actual home wasn’t, so you were grateful to be in this space instead.

“The decorations aren’t as cute as yours,” Leia said, watching you gawk at the apartment, “But this is where we live.”

“It’s beautiful,” you told her, taking everything in.

“Thank you. You’re welcome to have anything in the fridge or pantry. We have a spare bedroom that we use as an office space, but there’s a daybed in there too.”

You nodded, glad that you would at least have a little bit of your own space.

“You can use my shower,” she offered, “It’s connected to my room. You can borrow a fresh set of pajamas too.”

You smiled, incredibly grateful for her hospitality.

“Thank you so much. I really appreciate this, guys,” you said seriously, hoping they understood how much their kindness meant to you. You weren’t always good at expressing deep emotions, but you tried to make your gratitude as evident as you could.

Showering had been nice. The dirt was cleansed from your open cuts, and your aching muscles relaxed some under the warm spray of water. The soap that Leia was letting you use smelled great, and the pajamas she’d given you were comfortable silk. When you walked back into the living room, Luke was baking cookies, giving you a small wave.

“Should you be baking with a concussion?” you asked, though the delicious smell had already infiltrated your senses and made you believe that this was a good idea.

“They never told me not to,” he replied, shrugging, “You look so cozy.”

You chuckled a bit, looking down at your sleepwear and the warm, wool socks she’d left out for you. When you looked back up, you noticed that Luke’s hair was also damp, and he was wearing a pair of pajama pants and a loose fitting t-shirt. Something about seeing him like this made you feel warm.

“So do you. I’ve only ever seen you in slacks and nice sweaters.”

“Oh? You don’t like my slacks and nice sweaters?” he pretended to pout, leaning over the counter to talk to you.

You did like his usual attire. He managed to look soft and stylish at the same time, an air of elegance always surrounding him. But seeing him like this—he just looked so warm. You wanted to fall asleep next to him.

“I never said that. Just that you look different like this.”

“Different? Like, bad different?”

“No!” you said quickly, scrambling to correct yourself, “Definitely not.”

When he quirked his eyebrow at you, you realized that he’d just been messing with you the entire time. You blushed and looked away, only to be surprised when he hooked a finger under your chin and gently pushed upwards, urging you to meet his eyes.

“Sorry,” he said, grinning at you, “I just like teasing you.”

“I can tell,” you huffed, pulling his hand away from your chin, though you continued gripping his wrist, “Making fun of me after all I’ve been through today. How sinister.”

He giggled, and if you weren’t so exhausted from the events of the day, you might have tried to pull that sound from him again. It was just so perfect.

“My bad,” he replied, smiling at you, “I’ll make it up to you. I’m making cookies, y’know.”

“With a concussion, yes. I can see that.”

Just then, Leia came barreling out of her room, looking stressed and tired, holding her cell phone up to her ear.

“It’s them,” she said, pointing to her phone, “They want me to FaceTime them so they can see that you’re okay.”

Luke’s grimace was amusing, but you felt anxious that you’d show up in the frame. You heard the familiar sound of the phone call switching to video, and you couldn’t believe that you were about to hear the senator and her movie star husband scold their kids. Leia flipped the camera and pointed it at Luke, who offered a small wave.

“Hi Mom,” he said tiredly.

“Hi, Luke,” you heard his mother say, “I’m glad you’re okay. Your father is on his way home, so I’d say that you have a few minutes to explain yourself to me before he gets here.”

Leia handed him the phone, and he flipped the camera back around to front-facing. From where he was leaning over the counter, you could make out his mother’s face. You’d seen her on television before, but never in the comfort of her own home, and yet she was still incredibly beautiful.

“Great,” he mumbled, sighing, “Well, basically I—“

“Padme!” you heard someone shout on the other line, the sound of the door swinging open audible to you as well, “Luke—“

“Ani, he’s on the phone,” she told him, and you heard him approach.

When Anakin came into view, you were equally as stunned. You’d never seen his movie, but he certainly had the face for Hollywood, having aged like fine wine. No wonder directors wanted to get their hands on him.

“Tell us what happened,” Anakin demanded, and you watched as he placed a quick kiss on Padme’s forehead, a silent greeting to her upon his return home. Cute.

“Someone attacked my friends, so I stepped in. And I had other people with me,” Luke explained.

“So it wasn’t just a bunch of drunk college kids fighting over something stupid?” Padme asked, seemingly surprised.

“What? When have you ever known me to just start fighting people for the hell of it?”

“We thought you could’ve been going through something,” Padme said, and you had to stifle a giggle. Their concern for him was precious, and their willingness to try to understand his actions even before getting an explanation out of him showed how much they trusted their children. You briefly wondered what Han would say upon realizing that the Skywalkers might actually be perfect, and that their facade as a happy family was hardly a facade at all.

“No,” Luke protested, already over this conversation, “I’m not—it wasn’t a dumb bar fight. There were like, adults your age there.”

“What?” Padme exclaimed, her concern growing, “Adults were beating up students? Why?”

“Who were they?” Anakin added, frowning.

“I don’t know, but they were beating the hell out of my friend, and then they were restraining my other friend, and we heard someone scream, so we ran outside.”

“Did you talk to the police?”

“Yes, Mom.”

“You have a black eye. Are those stitches?”

