#he's not going to dwell on them though. nope. no sir.

[discordiansamba]

Having Zuko around is... weird.

It's not even just because they're more used to the guy trying to hunt him down, or even because it couldn't be more obvious that he doesn't want to be here. No, they could probably deal with that.

Zuko's not alive. That's what makes it weird.

He doesn't breathe. He doesn't eat. He doesn't sleep. Toph says he doesn't have a heartbeat. He just exists. He's like a creature out of one of Bato's spirit tales- like one of the shambling corpses that drag themself out of the sea and return home, unaware that they're dead. Except Zuko's not shambling- and he's very aware that he's dead. He almost looks normal, except for the way his eyes are too bright when the sun is out, and too dull when it's not.

(He's powered by his inner flame now, he explains.)

His attempts at teaching Aang firebending haven't gone so well thus far. It's obvious that they're both getting frustrated- Aang's too hesitant, and can barely make a steady flame. Zuko has no patience. Watching it is kind of disaster, but someone has to be on Zuko babysitting duty just to make sure he doesn't back out on his end of his weird spirit deal. Zuko at least seems to be trying, which is more than any of them expected.

(There's a part of the deal he hasn't told anyone but his Uncle about yet. Aang optimistically thinks Agni might properly restore his life if he does well. Sokka thinks of Yue, and is a lot more skeptical.

What do the spirits do, but play with human lives?)

Zuko tries to ignore them when he isn't teaching Aang, but his Uncle is always trying to curtail his efforts. They learn some insane things about Zuko in the process- namely, that he managed to sneak into the North Pole using turtle-seal tunnels while he still had a working set of lungs. Oh, and apparently Zhao tried to blow up his ship with him in it, which was why he was so beat up back then.

(They learn that his scar isn't from a training accident. Zuko cuts off his Uncle before he can tell them more.)

Perhaps the most unexpected thing is that his presence becomes... normal at some point. He takes Sokka's terrible jokes about him being undead with nothing more than a roll of the eyes. He doesn't exactly open up to them, but he avoids them a little less. They learn nicer things about him- like about how he likes turtleducks, and that his favorite play is Love Amongst the Dragons. For being something out of a spirit tale, he starts to feel a little more like a person.

Aang somehow talks Zuko into helping them look for Appa. Turns out the guy is really good at evading the Dai Li. He's even better at gathering intelligence. He tells Aang that someone definitely saw something that looked like Appa fly over the wall, but he's not sure where the bison went.

...at least until he shows up one morning with Appa in tow.

They all look at him. Zuko shrugs. The Dai Li had him.

...also apparently they're brainwashing people under Lake Laogai?

They all exchange a look. If Appa is free, it probably won't be long until Long Feng tracks him back to them. Sokka gives Zuko an inquisitive stare. You didn't by any chance get any evidence of while you were there...?

Zuko did. He thought they might need it. He's not interested in helping them overthrow his father, so he doesn't care if they meet the Earth King or not... but he does admit the brainwashing thing Long Feng is doing is fucked up and should probably be stopped. He won't help them get to the Earth King, but he won't try and stop them either.

(If they didn't know any better, it's almost like Zuko's warming up to them.)

[rythasbrenelle]

Prompt #17: Sally

The hells is this? Locke wondered, glaring down the road at the scene. A handful of Wood Wailers crowded a wagon pulled off to one edge of the path while one of their comrades spoke to a middle-aged Hyuran man wearing far too many rings. It was hardly the first snag Locke had encountered in the Twelveswood, but they were beginning to pile up. Shouldering his pack and preparing for another distraction before he could return to the old hermit with his medicine, Locke walked on. “Hold there,” a Wailer called out as Locke approached.

Locke tried not to look disgruntled as he came to a stop in the middle of the road, hand on his hip, corners of his mouth weighed down by displeasure. He could have tried a little harder.

The Wailer approached, spear held loosely in one hand, haft set against her shoulder so that the point was aimed up and away from anyone nearby. Locke eyed it anyroad. Nothing special. Better than what I used to make though, he decided. He returned his attention to the Wood Wailer as she reached him. “Good day, sir.” She rested the butt of the spear against the dirt, holding it upright without leaning on it as she spoke. “We’re searching for a brigand. A number of them waylaid that gentleman up ahead, made off with his chocobos and some of his goods. Have you seen anything suspicious in the last couple bells? “We’ve apprehended a number of them, but the merchant up there’s insisting we’ve yet to catch the ringleader. He reports she was a Miqo’te in a mask. Dark hair, strong accent, rather, ahem, scantily clad? Carried a shortbow, wore a few daggers.” “Nope,” Locke answered, characteristically scarce with his words. “I see.” The Wood Wailer nodded, as if she expected as much. “Very well. If you do see anything, then please, let one of our sentries know, won’t you?” “Sure. Good luck.” “Thank you. Safe travels.” Though much of her expression was hidden behind the half-mask of her uniform, Locke could see a polite smile and answered in kind. She returned to her comrades, shaking her head in response to the several heads turned her way. Locke followed, by virtue of going the way they crowded, then passed them and continued on. It was well into the afternoon before Locke stepped off the road and into the woods. From there, the walk to the old man’s hut was brief but, without the rainstorm and accompanying ocean of mud that had driven Locke to seek shelter last time, pleasant. Locke ascended the four steps to the squat little dwelling and rapped his gloved hand against the gnarled door, metal clicking against wood. Then he stepped back and waited. The hut was silent. Not that Locke expected to hear much in the way of conversation, given the hermit lived alone, but there should have at least been the shuffle of weary feet. Perhaps he was sleeping in? “Hermit! Brought your medicine!” Locke called. He knocked again, slower this time, a deliberate staccato. “You home?” Still nothing. Locke glanced down toward the steps nearby and considered sitting and waiting. If the old man was out, surely he’d be back soon. He didn’t seem like the adventuring type. Or the going-anywhere-at-all type, really. But that sounded boring. He stepped over to the nearby window and peered through the dirty glass. Bright as it was outside, and dark as it was inside, he couldn’t make out much. The embers of an old fire glowing in the small hearth, the silhouette of the old, dented table, and beside it, a single rickety chair. Locke frowned. A sennight ago, there had been two chairs. Where was the other one?

“Old man!” Locke called, returning to the door to knock again, harder than the previous two times. The ill-fitted door shook in its frame. “You in there?”

Nothing, again. No, not quite nothing. Somewhere outside, the rustle of grass and a tentative kweh?

Locke dropped his pack by the stairs and padded around the side of the hut, hand lowering to the grip of his revolver as he followed the noise. He was greeted by a pair of large, black eyes blinking at him as a yellow-feathered chocobo rose to its feet. Its leather reins were tied to a thin tree, giving it just enough slack to walk a few fulms and lay down, but not much else.

“Ah,” Locke breathed, offering his gloved hand to the chocobo’s inquisitive beak. It pecked him once before shoving its head under his fingers. He cooperated with its silent demand and scratched the side of its head. “See what’s going on here.”

Stupid of him, believing this would end cleanly.

“Be back for you in a tick,” he murmured to the chocobo, giving it one last pat before stepping away and returning to the front of the hut.

The door didn’t look terribly sturdy, but Locke knew it wasn’t meant to open inwards, given that the hermit had nearly bloodied his nose with it last time. Kicking it open might take some doing.

Assuming it’s locked.

Locke tried the handle. The door didn’t budge.

Yeah, that’s locked.

So he did the next best thing. He found the largest rock in the vicinity and launched it through the window. It smashed through with ease, sending chunks of glass crashing to the floor.

“The hells are you doing?” a muffled voice demanded from inside. A woman’s, with a strong Twelveswood accent.

“Delivering medicine,” Locke called back. He stepped up by the window and eyed the entryway he’d created. A few more hits with a nearby branch cleaned it up nicely.

“Is the old man in there?” he asked.

He heard a shifting of weight, the protest of an old chair. And something else. A bowstring being drawn, he was sure of it.

“Speak,” the woman hissed.

“I’m here.” Locke recognized the hermit’s voice. “But you need to leave, wanderer.”

“If I do that, have to talk to the Wood Wailers,” Locke asked, voice thick with faux innocence. “How’s your mate feeling about that?”

“Don’t you dare,” she snarled. “Or it’s his head.”

“See? Can’t leave. Suppose I better come in. Unlock the door?” Locke asked.

“Not likely,” she answered. “Tell you what. Step into view, at the window.”

“And get shot? I’m good.”

“Menphina as my witness, I will not shoot you,” the brigand assured him. “Nor will I shoot the old man. Not as long as you cooperate, and he continues to cooperate.”

Locke rolled his eyes. “Hate my job.”

But he stepped in front of the window all the same. He watched as the old hermit hobbled out from the room in the back, leaning heavily on the wall in the absence of his cane. He took a few steps to the side, clearing the doorway before coming to a stop.

A lean Miqo’te woman clad in simple leathers followed him out. She held a shortbow in her clawed hands, an arrow fitted to the string and half-drawn. Behind her plain wooden mask, Locke caught a glimpse of golden eyes, softly glowing in the shadows as they flitted about and searched the room. Once she was satisfied, her eyes settled on Locke.

“Now,” she said, “toss your weapons in through the window. All of them.”

Locke huffed but shrugged his gunblade off and slid it through the hole in the window. His revolver followed. The Doman sword came last, tossed so that it clattered onto the old table.

“Very good. Now, the old man is going to lead me to the chocobo. You, rabbit, will keep your hands above your head and stay right there.”

“Don’t call me that,” Locke said automatically, even as he complied. As best he could, anyroad; his left arm, still wrapped and still mangled, hung limply at his side.

“Both arms, rabbit.”

“Can’t. Left one’s broken.”

“Hm. Fine. Just the one will do.” She turned to the old man, but the bow didn’t follow the movement. She kept it at half-draw and pointed toward Locke. “The door.”

With some trouble, the old man made his way across the room. She watched him, and Locke watched her.

His heel bounced as he waited.

Finally, the old man reached the door. He worked the latch, unlocking the door with a rattle, then swung it open.

The brigand took a step forward.

Locke kicked the ground and leapt to meet her.

“Cover!” he barked at the old man, but he didn’t wait to see if he obeyed. Instead he drew Mist and opened his eyes properly. He Saw the blues and greens of the Twelveswood, their soft glow playing across the windowsill under his hand. He Saw the blue-white of the brigand, her muscles tightening and Mist following the motion until an arc of green passed through the air. He Saw the arc grow more defined and certain until it was a straight line and passed into his right eye.

He went low, heard the bow sing and the arrow whistle overhead. The brigand’s leathers rustled, her bow clattered to the ground, knives rasped against their sheaths.

Locke hit the ground rolling, felt glass sting his face but couldn't stop, bounced to his feet and seized the katana from the table, the blade sliding free of its scabbard.

He closed the distance in two quick steps. A blue crescent painted the air. Slow, not like the knight he’d been kicked around by just a couple days prior.

Locke twisted, letting the crescent pass by his cheek. Steel swished through the air harmlessly a heartbeat later. He stepped in as she drew her arm back and a blue sliver appeared between them.

There wasn’t much room to maneuver inside, but he’d crossed most of it and kept her at the wall, leaving him with enough space to swing a sword. Even if she managed to nick him, she had nowhere to go. Locke’s grip tightened on his sword.

“Don’t!” a voice cried from the door.

Steel bit into Locke’s stomach and lashed across his side, burning. He thrust his arm forward and jammed the sword' handle's pommel into the brigand’s gut, driving the air from her lungs, then swung his elbow up, clipping her chin. Her legs buckled.

Locke brought the blade up, just shy of brushing her throat, and held her there against the wall. In the corner of his eye, the beginnings of a crescent coalesced, then dissipated. Her muscles relaxed.

He let go of the Mist, and a headache blossomed behind his eyes.

“Drop the knives, cat,” he growled.

The brigand swore. Her knives clattered to the ground.

“Get in here, hermit,” Locke snapped over his shoulder. “It’s your mess now.”

[sweettodo]

beggars can’t be choosers.

levi ackerman x reader x eren jaeger.

includes : threesome, cockwarming, edging/denied orgasm, oral, swearing. whole lotta smut, not a lotta plot.

wc : 4k.

synopsis : a promiscuous sequel. eren knows you’re missing levi and him, and he’s gonna help out his desperate little friend to get the captains attention.

✰ a / n ,, thank you for almost 1,000 followers, i love you all ! <33.

The night after it all transpired- you were like a new woman, the unusual smile on your face made the others query your motives when you appeared at breakfast, lunch, and dinner, even on missions.

'What has her so lively?'

You were fulfilled, there was nothing that could top that night- that night was the embodiment of your fantasies. Both your Captain and long time friend, with you right in the middle.

For the most part, your affairs with the two dwelled to be the same, your comrades still unable to tell something had gone down between the three of you. Eren invariably sat next to you; you teased each other just like always and your Captain still treated you like a peon.

Though not even you could disagree to the fact that you were like an addict, just itching to be touched like a pervert, you longed for the littlest bit of attention- per usual. And it was more painful when Eren purposely chose to torment you, little pokes and prods, long hugs and squeezes sent you over the moon, this was a game to him, and he played it good.

You didn't concede this to Eren, but he could tell you had these twisted ideas in your mind without a word needing to be spoken, watching you doze off into space. Whilst your mind was filled with vile notions of that night- at every waking moment of the day- Eren much less thought about that evening with Captain Levi involved, he would rather make his own remembrances with you.

Giving your feelings the time to fester meant nearly dropping to your knees if anyone so little as gave you a high five.

And Eren loves to use this to further his objective, he finds it a good source of entertainment to watch you shiver, or whine because, ‘she doesn’t even hide it, she wants me so bad.’

On one end, Captan Levi was his usual cold self, and you still flirted with him... For the joke.

While on the other end, he liked it- of course, he did, he liked the chivalry enough to drag you into his office and show you how much he liked your trifling behavior.

Whether he liked it or not, he found himself thinking about it too. Not enough to divert his attention on more crucial aspects of his life and job of course, nor did he act on his thoughts.

It was so pitiful, laying in bed looking at your ceiling as you touched yourself- for what felt like hours- feeling both of them filling you up and giving you what you yearned for. The feeling almost too real, and you yearned to feel it again. You needed it again, no matter the cost.

Your mind filled with only Levi Ackerman and Eren Jaeger.

"What are you thinking about?"

Breaking out of your reverie, seeing Connie parking his rear in the dining halls bench, "oh, nothin' just tired." He hums in response, slowly nodding.

"Dreamin’ about me, I hope."

"Only in your wildest dreams, Springer."

Jean, who's sitting beside his friend and throwing a loose arm over his shoulder, "who'd be daydreaming about you?" he cackles, Connie shoving his best friends’ arm off of him and frowning.

"Don't worry Jean, I have enough love for the both of you."

"I don't-"

"You love it though, right, horse face?" peeking a look to your side, the familiar brunette is claiming his seat next to you, grinning at his friend who's flustered and kicking Eren under the table.

Jean struggles to play it cool, rolling his eyes and tossing his hands behind his head, "I already have someone on my mind."

"Shucks, I can't play around with you anymore?" wriggling your eyebrows, devilish smile growing on your face, Jean shakes his head.

"Nope, doesn't work on me anymore."

Connie interjects, "don't listen to em', he's always gonna be a slave for your little flirts."

"Am not!"

"Yeah, you are, everyone knows it."

Armin and Mikasa walk into the arguing, giving each other a side-eye before hesitantly settling at the table, hearing Jean try to defend himself against his friends, "guys, no need to yell so early in the morning." Armin hushes, sighing.

"Jean, you know you love it."

"Even Armin likes it!" Eren laughs, pointing at his best friend, "he won't deny it either!"

Armin smiles cheekily, scratching the back of his head, "we're not talking about myself right now."

You had a skill, almost like it was an art- reeling any man in as you pleased, and they loved it, who wouldn't?

You suck in a corner of your bottom lip, looking down at your lap.

"Why are you be so loud, Eren?"

The table instantly falls mute, heads darting to face the man in charge, "sorry Cap."

"I want you all outside in ten minutes, be on time."

As quick as he comes, he's gone, not looking at you indifferently. 'This was seriously going to be a one-time thing?'

"You look antsy, y/n." Eren leans over to your ear, "what's on your mind?" he asks, you look at him, he knew exactly what was on your mind.

"You know what's on my mind, Eren,” smug look on his lips, patting your knee, giving it a gentle squeeze, "don't tease me, Jaeger." You mutter, placing your hand on top of his own to remove it from your leg.

"Y'know, now all of a sudden you don't like it when I touch you because it makes you think of that night, it's obvious."

Your eyes squinting to scowl at him, glancing around to see if anyone had heard what he said; they didn't, all of them either throwing away garbage or talking amongst themselves, "why don't you just stir things up again? You want to, I can tell."

You sit there silently, allowing him to rev up your engine, this was something you craved to feel, he wanted to see you act up, enticing him and his friends, "do what you did before, Captain is bound to give you what you want."

You listened to every word he said, his hand still on your thigh as you closed your legs, squeezing them together as your body throbbed, he was right, and you were desperate, "why don't you go tell him how much you want it?"

You lick your chapped lips, throat bone dry as you're uncomfortably struggling to find words, "Eren," he flashes you a smile, 'she's falling apart with just me looking at her.'

"I can't tell him anything, and you better not either," you grit, eventually gaining some self-control, standing from your seat as he remains in his, "shouldn't we go? Everyone else is gone."

Eren stands, stepping over the bench as he takes a look around, the room was nearly empty, "Levi's gonna be mad at us, maybe he'll even punish you if you're lucky."

You shake your head, "just let me help you," you gaze up at him whilst the two of you follow behind your friends, "I can help you get what you want."

You pondered the offer, "yeah?"

He smiles, "of course," Eren tried to contain himself, even the idea of having you under him made his dick twitch under his belt.

"What do you have in mind?" you spoke, he hummed quietly, "wanna' get me in trouble?"

The tension between the two of you rose, holding your breath as you reached the empty field for sparring, he nodded his head, "of course I do."

You brainstormed, how to get attention from your Captain, but what you didn't know was Eren was already putting his plan into motion, already telling your friends what would land you right in his bed.

Hours later, the time dinner came around, the table was just like the ordinary, chatting and eating after a long day of activities; but unbeknownst to you, Eren was counting the seconds before the Captain would come storming into the room.

During the day, while you sparred with Jean, Eren found himself talking to Connie right in front of the men in charge- both Erwin and Levi listened in as Eren purposely filled Connie's ear with intentions you had. Vile thoughts, Levi and Erwin looking at each other, the Commander blown away, 'yeah, she said to me she wanted Captain to chain her up and everything, torture her, even,’

'Are you serious?' Eren nodded slyly.

‘That’s y/n for you, kinky, isnt she?�� crossing his arms.

'She is one freaky bastard- better not let Captain find out.'

But- to no avail, it was a little too late for that.

"Y/n,"

His voice split through the talkative room in an instant, voice booming as you quickly looked up, swallowing your food, "Eren, Y/n, my office- now."

Connie and Eren exchanged looks and you caught them, "what's that look for?"

"Don't worry about it lets just go."

Levi had already left the dining hall, you walked beside Eren, "what did you do, Eren?"

"Nothing." He defends, shrugging as you inched closer to the familiar wooden door.

Eren stopped in front of the door, he wasted no time, knuckles knocking on the old wood, "calm down, it's all fine."

Letting out a sigh, hearing his voice on the other side of the entrance, the two of you slipping past the doorframe and right into his office, he sat there, arms crossed in his chair, "do you have anything you'd like to say for yourself?"

Before you get the chance to speak, Eren perks up, "what do you mean, Captain?"

"Y/n?"

You choked, throat dry from the awkwardness in the room, "I'm confused on what you mean, sir." Levi scoffed, shaking his head. He was angry, nearly incensed as he watched you shuffle around, your eyes stuck on your feet.

The sound of his chair pushing backward sends shivers up your spine, he stands, "I don't know where to start with either of you."

"Tell him why you did it, y/n."

Your head practically spinning off your shoulders to face the man who stood beside you, "what do you mean, Jaeger?"

Your eyes bulging out of your head, squeezing your fists as you glared at Eren, "say it, cadet."

You looked at Levi in dismay, "I don't know what he's talking about, sir."

"I should've brought Connie in here too for listening to the bullshit you were spewing."

'Bullshit I was spewing?'

"All I was saying was what she told me, Cap."

"Yeah, apparently, y/n."

You meet eyes with your Captain as he's rounding his table, "you want it that bad?"

Avoiding his question, praying for him to step back, feeling weak from his intense glare, sending you into a nervous turmoil.

"Answer me."

You defended yourself, unable to give the boss an answer. Levi was mad, he was beyond humiliated at not only did Erwin hear your perverse ideas, but now big-mouth Connie. And he was fed up- once again- with your behavior.

He’s angrily stepping away from you and opening his bedroom door, "bring her, Jaeger."

Grabbing your wrist, Eren is nearly flinging you into the dimly lit bedroom, stumbling over your feet as the door is clicking shut. You rubbed your wrist, looking at Levi who stands before you, looking up at him.

His strong hands sitting you on the edge of his bed, his finger meeting under your chin and tilting your head up as you stared at him breathlessly, "you want things to be your way, right?"

You nodded, Eren standing next to your Captain, "things won't always go your way, cadet."

You gulped, the restriction growing under his grasp as he slid his hand down your neck, squeezing, "you're lucky I'm even doing this for you, you should be locked up."

Glancing at Eren, who's gradually unhooking his belt, "use this, Captain."

The leather belt being pulled from around Eren's waist and being placed in Levi's hand, he graciously seizes it and pushes you to get up, "lie down and be quiet, understood?"

Before reaching the other side of the bed, your captain is linking the material around your wrists behind your back and using his knee to push you on the bed, your body vulnerable as you can't catch your fall. Knees just barely hanging over the edge of the bed, someone's feet kicking your legs open.

"So I've been on your mind? because it sure seems it."

Digging your head into the sheets, you're nodding, "disgusting."

The weight of the bed plunges in front of your head, fingers entering your hair and pulling you up by the roots, "you think I'll be easy on you this time around?"

You shake your head, "no sir."

With Levi in front of you, Eren is using his foot to slip off your shoes, his hands crawling below your waist, blindly unbuttoning your jeans and tugging them down your thighs.

Pushing you onto your back, Levi is sliding off the bed and you're trying to blow your hair out of your face, Eren steps out of the Captains' way, Levi pushing your knees up and placing your feet on the bed, "you've been acting up again, misbehaving won't get you what you want, y/n."

"She probably wanted this to happen again."

You did, you prayed for it to happen again, but you didn't intend to be tied up, unable to do anything, "I didn't ask to be tied up, though," you muttered under your breath, pulling against the material.

Eren laughs, unbuttoning your blouse while your Captain pinned your legs against your stomach, squirming around under his tight grasp.

“You go around and tell everyone how desperate you are,” you feel his thumb slowly press against the sensitive nub concealed by only your thin underwear, “have you been thinking about us fucking you again, y/n?” calculatedly pushing his thumb up and down, applying more pressure while he keeps your leg in a firm grasp against your body.

“It’s disgusting, really.”

He knows you you hate to be teased, Levi knew if he had even given you a taste of what you begged for, you'd become greedy. Eren on the other hand was sadistic, he would tease and tease and tease, that's how he would get off.

You're caught up in the painstaking abuse of his thumb, not giving any thought to the question he had asked you. He stops, looking at you with a bitter glare, “didn't I ask you a question?” you whine, pressing your head deeper into the mattress.

“Yes, Captain- I've been thinking about you fucking me.”

He's gratified by your answer, knowing that the inquiry would humiliate you.

“Dirty- fuckin’ dirty.” He taunts, picking up where he left off. Levi stands beside his subordinate, Eren pressing your other leg up and finding his fingers hooking around the wet fabric, and trying to get a look at your cunt.

Eren moves out of the way, allowing Levi to push your body back farther, he lowers to his knees, leaning against the edge of the bed, “do you enjoy giving me a hard time?”

They never failed to get you under their complete control, your heart beating out of your chest whenever either of them gave you as little as a glance with their lust-filled eyes. It was so incredibly wrong, so immoral, but it was your guys’ thing, this was your little secret.

“You’ve always been such a troublesome girl.”

Weakly, you're shaking your head, trying to keep your breathing under control as his fingers are raking between your sopping folds, spreading them apart with his calloused index and middle finger, admiring your beautiful body. ‘God- if you weren't such a pest.’ Levi pushed those thoughts to the back of his head, you'd always be his little annoying flirt, nothing more- nothing less.

Though both Eren and Levi seemed to enjoy pleasuring you until numb, your captain knew he needed to instill some discipline, he couldn't let himself be seen as a push-over just because he couldn't stop thinking about how you squeezed his cock so perfectly.

The thought of his fingers being knuckle deep inside your pussy brought him close to reaching bliss in his jeans, you didn't even have to touch him.

Curving his fingers up into your tight, textured walls, feeling your heartbeat throb around his two fingers as he made sure to send shock waves throughout your body. The pad of his thumb rubbing deep and slow circles around your clit, each time he hit a nerve your legs twitching, he hit every spot.

Eren stood beside you, loosely pumping his cock in his fist, watching you squirm and cry out, trying to free yourself as your wrists were falling asleep from the weight of your body, “l-let me go, please.”

Levi and Eren dismissed your pleas, trying so desperately to close your legs from the strong thrusts of his fingers, the overstimulation making your back arch, sucking his fingers in for more, and more.

That coil tightening in your stomach was unmistakable, head spinning, moaning out blubbers of swears and incoherent words, “go on, cum.” They know how bad you've been waiting for this, both men knew it needed to happen again, it was sad seeing you feral like a dog looking for any sort of notoriety.

That's all you wanted to hear, selfishly pushing your quivering hips onto his fingers, he knew this would make you furious, Levi was ready to make your night hell.

All of it stopped. His digits pulling out of your clenching hole as he smirked, standing up onto his feet, pulling you farther and farther away from the peak of your climax.

Gasping like a fish out of water, lifting your head to see Levi on his feet, you sobbed, pain filling your body as you were so prepared, so close to releasing, “Captain,” crying, your foot shaking from the awful tension erected in your lower stomach, your pussy mindlessly twitching, trying to make up for lost touch.

He leans towards your face, gripping your jaw, slipping his slick-covered fingers down your tongue, “that's what happens when you aren't good, I'm sure you understand that, right?”

“Yes- sir.”

He pitties you, almost feeling bad for leaving you a mess in your tears and exertion, but Eren, on the other hand, loved it. “If you take good care of Eren, you might get what you want.”

Eren helps you up, keeping your wrists bound as he can now take advantage of your wet throat, “she knows how to take good care of us.” Eren praises, petting your head and peeling the stranded hairs out of your face, “you’ve always been so good to me.”

Levi scoffs, “besides when she's being a tease.”

Your captain unzips his pants, pushing them past his thighs.

Sitting on the bed and leaning his bare back against the bed frame, “come over here.”

Like a feeble idiot, you're bringing your body closer to his, he grabs you by your waist, lifting one leg and yanking you over his lap, Eren gets on the bed, his tip spilling precum, “you're gonna sit still while you help your friend out, yeah?”

Levi prepares his cock by stealing some of your slick and lubricating hmself with it, lifting your hips so he can ease you onto his cock.

Pushing yourself onto his hips only made him annoyed, “don't you dare,” you groan, he keeps you somewhat upright by keeping a hold on Erens belt.

Eren gripping the back of your head, directing your mouth onto his cock, your lips wrapping around his tip whilst looking in his pretty eyes, his thick eyebrows furrowed and twisted from the satisfaction your mouth is endowing his needy cock with.

Your tongue licking the bottom side of his cock as you pressed your throat until it was filled.

He just wants to hear you gag, messy face while your throat tightens around him, adjusting to his size.

Your pussy crying and burning from the lack of movement, your Captain torturing you, whining on Eren’s cock, hoping Levi would just move a little, although you knew better than to attempt anything.

Eren rocking his hips against your throat, spit spilling from your chin as he throat fucks you, Levi sees how good of a job you're doing, rutting his hips into your dripping cunt only once to keep you going- cueing you to hurry and swallow Erens load so you can convince them to fuck you.

Pulling out of your throat, strings of spit connecting to his cock as he stops himself from releasing down your throat.

Levi’s pleased with you, so he wants to reward you, ‘she’s suffered enough,’ he says to himself, fucking you on his cock just how you like it. Letting out whimpers of relief; by the time your Captain had decided to fuck you, the base of his cock had already been soaking from your slick trickling down and onto his pubic bone. Erens hand palming your perky tits, watching them bounce at the hands of you riding him.

Reversing on Levi’s cock meant Eren could see your pretty little face twist up, your mouth stuck open as you looked at the man in front of you, you were so precious- if anything- you deserved him, you deserved his affection, and he wanted to give it to you.

“Cap’ gonna cum,” you're body trying to curl up in a ball as he holds you from plunging forward, the movement of your hips bouncing back and forth on him, your ass slapping on his cock, the sound of skin loud, which he used as encouragement to plant his seed in you. Such a vicious noise as Levi keeps you still, rutting his hips into yours as he's pulling your head back by a handful of your hair. Your body left with shockwaves as he fucks any sort of knowledge, words, and sounds out of you; you're silent, mouth ajar as you're eventually worthy enough to reach your high.

Your head spinning, eyes being surrounded by a warm white as you're clenching around him to suck him in deeper, your holes twitching as you're frozen still from the orgasm erupting from your body.

Levi grunting as he fills you up with his load, thrusting his hips into you to plant his seed as deep as possible into your beaten little cunt.

“That's right, so pretty- I bet that felt good, didn't it?”

“It did- ‘need more, Eren.”

Eren smirks, face glowing with pride, so vulnerable you were, a girl with needs- his girl, and he had all the antidotes for your selfish little troubles. You were always so willing, truly, you were the perfect participant.

“I think I should untie her, what do you think?”

“Go on and do it, I think she deserves it.” a sigh of relief leaving your lungs as you're set free, rubbing your raw wrists while Eren is easing you on your back, his hands caressing every inch of your sore body, gently squeezing when he gets a good handful of your soft flesh. Up your thighs, under, your perfect waist and sides, he wanted it all-and he wanted you at his disposal.

And thankfully, you wanted them all to yourself too.

Eren knew he wouldn't last long, he's been waiting too long for you, so he doesn't spare any seconds, kneading your tits; giving each of them the right amount of attention, rolling your nipple between his fingers, lightly tugging as he's pushing past your little hole, “filled with so much cum already, you like bein’ a cocksleeve? You like being stuffed, huh?”

Nodding, “yes- I love it s’much, love it!”

Levi holds your wrists above your head.

Eyes rolling back, Erens cock drilling into you, your body shaking as he tears another orgasm out of you, you cried and screamed, Levi inserting his two fingers down your throat to shut you up as Hanges room was no more than ten feet away.

You loved it, you loved it so much- you loved being the center of their attention, you adored being their little ragdoll, how they could fuck you into oblivion so mercilessly, yet make sure you get your fix.

His cock knocking into you, hitting your cervix, which sent moans flying out of your throat, gripping his wrist tightly while he held your thigh up around his waist.

You deemed it your job to please them, to take care of them, and they felt the same- it was the implicit rule of this situationship.

Erens trying to instill as much self-control as he can bear to keep, but it's merely no use, he’s slipping, and fast. His cock constantly slamming into your nerves sent you into a spiral, every thrust fucked your eyes to the back of your head, “fuckin’ you stupid huh- I missed this tight cunt.” Eren spits, the sweat from his body dripping onto your sticky body as your pussy goes numb.