“Yes, Mom.”

“Do you have any other injuries?”

“No, Mom.”

“Leia, does Luke have any other injuries?” she asked again.

“Concussion and bruised ribs,” Leia confessed, shooting Luke an apologetic look.

“Did you land any hits on the other guys?” Anakin asked, speaking for the first time in a while.

“Anakin!” Padme chided.

“What? Self defense is important.”

“A couple, yeah,” Luke said sheepishly, scratching the back of his neck.

“Nice.”

“Anakin.”

“Fine,” he huffed, and you could see him cross his arms. So that’s where the twins got their attitude from, you supposed.

“Are your friends okay?” she asked, and her concern for others made you like her a little more.

“One is in the hospital, and the other is spending the night here,” Luke said, moving the camera slightly to get you in frame. You weren’t expecting to meet the Skywalkers today, and you hoped you didn’t look too rough.

“Hello,” you greeted them politely, giving them a wave.

“Hello, sweetie! I’m so sorry to hear about what happened tonight. If there’s anything we can do for you, please just let us know,” Padme offered, giving you a warm, beautiful smile, much like her son’s.

“Thank you,” you replied, surprised by her sincerity, “Your kids have already done so much for me.”

“That’s good to hear,” she said happily, smiling at you again. Anakin nodded, grinning a bit. He looked proud. You wondered if he might say as much.

“Ben’s in the state on business. We’re sending him to check up on you soon,” he said instead, Leia and Luke groaning in response.

“Don’t be like that,” Padme scolded, “You love Ben.”

“Not when he’s coming for the sole purpose of admonishing me,” Luke mumbled, “It’s really not necessary. Leia and I have each other. We’re more than capable of taking care of ourselves.”

“But you’re still young, honey,” Padme said, “And we’re your parents. We’re supposed to worry about you and then make sure you’re okay when something goes wrong.”

You were beginning to envy the relationship the twins shared with their parents. Han and Chewie were the only family you had. The thought of them made your heart sink, and you longed to be in the emergency room with them, at Han’s side like you always had been. But since you didn’t know how long he’d be there, taking shifts with Chewie so you could both have the chance to rest wasn’t a bad idea, not to mention the fact that the events of the day had left you extremely rattled.

“I promise we’re fine. Besides, we’ll be busy tomorrow. We have to check on our other friend who hasn’t made it out of the hospital yet.”

Their faces fell, and their eyes were sad. Padme’s tone softened.

“I’m sorry, honey,” she said gently, “Please let us know if there’s anything we can do.”

“I will,” Luke agreed, tone becoming lighter at their kindness, “I promise. I’m not supposed to look at my phone very much with my concussion, but I’ll text you when I can.”

“And FaceTime us so we can see you.”

“If I have time,” he pushed back a little, and you saw Anakin roll his eyes.

“Leia, make sure Luke does everything the doctor told him to,” Anakin added.

“I’m a grown man,” Luke complained, a slight pout tugging at his lips.

“You push your body way too hard sometimes, Luke. You’re like your father.”

“I’m a student athlete.”

“Do not go to practice with a concussion,” Anakin told him, his voice sounding serious but also the tiniest bit amused.

“I won’t,” Luke promised, and you wanted to laugh at his attempt to defend himself. He looked exhausted.

“He’s not stupid, Dad,” Leia added with a bored sigh.

“I know he’s not,” Anakin agreed, “But do you remember when he pretended not to have the flu so he could play in the last home game of the season? Or when he played with a fractured elbow?”

Luke sighed and buried his head in his hands. He exhaled and looked up again, glaring at his parents through the screen.

“I was in high school,” he countered, “You seriously don’t have to worry. I promise I’ll take care of myself.”

“Okay,” Anakin said reluctantly, “But seriously. Keep us updated on how you’re doing.”

“I will,” Luke replied slowly, emphasizing the word as much as he could.

“We’ll let you go then. I’m sure you must be tired. It was nice to meet you, dear,” Padme said, waving at you, “And I meant what I said before. Please let us know if we can do anything for you.”

You waved back and muttered a small thanks, Leia taking her phone back, and the twins bid their parents goodbye. When the call ended, Leia sighed and looked at Luke.

“Dad’s press tour is soon,” she announced, her meaning not quite clear to you.

“I know,” Luke grumbled, turning to take the cookies out of the oven, “And I look like this.”

“Maybe it won’t be so bad,” she added, “I mean, the school is private property. No one will be able to take your picture there.”

“What’re you guys talking about?” you finally asked.

“Dad will be getting a lot of press for his new movie, which means the rest of the family will be getting a lot of press, too. And now Luke has clearly been hit. So if people didn’t have questions about the local headlines that have already started emerging, they certainly will once the paparazzi publishes a photo of his fucked up face,” Leia explained, worming her way behind the counter.

“Hey!” he exclaimed, swatting her arm once he put the cookie tray down, “Do I really look that bad?”

“No!” you said quickly, Leia huffing out a “Yes!” at the same time. Luke turned to look at you with a grin.

“Yeah?” he asked sweetly, leaning over the island again to stare you directly in the eye, “Thanks. I’m glad someone here thinks highly of me.”

“Gross,” she mumbled, grabbing a bottle of wine and a glass.