“I love your cock- love it s’much Eren,” your beautiful voice could alone bring both men to climax, he uses it as motivation to cum deep into your pussy. Levi wiped the drool from the side of your lip, along with your tears as he watched you.

Eren pulled out, light moans as he shivered, spilling his seed on your stomach, a mantra of your name falling from his tongue as he tried to regain control.

With you left fucked out on the bed as they got dressed, almost like a routine- you're left struggling to put your clothes on as Levi is trying to rush the two of you out of his room so he can strip his sheets.

“Don't get caught.” He's warning, seeing the two of you out, you're practically trudging through the corridors with Eren at your side as you feel more of a mixture of your cum soak through your underwear and legs, your jeans getting damp with each step you took.

Right as you neared the bedroom door, thankful to be able to strip yourself of your clothing in only a few minutes, Eren ensures you get to your room safely, but no one is that lucky- are they?

“Whatcha’ guys up to?”

Before catching a glimpse of your face, you're gasping and looking away, Eren turning around to see Connie and Jean, “busy?”

Eren laughs, casually speaking, “does it look like it?” he looks more or less as disheveled as you did, his hair falling from the hair tie, while you looked a mess.

“She looks like she just got hit by a bus.”

Your body barreling over in embarrassment, you find it hard to look at them, Jeans’ eyes doubling in size as he sees the unfamiliar piece of fabric in your hand.

“Is that- your bra?”

[reidyoulikeabook]

A is for Ankle Socks

Summary: The first installment in my A-Z of Spencer Reid series. Spencer Reid is very particular about his socks.

Ship: fem ! BAU reader x Spencer Reid

Word count: 2.8k

Warnings: Discussions of case-typical violence, blood, brief description of a fight, minor injury to reader that requires some stitches.

A/N: hello! this is my first ever series and i’m very nervous about it! it’s going to be a chronological a-z series with Spencer, detailing the progression of your relationship!

Spencer Reid permanently wears odd socks. The only time you can recall him wearing matching ones, in the year you’ve known him, was on days he had to go to court. Then, it was required that he wear the technically mandated uniform of proper leather shoes, and monochrome socks. On those days, Hotch would turn up with a pair of black socks tucked into his briefcase, just in case. Spencer had needed them, twice.

However, today is not a court day. Today is day 8 of a case in back of beyond Oregon that, quite frustratingly, seems to be going absolutely nowhere.

It says quite a lot, really, that in a day spent combing over convicts with domestic violence charges, the sight you look up to see is more viscerally disturbing. Spencer’s perched on the end of a desk, as he so often seems to be, his ankles crossed over each other. Signature black converse on his feet. And he appears...not to be wearing socks?

He notices you looking at him, and flicks his eyes downward self-consciously, “Is something wrong?”

“Are you wearing socks?”

He lets out a quiet laugh, “Uh. No. I meant to go to the laundrette last night but then Hotch called us into that meeting. I wasn’t expecting to be out here this long.”

“Is it comfortable?” You ask, “Wearing those without socks?”

He kicks his feet around just slightly, “Not really. I guess I’d forgotten about it until you mentioned.”

“Sorry,” You say, with an apologetic smile.

“Not your fault,” He says, looking back at the paperwork in his lap, “Hey would you mind coming to take a look at this actually? I think I might have something.”

***

By day 2, you’d learnt that the only sandwich shop in town had a reputation for bad food hygiene that none of you felt like risking. Normally, everyone would roll their eyes at Spencer for his investigation into such things. However, in this case, everyone else seemed to be as thankful as you always were.

It’s your turn to do the lunch run today, so you head to the grocery store that isn’t too far out of town. Putting your car in park, you mentally run through the list that the team had given you: cheap pasta for everyone but Rossi, who was willing to risk running foul of their microwave meal selection, as many coffee supplies as you could manage, some sour gummy worms for Spencer, mineral water for Hotch, and tights for you. It was frankly quite impractical to wear the things. You ran through so many brambles, fell down so many times, that you almost felt you should get pantyhose hazard pay. In fall in Oregon though? You’d splash out the $6 for the sake of preventing frostbite. If only because Hotch would be furious.

You smile at the thought. Wandering through the aisles, you collect everything you need. Spencer only asked for a pack of sour gummy worms, but, with a smile on your face, you decide to get him the strawberry laces he likes too.

It’s only when you scan the cart, last minute, that you realise what you’ve forgotten.

Tights. Shit.

Wheeling the cart around, you weave through the aisles looking for them. The underwear aisle is aisle 20, and it looks like it’s been ransacked. Flicking through the disorganised display, you see them.

A five pack of socks, adorned with farm animals and backgrounds of a completely clashing colour. It’s almost too bright for you, but you know a certain sockless Spencer who will be sure to appreciate them. Out of curiousity, you navigate your way over to the men’s section and have a look through. Mostly, it’s all black and navy. Right at the back though, you spy a similarly garish looking pack, this time with vegetables on.

You put them in the basket, eyes flickering over a pair of matching aubergine patterned boxers, as you make your way over to the tights. You select your usual kind, turning your attention back to the boxers.

Is it weird to get him boxers?

He’d know it was a joke, right?

Is it weird to get him socks?

Well he didn’t have any

Yeah but you don’t need to get him two packs

Yes I do we might be here a while

10 more days?

He could fall. He could spill coffee on his shoes. He could get shot.

How would socks help with him getting shot?

Your internal monologue gives you a moments reprieve, and then.

Kinda weird you got him socks

Nobody else would have got him socks

Yeah well I’m just thoughtful.

The last thought crosses your mind without permission, and you almost bristle at the brazenness of your lie to yourself. However, you decide, examining the real reasons you’re so eager to provide comfort to your favourite co-worker would require mental stamina you didn’t have right now. Mental stamina that would be better put to use on the case at hand. Mental stamina that definitely wasn’t being used to employ the BAU’s favourite defense mechanism: denial.

***

“I got you a surprise.”

“A surprise?” Spencer spins around in his chair to face you.

“Yep,” You say, plopping the sweets down onto the desk in front of him and grinning.

“Strawberry laces!” He says, smile lighting up his face, “Thanks ____!”

“That’s not the surprise.”

He quirks his brow, confusion tugging at his features, “Then what’s the surprise?”

You untuck your arms from behind your back, handing him the pairs of socks.

He looks down at them. He’s silent for a moment, and your heart thuds.

Fuck.

Told you it was weird.

It’s definitely weird.

He definitely thinks you’re-

You don’t have time to finish that thought, however, because Spencer scoots his chair back. Standing up, he pulls you into a hug. He gently squeezes you, and when he speaks his voice is low, cracking a little.

“Thank you,” He says quietly, “That was really thoughtful of you. Thank you.”

You lean into him, allowing yourself to be enveloped, “No problem. I know you have some issues with sensory things sometimes and I just thought, you know,” you trail off, “Anyway, I didn’t know which ones you’d prefer and I know you like to mix and match anyway so I just got both.”

He doesn’t say anything. But he squeezes you again, tighter this time, before releasing you. Strangely, he won’t meet your eye as he does.

“I’m gonna go put them on, okay?”

“Okay,” You say, watching a little quizically as he hurriedly heads out of the room.

Derek happens to be heading back to the room, bumping into Spencer on his way out.

“You alright kid?” He asks.

“I'm fine," Spencer says, waving him off. He tries to avoid meeting Derek’s eyes, knowing as well as he does that if the profiler catches the look on his face he’ll be found out.

Derek allows him to shrug past him with a confused glance over his shoulder. He walks into the room, scooping the nearest file off the desk and asking in your general direction, “You know what’s up with him?”

“Nope,” You say, popping the p.

You don’t. And it’d bother you, except you genuinely don’t have time right now to dwell on it. Although, try as you might to focus on narrowing down this list of factories in the area, it niggles at you.

***

You don’t see Spencer again until you’re heading out to the unsubs location. You get called out by Hotch in the minute before he returns, and then it’s all guns blaring. Emily and Dave managed to work some magic with Penelope, and the place he’s holding the hostage has been narrowed down to a factory quite far out of town.

You’re perched in the back, discussing entry tactics with Hotch when your eyes travel down to Spencer’s shoes.

One chicken, and one broccoli sock sit on his left and right feet respectively. It’s hard to see them though, with how far they are down his feet.

Hotch answers his phone then, immediately barking down commands at the local PD who are apparently failing to summon adequate manpower, in Hotch’s opinion at least.

You take the moment to cautiously lean over to Spencer, whispering, “Were they not the right size?”

He smiles at you, “They fit just fine as ankle socks.”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t even think to check the sizes, womens ones are pretty much all one size. I completely forget that men have massively different sized feet.”

He laughs, “Are you suggesting I have huge feet?”

You feel yourself flush a little, “I don’t think that’d necessarily be an inaccurate suggestion.”

Amused, he smiles. Hotch turns around to you both, momentarily taking his eyes off the road, “I need you to call Penelope, and tell her to get us all the CCTV she can get in the area. If we’re going to have to go in without enough men to cover the perimeter we’ll need all the tactical advantages we can get.”

“Of course, sir.”

***

Lunging forward, you tackle the unsub to the ground, effectively freeing Spencer from the grasp he’d previously been held in.

“It’s over Peter,” Hotch’s voice comes, even and steady.

“No it’s not.”

Before you can even register what’s happening, you’re being tossed backwards, landing against some barbed wire. Immediately, you’re on your feet again, running after him. Not noticing how the wire has ripped a hole in your tights, and cut into your leg a little.

Grabbing his arms behind him, you use all your strength to subdue him to the floor, handcuffing him. Wiping the sweat off your brow, you breathe out a deep sigh of relief.

Derek has it from there, patting you on the shoulder and giving you a “Good job kiddo.” He leads Peter out.

You rub your chest, feeling the adrenaline start to flood out of your body with all the excitement now over. A stinging senstation in your calf gets your attention, and looking down you see the nasty wound oozing blood. It isn’t much, nothing that two stitches won’t fix.

“Are you alright?” Spencer asks, having gotten up from his position on the floor, “You didn’t have to...Derek would have gotten him.”

“Why should he be the only one that gets to tackle people?” You ask, letting out a breathless tinkle of a laugh.

“Statistically, he is the one who does the most tackling out of all of us. Then Hotch, then Emily, then Rossi, then me, then you.”

“I am not the one that tackles the least,” You say indignantly.

He tips his head to the side, “Are you gonna argue with the guy who has an eidetic memory or are we going to get you stitched up?”

“Both, please.”

He laughs at that, linking his arm around your waist. You limp against him a little, out to the paramedics. Mostly it’s for Spencer’s benefit. That’s what you tell yourself, you’re letting him help you so he doesn’t feel emasculated.

When has Spencer Reid ever fallen pray to toxic masculinity?

He might have

When?

Well he could

You just like how he smells

It’s true. The faint waft of his cologne is incredibly comforting. He doesn’t loosen his grip on you for even a second, helping to hoist you so you can sit on the ambulance bed while the medics attend to your leg. You’re feeling a little woozy, so Spencer sits next to you, allowing you to lean on him for support.

“Can you tell me something?” You ask, gritting your teeth, “Distract me?”

It doesn’t really hurt, getting stitched up, you’ve just never found it the most comfortable of processes. All your favourite cases have ended with you not having to get sewn up. You know that much.

“I’ve actually only tackled one more person than you in my entire BAU career,” He says, deciding to return to your former discussion, “I didn’t really go out in the field all that much until a couple years in, it was only because of Hotch that I really went out in the field to take down an unsub for the first time. That was March 12th, 2005. You’ve only been here 9 months and have done almost as much physical stuff as me. One more and we’re even.”

“Well, if you could try not to be the person getting tackled by the unsub next time. Then I might not have to make a tackle.”

His mouth turns up at the corner, “You tackled him for me?”

You feel yourself growing embarassed, “Not for you. For the socks.”

“Oh the socks?”

“Yeah, I mean, it’s a little unfair to go putting yourself in harms way while wearing a gift someone got for you. 5 dollar socks Spencer, practically designer at that price, I’d hate to see them ruined day one.”

He laughs, his tone playful, “Well you’ll need to bare that in mind.”

“Huh?”

He tilts his head towards Emily, strutting her way across to the ambulance with Spencer’s go-bag in her arms. She hands it to him, smiling at you.

“Should I let Morgan know the team will no longer be in need of his services?”

You snort, “I’d hate to steal his brand.”

She shakes her head, “Drinks when we get back? Hotch said the jet’s ready for whenever you’re done, and Rossi says he’s buying.”

“You got it,” You nod.

She pats you on the shoulder, exaggeratedly eyeing your leg again and rolling her eyes as she walks away, “Idiot.”

You smile, turning back towards Spencer, “Are you coming for drinks? I can drive you home.”

He visibly considers it for a moment, “Yeah. That’d be nice.”

“You’re all done here,” The paramedic interrupts, wiping down your leg with an anti-bacterial wipe, “Was a really smooth tear for barbed wire, shouldn’t leave that much of a scar.”

They press a bandage over it and you thank them, getting to your feet with the help of Spencer.

“Wait, why’d you get Emily to bring your go-bag if we’re going home?”

He looks almost bashful. Out of his bag, he pulls a three pack of tights. Just the kind you always wear. Down to your preferred brand, and everything.

“When did you-?”

“I noticed you rip them a lot while we’re on cases. I didn’t know if it was weird but then...the socks?” He gestures at his feet, floundering, “I’m sorry if that’s...I just didn’t-”

“No,” You cut off his ramble, “No, Spencer, that’s really sweet. Thank you, thank you so much. Can I hug you?”

He nods, happily. You wrap him into your arms, pressing your face against his chest. Inhaling the scent of him. Reveling in how safe you feel, how protected, thinking how you’d take three hundred stitches if it meant you got Spencer out of harms way. He was so thoughtful, so kind, so attentive to detail.

Oh fuck.

You can barely look at him. It hits you like a train, the realisation. Co-workers save each other from unsubs. Friends buy each other gifts that have meaning and value. But only somebody who is in love feels like this when they get handed tights. Oh.

It’s a warm feeling. Overwhelming. So much so that you miss Spencer saying he’ll be right back, scooting off to Rossi who’s shouting him over with a question the local PD need answering for their report.

You stumble a little, thankful that you have the blood loss and adrenaline rush to blame if anybody were to notice.

You wait for the wave of denial to hit, to come and lock your feelings back in the treasure chest you’ve managed to shove them down into now. It doesn’t come. Instead, you look at Spencer with a sense of awe that feels newfound, but has actually been here all along. Watching him speak to Rossi, you really notice him: just how much he gestures with his hands, how quickly he relays information, how the huge smile on his face, when he turns around to notice you staring, truly meets his eyes.

***

You can’t tell if it makes you a good profiler, or somewhat of a stalker, that you notice Spencer wears the ankle socks you got him to work everyday for the next 9 days.

Spencer worries he’s being a little too obvious, but he can’t help that whenever he sees the socks he beams at them. They remind him of you. Unbeknownst to everybody but Dave (who somehow notices everything), he spends a good minute or so a day sneaking a peek at the novelty socks under his converse. And then trailing his eyes over to you. Thinking how much he loves the person who got them for him.

----

B is for Blindfolds

Tagslist (this is just people who replied to the post about this series and said they’d like to be tagged! let me know if you’d like to be added/removed to this series masterlist): @reidingmelodies @rem-ariiana

[bloody-bee-tea]

Not just a vacation

peachy2peachy commissioned me for some merman Jiang Cheng and a totally overworked Lan Xichen, who is being forced on vacation and then falls in love. Thank you for your support and I hope you enjoy it <3

Lan Xichen is restless. He has never been away from his company for this long and just as he’s thinking it he realizes exactly what his uncle and Lan Wangji meant.

It’s been 19 hours. 

If he’s being honest Lan Xichen can’t even be called a workaholic at this point anymore, because there isn’t anything for him outside of the company and his work.

Lan Xichen isn’t even sure when he last slept in his own bed or when he enjoyed a quiet morning at home. His life is all about work. His office is more like a living-room at this point.

Lan Xichen reaches for his phone almost on instinct—surely a quick look into his mails can’t hurt anyone—but he stops himself right before his fingers can make contact.

He’s on vacation, Lan Qiren was very adamant about that. If Lan Xichen checks his mails then Lan Qiren will know—he always knows—and he will be disappointed. Lan Wangji will make his sad face and even though Lan Xichen can’t see it from where he is in the middle of the ocean, he simply knows it.

Better not to risk it.

Lan Xichen suppresses a sigh and sits back down on the bed. A glance out of the window shows him a blue ocean and an even bluer sky and he knows he should get out there and enjoy it. He did some research on Aitutaki of course, and while he has to admit that it’s objectively beautiful it’s also really remote and Lan Xichen already itches with the separation from his company.

Maybe his workload really is unhealthy, Lan Xichen muses, and then lets out a sigh before he gets back up again.

Time to see what this island has to offer.

It’s just as beautiful as it looked in the pictures he found online, and Lan Xichen has to admit that the quiet and serenity is already getting to him.

He finds a nice spot at the beach to lay down his towel and his head barely hit the sand before he’s drifting off to the gentle sounds of the water.

When Lan Xichen wakes up, it’s already dark. He sits up, slightly disoriented and definitely hungry, to look around and while the beach and the sea were already beautiful during the day, Lan Xichen finds it almost more beautiful now that there are only the stars to illuminate it.

He gets startled out of his thoughts when there’s a small splash and then a person seems to emerge out of the water.

Lan Xichen stays still and watches the shape for a few moments, expecting the person to leave the water at one point but when nothing happens, Lan Xichen gets worried.

“Hello?” he carefully calls out. “Do you need help?”

He seems to have startled the person because he can hear a “Fuck” before the head disappears again.

“Oh,” Lan Xichen whispers and walks closer to the water. 

Maybe the person went under when he startled them? Lan Xichen is about ready to throw himself into the water as well—how difficult can it be to find that person again—when the head re-emerges.

“Are you alright?” Lan Xichen asks, voice just barely loud enough to carry over the water, and when he’s met with silence, he worries.

“Hey, are you okay?” he asks again, already marching up to the water to save whoever is out there, but before he can, the person speaks up again.

“Do not get closer!” 

The words stop Lan Xichen dead in his tracks and he frowns.

“Are you alright?” he repeats and is relieved when the man seems to come closer.

“I am,” he reassures Lan Xichen and then there’s the strange splashing noise again, as if something bigger and more adapt to the water was with the man out there.

“Are you really? That noise—,” Lan Xichen trails off and the man lets out a sharp laugh.

“I really am. Don’t concern yourself with me.”

Unlikely, Lan Xichen thinks and walks closer again. He’s gratified to find that the man doesn’t move further away.

“That’s hardly possible when you take a night swim and startle the hell out of me,” Lan Xichen calls back and wonders if the prolonged distance from his company is making him rude already.

The strange man doesn’t seem to think so because he snorts out a laugh.

“Get back, stranger,” he calls out and Lan Xichen is about to tell him his name when the man suddenly disappears.

Lan Xichen waits a little bit longer just to see if he might show up again, but when it becomes clear that that won’t happen, he goes back to the hotel, where he is met by a frantically gesturing owner of the hotel.

“Sir, where have you been?” he’s asked immediately and Lan Xichen frowns before he points back.

“I fell asleep at the beach,” he gives back, much to the horror of the owner apparently.

“We don’t go to the beach at night! Strange things have happened, it’s not safe for you to be there,” Lan Xichen is told and Lan Xichen would agree with the strange things at once.

He doesn’t see how the man in the water poses a danger, but Lan Xichen is probably missing something.

“What happened?” he wants to know but the owner shakes his head.

“Not good for you to know, just stay away,” he advises him and then rather forcefully shoos him back into the hotel.

Lan Xichen doesn’t sleep much that night.

The next night Lan Xichen goes back to the beach. He keeps out of sight at first, hoping to catch the man unawares first, his mind still reeling from the research he did during the day. 

It’s probably not what Lan Qiren and Lan Wangji wanted for him when they sent him on this vacation, but Lan Xichen needs to know what’s going on here. The only thing his research turned up were tales of mermaid  and Lan Xichen is not ready to believe that.

Until he catches sight of a rather huge tail, flapping out of the water.

The sight of it startles a gasp out of Lan Xichen, apparently loud enough to be heard over the water, because he hears the same muttered “Fuck” carried back to him.

“It’s you again,” Lan Xichen calls out and he’s met with a silence that drags on for so long that he starts to fear the other man might have left.

“What the fuck do you want? Do you not know you’re not supposed to be here?” the man suddenly says, and Lan Xichen sees him swimming closer.

“I have heard,” Lan Xichen gives back and the man laughs.

“You just don’t care, huh?” 

Usually Lan Xichen would care very much about that; he is not one to break the rules and staying away from the beach at night seems to be a rather unspoken rule. But this is just too curious to let it rest.

“Would you believe me if I said I was worried about you?” he tries, taking some careful steps closer to the shoreline.

“Nope,” the man says and Lan Xichen smiles.

“Would you believe me if I said my family forced me on this vacation and I am already bored out of my mind?”

“Maybe,” the man answers and comes closer as well.

“My name is Lan Xichen,” Lan Xichen introduces himself and he’s pretty sure he catches a mischievous twinkle in the man’s eyes, barely visible in the dark.

“Good for you,” the man says and promptly ducks back under the water.

“Hey,” Lan Xichen calls out, stumbling forwards until his feet are fully submerged in the water and he only stops when the hem of his shorts starts to get wet.

Nothing happens, but Lan Xichen doesn’t move back, too intrigued to simply leave again, and his persistence is rewarded when the head pops back up.

Lan Xichen distantly notes that the head was too long under water for a normal human, but he tries not to dwell on it. How ridiculous that would be.

“You’re really annoying, you know that?” the guy grumbles and Lan Xichen gives him his best smile.

“I wouldn’t be, if you told me your name,” he sweetly says and watches how the head almost disappears into the waves again.

“Jiang Cheng,” Lan Xichen suddenly catches and his smile turns brighter.

“It’s nice to meet you, Jiang Cheng,” he says and going by the cold shower that runs down his back, Jiang Cheng is glaring at him.

“What do you want?” Jiang Cheng demands to know and Lan Xichen shrugs.

“I want to know why you’re in the water at this time of night,” Lan Xichen tells him and is met with a wicked smile, white teeth reflecting the moonlight and Lan Xichen is pretty sure he can see a fang.

“Why don’t you come closer and you can find out,” Jiang Cheng tempts him and Lan Xichen can hear his uncle’s voice, telling him just how monumentally stupid he is being, but his legs carry him forward nonetheless and it isn’t until he’s right in front of Jiang Cheng that he stops.

“What if I eat you now?” Jiang Cheng asks, but Lan Xichen is too mesmerized by the fins Jiang Cheng seems to have instead of ears.

“Holy shit,” Lan Xichen breathes out and immediately cringes at the curse word.

His uncle would be so disappointed.

“What, never seen a merman before?” Jiang Cheng boldly asks and flicks his tail—his tail—to splash some water at Lan Xichen.

“Can’t say that I have,” Lan Xichen weakly says, roaming his eyes over Jiang Cheng’s body.

It’s too dark to make out the colour of his tail, but it’s long and strong, shimmering even in the dark. Lan Xichen can’t see at which point tail meets torso, but Jiang Cheng’s chest seems entirely human, apart from the gills on his neck and the webs between his fingers. The fins on his head and his strangely shaped eyes mark him as definitely other than human but Lan Xichen only finds him beautiful.

“You really are a strange one,” Jiang Cheng remarks, and he leans close as if he’s inspecting Lan Xichen in turn, before he throws himself back and disappears into the water.

~*~*~

Lan Xichen spends his entire day at the beach, hoping to catch a glimpse of Jiang Cheng. It would make sense for him to only show up at night, but still Lan Xichen is holding out hope. 

And he’s being rewarded when he catches a purple glint on a strong tail, moving quickly away from the open beach. Lan Xichen follows Jiang Cheng into a small lagoon far away from other people.

“If you’re this trusting someone is gonna eat you eventually,” Jiang Cheng grumbles, but he seems pleased that Lan Xichen was looking for him.

Now that Lan Xichen sees him in daylight he realizes that Jiang Cheng’s tail is of the most wonderful purple, rich and deep, and Lan Xichen itches to brush his hands over it, but he keeps that urge in check.

“Many have tried,” Lan Xichen says with his best CEO smile, “and no one succeeded yet.”

“Ah, I see,” Jiang Cheng whispers and swims closer. “A shark on land. Maybe I should be careful that you don’t eat me.”

Lan Xichen’s mind takes dangerous turns at that, and he can feel his ears flush at how low Jiang Cheng’s voice dropped.

Jiang Cheng laughs at his reaction and Lan Xichen is mesmerized by that sound. 

“You’re staring,” Jiang Cheng accuses him when he notices and Lan Xichen doesn’t even care.

“You’re beautiful,” he whispers and now it’s Jiang Cheng’s turn to blush.

“Shut up,” Jiang Cheng grumbles out and Lan Xichen smiles wickedly at him.

“Make me,” he dares him and Jiang Cheng stares for a long time at him.

Lan Xichen wasn’t expecting to get hit by a wave of water, but it’s a very effective way to shut him up.

~*~*~

After that Lan Xichen and Jiang Cheng meet daily in their small lagoon.

Lan Xichen isn’t sure what his uncle would say to that, but he’s not even thinking about his company or the work, so even though Lan Xichen is sure this wasn’t what Lan Qiren had in mind for him when he sent him on holiday, he should be pleased by this development.

Lan Xichen and Jiang Cheng have shared a lot of details about their lives in the past seven days they have been meeting and by now Lan Xichen knows that he is in love.

With a merman.

Lan Xichen would laugh at the mere notion of this ever happening, but Jiang Cheng is very real, splashing around in their little lagoon and telling Lan Xichen about the hunts he has been on, and he is very lovable.

Lan Xichen isn’t sure if he ever even stood a chance.

He knows that their time together is running out; he is on vacation for two weeks and not a day longer after all.

But those are thought Lan Xichen likes to push far, far away.

He’d much rather think about Jiang Cheng.

“You really are beautiful,” Lan Xichen can’t help but say again as he watches Jiang Cheng float on the water, basking in the sun.

“And I already told you to shut up,” Jiang Cheng shoots back without opening his eyes but this time Lan Xichen won’t have it.

He slowly swims closer, sure that Jiang Cheng is tracking his every movement even with his eyes closed, and it’s not long before Lan Xichen reaches him.

Jiang Cheng never explicitly allowed him to touch the tail or any other part of Jiang Cheng, but they have brushed against each other occasionally, and Jiang Cheng never pulled away. Lan Xichen thinks it’s enough for him to take a chance.

“But you are,” Lan Xichen whispers and slowly reaches out to smooth his hand over the powerful tail.

The scales are mesmerizing and hard, and Lan Xichen could spend his days mapping out every part of them.

When Lan Xichen looks back at Jiang Cheng, he finds that the other is already looking at him.

“I’m not human,” Jiang Cheng says, flicking his tail as if to remind Lan Xichen of it, and Lan Xichen smiles at him.

“No, you’re not,” he agrees. “You are beautiful,” Lan Xichen says again and boldly moves his hand higher, over the line where scales meet skin and then further up Jiang Cheng’s chest, and then higher up still, skipping over the gills until he can cup Jiang Cheng’s cheek in his hand.

“What are you doing?” Jiang Cheng whispers and Lan Xichen guides him closer.

“I’m going to kiss you,” he mutters, briefly waiting for Jiang Cheng to move away from him, but when that doesn’t happen Lan Xichen closes the last bit of distance between them.

Jiang Cheng tastes like the sea and Lan Xichen knows he could get lost in it.

And maybe he will for the next seven days.

~*~*~

“I love you,” Lan Xichen tells Jiang Cheng four days later, sure of that by now, and even though it hurts he was prepared for the bitter laugh Jiang Cheng lets out.

“Don’t be stupid, Xichen,” Jiang Cheng says and pushes himself back into the water, leaving Lan Xichen’s side cold and bereft.

“I do. I love you.”

“Gods, Xichen, you’re on holiday here. This is my home. Where do you see this going?” Jiang Cheng demands to know and Lan Xichen has thought about that, turned around in bed all night, just thinking about that, and by now he’s sure he has the answer.

“I see this going everywhere,” he resolutely says and then reaches for the bag he brought. “I see you in my future, and I will not accept anything else.”

“You’re flying back in three days. There is no future for us,” Jiang Cheng argues and Lan Xichen is gratified to see that the thought seems to pain Jiang Cheng as much as it does him.

“There will be,” Lan Xichen decidedly says and then takes his phone out of his bag. “And I will prove it to you.”

He dials his uncles number, not even caring about the time difference, but it still takes barely three rings before his uncle picks up.

“Xichen, you’re on vacation, so this better not be about work,” Lan Qiren greets him and Lan Xichen smiles, his eyes never leaving Jiang Cheng.

“It is, kind of. I’d like to set up a remote work place. Here, on this island. Because I don’t think I’ll be coming back any time soon.”

There’s a very concerning silence on the other end of the line and then Lan Qiren explodes.

“Lan Xichen! What do you even think you’re doing! This is a vacation and not a way for you to get out of work indefinitely!”

“I know that, that’s why I want to work from here. Uncle, I met someone and I am not going to leave him.”

Lan Xichen can hear Lan Qiren take a few deep breaths before he presses out: “We’ll talk about this at a more reasonable hour for me.”

Before Lan Xichen can object to that Lan Qiren has already hung up on him, and Lan Xichen is left to stare at his phone, before he shrugs and puts it back into his bag.

When he turns back to Jiang Cheng, he finds that he is already staring at him.

“You would really do that?” Jiang Cheng asks. “Work from here? Just for me?”

“I love you. Of course I would. You can’t leave here, so I will come to you.”

“You’re an idiot,” Jiang Cheng decides as he swims closer and pulls Lan Xichen into a kiss. “But I do love you. And I’m coming with you.”

Lan Xichen needs a few moments to understand those words, and then he simply blinks at Jiang Cheng.

“You’re coming what now?” he dumbly mutters and Jiang Cheng rolls his eyes in that beautiful way he has, before he emerges from the lagoon.

On a pair of human legs.

“You really think if we didn’t adapt we’d still be around?” Jiang Cheng asks as he walks Lan Xichen back to the beach and Lan Xichen is more than willing to be led anywhere by Jiang Cheng.

“You can change your forms,” Lan Xichen mutters and his heart does a little flip when Jiang Cheng grins at him.

He does have the most beautiful smile.

“I can change forms. I demand ten weeks a year back here and you’ll have to meet my family.”

“Deal,” Lan Xichen says without hesitation, because he would give Jiang Cheng everything he has if he would ask for it.

“And you cannot change your mind about me,” Jiang Cheng adds, much more quiet this time and Lan Xichen pulls him into his arms.

“Never,” he promises. “I’m a true romantic at heart. There will only ever be you,” he whispers into Jiang Cheng’s now very human ears, and he knows it’s the truth. He can feel it deep in his bones that Jiang Cheng is it for him.

“Good,” Jiang Cheng mutters as he clutches at Lan Xichen’s shirt. “I’m sorry, I kept this a secret, I had to be sure first.”

Sure of Lan Xichen’s feelings and his devotion, Lan Xichen guesses, and he isn’t even mad about it.

“I understand,” he says and then tilts Jiang Cheng’s head back to kiss him.

Jiang Cheng meets him readily and that is the last they speak for a while. There are other things for them to do right now.

Now with a sequel!

{Buy me a kofi}  

[calientecoochie]

It Happened So Fast-

•2•

“AHH”

The red giant backed up and put his hands up in the air and waved them frantically. “<Wha-hooooahh! Calm down. Sorry, sorry, didn’t mean to frighten you! That’s wasn’t very manly was it. Gah, bad first impression, I guess, ha.” The redhead rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment.

“<You’re Red Riot. The~huh~ the Red Riot>” Yes, yes you were gaping like a fish in a desert. How could a man be so tall?! He is literally towering over everybody here. What is he like 7’?! Does his bones hurt? What the hell is a Bakugo... Oh, he staring at me. How long have I been staring!

“<Uhmm>” Red Riot waves his hands in front of your face, “Helloooo, anybody, homeeeee?” His voice sounds so velvety and heroic. “<I should really work on my introductions...this happens way more often then it should. Let me write that down so I don’t forget.>” The Pro Hero stares down at you, “<I’ll give you a lift, Y/N, since you’re like in a trance. LET’S GO TO MY OFFICE! I CAN SHOW YOU PICTURES FROM MY UA DAYS AND SOME COOL AWARDS. SO MANLY!>” With that your new boss lifted you up and threw you over his broad shoulders.

He continued to talk Y/N’s ear off with you not understanding much of what Red was saying but, appreciating it either way seeing as it was helping you unwind from the earlier shock. As the pair walked through the agency, Y/N took in the place. Even though, the place is a big on inside as it was on the outside, it wasn’t as daunting as you thought it would be. The people and heroes around here are smiling and waving towards you. You were handed a balloon with a crudely drawn face (it was meant to resemble you) with a many , “おめでとう” thrown your way as you and your boss entered the elevator.

“<Here we go! Can you stand?>” Red sets you down on your feet with ease as he presses the button to his floor. He drums his fingers across the steel doors then turn towards you with one of his award winning smiles. You swear it melt the steel in these elevators, it’s so bright. “<Not going to freak out on my again are you? Y/N>” He tested your name on his tongue, “<Am I saying that right? Ah, I forgot to ask, would you prefer Japanese> or English?” He look at you thoughtfully.

“That’s right. I have not been responding have I?”

“Nope! You have not but, that’s cool. I have a great feeling about you so, I know you’ll be a strong backbone to this company!”

All you could do was stare back in a dream-like state. Look at you! Shame! Getting all star-struck and dumb even being in this man’s presence. Tsk tsk. Better keep this conversation rolling so it doesn’t get awkward. “You were right..”

“Huh, right about what?

“My name. You said it correctly. Ha, pretty funny too, I’m used to people pronouncing it wrong.”

“Well, that’s not very fair to you. It’s your name and it’s a manly name!” Red puffed through his nostrils and smirked.

You bowed you head to hide your blush, “ Thank you, Red Riot.” Why are you acting like this it is so NOT professional at. All.

Red Riot let out a boisterous laugh that you swore shook the elevator, “You don’t have to refer to me by my hero name you know? Just call me Kirishima or even Kiri. Honestly, anything is cool as long as I don’t get called sir. That makes me feel old. Red Riot is reserved for field work though.” With that he winked at you.

“Oh, then, thank you Kir-!”

D I N G

“We’re here!!” He yoinks you from the elevator into his suave office, “ Hasa De Lo Eiji!!”

You heard Sero’s voice speak up, “Casa De La, Ei, casa de la...” He sitting upside down in one of Kirishima’s office chairs surfing his phone looking through Twatter. You thought he was ignoring you until he started waving and kicking his lanky legs excitedly.

Denki was just spinning in Kirishima’s main seat, “<YOU FOUND THEM, MAN?!>”

“<Well, they wasn’t exactly hiding and don’t think there’s many people of their skin tone here in Japan, Denk...>” You only caught a bits and pieces of their conversation, making you giggle a bit.

Denki looked over to you, “Oohoo, you like that, huh? Say how about we get to know each other better? One on one? There’s this really cool place in Shinjuku I’ve been dying to try. Would love to have someone to try it with. Being alone is such a bummer~” While Denki was distracted, Kirishima took his chance and sat in his friend’s lap causing Denki to sputter and attempt to push his taller, “built like a German, concrete home” friend off of him. Shame, you were actually about to take Denki up on his offer. You did want to see what Japan had to offer and it did suck to be alone sometimes.

The day continued as you four began to talk about you, their hero work, the past and, what was in store for the upcoming week. Soon, Denki and Sero left to attended to their own business (they went to Shinjuku), which just left you and Kirishima. You though it would it be awkward, however, it strangely felt like home. This was different from what your country’s media always portrayed of him: Hardy, cold and relentless. Even though that’s what drew you to him, this Kirishima was a nice change of pace as well.

“Hey, hey, Y/N you’re staring again.” The redhead smiled.

“Didn’t mean to, Kirishima. It’s just that you’re so different in real life! I hope you don’t mind me saying but, though you were this boulder of destruction.”

“Not too disappointing, I hope.” He leans his head in his hand, laughing a tiny bit.

“No! Of course not!”

“I’m joking, I’m joking!”

You both just laugh and it dies downs leaving a comfortable silence betwixt you again.

“Well, you got the job for sure!”

“Really t—that’s it?!”

“Yup”

“No strenuous questions?”

“Nope”

“No previous references or written letters from previous employers?”

“Nnurp” he audibly pop his lips to add emphasis to his negatory.

“No-“

“Do you want the job?”

“Of course! It’s just that yo-“

“Then you have it. I have a good feeling about you! I learned to trust my instincts. Obviously, yours brought here to freaking Japan-“

“Well, my friend sent me the email...”

“YOU put in for it and YOU got it. Enjoy it :)”

You rubbed your chin in thought. Starting to overthink the situation and your new way too laidback boss. Was this a mistake? Did I make a good call? As if he could read you mind, Kiri laid his firm hand upon your shoulder, “Let’s get some grub! I can take you home afterwards!”

With that, you’re new life began and with each day you grew more confident in your choices. You learned so many new tips and tricks, learned about and met new people (some more despicable then others), it was like a dream come true. First, you needed Kiri told hold your hand at the beginning, which made you doubt yourself from time to time. However, you got better and faster, already your talent to the max.

The only thing you hated doing the most were the public conferences. They always asked the same questions hoping for different answers or asked about way too personal questions about the heroes within Kirishima’s agency. Questions that would make the man on moon blush. However, you always seemed to Beyoncé your way out of their scandalous questions and steer it right back to where you wanted it.

Of course, your work never went unnoticed or unappreciated. The agency always made sure to make feel wanted and needed. Hah, Bakugo even came in and tried to recruit you for his own agency, in front of your boss. It’s all just been so crazy. It’s almost insane to think it’s almost been a year here. You even remember your old life. To think, you thought the email was a joke. What would I be doing if I never answered it... No point on dwelling on it you guess.

You hear heavy footsteps coming toward your door.

*Clink Click*

“Hmm, I thought these lights shut off automatically... strange” It was your boss! “Let me flu-Oh! Oh, you’re still here?! Y/N , it’s practically morning right now. Why are you still working?”

“You wouldn’t know I was still here if you weren’t here yourself so, Red, what’s your excuse?” You looked up at him playfully smug.

You don’t remember if he’s been flushed from rushing into the office or for his new nickname but, he looked away and swore he tripped on his words when he spoke. “Other than it being my agency, Y/N so, MY responsibility, I like to go for early morning runs. You could probs just call it conditioning from school days. It helps keep my mind from overthinking I guess.

“Overthinking? About what?”

“Heh, what not about” There was a strange unplaceable tone in his voice. He said that sentence barely above a whisper but, you caught it. Kirishima look back towards you and beams. Is he- is he putting up a mask?! Not wanting to strain your work relationship you choose not to press him on the matter. Turning back to your desktop to continue your work until Kiri blocked it. Damn his thick man body!

“Could you please move,Kirishima.”

“Nuh-uh, not until you tell me why you’re still up here working at this ungodly hour.”

You leaned into your seat giving up on trying to move him, you sigh and then smile to yourself not sure if he could see it or not, “ Fine, I’ll spill. I work this late because I love this job. Nowhere else has given me this opportunity and I’m so thankful. I’ve felt so lost for the longest and about gave up on myself. I work this late because I love my friend, they were the ones who even let this opportunity land in my lap even though, they could have easily taken this job. They had more experience. I love my coworkers. Ha, I’ve never been so overwhelmed by support by so many strangers. It’s really emotional and I would hate to let them down. I do all of this because I love and appreciate you, Red... you’ve always stayed by my side and gave encouragement when I needed. Lacking in my work would be like spitting in your face and I would hate for that to happen...”

You keep your eyes shut for a few more seconds soaking in what you just said. It’s been eating at you forever. You’ve long forgotten about how Kiri was like a barnacle stuck to screen and I guess he did as well, seeing as was standing up straight, mouth opening and closing and fiddling with his hands. You look up at him, “That’s why I’m here. You don’t have to worry over me. I’m not a child. Plus, I got YOU and your HERO amigos/amigas on speed dial.” Sero’s been trying to teach you Spanish 💀, it is not working.

“...Do you mean that? You love me?”

“Of course I do, Red.” Kirishima drawn closer to Y/N, “Why wouldn’t I?”

“I just thought it would be too soon to make a call..”

“I love you , Kirishima...”

“Y-you could call me, Eij-“

“As much as I love Sero and Denki! You all mean so much to me!”

You noted that Kirishima seemed to deflate at your next sentence and even took a step back, “Red, you okay? Need water?”

Kiri shook his head, “N-No I guess I’m just coming down from my runners high! Ha, it always makes me a bit woozy y’know.”

“Oh~”

“Yeahhhh. Welp! Just dont Forget it’s your day off tomorrow okay. No coming in! No matter how much you //luhhhh// us.” That was weird. Luh? ,”Oh I also have a question. The hero gala is coming up soon and we have to bring a +1. Would you like to come with me? I’ll cover your clothes~!”

“The Hero Gala?? Are you sure wouldn’t you want to bring another, I don’t know, hero?”

“Well, I could but, I asked you. You were my first choice either way. If it’ll help you could think about it like good PR.”

As you always do, you think about it. Unlike the other times, your mind was already made up.

“Yes, Red, I would love to go.”

[writings-of-a-daphodil]

Fire Keeper: Chapter 4

Douxie x fem reader

Chapter 1

Masterlist in bio!

Series Summary: You are Jim’s older sister who is taking a break from college and has moved back home to Arcadia. You end up joining Jim and his friends on their adventures. Chapter 4 Summary: Road Trip!! It's Jim's Birthday and you offer to take care of all the Trollhunting errands.

“I have to admit, I’m worried that this won’t workout,” you said to Blinky as he put up the last balloon.

“Why do you doubt Master Jim will like his surprise?”

“Jim’s never liked his birthday and I’m not that fond of it either. It marks a bad day for us.”

“Ah, my condolences.”

“Thanks Blinky.”

Soon Jim and Toby were arriving and you had to hide. Jim wouldn't need to be there to ‘stop Aaarrrgghh’ if you were there.

"Hurry run," someone yelled as soon as they saw Jim and Toby.

"It's too late, master Jim. Aaarrrgghh has lost his mind. Save yourself!" you heard Blinky yell.

"I thought Aaarrrgghh was at your house!" Jim asked Toby then he turned to see Aaarrrggh charging. "Oh my gosh. Was it the kitty litter?"

"What the-" Jim yelped as Aaarrrgghh picked him up.

“Surprise!” You called out after Jim realized what was going on.

“Happy birthday Jimbo,” Toby said.

"Happy birthday Jim!" You yelled, a bright smile on your face.

"Happy birthing day, master Jim!" Blinky exclaimed.

Jim looked around in shock.

"Good actor," Aaarrrgghh grunted. You walked up to Jim and smiled.

"Tobias informed us of your human surprise birthday customs. Are you not surprised?!" Blinky stated enthusiastically.

"Uh...that would be one word for it."

"I was convincing," Aaarrrgghh said proudly and you patted him on the back.

"Sixteen years a propitious milestone. Sixteen is when young trolls master command of their bowels." Blinky informed and you wrinkled your nose.

The fanfare came to a halt though as Vendel arrived. "The hero's forge sacred proving grounds for Trollhunters past, present, and future, reduced to mockery."

Your attention snapped to Aaarrrgghh as he popped a balloon. "Balloons pop."

You turned back to Vendel. "It is only temorary, sir. Jim has had a difficult time recently and this was just to show him a little fun," you explained.

"Fine, but you will remove them post-haste. I don't want anything to delay the troll hunters training."

You smiled as you watched Vendel leave then you turned to your brother.

“I know today isn’t your favorite day. It isn’t mine either, but I want you to be happy okay? I’ll let Toby take it from here and I’ll  take care of any trollhunting stuff,” you said hugging Jim tightly.

“Thanks Y/n.”

“Anytime and make sure you have fun,” you pulled away and placed your hands on his shoulders. He was sixteen now, it seemed like just yesterday you were holding him for the first time while your mom watched nervously.

You turned to Toby and mouthed “good luck.” Then you were off to work.

You were only taking a half day if Jim wanted to hang out, but you understood he didn’t so while you worked you pondered what to do next. If there was an emergency then that would take your time, but as far as you knew there weren’t any. You could go and read more of the book you got or you could train. But in the end you decided to go and investigate where Douxie found the book.

At around one thirty you hung up your apron and walked over to the bookshop. This time an ‘on break’ sign was hanging in the window, but you were willing to wait.

You didn’t have to wait long because after you read the sign and moved away from the window Douxie opened the door.

“What brings you here?”

“I have a couple of questions,” you explained.

“Come in.” He held open the door for you and you walked inside. Once inside he led you upstairs to and through another door which appeared to be an apartment. He took a seat at a small dining table and you sat across from him.

“Ask away.”

You took a nervous breath. “Where did you get the book that you gave me the other day?”

“Oh it’s been in the inventory for ages. I think it’s always been in the shop.”

“Okay and there wouldn’t be any more copies out there?” You asked.

“Nope, you’ve got the only one.” His words put you at ease. Somehow you managed to find the only copy of a book written nine hundred years ago by Merlin. That was incredibly lucky.

“Okay, thanks.” You leaned towards the cat to pet him and you realized that you didn’t know his name.

You opened your mouth to ask when your phone rang. You didn’t recognize the number, but it was an Arcadian area code so you decided to answer.

“Hello?” You asked and Douxie walked away towards the register.

“Is this the sorceress?!” The voice, which you recognized as Bagdwella’s, asked loudly. You looked over to Douxie to see if he had heard, but he appeared busy.

“Yes, it’s me. How did you get this number?”

“The Trollhunter left it.” You sighed, hoping that this was at least a real emergency.

“How may I help you?” You asked.

“My sister sent me something in the mail and it got sent to the human town of Hesperia. I need you to get it.”

“I’m sorry, you want me to drive all the way to Hesperia?”

“Yes and hurry. You don’t want troll magic to hurt some humans do you?” She asked then and hung up.  

You took an annoyed deep breath and looked at the time on your phone. You would make it back in time for dinner with your mom.

You turned to Douxie and began stroking his cat. “As much as I’d love to stay and chat, I unfortunately have to drive out to Hesperia.”

“Do you mind if I join you?” It took you a second to register what Douxie had asked you.

You blinked slowly. “I mean it’s not going to be much fun. I’m going to pick up a package, but, um, sure.”

“Alright, just let me close up shop.”

“Take your time.” You took a seat and looked at the texts that Bagdwella had sent you regarding the address of the post office. It was a little difficult to decipher the misspelled words, but you eventually were able to type the right address into your gps.

Douxie came back down the stairs. “Do you mind if I bring Archie? I promise he’ll be great.” He gestured to the cat and you smiled, what an adorably sophisticated name.

“Works for me.” You walked out to your car and got in.

“So,” you began, “why do you want to go to Hesperia?”

“I have a few friends I’d like to see,” he responded looking out the window as Arcadia flew past.

You smiled, “You can do that while I get the package. You don’t want to wait with me in the post office anyways.”

“Yeah.” The two of you settled in for the hour long drive.

~~~~

“Are you sure you don't need me to drive you anywhere? It’s just a bunch of houses out here,” you offered and Douxie shook his head.

“It looks like a lovely day to walk and my friend doesn’t live too far from here.”

“Alright enjoy your walk.” You smirked as you got out of the car and the wind blew his hair every which way.

“Oh, don’t laugh at me. Your hair is just as wild.” You laughed, after spending the drive with Douxie, this impromptu road trip wasn’t feeling so inconvenient anymore.

“See you back here at five?”

“See you then, darling.” He walked off with Archie and you started to do the same. As you made your way through the windy parking lot you did your best to not dwell on the nickname he had given you.

After spending an hour in the car with him, talking and listening to music, he was bound to give you a nickname at some point. You had definitely seen your friendship grow as you chatted.

A ding that sounded as you entered the freezing cold post office brought you back to reality. There was unfortunately a long line and you took out your phone to pass the time. You were glad you thought ahead to scan some of the trollish books for later.

Slowly the line got shorter, but as you waited, you felt odd, as if someone was watching you. You tried to ignore the feeling as you got to the front of the line and it eventually went away.

“Hi, I’m here to pick up a package for Bagdwella,” you said with false enthusiasm.

“Your name is Bagdwella?” The girl who was helping you asked.

“Unfortunately.” The girl gave a sympathetic smile and you once again got the feeling you were being watched. You quickly spun around to look, but saw nothing.

The last time someone had been watching was the day your brother got his amulet and that was Blinky. This time Blinky was in Arcadia and it was very sunny outside.

You decided to shove the thoughts aside as the girl began to ask you questions. She left to go get the package and you turned to scan the room again. You spotted movement outside the windows and was tempted to investigate, but the girl came back.

“Here you go.”

“Thanks.” You went out to your car to wait for Douxie.

As you were waiting Jim called. “Y/n! There’s some crazy troll that can show up in sunlight and it wants to kill me!”

“A stalkling!” You let out a small yelp. “Those things are crazy dangerous. Are you okay? Why didn't you call me earlier?”

“I'm fine, Blinky says I should be fine as long as I’m not alone. I have practice for the play tonight and then mom is picking me up." He sighed. "And I didn't tell you because Bagdwella said you were busy. I didn't want to worry you, but I realized I should at least let you know.”

“Okay, thanks. I’m in Hesperia on an errand for Bagdwella, and one of my coworkers is with me. I’ll hurry home.”

“No, I should be fine.”

“Are you sure Jim?”

“Absolutely.”

“Okay, stay safe and if you need to call me!”

“I will, no need to worry.” He hung up and you sighed. You were definitely worried.

Douxie showed up soon and gave you his charming smile. He held up a bag. “I got some food.”

You smiled brightly as he opened up the bag to reveal donuts. You could definitely use some comfort food.

“Yum!” You hopped in the car and began to drive. You turned towards the freeway, but last minute pulled off onto a dirt road.

The sun was slowly setting and it was filling the sky with gorgeous pinks, purples and oranges.  The few clouds that were in the sky only added to the picture. The colors against the still sky blue background stood out and shined. It was a spectacular view.

“The sunsets in the desert are the best,” you explained as you began to eat your donut.

“I’ve seen some pretty spectacular sunsets,” Douxie said, “and this one is definitely up there.”

The two of you ate as the sun began to completely disappear and the stars were barely appearing as you began to drive through the mountains.

It had been really nice to spend some time with Douxie and get to know him. Archie was adorable as well and remarkably well behaved. You would definitely treasure the memory of watching the sunset to together.

~~~~

You were fifteen minutes away from Arcadia when it began to rain. Thunder sounded along with the bass in the music and the sky flashed brightly.

Your phone began to ring and you asked Douxie to answer it.

“You’re on speaker Jimbo,” you said.

“Hey, Y/n, please tell me your back from...your errand.”

“I’m fifteen minutes out, why?”

“I really need you to pick me up. Mom can’t and Claire just got picked up. There’s...something out here. I'm going to start riding for home. I'll meet you at the bridge.”

“I’ll be there soon. Call Toby.” Douxie hung up and you began to accelerate. It was dangerous with the wind and rain, but you would protect your brother at all costs.

“Please drop me off at the bookstore.” Douxie requested as you sped down the street, discreetly using magic to keep the two safe.

“Alright.” You turned onto the street and pulled to the side next to the bookstore. You anxiously waited as Douxie hopped out of your car and waved goodbye. You gave a weak smile before speeding off towards the bridge.

You arrived just in time to see Jim being carried higher and higher into the lightning riddled sky. You let out a pained scream as you saw Jim hold up his sword.

Aaarrrgghh and Toby ran up to your car as you got out.

“What do we do?” You cried. Lightning hit Jim and you screamed again. He and the Stalkling began to fall. Aaarrrggh rushed to catch Jim and the Stalkling shattered on the ground before you.

Aaarrrgghh cradled Jim and he slowly woke up. You let out a cry and hugged Toby, the two of you let tears of joy fall. Jim was alive.

The four of you made your way to Trollmarket where Blinky said he had another surprise for Jim. He covered Jim's eyes then revealed to him a 1955 Vespa, something you knew he had always wanted.

You watched the excitement in your brothers face grow as Blinky said they could build the Vespa together. Things were looking up for the two of you.

****

A/n: The place in Hesperia is real and the sunsets there are spectacular. The best I've ever seen. Anyways, I want to write a bit of this from Douxie’s POV so expect that tomorrow. I hope you enjoyed this and have a great day/night. Stay safe! :)

Chapter 4.5: https://writings-of-a-daphodil.tumblr.com/post/627488305535205376/fire-keeper-chapter-45

[roc-thoughtblog]

Sense and Sensibility Readthrough Part 20

Chapter 23, Pages 119-126

Previously, poor Elinor... four years... poor Elinor... four years...

Having given it a little thought, it occured to me that the twist from last chapter worked extremely well for something that I would have expected to occur narratively anyway. And I have complete certainty that it's because the twist went completely overboard by a shocking, twisty margin. Four years!

That's definitely something I'm keeping very close in consideration. Noted, circled and underlined. Just because the basic element of your narrative twist may be heavily foreshadowed or just predictable, doesn't mean the whole part of it has to be. There can and probably should be more than one layer of twist to your twist.

In fact, isn't this a form of misdirection in itself? Put people at ease with something that could be interpreted as simple, then throw something else out from behind it. Wait, now I'm just describing the basic element of a twist... a general principle of playing with expectations... Hmm, anyway!

Readthrough below.

Chapter 23

HOWEVER SMALL Elinor's general dependence on Lucy's veracity might be, it was impossible for her on serious reflection to suspect it in the present case,

IN THE PRESENT CASE? WHAT IS THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN MS. AUSTEN? Is this just a general statement about her unwillingness to question anything right in this moment? Or is it also a foreboding statement that Lucy's word will not be trustworthy in the future? Ms. Austen are you deliberately toying with me? D:

Elinor embarks aboard a long train of thought. The facts as presently established are thus:

There is altogether too much evidence of Lucy's claims being truthful; ergo they are engaged and all evidence presented is true.

She wasn't alone in believing Edward held feelings for her. Her family (supportive) and his sister (unsupportive) both acknowledged the case, so it's not any personal delusion or her own, or positive bias on the part of her family.

Trying to reconcile those two premises, she can draw various possible solutions that might satisfy both:

Eddie has been deliberately playing with her heart. :(

Eddie has unintentionally and hopelessly succumbed to Elinor's affection. :?

Eddie's engagement with Lucy was going nowhere to begin with. :/

I'm personally gonna float a fourth possibility, that Edward forgot Lucy Steele existed until she returned to his life recently to get him to fulfill his engagement promise, and now he's in a pickle. Not going easy on him though, the only scenario in which he doesn’t bear a significant burden of responsibility in this mess is the one where, iunno, Lucy’s been blackmailing him the whole time or something.

The youthful infatuation of nineteen would naturally blind him to everything but her beauty and good nature; but the four succeeding years [...] must have opened his eyes to her defects

Oh, so is this why Mr. Palmer was introduced with the following (lemme dig it up) line?

His temper might perhaps be a little soured by finding, like many of others of his sex, that through some unaccountable bias towards beauty, he was the husband of a very silly woman - but she knew this kind of blunder was too common for any sensible man to be lastingly hurt by it.

When I was reading it I thought it was coming uncharacteristically close to laying a man's responsbility over his own emotions at the feet of his wife instead (even if Mr. Palmer was immediately following diagnosed with class angst instead). I suppose the real purpose of this line would be to prep the reader, so that the possibility of hasty engagements on Edward's part seem reasonably expected, and also to, well, suggest at the possible result of such a hasty, valueless engagement being followed through?

I know there’s a Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, is there a Sense and Sensibility and Alternate Timelines?

Well, either way, I'm given to conclude that the Palmer chapter really does a lot more to set up pacing and expectations than I give it credit for. Though I still don’t think I like these particular expectations very much.

Also, Elinor, as mature as you project yourself to be, you think these thoughts of foolhardy youth as though you're not also presently nineteen right now. :'D

Also geez, you're really picking on Lucy hard for her lack of education, which has so far been presented much more a lack of opportunity than anything else. I noticed while reading the Other Stories in Susan and Stories that many of the protagonists were definitely a little on the not-like-other-girls side of the spectrum. I always love when education is valued, but it does make me uncomfortable when I see it presented as though a virtue in itself, rather than the product of opportunity and environment.

I'm still holding out on general judgement of Lucy as I haven't really felt like I've been introduced to her outside of Elinor's lens. There's a sort of tell vs. show element to reliability of information in the narrative voice I've been sitting on; one where I've been told a lot about Lucy from Elinor's feelings and thoughts (that she's artful or selfish), but I haven't actually seen Lucy behave in any way I would interpret as more than some level of insensitive.

It's really hard for me to get a read on Lucy or Edward. Unlike with Willoughby or Brandon, their actions as depicted do not immediately align with evaluations of their character made by the Dashwood sisters. Lucy has been very little shown to have done anything to earn Elinor's harsher assessments of her character (except insensitivity). Edward, I don't even know what about him I can take at any sort of face value except that he's ambitionless.

As these considerations occured to her in painful succession, she wept for him, more than for herself.

Oh, Elinor... She's worried about how Edward must feel, that his family could possibly support his engagement to Lucy when she is in a worse position than Elinor in every regard.

Supported by the conviction of having done nothing to merit her present unhappiness,

Oh, Elinor... she's rationalised away her natural freedom to be unhappy for unhappiness' sake. And she puts the mask back on. No telling her family. She will take this burden on very alone indeed.

It'll have to be up to Marianne to save her, on the day that Marianne finally throws a fit over Edward's mysterious lack of flirting. Oh, and what about their little moment chapters back where they shared a joke over Willoughby? Oh it will hurt if they ever have a real confrontation... :(

and that Marianne was internally dwelling on the perfections of a man, of whose whole heart she felt thoroughly possessed,

oH NO! Well if you're going to say that! If Edward was four years engaged then what's Willoughby going to have been? Secretly married ten years?? I forgot Marianne is still pining hard. Wait what's even going to happen when Edward and Willoughby meet as promised?

"Hi, I'm not marrying a Dashwood sister." "Hi, it turns out I'm also not marrying a Dashwood sister." "What was the purpose of our meeting again?" "Breaking Dashwood hearts solidarity?"

What is even happening? Please come back Brandon, at least your secret daughter can't break hearts. Also because you can't break hearts in general because noone loves you. Wait, ouch. Sorry. Also because your daughter might become friends with Margaret!

Oh Elinor, she's also justifiably disinclined to tell her family anything anyway because she knows they'll make a gigantic deal out of it, and probably Say Things that she doesn't want to hear. I mean, almost certainly Eddie has done you dirty here Elinor, if at bare minimum through negligence in communication. He's gonna deserve some of that tongue lashing.

Well, now that Elinor has come to terms with her situation, she has new objectives. To talk to Lucy again, and in doing so:

Discover the true depth of Lucy's feelings for Edward

Estimate Edward's regard for herself by gauging Lucy's jealousy towards her (HA!)

Convince Lucy somehow that no, she was never interested in Edward, haha, what a funny joke, I am not hurt or in pain at all. Didn't have a minor breakdown in front of you yesterday, nope. Perfectly fine, no feelings here.

Ah yes, the "What doesn't kill me NEVER HAPPENED" approach. Maybe in a couple of years she might even manage to convince herself she had never loved Edward at all, or indeed, anyone ever?

Apparently for all of Sir Middleton's parties, it can be surprisingly hard to get one-on-one time. Yeah, I get that. It takes Elinor some time before she can speak to Lucy privately again: at a party Sir Middleton arranged but is not attending. Heh.

"Insipidity." That was a word I wanted for the past few days but could only remember "vapid." Also wow, the narrative is pulling no punches over how insipid, boring and generally valueless this gathering and it's conversations are. Elinor's usually polite about things but internally she has no patience anymore. She needs to talk to Lucy and everything about this party is very much Getting In The Way.

So some party shenanigans happen and Lady Middleton is very easily manipulated as usual through appeals to her motherhood, to provide space for Lucy and Elinor to talk. Lucy is trying so hard to finish a basket for little Annamaria before tomorrow you see, and Oh! It is so much work, surely Elinor needs to help her! Works like a charm, Lady Middleton lets them out of card games and leaves them right alone to chat at a worktable.

Marianne just up and ditches Lady Middleton for the piano haha, with all the grace and tact of... iunno, Marianne I guess. Zero subtlety. "I hate cards, piano time starts now." Narrative says she's lost in her own thoughts and emotions while playing, I choose to interpret that as "angrily and noisily."

But it provides the appropriate background noise cover for Elinor and Lucy to talk with some approximation of privacy, which seems to follow directly in the next chapter.

Well, this has been a chapter devoted to Elinor's processing of... last chapter. Considering the weight of some such revelations, yeah, there was a lot for Elinor to process.

I feel as though I could go on to make some observations on the differences between Elinor and Marianne's approaches to processing heartbreak, but, they're just so... comically and wholly contrastive I wouldn't know where to begin except in broad terms. Marianne lets it all out, expressing her internal turmoil to almost performative levels and with complete emotional conviction. Elinor suppresses everything she can't rationalise away, and she tries to rationalise away everything, up to and including her own personal right to be upset.

Also it seems unusual to have a chapter immediately succeed from the events of the previous chapter as the next one does, so I imagine the hits aren't slowing yet. No idea what else could come out right now though.

[sugasmainn]

10,000 Hours (Soulmate Hobi AU)

We live in a world where our soulmates are predestined for us by eye color. The moment you fall in love with your soulmate, the one eye that is a different colors changes to match the other one. For y/n, the concept was always an unfair one, so she kept her focus on advancing herself. For Hoseok, the concept was always one that he lived to fulfill, but heartache changed everything. He was focused on dancing and y/n was focused on becoming an researcher, so what happens when life takes control of their plans?

 ☼ Pairing: hoseok x female reader

 ☼ Word Count: 11.1K

 ☼ Genre: soulmate au, fluff, romance, angst

Warnings: mentions of death (slight but if you’re sensitive to that subject here’s a warning), mentions of suicide, and mental health issues.

a/n: I’ve been reading a lot of soulmate au’s and I’ve been having this idea in my head the last couple of days, but I finally got around to feeling creative enough to go for it. Hope y’all are staying safe and productive during this damn quarantine!!!

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Growing up, your mother always told you stories about finding your soulmate. While some girls were told stories before bed about princes saving the princess, your mother was telling you stories about finding your soulmate and how magical that moment would be. She talks about the moment when your father and her were matched together and fell in love. Seeing each other’s blue eye turn into brown was one of the most magical, and still the most magical, moment of her life. Realizing she was in love and that love being her soulmate was just breathtaking.