He offered you a cookie then, and you hummed happily when you took a bite. They were magnificent.

“These are great,” you told him, and he beamed at you, “Thanks for baking.”

“Underneath that student athlete facade, Luke’s quite the housewife. He’s a good baker, and he sews too. I’m surprised he hasn’t started brewing his bedtime tea yet, but I bet he’s probably too embarrassed because you’re here—“ Leia teased, Luke cutting her off.

“Why is everyone shitting on me today?” he whined, snagging the bottle out of his sister’s hand and pouring himself some wine.

“You shouldn’t be drinking with a concussion.”

“The only reason my head is hurting is you,” he retaliated, though you could tell that his tone was still playful. Leia chuckled quietly to herself and stole a cookie.

“The daybed is set up for you. I put clean sheets on it,” she told you, smiling.

“You didn’t have to make the bed for me,” you replied, the kind gesture making you feel warm.

“Don’t be ridiculous,” she said, echoing Luke earlier, “You’re our guest.”

“Well, thank you,” you replied sincerely, “It means a lot. I didn’t really wanna be alone tonight, if I’m honest.”

Leia nodded sympathetically, picking up her now full wine glass and sighing.

“I’m gonna take a bath and go to bed. If you need anything at all, don’t hesitate to wake me,” she said before turning to Luke, “And you better not drink too much wine with that concussion. I’ll tell Mom and Dad.”

“Dad would do the same thing,” he scoffed, “Go to bed and stop worrying over me.”

“It’s hard not to worry over you. You should go to bed.”

“Later,” he told her, “I just got the shit beat out of me. I’m having an adrenaline rush.”

She rolled her eyes and lightly smacked his arm, the gesture undoubtedly affectionate in nature.

“Be nice to our guest,” she ordered, fixing him with a stern look.

“Oh, I intend to,” he replied with a smug grin.

“Don’t be gross. Goodnight, guys.”

He giggled as she left the room, his eyes following her until she shut the bedroom door. When she was gone, he turned his focus back to you.

“Do you want to go to sleep?” he asked, his voice gentle.

“I feel like I should, but I don’t know if I’ll be able to. I’m still—I don’t know. I know I’m safe here with you guys, I just—“

“It’s okay,” he said, surprising you by reaching over the island countertop and grabbing your hand, “I understand. We can stay up and watch movies, if you want.”

“Oh, you don’t have to stay up with me, Luke. And you shouldn’t be looking at screens, remember?”

“I want to. Show me some of your favorites.”

“Han warned you about that. I’m gonna talk your ear off.”

“I know,” he replied with a soft smile, “I want you to. And the more you talk, the less I have to look at the screen. Sounds good to me.”

Your face flushed. Who were you to turn down the opportunity to ramble to a gorgeous young man about your interests? You’d had a hard day, after all.

Nodding, you followed him into the living room, carrying the plate of cookies and two glasses of wine with you.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: .☽ . :☆ﾟ. ───

You woke up a few hours later with a sharp pain in your neck and something hard pressing into your cheek. Confused and disoriented, you sat up slightly, only to realize that the culprit behind your awkward sleeping position had been Luke Skywalker himself. As the realization that you had fallen asleep on his shoulder dawned on you, you felt your stomach sink. Maybe he wasn’t awake. Maybe slumber had grasped him first, and he hadn’t even noticed—

“Hey,” he whispered, voice raspy. He must have fallen asleep too, but unfortunately for you, he was acutely aware of your position.

“Hi,” you replied, your nerves running wild as you finally forced yourself to look up and meet his stare. He looked at you through eyes that were only half open, but his gentle smile told you that he was awake enough to understand the implications of your proximity.

“Guess we fell asleep,” he said, “We should try to watch this movie again. Like, under normal circumstances.”

You giggled, humming in agreement. Your thighs were still touching, and your side was pressed up against his arm. You were surprised that he didn’t move away from you.

“Wanna go to bed?” he asked, shifting so that he was turned more towards you.

“Guess I should,” you murmured, avoiding his eyes now, “I’m sorry that I fell asleep on you.”

“Don’t be sorry. I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but I’m a pretty big fan of physical affection.”

You laughed again, grateful that he was more casual about these things than you were. You hoped that he couldn’t sense your nerves.

“None of my friends are like that. I think Han has probably hugged me three times since I’ve known him.”

“He touches your hair,” Luke pointed out, and you were caught off guard by the fact that he’d picked up on that detail, because you were pretty sure that Luke had never actually been around when Han had done that.

“What?” you blurted, the exhaustion adding to your confusion, “How do you know that?”

Luke seemed caught off guard by that question, and in the dim light of the living room, you could barely see a faint blush begin to spread across his cheeks.

“He messes up your hair. Like, he ruffles it. I don’t know. I saw him do it once,” he mumbled, suddenly very focused on the rug.

“You were watching me,” you realized, lips curling into a mischievous grin, “At the bar after I left you and your friends. That’s the only time you could’ve seen it.”

“So?” he replied, and something about genuinely making Luke Skywalker feel embarrassed made you giddy.

“Don’t tell me you’re starting to buy into your own lie, Luke,” you teased, poking his side.

This time, he sat up all the way, his eyes no longer clouded by sleep. He put some space in between you and suddenly stood. The abruptness startled you in your tired state, and before you could inquire about what was up with that reaction, he had already regained his composure.

“Come on,” he said softly, folding the blanket the two of you had been sharing and looking everywhere but your eyes, “You need to sleep. In a bed.”

You cocked your head a little, trying to meet his gaze. When you finally succeeded, you weren’t able to read the look in his eyes, so you just stood and resigned yourself to being agreeable.

“So should you,” you replied, touching his arm gently, “I’m really sorry about today, Luke. I never wanted you to get hurt by hanging out with me. I promise that stuff like that doesn’t usually happen. Usually, the most danger we’re ever in is when Han and Chewie hotbox the van.”

“You don’t have anything to be sorry for. I’m not sure exactly what happened, but you guys are good people. I don’t regret defending you.”

“Thank you,” you told him, hoping your face reflected your sincerity, “You guys are really sweet. Your parents, too. I hope they don’t think I’m a bad influence or something.”

Luke laughed quietly at that, shaking his head.

“No way. My dad’s a worse influence than you are,” he replied, “But really. You don’t need to thank me. I wish I could’ve done more than just land a couple of hits on him, but to be honest, I’m not much of a fighter.”

“You were really good at it,” you noted, recalling how agile he was, “It was impressive.”

“Yeah?” he asked in that flirty voice of his, though now it was still slightly raspy, “I mean, I know how to fight. I just don’t like doing it.”

“Why do you know how?” you blurted, your exhaustion doing a bit of damage to your filter.

“I’ll tell you another time. You should really be getting some sleep.”

You rolled your eyes at him, but didn’t protest. He was kind enough to walk you to the spare bedroom, offering you a small smile as he told you goodnight.

“Wake me up if you need anything, okay?” he added softly.

You stood toe to toe, close enough to kiss, but neither of you made a move to even touch each other. It felt too intimate, too real.

“Sure,” you whispered, staring at him, “Night, Luke.”

With that, he walked away, shutting the door behind him. You crawled into the daybed and turned your ringer all the way up in case Chewie called. You hoped that sleep would find you easily.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: .☽ . :☆ﾟ. ───

You woke up to your phone dinging, signaling an influx of incoming texts. You blinked the sleep away from your eyes and immediately checked it.

4 new notifications

Chewie: he’s awake and ok but on a shit ton of painkillers

Chewie: bruh the police are already here asking questions wtf he’s barely awake

Chewie: r u still with the twins? how r u feeling?

Chewie: gonna run home and shower while he naps. lmk when u feel like visiting him and i’ll give u his room info

You breathed out a sigh of relief at the knowledge that Han was doing okay, despite the medication needed for his injuries. You sent a quick text back to Chewie to let him know that you were at the Skywalker residence, which was still a rather surprising turn of events for you. Just then, you inhaled the sweet scent of lavender, and when you turned your head, you saw a cup of tea on your night stand.

You immediately knew it was Luke who had brewed it for you. The kind gesture made your heart flutter a bit, but you tried not to think about the implications of that as you took a sip. Still warm. You gave yourself a moment to relish in the peaceful atmosphere, sunlight peaking through the blinds and silky pajamas hugging your skin. After finishing your tea, you got out of bed, fixing the covers and walking into the kitchen. Upon entering, you were immediately greeted by the bickering of the twins.

“You’re doing it wrong,” Luke complained, hovering behind Leia as she stood over the stove.

“I’m capable of making eggs, Luke,” she snapped.

“Apparently not, because you aren’t even adding anything. You can’t just scramble them. It’s so easy to just—“

“Well, when you don’t have a concussion, you’re more than welcome to cook for yourself. For now you should just shut up and be grateful.”

“I can cook just fine. I baked last night. I made tea this morning—“

“And you shouldn’t have done any of that! And I can’t believe you were watching movies last night. You need at least a day of rest, Luke. You can gradually start doing daily tasks again after that, but you shouldn’t be thinking too hard or looking at screens yet.”

“You’re asking me not to think. That’s impossible.”

“Is it really? It seems to me like you hardly ever think about anything—“

“Good morning,” you said, clearing your throat and announcing your presence before they could continue.

“Good morning,” Leia replied, turning to you, “I’m making breakfast right now, but Luke keeps micromanaging me. Did you sleep well?”

“I slept great! Thanks again for setting up the room for me. And I can see that,” you noted, feeling bold as you came up behind Luke and squeezed his waist with your good hand, “Sit down, Luke. You should be relaxing.“

He turned sharply at that, eyes wide for a split second before regaining his composure. Your flirting had started to evolve into a competition of sorts, as you felt determined to catch him off guard now. So far, he was beating you, but you tried not to let him see that. You watched as his momentary surprise was quickly replaced by the expression he wore when he was about to say something out of pocket to you, his eyes slightly lidded and mischief written all over his face.

“I’ll sit down if you sit on my lap,” he offered, smiling at you innocently.

“Luke,” Leia groaned, turning around and glaring at him, “Chill out. It’s ten in the morning. If your ribs weren’t bruised, I would hit you.”

“Where’s your sense of humor?” he huffed, relenting as he went to the other side of the kitchen island and took a seat in one of the barstools, turning to you, “Will you sit next to me, at least?”

“If you can behave,” you told him, taking the stool next to him.