You see, everyone is born with one eye brown (natural color) and one eye blue (soulmate indication). When you fall in love with your soulmate, both of your eyes turn to brown. You remember thinking how much heartache it must cause some people who realize they’re in love with their partner and it ends up not being their soulmate. You never thought it was fair that the universe made people go through the emotions just to play a 50/50. Why couldn’t they have made a system where your eye changes color upon the first meeting?

On top of that, you still harbored feelings of resentment from your father’s departure from your lives.

Between your mother constantly talking about how wonderful it will be for you in finding your soulmate, your father leaving and how unfair the system was in general, you vowed to just keep to yourself. You valued the individualized talents people had and believed that education was the only way to enhance one’s life in the direction best for them. So, while other girls in your grade were talking about finding their soulmates and trying to talk to all the boys in the classroom, you were embedded in your reading. Books were a way for you to escape the fixation that people had on the whole concept of soulmates. It seemed like you were never able to escape the bitter cycle and conversation surrounding the idea.

One thing you made sure to keep a secret was your love for singing. Ever since you were 7 years old, you started singing some of your favorite Disney songs in the shower. Your mother always used to compliment your voice and started talking about how you should audition for different competitions or plays in the community, but you strongly disagreed with her. You never liked being the center of attention and singing for people would definitely be the opposite of trying to remain hidden. So, your voice became your outlet for emotions you kept hidden. It was something that was yours and yours alone.

By the time you reached high school, you were completely uninterested in the idea. In fact, your junior year, a nice boy in your class had taken an interest in you after working together as lab partners on an assignment. During the duration of all the time you were spending together, he began to love your personality. So, it wasn’t a surprise when he showed up to your front door and tried to ask you to be his date for the junior prom. Your mother was in the back waiting to hear you utter the word ‘yes’ only to give him a cold expression saying, “you’re a great guy, but I’m just not interested in prom or anything of the sorts. I need to focus on my studies but thank you for asking”. Needless to say, your mother was unhappy by your decision.

Hoseok’s story was quite the opposite. He was surely born with the heart of a romantic. Finding his soulmate was something he always had in mind and never failed to take the opportunity to do. He always told his parents, “I’m going to find her, and when I do, I hope you guys love her as much as I know I do already”. His parents always loved his optimism when it came to the idea of his soulmate. He always stated to everyone he talked to about his soulmate that he didn’t care what she looked like or what she did, but that he knew the universe paired them for a reason and he was going to love her for the rest of his life regardless.

Once high school came, around his sophomore year, Hoseok really believed without a doubt that he had found his soulmate, and that it was just a matter of time before the two of them realized it. One day while they were sitting under a tree at the local park, Hoseok had told his girlfriend that he was in love with her and she had replied with the same emotion. He felt it in his bones. This is the one, I just know it. Yet, neither of their eyes changed. Both remained with one blue and one brown. How can this be? he thought to himself. His girlfriend went home in utter distraught and he went home to lay in his bed, heartbroken beyond belief. It was in this moment, Hoseok couldn’t care less about the system or finding his soulmate. To go through something like that again, where you’re so sure you’ve found the one, nope. Not again, not for him. So, he vowed to remain focused on his studies and his dancing.

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You had decided to go to Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea to begin your journey to becoming the best researcher the world has ever seen. Today was your first day of classes. Literature 101 at 10AM. Literature wasn’t your favorite subject, you were more of a science/biology kind of person, but from all the books you spent reading growing up you found an appreciation for the mechanisms of writing and making novels.

Hoseok on the other hand, he could care less during this class. He just saw it as another early class to drag himself too. Sitting three rows above you, he had his head back as the professor was going over the syllabus. He just had to make it passed this hour and a half and then he had two hours free before heading over to the dance studio.

After going over the syllabus, the professor spoke, “For your first assignment of the semester, I want you to write up a quick 3-5 page essay on your soulmates. If you’ve met them, describe the meeting experience and what it was like when you realized they were the one. If you haven’t, write about what you think of them and what you hope to happen.”

Even from rows separated, both Hoseok and yourself found yourselves rolling your eyes at the idea of having to spend more time on this subject. Both of you felt like this was all the world cared about, and quite honestly, you were sick of it. Hoseok was thinking about how he was going to write up those pages, but his thoughts were interrupted by a girl in front of him talking about the paper.

“Excuse me? Professor?” You asked in a gentle voice. The professor looked up from his papers to show that you had his attention. “Is it possible for us to have a choice in the topic? Some of us have a sensitivity to the subject, so I know for myself I would prefer an alternate choice if that was okay.”

As if he was pondering the question deeply, the professor said, “Would you like to share as to why this is an issue for you Miss…?”

“(L/N)” you responded. “And as I stated before, some of us might have a sensitivity to it. That being said, I don’t feel like I have to share my issue surrounding the topic, with all due respect sir.”

Hoseok was impressed by your confidence. It’s the first day of classes and you have to balls to go against the professor like that on something you feel so strongly about. That’s more than he can say about himself. He sat back watching the conversation going back and forth to see who was going to give in first. You were strong willed, he’d give you that, but it seems as though the professor wasn’t lightening up anytime soon.

“I’ll tell you what Miss (L/N), you can have an alternate topic of choice for this essay, but at the end of the semester, I want your paper to be about your thoughts on soulmates and specifically what you think about yours. Then, I want you to present it to the class as your final presentation.”

Feeling satisfied with the compromise, you nodded your head to indicate that this proposition was totally okay with you. Hoseok was left wanting to thank you for saving him two weeks of slaving over how to write about something that he didn’t want to dwell over, and to tell you how impressed he was by how you stood your ground.

30 minutes passed by, indicating the end of class. As you were packing up your things, you texted your roommate, Jiyun, to see if she wanted to grab something to eat for lunch. Hey Jiyun, I’m heading to the café to get some lunch before my 2 o’clock class. You want to meet me there to have lunch together?

After sending the message, you picked up your stuff and was met by a boy with great highlighted hair and a dazzling smile stopping you in the hallway. “Hey” the boy said to you, “my name is Hoseok. I just wanted to say the way you went against the professor like that was dope. I was thinking the same thing as you as far as not wanting to write about the whole soulmate thing. I think it’s overrated and I’m kind of tired hearing about it, if I’m being honest.”

You looked at him and gave him a small smile, saying, “Names Y/N. I couldn’t have said it better myself.”

“Do you have a class now? I was heading over to the café. Since this is our first year, I don’t know a lot of people around here and you seem really cool.” Hoseok said to you while walking side by side out of the hall your Literature was located. Just then your phone buzzed indicating that you got a text. It was from Jiyun saying, Can’t. I have to meet with one of my professors to go over how I’m going to go about exams with my ADHD. But, I’ll pick up something for dinner tonight and we can have a mini dinner and movie to celebrate the beginning of the semester. You looked back up at Hoseok as he was waiting for your answer. “Sure, that sounds nice. I can always use a friend.”

Hoseok and you spent the next nearly two hours talking about your lives, where you came from, any siblings, etc. You found out that he was from Gwangju, had one sister and both of his parents were married. He played tennis growing up, but soon after realized his love for dancing, which explained why he came to the university to major in dance therapy. He lived with two of his friends off campus and their names were Yoongi and Namjoon. Yoongi was a year ahead, while Namjoon was a freshman like you both. Apparently Yoongi and Namjoon were his best friends since grade school.

“What was life like growing up for you?” He had asked you from across the table. You always hated the topic, mainly because you kept to yourself. Your first friend was your roommate for Christ’s sake. You knew it was stupid to dwell over telling people your boring life story, but you always felt they would ultimately find you boring and not want to really be around you much after that. Reluctantly, you decided to talk about your upbringing anyways.

“There wasn’t anything major. My mom and I moved to Dageu from Michigan when I was only 6, so I really haven’t known anything else. I mainly kept to myself as a child, keeping busy with reading and my studies, so I didn’t do much as far as sports or hobbies go.” You replied back to Hoseok, receiving a look like he was waiting for you to continue. “I mean, I guess you can consider reading as a hobby. I love discussing the different plots to the different novels I read. My room back home has built up quite the collection.”

“I was going to say, your Korean is excellent and now I know why” He stated with a small giggle at the end. “You never did anything for fun outside of school and reading?” He asked you. You looked at him for a bit, and for a brief moment you thought about telling him that you sing and create music in your spare time. But, you knew he would more than likely ask to hear how you sound, so you ultimately decided to keep it a secret. “Nope. Nothing really besides the normal TV watching with my mother.”

He looked at you like he was trying to find something in you that showed something contrary to your words but was interrupted from his thoughts by the alarm on his phone going off. “Oh! I’m sorry, it’s a couple of minutes before my next class starts, and it’s all the way across campus. But, I’ll text you later or something. Maybe we can get together later to work on our essay’s together? I have no idea what alternate topic I’m going to pick.” You looked at him was a shy smile and said, “Neither do I, but yeah. I think that would be beneficial to us both. You know what they say, two brains working are better than one, right?”

He looked at you with a nice smile and took in what you said for a moment. He nodded his head and replied say, “Exactly what I was thinking. You know what Y/N? I think this is the start of a beautiful friendship.” He stuck his right hand out for you to grab and shake as he was saying his last goodbyes. You had a feeling he was going to do what could to bring you out of your shell.

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It’s been a month in a half since the semester started and it was starting to get to you. Taking two biology and organic chemistry courses, the work load was over the top on your stressors list. Literature class was your favorite part of the day, considering it was a break from the hard work that came with the life of a microbiology major. Also, you had Hoseok in your class to provide some comedic relief. Your friendship with him has grown a lot since your first meeting. He and you meet every Monday after class to have lunch, and Jiyun even started to join you for them at times. The three of you got along great, and you loved your little Monday get togethers. It kept you sane from the insanity that was your college life.

Today was one of the days that Jiyun couldn’t make it, so it was just Hoseok and yourself. He was telling you about his new choreography he was working on for a show his class was participating in. He quickly gained a top spot in his class, pretty impressive for a first year, so he was one of the individuals who were in charge of creating some of the choreography for the class. You can tell how much he enjoyed each portion of his story. With each mention of what the dance consisted of and the story behind the moves. His face just beamed with excitement each time he talked about his dancing, and he loved how he had someone like you who actually listened to him about everything.

“That sounds like it’s going to make for a great scene Hobi.” You said to him with the nickname you gave him. You remember when you first gave him the name. At first, he found it odd, but began to find it endearing after a couple of time of you calling him Hobi. “Are you going to film it and put it up on your channel later?”

“I might, I mean once I work out the kinks of it and get everything cleaned up. I like the concept of this choreo. Mental health in general isn’t talked about enough, but for men specifically, I want to kind of push that boundary” He said with his beaming smile.

You loved to see him smile. It always made you feel good inside. When you mentioned it to Jiyun, she would always said to you that usually means feelings are starting to emerge, but you loved it when all of your friends are happy and smiling. Whenever Jiyun for example is upset, you always try to find a way to help her forget about what’s bothering her, or even try to help her move passed the issue altogether. So, this was no different to you. Just because it’s Hobi and he’s a guy doesn’t mean it has to be something romantic, it’s obviously something platonic. Yet, something very small in you thought about making him smile more than you normally would think.

Hobi was feeling the same way. When he saw you smile it made him smile, but he always summed it up to the same thing as you did. He hated when people in general were upset. It always did something to his soul when he saw someone in passing with a look or a broken feeling to them of just helplessness. It made him feel as though their suffering was slowly killing them, so he always tried to be a ray of light to everyone he came in contact with. I guess that’s why his mom used to call him her little ‘sunshine’. Yet, he couldn’t help but love the way the side of your lips would crinkle in a smirk before forming a full-on smile. He swore he would do anything in his power to make sure you would never lose your smile.

You were speaking to him, but he was starting to get lost in the features of your face more and more. Her eyes sparkle more than I’ve ever seen in a person before. You started to wave your hand in his face to gain his attention, which caused him to get disrupted from his thoughts. “Huh? I’m sorry Y/N. I kind of got lost in my thoughts for a moment.”

You gave a small smile and replied, “I asked if you wanted to get together this weekend and study a bit for our exam next week. I think two minds are better than one, but also judging by the fact you fell asleep for the past two weeks straight, I’m assuming you’ll need my notes.”

He gave a laugh before responding to you saying, “Hey! Dancing takes a lot out of me. Also, I might have stayed up all night for the last week watching the entire series of the Golden Girls” he finished, making you bust out in a fit of laughter. He didn’t even bother to call you out for making fun of his choice in entertainment, but instead chose to enjoy this moment being one of the moments that he just enjoyed you smiling and your time with him. Don’t over think it Hoseok. You’ll think too much on it and eventually convince yourself you like her and that she’s the one. She’s a friend and to remain as nothing more. “Sure. Let’s get together Saturday at 5?”

“Sounds great!” You said, then leaving to get to your next class.

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Sitting at home, Hoseok began doing part of his assignment for class this week. They were studying the history of soulmates and the poetry written between the first two people who discovered the bond. Both had already been betrothed to other people, but their bond was too strong to ignore. So, they began writing letters back and forth to each other. Must be nice to have that without disappointment. He thought to himself. He always hated having assignments like this. Ever since feeling that heartbreak, he never understood the purpose of soulmates in the first place. If you felt the connection to someone, then that’s it. Doesn’t necessarily have to be with the person they’re paired with by the universe. He began reading another excerpt from the book:

My love, You give me something worth fighting for, something to wake up for each morning, something to dream about when I lay my head down at nightfall to rest, and something to live for. Every moment of my day is spent thinking of ways to make you happy and make you feel protected and loved. When I look into your eyes, I see my future, and in my future, I see all I need to survive. Without your love, the piece of me that has always felt missing would remain missing. You are the piece that makes me whole. When I saw your eye turn brown, I knew there was something to this. I prayed to the God above and asked Him to show me what it was that this meant, and I know now that our souls were meant for each other. Yours designed to fit mine and mine for you. You are the song I sing and the revelation I was waiting for. I know we both are promised to another, but I promise you that we will find a way, and when we do is when we will make our greatest escape yet. This time, never coming back.

I love you and I will dream of you tonight and every night until the day I die, Your Soulmate

There was that damn word again. Soulmate. How he dreaded that word. He felt all that with his previous girlfriend and nothing happened to their eyes. Reading that one passage put him over the edge and made him throw everything off of his table. He hadn’t realized he was showing his anger and frustration until Namjoon came into his room with a concerned expression on his face. “Dude, are you okay? I could hear you slamming stuff all the way down the hall” He stated.

Looking around his room with a clearer state of mind, he saw he had in fact nearly destroyed his room completely in his fit of rage. “Yeah” Hoseok breathed out. “I’m fine. I was just stressed out from some of these assignments I have due next week that all Joon.”

“Yeah, I’m not buying that. You’ve gotten this mad twice in your life. Once when your mom sold your favorite toy bear at a garage sale in the fourth grade and the other being when you and Minseo broke up because of…” Namjoon trailed off not wanting to finish his statement, knowing it was a painful memory for his friend.

Though, Hoseok wasn’t having it today. He was tired of feeling like he had to be dealt with delicately when the subject came up. “You mean when we didn’t match with the soulmate bond? You can say it you know.”

Namjoon sighed entering his room and sitting on his bed. “I didn’t want to make whatever was going on with you worse” He said confessing. He tapped the side next to him on the bed signaling for Hoseok to join him. “Now, I’ve been your best friend before we were able to understand what a boner was. Tell me what’s actually going on.”

“I mean, I technically didn’t lie. My assignment has been causing me some stress” Hoseok said in reply. He took a moment to gather his thoughts on what to tell his friend without seeming like a complete dramatic bitch. “We’re reading an excerpt on letters sent between the first two soulmates in history, and as I was reading one of them I started to think about Minseo and how we basically felt the same way, yet we were left destroyed after that. How can something that was made to bring us to the person who would complete us also bring me the biggest pain I’ve ever felt?”

Namjoon took a moment to assess his friend’s behavior and emotional state. He realized that maybe it wasn’t so much that this reading assignment was bringing him reminders of the pain he experienced, but realization that perhaps what he thought was a soulmate bond that didn’t happen, wasn’t something that strong at all. “You said that it was basically the same, but not so much that it was the same. Do you think that it’s possible that your bond with Minseo was never as strong as you both believed? You’ve always been a romantic, and this was something that was close to the feeling of a soulmate, so it’s understandable that you would feel like she was your soulmate.”

Hoseok sat with the thought for a moment and tried to take in what Namjoon said to him. Did he not feel the strong soulmate bond with Minseo? Of course, I did. He just doesn’t understand what I meant by my statement. He shook off the idea and replied, “Of course, I did. It’s just a painful memory and reminder is all. I’ll be fine Joon, but thanks for checking in on me. I should clean this up and get to bed” He said getting up from where he was sitting on his bed to move over to the fallen books next to his desk. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

Giving up and sighing in defeat, Namjoon got up and started walking out of his room, looking back to give him one more piece of advice before leaving it completely. “Just think about what I said okay? Don’t just write it off. Either way, just know it’s okay to feel things and understand they needed happen for what ever reason. It’s only when we accept the fact and move on that we learn what that reason was for.”

Hoseok nodded in response with a smile signaling a goodnight. Had this happen for a reason? He chose not to dwell on the thought, knowing it would just make him more agitated. If what Namjoon was saying was true, he hoped he would come to find out the reason for his pain soon enough.

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“I’m telling you, my mother is just as crazy as Sarang in this novel! She is so obsessed with The Jackson 5 and Michael Jackson she followed them around for a whole year while they were on tour” you said while laughing with Hoseok on his couch. Your literature class was reading a novel about a girl who was so obsessed with a band that she went as far as killing the member she was in love with.

“You think your mother would go as far as she did in the book?” Hoseok asked you jokingly, to which you replied with a smirk before saying, “I don’t know. She is a die hard romantic. Dying at the hands of your lover? How else can one hope to die but by the hands of their lover and that being the last sight they see?”

This threw him off so much he went from his laughing expression to one the portrayed pure fear in the tone of voice you chose to say that statement in. Mixed with the expression that you gave as you said it? “You’re deadass right now?” He asked in fear of what your answer was going to be. “No, dumbass, I came from a semi-crazy gene pool not a full blow psychopath” you stated before laughing even harder than before.

For the rest of your evening, you both sat there discussing the major points of the book, but all the while joking with each other entirely too much for two people who were meant to be studying and analyzing literature. You both weren’t getting as much done as you would have if you were doing it separately, and this was the first time you didn’t care about not going the extra mile. You were genuinely enjoying the company of your friend next to you, more so than you have ever enjoyed anyone else’s company before. You weren’t aware of it, but he was thinking almost the exact same thing.

In the middle of your laughter with one another, you were both interrupted to the sound of the front door to his apartment opening and shutting. When you both looked up, your eyes met with those of two unfamiliar men in the entrance. “Who’s this?” the taller one asked Hoseok referring to you. “This is Y/N, my friend from my literature class I was telling you guys about” he responded back. “Y/N, these are my roommates and best friends, Namjoon and Yoongi.”

You looked at both the men in front of you, giving them a politely shy smile, you stood up bowing before them introducing yourself. “Hey, I’m Y/N. Hobi’s mentioned you guys a lot, I’m glad to finally be meeting you both.” Both of them gave you a confused look before Yoongi looked at you with a small smile saying, “Hobi?” You grew slightly embarrassed remembering that it was a nickname you had given him and not something people would regularly call him.

Hoseok took your lack of response as a sign to interject. “Yeah, it’s a nickname that she gave me a few weeks after we met. Guess it just kind of stuck.” Both the boys gave each other a look as if they were communicating telepathically to one another. Once they broke their eye contact with one another, it was Namjoon this time speaking saying, “Well, we are going to go and let you guys get back to studying for your class. It was nice meeting you Y/N. We look forward to seeing you later, so feel free to come by whenever you’d like” he finished with a smile, and after he was finished he gave Hoseok a pat on his shoulder, and with Yoongi bowing, they both left to further into the apartment.

“Sorry about them. They like to joke around a lot” he began apologizing to you. What you both didn’t know was how both of his roommates were on the other side of the wall next to the living room, Namjoon’s room, listening to what was going on between the two of you. “Don’t worry about it Hobi. I’m a lot tougher than I may look. Plus, I’m sure they’re just as great as you’ve been telling me. There’s got to be a reason you guys have been friends for so many years” you replied trying to reassure him.

He took a moment to take in what you were saying, and glad the brief but awkward encounter didn’t scare you off. “Yeah, I guess they just aren’t used to seeing me around a girl again.” You thought about his words for a minute trying to think what he meant by that. Is he afraid of girls normally? “What do you mean by ‘again’?” you asked him in curiosity.

He didn’t realize what he said until you asked your question. Shit, he thought to himself, do I tell her? No. You don’t have too, and she doesn’t need to know…but she is a good friend of yours now. You can trust her, right? He took a moment to collect his thoughts before beginning to tell you the biggest event to happen to him. “Well, it’s kind of a story. It’s a bit long…” he said beginning to trail off.

“Oh no Hobi, if you don’t feel comfortable telling me about it then don’t feel you need to please. I don’t want it to seem like I’m prying” you said trying to reassure him. He looked you in the eyes and gave you a small forced smile before saying, “No, it’s okay. I want to tell you. I mean, you’re a close friend of mine now, so I feel it’s okay to trust you with this.”

He breathed in once quickly before beginning his story. “When I was 15 I fell in love with my girlfriend at the time Minseo. We fell head over heels fast, and before I knew it we were spending all day and everyday together. She was the other half that completed me. I was so sure she was the one and I was going to marry her after college. The day we both realized we were in love with one another, we went to go tell each other formally. We just knew, yet our eyes remained the same. Nothing changed, and in that moment, it killed me. She started to cry, and I was just in shock. I wanted to fix everything, I wanted to fix her pain way above dealing and fixing with my own. Seeing her in pain was crushing me more than finding out she wasn’t my designed soulmate. I couldn’t offer her my shoulder to cry on, because we both believed in soulmates. Well, she still does. I on the other hand, I couldn’t care less about the system any longer.”

You were in shock as you saw the pain on your friend’s face revealing itself as the reminder of the painful memory. You now understood what he meant when he said wanting to fix something you can’t. It was killing you that he was in this much pain, but the damage was done to his soul and there was nothing more you could offer him than an ear to listen too. You never experienced a loss of love like that before, but you tried to offer the only help you knew of a loss of love.

“Hobi, I’m so sorry that happened to you. I can’t even imagine the pain of losing a love like that. I’ve never really let myself indulge in something like that. But, I can kind of understand having your heart broken” you took a breath before continuing, “…my dad passed away when I was a little girl. He left a note to us saying that he felt like a failure of a man, but that was his depression talking to him. My mom found him in the basement hung from the ceiling with the note in his hand while she was going down to do laundry. At his funeral, she said ‘Sweetheart, was there anything I could have done to make your heart beat better, something I could have said to make it all stop hurting? It kills me that your mind made you feel so worthless.’ Seeing the pain in her face, the pain I felt, all of it was too much to handle.”

Hoseok didn’t know what to say. All he could think about was taking away your pain. He wished he was there with you when you were a young girl during that time. He couldn’t imagine the pain you were feeling, and something about thinking about you in pain and hurting was killing him a bit inside. Even Namjoon and Yoongi were on the verge of tears from behind the wall hearing that story. “Y/N, I had no idea you had that happen. Is, that why you hate soulmates?” You took a moment before responding, looking at him in the eyes with a smile forced, “I don’t hate soulmates Hobi. I just don’t want to invest my time into something that’s overly hyped and something that wasn’t designed with my likes and dislikes in mind. But, I’m not going to lie, my dad’s suicide makes me even more resistant to it. I don’t want to fall in love with my soulmate so much that if they leave like he did that I’ll end up like my mother. Depressed and holding on the hope that my child will live the life I was supposed to live, only with their soulmate.”

You both sat there in silence for a while, but it wasn’t an awkward silence. Both of you just sat there in a silence of comfort. You both recognized there was a big hole in both of your hearts, and the thought alone made both of you feel something inside you haven’t experienced before. It was new to the both of you. Hoseok was the first to break the silence, feeling the urge to do something to comfort you and bring you some peace, “I’m promising you right here and right now Y/N L/N, I, Jung Hoseok, will always be here for you and make sure you know that you have someone on your side cheering for you, supporting you, comforting you and just being somebody to you. I’m never going to leave you by my own will, ever.”

You found a new kind of comfort in his words that you haven’t felt before. You felt, safe? You were so grateful for this friendship with him, you were so filled, you couldn’t help but leap into his arms and give him the biggest hug in gratitude. He accepted it right away giving you a small kiss to the top of your head in comfort. He was breaking down the walls you had built slowly, and you were doing the same to him.

Suddenly you both felt more bodies on top of you both and looking up you saw a teary eyed Namjoon and Yoongi hugging you both as well. Hoseok was the first to speak saying, “How long have you both been within earshot of our conversation?”

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Hoseok and you have become nearly bound to the hip for the next couple of weeks. You enjoyed his company so much, and your roommate was beginning to notice as well with the lack of time you spent in the dorm studying nowadays. “You’ve seemed to be spending an awful amount of time with Hoseok lately. Does someone have a crush on her friend?” Jiyun would say to you trying to gain a reaction, but you would simply denounce her suspicions by telling her about how he’s just become a close friend that you enjoy spending your free time with.

“I hate to break it to you, but I’m sure that’s how people describe the actions of someone who’s developed feelings for someone else” she stated. Did she have a point? you thought to yourself. You quickly shook the thought out of your mind before it could manifest any longer. “He’s just a friend and nothing more Jiyun. Now, if you want me to continue to help you practice your English for your class, I suggest you drop the subject before you end up having to order Rosette Stone just to pass the class.”

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It was a Saturday night, and just like previous weekend nights, you were spending it out with Hoseok. Tonight, you both were sitting on a bench at a park near the campus eating some Wendy’s and talking about nonsense like any other day. Small moments like this were something you always looked forward to after a long day filled with classes, homework and preparing for your final exams. Unfortunately, one thing loomed over your mind in recent days.

Hoseok seemed to take notice in your shift in mood, because he looked at you such concern asking, “Y/N, what’s wrong?” You looked him in the eyes and let out a sigh. “It’s just, the semesters almost over and I have to write up that report on soulmates that our literature professor told me to do as our final. I hate that I have to discuss about what I think about soulmates and having to explain what I expect from mine, because quite frankly, he’s probably better off without me.”

He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Better without you? He wasn’t your soulmate and he knew that not having you in his life would kill him. He knew that there would continue to be a hole, a missing piece in his life that you were filling to make his life complete. Who else would he spend his nights and weekends with? “How could you say that? You’re amazing. By you coming into my life, it had been one of the best things I can think back on in my life to happen to me. You bring me so much joy and I wouldn’t have it any other way. The guy you end up spending your life with is going to see it too. Don’t make yourself believe the lies your mind is making you believe.”

You looked up to him and smiled with how convincing his voiced sounded as he was telling you how he felt towards your friendship. “You really mean that Hobi?” He took your right hand into his left and looked you straight in the eyes saying, “I’ve never meant something with such sincerity in my life. You mean more than you could ever know to me, and I thank whatever higher power above that we crossed paths every day.”

“I feel the same about you too. Thank you for helping me feel a bit better about this whole thing.” You had then given him a tight hug that seemed to melt away all your worries about your finals and the ending of the semester stress. When releasing from each other grips, you couldn’t help but stare at each other for a bit in a comforting silence. That’s when something neither of you saw coming happened.

His blue eye turned brown. You thought to yourself, and in that same moment he said to himself, her blue eye turned brown. Both of you too shocked to move from where you were previously, still locking eyes with each other, mouths open, you both sat there trying to find words to say to one another, but nothing was able to project from either of your mouths. It wasn’t until the panic began to swell within you that you were the first one to break the silence of everything.

“I can’t do this. I need to go.” You got up from where you were sitting and began walking in the direction leading back to your campus, so you could get into your dorm room and sleep, hoping that this was all a dream and you’d wake up to a different scenario. Hoseok was quick to jump to his feet to chase after you. “Y/N! Wait! Don’t go, please we should talk abo-“

“There’s nothing to discuss.” You didn’t even look back while speaking to face him, you just continued on the path home while he was trailing behind you. “Nothing to discuss? Y/N our eyes changed. We’re soulmates.” You couldn’t take it. Everything was happening all at once and you couldn’t bring yourself to think rationally about everything, because you just wanted it to all go away. “I’m well aware of that Hobi, but I’m not discussing this. We both know how we feel about this whole soulmate’s thing. Just because we found out we are doesn’t mean it’s changed.”

He could almost hear his heart break slightly from his chest at your words. He knows what he said and felt about all of this originally, but now finding out it was you, everything seemed to be perfect. Everything just began to make sense. “Please Y/N, let’s just take a minute so we can discuss this rationally. I understand you’re overwhelmed, but we can get through it. We can take things slow. I know you’ve felt what I’ve been feeling towards one another, but we let our own hurt push it aside as if it wasn’t there when it was meant to be all along.”

At this point, you had enough and what you said next you were going to regret it the moment it escaped your lips. “No. I’m not going further with this. You aren’t bound to me and I’m not going to be bound to you because some higher power just said, ‘fuck it’ and paired us together. They don’t know me, and they don’t know you. I don’t need you as my soulmate. You’re going to find someone else.” You didn’t look back because you can already hear the hurt in his voice as he said, “and what if I don’t want someone else? What if I just want you?”

“Well, I don’t.” With that, you left him standing there hurt, broken and confused on what to do next.

You continued to walk with tears in your eyes from the flooding of emotions overtaking you. By the time you reached your dorm, you were in a full-blown meltdown that made Jiyun snap her neck around to look at you, panic and concern flooding her expression as she rushed over to you. “Y/N, what the hell happened to you?” You couldn’t even speak, so you looked her in the eyes to let your new appearance speak for itself. She stared at you for what seemed like an eternity waiting for your response, but she eventually saw what you have been waiting for her to notice, and with a gasp she asked simply, “Who?”

“Hobi” you were barely able to choke out before bursting out in tears again. Her confusion led to her believing that he had said or done something to you because of this, when it was you that had said something to him. When you explained what happened and why you had said and done what you did, empathy resonated within her as she continued to comfort you. “I understand what you’re saying, but the soulmate bond isn’t something that was done so carelessly. Your soul was designed to fit the person you’ve been paired with. To ignore that is to live incomplete. Just, think on that.” She patted your back before going to grab your pajamas and some makeup wipes. “For now, you need to rest. Get some sleep and we’ll deal with it in the morning to see what it brings then.”

At his apartment, Hoseok was beside himself. Walking in, Yoongi and Namjoon automatically noticed a difference in how he carried himself. The contagious ray of sunshine that he always held was now replaced with something more seldom. “What the fuck happened to you?” Yoongi was the first to ask. All he did was look up, and they saw what had happened. “She turned out to be your soulmate huh?” Hoseok looked at them confused. “How did you know?”

“It’s not that hard to figure out” Namjoon began. “You’ve been spending almost all of your free time with her, you talk about her non-stop, so much so Yoongi was beginning to say her name in his sleep, you’ve opened up to her about things you normally keep private, and she’s the first girl you’ve allowed yourself to entertain since Minseo. We both knew it was only a matter of time before something happened.” He couldn’t believe he had been so oblivious to what was happening around him. The signs were all there, yet he was too wrapped up in the joy that came with you to even notice the inevitable.

“If she’s your soulmate, why do you look so down and out about it? I honestly thought you’d be running home to tell us every detail that happened” Yoongi interjected. He really didn’t want to relive the painful words that were spoken to him from you. “To spare myself the painful reminder, she basically said she didn’t want me. That was that.”