“Oh? And if I don’t? Gonna punish m—“

“Luke!” Leia hissed, slamming her spatula onto the counter and turning to him, “Did you lose brain cells when you hit your head? Shut the fuck up. Oh my god.”

“You’re no fun,” he pouted, sighing dramatically, “How do you expect me to act when you’ve got me on house arrest? I can’t even watch TV.”

“Aren’t you tired?” you asked him, stepping in to deescalate their bickering before it turned into an actual argument, “It was a long night. And you got hurt.”

“I feel fine,” he protested, but the smile he gave you didn’t reach his eyes. Leia shook her head disapprovingly and turned her attention back to the stove, sighing as she often did.

You frowned, not really a fan of whatever fake confidence he was trying to offer you, and without thinking, placed a hand on his knee. He flinched slightly, and then tried to cover that up with a smile too, but you didn’t return it, instead just keeping your hand there as a gentle reminder that you saw him. His cheeks flushed slightly, but he didn’t move away from you, and resumed a more normal conversation with you and Leia as she prepared the food. Occasionally, you would gently rub patterns into his knee, and when you felt him continue to relax underneath your touch, you felt like you had finally figured something out about him. You recalled his offhand comment about enjoying physical affection, and you realized that offering him reassuring touches here and there was probably comforting for him. You filed that information away as your thumb traced circles into his skin, noting that his eyelashes would flutter every now and then and he’d sit up a little straighter to shake himself awake. Had he slept at all?

“Here, eat,” Leia commanded as she placed two plates down in front of you and Luke. You saw him give you a sideways glance when you removed your hand from his knee, the cast on your other arm demanding that you only use your hand for one task at a time. He said nothing though, and was content to eat quietly.

“When you’re feeling up to it, we can have our driver take you to the hospital to visit Han,” Leia offered, pouring a glass of orange juice for you, “Just let me know. We can also get you back to your apartment, but you’re more than welcome to stay with us for the next few days while you all are getting back on your feet.”

Luke looked right at you then, though his expression was unreadable to you. Not quite sure what the meaning behind his stare was, you felt a little self conscious, and turned your gaze back to Leia quickly.

“Thank you so much,” you told her sincerely, “I’m okay to go back to my place tonight though. You all have already been so kind and hospitable. I don’t want to overstay my welcome. But I might take you up on the ride.”

“You wouldn’t be overstaying your welcome,” she insisted, “But I don’t want to pressure you. Let me know if you change your mind.”

With that, she handed you her phone, and you put your contact information in. Luke remained silent for the entire ordeal. It was starting to unnerve you. Perhaps he wanted you out of his apartment so he could finally get some rest. With a newfound determination to not be a nuisance to the Skywalkers any longer, you hurried through your breakfast and helped Leia clean up. At some point, Luke had disappeared back into his room, and although you felt slightly affronted, you pushed those emotions to the back of your mind for the time being. The change in his demeanor was giving you whiplash, but there was no way that you’d be able to sort through his thoughts.

“Text or call if you need anything,” she insisted, standing at the doorway to see you off, “And if you wouldn’t mind keeping me updated on how Han’s doing…”

“Of course,” you told her, your heart warming a bit at her concern for him, “Tell Luke I said bye.”

Her face fell slightly at that, and she placed her hands on her hips, glaring at the closed door of his room.

“I’m sorry that he’s being weird,” she said, sighing, “I think he’s trying to act tough because he’s shaken up about last night. He’s really sensitive.”

“Really?” you blurted, surprised that she would use such a word to describe him. The Luke you knew was sensitive to your feelings, sure, but he didn’t seem to be all that emotional himself.

“Yeah,” she replied, smiling softly, “He pretends like he isn’t, especially around those dicks he calls his friends, but he gets worked up about things—anxious, I guess.”

“I met them last night.”

“Really? How’d that go?”

“I threatened to hit one of them,” you admitted sheepishly, “But they were fine after that. They were pretty helpful in the fight, actually.”

“You threatened to hit them? You should’ve done it,” she said excitedly, beaming at you, “But yeah, I’ll give credit where it’s due. Although, I still think they only joined in because they wanted to say they won a bar fight.”

“And because they worship Luke,” you added, recalling how they followed him around all night.

“It’s weird, right? He doesn’t even realize it.”

“It’s really weird, but it’s kind of funny, especially because he doesn’t realize it.”

She laughed, and then surprised you by pulling you into a gentle hug.

“I’m glad you guys are getting to know each other better. I think you’re good for him,” she said seriously.

Her words made you feel guilty, as you weren’t quite sure how much of your relationship with Luke was genuine. Still, you nodded in agreement, forcing a smile.

Feeling confused and a bit forlorn, you departed from the Skywalker residence.

[therandomdragons]

SO MUCH of this aligns with how I've interpreted Lilith thus far. Granted, we ONLY have crumbs, but the ones we do have--I don't think--point to her being a villainous, abusive mother. I think she is a highly flawed person (as is every one of her subjects in hell), BUT she's had to pick up the scraps her husband left behind. SHE ruled the kingdom while Lucifer shut himself away from the world, and HE gets all the credit. Sound familiar?

Regardless of how things may have started for them, though, the bottom line is, to me, both Lucifer AND Lilith have given up on their people. Lilith may have a bigger plan in motion, but abandoning her people for a spot in the place she has cultivated an ENTIRE kingdom around defying? I doubt she'd be able to rally her subjects behind her again once the truth comes out (and, trust me, it will). Lucifer never believed in his people, has AGREED to Exterminations because he sees nothing worthwhile in them. It's not really talked about yet, but I think the Exterminations play a HUGE factor into why they split. Whether I'm right or not remains to be seen.

But you know who HASN'T given up on them? Charlie. She is the culmination of Lucifer's past dreams and Lilith's present ones. Lilith passed down her "dream" to her daughter, and Lucifer showed her "dreams can be worth fighting for." For all their faults, they've raised a daughter sure of herself and her goal in spite of literally the entire universe claiming she's in the wrong. There is still tension between the three (which I am EAGER to see explored in the show), but I do not think Lilith is solely to blame for that. Lucifer is not blameless in how everything happened, and I think that much is obvious once you dig a little deeper into the crumbs we have gotten. He's lovable, but still flawed, as any good character should be.

I love Lucifer and Lilith so much because of all the untapped potential they hold. Rulers of Hell, one determined to rule the kingdom while the other gives up on them, only for the former to run off to Heaven, their adversary, without telling anyone? PRIME material for complexities. I think it is THE most complex and compelling piece of the show for me (which is why I'm writing whole damn fanfics about it LOL). They were both rebellious dreamers who put themselves in the very positions of power they once rebelled against. they both handled the fall in vastly different ways. they see their kingdoms potential, or lack thereof, very differently. They're so muddled and contradictory which I find endlessly frustrating yet fascinating at the same time. I cannot wait for the day when all the puzzle pieces fall into place.

It's actually insane how obvious the double-standards in the HH-fandom are when it comes to Lilith and Lucifer. I have seen so many people villainize Lilith despite the fact that we know next to nothing about her while putting Lucifer on a pedestal, even though from what we see they're both flawed characters.

"Lilith abandoned Hell to live in Heaven!"

Lucifer straight-up abandoned Hell from day one. Until her disappearance, Lilith was the one doing the actual ruling while Lucifer was making rubber ducks and who knows what else in his workshop.

Lilith was the one inspiring and uplifting their people and making sure that Hell was at least acceptable to live in and not just a dirty hole in the ground. Lucifer never even tried.

We don't know why Lilith went to Heaven or if she has a bigger plan and what that plan might be. But y'all are pretty quick to judge a character who hasn't even had any spoken lines yet.

"Lilith is going to sabotage Charlie!"

We don't know that. Yes, Lute demands of Lilith to stop Charlie's plans for redeeming sinners, but the scene cuts off before we get Lilith's response to that.

And guess what Lilith's very first reaction to Lute telling her to deal with her daughter so that Heaven can stay on top is?

A displeased frown. You could interpret that as her just being annoyed that she has to leave her sunny beach (which is what most HH-fans seem to be going with) but honestly from what we know of Lilith, I think it's more plausible that she's upset about, y'know. This angel trying to strongarm her into stopping her daughter from achieving good societal change for their people.

"Lilith was a bad mother!"

Again, we don't know that.

And seeing how Charlie speaks of her, I don't even think that's true. Whenever Charlie speaks of Lilith it's with fondness and admiration.

Lilith is the person who inspired Charlie to found the Hazbin Hotel.

Lilith is the one whose love for the kingdom of Hell was transferred over to Charlie. Whenever we hear Lucifer talk about the Sinners he rules over, it's with disdain at best.

Yes, she's been absent for a long time in the show's present but let's be honest, how long is seven years for immortal beings? And before that she spent Charlie's entire childhood teaching her daughter to love and cherish Hell and it's inhabitants.

Doesn't really sound like an abusive mom to me.

"Lilith intentionally drove a rift between Charlie and Lucifer!"

This take actually annoys me the most, because there is zero evidence that Lilith ever tried to drive Lucifer and Charlie apart.

HH-fans really like to jump on the one flashback in "More Than Anything" where Lilith takes toddler Charlie from Lucifer to prove that Lilith supposedly tried to drive a wedge between them but I honestly don't see it? Lilith was literally just taking her daughter into her arms, can y'all chill???

Adding onto that, the reason why Charlie's and Lucifer's relationship is strained in the present is because of Lucifer. The show pretty much spells that out for us. Lucifer spent years holed up in his palace instead of talking to or even just supporting his daughter.

And when, after years of radio silence, Charlie makes the first step to reach out because she needs his help, Lucifer not only continuously badmouths her dream and the sinners she's taken under her wing, he flat-out tells her that he doesn't believe in what she's trying to do.

Really, if Lilith wanted Charlie and Lucifer to drift apart, she didn't even need to do much, Lucifer did a fine job alienating his daughter all by himself.

TL;DR It's interesting to see how many people immediately jumped on the Villain Lilith-train, even though everything we see and know about her positions her more as an anti-hero, while Lucifer is the unambiguous poor uwu Good Boi despite the show establishing him as an absent father and an abysmal ruler.