Both of his friends looked at each other and just shook their heads in disapproval. “What?” Yoongi was the first to get up, and for the first time in all their years of friendship offer the wisest advice he ever received. “Ever since we were kids, you talked about meeting your soulmate. After Minseo, we both saw something that died inside of you that dimmed your light slightly. You tried to hide it as best as you could, but we’re your best friends. We know you were incomplete. When Y/N came into your life, we saw something in you slowly, to put it simply, begin again. What I’m trying to say through this speech is, I know she said she doesn’t want you, but that doesn’t mean to stop trying. Your soul needs her, and I’m willing to bet that hers is feeling the same way, whether her words show it or not.”

He didn’t say anything the rest of the night. He thanked them both for listening and for the advice before excusing himself to go to his room to end his day. His mind was going at a hundred miles per minute, and if he was being honest, he just wanted the day to end.

It seems as though Hoseok was taking Yoongi’s advice. He would call and text you non-stop for the next two weeks. Even though you were ignoring them, he didn’t give up. He even continued to sit next to you and wait for you after class each time. Though he was feeling discouraged by how you were ignoring him, he knew he couldn’t give up on you. He couldn’t give up on your life together, the one you were supposed to build together.

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You sat at your desk trying to type up your final paper for your literature class, finding it harder than ever before to write about what you think about soulmates and you specifically. Before, it was just your hypothetical soulmate, and now you have a face to the person. The worst part? You know you’re in love with him too, but you can’t let yourself open up to more pain and go against all you promised yourself. Just then, you heard your phone buzz with a call from your mom.

“Hello, my sweet daughter” you mother said through the phone upon you answering. “Hi mom.” She could tell there was a difference in your voice from the last time she talked to you. Something was weighing on you, but she wasn’t sure what it was. “Honey, what’s going on? Why do you sound so weighed down?” You weren’t sure if you should tell your mother the reason behind your attitude lately. You knew that as soon as she found out that you had met your soulmate she was going to go overboard about it and pressure you into going along with it, even if you told her otherwise.

Yet, you’ve been keeping all of this to yourself in fear that you would burden Jiyun. You didn’t have any other friends, so you kept everything inside. It would be nice to finally just let everything go all at once now that you’re less emotional from the initial shock. Against your better judgment, you decided to tell your mom. “I found my soulmate.”

Just as you had predicated, your mom was on the other line happy as ever asking you all kinds of questions ranging from who he was, what’s he like, what does he look like, where did we meet, what does he study, what does he do. You almost expected her to ask if you knew his social security number. “Mom calm down. I told him no.” She didn’t say anything at first and then just asked simply, “What do you mean you told him no? You told him you didn’t want to be with him? Sweetheart, why would you do that?”

Here it is, you thought to yourself. This is where I tell her how I feel about everything. You began to explain to your mother how you thought the concept was unfair to have the ability to be with who you wanted and who you chose to be with, not someone who was picked for you before you were even born. How your dad killing himself and leaving your mom like he did made you feel like soulmates all together were pointless. You wanted nothing to do with them.

There was a long pause on the other end of the phone. Your mother didn’t respond right away, and quite frankly you weren’t sure what to expect from her now. She normally would give you a lecture on why you weren’t thinking straight and that this way is the better way, but instead you both sat in silence. Finally, she spoke up. “I understand.”

You were shocked to say the least. “You understand?”

“I do.” Your mother responded. “You’re scared. The fear from everything you’ve endured and thought about manifested itself into just bringing you to what you find to be a logical conclusion that you don’t need your soulmate. And you don’t honey. You don’t NEED them. But, it does enhance your life in more ways than one. Yes, your father did kill himself leaving me heartbroken. He was my soulmate, and I was left feeling incomplete again. Which I’m sure is something you’re now understanding is what happens when you’re not with your soulmate. Even though I don’t have your father physically by my side, it wasn’t my fault or his. He was sick. His depression got the best of him and he was consumed by all of the voices tell him he was worthless. He was beaten down and he felt he couldn’t be saved.”

You heard your mother take in a deep and sharp breath before continuing. “But, I wouldn’t trade the memories I have with him for the world. From the moments we spent going out for ice cream, sitting in the car singing along to old Disney songs, having deep talks about our dreams and worries, the way he would do that quirky face when he was in deep thought, or the greatest memory he could have given me. A life filled with love. While he was here, I loved him more than anything, and he made sure I knew he felt the same way for me. He gave me the gift of you, my greatest joy and gift. So even if he isn’t here physically, I still have his love in my heart. I get to see him all the time still when I see you thinking deeply or the way you sing to your songs. You have your fathers voice. He is living through you. In fact, he left you a note for when you get married. I was under strict instruction to not let you read it until the day of your wedding, but I read it, and honey you were your father’s pride and joy. He wanted you to believe in the wonders and love of life.”

At this point you were a full mess. You couldn’t even believe the words you were hearing. You spent so much time mad at everything and everyone for your father leaving, you never took the time to sit back and think about all of the good memories he left for you and your mother. Maybe you were wrong in not even giving Hoseok the chance to sit down with you to discuss everything. You had to make it up to him somehow, but you didn’t know how. All of this was so new and foreign to you, expressing you want him wasn’t something that was going to come naturally to you. “Mom, I think there’s something I need to do.” You couldn’t see it, but she was smiling on the other side of the phone knowing she was experiencing the strong girl she raised now showing herself.

Once you said your goodbyes, you saw you had another missed call and text of Hoseok.

He…just said he loves me? You thought to yourself. That’s when you knew, you had the perfect idea on how you were going to tell Hoseok that you were willing to try too. You wanted him to know everything, and you were more than ready to put your heart on your sleeve for everyone to see. Especially for your Hoseok to see.

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“Ms. L/N, are you ready to present your final paper?” Your professor asked. If you were being honest, no you weren’t ready. You looked to your right where Hoseok sat stealing a glance just long enough to give you a small encouraging smile. Letting you know that you’ve got this. “Yes sir, I’m ready.” You replied. “Then the floor is yours.” He said taking a seat with the students in the front getting ready to hear what you had written.

It’s now or never. You stood up in the front of the class scanning your audience. A couple of people were on their phones, others looking around the room, and others doodling in their notebooks, but the one person who mattered the most in this moment was staring at you giving you his full attention. That’s when you began your presentation.

“Growing up, I always found the whole ideology of soulmates to be one that didn’t matter in the grand scheme of life. We have free will and with that we should have the ability to pick who we want to be with, without it being something that is picked for us that we are brainwashed into believing was our choice all along. I mean, we’re assigned a soulmate before we’re born, so how can the higher power that designs this know who I am as a person well enough to know who I need as a life partner?” You took a breath knowing the next part was going to be hard to get through without choking up at least. The memories of your father still fresh in your mind from the day you talked with your mother a few days ago. “Adding on, my father, my mother’s soulmate, killed himself. Only for my mother to find him with his suicide note to us in one pocket and another for me on my wedding day in the other. Seeing her pain, hearing her cries, all I remember thinking is ‘how can a bond as strong as that of this soulmate bond make him still have the audacity to take his own life’, and it became apparent to me that soulmates are just something constructed to give us a fantasy of something so great and wonderful that’s too good to be true ultimately.

Yet, my ideology was shaken this semester when I met someone incrediblely special to me. Jung Hoseok came into my life and challenged everything I had previously believed in about soulmates, just from him being himself.” You looked up for a brief moment to lock eyes with Hoseok now with a confused expression on his face. Everyone in the room was now full on listening to what you had to say. “If you guys didn’t notice, I have two brown eyes as of three weeks ago. That’s because my soulmate, Jung Hoseok and I realized we are in love with each other. We were chosen to fit and complete one another’s soul. Yet, because of my stubborn nature and my belief on soulmates in general, I wasn’t having it. I pushed him away because I was scared. I didn’t want to have a life like my mother. I didn’t want to deal with more pain. But, by rejecting him as my soulmate, I was causing myself the worst pain I’ve ever felt in my life.”

Now, you looked up to Hoseok, who was trying to hold in his tears, to lock eyes as you said your closing statement. “Jung Hoseok, you came into my life with a common feeling on soulmates as me, and yet to our humor, we were paired together as soulmates. You are my best friend and everything I could ever ask God for in a life partner. If you’ll still have me, I’ll spend 10,000 hours and more in learning that sweet heart you’ve got. Even if I might not ever get there, I’m going to try because I love you.”

When you finished, you had all the girls, two boys and even your professor in tears. After five minutes of praising your work with clapping and tears, everyone turned their focus to Hoseok to see what he was going to do. He never broke eye contact with you as he got up from his seat to meet you where you were in the front of the classroom. “It took you long enough” he said through his tears running down his cheek.

You ran your thumb over his tears, now having your own filling your eyes. “I’m sorry it took me so long to realize I can’t live without you.” Without warning, he leaned down to meet your lips where they were. The kiss was nothing to what you could imagine. You were filled with so many emotions, but all of them were feelings you never experienced before, but you knew you never wanted to stop feeling it.

After he pulled away, he looked at you and said, “So, since you’re basically my wife now, how about we go out for a proper date. My treat.” Laughing at his corny attempts, you agreed saying, “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

━━━━━━━━━▲━━━━━━━━━

7 years later:

Fixing the veil laying on your head, carefully placed, you were doing anything you could to not focus on the growing anxiety in your stomach. Today was the day you were going to seal forever with your Hoseok. The love of your life, your soulmate. You couldn’t believe it’s been seven years since you found him, the person who completed the hole in your soul. These passed few years have been the best years of your life. Hoseok and yourself moved into an apartment in Seoul so he could open up his dance studio, while you went to go on to work in a laboratory to analyze abnormalities in the blood. Yoongi and Namjoon went on to open a record label together and live together not far from your apartment. Jiyun moved to America to study for her graduate degree, but you still constantly talk on the phone. You couldn’t believe the turn of events your life had gone through, but you wouldn’t change it for anything.

Snapping you out of your thoughts was the sound of your mother coming into the room. “Oh sweetie, you look so beautiful” she said, wiping away some tears. “Your father would be so proud of the woman you’ve become. I know I am.”

“Thank you, mom. I just wish he was here right now for this.” That’s when your mother pulled out a piece of paper from her clutch.

“Well, he is. Remember I said I was under strict instruction to give you this on your wedding day? Here it is.” Your mother handed you the letter, then leaving you alone to spend some time with your father before you were to be led by your mother to your husband-to-be, Hoseok.

My dearest Y/N,

I know you probably aren’t the happiest with me for leaving in the way I did, but it was never your mother’s fault or yours. I’ve always wanted you to have the best life possible, and that meant without me for a multitude of reasons, but a major one being the life insurance policy. I just lost my job, and I know I couldn’t afford to keep you both alive and provide for your needs, so this was my last way of doing what I needed to do as a husband and father. Just writing this, I feel such an enormous amount of love for you, but I need to do this. From the day you were born, I knew my entire life was going to change. When they put you in my arms, the first thing you did was grip onto my finger, and I knew from that moment on I was going to do anything and everything in my power to protect you and give you everything you could need or want. My little girl. I know you’re going to do amazing things, you’ve always been a smart little girl. I’ve adored watching you grow up, and I hope God grants me the chance to continue to see you grow up even though I can’t physically be there to see it. You are my world baby girl, please always remember that and make it known to yourself. I want you to grow up to find the love of your life, which is why I told your mother to not give you this note until the day of your wedding. I know you must look even more stunning than I could imagine. I wish I could be there right now while you’re getting ready to calm your nerves down as I prepare myself to give my little girl to the man I’m going to have to trust to take care of you for the rest of your life. Your soulmate is out there, Y/N. I know he is, and I know he’s going to love you more than words could even express. I know this because that’s how I feel towards your mother. I lose my breath every time I even glance at her. She is the part that makes me whole, but she deserves better. Please remember to let him in Y/N. You’ve always been reserved, so don’t ever close up yourself to your husband. He’s the love of your life and he’s only going to want to take care of you. You need to let him in to do that. Lastly, just remember to continue learning about each other. His heart must be sweet, so spend 10,000 hours, more than that, even the rest of your life doing it. Even if you never get there, you still have to try. Love him forever. You both deserve it.

I love you my darling daughter, and I am here with you right now walking you down to him and celebrating you. -Dad

“He is special dad. I love him so much, and I’ll love him for 10,000 hours, 10,000 more or the rest of my life doing it.”

[lifblogs]

Title: Livin in You - Chapter 2

Rating: Explicit (this chapter is on the mature end though)

Pairing: Destiel

Word Count: 1023

Summary: Castiel is a mental health worker who is just fine with the way his life is. The only thing that really bugs him is how much his co-worker, and friend, Meg, mentions Dean Winchester, the most famous rockstar in the modern age. Meg drags him to a concert, and he ends up getting tied into the wild and angsty life of Dean Winchester. Suddenly his old life seems boring, but so much calmer. Suddenly, it matters to him that he’s still a virgin. Suddenly, this rock star that he despised the mention of, now matters to him.

Dean Winchester is a rockstar who’s on top of the world when it comes to music. Yet there’s more that he wants. He misses Lisa and Ben, he craves connection, craves being himself. Any hope for that amidst his alcoholic life all changes when Zachariah, the head exec of Heaven’s Records, pairs with a new exec, Michael Edlund -- the Archangel of Music. Under Michael’s dominance, he’s no longer in control of his own life. There are rules. No more sex with fans. No more alcohol. And in Dean’s view, no more go damn free will. Yet he stumbled into Castiel.

A/N: This chapter contains mentions of abuse.

“What if I open with ‘Sounds of Someday,’ and end with ‘Drowning’?” Dean Winchester asked, sipping on a straw as he sat in his manager’s office.

He frowned at the taste of apple juice, stared at the golden liquid.

Oh why, oh why can’t you be alcohol? he asked.

Crowley told him that he wouldn’t work with him if he drank when they did business, so this was the best he got. Crowley, the ever-important manager sat across a desk from Dean, black suit impeccably styled, a mischievous look in his eye. Crowley was a good manager because he was ambitious, and he was a good businessman. He knew what the people liked.

Dean often got into heated arguments with him because as the creator of the music he was sure he knew what his fans liked. Finding a compromise usually involved late nights that turned into some sort of drunken madness. Dean didn’t dwell on the times he’d woken up in his manager’s bed missing his pants. Good times were good times, and whatever got the compromise for his art.

Besides, Crowley really wasn’t so bad once you got to know him.

But that look, that look he was giving him now saying that he disapproved while also surely telling Dean without words that he’d lost a few brain cells.

“Are you drinking?” he asked.

“Assistant got me apple juice.”

“Then” — Crowley stood, planting his fists on the desk, and Dean clenched his jaw, knowing what was coming — “why did you make such an idiot suggestion, you bollock-headed numpty?!”

Dean grinned, holding up his glass. “I love when you go all Gordon Ramsay on me.”

Crowley just rolled his eyes and came out from behind his desk.

“Dean, Dean, Dean, Dean, Dean… My song list works.”

Dean shrugged, tossed the straw onto the desk, and took a long sip from his glass.

“Nope.”

Suddenly his manager was right in his face, hands clasping the arms of the leather chair he sat in.

“And why not?”

Most people would shrink away, or be perturbed at the sudden lack of personal space, at the threatening bite in his British accent, but Dean just worked his bottom lip in thought, meeting his gaze.

“You want me to start with ‘Drowning’? It’s morose. Everyone’s gonna be leaving the stadium four bars in.” Crowley sneered. “Okay, well maybe not four bars, but it doesn’t get people excited. Sounds more like doom coming.”

Crowley leaned back. “And where did you learn words like morose?”

“Hey, being a highschool dropout doesn’t mean I’m dumb. I read.”

“You read too much.”

“Why do you like controlling me so much?”

“It’s my job.”

“Or maybe it’s abuse and I’m your little pet prodigy.”

Crowley’s brows lowered, jaw clenching, and Dean shot him a smile. Things got tense between them, but Dean was joking. The abuse in his life didn’t tend to come from Crowley, despite smatterings of toxicity. Nope. That was all his dad, may he rest in peace… or pieces. Depended on what mood Dean was in.

Crowley leaned against the desk, crossing his arms.

“Alright, you have a point about ‘Drowning,’ but revealing ‘Sounds of Someday’ too soon is going to blow the hype. That’s one of your best. You can really only go down or level out from there.”

Dean finished his juice, really wishing it was whiskey, especially because of the late hour, and then fished out his phone.

“Alright. I’ll ask Sam.”

“Still codependent?”

“Still an annoying asswipe?”

“You’re lucky I don’t quit because of that mouth.”

Dean shot his brother a text, asking what song he thought would be appropriate to start the concert with. It was rounding out to 11:00, but his brother was always up at night. Insomnia from the child abuse, though Dean had done his best to shield him from it.

“You like it too much,” Dean replied.

“I’m gonna cut down the venue for that. Give you a bandstand in a park instead.”

“Good luck with that,” he responded, watching as three dots appeared on his phone. Sam was typing.

“Hmm.”

“What?”

Dean had gotten the message and turned his phone around to show Crowley. “We have a verdict.”

“‘Cannonball,’” Crowley read aloud. “Ooh, I like your brother.”

“Hands off, he’s got a girl.”

Crowley said nothing, just gave Dean a strange smile as he went behind his desk once more.

“So we can do ‘Drowning’ as the second to last, and finish with ‘Sounds of Someday,’” Crowley stated.

Dean shrugged, not having a problem with it.

“Sounds good.”

Dean rose, grabbing his leather jacket from the back of his seat. As he donned it, Crowley said, “Oh, and keep away from the fans after. Don’t want you in the tabloids like your friend Lee there, and you know late night excursions mess up your recovery routine.”

Dean mock-saluted as he started backing out.

“You got it, sir.”

“Always pleasure doing business with you,” Crowley said.

Dean shot him a finger gun and then he went down to the parking garage, heading for his 1967 Chevy Impala. Sure there was valet parking, but letting a valet in that baby? Ooh boy, they’d have another thing coming if they touched his car.

“Stay away from the fans,” he muttered as he climbed in, feeling the reassuring leather settle against his ass, the familiar creak of the door as it closed. He put the keys in the ignition, reveling in the throaty purr of the engine as it started up. “Stay away from the fans, my ass.”

Dean liked people, and people liked him. He was hot stuff, a lot of his fans were hot stuff. And of age. And consenting.

So what if he had fun? Lisa wasn’t interested in making their relationship work since she wanted to keep Ben out of the public eye, which Dean agreed was a good idea, so he was left to his own devices, and sometimes his hand just wasn’t enough.

He turned on the stereo, tuning it to an 80s rock station, ever his inspiration, and headed out into the night.

[marvelstheavengers]

Peter’s Party Problems Part 1/3

Hey guys! This is part one of three in a drunken Peter mini-series. Hope you all like, let me know! Links to parts two and three below.

***

Crash.

Tony’s eyes flew open, mind racing a million miles an hour as he tried to place the noise. Had someone just knocked over something? Was the noise even real or was he dreaming?

Bang.

Yup, that was definitely real. Tony whipped off his covers, glad that Pepper was on a business trip.

“FRIDAY, what was that noise? Are there intruders? Why the hell didn’t you alert me that there are intruders?” Tony hissed at his AI.

“No intruders are detected, Mr. Stark. The loud noise you are concerned about was Mr. Parker bumping into the living room coffee table, and, unfortunately, there is no protocol set to inform you when an authorized figure is being noisy,” FRIDAY responded. Tony swore he heard a defensive undertone in the AI’s mechanical voice. However, he didn’t have time to dwell on FRIDAY’s growing sass, because he was more concerned why Peter Parker was banging around the compound at this ungodly hour.

Tony rubbed his eyes and slipped on a pair of sandals. So much for sleep.

***

“Oh my God, Tony is going to kill me,” Clint groaned as he watched Peter stumble to catch the coffee table.

“He can’t killll you Mr. Hawkeye, that’s illgle- illelegal- illeglal,” Peter giggled, his words slurred from all the alcohol he had consumed.

“I take my eyes off you for two seconds, kid, and you know what you do? You drink the entire liquor supply! You even told me you don’t drink!” Clint groaned, kneading his forehead. Thinking back, maybe it had been a bad idea to take Peter to a party at a bar, but the kid had begged. Despite being a father of three, Clint still couldn’t resist puppy dog eyes.

“I d’nt drink! They s’id it was iced tea,” Peter mumbled, his words barely coherent.

“Long Island iced tea, Peter. Did that not tip you off?” Clint hissed. He was answered with another fit of giggles from the teenager.

Huffing, Clint grabbed Peter by the back of his shirt before he could knock over the credenza. There was still a loud bang, however, as Peter twisted, his knee bumping into the table as he tried to see what grabbed him.

“Hey Mr. Hawk what are you doin’ that f’r?” Peter whined.

“I’m trying to prevent you from killing yourself. Which really won’t matter since Tony’s going to murder you once he finds out how inebriated you are anyways,” Clint growled as he tried to support Peter in his journey back to his room. It was proving quite hard, since he wasn’t exactly sober either.

“Mis’r Stark likes me too much to kill me,” Peter frowned.

“Mr. Stark likes smart, sober Peter. Not drunk Peter,” Clint said slowly, voice dripping with ridicule. Peter scowled, his mouth opening to quip back a reply, but Clint slapped his hand over it at the sound of a floorboard croaking.

“Wha-” Peter slurred against his hand, but was interrupted by a sharp “sh” from the older man .

“I heard a floorboard creak a couple floors up, probably the one outside Tony’s room. We need to get out of here. Now,” the assassin calculated. By his estimates there wasn’t nearly enough time to get out of the compound, but maybe, just maybe he could coach Peter into acting sober.

“Follow me, Spiderboy,” Clint said, grabbing the kid’s hand. Peter obliged, tripping slightly as he stumbled after Hawkeye. Just a couple paces later, he was shoved into a couch.

“Owwww,” Peter moaned as he fell into it, his head banging against the back. He shuffled his body into a more comfortable position.

“Good. Stay like that. Don’t breathe heavy. Don’t talk. Just sit there and act like you’re tired and watching TV. I’ll do all the talking. Just whatever you do, don’t move, stand up, or say anything. Capiche?” Clint coached.

“Quiche,” Peter responded. Clint let out a slight groan, but kept moving around the room, flipping the lamp and TV on, and shifting everything into its proper place. After just thirty seconds, when everything was prepped to the best that drunk Clint could manage, the man took a deep breath and sat down next to Peter.

“Showtime,” he murmured.

***

Tony stifled a yawn as he walked down the stairs, pulling up his grey sweatpants up as he went. He knew he looked like a mess with his mussed up hair and rumpled AC/DC t-shirt, but he was too determined to figure out why in God’s name Peter was bumbling around the compound at 2:30 in the morning to really care.

As he approached the bottom floor, Tony noticed light spilling into the hallway, seemingly from the TV room.

Gotcha, Tony thought as he quietly approached the room. He stopped just short of the doorway, listening to the sudden murmur of voices.

“What are we doing here?” Tony recognized Peter’s voice, though it was slightly slowed with what Tony guessed was sleep.

“Really, Peter?” A voice responded. Clint, Tony identified.

“That’s a good question,” Tony chided, taking the opportunity to step out of the shadows, annoyance lacing his voice, “what are we doing here?”

The look of utter horror on both of their faces was priceless. Peter’s mouth popped into a little O, and Clint’s adam’s apple bobbed up and down. Tony smirked, but his victorious expression faded slightly as he took in the disheveled appearance of the two.

“Hiya, Tony,” Clint croaked, a nervous smile playing on his lips. Tony’s eyes narrowed as he scanned the man: shirt buttons popped, hair untamed, eyes squinted.

“Hiya, Clint! Do tell me, whatcha doing wandering around at 2:30 a.m. with a sixteen year old?” Tony asked, his voice creeping up a pitch with anger.

“We’re actually just watching a movie. I promised Peter if he couldn’t sleep he could come to me and we could watch a movie,” Clint replied smoothly.

“Oh really?” Tony raised an eyebrow as his gaze shifted to the kid. Peter looked back at him with wide, slightly red eyes. His curls stuck every which way, his science t-shirt rumpled under his open, long sleeved plaid shirt. There was definitely something off.

“Why are you both still fully dressed if you came from bed?” Tony questioned.

“Well I was already up, I’m sure Peter probably got dressed before coming to get me, wouldn’t want me to see his iron man PJs,” Clint winked, mentally cringing as he noted that he was not the best liar when drunk. Tony just glared in return.

“Peter. Care to comment?” Tony stared pointedly at the boy, who now seemed to be avoiding eye contact with him completely. He released a string of unintelligible mumbles.

“Speak up, kid, I can’t understand a word you’re saying.”

“I’d take it easy, Tones, the kid’s really tired,” Clint suggested.

“Well then he should be in bed, shouldn’t he?” Tony practically growled.

“Yeah, we’ll go in a few minutes. Sorry for disturbing you. Why don’t you go back to bed?” Clint suggested gently.

“Did I say he should be in bed in a few minutes? No. Now. Let’s go, kid,” Tony demanded. Peter continued to look at the floor.

“Peter,” Tony clipped.

“Too t’red to walk,” Peter mumbled, his voice slightly slurred. Tony frowned, his protective instinct screaming that something was wrong.

“Then I’ll help you. C’mon,” Tony took a step closer, leaning towards Peter and offering his hand. As he looked the kid up and down, his instincts practically screamed that there was something off.

“Kid?” Tony asked softly, leaning in. That was when the pungent smell of alcohol hit him, and everything clicked.

Clint watched in terror as Tony’s eyes widened in realization, then hardened. And then they set on him.

“Remind me what you were doing tonight, Clint?” Tony asked, voice sickly sweet as he took a step back from Peter, who had ignored his offered hand.

“Errr,” Clint looked at Tony with guilt, knowing any response would just add more pain to his most certain murder.

“Right,” Tony nodded, “anything to add to that Peter? Perhaps an explanation as to why you’re slurring?”

“Ti-er-d,” Peter choked out slowly, as if trying to sound out every syllable to prevent stumbling over his own words. Tony rolled his eyes.

“Sure. Get up,” Tony ordered. Clint buried his face in his hands.

Peter grabbed the edge of the couch as he stood. Even with the extra balance, he still managed to trip, catching himself on the ledge of the coffee table before he hit the ground. Tony watched with very little amusement. Peter grinned sheepishly up at him.

“T’red,” he lied once again, this time dramatically clapping a hand over his mouth as if covering a yawn.

“Oh wow! I get a yawn this time!” Tony exclaimed sarcastically. Peter just stared back with wide brown eyes.

“Anything you want to tell me, Spiderman?” Tony asked, his voice taking on a threatening quality.

“Nope,” Peter shook his head. Tony raised an eyebrow.

“Really? Nothing at all? That’s interesting.”

Silence.

Right then and there, Tony resolved that he was going to get Peter to admit that he was drunk, even if it was the last thing he did.

“Right, well I’m glad you don’t have anything going on, because we’re about to go on a mission. We could use your help. You in?”

“Tony wha-” Clint was silenced by Tony’s glare. The single, terrifying look was enough to communicate that Tony was testing Peter. And he wanted no interference. With the amount of trouble Clint was in, he didn’t want to give Tony any more reason to hate him.

“Well, Peter? Are you in?” Tony asked again. Peter looked visibly nervous, eyes on the ground as he let out a slurred reply:

“Whatev’r you need, Mis’er Stark.”

Tony’s eyes flashed.

“Good. FRIDAY, assemble the team.”

“Sir, just to confirm, you wish to assemble the Avengers right now? May I ask for a reason to give them?” FRIDAY’s voice echoed.

“Tell them there’s a mission,” Tony replied, eyes steely. He was positive that the team would be completely pissed when they discovered Tony had awakened them at 2:30 a.m. for no reason other than to prove a point to Peter Parker. He didn’t care. Coffee was invented for a reason.

“Yes, sir,” FRIDAY responded, “alerting them now.”

“Oh wait, Mr. Stark, I forgot! I don’t have my suit,” Peter attempted to slap his forehead as if he had been stupid, but completely missed his head. It would’ve been comical if Tony wasn’t so pissed. What was the one thing he had told the kid to never do? Drink or do drugs. He was supposed to be smarter than this. He was supposed to be better than Tony.

“No worries, kid. I’ve got a spare one here. FRIDAY, have Mark XLlX bring the kid’s spare suit up.”

FRIDAY clicked out a reply, and soon Peter could hear the whir of tech coming towards them. Mark XLlX flew into the TV room, dropping Peter’s suit into his arms before allowing Tony to step inside of the armor. It easily clicked into place around the man, and suddenly Peter wasn’t just lying to Tony, he was lying to Iron Man. The boy gulped. He was in too deep.

“Well what are you waiting for? Get dressed,” Tony chided as his mask slid up to reveal his expression of disapproval. Peter nodded groggily.

It was at that time the other Avengers started pouring into the room. First Captain America, followed by a disheveled, sleepy eyed Bruce, then Wanda and Vision, and finally Sam, Bucky, and Rhodey. The rest of the team was currently residing elsewhere, much to Tony’s dismay.

Iron man threw his arms up in welcome.

“Glad you all are here! We’ve got a very important mission. We’re just waiting on Peter to suit up,” he bellowed. Everyone stared, confusion evident in their sleepy expressions. Peter looked around with widened eyes.

“Wait, where’s Natasha?” Tony wrinkled his brow, glancing around as if it was possible she had camouflaged herself against the wall or a spare lamp. Which, of course, it most definitely was. However, as everyone surveyed the room with confusion, Steve Rogers interjected.

“I passed her room on the way here,” he announced, “she said something about cutting your throat next time you try and wake her at 2:30 to prove a point? I didn’t really understand, and definitely didn’t have time to think about it with the emergency mission.”

Tony scowled in response. How did that woman always know everything?

“Odd. Maybe she was dreaming. It doesn’t matter. What does matter is that Peter still isn’t in his suit,” Tony said pointedly.

“S’ry,” Peter murmured, shifting from foot to foot. He pulled off his shirt, his head and limbs tangling into the fabric while he floundered. Peter couldn’t help the grunt that slipped out as he tried desperately to get unstuck, eventually stumbling into the couch as he fell. His situation worsened as he attempted to pull himself out of his pants, tripping into the side table and slipping into a heap of jeans and lengthy limbs.

“Issok I’ll just change down herrrre,” Peter slurred. Everyone looked at him with varying degrees of bewilderment.

“Wait,” Rhodey interrupted the muddled silence, “is he- is he drun-”

Tony swung around, cutting the man off with a single look.

I’m trying to prove a point, Tony mouthed silently. The room immediately rioted.

“Wait so does that mean-”

“So there really isn’t a-”

“You woke us up for TH-”

“Damn it, Natasha!”

“I did not calculate this-”

“Did everyone forget I have anger-”

Tony waved his hand over his neck in a “cut it out” motion. The voices quieted, but the team all glared at him murderously. Tony returned a scowl, then turned back towards Peter who was currently trapped, his head pressed against the spandex near his armpit. Tony shook his head.

“Well while we wait on Peter, I’m going to go get in ‘The Quinjet’. K Tones? Good,” Rhodey said sarcastically, clearly indicating that he was, in fact, going back to his room to sleep despite Tony’s protests. A few others began shuffling behind him, rubbing their tired eyes and yawning.

“Uh-uh, oh no you don’t,” Sam clucked, grabbing at everyone in the vicinity, “I do NOT want to miss this conversation. And you guys most certainly aren’t going to leave me alone. Unless you want to get me popcorn. Don’t forget I have killer wings. Yeah, you all remember, I know you do. So what’s it gonna be?”

The team groaned, shrugging and swatting at Sam’s grip. However, they stayed behind, just not without mumbles of disapproval.

Sam cut the murmurs off, turning to Rhodey and whispering, “Twenty says that he continually denies he’s drunk until Tony threatens to blast him.”

“Forty says that he’ll try and act sober despite every single person figuring out he’s drunk,” Rhodey countered. Sam chuckled.

“Sixty if he throws up more than three times tomorrow,” Bucky offered.

“Deal,” Sam leapt up immediately, shaking his competitor’s hand. Wanda shook her head, a smile playing around the edges of her mouth. Bruce and Steve both looked on with slight disapproval, but sleep deprivation seemed to conquer any rampant arguments.

While everyone bet on Peter’s future the young boy declared, “I’m doneee!” Oblivious, he stood with some support via the couch.

Rhodey cursed.

“C’mon, Pete, your mask is on backwards. At least try to act sober,” he hissed softly. Sam chuckled. Even with his heightened senses, Peter appeared not to hear.

“Peter, your mask isn’t on right,” Tony echoed, looking pointedly at Rhodey.

“Ohhh I was wondering why I couldn’t see,” Peter muttered, pulling at the spandex. “Now I’m ready!”

Tony rolled his eyes.

“Good, took you long enough. You two ready?” Tony asked, gesturing at Peter and Clint, the latter having not moved an inch since being confronted.

“Yeah, yeah,” Hawkeye grunted, standing up slowly while grabbing the couch for balance.

“Ooooo, now we now who’s going to be murdered,” Sam chuckled, “anyone wanna take bets on how Tony kills him?”

“The most efficient way to commit murder is to administer an air shot between the toes,” Vision answered automatically. Everyone turned towards him.

“Damnnnn, Vision, that’s dark, man,” Sam grinned.

“Yeah, well, we all know Tony doesn’t usually take the easy route,” Rhodey countered, looking at Clint with something like pity. The other man threw his arms up.

“You guys are not seriously betting on my murder,” he growled, joining the cluster of other Avengers.

Wanda cocked her head, “I think it’s more of a bet on how.”

“You coming, Pete, or what?” Tony interrupted, gaze steadily trained on the teen.

“Umm, what’s the mishishon- miss’on- mission, Mr. Stark?”

Tony blanked, “An aquarium is… uh… on fire... AND being attacked by, um, aliens at the same time. A lot of people, er, animals relying on us.”

“Yeah,” Bucky added with a snort, “you’d think all the water in the aquarium would prevent a fire. Very tragic.”

Tony narrowed his eyes, “Alien fire. Lots of injured… pufferfish”

A chorus of laughter erupted from behind the billionaire, and he cursed his inability to lie in the early morning hours.

“Not the pufferfish!” Peter wailed, looking distraught.

“Yeah, well, we gotta go save them. C’mon.”

Peter paled, looking at his feet shamefully. Tony raised an eyebrow. This was it, he could feel it. Peter was going to come clean, and they could all move on, not without a lengthy lecture, of course. All he had to do was say the words.

[cycwrites]

Still Falling - A Fic Tease

The Return of the Nowish Fic Teases! This one is a series of Staubrey scenes from a story I plan on writing called “Proposals, Weddings and Promises.” Did I call it that JUST so I can shorten it to PWP? Maybe… That story will, eventually, be both the Bechloe and Staubrey weddings from proposals to final dance (and maybe honeymoon). But for now have a much delayed Staubrey Week 2019 entry.

Plus I hurt my soul writing Can’t Help Falling and this was my way to get past it.

Edited to add that it takes place post-Worlds and pre-Nowish.

As always, thank you to @tiny-maus-boots for being the Master Beta, editor and sounding board.

Rating: Teen

Word Count: 6834

On AO3 with my other Fic Teases.

---------

~S~

Friday, January 15th 2016

“Stacie! Did you call to give me more embarrassing stories about my sister? Please tell me yes!”

Stacie laughed as she adjusted the phone against her ear. “Sorry to disappoint you, Aiden. She’s been on her best behavior.”

He snorted. “That’ll be the day.”

“True.” Stacie leaned back in her office chair. “Despite the pressure of school, I’m glad she seems to have… relaxed… a lot the past couple months.” While the move to LA had been stressful, Aubrey still wasn’t even close to the ball of tension she’d been since Stacie had met her. The visit to the Posen estate over Thanksgiving – and spending time with her brothers – had been exactly what Aubrey had needed to unwind.

“Me too,” he said sincerely. “The past few years she’s been… She’s had…” Aiden trailed off, obviously trying not to be offensive.

“A stick up her ass?” Stacie grinned.

“Your words, not mine.” Stacie could almost see him hold up his hand as if to ward off a blow. “I don’t want her to hit me; it stings like the dickens.” She heard him close a door and the background murmur she’d been hearing cut off. “Everything okay though? Did you have a good birthday last week?”

“Yeah, we’re great and yes I did. Thank you for the picture. I love it.” Asher and Aiden had sent along a baby picture of Aubrey’s that Stacie had fallen in love with the second she saw it in Aubrey’s bedroom. In it a very serious faced Aubrey was standing stiffly at attention, saluting the General who stood opposite her. He was saluting her back, every inch the perfect soldier; but even in profile and only able to see one eye, the pride and love he felt for his daughter was obvious.

“You’re welcome. You know Asher and I consider you family.”

Stacie squirmed in her chair, caught between pleasure at the words and a lifetime of avoiding anything like them. “Thanks.” It felt lame, but it was still hard to express certain things with anyone but Aubrey.  “I… feel the same way.” She rolled her eyes at herself. ‘Real warm, Conrad.’

When she’d set her mind to wooing Aubrey, Stacie hadn’t considered the fact that she would also be accepting the Posen’s as a family into her life as well. Which she should have because she knew how close Aubrey and her brothers were. It wasn’t that she didn’t like them, she did – though she was pretty sure Mother Posen didn’t approve of her – but she had no idea how to express any of it. Except to Aubrey, where she felt safe enough to talk about anything.

“Sorry,” he said cheerfully. “I forgot you’re not big on the feels. Bossy will change that soon enough. With a little teasing – I mean help – from her older and wiser brothers.”

“I have no doubt,” she said with another laugh, feeling the discomfort fade. They really had made her, and Beca, feel like family at Thanksgiving. She didn’t think it would be long before she loved them as much as her own brother.

“I’m sure you didn’t call me just so I could tease you.” She heard him settle into his own chair.

“Not exactly.” Stacie took a measured breath. “Do you think General Posen would give me the recipe for his BBQ sauce?” As she expected there was a long pause.

“I dunno Stacie, the General considers that classified information.” Aiden hesitated. “I mean, you definitely impressed all of us with how much you knew about marinades and dry rubs…” He paused and Stacie heard what had to be a stifled snicker.

“No wonder you and Beca got along so well.” Stacie laughed. “You both live in the gutter.” She ignored Beca’s voice in the back of her head that asked ‘Would you like to be pot or kettle?’

Despite the inappropriately hilarious innuendos, there had been a very intense discussion on all things barbeque over Thanksgiving: The best brands of BBQ’s, best ways to prepare all the various things you could cook on them and then the actual cooking process itself. After twenty minutes Beca had escaped to the kitchen, ostensibly to see if she could help but Stacie knew that she was really hoping to steal something to snack on. Beca still hadn’t developed any real cooking skills beyond breakfast and all the talk of food prep had only served to make her even hungrier and dinner was still at least an hour away. Plus she’d begun to look pained with the effort of not laughing during the dry rub discussion and Stacie imagined she’d paused somewhere to giggle uncontrollably before finding the others.

“Guilty as charged.” He said with another laugh before picking up where he’d left off. “But he hasn’t even hinted at what’s in it to any of us. I don’t even think Mom knows.”

Stacie sighed and played with the pencil sitting on the desk in front of her. “I know Aiden, but if I’ve learned one thing over the past few years, you never know unless you ask.”

“That’s a fair point.” She heard him hum under his breath and could almost picture him purse his lips exactly like Aubrey did when she was considering something big.

“I just… I wanted to give Aubrey a surprise. She followed the three of us to LA without hesitation and…”

“Is she unhappy?” He asked it quick, but she could tell he wasn’t really worried. “She seemed fine at Thanksgiving.”

“No, nothing like that.” Stacie shook her head even though he couldn’t see her. “School has been kicking her ass, just a little, and… She’s got an interview in a few weeks at the law firm Beca’s label uses, to be an intern, and when she gets it, I wanted to surprise her with a taste of home.”

“I knew you were mushy at heart.” Aiden teased but she heard brotherly pride and approval in it.

“Only when your sister is involved,” Stacie said easily.

“Aw, now you’re just buttering me up so I’ll do it,” he accused.

“Guilty.” Stacie cradled her phone to her ear. “Did it work?”

“Of course it did.” He snorted. “I’m her big brother and making her happy is coded into my DNA.”

“I know the feeling,” Stacie muttered and flushed when he laughed. She hadn’t meant to say it out loud.

“If it’s cool, I’ll give Dad your number and have him call you. Is it okay that I tell him why you’re asking?”

“Of course, I expected nothing less.” Stacie felt herself relax, only then realizing that she’d been tense since she’d made the decision to call and picked up her cell.

“I can’t promise anything, but I’m sure he’ll at least call you to say no.” He laughed again. “Of course, if he says yes you know I expect to have you share with me.”

“Aiden,” Stacie sat up and leaned her elbows on her desk. “If he hasn’t given it to you, I’m sure as hell not going to go against him and give it to you if he entrusts me with it.”

“Aubrey always did pick the smart ones,” Aiden said. “Alright, Stacie. I’ll call Dad tonight when I know he’s not in the office anymore. Not sure when he’ll call you though.”

“That’s fine. Thanks, Aiden.” Stacie closed her eyes in relief. She’d been afraid he’d refuse outright because she was an outsider. In hindsight, she should’ve known better; Aiden and Asher had welcomed her in with arms wide open when Aubrey had first told them they were dating. Hell, at Thanksgiving she’d been treated exactly like Aubrey from the second they’d arrived - like a younger sister with all the teasing that accompanied it. It had been strange to realize that she’d already felt almost as comfortable with Aubrey’s brothers as she did with her own. It had also made her miss Derek and she’d gone to see him the following weekend.

“Anytime, Stacie. I hate to say it, but I do have to go. Army never rests and all that.” She heard him sigh. “I hope to be able to come visit soon”

“It’s okay, I understand.  My lunch break is almost over anyway. And we would love you to visit.” Stacie eyed the clock, wishing she was already off work and headed for the condo. “Tell Asher hi for me, will ya?”

“’Course.” She heard someone knock on the door in the background and Aiden’s voice quieted as he turned his head away. “I’ll be out in a minute.” He came back to the phone. “Be good and don’t let Bossy live up to her name.”

“But what if I like it when she does?” Stacie couldn’t help herself and grinned at the gagging sound he made.

“Nope! No! HangingupnowbyeStacie.” He said in a rush.

“Laters, Aide,” Stacie said as the line went dead. “So easy.”

Standing she put her phone in her lab coat pocket and stretched. “Now I just have to convince the General to give up a family secret to an unknown. No big deal. Piece of cake.”

Leaving her office for the lab, Stacie spared one final thought before she put it away. It would do no good to dwell while she waited to hear from Aubrey’s father. ‘Please let this work.’

 ~S~

Sunday, January 17th, 2016

When her phone rang, Stacie almost ignored it. She usually screened unknown numbers by letting them go to voicemail and calling them back if it was a legitimate call. Except she didn’t have the General’s number and she wasn’t sure if she’d be able to call him back. With a quick glance to make sure she was alone – completely unnecessary as Aubrey had gone to the store for dinner supplies – she forced her nerves away and answered. “Stacie Conrad.”

“Stacie.” The General’s gruff voice filled her ear. “How are you?”

“I’m great, Sir. I hope your weekend has been good.” She had never been good with parents and rolled her eyes at her stilted words.

“Passing well. Lydia didn’t have any events this weekend so we’ve just been rattling around the house.” He let out a chuckle. “But I’ll spare you the boring details of two old people filling their days and just hop right into it.” He paused and Stacie took a quiet breath, bracing herself as she sat at their kitchen table. “I hear you want some classified information.”

Despite the smile she could hear in his voice, Stacie’s tension grew as the moment she’d been thinking of for two months finally arrived. “Actually, Sir, the recipe is sort of secondary to why I wanted to talk to you.” She took another breath. “I’m sorry I wasn’t one hundred percent truthful with Aiden, but I wanted to do this right.” The hand not holding her phone began to ache and she forced herself to relax the fist she hadn’t realized she’d been making in her lap, resting it palm down on the table.

“And that is?” Thankfully he sounded curious instead of angry.

“I want to ask Aubrey to marry me and I was hoping to get your blessing Sir, General Posen, Sir.” She stared at her left hand where it pressed into the wood so hard her fingertips blanched white. ‘Maybe that was overkill…’

“I see.” It was completely neutral, no hint of anything she’d been expecting: surprise, disapproval or anything in between.

Her heart, which had already been trying to pound its way from between her ribs, tripled in speed. She would have licked her lips to wet them but her mouth had gone dry. “I realize that we’ve only been together for a short time, but I have loved Aubrey for years even though I didn’t realize it.” She wished she had some water but she didn’t trust her legs to hold her up. “I never thought – I never planned to fall in love. So I didn’t recognize what I was feeling as anything more than fondness. Until a year ago when I…” She trailed off with a self-deprecating laugh. “Until I couldn’t hide from my truth anymore.”

“That you loved Aubrey.” He made it a statement not a question and still there was no hint of what he might be thinking.

“Yes, General Posen.” Stacie shifted in her chair. “By the time I realized it, I thought it was too late… She was dating Thad, had even brought him home.” There was a small sound through the phone but she couldn’t tell if it was because the General had approved or disapproved of Aubrey’s boyfriend. “But then I got this second chance to prove to her what I’d spent all that time hiding from myself. That I love her with everything I am or ever will be.”

Stacie forced herself to take a breath, feeling lightheaded from all the emotions bouncing around inside her. She tried not to read too much into the fact that the General hadn’t said anything at all; he was military, he was a man who needed all the facts to make his decisions and likely rarely gave in to his emotions. Stacie understood it – Aubrey was the same way, though she was listening to her emotions more – and could respect it. She’d been planning different versions of this speech since Thanksgiving.

“So while I realize and appreciate that it could look like I’m moving too fast, that I’m setting us up for failure… I don’t want to waste any more time in starting the rest of my life with the only person I have ever – will ever – love.” She heard her throat click as she swallowed dryly, determined to get the rest of it out before she had her nervous breakdown.

“I know I’m not… what you and Mrs. Posen had envisioned for your daughter as you watched her grow up into the beautiful woman she is today. I know we come from two different worlds…” Stacie trailed off. “But I love her. And I promise to cherish Aubrey as the amazing woman she is for every second of the rest of our life together. Forever. It’s not a word I use lightly – one I never thought I would use at all. But it’s what I want with everything that I am.” She hesitated. “I just hope that I can live up to the way Aubrey loves me; prove to her every day that she didn’t make a mistake in choosing me.”

Stacie let herself fall silent; there was nothing left to do but wait for his answer.

As the silence grew, her heart fell. She knew she wasn’t good enough – not yet – for Aubrey, but she thought that the Posen’s had accepted her over the holidays. At least enough that when she’d realized she was going to ask Aubrey to marry, Stacie knew she had to do it the right way from the start. And in Aubrey’s world, that meant asking her father… Except he still hadn’t said anything and each passing second felt like a stone in her heart.

Even if he refused, Stacie still planned to propose to Aubrey; there wasn’t a force on Earth that could prevent that from happening. She’d had the ring since the beginning of November, already knowing that Aubrey was her future, but had only recently solidified how she wanted to propose. They were meant to be, she knew that now, so while Stacie didn’t really worry that Aubrey would say no – brief moments of insecurity aside – she didn’t want to be the cause of a rift between Aubrey and her family.

“And the recipe?” His voice startled her from her musings.

“She told me that, as a child, she loved barbeque nights. Because that meant you were home.” Stacie didn’t think Aubrey would mind her sharing this secret, but she still wanted to squirm a little. “And I want to show her that I… want… to be her home. Because she is mine.”

There was another long silence before he spoke again.

“Do you have pen and paper handy?”

“Yes, Sir!” Too afraid to let herself hope, Stacie scrambled to stretch out an arm that had become leaden with nerves and pull over the notepad they used for groceries.

"First, I want to remind you that if you give this to any of my children, I will both be disappointed and then lock you away in a bunker for treason.” Amusement laced his voice though there was something else underneath it.

She nodded before remembering he couldn’t see her. “Of course. I would expect nothing less. But I promise I’ll guard it with my life.”

“I know you will.” This was said softer and Stacie knew they weren’t talking about barbeque sauce anymore. He cleared his throat. “As you know, we go for a sweeter taste up here in Northern Virginia, so it’s more tomato based. But the real trick is to make sure you let it sit for a night after you mix it all together and then heat it slowly when you’re ready.”

“Got it.” Stacie said as he gave her the ingredients, taking meticulous notes in a shorthand she had made up in college. The last thing she wanted was for Aubrey to find it and ruin the surprise.

As he spoke, silent tears tracked down her face, moved beyond words at the unspoken but unmistakable approval of her as a partner for Aubrey.

 ~S~

Sunday, February 14th, 2016

Stacie was sure she was going to throw up.

The tension in her body had grown all day and now that the moment of truth was almost here, she wasn’t sure she could eat the dinner she’d spent the day preparing.

On Saturday she’d been spared coming up with an excuse to get Aubrey out of the house by Beca insisting that Aubrey go with her for a last minute gift consultation. Apparently she’d bought something for Chloe and decided that maybe she’d picked up the wrong thing – earrings versus bracelet, if Stacie heard right – so Stacie had had several hours free to mix together the recipe given to her by the General the month before.

Chloe, who Stacie had confided in three weeks before, had stored the various ingredients Stacie picked up in preparation. It was a testament to how nervous Stacie was that she hadn’t realized one simple fact until Chloe pointed it out: Putting together the incredibly complicated recipe was essentially chemistry and who better to replicate it than an actual chemist? Chloe had also offered moral support as Stacie had carefully measured and poured, more focused on getting everything correct, more meticulous than she even was in her lab.

Once she was done, Stacie had sealed it tightly and wrapped plain brown paper around the container and neatly printed “Aubrey Keep Out” on it with a smiley face and a heart. She knew that single command to stay away would drive Aubrey absolutely insane for the next day but she’d also respect Stacie’s desire to surprise her.

“She’s going to love it.” Chloe put her hand on Stacie’s shoulder as she closed the fridge. “Even without the marinating, that test taste definitely tasted like the sauce I remember from the last time I was there.”

“Yeah?” Stacie turned to clean up the mess she’d littered over the kitchen counters. “You’re not just saying that?”

“You know better.” Chloe shoulder bumped her. “It’ll be perfect.” She turned on the faucet and set it to warm so she could start rinsing plates to put them in the washer. “I knew you had a sappy side.”

“Don’t tell anyone.” Stacie started to gather her trash to throw out before Aubrey got home.

“Too late, they all know.” Chloe said easily.

Stacie just hoped that Aubrey wasn’t disappointed that they weren’t going out on their first official Valentine’s Day. It wasn’t a day that had meant anything to Stacie in the past, but like asking the General for Aubrey’s hand, it was one more thing she wanted to do right. And for what she had in mind, she didn’t want it to be in public. She wanted it to be just for them. So she’d asked Aubrey if it would be alright if she made them a home cooked meal and she had immediately agreed.

Now, after cooking the ribs for several hours and then slathering sauce on one side and then the other for another half, Stacie carried two plates out to the table Aubrey had finished setting out on their balcony.

“I know it’s not a glamorous restaurant, but I wanted to try and give you something special for our first Valentine’s Day together.  I know I can’t really match it, but you said how much you miss home cooked barbeque, so I thought…”

“I love it.” Aubrey interrupted her rambling and put her hand on Stacie’s. “I love you.” She took her seat. “It smells amazing, love.” Aubrey had kept coming out to the balcony to sniff over her shoulder, something Stacie had allowed until it was time to sauce them.

Stacie’s mouth was dry again and she wished she could gulp the beer Aubrey had poured earlier. “Thanks.” She sat on the edge of her chair, surreptitiously wiping her hands on her napkin she draped over her lap. “Guess it’s the moment of truth.”

Aubrey picked up her glass and held it up. “Happy Valentine’s Day, Stacie.”

“Happy Valentine’s, Bree.” Stacie gratefully lifted her glass and clinked it gently against hers. “There is nowhere else I want to be than with you.”

Aubrey’s voice softened. “Me either.” She reached her free hand over and rested it on Stacie’s arm while they both sipped their beer. Setting down her glass she looked at her plate. “I still can’t believe you cooked this all day.”

Stacie took another small drink, for courage and moisture. “It wasn’t that much trouble. Just let it sit and do its thing ‘til it’s time to turn it and poke it with a fork to see if it’s done.” She couldn’t figure out what to do with her hands and felt she was dangerously close to turning into Beca with her gestures, so she put them in her lap where her fingers twisted tightly together.

Nothing in her life had been more important than this moment; than the woman sitting bathed in sunlight that lit the highlights in her hair and brought out the sparkles in her eyes. It was more than living up to the legacy left to her by her grandmother’s rose quartz, a fact she knew would amuse Gran endlessly. She could almost feel her Gran’s hand on her hair and the loving way she’d have told Stacie ‘I told you one day you’d need it.’

Aubrey shot her a glance out of the corner of her eye, her lips curling into a smile. “The anticipation is killing you, isn’t it?”

“You have no idea,” Stacie muttered.

“Aw, baby.” Aubrey shook her head. “Alright, I’ll put you out of your misery.” Like any true connoisseur of fine barbeque, Aubrey picked up one of the ribs with her fingers and delicately took a bite, her eyes closing to savor the moment. Stacie, watching closely, saw the second realization hit. Aubrey’s eyes flew open and met hers. “Stacie?” Aubrey took another, bigger bite, and Stacie felt relief wash over her even as she smiled at the smear of sauce that ended up across Aubrey’s cheek.

“Yes?” She strived for nonchalance and leaned back in her chair, her left hand dipping into the band of her skirt where she’d stored the small box she’d had for months, waiting for her heart to actually break through her ribs.

“This is… Dad’s… how did…?” Aubrey took a third bite instead of continuing. “It’s perfect, love.” Her eyes closed again, a hum of pure contented enjoyment coming from her throat as Stacie reached out and wiped away the sauce with her thumb. “He hasn’t even given us that recipe. How?”

Stacie slipped from her chair and knelt on one knee. “He gave it to me the day I asked his permission to marry the love of my life.” She opened the box and waited. It wasn’t that she was worried about a no… except she’d been wrong before. At the retreat. And she didn’t know what would happen if she was wrong again.

Aubrey’s fingers opened in shock, dropping the rib back to her plate as she turned to face where Stacie had been sitting before turning shocked emerald eyes downward. Her mouth opened but no words came out as she took in the ring before her.

“Aubrey Marie Posen,” Stacie said, her voice shaking from the strength of the love coursing through her veins. “I didn’t know it, but I have loved you since the night of the riff-off and I watched you laugh at a horror movie.”

Aubrey’s hand reached up to trace her throat, fingers looking for a Bella scarf that hadn’t been there in years. Stacie smiled gently at her; wanting so much to reach out and touch her reassuringly and hoping one day to make that nervous tick a thing of the past.

“It took me too long to realize it and I’m sorry.” She licked her lips again. “I know we’ve only lived together for a short time, but I don’t want to wait any longer to start our life together.”

Aubrey’s eyes flickered from the ring to Stacie’s eyes, wondering and filled with something Stacie couldn’t pin down. Her hands wanted to shake from nervousness but she willed them to behave as she waited for Aubrey to say something.

Instead, Aubrey frantically wiped her hands on her napkin, turning away slightly and Stacie’s heart stuttered in its wild beat, wondering if she’d been wrong, if this wasn’t the time… But Aubrey merely pulled something from underneath a second napkin that Stacie hadn’t realized was sitting on one of the empty chairs. Stacie looked down as the small box that mirrored her own was opened and balanced in one delicate palm.

Everything inside her went calm and still as she met Aubrey’s watery gaze with her own.

“Yes.”

~S~

Thursday, August 18th, 2016

“I told you she was going to cry.”

“Beca!” Amy threw a small handful of rice at Beca where she sat at the piano. “Even I know you’re not supposed to say that during a wedding rehearsal. It’s expected that the bride cries.”

“Then you should also know that you don’t actually need to bring rice to the rehearsal.” Beca shot back, unable to wipe off the ones that had landed on her shoulder. “It’s also not nice to throw things at the pianist.”

“Did you just call yourself a penis?” Amy asked incredulously. “What else about you do I not know?”

Stacie grinned as Chloe broke off singing and began to laugh. “I’ve missed you, Amy.”

“Because I’m fun.” Amy shrugged and threw a few more pieces of rice at Beca. “Even when my friends keep secrets from me.”

“Oh my god.” Beca stopped playing and covered her face though Stacie knew it was to hide her grin. “There are no secrets, Amy.”

Stacie looked back up the aisle as Aubrey walked toward them, clearly torn between amusement and annoyance. Amusement won as Stacie reached for the box of Kleenex she had kept close.

“Like we’d trust you to tell the truth.” Aubrey took the tissue Stacie handed her and wiped at her face. “We’ll have to ask Chloe if we want answers.”

“Oh, well.” Chloe said, covering the microphone confidentially. “In that case…”

“Do not.” Beca turned on the piano bench and pointed a finger. “Do not give Amy any ammunition to make things up.”

“Oh, Beca.” Ashley shook her head. “Don’t you know that just fuels us more?”

“Did you really need all of them tonight?” Beca looked at Aubrey. “Like, couldn’t we have just used chairs since only Chloe and I are moving around during the procession?”

“Nope.” Aubrey said cheerfully. “It’s my wedding, I get to do what I want.”

“Bridezilla.” Beca winced as Chloe backhanded her shoulder lightly. “We’ve been married not even four months and the abuse starts.”

“Like we don’t know you love it.” Jessica grinned at her.

“Guys – maybe not in front of the parents?” Aubrey cleared her throat. “Chlo, Beca, do you guys mind going through it one more time?”

Beca answered first. “Of course not, Aubrey.”

“Thanks, DJ.” Stacie smiled at Beca before turning to give Aubrey a kiss on the cheek. “I think that last pacing was fine, love.”

“Thanks.” Aubrey squeezed her hand before joining her father to walk back down the aisle and out of the room.

After one last look around to make sure everyone was in place, Beca began to play “Can’t Help Falling in Love." As Chloe started to sing, Aubrey and the General reappeared in the doorway and made their way down the aisle.

At first Stacie wasn’t sure the song was appropriate; it had broken her heart when Aubrey had told her what had happened after their single night together in college. It hurt her in ways she wouldn’t have dreamed possible to think of Aubrey standing in the Bella living room, listening to this song and burying all her feelings. When Stacie had come back downstairs, she’d had no idea that Aubrey had been crying minutes before and learning about it had brought Stacie to tears.

But over the past few months, Aubrey had convinced Stacie that it would turn the song into something wonderful instead of a painful memory. “Besides, it’s my truth. I tried not to... but I couldn’t help falling in love with you.”

Now, watching Aubrey walk toward her, Stacie knew it was her truth too.

And tomorrow, finally, they would belong to each other and she’d never let Aubrey go.

 ~Amy~

Friday, August 19th, 2016

Amy took the microphone off the stand and looked over the reception room.

“As is tradition, the two brides will have their first dance and they’ve given me the honor of singing it for them.” She waited as the room erupted into whistles and cheers before looking over at the table behind her. “So, if you two would please stop snogging for two seconds and make your way to the dance floor?” The cheers became catcalls as a half blushing, all smiles Aubrey was led to the center of the room by a grinning Stacie.

Amy took a deep, steadying breath and, with one last glance around at her sisters, began to sing “Still Falling For You” by Ellie Goulding. There was no music or instruments, they were aca-people after all, but her voice was steady and smooth. While she’d been practicing this song almost daily for two months, she was still afraid she’d screw it up. Rationally, she knew no one would care but she would feel terrible even as she pretended to laugh it off.  

Fire and ice This love is like fire and ice This love is like rain and blue skies This love is like sun on the rise This love got me rolling the dice Don't let me lose Still falling for you Still falling for you

She couldn’t help but smile as she watched Stacie gently spin Aubrey, both of them lost in each other’s eyes. There had been bets amongst the Bellas on who would lead this first dance, but it hadn’t even been a thought in Aubrey’s head. Once she’d stopped running from her feelings, Aubrey had given everything she was to Stacie without hesitation – including putting Stacie’s name above her own.  

Beautiful mind Your heart got a story with mine Your heart got me hurting at times Your heart gave me new kind of highs Your heart got me feeling so fine So what to do Still falling for you Still falling for you

There were a few low whistles as Stacie dipped Aubrey and kissed her, both of them motionless as they got lost in each other before Stacie righted them again. Aubrey pulled her close, her arms winding around Stacie’s neck as they moved in perfect sync.

It took us a while With every breath a new day With love on the line We've had our share of mistakes But all your flaws and scars are mine Still falling for you Still falling for you

It had definitely been a journey, watching the two of them circle each other over the past five years and Amy was honored to be part of their new beginning.

Amy had never been big on family, her own having devolved into a nightmare that drove her away once her mother passed, but she had begun to realize that the women sitting on either side of the head table behind her were just that. So it didn’t surprise her that when she reached the chorus, eight voices joined her own, filling the space around her with music. Because of course they would. Unrehearsed. Without thought. No hesitation or even a question amongst them.

Aubrey and Stacie both looked up, eyes bright and shining in the dim light, their smiles flashing as the Bellas sung them into this new phase of their life. Their voices lifted and weaved, announcing to everyone in the room how much they loved the couple gliding smoothly across the center of the room.

And just like that All I breathe All I feel You are all for me I'm in And just like that All I breathe All I feel You are all for me No one can lift me, catch me the way that you do I'm still falling for you

Stacie and Aubrey looked around at them, their eyes bright and shining with unshed tears and shocked wonder. Amy could relate as she felt goosebumps on her arms as a rush of adrenaline hit her. They hadn’t talked about this, had never practiced singing this particular song together, but their voices lifted hers up and she felt she was starting to understand why people cried at weddings.

Family. This was her chosen one and she would lay down her life for any one of them. Even Legacy.

While they stopped singing for the next stanza, they kept the beat with snaps as Lilly provided the bass, letting Amy take the lead once more.

Brighter than gold This love shining brighter than gold This love is like letters in bold This love is like out of control This love is never growing old You make it new Still falling for you Still falling for you

It took us a while 'Cause we were young and unsure With love on the line What if we both would need more But all your flaws and scars are mine Still falling for you Still falling for you Still falling for you

Amy thought the song was definitely the perfect choice for the two of them. They had been fire and ice; they had both been young and unsure. But even Amy had figured out by the ICCAs that there was more to the two of them than just Captain and Bella. Of course, Amy herself had been young and stupid and hadn’t given it much thought until that last Thanksgiving at the Bella house. Even then she’d not realized the depth of their emotions, both of them too adept at hiding it at that point. But seeing them together over the past two weeks leading up to the wedding… Aubrey was like a completely different person. Or, rather, she was the person they’d only caught glimpses of that first year; completely relaxed, open and… Amy smiled to herself as Aubrey laughed at something Stacie whispered in her ear. Someone not afraid to let go.

The rest of the Bellas joined her for the chorus again and Amy realized that they were approaching the end of the song.