[whoblewboobear]

Starbreaker is a fun dynamic to play with, they don’t have to be healthy and they don’t have to be in love to be whatever they are. Like I imagine that for Porter, killing Jace didn’t mean much it was a means to an end, it served a purpose, it could’ve been anybody. Love was the farthest thing from porters mind. Obsession was the closest he ever got to that. He had a goal to achieve and that was all that mattered.

Maybe Jace resented Porter the entire time, maybe he wanted him dead but didn’t feel strong enough to do it. Maybe he took comfort in whatever stockholm syndrome came with being tied to some like that, reveled in it. Because it was the most normal part of whatever else his life was for almost two years.

In canon, they’re dead, yes. But through creation they got second, third, fifth, hundredth, and infinite chances at life. Maybe in some of those, when the dust settles, they still choose each other because in a way just get each other, they get the obsession and the need and maybe over time something changes. That need becomes a want that becomes a choice to let the other in, to see the other for all they are no matter how visceral and to say, despite it all, I love you.

[aria-greenhoodie]

WOE, NEXT SUMMER DESIGNS FOR SOME OF THE GRAVITY FALLS KIDS, GO!

Click for Quality!

Pt 1/2/?

[tennessoui]

On the subject of mer-angst, what if Anakin returns to the sea just as Obi-wan leaves it behind. They both choose to give everything up to be together but due to poor communication it’s another missed connection.

omg no this was literally the first premise i had when i was like i'm gonna do a mermay fic for may this year - originally i was like ok padmé and anakin fall in love and padmé is the mermaid and anakin is the human and they both get it into their heads to join their beloved so padmé becomes human and anakin becomes mer because they don't actually talk to each other very well at all

and the sea witch says no takesie backsies so they're heartbroken and stranded on opposite sides of the tide and obi-wan who is padmé's friend and advisor takes care of anakin at padmé's request because even though he thinks she's a fool, he's still fond of her

and then anakin and obi-wan fall in love and padmé falls in love with being human and probably becomes a queen all over again on the land lol and both anakin and padmé realize that what they loved most about each other was the life the other lived and not actually the person so there's no betrayal and obi-wan and anakin get to go off and do as many cliche silly mermaid things as they want

[miametropolis]

ten in the journey’s end makes me so goddamn mad…rose punched through MULTIPLE dimensions, tracked you through all of time and space, single-handedly saved Donna while you were doing fuck all in a market, gave EVERYTHING to find you again and ALL. SHE. WANTS. IS. FOR. YOU. TO. LOOK AT HER!! WHY WON’T YOU LOOK AT HER ITS ROSE!! ITS THE HEART OF YOUR HEARTS!! YOU COULD EACH DIE ANY SECOND NOW HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU SPENT WISHING YOU ACTED SOONER HOW MANY YEARS HAS SHE WAITED FOR YOU, BURNED HOLES IN THE UNIVERSE FOR YOU AND YOU’RE STILL! LOOKING! AWAY!

[nereidprinc3ss]

pretty little things

in which you can't keep hiding your stuffed animals from your boyfriend. spencer would like a formal introduction.

fluff! warnings/tags: gn!reader I think, newish established relationship, they're so cute, reader is still kinda shy around him, I'm really obsessed with this dynamic actually, implied intimacy if you decide to interpret it that way, kissing/maybe mildly suggestive a/n: this is dedicated to my friends @parfaitblogs and @gublersg1rl bc in another universe we are actually just three jellycat plushies on someone's bed which is where the inspo for this little thing came from. and thank u willow for naming your fox. ok bye love u hope u enjoy !! :D

The first time you’d shown Spencer your room, and the handful of times he’s been in it since, you very intentionally hid your stuffed animals underneath the bed. After all, you’re an adult. You have a grown up job. And you don’t need him thinking you’re some kind of freak this early into the relationship. You like him too much. 

Today, however—you didn’t have any warning. He comes over unannounced, which is all well and good, until you bring him to your bedroom so he can sit on the bed while you change from work clothes into something comfier for movie night. As soon as you open the bedroom door, you see them, lined up neatly by your pillow, and you know it’s too late. 

“Uh…”

Spencer runs into your back and takes it as an excuse to settle his hands on your hips as he peers over your shoulder. 

“What?”

You slip out of his easy hold and skitter to your bed, practically throwing yourself on the mattress and sitting unnaturally as the little beaded eyes of your friends dig into your back. Even your brightest smile doesn’t distract Spencer. He’s like a bloodhound for the truth. At least, that’s the sense you’re beginning to get. 

“What are you doing?” He tries again, eyes narrowed and closing the door carefully behind him. 

“Nothing!”

The urgency with which you say it has his eyebrows raising. Obviously delighted by the embarrassing secret he’s sure to uncover, he approaches. You lean back further even as he towers over you until you’re almost on your back and he’s folded over you, menacingly (and dizzyingly) close. This sort of position is still new-ish and has your heart pounding, even if it’s entirely playful and ostensibly innocent. 

“Nothing? Are you sure?”

You nod, still shying away from him into the pile of pillows. Without looking he reaches under you and pulls out your pink bunny. You squeak and hide your face. 

“What is this?” He laughs, and you yank it away, sitting up so he’s forced to give you some breathing room. The bunny is cradled protectively in your arms, though you try to hold it a bit more casually when you notice. 

“I said it’s nothing.”

“What about the other two behind you? The fox and the… what is that? A deer?”

“No—”

“I didn’t even know they made deer stuffed animals—”

“Spencer, stop!”

He does, at the desperate tone of voice and the way you’re still hiding from him. 

“No, no! I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to tease you. Don’t be embarrassed. I’m sorry.”

As usual he’s over apologetic, now sitting knee to knee with you on the mattress and leaning down to try and catch your eye. You huff and grant him some eye contact just so he doesn’t go over the edge with worry. 

“But it’s embarrassing.”

“No, it’s really not,” he laughs. “It’s cute. I can’t believe you’ve been—what, hiding them from me? This whole time? That’s like not telling me you have kids.”

“It is not like that.”

“Hm. I don’t know, I think you should probably introduce me.”

You give him a look, letting your head fall to your shoulder. “Spencer.”

“I’m serious. I’m going to be apart of their lives now. You can’t keep shoving them under the bed every time I stay the night.”

This nerd is going to be the death of you. 

Eventually, you groan reluctantly. 

“Fine. Okay, um—this one is… well—her name is Bunny. It’s not… very creative, but it’s—that’s just her name, okay?”

Spencer doesn’t react to your unjustified defensiveness—only grabs your bunny’s round little pink paw and shakes. “Enchanted.”

“Shut up.” Your face is so hot as you bury your smile and set Bunny aside, making sure she’s comfortable against the pillow before bringing out your deer. Spencer doesn’t have the shit-eating grin you were partially expecting when you glance up at him from beneath your lashes—he’s smiling, but it’s so soft. A little twisted, like he’s holding back the full extent of it for your sake. But you wouldn’t mind it at full power. It’s like he’s hiding the sun in a saucepan and the lid’s not on quite right. And he’s looking right at you. Like you’re the source of all his joy. 

A moment passes. You clear your throat and look back down. “Um—this is Bambi. ’Cause—you know.”

“I do,” Spencer agrees genially, nodding as if this were a normal conversation. “Kind of a dark thing to name your deer, though.”

“You’re judging,” you accuse balefully. He chuckles and his hand finds your knee, rubbing apologetically. 

“I’m not, I’m not! I take it back. I retract it. Continue, please.”

For a moment you only pout, but it doesn’t deter him—he simply looks at you expectantly, and now those syrupy eyes come with the added bonus of his hand on your leg. Fine. He wins. But not without a deep, tortured sigh from you while you’re grabbing your fox that makes the corner of his mouth twitch up. 

“This one is…”

The name dies on your tongue, too ridiculous to be said out loud. 

“Tell me,” Spencer pleads in that gentle voice and with those big eyes that you’d consider burning him at the stake for because that look on his face has to be witchcraft. 

“Okay but you can’t laugh,” you insist in one quick breath, giving him a serious look that he can only partially reciprocate. 

“No laughing.”

“It’s… Mr. Cuddles.”Spencer bites the inside of his cheek to keep his promise. You melt inside both from embarrassment and from the way it only further defines an already superbly sculpted bone structure. “Do not.”

Spencer scoffs at your warning. “Don’t what? I’m behaving.”

“Don’t make fun of Mr. Cuddles!”

“Does it look like I’m making fun of him?”

“Her.”

“What?”

“Her. Mr. Cuddles is a girl.”

“I see… can you explain that to me?”

“If a human person said I am a girl and I would like you to call me Mister, would you question that? Would you ask them to explain it to you?”

“I guess not.”

“Exactly. Don’t be rude.”The way Spencer is looking at you now, eyes so clear and still so full of affection, like you’ve got some sort of heavenly spotlight trained on you, lips parted as if to say something but still silent, has you forgetting your momentary confidence. You shrink. “What?”

“I just… you’re amazing.” You throw Mr. Cuddles at his chest and fall into your pile of pillows with a groan. Spencer only continues rubbing your leg. It’s very nice, actually. He’s gentle. And patient. “You don’t believe me?”

“I don’t believe you came to this conclusion just because I introduced you to my stuffed animals.”

“Not solely because of that. There are a lot of contributing factors. I mean, the stuffed animal thing helped.”

“It’s embarrassing,” you insist for the umpteenth time. 

“It’s adorable.”

Spencer pushes pillows aside and lies next to you so you’re eye to eye. It’s nice how his presence isn’t exhausting the way people sometimes are. He’s easy to exist with. He makes you enjoy existing a little more than usual. Even now. 

You raise your eyebrows and speak, cheek squished against fabric. “I’m a serious adult.”

“I know you are,” he assures with a solemn nod. 

Your eyes narrow ever so slightly. 

“Okay… well… don’t go forgetting that. I’m fun but I can also be not fun.”

“I’d love to see that.”

“No you wouldn’t. You would hate it. You’d be so scared.”

Spencer gives up on holding back a smile and moves his hand to tuck hair behind your ear. 

“You’re right. I’m already terrified. The anticipation… it’s killing me, you know?”

You’re giggling as you roll over on top of him and he roots his hand in your hair, pulling you in for a long, smiley kiss like he knew it was coming. Only when he blindly throws your stuffed friends from the bed do you pull away—just by an inch or so. 

“No respect,” you scold playfully. He kisses you again, tangling your legs and hands wandering. 

“Can I apologize later?”

You’re good with that.