And just like that All I breathe All I feel You are all for me I'm in And just like that All I breathe All I feel You are all for me No one can lift me, catch me the way that you do Still falling for you Falling, crash into my arms Love you like this Like a first kiss Never let go Falling, crash into my arms Never breaking what we got Still falling for you Still falling for

There was a breathless pause before they gave it their all and Amy was glad this was being recorded because she never wanted to forget a second of how connected to them all she felt in this instant.

And just like that All I breathe All I feel You are all for me I’m in And just like that All I breathe All I feel You are all for me All for me

Then, one by one, their voices fell silent until only Amy’s remained.

And just like that All I feel is you All I feel is you You are all for me I’m still falling And just like that All I feel is you All I feel is you

As she sang the last few lines she fought to keep from tensing up.

Amy had been waiting for this moment for five very long weeks. She had told no one the plan and while she may have been a safe that locks there were just some things that begged to be shared. But she’d held off and now that the moment was here she couldn’t wait to see the looks on their faces.

Stacie and Aubrey had slowly been moving around the floor, whispering and nuzzling each other, but over the last few lines they had drifted to stand in front of Amy.

Amy took a breath, hoping no one thought anything of her pause before singing the last few lines of the song, as she casually held the mic out further than she had been.

“You are all for me.”

Stacie and Aubrey sang it together, both their faces going almost comically slack in shock, before identical smiles of pure joy lit up the room. Stacie cupped Aubrey’s face with both hands as the two of them finished the song together.

No one can lift me, catch me the way that you do I’m still falling for you

Aubrey pulled her in and kissed her while the room went still around them. Amy stepped to the side, leaving them alone and hoped the photographer was on the ball and capturing this moment of sheer perfection.

Stacie had come to her with the idea first: “So, if Bree and I happen to end up in front of you at the end of the song, do you think you could hold the mic out for me to sing the last bit?”

Amy had agreed and immediately called Stacie whipped – affectionately, of course.

Aubrey had called her a week later: “Would it be crazy if I wanted to sing the last three lines at the end of the dance?”

Amy almost laughed, except she knew Aubrey would assume Amy was laughing at her and that was the last thing she wanted. So she’d choked it back and told Aubrey it wasn’t crazy at all and she’d be happy to hold the mic out for her if she could get Stacie there.

She’d obviously heard about their double proposal and the fact that they both had the exact same idea about their first dance song proved that they were obviously meant for each other. It had killed her not to share this secret with Beca but some things were better as surprises. Speaking of…

Amy turned and looked where Beca and Chloe had been sitting and couldn’t help the laugh that burst out of her – thankfully she’d turned the mic off when she’d stepped out of the way, she’d have hated to ruin the still ongoing kiss but she couldn’t help it. Beca was full on ugly crying as she held tightly to Chloe’s hand; not that Chloe was beyond that herself, but the only other time Amy had seen Beca cry this hard was at her own wedding.

Not that Amy was one to talk. She took the tissue that Lilly held out to her and dabbed at her cheeks as the entire reception room filled with a roar of approval as the brides finally separated, even if it was only to rest their foreheads together.

Amy cleared her throat and turned on her mic.

“Ladies, gentlemen… And Trebles.” She only waved as good natured jeers came from the far side of the room. “I present to you Mrs. & Mrs. Posen-Conrad.”

Family.

Amy thought it again as the noise grew deafening but the Bellas were still louder than the rest as they stood up and cheered at their tables.

My family.

-------

(x)

[dragonmaiden79]

Sir Knight, Taj

Introducing, Madame Tajira

People left Vesuvia in droves after the horrendous situation involving the palace and word spread like wildfire, traveling with the survivers and bystanders alike, plummetting the country into poor conditions. Abandoned businesses and homes meant suffering economy, with land becoming cheaper and cheaper to encourage people to move back or stay; It had become destitute and were it not for the Magician, the Lovers, and the Fool's constant support and efforts, nothing would have remained. The Countess had no supporters left.

"Serves her right, doing this to me..." Said the bitter, homeless former Count as he read a discarded news paper in an alley. He crumpled it up and tossed it away, ducking behind a few trash cans to avoid the royal guard as they marched by.

He had been lurking in the shadows since begging wasn't feeding him enough, turning to petty theft. The shop and store owners became fed up in a matter of weeks, and had reported his worthless ass without a second thought. He scratched at his patchy beard and looked at his worn, dingy clothes. Suddenly the concept of wearing all white became incredibly overrated. "No one in all the history of mankind..." he grumbled to himself, slinking from back alley to back alley like common trash. He slipped in a puddle of Lord-knows-what and screeched indignantly. "Has ever suffered as I am now!!!" He growled, gritting his teeth as the cool, foul smelling liquid seeped into his pants.

"Hey, wasn't that-"

"Oh, that was definitely him."

It's too bad Lucio was so horrible at being inconspicuous. The rapid clang of metal approaching didn't allow him time to dwell on his miserable fate and he quickly staggered to his feet, trying to find a place to hide. It was at this moment that the worn leather heels that he had refused to give up upon his banishment broke, sending him careening to the ground. The last thing he remembered was the feel of cold cobblestone against his face and the metal clang from the knights armor as they surrounded him.

A splash of ice water snatched him from his unconscious state. He looked around frantically, realizing that he was flanked by a knight on both sides, each holding onto a chain that was coiled around his body. He immediately began to rant and struggle. "What the hell is this!? I can take you both--"

"Settle down, Count Lucio." Said a smooth, sultry female voice.

He followed the sound of the voice upwards to a dais, where a petite woman clad in armor stood looking down at him. More careful inspection made him realize that she wasn't alone too; There was a semicircle of about 11 chairs a behind her, all except 1 occupied by very regal and well dressed individuals with decorated faces masks, and head pieces.

"...Or I should say, former Count." The woman continued speaking. "Yes... The former Count of a bastardization of a country. It's a shame what you have been reduced to."

Lucio growled.

"Judgement will be enacted here, today, on you, dear Lucio. You are charged with several counts of theft, threats, harassment, and even a couple of physical assaults due to your behavior involving my lovely citizens. Your testimony begins now. My council will then take a vote based off of your word and your word alone, leaving me to consider their opinions before I make the final decision. How do you plea?"

"Not guilty!" He shouted, "Your townspeople are so stingy and selfish! You'd think they'd help me out, but no!"

The woman laughed shrewdly, glancing over her shoulder at the council members. "Okay, Lucio. While you do seem adamant in your stance, there are a few specific charges that I must ask you about. Did you steal food from any of the local vendors?"

"I would hardly call such gruel 'food'!"

"Did you get into a fight with a man whom you claimed to be 'being greedy' because he bought what you considered an excess amount of fruit and refused to share with you?

"Who eats THAT much fruit?"

"Did you threaten or menace at any children for teasing you on the streets?"

"Those brats were asking for it! They're lucky I didn't tan their hides!"

The woman fell silent for a brief moment. "Is there anything else you would like me to know, Count?"

"Your backstreets are filthy, these chains are awful, and --"

"About your case, Lucio."

"Nope. Clearly I've done nothing wrong. So whaddya say? I'm done now, right?"

She laughed shortly again. "Very well then. Regarding the testimony of the accused, Grand Council, how say you?"

One by one each elaborately decorated Noble rose and stated their verdict, which turned out to be unanimous. "Guilty."

"Mmhmm. Duly noted." She nodded. "Count Lucio, if you'll look to your left you'll see that carved into the white stone walls of this arena is a lion. On the opposite side, to your right is a bull. These are permanent symbols of the two houses that came together to build this country and comprise it's nobility. As such, I am to adhere to the laws set by each house in my position as acting Princess of Pierreblanc."

She leapt elegantly from the dais and landed a perfect summersault in the center of the arena, approaching Lucio slowly until she stood before him. "You have a stunning lack of discipline and are completely irresponsible, which means that the short-comings that riddle your life are rooted in your childhood. Therefore, where other people have failed you, I shall succeed. You will be properly trained and imparted with the skills and knowledge to function as a productive member of my society."

She gestured to the lion carving. "Through the dignity and authority on my left side," and then raised the other hand to point to the bull. "Partnered with the magnanimity and valor of my right... This is true justice, for the ignorant cannot be properly tried." Her voice echoed throughout the arena. "Have you any legitimate way or reason to contest my judgement?"

His eyes widened in a mix of fear and shock. "What are you on about? You aren't going to let me go!?"

She laughed, far too amused by Lucio's attitude to correct his manners. "Then I shall make my ruling immediately. I, Princess Tajira of Branch Et Serpentium, declare that you, former Count of Vesuvia 'Lucio' Montag Morgasson, be sentenced to indefinite full-time etiquette training with Most High advisor and royal tutor, Giles Christophe. Guards, that will be all."

***

The Guards escorted Lucio all the way from the arena to the fantastic display of architecture that was the Pierreblanc Palace. The stones that composed the building were bright white and perfectly polished, making them reflect every color of the rainbow and giving the entire thing an ethereal quality. There were many slick curves and perfect arches that gave it a unique silhouette and the gates were twinkling gold. Even Lucio was stunned into silence.

Awaiting him there was a clean cut purple haired man and a team of six maids.

"You may release him." He said to the guards that held Lucio's chains. "Quickly now, he desperately needs to be bathed and fed." They wasted no time in heeding the orders, finally removing the biting metal from the former Count's wrists and neck.

"I am Giles Christophe and by royal decree you are my responsibility from this moment on. I will ensure that Madame Tajira is satisfied with your reformation, but for now we will escort you to your personal quarters and attempt to make you presentable at once. Understood?"

"Great! Finally some proper treatment around here."

Giles merely frowned his disapproval. The Princess told him that he'd have his work cut out for him in even before her officers had made the arrest.

**

"He's kind of a bimbo, but if anyone can fix him, it's you."

"If you don't mind my asking Madame, why not one of our traditional corrections facilities?"

"Ah, yes." She had said, lounging in her tub full of sweet smelling bubbles, a bath girl feeding her small slices of fruit. "It's gotten very stuffy around here, so he will be a breath of fresh air- A ray of sunshine even! Just fix him up a bit." She said, waving her hand dismissively. "He is nothing to be concerned about."

**

Giles shook his thoughts away as he lead Lucio to his quarters, the maids in tow. "Her Majesty has personally selected and furnished this room for you." He said as he opened the door and gestured in.

The room was gorgeous; the farthest wall of it was made entirely of sliding glass doors, which opened up to huge balcony tiled in sparkling opal. The bed was a magnificent piece of art and the centerpiece of the room. It was low sitting and round with a blue chiffon canopy that extended from the ceiling to veil it. Much bigger than a king sized bed, it had no defined head or foot board but instead carved polyhedron railings to stand in their places.

Lucio didn't have much time to admire though, as he was then led out of a pair of double doors within the room. Exiting, he noted that suddenly he was two maids short. It went outside to a tall stone staircase that led down to a what appeared to be an empty pool. There were towering white and gold marble lion statues on each side of it. "Her taste isn't half bad! Much better than her attitude." He said to no one in particular.

Giles exhaled with annoyance, "Ladies, if you'd please." He said to the maids as he moved to a bench that sat near the pool, sending them into perfectly practiced action. They all disrobed to reveal different variations of soft, elegant curvature that could only be described as uniquely female and split into teams of two. One set used magic to get themselves atop the lion heads; Completely synchronized, they put their hands together as if meditating and water began to flow down from the mouths of the lions, and into the pool. In conjunction with them, the others began quickly undressing Lucio, leaving him bared from his rags in a matter of moments. "My, my ladies, one at a time..." He remarked, as if he wasn't in desperate need of care.

Little to no maintenance had been done to him since his eviction from Vesuvia so his skin was sunburnt and dirty, not to mention his overgrown facial hair and chipped nails. Even his golden arm had lost all of its luster and most of its magic, making it hard for it to function. His stench was wretched to the noses of everyone within arms reach as well. Certainly he needed to be cleansed as soon as possible. "This water is freezing!" He cried out, as the girls pulled him down few stairs that led into the pool. "I can't bathe like this! Back in MY palace there was hot water!"

"Give them a moment." Giles said sharply, having had his fill of Lucio's commentary.

He winced at the harshness of Giles' tone but, remained silent as the girls in the bath with him hovered their hands over the water, transferring heat into it. Goosebumps began to spread across his skin as the water warmed considerably. Before long, the pool was filled and the other duo had climbed down from the Lions. They moved to the statues' mounts which had hidden compartments that held towels, sponges, soaps, and an assortment of crystals. Each grabbed their own selections, placing them in decorative woven baskets and joined the others in the water.

Yellow and blue crystals were placed about the water, giving it a mysterious green glow with the relaxing energy blanketing the space. As soon as the soothing aura touched every corner of the water, the same girls who had undressed Lucio, grabbed soap and sponges from the baskets now afloat and went to work.

As they scrubbed his skin, layers of caked up dirt and sweat mixed with the suds and permeated the water. He moaned as they went further down, switching to a soft cloth to clean his dick and balls. They were thorough and gentle, massaging and caressing his sack until he was at full attention. A small crystal chair was synthesized with stone magic for him to be seated, so that his hair could be washed. It was so greasy that the shampoo wouldn't lather when the girl- the one Lucio thought the cutest, massaged it into his scalp.

She had olive skin and green eyes, with freckles and black hair. Her fingers felt like magic as they danced across his head, scrubbing diligently until finally, on the third go, the shampoo lathered into a nice foam. He relaxed into the touches of her and her tall, slender partner who had just finished washing his chest and was now seated on his lap, massaging his shoulders. "Ohhh, this is more like it..." He moaned, "Hey, what're your names?"

"I see you're enjoying my girls, Lucio." Came the Princess' voice from the long stairwell. "The one who washes your hair is called Ariella. Zafira is on your lap." She stepped directly into the pool without regard for the thin, loosely tied white robe she wore, carrying a long decorative case.

As the two maidens that prepared the baskets made the glowing water circulate around them, Tajira approached, giving a kiss each to Ariella and Zafira. Slowly, she trailed her fingers down Lucio's golden arm. "Mmm...What magnificent piece this was in your glory days, Wasn't it Count?" He frowned but otherwise made no comment as she let her fingers carefully trace over every detail and intricacy of the arm. "Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful..." She whispered, free hand coming to rest on his shoulder. "Can you feel my touches, Lucio?" He widened his eyes, unprepared for the question.

"O-Of course I can feel it!" He shouted. She raised an eyebrow. "I mean...Well, mostly... Somewhat." He conceded, blushing. "It doesn't exactly work like it used to."

"I didn't think so." Taj said, her own magic bleeding into his shoulder, making it tingle.

"Hey, what are you--!" He began to protest. Suddenly, the golden prosthetic popped off, falling into the water and sinking to the bottom of the pool. "Why did you do that!?!" He cried out in alarm, girls still draped over him. Without a word, she popped open the fancy case that she was carrying to reveal perhaps the most sumptuous piece of work that Lucio had ever laid eyes on.

An arm. Crafted of diamond-- the purest blue diamond. With perfectly sized gold scales and 4 mounted red andesine going up it's shoulder. "I know red is your preferred color, but as you assimilate into the House, I would like you to look the part. I hope it still within the parameters of your taste. Will you accept my gift?"

He ran his fingers over the smooth finish of the diamond underside, to the perfect ridges of the golden scales, and then finally, over the bright red stones that decorated the piece. It even had tiny, fine-line etchings on it. "Yes!" He said with childlike enthusiasm, "I can really have it?"

"Certainly." She said with a glimmer of a smirk. "We will have it attached for you as soon as you're settled."

"Well Tajira, was it?" he said seductive smile tugging on his lips.

"Taj, please." She said. Giles’ small gasp could be heard in the background.

"Taj, then. I am very, very thankful for your present. You know, if there's anything that you want me to do to repay you, I'll do it." He batted his long blonde lashes at her. With his erect cock out and two beautiful women clinging to him, pouting and writhing in place it was incredibly hard to deny...

"Not yet." Taj reminded herself in her head. She bristled in place, eyes having gone slightly hooded and dark as she slowly closed the case for the arm. She loathed denying the throbbing of her nether regions. "No..." She said out loud. "You won't ever have to pay me back."

"What? You're sure?" He asked in disbelief.

"No, no, it doesn't work like that. This my pleasure. Giles, hold onto it for him." She said, exiting the water. The white fabric, now see through clung to her as she approached him, accentuating her thick thighs, toned calves, and perky rump. "Bring him to dinner after you're done in here. I want the Council and House Advisors to see him up close and groomed before you begin the discipline process.

"Yes, Madame." Giles nodded slowly. "You-- You're certain of this choice? To have him before the Nobles without any training?"

"It's not as if they can tell me not to." She shrugged casually. "And it's not as if I will allow them to question your advisory skills, If that's what you are concerned about." She kissed his cheek, patting his shoulder lightly. "Now, I must go dress myself." She continued with a nod. "I shall see you all tonight." And with that, she swept out of the room.

Ch.1 End.

Hope you enjoyed! There will be another part!

[thatfanficstuff]

Battle Scars - Chapter Four

Pairing: Tony Stark x Reader

Warnings: nope

A/N: Because of all the love you have been giving me, I have come out of hiatus to give you this lovely long chapter. It’s mostly filler though it sets up some things that will be coming soon. Enjoy! And thank you again for the love.

***

For a week you wandered around the tower, particularly those areas reserved for the Avengers and made notes. All of the team noticed, but they didn’t ask any of the questions they undoubtedly had. Though by the end of the week, you had plenty for them. Everything from favorite colors to hobbies and favorite weapons. Nat finally flat out asked you what you were up to.

The corner of your mouth lifted in a smile. “Just doing a little organizing. You’ll see soon enough.”

She narrowed her gaze as she looked you over. “We’re not much for surprises around here. Too many of them have led to nothing good.”

You gave a little shrug. “Not really a surprise. More like me making a plan and getting all my ducks in a row before implementing any of it.”

“So, forethought?” She pursed her lips. “We could certainly use some of that around here.”

“What are you trying to say, Nat?” Tony asked as he walked in the room. “We all know you like my impulsive nature. Don’t lie.”

She rolled her eyes and left you alone with your soulmate.

“How’s it going, hot stuff?” He made a show of looking around. “I don’t see many changes yet.”

“It hasn’t been three weeks, Tony,” you responded as you had most every day when he made inquiries into your progress.

He stepped toward you, closing the distance between the two of you until he was only a foot away. “You’re up to something, Y/N and I’m not sure I like it. I’m the sneaky one around here.”

You didn’t say anything as you forced your gaze to remain locked with his though every fiber of your being screamed for you to close the remaining distance between you. That wouldn’t totally be out of line or anything. Your heart raced and you wondered if you affected him even remotely the same way he got to you.

After a moment that felt like forever, he took a step back and turned to the rest of the room. “Gear up. Fury ordered a training mission. Wheels up in sixty.”

There was a collective groan from everyone in the room save you.

“How long?” Steve asked.

“His exact words were more than three days. Less than forty.” You had to stop yourself from smiling at the disgruntled tone in Tony’s voice.

Everyone started to disburse. “If there is anything you’d like me to take care of while you’re gone let me know,” you called.

Tony turned his attention back to you and gave you that little smirk. “You got this?”

“I got this,” you assured and immediately started to check to see if anything needed to be rescheduled.

***

Three days later you were on an empty floor of the tower that had been under reconstruction until you got hold of it. Now the rebuilding was done and the workers were putting the finishing touches on the paint. Tomorrow, all the things you’d ordered would be brought in by a horde of workers. The Avengers were going to come home to an all new tower.

“I’m not sure what I expected when Stark told me he was hiring an assistant for the team, but it sure as hell wasn’t this,” a deep voice said, startling you.

You turned to find none other than Nick Fury standing near the elevator with his hands clasped behind his back. Tony had warned you that you would have to interact with the man at some point, but you had assumed you’d have Tony there as a buffer. You swallowed past the lump in your throat. “Hello, Director. What can I do for you?”

He held up a form as he studied you with his one eye. “Are you the one that sent this requisition form over?”

You sucked in a breath. You’d assumed some faceless worker bee would fill the requisition. “I am.”

He nodded. “Did Stark read this before he signed it?”

“Unlikely. This is Tony we’re talking about. He tells me it’s my job to read things. Which to be fair, my background in law is one of the reasons he hired me. At least, that’s what he says anyway.”

The corner of Fury’s mouth curled in a small smile. “And should I agree to supply this equipment, what are your plans?”

You shuffled through a couple of screens on your Stark tablet before handing it over. He read through the information quickly before looking up in surprise. “Are these numbers accurate?”

“As accurate as I can be without real world data, yes.”

“Impressive, Y/L/N.” He handed you back your tablet then walked toward the elevator without another word.

“Does this mean I get my supplies?” you called after him.

“Already delivered.” He stepped into the elevator and used his hand to keep the door from closing. “And Y/L/N? You have been granted SHIELD security clearance at Stark’s request. Don’t make me regret it.”

Your eyes went wide as your brows shot up into your hairline. “Y-yes, sir,” you managed to stammer out just before the door slid shut.

“Jarvis,” you said after you had a moment to pull yourself together.

“Yes, Miss Y/L/N?”

“Why exactly does Tony think I need government security clearance?” You bit your lip, worried about the answer.

“It is my understanding that Mr. Stark wishes you to be available in whatever capacity the team requires which may necessitate you knowing some more delicate aspects of their missions,” the AI explained.  

“He’s known me for two weeks, Jarvis.”

“Ten days to be precise, Miss. I believe Director Fury voiced the same concerns to Mr. Stark himself.”

“And what did Tony say?”

“Mr. Stark said he had a feeling you could be trusted though he was unable to explain why when the Director pressed him.”

You blinked several times as you processed that bit of information. Was it possible Tony felt the connection between you without even knowing you were soulmates? After a moment you shook your head to clear it. Dwelling on this wasn’t going to get the work done. “Jarvis, please make certain all deliveries and workers are still scheduled for the appropriate times tomorrow.”

“Of course, Miss.”

***

Tony’s money certainly made it easier for you to get things done quickly, though there were still a few things you had to do on your own due to you being the only one around that had clearance to enter certain spaces. Still, you managed to have everything completed by the time the team returned from their mission. You met them as they unloaded from the jet. A SHIELD agent stood beside you. You ran your eyes over the team and quickly ascertained that they were in good spirits. That would make this much easier.

As they spotted you, they shouted greetings while eyeing the man beside you suspiciously. “What’s this?” Steve asked.

“This is a SHIELD agent. New protocol. If possible, a SHIELD agent will be on hand to meet you after any mission. That agent will be responsible for cleaning and repair of any weapons and for restocking your muster gear. If you would like to hire someone permanent for the position that is also an option,” you explained.

Before anyone could ask the questions that seemed to be on the tips of their tongues, all of your attentions were drawn to Tony as he came into the room from a different door. He’d undoubtedly landed on his balcony and come down to meet the rest of the team. “There you are, Y/L/N. I have some questions.”

“I think we all do,” Bruce said with a gesture at the agent.

You couldn’t help a small chuckle as you turned to the man beside you. “You are dismissed, Agent. Thank you.”

He gave a crisp nod before quickly vacating the room.

“There have been some changes while you were gone,” you explained. “If you’re up for it we can go over them now or we can do it later. Whichever.”

“I think we better do it now.” Tony rubbed a hand over the top of his head as he scowled. Jarvis had warned you that Tony didn’t like change but you didn’t think it would take long to win him over.

You nodded and walked into the nearest hallway. There was now a line of black lockers along one of the walls. Your eyes were glued to your tablet as you came to a stop in front of them. After you flipped through a couple of screens you turned it off. “I just sent you all a document detailing the changes in case you have any questions. These lockers are your muster lockers. They are encoded to the handprint SHIELD had on file for each of you. Inside is a uniform and a bag equipped with all your favorite goodies. If there is anything you want taken out or added please let me know. I have a detailed list of what should be packed in each bag so they can be replenished after any mission.”

Everyone moved to find their locker. They were marked by a small emblem beside the palm reader. You glanced at Tony. “As I’m certain you noticed, yours is on your floor as you tend to come and go from there. We can move it down here if you wish.”

He studied you but did little more than nod. His hands were shoved in his pockets and he rocked on his feet as he watched the others. A little further down the hall you showed them the large board where you could keep track of everyone’s schedules, though everything on it was letters and numbers that meant nothing if you didn’t already know what they stood for. And just past the board was an office for Steve. Across the hall was a meeting room. “This puts all the work related stuff up here, away from your living spaces. I wanted to give you more separation.”

If the smile on his face was any indication, Steve was all in with the new layout. You gave the rest of them a smile. “This also means no one besides the team needs to have access to the other floors.”

“That works for me,” Nat mumbled and Clint nodded in agreement.

“All right. Shall we?” They all filed into the elevator with you. “Jarvis, if you please?”

“Of course, Miss.”

You couldn’t keep the grin from your face as he moved to the first stop. The doors slid open and the team was met with the familiar sight of their common living area. “You can leave your bags in the elevator,” you told them, indicating the bags most of them had been carrying since their arrival.

“Can’t we just put them in our rooms?” Steve asked.

“You can, but there are no longer any private rooms on this floor. Well, mine is because it made sense I be centrally located but the rest of you have been moved.”

“You can’t just move our things without asking,” Natasha said, immediately defensive.

“How do we know you didn’t mess with anything?” Clint said over the top of her.

“Who cleared this?” Steve demanded.

You’d been prepared for questions but their harsh tone surprised you. You held up your hands in an attempt to calm them while you took a deep breath.

“I believe that you will all be most pleased with the changes Miss Y/L/N has made,” Jarvis spoke over all of them. “All personal belongings were moved under her strict supervision and placed precisely as they had been in your original rooms. Your agitation is quite unnecessary.”

“Did my AI just stick up for you?” Tony asked, his voice heavy with disbelief.

You shrugged. “We’ve bonded.” When he just continued to stare at you, you cleared your throat and turned away from him. “This floor now houses the common area as before. The kitchen has been expanded and also includes a large dining table so meals can be taken together. Also on this floor there is a theater, a library and an arcade.”

“Let’s move on to the private rooms,” Steve suggested still sounding slightly disgruntled. “We can explore later.”

The others nodded or made sounds of agreement and you led them back to the elevator. One floor down it stopped again. The doors slid open to reveal a floor decorated in neutral colors with blue accents. “Captain, this is your floor. There is also a room for Thor should he return and need somewhere to stay. There is a kitchenette, a private bathroom attached to your room and a studio with floor to ceiling windows.”

“Can I—” Steve gestured to the room outside the elevator.

“Of course,” you said with a smile you no longer felt. “Would you like us to wait for you?”

He shook his head without looking back. “No. I’ll look at the other floors later.”

With that Jarvis shut the doors and dropped to the next floor. “Clint and Natasha, this is your level.” It too was in neutrals but with purple and black accents. “Yours is the only floor without room for new team members. You also have a kitchenette but the extra rooms have been prepared for your family, Agent Barton, should you decide to bring them to the tower.”

Clint turned his head to you in surprise. “Fury said that wasn’t possible. That we couldn’t get the clearance.”

This time your smile was genuine. “That is no longer a problem since I separated the living quarters from the rest. You’ll find the necessary clearances in your bedroom.”

He and Natasha hustled off, chatting excitedly to one another. As the elevator slid shut, you turned to the two remaining ream members. “There is one more floor below here that is set up to house more team members if necessary. For the time being, it is empty. As I’m sure the two of you have noticed, we are going up this time. Dr. Banner, I have placed your living quarters on the same floor as the lab. Not only for conveniences sake, but the only person you will have to worry about sharing your space with is Tony.”

Tony frowned. “There isn’t enough room on that floor with the medical facilities.”

“Medical facilities are now housed on the business floor. Storage has been moved to other locations in the tower. If you are worried about the space in the lab, you shouldn’t be. I have actually expanded the lab area.” You stepped out of the elevator and they followed close behind. “As you can see, the décor has been changed to neutral colors. Dr. Banner, your lockdown room is now between your room and the lab. It is accessible from both locations. Jarvis provided the specifications of the original room and oversaw the construction.”

Jarvis unlocked the door to the lab as you approached. You held it open for the science bros to follow you inside. “There is also a meditation room in your private quarters, Doctor. As you can see, your lab is larger. Here there is a state of the art coffee system. It’s easy to use once you figure it out, Mr. Stark. Jarvis has the full instructions. This button here will dispense hot water only. The far cabinet is fully stocked with the teas Jarvis says you are partial to, Dr. Banner.”

Bruce beamed as he rubbed his hands together and shuffled off to check out everything you’d told him. You turned to Tony to find him watching you with dark eyes. You cleared your throat and gestured to the back of the lab. “That door there leads to a set of stairs that feeds directly into your private residence. Your handprint or Jarvis is required to open the door on either end.”

He just continued to watch you and you gave him a tight smile. “Have fun looking around and let me know if you need anything.” You turned, prepared to disappear into your own room when a light touch on your arm stopped you.

“They were just surprised, you know,” Tony said.

You frowned at him. “What?”

“When they snapped at you. None of them meant anything by it.”

“I didn’t think they did,” you said, but dropped your head so he wouldn’t be able to read the expression on your face.

“Mmmhmm.” He placed a finger under your chin and lifted your head. “Just like you didn’t start calling everyone by their last name or title after that.”

“I am their employee, not their friend, Mr. Stark.”

He arched a brow at you as he stepped away. “We’ll see about that, Miss Y/L/N.”

“And Y/N?” he called stopping you at the door.

“Yes?”

“Call me Mr. Stark again and you’re fired.”

Series Tags:  @i-dontwikeit @thevanishedillusion @amandamartinez3568 @clumsy-hailles @little-nonny @tonystarkismyboy @laneygthememequeen @redfoxwritesstuff @lowkeyofsassguard @sherlocked-whovian-1969 @tori24rose @a--1--1--3 @youclickedthislink

All the Things:   @swanky-batman @rissyrapp20 @startrekkingaroundasgard @spooookyscary @taylordrunkonwhiskey @thewolf-and-thesheep

[kuiperchaos]

Smoshblr Secret Santa

Happy Holidays from your Secret Santa! I hope you enjoy reading!

__

Wes didn’t really have an interest in relationships. They were a lot of work to maintain, and it took a lot of time to grow and develop trust between partners. It seemed like a lot of effort for results that didn’t really appeal to him. He was a man with his whole life ahead of him! He had every door to open, and thought a relationship would lock them and throw away the key. And because he was a grown man with boundless opportunities, he decided he was going to take some time off and visit a neighboring theme park. 

The park had just installed a new roller coaster, so all of his friends had advised him against going. They complained about lines, prices, and overall quality, but Wes really didn’t care. You don’t go to a theme park to admire cleanliness and expense. You go to indulge in all of your childhood memories of the fire in your soul at doing something new. However the long lines do tend to dull the spark of the spirit, so Wes took the plunge alone. Single rider lines were always shorter, plus he wasn’t opposed to the thought that he might meet someone new. So he took a day off from work to minimize the teenagers involved, and went online to buy his tickets.

Once he got to the park, he found a direct path towards the fabled coaster, but the line seemed longer than his lifespan, so he decided to take a look around and see what else he could do. He quickly began to regret visiting alone, as he seemed to be the only single adult in the park. Rides and games were no fun unless you had someone to play and laugh with. He contemplated going home. It was his money after all, he could do what he wanted with it. But the child shallowly hidden under the surface pressed him into staying. He rationalized his decision because after all, he bought the tickets to ride the coaster, so he would ride it no matter how long the line was! 

He was a single man, so he decided to take the shorter option of the single rider line. He stood solo for about 30 seconds before he was caboosed by a man with a royal blue chunk in his hair. Wes had never been superficial, so he tried not to make an opinion about the stranger based on his appearance, but that, like many things, was easier said than done. The man was absolutely gorgeous, and if Wes had a type, he would be the perfect example. Tall, glasses that were slightly askew, and hair that was so soft a chinchilla would envy it. If social pressure didn’t exist, he could have admired the man forever. Sadly, it did, so before he could be caught staring, Wes quickly turned away from the stranger, but he decided the view behind him was significantly more beautiful than the one before him. Line stretched for what seemed like miles, and Wes agonized for the poor people traveling in groups. Quickly going numb to the ambient noise of shrieking and laughter brought about by the theme park, Wes made the decision to take a dive of the edge of his comfortable thoughts into the possible wonderland that could await him within the mind of the man behind him. Everyone says that life is better with a buddy anyway, right? 

Before he could overthink it like he tended to do with everything else, Wes spun on his heel and smiled at the stranger. The opposing man responded with a lopsided grin that could put the sun to shame.

Bolded by the mans kindness, Wes attempted to start a conversation. “Do you think the park architects know how to drive? They seem to not be very good at managing traffic.” He said, sounding much smoother than he expected.

“It’s kind of strange really” The other man said with a gentle chuckle at the pun “I tried to come on a day no one would be here, but I guess everyone else had the same plan.” He said with a soft chuckle.

Wes decided that no matter how intense the ride was, nothing would have the ability to throw him through loops, and turn his stomach into knots the way this guy could. “Oh, most definitely! That’s why I decided to come today. I’m Wes, by the way.” The words tumbled off his tongue as if they had been pushed before they expected it. Wes was already cringing at the sound of the sentence.

The man grinned, and seemed to be endeared by the awkwardness. “Well nice to meet you Wes by the way. My name’s Damien” 

Wes was relieved by the teasing. If Damien felt comfortable enough to tease him, then the conversation wasn’t going as bad as he worried it might.

They continued to converse throughout the line, and Wes felt increasingly grateful for the amount of people. As they talked, he kept falling harder and harder. Not only was Damien attractive, but Wes delightedly discovered he was also intelligent, kind, and really passionate about things and people he cared for. The two men also had very similar tastes in pop culture. If he had to estimate, he would say at least half the line was spent discussing recent anime releases.

Since they began talking, Wes crossed his fingers that the two would be seated next to each other. People said that you shouldn’t do those kinds of things because they jinxed it, but Wes thought they were just unlucky. His suspicions were correct because when Wes slid through the turntable onto his seat, he heard a clicking behind him, and fluffy brown hair invaded the neighboring seat. Damien opened his mouth to remark on their unlikely connection, but their bright green cart projected them outward before the words could escape.

The first part of the track led them into an unlit elevator with rails on the sides. Even in the blackness, Wes could swear he saw a shine in Damien’s eyes at getting to see the inner workings of the ride. He barely had a second to fawn over the sight before they stopped over a 90 degree drop. The ride fell down the edge of the elevator as the riders let out a shriek at the force they were feeling. 

The ride continued jerking them every which way, and Wes was thankful his head didn’t collide with Damien’s. Once they neared the end, a smile sign appeared on the decorative waterfall next to them. Wes posed as if he were a model, hoping to draw more attention to him from his new companion. He heard a mumbled “You need more training” next to him, but the ride jerked to a stop before he could process it. 

Their shoulders rubbed together as they moved to release their restraints. They both awkwardly shimmied out of the cart, feeling the blood returning to where it was supposed to dwell. As they walked back towards the central area of the park, they saw a flashy booth advertising photos of the ride. Wes wanted to preserve the memory, so he walked over to the booth. He was quickly followed by Damien as he was unwilling to lose sight of his new companion. 

“It’s only a few bucks, I can pay for yours if you want,” Wes heard from behind his shoulder. The idea made him laugh. He had already spent this much, what was a little more?

“Don’t worry about it. Honestly, I’d be happy to pay for yours” He said, rubbing his hand along the back of his neck.

“Nope,” Damien said, adding an extra pop to the P for sass. “I want to pay for you. No ifs, ands, or buts about it.”

Wes wasn’t hesitant to admit that he found the sentiment sweet. He believed everyone wanted to be spoiled deep down after all. However, he also wasn’t going to let a white knight come along and wipe away his every trouble. “Fine by me, but I guess that means I need to treat you to lunch,” He said with a teasing smirk. He saw Damien’s hesitation, so before he could counter the statement, Wes continued “No if’s, and’s, or but’s about it.”

Damien tried to hold back laughter at his own words sounding silly coming out of the other man. Wes saw his shoulders shake with the effort, and he was sure he’d be able to hear it had the squeals of the park not drowned it out. “As you wish my good sir,” Damien said, skirting into laughter at the words.

Wes didn’t know if it was the adrenaline from the coaster, or his own lovestruck heart, but he and Damien couldn’t stop laughing and goofing off together for the rest of the day. Even after they took a breather to eat, the madness filled their blood once again as they ran around with each other as if they had never grown up.

Their energy hit its peak once they started wasting their money playing overpriced carnival games. Wes was a romantic at heart, so he kind of wanted to win a toy to give to Damien, so when he saw a game with massive stuffed animals, he held Damien’s hand and pulled him to the bright red booth.

 It was a pretty simple game in premise. All players got a small squirt gun attached to a metal prong on the counter. The goal was to fill the mouth of a cardboard cutout as much as possible. Wes fished the money out of his wallet, and handed in to the bored teenage handler. The game started with the shrill sound of a bell. He was trying to test the limits of the gun holster, so he rotated it around, spraying a small amount of water. He hadn’t accounted for the force of the movement though, so a small stream of water his Damien in the neck, and dampened a section of his shirt collar. 

Wes quickly turned away, and went back to his mission of winning the massive stuffed Squirtle hung up on the overhang. Once his attention was back on the game, he was surprised by cold running down the side of his face. He turned in the direction of the source to see Damien acting just a bit too innocent.

Oh it’s on. In a moment of determination, Wes decided memories were more important than giant pokemon. With a quick pull to the side, Damien had a drenched spot in the center of his chest and it was leaking down the rest of his torso.

In less than an instant, Wes was also spotted with water covering his clothes. Despite how different their patches of water looked, they both wore grins equal in magnitude, and red faces from laughter. If you had to ask, Wes would cite that as the moment he really developed feelings for the now known stranger. The sight of him with shiny, watery eyes, and face red from exhilaration. The only reason he looked away was to return his focus towards his weapon to continue the war waged between them.

~~

Wes may have not had an interest in relationships a year ago, but a lot had changed since then. He never thought he would spend the holidays with two cats curled up together on the arm of his couch, and he certainly never thought he’d have a cat-man curled up on the same couch nestled against his side. However the beautiful stranger he’d met that day had changed a lot of things, and in all honesty, Wes wouldn’t have it any other way.

[thefinalcinderella]

Tsurune Book 2 Chapter 3-Bow-Crazy (Part 1)

In this chapter: Everyone gets to touch Masa-san’s belly (except Minato) and we get a random genetics lesson

Since it’s Motomura’s birthday today, it’s only fitting that I release this chapter where he is a Very Good Boy

The twins may be obnoxious and rude, but their concern for Shuu is really adorable

Glossary here

Full list of translations here

Translation Notes

1. The word for dance here is “buyou (舞踊)”, used to refer to traditional Japanese theatrical dances like in kabuki. There’s a pun here where Masa-san says the “bu (武)” of “budo (武道)” leads to the “bu (舞)” in “buyou (舞踊) ”.

2. Monoecious trees are trees that have both male and female reproductive organs

3. Seiya refers to dojo yaburi, which was a thing in martial arts like kendo where someone would go to another school and challenge everyone there

4. The abdominal rectus muscles or the rectus abdominal muscles are the abs basically

5. Yuuzen is a dyeing technique for fabrics. It is now mainly used for kimonos.

Previous | Next

Afternoon classes during the rainy season. Standing next to the students who were reading their textbooks aloud, even the teacher was yawning. Minato watched the raindrops running down the window.

He loved the sound of rain. The falling drops drew ripples, the transparent living creatures jumping and dancing. A gentle melody enveloped the town, but if one was listening carefully to the sounds of the rain beating down on the ground like rage itself, one would feel like it was erasing a great number of words in one's head.

He could hardly wait until after school, but there was no helping it. I want to shoot. I want to face the targets much, much more.

I have to get better quickly——.

After they lost at the regional tournament, Tommy-sensei spoke to them.

"Well, I'd like to say how unfortunate it was, but even if everyone hit at this competition, I might not be able to praise you."

They had never heard Tommy-sensei's candid thoughts even once, and Minato and the others kept silent at those unexpected words.

Ryouhei asked him straightforwardly.

"Why, sir?"

"The answer to that is what you all need to find out. Everyone, think about it."

After Tommy-sensei left his seat, the five boys sat on the floor. Masa-san still hadn't shown up.

Ryouhei smiled bitterly.

"It's all because I missed… Saying that he couldn't praise us even if we all hit, is he saying that we don't have enough skill?"

"No, we had seventeen hits out of twenty shots, so as a competition result it wasn't so bad. There's also random chance involved in quickly facing a strong team in the tournament matchups, so I think there's some things that just can't be helped."

Seiya answered, and next to him, Minato also nodded.

As it got gloomy, Nanao spoke as brightly as he could.

"Well, first of all, we shouldn't be dwelling on our defeat, so let's focus our energies on the national tournament in the summer. Anyways, we're still first years, so we can challenge it again next year."

"That's right, there's nothing we can do about our loss this time. Anyways, all we can do is practice."

Kaito backed Nanao up.

However, Hanazawa, Shiragiku, and Seo, who were listening from nearby, joined the circle, and then Seo spoke.

"Sorry, but I was listening to you guys, and I understood the reason why Tommy-sensei is grieving. What is it? You're all responsible. But you're still archers? So uncool."

"What are you talking about? Don't talk like you know something we don't. What do you think, Seo?"

"Didn't Tommy-sensei say that you guys are the ones who have to come up with the answer?"

"Aah, good grief."

Kaito was frowning and pondering on it, but Minato wanted to get to practice soon rather than think about a competition that had already ended. It seemed that there were competition matters that Tommy-sensei couldn't accept, but he hadn't missed in any case. Even if they didn't get perfect scores, it shouldn't have been bad.

Minato spoke.

"Let's leave checking answers with each other later and get to practicing. We're wasting time."

"Right. Let's go through with shooting a hitote in zasha."

At Seiya's voice, the five boys rose with heavy feelings and began to practice.

Masa-san showed up when the five had finished exiting, and called Minato to a waiting room. Minato wanted to continue practicing as he was, but he reluctantly took off his yugake.

"Minato, you're banned from practice for a while. That includes entering the kyudojo."

Distant thunder sounded.

He was so shocked that he couldn't say anything.

The rain was intensifying. The sound of the rain drowned out voices, so he couldn't make out the continuation of the conversation very well. Minato moved his ear closer to Masa-san's mouth once more.

"This is based on a discussion with Tommy-sensei."

He finally opened his mouth.

"How long is a while?"

"One week, or more."

"No way. We won't be able to defeat Kirisaki or Tsujimine if I take a break for that long. Wasn't Shuu first place and Nikaidou second place in the individual competition?"

"Are you yourself aware that your shooting lately wasn't good?"

He knew that he was shooting like he was ignoring his teachings. He didn't stretch his left elbow when he was protecting his hurting wrist. Because of that, he had to shorten his kai, minutely adjust his right fingertips and release his arrow. The shooting method that made him rely on his intuition could go amiss at even a little break in between, but this time he should have survived it.

"But, didn't I fulfill my duties as ochi properly?"

"Is it the duty of an ochi to get a four-arrow kaichuu? So, as long as you hit, it doesn't how unsightly your form is, and your shooting quality is inconsequential?"

"I didn't say that!"

"Minato, at that time you were a slave to hitting. Kyudo is tainted by your heart in that state, and you won't be able to make a beautiful tsurune once more. I'm not telling you a metaphor, but the facts as they are now. If you shoot badly, your bow will show deformations, and if it's a bamboo bow, you won't even be able to use it. Warning you against 'uchikiri'—not doing yugaeri on purpose—is because that way of shooting will crush the futures of the bow and the archer."

Yugaeri was the act of the bow turning in the hand when the arrow is released, and the string rotates to the back of the hand. It would not turn when one was gripping too hard.

"I know that, you don't have to tell me. Don't treat me like a beginner!"

Minato shouted. He felt that the issue at hand was quickly getting off-point, but he did not know how to return to the main issue.

Masa-san suddenly grabbed Minato's left wrist.

"Tch…."

"Does it hurt? It hurts this much, and you're making light of me?"

"Let, let me go!"

Minato shook free of Masa-san's hand and backed up to the wall behind him.

I don't know this high-handed Masa-san.

"So that you won't secretly shoot at another dojo, I will hold on to your bow and arrows. I actually wanted to keep your yugake too, but it is your tranquilizer after all."

"…That's cruel!"

"This is the 'Kazemai High School Kyudo Club.' For many people, high school kyudo is their gateway to kyudo, and the 'martial' in martial arts leads to 'dancing.' (1) If you are not a beginner, you have to refrain even more from dances that makes the people watching uncomfortable."

Minato clenched his left hand hidden behind his back.

Don't take the bow away from me.

Of all people, why is it Masa-san who…

"What's wrong with you, you shitty, perverted old geezer!"

Minato flew out under the pouring sky. Noticing that, Seiya and Ryouhei looked between Minato's back and Masa-san.

"He'll get soaked again. What would he do if he caught a cold…"

The man with an iron-plate smile hid his eyes.

A severe earthquake ran through Kirisaki High School as well.

"Shuu will be absent from club for a week!? Why!?"

Senichi's and Manji's voices overlapped. The students walking in the hallway were turning their heads at the high synchronicity rate of the two.

Before going to club activities, Motomura and Sase invited Senichi and Manji to the terrace in the back yard. The school building after the rain was dyed in amber, and four long shadows grew. It was slightly late for afternoon tea, but on the table there was a teapot and cups, snacks served on the cake stand, and so on.

Motomura spoke.

"As the regional tournament is over, he would like to recharge alone in preparation for the national tournament. That is the official explanation."

"You said 'official explanation,' so what's really going on?"

"Fujiwara-kun is going to Kazemai High School."

"…Huh?"

Senichi's and Manji's mouth hung open.

"Eh, eh, what does that mean? Why is Shuu going to Kazemai? Isn't this weird?"

"Right, right! It's exactly as Sen-nii said!"

"Motomura-senpai, was it alright to let Shuu go? No, no way, does he plan on transferring to Kazemai High School… Were we abandoned by Shuu——?"

Sase flicked Senichi's and Manji's foreheads one after the other, as they were having stage-actor-worthy reactions by clutching their heads.

"Owww… What are you doing, senpai!"

"You guys are overimagining things. Nope, nope, it's not that at all."

"Then, why is Shuu going to Kazemai?" Senichi asked.

"It seems that he is going there to meet their coach for some reason. The coach over there is close to Fujiwara in physique, and apparently he's the grandson of Yasaka-hanshi, so he probably thought he could learn something? Besides, his two former teammates are there, after all."

"That's why, I hate this! It isn't like Shuu to hang out with old friends who never know when to let him go!"

I—we—want to support Shuu. I thought that Shuu responded to our feelings. Even though we should have become one at that moment in the regional tournament…

I knew that we lack ability. But, I didn't that he had so little confidence in us that he had to go to another school. After all is said and done, Shuu didn't even speak a word of it to us.

So frustrating. I'm so frustrated that I want to cry.

What's up with you, Shuu. What was that huddle with our shoulders joined together? Even though I was so happy that even Shuu could do such an enthusiastic, fervent thing.

I want to hit him.

Senichi bit his lip.

Motomura poured black tea into the teacups while everyone else was talking. The rich scent tickling their noses, the four brought their cups to their mouths before uttering another word.

Senichi and Manji also reached out for the sandwiches on the bottom of the cake stand. Feeling that they could not have this conversation unless they were eating something, they also stuffed their mouths with the scones on the second layer. Choosing to do it when the cookies and fruits on the top layer disappeared, Motomura spoke.

"Fujiwara-kun's master is still Saionji-sensei. However, when it comes to Fujiwara-kun's level, his master no longer makes any comments on his shooting technique. He would not tell him even if he asked. Furthermore, as it seems that Saionji-sensei currently cannot hold a bow, he cannot acquire new skills by watching anymore. He can search for a new teacher, but basically, people who are attempting to master something can only study it by themselves. They can only open up a path by——"

The fallen leaves scattered with the lukewarm wind, carrying the fragrance of the trees and flowers. Senichi covered his mouth at the grassy scent that was characteristic of monoecious trees. (2)

"What an outrageous thing to say… I feel like there's nothing at all we can do for Shuu."

"Is that so? Fujiwara-kun needs a place where he can return to with ease. We can watch over him and wait for him to return. Are those not things which only comrades can do?"

"I…might not be able to wait. I'm not that patient."

"I think that's fine the way it is. You may act according to your judgement."

"I will do so."

Motomura smiled gently at Senichi's words.

He had the same way-seeker's face as Shuu.

It was after school of the next day.

There was an unusual crowd seen around the Kazemai High School Kyudo Club. Female students filled up the area around the fence that surrounded the range, scrambling with the Nanao Fan Club for spots. As the Nanao Fan Club had rules such as not making any noise during their viewing tour of kyudo practice, and for how many minutes each day, so it was a scene that would be impossible normally.

Nanao whispered into Kaito's ear.

"Hey, hey, Kacchan. How did this happen?"

"No idea. But I feel kinda irritated when I see Masa-san teaching him."

Shuu was there.

He went before the targets along with Ryouhei, and Masa-san was coaching them. Thanks to the considerable dignity and curiousness of three men using yobisun-nobi—two-hundred-and-thirty-three centimeter—bows, even Hanazawa, Shiragiku, and Seo were watching in fascination. Since the sounds of the arrows flying were loud and the time it took for them to reach the targets was short, it was impressive to see.

Ryouhei turned to Shuu with a smile.

"Shuu-kun, your shots are so majestic, they're super cool! I can't believe that we're both high schoolers. I'll practice a lot too, since I want to catch up to everyone soon."

"There's no need to rush. Although you can't improve in one bound, if you do practice that fits your current level and do your very best at it, you will be surprisingly successful at kyudo."

"Really?"

"Yes. It's easy for taller people's upper bodies to go off-center, so the open width between your feet is important. Ryouhei, you often correct your stepping at ashibumi, but it looks nicer if you do it in one go. Since you can't look at your feet in reishakei, I marked the length of my arrow (yajaku) on the floor at home and practice that way."

"I'll try doing that too! Tommy-sensei and Nanao also talked to me about ashibumi."

Through Ryouhei, Shuu was reminded of when he himself began kyudo. He was happy just being able to shoot a bow, he had fun, and he was impatient for the seemingly distant days of practice. When shooting became an everyday routine, he had forgotten the elation of those days.

After Ryouhei left the targets, Kaito drew closer to Shuu.

"Oi, Fujiwara. I'm only gonna say this. Masa-san is our coach."

"It seems that Kazemai's coach is good at shooting through the hearts of archers, since he's adored by even you."

"I didn't say anything like that!"

At almost the same time as the ban on entering kyudojos was handed down to Minato, Shuu appeared, as though to replace him. The club members, who had no way of knowing the promise between him and Tommy-sensei, were constantly tilting their heads in confusion at the student from another school who was called the Young Prince.

Seiya put his elbow on Kaito's shoulder.

"I also want to ask you about what you came here to do. Did you come here to challenge us or something like that?" (3)

"I've never heard of challenging other dojos in kyudo, but I did not come here to do such an anachronistic thing. My advisor just had me come to join your practice, as there was an introduction from him. But it's a shame that Minato is taking a break."

"His wrist will get better faster if he doesn't use it. My dad wrapped a bandage around it. I asked him to walk Bear in the meantime, but it seems like he didn't go for some reason. Aah, he's really sulking a lot."

"…Could he be nearby?"

Outside the fence, in a corner of the group of female students, there was a male student crouching down to hide in the shrubbery.

Even though Minato was ordered to not attend club and that there was absolutely no use arguing about it, far from walking Bear, he did not feel like going out with his classmates or relaxing at home either, he ended up coming to the kyudojo.

He got emotional and called his master a shitty old geezer. He might not teach me anymore. On the contrary, he might not even speak to me… To begin with, why is Shuu at Kazemai in the first place? Could it be that I was in the way of Masa-san teaching Shuu?

His head was in a state of going around in circles with speculations and delusions. If he watched for a while, he then stood up and walked back and forth in front of the kyudojo entrance, so from an outside point of view he looked like nothing but suspiciously behaving person.

Just beside Minato, there was a shady duo who were also crouching down. They were dressed in uniforms that could be recognized as belonging to another school, and they were creating a perfect symmetry.

Senichi and Manji were whispering.

"Oi, Narumiya. Why are you here?"

"That's supposed to be my line. Since Kirisaki has a semester system, now the club activities are being stopped before the tests, right? I'm banned from entering the dojo, though."

"What's up with that?  So laaaame."

The two said at the same time.

Senichi and Manji were not able to wait patiently for Shuu's return. They investigated the advisor for the Kazemai High School Kyudo Club, snatched permission for entering the school, and started off by scoping out the lay of the land.

"So, Sen-nii, what are we going to do now? March into the kyudojo and bring Shuu back?"

"It'd be better to not do such aggressive things." Right when they were having their strategy conference, the two's shoulders were suddenly joined from behind.

"Gyaaah, let me go! Don't touch Sen-nii either! Oh, aren't you Ryouhei?"

"You remembered my first name."

Behind an astonished Minato, there was another boy.

"Kyaaaa, Nanao-kun!"

The Nanao Fan Club simultaneously clasped their hands together, as though praying.

"Sorry, everyone. We're doing combined practice with a student from another school for about a week, so could I have you all refrain from visiting? If there's so many cute girls here, I feel like I'd get too nervous."

"Alright! Everyone, disperse, disperse!"

At the words of the leader of the groupies, the girls dispersed. Nanao then winked at the three who are left.

"Gentlemen, come. Tommy-sensei said to come learn by watching the practice. Come on, you too, Minato."

Nanao forcibly made Minato stand up and pushed his back. Senichi and Manji also passed through the entrance of the kyudojo while being held from behind by Ryouhei, and they greeted everyone inside.

Masa-san appeared in Minato's field of vision. Normally, it would have been a situation where Masa-san would grin at him, but he felt a little sad at his weary expression.

Shuu and Seiya held back a laugh at seeing Senichi and Manji with Ryouhei hanging from their backs.

After Minato, Senichi, and Manji sat on the raised seating area in the judge's area, Masa-san turned his back to Minato.

"Since Fujiwara and Nanao asked me to teach about 'breathing method (ikiai)', let's talk about that today. Let's start with you, Nanao. What are your questions?"

"The Kyudo Textbook says that 'ikiai is respiration that results from the stimulation of bodily activities along with the activation of the consciousness, not physical breathing, and it becomes the driving force of the invocation of fighting spirit, especially in regards to kai and hanare,' but could you elaborate on that?"

"There are two kinds of breathing. The normal, physical breathing we do unconsciously, and the breathing in which we consciously stop and take deep breaths. The latter is called 'ikiai.' I think those who do yoga know this, but when we exhale, our muscles relax. To prevent the collapse of our postures, in archery we begin all our movements with breathing in."

"Hmm, I see."

"Although you can move your lungs consciously, there is no force to move the lungs themselves, and it is the external intercostal muscles and diaphragm that move them. Abdominal breathing, where you breathe using the abdomen, is done by lowering the diaphragm and taking in air."

"Oh, I saw the mechanism of that breathing in a science experiment at cram school!"

Ryouhei exclaimed excitedly.

"In order for your arrows to fly where you are aiming them at, first make sure your feet and your torso, which become the main axis, do not deviate. Kyudo emphasizes that vertical line, and one of the most important parts for maintaining that upright posture is the abdominal rectus muscle. (4) For 'holding your breath in your abdomen' and 'putting your sentiments into your dantian,' it is important to not relax the abdominal rectus muscle, or in other words, to exhale so that your abdomen will not cave in. At that moment, clench your butthole tightly."

Masa-san turned his gaze to Shuu.

"What did you want to ask about, Fujiwara?"

"It's not that there is an organ called dantian, but it is to create a 'place' or 'state' by breathing, correct? I seem to lack the feeling of having this dantian. How much breath are the senseis actually holding in their abdomens?"

"Well then, let's try it a little. Fujiwara, put your hand in the front sash of my hakama, and feel my abdomen."

"Huh?"

"There's no way you can touch the abdomen of a hanshi-rank master, right? Put your hand slightly below my belly button."

Masa-san started with douzukuri without holding anything, then performed the movements of raising a bow. In that way, he did daisan, hikiwake, and kai, following the Shahou Hassetsu.

Normally, the belly rose and sunk with respiration, with breathing in causing the belly to swell and breathing out caused it to sink in, but Masa-san's belly did not move. For that reason, Shuu's hand stayed inserted in the front sash of the hakama and also did not move.

Senichi and Manji leaned against Minato from both sides, and whispered in his ears.

"Does your coach always teach like that?"

Minato vigorously shook his head. It certainly might be easier to understand it than to explain it in words, but it wasn't done in a relationship that wasn't very familiar. It was a coaching that was equivalent to selling something way below cost at a giant discount.

Masa-san questioned Shuu.

"How did that feel?"

"I felt that you were holding a proper amount of breath, or rather, your abdomen that was filled up with one breath stayed very firm."

"Puff, puff, puff, like how a fish exhales, you exhale thin and long breaths."

"Is that what is called underwater breathing?"

"The breathing at kai is called 'underwater breathing.' In order to not release the tension of the abdominal rectus muscle, it is necessary to gently breathe out. Even among high-ranked archers, there are differences between them for where to inhale and where to exhale during shooting, and I believe each are correct, but I think that 'quiet and long breathing' is probably common for all of them."

"So, now I just have to use ikiai in conjunction with movements like kai and hanare, and practice it until I can even do it unconsciously."

Seeing Shuu convinced, Ryouhei and Nanao jumped up and down.

"I wanna touch Masa-san's belly too!"

"Me too, me too!"

"Really. Hey, wait, take turns. Only touch where I do dantian breathing."

It was somewhat ridiculous to see people lining up to touch Masa-san's abdomen. Even though they had gotten completely off track, Kaito shrewdly lined up.

Minato clenched his fists on top of his knees. It was irritating to be treated as a "visitor" along with the twins. The content of what he was talking about was completely different between Shuu and himself. Above all else, Shuu learned from him in only a few hours.

Minato quietly left the kyudojo.

When practice ended, Shuu was about to get into the car that greeted him, but Senichi and Manji called out to him.

"Shuu, you can go to Kazemai if you want, so just please tell us properly as well."

"That's right. Even if it's not me, can't you say a few words to Sen-nii at least? We're worried, you know."

"…Worried? Sen and Man about me?"

"We are! We're comrades, after all."

"I see, I'm sorry. Since I don't have a habit of reporting things to people or discussing with them, I never realized."

Shuu had always considered things by himself and acted by himself. He never learned to rely on or depend on anyone in the same generation as him.

"It's a week-long warrior training journey. Sen, Man, will you wait for me?"

"Yeah, we'll wait for you."

The corners of Senichi's and Manji's mouths lifted.

Afterwards, the car Shuu was riding in passed through a large front gate.

In the modern Japanese-style building which made heavy use of solid wood, the open ceiling spread out over the entrance hall. For the walls, decorations arranged with wooden panelling in a chic colour, Japanese paper and yuuzen-dyed (5) woven fabrics were done, and the combination of varying materials was beautiful.

Shuu looked up at the night sky. The shining moon with a blurred blue outline was gentle. Just thinking about his rival being beneath that sky made the depths of his body grow hot.

"Young master Shuu, welcome home."

"I'm back, Toujou-san."

Prompted by the butler Toujou, Shuu received his bow and quiver and walked on. The maids who waited at the entrance also bowed their heads.

"As it was unusual for the young master to request a car, I, Toujou, am deeply moved. Better yet, we shall have a car will drop you off and pick you up at Kirisaki High School henceforth as well."

"No, Father was said to also move with his own feet while he was young, so only when I go to Kazemai High School. For this time, I was only thinking about reducing time."

"I understand. I said something too impertinent."

"No, there's no problem. Where is Mother and Sae?"

"In the Skylark Room."

He pushed the door open, stepped on the carpet, and he saw a woman and a young girl who looked like life-sized Japanese dolls.

"Shuu-niisama! Welcome home."

"Mother, Sae, I have returned."

"Today, Sae had violin practice. Next time, I shall let Shuu-niisama listen to me."

"Yes, I'm looking forward to it."

Shuu held his younger sister Sae up in his arms.

Their mother smiled at Shuu without exchanging a word with him.

The Fujiwara family had the blood of a former nobleman flowing through their veins, and Shuu was the great-great-great-grandson. The viscount was a businessman who managed a real estate business in various places, and even now the Fujiwaras were prominent figures in the region. He should have been the target of respect and envy, but people always looked puzzled before Shuu, inferred something on their own, and shut their mouths.

That was because Shuu didn't resemble anyone in his family.

Contrary to Shuu's exotic-seeming looks, his family was Oriental with his single-lidded-father, and his mother and sister with black hair and dark eyes.

Shuu was a quarter-blood. His grandfather was British, and his blood skipped over his mother and were displayed prominently in his grandson Shuu only. That phenomenon was called Mendelian inheritance, and traits such as hair colour were determined by the genes inherited from parents, but the ones that were expressed were called dominant, and the ones that were hidden were called recessive. Those hidden genes were suddenly expressed in only one person in the grandchild's generation.

However, he was never abused or ostracized by his family because he didn't look like them. However, ever since Sae was born, the fact that he was different was thrusted before him.

Truthfully, the one who was the most bewildered was his mother.

For her, there was Shuu's appearance of course, as well as having no idea what to do with a son who had very little emotional ups and downs. Even though he is my child, he acts so reserved, like a stranger. To be honest, she didn't like children very much. Shuu was brought up a wet nurse, and he spent long breaks such as summer vacations at his grandparents' house.

Jealousy and envy were possessed by not a little amount of people, probably. Shuu learned the technique of turning those negative feelings into mental nourishment from elderly people.

On a certain day in fifth grade, his father spoke.

He said, "I found someone who is willing to teach Shuu in kyudo."

His busy father remembered Shuu saying that he wanted to learn kyudo. He took pains for his sake. Even now, he vividly remembered thanking his father with trembling lips.

Shuu, who shut his eyes at memories of his mother.

Minato, who treasured his memories of his mother.

The one who never had it from the beginning, and the one who had it but lost it. He didn't know which one of them was more misfortunate, but they were probably the exact opposite in everything. That was why he could not help but turn his eyes away.

Jet black hair and depthless eyes.

Even though his instincts had told him that he must not look into them, he committed that taboo. He harboured an impossible wish.

I might have wanted to become Minato——.

Sae was cute. Although that feeling wasn't a lie, he thought it was forbidden for him stay too long by Sae's side in front of his mother.

"Mother, Sae, I will be taking dinner now."

"Okay, Shuu-niisama. Farewell!"

After he finished eating, Shuu returned to his room.

When he took out his phone, Ryouhei's name was displayed on the screen. Shuu usually only replied with the bare minimum. Almost ignoring it.

(I was able to do ashibumi in one go)

(Tomorrow I'll try it with a bow)

(Shuu-kun look look)

(I'll bring the sweets my sister recommended tomorrow)

(Shuu-kun eat them eat them)

…What is this.

Minato and his friend were both somewhat ditsy. They were also similar in that they did not hold themselves back.

Shuu smiled, then replied with only "Got it."

The moon was still shining.

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